Richmond Agitation-Sedation Scale Score Research Articles

The implementation and evaluation of a family-led novel intervention for delirium prevention and management in adult critically ill patients: A mixed-methods pilot study.

Family-led interventions have been identified as effective in many areas of care including the management of delirium. However, because of the heterogeneity and ambiguity of family-led interventions, they are not consistently applied within intensive care units. A user-friendly digital intervention may therefore support consistent family integration into delirium management. To explore the feasibility and acceptability of a family member's voice reorientation intervention for delirium prevention and management in an adult intensive care unit. Parallel, convergent mixed-methods pilot study was conducted in a general adult intensive care unit in the United Kingdom. Thirty participants (15 patients and 15 family members) were enrolled in the study. For the qualitative component, 17 participants (three patients, six family members and eight nurses) contributed to the evaluation. The median frequency of the family member's voice reorientation intervention was 2.3 times per day (range 3.3), and the median Richmond Agitation-Sedation Scale score was -1 (range 2.5). Qualitative data revealed seven themes: acceptance of the intervention, communication, delirium awareness, reactions to the intervention, cognitive state, perception of the intensive care unit and psychological well-being. Nurses can involve family members in person-centred care within the intensive care unit. Results from this study indicate that the family member's voice reorientation programme is feasible and acceptable and may be an effective strategy for providing ongoing orientation, reassurance and comfort to critically ill adult patients to prevent or manage delirium. A larger study is needed to evaluate its impact on delirium. The family member's voice reorientation intervention offers critical care nurses a feasible, family-centred approach to support delirium care in the intensive care unit. Integrating this non-invasive tool into practice may enable nurses to enhance patient outcomes, reduce anxiety and strengthen collaboration between patients, families and health care professionals.

The efficacy of P0.1-guided sedation protocol in critically ill patients receiving invasive mechanical ventilation: A randomized controlled trial

Background: Mechanical ventilation is a lifesaving treatment in patients with acute respiratory failure. Despite optimal support, some patients still exhibit excessive respiratory drive, leading to patient self-inflicted lung injury (P-SILI) and diaphragmatic dysfunction. Sedation and muscle relaxants are commonly used to reduce respiratory efforts and manage patient-ventilator asynchrony (PVA). Conventionally, sedative drugs are adjusted based on the sedation level assessed by the Richmond Agitation-Sedation Scale (RASS), which may not correlate with the patient’s respiratory drive. Drop in airway pressure at the first 100 milliseconds of the beginning of the inspiration after the end-expiratory occlusion (P0.1) is a simple and reliable method of respiratory drive monitoring by mechanical ventilation at the bedside and may be the more suitable sedation target. Objectives: To assess the efficacy of a sedation protocol targeting optimal P0.1 and RASS score compared to conventional sedation strategy in patients requiring invasive mechanical ventilation in the medical intensive care units in terms of successful extubation. Methods: This is an open-labeled, single-center, randomized controlled trial conducted in medical intensive care units at a tertiary care hospital in Bangkok, Thailand. We randomly allocated mechanically ventilated patients in a 1:1 ratio to receive a sedation protocol targeting both optimal respiratory drive measured by P0.1 (intervention group) and light sedation (RASS 0 to -2) or standard of care (control group targeting RASS alone). The primary outcome is the rate of successful extubation within 14 days after randomization. Hypothesis: We hypothesize that sedation protocol targeting optimal P0.1 and light sedation will increase the rate of successful extubation at 14 days in mechanically ventilated patients compared to conventional sedation strategy. Conclusions: This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of a sedation protocol using P0.1 measurement to monitor and target optimal respiratory drive, in conjunction with sedation scores, in critically ill patients receiving invasive mechanical ventilation. Ethics and dissemination: This study protocol was approved by the Human Research Protection Unit of the Faculty of Medicine, Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University (Certificate of Approval no. Si 915/2023). Trial registration: NCT06203405

Abstract 4135318: Comparison of Right Ventricular Function Changes Between Volume Control and Pressure Support Ventilation Modes: A Prospective Study Using S' Prime Values

Background: This study assesses changes in right ventricular function by measuring S' values during the transition from volume control-assist control (VC-AC) to pressure support ventilation (PSV). Transitioning from VC-AC to PSV reduces the mean airway pressure (P mean) which causes a decrease in right ventricular afterload and also potentially improves venous return and right ventricular preload. PSV allows spontaneous breathing efforts, possibly increasing cardiac output. Thus, we expect a consistent increase in S' value when changing ventilator modes. Methods: This prospective observational study included ICU patients on invasive mechanical ventilation for over 24 hours. The clinical team decided when to switch from VC-AC to PSV. An average of three S' measurements was taken during VC-AC and within 10 minutes of transitioning to PSV. Sedation, vasopressor use, and Richmond Agitation-Sedation Scale scores were consistent throughout the measurements. The study was approved by the Albert Einstein College of Medicine IRB (#2023-15068) Results: Seventeen patients were included in the study, with an average age of 61.29 years (SD 11.39). Of these, 6 (35.3%) were female. The mean S' during VC-AC was 12.79 ± 4.52, and upon transitioning to PSV, it was 14.56 ± 3.89 (p-value 0.47). The intra-observer variability for S' was 5.3%. Of the seventeen patients, 5/17 (29%) showed an S' change of less than 5.3% and were deemed to have no significant variation; 7/17 (41%) experienced a significant decrease in S' (15.41% ± 7.29% SD), while the remaining 5/17 (29%) showed a significant increase (19.31 ± 13.23%). Conclusion: Our study demonstrates that transitioning from VC-AC to PSV results in variable changes in right ventricular systolic function, as indicated by S' values. Contrary to our expectations of a consistent increase, the interplay between S' values and ventilator mode changes appears to be non-linear, suggesting other factors may influence cardiopulmonary interactions in spontaneously breathing ventilated patients. These findings highlight the complexity of these interactions, underscoring the need for individualized patient management and paving the way for further research with a larger cohort.

Septic Shock Requiring Three Vasopressors: Patient Demographics and Outcomes.

Septic shock is a common condition necessitating timely management including hemodynamic support with vasopressors. Despite the high prevalence and mortality, there is limited data characterizing patients who require three or more vasopressors. We sought to define the demographics, outcomes, and prognostic determinants associated with septic shock requiring three or more vasopressors. This is a multicenter retrospective cohort of two ICU databases, Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care IV (MIMIC-IV) and electronic ICU-Clinical Research Database, which include over 400,000 patients admitted to 342 ICUs. Inclusion criteria entailed patients who were: 1) age 18 years old and older, 2) admitted to any ICU, 3) administered at least three vasopressors for at least 2 hours at any time during their ICU stay, and 4) identified to have sepsis based on the Sepsis-3 criteria. None. A total of 3447 patients met inclusion criteria. The median age was 67 years, 60.5% were male, and 96.6% had full code orders at the time of the third vasopressor initiation. Septic shock requiring three or more vasopressors was associated with 57.6% in-hospital mortality. Code status changes occurred in 23.9% of patients following initiation of a third vasopressor. Elevated lactate upon ICU admission (odds ratio [95% CI], 2.79 [2.73-2.85]), increased duration of time between ICU admission and third vasopressor initiation (1.78 [1.69-1.87]), increased serum creatinine (1.61 [1.59-1.62]), and age above 60 years (1.47 [1.41-1.54]) were independently associated with an increased risk of mortality based on analysis of the MIMIC-IV database. Non-White race and Richmond Agitation-Sedation Scale scores were not associated with mortality. Septic shock requiring three vasopressors is associated with exceptionally high mortality. Knowledge of patients at highest risk of mortality in this population may inform management and expectations conveyed in shared decision-making.

Propofol-alone sedative efficacy in observational biliopancreatic endoscopic ultrasound.

Appropriate sedative and analgesic selection is essential to reduce patient discomfort and body movement to safely conduct endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS). However, few cases have examined sedation with propofol in EUS, and few studies the need for combined analgesia. In this study, we retrospectively evaluated the usefulness and safety of propofol without analgesics for sedation in biliopancreatic observational EUS. This single-center retrospective study included 516 observational biliopancreatic EUS procedures using propofol alone performed between April 2021 and March 2023. The primary and secondary endpoints were the observational biliopancreatic EUS results obtained with propofol alone and adverse event occurrence, respectively. The median examination time and total propofol dose were 22 (range: 10-67) min and 186.5 (range: 50-501) mg, respectively. The median starting Richmond Agitation-Sedation Scale and Visual Analog Scale scores were -5 (range: -5-1) and 0 (range: 0-10), respectively. The median recovery time was 22 (range: 5-80) min. Adverse events occurred in 60 (11.6%) patients. Trainee-performed examination (odds ratio [OR] 3.52, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.63-7.60, p = 0.0014) and examination length (>22 min; OR 1.67, 95% CI: 0.95-2.92, p = 0.07) were risk factors for adverse events.High body mass index (OR 1.87, 95% CI: 1.10-3.16, p = 0.02) and extended examination time (OR 4.23, 95% CI: 2.08-8. 57, p < 0.001) were risk factors for delayed recovery. During observational biliopancreatic EUS, propofol is useful as a single sedative and offers high patient satisfaction and relative safety.

Evaluation of Dexmedetomidine Withdrawal and Management After Prolonged Infusion

Dexmedetomidine is often used for longer than its labeled indication of 24 hours, raising concerns for potential withdrawal. Data are limited regarding this syndrome in adult patients. This study aimed to further characterize dexmedetomidine withdrawal in critically ill adult patients after prolonged use. This was an institutional review board-approved, single-center, retrospective chart review conducted at a tertiary academic medical center. Adult intensive care unit (ICU) patients on dexmedetomidine for ≥72 hours in 2019 were screened for inclusion. Exclusion criteria were interruption of dexmedetomidine for >6 hours, indications for dexmedetomidine other than sedation, or patients with neurological or burn injury. The major end point was the incidence of dexmedetomidine withdrawal, defined as meeting ≥2 of the following criteria within 24 hours of discontinuation: newly positive Confusion Assessment Method for ICU, Richmond Agitation Sedation Scale score of ≥+2, hypertension, and tachycardia. Minor end points were incidence of individual withdrawal signs as previously described, additional sedatives or antipsychotics required, dose and duration of dexmedetomidine infusion, length of ventilation, ICU and hospital length of stay, and new onset of the following: fever, vomiting, loose stools/diarrhea, diaphoresis, or seizure. Of the 152 patients included, dexmedetomidine withdrawal occurred in 54 patients (35.5%). Rebound hypertension was the most common withdrawal sign (47 patients [87.0%]). In the withdrawal group, significantly more patients required additional β-blockers (29 [53.7%] vs 10 [10.2%]; P < 0.01), were reinitiated on dexmedetomidine (16 [29.6%] vs 10 [10.2%]; P < 0.01), and required a start or increased dose of clonidine (6 [11.1%] vs 3 [3.1%]; P = 0.04). There was no significant difference in the cumulative dose or duration of dexmedetomidine between the groups. Length of ventilation was longer in the withdrawal group (171 hours [83.7-280.8 hours] vs 159 hours [149.0-335.7 hours]; P < 0.01), but there was no difference in ICU or hospital length of stay. Prolonged use of dexmedetomidine was associated with withdrawal syndrome in 35.5% of patients in our study. Larger trials are needed to confirm the risk factors for dexmedetomidine withdrawal and identify measures to prevent withdrawal.

Bedside ultrasound monitoring of optic nerve sheath diameter is a predictive factor for 28-day coma, delirium and death in etiologically diverse critically ill patients

To explore whether the optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD) within 24 hours of intensive care unit (ICU) admission is the predictor of 28-day delirium or coma and death in etiologically diverse critically ill patients. A prospective, observational study was conducted. The critically ill patients admitted to the emergency ICU of Cangzhou Central Hospital from January 2021 to October 2022 were enrolled. Bedside ultrasound monitoring ONSD was performed within 24 hours of ICU admission. The consciousness status was assessed daily during ICU hospitalization. Coma was defined as Glasgow coma scale (GCS) score < 8 or Richmond agitation-sedation scale (RASS) score -4 or -5. Delirium was defined as responsiveness to verbal stimulation and with a positive confusion assessment method-intensive care unit (CAM-ICU). A positive result of CAM-ICU was defined as acute change or fluctuating course of mental status+inattention+altered level of consciousness or disorganized thinking. X-tile software analysis was used to visualize the best cut-off value for creating divisions in predicting 28-day coma or delirium and death, and then Kaplan-Meier curves were plotted. ONSD≥the optimal cut-off value from X-tile analysis was defined as ONSD broadening. ONSD broadening and related indicators were enrolled, and multivariate Cox regression analysis was used to analyze the risk factors of 28-day coma or delirium and 28-day death in etiologically diverse critically ill patients. A total of 321 critically ill patients were enrolled. Of them, 49 had primary brain injury, 54 had hypoxic ischemic brain injury (HIBI) after cardiac arrest, 70 had acute heart failure, 73 had sepsis, and 75 had other causes. Coma affected 184 patients (57.3%), and delirium affected 173 patients (53.9%). At 28 days of follow-up, 100 patients died, 16 patients remained comatose and 20 patients remained delirious. In all patients, as the GCS score decreased upon admission to the ICU, there was a gradually increasing trend in ONSD [GCS score 15 group: 5.20 (4.93, 5.43) mm, GCS score 10-14 group: 5.30 (4.90, 5.65) mm, GCS score 6-9 group: 5.40 (5.10, 5.80) mm, GCS score < 6 group: 5.70 (5.20, 5.96) mm, P < 0.05]. X-tile software analysis showed that in all patients and five etiological subgroups, ONSD broadening was a predictor for 28-day coma or delirium, and the optimal cut-off value was obtained (5.60 mm for all patients, 4.90 mm for primary brain injury, 5.75 mm for HIBI after cardiac arrest, 5.40 mm for acute heart failure, 5.90 mm for sepsis, and 5.75 mm for other causes). The Kaplan-Meier curves were plotted according to the optimal cut-off values, and the results showed that the higher the ONSD, the higher the incidence and duration of coma or delirium within 28 days in above patient population. X-tile software analysis showed that in all patients, and HIBI after cardiac arrest, sepsis and other causes patients, ONSD was a predictor for 28-day death, and the optimal cut-off value was obtained (6.20 mm for all patients, 5.85 mm for HIBI after cardiac arrest, 5.35 mm for sepsis, and 6.10 mm for other causes). The Kaplan-Meier curves were plotted according to the optimal cut-off values, and the results showed that the higher the ONSD, the higher the 28-day survival rate and the shorter survival duration in above patient population. Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that ONSD broadening was an independent risk factor for 28-day coma or delirium in all patients [hazard ratio (HR) = 1.513, 95% confidence interval (95%CI) was 1.093-2.095, P = 0.013] and patients with primary brain injury (HR = 5.739, 95%CI was 2.112-15.590, P = 0.001). However, ONSD broadening was not independently associated with 28-day death in all patients or in the five etiological subgroups. ONSD within 24 hours of ICU admission is an independent risk factor for 28-day coma or delirium in etiologically diverse critically ill patients. It serves as a predictor for 28-day coma or delirium in 5 subgroups of etiology including primary brain injury, HIBI after cardiac arrest, acute heart failure, sepsis, and other causes, but not for 28-day death.

Effects of dexmedetomidine versus propofol on outcomes in critically ill patients with different sedation depths: a propensity score-weighted cohort study

ObjectiveWe explored the effects of dexmedetomidine (DEX) versus propofol on outcomes in critically ill patients and to assess whether these effects are dissimilar under different sedation depths. MethodsA stabilized inverse probability of treatment weighting cohort study was conducted using data from the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care IV database from 2008 to 2019. Adult intensive care unit (ICU) patients who were administered DEX or propofol as the primary sedative were identified. Various statistical methods were used to evaluate the effects of DEX versus propofol on outcomes. ResultsData on 107 and 2318 patients in DEX and propofol groups, respectively, were analyzed. Compared to the propofol group, the DEX group exhibited longer ventilator-free days on day 28 and a shorter ICU stay. Conversely, it showed null associations of DEX with the risk of 90-day ICU mortality, the odds of persistent organ dysfunction on day 14 and acute kidney injury, and the duration of vasopressor-free days on day 28. Subgroup analyses revealed that DEX positively impacted persistent organ dysfunction on day 14, ventilator-free days on day 28, and ICU stay in the subgroup with a Richmond Agitation Sedation Scale (RASS) score of ≥−2. However, DEX negatively impacted 90-day ICU mortality, persistent organ dysfunction on day 14, and ventilator-free days on day 28 in the subgroup with a RASS score of <−2. ConclusionOur results indicated that, compared with propofol, DEX had beneficial and adverse impacts on certain ICU outcomes in critically ill patients, and these impacts appeared to depend on sedation depths.

Efficacy of Virtual Visitation in ICU During COVID-19 Pandemic: The ICU Visits Randomized Controlled Trial.

This study aimed to demonstrate the impact of virtual visits on the satisfaction of family members and the anxiety and depression of patients in the ICU during the COVID-19 pandemic. A single-center, randomized controlled trial. This study was conducted from July 2021 to May 2022, in the Seoul National University Hospital. A total of 40 patients eligible for virtual visitation whose Richmond Agitation-Sedation Scale score was -2 or above were recruited and randomized into virtual visitation and usual care groups. Virtual visitation began on the first day after ICU admission and continued until ICU discharge, lasting for a maximum of 7 days. The primary outcome was the satisfaction level of the family members with care and decision-making in the ICU, assessed using the Family Satisfaction-ICU (FS-ICU) 24-survey questionnaire. Secondary outcomes included patient anxiety and depression levels assessed using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), at the study enrollment after ICU admission and at the end of the study. After two patients were excluded due to clinical deterioration, 38 patients were ultimately analyzed, including 18 patients in the virtual visitation group and 20 patients in the usual care group. The FS-ICU 24 survey score was significantly higher in the virtual visitation group (89.1 ± 13.0 vs. 75.1 ± 17.7; p = 0.030). The reduction in HADS-Anxiety (59.4% vs. 15.39; p < 0.001) and HADS-Depression (64.5% vs. 24.2%; p < 0.001) scores between the two time points, from study enrollment after ICU admission to the end of the study was significantly larger in the virtual visitation group. In the COVID-19 pandemic era, virtual visits to ICU patients helped reduce depression and anxiety levels of patients and increase the satisfaction of their family members. Enhancing access to virtual visits for family members and developing a consistent approach may improve the quality of care during another pandemic.

Videodistraction to reduce agitation in elderly patients in the emergency department: an open label parallel group randomized controlled trial.

Agitation of elderly patients in the emergency department (ED) often complicates workup and therapy. In this study, we investigated if agitation in the ED can be reduced by showing calming video sequences in elderly agitated patients. Prospective randomized intervention study. ED patients aged ≥65 years were screened for the risk of agitation/delirium using the 4-A's test (4-AT) test. In case of ≥4 4-AT points, patients were scored using the Richmond Agitation-Sedation Scale (RASS) and the Nursing Delirium Screening Scale (Nu-DESC). They were included in the study if RASS was ≥+2 and Nu-DESC ≥ 4 after informed consent of the legal representative. Patients were then randomized to the intervention or control group. A total of n = 57 patients were included in the study. Patients in the intervention group were exposed to projections of calming video sequences for 60 min. Patients in the control group received standard care. Changes in RASS and Nu-DESC were assessed 30 and 60 min after the intervention was started. A total of 57 patients were included in the study, with 30 patients in the intervention group and 27 patients in the control group. Before the intervention, the median (interquartile range) RASS scores were comparable between the intervention group [3 (2-3)] and the control group [3 (2-3)]. After 30 min of exposure to calming video sequences, patients in the intervention group showed significantly lower RASS and Nu-DESC scores compared to the control group [RASS: 1 (0-1) vs. 2 (1.5-3), P < 0.001; Nu-DESC: 3 (2-4) vs. 5 (4-6), P < 0.001]. This difference persisted at 60 min [RASS: 0 (0-1) vs. 2 (1-2.5), P < 0.001; Nu-DESC: 2 (2-3) vs. 5 (4-6), P < 0.001]. Additionally, fewer patients in the intervention group required additional sedating or antipsychotic medication (1/30) compared to the control group (9/27), with this difference being statistically significant (P = 0.004). In this randomized controlled trial, the use of calming video sequences in elderly patients with agitation in the ED resulted in significant reductions in agitation and the need for additional sedative or antipsychotic medication.

Safety of Phenobarbital Versus Benzodiazepines for Alcohol Withdrawal in Critically Ill Patients With Primary Neurologic Injuries.

Alcohol withdrawal syndrome (AWS) is a complication of alcohol use disorder that manifests as a range of symptoms. Symptom-triggered benzodiazepines (BZDs) are often used as first-line treatment of AWS. However, recent literature suggests phenobarbital (PHB) may be safer and more efficacious, but studies are limited by exclusion of patients with neurological injuries. We aimed to evaluate the safety of PHB compared to BZDs for the management of AWS among patients with primary neurologic injuries. Retrospective cohort study of patients with primary neurologic injuries admitted to an ICU who received PHB or symptom-triggered BZD for AWS between December 2013 and February 2020. The primary outcome was incidence of oversedation, defined as Richmond Agitation Sedation Scale (RASS) scores from -5 to -3 within 24 hours of initial PHB or BZD dose. Secondary outcomes included largest decrease in RASS, need for mechanical ventilation, and additional sedative use within 24 hours of initial PHB or BZD dose. A multivariable analysis was performed to evaluate the association of PHB administration with the primary outcome. Among 600 patients treated for AWS, 84 patients were included in our analysis (PHB, n = 56; BZD, n = 28). In the unadjusted analysis, there were no differences between the PHB and BZD groups for the primary outcome of oversedation (21.4 vs. 7.1%, P = 0.13), or secondary outcomes of decrease in RASS (P = 0.34), or new ventilator requirement (P = 0.55). Patients who received PHB had higher rates of additional sedative use (P < 0.01). Multivariable regression revealed an increase in oversedation among intubated patients (P = 0.014), while PHB administration was not independently associated with oversedation (P = 0.516). Phenobarbital did not independently increase the risk of oversedation compared to BZD for AWS in patients with primary neurologic injuries. Future studies should determine optimal dosing of PHB in this population.

Predictive factors for the duration of subsyndromal delirium in the intensive care unit.

To evaluate the duration of subsyndromal delirium (SSD) in intensive care unit (ICU) patients and the factors associated with SSD duration. This retrospective study included adult patients admitted to the ICU of Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University between December 2019 and June 2020. All patients with Richmond Agitation Sedation Scale scores of ≥-2 were evaluated every 8 h using the confusion assessment method of the intensive care unit (CAM-ICU) until the patients with SSD were negative, progressed to delirium, fell into a coma, died, or were discharged from the ICU. Multivariable Cox regression analyses were performed to determine the factors associated with SSD duration. Of the 388 patients, 53.6% had SSD, and 20.7% progressed from SSD to delirium. The duration of SSD ranged from 8 to 248 h, and the median duration was 48 h (interquartile range, 24-72). Age (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.985, 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.971-0.999, p = 0.035), surgery or not (HR = 0.514; 95% CI, 0.310-0.850; p = 0.010), duration of ventilation (HR = 1.003; 95% CI, 1.000-1.006; p = 0.044), duration of hypoxia (HR = 0.212; 95% CI, 0.103-0.438; p < 0.001), and adapted cognitive exam scores (HR = 1.057; 95% CI, 1.030-1.085; p < 0.001) were independently associated with the duration of SSD. The duration of SSD was associated with age, surgery, duration of ventilation, duration of hypoxia, and cognitive function. SSD has a high incidence among ICU patients, and many patients progress to delirium. The study team met with public members of the evaluation teams throughout the project in a series of workshops. Workshops informed study design, data collection tools and data interpretation. ICU staff should pay attention to SSD patients with older age, history of surgery, longer duration of ventilation, prolonged duration of hypoxia, and lower ACE scores.

High-risk factors for delirium in severely ill patients and the application of emotional nursing combined with pain nursing.

Delirium is a neuropsychiatric syndrome characterized by acute disturbances of consciousness with rapid onset, rapid progression, obvious fluctuations, and preventable, reversible, and other characteristics. Patients with delirium in the intensive care unit (ICU) are often missed or misdiagnosed and do not receive adequate attention. To analyze the risk factors for delirium in ICU patients and explore the application of emotional nursing with pain nursing in the management of delirium. General data of 301 critically ill patients were retrospectively collected, including histories (cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, hypertension, smoking, alcoholism, and diabetes), age, sex, diagnosis, whether surgery was performed, and patient origin (emergency/clinic). Additionally, the duration of sedation, Richmond Agitation Sedation Scale score, combined emotional and pain care, ventilator use duration, vasoactive drug use, drainage tube retention, ICU stay duration, C-reactive protein, procalcitonin, white blood cell count, body temperature, Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II) score, and Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score were recorded within 24 h after ICU admission. Patients were assessed for delirium according to confusion assessment method for the ICU, and univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify the risk factors for delirium in the patients. Univariate logistic regression analysis was performed on the 24 potential risk factors associated with delirium in ICU patients. The results showed that 16 risk factors were closely related to delirium, including combined emotional and pain care, history of diabetes, and patient origin. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that no combined emotional and pain care, history of diabetes, emergency source, surgery, long stay in the ICU, smoking history, and high APACHE II score were independent risk factors for delirium in ICU patients. Patients with diabetes and/or smoking history, postoperative patients, patients with a high APACHE II score, and those with emergency ICU admission need emotional and pain care, flexible visiting modes, and early intervention to reduce delirium incidence.

Effect of Application of Dexmedetomidine in Perioperative Period on Postoperative Pain, Stress in Patients Undergoing Laparoscopic Uterine Fibroids Surgery: A Randomized Controlled Study

Background: This study aimed to evaluate whether dexmedetomidine (DEX) can relieve postoperative pain and reduce stress reaction after laparoscopic uterine fibroids (UF) surgery. Methods: This randomized controlled study included 100 patients age range of 40–60 years, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) 1–2 grade, admitted for laparoscopic UF surgery from January 2020 to October 2023. The patients were randomly allocated to the DEX group (n = 50) and non-DEX group (n = 50). The visual analogue scale (VAS), Richmond Agitation-Sedation Scale (RASS) score, anesthesia time, spontaneous breathing recovery time, consciousness recovery time, extubation time, and recovery room time were recorded. Results: The VAS of the DEX group was smaller than that of the non-DEX group at half an hour, but there was no significant difference in VAS at 1 h, 12 h and 24 h. Dex group has a RASS value closer to zero than non-DEX group at half an hour. There was no significant difference in RASS at 1 h, 12 h, or 24 h. There were differences in spontaneous breathing recovery time, consciousness recovery time, extubation time, recovery room time, chills and nausea between the two groups. Conclusion: Application of DEX in perioperative period can relieve postoperative pain, reduce stress reaction after laparoscopic UF surgery. Clinical Trial Registration: The study has been registered on https://classic.clinicaltrials.gov/ (registration number: NCT03524950).

Prehospital Use of Ketamine Versus Midazolam for Sedation in Acute Severe Agitation

Objective: Acute severe agitation often requires pharmacologic sedation. While benzodiazepines and antipsychotics are traditional first-line medications for this purpose, recent evidence has shown that prehospital intramuscular (IM) administration of ketamine results in rapid, effective sedation. However, ketamine may be associated with adverse clinical events including a higher intubation rate. The purpose of this study is to compare the efficacy and safety of IM ketamine versus IM midazolam as medications to achieve sedation in the prehospital setting. Methods: This is a retrospective cohort study of agitated patients with an initial Richmond Agitation-Sedation Scale (RASS) score of at least 3, who were sedated and transported by ambulance to Hartford Hospital. The primary endpoint was incidence of endotracheal intubation occurring during transportation and within one hour after arrival to the emergency department (ED). Secondary endpoints included the percentage of patients who achieved an improved RASS score post drug administration, the use of additional sedating agents and the need for airway and breathing support, and differences in adverse events. Results: 66 patients in the ketamine group and 68 patients in the midazolam group met inclusion criteria. While more patients in the midazolam group achieved target RASS score of -1, 0, or 1 post drug administration, patients in the ketamine group had a lower mean RASS score post drug administration. There was no difference in endotracheal intubation rates between the two groups (6.1% versus 2.9%, respectively; p = 0.383). However, upon arrival to the ED, more patients in the ketamine group required additional sedating agents as well as airway or respiratory support Conclusion: Both ketamine and midazolam are relatively safe and efficacious in the prehospital environment. IM ketamine resulted in deeper sedation without increasing intubation rate. However, ED providers receiving patients treated with IM ketamine should prepare for additional sedating agents and airway interventions.

Effects of Natural Sound Therapy on Pain and Agitation Induced by Endotracheal Suctioning: A Real-World Study.

Music therapy has been used as a complementary intervention to provide synergistic analgesia for various procedures. To evaluate the effects of natural sound therapy on pain intensity and agitation scores in intubated adult Chinese patients who received endotracheal suctioning in a critical care unit. A prospective, real-world, randomized, double-blind, controlled study was conducted from July 2021 through February 2022 among intubated surgical intensive care unit patients in a Chinese hospital. Patients were randomly assigned to a control group receiving conventional treatment or an intervention group receiving natural sound therapy plus conventional treatment (50 patients in each group). Patients' pain intensity and agitation levels were analyzed before, during, immediately after, 5 minutes after, and 15 minutes after completion of endotracheal suctioning. Pain intensity was assessed with the Critical-Care Pain Observation Tool (CPOT); agitation was assessed with the Richmond Agitation-Sedation Scale (RASS). According to CPOT scores, patients in the intervention group had significant relief of pain intensity during, immediately after, and 5 minutes after endotracheal suctioning compared with patients in the control group (all P < .001). The RASS scores showed that agitation levels were significant lower in the intervention group than in the control group during (P = .002) and immediately after (P < .001) endotracheal suctioning. In this real-world study, natural sound therapy was part of a holistic bundle of interventions used to reduce pain and agitation in surgical intensive care unit patients during endotracheal suctioning.

Tocilizumab is associated with reduced delirium and coma in critically ill patients with COVID-19

Recent preclinical studies demonstrate a direct pathological role for the interleukin-6 (IL-6) pathway in mediating structural and functional delirium-like phenotypes in animal models of acute lung injury. Tocilizumab, an IL-6 pathway inhibitor, has shown reduced duration of ventilator dependency and mortality in critically ill patients with COVID-19. In this study, we test the hypothesis that tocilizumab is associated with reduced delirium/coma prevalence in critically ill patients with COVID-19. 253 patients were included in the study cohort, 69 in the tocilizumab group and 184 in the historical control group who did not receive tocilizumab. Delirium was assessed using the Confusion Assessment Method for the Intensive Care Unit (CAM-ICU) with a positive score indicating delirium. Coma was defined as a Richmond Agitation-Sedation Scale score of − 4 or − 5. Tocilizumab was associated with significantly greater number of days alive without delirium/coma (tocilizumab [7 days (IQR: 3–9 days)] vs control [3 days (IQR: 1–8 days)]; p < 0.001). These results remained significant after adjusting for age, sex, sepsis, Charlson Comorbidity Index, Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score, and median daily dose of analgesics/sedatives (β^\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$\\hat{\\upbeta }$$\\end{document} = 0.671, p = 0.010). There were no significant differences in mortality (β^\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$\\hat{\\upbeta }$$\\end{document} = − 0.204, p = 0.561), ventilator duration (β^\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$\\hat{\\upbeta }$$\\end{document} = 0.016, p = 0.956), and ICU or hospital length of stay (β^\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$\\hat{\\upbeta }$$\\end{document} = − 0.134, p = 0.603; β^\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$\\hat{\\upbeta }$$\\end{document} = 0.003, p = 0.991, respectively). Tocilizumab use was associated with significantly increased number of days without delirium/coma. Confirmation of these findings in randomized prospective studies may inform a novel paradigm of pharmacological amelioration of delirium/coma during critical illness.

The effect of deep and awake extubation on emergence agitation after nasal surgery: a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundPost-anesthetic emergence agitation is common after general anesthesia and may cause adverse consequences, such as injury as well as respiratory and circulatory complications. Emergence agitation after general anesthesia occurs more frequently in nasal surgery than in other surgical procedures. This study aimed to assess the occurrence of emergence agitation in patients undergoing nasal surgery who were extubated under deep anesthesia or when fully awake.MethodsA total of 202 patients (18–60 years, American Society of Anesthesiologists classification: I–II) undergoing nasal surgery under general anesthesia were randomized 1:1 into two groups: a deep extubation group (group D) and an awake extubation group (group A). The primary outcome was the incidence of emergence agitation. The secondary outcomes included number of emergence agitations, sedation score, vital signs, and incidence of adverse events.ResultsThe incidence of emergence agitation was lower in group D than in group A (34.7% vs. 72.8%; p < 0.001). Compared to group A, patients in group D had lower Richmond Agitation-Sedation Scale scores, higher Ramsay sedation scores, fewer agitation episodes, and lower mean arterial pressure when extubated and 30 min after surgery, whereas these indicators did not differ 90 min after surgery. There was no difference in the incidence of adverse events between the two groups.ConclusionsExtubation under deep anesthesia can significantly reduce emergence agitation after nasal surgery under general anesthesia without increasing the incidence of adverse events.Trial registrationRegistered in Clinicaltrials.gov (NCT04844333) on 14/04/2021.

Benefits of dexmedetomidine during noninvasive mechanical ventilation in major abdominal surgery patients with postoperative respiratory failure.

The efficacy of non-invasive mechanical ventilation (NIMV) on the postoperative ARF is conflicting and the failure rate of NIMV in this patient population is high. In our study, we hypothesized that the use of dexmedetomidine during NIMV in major abdominal surgical patients can reduce NIMV failure without significant side affect. Medical records of patients who underwent major abdominal surgery, admitted to our general surgery intensive care unit (ICU), developed postoperative ARF, received NIMV (with oro-nasal mask) and dexmedetomidine infusion were enrolled in this study. The infusion rate was adjusted to maintain a target sedation level of a Richmond Agitation-Sedation Scale (RASS) (-2)-(-3). The sedation was stopped when NIMV was discontinued. A total of 60 patients, 42 (70.0%) male, and 18 (30.0%) female, with a mean age of 68 ± 11 years were included in the study. The mean APACHE II score was 20 ± 6. Dexmedetomidine was infused for a median of 25 h (loading dose of 0.2 mcg/kg for 10 min, maintained at 0.2-0.7 mcg/kg/h, titrated every 30 min). RASS score of all study group significantly improved at the 2 h of dexmedetomidine initiation (+3 vs. -2, p = 0.01). A targeted sedation level was achieved in 92.5% of patients. Six (10.0%) patients developed bradycardia and 5 (8.3%) patients had hypotension. The mean NIMV application time was 23.4 ± 6.1 h. Seven (11.6%) patients experienced NIMV failure, all due to worsening pulmonary conditions, and required intubation and invasive ventilation. Fifty-three (88.3%) patients were successfully weaned from NIMV with dexmedetomidine sedation and discharged from ICU. The duration of NIMV application and ICU stay was shorter in NIMV succeded group (21.4 ± 3.2 vs. 29.9 ± 6.4; p = 0.012). Our study suggests that dexmedetomidine demonstrates effective sedation in patients with postoperative ARF during NIMV application after abdominal surgery. Dexmedetomidine can be considered safe and capable of improving NIMV success.

A Novel Objective Measure for Terminal Delirium: Activity Scores Measured by a Sheet-Type Sensor

ContextDelirium is a significant concern in end-of-life care. Continuous monitoring of agitation levels using objective methods may have advantages over existing measurement scales. ObjectivesTo examine whether an objective measure of activity scores measured using a sheet-type non-wearable sensor (Nemuri SCAN [NSCAN]) was correlated with agitation levels measured using the modified Richmond Agitation-Sedation Scale (RASS) in terminally ill patients with cancer. MethodsWe conducted a single-center, prospective, observational study in a palliative care unit using the NSCAN to measure activity scores and the RASS to assess agitation levels. RASS scores were prospectively measured by ward nurses blinded to the NSCAN variables. A database was created to pair the RASS scores and activity scores at night on the same day. ResultsDuring the observation period, 1209 patients were hospitalized, and 3028 pairs of assessments of 971 patients were analyzed. The NSCAN activity scores significantly increased with increasing RASS scores (Jonckheere–Terpstra test, p < 0.001). The mean values of the activity scores for each RASS score were RASS −5, 28.9; RASS −4, 36.4; RASS −3, 41.7; RASS −2, 57.4; RASS −1, 58.8; RASS 0, 62.6; RASS 1, 79.6; RASS 2, 106.5; and RASS 3, 118.7. ConclusionThe NSCAN activity significantly correlated with modified RASS agitation scores. Real-time NSCAN data on agitation may aid timely interventions for optimal symptom control. To improve outcomes for patients suffering from terminal delirium, more research on monitoring tools is warranted.