Successful Weaning Off Research Articles

75 Lung ultrasound severity scores and its utility in predicting success of weaning off respiratory support in neonates born preterm

Abstract Background Preterm infants often require respiratory support in the newborn intensive care unit. Complete trial off around 30-34 weeks post-menstrual age (PMA) is by trial and error based on clinical and physiological variables. Lung ultrasound (LUS) is a reliable adjunct in the diagnosis and management of most neonatal lung conditions. However, its utility in accessing readiness for successful weaning off respiratory pressure support in preterm neonates has not been explored. Objectives To determine the utility of LUS severity score (LUS-sc) in predicting successful weaning off of respiratory pressure support after 32weeks CGA in neonates born ≤32 weeks gestational age (GA). Design/Methods Prospective cohort study involving preterm neonates born ≤32 weeks needing any respiratory pressure support modes, admitted to a single tertiary care center in Canada between Sept 2022-Sept 2023. Eligible neonates were assessed by LUS at two time points- LUS1 at 30-30 + 6 weeks for those born <30weeks GA and between 48-72hours of life for those born at 30-32 + 6 weeks GA; LUS2 within 12hours prior to trial off respiratory pressure support to room air or low flow after 32weeks PMA. LUS were scored for disease severity by two independent reviewers using the LUS-sc by Brat et al. Receiver operator characteristics (ROC) curves analyzed the reliability of LUS-sc to predict the successful cessation of respiratory pressure support to room air or low flow post LUS2. Results Of 50 preterm neonates included in the study, 32 (64%) were successfully weaned from pressure support after LUS2 at a mean (SD) GA of 33.03 (0.29). The mean (SD) GA at birth was 28.78 (0.46) in the successful group and 27.78 (0.62) in the unsuccessful group (p=0.197). The mean (SD) LUS-sc for LUS2 at which cessation of support was possible was significantly lower from those who failed [6.95(0.33) vs 8.69(0.55), p=0.006] (Table 1). The ROC curve (Figure 1) showed AUC of 0.717 (95%CI=0.56-0.86), for a cut-off of LUS-sc of 7.75, with sensitivity of 0.75 (95%CI=0.60-0.90) and specificity of 0.61 (95%CI=0.38-0.84). Independent of GA at birth and at respiratory pressure support trial off, LUS-sc ≤8 was associated with an increased odd of cessation of support by 9.0 (95%CI=1.9-42.6), p=0.005, and each additional week of GA at first trial off increased the odds of cessation by 2.2 (95%CI=1.1-4.4), p=0.031. Conclusion LUS is a reliable tool to assess readiness for successful non-invasive respiratory pressure support trial off. A LUS-sc ≤8 was associated with higher successful weaning off of non-invasive pressure support after 32weeks GA.

Combining the vasoactive-inotropic score with lactate levels to predict mortality in post-cardiotomy patients supported with venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.

Our goal was to determine the predictive role of the combined assessment of the vasoactive-inotropic score (VIS) and lactate levels for the prognosis of patients with postcardiotomy cardiogenic shock (PCS) requiring venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO). The data of adult patients with PCS requiring VA-ECMO between January 2015 and December 2018 at a tertiary hospital were analysed retrospectively. The incidence of in-hospital mortality and other clinical outcomes was analysed. The associations of the VIS and the lactate concentration and in-hospital mortality were assessed using logistic regression analysis. A total of 222 patients were included and divided into 4 groups according to the cut-off points of the VIS (24.3) and the lactate level (6.85 mmol/L). The in-hospital mortality rates were 37.7%, 50.7%, 54.8% and 76.5% for the 4 groups (P < 0.001), and the rates of successful weaning off VA-ECMO were 73.9%, 69%, 61.3% and 39.2%, respectively (P = 0.001). Groups 1 and 2 exhibited significant differences compared to group 4 in both in-hospital mortality and weaning rates (P < 0.05). There was a statistically significant difference in the incidence of multiple organ dysfunction between group 1 and group 4 (P < 0.05). Groups 1, 2 and 3 demonstrated significantly improved cumulative 30-day survival compared with group 4 (log-rank test, P < 0.05). Logistic regression analysis revealed that age, a VIS > 24.3 and lactate levels > 6.85 mmol/L were independently predictive of in-hospital mortality. Among patients with PCS requiring VA-ECMO, the initiation before reaching a VIS > 24.3 and lactate levels > 6.85 mmol/L was associated with improved in-hospital and 30-day outcomes, suggesting that the combined assessment of the VIS and lactate levels may be instructive for determining the initiation of VA-ECMO.

Association Between Serial B-Type Natriuretic Peptide Levels, Vasoactive Drug Weaning, and Adverse Cardiovascular Outcomes in Pediatric Heart Failure.

Children hospitalized with acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) frequently require intravenous vasoactive (IVV) support drugs and are at risk for adverse cardiovascular (ACV) outcomes. We wished to assess whether serial changes in B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels are associated with successful weaning off IVV support and/or prespecified ACV outcomes in children hospitalized with ADHF. Children hospitalized with ADHF from 2005 to 2021 at our institution were assessed for serial changes in BNP, weaning off of IVV support, and ACV outcomes. Changes in BNP level were evaluated using linear mixed-effects modeling. Bonferroni correction was used to adjust for multiple hypothesis testing. In 131 hospitalizations of children with ADHF, the median age was 4.8 years, with 74% receiving IVV support. ACV outcomes occurred in 62 children. IVV support was associated with lower admission left ventricular ejection fraction (26.7% versus 32%, P=0.002), more severe left ventricular dilation (left ventricular internal diastolic dimension Z score 5.9 versus 3.1, P=0.021) moderate or more mitral regurgitation (41.3% versus 20.6%, P=0.038), and qualitative right ventricular systolic dysfunction (in 45.4% versus 11.8%, P<0.001). Decline in BNP levels was more rapid in patients who were successfully weaned from IVV support (-0.20 versus -0.03 2log pg/mL per day, P<0.001) and in the non-ACV group (-0.17 versus -0.03 2log pg/mL per day, P<0.001). Right ventricular systolic dysfunction was an independent risk factor for ACV (odds ratio, 2.49; P=0.045). The declining rate of serial BNP levels was associated with weaning from IVV support and no ACV outcomes in children hospitalized with ADHF. Right ventricular systolic dysfunction was associated with ACV outcomes.

Implementation of Nasal CPAP Weaning Guidelines in Preterm Infants.

Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) benefits preterm infants with respiratory distress, including reduced bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) incidence, surfactant use, and extubation failure. Successful CPAP weaning also promotes oral feeding. However, there is no consensus on the optimal weaning of CPAP in neonates. This study aims to determine the effects of CPAP (CPAP) weaning guideline implementation on neonatal outcomes. CPAP gradual pressure weaning guidelines were implemented in the Penn State Children's Hospital NICU in 2020. We included baseline data from infants (Epoch1) before bubble CPAP implementation in 2018-19. We included infants (Epoch2) after implementing the guidelines during 2020-21. The inclusion criteria were infants <32 weeks gestation with CPAP support. Compliance with the CPAP weaning guidelines was the primary process measure. Primary outcome measures included successful CPAP wean on the first attempt. Balancing measures used were total days on respiratory support and length of hospital stay. 195 infants were included in this study, 95 infants in Epoch 1 before bubble CPAP implementation and 100 infants in Epoch 2 after implementing guidelines. Infants in the two Epochs were similar in median gestational age at 29 vs 30 weeks (p=0.47) and were similar in median birth weight at 1190 vs 1130 grams (p=0.73). After implementing weaning guidelines, the successful weaning off CPAP improved from 9.5% to 54% (p<0.001). The total days needed to achieve full oral feeds decreased by 7 days (29 vs 22 median days, p<0.001). The BPD incidence was not significantly different between the two Epochs at 17% vs 16%, p= 0.87. There was no difference in total days of respiratory support, total length of stay, the number of infants discharged on home nasogastric feeding, and demographic variables. The implementation of the bubble CPAP weaning guideline improves the successful weaning of CPAP and promotes oral feeding in preterm infants.

Comparison of ROX, HROX, and delta-HR indices to predict successful weaning from high-flow oxygen therapy in hospitalized patients with COVID-19 pneumonia.

High-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) therapy is commonly used to treat acute respiratory failure in patients with COVID-19 pneumonia. However, predictors of successful weaning from HFNC in these patients has not been investigated. To assess predictors of successful separation from HFNC in patients with COVID-19 pneumonia. We conducted a retrospective cohort study at a university hospital in Thailand. Patients with COVID-19 pneumonia requiring HFNC therapy between April 2020 and June 2022 were included. ROX index was defined as the ratio of oxygen saturation (SpO2) / fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2) to respiratory rate. Heart-ROX (HROX) index was defined as ROX multiplied by heart rate (HR) improvement. HR improvement (delta-HR) was defined as a percentage of the difference between the baseline HR and the morning HR at HFNC weaning day 1 divided by the baseline HR. Weaning success was defined as ability to sustain spontaneous breathing after separation from HFNC without any invasive or non-invasive ventilatory support for ≥48 hours or death. A total of 164 patients (54% male) were included. Mean age was 61.1±16.1 years. Baseline SpO2/FiO2 was 265.3±110.8. HFNC weaning success was 77.4%. The best cut-off value of ROX index to predict HFNC weaning success was 7.88 with 100% sensitivity, 97.3% specificity, and area under the ROC curve (AUC) of 0.98 (95% CI: 0.937-1.000, p<0.001). The best cut-off value of delta-HR 3.7 with 88.2% sensitivity, 75.7% specificity, and AUC of 0.83 (95% CI: 0.748-0.919, p<0.001). The best cut-off value of HROX index was 59.2 with 88.2% sensitivity, 81.1% specificity, and AUC of 0.89, (95% CI: 0.835-0.953, p<0.001). The ROX index has the highest accuracy for predicting successful weaning off HFNC treatment in patients with COVID-19 pneumonia. While HROX and delta-HR indices can serve as alternative tools, it is recommended to verify these indices and determine the optimal cut-off value for determining separation from HFNC therapy through a large prospective cohort study. Clinicaltrials.in.th number: TCTR20221108004.

Preserving flow, saving lives: Successful treatment of aortic valve failure in acute myocardial infarction without flow down-regulation using ECMO - a case report and mini review.

Direct percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) has significantly reduced cardiac mortality in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI), but the mortality rate remains high for those who develop cardiogenic shock (CS), reaching 40% to 50%. Veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (V-A ECMO) provides robust hemodynamic support and oxygen delivery for AMI patients with refractory CS, ensuring adequate organ perfusion and oxygen supply. However, there is currently no standardized optimal Mean Arterial Pressure (MAP) range during V-A ECMO support. Achieving the proper MAP is crucial for adequate myocardial perfusion, cardiac function recovery, successful weaning off of V-A ECMO, and improving long-term outcomes. In this case study, we successfully treated a 55-year-old man with AMI and refractory cardiogenic shock using V-A ECMO. By adjusting ECMO blood flow and employing hemodynamic strategies, including vasoactive drugs, we optimized the MAP, leading to improved cardiac function and successful weaning off of V-A ECMO. This presents a potential opportunity for MAP optimization under ECMO support in patients with acute myocardial infarction and cardiogenic shock.

0699 Longitudinal Assessment of Buprenorphine Effectiveness for Severe Restless Legs Syndrome and Dopaminergic Augmentation

Abstract Introduction Opioids are a consensus second-line treatment for moderate-to-severe restless legs syndrome (RLS). Due to its partial mu-opioid receptor agonist mechanism, buprenorphine (bup) has lower risk of respiratory depression, euphoria, and dependence than full-agonist opioids. We hypothesize that with long-term administration for severe RLS, bup is both effective and well-tolerated and can facilitate successful weaning off dopamine agonists (DA) for patients with augmentation. Methods We conducted a longitudinal examination of a retrospective cohort of patients prescribed bup over a 21-month period by a tertiary RLS specialist. Patient-reported outcomes were administered through patient-completed electronic health record-based questionnaires or by clinician interview: International RLS Study Group(IRLS-SG,primary outcome), Clinical Global Impressions of Improvement(CGI-I), Epworth Sleepiness Scale(ESS), Insomnia Severity Index(ISI), Patient Health Questionnaire(PHQ-9), and Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System-Sleep Disturbance domain(PROMIS-SD). A linear mixed model assuming compound symmetry correlation structure was used (least square means,95%CI) to test the change from baseline to 6-week, 3-month, 6-month, and 1-year intervals, and the final visit, irrespective of time from baseline, with adjustment of age, sex, other RLS meds at final visit, and administration of iron infusion. Results 55 patients (56.4% female, 64.9±12.1 years) started bup for RLS, and 42(76.3%) remained on bup at the final visit. IRLS-SG was 27.8(25.3,30.3) at baseline and was significantly reduced at every interval (p of trend &amp;lt; 0.001), including 11.4(7.4,15.4) at 1 year. Of the 39(70.9%) patients that were on a DA with augmentation at baseline, 32(82.1%) had discontinued DAs with 5(12.8%) on a reduced dose at the final visit. Of those remaining on bup at the final visit, 93.8% were CGI-I responders, There was a statistically significant longitudinal trend in 1-year improvement in ESS:9.9(8.0,11.8) to 6.9(4.5,9.4),p=0.003, ISI:18.0(15.9,20.1) to 15.0(11.6,18.3),p=0.048, PHQ-9:10.4(8.2,12.5) to 6.1(3.6,8.6),p&amp;lt; 0.001, and PROMIS-SD:63.0(60.2,65.7) to 53.8(49.8,57.8),p&amp;lt; 0.001. 13(23.6%) discontinued bup with nausea, cognitive complaints, and dizziness as the most common side effects. Conclusion In this largest cohort to date to examine buprenorphine in severe RLS, our findings show buprenorphine markedly reduced RLS symptoms, effectively enabled the elimination of dopamine agonists in patients with augmentation, improved sleep and other health quality measures, and was tolerated comparably to other RLS medications. Support (if any)

Pulse pressure loss after extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation is an independent predictor of ECMO weaning failure

To analyze the predictors of successful weaning off extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) after extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR). The clinical data of 56 patients with cardiac arrest who underwent ECPR in Hunan Provincial People's Hospital (the First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Normal University) from July 2018 to September 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. According to whether ECMO was successfully weaning off, patients were divided into the successful weaning off group and the failed weaning off group. The basic data, duration of conventional cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CCPR, the time from cardiopulmonary resuscitation to ECMO), duration of ECMO, pulse pressure loss, complications, and the use of distal perfusion tube and intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) were compared between the two groups. Univariate and multivariate Logistic regression analyses were performed to identify the risk factors for weaning failure of ECMO. Twenty-three patients (41.07%) were successfully weaned from ECMO. Compared with the successful weaning off group, patients in the failed weaning off group were older (years old: 46.7±15.6 vs. 37.8±16.8, P < 0.05), higher incidence of pulse pressure loss and ECMO complications [81.8% (27/33) vs. 21.7% (5/23), 84.8% (28/33) vs. 39.1% (9/23), both P < 0.01], and longer CCPR time (minutes: 72.3±19.5 vs. 54.4±24.6, P < 0.01), shorter duration of ECMO support (hours: 87.3±81.1 vs. 147.7±50.8, P < 0.01), and worse improvement in arterial blood pH and lactic acid (Lac) levels after ECPR support [pH: 7.1±0.1 vs. 7.3±0.1, Lac (mmol/L): 12.6±2.4 vs. 8.9±2.1, both P < 0.01]. There were no significant differences in the utilization rate of distal perfusion tube and IABP between the two groups. Univariate Logistic regression analysis showed that the factors affecting the weaning off ECMO of ECPR patients were pulse pressure loss, ECMO complications, arterial blood pH and Lac after installation [pulse pressure loss: odds ratio (OR) = 3.37, 95% confidence interval (95%CI) was 1.39-8.17, P = 0.007; ECMO complications: OR = 2.88, 95%CI was 1.11-7.45, P = 0.030; pH after installation: OR = 0.01, 95%CI was 0.00-0.16, P = 0.002; Lac after installation: OR = 1.21, 95%CI was 1.06-1.37, P = 0.003]. After adjusting for the effects of age, gender, ECMO complications, arterial blood pH and Lac after installation, and CCPR time, showed that pulse pressure loss was an independent predictor of weaning failure in ECPR patients (OR = 1.27, 95%CI was 1.01-1.61, P = 0.049). Early loss of pulse pressure after ECPR is an independent predictor of failed weaning off ECMO in ECPR patients. Strengthening hemodynamic monitoring and management after ECPR is very important for the successful weaning off ECMO in ECPR.

Comparison of ROX index (SpO2/FIO2 ratio/respiratory rate) with a modified dynamic index incorporating PaO2/FIO2 ratio and heart rate to predict high flow nasal cannula outcomes among patients with acute respiratory failure: a single centre retrospective study

BackgroundHigh flow nasal cannula (HFNC) is increasingly being used to support patients with acute respiratory failure (ARF) and to avoid need for intubation. However, almost one third of the patients do not respond and require escalation of respiratory support. Previously, ROX index (SpO2/FIO2 [SF] ratio/respiratory rate) has been validated among pneumonia patients to facilitate early recognition of patients likely to fail HFNC and therefore, benefit from timely interventions. However, it has been postulated that incorporation of PaO2/FIO2 (PF) ratio from arterial blood gas (ABG) analysis may better predict the outcome of HFNC compared to indices that utilizes SF ratio. Similarly, heart rate increase after HFNC therapy initiation has been found to be associated with HFNC failure. Therefore, we aimed to compare ROX index with a new modified index to predict HFNC outcomes among ARF patients.Materials and methodsThis single centre 2-year retrospective study included ARF patients of varying etiologies treated with HFNC. The modified index incorporated heart rate and substituted PF ratio for SF ratio in addition to respiratory rate. We named the index POX-HR and calculated Delta POX-HR index as the difference pre- and post-HFNC initiation POX-HR. We also recorded ROX index at the time when post-HFNC initiation ABG was done (‘post-HFNC initiation ROX’) and calculated Delta ROX. HFNC success was defined as no need of escalation of respiratory support or discharged to ward within 48 h of HFNC initiation, or successful wean off HFNC for at least 12 h. Evaluation was performed using area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) and cut-offs assessed for prediction of HFNC outcomes.ResultsOne hundred eleven patients were initiated on HFNC for ARF, of whom 72 patients (64.9%) had HFNC success. Patients with HFNC failure had significantly lower values for all the indices. At median of 3.33 h (IQR 1.48–7.24 h), Delta POX-HR demonstrated the best prediction accuracy (AUROC 0.813, 95% CI 0.726–0.900). A Delta POX-HR > 0.1 was significantly associated with a lower risk of HFNC failure.ConclusionsOur proposed modified dynamic index (Delta POX-HR) may facilitate early and accurate prediction of HFNC outcomes compared to ROX index among ARF patients of varied etiologies.

Adaptation of a respiratory service to provide CPAP for patients with COVID-19 pneumonia, outside of a critical care setting, in a district general hospital

One-hundred and forty patients at Croydon University Hospital received continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) on a specialist respiratory ward, as a bridge to invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) or as a ceiling of care for COVID-19. This retrospective study aimed to outline service expansion, patient characteristics and explore risk factors in outcomes. Mean age of patients on CPAP was 64 years (standard deviation 12). The median number of days from admission to CPAP initiation was 1 day (interquartile range (IQR) 0-3), and time before successful wean off CPAP was 4 days (IQR 2-6). Twenty-eight-day mortality was 64%. Thirty-four per cent of patients went onto require IMV, 24% improved off CPAP and 41% were palliated. The 28-day non-survivor group were of older age, had statistically significant higher admission creatinine and higher peak oxygen requirement. Age above 65 years was associated with higher mortality (odds ratio 5.9; 95% confidence interval 2.63-13.3). CPAP is a viable ceiling-of-treatment option in those unsuitable for ventilation, and may even avoid the need for ventilation in others. Duration on CPAP may be useful for service provision to predict resource allocation. The rapidity from admission to CPAP initiation highlights the need for early ceilings of care to be established.

An unfortunate case of acute aortic regurgitation: Isolated aortic valve prolapse following a motor vehicle accident

We present an unfortunate case of severe acute aortic regurgitation (AR) following a motor vehicle accident (MVA) linked to isolated aortic valve prolapse, with no evidence of aortic root disruption or other valvular pathology missed on initial presentation. A 55-year-old gentleman, with known hypertension, was brought into the emergency department following a MVA, where he sustained severe intra-thoracic injuries. A bedside transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) revealed a trileaflet aortic valve with evidence of mal-coaptation and severe AR. A computed tomography angiography of the thorax, however, failed to demonstrate evidence of dissection along the aortic root or ascending aorta. Following successful weaning off ventilatory support, the patient was discharged, but he presented back within a week with worsening dyspnoea and palpitations. Examination and investigation supported a diagnosis of acute heart failure with evident severe AR on repeat TTE. Transoesophageal echocardiography was performed, revealing prolapsed right and non-coronary cusps which were not seen in previous studies but absent evidence of the aortic root, ascending and descending aorta dilatation or dissection. Valvular complications rarely occur following blunt chest wall trauma, often involving right-sided valves due to their proximity to the sternum. Although aortic valve disruption can occur following MVAs, it is often associated with trauma to the aorta. Based on our literature search, there have been only a handful of reported cases of severe acute AR due to isolated prolapse or ruptured aortic valves in the absence of aortic valve perforation, aortic root disruption or dissection and other valvular abnormalities following trauma.

Importance of pulse pressure after extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation

Recent reports have revealed better clinical outcomes for extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR) than conventional cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). In this retrospective study, we attempted to identify predictors associated with successful weaning off extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support after ECPR. The demographic and clinical data of 30 ECPR patients aged over 18 years treated between August 2016 and January 2019 were analyzed. All clinical data were retrospectively collected. The primary endpoint was successful weaning off ECMO support after ECPR. Patients were divided into two groups based on successful or unsuccessful weaning off ECMO support (Weaned (n = 14) vs. Failed (n = 16)). Univariate logistic regression analysis showed that age, CPR duration, ECMO complications, and loss of pulse pressure significantly predicted the results of weaning off ECMO support. However, multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that only CPR duration and loss of pulse pressure independently predicted unsuccessful weaning from ECMO support. We conclude that long CPR duration and loss of pulse pressure after ECPR predict unsuccessful weaning from ECMO. However, unlike CPR duration, loss of pulse pressure during post-ECPR was related to subsequent management. In patients with reduced pulse pressure after ECPR, careful management is warranted because this reduction is closely associated with unsuccessful weaning off ECMO support after ECPR.

Prediction of successful weaning off ECMO support after ECPR: Is pulse pressure crucial for success?

Extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR) is shown to be associated with favorable outcomes. Next to the relevance of accurate patient selection, hemodynamic management and focused therapy after initiation of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) in cardiopulmonary resuscitation patients are gaining importance. Therapeutic options in patients with loss of pulse pressure during ECMO circulation should be established as early as possible to avoid additional adverse outcomes of ECPR patients.

Weaning from neonatal and pediatric ECMO with stand-by cannula.

The precise moment for weaning a patient off extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is not always easy to establish. Also, mechanical causes may obligate to disconnect the patient from the circuit before the optimal weaning off. In these selected cases, the patient can be disconnected from the circuit and the cannula can be left in place (stand-by cannula) until the patient's stability without ECMO is assured. The aim was to describe our experience with the stand-by cannula. Single-institution, long-term retrospective study in a pediatric tertiary care hospital. Neonatal and pediatric patients who were under ECMO and needed stand-by cannula before definitive de-cannulation were included. During 18years, 166 children required ECMO. In 31 patients (18.7%), stand-by cannula was performed before the weaning off. Twenty patients (64.5%) were newborn. The main reason for requiring ECMO in these newborn was persistent pulmonary hypertension. Eleven patients were pediatric and their main cause for requiring ECMO was cardiogenic shock (six patients, 54.4%). The reasons for requiring stand-by cannula were the uncertainty of a successful weaning off in 17 patients (54.8%), to undergo surgery in 10 patients (32.3%) and to replace the circuit in four cases (12.9%). The median duration of stand-by cannula was 12h (IQR 6-24). Heparinized saline serum was the main maintenance perfusion (28 patients, 90.3%). Three patients needed to restart support with ECMO. Only one mechanical complication was detected. Stand-by cannula is a safe technique, which allows performing a quick re-entrance on ECMO if the weaning off fails.

Recurrent idiopathic catatonia in an elderly patient with successful weaning off lorazepam

Recurrent idiopathic catatonia in an elderly patient with successful weaning off lorazepam

Vascular Complications of Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation: A Systematic Review and Meta-Regression Analysis

Perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of vascular complications associated with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and identify prognostic and predictive factors. Systematic search for publications reporting vascular complications on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, published from 1972 to January 31, 2020, was conducted via PubMed, Scopus, and Embase. Of 4,076 references screened, 47 studies with 6,583 patients were included in final analyses. Studies with fewer than 10 patients were excluded. Relevant data, including demographics, comorbidities, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and cannulation characteristics, occurrence rates of early and late vascular complications, patient outcomes, and use of distal perfusion cannula, were extracted from selected articles into an excel sheet specifically designed for this review. Random-effects meta-analyses and meta-regression analyses were undertaken. Overall pooled estimate of vascular complications in our meta-analysis was 29.5% (95% CI, 23.6-35.9%). Two-thousand three-hundred forty-seven vascular complications in 6,124 venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation patients compared with 95 in 459 venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation patients (odds ratio, 2.35; 95% CI, 1.87-2.96; p < 0.0001) were analyzed. Successful weaning off extracorporeal membrane oxygenation occurred in 60.6% of pooled patients; 46.2% were eventually discharged. Pooled prevalences of vascular complications like significant bleeding, limb ischemia, and cannula site bleeding were 15.4% (95% CI, 8.6-23.7%), 12.6% (95% CI, 10.0-15.5%), and 12.6% (95% CI, 9.6-18.5%), respectively. Meta-analysis showed that the use of distal perfusion cannula was associated with lower odds of limb ischemia (odds ratio, 1.93; 95% CI, 1.17-2.47; p = 0.03) Meta-regression showed that male sex, smoking, advanced age, and comorbidities contributed to higher in-hospital mortality, while distal perfusion cannula was protective. Nearly a third of patients on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation develop vascular complications; elderly males with comorbidities appear vulnerable. The use of distal perfusion cannulas caused significant reduction in limb ischemia and mortality.

A study of different predictors of successful weaning off mechanical ventilation in ventilated patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease with acute respiratory failure

Background A lot of indices can be used as predictors of weaning off mechanical ventilation, such as rapid shallow breathing index (RSBI), integrative weaning index (IWI), vital capacity (VC), maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP), and respiratory rate (RR). MIP and IWI were considered the most sensitive parameters for prediction of weaning. Objective To compare between the efficacies of some predictors of successful weaning in ventilated patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease with acute respiratory failure. Design A total of 30 patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease with acute respiratory failure were mechanically ventilated and classified into two groups, with 15 patients each. Clinical and demographic data assessment and routine investigations were done for all patients, and then RSBI and IWI were measured in group I, and also VC and MIP were measured in group II, whereas RR was measured in the two groups. Results Successful cases had significantly short duration of ventilation and high IWI, MIP, and VC, but RSBI was significantly lower in successful cases, whereas RR was significantly high in failed cases. Conclusion MIP and IWI were considered the most sensitive parameters in predicting the outcome of weaning, and prolonged duration on mechanical ventilation was associated with weaning failure.

A Single Institution Experience of Bortezomib for Gvhd in a Pediatric HSCT Population

Background Graft vs Host Disease (GVHD) is a common but revered complication after allogenic hematopoietic stem cell transplants (HSCT). Corticosteroids are the first-line therapy for GVHD, yet a consensus is lacking for second-line therapy in patients who experience worsening of symptoms when doses are reduced after initial response (steroid dependent), or who progress despite optimum steroid therapy (steroid refractory) GVHD. Bortezomib is a first-generation reversible proteasome inhibitor that inhibits T cells and prevents activation of dendritic cells that mediate antigen presentation and cytokine transcription. Though promising in adult clinical trials, there is a paucity of data on children less than 18 years for the prevention and treatment of GVHD. We hereby report on a single institutional case-series of bortezomib in pediatric HSCT treatment of GVHD. Results Our first case, a 7 year old male with history of acute myeloid leukemia, developed stage 1 acute gastrointestinal GVHD 23 days post-HSCT, and stage 4 skin GVHD beginning 39 days post-HSCT. His skin GVHD failed multiple attempts to wean off steroids, hence the addition of bortezomib at 364 days post-HSCT, receiving weekly doses for 30 weeks ranging from 0.5 mg/m2 to 1.0 mg/m2. This allowed us to wean him off prednisone and discontinue all immune suppression without additional flares. Our second case, a 4 year old male, presented with acute stage 4 skin and stage 2 liver GVHD 108 days and 341 post-HSCT, respectively. Bortezomib was started for the skin GVHD after unable to wean him off steroids. He received a total of 15 doses administered weekly and ranging from 0.4 to 0.87 mg/m2. While on bortezomib his skin GVHD resolved allowing discontinuation of steroids and other immune-suppressive agents. He later developed liver GVHD, which was not responsive to bortezomib. Our third case, a 1 year old female, presented with steroid-dependent acute skin GVHD 177 days post-HSCT. She responded remarkably to steroids but experienced multiple flares of skin GVHD any time the steroid dose was reduced below 1 mg/kg/day. After multiple attempts employing different combinations of immunosuppressive regimens, bortezomib was started. She showed initial response to bortezomib at doses ranging from 0.1 mg to 1.3/m2 mg but was unable to be completely weaned off steroids. Our fourth case, a 19 year old male with lung GVHD who was on long-term steroids, received bortezomib after failing steroid dose reduction when combined with sirolimus and extra-corporeal photopheresis. He received weekly doses of bortezomib for 12 weeks, ranging from 0.2 mg to 1.3/m2 mg, that permitted a successful wean off steroids. However, he later died from pulmonary GVHD. Conclusion We hereby report, based on these cases that bortezomib is a safe option for adjuvant GVHD therapy in children after HSCT. It resulted in successful discontinuation of steroids in two of the three patients with skin GVHD. Well-designed studies of GVHD management with bortezomib in pediatrics are necessary to elucidate this initial finding. We plan to explore this further in a multi-center trial. OffLabel Disclosure: Bortezomib is off label - FDA indications are for treatment of multiple melanoma and second line mantel cell lymphoma

Ventilator settings and outcome of respiratory failure in paraquat-induced pulmonary injury

Paraquat is a nonselective contact herbicide that has significant importance in clinical toxicology due to its high mortality rate. The cause of mortality in the acute phase of poisoning is a multi-organ failure while in the sub-acute phase is alveolar injury and lung fibrosis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the advantages and drawbacks of mechanical ventilation (MV) in paraquat-induced pulmonary injury and its consequential respiratory failure (PIPI-CRF). This retrospective descriptive analytical study was done to investigate the outcome of patients who had developed PIPI-CRF and underwent conventional treatments with invasive MV in three teaching hospitals in Shiraz, Iran, from March 2010 to February 2015. In total, 44 patients (mean age of 27.9 ± 9.98 years) had undergone MV due to PIPI-CRF. None of the patients had a successful wean off from the ventilator. Although all the patients’ were on aggressive life support and full efforts to resuscitate were carried out in case of cardiac arrest, all of them expired. We suggest that in the case of conventional treatment of paraquat poisoning, only noninvasive ventilation should be applied. However, considering the chance of patient’s survival performing novel treatments, such as extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), lung protective ventilation with optimal positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) could be applied only in such circumstances.

DON’T LET THE DRY MOUTH FOOL YOU

SESSION TITLE: Signs and Symptoms of Chest Disease SESSION TYPE: Fellow Case Report Posters PRESENTED ON: 10/09/2018 01:15 PM - 02:15 PM INTRODUCTION: Sarcoidosis is a well-known though poorly understood disease process with a multitude of manifestations. Clinicians should be aware of the diverse manifestations, as any evidence of active sarcoidosis requires consideration for treatment. We present a case of Mikulicz syndrome, a rare presentation of sarcoidosis in which the parotid and lacrimal glands are infiltrated by granulomas with resulting dry mouth, dry eyes and occasionally recurrent fevers. CASE PRESENTATION: The patient is a thirty-seven-year-old African-American female with a history of pulmonary and dermatologic sarcoidosis. She was diagnosed after a skin biopsy revealed noncaseating granulomas in the setting of chronic dyspnea with bilateral hilar lymphadenopathy. Systemic glucocorticoids were initiated with improvement in her dyspnea and skin lesions. Over the next several years, she did not tolerate weaning attempts and experienced frequent flares requiring escalating doses of methotrexate and glucocorticoids that led to significant side effects to include diabetes, obesity and bilateral hip avascular necrosis. Ultimately, her dyspnea and cough resolved on methotrexate and her skin lesions improved with a combination of intralesional triamcinolone injections and hydroxychloroquine with successful weaning off of her steroids. However, in subsequent visits, she reported swelling in her jaw along with a dry mouth with no recurrent skin lesions or dyspnea. On exam, enlargement of the parotid and lacrimal glands was recognized as Mikulicz syndrome. As a result, adalimumab was initiated with resolution of her symptoms. DISCUSSION: Mikulicz syndrome is a rare presentation of sarcoidosis, occurring in only 2% of patients with systemic sarcoidosis. It can easily be overlooked or attributed to a different disease process such as Sjogren’s syndrome, IgG4 related disease, lymphoma, vasculitis and HIV. However, it has been associated with significant symptoms affecting quality of life and most importantly represents active disease that requires consideration of treatment. In this case, the early recognition of Mikulicz syndrome led to appropriate treatment with a TNF-alpha antagonist that otherwise may not have been started as her skin and pulmonary sarcoid was relatively quiescent. CONCLUSIONS: Sarcoidosis can present with symptoms in nearly any organ system with significant impact on treatment course and quality of life. Providers who routinely treat sarcoid should be aware of the diverse manifestations of the disease, including the relatively rare presentations like Mikulicz syndrome as they may alter treatment strategy. Reference #1: Ungprasert, Patompong, Cynthia S. Crowson, and Eric L. Matteson. "Clinical characteristics of parotid gland sarcoidosis: a population based study.” JAMA otolaryngology--head & neck surgery 142.5 (2016): 503. Reference #2: Rao, Dinesh, et al. "A Case Report of Mikulicz Syndrome.” Journal of radiology case reports 11.7 (2017): 1. DISCLOSURES: No relevant relationships by Arthur Holtzclaw, source=Web Response No relevant relationships by John Sherner, source=Web Response