Support For Acute Respiratory Failure Research Articles

High-Flow Nasal Cannula System in Respiratory Failure Associated with Interstitial Lung Diseases: A Systematic Review and Narrative Synthesis.

Background: High-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) therapy has emerged as a promising treatment modality for interstitial lung disease (ILD)-related respiratory failure. This systematic review aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of HFNC therapy in patients with ILDs. Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted using major electronic databases to identify relevant studies investigating the use of HFNC therapy in ILD patients with respiratory failure. Outcome measures of interest included improvements in oxygenation, dyspnea relief, respiratory rate control, hospital length of stay, and mortality. Results: Twelve studies were analyzed with an overall population of 715 patients included. Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) was the most prevalent type of ILD. Evaluated clinical settings were acute (7 studies), chronic (2 studies), and end-stage (3 studies) ILDs. The HFNC as a support for acute respiratory failure seems not inferior to non-invasive ventilation while offering better comfort and patient's perception. Poor data are available about use in chronic/long-term or rehabilitative settings. In end of life/palliative care, an HFNC might improve quality of life. Despite the promising results, further research is warranted to establish optimal HFNC protocols, identify patient subgroups most likely to benefit, and explore long-term outcomes. Conclusions: Overall, the HFNC appears to be a valuable therapeutic option for managing respiratory failure in ILD patients, offering potential improvements in oxygenation and symptom relief.

Comparison of Weaning Strategies in Patients Receiving Venovenous Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation: An Exploratory Retrospective Study.

Venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VV ECMO) facilitates the reduction of mechanical ventilation (MV) support in acute respiratory failure. Contrary to increasing evidence regarding its initiation, the optimal timing of VV ECMO weaning in interaction with MV weaning is undetermined. In this retrospective study, 47 patients who received VV ECMO between 2013 and 2021 and survived ≥1 day after ECMO cessation were divided according to their MV status before ECMO removal: 28 patients were classified into an "ECMO weaning during assisted MV/spontaneous breathing" group and 19 into an "ECMO weaning during controlled MV" group. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation duration was longer in the "assisted MV/spontaneous breathing" group (17 [Interquartile range (IQR) = 11-35] vs. 6 [5-11] days, p < 0.001). These patients had a longer intensive care unit (ICU) stay after ECMO start (48 [29-66] vs. 31 [15-40] days, p = 0.01). No significant differences were found for MV duration after ECMO start (30 [19-45] vs. 19 [12-30] days, p = 0.06) and further ICU survival (86% vs. 89%, p ≥ 0.9). There was a trend toward more patients with mechanical ECMO complications in the "assisted MV/spontaneous breathing" group (57% vs. 32%, p = 0.08). Thus, our results suggest a possible benefit of early ECMO weaning during controlled MV.

High-flow nasal cannula use in pediatric patients for other indications than acute bronchiolitis—a scoping review of randomized controlled trials

The objective of the study is to summarize current literature on high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) use for different indications in pediatric patient excluding acute bronchiolitis and neonatal care. The study design is a systematic scoping review. Pubmed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases were searched in February, 2023. All abstracts and full texts were screened by two independent reviewers. Randomized controlled trials focusing on HFNC use in pediatric patients (age < 18 years) were included. Studies focusing on acute bronchiolitis and neonatal respiratory conditions were excluded. Study quality was assessed by Cochrane risk of bias 2.0 tool. The main outcomes are patient groups and indications, key outcomes, and risk of bias. After screening 1276 abstracts, we included 22 full reports. Risk of bias was low in 11 and high in 5 studies. We identified three patient groups where HFNC has been studied: first, children requiring primary respiratory support for acute respiratory failure; second, perioperative use for either intraprocedural oxygenation or postoperative respiratory support; and third, post-extubation care in pediatric intensive care for other than postoperative patients. Clinical and laboratory parameters were assessed as key outcomes. None of the studies analyzed cost-effectiveness.Conclusion: This systematic scoping review provides an overview of current evidence for HFNC use in pediatric patients. Future studies should aim for better quality and include economic evaluation with cost-effectiveness analysis.Protocol registration: Protocol has been published https://osf.io/a3y46/.What is Known:• High flow nasal cannula has been effective in acute bronchiolitis and neonatal respiratory care.• The use of HFNC on other conditions is also common and increasing, but the evidence supporting this has not been previously summarized.What is New:• We found that HFNC has been studies in relatively few studies in children for other indication than bronchiolitis.• We indetified three main patient populations for which HFNC has been studied: perioperative patients, postintubation patients in intensive care units, and as primary support in acute respiratory failures. None of the studies have estimated possible cost-effectiveness of HFNC, compared to alternative strategies.

Reliability of the respiratory rate and oxygenation index for successful high-flow nasal cannula support in coronavirus disease pneumonia: a retrospective cohort study

BackgroundHigh-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) therapy is an important non-invasive respiratory support in acute respiratory failure, including coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pneumonia. Although the respiratory rate and oxygenation (ROX) index is a simple and useful predictor for HFNC failure and mortality, there is limited evidence for its use in patients with COVID-19 pneumonia. We aimed to evaluate the ROX index as a predictor for HFNC failure in patients with COVID-19 pneumonia. We also evaluated the ROX index as a predictor for 28-day mortality.MethodsIn this single-center, retrospective, cohort study, 248 patients older than 18 years of age with COVID-19 pneumonia received HFNC therapy for acute respiratory failure. The ROX index was evaluated within 4 h from the start of HFNC therapy. Past medical history, laboratory data, and the ROX index were evaluated as predictors for HFNC failure and 28-day mortality.ResultsThe ROX index < 4.88 showed a significantly high risk ratio for HFNC failure (2.13 [95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.47 – 3.08], p < 0.001). The ROX index < 4.88 was significantly associated with 28-day mortality (p = 0.049) in patients with COVID-19 pneumonia receiving HFNC therapy. Age, chronic hypertension, high lactate dehydrogenase level, and low ROX index showed significantly high risk ratio for HFNC failure. C-reactive protein level and low ROX index were predictors of 28-day morality.ConclusionThe ROX index is a useful predictor for HFNC success and 28-day mortality in patients with COVID-19 pneumonia receiving HFNC therapy.Trial registrationAn independent ethics committee approved the study (Research Ethics Review Committee of Kobe City Medical Center General Hospital [number: zn220303; date: February 21, 2022]), which was performed in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki, Guidelines for Good Clinical Practice.

Delayed intubation associated with in-hospital mortality in patients with COVID-19 respiratory failure who fail heated and humified high flow nasal canula

BackgroundAdvanced respiratory support modalities such as non-invasive positive pressure ventilation (NiPPV) and heated and humidified high flow nasal canula (HFNC) served as useful alternatives to invasive mechanical ventilatory support for acute respiratory failure (ARF) during the peak of the SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19 pandemic. Unlike NiPPV, HFNC is a newer modality and its role in the treatment of patients with severe ARF is not yet clearly defined. Furthermore, the characteristics of responders versus non-responders to HFNC have not been determined. Although recent evidence indicates that many patients with ARF treated with HFNC survive without needing intubation, those who fail and are subsequently intubated have worse outcomes. Given that prolonged use of HFNC in patients with ARF might exacerbate patient self-inflicted lung injury, we hypothesized that among those patients with ARF due to COVID-19 pneumonia, prolonged HFNC beyond 24 h before intubation would be associated with increased in-hospital mortality.MethodsThis was a retrospective, multicenter, observational cohort study of 2720 patients treated for ARF secondary to SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19 pneumonia and initially managed with HFNC within the Banner Health system during the period from March 1st, 2020, to July 31st, 2021. In the subgroup of patients for went from HFNC to IMV, we assessed the effect of the duration of HFNC prior to intubation on mortality.Results1392 (51%) were successfully treated with HFNC alone and 1328 (49%) failed HFNC and were intubated (HFNC to IMV). When adjusted for the covariates, HFNC duration less than 24 h prior to intubation was significantly associated with reduced mortality.ConclusionsAmong patients with ARF due to COVID-19 pneumonia who fail HFNC, delay of intubation beyond 24 h is associated with increased mortality

The Use of the "Respiratory Rate Oxygenation (ROX) Index" in the Assessment of Respiratory Support and Observation of Its Outcome in COVID-19 Patients With Acute Respiratory Failure.

COVID-19 infection caused by the SARS-Cov-2 virus may result in severe acute respiratory failure and require respiratory support in the ICU. The present study was designed to evaluate the role of the respiratory rate oxygenation (ROX) index in the assessment of the adequacy of non-invasive respiratory support the COVID-19 patients with acute respiratory failure and observe its outcome. This cross-sectional, observational study was conducted between October 2020 and September 2021 in the Department of Anaesthesia, Analgesia, and Intensive Care Medicine of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), Dhaka, Bangladesh. A total of 44 patients with a confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19 with acute respiratory failure were enrolled in this study based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. Informed written consent was taken from the patient/patient's guardian. Each patient underwent detailed history taking through physical examination and relevant investigations.All necessary information were recorded in a separate case record form. All the patients receiving high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) were assessed at two hours, six hours, and 12 hours for variables of the ROX Index. The team of respective physicians was applied responsibly for determining HFNC failure to discontinue or deescalate respiratory support as a part of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) ventilation success. Each selected patient was observed for the duration of different types of respiratory support. CPAP failure or success, progression to mechanical ventilation, and data were collected from individual medical records. The patients who were successfully weaned from CPAP were recorded. The diagnostic accuracy of the ROX index was determined. The mean age of the patients was 65±8.80 years with a majority in the age group 61-70 years (36.4%). A male predominance was observed with 79.5% male and 20.5% female. Of all, HFNC failure was observed in 29.5% of patients. Oxygen saturation (SpO2), respiratory rate (RR), and ROX index were statistically worse at the sixthand 12th hour of initiation of HFNC (P<0.05). At a cut-off value of 3.90, the ROC curve showed 90.3% sensitivity and 76.9% specificity in predicting HFNC success (the area under the curve (AUC) was 0.909). Similarly, 46.2% of patients had CPAP failure. SpO2, RR, and ROX index were found statistically worse among those patients at the sixth and 12th hour of CPAP therapy (P<0.05). The ROC curve showed 85.7% sensitivity and 83.3% specificity at a cut-off value of 2.64 in predicting CPAP success (the AUC was 0.881). The ROX index's clinical score form, which does not require lab findings or sophisticated computation techniques, is its key benefit. The study findings recommend the use of the ROX index to predict the outcome of respiratory support in acute respiratory failure in COVID-19 patients.

A Study of Outcome of Noninvasive Ventilatory Support in Acute Respiratory Failure

Introduction: Noninvasive ventilation (NIV) is often used in acute respiratory failure to prevent endotracheal intubation and its complications. Various factors influence favorable outcome for NIV. Aim: To assess the outcome of NIV in acute respiratory failure and to determine predictors of positive outcome. Patients and Methods: This was an observational study of 4 years where 110 patients with acute respiratory failure requiring NIV were included. Data of history, examination, investigations, and clinical outcome of all patients were recorded. The outcome was divided in two categories depending upon whether patients improved or required invasive ventilation. Results: Of 110 patients, there were 78 men with a mean age of 64.24 years and 32 women with a mean age of 56.59 years. The causes of acute respiratory failure were acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (61.81%), bronchial asthma (9.09), pneumonia (22.72%), tuberculosis (2.72%), interstitial lung disease (1.81%), and pulmonary artery hypertension (0.9%). Among them, 81 (74%) patients improved. Patients who had acute respiratory failure due to COPD (P 3 days (P = 0.001). Conclusions: COPD patients with acute respiratory failure respond well to NIV. Improvement in pH, PCO2, and PO2 within or at 24 h of NIV predicts successful outcome. Requirement of prolonged NIV leads to poor outcome.

Опыт выполнения респираторной поддержки у пострадавших с тяжелыми травмами в ходе проведения санитарно-авиационной эвакуации вертолетами легкого класса

The aim of the study was to determine the optimal types of respiratory support for acute respiratory failure in patients with severe trauma during medical evacuation by light-class helicopters. Materials and research methods. The materials of the study are the data on the performance of respiratory support in patients with various types of trauma and acute respiratory failure for 2016-2021, contained in the automated information-analytical system “Disaster Medicine of Moscow” of the State Budget Institution “Moscow Territorial Scientific and Practical Center for Disaster Medicine of the Moscow City Health Department”. When performing the study, historical, statistical and analytical methods were used. Study results and their analysis. The results of the analysis showed: – proportion of victims with various traumas received in the emergency situations in Moscow constitutes 31,9% of all sanitary losses in emergencies. Of them 12.9% were in an extremely severe and serious condition, including 1.1% who needed artificial lung ventilation and tracheal intubation; – severe acute respiratory distress requiring ventilation and tracheal intubation was caused in 49.7% of cases by polytrauma, in 38.4 cases — by isolated trauma, in 8.7 cases — by thermal trauma, and in 3.2% of cases — by combined trauma. The indications and peculiarities of artificial ventilation with tracheal intubation in patients with various traumas to be medically evacuated by a light-class ambulance helicopter have been determined.

An expanded definition of acute respiratory distress syndrome: Challenging the status quo

Although the Berlin definition of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), 2012 has been widely used in clinical practice, issues have occasionally been raised regarding various criteria since it was proposed. High-flow nasal oxygen (HFNO) is widely used for effective respiratory support in acute respiratory failure. As patients who do not require ventilation but meet the Berlin criteria have similar characteristics to those with ARDS, the definition of ARDS may be broadened to include patients receiving HFNO. As the PaO2/FiO2 under-recognizes the diagnosis of ARDS, a SpO2/FiO2 value of ≤315 may be considered instead of a PaO2/FiO2 value of ≤300 for diagnosing the condition in resource-constrained settings. In this context, patients with severe COVID-19 always meet other criteria for ARDS except for 7-day acute onset. Therefore, the timeframe for the onset of ARDS may be extended to up to 14 days. An expanded definition of ARDS may allow early identification of patients with less severe diseases and facilitate testing and application of new therapies in patients with a high risk of poor outcomes. Here, we discuss the major controversies regarding the extension of the ARDS definition with a view to improving clinical implementation and patient outcomes.

Early Measurement of ROX Index in Intermediary Care Unit Is Associated with Mortality in Intubated COVID-19 Patients: A Retrospective Study.

COVID-19 patients often present with rapidly progressing acute hypoxemic respiratory failure, requiring orotracheal intubation with different prognostic issues. However, ICU specialists lack predictive tools to stratify these patients. We conducted a single-center cross-sectional retrospective study to evaluate if the ROX index, measured under non-invasive oxygenation support, can predict ICU mortality in a COVID-19 intubated patient cohort. This study took place in the division of intensive care at the Geneva University Hospitals (Geneva, Switzerland). We included all consecutive adult patients treated by non-invasive oxygenation support and requiring intubation for acute respiratory failure due to COVID-19 between 9 September 2020 and 30 March 2021, corresponding to the second local surge of COVID-19 cases. Baseline demographic data, comorbidities, median ROX between H0 and H8, and clinical outcomes were collected. Overall, 82 patients were intubated after failing a non-invasive oxygenation procedure. Women represented 25.6% of the whole cohort. Median age and median BMI were 70 (60–75) years and 28 (25–33), respectively. Before intubation, the median ROX between H0 and H8 was 6.3 (5.0–8.2). In a multivariate analysis, the median ROX H0–H8 was associated with ICU mortality as a protective factor with an odds ratio (95% CI) = 0.77 (0.60–0.99); p < 0.05. In intubated COVID-19 patients treated initially by non-invasive oxygenation support for acute respiratory failure, the median ROX H0–H8 could be an interesting predictive factor associated with ICU mortality.

Role of advanced respiratory supportin acute respiratory failure in clinically frail patients with COVID-19.

Background: The main aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of advanced respiratory support (ARS) for acute respiratory failure in do-not-attempt cardiopulmonary resuscitation order (DNACPR) COVID-19 patients. Methods: In this single-center study, the impact of different types of ARS modality, PaO2/FiO2 (PF) ratio, clinical frailty score (CFS) and 4C score on mortality was evaluated. Results: There was no significant difference in age, type of ARS modality, PF ratio and 4C scores between those who died and those who survived. Overall survival rates/hospital discharge of patients still requiring ARS at 5 and 7 days post admission were 20 and 17%, respectively. Conclusion: Our study showed that ARS can be a useful tool in frail, elderly and high-risk COVID-19 patients irrespective of high 4C mortality score.

Noninvasive respiratory support for acute respiratory failure due to COVID-19.

Purpose of reviewNoninvasive respiratory support has been widely applied during the COVID-19 pandemic. We provide a narrative review on the benefits and possible harms of noninvasive respiratory support for COVID-19 respiratory failure.Recent findingsMaintenance of spontaneous breathing by means of noninvasive respiratory support in hypoxemic patients with vigorous spontaneous effort carries the risk of patient self-induced lung injury: the benefit of averting intubation in successful patients should be balanced with the harms of a worse outcome in patients who are intubated after failing a trial of noninvasive support.The risk of noninvasive treatment failure is greater in patients with the most severe oxygenation impairment (PaO2/FiO2 < 200 mmHg).High-flow nasal oxygen (HFNO) is the most widely applied intervention in COVID-19 patients with hypoxemic respiratory failure. Also, noninvasive ventilation (NIV) and continuous positive airway pressure delivered with different interfaces have been used with variable success rates. A single randomized trial showed lower need for intubation in patients receiving helmet NIV with specific settings, compared to HFNO alone.Prone positioning is recommended for moderate-to-severe acute respiratory distress syndrome patients on invasive ventilation. Awake prone position has been frequently applied in COVID-19 patients: one randomized trial showed improved oxygenation and lower intubation rate in patients receiving 6-h sessions of awake prone positioning, as compared to conventional management.SummaryNoninvasive respiratory support and awake prone position are tools possibly capable of averting endotracheal intubation in COVID-19 patients; carefully monitoring during any treatment is warranted to avoid delays in endotracheal intubation, especially in patients with PaO2/FiO2 < 200 mmHg.

Invasive and noninvasive ventilation strategies for acute respiratory failure in children with coronavirus disease 2019.

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 presents as symptomatic coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) disease in susceptible patients. Severe pediatric COVID-19 disease is rare, limiting potential data accumulation on associated respiratory failure in children. Pediatric intensivists and pulmonologists managing COVID-19 patients look to adult guidelines and pediatric-specific consensus statements to guide management. The purpose of this article is to review the current literature and recommended strategies for the escalation of noninvasive and invasive respiratory support for acute respiratory failure associated with COVID-19 disease in children. There are no prospective studies comparing COVID-19 treatment strategies in children. Adult and pediatric ventilation management interim guidance is based on evidence-based guidelines in non-COVID acute respiratory distress syndrome, with considerations of (1) noninvasive positive pressure ventilation versus high-flow nasal cannula and (2) high versus lower positive end expiratory pressure strategies related to lung compliance and potential lung recruitability. Management of acute respiratory failure from COVID-19 requires individualized titration of noninvasive and invasive ventilation modalities with consideration of preserved or compromised pulmonary compliance. Research regarding best practices in the management of pediatric severe COVID-19 with respiratory failure is lacking and is acutely needed as the pandemic surges and vaccination of the pediatric population will be delayed compared to adults.

Nutritional support for acute respiratory failure in intensive care for the novel coronavirus infection COVID-19

Nutritional support for acute respiratory failure in intensive care for the novel coronavirus infection COVID-19

Care bundles for improving outcomes in patients with COVID-19or related conditions in intensive care - a rapid scoping review.

Care bundles for improving outcomes in patients with COVID-19or related conditions in intensive care - a rapid scoping review.

Comparison of anticoagulation strategies for veno-venous ECMO support in acute respiratory failure

BackgroundExtracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support in acute respiratory failure may be lifesaving, but bleeding and thromboembolic complications are common. The optimal anticoagulation strategy balancing these factors remains to be determined. This retrospective study compared two institutional anticoagulation management strategies focussing on oxygenator changes and both bleeding and thromboembolic events.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective observational cohort study between 04/2015 and 02/2020 in two ECMO referral centres in Germany in patients receiving veno-venous (VV)-ECMO support for acute respiratory failure for > 24 h. One centre routinely applied low-dose heparinization aiming for a partial thromboplastin time (PTT) of 35–40 s and the other routinely used a high-dose therapeutic heparinization strategy aiming for an activated clotting time (ACT) of 140–180 s. We assessed number of and time to ECMO oxygenator changes, 15-day freedom from oxygenator change, major bleeding events, thromboembolic events, 30-day ICU mortality, activated clotting time and partial thromboplastin time and administration of blood products. Primary outcome was the occurrence of oxygenator changes depending on heparinization strategy; main secondary outcomes were the occurrence of severe bleeding events and occurrence of thromboembolic events. The transfusion strategy was more liberal in the low-dose centre.ResultsOf 375 screened patients receiving VV-ECMO support, 218 were included in the analysis (117 high-dose group; 101 low-dose group). Disease severity measured by SAPS II score was 46 (IQR 36–57) versus 47 (IQR 37–55) and ECMO runtime was 8 (IQR 5–12) versus 11 (IQR 7–17) days (P = 0.003). There were 14 oxygenator changes in the high-dose group versus 48 in the low-dose group. Freedom from oxygenator change at 15 days was 73% versus 55% (adjusted HR 3.34 [95% confidence interval 1.2–9.4]; P = 0.023). Severe bleeding events occurred in 23 (19.7%) versus 14 (13.9%) patients (P = 0.256) and thromboembolic events occurred in 8 (6.8%) versus 19 (19%) patients (P = 0.007). Mortality at 30 days was 33.3% versus 30.7% (P = 0.11).ConclusionsIn this retrospective study, ECMO management with high-dose heparinization was associated with lower rates of oxygenator changes and thromboembolic events when compared to a low-dose heparinization strategy. Prospective, randomized trials are needed to determine the optimal anticoagulation strategy in patients receiving ECMO support.

Comparing Noninvasive Ventilation Delivered Using Neurally-Adjusted Ventilatory Assist or Pressure Support in Acute Respiratory Failure.

The use of neurally-adjusted ventilatory assist (NAVA) during noninvasive ventilation (NIV) results in better patient-ventilator interaction. Whether this improves clinical outcomes lacks dedicated study. In this randomized controlled trial, we compared NAVA with PSV for delivering NIV in consecutive subjects with de novo acute respiratory failure. The primary outcomes were NIV failure rates and 28-d mortality. The secondary outcomes were asynchrony index, NIV-related complications, and others. We enrolled 100 subjects (50 subjects each for NAVA and PSV, 60% male) with a mean ± SD age of 56.7 ± 12 y. There was no difference in NIV failure rates (30% vs 32%, P = .83) and 28-d mortality rates (18% vs 34%, P = .07) between the NAVA and PSV arms, respectively. The median asynchrony index was significantly lower with NAVA (6.7 vs 44.8, P < .001). The use of NAVA significantly reduced NIV-related complications (32% vs 58%, P = .01). In a post hoc analysis, the use of NAVA significantly reduced the 28-d mortality in subjects with COPD exacerbation. The use of NAVA during NIV did not improve NIV failure rate or 28-d mortality in subjects with acute respiratory failure. However, patient-ventilator asynchrony and NIV-related complications were reduced with NAVA. www.clinicaltrials.gov (NCT03271671).

Long-Term Outcomes After Extracorporeal Life Support for Acute Respiratory Failure

This study aims to determine the prevalence of functional and psychological impairment in survivors of extracorporeal life support (ECLS) and assess the needs of survivors to guide development of an effective follow-up program. This mixed-methods outcomes study used quantitative assessment via standardized instruments (Katz Index of Independence of Activities of Daily Living [Katz ADL], the Lawton Instrumental Activities of Daily Living [Lawton IADL], Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and the Post Traumatic Growth Inventory) and qualitative interview to identify challenges experienced by survivors. A single institutional experience in an academic medical center in the United States. Patient selection targeted patients who underwent veno-venous ECLS for acute respiratory failure between January 1, 2015, and April 1, 2017. Forty-two patients (21 male, 21 female; median age of 49 years; interquartile range 36-57 years) completed the interview a median of 14.6 (interquartile range 7.7-21.1) months after ECLS decannulation. This was an observational follow-up study for which no intervention was made. The Katz ADL and Lawton IADL revealed high independence and functionality in 62% of patients (26 of 42). Clinically significant anxiety was present in 48% (20 of 42) of patients and depression in 26% (11 of 42). There was a correlation between the number of ADL and IADL deficiencies and depression (rho 0.61, p < 0.001) and anxiety (rho 0.29, p = 0.033) subscales of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. High levels of posttraumatic growth were noted in 50% (21 of 42) of patients. Nearly all survivors noted that a clinic designed for post-ECLS follow-up would be beneficial. Patients desired access to education, improved coordination of care, and additional mental health resources. This study demonstrated persistent physical and psychological impairments in survivors of ECLS. Patients consistently expressed a desire to debrief on their hospital course and receive education on possible long-term effects. Study findings suggest that structured follow-up may allow for early identification of psychological and physical impairments to improve outcomes. Future studies should focus on investigating the effect of rehabilitation and follow-up clinics in preventing these issues.

Ultrasonographic diaphragmatic excursion is inaccurate and not better than the MRC score for predicting weaning-failure in mechanically ventilated patients

PurposeTo assess the ability of diaphragmatic ultrasound (US) to predict weaning failure in mechanically ventilated patients undergoing a first spontaneous breathing trial (SBT). MethodsDuring a 4-month period, 67 consecutive patients eligible for a first SBT underwent US measurements of maximal diaphragmatic excursion (MDE) by a right anterior subcostal approach. Weaning failure was defined as either the failure of SBT or the need for resumption of ventilatory support for acute respiratory failure or death within 48h following successful extubation. The accuracy of diaphragmatic ultrasound and the Medical Research Council (MRC) score when predicting weaning failure was assessed via a receiver operating curve analysis. ResultsThe feasibility rate for the ultrasound measurements was 63%. Mean values of MDE were significantly higher in patients who succeeded at their first weaning attempt (4.1±2.1 versus 3±1.8cm, P=0.04). Using a threshold of MDE≤2.7cm, the sensitivity and specificity of diaphragmatic ultrasound in predicting weaning failure were 59% [39–77%] and 71% [57–82%] with an AUC at 0.65 [0.51–0.78]. There was no significant difference between MDE values and MRC scores for predicting weaning failure (P=0.73). ConclusionA decrease in MDE values may be associated with an unfavourable weaning outcome. Diaphragmatic excursion measured by ultrasound is however unable by itself to predict weaning failure at the bedside of patients undergoing a first spontaneous breathing trial and does not provide any additional value compared to the MRC score.

Man in the bubble

A 46-year-old man, with history of asthma without regular medication, presented with persistent dyspnoea and wheezes. He received endotracheal intubation with conventional ventilator support for acute respiratory failure with severe...