Seguimiento de niños con diagnóstico de asma grave antes y durante la pandemia por COVID-19 / Follow-up of children diagnosed with severe asthma before and during the COVID-19 pandemic

En la pandemia por COVID-19 se exploraron estrategias de atención para garantizar el seguimiento de niños con asma grave. Estudio prospectivo, observacional, comparativo. Se incluyeron pacientes del programa de asma grave de un hospital pediátrico de tercer nivel (n 74). Se evaluó el grado de control, exacerbaciones y hospitalizaciones durante un período presencial (PP), marzo 2019-2020, y uno virtual (PV), abril 2020-2021. En el PP, se incluyeron 74 pacientes vs. 68 (92 %) del PV. En el PP, el 68 % (46) de los pacientes presentaron exacerbaciones vs. el 46 % (31) de los pacientes en el PV (p 0,003). En el PP, se registraron 135 exacerbaciones totales vs. 79 en el PV (p 0,001); hubo una reducción del 41 %. En el PP, el 47 % (32) de los pacientes tuvieron exacerbaciones graves vs. el 32 % (22) de los pacientes en el PV (p 0,048). Hubo 91 exacerbaciones graves en el PP vs. 49 en el PV (p 0,029), reducción del 46 %. No hubo diferencias en las hospitalizaciones (PP 10, PV 6; p 0,9). La telemedicina fue efectiva para el seguimiento de pacientes con asma grave

During the COVID-19 pandemic, health care strategies were explored to ensure the follow-up of children with severe asthma. This was a prospective, observational, and comparative study. Patients in the severe asthma program of a tertiary care children's hospital were included (n: 74). The extent of control, exacerbations, and hospitalizations during an in-person period (IPP) (March 2019­2020) and an online period (OP) (April 2020­2021) was assessed. A total of 74 patients were enrolled in the IPP compared to 68 (92%) in the OP. During the IPP, 68% (46) of patients had exacerbations versus 46% (31) during the OP (p = 0.003). During the IPP, 135 total exacerbations were recorded compared to 79 during the OP (p = 0.001); this accounted for a 41% reduction. During the IPP, 47% (32) of patients had severe exacerbations versus 32% (22) during the OP (p = 0.048). A total of 91 severe exacerbations were recorded during the IPP compared to 49 during the OP (p = 0.029); the reduction was 46%. No differences were observed in terms of hospitalization (IPP: 10, OP: 6; p = 0,9). Telemedicine was effective for the follow-up of patients with severe asthma.

Follow-up of children diagnosed with severe asthma before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. / Seguimiento de niños con diagnóstico de asma grave antes y durante la pandemia por COVID-19.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, health care strategies were explored to ensure the follow-up of children with severe asthma. This was a prospective, observational, and comparative study. Patients in the severe asthma program of a tertiary care children's hospital were included (n: 74). The extent of control, exacerbations, and hospitalizations during an in-person period (IPP) (March 2019-2020) and an online period (OP) (April 2020-2021) was assessed. A total of 74 patients were enrolled in the IPP compared to 68 (92%) in the OP. During the IPP, 68% (46) of patients had exacerbations versus 46% (31) during the OP (p = 0.003). During the IPP, 135 total exacerbations were recorded compared to 79 during the OP (p = 0.001); this accounted for a 41% reduction. During the IPP, 47% (32) of patients had severe exacerbations versus 32% (22) during the OP (p = 0.048). A total of 91 severe exacerbations were recorded during the IPP compared to 49 during the OP (p = 0.029); the reduction was 46%. No differences were observed in terms of hospitalization (IPP: 10, OP: 6; p = 0,9). Telemedicine was effective for the follow-up of patients with severe asthma.

En la pandemia por COVID-19 se exploraron estrategias de atención para garantizar el seguimiento de niños con asma grave. Estudio prospectivo, observacional, comparativo. Se incluyeron pacientes del programa de asma grave de un hospital pediátrico de tercer nivel (n 74). Se evaluó el grado de control, exacerbaciones y hospitalizaciones durante un período presencial (PP), marzo 2019-2020, y uno virtual (PV), abril 2020-2021. En el PP, se incluyeron 74 pacientes vs. 68 (92 %) del PV. En el PP, el 68 % (46) de los pacientes presentaron exacerbaciones vs. el 46 % (31) de los pacientes en el PV (p 0,003). En el PP, se registraron 135 exacerbaciones totales vs. 79 en el PV (p 0,001); hubo una reducción del 41 %. En el PP, el 47 % (32) de los pacientes tuvieron exacerbaciones graves vs. el 32 % (22) de los pacientes en el PV (p 0,048). Hubo 91 exacerbaciones graves en el PP vs. 49 en el PV (p 0,029), reducción del 46 %. No hubo diferencias en las hospitalizaciones (PP 10, PV 6; p 0,9). La telemedicina fue efectiva para el seguimiento de pacientes con asma grave.

Clinical Utility of SARS-CoV-2 Antibody Titer Multiplied by Binding Avidity of Receptor-Binding Domain (RBD) in Monitoring Protective Immunity and Clinical Severity.

Conventional serum antibody titer, which expresses antibody level, does not provide antigen binding avidity of the variable region of the antibody, which is essential for the defense response to infection. Here, we quantified anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibody binding avidity to the receptor-binding domain (RBD) by competitive binding-inhibition activity (IC50) between SARS-CoV-2 S1 antigen immobilized on the DCP microarray and various RBD doses added to serum and expressed as 1/IC50 nM. The binding avidity analyzed under equilibrium conditions of antigen-antibody binding reaction is different from the avidity index measured with the chaotropic agent, such as urea, under nonequilibrium and short-time conditions. Quantitative determination of the infection-protection potential of antibodies was assessed by ABAT (antigen binding avidity antibody titer), which was calculated by the quantity (level) × quality (binding avidity) of antibodies. The binding avidity correlated strongly (r = 0.811) with cell-based virus-neutralizing activity. Maturation of the protective antibody induced by repeated vaccinations or SARS-CoV-2 infection was classified into three categories of ABAT, such as an initial, low, and high ABAT. Antibody maturity correlated with the clinical severity of COVID-19. Once a mature high binding avidity was achieved, it was maintained for at least 6-8 months regardless of the subsequent change in the antibody levels.

Effectiveness of the Patient's Severity Classification Competency Promotion Virtual Reality Program of Nursing Students during the COVID-19 Pandemic Period.

The purpose of this study was to develop a virtual reality-based nursing education program aimed at improving nursing students' severity classification competency. Severity classification in the emergency room is key to improving the efficiency of emergency room services worldwide. Prioritizing treatment based on correctly identifying the severity of a disease or an injury also ensures patients' safety. The five actual clinical scenarios in the program helped to promptly classify patients into five clinical situations based on the 2021 Korean Emergency Patient Classification Tool. Seventeen nursing students were in an experimental group that had access to a virtual reality-based simulation combined with clinical practice. Seventeen nursing students were in a control group that only participated in routine clinical practice. The virtual reality-based nursing education program effectively improved students' severity classification competency, performance confidence, and clinical decision-making ability. Although the pandemic continues, the virtual reality-based nursing education program provides realistic indirect experiences to nursing students in situations where clinical nursing practice is not possible. In particular, it will serve as basic data for the expansion and utilization strategy of virtual reality-based nursing education programs to improve nursing capabilities.

The association between nurse staffing level and length of stay in general ward and intensive care unit in Korea.

BACKGROUND: Although many studies investigating the relationship between nurse staffing and quality of care have been published, the appropriate nurse-to-patient ratio with patient severity considered remains poorly understood. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of nurse staffing levels on length of stay (LOS) in the intensive care unit (ICU) and general ward. METHODS: This study used a retrospective cohort study. The nurse staffing level was classified into nine grades for ICU based on a nurse-to-bed ratio, and eight grades for general wards based on a nurse-to-patient ratio. A generalized estimating equation model was used to evaluate the associations between the nurse staffing level and LOS. Subgroup analysis was conducted to assess these associations according to patient nursing needs at each hospital type. RESULTS: This study included 13,135 ICU patients and 263,818 patients admitted to the general ward. In the ICU, the level of nurse staffing (based on the nurse-to-bed ratio) in grade 4 and above (grade 2: <0.63, grade 3: <0.77, grade 4: <0.88) was significantly associated with reduced LOS compared to grade 7 (<1.25). In the general ward, the level of nurse staffing in grade 4 and above was linked to reduced LOS compared to grade 7. CONCLUSION: The results of this study show that an appropriate nurse-to-patient ratio is associated with a shorter LOS. In particular, hospitals with a higher proportion of severely ill patients require a larger staff of nurses, making it necessary to develop standards for determining nurse staffing level with patient severity taken into account.

Análise do grau de dependência de cuidados de enfermagem em uma unidade de recuperação pós-anestésica / Análisis del grado de dependencia de los cuidados de enfermería en una unidad de recuperación post anestesia / Analysis of the degree of dependence of nursing care in a post-anesthetic recovery unit

Resumo O objetivo desta pesquisa foi analisar o grau de dependência de pacientes em uma Unidade de Recuperação Pós-Anestésica, comparando as necessidades de cuidados de enfermagem. Trata-se de um estudo quantitativo, transversal e descritivo. Dois instrumentos validados foram utilizados para classificar os pacientes de acordo com o grau de dependência e o índice Kappa para avaliar a concordância entre os instrumentos. Verificou-se uma prevalência na população masculina de 45 (64,3%), a especialidade médica mais atendida foi a neurocirurgia com 48 (68,6%). 65 pacientes (92,9%) foram geralmente classificados como graves e 59 (84%) a 60 (86%) que necessitaram de cuidados intensivos de enfermagem de acordo com os instrumentos que avaliam o grau de dependência. Conclui-se que o aumento da necessidade de cuidados depende inteiramente da gravidade do paciente e pode-se verificar que a faixa etária e os procedimentos invasivos realizados são variáveis que envolvem diretamente os cuidados prestados, uma vez que esses fatores contribuem diretamente para o aumento da o grau de dependência e duração da permanência no serviço de saúde.

Abstract The objective of this research was to analyze the degree of dependence of patients in a Post Anesthesia Recovery Unit comparing nursing care needs. It is a quantitative, cross-sectional and descriptive study. Two validated instruments were used to classify patients according to the degree of dependence, and the Kappa index was used to assess the agreement between the instruments. It was found that there is a prevalence of the male population of 45 (64.3%), the most attended medical specialty was neurosurgery with 48 (68.6%). 65 patients (92.9%) were generally classified as serious and 59 (84%) to 60 (86%) who required intensive nursing care according to the instruments that assess the degree of dependence. It is concluded that the increase in the need for care depends entirely on the severity of the patient, and it can be verified that the age group and the invasive procedures performed are variables that directly involve the care provided since these factors contribute directly to the increase in the degree of dependence and duration of stay in the health service.

Resumen El objetivo de esta investigación fue analizar el grado de dependencia de los pacientes en una Unidad de Recuperación Post anestesia comparando las necesidades de atención de enfermería. Es un estudio cuantitativo, transversal y descriptivo. Se utilizaron dos instrumentos validados para clasificar a los pacientes según el grado de dependencia, y se utilizó el índice Kappa para evaluar el acuerdo entre los instrumentos. Se encontró que hay una prevalencia de la población masculina de 45 (64.3%), la especialidad médica más atendida fue la neurocirugía con 48 (68.6%). 65 pacientes (92,9%) estaban en general clasificados como graves y 59 (84%) a 60 (86%) que requerían atención de enfermería intensiva según los instrumentos que evalúan el grado de dependencia. Se concluye que el aumento en la necesidad de atención depende totalmente de la gravedad del paciente, y se puede verificar que el grupo de edad y los procedimientos invasivos realizados son variables que implican directamente la atención brindada, ya que estos factores contribuyen directamente al aumento en el grado de dependencia y duración de la estancia en el servicio de salud.

Poder preditivo de uma escala de alerta precoce para deterioração clínica de pacientes críticos / Poder predictivo de una escala de alerta precoz para el deterioro clínico de pacientes críticos / Predictive power of an early warning scale for clinical deterioration of critically ill patients

Objetivo: avaliar o poder preditivo de uma escala de alerta precoce modificada para identificação de deterioração clínica em pacientes críticos. Método: estudo descritivo, quantitativo, em hospital de ensino, com 214 indivíduos na unidade de terapia intensiva, por meio de revisão dos prontuários, de março a dezembro de 2018. Resultados: o tempo médio de permanência foi de 10,42 dias e as doenças respiratórias consideradas a principal causa de admissão. Dentre a população estudada, 136 (63,6%) obtiveram alta e 78 (36,4%) foram a óbito. Dos 78 pacientes (36,4%), a média do escore da escala de alerta precoce para deterioração na admissão foi de 3,410 e a média que antecedeu o óbito foi de 5,000. Conclusão: considerou-se a escala de alerta precoce utilizada neste estudo, um instrumento fidedigno para identificação da deterioração clínica, recomendando-a para prevenção de parada cardiorrespiratória em adultos no ambiente hospitalar.

To evaluate the predictive power of a modified early warning scale to identify clinical deterioration in critically ill patients. Method: a descriptive, quantitative study in a teaching hospital with 214 individuals in the intensive care unit, through medical records review, from March to December 2018. Results: the average length of stay was 10.42 days and the respiratory diseases considered the main cause of admission. Among the population studied, 136 (63.6%) were discharged and 78 (36.4%) died. Of the 78 patients (36.4%), the mean early warning scale score for admission deterioration was 3.410 and the mean before death was 5,000. Conclusion: the early warning scale used in this study was considered a reliable instrument to identify clinical deterioration, recommending it for the prevention of cardiorespiratory arrest in adults in the hospital environment.

Objetivo: evaluar el poder predictivo de una escala de alerta temprana modificada para identificar el deterioro clínico en pacientes críticos. Método: estudio descriptivo y cuantitativo en un hospital universitario con 214 personas en la unidad de cuidados intensivos, por revisión de registros médicos, de marzo a diciembre de 2018. Resultados: la duración promedio de la estadía fue de 10.42 días y el enfermedades respiratorias consideradas principal causa de ingreso. Entre la población estudiada, 136 (63.6%) fueron dados de alta y 78 (36.4%) murieron. De los 78 pacientes (36,4%), la puntuación media de la escala de advertencia temprana para el deterioro de la admisión fue de 3.410 y la media antes de la muerte fue de 5.000. Conclusión: la escala de alerta utilizada en este estudio se consideró un instrumento confiable para identificar el deterioro clínico, recomendándolo para la prevención del paro cardiorrespiratorio en adultos en el entorno hospitalario.

Análisis estadístico implicativo en la determinación de factores pronósticos del estado nutricional del paciente grave al egreso / Statistical analysis involving the determination of prognosis factors for the nutritional state of the severely ill patient at discharge

Se realizó un estudio de casos y controles, no balanceado, anidados en una cohorte, de pacientes atendidos en la Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos e Intermedios del Hospital Provincial Docente Clinicoquirúrgico Saturnino Lora Torres de Santiago de Cuba, con la doble finalidad de identificar los factores pronósticos que incidieron en el estado nutricional al egreso de estos y además evaluar la utilidad del análisis estadístico implicativo en la identificación de dichos factores. En el procesamiento de los datos se emplearon dos técnicas: la regresión logística, con la cual se identificaron como factores de mal pronóstico la ventilación mecánica, la infección intrahospitalaria, el tratamiento quirúrgico y la estadía prolongada; y el análisis estadístico implicativo, con el que se detectaron el estado nutricional al ingreso, la infección intrahospitalaria, la ventilación mecánica y la estadía prolongada. El análisis estadístico implicativo mostró mayor probabilidad de identificar factores pronósticos, con buenos resultados en los indicadores de eficacia estimados

An unbalanced cases and control study, nested in a cohort, of patients assisted in the Intensive and Intermediate Care Unit of Saturnine Lora Torres Teaching Provincial Clinical Surgical Hospital in Santiago de Cuba was carried out, with the double purpose of identifying the prognosis factors that impacted in the nutritional state at their discharge and also to evaluate the usefulness of the statistical analysis for the identification of these factors. In the processing of data two techniques were used: the logistical regression analysis, with which the mechanical ventilation, the intrahospital infection, the surgical treatment and the prolonged stay were identified as bad prognosis factors; and the statistical analysis, with which the nutritional state at admission, the intrahospital infection, the mechanical ventilation and the prolonged stay were detected. The statistical analysis showed a higher probability of identifying prognosis factors, with good results in the effectiveness calculated indicators

Severity and workload related to adverse events in the ICU / Gravedad y carga de trabajo relacionadas a eventos adversos en UTI / Gravidade e carga de trabalho relacionadas a eventos adversos em UTI

ABSTRACT Objective: To analyze whether an increase in patient severity and nursing workload are correlated to a greater incidence of adverse events (AEs) in critical patients. Method: A prospective single cohort study was performed on a sample of 138 patients hospitalized in an intensive care unit (ICU). Results: A total of 166 AEs, occurred, affecting 50.7% of the patients. Increased patient severity presented a direct relationship to the probability of AEs occurring. However, nursing workload did not present a statistically significant relationship with the occurrence of AEs. Conclusion: The results cast light on the importance of using evaluation tools by the nursing personnel in order to optimize their daily activities and focus on patient safety.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Analizar si el aumento de la gravedad del paciente y la carga de trabajo de enfermería está relacionada con mayor incidencia de Eventos Adversos (EAs) en pacientes críticos. Método: Estudio de cohorte única, prospectivo, con muestra de 138 pacientes internados en una Unidad de Terapia Intensiva (UTI). Resultados: En total, fueron evidenciados 166 EAs, incidiendo sobre 50,7% de los pacientes. El aumento de la gravedad del paciente mostró relación directa con la posibilidad de ocurrencia de EAs. Sin embargo, la carga de trabajo de enfermería no demostró relación estadísticamente significativa en la ocurrencia de EAs. Conclusión: Los resultados permiten reflexionar sobre la importancia del equipo de enfermería, en utilizar instrumentos de evaluación, con el objeto de mejorar y planificar sus acciones diarias, enfocándose en la seguridad del paciente.

RESUMO Objetivo: Analisar se o aumento da gravidade do paciente e a carga de trabalho de enfermagem está relacionado à maior incidência de Eventos Adversos (EAs) em pacientes críticos. Método: Estudo de coorte única, prospectivo, com amostra de 138 pacientes internados em uma Unidade de Terapia Intensiva (UTI). Resultados: Ao todo, foram evidenciados 166 EAs, que acometeram 50,7% dos pacientes. O aumento da gravidade do paciente apresentou relação direta com a chance de ocorrência de EAs. Entretanto, a carga de trabalho de enfermagem não apresentou relação estatisticamente significativa, na ocorrência de EAs. Conclusão: Os resultados permitem refletir acerca da importância da equipe de enfermagem, em utilizar instrumentos de avaliação, com o objetivo de melhorar e planejar suas ações diárias, com foco na segurança do paciente.

Ocorrências iatrogênicas um unidades de terapia intensiva: impacto na gravidade do paciente e na carga de trabalho de enfermagem / Iatrogenic occurrences at the Intensive Care Unit: impact on the patient's severity and on the nursing workload

Trata-se de um estudo exploratório-descritivo que teve como objetivos caracterizar as ocorrências iatrogênicas e avaliar seu impacto nas condições clínicas dos pacientes e na carga de trabalho de enfermagem em Unidade de Terapia Intensiva (UTI). Os dados foram coletados prospectivamente, durante um período de três meses, em duas UTIs gerais de um hospital do Município de São Paulo, utilizando-se uma Ficha para o registro das ocorrências. A gravidade do paciente e a carga de trabalho de enfermagem foram avaliadas, respectivamente, por meio do Simplified Acute Physiology Score (SAPS II) e Therapeutic Intervention Scoring System-28 (TISS-28). A população do estudo foi constituída de 212 pacientes, dos quais 47 (22,0%) foram vítimas de 80 ocorrências iatrogênicas durante a permanência na UTI. Dos pacientes vítimas, 57,0% sofreram uma ocorrência, 28,0% duas e 15,0% três ou quatro ocorrências. Em relação ao tipo de evento, constatou-se que 27,0% foram relacionados à úlcera de pressão, seguidos de 24,0% e 20,0% respectivamente, referentes ao manuseio da cânula orotraqueal e dos cateteres sanguíneos. Os demais ocorreram durante a administração de medicamentos (13,0%), cuidados com sondas (10,0%), drenos (5,0%) e manuseio de equipamentos (1,0%). Não foram encontradas ocorrências relacionadas à infra-estrutura. Quanto ao impacto das ocorrências na gravidade dos pacientes e na carga de trabalho de enfermagem, verificou-se que, não houve diferença estatisticamente significante na média das pontuações SAPS II e TISS-28 dos pacientes vítimas e não vítimas de ocorrências, durante à admissão na UTI. Já quando se comparou a gravidade e a carga de trabalho de enfermagem dos pacientes vítimas, antes e após o evento, constatou-se diferença apenas na média de pontuação do TISS-28 (p<0,001). Referente a essa análise com os distintos tipos de ocorrências, encontrou-se diferença estatisticamente significante tanto da pontuação SAPS ) II (p<0,042) como do TISS-28 (p<0,001) nas ocorrências relacionadas ao manuseio de cânula orotraqueal. Os resultados desta investigação reiteram a necessidade de investimentos na capacitação dos profissionais que atuam com o paciente crítico como principal medida para uma assistência de enfermagem segura e com qualidade na UTI.

This descriptive exploratory study had the objectives to characterize the iatrogenic occurrences and to evaluate its impact on clinical conditions of the patients and on the nursing workload at the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Data were prospectively collected during a three-month period, in two general ICU of a hospital in the city of São Paulo, using a file card to record the occurrences. Patient's severity and nursing workload were evaluated respectively, by means of the Simplified Acute Physiology Score (SAPS II) and the Therapeutic Intervention Scoring System-28 (TISS-28). The population of the study consisted of 212 patients, of which 47 (22.0%) were victims of 80 iatrogenic occurrences during their stay at the ICU. Among the victim patients, 57% suffered one occurrence, 28.0% two and 15.0% three or four occurrences. Regarding type of event, 27.0% were related to pressure ulcer, followed by 24.0% and 20.0% respectively, regarding handling of the orotracheal cannula and two blood catheters. The others, occurred during administration of medicaments (13.0%), care with probes (10.0%) drains (5.0%) and handling of equipment (1.0%). Occurrences related to substructure were not found. Regarding impact of occurrences on the patient's severity and on the nursing workload, no statistically significant difference was found in the mean between the SAPSII and TISS-28 scores of victim and non-victim patients of occurrences, during admission at the ICU. When comparing severity and nursing workload in victim patients, before and after the event, a difference was observed only in the mean scores of the TISS-28 (p<0.001). Regarding this analysis with the different types of occurrences, a statistically significant difference was found both in the SAPS II (p<0.042) and TISS-28 (p<0.001) scores in the occurrences regarding handling of the orotracheal cannula. The results of this investigation reinforce the need of investments to qualify professionals to work with the critical patients as a major measurement for a safety nursing assistance and quality at the ICU.