Noninvasive ventilation for patients with hypoxemic acute respiratory failure.

Noninvasive ventilation (NIV) has an established efficacy to improve gas exchange and reduce the work of breathing in patients with hypoxemic acute respiratory failure. The clinical efficacy in terms of meaningful outcome is less clear and depends very much on patient selection and assessment of the risks of the technique. The potential risks include an insufficient reduction of the oxygen consumption of the respiratory muscles in case of shock, an excessive increase in tidal volume in case of lung injury, and a risk of delayed or emergent intubation. With a careful selection of patients and a rapid decision regarding the need for intubation in case of failure, great benefits can be offered to patients. Emerging indications include its use in patients with treatment limitations, in the postoperative period, and in patients with immunosuppression. This last indication will necessitate reappraisal because the prognosis of the conditions associated with immunosuppression has improved over the years. In all cases, there is both a time window and a severity window for NIV to work, after which delaying endotracheal intubation may worsen outcome. The preventive use of NIV seems promising in this setting but needs more research. An emerging interesting new option is the use of high flow humidified oxygen, which seems to be intermediate between oxygen alone and NIV.

A new physiological manikin to test and compare ventilation devices during cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

Background: There is a lack of bench systems permitting to evaluate ventilation devices in the specific context of cardiac arrest. Objectives: The objective of the study is to assess if a new physiological manikin may permit to evaluate the performances of medical devices dedicated to ventilation during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Methods: Specific CPR-related features required to reproduce realistic ventilation were implemented into the SAM (Sarthe Anjou Mayenne) manikin. In the first place, the manikin ability to mimic ventilation during CPR was assessed and compared to real-life tracings of airway pressure, flow and capnogram from three out of hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) patients. In addition, to illustrate the interest of this manikin, ventilation was evaluated during mechanical continuous chest compressions with two devices dedicated to CPR: the Boussignac cardiac arrest device (B-card - Vygon; Ecouen France) and the Impedance Threshold Device (ITD - Zoll; Chelmsford, MA). Results: The SAM manikin enabled precise replication of ventilation tracings as observed in three OHCA patients during CPR, and it allowed for comparison between two distinct ventilation devices. B-card generated a mean, maximum and minimum intrathoracic pressure of 6.3 (±0.1) cmH2O, 18.9 (±1.1) cmH2O and -0.3 (±0.2) cmH2O respectively; while ITD generated a mean, maximum and minimum intrathoracic pressure of -1.6 (±0.0) cmH2O, 5.7 (±0.1) cmH2O and -4.8 (±0.1) cmH2O respectively during CPR. B-card allowed to increase passive ventilation compared to the ITD which resulted in a dramatic limitation of passive ventilation. Conclusion: The SAM manikin is an innovative model integrating specific physiological features that permit to accurately evaluate and compare ventilation devices during CPR.

Nonconventional ventilation techniques.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Mechanical ventilation is one of the most important life support tools in the ICU, but it may also be harmful by causing ventilator-induced lung injury (VILI) and other deleterious effects. Advances in ventilator technology have allowed the introduction of numerous ventilator modes in an effort to improve gas exchange, reduce the risk of VILI, and finally improve outcome. In this review, we will summarize the studies evaluating some of the nonconventional ventilation techniques and discuss their possible use in clinical practice. RECENT FINDINGS: Proportional assist ventilation and neurally adjusted ventilator assist are able to improve patient-ventilator synchrony, possibly sleep, and may be better tolerated than pressure support ventilation; both integrate the physiological concept of respiratory variability like noisy ventilation. Experimental or short-term clinical studies have shown physiological benefits with the application of biphasic pressure modes. Some of the automated weaning algorithms may reduce time spent on ventilator and decrease ICU stay, especially in a busy environment. SUMMARY: Apart from the physiological and clinical attractiveness demonstrated in animals and small human studies, most of the nonconventional ventilator modes must prove their clinical benefits in large prospective trials before being applied in daily clinical practice.

[Cardiopulmonary resuscitation: risks and benefits of ventilation]. / Réanimation cardio-pulmonaire: risques et importance de la ventilation.

Knowledge of the physiological mechanisms that govern cardiopulmonary interactions during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) allows to better assess risks and benefits of ventilation. Ventilation is required to maintain gas exchange, particularly when CPR is prolonged. Nevertheless, conventional ventilation (bag mask or mechanical ventilation) may be harmful when excessive or when chest compressions are interrupted. In fact large tidal volume and/or rapid respiratory rate may adversely compromise hemodynamic effects of chest compressions. In this regard, international recommendations that give the priority to chest compressions, are meaningful. Continuous flow insufflation with oxygen that generates a moderate positive airway pressure avoids any interruption of chest compressions and prevents the risk of lung injury associated with prolonged resuscitation.

COVID-19-associated coagulopathy and acute kidney injury in critically ill patients.

OBJECTIVE: The incidence of thrombotic events and acute kidney injury is high in critically ill patients with COVID-19. We aimed to evaluate and compare the coagulation profiles of patients with COVID-19 developing acute kidney injury versus those who did not, during their intensive care unit stay. METHODS: Conventional coagulation and platelet function tests, fibrinolysis, endogenous inhibitors of coagulation tests, and rotational thromboelastometry were conducted on days 0, 1, 3, 7, and 14 following intensive care unit admission. RESULTS: Out of 30 patients included, 13 (43.4%) met the criteria for acute kidney injury. Comparing both groups, patients with acute kidney injury were older: 73 (60-84) versus 54 (47-64) years, p=0.027, and had a lower baseline glomerular filtration rate: 70 (51-81) versus 93 (83-106) mL/min/1.73m2, p=0.004. On day 1, D-dimer and fibrinogen levels were elevated but similar between groups: 1780 (1319-5517) versus 1794 (726-2324) ng/mL, p=0.145 and 608 (550-700) versus 642 (469-722) g/dL, p=0.95, respectively. Rotational thromboelastometry data were also similar between groups. However, antithrombin activity and protein C levels were lower in patients who developed acute kidney injury: 82 (75-92) versus 98 (90-116), p=0.028 and 70 (52-82) versus 88 (78-101) µ/mL, p=0.038, respectively. Mean protein C levels were lower in the group with acute kidney injury across multiple time points during their stay in the intensive care unit. CONCLUSION: Critically ill patients experiencing acute kidney injury exhibited lower endogenous anticoagulant levels. Further studies are needed to understand the role of natural anticoagulants in the pathophysiology of acute kidney injury within this population.

Use of bedside echocardiography in the care of critically ill patients - a joint consensus document of the Associação de Medicina Intensiva Brasileira, Associação Brasileira de Medicina de Emergência, and Sociedade Brasileira de Medicina Hospitalar. Part 1 - Competence in bedside echocardiography.

The use of echocardiography by physicians who are not echocardiographers has become common throughout the world across highly diverse settings where the care of acutely ill patients is provided. Echocardiographic evaluation performed in a point-of-care manner can provide relevant information regarding the mechanism of causes of shock, for example, increasing the rates of correct diagnosis and allowing for faster informed decision-making than through evaluation methods. Considering that the accurate diagnosis of life-threatening situations is essential for professionals working with acutely ill patients, several international associations recommend that physicians responsible for critically ill patients acquire and develop the ability to perform bedside ultrasound examinations, including echocardiographic examinations. However, there is no consensus in the literature regarding which specific applications should be included in the list of skills for nonechocardiographer physicians. Taking into account the multiplicity of applications of echocardiography in different scenarios related to acutely ill patients; the differences in the published protocols, with regard to both the teaching methodology and competence verification; and the heterogeneity of training among highly diverse specialties responsible for their care at different levels, this consensus document aimed to reflect the position of representatives of related Brazilian medical societies on the subject and may thus serve as a starting point both for standardization among different specialties and for the transmission of knowledge and verification of the corresponding competencies.

The use of bedside echocardiography in the care of critically ill patients - a joint consensus document of the Associação de Medicina Intensiva Brasileira, Associação Brasileira de Medicina de Emergência and Sociedade Brasileira de Medicina Hospitalar. Part 2 - Technical aspects.

Echocardiography in critically ill patients has become essential in the evaluation of patients in different settings, such as the hospital. However, unlike for other matters related to the care of these patients, there are still no recommendations from national medical societies on the subject. The objective of this document was to organize and make available expert consensus opinions that may help to better incorporate echocardiography in the evaluation of critically ill patients. Thus, the Associação de Medicina Intensiva Brasileira, the Associação Brasileira de Medicina de Emergência, and the Sociedade Brasileira de Medicina Hospitalar formed a group of 17 physicians to formulate questions relevant to the topic and discuss the possibility of consensus for each of them. All questions were prepared using a five-point Likert scale. Consensus was defined a priori as at least 80% of the responses between one and two or between four and five. The consideration of the issues involved two rounds of voting and debate among all participants. The 27 questions prepared make up the present document and are divided into 4 major assessment areas: left ventricular function, right ventricular function, diagnosis of shock, and hemodynamics. At the end of the process, there were 17 positive (agreement) and 3 negative (disagreement) consensuses; another 7 questions remained without consensus. Although areas of uncertainty persist, this document brings together consensus opinions on several issues related to echocardiography in critically ill patients and may enhance its development in the national scenario.

Clinical characteristics and outcomes of patients with COVID-19 admitted to the intensive care unit during the first and second waves of the pandemic in Brazil: a single-center retrospective cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: To describe and compare the clinical characteristics and outcomes of patients admitted to intensive care units during the first and second waves of the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: In this retrospective single-center cohort study, data were retrieved from the Epimed Monitor System; all adult patients admitted to the intensive care unit between March 4, 2020, and October 1, 2021, were included in the study. We compared the clinical characteristics and outcomes of patients admitted to the intensive care unit of a quaternary private hospital in São Paulo, Brazil, during the first (May 1, 2020, to August 31, 2020) and second (March 1, 2021, to June 30, 2021) waves of the COVID-19 pandemic. RESULTS: In total, 1,427 patients with COVID-19 were admitted to the intensive care unit during the first (421 patients) and second (1,006 patients) waves. Compared with the first wave group [median (IQR)], the second wave group was younger [57 (46-70) versus 67 (52-80) years; p<0.001], had a lower SAPS 3 Score [45 (42-52) versus 49 (43-57); p<0.001], lower SOFA Score on intensive care unit admission [3 (1-6) versus 4 (2-6); p=0.018], lower Charlson Comorbidity Index [0 (0-1) versus 1 (0-2); p<0.001], and were less frequently frail (10.4% versus 18.1%; p<0.001). The second wave group used more noninvasive ventilation (81.3% versus 53.4%; p<0.001) and high-flow nasal cannula (63.2% versus 23.0%; p<0.001) during their intensive care unit stay. The intensive care unit (11.3% versus 10.5%; p=0.696) and in-hospital mortality (12.3% versus 12.1%; p=0.998) rates did not differ between both waves. CONCLUSION: In the first and second waves, patients with severe COVID-19 exhibited similar mortality rates and need for invasive organ support, despite the second wave group being younger and less severely ill at the time of intensive care unit admission.

A nationwide survey on health resources and clinical practices during the early COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil. / Estudo nacional sobre recursos da saúde e práticas clínicas durante o início da pandemia da COVID-19 no Brasil.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate clinical practices and hospital resource organization during the early COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil. METHODS: This was a multicenter, cross-sectional survey. An electronic questionnaire was provided to emergency department and intensive care unit physicians attending COVID-19 patients. The survey comprised four domains: characteristics of the participants, clinical practices, COVID-19 treatment protocols and hospital resource organization. RESULTS: Between May and June 2020, 284 participants [median (interquartile ranges) age 39 (33 - 47) years, 56.3% men] responded to the survey; 33% were intensivists, and 9% were emergency medicine specialists. Half of the respondents worked in public hospitals. Noninvasive ventilation (89% versus 73%; p = 0.001) and highflow nasal cannula (49% versus 32%; p = 0.005) were reported to be more commonly available in private hospitals than in public hospitals. Mechanical ventilation was more commonly used in public hospitals than private hospitals (70% versus 50%; p = 0,024). In the Emergency Departments, positive endexpiratory pressure was most commonly adjusted according to SpO2, while in the intensive care units, positive end-expiratory pressure was adjusted according to the best lung compliance. In the Emergency Departments, 25% of the respondents did not know how to set positive end-expiratory pressure. Compared to private hospitals, public hospitals had a lower availability of protocols for personal protection equipment during tracheal intubation (82% versus 94%; p = 0.005), managing mechanical ventilation [64% versus 75%; p = 0.006] and weaning patients from mechanical ventilation [34% versus 54%; p = 0.002]. Finally, patients spent less time in the emergency department before being transferred to the intensive care unit in private hospitals than in public hospitals [2 (1 - 3) versus 5 (2 - 24) hours; p < 0.001]. CONCLUSION: This survey revealed significant heterogeneity in the organization of hospital resources, clinical practices and treatments among physicians during the early COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar as práticas clínicas e a organização dos recursos hospitalares durante o início da pandemia da COVID-19 no Brasil. METÓDOS: Foi realizado um estudo transversal multicêntrico. Um questionário on-line foi disponibilizado a médicos dos serviços de emergência e das unidades de terapia intensiva que atendiam pacientes com COVID-19. O questionário contemplava quatro aspectos: perfil dos participantes, práticas clínicas, protocolos de tratamento da COVID-19 e organização dos recursos hospitalares. RESULTADOS: Entre maio e junho de 2020, 284 participantes (56,3% homens), com idade mediana de 39 (intervalo interquartil de 33 - 47), responderam ao questionário; 33% eram intensivistas e 9% eram especialistas em medicina de emergência. Metade dos respondentes trabalhava em hospitais públicos. Verificou-se que a ventilação não invasiva (89% versus 73%; p = 0,001) e a cânula nasal de alto fluxo (49% versus 32%; p = 0,005) encontravam-se mais frequentemente disponíveis em hospitais privados do que nos públicos. A ventilação mecânica foi mais frequentemente utilizada em hospitais públicos do que em privados (70% versus 50%; p = 0,024). Nos serviços de emergência, a pressão positiva expiratória final foi mais frequentemente ajustada de acordo com a saturação de oxigênio, enquanto nas unidades de terapia intensiva, a pressão positiva expiratória final foi ajustada de acordo com a melhor complacência pulmonar. Nos serviços de emergência, 25% dos respondentes não sabiam como ajustar a pressão positiva expiratória final. Comparativamente aos hospitais privados, os hospitais públicos tiveram menor disponibilidade de protocolos para Equipamentos de Proteção Individual durante a intubação traqueal (82% versus 94%; p = 0,005), o manejo da ventilação mecânica (64% versus 75%; p = 0,006) e o desmame dos pacientes da ventilação mecânica (34% versus 54%; p = 0,002). Finalmente, os pacientes passaram menos tempo no serviço de emergência antes de serem transferidos à unidade de terapia intensiva em hospitais privados do que em hospitais públicos (idade mediana de 2 (1 - 3) versus idade mediana de 5 (2 - 24) horas; p < 0,001). CONCLUSÃO: Este estudo revelou heterogeneidade considerável entre os médicos em termos de organização dos recursos hospitalares, práticas clínicas e tratamentos durante o início da pandemia da COVID-19 no Brasil.

Ketamine use in critically ill patients: a narrative review. / Uso de cetamina em pacientes críticos: uma revisão narrativa.

Ketamine is unique among anesthetics and analgesics. The drug is a rapid-acting general anesthetic that produces an anesthetic state characterized by profound analgesia, preserved pharyngeal-laryngeal reflexes, normal or slightly enhanced skeletal muscle tone, cardiovascular and respiratory stimulation, and occasionally a transient and minimal respiratory depression. Research has demonstrated the efficacy of its use on anesthesia, pain, palliative care, and intensive care. Recently, it has been used for postoperative and chronic pain, as an adjunct in psychotherapy, as a treatment for depression and posttraumatic stress disorder, as a procedural sedative, and as a treatment for respiratory and/or neurologic clinical conditions. Despite being a safe and widely used drug, many physicians, such as intensivists and those practicing in emergency care, are not aware of the current clinical applications of ketamine. The objective of this narrative literature review is to present the theoretical and practical aspects of clinical applications of ketamine in intensive care unit and emergency department settings.

A cetamina é única entre os anestésicos e analgésicos. A droga é um anestésico geral de ação rápida que produz um estado anestésico caracterizado por analgesia profunda, reflexos faríngeolaríngeos preservados, tônus músculo esquelético normal ou ligeiramente aumentado, estimulação cardiovascular e respiratória e, ocasionalmente, insuficiência respiratória transitória e mínima. Estudos demonstraram a eficácia de seu uso em anestesia, na dor, em cuidados paliativos e em cuidados intensivos. Recentemente, tem sido empregada para dores pós-operatórias e crônicas, como coadjuvante em psicoterapia, como tratamento para depressão e transtorno de estresse pós-traumático, como sedativo para procedimentos cirúrgicos e como tratamento para condições clínicas respiratórias e/ou neurológicas. Apesar de ser um medicamento seguro e amplamente utilizado, muitos médicos, como intensivistas e emergencistas, não estão cientes das aplicações clínicas atuais da cetamina. O objetivo desta revisão bibliográfica narrativa é apresentar aspectos teóricos e práticos das aplicações clínicas da cetamina em ambientes de unidade de terapia intensiva e serviços de emergência.

Clinical characteristics and outcomes of COVID-19 patients admitted to the intensive care unit during the first year of the pandemic in Brazil: a single center retrospective cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: To describe clinical characteristics, resource use, outcomes, and to identify predictors of in-hospital mortality of patients with COVID-19 admitted to the intensive care unit. METHODS: Retrospective single-center cohort study conducted at a private hospital in São Paulo (SP), Brazil. All consecutive adult (≥18 years) patients admitted to the intensive care unit, between March 4, 2020 and February 28, 2021 were included in this study. Patients were categorized between survivors and non-survivors according to hospital discharge. RESULTS: During the study period, 1,296 patients [median (interquartile range) age: 66 (53-77) years] with COVID-19 were admitted to the intensive care unit. Out of those, 170 (13.6%) died at hospital (non-survivors) and 1,078 (86.4%) were discharged (survivors). Compared to survivors, non-survivors were older [80 (70-88) versus 63 (50-74) years; p<0.001], had a higher Simplified Acute Physiology Score 3 [59 (54-66) versus 47 (42-53) points; p<0.001], and presented comorbidities more frequently. During the intensive care unit stay, 56.6% of patients received noninvasive ventilation, 32.9% received mechanical ventilation, 31.3% used high flow nasal cannula, 11.7% received renal replacement therapy, and 1.5% used extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. Independent predictors of in-hospital mortality included age, Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score, Charlson Comorbidity Index, need for mechanical ventilation, high flow nasal cannula, renal replacement therapy, and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support. CONCLUSION: Patients with severe COVID-19 admitted to the intensive care unit exhibited a considerable morbidity and mortality, demanding substantial organ support, and prolonged intensive care unit and hospital stay.

Intensive care unit patients' opinion on enrollment in clinical research: A multicenter survey.

BACKGROUND: In most emergency situations or severe illness, patients are unable to consent for clinical trial enrollment. In such circumstances, the decision about whether to participate in a scientific study or not is made by a legally designated representative. OBJECTIVE: To address the willingness of patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) to be enrolled in a scientific study as volunteers, and to assess the agreement between patients' and their legal representatives' opinion concerning enrollment in a scientific study. METHODS: This survey was conducted in two hospitals in São Paulo, Brazil. Patients (≥18 years) with preserved cognitive functions accompanied by a surrogate admitted to the ICU were eligible for this study. A survey containing 28 questions for patients and 8 questions for surrogates was applied within the first 48h from ICU admission. The survey for patients comprised three sections: demographic characteristics, opinion about participation in clinical research and knowledge about the importance of research. The survey for legal representatives contained two sections: demographic characteristics and assessment of legal representatives' opinion in authorizing patients to be enrolled in research. RESULTS: Between January 2017 and May 2018, 208 pairs of ICU patients and their respective legal representatives answered the survey. Out of 208 ICU patients answering the survey, 73.6% (153/208) were willing to be enrolled in the study as volunteers. Of those patients, 65.1% (97/149) would continue participating in a research even if their legal representative did not support their enrollment. Agreement between patients' and surrogates' opinion concerning participation was poor [Kappa = 0.11 (IC95% -0.02 to 0.25)]. If a consent for study participation had been obtained, 69.1% (103/149) of patients would continue participating in the study until its conclusion, and 23.5% (35/149) would allow researchers to use data collected to date, but would withdraw from the study on that occasion. CONCLUSION: The majority of patients admitted to the ICU were willing to be enrolled in a scientific study as volunteers, also after a deferred informed consent procedure has been used. Nevertheless, contradictory opinions between patients and their and their legal representatives' concerning enrollment in a scientific study were often observed.

Coagulation profile of COVID-19 patients admitted to the ICU: An exploratory study.

BACKGROUND: Coagulation abnormalities in COVID-19 patients have not been addressed in depth. OBJECTIVE: To perform a longitudinal evaluation of coagulation profile of patients admitted to the ICU with COVID-19. METHODS: Conventional coagulation tests, rotational thromboelastometry (ROTEM), platelet function, fibrinolysis, antithrombin, protein C and S were measured at days 0, 1, 3, 7 and 14. Based on median total maximum SOFA score, patients were divided in two groups: SOFA ≤ 10 and SOFA > 10. RESULTS: Thirty patients were studied. Some conventional coagulation tests, as aPTT, PT and INR remained unchanged during the study period, while alterations on others coagulation laboratory tests were detected. Fibrinogen levels were increased in both groups. ROTEM maximum clot firmness increased in both groups from Day 0 to Day 14. Moreover, ROTEM-FIBTEM maximum clot firmness was high in both groups, with a slight decrease from day 0 to day 14 in group SOFA ≤ 10 and a slight increase during the same period in group SOFA > 10. Fibrinolysis was low and decreased over time in all groups, with the most pronounced decrease observed in INTEM maximum lysis in group SOFA > 10. Also, D-dimer plasma levels were higher than normal reference range in both groups and free protein S plasma levels were low in both groups at baseline and increased over time, Finally, patients in group SOFA > 10 had lower plasminogen levels and Protein C ​​than patients with SOFA <10, which may represent less fibrinolysis activity during a state of hypercoagulability. CONCLUSION: COVID-19 patients have a pronounced hypercoagulability state, characterized by impaired endogenous anticoagulation and decreased fibrinolysis. The magnitude of coagulation abnormalities seems to correlate with the severity of organ dysfunction. The hypercoagulability state of COVID-19 patients was not only detected by ROTEM but it much more complex, where changes were observed on the fibrinolytic and endogenous anticoagulation system.

Intensive support recommendations for critically-ill patients with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 infection.

In December 2019, a series of patients with severe pneumonia were identified in Wuhan, Hubei province, China, who progressed to severe acute respiratory syndrome and acute respiratory distress syndrome. Subsequently, COVID-19 was attributed to a new betacoronavirus, the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Approximately 20% of patients diagnosed as COVID-19 develop severe forms of the disease, including acute hypoxemic respiratory failure, severe acute respiratory syndrome, acute respiratory distress syndrome and acute renal failure and require intensive care. There is no randomized controlled clinical trial addressing potential therapies for patients with confirmed COVID-19 infection at the time of publishing these treatment recommendations. Therefore, these recommendations are based predominantly on the opinion of experts (level C of recommendation).

Ventilation During Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation: What Have We Learned From Models?

The optimization of ventilation during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is a broad field of research. Recent physiological observations in this field challenge the current understanding of respiratory and circulatory interactions. Thanks to different models available (bench, animal, human), the understanding of physiological phenomena occurring during CPR has progressed. In this review, we describe the clinical observations that have led to the emerging concept of lung volume reduction and associated thoracic airway closure. We summarize the clinical and animal observations supporting these concepts. We then discuss the different contributions of bench, animal, and human models to the understanding of airway closure and their impact on intrathoracic pressure, airway closure, and hemodynamics generated by chest compression. The limitation of airway pressure and ventilation, resulting from airway closure reproducible in models, may play a major role in ventilation and gas exchange impairment observed during prolonged resuscitation.

Point-of-care ultrasonography in Brazilian intensive care units: a national survey.

BACKGROUND: Point-of-care ultrasonography (POCUS) has recently become a useful tool that intensivists are incorporating into clinical practice. However, the incorporation of ultrasonography in critical care in developing countries is not straightforward. METHODS: Our objective was to investigate current practice and education regarding POCUS among Brazilian intensivists. A national survey was administered to Brazilian intensivists using an electronic questionnaire. Questions were selected by the Delphi method and assessed topics included organizational issues, POCUS technique and training patterns, machine availability, and main applications of POCUS in daily practice. RESULTS: Of 1533 intensivists who received the questionnaire, 322 responded from all of Brazil's regions. Two hundred and five (63.8%) reported having access to an ultrasound machine dedicated to the intensive care unit (ICU); however, this was more likely in university hospitals than in non-university hospitals (80.6 vs. 59.6%; risk ratio [RR] = 1.35 [1.16-1.58], p = 0.002). The main applications of POCUS were ultrasound-guided central vein catheterization (49.4%) and bedside echocardiographic assessment (33.9%). Two hundred and fifty-eight (80.0%) reported having at least one POCUS-trained intensivist in their staff (trained units). Trained units were more likely to perform routine ultrasound-guided jugular vein catheterization than non-trained units (38.6 vs. 16.4%; RR = 2.35 [1.31-4.23], p = 0.001). The proportion of POCUS-trained intensivists and availability of a dedicated ultrasound machine were both independently associated with performing ultrasound-guided jugular vein catheterization (RR = 1.91 [1.32-2.77], p = 0.001) and (RR = 2.20 [1.26-3.29], p = 0.005), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: A significant proportion of Brazilian ICUs had at least one intensivist with POCUS capability in their staff. Although ultrasound-guided central vein catheterization constitutes the main application of POCUS, adherence to guideline recommendations is still suboptimal.

Assessment of fluid responsiveness in spontaneously breathing patients: a systematic review of literature.

Patients who increase stoke volume or cardiac index more than 10 or 15% after a fluid challenge are usually considered fluid responders. Assessment of fluid responsiveness prior to volume expansion is critical to avoid fluid overload, which has been associated with poor outcomes. Maneuvers to assess fluid responsiveness are well established in mechanically ventilated patients; however, few studies evaluated maneuvers to predict fluid responsiveness in spontaneously breathing patients. Our objective was to perform a systematic review of literature addressing the available methods to assess fluid responsiveness in spontaneously breathing patients. Studies were identified through electronic literature search of PubMed from 01/08/2009 to 01/08/2016 by two independent authors. No restrictions on language were adopted. Quality of included studies was evaluated with Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies tool. Our search strategy identified 537 studies, and 9 studies were added through manual search. Of those, 15 studies (12 intensive care unit patients; 1 emergency department patients; 1 intensive care unit and emergency department patients; 1 operating room) were included in this analysis. In total, 649 spontaneously breathing patients were assessed for fluid responsiveness. Of those, 340 (52%) were deemed fluid responsive. Pulse pressure variation during the Valsalva maneuver (∆PPV) of 52% (AUC ± SD: 0.98 ± 0.03) and passive leg raising-induced change in stroke volume (∆SV-PLR) > 13% (AUC ± SD: 0.96 ± 0.03) showed the highest accuracy to predict fluid responsiveness in spontaneously breathing patients. Our systematic review indicates that regardless of the limitations of each maneuver, fluid responsiveness can be assessed in spontaneously breathing patients. Further well-designed studies, with adequate simple size and power, are necessary to confirm the real accuracy of the different methods used to assess fluid responsiveness in this population of patients.

How Ventilation Is Delivered During Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation: An International Survey.

BACKGROUND: Recommendations regarding ventilation during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) are based on a low level of scientific evidence. We hypothesized that practices about ventilation during CPR might be heterogeneous and may differ worldwide. To address this question, we surveyed physicians from several countries on their practices during CPR. METHODS: We used a Web-based opinion survey. Links to the survey were sent by e-mail newsletters and displayed on the Web sites of medical societies involved in CPR practice from December 2013 to March 2014. RESULTS: 1,328 surveys were opened, and 548 were completed (41%). Responses came from 54 countries, but 64% came from 6 countries. Responders were mostly physicians (89%). From this group, 97% declared following specific CPR guidelines. Regarding practices, 28% declared always or frequently adopting only continuous chest compressions without additional ventilation. With regard to mechanical chest compression devices, 38% responded that such devices were available to them; when used, 28% declared always or frequently experiencing problems with ventilation such as frequent alarms. During bag-mask ventilation in intubated patients, 18% declared stopping chest compression during insufflation, and 39% applied > 10 breaths/min, which conflicts with international CPR guidelines. When a ventilator was used, the volume controlled mode was the most common strategy cited, but there was heterogeneity regarding ventilator settings for PEEP, trigger, FIO2 , and breathing frequency. SpO2 and end-tidal CO2 were the 2 most monitored variables cited. CONCLUSIONS: Physicians indicated heterogeneous practices that often differ significantly from international CPR guidelines. This may reflect the low level of evidence and a lack of detailed recommendations concerning ventilation during CPR.

Use of bedside echocardiography in the care of critically ill patients - a joint consensus document of the Associação de Medicina Intensiva Brasileira, Associação Brasileira de Medicina de Emergência, and Sociedade Brasileira de Medicina Hospitalar. Part 1 - Competence in bedside echocardiography / Uso da ecocardiografia à beira do leito no cuidado do paciente grave - um documento conjunto de consenso da Associação de Medicina Intensiva Brasileira, Associação Brasileira de Medicina de Emergência e Sociedade Brasileira de Medicina Hospitalar. Parte 1 - Competência em ecocardiografia à beira do leito

ABSTRACT The use of echocardiography by physicians who are not echocardiographers has become common throughout the world across highly diverse settings where the care of acutely ill patients is provided. Echocardiographic evaluation performed in a point-of-care manner can provide relevant information regarding the mechanism of causes of shock, for example, increasing the rates of correct diagnosis and allowing for faster informed decision-making than through evaluation methods. Considering that the accurate diagnosis of life-threatening situations is essential for professionals working with acutely ill patients, several international associations recommend that physicians responsible for critically ill patients acquire and develop the ability to perform bedside ultrasound examinations, including echocardiographic examinations. However, there is no consensus in the literature regarding which specific applications should be included in the list of skills for nonechocardiographer physicians. Taking into account the multiplicity of applications of echocardiography in different scenarios related to acutely ill patients; the differences in the published protocols, with regard to both the teaching methodology and competence verification; and the heterogeneity of training among highly diverse specialties responsible for their care at different levels, this consensus document aimed to reflect the position of representatives of related Brazilian medical societies on the subject and may thus serve as a starting point both for standardization among different specialties and for the transmission of knowledge and verification of the corresponding competencies.

RESUMO O emprego da ecocardiografia por médicos não ecocardiografistas tem se tornado comum em todo o mundo nos mais diversos ambientes em que se dá o cuidado do paciente agudamente doente. A avaliação ecocardiográfica realizada de forma point-of-care pode fornecer informações pertinentes em relação ao mecanismo das causas de choque, por exemplo, incrementando as taxas de diagnóstico correto e possibilitando a tomada de decisão fundamentada de forma mais rápida do que por meio dos métodos tradicionais de avaliação. Considerando que o diagnóstico preciso de situações ameaçadoras à vida é indispensável a profissionais atuando junto a pacientes agudamente enfermos, diversas entidades associativas internacionais recomendam que médicos responsáveis por pacientes gravemente doentes devam adquirir e desenvolver a habilidade para realizar exames ultrassonográficos à beira do leito, inclusive ecocardiográficos. Entretanto, não há consenso na literatura acerca de quais aplicações específicas devam compor o rol de habilidades do médico não ecocardiografista. Levando-se em consideração a multiplicidade de aplicações da ecocardiografia em diversos cenários relativos ao paciente agudamente enfermo; as diferenças nos protocolos publicados, tanto no que diz respeito à metodologia de ensino como de verificação de competências, bem como a heterogeneidade da formação entre as mais diversas especialidades responsáveis pelo seu cuidado em diferentes níveis, este documento de consenso teve o objetivo de refletir o posicionamento de representantes de sociedades médicas brasileiras afins acerca do tema, podendo, assim, servir de ponto de partida para a uniformização entre diferentes especialidades, bem como para a transmissão de conhecimento e a verificação das competências correspondentes.

The use of bedside echocardiography in the care of critically ill patients - a joint consensus document of the Associação de Medicina Intensiva Brasileira, Associação Brasileira de Medicina de Emergência and Sociedade Brasileira de Medicina Hospitalar. Part 2 - Technical aspects / O uso da ecocardiografia à beira do leito no cuidado do paciente grave - um documento conjunto de consenso da Associação de Medicina Intensiva Brasileira, Associação Brasileira de Medicina de Emergência e Sociedade Brasileira de Medicina Hospitalar. Parte 2 - Aspectos técnicos

ABSTRACT Echocardiography in critically ill patients has become essential in the evaluation of patients in different settings, such as the hospital. However, unlike for other matters related to the care of these patients, there are still no recommendations from national medical societies on the subject. The objective of this document was to organize and make available expert consensus opinions that may help to better incorporate echocardiography in the evaluation of critically ill patients. Thus, the Associação de Medicina Intensiva Brasileira, the Associação Brasileira de Medicina de Emergência, and the Sociedade Brasileira de Medicina Hospitalar formed a group of 17 physicians to formulate questions relevant to the topic and discuss the possibility of consensus for each of them. All questions were prepared using a five-point Likert scale. Consensus was defined a priori as at least 80% of the responses between one and two or between four and five. The consideration of the issues involved two rounds of voting and debate among all participants. The 27 questions prepared make up the present document and are divided into 4 major assessment areas: left ventricular function, right ventricular function, diagnosis of shock, and hemodynamics. At the end of the process, there were 17 positive (agreement) and 3 negative (disagreement) consensuses; another 7 questions remained without consensus. Although areas of uncertainty persist, this document brings together consensus opinions on several issues related to echocardiography in critically ill patients and may enhance its development in the national scenario.

RESUMO A ecocardiografia do paciente grave tem se tornado fundamental na avaliação de pacientes em diferentes cenários e ambientes hospitalares. Entretanto, ao contrário de outras áreas relativas ao cuidado com esses pacientes, ainda não existem recomendações de sociedades médicas nacionais acerca do assunto. O objetivo deste documento foi organizar e disponibilizar opiniões de consenso de especialistas que possam auxiliar a melhor incorporação dessa técnica na avaliação de pacientes graves. Dessa forma, a Associação de Medicina Intensiva Brasileira, a Associação Brasileira de Medicina de Emergência e a Sociedade Brasileira de Medicina Hospitalar compuseram um grupo de 17 médicos para formular questões pertinentes ao tópico e debater a possibilidade de consenso de especialistas para cada uma delas. Todas as questões foram elaboradas no formato de escala Likert de cinco pontos. Consenso foi definido, a priori, como um somatório de, ao menos, 80% das respostas entre um e dois ou entre quatro e cinco. A apreciação das questões envolveu dois ciclos de votação e debate entre todos os participantes. As 27 questões elaboradas compõem o presente documento e estão divididas em 4 grandes áreas de avaliação: da função ventricular esquerda; da função ventricular direita; diagnóstica dos choques e hemodinâmica. Ao fim do processo, houve 17 consensos positivos (concordância) e 3 negativos (discordância); outras 7 questões persistiram sem consenso. Embora persistam áreas de incerteza, este documento reúne opiniões de consenso para diversas questões relativas à ecocardiografia do paciente grave e pode potencializar seu desenvolvimento no cenário nacional.