Echocardiography Before Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation in Refractory Respiratory Failure: SARS-CoV-2 Infection Versus Other Etiologies.

OBJECTIVES: The study authors hypothesized that in patients with SARS-CoV-2, COVID-19-related refractory respiratory failure requiring extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support echocardiographic findings (just before ECMO implantation) would be different from those observed in patients with refractory respiratory failure from different etiologies. DESIGN: A single-center observational study. SETTING: At an intensive care unit (ICU). PARTICIPANTS: A total of 61 consecutive patients with refractory COVID-19-related respiratory failure (COVID-19 series) and 74 patients with refractory acute respiratory disease syndrome from other etiologies (no COVID-19 series), all needing ECMO support. INTERVENTIONS: Echocardiogram pre-ECMO. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Right ventricle dilatation and dysfunction were defined in the presence of the RV end-diastolic area and/or left ventricle end-diastolic area (LVEDA >0.6 and tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion [TAPSE] <15 mm. Patients in the COVID-19 series showed a higher body mass index (p < 0.001) and a lower Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score (p = 0.002). In-ICU mortality rates were comparable between the 2 subgroups. Echocardiograms performed in all patients before ECMO implantation revealed an incidence of RV dilatation that was higher in patients in the COVID-19 series (p < 0.001), and they also showed higher values of systolic pulmonary artery pressure (sPAP) (p < 0.001) and lower TAPSE and/or sPAP (p < 0.001). The multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that COVID-19-related respiratory failure was not associated with early mortality. The presence of RV dilatation and the uncoupling of RV function and pulmonary circulation were associated independently with COVID-19 respiratory failure. CONCLUSIONS: The presence of RV dilatation and an altered coupling between RVe function and pulmonary vasculature (as indicated by TAPSE and/or sPAP) are associated strictly with COVID-19-related refractory respiratory failure needing ECMO support.

Persistent Right Ventricle Dilatation in SARS-CoV-2-Related Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome on Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Support.

OBJECTIVES: Venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support may be considered in experienced centers for patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) due to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection refractory to conventional treatment. In ECMO patients, echocardiography has emerged as a clinical tool for implantation and clinical management; but to date, little data are available on COVID-related ARDS patients requiring ECMO. The authors assessed the incidence of right ventricular dilatation and dysfunction (RvDys) in patients with COVID-related ARDS requiring ECMO. DESIGN: Single-center investigation. SETTING: Intensive care unit (ICU). PARTICIPANTS: A total of 35 patients with COVID-related ARDS requiring ECMO, consecutively admitted to the ICU (March 1, 2020, to February 28, 2021). INTERVENTIONS: Serial echocardiographic examinations. RvDys was defined as RV end-diastolic area/LV end-diastolic area >0.6 and tricuspid annular plane excursion <15 mm. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: The incidence of RvDys was 15/35 (42%). RvDys patients underwent ECMO support after a longer period of mechanical ventilation (p = 0.006) and exhibited a higher mortality rate (p = 0.024) than those without RvDys. In nonsurvivors, RvDys was observed in all patients (n = nine) who died with unfavorable progression of COVID-related ARDS. In survivors, weaned from ECMO, a significant reduction in systolic pulmonary arterial pressures was detectable. CONCLUSIONS: According to the authors' data, in COVID-related ARDS requiring ECMO support, RvDys is common, associated with increased ICU mortality. Overall, the data underscored the clinical role of echocardiography in COVID-related ARDS supported by venovenous ECMO, because serial echocardiographic assessments (especially focused on RV changes) are able to reflect pulmonary COVID disease severity.

Bedside diagnostic laparoscopy for critically ill patients in the Intensive Care Unit: Retrospective study and review of literature.

BACKGROUND: Bedside diagnostic laparoscopy could be helpful in extremely critically ill patients. The aim of this retrospective study is to evaluate the safety and diagnostic accuracy of bedside diagnostic laparoscopy in the identification of intra-abdominal pathology in critically ill patients and to compare its accuracy and outcomes with the ones of laparotomy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective review was conducted on the medical records of patients admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of Careggi University Hospital and submitted to bedside diagnostic laparoscopy between January 2006 and May 2017. This group of patients was compared with a group of patients that were admitted to the ICU and submitted directly to explorative laparotomy for suspected intra-abdominal pathologies. RESULTS: One hundred and twenty-nine patients (M/F = 81/48, mean age = 71.64 years) underwent bedside diagnostic laparoscopy in ICU. 154 patients instead were submitted directly to explorative laparotomy in operatory room (mean age 75.70 years, M/F = 94/60). Among the 129 patients submitted to bedside laparoscopy, 53.49% were positive for intra-abdominal pathologies whereas 46.51% were negative, while among the 154 patients submitted directly to laparotomy, 76.62% were positive for intra-abdominal pathologies whereas 23.38% were negative. In 55.03% of all patients submitted to bedside laparoscopy, a non-therapeutic laparotomy was avoided, while the 33.76% of patients submitted directly to laparotomy had a non-therapeutic laparotomy that could be avoidable. CONCLUSIONS: Our results pinpoint the advantages of performing bedside diagnostic laparoscopy in the ICU setting, which can be considered an option every time there is the suspicion of an intra-abdominal pathology.

Prognostic value of plasma lactate levels among patients with acute pulmonary embolism: the thrombo-embolism lactate outcome study.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: We investigate the prognostic value of plasma lactate levels in patients with acute pulmonary embolism. METHODS: We studied adult patients with symptomatic, objectively confirmed pulmonary embolism presenting to a single emergency department. Plasma lactate and troponin I levels were tested at presentation. We considered lactate values greater than or equal to 2 mmol/L and troponin I values greater than or equal to 0.10 ng/mL to be abnormal. Right-sided ventricular dysfunction was assessed by echocardiography. Primary endpoint was all-cause death occurring on or before 30 days after presentation. Secondary endpoints were the composite of all-cause death and clinical deterioration (defined as progression to shock, mechanical ventilation, or cardiopulmonary resuscitation) and death caused by pulmonary embolism. We tested the association between lactate level greater than or equal to 2 mmol/L and the endpoints using Cox proportional hazards regression analysis. RESULTS: Of the 270 patients included in the study, the mean age was 73 years (SD 12.7 years) and 151 (55.9%) were women. Twelve patients (4.4%) showed shock or hypotension (shock or systolic arterial pressure <100 mm Hg) at presentation, 109 (40.4%) had right-sided ventricular dysfunction, 93 (34.4%) showed troponin I level greater than or equal to 0.10 ng/mL, and 81 (30%) showed lactate level greater than or equal to 2 mmol/L. Seventeen patients (6.3%) died, 12 (4.4%) because of pulmonary embolism, and 37 (13.7%) reached the composite endpoint. Patients with lactate level greater than or equal to 2 mmol/L showed higher mortality (17.3%; 95% confidence interval [CI] 11.9% to 20%) than patients with a lower level (1.6%; 95% CI 0.8% to 1.9%). Plasma lactate level was associated with all-cause death (hazard ratio 11.67; 95% CI 3.32 to 41.03) and the composite endpoint (hazard ratio 8.14; 95% CI 3.83 to 17.34) independent of shock or hypotension, right-sided ventricular dysfunction, or elevation of troponin I values. CONCLUSION: Patients with pulmonary embolism and elevated plasma lactate level are at high risk of death and adverse outcome, independent of shock or hypotension, or right-sided ventricular dysfunction or injury markers.

Clinical Significance of Right Ventricle Echocardiographic Patterns in Critically-Ill COVID-Related Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome "On Behalf of Protecting the Right Ventricle Network (PRORVnet)".

We assessed whether right ventricle (RV) alterations and their development may have clinical significance in critically-ill Coronavirus Disease (COVID) patients, as detected by serial echocardiograms during Intensive Care Unit (ICU) course. This observational single center study included 98 consecutive patients with COVID-related acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Three subgroups were considered: RV Dysfunction (Dys) on admission (10/98, 10%), developed RV Dys (17/98, 17%), and no RV Dys (71/98, 73%). Overall mortality at 3 months was 46.9%. The first subgroup was characterized by the highest need for Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) support (P < .001) and a systemic inflammatory activation (as indicated by increased D-dimer), the second one by the lowest PaO2/FiO2 (P/F). At multivariate regression analysis, age and Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score were independent predictors for mortality. Different RV echo patterns were observed in critically ill patients presenting with COVID-related ARDS during ICU stay. RV Dys on admission was characterized by a high inflammatory activation while patients who developed RV Dys during ICU stay showed lowest P/F. Both these two subgroups identify patients with a severe COVID disease which in a high percentage of cases was unresponsive to standard treatment and required the use of ECMO.

Right ventricle dysfunction does not predict mortality in patients with SARS-CoV-2-related acute respiratory distress syndrome on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support.

BACKGROUND: The prognostic role of right ventricle dilatation and dysfunction (RVDD) has not been elucidated in patients with coronavirus disease (COVID)-related respiratory failure refractory to standard treatment needing extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support. AIM: To assess whether pre veno-venous (VV) ECMO RVDD were related to in-intensive care unit (ICU) mortality. METHODS: We enrolled 61 patients with COVID-related acute respiratory distress syndrome refractory to conventional treatment submitted to VV ECMO and consecutively admitted to our ICU (an ECMO referral center) from 31th March 2020 to 31th August 2021. An echocardiographic exam was performed immediately before VV ECMO implantation. RESULTS: Males were prevalent (73.8%) and patients with a body mass index > 30 kg/m2 were the majority (46/61, 75%). The overall in-ICU mortality rate was 54.1% (33/61). RVDD was detectable in more than half of the population (34/61, 55.7%) and associated with higher simplified organ functional assessment (SOFA) values (P = 0.029) and a longer mechanical ventilation duration prior to ECMO support (P = 0.046). Renal replacement therapy was more frequently needed in RVDD patients (P = 0.002). A higher in-ICU mortality (P = 0.024) was observed in RVDD patients. No echo variables were independent predictors of in-ICU death. CONCLUSION: In patients with COVID-related respiratory failure on ECMO support, RVDD (dilatation and dysfunction) is a common finding and identifies a subset of patients characterized by a more severe disease (as indicated by higher SOFA values and need of renal replacement therapy) and by a higher in-ICU mortality. RVDD (also when considered separately) did not result independently associated with in-ICU mortality in these patients.

Effects of rescue inhaled nitric oxide on right ventricle and pulmonary circulation in severe COVID-related acute respiratory distress syndrome.

PURPOSES: To assess the effects of inhaled Nitric Oxide (iNO) on right ventricle dimension and function and systolic pulmonary arterial pressures in severe Acute Respiratory Distress (ARDS) due to Sars-Cov2 (COVID) infection. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We assessed the effects of iNO on right ventricle dimension and function and systolic pulmonary arterial pressures in 12 consecutive COVID-related ARDS patients by means of serial echocardiographic exams (baseline, 12 and 24 h since iNO start). RESULTS: Inhaled NO administration did not influence systolic pulmonary arterial pressures nor RV dimension and function. No changes were detectable in ventilatory data with iNO administration. Considering the negligible effect on oxygenation, iNO use was discontinued in all cases. CONCLUSIONS: In COVID-related severe ARDS iNO administrated as rescue therapy is not able to ameliorate oxygenation nor pulmonary hypertension, as assessed by serial echocardiograms. This finding may be explained by the diffuse loss of hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction with increased perfusion around alveolar consolidations which characterizes COVID-related severe ARDS.

Combined lung and cardiac ultrasound in COVID-related acute respiratory distress syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Lung ultrasound (LU) is a useful tool for monitoring lung involvement in novel coronavirus (COVID) disease, while information on echocardiographic findings in COVID disease is to date scarce and heterogeneous. We hypothesized that lung and cardiac ultrasound examinations, serially and simultaneously performed, could monitor disease severity in COVID-related ARDS. METHODS: We enrolled 47 consecutive patients with COVID-related ARDS (1st March-31st May 2020). Lung and cardiac ultrasounds were performed on admission, at discharged and when clinically needed. RESULTS: Most patients were mechanically ventilated (75%) and veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation was needed in ten patients (21.2%). The in-ICU mortality rate was 27%%. On admission, not survivors showed a higher LUS score (p = 0.006) and a higher incidence of consolidations (p = 0.003), lower values of LVEF (p = 0.027) and a higher RV/LV ratio (0.008). At discharge, a significant reduction in the incidence of subpleural consolidations (p < 0.001) and, thus, in LUS score (p < 0.001) and an increase in patter A findings (p < 0.001) together with reduced systolic pulmonary arterial pressures were detectable. In not survivors at final examination, an increased in LUS score (p < 0.001), and in RV/LV ratio (p < 0.001) associated with a reduction in TAPSE (p = 0.013) were observed. A significant correlation was observed between LUS and systolic pulmonary arterial pressure (p = 0.04). LUS and RV/LV resulted independent predictors of in-ICU death. CONCLUSIONS: In COVID-related ARDS, the combined lung and cardiac ultrasound proved to be an useful clinical tool in monitoring disease progression and in identifying parameters (LU score and RV/LV ratio) able to risk stratifying these patients.

Are neurophysiologic tests reliable, ultra-early prognostic indices after cardiac arrest?

OBJECTIVES: Determining early and reliable prognosis in comatose subjects after cardiac arrest is a central component of post-cardiac arrest care both for developing realistic prognostic expectations for families, and for better determining which resources are mobilized or withheld for individual patients. The aim of the study was to evaluate the prognostic accuracy of EEG and SEP patterns during the very early period (within the first 6 h) after cardiac arrest. METHODS: We retrospectively analysed comatose patients after CA, either inside or outside the hospital, in which prognostic evaluation was made during the first 6 h from CA. Prognostic evaluation comprised clinical evaluation (GCS and pupillary light reflex) and neurophysiological (electroencephalography (EEG) and somatosensory evoked potentials (SEP)) studies. Prognosis was evaluated with regards to likelihood of recovery of consciousness and also likelihood of failure to regain consciousness. RESULTS: Forty-one comatose patients after cardiac arrest were included. All patients with continuous and nearly continuous EEG recovered consciousness. Isoelectric EEG was always associated with poor outcome. Burst-suppression, suppression and discontinuous patterns were usually associated with poor outcome although some consciousness recovery was observed. Bilaterally absent SEP responses were always associated with poor outcome. Continuous and nearly continuous EEG patterns were never associated with bilaterally absent SEP. CONCLUSIONS: During the very early period following cardiac arrest (first 6 h), EEG and SEP maintain their high predictive value to predict respectively recovery and failure of recovery of consciousness. A very early EEG exam allows identification of patients with very high probability of a good outcome, allowing rapid use of the most appropriate therapeutic procedures.

The prognostic role of peak glycemia and glucose variability in trauma: a single-center investigation.

AIM: Admission hyperglycemia and glucose variability were associated with mortality in critically ill patients, but data on trauma patients are to date scarce and heterogeneous. METHODS: We assessed the prognostic role of ICU death of admission and peak glycemia and glucose variability (indicated by the standard deviation of mean glucose levels and the coefficient of variation of glucose) in 252 patients consecutively admitted for trauma in our ICU (January 1, 2016-December 31, 2018). RESULTS: The in-ICU mortality rate was 17% (43/252). When compared to patients who died during ICU stay, survivors were younger (p = 0.001), more frequently males (p = 0.002), with a lower incidence of hypertension (p = 0.023). Higher values of SAPS II, SOFA and ISS were observed in nonsurvivors (p < 0.001, p < 0.001, p < 0.001, respectively). Survivors exhibited significantly lower values of admission glycemia (p = 0.001), peak glycemia (p = 0.002) and mean glucose values measured during the first 24 h since ICU admission (p = 0.001). Glucose variability was significantly higher in nonsurvivors, as indicated by higher values of SD and CV (p = 0.001 and p = 0.001, respectively). At multivariate regression analysis, admission glycemia (Model 1), peak glycemia (Model 2) and glucose variability (Model 3 and 4) were independent predictors for in-ICU mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings indicate that not only admission glycemia but also peak glycemia and glucose variability show a correlation with in-ICU mortality in trauma patients.

High plasma lactate levels are associated with increased risk of in-hospital mortality in patients with pulmonary embolism.

OBJECTIVES: The objective was to investigate the prognostic value of plasma lactate in patients with acute pulmonary embolism (PE). METHODS: This was a retrospective study at the emergency department (ED) of a third-level teaching hospital. The authors considered consecutive patients with a diagnosis of PE established by lung scan or spiral computed tomography (CT) and confirmed by pulmonary angiography if necessary. Only patients for whom plasma lactate levels had been tested within 6 hours from presentation to the ED were included. Primary outcome was in-hospital death due to any cause; secondary outcome was mortality related to PE. RESULTS: From September 1997 to June 2006, a total of 384 patients were diagnosed with PE in the ED. Of these patients, 287 had registered plasma lactate levels and were included in this analysis. Included patients had a mean age of 70 (SD ± 15 years, range = 18 to 100 years), 163 (57%) were female, 26 (9%) showed systolic blood pressure lower than 100 mm Hg at presentation, and 160 (56%) had echocardiographic evidence of right ventricular dysfunction (RVD). Twenty patients died during their hospital stay (7%). Plasma lactate levels ≥ 2 mmol/L were associated with in-hospital mortality from all causes (odds ratio [OR] = 4.60, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.57 to 13.53) and with PE-related mortality (OR = 4.94, 95% CI = 1.38 to 17.63), independent of hypotension or RVD at presentation. CONCLUSIONS: High plasma lactate was associated with increased in-hospital mortality in this sample of patients with acute PE.