Simultaneous mechanical ventilation of several patients with a single ventilator.

INTRODUCTION: Simultaneous mechanical ventilation of several patients with a single ventilator might reduce the deficit of these devices for the care of patients with acute respiratory failure due to Covid-19. OBJECTIVE: To communicate the results of a mechanical ventilation exercise with a ventilator in a lung simulator, and simultaneously in two and four. RESULTS: No statistically significant differences were observed between programmed, recorded and measured positive end-expiratory pressure, mean airway pressure and peak pressure, except when simultaneously ventilating four lung simulators. CONCLUSIONS: Simultaneous mechanical ventilation should be implemented by medical personnel with experience in the procedure, be restricted to two patients and carried out in the intensive care unit.

INTRODUCCIÓN: La ventilación mecánica simultánea a varios pacientes con un solo ventilador podría disminuir el déficit de esos dispositivos para atender a los enfermos con insuficiencia respiratoria aguda por Covid-19. OBJETIVO: Comunicar los resultados de un ejercicio de ventilación mecánica con un ventilador en un simulador de pulmón, y simultáneamente en dos y cuatro. RESULTADOS: No se observaron diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre la presión positiva al final de la espiración, presión media de la vía aérea y presión pico programadas, registradas y medidas, excepto al ventilar simultáneamente cuatro simuladores de pulmón. CONCLUSIONES: La ventilación mecánica simultánea debe ser instaurada por personal médico con experiencia en el procedimiento, restringirse a dos pacientes y ser realizada en la unidad de cuidados intensivos.

Role of SARS-CoV-2 neurotropism and neuroinvasion in COVID-19 patients disease severity.

The disease caused by the new SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus (COVID-19) spread rapidly from China to the entire world. Approximately one third of SARS-CoV-2-infected patients have neurological disorders, especially those classified as severe cases and that require mechanical ventilation. On the other hand, almost nine out of 10 patients admitted to an Intensive Care Unit could not breathe spontaneously, thus requiring invasive and non-invasive ventilatory support. So far, whether early neurological disorders such as hyposmia or anosmia, dysgeusia or ageusia, headache and vertigo are significant in the progression to the severe form of the disease or whether they are related to entry to the central nervous system via peripheral nerves has not been determined. Considering the great similarity between SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2, and that the severity of the condition that leads to death cannot be explained solely by lung involvement, it is important to determine whether SARS-CoV-2 potential invasion to the central nervous system is partially responsible for the severe respiratory component observed in patients with COVID-19.

La enfermedad (COVID-19) producida por el nuevo coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 se extendió rápidamente desde China a todo el mundo. Aproximadamente una tercera parte de los pacientes infectados de SARS-CoV-2 presenta alteraciones neurológicas, con mayor frecuencia los clasificados como graves que requirieron ventilación mecánica. Por otro lado, casi nueve de cada 10 pacientes admitidos en una unidad de cuidados intensivos no podían respirar espontáneamente, por lo que ameritaron apoyo ventilatorio invasivo y no invasivo. Hasta el momento no se ha determinado si las alteraciones neurológicas tempranas como la hiposmia o anosmia, disgeusia o ageusia, cefalea y vértigo son significativas en la progresión a la forma grave de la enfermedad y se relacionan con la entrada al sistema nervioso central a través de los nervios periféricos. Considerando la gran similitud entre SARS-CoV y SARS-CoV-2 y que la severidad del cuadro que conduce a la muerte no puede ser explicado únicamente por la afección pulmonar, es importante determinar si la invasión potencial del SARS-CoV-2 al sistema nervioso central es parcialmente responsable del componente respiratorio severo que presentan los pacientes con COVID-19.

At 50 years of the description of acute respiratory distress syndrome. / A 50 años de la descripción del síndrome de insuficiencia respiratoria aguda.

In 1967, Ashbaugh et al. published in the Lancet the description of a new entity, for which they coined the name "adult respiratory distress syndrome". On that article, they thoroughly described 12 patients who had respiratory distress with bilateral pulmonary infiltrates and oxygen therapy-refractory hypoxemia. For its management, emphasis was made on the importance of intubation and mechanical ventilation with positive end-expiratory pressure. At 50 years of its first publication, great advances on the knowledge of this condition have been achieved, which has influenced on patient management and survival. To celebrate this 50th anniversary, the National Academy of Medicine of Mexico organized a symposium with the purpose to spread the knowledge about this condition, recognize the researchers who made the original description and those who over the course of 50 years of history have contributed to its better understanding. The symposium addressed the topics of lung-kidney interaction, molecular bases of the disease and therapeutic advances.

En 1967, Ashbaugh et al. publicaron en Lancet la descripción de una nueva entidad para la que acuñaron el nombre "síndrome de distress respiratorio del adulto". En ese artículo describieron minuciosamente a 12 enfermos que presentaban insuficiencia respiratoria, con infiltración pulmonar bilateral e hipoxemia resistente a oxigenoterapia. Para su manejo se hizo énfasis en la importancia de la intubación y la ventilación mecánica con presión positiva al final de la espiración. A 50 años de la publicación se han logrado grandes avances en el conocimiento de esta enfermedad, lo que ha influido en el manejo y supervivencia de los pacientes. Para celebrar este cincuentenario, la Academia Nacional de Medicina de México organizó un simposio que tuvo como objetivos difundir el conocimiento de esta enfermedad, reconocer a los personajes que hicieron la descripción original y a quienes en 50 años de historia han contribuido a su mejor entendimiento. El simposio abordó los temas de interacción pulmón-riñón, bases moleculares de la enfermedad y avances en el tratamiento.

Desafíos en el cuidado de personas con Covid-19 en posición prono: apoyo al estudio internacional PRONEtect.

SINOPSIS: El siguiente editorial presenta los resultados de una encuesta a los líderes de las 13 asociaciones de la Confederación Multidisciplinar Latinoamericana de Heridas, Estomas e Incontinencias (COMLHEI). La encuesta buscó determinar, de manera general, la situación de los pacientes con Covid-19 en posición prono (PP) con desarrollo de lesiones por presión (LPP). Los resultados indican que, en América latina, las LPP en pacientes en PP son frecuentes. Se evidenciaron deficiencias en estudios epidemiológicos y de elementos de protección, prevención y educación, además de brechas entre los diferentes países e instituciones en cuanto a la disponibilidad de personal para poder cumplir con las recomendaciones de posicionamiento de los pacientes. Las autoras sugieren tener en cuenta los resultados del estudio internacional PRONEtect para identificar, revisar y evaluar las pautas internacionales de pronación y cuidado de la piel, y hacer un inventario de los equipos y recursos de capacitación de uso común.

Prevention and treatment of skin lesions associated with non-invasive mechanical ventilation. Recommendations of experts. / Prevención y tratamiento de las lesiones cutáneas asociadas a la ventilación mecánica no invasiva. Recomendaciones de expertos.

INTRODUCTION: In the last two decades, non-invasive mechanical ventilation (NIV) has been consolidated as an initial strategy for the management of respiratory failure in critical adult and paediatric patients. OBJECTIVES: To identify risk factors and preventive strategies to reduce the incidence of skin lesions associated with clinical devices (LESADIC) related to NIV, as well as the most effective treatment for injuries that cannot be avoided. METHODOLOGY: Review in the MEDLINE, CINAHL and Cochrane databases of studies published in the last 10years to reach consensus through an expert panel. RESULTS: Knowledge about how to measure correct mask size and protection of the skin with foam or hydrocolloids dressings are factors related to the incidence of LESADIC, as it conditions the degree of pressure-friction and shear that the interface exerts on the skin. The interface that causes fewer LESADIC and is better tolerated is the face mask. When there are injuries, the first thing is to remove the interface that causes pressure on damaged skin, recommending a Helmet® hood as an alternative, treating the infection, managing the exudate and stimulating perilesional skin. CONCLUSIONS: The mask of choice is the facial, always using foam or hydrocolloid dressings on the nasal bridge. Evaluate the condition of the skin under the interface and harness every 4hours (recommended) and 11hours (maximum). Evaluate the rotation strategy of the interface at 24hours if the NIV is still needed on an ongoing basis.

Influenza infection in the intensive care unit: Four years after the 2009 pandemic.

UNLABELLED: The role of influenza viruses in severe acute respiratory infection (SARI) in Intensive Care Units (ICU) remains unknown. The post-pandemic influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 period, in particular, has been poorly studied. OBJECTIVE: To identify influenza SARI patients in ICU, to assess the usefulness of the symptoms of influenza-like illness (ILI), and to compare the features of pandemic vs. post-pandemic influenza A(H1N1) pdm09 infection. METHODS: A prospective observational study with SARI patients admitted to ICU during the first three post-pandemic seasons. Patient demographics, characteristics and outcomes were recorded. An influenza epidemic period (IEP) was defined as >100 cases/100,000 inhabitants per week. RESULTS: One hundred sixty-three patients were diagnosed with SARI. ILI was present in 65 (39.9%) patients. Influenza infection was documented in 41 patients, 27 (41.5%) ILI patients, and 14 (14.3%) non-ILI patients, 27 of them during an IEP. Influenza A viruses were mainly responsible. Only five patients had influenza B virus infection, which were non-ILI during an IEP. SARI overall mortality was 22.1%, and 15% in influenza infection patients. Pandemic and post-pandemic influenza infection patients shared similar clinical features. CONCLUSIONS: During influenza epidemic periods, influenza infection screening should be considered in all SARI patients. Influenza SARI was mainly caused by subtype A(H1N1)pdm09 and A(H3N2) in post-pandemic seasons, and no differences were observed in ILI and mortality rate compared with a pandemic season.

Effectiveness and predictors of failure of noninvasive mechanical ventilation in acute respiratory failure.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effectiveness and identify predictors of failure of noninvasive ventilation. DESIGN: A retrospective, longitudinal descriptive study was made. SETTING: Adult patients with acute respiratory failure. PATIENTS: A total of 410 consecutive patients with noninvasive ventilation treated in an Intensive Care Unit of a tertiary university hospital from 2006 to 2011. PROCEDURES: Noninvasive ventilation. MAIN VARIABLES OF INTEREST: Demographic variables and clinical and laboratory test parameters at the start and two hours after the start of noninvasive ventilation. Evolution during admission to the Unit and until hospital discharge. RESULTS: The failure rate was 50%, with an overall mortality rate of 33%. A total of 156 patients had hypoxemic respiratory failure, 87 postextubation respiratory failure, 78 exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, 61 hypercapnic respiratory failure without chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and 28 had acute pulmonary edema. The failure rates were 74%, 54%, 27%, 31% and 21%, respectively. The etiology of respiratory failure, serum bilirubin at the start, APACHEII score, radiological findings, the need for sedation to tolerate noninvasive ventilation, changes in level of consciousness, PaO2/FIO2 ratio, respiratory rate and heart rate from the start and two hours after the start of noninvasive ventilation were independently associated to failure. CONCLUSIONS: The effectiveness of noninvasive ventilation varies according to the etiology of respiratory failure. Its use in hypoxemic respiratory failure and postextubation respiratory failure should be assessed individually. Predictors of failure could be useful to prevent delayed intubation.

Mortality in patients with respiratory distress syndrome. / Mortalidad en pacientes con síndrome de distress respiratorio.

INTRODUCTION: Mortality in Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) is decreasing, although its prognosis after hospital discharge and the prognostic accuracy of Berlin's new ARDS stratification are uncertain. METHODS: We did a restrospective analysis of hospital and 6 month mortality of patients with ARDS admitted to the Intensive Care Unit of a Univeristy Hospital in Buenos Aires, between January 2008 and June 2011. ARDS was defined by PaO2/FiO2 lower than 200 mmHg under ventilation with at least 10 cm H2O of PEEP and a FiO2 higher or equal than 0.5. and the presence of bilateral infiltrates in chest radiography, in the absence of cardiogenic acute pulmonary edema, during the first 72 hs of mechanical ventilation. Mortality associated risk factors, the use of rescue therapies and Berlin's stratification for moderate and severe ARDS patients were considered. RESULTS: Ninety eight patients were included; mean age was 59±19 years old, 42,9% had mayor co-morbidities; APACHE II at admission was 22±7; SOFA at day 1 was 8±3. Prone position ventilation was applied in 20,4% and rescue measures in 12,2% (12 patients with nitric oxide and 1 with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation). Hospital and 6 months mortality were 37.7 and 43.8% respectively. After logistic regression analysis, only age, the presence of septic shock at admission, Ppl >30 cmH2O, and major co-morbidities were independently associated with hospital outcome. There was no difference between moderate and severe groups (41,2 and 36,8% respectively; p=0,25). CONCLUSION: In this cohort, including patients with severe hypoxemia and high percentage of mayor co-morbidities, ARDS associated mortality was lower than some previous studies. There was no increase in mortality after hospital discharge. There was no difference in mortality between moderate and severe groups according to Berlin's definition.

[Cost effectiveness and budget impact analysis of inhaled nitric oxide in a neonatal unit from the perspective of the public health system]. / Costo efectividad y análisis de impacto presupuestario del óxido nítrico inhalatorio neonatal en un hospital, desde la perspectiva del sistema público de salud.

Inhaled nitric oxide (iNO) is currently the first-line therapy in severe hypoxaemic respiratory failure of the newborn. Most of regional neonatal centres in Chile do not have this therapeutic alternative. OBJECTIVE: To determine the cost effectiveness of inhaled nitric oxide in the treatment of respiratory failure associated with pulmonary hypertension of the newborn compared to the usual care, including the transfer to a more complex unit. PATIENTS AND METHOD: A clinical decision tree was designed from the perspective of Chilean Public Health Service. Incremental cost effectiveness rates (ICER) were calculated, deterministic sensitivity analysis was performed, and probabilistic budget impact was estimated using: TreeAge Pro Healthcare 2014 software. RESULTS: The iNO option leads to an increase in mean cost of $ 11.7 million Chilean pesos (€15,000) per patient treated, with an ICER compared with the usual care of $23 million pesos (€30,000) in case of death or ECMO avoided. By sensitising the results by incidence, it was found that from 7 cases and upwards treated annually, inhaled nitric oxide is less costly than the transfer to a more complex unit. CONCLUSIONS: From the perspective of a Chilean regional hospital, incorporating inhaled nitric oxide into the management of neonatal respiratory failure is the optimal alternative in most scenarios.

[Intensive care unit profesionals's knowledge about non invasive ventilation comparative analysis]. / Análisis comparativo de los conocimientos en ventilación mecánica no invasiva de profesionales de cuidados intensivos.

AIMS: The literature highlights the lack of noninvasive ventilation (NIV) protocols and the variability of the knowledge of NIV between intensive care units (ICU) and hospitals, so we want to compare NIV nurses's Knowledge from 4 multipurpose ICU and one surgical ICU. METHODS: Multicenter, crosscutting, descriptive study in three university hospitals. The survey instrument was validated in a pilot test, and the calculated Kappa index was 0.9. Returning a completed survey is an indication of informed consent. Analysis by Chi square test. RESULTS: 117 responded (65%) nurses, 11±9.7 years of experience in ICU and 9.2±7.2 in use of NIV. One of the multipurpose ICU, was initiated NIV an average of 6 years later than the others (95% CI [3.3 to 8.6], P<.001). Only 23.1% of nurses would place a non-vented mask (with no exhalation port) by conventional ventilator, the rest any kind of face mask. 12.7% believed that the mask must be adjusted to the "2-finger" fit while 29% would seal the mask to the patient's face and cover the mask opening where air escapes to facilitate patient/ventilator synchronization. In the surgical ICU agitation identifies mostly as a complication of NIV compared with multipurpose UCIs (31.6% vs 1.8%, P<.001). 56.4% of nurses do not consider respiratory physiotherapy as nursing care, with no difference between units. CONCLUSIONS: Knowledge about types of interface is very dependent on the material of the unit. More training for complications of NIV as agitation and handling secretions it is necessary.

The role of high flow oxygen therapy in acute respiratory failure.

Acute respiratory failure represents one of the most common causes of intensive care unit admission and oxygen therapy remains the first-line therapy in the management of these patients. In recent years, high-flow oxygen via nasal cannula has been described as a useful alternative to conventional oxygen therapy in patients with acute respiratory failure. High-flow oxygen via nasal cannula rapidly alleviates symptoms of acute respiratory failure and improves oxygenation by several mechanisms, including dead space washout, reduction in oxygen dilution and inspiratory nasopharyngeal resistance, a moderate positive airway pressure effect that may generate alveolar recruitment and an overall greater tolerance and comfort with the interface and the heated and humidified inspired gases. However, the experience in adults is still limited and there are no clinical guidelines to establish recommendations for their use. This article aims to review the existing evidence on the use of high-flow oxygen via nasal cannula in adults with acute respiratory failure and its possible applications, advantages and limitations.

[High-flow nasal cannula oxygen therapy in critical patients. Prospective study]. / La oxigenoterapia de alto flujo con cánula nasal en pacientes críticos. Estudio prospectivo.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the incidence of use of high-flow nasal cannula oxygen (HFNC) in intensive care and evaluate the procedure. BASIC PROCEDURES: descriptive prospective study. INCLUSION CRITERIA: all participants were patients admitted to the intensive care units of the hospital Clínico San Carlos November 2012 - January 2013 that required HFNC. VARIABLES: socio-demographic; indications, complications, objectives and flows of the therapy. Statistical analysis with average, standard deviation and percentages, with the statistical program SPSS ver18.0. RESULTS: 12 cases of which 58.3% were men, with a mean age 68.66 (± 12) and with NEMS 33.25 (±7). The incidence of HFNC was 0.95%. The indication of HFNC was: 75% moderate respiratory failure or need for oxygen supply greater than 40%, 58.3% hypoxemia without hypercapnia, the 41.7% withdrawal and/or employment with non-invasive mechanical ventilation, the 25% support post-extubation, the 16.7% exacerbations of heart failure, the 16.7% improve respiratory work and the 8.3% acute lung edema. The main complications of the HFNC were: mouth-breathing (8.3%), nasal injury (8.3%) and abundant secretions (8.3%). In the fulfilment of the objectives of the HFNC, there was a 91.7% improvement of oxygen therapy, and in 50% of the cases orotracheal intubation was averted. CONCLUSIONS: There is a low incidence of HFNC in the unit. The main indication is the moderate respiratory failure or the high need for oxygen supply. Almost all patients have improved with oxygen therapy, although it has not been possible to avoid intubation.

Factors associated with prolonged mechanical ventilation in children with pulmonary failure: Cohort study from the LARed Network registry.

OBJECTIVES: To identify factors associated with prolonged mechanical ventilation (pMV) in pediatric patients in pediatric intensive care units (PICUs). DESIGN: Secondary analysis of a prospective cohort. SETTING: PICUs in centers that are part of the LARed Network between April 2017 and January 2022. PARTICIPANTS: Pediatric patients on mechanical ventilation (IMV) due to respiratory causes. We defined IMV time greater than the 75th percentile of the global cohort. INTERVENTIONS: None. MAIN VARIABLES OF INTEREST: Demographic data, diagnoses, severity scores, therapies, complications, length of stay, morbidity, and mortality. RESULTS: 1698 children with MV of 8±7 days were included, and pIMV was defined as 9 days. Factors related to admission were age under 6 months (OR 1.61, 95% CI 1.17-2.22), bronchopulmonary dysplasia (OR 3.71, 95% CI 1.87-7.36), and fungal infections (OR 6.66, 95% CI 1.87-23.74), while patients with asthma had a lower risk of pIMV (OR 0.30, 95% CI 0.12-0.78). Regarding evolution and length of stay in the PICU, it was related to ventilation-associated pneumonia (OR 4.27, 95% CI 1.79-10.20), need for tracheostomy (OR 2.91, 95% CI 1.89-4.48), transfusions (OR 2.94, 95% CI 2.18-3.96), neuromuscular blockade (OR 2.08, 95% CI 1.48-2.93), high-frequency ventilation (OR 2.91, 95% CI 1.89-4.48), and longer PICU stay (OR 1.13, 95% CI 1.10-1.16). In addition, mean airway pressure greater than 13cmH2O was associated with pIMV (OR 1.57, 95% CI 1.12-2.21). CONCLUSIONS: Factors related to IMV duration greater than 9 days in pediatric patients in PICUs were identified in terms of admission, evolution, and length of stay.

Anesthetic considerations in the perioperative management of the patient with Jarcho-Levin Syndrome.

Jarcho-Levin syndrome is an eponym used to describe a spectrum of small thoracic skeletal dysplasias with variable involvement of vertebrae and ribs. Initially considered lethal, it is currently compatible with life in its mildest forms. Bone alterations that lead to a restrictive respiratory pattern, recurrent respiratory infections and particular phenotype, can make perioperative anesthetic management difficult. The proper assessment of the airway is of special interest because it presents predictors of a difficult airway, as well as the prevention, early diagnosis and adequate treatment of respiratory failure. We present the case of a patient with Jarcho-Levin Syndrome who underwent vertebral distraction surgery, with its most notable implications in anesthetic management.

Risk factors for respiratory failure among hospitalized patients with Guillain-Barré syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is an acute inflammatory polyneuropathy that can lead to respiratory failure. In this study, we evaluate early clinical risk factors for respiratory failure at the time of hospital admission. METHODS: We studied a retrospective cohort of patients with GBS admitted to a tertiary care center. The potential risk factors studied were sociodemographic characteristics, GBS symptoms, overall and cervical muscle weakness (Medical Research Council [MRC] scores), electromyography findings, and cerebrospinal fluid analysis findings. Unadjusted odds ratios (OR) were calculated and exact logistic regression analysis (adjusted OR) performed to assess the association between baseline risk factors and respiratory failure. RESULTS: Overall, 13 of 113 (12%) patients included in the study developed respiratory failure. Unadjusted analyses showed that involvement of any cranial nerve (OR: 14.7; 95% CI, 1.8-117.1), facial palsy (OR: 17.3; 95% CI, 2.2-138.0), and bulbar weakness (OR: 10.7; 95% CI, 2.3-50.0) were associated with increased risk of respiratory failure. Lower MRC sum scores (for scores <30, OR: 14.0; 95% CI, 1.54-127.2) and neck MRC scores (for scores ≤3, OR: 21.0; 95% CI, 3.5-125.2) were associated with higher likelihood of respiratory failure. Adjusted analyses showed that presence of bulbar weakness (OR: 7.6; 95% CI, 1.3-43.0) and low neck MRC scores (scores ≤3, OR: 9.2; 95% CI, 3.5-125.2, vs scores >3) were independently associated with respiratory failure. CONCLUSIONS: Bulbar and neck muscle weakness at admission are clinical predictors of increased risk of respiratory failure in patients with GBS. These findings could guide the adequate management of high-risk patients.

Can end-tidal CO2 measurement replace arterial partial CO2 in emergency department respiratory distress management?

OBJECTIVE: To assess the feasibility of using end-tidal carbon dioxide (EtCO2) as a non-invasive substitute for partial pressure of arterial carbon dioxide (PaCO2) in emergency department (ED) triage and follow-up, and to explore the potential of partial pressure of venous carbon dioxide (PvCO2) as an alternative to PaCO2. DESIGN: Prospective cross-sectional study. SETTING: Tertiary university hospital. PATIENTS OR PARTICIPANTS: 97 patients presenting with acute respiratory distress to the ED. INTERVENTIONS: EtCO2, arterial blood gases, and venous blood gases measured at admission (0 min), 60 min, and 120 min. MAIN VARIABLES OF INTEREST: CO2 levels. RESULTS: Among 97 patients (mean age: 70.93 ± 9.6 years; 60.8% male), EtCO2 > 45 mmHg at admission showed strong positive correlations with PaCO2 and PvCO2 (r = 0.844, r = 0.803; p < 0.001, respectively). Significant positive correlation was observed between 60-min EtCO2 and PaCO2 (r = 0.729; p < 0.001). Strong correlation between PaCO2 and PvCO2 at 120 min when EtCO2 > 45 mmHg (r = 0.870; p < 0.001). EtCO2 was higher in hospitalized patients compared to discharged ones. CONCLUSIONS: EtCO2 appears promising as a substitute for PaCO2 in ED patients with acute respiratory distress within the initial two hours of treatment. Venous blood gas sampling offers a less invasive alternative to arterial sampling, facilitating simultaneous blood tests.

Switches in non-invasive respiratory support strategies during acute hypoxemic respiratory failure: Need to monitoring from a retrospective observational study.

OBJECTIVE: To explore combined non-invasive-respiratory-support (NIRS) patterns, reasons for NIRS switching, and their potential impact on clinical outcomes in acute-hypoxemic-respiratory-failure (AHRF) patients. DESIGN: Retrospective, single-center observational study. SETTING: Intensive Care Medicine. PATIENTS: AHRF patients (cardiac origin and respiratory acidosis excluded) underwent combined NIRS therapies such as non-invasive-ventilation (NIV) and High-Flow-Nasal-Cannula (HFNC). INTERVENTIONS: Patients were classified based on the first NIRS switch performed (HFNC-to-NIV or NIV-to-HFNC), and further specific NIRS switching strategies (NIV trial-like vs. Non-NIV trial-like and single vs. multiples switches) were independently evaluated. MAIN VARIABLES OF INTEREST: Reasons for switching, NIRS failure and mortality rates. RESULTS: A total of 63 patients with AHRF were included, receiving combined NIRS, 58.7% classified in the HFNC-to-NIV group and 41.3% in the NIV-to-HFNC group. Reason for switching from HFNC to NIV was AHRF worsening (100%), while from NIV to HFNC was respiratory improvement (76.9%). NIRS failure rates were higher in the HFNC-to-NIV than in NIV-to-HFNC group (81% vs. 35%, p < 0.001). Among HFNC-to-NIV patients, there was no difference in the failure rate between the NIV trial-like and non-NIV trial-like groups (86% vs. 78%, p = 0.575) but the mortality rate was significantly lower in NIV trial-like group (14% vs. 52%, p = 0.02). Among NIV to HFNC patients, NIV failure was lower in the single switch group compared to the multiple switches group (15% vs. 53%, p = 0.039), with a shorter length of stay (5 [2-8] vs. 12 [8-30] days, p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: NIRS combination is used in real life and both switches' strategies, HFNC to NIV and NIV to HFNC, are common in AHRF management. Transitioning from HFNC to NIV is suggested as a therapeutic escalation and in this context performance of a NIV-trial could be beneficial. Conversely, switching from NIV to HFNC is suggested as a de-escalation strategy that is deemed safe if there is no NIRS failure.

[Role of biomarkers in the differential diagnosis of acute respiratory failure in the immediate postoperative period of lung transplantation]. / Papel de los biomarcadores en el diagnóstico diferencial de la insuficiencia respiratoria aguda en el postoperatorio inmediato del trasplante pulmonar.

Lung transplant recipients are at high risk of suffering many complications during the immediate postoperative period, such as primary graft dysfunction, acute graft rejection or infection. The most common symptom is the presence of acute respiratory failure, and the use of biomarkers could be useful for establishing an early diagnosis of these conditions. Different biomarkers have been studied, but none have proven to be the gold standard in the differential diagnosis of acute respiratory failure. This paper offers a review of the different biomarkers that have been studied in this field.

[Ten-year evolution of mechanical ventilation in acute respiratory failure in the hematogical patient admitted to the intensive care unit]. / Evolución de 10 años de aplicación de la ventilación mecánica en la insuficiencia respiratoria aguda del paciente hematológico ingresado en la unidad de cuidados intensivos.

OBJECTIVE: A comparison was made between invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) and noninvasive positive pressure ventilation (NPPV) in haematological patients with acute respiratory failure. DESIGN: A retrospective observational study was made from 2001 to December 2011. SETTING: A clinical-surgical intensive care unit (ICU) in a tertiary hospital. PATIENTS: Patients with hematological malignancies suffering acute respiratory failure (ARF) and requiring mechanical ventilation in the form of either IMV or NPPV. VARIABLES OF INTEREST: Analysis of infection and organ failure rates, duration of mechanical ventilation and ICU and hospital stays, as well as ICU, hospital and mortality after 90 days. The same variables were analyzed in the comparison between NPPV success and failure. RESULTS: Forty-one patients were included, of which 35 required IMV and 6 NPPV. ICU mortality was higher in the IMV group (100% vs 37% in NPPV, P=.006). The intubation rate in NPPV was 40%. Compared with successful NPPV, failure in the NPPV group involved more complications, a longer duration of mechanical ventilation and ICU stay, and greater ICU and hospital mortality. Multivariate analysis of mortality in the NPPV group identified NPPV failure (OR 13 [95%CI 1.33-77.96], P=.008) and progression to acute respiratory distress syndrome (OR 10 [95%CI 1.95-89.22], P=.03) as prognostic factors. CONCLUSION: The use of NPPV reduced mortality compared with IMV. NPPV failure was associated with more complications.

[Influence of the type of thoracic access on postesophagectomy respiratory complications]. / La influencia del tipo de abordaje torácico sobre el desarrollo de complicaciones respiratorias tras la esofagectomía.

INTRODUCTION: A systematic review of the literature was performed with the aim to determine differences in the rate of respiratory complications after esophagectomy for esophageal cancer using minimally invasive access vs traditional thoracic access. METHODS: A literature search was performed using Medline and Cochrane Library, identifying studies that compared the 2 types of thoracic access, regardless of the type of abdominal access (laparotomy/laparoscopy). The studies selected described respiratory complications in absolute numbers and different categories. Studies that considered minithoracotomy as a minimally invasive technique were excluded. Inclusion criteria were: studies decribing the different types of respiratory complications (9 in total), and analysing the most common complications: respiratory infection, respiratory failure and pleural effusion. RESULTS: Nine studies were selected (one prospective randomized trial and 8 case control studies) including 1,190 patients, 1,167 of which were operated on for esophageal cancer: 482 patients by thoracotomy and 708 by thoracoscopy. Three studies included definitions of respiratory complications, and one stratified them. The more frequent complications that allowed a meta-analysis were: respiratory infections, pleural effusion, and respiratory failure. No significant differences were found between the 2 types of access in the global analysis. DISCUSSION: The type of thoracic access (thoracotomy or thoracoscopy) does not seem to influence the development of respiratory complications after esophagectomy for cancer. However, the design of the studies analysed, the absence of clear definitions and stratification of the complications makes this conclusion questionable. A consensus on the definition of complications and further prospective randomized clinical trials are necessary.