Functional Dependence Prior to ICU Admission is Associated with Worse Clinical and Functional Outcomes in Individuals with COVID-19: A Prospective Observational Study.

Objectives: To determine whether low functional capacity (FC) prior to intensive care unit (ICU) admission due to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) might be associated with worse clinical outcomes. To monitor FC until discharge from the ICU. To identify associations between physical outcomes and decreased FC at discharge from the ICU. Design: Prospective observational study conducted from March to August 2021. Setting: ICU for adult patients with COVID-19. Participants: Adults (≥18 years) with COVID-19. Interventions: Not applicable. Main outcome measures: Clinical and demographic data were obtained from medical records. At ICU admission, evaluation was made of FC using the Barthel index (BI), and of the level of mobility using the ICU mobility scale. At ICU discharge, FC and mobility level were reassessed, and muscle strength was measured using the Medical Research Council (MRC) scale and the handgrip test. Results: The study was performed with 108 individuals. At the initial assessment, 73.1% of the patients were functionally independent. Length of hospital stay (odds ratio [OR] = 1.05; 95%confidence interval [CI] = 1.00-1.10) and death (OR = 5.27; 95%CI = 1.37-20.28) were related to functional status prior to ICU admission. Between ICU admission and discharge, the BI evaluation indicated a functional decline of 22.5 points. Low mobility level (P = .003) and low muscle strength assessed by the MRC scale (P < .001), measured at ICU discharge, were associated with a greater decrease of FC during the ICU stay. Conclusions: Patients with COVID-19 who were functionally dependent prior to ICU admission presented worse clinical outcomes, with low functional status being associated with longer hospitalization and higher mortality. However, irrespective of the initial functionality status, the surviving individuals suffered from functional decline at ICU discharge. Greater functional decline during the ICU stay was associated with lower muscle strength and lower mobility level at ICU discharge.

Chest physiotherapy techniques administered by certified specialists to hospitalized patients with COVID-19 in Brazil: A look towards future practice.

BACKGROUND: Chest physiotherapy for hospitalized patients with COVID-19 has been poorly reported. Although recommendations were published to guide physiotherapists, practice might have differed depending on education and training. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the differences in chest physiotherapy applied for hospitalized patients with COVID-19 between certified specialists and non-certified specialists. METHODS: An online questionnaire survey was developed for physiotherapists involved in the management of hospitalized patients with COVID-19. The questionnaire inquired about professional information and characteristics of physiotherapy practice. RESULTS: There were 485 respondents, yielding a completion rate of 76%. Of these, 61 were certified specialists and 424 non-certified specialists. The certified specialists were older, had more years of professional experience, were more qualified, and had better job conditions. For mechanically ventilated patients, the certified specialists used the ventilator hyperinflation maneuver more frequently (50.4% vs 35.1%, p = 0.005), and the hard/brief expiratory rib cage compression (ERCC) (26.9% vs 48.3%, p = 0.016), soft/long ERCC (25.2% vs 39.1%, p = 0.047), and manual chest compression-decompression (MCCD) maneuver (22.4% vs 35.6%, p = 0.001) less often. For spontaneously breathing patients, the certified specialists used the active cycle of breathing technique (30.8% vs 67.1%, p<0.001), autogenic drainage (7.7% vs 20.7%, p = 0.017), and MCCD maneuver (23.1% vs 41.4%, p = 0.018) less frequently. CONCLUSIONS: Certified specialists with higher levels of expertise seem to prefer the use of chest physiotherapy techniques that are applied with the mechanical ventilator over manual techniques. Furthermore, they use techniques that could potentially increase the work of breathing less frequently, mitigating the risk of exacerbating respiratory conditions in patients with COVID-19.

Barreiras para a implementação e a prática de reabilitação precoce em pacientes críticos na UTI / Barriers to the implementation and practice of early rehabilitation in critical patients in the ICU

Introdução: A reabilitação precoce pode minimizar a perda de força e funcionalidade causada pela fraqueza muscular adquirida na Unidade de Terapia Intensiva (UTI), no entanto, sua prática ainda enfrenta obstáculos para implementação plena. Objetivo: identificar as barreiras para implementação e execução da reabilitação precoce em pacientes críticos. Metodologia: Analisou-se, através de um questionário estruturado, as barreiras relacionadas ao paciente, ao processo, as barreiras estruturais e culturais. Quarenta e quatro profissionais da saúde que trabalhavam nas UTI de 2 hospitais participaram da pesquisa. Resultados: As barreiras relacionadas ao paciente mais citadas foram instabilidade hemodinâmica (85,8%), perda de dispositivos (58,9%) e intubação endotraqueal (55,3%). Nas barreiras estruturais identificou-se a falta de diretrizes ou protocolos. Já nas barreiras culturais e relacionadas ao processo, notou-se a falta de um profissional responsável para avaliar os pacientes aptos a iniciar a reabilitação. Conclusão: A plena implementação da reabilitação precoce nos dois hospitais estudados é prejudicada por inúmeras barreiras, especialmente as ligadas ao paciente e as estruturais.

Introduction: Early rehabilitation can minimize the loss of strength and functionality caused by acquired muscle weakness in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU); however, its practice still faces obstacles for full implementation. Objective: To identify barriers to the implementation and execution of early rehabilitation in critically ill patients. Methodology: Barriers related to the patient, the process, structural barriers, and cultural barriers were analyzed through a structured questionnaire. Forty-four healthcare professionals working in the ICUs of two hospitals participated in the survey. Results: The most cited barriers related to the patient were hemodynamic instability (85.8%), loss of devices (58.9%), and endotracheal intubation (55.3%). In structural barriers, the lack of guidelines or protocols was identified. Cultural and process-related barriers included the absence of a responsible professional to assess patients eligible to start rehabilitation. Conclusion: The full implementation of early rehabilitation in the two studied hospitals is hindered by numerous barriers, especially those related to the patient and structural issues.

Atuação da fisioterapia nas emergências neurológicas na Unidade de Urgência e Emergência / The practice of physiotherapy in neurological emergencies of the Urgency and Emergency Unit

Introdução: O Pronto Socorro é destinado a prestar assistência cujos agravos à saúde necessitam de atendimento imediato. Uma estratégia para atender as demandas desse serviço é a formação de equipes interdisciplinares. Objetivos: Analisar a atuação fisioterapêutica nos pacientes com emergências neurológicas internados, identificar os recursos fisioterapêuticos utilizados e associar com o desfecho clínico do paciente. Métodos: Estudo retrospectivo observacional descritivo. A coleta de dados foi realizada por meio de análises dos prontuários fisioterapêuticos. Resultados: O diagnóstico clínico mais prevalente foi de Acidente Vascular Encefálico isquêmico. As principais intervenções realizadas foram mobilização passiva e alongamentos. A comparação de proporções entre mobilização precoce e desfecho foi significante, assim como entre desfecho e extubação. Conclusões: A atuação do fisioterapeuta no Pronto Socorro é ampla, sendo realizada por meio de diversos recursos, principalmente mobilização precoce e manejo ventilatório, levando ao favorecimento do desfecho clínico do paciente. Contudo, mais pesquisas nessa área são necessárias.

Introduction: The Emergency Unit is assigned to provide assistance to health problems that require immediate care. One strategy to meet the demands of this service is the creation of interdisciplinary teams. Objectives: To analyze the physiotherapeutic work in hospitalized patients with neurological emergencies, to identify the physiotherapeutic resources used and to associate them with the patient's clinical outcome. Methods: Retrospective, observational and descriptive study. The information was collected through analysis of physical therapy records. Results: The prevailing clinical diagnosis was ischemic stroke. The main interventions performed were passive mobilization and stretching. The comparison between the proportions of early mobilization and outcome was significant, as well as between clinical outcome and extubation. Conclusions: The work of the physical therapist in the Emergency Unit is vast, and it is carried out through several resources, mainly early mobilization and ventilatory management, aiding the patient's clinical outcome. However, more studies are necessary in this field.

Upper limb function of individuals hospitalized in intensive care: A 6-month cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Impaired physical function is a common complication in intensive care unit (ICU) patients. However, specific upper limb (UL) function is still poorly studied in this population. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate UL function at discharge and after a 6-month follow-up of individuals hospitalized in the ICU. METHODS: This was a longitudinal prospective 6-month multicentre cohort study with forty-six individuals hospitalized in the ICU undergoing mechanical ventilation for ≥ 48 h (ICU Group) and forty-six healthy individuals matched by sex, age, and socioeconomic status (control Group). The primary outcomes were measurements of UL disability using the Jebsen-Taylor Hand Function Test (JTT) and the Nine Hole Peg Test (NHPT). Secondary outcomes were physical function (Barthel index), muscle strength (Medical Research Council scale and hand grip strength), and quality of life (EuroQol-5 Dimension). All measurements were assessed after ICU discharge and at a 6-month follow-up. RESULTS: The JTT performance time in the ICU group after discharge was worse than that in the control group [121 s (86-165) vs. 54 s (49-61), median (IQR), p<0,001] and was reduced after 6 months [62 s (54-81), p<0,01]. The NHPT performance time at discharge in the ICU group was worse than that in the controls [39 s (33-59) vs. 21 s (20-23), p<0,001] and was reduced after 6 months of follow-up [24 s (21-27), p<0,01]. Physical function, muscle strength and quality of life were reduced after ICU discharge. CONCLUSION: Individuals hospitalized in the ICU presented with reduced UL function at discharge and at the 6-month follow-up.

Functional Recovery Groups in Critically Ill COVID-19 Patients and Their Associated Factors: From ICU to Hospital Discharge.

OBJECTIVES: To analyze functional recovery groups of critically ill COVID-19 survivors during their hospital stay and to identify the associated factors. DESIGN: Prospective observational multicenter study. SETTING: Demographic, clinical, and therapeutic variables were collected, and physical and functional status were evaluated. The Barthel index was evaluated at three time points: 15 days before hospitalization, at ICU discharge, and at hospital discharge from the ward. PATIENTS: Patients with functional independence before COVID-19 diagnosis were recruited from four hospitals and followed up until hospital discharge. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Three groups of functional recovery were described for 328 patients: functional independence ( n = 144; 44%), which included patients who preserved their functional status during hospitalization; recovered functionality ( n = 109; 33.2%), which included patients who showed dependence at ICU discharge but recovered their independence by hospital discharge; and functional dependency ( n = 75; 22.8%), which included patients who were dependent at ICU discharge and had not recovered their functional status at hospital discharge. The factors associated with becoming functionally dependent at ICU discharge were time to out-of-bed patient mobilization (odds ratio [OR], 1.20; 95% CI, 1.11-1.29), age (OR, 1.02; 95% CI, 1.01-1.04), hyperglycemia (OR, 2.52; 95% CI, 1.56-4.07), and Simplified Acute Physiology Score (OR, 1.022; 95% CI, 1.01-1.04). Recovery to baseline independence during ward stays was associated with ICU length of stay (OR, 0.97; 95% CI, 0.94-0.99) and muscle strength (Medical Research Council test) at ICU discharge (OR, 1.13; 95% CI, 1.08-1.18). CONCLUSIONS: Age, hyperglycemia, and time for patient mobilization out of bed were independent factors associated with becoming physically dependent after their ICU stay. Recovery of physical function at hospital discharge was associated with muscle strength at ICU discharge and length of ICU stay.

Physiotherapy practice for hospitalized patients with COVID-19.

OBJECTIVE: To identify the indications for physiotherapy and to evaluate physiotherapy practices in patients with COVID-19 admitted to the ICU (on mechanical ventilation) or to the ward (spontaneously breathing). METHODS: An online, 50-item survey was completed by physiotherapists who had been treating hospitalized patients with COVID-19 in Brazil. RESULTS: Of the 644 physiotherapists who initiated the survey, 488 (76%) completed it. The main reasons for indications for physiotherapy in both settings reported as "very frequently" and "frequently" both in the ICU and the ward by most respondents were oxygenation improvement (> 95%) and prevention of general complications (> 83%). Physical deconditioning was considered an infrequent indication. When compared with mobilization strategies, the use of respiratory interventions showed great variability in both work settings, and techniques considered effective were underutilized. The most frequently used respiratory techniques in the ICU were positioning (86%), alveolar recruitment (73%), and hard/brief expiratory rib cage compression (46%), whereas those in the ward were active prone positioning (90%), breathing exercises (88%), and directed/assisted cough (75%). The mobilization interventions reported by more than 75% of the respondents were sitting on the edge of the bed, active and resistive range of motion exercises, standing, ambulation, and stepping in place. CONCLUSIONS: The least common reason for indications for physiotherapy was avoidance of deconditioning, whereas oxygenation improvement was the most frequent one. Great variability in respiratory interventions was observed when compared with mobilization therapies, and there is a clear need to standardize respiratory physiotherapy treatment for hospitalized patients with COVID-19.

Estratégia protetora de ventilação mecânica na síndrome respiratória aguda grave por influenza: revisão sistemática / Protective mechanical ventilation strategy in severe acute respiratory syndrome by influenza: a systematic review

Objetivo: Avaliar se a estratégia protetora de ventilação mecânica na síndrome do desconforto respiratório agudo (SDRA) por Influenza é capaz de reduzir o tempo de ventilação mecânica e aumentar a sobrevida. Métodos: A busca foi realizada nas bases de dados Pubmed, Embase, Cochrane, Lilacs, Medline, Scopus, Web of Science, Science Direct, Cinahl e SAGE, entre 2009 e 2019. Buscou-se por ensaios clínicos controlados e randomizados, estudos analíticos com grupo controle: coorte prospectiva ou controle histórico. A população estudada foi de indivíduos adultos com diagnóstico de síndrome respiratória aguda grave por Influenza, que receberam estratégia protetora de ventilação com baixos volumes correntes e/ou manobra de recrutamento alveolar comparada com qualquer outra estratégia. Resultados: A busca resultou em 445 referências; apenas 1 artigo preencheu os critérios de elegibilidade. O estudo incluído trouxe que o uso de baixos volumes traz benefícios para os pacientes com SDRA de etiologias virais, como menor tempo de ventilação mecânica, de internação em UTI e hospitalar. Conclusão: A escassez de artigos sobre a estratégia de ventilação protetora em SDRA secundário à infecção por Influenza não permite concluir se essa estratégia é capaz de reduzir o tempo de ventilação e/ou melhorar a sobrevida nessa população. A literatura carece de mais estudos que permitam conclusões robustas.

Physiotherapy practice for hospitalized patients with COVID-19 / Prática fisioterapêutica para pacientes hospitalizados com COVID-19

ABSTRACT Objective: To identify the indications for physiotherapy and to evaluate physiotherapy practices in patients with COVID-19 admitted to the ICU (on mechanical ventilation) or to the ward (spontaneously breathing). Methods: An online, 50-item survey was completed by physiotherapists who had been treating hospitalized patients with COVID-19 in Brazil. Results: Of the 644 physiotherapists who initiated the survey, 488 (76%) completed it. The main reasons for indications for physiotherapy in both settings reported as "very frequently" and "frequently" both in the ICU and the ward by most respondents were oxygenation improvement (> 95%) and prevention of general complications (> 83%). Physical deconditioning was considered an infrequent indication. When compared with mobilization strategies, the use of respiratory interventions showed great variability in both work settings, and techniques considered effective were underutilized. The most frequently used respiratory techniques in the ICU were positioning (86%), alveolar recruitment (73%), and hard/brief expiratory rib cage compression (46%), whereas those in the ward were active prone positioning (90%), breathing exercises (88%), and directed/assisted cough (75%). The mobilization interventions reported by more than 75% of the respondents were sitting on the edge of the bed, active and resistive range of motion exercises, standing, ambulation, and stepping in place. Conclusions: The least common reason for indications for physiotherapy was avoidance of deconditioning, whereas oxygenation improvement was the most frequent one. Great variability in respiratory interventions was observed when compared with mobilization therapies, and there is a clear need to standardize respiratory physiotherapy treatment for hospitalized patients with COVID-19.

RESUMO Objetivo: Identificar as indicações de fisioterapia e avaliar as práticas fisioterapêuticas em pacientes com COVID-19 internados na UTI (em ventilação mecânica) ou na enfermaria (em respiração espontânea). Métodos: Questionário online, com 50 questões, respondido por fisioterapeutas que atendiam pacientes hospitalizados com COVID-19 no Brasil. Resultados: Dos 644 fisioterapeutas que iniciaram o questionário, 488 (76%) o concluíram. As principais indicações de fisioterapia relatadas como "muito frequente" e "frequentemente" tanto na UTI quanto na enfermaria pela maioria dos respondentes foram melhora da oxigenação (> 95%) e prevenção de complicações gerais (> 83%). Descondicionamento físico foi considerado uma indicação pouco frequente. Em comparação com as estratégias de mobilização, as intervenções respiratórias apresentaram grande variabilidade em ambos os setores de trabalho, e técnicas consideradas eficazes foram subutilizadas. As técnicas respiratórias mais utilizadas na UTI foram posicionamento (86%), recrutamento alveolar (73%) e compressão torácica expiratória forte e rápida (46%), enquanto, na enfermaria, as mais utilizadas foram posição prona ativa (90%), exercícios respiratórios (88%) e tosse assistida/dirigida (75%). As intervenções de mobilização relatadas por mais de 75% dos respondentes foram sedestação a beira leito, exercícios ativos e resistidos de membros superiores/inferiores, ortostatismo, deambulação e marcha estacionária. Conclusões: A indicação menos frequente de fisioterapia foi prevenção do descondicionamento, enquanto melhora da oxigenação foi a mais frequente. Observou-se grande variabilidade nas intervenções respiratórias em comparação com as terapias de mobilização, e há uma clara necessidade de padronização do tratamento fisioterapêutico respiratório para pacientes hospitalizados com COVID-19.

Architectural anatomy of the quadriceps and the relationship with muscle strength: An observational study utilising real-time ultrasound in healthy adults.

Quadriceps atrophy and morphological change is a known phenomenon that can impact significantly on strength and functional performance in patients with acute or chronic presentations conditions. Real-time ultrasound (RTUS) imaging is a noninvasive valid and reliable method of quantifying quadriceps muscle anatomy and architecture. To date, there is a paucity of normative data on the architectural properties of superficial and deep components of the quadriceps muscle group to inform assessment and evaluation of intervention programs. The aims of this study were to (1) quantify the anatomical architectural properties of the quadriceps muscle group (rectus femoris, vastus intermedius, and vastus lateralis) using RTUS in healthy older adults and (2) to determine the relationship between RTUS muscle parameters and measures of quadriceps muscle strength. Thirty middle aged to older males and females (age range 55-79 years; mean age =59.9 ± 7.08 years) were recruited. Quadriceps muscle thickness, cross-sectional area, pennation angle, and echogenicity were measured using RTUS. Quadriceps strength was measured using hand-held dynamometry. For the RTUS-derived quadriceps morphological data, rectus femoris mean results; circumference 9.3 cm; CSA 4.6 cm2 ; thickness 1.5 cm; echogenicity 100.2 pixels. Vastus intermedius mean results; thickness 1.8 cm; echogenicity 99.1 pixels. Vastus lateralis thickness 1.9 cm; pennation angle 17.3°; fascicle length 7.0 cm. Quadriceps force was significantly correlated only with rectus femoris circumference (r = 0.48, p = 0.007), RF echogenicity (r = 0.38, p = 0.037), VI echogenicity (r = 0.43, p = 0.018), and VL fascicle length (r = 0.43, p = 0.019). Quadriceps force was best predicted by a three-variable model (adjusted R2  = 0.46, p < 0.001) which included rectus femoris echogenicity (B = 0.43, p = 0.005), vastus lateralis fascicle length (B = 0.33, p = 0.025) and rectus femoris circumference (B = 0.31, p = 0.041). Thus respectively, rectus femoris echogenicity explains 43%, vastus lateralis fascicle length explains 33% and rectus femoris circumference explains 31% of the variance of quadriceps force. The study findings suggest that RTUS measures were reliable and further research is warranted to establish whether these could be used as surrogate measures for quadriceps strength in adults to inform exercise and rehabilitation programs.

Falls prevalence and risk factors in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Falls are frequent in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and related to increased morbidity, mortality, and health care costs in older adults. This systematic review aims to synthesise the falls outcomes and to examine risk factors for falls in the COPD literature. METHODS: The protocol was registered in the Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO: CRD42015017257). Searches were updated and operated in five electronic databases in December 2019 for studies reporting falls outcomes and risk factors in people with COPD. Meta-analyses were conducted on the prevalence of fallers and frequent fallers. Quality assessment appraised the risk of bias of included articles. RESULTS: Twenty-three studies met the eligibility criteria and were retained after the full-text review. In the meta-analyses, the pooled prevalence of COPD fallers was 30% (95%CI 19%-42%), and the pooled prevalence of frequent fallers (≥2 falls in the analysed period of occurrence) was 24% (95%CI 2%-56%). The falls incidence rate in stable COPD varied from 1.17 to 1.49 falls/person-year. Different study methodologies were identified. Age, female gender, falls history, the number of medications, comorbidities, coronary heart disease, use of supplemental oxygen, impaired balance performance and smoking history were risk factors for falls identified in stable COPD. CONCLUSION: Prevalence of fallers, frequent fallers, and falls incidence rate have been reported in the COPD literature using a varying methodology. People with stable COPD present with ageing and disease-related risk factors for falls. Further research using the recommended prospective recording is needed in COPD.

Prevalência de fragilidade autorreferida em pacientes criticamente enfermos acordados e alertas / Prevalencia de fragilidad autodeclarada en pacientes críticamente enfermos despiertos y alertas / Prevalence of self-reported frailty in awake and alert critically ill patients

RESUMO Indivíduos criticamente enfermos internados em unidades de terapia intensiva (UTI) podem apresentar perdas de reservas físicas e cognitivas que aumentam a vulnerabilidade frente a eventos adversos, caracterizando a síndrome da fragilidade. O objetivo do estudo foi delinear a prevalência de fragilidade autorreferida em pacientes criticamente enfermos acordados e alertas internados na UTI de um hospital escola. Foram incluídos indivíduos adultos (≥18 anos), internados por, pelo menos 48 horas nas UTI de um hospital escola de Uberaba-MG, que encontravam-se alertas no momento da avaliação. O indivíduo foi estimulado a referir seu nível de fragilidade utilizando a Escala de Fragilidade Clínica (EFC). Indivíduos com EFC de 1 a 3 foram considerados não frágeis, 4 vulneráveis e maior que 5, frágeis. Foram incluídos 50 indivíduos com idade entre 44 e 78 anos com predominância do sexo masculino. A prevalência de indivíduos frágeis foi nula, 1 indivíduo foi considerado vulnerável e os demais foram considerados não frágeis com predominância da categoria 3, com 64% da população. Ao analisar os dados demográficos e clínicos nas diferentes pontuações da EFC não foi observado diferença estatisticamente significante entre sexo e idade entre as categorias analisadas. O índice de comorbidade funcional foi crescente nas categorias analisadas, (p=0,05). A prevalência de fragilidade autorreferida foi nula em pacientes criticamente enfermos internados em um hospital escola de Uberaba-MG. Escalas autorreferidas para avaliação de fragilidade podem ser incapazes de identificar acuradamente indivíduos frágeis.

RESUMEN Los individuos críticamente enfermos que ingresan en unidades de cuidados intensivos (UCI) pueden presentar pérdidas de reservas físicas y cognitivas, que aumentan su vulnerabilidad ante eventos adversos y caracterizan el síndrome de fragilidad. El objetivo de este estudio fue delimitar la prevalencia de fragilidad autodeclarada en pacientes críticamente enfermos despiertos y alertas hospitalizados en UCI de un hospital escuela. Participaron individuos adultos (≥18 años), hospitalizados por al menos 48 horas en las UCI de un hospital escuela de Uberaba (Minas Gerais, Brasil), que estaban alertas en el momento de la evaluación. Se estimuló al individuo a informar su nivel de fragilidad utilizando la Escala de Fragilidad Clínica (EFC). Los niveles de 1 a 3 de EFC evaluaban a los individuos como no frágiles; 4 como vulnerables; y superior a 5 como frágiles. Participaron 50 individuos de los 44 años a los 78 años, predominantemente hombres. La prevalencia de individuos frágiles fue nula, 1 individuo se evaluó como vulnerable, y los demás como no frágiles, con un predominio de la categoría 3 en el 64% de la población. Al evaluar los datos demográficos y clínicos en las diferentes puntuaciones de EFC no se encontró diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre sexo y edad entre las categorías analizadas. El índice de comorbilidad funcional tuvo un aumento en las categorías analizadas (p=0,05). La prevalencia de fragilidad autodeclarada fue nula en pacientes críticamente enfermos ingresados en un hospital escuela en Uberaba (Minas Gerais). Las escalas autodeclaradas para evaluar la fragilidad no parecen ser útiles para identificar con exactitud a los individuos frágiles.

ABSTRACT Critically ill subjects admitted to intensive care units (ICU) might experience physical and cognitive reserves losses that increase their vulnerability to adverse events - characterizing frailty syndrome. This study aimed to delineate the prevalence of self-reported frailty in awake and alert critically ill patients admitted to the ICU of a teaching hospital. We included adult subjects (≥18 years old), admitted for at least 48 hours in the ICU of a teaching hospital in the city of Uberaba, state of Minas Gerais (MG), Brazil, who were alert at the time of the assessment. Subjects were encouraged to report their level of frailty using the Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS). Subjects with a CFS of 1 to 3 were considered non-fragile, 4 vulnerable, and greater than 5 frail. 50 subjects aged 44 to 78 years, mostly males, were evaluated. The prevalence of frail subjects was null, one subject was considered vulnerable and the others were considered non-frail, in which category 3 prevailed in 64% of the population. When analyzing the demographic and clinical data in the different CFS scores, no statistically significant difference was observed between gender and age in the analyzed categories. The functional comorbidity index was increasing in the analyzed categories, (p=0.05). The prevalence of self-reported frailty was null in critically ill patients admitted to this teaching hospital in Uberaba-MG. Self-reported frailty assessment scales may be inaccurate to identify frail subjects.

Correction to: Structural alterations and markers of endothelial activation in pulmonary and bronchial arteries in fatal asthma.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1186/s13223-019-0363-0.].

Immunohistological features related to functional impairment in lymphangioleiomyomatosis.

BACKGROUND: Lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM) is a low-grade neoplasm characterized by the pulmonary infiltration of smooth muscle-like cells (LAM cells) and cystic destruction. Patients usually present with airway obstruction in pulmonary function tests (PFTs). Previous studies have shown correlations among histological parameters, lung function abnormalities and prognosis in LAM. We investigated the lung tissue expression of proteins related to the mTOR pathway, angiogenesis and enzymatic activity and its correlation with functional parameters in LAM patients. METHODS: We analyzed morphological and functional parameters of thirty-three patients. Two groups of disease severity were identified according to FEV1 values. Lung tissue from open biopsies or lung transplants was immunostained for SMA, HMB-45, mTOR, VEGF-D, MMP-9 and D2-40. Density of cysts, density of nodules and protein expression were measured by image analysis and correlated with PFT parameters. RESULTS: There was no difference in the expression of D2-40 between the more severe and the less severe groups. All other immunohistological parameters showed significantly higher values in the more severe group (p ≤ 0.002). The expression of VEGF-D, MMP-9 and mTOR in LAM cells was associated with the density of both cysts and nodules. The density of cysts and nodules as well as the expression of MMP-9 and VEGF-D were associated with the impairment of PFT parameters. CONCLUSIONS: Severe LAM represents an active phase of the disease with high expression of VEGF-D, mTOR, and MMP-9, as well as LAM cell infiltration. Our findings suggest that the tissue expression levels of VEGF-D and MMP-9 are important parameters associated with the loss of pulmonary function and could be considered as potential severity markers in open lung biopsies of LAM patients.

Regulatory T-Cell Distribution within Lung Compartments in COPD.

The importance of the adaptive immune response, specifically the role of regulatory T (Treg) cells in controlling the obstruction progression in smokers, has been highlighted. To quantify the adaptive immune cells in different lung compartments, we used lung tissues from 21 never-smokers without lung disease, 22 current and/or ex-smokers without lung disease (NOS) and 13 current and/or ex-smokers with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) for histological analysis. We observed increased T, B, IL-17 and BAFF+ cells in small and large airways of COPD individuals; however, in the NOS, we only observed increase in T and IL-17+ cells only in small airways. A decrease in the density of Treg+, TGF-ß+ and IL-10+ in small and large airways was observed only in COPD individuals. In the lymphoid tissues, Treg, T,B-cells and BAFF+ cells were also increased in COPD; however, changes in Treg inhibitory associated cytokines were not observed in this compartment. Therefore, our results suggest that difference in Treg+ cell distributions in lung compartments and the decrease in TGF-ß+ and IL-10+ cells in the airways may lead to the obstruction in smokers.

Handcrafted cuff manometers do not accurately measure endotracheal tube cuff pressure.

OBJECTIVE: To test the agreement between two handcrafted devices and a cuff-specific manometer. METHODS: The agreement between two handcrafted devices adapted to measure tracheal tube cuff pressure and a cuff-specific manometer was tested on 79 subjects. The cuff pressure was measured with a commercial manometer and with two handcrafted devices (HD) assembled with aneroid sphygmomanometers (HD1 and HD2). The data were compared using Wilcoxon and Spearman tests, the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and limit-of-agreement analysis. RESULTS: Cuff pressures assessed with handcrafted devices were significantly different from commercial device measurements (pressures were higher when measured with HD1 and lower with HD2). The ICCs between the commercial device and HD1 and HD2 were excellent (ICC = 0.8 p < 0.001) and good (ICC = 0.66, p < 0.001), respectively. However, the Bland- Altman plots showed wide limits of agreement between HD1 and HD2 and the commercial device. CONCLUSION: The handcrafted manometers do not provide accurate cuff pressure measurements when compared to a cuff-specific device and should not be used to replace the commercial cuff manometers in mechanically ventilated patients.

Manômetros artesanais não medem com precisão a pressão de balão dos tubos endotraqueais / Handcrafted cuff manometers do not accurately measure endotracheal tube cuff pressure

RESUMOObjetivo:Testar a concordância entre dispositivos artesanais e um manômetro especificamente projetado para esse fim.Métodos:Testamos em 79 sujeitos a concordância entre as mensurações realizadas com 2 dispositivos artesanalmente adaptados para medir a pressão de balão dos tubos endotraqueais e as obtidas com uso de um manômetro específico para esse fim. A pressão de balão foi medida com um manômetro comercial e com dois dispositivos artesanais montados a partir de esfigmomanômetro aneroides. Os dados foram comparados utilizando os testes de Wilcoxon e Spearman, o coeficiente de correlação intraclasse e a análise do limite de concordância.Resultados:As pressões do balão medidas com os dispositivos artesanais foram significantemente diferentes das medidas obtidas com o dispositivo comercial (as pressões foram mais elevadas nas mensurações obtidas com o dispositivo artesanal 1 e mais baixas nas avaliações realizadas com o dispositivo artesanal 2). O coeficiente de correlação intraclasse entre o dispositivo comercial e os dispositivos 1 e 2 foi excelente (0,8; p < 0,001) e bom (0,66; p < 0,001), respectivamente. No entanto, os gráficos de Bland-Altman demonstraram limites amplos de concordância entre os dispositivos 1 e 2 e o dispositivo comercial.Conclusão:Os manômetros artesanais não proporcionam mensurações precisas da pressão do balão, quando comparados a um dispositivo específico para esse fim e, portanto, não devem ser utilizados na avaliação de pacientes mecanicamente ventilados em substituição aos manômetros comerciais específicos para avaliação da pressão do balão.

ABSTRACTObjective:To test the agreement between two handcrafted devices and a cuff-specific manometer.Methods:The agreement between two handcrafted devices adapted to measure tracheal tube cuff pressure and a cuff-specific manometer was tested on 79 subjects. The cuff pressure was measured with a commercial manometer and with two handcrafted devices (HD) assembled with aneroid sphygmomanometers (HD1 and HD2). The data were compared using Wilcoxon and Spearman tests, the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and limit-of-agreement analysis.Results:Cuff pressures assessed with handcrafted devices were significantly different from commercial device measurements (pressures were higher when measured with HD1 and lower with HD2). The ICCs between the commercial device and HD1 and HD2 were excellent (ICC = 0.8 p < 0.001) and good (ICC = 0.66, p < 0.001), respectively. However, the Bland- Altman plots showed wide limits of agreement between HD1 and HD2 and the commercial device.Conclusion:The handcrafted manometers do not provide accurate cuff pressure measurements when compared to a cuff-specific device and should not be used to replace the commercial cuff manometers in mechanically ventilated patients.

Effects of long-term administration of omeprazole on bone mineral density and the mechanical properties of the bone.

OBJECTIVES: Epidemiological studies have shown a relationship between long-term use of proton pump inhibitors and bone metabolism. However, this relationship has not yet become established. The aim of the present study was to analyze the mechanical properties and bone mineral density (BMD) of rats that were subjected to long-term omeprazole use. METHODS: Fifty Wistar rats weighing between 200 and 240 g were divided equally into five groups: OMP300 (omeprazole intake at a dose of 300 µmoL/kg/day); OMP200 (200 µmoL/kg/day); OMP40 (40 µmoL/kg/day); OMP10 (10 µmoL/kg/day); and Cont (control group; intake of dilution vehicle). The solutions were administered for 90 consecutive days. After the rats had been sacrificed, their BMD, the mechanical properties of the dissected femurs and their serum Ca++ levels were analyzed. RESULTS: The BMD of the OMP300 group was lower than that of the controls (p = 0.006). There was no difference on comparing the OMP200, OMP40 and OMP10 groups with the controls. The maximum strength and rigidity of the femur did not differ in the experimental groups in comparison with the controls. The OMP300 group had a statistically lower serum Ca++ concentration than that of the controls (p = 0.049), but the other groups did not show any difference in relation to the controls. CONCLUSION: Daily intake of 300 µmoL/kg/day of omeprazole decreased the BMD of the femur, but without changes to the rigidity and strength of the femur in adult rats.

OBJETIVOS: Estudos epidemiológicos mostram uma relação entre o uso em longo prazo de inibidores de bomba de prótons e o metabolismo ósseo, porém essa relação ainda não está estabelecida. O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar as propriedade mecânicas e a densidade mineral óssea (DMO) de ratos submetidos ao uso de omeprazol em longo prazo. MÉTODOS: Cinquenta ratos Wistar, entre 200 e 240 g, foram divididos igualmente em cinco grupos: OMP300 (ingestão de omeprazol na dose de 300 µmoL/Kg/dia), OMP200 (200 µmoL/Kg/dia), OMP40 (40 µmoL/Kg/dia), OMP10 (10 µmoL/Kg/dia) e Cont (grupo controle; ingestão do veículo de diluição). A administração das soluções ocorreu durante 90 dias seguidos. Após a eutanásia, foram analisadas a DMO, as propriedades mecânicas dos fêmures dissecados e a dosagem de Ca++ sérico. RESULTADOS: A DMO do grupo OMP300 foi menor do que a do Cont (p = 0,006). Não houve diferença na comparação entre os grupos OMP200, OMP40 e OMP10 em relação ao Cont. A força máxima e rigidez do fêmur não foram diferentes nos grupos experimentais quando comparados ao Cont. O grupo OMP300 teve concentrações séricas de Ca++ estatisticamente menores do que o grupo Cont (p = 0,049) sem diferença entre os demais grupos em relação ao Cont. CONCLUSÃO: A ingestão diária de 300 µmoL/Kg/dia de omeprazol diminuiu a DMO do fêmur, porém sem alterações na rigidez e na força do fêmur de ratos adultos.

Ultrasonography in the intensive care setting can be used to detect changes in the quality and quantity of muscle and is related to muscle strength and function.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to (1) document patterns of quadriceps muscle wasting in the first 10 days of admission and (2) determine the relationship between muscle ultrasonography and volitional measures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-two adults ventilated for more than 48 hours were included. Sequential quadriceps ultrasound images were obtained over the first 10 days and at awakening and intensive care unit (ICU) discharge. Muscle strength and function were assessed at awakening and ICU discharge. RESULTS: A total of 416 images were analyzed. There was a 30% reduction in vastus intermedius (VI) thickness, rectus femoris (RF) thickness, and cross-sectional area within 10 days of admission. Muscle echogenicity scores increased for both RF and VI muscles by +12.7% and +25.5%, respectively (suggesting deterioration in muscle quality). There was a strong association between function and VI thickness (r = 0.82) and echogenicity (r = -0.77). There was a moderate association between function and RF cross-sectional area (r = 0.71). CONCLUSIONS: Muscle wasting occurs rapidly in the ICU setting. Ultrasonography is a useful surrogate measure for identifying future impairment. Vastus intermedius may be an important muscle to monitor in the future because it demonstrated the greatest change in muscle quality and had the strongest relationship to volitional measures.