Understanding the use and outcomes of high-flow nasal cannula among infants admitted to Canadian hospitals with bronchiolitis (CanFLO): a protocol for a multicentre, retrospective cohort study.

INTRODUCTION: Bronchiolitis is the most common viral lower respiratory tract infection in children under 2 years of age. Respiratory support with high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) is increasingly used in this patient population with limited understanding of the patients most likely to benefit and considerable practice variability of use. This study aims to understand the factors associated with failure of HFNC support among patients with bronchiolitis and to describe the current practice variations of HFNC use in patients with bronchiolitis in Canadian hospitals including fluid management and parameters to initiate, escalate and discontinue HFNC support. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: This is a multicentre retrospective cohort study including hospitalised patients aged 0-24 months with bronchiolitis requiring support with HFNC between January 2017 and December 2021. Clinical data will be collected from patient medical records from Canadian hospitals (n=12), including academic and community centres. HFNC failure will be defined as the need for escalation to non-invasive or invasive mechanical ventilation. Factors associated with HFNC failure will be analysed using logistic regression. Descriptive statistics will be used to describe practice variations of HFNC utilisation and management. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: Approval from the Research Ethics Boards (REBs) has been obtained for each participating study site prior to onset of data collection including Clinical Trials Ontario for all Ontario hospital sites and REBs from British Columbia Children's Hospital, Stollery Children's Hospital, Montreal Children's Hospital and CHU Sainte-Justine. Study results will be disseminated through presentation at national/international conferences and publication in high-impact, peer-reviewed journals.

A unit-based, multi-center evaluation of adopting mobility measures and daily mobility goals in the hospital setting.

BACKGROUND: Promoting patient mobility helps improve patient outcomes, but mobility status is not widely tracked nor do patients have specific individualized mobility goals. PURPOSE: We evaluated nursing adoption of mobility measures and daily mobility goal achievement using the Johns Hopkins Mobility Goal Calculator (JH-MGC), a tool to guide an individualized patient mobility goal based on the level of mobility capacity. METHOD: Built on a translating research into practice framework, the Johns Hopkins Activity and Mobility Promotion (JH-AMP) program was the vehicle to promote use of the mobility measures and the JH-MGC. We evaluated a large-scale implementation effort of this program on 23 units across two medical centers. FINDINGS: Units significantly improved documentation compliance to mobility measures and achieving daily mobility goals. Units with the highest documentation compliance rates had higher rates of daily mobility goal achievement, especially for longer distance ambulation goals. DISCUSSION: The JH-AMP program improved adoption of mobility status tracking and higher nursing inpatient mobility levels.

Comparison of Hyperpolarized 3He and 129Xe MR Imaging in Cystic Fibrosis Patients.

PURPOSE: In this study, we compared hyperpolarized 3He and 129Xe images from patients with cystic fibrosis using two commonly applied magnetic resonance sequences, standard gradient echo (GRE) and balanced steady-state free precession (TrueFISP) to quantify regional similarities and differences in signal distribution and defect analysis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ten patients (7M/3F) with cystic fibrosis underwent hyperpolarized gas MR imaging with both 3He and 129Xe. Six had MRI with both GRE, and TrueFISP sequences and four patients had only GRE sequence but not TrueFISP. Ventilation defect percentages (VDPs) were calculated as lung voxels with <60% of the whole-lung hyperpolarized gas signal mean and was measured in all datasets. The voxel signal distributions of both 129Xe and 3He gases were visualized and compared using violin plots. VDPs of hyperpolarized 3 He and 129 Xe were compared in Bland-Altman plots; Pearson correlation coefficients were used to evaluate the relationships between inter-gas and inter-scan to assess the reproducibility. RESULTS: A significant correlation was demonstrated between 129Xe VDP and 3He VDP for both GRE and TrueFISP sequences (ρ = 0.78, p<0.0004). The correlation between the GRE and TrueFISP VDP for 3He was ρ = 0.98 and was ρ = 0.91 for 129Xe. Overall, 129Xe (27.2±9.4) VDP was higher than 3He (24.3±6.9) VDP on average on cystic fibrosis patients. CONCLUSION: In patients with cystic fibrosis, the selection of hyperpolarized 129Xe or 3He gas is most likely inconsequential when it comes to measure the overall lung function by VDP although 129Xe may be more sensitive to starker lung defects, particularly when using a TrueFISP sequence.

SHORT-TERM EFFECT OF WHEY PROTEIN SUPPLEMENTATION ON THE QUALITY OF LIFE OF PATIENTS WAITING FOR LIVER TRANSPLANTATION: A DOUBLE BLINDED RANDOMIZED CLINICAL TRIAL.

BACKGROUND: Chronic liver disease is associated with malnutrition that negatively impacts a patient's health-related quality of life (HRQoL). AIM: To evaluate the short-term effect of whey protein supplementation on the HRQoL and nutritional and functional status of patients waiting for liver transplantation. METHODS: This was a double-blind randomized clinical trial with patients waiting for liver transplantation who were randomized into two groups: WP (whey protein supplementation) and the control (casein supplementation). Both groups received 40 g (20 g in the morning and 20 g in the evening) for 15 days. Nutritional and functional status were evaluated. Energy balance was calculated as the difference between energy intake (24-hour recall) and total energy expenditure (assessed by indirect calorimetry). The chronic liver disease questionnaire was used to assess HRQoL. All measurements were performed before and after the intervention. RESULTS: Fifty-six patients were evaluated. Malnutrition was present in 56.9%, and it was directly associated with a poor HRQoL (p<0.05). No improvement on the nutritional and functional status was observed, in either group after protein supplementation. HRQoL improved after WP and casein supplementation, with no differences between groups (p>0.05). Patients who met protein requirements and had a positive energy balance demonstrated a higher HRQoL score (4.9, p<0.05), without between-group differences. CONCLUSION: Malnutrition substantially reduces HRQoL. Short-term WP or casein supplementation improved similarly the HRQoL.

Factors associated with treatment failure of high-flow nasal cannula among children with bronchiolitis: a single-centre retrospective study.

OBJECTIVES: Bronchiolitis is the most common viral lower respiratory tract infection in children under age 2 for which high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) is increasingly used. Understanding factors associated with HFNC failure is important to identify patients at risk for respiratory deterioration. The objective of this study was to evaluate patient characteristics associated with HFNC failure in bronchiolitis. METHODS: A retrospective review of patients aged 0 to 24 months, with bronchiolitis who received HFNC within a single tertiary paediatric intensive care unit, between January 2014 and December 2018 was conducted. HFNC treatment failure was defined as escalation to non-invasive positive pressure or invasive mechanical ventilation. Multivariable regression analysis was used to identify demographic, clinical, and biochemical parameters associated with HFNC failure. RESULTS: Two hundred eight patients met inclusion criteria, of which 61 (29.33%) failed HFNC. Risk factors for HFNC failure included younger age (odds ratio [OR] 1.12; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.03, 1.23; P=0.011) and a Modified Tal score greater than 5 at 4 hours of HFNC therapy (OR 2.81; 95% CI 1.04, 7.64; P=0.042). Duration of HFNC in hours was protective (OR 0.94; 95% CI 0.92, 0.96; P<0.001), such that deterioration is less likely once patients have remained stable on HFNC for a prolonged time. CONCLUSION: This is the first study exploring predictors of HFNC failure among Canadian children with bronchiolitis. Patient age, HFNC duration, and Modified Tal score were associated with HFNC failure. These factors should be considered when initiating HFNC for bronchiolitis to identify patients at risk for deterioration.

Short-term effect of whey protein supplementation on the quality of life of patients waiting for liver transplantation: a double blinded randomized clinical trial / Efeito a curto prazo da suplementação com proteína do soro do leite sobre a qualidade de vida de pacientes em fila de espera para o transplante hepático: ensaio clínico randomizado

ABSTRACT Background: Chronic liver disease is associated with malnutrition that negatively impacts a patient's health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Aim: To evaluate the short-term effect of whey protein supplementation on the HRQoL and nutritional and functional status of patients waiting for liver transplantation. Methods: This was a double-blind randomized clinical trial with patients waiting for liver transplantation who were randomized into two groups: WP (whey protein supplementation) and the control (casein supplementation). Both groups received 40 g (20 g in the morning and 20 g in the evening) for 15 days. Nutritional and functional status were evaluated. Energy balance was calculated as the difference between energy intake (24-hour recall) and total energy expenditure (assessed by indirect calorimetry). The chronic liver disease questionnaire was used to assess HRQoL. All measurements were performed before and after the intervention. Results: Fifty-six patients were evaluated. Malnutrition was present in 56.9%, and it was directly associated with a poor HRQoL (p<0.05). No improvement on the nutritional and functional status was observed, in either group after protein supplementation. HRQoL improved after WP and casein supplementation, with no differences between groups (p>0.05). Patients who met protein requirements and had a positive energy balance demonstrated a higher HRQoL score (4.9, p<0.05), without between-group differences. Conclusion: Malnutrition substantially reduces HRQoL. Short-term WP or casein supplementation improved similarly the HRQoL.

RESUMO Racional: A doença hepática crônica está associada à desnutrição que afeta negativamente a qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde (QVRS). Objetivo: Avaliar o efeito da suplementação aguda de proteína do soro de leite na QVRS e no estado nutricional e funcional dos pacientes em lista de espera para o transplante hepático. Métodos: Ensaio clínico randomizado com pacientes à espera do transplante hepático que foram randomizados em dois grupos: PS (suplementação com proteína do soro de leite) e Controle (suplementação com caseína). Ambos os grupos receberam 40 g das proteínas (20 g pela manhã e 20 g à noite) por 15 dias. O estado nutricional e funcional foi avaliado. O balanço energético foi calculado como a diferença entre a ingestão energética (recordatório de 24 horas) e o gasto energético total (avaliado por calorimetria indireta). O questionário de doença hepática crônica (CDLQ) foi utilizado para avaliar a QVRS. Todas as medidas foram realizadas antes e após a intervenção. Resultados: Cinquenta e seis pacientes foram avaliados. A desnutrição esteve presente em 56,9% e, diretamente associada à baixa QVRS (p<0,05). A suplementação, com ambas as proteínas, não alterou o estado nutricional e funcional dos pacientes (p>0,05). Entretanto, a QVRS melhorou após a suplementação com PS e caseína, sem diferenças entre os grupos (p>0,05). Pacientes que alcançaram as necessidades proteicas e com balanço energético positivo tiveram maior escore de QVRS (4,9; p<0,05), sem diferenças entre os grupos (p>0,05). Conclusão: A desnutrição reduz substancialmente a QVRS. A suplementação aguda com PS ou caseína melhorou de forma similar a QVRS.

Investigating the need for routine ultrasound screening to detect developmental dysplasia of the hip in infants born with breech presentation.

OBJECTIVES: Breech presentation is a recognized risk factor for developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH). Within North America, there is a lack of consensus on screening guidelines for DDH in infants with a negative physical examination of the hips. This study evaluates the need for ultrasound screening in all breech born infants to detect DDH and whether this is influenced by gender, gestational age and mode of delivery. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was conducted to identify breech born infants who underwent routine hip ultrasound to detect DDH between 2010 and 2015. Patients were grouped by physical exam and ultrasound findings and compared based on gender, gestational age and mode of delivery. RESULTS: Three hundred and eighteen patients were identified (191 female, 127 male; 26 preterm, 57 late preterm, 235 term; 263 caesarean section delivery, 55 vaginal delivery). Three hundred and eight patients had a negative physical exam of which 27 were diagnosed with DDH based on screening ultrasound with females predominant (P<0.05). 12.50% of females with a negative physical exam had DDH compared to 3.23% of males (P<0.05). There was no difference in the rate of DDH detected by screening ultrasound based on gestational age (P=0.94) or mode of delivery (P=0.59). CONCLUSIONS: The diagnosis of DDH in breech born infants by screening ultrasound in those with a negative physical exam of the hips is more predominant in females, with no apparent association with gestational age or mode of delivery. Future analyses with larger sample sizes are needed before conclusions can be made on screening protocols.

Avaliação do efeito da suplementação proteica na qualidade de vida dos pacientes na fase pré transplante hepático / Evaluation of the effect of protein supplementation on the quality of life of patients in the pre-liver transplant phase

Introdução: A doença hepática crônica cursa com alterações no estado nutricional que impactam negativamente na qualidade de vida (QV) dos pacientes. Assim, a utilização de suplementos alimentares poderia ser alternativa para melhorar a QV. Objetivo: Avaliar o efeito da suplementação de diferentes fontes proteicas na qualidade de vida, no estado nutricional e funcional de pacientes no período pré transplante hepático. Métodos: Tratase de ensaio clínico com pacientes candidatos ao transplante hepático (Tx). Os pacientes foram randomizados para receberem suplementação diária de proteína do soro do leite (PSL) ou caseína (20g de manhã e 20g a noite) durante 15 dias. O estado nutricional foi avaliado por meio da avaliação global subjetiva (AGS), dobra cutânea tricipital (DCT), circunferência do braço (CB) e a funcionalidade por meio da força de pressão palmar, medida pela dinamometria e teste de caminhada de seis minutos (TC6). Para avaliar a qualidade de vida foi aplicado o Chronic Liver Disease Questionnaire (CLDQ). Todas as avaliações foram realizadas antes e após a intervenção. A análise estatística incluiu teste t pareado (p < 0,05). Os dados foram analisados no Stata Statistical Software®, versão 12.0. Resultados: Foram avaliados 56 pacientes, sendo 72,4% do sexo masculino, com idade média 51,9 ±11,3 anos. Cirrose etanólica foi a causa mais frequente (25,9%) da doença hepática. Segundo AGS, 56,9% dos pacientes foram classificados como desnutridos dos quais, 33,4% desnutrição grave e 66,6% desnutrição moderada. Não houve alteração do estado nutricional dos pacientes após a suplementação independente da proteína utilizada (p>0,05). A qualidade de vida aumentou no grupo PSL (3,73 ± 0,98 para 4,70 ± 0,62) e no grupo Caseína (3,70 ± 1,08 para 4,70 ± 0,73) (p < 0,001), sem diferença significativa entre os grupos. A força do aperto de mão no grupo PSL antes da intervenção era 28,99 ± 2,04 e evoluiu para 29,78 ± 2,17 e no grupo Caseína era 29,96 ± 2,67 evoluiu para 31,20 ± 2,42 kg), no entanto, sem diferença significativa (p > 0,05). A média inicial do TC6 no grupo PSL foi de 446,0m±20,75 evoluindo para 454,61±19,63, já no grupo caseína foi de 433,5m4±21,35 e evolui para 449,62m ±16,61 (p>0,05). Conclusão: A doença hepática crônica reduz substancialmente a QV e o presente estudo sugere que a suplementação proteica, independente da fonte, melhora a QVRS em pacientes para o TxH.

Chronic liver disease is associated with changes in nutritional status that negatively impact patients' quality of life (QoL). Thus, the use of dietary supplements may be an alternative to improve the QoL. Objective: To evaluate the effect of supplementation of different protein sources on the quality of life, nutritional status and functional of patients in the pre-transplant period. Methods: This is a clinical trial with patients who are candidates for liver transplantation. Patients were randomized to receive daily supplementation of whey protein (WP) or casein (20 g in the morning and 20 g in the evening) for 15 days. The nutritional status was evaluated through subjective global assessment (SGA), triceps skinfold (TS), arm circumference (AC) and functionality through palmar pressure strength, measured by dynamometry and six-minute walk test (TC6). To evaluate the quality of life the chronic liver disease questionnaire (CLDQ) was applied. All evaluations were performed before and after the intervention. Statistical analysis included paired t test (p <0.05). Data were analyzed in Stata Statistical Software, version 12.0. Results: A total of 56 patients were evaluated, being 72.4% male, with a mean age of 51.90 ± 11.33 years. Ethanolic cirrhosis was the most frequent cause (25.9%) of liver disease. According to SGA, 56.9% of the patients were classified as malnourished, of which 33.4% were severe malnutrition and 66.6% were moderate malnutrition. There was no change in the nutritional status of the patients after supplementation (p> 0.05). Quality of life increased in the WP group (3.73 ± 0.98 to 4.70 ± 0.62) and in the Casein group (3.70 ± 1.08 to 4.70 ± 0.73) (p <0.001), with no significant difference between groups. Regarding dynamometry, the tightening force before intervention in the WP group was 28.99 ± 2.04 and evolved to 29.78 ± 2.17 and in the Casein group it was 29.96 ± 2.67 evolved to 31.20 ± 2.42 kg), however, there was no significant difference (p> 0.05). The initial mean of the 6MWT in the WP group was 446.0 ± 20.75, increasing to 454.61 ± 19.63, whereas the casein group was 433.5m4 ± 21.35 and increased to 449.62m ± 16, 61(p> 0.05). Conclusion: Chronic liver disease substantially reduces QOL and the present study suggests that protein supplementation, regardless of source, improves HRQoL in patients for TxH.