Diagnostic value of an increase in central venous pressure during SBT for prediction of weaning failure in mechanically ventilated patients: A cross-sectional study.

Background: Timely and successful extubation is an essential step forward in clinical practice to minimize complications of mechanical ventilation and unsuccessful weaning processes. Thus, research into predictive factors of weaning outcome to optimize spontaneous breathing trial (SBT) precision before extubation is critical in intensive care practices. In this study, we aimed to investigate the predictive factors of the weaning outcome before and during SBT in mechanically ventilated patients. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 159 mechanically ventilated patients who were eligible for SBT were enrolled. Of these patients, 140 had successful extubation, whereas the remainder failed. Each patient's PaCO2 and PaO2 levels, respiratory rate (RR), SpO2, mean arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR), and central venous pressure (CVP) values at the start of SBT, 3 min later, and at the end of SBT were measured. These values, along with the patients' clinical characteristics, were then investigated to determine if there was any correlation between these variables and the weaning outcome. Results: Our analysis revealed that increase in CVP, independent of hemoglobin (Hb) concentration, PaO2, SpO2, duration of mechanical ventilation (MV), length of intensive care unit (ICU) stay, and SBT process, as well as underlying disease, was positively correlated with extubation/weaning failure. While age, gender, vital signs (MAP, RR, and HR), sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA), and acute physiology and chronic health evaluation (APACHE) scores had no significant correlation with patients' extubation outcomes. Conclusion: According to our findings, integrating CVP assessment into SBT besides routine indices measurement and monitoring can be considered for the prediction of weaning outcome in critically ill mechanically ventilated patients.

Therapeutic and anti-inflammatory effects of baricitinib on mortality, ICU transfer, clinical improvement, and CRS-related laboratory parameters of hospitalized patients with moderate to severe COVID-19 pneumonia: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Due to the high incidence and mortality of the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic, beneficial effects of effective antiviral and anti-inflammatory drugs used in other diseases, especially rheumatic diseases, were observed in the treatment of COVID-19. METHODS: Clinical and laboratory parameters of eight included cohort studies and five Randomized Control Trials between the baricitinib group and the control group were analyzed on the first day of admission and days 7, 14, and 28 during hospitalization. RESULTS: According to the meta-analysis result of eight included cohort studies with 2088 patients, the Pooled Risk Ratios were 0.46 (P < 0.001) for mortality, 6.14 (P < 0.001) for hospital discharge, and the mean differences of 76.78 (P < 0.001) for PaO2/FiO2 ratio was -47.32 (P = 0.02) for CRP, in the baricitinib group vs. control group on the seventh or fourteenth day of the treatment compared to the first day. Based on the meta-analysis of five RCT studies with 11,825 patients, the pooled RR was 0.84 (P = 0.001) for mortality and 1.07 (P = 0.014) for patients' recovery. The mean differences were -0.80 (P < 0.001) for hospitalization days, -0.51(P = 0.33) for time to recovery in the baricitinib group vs. control group. CONCLUSIONS: Baricitinib prescription is strongly recommended in moderate to severe COVID-19.

Management of Critically Ill Patients with COVID-19: What We Learned and What We Do.

There are many unknown questions and puzzle pieces that should describe the clinical course of COVID-19 and its complications, especially ARDS. We provide the initial immediate surge response to allow every patient in need of an ICU bed to receive one. Till our knowledge is improved, the most important intervention in the treatment of critically ill patients with COVID-19 seems to be the level of standard care and appropriate and early diagnosis and treatment. It seems that each center should have its protocol on the management of critically ill COVID-19 patients regarding prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. This treatment should now be performed regardless of the reason which lies behind the pathophysiology of this disease, which is yet unknown. In this report, we share our experience in the management of critically ill COVID-19 patients during the 2 months in our intensive care unit.

Flow Cytometry of CD64, HLA-DR, CD25, and TLRs for Diagnosis and Prognosis of Sepsis in Critically Ill Patients Admitted to the Intensive Care Unit: A Review Article.

Sepsis is an important health problem with a high burden on health systems. Finding new aspects of immune system function in sepsis showed a new role for flow cytometry in the diagnosis of sepsis. We made a review on the role of CD64, HLA-DR, CD25, and TLRs as more useful flow cytometric tools in diagnosing sepsis, both in adults, and neonates. According to our results, we concluded that for diagnosis and treatment of the septic, flow cytometry can play an important role so that it can be used as a novel method in individualized treatment of septic patients based on their immune system situation.

Ambulatory treatment of chronic pilonidal sinuses with lateral incision and primary suture.

BACKGROUND: Outpatient management is appropriate for chronic pilonidal sinuses. Even though there are different surgical treatments for pilonidal sinuses, the outcome may not be uniformly satisfactory. The aim of this paper was to examine the ambulatory treatment of chronic pilonidal sinuses with lateral incision and primary suture. METHODS: We present our experience with outpatient management of asymptomatic chronic pilonidal disease. We prospectively studied patients presenting with pilonidal disease from Mar. 20, 2005, to Mar. 20, 2008. All were managed as outpatients. We reviewed presentation, treatment, healing, time off work and recurrences. RESULTS: In all, 150 patients (131 men and 19 women) with chronic pilonidal sinuses underwent ambulatory plain lateral excision and primary repair during the study period. The mean age of patients was 22.1 years. The mean duration of surgery was 18.4 minutes. No general complications occurred. Local complications consisted of 3 wound infections and 4 wound hematomas. No sinus recurrence occurred. The healing rate was fast in all patients. CONCLUSION: Advantages of ambulatory plain lateral excision and primary repair include immediate treatment, minimal pain and a quick return to normal activities. This method is a simple and effective procedure in the treatment of uncomplicated pilonidal sinuses.