Tratamiento conservador no invasivo del traumatismo esplénico / Non-invasive conservative treatment of splenic trauma

RESUMEN Antecedentes: el tratamiento conservador no invasivo del traumatismo esplénico disminuye intervenciones quirúrgicas innecesarias y depende centro asistencial donde es aplicado. Objetivo: describir los resultados del tratamiento conservador no invasivo de pacientes con traumatismo abdominal cerrado con lesión esplénica y correlacionarlos con variables preoperatorias. Material y métodos: trabajo observacional descriptivo de pacientes con traumatismo abdominal cerrado con lesión esplénica ingresados entre 2012-2022. Se analizaron cinemática del traumatismo, lesiones asociadas, grado de lesión tomográfica y de hemoperitoneo, lugar de internación y resultado del tratamiento conservador no invasivo. Resultados: en 102 pacientes la cinemática del traumatismo de mayor frecuencia fue moto/auto (47,1%); el porcentaje de éxito del tratamiento conservador no invasivo fue 66,6%, y se relacionó con el grado de lesión tomográfica (p <0,001), grado de hemoperitoneo (p <0,001), presencia de otras lesiones (p <0,001), traumatismo encéfalo craneano grave (p <0,009), y lugar de internación (p <0,002). Conclusión: a pesar de no contar con todos los recursos humanos y tecnológicos recomendados, el tratamiento conservador no invasivo en esta serie tuvo resultados comparables con centros de mayor complejidad.

ABSTRACT Background: Non-invasive conservative treatment of splenic trauma reduces the rate of unnecessary surgical interventions and depends on the type of healthcare center involved. Objective: The aim of this study is to describe the outcomes of non-invasive conservative treatment in patients with blunt abdominal trauma and splenic injury and their correlation with the preoperative variables. Material and methods: We conducted a retrospective and observational study of patients admitted with blunt abdominal trauma and splenic injury between 2012 and 2022. The variables analyzed were kinematics of trauma, lesion severity on computed tomography images, amount of hemoperitoneum, type of unit of hospitalization and results of non-invasive conservative treatment. Results: Among 102 patients, the most common kinematics of trauma was motorcycle-to-car collisions (47.1%); the success rate of non-invasive conservative treatment was 66.6%, and was associated with lesion severity on computed tomography images (p < 0.001), amount of hemoperitoneum (p < 0.001), presence of other injuries (p < 0.001), severe trauma brain injury (p < 0.009), and type of unit of hospitalization (p < 0.002). Conclusion: Despite the absence of recommended human and technological resources, the results of non-invasive conservative treatment in this series were comparable to those obtained in high complexity centers.

Nuevos paradigmas en atrofia muscular espinal de presentación temprana: siempre es bueno recordar / New paradigms in early-onset spinal muscular atrophy: a reminder is always beneficial

La atrofia muscular espinal (AME) de presentación temprana representa la variante más severa, con una expectativa de vida generalmente no mayor a dos años sin soporte ventilatorio, debido a la insuficiencia respiratoria y la dificultad para toser. Tradicionalmente, el manejo respiratorio en muchos países ha incluido la traqueostomía para proporcionar asistencia ventilatoria invasiva de manera continua. No obstante, la introducción de medicamentos de precisión ha modificado la progresión natural de la enfermedad, evidenciando mejoras significativas en los hitos motores y beneficiando también la función respiratoria. A pesar de estas mejoras, en muchos casos sigue siendo necesaria la ventilación intermitente y/o continua, además de la facilitación de la tos. Estas necesidades pueden abordarse de forma no invasiva mediante el soporte ventilatorio no invasivo (SVN), la in-exsuflación mecánica (IEM) y el reclutamiento de volumen pulmonar (RVP), que son considerados pilares del tratamiento respiratorio en enfermedades neuromusculares. Estas estrategias promueven el desarrollo y mantenimiento de la función respiratoria, reduciendo el riesgo de exacerbaciones respiratorias que podrían llevar a intubaciones evitables. Comúnmente, los pacientes con AME experimentan intentos fallidos de extubación siguiendo protocolos tradicionales, siendo catalogados como no extubables y potenciales candidatos a traqueostomía. No obstante, existen protocolos de extubación específicos para AME que emplean SVN e IEM con un alto porcentaje de éxito, evitando traqueostomías innecesarias que pueden complicar la progresión de la enfermedad y afectar la calidad de vida. El enfoque respiratorio no invasivo es una opción de manejo segura tanto en el hospital como en el hogar, ofreciendo una mejor calidad de vida para los pacientes y sus familias.

Early-onset spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is the most severe variant, with a life expectancy generally not exceeding two years without ventilatory support due to respiratory insufficiency and difficulty in coughing. Traditionally, respiratory management in many countries has included tracheostomy to provide continuous invasive ventilatory support. However, the introduction of precision medicine has altered the natural progression of the disease, showing significant improvements in motor milestones and also benefiting respiratory function. Despite these improvements, many cases still require intermittent and/or continuous ventilation, as well as cough facilitation. These needs can be addressed non-invasively through non-invasive ventilatory support (NIV), mechanical insufflation-exsufflation (MIE), and lung volume recruitment (LVR), which are considered the pillars of respiratory treatment in neuromuscular diseases. These strategies promote the development and maintenance of respiratory function, reducing the risk of respiratory exacerbations that could lead to avoidable intubations. Commonly, SMA patients experience failed extubation attempts following traditional protocols, being labeled as non-extubatable and potential candidates for tracheostomy. Nevertheless, there are specific extubation protocols for SMA that employ NIV and MIE with a high success rate, avoiding unnecessary tracheostomies that can complicate disease progression and impact quality of life. The non-invasive respiratory approach is a safe management option both in the hospital and at home, offering a better quality of life for patients and their families.

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.

Conocimiento y manejo de cuidados respiratorios especializados en pacientes con enfermedades neuromusculares en unidades de cuidado intensivo: aproximación por encuesta a profesionales de la salud

Introducción: En las enfermedades neuromusculares la disminución de la capacidad vital se relaciona con dismunición de la capacidad tusígena y luego ventilatoria, la combinación de ambas genera complicaciones graves por falla ventilatoria. En los pacientes que son intubados, limita la extubación, sino se realizan cuidados respiratorios especializados. El conocimiento y aplicación de los profesionales que atienden a estos pacientes en cuidados intensivos resulta esencial. Objetivos: Reportar el conocimiento y aplicación especializada de cuidados respiratorios en enfermedades neuromusculares en las Unidades de Cuidados Intensivos. Materiales y métodos: Estudio cualitativo, descriptivo de corte transversal, no probabilístico, a criterio. La población accesible fueron profesionales de la Salud de las Unidades de Cuidados Intensivos, y el análisis de las respuestas de una encuesta estructurada, enviada a distintos profesionales a nivel mundial. Resultados: Se incluyeron los cuestionarios de 41 profesionales, el 34% de los profesionales reportaron la utilización regular de Asistente Mecánico de la Tos; 22% refirieron la utilización regular de apilamiento de aire; 31% reportaron la utilización regular de Asistencia Ventilatoria No Invasiva, 56.1% de los profesionales afirmaron conocer la diferencia entre Ventilación No Invasiva y Soporte Ventilatorio No Invasivo, 34% de los profesionales refirieron tener formación especializada en el área. Conclusión: Pese a existir una alta proporción de profesionales con conocimiento especializado, un grupo importante no los aplica rutinariamente. La justificación es principalmente por la dificultad de adquisición y financiación de los equipos necesarios.

Introduction: In neuromuscular diseases, the decrease in vital capacity relates to decreased coughing and then ventilatory capacity, the combination of both generating serious complications due to ventilatory failure. In intubated patients, the extubation process is difficult unless specialized respiratory care is provided. The knowledge and treatment application of the professionals who care for these patients in intensive care is of outmost importance. Objectives: Report the knowledge and specialized application of respiratory care in neuromuscular diseases in Intensive Care Units. Materials and methods: Qualitative, descriptive, cross-sectional, non-probabilistic study, at criteria. The accessible population were Health professionals from the Intensive Care Units, and the analysis of the responses of a structured survey, sent to different professionals worldwide. Results: The questionnaires of 41 professionals were included, 34% of the professionals reported the regular use of the Mechanical Cough Assistant; 22% reported the regular use of air stacking; 31% reported the regular use of Non-Invasive Ventilatory Assistance. 56.1% of the professionals stated that they knew the difference between Non-Invasive Ventilation and Non-Invasive Ventilatory Support, 34% of the professionals reported having specialized training in the area. Conclusion: Despite the existence of a high proportion of professionals with specialized knowledge, an important group does not routinely apply them. The justification is mainly due to the difficulty of acquiring and financing the necessary equipment.

Conocimiento y manejo de cuidados respiratorios especializados en pacientes con enfermedades neuromusculares en unidades de cuidado intensivo: aproximación por encuesta a profesionales de la salud / Knowledge and management in specialized respiratory care of patients with neuromuscular diseases in intensive care units: survey to health professionals

Introducción: En las enfermedades neuromusculares la disminución de la capacidad vital se relaciona con disminución de la capacidad tusígena y luego ventilatoria, la combinación de ambas genera complicaciones graves por falla ventilatoria. En los pacientes que son intubados, limita la extubación, sino se realizan cuidados respiratorios especializados. El conocimiento y aplicación de los profesionales que atienden a estos pacientes en cuidados intensivos resulta esencial. Objetivos: Reportar el conocimiento y aplicación especializada de cuidados respiratorios en enfermedades neuromusculares en las Unidades de Cuidados Intensivos. Materiales y métodos: Estudio cualitativo, descriptivo de corte transversal, no probabilístico, a criterio. La población accesible fueron profesionales de la Salud de las Unidades de Cuidados Intensivos, y el análisis de las respuestas de una encuesta estructurada, enviada a distintos profesionales a nivel mundial. Resultados: Se incluyeron los cuestionarios de 41 profesionales, el 34% de los profesionales reportaron la utilización regular de Asistente Mecánico de la Tos; 22% refirieron la utilización regular de apilamiento de aire; 31% reportaron la utilización regular de Asistencia Ventilatoria No Invasiva, 56.1% de los profesionales afirmaron conocer la diferencia entre Ventilación No Invasiva y Soporte Ventilatorio No Invasivo, 34% de los profesionales refirieron tener formación especializada en el área. Conclusión: Pese a existir una alta proporción de profesionales con conocimiento especializado, un grupo importante no los aplica rutinariamente. La justificación es principalmente por la dificultad de adquisición y financiación de los equipos necesarios.

Introduction: In neuromuscular diseases, the decrease in vital capacity relates to decreased coughing and then ventilatory capacity, the combination of both generating serious complications due to ventilatory failure. In intubated patients, the extubation process is difficult unless specialized respiratory care is provided. The knowledge and treatment application of the professionals who care for these patients in intensive care is of outmost importance. Objectives: Report the knowledge and specialized application of respiratory care in neuromuscular diseases in Intensive Care Units. Materials and methods: Qualitative, descriptive, cross-sectional, non-probabilistic study, at criteria. The accessible population were Health professionals from the Intensive Care Units, and the analysis of the responses of a structured survey, sent to different professionals worldwide. Results: The questionnaires of 41 professionals were included, 34% of the professionals reported the regular use of the Mechanical Cough Assistant; 22% reported the regular use of air stacking; 31% reported the regular use of Non-Invasive Ventilatory Assistance. 56.1% of the professionals stated that they knew the difference between Non-Invasive Ventilation and Non-Invasive Ventilatory Support, 34% of the professionals reported having specialized training in the area. Conclusion: Despite the existence of a high proportion of professionals with specialized knowledge, an important group does not routinely apply them. The justification is mainly due to the difficulty of acquiring and financing the necessary equipment.

Pancreatic intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm with sarcomatous transformation. A case report.

Mixed pancreatic epithelial and mesenchymal tumors are rare, usually invasive, entities. Intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (IPMN) is a precursor of invasive ductal carcinoma and shares mutations with its invasive counterparts. We report the case of a 72-year-old female with a previously undescribed sarcomatous transformation of a residual IPMN with no evidence of an invasive component. The mesenchymal component showed no heterologous differentiation. Both the epithelial and the mesenchymal populations showed aberrant expression of p53 protein and the same point mutation in KRAS gene. After a 6 month follow up, there were no signs of local or distant relapse. The present case suggests that sarcomatous transformation is possible in non-invasive, intraductal pancreatic lesions.

Fatty Liver (part 2): Clinical Approach and Treatment

Patients with fatty liver are almost always asymptomatic; aminotransferases are usually elevated two to five times the expected value and are an important cause of initial consultation. All images can show fatty liver, and liver biopsy remains the gold standard for diagnosis. In any patient, non-invasive tests are an excellent alternative to biopsy to determine the degree of liver fibrosis and establish the stage of fibrogenesis. Weight loss and exercise are the fundamental pillars of the indicated treatment for all patients with overweight or obesity; a weight loss between 5% and 10% and a diet with caloric restriction of 500-1000 kcal/day, low in saturated fat and rich in Mediterranean diet products such as fruit, fish, vegetables, nuts, olive oil, among others, are recommended. There are other treatments, such as pharmacological measures and endoscopic and surgical procedures.

Los pacientes con hígado graso son casi siempre asintomáticos, las aminotransferasas usualmente están elevadas dos a cinco veces el valor normal y son una causa importante de consulta inicial. Todas las imágenes pueden evidenciar el hígado graso y la biopsia hepática sigue siendo la prueba de oro para su diagnóstico. En cualquier paciente las pruebas no invasivas son una excelente alternativa a la biopsia para determinar el grado de fibrosis hepática y establecer en qué etapa de la fibrogénesis se encuentra. La pérdida de peso y el ejercicio son los pilares fundamentales del tratamiento indicado para todos los pacientes con sobrepeso u obesidad; se recomienda una pérdida de peso entre 5% y 10% del peso corporal y una dieta con restricción calórica de 500-1000 kcal/día, baja en grasas saturadas y rica en productos de la dieta mediterránea como fruta, pescado, verduras, frutos secos, aceite de oliva, entre otros. Hay otros tratamientos como las medidas farmacológicas y los procedimientos endoscópicos y quirúrgicos.

Clinical practice guidelines of the Catalan Society of Gastroenterology about hepatic elastography 2022. / Documento de posicionamiento de la «Societat Catalana de Digestologia¼ sobre elastografía hepática 2022.

INTRODUCTION: After almost 20 years using transient elastography (TE) for the non-invasive diagnosis of liver fibrosis, its use has been extended to population screening, evaluation of steatosis and complications of cirrhosis. For this reason, the «Catalan Society of Gastroenterology¼ commissioned a group of experts to update the first document carried out in 2011. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The working group (8 doctors and 4 nurses) prepared a panel of questions based on the online survey «Hepatic Elastography in Catalonia 2022¼ following the PICO structure and the Delphi method. RESULTS: The answers are presented with the level of evidence, the degree of recommendation and the final consensus after being evaluated by two external reviewers. CONCLUSION: Transient elastography uses the simplest and most reliable elastographic method to quantify liver fibrosis, assess steatosis, and determine the risk of complications in patients with cirrhosis. The document has been endorsed by the "Catalan Society of Gastroenterology" and the "Col·legi Oficial d'Infermeres i Infermers de Barcelona".

Terapias no Invasivas en base a fluoruros de alta concentración para lesiones de caries radicular / Non-invasive therapies based on high fluoride concentration for root caries lesions

La mayor expectativa de vida de la población mundial ha llevado a una mayor conservación dentaria y como consecuencia, a una mayor prevalencia de caries radicular en la población mayor. La información epidemiológica ha mostrado que el enfoque invasivo de la odontología restauradora no ha sido capaz de dar una solución a esta problemática de salud pública. El enfoque de la Minimal Intervention Dentistry (MID), a través de las terapias no invasivas (TNIs) en base a fluoruros de alta concentración, podrían ser la clave para abordar esta problemática debido a su enfoque conservador, centrado en el paciente y a través del curso de vida. Este artículo pretende mostrar la evidencia existente acerca de las TNIs en base a fluoruros de alta concentración más utilizadas para lesiones de caries radicular (RCLs), a saber, los dentífricos de 5.000 ppm, barnices de flúor y fluoruro diamino de plata. La evidencia científica demuestra que estas TNIs son una alternativa terapéutica en población mayor a pesar de la aun limitada evidencia científica existente para este grupo etario. Por lo tanto, se requieren mayores estudios en población mayor que sustenten estas intervenciones clínicas, principalmente en aquella población con compromiso funcional y/o cognitivo.

The longer life expectancy of the world population has led to a greater dental conservation and, as a consequence, to a higher prevalence of root caries in the elderly population. Epidemiological data have shown that the invasive approach of restorative dentistry has not been able to provide a solution to this public health problem. The Minimal Intervention Dentistry (MID) approach, through non-invasive therapies (NIT) based on high-concentration fluorides, could be the key to address this problem due to its conservative, patient-centered and life-course approach. This article aims to show the existing evidence about the most commonly used high-concentration fluoride-based NITTs for root caries lesions (RCLs), namely 5,000 ppm dentifrices, fluoride varnishes and silver diamine fluoride. The scientific evidence shows that these NITs are a therapeutic alternative in the elderly population despite the still limited scientific evidence for this age group. Therefore, further studies are required in the elderly population to support these clinical interventions, mainly in the population with functional and/or cognitive compromise.

Analysis of predictors of response to high-flow oxygen nasal cannula therapy in a pediatric intensive care unit.

BACKGROUND: Bronchiolitis is one of the most frequent reasons for admission to pediatric intensive care units. Medical treatment is primarily supportive. The usefulness of high-flow oxygen (HFO) nasal cannula in these patients has been described. This study evaluated the clinical and analytical variables of patients admitted to our Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) for initiation or continuation of HFO for respiratory distress and to identify any variable that may be a predictor of success or failure of this technique. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective observational study that included infants aged < 24 months admitted to our PICU due to bronchiolitis between January 2015 and March 2019 for HFO. RESULTS: We analyzed the characteristics between responders (n = 112) and non-responders (n = 37). No statistically significant differences were observed between groups regarding sex, age, weight, comorbidities, nasopharyngeal aspirate result, hours of evolution, and respiratory and heart rate. However, a pCO2 ≥ 75 mmHg (p = 0.043) and a SCORE of bronchiolitis severity (p = 0.032) were predictors of HFNC failure. CONCLUSIONS: The pCO2 level and SCORE of bronchiolitis severity are predictors of this respiratory support modality.

INTRODUCCIÓN: La bronquiolitis es uno de los motivos más frecuentes de ingreso en las Unidades de Cuidados Intensivos Pediátricos (UCIP); el tratamiento médico es básicamente de soporte. Se ha descrito la utilidad de la oxigenoterapia de alto flujo (OAF) en estos pacientes. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar algunas variables clínicas y analíticas de los pacientes que ingresan en nuestra UCIP para inicio o continuación de OAF ante cuadros de dificultad respiratoria e identificar cualquier variable que pueda ser factor predictor del éxito o fracaso de esta técnica. MÉTODOS: Se realizó un estudio retrospectivo observacional, incluyendo lactantes menores de 24 meses ingresados en la UCIP entre enero de 2015 y marzo de 2019 para OAF ante cuadros de bronquiolitis. RESULTADOS: Se analizaron las características entre el grupo de respondedores (n = 112) y no respondedores (n = 37). No se observaron diferencias estadísticamente significativas en cuanto al sexo, edad, peso, comorbilidades, resultado del aspirado naso-faríngeo, horas de evolución, frecuencia respiratoria, frecuencia cardiaca entre ambos grupos. Sin embargo, una pCO2 ≥75 mmHg (p = 0.043) y un SCORE de gravedad de la bronquiolitis mayor (p = 0.032) fueron factores predictores de fracaso de la OAF. CONCLUSIONES: El nivel de pCO2 y el SCORE de gravedad de la bronquiolitis son factores predictores de esta modalidad de soporte respiratorio.

Analysis of predictors of response to high-flow oxygen nasal cannula therapy in a pediatric intensive care unit / Análisis de factores predictores de respuesta a la oxigenoterapia de alto flujo en una unidad de cuidados intensivos pediátricos

Abstract Background: Bronchiolitis is one of the most frequent reasons for admission to pediatric intensive care units. Medical treatment is primarily supportive. The usefulness of high-flow oxygen (HFO) nasal cannula in these patients has been described. This study evaluated the clinical and analytical variables of patients admitted to our Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) for initiation or continuation of HFO for respiratory distress and to identify any variable that may be a predictor of success or failure of this technique. Methods: We conducted a retrospective observational study that included infants aged < 24 months admitted to our PICU due to bronchiolitis between January 2015 and March 2019 for HFO. Results: We analyzed the characteristics between responders (n = 112) and non-responders (n = 37). No statistically significant differences were observed between groups regarding sex, age, weight, comorbidities, nasopharyngeal aspirate result, hours of evolution, and respiratory and heart rate. However, a pCO2 ≥ 75 mmHg (p = 0.043) and a SCORE of bronchiolitis severity (p = 0.032) were predictors of HFNC failure. Conclusions: The pCO2 level and SCORE of bronchiolitis severity are predictors of this respiratory support modality.

Resumen Introducción: La bronquiolitis es uno de los motivos más frecuentes de ingreso en las Unidades de Cuidados Intensivos Pediátricos (UCIP); el tratamiento médico es básicamente de soporte. Se ha descrito la utilidad de la oxigenoterapia de alto flujo (OAF) en estos pacientes. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar algunas variables clínicas y analíticas de los pacientes que ingresan en nuestra UCIP para inicio o continuación de OAF ante cuadros de dificultad respiratoria e identificar cualquier variable que pueda ser factor predictor del éxito o fracaso de esta técnica. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio retrospectivo observacional, incluyendo lactantes menores de 24 meses ingresados en la UCIP entre enero de 2015 y marzo de 2019 para OAF ante cuadros de bronquiolitis. Resultados: Se analizaron las características entre el grupo de respondedores (n = 112) y no respondedores (n = 37). No se observaron diferencias estadísticamente significativas en cuanto al sexo, edad, peso, comorbilidades, resultado del aspirado naso-faríngeo, horas de evolución, frecuencia respiratoria, frecuencia cardiaca entre ambos grupos. Sin embargo, una pCO2 ≥75 mmHg (p = 0.043) y un SCORE de gravedad de la bronquiolitis mayor (p = 0.032) fueron factores predictores de fracaso de la OAF. Conclusiones: El nivel de pCO2 y el SCORE de gravedad de la bronquiolitis son factores predictores de esta modalidad de soporte respiratorio.

Continuous Positive Airway Pressure vs. High Flow Nasal Cannula in children with acute severe or moderate bronchiolitis. A systematic review and Meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the safety and effectiveness of Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) vs. High Flow Nasal Cannula (HFNC) to prevent therapeutic failure and the need of invasive ventilation in children with acute moderate-severe bronchiolitis. DESIGN: A systematic review and meta-analysis. SETTING: Medline, Embase, Lilacs, Cochrane and gray literature (May 2020) was performed. PARTICIPANTS: Randomized clinical trials patients with moderate to severe bronchiolitis. MAIN VARIABLES: Therapeutic failure, need for invasive ventilation, adverse events, length of PCCU and of hospital stay. INTERVENTION: The quality of the studies was assessed with the Cochrane risk and bias tool. We conducted meta-analysis using fixed effect model and random effects model. RESULTS: Three RCTs were included. Showed less risk of therapeutic failure with CPAP compared with HFNC (RR=0.7; 95%CI 0.5-0.99) developed hours later in patients with CPAP (MD=3.16; 95%CI 1.55-4.77). We did not find differences in other outcomes, such as need of invasive ventilation (RR=0.60; 95%CI 0.25-1.43), apnea (RR=0.40; 95%CI 0.08-1.99), or number of days in the intensive care unit (MD=0.02; 95%CI -0.38 to 0.42), and length of hospitalization (MD=-1.00; 95%IC -2.66 to 0.66). Adverse events (skin lesions) were more common with CPAP (RR 2.47; 95%CI 1.17-5.22). CONCLUSIONS: In moderate/severe bronchiolitis CPAP demonstrated a lower risk of therapeutic failure and a longer time to failure. But more adverse events like nasal injury. There were no differences in other variables.

Fibrosis assessment in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: Adherence to proposed algorithms and barriers to complying with them.

INTRODUCTION AND AIMS: Fibrosis staging in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is carried out through the application of stepwise algorithms but there is little real-world data on their use. Our aim was to calculate the number of patients with NAFLD and indeterminate or high risk for fibrosis, assessed through noninvasive scores, that consequently underwent further staging evaluation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional multicenter cohort study was conducted on patients with NAFLD evaluated by hepatologists within the time frame of June 1 and July 31, 2018. The FIB-4 and NAFLD fibrosis scores were calculated in all the patients, and if at least one of the scores suggested indeterminate or high risk for fibrosis, we believed the patient should have undergone additional fibrosis staging assessment. RESULTS: The study included 238 patients. The median time interval from NAFLD diagnosis and inclusion in the analysis was 12.2 months (IQR 3.0-36.5). A total of 128 (54%) patients had at least one noninvasive score that suggested indeterminate or high risk for fibrosis but studies to confirm the fibrosis grade (elastography, biopsy, etc.) were performed on only 72 (56%). The main barriers encountered by the physicians for applying the staging algorithms were related to health insurance coverage and imaging study costs. CONCLUSIONS: A high percentage of patients with NAFLD were at indeterminate or high risk for fibrosis, according to noninvasive scores, but additional studies were carried out on only half of them, showing low adherence to current recommendations.

Abordaje respiratorio del paciente con enfermedad neuromuscular en la unidad de cuidado intensivo pediátrica / Respiratory approach to the patient with neuromuscular disease in the pediatric intensive care unit

En algunas ocasiones, los pacientes con enfermedades neuromusculares infantojuveniles, pueden requerir internación en unidades de cuidados intensivos pediátricos. La principal causa de ingreso hospitalario es la insuficiencia respiratoria aguda, desencadenada por atelectasias y neumonías que, en la mayoría de los casos, tienen su inicio en infecciones del tracto respiratorio superior. Independientemente de su forma de presentación, las enfermedades neuromusculares en periodo infantojuvenil, pueden comprometer en grados distintos a los 3 grupos musculares vinculados a la ventilación pulmonar y protección glótica. Es posible dar asistencia a los músculos inspiratorios y espiratorios con soporte ventilatorio no invasivo y asistencia mecánica de la tos respectivamente. Esta estrategia combinada permite el manejo no invasivo de este tipo de pacientes, logrando extubar o decanular a aquellos considerados potencialmente no destetables con las estrategias clásicas utilizadas en unidades de cuidados intensivos en pediatría. El objetivo de esta revisión es sugerir recomendaciones en cuidados respiratorios no invasivos para pacientes con enfermedades neuromusculares ingresados en unidades de paciente crítico pediátrico. Se presentan 2 casos clínicos ilustrativos, en los cuales estas estrategias fueron utilizadas en forma exitosa.

On some occasions, patients with childhood and adolescent neuromuscular diseases may require hospitalization in pediatric intensive care units. The main cause of hospital admission is acute respiratory failure triggered by atelectasis and pneumonia, which, in most cases, start with upper respiratory tract infections. Regardless of their form of presentation, neuromuscular diseases in children and adolescents can damage the 3 muscle groups linked to pulmonary ventilation and glottic protection to different degrees. Inspiratory and expiratory muscles can be assisted with noninvasive ventilatory support and mechanical cough assist, respectively. This combined strategy allows the non-invasive management of this type of patients, managing to extubate or decannulate those considered potentially unweanable with the classic strategies used in pediatric intensive care units. The aim of this review is present noninvasive respiratory care recommendations for patients with neuromuscular diseases admitted to pediatric intensive critical care unit and illustrated with clinical reports of two patients treated with these strategies successfully.

Ultrasonografía del diámetro de la vaina del nervio óptico en el monitoreo de la presión intracraneal / Ultrasound of optic nerve sheath diameter for monitoring intracranial pressure

Introducción: El neuromonitoreo no invasivo en pacientes críticos representa una opción de primera línea para el manejo de complicaciones fatales derivadas del aumento de la presión intracraneal. En esta modalidad se incluye la ultrasonografía del diámetro de la vaina del nervio óptico, la cual representa una técnica rápida, fácil de realizar y disponible a la cabecera del paciente. Objetivos: Describir aspectos fundamentales y actualizados sobre el uso de la ultrasonografía en el monitoreo de la presión intracraneal a través de la medición del diámetro de la vaina del nervio óptico en los diferentes escenarios neuroclínicos. Métodos: Se realizó una revisión de la literatura publicada en bases de datos como: PubMed/Medline, SciELO y Google académico entre los meses mayo y julio de 2020. Se revisaron publicaciones en inglés y español. Se seleccionaron 46 bibliografías que cumplieron con los criterios de inclusión. Se describen aspectos fundamentales como la anatomía ecográfica del nervio óptico, descripción de la técnica y su uso en entidades neurocríticas como el traumatismo craneoencefálico, ictus, muerte encefálica, entre otros. Conclusiones: La ecografía de la vaina del nervio óptico representa una alternativa no invasiva ampliamente aceptada para la medición del incremento de la presión intracranial. Con un diámetro de 5,0 hasta 5,9 mm o más se puede asumir el diagnóstico de hipertensión intracraneal con alta sensibilidad y especificidad, aunque debe individualizarse su uso en cada patología neurocrítica. La curva de aprendizaje para la realización del proceder es de breve tiempo y satisface las habilidades necesarias(AU)

Introduction: Noninvasive neuromonitoring in critically ill patients is a first-line option for the management of fatal complications derived from increased intracranial pressure. This modality includes ultrasound of optic nerve sheath diameter, which is a quick technique, easy to perform and available at the bedside. Objectives: To describe significant and state-of-the-art aspects regarding the use of ultrasound for monitoring intracranial pressure through measurement of the optic nerve sheath diameter in different neuroclinical settings. Methods: A review was carried out, between May and July 2020, of the literature published in databases such as PubMed/Medline, SciELO and Google Scholar. Publications in English and Spanish were reviewed. Forty-six bibliographic sources were chosen, as long as they met the inclusion criteria. Fundamental aspects are described, such as the ultrasound anatomy of the optic nerve, the technique procedures and its use in neurocritical entities such as head trauma, stroke and brain death, among others. Conclusions: Ultrasound of the optic nerve sheath is a widely accepted noninvasive choice for measurement of increased intracranial pressure. With a diameter of 5.0 to 5.9 mm or more, the diagnosis of intracranial hypertension can be assumed with high sensitivity and specificity, although its use should be individualized in each neurocritical pathology. The learning curve for carrying out the procedure is short and satisfies the necessary skills(AU)

Fibrosis assessment in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: Adherence to proposed algorithms and barriers to complying with them. / Evaluación de fibrosis en pacientes con enfermedad por hígado graso no alcohólico: adherencia a los algoritmos propuestos y barreras para cumplir con ellos.

INTRODUCTION AND AIMS: Fibrosis staging in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is carried out through the application of stepwise algorithms but there is little real-world data on their use. Our aim was to calculate the number of patients with NAFLD and indeterminate or high risk for fibrosis, assessed through noninvasive scores, that consequently underwent further staging evaluation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional multicenter cohort study was conducted on patients with NAFLD evaluated by hepatologists within the time frame of June 1 and July 31, 2018. The FIB-4 and NAFLD fibrosis scores were calculated in all the patients, and if at least one of the scores suggested indeterminate or high risk for fibrosis, we believed the patient should have undergone additional fibrosis staging assessment. RESULTS: The study included 238 patients. The median time interval from NAFLD diagnosis and inclusion in the analysis was 12.2months (IQR 3.0-36.5). A total of 128 (54%) patients had at least one noninvasive score that suggested indeterminate or high risk for fibrosis but studies to confirm the fibrosis grade (elastography, biopsy, etc.) were performed on only 72 (56%). The main barriers encountered by the physicians for applying the staging algorithms were related to health insurance coverage and imaging study costs. CONCLUSIONS: A high percentage of patients with NAFLD were at indeterminate or high risk for fibrosis, according to noninvasive scores, but additional studies were carried out on only half of them, showing low adherence to current recommendations.

Soporte ventilatorio no invasivo como puente hacia el trasplante pulmonar: reporte de un caso / Bridging to lung transplant using noninvasive ventilatory support: a case report

El soporte ventilatorio no invasivo es una herramienta que ha demostrado mejorar la sobrevida de pacientes con falla muscular de la bomba respiratoria y el manejo de enfermedades pulmonares crónicas, incluso la ventilación no invasiva nocturna ha servido de puente hacia el trasplante pulmonar. Se presenta el caso de una adolescente de 14 años con enfermedad pulmonar crónica hipoxémica severa y falla ventilatoria secundaria, que requirió ventilación prolongada y traqueostomía en espera de trasplante pulmonar. Luego de reevaluar indemnidad de la vía aérea fue decanulada a soporte ventilatorio no invasivo, con uso alternado de mascarilla nasal nocturna y pieza bucal diurna, permitiendo descanso muscular respiratorio eficiente, y mejoría de flujo de tos con técnicas de apilamiento de aire. Este plan permitió una decanulación segura y realizar soporte continuo ventilatorio no invasivo con un programa de rehabilitación cardiorrespiratorio. Generalmente, el soporte ventilatorio no invasivo se utiliza en trastornos primarios de la bomba respiratoria. En este caso, se indicó para enfermedad pulmonar crónica hipoxémica, mostrando claros beneficios con oxigenación adecuada, buen rendimiento cardiovascular con mejor tolerancia al ejercicio y entrenamiento en el escenario de preparación al trasplante pulmonar.

Noninvasive Ventilatory Support has demonstrated to improve survival of patients with ventilatory pump muscle failure and nocturnal noninvasive ventilation is useful in chronic lung disease, even bridging to lung transplant. We present a 14 years old girl with severe hypoxemic chronic lung disease and secondary ventilatory failure, who required continuous long-term ventilation and underwent a tracheostomy waiting for lung transplant. After reevaluated the airway patency the patient was decannulated to Noninvasive Ventilation Support, alternating nocturnal nasal mask with diurnal mouth piece in order to provide efficient respiratory muscle rest, made air stacking and improved cough flow. This plan allows safe decannulation to continuous Noninvasive Ventilatory Support tailoring a rehabilitation cardiorespiratory program. Usually, Noninvasive Ventilation Support is prescribed for primary respiratory pump muscles failure, but in this case, it was applied for a hypoxemic chronic lung disease. Clear benefits were observed leading to appropriate oxygenation, good cardiovascular performance with better tolerance to exercise for training in the preparatory scenario of a lung transplant.

Rehabilitación respiratoria para pacientes con distrofia muscular de Duchenne en etapas de pérdida de la marcha / Respiratory rehabilitation for patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy in stages of loss of gait

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is one of the most common neuromuscular diseases. Its evolution with well-defined stages related to motor and functional alterations, allows easily establishing relationships with respiratory function through a simple laboratory assessment including vital capacity (VC) measurements as well as peak cough flows. Without any treatment with respiratory rehabilitation, the main cause of morbidity and mortality is ventilatory failure, secondary to respiratory pump muscles weakness and inefficient cough. The VC plateau is reached during the non-ambulatory stages, generally after 13 years old. Respiratory rehabilitation protocols, including air stacking techniques, manual and mechanical assisted coughing and non-invasive ventilatory support, can effectively addressed the VC decline as well as the decrease in peak cough flows, despite advancing to stages with practically non-existent lung capacity. Non-invasive ventilatory support may be applied after 19 years old, initially at night and then extending it during the day. In this way, survival is prolonged, with good quality of life, avoiding ventilatory failure, endotracheal intubation and tracheostomy. This article proposes staggered interventions for respiratory rehabilitation based on the functional stages expected in the patient with DMD who has lost ambulation.

La distrofia muscular de Duchenne (DMD) es una de las enfermedades neuromusculares más frecuentes. Su curso evolutivo con etapas de declinación en la funcionalidad motora bien definidas, permite fácilmente establecer relaciones con la función respiratoria a través de un laboratorio de evaluación sencilla, básicamente de la capacidad vital (CV) y la capacidad tusígena. Sin intervenciones en rehabilitación respiratoria, la principal causa de morbimortalidad es la insuficiencia ventilatoria secundaria a debilidad de músculos de la bomba respiratoria e ineficiencia de la tos. En las etapas no ambulantes, se alcanza la meseta de la CV, generalmente después de los 13 años, su declinación junto con la disminución de la capacidad tusígena puede ser enfrentada efectivamente con la utilización de protocolos de rehabilitación respiratoria. Estos deben considerar la restitución de la CV con técnicas de insuflación activa o apilamiento de aire, tos asistida manual y mecánica, más soporte ventilatorio no invasivo, inicialmente nocturno después de los 19 años y luego diurno, pese a avanzar a etapas con capacidad pulmonar prácticamente inexistente. De esta manera, se prolonga la sobrevida, con buena calidad de vida, evitando el fallo ventilatorio, eventos de intubación endotraqueal y traqueostomía. Este artículo, hace propuestas escalonadas de intervención en rehabilitación respiratoria basadas en las etapas funcionales esperables en el paciente con DMD que ha perdido la capacidad de marcha.

Cuidados respiratorios de los pacientes con atrofia muscular espinal / Respiratory care approach for patients with spinal muscular atrophy

Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) is a disease of the anterior horn of the spinal cord, which causes muscle weakness that leads to a progressive decrease in vital capacity and diminished cough flows. Respiratory morbidity and mortality are a function of the degree of respiratory and bulbar-innervated muscle. The former can be quantitated by the sequential evaluation of vital capacity to determine the lifetime maximum (plateau) and its subsequent rate of decline, progressing to ventilatory failure. SMA types 1 and 2 benefit from non-invasive respiratory care in early childhood and school age, improving quality and life expectancy. This document synthesizes these recommendations with special reference to interventions guided by stages that include air stacking, assisted cough protocols, preparation for spinal arthrodesis and non-invasive ventilatory support, even in those patients with loss of respiratory autonomy, minimizing the risk tracheostomy. Failure to consider these recommendations in the regular assessment of patients reduces the offer of timely treatments.

La Atrofia Muscular Espinal (AME) es una enfermedad genética del asta anterior de la medula espinal, que cursa con debilidad muscular progresiva. La intensidad y precocidad de la debilidad muscular presenta diferentes grados de afectación de los grupos musculares respiratorios, determinando la meseta en la capacidad vital y progresión a la insuficiencia ventilatoria, como también el compromiso de los músculos inervados bulbares. Los AME tipo 1 y 2, se benefician con cuidados respiratorios no invasivos en la infancia temprana y edad escolar, mejorando la calidad y esperanza de vida. Este documento sintetiza dichas recomendaciones, con especial referencia a intervenciones guiadas por etapas, que incluyan apilamiento de aire, protocolos de tos asistida, preparación para la artrodesis de columna y soporte ventilatorio no invasivo, incluso en aquellos pacientes con pérdida de la autonomía respiratoria, minimizando el riesgo de traqueostomía. La no consideración de estas recomendaciones en la valoración regular de los pacientes resta la oferta de tratamientos oportunos.

Resultados preliminares de una unidad de soporte ventilatorio no invasivo en SARS-COV-2 / Preliminary results of a non-invasive ventilatory support unit in SARS-COVID-2

Resumen La utilización de tratamientos de soporte respiratorio no invasivos en la pandemia por COVID-19, es motivo de controversias. El objetivo de este trabajo observacional, fue mostrar la experiencia del primer mes desde la creación de la Unidad de Soporte Ventilatorio no Invasivo (USoVNI) en el Hospital Fernández. Se describe la creación de la unidad, relación profesional de atención-paciente, tipo de habitación, equipo de protección personal modificado, equipamiento de diagnóstico, monitoreo y soporte ventilatorio para tratamiento, criterios de inclusión y algoritmo de tratamiento. Ingresaron 40 pacientes, 25 (63%) derivados de Clínica Médica, 10 (25%) de Emergentología y 5 (13%) de guardia externa. Al ingreso, se calcularon los escores National Early Warning Score, Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Disease Classification System II y Sequential Organ Failure Assessment, con medianas de 12, 8, y 2 puntos, respectivamente. El escore Lung Ultrasonography Score se tomó para cuantificar el compromiso pulmonar ecográficamente. Todos los pacientes ingresaron con máscara con reservorio, y fue estimada una fracción inspirada de O de 80% para el cálculo de la razón presión arterial de O / fracción inspirada de O (Pa/FiO ) de ingreso. El tiempo transcurrido desde el inicio de síntomas hasta el ingreso a la unidad tuvo una mediana de 13 días. El desarrollo de la USoVNI permitió que una gran proporción no fueran trasladados a la Unidad de Terapia Intensiva y podría ser beneficioso para preservar su capacidad. Nuestros resultados sugieren que estas unidades resultarían adecuadas para el tratamiento de la insuficiencia respiratoria aguda grave por COVID-19.

Abstract The use of non-invasive respiratory support in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic is controversial. The aim of this observational study was to show the experience of the first month since the creation of a Non-invasive Ventilatory Support Unit (NIVSU) at Hospital Fernández. We describe the creation of the NIVSU, the health professional-patient ratio, the type of room, the modified personal protection equipment; diagnostic, monitoring and ventilatory support equipment for treatment, as well as the inclusion criteria and the treatment algorithm. Twenty five (63%) of patients were referred from the Internal Medicine Ward, 10 (25%)) from Shock Room, and 5 (13%) from Emergency Ward. National Early Warning Score, Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Disease Classification System II and Sequential Organ Failure Assessment, were calculated on admission, with a median of 12, 8, and 2 points, respectively. The Lung Ultrasonography Score was taken to quantify lung ultrasound findings. All patients were admitted with a reservoir mask, 80% inspired O fraction was estimated for the calculation of arterial O pressure/ inspired O fraction ratio (Pa/FiO ) at admission. The median of time elapsed from the onset of symptoms referred by the patient to UNIT admission was 13 days. The development of NIVSU prevented a large proportion of patients from being transferred to Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and it could be beneficial in preserving ICUs capacity. These early results suggest that non-invasive treatment may be beneficial for the treatment of severe acute respiratory failure by COVID-19.