Interrupções e distrações durante a preparação e administração de medicamentos de alto risco: Estudo transversal / Interruptions and distractions during the preparation and administration of high-risk medications: A cross-sectional study / Distracciones e interrupciones durante la preparación y administración de medicamentos de alto riesgo: Estudio transversal

Resumo Enquadramento: Estudos indicam que as interrupções contribuem para erros clínicos e falhas em procedimentos. Objetivo: Analisar as interrupções vivenciadas pelos enfermeiros durante a preparação e administração de medicamentos de alto risco. Metodologia: Foi realizado um estudo transversal numa unidade de cuidados intensivos e numa unidade de internamento. As interrupções vivenciadas pelos enfermeiros durante o processo de medicação foram observadas com a ajuda de duas checklists. A amostra foi selecionada por conveniência em abril e maio de 2019. Os dados quantitativos foram analisados através de estatística descritiva no programa IBM SPSS Statistics, versão 24.0, enquanto os dados qualitativos foram tratados por meio da análise de conteúdo. Resultados: Observaram-se 137 interrupções em 193 processos de medicação. A maioria das interrupções foi iniciada por outros membros da equipa de cuidados de saúde por meio de conversas. Estas interrupções foram maioritariamente prejudiciais e ocorreram durante a fase de preparação. A estratégia multitarefa foi utilizada para as gerir. Conclusão: As interrupções ocorridas durante o processo de medicação eram maioritariamente associadas com comunicações profissionais e sociais. A sua relevância diferiu consoante a fase do processo.

Abstract Background: Interruptions have been reported to contribute to clinical errors and procedural failures. Objective: To analyze the interruptions experienced by nurses during the preparation and administration of high-risk medications. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted in an intensive care and inpatient unit. The interruptions experienced by nurses during the medication process were observed through two checklists. The sample was selected by convenience in April-May 2019. Descriptive statistics was used to analyze quantitative data in IBM SPSS Statistics software, version 24.0, while content analysis was used to analyze qualitative data. Results: In 193 medication processes, there were 137 interruptions. Other members of the healthcare team initiated most interruptions through conversations. These interruptions were mostly negative and occurred during the preparation phase. The multitasking strategy was used to manage them. Conclusion: Interruptions during the medication process were primarily associated with professional and social communications. The impact of these interruptions varied depending on the phase of the process.

Resumen Marco contextual: Se ha reportado la participación de distracciones en errores clínicos y fallos de procedimiento. Objetivo: Analizar las distracciones del personal de enfermería durante la preparación y administración de fármacos de alto riesgo. Metodología: Estudio transversal desarrollado en una unidad de cuidados intensivos y una unidad de hospitalización. Se observaron distracciones del personal de enfermería durante el proceso de medicación a través de dos listas de control. La muestra fue seleccionada por conveniencia (abril-mayo 2019). Los datos cuantitativos se analizaron mediante estadística descriptiva (IBM SPSS Statistics, versión 24.0). Los datos cualitativos se analizaron mediante análisis de contenido. Resultados: Hubo 137 distracciones en 193 procesos de medicación. La mayoría de las distracciones fueron iniciadas por otros miembros del equipo sanitario a través de conversaciones. La mayoría se produjeron en la fase de preparación y fueron negativas y se gestionaron mediante la estrategia multitarea. Conclusión: Las distracciones durante el proceso de medicación se referían principalmente a las comunicaciones profesionales y sociales. La importancia de esas distracciones variaba en función de la fase del proceso.

Intensive care nurses' impostor phenomenon: Associations with narcissistic personality, shame-proneness, and guilt-proneness.

BACKGROUND: Intensive care unit nurses commonly experience impostor phenomenon owing to constant exposure to urgent situations, high work pressure, and the demands of their professional roles. Impostor phenomenon may induce anxiety and self-doubt and adversely affect personal growth and career development. Therefore, identifying the severity of impostor phenomenon among intensive care unit nurses and its associated factors is important. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate the associations between narcissistic personality, shame-proneness, guilt-proneness, and impostor phenomenon among intensive care unit nurses in tertiary hospitals. METHODS: This cross-sectional study collected data from 251 nurses in tertiary hospitals in Korea, in July 2022, using an online questionnaire. Narcissistic personality was assessed using the Pathological Narcissism Inventory, and shame-proneness and guilt-proneness were measured using the Test of Self-Conscious Affect. Impostor phenomenon was assessed using the Clance Impostor Phenomenon Scale. RESULTS: Multiple linear regression analysis showed that the most potent factors affecting impostor phenomenon in intensive care unit nurses was shame-proneness, followed by narcissistic vulnerability and guilt-proneness. The regression model explained 65.0% of the variance. CONCLUSION: Nurse leaders can address impostor phenomenon among newly hired intensive care unit nurses with the goal of minimising adverse psychological outcomes. Shame-proneness, narcissistic vulnerability, and guilt-proneness require attention because of their relationship to impostor phenomenon. Additionally, it is necessary to plan and implement measures to promote awareness of self-conscious emotions, psychoeducation, and mental health intervention programs that focus on these factors.

Novel ABCC8 mutation in the genetic diagnosis of familial hyperinsulinaemic hypoglycaemia.

Familial hyperinsulinaemic hypoglycaemia-1 arises from mutations within the genes of pancreatic beta cells, resulting in unregulated insulin secretion from pancreatic beta cells. A 4.06 kg female neonate, born to a second-degree consanguineously married couple, presented with repeated asymptomatic hypoglycaemia. There was a significant history of a previous sibling's death from nesidioblastosis. Despite treatment with intravenous glucose, diazoxide, hydrochlorothiazide and octreotide, she continued to experience hypoglycaemic episodes. Despite efforts to manage sepsis, including antibiotics, antifungals and intravenous immunoglobulin/granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulated factor, her condition worsened. She succumbed on day 34. This case underscores the complexities of managing congenital hyperinsulinaemic hypoglycaemia, especially in the context of concurrent infections and the need for multidisciplinary care. Early genetic diagnosis proved invaluable in facilitating timely and effective treatment. Furthermore, the genetic results enabled us to counsel the parents regarding the recurrence risk in subsequent pregnancies and the necessity for antenatal diagnosis.

Primary nursing in the intensive care unit.

Background: Primary nursing (Process Responsible Nursing; PRN) is a nursing organization model, practiced in intensive care units (ICUs), but implementation is challenging. This paper focuses on the qualitative process analysis of the development and implementation of PRN in an ICU at a German university hospital. Aims: Aim was to record the perception of changes in nursing practice due to the introduction of PRN and obtain information on implementation and further optimization perceived by nurses. Method: A qualitative process analysis was done. Data collection took place at three defined times (immediately before implementation and 6 and 12 months after) and each included a focus group interview (FG) and a 5-day ICU ward process analysis (WA) in the form of participant observation. The analysis of FG and WA was carried out according to Kuckartz's content-structuring qualitative content analysis. Findings: The main categories communication, care planning and integration of patients and relatives in care and 13 subcategories with a cross-sectional category could be identified. Positive effects of PRN were found, particularly concerning relatives. The optimization potential included handover, visit appointments, the documentation system and adjustments to the visiting times. Conclusion: The qualitative analysis was able to show changes during the introduction of PRN, e.g. in communication and care planning, but also challenges like visit appointments or the documentation system in nursing practice.

Patients with influenza admitted to a tertiary-care hospital in Riyadh between 2018 and 2022: characteristics, outcomes and factors associated with ICU admission and mortality.

BACKGROUND: Influenza is a common cause of hospital admissions globally with regional variations in epidemiology and clinical profile. We evaluated the characteristics and outcomes of patients with influenza admitted to a tertiary-care center in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort of adult patients admitted with polymerase chain reaction-confirmed influenza to King Abdulaziz Medical City-Riyadh between January 1, 2018, and May 31, 2022. We compared patients who required intensive care unit (ICU) admission to those who did not and performed multivariable logistic regression to assess the predictors of ICU admission and hospital mortality. RESULTS: During the study period, 675 adult patients were hospitalized with influenza (median age 68.0 years, females 53.8%, hypertension 59.9%, diabetes 55.1%, and chronic respiratory disease 31.1%). Most admissions (83.0%) were in the colder months (October to March) in Riyadh with inter-seasonal cases even in the summertime (June to August). Influenza A was responsible for 79.0% of cases, with H3N2 and H1N1 subtypes commonly circulating in the study period. Respiratory viral coinfection occurred in 12 patients (1.8%) and bacterial coinfection in 42 patients (17.4%). 151 patients (22.4%) required ICU admission, of which 62.3% received vasopressors and 48.0% mechanical ventilation. Risk factors for ICU admission were younger age, hypertension, bilateral lung infiltrates on chest X-ray, and Pneumonia Severity Index. The overall hospital mortality was 7.4% (22.5% for ICU patients, p < 0.0001). Mortality was 45.0% in patients with bacterial coinfection, 30.9% in those requiring vasopressors, and 29.2% in those who received mechanical ventilation. Female sex (odds ratio [OR], 2.096; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.070, 4.104), ischemic heart disease (OR, 3.053; 95% CI 1.457, 6.394), immunosuppressed state (OR, 7.102; 95% CI 1.803, 27.975), Pneumonia Severity Index (OR, 1.029; 95% CI, 1.017, 1.041), leukocyte count and serum lactate level (OR, 1.394; 95% CI, 1.163, 1.671) were independently associated with hospital mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Influenza followed a seasonal pattern in Saudi Arabia, with H3N2 and H1N1 being the predominant circulating strains during the study period. ICU admission was required for > 20%. Female sex, high Pneumonia Severity Index, ischemic heart disease, and immunosuppressed state were associated with increased mortality.

Prognostic value of hyperlactatemia and lactate clearance in septic patients with hematological malignancies.

BACKGROUND: The coexistence of sepsis and hematological malignancies increases patient vulnerability, revealing the need for precise prognostic markers. This study explores the prognostic significance of lactate levels and clearance in septic patients with hematological malignancies. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective cohort study from January 2016 to December 2019 in a tertiary hematological intensive care unit (ICU) included 167 adults with hematological malignancies and sepsis. The relationship between lactate levels, hyperlactatemia, lactate clearance, and ICU outcomes was investigated. ICU survivors and non-survivors were compared to identify the factors affecting ICU mortality. RESULTS: Patients were primarily with lymphoma and acute leukemia (66%) and had frequent hyperlactatemia (64%) on ICU admission. ICU non-survivors demonstrated higher lactate levels and hyperlactatemia frequency at various time points (0, 6, and 12 h) than survivors. Lactate clearance and liver function tests did not differ significantly between the two groups. Invasive mechanical ventilation [OR (95% confidence interval-CI): 20.4 (2.4-79.8), p < 0.01], requirement of vasopressors [OR (95% CI): 5.6 (1.3-24.5), p < 0.01], lactate level at the 6th hour [OR (95% CI): 1.51 (1.1-2.07), p = 0.01], and APACHE II score (OR (95% CI): 1.16 (1.01-1.34), p = 0.05) were independent risk factors for ICU mortality. The Area Under the Curve for APACHE II score and lactate level at the 6th hour were 0.774 (95% CI: 0.682-0.866) and 0.703 (95% CI: 0.602-0.804), respectively. CONCLUSION: While elevated lactate levels correlate with mortality rate and lactate level at the 6th hour is an independent risk factor for mortality, the absence of a significant difference in lactate clearance challenges traditional assumptions. These results question the commonly accepted perspective regarding lactate dynamics in sepsis among individuals with hematological malignancies. ORAL PRESENTATION: Inci K, et al. "Hyperlactatemia, lactate clearance and outcome in critically ill patients with hematological malignancies," 22nd international intensive care symposium, 2019.

Long-term mortality and health-related quality of life with lower versus higher oxygenation targets in intensive care unit patients with COVID-19 and severe hypoxaemia.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate one-year outcomes of lower versus higher oxygenation targets in intensive care unit (ICU) patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and severe hypoxaemia. METHODS: We conducted pre-planned analyses of one-year mortality and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in the Handling Oxygenation Targets in COVID-19 trial. The trial randomised 726 ICU patients with COVID-19 and hypoxaemia to partial pressure of arterial oxygen targets of 8 kPa (60 mmHg) versus 12 kPa (90 mmHg) during ICU stay up to 90 days, including readmissions. HRQoL was assessed using EuroQol visual analogue scale (EQ-VAS) and 5-level 5-dimension questionnaire (EQ-5D-5L). Outcomes were analysed in the intention-to-treat population. Non-survivors were assigned the worst possible score (zero), and multiple imputation was applied for missing EQ-VAS values. RESULTS: We obtained one-year vital status for 691/726 (95.2%) of patients and HRQoL data for 642/726 (88.4%). At one year, 117/348 (33.6%) of patients in the lower-oxygenation group had died compared to 134/343 (39.1%) in the higher-oxygenation group (adjusted risk ratio: 0.85; 98.6% confidence interval (CI) 0.66-1.09; p = 0.11). Median EQ-VAS was 50 (interquartile range, 0-80) versus 40 (0-75) (adjusted mean difference: 4.8; 98.6% CI - 2.2 to 11.9; p = 0.09) and EQ-5D-5L index values were 0.61 (0-0.81) in the lower-oxygenation group versus 0.43 (0-0.79) (p = 0.20) in the higher-oxygenation group, respectively. CONCLUSION: Among adult ICU patients with COVID-19 and severe hypoxaemia, one-year mortality results were most compatible with benefit of the lower oxygenation target, which did not appear to result in more survivors with poor quality of life.

Assessing the impact of Delta and Omicron in German intensive care units: a retrospective, nationwide multistate analysis.

BACKGROUND: The spread of several severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus type 2 (SARS-CoV-2) variants of concern (VOCs) has repeatedly led to increasing numbers of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients in German intensive care units (ICUs), resulting in capacity shortages and even transfers of COVID-19 intensive care patients between federal states in late 2021. In this respect, there is scarce evidence on the impact of predominant VOCs in German ICUs at the population level. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was conducted from July 01, 2021, to May 31, 2022, using daily nationwide inpatient billing data from German hospitals on COVID-19 intensive care patients and SARS-CoV-2 sequence data from Germany. A multivariable Poisson regression analysis was performed to estimate the incidence rate ratios (IRRs) of transfer (to another hospital during inpatient care), discharge (alive) and death of COVID-19 intensive care patients associated with Delta or Omicron, adjusted for age group and sex. In addition, a multistate approach was used for the clinical trajectories of COVID-19 intensive care patients to estimate their competing risk of transfer, discharge or death associated with Delta or Omicron, specifically concerning patient age. RESULTS: A total of 6046 transfers, 33256 discharges, and 12114 deaths were included. Poisson regression analysis comparing Omicron versus Delta yielded an estimated adjusted IRR of 1.23 (95% CI 1.16-1.30) for transfers, 2.27 (95% CI 2.20-2.34) for discharges and 0.98 (95% CI 0.94-1.02) for deaths. For ICU deaths in particular, the estimated adjusted IRR increased from 0.14 (95% CI 0.08-0.22) for the 0-9 age group to 4.09 (95% CI 3.74-4.47) for those aged 90 and older compared to the reference group of 60-69-year-olds. Multistate analysis revealed that Omicron was associated with a higher estimated risk of discharge for COVID-19 intensive care patients across all ages, while Delta infection was associated with a higher estimated risk of transfer and death. CONCLUSIONS: Retrospective, nationwide comparisons of transfers, discharges and deaths of COVID-19 intensive care patients during Delta- and Omicron-dominated periods in Germany suggested overall less severe clinical trajectories associated with Omicron. Age was confirmed to be an important determinant of fatal clinical outcomes in COVID-19 intensive care patients, necessitating close therapeutic care for elderly people and appropriate public health control measures.

Diagnostic Utility of Whole Genome Sequencing After Negative Karyotyping/Chromosomal Microarray in Infants Born With Multiple Congenital Anomalies.

BACKGROUND: Achieving a definitive genetic diagnosis of unexplained multiple congenital anomalies (MCAs) in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) infants is challenging because of the limited diagnostic capabilities of conventional genetic tests. Although the implementation of whole genome sequencing (WGS) has commenced for diagnosing MCAs, due to constraints in resources and faculty, many NICUs continue to utilize chromosomal microarray (CMA) and/or karyotyping as the initial diagnostic approach. We aimed to evaluate the diagnostic efficacy of WGS in infants with MCAs who have received negative results from karyotyping and/or CMA. METHODS: In this prospective study, we enrolled 80 infants with MCAs who were admitted to a NICU at a single center and had received negative results from CMA and/or karyotyping. The phenotypic characteristics were classified according to the International Classification of Diseases and the Human Phenotype Ontology. We assessed the diagnostic yield of trio-WGS in infants with normal chromosomal result and explored the process of diagnosing by analyzing both phenotype and genotype. Also, we compared the phenotype and clinical outcomes between the groups diagnosed with WGS and the undiagnosed group. RESULTS: The diagnostic yield of WGS was 26% (21/80), of which 76% were novel variants. There was a higher diagnostic yield in cases of craniofacial abnormalities, including those of the eye and ear, and a lower diagnostic yield in cases of gastrointestinal and genitourinary abnormalities. In addition, higher rates of rehabilitation therapy and gastrostomy were observed in WGS-diagnosed infants than in undiagnosed infants. CONCLUSION: This prospective cohort study assessed the usefulness of trio-WGS following chromosomal analysis for diagnosing MCAs in the NICU and revealed improvements in the diagnostic yield and clinical utility of WGS.

Closed-loop oxygen usage during invasive mechanical ventilation of pediatric patients (CLOUDIMPP): a randomized controlled cross-over study.

Background: The aim of this study is the evaluation of a closed-loop oxygen control system in pediatric patients undergoing invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV). Methods: Cross-over, multicenter, randomized, single-blind clinical trial. Patients between the ages of 1 month and 18 years who were undergoing IMV therapy for acute hypoxemic respiratory failure (AHRF) were assigned at random to either begin with a 2-hour period of closed-loop oxygen control or manual oxygen titrations. By using closed-loop oxygen control, the patients' SpO2 levels were maintained within a predetermined target range by the automated adjustment of the FiO2. During the manual oxygen titration phase of the trial, healthcare professionals at the bedside made manual changes to the FiO2, while maintaining the same target range for SpO2. Following either period, the patient transitioned to the alternative therapy. The outcomes were the percentage of time spent in predefined SpO2 ranges ±2% (primary), FiO2, total oxygen use, and the number of manual adjustments. Findings: The median age of included 33 patients was 17 (13-55.5) months. In contrast to manual oxygen titrations, patients spent a greater proportion of time within a predefined optimal SpO2 range when the closed-loop oxygen controller was enabled (95.7% [IQR 92.1-100%] vs. 65.6% [IQR 41.6-82.5%]), mean difference 33.4% [95%-CI 24.5-42%]; P < 0.001). Median FiO2 was lower (32.1% [IQR 23.9-54.1%] vs. 40.6% [IQR 31.1-62.8%]; P < 0.001) similar to total oxygen use (19.8 L/h [IQR 4.6-64.8] vs. 39.4 L/h [IQR 16.8-79]; P < 0.001); however, median SpO2/FiO2 was higher (329.4 [IQR 180-411.1] vs. 246.7 [IQR 151.1-320.5]; P < 0.001) with closed-loop oxygen control. With closed-loop oxygen control, the median number of manual adjustments reduced (0.0 [IQR 0.0-0.0] vs. 1 [IQR 0.0-2.2]; P < 0.001). Conclusion: Closed-loop oxygen control enhances oxygen therapy in pediatric patients undergoing IMV for AHRF, potentially leading to more efficient utilization of oxygen. This technology also decreases the necessity for manual adjustments, which could reduce the workloads of healthcare providers. Clinical Trial Registration: This research has been submitted to ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05714527).

Intensive care treatment in acute pulmonary embolism in Germany, 2016 to 2020: a nationwide inpatient database study.

Background: Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a potentially life-threatening condition. Admission and treatment in the intensive care unit (ICU) is an important element in critically ill PE patients. Objectives: We aimed to identify risk factors for ICU admission and differences in patient profiles regarding risk factors and comorbidities between PE patients who had to be admitted to an ICU and those who were treated in a normal ward without ICU. Methods: We used the German nationwide inpatient sample to analyze all hospitalizations of PE patients in Germany from 2016 to 2020 stratified for ICU admission. Results: Overall, 484,859 hospitalized PE patients were treated in German hospitals from 2016 to 2020. Among these, 92,313 (19.0%) were admitted to ICU. Patients treated in ICU were younger (69.0 [IQR, 58.0-78.0] vs 72.0 [IQR, 60.0-80.0] years; P < .001) and had higher prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors and comorbidities. In-hospital case fatality rate was elevated in PE patients treated in ICU (22.7% vs 10.7%; P < .001), and ICU admission was independently associated with increased in-hospital case fatality (odds ratio [OR], 2.54; 95% CI, 2.49-2.59; P < .001). Independent risk factors for ICU admission comprised PE with imminent or present decompensation (OR, 3.30; 95% CI, 3.25-3.35; P < .001), hemodynamic instability (OR, 4.49; 95% CI, 4.39-4.59; P < .001), arterial hypertension (OR, 1.20; 95% CI, 1.18-1.22; P < .001), diabetes mellitus (OR, 1.16; 95% CI, 1.14-1.18; P < .001), obesity (OR, 1.300; 95% CI, 1.27-1.33; P < .001), surgery (OR, 2.55; 95% CI, 2.50-2.59; P < .001), stroke (OR, 2.86; 95% CI, 2.76-2.96; P < .001), pregnancy (OR, 1.45; 95% CI, 1.21-1.74; P < .001), heart failure (OR, 1.74; 95% CI, 1.71-1.77; P < .001), atrial fibrillation/flutter (OR, 1.69; 95% CI, 1.66-1.73; P < .001), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (OR, 1.21; 95% CI, 1.18-1.24; P < .001), and renal failure (OR, 1.92; 95% CI, 1.88-1.95; P < .001). Conclusion: ICU treatment is an important element in the treatment of PE patients. Besides hemodynamic compromise, cardiovascular risk factors, stroke, pregnancy, and cardiopulmonary as well as renal comorbidities were independent predictors of ICU admission. Necessity of ICU admission was afflicted by increased case fatality.

Effect of programmed comprehensive nursing on delirium incidence in intensive care unit children following severe cardiac surgery.

BACKGROUND: Programmed comprehensive nursing was adopted for intensive care unit (ICU) children following severe cardiac surgery to improve respiratory function and delirium incidence. AIM: To explore how programmed comprehensive nursing impacts respiratory function and delirium incidence in ICU children post cardiac surgery. METHODS: Between January 2022 and January 2024, 180 pediatric patients from the Children's Hospital of Nanjing were admitted to the ICU after cardiac surgery and randomly grouped. The control group comprised 90 patients and received routine nursing care. The observation group comprised 90 patients and received programmed comprehensive nursing. Both groups received continuous nursing care until discharge. Their respiratory function, incidence of delirium, and clinical outcomes were compared. The memory state and sleep quality of both groups were compared. RESULTS: The incidence of delirium was 5.56% in the observation group when admitted to ICU, which was lower than that in the control group (20.00%; P < 0.05). The observation group demonstrated higher peak expiratory flow rate, respiratory frequency, deep breathing volume, and tidal volume in the ICU compared with the control group. Additionally, the observation group showed higher sleep depth, sleep latency, night awakening, return to sleep, and sleep quality compared with the control group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Programmed comprehensive nursing in ICU patients following severe cardiac surgery can reduce the impact on respiratory function, improve sleep quality, and alleviate postoperative delirium, showing significant promise for clinical application.

Nutrition Supply and Growth Post Nutrition Support Team Activity in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.

Purpose: For neonates admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), appropriate nutritional assessment and intervention are important for adequate growth. In this study, we aimed to determine whether there were changes in the nutritional supply and growth status of premature infants hospitalized in the NICU after the introduction of the Nutrition support team (NST). Methods: This study retrospectively analyzed premature infants admitted to the NICU for over 14 days. The average daily calorie, protein, and fat supply at 1 and 2 weeks after birth were compared before and after NST, and growth was evaluated by changes in length, weight, and head circumference z-scores at birth and 28 days after birth. Results: A total of 79 neonates were included in the present study, with 32 in the pre-NST group and 47 in the post-NST group. The average daily energy supply during the first (p=0.001) and second (p=0.029) weeks postnatal was significantly higher in the post-NST group than in the pre-NST group. Lipid supply for the first week was significantly higher in the post-NST group than in the pre-NST group (p=0.010). The change in the z-score for length was significantly higher in the post-NST group than in the pre-NST group (p=0.049). Conclusion: Nutrient supply and length z-score change increased significantly at 28 days after birth in the post-NST group. These results suggest that calorie calculators and NST activity can promote adequate growth and development in neonates.

Fetal haemoglobin and oxygen requirement in preterm infants: an observational study.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationship between the fraction of fetal haemoglobin (HbF(%)) and oxygen requirement as determined by the fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2) and alveolar-arterial gradient (A-a gradient). Increased alveolar exposure to oxygen may explain the association between decreased HbF(%) and the development of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). DESIGN: Longitudinal, retrospective, observational study. SETTING: Tertiary-level neonatal intensive care unit, referral centre for southern Sweden. PATIENTS: Four hundred forty very preterm infants born before gestational week 30, 2009-2015. INTERVENTION: Regular clinical practice. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The FiO2 and A-a gradient were determined at the time-point of 10 015 arterial blood gas analyses obtained during postnatal days 1-7. The relationship between HbF(%) and FiO2 and A-a gradient and the modifying influence of other factors affecting haemoglobin oxygen affinity were evaluated. RESULTS: We found a significant relationship between a low fraction of HbF and an increase in FiO2 and A-a gradient, respectively. These relationships remained significant after adjusting for pH, pCO2, postnatal age, gestational age and sex. CONCLUSION: These high-resolution data show that decreased HbF(%) during the first postnatal week is associated with increased FiO2 and A-a gradient in very preterm infants. Increased alveolar exposure to oxygen and resulting oxidative stress may, at least partly, explain the previously reported associations between decreased HbF, blood transfusions and the development of BPD in preterm infants.

[Utility of EEG in neurological emergencies and critical care].

EEG is useful for evaluation of pathophysiology and prognostication of neurocritically ill patients, as it provides non-invasive, real-time monitoring of cerebral function. There have been recently a lot of advances in research on critical care EEG according to the American Clinical Neurophysiology Society's Standardized Critical Care EEG Terminology. Based on the latest knowledge, this review discusses clinical utilization of EEG in neurocritically ill patients, including critical care continuous EEG monitoring, and key points of interpretation of critical care EEG, classifying main purposes into three points: detection of electrographic and electroclinical seizures, consideration of special encephalopathies, and evaluation and prognostication of cerebral function. Neurologists should have fundamental ability to read and interpret critical care EEG and support treating physicians in terms of therapeutic strategy.

Rapid response system and mortality in intensive care unit: a nationwide cohort study in South Korea.

The beneficial effects of a rapid response system (RRS) on clinical outcomes in patients admitted to a ward have been established. However, the relationship between RRS implementation and clinical outcomes in patients in the intensive care unit (ICU) has not yet been established. Therefore, we aimed to investigate whether the RRS affects clinical outcomes in critically ill patients admitted to the ICU. As a nationwide, population-based cohort study, all adult patients who were admitted to the ICU from 1 January 2019 to 31 December 2021 in South Korea were included. Patients in hospitals with an RRS formed the RRS group; those in hospitals lacking an RRS constituted the non-RRS group. In total, 900,606 patients admitted to the ICU were included in the final analysis. Among them, 365,305 (40.6%) were assigned to the RRS group, and 535,301 (59.4%) were assigned to the non-RRS group. After propensity score (PS) matching, a total of 454,748 patients (227,374 in each group) were included in the final analysis. In the PS-matched cohort, the RRS group showed 8% (odds ratio [OR]: 0.92, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.91, 0.94; P < 0.001) and 11% (hazard ratio: 0.89, 95% CI: 0.88, 0.90; P < 0.001) lower in-hospital mortality rates and 1-year all-cause mortality rates than the non-RRS group, respectively. In addition, ICU readmission rates and the occurrence rate for adverse events during hospitalization in the RRS group were 3% (OR: 0.97, 95% CI: 0.95, 0.98; P < 0.001) and 21% (OR: 0.79, 95% CI: 0.78, 0.80; P < 0.001) lower than those in the non-RRS group, respectively. RRS deployment was linked to lower in-hospital and 1-year all-cause mortality rates, ICU readmission rates, and the occurrence of adverse events during hospitalization among ICU patients. The findings indicate that using the RRS could assist not only patients in the ward but also critically ill patients in the ICU.

The epidemiology of critical respiratory diseases in ex-premature infants in Vietnam: A prospective single-center study.

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to describe the epidemiology and etiologies of critical respiratory diseases of ex-premature infants (EPIs) admitted to the Pediatric Intensive Care unit (PICU). METHODS: Infants ≤2 years old with acute respiratory illnesses admitted to PICU of Vietnam National Children's Hospital from November 2019 to April 2021 were enrolled and followed up to hospital discharge. We compared respiratory pathogens, outcomes, and PICU resources utilized between EPIs and term infants. Among EPIs, we described clinical characteristics and evaluated the association between associated factors and mortality. RESULTS: Among 1183 patients, aged ≤2 years were admitted for critical respiratory illnesses, 202 (17.1%) were EPIs. Respiratory viruses were detected in 53.5% and 38.2% among EPIs and term infants, respectively. Compared to term infants, a higher proportion of EPIs required mechanical ventilation (MV) (85.6 vs. 66.5%, p < .005) and vasopressor support (37.6 vs. 10.7%%, p < .005). EPIs had a higher median PICU length of stay (11.0 [IQR: 7; 22] vs. 6.0 days [IQR: 3; 11], p = .09), hospital length of stay (21.5 [IQR: 13; 40] vs. 10.0 days [IQR: 5; 18], p < .005) and case fatality rate (31.3% vs. 22.6%) compared to term infants. Among EPIs, PIM-3 score (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 1.51; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.30-1.75) and PELOD-2 score at admission (aOR: 1.41; 95% CI: 1.08-1.85) were associated with mortality. CONCLUSIONS: EPIs with critical respiratory illnesses constituted a significant population in the PICU, required more PICU support, and had worse clinical outcomes compared to term infants.

Genomic study substantiates the intensive care unit as a reservoir for carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae in a teaching hospital in China.

Carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CRKP) has recently emerged as a notable public health concern, while the underlying drivers of CRKP transmission among patients across different healthcare facilities have not been fully elucidated. To explore the transmission dynamics of CRKP, 45 isolates were collected from both the intensive care unit (ICU) and non-ICU facilities in a teaching hospital in Guangdong, China, from March 2020 to August 2023. The collection of clinical data and antimicrobial resistance phenotypes was conducted, followed by genomic data analysis for these isolates. The mean age of the patients was 75.2 years, with 18 patients (40.0%) admitted to the ICU. The predominant strain in hospital-acquired CRKP was sequence type 11 (ST11), with k-locus type 64 and serotype O1/O2v1 (KL64:O1/O2v1), accounting for 95.6% (43/45) of the cases. The CRKP ST11 isolates from the ICU exhibited a low single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) distance when compared to isolates from other departments. Genome-wide association studies identified 17 genes strongly associated with SNPs that distinguish CRKP ST11 isolates from those in the ICU and other departments. Temporal transmission analysis revealed that all CRKP isolates from other departments were genetically very close to those from the ICU, with fewer than 16 SNP differences. To further elucidate the transmission routes among departments within the hospital, we reconstructed detailed patient-to-patient transmission pathways using hybrid methods that combine TransPhylo with an SNP-based algorithm. A clear transmission route, along with mutations in potential key genes, was deduced from genomic data coupled with clinical information in this study, providing insights into CRKP transmission dynamics in healthcare settings.

A comprehensive assessment tool of acute-phase rehabilitation is associated with clinical outcomes in patients after cardiovascular surgery.

Perme intensive care unit (ICU) mobility score is a comprehensive mobility assessment tool; however, its usefulness and validity for patients after cardiovascular surgery remain unclear. We investigated the association between the Perme Score and clinical outcomes after cardiovascular surgery. We retrospectively enrolled 249 consecutive patients admitted to the ICU after cardiac and/or major vascular surgery. The Perme Score contains categories on mental status, potential mobility barriers, muscle strength and mobility level and was assessed within 2 days after surgery. The outcomes of physical recovery were the number of days until 100-m ambulation achievement and 6-min walk distance (6MWD) at hospital discharge. The endpoint was a composite outcome of all-cause mortality and/or all-cause unplanned readmission. We analyzed the associations of the Perme Score with physical recovery and the incidence of clinical events. After adjusting for clinical confounding factors, a higher Perme Score was an independent factor of earlier achievement of 100-m ambulation (hazard ratio: 1.039, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.012-1.066) and higher 6MWD (ß: 0.293, P = .001). During the median follow-up period of 1.1 years, we observed an incidence rate of 19.4/100 person-years. In the multivariate Poisson regression analysis, a higher Perme Score was significantly and independently associated with lower rates of all-cause death/readmission (incident rate ratio: 0.961, 95% CI: 0.930-0.992). The Perme Score within 2 days after cardiovascular surgery was associated with physical recovery during hospitalization and clinical events after discharge. Thus, it may be useful for predicting clinical outcomes.

The Price We Pay for Progression in Shock Care: Economic Burden, Accessibility, and Adoption of Shock-Teams and Mechanical Circulatory Support Devices.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Cardiogenic shock (CS) is associated with high in-hospital and long-term mortality and morbidity that results in significant socio-economic impact. Due to the high costs associated with CS care, it is important to define the short- and long-term burden of this disease state on resources and review strategies to mitigate these. RECENT FINDINGS: In recent times, the focus on CS continues to be on improving short-term outcomes, but there has been increasing emphasis on the long-term morbidity. In this review we discuss the long-term outcomes of CS and the role of hospital-level and system-level disparities in perpetuating this. We discuss mitigation strategies including developing evidence-based protocols and systems of care, improvement in risk stratification and evaluation of futility of care, all of which address the economic burden of CS. CS continues to remain the pre-eminent challenge in acute cardiovascular care, and a combination of multi-pronged strategies are needed to improve outcomes in this population.