Experiencia de una Unidad de Ventilación Mecánica Pediátrica Prolongada en un hospital público de Chile / Experience in a Pediatric Prolonged Mechanical Ventilation Unit from a public hospital in Chile

Introducción: Los pacientes hospitalizados con altas dependencias tecnológicas respiratorias son cada vez más frecuentes y generan largas estadías en unidades de cuidados intensivos. Las estrategias que mitiguen su impacto han sido escasamente descritas. Objetivo: Describir 6 años de experiencia de una Unidad de Ventilación Mecánica Prolongada Pediátrica.Métodos: Estudio retrospectivo. Se incluyeron todos los niños ingresados a la Unidad entre 10-2012 y 12-2018. Se realizó estadística descriptiva e inferencial, analizando tiempos de hospitalización y reingresos. Se compararon distintas variables según tipo de patología y ventilación mecánica.Resultados: 113 pacientes registraron 310 ingresos a la Unidad. Edad de ingreso: 2,2 años (0,6-8,8); varones: el 60,2 %. Patologías: enfermedad neuromuscular (el 22,1 %), enfermedad pulmonar crónica (el 20,4 %), daño neurológico (el 34,5 %), obstrucción de vía aérea superior (el 9,7 %), cardiopatía (el 3,5 %), síndrome de Down (el 9,7 %). Se utilizaron 10 507 días/cama; con índice ocupacional del 92,6 %, el 54,8 % de traslados a la Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos y el 66,1 % de reingresos. Hospitalización media: 16 días (6,5-49,0); diferencias en edad de ingreso según patologías (p = 0,032). Hubo más reingresos en niños con daño neurológico y síndrome de Down (p = 0,004). Los niños con asistencia ventilatoria invasiva presentaron más días de hospitalización (p < 0,001) y reingresos (p < 0,001).Conclusión: El índice ocupacional fue superior al 90 %; permitió mayor disponibilidad de camas intensivas y egresar a todos los pacientes. Los niños con asistencia ventilatoria invasiva se hospitalizaron más tiempo y reingresaron más

Introduction: Hospitalized patients with high respiratory technology dependency are increasingly common and result in lengthy stays in intensive care units. Strategies mitigating its impact have been scarcely described.Objective: To describe a 6-year experience in a Pediatric Prolonged Mechanical Ventilation Unit.Methods: Retrospective study. All children admitted to the unit between October 2012 and December 2018 were included. Descriptive and inferential statistical methods were used, analyzing lengths of stay and readmissions. Different outcome measures were compared according to the type of pathology and mechanical ventilation.Results: A total of 113 patients had 310 admissions to the unit. Age at admission: 2.2 years (0.6-8.8); males: 60.2 %. Pathologies: neuromuscular disease (22.1 %), chronic lung disease (20.4 %), neurological damage (34.5 %), upper airway obstruction (9.7 %), heart disease (3.5 %), Down syndrome (9.7 %). A total of 10 507 bed-days were used; with a 92.6 % occupancy rate, 54.8 % of transfers to the intensive care unit, and 66.1 % of readmissions. Mean length of stay: 16 days (6.5-49.0); differences in age at admission observed by pathology (p = 0.032). More readmissions were observed in children with neurological damage and Down syndrome (p = 0.004). Children with invasive ventilation were observed to have a longer length of stay (p < 0.001) and more readmissions (p < 0.001).Conclusion: The occupancy rate at the PMVU was over 90 %, which allowed more available intensive care beds and discharging all patients. Children with invasive ventilation had a longer length of stay and more readmissions.

A cross-sectional analysis of daytime versus nocturnal polysomnographic respiratory parameters in cystic fibrosis during early adolescence.

BACKGROUND: In Cystic Fibrosis (CF), early detection and treatment of respiratory disease is considered the standard for respiratory care. Overnight polysomnography (PSG) may help identify respiratory deterioration in young patients with CF. METHODS: A prospective cohort study of 46 patients with CF, aged 8-12years, from a specialist clinic in a tertiary paediatric hospital. Daytime pulmonary function, shuttle test exercise testing and overnight PSG were studied. RESULTS: Of 81 children aged 8-12years, 46 (57%) agreed to participate. FEV1 (% predicted, mean 74.6%) was normal in 23 (50%), mildly abnormal in 12 (26.1%), moderately abnormal in 10 (21.7%) and severely abnormal in 1 (2.2%). Amongst sleep study parameters, FEV1 (% predicted) showed significant correlation with the respiratory rate (RR) in slow wave sleep (SWS), CO2 change in REM, baseline SaO2, and the arousal index (h-1). Backward, stepwise linear regression modelling for FEV1 (% predicted) included the entire group with a wide spectrum of clinical severity. From sleep, variables remaining in the multivariate model for FEV1 (F=16.81, p<0.001) were the RR in SWS (min-1) and the CO2 change in REM (p=0.003, and 0.014, respectively). When daytime tests were included, the variables remaining were RR in SWS and SD score for BMI (BMIsds) (F=18.70, p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Respiratory abnormalities on overnight sleep studies included elevated respiratory rates during SWS and mild CO2 retention in REM sleep, and these incorporated into a model correlating with FEV1 (% predicted). Thus, mild mechanical impairment of ventilation is evident on overnight sleep studies in children with cystic fibrosis although the significance of this finding will require further investigation.

Sponsored multicentric clinical research conducted in Brazil in the respiratory area - losses and gains / Pesquisas clínicas multicêntricas patrocinadas realizadas na área respiratória no Brasil - Perdas e ganhos

Summary Objective: To evaluate the sponsored centers for clinical trial in the respiratory care setting in Brazil: profile; logistics and structure. Methods: Principal investigators (29) and subinvestigators (30) of 39 research centers completed the questionnaires that addressed personal identification and training of researchers, the centers' facilities and advantages and/or disadvantages of performing sponsored trials. Results: 75.6% of the centers were located in southern and southeastern Brazil. Most principal investigators were men with a mean age of 53.4 years. The clinical trials in the respiratory care setting focus on asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonar disease (COPD). 80% of the researchers cited delay of the Conep and Anvisa as a barrier to performing research. The advantages of participating in clinical trials were updating knowledge of the researcher and the team, and additional income for the team. The main disadvantages mentioned by the researchers included low financial compensation for the performed workload, and time availability. The median number of professionals per research center was six people, predominantly physicians. Conclusion: The number of research centers in the respiratory care setting in Brazil is still relatively small. The teams have good training for performing the clinical trials. Asthma and COPD are the most studied diseases in sponsored clinical trials. The main barrier is delay by the Conep and Anvisa. The factors that lead investigators to participate range from being updated along with the team, to site and staff financial issues; the main disadvantage is the low compensation for the required workload demand.

Resumo Objetivo: avaliar nos centros de pesquisas clínicas patrocinadas na área respiratória no Brasil o perfil, a logística e a estrutura. Método: questionários foram respondidos por pesquisadores principais (29) e subinvestigadores (30) de 39 centros de pesquisa relativos a identificação e formação dos pesquisadores, instalações dos centros e vantagens e desvantagens quanto à participação nas pesquisas patrocinadas. Resultados: setenta e cinco por cento (75,6%) dos centros se localizavam nas regiões Sul e Sudeste do Brasil. A maioria dos investigadores principais eram homens com média de idade de 53,4 anos. As pesquisas na área respiratória se concentravam no estudo da asma e da doença pulmonar obstrutiva crônica (DPOC). Oitenta por cento dos pesquisadores citaram a demora na Comissão Nacional de Ética em Pesquisa (Conep) e na Agência Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária (Anvisa) como fator de entrave para a realização das pesquisas. As vantagens em participar das pesquisas clínicas foram a atualização própria ou da equipe envolvida, com rendimento adicional para a equipe. A principal desvantagem apontada pelos pesquisadores foi a baixa compensação financeira em relação ao volume de trabalho e disponibilidade de tempo. A mediana de profissionais por centro de pesquisa foi de seis pessoas, com predominância de médicos. Conclusão: o número de centros na área respiratória no Brasil ainda é relativamente pequeno. As equipes apresentam boa formação para a realização das pesquisas. Asma e DPOC são as doenças mais estudadas pelas pesquisas clínicas patrocinadas. O principal entrave é a demora da Conep e da Anvisa. Os fatores que levam os investigadores a participarem variam desde atualização própria/equipe até questões financeiras para a equipe e o centro; a principal desvantagem relatada é a baixa remuneração diante da demanda de trabalho exigida.

End-of-life care in a general respiratory ward in the United Kingdom.

INTRODUCTION: Patients with advanced chronic lung disease such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) often have an unpredictable clinical course and a high symptom burden. Their prognosis is similar to that of patients with lung cancer. AIM AND METHODS: We retrospectively assessed end of life care in all patients who were admitted and subsequently died on a general respiratory ward in a central teaching hospital over a period of 11 months (1st June 2010-1st May 2011). We compared our practice with guidelines set out in Living and Dying Well, a national action plan for palliative and end of life care in Scotland. RESULTS: There were 66 deaths, data was obtained for 57 patients (86.4%). Patients with lung cancer had higher rates of recorded discussions regarding their prognosis in comparison to those with COPD (60%, n=9 vs. 8.3%, n=1 respectively). In addition, they had greater levels of in-patient palliative care involvement (50%, n= 7 vs. 0% respectively) and higher rates of recorded wishes end of life care destination (28.6%, n=4 vs. 8.3%, n=1 respectively). This is despite patients with lung cancer having a lower mean number of end of life clinical indicators (2.64 vs. 3.17 respectively) and a lower mean number of admissions in the 12 months preceding death (1.67 vs. 4.08). CONCLUSIONS: Palliative care involvement and discussion of patients' end of life care wishes is poor in COPD. Timely and effective discussions regarding disease prognosis and patient wishes, including early consideration for initiating anticipatory care planning needs to be instituted.

[Romanian echoes of European COPD audit]. / Ecourile românesti ale COPD AUDIT-ului european.

ERS COPD Audit's mission was to draw attention to the many problems that practitioners raised by the chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) exacerbations, by the comorbidites and impact of exacerbation on the patient destiny and practitioner reaction. In this Romanian article I draw attention to specific issues that arise when addressing these exacerbations to our hospitals.

Predictors of mortality in hospitalized adults with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

RATIONALE: There is a need to identify clinically meaningful predictors of mortality following hospitalized COPD exacerbation. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to systematically review the literature to identify clinically important factors that predict mortality after hospitalization for acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). METHODS: Eligible studies considered adults admitted to hospital with COPD exacerbation. Two authors independently abstracted data. Odds ratios were then calculated by comparing the prevalence of each predictor in survivors versus nonsurvivors. For continuous variables, mean differences were pooled by the inverse of their variance, using a random effects model. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: There were 37 studies included (189,772 study subjects) with risk of death ranging from 3.6% for studies considering short-term mortality, 31.0% for long-term mortality (up to 2 yr after hospitalization), and 29.0% for studies that considered solely intensive care unit (ICU)-admitted study subjects. Twelve prognostic factors (age, male sex, low body mass index, cardiac failure, chronic renal failure, confusion, long-term oxygen therapy, lower limb edema, Global Initiative for Chronic Lung Disease criteria stage 4, cor pulmonale, acidemia, and elevated plasma troponin level) were significantly associated with increased short-term mortality. Nine prognostic factors (age, low body mass index, cardiac failure, diabetes mellitus, ischemic heart disease, malignancy, FEV1, long-term oxygen therapy, and PaO2 on admission) were significantly associated with long-term mortality. Three factors (age, low Glasgow Coma Scale score, and pH) were significantly associated with increased risk of mortality in ICU-admitted study subjects. CONCLUSION: Different factors correlate with mortality from COPD exacerbation in the short term, long term, and after ICU admission. These parameters may be useful to develop tools for prediction of outcome in clinical practice.

[Palliative care for patients with COPD: a challenge]. / La BPCO : parent pauvre des soins palliatifs ?

INTRODUCTION: The aim of our study was to examine the practices and performance of a team working in a respiratory unit concerning the palliative care of patients with COPD, in a group of patients who died in hospital as a result of their disease. METHODOLOGY: The first step was focused on those patients who died in the respiratory care unit of the General Hospital of Saint-Nazaire during the year 2008 and who received end-of-life care, and the reasons for their death. In the second step, we selected and analysed retrospectively the records of patients who died from COPD. In the third step semi-directive interviews were held with a sample of nine care workers who were judged to be representative of the staff working in the respiratory ward of Saint-Nazaire Hospital. The interviews consisted of seven questions related to palliative practices and professional experiences acquired during the care of patients with COPD. RESULTS: In a population of 51 patients who received end-of-life care during the year 2008, 34 were referred on account of lung cancer and only one was referred for COPD. Bronchial carcinoma was the main cause of death (36 cases) then COPD (16 cases) in a total of 92 deaths (2008). Retrospective analysis of the records of patients who died from COPD showed a limitation of care in 43% of cases, midazolam induced sedation in 43%, treatment with morphine in 37%, support for the family or relatives in 62% and some anticipated decisions in 6%. Analysis of the interviews showed that the subject of death is rarely or never discussed with these patients in contrast to patients dying from bronchial cancer. CONCLUSION: The practices of a respiratory team concerning palliative care in COPD patients appear to be limited to end-of-life care. This clearly reflects a need for palliative care education in workers of respiratory care units in order to deliver a global palliative approach at an earlier stage in the care of COPD patients and to improve communication concerning end-of-life treatments.

Lung cancer in the emergency department.

According to the World Health Organization lung cancer was the leading cause of cancer deaths in 2008. Patients with lung cancer present frequently to the emergency department. This article will outline Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC), patient presentation, and how to care for the patient with lung cancer in the emergency department (ED).

Alternativas de tratamento para pacientes pediátricos em ventilação mecânica crônica / Care alternatives for pediatric chronic mechanical ventilation

OBJETIVO: Determinar o impacto da transferência de uma população pediátrica para unidades de dependentes de ventilação mecânica (UDVMs) ou para ventilação mecânica domiciliar (VMD) na disponibilidade de leitos na unidade de terapia intensiva (UTI) pediátrica. MÉTODOS: Estudo longitudinal retrospectivo de crianças hospitalizadas que necessitavam de VM prolongada na UDVM do Hospital Auxiliar de Suzano, um hospital público secundário do estado de São Paulo. Calculamos o número de dias que os pacientes passaram na UDVM e em VMD e analisamos sua sobrevida com o estimador Kaplan-Meier. RESULTADOS: Quarenta e um pacientes foram admitidos na UDVM em 7,3 anos. A mediana do tempo de internação na unidade foi de 239 dias (amplitude interquartil = 102-479). Desses pacientes, 22 vieram da UTI pediátrica, onde a transferência disponibilizou 8.643 leitos-dia (uma média de 14 novos pacientes por mês). A VMD de oito pacientes disponibilizou 4.022 leitos-dia no hospital em 4 anos (uma média de 12 novos pacientes por mês na UTI). A taxa de sobrevida dos pacientes em casa não foi significativamente diferente daquela verificada nos pacientes hospitalizados. CONCLUSÕES: Uma unidade hospitalar para dependentes de ventilação mecânica e a VMD podem melhorar a disponibilidade de leitos em UTIs. A taxa de sobrevida dos pacientes que recebem VMD não apresentou diferenças significativas em relação à dos pacientes que permanecem hospitalizados.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the impact of transferring a pediatric population to mechanical ventilator dependency units (MVDUs) or to home mechanical ventilation (HMV) on bed availability in the pediatric intensive care unit (ICU). METHODS: This is a longitudinal, retrospective study of hospitalized children who required prolonged mechanical ventilation at the MVDU located at the Hospital Auxiliar de Suzano, a secondary public hospital in São Paulo, Brazil. We calculated the number of days patients spent at MVDU and on HMV, and analyzed their survival rates with Kaplan-Meier estimator. RESULTS: Forty-one patients were admitted to the MVDU in 7.3 years. Median length of stay in this unit was 239 days (interquartile range = 102-479). Of these patients, 22 came from the ICU, where their transfer made available 8,643 bed-days (a mean of 14 new patients per month). HMV of eight patients made 4,022 bed-days available in the hospital in 4 years (a mean of 12 new patients per month in the ICU). Survival rates of patients at home were not significantly different from those observed in hospitalized patients. CONCLUSIONS: A hospital unit for mechanical ventilator-dependent patients and HMV can improve bed availability in ICUs. Survival rates of patients who receive HMV are not significantly different from those of patients who remain hospitalized.

Mortality rates and risk factors associated with nosocomial Candida infection in a respiratory intensive care unit.

To determine the incidence and mortality rate of nosocomial Candida infections (NCI) with respect to associated risk factors in the respiratory intensive care unit (RICU) patients. Data of 163 RICU patients were analyzed for NCI in 2006 retrospectively. Diagnosis of NCI; at least one Candida spp. was isolated in patients with severe sepsis, hospitalized > 1 day intensive care unit (ICU). NCI positive vs. NCI negative were compared with respect to invasive procedure, comorbidities, mortality. Risk factors were analyzed by logistic regression test. NCI positive in 26 (15.9%) patients were mean age: 65 +/- 15 years (female/male ratio: 8/18). Candida albicans/non-albicans ratio was 13/13. ICU stay was longer in NCI positive than NCI negative (48.2 +/- 7.5 days vs. 10.3 +/- 0.8 days; p< 0.001). Higher mortality rates were demonstrated in NCI positive (14.6% vs. 30.8%; p< 0.05). Risk factors for NCI were as follow: Invasive mechanical ventilations (IMV), central catheters and related infections, total parenteral nutrition, multiple antibiotics, ventilator associated tracheobronchitis (VAT) (p< 001 for all and, odd ratio: 95% CI: 6.27, 2.05-19.16; 28.3, 4.61-32.04; 10.93, 4.04-29.56; 2.12-88.98; 14.99, 5.6-40.08, respectively) and sepsis and ventilator associated pneumonia (VAP) (p< 0.01, 7.34, 1.66-32.35; 3.87, 1.42-10.52, respectively). Presence of catheters and related infections, IMV, multiple antibiotics use, parenteral nutrition, VAT, sepsis and VAP were founded as major risk factors for our patients with NCI. Because of longer ICU duration and higher mortality in NCI patients with treated antifungal drugs, risk factors must be evaluated carefully in the ICU.

Lung cancer patients in New Zealand initially present to secondary care through the emergency department rather than by referral to a respiratory specialist.

BACKGROUND: The previous study established that lung cancer patients in Auckland-Northland most commonly presented to secondary care through the emergency department (ED). AIM: To further explore the characteristics and presentation of cases presenting through EDs in Auckland. METHODS: Data were collected for all lung cancer cases (2004) in Auckland that initially presented to secondary care via ED RESULTS: Of (478) lung cancer cases diagnosed in Auckland in 2004, 170 cases (36%) presented via ED. ED presentation varied with tumour stage (p<0.0005), ethnicity (p=0.01), and DHB (p=0.004). Of the patients presenting to ED for whom records were available (159; 94%): 107 (67%) had respiratory symptoms; 66 (42%) were GP-referred; of these, 22 had had a CXR; 6 (4%) were already under respiratory surveillance; and 11 (6%) had previously been seen by secondary care regarding the presenting symptoms. All cases (except 1) were admitted. GP referral varied across DHBs (p=0.04) and ethnic groups (p=0.02). Age, gender, and tumour type were not associated with ED presentation. CONCLUSION: Lung cancer patients, especially those of Pacific ethnicity, commonly presented as emergencies, often by-passing primary care. This suggests barriers to, or within, primary care and further research is required to explore the reasons underlying these findings.

Practice of noninvasive ventilation for cystic fibrosis: a nationwide survey in France.

BACKGROUND: No guidelines are available for noninvasive ventilation (NIV) for cystic fibrosis (CF). OBJECTIVE: To survey and evaluate the use of NIV for CF in France. METHODS: We surveyed the coordinator physicians of every accredited CF center in France. RESULTS: The respondents represented 36 centers (15 pediatric centers, 13 adult centers, and 8 centers that see both pediatric and adult patients), which had a total of 4,416 patients with CF at the time of the study, 168 (3.8%) of whom were using NIV. NIV was being used more often in the adults centers (7.6% of these patients) than in the pediatric centers (1.2% of these patients) or adult-and-pediatric centers (4.1% of these patients) (P= .01). All the respondent centers use NIV as first-line treatment for severe hypercapnic respiratory exacerbation and for stable diurnal hypercapnia, especially when associated with sleep disturbance. Bi-level pressure-targeted ventilation is the preferred ventilation mode. Settings are adjusted based on arterial blood gas values, noninvasive evaluation of patient-ventilator synchrony, patient comfort, and sometimes a sleep study. The surveyed centers reported a number of expected benefits from NIV, but few of those benefits have been proven. Problems with NIV are common and limit its use. CONCLUSIONS: We found a relative homogeneity in these French centers' stated indications for and use of NIV, which highlights their numerous expectations about the benefits of NIV, which contrasts with the few validated benefits. Studies of the benefits of NIV are needed.

Burkholderia gladioli: five year experience in a cystic fibrosis and lung transplantation center.

BACKGROUND: The impact of infection with Burkholderia gladioli in cystic fibrosis, other chronic airway diseases and immunosuppressed patients is unknown. METHODS: A six-year retrospective review of all patients with B. gladioli infection was performed in a tertiary referral center with cystic fibrosis and lung transplantation programs. In addition, a targeted survey of all 251 lung transplant recipients was performed. Available B. gladioli isolates were analyzed via pulsed field gel electrophoresis. RESULTS: Thirty-five patients were culture positive for B. gladioli, including 33 CF patients. No bacteremia was identified. Isolates were available in 18 patients and all were genetically distinct. Two-thirds of these isolates were susceptible to usual anti-pseudomonal antibiotics. After acquisition, only 40% of CF patients were chronically infected (> or =2 positive cultures separated by at least 6 months). Chronic infection was associated with resistance to > or =2 antibiotic groups on initial culture and failure of eradication after antibiotic therapy. The impact of acquisition of B. gladioli infection in chronic infection was variable. Three CF patients with chronic infection underwent lung transplantation. One post-transplant patient developed a B. gladioli mediastinal abscess, which was treated successfully. CONCLUSIONS: The majority of patients' culture positive for B. gladioli at our center have CF. B. gladioli infection is often transient and is compatible with satisfactory post-lung transplantation outcomes.

Young adults admitted for asthma: does gender influence outcomes?

OBJECTIVE: To assess any outcome differences between young men and women who are admitted for asthma. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort study based on hospitalizations. An inclusion criterion was admission for asthma between January 1, 1998 and July 1, 2001. Exclusion criteria included age >45, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and emphysema. Data were collected on 10 potential confounding variables. Four outcome variables were assessed, including length of stay, intensive care unit (ICU) length of stay, mortality, and respiratory failure. RESULTS: Patients admitted for asthma were significantly more likely to be female (374 females vs. 106 males, p <0.05). There was no difference between the genders comparing month of admission. The women were significantly older, with more Medicaid insured, and more anxiety/depression (p <0.05). There was no difference between the genders for obesity, race, tobacco history, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), hypertension, diabetes, and pneumonia. There was no reported mortality. Using regression analysis, there was no difference between the genders for length of stay (odds ratio [OR] = 1.06, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.97-1.17) and respiratory failure (OR = 1.58, 95% CI 0.53-4.76). Men stayed significantly longer in the ICU (OR = 1.18, 95% CI 1.01-1.38). CONCLUSIONS: Patients admitted with asthma are significantly more likely to be female. Males stay significantly longer in the ICU. There is no difference between the genders for length of stay and respiratory failure. There was no reported mortality for either gender.

Bacterial pneumonia in hospitalized patients with HIV infection: the Pulmonary Complications, ICU Support, and Prognostic Factors of Hospitalized Patients with HIV (PIP) Study.

STUDY OBJECTIVES: To describe the causative organisms and factors associated with bacterial pneumonia and to assess its impact on the outcome of hospitalized patients with HIV. DESIGN: Prospective, observational. SETTING: A university-affiliated medical center. METHODS: We included 1,225 consecutive hospital admissions, from April 1995 through March 1998, of 599 adults with HIV. We collected data on APACHE II (acute physiology and chronic health evaluation II) score, leukocyte and CD4+ lymphocyte counts, length of hospital stay, ICU admission rate, and case-fatality rate. Chest radiographs and laboratory results were reviewed. The presence of bacterial pneumonia was noted. RESULTS: Bacterial pneumonia was diagnosed in 111 hospitalizations (9%): 80 (72%) were community-acquired infections. The CD4+ lymphocyte count was lower (median, 38 vs 66/microL, p = 0.0027), APACHE II score higher (17 vs 13, p < 0. 0001), length of hospital stay longer (median, 6 vs 4), and ICU admission (28% vs 9%) and case-fatality rates (21% vs 4%) higher in patients with bacterial pneumonia compared with those without bacterial pneumonia. The most common pathogen was Pseudomonas aeruginosa (32 admissions), followed by Streptococcus pneumoniae (22 admissions), Staphylococcus aureus (16 admissions), and Haemophilus influenzae (11 admissions). Thirty-three (30%) of the pneumonias were bacteremic. Bacteremia was more common in pneumococcal than in pseudomonal pneumonia (95% vs 9%, p < 0.0001). Compared with patients with pneumococcal pneumonia, patients with pseudomonal pneumonia had lower leukocyte and CD4+ lymphocyte counts, longer hospital stay, and similar case-fatality rate. CONCLUSIONS: P aeruginosa is becoming a common cause of both community-acquired and nosocomial bacterial pneumonia in hospitalized patients with HIV, especially in those with low leukocyte and CD4+ lymphocyte counts.

Pleural effusion and pneumothorax in hospitalized patients with HIV infection: the Pulmonary Complications, ICU support, and Prognostic Factors of Hospitalized Patients with HIV (PIP) Study.

OBJECTIVES: To describe the incidence, causes, and impact of pleural effusion and pneumothorax in hospitalized patients with HIV infection. DESIGN: Prospective, observational. SETTING: A university-affiliated medical center. METHODS: During a 3-year period, 599 HIV-infected patients with a total of 1,225 consecutive hospital admissions were followed. A total of 1,097 hospital admissions were included. Patients' medical records, chest radiographs, and computerized laboratory values were reviewed. RESULTS: Pleural effusions developed in 160 hospital admissions (14. 6%). The effusions were right sided (56%), left sided (29%), and bilateral (15%). Their sizes were small (65%), moderate (23%), large (9%), and massive (4%). The associated conditions were infectious: bacterial pneumonia (n = 50), pulmonary tuberculosis (n = 10), Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP; n = 5), and empyema (n = 2); and noninfectious: renal failure (n = 15), hypoalbuminemia (n = 12), malignancy (n = 9), pancreatitis (n = 7), hepatic cirrhosis (n = 5), congestive heart failure (n = 4), atelectasis (n = 3), pulmonary embolism (n = 3), trauma (n = 1), and surgery (n = 1). Pneumothorax developed in 13 hospital admissions (1.2%). The conditions associated with pneumothorax were iatrogenic (n = 4), bacterial pneumonia (n = 3), PCP (n = 2), positive pressure ventilation for PCP (n = 2), pulmonary Mycobacterium avium complex (n = 1), and trauma (n = 1). The in-hospital mortality of hospital admissions with pleural effusion was 10.0% compared to 5.4% of those without pleural effusion (p = 0.0407). The in-hospital mortality of hospital admissions with pneumothorax was 30.8% compared to 5.8% of those without pneumothorax (p = 0.0060). CONCLUSIONS: Pleural effusions occur in 14.6% of hospital admissions in our patient population with HIV infection. Bacterial pneumonia is the condition most commonly associated with pleural effusion. Pneumothorax, seen in 1.2% of hospital admissions with HIV infection, is associated with poor outcome.

The incidence, prevalence, and severity of sarcoidosis in New York City firefighters.

OBJECTIVE: The etiology of sarcoidosis is unknown, but epidemiology suggests that environmental agents are a factor. Because firefighters are exposed to numerous toxins, we questioned whether sarcoidosis was increased in this cohort. SETTING: The New York City Fire Department (FDNY), employing > 11,000 firefighters and nearly 3,000 emergency medical services (EMS) health-care workers (HCWs). DESIGN: In 1985, FDNY initiated a surveillance program to determine the incidence, prevalence, and severity of biopsy-proven sarcoidosis in firefighters. In 1995, EMS HCWs were added as control subjects. RESULTS: Between 1985 and 1998, 4 prior cases and 21 new cases of sarcoidosis were found in FDNY firefighters. Annual incidence proportions ranged from 0 to 43.6/100,000, and averaged 12.9/100,000. On July 1, 1998, the point prevalence was 222/100,000. For EMS HCWs, annual incidence proportions were zero. Radiographic stage 0 or stage 1 sarcoidosis was found in 19 firefighters (76%), and stage 3 was found in 1 firefighter (4%). Pulmonary function (FVC, FEV(1), and diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide) was normal in 17 firefighters (68%), and reduced to

Insuficiencia respiratoria y sindrome de distress respiratorio del adulto en una unidad de cuidado intensivo pediátrico

Es un estudio prospectivo de Insuficiencia Respiratoria Aguda (IRA) entre enero y agosto de 1993. De un total de 179 pacientes que ingresaron a la UCI del Hospital de Niños Baca Ortiz de la ciudad de Quito, 39 tuvieron diagnóstico de IRA. La edad de los pacientes fluctua entre 1 mes y 14 años. La IRA es uan de las principales causas de ingreso a la UCI. Presenta una alta mortalidad (mayor al 30 por ciento) y el Síndrome de distress respiratorio del adulto (SDRA), una forma severa de lesión pulmonar, es una complicación frecuente. Los criterios de selección de los pacientes fueron: radiografía de torax, índice de hipoxemia, utilización de presión positiva al final de la espiración (PEEP) y compliance pulmonar. En cada uno de éllos se dio un puntaje de 0 a 4. Con estos criterios los pacientes se dividieron en tres grupos cada uno de los cuales tiene un puntaje que determina el grado de lesión. Todos los pacientes fueron sometidos a ventilación mecánica. El objetivo del estudio fue determinar la incidencia de IRA y SDRA en la UCI de acuerdo a grados de lesion pulmonar.

Impact of an intermediate care area on ICU utilization after cardiac surgery.

We compared utilization of a 14-bed respiratory ICU before and after establishing an intermediate care area (ICA) for patients recovering from cardiac surgery. Availability of the four-bed ICA significantly reduced the duration of ICU stay in patients who had undergone aortocoronary bypass or valvular cardiac surgery, and no potentially preventable deaths resulted from early ICU discharge. Use of an ICA should also decrease ICU utilization for other low-risk monitored patients.