Reduced length of intensive care unit stay and early mechanical ventilator weaning with enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) in free fibula flap surgery.

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of the enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) program on postoperative recovery of patients who underwent free fibula flap surgery for mandibular reconstruction. This retrospective study included 188 patients who underwent free fibula flap surgery for complex mandibular and soft tissue defects between January 2011 and December 2022. We divided them into two groups: the ERAS group, consisting of 36 patients who were treated according to the ERAS program introduced from 2021 to 2022. Propensity score matching was used for the non-ERAS group, which comprised 36 cases selected from 152 patients between 2011 and 2020, based on age, sex, and smoking history. After propensity score matching, the ERAS and non-ERAS groups included 36 patients each. The primary outcome was the length of intensive care unit (ICU) stay; the secondary outcomes were flap complications, unplanned reoperation, 30-day readmission, postoperative ventilator use length, surgical site infections, incidence of delirium within ICU, lower-limb comorbidities, and morbidity parameters. There were no significant differences in the demographic characteristics of the patients. However, the ERAS group showed the lower length of intensive care unit stay (ERAS vs non-ERAS: 8.66 ± 3.90 days vs. 11.64 ± 5.42 days, P = 0.003) and post-operative ventilator use days (ERAS vs non-ERAS: 1.08 ± 0.28 days vs. 2.03 ± 1.05 days, P < 0.001). Other secondary outcomes were not significantly different between the two groups. Additionally, patients in the ERAS group had lower postoperative morbidity parameters, such as postoperative nausea, vomiting, urinary tract infections, and pulmonary complications (P = 0.042). The ERAS program could be beneficial and safe for patients undergoing free fibula flap surgery for mandibular reconstruction, thereby improving their recovery and not increasing flap complications and 30-day readmission.

Weaning and extubation failure in myasthenic crisis: a multicenter analysis.

Myasthenic crisis (MC) requiring mechanical ventilation is a serious complication of myasthenia gravis (MG). Here we analyze the frequency and risk factors of weaning- and extubation failure as well as its impact on the clinical course in a large cohort. We performed a retrospective chart review on patients treated for MC in 12 German neurological departments between 2006 and 2015. Weaning failure (WF) was defined as negative spontaneous breathing trial, primary tracheostomy, or extubation failure (EF) (reintubation or death). WF occurred in 138 episodes (64.2%). Older Age (p = 0.039), multiple comorbidities (≥ 3) (p = 0.007, OR = 4.04), late-onset MG (p = 0.004, OR = 2.84), complications like atelectasis (p = 0.008, OR = 3.40), pneumonia (p < 0.0001, OR = 3.45), cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (p = 0.005, OR = 5.00) and sepsis (p = 0.02, OR = 2.57) were associated with WF. WF occurred often in patients treated with intravenous immungloblins (IVIG) (p = 0.002, OR = 2.53), whereas WF was less often under first-line therapy with plasma exchange or immunoadsorption (p = 0.07, OR = 0.57). EF was observed in 58 of 135 episodes (43.0%) after first extubation attempt and was related with prolonged mechanical ventilation, intensive care unit stay and hospital stay (p ≤ 0.0001 for all). Extubation success was most likely in a time window for extubation between day 7 and 12 after intubation (p = 0.06, OR = 2.12). We conclude that WF and EF occur very often in MC and are associated with poor outcome. Older age, multiple comorbidities and development of cardiac and pulmonary complications are associated with a higher risk of WF and EF. Our data suggest that WF occurs less frequently under first-line plasma exchange/immunoadsorption compared with first-line use of IVIG.

Prediction of successful de-cannulation of tracheostomised patients in medical intensive care units.

BACKGROUND: Limited data are available on practical predictors of successful de-cannulation among the patients who undergo tracheostomies. We evaluated factors associated with failed de-cannulations to develop a prediction model that could be easily be used at the time of weaning from MV. METHODS: In a retrospective cohort of 346 tracheostomised patients managed by a standardized de-cannulation program, multivariable logistic regression analysis identified variables that were independently associated with failed de-cannulation. Based on the logistic regression analysis, the new predictive scoring system for successful de-cannulation, referred to as the DECAN score, was developed and then internally validated. RESULTS: The model included age > 67 years, body mass index < 22 kg/m2, underlying malignancy, non-respiratory causes of mechanical ventilation (MV), presence of neurologic disease, vasopressor requirement, and presence of post-tracheostomy pneumonia, presence of delirium. The DECAN score was associated with good calibration (goodness-of-fit, 0.6477) and discrimination outcomes (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve 0.890, 95% CI 0.853-0.921). The optimal cut-off point for the DECAN score for the prediction of the successful de-cannulation was ≤ 5 points, and was associated with the specificities of 84.6% (95% CI 77.7-90.0) and sensitivities of 80.2% (95% CI 73.9-85.5). CONCLUSIONS: The DECAN score for tracheostomised patients who are successfully weaned from prolonged MV can be computed at the time of weaning to assess the probability of de-cannulation based on readily available variables.

Decreases in Mixed Venous Blood O2 Saturation in Cardiac Surgery Patients Following Extubation.

BACKGROUND: Decreases in mixed venous O2 saturation (SvO2) have been reported to occur in postcardiac surgery patients during weaning from mechanical ventilation. Our aim was to establish whether the physiological mechanism responsible for this phenomenon was a decrease in systemic O2 delivery (DO2) or an increase in global O2 consumption (V˙ O 2). METHODS: We studied 21 mechanically ventilated, postoperative cardiac patients for 30 minutes before and 60 minutes after extubation. We monitored continuously arterial O2 saturation by pulse oximetry (SaO2) and central venous O2 saturation (ScvO2) with an oximetry catheter. Mixed venous O2 saturation (SvO2) and cardiac output were also measured continuously with an oximetry pulmonary artery catheter. Systemic O2 delivery and V˙ O 2 were calculated according to accepted formulae. RESULTS: Immediately following extubation, ScvO2 and SvO2 decreased rapidly (P < .01). Systemic O2 consumption increased from 65 (57) mL·min-1 to 194 (66) mL·min-1 (P < .05) with no changes in DO2. Consequently, systemic O2 extraction rose from 38% (8%) to 45% (9%; P < .01). Preoperative left ventricular ejection fraction correlated with the decline in SvO2 postextubation. All patients weaned successfully. CONCLUSIONS: Decreases in SvO2 after discontinuation of ventilatory support in postcardiac surgery patients occur as V˙ O 2 increases in response to greater energy requirements by muscles of ventilation that are not initially matched by increases in DO2.

Tension pneumoperitoneum caused by rupture of intraabdominal soft tissue emphysema in a child supported with high-frequency oscillatory ventilation: a case report.

BACKGROUND: We reported a case with tension pneumoperitoneum while being on high-frequency oscillatory ventilation. CASE PRESENTATION: A 12-month-old Thai girl presented with acute respiratory distress syndrome, septic shock, and bacterial pneumonia. Although supported with mechanical ventilation, she still had severe hypoxia. She was then transitioned to high-frequency oscillatory ventilation. During a weaning period on day 7, she developed left tension pneumothorax requiring intercostal drainage and a markedly large amount of pneumoperitoneum. In spite of a bedside abdominocentesis, her abdomen was still tense and her hemodynamics was unstable. Subsequently, to exclude hollow viscus perforation, diaphragmatic injury caused by intercostal drainage, or abdominal compartment syndrome, she was transferred for surgery. There was no intestinal perforation. Postoperatively, she was on oxygen therapy, on chest physical therapy, and kept hemodynamically stable until she had recovered. CONCLUSION: A case of tension pneumoperitoneum probably caused by high-frequency oscillatory ventilation was reported. Awareness of this condition should be included in the differential diagnosis.

Hypoalbuminaemia and Postoperative Outcomes in Inflammatory Bowel Disease: the NSQIP Surgical Cohort.

BACKGROUND: The inflammatory bowel diseases [IBD], including Crohn's disease [CD] and ulcerative colitis [UC], frequently lead to bowel surgery. Hypoalbuminaemia has been shown to be a prognostic factor for outcomes following surgery for other indications, and we sought to determine its role in predicting IBD-related postoperative outcomes. METHODS: We included patients who underwent IBD-related major abdominal surgery in the American College of Surgeons' National Surgical Quality Improvement Program [ACS-NSQIP] between 2005 and 2012. We assessed the impact of indicators of protein-energy malnutrition [PEM] including hypoalbuminaemia, weight loss, and body mass index on postoperative outcomes. RESULTS: We identified 10 913 IBD patients [6082 Crohn's disease and 4831 ulcerative colitis] who underwent bowel surgery. The prevalence of modest and severe hypoalbuminaemia was 17% and 24%, respectively; 30-day mortality was higher in Crohn's patients with modest and severe hypoalbuminaemia compared with those with normal albumin levels preoperatively [0.7% vs 0.2%, p <0.05; 2.4% vs 0.2%, p <0.01]. The same was true for patients with UC with modest and severe hypoalbuminaemia [0.9% vs 0.1%, p <0.01; 5.6% vs 0.1%, p <0.01]. Overall infectious complications were more common in the presence of severe hypoalbuminaemia for CD [20% vs 13%, p <0.01]. and UC [28% vs 15%, p <0.01] patients. Last, there were higher rates of extra-intestinal, non-septic complications in both CD and UC patients with hypoalbuminaemia compared with those with normal albumin levels. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that moderate-severe hypoalbuminaemia is associated with worse IBD-related postoperative outcomes and may have a role in preoperative risk stratification.

Predictors of early weaning failure from mechanical ventilation in critically ill patients after emergency gastrointestinal surgery: A retrospective study.

Mechanical ventilation (MV) is the most common therapeutic modality used for critically ill patients. However, prolonged MV is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Therefore, it is important to avoid both premature extubation and unnecessary prolongation of MV. Although some studies have determined the predictors of early weaning success and failure, only a few have investigated these factors in critically ill surgical patients who require postoperative MV. The aim of this study was to evaluate predictors of early weaning failure from MV in critically ill patients who had undergone emergency gastrointestinal (GI) surgery.The medical records of 3327 adult patients who underwent emergency GI surgery between January 2007 and December 2016 were reviewed retrospectively. Clinical and laboratory parameters before surgery and within 2 days postsurgery were investigated.This study included 387 adult patients who required postoperative MV. A low platelet count (adjusted odds ratio [OR]: 0.995; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.991-1.000; P = .03), an elevated delta neutrophil index (DNI; adjusted OR: 1.025; 95% CI: 1.005-1.046; P = .016), a delayed spontaneous breathing trial (SBT; adjusted OR: 14.152; 95% CI: 6.571-30.483; P < .001), and the presence of postoperative shock (adjusted OR: 2.436; 95% CI: 1.138-5.216; P = .022) were shown to predict early weaning failure from MV in the study population.Delayed SBT, a low platelet count, an elevated DNI, and the presence of postoperative shock are independent predictors of early weaning failure from MV in critically ill patients after emergency GI surgery.

Seated-Baduanjin as an adjuvant rehabilitation treatment for dysfunctional ventilatory weaning response: A case report.

RATIONALE: Seated-Baduanjin as adjuvant rehabilitation treatment in a patient with Dysfunctional ventilatory weaning response(DVWR) is extremely rare, and we report a case of a patient's rehabilitation exercise who suffered from DVWR. PATIENT CONCERNS: A 62-year-old patient was admitted for dyspnea for more than a month after surgery. DIAGNOSES: On arrival, the patient was conscious but anxious, and he had difficulty breathing. When attempting to disconnect the ventilator, the patient's autonomous respiration > 25 times /min, and the heart rate > 120 times /min. He had to rely on the ventilator to survive. According to the characteristics of the patient, we considered the patient with DVWR. INTERVENTIONS: We provided the same essential treatment as the last hospital and performed the Seated-Baduanjin for the patient which was a new form of bed exercise, 2 times a day, 30 minutes each time. OUTCOMES: The patient showed a gradual improvement in breathing and muscle strength. LESSONS: In this case report, the Seated-Baduanjin showed a remarkable therapeutic effect on a patient and might be an adjuvant treatment for DVWR.

Diaphragm electromyography guidance for a lung transplant recipient with difficult weaning from mechanical ventilation: A case report.

RATIONALE: Many factors contribute to a complicated postoperative course following difficult weaning off a ventilator after lung transplantation. PATIENT CONCERNS: A female patient underwent a successful surgery but received a size-mismatched lung graft. The graft had been pruned before transplantation. She experienced delayed ventilator weaning 3 days after lung transplantation. DIAGNOSES: A postoperative X-ray revealed a normal mediastinal structure and diaphragm position. Diaphragmatic function was assessed by diaphragm electromyography (EMGdi) via esophageal and surface electrodes. EMGdi showed decreased left compound motor action potentials (CMAPs), prolonged left phrenic nerve conduction time (PNCT), failure to induce right CMAPs and PNCT under bilateral magnetic stimulation, and right phrenic nerve injury. INTERVENTIONS: She was treated with neural nutritional support and prescribed rehabilitation measures such as strengthening limb activities on the bed. OUTCOMES: The patient finally achieved satisfactory outcomes after an early diagnosis and medical interventions. LESSONS: Lung size mismatch before transplantation and phrenic nerve injury during surgery should be avoided wherever possible.

Usefulness of radiological signs of pulmonary congestion in predicting failed spontaneous breathing trials / Utilidade de sinais radiológicos de congestão pulmonar para predizer o fracasso do teste de respiração espontânea

ABSTRACT Objective: Inspiratory fall in intrathoracic pressure during a spontaneous breathing trial (SBT) may precipitate cardiac dysfunction and acute pulmonary edema. We aimed to determine the relationship between radiological signs of pulmonary congestion prior to an SBT and weaning outcomes. Methods: This was a post hoc analysis of a prospective cohort study involving patients in an adult medical-surgical ICU. All enrolled individuals met the eligibility criteria for liberation from mechanical ventilation. Tracheostomized subjects were excluded. The primary endpoint was SBT failure, defined as the inability to tolerate a T-piece trial for 30-120 min. An attending radiologist applied a radiological score on interpretation of digital chest X-rays performed before the SBT. Results: A total of 170 T-piece trials were carried out; SBT failure occurred in 28 trials (16.4%), and 133 subjects (78.3%) were extubated at first attempt. Radiological scores were similar between SBT-failure and SBT-success groups (median [interquartile range] = 3 [2-4] points vs. 3 [2-4] points; p = 0.15), which, according to the score criteria, represented interstitial lung congestion. The analysis of ROC curves demonstrated poor accuracy (area under the curve = 0.58) of chest x-rays findings of congestion prior to the SBT for discriminating between SBT failure and SBT success. No correlation was found between fluid balance in the 48 h preceding the SBT and radiological score results (ρ = −0.13). Conclusions: Radiological findings of pulmonary congestion should not delay SBT indication, given that they did not predict weaning failure in the medical-surgical critically ill population. (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02022839 [http://www.clinicaltrials.gov/])

RESUMO Objetivo: A queda inspiratória da pressão intratorácica durante o teste de respiração espontânea (TRE) pode provocar disfunção cardíaca e edema pulmonar agudo. Nosso objetivo foi determinar a relação entre sinais radiológicos de congestão pulmonar antes do TRE e desfechos do desmame. Métodos: Análise post hoc de um estudo prospectivo de coorte envolvendo pacientes em uma UTI medicocirúrgica de adultos. Todos os indivíduos incluídos preencheram os critérios de elegibilidade para liberação da ventilação mecânica. Pacientes traqueostomizados foram excluídos. O desfecho primário foi o fracasso do TRE, cuja definição foi a incapacidade de tolerar o teste de tubo T durante 30-120 min. Um radiologista assistente usou um escore radiológico na interpretação de radiografias de tórax digitais realizadas antes do TRE. Resultados: Foram realizados 170 testes de tubo T; o TRE fracassou em 28 (16,4%), e 133 indivíduos (78,3%) foram extubados na primeira tentativa. Os escores radiológicos foram semelhantes nos grupos fracasso e sucesso do TRE [mediana (intervalo interquartil) = 3 (2-4) pontos vs. 3 (2-4) pontos; p = 0,15] e caracterizaram, segundo os critérios do escore, congestão pulmonar intersticial. A análise das curvas ROC revelou que os achados de congestão na radiografia de tórax antes do TRE apresentavam baixa precisão (área sob a curva = 0,58) para discriminar entre fracasso e sucesso do TRE. Não houve correlação entre o balanço hídrico nas 48 h anteriores ao TRE e os resultados do escore radiológico (ρ = −0,13). Conclusões: Achados radiológicos de congestão pulmonar não deveriam atrasar o TRE, já que não previram o fracasso do desmame na população médico-cirúrgica em estado crítico. (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02022839 [http://www.clinicaltrials.gov/])

Weaning de ventilación mecánica: del arte a la ciencia / Weaning from mechanical ventilation: from the art to the science

Despite the advances in intensive care treatment, pediatric weaning still has the art as an important component. As a difference from the adults, there are no confidential predictors index or protocols that replace clinical judgement. Two types of failure are mentioned: weaning and extubation failure. The last one, with a rate ranges from 4.1 to 19 percent, show association with age, mechanical ventilation time and in a minor proportion, sedatives quantity and time of use. Upper airway obstruction have been described as the most important single cause of extubation failure. As in weaning, we still don’t have precise predict tests and criteria, but some of them could help in the extubation decision.

A pesar de los avances en cuidados intensivos, el weaning pediátrico aún tiene un componente importante de arte. A diferencia de los adultos, aún no contamos con índices predictores o protocolos precisos y confiables, que ofrezcan algún aporte que supere el juicio clínico. Se distinguen 2 tipos de falla: weaning, previo a la extubación, y la de extubación. Esta última, con un rango entre 4.1 -19 por ciento, muestra asociación con edad, tiempo de ventilación mecánica y en menor cuantía, al tiempo y cantidad de sedantes utilizados. Como elemento causal único de mayor importancia se describe a la obstrucción de la vía aérea alta. Al igual que en el weaning, aún no contamos con criterios y pruebas predictivas precisos, pero algunos elementos pueden ayudar a la toma de decisiones.

Análisis retrospectivo de pacientes con traqueostomía nueva en 2010-2011 / Retrospective analysis of patients with a new tracheostomy in 2010-2011

Estudio descriptivo y retrospectivo realizado durante el período 2010-2011. Se incluyeron en el estudio los pacientes que se internaron en el CIM 62 del hospital Garrahan con traqueostomía realizada durante dicha internación. Se registraron 88 pacientes. La mayoría de ellos (85%) presentaban alguna Enfermedad de Base previa a la realización de la traqueostomía, siendo la enfermedad neurológica la más frecuente. El principal motivo de realización de traqueostomía fue el fracaso en la extubación/ARM prolongada. Los pacientes presentaron una estancia media de internación de 35 días posteriores a la realización de la traqueostomía. Actualmente se está desarrollando un Programa de Entrenamiento en el manejo de la traqueostomía con el objetivo de agilizar su egreso (AU)

A retrospective descriptive study was conducted over the period 2010-2011. Patients admitted to CIM 62 of hospital Garrahan who required a tracheostomy during their hospital stay were included in the study. Overall, 88 patients were included. The majority (85%) presented with some underlying disease, most frequently a neurological disorder, previous to the tracheostomy, The main reason for tracheostomy was extubation failure/prolonged MV. Mean hospital stay before tracheostomy was 35 days. Currently a training program for tracheostomy placement is being developed to streamline discharge (AU)

Nurse-performed screening for postextubation dysphagia: a retrospective cohort study in critically ill medical patients.

BACKGROUND: Swallowing difficulties are common, and dysphagia occurs frequently in intensive care unit (ICU) patients after extubation. Yet, no guidelines on postextubation swallowing assessment exist. We aimed to investigate the safety and effectiveness of nurse-performed screening (NPS) for postextubation dysphagia in the medical ICU. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of mechanically ventilated patients who were extubated in a 20-bed medical ICU. Phase I (no NPS, October 2012 to January 2014) and phase II (NPS, February 2014 to July 2015) were compared. In phase II, extubated patients received NPS up to three times on consecutive days; patients who failed were referred to speech-language pathologists. Outcomes analyzed included oral feeding at ICU discharge, reintubation, ICU readmission, postextubation pneumonia, ICU and/or hospital mortality, and ICU and/or hospital length of stay (LOS). Subgroup analysis was done for patients extubated after >72 h of mechanical ventilation, as the latter may predispose patients to postextubation dysphagia. Multivariable adjustments for Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II score and comorbidities were done because of baseline differences between the phases. RESULTS: A total of 468 patients were studied (281 in phase I, 187 in phase II). Patients in phase II had higher APACHE II scores than those in phase I (27.2 ± 8.2 vs. 25.4 ± 8.2; P = 0.018). Despite this, patients in phase II showed a 111 % increase in (the odds of) oral feeding at ICU discharge and a 59 % decrease in postextubation pneumonia (multivariate P values 0.001 and 0.006, respectively). In the subgroup analysis, NPS was associated with a 127 % increase in oral feeding at ICU discharge, an 80 % decrease in postextubation pneumonia, and a 25 % decrease in hospital LOS (multivariate P values 0.021, 0.004, and 0.009, respectively). No other outcome differences were found. CONCLUSIONS: NPS for dysphagia is safe and may be superior to no screening with respect to several patient-centered outcomes.

Modified rapid shallow breathing index adjusted with anthropometric parameters increases predictive power for extubation failure compared with the unmodified index in postcardiac surgery patients.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the best predictors of successful extubation after cardiac surgery, by modifying the rapid shallow breathing index (RSBI) based on patients' anthropometric parameters. DESIGN: Single-center prospective observational study. SETTING: Two general intensive care units at a single research institute. PARTICIPANTS: Patients who had undergone uncomplicated cardiac surgery. INTERVENTIONS: None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: The following parameters were investigated in conjunction with modification of the RSBI: Actual body weight (ABW), predicted body weight, ideal body weight, body mass index (BMI), and body surface area. Using the first set of patient data, RSBI threshold and modified RSBI for extubation failure were determined (threshold value; RSBI: 77 breaths/min (bpm)/L, RSBI adjusted with ABW: 5.0 bpm×kg/mL, RSBI adjusted with BMI: 2.0 bpm×BMI/mL). These threshold values for RSBI and RSBI adjusted with ABW or BMI were validated using the second set of patient data. Sensitivity values for RSBI, RSBI modified with ABW, and RSBI modified with BMI were 91%, 100%, and 100%, respectively. The corresponding specificity values were 89%, 92%, and 93%, and the corresponding receiver operator characteristic values were 0.951, 0.977, and 0.980, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Modified RSBI adjusted based on ABW or BMI has greater predictive power than conventional RSBI.

Myocardial injury after surgery is a risk factor for weaning failure from mechanical ventilation in critical patients undergoing major abdominal surgery.

BACKGROUND: Myocardial injury after noncardiac surgery (MINS) is a newly proposed concept that is common among adults undergoing noncardiac surgery and associated with substantial mortality. We analyzed whether MINS was a risk factor for weaning failure in critical patients who underwent major abdominal surgery. METHODS: This retrospective study was conducted in the Department of Critical Care Medicine of Peking University People's Hospital. The subjects were all critically ill patients who underwent major abdominal surgery between January 2011 and December 2013. Clinical and laboratory parameters during the perioperative period were investigated. Backward stepwise regression analysis was performed to evaluate MINS relative to the rate of weaning failure. Age, hypertension, chronic renal disease, left ventricular ejection fraction before surgery, Acute Physiologic and Chronic Health Evaluation II score, pleural effusion, pneumonia, acute kidney injury, duration of mechanical ventilation before weaning and the level of albumin after surgery were treated as independent variables. RESULTS: This study included 381 patients, of whom 274 were successfully weaned. MINS was observed in 42.0% of the patients. The MINS incidence was significantly higher in patients who failed to be weaned compared to patients who were successfully weaned (56.1% versus 36.5%; P<0.001). Independent predictive factors of weaning failure were MINS, age, lower left ventricular ejection fraction before surgery and lower serum albumin level after surgery. The MINS odds ratio was 4.098 (95% confidence interval, 1.07 to 15.6; P = 0.04). The patients who were successfully weaned had shorter hospital stay lengths and a higher survival rate than those who failed to be weaned. CONCLUSION: MINS is a risk factor for weaning failure from mechanical ventilation in critical patients who have undergone major abdominal surgery, independent of age, lower left ventricular ejection fraction before surgery and lower serum albumin levels after surgery.

Effects of synchronized intermittent mandatory ventilation versus pressure support plus volume guarantee ventilation in the weaning phase of preterm infants*.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effects and short-term outcomes of pressure support ventilation with volume guarantee versus synchronized intermittent mandatory ventilation in the weaning phase of very low-birth weight infants with respiratory distress syndrome. DESIGN: Randomized controlled prospective study. SETTING: Tertiary care neonatal unit. PATIENTS: A total of 60 premature infants who were less than 33 weeks' gestation and/or less than 1,500 g birth weight and received mechanical ventilation because of respiratory distress syndrome were studied. INTERVENTIONS: All infants were ventilated from the time of admission with synchronized intermittent positive pressure ventilation mode after surfactant treatment for respiratory distress syndrome and then switched to pressure support ventilation with volume guarantee or synchronized intermittent mandatory ventilation mode in the weaning phase. The ventilatory variables and neonatal outcomes were recorded in each group. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: The mean peak inflation pressure was higher in synchronized intermittent mandatory ventilation group (p < 0.001) and the mean airway pressure was higher in pressure support ventilation with volume guarantee group (p = 0.03), whereas mean tidal volume and respiratory rates were similar in both groups. The prevalence of postextubation atelectasis was higher in synchronized intermittent mandatory ventilation group, but the difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.08). No differences were found in the prevalence of reintubation, patent ductus arteriosus, intraventricular hemorrhage, retinopathy of prematurity, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, and pneumothorax between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: Pressure support ventilation with volume guarantee mode may be a safe and feasible mode during the weaning phase of very low-birth weight infants on mechanical ventilation support for respiratory distress syndrome with respect to reducing the frequency of postextubation atelectasis and using less peak inflation pressure.

Incidence, indication and complications of postoperative reintubation after elective intracranial surgery.

CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE There are no reports on reintubation incidence and its causes and consequences during the postoperative period following elective intracranial surgery. The objective here was to evaluate the incidence of reintubation and its causes and complications in this situation. DESIGN AND SETTING Prospective cohort study, using data obtained at a tertiary university hospital between 2003 and 2006. METHODS 169 patients who underwent elective intracranial surgery were studied. Preoperative assessment was performed and the patients were followed up until hospital discharge or death. The rate of reintubation with its causes and complications was ascertained. RESULTS The incidence of reintubation was 12.4%, and the principal cause was lowered level of consciousness (71.5%). There was greater incidence of reintubation among females (P = 0.028), and greater occurrence of altered level of consciousness at the time of extubation (P < 0.0001). Reintubated patients presented longer duration of mechanical ventilation (P < 0.0001), longer stays in the intensive care unit (ICU) and in the hospital (P < 0.0001), greater incidence of pulmonary complications (P < 0.0001), greater need for reoperation and tracheostomy, and higher mortality (P < 0.0001). CONCLUSION The incidence of reintubation in these patients was 12.4%. The main cause was lowering of the level of consciousness. Female gender and altered level of consciousness at the time of extubation correlated with higher incidence of reintubation. Reintubation was associated with pulmonary complications, longer durations of mechanical ventilation, hospitalization and stay in the ICU, greater incidence of tracheostomy and mortality.

Usefulness of combined bedside lung ultrasound and echocardiography to assess weaning failure from mechanical ventilation: a suggestive case*.

OBJECTIVE: Recognition of the cardiac origin of weaning failure is a crucial issue for successful discontinuation of mechanical ventilation. Bedside lung ultrasound and echocardiography have shown a potential in predicting weaning failure. Objective of this report was to describe the case of a patient repeatedly failing to wean from mechanical ventilation, where the combined use of lung ultrasound and echocardiography during a spontaneous breathing trial uncovered an unexpected cause of the failure. DESIGN: Case report. SETTING: General ICU of a university teaching hospital. PATIENTS: Single case, abdominal surgery postoperative patient, not predicted to experience a difficult weaning. INTERVENTIONS: Cardiovascular therapy adjustments consistent with lung ultrasound and echocardiography findings acquired during spontaneous breathing trials. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: All patient's standard hemodynamic and respiratory parameters, datasets from comprehensive lung ultrasound and echocardiographic examinations, and pertinent data from biochemistry exams, were collected during two spontaneous breathing trials. Data from beginning and end of each of the two ultrasound monitored weaning trials, and from the end of the successful weaning trial following therapy and the previously failed one, were analyzed and qualitatively compared. Lung ultrasound performed at the end of the failed spontaneous breathing trial showed a pattern consistent with increased extravascular lung water (diffuse, bilateral, symmetrical, homogeneous sonographic interstitial syndrome). Concurrent echocardiography diagnosed left ventricular diastolic failure. Ultrasound findings at the end of the successful weaning trial showed normalization of the lung pattern and improvement of the echocardiographic one. The patient eventually returned to spontaneous respiration and was discharged from the ICU. CONCLUSIONS: The use of bedside lung ultrasound and echocardiography disclosed left ventricular diastolic dysfunction as unexpected cardiogenic cause of weaning failure and lead to subsequent correct patient management.