Illness Weakness, Polyneuropathy and Myopathy: Diagnosis, treatment, and long-term outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Severe weakness associated with critical illness (CIW) is common. This narrative review summarizes the latest scientific insights and proposes a guide for clinicians to optimize the diagnosis and management of the CIW during the various stages of the disease from the ICU to the community stage. MAIN BODY: CIW arises as diffuse, symmetrical weakness after ICU admission, which is an important differentiating factor from other diseases causing non-symmetrical muscle weakness or paralysis. In patients with adequate cognitive function, CIW can be easily diagnosed at the bedside using manual muscle testing, which should be routinely conducted until ICU discharge. In patients with delirium or coma or those with prolonged, severe weakness, specific neurophysiological investigations and, in selected cases, muscle biopsy are recommended. With these exams, CIW can be differentiated into critical illness polyneuropathy or myopathy, which often coexist. On the general ward, CIW is seen in patients with prolonged previous ICU treatment, or in those developing a new sepsis. Respiratory muscle weakness can cause neuromuscular respiratory failure, which needs prompt recognition and rapid treatment to avoid life-threatening situations. Active rehabilitation should be reassessed and tailored to the new patient's condition to reduce the risk of disease progression. CIW is associated with long-term physical, cognitive and mental impairments, which emphasizes the need for a multidisciplinary model of care. Follow-up clinics for patients surviving critical illness may serve this purpose by providing direct clinical support to patients, managing referrals to other specialists and general practitioners, and serving as a platform for research to describe the natural history of post-intensive care syndrome and to identify new therapeutic interventions. This surveillance should include an assessment of the activities of daily living, mood, and functional mobility. Finally, nutritional status should be longitudinally assessed in all ICU survivors and incorporated into a patient-centered nutritional approach guided by a dietician. CONCLUSIONS: Early ICU mobilization combined with the best evidence-based ICU practices can effectively reduce short-term weakness. Multi-professional collaborations are needed to guarantee a multi-dimensional evaluation and unitary community care programs for survivors of critical illnesses.

The experiences of cardiac surgery critical care clinicians with in-bed cycling in adult patients undergoing complex cardiac surgery.

PURPOSE: In-bed cycling is a novel modality that permits the early initiation of rehabilitation in the intensive care unit. We explored clinicians' experiences and perceptions of in-bed cycling with critically ill cardiac surgery patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We used an interpretive description methodology. All critical care clinicians who had been present for at least 2 cycling sessions were eligible. Data were collected using semi-structured, audio-recorded, face-to-face interviews transcribed verbatim. Content analysis was used to identify themes. RESULTS: Nine clinicians were interviewed. Our sample was predominantly female (77.8%) with a median [IQR] age of 40 [21.5] years. Critical care experience ranged from <5 years to ≥30 years. Acceptability was influenced by previous cycling experiences, identifying the "ideal" patient, and the timing of cycling within a patient's recovery. Facilitators included striving towards a common goal and feeling confident in the method. Barriers included inadequate staffing, bike size, and the time to deliver cycling. CONCLUSIONS: Clinicians supported the use of in-bed cycling. Concerns included appropriate patient selection and timing of the intervention. Teamwork was integral to successful cycling. Strategies to overcome the identified barriers may assist with successful cycling implementation in other critical care environments.IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATIONIn-bed cycling is a relatively novel rehabilitation modality that can help initiate physical rehabilitation earlier in a patient's recovery and reduce the iatrogenic effects of prolonged admissions to an intensive care unit.Clinicians found in-bed cycling to be an acceptable intervention with a population of critically ill cardiac surgery patients.Teamwork and interprofessional communication are important considerations for successful uptake of a relatively new rehabilitation modality.Identified barriers to in-bed cycling can assist with developing strategies to encourage cycling uptake in similar critical care environments.

Descripción de la rehabilitación física en terapias intensivas de Argentina, práctica habitual y durante la pandemia COVID-19. Encuesta tipo online / Description of physical rehabilitation in intensive care units in Argentina: usual practice and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Online survey

RESUMEN Objetivo: Describir la práctica habitual de asistencia kinésica motora en la unidad de cuidados intensivos de adultos, tanto en pacientes con y sin COVID-19. Métodos: Estudio observacional transversal de tipo encuesta online. Se incluyeron kinesiólogos que trabajan en unidades de cuidados intensivos de adultos en Argentina. Se realizaron 16 preguntas de respuesta múltiple o simple agrupadas en 3 apartados. El primero caracterizado por datos personales, profesionales o del ámbito laboral. El segundo, destinado a conocer el accionar habitual y un tercero enfocado en las prácticas bajo la pandemia COVID-19. Resultados: Sobre 351 kinesiólogos, el 76.1% reportó que la movilización de los pacientes estaba a cargo exclusivamente de ellos. El objetivo máximo a alcanzar desde el aspecto motor fue variable según cuatro escenarios: Pacientes en ventilación mecánica, desvinculados de la ventilación mecánica, los que nunca estuvieron asociados a la ventilación mecánica y con COVID-19 en ventilación mecánica. En el primer y último escenario el objetivo máximo fue optimizar valores de fuerza muscular. En los restantes fue realizar actividades de la vida diaria. Por último, la mayor limitante en el abordaje de pacientes con COVID-19 fue el aislamiento respiratorio y/o de contacto. Conclusión: Los kinesiólogos en Argentina reportaron encargarse de la movilización de los pacientes en la unidad de cuidados intensivos. Los objetivos máximos desde el aspecto motor para cuatro escenarios clásicos en el área cerrada podrían estar determinado por la asociación con la ventilación mecánica. La mayor limitación a la hora de movilizar a pacientes con COVID-19 fue el aislamiento respiratorio y de contacto.

Abstract Objective: To describe the usual practice of mobility therapy in the adult intensive care unit for patients with and without COVID-19. Methods: Online survey in which physical therapists working in an adult intensive care unit in Argentina participated. Sixteen multiple-choice or single-response questions grouped into three sections were asked. The first section addressed personal, professional and work environment data. The second section presented questions regarding usual care, and the third focused on practices under COVID-19 pandemic conditions. Results: Of 351 physical therapists, 76.1% answer that they were exclusively responsible for patient mobility. The highest motor-based goal varied according to four patient scenarios: Mechanically ventilated patients, patients weaned from mechanical ventilation, patients who had never required mechanical ventilation, and patients with COVID-19 under mechanical ventilation. In the first and last scenarios, the highest goal was to optimize muscle strength, while for the other two, it was to perform activities of daily living. Finally, the greatest limitation in working with patients with COVID-19 was respiratory and/or contact isolation. Conclusion: Physical therapists in Argentina reported being responsible for the mobility of patients in the intensive care unit. The highest motor-based therapeutic goals for four classic scenarios in the closed area were limited by the need for mechanical ventilation. The greatest limitation when mobilizing patients with COVID-19 was respiratory and contact isolation.

Airway clearance techniques and use of mucoactive agents for adult critically ill patients with acute respiratory failure: a qualitative study exploring UK physiotherapy practice.

OBJECTIVES: To explore and describe current UK physiotherapy practice relating to airway clearance techniques and mucoactive agents in critically ill adult patients with acute respiratory failure in the intensive care unit. DESIGN: A descriptive, qualitative study using focus group interviews. Focus groups were audio-recorded, independently transcribed, and data analysed thematically. Participants Senior, experienced physiotherapists, clinically active in critical care. RESULTS: Fifteen physiotherapists participated in four interview sessions. Five themes emerged describing airway clearance techniques: 'Repertoire of airway clearance techniques', 'Staffing and skillset', 'Commencing respiratory physiotherapy', 'Technique selection', and 'Determining effectiveness' were themes related to airway clearance techniques. Five themes were also identified in relation to mucoactive agents: 'Use in clinical practice', 'Decision to commence', 'Selection of agent', 'Stopping mucoactive agents', and 'Determining effectiveness'. A summary of key features of standard practice was developed. CONCLUSIONS: Standard UK physiotherapy practice of airway clearance techniques is variable, but patient-centred and targeted to individual need, with adjunctive use of mucoactive agents to enhance and optimise patient management if required. Based on this study, key features of airway clearance techniques have been summarised to help capture standard care, which could be used in future trials involving ACT as part of usual care.

Acute effect of passive cycle-ergometry and functional electrical stimulation on nitrosative stress and inflammatory cytokines in mechanically ventilated critically ill patients: a randomized controlled trial.

Early mobilization is beneficial for critically ill patients because it reduces muscle weakness acquired in intensive care units. The objective of this study was to assess the effect of functional electrical stimulation (FES) and passive cycle ergometry (PCE) on the nitrous stress and inflammatory cytometry in critically ill patients. This was a controlled, randomized, open clinical trial carried out in a 16-bed intensive care unit. The patients were randomized into four groups: Control group (n=10), did not undergo any therapeutic intervention during the study; PCE group (n=9), lower-limb PCE for 30 cycles/min for 20 min; FES group (n=9), electrical stimulation of quadriceps muscle for 20 min; and FES with PCE group (n=7), patients underwent PCE and FES, with their order determined randomly. The serum levels of nitric oxide, tumor necrosis factor alpha, interferon gamma, and interleukins 6 and 10 were analyzed before and after the intervention. There were no differences in clinical or demographic characteristics between the groups. The results revealed reduced nitric oxide concentrations one hour after using PCE (P<0.001) and FES (P<0.05), thereby indicating that these therapies may reduce cellular nitrosative stress when applied separately. Tumor necrosis factor alpha levels were reduced after the PCE intervention (P=0.049). PCE and FES reduced nitric oxide levels, demonstrating beneficial effects on the reduction of nitrosative stress. PCE was the only treatment that reduced the tumor necrosis factor alpha concentration.

Impact of an early mobilization protocol on outcomes in trauma patients admitted to the intensive care unit: A retrospective pre-post study.

BACKGROUND: Prolonged immobility has detrimental consequences for critically ill patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU). Previous work has shown that early mobilization of ICU patients is a safe, feasible and effective strategy to improve outcomes; however, few of these studies focused on trauma ICU patients. Our objective was to assess the impact of implementing an ICU early mobilization protocol (EMP) on trauma outcomes. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective pre-post study of adult trauma patients (>18 years old) admitted to ICU at a Level I trauma center over a 2-year period prior to and following EMP implementation, allowing for a 1-year transition period. Data were collected from the Nova Scotia Trauma Registry. We compared outcomes (mortality, length of stay [LOS], ventilator-free days) between patients admitted during pre-EMP and post-EMP periods, and assessed for factors associated with outcomes using binary logistic regression and generalized linear models. RESULTS: Overall, 526 patients were included in the analysis (292 pre-EMP, 234 post-EMP). Ages ranged from 18 years to 92 years (mean, 49.0 ± 20.4 years) and 74.3% were men. The post-EMP group had lower ICU mortality (21.6% vs. 12.8%; p = 0.009) and in-hospital mortality (25.3% vs. 17.5%; p = 0.031). After controlling for confounders, patients in the post-EMP group were less likely to die in the ICU (odds ratio, 0.43; 95% confidence interval, 0.24-0.79; p = 0.006) or in-hospital (odds ratio, 0.55; 95% confidence interval; 0.32-0.94; p = 0.03). In-hospital LOS, ICU LOS, ICU-free days, and number of ventilator-free days were similar between the two groups. CONCLUSION: Trauma patients admitted to ICU during the post-EMP period had decreased odds of ICU mortality and in-hospital mortality. This is the first study to demonstrate a significant reduction in trauma mortality following implementation of an ICU mobility protocol. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, level III.

Feasibility, safety, and functional recovery after active rehabilitation in critically ill surgical patients.

BACKGROUND: The characteristics of critically ill surgical patients differ from those of medical patients. Few studies have evaluated rehabilitation in surgical intensive care units (SICUs), particularly in non-Western countries and in elderly patients. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to investigate the rehabilitation characteristics, safety, and functional recovery in non-Western SICU patients. METHODS: Data from patients who received active rehabilitation in 2016 were retrospectively reviewed. Clinical characteristics, functional recovery, and safety were investigated and compared in patients aged <65 or ≥65 years. Potential safety events were also compared between the two age groups and according to the reason for SICU admission. RESULTS: Data from 157 patients were included in the analysis. The number of patients who were able to stand or walk increased from the beginning of rehabilitation to the time of ICU discharge (from 52 to 102 patients, P < 0.01). The Activity Measure for Post-Acute Care (AM-PAC) score also increased during rehabilitation (from 11.6 to 13.9, P < 0.01). Functional recovery did not differ between the two age groups. During 780 rehabilitation sessions, 23 potential safety events (3.0%) were noted; no significant differences were seen between the two age groups. A significant difference was noted when patients were grouped according to the reason for SICU admission (1.7% in postoperative care patients vs 4.5% in patients admitted for other reasons, P = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: Active rehabilitation in critically ill surgical patients is feasible and safe and resulted in improved mobility, regardless of age. However, the reason for SICU admission should be considered.

Dynamic Pituitary-Adrenal Interactions in the Critically Ill after Cardiac Surgery.

CONTEXT: Patients with critical illness are thought to be at risk of adrenal insufficiency. There are no models of dynamic hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis function in this group of patients and thus current methods of diagnosis are based on aggregated, static models. OBJECTIVE: To characterize the secretory dynamics of the HPA axis in the critically ill (CI) after cardiac surgery. DESIGN: Mathematical modeling of cohorts. SETTING: Cardiac critical care unit. PATIENTS: 20 male patients CI at least 48 hours after cardiac surgery and 19 healthy (H) male volunteers. INTERVENTIONS: None. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Measures of hormone secretory dynamics were generated from serum adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) sampled every hour and total cortisol every 10 min for 24 h. RESULTS: All CI patients had pulsatile ACTH and cortisol profiles. CI patients had similar ACTH secretion (1036.4 [737.6] pg/mL/24 h) compared to the H volunteers (1502.3 [1152.2] pg/mL/24 h; P = .20), but increased cortisol secretion (CI: 14 447.0 [5709.3] vs H: 5915.5 [1686.7)] nmol/L/24 h; P < .0001). This increase in cortisol was due to nonpulsatile (CI: 9253.4 [3348.8] vs H: 960 [589.0] nmol/L/24 h, P < .0001), rather than pulsatile cortisol secretion (CI: 5193.1 [3018.5] vs H: 4955.1 [1753.6] nmol/L/24 h; P = .43). Seven (35%) of the 20 CI patients had cortisol pulse nadirs below the current international guideline threshold for critical illness-related corticosteroid insufficiency, but an overall secretion that would not be considered deficient. CONCLUSIONS: This study supports the premise that current tests of HPA axis function are unhelpful in the diagnosis of adrenal insufficiency in the CI. The reduced ACTH and increase in nonpulsatile cortisol secretion imply that the secretion of cortisol is driven by factors outside the HPA axis in critical illness.

Acute effect of passive cycle-ergometry and functional electrical stimulation on nitrosative stress and inflammatory cytokines in mechanically ventilated critically ill patients: a randomized controlled trial

Early mobilization is beneficial for critically ill patients because it reduces muscle weakness acquired in intensive care units. The objective of this study was to assess the effect of functional electrical stimulation (FES) and passive cycle ergometry (PCE) on the nitrous stress and inflammatory cytometry in critically ill patients. This was a controlled, randomized, open clinical trial carried out in a 16-bed intensive care unit. The patients were randomized into four groups: Control group (n=10), did not undergo any therapeutic intervention during the study; PCE group (n=9), lower-limb PCE for 30 cycles/min for 20 min; FES group (n=9), electrical stimulation of quadriceps muscle for 20 min; and FES with PCE group (n=7), patients underwent PCE and FES, with their order determined randomly. The serum levels of nitric oxide, tumor necrosis factor alpha, interferon gamma, and interleukins 6 and 10 were analyzed before and after the intervention. There were no differences in clinical or demographic characteristics between the groups. The results revealed reduced nitric oxide concentrations one hour after using PCE (P<0.001) and FES (P<0.05), thereby indicating that these therapies may reduce cellular nitrosative stress when applied separately. Tumor necrosis factor alpha levels were reduced after the PCE intervention (P=0.049). PCE and FES reduced nitric oxide levels, demonstrating beneficial effects on the reduction of nitrosative stress. PCE was the only treatment that reduced the tumor necrosis factor alpha concentration.

Survival of Critically Ill Oncologic Patients Requiring Invasive Ventilatory Support: A Prospective Comparative Cohort Study With Nononcologic Patients.

PURPOSE: Cancer is in the process of changing to become a chronic disease; therefore, an increasing number of oncologic patients (OPs) are being admitted to intensive care units (ICUs) for supportive care of disease or therapy-related complications. We compare the short- and long-term outcomes of critically ill mechanically ventilated OPs with those of their nononcologic counterparts. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We performed a prospective study of patients admitted to our ICU between October 2017 and February 2019. Demographic, physiologic, laboratory, clinical, and treatment data were obtained. The primary outcome was survival at 28 days and at the end of the follow-up period. Secondary outcomes were survival according to acute severity scoring (Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II score), Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status, and Charlson comorbidity index. RESULTS: A total of 1,490 patients were admitted during the study period; 358 patients (24%) were OPs, and 100 of these OPs were supported with mechanical ventilation. Seventy-three percent of OPs had an ECOG performances status of 0 or 1, and 90% had solid tumors. Reason for admission to the ICU was postoperative admission in 44 patients and neutropenic infection in 10 patients. The follow-up period was 148 days (range, 42 to 363 days). Survival at 28 days was similar between OPs and nononcologic patients and associated with the Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II score. However, long-term survival was lower in OPs compared with nononcologic patients (52% v 76%, respectively; P < .001) and associated with poor ECOG performance status. CONCLUSION: Short-term survival of critically ill, mechanically ventilated OPs is similar to that of their nononcologic counterparts and is determined by the severity of the critical illness.

Muscle wasting and function after muscle activation and early protocol-based physiotherapy: an explorative trial.

BACKGROUND: Early mobilization improves physical independency of critically ill patients at hospital discharge in a general intensive care unit (ICU)-cohort. We aimed to investigate clinical and molecular benefits or detriments of early mobilization and muscle activating measures in a high-risk ICU-acquired weakness cohort. METHODS: Fifty patients with a SOFA score ≥9 within 72 h after ICU admission were randomized to muscle activating measures such as neuromuscular electrical stimulation or whole-body vibration in addition to early protocol-based physiotherapy (intervention) or early protocol-based physiotherapy alone (control). Muscle strength and function were assessed by Medical Research Council (MRC) score, handgrip strength and Functional Independence Measure at first awakening, ICU discharge, and 12 month follow-up. Patients underwent open surgical muscle biopsy on day 15. We investigated the impact of muscle activating measures in addition to early protocol-based physiotherapy on muscle strength and function as well as on muscle wasting, morphology, and homeostasis in patients with sepsis and ICU-acquired weakness. We compared the data with patients treated with common physiotherapeutic practice (CPP) earlier. RESULTS: ICU-acquired weakness occurs within the entire cohort, and muscle activating measures did not improve muscle strength or function at first awakening (MRC median [IQR]: CPP 3.3 [3.0-4.3]; control 3.0 [2.7-3.4]; intervention 3.0 [2.1-3.8]; P > 0.05 for all), ICU discharge (MRC median [IQR]: CPP 3.8 [3.4-4.4]; control 3.9 [3.3-4.0]; intervention 3.6 [2.8-4.0]; P > 0.05 for all), and 12 month follow-up (MRC median [IQR]: control 5.0 [4.3-5.0]; intervention 4.8 [4.3-5.0]; P = 0.342 for all). No signs of necrosis or inflammatory infiltration were present in the histological analysis. Myocyte cross-sectional area in the intervention group was significantly larger in comparison with the control group (type I +10%; type IIa +13%; type IIb +3%; P < 0.001 for all) and CPP (type I +36%; type IIa +49%; type IIb +65%; P < 0.001 for all). This increase was accompanied by an up-regulated gene expression for myosin heavy chains (fold change median [IQR]: MYH1 2.3 [1.1-2.7]; MYH2 0.7 [0.2-1.8]; MYH4 5.1 [2.2-15.3]) and an unaffected gene expression for TRIM63, TRIM62, and FBXO32. CONCLUSIONS: In our patients with sepsis syndrome at high risk for ICU-acquired weakness muscle activating measures in addition to early protocol-based physiotherapy did not improve muscle strength or function at first awakening, ICU discharge, or 12 month follow-up. Yet it prevented muscle atrophy.

Two-hit model of postintensive care syndrome induced by lipopolysaccharide challenge and subsequent chronic unpredictable stress in mice.

Postintensive care syndrome (PICS) is defined as a new or worsening impairment in cognition, mental health, and physical function after critical illness. However, there is still a lack of a clinically relevant animal model. Thus, development of a PICS model is essential for understanding the mechanism underlying PICS and screening treatment methods for this neuropsychiatric disorder. The purpose of this study was to establish a clinically relevant PICS model based on the two-hit concept, in which lipopolysaccharide (LPS, 3 mg/kg) injection was served as the first hit and subsequent modified chronic unpredictable stress as the second hit. In order to pharmacologically verify the proposed model of PICS, we studied the effectiveness of fluoxetine to reverse the behavioral and molecular abnormalities in this model. In the present study, body- and adrenal weight changes proved our model was effective, as reflected by body weight loss, increased adrenals weight, and a significantly increased level of plasma corticosterone. Moreover, our PICS model displayed reproducible anxiety- and depression like behavior and cognitive impairments. Neurobiological investigations revealed a significant up-regulation of the microglial marker CD68 and pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-6 in the hippocampus of stressed mice. Notably, chronic treatment with fluoxetine for three weeks reversed most of the affected parameters. In summary, we believe that we have developed a new model of PICS that is clinically relevant, which could advance the mechanism research and the development of therapeutic strategies.

Enabling activity in palliative care: focus groups among occupational therapists.

BACKGROUND: Activity participation may support clients in palliative care to maintain dignity and quality of life. Literature and policy documents state that occupational therapists should be part of the team in palliative care but provide limited guidance on how interventions should be employed. Thus, the aim was to describe occupational therapists' experiences of enabling activity for seriously ill and dying clients. METHODS: In a descriptive, qualitative study, three focus groups with occupational therapists (n = 14) were conducted. The data were analysed using qualitative content analysis. RESULTS: The findings showed that occupational therapists enabled activity in clients in palliative care while considering the client's individual preferences. Motivation was seen to facilitate activity, while environmental restrictions were thought to act as barriers. The occupational therapists wanted to bring activities physically closer to the clients and felt a need for more client contact to enable activity. CONCLUSIONS: Occupational therapists' interventions in palliative care include prioritizing and planning activities according to clients' preferences and capacities. The individual nature of these activities makes it impossible to create standardized protocol for interventions, but the study results can be used to describe occupational therapists' strategies and to guide their work, especially for occupational therapists without experience in palliative care.

An Early Tailored Approach Is the Key to Effective Rehabilitation in the Intensive Care Unit.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effectiveness, feasibility, and safety of an evidence-based rehabilitation care pathway in the intensive care unit (ICU) in different patient populations. DESIGN: Observational prospective cohort study, with retrospective controls. SETTING: ICUs of a university hospital. PARTICIPANTS: Patients admitted between April 1, 2015, and June 30, 2015, were compared to a retrospective cohort admitted to the same ICUs during the same 3-month period in 2014. The number of patients studied (N=285) included 152 in the prospective group and 133 in the retrospective group. INTERVENTIONS: The prospective cohort benefited of a rehabilitation care pathway based on (1) interdisciplinary teamwork; (2) early customized and goal-oriented rehabilitation; (3) daily functional monitoring and treatment revision; (4) agreed discharge policy; and (5) continuity of care. The retrospective cohort underwent usual care. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Included the following: (1) proportions of patients undergoing rehabilitation team evaluation; (2) latency between patient admission to ICUs and rehabilitation team assessment; (3) proportions of patients undergoing rehabilitation treatment during ICU stay; (4) latency between the patient admission to ICUs and rehabilitation start; (5) ICU stay and total acute hospital stay; and (5) proportion of ventilator-free days out of ICU stay. RESULTS: The novel rehabilitation care pathway led to (1) an increased proportion of patients receiving rehabilitative assessment (P<.0001); (2) a decreased latency from ICU admission to both rehabilitation team assessment and rehabilitation start (P<.0001); (3) an increased proportion of patients undergoing rehabilitation (P<.0001); (4) a shorter length of stay in ICUs (P<.0001) and in hospital (P=.047); and (5) a shorter mechanical ventilation duration (P<.02). A direct relationship between rehabilitation start latency and ICU length of stay was observed. CONCLUSIONS: An early, interdisciplinary team approach, providing a customized dynamic planning of physiotherapy programs, increases ventilator-free time and reduces total hospital stay, especially in patients admitted to the ICU after general surgery. This rehabilitation care pathway can be generalized to different geopolitical scenarios, being feasible, safe and cost effective.

Predictores de éxito después de la decanulación en pacientes adultos críticamente enfermos: un estudio de cohorte retrospectivo / Success predictors after decannulation in critically ill adult patients: a retrospective cohort study

Introducción: la traqueostomía es una práctica frecuente dentro de las unidades de cuidados intensivos (UCI). El proceso de decanulación y el tiempo utilizado en ella resultan de interés clínico, mientras que los factores asociados al proceso y la dificultad en dicho proceso han sido poco estudiados. Objetivos: describir características clínicas y epidemiológicas de la población en estudio y su evolución desde el momento del ingreso en la UCI hasta el alta hospitalaria. Informar la incidencia de fallo de decanulación y analizar los factores de riesgo independientes asociados a la imposibilidad de esta. Materiales y métodos: estudio observacional de cohorte retrospectivo de pacientes internados en la UCI del Hospital Italiano de San Justo Agustín Rocca que requirieron traqueostomía durante su estadía. Utilizando la historia clínica informatizada se registraron variables epidemiológicas previas al ingreso en la UCI y datos evolutivos durante la internación. El período analizado fue desde el 5 de enero de 2016 hasta el 17 de diciembre de 2017. Se utilizaron modelos de regresión logística para la evaluación de potenciales predictores. Resultados: se reclutaron 50 pacientes, y todos fueron incluidos en el presente análisis. La edad promedio fue de 66 años (desvío estándar [DE] ± 15,5) y el 66% fueron hombres. El 42% fue decanulado durante el seguimiento. La incidencia en el fallo de decanulación fue del 4,77% (intervalo de confianza [IC] 95% 0,85-22,67). La mediana de tiempo hasta la decanulación desde la desvinculación de la asistencia ventilatoria fue de 17 días. En el análisis univariado hubo diferencias estadísticamente significativas en tipo de diagnóstico de ingreso en UCI y en el alta vivo hospitalaria al comparar pacientes decanulados versus no decanulados. En el análisis multivariado de regresión logística se halló el tipo de diagnóstico de ingreso en UCI como predictor independiente de imposibilidad de decanulación. Conclusiones: el motivo de ingreso clínico en UCI fue un factor predictor independiente asociado al fracaso de la decanulación y esto, posiblemente, está relacionado con la condición clínica y el estado general al ingreso, en comparación con los pacientes que ingresaron por causas quirúrgicas. No se hallaron comorbilidades ni antecedentes que se relacionen con el fracaso de la decanulación. (AU)

Introduction: the tracheostomy remains a very common surgical procedure done in the intensive care unit (ICU). The process of decannulation is of scientific interest with its associated factors not being sufficiently studied. Objectives: to describe the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of the population and their relationship to effective decanulation. To report the cumulative incidence of decannulation failure and success. To analyze independent risk factors associated with decannulation failure. Materials and methods: the present was a retrospective cohort of adult patients in the ICU at Hospital Italiano de San Justo who required tracheostomy during their in-hospital stay. Epidemiological variables were recorded before ICU admission and during their hospital stay using data from the electronic medical record. The inclusion period was 2 years long. We used descriptive statistics and logistic regression models to compare the proportion of patients who could be decannulated versus those who could not. Results: 50 patients were enrolled in the present study. Their mean age was 66 (±15.5) years and 66% of patients were male. 21 patients (42%) achieved to be decannulated. The cumulative incidence of decannulation failure was 4.77% (95% CI: 0.85-22.87). Median time from weaning to decannulation was 17 days. In univariate analysis, statistically significant differences were found in ICU admission diagnosis (p<0.001) and hospital discharge alive (p<0.001) when comparing decannulated versus not decannulated patients. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, ICU admission diagnosis was found to be an independent predictor of decannulation failure (p<0.01). Conclusions: clinical ICU admission diagnosis was an independent predictor associated with decannulation failure. This could be related to differences in baseline morbidity and clinical condition of these patients compared with surgical patients. However, no individual morbidities or clinical conditions were found to be associated in decannulation failure. (AU)

Comparison between surgical and percutaneous tracheostomy effects on procalcitonin kinetics in critically ill patients.

Available evidence from randomized controlled trials including adult critically ill patients tends to show that percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy (PDT) techniques are performed faster and reduce stoma inflammation and infection but are associated with increased technical difficulties compared with surgical tracheostomy (ST). A recent meta-analysis found that PDT was superior to reduce risk of periprocedural stoma inflammation and infection compared with ST. WE found no differences in procalcitonin, C-reactive protein, SOFA, and SAPS II between critically ill patients with ST or PDT.

Early intervention (mobilization or active exercise) for critically ill adults in the intensive care unit.

BACKGROUND: Survivors of critical illness often experience a multitude of problems that begin in the intensive care unit (ICU) or present and continue after discharge. These can include muscle weakness, cognitive impairments, psychological difficulties, reduced physical function such as in activities of daily living (ADLs), and decreased quality of life. Early interventions such as mobilizations or active exercise, or both, may diminish the impact of the sequelae of critical illness. OBJECTIVES: To assess the effects of early intervention (mobilization or active exercise), commenced in the ICU, provided to critically ill adults either during or after the mechanical ventilation period, compared with delayed exercise or usual care, on improving physical function or performance, muscle strength and health-related quality of life. SEARCH METHODS: We searched CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase and CINAHL. We searched conference proceedings, reference lists of retrieved articles, databases of trial registries and contacted experts in the field on 31 August 2017. We did not impose restrictions on language or location of publications. SELECTION CRITERIA: We included all randomized controlled trials (RCTs) or quasi-RCTs that compared early intervention (mobilization or active exercise, or both), delivered in the ICU, with delayed exercise or usual care delivered to critically ill adults either during or after the mechanical ventilation period in the ICU. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two researchers independently screened titles and abstracts and assessed full-text articles against the inclusion criteria of this review. We resolved any disagreement through discussion with a third review author as required. We presented data descriptively using mean differences or medians, risk ratios and 95% confidence intervals. A meta-analysis was not possible due to the heterogeneity of the included studies. We assessed the quality of evidence with GRADE. MAIN RESULTS: We included four RCTs (a total of 690 participants), in this review. Participants were adults who were mechanically ventilated in a general, medical or surgical ICU, with mean or median age in the studies ranging from 56 to 62 years. Admitting diagnoses in three of the four studies were indicative of critical illness, while participants in the fourth study had undergone cardiac surgery. Three studies included range-of-motion exercises, bed mobility activities, transfers and ambulation. The fourth study involved only upper limb exercises. Included studies were at high risk of performance bias, as they were not blinded to participants and personnel, and two of four did not blind outcome assessors. Three of four studies reported only on those participants who completed the study, with high rates of dropout. The description of intervention type, dose, intensity and frequency in the standard care control group was poor in two of four studies.Three studies (a total of 454 participants) reported at least one measure of physical function. One study (104 participants) reported low-quality evidence of beneficial effects in the intervention group on return to independent functional status at hospital discharge (59% versus 35%, risk ratio (RR) 1.71, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.11 to 2.64); the absolute effect is that 246 more people (95% CI 38 to 567) per 1000 would attain independent functional status when provided with early mobilization. The effects on physical functioning are uncertain for a range measures: Barthel Index scores (early mobilization: median 75 control: versus 55, low quality evidence), number of ADLs achieved at ICU (median of 3 versus 0, low quality evidence) or at hospital discharge (median of 6 versus 4, low quality evidence). The effects of early mobilization on physical function measured at ICU discharge are uncertain, as measured by the Acute Care Index of Function (ACIF) (early mobilization mean: 61.1 versus control: 55, mean difference (MD) 6.10, 95% CI -11.85 to 24.05, low quality evidence) and the Physical Function ICU Test (PFIT) score (5.6 versus 5.4, MD 0.20, 95% CI -0.98 to 1.38, low quality evidence). There is low quality evidence that early mobilization may have little or no effect on physical function measured by the Short Physical Performance Battery score at ICU discharge from one study of 184 participants (mean 1.6 in the intervention group versus 1.9 in usual care, MD -0.30, 95% CI -1.10 to 0.50), or at hospital discharge (MD 0, 95% CI -1.00 to 0.90). The fourth study, which examined postoperative cardiac surgery patients did not measure physical function as an outcome.Adverse effects were reported across the four studies but we could not combine the data. Our certainty in the risk of adverse events with either mobilization strategy is low due to the low rate of events. One study reported that in the intervention group one out of 49 participants (2%) experienced oxygen desaturation less than 80% and one of 49 (2%) had accidental dislodgement of the radial catheter. This study also found cessation of therapy due to participant instability occurred in 19 of 498 (4%) of the intervention sessions. In another study five of 101 (5%) participants in the intervention group and five of 109 (4.6%) participants in the control group had postoperative pulmonary complications deemed to be unrelated to intervention. A third study found one of 150 participants in the intervention group had an episode of asymptomatic bradycardia, but completed the exercise session. The fourth study reported no adverse events. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: There is insufficient evidence on the effect of early mobilization of critically ill people in the ICU on physical function or performance, adverse events, muscle strength and health-related quality of life at this time. The four studies awaiting classification, and the three ongoing studies may alter the conclusions of the review once these results are available. We assessed that there is currently low-quality evidence for the effect of early mobilization of critically ill adults in the ICU due to small sample sizes, lack of blinding of participants and personnel, variation in the interventions and outcomes used to measure their effect and inadequate descriptions of the interventions delivered as usual care in the studies included in this Cochrane Review.