Nomograms for predicting difficult airway based on ultrasound assessment.

BACKGROUND: Accurate prediction of the difficult airway (DA) could help to prevent catastrophic consequences in emergency resuscitation, intensive care, and general anesthesia. Until now, there is no nomogram prediction model for DA based on ultrasound assessment. In this study, we aimed to develop a predictive model for difficult tracheal intubation (DTI) and difficult laryngoscopy (DL) using nomogram based on ultrasound measurement. We hypothesized that nomogram could utilize multivariate data to predict DTI and DL. METHODS: A prospective observational DA study was designed. This study included 2254 patients underwent tracheal intubation. Common and airway ultrasound indicators were used for the prediction, including thyromental distance (TMD), modified Mallampati test (MMT) score, upper lip bite test (ULBT) score temporomandibular joint (TMJ) mobility and tongue thickness (TT). Univariate and the Akaike information criterion (AIC) stepwise logistic regression were used to identify independent predictors of DTI and DL. Nomograms were constructed to predict DL and DTL based on the AIC stepwise analysis results. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to evaluate the accuracy of the nomograms. RESULTS: Among the 2254 patients enrolled in this study, 142 (6.30%) patients had DL and 51 (2.26%) patients had DTI. After AIC stepwise analysis, ULBT, MMT, sex, TMJ, age, BMI, TMD, IID, and TT were integrated for DL nomogram; ULBT, TMJ, age, IID, TT were integrated for DTI nomogram. The areas under the ROC curves were 0.933 [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.912-0.954] and 0.974 (95% CI, 0.954-0.995) for DL and DTI, respectively. CONCLUSION: Nomograms based on airway ultrasonography could be a reliable tool in predicting DA. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (No. ChiCTR-RCS-14004539 ), registered on 13th April 2014.

Extubation in the operating room results in fewer composite mechanical ventilation-related adverse outcomes in patients after liver transplantation: a retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: To investigate the effect of extubation in the operating room (OR) on mechanical ventilation-related adverse outcomes in patients who undergo liver transplantation. METHODS: Patients who underwent liver transplantation between January 2016 and December 2019 were included. According to the timing of extubation, patients were divided into OR extubation group and intensive care unit (ICU) extubation group. The propensity score was used to match OR extubation group and ICU extubation group at a 1:2 ratio by demographical and clinical covariates. The primary outcome was a composite of mechanical ventilation-related adverse outcomes, including 30-day all-cause mortality, in-hospital acute kidney injury (stage 2 or 3), and in-hospital moderate to severe pulmonary complications. Secondary outcomes included in-hospital moderate to severe infectious complications, unplanned reintubation rates, ICU and postoperative hospital lengths of stay, and total hospital cost. RESULTS: A total of 438 patients were enrolled. After propensity score matching, 94 patients were in OR extubation group and 148 patients were in ICU extubation group. Incidence of the composite mechanical ventilation-related adverse outcomes was significantly lower in OR extubation group than ICU extubation group, even after adjusting for confounding factors (19.1% vs. 31.8%; Odds Ratio, 0.509; 95% Confidence Index [CI], 0.274-0.946; P=0.031). The duration of ICU stay was much shorter in OR extubation group than ICU extubation group (median 4, Interquartile range [IQR] (3 ~ 6) vs. median 6, IQR (4 ~ 8); P<0.001). Meanwhile, extubation in the OR led to a significant reduction of total hospital cost compared with extubation in the ICU (median 3.9, IQR (3.5 ~ 4.6) 10000 US dollars vs. median 4.1, IQR (3.8 ~ 5.1) 10000 US dollars; P=0.021). However, there were no statistically significant differences in moderate to severe infectious complications, unplanned reintubation rates, and the length of postoperative hospital stay between groups. CONCLUSIONS: Among patients who underwent liver transplantation, extubation in the OR compared with extubation in the ICU, significantly reduced the primary composite outcome of 30-day all-cause mortality, in-hospital acute kidney injury (stage 2 or 3), or in-hospital moderate to severe pulmonary complications. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov with registration number NCT04261816. Retrospectively registered on 1st February 2020.

Early Initiation of Feeding and In-Hospital Outcomes in Patients Hospitalized for Acute Heart Failure.

Extensive data on early nutrition support for patients requiring critical care are available. However, whether early initiation of feeding could be beneficial for patients hospitalized for acute heart failure (HF) remains unclear. We sought to compare outcomes of early and delayed initiation of feeding for hospitalized patients with acute HF using a nationwide inpatient database. We retrospectively analyzed data from the Diagnosis Procedure Combination database. We included patients hospitalized for HF between January 2010 and March 2018. We excluded patients with length of hospital stay ≤2 days, those patients who underwent major procedures under general anesthesia, and those requiring advanced mechanical supports within 2 days after admission including intubation, intra-aortic balloon pumping, and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. Propensity score matching and instrumental variable analyses were conducted to compare in-hospital mortality, complications and length of stay between the early and delayed feeding groups. Among 432,620 eligible patients, 403,442 patients (93%) received early initiation of feeding (within 2 days after admission) and 29,178 patients (7%) received delayed initiation of feeding. Propensity score matching created 29,153 pairs and delayed initiation of feeding was associated with higher in-hospital mortality (odds ratio 1.32; 95% confidence interval 1.26 to 1.39), longer hospital stay and higher incidence of pneumonia and sepsis. The instrumental variable analysis also showed patients with delayed initiation of feeding had higher in-hospital mortality (odds ratio 1.34; 95% confidence interval 1.28 to 1.40). In conclusion, our analysis suggested a potential benefit of early initiation of feeding for in-hospital outcomes in hospitalized patients hospitalized for acute HF. Further investigations are required to confirm our results and to clarify the underlying mechanisms.

Tracheotomy Timing and Outcomes in the Critically Ill: Complexity and Opportunities for Progress.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: To characterize the effects of tracheotomy timing at our institution on intensive care unit (ICU) length of stay (LOS) and overall hospital LOS. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. METHODS: A retrospective study was performed at a tertiary care medical center for patients undergoing tracheotomy over 2.5 years from January 1, 2016 through June 30, 2018. Demographics, survival, duration of endotracheal intubation, timing of tracheotomy, and ICU and overall hospital LOS were assessed. Tracheotomy was considered early (ET) if it was performed by day 7 of mechanical ventilation and late (LT) thereafter. Readmission, mortality, and costs were also tabulated for each aggregate group. Nonparametric statistics were used to compare results. RESULTS: Of the 536 patients included in the analysis, 160 received tracheotomy early and 376 late. Differences between age and sex were not statistically significant. Duration of total ICU stay was shortened by 65% (12.84 ± 17.69 days vs. 38.49 ± 26.61 days; P < .0001), and length of overall hospital course was reduced by 54% (22.71 ± 26.65 days vs. 50.37 ± 34.20 days; P < .0001) in the early tracheotomy group. Observed/expected (O/E) values standardized results to case mix index and revealed LOS of 1.5 for ET and 2.5 for LT, and mortality of 0.76 for ET and 1.25 for LT, and comparable readmissions of both groups. CONCLUSIONS: Early tracheotomy in ICU patients is associated with earlier ICU discharge, decreased length of overall hospital stay, and lower mortality when controlling for case mix index. Opportunities exist to optimize patient outcomes and O/E performance. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4 Laryngoscope, 131:282-287, 2021.

Safety Assessment of a Noninvasive Respiratory Protocol for Adults With COVID-19.

As evidence emerged supporting noninvasive strategies for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)-related respiratory distress, we implemented a noninvasive COVID-19 respiratory protocol (NCRP) that encouraged high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) and self-proning across our healthcare system. To assess safety, we conducted a retrospective chart review evaluating mortality and other patient safety outcomes after implementation of the NCRP protocol (April 3, 2020, to April 15, 2020) for adult patients hospitalized with COVID-19, compared with preimplementation outcomes (March 15, 2020, to April 2, 2020). During the study, there were 469 COVID-19 admissions. Fewer patients underwent intubation after implementation (10.7% [23 of 215]), compared with before implementation (25.2% [64 of 254]) (P < .01). Overall, 26.2% of patients died (24% before implementation vs 28.8% after implementation; P = .14). In patients without a do not resuscitate/do not intubate order prior to admission, mortality was 21.8% before implementation vs 21.9% after implementation. Overall, we found no significant increase in mortality following implementation of a noninvasive respiratory protocol that decreased intubations in patients with COVID-19.

Exploration of the Nociception Level (NOL™) Index for Pain Assessment during Endotracheal Suctioning in Mechanically Ventilated Patients in the Intensive Care Unit: An Observational and Feasibility Study.

BACKGROUND: Many patients in the intensive care unit (ICU) suffer from pain and are non-communicative. Therefore, alternative pain measures are necessary. Although behavioral pain measures are available, physiological measures are lacking. The Nociception Level index (NOL™) provides a value from combination of multiple physiological parameters to measure pain and its use in the ICU is new. AIM: To explore the use of a multiple physiological parameter measure for pain assessment, the NOL™ index, in mechanically ventilated patients able to self-report pain in the ICU. METHODS: A prospective cohort study was performed. Data were collected before, during, and 15 minutes after a non-nociceptive procedure (noninvasive blood pressure using cuff inflation) and a nociceptive procedure (endotracheal suctioning). NOL index, 0 to 10 pain intensity, and Critical-Care Pain Observation Tool (CPOT) scores were also obtained. Data were analyzed using Friedman and Mann-Whitney tests. Feasibility of study procedures was described. RESULTS: Out of 28 patients who consented, 17 remained eligible and data were analyzed for 15. Technical issues prevented obtaining a NOL signal in 2 patients. NOL values were higher during endotracheal suctioning (median = 41.6) compared with before (median = 11.2) and after the procedure (median = 11.8) and compared with cuff inflation (median = 15.1; Friedman test, p < .001). NOL values were associated with pain intensity and CPOT scores (Mann-Whitney tests, p < .05). CONCLUSIONS: The study procedures with the NOL were found feasible; NOL values could discriminate between nociceptive and non-nociceptive procedures, and values were associated with reference pain measures. Further NOL testing is required in other ICU patient groups and procedures.

Bedside Ultrasound Assessment of Lung Reaeration in Patients With Blunt Thoracic Injury Receiving High-Flow Nasal Cannula Oxygen Therapy: A Retrospective Study.

BACKGROUND: High-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) oxygen therapy has been shown to reduce the need for mechanical ventilation and decrease the duration of hospital and intensive care unit (ICU) stays for patients with a severely compromised respiratory system. This study aims to observe the evolution of lung aeration via lung ultrasound score (LUS) in a chest-injured population who had been treated with HFNC oxygen therapy, and to assess the benefit of the HFNC oxygen therapy in trauma patients. METHODS: A retrospective study examined trauma patients with moderate to severe thoracic injuries who were admitted to the ICU at a tertiary hospital between October 2015 and March 2017. The decision to initiate HFNC oxygen therapy was made at the discretion of the trauma surgeon and respiratory therapist when supplemental oxygen delivery was required. All of the patients were assessed by transthoracic lung ultrasound every day after being admitted into the ICU. We retrospectively analyzed 3 time points for this study: the initial emergency intensive care units presentation within 12 hours (T1), 24 to 48 hours after the treatment (T2), and 72 to 96 hours after the treatment (T3). Transthoracic lung ultrasound was performed by an experienced investigator with level 3 certification using a Mindray M9 echograph and a 2- to 4-MHz round-tipped probe. Primary outcomes were the need for intubation after HFNC oxygen therapy for respiratory failure during the treatment within 72 hours, the length of ICU stay, and mortality of 28 days. RESULTS: During the study period, 50 patients with blunt chest trauma were admitted to the study; 18 patients received HFNC therapy and 32 received conventional oxygen therapy (COT); there was no significant difference in the baseline clinical characteristics between the 2 groups. The length of ICU stay and intubation rate for respiratory failure within 72 hours were significantly different between the 2 groups (P < .05), but there was no difference in the 28-day mortality. The LUS of the COT group was not significantly different from T1 to T2 or from T2 to T3 (P > .05). However, the LUS decreased significantly-by 25% from T1 to T2 (P < .05) and by 31% from T1 to T3 (P < .05) in the HFNC therapy group. The LUS of the patients intubated for respiratory failure within 72 hours, in the COT group increased from T1 (17 ± 3) to T3 (21 ± 3), and the LUS (21 ± 3) was much higher than the patients who were not intubated (11 ± 3) at T3; the LUS of the HFNC group was all above 15, which was not significantly different from T1 to T2 or from T2 to T3 (P > .05). CONCLUSIONS: High-flow nasal cannula oxygen therapy may be considered as an initial respiratory therapy for trauma patients with blunt chest injury. High-flow nasal cannula therapy could improve lung aeration as noted by the transthoracic lung ultrasound assessment, and LUS may help the attending physicians identify the usefulness of HFNC therapy and decide whether to continue the use of HFNC therapy or intubate the patient.

Management of Difficult Tracheal Intubation: A Closed Claims Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Difficult or failed intubation is a major contributor to morbidity for patients and liability for anesthesiologists. Updated difficult airway management guidelines and incorporation of new airway devices into practice may have affected patient outcomes. The authors therefore compared recent malpractice claims related to difficult tracheal intubation to older claims using the Anesthesia Closed Claims Project database. METHODS: Claims with difficult tracheal intubation as the primary damaging event occurring in the years 2000 to 2012 (n = 102) were compared to difficult tracheal intubation claims from 1993 to 1999 (n = 93). Difficult intubation claims from 2000 to 2012 were evaluated for preoperative predictors and appropriateness of airway management. RESULTS: Patients in 2000 to 2012 difficult intubation claims were sicker (78% American Society of Anesthesiologists [ASA] Physical Status III to V; n = 78 of 102) and had more emergency procedures (37%; n = 37 of 102) compared to patients in 1993 to 1999 claims (47% ASA Physical Status III to V; n = 36 of 93; P < 0.001 and 22% emergency; n = 19 of 93; P = 0.025). More difficult tracheal intubation events occurred in nonperioperative locations in 2000 to 2012 than 1993 to 1999 (23%; n = 23 of 102 vs. 10%; n = 10 of 93; P = 0.035). Outcomes differed between time periods (P < 0.001), with a higher proportion of death in 2000 to 2012 claims (73%; n = 74 of 102 vs. 42%; n = 39 of 93 in 1993 to 1999 claims; P < 0.001 adjusted for multiple testing). In 2000 to 2012 claims, preoperative predictors of difficult tracheal intubation were present in 76% (78 of 102). In the 97 claims with sufficient information for assessment, inappropriate airway management occurred in 73% (71 of 97; κ = 0.44 to 0.66). A "can't intubate, can't oxygenate" emergency occurred in 80 claims with delayed surgical airway in more than one third (39%; n = 31 of 80). CONCLUSIONS: Outcomes remained poor in recent malpractice claims related to difficult tracheal intubation. Inadequate airway planning and judgment errors were contributors to patient harm. Our results emphasize the need to improve both practitioner skills and systems response when difficult or failed tracheal intubation is encountered.

A Survey Assessment of Perceived Importance and Methods of Maintenance of Critical Procedural Skills in Pediatric Emergency Medicine.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to delineate pediatric emergency medicine provider opinions regarding the importance of, and to ascertain existing processes by which practitioners maintain, the following critical procedural skills: oral endotracheal intubation, intraosseous line placement, pharmacologic and electrical cardioversion, tube thoracostomy, and defibrillation. METHODS: A customized survey was administered to all members of the Listserv for the American Academy of Pediatrics Section on Emergency Medicine. Perceived importance of maintaining critical pediatric procedural skills was measured using a 5-point Likert-type scale. Secondary outcomes included presence and type of mandatory training, availability of on-site backup, and perceived barriers to maintenance of skills. RESULTS: Two hundred sixty-two members (25%) responded representing 106 different institutions, 70% of freestanding children's hospitals that received graduate medical education payments in 2014, and 68% of pediatric emergency medicine fellowship programs. More than 90% of respondents felt it was either very or extremely important to maintain competency for 5 of the 6 critical procedures, but no more than 49% of respondents felt that clinical care alone provided opportunity to maintain skills. The proportion of respondents indicating no mandatory training for each critical procedural skill was as follows: oral endotracheal intubation (23%), intraosseous line placement (30%), pharmacologic cardioversion (32%), electrical cardioversion (32%), tube thoracostomy (40%), and defibrillation (32%). CONCLUSIONS: Critical procedural skills are perceived by emergency providers who care for children as extremely important to maintain. Direct care of pediatric patients likely does not provide sufficient opportunity to maintain these skills. There are widespread deficiencies relating to mandatory maintenance of critical procedural skill training.

Videographic Assessment of Pediatric Tracheal Intubation Technique During Emergency Airway Management.

OBJECTIVES: To examine technical aspects of pediatric tracheal intubation using video recording and to determine the association between tracheal intubation technique and procedural outcomes. DESIGN: Prospective observational study. SETTING: Emergency department resuscitation bay in single tertiary pediatric center. PATIENTS: Children undergoing emergent tracheal intubation under videorecorded conditions. INTERVENTIONS: None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: A published scoring tool for characterizing patient positioning, intubator kinematics, and adjunctive maneuvers during tracheal intubation was applied to videorecorded pediatric resuscitations when tracheal intubation was performed. Procedural outcomes were measured from video review. Seventy-one children underwent 109 tracheal intubation attempts with an overall first attempt success rate of 69% and a median laryngoscopy duration of 34 seconds (interquartile range, 24-47 s). A significant subset of tracheal intubation attempts were made with the patient's bed at a height below the level of intubator's umbilicus (61%), the patient in a supine position without head elevation (55%), the intubator bent at the waist to greater than 45° (66%), less than 1 cm of mouth opening by the intubator's right hand prior to laryngoscopy (46%), and with the intubator's face less than 12 inches away from the patient's mouth (65%). Adjunctive maneuvers were used in a minority of attempts (cricoid pressure 48%, external laryngeal manipulation 11%, retraction of the right corner of the patient's mouth 26%). On multivariate analysis, including controlling for patient age category and intubator background, retraction of the right corner of the patient's mouth by an assistant showed an independent association with successful tracheal intubation. No other technical aspects were associated with tracheal intubation success. CONCLUSIONS: Intubators commonly exhibited suboptimal technique during tracheal intubation such as bending deeply at the waist, having their eyes close to the patient's mouth, failing to widely open the patient's mouth, and not elevating the occiput in older children. Retraction of the right corner of the patient's mouth by an assistant during laryngoscopy and intubation was associated with TI success.

Airway management changes associated with rising radiologic incidence of external laryngotracheal injury.

BACKGROUND: Traumatic laryngeal injuries are uncommon life-threatening injuries that require prompt, rational management of a potentially precarious airway. It is unclear whether the current incidence of laryngotracheal injury is due to enhanced injury detection or increased occurrence. The objective of this study was to evaluate the relations between diagnostic imaging with both initial airway management and surgical treatment in patients with external laryngotracheal injuries (ELTIs) in Alberta. METHODS: In this large-scale population-based analysis, we used regional health databases containing inpatient admissions, emergency department visits and trauma service activations employing International Classification of Diseases diagnostic codes to identify all ELTIs diagnosed from Apr. 1, 1995, to Dec. 31, 2011, in adults (age ≥ 16 yr). We evaluated health records and diagnostic imaging for injury features, airway management, operative interventions and hospital length of stay (LOS). RESULTS: Eighty-nine patients met the inclusion criteria. The incidence of ELTIs increased over time, paralleling a rise in detection during the period incorporating greater computed tomography (CT) use (p = 0.002). Endotracheal tube intubation was performed in 8/30 cases (27%) in the pre-CT era, compared to 38/59 cases (64%) in the post-CT era (p = 0.001); the use of surgical intervention remained consistent. The largest contributors to increased endotracheal tube placements were the emergency department and emergency medical services. No change in survival was detected, but mean LOS among patients admitted for minor, isolated ELTIs increased by 2.3 (95% confidence interval 0.14-4.8) days (p = 0.06), mostly for patients admitted under critical care for mechanical ventilation. CONCLUSION: Management of ELTIs shifted from predominantly conservative airway monitoring to endotracheal tube intubation over the study period in spite of no clinically significant change in injury severity or operative intervention frequency. The location of endotracheal tube placement suggests less comfort with ELTI among first-responder and emergency personnel.

CONTEXTE: Les lésions traumatiques du larynx sont des blessures rares qui peuvent être mortelles et nécessitent une prise en charge rapide et efficiente, en raison de l'état potentiellement précaire des voies respiratoires. On ignore si l'incidence actuelle des lésions laryngo-trachéales est attribuable à une amélioration de la détection ou à une augmentation de la fréquence réelle. Cette étude avait pour but d'évaluer le lien entre l'imagerie diagnostique, et la prise en charge initiale des voies respiratoires ainsi que le traitement chirurgical chez des patients ayant subi des lésions laryngo-trachéales externes (LLTE) en Alberta. MÉTHODES: Dans le cadre de cette analyse de grande envergure basée sur une population, nous avons interrogé des bases de données régionales sur les hospitalisations, les consultations aux services d'urgence et la prestation de services de traumatologie. Nous nous sommes servis des codes diagnostiques de la Classification statistique internationale des maladies pour repérer tous les cas de LLTE diagnostiqués entre le 1er avril 1995 et le 31 décembre 2011 chez des adultes (16 ans et plus). Nous avons examiné les dossiers de santé et les résultats d'imagerie diagnostique pour en extraire des données sur les caractéristiques des lésions, la prise en charge des voies respiratoires, les interventions chirurgicales et la durée de séjour à l'hôpital. RÉSULTATS: Au total, 89 patients répondaient aux critères d'inclusion. L'incidence des LLTE a augmenté au fil du temps; en parallèle, l'utilisation répandue de la tomographie par ordinateur a entraîné une augmentation de la détection de ces lésions (p = 0,002). Une intubation trachéale a été réalisée chez 8/30 patients (27 %) pendant la période prétomographie, et chez 38/59 patients (64 %) pendant la période post-tomographie (p = 0,001); le recours à la chirurgie est demeuré constant. L'augmentation du nombre d'intubations est principalement attribuable aux interventions effectuées par le personnel ambulancier et par les services d'urgence. Aucun changement du taux de survie n'a été enregistré; toutefois, la durée de séjour moyenne des patients hospitalisés en raison de LLTE mineures et isolées a augmenté de 2,3 jours (intervalle de confiance à 95 % : 0,14-4,8; p = 0,06), surtout pour les patients admis aux soins intensifs pour recevoir une ventilation mécanique. CONCLUSION: Durant la période à l'étude, la prise en charge des LLTE est passée d'un suivi essentiellement conservateur des voies respiratoires à la prépondérance de l'intubation trachéale, bien qu'aucun changement significatif n'ait été observé quant à la gravité des lésions ou à la fréquence des interventions chirurgicales. Le contexte où ont lieu les intubations laisse croire que le personnel ambulanciers et les premiers intervenants sont moins à l'aise de prendre en charge les LLTE.

Lumbar skeletal muscle index derived from routine computed tomography exams predict adverse post-extubation outcomes in critically ill patients.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of a skeletal muscle index derived from a routine CT image at the level of vertebral body L3 (L3SMI) on outcomes of extubated patients in the surgical intensive care unit. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 231 patients of a prospective observational trial (NCT01967056) who had undergone CT within 5days of extubation were included. L3SMI was computed using semi-automated segmentation. Primary outcomes were pneumonia within 30days of extubation, adverse discharge disposition and 30-day mortality. Secondary outcomes included re-intubation within 72h, total hospital costs, ICU length of stay (LOS), post-extubation LOS and total hospital LOS. Outcomes were analyzed using multivariable regression models with a priori-defined covariates height, gender, age, APACHE II score and Charlson Comorbidity Index. RESULTS: L3SMI was an independent predictor of pneumonia (aOR 0.96; 95% CI 0.941-0.986; P=0.002), adverse discharge disposition (aOR 0.98; 95% CI 0.957-0.999; P=0.044) and 30-day mortality (aOR 0.94; 95% CI 0.890-0.995; P=0.033). L3SMI was significantly lower in re-intubated patients (P=0.024). Secondary analyses suggest that L3SMI is associated with total hospital costs (P=0.043) and LOS post-extubation (P=0.048). CONCLUSION: The lumbar skeletal muscle index, derived from routine abdominal CT, is an objective prognostic tool at the time of extubation.

Impact of weekend admission on mortality and other outcomes among patients with burn injury: A nationwide analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To study the relationship between day of admission and important outcomes among patients with burn injuries. METHODS: The 2014 National Inpatient Sample database was used. Inclusion criterion was a principal diagnosis of burn injury. Exclusion criteria were age <18years, superficial burn, and non-urgent admission. The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality. Secondary outcomes were morbidity (septic shock and prolonged mechanical ventilation), treatment metrics (time to surgery and parenteral or enteral nutrition (P/E-nutrition)) and resource utilization (length of stay (LOS) and total hospitalization charges and costs). Confounders were adjusted for using multivariate regression analysis. RESULTS: A total of 21,665 patients were included, 29% of whom were admitted on weekends. Weekend admission was an independent predictor of mortality only among patients >65years old (adjusted odds ratio (aOR): 2.66 (1.13-4.51), p=0.02). Although rates of septic shock were similar for both groups (aOR): 1.25 (0.74-2.09, p=0.40), weekends were associated with higher odds of prolonged mechanical ventilation (aOR: 1.28 (1.06-1.55), p=0.01). Time to surgery (adjusted mean difference (amDiff): 0.91 (-0.07 to 1.88) days, p=0.07) and time to P/E-nutrition (amDiff: 0.40 (-3.51 to 4.30) days, p=0.80) were similar for both groups. Finally, LOS was longer for weekend admission (amDiff: 1.36 (0.09-2.63) days, p=0.04), but total charges and costs were similar for both groups (amDiff: $16,268 ($-5093-$37,629), p=0.13 and $3275 ($-2337-$8888), p=0.25). CONCLUSIONS: Weekend admission is associated with increased mortality among patients with burn injury >65years old. Weekend admission is also associated with increased morbidity and prolonged length of stay.

Arterial ligation versus embolization in epistaxis management: Counterintuitive national trends.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: Arterial ligation and embolization are treatment modalities indicated in severe and refractory epistaxis. The purpose of this study was to examine temporal trends and compare outcomes in treatment of hospitalized epistaxis patients with ligation or embolization. METHODS: This retrospective cohort analysis utilized the 2008 to 2013 National Inpatient Sample to identify patients admitted with a primary diagnosis of epistaxis, and an associated procedure code for ligation or embolization. RESULTS: A total of 1,813 cases met the inclusion criteria, with 57.1% undergoing ligation. During the study period, treatment with ligation has trended downward, whereas treatment with embolization has remained constant. Overall, ligated patients were older (64.1 vs. 62.4 years; P = 0.027) and had higher rates of congestive heart failure (15.1% vs. 9.8%; P = 0.001). No significant differences in rates of chronic pulmonary disease, coagulopathy, liver disease, or hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia were observed between cohorts. No differences were observed in rates of blood transfusion, stroke, blindness, or in-hospital mortality; however, ligated patients had lower rates of intubation/tracheostomy (2.8% vs. 5.3%; P = 0.009). Ligated patients also experienced shorter hospital stays (3.6 vs. 4.0 days; P = 0.014) and incurred lower hospital charges ($33,029 vs. $69,304; P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Compared to embolization, ligation is associated with significantly decreased hospital charges and shorter hospital stay, without an increase in complication rates. Counterintuitively, ligation appears to be trending downward nationally in its use relative to embolization. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 2C Laryngoscope, 127:1017-1020, 2017.

Comparison of Metal and Plastic Disposable Laryngoscope Blade with Reusable Macintosh Blade in Difficult and Inhalation Injury Airway Scenario: A Manikin Study.

BACKGROUND: Single-use plastic blades (SUPB) and single-use metal blades (SUMB) for direct laryngoscopy and tracheal intubation have not yet been compared with reusable metal blades (RUMB) in difficult airway scenarios. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of our manikin study was to compare the effectiveness of these different laryngoscope blades in a difficult airway scenario, as well as in a difficult airway scenario with simulated severe inhalation injury. METHODS: Thirty anesthetists performed tracheal intubation (TI) with each of the three laryngoscope blades in the two scenario manikins. RESULTS: In the inhalation injury scenario, SUPB were associated with prolonged intubation times when compared with the metal blades. In the inhalation injury scenario, both metal laryngoscope blades provided a quicker, easier, and safer TI. In the difficult airway scenario, intubation times were significantly prolonged in the SUPB group in comparison to the RUMB group, but there were no significant differences between the SUPB and the SUMB. In this scenario, the RUMB demonstrated the shortest intubation times and seems to be the most effective device. CONCLUSIONS: Generally, results are in line with previous studies showing significant disadvantages of SUPB in both manikin scenarios. Therefore, metal blades might be beneficial, especially in the airway management of patients with inhalation injury.

Validation of an Assessment Tool for Field Endotracheal Intubation.

OBJECTIVES: Endotracheal intubation (ETI) is an important skill for all emergency providers; our ability to train and assess our learners is integral to providing optimal patient care. The primary aim of this study was to assess the inter-rater reliability (IRR) and discriminant validity of a novel field ETI assessment tool using a checklist-derived performance score (PS) and critical failure (CF) rate. METHODS: Forty-three participants (18 paramedic students, 11 paramedics, and 14 emergency physicians [EPs]) performed ETI during a simulated trauma scenario on a pseudo-ventilated cadaver. Each participant was assessed by two experienced raters. IRR was calculated using the intraclass correlation coefficient. Regarding discriminant validity, a Kruskal-Wallis test was used to analyze PSs and a χ2 test was used for CFs. Mean global rating scale (GRS) scores were compared using an analysis of variance. RESULTS: The ETI assessment tool had excellent IRR, with an intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.94. There was a significant difference in PSs, CFs, and GRSs (p < 0.05) between cohorts. CONCLUSION: The novel field ETI assessment tool has excellent reliability among trained raters and discriminates between experienced ETI providers (EPs) and less experienced ETI performers using PSs, CFs, and GRSs on a fresh cadaveric model.

Risk factors influencing the outcome of peptic ulcer bleeding in chronic kidney disease after initial endoscopic hemostasis: A nationwide cohort study.

Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) who had peptic ulcer bleeding (PUB) may have more adverse outcomes. This population-based cohort study aimed to identify risk factors that may influence the outcomes of patients with CKD and PUB after initial endoscopic hemostasis. Data from 1997 to 2008 were extracted from the National Health Insurance Research Database in Taiwan. We included a cohort dataset of 1 million randomly selected individuals and a dataset of patients with CKD who were alive in 2008. A total of 18,646 patients with PUB were screened, and 1229 patients admitted for PUB after endoscopic hemostasis were recruited. The subjects were divided into non-CKD (n = 1045) and CKD groups (n = 184). We analyzed the risks of peptic ulcer rebleeding, sepsis events, and mortality among in-hospital patients, and after discharge. Results showed that the rebleeding rates associated with repeat endoscopic therapy (11.96% vs 6.32%, P = 0.0062), death rates (8.7%, vs 2.3%, P < 0.0001), hospitalization cost (US$ 5595±7200 vs US$2408 ±â€Š4703, P < 0.0001), and length of hospital stay (19.6 ±â€Š18.3 vs 11.2 ±â€Š13.1, P < 0.0001) in the CKD group were higher than those in the non-CKD group. The death rate in the CKD group was also higher than that in the non-CKD group after discharge. The independent risk factor for rebleeding during hospitalization was age (odds ratio [OR], 1.02; P = 0.0063), whereas risk factors for death were CKD (OR, 2.37; P = 0.0222), shock (OR, 2.99; P = 0.0098), and endotracheal intubation (OR, 5.31; P < 0.0001). The hazard ratio of rebleeding risk for aspirin users after discharge over a 10-year follow-up period was 0.68 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.45-0.95, P = 0.0223). On the other hand, old age (P < 0.0001), CKD (P = 0.0090), diabetes (P = 0.0470), and congestive heart failure (P = 0.0013) were the independent risk factors for death after discharge. In-hospital patients with CKD and PUB after endoscopic therapy had higher recurrent bleeding, infection, and mortality rates, and the need for second endoscopic therapy. Age was the independent risk factor for recurrent bleeding during hospitalization. After being discharged with a 10-year follow-up period, nonaspirin user was a significant factor for recurrent bleeding.

Preoperative and Intraoperative Predictive Factors of Immediate Extubation After Neonatal Cardiac Surgery.

BACKGROUND: We sought to identify preoperative and intraoperative predictors of immediate extubation (IE) after open heart surgery in neonates. The effect of IE on the postoperative intensive care unit (ICU) length of stay (LOS), cost of postoperative ICU care, operating room turnover, and reintubation rates was assessed. METHODS: Patients younger than 31 days who underwent cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass (January 2010 to December 2013) at a tertiary-care children's hospital were studied. Immediate extubation was defined as successful extubation before termination of anesthetic care. Data on preoperative and intraoperative variables were compared using descriptive, bivariate, and multivariate statistics to identify the predictors of IE. Propensity scores were used to assess effects of IE on ICU LOS, the cost of ICU care, reintubation rates, and operating room turnover time. RESULTS: One hundred forty-eight procedures done at a median age of 7 days resulted in 45 IEs (30.4%). The IE rate was 22.2% with single-ventricle heart disease. Independent predictors of IE were the absence of the need for preoperative ventilatory assistance, higher gestational age, anesthesiologist, and shorter cardiopulmonary bypass. Immediate extubation was associated with shorter ICU LOS (8.3 versus 12.7 days; p < 0.0001) and lower cost of ICU care (mean postoperative ICU charges, $157,449 versus $198,197; p < 0.0001) with no significant difference in the probability of reintubation (p = 0.7). Immediate extubation was associated with longer operating room turnover time (38.4 versus 46.7 minutes; p = 0.009). CONCLUSIONS: Immediate extubation was accomplished in 30.4% of neonates undergoing open heart surgery involving cardiopulmonary bypass. Immediate extubation was associated with lesser ICU LOS, postoperative ICU costs, and minimal increase in operating room turnover time, but without an increase in reintubation rates. Low gestational age, preoperative ventilatory support requirement, and prolonged cardiopulmonary bypass time were inversely associated with the ability to accomplish IE.

The Development of Tracheal Intubation Proficiency Outside the Operating Suite During Pediatric Critical Care Medicine Fellowship Training: A Retrospective Cohort Study Using Cumulative Sum Analysis.

OBJECTIVE: Tracheal intubation is a core technical skill for pediatric critical care medicine fellows. Limited data exist to describe current pediatric critical care medicine fellow tracheal intubation skill acquisition through the training. We hypothesized that both overall and first-attempt tracheal intubation success rates by pediatric critical care medicine fellows improve over the course of training. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study at a single large academic children's hospital. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The National Emergency Airway Registry for Children database and local QI database were merged for all tracheal intubations outside the Operating Suite by pediatric critical care medicine fellows from July 2011 to January 2015. Primary outcomes were tracheal intubation overall success (regardless of number of attempts) and first attempt success. Patient-level covariates were adjusted in multivariate analysis. Learning curves for each fellow were constructed by cumulative sum analysis. RESULTS: A total of 730 tracheal intubation courses performed by 33 fellows were included in the analysis. The unadjusted overall and first attempt success rates were 87% and 80% during the first 3 months of fellowship, respectively, and 95% and 73%, respectively, during the past 3 months of fellowship. Overall success, but not first attempt success, improved during fellowship training (odds ratio for each 3 months, 1.08; 95% CI, 1.01-1.17; p = 0.037) after adjusting for patient-level covariates. Large variance in fellow's tracheal intubation proficiency outside the operating suite was demonstrated with a median number of tracheal intubation equal to 26 (range, 19-54) to achieve a 90% overall success rate. All fellows who completed 3 years of training during the study period achieved an acceptable 90% overall tracheal intubation success rate. CONCLUSIONS: Tracheal intubation overall success improved significantly during the course of fellowship; however, the tracheal intubation first attempt success rates did not. Large variance existed in individual tracheal intubation performance over time. Further investigations on a larger scale across different training programs are necessary to clarify intensity and duration of the training to achieve tracheal intubation procedural competency.