ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: To investigate the impact of thoracic ultrasound (TUS) examinations on clinical management in adult ICU patients. DESIGN: A prospective international observational study. SETTING: Four centers in The Netherlands and Italy. PATIENTS: Adult ICU patients (> 18 yr) that received a clinically indicated lung ultrasound examination. INTERVENTIONS: None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Clinicians performing TUS completed a pre- and post-examination case report form. Patient characteristics, TUS, and resulting clinical effects were recorded. First, change of management, defined as a TUS-induced change in clinical impression leading to a change in treatment plan, was reported. Second, execution of intended management changes within 8 hours was verified. Third, change in fluid balance after 8 hours was calculated. A total of 725 TUS performed by 111 operators across 534 patients (mean age 63 ± 15.0, 70% male) were included. Almost half of TUS caused a change in clinical impression, which resulted in change of management in 39% of cases. The remainder of TUS confirmed the clinical impression, while a minority (4%) did not contribute. Eighty-nine percent of management changes indicated by TUS were executed within 8 hours. TUS examinations that led to a change in fluid management also led to distinct and appropriate changes in patient's fluid balance. CONCLUSIONS: In this international observational study in adult ICU patients, use of TUS had a major impact on clinical management. These results provide grounds for future randomized controlled trials to determine if TUS-induced changes in decision-making also lead to improved health outcomes.
Subject(s)
Critical Illness , Lung , Adult , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Aged , Female , Prospective Studies , Ultrasonography/methods , Lung/diagnostic imaging , ItalyABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: To determine the diagnostic accuracy of extended lung ultrasonographic assessment, including evaluation of dynamic air bronchograms and color Doppler imaging to differentiate pneumonia and atelectasis in patients with consolidation on chest radiograph. Compare this approach to the Simplified Clinical Pulmonary Infection Score, Lung Ultrasound Clinical Pulmonary Infection Score, and the Bedside Lung Ultrasound in Emergency protocol. DESIGN: Prospective diagnostic accuracy study. SETTING: Adult ICU applying selective digestive decontamination. PATIENTS: Adult patients that underwent a chest radiograph for any indication at any time during admission. Patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome, coronavirus disease 2019, severe thoracic trauma, and infectious isolation measures were excluded. INTERVENTIONS: None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Lung ultrasound was performed within 24 hours of chest radiograph. Consolidated tissue was assessed for presence of dynamic air bronchograms and with color Doppler imaging for presence of flow. Clinical data were recorded after ultrasonographic assessment. The primary outcome was diagnostic accuracy of dynamic air bronchogram and color Doppler imaging alone and within a decision tree to differentiate pneumonia from atelectasis. Of 120 patients included, 51 (42.5%) were diagnosed with pneumonia. The dynamic air bronchogram had a 45% (95% CI, 31-60%) sensitivity and 99% (95% CI, 92-100%) specificity. Color Doppler imaging had a 90% (95% CI, 79-97%) sensitivity and 68% (95% CI, 56-79%) specificity. The combined decision tree had an 86% (95% CI, 74-94%) sensitivity and an 86% (95% CI, 75-93%) specificity. The Bedside Lung Ultrasound in Emergency protocol had a 100% (95% CI, 93-100%) sensitivity and 0% (95% CI, 0-5%) specificity, while the Simplified Clinical Pulmonary Infection Score and Lung Ultrasound Clinical Pulmonary Infection Score had a 41% (95% CI, 28-56%) sensitivity, 84% (95% CI, 73-92%) specificity and 68% (95% CI, 54-81%) sensitivity, 81% (95% CI, 70-90%) specificity, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: In critically ill patients with pulmonary consolidation on chest radiograph, an extended lung ultrasound protocol is an accurate and directly bedside available tool to differentiate pneumonia from atelectasis. It outperforms standard lung ultrasound and clinical scores.
Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Pneumonia , Pulmonary Atelectasis , Adult , Critical Illness , Humans , Lung/diagnostic imaging , Pneumonia/diagnostic imaging , Prospective Studies , Pulmonary Atelectasis/diagnostic imaging , Sensitivity and Specificity , Ultrasonography/methodsABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: To determine the diagnostic accuracy of lung ultrasound signs for both the diagnosis of interstitial syndrome and for the discrimination of noncardiogenic interstitial syndrome (NCIS) from cardiogenic pulmonary edema (CPE) in a mixed ICU population. DESIGN: A prospective diagnostic accuracy study with derivation and validation cohorts. SETTING: Three academic mixed ICUs in the Netherlands. PATIENTS: Consecutive adult ICU patients that received a lung ultrasound examination. INTERVENTIONS: None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULT: The reference standard was the diagnosis of interstitial syndrome (NCIS or CPE) or noninterstitial syndromes (other pulmonary diagnoses and no pulmonary diagnoses) based on full post-hoc clinical chart review except lung ultrasound. The index test was a lung ultrasound examination performed and scored by a researcher blinded to clinical information. A total of 101 patients were included in the derivation and 122 in validation cohort. In the derivation cohort, patients with interstitial syndrome ( n = 56) were reliably discriminated from other patients based on the presence of a B-pattern (defined as greater than or equal to 3 B-lines in one frame) with an accuracy of 94.7% (sensitivity, 90.9%; specificity, 91.1%). For discrimination of NCIS ( n = 29) from CPE ( n = 27), the presence of bilateral pleural line abnormalities (at least two: fragmented, thickened or irregular) had the highest diagnostic accuracy (94.6%; sensitivity, 89.3%; specificity, 100%). A diagnostic algorithm (Bedside Lung Ultrasound for Interstitial Syndrome Hierarchy protocol) using B-pattern and bilateral pleural abnormalities had an accuracy of 0.86 (95% CI, 0.77-0.95) for diagnosis and discrimination of interstitial syndromes. In the validation cohort, which included 122 patients with interstitial syndrome, bilateral pleural line abnormalities discriminated NCIS ( n = 98) from CPE ( n = 24) with a sensitivity of 31% (95% CI, 21-40%) and a specificity of 100% (95% CI, 86-100%). CONCLUSIONS: Lung ultrasound can diagnose and discriminate interstitial syndromes in ICU patients with moderate-to-good accuracy. Pleural line abnormalities are highly specific for NCIS, but sensitivity is limited.
Subject(s)
Lung , Pulmonary Edema , Adult , Humans , Intensive Care Units , Lung/diagnostic imaging , Prospective Studies , Sensitivity and Specificity , Ultrasonography/methodsABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Diaphragm ultrasonography is rapidly evolving in both critical care and research. Nevertheless, methodologically robust guidelines on its methodology and acquiring expertise do not, or only partially, exist. Therefore, we set out to provide consensus-based statements towards a universal measurement protocol for diaphragm ultrasonography and establish key areas for research. METHODS: To formulate a robust expert consensus statement, between November 2020 and May 2021, a two-round, anonymous and online survey-based Delphi study among experts in the field was performed. Based on the literature review, the following domains were chosen: "Anatomy and physiology", "Transducer Settings", "Ventilator Impact", "Learning and expertise", "Daily practice" and "Future directions". Agreement of ≥ 68% (≥ 10 panelists) was needed to reach consensus on a question. RESULTS: Of 18 panelists invited, 14 agreed to participate in the survey. After two rounds, the survey included 117 questions of which 42 questions were designed to collect arguments and opinions and 75 questions aimed at reaching consensus. Of these, 46 (61%) consensus was reached. In both rounds, the response rate was 100%. Among others, there was agreement on measuring thickness between the pleura and peritoneum, using > 10% decrease in thickness as cut-off for atrophy and using 40 examinations as minimum training to use diaphragm ultrasonography in clinical practice. In addition, key areas for research were established. CONCLUSION: This expert consensus statement presents the first set of consensus-based statements on diaphragm ultrasonography methodology. They serve to ensure high-quality and homogenous measurements in daily clinical practice and in research. In addition, important gaps in current knowledge and thereby key areas for research are established. Trial registration The study was pre-registered on the Open Science Framework with registration digital object identifier https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/HM8UG .
Subject(s)
Critical Illness , Diaphragm , Critical Care , Critical Illness/therapy , Delphi Technique , Diaphragm/diagnostic imaging , Humans , UltrasonographyABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) after decannulation of extracorporeal life support (ECLS) is not uncommon. Moreover, the impact of anticoagulation and potential risk factors is unclear. Furthermore, it is unclear if cannula-associated DVT is more common in ECLS patients compared to critically ill patients without ECLS. METHODS: All adult patients who were successfully weaned from ECLS and were screened for DVT following decannulation were included in this observational cohort study. The incidence of post-ECLS-DVT was assessed and the cannula-associated DVT rate was compared with that of patients without ECLS after central venous catheter (CVC) removal. The correlation between the level of anticoagulation, risk factors, and post-ECLS-DVT was determined. RESULTS: We included 30 ECLS patients and 53 non-ECLS patients. DVT was found in 15 patients (50%) of which 10 patients had a DVT in a cannulated vein. No correlation between the level of anticoagulation and DVT was found. V-V ECLS mode was the only independent risk factor for post-ECLS-DVT (OR 5.5; 95%CI 1.16-26.41). We found no difference between the ECLS and non-ECLS cohorts regarding cannula-associated DVT rate (33% vs. 32%). CONCLUSION: Post-ECLS-DVT is a common finding that occurs in half of all patients supported with ECLS. The incidence of cannula-associated DVT was equal to CVC-associated DVT in critically ill patients without ECLS. V-V ECLS was an independent risk factor for post-ECLS-DVT.
Subject(s)
Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation , Venous Thrombosis , Adult , Anticoagulants/adverse effects , Critical Illness/therapy , Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation/adverse effects , Humans , Incidence , Risk Factors , Venous Thrombosis/epidemiology , Venous Thrombosis/etiologyABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Evidence from previous studies comparing lung ultrasound to thoracic computed tomography (CT) in intensive care unit (ICU) patients is limited due to multiple methodologic weaknesses. While addressing methodologic weaknesses of previous studies, the primary aim of this study is to investigate the diagnostic accuracy of lung ultrasound in a tertiary ICU population. METHODS: This is a single-center, prospective diagnostic accuracy study conducted at a tertiary ICU in the Netherlands. Critically ill patients undergoing thoracic CT for any clinical indication were included. Patients were excluded if time between the index and reference test was over eight hours. Index test and reference test consisted of 6-zone lung ultrasound and thoracic CT, respectively. Hemithoraces were classified by the index and reference test as follows: consolidation, interstitial syndrome, pneumothorax and pleural effusion. Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative likelihood ratio were estimated. RESULTS: In total, 87 patients were included of which eight exceeded the time limit and were subsequently excluded. In total, there were 147 respiratory conditions in 79 patients. The estimated sensitivity and specificity to detect consolidation were 0.76 (95%CI: 0.68 to 0.82) and 0.92 (0.87 to 0.96), respectively. For interstitial syndrome they were 0.60 (95%CI: 0.48 to 0.71) and 0.69 (95%CI: 0.58 to 0.79). For pneumothorax they were 0.59 (95%CI: 0.33 to 0.82) and 0.97 (95%CI: 0.93 to 0.99). For pleural effusion they were 0.85 (95%CI: 0.77 to 0.91) and 0.77 (95%CI: 0.62 to 0.88). CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, lung ultrasound is an adequate diagnostic modality in a tertiary ICU population to detect consolidations, interstitial syndrome, pneumothorax and pleural effusion. Moreover, one should be careful not to interpret lung ultrasound results in deterministic fashion as multiple respiratory conditions can be present in one patient. Trial registration This study was retrospectively registered at Netherlands Trial Register on March 17, 2021, with registration number NL9344.
Subject(s)
Clinical Competence/standards , Lung/diagnostic imaging , Ultrasonography/standards , Adult , Aged , Clinical Competence/statistics & numerical data , Diagnosis , Female , Humans , Lung/physiopathology , Male , Middle Aged , Prospective Studies , Tertiary Care Centers/organization & administration , Tertiary Care Centers/statistics & numerical data , Ultrasonography/methods , Ultrasonography/statistics & numerical dataABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Mechanical complications arising after central venous catheter placement are mostly malposition or pneumothorax. To date, to confirm correct position and detect pneumothorax, chest x-ray film has been the reference standard, while ultrasound might be an accurate alternative. The aim of this study was to evaluate diagnostic accuracy of ultrasound to detect central venous catheter malposition and pneumothorax. METHODS: This was a prospective, multicenter, diagnostic accuracy study conducted at the intensive care unit and postanesthesia care unit. Adult patients who underwent central venous catheterization of the internal jugular vein or subclavian vein were included. Index test consisted of venous, cardiac, and lung ultrasound. Standard reference test was chest x-ray film. Primary outcome was diagnostic accuracy of ultrasound to detect malposition and pneumothorax; for malposition, sensitivity, specificity, and other accuracy parameters were estimated. For pneumothorax, because chest x-ray film is an inaccurate reference standard to diagnose it, agreement and Cohen's κ-coefficient were determined. Secondary outcomes were accuracy of ultrasound to detect clinically relevant complications and feasibility of ultrasound. RESULTS: In total, 758 central venous catheterizations were included. Malposition occurred in 23 (3.3%) out of 688 cases included in the analysis. Ultrasound sensitivity was 0.70 (95% CI, 0.49 to 0.86) and specificity 0.99 (95% CI, 0.98 to 1.00). Pneumothorax occurred in 5 (0.7%) to 11 (1.5%) out of 756 cases according to chest x-ray film and ultrasound, respectively. In 748 out of 756 cases (98.9%), there was agreement between ultrasound and chest x-ray film with a Cohen's κ-coefficient of 0.50 (95% CI, 0.19 to 0.80). CONCLUSIONS: This multicenter study shows that the complication rate of central venous catheterization is low and that ultrasound produces a moderate sensitivity and high specificity to detect malposition. There is moderate agreement with chest x-ray film for pneumothorax. In conclusion, ultrasound is an accurate diagnostic modality to detect malposition and pneumothorax.
Subject(s)
Catheterization, Central Venous/adverse effects , Catheterization, Central Venous/standards , Central Venous Catheters/adverse effects , Central Venous Catheters/standards , Ultrasonography, Interventional/methods , Ultrasonography, Interventional/standards , Aged , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Prospective StudiesABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Insertion of a central venous catheter (CVC) is common practice in critical care medicine. Complications arising from CVC placement are mostly due to a pneumothorax or malposition. Correct position is currently confirmed by chest x-ray, while ultrasonography might be a more suitable option. We performed a meta-analysis of the available studies with the primary aim of synthesizing information regarding detection of CVC-related complications and misplacement using ultrasound (US). METHODS: This is a systematic review and meta-analysis registered at PROSPERO (CRD42016050698). PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched. Articles which reported the diagnostic accuracy of US in detecting the position of CVCs and the mechanical complications associated with insertion were included. Primary outcomes were specificity and sensitivity of US. Secondary outcomes included prevalence of malposition and pneumothorax, feasibility of US examination, and time to perform and interpret both US and chest x-ray. A qualitative assessment was performed using the QUADAS-2 tool. RESULTS: We included 25 studies with a total of 2548 patients and 2602 CVC placements. Analysis yielded a pooled specificity of 98.9 (95% confidence interval (CI): 97.8-99.5) and sensitivity of 68.2 (95% CI: 54.4-79.4). US examination was feasible in 96.8% of the cases. The prevalence of CVC malposition and pneumothorax was 6.8% and 1.1%, respectively. The mean time for US performance was 2.83 min (95% CI: 2.77-2.89 min) min, while chest x-ray performance took 34.7 min (95% CI: 32.6-36.7 min). US was feasible in 97%. Further analyses were performed by defining subgroups based on the different utilized US protocols and on intra-atrial and extra-atrial misplacement. Vascular US combined with transthoracic echocardiography was most accurate. CONCLUSIONS: US is an accurate and feasible diagnostic modality to detect CVC malposition and iatrogenic pneumothorax. Advantages of US over chest x-ray are that it can be performed faster and does not subject patients to radiation. Vascular US combined with transthoracic echocardiography is advised. However, the results need to be interpreted with caution since included studies were often underpowered and had methodological limitations. A large multicenter study investigating optimal US protocol, among other things, is needed.
Subject(s)
Catheterization, Central Venous/adverse effects , Ultrasonography/standards , Catheterization, Central Venous/methods , Central Venous Catheters/adverse effects , Humans , Iatrogenic Disease/epidemiology , Medical Errors/trends , Pneumothorax/epidemiology , Pneumothorax/etiology , Point-of-Care Systems/standards , Point-of-Care Systems/trends , Reproducibility of Results , Ultrasonography/methodsABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Incidence of central venous catheter (CVC)-related thrombosis in critically ill patients remains ambiguous and its association with potential hazardous sequelae unknown. The primary aim of the study was to evaluate the epidemiology of CVC-related thrombosis; secondary aims were to assess the association of catheter-related thrombosis with catheter-related infection, pulmonary embolism and mortality. METHODS: This was a single-center, prospective observational study conducted at a tertiary intensive care unit (ICU) in the Netherlands. The study population consisted of CVC placements in adult ICU patients with a minimal indwelling time of 48 h. CVC-related thrombosis was diagnosed with ultrasonography. Primary outcomes were prevalence and incidence, incidence was reported as the number of cases per 1000 indwelling days. RESULTS: 173 CVCs in 147 patients were included. Median age of patients was 64.0 [IQR: 52.0, 72.0] and 71.1 % were male. Prevalence of thrombosis was 0.56 (95 % CI: 0.49, 0.63) and incidence per 1000 indwelling days was 65.7 (95 % CI: 59.0, 72.3). No association with catheter-related infection was found (p = 0.566). There was a significant association with pulmonary embolism (p = 0.022). All 173 CVCs were included in the survival analysis. Catheter-related thrombosis was associated with a lower 28-day mortality risk (hazard ratio: 0.39, 95 % CI: 0.17, 0.87). CONCLUSION: In critically ill patients, prevalence and incidence of catheter-related thrombosis were high. Catheter-related thrombosis was not associated with catheter-related infections, but was associated with pulmonary embolism and a decreased mortality risk.
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Serum biomarkers and lung ultrasound are important measures for prognostication and treatment allocation in patients with COVID-19. Currently, there is a paucity of studies investigating relationships between serum biomarkers and ultrasonographic biomarkers derived from lung ultrasound. This study aims to assess correlations between serum biomarkers and lung ultrasound findings. This study is a secondary analysis of four prospective observational studies in adult patients with COVID-19. Serum biomarkers included markers of epithelial injury, endothelial dysfunction and immune activation. The primary outcome was the correlation between biomarker concentrations and lung ultrasound score assessed with Pearson's (r) or Spearman's (rs) correlations. Forty-four patients (67 [41-88] years old, 25% female, 52% ICU patients) were included. GAS6 (rs = 0.39), CRP (rs = 0.42) and SP-D (rs = 0.36) were correlated with lung ultrasound scores. ANG-1 (rs = -0.39) was inversely correlated with lung ultrasound scores. No correlations were found between lung ultrasound score and several other serum biomarkers. In patients with COVID-19, several serum biomarkers of epithelial injury, endothelial dysfunction and immune activation correlated with lung ultrasound findings. The lack of correlations with certain biomarkers could offer opportunities for precise prognostication and targeted therapeutic interventions by integrating these unlinked biomarkers.
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BACKGROUND: Lung ultrasound (LUS) can be used to monitor critically ill patients with COVID-19, but the optimal number of examined lung zones is disputed. METHODS: This was a prospective observational study. The objective was to investigate whether concise (6 zones) and extended (12 zones) LUS scoring protocols are clinically equivalent in critically ill ICU subjects with COVID-19. The primary outcome of this study was (statistical) agreement between concise and extended LUS score index evaluated in both supine and prone position. Agreement was determined using correlation coefficients and Bland-Altman plots to detect systematic differences between protocols. Secondary outcomes were difference between LUS score index in supine and prone position using similar methods. RESULTS: We included 130 LUS examinations in 40 subjects (mean age 69.0 ± 8.5y, 75% male). Agreement between concise and extended LUS score index had no clinically relevant constant or proportional bias and limits of agreement were below the smallest detectable change. Across position changes, supine LUS score index was 8% higher than prone LUS score index and had limits above the smallest detectable change, indicating true LUS score index differences between protocols may occur due to the position change itself. Lastly, inter-rater and intra-rater agreement were very good. CONCLUSIONS: Concise LUS was equally informative as extended LUS for monitoring critically ill subjects with COVID-19 in supine or prone position. Clinicians can monitor patients undergoing position changes but must be wary that LUS score index alterations may result from the position change itself rather than disease progression or clinical improvement.
Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Aged , Female , Critical Illness , Lung/diagnostic imaging , Prospective Studies , Ultrasonography/methodsABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: It is unclear if relevant changes in pulmonary involvement in critically ill COVID-19 patients can be reliably detected by the CT severity score (CTSS) and lung ultrasound score (LUSS), or if these changes have prognostic implications. In addition, it has been argued that adding pleural abnormalities to the LUSS could improve its prognostic value. The objective of this study was to compare LUSS and CTSS for the monitoring of COVID-19 pulmonary involvement through: first, establishing the correlation of LUSS (± pleural abnormalities) and CTSS throughout admission; second, assessing agreement and measurement error between raters for LUSS, pleural abnormalities, and CTSS; third, evaluating the association of the LUSS (± pleural abnormalities) and CTSS with mortality at different timepoints. METHODS: This is a prospective, observational study, conducted during the second COVID-19 wave at the AmsterdamUMC, location VUmc. Adult COVID-19 ICU patients were prospectively included when a CT or a 12-zone LUS was performed at admission or at weekly intervals according to local protocol. Patients were followed 90 days or until death. We calculated the: (1) Correlation of the LUSS (± pleural abnormalities) and CTSS throughout admission with mixed models; (2) Intra-class correlation coefficients (ICCs) and smallest detectable changes (SDCs) between raters; (3) Association between the LUSS (± pleural abnormalities) and CTSS with mixed models. RESULTS: 82 consecutive patients were included. Correlation between LUSS and CTSS was 0.45 (95% CI 0.31-0.59). ICCs for LUSS, pleural abnormalities, and CTSS were 0.88 (95% CI 0.73-0.95), 0.94 (95% CI 0.90-0.96), and 0.84 (95% CI 0.65-0.93), with SDCs of 4.8, 1.4, and 3.9. The LUSS was associated with mortality in week 2, with a score difference between patients who survived or died greater than its SDC. Addition of pleural abnormalities was not beneficial. The CTSS was associated with mortality only in week 1, but with a score difference less than its SDC. CONCLUSIONS: LUSS correlated with CTSS throughout ICU admission but performed similar or better at agreement between raters and mortality prognostication. Given the benefits of LUS over CT, it should be preferred as initial monitoring tool.
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BACKGROUND: Given the long ventilation times of patients with COVID-19 that can cause atrophy and contractile weakness of respiratory muscle fibers, assessment of changes at the bedside would be interesting. As such, the aim of this study was to determine the evolution of respiratory muscle thickness assessed by ultrasound. METHODS: Adult (> 18 y old) patients admitted to the ICU who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 and were ventilated for < 24 h were consecutively included. The first ultrasound examination (diaphragm, rectus abdominis, and lateral abdominal wall muscles) was performed within 24 h of intubation and regarded as baseline measurement. After that, each following day an additional examination was performed, for a maximum of 8 examinations per subject. RESULTS: In total, 30 subjects were included, of which 11 showed ≥ 10% decrease in diaphragm thickness from baseline; 10 showed < 10% change, and 9 showed ≥ 10% increase from baseline. Symptom duration before intubation was highest in the decrease group (12 [11-14] d, P = .03). Total time ventilated within the first week was lowest in the increase group (156 [129-172] h, P = .03). Average initial diaphragm thickness was 1.4 (1.1-1.6) mm and did not differ from final average thickness (1.3 [1.1-1.5] mm, P = .54). The rectus abdominis did not show statistically significant changes, whereas lateral abdominal wall thickness decreased from 14 [10-16] mm at baseline to 11 [9-13] mm on the last day of mechanical ventilation (P = .08). Mixed-effect linear regression demonstrated an association of atrophy and neuromuscular-blocking agent (NMBA) use (P = .01). CONCLUSIONS: In ventilated subjects with COVID-19, overall no change in diaphragm thickness was observed. Subjects with decreased or unchanged thickness had a longer ventilation time than those with increased thickness. NMBA use was associated with decreased thickness. Rectus muscle thickness did not change over time, whereas lateral abdominal muscle thickness decreased but this change was not statistically significant.
ABSTRACT
Ultrasonography of the diaphragm in the zone of apposition has become increasingly popular to evaluate muscle thickness and thickening fraction. However, measurements in this anatomical location are frequently hindered by factors that constrain physical accessibility or that alter diaphragm position. Therefore, other anatomical positions at the chest wall for transducer placement are used, but the variability in diaphragm thickness across the dome has not been systematically studied. The aim of this study was to evaluate anatomical variation of diaphragm thickness in 46 healthy volunteers on three ventrodorsal lines and two craniocaudal positions on these three lines. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) for diaphragm thickness in the craniocaudal direction on the mid-axillary line was significantly higher than those on the posterior axillary and midclavicular lines, suggesting it had the lowest variability (ICCmidaxillary = .89, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.83-0.93, ICCposterior axillary = 0.74, 95% CI: 0.62-0.85, ICCmidclavicular = 0.62, 95% CI: 0.43-0.47, p < 0.05). Average diaphragm thickness was comparable on the posterior axillary and midaxillary lines and substantially larger on the midclavicular line (1.24 mm [1.06-1.47], 1.27 mm [1.10-1.42] and 2.32 [1.97-2.70], p < 0.01). We conclude that the normal diaphragm has a large variability in thickness, especially in the ventrodorsal direction. Variability in craniocaudal position is the lowest at the midaxillary line, which therefore appears to be the preferred site for diaphragm thickness measurement.
Subject(s)
Diaphragm , Thorax , Diaphragm/diagnostic imaging , Diaphragm/physiology , Healthy Volunteers , Humans , UltrasonographyABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Lung ultrasound has established itself as an accurate diagnostic tool in different clinical settings. However, its effects on clinical-decision making are insufficiently described. This systematic review aims to investigate the impact of lung ultrasound, exclusively or as part of an integrated thoracic ultrasound examination, on clinical-decision making in different departments, especially the emergency department (ED), intensive care unit (ICU), and general ward (GW). METHODS: This systematic review was registered at PROSPERO (CRD42021242977). PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science were searched for original studies reporting changes in clinical-decision making (e.g. diagnosis, management, or therapy) after using lung ultrasound. Inclusion criteria were a recorded change of management (in percentage of cases) and with a clinical presentation to the ED, ICU, or GW. Studies were excluded if examinations were beyond the scope of thoracic ultrasound or to guide procedures. Mean changes with range (%) in clinical-decision making were reported. Methodological data on lung ultrasound were also collected. Study quality was scored using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale. RESULTS: A total of 13 studies were included: five studies on the ED (546 patients), five studies on the ICU (504 patients), two studies on the GW (1150 patients), and one study across all three wards (41 patients). Lung ultrasound changed the diagnosis in mean 33% (15-44%) and 44% (34-58%) of patients in the ED and ICU, respectively. Lung ultrasound changed the management in mean 48% (20-80%), 42% (30-68%) and 48% (48-48%) of patients in the ED, in the ICU and in the GW, respectively. Changes in management were non-invasive in 92% and 51% of patients in the ED and ICU, respectively. Lung ultrasound methodology was heterogeneous across studies. Risk of bias was moderate to high in all studies. CONCLUSIONS: Lung ultrasound, exclusively or as a part of thoracic ultrasound, has substantial impact on clinical-decision making by changing diagnosis and management in the EDs, ICUs, and GWs. The current evidence level and methodological heterogeneity underline the necessity for well-designed trials and standardization of methodology.
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ABSTRACT: Background: Aims of this study were to investigate the prevalence and incidence of catheter-related infection, identify risk factors, and determine the relation of catheter-related infection with mortality in critically ill COVID-19 patients. Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study of central venous catheters (CVCs) in critically ill COVID-19 patients. Eligible CVC insertions required an indwelling time of at least 48 hours and were identified using a full-admission electronic health record database. Risk factors were identified using logistic regression. Differences in survival rates at day 28 of follow-up were assessed using a log-rank test and proportional hazard model. Results: In 538 patients, a total of 914 CVCs were included. Prevalence and incidence of suspected catheter-related infection were 7.9% and 9.4 infections per 1,000 catheter indwelling days, respectively. Prone ventilation for more than 5 days was associated with increased risk of suspected catheter-related infection; odds ratio, 5.05 (95% confidence interval 2.12-11.0). Risk of death was significantly higher in patients with suspected catheter-related infection (hazard ratio, 1.78; 95% confidence interval, 1.25-2.53). Conclusions: This study shows that in critically ill patients with COVID-19, prevalence and incidence of suspected catheter-related infection are high, prone ventilation is a risk factor, and mortality is higher in case of catheter-related infection.
Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Catheter-Related Infections , Catheterization, Central Venous , Central Venous Catheters , Humans , Catheter-Related Infections/epidemiology , Catheter-Related Infections/etiology , Catheterization, Central Venous/adverse effects , Critical Illness , Incidence , Retrospective Studies , COVID-19/epidemiology , Central Venous Catheters/adverse effects , Risk FactorsABSTRACT
Lung ultrasonography is accurate in detecting pulmonary edema and overcomes most limitations of traditional diagnostic modalities. Whether use of lung ultrasonography-guided management has an effect on cumulative fluid balances and other clinical outcomes remains unclear. In this systematic review, we included 12 studies using ultrasonography guided-management with a total of 2290 patients. Four in-patient studies found a reduced cumulative fluid balance (ranging from -0.3 L to -2.4 L), whereas three out-patient studies found reduction in dialysis dry weight (ranging from -2.6 kg to -0.2 kg) compared with conventionally managed patients. None of the studies found adverse effects related to hypoperfusion. The use of lung ultrasonography-guided management was not associated with other clinical outcomes. This systematic review shows that lung ultrasonography-guided management, exclusively or in concert with other diagnostic modalities, is associated with a reduced cumulative fluid balance. Studies thus far have not shown a consistent effect on clinical outcomes.
Subject(s)
Lung/diagnostic imaging , Lung/physiopathology , Pulmonary Edema/diagnostic imaging , Pulmonary Edema/physiopathology , Water-Electrolyte Balance , Humans , Pulmonary Edema/therapy , Renal Dialysis , Treatment Outcome , UltrasonographyABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: A weaning trial can be considered a stress test of the cardiorespiratory system; it increases oxygen demand and thus warrants a higher cardiac index and elevated breathing effort. We hypothesized that the combination of easily performed ultrasound measurements of heart, lungs, and diaphragm would yield good diagnostic accuracy to predict extubation failure. METHODS: Adult subjects ventilated for > 72 h with a successful spontaneous breathing trial were included. Ultrasound measurements of heart (left ventricular function), lungs (number of B-lines), and diaphragm thickening fraction were performed during a spontaneous breathing trial. The primary outcomes were sensitivity, specificity, and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of a holistic ultrasound approach for extubation failure. Re-intubation within 48 h was considered extubation failure. RESULTS: Eighty-three subjects were included, of whom 15 (18%) were re-intubated within 48 h. The sensitivity and specificity of a holistic approach were 100% (78.2-100%) and 7.7% (2.5-17.1%), respectively, with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.54. The sensitivity and specificity of diaphragm thickening fraction, using a cutoff value of < 30% for extubation failure were 86.7% (59.5-98.3%) and 25.4% (15.5-37.5%), respectively, with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.61. CONCLUSIONS: In subjects ventilated for > 72 h who had a successful spontaneous breathing trial, holistic ultrasound was a weak predictor for extubation failure. (ClinicalTrials.gov registration NCT04196361).
Subject(s)
Airway Extubation , Ventilator Weaning , Adult , Diaphragm/diagnostic imaging , Humans , Prospective Studies , UltrasonographyABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Lung ultrasound can adequately monitor disease severity in pneumonia and acute respiratory distress syndrome. We hypothesize lung ultrasound can adequately monitor COVID-19 pneumonia in critically ill patients. METHODS: Adult patients with COVID-19 pneumonia admitted to the intensive care unit of two academic hospitals who underwent a 12-zone lung ultrasound and a chest CT examination were included. Baseline characteristics, and outcomes including composite endpoint death or ICU stay > 30 days were recorded. Lung ultrasound and CT images were quantified as a lung ultrasound score involvement index (LUSI) and CT severity involvement index (CTSI). Primary outcome was the correlation, agreement, and concordance between LUSI and CTSI. Secondary outcome was the association of LUSI and CTSI with the composite endpoints. RESULTS: We included 55 ultrasound examinations in 34 patients, which were 88% were male, with a mean age of 63 years and mean P/F ratio of 151. The correlation between LUSI and CTSI was strong (r = 0.795), with an overall 15% bias, and limits of agreement ranging - 40 to 9.7. Concordance between changes in sequentially measured LUSI and CTSI was 81%. In the univariate model, high involvement on LUSI and CTSI were associated with a composite endpoint. In the multivariate model, LUSI was the only remaining independent predictor. CONCLUSIONS: Lung ultrasound can be used as an alternative for chest CT in monitoring COVID-19 pneumonia in critically ill patients as it can quantify pulmonary involvement, register changes over the course of the disease, and predict death or ICU stay > 30 days. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NTR, NL8584. Registered 01 May 2020-retrospectively registered, https://www.trialregister.nl/trial/8584.