Skin Mottling in Dark-skinned Indian Patients with Severe Septic Shock: A Window to the Circulation or a Closed Door?

Skin mottling has been found to be useful as a marker of peripheral hypoperfusion in shock in studies performed on fair-skinned patients. Whether skin mottling may be less apparent in dark-skinned patients, thus limiting its value in this patient population has not been studied. Jog et al. have performed an elegant study addressing this question, which is important and especially relevant to the Indian situation. They found that mottling is not easily visible in dark-skinned Indian patients, and when it becomes apparent, it is associated with a very high mortality. This study also throws up some areas for future research, including interobserver variability in the detection of mottling, and the hemodynamic and microcirculatory parameters associated with the appearance of mottling. Based on this study, the utility of skin mottling as a tool to guide hemodynamic management in severe septic shock in dark-skinned Indian patients is questionable. How to cite this article: Divatia JV. Skin Mottling in Dark-skinned Indian Patients with Severe Septic Shock: A Window to the Circulation or a Closed Door? Indian J Crit Care Med 2024;28(1):18-19.

Indian Society of Critical Care Medicine and Indian Association of Palliative Care Expert Consensus and Position Statements for End-of-life and Palliative Care in the Intensive Care Unit.

End-of-life care (EOLC) exemplifies the joint mission of intensive and palliative care (PC) in their human-centeredness. The explosion of technological advances in medicine must be balanced with the culture of holistic care. Inevitably, it brings together the science and the art of medicine in their full expression. High-quality EOLC in the ICU is grounded in evidence, ethical principles, and professionalism within the framework of the Law. Expert professional statements over the last two decades in India were developed while the law was evolving. Recent landmark Supreme Court judgments have necessitated a review of the clinical pathway for EOLC outlined in the previous statements. Much empirical and interventional evidence has accumulated since the position statement in 2014. This iteration of the joint Indian Society of Critical Care Medicine-Indian Association of Palliative Care (ISCCM-IAPC) Position Statement for EOLC combines contemporary evidence, ethics, and law for decision support by the bedside in Indian ICUs. How to cite this article: Mani RK, Bhatnagar S, Butola S, Gursahani R, Mehta D, Simha S, et al. Indian Society of Critical Care Medicine and Indian Association of Palliative Care Expert Consensus and Position Statements for End-of-life and Palliative Care in the Intensive Care Unit. Indian J Crit Care Med 2024;28(3):200-250.

Impact of surgical site infection on unplanned hospital readmissions, initiation of adjuvant treatment following surgery, and disease-free survival on patients with upper aerodigestive tract squamous cell carcinoma.

INTRODUCTION: Unplanned hospital readmission (UHR) is an important indicator of the quality of the healthcare system in place. It has various implications for the patients and the healthcare system at large. In this article, we have attempted to understand the various factors influencing UHR and the start of adjuvant treatment following cancer surgery. PATIENTS & METHODS: In this study adult patients above 18 years of age with upper aerodigestive tract squamous cell carcinoma who underwent surgery at our center between July 2019 to December 2019 were included in the study. Various factors influencing UHR and delay in receiving adjuvant treatment were analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 245 patients satisfied the inclusion criteria. Surgical site infection (SSI) was the factor that had the maximum influence on the UHR (p < 0.002, OR: 5.6, 95% CI: [1.911-16.4]) and delaying the start of adjuvant treatment (p = 0.008, OR: 3.786, 95% CI: [1.421-10.086]) on multivariate analysis. Surgery lasting for >4 h and patients who had received prior treatment tended to develop SSI postoperatively. The presence of SSI also seemed to have had a negative influence on disease-free survival (DFS) as well. CONCLUSIONS: SSI is an important postoperative complication having major implications in terms of increased UHR and delays in starting adjuvant treatment which in turn is reflected as a poorer DFS among patients who develop SSI postoperatively.

The Curing Coma Campaign®: Concerns in the Indian Subcontinent.

Background: The Curing Coma Campaign (CCC) was launched by the Neurocritical Care Society (NCS) in 2019, with the purpose to bring together a diverse group of coma scientists, neurointensivists, and neurorehabilitationists. Methods: The aim of this campaign is to move beyond the limitations imposed by current definitions of coma and identify mechanisms to improve prognostication, identify test therapies, and impact outcomes. At the moment, whole approach of the CCC appears ambitiously challenging. Results: This could be true only for the Western world, such as the North America, Europe, and few developed countries. However, the whole concept of CCC may face potential challenges in the lower-middle income countries. India has several stumbling blocks that need to and can be addressed in the future, for a meaningful outcome, as envisaged in the CCC. Conclusion: India has several potential challenges, which we aim to discuss in this article. How to cite this article: Kapoor I, Mahajan C, Zirpe KG, Samavedam S, Sahoo TK, Sapra H, et al. The Curing Coma Campaign®: Concerns in the Indian Subcontinent. Indian J Crit Care Med 2023;27(2):89-92.

Thymosin α1 for COVID-19: Look before You Leap!

How to cite this article: Divatia JV. Thymosin α1 for COVID-19: Look before You Leap! Indian J Crit Care Med 2022;26(8):892-893.

Utility of Stewart's Approach to Diagnose Missed Complex Acid-Base Disorders as Compared to Bicarbonate-anion Gap-based Methodology in Critically Ill Patients: An Observational Study.

BACKGROUND: Traditional arterial blood gas (ABG) analysis may miss out on some metabolic acid-base disorders. We prospectively compared Stewart's approach in critically ill patients to traditional bicarbonate-anion gap-based methods (with and without correction for albumin) to diagnose acid-base disorders. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Five hundred ABG samples from medical or surgical patients in the ICU were analyzed with traditional bicarbonate-anion gap-based methodology with and without correction for albumin and Stewart's biochemical approach. The primary outcome identification of additional metabolic disorders diagnosed with Stewart's approach in comparison to bicarbonate system-based approaches. We also looked at the correlation between the strong ion gap (SIG) and the albumin-corrected anion gap (acAnion Gap). RESULTS: Stewart's approach detected missed metabolic disorders in 58 (11.6%) blood gas results reported as "within normal limits" with the bicarbonate-uncorrected anion gap approach. In 50 (10%) of these ABGs, the acAnion Gap approach was able to diagnose the missed metabolic disorders. Thus, the albumin-corrected anion gap method had a similar diagnostic performance to Stewart's approach, as it missed additional disorders in only eight (1.6%) blood gases. CONCLUSION: In this study, we found that the acAnion Gap approach was similar in diagnostic performance to Stewart's approach. We feel that the corrected anion gap approach can be safely used if a ready calculator for Stewart's approach is not available. HOW TO CITE THIS ARTICLE: Paliwal R, Pakavakis A, Divatia JV, Kulkarni AP. Utility of Stewart's Approach to Diagnose Missed Complex Acid-Base Disorders as Compared to Bicarbonate-anion Gap-based Methodology in Critically Ill Patients: An Observational Study. Indian J Crit Care Med 2022;26(1):23-32.

Safety and Feasibility of AnaConDa™ to Deliver Inhaled Isoflurane for Sedation in Patients Undergoing Elective Postoperative Mechanical Ventilation: A Prospective, Open-label, Interventional Trial (INSTINCT I Study).

Aim: Sedation is essential during invasive mechanical ventilation, and conventionally intravenous analgesic and sedative drugs are used. Sedation with inhaled anesthetics using anesthesia conserving device (ACD) is an alternative. There is no data on the safety and ease of use of AnaConDa™ from India. Materials and methods: After IEC approval and informed consent, we used AnaConDa™-S for Isoflurane sedation in 50 hemodynamically stable (need for <0.5 µg/kg/min of Noradrenaline infusion), ASA I and II patients aged 18-80 years, undergoing elective mechanical ventilation for up to 24 hours after elective oncosurgeries. Patients with mental obtundation (GCS <14), or if pregnant, were excluded. The primary outcome was time spent between RASS scores of -3 and -4, while secondary outcomes were incidence of delirium, technical problems with AnaConDa™, and adverse systemic effects of isoflurane. Bolus doses of isoflurane 0.2-0.5 mL were given if the Richmond agitation sedation scale (RASS) score was not achieved. Results: Fifty patients received isoflurane infusion for a median of 720 (IQR 630-900) minutes, and all remained in the target sedation range. Median time to awakening [19 (IQR, 5-85) minutes], to follow simple verbal commands [20 (IQR 5-180) minutes], and extubation after stopping the infusion of isoflurane was quick [100 (10-470) minutes]. All patients remained hemodynamically stable. None of the patients had delirium. Conclusion: Target sedation levels were achieved with initial boluses of isoflurane using AnaConDa™-S. Isoflurane sedation delivery using AnaConDa™-S is safe and feasible. How to cite this article: Kulkarni AP, Bhosale SJ, Kalvit KR, Sahu TK, Mohanty R, Dhas MM, et al. Safety and Feasibility of AnaConDa™ to Deliver Inhaled Isoflurane for Sedation in Patients Undergoing Elective Postoperative Mechanical Ventilation: A Prospective, Open-label, Interventional Trial (INSTINCT I Study). Indian J Crit Care Med 2022;26(8):906-912.

ISCCM Guidelines for Hemodynamic Monitoring in the Critically Ill.

Hemodynamic assessment along with continuous monitoring and appropriate therapy forms an integral part of management of critically ill patients with acute circulatory failure. In India, the infrastructure in ICUs varies from very basic facilities in smaller towns and semi-urban areas, to world-class, cutting-edge technology in corporate hospitals, in metropolitan cities. Surveys and studies from India suggest a wide variation in clinical practices due to possible lack of awareness, expertise, high costs, and lack of availability of advanced hemodynamic monitoring devices. We, therefore, on behalf of the Indian Society of Critical Care Medicine (ISCCM), formulated these evidence-based guidelines for optimal use of various hemodynamic monitoring modalities keeping in mind the resource-limited settings and the specific needs of our patients. When enough evidence was not forthcoming, we have made recommendations after achieving consensus amongst members. Careful integration of clinical assessment and critical information obtained from laboratory data and monitoring devices should help in improving outcomes of our patients. How to cite this article: Kulkarni AP, Govil D, Samavedam S, Srinivasan S, Ramasubban S, Venkataraman R, et al. ISCCM Guidelines for Hemodynamic Monitoring in the Critically Ill. Indian J Crit Care Med 2022;26(S2):S66-S76.

Comparison of double lumen tube insertion using the McGrath MAC versus direct laryngoscopy in adult patients with a limited glottis view: A prospective interventional study.

Background and Aims: Passage of double-lumen tubes (DLT) can be challenging in patients with limited glottis view. This study aims to determine the usefulness of McGrath® MAC videolaryngoscope (VL) in cases with limited glottis view on direct laryngoscopy with Macintosh blade. Material and Methods: After study approval and registration of trial, consent was sought from all adult patients planned for elective DLT insertion for lung isolation during the course of general anesthesia. Patients not consenting, less than 18 years, with anticipated difficult mask ventilation or need for rapid sequence induction were excluded. Following routine anesthetic induction, laryngoscopy was attempted by an experienced anesthesiologist using Macintosh scope. If the view obtained was Cormack and Lehane (CL) view IIB and above or the attempt at intubation using DLT failed despite a CL I/IIA view, the patient was included in the trial. The laryngoscope was removed and after ensuring adequate oxygenation and depth of anesthesia, intubation was attempted using McGrath® MAC VL. The percentage of glottis opening (POGO) score was noted for both the scopes. Results: DLT insertion was attempted in 76 patients in the study period. Eight patients were included in the trial on account of limited glottis view/failure with Macintosh scope. Insertion of DLT with McGrath MAC was tried only in six patients, in two patients, the VL was not available for use. The mean (standard deviation) POGO score with Macintosh scope was 9 (±20), which significantly improved with the use of VL to 71 (±24), P = 0.01. Conclusion: McGrath MAC is helpful in inserting DLT in patients with limited glottis view with Macintosh scope.

Effect of 12 mg vs 6 mg of Dexamethasone on the Number of Days Alive Without Life Support in Adults With COVID-19 and Severe Hypoxemia: The COVID STEROID 2 Randomized Trial.

Importance: A daily dose with 6 mg of dexamethasone is recommended for up to 10 days in patients with severe and critical COVID-19, but a higher dose may benefit those with more severe disease. Objective: To assess the effects of 12 mg/d vs 6 mg/d of dexamethasone in patients with COVID-19 and severe hypoxemia. Design, Setting, and Participants: A multicenter, randomized clinical trial was conducted between August 2020 and May 2021 at 26 hospitals in Europe and India and included 1000 adults with confirmed COVID-19 requiring at least 10 L/min of oxygen or mechanical ventilation. End of 90-day follow-up was on August 19, 2021. Interventions: Patients were randomized 1:1 to 12 mg/d of intravenous dexamethasone (n = 503) or 6 mg/d of intravenous dexamethasone (n = 497) for up to 10 days. Main Outcomes and Measures: The primary outcome was the number of days alive without life support (invasive mechanical ventilation, circulatory support, or kidney replacement therapy) at 28 days and was adjusted for stratification variables. Of the 8 prespecified secondary outcomes, 5 are included in this analysis (the number of days alive without life support at 90 days, the number of days alive out of the hospital at 90 days, mortality at 28 days and at 90 days, and ≥1 serious adverse reactions at 28 days). Results: Of the 1000 randomized patients, 982 were included (median age, 65 [IQR, 55-73] years; 305 [31%] women) and primary outcome data were available for 971 (491 in the 12 mg of dexamethasone group and 480 in the 6 mg of dexamethasone group). The median number of days alive without life support was 22.0 days (IQR, 6.0-28.0 days) in the 12 mg of dexamethasone group and 20.5 days (IQR, 4.0-28.0 days) in the 6 mg of dexamethasone group (adjusted mean difference, 1.3 days [95% CI, 0-2.6 days]; P = .07). Mortality at 28 days was 27.1% in the 12 mg of dexamethasone group vs 32.3% in the 6 mg of dexamethasone group (adjusted relative risk, 0.86 [99% CI, 0.68-1.08]). Mortality at 90 days was 32.0% in the 12 mg of dexamethasone group vs 37.7% in the 6 mg of dexamethasone group (adjusted relative risk, 0.87 [99% CI, 0.70-1.07]). Serious adverse reactions, including septic shock and invasive fungal infections, occurred in 11.3% in the 12 mg of dexamethasone group vs 13.4% in the 6 mg of dexamethasone group (adjusted relative risk, 0.83 [99% CI, 0.54-1.29]). Conclusions and Relevance: Among patients with COVID-19 and severe hypoxemia, 12 mg/d of dexamethasone compared with 6 mg/d of dexamethasone did not result in statistically significantly more days alive without life support at 28 days. However, the trial may have been underpowered to identify a significant difference. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04509973 and ctri.nic.in Identifier: CTRI/2020/10/028731.

Are Mechanically Ventilated Patients with COVID-19 More Likely to Die Than Those without COVID-19? Perhaps Not.

How to cite this article: Divatia JV. Are Mechanically Ventilated Patients with COVID-19 More Likely to Die Than Those without COVID-19? Perhaps Not. Indian J Crit Care Med 2021;25(12):1341-1342.

Epidemiology and Predictors of Hospital Outcomes of Critically Ill Pediatric Oncology Patients: A Retrospective Study.

BACKGROUND: The number of pediatric oncology patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) has increased, and their hospital outcomes are improving. Since scarce data are available about this patient population, we conducted this retrospective study to evaluate the epidemiology and predictors of hospital outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We included all children with cancers who were admitted to our ICU over 1 year. We excluded children admitted after elective surgery and those following bone marrow transplant. We collected data about demographics, admission diagnosis, type of malignancies, and ICU interventions. The primary outcome was the hospital outcome. The secondary outcomes were ICU length of stay (LOS), and ICU and hospital mortality. We analyzed the predictors of hospital outcome. RESULTS: Two hundred pediatric oncology patients were admitted from November 1, 2014 to October 30, 2015. Seventy-eight children had solid organ malignancies, and the rest had hematological malignancies. Hematooncology malignancy patients had significantly higher hospital mortality than those with solid organ malignancies. (61.5 vs 34.6%, p = 0.015). On multivariate regression analysis, mechanical ventilation [odds ratio (OR), 14.64; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.23-165.05; p <0.030], inotropes (OR, 9.81; 95% CI: 1.222-78.66; p <0.032), and the presence of coagulopathy (OR, 3.86; 95% CI: 1.568-9.514; p <0.003) were independent predictors of hospital mortality. CONCLUSION: In this retrospective cohort of 200 children with malignancies, we found that children with hematologic cancer had significantly higher hospital mortality as compared to those with solid tumors. The need for mechanical ventilation, use of inotrope infusion, and coagulopathy were independent predictors of mortality. HOW TO CITE THIS ARTICLE: Bhosale SJ, Joshi M, Patil VP, Kothekar AT, Myatra SN, Divatia JV, et al. Epidemiology and Predictors of Hospital Outcomes of Critically Ill Pediatric Oncology Patients: A Retrospective Study. Indian J Crit Care Med 2021;25(10):1183-1188.

Clinico-demographic and Outcome Predictors in Solid Tumor Patients with Unplanned Intensive Care Unit Admissions: An Observational Study.

OBJECTIVES: Critically ill solid organ malignancy patients admitted to intensive care unit (ICU) as unplanned medical admissions behave differently from other subsets of cancer patients (hematolymphoid malignancies and cancer patients admitted for postoperative care). These patients if appropriately selected may benefit from the ICU care. There is paucity of data on critically ill unplanned admissions of solid organ malignancies from South Asia. We analyzed data of patients with solid tumors with unplanned admissions to the ICU to determine the clinical, epidemiological characteristics, and predictors of hospital mortality in an Indian ICU. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective, observational study was done in our 14-bedded mixed medical-surgical ICU from July 2014 to November 2015. We included all consecutive adult unplanned admissions with solid organ malignancies having ICU stay of >24 hours. Surgical admissions, hematolymphoid malignancies, advanced malignancy with no treatment options, and those cured of cancer >5 years were excluded. RESULTS: Two hundred and thirty-five consecutive patients were included in this cohort. ICU and hospital mortalities were 36.6 and 40%, respectively. On multivariate analysis, cancer status [odds ratio (OR): 3.204; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.271-8.078], invasive mechanical ventilation (OR: 5.940; 95% CI: 2.632-13.408), and sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) score on the day of ICU admission (OR: 1.199; 95% CI: 1.042-1.379) were independent predictors of hospital mortality. CONCLUSION: Acute respiratory failure and septic shock are the common reasons of unplanned ICU admission for patients with solid organ malignancies. With good patient selection, more than half of such patients are likely to be discharged alive from the hospital. HOW TO CITE THIS ARTICLE: Siddiqui SS, Narkhede AM, Chaudhari HK, Ravisankar NP, Dhundi U, Sarode S, et al. Clinico-demographic and Outcome Predictors in Solid Tumor Patients with Unplanned Intensive Care Unit Admissions: An Observational Study. Indian J Crit Care Med 2021;25(12):1421-1426.

Epidemiology, Clinical Characteristics, and Prognostic Factors in Critically Ill Patients with Hematolymphoid Malignancy.

OBJECTIVE: Despite advances in the field of oncology and intensive care, the outcomes of hematolymphoid malignancy (HLM) patients admitted to ICU are poor. This study was carried out to look at the demographic data, clinical features, and predictors of hospital mortality in these patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We prospectively studied 101 adult critically ill patients with HLM admitted to the 14-bedded mixed medical surgical ICU of a tertiary care cancer center. Out of 101 patients, end-of-life care decisions were taken in 7 patients, who were excluded from the outcome analysis. Predictors of in-hospital mortality were evaluated using univariate and multivariate analysis. RESULTS: The ICU and in-hospital mortality recorded in our study were 48.9 and 54.3%, respectively. Neutropenia at ICU admission, Simplified Acute Physiology Score III (SAPS III) score, and mechanical ventilation (MV) within 24 hours of ICU admission were associated with in-hospital mortality on univariate analysis. On multivariate logistic regression analysis, neutropenia at ICU admission (OR 4.621; 95% CI, 1.2-17.357) and MV within 24 hours of ICU admission (OR 2.728; 95% CI, 1.077-6.912) were independent predictors of in-hospital mortality. CONCLUSION: The HLM patients needing critical care have high acuity of illness, and acute respiratory failure is the commonest reason for ICU admission in these patients. In our study, the ICU survival was more than 50% and more than 45% patients were discharged alive from the hospital. We found a need for MV within 24 hours of ICU admission and presence of neutropenia at ICU admission to be independent predictors of hospital mortality in our study. HOW TO CITE THIS ARTICLE: Siddiqui SS, Prabu NR, Chaudhari HK, Narkhede AM, Sarode SV, Dhundi U, et al. Epidemiology, Clinical Characteristics, and Prognostic Factors in Critically Ill Patients with Hematolymphoid Malignancy. Indian J Crit Care Med 2021;25(1):56-61.

Intensive Care in India in 2018-2019: The Second Indian Intensive Care Case Mix and Practice Patterns Study.

BACKGROUND: We aimed to study organizational aspects, case mix, and practices in Indian intensive care units (ICUs) from 2018 to 2019, following the Indian Intensive Care Case Mix and Practice Patterns Study (INDICAPS) of 2010-2011. METHODS: An observational, 4-day point prevalence study was performed between 2018 and 2019. ICU, patient characteristics, and interventions were recorded for 24 hours, and ICU outcomes till 30 days after the study day. Adherence to selected compliance measures was determined. Data were analyzed for 4,669 adult patients from 132 ICUs. RESULTS: On the study day, mean age, acute physiology and chronic health evaluation (APACHE II), and sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) scores were 56.9 ± 17.41 years, 16.7 ± 9.8, and 4.4 ± 3.6, respectively. Moreover, 24% and 22.2% of patients received mechanical ventilation (MV) and vasopressors or inotropes (VIs), respectively. On the study days, 1,195 patients (25.6%) were infected and 1,368 patients (29.3%) had sepsis during their ICU stay. ICU mortality was 1,092 out of 4,669 (23.4%), including 737 deaths and 355 terminal discharges (TDs) from ICU. Compliance for process measures related to MV ranged between 62.7 and 85.3%, 11.2 and 47.4% for monitoring delirium, sedation, and analgesia, and 7.7 and 25.3% for inappropriate transfusion of blood products. Only 34.8% of ICUs routinely used capnography. Large hospitals with ≥500 beds, closed ICUs, the APACHE II and SOFA scores, medical admissions, the presence of cancer or cirrhosis of the liver, the presence of infection on the study day, and the need for MV or VIs were independent predictors of mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Hospital size and closed ICUs are independently associated with worse outcomes. The proportion of TDs remains high. There is a scope for improvements in processes of care.Registered at clinicaltrials.gov (NCT03631927). HOW TO CITE THIS ARTICLE: Divatia JV, Mehta Y, Govil D, Zirpe K, Amin PR, Ramakrishnan N, et al. Intensive Care in India in 2018-2019: The Second Indian Intensive Care Case Mix and Practice Patterns Study. Indian J Crit Care Med 2021;25(10):1093-1107.

Outcomes of Elective Major Cancer Surgery During COVID 19 at Tata Memorial Centre: Implications for Cancer Care Policy.

BACKGROUND: Overburdened systems and concerns of adverse outcomes have resulted in deferred cancer surgeries with devastating consequences. In this COVID pandemic, the decision to continue elective cancer surgeries, and their subsequent outcomes, are sparsely reported from hotspots. METHODS: A prospective database of the Department of Surgical Oncology was analysed from March 23rd to April 30th, 2020. FINDINGS: Four hundred ninety-four elective surgeries were performed (377 untested and 117 tested for Covid 19 before surgery). Median age was 48 years with 13% (n = 64) above the age of 60 years. Sixty-eight percent patients were American Society of Anaesthesiology (ASA) grade I. As per surgical complexity grading, 71 (14·4%) cases were lower grade (I-III) and 423 (85.6%) were higher grade complex surgeries (IV - VI).Clavien-Dindo ≥ grade III complications were 5.6% (n = 28) and there were no postoperative deaths. Patients >60 years documented 9.3% major complications compared to 5.2% in <60 years (P = 0.169). The median hospital stay was 1 to 9 days across specialties.Postoperatively, 26 patients were tested for COVID 19 and 6 tested positive. They all had higher grade surgeries but none required escalated or intensive care treatment related to COVID infection. INTERPRETATION: A combination of scientific and administrative rationale contributed to favorable outcomes after major elective cancer surgeries. These results support the continuation of elective major cancer surgery in regions with Covid 19 trends similar to India.

Compliance and perception about personal protective equipment among health care workers involved in the surgery of COVID-19 negative cancer patients during the pandemic.

BACKGROUND: Health care workers (HCWs) are at risk of getting infected while at work, for example, operating room (OR), hence it is pertinent that they don all the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) to minimize the chance of getting infected. METHODS: A COVID-19 specific briefing and debriefing form was created and used in the OR along with the World Health Organization surgical safety checklist to reinforce the use of appropriate PPE. An audit was subsequently done to understand the compliance to PPE use, followed by a survey based on the findings of the audit to understand the issues related to noncompliance. RESULTS: The form was used in 183 out of the 238 (77%) surgeries performed during a months' time. The overall compliance for PPE usage was 96.3%. Noncompliance was seen most often for eye protection (45/567) (P = .01). The survey revealed that this was mostly among surgeons mainly due to discomfort, poor visibility, and frequent fogging. CONCLUSIONS: Our HCW were adapting well to the new normal of donning appropriate PPE in the OR, except for the eye protection due to discomfort and visibility related issues. This is important to know so that necessary changes could be introduced to better the compliance.

End-of-life Care in the Intensive Care Unit: Better Late Than Never?

Divatia JV. End-of-life Care in the Intensive Care Unit: Better Late Than Never? Indian J Crit Care Med 2020;24(6):375-377.

Percutaneous Tracheostomy in Coagulopathic Patients: Proceed with Caution.

How to cite this article: Divatia JV. Percutaneous Tracheostomy in Coagulopathic Patients: Proceed with Caution. Indian J Crit Care Med 2020;24(2):85-87.

Evaluation and Validation of Four Scoring Systems: the APACHE IV, SAPS III, MPM0 II, and ICMM in Critically Ill Cancer Patients.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: To evaluate and validate four severity-of-illness scores, acute physiology and chronic health evaluation IV (APACHE IV), simplified acute physiology score III (SAPS III), mortality probability models II at 0 hours (MPM0 II), and ICU cancer mortality model (ICMM), in a prospective cohort of critically ill cancer patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Single-center, prospective observational study performed in a 14-bedded combined medical-surgical ICU of a tertiary care cancer center of India, from July 2014 to November 2015. Score performance was judged by discrimination and calibration, using the area under receiver-operating characteristics (ROC) curve and Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit test, respectively. RESULTS: A total of 431 patients were included in the study. Intensive care unit (ICU) and hospital mortality were 37.4% and 41.1%, respectively. The area under ROC curve for APACHE IV, SAPS III, MPM0 II, and ICMM were 0.73, 0.70, 0.67, and 0.67, respectively. Calibration as calculated by Hosmer-Lemeshow analysis type C statistics for APACHE IV, SAPS III, MPM0 II, and ICMM shows good calibration with Chi-square values of 5.32, 9.285, 9.873, and 9.855 and p values of 0.723, 0.319, 0.274, and 0.275, respectively. CONCLUSION: All the four models had moderate discrimination and good calibration. However, none of the mortality prediction models could accurately discriminate between survivors and nonsurvivors in our patients. HOW TO CITE THIS ARTICLE: Siddiqui SS, Narkhede AM, Kulkarni AP, Prabu NR, Chaudhari HK, Divatia JV, et al. Evaluation and Validation of Four Scoring Systems: the APACHE IV, SAPS III, MPM0 II, and ICMM in Critically Ill Cancer Patients. Indian J Crit Care Med 2020;24(4):263-269.