Effects of Glycemic Variability in Critically Ill Patients with Coronavirus Disease 2019: A Retrospective Observational Study.

Aim and background: Hyperglycemia is considered an adaptive metabolic manifestation of stress and is associated with poor outcomes. Herein, we analyzed the association between glycemic variability (GV) and hospital mortality in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU), and the association between GV and mechanical ventilation (MV), ICU stay, length of hospital stays, renal replacement therapy (RRT), hypoglycemia, nosocomial infections, insulin use, and corticosteroid class. Materials and methods: In this retrospective observational study, we collected information on blood glucose levels during the first 10 days of hospitalization in a cohort of ICU patients with COVID-19 and its association with outcomes. Results: In 239 patients, an association was observed between GV and hospital mortality between the first and last quartiles among patients without diabetes [odds ratio (OR), 3.78; confidence interval, 1.24-11.5]. A higher GV was associated with a greater need for RRT (p = 0.002), regular insulin (p < 0.001), and episodes of hypoglycemia (p < 0.001). Nosocomial infections were associated with intermediate GV quartiles (p = 0.02). The corticosteroid class had no association with GV (p = 0.21). Conclusion: Glycemic variability was associated with high mortality in patients with COVID-19 and observed in the subgroup of patients without diabetes. Clinical significance: Glycemic control in critically ill patients remains controversial and hyperglycemia is associated with worse outcomes. Diabetes mellitus (DM) is one of the most prevalent comorbidities in patients with COVID-19. In addition, they require corticosteroids due to pulmonary involvement, representing a challenge and an opportunity to better understand how glycemic changes can influence the outcome of these patients. How to cite this article: Boschi E, Friedman G, Moraes RB. Effects of Glycemic Variability in Critically Ill Patients with Coronavirus Disease 2019: A Retrospective Observational Study. Indian J Crit Care Med 2024;28(4):381-386.

Reply to the letter "Understanding lactate and its clearance during extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for supporting refractory cardiogenic shock patients".

This is a reply to the letter titled "Understanding lactate and its clearance during extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for supporting refractory cardiogenic shock patients" by Eva Rully Kurniawati et al. In response to the concerns raised about our paper published in BMC Cardiovascular Disorders, titled "Association between serum lactate levels and mortality in patients with cardiogenic shock receiving mechanical circulatory support: a multicenter retrospective cohort study," we have addressed the confounding bias on the population included and the use of VA-ECMO and Impella CP. Furthermore, we have provided new data on the correlation of oxygen supply and lactate levels at admission of cardiogenic shock.

Cervical spine movements during laryngoscopy and orotracheal intubation: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Airway management is challenging in trauma patients because of the fear of worsening cervical spinal cord damage. Video-integrated and optic-integrated devices and intubation laryngeal mask airways have been proposed as alternatives to direct laryngoscopy with the Macintosh laryngoscope (MAC). We performed a meta-analysis to clarify which devices cause less cervical movement during airway management. METHODS: We searched MEDLINE, Cochrane Central, Embase and LILACS from inception to January 2022. We selected randomised controlled trials comparing alternative devices with the MAC for cervical movement from C0 to C5 in adult patients, evaluated by radiological examination. Additionally, cervical spine immobilisation (CSI) techniques were evaluated. We used the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool to evaluate the risk of bias, and the principles of the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluations system to assess the quality of the body of evidence. RESULTS: Twenty-one studies (530 patients) were included. Alternative devices caused statistically significantly less cervical movement than MAC during laryngoscopy with mean differences of -3.43 (95% CI -4.93 to -1.92) at C0-C1, -3.19 (-4.04 to -2.35) at C1-C2, -1.35 (-2.19 to -0.51) at C2-C3, and -2.61 (-3.62 to -1.60) at C3-C4; and during intubation: -3.60 (-5.08 to -2.12) at C0-C1, -2.38 (-3.17 to -1.58) at C1-C2, -1.20 (-2.09 to -0.31) at C2-C3. The Airtraq and the Intubation Laryngeal Mask Airway caused statistically significant less movement than MAC restricted to some cervical segments, as well as CSI. Heterogeneity was low to moderate in most results. The quality of the body of evidence was 'low' and 'very low'. CONCLUSIONS: Compared with the MAC, alternative devices caused less movement during laryngoscopy (C0-C4) and intubation (C0-C3). Due to the high risk of bias and the very low grade of evidence of the studies, further research is necessary to clarify the benefit of each device and to determine the efficacy of cervical immobilisation during airway management.

A Coordinated and Multidisciplinary Strategy can Reduce the Time for Antibiotics in Septic Patients at a University Hospital.

Objectives: We carried out this work with the aim of assessing the effectiveness of a set of interventions over time for the administration of antibiotics. Design: Prospective observational study. Setting: Patients admitted to the emergency room and ICU of the hospital where the study was conducted are evaluated daily for some sociodemographic and clinical variables. Among them are some quality indicators, such as the time between the diagnosis of sepsis or septic shock until the start of the infusion of antibiotics. This indicator reflects several aspects related to a set of assistance measures (adequacy of antibiotic dispensation, rapid response team (RRT), sepsis care quality improvement program, antimicrobial management program, improvements in emergency department assistance). Patients or participants: Patients with sepsis or septic shock were admitted to the ICU of a university and public hospital in southern Brazil. Main variables of interest: The time between the diagnosis of sepsis or septic shock and the beginning of the infusion of antibiotics. Results: Between 2013 and 2018, 1676 patients were evaluated. The mean time for antibiotic infusion decreased from 6.1 ± 8.6 hours to 1.7 ± 2.9 hours (p < 0.001). The percentage of patients who received antibiotics in the first hour increased from 20.7 to 59.0% (p < 0.001). Conclusion: In this study, we demonstrated that a set of actions adopted in a large tertiary hospital was associated with decreased time to start antibiotic therapy in septic patients. How to cite this article: Moraes RB, Haas JS, Vidart J, Nicolaidis R, Deutschendorf C, Moretti MMS, et al. A Coordinated and Multidisciplinary Strategy can Reduce the Time for Antibiotics in Septic Patients at a University Hospital. Indian J Crit Care Med 2023;27(7):465-469.

Septic shock: Clinical indicators and implications to critical patient care.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVE: To identify clinical indicators of septic shock in critical care patients. BACKGROUND: The identification of clinical indicators of septic shock is relevant to avoid clinical deterioration of patients with sepsis. However, the recognition of these factors, especially by the nursing team, is still deficient and reinforces the need for studies that investigate the subject in different realities such as that of Brazil. DESIGN: The study had a cross-sectional design based on STROBE guidelines (see Appendix S1). METHODS: A sample of 392 patients with sepsis or septic shock was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit of a Brazilian university hospital. Data were collected from medical records of the Intrahospital Sepsis Combat Program referring to patients admitted between January 2018-January 2019. Sociodemographic and clinical data were collected, as well as information on the time from diagnosis of sepsis or septic shock to initiation of antibiotic therapy, length of stay, and discharge or death outcomes. Data were statically analysed. RESULTS: Out of the total sample, 190 (49%) patients were admitted with septic shock. Clinical indicators of septic shock were hypotension, mechanical ventilation, lactate levels between 2.0-3.9 or >4, hypothermia <36°C, radiotherapy-associated chemotherapy, Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score >3 and admittance through the emergency unit. Among patients with septic shock, 85 (44.7%) were discharged and 105 (55.2%) died in the intensive care unit. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with septic shock presented hyperlactataemia and greater organic dysfunction as clinical indicators when compared to patients with sepsis. Mechanical ventilation, chemotherapy and radiotherapy increased the risk of developing septic shock. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: Our results can support the nursing team by providing the main clinical indicators of septic shock and contributing to the interprofessional team in the prevention of septic shock.

Association between serum lactate levels and mortality in patients with cardiogenic shock receiving mechanical circulatory support: a multicenter retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the prognostic value of peak serum lactate and lactate clearance at several time points in cardiogenic shock treated with temporary mechanical circulatory support (MCS) using veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) or Impella CP®. METHODS: Serum lactate and clearance were measured before MCS and at 1 h, 6 h, 12 h, and 24 h post-MCS in 43 patients at four tertiary-care centers in Southern Brazil. Prognostic value was assessed by univariable and multivariable analysis and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves for 30-day mortality. RESULTS: VA-ECMO was the most common MCS modality (58%). Serum lactate levels at all time points and lactate clearance after 6 h were associated with mortality on unadjusted and adjusted analyses. Lactate levels were higher in non-survivors at 6 h, 12 h, and 24 h after MCS. Serum lactate > 1.55 mmol/L at 24 h was the best single prognostic marker of 30-day mortality [area under the ROC curve = 0.81 (0.67-0.94); positive predictive value = 86%). Failure to improve serum lactate after 24 h was associated with 100% mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Serum lactate was an important prognostic biomarker in cardiogenic shock treated with temporary MCS. Serum lactate and lactate clearance at 24 h were the strongest independent predictors of short-term survival.

Caloric Adequacy in the First Week of Mechanically Ventilated Patients has No Impact on Long-term Daily Life Activities.

AIM AND OBJECTIVE: The aim and objective of this study is to test the effect of an optimized caloric supply in the first week of intensive care unit (ICU) stay in mechanically ventilated patients on the ability to perform their activities of daily living (ADL) in the long-term. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective observational study comparing patients who achieved an adequate caloric target (≥80%) vs those whose target was inadequate (<80%). The primary outcome under study is the instrumental ADL (IADL) scale after 6 months of discharge. RESULTS: Ninety-two patients were evaluated in the ICU and 50 were alive at 6 months. Follow-up was lost for 3 patients and 47 patients were evaluated at ICU and after 6 months. Thirty-four patients reached the energetic target and 13 did not reach it. There was no significant variation in IADL. CONCLUSION: The energy adequacy in the first week of hospitalization was achieved by most survivors; however, this conduct does not seem to have influenced the ability to perform ADL after 6 months of discharge. HOW TO CITE THIS ARTICLE: Dariano AP, Couto CFL, Rubin BA, Viana MV, Friedman G. Caloric Adequacy in the First Week of Mechanically Ventilated Patients has No Impact on Long-term Daily Life Activities. Indian J Crit Care Med 2020;24(12):1206-1212.

Effect of a Resuscitation Strategy Targeting Peripheral Perfusion Status vs Serum Lactate Levels on 28-Day Mortality Among Patients With Septic Shock: The ANDROMEDA-SHOCK Randomized Clinical Trial.

Importance: Abnormal peripheral perfusion after septic shock resuscitation has been associated with organ dysfunction and mortality. The potential role of the clinical assessment of peripheral perfusion as a target during resuscitation in early septic shock has not been established. Objective: To determine if a peripheral perfusion-targeted resuscitation during early septic shock in adults is more effective than a lactate level-targeted resuscitation for reducing mortality. Design, Setting, and Participants: Multicenter, randomized trial conducted at 28 intensive care units in 5 countries. Four-hundred twenty-four patients with septic shock were included between March 2017 and March 2018. The last date of follow-up was June 12, 2018. Interventions: Patients were randomized to a step-by-step resuscitation protocol aimed at either normalizing capillary refill time (n = 212) or normalizing or decreasing lactate levels at rates greater than 20% per 2 hours (n = 212), during an 8-hour intervention period. Main Outcomes and Measures: The primary outcome was all-cause mortality at 28 days. Secondary outcomes were organ dysfunction at 72 hours after randomization, as assessed by Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score (range, 0 [best] to 24 [worst]); death within 90 days; mechanical ventilation-, renal replacement therapy-, and vasopressor-free days within 28 days; intensive care unit and hospital length of stay. Results: Among 424 patients randomized (mean age, 63 years; 226 [53%] women), 416 (98%) completed the trial. By day 28, 74 patients (34.9%) in the peripheral perfusion group and 92 patients (43.4%) in the lactate group had died (hazard ratio, 0.75 [95% CI, 0.55 to 1.02]; P = .06; risk difference, -8.5% [95% CI, -18.2% to 1.2%]). Peripheral perfusion-targeted resuscitation was associated with less organ dysfunction at 72 hours (mean SOFA score, 5.6 [SD, 4.3] vs 6.6 [SD, 4.7]; mean difference, -1.00 [95% CI, -1.97 to -0.02]; P = .045). There were no significant differences in the other 6 secondary outcomes. No protocol-related serious adverse reactions were confirmed. Conclusions and Relevance: Among patients with septic shock, a resuscitation strategy targeting normalization of capillary refill time, compared with a strategy targeting serum lactate levels, did not reduce all-cause 28-day mortality. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03078712.

Value of Central Venous to Arterial CO2 Difference after Early Goal-directed Therapy in Septic Shock Patients.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Venous to arterial difference of carbon dioxide (Pv-aCO2) tracks tissue blood flow. We aimed to evaluate if Pv-aCO2 measured from a superior central vein sample is a prognostic index (ICU length of stay, SOFA score, 28th mortality rate) just after early goal-directed therapy (EGDT)comparing its ICU admission values between patients with normal and abnormal (>6 mm Hg) Pv-aCO2. As secondary objectives, we evaluated the relationship of Pv-aCO2 with other variables of perfusion during the 24 hours that followed EGDT. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Prospective observational study conducted in an academic ICU adult septic shock patients after a 6-hour complete EGTD. Hemodynamic measurements, arterial/central venous blood gases, and arterial lactate were obtained on ICU admission and after 6, 18 and 24 hours. RESULTS: Sixty patients were included. Admission Pv-aCO2 values showed no prognostic value. Admission Pv-aCO2 (ROC curve 0.527 [CI 95% 0.394 to 0.658]) values showed low specificity and sensitivity as predictors of mortality. There was a difference observed in the mean Pv-aCO2 between nonsurvivors (NS) and survivors (S) after 6 hours. Central venous oxygen saturation (ScvO2) and Pv-aCO2 showed significant correlation (R2 = -0.41, P < 0.0001). Patients with normal ScvO2 (>70%) and abnormal Pv-aCO2 (>6 mm Hg) showed higher SOFA scores. Normal Pv-aCO2 group cleared their lactate levels in comparison to the abnormal Pv-aCO2 group. CONCLUSION: In septic shock, admission Pv-aCO2 after EGDT is not related to worse outcomes. An abnormal Pv-aCO2 along with a normal ScvO2 is related to organ dysfunction. HOW TO CITE THIS ARTICLE: Araujo DT, Felice VB, Meregalli AF, Friedman G. Value of Central Venous to Arterial CO2 Difference after Early Goal-directed Therapy in Septic Shock Patients. Indian J Crit Care Med 2019;23(10):449-453.

The practice of intensive care in Latin America: a survey of academic intensivists.

BACKGROUND: Intensive care medicine is a relatively young discipline that has rapidly grown into a full-fledged medical subspecialty. Intensivists are responsible for managing an ever-increasing number of patients with complex, life-threatening diseases. Several factors may influence their performance, including age, training, experience, workload, and socioeconomic context. The aim of this study was to examine individual- and work-related aspects of the Latin American intensivist workforce, mainly with academic appointments, which might influence the quality of care provided. In consequence, we conducted a cross-sectional study of intensivists at public and private academic and nonacademic Latin American intensive care units (ICUs) through a web-based electronic survey submitted by email. Questions about personal aspects, work-related topics, and general clinical workflow were incorporated. RESULTS: Our study comprised 735 survey respondents (53% return rate) with the following country-specific breakdown: Brazil (29%); Argentina (19%); Chile (17%); Uruguay (12%); Ecuador (9%); Mexico (7%); Colombia (5%); and Bolivia, Peru, Guatemala, and Paraguay combined (2%). Latin American intensivists were predominantly male (68%) young adults (median age, 40 [IQR, 35-48] years) with a median clinical ICU experience of 10 (IQR, 5-20) years. The median weekly workload was 60 (IQR, 47-70) h. ICU formal training was between 2 and 4 years. Only 63% of academic ICUs performed multidisciplinary rounds. Most intensivists (85%) reported adequate conditions to manage patients with septic shock in their units. Unsatisfactory conditions were attributed to insufficient technology (11%), laboratory support (5%), imaging resources (5%), and drug shortages (5%). Seventy percent of intensivists participated in research, and 54% read scientific studies regularly, whereas 32% read no more than one scientific study per month. Research grants and pharmaceutical sponsorship are unusual funding sources in Latin America. Although Latin American intensivists are mostly unsatisfied with their income (81%), only a minority (27%) considered changing to another specialty before retirement. CONCLUSIONS: Latin American intensivists constitute a predominantly young adult workforce, mostly formally trained, have a high workload, and most are interested in research. They are under important limitations owing to resource constraints and overt dissatisfaction. Latin America may be representative of other world areas with similar challenges for intensivists. Specific initiatives aimed at addressing these situations need to be devised to improve the quality of critical care delivery in Latin America.

Organizational Issues, Structure, and Processes of Care in 257 ICUs in Latin America: A Study From the Latin America Intensive Care Network.

OBJECTIVE: Latin America bears an important burden of critical care disease, yet the information about it is scarce. Our objective was to describe structure, organization, processes of care, and research activities in Latin-American ICUs. DESIGN: Web-based survey submitted to ICU directors. SETTINGS: ICUs located in nine Latin-American countries. SUBJECTS: Individual ICUs. INTERVENTIONS: None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Two hundred fifty-seven of 498 (52%) of submitted surveys responded: 51% from Brazil, 17% Chile, 13% Argentina, 6% Ecuador, 5% Uruguay, 3% Colombia, and 5% between Mexico, Peru, and Paraguay. Seventy-nine percent of participating hospitals had less than 500 beds; most were public (59%) and academic (66%). ICUs were mainly medical-surgical (75%); number of beds was evenly distributed in the entire cohort; 77% had 24/7 intensivists; 46% had a physician-to-patient ratio between 1:4 and 7; and 69% had a nurse-to-patient ratio of 1 ≥ 2.1. The 24/7 presence of other specialists was deficient. Protocols in use averaged 9 ± 3. Brazil (vs the rest) had larger hospitals and ICUs and more quality, surveillance, and prevention committees, but fewer 24/7 intensivists and poorer nurse-to-patient ratio. Although standard monitoring, laboratory, and imaging practices were almost universal, more complex measurements and treatments and portable equipment were scarce after standard working hours, and in public hospitals. Mortality was 17.8%, without differences between countries. CONCLUSIONS: This multinational study shows major concerns in the delivery of critical care across Latin America, particularly in human resources. Technology was suboptimal, especially in public hospitals. A 24/7 availability of supporting specialists and of key procedures was inadequate. Mortality was high in comparison to high-income countries.

Lung-Protective Ventilation With Low Tidal Volumes and the Occurrence of Pulmonary Complications in Patients Without Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Individual Patient Data Analysis.

OBJECTIVE: Protective mechanical ventilation with low tidal volumes is standard of care for patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome. The aim of this individual patient data analysis was to determine the association between tidal volume and the occurrence of pulmonary complications in ICU patients without acute respiratory distress syndrome and the association between occurrence of pulmonary complications and outcome in these patients. DESIGN: Individual patient data analysis. PATIENTS: ICU patients not fulfilling the consensus criteria for acute respiratory distress syndrome at the onset of ventilation. INTERVENTIONS: Mechanical ventilation with low tidal volume. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: The primary endpoint was development of a composite of acute respiratory distress syndrome and pneumonia during hospital stay. Based on the tertiles of tidal volume size in the first 2 days of ventilation, patients were assigned to a "low tidal volume group" (tidal volumes ≤ 7 mL/kg predicted body weight), an "intermediate tidal volume group" (> 7 and < 10 mL/kg predicted body weight), and a "high tidal volume group" (≥ 10 mL/kg predicted body weight). Seven investigations (2,184 patients) were included. Acute respiratory distress syndrome or pneumonia occurred in 23% of patients in the low tidal volume group, in 28% of patients in the intermediate tidal volume group, and in 31% of the patients in the high tidal volume group (adjusted odds ratio [low vs high tidal volume group], 0.72; 95% CI, 0.52-0.98; p = 0.042). Occurrence of pulmonary complications was associated with a lower number of ICU-free and hospital-free days and alive at day 28 (10.0 ± 10.9 vs 13.8 ± 11.6 d; p < 0.01 and 6.1 ± 8.1 vs 8.9 ± 9.4 d; p < 0.01) and an increased hospital mortality (49.5% vs 35.6%; p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Ventilation with low tidal volumes is associated with a lower risk of development of pulmonary complications in patients without acute respiratory distress syndrome.

Randomized study to compare nasojejunal with nasogastric nutrition in critically ill patients without prior evidence of altered gastric emptying.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Studies comparing jejunal and gastric nutrition show inconsistent results regarding pneumonia. The aim of this study was to evaluate the incidence of pneumonia comparing gastric with jejunal nutrition. Secondarily, we evaluated 28(th) day Intensive Care Unit (ICU) mortality rate and other complications related to enteral feeding. SUBJECTS: Age >18 years; need for enteral nutrition without contraindication for placement of an enteral tube, duration of ICU stay > than 48 h. METHODS: Patients were randomly assigned to receive enteral feed via a gastric or jejunal tube. Jejunal tubes were inserted at bedside and placement was confirmed radiographically. RESULTS: A total of 115 patients were enrolled, with 61 patients into the gastric tube group and 54 patients into the jejunal group tube. Baseline characteristics were similar. There was no difference in pneumonia or ICU mortality rates, ICU length of stay and ventilator days. Complications rates were similar. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that the enteral nutrition through a jejunal tube does not reduce the rate of pneumonia in comparison to a gastric tube. In addition, we did not observe differences in rates of gastrointestinal complications or ICU mortality. The routine placement of a jejunal tube in critically ill-patients cannot be recommended.

Association of biomarkers with successful ventilatory weaning in COVID-19 patients: an observational study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the association of biomarkers with successful ventilatory weaning in COVID-19 patients. METHODS: An observational, retrospective, and single-center study was conducted between March 2020 and April 2021. C-reactive protein, total lymphocytes, and the neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio were evaluated during attrition and extubation, and the variation in these biomarker values was measured. The primary outcome was successful extubation. ROC curves were drawn to find the best cutoff points for the biomarkers based on sensitivity and specificity. Statistical analysis was performed using logistic regression. RESULTS: Of the 2,377 patients admitted to the intensive care unit, 458 were included in the analysis, 356 in the Successful Weaning Group and 102 in the Failure Group. The cutoff points found from the ROC curves were -62.4% for C-reactive protein, +45.7% for total lymphocytes, and -32.9% for neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio. These points were significantly associated with greater extubation success. In the multivariate analysis, only C-reactive protein variation remained statistically significant (OR 2.6; 95%CI 1.51 - 4.5; p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: In this study, a decrease in C-reactive protein levels was associated with successful extubation in COVID-19 patients. Total lymphocytes and the neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio did not maintain the association after multivariate analysis. However, a decrease in C-reactive protein levels should not be used as a sole variable to identify COVID-19 patients suitable for weaning; as in our study, the area under the ROC curve demonstrated poor accuracy in discriminating extubation outcomes, with low sensitivity and specificity.

Post-COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit-Acquired Weakness Compromises Long-Term Functional Status.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of intensive care unit (ICU)-acquired weakness (ICUAW) on the functional independence of patients hospitalized for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) over 6 months after ICU discharge. METHODS: This was a prospective cohort study that included patients who were admitted to the ICU because of COVID-19 and who were monitored for 6 months after discharge from the ICU via telephone. Patients were evaluated at 3 times (30 days, 3 months, and 6 months after discharge from the ICU) for functional independence for personal care and mobility activities (Barthel Scale), independence for self-care (Katz Index), impact of COVID-19 on functional status (post-COVID-19 Functional Status Scale [PCFS]), and mobility level (ICU Mobility Scale). The existence of some degree of dependence was considered when the Barthel Scale score was <100 points, the Katz Index was ≥1, and the PCFS score was ≥1. A PCFS score of ≥3 indicated moderate or severe dependence. Patients with a Medical Research Council score of <48 at discharge from the ICU were diagnosed with ICUAW. RESULTS: Sixty-eight patients were included, with a mean age of 51 (SD = 13) years. The ICUAW rate at ICU discharge was 35%. In the evaluation with the PCFS, the values for the presence of any functional limitation at 30 days, 3 months, and 6 months after ICU discharge were 89.7%, 57.4%, and 38.2%, respectively. The rate of persistence of functional limitations after 6 months was higher in patients with ICUAW than in those without ICUAW (66.7% vs 22.8%; P = .000); the same was true for moderate or severe limitations (20.8% vs 4.5%; P = .035). Likewise, functional independence for personal care, mobility, and self-care activities was poorer in patients with ICUAW. CONCLUSIONS: In patients surviving an ICU stay due to COVID-19, decreased functional independence persists even 6 months after discharge, and patients with ICUAW have worse outcomes. IMPACT: Patients who survive ICU stays due to COVID-19 continue to have greater functional dependence even 6 months after ICU discharge.

Can central-venous oxygen saturation be estimated from tissue oxygen saturation during a venous occlusion test? / É possível estimar a saturação venosa de oxigênio central a partir da saturação tecidual de oxigênio durante o teste de oclusão venosa?

OBJECTIVE: To test whether tissue oxygen saturation (StO2) after a venous occlusion test estimates central venous oxygen saturation (ScvO2). METHODS: Observational study in intensive care unit patients. Tissue oxygen saturation was monitored (InSpectra Tissue Spectrometer Model 650, Hutchinson Technology Inc., MN, USA) with a multiprobe (15/25mm) in the thenar position. A venous occlusion test in volunteers was applied in the upper arm to test the tolerability and pattern of StO2 changes during the venous occlusion test. A sphygmomanometer cuff was inflated to a pressure 30mmHg above diastolic pressure until StO2 reached a plateau and deflated to 0mmHg. Tissue oxygen saturation parameters were divided into resting StO2 (r-StO2) and minimal StO2 (m-StO2) at the end of the venous occlusion test. In patients, the cuff was inflated to a pressure 30mmHg above diastolic pressure for 5 min (volunteers' time derived) or until a StO2 plateau was reached. Tissue oxygen saturation parameters were divided into r-StO2, m-StO2, and the mean time that StO2 reached ScvO2. The StO2 value at the mean time was compared to ScvO2. RESULTS: All 9 volunteers tolerated the venous occlusion test. The time for tolerability or the StO2 plateau was 7 ± 1 minutes. We studied 22 patients. The mean time for StO2 equalized ScvO2 was 100 sec and 95 sec (15/25mm probes). The StO2 value at 100 sec ([100-StO2] 15mm: 74 ± 7%; 25mm: 74 ± 6%) was then compared with ScvO2 (75 ± 6%). The StO2 value at 100 sec correlated with ScvO2 (15 mm: R2 = 0.63, 25mm: R2 = 0.67, p < 0.01) without discrepancy (Bland Altman). CONCLUSION: Central venous oxygen saturation can be estimated from StO2 during a venous occlusion test.

OBJETIVO: Testar se, após um teste de oclusão venosa, a taxa de saturação tecidual de oxigênio é capaz de estimar a taxa de saturação venosa de oxigênio central. MÉTODOS: Realizou-se estudo observacional em pacientes de unidade de terapia intensiva. A taxa de saturação tecidual de oxigênio foi monitorada a partir de um espectrômetro tecidual (InSpectra modelo 650, Hutchinson Technology Inc., MN, Estados Unidos) com uma sonda múltipla de 15mm e 25mm na posição tenar. Aplicou-se um teste de oclusão venosa no braço superior de voluntários para testar a tolerabilidade e o padrão de mudanças na taxa de saturação tecidual de oxigênio durante a realização do teste de oclusão venosa. Inflou-se um manguito de esfigmomanômetro a uma pressão 30mmHg maior que a pressão diastólica até que a taxa de saturação tecidual de oxigênio alcançasse um platô e o manguito fosse desinflado a 0mmHg. Os parâmetros da taxa de saturação tecidual de oxigênio foram classificados como em repouso e mínima ao final do teste de oclusão venosa. Nos pacientes, o manguito foi inflado a uma pressão 30mmHg maior que a pressão diastólica durante 5 minutos, que foi o tempo derivado dos voluntários, ou até que a taxa de saturação tecidual de oxigênio atingisse um platô. Os parâmetros da taxa de saturação tecidual de oxigênio foram classificados como em repouso e mínima, e o tempo médio que a taxa de saturação tecidual de oxigênio se igualou à de saturação venosa de oxigênio central. A taxa de saturação tecidual de oxigênio no tempo médio foi comparada à de saturação venosa de oxigênio central. RESULTADOS: Todos os nove voluntários toleraram bem o teste de oclusão venosa. O tempo de tolerabilidade ou o platô da taxa de saturação tecidual de oxigênio foi de 7 ± 1 minutos. Estudamos 22 pacientes. O tempo médio para a equalização da taxa de saturação tecidual de oxigênio à de saturação venosa de oxigênio central foi de 100 segundos e 95 segundos, utilizando sondas de 15 e 25mm, respectivamente. A taxa de saturação tecidual de oxigênio em 100 segundos foi de 74% ± 7%, utilizando sonda de 15mm, e de 74% ± 6%, utilizando sonda de 25mm. Então, as taxas foram comparadas à taxa de saturação venosa de oxigênio central, que apresentou 75% ± 6%. A taxa de saturação tecidual de oxigênio em 100 segundos correlacionou-se com a de saturação venosa de oxigênio central (15mm: R2 = 0,63; 25mm: R2 = 0,67; p < 0,01) sem discrepância (Bland-Altman). CONCLUSÃO: A taxa de saturação venosa de oxigênio central pode ser estimada a partir da taxa de saturação tecidual de oxigênio, a partir de um teste de oclusão venosa.

Intensive Care Unit-Acquired Weakness in Patients With COVID-19: Occurrence and Associated Factors.

OBJECTIVE: The primary objective of this study was to identify the occurrence and factors associated with intensive care unit (ICU)-acquired weakness (ICUAW) in patients with COVID-19. Secondarily, we monitored the evolution of muscle strength and mobility among individuals with ICUAW and those without ICUAW and the association of these variables with length of stay, mechanical ventilation (MV), and other clinical variables. METHODS: In this prospective observational study, individuals admitted to the ICU for >72 hours with COVID-19 were evaluated for muscle strength and mobility at 3 times: when being weaned from ventilatory support, discharged from the ICU, and discharged from the hospital. Risk factors for ICUAW were monitored. RESULTS: The occurrences of ICUAW at the 3 times evaluated among the 75 patients included were 52%, 38%, and 13%. The length of the ICU stay (29.5 [IQR = 16.3-42.5] vs 11 [IQR = 6.5-16] days), the length of the hospital stay (43.5 [IQR = 22.8-55.3] vs 16 [IQR = 12.5-24] days), and time on MV (25.5 [IQR = 13.8-41.3] vs 10 [IQR = 5-22.5] days) were greater in patients with ICUAW. Muscle strength and mobility were lower at all times assessed in patients with ICUAW. Bed rest time for all patients (relative risk = 1.14; 95% CI = 1.02 to 1.28) and use of corticosteroids (relative risk = 1.01; 95% CI = 1.00 to 1.03) for those who required MV were factors independently associated with ICUAW. Muscle strength was found to have a positive correlation with mobility and a negative correlation with lengths of stay in the ICU and hospital and time on MV. CONCLUSION: The occurrence of ICUAW was high on patients' awakening in the ICU but decreased throughout hospitalization; however, strength and mobility remained compromised at hospital discharge. Bed rest time and use of corticosteroids (for those who needed MV) were factors independently associated with ICUAW in patients with COVID-19. IMPACT: Patients who had COVID-19 and developed ICUAW had longer periods of ICU stay, hospital stay, and MV. Bed rest time and use of corticosteroids (for those who required MV) were factors independently associated with ICUAW.

Association Between Hyperlactatemia, Perfusional Parameters, and Lymphocyte Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Septic Shock Patients.

INTRODUCTION: In septic shock, mitochondrial dysfunction, and hypoperfusion are the main triggers of multi-organ failure. Little is known about the crosstalk between mitochondrial dysfunction and hemodynamic alterations, especially in the post-resuscitation phase. Here, we assess whether hypoperfusion and lactate levels are associated with oxygen consumption linked to mitochondrial bioenergetic activity in lymphocytes of patients admitted with septic shock. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Prospective cohort study in patients with septic shock defined as the requirement of vasopressors to maintain a mean arterial pressure 65 mm Hg after initial fluid administration. Basal mitochondrial and Complex I respiration was measured to evaluate mitochondrial activity. Both variables and capillary refill time were compared with arterial lactate post-fluid resuscitation. We also compared mitochondrial activity measurements between patients with and without hypoperfusion status. RESULTS: A total of 90 patients were included in analysis. The median arterial lactate at the time of septic shock diagnosis was 2.0 mmol/Dl (IQR 1.3-3.0). Baseline respiration at the time of septic shock diagnosis was correlated with lactate (Spearman -0.388, 95% CI -0.4893 to -0.1021; P = 0.003), as well as Complex I respiration (Spearman -0.403, 95% CI -0.567 to -0.208; P < 0.001). Patients with hypoperfusion status had no difference in basal respiration when compared with patients who did not have hypoperfusion status (P = 0.22) nor in Complex I respiration (P = 0.09). CONCLUSION: Changes in lymphocytic mitochondrial metabolism are associated with post-resuscitation arterial lactate in septic shock; however, they are not associated with the presence of a hypoperfusional status. In this scenario, it is therefore suggested that systemic perfusion and mitochondrial metabolism have different courses.

Ventilator versus manual hyperinflation in adults receiving mechanical ventilation: A systematic review.

INTRODUCTION: Manual hyperinflation (MHI) or with a mechanical ventilator (VHI) are alternatives in bronchial hygiene therapy, in recent years several studies have emerged with the objective of verifying the effectiveness and safety of the techniques. OBJECTIVE: Systematically review and analyze the most recent studies in the literature on MHI and VHI, compare both techniques and demonstrate their effectiveness in bronchial hygiene therapy in mechanically ventilated patients. METHODS: We conducted this systematic review based on the PICO strategy and used the databases Ovid, LILACS, CINAHL, Pubmed and CENTRAL. Search, selection and analysis of randomized controlled trials on MHI, VHI or comparing both techniques. We performed a comparison on secretion elimination, static and dynamic compliance, oxygenation and clinical outcomes. The studies were analyzed by two independent evaluators. RESULTS: Nine articles were selected comparing MHI with usual care, demonstrating improved compliance in the MHI group, but with no impact on secretion removal. Four studies compared VHI with usual care, with three showing increased secretion elimination and compliance in the HVM group. Another four articles compared MHI with VHI but none of the studies showed superiority in terms of elimination of secretion and three studies found improvement in static compliance. CONCLUSION: Both techniques have proven to be effective alternatives to bronchial hygiene therapy.

Clinical characteristics, systemic complications, and in-hospital outcomes for patients with COVID-19 in Latin America. LIVEN-Covid-19 study: A prospective, multicenter, multinational, cohort study.

PURPOSE: The COVID-19 pandemic has spread worldwide, and almost 396 million people have been infected around the globe. Latin American countries have been deeply affected, and there is a lack of data in this regard. This study aims to identify the clinical characteristics, in-hospital outcomes, and factors associated with ICU admission due to COVID-19. Furthermore, to describe the functional status of patients at hospital discharge after the acute episode of COVID-19. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This was a prospective, multicenter, multinational observational cohort study of subjects admitted to 22 hospitals within Latin America. Data were collected prospectively. Descriptive statistics were used to characterize patients, and multivariate regression was carried out to identify factors associated with severe COVID-19. RESULTS: A total of 3008 patients were included in the study. A total of 64.3% of patients had severe COVID-19 and were admitted to the ICU. Patients admitted to the ICU had a higher mean (SD) 4C score (10 [3] vs. 7 [3)], p<0.001). The risk factors independently associated with progression to ICU admission were age, shortness of breath, and obesity. In-hospital mortality was 24.1%, whereas the ICU mortality rate was 35.1%. Most patients had equal self-care ability at discharge 43.8%; however, ICU patients had worse self-care ability at hospital discharge (25.7% [497/1934] vs. 3.7% [40/1074], p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: This study confirms that patients with SARS CoV-2 in the Latin American population had a lower mortality rate than previously reported. Systemic complications are frequent in patients admitted to the ICU due to COVID-19, as previously described in high-income countries.