Uso de cánula nasal de alto flujo artesanal como oxigenoterapia en insuficiencia respiratoria por COVID-19 / Use of artisanal high flow nasal cannula as oxygen therapy in respiratory failure due to COVID-19

Los riesgos asociados a la neumonía por (SARS-CoV-2) es la generación de insuficiencia respiratoria secundaria que en algunos casos desencadenara al tan temido síndrome de distres respiratorio (SDRA); Informes sobre atención clínica, indican que tiene una incidencia (SDRA) de 3-10 % con necesidad de Asistencia Respiratoria Mecánica (ARM) en pacientes hospitalizados; por lo que dispositivos de oxigenación no invasivos siguen siendo una opción atractiva, de forma inicial. Caso clínico: mujer de 47 años con insuficiencia respiratoria secundario a neumonía por COVID-19, por la gravedad se indica su ingreso a terapia intensiva, pero por razones de falta de unidad es manejada en unidad respiratoria, con el uso de dispositivos de oxigenación de armado ARTESAL, de manera exitosa, con la utilización de CNAF-artesanal, se pretende mejorar el trabajo respiratorio, índices de oxigenación, mientras se da tratamiento a la infección por el COVID-19; el objetivo del presente caso es reportar el presente caso con evolución favorable a la literatura disponible. Discusión: El uso de terapia de oxigenación con dispositivo de Cánula Nasal de Alto Flujo, aún no ha sido normatizado en pacientes con COVID-19, pero existe evidencia clínica sobre los efectos beneficiosos en la insuficiencia respiratoria en neonatos mas no en adultos. Conclusión: El uso temprano de la CNAF-artesanal en la insuficiencia respiratoria resulta muy atractivo, más aún con dispositivo de confección artesanal, da una opción más al paciente fuera de UTI, pudiendo apoyar en evitar la intubación y su ingreso a ventilación mecánica.

The risks associated with pneumonia (SARS-CoV-2) is the generation of secondary respiratory failure that in some cases will trigger the much feared respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS); Reports on clinical care indicate that it has an incidence (ARDS) of 3-10% with the need for Mechanical Respiratory Assistance (ARM) in hospitalized patients; so non-invasive oxygenation devices remain an attractive option, initially. Clinical case: a 47-year-old woman with respiratory failure secondary to covid-19 pneumonia. Due to the severity, her admission to intensive care is indicated, but for reasons of lack of unity, she is managed in a common room, with the use of high-pressure oxygenation devices. ARTISAL assembly, successfully, with the use of CNAF-artisanal, is intended to improve the work of breathing, and oxygenation indices, while treating the infection by COVID-19; The objective of this case is to report the present case with a favorable evolution based on the available literature. Discussion: The use of oxygenation therapy with a High Flow Nasal Cannula device has not yet been standardized in patients with COVID-19, but there is clinical evidence on the beneficial effects in respiratory failure in neonates but not in adults. Conclusion: The early use of the artisan HFNC in respiratory failure is very attractive, even more so with an artisanal device, it gives the patient another option outside the ICU, being able to help avoid intubation and admission to mechanical ventilation.

ARDS with septic shock managed successfully using a multidisciplinary approach: A case report

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is an inflammatory process in the lungs that results in hypoxemia and decreased lung compliance. Invasive mechanical ventilation and prone positioning have proven benefits in the management of patients with severe ARDS. Post-extubation rehabilitation programs are equally important for the recovery of these patients. We are reporting the case of a 30-year-old male with severe ARDS where lung protective ventilation, timely intubation, early prone positioning, multidisciplinary communication, and post-discharge follow-up with teleconsultation were used under expert supervision in the successful management of the case

Pronação de pacientes com Síndrome do Desconforto Respiratório Agudo: criação e validação de cenário simulado / Pronation of patients with Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome: creation and validation of a simulated scenario

Resumo: Trata-se de um estudo metodológico para construção e validação de um cenário simulado com abordagem interprofissional, que permitirá a utilização no ensino e na educação permanente de profissionais da saúde por meio da metodologia ativa de simulação clínica. Este estudo foi realizado em uma universidade pública da região Sul do Brasil, objetivando construir e validar um cenário simulado para a pronação de pacientes críticos com Síndrome do Desconforto Respiratório Agudo (SDRA). Para isto, o estudo ocorreu em duas etapas: revisão de conteúdo, construção do cenário e de validação de conteúdo e de aparência por juízes. A revisão da literatura permitiu conhecer melhor sobre o manejo do paciente com SDRA, bem como subsidiar o desenvolvimento do caso clínico para o cenário. Um protocolo de pronação segura de um hospital universitário foi adotado. A partir desta revisão, a construção do cenário foi realizada considerando um roteiro validado. Como parte desta construção, surgiram como resultados: a descrição do cenário; a relação de materiais e equipamentos necessários para o desenvolvimento do cenário; o roteiro para o ator simulado; o guia de apoio ao facilitador; o guia de apoio ao participante; o quadro de apoio para tomada de decisão e o checklist de observação do desenvolvimento de competências e habilidades para cada profissão envolvida no cenário. Onze juízes participaram do estudo. Em relação ao perfil sociodemográfico dos juízes, a amostra foi predominantemente de enfermeiros (63,6%), seguido por fisioterapeutas (18,1%), médico (9%) e docente de enfermagem (9%). Para medir o percentual de concordância entre os juízes, adotou-se o Índice de Validade de Conteúdo (IVC) para os itens, que foram agrupados de acordo com unidades de significância. Após a leitura do cenário, os juízes responderam a um questionário do tipo Likert com 37 itens, que abordaram sobre a "Experiência Prévia do Participante/Briefing", "Conteúdo/Objetivos"; "Recursos Humanos"; "Preparo do Cenário", "Desenvolvimento do Cenário" e "Avaliação". Todos os itens obtiveram IVC superior ao desejável (0,80) e, portanto, foram considerados válidos. Além disso, os juízes realizaram sugestões de melhorias no cenário, aos quais foram acatadas ou rejeitas e discutidas com a literatura disponível. Este estudo permitiu criar e validar um cenário que reflete a prática real, ao mesmo tempo que oportuniza um ambiente seguro para os participantes e responde aos objetivos da aprendizagem.

Abstract: This is a methodological study for the construction and validation of a simulated scenario with an interprofessional approach, which will allow the use in the teaching and continuing education of health professionals through the active methodology of clinical simulation. This study was carried out in a public university in the South region of Brazil, aiming to build and validate a simulated scenario for the pronation of critically ill patients with Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS). To this end, the study occurred in two stages: content review, scenario construction, and content and appearance validation by judges. The literature review provided a better understanding of the management of the ARDS patient, as well as a basis for developing the clinical case for the scenario. A safe pronation protocol from a university hospital was adopted. Based on this review, the scenario was built using a validated script. As part of this process, the following results emerged: the description of the scenario; the list of materials and equipment needed for the development of the scenario; the script for the simulated actor; the facilitator support guide; the participant support guide; the decision support framework; and the checklist for observing the development of competencies and skills for each profession involved in the scenario. Eleven judges participated in the study. Regarding the sociodemographic profile of the judges, the sample was predominantly nurses (63.6%), followed by physical therapists (18.1%), physicians (9%), and nursing professors (9%). To measure the percentage of agreement between the judges, the Content Validity Index (CVI) was adopted for the items, which were grouped according to significance units. After reading the scenario, the judges answered a Likert-type questionnaire with 37 items, which addressed "Prior Participant Experience/Briefing", "Content/Objectives"; "Human Resources"; "Scenario Preparation", "Scenario Development", and "Evaluation". All items scored higher than desirable CVI (0.80) and were therefore considered valid. In addition, the judges made suggestions for improvements in the scenario, which were accepted or rejected and discussed with the available literature. This study made it possible to create and validate a scenario that reflects actual practice, while providing a safe environment for participants and meeting the learning objectives.

Stroke � Next Wave of Complications from COVID-19

Since the declaration of COVID-19 infection as Pandemic in March, 2020, There has been rise in Multisystem Complications apart from regular Acute Respiratory Syndrome which is hallmark of COVID-19 infection. As the second wave surge of COVID-19 has occurred, most of the patients already suffered from dyspnoea but also rare complications like CVA (Infarct and Haemorrhage) , Seizure and altered sensorium related to Hypoxic Brain Injury. COVID-19 frequently presents with a state of altered coagulability which increases the risk of pulmonary embolism and other Thrombotic events such as Cerebrovascular events. This case report is limited to Neurological complications seen in COVID-19 Infected patients

Early prediction of acute respiratory distress syndrome complicated by acute pancreatitis based on four machine learning models

Abstract Background Acute Respiratory Distress syndrome (ARDS) is a common complication of Acute Pancreatitis (AP) and is associated with high mortality. This study used Machine Learning (ML) to predict ARDS in patients with AP at admission. Methods The authors retrospectively analyzed the data from patients with AP from January 2017 to August 2022. Clinical and laboratory parameters with significant differences between patients with and without ARDS were screened by univariate analysis. Then, Support Vector Machine (SVM), Ensembles of Decision Trees (EDTs), Bayesian Classifier (BC), and nomogram models were constructed and optimized after feature screening based on these parameters. Five-fold cross-validation was used to train each model. A test set was used to evaluate the predictive performance of the four models. Results A total of 83 (18.04%) of 460 patients with AP developed ARDS. Thirty-one features with significant differences between the groups with and without ARDS in the training set were used for modeling. The Partial Pressure of Oxygen (PaO2), C-reactive protein, procalcitonin, lactic acid, Ca2+, the neutrophil:lymphocyte ratio, white blood cell count, and amylase were identified as the optimal subset of features. The BC algorithm had the best predictive performance with the highest AUC value (0.891) than SVM (0.870), EDTs (0.813), and the nomogram (0.874) in the test set. The EDT algorithm achieved the highest accuracy (0.891), precision (0.800), and F1 score (0.615), but the lowest FDR (0.200) and the second-highest NPV (0.902). Conclusions A predictive model of ARDS complicated by AP was successfully developed based on ML. Predictive performance was evaluated by a test set, for which BC showed superior predictive performance and EDTs could be a more promising prediction tool for larger samples.

Aging-related predictive factors for oxygenation improvement and mortality in COVID-19 and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) patients exposed to prone position: A multicenter cohort study

Abstract Background: Elderly patients are more susceptible to Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) and are more likely to develop it in severe forms, (e.g., Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome [ARDS]). Prone positioning is a treatment strategy for severe ARDS; however, its response in the elderly population remains poorly understood. The main objective was to evaluate the predictive response and mortality of elderly patients exposed to prone positioning due to ARDS-COVID-19. Methods: This retrospective multicenter cohort study involved 223 patients aged ≥ 65 years, who received prone position sessions for severe ARDS due to COVID-19, using invasive mechanical ventilation. The PaO2/FiO2 ratio was used to assess the oxygenation response. The 20-point improvement in PaO2/FiO2 after the first prone session was considered for good response. Data were collected from electronic medical records, including demographic data, laboratory/image exams, complications, comorbidities, SAPS III and SOFA scores, use of anticoagulants and vasopressors, ventilator settings, and respiratory system mechanics. Mortality was defined as deaths that occurred until hospital discharge. Results: Most patients were male, with arterial hypertension and diabetes mellitus as the most prevalent comorbidities. The non-responders group had higher SAPS III and SOFA scores, and a higher incidence of complications. There was no difference in mortality rate. A lower SAPS III score was a predictor of oxygenation response, and the male sex was a risk predictor of mortality. Conclusion: The present study suggests the oxygenation response to prone positioning in elderly patients with severe COVID-19-ARDS correlates with the SAPS III score. Furthermore, the male sex is a risk predictor of mortality.

Effect of the prone position on recruitability in acute respiratory distress syndrome due to COVID-19 pneumonia

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess the effect of prone position on oxygenation and lung recruitability in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome due to COVID-19 receiving invasive mechanical ventilation. METHODS: This prospective study was conducted in the intensive care unit between December 10, 2021, and February 10, 2022. We included 25 patients admitted to our intensive care unit with acute respiratory distress syndrome due to COVID-19 who had undergone prone position. We measured the respiratory system compliance, recruitment to inflation ratio, and PaO2/FiO2 ratio during the baseline supine, prone, and resupine positions. The recruitment to inflation ratio was used to assess the potential for lung recruitability. RESULTS: In the prone position, PaO2/FiO2 increased from 82.7 to 164.4 mmHg (p<0.001) with an increase in respiratory system compliance (p=0.003). PaO2/FiO2 decreased to 117 mmHg (p=0.015) in the resupine with no change in respiratory system compliance (p=0.097). The recruitment to inflation ratio did not change in the prone and resupine positions (p=0.198 and p=0.621, respectively). In all patients, the median value of respiratory system compliance during supine was 26 mL/cmH2O. In patients with respiratory system compliance<26 mL/cmH2O (n=12), respiratory system compliance increased and recruitment to inflation decreased from supine to prone positions (p=0.008 and p=0.040, respectively), whereas they did not change in those with respiratory system compliance ≥26 mL/cmH2O8 (n=13) (p=0.279 and p=0.550, respectively) (ClinicalTrials registration number: NCT05150847). CONCLUSION: In the prone position, in addition to the oxygenation benefit in all patients, we detected lung recruitment based on the change in the recruitment to inflation ratio with an increase in respiratory system compliance only in acute respiratory distress syndrome due to COVID-19 patients who have <26 mL/cmH2O baseline supine respiratory compliance.

Effect of combined sedation using multiple drugs on inflammatory cytokines in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome

Abstract he innate immune response plays an important role in the pathophysiology of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS); however, no drug has been proven to be beneficial in the management of ARDS. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the effects of using combined sedatives on systemic inflammatory responses in patients with ARDS. A total of 90 patients with ARDS and an intubation time of > 120 h were randomly divided into the propofol group (group P), midazolam group (group M), and combined sedation group (group U). Patients in groups P and M were sedated with propofol and midazolam, respectively, whereas patients in group U were sedated with a combination of propofol, midazolam, and dexmedetomidine. The dosage of sedatives and vasoactive drugs, duration of mechanical ventilation, and incidence of sedative adverse reactions were documented. The dosage of sedatives and vasoactive drugs, as well as the incidence of sedative adverse reactions in group U, was significantly lower than those in groups P and M. Similarly, the duration of mechanical ventilation in group U was significantly shorter than that in groups P and M. Hence, inducing sedation through a combination of multiple drugs can significantly reduce their adverse effects, improve their sedative effect, inhibit systemic inflammatory responses, and improve oxygenation in patients with ARDS

Prone ventilation in intubated COVID-19 patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract Background The efficacy and safety profiles of prone ventilation among intubated Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients remain unclear. The primary objective was to examine the effect of prone ventilation on the ratio of arterial partial pressure of oxygen to fraction of inspired oxygen (PaO2/FiO2) in intubated COVID-19 patients. Methods Databases of MEDLINE, EMBASE and CENTRAL were systematically searched from inception until March 2021. Case reports and case series were excluded. Results Eleven studies (n = 606 patients) were eligible. Prone ventilation significantly improved PaO2/FiO2 ratio (studies: 8, n = 579, mean difference 46.75, 95% CI 33.35‒60.15, p < 0.00001; evidence: very low) and peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO2) (studies: 3, n = 432, mean difference 1.67, 95% CI 1.08‒2.26, p < 0.00001; evidence: ow), but not the arterial partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCO2) (studies: 5, n = 396, mean difference 2.45, 95% CI 2.39‒7.30, p= 0.32; evidence: very low), mortality rate (studies: 1, n = 215, Odds Ratio 0.66, 95% CI 0.32‒1.33, p= 0.24; evidence: very low), or number of patients discharged alive (studies: 1, n = 43, Odds Ratio 1.49, 95% CI 0.72‒3.08, p= 0.28; evidence: very low). Conclusion Prone ventilation improved PaO2/FiO2 ratio and SpO2 in intubated COVID-19 patients. Given the substantial heterogeneity and low level of evidence, more randomized- controlled trials are warranted to improve the certainty of evidence, and to examine the adverse events of prone ventilation.

Therapeutic Potential of Pomegranate in SARS-CoV-2 and Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS)

COVID-19 is a viral disease caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), which has rapidly spread across the world causing a global health crisis. Due to the paucity of therapeutics against SARS-CoV-2, there is an urgent need for the identification of safe and effective treatments for this global pandemic. Thus, existing anti-viral and immunosuppressive drugs, are being evaluated as potential candidates and also an extensive amount of research is being conducted to develop novel therapeutic agents against COVID-19. Since ancient times natural products have been used as a treatment for a variety of diseases and to aid in the synthetic drug development process. The phytochemical constituents of Pomegranate have been extensively investigated in the past decade for their anti-tumor activity. The purpose of this review is to elaborate on how the major phytochemicals of pomegranate such as delphinidin, cyanidin, ellagitannin, and punicalagin could be utilized as pharmacological agents to suppress SARS-CoV-2 cell entry, replication, and immunological sequences that give rise to ARDS, based on current knowledge of interactome between host cells and SARS-CoV-2. The SARS-CoV-2 uses various biological mechanisms to modulate immune reactions, uncontrolled gene expression, and cell invasion to improve their survival inside the human host cells similar to those observed in certain tumors. Existing evidence suggests that certain tumors and SARS-CoV-2 use similar biological pathways for human cell invasion. Therefore, this review utilizes the findings of existing tumor-related research which describe how pomegranate extract interacts with various biological pathways associated with tumor suppression as indirect evidence for its ability to act as a potential therapeutic agent against SARS-CoV-2.

O que mudou entre os períodos de pico e de platô durante a primeira onda do SARS-CoV-2? Estudo multicêntrico português em unidades de cuidados intensivos / What changed between the peak and plateau periods of the first COVID-19 pandemic wave? A multicentric Portuguese cohort study in intensive care

RESUMO Objetivo: Analisar e comparar as características de pacientes críticos com a COVID-19, a abordagem clínica e os resultados entre os períodos de pico e de platô na primeira onda pandêmica em Portugal. Métodos: Este foi um estudo de coorte multicêntrico ambispectivo, que incluiu pacientes consecutivos com a forma grave da COVID-19 entre março e agosto de 2020 de 16 unidades de terapia intensiva portuguesas. Definiram-se as semanas 10 - 16 e 17 - 34 como os períodos de pico e platô. Resultados: Incluíram-se 541 pacientes adultos com mediana de idade de 65 [57 - 74] anos, a maioria do sexo masculino (71,2%). Não houve diferenças significativas na mediana de idade (p = 0,3), no Simplified Acute Physiology Score II (40 versus 39; p = 0,8), na pressão parcial de oxigênio/fração inspirada de oxigênio (139 versus 136; p = 0,6), na terapia com antibióticos na admissão (57% versus 64%; p = 0,2) ou na mortalidade aos 28 dias (24,4% versus 22,8%; p = 0,7) entre o período de pico e platô. Durante o período de pico, os pacientes tiveram menos comorbidades (1 [0 - 3] versus 2 [0 - 5]; p = 0,002); fizeram mais uso de vasopressores (47% versus 36%; p < 0,001) e ventilação mecânica invasiva na admissão (58,1% versus 49,2%; p < 0,001), e tiveram mais prescrição de hidroxicloroquina (59% versus 10%; p < 0,001), lopinavir/ritonavir (41% versus 10%; p < 0,001) e posição prona (45% versus 36%; p = 0,04). Entretanto, durante o platô, observou-se maior uso de cânulas nasais de alto fluxo (5% versus 16%; p < 0,001) na admissão, remdesivir (0,3% versus 15%; p < 0,001) e corticosteroides (29% versus 52%; p < 0,001), além de menor tempo de internação na unidade de terapia intensiva (12 versus 8 dias; p < 0,001). Conclusão: Houve mudanças significativas nas comorbidades dos pacientes, nos tratamentos da unidade de terapia intensiva e no tempo de internação entre os períodos de pico e platô na primeira onda da COVID-19.

ABSTRACT Objective: To analyze and compare COVID-19 patient characteristics, clinical management and outcomes between the peak and plateau periods of the first pandemic wave in Portugal. Methods: This was a multicentric ambispective cohort study including consecutive severe COVID-19 patients between March and August 2020 from 16 Portuguese intensive care units. The peak and plateau periods, respectively, weeks 10 - 16 and 17 - 34, were defined. Results: Five hundred forty-one adult patients with a median age of 65 [57 - 74] years, mostly male (71.2%), were included. There were no significant differences in median age (p = 0.3), Simplified Acute Physiology Score II (40 versus 39; p = 0.8), partial arterial oxygen pressure/fraction of inspired oxygen ratio (139 versus 136; p = 0.6), antibiotic therapy (57% versus 64%; p = 0.2) at admission, or 28-day mortality (24.4% versus 22.8%; p = 0.7) between the peak and plateau periods. During the peak period, patients had fewer comorbidities (1 [0 - 3] versus 2 [0 - 5]; p = 0.002) and presented a higher use of vasopressors (47% versus 36%; p < 0.001) and invasive mechanical ventilation (58.1 versus 49.2%; p < 0.001) at admission, prone positioning (45% versus 36%; p = 0.04), and hydroxychloroquine (59% versus 10%; p < 0.001) and lopinavir/ritonavir (41% versus 10%; p < 0.001) prescriptions. However, a greater use of high-flow nasal cannulas (5% versus 16%, p < 0.001) on admission, remdesivir (0.3% versus 15%; p < 0.001) and corticosteroid (29% versus 52%, p < 0.001) therapy, and a shorter ICU length of stay (12 days versus 8, p < 0.001) were observed during the plateau. Conclusion: There were significant changes in patient comorbidities, intensive care unit therapies and length of stay between the peak and plateau periods of the first COVID-19 wave.

Investigação da associação de dois oxigenadores em paralelo ou em série durante o suporte respiratório com oxigenação por membrana extracorpórea / Exploring the association of two oxygenators in parallel or in series during respiratory support using extracorporeal membrane oxygenation

RESUMO Objetivo: Caracterizar as pressões, as resistências, a oxigenação e a eficácia da descarboxilação de dois oxigenadores associados em série ou em paralelo durante o suporte com oxigenação veno-venosa por membrana extracorpórea. Métodos: Usando os resultados de insuficiência respiratória grave em suínos associada à disfunção de múltiplos órgãos, ao modelo de suporte com oxigenação por membrana extracorpórea veno-venosa e à modelagem matemática, exploramos os efeitos na oxigenação, descarboxilação e pressões do circuito de associações de oxigenadores em paralelo e em série. Resultados: Testaram-se cinco animais com peso mediano de 80kg. Ambas as configurações aumentaram a pressão parcial de oxigênio após os oxigenadores. O teor de oxigênio da cânula de retorno também foi ligeiramente maior, mas o efeito na oxigenação sistêmica foi mínimo, usando oxigenadores com alto fluxo nominal (~ 7L/minuto). Ambas as configurações reduziram significativamente a pressão parcial de dióxido de carbono sistêmico. Como o fluxo sanguíneo na oxigenação por membrana extracorpórea aumentou, a resistência do oxigenador diminuiu inicialmente, com aumento posterior, com fluxos sanguíneos mais altos, mas pouco efeito clínico. Conclusão: A associação de oxigenadores em paralelo ou em série durante o suporte com oxigenação veno-venosa por membrana extracorpórea proporciona um modesto aumento na depuração da pressão parcial de dióxido de carbono, com leve melhora na oxigenação. O efeito das associações de oxigenadores nas pressões de circuitos extracorpóreos é mínimo.

ABSTRACT Objective: To characterize the pressures, resistances, oxygenation, and decarboxylation efficacy of two oxygenators associated in series or in parallel during venous-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support. Methods: Using the results of a swine severe respiratory failure associated with multiple organ dysfunction venous-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support model and mathematical modeling, we explored the effects on oxygenation, decarboxylation and circuit pressures of in-parallel and in-series associations of oxygenators. Results: Five animals with a median weight of 80kg were tested. Both configurations increased the oxygen partial pressure after the oxygenators. The return cannula oxygen content was also slightly higher, but the impact on systemic oxygenation was minimal using oxygenators with a high rated flow (~ 7L/minute). Both configurations significantly reduced the systemic carbon dioxide partial pressure. As the extracorporeal membrane oxygenation blood flow increased, the oxygenator resistance decreased initially with a further increase with higher blood flows but with a small clinical impact. Conclusion: Association of oxygenators in parallel or in series during venous-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support provides a modest increase in carbon dioxide partial pressure removal with a slight improvement in oxygenation. The effect of oxygenator associations on extracorporeal circuit pressures is minimal.

Comparative, observational study of the use of artesunate injections along with standard-of-care treatment versus only standard-of-care treatment in moderate and severe acute respiratory distress syndrome cases of COVID-19-positive infections

Introduction: COVID-19 is a type of coronavirus disease belonging to the family Coronaviridae. In late December 2019, this virus emerged from Wuhan, Hubei province, China, and resulted in an outbreak in China and expanded globally. In India, the mortality rate today was 521,691 till the date-time of writing this article. Several therapeutic agents have been evaluated for the treatment of COVID-19. Materials and Methods: This was a hospital-based comparative, observational study of the use of artesunate injections with standard-of-care (SOC) treatment (group A) versus only SOC (group B) treatment in moderate- to-severe cases of COVID-19 acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) patients, on a total of 130 patients (comparative group of 65 patients each). The study was done on hospitalized COVID-19-positive moderate and severe cases of ARDS from October 2020 to June 2021 at MGM Hospital and Research Centre, CBD Belapur, Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra, India. Results: One hundred and thirty patients were divided into two groups of 65 each; group A was compared with group B; group A received SOC with artesunate injections and group B received only SOC treatment. The mean age of patients in group A was 57.3 ± 12.5 years (standard deviation [SD]: 54.2–60.3) and in group B was 55.8 ± 12.5 years (SD: 52.8–58.9). Diabetes mellitus was the most comorbid condition. The inflammatory markers, respiratory rate, and SpO2 improved in group A as compared to group B. The proportion of patients progressing to noninvasive and invasive ventilation was more in group B as compared to group A (P < 0.05). About 93.8% of patients (61 patients) recovered in group A compared with 72.3% of patients (47 patients) who recovered in group B. The overall death in group A was 6.2% (four patients) and 27.7% (18 patients) in group B (P < 0.05), indicating the proportion of dead patients is significantly more where only SOC treatment was given. Conclusions: Artesunate injection administration accelerated recovery in our patients with moderate and severe COVID-19 disease by controlling hyperimmune response. The clinical improvement was seen by decreased levels of inflammatory markers, reduced respiratory rate, and improved oxygen saturation and showed significant survival in group A compared with group B. Artesunate injections were given 2 mg/kg body weight diluted in 1 mL 5% sodium bicarbonate solution as a bolus followed by 1 mg/kg body weight after 6 h and 2 mg/kg body weight with 1 mL sodium bicarbonate solution for next 2 days at an interval of 24 h. Patients tolerated the injections well and recovery improved, so artesunate can be considered a therapeutic option in moderate and severe cases of COVID-19 ARDS.

An Exploration of Pulmonary Fitness of Construction Workers in Delhi NCR in Light of the Building and Other Construction Workers Act, 1996

Workers in the construction sector are exposed to high concentrations of particulate matter at their workplace. This increases their susceptibility to various respiratory diseases, particularly chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). The study reports comparative pulmonary fitness and hematological parameters of the migrant workers in the construction sector versus other sectors in Delhi. Parameters such as forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1 ), the ratio of FEV1 to FVC, and peak expiratory flow were measured in both groups using a spirometer. We observed significant differences (P < 0.05) in FEV1 and FVC between both groups. The study thus confirms that workers exposed to poor air quality at the construction site are susceptible to respiratory diseases, particularly ARDS. All of this reflects the poor enforcement of the adequate safety measures well enlisted in social legislations such as the Building and Other Construction Workers Act.

Papel del ultrasonido pulmonar en la clasificación por fenotipos del SDRA por COVID-19 / Role of lung ultrasound in the classification by phenotypes of ARDS by COVID-19 / Papel da ultrassonografia pulmonar na classificação por fenótipos da SDRA por COVID-19

Resumen: Introducción: La mayoría de los pacientes con COVID-19 mecánicamente ventilados cumplen con los criterios de Berlín para síndrome de distrés respiratorio agudo (SDRA); sin embargo, se ha observado una discrepancia entre el grado de hipoxemia y la distensibilidad pulmonar. Basados en la mecánica respiratoria y hallazgos tomográficos se han propuesto dos fenotipos distintos: L y H, cada fenotipo podría beneficiarse de estrategias de ventilación distintas; sin embargo, realizar tomografías durante la pandemia resulta complicado. Objetivo: Determinar la utilidad del ultrasonido pulmonar para diferenciar los fenotipos del SDRA por COVID-19 mediante la correlación de lung ultrasound score (LUS) y la distensibilidad del sistema respiratorio. Material y métodos: Analizamos de forma prospectiva pacientes con COVID-19 bajo ventilación mecánica invasiva a su ingreso a la unidad de cuidados intensivos (UCI). Resultados: De un total de 90 pacientes, 62% hombres, mediana 60 años, SOFA siete puntos. La incidencia del fenotipo H fue 83.3%. El puntaje de aireación (LUS) tuvo una diferencia significativa entre ambos fenotipos (p = 0.001), con un área bajo la curva de 0.797 (p < 0.001). Con punto de corte para la predicción del fenotipo H: LUS > 18 puntos (sensibilidad 82.6%, especificidad 73.3%). Conclusión: El ultrasonido pulmonar valora de forma confiable el grado de aireación pulmonar y junto con la distensibilidad permite clasificar por fenotipos a los pacientes con SDRA por COVID-19.

Abstract: Introduction: Most mechanically ventilated COVID-19 patients meet the Berlin criteria for acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), however, a discrepancy between the degree of hypoxemia and pulmonary distensibility has been observed. Based on respiratory mechanics and tomographic findings two distinct phenotypes have been proposed: L and H, each phenotype could benefit from distinct ventilation strategies, however, performing tomographic scans during pandemic is complicated. Objective: To determine the usefulness of lung ultrasound to differentiate ARDS phenotypes by COVID-19, by correlating LUS and respiratory system distensibility. Material and methods: We prospectively analyzed patients with COVID-19 under invasive mechanical ventilation on admission to the ICU. Results: Of a total of 90 patients, 62% men, median 60 years, SOFA 7 points. The incidence of phenotype H was 83.3%. LUS had a significant difference between both phenotypes (p = 0.001), with an area under the curve of 0.797 (p < 0.001). With cutoff point for phenotype H prediction: LUS >18 points (sensitivity 82.6%, specificity 73.3%). Conclusion: Lung ultrasound reliably assesses the degree of pulmonary aeration and, together with distensibility, allows the classification of patients with ARDS by COVID-19 phenotypes.

Resumo: Introdução: A maioria dos pacientes com COVID-19 ventilados mecanicamente atende aos critérios de Berlim para SDRA, no entanto, foi observada uma discrepância entre o grau de hipoxemia e a complacência pulmonar. Com base na mecânica respiratória e nos achados tomográficos, dois fenótipos diferentes foram propostos: L e H, cada fenótipo poderia se beneficiar de diferentes estratégias de ventilação, porém, realizar a tomografia durante a pandemia é complicado. Objetivo: Determinar a utilidade da ultrassonografia pulmonar para diferenciar os fenótipos de SDRA por COVID-19, correlacionando LUS e complacência do sistema respiratório. Material e métodos: Analisamos prospectivamente pacientes com COVID-19 sob ventilação mecânica invasiva na admissão à UTI. Resultados: De um total de 90 pacientes, 62% homens, idade média de 60 anos, SOFA 7 pontos. A incidência do fenótipo H foi de 83.3%. O LUS apresentou diferença significativa entre os dois fenótipos (p = 0.001), com área sob a curva de 0.797 (p < 0.001). Com ponto de corte para a predição do fenótipo H: LUS > 18 pontos (sensibilidade 82.6%, especificidade 73.3%). Conclusão: A ultrassonografia pulmonar avalia de forma confiável o grau de aeração pulmonar e, juntamente com a distensibilidade, permite que os pacientes com SDRA por COVID-19 sejam classificados por fenótipos.

Lesión pulmonar autoinflingida por el paciente en la Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos / Patient Self-Inflicted Lung Injury (P-SILI) in the Intensive Care Unit / Lesão pulmonar auto-infligida pelo paciente na Unidade de Cuidados Intensivos

Resumen: Hasta la fecha, no se ha demostrado superioridad de algún modo de ventilación mecánica invasiva en particular, la mayoría de los autores destacan la individualización de la programación y modalidad de la ventilación mecánica, teniendo en cuenta la presencia de asincronías y buscando el mejor confort del paciente, incluso la ventilación espontánea, aunque al parecer se asemeja a la manera fisiológica de la mecánica respiratoria, no está exenta de complicaciones. Tres mecanismos potenciales se proponen para el desarrollo de lesión pulmonar por esfuerzo respiratorio espontáneo: sobredistensión global y local, aumento de la perfusión pulmonar y la presencia de asincronías paciente-ventilador, derivadas en una lesión autoinfligida por el paciente o «P-SILI¼, por sus siglas en inglés Patient Self Inflicted Lung Injury. En los últimos 20 años se han desarrollado estrategias que permiten minimizar los riesgos asociados a la ventilación mecánica, la más importante de todas es mantener soporte ventilatorio guiado por metas, identificación del posible desarrollo del paciente y extubar al paciente lo más rápido posible, siempre y cuando sus condiciones lo permitan.

Abstract: To date, the superiority of any particular mode of invasive mechanical ventilation has not been demonstrated; most authors emphasize the individualization of the programming and modality of mechanical ventilation, taking into account the presence of asynchronies and seeking the best patient comfort; even spontaneous ventilation, although it seems to resemble the physiological manner of respiratory mechanics, is not free of complications. Three potential mechanisms are proposed for the development of lung injury by spontaneous respiratory effort: global and local overdistension, increased pulmonary perfusion and the presence of patient-ventilator asynchronies, resulting in a Patient Self-Inflicted Injury or «P-SILI¼. In the last twenty years, strategies have been developed to minimize the risks associated with mechanical ventilation, the most important of which is to maintain goal-directed ventilatory support, identify the possible development of the patient and extubate the patient as quickly as possible, as long as the patient's conditions allow it.

Resumo: Até o momento, nenhum modo específico de ventilação mecânica invasiva se mostrou superior, a maioria dos autores enfatiza a individualização da programação e modalidade de ventilação mecânica, levando em consideração a presença de assincronia e buscando o melhor conforto do paciente. Mesmo a ventilação espontânea, embora pareça assemelhar-se à maneira fisiológica da mecânica respiratória, não é isenta de complicações. Três mecanismos potenciais são propostos para o desenvolvimento de lesão pulmonar por esforço respiratório espontâneo: hiperdistensão global e local, aumento da perfusão pulmonar e presença de assincronia paciente-ventilador, derivada de uma lesão autoinfligida pelo paciente ou «P-SILI¼ por suas siglas em inglês patient self inflicted lung injury. Nos últimos vinte anos, foram desenvolvidas estratégias para minimizar os riscos associados à ventilação mecânica. O mais importante de tudo é manter o suporte ventilatório guiado por metas, identificar o possível desenvolvimento do paciente e extubar o paciente o mais rápido possível, enquanto suas condições permitirem.

Presión de distensión alveolar: su asociación a la mortalidad y protección pulmonar en pacientes ventilados / Alveolar distension pressure: association to mortality and pulmonary protection in ventilated patients

Introducción: La ventilación mecánica artificial es una medida terapéutica de soporte vital aplicada en contextos clínicos como el síndrome de distrés respiratorio agudo. Por eso es necesario establecer parámetros de seguridad. La presión de distensión alveolar es una variable de interés en la protección pulmonar. Se usa para optimizar el volumen tidal de acuerdo con el tamaño del pulmón disponible durante el intercambio gaseoso. Refleja el grado de estiramiento pulmonar en cada ciclo respiratorio. Objetivo: Actualizar contenidos referentes a la presión de distensión alveolar en pacientes ventilados con distrés respiratorio agudo. Método: Se realizó una pesquisa en Google Scholar, Pubmed/Medline, SciELO regional entre otros, bajo los términos: ventilación de protección pulmonar/variables, presión de distensión alveolar durante la ventilación/medición, relación de la presión de distensión alveolar y mortalidad en SDRA/resultados. Se seleccionaron 65 referencias que cumplieron los criterios de inclusión. Resultados: La evidencia actual asocia el hecho de mantener una excesiva presión de distención alveolar, a la mortalidad en pacientes ventilados con síndrome de distrés respiratorio. Permite identificar el riesgo de daño inducido por la ventilación y complicaciones pulmonares en otros escenarios clínicos. Se logra así mejoría en los objetivos y metas en la ventilación mecánica artificial. Conclusiones: La presión de distensión alveolar está asociada con cambios en la supervivencia y ha demostrado ser el mediador clave en los efectos de la ventilación mecánica sobre los resultados del síndrome de distrés respiratorio agudo(AU)

Introduction: Artificial mechanical ventilation is a life support therapeutic measure applied in clinical scenarios such as acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Therefore, to establish safety parameters is necessary. Alveolar distending pressure is a variable of interest in lung protection. It is used to optimize tidal volume according to the size of the lung available during gas exchange. It reflects the degree of lung stretch in each respiratory cycle. Objective: To update contents concerning alveolar distending pressure in ventilated patients with acute respiratory distress. Methods: A search was carried out in Google Scholar, Pubmed/Medline, regional SciELO, among others, under the terms ventilación de protección pulmonar/variables [lung-protective ventilation/variables], presión de distensión alveolar durante la ventilación/medición [alveolar distending pressure during ventilation/measurement], relación de la presión de distensión alveolar [relationship between alveolar distending pressure] and mortalidad en SDRA/resultados [ARDS mortality/results]. Sixty-five references that met the inclusion criteria were selected. Results: Current evidence associates the maintenance of excessive alveolar distending pressure with mortality in ventilated patients with respiratory distress syndrome. It allows to identify the risk of ventilator-induced damage and pulmonary complications in other clinical scenarios. It thus achieves improved goals and objectives in artificial mechanical ventilation. Conclusions: Alveolar distending pressure is associated with changes in survival and has been shown to be the key mediator in the effects of mechanical ventilation on acute respiratory distress syndrome outcomes(AU)

Pregnancy with COVID-19-related severe ARDS: A case report from rural critical care unit in India

Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) can frequently occur as a complication of Coronavirus Disease 19 (COVID-19). As a result of the increasing number of COVID-19 cases around the world, it is inevitable that ARDS will complicate some pregnancies with COVID-19. At present, there are scarce data to guide decision-making on the timing of delivery for these patients. We present a case of a pregnant woman at 30 weeks gestation with COVID-19-related ARDS, who was successfully managed with lung protective strategies for mechanical ventilation and early delivery by cesarean section in the rural critical care setting.

Outcome of patients with COVID pneumonia on High Flow Nasal Oxygen Therapy

Background & Aims: The coronavirus pandemic has caused a rapid surge in patients requiring intensive care unit (ICU) admission. The mainstay of treatment is supplemental oxygen therapy by an oxygen mask, nonrebreathing mask, high flow nasal oxygen therapy (HFNOT), non-invasive and invasive mechanical ventilation. HFNOT is a relatively newer, easy-to-use technique with better patient compliance. This study aimed to assess the outcome of HFNOT in Corona Virus disease (COVID) patients in ICU. Methods: This record based; retrospective study included 43 reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RTPCR) confirmed COVID patients whose respiratory support was initiated on HFNOT as per the inclusion criteria. The primary outcome of this study was to assess the number of patients requiring mechanical ventilation (HFNOT failure). The secondary outcome was to assess the association of HFNOT failure with age, co-morbidity index, and severity of illness. Results: Out of forty-three patients, twenty-five patients (58%) required conversion to mechanical ventilation. Eighteen patients (42%) were managed with HFNOT alone. HFNOT failure was more with increasing age and higher comorbidity score (p value<0.05). Conclusion: We concluded that HFNOT can be successfully used in COVID patients in ICU without the need for mechanical ventilation. However, it should be used cautiously in patients with higher 4C mortality scores.

Características clínicas de pacientes pediátricos con síndrome de dificultad respiratoria aguda asociado con COVID-19 / Clinical characteristics of pediatric patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome due to COVID-19

Resumen Introducción: Existen pocos reportes de síndrome de dificultad respiratoria aguda (SDRA) con COVID-19 en pacientes pediátricos. El objetivo de este estudio fue describir las características de los pacientes pediátricos críticamente enfermos con COVID-19, la frecuencia del SDRA, la mecánica ventilatoria y los resultados de la posición prona. Métodos: Se llevó a cabo un estudio retrospectivo y observacional de los pacientes ingresados del 1 de abril al 30 de septiembre de 2020. Resultados: Ingresaron 34 pacientes a la unidad de terapia intensiva pediátrica (UTIP) con prueba positiva para SARS-CoV-2. De ellos, 13 presentaron SDRA, 11 requirieron ventilación mecánica invasiva y siete fueron pronados como estrategia de oxigenación. Todos los pacientes clasificados como SDRA graves fueron pronados. La obesidad fue la comorbilidad más importante. Las complicaciones asociadas con SDRA fueron el síndrome inflamatorio multisistémico (p < 0.05) y la lesión renal aguda (p < 0.05). La procalcitonina fue mayor en los pacientes con SDRA, al igual que los días de estancia en la UTIP (p < 0.05). El éxito de la maniobra de pronación se alcanzó 8 horas después.Los resultados observados fueron los siguientes relación presión arterial de oxígeno/fracción inspirada de oxígeno 128 vs. 204, índice de oxigenación 8.9 vs. 5.9, distensibilidad pulmonar estática 0.54 vs. 0.70 ml/cmH2O/kg, y presión meseta 24 vs. 19 cmH2O (p < 0.05). El uso de narcóticos fue mayor en el grupo de SDRA más pronación que en los no pronados (124 vs. 27 h; p < 0.01). La mortalidad asociada con SARS-CoV-2 fue del 5.8%. Conclusiones: El SDRA se presentó en el 38.2% de los niños admitidos a UTIP, y con mayor frecuencia en los pacientes con obesidad. La maniobra de pronación aplicada en los casos severos, mejoró la oxigenación de la mécanica pulmonar. Ninguno de los pacientes falleció por SDRA.

Abstract Background: There are only a few reports of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) in patients with SARS-CoV-2 in pediatrics. This study aimed to describe the characteristics of critically ill pediatric patients with COVID-19, the frequency of ARDS, ventilatory mechanics and results of prone position. Methods: We conducted a retrospective, observational study of patients admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) between April 1 to September 30, 2020. Results: Thirty-four patients were admitted to pediatric intensive care unit, 31.7% were SARS-CoV-2 positive. 13 presented ARDS, 11 required invasive mechanical ventilation, and seven were pronated as an oxygenation strategy. All patients classified as severe ARDS were pronated. Obesity was the most important comorbidity. The complications associated with ARDS were multisystemic inflammatory syndrome (8 vs. 4; p < 0.05) and acute kidney injury (8 vs. 3; p < 0.05). Procalcitonin was higher in patients with ARDS, as were the days of stay in PICU (p < 0.05). The success of the pronation maneuver was achieved 8 hours later , with the following results: arterial oxygen partial pressure to fractional inspired oxygen ratio 128 vs. 204, oxygenation index 8.9 vs. 5.9, static lung compliance 0.54 vs. 0.70 ml/cmH2O/kg, plateau pressure 24 vs. 19 cmH2O (p < 0.05). The use of narcotics was higher in the group with ARDS plus pronation 124 vs. 27 hours in the non-pronated (p < 0.01). Mortality associated with SARS-CoV-2 was 5.8%. Conclusions: ARDS was presented in 38.2% of the children admitted to PICU and was more frequent in obese patients. Pronation, performed in severe cases, improved oxygenation and lung mechanics indexes. No patient died of ARDS.