Impacto de la edad, las comorbilidades y las complicaciones en pacientes con COVID-19 con síndrome de dificultad respiratoria aguda en la ventilación mecánica invasiva. Estudio multicéntrico observacional / Impact of Age, Comorbidities and Complications in COVID-19 Patients with Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome on Invasive Mechanical Ventilation. An Observational Multicenter Study

Objetivos: Millones de pacientes con COVID-19 fueron internados en terapia intensiva en el mundo, la mitad desarrollaron síndrome de dificultad respiratoria aguda (SDRA) y recibieron ventilación mecánica invasiva (VMI), con una mortalidad del 50%. Analiza-mos cómo edad, comorbilidades y complicaciones, en pacientes con COVID-19 y SDRA que recibieron VMI, se asociaron con el riesgo de morir durante su hospitalización.Métodos: Estudio de cohorte observacional, retrospectivo y multicéntrico realizado en 5 hospitales (tres privados y dos públicos universitarios) de Argentina y Chile, durante el segundo semestre de 2020.Se incluyeron pacientes >18 años con infección por SARS-CoV-2 confirmada RT-PCR, que desarrollaron SDRA y fueron asistidos con VMI durante >48 horas, durante el se-gundo semestre de 2020. Se analizaron los antecedentes, las comorbilidades más fre-cuentes (obesidad, diabetes e hipertensión), y las complicaciones shock, insuficiencia renal aguda (IRA) y neumonía asociada a la ventilación mecánica (NAV), por un lado, y las alteraciones de parámetros clínicos y de laboratorio registrados.Resultados: El 69% era varón. La incidencia de comorbilidades difirió para los diferentes grupos de edad. La mortalidad aumentó significativamente con la edad (p<0,00001). Las comorbilidades, hipertensión y diabetes, y las complicaciones de IRA y shock se asociaron significativamente con la mortalidad. En el análisis multivariado, sólo la edad mayor de 60 años, la IRA y el shock permanecieron asociados con la mortalidad. Conclusiones: El SDRA en COVID-19 es más común entre los mayores. Solo la edad >60 años, el shock y la IRA se asociaron a la mortalidad en el análisis multivariado.

Objectives: Millions of patients with COVID-19 were admitted to intensive care world-wide, half developed acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and received invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV), with a mortality of 50%. We analyzed how age, comor-bidities and complications in patients with COVID-19 and ARDS who received IMV were associated with the risk of dying during their hospitalization.Methods: Observational, retrospective and multicenter cohort study carried out in 5 hospitals (three private and two public university hospitals) in Argentina and Chile, during the second half of 2020.Patients >18 years of age with SARS-CoV-2 infection confirmed by RT-PCR, who devel-oped ARDS and were assisted with IMV for >48 hours, during the second half of 2020, were included. History, the most frequent comorbidities (obesity, diabetes and hyper-tension) and the complications of shock, acute renal failure (AKI) and pneumonia as-sociated with mechanical ventilation (VAP), on the one hand, and the alterations of re-corded clinical and laboratory parameters, were analyzed.Results: 69% were men. The incidence of comorbidities differed for different age groups. Mortality increased significantly with age (p<0.00001). Comorbidities, hyper-tension and diabetes, and complications of ARF and shock were significantly associat-ed with mortality. In the multivariate analysis, only age over 60 years, ARF and shock remained associated with mortality.Conclusions: ARDS in COVID-19 is more common among the elderly. Only age >60 years, shock and ARF were associated with mortality in the multivariate analysis

Utilización de soportes respiratorios no invasivos post extubación en pacientes adultos críticos: revisión narrativa SRNI post extubación en adultos críticos / Use of Non-Invasive Respiratory Support in Critically Ill Patients Post-Extubation: a Narrative Review NIRS Post-Extubation in Critically Ill Adults

La tasa de reintubación orotraqueal luego de la extubación se registra entre un 10 a 20%. La aplicación de soportes respiratorios no-invasivos (SRNI) posterior a la extuba-ción como cánula nasal de alto-flujo, ventilación no invasiva (dos niveles de presión) y presión positiva continua en la vía aérea demostraron ser seguras y efectivas post ex-tubación. El período pre-destete representa un momento crucial en el manejo de los pa-cientes críticos ya que el fracaso de la extubación, definido como la necesidad de reintu-bación dentro de los 2 a 7 días, demostró peores resultados al aumentar la mortalidad entre un 25-50%. Esta situación conlleva al requerimiento de ventilación mecánica prolongada, neumonía asociada a la ventilación mecánica y estancias prolongadas de internación. Por lo tanto, es esencial identificar a los pacientes que se beneficiarán utilizando SRNI post extubación.

The rate of re-intubation after extubation is recorded at 10-20%. The use of non-invasive respiratory support (NIRS) post-extubation such as high-flow nasal cannula, non-invasive ventilation (bilevel pressure) and continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) have been shown to be safe and effective post-extubation. The pre-weaning period represents a crucial time in the management of critically ill patients, as extubation failure, defined as the need for reintubation within 2-7 days, showed worse outcomes with mortality increasing by 25-50%. This situation leads to the requirement for prolonged mechanical ventilation, ventilator-associated pneumonia and long lengths of hospital stay. Therefore, it is essential to identify patients who will benefit from NIRS post extubation.

Descripción de las intervenciones broncoscópicas en estenosis traqueales posterior a infección por COVID-19 / Description of Bronchoscopic Interventions in Post-COVID Tracheal Stenosis

Introducción: La infección por SARS-CoV-2 puede presentar síndrome de distrés res-piratorio agudo con requerimiento de ventilación mecánica prolongada y retraso en la realización de traqueostomía. Esto trae como consecuencia un incremento en casos de estenosis traqueal y la necesidad de métodos menos invasivos para su abordaje. Métodos: Estudio descriptivo de corte transversal, desde marzo 2020 hasta diciem-bre 2021 en el Hospital Universitario Nacional de Colombia, en adultos con estenosis traqueal postintubación asociado SARS-CoV-2. Se realizó análisis univariado entre los grupos con infección o no por SARS-CoV-2 como control, y reintervención, grado de estenosis, uso de inyección intramucosa con dexametasona intratraqueal o múltiples estenosis como desenlaces de importancia. Se usó test exacto de Fisher, t Student y Man-Whitney según la naturaleza de variables. Se consideró p estadísticamente significativo menor a 0.05.Resultados: Se identificaron 26 pacientes, 20 tenían COVID-19 y 6 no. Se encontraron diferencias en edad (p=0,002), epilepsia (p=0,007) y estenosis múltiple (p= 0,04). En 85% de los casos se utilizó láser blue más dilatación con balón pulmonar, en 35% inyección intramucosa con dexametasona intratraqueal y reintervención en 35%, sin diferencias significativas entre grupos. Conclusiones: Se observó un incremento tres veces mayor de pacientes con estenosis múltiple en el grupo de infección por COVID-19, así mismo se encontró que el método más utilizado en este grupo para la recanalización fue el uso de láser blue más dilatación con balón pulmonar y la innovación en el uso de inyección intramucosa.

Introduction: SARS-CoV-2 infection can lead to acute respiratory distress syndrome with a prolonged need for mechanical ventilation and delayed tracheostomy, resulting in an increase in cases of tracheal stenosis and the necessity for less invasive approaches.Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted from March 2020 to December 2021 at the Hospital Universitario Nacional de Colombia, focusing on adults with post-intubation tracheal stenosis associated with SARS-CoV-2. Univariate analysis was performed between groups with or without SARS-CoV-2 infection as a control, considering reintervention, degree of stenosis, use of intratracheal steroids, or multiple stenoses as important outcomes. Fisher's exact test, Student's t-test, and Mann-Whit-ney test were employed based on the nature of variables. A p-value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant.Results: A total of 26 patients were included, with 20 having COVID-19 and 6 without. Significant differences were found in age (p=0.002), epilepsy (p=0.007), and multiple stenosis (p=0.04). In 85% of cases, laser blue plus balloon pulmonary dilation was used, intratracheal dexamethasone in 35%, and reintervention in 35%, with no significant differences between groups.Conclusions: A threefold increase in subglottic stenosis was observed during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, with more instances of multiple stenosis and predominantly the use of laser blue plus balloon pulmonary dilation as a successful recanalization technique. There was a higher use of intratracheal dexamethasone in this group compared to oth-er pathologies causing tracheal stenosis.

Etiology and incidence of infection in Mechanically Ventilated Medical Intensive Care Unit Patients in a Tertiary Care Hospital

Introduction@#Intensive care unit (ICU) patients are at the greatest risk of acquiring nosocomial infections, partly because of their serious underlying disease, but also by exposure to life-saving invasive procedures. Hospital-acquired infections increase patient morbidity, increase the length of hospital stay and hospital costs, and also increases mortality rate. The basic knowledge of organisms infecting ICU patients is very important to empirically select appropriate antibiotics, so that the most likely infecting organisms are addressed.@*Objective@#The aim of the study was to find out the etiologic agents causing infection in medical intensive care unit patients.@*Results@#In our study of 289 patients, 180 (62.3%) showed a growth of organism during the stay in ICU. The most common site of infection was the respiratory tract in 138 patients (47.8%) with 60 patients (20.8%) showing Acinetobacter baumannii.

Terapia de fotobiomodulação em lesões por pressão relacionada a dispositivos médicos: relato de caso em lábio de um paciente adulto / Photobiomodulation therapy for medical device-related pressure injuries: a case report of an adult with lip involvement

Lesão por pressão relacionada a dispositivos médicos é uma complicação bastante comum e geralmente oriunda da fixação do dispositivo utilizado na intubação endotraqueal para ventilação mecânica. Desta forma, o presente estudo reportou o caso de um paciente do sexo masculino, 65 anos, leucoderma, internado em uma unidade de terapia intensiva, e que desenvolveu lesão ulcerada na região de fixação do dispositivo utilizado para intubação orotraqueal. Após alívio da pressão local exercida, terapia de fotobiomodulação foi proposta como única estratégia para cicatrização da lesão e diminuição do edema. Após 3 sessões diárias foi possível observar excelente curso de reparação tecidual e remissão dos sinais flogísticos. De acordo com o presente caso, a terapia de fotobiomodulação parece ser bastante eficiente para o tratamento de lesões por pressão relacionada a dispositivos médicos(AU)

Medical device-related pressure injuries are very common complications and usually arise from the fixation of the device used in endotracheal intubation for mechanical ventilation. Thus, the present study reports a case of a Caucasian male patient, 65 years old, who was admitted to an intensive care unit and developed later an ulcerated lesion on the region of fixation of the device used for orotracheal intubation. After relieving the local pressure exerted, photobiomodulation therapy was proposed as the only strategy for wound healing and edema reduction. After 3 daily sessions, it was possible to note an excellent tissue repair course and remission of phlogistic signs. According to the present case, photobiomodulation therapy appears to be a quite efficient treatment strategy for medical device-related pressure injuries(AU)

Impact on the clinical evolution of patients with COVID-19 from an Intensive Care Unit with isolation of Candida spp. in respiratory samples / Impacto na evolução clínica de pacientes com COVID-19 de uma Unidade de Terapia Intensiva com isolamento de Candida spp. em amostras respiratórias / Impacto en la evolución clínica de pacientes con COVID-19 de una Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos con aislamiento de Candida spp. en muestras respiratorias

Background and Objectives: several patients with COVID-19 require hospital admission due to severe respiratory complications and undergo intensive care with mechanical ventilation (MV) support. Associated with this situation, there is an increase in fungal co-infections, which has a negative impact on the outcome of COVID-19. In this regard, this study intended to compare Candida spp. incidence in the respiratory tract of patients admitted in the COVID and General Intensive Care Units (ICU) at a teaching hospital in 2021. Methods: the results of protected tracheal aspirate samples from 556 patients admitted to the COVID ICU and 260 to General ICU as well as the respective records. Results: of the patients analyzed, 38 revealed a positive sample for Candida in the COVID ICU and 10 in the General ICU, with an incidence of 68.3/1000 and 38.5/1000, respectively. Males were predominant in both wards. The most affected age group was the population over 60 years old, and the average hospital admission for the COVID ICU was 22.1 years, and for the General ICU, 24.2. Conclusion: Candida albicans was the most frequently isolated species, and the mortality rate in patients positive for Candida was higher in patients with COVID-19 compared to patients in the General ICU, suggesting that patients infected with SARS-CoV-2, admitted to the ICU under MV, are more predisposed to colonization by Candida spp., which can have a fatal outcome in these patients.(AU)

Justificativa e objetivos: muitos pacientes com COVID-19 necessitam de hospitalização devido às complicações respiratórias graves, e são submetidos a cuidados intensivos com suporte de ventilação mecânica (VM). Associado a esse quadro, verifica-se o aumento de coinfecções fúngicas, que tem impacto negativo no desfecho da COVID-19. Nesse sentido, este estudo pretendeu comparar a incidência de Candida spp. no trato respiratório de pacientes internados nas Unidades de Terapia Intensiva (UTI) COVID e Geral em um hospital escola em 2021. Métodos: foram avaliados os resultados de amostras de aspirado traqueal protegido provenientes de 556 pacientes internados na UTI COVID e 260 na UTI Geral, bem como os respectivos prontuários. Resultados: dos pacientes analisados, 38 revelaram amostra positiva para Candida na UTI COVID e 10 na UTI Geral, com incidência de 68,3/1000 e 38,5/1000, respectivamente. O sexo masculino foi predominante em ambas as alas. A faixa etária mais acometida foi a população acima de 60 anos, e a média de internação para a UTI COVID foi de 22,1 anos, e para a UTI Geral, 24,2. Conclusão: Candida albicans foi a espécie isolada com maior frequência, e a taxa de mortalidade em pacientes com positivos para Candida foi maior em pacientes com COVID-19 em relação aos pacientes da UTI Geral, sugerindo que pacientes infectados com SARS-CoV-2, internados em UTI sob VM, são mais predispostos à colonização por Candida spp., que pode ter um desfecho fatal nesses pacientes.(AU)

Justificación y objetivos: muchos pacientes con COVID-19 requieren hospitalización debido a complicaciones respiratorias graves y se someten a cuidados intensivos con soporte de ventilación mecánica (VM). Asociado a esta situación, hay un aumento de las coinfecciones fúngicas, lo que repercute negativamente en el desenlace de la COVID-19. En este sentido, este estudio pretendió comparar la incidencia de Candida spp. en el tracto respiratorio de pacientes ingresados en las Unidades de Cuidados Intensivos (UCI) COVID y General de un hospital escuela en 2021. Métodos: los resultados de muestras de aspirado traqueal protegidas de 556 pacientes ingresados en la UCI COVID y 260 en el UCI General, así como los respectivos registros. Resultados: de los pacientes analizados, 38 presentaron muestra positiva a Candida en UCI COVID y 10 en UCI General, con una incidencia de 68,3/1000 y 38,5/1000, respectivamente. Los machos predominaban en ambas alas. El grupo de edad más afectado fue la población mayor de 60 años, y la hospitalización promedio en la UCI COVID fue de 22,1 años, y en la UCI General, de 24,2. Conclusiones: Candida albicans fue la especie aislada con mayor frecuencia, y la tasa de mortalidad en pacientes positivos para Candida fue mayor en pacientes con COVID-19 en comparación con los pacientes en la UCI General, lo que sugiere que los pacientes infectados con SARS-CoV-2, ingresados en la UCI bajo VM, están más predispuestos a la colonización por Candida spp., lo que puede tener un desenlace fatal en estos pacientes.(AU)

Factors associated with extubation failure in an intensive care unit: a case-control study / Fatores associados à falha de extubação em unidade de terapia intensiva: estudo de caso-controle / Factores asociados al fracaso de la extubación en unidad de cuidados intensivos: estudio de caso y control

Abstract Objective: to investigate the factors associated with extubation failure of patients in the intensive care unit. Method: unpaired, longitudinal, retrospective and quantitative case-control with the participation of 480 patients through clinical parameters for ventilator weaning. Data were analyzed by: Fisher's exact test or the chi-square test; unpaired two-tailed Student's t test; and Mann-Whitney test. Significant P values lower than or equal to 0.05 were admitted. Results: of the patients, 415 (86.5%) were successful and 65 (13.5%) failed. Success group: the most negative fluid balance, APACHE II in 20 (14-25), weak cough in 58 (13.9%). Failure group: the most positive fluid balance, APACHE II in 23 (19-29), weak cough in 31 (47.7%), abundant amount of pulmonary secretions in 47.7%. Conclusion: positive fluid balance and the presence of inefficient cough or inability to clear the airway were predictors of extubation failure.

Resumo Objetivo: investigar os fatores associados à falha de extubação de pacientes na unidade de terapia intensiva. Método: caso-controle não pareado, longitudinal, retrospectivo e quantitativo com a participação de 480 pacientes por meio de parâmetros clínicos para desmame ventilatório. Dados analisados por: Teste Exato de Fisher ou o teste Qui-quadrado; teste t de Student bicaudal não pareado; e teste de Mann-Whitney. Admitiram-se significantes valores de P menores ou iguais a 0,05. Resultados: dos pacientes, 415 (86,5%) tiveram sucesso e 65 (13,5%) falharam. Grupo sucesso: balanço hídrico mais negativo, APACHE II em 20 (14-25), tosse fraca em 58 (13,9%). Grupo falha: balanço hídrico mais positivo, APACHE II em 23 (19-29), tosse fraca em 31 (47,7 %), quantidade abundante de secreção pulmonar em 47,7 %. Conclusão: o balanço hídrico positivo e a presença de tosse ineficiente ou incapacidade de higienizar a via aérea foram preditores de falhas de extubação.

Resumen Objetivo: investigar los factores asociados al fracaso de la extubación de pacientes en la unidad de cuidados intensivos. Método: caso y control no apareado, longitudinal, retrospectivo y cuantitativo con la participación de 480 pacientes mediante parámetros clínicos para el destete de la ventilación. Datos analizados por: Prueba Exacta de Fisher o prueba de Chi-cuadrado; prueba t de Student de dos colas para datos no apareados; y prueba de Mann-Whitney. Se admitieron valores de P significativos menores o iguales a 0,05. Resultados: de los pacientes, 415 (86,5%) tuvieron éxito y 65 (13,5%) fracasaron. Grupo de éxito: balance hídrico más negativo, APACHE II en 20 (14-25), tos débil en 58 (13,9%). Grupo de fracaso: balance de líquidos más positivo, APACHE II en 23 (19-29), tos débil en 31 (47,7%), abundante cantidad de secreciones pulmonares en 47,7%. Conclusión: el balance hídrico positivo y la presencia de tos ineficaz o incapacidad para higienizar la vía aérea fueron predictores de fracaso de la extubación.

Impacto de un Programa de Recuperación Funcional en Músculos Ventilatorios y Apendiculares en Pacientes Post-ventilación Mecánica por COVID-19 / Impact of a Functional Recovery Program on Ventilatory and Appendicular Muscles in Patients Post-mechanical Ventilation for COVID-19

Los pacientes con COVID-19 subsidiarios de ventilación mecánica (VM), evolucionan con consecuencias funcionales en la musculatura ventilatoria y apendicular que no necesariamente se abordan de manera diferenciada. El objetivo de esta investigación fue evaluar el impacto de un programa de recuperación funcional en estos pacientes y determinar si las intervenciones afectan de manera diferenciada a las funciones ventilatorias y musculatura apendicular, utilizando pruebas de bajo costo. Se evaluaron 47 pacientes con COVID-19 que estuvieron en VM. Posterior a una espirometría basal se les realizó; presión inspiratoria máxima (PIMáx), fuerza de prensión palmar (FPP), prueba de pararse y sentarse (PPS) y Prueba de caminata en 6 minutos (PC6m), antes y después del plan de intervención. Este programa incluyó ejercicios aeróbicos y de fuerza supervisados por dos sesiones semanales de 60 minutos durante 3 meses. Después del programa, se observaron mejoras significativas en la capacidad vital forzada (CVF), el volumen espiratorio en el primer segundo (VEF1) y la PIMáx. Se encontraron relaciones significativas entre estas mediciones y la distancia recorrida de la PC6m, la FPP y la PPS. En conclusión, el programa de recuperación funcional en pacientes con COVID-19 que requirieron VM, beneficia tanto la función ventilatoria como la fuerza muscular apendicular. Las pruebas de fuerza muscular apendicular pueden ser útiles para evaluar la recuperación ya que pueden entregar información diferenciada de sus rendimientos. Por último, se necesita más investigación para comprender mejor la respuesta de estos pacientes a la rehabilitación.

SUMMARY: Patients with COVID-19 requiring mechanical ventilation (MV) evolve with functional consequences in the ventilatory and appendicular muscles that are not necessarily addressed in a differentiated manner. The objective of this research was to evaluate the impact of a functional recovery program in these patients and determine if the interventions differentially affect ventilatory functions and appendicular muscles, using low- cost tests. 47 patients with COVID-19 who were on MV were evaluated. After a baseline spirometry, they were performed; maximum inspiratory pressure (MIP), handgrip strength (HGS), sit to stand test (STST) and 6-minute walk test (6MWT), before and after the intervention plan. This program included supervised aerobic and strength exercises for two weekly 60-minute sessions for 3 months. After the program, significant improvements were observed in forced vital capacity (FVC), expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1) and MIP. Significant relationships were found between these measurements and the distance traveled of the 6MWT, the HGS and the STST. In conclusion, the functional recovery program in patients with COVID-19 who required MV benefits both ventilatory function and appendicular muscle strength. Appendicular muscle strength tests can be useful to evaluate recovery since they can provide differentiated information about your performances. Finally, more research is needed to better understand the response of these patients to rehabilitation.

Impacto de la implementación de un protocolo de sedoanalgesia en una unidad de cuidados intensivos pediátricos / Impact of the implementation of a sedation and analgesia protocol in a pediatric intensive care unit

Introducción. La adecuada sedación y analgesia es fundamental en el tratamiento de pacientes que requieren asistencia ventilatoria mecánica (AVM). Se recomienda la utilización de protocolos y su monitoreo; son dispares los resultados reportados sobre adhesión e impacto. Objetivos. Evaluar el impacto de la implementación de un protocolo de sedoanalgesia sobre el uso de benzodiacepinas, opioides y evolución en la unidad de cuidados intensivos pediátricos (UCIP), en pacientes que requieren AVM mayor a 72 horas. Métodos. Estudio tipo antes-después, no controlado, en la UCIP de un hospital pediátrico. Se desarrolló en 3 etapas: preintervención de diagnóstico situacional (de abril a septiembre de 2019), intervención y posintervención de implementación del protocolo de sedoanalgesia, educación sobre uso y monitorización de adherencia y su impacto (de octubre de 2019 a octubre de 2021). Resultados. Ingresaron al estudio 99 y 92 pacientes en las etapas pre- y posintervención, respectivamente. Presentaron mayor gravedad, menor edad y peso en el período preintervención. En la comparación de grupos, luego de ajustar por gravedad y edad, en la etapa posintervención se reportó una reducción en los días de uso de opioides en infusión continua (6 ± 5,2 vs. 7,6 ± 5,8; p = 0,018) y los días de uso de benzodiacepinas en infusión continua (3,3 ± 3,5 vs. 7,6 ± 6,8; p = 0,001). No se observaron diferencias significativas en los días de AVM y en los días totales de uso de benzodiacepinas. Conclusión. La implementación de un protocolo de sedoanalgesia permitió reducir el uso de fármacos en infusión continua.

Introduction. Adequate sedation and analgesia is essential in the management of patients requiring mechanical ventilation (MV). The implementation of protocols and their monitoring is recommended; mixed results on adherence and impact have been reported. Objectives. To assess the impact of the implementation of a sedation and analgesia protocol on the use of benzodiazepines, opioids, and evolution in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) in patients requiring MV for more than 72 hours. Methods. Before-and-after, uncontrolled study in the PICU of a children's hospital. The study was developed in 3 stages: pre-intervention for situational diagnosis (from April to September 2019), intervention, and post-intervention for implementation of a sedation and analgesia protocol, education on use, and monitoring of adherence and impact (from October 2019 to October 2021). Results. A total of 99 and 92 patients were included in the study in the pre- and post-intervention stages, respectively. Patients had a more severe condition, were younger, and had a lower weight in the preintervention period. After adjusting for severity and age, the group comparison in the post-intervention stage showed a reduction in days of continuous infusion of opioids (6 ± 5.2 versus 7.6­5.8, p = 0.018) and days of continuous infusion of benzodiazepines (3.3 ± 3.5 versus 7.6 ± 6.8, p = 0.001). No significant  differences were observed in days of MV and total days of benzodiazepine use. Conclusion. The implementation of a sedation and analgesia protocol resulted in a reduction in the use of continuous infusion of drugs.

Botulismo del lactante: estudio descriptivo en una unidad de cuidados intensivos pediátricos / Infant botulism: a descriptive study in a pediatric intensive care unit

Introducción. El botulismo del lactante (BL) es la forma más frecuente de botulismo humano en Argentina. El objetivo es describir aspectos esenciales del diagnóstico y tratamiento de pacientes con BL internados en el servicio de terapia intensiva pediátrica (STIP). Métodos. Estudio observacional, descriptivo y retrospectivo. Se utilizó la base de datos del STIP con diagnóstico de BL en el período 2005-2020. Se registraron variables demográficas, métodos de diagnóstico, días de asistencia respiratoria mecánica convencional (ARMC), de ventilación no invasiva (VNI), estadía en STIP, mortalidad al alta hospitalaria. Resultados. Se registraron 21 pacientes con BL; 14 pacientes fueron varones, con una mediana de edad de 5 meses (RIC 2-6 m). El diagnóstico se realizó mediante técnica de bioensayo y se detectó la toxina en suero en 12 pacientes. Uno solo no requirió ARMC; 1 paciente fue traqueostomizado; 18 pacientes recibieron antibióticos; 5 recibieron VNI. Ningún paciente recibió antitoxina y no hubo fallecidos. La mediana de estadía hospitalaria fue 66 días (RI: 42-76); de internación en STIP, 48 días (RI: 29-78); y de ARMC, 37 días (RI: 26-64). La demora en la confirmación diagnóstica fue 15,8 ± 4,8 días. Conclusiones. La totalidad de los pacientes fueron diagnosticados con la técnica de bioensayo, que generó un tiempo de demora diagnóstica que excede los lapsos recomendados para la administración del tratamiento específico. Ningún paciente recibió tratamiento específico. El BL presentó baja mortalidad, pero tiempos de ARM e internación prolongados, que se asocian a infecciones sobreagregadas y uso frecuente de antibióticos.

Introduction. Infant botulism (IB) is the most common form of human botulism in Argentina. Our objective was to describe the main aspects of diagnosis and management of patients with IB admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU). Methods. Observational, descriptive, and retrospective study. The PICU database with IB diagnosis in 2005­2020 period was used. Demographic variables, diagnostic methods, days of conventional mechanical ventilation (CMV), non-invasive ventilation (NIV), length of stay in the PICU and mortality upon hospital discharge were recorded. Results. In total, 21 patients with IB were recorded; 14 were male, their median age was 5 months (IQR: 2­6 m). Diagnosis was made by bioassay, and the toxin was identified in the serum of 12 patients. Only 1 patient did not require CMV; 1 patient had a tracheostomy; 18 patients received antibiotics; 5 received NIV. No patient was administered antitoxin and no patient died. The median length of stay in the hospital was 66 days (IQR: 42­76); in the PICU, 48 days (IQR: 29­78); and the median use of CMV, 37 days (IQR: 26­64). The delay until diagnostic confirmation was 15.8 ± 4.8 days. Conclusions. All patients were diagnosed using the bioassay technique, which resulted in a diagnostic delay that exceeds the recommended period for the administration of a specific treatment. No patient received a specific treatment. IB was related to a low mortality, but also to prolonged use of MV and length of hospital stay, which were associated with cross infections and frequent antibiotic use.

Cirugía bariátrica y evolución de COVID-19 / Bariatric surgery and evolution of COVID-19

INTRODUCTION. Obesity is recognized as a risk factor for developing severe new coronavirus disease. Bariatric surgery prior to infection could behave as a protective factor against serious infections and death. OBJECTIVE. To describe the impact of bariatric surgery on the severity and mortality of patients with obesity and new coronavirus disease; through a systematic review and meta-analysis of the specialized literature from 2020-2022. METHODOLOGY. Publications indexed in databases such as Pubmed, Tripdatabase, and Google scholar, on the impact of previous bariatric surgery on the evolution and prognosis of patients with new coronavirus disease were taken. The Newcastle-Ottawa scale was used to assess quality and risk of bias. RevMan 5.0 software was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS. Eight cohort studies were included, with a population of 137 620 adult subjects with obesity and new coronavirus disease; of these, 5638 (4.09%) had a history of bariatric surgery. In the meta-analysis, it was determined that, in subjects with obesity and new coronavirus disease, the history of bariatric surgery had a protective effect against the use of mechanical ventilation [OR: 0.68; 95% CI: 0.62-0.75] (p<0.001) and mortality [OR: 0.57; 95% CI: 0.50-0.65] (p<0.01). CONCLUSIONS. The history of bariatric surgery in subjects with obesity seems to have a protective effect against the severity defined by the use of mechanical ventilation in patients with obesity and mortality due to the new coronvirus disease; therefore, the resumption of bariatric surgical activity, at pre-pandemic levels, could represent an additional benefit for candidate subjects.

INTRODUCTION. Obesity is recognized as a risk factor for developing severe new coronavirus disease. Bariatric surgery prior to infection could behave as a protective factor against serious infections and death. OBJECTIVE. To describe the impact of bariatric surgery on the severity and mortality of patients with obesity and new coronavirus disease; through a systematic review and meta-analysis of the specialized literature from 2020-2022. METHODOLOGY. Publications indexed in databases such as Pubmed, Tripdatabase, and Google scholar, on the impact of previous bariatric surgery on the evolution and prognosis of patients with new coronavirus disease were taken. The Newcastle-Ottawa scale was used to assess quality and risk of bias. RevMan 5.0 software was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS. Eight cohort studies were included, with a population of 137 620 adult subjects with obesity and new coronavirus disease; of these, 5638 (4.09%) had a history of bariatric surgery. In the meta-analysis, it was determined that, in subjects with obesity and new coronavirus disease, the history of bariatric surgery had a protective effect against the use of mechanical ventilation [OR: 0.68; 95% CI: 0.62-0.75] (p<0.001) and mortality [OR: 0.57; 95% CI: 0.50-0.65] (p<0.01). CONCLUSIONS. The history of bariatric surgery in subjects with obesity seems to have a protective effect against the severity defined by the use of mechanical ventilation in patients with obesity and mortality due to the new coronvirus disease; therefore, the resumption of bariatric surgical activity, at pre-pandemic levels, could represent an additional benefit for candidate subjects.

Manejo de la disfagia en pacientes con antecedente de infección severa por COVID-19 / Manejo de la disfagia en pacientes con antecedente de infección severa por COVID-19

de la deglución, los cuales representan todas las alteraciones del proceso fisiológico encargado de llevar el alimento desde la boca al esófago y después al estómago, salvaguardando siempre la protección de las vías respiratorias. OBJETIVO. Definir el manejo óptimo, de la disfagia en pacientes con antecedente de infección severa por COVID-19. METODOLOGÍA. Se realizó una revisión de la literatura científica en las bases de datos PubMed y Elsevier que relacionan el manejo de la disfagia y pacientes con antecedente de infección severa por SARS-CoV-2. Se obtuvo un universo de 134 artículos que cumplieron los criterios de búsqueda. Se seleccionaron 24 documentos, para ser considerados en este estudio. RESULTADOS. La incidencia de disfagia posterior a infección severa por SARS-CoV-2 fue del 23,14%, siendo la disfagia leve la más frecuente 48,0%. Los tratamientos clínicos más empleados en el manejo de la disfagia fueron rehabilitación oral y cambio de textura en la dieta en el 77,23% de los casos, mientras que el único tratamiento quirúrgico empleado fue la traqueotomía 37,31%. Un 12,68% de pacientes recuperó su función deglutoria sin un tratamiento específico. La eficacia de los tratamientos clínicos y quirúrgicos en los pacientes sobrevivientes de la infección severa por SARS-CoV-2 fue del 80,68%, con una media en el tiempo de resolución de 58 días. CONCLUSIÓN. La anamnesis es clave para el diagnóstico de disfagia post COVID-19. El tratamiento puede variar, desde un manejo conservador como cambios en la textura de la dieta hasta tratamientos más invasivos como traqueotomía para mejorar la función deglutoria.

INTRODUCTION. The difficulty to swallow or dysphagia is included within the problems of swallowing, which represent all the alterations of the physiological process in charge of carrying the food from the mouth to the esophagus, and then to the stomach, always taking into account the protection of the airways. OBJECTIVE. To define the optimal management, both clinical and surgical, for the adequate treatment of dysphagia produced as a consequence of severe SARS-CoV-2 infection. METHODOLOGY. A review of the scientific literature was carried out using both PubMed and Elsevier databases, which relate the management of dysphagia and patients with a history of severe SARS-CoV-2 infection. RESULTS. The incidence of dysphagia following severe SARS-CoV-2 infection was of 23,14%, with mild dysphagia being the most frequent 48,00%. The most frequently used clinical treatments for dysphagia management were oral rehabilitation and change in dietary texture in 77,23% of cases, while tracheotomy was the only surgical treatment used 37,31%. A total of 12,68% of patients recovered their swallowing function without specific treatment. The efficacy of clinical and surgical treatments in survivors of severe SARS-CoV-2 infection was 80,68%, with a mean resolution time of 58 days. CONCLUSION. An adequate medical history is key to the diagnosis of post-COVID-19 dysphagia. Treatment can range from conservative management such as changes in diet texture to more invasive treatments such as tracheotomy to improve swallowing function.

Efetividade das intervenções para prevenção de displasia broncopulmonar em recém-nascidos prematuros sob ventilação mecânica invasiva: overview de revisões sistemáticas / Effectiveness of interventions for the prevention of bronchopulmonary dysplasia in premature newborns under invasive mechanical ventilation: overview of systematic reviews

Contextualização: A displasia broncopulmonar é uma das principais causas de enfermidade respiratória crônica na infância, levando a hospitalizações frequentes e prolongadas e com altos índices de mortalidade, alterações do crescimento pôndero-estatural e desenvolvimento neuropsicomotor. Tamanho impacto justifica o grande investimento nas pesquisas para identificar suas causas e buscar alternativas para prevenção e tratamento. Objetivos: Avaliar a efetividade das intervenções para prevenção de displasia broncopulmonar em recém-nascidos prematuros com ventilação mecânica invasiva. Métodos: Trata-se de overview de revisões sistemáticas realizadas pela Colaboração Cochrane. Procedeu-se à busca na Cochrane Library (2022), utilizando os termos "neonatal prematurity" e "bronchopulmonary dysplasia". Foram incluídos todos os ensaios clínicos randomizados. O desfecho primário de análise foi a redução de morbimortalidade. Resultados: A estratégia de busca recuperou um total de 47 revisões sistemáticas. Oito foram incluídas, totalizando 94 ensaios clínicos randomizados e 10.511 participantes. Discussão: Os estudos demonstram efetividade de corticosteroides, mas é necessário cautela na dosagem e no momento correto para sua administração. O uso de surfactante sintético pode trazer benefícios respiratórios, mas requer novos estudos. Não se justifica o uso de pentoxifilina. Conclusão: A displasia broncopulmonar tornou-se um grande desafio para o neonatologista e as revisões sistemáticas Cochrane sugerem que a corticoterapia pode ser efetiva na prevenção dessa condição, embora novos estudos sejam recomendados para estabelecer dosagem ideal e melhor momento para a terapêutica.

Mortality in patients with severe COVID-19 who underwent tracheostomy due to prolonged mechanical ventilation / Mortalidad en pacientes con COVID-19 grave sometidos a traqueostomía por ventilación mecánica prolongada

BACKGROUND: The usefulness of tracheostomy has been questioned in patients with COVID-19 and prolonged invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV). AIM: To compare the 90-day mortality rate of patients who underwent a tracheostomy due prolonged IMV with those that did not receive this procedure. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We studied a historical cohort of 92 patients with COVID-19 and prolonged IMV (> 10 days). The primary outcome was the 90-day mortality rate. Secondary outcomes included days on IMV, hospital/intensive care unit (ICU) length of stay, frequency of nosocomial infections, and thrombotic complications demonstrated by images. A logistic regression was performed to adjust the effect of tracheostomy by SOFA score and days on IMV. RESULTS: Forty six patients aged 54 to 66 years (72% males) underwent tracheostomy. They had a median of two comorbidities, and received the procedure after a median of 20.5 days on IMV (interquartile range: 17-26). 90-day mortality was lower in patients who were tracheostomized than in the control group (6.5% vs. 32.6%, p-value < 0.01). However, after controlling for confounding factors, no differences were found in mortality between both groups (relative risk = 0.303, p-value = 0.233). Healthcare-associated infections and hospital/ICU length of stay were higher in patients with tracheostomy than in controls. Thrombotic complications occurred in 42.4% of the patients, without differences between both groups. No cases of COVID-19 were registered in the healthcare personnel who performed tracheostomies. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with COVID-19 undergoing prolonged IMV, performing a tracheostomy is not associated with excess mortality, and it is a safe procedure for healthcare personnel.

ANTECEDENTES: La utilidad de la traqueostomía en pacientes COVID-19 sometidos a ventilación mecánica invasiva (VMI) prolongada ha sido cuestionada. OBJETIVO: Comparar la mortalidad a 90 días en estos pacientes, con y sin traqueostomía. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Estudiamos una cohorte histórica de 92 pacientes COVID-19 con VMI prolongada (>10 días). El desenlace prima-rio fue mortalidad a 90 días. Se consideraron desenlaces secundarios los días en VMI, estadía hospitalaria/UCI, frecuencia de infecciones nosocomiales, y eventos trombóticos. Mediante regresión logística se ajustó el efecto de la traqueostomía en la mortalidad, por SOFA y días de VMI. RESULTADOS: Cuarenta y seis pacientes de 54 a 66 años (72% hombres) fueron traqueostomizados. Ellos tenían una mediana de dos comorbilidades, y recibieron el procedimiento luego de una mediana de 20,5 días en VMI (rango intercuartílico: 17-26). En el análisis crudo, la mortalidad a 90 días fue menor en los pacientes con traqueostomía que en el grupo control (6,5% vs. 32,6%; p < 0,001). No obstante, luego de controlar por factores de confusión, no se encontraron diferencias en mortalidad (riesgo relativo 0,303; p = 0,233). Las infecciones asociadas a la atención de salud y la estadía en hospital/UCI fueron mayores en los pacientes traqueostomizados que en los controles. Los eventos trombóticos ocurrieron en el 42,4% de los pacientes, sin diferencias entre grupos. No hubo casos de COVID-19 en el personal de salud que realizó las traqueostomías. CONCLUSIONES: En pacientes con COVID-19 sometidos a VMI prolongada, la realización de una traqueostomía no se asocia a un exceso de mortalidad, y es un procedimiento seguro para el personal sanitario.

O modo PSV apresenta piores desfechos em relação ao desmame quando comparado com outros modos ventilatórios de pacientes com exacerbação aguda da doença pulmonar obstrutiva crônica: revisão sistemática / The PSV mode has worse weaning outcomes when compared to other ventilatory modes in patients with an acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: systematic review

INTRODUÇÃO: A Doença Pulmonar Obstrutiva Crônica (DPOC) é um distúrbio crônico e progressivo, que evolui com o declínio da função pulmonar. Embora sua cronicidade, são comuns períodos de agudização acompanhados de Insuficiência Respiratória Aguda hipercápnica, requisitando permanência nas Unidades de Terapia Intensiva (UTI) e Ventilação Mecânica Invasiva (VMI) para reversão da falência respiratória. O desmame na DPOC ocupa até 58% da VM, logo, se faz necessário estratégias específicas para otimização desse processo, com a utilização de modos e ajustes ventilatórios que promovam um desmame precoce e efetivo. OBJETIVO: Verificar os efeitos da Ventilação com Pressão de Suporte quando comparado com modos e estratégias distintas no desmame de pacientes com DPOC. MÉTODOS: Revisão sistemática, construída seguindo critérios do PRISMA, registrada na PROSPERO (CRD42022362228). Considerados elegíveis ensaios clínicos controlados randomizados que avaliaram o modo PSV em comparação com modos e estratégias distintas, em pacientes com diagnóstico de DPOC, em VMI, sem delimitação de ano/idioma. Foram excluídos artigos incompletos, duplicados e indisponíveis aos recursos de recuperação. Desfechos de interesse foram: duração do desmame, tempo de permanência na UTI e mortalidade. A estratégia foi aplicada nas bases: PubMed, Cochrane, SciELO, e Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde. As ferramentas Escala PEDro e RevMan Web foram utilizadas para análise da qualidade dos estudos e risco de viés, respectivamente. RESULTADOS: Incluídos 8 artigos. 6 mostraram significância estatística, apresentando menor tempo de desmame no grupo ASV (24 (20­62) h versus 72 (24­144) h PSV) (p=0,041); mais dias na UTI quando comparado com o modo PAV (p<0,001). PSV foi mais eficaz nos mesmos desfechos quando comparado com a estratégia Tubo-T. Houve diferenças quanto a taxa de mortalidade com o modo NAVA. CONCLUSÃO: Fica evidente que o modo PSV quando em relação a modos ventilatórios assistidos, tem potencial de fornecer piores desfechos associados ao processo de desmame da ventilação invasiva de pacientes com DPOC.

INTRODUCTION: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a chronic and progressive disorder that evolves with the decline in lung function. Despite its chronicity, periods of exacerbation accompanied by hypercapnic Acute Respiratory Failure are common, requiring a stay in Intensive Care Units (ICU) and Invasive Mechanical Ventilation (IMV) to reverse respiratory failure. Weaning in COPD occupies up to 58% of the MV, therefore, specific strategies are needed to optimize this process, using ventilatory modes and adjustments that promote early and effective weaning. OBJECTIVE: To verify the effects of Pressure Support Ventilation when compared with different modes and strategies in weaning patients with COPD. METHODS: Systematic review, constructed following PRISMA criteria, registered at PROSPERO (CRD42022362228). Randomized controlled clinical trials that evaluated the PSV mode in comparison with different modes and strategies, in patients diagnosed with COPD, on IMV, without delimitation of year/language, were considered eligible. Incomplete, duplicate and unavailable articles were excluded. Outcomes of interest were: duration of weaning, length of stay in the ICU and mortality. The strategy was applied in the bases: PubMed, Cochrane, SciELO, and Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde. The PEDro Scale and RevMan Web tools were used to analyze study quality and risk of bias, respectively. RESULTS: Included 8 articles. 6 showed statistical significance, showing shorter weaning time in the ASV group (24 (20­62) h versus 72 (24­144) h PSV) (p=0.041), and more days in the ICU when compared to the PAV mode (p<0.001). PSV was more effective on the same outcomes when compared with the T-tube strategy. There were differences in the mortality rate with the NAVA mode. CONCLUSION: It is evident that the PSV mode, when compared to assisted ventilation modes, has the potential to provide worse outcomes associated with the process of weaning from invasive ventilation in patients with COPD.

Ventilação protetora na síndrome do desconforto respiratório agudo causada pela COVID-19: o manejo do fisioterapeuta / Protective ventilation in acute respiratory distress syndrome caused by COVID-19: the management of the physiotherapist

Objetivos: conhecer o manejo do fisioterapeuta relacionado à ventilação protetora em pacientes com SDRA por COVID-19, listando as principais estratégias utilizadas e as barreiras encontradas para sua implementação. Métodos: estudo de campo transversal e descritivo, de caráter quantitativo, realizado no período de outubro de 2021 a abril de 2022, com fisioterapeutas de hospitais públicos e privados, na cidade de Fortaleza, que tivessem experiência com pacientes infectados pela COVID-19. Para coleta de dados, utilizou-se um formulário online viabilizado pela plataforma Google Forms. Os dados foram tabulados em planilha Microsoft Excel® 2010 e, posteriormente, transferido para o Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS®) 20.0, utilizando-se a estatística descritiva. Resultados: participaram 102 fisioterapeutas, 74,5% do gênero feminino. As principais estratégias de ventilação protetora citadas foram: volume corrente de 6 mL/Kg por peso predito, pressão de platô menor que 30 cmH2O e driving pressure menor que 15 cmH2O (93,1%), além da titulação de PEEP (68,6%) e posição prona (64,7%). Manter uma driving pressure menor que 15 cmH2O (57,8%) e discordância profissional (43,1%) foram as principais barreiras encontradas para realização da ventilação protetora. Conclusão: a ventilação protetora configura-se no uso de baixos volumes e pressões, titulação da PEEP e posição prona. A manutenção de driving pressure menor que 15 cmH2O e discordância entre os profissionais na tomada de decisão destacam-se como as principais barreiras.

Objectives: to know the management of the physiotherapist related to protective ventilation in patients with ARDS due to COVID-19, listing the main strategies used and the barriers encountered for their implementation. Methods: a cross-sectional and descriptive field study of quantitative nature, conducted from October 2021 to April 2022, with physiotherapists from public and private hospitals in the city of Fortaleza who had experience with patients infected with COVID-19. For data collection, an online form made possible by the Google Forms platform was used. The data was tabulated in a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet® and then transferred to the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS®) using descriptive statistics. Findings: 102 physical therapists participated in the study, 74.5% female. The main protective ventilation strategies mentioned were: tidal volume of 6 mL/Kg by predicted weight, plateau pressure less than 30 cmH2O, and driving pressure less than 15 cmH2O (93.1%), in addition to PEEP titration (68.6%) and prone position (64.7%). Maintaining driving pressure of less than 15 cmH2O (57.8%) and professional disagreement (43.1%) were the main barriers found to performing protective ventilation. Conclusion: protective ventilation is configured in the use of low volumes and pressures, PEEP titration, and the prone position. The maintenance of driving pressure lower than 15 cmH2O and disagreement between professionals in the decision-making stand out as the main barriers

Cardiac specific Troponin I as prognostic factor among non-COVID-19 mechanically ventilated patients in a Tertiary Government Hospital: A prospective study

Objective@#The study aimed to investigate the relationship between cardiac Troponin I (cTnI) level and prognosis among mechanically ventilated patients in terms of mortality, prolonged mechanical ventilation, and tracheostomy rate. @*Methods@#This is a prospective cohort study conducted at Quirino Memorial Medical Center, a tertiary government hospital, over a period of ten (10) months. Seventy-six (76) mechanically ventilated adult patients admitted at the medical intensive care unit, surgical intensive care unit, medical wards, and centers for neurologic sciences were included in the study. Quantitative cardiac Troponin I (cTnI) marker was measured and correlated to prognostic outcomes: a) prolonged ventilation (requiring more than 21 days), b) tracheostomy rate, and c) mortality rate. Data were analyzed using SPSS 16.0 and logistics regression with 95% confidence interval. @*Results@#Results showed that among 76 patients, 15 patients have low cTnI levels, 11 patients have normal levels and 50 patients have elevated levels. Among patients with low cTnI levels (<0.020 ng/mL), 13 (86.7%) were extubated, 1 (6.7%) preceded tracheostomy and 1 (6.7%) expired. Those with normal range cTnI levels (0.020 – 0.060 ng/ mL), 10 (90.9%) were extubated, none (0%) preceded tracheostomy and 1 (9.1%) expired. Those with elevated cTnI levels (>0.060 ng/mL), 7 (14.0%) were extubated, 7 (14.0%) preceded tracheostomy and 36 (72.0%) expired. @*Conclusion@#Analysis of the results showed a significant correlation of cTnI elevation with prognostic outcome proven by the p-value of < 0.0001. The risk of mortality among subjects with above normal cTnI levels were nine times (9x) higher compared to subjects with normal or low cTnI levels. Duration of intubation among patients with low normal and high cTnI levels did not differ significantly. Tracheostomy rate in the study was inconclusive.

Effects of Tanreqing Injection on ICU Mortality among ICU Patients Receiving Mechanical Ventilation: Time-Dependent Cox Regression Analysis of A Large Registry / 中国结合医学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To assess whether the use of Tanreqing (TRQ) Injection could show improvements in time to extubation, intensive care unit (ICU) mortality, ventilator-associated events (VAEs) and infection-related ventilator associated complication (IVAC) among patients receiving mechanical ventilation (MV).@*METHODS@#A time-dependent cox-regression analysis was conducted using data from a well-established registry of healthcare-associated infections at ICUs in China. Patients receiving continuous MV for 3 days or more were included. A time-varying exposure definition was used for TRQ Injection, which were recorded on daily basis. The outcomes included time to extubation, ICU mortality, VAEs and IVAC. Time-dependent Cox models were used to compare the clinical outcomes between TRQ Injection and non-use, after controlling for the influence of comorbidities/conditions and other medications with both fixed and time-varying covariates. For the analyses of time to extubation and ICU mortality, Fine-Gray competing risk models were also used to measure competing risks and outcomes of interest.@*RESULTS@#Overall, 7,685 patients were included for the analyses of MV duration, and 7,273 patients for the analysis of ICU mortality. Compared to non-use, patients with TRQ Injection had a lower risk of ICU mortality (Hazards ratios (HR) 0.761, 95% CI, 0.581-0.997), and was associated with a higher hazard for time to extubation (HR 1.105, 95% CI, 1.005-1.216), suggesting a beneficial effect on shortened time to extubation. No significant differences were observed between TRQ Injection and non-use regarding VAEs (HR 1.057, 95% CI, 0.912-1.225) and IVAC (HR 1.177, 95% CI, 0.929-1.491). The effect estimates were robust when using alternative statistic models, applying alternative inclusion and exclusion criteria, and handling missing data by alternative approaches.@*CONCLUSION@#Our findings suggested that the use of TRQ Injection might lower mortality and improve time to extubation among patients receiving MV, even after controlling for the factor that the use of TRQ changed over time.

Two children with late-onset congenital central hypoventilation syndrome / 临床耳鼻咽喉头颈外科杂志

Two children with late-onset congenital central hypoventilation syndrome were reported, one of whom was male and had no abnormal manifestations after birth, respiratory failure occurs at the age of 1 year and 6 months. After being hospitalized, he was treated with oxygen inhalation and non-invasive ventilation, but carbon dioxide retention could not be corrected. After one month of tracheal intubation, he was failure to wean from ventilator, so tracheostomy was performed. He needs a ventilator to help breath while sleeping, and can breath autonomously during the day without ventilator. The other case was a female, with no abnormalities after birth. At the age of 11 months, she developed respiratory failure. During sleep, the child needs non-invasive assisted ventilation through a nasal mask, and during the day, she breathed autonomously.Two patients were followed up forever 2 years and their growth and development were normal.

Research advances on neurally adjusted ventilatory assist / 中华危重病急救医学

Mechanical ventilation has, since its introduction into clinical practice, undergone a major evolution from controlled ventilation to diverse modes of assisted ventilation. Conventional mechanical ventilators depend on flow sensors and pneumatic pressure and controllers to complete the respiratory cycle. Neurally adjusted ventilatory assist (NAVA) is a new form of assisted ventilation in recent years, which monitors the electrical activity of the diaphragm (EAdi) to provide an appropriately level of pressure support. And EAdi is the best available signal to sense central respiratory drive and trigger ventilatory assist. Unlike other ventilation modes, NAVA breathing instructions come from the center. Therefore, NAVA have the synchronous nature of the breaths and the patient-adjusted nature of the support. Compared with traditional ventilation mode, NAVA can efficiently unload respiratory muscles, relieve the risk of ventilator-induced lung injury (VILI), improve patient-ventilator coordination, enhance gas exchange, increase the success rate of weaning, etc. This article reviews the research progress of NAVA in order to provide theoretical guidance for clinical applications.