Venopulmonary Artery Extracorporeal Life Support (VPa ECMO): A Novel Strategy for Refractory Hypoxemia Complicating VV ECMO.

Refractory hypoxemia (RH) during venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VV ECMO) support is a complex problem that limits the benefit of this therapy. The need for sustained deep sedation and delays in active rehabilitation are considered as a direct consequence of RH. Changing from VV ECMO to a configuration that returns the flow to pulmonary artery, such as venopulmonary extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VPa ECMO) may decrease recirculation and improve systemic oxygen delivery. We present a retrospective report that describes the impact of VPa ECMO on oxygenation during sedation withdrawal in 41 patients who received VV ECMO for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). We evidenced that arterial oxygen pressure (PaO 2 ) increased from 68 to 112.3 mm Hg ( p = 0.001) with a reduction of ECMO flow (5.7-4.8 L/m; p = 0.001). Other findings included lower rates of depth sedation (Richmond Agitation Sedation Scale [RASS] ≤3, 37-63%; p = 0.007) and lower requirement inotropic support assessed by LVIS score (4.7-1.1; p = 0.005). Discharge survival was 54% with a sustained benefit until day 79. This cannulation strategy improved effectively PaO 2 in this cohort, it may be an alternative in patients with RH in VV ECMO.

Early characterization of an adult population at an insurer's point of entry as an opportunity to identify hospitalization risk

Introduction: Health Benefit Plan Administrators must manage the health risk of their members. Therefore, health characterization is performed from enrollment to support decision-making and timely intervention. Objective: To analyze the historical results of characterizing the adult population on admission to the insurance company in relation to the demand for all-cause and psychiatric hospitalization services. Materials and Methods: An observational cross-sectional study with members over 18 years of age, in which an analysis was made of the characterization of the adult population of the insurer and its association with the use of medical consultation services in primary care and all-cause and psychiatric hospitalizations. Bivariate and multivariate analysis was made, and odds ratios (OR) were calculated in logistic regression. Results: Variables significantly associated with having an all-cause hospitalization were identified: having referred history of heart disease OR=1.71(95%CI: 1.33; 2.20), respiratory disease OR= 1. 30(95%CI: 1.04; 1.61), chronic kidney disease OR=1.66(95%CI: 1.13; 2.45), cancer OR=1.65(95%CI: 1.14; 2.40), taking any medication permanently OR=1.35(95%CI: 1.174; 1.56) and smoking OR=1.44(95%CI: 1.12; 1.85). For psychiatric hospitalizations, a history of discouragement, depression, or little hope was relevant with OR=5.12(95%CI: 1.89; 13.87). Discussion: The characterization of patients during enrolment allowed the identification of predictor variables of hospitalization, guiding management from the primary care level minimizing costs and catastrophic health events. Conclusion: The timely identification of specific patient profiles allows timely actions to minimize health costs and catastrophic health events.

Consenso conjunto de la Asociación Colombiana de Nefrología e Hipertensión Arterial (Asocolnef) y la Asociación Colombiana de Radiología (ACR) sobre recomendaciones basadas en la evidencia de la lesión* renal aguda asociada al uso de medios de contraste yodados (LRA-MCI) / Consensus of the Asociación Colombiana de Nefrología e Hipertensión Arterial (Asocolnef) and the Asociación Colombiana de Radiología (ACR) on evidence-based recommendations for acute kidney injury* associated with the use of iodinated contrast media (AKI-ICM)

Introducción: La lesión renal aguda asociada con el uso de medios de contrastes yodados (LRA-MCI) es un trastorno iatrogénico con potenciales implicaciones en morbilidad y mortalidad, motivo de preocupación en los servicios de imágenes. Los últimos años han marcado cambios importantes en la concepción que se tiene sobre esta entidad, desde una definición más precisa y su verdadera incidencia hasta el impacto real de algunas estrategias para su prevención.Objetivo: Generar recomendaciones basadas en la evidencia para el uso de medios de contraste yodados e n pacientes sometidos a procedimientos radiológicos terapéuticos y de diagnóstico, mediante un consenso de expertos. Metodología: A partir de la formulación de preguntas de investigación relacionadas con la LRA-MCI se realizó la búsqueda de evidencia en PubMed, Embase y Scopus, entre enero de 2013 y agosto de 2022. Los artículos se seleccionaron por medio de una revisión sistemática y con la metodología de consenso Delphi modificado. La calidad de los documentos se valoró aplicando instrumentos de evaluación de calidad de la evidencia de los documentos. Resultados:Se formularon 22 recomendaciones para el manejo de pacientes que requieren administración de medio de contraste yodado. Un panel de 11 expertos, entre los que se contó con 4 nefrólogos, 4 radiólogos y 1 nefrólogo pediatra, participaron en la elaboración del consenso en 5 sesiones virtuales y 15 horas de trabajo.Conclusiones: El término lesión renal aguda asociada al uso de medios de contraste yodados (LRA-MCI) debe usarse idealmente y abandonar otras definiciones que infieren una causalidad manifiesta. Su incidencia: los datos recientes demuestran que se ubica muy por debajo de lo tradicionalmente considerado. Solo una baja tasa de filtración glomerular estimada (TFGe) se considera factor de riesgo independiente. Respecto a su prevención, únicamente la hidratación ha mostrado un potencial beneficio como medida nefroprotectora.

Introduction: Acute kidney injury associated with the use of iodinated contrast media (AKI-ICM) is an iatrogenic disorder with potential implications in morbidity and mortality, a cause for concern in imaging services. The last few years have marked important changes in the conception of this entity, from a more precise definition and its true incidence to the real impact of some strategies for its prevention. Objective: To generate evidence-based recommendations for the use of iodinated contrast media in patients undergoing diagnostic and therapeutic radiological procedures, by means of an expert consensus. Methodology: Based on the formulation of research questions related to AKI-ICM, a search for evidence was carried out in PubMed, Embase and Scopus, between January 2013 and August 2022. The articles were selected by means of a systematic review and with the modified Delphi consensus methodology. The quality of the papers was assessed by applying paper evidence quality assessment instruments. Results: Twenty-two recommendations were formulated for the management of patients requiring administration of iodinated contrast medium. A panel of 11 experts, including 4 nephrologists, 4 radiologists and 1 pediatric nephrologist, participated in the development of the consensus in 5 virtual sessions and 15 hours of work. Conclusions: The term acute kidney injury associated with the use of iodinated contrast media (AKI-ICM) should ideally be used and other definitions that infer overt causality abandoned. Its incidence: recent data show that it is well below that traditionally considered. Only a low estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) is considered an independent risk factor. Regarding its prevention, only hydration has shown a potential benefit as a nephroprotective measure

Cardiovascular Risk and Its Associated Factors in Health Care Workers in Colombia: A Study Protocol.

BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of mortality worldwide, for this reason, they are a public health problem. In Colombia, cardiovascular diseases are the main cause of mortality, having a death rate of 152 deaths per 100,000 population. There are 80% of these cardiovascular events that are considered avoidable. OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study is to determine the prevalence of the cardiovascular risk and its associated factors among the institution's workers in order to design and implement interventions in the work environment which may achieve a decrease in such risk. METHODS: An analytical cross-sectional study was designed to determine the cardiovascular risk and its associated factors among workers of a high complexity health care institution. A self-applied survey will be conducted considering sociodemographic aspects, physical activity, diet, alcohol consumption, smoking, level of perceived stress, and personal and family history. In a second appointment, a physical examination will be made, as well as anthropometric measurements and blood pressure determination. Also, blood samples for evaluating total and high density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, and fasting blood sugar will be taken. A ten-year global risk for cardiovascular disease will be determined using the Framingham score. A descriptive analysis of the population's characteristics and a stratified analysis by sex, age, and occupation will be made. Bivariate and multivariate analysis will be made using logistic regression models to evaluate the association between cardiovascular risk and the independent variables. The research protocol was approved by the Scientific and Technical Committee and the Ethics Committee on Research of the Fundación Cardiovascular de Colombia. RESULTS: The protocol has already received funding and the enrollment phase will begin in the coming months. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study will give the foundation for the design, implementation, and evaluation of a program based on promoting healthy lifestyles, such as performing regular physical activity and healthy food intake in order to avoid and/or control the cardiovascular risk in the workers of a high complexity health care institution.