Recommendations for the management of critically ill adult patients with COVID-19.

Except for pregnant women, the management of critically ill patients with COVID-19 during the pandemic includes the standard procedures that are used for any patient that requires to be attended to at the intensive care unit, as well as limited administration of crystalloid solutions, orotracheal intubation, invasive mechanical ventilation in the event of patient clinical deterioration, and muscle relaxants continuous infusion only if necessary. Non-invasive mechanical ventilation and high-flow oxygen therapy are not recommended due to the generation of aerosol (associated with risk of viral spread among health personnel), and neither is extracorporeal membrane oxygenation or the use of steroids. So far, there is no specific antiviral treatment for patients with COVID-19, and neither are there results of controlled trials supporting the use of any.

Con excepción de las mujeres embarazadas, el manejo de los pacientes adultos graves con COVID-19 durante la pandemia incluye los procedimientos estándar que se llevan a cabo en cualquier paciente que requiere atención en la unidad de cuidados intensivos, así como la administración limitada de las soluciones cristaloides, la intubación orotraqueal, la ventilación mecánica invasiva ante deterioro clínico del paciente y la relajación muscular en infusión continua sólo cuando sea ­necesaria. No se recomienda la ventilación mecánica no invasiva, la oxigenoterapia de alto flujo debido a la generación de aerosol (asociado con riesgo de propagación del virus entre el personal de salud), la oxigenación por membrana extracorpórea ni el empleo de esteroides. Hasta el momento no hay tratamiento antiviral específico para pacientes con COVID-19 ni resultados de estudios controlados que avalen su uso.

The Progetto Nazionale Emorragia Digestiva (PNED) system vs. the Rockall score as mortality predictors in patients with nonvariceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding: A multicenter prospective study. / Sistema Progetto Nazionale Emorragia Digestiva (PNED) vs. escala de Rockall como predictores de mortalidad en pacientes con hemorragia de tubo digestivo alto no variceal: un estudio multicéntrico prospectivo.

BACKGROUND: The predictive scale for mortality risk in patients with nonvariceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding (NVUGIB) proposed by Italy's PNED (Progetto Nazionale Emorragia Digestiva) group has not been validated in Latin America since its original publication. AIM: To compare the PNED system and the Rockall score as mortality predictors in patients hospitalized for NVUGIB. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A multicenter, prospective, cross-sectional, analytic study was conducted that recruited patients diagnosed with nonvariceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding within the time frame of 2011 to 2015. Six Mexican hospital centers participated in the study. The Rockall and PNED system scores were calculated, classifying the patients as having mild, moderate, or severe disease. The association between mortality and risk was determined through the chi-square test and relative risk (RR) calculation. Statistical significance was set at a P<.05. RESULTS: Information on 198 patients was collected. Only 8 patients (4%) died from causes directly associated with bleeding. According to the Rockall score, 46 patients had severe disease (23.2%), 5 of whom died, with a RR of 5.5 (CI 1.35-22.02, P=.006). In relation to the PNED, only 8 patients had severe disease (4%), 5 of whom died, with a RR of 38.7 (CI 11.4-137.3, P=.001). CONCLUSIONS: The PNED system was more selective for classifying a case as severe, but it had a greater predictive capacity for mortality, compared with the Rockall score.

Evidence-based guides in tracheostomy use in critical patients. / Guías basadas en la evidencia para el uso de traqueostomía en el paciente crítico.

OBJECTIVES: Provide evidence based guidelines for tracheostomy in critically ill adult patients and identify areas needing further research. METHODS: A task force composed of representatives of 10 member countries of the Pan-American and Iberic Federation of Societies of Critical and Intensive Therapy Medicine and of the Latin American Critical Care Trial Investigators Network developed recommendations based on the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation system. RESULTS: The group identified 23 relevant questions among 87 issues that were initially identified. In the initial search, 333 relevant publications were identified of which 226 publications were chosen. The task force generated a total of 19 recommendations: 10 positive (1B=3, 2C=3, 2D=4) and 9 negative (1B=8, 2C=1). A recommendation was not possible in six questions. CONCLUSION: Percutaneous techniques are associated with a lower risk of infections compared to surgical tracheostomy. Early tracheostomy only seems to reduce the duration of ventilator use but not the incidence of pneumonia, the length of stay, or the long-term mortality rate. The evidence does not support the use of routine bronchoscopy guidance or laryngeal masks during the procedure. Finally, proper prior training is as important or even a more significant factor in reducing complications than the technique used.

Noise level in intensive care units of a public university hospital in Santa Marta (Colombia). / Nivel de ruido en unidades de cuidado intensivo de un hospital público universitario en Santa Marta (Colombia).

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the noise level in adult, pediatric and neonatal intensive care units of a university hospital in the city of Santa Marta (Colombia). DESIGN: A descriptive, observational, non-interventional study with follow-up over time was carried out. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Continuous sampling was conducted for 20 days for each unit using a type i sound level meter, filter frequency in A weighting and Fast mode. We recorded the maximum values, the 90th percentile as background noise, and the continuous noise level. RESULTS: The mean hourly levels in the adult unit varied between 57.40±1.14-63.47±2.13dBA, with a maximum between 71.55±2.32-77.22±1.94dBA, and a background noise between 53.51±1.16-60.26±2.10dBA; in the pediatric unit the mean hourly levels varied between 57.07±3.07-65.72±2.46dBA, with a maximum of 68.69±3.57-79.06±2.34dBA, and a background noise between 53.33±3.54-61.96±2.85dBA; the neonatal unit in turn presented mean hourly values between 59.54±2.41-65.33±1.77dBA, with a maximum value between 67.20±2.13-77.65±3.74dBA, and a background noise between 55.02±2.03-58.70±1.95dBA. Analysis of variance revealed a significant difference between the hourly values and between the different units, with the time of day exhibiting a greater influence. CONCLUSIONS: The type of unit affects the noise levels in intensive care units, the pediatric unit showing the highest values and the adult unit the lowest values. However, the parameter exerting the greatest influence upon noise level is the time of day, with higher levels in the morning and evening, and lower levels at night and in the early morning.

Analysis of factors associated with mortality due to sepsis resulting from device-related infections.

INTRODUCTION: Health care-associated infections (HAIs) contribute to morbidity and mortality and to the dissemination of multidrug-resistant organisms. Children admitted to the intensive care unit undergo invasive procedures that increase their risk of developing HAIs and sepsis. The aim of the study was to analyse factors associated with mortality due to sepsis arising from HAIs. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We conducted a case-control study in a 7-bed multipurpose paediatric intensive care unit in a tertiary care teaching hospital. The sample consisted of 90 children admitted between January 2014 and December 2018. The case group consisted of patients who died from sepsis associated with the main health care-associated infections; the control group consisted of patients who survived sepsis associated with the same infections. RESULTS: Death was associated with age less than or equal to 12 months, presence of comorbidity, congenital disease, recurrent ventilator-associated pneumonia and septic shock. In the multiple regression analysis, heart disease (OR, 12.48; CI 2.55-60.93; P = .002), infection by carbapenem-resistant bacteria (OR, 31.51; CI 4.01-247.25; P = .001), cancer (OR, 58.23; CI 4.54-746.27; P = .002), and treatment with adrenaline (OR, 13.14; CI 1.35-128.02; P = .003) continued to be significantly associated with death. CONCLUSIONS: Hospital sepsis secondary to carbapenem-resistant bacteria contributed to a high mortality rate in this cohort. Children with heart disease or neoplasia or who needed vasopressor drugs had poorer outcomes.

Delirium and subsyndromal delirium in the intensive care unit: In-hospital outcomes and prognosis at discharge. / Síndrome confusional agudo y confusional subsindromático en terapia intensiva: evolución intrahospitalaria y a los tres meses del alta.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The characteristics and outcomes of patients with subsyndromal delirium (SSD) at hospitalization are still under discussion. The objectives were to describe the incidence of delirium and SSD in the intensive care unit (ICU), to analyze the association with risk factors and to explore outcomes of delirium and SSD at hospitalization and three months after discharge. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A prospective study, with telephone follow-up three months after discharge. The study included 270 patients over one year. Delirium and SSD were assessed with the CAM-ICU. RESULTS: 22.96% developed delirium and 17.03% SSD. The main risk factors associated with the development of delirium were cognitive impairment (P=.000), age ≥75years (P=.019), neurological admission (P=.003), shock (P=.043), bedsores (P=.010), polypharmacy (P=.017), ARM (P=.001) and fast (P=.028), and with the development of SSD were low schooling (P=.014), Charlson >5 (P=.028), AIVD <8 (P=.001), enteral feeding (P=.000) and non-cardiovascular admission (P=.019). Overall mortality was 6% in the group without delirium (reference), 8% in SSD (P=.516) and 30% in delirium (P=.000). Median ICU length of stay was 2 (IQR, 1-2) days in the group without delirium, 3 (IQR, 2-4) days in SSD (P=.0001), and 3 (IQR, 2-7) days in delirium group (P=.0001). Three months after discharge, instrumental ADL were preserved in 50% of the group without delirium, 30% of SSD (P=.026) and 26% of delirium (P=.005). CONCLUSIONS: The SSD group presented an intermediate prognosis between no delirium and delirium groups. It is advisable to promote its diagnosis for better risk classification.

Perinatal factors associated with amplitude-integrated electroencephalography abnormalities in preterm infants on the first day of life.

OBJECTIVE: Evaluate the association between perinatal factors and amplitude-integrated electroencephalogram abnormalities in preterm infants on the first day of life. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study of 60 infants with gestational age between 23 and 32 weeks, without malformations. Infants were continuously monitored by amplitude-integrated electroencephalogram on the first day of life, for at least 3h. The tracings were recorded and analyzed in each column for the following: burst-suppression pattern, sleep-wake cycle, and amplitude of the lower margin (<3µV or <5µV). The association of maternal complications, mode of delivery, birth weight, gestational age, neonatal sex, resuscitation procedures, hypothermia on admission, and the Score for Neonatal Acute Physiology, Perinatal Extension, Version II [SNAPPE-II]) with amplitude-integrated electroencephalogram alterations was assessed by multiple logistic regression. RESULTS: A discontinuous pattern occurred in 65% of infants, and a continuous pattern occurred in 23%. The burst-suppression pattern was associated with vaginal delivery (OR: 7.6; 95% CI: 1.1-53.1) and SNAPPE-II≥40 (OR: 13.1; 95% CI: 1.8-95.1). A lower margin of the amplitude-integrated electroencephalogram of <3µV was also associated with SNAPPE-II≥40 (OR: 10.6, 95% CI: 2.3-49.2), while a value <5µV was associated with lower GA (OR: 0.51, 95% CI: 0.34-0.76). There were no associations between the perinatal variables and the absence of a sleep-wake cycle in amplitude-integrated electroencephalogram recordings on the first day of life. CONCLUSION: Biological variables and clinical severity are associated with electroencephalographic characteristics of preterm infants on the first day of life and should be considered in clinical practice when amplitude-integrated electroencephalogram is performed.

Functional echocardiography training in the neonatal intensive care unit: comparing measurements and results with the pediatric cardiologist.

OBJECTIVES: Functional echocardiography is a valuable tool in the neonatal intensive care unit, but training programs are not standardized. The aim was to report an functional echocardiography training program for neonatologists and to describe the agreement of their measurements with the pediatric cardiologist. METHODS: Functional echocardiography training lasted 32h. After training program, the neonatologists performed functional echocardiography in the neonatal intensive care unit and were required to measure left cardiac chambers dimensions, left ventricle systolic function, right and left ventricular output, ductus arteriosus diameter, and flow pattern. Images were recorded by the equipment and reviewed offline by the pediatric cardiologist. The Bland-Altman test was used for quantitative variables and the kappa test, for qualitative variables. RESULTS: Twenty-two trained neonatologists performed 100 functional echocardiography exams. Ductus arteriosus identification and flow pattern had substantial agreement (kappa=0.91 and 0.88, respectively), as well as its diameter (mean difference=0.04mm). The mean difference for the aortic root was -1.2mm; left atrium, 0.60mm; left ventricle diastolic diameter, -0.90mm; left ventricle systolic diameter, -0.30mm. Shortening fraction and ejection fraction correlated well with broad limits of agreement, -2.96% (14.88; -20.82%) and --3.43% (15.54; -22.40%), respectively. Right and left ventricular output had broad limits of agreement, 16.69mL/kg/min (222.76; -189.37) and 23.57mL/kg/min (157.88; -110), respectively. There was good agreement between interpretations of normal or low cardiac output (76.7% for right ventricular output; 75.7% for left ventricular output). CONCLUSION: This functional echocardiography training program enabled neonatologists to obtain adequate skills in performing the images, obtaining good agreement with the cardiologist in simple hemodynamic measurements and ductus arteriosus evaluation.

First report of two consecutive respiratory syncytial virus outbreaks by the novel genotypes ON-1 and NA-2 in a neonatal intensive care unit.

OBJECTIVE: Respiratory syncytial virus is a pathogen frequently involved in nosocomial outbreaks. Although several studies have reported nosocomial outbreaks in neonatal intensive care units, molecular epidemiology data are scarce. Here, the authors describe two consecutive respiratory syncytial virus outbreaks caused by genotypes ON-1 and NA-2 in a neonatal intensive care unit in São Paulo, Brazil. METHODS: A prospective search for respiratory syncytial virus was performed after diagnosing the index case and four other symptomatic newborns in the neonatal intensive care unit. Nasopharyngeal aspirate samples of all patients in the neonatal intensive care unit were tested for 17 respiratory viruses using real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. Genotyping was performed using nucleotide sequencing. RESULTS: From May to August 2013, two different outbreaks were detected in the neonatal intensive care unit. A total of 20 infants were infected with respiratory syncytial virus-A (ten and 14 with ON-1 and NA-2 genotypes, respectively). The mean age of the infants was 10 days, mean birth weight was 1,961g, and the mean gestational age was 33 weeks. Risk factors (heart disease, lung disease, and prematurity) were present in 80% and 85.7% of infants in the ON-1 and NA-2 groups, respectively. In total, 45.8% of infants were asymptomatic and 20.8% required mechanical ventilation. Coinfections were not detected during the outbreaks. CONCLUSIONS: Infants in a neonatal intensive care unit who develop abrupt respiratory symptoms should be tested for respiratory viruses, especially respiratory syncytial virus. Even in the absence of severe symptoms, respiratory syncytial virus detection can prevent nosocomial transmission through infection control measures. A better understanding of respiratory syncytial virus molecular epidemiology is essential for developing new vaccines and antiviral drugs against respiratory syncytial virus.

Pediatric patients with COVID-19 admitted to intensive care units in Brazil: a prospective multicenter study.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the clinical characteristics of children and adolescents admitted to intensive care with confirmed COVID-19. METHOD: Prospective, multicenter, observational study, in 19 pediatric intensive care units. Patients aged 1 month to 19 years admitted consecutively (March-May 2020) were included. Demographic, clinical-epidemiological features, treatment, and outcomes were collected. Subgroups were compared according to comorbidities, age < 1 year, and need for invasive mechanical ventilation. A multivariable logistic regression model was used for predictors of severity. RESULTS: Seventy-nine patients were included (ten with multisystemic inflammatory syndrome). Median age 4 years; 54% male (multisystemic inflammatory syndrome, 80%); 41% had comorbidities (multisystemic inflammatory syndrome, 20%). Fever (76%), cough (51%), and tachypnea (50%) were common in both groups. Severe symptoms, gastrointestinal symptoms, and higher inflammatory markers were more frequent in multisystemic inflammatory syndrome. Interstitial lung infiltrates were common in both groups, but pleural effusion was more prevalent in the multisystemic inflammatory syndrome group (43% vs. 14%). Invasive mechanical ventilation was used in 18% (median 7.5 days); antibiotics, oseltamivir, and corticosteroids were used in 76%, 43%, and 23%, respectively, but not hydroxychloroquine. The median pediatric intensive care unit length-of-stay was five days; there were two deaths (3%) in the non- multisystemic inflammatory syndrome group. Patients with comorbidities were older and comorbidities were independently associated with the need for invasive mechanical ventilation (OR 5.5; 95% CI, 1.43-21.12; p = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: In Brazilian pediatric intensive care units, COVID-19 had low mortality, age less than 1 year was not associated with a worse prognosis, and patients with multisystemic inflammatory syndrome had more severe symptoms, higher inflammatory biomarkers, and a greater predominance of males, but only comorbidities and chronic diseases were independent predictors of severity.

[General anesthesia combined with erector spinae plane block for ductus arteriosus closure: two case reports]. / Anestesia geral associada a bloqueio do plano do músculo eretor da espinha para encerramento de persistência de canal arterial: dois relatos de caso.

BACKGROUND: Failure of ductus arteriosus closure in preterm neonates results in a left-to-right shunt that leads to variable severities of hemodynamic and respiratory distress. When medical therapy fails, surgical ligation via left lateral thoracotomy remains an alternative approach and can be performed in the operating room or at the bedside with a low mortality rate. Opioid-based anesthesia is a frequent choice among anesthesiologists who manage patent ductus arteriosus cases based on the suppression of the stress response and maintenance of hemodynamic stability. This rationale suggests that regional anesthesia may also be an advantageous technique and may benefit earlier weaning from ventilation. Blocking afferent signals before incision may also modulate the long-term consequences of altered sensory perception and pain responses. CASE REPORT: We present two cases of general anesthesia combined with erector spinae plane block as part of multimodal anesthesia in premature twins undergoing patent ductus arteriosus closure. DISCUSSION: In these cases, the use of erector spinae plane block combined with general anesthesia was efficient to minimize the negative impact of surgery and allowed a reduction in the amount of intraoperative opioid use for patent ductus arteriosus closure.

Impact of the development of acute kidney injury on patients admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit.

OBJECTIVE: To identify the risk factors for the development of acute kidney injury and for short and long-term mortality of patients with acute kidney injury after admission to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective analysis of patients admitted to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit from January 2004 to December 2008. Acute kidney injury was defined by the KDIGO criterion. Risk factors for acute kidney injury, in-hospital, and long-term mortality were obtained through multivariate logistic regression analysis. Long-term mortality (up to 2011) was obtained by searching the institution's database and by telephone contact with patients' family members. RESULTS: A total of 434 patients were evaluated and the incidence of acute kidney injury was 64%. Most acute kidney injury episodes (78%) occurred within the first 24hours after admission to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit. The risk factors for the development of acute kidney injury were: low volume of diuresis, younger age, mechanical ventilation, vasoactive drugs, diuretics, and amphotericin. Lower weight, positive fluid balance, acute kidney injury, dopamine use and mechanical ventilation were independent risk factors for in-hospital mortality. Long-term mortality was 17.8%. Systolic blood pressure, PRISM score, low volume of diuresis, and mechanical ventilation were independent risk factors associated with long-term mortality after admission to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit. CONCLUSION: Acute kidney injury was a frequent, early event, and was associated with in-hospital mortality and long-term mortality after admission to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit.

Utilização do cateter venoso central de inserção periférica na prática do enfermeiro em unidade de terapia intensiva neonatológica / Use of peripherally inserted central venous catheter in nursing practice in a neonatal intensive care unit

Os avanços tecnológicos têm nos proporcionado um desenvolvimento significativo da terapêutica em recém-nascidos (RN), dentre eles, o dispositivo infusional Cateter Venoso Central de Inserção Periférica (CCIP), também referenciado pela literatura científica enquanto Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter (PICC).1,2,3,4Esse importante dispositivo, apontado enquanto excelência da assistência de RNs, considerados gravemente debilitados, dos quais, necessitam de uma terapia medicamentosa de uso prolongado.

Considerazioni etico-giuridiche sui criteri di priorità di cura per i pazienti in terapia intensiva durante la pandemia di COVID-19 / Consideracions ètic-jurídiques sobre els criteris de prioritat de cura pels pacients en teràpia intensiva durant la pandèmia de la COVID-19 / Consideraciones ético-jurídicas sobre los criterios de prioridad de atención para los pacientes en terapia intensiva durante la pandemia de COVID-19 / Ethical-legal considerations on priority care criteria for patients in intensive therapy during the COVID-19 pandemic

Ci si è chiesti se la pandemia abbia modificato il modo in cui la morte e il morire vengano pensati. L’incontrollata diffusione del contagio e la mancanza di un’adeguata risposta organizzativa in termini di sanità pubblica ha determinato ben presto nelle TI una sproporzione tra domanda di assistenza (insufficienza respiratoria acuta) e risorse disponibili (personale formato, posti-letto, ventilatori meccanici). I clinici si sono così trovati nella condizione di dover decidere quali pazienti ammettere in TI e quali escludere. Sia in Italia che in Spagna si è fatto ricorso al triage: sono state elaborate alcune raccomandazioni che hanno destato perplessità e critiche nell’ambito medico ed etico-giuridico.(AU)

En aquest article es reflexiona sobre la forma en què la pandèmia derivada de la COVID-19 ha alterat determinats processos assistencials davant de la mort. La ràpida propagació incontrolada de la malaltia i la manca de resposta organitzativa en termes de salut pública aviat van conduir a una desproporció entre la demanda assistencial en cures intensives i els recursos humans imaterials per satisfer-la. En ocasions, els metges s'han vist en el dilema de decidir quins pacients tractar i quins excloure a les unitats de cures intensives. Tant a Espanya com a Itàlia s'ha fet servir el triatge i s'han publicat algunes recomanacions que han suscitat algunes crítiques en l'àmbit mèdic, ètic i legal. Es planteja el dubte de si aquestes mesures excepcionals es poden aplicar quan es recupera la normalitat sociosanitària.(AU)

En este artículo se reflexiona sobre la forma en que la pandemia derivada del COVID-19 ha alterado determinados procesos asistenciales frente a la muerte. La rápida propagación incontrolada de la enfermedad y la faltade respuesta organizativa en términos de salud pública pronto condujeron a una desproporción entre la demanda asistencial en cuidados intensivos y los recursos humanos y materiales para satisfacerla. En ocasiones, los médicos se han visto en el dilema de decidir qué pacientes tratar y cuales excluir en las unidades de cuidados intensivos. Tanto en España como en Italia se ha usado el triaje y se han publicado algunas recomendaciones que han suscitado ciertas críticas en el ámbito médico, ético y legal. Se plantea el interrogante de que estas medidas excepcionales se puedan aplicar cuando se recupera la normalidad socio sanitaria.(AU)

This paper reflects on the way in which the pandemic derived from COVID-19 has altered certain care processes in the face of death. The rapid uncontrolled spread of the disease, and the lack of organizational response in terms of public health soon led to a disproportion between the demand for intensive care and the human and material resources to meet it. At times, doctors have been faced with the dilemma of deciding which patients to treat and which to exclude in intensive care units. Both in Spain and Italy triage has been used and some recommendations have been published that have provoked some criticism in the medical, ethical and legal field. The question arises whether these exceptional measures can be applied when socio-sanitary normality is restored.(AU)

Perfil das infecções de corrente sanguínea em unidade de terapia intensiva para COVID-19 / Profile of bloodstream infections in an intensive care unit for COVID-19 / Perfil de infecciones del torrente sanguíneo en la unidad de cuidados intensivos por COVID-19

Objetivo: Identificar o perfil das Infecções de Corrente Sanguínea (ICS) em pacientes na Unidade de Terapia Intensiva (UTI) de um Hospital de Referência para a COVID-19, na região metropolitana de Recife - Pernambuco, de janeiro a dezembro no ano de 2021. Método: Trata-se de um estudo transversal, retrospectivo, descritivo, com abordagem quantitativa, realizado através de um banco de dados de um laboratório microbiológico. Resultados: Foram identificados 24 tipos isolados de microrganismos, onde a maior prevalência foi da espécie Staphylococcus haemolyticus, seguida das espécies Staphylococcus epidermidis, Acinetobacter baumannii, Klebsiella pneumoniae e Staphylococcus hominis. A levofloxacina e a linezolida foram os antimicrobianos mais resistente e sensível, respectivamente, dentre as cepas. Conclusão: Os resultados sobre o perfil microbiológico de infecções de corrente sanguínea em UTI-COVID-19 são de grande importância para traçar estratégias que melhorem a assistência, prevenindo complicações e agravos aos pacientes infectados (AU).

Objective: To identify the profile of Bloodstream Infections (BSI) in patients in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of a Reference Hospital for COVID-19, in the metropolitan region of Recife - Pernambuco, from January to December in 2021. Method: This is a cross-sectional, retrospective, descriptive study, with a quantitative approach, carried out using a database from a microbiological laboratory. Results: 24 isolated types of microorganisms were identified, where the highest prevalence was the species Staphylococcus haemolyticus, followed by the species Staphylococcus epidermidis, Acinetobacter baumannii, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Staphylococcus hominis. Levofloxacin and linezolid were the most resistant and sensitive antimicrobials, respectively, among the strains. Conclusion: The results on the microbiological profile of bloodstream infections in COVID-19-ICUs are of great importance for designing strategies that improve care, preventing complications and injuries to infected patients (AU).

Objetivo: Identificar el perfil de Infecciones del torrente sanguíneo (ITS) en pacientes internados en la Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos (UCI) de un Hospital de Referencia para COVID-19, en la región metropolitana de Recife - Pernambuco, de enero a diciembre de 2021. Método: Se trata de un Estudio descriptivo, transversal, retrospectivo, con enfoque cuantitativo, realizado a partir de una base de datos de un laboratorio microbiológico. Resultados: Se identificaron 24 tipos aislados de microorganismos, donde la mayor prevalencia fue la especie Staphylococcus haemolyticus, seguida de las especies Staphylococcus epidermidis, Acinetobacter baumannii, Klebsiella pneumoniae y Staphylococcus hominis. Levofloxacina y linezolid fueron los antimicrobianos más resistentes y sensibles, respectivamente, entre las cepas. Conclusión: Los resultados sobre el perfil microbiológico de las infecciones del torrente sanguíneo en las UCI-COVID-19 son de gran importancia para diseñar estrategias que mejoren la atención, previniendo complicaciones y lesiones a los pacientes infectados (AU).

Presentación atípica de fiebre chikungunya en cuidados críticos / Atypical clinical presentation of chikungunya fever in critical care

Resumen El virus Chikungunya es un Alfavirus de la familia Togaviridae trasmitido por mosquitos. Fue descrito por primera en un brote en el sur de Tanzania en 1952. Genera clásicamente un síndrome febril con poliartral gias y artritis, que pueden ser incapacitantes y tener una duración prolongada. La mortalidad global ronda en 0.1%. Existen reportes en la literatura de presenta ciones atípicas y graves con compromiso de múltiples órganos. Se ha detectado la presencia del virus en más de 110 países. En Brasil, en la región noreste, se han hallado casos autóctonos desde septiembre de 2014. En Argentina y países limítrofes, se presentan casos en aumento duran te 2023, con respecto a iguales periodos en años previos. Hasta la semana epidemiológica N° 26 del año 2023 se registraron en Argentina 1460 casos de fiebre chikun gunya, considerándose autóctonos 72% de ellos. Se presenta el caso de una mujer de 76 años, con an tecedentes de hipertensión arterial y estenosis aortica, admitida en terapia intensiva por shock séptico con foco respiratorio, con patrón de neumonía intersticial, evolu ción tórpida y óbito dentro de las 24 horas del ingreso. Se recibe postmorten el resultado detectable de virus Chikungunya por reacción en cadena de la polimerasa en tiempo real. Este caso, resulta de importancia clínica dada la pre sentación atípica del mismo y por la baja prevalencia nacional de infecciones graves por dicho virus, alerta sobre la necesidad de incluir el diagnóstico diferencial en los pacientes con sospecha diagnóstica.

Abstract Chikungunya virus is an Alphavirus, it belongs to the family Togaviridae and is transmitted by mos quitoes. It was first described during an outbreak in Southern Tanzania in 1952. It generally causes a febrile syndrome, accompanied by joint pain and arthritis, which is often debilitating and may persist for months or years. Its overall fatality rate is not high, around 0.1%. Atypical and severe cases have been reported. This virus has been detected in more than 110 countries globally. In Northeastern Brazil autoch thonous cases have been diagnosed since September 2014. In Argentina, as well as in neighboring countries, cases were increasing during 2023, compared to the same periods in previous years. Until epidemiological week 26 of 2023, 1460 cases of chikungunya fever were reported in Argentina, 72% of them were considered of autochthonous transmission. The case of a 76-year-old female patient is here presented, her comorbidities were hypertension and aortic stenosis, who was admitted to intensive care unit due to septic shock with respiratory focus, intersti tial pneumonia in X-ray pattern, and torpid evolution. She died within 24 hours of admission. A report of detectable Chikungunya virus by real-time polymerase chain reaction in real time was received post-mortem. This case results of clinical relevance due to its atypi cal presentation and the country low prevalence of severe infections by this virus. It warns of the need to include the differential diagnosis in cases with sus pected diagnosis.

Pain management: education of the adult Intensive Care Unit nursing staff / Gerenciamento da dor: educação da equipe de enfermagem da Unidade de Terapia Intensiva adulta

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Taking into account the complexity and subjectivity of pain for the patient and the need for constant updating of the healthcare team, the objective was to verify the knowledge and care practices of the nursing team regarding pain management in hospitalized adult patients in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) before and after carrying out an educational activity. METHODS: 32 nurses and nursing technicians who had been working in the ICU for more than six months participated. The stages included the application of the pre-test, educational activity and post-test, addressing assessment scales and pharmacological and non-pharmacological management methods. RESULTS: Regarding the concepts of chronic pain and acute pain, 68% responded that they knew the differences, however 15% answered questions related to acute pain correctly and 3% answered questions related to chronic pain correctly in the pre-test. Regarding prior knowledge about pain assessment scales, 84% knew the Numerical Verbal Scale, 15% knew the Behavioral Pain Scale, and 6% knew the Advanced Dementia Pain Scale; 62% said they had difficulty assessing pain in patients with advanced dementia and/or on mechanical ventilation. In questions related to pharmacological management, 44% got the questions right in the pre-test and 71% got them right in the post-test. Regarding non-pharmacological management, 31% always perform it, and 96% use adequate positioning in bed as a measure. CONCLUSION: After the educational activity, there was an increase in the number of correct answers regarding questions related to assessment scales, pharmacological and non-pharmacological management.

RESUMO JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: Levando em consideração a complexidade e subjetividade da dor para o paciente e a necessidade de atualização constante da equipe de saúde, objetivou-se verificar o conhecimento e as práticas assistenciais da equipe de enfermagem acerca do manejo da dor de pacientes adultos internados na Unidade de Terapia Intensiva (UTI) antes e após a realização de uma atividade educativa. MÉTODOS: Participaram do estudo 32 enfermeiros e técnicos de enfermagem alocados em UTI há mais de seis meses. As etapas compreenderam a aplicação do pré-teste, atividade educativa e pós-teste, abordando escalas de avaliação e métodos de manejo farmacológico e não farmacológico. RESULTADOS: Quanto aos conceitos de dor crônica e dor aguda, 68% responderam que conheciam as diferenças, porém 15% acertaram questões relacionadas à dor aguda e 3% acertaram questões relacionadas à dor crônica no pré-teste. Quanto ao conhecimento prévio sobre as escalas de avaliação da dor, 84% conheciam a Escala Verbal Numérica, 15% conheciam a Behavioral Pain Scale, e 6% conheciam a Escala de dor na Demência Avançada; 62% afirmaram sentirem dificuldade em avaliar a dor em pacientes com demência avançada e/ou em ventilação mecânica. Nas questões relacionadas ao manejo farmacológico, 44% acertaram as questões no pré-teste e 71% acertaram no pós-teste. Em relação ao manejo não farmacológico, 31% realizam sempre, e 96% utilizam como medida o posicionamento adequado no leito. CONCLUSÃO: Após a atividade educativa, houve aumento no número de acertos referente às questões relacionadas às escalas de avaliação, manejo farmacológico e não farmacológico.

Follow-up program after intensive care unit discharge. / Programa de seguimiento al alta de la unidad de cuidados intensivos.

INTRODUCTION: Patient follow-up after intensive care unit (ICU) discharge allows the early recognition of complications associated to post-intensive care syndrome (PICS). The aim of this project is to standardize outcome variables in a follow-up program for patients at risk of suffering PICS. METHODS: The Rehabilitation and Patient Follow-up Committee of the Argentine Society of Intensive Care Medicine (Sociedad Argentina de Terapia Intensiva, SATI) requested the collaboration of different committees to design the present document. A thorough search of the literature on the issue, together with pre-scheduled meetings and web-based discussion encounters were carried out. After comprehensive evaluation, the recommendations according to the GRADE system included in the follow-up program were: frequency of controlled visits, appointed healthcare professionals, basic domains of assessment and recommended tools of evaluation, validated in Spanish, and entire duration of the program. CONCLUSION: The measures herein suggested for patient follow-up after ICU discharge will facilitate a basic approach to diagnosis and management of the long-term complications associated to PICS.

Which children account for repeated admissions within 1 year in a Brazilian pediatric intensive care unit?

OBJECTIVE: While studies have focused on early readmissions or readmissions during the same hospitalization in a pediatric intensive care unit, little is known about the children with recurrent admissions. We sought to assess the characteristics of patients readmitted within 1 year in a Brazilian pediatric intensive care unit. METHODS: This was a retrospective study carried out in a tertiary pediatric intensive care unit. The outcome was the maximum number of readmissions experienced by each child within any 365-day interval during a 5-year follow-up period. RESULTS: Of the 758 total eligible admissions, 75 patients (9.8%) were readmissions. Those patients accounted for 33% of all pediatric intensive care unit bed care days. Median time to readmission was 73 days for all readmissions. Logistic regression showed that complex chronic conditions (odds ratio 1.07), severe to moderate cognitive disability (odds ratio 1.08), and use of technology assistance (odds ratio 1.17) were associated with readmissions. Multiple admissions had a significantly prolonged duration of mechanical ventilation (8 vs. 6 days), longer length of pediatric intensive care unit (7 vs 4 days) and hospital stays (20 vs 9 days), and higher mortality rate (21.3% vs 5.1%) compared with index admissions. CONCLUSION: The rate of pediatric intensive care unit readmissions within 1 year was low; however, it was associated with a relevant number of bed care days and worse outcomes. A 30-day index of readmission may be inadequate to mirror the burden of pediatric intensive care unit readmissions. Patients with complex chronic conditions, poor functional status or technology assistance are at higher risk for readmissions. Future studies should address the impact of qualitative interventions on healthcare and recurrent admissions.

The Pan American and Iberian Federation of Critical Medicine and Intensive Therapy develops its Strategic Plan. / La Federación Panamericana e Ibérica de Medicina Crítica y Terapia Intensiva elabora su plan estratégico.

The Pan-American and Iberian Federation of Critical Medicine and Intensive Therapy, A.C. (FEPIMCTI), has prepared its Strategic Plan for the next 5 years. In this Plan, it defines its course towards the future, establishes its long-term objectives and works to achieve success. Its strategic objectives are framed in consolidating the legal, fiscal and administrative structure, the updating of its statutes, the implementation of a process management system encompassed in a quality culture, the implementation of committees of experts, achieving academic excellence by developing training programs and giving visibility to the Federation. Their main values refer to equity, professionalism, respect and social solidarity. The implementation of the Strategic Plan in a collaborative manner must serve as a driving force for change to position FEPIMCTI as a relevant Scientific Society in the Critical Medicine of its member countries.