RESUMEN
Background Therapeutic anticoagulation is the cornerstone of treatment for pulmonary embolism (PE), but the impact of different anticoagulation strategies on patient outcomes remains unclear. In this study, we assessed the association of different anticoagulation strategies with the outcomes of patients with acute PE. Methods A retrospective chart review of 207 patients with acute PE who were admitted to one of three urban teaching hospitals in the Mount Sinai Health System (in New York City) from January 2020 to September 2022 was performed. Demographic, clinical, and radiographic data were recorded for all patients. Multivariate regression analyses were performed to assess the association of different outcomes with the approach of therapeutic anticoagulation used. Results The median age of the included patients was 65 years, and 50.2% were women. The most common approach (n = 153, 73.9%) to therapeutic anticoagulation was initial treatment with unfractionated or low molecular weight heparin followed by a direct-acting oral anticoagulant (DOAC), while heparin alone (either unfractionated or low molecular weight heparin) was used in 37 (17.9%) patients, and another 17 (8.2%) patients were treated with heparin followed by bridging to warfarin. Hospital length of stay was longer for patients in the "heparin to warfarin" group (risk-adjusted incidence rate ratio of 2.52). The rates of in-hospital bleeding, all-cause 30-day mortality, and all-cause 30-day re-admissions did not have any significant association with the therapeutic anticoagulation approach used. Conclusion Patients with acute PE who were initially treated with heparin and subsequently bridged to warfarin had a longer hospital stay. Rates of in-hospital bleeding, 30-day mortality, and 30-day re-admission were not associated with the strategy of therapeutic anticoagulation employed.
RESUMEN
Outcomes of tracheostomized patients with COVID-19 are seldomly investigated with conflicting evidence from the existing literature. OBJECTIVES: To create a study evaluating the impact of COVID-19 on tracheostomized patients by comparing clinical outcomes and weaning parameters in COVID-19 positive and negative cohorts. DESIGN SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: A retrospective observational cohort study of 604 tracheostomized patients hospitalized in 16 ICUs in New York City between March 9, 2020, and September 8, 2021. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: Patients were stratified into two cohorts: 398 COVID-19 negative (COVID-ve) and 206 COVID-19 positive (COVID+ve) patients. Clinical characteristics, outcomes, and weaning parameters (first pressure support [PS], tracheostomy collar [TC], speech valve placement, and decannulation) were analyzed. RESULTS: COVID+ve had fewer comorbidities including coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, malignancy, chronic kidney disease, liver disease, and HIV (p < 0.05). Higher Fio2 (53% vs 44%), positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) (7.15 vs 5.69), Pco2 (45.8 vs 38.2), and lower pH (7.41 vs 7.43) were observed at the time of tracheostomy in COVID+ve (p < 0.005). There was no statistical difference in post-tracheostomy complication rates. Longer time from intubation to tracheostomy (15.90 vs 13.60 d; p = 0.002), tracheostomy to first PS (2.87 vs 1.80 d; p = 0.005), and TC placement (11.07 vs 4.46 d; p < 0.001) were seen in COVID+ve. However, similar time to speech valve placement, decannulation, and significantly lower 1-year mortality (23.3% vs 36.7%; p = 0.001) with higher number of discharges to long-term acute care hospital (LTACH) (23.8% vs 13.6%; p = 0.015) were seen in COVID+ve. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Patients with COVID-19 required higher Fio2 and PEEP ventilatory support at the time of tracheostomy, with no observed change in complication rates. Despite longer initial weaning period with PS or TC, similar time to speech valve placement or decannulation with significantly lower mortality and higher LTACH discharges suggest favorable outcome in COVID-19 positive patients. Higher ventilatory support requirements and prolonged weaning should not be a deterrent to pursuing a tracheostomy.
RESUMEN
Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is an autoimmune inflammatory polyneuropathy, which can be challenging to diagnose due to variability in the initial presenting features. Pain, flaccid paresis, motor sensory disturbance, hyporeflexia, and autonomic dysfunction are the typical manifestations, although atypical features, such as ataxia, neck stiffness, dysphagia, ophthalmoplegia, bulbar palsy, and isolated upper limb weakness, may be seen. It may also progress to fatal respiratory depression. As such, timely diagnosis and treatment are essential. We present the case of a 41-year-old man who presented with a four-day history of acute-onset bilateral lower extremity swelling, decreased motor strength, diffuse muscle pain, hyporeflexia, and absent vibratory sensation. After admission, symptoms worsened, and the patient developed new-onset swallowing difficulty and urinary retention. Neurological examination findings of hyporeflexia and flaccid paralysis, along with normal thyroid function, and the absence of cord compression on spinal MRI pointed toward the diagnosis of GBS. Nerve conduction studies (NCS) and concentric electromyography (EMG) confirmed the diagnosis. The patient was treated with intravenous immune globulin (IVIG) and eventually discharged to a rehabilitation facility after a 12-day hospital stay. Later, the patient developed contractures and chronic pain consistent with post-GBS syndrome, for which we referred him for pain management and physical therapy. A rapidly progressive weakness with autonomic dysfunction should prompt suspicion of GBS and should be treated with intravenous immunoglobulins or plasma exchange without further delay.
RESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Non-invasive ventilation (NIV) and invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) are most important interventions for patients with severe CAP associated with respiratory failure. We analysed utilization trends and predictors of non-invasive and invasive ventilation in patients hospitalized with CAP. METHODS: Nationwide Inpatient Sample and Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project data for years 2008-2017 were analysed. Adult hospitalizations due to CAP were identified by previously validated International Classification of Diseases, 9th Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-9-CM) and International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-10-CM) codes. We then utilized the Cochran-Armitage trend test and multivariate survey logistic regression models to analyse temporal incidence trends, predictors, and outcomes. We used SAS 9.4 software (SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC, USA) for analysing data. RESULTS: Out of a total of 8,385,861 hospitalizations due to CAP, ventilation assistance was required in 552,395 (6.6%). The overall ventilation use increased slightly; however, IMV utilization decreased, while NIV utilization increased. In multivariable regression analysis, males, Asian/others and weekend admissions were associated with higher odds of any ventilation utilization. Concurrent diagnoses of septicemia, congestive heart failure, alcoholism, chronic lung diseases, pulmonary circulatory diseases, diabetes mellitus, obesity and cancer were associated with increased odds of requiring ventilation assistance. Ventilation requirement was associated with high odds of in-hospital mortality and discharge to facility. CONCLUSION: The use of NIV among CAP patients has increased while IMV use has decreased over the years. We observed numerous factors linked with a higher use of ventilation support. The requirement of ventilation support is also associated with very high chances of mortality and morbidity.