Assessment of spontaneous breathing during pressure controlled ventilation with superimposed spontaneous breathing using respiratory flow signal analysis.

Integrating spontaneous breathing into mechanical ventilation (MV) can speed up liberation from it and reduce its invasiveness. On the other hand, inadequate and asynchronous spontaneous breathing has the potential to aggravate lung injury. During use of airway-pressure-release-ventilation (APRV), the assisted breaths are difficult to measure. We developed an algorithm to differentiate the breaths in a setting of lung injury in spontaneously breathing ewes. We hypothesized that differentiation of breaths into spontaneous, mechanical and assisted is feasible using a specially developed for this purpose algorithm. Ventilation parameters were recorded by software that integrated ventilator output variables. The flow signal, measured by the EVITA® XL (Lübeck, Germany), was measured every 2 ms by a custom Java-based computerized algorithm (Breath-Sep). By integrating the flow signal, tidal volume (VT) of each breath was calculated. By using the flow curve the algorithm separated the different breaths and numbered them for each time point. Breaths were separated into mechanical, assisted and spontaneous. Bland Altman analysis was used to compare parameters. Comparing the values calculated by Breath-Sep with the data from the EVITA® using Bland-Altman analyses showed a mean bias of - 2.85% and 95% limits of agreement from - 25.76 to 20.06% for MVtotal. For respiratory rate (RR) RRset a bias of 0.84% with a SD of 1.21% and 95% limits of agreement from - 1.53 to 3.21% were found. In the cluster analysis of the 25th highest breaths of each group RRtotal was higher using the EVITA®. In the mechanical subgroup the values for RRspont and MVspont the EVITA® showed higher values compared to Breath-Sep. We developed a computerized method for respiratory flow-curve based differentiation of breathing cycle components during mechanical ventilation with superimposed spontaneous breathing. Further studies in humans and optimizing of this technique is necessary to allow for real-time use at the bedside.

Individualized Positive End-expiratory Pressure and Regional Gas Exchange in Porcine Lung Injury.

BACKGROUND: In acute respiratory failure elevated intraabdominal pressure aggravates lung collapse, tidal recruitment, and ventilation inhomogeneity. Low positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) may promote lung collapse and intrapulmonary shunting, whereas high PEEP may increase dead space by inspiratory overdistension. The authors hypothesized that an electrical impedance tomography-guided PEEP approach minimizing tidal recruitment improves regional ventilation and perfusion matching when compared to a table-based low PEEP/no recruitment and an oxygenation-guided high PEEP/full recruitment strategy in a hybrid model of lung injury and elevated intraabdominal pressure. METHODS: In 15 pigs with oleic acid-induced lung injury intraabdominal pressure was increased by intraabdominal saline infusion. PEEP was set in randomized order: (1) guided by a PEEP/inspired oxygen fraction table, without recruitment maneuver; (2) minimizing tidal recruitment guided by electrical impedance tomography after a recruitment maneuver; and (3) maximizing oxygenation after a recruitment maneuver. Single photon emission computed tomography was used to analyze regional ventilation, perfusion, and aeration. Primary outcome measures were differences in PEEP levels and regional ventilation/perfusion matching. RESULTS: Resulting PEEP levels were different (mean ± SD) with (1) table PEEP: 11 ± 3 cm H2O; (2) minimal tidal recruitment PEEP: 22 ± 3 cm H2O; and (3) maximal oxygenation PEEP: 25 ± 4 cm H2O; P < 0.001. Table PEEP without recruitment maneuver caused highest lung collapse (28 ± 11% vs. 5 ± 5% vs. 4 ± 4%; P < 0.001), shunt perfusion (3.2 ± 0.8 l/min vs. 1.0 ± 0.8 l/min vs. 0.7 ± 0.6 l/min; P < 0.001) and dead space ventilation (2.9 ± 1.0 l/min vs. 1.5 ± 0.7 l/min vs. 1.7 ± 0.8 l/min; P < 0.001). Although resulting in different PEEP levels, minimal tidal recruitment and maximal oxygenation PEEP, both following a recruitment maneuver, had similar effects on regional ventilation/perfusion matching. CONCLUSIONS: When compared to table PEEP without a recruitment maneuver, both minimal tidal recruitment PEEP and maximal oxygenation PEEP following a recruitment maneuver decreased shunting and dead space ventilation, and the effects of minimal tidal recruitment PEEP and maximal oxygenation PEEP were comparable.

Interprofessional two-man team approach for interhospital transport of ARDS-patients under extracorporeal membrane oxygenation: a 10 years retrospective observational cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Extra Corporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) has become an accepted treatment option for severely ill patients. Due to a limited availability of ECMO support therapy, patients must often be transported to a specialised centre before or after cannulation. According to the ELSO guidelines, an ECMO specialist should be present for such interventions. Here we describe the safety and efficacy of a reduced team approach involving one anaesthesiologist, experienced in specialised intensive care medicine, and a specialised critical care nurse. METHODS: This study is a 10 years retrospective, single institution analysis of all data collected between January 2007 and December 2016 from the medical records at the University Hospital Bonn, Germany. RESULTS: The Bonner mobile ECMO team was deployed in 170 cases for on-site evaluation for ECMO support therapy. 4 (2.4%) patients died prior to arrival or during the implementation of ECMO support. Of the remaining 166 patients, 126 were cannulated at the referring site, 40 were transported without ECMO. Of those, 21 were subsequently cannulated out our centre. 19 patients never received ECMO treatment. The primary indication for ECMO treatment was ARDS (159/166 patients). Veno-venous ECMO was initiated in 137, whilst 10 patients received veno-arterial ECMO treatment. Mean transportation time was 75 ± 36 min, and mean transport distance was 56 ± 57 km. In total, 26 complications were observed, three being directly transport-related. The overall survival was 55%. CONCLUSIONS: Initiation of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and subsequent transport can be safely and efficiently performed by a two-man team with good outcome.

Mapping Regional Differences of Local Pressure-Volume Curves With Electrical Impedance Tomography.

OBJECTIVES: Lung-protective mechanical ventilation aims to prevent alveolar collapse and overdistension, but reliable bedside methods to quantify them are lacking. We propose a quantitative descriptor of the shape of local pressure-volume curves derived from electrical impedance tomography, for computing maps that highlight the presence and location of regions of presumed tidal recruitment (i.e., elastance decrease during inflation, pressure-volume curve with upward curvature) or overdistension (i.e., elastance increase during inflation, downward curvature). DESIGN: Secondary analysis of experimental cohort study. SETTING: University research facility. SUBJECTS: Twelve mechanically ventilated pigs. INTERVENTIONS: After induction of acute respiratory distress syndrome by hydrochloric acid instillation, animals underwent a decremental positive end-expiratory pressure titration (steps of 2 cm H2O starting from ≥ 26 cm H2O). MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Electrical impedance tomography-derived maps were computed at each positive end-expiratory pressure-titration step, and whole-lung CT taken every second steps. Airway flow and pressure were recorded to compute driving pressure and elastance. Significant correlations between electrical impedance tomography-derived maps and positive end-expiratory pressure indicate that, expectedly, tidal recruitment increases in dependent regions with decreasing positive end-expiratory pressure (p < 0.001) and suggest that overdistension increases both at high and low positive end-expiratory pressures in nondependent regions (p < 0.027), supporting the idea of two different scenarios of overdistension occurrence. Significant correlations with CT measurements were observed: electrical impedance tomography-derived tidal recruitment with poorly aerated regions (r = 0.43; p < 0.001); electrical impedance tomography-derived overdistension with nonaerated regions at lower positive end-expiratory pressures and with hyperaerated regions at higher positive end-expiratory pressures (r ≥ 0.72; p < 0.003). Even for positive end-expiratory pressure levels minimizing global elastance and driving pressure, electrical impedance tomography-derived maps showed nonnegligible regions of presumed overdistension and tidal recruitment. CONCLUSIONS: Electrical impedance tomography-derived maps of pressure-volume curve shapes allow to detect regions in which elastance changes during inflation. This could promote individualized mechanical ventilation by minimizing the probability of local tidal recruitment and/or overdistension. Electrical impedance tomography-derived maps might become clinically feasible and relevant, being simpler than currently available alternative approaches.

Should we breathe quiet or noisy?

External noise is introduced by computer-generated random levels of pressure assistance during noisy pressure support ventilation (PSV). In patients, noisy PSV was associated with higher tidal volume variability but not improved cardio-pulmonary function compared with conventional PSV. The potential role of noisy PSV in the management of critically ill patients requiring ventilatory support has to be explored further.

Pulmonary CT perfusion robustly measures cardiac output in the context of multilevel pulmonary occlusion: a porcine study.

BACKGROUND: To validate pulmonary computed tomography (CT) perfusion in a porcine model by invasive monitoring of cardiac output (CO) using thermodilution method. METHODS: Animals were studied at a single center, using a Swan-Ganz catheter for invasive CO monitoring as a reference. Fifteen pigs were included. Contrast-enhanced CT perfusion of the descending aorta and right and left pulmonary artery was performed. For variation purposes, a balloon catheter was inserted to block the contralateral pulmonary vascular bed; additionally, two increased CO settings were created by intravenous administration of catecholamines. Finally, stepwise capillary occlusion was performed by intrapulmonary arterial injection of 75-µm microspheres in four stages. A semiautomatic selection of AFs and a recirculation-aware tracer-kinetics model to extract the first-pass of AFs, estimating blood flow with the Stewart-Hamilton method, was implemented. Linear mixed models (LMM) were developed to calibrate blood flow calculations accounting with individual- and cohort-level effects. RESULTS: Nine of 15 pigs had complete datasets. Strong correlations were observed between calibrated pulmonary (0.73, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.6-0.82) and aortic blood flow measurements (0.82, 95% CI, 0.73-0.88) and the reference as well as agreements (± 2.24 L/min and ± 1.86 L/min, respectively) comparable to the state of the art, on a relatively wide range of right ventricle-CO measurements. CONCLUSIONS: CT perfusion validly measures CO using LMMs at both individual and cohort levels, as demonstrated by referencing the invasive CO. RELEVANCE STATEMENT: Possible clinical applications of CT perfusion for measuring CO could be in acute pulmonary thromboembolism or to assess right ventricular function to show impairment or mismatch to the left ventricle. KEY POINTS: • CT perfusion measures flow in vessels. • CT perfusion measures cumulative cardiac output in the aorta and pulmonary vessels. • CT perfusion validly measures CO using LMMs at both individual and cohort levels, as demonstrated by using the invasive CO as a reference standard.

Estimation of Cardiac Output Under Veno-Venous Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation: Comparing Thermodilution Methods to 3D Echocardiography.

Thermodilution methods to determine cardiac output (CO) may be affected by veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). We compared CO estimations by pulmonary arterial thermodilution using a pulmonary arterial catheter (COPAC), transpulmonary thermodilution (COTPTD), and three-dimensional echocardiography (3DEcho) (CO3DEcho) in 18 patients under veno-venous ECMO. Comparisons between CO3DEcho and COPAC, and COTPTD were performed using correlation statistics and Bland-Altman analysis. Blood flow on ECMO support ranged from 4.3 to 5.8 L/min (median 4.9 L/min). Cardiac output measured with three-dimensional echocardiography was 5.2 L/min (3.8/5.9), COPAC was 7.3 L/min (5.9/7.9), and COTPTD was 7.3 L/min (6/8.2) (median [25%/75% percentile]). Bland-Altman analysis of CO3DEcho and COPAC revealed a mean bias of -2.06 L/min, with limits of agreement from -4.16 to 0.04 L/min. Bland-Altman analysis of CO3DEcho and COTPTD revealed a mean bias of -2.22 L/min, with limits of agreement from -4.18 to -0.25 L/min. We found a negative mean bias and negative limits of agreement between CO3DEcho and COPAC/COTPTD. We concluded an influence on the estimation of CO by thermodilution under ECMO most likely due to loss of indicator resulting in an overestimation of CO. Clinicians should consider this when monitoring thermodilution-based CO under ECMO.

Evaluation of Different Contrast Agents for Regional Lung Perfusion Measurement Using Electrical Impedance Tomography: An Experimental Pilot Study.

Monitoring regional blood flow distribution in the lungs appears to be useful for individually optimizing ventilation therapy. Electrical impedance tomography (EIT) can be used at the bedside for indicator-based regional lung perfusion measurement. Hypertonic saline is widely used as a contrast agent but could be problematic for clinical use due to potential side effects. In five ventilated healthy pigs, we investigated the suitability of five different injectable and clinically approved solutions as contrast agents for EIT-based lung perfusion measurement. Signal extraction success rate, signal strength, and image quality were analyzed after repeated 10 mL bolus injections during temporary apnea. The best results were obtained using NaCl 5.85% and sodium-bicarbonate 8.4% with optimal success rates (100%, each), the highest signal strengths (100 ± 25% and 64 ± 17%), and image qualities (r = 0.98 ± 0.02 and 0.95 ± 0.07). Iomeprol 400 mg/mL (non-ionic iodinated X-ray contrast medium) and Glucose 5% (non-ionic glucose solution) resulted in mostly well usable signals with above average success rates (87% and 89%), acceptable signal strength (32 ± 8% and 16 + 3%), and sufficient image qualities (r = 0.80 ± 0.19 and 0.72 ± 0.21). Isotonic balanced crystalloid solution failed due to a poor success rate (42%), low signal strength (10 ± 4%), and image quality (r = 0.43 ± 0.28). While Iomeprol might enable simultaneous EIT and X-ray measurements, glucose might help to avoid sodium and chloride overload. Further research should address optimal doses to balance reliability and potential side effects.

Monitoring of Cerebral Oxygen Saturation in Interhospital Transport of Patients Receiving Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation.

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) in acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is used to achieve oxygenation and protect lung ventilation. Near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) measures cerebral regional tissue oxygenation (rSO 2 ) and may contribute to patient safety during interhospital transport under ECMO support. We evaluated 16 adult ARDS patients undergoing interhospital ECMO transport by measuring cerebral rSO 2 before and after initiation of ECMO support and continuously during transport. To compare peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO 2 ) measurement with rSO 2 , both parameters were analyzed. NIRS monitoring for initiation of ECMO and interhospital transport under ECMO support was feasible, and there was no significant difference in the percentage of achievable valid measurements over time between cerebral rSO 2 (88.4% [95% confidence interval {CI}, 81.3-95.0%]) and standard SpO 2 monitoring 91.7% (95% CI, 86.1-94.2%), p = 0.68. No change in cerebral rSO 2 was observed before 77% (73.5-81%) (median [interquartile range {IQR}]) and after initiation of ECMO support 78% (75-81%), p = 0.2. NIRS for cerebral rSO 2 measurement is feasible during ECMO initiation and interhospital transport. Achievement of valid measurements of cerebral rSO 2 was not superior to SpO 2 . In distinct patients ( e.g. , shock), measurement of cerebral rSO 2 may contribute to improvement of patient safety during interhospital ECMO transport.

Tidal recruitment assessed by electrical impedance tomography and computed tomography in a porcine model of lung injury*.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the validity of electrical impedance tomography to detect and quantify the amount of tidal recruitment caused by different positive end-expiratory pressure levels in a porcine acute lung injury model. DESIGN: Randomized, controlled, prospective experimental study. SETTING: Academic research laboratory. SUBJECTS: Twelve anesthetized and mechanically ventilated pigs. INTERVENTIONS: Acute lung injury was induced by central venous oleic acid injection and abdominal hypertension in seven animals. Five healthy pigs served as control group. Animals were ventilated with positive end-expiratory pressure of 0, 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25 cm H2O, respectively, in a randomized order. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: At any positive end-expiratory pressure level, electrical impedance tomography was obtained during a slow inflation of 12 mL/kg of body weight. Regional-ventilation-delay indices quantifying the time until a lung region reaches a certain amount of impedance change were calculated for lung quadrants and for every single electrical impedance tomography pixel, respectively. Pixel-wise calculated regional-ventilation-delay indices were plotted in a color-coded regional-ventilation-delay map. Regional-ventilation-delay inhomogeneity that quantifies heterogeneity of ventilation time courses was evaluated by calculating the scatter of all pixel-wise calculated regional-ventilation-delay indices. End-expiratory and end-inspiratory computed tomography scans were performed at each positive end-expiratory pressure level to quantify tidal recruitment of the lung. Tidal recruitment showed a moderate inter-individual (r = .54; p < .05) and intra-individual linear correlation (r = .46 up to r = .73 and p < .05, respectively) with regional-ventilation-delay obtained from lung quadrants. Regional-ventilation-delay inhomogeneity was excellently correlated with tidal recruitment intra- (r = .90 up to r = .99 and p < .05, respectively) and inter-individually (r = .90; p < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Regional-ventilation-delay can be noninvasively measured by electrical impedance tomography during a slow inflation of 12 mL/kg of body weight and visualized using ventilation delay maps. Our experimental data suggest that the impedance tomography-based analysis of regional-ventilation-delay inhomogeneity provides a good estimate of the amount of tidal recruitment and may be useful to individualize ventilatory settings.

A Rotational Invariant Neural Network for Electrical Impedance Tomography Imaging without Reference Voltage: RF-REIM-NET.

Background: Electrical Impedance Tomography (EIT) is a radiation-free technique for image reconstruction. However, as the inverse problem of EIT is non-linear and ill-posed, the reconstruction of sharp conductivity images poses a major problem. With the emergence of artificial neural networks (ANN), their application in EIT has recently gained interest. Methodology: We propose an ANN that can solve the inverse problem without the presence of a reference voltage. At the end of the ANN, we reused the dense layers multiple times, considering that the EIT exhibits rotational symmetries in a circular domain. To avoid bias in training data, the conductivity range used in the simulations was greater than expected in measurements. We also propose a new method that creates new data samples from existing training data. Results: We show that our ANN is more robust with respect to noise compared with the analytical Gauss-Newton approach. The reconstruction results for EIT phantom tank measurements are also clearer, as ringing artefacts are less pronounced. To evaluate the performance of the ANN under real-world conditions, we perform reconstructions on an experimental pig study with computed tomography for comparison. Conclusions: Our proposed ANN can reconstruct EIT images without the need of a reference voltage.

A model-based source separation algorithm for lung perfusion imaging using electrical impedance tomography.

Objective. Electrical impedance tomography (EIT) for lung perfusion imaging is attracting considerable interest in intensive care, as it might open up entirely new ways to adjust ventilation therapy. A promising technique is bolus injection of a conductive indicator to the central venous catheter, which yields the indicator-based signal (IBS). Lung perfusion images are then typically obtained from the IBS using the maximum slope technique. However, the low spatial resolution of EIT results in a partial volume effect (PVE), which requires further processing to avoid regional bias.Approach. In this work, we repose the extraction of lung perfusion images from the IBS as a source separation problem to account for the PVE. We then propose a model-based algorithm, called gamma decomposition (GD), to derive an efficient solution. The GD algorithm uses a signal model to transform the IBS into a parameter space where the source signals of heart and lung are separable by clustering in space and time. Subsequently, it reconstructs lung model signals from which lung perfusion images are unambiguously extracted.Main results. We evaluate the GD algorithm on EIT data of a prospective animal trial with eight pigs. The results show that it enables lung perfusion imaging using EIT at different stages of regional impairment. Furthermore, parameters of the source signals seem to represent physiological properties of the cardio-pulmonary system.Significance. This work represents an important advance in IBS processing that will likely reduce bias of EIT perfusion images and thus eventually enable imaging of regional ventilation/perfusion (V/Q) ratio.

Measurement of Electrical Impedance Tomography-Based Regional Ventilation Delay for Individualized Titration of End-Expiratory Pressure.

RATIONALE: Individualized positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) titration might be beneficial in preventing tidal recruitment. To detect tidal recruitment by electrical impedance tomography (EIT), the time disparity between the regional ventilation curves (regional ventilation delay inhomogeneity [RVDI]) can be measured during controlled mechanical ventilation when applying a slow inflation of 12 mL/kg of body weight (BW). However, repeated large slow inflations may result in high end-inspiratory pressure (PEI), which might limit the clinical applicability of this method. We hypothesized that PEEP levels that minimize tidal recruitment can also be derived from EIT-based RVDI through the use of reduced slow inflation volumes. METHODS: Decremental PEEP trials were performed in 15 lung-injured pigs. The PEEP level that minimized tidal recruitment was estimated from EIT-based RVDI measurement during slow inflations of 12, 9, 7.5, or 6 mL/kg BW. We compared RVDI and PEI values resulting from different slow inflation volumes and estimated individualized PEEP levels. RESULTS: RVDI values from slow inflations of 12 and 9 mL/kg BW showed excellent linear correlation (R2 = 0.87, p < 0.001). Correlations decreased for RVDI values from inflations of 7.5 (R2 = 0.68, p < 0.001) and 6 (R2 = 0.42, p < 0.001) mL/kg BW. Individualized PEEP levels estimated from 12 and 9 mL/kg BW were comparable (bias -0.3 cm H2O ± 1.2 cm H2O). Bias and scatter increased with further reduction in slow inflation volumes (for 7.5 mL/kg BW, bias 0 ± 3.2 cm H2O; for 6 mL/kg BW, bias 1.2 ± 4.0 cm H2O). PEI resulting from 9 mL/kg BW inflations were comparable with PEI during regular tidal volumes. CONCLUSIONS: PEEP titration to minimize tidal recruitment can be individualized according to EIT-based measurement of the time disparity of regional ventilation courses during slow inflations with low inflation volumes. This sufficiently decreases PEI and may reduce potential clinical risks.

Secondary ARDS Following Acute Pancreatitis: Is Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Feasible or Futile?

OBJECTIVE: To assess the feasibility of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) or life support (ECLS) as last resort life support therapy in patients with acute pancreatitis and subsequent secondary acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). METHODS: Retrospective analysis from January 2013, to April 2020, of ECMO patients with pancreatitis-induced ARDS at a German University Hospital. Demographics, hospital and ICU length of stay, duration of ECMO therapy, days on mechanical ventilation, fluid balance, need for decompressive laparotomy, amount of blood products, prognostic scores (CCI (Charlson Comorbidity Index), SOFA (Sequential Organ Failure Assessment), RESP(Respiratory ECMO Survival Prediction), SAVE (Survival after Veno-Arterial ECMO)), and the total known length of survival were assessed. RESULTS: A total of n = 495 patients underwent ECMO. Eight patients with acute pancreatitis received ECLS (seven veno-venous, one veno-arterial). Five (71%) required decompressive laparotomy as salvage therapy due to abdominal hypertension. Two patients with acute pancreatitis (25%) survived to hospital discharge. The overall median length of survival was 22 days. Survivors required less fluid in the first 72 h of ECMO support and showed lower values for all prognostic scores. CONCLUSION: ECLS can be performed as a rescue therapy in patients with pancreatitis and secondary ARDS, but nevertheless mortality remains still high. Thus, this last-resort therapy may be best suited for patients with fewer pre-existing comorbidities and no other organ failure.

Impedance tomography as a new monitoring technique.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Electrical impedance tomography (EIT) noninvasively creates images of the local ventilation and arguably lung perfusion distribution at bedside. Methodological and clinical aspects of EIT when used as a monitoring tool in the intensive care unit are reviewed and discussed. RECENT FINDINGS: Whereas former investigations addressed the issue of validating EIT to measure regional ventilation, current studies focus on clinical applications such as detection of pneumothorax. Furthermore, EIT has been used to quantify lung collapse and tidal recruitment in order to titrate positive end-expiratory pressure. Indicator-free EIT measurements might be sufficient for the continuous measurement of cardiac stroke volume, but assessment of regional lung perfusion presumably requires the use of a contrast agent such as hypertonic saline. SUMMARY: Growing evidence suggests that EIT may play an important role in individually optimizing ventilator settings in critically ill patients.

CT fatty muscle fraction as a new parameter for muscle quality assessment predicts outcome in venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.

Impaired skeletal muscle quality is a major risk factor for adverse outcomes in acute respiratory failure. However, conventional methods for skeletal muscle assessment are inapplicable in the critical care setting. This study aimed to determine the prognostic value of computed tomography (CT) fatty muscle fraction (FMF) as a biomarker of muscle quality in patients undergoing extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). To calculate FMF, paraspinal skeletal muscle area was obtained from clinical CT and separated into areas of fatty and lean muscle based on densitometric thresholds. The cohort was binarized according to median FMF. Patients with high FMF displayed significantly increased 1-year mortality (72.7% versus 55.8%, P = 0.036) on Kaplan-Meier analysis. A multivariable logistic regression model was built to test the impact of FMF on outcome. FMF was identified as a significant predictor of 1-year mortality (hazard ratio per percent FMF, 1.017 [95% confidence interval, 1.002-1.033]; P = 0.031), independent of anthropometric characteristics, Charlson Comorbidity Index, Simplified Acute Physiology Score, Respiratory Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Survival Prediction Score, and duration of ECMO support. To conclude, FMF predicted 1-year mortality independently of established clinical prognosticators in ECMO patients and may have the potential to become a new muscle quality imaging biomarker, which is available from clinical CT.

Extensive Therapeutic Drug Monitoring of Colistin in Critically Ill Patients Reveals Undetected Risks.

(1) Background: With the rise of multi-/pan-drug resistant (MDR/PDR) pathogens, the less utilized antibiotic Colistin has made a comeback. Colistin fell out of favor due to its small therapeutic range and high potential for toxicity. Today, it is used again as a last resort substance in treating MDR/PDR pathogens. Although new guidelines with detailed recommendations for Colistin dosing are available, finding the right dose in critically ill patients with renal failure remains difficult. Here, we evaluate the efficiency of the current guidelines' recommendations by using high resolution therapeutic drug monitoring of Colistin. (2) Methods: We analyzed plasma levels of Colistin and its prodrug colisthimethate sodium (CMS) in 779 samples, drawn from eight PDR-infected ICU patients, using a HPLC-MS/MS approach. The impact of renal function on proper Colistin target levels was assessed. (3) Results: CMS levels did not correlate with Colistin levels. Over-/Underdosing occurred regardless of renal function and mode of renal replacement therapy. Colistin elimination half-time appeared to be longer than previously reported. (4) Conclusion: Following dose recommendations from the most current guidelines does not necessarily lead to adequate Colistin plasma levels. Use of Colistin without therapeutic drug monitoring might be unsafe and guideline adherence does not warrant efficient target levels in critically ill patients.

Electrical Impedance Tomography for Cardio-Pulmonary Monitoring.

Electrical impedance tomography (EIT) is a bedside monitoring tool that noninvasively visualizes local ventilation and arguably lung perfusion distribution. This article reviews and discusses both methodological and clinical aspects of thoracic EIT. Initially, investigators addressed the validation of EIT to measure regional ventilation. Current studies focus mainly on its clinical applications to quantify lung collapse, tidal recruitment, and lung overdistension to titrate positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) and tidal volume. In addition, EIT may help to detect pneumothorax. Recent studies evaluated EIT as a tool to measure regional lung perfusion. Indicator-free EIT measurements might be sufficient to continuously measure cardiac stroke volume. The use of a contrast agent such as saline might be required to assess regional lung perfusion. As a result, EIT-based monitoring of regional ventilation and lung perfusion may visualize local ventilation and perfusion matching, which can be helpful in the treatment of patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).