Exclusive breastfeeding and length of hospital stay in premature infants at a Brazilian reference center for kangaroo mother care

Abstract Objective: To evaluate exclusive breastfeeding at discharge and hospital length-of-stay in pre-term infants undergoing or not the Kangaroo-Mother Care Method (KMC). Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted including preterm infants < 1800 g admitted to the neonatal unit of a KMC reference center. The infants were grouped into the KMC group and the non-KMC group. Multiple logistic and Poisson regressions were performed to evaluate the association between the KMC and two outcomes, exclusive breastfeeding at discharge, and hospital length-of-stay, adjusted for potential confounders. Results: 115 mother-infant dyads were included, 78 in the KMC group and 37 in the non-KMC group. In the bivariate analysis, the KMC group had a lower prevalence of maternal adverse conditions (6% vs. 32%, p < 0.001), a higher number of prenatal visits (median 6 vs. 3.5, p < 0.001), higher gestational ages (median 32 vs. 31 weeks, p < 0.05), higher birth weights (median 1530 vs. 1365 g, p < 0.01), a lower prevalence of necrotizing enterocolitis (3.8% vs. 16.2%, p < 0.05), parenteral nutrition (50% vs. 73%, p < 0.05), and deep vascular access (49.7% vs. 78.4%, p < 0.01), a higher prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding (65% vs. 8%, p < 0.001) and a shorter length of hospital stay (median 28 vs. 42 days, p < 0.001). In the multiple regression analysis, the KMC group was 23 times more likely to be exclusively breastfed at discharge (OR = 23.1; 95% CI = 4,85-109,93) and had a 19% reduction in the hospital length-of-stay (IDR = 0.81; 95% CI = 0.76-0.86) compared to the non-KMC group. Conclusions: The KMC is associated with better short-term neonatal outcomes and should be encouraged in all Brazilian maternity hospitals.

Importância da assistência odontológica dentro do ambiente hospitalar / Importance of dental care within the hospital enviroment

A assistência odontológica é imprescindível para a prevenção de doenças infecciosas e para a manutenção da integridade da cavidade oral de pacientes internatos em unidades de terapia intensiva. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o conhecimento e as práticas de higiene oral dos acadêmicos do curso de Enfermagem de uma instituição de ensino superior, que realizam estágio em hospital, no controle de higiene bucal de pacientes internados em ambiente hospitalar. Participaram do estudo 40 alunos, que responderam 14 perguntas com o intuito de avaliar o conhecimento e as práticas no controle de higiene bucal, realizadas por eles, em pacientes internados em ambiente hospitalar. Os resultados demonstraram que os acadêmicos entrevistados tinham idade média de 25,8 anos, sendo 95% do sexo feminino e apenas 5% do sexo masculino. Destes, 42,5% afirmaram não haver presença de um Cirurgião-Dentista em ambiente hospitalar e 82,5% responderam que o responsável pela saúde bucal dos pacientes é do técnico de enfermagem. Quanto aos cuidados em pacientes internados em UTI, 52,5% dos entrevistados relataram que estes pacientes recebem higienização bucal, porém 30% alegaram que esta pratica não era realizada e 17,5% não sabiam responder. Além disso, 47,5% dos entrevistados afirmam ter insegurança ao realizar os procedimentos de higiene bucal dos pacientes. Pode-se concluir que os acadêmicos entrevistados possuem bom conhecimento acerca da importância dos cuidados com a saúde bucal dos pacientes internados em ambiente hospitalar. No entanto, ainda existem muitas dúvidas relacionadas ao manejo clínico de procedimentos de promoção de saúde bucal, que poderiam ser solucionados com a presença de um profissional de Odontologia inserido em uma equipe multidisciplinar(AU)

Oral care is essential for the prevention of infectious diseases and for maintaining the integrity of the oral cavity of patients hospitalized in intensive care units. The objective of this study is to evaluate the knowledge and oral hygiene practices of Nursing students at a higher education institution, who carry out internships in a hospital, in controlling the oral hygiene of patients admitted to a hospital environment. 40 students participated in the study, who answered 14 questions with the aim of evaluating the knowledge and practices in controlling oral hygiene, carried out by them, on patients hospitalized in a hospital environment. The results demonstrated that the academics interviewed had an average age of 25.8 years, with 95% being female and only 5% being male. Of these, 42.5% stated that there was no presence of a Dental Surgeon in a hospital environment and 82.5% responded that the nursing technician is responsible for the patients' oral health. Regarding care for patients admitted to the ICU, 52.5% of those interviewed reported that these patients receive oral hygiene, however 30% claimed that this practice was not performed and 17.5% did not know how to answer. Furthermore, 47.5% of those interviewed say they are insecure when carrying out oral hygiene procedures for patients. It can be concluded that the academics interviewed have good knowledge about the importance of oral health care for patients hospitalized in a hospital environment. However, there are still many doubts related to the clinical management of oral health promotion procedures, which could be resolved with the presence of a dentistry professional within a multidisciplinary team(AU)

Humanização na perspectiva dos profissionais da saúde atuantes em unidades de terapia intensiva: revisão integrativa / Humanization from the perspective of health professionals workingin Intensive Care Units: integrative review / La humanización desde la perspectiva de los profesionales de la salud que trabajan en Unidades de Cuidados Intensivos: revisión integrativa

Introdução:Esteartigo apresenta uma revisão integrativa da literatura em relação à compreensãodos profissionais sobre humanização na Unidade de Terapia Intensiva. Objetivo: Analisar os estudos científicos que abordem a percepção sobre humanização entre profissionais da saúde atuantes em Unidades de Terapia Intensiva.Metodologia:Revisão integrativa da literatura. Nas bases de dados e biblioteca virtual selecionadas, utilizou-se os descritores em ciências da saúde: percepção, humanização da assistência e unidades de terapia intensiva, combinados com o operador booleano "AND".As etapas de seleção dos artigos,compreenderam: identificação do tema e seleção da pergunta norteadora; estabelecimento dos critérios de inclusão e exclusão; identificação dos estudos selecionados e pré-selecionados; categorização dos estudos selecionados; análise e interpretação dos resultados; apresentação dos achados da revisão com a síntese do conhecimento.Os critérios de inclusão abrangeram:publicações dos últimos 10 anos (2013-2023), que atendessem ao objetivo do estudo, artigos disponíveis na íntegra nas bases de dados selecionadas, nos idiomas inglês, português e espanhol. Foram excluídos estudos duplicados, trabalhos de conclusão de curso, teses, dissertações, editoriais, cartas, resumos de anais, livros, estudo de caso e relatos de experiência. Resultados:Foram incluídos 16 artigos, revelandotrês categorias temáticas: compreensão dos profissionais sobre a humanização, fatores facilitadores e dificultadores para consolidar a humanização e os benefícios da prática humanizada.Considerações finais:Verificou-se a dificuldade em definir um conceito de humanização pelos profissionais da saúde. Foram destacados os elementos facilitadores da prática humanizada, incluindo empatia, respeito, acolhimento e comunicação adequada. Além disso, foi possível observar os obstáculos, como a falta de materiais, dimensionamento inadequado, ambiente inadequado, sobrecarga de trabalho, rotatividade da equipe e estresse. Adicionalmente, foi possível observar a percepção dos profissionais quanto aos benefícios da prática humanizada na Unidade de Terapia Intensiva (AU).

Introduction:This article presents an integrative literature revision of the understanding ofprofessionals about humanization in the Intensive Care Unit. Objective:Analyze scientific studies that address the perception of humanization among health professionals working in Intensive Care Units. Methodology:Literature integrative revision. In thedatabases and virtual library selected, we used the descriptors in health sciences: perception, humanization of assistance and intensive care units, combined with the Boolean operator "AND". The article selection steps included: identification of the topic and selection of the guiding question; establishment of inclusion and exclusion criteria; identification of the selected and pre-selected studies; categorization of the selected studies; analysis and interpretation of the results; presentation of the results of the revision and the synthesis of knowledge. The inclusion criteria were: publications from the last 10 years (2013-2023), which met the study's objective, articles available in full in the selected databases, in English, Portuguese and Spanish. Duplicate studies, term papers, theses, dissertations, editorials, letters, abstracts from proceedings, books, case studies and experience reports were excluded. Results:Sixteen articles were included, disclosing three thematic categories: professionals' understanding of humanization, factors that facilitate and hinder the consolidation of humanization, and the benefits of humanized practice. Final considerations:Health professionals had difficulty defining a concept of humanization. The elements that facilitate humanized practice were highlighted, including empathy, respect, hospitality and proper communication. In addition, there were obstacles including a shortage of materials, inadequate dimensioning, an unsuitable environment, work overload, staff turnover and stress. In addition, it was possible to observe the professionals' perception of the benefits of humanized practice in the Intensive Care Unit (AU).

Introducción:Este artículo presenta una revisión integradora de la literatura en relación a la comprensión de los profesionales sobre humanización en la Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos. Objetivo:Analizar los estúdios científicos que aborden la percepciónsobre humanización entre profesionales de la salud actuantes en Unidades de Cuidados Intensivos. Metodología:Revisión integrativa de la literatura. En las bases de datos y biblioteca virtual seleccionadas, se utilizó los descriptores en ciencias de la salud: percepción, humanizaciónde la asistencia y unidades de cuidados intensivos.Las etapasde selección de los artículos fueron las siguientes: identificación del tema y selección de la pregunta orientadora; establecimiento de los criterios de inclusión y exclusión;identificación de los estúdios seleccionados y preseleccionados; categorización de los estudios seleccionados; análisis e interpretación de los resultados; presentación de los hallazgos de la revisióncon la síntesis delconocimiento. Los criterios de inclusión abarcaron: publicaciones de los últimos diez años (2013-2023),que atendieran al objetivo del estudio, artículos disponibles íntegramente en las bases de datos seleccionadas, en los idiomas inglés, portugués y español. Se excluyeron estudios duplicados, trabajos de fin de grado, tesis, disertaciones, editoriales, cartas, resúmenes de anales, libros, estudio de caso y relatos de experiencia. Resultados:Fueron incluidos 16 artículos, revelando tres categorías temáticas: comprensión de los profesionales sobre la humanización, factores facilitadores y dificultadores para consolidar la humanización y los beneficios de la práctica humanizada. Consideraciones finales:Se verificó la dificultad para definir un concepto de humanización por los profesionales de la salud. Se destacaron los elementos facilitadores de la práctica humanizada, incluyendo empatía, respeto, acogimiento y comunicación adecuada. Además de eso, fue posible observar los obstáculos, como la falta de materiales, dimensionamiento inadecuado, ambiente inadecuado, sobrecarga de trabajo, rotación del equipo y estrés. Adicionalmente, fue posible observar la percepción de los profesionales en cuanto a los beneficios de la práctica humanizada en la Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos (AU).

Lower Extremity Arterial Calcification Predicts Referral to a Closed Unit After Primary Total Hip Arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: We aimed to determine the association between lower extremity arterial calcification (LEAC) and referral to a closed unit (CU), length of stay, 90-day readmissions, and 1-year mortality in primary total hip arthroplasty (THA) patients. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 705 patients who underwent primary THA, identifying 64 patients (9.13%) who had LEAC and 641 who did not have LEAC. Patients who had LEAC were older (77 ± 10.0 versus 67 ± 11.5 years; P < 0.001) and had more comorbidities, except for a history of thromboembolic and oncologic diseases (P > 0.05). A preoperative antero-posterior pelvic radiograph was used to assess the presence of LEAC. Admission to CU, length of stay, 90-day readmissions, and 1-year mortality were recorded. A logistic regression model was used to identify risk factors for referral to CU. RESULTS: Patients who had LEAC had a higher incidence of admission to the intensive care unit (8 of 64 [12.5%] versus 8 of 641 [1.09%]; P < 0.001), a longer hospital stay (4.7 ± 1.8 versus 4.2 ± 1.3 days; P = 0.006), more readmissions (16 of 64 [25%] versus 33 of 641 [5.15%]; P < 0.001), and a higher 1-year mortality rate (6 of 64 [9.3%] versus 0 of 641 [0%]; P < 0.001) than patients who did not have LEAC. Of the patients who had LEAC admitted to CU, only 3 of 8 had a previous indication to do so in the preoperative assessment performed by the Department of Anesthesiology, while all non-LEAC ones referred to CU did so. Logistic regression analysis showed that LEAC was a risk factor for admission to CU (odds ratio = 4.77; 95% confidence interval: 1.12 to 20.25; P = 0.034). CONCLUSIONS: The presence of LEAC was a risk factor for transfer to CU, longer in-hospital stays, more readmissions, and a higher 1-year mortality rate. Identifying patients who have LEAC can aid in the preoperative assessment and risk stratification of patients planned for primary THA.

Efficacy and safety of dynamic arterial elastance for weaning vasopressor support in septic shock patients: a randomised controlled trial protocol.

INTRODUCTION: The dynamic arterial elastance (EaDyn), calculated as pulse pressure variation divided by stroke volume variation, has been studied as a predictor of vasopressor weaning. However, its potential as a haemodynamic tool for tapering off vasopressors in patients with sepsis remains unexplored. Therefore, our study aimed to assess whether using EaDyn for weaning vasopressor support could reduce the duration of vasopressor support in patients with sepsis. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: This pragmatic single-centre controlled clinical trial will take place at Fundación Santa Fe de Bogotá, Colombia. Adult patients diagnosed with septic shock according to the sepsis-3 criteria and a Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score ≥4 will be included. A total of 114 patients (57 per group) will undergo conventional critical care monitoring, and the weaning of vasopressor support will be initiated based on the EaDyn or mean arterial pressure (MAP), depending on the assigned group. EaDyn will be estimated based on the measurements obtained from a PiCCO device connected to a PulsioFlex Monitoring Platform (PULSION Medical Systems SE, Feldkirchen, Germany). Our primary outcome is the difference in vasopressor support duration between the EaDyn and MAP groups.Participants and statisticians performing the statistical analysis will be blinded to the group allocation. Dependent and independent variables will be analysed through univariate and multivariate statistical tests. Since we will perform three repeated measurements for analysis, we will implement a Bonferroni post hoc correction. Additionally, Cox regression and Kaplan-Meier analyses will be conducted to address objectives related to time. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: This study was approved by the Ethics Committee at Fundación Santa Fe de Bogotá (CCEI-16026-2024). Written informed consent will be obtained from all participants. The results will be disseminated through publication in peer-reviewed journals and presentations at national and international events. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT06118775.

Evaluation of the use of telemedicine in pediatric intensive care units: a cluster-randomized trial.

INTRODUCTION: Telemedicine has shown promising results, allowing specialists to provide rapid and effective care in remote locations. However, to our knowledge, current evidence is not robust enough to prove the effectiveness of this tool. This cluster-randomized trial (CRT) aimed to evaluate the impact of telemedicine on clinical care indicators in pediatric intensive care units (PICUs). METHODS: An open-label CRT was conducted in 16 PICUs within the Brazilian public health system. The trial took place from August 2022 to December 2023 and compared an intervention group, which received telemedicine support, with a control group, which received usual PICU care. The primary outcome was the PICU length of stay. The main secondary outcomes were mortality rate and ventilator-free days. RESULTS: A total of 1393 participants were included, 657 in the control group and 736 in the intervention group. The mean PICU length of stay was 10.42 (SD, 10.71) days for the control group and 11.52 (SD, 10.80) days for the intervention group. The overall mean of ventilator-free days was 6.82 (SD, 7.71) days. Regarding mortality, 7.54% of participants died in total. No significant difference was found in the outcomes between the groups. CONCLUSION: Despite the potential benefits of telemedicine, its effective implementation in the Brazilian public health system faces considerable challenges, highlighting the continued importance of investigating and improving the role of telemedicine in pediatric critical care. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05260710 and ReBEC - RBR-7×j4wyp.

Correlation and concordance of carotid Doppler ultrasound and echocardiography with invasive cardiac output measurement in critically ill patients.

BACKGROUND: Critical care management heavily relies on accurate cardiac output (CO) measurement. Echocardiography has been a mainstay in non-invasive cardiac monitoring; however, its comparability to invasive methods warrants further exploration. Recent studies have suggested the potential of carotid Doppler measurements as a promising approach to estimate CO. Despite this potential, the literature presents mixed outcomes regarding its reliability and accuracy. This study aims to evaluate the correlation and concordance between carotid Doppler ultrasonography and invasive hemodynamic monitoring in estimating CO in critically ill patients. Furthermore, it assesses the concordance and correlation between echocardiography CO and the standard invasive CO measurements. METHODS: This concordance study involved critically ill adults requiring invasive CO measurement. Patients with arrhythmias, severe valvulopathy, pregnancy, and poor acoustic window were excluded. Statistical analyses comprised univariate analysis, Wilcoxon signed-rank test, Spearman correlation, and intraclass correlation coefficient. Ethical approval was granted by the institution's ethics committee. RESULTS: A total of 49 critically ill patients were included, predominantly male (63.27%), with a median age of 57 years. Diagnoses included subarachnoid hemorrhage (53.06%) and heart failure (8.16%). Mean cardiac index was 3.36 ± 0.81 L/min/m2 and mean cardiac output was 5.98 ± 1.47 L/min. Spearman correlation coefficient between echocardiography and invasive CO measurements was 0.58 (p-value = p < 0.001), with an ICC of 0.59 for CO and 0.52 for cardiac index. Carotid measurements displayed no significant correlation with invasive CO. CONCLUSION: There is a moderate correlation and concordance between echocardiography and invasive CO measurements. There is no significant correlation between carotid variables and invasive CO, underscoring the necessity for cautious interpretation and application, particularly in patients with distinctive cerebral blood flow dynamics.

Prolonged Beta-Lactam Infusions in Children: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To assess whether beta-lactam extended or continuous beta-lactam infusions (EI/CI) improve clinical outcomes in children with proven or suspected bacterial infections. STUDY DESIGN: We included observational and interventional studies that compared beta-lactam EI or CI with standard infusions in children less than 18 years old, and reported on mortality, hospital or intensive care unit length of stay, microbiological cure, and/or clinical cure. Data sources included PubMed, Medline, EBM Reviews, EMBASE, and CINAHL and were searched from January 1, 1980, to November 3, 2023. Thirteen studies (2945 patients) were included: 5 randomized control trials and 8 observational studies. Indications for antimicrobial therapies and clinical severity varied, ranging from cystic fibrosis exacerbation to critically ill children with bacteriemia. RESULTS: EI and CI were not associated with a reduction in mortality in randomized control trials (n = 1464; RR 0.93, 95% CI 0.71, 1.21), but were in observational studies (n = 833; RR 0.43, 95% CI 0.19, 0.96). We found no difference in hospital length of stay. Results for clinical and microbiological cures were heterogeneous and reported as narrative review. The included studies were highly heterogeneous, limiting the strength of our findings. The lack of shared definitions for clinical and microbiological cure outcomes precluded analysis. CONCLUSIONS: EI and CI were not consistently associated with reduced mortality or length of stay in children. Results were conflicting regarding clinical and microbiological cures. More well-designed studies targeting high-risk populations are necessary to determine the efficacy of these alternative dosing strategies.

Clinical Profile and Course of Patients with Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome due to COVID-19 in a Middle-Income Region in Mexico.

Introduction: COVID-19 leads to severe clinical complications that culminate in respiratory failure and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Despite reports of some comorbidities that contribute to the development of COVID-19-mediated ARDS, there is great variation in mortality rates among critical COVID-19 patients in the world. To date, no studies have described the incidence and comorbidities associated with ARDS due to COVID-19 in the northeastern region of Mexico. Aim of the study: To describe patients diagnosed with ARDS due to COVID-19 in the northeastern region of Mexico, as well as its variations in comparison with other regions of the country. Material and Methods: We conducted a prospective and observational study in a tertiary care center in Northeastern Mexico. All patients diagnosed with SARS-CoV-2 infection and requiring management in the intensive care unit were included. We developed a database that was updated daily with the patients' demographic information, pre-existing diseases, disease severity, and clinical variables. Results: The incidence of ARDS secondary to COVID-19 in HRAEV was high in comparison with other reports. Diabetes mellitus was the risk factor most associated with COVID-19-mediated ARDS. Conclusion: Based on our findings and those previously reported in the literature, there are differences that we discuss between northeastern and central Mexico, and analyze other areas evaluated around the world.

In situ simulation in the intensive care unit: A phenomenological study of staff experiences.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the experiences of clinical and non-clinical staff in an intensive care unit regarding the perceived benefits and drawbacks of using in situ simulation as a training tool. METHODS: A descriptive phenomenological qualitative study was conducted among clinical and nonclinical ICU personnel. Simulations and interviews were conducted until data saturation was achieved. The interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim for analysis, and interpreted using the Colaizzi method. RESULTS: Ten participant interviews generated data saturation. ISS was found to be feasible and beneficial in the ICU, facilitating experiential and emotion-based learning in real-world environments. Eight result categories were identified: simulation benefits, simulation benefits in real conditions, scenario authenticity, interference with usual work, ISS sessions, high-fidelity generating affective bonding, ISS as knowledge reinforcement, and recommendations for improvement. The fundamental structure revealed that ISS is perceived as an authentic and emotionally impactful team simulation modality that promotes experiential learning, reflection, and care improvement opportunities within the complex sociotechnical system of the ICU. CONCLUSIONS: All interviewees considered ISS to be a feasible simulation tool that should be implemented in the ICU to improve knowledge and skills, thereby enhancing teamwork.

Towards better mortality prediction in cancer patients in the ICU: a comparative analysis of prognostic scales: systematic literature review.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the predictive ability of mortality prediction scales in cancer patients admitted to intensive care units (ICUs). DESIGN: A systematic review of the literature was conducted using a search algorithm in October 2022. The following databases were searched: PubMed, Scopus, Virtual Health Library (BVS), and Medrxiv. The risk of bias was assessed using the QUADAS-2 scale. SETTING: ICUs admitting cancer patients. PARTICIPANTS: Studies that included adult patients with an active cancer diagnosis who were admitted to the ICU. INTERVENTIONS: Integrative study without interventions. MAIN VARIABLES OF INTEREST: Mortality prediction, standardized mortality, discrimination, and calibration. RESULTS: Seven mortality risk prediction models were analyzed in cancer patients in the ICU. Most models (APACHE II, APACHE IV, SOFA, SAPS-II, SAPS-III, and MPM II) underestimated mortality, while the ICMM overestimated it. The APACHE II had the SMR (Standardized Mortality Ratio) value closest to 1, suggesting a better prognostic ability compared to the other models. CONCLUSIONS: Predicting mortality in ICU cancer patients remains an intricate challenge due to the lack of a definitive superior model and the inherent limitations of available prediction tools. For evidence-based informed clinical decision-making, it is crucial to consider the healthcare team's familiarity with each tool and its inherent limitations. Developing novel instruments or conducting large-scale validation studies is essential to enhance prediction accuracy and optimize patient care in this population.

Enfermagem em UTI: cuidados essenciais na assistência direta ao paciente / ICU nursing: essential care in direct patient care

Objetivo: O objetivo deste estudo foi identificar e descrever os cuidados essenciais que os enfermeiros devem ter ao atuar em uma Unidade de Terapia Intensiva (UTI). Métodos: Realizou-se uma revisão bibliográfica da literatura, com uma abordagem qualitativa, descritiva e exploratória. As buscas foram realizadas PubMed, SciELO, LILACS e BIREME. Resultados: Os cuidados de enfermagem desempenham um papel crucial na recuperação e bem-estar dos pacientes em estado crítico na UTI. As intervenções dos enfermeiros devem ser embasadas em conhecimento científico, empatia e habilidades técnicas avançadas. Discute-se a importância da monitorização rigorosa, controle de infecções, prevenção de complicações da imobilidade, abordagem holística ao paciente e comunicação efetiva na UTI. Conclusão: Conclui-se que os enfermeiros devem basear suas intervenções em conhecimento científico, empatia e habilidades técnicas avançadas, destacando-se a importância da monitorização, controle de infecções, prevenção de complicações da imobilidade, abordagem holística ao paciente e comunicação efetiva na UTI.(AU)

Objectives: The objective of this study was to identify and describe the essential care that nurses must take when working in an Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Methods: A bibliographical review of the literature was carried out, with a qualitative, descriptive and exploratory approach. The searches were carried out in PubMed, SciELO, LILACS and BIREME. Results: Nursing care plays a crucial role in the recovery and well-being of critically ill patients in the ICU. Nurses' interventions must be based on scientifi c knowledge, empathy and advanced technical skills. The importance of rigorous monitoring, infection control, prevention of immobility complications, a holistic approach to the patient and effective communication in the ICU are discussed. Conclusion: It is concluded that nurses must base their interventions on scientifi c knowledge, empathy and advanced technical skills, highlighting the importance of monitoring, infection control, prevention of immobility complications, a holistic approach to the patient and effective communication in the ICU.(AU)

Objetivos: El objetivo de este estudio fue identifi car y describir los cuidados esenciales que deben tener las enfermeras cuando trabajan en una Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos (UCI). Métodos: Se realizó una revisión bibliográfi ca de la literatura, con un enfoque cualitativo, descriptivo y exploratorio. Las búsquedas se realizaron en PubMed, SciELO, LILACS y BIREME. Resultados: Los cuidados de enfermería juegan un papel crucial en la recuperación y el bienestar de los pacientes críticos en la UCI. Las intervenciones de las enfermeras deben basarse en el conocimiento científi co, la empatía y las habilidades técnicas avanzadas. Se discute la importancia de un seguimiento riguroso, el control de infecciones, la prevención de complicaciones de la inmovilidad, un enfoque holístico del paciente y una comunicación efi caz en la UCI. Conclusión: Se concluye que los enfermeros deben basar sus intervenciones en el conocimiento científi co, la empatía y las habilidades técnicas avanzadas, resaltando la importancia del seguimiento, control de infecciones, prevención de complicaciones de la inmovilidad, abordaje holístico del paciente y comunicación efectiva en la UCI.(AU)

Determinants of Neonatal and Postneonatal Mortality in Northeastern Brazil: A Cohort Study of Newborns Admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.

Despite advances in neonatology, neonatal mortality from preventable causes remains high in the North and Northeast regions of Brazil. This study aimed to analyze the determinants associated with neonatal and postneonatal mortality in newborns admitted to a neonatal intensive care unit. A cohort study was carried out in a capital in the Brazilian Northeast from 2013 to 2018. The outcome studied was death. Poisson regression was performed in the multivariate analysis of variables. Four hundred and eighty newborns were eligible, and 8.1% (39 newborns) died. Among them, 34 died in the neonatal period. The determinants that remained significantly associated with neonatal and postneonatal mortality in the final adjustment model (p < 0.05) were history of abortion, perinatal asphyxia, early neonatal sepsis and umbilical venous catheterization. All causes of this outcome were preventable. The neonatal mortality rate, although it did not include twins, neonates with malformations incompatible with life and other conditions, was 3.47 deaths per thousand live births (95% CI:1.10-8.03‱), well below the national average. In this study, pregnant women from different social classes had in common a private plan for direct access to health services, which provided them with excellent care throughout pregnancy and postnatal care. These results indicate that reducing neonatal mortality is possible through public policies with strategies that promote improvements in access to health services.

Development and Validation of the Companion's Satisfaction Questionnaire of Patient's Hospitalized in Intensive Care Units.

Objective: The current study aimed to develop and validate of companions' satisfaction questionnaire of patients hospitalized in ICUs. Methods: This is a methodological study that was performed in three phases: In the first phase, the concept of companion's satisfaction of patients hospitalized in ICUs was defined through qualitative content analysis method. In the second phase, early items of questionnaire were generated based on findings of the first phase. In the third and final phase, validation of the questionnaire was evaluated using face, content and construct validity as well as reliability. Results: In exploratory factor analysis, three subscales including: satisfaction with nursing staff communication (5 items), satisfaction with nursing care (12 items), and satisfaction with decision making (5 items) were extracted by Eigen value above one and factor load above 0.5. Internal consistency and stability of the developed questionnaire confirmed with 0.94 and 0.95 respectively that indicated acceptable reliability. Conclusion: The 22-item developed questionnaire is valid and reliable for measurement of levels of companion's satisfaction of Iranian patients hospitalized in ICUs.

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.

Feeding rates affect growth, metabolism and oxidative status of Nile tilapia rearing in a biofloc system.

The biofloc system is a biotechnology available for fish farming. Feeding rate is an important factor as it influences production costs and fish performance. The aim og this study was to evaluate the effects of feeding rates (2, 4, 6 and 8%) on growth, body composition, biochemical parameters and thiobarbituric acid-reactive-substances in tilapia. An experiment was conducted for 4 weeks, using 144 tilapias juvenile (initial weight = 12.06 ± 0.16 g), in triplicate for feeding rate tested. Fish fed three times a day, with comercial extrude diet (36%CP). After the end of the experiment, measurements were carried out and samples were collected for analysis. The feeding rate of 6% increased fish growth parameters, not differing between 4 and 8%. Since apparent feed conversion increased proportionally to increase in feed supply. Body protein of fish was higher at 8% feeding rate and the dry matter raised according to the rate. The feeding rates affected the body lipids in fish. Fish that fed 6% and 8% showed more lipid in the whole body. The biochemical parameters presented a lower amount of protein, amino acids, and hepatic glucose when employing a feed rate of 6%. Higher levels of ammonia were observed in the muscle of fish reared at 4% of feeding rate. There was no difference in amino acids and ammonia regarding the gills. Fish reared at lower feeding rates (2% and 4%) showed better oxidative parameters, which may be due to the consumption of the biofloc phenolic compounds. We recommend the use of a 4% feeding rate for juvenile tilapia in a Biofloc Technology system.

Fluid accumulation in critically ill children: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Fluids are often administered for various purposes, such as resuscitation, replacement, maintenance, nutrition, or drug infusion. However, its use is not without risks. Critically ill patients are highly susceptible to fluid accumulation (FA), which is associated with poor outcomes, including organ dysfunction, prolonged mechanical ventilation, extended hospital stays, and increased mortality. This study aimed to assess the association between FA and poor outcomes in critically ill children. Methods: In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we searched PubMed, Embase, ClinicalTrials.gov, and Cochrane Library databases from inception to May 2024. Relevant publications were searched using the following terms: child, children, infant, infants, pediatric, pediatrics, critically ill children, critical illness, critical care, intensive care, pediatric intensive care, pediatric intensive care unit, fluid balance, fluid overload, fluid accumulation, fluid therapy, edema, respiratory failure, respiratory insufficiency, pulmonary edema, mechanical ventilation, hemodynamic instability, shock, sepsis, acute renal failure, acute kidney failure, acute kidney injury, renal replacement therapy, dialysis, mortality. Paediatric studies were considered eligible if they assessed the effect of FA on the outcomes of interest. The main outcome was all-cause mortality. Pooled analyses were performed by using random-effects models. This review was registered on PROSPERO (CRD42023432879). Findings: A total of 120 studies (44,682 children) were included. Thirty-five FA definitions were identified. In general, FA was significantly associated with increased mortality (odds ratio [OR] 4.36; 95% confidence interval [CI] 3.53-5.38), acute kidney injury (OR 1.98; 95% CI 1.60-2.44), prolonged mechanical ventilation (weighted mean difference [WMD] 38.1 h, 95% CI 19.35-56.84), and longer stay in the intensive care unit (WMD 2.29 days; 95% CI 1.19-3.38). The percentage of FA was lower in survivors when compared to non-survivors (WMD -4.95 [95% CI, -6.03 to -3.87]). When considering only studies that controlled for potential confounding variables, the pooled analysis revealed 6% increased odds of mortality associated with each 1% increase in the percentage of FA (adjusted OR = 1.06 [95% CI, 1.04-1.09). Interpretation: FA is significantly associated with poorer outcomes in critically ill children. Thus, clinicians should closely monitor fluid balance, especially when new-onset or worsening organ dysfunction occurs in oedematous patients, indicating potential FA syndrome. Future research should explore interventions like restrictive fluid therapy or de-resuscitation methods. Meanwhile, preventive measures should be prioritized to mitigate FA until further evidence is available. Funding: None.

Placental and Neonatal Serum Leptin Levels in Premature Infants After Phototherapy: Are They Determining Factors for the Safe Indication of Passive Exercises?

Purpose: To analyze leptin levels in placental tissue and premature infants undergoing phototherapy and to evaluate the potential for prescribing passive exercise after phototherapy in this population. Patients and Methods: This analytical, longitudinal, prospective cohort study included 108 parturients and their respective premature infants. Variables examined included weight, gestational age, body mass index, sex, serum leptin levels in placental tissue, serum bilirubin levels, and reticulocyte count. Results: When comparing each group to a leptin threshold, statistically significant differences were observed at all evaluated time points for placental leptin levels (p < 0.001). Additionally, reticulocyte count decreased in relation to rebound time (p < 0.004). No correlations were found between leptin/bilirubin levels, leptin/reticulocytes, onset of nutrition, and BMI/leptin levels. Conclusion: The findings regarding leptin levels suggest that prescribing passive exercises to premature infants undergoing phototherapy may be feasible because this intervention did not increase leptin levels.

The profile of patients with postpartum hemorrhage admitted to the obstetric intensive care: a cross-sectional study.

Objective: In Brazil, postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) is a major cause of maternal morbidity and mortality. Data on the profile of women and risk factors associated with PPH are sparse. This study aimed to describe the profile and management of patients with PPH, and the association of risk factors for PPH with severe maternal outcomes (SMO). Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Instituto de Medicina Integral Prof. Fernando Figueira (IMIP) obstetric intensive care unit (ICU) between January 2012 and March 2020, including patients who gave birth at the hospital and that were admitted with PPH to the ICU. Results: The study included 358 patients, of whom 245 (68.4%) delivered in the IMIP maternity, and 113 (31.6%) in other maternity. The mean age of the patients was 26.7 years, with up to eight years of education (46.1%) and a mean of six prenatal care. Uterine atony (72.9%) was the most common cause, 1.6% estimated blood loss, 2% calculated shock index (SI), 63.9% of patients received hemotransfusion, and 27% underwent hysterectomy. 136 cases of SMO were identified, 35.5% were classified as maternal near miss and 3.0% maternal deaths. Multiparity was associated with SMO as an antepartum risk factor (RR=1.83, 95% CI1.42-2.36). Regarding intrapartum risk factors, abruptio placentae abruption was associated with SMO (RR=2.2 95% CI1.75-2.81). Among those who had hypertension (49.6%) there was a lower risk of developing SMO. Conclusion: The principal factors associated with poor maternal outcome were being multiparous and placental abruption.

One-year survival of patients admitted for sepsis to intensive care units in Colombia.

BACKGROUND: Sepsis is a frequent cause of admission to intensive care units (ICUs). High mortality rates are estimated globally, and in our country, few studies have reported one-year survival. The objective of this study is to determine one-year survival in patients with sepsis admitted to the ICU in Colombia, compared with the survival of patients admitted for other conditions. METHODS: Retrospective cohort study using administrative databases from the Ministry of Health of Colombia. One-year survival and the adjusted hazard ratio for survival, adjusted for comorbidities included in the Charlson Index, were determined using a Cox proportional hazards model for patients admitted for other causes as well as for those admitted for sepsis. This was then compared with an inverse propensity score weighting model. RESULTS: A total of 116.407 patients were initially admitted to the ICUs, with 12.056 (10.36%) diagnosed with sepsis. Within the first year, 4.428 (36.73%) patients died due to sepsis. Age and male gender were associated with an increased risk of death from sepsis, and the covariates associated with one-year mortality were as follows: age over 80 years with HR 9.91 (95% CI: 9.22-10.65), renal disease with HR 3.16 (95% CI: 3.03-3.29), primary tumoral disease with HR 2.07 (95% CI: 1.92-2.23), liver disease with HR 2.27 (95% CI: 2.07-2.50), and metastatic solid tumor with HR 2.03 (95% CI: 1.92-2.15). CONCLUSION: This study revealed a high one-year sepsis mortality rate in the population, associated with variables such as age over 80 years, the presence of renal disease, liver disease, connective tissue diseases, and cancer. Men exhibited higher mortality compared to women.