Global mortality and readmission rates following COPD exacerbation-related hospitalisation: a meta-analysis of 65 945 individual patients.

Background: Exacerbations of COPD (ECOPD) have a major impact on patients and healthcare systems across the world. Precise estimates of the global burden of ECOPD on mortality and hospital readmission are needed to inform policy makers and aid preventive strategies to mitigate this burden. The aims of the present study were to explore global in-hospital mortality, post-discharge mortality and hospital readmission rates after ECOPD-related hospitalisation using an individual patient data meta-analysis (IPDMA) design. Methods: A systematic review was performed identifying studies that reported in-hospital mortality, post-discharge mortality and hospital readmission rates following ECOPD-related hospitalisation. Data analyses were conducted using a one-stage random-effects meta-analysis model. This study was conducted and reported in accordance with the PRISMA-IPD statement. Results: Data of 65 945 individual patients with COPD were analysed. The pooled in-hospital mortality rate was 6.2%, pooled 30-, 90- and 365-day post-discharge mortality rates were 1.8%, 5.5% and 10.9%, respectively, and pooled 30-, 90- and 365-day hospital readmission rates were 7.1%, 12.6% and 32.1%, respectively, with noticeable variability between studies and countries. Strongest predictors of mortality and hospital readmission included noninvasive mechanical ventilation and a history of two or more ECOPD-related hospitalisations <12 months prior to the index event. Conclusions: This IPDMA stresses the poor outcomes and high heterogeneity of ECOPD-related hospitalisation across the world. Whilst global standardisation of the management and follow-up of ECOPD-related hospitalisation should be at the heart of future implementation research, policy makers should focus on reimbursing evidence-based therapies that decrease (recurrent) ECOPD.

La mortalidad de los pacientes en hemodiálisis está asociada con su situación clínica al comienzo del tratamiento / Mortality of hemodialysis patients is associated with their clinical situation at the start of treatment

Introducción: Estudios previos han demostrado una elevada mortalidad de los pacientes en tratamiento con hemodiálisis, aunque en pocos de ellos se analiza la supervivencia de los que reciben exclusivamente este tratamiento. Nuestro objetivo fue analizar la mortalidad de los pacientes que recibieron tratamiento con hemodiálisis. Métodos: Se analizó la cohorte de pacientes que iniciaron tratamiento sustitutivo entre los años 2010 y 2012 en la comunidad de Castilla-La Mancha y permanecieron en tratamiento con hemodiálisis. Se estudiaron las variables edad, sexo, enfermedad renal primaria, acceso vascular, hemoglobina, índice de Charlson y albúmina sérica al comienzo del tratamiento y se realizó un seguimiento hasta final de 2017. Resultados: La mortalidad fue del 63,4% a los 5 años y del 76% al final del periodo de seguimiento, sin diferencias entre varones y mujeres, y se relacionó con una mayor edad, el comienzo urgente o en aquellos con enfermedad renal reagudizada, la utilización de catéteres o una albúmina inferior a 3,5g/dl. Conclusiones: La mortalidad en los pacientes que permanecen en diálisis es muy elevada y se asocia a factores no modificables como la edad pero también a otros que podemos prevenir o tratar, como el tipo de acceso vascular o el estado de nutrición al comienzo del tratamiento. (AU)

Introduction: Previous reports have shown very high mortality among hemodialyisis patients. Our goal was to analyze the mortality of patients in the Renal Registry of Patients who remained exclusively on hemodialysis treatment. Methods: The cohort of patients who started treatment in the community of Castilla-La Mancha between 2010 and 2012 and remained on hemodialysis treatment was analysed until the end of 2017. Age, sex, primary kidney disease, vascular access, hemoglobin, Charlson index and serum albumin were included. Results: Mortality rate was 63.4% after 5 years and 76% at the end of the study, with no difference between males and females, and was linked to an older age, urgent onset or in those with acute deterioration of chronic kidney disease, the use of catheters or albumin less than 3.5g/dl. Conclusions: Mortality in patients who remain on hemodialysis is very high and is associated with non-modifiable factors such as age but also others that we can prevent or treat such as type of vascular access or nutrition status at the beginning of treatment. (AU)

Mortality of hemodialysis patients is associated with their clinical situation at the start of treatment.

INTRODUCTION: Previous reports have shown very high mortality among hemodialyisis patients. Our goal was to analyze the mortality of patients in the Renal Registry of Patients who remained exclusively on hemodialysis treatment. METHODS: The cohort of patients who started treatment in the community of Castilla-La Mancha between 2010 and 2012 and remained on hemodialysis treatment was analysed until the end of 2017. Age, sex, primary kidney disease, vascular access, hemoglobin, Charlson index and serum albumin were included. RESULTS: Mortality rate was 63,4% after 5 years and 76% at the end of the study, with no difference between males and females, and was linked to an older age, urgent onset or in those with acute deterioration of chronic kidney disease, the use of catheters or albumin less than 3.5 g/dl. CONCLUSIONS: Mortality in patients who remain on hemodialysis is very high and is associated with non-modifiable factors such as age but also others that we can prevent or treat such as type of vascular access or nutrition status at the beginning of treatment.

The European Renal Association - European Dialysis and Transplant Association Registry Annual Report 2014: a summary.

Background: This article summarizes the European Renal Association - European Dialysis and Transplant Association Registry's 2014 annual report. It describes the epidemiology of renal replacement therapy (RRT) for end-stage renal disease (ESRD) in 2014 within 35 countries. Methods: In 2016, the ERA-EDTA Registry received data on patients who in 2014 where undergoing RRT for ESRD, from 51 national or regional renal registries. Thirty-two registries provided individual patient level data and 19 provided aggregated patient level data. The incidence, prevalence and survival probabilities of these patients were determined. Results: In 2014, 70 953 individuals commenced RRT for ESRD, equating to an overall unadjusted incidence rate of 133 per million population (pmp). The incidence ranged by 10-fold; from 23 pmp in the Ukraine to 237 pmp in Portugal. Of the patients commencing RRT, almost two-thirds were men, over half were aged ≥65 years and a quarter had diabetes mellitus as their primary renal diagnosis. By day 91 of commencing RRT, 81% of patients were receiving haemodialysis. On 31 December 2014, 490 743 individuals were receiving RRT for ESRD, equating to an unadjusted prevalence of 924 pmp. This ranged throughout Europe by more than 10-fold, from 157 pmp in the Ukraine to 1794 pmp in Portugal. In 2014, 19 406 kidney transplantations were performed, equating to an overall unadjusted transplant rate of 36 pmp. Again this varied considerably throughout Europe. For patients commencing RRT during 2005-09, the 5-year-adjusted patient survival probabilities on all RRT modalities was 63.3% (95% confidence interval 63.0-63.6). The expected remaining lifetime of a 20- to 24-year-old patient with ESRD receiving dialysis or living with a kidney transplant was 21.9 and 44.0 years, respectively. This was substantially lower than the 61.8 years of expected remaining lifetime of a 20-year-old patient without ESRD.

Cost analysis of integrated renal replacement therapy program in the province of Toledo (2012-2013). / Análisis de costes del programa integrado de tratamiento renal sustitutivo en la provincia de Toledo (2012-2013).

BACKGROUND: Renal replacement therapy (RRT) is the object of constant analysis in the search for efficiency and sustainability. OBJECTIVE: To calculate the direct cost of healthcare for the prevalent RRT population in the province of Toledo (2012/2013). METHOD: a) Population: All prevalent patients at some point in RRT in 2012 (669) and in 2013 (682). b) Costs included (€): 1) dialysis procedure; 2) inpatient, outpatient and emergency care, dialysis and non-dialysis related; 3) drug consumption; 4) medical transport. c) Calculation and analysis: The aggregate localized or reconstructed cost of each item was calculated from the individual cost of each patient. Annual cost and cost per patient/year was calculated for the whole RRT and for its subprograms (€). RESULTS: a) Aggregate costs: The total cost of RRT amounted to 15.84 and 15.77 million euros (2012/2013). Dialysis procedures account for 40.2% of the total while the sum of hospital care and drug consumption represents 41.5%. Healthcare for patients on hospital haemodialysis (HHD) and combined haemodialysis (CHD), peritoneal dialysis (PD) and transplant (Tx) accounts for 70.0, 5.0 and 25.0% of the total respectively. b) Patient/year cost: From the number of patients/year provided by each subprogramme, the following values were obtained in 2012/2013: All RRT 26,130/25,379; HHD 49,167/53,289; CHD 44,657/44,971; PD 45,538/51,869 and Tx 10,909/10,984. CONCLUSIONS: Our results are consistent with others published, although our patient/year values are slightly higher, probably because they include elements such as outpatient pharmacy, hospital and medical transport cargo. The growing contribution of Tx to the survival of the whole RRT population contains the overall costs and reduces the patient/year cost, making RRT sustainable.

Análisis de costes del programa integrado de tratamiento renal sustitutivo en la provincia de Toledo (2012-2013) / Cost analysis of integrated renal replacement therapy program in the province of Toledo (2012-2013)

Introducción: El coste ocasionado por los programas de tratamiento renal sustitutivo (TRS) es objeto de análisis permanente en busca de su eficiencia y sostenibilidad. Objetivo: Calcular el coste directo de la atención a la población prevalente en TRS en Toledo en los años 2012 y 2013. Método: a) Población: Todos los pacientes prevalentes en algún momento en TRS en 2012 (669) y en 2013 (682). b) Componentes del coste (Euros): 1) procedimiento de diálisis; 2) atención hospitalaria: ingresos, consultas, procedimientos ambulatorios y urgencias; 3) consumo de fármacos; 4) transporte. c) Cálculo y análisis: para cada uno de esos componentes se calculó el coste agregado localizado o reconstruido a partir del coste individual de cada paciente. Se calculó el coste anual y el coste paciente/año del TRS y de cada uno de sus subprogramas (Euros). Resultados: a) Costes agregados: el coste anual fue de 15,84 (2012) y de 15,77 millones de euros (2013). Los procedimientos de diálisis representan el 40,2% y la atención hospitalaria más el consumo de fármacos, el 41,5%. La atención a los pacientes en hemodiálisis hospitalaria (HDH) y concertada (HDC), diálisis peritoneal (DP) y trasplantados (Tx) representan, respectivamente, el 70,0; el 5,0 y el 25,0% del total. b) Coste paciente/año: considerando el número de pacientes/año proporcionado por cada subprograma, se obtuvieron los siguientes valores en 2012/2013: para todo TRS 26.130/25.379; HDH 49.167/53.289; HDC 44.657/44.971; DP 45.538/51.869 y Tx 10.909/10.984. Conclusiones Nuestros resultados son consistentes con otros publicados, aunque arrojan valores paciente/año ligeramente superiores, debido a que incluyen elementos como farmacia extrahospitalaria, carga hospitalaria y transporte sanitario. La contribución creciente del Tx a la sobrevida del conjunto de la población en TRS contiene los costes globales y reduce el coste paciente/año, lo que hace sostenible el TRS (AU)

Background: Renal replacement therapy (RRT) is the object of constant analysis in the search for efficiency and sustainability. Objective: To calculate the direct cost of healthcare for the prevalent RRT population in the province of Toledo (2012/2013). Method: a) Population: All prevalent patients at some point in RRT in 2012 (669) and in 2013 (682). b) Costs included (Euros): 1) dialysis procedure; 2) inpatient, outpatient and emergency care, dialysis and non-dialysis related; 3) drug consumption; 4) medical transport. c) Calculation and analysis: The aggregate localized or reconstructed cost of each item was calculated from the individual cost of each patient. Annual cost and cost per patient/year was calculated for the whole RRT and for its subprograms (Euros). Results: a) Aggregate costs: The total cost of RRT amounted to 15.84 and 15.77 million euros (2012/2013). Dialysis procedures account for 40.2% of the total while the sum of hospital care and drug consumption represents 41.5%. Healthcare for patients on hospital haemodialysis (HHD) and combined haemodialysis (CHD), peritoneal dialysis (PD) and transplant (Tx) accounts for 70.0, 5.0 and 25.0% of the total respectively. b) Patient/year cost: From the number of patients/year provided by each subprogramme, the following values were obtained in 2012/2013: All RRT 26,130/25,379; HHD 49,167/53,289; CHD 44,657/44,971; PD 45,538/51,869 and Tx 10,909/10,984. Conclusions: Our results are consistent with others published, although our patient/year values are slightly higher, probably because they include elements such as outpatient pharmacy, hospital and medical transport cargo. The growing contribution of Tx to the survival of the whole RRT population contains the overall costs and reduces the patient/year cost, making RRT sustainable (AU)

Evolución clínica de los enfermos renales crónicos en tratamiento sustitutivo con infección por VIH / Clinical evolution of chronic renal patients with HIV infection in replacement therapy

Los pacientes con infección por el virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana (VIH) y enfermedad renal que terminan en tratamiento sustitutivo renal constituyen un grupo especial con interés creciente para la nefrología. Con el objetivo de conocer datos epidemiológicos de los pacientes VHI+ en España, recogimos información individualizada durante los años 2004 a 2011 (periodo de uso de tratamiento antiviral de alta eficacia) en las comunidades autónomas (CCAA) de Andalucía, Aragón, Asturias, Cataluña, Comunidad Valenciana, Castilla-La Mancha, Castilla y León, Galicia, Madrid, La Rioja y País Vasco, que comprendían un 85% de la población española. Se analizó a un total de 271 pacientes incidentes y 209 prevalentes. Se compararon con el resto de pacientes en tratamiento sustitutivo durante el mismo periodo de tiempo. La incidencia anual fue de 0,8 pacientes por millón de habitantes, con un aumento significativo a lo largo del periodo de seguimiento. La proporción de pacientes prevalentes VIH+ fue de 5,1/1.000 pacientes en tratamiento sustitutivo, intervalo de confianza (IC) del 95%: 4,4-5,8. Las causas glomerulares constituyeron la mayoría (42%), aunque hubo un 14% de nefropatía diabética. En el total de España, esos porcentajes son 13 y 25%, respectivamente. Comparando frente al total de pacientes en tratamiento, el riesgo de muerte fue significativamente mayor en el grupo VIH+: hazard ratio (HR) ajustado por edad, sexo y presencia de diabetes: 2,26 (IC 95%: 1,74-2,91). La coinfección por hepatitis C aumentó el riesgo de muerte dentro del grupo VIH+: HR 1,77 (IC 95%: 1,10-2,85). La probabilidad de recibir trasplante renal en los VIH+ solo alcanzó el 17% a los 7 años, comparando con el total de pacientes en diálisis HR: 0,15 (IC 95%: 0,10-0,24). A pesar del uso de las nuevas combinaciones de antivirales, la incidencia de pacientes VIH+ en diálisis se ha incrementado, su mortalidad supera todavía al resto de pacientes, y tienen una tasa de trasplante muy baja. Se hace necesario profundizar en el conocimiento de esta enfermedad para mejorar los resultados (AU)

Patients on renal replacement therapy (RRT) infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are a special group with growing interest. In order to study the epidemiological data of HIV+ patients on RRT in Spain, we collected individual information from 2004-2011 (period of use of highly active antiretroviral therapy [HAART] in the Autonomous Communities of Andalusia, Aragon, Asturias, Catalonia, Valencia, Castilla la Mancha, Castilla León, Galicia, Madrid, La Rioja and the Basque Country, comprising 85% of the Spanish population. A total of 271 incident and 209 prevalent patients were analysed. They were compared with the remaining patients on RRT during the same period. The annual incidence was 0.8 patients per one million inhabitants, with a significant increase during the follow-up period. The proportion of prevalent HIV+ patientswas 5.1 per 1,000 patients on RRT (95% confidence interval [CI] 4.4-5.8. Although glomerular diseases constituted the majority of cases (42%), diabetic nephropathy was the cause in 14% of patients. The nation-wide totals for these percentages were 13 and 25%, respectively. Compared to the total of patients in treatment, the risk of death was significantly higher in the HIV+ group: hazard ratio (HR) adjusted for age, sex and diabetes was 2.26 (95% CI 1.74 - 2.91). Hepatitis C coinfection increased the risk of death in the HIV+ group (HR 1.77; 95% CI 1.10 - 2.85). The probability of kidney transplantation in HIV+ was only 17% after 7 years, comparing with total RTT patients (HR 0.15; 95% CI: 0.10-0.24). Despite the use of HAART, the incidence of HIV+ patients on dialysis has increased; their mortality still exceeds non-HIV patients, and they have a very low rate of transplantation. It is necessary to further our knowledge of this disease in order to improve results (AU)

Clinical evolution of chronic renal patients with HIV infection in replacement therapy.

Patients on renal replacement therapy (RRT) infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are a special group with growing interest. In order to study the epidemiological data of HIV+ patients on RRT in Spain, we collected individual information from 2004-2011 (period of use of highly active antiretroviral therapy [HAART] in the Autonomous Communities of Andalusia, Aragon, Asturias, Catalonia, Valencia, Castilla la Mancha, Castilla León, Galicia, Madrid, La Rioja and the Basque Country, comprising 85% of the Spanish population. A total of 271 incident and 209 prevalent patients were analysed. They were compared with the remaining patients on RRT during the same period. The annual incidence was 0.8 patients per one million inhabitants, with a significant increase during the follow-up period. The proportion of prevalent HIV+ patients was 5.1 per 1,000 patients on RRT (95% confidence interval [CI] 4.4-5.8. Although glomerular diseases constituted the majority of cases (42%), diabetic nephropathy was the cause in 14% of patients. The nation-wide totals for these percentages were 13 and 25%, respectively. Compared to the total of patients in treatment, the risk of death was significantly higher in the HIV+ group: hazard ratio (HR) adjusted for age, sex and diabetes was 2.26 (95% CI 1.74 - 2.91). Hepatitis C coinfection increased the risk of death in the HIV+ group (HR 1.77; 95% CI 1.10 - 2.85). The probability of kidney transplantation in HIV+ was only 17% after 7 years, comparing with total RTT patients (HR 0.15; 95% CI: 0.10-0.24). Despite the use of HAART, the incidence of HIV+ patients on dialysis has increased; their mortality still exceeds non-HIV patients, and they have a very low rate of transplantation. It is necessary to further our knowledge of this disease in order to improve results.

Efficacy of corticosteroid therapy in patients with an acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease receiving ventilatory support.

BACKGROUND: Randomized trials assessing the effect of systemic corticosteroids on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) exacerbations excluded patients who were mechanically ventilated or admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU). Critically ill patients constitute a population of persons who are prone to develop complications that are potentially associated with the use of corticosteroids (eg, infections, hyperglycemia, ICU-acquired paresis) that could prolong the duration of mechanical ventilation and even increase mortality. METHODS: A double-blind placebo-controlled trial was conducted to evaluate the efficacy and safety of systemic corticosteroid treatment in patients with an exacerbation of COPD who were receiving ventilatory support (invasive or noninvasive mechanical ventilation). A total of 354 adult patients who were admitted to the ICUs of 8 hospitals in 4 countries from July 2005 through July 2009 were screened, and 83 were randomized to receive intravenous methylprednisolone (0.5 mg/kg every 6 hours for 72 hours, 0.5 mg/kg every 12 hours on days 4 through 6, and 0.5 mg/kg/d on days 7 through 10) or placebo. The main outcome measures were duration of mechanical ventilation, length of ICU stay, and need for intubation in patients treated with noninvasive mechanical ventilation. RESULTS: There were no significant differences between the groups in demographics, severity of illness, reasons for COPD exacerbation, gas exchange variables, and corticosteroid rescue treatment. Corticosteroid treatment was associated with a significant reduction in the median duration of mechanical ventilation (3 days vs 4 days; P = .04), a trend toward a shorter median length of ICU stay (6 days vs 7 days; P = .09), and significant reduction in the rate of NIV failure (0% vs 37%; P = .04). CONCLUSION: Systemic corticosteroid therapy in patients with COPD exacerbations requiring mechanical ventilation is associated with a significant increase in the success of noninvasive mechanical ventilation and a reduction in the duration of mechanical ventilation. TRIAL REGISTRATION: clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT01281748.

Long-term use of selective decontamination of the digestive tract does not increase antibiotic resistance: a 5-year prospective cohort study.

PURPOSE: Despite the evidence, the use of selective decontamination of the digestive tract (SDD) remains controversial, largely because of concerns that it may promote the emergence of antibiotic-resistant strains. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the long-term incidence of carriage of antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ARB), its clinical impact on developing infections and to explore risk factors of acquiring resistance. METHODS: This study was conducted in one 18-bed medical-surgical intensive care unit (ICU). All consecutive patients admitted to the ICU who were expected to require tracheal intubation for longer than 48 h were given a 4-day course of intravenous cefotaxime, and enteral polymyxin E, tobramycin, amphotericin B in an oropharyngeal paste and digestive solution. Oropharyngeal and rectal swabs were obtained on admission and once a week. Diagnostic samples were obtained on clinical indication. RESULTS: During 5 years 1,588 patients were included in the study. The incidence density of ARB was stable: 18.91 carriers per 1,000 patient-days. The incidence of resistant Enterobacteriaceae was stable; the resistance of Pseudomonas aeruginosa to tobramycin, amikacin and ciprofloxacin was strongly reduced; there was an increase of P. aeruginosa resistant to ceftazidime and imipenem, associated with the increase in imipenem consumption; the incidence of other nonfermenter bacilli and oxacillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus was close to zero. Ninety-seven patients developed 101 infections caused by ARB: 23 pneumonias, 20 bloodstream infections and 58 urinary tract infections. Abdominal surgery was the only risk factor associated with ARB acquisition [risk ratio 1.56 (1.10-2.19)]. CONCLUSIONS: Long-term use of SDD is not associated with an increase in acquisition of resistant flora.

[Dialysis and transplant. Spain in 2005]. / Informe de Situación de Diálisis y Trasplante en España, 2005.

In 2005, renal replace treatment (dialysis and transplant) was necessary for about 40,000 people, without being known the number accurate and either their basic characteristics, such as: time in treatment, modality or treatment changes. The presented data cover the 76% of the Spanish population and are the result of the cooperation among technicians of registries, nephrologists and transplant coordinations. 4,125 people started RRT in 2005, the total estimated acceptance rate for renal replacement therapy in adults in Spain was 126 pmp and regarding other European countries it locates us in an intermediate area. The incidence rate seems to keep stable in the last years although there were some differences among communities (from 104 pmp in Castile and Leon to 186 pmp in Canary Islands). Diabetes Mellitus is the most diagnosed cause of renal failure in 2005, more than 20% of patients, followed by vascular diseases. The estimated prevalence of renal replacement therapy in Spain at the end of 2005 was 903 pmp, with important variations among communities (from 806 pmp in Cantabria to 1056 pmp in Valencia Region). The 47% of prevalent RRT patients had a functioning transplant. Mortality on haemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis was 13.7% and 10.8% respectively. Mortality on transplant was 1.3%, one of the lowest values registered so far. Mortality on renal replacement therapy was around 5% among patients from 45 to 64 years, 11% between 65 and 74 years and 19% among the patients older than 75 years.

Enteral vancomycin controls methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus endemicity in an intensive care burn unit: a 9-year prospective study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy and safety of enteral vancomycin in controlling MRSA endemicity in an intensive care burn unit. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: MRSA is a serious clinical and epidemiologic problem. It is not uncommon that the traditional maneuvers, detection and isolation of carriers, fail to control endemicity due to MRSA. METHODS: All patients admitted to an Intensive Care Burn unit from January 1995 to February 2004 have been included in this prospective cohort study comprised 2 different periods. During period 1 (January 1995 to January 2000), barrier and isolation measures were enforced. During period 2 (February 2000 to February 2004), patients received enteral vancomycin 4 times daily in addition to selective digestive decontamination. RESULTS: A total of 777 patients were enrolled into the study: 402 in period 1, and 375 in period 2. There were no significant differences in the characteristics of patients between the 2 periods, except for the total body surface burned area, 30.3% in period 1 and 25.61% in period 2 (P = 0.009). There was a significant reduction in the incidence of patients who acquired MRSA from 115 in period 1 to 25 in period 2 (RR, 0.22; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.15-0.34). Similar reductions were observed in the number of patients with wound (RR, 0.20; 95% CI, 0.12-0.32), blood (RR, 0.13; 95% CI, 0.04-0.35), and tracheal aspirate (RR, 0.07; 95% CI, 0.03-0.19), samples positive for MRSA. There was no emergence of either vancomycin-resistant enterococci or Staphylococcus aureus with intermediate sensitivity to glycopeptides in period 2. CONCLUSIONS: Enteral vancomycin is an effective and safe method to control MRSA in intensive care burn units without VRE.

Noninvasive vs conventional mechanical ventilation in acute respiratory failure: a multicenter, randomized controlled trial.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: Noninvasive mechanical ventilation (NIMV) is beneficial for patients with acute respiratory failure (ARF) when added to medical treatment. However, its role as an alternative to conventional mechanical ventilation (CMV) remains controversial. Our aim was to compare the efficacy and resource consumption of NIMV against CMV in patients with ARF. DESIGN: A randomized, multicenter, controlled trial. SETTING: Seven multipurpose ICUs. PATIENTS: Sixty-four patients with ARF from various causes who fulfilled criteria for mechanical ventilation. INTERVENTION: The noninvasive group received ventilation through a face mask in pressure-support mode plus positive end-expiratory pressure; the conventional group received ventilation through a tracheal tube. MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS: Avoidance of intubation, mortality, and consumption of resources were the outcome variables. Thirty-one patients were assigned to the noninvasive group, and 33 were assigned to the conventional group. In the noninvasive group, 58% patients were intubated, vs 100% in the conventional group (relative risk reduction, 43%; p < 0.001). Stratification by type of ARF gave similar results. In the ICU, death occurred in 23% and 39% (p = 0.09) and complications occurred in 52% and 70% (p = 0.07) in the noninvasive and conventional groups, respectively. There were no differences in length of stay. The Therapeutic Intervention Score System-28, but not the direct nursing activity time, was lower in the noninvasive group during the first 3 days. CONCLUSIONS: NIMV reduces the need for intubation and therapeutic intervention in patients with ARF from different causes. There is a nonsignificant trend of reduction in ICUs and hospital mortality together with fewer complications during ICU stay.

Airway pressures, tidal volumes, and mortality in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the usual practice for setting tidal volume and other ventilatory parameters in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) in the late 1990s and to determine the independent effects of these practices on intensive care unit mortality. DESIGN: Subanalysis of a prospective observational study. Multivariable logistic regression was used to analyze the effects of ventilatory management on mortality. SETTING: A total of 361 intensive care units in 20 countries in March 1998. PATIENTS: A total of 467 mechanically ventilated patients with ARDS. INTERVENTIONS: None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: The mean tidal volume used in the first week of ARDS was 8.8 mL/kg measured body weight, and there was great variability in these tidal volumes (sd = 2.0). Tidal volumes were significantly lower in patients with (n = 265) than without (n = 202) a recorded plateau pressure (8.6 vs. 9.1 mL/kg, p = .01). The overall intensive care unit mortality rate was 60.2%. In addition to the strong influence of organ failures and higher levels of inspired oxygen, late-onset ARDS (onset after >48 hrs of mechanical ventilation; odds ratio, 2.09) was independently associated with mortality. In addition, lower levels of positive end-expiratory pressure were independently associated with higher mortality (odds ratio, 0.91; 1 cm of H2O increments). Neither inspiratory pressures nor tidal volumes were independently associated with mortality, and there was no evidence of increased mortality with the use of lower inspiratory pressures. CONCLUSIONS: This descriptive study demonstrated considerable interpatient variability in tidal volumes during the study period. In addition to traditional prognostic indicators, timing of ARDS onset and the use of low levels of positive end-expiratory pressure or no positive end-expiratory pressure during the first week may adversely influence outcome in ARDS patients.

Comparison of clinical criteria for the acute respiratory distress syndrome with autopsy findings.

BACKGROUND: The American-European Consensus Conference definition for the acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) has never been validated. OBJECTIVE: To compare clinical criteria for ARDS with autopsy findings. DESIGN: Independent comparison of autopsy findings with clinical characteristics retrospectively abstracted from medical records. SETTING: Tertiary medical-surgical intensive care unit. PARTICIPANTS: 382 patients who underwent clinical autopsy. MEASUREMENTS: Sensitivity, specificity, and likelihood ratios for clinical criteria were calculated in 3 cohorts by using diffuse alveolar damage at autopsy as the reference standard. The 3 cohorts were 1) all patients, 2) patients with any risk factor for ARDS, and 3) patients who were separated according to their pulmonary or extrapulmonary risk factors. RESULTS: 127 patients (33%) met the clinical criteria, and 112 (29%) had diffuse alveolar damage. In all patients, the sensitivity of the clinical definition was 75% (95% CI, 66% to 82%) and the specificity was 84% (CI, 79% to 88%). In 284 patients with risk factors, the sensitivity was 76% (CI, 67% to 83%) and the specificity was 75% (CI, 68% to 81%). Compared with patients with pulmonary risk factors, patients with extrapulmonary risk factors had significantly higher sensitivity (61% vs. 85%; P = 0.009) and the specificity did not statistically significantly differ (69% vs. 78%; P > 0.2). LIMITATIONS: Only patients who died and underwent autopsy could be included in this study, so these results may not apply to less severe cases of ARDS. CONCLUSIONS: In a series of autopsy patients, the accuracy of the American-European Consensus Conference definition of ARDS was only moderate. The definition was more accurate for patients with extrapulmonary risk factors than for patients with pulmonary risk factors.

Noninvasive positive-pressure ventilation for respiratory failure after extubation.

BACKGROUND: The need for reintubation after extubation and discontinuation of mechanical ventilation is not uncommon and is associated with increased mortality. Noninvasive positive-pressure ventilation has been suggested as a promising therapy for patients with respiratory failure after extubation, but a single-center, randomized trial recently found no benefit. We conducted a multicenter, randomized trial to evaluate the effect of noninvasive positive-pressure ventilation on mortality in this clinical setting. METHODS: Patients in 37 centers in eight countries who were electively extubated after at least 48 hours of mechanical ventilation and who had respiratory failure within the subsequent 48 hours were randomly assigned to either noninvasive positive-pressure ventilation by face mask or standard medical therapy. RESULTS: A total of 221 patients with similar baseline characteristics had been randomly assigned to either noninvasive ventilation (114 patients) or standard medical therapy (107 patients) when the trial was stopped early, after an interim analysis. There was no difference between the noninvasive-ventilation group and the standard-therapy group in the need for reintubation (rate of reintubation, 48 percent in both groups; relative risk in the noninvasive-ventilation group, 0.99; 95 percent confidence interval, 0.76 to 1.30). The rate of death in the intensive care unit was higher in the noninvasive-ventilation group than in the standard-therapy group (25 percent vs. 14 percent; relative risk, 1.78; 95 percent confidence interval, 1.03 to 3.20; P=0.048), and the median time from respiratory failure to reintubation was longer in the noninvasive-ventilation group (12 hours vs. 2 hours 30 minutes, P=0.02). CONCLUSIONS: Noninvasive positive-pressure ventilation does not prevent the need for reintubation or reduce mortality in unselected patients who have respiratory failure after extubation.

Incidence, risk factors and outcome of barotrauma in mechanically ventilated patients.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the incidence, risk factors, and outcome of barotrauma in a cohort of mechanically ventilated patients where limited tidal volumes and airway pressures were used. DESIGN AND SETTING: Prospective cohort of 361 intensive care units from 20 countries. PATIENTS AND PARTICIPANTS: A total of 5183 patients mechanically ventilated for more than 12 h. MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS: Baseline demographic data, primary indication for mechanical ventilation, daily ventilator settings, multiple-organ failure over the course of mechanical ventilation and outcome were collected. Barotrauma was present in 154 patients (2.9%). The incidence varied according to the reason for mechanical ventilation: 2.9% of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; 6.3% of patients with asthma; 10.0% of patients with chronic interstitial lung disease (ILD); 6.5% of patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS); and 4.2% of patients with pneumonia. Patients with and without barotrauma did not differ in any ventilator parameter. Logistic regression analysis identified as factors independently associated with barotrauma: asthma [RR 2.58 (1.05-6.50)], ILD [RR 4.23 (95%CI 1.78-10.03)]; ARDS as primary reason for mechanical ventilation [RR 2.70 (95%CI 1.55-4.70)]; and ARDS as a complication during the course of mechanical ventilation [RR 2.53 (95%CI 1.40-4.57)]. Case-control analysis showed increased mortality in patients with barotrauma (51.4 vs 39.2%; p=0.04) and prolonged ICU stay. CONCLUSIONS: In a cohort of patients in whom airway pressures and tidal volume are limited, barotrauma is more likely in patients ventilated due to underlying lung disease (acute or chronic). Barotrauma was also associated with a significant increase in the ICU length of stay and mortality.

Outcome of older patients receiving mechanical ventilation.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the threshold of age that best discriminates the survival of mechanically ventilated patients and to estimate the outcome of mechanically ventilated older patients. DESIGN: International prospective cohort study. SETTING: Three hundred sixty-one intensive care units from 20 countries. PATIENTS AND PARTICIPANTS. Five thousand one hundred eighty-three patients mechanically ventilated for more than 12 h. INTERVENTIONS: None. MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS: Recursive partitioning and logistic regression were used and an outcome model was derived and validated using independent subgroups of the cohort. Two age thresholds (43 and 70 years) were found, by partitioning recursive analysis, to be associated with outcome. This study focuses on the analysis of patients older than 43 years of age, divided in two subgroups: between 43 and 70 years (middle age group) and older than 70 years (elderly group). Survival in hospital was 45% (95% C.I.: 43-48) for the elderly group and 55% (53-57) for the middle age group ( p<0.001). Advanced age was not associated with prolongation of mechanical ventilation, weaning or length of stay in the ICU and in hospital ( p>0.05). Variables associated with mortality in the elderly were: acute renal failure, shock, Simplified Acute Physiology Score II and a ratio of PaO(2) to FIO(2) more than 150. CONCLUSIONS: Older mechanically ventilated patients (age >70 years) had a lower ICU and hospital survival, but the duration of mechanical ventilation, ICU and hospital stay were similar to younger patients. Factors associated with the highest risk of mortality in patients older than 70 were the development of complications during the course of mechanical ventilation, such as acute renal failure and shock.

Characteristics and outcomes in adult patients receiving mechanical ventilation: a 28-day international study.

CONTEXT: The outcome of patients receiving mechanical ventilation for particular indications has been studied, but the outcome in a large number of unselected, heterogeneous patients has not been reported. OBJECTIVE: To determine the survival of patients receiving mechanical ventilation and the relative importance of factors influencing survival. DESIGN, SETTING, AND SUBJECTS: Prospective cohort of consecutive adult patients admitted to 361 intensive care units who received mechanical ventilation for more than 12 hours between March 1, 1998, and March 31, 1998. Data were collected on each patient at initiation of mechanical ventilation and daily throughout the course of mechanical ventilation for up to 28 days. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: All-cause mortality during intensive care unit stay. RESULTS: Of the 15 757 patients admitted, a total of 5183 (33%) received mechanical ventilation for a mean (SD) duration of 5.9 (7.2) days. The mean (SD) length of stay in the intensive care unit was 11.2 (13.7) days. Overall mortality rate in the intensive care unit was 30.7% (1590 patients) for the entire population, 52% (120) in patients who received ventilation because of acute respiratory distress syndrome, and 22% (115) in patients who received ventilation for an exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Survival of unselected patients receiving mechanical ventilation for more than 12 hours was 69%. The main conditions independently associated with increased mortality were (1) factors present at the start of mechanical ventilation (odds ratio [OR], 2.98; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.44-3.63; P<.001 for coma), (2) factors related to patient management (OR, 3.67; 95% CI, 2.02-6.66; P<.001 for plateau airway pressure >35 cm H(2)O), and (3) developments occurring over the course of mechanical ventilation (OR, 8.71; 95% CI, 5.44-13.94; P<.001 for ratio of PaO(2) to fraction of inspired oxygen <100). CONCLUSION: Survival among mechanically ventilated patients depends not only on the factors present at the start of mechanical ventilation, but also on the development of complications and patient management in the intensive care unit.