Assessing the reproducibility and predictive value of objective cough measurement for successful withdrawal of invasive ventilatory support in adult patients.

BACKGROUND: Utilizing clinical tests, such as objective cough measurement, can assist in predicting the success of the weaning process in critically ill patients. METHODS: A multicenter observational analytical study was conducted within a prospective cohort of patients recruited to participate in COBRE-US. We assessed the capability of objective cough measurement to predict the success of the spontaneous breathing trial (SBT) and extubation. Intra- and inter-observer reproducibility of the cough test and was evaluated using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and Cohen's weighted kappa. We used receiver operating characteristic curves (ROC-curve) to evaluate the predictive ability of objective cough measurement. RESULTS: We recruited 367 subjects who were receiving invasive mechanical ventilation. A total of 451 objective cough measurements and 456 SBTs were conducted. A significant association was found between objective cough measurement and successful SBT (OR: 1.68; 95% CI 1.48-1.90; p = 0.001). The predictive capability of the objective cough test for SBT success had a ROC-curve of 0.58 (95% CI: 0.56-0.61). Objective cough measurement to predict successful extubation had a ROC-curve of 0.61 (95% CI: 0.56-0.66). The intraobserver reproducibility exhibited an ICC of 0.94 (95% CI: 0.89-0.96; p < 0.001), while the interobserver reproducibility demonstrated an ICC of 0.72 (95% CI: 0.51-0.85; p < 0.001). The intraobserver agreement, assessed using Cohen's weighted kappa was 0.94 (95% CI: 0.93-0.99; p < 0.001), whereas the interobserver agreement was 0.84 (95% CI: 0.67 - 0.10; p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The objective measurement of cough using the method employed in our study demonstrates nearly perfect intra-observer reproducibility and agreement. However, its ability to predict success or failure in the weaning process is limited.

Utilization of spontaneous breathing trial, objective cough test, and diaphragmatic ultrasound results to predict extubation success: COBRE-US trial.

BACKGROUND: The results of clinical and weaning readiness tests and the spontaneous breathing trial (SBT) are used to predict the success of the weaning process and extubation. METHODS: We evaluated the capacity of the cuff leak test, rate of rapid and shallow breathing, cough intensity, and diaphragmatic contraction velocity (DCV) to predict the success of the SBT and extubation in a prospective, multicenter observational study with consecutive adult patients admitted to four intensive care units. We used receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves to assess the tests' predictive capacity and built predictive models using logistic regression. RESULTS: We recruited 367 subjects who were receiving invasive mechanical ventilation and on whom 456 SBTs were performed, with a success rate of 76.5%. To predict the success of the SBT, we derived the following equation: (0.56 × Cough) - (0.13 × DCV) + 0.25. When the cutoff point was ≥ 0.83, the sensitivity was 91.5%, the specificity was 22.1%, and the overall accuracy was 76.2%. The area under the ROC curve (AUC-ROC) was 0.63. To predict extubation success, we derived the following equation: (5.7 × SBT) + (0.75 × Cough) - (0.25 × DCV) - 4.5. When the cutoff point was ≥ 1.25, the sensitivity was 96.8%, the specificity was 78.4%, and the overall accuracy was 91.5%. The AUC-ROC of this model was 0.91. CONCLUSION: Objective measurement of cough and diaphragmatic contraction velocity could be used to predict SBT success. The equation for predicting successful extubation, which includes SBT, cough, and diaphragmatic contraction velocity values, showed excellent discriminative capacity.

Encephalomyelitis in a patient with monkeypox: an unusual complication.

A new outbreak of monkeypox has been reported worldwide with CNS complications like encephalitis or myelitis being extremely rare. We present a case of a 30-year-old man with PCR-confirmed diagnosis of monkeypox who developed rapid neurological deterioration with extensive inflammatory involvement of the brain and spinal cord on MRI. Because of the clinical and radiological resemblance to acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM), it was decided to indicate treatment with high-dose corticosteroids for 5 days (without concomitant antiviral management due to lack of availability in our country). Given the poor clinical and radiological response, 5 days of immunoglobulin G were administered. During follow-up the patient's clinical condition improved, physiotherapy was started and all associated medical complications were controlled. To our knowledge, this is the first reported monkeypox case with severe CNS complications treated with steroids and immunoglobulin in the absence of specific antiviral treatment.

The Respiratory Rate-Oxygenation Index predicts failure of post-extubation high-flow nasal cannula therapy in intensive care unit patients: a retrospective cohort study. / Índice de Oxigenação Respiratória prevê falha de pós-extubação com cânula nasal de alto fluxo em pacientes de unidade de terapia intensiva: estudo de coorte retrospectivo.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the applicability of the Respiratory Rate-Oxygenation Index to identify the risk of high-flow nasal cannula failure in post-extubation pneumonia patients. METHODS: This was a 2-year retrospective observational study conducted in a reference hospital in Bogotá, Colombia. All patients in whom post-extubation high-flow nasal cannula therapy was used as a bridge to extubation were included in the study. The Respiratory Rate-Oxygenation Index was calculated to assess the risk of post-extubation high-flow nasal cannula failure. RESULTS: A total of 162 patients were included in the study. Of these, 23.5% developed high-flow nasal cannula failure. The Respiratory Rate-Oxygenation Index was significantly lower in patients who had high-flow nasal cannula failure [median (IQR): 10.0 (7.7 - 14.4) versus 12.6 (10.1 - 15.6); p = 0.006]. Respiratory Rate-Oxygenation Index > 4.88 showed a crude OR of 0.23 (95%CI 0.17 - 0.30) and an adjusted OR of 0.89 (95%CI 0.81 - 0.98) stratified by severity and comorbidity. After logistic regression analysis, the Respiratory Rate-Oxygenation Index had an adjusted OR of 0.90 (95%CI 0.82 - 0.98; p = 0.026). The area under the Receiver Operating Characteristic curve for extubation failure was 0.64 (95%CI 0.53 - 0.75; p = 0.06). The Respiratory Rate-Oxygenation Index did not show differences between patients who survived and those who died during the intensive care unit stay. CONCLUSION: The Respiratory Rate-Oxygenation Index is an accessible tool to identify patients at risk of failing high-flow nasal cannula post-extubation treatment. Prospective studies are needed to broaden the utility in this scenario.

OBJETIVO: Investigar a aplicabilidade do Índice de Oxigenação Respiratória para identificar o risco de falha de cânula nasal de alto fluxo em pacientes com pneumonia. MÉTODOS: Este estudo retrospectivo observacional de 2 anos foi realizado em um hospital de referência em Bogotá, na Colômbia. Incluíram-se no estudo todos os pacientes em que foi utilizada cânula nasal de alto fluxo pós-extubação como terapia-ponte para a extubação. O Índice de Oxigenação Respiratória foi calculado para avaliar o risco de falha pós-extubação de cânula nasal de alto fluxo. RESULTADOS: Incluíram-se no estudo 162 pacientes. Destes, 23,5% apresentaram falha de cânula nasal de alto fluxo. O Índice de Oxigenação Respiratória foi significativamente menor em pacientes que tiveram falha de cânula nasal de alto fluxo. A mediana (IQ 25 - 75%) foi de 10,0 (7,7 - 14,4) versus 12,6 (10,1 - 15,6), com p = 0,006. O Índice de Oxigenação Respiratória > 4,88 apresentou razão de chances bruta de 0,23 (IC95% 0,17 - 0,30) e RC ajustada de 0,89 (IC95% 0,81 - 0,98) estratificada por gravidade e comorbidade. Após a análise de regressão logística, o Índice de Oxigenação Respiratória apresentou razão de chances ajustada de 0,90 (IC95% 0,82 - 0,98; p = 0,026). A área sob a curva Receiver Operating Characteristic para falha de extubação foi de 0,64 (IC95% 0,53 - 0,75; p = 0,06). O Índice de Oxigenação Respiratória não apresentou diferenças entre pacientes que sobreviveram e que morreram durante internação na unidade de terapia intensiva. CONCLUSÃO: O Índice de Oxigenação Respiratória é uma ferramenta acessível para identificar pacientes em risco de falha no tratamento pós-extubação com cânulas nasais de alto fluxo. Estudos prospectivos são necessários para ampliar a utilidade nesse cenário.

Índice de Oxigenação Respiratória prevê falha de pós-extubação com cânula nasal de alto fluxo em pacientes de unidade de terapia intensiva: estudo de coorte retrospectivo / The Respiratory Rate-Oxygenation Index predicts failure of post-extubation high-flow nasal cannula therapy in intensive care unit patients: a retrospective cohort study

RESUMO Objetivo: Investigar a aplicabilidade do Índice de Oxigenação Respiratória para identificar o risco de falha de cânula nasal de alto fluxo em pacientes com pneumonia. Métodos: Este estudo retrospectivo observacional de 2 anos foi realizado em um hospital de referência em Bogotá, na Colômbia. Incluíram-se no estudo todos os pacientes em que foi utilizada cânula nasal de alto fluxo pós-extubação como terapia-ponte para a extubação. O Índice de Oxigenação Respiratória foi calculado para avaliar o risco de falha pós-extubação de cânula nasal de alto fluxo. Resultados: Incluíram-se no estudo 162 pacientes. Destes, 23,5% apresentaram falha de cânula nasal de alto fluxo. O Índice de Oxigenação Respiratória foi significativamente menor em pacientes que tiveram falha de cânula nasal de alto fluxo. A mediana (IQ 25 - 75%) foi de 10,0 (7,7 - 14,4) versus 12,6 (10,1 - 15,6), com p = 0,006. O Índice de Oxigenação Respiratória > 4,88 apresentou razão de chances bruta de 0,23 (IC95% 0,17 - 0,30) e RC ajustada de 0,89 (IC95% 0,81 - 0,98) estratificada por gravidade e comorbidade. Após a análise de regressão logística, o Índice de Oxigenação Respiratória apresentou razão de chances ajustada de 0,90 (IC95% 0,82 - 0,98; p = 0,026). A área sob a curva Receiver Operating Characteristic para falha de extubação foi de 0,64 (IC95% 0,53 - 0,75; p = 0,06). O Índice de Oxigenação Respiratória não apresentou diferenças entre pacientes que sobreviveram e que morreram durante internação na unidade de terapia intensiva. Conclusão: O Índice de Oxigenação Respiratória é uma ferramenta acessível para identificar pacientes em risco de falha no tratamento pós-extubação com cânulas nasais de alto fluxo. Estudos prospectivos são necessários para ampliar a utilidade nesse cenário.

ABSTRACT Objective: To investigate the applicability of the Respiratory Rate-Oxygenation Index to identify the risk of high-flow nasal cannula failure in post-extubation pneumonia patients. Methods: This was a 2-year retrospective observational study conducted in a reference hospital in Bogotá, Colombia. All patients in whom post-extubation high-flow nasal cannula therapy was used as a bridge to extubation were included in the study. The Respiratory Rate-Oxygenation Index was calculated to assess the risk of post-extubation high-flow nasal cannula failure. Results: A total of 162 patients were included in the study. Of these, 23.5% developed high-flow nasal cannula failure. The Respiratory Rate-Oxygenation Index was significantly lower in patients who had high-flow nasal cannula failure [median (IQR): 10.0 (7.7 - 14.4) versus 12.6 (10.1 - 15.6); p = 0.006]. Respiratory Rate-Oxygenation Index > 4.88 showed a crude OR of 0.23 (95%CI 0.17 - 0.30) and an adjusted OR of 0.89 (95%CI 0.81 - 0.98) stratified by severity and comorbidity. After logistic regression analysis, the Respiratory Rate-Oxygenation Index had an adjusted OR of 0.90 (95%CI 0.82 - 0.98; p = 0.026). The area under the Receiver Operating Characteristic curve for extubation failure was 0.64 (95%CI 0.53 - 0.75; p = 0.06). The Respiratory Rate-Oxygenation Index did not show differences between patients who survived and those who died during the intensive care unit stay. Conclusion: The Respiratory Rate-Oxygenation Index is an accessible tool to identify patients at risk of failing high-flow nasal cannula post-extubation treatment. Prospective studies are needed to broaden the utility in this scenario.

Clinical characteristics, systemic complications, and in-hospital outcomes for patients with COVID-19 in Latin America. LIVEN-Covid-19 study: A prospective, multicenter, multinational, cohort study.

PURPOSE: The COVID-19 pandemic has spread worldwide, and almost 396 million people have been infected around the globe. Latin American countries have been deeply affected, and there is a lack of data in this regard. This study aims to identify the clinical characteristics, in-hospital outcomes, and factors associated with ICU admission due to COVID-19. Furthermore, to describe the functional status of patients at hospital discharge after the acute episode of COVID-19. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This was a prospective, multicenter, multinational observational cohort study of subjects admitted to 22 hospitals within Latin America. Data were collected prospectively. Descriptive statistics were used to characterize patients, and multivariate regression was carried out to identify factors associated with severe COVID-19. RESULTS: A total of 3008 patients were included in the study. A total of 64.3% of patients had severe COVID-19 and were admitted to the ICU. Patients admitted to the ICU had a higher mean (SD) 4C score (10 [3] vs. 7 [3)], p<0.001). The risk factors independently associated with progression to ICU admission were age, shortness of breath, and obesity. In-hospital mortality was 24.1%, whereas the ICU mortality rate was 35.1%. Most patients had equal self-care ability at discharge 43.8%; however, ICU patients had worse self-care ability at hospital discharge (25.7% [497/1934] vs. 3.7% [40/1074], p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: This study confirms that patients with SARS CoV-2 in the Latin American population had a lower mortality rate than previously reported. Systemic complications are frequent in patients admitted to the ICU due to COVID-19, as previously described in high-income countries.

Serum levels of neutrophil Gelatinase associated Lipocalin (NGAL) predicts hemodialysis after coronary angiography in high risk patients with acute coronary syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) following a percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is the third most common cause of acute kidney injury (AKI) worldwide. Patients who require hemodialysis secondary to CIN have an elevated mortality rate as high as 55%. The current definition of CIN is based on an elevation of creatinine and decrease in urinary output. Creatinine typically increases 48 h after the contrast exposure, which delays the diagnosis and treatment of CIN. The neutrophil gelatinase associated lipocalin (NGAL) has emerged as a sensitive and specific biomarker of renal injury. Limited data exists about the effectiveness of NGAL to predict CIN in high-risk patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) that underwent PCI. The primary aim of this study was to determine the association of serum NGAL levels and the need for hemodialysis after PCI. METHODS: This is a prospective, observational study. NGAL levels were measured using ELISA. Blood samples were obtained within the first 6 h of hospital admission, and 12 and 24 h after contrast exposure from angiography. The primary outcome was the requirement of hemodialysis. The non-parametric Mann-Whitney U test was used to test for differences in median serum levels of NGAL. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was developed to assess the accuracy of NGAL to predict the need for hemodialysis after PCI. RESULTS: A total of 2875 were screened; however, 45 patients with ACS that underwent PCI were included. All patients were at high risk of developing CIN defined by Mehran score > 11 points. The median (IQR) serum concentration of NGAL was significantly higher in patients that required versus did not require hemodialysis (340 [83-384] vs. 169 [100-210], p = 0.01). Elevated serum levels of NGAL with a cut-off at 6 h post PCI of 281 mg/dL predicted the need for hemodialysis with an area under the curve of 0.86 (95% CI, 0.66-1.00). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with ACS undergoing PCI; and high risk of developing CIN, an elevated serum level of NGAL 6 h after contrast exposure predicts the development of acute kidney injury requiring hemodialysis.

Contrapulsación externa aumentada, un tratamiento no invasivo recomendado para la angina refractaria, valoración de la clase funcional y la calidad de vida / Enhanced external counterpulsation, a non-invasive therapy recommended for refractory angina. Functional class and quality of life

Resumen Introducción: La enfermedad coronaria es una causa importante de la morbilidad y la mortalidad en el mundo. Dentro de este grupo, se encuentran los pacientes con angina refractaria. Objetivo: El objetivo de la investigación fue evaluar la eficacia y seguridad de la contrapulsación externa aumentada con 35 sesiones de una hora, en una población atendida desde diciembre de 2013 hasta noviembre de 2015. Materiales y métodos: Se realizó un estudio observacional analítico de cohorte concurrente. Se seleccionaron los pacientes que fueron remitidos para contrapulsación. A todos se les realizó una evaluación incial y a los seis meses de la clase funcional de angina según la Canadian Cardiovascular Society y disnea de la New York Heart Association, se valoraron los medicamentos recibidos y procedimientos realizados. Se aplicó el cuestionario de calidad de vida EQ - 5 D antes y a los seis meses. Para establecer la presencia de diferencias en el seguimiento en la clase funcional, la calidad de vida al inicio y a los seis meses, se utilizó la prueba no paramétrica de Wilcoxon para datos pareados, con un nivel de significación menor de 0,05. Las estadísticas fueron analizadas con el programa SPSS versión 20,0. Resultados: El análisis inicial de 74 pacientes, 50 hombres (67,6%), el promedio de edad 65,5 años. Al inicio de la terapia el 74,4% de los pacientes, se encontraban con disnea clase II - III de la New York Heart Association y el 77% con angina II - III de la Canadian Cardiovascular Society. La mediana de la fracción de eyección fue 50,5% (35,0 - 60,0). Los antecedentes más importantes fueron: la hipertensión arterial 62 (83,8%) y la diabetes mellitus 28 (37,8%). Medicamentos recibidos para la angina y procedimientos realizados: betabloqueadores 74 (100%), estatinas 71 (95,9%), aspirina 67 (90,5%), inhibidores de la enzima convertidora de angiotensina/bloqueadores de los receptores de angiotensina 64 (86,5%), trimetazidina 56 (75,7%), nitratos 37 (50%), calcioantagonistas 20 (27%), ivabradina 15 (20,3%), revascularización quirúrgica 41 (55,4%), revascularización percutánea 51 (68,9%), rehabilitación cardiovascular 45 (60,8%) y uso de dispositivos como el marcapasos, el cardiodesfibrilador o el Cardiodesfibrilador con resincronizador 19 (25,6%). A los seis meses se analizaron 45 pacientes que habían terminado el tratamiento, encontrando que el 91,1% estaba en clase I - II de disnea de la New York Heart Association y el 93,2% clase I - II de angina de la Canadian Cardiovascular Society (p < 0,01 para ambos). En la evaluación de la calidad de vida se revisaron 36 pacientes que llenaron el instrumento EQ - 5 D, encontrando una mejoría significativa en la variable de movilidad (p = 0,021) y en la escala visual análoga de salud, con una mediana inicial de 70,0 (RIQ: 50,0 - 80,0), que mejoró a los 6 meses a 80 (RIQ: 70,0 - 90,0), p = 0,003. No se encontraron complicaciones con la contrapulsación. Conclusiones: La terapia de contrapulsación externa aumentada, mejora la calidad de vida y la clase funcional de angina y disnea en pacientes con angina refractaria y se convierte en un procedimiento no invasivo seguro y eficaz.

Abstract Introduction: Coronary disease is an important cause for morbidity and mortality worldwide. Within this group there are patients with refractory angina. Objective: The goal of this investigation was to assess efficiency and security of enhanced external counterpulsation (EECP) with 35 one-hour sessions, in a population assisted between December 2013 and November 2015. Material and methods: Analytical observational recurrent cohort study. Patients who were referred for counterpulsation were selected. All of them were assessed in the beginning and after six months of the functional class of angina according to the Canadian Cardiovascular Society (CCS) and dyspnoea to the New York Heart Association (NYHA). Medication received and the procedures carried out were evaluated. The EQ-5D quality of life questionnaire was applied before and after six months. In order to establish the presence of differences in the follow-up of the functional class, the quality of life in the beginning and after six months, the Wilcoxon nonparametric test for paired data was used, with a significance level below 0.05. Data were analysed using SPSS version 20.0. Results: Initial analysis of 74 patients, 50 men (67.6%), with an average age of 65.5 years. In the beginning of the therapy 74.4% of patients had class II - III dyspnoea (NYHA) and 77% class II - III angina (CCS). The median ejection fraction was 50.5% (35.0 - 60.0). The most important previous conditions were arterial hypertension 62 (83.8%) and diabetes mellitus 28 (37.8%). Medication received for angina and conducted procedures: betablockers 74 (100%), statins 71 (95.9%), aspirin 67 (90.5%), angiotensin-converting-enzyme inhibitors/angiotensin receptor antagonists 64 (86.5%), trimetazidine 56 (75.7%), nitrates 37 (50%), calcium antagonists 20 (27%), ivabradine 15 (20.3%), surgical revascularisation 41 (55.4%), percutaneous revascularisation 51 (68.9%), cardiovascular rehabilitation 45 (60.8%) and use of devices such as pacemakers, implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (CDI) or ICDs with synchronizers 19 (25.6%). After six months 45 patients who had finished the treatment were analysed, revealing that 91.1% was in class I - II dyspnoea (NYHA) and 93.2% were class I - II angina (CCS) (p < 0.01 for both). For the quality of life assessment 36 patients who has filled out the EQ-5D were reviewed, thus finding a significant improvement in the mobility variable (p = 0.021) and the visual analogue scale, with an initial median of 70.0 (RIQ: 50.0 - 80.0), that improved after six months to 80 (RIQ: 70.0 - 90.0), p = 0.003. No complications for counterpulsation were found. Conclusions: Enhanced external counterpulsation therapy improves quality of life and functional class of angina and dyspnoea in patients with refractory angina and becomes a non-invasive, safe and efficient procedure.

Ventilación mecánica en trauma de tórax severo: aspectos fisiopatológicos y nuevas perspectivas de manejo / Mechanical ventilation in severe chest trauma: pathophysiological aspects and new management perspectives

El trauma severo de tórax es una patología con una alta morbilidad y mortalidad, siendo responsable aproximadamente de un 50% de las muertes en los pacientes politraumatizados. Los aspectos fisiopatológicos relacionados con el mecanismo de lesión, el estado de salud previo del paciente y el tiempo de evolución del trauma son factores importantes que determinarán el tipo de soporte ventilatorio que debe recibir el paciente que lo requiera. Los modos no convencionales de ventilación mecánica así como los dispositivos de asistencia ventilatoria se han convertido en herramientas útiles con un impacto importante en los resultados del paciente con trauma de tórax severo.