Mortalidad, Secuelas Clínicas y Calidad de Vida Luego del Alta de Unidades de Cuidados Intensivos en Pacientes con COVID-19: Estudio Multicéntrico Descriptivo en Argentina.

OBJECTIVE: Patients with COVID-19 who require hospitalization in an intensive care unit, in addition to being at risk of presenting premature death, have higher rates of complications. This study aimed to describe mortality, rehospitalizations, quality of life, and symptoms related to postintensive care syndrome (PICS) and prolonged COVID-19 in patients with COVID-19 discharged from the intensive care unit in hospitals in Argentina. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 4 centers in the Autonomous City and province of Buenos Aires as of December 2022. The variables of interest were mortality after discharge, rehospitalization, health-related quality of life, post-COVID-19-related symptoms, cognitive status, and PICS. Data collection was by telephone interview between 6 and 18 months after discharge. RESULTS: A total of 124 patients/families were contacted. Mortality was 7.3% (95% CI: 3.87-13.22) at 14.46 months of follow-up after discharge. Patients reported a reduction of the EQ-5D-3L visual analog scale of 13.8 points, reaching a mean of 78.05 (95% CI: 73.7-82.4) at the time of the interview. Notably, 54.4% of patients (95% CI: 41.5-66.6) reported cognitive impairment and 66.7% (95% CI: 53.7-77.5) developed PICS, whereas 37.5% (95% CI: 26-50.9) had no symptoms of prolonged COVID-19. CONCLUSION: The results showed a significant impact on the outcomes studied, consistent with international evidence.

Epidemiology of Tracheostomized Adult Patients Admitted to Specialized Weaning Centers After Acute COVID-19.

BACKGROUND: Epidemiological data on patients with COVID-19 referred to specialized weaning centers (SWCs) are sparse, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Our aim was to describe clinical features, epidemiology, and outcomes of subjects admitted to SWCs in Argentina. METHODS: We conducted a prospective, multi-center, observational study between July 2020-December 2021 in 12 SWCs. We collected demographic characteristics, laboratory results, pulmonary function, and dependence on mechanical ventilation at admission, decannulation, weaning from mechanical ventilation, and status at discharge. A multiple logistic model was built to predict home discharge. RESULTS: We enrolled 568 tracheostomized adult subjects after the acute COVID-19 phase who were transferred to SWCs. Age was 62 [52-71], males 70%, Charlson comorbidity index was 2 [0-3], and length of stay in ICU was 42 [32-56] d. Of the 315 ventilator-dependent subjects, 72.4% were weaned, 427 (75.2%) were decannulated, and 366 subjects (64.5%) were discharged home. The mortality rate was 6.0%. In multivariate analysis, age (odds ratio 0.30 [95% CI 0.16-0.56], P < .001), Charlson comorbidity index (odds ratio 0.43 [95% CI 0.22-0.84], P < .01), mechanical ventilation duration in ICU (odds ratio 0.80 [95% CI 0.72-0.89], P < .001), renal failure (odds ratio 0.40 [95% CI 0.22-0.73], P = .003), and expiratory muscle weakness (odds ratio 0.35 [95% CI 0.19-0.62], P < .001) were independently associated with home discharge. CONCLUSIONS: Most subjects with COVID-19 transferred to SWCs were weaned, achieved decannulation, and were discharged to home. Age, high-comorbidity burden, prolonged mechanical ventilation in ICU, renal failure at admission, and expiratory muscle weakness were inversely associated with home discharge.

Fisioterapia respiratoria en sujetos adultos cursando internación por neumonía adquirida en la comunidad. Revisión bibliográfica

Introducción: La neumonía adquirida en la comunidad (NAC) es una infección respiratoria en la cual es frecuente observar la indicación de fisioterapia respiratoria (FR). Sin embargo, en la actualidad las recomendaciones respecto a su uso en NAC son controvertidas, no existiendo evidencia que respalde su uso y permita conocer su real alcance. Objetivos: Revisar la evidencia respecto al impacto de la FR en pacientes adultos que cursan internación por NAC. Resultados: 5 estudios cumplieron los criterios de inclusión de esta revisión. Las maniobras de FR incluyeron ejercicios respiratorios, drenaje postural, percusión, vibración, espirometría incentivada, resistencia espiratoria, asistencia torácica durante movimientos respiratorios, tos dirigida y presión positiva intermitente. En los estudios incluidos la FR no disminuyó la mortalidad ni mejoró los valores espirométricos en los pacientes con NAC, así como tampoco los días hasta la curación ni la estadía hospitalaria. Respecto a los costos, el uso de FR en pacientes con NAC presentó un incremento significativo de los mismos. Conclusión: No hay evidencia que respalde el uso de manera rutinaria de FR en los pacientes adultos con NAC. Consideramos que se requieren de futuras investigaciones que permitan conocer el impacto de la FR en pacientes adultos con NAC, así como establecer consensos respecto a su indicación, selección de maniobras, estandarización de técnicas, tiempos y dosificación.

Introduction: Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is a respiratory infection in which the indication for respiratory physiotherapy (RF) is frequently observed. However, currently the recommendations regarding its use in CAP are controversial, and there is no evidence to support its use and allow us to know its real scope. Objectives: To review the evidence regarding the impact of RF in adult patients who are hospitalized for CAP. Results: 5 studies met the inclusion criteria of this review. RF maneuvers included breathing exercises, postural drainage, percussion, vibration, incentive spirometry, expiratory resistance, chest support during respiratory movements, directed cough, and intermittent positive pressure. In the included studies, RF did not reduce mortality or improve spirometric values in patients with CAP, nor did it improve days to cure or hospital stay. Regarding costs, the use of RF in patients with CAP presented a significant increase in costs. Conclusion: There is no evidence to support the routine use of RF in adult patients with CAP. We believe that future research is required to determine the impact of RF in adult patients with CAP, as well as to establish consensus regarding its indication, selection of maneuvers, standardization of techniques, times, and dosage.

Fisioterapia respiratoria en sujetos adultos cursando internación por neumonía adquirida en la comunidad. Revisión bibliográfica / Respiratory physiotherapy in adult subjects hospitalized for community-acquired pneumonia. Literature review

Introducción: La neumonía adquirida en la comunidad (NAC) es una infección respiratoria en la cual es frecuente observar la indicación de fisioterapia respiratoria (FR). Sin embargo, en la actualidad las recomendaciones respecto a su uso en NAC son controvertidas, no existiendo evidencia que respalde su uso y permita conocer su real alcance. Objetivos: Revisar la evidencia respecto al impacto de la FR en pacientes adultos que cursan internación por NAC. Resultados: 5 estudios cumplieron los criterios de inclusión de esta revisión. Las maniobras de FR incluyeron ejercicios respiratorios, drenaje postural, percusión, vibración, espirometría incentivada, resistencia espiratoria, asistencia torácica durante movimientos respiratorios, tos dirigida y presión positiva intermitente. En los estudios incluidos la FR no disminuyó la mortalidad ni mejoró los valores espirométricos en los pacientes con NAC, así como tampoco los días hasta la curación ni la estadía hospitalaria. Respecto a los costos, el uso de FR en pacientes con NAC presentó un incremento significativo de los mismos. Conclusión: No hay evidencia que respalde el uso de manera rutinaria de FR en los pacientes adultos con NAC. Consideramos que se requieren de futuras investigaciones que permitan conocer el impacto de la FR en pacientes adultos con NAC, así como establecer consensos respecto a su indicación, selección de maniobras, estandarización de técnicas, tiempos y dosificación.

Introduction: Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is a respiratory infection in which the indication for respiratory physiotherapy (RF) is frequently observed. However, currently the recommendations regarding its use in CAP are controversial, and there is no evidence to support its use and allow us to know its real scope. Objectives: To review the evidence regarding the impact of RF in adult patients who are hospitalized for CAP. Results: 5 studies met the inclusion criteria of this review. RF maneuvers included breathing exercises, postural drainage, percussion, vibration, incentive spirometry, expiratory resistance, chest support during respiratory movements, directed cough, and intermittent positive pressure. In the included studies, RF did not reduce mortality or improve spirometric values in patients with CAP, nor did it improve days to cure or hospital stay. Regarding costs, the use of RF in patients with CAP presented a significant increase in costs. Conclusion: There is no evidence to support the routine use of RF in adult patients with CAP. We believe that future research is required to determine the impact of RF in adult patients with CAP, as well as to establish consensus regarding its indication, selection of maneuvers, standardization of techniques, times, and dosage.

Strategies to achieve adherence to prone positioning in awake COVID-19 patients with high-flow nasal oxygen. A case series.

Introduction: The use of high-flow nasal oxygen (HFNO) is a simple method that can reduce intubation in patients with hypoxemic acute respiratory failure (ARF). Early and prolonged prone position has demonstrated benefits on mortality in mechanically ventilated patients and on intubation in awake patients with ARF. However, strategies to achieve adherence to awake prone positioning (APP) have not been previously described. Case and outcomes: We present six patients with ARF due to COVID-19 treated with HFNO and APP. The median (p25-75) of PaFiO2 upon admission was 121 (112-175). The average duration of APP on the first day was 16 h (SD 5 h). Duration (median p25-75) in APP for the following 20 days was 13 (10-18) h/day. Several strategies such as the presence of a health care team, recreational activities, adaptation of the circadian rhythm, oral nutritional support, and analgesics were used to improve prone tolerance. None of the patients suffered from delirium, all were ambulating on discharge from the ICU and none require intubation. Conclusion: The case series presented show the feasibility of prolonged use of HFNO and APP in patients with COVID-19 and severe persistent hypoxemia and described strategies to enhance adherence.

Performance of Invasive Mode in Different Heated Humidification Systems With High-Flow Nasal Cannula.

BACKGROUND: Oxygen therapy via high-flow nasal cannula generates physiologic changes that impact ventilatory variables of patients. However, we know that there are detrimental effects on airway mucosa related to inhalation of gases. The objective of this study was to evaluate the performance in terms of absolute humidity, relative humidity, and temperature of different brands of heated humidifiers and circuits in the invasive mode during the use of high-flow oxygen therapy in flows between 30 and 100 L/min. METHODS: A prospective observational study conducted at the Sanatorio Anchorena equipment analysis laboratory; September 5 to October 20, 2019. RESULTS: A statistically significant interaction was found among the programmed flows and the different combinations of devices and circuits for the delivery of absolute humidity (P < .001). An effect of flow on delivered absolute humidity was found, regardless of the equipment and circuit combination (P < .001). However, in the invasive mode, the combination of the Fisher&Paykel MR850 heated humidifier with the Medtronic-Dar circuit, the Intersurgical circuit, and the AquaVENT circuit always reached or achieved absolute humidity values > 33 mg/L, even at flows up to 100 L/min. The combination of the Flexicare FL9000 heated humidifier with the Fisher&Paykel RT202 circuit, the Fisher&Paykel Evaqua 2 circuit, the Flexicare circuit, the AquaVENT circuit, and the GGM circuit achieved similar results. The mean (SD) of absolute humidity delivered in the invasive mode (36.2 ± 5.9 mg/L) was higher compared with the noninvasive mode (26.8 ± 7.2 mg/L) (P < .001), regardless of circuit and programmed flows. CONCLUSIONS: When heated humidifiers were used in the invasive mode for high-flow oxygen therapy, absolute humidity depended not only on the heated humidifiers and the combination of circuits but also on the programmed flow, especially at flows > 50 L/min. Moreover, the heated humidifiers exhibited different behaviors, in some cases inefficient, in delivering adequate humidification. However, some equipment improved performance when set to the invasive mode.

[Predictors of weaning and mortality in prolonged mechanical ventilation ­ surviving survival]. / Predictores de desvinculación y mortalidad en ventilación mecánica prolongada-Sobrevivir al sobrevivir.

Objetive: to describe a sample of tracheostomized patients requiring prolonged mechanical ventilation who were admitted to a weaning center, to analyze their evolution and to determine the predictors of weaning failure from mechanical ventilation and of mortality. Design: Design: an observational and retrospective cohort study was carried out, in the period between January 2005 and December 2017. Setting: weaning and rehabilitation center. Patients: all tracheostomized patients requiring mechanical ventilation who were admitted during the study period were included. Of 1027 patients admitted to the respiratory care service, a consecutive sample of 677 patients was analyzed. Main variables of interest: the main variables were mortality and weaning failure from mechanical ventilation. Results: : age older than 70 years (OR 1,461 95% CI 1,016-2,099), a cardiovascular history (OR 1,533 95% CI 1,050-2,237), admission due to respiratory disease (OR 1,538 95% CI 1,001-2,364) and presenting more than 105 days of hospitalization (OR 0,408 95% CI 0,261-0,637) were found as predictors of weaning failure. The predictors of mortality were, age over 70 years (OR 2,116 95% CI 1,491-3,004), history of cerebrovascular accident (OR 1,991 95% CI 1,255-3,158), admission to intensive care due to cardiorespiratory arrest (OR 5,821 95% CI 2,193-15,445) and presenting more than 64 days of hospitalization (OR 1, 63 95% CI 1,116-2,292). Conclusions: The data found in this study manage to describe factors associated with weaning and mortality of patients in a weaning and rehabilitation center.

Objetivos: describir una muestra de pacientes traqueostomizados con requerimiento de ventilación mecánica prolongada que ingresaron a un centro de desvinculación, analizar su evolución y determinar los predictores de fracaso de desvinculación de la ventilación mecánica y de mortalidad. Diseño: se realizó un estudio de cohorte observacional y retrospectivo, en el período comprendido entre enero del 2005 y diciembre del 2017. Ámbito: centro de desvinculación de la ventilación mecánica y de rehabilitación. Pacientes: se incluyeron a todos los pacientes traqueostomizados con requerimiento de ventilación mecánica, que ingresaron durante el periodo de estudio. De 1027 pacientes ingresados al servicio de cuidados respiratorios, se analizó una muestra consecutiva de 677 pacientes. Variables de interés principales: las variables principales fueron mortalidad y falla en la desvinculación de la ventilación mecánica. Resultados: Se encontraron como predictores del fracaso de la desvinculación la edad mayor a 70 años (OR 1.461 IC95% 1.016-2.099), tener antecedentes cardiovasculares (OR 1.533 IC95% 1.050-2.237), motivo de ingreso por afección respiratoria (OR 1.538 IC95% 1.001-2.364) y presentar más de 105 días de internación (OR 0.408 IC95% 0.261-0.637). Los predictores de mortalidad fueron, la edad mayor a 70 años (OR 2.116 IC95% 1.491-3.004), tener como antecedente un accidente cerebro-vascular (OR 1.991 IC95% 1.255-3.158), motivo de ingreso a terapia intensiva por paro cardiorrespiratorio (OR 5.821 IC95% 2.193-15.445) y presentar más de 64 días de internación (OR1.63 IC95% 1.116-2.292). Conclusión: Los datos hallados en este estudio logran describir factores asociados a la desvinculación y mortalidad de los pacientes en un centro de desvinculación.

Characteristics of Post-ICU and Post-COVID Recovery Clinics in 29 U.S. Health Systems.

The multifaceted long-term impairments resulting from critical illness and COVID-19 require interdisciplinary management approaches in the recovery phase of illness. Operational insights into the structure and process of recovery clinics (RCs) from heterogeneous health systems are needed. This study describes the structure and process characteristics of existing and newly implemented ICU-RCs and COVID-RCs in a subset of large health systems in the United States. DESIGN: Cross-sectional survey. SETTING: Thirty-nine RCs, representing a combined 156 hospitals within 29 health systems participated. PATIENTS: None. INTERVENTIONS: None. MEASUREMENT AND MAIN RESULTS: RC demographics, referral criteria, and operating characteristics were collected, including measures used to assess physical, psychologic, and cognitive recoveries. Thirty-nine RC surveys were completed (94% response rate). ICU-RC teams included physicians, pharmacists, social workers, physical therapists, and advanced practice providers. Funding sources for ICU-RCs included clinical billing (n = 20, 77%), volunteer staff support (n = 15, 58%), institutional staff/space support (n = 13, 46%), and grant or foundation funding (n = 3, 12%). Forty-six percent of RCs report patient visit durations of 1 hour or longer. ICU-RC teams reported use of validated scales to assess psychologic recovery (93%), physical recovery (89%), and cognitive recovery (86%) more often in standard visits compared with COVID-RC teams (psychologic, 54%; physical, 69%; and cognitive, 46%). CONCLUSIONS: Operating structures of RCs vary, though almost all describe modest capacity and reliance on volunteerism and discretionary institutional support. ICU- and COVID-RCs in the United States employ varied funding sources and endorse different assessment measures during visits to guide care coordination. Common features include integration of ICU clinicians, interdisciplinary approach, and focus on severe critical illness. The heterogeneity in RC structures and processes contributes to future research on the optimal structure and process to achieve the best postintensive care syndrome and postacute sequelae of COVID outcomes.

Body temperature fatigue behaviour of reciprocating and rotary glide path instruments in sodium hypochlorite solutions alone or combined with etidronate.

The aim of the study was to compare cyclic fatigue (CF) resistance of reciprocating and rotary glide path instruments in the presence of irrigation solutions at body temperature. CF resistance of 100 instruments (50 ProGlider and 50 WaveOne Gold Glider) was tested in sodium hypochlorite solutions alone (NaOCl) or in combination with etidronate (NaOCl/HEBP). The CF platform with a simulated canal (curvature = 60°/radius = 3 mm) was submerged in a temperature-controlled bath with the solutions kept at 37 ± 1°C controlled by a precision mercury glass thermometer. Instruments were actioned following manufacturer guidelines, and time to failure was recorded and compared among groups with Weibull analysis. Reciprocating glide path preparation instruments were more resistant to CF than rotary instruments in both irrigation solutions. The irrigation solution did not affect the mean life of ProGlider, but reciprocating instruments lasted significantly longer used in presence of NaOCl compared to NaOCl/HEBP.

Morbimortalidad luego del alta de Unidades de Cuidados Intensivos en pacientes con COVID-19 / Morbidity and mortality after discharge from Intensive Care Units in patients with COVID-19

INTRODUCCIÓN El Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) generó una pandemia con más de 9 millones de casos confirmados y 130 mil muertes en Argentina a la fecha. Los pacientes con COVID-19 que requieren de internación en la Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos (UCI), además de tener riesgo de presentar muerte prematura, mayores tasas de complicaciones, hospitalizaciones, síndrome post-terapia intensiva (SPTI) y peor calidad de vida por su estado crítico; pueden presentar el síndrome COVID prolongado (long-COVID) o post-COVID. No existen estudios en nuestro país que describan estos síndromes y sus desenlaces . Nuestro estudio se propone evaluar la mortalidad, re-hospitalizaciones, calidad de vida y síntomas relacionados con el SPTI y el COVID prolongado en pacientes que hayan sido dados de alta de UCI por COVID-19 en instituciones de Argentina. MÉTODOS Se realizó un estudio de corte transversal, descriptivo y analítico, en cuatro centros de la Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires y la provincia de Buenos Aires. Las variables de interés fueron mortalidad luego del alta, rehospitalización, calidad de vida relacionada con la salud, síntomas relacionados post-COVID-19, el estado cognitivo y el SPTI. La recolección de los datos se realizó por medio de una entrevista telefónica entre 6 y 18 meses del alta. La fuente de datos clínicos y sociodemográficos fue la historia clínica. RESULTADOS 124 pacientes/familiares fueron contactados y la mortalidad encontrada fue de 7,3% a los 14,46 meses de seguimiento median luego del alta La media de edad fue de 52,19 (±11,8), y el 72,3% fueron hombres. La mediana de tiempo de internación en UCI de esta población fue de 22 días (Rango intercuartílico [RIQ]: 13,5 -45,5). El 74,5% requirió de ventilación mecánica, con una mediana de 22 días (RIQ 11,5 - 43). Las comorbilidades más frecuentes fueron obesidad (46.8%), hipertensión (36.2%) y diabetes (29.4%). Los pacientes reportaron una reducción de la Escala Visual Analógica (EVA) del EQ-5D-3L de 13,8 puntos, alcanzando una media de 78,05 (± 16,27) al momento de la entrevista: el MOCA fue en promedio de 16,34 (± 3,7), presentándose alteraciones cognitivas en el 54,4%) de los entrevistados. El 37.5% de los pacientes no presentaron síntomas de COVID prolongado y el 66,7% de los pacientes desarrollaron SPTI. Se encontró correlación entre la edad y el nivel cognitivo. DISCUSIÓN este es el primer estudio en Argentina que evalúa la mortalidad, las secuelas clínicas y la calidad de vida luego del alta de pacientes con COVID-19 desde UCI de CABA y provincia de Buenos Aires. Sus resultados, consistentes con estudios publicados en la literatura internacional, mostraron un impacto significativo en los desenlaces estudiados.

Performance of Different Active Humidification Systems in High-Flow Oxygen Therapy.

BACKGROUND: We sought to evaluate the performance in terms of absolute humidity (AH), relative humidity (RH), and temperature of different heated humidifiers (HH) and circuits that are commonly used to deliver high-flow oxygen therapy in conventional ranges (30-60 L/min) and unconventional ranges (70-100 L/min). METHODS: In this prospective, observational study, an electronic thermohygrometer was used to obtain the required measurements. A mechanical ventilator was used as a source for high-flow nasal cannula oxygen therapy. For active humidification, the following equipment was used: a HH with standard disposable water trap circuit, 3 servo-controlled HH, and 7 circuits with a heated wire. Data on environmental conditions (ie, temperature, RH, AH) were collected from the laboratory during each measurement; the temperature, RH, and AH resulting from the application of 8 flows (30-100 L/min) were also recorded. Variables were compared with analysis of variance for repeated measurements with Tukey post hoc tests. A value of P < .05 was assumed to be significant. RESULTS: During the study, a statistically significant difference was found in the average AH for each flow for the different devices (P < .005). The highest AH values were recorded with the Fisher & Paykel MR850 and the Medtronic-DAR circuit (AH = 40.8 mg/L with flow of 50 L/min, P < .005), and the lowest AH values were recorded with the Flexicare FL9000 HH and the Flexicare circuit (AH = 11.4 mg/L with 100 L/min flow, P < .005). For flows > 50 L/min, the best performance for all flows in terms of AH was found with the Fisher & Paykel MR850 HH, regardless of the circuit used. CONCLUSIONS: During oxygen therapy with very high gas flows, HH devices behave differently and in many cases are inefficient in delivering adequate humidification, even at conventional flows. Caution is therefore recommended when selecting the device and flow settings for the implementation of high-flow nasal cannula oxygen therapy.

Prevalence of and Risk Factors for Mechanical Ventilation Reinstitution in Patients Weaned From Prolonged Mechanical Ventilation.

BACKGROUND: Prolonged mechanical ventilation is increasingly common in ICUs. Although a consensus conference defined weaning success in this patient population, few studies have used this definition. A clear definition of successful weaning is useful to assess clinical and epidemiological outcomes, facilitate clinical decision making, and set goals of care. The aims of our study were to describe the prevalence of reinstitution of mechanical ventilation within 28 d in patients successfully weaned according to our institution criterion (ie, weaning success as per consensus guidelines), to describe reasons to reestablish mechanical ventilation, and to identify associated factors. METHODS: An observational, analytical, cross-sectional study was conducted at a weaning and rehabilitation center. All patients liberated from mechanical ventilation (ie, no ventilatory support for 7 d) were included as subjects. Requirement of and reasons for reinstitution of mechanical ventilation within 28 d of weaning were recorded. RESULTS: A total of 639 tracheostomized subjects were analyzed. Of these, 219 (34%) were weaned, and 15 were eliminated due to lack of data. Of the remaining 204 subjects, 42 (21%) were reconnected to mechanical ventilation within 28 d. Sepsis accounted for 64% of reconnections. In the multivariate analysis, neurological comorbidity (adjusted odds ratio 5.1 [95% CI 2.3-11.1]) and delayed weaning (> 7 d after admission) (adjusted odds ratio 2.37 [95% CI 1.1-5.3]) were independently associated with reinstitution of mechanical ventilation within 28 d of weaning. The synergistic effect of both variables showed an adjusted odds ratio of 5.35 (95% CI 2.4-11.4). CONCLUSIONS: Reinstitution of mechanical ventilation within 28 d is a common event in patients considered to be weaned: 1 in 5 of such patients requires reconnection to mechanical ventilation, with sepsis being the most prevalent cause. Neurological comorbidity and delayed weaning are risk factors associated with reestablishment of mechanical ventilation. The presence of more than one risk factor increases the association with reinstitution of mechanical ventilation within 28 d of weaning.

Prevalence and Characteristics of Tracheal Lesions Observed in Tracheostomized Patients.

BACKGROUND: Our objective was to describe the prevalence and characteristics of tracheal lesions observed in flexile bronchoscopies of tracheostomized patients, and to determine those factors associated with severe injuries. METHODS: This is an analytical, observational, and transversal study. The flexible bronchoscopies of tracheostomized patients from our database were reviewed to assess their lesions. The tracheal lesions were classified according to their severity; lesions obstructing above 50% of the lumen were interpreted as severe and those obstructing <50% as mild. The lesions were also classified according to location as glottic, subglottic, at the level of the tracheal ostomy, tracheal, and bronchial. The types of lesions found were granuloma, stenosis, and excessive central airway collapse. Possible predictors of severe lesions were assessed. RESULTS: A total of 414 patients were included in the study, the mean age being 65 years (±16.2 y). Of all the bronchoscopies assessed, 202 (49%) showed mild lesions, and 91 (22%) were severe. We found granulomas in 230 patients (55%), and 32 (26%) were severe. Of the 27 patients with stenosis (7%), 17 (63%) were severe. Excessive central airway collapse was seen in 120 patients (31.8%), and 65 (54%) were severe. There were statistically significant differences related to age in the group that developed severe lesions (mean age, 73 y; Q1 to Q3, 58 to 81) compared with the group free of lesions (mean age, 69 y; Q1 to Q3, 55.7 to 75; P = 0.001) and also in the duration requiring an artificial airway (mean, 84.5 d; Q1 to Q3, 49 to 135.5) compared with the group free of lesions (mean of 59.5 d; Q1 to Q3, 42 to 98; P = 0.035). CONCLUSION: There was a high prevalence of tracheal lesions, mainly subglottic granulomas. Age and the duration for which the patient required an artificial airway were related to the presence of severe lesions.

Ventilación mecánica domiciliaria: observando el crecimiento / Home mechanical ventilation: observing the growth

La indicación de un tratamiento médico y su eficacia deben estar acompañadas de un correcto seguimiento, es menester que esta premisa esté presente en todos los equipos de salud. Desde los primeros pacientes que recibieron asistencia ventilatoria fuera de la cama, luego de la epidemia de la poliomielitis, el manejo de pacientes con necesidad de ventilación mecánica domiciliaria (VMD) está aumentando en el mundo1. Aunque no existen datos aportados por estudios multicéntricos o registros de servicios de coberturas de salud, la utilización de VMD también está creciendo en Argentina2. Podemos separar la VMD en dos grandes grupos bien diferentes entre sí, la ventilación ya sea invasiva o no invasiva en individuos con enfermedades con mayor dependencia de terceros (sobre todo pacientes con enfermedades neuromusculares) y la ventilación, generalmente no invasiva, en pacientes con enfermedades con menor o nula dependencia de terceros (ej. síndrome apnea/hipopnea obstructiva del sueño, enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica)

Decanular. Factores predictores de dificultad para la decanulación: Estudio de cohorte multicéntrico / DecanulAR. Predictors of Decannulation Difficulty. A Multicenter Cohort Study

Introducción: La traqueostomía (TQT) se ha convertido, quizás, en la intervención quirúrgica más frecuente dentro de la UCI. El uso prolongado de la cánula de TQT puede exponer a los pacientes a un mayor riesgo de complicaciones. Cada vez se da más importancia al tiempo de decanulación de la traqueostomía tras la recuperación de una enfermedad crítica. No existe hasta el momento en nuestro país ningún estudio multicéntrico y prospectivo que analice a los pacientes traqueostomizados como población de estudio. Además, los factores asociados a la dificultad para la decanulación no es un tópico comúnmente estudiado. Objetivo: Describir las características epidemiológicas de la población estudiada, reportar la incidencia de la falla de decanulación, analizar si existen factores de riesgo independientes asociados a la imposibilidad de decanulación y analizar la mortalidad relacionada al tiempo en lograr la decanulación. Método: Estudio de cohorte prospectivo, multicéntrico que incluyó pacientes que fueron traqueostomizados en unidades de cuidados intensivos (UCI) y aquellos que ingresaron con TQT a los centros de desvinculación de la ventilación mecánica y rehabilitación (CDVMR). Se registraron variables epidemiológicas previas a la internación, y variables durante la internación. La duración total del estudio fue de un año. Se estimó un tamaño muestral de 200 pacientes para encontrar una proporción del 5% (valor esperado para la falla de decanulación) estableciendo la posibilidad de incurrir en un error alfa de 5% y en un error beta de 20%. Resultados: Se reclutaron inicialmente 48 centros de diferentes ciudades del país y finalmente aportaron pacientes 36 centros (31 UCI y 5 CDVMR). Inicialmente se incluyeron 576 pacientes de los cuales fueron eliminados 238 pacientes por no lograr la desvinculación de la ventilación mecánica. El promedio de edad fue de 55 años (SD± 18,3) y con una mediana de 58 años (RIQ 43-70). Hubo mayor cantidad pacientes de género masculino (59%; IC 95% 53,8-64,2). Se lograron decanular 193 pacientes desvinculados (57%; IC95% 51,7-62,2). La incidencia acumulada en a falla de decanulación fue de 3,1% en 7 meses (IC 95% 1,4-6,6). En el análisis multivariado de regresión logística se halló como predictores independientes para la no decanulación al estrato de edad de mayores de 70 años (OR 3,40; IC95% 1,51-7,66) y TQT por procedimiento quirúrgico (OR 1,74; IC95% 1,08-2,79). Además, ser paciente proveniente de la UCI versus ser de CDVMR se comportó como factor protectivo (OR 0,29; IC95% 0,15-0,56). Se analizó también, la mortalidad a los 90 días mediante una curva de supervivencia de Kaplan Meier y se observó una diferencia significativa (log-rank p < 0,05) el grupo de pacientes que no se decanularon con respecto a aquellos que sí pudieron ser decanulados. Conclusión: La cantidad de pacientes que lograron su decanulación es similar a lo descrito en la bibliografía y lo mismo sucedió con la recanulación. La edad fue un factor predictor de no decanulación y esto, posiblemente, está relacionado a un peor estado general. No se hallaron comorbilidades que se relacionen a la no decanulación. Es importante el retiro de la cánula de traqueostomía ya que los pacientes que se decanulan obtienen con más frecuencia el alta domiciliaria que aquellos que no son decanulados. Si bien no podemos afirmar que la decanulación sea el factor clave para el alta o es parte de un mejor estado general del paciente es un hito relevante en el pronóstico del paciente.

DecanulAR. Predictors of Decannulation Difficulty: A Multicenter Cohort Study

Introduction: Tracheostomy (TQT) is perhaps the most common surgical intervention in the ICU. A prolonged use of a TQT cannula may subject patients to an increased risk of complications. Decannulation time in tracheostomies is becoming increasingly important during the recovery process after critical illnesses. At present, there is no prospective, multicenter study in our country that assesses tracheostomized patients as the population of the study. In addition, factors associated with decannulation difficulty are not usually analyzed. Objective: To describe the epidemiological characteristics of the study population, to report the rate of decannulation failure, to analyze the existence of independent risk factors associated with the impossibility of decannulation and to evaluate time-related mortality while achieving decannulation. Method: A prospective, multicenter cohort study that included patients who were tracheostomized at Intensive Care Units (ICUs) and patients who were admitted to Mechanical Ventilation Weaning and Rehabilitation Centers (MVWRCs) with TQTs. Epidemiological variables were recorded prior and during their hospitalization. The total duration of the study was one year. A sample size of 200 patients was calculated in order to draw a 5% rate (expected value for decannulation failure), determining the possibility to incur in a 5% alpha error and in a 20% beta error. Results: Initially, 48 centers from different cities around the country were recruited, and 36 centers contributed patients (31 from ICUs and 5 from MVWRCs). Five hundred and seventy-six patients were included, of whom 238 were removed since they could not be weaned from mechanical ventilation. The average age was 55 years (SD± 18.3), with a median of 58 years (IQR 43-70). There were more male patients (59%; 95% CI 53.8 - 64.2). One hundred and ninety-three patients who were weaned could be decannulated (57%; 95% CI 51.7-62.2). Cumulative incidence regarding decannulation failure was 3.1% in 7 months (95% CI 1.4 - 6.6). In the multivariate logistic regression analysis, the age group of patients over 70 years old (OR 3.40; 95% CI 1.51-7.66) and TQTs connected to surgical procedures (OR 1.74; 95% CI 1.08-2.79) were found as independent predictors contraindicating decannulation. Additionally, being a patient from an ICU versus being a patient from a MVWRC acted as a protective factor (OR 0.29; 95% CI 0.15-0.56). Likewise, the 90-day mortality rate was assessed using the Kaplan-Meier survival curve and a significant difference was observed (log-rank p<0.05) in the group of patients who were not decannulated compared to those who could be decannulated. Conclusion: The number of patients who achieved decannulation is similar to that described in the bibliography and the same happened with recannulation. Age was a predictor contraindicating decannulation, which is potentially connected with a worse general condition of the patient. There were no comorbidities linked to contraindications for decannulation. It is important to remove the tracheostomy cannula since decannulated patients are more likely to be discharged home than those who did not undergo decannulation. Although it is not possible to confirm that decannulation is a key factor for discharges or if it is part of a better general condition of the patient, it constitutes a relevant milestone in the patient’s prognosis.

Incidencia de infecciones respiratorias en pacientes traqueostomizados en un centro de desvinculación de la ventilación mecánica y rehabilitación / Incidence of respiratory tract infections in tracheostomized patients hospitalized in a weaning and rehabilitation center

Objetivos: Describir la incidencia de infecciones respiratorias (IR) en pacientes traqueostomizados (TQT) internados en un centro de desvinculación de la ventilación mecánica y rehabilitación (CDVMR). Identificar factores de riesgo (FR) para el desarrollo de IR. Materiales y métodos: Se realizó un estudio de casos y controles anidado en una cohorte. La variable utilizada para el apareamiento fue la edad. Se incluyeron a todos los pacientes TQT internados durante el período de marzo del 2013 a febrero del 2015. Se registró la incidencia de IR. Resultado: Se incluyeron 167 pacientes, registrándose 73 eventos de IR en 46 pacientes. La incidencia acumulada fue de 27,5% y la tasa de incidencia fue de 2,22 eventos/1000 días de estadía. De los 73 eventos registrados, se obtuvieron rescates bacteriológicos en 50 de ellos, siendo Pseudomonas aeruginosa (34,3%) el microorganismo más prevalente. Los valores más bajos de albúmina resultaron ser un FR para el desarrollo de IR (p 0.001, OR 5.82, IC 2.08-16.2). Los valores más altos de hemoglobina de ingreso se comportaron como factor protector (p 0.048, OR 0.74, IC 0.55-0.99). Se establecieron como FR para el evento IR: ingresar con diagnóstico de ACV (p 0.025, OR 3.45 1.16-10.2), Parkinson (p 0.011, OR 18.9, IC 1.93-185) o ELA (p 0.013, OR 6.34, IC 1.47-27.2). Conclusión: Se logró determinar por primera vez en nuestro medio la incidencia de IR en pacientes TQT y los patógenos más comunes, aunque esto necesita contraste con otros CDVMR. La asociación encontrada entre los valores de albúmina y el posterior desarrollo de IR podría estar relacionada más a un sesgo probabilístico que a una diferencia clínica significativa. Los pacientes con determinadas enfermedades neurológicas presentan mayor riesgo de IR.

Incidence of respiratory tract infections in tracheostomized patients hospitalized in a weaning and rehabilitation center

Objectives: To describe the incidence of respiratory tract infections (RTIs) in tracheostomized patients hospitalized in a weaning and rehabilitation center (WRC) and to identify risk factors (RFs) for the development of RTI. Materials and methods: A nested case-control study was conducted. Age was used as the matching variable. All tracheostomized patients who were hospitalized from March, 2013, to February, 2015, were included. The incidence of RTI was recorded. Results: A total of 167 patients were included, with 73 RTI episodes being recorded in 46 patients (27.5%). Cumulative incidence was 27.5%, and incidence rate was 2.22 episodes per 1,000 days of stay. Bacteria were recovered in 50 of the 73 episodes recorded, with Pseudomonas aeruginosa being the most prevalent organism (34.3%). The lowest albumin values proved to be a RF for the development of RTI (p 0.001, odds ratio [OR] 5.82, confidence interval [CI] 2.08-16.2). The highest hemoglobin values on admission acted as protective factors (p 0.048, OR 0.74, CI 0.55-0.99). Diagnoses of stroke (p 0.025, OR 3.45, CI 1.16-10.2), Parkinson (p 0.011, OR 18.9, CI 1.93-185) or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) (p 0.013, OR 6.34, IC 1.47-27.2) on admission were established as risk factors for the development of RTI. Conclusion: For the first time in our setting, it was possible to determine the incidence of RTI in tracheostomized patients and the most common pathogens, although comparison with other WRCs is needed. The association found between albumin values and the subsequent development of RTI might be more related to an incidental finding than to a significant clinical difference. Patients with certain neurologic diseases are at increased risk for RTI.

Effect of tracheostomy tube on work of breathing: Comparison of pre- and post-decannulation.

OBJECTIVE: To describe and compare the work of breathing (WOB) during spontaneous breathing under four conditions: (1) breathing through a tracheostomy tube with an inflated cuff, (2) breathing through the upper airway (UA) with a deflated cuff and occluded tube, (3) breathing through the UA with an occluded cuffless tube, and (4) postdecannulation. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients who tolerated an occluded cuffless tube were included. Ventilatory variables and esophageal pressure were recorded. The pressure-time product (PTP), PTP/min, and PTP/min/tidal volume (PTP/min/VT) were measured. Each condition was measured for 5 min with a 15 min time interval between evaluations. Quantitative data are expressed as mean ± standard deviation. Single-factor analysis of variance was used, and the Games-Howell test was used for post hoc analysis of comparisons between group means (P ≤ 0.05). RESULTS: Eight patients were studied under each of the four conditions described above. Statistically significant differences were found for PTP, PTP/min, and PTP/min/VT. In the post hoc analysis for PTP, significant differences among all conditions were found. For PTP/min, there was no significant difference between Conditions 2 and 4 (P = 0.138), and for PTP/min/VT, there was no significant difference between Conditions 1 and 2 (P = 0.072) or between Conditions 2 and 3 (P = 0.106). A trend toward a higher PTP, PTP/min, and PTP/min/VT was observed when breathing through a cuffless tracheostomy tube. CONCLUSION: The four conditions differed with respect to WOB. Cuff inflation could result in a reduced WOB because there is less dead space. Cuffless tracheostomy tubes generate increased WOB, perhaps due to the material deformity caused by body temperature.

Evaluation of an active humidification system for inspired gas.

OBJECTIVES: The effectiveness of the active humidification systems (AHS) in patients already weaned from mechanical ventilation and with an artificial airway has not been very well described. The objective of this study was to evaluate the performance of an AHS in chronically tracheostomized and spontaneously breathing patients. METHODS: Measurements were quantified at three levels of temperature (T°) of the AHS: level I, low; level II, middle; and level III, high and at different flow levels (20 to 60 L/minute). Statistical analysis of repeated measurements was performed using analysis of variance and significance was set at a P<0.05. RESULTS: While the lowest temperature setting (level I) did not condition gas to the minimum recommended values for any of the flows that were used, the medium temperature setting (level II) only conditioned gas with flows of 20 and 30 L/minute. Finally, at the highest temperature setting (level III), every flow reached the minimum absolute humidity (AH) recommended of 30 mg/L. CONCLUSION: According to our results, to obtain appropiate relative humidity, AH and T° of gas one should have a device that maintains water T° at least at 53℃ for flows between 20 and 30 L/m, or at T° of 61℃ at any flow rate.