Asociación entre Glucemia inestable, tiempo de estancia y mortalidad de pacientes en estado críticos: Estudio de cohorte / Associação Entre Glicemia Instável, Tempo de Permanência e Mortalidade de Pacientes Críticos: Estudo de Coorte / Relationships between unstable Glycemia, Hospital Length Of Stay, and mortality In Critically Ill patients: A cohort study

Resumen Introducción: El control y la evaluación de los niveles glucémicos de pacientes en estado críticos es un desafío y una competencia del equipo de enfermería. Por lo que, determinar las consecuencias de esta durante la hospitalización es clave para evidenciar la importancia del oportuno manejo. Objetivo: Determinar la asociación entre la glucemia inestable (hiperglucemia e hipoglucemia), el resultado de la hospitalización y la duración de la estancia de los pacientes en una unidad de cuidados intensivos. Metodología: Estudio de cohorte prospectivo realizado con 62 pacientes a conveniencia en estado crítico entre marzo y julio de 2017. Se recogieron muestras diarias de sangre para medir la glucemia. Se evaluó la asociación de la glucemia inestable con la duración de la estancia y el resultado de la hospitalización mediante ji al cuadrado de Pearson. El valor de p<0.05 fue considerado significativo. Resultados: De las 62 personas participantes, 50 % eran hombres y 50 % mujeres. La edad media fue de 63.3 años (±21.4 años). La incidencia de glucemia inestable fue del 45.2 % y se asoció con una mayor duración de la estancia en la UCI (p<0.001) y una progresión a la muerte como resultado de la hospitalización (p=0.03). Conclusión: Entre quienes participaron, la glucemia inestable se asoció con una mayor duración de la estancia más prolongada y con progresión hacia la muerte, lo que refuerza la importancia de la actuación de enfermería para prevenir su aparición.

Resumo Introdução: O controle e avaliação dos níveis glicêmicos em pacientes críticos é um desafio e uma competência da equipe de enfermagem. Portanto, determinar as consequências da glicemia instável durante a hospitalização é chave para evidenciar a importância da gestão oportuna. Objetivo: Determinar a associação entre glicemia instável (hiperglicemia e hipoglicemia), os desfechos hospitalares e o tempo de permanência dos pacientes em uma unidade de terapia intensiva. Métodos: Um estudo de coorte prospectivo realizado com 62 pacientes a conveniência em estado crítico entre março e julho de 2017. Foram coletadas amostras diariamente de sangue para medir a glicemia. A associação entre a glicemia instável com o tempo de permanência e o desfecho da hospitalização foi avaliada pelo teste qui-quadrado de Pearson. O valor de p <0,05 foi considerado significativo. Resultados: Das 62 pessoas participantes, 50% eram homens e 50% mulheres. A idade média foi de 63,3 anos (±21,4 anos). A incidência de glicemia instável foi de 45,2% e se associou a um tempo de permanência mais prolongado na UTI (p <0,001) e uma progressão para óbito como desfecho da hospitalização (p = 0,03). Conclusão: Entre os participantes, a glicemia instável se associou a um tempo mais longo de permanência e com progressão para óbito, enfatizando a importância da actuação da equipe de enfermagem para prevenir sua ocorrência.

Abstract Introduction: The control and evaluation of glycemic levels in critically ill patients is a challenge and a responsibility of the nursing team; therefore, determining the consequences of this during hospitalization is key to demonstrate the importance of timely management. Objective: To determine the relationship between unstable glycemia (hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia), hospital length of stay, and the hospitalization outcome of patients in an Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Methods: A prospective cohort study conducted with 62 critically ill patients by convenience sampling between March and July 2017. Daily blood samples were collected to measure glycemia. The correlation of unstable glycemia with the hospital length of stay and the hospitalization outcome was assessed using Pearson's chi-square. A p-value <0.05 was considered significant. Results: Among the 62 patients, 50% were male and 50% were female. The mean age was 63.3 years (±21.4 years). The incidence of unstable glycemia was 45.2% and was associated with a longer ICU stay (p<0.001) and a progression to death as a hospitalization outcome (p=0.03). Conclusion: Among critically ill patients, unstable glycemia was associated with an extended hospital length of stay and a progression to death, emphasizing the importance of nursing intervention to prevent its occurrence.

Cultura de segurança em unidades de terapia intensiva na perspectiva da equipe multiprofissional: Estudo multicêntrico / Cultura de seguridad en unidades de terapia intensiva en la perspectiva del equipo multiprofesional: Estudio multicéntrico / Safety Culture in intensive care units from multiprofessional team perspective: A multicenter study

Resumo Introdução: A Cultura de Segurança do Paciente é considerada um importante componente estrutural dos serviços, que favorece a implantação de práticas seguras e a diminuição da ocorrência de eventos adversos. Objetivo: Identificar os fatores associados à cultura de segurança do paciente nas unidades de terapia intensiva adulto em hospitais de grande porte da região Sudeste do Brasil. Método: Estudo transversal do tipo survey e multicêntrico. Participaram 168 profissionais de saúde de quatro unidades (A, B, C e D) de terapia intensiva adulto. Foi utilizado o questionário "Hospital Survey on Patient Safety Culture". Considerou-se como variável dependente o nível de cultura de segurança do paciente e variáveis independentes aspectos sociodemográficos e laborais. Foram usadas estatísticas descritivas e para a análise dos fatores associados foi elaborado um modelo de regressão logística múltipla. Resultados: Identificou-se associação entre tipo de hospital com onze dimensões da cultura de segurança, quanto à função a categoria profissional médico, técnico de enfermagem e enfermeiro foram relacionadas com três dimensões; o gênero com duas dimensões e tempo de atuação no setor com uma dimensão. Conclusão: Evidenciou-se que o tipo de hospital, categoria profissional, tempo de atuação no setor e gênero foram associados às dimensões de cultura de segurança do paciente.

Resumen Introducción: La cultura de seguridad del paciente se considera un componente estructural importante de los servicios, que favorece la aplicación de prácticas seguras y la reducción de la aparición de acontecimientos adversos. Objetivo: Identificar los factores asociados a la cultura de seguridad del paciente en unidades de terapia intensiva adulto en hospitales de la región Sudeste del Brasil. Metodología: Estudio transversal de tipo encuesta y multicéntrico. Participaron 168 profesionales de salud de cuatro unidades (A, B, C y D) de terapia intensiva adulto. Se utilizó el cuestionario "Hospital Survey on Patient Safety Culture". Se consideró como variable dependiente el nivel de cultura de seguridad del paciente y variables independientes los aspectos sociodemográficos y laborales. Fueron usadas estadísticas descriptivas y, para analizar los factores asociados, fue elaborado un modelo de regresión logística múltiple. Resultados: Se identificó asociación entre tipo de hospital con once dimensiones de cultura de seguridad del paciente. En relación a la función, personal médico, técnicos de enfermería y personal de enfermería fueron asociados con tres dimensiones, el género con dos dimensiones y tiempo de actuación con una dimensión en el modelo de regresión. Conclusión: Se evidenció que el tipo de hospital, función, tiempo de actuación en el sector y género fueron asociados a las dimensiones de la cultura de seguridad del paciente.

Abstract Introduction: Patient safety culture is considered an important structural component of the services, which promotes the implementation of safe practices and the reduction of adverse events. Objective: To identify the factors associated with patient safety culture in adult intensive care units in large hospitals in Belo Horizonte. Method: Cross-sectional survey and multicenter study. A total of 168 health professionals from four units (A, B, C and D) of adult intensive care participated. The questionnaire "Hospital Survey on Patient Safety Culture" was used. The patient's level of safety culture was considered as a dependent variable, and sociodemographic and labor aspects were the independent variables. Descriptive statistics were used and a multiple logistic regression model was developed to analyze the associated factors. Results: An association was identified between the type of hospital and eleven dimensions of the safety culture. In terms of function, the doctors, nursing technicians, and nurse were related to three dimensions; gender with two dimensions, and time working in the sector with one dimension. Conclusion: It was evidenced that the type of hospital, function, time working in the sector, and gender were associated with the dimensions of patient safety culture.

Caring to care: Nurturing ICU healthcare professionals' wellbeing for enhanced patient safety.

Healthcare professionals working in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) care for patients suffering from a critical illness and their relatives. Working within a team of people with different personalities, competencies, and specialties, with constraints and demands might contribute to a working environment that is prone to conflicts and disagreements. This highlights that the ICU is a stressful place that can threaten healthcare professionals' wellbeing. This article aims to address the concept of wellbeing by describing how the stressful ICU work-environment threatens the wellbeing of health professionals and discussing how this situation jeopardizes patient safety. To promote wellbeing, it is imperative to explore actionable interventions such as improve communication skills, educational sessions on stress management, or mindfulness. Promoting ICU healthcare professionals' wellbeing through evidence-based strategies will not only increase their personal resilience but might contribute to a safer and more efficient patient care.

Prediction and simulation of PEEP setting effects with machine learning models / Predicción y simulación de los efectos de la configuración de la PEEP con modelos de aprendizaje automático

Objective To establish a new machine learning-based method to adjust positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) using only already routinely measured data. Design Retrospective observational study. Setting Intensive care unit (ICU). Patients or participants 51811 mechanically ventilated patients in multiple ICUs in the USA (data from MIMIC-III and eICU databases). Interventions No interventions. Main variables of interest Success parameters of ventilation (arterial partial pressures of oxygen and carbon dioxide and respiratory system compliance). Results The multi-tasking neural network model performed significantly best for all target tasks in the primary test set. The model predicts arterial partial pressures of oxygen and carbon dioxide and respiratory system compliance about 45 min into the future with mean absolute percentage errors of about 21.7%, 10.0% and 15.8%, respectively. The proposed use of the model was demonstrated in case scenarios, where we simulated possible effects of PEEP adjustments for individual cases. Conclusions Our study implies that machine learning approach to PEEP titration is a promising new method which comes with no extra cost once the infrastructure is in place. Availability of databases with most recent ICU patient data is crucial for the refinement of prediction performance. (AU)

Objetivo Establecer un nuevo método basado en el aprendizaje automático para ajustar la presión positiva al final de la espiración (PEEP según sus siglas en inglés) utilizando únicamente datos ya obtenidos de forma rutinaria. Diseño Estudio retrospectivo de observación. Ámbito Unidad de cuidados intesivos (UCI) Pacientes o participantes 51811 pacientes ventilados mecánicamente en múltiples UCIs de EE.UU. (tomados de las bases de datos MIMIC-III y eICU). Intervenciones Sin intervenciones. Variables de interés principales Parametros de éxito de la ventilación (presiones parciales arteriales de oxígeno y dióxido de carbono y distensibilidad del sistema respiratorio). Resultados El modelo de red neuronal multitarea obtuvo los mejores resultados en todos los objetivos del conjunto de pruebas primario. El modelo predice las presiones parciales arteriales de oxígeno y dióxido de carbono así como la distensibilidad del sistema respiratorio con aproximadamente 45 minutos de anticipación, mostrando errores porcentuales absolutos medios de aproximadamente 21.7%, 10.0% y 15.8%, respectivamente. El uso propuesto del modelo se demostró en situaciones hipotéticas en las que se simularon los posibles efectos de los ajustes de PEEP para casos individuales. Conclusiones Nuestro estudio implica que el enfoque de aprendizaje automático para el ajuste de la PEEP es un método nuevo y prometedor que no supone ningún coste adicional una vez que se dispone de la infraestructura necesaria. La disponibilidad de bases de datos con información de pacientes de UCI más recientes es crucial para perfeccionar el rendimiento de la predicción. (AU)

Eficacia del protocolo Start to move en funcionalidad, DA-UCI y delirio: ensayo clínico aleatorizado / Efficacy of the «Start to move» protocol on functionality, ICU-acquired weakness and delirium: Randomized clinical trial

Objetivo Evaluar la eficacia del protocolo Start to move comparado con el tratamiento convencional en sujetos mayores de 15 años hospitalizados en la UCI sobre una mejoría en funcionalidad, disminución de debilidad adquirida en la UCI (DA-UCI), incidencia de delirio, días de ventilación mecánica (VM), estadía en la UCI y mortalidad a los 28 días. Diseño Ensayo clínico controlado aleatorizado. Ámbito Unidad de paciente crítico. Participantes Incluye adultos mayores a 15 años con VMI mayor a 48h, asignación aleatoria. Intervenciones Protocolo «Start to move» y tratamiento convencional. Variables de interés principales Se analizó funcionalidad, incidencia DA-UCI, incidencia delirio, días VM, estadía UCI y mortalidad-28 días, ClinicalTrials.gov número, NCT05053724. Resultados Sesenta y nueve sujetos fueron ingresados al estudio, 33 al grupo Start to move y 36 a tratamiento convencional, comparables clínico y sociodemograficamente. En el grupo Start to move la incidencia DAUCI al egreso de la UCI fue de 35,7 vs. 80,7% grupo tratamiento convencional (p=0,001). La funcionalidad (FSS-ICU) al egreso de la UCI corresponde a 26 vs. 17 puntos a favor del grupo Start to move (p=0,001). La diferencia en Barthel al egreso de la UCI fue del 20% a favor del grupo Start to move (p=0,006). No hubo diferencias significativas en incidencia de delirio, días de VM, estadía UCI y mortalidad-28 días. El estudio no reportó eventos adversos, ni suspensión de protocolo. Conclusiones La aplicación del protocolo Start to move en la UCI se asoció reducción en la incidencia DA-UCI, aumento en funcionalidad y menor caída en puntaje Barthel al egreso. (AU)

Objective To evaluate the efficacy of the Start to move protocol compared to conventional treatment in subjects over 15 years of age hospitalized in the ICU on an improvement in functionality, decrease in ICU-acquired weakness (IUCD), incidence of delirium, days of mechanical ventilation (MV), length of stay in ICU and mortality at 28 days. Design Randomized controlled clinical trial. Setting Intensive care unit. Participants Includes adults older than 15 years with invasive mechanical ventilation more than 48h, randomized allocation. Interventions Start to move protocol and conventional treatment. Main variables of interest Functionality, incidence of ICU-acquired weakness, incidence of delirium, days on mechanical ventilation, ICU stay and mortality-28 days, ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT05053724. Results Sixty-nine subjects were admitted to the study, 33 to the Start to move group and 36 to conventional treatment, clinically and sociodemographic comparable. In the “Start to move” group, the incidence of IUCD at ICU discharge was 35.7% vs. 80.7% in the “conventional treatment” group (P=.001). Functionality (FSS-ICU) at ICU discharge corresponds to 26 vs. 17 points in favor of the “Start to move” group (P=.001). The difference in Barthel at ICU discharge was 20% in favor of the “Start to move” group (P=.006). There were no significant differences in the incidence of delirium, days of mechanical ventilation, ICU stay and 28-day mortality. The study did not report adverse events or protocol suspension. Conclusions The application of the “Start to move” protocol in ICU showed a reduction in the incidence of IUCD, an increase in functionality and a smaller decrease in Barthel score at discharge. (AU)

Síndrome de burnout y factores asociados en enfermeras de cuidados intensivos: un estudio transversal / Síndrome de burnout e fatores associados em enfermeiros de terapia intensiva: um estudo transversal / Burnout syndrome and associated factors in intensive care nurses: a cross-sectional study

Introducción: El Síndrome de Burnout (SB) surge en el contexto de condiciones laborales precarias, y se manifiesta a través de un conjunto de signos y síntomas que afectan la psicología del trabajador debido a la exposición a factores estresantes en el ambiente laboral.Objetivo: Analizar la prevalencia y los factores asociados al Síndrome de Burnout (SB) en enfermeras de cuidados intensivos. Método: Estudio transversal y analítico, realizado con 94 enfermeros asistenciales en unidades de cuidados intensivos de un hospital público en el estado de Bahía. Se utilizó el Inventario de Burnout de Maslach (MBI) y un cuestionario que contenía aspectos sociodemográficos, culturales y ocupacionales. Resultados: El 62,8% mostró alto agotamiento emocional; 64,9% alta despersonalización y 77,7% alta reducción de la realización profesional. Los factores asociados al SB fueron: edad hasta 38 años (RP: 2,38; IC 95%: 1,44-3,94), no tener pareja (RP: 1,97; IC 95%: 1,17-3,32), insatisfacción laboral (RP: 1,78; IC 95%: 1,15 -2,75), tener dolor de espalda (RP: 3,33; IC 95%: 1,72 -6,42), ansiedad (RP: 2,33; IC 95%: 1,22-4,46) y patrón de sueño hasta 5 horas (RP: 1,67; IC 95%: 1,08-2,59). Se encontró que tener hijos es un índice protector (RP: 0,55; IC 95%: 0,33-0,90). Enfermería GlobalNº 74 Abril 2024Página 224Conclusión: Se considera alto el porcentaje de enfermeros con diagnóstico sugestivo del síndrome (43,6%), así como la existencia de factores asociados. Es fundamental que la institución ofrezca un ambiente de trabajo sano, en el que la prevención sea la mejor vía para que estos profesionales no se conviertan en blancos del síndrome. (AU)

Introdução: A Síndrome de Burnout (SB) emerge no contexto das condições laborais precárias, e se manifesta por meio de um conjunto de sinais e sintomas que afetam o psicológico do trabalhador devido à exposição a estressores no ambiente de trabalho.Objetivo: Analisar a prevalência e fatores a Síndrome de Burnout em enfermeiros de terapia intensiva. Método: Estudo transversal e analítico, realizado com 94 enfermeiros assistenciais de unidades de terapia intensiva de um hospital público do estado da Bahia, Brasil. Utilizou-se o Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) e um questionário contendo questões sociodemográficos, culturais e ocupacionais. Resultados: 62,8% apresentaram alta exaustão emocional; 64,9%, alta despersonalização; e 77,7%, alta redução da realização profissional. Os fatores associados à SB foram: idade até 38 anos (RP: 2,38; IC 95%: 1,44-3,94), não ter companheiro (RP: 1,97; IC 95%: 1,17-3,32), insatisfação com o trabalho (RP: 1,78; IC 95%: 1,15 -2,75), apresentar dores dorsais (RP: 3,33; IC 95%: 1,72 -6,42), ansiedade (RP: 2,33; IC 95%: 1,22-4,46) e padrão de sono até 05 horas (RP: 1,67; IC 95%: 1,08-2,59). Verificou-se que ter filhos é um índice protetor (RP: 0,55; IC 95%: 0,33-0,90). Conclusão: Existe um percentual considerado elevado de enfermeiros com diagnóstico sugestivo da síndrome (43,6%), assim como a existência de fatores associados. É imprescindível que a instituição ofereça um ambiente de trabalho sadio, no qual, a prevenção é a melhor maneira para que os profissionais não se tornem alvos da síndrome. (AU)

Introduction: Burnout Syndrome (BS) emerges in the context of precarious working conditions, and manifests itself through a set of signs and symptoms that affect the worker's psychology due to exposure to stressors in the work environment. Objective: to analyze the prevalence and factors associated with Burnout Syndrome (BS) in intensive care nurses. Method: cross-sectional and analytical study, carried out with 94 nurses in intensive care units of a public hospital in the state of Bahia. The Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) and a questionnaire containing sociodemographic, cultural and occupational issues were used. Results: 62.8% showed high emotional exhaustion; 64.9% high depersonalization and 77.7% high reduction in professional achievement. The factors associated with BS were: age up to 38 years (PR: 2.38; 95% CI: 1.44-3.94), not having a partner (PR: 1.97; 95% CI: 1.17-3.32), job dissatisfaction (PR: 1.78; 95% CI: 1.15 -2.75), having back pain (PR: 3.33; 95% CI: 1.72 -6.42), anxiety (PR: 2.33; 95% CI: 1.22-4.46) and sleep pattern up to 5 hours (PR: 1.67; 95% CI: 1.08-2.59). It was found that having children is a protective index (PR: 0.55; 95% CI: 0.33-0.90). Conclusion: there is a considered high percentage of nurses with a diagnosis suggestive of the syndrome (43.6%), as well as the existence of associated factors. It is essential that the institution offers a healthy work environment, in which prevention is the best way for these professionals not to become targets of the syndrome. (AU)

Association between early manifestations of infection or sepsis and prognosis in a high complexity hospital in the city of Medellín.

OBJECTIVE: To identify the first symptoms and signs of patients with suspected infection or sepsis and their association with the composite outcome of admission to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) or mortality. DESIGN: Prospective cohort study between June 2019 and March 2020. SETTING: Hospital Universitario San Vicente Fundación, Colombia. PATIENTS: Over 18 years of age with suspicion or confirmation of sepsis, which required hospitalization. INTERVENTIONS: None. MAIN VARIABLES OF INTEREST: Symptoms and signs associated with infection, with their time of evolution, specified in the study. RESULTS: From 1005 eligible patients, 261 were included. After multivariable adjustment with a logistic regression model, the main factors for ICU admission or mortality were heart rate (OR 1.04 with 95% CI 1.04-3.7), respiratory rate (OR 1.19 with 95% CI 1.0-1.4) and capillary refill time (OR 3.4 with 95% CI 1.9-6.1). CONCLUSIONS: Heart rate, respiratory rate, and capillary refill may behave as early predictors of ICU admission and mortality in cases of sepsis.

Anaesthesia training designs across Europe: A survey-based study from the trainees committee of the European Society of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care.

BACKGROUND: Anaesthesiology training programs in Europe vary in duration, content, and requirements for completion. This survey-based study conducted by the Trainees Committee of the European Society of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care explores current anaesthesia training designs across Europe. METHODS: Between May and July 2018, we sent a 41-item online questionnaire to all National Trainee Representatives, members of the National Anaesthesiologists Societies Committee, and Council Representatives of the European Society of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care (ESAIC) of all member countries. We cross-validated inconsistent data with different country representatives. RESULTS: Forty-three anaesthesiologists from all 39 associated ESAIC countries completed the questionnaire. Results showed considerable variability in teaching formats, frequency of teaching sessions during training, and differences in assessments made during and at the end of training. The reported duration of training was 60 months in 59% (n = 23) of participating countries, ranging from 24 months in Russia and Ukraine to 84 months in the UK. CONCLUSION: This study shows the significant differences in anaesthesiology training formats across Europe, and highlights the importance of developing standardised training programs to ensure a consistent level of training and to improve patient safety. This study provides valuable insights into European anaesthesia training, and underlines the need for further research and collaboration to improve requirements.

Frailty in severe COVID-19 survivors after ICU admission. A prospective and multicenter study in Mexico.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the presence of frailty in survivors of severe COVID-19 admitted in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and followed six months after discharge. DESIGN: An observational, prospective and multicenter, nation-wide study. SETTING: Eight adult ICU across eight academic acute care hospitals in Mexico. PATIENTS: All consecutive adult COVID-19 patients admitted in the ICU with acute respiratory failure between March 8, 2020 to February 28, 2021 were included. Frailty was defined according to the FRAIL scale, and was obtained at ICU admission and 6-month after hospital discharge. INTERVENTIONS: None. MAIN VARIABLES OF INTEREST: The primary endpoint was the frailty status 6-months after discharge. A regression model was used to evaluate the predictors during ICU stay associated with frailty. RESULTS: 196 ICU survivors were evaluated for basal frailty at ICU admission and were included in this analysis. After 6-months from discharge, 164 patients were evaluated for frailty: 40 patients (20.4%) were classified as non-frail, 67 patients (34.2%) as pre-frail and 57 patients (29.1%) as frail. After adjustment, the need of invasive mechanical ventilation was the only factor independently associated with frailty at 6 month follow-up (Odds Ratio [OR] 3.70, 95% confidence interval 1.40-9.81, P = .008). CONCLUSIONS: Deterioration of frailty was reported frequently among ICU survivors with severe COVID-19 at 6-months. The need of invasive mechanical ventilation in ICU survivors was the only predictor independently associated with frailty.

Clinical features and disease progression of elderly patients at the ICU setting.

OBJECTIVE: To describe and characterize a cohort of octogenarian patients admitted to the ICU of the University Central Hospital of Asturias (HUCA). DESIGN: Retrospective, observational and descriptive study of 14 months' duration. SETTING: Cardiac and Medical intensive care units (ICU) of the HUCA (Oviedo). PARTICIPANTS: Patients over 80 years old who were admitted to the ICU for more than 24 h. INTERVENTIONS: None. MAIN VARIABLES OF INTEREST: Age, sex, comorbidity, functional dependence, treatment, complications, evolution, mortality. RESULTS: The most frequent reasons for admission were cardiac surgery and pneumonia. The average admission stay was significantly longer in patients under 85 years of age (p = 0,037). 84,3% of the latter benefited from invasive mechanical ventilation compared to 46,2% of older patients (p = <0,001). Patients over 85 years of age presented greater fragility. Admission for cardiac surgery was associated with a lower risk of mortality (HR = 0,18; 95% CI (0,062-0,527; p = 0,002). CONCLUSIONS: The results have shown an association between the reason for admission to the ICU and the risk of mortality in octogenarian patients. Cardiac surgery was associated with a better prognosis compared to medical pathology, where pneumonia was associated with a higher risk of mortality. Furthermore, a significant positive association was observed between age and frailty.

The comfort perception in the critically ill patient from the Kolcaba theoretical model.

BACKGROUND: The stay in a critical care unit (CCU) has a serious impact on physical condition causing numerous discomfort factors such as pain or difficulty in communicating. All of these are associated with possible sequelae following discharge from the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) named post-ICU syndrome. The Kolcaba Comfort Theory allows, from a holistic approach, to identify care needs from the patient's perspective using instruments such as the General Comfort Questionnaire (GCQ). OBJECTIVES: To determine the comfort level of patients admitted to the CCU using the GCQ of Kolcaba and to identify the discomfort factors. METHODS: Cross-sectional descriptive observational prospective study. POPULATION: 580 patients admitted to adult CCU of two high complexity hospitals from June 2015 to March 2020 with stay ≥24 h were interviewed. Descriptive analysis, Student's t-test and ANOVA and multivariate analysis were performed using SPSS v26 and STATA v16. RESULTS: The mean age was 52,62 (16,21), 357 (61,6%) were male and 434 (74,8%) were believers. The type of admission was planned in 322 (55,5%) and the most prevalent reason for admission was surgical 486 (83,8%). The median pain score (NRS) was 3,00 [0-4] and severity score (APACHE II) was 13,26 (5,89), the median length of stay was 4,00 [2-7] days. The mean comfort level was 3,02 (0,31) showing the highest value Reanimation 3.02 (0.30) and the lowest Trauma and Emergency Unit 2.95 (0.38). Statistically significant differences were found between the units in the comfort level of patients >65 years of age (p = 0.029). The Relief comfort type obtained the lowest mean 2.81 (0.33) and the physical context 2.75 (0.41) in the three units. In the multivariate analysis, statistically significant differences were found between the comfort level and the pain level: no pain (p = 0,000) OR 4,361 CI [2,184-8,707], mild pain (p = 0,000) OR 4,007 CI [2,068-7,763], moderate pain (p = 0,007) OR 2,803 CI [1,328-5,913], and the APACHE II score equal to or greater than 10 (p = 0,000) OR 0,472 CI [0,316-0,705]. CONCLUSIONS: The comfort level showed high scores in all three units. The physical and environmental contexts and the relief comfort type negatively affected the perception of comfort. The variables that explained comfort were pain and severity of illness. The evaluation of comfort from the patient's perspective through the GCQ could be considered an indicator of quality of nursing interventions.

Epidemiology and outcomes of pediatric cardiac arrest in a cardiovascular unit at a public hospital in Argentina.

BACKGROUND: Children with congenital heart disease present a higher frequency of cardiorespiratory arrest (CRA) than the general pediatric population. The epidemiology of CRA is not exactly known in our setting, nor are the mortality risk or the neurological evolution factors. OBJECTIVE: To describe the epidemiology and outcomes associated with pediatric cardiopulmonary resuscitation in a cardiovascular recovery unit. The primary endpoint was the survival to discharge and the secondary endpoints were the return to spontaneous circulation, the survival at 24 hours and the remote neurological condition. METHODS: Descriptive, prospective, longitudinal cohort study in children under 18 years of age who required cardiopulmonary resuscitation between 2016 and 2019. Demographic variables, characteristics of cardiopulmonary arrest, resuscitation and outcome were analyzed. An uni- and multivariate analysis was performed comparing survivors and deceased. RESULTS: Out of 1,842 hospitalized patients, 4.1% presented CRA. Fifty patients with complete records were analyzed. Seventy-eight percent (39) returned to spontaneous circulation with a high survival rate of 46%. Resuscitation > 6 min and the use of vasoactive drugs were predictors of mortality; 16/23 patients were followed up, 10 of them with normal development for age at 6 months, six had pervasive developmental disorder. CONCLUSIONS: 4.1% of patients presented CRA, with a rate of 3.4 CRA per 1,000 patient-days. Survival at hospital discharge (n = 50) was 46%. Resuscitation > 6 min and the use of vasoactive drugs were independent predictors of mortality. At six months, 63% had normal neurological development for age.

ANTECEDENTES: Los niños con cardiopatías congénitas experimentan paro cardiorrespiratorio (PCR) con mayor frecuencia que la población pediátrica general. Se desconoce la epidemiología exacta del PCR en nuestro medio, al igual que el riesgo de mortalidad y los factores que influyen en la evolución neurológica. OBJETIVO: Describir la epidemiología y los resultados asociados con la reanimación cardiopulmonar pediátrica en una unidad de recuperación cardiovascular. El criterio de valoración primario fue la supervivencia al momento del alta hospitalaria; los secundarios fueron el retorno de la circulación espontánea, la supervivencia a las 24 horas y la condición neurológica en el largo plazo. MÉTODO: Estudio de cohorte longitudinal, descriptivo, prospectivo, en menores de 18 años que requirieron reanimación cardiopulmonar entre 2016 y 2019. Se analizaron las variables demográficas y las características del paro cardiorrespiratorio y de la reanimación, así como su resultado. Se realizaron análisis de una y múltiples variables para comparar a los pacientes sobrevivientes con los fallecidos. RESULTADOS: De los 1,842 pacientes internados, el 4.1% experimentó PCR. Se analizaron 50 pacientes con expedientes completos. Se logró el retorno de la circulación espontánea en el 78% (39), con una supervivencia alta del 46%. La reanimación > 6 min y el uso de fármacos vasoactivos fueron factores predictivos de mortalidad; se realizó el seguimiento de 16/23 pacientes, 10 de ellos con desarrollo normal para la edad luego de seis meses, seis tenían trastorno generalizado del desarrollo. CONCLUSIONES: El 4.1% de los pacientes presentó un PCR, con una tasa de 3.4 PCR por 1,000 días-paciente. La supervivencia al egreso hospitalario (n = 50) fue del 46%. La reanimación > 6 min y la utilización de fármacos vasoactivos fueron factores predictivos independientes de mortalidad. Luego de seis meses, el 63% tenía desarrollo neurológico normal para la edad.

Gender perspective in the implementation of hygiene in cardiology intensive care.

INTRODUCTION: Hygiene in critical patients is an essential daily care, provided under safe conditions, to promote comfort and maintain the integrity of skin and mucous membranes, however, it can generate feelings of dependence and vulnerability in patients. The aim of this post hoc study is to know the differences in satisfaction and lived experience regarding bed hygiene in an intensive care unit according to biological sex and gender perspective. METHODS: Observational, descriptive and prospective study in which an ad hoc questionnaire was administered to 148 conscious and oriented patients of legal age. The questionnaire was completed 24-48 hours after admission to the unit, once the initial bed hygiene had been performed. RESULTS: Males experienced conformism (51%), embarrassment (31%) and relief (9%); Women felt conformism (35.4%), embarrassment (18.8%) and relief (29.2%) (p < 0.05). Women experienced a feeling of cleanliness in 89.1% compared to 56.1% of men (p < 0.05). Men were offered to wash their genitals in 72.9% compared to 35.7% of women (p < 0.05). 34.3% of men would prefer a family member to assist them during hygiene (62.9% by their wives), compared to 27.1% of women who would prefer a family member (84.6% by their daughters). CONCLUSION: Women tolerate bed hygiene better than men and appreciate more the feeling of cleanliness. Women are identified as caregivers, both professionally and in the family, and patients prefer them to collaborate in the performance of hygiene, being wives preferred by men and daughters preferred by women.

Perfil clínico, abordaje y pronóstico del paciente con shock cardiogénico sometido a traslado interhospitalario en España / Clinical profile, management and outcomes of patients with cardiogenic shock undergoing transfer between centers in Spain

Introducción y objetivos El objetivo es analizar el perfil clínico, el abordaje y el pronóstico del shock cardiogénico (SC) por infarto agudo de miocardio con elevación del segmento ST (IAMCEST) que requiere traslado interhospitalario, así como el impacto pronóstico de las variables estructurales de los centros en este contexto. Métodos Se incluyó a los pacientes con SC-IAMCEST atendidos en centros con capacidad de revascularización (2016-2020). Se consideró a: a) pacientes atendidos durante todo el ingreso en hospitales con cardiología intervencionista sin cirugía cardiaca; b) pacientes atendidos en hospitales con cardiología intervencionista y cirugía cardiaca, y c) pacientes trasladados a centros con cardiología intervencionista y cirugía cardiaca. Se analizó la asociación del volumen de SC-IAMCEST atendidos y la disponibilidad de cuidados intensivos cardiológicos (UCIC) y trasplante cardiaco con la mortalidad hospitalaria. Resultados Se incluyeron 4.189 episodios, 1.389 (33,2%) del grupo A, 2.627 del grupo B (62,7%) y 173 del grupo C (4,1%). Los pacientes trasladados eran más jóvenes, tenían más riesgo cardiovascular y recibieron más frecuentemente revascularización, asistencia circulatoria y trasplante cardiaco durante el ingreso (p<0,001). Los pacientes trasladados presentaron menor tasa bruta de mortalidad (el 46,2 frente al 60,3% del grupo A y el 54,4% del grupo B; p<0,001). Mayor volumen asistencial (OR=0,75; p =0,009) y disponibilidad de UCIC (OR=0,80; p =0,047) se asociaron con menor mortalidad. Conclusiones El porcentaje de SC-IAMCEST trasladados en nuestro medio es bajo. Los pacientes trasladados son más jóvenes y reciben más procedimientos invasivos. Los traslados a centros con mayor volumen y UCIC presentan menor mortalidad. (AU)

Introduction and objectives The aim of this study was to analyze the clinical profile, management, and prognosis of ST segment elevation myocardial infarction-related cardiogenic shock (STEMI-CS) requiring interhospital transfer, as well as the prognostic impact of structural variables of the treating centers in this setting. Methods This study included patients with STEMI-CS treated at revascularization-capable centers from 2016 to 2020. The patients were divided into the following groups: group A: patients attended throughout their admission at hospitals with interventional cardiology without cardiac surgery; group B: patients treated at hospitals with interventional cardiology and cardiac surgery; and group C: patients transferred to centers with interventional cardiology and cardiac surgery. We analyzed the association between the volume of STEMI-CS cases treated, the availability of cardiac intensive care units (CICU), and heart transplant with hospital mortality. Results A total of 4189 episodes were included: 1389 (33.2%) from group A, 2627 from group B (62.7%), and 173 from group C (4.1%). Transferred patients were younger, had a higher cardiovascular risk, and more commonly underwent revascularization, mechanical circulatory support, and heart transplant during hospitalization (P<.001). The crude mortality rate was lower in transferred patients (46.2% vs 60.3% in group A and 54.4% in group B, (P<.001)). Lower mortality was associated with a higher volume of care and CICU availability (OR, 0.75, P=.009; and 0.80, P=.047). Conclusions The proportion of transfers in patients with STEMI-CS in our setting is low. Transferred patients were younger and underwent more invasive procedures. Mortality was lower among patients transferred to centers with a higher volume of STEMI-CS cases and CICU. (AU)

Eficacia y seguridad de un compuesto de ácidos grasos hiperoxigenados en la mejora de la microcirculación de la púrpura fulminante en pacientes pediátricos con sepsis: estudio piloto / Efficacy and safety of a hyperoxygenated fatty acid compound in improving the microcirculation of purpura fulminans in paediatric patients with sepsis: a pilot study

Introducción La púrpura fulminante (PF) es una complicación grave de la sepsis resultado de un conjunto de alteraciones caracterizadas por el desarrollo de lesiones hemorrágicas equimóticas y necrosis de la piel. Objetivo Analizar la eficacia y la seguridad de la aplicación tópica de un compuesto de ácidos grasos hiperoxigenados (AGHO) en la microcirculación de la PF en pacientes pediátricos afectados de sepsis. Material y métodos Se llevó a cabo un estudio prospectivo cuasiexperimental pretest-posttest de un solo grupo en una Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos Pediátrica (UCIP). Se incluyeron en el estudio pacientes con PF de 0 a 18 años. Para evaluar la efectividad del producto objeto de evaluación en la microcirculación de las lesiones por PF se determinaron los valores de oximetría somática antes y después de la aplicación de AGHO cada 4h durante los 3 primeros días de ingreso de los pacientes. Resultados Se reclutaron 4 pacientes, con una mediana de edad de 98 meses. Las lesiones purpúricas que se midieron estaban ubicadas, sobre todo, en ambos pies y manos y, en 2 pacientes, también en los maléolos laterales y gemelos de ambas extremidades inferiores. Se obtuvieron un total de 225 mediciones, observando unas puntuaciones medias preintervención de 71,17±15,65% versus los 73,68±14,83% postintervención. Se objetivó significación estadística (p<0,001) al comparar las mediciones pre- y postintervención. Conclusiones La aplicación precoz y continuada de AGHO en el manejo de la PF por sepsis es una práctica eficaz y segura en los casos de población pediátrica analizada. En más de la mitad de los episodios analizados se objetivó un aumento de microcirculación tisular tras la aplicación de los AGHO, sin eventos adversos. (AU)

Introduction Purpura fulminans (PF) is a serious complication of sepsis resulting from a set of alterations characterised by the development of ecchymotic haemorrhagic lesions and skin necrosis. Aim To analyse the efficacy and safety of the topical application of HOFA compound, in the cutaneous microcirculation of PF lesions in paediatric patients affected by sepsis. Material and methods A prospective quasi-experimental pre-test/post-test single-group conducted in a Paediatric Intensive Care Unit of a third level hospital was performed. Paediatric patients aged 0-18 years with sepsis were included. Somatic oximetry values were measured before and after application of HOFAs every 4hours over the first three days of the patients’ hospitalisation. Patient's socio-demographic and clinical variables and somatic oximetry by placing a sensor for measuring tissue perfusion on the area with PF were determined. Results Four patients were recruited, with a median age of 98 months. The purpuric lesions measured were mainly located on both feet and hands and, in two patients, also on the lateral malleoli and calves of both lower extremities. A total of 225 measurements were obtained, with mean pre-intervention scores of 71.17±15.65% versus 73.68±14.83% post-intervention. Statistical significance (p<0.001) was observed upon comparison of the pre- and post-intervention measurements. Conclusions Early and continued application of HOFAs in the management of sepsis-induced PF is an effective and safe practice in the cases analysed. In more than half of the episodes analysed, an increase in tissue microcirculation was observed after the application of HOFAs, with no adverse events. (AU)

Nurses’ perceptions of the obstacles and supportive behaviors of end-of-life care in intensive care units / Percepciones de los enfermeros sobre los obstáculos y comportamientos de apoyo de la atención al final de la vida en unidades de cuidados intensivos

Purpose This study examined the Jordanian registered nurses’ perceptions of the obstacles and supportive behaviors of End-of-Life Care in Intensive Care Units and examined the differences in the concepts based on the samples’ demographics. Methods A cross-sectional and comparative study was conducted using a convenience sample of 230 Intensive Care Unit registered nurses in Jordan. Data were analyzed descriptively, and differences were measured using the independent sample t-test, the one-way Analysis of Variance, and Scheffe’s post hoc test. Results The registered nurses’ scored moderately on obstacles (74.98 ± 14.54) and supportive behaviors (69.22 ± 4.84). The commonly perceived obstacle and supportive behaviors to End-of-Life Care in Intensive Care Units s were reported. The perceived obstacles differ based on the registered nurses’ certification as an Intensive Care Units nurse (3.04 ± 0.58 vs. 2.74 ± 0.49, p = 0.008), type of Intensive Care Unit (3.28 ± 0.34 vs. 2.86 ± 0.62, p < 0.001), type of facility (3.16 ± 0.59 vs. 2.77 ± 0.61, p < 0.001), number of beds in the unit (3.07 ± 0.48 vs. 2.69 ± 0.48, p = 0.020), and the number of hours worked per week (3.06 ± 0.56 vs. 2.81 ± 0.60, p = 0.005). In contrast, supportive behaviors only differ based on the registered nurses’ age (3.22 ± 0.69 vs. 2.90 ± 0.64, p = 0.019). Conclusions The common End-of-Life Care perceived obstacle in Intensive Care Units was the lack of nursing education and training regarding the studies concept, which warrants immediate intervention such as on-job training. The common End-of-Life Care perceived supportive behavior in Intensive Care Units was when family members accepted that the patient was dying when nurses offered support to family members; motivational interventions are needed to sustain such behavior. Differences in the perceived obstacles and supportive behaviors should be leveraged for the benefit of patients, nurses, and hospitals. (AU)

Propósito Este estudio examinó las percepciones de las enfermeras registradas jordanas sobre los obstáculos y comportamientos de apoyo de la atención al final de la vida en las Unidades de Cuidados Intensivos y examinó las diferencias en los conceptos basados en la demografía de las muestras. Métodos Se realizó un estudio transversal y comparativo utilizando una muestra de conveniencia de 230 enfermeras registradas en la Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos en Jordania. Los datos se analizaron descriptivamente y las diferencias se midieron mediante la prueba t de muestra independiente, el análisis unidireccional de varianza y la prueba post hoc de Scheffe. Resultados Las enfermeras registradas obtuvieron una puntuación moderada en obstáculos (74,98 ± 14,54) y comportamientos de apoyo (69,22 ± 4,84). Se informaron los obstáculos comúnmente percibidos y los comportamientos de apoyo a la atención al final de la vida en las Unidades de Cuidados Intensivos. Los obstáculos percibidos difieren según la certificación del enfermero registrado como enfermero de las Unidades de Terapia Intensiva (3,04 ± 0,58 vs. 2,74 ± 0,49, p < 0.001), tipo de Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos (3,28 ± 0,34 vs. 2,86 ± 0,62, p < 0.001), tipo de instalación (3,16 ± 0,59 vs. 2,77 ± 0,61, p < 0.001), número de camas en la unidad (3,07 ± 0,48 vs. 2,69 ± 0,48, p = 0,020), y número de horas trabajadas por semana (3,06 ± 0,56 vs. 2,81 ± 0,60, p = 0,005). En contraste, los comportamientos de apoyo solo difieren según la edad de las enfermeras registradas (3,22 ± 0,69 vs. 2,90 ± 0,64, p = 0,019). Conclusiones El obstáculo común percibido en la Atención al Final de la Vida en las Unidades de Terapia Intensiva fue la falta de educación y capacitación de enfermería sobre el concepto de estudios, lo que justifica una intervención inmediata, como la capacitación en el trabajo... (AU)

Encuesta nacional sobre cambios en las políticas de comunicación, visitas y cuidados al final de la vida en las unidades de cuidados intensivos durante las diferentes olas de la pandemia de COVID-19 (estudio COVIFAUCI) / National survey on changes in visitation, communication and end-of-life care policies in intensive care units through the different COVID-19 pandemic's waves (COVIFAUCI study)

Introducción La pandemia derivada de la infección por SARS-CoV-2 propició cambios en los cuidados tanto a familiares como a pacientes de cuidados intensivos durante las diferentes olas de incidencia del virus. La línea de humanización seguida por la mayoría de los hospitales se vio gravemente afectada por las restricciones aplicadas. Como objetivo, planteamos conocer las modificaciones experimentadas durante las diferentes olas de la pandemia por SARS-CoV-2 en España respecto a la política de visitas a los pacientes en UCI, el acompañamiento al final de la vida, y el uso de las nuevas tecnologías de la comunicación entre familiares, pacientes y profesionales. Métodos Estudio descriptivo transversal multicéntrico mediante encuesta a las UCI españolas desde febrero a abril de 2022. Se realizaron métodos de análisis estadísticos a los resultados según lo apropiado. El estudio fue avalado por la Sociedad Española de Enfermería Intensiva y Unidades Coronarias. Resultados Respondieron un 29% de las unidades contactadas. Los minutos de visita diarios de los familiares se redujeron drásticamente de 135 (87,5-255) a 45 (25-60) en el 21,2% de las unidades que permitían su acceso, mejorando levemente con el paso de las olas. En el caso de duelo, la permisividad fue mayor, aumentando el uso de las nuevas tecnologías para la comunicación paciente-familia en el caso del 96,5% de las unidades. Conclusiones Las familias de los pacientes ingresados en UCI durante las diferentes olas de la pandemia por COVID-19 han experimentado restricciones en las visitas y cambio de la presencialidad por técnicas virtuales de comunicación. Los tiempos de acceso se redujeron a niveles mínimos durante la primera ola, recuperándose con el avance de la pandemia pero sin llegar nunca a los niveles iniciales... (AU)

Introduction The pandemic derived from the SARS-CoV-2 infection led to changes in care for both relatives and intensive care patients during the different waves of incidence of the virus. The line of humanization followed by the majority of the hospitals was seriously affected by the restrictions applied. As an objective, we propose to know the modifications suffered during the different waves of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic in Spain regarding the policy of visits to patients in the ICU, monitoring at the end of life, and the use of new technologies of communication between family members, patients and professionals. Methods Multicenter cross-sectional descriptive study through a survey of Spanish ICUs from February to April 2022. Statistical analysis methods were performed on the results as appropriate. The study was endorsed by the Spanish Society of Intensive Nursing and Coronary Units. Results Twenty-nine percent of the units contacted responded. The daily visiting minutes of relatives dropped drastically from 135 (87.5-255) to 45 (25-60) in the 21.2% of units that allowed their access, improving slightly with the passing of the waves. In the case of bereavement, the permissiveness was greater, increasing the use of new technologies for patient-family communication in the case of 96.5% of the units. Conclusions The family of patients admitted to the ICU during the different waves of the COVID-19 pandemic have suffered restrictions on visits and a change from face-to-face to virtual communication techniques. Access times were reduced to minimum levels during the first wave, recovering with the advance of the pandemic but never reaching initial levels. Despite the implemented solutions and virtual communication, efforts should be directed towards improving the protocols for the humanization of healthcare that allow caring for families and patients whatever the healthcare context. (AU)

Monitorización de la glucemia en el paciente crítico adulto: tipo de muestra y método de análisis. Revisión sistemática y metanálisis / Blood glucose monitoring in critically ill adult patients: Type of sample and method of analysis. Systematic review and meta-analysis

IntroducciónLa guía clínica para el manejo de la sepsis recomienda usar muestras de sangre arterial para el control glucémico. Un estudio multicéntrico en 86 unidades de cuidados intensivos españolas reveló que el 85,4% de estas utilizaban punción capilar.ObjetivoAnalizar la fiabilidad de la glucemia comparando diferentes muestras sanguíneas (arterial, venosa, capilar) e instrumentos (glucómetros, gasómetros, laboratorio central). Secundariamente, estimar el efecto de variables confusoras y el rendimiento de los instrumentos de medición determinados por las diferentes normas de calidad.MetodologíaRevisión sistemática y metanálisis con búsqueda en las bases de datos PubMed, CINAHL y Embase en septiembre-2021 y septiembre-2022, sin límites temporales ni idiomáticos. Fuentes de literatura gris: DART-Europe, OpenGrey y Google Académico. Resultados resumidos mediante síntesis cualitativa (descripción de resultados, características de los estudios) y cuantitativa (metanálisis para evaluar la diferencia de medias estandarizadas). Calidad metodológica de artículos evaluada con Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies-2. Protocolo: https://osf.io/ DOI 10.17605/OSF.IO/T8KYP.ResultadosSe incluyeron un total de 32 artículos y 5.451 pacientes. No se obtuvieron discrepancias entre muestras arteriales con glucómetro vs. laboratorio (sesgo [IC95%]: 0,01 [−0,12 a 0,14] mg/dL). En cambio, muestras arteriales con gasómetro sí sobreestimaron de forma significativa (sesgo [IC95%]: 0,12 [0,01 a 0,24] mg/dL). La misma tendencia presentan capilares con glucómetro, aunque no de forma significativa (sesgo [IC95%]: 0,07 [−0,02 a 0,15] mg/dL). Hay discrepancia entre los estudios sobre el efecto del hematocrito y el equilibrio ácido-base. El mayor consenso se da en la poca concordancia del glucómetro con muestras capilares vs. laboratorio en presencia de shock y soporte vasopresor, situación de fallo renal o durante el tratamiento con vitamina C.Conclusiones... (AU)

IntroductionThe clinical guideline for the management of sepsis recommends using arterial blood samples for glycaemic control. A multicentre study in 86 Spanish intensive care units revealed that 85.4% of these used capillary puncture.ObjectiveTo analyse the reliability of glycaemia by comparing different blood samples (arterial, venous, capillary) and instruments (glucometers, gasometers, central laboratory). Secondarily, to estimate the effect of confounding variables and the performance of measuring instruments as determined by different quality standards.MethodologySystematic review and meta-analysis with search in PubMed, CINAHL and Embase databases in September-2021 and September-2022, with no time or language limits. Grey literature sources: DART-Europe, OpenGrey and Google Scholar. Results summarised by qualitative (description of results, study characteristics) and quantitative (meta-analysis to assess standardised mean difference) synthesis. Methodological quality of articles assessed with Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies-2. Protocol: https://osf.io/ DOI 10.17605/OSF.IO/T8KYP.ResultsA total of 32 articles and 5451 patients were included. No discrepancies were obtained between arterial glucometer vs. laboratory samples (bias [95%CI]: 0.01 [−0.12 to 0.14] mg/dL). In contrast, arterial samples with a gasometer did significantly overestimate (bias [95%CI]: 0.12 [0.01 to 0.24] mg/dL). The same trend is seen in capillaries with a glucometer, although not significantly (bias [95%CI]: 0.07 [−0.02 to 0.15] mg/dL). There is discrepancy between studies on the effect of haematocrit and acid-base balance. The greatest consensus is on the poor agreement of glucometer with capillary vs. laboratory samples in the presence of shock and vasopressor support, renal failure or during vitamin C treatment.Conclusions... (AU)

Eficacia y seguridad de un compuesto de ácidos grasos hiperoxigenados en la mejora de la microcirculación de la púrpura fulminante en pacientes pediátricos con sepsis: estudio piloto / Efficacy and safety of a hyperoxygenated fatty acid compound in improving the microcirculation of purpura fulminans in paediatric patients with sepsis: a pilot study

Introducción La púrpura fulminante (PF) es una complicación grave de la sepsis resultado de un conjunto de alteraciones caracterizadas por el desarrollo de lesiones hemorrágicas equimóticas y necrosis de la piel. Objetivo Analizar la eficacia y la seguridad de la aplicación tópica de un compuesto de ácidos grasos hiperoxigenados (AGHO) en la microcirculación de la PF en pacientes pediátricos afectados de sepsis. Material y métodos Se llevó a cabo un estudio prospectivo cuasiexperimental pretest-posttest de un solo grupo en una Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos Pediátrica (UCIP). Se incluyeron en el estudio pacientes con PF de 0 a 18 años. Para evaluar la efectividad del producto objeto de evaluación en la microcirculación de las lesiones por PF se determinaron los valores de oximetría somática antes y después de la aplicación de AGHO cada 4h durante los 3 primeros días de ingreso de los pacientes. Resultados Se reclutaron 4 pacientes, con una mediana de edad de 98 meses. Las lesiones purpúricas que se midieron estaban ubicadas, sobre todo, en ambos pies y manos y, en 2 pacientes, también en los maléolos laterales y gemelos de ambas extremidades inferiores. Se obtuvieron un total de 225 mediciones, observando unas puntuaciones medias preintervención de 71,17±15,65% versus los 73,68±14,83% postintervención. Se objetivó significación estadística (p<0,001) al comparar las mediciones pre- y postintervención. Conclusiones La aplicación precoz y continuada de AGHO en el manejo de la PF por sepsis es una práctica eficaz y segura en los casos de población pediátrica analizada. En más de la mitad de los episodios analizados se objetivó un aumento de microcirculación tisular tras la aplicación de los AGHO, sin eventos adversos. (AU)

Introduction Purpura fulminans (PF) is a serious complication of sepsis resulting from a set of alterations characterised by the development of ecchymotic haemorrhagic lesions and skin necrosis. Aim To analyse the efficacy and safety of the topical application of HOFA compound, in the cutaneous microcirculation of PF lesions in paediatric patients affected by sepsis. Material and methods A prospective quasi-experimental pre-test/post-test single-group conducted in a Paediatric Intensive Care Unit of a third level hospital was performed. Paediatric patients aged 0-18 years with sepsis were included. Somatic oximetry values were measured before and after application of HOFAs every 4hours over the first three days of the patients’ hospitalisation. Patient's socio-demographic and clinical variables and somatic oximetry by placing a sensor for measuring tissue perfusion on the area with PF were determined. Results Four patients were recruited, with a median age of 98 months. The purpuric lesions measured were mainly located on both feet and hands and, in two patients, also on the lateral malleoli and calves of both lower extremities. A total of 225 measurements were obtained, with mean pre-intervention scores of 71.17±15.65% versus 73.68±14.83% post-intervention. Statistical significance (p<0.001) was observed upon comparison of the pre- and post-intervention measurements. Conclusions Early and continued application of HOFAs in the management of sepsis-induced PF is an effective and safe practice in the cases analysed. In more than half of the episodes analysed, an increase in tissue microcirculation was observed after the application of HOFAs, with no adverse events. (AU)

Nurses’ perceptions of the obstacles and supportive behaviors of end-of-life care in intensive care units / Percepciones de los enfermeros sobre los obstáculos y comportamientos de apoyo de la atención al final de la vida en unidades de cuidados intensivos

Purpose This study examined the Jordanian registered nurses’ perceptions of the obstacles and supportive behaviors of End-of-Life Care in Intensive Care Units and examined the differences in the concepts based on the samples’ demographics. Methods A cross-sectional and comparative study was conducted using a convenience sample of 230 Intensive Care Unit registered nurses in Jordan. Data were analyzed descriptively, and differences were measured using the independent sample t-test, the one-way Analysis of Variance, and Scheffe’s post hoc test. Results The registered nurses’ scored moderately on obstacles (74.98 ± 14.54) and supportive behaviors (69.22 ± 4.84). The commonly perceived obstacle and supportive behaviors to End-of-Life Care in Intensive Care Units s were reported. The perceived obstacles differ based on the registered nurses’ certification as an Intensive Care Units nurse (3.04 ± 0.58 vs. 2.74 ± 0.49, p = 0.008), type of Intensive Care Unit (3.28 ± 0.34 vs. 2.86 ± 0.62, p < 0.001), type of facility (3.16 ± 0.59 vs. 2.77 ± 0.61, p < 0.001), number of beds in the unit (3.07 ± 0.48 vs. 2.69 ± 0.48, p = 0.020), and the number of hours worked per week (3.06 ± 0.56 vs. 2.81 ± 0.60, p = 0.005). In contrast, supportive behaviors only differ based on the registered nurses’ age (3.22 ± 0.69 vs. 2.90 ± 0.64, p = 0.019). Conclusions The common End-of-Life Care perceived obstacle in Intensive Care Units was the lack of nursing education and training regarding the studies concept, which warrants immediate intervention such as on-job training. The common End-of-Life Care perceived supportive behavior in Intensive Care Units was when family members accepted that the patient was dying when nurses offered support to family members; motivational interventions are needed to sustain such behavior. Differences in the perceived obstacles and supportive behaviors should be leveraged for the benefit of patients, nurses, and hospitals. (AU)

Propósito Este estudio examinó las percepciones de las enfermeras registradas jordanas sobre los obstáculos y comportamientos de apoyo de la atención al final de la vida en las Unidades de Cuidados Intensivos y examinó las diferencias en los conceptos basados en la demografía de las muestras. Métodos Se realizó un estudio transversal y comparativo utilizando una muestra de conveniencia de 230 enfermeras registradas en la Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos en Jordania. Los datos se analizaron descriptivamente y las diferencias se midieron mediante la prueba t de muestra independiente, el análisis unidireccional de varianza y la prueba post hoc de Scheffe. Resultados Las enfermeras registradas obtuvieron una puntuación moderada en obstáculos (74,98 ± 14,54) y comportamientos de apoyo (69,22 ± 4,84). Se informaron los obstáculos comúnmente percibidos y los comportamientos de apoyo a la atención al final de la vida en las Unidades de Cuidados Intensivos. Los obstáculos percibidos difieren según la certificación del enfermero registrado como enfermero de las Unidades de Terapia Intensiva (3,04 ± 0,58 vs. 2,74 ± 0,49, p < 0.001), tipo de Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos (3,28 ± 0,34 vs. 2,86 ± 0,62, p < 0.001), tipo de instalación (3,16 ± 0,59 vs. 2,77 ± 0,61, p < 0.001), número de camas en la unidad (3,07 ± 0,48 vs. 2,69 ± 0,48, p = 0,020), y número de horas trabajadas por semana (3,06 ± 0,56 vs. 2,81 ± 0,60, p = 0,005). En contraste, los comportamientos de apoyo solo difieren según la edad de las enfermeras registradas (3,22 ± 0,69 vs. 2,90 ± 0,64, p = 0,019). Conclusiones El obstáculo común percibido en la Atención al Final de la Vida en las Unidades de Terapia Intensiva fue la falta de educación y capacitación de enfermería sobre el concepto de estudios, lo que justifica una intervención inmediata, como la capacitación en el trabajo... (AU)