Survival and Risk Factors Associated with Mortality in Patients with Sleep Apnoea in Colombia: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

Background: Survival in patients with sleep apnoea (SA) can be reduced by variables such as age, sex, and comorbidities. However, survival data in patients with SA in Colombia remains scarce. Methods: This is a retrospective cohort study of patients diagnosed with SA between 2005 and 2022. Five-year survival was assessed using the Kaplan-Meier method, and survival curves were stratified by age, sex, and cardiovascular disease. Risk factors associated with survival were evaluated using Hazard Ratio (HR) by adjusting for confounding variables with a Cox regression model. A minimum sample size of 1537 patients were estimated to be necessary to estimate a survival incidence rate with a 5% precision. Results: The five-year survival rate in the general population was 94.6%, with lower survival in patients over 65 years (88.5% vs 97.9%; p < 0.001) and in patients with cardiovascular disease (89% vs 95.2%; p < 0.001) compared to the control group. In the Cox regression, age showed an HR of 1.05 (95% CI: 1.02-1.07; p < 0.001). Male sex had an HR of 2.31 (95% CI: 1.25-4.25; p = 0.007), congestive heart failure an HR of 4.00 (95% CI: 2.31-6.94; p < 0.001), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) an HR of 1.75 (95% CI: 1.04-2.96; p = 0.035), chronic kidney disease (CKD) an HR of 2.23 (95% CI: 1.31-3.78; p = 0.003), and metastatic cancer an HR of 4.96 (95% CI: 1.95-12.60; p = 0.001). Conclusion: The study showed a high five-year survival rate in patients with SA. The risk factors associated with decreased overall five-year survival were age, male sex, cardiovascular disease, COPD, CKD, and metastatic cancer.

Development of a web application to evaluate spirometric curve and clinical variables to support COPD diagnosis in primary care. / Desarrollo de una aplicación web para evaluar los datos de la espirometría y las variables clínicas para apoyar el diagnóstico de EPOC en atención primaria

INTRODUCTION: Choric obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the third mortality cause in the world, and the development of useful diagnostic tools is necessary to improve timely diagnostic rates in primary care settings. OBJECTIVE: To develop a web application displaying spirometric and clinical information - including respiratory symptoms and risk factors- to facilitate a COPD diagnosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, an expert consensus was carried out with three specialists using the Delphi method to choose the relevant variables for COPD diagnosis. We developed a Python-based web application to diagnose COPD, displaying the clinical variables deemed relevant by the experts along the spirometric curve. RESULTS: Twenty-six clinical variables were included in the web application for the diagnosis of COPD. A fourth expert used the web application to classify a cohort of 695 patients who had undergone spirometry in a third-level centre and had answered at least one of five questionnaires for COPD screening. Out of the 695 subjects, 34% had COPD, according to the expert that diagnosed them using the web application. Only 42% of the patients in the COPD group had received a previous COPD diagnosis and 19% of the patients in the no COPD group had been misdiagnosed with the disease. CONCLUSION: We developed a web application that displays demographic and clinical information, as well as spirometric data, to facilitate the process of diagnosing COPD in primary care settings.

Introducción. La enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica (EPOC) es la tercera causa de mortalidad en el mundo y es necesario el desarrollo de herramientas diagnósticas útiles para mejorar las tasas de diagnóstico oportuno en los entornos de atención primaria. Objetivo. Desarrollar una aplicación web que muestre la información clínica y de la espirometría ­incluyendo síntomas respiratorios y factores de riesgo­ para facilitar el diagnóstico de la EPOC. Materiales y métodos. En este estudio transversal se realizó un consenso de expertos con tres especialistas usando el método Delphi para elegir las variables relevantes para el diagnóstico de EPOC. Se desarrolló una aplicación web basada en Python que muestra la información clínica relevante según los expertos, junto con la curva y los datos de la espirometría para el diagnóstico de la EPOC. Resultados. Se incluyeron 26 variables clínicas para el diagnóstico de la EPOC. Un cuarto experto utilizó la aplicación web para clasificar una cohorte de 695 pacientes a los que se les había realizado una espirometría en un centro de tercer nivel y que habían contestado al menos uno de los cinco cuestionarios para la detección de la EPOC. De los 695 sujetos, el 34 % tenían EPOC según el experto que les diagnosticó usando la aplicación web. Sólo el 42 % de los pacientes del grupo con EPOC había recibido un diagnóstico previo de la enfermedad y el 19 % de los pacientes del grupo sin EPOC había sido diagnosticado erróneamente con la enfermedad. Conclusión. Se desarrolló una aplicación web que muestra información demográfica y clínica, así como datos espirométricos, para facilitar el proceso de diagnóstico de la EPOC en entornos de atención primaria.

Performance of risk scores in predicting mortality at 3, 6, and 12 months in patients diagnosed with community-acquired pneumonia.

BACKGROUND: Risk scores (RS) evaluate the likelihood of short-term mortality in patients diagnosed with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). However, there is a scarcity of evidence to determine the risk of long-term mortality. This article aims to compare the effectiveness of 16 scores in predicting mortality at three, six, and twelve months in adult patients with CAP. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study on individuals diagnosed with CAP was conducted across two hospitals in Colombia. Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curves were constructed at 3, 6, and 12 months to assess the predictive ability of death for the following scoring systems: CURB-65, CRB-65, SCAP, CORB, ADROP, NEWS, Pneumonia Shock, REA-ICU, PSI, SMART-COP, SMRT-CO, SOAR, qSOFA, SIRS, CAPSI, and Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI). RESULTS: A total of 3688 patients were included in the final analysis. Mortality at 3, 6, and 12 months was 5.2%, 8.3%, and 16.3% respectively. At 3 months, PSI, CCI, and CRB-65 scores showed ROC curves of 0.74 (95% CI: 0.71-0.77), 0.71 (95% CI: 0.67-0.74), and 0.70 (95% CI: 0.66-0.74). At 6 months, PSI and CCI scores showed performances of 0.74 (95% CI: 0.72-0.77) and 0.72 (95% CI: 0.69-0.74), respectively. Finally at 12 months, all evaluated scores showed poor discriminatory capacity, including PSI, which decreased from acceptable to poor with an ROC curve of 0.64 (95% CI: 0.61-0.66). CONCLUSION: When predicting mortality in patients with CAP, at 3 months, PSI, CCI, and CRB-65 showed acceptable predictive performances. At 6 months, only PSI and CCI maintained acceptable levels of accuracy. For the 12-month period, all evaluated scores exhibited very limited discriminatory ability, ranging from poor to almost negligible.

Factors related to mortality in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in Colombian population / Factores relacionados con la mortalidad en pacientes con enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica en población colombiana

Introduction. Data in low- and middle-income countries on mortality and its related risk factors in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease are limited. Objective. To identify the incidence of death and its relationship with variables in a Colombian population during 12 months of follow-up. Materials and methods. We carried out a retrospective study in subjects diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in a third-level hospital in Colombia. Odds ratios were calculated using multivariable logistic regression analysis with the outcome variable "mortality at 12 months". Results. We included 524 patients, 18.1% (95 / 524) died. The average age was 69.7 (SD = 8.92), and 59.2% (310 / 524) were women. The variables associated with mortality were age (OR = 6.54; 95% CI = 3.65-11.36; p < 0.001), years of exposure to wood smoke (OR = 4.59; 95% CI = 1.64-2.82; p = 0.002), chronic heart failure (OR = 1.81; 95% CI = 1.13-2.91; p = 0.014), cerebrovascular disease (OR = 3.35; 95% CI = 1.04-10.75; p = 0.032), and chronic kidney disease (OR = 6.96; 95% CI = 1.15-41.67; p=0.015). When adjusting the variables in the multivariate analysis, only an association was found for sex (OR = 1.55; 95% CI = 0.95-2.54; p = 0.008) and age (OR = 5.94; 95% CI = 3.3-10.69; p < 0.001). Conclusion. Age, years of exposure to wood smoke, chronic heart failure, and cerebrovascular and chronic kidney disease were the clinical variables associated with a fatal outcome. However, age and sex were the only variables related to mortality when adjusted for confounding factors.

Introducción. En los países de medianos y bajos ingresos, los datos sobre la mortalidad y los factores de riesgo en pacientes con enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica son limitados. Objetivo. Identificar la incidencia de muerte y sus variables relacionadas en una población colombiana durante 12 meses de seguimiento. Materiales y métodos. Se llevó a cabo un estudio retrospectivo de sujetos con diagnóstico de enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica en una clínica de tercer nivel en Colombia. Los cocientes de probabilidades se calcularon mediante un análisis de regresión logística multivariable con la variable de resultado "mortalidad a los 12 meses". Resultados. Ingresaron 524 pacientes, de los cuales el 18,1 % (95 / 524) murió. La edad promedio fue de 69,7 (DE = 8,92) y el 59,2 % (310 / 524) eran mujeres. Las variables asociadas con la mortalidad fueron la edad (OR = 6,54; IC95%: 3,65-11,36; p < 0,001), años de exposición al humo de leña (OR = 4,59; IC95%: 1,64-12,82; p = 0,002), insuficiencia cardiaca crónica (OR = 1,81; IC95%: 1,13-2,91; p = 0,014), enfermedad cerebrovascular (OR = 3,35; IC95%: 1,04-10,75; p = 0,032) y enfermedad renal crónica (OR=6,96; IC 95%:1,15-41,67; p = 0,015). Al ajustar las variables en el análisis multivariado únicamente se mostró asociación entre el sexo (OR = 1,55; IC95%: 0,95-2,54; p = 0,008) y la edad (OR = 5,94; IC95%: 3,3-10,69; p < 0,001). Conclusión. La edad, los años de exposición al humo de leña, la insuficiencia cardiaca crónica, la enfermedad cerebrovascular y la renal crónica fueron variables clínicas asociadas a un desenlace fatal. Sin embargo, la edad y el sexo fueron las únicas relacionadas con la mortalidad al ajustarlas por factores de confusión.

A targeted likelihood estimation comparing cefepime and piperacillin/tazobactam in critically ill patients with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP).

Cefepime and piperacillin/tazobactam are antimicrobials recommended by IDSA/ATS guidelines for the empirical management of patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). Concerns have been raised about which should be used in clinical practice. This study aims to compare the effect of cefepime and piperacillin/tazobactam in critically ill CAP patients through a targeted maximum likelihood estimation (TMLE). A total of 2026 ICU-admitted patients with CAP were included. Among them, (47%) presented respiratory failure, and (27%) developed septic shock. A total of (68%) received cefepime and (32%) piperacillin/tazobactam-based treatment. After running the TMLE, we found that cefepime and piperacillin/tazobactam-based treatments have comparable 28-day, hospital, and ICU mortality. Additionally, age, PTT, serum potassium and temperature were associated with preferring cefepime over piperacillin/tazobactam (OR 1.14 95% CI [1.01-1.27], p = 0.03), (OR 1.14 95% CI [1.03-1.26], p = 0.009), (OR 1.1 95% CI [1.01-1.22], p = 0.039) and (OR 1.13 95% CI [1.03-1.24], p = 0.014)]. Our study found a similar mortality rate among ICU-admitted CAP patients treated with cefepime and piperacillin/tazobactam. Clinicians may consider factors such as availability and safety profiles when making treatment decisions.

The development and implementation of a low-cost mechanical ventilator in a low-middle-income country during the COVID-19 pandemic: The Unisabana-HERONS.

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic in Latin America generated the need to develop low-cost, fast-manufacturing mechanical ventilators. The Universidad de La Sabana and the Fundacion Neumologica Colombiana designed and manufactured the Unisabana-HERONS (USH) ventilator. Here, we present the preclinical and clinical study results to evaluate its effectiveness and safety characteristics in an animal model (Yorkshire Sow) and five patients with acute respiratory failure receiving mechanical ventilatory support for 24 h. Methods: The effectiveness and safety outcomes included maintaining arterial blood gases and pulse oximetry saturation (SpO2), respiratory pressures and volumes (during continuous monitoring) in the range of ARDS and lung-protective strategy goals, and the occurrence of barotrauma. A significance level of 0.05 was used for statistical tests. This clinical trial was registered on Clinicaltrials.gov (NCT04497623) and approved by the ethics committee. Results: Among patients treated with the Unisabana-HERONS, the most frequent causes of acute respiratory failure were pneumonia in 3/5 (60 %) and ARDS in 2/5 (40 %). During the treatment, the ventilatory parameters related to lung protection protocols were kept within the safety range, and vital signs and blood gas were stable. The percentage of time that the respiratory pressures or volumes were out of safety range were plateau pressure >30 cm H2O: 0.00 %; driving pressure >15 cm H2O: 0.06 %; mechanical power >15 J/min: 0.00 %; and Tidal volume >8 mL/kg: 0.00 %. There were no adverse events related to the ventilator. The usability questionnaire retrieved a median score for all items between 9 and 10 (best score: 10), indicating great ease of use. Conclusion: The Unisabana-HERONS ventilator effectively provided adequate gas exchange and maintained the ventilatory parameters in the range of lung protection strategies in humans and an animal model. Furthermore, it is straightforward to use and is a low-cost medical device.

Factores relacionados con la mortalidad en pacientes con enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica en población colombiana / Factors related to mortality in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in Colombian population

Resumen Introducción. En los países de medianos y bajos ingresos, los datos sobre la mortalidad y los factores de riesgo en pacientes con enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica son limitados. Objetivo. Identificar la incidencia de muerte y sus variables relacionadas en una población colombiana durante 12 meses de seguimiento. Materiales y métodos. Se llevó a cabo un estudio retrospectivo de sujetos con diagnóstico de enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica en una clínica de tercer nivel en Colombia. Los cocientes de probabilidades se calcularon mediante un análisis de regresión logística multivariable con la variable de resultado "mortalidad a los 12 meses". Resultados. Ingresaron 524 pacientes, de los cuales el 18,1 % (95 / 524) murió. La edad promedio fue de 69,7 (DE = 8,92) y el 59,2 % (310 / 524) eran mujeres. Las variables asociadas con la mortalidad fueron la edad (OR = 6,54; IC95%: 3,65-11,36; p < 0,001), años de exposición al humo de leña (OR = 4,59; IC95%: 1,64-12,82; p = 0,002), insuficiencia cardiaca crónica (OR = 1,81; IC95%: 1,13-2,91; p = 0,014), enfermedad cerebrovascular (OR = 3,35; IC95%: 1,04-10,75; p = 0,032) y enfermedad renal crónica (OR=6,96; IC 95%:1,15- 41,67; p = 0,015). Al ajustar las variables en el análisis multivariado únicamente se mostró asociación entre el sexo (OR = 1,55; IC95%: 0,95-2,54; p = 0,008) y la edad (OR = 5,94; IC95%: 3,3-10,69; p < 0,001). Conclusión. La edad, los años de exposición al humo de leña, la insuficiencia cardiaca crónica, la enfermedad cerebrovascular y la renal crónica fueron variables clínicas asociadas a un desenlace fatal. Sin embargo, la edad y el sexo fueron las únicas relacionadas con la mortalidad al ajustarlas por factores de confusión.

Abstract Introduction. Data in low- and middle-income countries on mortality and its related risk factors in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease are limited. Objective. To identify the incidence of death and its relationship with variables in a Colombian population during 12 months of follow-up. Materials and methods. We carried out a retrospective study in subjects diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in a third-level hospital in Colombia. Odds ratios were calculated using multivariable logistic regression analysis with the outcome variable "mortality at 12 months". Results. We included 524 patients, 18.1% (95 / 524) died. The average age was 69.7 (SD = 8.92), and 59.2% (310 / 524) were women. The variables associated with mortality were age (OR = 6.54; 95% CI = 3.65-11.36; p < 0.001), years of exposure to wood smoke (OR = 4.59; 95% CI = 1.64-2.82; p = 0.002), chronic heart failure (OR = 1.81; 95% CI = 1.132.91; p = 0.014), cerebrovascular disease (OR = 3.35; 95% CI = 1.04-10.75; p = 0.032), and chronic kidney disease (OR = 6.96; 95% CI = 1.15-41.67; p=0.015). When adjusting the variables in the multivariate analysis, only an association was found for sex (OR = 1.55; 95% CI = 0.95-2.54; p = 0.008) and age (OR = 5.94; 95% CI = 3.3-10.69; p < 0.001). Conclusion. Age, years of exposure to wood smoke, chronic heart failure, and cerebrovascular and chronic kidney disease were the clinical variables associated with a fatal outcome. However, age and sex were the only variables related to mortality when adjusted for confounding factors.

Development of a web application to evaluate spirometric curve and clinical variables to support COPD diagnosis in primary care / Desarrollo de una aplicación web para evaluar los datos de la espirometría y las variables clínicas para apoyar el diagnóstico de EPOC en atención primaria

Abstract Introduction. Choric obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the third mortality cause in the world, and the development of useful diagnostic tools is necessary to improve timely diagnostic rates in primary care settings. Objective. To develop a web application displaying spirometric and clinical information - including respiratory symptoms and risk factors- to facilitate a COPD diagnosis. Materials and methods. In this cross-sectional study, an expert consensus was carried out with three specialists using the Delphi method to choose the relevant variables for COPD diagnosis. We developed a Python-based web application to diagnose COPD, displaying the clinical variables deemed relevant by the experts along the spirometric curve. Results. Twenty-six clinical variables were included in the web application for the diagnosis of COPD. A fourth expert used the web application to classify a cohort of 695 patients who had undergone spirometry in a third-level centre and had answered at least one of five questionnaires for COPD screening. Out of the 695 subjects, 34% had COPD, according to the expert that diagnosed them using the web application. Only 42% of the patients in the COPD group had received a previous COPD diagnosis and 19% of the patients in the no COPD group had been misdiagnosed with the disease. Conclusion. We developed a web application that displays demographic and clinical information, as well as spirometric data, to facilitate the process of diagnosing COPD in primary care settings.

Resumen Introducción. La enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica (EPOC) es la tercera causa de mortalidad en el mundo y es necesario el desarrollo de herramientas diagnósticas útiles para mejorar las tasas de diagnóstico oportuno en los entornos de atención primaria. Objetivo. Desarrollar una aplicación web que muestre la información clínica y de la espirometría -incluyendo síntomas respiratorios y factores de riesgo- para facilitar el diagnóstico de la EPOC. Materiales y métodos. En este estudio transversal se realizó un consenso de expertos con tres especialistas usando el método Delphi para elegir las variables relevantes para el diagnóstico de EPOC. Se desarrolló una aplicación web basada en Python que muestra la información clínica relevante según los expertos, junto con la curva y los datos de la espirometría para el diagnóstico de la EPOC. Resultados. Se incluyeron 26 variables clínicas para el diagnóstico de la EPOC. Un cuarto experto utilizó la aplicación web para clasificar una cohorte de 695 pacientes a los que se les había realizado una espirometría en un centro de tercer nivel y que habían contestado al menos uno de los cinco cuestionarios para la detección de la EPOC. De los 695 sujetos, el 34 % tenían EPOC según el experto que les diagnosticó usando la aplicación web. Sólo el 42 % de los pacientes del grupo con EPOC había recibido un diagnóstico previo de la enfermedad y el 19 % de los pacientes del grupo sin EPOC había sido diagnosticado erróneamente con la enfermedad. Conclusión. Se desarrolló una aplicación web que muestra información demográfica y clínica, así como datos espirométricos, para facilitar el proceso de diagnóstico de la EPOC en entornos de atención primaria.

Comparison of the Diagnostic Performance of Five Clinical Questionnaires for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.

Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) remains one of the most prevalent pathologies in the world and is among the leading causes of mortality and morbidity, partially due to underdiagnosis. The use of clinical questionnaires to identify high-risk individuals to take them to further diagnostic procedures has emerged as a strategy to address this problem. Objective: To compare the performance of the COULD IT BE COPD, CDQ, COPD-PS, LFQ, and PUMA questionnaires for COPD diagnosis. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out on subjects who underwent spirometry in the third-level center. Data were collected between January 2015 and March 2020. Bivariate analysis was performed between the study variables and the presence of COPD. The area under the receiver operating characteristics curve (AUC-ROC), sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), positive likelihood ratio (LR+), and negative likelihood ratio (LR-) for each questionnaire were calculated. The AUC-ROCs were compared with the DeLong test, considering a p value <0.05 statistically significant. Results: 681 subjects met the inclusion criteria and were taken to the final analysis. The prevalence of COPD was 27.5% (187/681). The mean age of the subjects was 65.9 years (SD ± 11.79); 46.3% (315/681) were female, and 83.6% (569/681) reported respiratory symptoms. Statistically significant relationship was found for COPD diagnosis with male sex, older age, respiratory symptoms, and exposure to wood smoke (p value <0.05). The AUC-ROCs of the questionnaires were between 0.581 and 0.681. The COULD IT BE COPD questionnaire had a lower discriminatory capacity AUC-ROC of 0.581, concerning the other scores (DeLong test, p = 0.0002). Conclusion: The CDQ, COPD-PS, LFQ, PUMA, and COULD IT BE COPD questionnaires have acceptable performance for the diagnosis of COPD together with low sensitivity and specificity. Therefore, its use must be complemented with other diagnostic tests or techniques such as pulmonary function tests.

Impact of macrolide treatment on long-term mortality in patients admitted to the ICU due to CAP: a targeted maximum likelihood estimation and survival analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Patients with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) have high mortality rates during the acute infection and up to ten years thereafter. Recommendations from international CAP guidelines include macrolide-based treatment. However, there is no data on the long-term outcomes of this recommendation. Therefore, we aimed to determine the impact of macrolide-based therapy on long-term mortality in this population. METHODS: Registered patients in the MIMIC-IV database 16 years or older and admitted to the ICU due to CAP were included. Multivariate analysis, targeted maximum likelihood estimation (TMLE) to simulate a randomised controlled trial, and survival analyses were conducted to test the effect of macrolide-based treatment on mortality six-month (6 m) and twelve-month (12 m) after hospital admission. A sensitivity analysis was performed excluding patients with Pseudomonas aeruginosa or MRSA pneumonia to control for Healthcare-Associated Pneumonia (HCAP). RESULTS: 3775 patients were included, and 1154 were treated with a macrolide-based treatment. The non-macrolide-based group had worse long-term clinical outcomes, represented by 6 m [31.5 (363/1154) vs 39.5 (1035/2621), p < 0.001] and 12 m mortality [39.0 (450/1154) vs 45.7 (1198/2621), p < 0.001]. The main risk factors associated with long-term mortality were Charlson comorbidity index, SAPS II, septic shock, and respiratory failure. Macrolide-based treatment reduced the risk of dying at 6 m [HR (95% CI) 0.69 (0.60, 0.78), p < 0.001] and 12 m [0.72 (0.64, 0.81), p < 0.001]. After TMLE, the protective effect continued with an additive effect estimate of - 0.069. CONCLUSION: Macrolide-based treatment reduced the hazard risk of long-term mortality by almost one-third. This effect remains after simulating an RCT with TMLE and the sensitivity analysis for the HCAP classification.

Risk factors for developing ventilator-associated lower respiratory tract infection in patients with severe COVID-19: a multinational, multicentre study, prospective, observational study.

Around one-third of patients diagnosed with COVID-19 develop a severe illness that requires admission to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). In clinical practice, clinicians have learned that patients admitted to the ICU due to severe COVID-19 frequently develop ventilator-associated lower respiratory tract infections (VA-LRTI). This study aims to describe the clinical characteristics, the factors associated with VA-LRTI, and its impact on clinical outcomes in patients with severe COVID-19. This was a multicentre, observational cohort study conducted in ten countries in Latin America and Europe. We included patients with confirmed rtPCR for SARS-CoV-2 requiring ICU admission and endotracheal intubation. Only patients with a microbiological and clinical diagnosis of VA-LRTI were included. Multivariate Logistic regression analyses and Random Forest were conducted to determine the risk factors for VA-LRTI and its clinical impact in patients with severe COVID-19. In our study cohort of 3287 patients, VA-LRTI was diagnosed in 28.8% [948/3287]. The cumulative incidence of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) was 18.6% [610/3287], followed by ventilator-associated tracheobronchitis (VAT) 10.3% [338/3287]. A total of 1252 bacteria species were isolated. The most frequently isolated pathogens were Pseudomonas aeruginosa (21.2% [266/1252]), followed by Klebsiella pneumoniae (19.1% [239/1252]) and Staphylococcus aureus (15.5% [194/1,252]). The factors independently associated with the development of VA-LRTI were prolonged stay under invasive mechanical ventilation, AKI during ICU stay, and the number of comorbidities. Regarding the clinical impact of VA-LRTI, patients with VAP had an increased risk of hospital mortality (OR [95% CI] of 1.81 [1.40-2.34]), while VAT was not associated with increased hospital mortality (OR [95% CI] of 1.34 [0.98-1.83]). VA-LRTI, often with difficult-to-treat bacteria, is frequent in patients admitted to the ICU due to severe COVID-19 and is associated with worse clinical outcomes, including higher mortality. Identifying risk factors for VA-LRTI might allow the early patient diagnosis to improve clinical outcomes.Trial registration: This is a prospective observational study; therefore, no health care interventions were applied to participants, and trial registration is not applicable.

Comparison of New Spirometry Measures to Diagnose COPD.

BACKGROUND: COPD is diagnosed by using FEV1/FVC, which has limitations as a diagnostic test. We assessed the validity of several measures derived from the expiratory phase of the flow-volume curve obtained from spirometry to diagnose COPD: the slopes that correspond to the volume expired after the 50% and 75% of the FVC, the slope formed between the peak expiratory flow (PEF) and the FVC, and the area under the expiratory flow/volume curve. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional diagnostic test study in 765 consecutive subjects referred for spirometry because of respiratory symptoms. We compared the reproducibility and accuracy of the proposed measures against post-bronchodilator FEV1/FVC < 0.70. We also evaluated the proportion of respiratory symptoms for the FEV1/FVC, FEV1 per FEV in the first 6 s (FEV6), and the PEF slope. RESULTS: The subjects had a mean age of 65.8 y, 57% were women, and 35% had COPD. The test-retest intraclass correlation coefficient values were 0.89, 0.85, and 0.83 for FEV1/FVC, FEV1/FEV6, and the PEF slope, respectively. The area under the curve values were 0.93 (expiratory flow/volume), 0.96 (potential expiratory flow/volume), 0.97 (potential expiratory flow/volume at 75% of FVC), and 0.82 (potential expiratory flow/volume at 50% of FVC). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.99 for FEV1/FEV6, 0.99 for the slope at 50% of the FVC, and 0.98 for the PEF slope. CONCLUSIONS: The FEV1/FEV6, PEF slope, and 50% FVC slopes had similar diagnostic performances compared with FEV1/FVC.

Subcutaneous Administration of Medications and Fluids by Nonprofessional Caregivers at Home.

Background: Patients requiring home-based palliative care have advanced complex illnesses with functional limitations and decline. This retrospective study reviewed caregiver administration of subcutaneous (SQ) medications and fluids when symptom control could not be achieved using the oral route. Methods: Medical records from September 1, 2017 to February 28, 2018 were reviewed for 272 consecutive patients who received SQ administration of medications or fluids at a home-based palliative care program. We analyzed the clinical characteristics of patients and caregivers, medications administered, and catheter outcomes. Results: Patients' median age was 74 years, and 163 (60%) were women. The most common cancer diagnoses were stomach 26 (12%), lung 22 (10%), and colorectal 20 (9%). Dementia 24 (44%), cerebrovascular disease 9 (16%), and congestive heart failure 7 (13%) were the most frequent nonmalignant diseases. Poor symptom control 162 (60%) and impaired oral intake 107 (39%) were the most common indications for an SQ route of administration. Nonprofessional caregivers trained by a nurse administered medications to 218 patients (80%). During interventions, the patients received a mean of 4 medications (±2 standard deviation). A total of 903 catheters were inserted, 15/732 (2%) catheters handled by nonprofessional caregivers caused a local infection, compared with 3/171 (1.8%) of catheters handled by nurses. Hydromorphone was the most common opioid used (57%), followed by morphine (35%). The median length of stay in the program was 24 days (interquartile range: 11-60). Conclusions: SQ administration of medications and fluids by nonprofessional caregivers trained by health care professionals is feasible and promising, but additional testing is needed.

Reemplazo total de cadera mediante abordaje anterior directo. Experiencia en un hospital de Bogotá D.C., Colombia / Total hip replacement using the direct anterior approach. Experience in a hospital of Bogotá D.C., Colombia

Introducción. La artroplastia total de cadera es el manejo definitivo de la artrosis y fracturas intracapsulares de la cadera en personas mayores de 65 años. El abordaje anterior directo (AAD), también conocido como cirugía mínimamente invasiva anterior (AMIS), es una técnica quirúrgica que se ha retomado en los últimos años como alternativa a los procedimientos convencionales; sin embargo, hay pocos estudios que describan los resultados de su utilización. Objetivo. Describir los resultados clínicos y transoperatorios, así como los desenlaces en pacientes en los que se realizó reemplazo total de cadera mediante AAD. Metodología. Estudio de cohorte retrospectivo realizado en 36 pacientes con artrosis de cadera o fracturas intracapsulares de dicha articulación que fueron sometidos a artroplastia de cadera mediante ADD en un hospital de tercer nivel de atención de Bogotá D.C. entre 2017 y 2020, y tuvieron seguimiento durante mínimo 6 meses. Resultados. La edad promedio fue 68,8 años (DE: 15,1), el 58% de los participantes eran mujeres. La osteoartrosis primaria fue el principal motivo de indicación quirúrgica (47,2%). Además, el promedio de hospitalización fue 3 días (DE: 1,62), la mediana de sangrado fue de 200cc (RIQ: 200-300) y se presentaron dos fracturas de fémur intraquirúrgicas. Finalmente, no hubo casos de luxación de la prótesis en el postoperatorio y todos los pacientes recuperaron la funcionalidad. Conclusión. El AAD tuvo una buena efectividad para la recuperación funcional de los pacientes, un tiempo operatorio reducido y una baja frecuencia de complicaciones.

Introduction: Total hip arthroplasty is the definitive treatment for osteoarthritis and intracapsular fractures of the hip in patients over 65 years of age. In recent years, direct anterior approach (DAA), also known as minimally invasive anterolateral approach (MIAA), has been reintroduced as an alternative to conventional procedures. However, there are few studies describing the outcomes of its application.Objective: To describe the clinical and transoperative results and outcomes in patients who underwent total hip replacement using DAA. Methodology: Retrospective cohort study conducted in 36 patients with osteoarthritis or intracapsular fractures of the hip who underwent hip arthroplasty using DDA in a tertiary care hospital in Bogotá D.C. between 2017 and 2020 and were followed up for at least 6 months.Results: The mean age was 68.8 years (SD: 15.1), 58% of the participants were women. Primary os-teoarthrosis was the main reason for indicating surgery (47.2%). In addition, the average hospital stay was 3 days (SD: 1.62), the median bleeding was 200cc (IQR: 200-300), and two intraoperative femur fractures occurred. Finally, there were no cases of postoperative prosthesis dislocation and all patients recovered functionality

Prevalence, incidence, and severity associated with viral respiratory tract infections in Colombian adults before the COVID-19 pandemic.

BACKGROUND: Acute respiratory illness (ARI) remains the leading cause of global morbidity. Its primary etiology is viral; nevertheless, viral pathogen identification is limited. Clinical information about Latin America's viral etiology, outcomes, and severity is unknown. This study aims to identify the clinical burden of respiratory viral infections, severity, and adult outcomes. METHODS: This multicentric, population-based study was conducted through the Health Institute of Bogotá, Colombia, including adult patients diagnosed with ARI between 2013 and 2019. Data collection followed ARI public health surveillance program. Incidence, etiological pathogens, and mortality were calculated. RESULTS: A total of 2304 patients were included in the study. ARI was most frequently reported in 2018 (23.3% [538/2304]). Incidence varies between years, maintaining a range between 3.5 and 8.4. The most frequent clinical diagnosis was pneumonia in 59.1%. Etiological viral detection was obtained in 21.5% of patients [495/2304], principally by Influenza A. Mortality was 21.8%, and ICU admission was 7.3%. The type of event did not predict the causative pathogen, disease severity, or mortality. CONCLUSIONS: ARI is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in Colombia. ARI incidence varies per year and is caused mainly by Influenza A. The classification used in the surveillance program does not correlate with viral etiology, disease severity, and mortality.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Performance of the CORB (Confusion, Oxygenation, Respiratory Rate, and Blood Pressure) Scale for the Prediction of Clinical Outcomes in Pneumonia.

Background: Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is a common cause of morbidity and mortality due to misdiagnosis and inappropriate treatment approaches. Objective: To assess the performance of the CORB score in subjects with CAP for predicting in-hospital mortality, death within 30 days of admission, and requirement for invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) and vasopressor support. Methods: A retrospective, cohort study with diagnostic test analysis of CORB and CURB-65 scores in subjects with CAP according to ATS criteria was undertaken. An alternative CORB score was estimated by replacing SpO2 ≤90% by the SpO2/FiO2 ratio. Crude and adjusted odd ratios (AOR) were calculated for each variable. The area under the receiver operating characteristics curve (AUROC) was constructed for each score, and outcomes were analyzed. AUROCs were compared with the DeLong test, considering a p value <0,05 statistically significant. Results: From 1,811 subjects who entered the analysis, 15.1% (273/1,811) died in hospital, 8.78% required IMV (159/1,811), and 9.77% (177/1,811) needed vasopressor support. CORB had an AUROC of 0,660 (95% CI: 0,623-0,697) for in-hospital mortality; an AUROC of 0,657 (95% CI: 0,621-0,692) for 30-day mortality; an AUROC of 0,637 (CI 95%: 0,589-0,685) for IMV requirement; and an AUROC of 0,635 (95% CI: 0,589-0,681) for vasopressor support. CORB performance increases when the SpO2/FiO2 ratio <300 is used as oxygenation criterion in the prediction of requirement for IMV and vasopressor support, with AUROC of 0,700 (95% CI: 0,654-0,746; p < 0.001) and AUROC of 0,702 (95% CI: 0,66-0,745; p < 0.001), respectively. CURB-65 score presents an in-hospital mortality AUROC of 0,727 (95% CI: 0,695-0,759) and 30-day mortality AUROC of 0,726 (95% CI: 0,695-0,756). Conclusions: CORB score has a good performance in predicting the need for IMV and vasopressor support in CAP patients. This performance improves when the SpO2/FiO2 ratio <300 is used instead of the SpO2 ≤90% as the oxygenation parameter. CURB-65 score is superior in the prediction of mortality.

Pneumonia, Mortality, and Other Outcomes Associated with Unsafe Swallowing Detected via Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES) in Patients with Functional Oropharyngeal Dysphagia: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

The association between impairments in swallowing safety detected via fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES) and dysphagia complications has been evaluated in small studies that have not allowed obtaining precise estimates of the presence of such an association. The objective of this study was to evaluate the risk of dysphagia complications associated with the detection of premature spillage, residue, penetration, and aspiration via FEES. A systematic review and meta-analysis of the literature were carried out. A search strategy was established using terms of controlled and free vocabulary (free text) in the PubMed, Lilacs, Embase, Medline, and Cochrane databases. The initial search in the databases identified 3545 articles, of which 321 were excluded due to duplication, 3224 were selected for review of titles and abstracts, 45 were selected for full-text review, 37 were excluded for not meeting the selection criteria, and 8 were included for the final analysis, with a total population of 1168 patients. Aspiration increased the risk of pneumonia (OR 2.97, 95% CI 1.52-5.80, P = 0.001). The number of studies that have evaluated the relationship of other FEES findings with dysphagia complications was limited (≤ 3). One study found a higher risk of mortality in patients with aspiration (OR 4.08, 95% CI 1.60-10.27, P = 0.003). Another study that evaluated the risk of mortality in a combined group of penetration and aspiration found no higher risk of mortality. Penetration, residue, and premature spillage were not found to be associated with an increased risk of pneumonia, mortality, or other outcomes. Aspiration demonstrated via FEES was associated with an increased risk of pneumonia and mortality. There is insufficient evidence for the capacity of premature spillage, penetration, and residue to predict dysphagia complications.

Invasive pneumococcal disease burden in hospitalized adults in Bogota, Colombia.

BACKGROUND: The incidence of invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) varies depending on a number of factors, including vaccine uptake, in both children and adults, the geographic location, and local serotype prevalence. There are limited data about the burden of Streptococcus pneumoniae (Spn), serotype distribution, and clinical characteristics of adults hospitalized due to IPD in Colombia. The objectives of this study included assessment of Spn serotype distribution, clinical characteristics, mortality, ICU admission, and the need for mechanical ventilation. METHODS: This was an observational, retrospective, a citywide study conducted between 2012 and 2019 in Bogotá, Colombia. We analyzed reported positive cases of IPD from 55 hospitals in a governmental pneumococcal surveillance program. Pneumococcal strains were isolated in each hospital and typified in a centralized laboratory. This is a descriptive study stratified by age and subtypes of IPD obtained through the analysis of medical records. RESULTS: A total of 310 patients with IPD were included, of whom 45.5% were female. The leading cause of IPD was pneumonia (60%, 186/310), followed by meningitis. The most frequent serotypes isolated were 19A (13.87%, 43/310) and 3 (11.94%, 37/310). The overall hospital mortality rate was 30.3% (94/310). Moreover, 52.6% (163/310 patients) were admitted to the ICU, 45.5% (141/310) required invasive mechanical ventilation and 5.1% (16/310) non-invasive mechanical ventilation. CONCLUSION: Pneumococcal pneumonia is the most prevalent cause of IPD, with serotypes 19A and 3 being the leading cause of IPD in Colombian adults. Mortality due to IPD in adults continues to be very high.