Survey of Ventilator Waveform Interpretation Among ICU Professionals.

BACKGROUND: The interpretation of ventilator waveforms is essential for effective and safe mechanical ventilation but requires specialized training and expertise. This study aimed to investigate the ability of ICU professionals to interpret ventilator waveforms, identify areas requiring further education and training, and explore the factors influencing their interpretation skills. METHODS: We conducted an international online anonymous survey of ICU professionals (physicians, nurses, and respiratory therapists [RTs]), with ≥ 1 y of experience working in the ICU. The survey consisted of demographic information and 15 multiple-choice questions related to ventilator waveforms. Results were compared between professions using descriptive statistics, and logistic regression (expressed as odds ratios [ORs; 95% CI]) was performed to identify factors associated with high performance, which was defined by a threshold of 60% correct answers. RESULTS: A total of 1,832 professionals from 31 countries or regions completed the survey; 53% of respondents answered ≥ 60% of the questions correctly. The 3 questions with the most correct responses were related to waveforms that demonstrated condensation (90%), pressure overshoot (79%), and bronchospasm (75%). Conversely, the 3 questions with the fewest correct responses were waveforms that demonstrated early cycle leading to double trigger (43%), severe under assistance (flow starvation) (37%), and early/reverse trigger (31%). Factors significantly associated with ≥ 60% correct answers included years of ICU working experience (≥ 10 y, OR 1.6 [1.2-2.0], P < .001), profession (RT, OR 2.8 [2.1-3.7], P < .001), highest degree earned (graduate, OR 1.7 [1.3-2.2], P < .001), workplace (teaching hospital, OR 1.4 [1.1-1.7], P = .008), and prior ventilator waveforms training (OR 1.7 [1.3-2.2], P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Slightly over half respondents correctly identified ≥ 60% of waveforms demonstrating patient-ventilator discordance. High performance was associated with ≥ 10 years of ICU working experience, RT profession, graduate degree, working in a teaching hospital, and prior ventilator waveforms training. Some discordances were poorly recognized across all groups of surveyed professionals.

Prone Positioning for Patients With COVID-19-Induced Acute Hypoxemic Respiratory Failure: Flipping the Script.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, prone positioning (PP) emerged as a widely used supportive therapy for patients with acute hypoxemic respiratory failure caused by COVID-19 infection. In particular, awake PP (APP)-the placement of non-intubated patients in the prone position-has gained popularity and hence is detailed first herein. This review discusses recent publications on the use of PP for non-intubated and intubated subjects with COVID-19, highlighting the physiological responses, clinical outcomes, influential factors affecting treatment success, and strategies to improve adherence with APP. The use of prolonged PP and the use of PP for patients undergoing extracorporeal membrane oxygenation are also presented.

Probiotics in septic acute kidney injury, a double blind, randomized control trial.

INTRODUCTION: During acute kidney injury (AKI) due to sepsis, the intestinal microbiota changes to dysbiosis, which affects the kidney function recovery (KFR) and amplifies the injury. Therefore, the administration of probiotics could improve dysbiosis and thereby increase the probability of KFR. METHODS: In this double-blind clinical trial, patients with AKI associated with sepsis were randomized (1:1) to receive probiotics or placebo for 7 consecutive days, with the objectives of evaluate the effect on KFR, mortality, kidney replacement therapy (KRT), urea, urine volume, serum electrolytes and adverse events at day 7. RESULTS: From February 2019 to March 2022, a total of 92 patients were randomized, 48 to the Probiotic and 44 to Placebo group. When comparing with placebo, those in the Probiotics did not observe a higher KFR (HR 0.93, 0.52-1.68, p = 0.81), nor was there a benefit in mortality at 6 months (95% CI 0.32-1.04, p = 0.06). With probiotics, urea values decreased significantly, an event not observed with placebo (from 154 to 80 mg/dl, p = 0.04 and from 130 to 109 mg/dl, p = 0.09, respectively). Urinary volume, need for KRT, electrolyte abnormalities, and adverse events were similar between groups. (ClinicalTrial.gov NCT03877081) (registered 03/15/2019). CONCLUSION: In AKI related to sepsis, probiotics for 7 consecutive days did not increase the probability of KFR, nor did other variables related to clinical improvement, although they were safe.

Awake prone positioning in acute hypoxaemic respiratory failure: An international expert guidance.

BACKGROUND: Awake prone positioning (APP) of non-intubated patients with acute hypoxaemic respiratory failure (AHRF) has been inconsistently adopted into routine care of patients with COVID-19, likely due to apparent conflicting evidence from recent trials. This short guideline aims to provide evidence-based recommendations for the use of APP in various clinical scenarios. METHODS: An international multidisciplinary panel, assembled for their expertise and representativeness, and supported by a methodologist, performed a systematic literature search, summarized the available evidence derived from randomized clinical trials, and developed recommendations using GRADE (Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation) methodology. RESULTS: The panel strongly recommends that APP rather than standard supine care be used in patients with COVID-19 receiving advanced respiratory support (high-flow nasal cannula, continuous positive airway pressure or non-invasive ventilation). Due to lack of evidence from randomized controlled trials, the panel provides no recommendation on the use of APP in patients with COVID-19 supported with conventional oxygen therapy, nor in patients with AHRF due to causes other than COVID-19. CONCLUSION: APP should be routinely implemented in patients with COVID-19 receiving advanced respiratory support.

Awake prone positioning in acute hypoxaemic respiratory failure.

Awake prone positioning (APP) of patients with acute hypoxaemic respiratory failure gained considerable attention during the early phases of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Prior to the pandemic, reports of APP were limited to case series in patients with influenza and in immunocompromised patients, with encouraging results in terms of tolerance and oxygenation improvement. Prone positioning of awake patients with acute hypoxaemic respiratory failure appears to result in many of the same physiological changes improving oxygenation seen in invasively ventilated patients with moderate-severe acute respiratory distress syndrome. A number of randomised controlled studies published on patients with varying severity of COVID-19 have reported apparently contrasting outcomes. However, there is consistent evidence that more hypoxaemic patients requiring advanced respiratory support, who are managed in higher care environments and who can be prone for several hours, benefit most from APP use. We review the physiological basis by which prone positioning results in changes in lung mechanics and gas exchange and summarise the latest evidence base for APP primarily in COVID-19. We examine the key factors that influence the success of APP, the optimal target populations for APP and the key unknowns that will shape future research.

Perspectives on peripheral perfusion assessment.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The ANDROMEDA-SHOCK trial positioned capillary refill time (CRT) assessment as a novel resuscitation target for septic shock.The purpose of this article is to summarize pathophysiological determinants of CRT, review new technical developments on peripheral perfusion assessment, and explore recent evidence on the role of CRT monitoring in septic shock and other critical conditions. RECENT FINDINGS: A growing body of evidence supports the role of peripheral perfusion assessment as a warning and prognostic signal in a variety of clinical conditions among severely ill patients. Recent physiological studies demonstrated a rapid improvement of CRT after a single fluid bolus or a passive leg raising maneuver, a fact which may have diagnostic and therapeutic implications. Moreover, a couple of posthoc analyses of ANDROMEDA-SHOCK trial, reinforce that a normal CRT at the start of septic shock resuscitation, or its rapid normalization, thereafter may be associated with significant better outcomes. SUMMARY: Recent data confirm the relevance of peripheral perfusion assessment in septic shock and other conditions in critically ill patients. Future studies should confirm these findings, and test the potential contribution of technological devices to assess peripheral perfusion.

Comparación de distintas herramientas para la evaluación de la malnutrición y la sarcopenia en pacientes con cirrosis hepática / Comparison of different tools for the evaluation of malnutrition and sarcopenia in patients with liver cirrhosis

Introducción: la malnutrición y la sarcopenia son frecuentes en la población con cirrosis hepática y generan un impacto negativo en el estado funcional y la esperanza de vida de estos pacientes. Existen múltiples herramientas para la valoración de la malnutrición y la sarcopenia en los pacientes con cirrosis hepática. Objetivo: valorar la malnutrición y la sarcopenia en la cirrosis hepática y comparar distintas herramientas diagnósticas aplicables en esta población. Método: se realizó un estudio analítico de corte transversal con muestreo a conveniencia mediante inclusión continua de pacientes con cirrosis hepática en un hospital de tercer nivel durante diciembre de 2018 a mayo de 2019. Se realizó la valoración nutricional con la antropometría del brazo, el índice de masa corporal (IMC) y el algoritmo del Royal Free Hospital Subjetive Global Assessment (RFH-SGA). Para la valoración de la sarcopenia se aplicó la fuerza de agarre de la mano con un dinamómetro. Los resultados se reportaron en medidas de tendencia central expresadas en frecuencia y porcentaje. (AU)

Introduction: malnutrition and sarcopenia are frequent in the population with liver cirrhosis and have a negative impact on the performance status and life expectancy of these patients. There are multiple assessment tools for malnutrition and sarcopenia in cirrhosis. Some of these tools are reproducible and easy to apply, which facilitates their global application for screening malnutrition and sarcopenia. Objective: to assess malnutrition and sarcopenia in liver cirrhosis and to compare the accuracy of diagnostic tools in this population. Method: a cross-sectional analytical study was conducted with convenience sampling by using continuous inclusion of patients with liver cirrhosis in a tertiary care center during December 2018 to May 2019. The nutritional assessment was carried out with arm anthropometry, body mass index (BMI), and the algorithm of the Royal Free Hospital Subjective Global Assessment (RFH-SGA). For the evaluation of sarcopenia, the hand grip strength test with a hand dynamometer was applied. The results were reported in measures of central tendency expressed in frequency and percentage. A Kendall’s Tau-b rank correlation coefficient was performed with non-parametric variables, considering a p < 0.05 as a statistically significant value. (AU)

Early adjunctive methylene blue in patients with septic shock: a randomized controlled trial.

PURPOSE: Methylene blue (MB) has been tested as a rescue therapy for patients with refractory septic shock. However, there is a lack of evidence on MB as an adjuvant therapy, its' optimal timing, dosing and safety profile. We aimed to assess whether early adjunctive MB can reduce time to vasopressor discontinuation in patients with septic shock. METHODS: In this single-center randomized controlled trial, we assigned patients with septic shock according to Sepsis-3 criteria to MB or placebo. Primary outcome was time to vasopressor discontinuation at 28 days. Secondary outcomes included vasopressor-free days at 28 days, days on mechanical ventilator, length of stay in ICU and hospital, and mortality at 28 days. RESULTS: Among 91 randomized patients, forty-five were assigned to MB and 46 to placebo. The MB group had a shorter time to vasopressor discontinuation (69 h [IQR 59-83] vs 94 h [IQR 74-141]; p < 0.001), one more day of vasopressor-free days at day 28 (p = 0.008), a shorter ICU length of stay by 1.5 days (p = 0.039) and shorter hospital length of stay by 2.7 days (p = 0.027) compared to patients in the control group. Days on mechanical ventilator and mortality were similar. There were no serious adverse effects related to MB administration. CONCLUSION: In patients with septic shock, MB initiated within 24 h reduced time to vasopressor discontinuation and increased vasopressor-free days at 28 days. It also reduced length of stay in ICU and hospital without adverse effects. Our study supports further research regarding MB in larger randomized clinical trials. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov registration number NCT04446871 , June 25, 2020, retrospectively registered.

Multinational prospective cohort study of incidence and risk factors for central line-associated bloodstream infections in ICUs of 8 Latin American countries.

BACKGROUND: Our objective was to identify central line (CL)-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI) rates and risk factors in Latin-America. METHODS: From January 1, 2014 to February 10, 2022, we conducted a multinational multicenter prospective cohort study in 58 ICUs of 34 hospitals in 21 cities in 8 Latin American countries (Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Mexico, Panama). We applied multiple-logistic regression. Outcomes are shown as adjusted-odds ratios (aOR). RESULTS: About 29,385 patients were hospitalized during 92,956 days, acquired 400 CLABSIs, and pooled CLABSI rate was 4.30 CLABSIs per 1,000 CL-days. We analyzed following 10 variables: Gender, age, length of stay (LOS) before CLABSI acquisition, CL-days before CLABSI acquisition, CL-device utilization (DU) ratio, CL-type, tracheostomy use, hospitalization type, intensive care unit (ICU) type, and facility ownership, Following variables were independently associated with CLABSI: LOS before CLABSI acquisition, rising risk 3% daily (aOR=1.03;95%CI=1.02-1.04; P < .0001); number of CL-days before CLABSI acquisition, rising risk 4% per CL-day (aOR=1.04;95%CI=1.03-1.05; P < .0001); publicly-owned facility (aOR=2.33;95%CI=1.79-3.02; P < .0001). ICU with highest risk was medical-surgical (aOR=2.61;95%CI=1.41-4.81; P < .0001). CL with the highest risk were femoral (aOR=2.71;95%CI=1.61-4.55; P < .0001), and internal-jugular (aOR=2.62;95%CI=1.82-3.79; P < .0001). PICC (aOR=1.25;95%CI=0.63-2.51; P = .52) was not associated with CLABSI risk. CONCLUSIONS: Based on these findings it is suggested to focus on reducing LOS, CL-days, using PICC instead of femoral or internal-jugular; and implementing evidence-based CLABSI prevention recommendations.

[Comparison of different tools for the evaluation of malnutrition and sarcopenia in patients with liver cirrhosis]. / Comparación de distintas herramientas para la evaluación de la malnutrición y la sarcopenia en pacientes con cirrosis hepática.

Introduction: Introduction: malnutrition and sarcopenia are frequent in the population with liver cirrhosis and have a negative impact on the performance status and life expectancy of these patients. There are multiple assessment tools for malnutrition and sarcopenia in cirrhosis. Objective: to assess malnutrition and sarcopenia in liver cirrhosis and to compare the accuracy of diagnostic tools in this population. Method: a cross-sectional analytical study was conducted with convenience sampling by using continuous inclusion of patients with liver cirrhosis in a tertiary care center during December 2018 to May 2019. The nutritional assessment was carried out with arm anthropometry, body mass index (BMI), and the algorithm of the Royal Free Hospital Subjective Global Assessment (RFH-SGA). For the evaluation of sarcopenia, the hand grip strength test with a hand dynamometer was applied. The results were reported in measures of central tendency expressed in frequency and percentage. Results: a total of 103 patients were included with a predominance of the male gender (79.6 %) and a mean age of 51 years (± 10). The etiology of liver cirrhosis corresponded more frequently to alcohol consumption (68 %) and most of the patients were Child-Pugh C (57.3 %) with a mean MELD of 21.9 (± 8.9). A mean BMI with dry weight of 25.2 kg/m2 was reported, and with respect to the WHO classification by BMI, 7.8 % were underweight and 59.2 % were malnourished by RFH-SGA. Sarcopenia was present in 88.3 % using the hand grip strength test, for which a mean of 18.99 kg was found. A Kendall's Tau-b rank correlation coefficient was performed between BMI and RFH-SGA, which showed no statistically significant association, as well as between mean arm muscle circumference percentiles and hand grip strength. Conclusions: global assessment in liver cirrhosis should include screening for malnutrition and sarcopenia, for which validated, accessible and safe application tools should be used, such as anthropometric assessment, RFH-SGA, and hand grip strength.

Introducción: Introducción: la malnutrición y la sarcopenia son frecuentes en la población con cirrosis hepática y generan un impacto negativo en el estado funcional y la esperanza de vida de estos pacientes. Existen múltiples herramientas para la valoración de la malnutrición y la sarcopenia en los pacientes con cirrosis hepática. Objetivo: valorar la malnutrición y la sarcopenia en la cirrosis hepática y comparar distintas herramientas diagnósticas aplicables en esta población. Método: se realizó un estudio analítico de corte transversal con muestreo a conveniencia mediante inclusión continua de pacientes con cirrosis hepática en un hospital de tercer nivel durante diciembre de 2018 a mayo de 2019. Se realizó la valoración nutricional con la antropometría del brazo, el índice de masa corporal (IMC) y el algoritmo del Royal Free Hospital Subjetive Global Assessment (RFH-SGA). Para la valoración de la sarcopenia se aplicó la fuerza de agarre de la mano con un dinamómetro. Los resultados se reportaron en medidas de tendencia central expresadas en frecuencia y porcentaje. Resultados: se incluyeron un total de 103 pacientes, predominando el género masculino (79,6 %), con una edad media de 51 años. La etiología más frecuente de la cirrosis hepática fue el consumo de alcohol (68 %), predominando la clase Child-Pugh C (57,3 %) con una media de MELD de 21,9 (± 8,9). Se reportó una media de IMC con peso seco de 25,2 kg/m2 y, respecto a la clasificación de la OMS, un 7,8 % se encontraban en bajo peso y un 59,2 % en malnutrición según la RFH-SGA. Un 88,3 % presentó sarcopenia al utilizar la fuerza de agarre de la mano, cuyo valor medio fue de 18,99 kg. Se realizó una correlación con Tau b de Kendall entre IMC y RFH-SGA sin evidenciarse ninguna asociación significativa, al igual que entre los percentiles de la circunferencia muscular media de brazo (MAMC) y la fuerza de agarre de la mano. Conclusiones: la valoración integral de la cirrosis hepática debe incluir el escrutinio de la malnutrición y la sarcopenia, existiendo herramientas de fácil acceso y aplicación segura validadas en esta población, como la valoración antropométrica, el RFH-SGA y la fuerza de agarre de la mano.

The effect of higher protein dosing in critically ill patients with high nutritional risk (EFFORT Protein): an international, multicentre, pragmatic, registry-based randomised trial.

BACKGROUND: On the basis of low-quality evidence, international critical care nutrition guidelines recommend a wide range of protein doses. The effect of delivering high-dose protein during critical illness is unknown. We aimed to test the hypothesis that a higher dose of protein provided to critically ill patients would improve their clinical outcomes. METHODS: This international, investigator-initiated, pragmatic, registry-based, single-blinded, randomised trial was undertaken in 85 intensive care units (ICUs) across 16 countries. We enrolled nutritionally high-risk adults (≥18 years) undergoing mechanical ventilation to compare prescribing high-dose protein (≥2·2 g/kg per day) with usual dose protein (≤1·2 g/kg per day) started within 96 h of ICU admission and continued for up to 28 days or death or transition to oral feeding. Participants were randomly allocated (1:1) to high-dose protein or usual dose protein, stratified by site. As site personnel were involved in both prescribing and delivering protein dose, it was not possible to blind clinicians, but patients were not made aware of the treatment assignment. The primary efficacy outcome was time-to-discharge-alive from hospital up to 60 days after ICU admission and the secondary outcome was 60-day morality. Patients were analysed in the group to which they were randomly assigned regardless of study compliance, although patients who dropped out of the study before receiving the study intervention were excluded. This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03160547. FINDINGS: Between Jan 17, 2018, and Dec 3, 2021, 1329 patients were randomised and 1301 (97·9%) were included in the analysis (645 in the high-dose protein group and 656 in usual dose group). By 60 days after randomisation, the cumulative incidence of alive hospital discharge was 46·1% (95 CI 42·0%-50·1%) in the high-dose compared with 50·2% (46·0%-54·3%) in the usual dose protein group (hazard ratio 0·91, 95% CI 0·77-1·07; p=0·27). The 60-day mortality rate was 34·6% (222 of 642) in the high dose protein group compared with 32·1% (208 of 648) in the usual dose protein group (relative risk 1·08, 95% CI 0·92-1·26). There appeared to be a subgroup effect with higher protein provision being particularly harmful in patients with acute kidney injury and higher organ failure scores at baseline. INTERPRETATION: Delivery of higher doses of protein to mechanically ventilated critically ill patients did not improve the time-to-discharge-alive from hospital and might have worsened outcomes for patients with acute kidney injury and high organ failure scores. FUNDING: None.

Multinational Prospective Cohort Study of Mortality Risk Factors in 198 ICUs of 12 Latin American Countries over 24 Years: The Effects of Healthcare-Associated Infections.

BACKGROUND: The International Nosocomial Infection Control Consortium (INICC) has found a high ICU mortality rate in Latin America. METHODS: A prospective cohort study in 198 ICUs of 96 hospitals in 46 cities in 12 Latin American countries to identify mortality risk factors (RF), and data were analyzed using multiple logistic regression. RESULTS: Between 07/01/1998 and 02/12/2022, 71,685 patients, followed during 652,167 patient-days, acquired 4700 HAIs, and 10,890 died. We prospectively collected data of 16 variables. Following 11 independent mortality RFs were identified in multiple logistic regression: ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) acquisition (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.17; 95% CI: 1.06-1.30; p < 0.0001); catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI) acquisition (aOR = 1.34; 95% CI: 1.15-1.56; p < 0.0001); older age, rising risk 2% yearly (aOR = 1.02; 95% CI: 1.01-1.02; p < 0.0001); longer indwelling central line(CL)-days, rising risk 3% daily (aOR = 1.03; 95% CI: 1.02-1.03; p < 0.0001); longer indwelling urinary catheter(UC)-days, rising risk 1% daily (aOR = 1.01; 95% CI: 1.01-1.26; p < 0.0001); higher mechanical ventilation (MV) (aOR = 6.47; 95% CI: 5.96-7.03; p < 0.0001) and urinary catheter-utilization ratio (aOR = 1.19; 95% CI: 1.11-1.27; p < 0.0001); lower-middle level income country (aOR = 2.94; 95% CI: 2.10-4.12; p < 0.0001); private (aOR = 1.50; 95% CI: 1.27-1.77; p < 0.0001) or public hospital (aOR = 1.47; 95% CI: 1.24-1.74; p < 0.0001) compared with university hospitals; medical hospitalization instead of surgical (aOR = 1.67; 95% CI: 1.59-1.75; p < 0.0001); neurologic ICU (aOR = 4.48; 95% CI: 2.68-7.50; p < 0.0001); adult oncology ICU (aOR = 3.48; 95% CI: 2.14-5.65; p < 0.0001); and others. CONCLUSION: Some of the identified mortality RFs are unlikely to change, such as the income level of the country, facility ownership, hospitalization type, ICU type, and age. But some of the mortality RFs we found can be changed, and efforts should be made to reduce CL-days, UC-days, MV-utilization ratio, UC-utilization ratio, and lower VAPs and CAUTI rates.