The ∆Pv-aCO2/∆Ca-vO2 ratio as a predictor of mortality in patients with severe acute respiratory distress syndrome related to COVID-19.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the central venous-to-arterial carbon dioxide difference combined with arterial-to-venous oxygen content difference (∆Pv-aCO2/∆Ca-vO2 ratio) as a predictor of mortality in patients with COVID-19-related severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). METHODS: Patients admitted to the intensive care unit with severe ARDS secondary to SARS-CoV-2, and invasive mechanical ventilation were included in this single-center and retrospective cohort study performed between April 18, 2020, and January 18, 2022. The tissue perfusion indexes (lactate, central venous oxygen saturation [ScvO2], and venous-to-arterial carbon dioxide pressure difference [∆Pv-aCO2]), anaerobic metabolism index (∆Pv-aCO2/∆Ca-vO2 ratio), and severity index (Simplified Acute Physiology Score II [SAPSII]) were evaluated to determine its association with the mortality through Cox regression analysis, Kaplan-Meier curve and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. RESULTS: One hundred fifteen patients were included in the study and classified into two groups, the survivor group (n = 54) and the non-survivor group (n = 61). The lactate, ScvO2, ∆Pv-aCO2, and ∆Pv-aCO2/∆Ca-vO2 ratio medians were 1.6 mEq/L, 75%, 5 mmHg, and 1.56 mmHg/mL, respectively. The ∆Pv-aCO2/∆Ca-vO2 ratio (Hazard Ratio (HR) = 1.17, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.06-1.29, p = 0.001) was identified as a mortality biomarker for patients with COVID-19-related severe ARDS. The area under the curve for ∆Pv-aCO2/∆Ca-vO2 ratio was 0.691 (95% CI 0.598-0.774, p = 0.0001). The best cut-off point for ∆Pv-aCO2/∆Ca-vO2 ratio was >2.14 mmHg/mL, with a sensitivity of 49.18%, specificity of 85.19%, a positive likelihood of 3.32, and a negative likelihood of 0.6. The Kaplan-Meier curve showed that survival rates were significantly worse in patients with values greater than this cut-off point. CONCLUSIONS: The ∆Pv-aCO2/∆Ca-vO2 ratio could be used as a predictor of mortality in patients with severe ARDS secondary to SARS-CoV-2.

Hemodynamic and respiratory support in pulmonary embolism: a narrative review.

Pulmonary embolism is a common and potentially fatal disease, with a significant burden on health and survival. Right ventricular dysfunction and hemodynamic instability are considered two key determinants of mortality in pulmonary embolism, which can reach up to 65% in severe cases. Therefore, timely diagnosis and management are of paramount importance to ensure the best quality of care. However, hemodynamic and respiratory support, both major constituents of management in pulmonary embolism, associated with cardiogenic shock or cardiac arrest, have been given little attention in recent years, in favor of other novel advances such as systemic thrombolysis or direct oral anticoagulants. Moreover, it has been implied that current recommendations regarding this supportive care lack enough robustness, further complicating the problem. In this review, we critically discuss and summarize the current literature concerning the hemodynamic and respiratory support in pulmonary embolism, including fluid therapy, diuretics, pharmacological support with vasopressors, inotropes and vasodilators, oxygen therapy and ventilation, and mechanical circulatory support with veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and right ventricular assist devices, while also providing some insights into contemporary research gaps.

A case report of atypical preeclampsia with severity criteria for hydatidiform complete mole.

Preeclampsia is defined as elevation of blood pressure and any of the following severity criteria: proteinuria, thrombocytopenia, elevation of creatinine in the absence of another renal pathology, elevation of transaminases, pulmonary edema, or neurological symptoms. However, after 20 weeks of gestation in a previously normotensive patient, cases of preeclampsia associated with molar pregnancy have been described in patients at less than 20 weeks of gestation. A 26-year-old woman, at 14.1 weeks of gestation was admitted to the lower extremities with facial edema, holocranial headache, nausea, epigastralgia, phosphenes, and photophobia, with a double-length uterine fundus for gestational age and ultrasonography. Obstetricians who showed images of snowflakes without fetuses and annexes had multiple thecal-lutein cysts. Atypical preeclampsia was identified using the severity data for complete hydatidiform moles. Given the possibility of serious complications that may endanger the life of the maternal-fetal binomial, atypical forms of preeclampsia should be suspected.

Disnatremias: un enfoque preciso, macizo y conciso / Dysnatremia: a precise, solid and concise approach / Disnatremia: uma abordagem precisa, sólida e concisa

Resumen: La disnatremia es la alteración electrolítica más frecuente en el paciente en estado crítico, con repercusión en la morbimortalidad. El sodio es el electrolito regulador más importante de la osmolaridad sanguínea; la relación inherente con la molécula del agua hace que esta dupla tenga una proporción interdependiente y recíproca. A través de esta revisión no sistemática de la literatura se pretende exponer la fisiología de sodio y la interacción con el agua, los mecanismos fisiopatológicos que conllevan a los extremos en la concentración sérica, así como los algoritmos diagnósticos y terapéuticos; para que de una manera precisa, maciza y concisa se puedan tomar decisiones médicas.

Abstract: Dysnatremia is the most frequent electrolyte alteration in critically ill patients, with repercussions on morbidity and mortality. Sodium is the most important regulating electrolyte of blood osmolarity; the inherent relationship with the water molecule makes this pair have an interdependent and reciprocal ratio. Through this unsystematic review of the literature, the aim is to expose the physiology of sodium and the interaction with water, the pathophysiological mechanisms that lead to extremes in serum concentration, as well as diagnostic and therapeutic algorithms; so that medical decisions can be made in a precise, solid and concise manner.

Resumo: A disnatremia é o distúrbio eletrolítico mais comum em pacientes críticos, com repercussões na morbidade e mortalidade. O sódio é o eletrólito regulador mais importante da osmolaridade do sangue; a relação inerente com a molécula de água faz com que este par tenha uma proporção interdependente e recíproca. Por meio desta revisão não sistemática da literatura, pretende-se expor a fisiologia do sódio e sua interação com a água, os mecanismos fisiopatológicos que levam a extremos na concentração sérica, bem como algoritmos diagnósticos e terapêuticos; para que de forma precisa, sólida e concisa as decisões médicas possam ser tomadas.

Glycosylated hemoglobin as a predictor of mortality in severe pneumonia by COVID-19.

OBJECTIVE: Determine whether the levels of glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) measured on admission to the intensive care unit (ICU) are associated with mortality in patients with severe SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia with invasive mechanical ventilation. DESIGN: Cohort study, retrospective, observational. A single center. PLACE: ICU of a second-level care hospital. PATIENTS: Severe SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia confirmed with IMV since admission to the ICU. INTERVENTIONS: none. RESULTS: A total of 56 patients with severe pneumonia, confirmed with SARS-CoV-2, all with IMV. The group with HbA1c <6.5% included 32 (57.14%) patients and the group with HbA1c ≥6.5% included 24 (42.86%) patients and the mortality rate in ICU was 43.8% and 70.8%, respectively, with p = 0.04. Predictors of mortality at 28 days in ICU were DHL >500 U/L, OR 3.65 (95% CI 1.18-11.29), HbA1c ≥6.5%, OR 3.12 (95% CI 1.01-9.6), SAH, OR 3.12 (95% CI 1.01-9.5), use of vasopressor, OR 0.2 (95% CI 0.05-0.73), diabetes was not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: The 28-day probability of survival in patients with severe SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia with IMV in the ICU is lower when the HbA1c level is ≥6.5% on admission.

Movilización temprana en la Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos / Early mobilization in the Intensive Care Unit / Mobilização precoce na Unidade de Terapia Intensiva

Resumen: La movilización temprana (MT) es la implementación de ejercicio físico en los pacientes ingresados en la Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos (UCI) observándose beneficios importantes como reducción de neumonías asociadas con ventilación mecánica (NAVM), trombosis venosa profunda, úlceras por presión, debilidad adquirida en la UCI (DAUCI). Además, tiene un impacto financiero al reducir los días de estancia hospitalaria y en la UCI. Cabe mencionar que la MT impacta en el desenlace posterior al alta hospitalaria reduciendo la aparición de síndrome postcuidados intensivos (PICS).

Abstract: Early mobilization (EM) is the implementation of physical exercise in patients admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), with important benefits being observed such as reduction of ventilator-associated pneumonia, deep vein thrombosis, pressure ulcers and ICU-acquired weakness (ICU-AW). It also has a financial impact by reducing hospital length of stay and in the ICU. Also, EM has an important role in the outcome once the patient leaves the hospital reducing the post-intensive care syndrome (PICS).

Resumo: A mobilização precoce (MP) é a implementação de exercícios físicos em pacientes internados em Unidade de Terapia Intensiva (UTI), observando benefícios importantes como redução da pneumonia associada à ventilação mecânica (PAV), trombose venosa profunda, úlceras por pressão, fraqueza adquirida no UTI (DAUCI). Além disso, tem impacto financeiro ao reduzir os dias de internação e internação na UTI. Vale ressaltar que a MT tem impacto no desfecho após a alta hospitalar por reduzir o aparecimento da Síndrome de Terapia Pós-Intensiva (PICS).

Hemodynamic monitoring with two blood gases: "a tool that does not go out of style" / Monitoreo hemodinámico con dos gasometrías: "Una herramienta que no pasa de moda"

Abstract Hemodynamic monitoring of a critically ill patient is an indispensable tool both inside and outside intensive care; we currently have invasive, minimally invasive and non-invasive devices; however, no device has been shown to have a positive impact on the patient's evolution; arterial and venous blood gases provide information on the patient's actual microcirculatory and metabolic status and may be a hemodynamic monitoring tool. We aimed to carry out a non-systematic review of the literature of hemodynamic monitoring carried out through the variables obtained in arterial and venous blood gases. A non-systematic review of the literature was performed in the PubMed, OvidSP and ScienceDirect databases with selection of articles from 2000 to 2019. It was found that there are variables obtained in arterial and venous blood gases such as central venous oxygen saturation (SvcO2), venous-to-arterial carbon dioxide pressure (Δpv-aCO2), venous-to-arterial carbon dioxide pressure/arteriovenous oxygen content difference (Δpv-aCO2/ΔCavO2) that are related to cellular oxygenation, cardiac output (CO), microcirculatory veno-arterial flow and anaerobic metabolism and allow to assess tissue perfusion status. In conclusion, the variables obtained by arterial and venous blood gases allow for non-invasive, accessible and affordable hemodynamic monitoring that can guide medical decision-making in critically ill patients.

Resumen El monitoreo hemodinámico de un paciente en estado crítico es una herramienta indispensable tanto dentro como fuera de la terapia intensiva; actualmente se cuenta con dispositivos invasivos, mínimamente invasivos y no invasivos; sin embargo, ningún dispositivo ha demostrado tener impacto positivo en la evolución del paciente; la gasometría arterial y venosa proporcionan información del estado microcirculatorio y metabólico real del paciente pudiendo ser una herramienta de monitoreo hemodinámico. El objetivo de esta revisión fue realizar una revisión no sistemática de la literatura del monitoreo hemodinámico realizado mediante las variables obtenidas en la gasometría arterial y venosa. Se estudiaron las bases de datos de PubMed, OvidSP y ScienceDirect con selección de artículos del 2000 al 2019. Se encontró que hay variables obtenidas en la gasometría arterial y venosa como la saturación venosa central de oxígeno (SvcO2), la diferencia de presión venoarterial de dióxido de carbono (Δpv-aCO2), la diferencia de presión venoarterial de dióxido de carbono/diferencia del contenido arteriovenoso de oxígeno (Δpv-aCO2/ΔCa-vO2) que están relacionadas con la oxigenación celular, con el gasto cardiaco (GC), con el flujo venoarterial microcirculatorio y con el metabolismo anaerobio que permiten realizar una valoración del estado de perfusión tisular. En conclusión, las variables obtenidas por gasometría arterial y venosa permiten realizar un monitoreo hemodinámico no invasivo, accesible y asequible que pueden guiar la toma de decisiones médicas en el paciente en estado crítico.

Impacto de la presión de distensión alveolar en los pacientes con síndrome de distrés respiratorio agudo (SDRA): revisión narrativa / Impact of alveolar distention pressure on days under mechanical ventilation in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (SDRA) / Impacto da pressão da distensão alveolar em pacientes com síndrome do desconforto respiratório agudo (SDRA): revisão narrativa

Resumen: Introducción: El síndrome de distrés respiratorio agudo (SDRA) se caracteriza por una heterogeneidad del daño en el parénquima pulmonar; la asociación entre el volumen tidal (Vt) y la distensibilidad pulmonar estática (Cst) puede ser evaluada mediante la presión de distensión (PD). Se desconoce hasta el día de hoy si el control de la PD impacta en otros objetivos, tales como la disminución de los días bajo ventilación mecánica. Material y métodos: Se realizó una revisión de artículos médicos científicos en Pubmed, EMBASE y Medigraphic con las siguientes palabras clave: «driving pressure¼ y «acute respiratory distress syndrome¼ para relacionar la PD y los días libres de ventilación mecánica en los principales estudios sobre SDRA; se analizaron las variables respiratorias reportadas por estas publicaciones y se tomaron estudios de revisión, revisiones sistematizadas y metaanálisis, lo cual fue evaluado por seis de los autores principales. Resultados: Se encontró en la revisión sistematizada la siguiente relación: los pacientes ventilados con SDRA y PD < 15 cmH2O se asociaban con menos días de ventilación mecánica con un valor de p = 0.03; los pacientes ventilados con SDRA y PD < 15 cmH2O, al comparar la mortalidad a 90 días, la disminuían, tomando un valor de p ≤ 0.0001; los pacientes sin SDRA y PD < 15 cm cmH2O, comparando la mortalidad a 28 días con una p = 0.005, las complicaciones pulmonares postoperatorias, la PD < 15 cmH2O y los valores de PD mayores a 15 cmH2O se asociaron con barotrauma, infecciones pulmonares postoperatorias, con una p ≤ 0.0001; en supervivencia y mortalidad a los 90 días, se correlacionó con una razón de momios (RM) de 0.60 a favor de PD < 15 cmH2O, y en mortalidad a 28 días con una RM de 0.29 a favor de la PD menor, al valor de corte. Conclusión: La PD se asocia con mortalidad de manera directamente proporcional y los valores más bajos de PD se asocian con menos días de ventilación mecánica.

Abstract: Introduction: ARDS is characterized by a heterogeneity of damage in the lung parenchyma and the association between tidal volume (Vt) and static lung compliance (Cst) can be evaluated by DP. Most studies on DP and ARDS focus on mortality, showing a lower percentage of survival while the level of DP is higher, however, it is unknown until today whether the control of DP impacts on other objectives such as decrease of days under mechanical ventilation. Material and methods: A systematic review of medical articles in Pubmed, EMBASE and Medigraphic was carried out with key words: driving pressure and acute respiratory distress syndrome to relate DP and days free of mechanical ventilation in the main studies on ARDS, analyzing the respiratory variables reported by these publications. Results: The relationship was found in the systematized review; that patients ventilated with ARDS and DP < 15 cmH2O was associated with fewer days of mechanical ventilation with a p = 0.03, patients with ARDS and DP < 15 cmH2O comparing mortality at 90 days, decreased their mortality with p ≤ 0.0001, patients without ARDS and PD < 15 cm cmH2O comparing mortality at 28 days with p = 0.005, patients with ARDS and DP association of postoperative pulmonary complications and DP < 15 cmH2O, DP values greater than 15 cmH2O was associated with barotrauma, postoperative pulmonary infections, with a p ≤ 0.0001 of, in survival and mortality at 90 days, correlated with a odds ratio (OR) of 0.60 in favor of DP less than 15 cmH2O and in mortality at 28 days with an OR of 0.29, in favor of DP below 15 cmH2O. Discussion: DP is associated with mortality in a directly proportional way. Conclusion: Lower values of DP are associated with fewer days of mechanical ventilation.

Resumo: Introdução: A SDRA é caracterizada pela heterogeneidade do dano do parênquima pulmonar e a associação entre volume corrente (Vt) e complacência pulmonar estática (Cst) pode ser avaliada por pressão de distensão alveolar (PD). Não se sabe até hoje se o controle da PD afeta outros objetivos, como redução de dias sob ventilação mecânica. Material e métodos: Foi realizada uma revisão de artigos médicos científicos no Pubmed, EMBASE e Medigraphic com palavras-chave: pressão de distensão e síndrome do desconforto respiratório agudo para relacionar PD e dias sem ventilação mecânica nos principais estudos de SDRA, analisando as variáveis relatados por essas publicações, realizando estudos de revisão, revisões sistemáticas e meta-análises, sendo avaliados por 6 dos principais autores. Resultados: A relação foi encontrada na revisão sistemática; que ventilaram pacientes com SDRA e PD < 15 cmH2O estiveram associados a menos dias de ventilação mecânica com p = 0.03, pacientes ventilados com SDRA e PD < 15 cmH2O comparando a mortalidade em 90 dias, sua mortalidade diminuiu com p ≤ 0.0001, pacientes sem SDRA e PD < 15 cm cmH2O comparando mortalidade em 28 dias com p = 0.005, associação de complicações pulmonares pós-operatórias e PD < 15 cmH2O, valores de PD maiores que 15 cmH2O foram associados a traumatismo barro, infecções pulmonares pós-operatórias , com p ≤ 0.0001 de, na sobrevida e mortalidade aos 90 dias, foi correlacionada com uma Odds Ratio (RM) de 0.60 a favor da PD menor que 15 cmH2O e na mortalidade aos 28 dias com uma RM de 0.29, a favor do PD menor que o valor de corte. Conclusão: a PD está associada à mortalidade de maneira diretamente proporcional. e valores mais baixos de PD estão associados a menos dias de ventilação mecânica.

Protocolo de manejo para la infección por COVID-19 / Management protocol for COVID-19 / Protocolo de tratamento para a infecção por COVID-19

Resumen: El 31 de diciembre de 2019 se reportaron en Wuhan, China los primeros casos de neumonía de origen desconocido, más tarde identificado como nuevo Coronavirus (2019-nCoV o COVID-19), genéticamente distinto de otros coronavirus como SARS-CoV y MERS-CoV, oficialmente identificado como SARS-CoV-2. En marzo de 2020, la Organización Mundial de la Salud (OMS) declaró alerta de pandemia por esta enfermedad, que ha infectado a miles de personas como consecuencia de afección pulmonar por síndrome de distrés respiratorio agudo (SDRA), por lo que es prioridad conocer el abordaje de manejo para el COVID-19.

Abstract: On December 31, 2019, the first cases of pneumonia of unknown origin were reported in Wuhan, China, later identified as a new Coronavirus (2019-nCoV or COVID-19), genetically distinct from other coronaviruses such as SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV, officially identified as SARS-CoV-2. In March 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared a pandemic alert for this disease, which has infected thousands of people, as a consequence of pulmonary affection due to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), making it a priority to know the management approach for COVID-19.

Resumo: Em 31 de dezembro de 2019, os primeiros casos de pneumonia de origem desconhecida foram relatados em Wuhan, China, posteriormente identificado como um novo Coronavírus (2019-nCoV ou COVID-19), geneticamente diferente de outros coronavírus, como SARS-CoV e MERS-CoV , oficialmente identificado como SARS-CoV-2. Em março de 2020, a Organização Mundial da Saúde (OMS) declarou um alerta de pandemia para esta doença, que infectou milhares de pessoas, como consequência de uma doença pulmonar devido à síndrome do desconforto respiratório agudo (SDRA), tornando-se uma prioridade conhecer a abordagem de gerenciamento do COVID-19.

Equilibrio Ácido Base en el Adulto Mayor / Acid-Base Balance in the Elderly

Resumen El envejecimiento es un proceso fisiológico caracterizado por el deterioro progresivo de las funciones orgánicas, en el que la capacidad de adaptación y la respuesta a una situación de estrés se encuentra reducida. Las alteraciones en el equilibrio ácido-base representan un hito poco comprendido en el adulto mayor, los efectos per se a edad avanzada en órganos como el hígado, pulmón y riñón, asociados al consumo de polifarmacia, representan la causa de estas alteraciones. Se realizó una revisión no sistemática de la literatura por medio de las bases de datos PubMed y los portales SciELO y SpringerLink. Para integrar la presente revisión y análisis, se identificaron aquellos estudios científicos que proponían explicar los cambios renales y pulmonares asociados a la edad, y con efecto en la homeostasis ácido-base.

Abstract Aging is a physiological process characterized by progressive deterioration of organ functions, where the ability to adapt and respond to a stressful situation is reduced. Acid-base disorders represent a milestone little understood in the elderly. Being associated with polypharmacy, the effects per se of advanced age in organs such as liver, lung and kidney are the cause of these alterations. A non-systematic review of literature was carried out through the PubMed database and the SciELO and SpringerLink portals. To integrate these review and analysis, we identified those scientific studies that proposed an explanation of renal and pulmonary changes associated with age and having an effect on acid-base homeostasis.

Síndrome de dificultad respiratoria aguda severo en el embarazo. Revisión de la literatura y reporte de dos casos / Severe acute respiratory distress syndrome in pregnancy. Review of the literature and two cases report / Síndrome do disconforto respiratório agudo grave na gestação. Revisão de literatura e relato de dois casos

Resumen: La mujer durante el embarazo, parto y puerperio presenta cambios anatómicos, fisiológicos y en la dinámica ventilatoria, por lo que una de las complicaciones que puede presentar es el síndrome de dificultad respiratoria aguda, el cual representa un reto para el clínico, pudiendo aparecer complicaciones en el embarazo como corioamnionitis, aborto, embolismo de líquido amniótico. El abordaje y tratamiento del síndrome de dificultad respiratoria aguda es primordial, se han presentado avances en la estrategia ventilatoria como: disminución del volumen tidal y posición prono durante la ventilación mecánica, que han mejorado el pronóstico de manera favorable en esta población.

Abstract: The woman during pregnancy, delivery and puerperium presents anatomical changes, physiological and ventilatory dynamics, so one of the complications that may present is the acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) representing a challenge for the clinician, and complications may appear in pregnancy as chorioamnionitis, abortion, amniotic fluid embolism. The approach and treatment of ARDS in the patient is paramount. Advances have been made in the ventilatory strategy, such as: decreased tidal volume, prone position during mechanical ventilation, which have improved the prognosis favorably in this population.

Resumo: A mulher durante a gestação, parto e puerpério apresenta alterações anatômicas, fisiológicas e ventilatórias, por isso uma das complicações que ela pode apresentar é a Síndrome do Desconforto Respiratório Agudo (SDRA), representando um desafio para o clínico, podendo aparecer complicações na gestação, como corioamnionitis, aborto, embolia do líquido amniótico. A abordagem e tratamento da SDRA no paciente é essencial, houve avanços na estratégia ventilatória como: diminuição do volume corrente, posição prona durante a ventilação mecânica, que melhoraram o prognóstico favoravelmente nessa população.

Fluidoterapia intravenosa guiada por metas / Intravenous fluid therapy guided by goals

Resumen La fluidoterapia es la primera maniobra realizada por el médico al estar en contacto con un paciente al que se pretende incrementar la volemia, la administración del tipo de solución parenteral, la cantidad y la duración en su aplicación es el reto del intensivista. En la actualidad el monitoreo hemodinámico ha tenido un importante avance tecnológico, al ser mínimamente invasivo y con constantes no sólo estáticas sino dinámicas, lo que ha permitido mejorar la toma de decisiones médicas en el paciente críticamente enfermo. Esta revisión no sistemática tiene como objetivo proporcionar una actualización de las mediciones que son consideradas nuevas herramientas ante viejos paradigmas en el monitoreo hemodinámico.

Abstract Fluid therapy is the first maneuver performed by the physician to be in contact with a patient who is intended to increase the volemia, the administration of parenteral solution type, the amount and duration in its application is the challenge of the intensivist. Currently the hemodynamic monitoring has undergone an important technological advance, being minimally invasive and with not only static but also dynamic constants, they have allowed to improve the medical decision making in the critically ill patient. The present non-systematic review aims to provide an update on measurements that are considered new tools before old paradigms in hemodynamic monitoring.