Association of biomarkers with successful ventilatory weaning in COVID-19 patients: an observational study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the association of biomarkers with successful ventilatory weaning in COVID-19 patients. METHODS: An observational, retrospective, and single-center study was conducted between March 2020 and April 2021. C-reactive protein, total lymphocytes, and the neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio were evaluated during attrition and extubation, and the variation in these biomarker values was measured. The primary outcome was successful extubation. ROC curves were drawn to find the best cutoff points for the biomarkers based on sensitivity and specificity. Statistical analysis was performed using logistic regression. RESULTS: Of the 2,377 patients admitted to the intensive care unit, 458 were included in the analysis, 356 in the Successful Weaning Group and 102 in the Failure Group. The cutoff points found from the ROC curves were -62.4% for C-reactive protein, +45.7% for total lymphocytes, and -32.9% for neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio. These points were significantly associated with greater extubation success. In the multivariate analysis, only C-reactive protein variation remained statistically significant (OR 2.6; 95%CI 1.51 - 4.5; p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: In this study, a decrease in C-reactive protein levels was associated with successful extubation in COVID-19 patients. Total lymphocytes and the neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio did not maintain the association after multivariate analysis. However, a decrease in C-reactive protein levels should not be used as a sole variable to identify COVID-19 patients suitable for weaning; as in our study, the area under the ROC curve demonstrated poor accuracy in discriminating extubation outcomes, with low sensitivity and specificity.

Effects of Glycemic Variability in Critically Ill Patients with Coronavirus Disease 2019: A Retrospective Observational Study.

Aim and background: Hyperglycemia is considered an adaptive metabolic manifestation of stress and is associated with poor outcomes. Herein, we analyzed the association between glycemic variability (GV) and hospital mortality in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU), and the association between GV and mechanical ventilation (MV), ICU stay, length of hospital stays, renal replacement therapy (RRT), hypoglycemia, nosocomial infections, insulin use, and corticosteroid class. Materials and methods: In this retrospective observational study, we collected information on blood glucose levels during the first 10 days of hospitalization in a cohort of ICU patients with COVID-19 and its association with outcomes. Results: In 239 patients, an association was observed between GV and hospital mortality between the first and last quartiles among patients without diabetes [odds ratio (OR), 3.78; confidence interval, 1.24-11.5]. A higher GV was associated with a greater need for RRT (p = 0.002), regular insulin (p < 0.001), and episodes of hypoglycemia (p < 0.001). Nosocomial infections were associated with intermediate GV quartiles (p = 0.02). The corticosteroid class had no association with GV (p = 0.21). Conclusion: Glycemic variability was associated with high mortality in patients with COVID-19 and observed in the subgroup of patients without diabetes. Clinical significance: Glycemic control in critically ill patients remains controversial and hyperglycemia is associated with worse outcomes. Diabetes mellitus (DM) is one of the most prevalent comorbidities in patients with COVID-19. In addition, they require corticosteroids due to pulmonary involvement, representing a challenge and an opportunity to better understand how glycemic changes can influence the outcome of these patients. How to cite this article: Boschi E, Friedman G, Moraes RB. Effects of Glycemic Variability in Critically Ill Patients with Coronavirus Disease 2019: A Retrospective Observational Study. Indian J Crit Care Med 2024;28(4):381-386.

Post-COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit-Acquired Weakness Compromises Long-Term Functional Status.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of intensive care unit (ICU)-acquired weakness (ICUAW) on the functional independence of patients hospitalized for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) over 6 months after ICU discharge. METHODS: This was a prospective cohort study that included patients who were admitted to the ICU because of COVID-19 and who were monitored for 6 months after discharge from the ICU via telephone. Patients were evaluated at 3 times (30 days, 3 months, and 6 months after discharge from the ICU) for functional independence for personal care and mobility activities (Barthel Scale), independence for self-care (Katz Index), impact of COVID-19 on functional status (post-COVID-19 Functional Status Scale [PCFS]), and mobility level (ICU Mobility Scale). The existence of some degree of dependence was considered when the Barthel Scale score was <100 points, the Katz Index was ≥1, and the PCFS score was ≥1. A PCFS score of ≥3 indicated moderate or severe dependence. Patients with a Medical Research Council score of <48 at discharge from the ICU were diagnosed with ICUAW. RESULTS: Sixty-eight patients were included, with a mean age of 51 (SD = 13) years. The ICUAW rate at ICU discharge was 35%. In the evaluation with the PCFS, the values for the presence of any functional limitation at 30 days, 3 months, and 6 months after ICU discharge were 89.7%, 57.4%, and 38.2%, respectively. The rate of persistence of functional limitations after 6 months was higher in patients with ICUAW than in those without ICUAW (66.7% vs 22.8%; P = .000); the same was true for moderate or severe limitations (20.8% vs 4.5%; P = .035). Likewise, functional independence for personal care, mobility, and self-care activities was poorer in patients with ICUAW. CONCLUSIONS: In patients surviving an ICU stay due to COVID-19, decreased functional independence persists even 6 months after discharge, and patients with ICUAW have worse outcomes. IMPACT: Patients who survive ICU stays due to COVID-19 continue to have greater functional dependence even 6 months after ICU discharge.

A Coordinated and Multidisciplinary Strategy can Reduce the Time for Antibiotics in Septic Patients at a University Hospital.

Objectives: We carried out this work with the aim of assessing the effectiveness of a set of interventions over time for the administration of antibiotics. Design: Prospective observational study. Setting: Patients admitted to the emergency room and ICU of the hospital where the study was conducted are evaluated daily for some sociodemographic and clinical variables. Among them are some quality indicators, such as the time between the diagnosis of sepsis or septic shock until the start of the infusion of antibiotics. This indicator reflects several aspects related to a set of assistance measures (adequacy of antibiotic dispensation, rapid response team (RRT), sepsis care quality improvement program, antimicrobial management program, improvements in emergency department assistance). Patients or participants: Patients with sepsis or septic shock were admitted to the ICU of a university and public hospital in southern Brazil. Main variables of interest: The time between the diagnosis of sepsis or septic shock and the beginning of the infusion of antibiotics. Results: Between 2013 and 2018, 1676 patients were evaluated. The mean time for antibiotic infusion decreased from 6.1 ± 8.6 hours to 1.7 ± 2.9 hours (p < 0.001). The percentage of patients who received antibiotics in the first hour increased from 20.7 to 59.0% (p < 0.001). Conclusion: In this study, we demonstrated that a set of actions adopted in a large tertiary hospital was associated with decreased time to start antibiotic therapy in septic patients. How to cite this article: Moraes RB, Haas JS, Vidart J, Nicolaidis R, Deutschendorf C, Moretti MMS, et al. A Coordinated and Multidisciplinary Strategy can Reduce the Time for Antibiotics in Septic Patients at a University Hospital. Indian J Crit Care Med 2023;27(7):465-469.

Reply to the letter "Understanding lactate and its clearance during extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for supporting refractory cardiogenic shock patients".

This is a reply to the letter titled "Understanding lactate and its clearance during extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for supporting refractory cardiogenic shock patients" by Eva Rully Kurniawati et al. In response to the concerns raised about our paper published in BMC Cardiovascular Disorders, titled "Association between serum lactate levels and mortality in patients with cardiogenic shock receiving mechanical circulatory support: a multicenter retrospective cohort study," we have addressed the confounding bias on the population included and the use of VA-ECMO and Impella CP. Furthermore, we have provided new data on the correlation of oxygen supply and lactate levels at admission of cardiogenic shock.

Cervical spine movements during laryngoscopy and orotracheal intubation: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Airway management is challenging in trauma patients because of the fear of worsening cervical spinal cord damage. Video-integrated and optic-integrated devices and intubation laryngeal mask airways have been proposed as alternatives to direct laryngoscopy with the Macintosh laryngoscope (MAC). We performed a meta-analysis to clarify which devices cause less cervical movement during airway management. METHODS: We searched MEDLINE, Cochrane Central, Embase and LILACS from inception to January 2022. We selected randomised controlled trials comparing alternative devices with the MAC for cervical movement from C0 to C5 in adult patients, evaluated by radiological examination. Additionally, cervical spine immobilisation (CSI) techniques were evaluated. We used the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool to evaluate the risk of bias, and the principles of the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluations system to assess the quality of the body of evidence. RESULTS: Twenty-one studies (530 patients) were included. Alternative devices caused statistically significantly less cervical movement than MAC during laryngoscopy with mean differences of -3.43 (95% CI -4.93 to -1.92) at C0-C1, -3.19 (-4.04 to -2.35) at C1-C2, -1.35 (-2.19 to -0.51) at C2-C3, and -2.61 (-3.62 to -1.60) at C3-C4; and during intubation: -3.60 (-5.08 to -2.12) at C0-C1, -2.38 (-3.17 to -1.58) at C1-C2, -1.20 (-2.09 to -0.31) at C2-C3. The Airtraq and the Intubation Laryngeal Mask Airway caused statistically significant less movement than MAC restricted to some cervical segments, as well as CSI. Heterogeneity was low to moderate in most results. The quality of the body of evidence was 'low' and 'very low'. CONCLUSIONS: Compared with the MAC, alternative devices caused less movement during laryngoscopy (C0-C4) and intubation (C0-C3). Due to the high risk of bias and the very low grade of evidence of the studies, further research is necessary to clarify the benefit of each device and to determine the efficacy of cervical immobilisation during airway management.

Can central-venous oxygen saturation be estimated from tissue oxygen saturation during a venous occlusion test? / É possível estimar a saturação venosa de oxigênio central a partir da saturação tecidual de oxigênio durante o teste de oclusão venosa?

OBJECTIVE: To test whether tissue oxygen saturation (StO2) after a venous occlusion test estimates central venous oxygen saturation (ScvO2). METHODS: Observational study in intensive care unit patients. Tissue oxygen saturation was monitored (InSpectra Tissue Spectrometer Model 650, Hutchinson Technology Inc., MN, USA) with a multiprobe (15/25mm) in the thenar position. A venous occlusion test in volunteers was applied in the upper arm to test the tolerability and pattern of StO2 changes during the venous occlusion test. A sphygmomanometer cuff was inflated to a pressure 30mmHg above diastolic pressure until StO2 reached a plateau and deflated to 0mmHg. Tissue oxygen saturation parameters were divided into resting StO2 (r-StO2) and minimal StO2 (m-StO2) at the end of the venous occlusion test. In patients, the cuff was inflated to a pressure 30mmHg above diastolic pressure for 5 min (volunteers' time derived) or until a StO2 plateau was reached. Tissue oxygen saturation parameters were divided into r-StO2, m-StO2, and the mean time that StO2 reached ScvO2. The StO2 value at the mean time was compared to ScvO2. RESULTS: All 9 volunteers tolerated the venous occlusion test. The time for tolerability or the StO2 plateau was 7 ± 1 minutes. We studied 22 patients. The mean time for StO2 equalized ScvO2 was 100 sec and 95 sec (15/25mm probes). The StO2 value at 100 sec ([100-StO2] 15mm: 74 ± 7%; 25mm: 74 ± 6%) was then compared with ScvO2 (75 ± 6%). The StO2 value at 100 sec correlated with ScvO2 (15 mm: R2 = 0.63, 25mm: R2 = 0.67, p < 0.01) without discrepancy (Bland Altman). CONCLUSION: Central venous oxygen saturation can be estimated from StO2 during a venous occlusion test.

OBJETIVO: Testar se, após um teste de oclusão venosa, a taxa de saturação tecidual de oxigênio é capaz de estimar a taxa de saturação venosa de oxigênio central. MÉTODOS: Realizou-se estudo observacional em pacientes de unidade de terapia intensiva. A taxa de saturação tecidual de oxigênio foi monitorada a partir de um espectrômetro tecidual (InSpectra modelo 650, Hutchinson Technology Inc., MN, Estados Unidos) com uma sonda múltipla de 15mm e 25mm na posição tenar. Aplicou-se um teste de oclusão venosa no braço superior de voluntários para testar a tolerabilidade e o padrão de mudanças na taxa de saturação tecidual de oxigênio durante a realização do teste de oclusão venosa. Inflou-se um manguito de esfigmomanômetro a uma pressão 30mmHg maior que a pressão diastólica até que a taxa de saturação tecidual de oxigênio alcançasse um platô e o manguito fosse desinflado a 0mmHg. Os parâmetros da taxa de saturação tecidual de oxigênio foram classificados como em repouso e mínima ao final do teste de oclusão venosa. Nos pacientes, o manguito foi inflado a uma pressão 30mmHg maior que a pressão diastólica durante 5 minutos, que foi o tempo derivado dos voluntários, ou até que a taxa de saturação tecidual de oxigênio atingisse um platô. Os parâmetros da taxa de saturação tecidual de oxigênio foram classificados como em repouso e mínima, e o tempo médio que a taxa de saturação tecidual de oxigênio se igualou à de saturação venosa de oxigênio central. A taxa de saturação tecidual de oxigênio no tempo médio foi comparada à de saturação venosa de oxigênio central. RESULTADOS: Todos os nove voluntários toleraram bem o teste de oclusão venosa. O tempo de tolerabilidade ou o platô da taxa de saturação tecidual de oxigênio foi de 7 ± 1 minutos. Estudamos 22 pacientes. O tempo médio para a equalização da taxa de saturação tecidual de oxigênio à de saturação venosa de oxigênio central foi de 100 segundos e 95 segundos, utilizando sondas de 15 e 25mm, respectivamente. A taxa de saturação tecidual de oxigênio em 100 segundos foi de 74% ± 7%, utilizando sonda de 15mm, e de 74% ± 6%, utilizando sonda de 25mm. Então, as taxas foram comparadas à taxa de saturação venosa de oxigênio central, que apresentou 75% ± 6%. A taxa de saturação tecidual de oxigênio em 100 segundos correlacionou-se com a de saturação venosa de oxigênio central (15mm: R2 = 0,63; 25mm: R2 = 0,67; p < 0,01) sem discrepância (Bland-Altman). CONCLUSÃO: A taxa de saturação venosa de oxigênio central pode ser estimada a partir da taxa de saturação tecidual de oxigênio, a partir de um teste de oclusão venosa.

É possível estimar a saturação venosa de oxigênio central a partir da saturação tecidual de oxigênio durante o teste de oclusão venosa? / Can central-venous oxygen saturation be estimated from tissue oxygen saturation during a venous occlusion test?

RESUMO Objetivo: Testar se, após um teste de oclusão venosa, a taxa de saturação tecidual de oxigênio é capaz de estimar a taxa de saturação venosa de oxigênio central. Métodos: Realizou-se estudo observacional em pacientes de unidade de terapia intensiva. A taxa de saturação tecidual de oxigênio foi monitorada a partir de um espectrômetro tecidual (InSpectra modelo 650, Hutchinson Technology Inc., MN, Estados Unidos) com uma sonda múltipla de 15mm e 25mm na posição tenar. Aplicou-se um teste de oclusão venosa no braço superior de voluntários para testar a tolerabilidade e o padrão de mudanças na taxa de saturação tecidual de oxigênio durante a realização do teste de oclusão venosa. Inflou-se um manguito de esfigmomanômetro a uma pressão 30mmHg maior que a pressão diastólica até que a taxa de saturação tecidual de oxigênio alcançasse um platô e o manguito fosse desinflado a 0mmHg. Os parâmetros da taxa de saturação tecidual de oxigênio foram classificados como em repouso e mínima ao final do teste de oclusão venosa. Nos pacientes, o manguito foi inflado a uma pressão 30mmHg maior que a pressão diastólica durante 5 minutos, que foi o tempo derivado dos voluntários, ou até que a taxa de saturação tecidual de oxigênio atingisse um platô. Os parâmetros da taxa de saturação tecidual de oxigênio foram classificados como em repouso e mínima, e o tempo médio que a taxa de saturação tecidual de oxigênio se igualou à de saturação venosa de oxigênio central. A taxa de saturação tecidual de oxigênio no tempo médio foi comparada à de saturação venosa de oxigênio central. Resultados: Todos os nove voluntários toleraram bem o teste de oclusão venosa. O tempo de tolerabilidade ou o platô da taxa de saturação tecidual de oxigênio foi de 7 ± 1 minutos. Estudamos 22 pacientes. O tempo médio para a equalização da taxa de saturação tecidual de oxigênio à de saturação venosa de oxigênio central foi de 100 segundos e 95 segundos, utilizando sondas de 15 e 25mm, respectivamente. A taxa de saturação tecidual de oxigênio em 100 segundos foi de 74% ± 7%, utilizando sonda de 15mm, e de 74% ± 6%, utilizando sonda de 25mm. Então, as taxas foram comparadas à taxa de saturação venosa de oxigênio central, que apresentou 75% ± 6%. A taxa de saturação tecidual de oxigênio em 100 segundos correlacionou-se com a de saturação venosa de oxigênio central (15mm: R2 = 0,63; 25mm: R2 = 0,67; p < 0,01) sem discrepância (Bland-Altman). Conclusão: A taxa de saturação venosa de oxigênio central pode ser estimada a partir da taxa de saturação tecidual de oxigênio, a partir de um teste de oclusão venosa.

ABSTRACT Objective: To test whether tissue oxygen saturation (StO2) after a venous occlusion test estimates central venous oxygen saturation (ScvO2). Methods: Observational study in intensive care unit patients. Tissue oxygen saturation was monitored (InSpectra Tissue Spectrometer Model 650, Hutchinson Technology Inc., MN, USA) with a multiprobe (15/25mm) in the thenar position. A venous occlusion test in volunteers was applied in the upper arm to test the tolerability and pattern of StO2 changes during the venous occlusion test. A sphygmomanometer cuff was inflated to a pressure 30mmHg above diastolic pressure until StO2 reached a plateau and deflated to 0mmHg. Tissue oxygen saturation parameters were divided into resting StO2 (r-StO2) and minimal StO2 (m-StO2) at the end of the venous occlusion test. In patients, the cuff was inflated to a pressure 30mmHg above diastolic pressure for 5 min (volunteers' time derived) or until a StO2 plateau was reached. Tissue oxygen saturation parameters were divided into r-StO2, m-StO2, and the mean time that StO2 reached ScvO2. The StO2 value at the mean time was compared to ScvO2. Results: All 9 volunteers tolerated the venous occlusion test. The time for tolerability or the StO2 plateau was 7 ± 1 minutes. We studied 22 patients. The mean time for StO2 equalized ScvO2 was 100 sec and 95 sec (15/25mm probes). The StO2 value at 100 sec ([100-StO2] 15mm: 74 ± 7%; 25mm: 74 ± 6%) was then compared with ScvO2 (75 ± 6%). The StO2 value at 100 sec correlated with ScvO2 (15 mm: R2 = 0.63, 25mm: R2 = 0.67, p < 0.01) without discrepancy (Bland Altman). Conclusion: Central venous oxygen saturation can be estimated from StO2 during a venous occlusion test.

Clinical characteristics, systemic complications, and in-hospital outcomes for patients with COVID-19 in Latin America. LIVEN-Covid-19 study: A prospective, multicenter, multinational, cohort study.

PURPOSE: The COVID-19 pandemic has spread worldwide, and almost 396 million people have been infected around the globe. Latin American countries have been deeply affected, and there is a lack of data in this regard. This study aims to identify the clinical characteristics, in-hospital outcomes, and factors associated with ICU admission due to COVID-19. Furthermore, to describe the functional status of patients at hospital discharge after the acute episode of COVID-19. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This was a prospective, multicenter, multinational observational cohort study of subjects admitted to 22 hospitals within Latin America. Data were collected prospectively. Descriptive statistics were used to characterize patients, and multivariate regression was carried out to identify factors associated with severe COVID-19. RESULTS: A total of 3008 patients were included in the study. A total of 64.3% of patients had severe COVID-19 and were admitted to the ICU. Patients admitted to the ICU had a higher mean (SD) 4C score (10 [3] vs. 7 [3)], p<0.001). The risk factors independently associated with progression to ICU admission were age, shortness of breath, and obesity. In-hospital mortality was 24.1%, whereas the ICU mortality rate was 35.1%. Most patients had equal self-care ability at discharge 43.8%; however, ICU patients had worse self-care ability at hospital discharge (25.7% [497/1934] vs. 3.7% [40/1074], p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: This study confirms that patients with SARS CoV-2 in the Latin American population had a lower mortality rate than previously reported. Systemic complications are frequent in patients admitted to the ICU due to COVID-19, as previously described in high-income countries.

Intensive Care Unit-Acquired Weakness in Patients With COVID-19: Occurrence and Associated Factors.

OBJECTIVE: The primary objective of this study was to identify the occurrence and factors associated with intensive care unit (ICU)-acquired weakness (ICUAW) in patients with COVID-19. Secondarily, we monitored the evolution of muscle strength and mobility among individuals with ICUAW and those without ICUAW and the association of these variables with length of stay, mechanical ventilation (MV), and other clinical variables. METHODS: In this prospective observational study, individuals admitted to the ICU for >72 hours with COVID-19 were evaluated for muscle strength and mobility at 3 times: when being weaned from ventilatory support, discharged from the ICU, and discharged from the hospital. Risk factors for ICUAW were monitored. RESULTS: The occurrences of ICUAW at the 3 times evaluated among the 75 patients included were 52%, 38%, and 13%. The length of the ICU stay (29.5 [IQR = 16.3-42.5] vs 11 [IQR = 6.5-16] days), the length of the hospital stay (43.5 [IQR = 22.8-55.3] vs 16 [IQR = 12.5-24] days), and time on MV (25.5 [IQR = 13.8-41.3] vs 10 [IQR = 5-22.5] days) were greater in patients with ICUAW. Muscle strength and mobility were lower at all times assessed in patients with ICUAW. Bed rest time for all patients (relative risk = 1.14; 95% CI = 1.02 to 1.28) and use of corticosteroids (relative risk = 1.01; 95% CI = 1.00 to 1.03) for those who required MV were factors independently associated with ICUAW. Muscle strength was found to have a positive correlation with mobility and a negative correlation with lengths of stay in the ICU and hospital and time on MV. CONCLUSION: The occurrence of ICUAW was high on patients' awakening in the ICU but decreased throughout hospitalization; however, strength and mobility remained compromised at hospital discharge. Bed rest time and use of corticosteroids (for those who needed MV) were factors independently associated with ICUAW in patients with COVID-19. IMPACT: Patients who had COVID-19 and developed ICUAW had longer periods of ICU stay, hospital stay, and MV. Bed rest time and use of corticosteroids (for those who required MV) were factors independently associated with ICUAW.

Ventilator versus manual hyperinflation in adults receiving mechanical ventilation: A systematic review.

INTRODUCTION: Manual hyperinflation (MHI) or with a mechanical ventilator (VHI) are alternatives in bronchial hygiene therapy, in recent years several studies have emerged with the objective of verifying the effectiveness and safety of the techniques. OBJECTIVE: Systematically review and analyze the most recent studies in the literature on MHI and VHI, compare both techniques and demonstrate their effectiveness in bronchial hygiene therapy in mechanically ventilated patients. METHODS: We conducted this systematic review based on the PICO strategy and used the databases Ovid, LILACS, CINAHL, Pubmed and CENTRAL. Search, selection and analysis of randomized controlled trials on MHI, VHI or comparing both techniques. We performed a comparison on secretion elimination, static and dynamic compliance, oxygenation and clinical outcomes. The studies were analyzed by two independent evaluators. RESULTS: Nine articles were selected comparing MHI with usual care, demonstrating improved compliance in the MHI group, but with no impact on secretion removal. Four studies compared VHI with usual care, with three showing increased secretion elimination and compliance in the HVM group. Another four articles compared MHI with VHI but none of the studies showed superiority in terms of elimination of secretion and three studies found improvement in static compliance. CONCLUSION: Both techniques have proven to be effective alternatives to bronchial hygiene therapy.

Association Between Hyperlactatemia, Perfusional Parameters, and Lymphocyte Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Septic Shock Patients.

INTRODUCTION: In septic shock, mitochondrial dysfunction, and hypoperfusion are the main triggers of multi-organ failure. Little is known about the crosstalk between mitochondrial dysfunction and hemodynamic alterations, especially in the post-resuscitation phase. Here, we assess whether hypoperfusion and lactate levels are associated with oxygen consumption linked to mitochondrial bioenergetic activity in lymphocytes of patients admitted with septic shock. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Prospective cohort study in patients with septic shock defined as the requirement of vasopressors to maintain a mean arterial pressure 65 mm Hg after initial fluid administration. Basal mitochondrial and Complex I respiration was measured to evaluate mitochondrial activity. Both variables and capillary refill time were compared with arterial lactate post-fluid resuscitation. We also compared mitochondrial activity measurements between patients with and without hypoperfusion status. RESULTS: A total of 90 patients were included in analysis. The median arterial lactate at the time of septic shock diagnosis was 2.0 mmol/Dl (IQR 1.3-3.0). Baseline respiration at the time of septic shock diagnosis was correlated with lactate (Spearman -0.388, 95% CI -0.4893 to -0.1021; P = 0.003), as well as Complex I respiration (Spearman -0.403, 95% CI -0.567 to -0.208; P < 0.001). Patients with hypoperfusion status had no difference in basal respiration when compared with patients who did not have hypoperfusion status (P = 0.22) nor in Complex I respiration (P = 0.09). CONCLUSION: Changes in lymphocytic mitochondrial metabolism are associated with post-resuscitation arterial lactate in septic shock; however, they are not associated with the presence of a hypoperfusional status. In this scenario, it is therefore suggested that systemic perfusion and mitochondrial metabolism have different courses.

Association of uteroglobin-related protein 1 with smoke inhalation injury severity. / Associação entre proteína 1 relacionada à uteroglobulina e gravidade da lesão por inalação de fumaça.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate serum uteroglobin-related protein 1 expression early after smoke inhalation injuries and its association with the severity of inhalation injury in burned patients. METHODS: Smoke or chemical inhalation injury is associated with morbidity and mortality. The consequences of inhalation result from an inflammatory response. Uteroglobin-related protein 1 is an anti-inflammatory protein and may improve lung inflammation. We hypothesized that uteroglobin-related protein 1 levels could reflect disease severity and predict outcome in patients with inhalation injury. Sixteen patients diagnosed with acute respiratory distress syndrome secondary to smoke inhalation injury were prospectively included in the study. Plasma was collected upon intensive care unit admission and within 24 hours of the inhalation injury. Bronchoscopies were carried out in all patients to assess the severity of inhalation injury within 72 hours. Uteroglobin-related protein 1 plasma levels were determined in duplicate with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: The mean age was 23 ± 5 years, and the inhalation injury distribution was as follows: three of grade 1, four of grade 2, and nine of grade 3. The level of uteroglobin-related protein 1 was related to inhalation severity (grade 1: 0.389 ± 0.053 arbitrary units versus grade 2: 0.474 ± 0.0423 arbitrary units versus grade 3: 0.580 ± 0.094 arbitrary units; p = 0.007). CONCLUSION: Plasma levels of uteroglobin-related protein 1 are associated with the degree of lung inhalation injury.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a expressão sérica da proteína 1 relacionada à uteroglobulina na fase inicial após lesões por inalação de fumaça e sua associação com a gravidade da lesão por inalação em pacientes queimados. MÉTODOS: A lesão por inalação de fumaça ou produtos químicos se associa com morbidade e mortalidade. As consequências da inalação resultam de uma resposta inflamatória. A proteína 1 relacionada à uteroglobulina é anti-inflamatória e pode melhorar a inflamação pulmonar. Nossa hipótese é que os níveis de proteína 1 relacionada à uteroglobulina podem refletir a gravidade da doença e predizer o desfecho em pacientes com lesão por inalação. Incluíram-se prospectivamente neste estudo 16 pacientes com diagnóstico de síndrome do desconforto respiratório agudo decorrente de lesão por inalação de fumaça. Em todos os pacientes, colheu-se amostra de plasma quando da admissão à unidade de terapia intensiva, para avaliar a gravidade da lesão por inalação dentro de 72 horas. Os níveis plasmáticos de proteína 1 relacionada à uteroglobulina foram determinados em duplicata por meio de ensaio de imunoabsorção ligado à enzima. RESULTADOS: A média de idade foi de 23 ± 5 anos, e a distribuição da lesão por inalação foi: três em grau 1, quatro em grau 2 e nove em grau 3. O nível de proteína 1 relacionada à uteroglobulina foi relacionado ao grau de severidade (grau 1: 0,389 ± 0,053 unidade arbitrária versus grau 2: 0,474 ± 0,0423 unidade arbitrária versus grau 3: 0,580 ± 0,094 unidade arbitrária; p = 0,007). CONCLUSÃO: Os níveis plasmáticos de proteína 1 relacionada à uteroglobulina se associam com o grau da lesão pulmonar por inalação.

Associação entre proteína 1 relacionada à uteroglobulina e gravidade da lesão por inalação de fumaça / Association of uteroglobin-related protein 1 with smoke inhalation injury severity

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar a expressão sérica da proteína 1 relacionada à uteroglobulina na fase inicial após lesões por inalação de fumaça e sua associação com a gravidade da lesão por inalação em pacientes queimados. Métodos: A lesão por inalação de fumaça ou produtos químicos se associa com morbidade e mortalidade. As consequências da inalação resultam de uma resposta inflamatória. A proteína 1 relacionada à uteroglobulina é anti-inflamatória e pode melhorar a inflamação pulmonar. Nossa hipótese é que os níveis de proteína 1 relacionada à uteroglobulina podem refletir a gravidade da doença e predizer o desfecho em pacientes com lesão por inalação. Incluíram-se prospectivamente neste estudo 16 pacientes com diagnóstico de síndrome do desconforto respiratório agudo decorrente de lesão por inalação de fumaça. Em todos os pacientes, colheu-se amostra de plasma quando da admissão à unidade de terapia intensiva, para avaliar a gravidade da lesão por inalação dentro de 72 horas. Os níveis plasmáticos de proteína 1 relacionada à uteroglobulina foram determinados em duplicata por meio de ensaio de imunoabsorção ligado à enzima. Resultados: A média de idade foi de 23 ± 5 anos, e a distribuição da lesão por inalação foi: três em grau 1, quatro em grau 2 e nove em grau 3. O nível de proteína 1 relacionada à uteroglobulina foi relacionado ao grau de severidade (grau 1: 0,389 ± 0,053 unidade arbitrária versus grau 2: 0,474 ± 0,0423 unidade arbitrária versus grau 3: 0,580 ± 0,094 unidade arbitrária; p = 0,007). Conclusão: Os níveis plasmáticos de proteína 1 relacionada à uteroglobulina se associam com o grau da lesão pulmonar por inalação.

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate serum uteroglobin-related protein 1 expression early after smoke inhalation injuries and its association with the severity of inhalation injury in burned patients. Methods: Smoke or chemical inhalation injury is associated with morbidity and mortality. The consequences of inhalation result from an inflammatory response. Uteroglobin-related protein 1 is an anti-inflammatory protein and may improve lung inflammation. We hypothesized that uteroglobin-related protein 1 levels could reflect disease severity and predict outcome in patients with inhalation injury. Sixteen patients diagnosed with acute respiratory distress syndrome secondary to smoke inhalation injury were prospectively included in the study. Plasma was collected upon intensive care unit admission and within 24 hours of the inhalation injury. Bronchoscopies were carried out in all patients to assess the severity of inhalation injury within 72 hours. Uteroglobin-related protein 1 plasma levels were determined in duplicate with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results: The mean age was 23 ± 5 years, and the inhalation injury distribution was as follows: three of grade 1, four of grade 2, and nine of grade 3. The level of uteroglobin-related protein 1 was related to inhalation severity (grade 1: 0.389 ± 0.053 arbitrary units versus grade 2: 0.474 ± 0.0423 arbitrary units versus grade 3: 0.580 ± 0.094 arbitrary units; p = 0.007). Conclusion: Plasma levels of uteroglobin-related protein 1 are associated with the degree of lung inhalation injury.

Medical Research Council Scale Predicts Spontaneous Breathing Trial Failure and Difficult or Prolonged Weaning of Critically Ill Individuals.

BACKGROUND: Handgrip strength is an alternative measure to assess peripheral muscle strength and is correlated with the Medical Research Council (MRC) scale, with promising values for diagnosing ICU-acquired weakness (ICUAW). Because ICUAW has been associated with delayed weaning from mechanical ventilation, we hypothesized that ICUAW evaluated with both the MRC scale score and handgrip strength are associated with failure of a spontaneous breathing trial (SBT) and duration of mechanical ventilation weaning. METHODS: We conducted a prospective observational study in 3 general ICUs with a total of 54 beds at 2 academic hospitals. Adult subjects with > 48 h of mechanical ventilation who were eligible for weaning were included in the study. RESULTS: In the evaluation before the first SBT, the MRC score (P < .001) and handgrip strength (P < .001) were significantly different between subjects extubated after a successful first SBT (simple weaning) and those extubated any time after a failed first SBT (difficult weaning). Only the MRC score discriminated between first SBT success or failure (P < .001); in multivariate analysis, the MRC score was significantly associated with first SBT failure (odds ratio 0.91, 95% CI 0.88-0.97, P < .001) and difficult weaning (odds ratio 0.91, 95% CI 0.87-0.96, P < .001). Handgrip strength exhibited good accuracy in identifying ICUAW. CONCLUSIONS: MRC score was independently associated with SBT failure and difficult or prolonged weaning.

The Burden of Mental Illness Among Survivors of Critical Care-Risk Factors and Impact on Quality of Life: A Multicenter Prospective Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: Survivors of critical care may demonstrate mental health disorders in the months after discharge. RESEARCH QUESTION: What are risk factors for mental health disorders after ICU discharge and is there an association between the burden of mental illness and health-related quality of life (HRQoL)? STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Multicenter prospective cohort study that included 579 adult ICU survivors with an ICU stay of > 72 h in 10 ICUs. RESULTS: The outcomes were anxiety and depression assessed by the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) assessed by the Impact Event Scale 6, and HRQoL assessed by the Short Form 12 version 2. The 6-month prevalences of any mental health disorder were 36.2% (the prevalences of anxiety, depression, and PTSD were 24.2%, 20.9%, and 15.4%, respectively). ICU survivors with mental health disorders showed worse HRQoL scores in both physical and mental dimensions than those without. The higher the number of psychiatric syndromes manifested, the worse the mental dimension of HRQoL. Age of < 65 years (P = .009), history of depression (P = .009), anxiety (P = .003) and depression (P = .02) symptoms at ICU discharge, physical dependence (P = .01), and decreased physical functional status (P = .04) at 6 months were associated with anxiety. History of depression (P = .001), depression symptoms at ICU discharge (P < .001), and decreased physical functional status at 6 months (P = .01) were associated with depression. Depression symptoms at ICU discharge (P = .01), physical dependence (P = .01), and decreased physical functional status (P = .02) at 6 months were associated with PTSD. INTERPRETATION: The network of potential risk factors for mental illness among patients discharged from an ICU is complex and involves multiple factors (age, premorbid mental health, acute emotional stress, and physical impairment after ICU stay). The negative impact of the burden of mental illness on HRQoL among critical care survivors is of concern.

Septic shock: Clinical indicators and implications to critical patient care.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVE: To identify clinical indicators of septic shock in critical care patients. BACKGROUND: The identification of clinical indicators of septic shock is relevant to avoid clinical deterioration of patients with sepsis. However, the recognition of these factors, especially by the nursing team, is still deficient and reinforces the need for studies that investigate the subject in different realities such as that of Brazil. DESIGN: The study had a cross-sectional design based on STROBE guidelines (see Appendix S1). METHODS: A sample of 392 patients with sepsis or septic shock was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit of a Brazilian university hospital. Data were collected from medical records of the Intrahospital Sepsis Combat Program referring to patients admitted between January 2018-January 2019. Sociodemographic and clinical data were collected, as well as information on the time from diagnosis of sepsis or septic shock to initiation of antibiotic therapy, length of stay, and discharge or death outcomes. Data were statically analysed. RESULTS: Out of the total sample, 190 (49%) patients were admitted with septic shock. Clinical indicators of septic shock were hypotension, mechanical ventilation, lactate levels between 2.0-3.9 or >4, hypothermia <36°C, radiotherapy-associated chemotherapy, Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score >3 and admittance through the emergency unit. Among patients with septic shock, 85 (44.7%) were discharged and 105 (55.2%) died in the intensive care unit. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with septic shock presented hyperlactataemia and greater organic dysfunction as clinical indicators when compared to patients with sepsis. Mechanical ventilation, chemotherapy and radiotherapy increased the risk of developing septic shock. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: Our results can support the nursing team by providing the main clinical indicators of septic shock and contributing to the interprofessional team in the prevention of septic shock.

Sepse após a alta da UTI: um problema de saúde pública / Sepsis after ICU discharge: a public health problem

A sepse é uma disfunção orgânica aguda secundária à infecção e suas taxas de mortalidade hospitalar vêm reduzindo em muitos países nos últimos anos. Esta redução da mortalidade resulta em um maior número de pacientes que recebem alta hospitalar, porém frequentemente os sobreviventes experimentam novas incapacidades (físicas, cognitivas e psicológicas) e piora das condições crônicas de saúde em longo-prazo. Além disso, sua evolução pós-alta hospitalar cursa com elevado risco de morte e frequentes reinternações nos primeiros meses pós-hospitalização, bem como elevado uso de recursos de saúde. Esta revisão tem como objetivo descrever a morbimortalidade em longo prazo dos pacientes sobreviventes de sepse, seus efeitos sobre o sistema de saúde e as possíveis ações voltadas a minimizar as sequelas desta síndrome que acomete aproximadamente 1/3 dos pacientes admitidos em unidades de tratamento intensivo. (AU)

Sepsis is an acute organ dysfunction secondary to infection and its hospital mortality rates have been decreasing in many countries in recent years. This reduction in mortality results in a greater number of patients being discharged from the hospital, but survivors often experience new disabilities (physical, cognitive and psychological) and worsening chronic long-term health conditions. In addition, the post-discharge evolution leads to a high risk of death and frequent readmissions in the first months after hospitalization, as well as a high use of health resources. This review aims to describe the long-term morbidity and mortality of survivors of sepsis, its effects on the health system and the possible actions aimed at minimizing the sequelae of this syndrome that affects approximately 1/3 of patients admitted to intensive care units. (AU)

Pacientes oligúricos hemodinamicamente estáveis geralmente não respondem ao desafio hídrico / Hemodynamically stable oliguric patients usually do not respond to fluid challenge

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar a responsividade renal após desafio hídrico em pacientes oligúricos na unidade de terapia intensiva. Método: Conduzimos um estudo observacional prospectivo em uma unidade de terapia intensiva universitária. Pacientes com débito urinário inferior a 0,5mL/kg/hora por 3 horas, com pressão arterial média acima de 60mmHg receberam um desafio hídrico. Examinamos a responsividade renal aos fluidos (definida como débito urinário acima de 0,5mL/kg/hora por 3 horas) após o desafio hídrico. Resultados: Avaliaram-se 42 pacientes (idade 67 ± 13 anos; APACHE II 16 ± 6). As características dos pacientes foram similares entre os respondedores e os não respondedores renais. Treze pacientes (31%) foram respondedores renais. Antes do desafio hídrico, os parâmetros hemodinâmicos e de perfusão não foram diferentes entre os pacientes que apresentaram aumento do débito urinário e os que não apresentaram. Calcularam-se as áreas sob a curva receiver operating characteristic para os níveis pré-desafio hídrico de pressão arterial média, frequência cardíaca, creatinina, ureia, depuração de creatinina, proporção ureia/creatinina e lactato. Nenhum desses parâmetros foi sensível ou suficientemente específico para predizer a reversão da oligúria. Conclusão: Após obtenção de estabilidade hemodinâmica, os pacientes oligúricos não alcançaram aumento do débito urinário em resposta ao desafio hídrico. Os parâmetros de hemodinâmica sistêmica, perfusão ou renais foram preditores fracos de responsividade urinária. Nossos resultados sugerem que a reposição de volume com objetivo de corrigir oligúria em pacientes sem hipovolemia óbvia deve ser realizada com cautela.

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate renal responsiveness in oliguric critically ill patients after a fluid challenge. Methods: We conducted a prospective observational study in one university intensive care unit. Patients with urine output < 0.5mL/kg/h for 3 hours with a mean arterial pressure > 60mmHg received a fluid challenge. We examined renal fluid responsiveness (defined as urine output > 0.5mL/kg/h for 3 hours) after fluid challenge. Results: Forty-two patients (age 67 ± 13 years; APACHE II score 16 ± 6) were evaluated. Patient characteristics were similar between renal responders and renal nonresponders. Thirteen patients (31%) were renal responders. Hemodynamic or perfusion parameters were not different between those who did and those who did not increase urine output before the fluid challenge. The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves were calculated for mean arterial pressure, heart rate, creatinine, urea, creatinine clearance, urea/creatinine ratio and lactate before the fluid challenge. None of these parameters were sensitive or specific enough to predict reversal of oliguria. Conclusion: After achieving hemodynamic stability, oliguric patients did not increase urine output after a fluid challenge. Systemic hemodynamic, perfusion or renal parameters were weak predictors of urine responsiveness. Our results suggest that volume replacement to correct oliguria in patients without obvious hypovolemia should be done with caution.