Effectiveness of diaphragmatic ultrasound as a predictor of successful weaning from mechanical ventilation: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Several measurements have been used to predict the success of weaning from mechanical ventilation; however, their efficacy varies in different studies. In recent years, diaphragmatic ultrasound has been used for this purpose. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the effectiveness of diaphragmatic ultrasound in predicting the success of weaning from mechanical ventilation. METHODS: Two investigators independently searched PUBMED, TRIP, EMBASE, COCHRANE, SCIENCE DIRECT, and LILACS for articles published between January 2016 and July 2022. The methodological quality of the studies was assessed using the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies-2 tool; additionally, the certainty of the evidence is evaluated using the GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation) methodology. Sensitivity and specificity analysis was performed for diaphragmatic excursion and diaphragmatic thickening fraction; positive and negative likelihood ratios and diagnostic odds ratios (DOR) with their confidence intervals (95% CI) were calculated by random effects analysis, summary receiver operating characteristic curve was estimated. Sources of heterogeneity were explored by subgroup analysis and bivariate meta-regression. RESULTS: Twenty-six studies were included, of which 19 were included in the meta-analysis (1204 patients). For diaphragmatic excursion, sensitivity was 0.80 (95% CI 0.77-0.83), specificity 0.80 (95% CI 0.75-0.84), area under the summary receiver operating characteristic curve 0.87 and DOR 17.1 (95% CI 10.2-28.6). For the thickening fraction, sensitivity was 0.85 (95% CI 0.82-0.87), specificity 0.75 (95% CI 0.69-0.80), area under the summary receiver operating characteristic curve 0.87 and DOR 17.2 (95% CI 9.16-32.3). There was heterogeneity among the included studies. When performing a subgroup analysis and excluding studies with atypical cutoff values, sensitivity and specificity increased for diaphragmatic thickening fraction; sensitivity increased and specificity decreased for diaphragmatic excursion; when comparing studies using pressure support (PS) versus T-tube, there was no significant difference in sensitivity and specificity; bivariate meta-regression analysis shows that patient position at the time of testing was a factor of heterogeneity in the included studies. CONCLUSIONS: Measurement of diaphragmatic excursion and diaphragmatic thickening fraction predict the probability of successful weaning from mechanical ventilation with satisfactory diagnostic accuracy; however, significant heterogeneity was evident in the different included studies. Studies of high methodological quality in specific subgroups of patients in intensive care units are needed to evaluate the role of diaphragmatic ultrasound as a predictor of weaning from mechanical ventilation.

Valoración geriátrica integral en una comunidad marginal de Ecuador / Comprehensive geriatric assessment in a marginal community of Ecuador

ANTECEDENTES: los adultos mayores presentan enfermedades que pueden repercutir en sus parámetros funcionales, psicológicos y sociales. La Valoración Geriátrica integral (VGI) se utiliza como herramienta de evaluación de estos parámetros a través del uso de instrumentos validados, sencillos y de fácil aplicación. OBJETIVO: determinar el estado de salud de los adultos mayores en un área urbano-marginal de Guayaquil (Ecuador) mediante la VGI, como primer paso para poder establecer un plan de cuidados coordinado en las áreas estudiadas. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: estudio transversal de 196 sujetos mayores de 65 años que acuden a un centro de salud comunitario de atención primaria en Guayaquil y a los que se les ha realizado una VGI. RESULTADOS: los participantes tenían una edad media de 70,9 ± 7,1 años. Variables demográficas: el 73 % eran afroecuatorianos, el 69 % tenían instrucción básica y el 57 % no realizaban ninguna actividad física. Evaluación clínica: el 47,4 % presentaban dificultad de visión, el 52 % riesgo nutricional y el 6 % desnutrición. Valoración social: el 13 % tenían deterioro social severo; el 40 % presentaban algún deterioro cognitivo y el 8,2 % tenían depresión; el 46,9 % eran funcionalmente dependientes y el 16,8 % presentaban dinapenia. CONCLUSIONES: la VGI permite identificar los principales problemas de salud de esta población, por lo que se considera una herramienta práctica y fácil de aplicar en los centros de atención primaria de las poblaciones urbano-marginales, como primer paso para mejorar el estado de salud de esta población mayor que en los últimos años está creciendo de forma importante en los países en vías de desarrollo tales como Ecuador

BACKGROUND: older adults suffer from diseases that can affect their functional, psychological and social parameters. The Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (CGA) is used as an evaluation tool for these parameters through the use of validated, simple and easy-to-apply instruments. OBJECTIVE: to report the health status of older adults who attend a primary care center in an urban-marginal area of Guayaquil (Ecuador) through CGA, as a first step in order to establish a coordinated care plan in the areas studied. MATERIAL AND METHODS: a cross-sectional assessment of 196 aged subjects with a median age of 70.9 years (83 % females) who attended a Primary Care Community Health Center in Guayaquil. Nutritional, social, demographic, functional, and cognitive variables were assessed. RESULTS: participants had a mean age of 70.9 ± 7.1 years. Demographic variables: 73 % were Afro-Ecuadorian, 69 % had basic education, and 57 % performed no physical activity. Clinical assessment: 47.4 % presented with vision impairment, and 37.8 % with hearing problems; 52 % had nutritional risk and 6 % malnutrition. Social valuation: 13 % had severe social deterioration; 40 % had some cognitive impairment, and 8.2 % had depression; 46.9 % were functionally dependent, and 16.8 % had dynapenia. CONCLUSIONS: CGA allows to identify major health problems in this population, which is why it is considered a practical and easy tool to apply in primary care centers in marginal urban populations as a first step to improve health status for this older population, which in recent years is growing significantly in developing countries such as Ecuador