Alactic base excess is an independent predictor of death in sepsis: A propensity score analysis.

PURPOSE: Alactic base excess (ABE) is a novel biomarker defined as the sum of lactate and standard base excess and estimates the renal capability of handling acid-base disturbances in sepsis. The objective of this study is to see if ABE is an independent predictor of mortality in septic patients with and without renal dysfunction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively studied 1178 patients with sepsis and septic shock. Patients were divided according to ABE values: 1) negative ABE (<-3 mmol/L); 2) neutral ABE (≥ - 3 and < 4 mmol/L); and 3) positive ABE (≥4 mmol/L). The effect of ABE on mortality was evaluated using Cox regression weight by inverse probability weighting (IPWT) analysis after propensity score assessment. Additionally, we performed a stratified analysis in patients with GFR > 60 mL/min/1.73 m2. RESULTS: Negative ABE patients had higher mortality than patients with neutral ABE (adjusted HR 1.43; 95%CI 1.02-2.01). Also, in patients with GFR > 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 (n = 493), we observed higher mortality in patients with negative ABE (adjusted HR 2.43; 95%CI 1.07-5.53). CONCLUSIONS: Negative ABE is an independent predictor of in-hospital mortality in septic patients with and without renal dysfunction.

Dynamic Relative Regional Lung Strain Estimated by Electrical Impedance Tomography in an Experimental Model of ARDS.

BACKGROUND: To analyze the role of PEEP on dynamic relative regional strain (DRRS) in a model of ARDS, respective maps were generated by electrical impedance tomography (EIT). METHODS: Eight ARDS pigs submitted to PEEP steps of 0, 5, 10, and 15 cm H2O at fixed ventilation were evaluated by EIT images. DRRS was calculated as (VT-EIT/EELI)/(VT-EIT[15PEEP]/EELI[15PEEP]), where the tidal volume (VT)-EIT and end-expiratory lung impedance (EELI) are the tidal and end-expiratory change in lung impedance, respectively. The measurement at 15 PEEP was taken as reference (end-expiratory transpulmonary pressure > 0 cm H2O). The relationship between EIT variables (center of ventilation, EELI, and DRRS) and airway pressures was assessed with mixed-effects models using EIT measurements as dependent variables and PEEP as fixed-effect variable. RESULTS: At constant ventilation, respiratory compliance increased progressively with PEEP (lowest value at zero PEEP 10 ± 3 mL/cm H2O and highest value at 15 PEEP 16 ± 6 mL/cm H2O; P < .001), whereas driving pressure decreased with PEEP (highest value at zero PEEP 34 ± 6 cm H2O and lowest value at 15 PEEP 21 ± 4 cm H2O; P < .001). The mixed-effect regression models showed that the center of ventilation moved to dorsal lung areas with a slope of 1.81 (1.44-2.18) % points by each cm H2O of PEEP; P < .001. EELI increased with a slope of 0.05 (0.02-0.07) (arbitrary units) for each cm H2O of PEEP; P < .001. DRRS maps showed that local strain in ventral lung areas decreased with a slope of -0.02 (-0.24 to 0.15) with each cm H2O increase of PEEP; P < .001. CONCLUSIONS: EIT-derived DRRS maps showed high strain in ventral lung zones at low levels of PEEP. The findings suggest overdistention of the baby lung.

Changes in the management and clinical outcomes of critically ill patients without COVID-19 during the pandemic. / Modificações no manejo e desfechos clínicos de pacientes críticos sem COVID-19 durante a pandemia.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze whether changes in medical care due to the application of COVID-19 protocols affected clinical outcomes in patients without COVID-19 during the pandemic. METHODS: This was a retrospective, observational cohort study carried out in a thirty-eight-bed surgical and medical intensive care unit of a high complexity private hospital. Patients with respiratory failure admitted to the intensive care unit during March and April 2020 and the same months in 2019 were selected. We compared interventions and outcomes of patients without COVID-19 during the pandemic with patients admitted in 2019. The main variables analyzed were intensive care unit respiratory management, number of chest tomography scans and bronchoalveolar lavages, intensive care unit complications, and status at hospital discharge. RESULTS: In 2020, a significant reduction in the use of a high-flow nasal cannula was observed: 14 (42%) in 2019 compared to 1 (3%) in 2020. Additionally, in 2020, a significant increase was observed in the number of patients under mechanical ventilation admitted to the intensive care unit from the emergency department, 23 (69%) compared to 11 (31%) in 2019. Nevertheless, the number of patients with mechanical ventilation after 5 days of admission was similar in both years: 24 (69%) in 2019 and 26 (79%) in 2020. CONCLUSION: Intensive care unit protocols based on international recommendations for the COVID-19 pandemic have produced a change in non-COVID-19 patient management. We observed a reduction in the use of a high-flow nasal cannula and an increased number of tracheal intubations in the emergency department. However, no changes in the percentage of intubated patients in the intensive care unit, the number of mechanical ventilation days or the length of stay in intensive care unit.

OBJETIVO: Analisar se as modificações na atenção médica em razão da aplicação dos protocolos para COVID-19 afetaram os desfechos clínicos de pacientes sem a doença durante a pandemia. MÉTODOS: Este foi um estudo observacional de coorte retrospectiva conduzido em uma unidade de terapia intensiva clínica e cirúrgica com 38 leitos, localizada em hospital privado de alta complexidade na cidade de Buenos Aires, Argentina, e envolveu os pacientes com insuficiência respiratória admitidos à unidade de terapia intensiva no período compreendido entre março e abril de 2020 em comparação com o mesmo período no ano de 2019. Compararam-se as intervenções e os desfechos dos pacientes sem COVID-19 tratados durante a pandemia em 2020 e os pacientes admitidos em 2019. As principais variáveis avaliadas foram os cuidados respiratórios na unidade de terapia intensiva, o número de exames de tomografia computadorizada do tórax e lavados broncoalveolares, complicações na unidade de terapia intensiva e condições quando da alta hospitalar. RESULTADOS: Observou-se, em 2020, uma redução significante do uso de cânula nasal de alto fluxo: 14 (42%), em 2019, em comparação com 1 (3%), em 2020. Além disso, em 2020, observou-se aumento significante no número de pacientes sob ventilação mecânica admitidos à unidade de terapia intensiva a partir do pronto-socorro, de 23 (69%) em comparação com 11 (31%) em 2019. Contudo, o número de pacientes com ventilação mecânica 5 dias após a admissão foi semelhante em ambos os anos: 24 (69%), em 2019, e 26 (79%) em 2020. CONCLUSÃO: Os protocolos para unidades de terapia intensiva com base em recomendações internacionais para a pandemia de COVID-19 modificaram o manejo de pacientes sem COVID-19. Observamos redução do uso da cânula nasal de alto fluxo e aumento no número de intubações traqueais no pronto-socorro. Entretanto, não se identificaram alterações na percentagem de pacientes intubados na unidade de terapia intensiva, número de dias sob ventilação mecânica ou número de dias na unidade de terapia intensiva.

Modificações no manejo e desfechos clínicos de pacientes críticos sem COVID-19 durante a pandemia / Changes in the management and clinical outcomes of critically ill patients without COVID-19 during the pandemic

RESUMO Objetivo: Analisar se as modificações na atenção médica em razão da aplicação dos protocolos para COVID-19 afetaram os desfechos clínicos de pacientes sem a doença durante a pandemia. Métodos: Este foi um estudo observacional de coorte retrospectiva conduzido em uma unidade de terapia intensiva clínica e cirúrgica com 38 leitos, localizada em hospital privado de alta complexidade na cidade de Buenos Aires, Argentina, e envolveu os pacientes com insuficiência respiratória admitidos à unidade de terapia intensiva no período compreendido entre março e abril de 2020 em comparação com o mesmo período no ano de 2019. Compararam-se as intervenções e os desfechos dos pacientes sem COVID-19 tratados durante a pandemia em 2020 e os pacientes admitidos em 2019. As principais variáveis avaliadas foram os cuidados respiratórios na unidade de terapia intensiva, o número de exames de tomografia computadorizada do tórax e lavados broncoalveolares, complicações na unidade de terapia intensiva e condições quando da alta hospitalar. Resultados: Observou-se, em 2020, uma redução significante do uso de cânula nasal de alto fluxo: 14 (42%), em 2019, em comparação com 1 (3%), em 2020. Além disso, em 2020, observou-se aumento significante no número de pacientes sob ventilação mecânica admitidos à unidade de terapia intensiva a partir do pronto-socorro, de 23 (69%) em comparação com 11 (31%) em 2019. Contudo, o número de pacientes com ventilação mecânica 5 dias após a admissão foi semelhante em ambos os anos: 24 (69%), em 2019, e 26 (79%) em 2020. Conclusão: Os protocolos para unidades de terapia intensiva com base em recomendações internacionais para a pandemia de COVID-19 modificaram o manejo de pacientes sem COVID-19. Observamos redução do uso da cânula nasal de alto fluxo e aumento no número de intubações traqueais no pronto-socorro. Entretanto, não se identificaram alterações na percentagem de pacientes intubados na unidade de terapia intensiva, número de dias sob ventilação mecânica ou número de dias na unidade de terapia intensiva.

Abstract Objective: To analyze whether changes in medical care due to the application of COVID-19 protocols affected clinical outcomes in patients without COVID-19 during the pandemic. Methods: This was a retrospective, observational cohort study carried out in a thirty-eight-bed surgical and medical intensive care unit of a high complexity private hospital. Patients with respiratory failure admitted to the intensive care unit during March and April 2020 and the same months in 2019 were selected. We compared interventions and outcomes of patients without COVID-19 during the pandemic with patients admitted in 2019. The main variables analyzed were intensive care unit respiratory management, number of chest tomography scans and bronchoalveolar lavages, intensive care unit complications, and status at hospital discharge. Results: In 2020, a significant reduction in the use of a high-flow nasal cannula was observed: 14 (42%) in 2019 compared to 1 (3%) in 2020. Additionally, in 2020, a significant increase was observed in the number of patients under mechanical ventilation admitted to the intensive care unit from the emergency department, 23 (69%) compared to 11 (31%) in 2019. Nevertheless, the number of patients with mechanical ventilation after 5 days of admission was similar in both years: 24 (69%) in 2019 and 26 (79%) in 2020. Conclusion: Intensive care unit protocols based on international recommendations for the COVID-19 pandemic have produced a change in non-COVID-19 patient management. We observed a reduction in the use of a high-flow nasal cannula and an increased number of tracheal intubations in the emergency department. However, no changes in the percentage of intubated patients in the intensive care unit, the number of mechanical ventilation days or the length of stay in intensive care unit.

Cryoprobe biopsy for the diagnosis of acute hypoxemic respiratory failure of undetermined origin.

RATIONALE: Acute hypoxemic respiratory failure is a condition that comprises a wide array of entities. Obtaining a histological lung sample might help reach a diagnosis and direct an appropriate treatment in a select group of patients. OBJECTIVE: To describe our experience in the use of cryobiopsy for the diagnosis of acute hypoxemic respiratory failure of undetermined origin. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of case series of patients with acute hypoxemic respiratory failure who underwent lung cryobiopsy at the Intensive Care Unit of the Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires, Argentina. RESULTS: Cryobiopsy yielded a histological diagnosis in all patients (n = 10, 100%). This led to either a change in therapy or continuation of a specific treatment in eight of these patients. Cryobiopsy was found to be contributive in all the patients who did not meet Berlin criteria for acute respiratory distress syndrome. No major complications were associated with the procedure. CONCLUSIONS: Cryobiopsy is a safe procedure with a high diagnostic yield in a selected group of patients.

Características clínicas y evolutivas del síndrome de Takotsubo en un hospital universitario / Clinical Features and Outcomes of Takotsubo Syndrome at a University Hospital

RESUMEN: Introducción: El síndrome de Takotsubo (ST) es una miocardiopatía reversible que tiene diversas formas de presentación. Hasta el momento no se han publicado datos de ST en nuestro medio. Material y Métodos: Desde el 2005 al 2017 se incluyeron a 115 pacientes con diagnóstico de ST primario o secundario en el Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires. El objetivo fue evaluar las características clínicas del ST durante la internación. Resultados: La mediana de edad de la población fue de 78 años (64-84), el 90% eran mujeres, y el 22% presentó enfermedad coronaria asociada. El 57% eran ST primarios, 31% tuvieron un gatillo emocional y 44%, físico. El síndrome de presentación fue como shock: 9%, insuficiencia cardiaca 12%, "tipo SCA" 70%, ACV/embolia 5% y, arritmias, 4%. La mediana de Fey al ingreso fue del 40% (36-50) y su recuperación, desde el ingreso al alta (mediana de internación de 4 días, 3-8), fue del 20%, p < 0.001. La mortalidad hospitalaria fue de 4/115 (3,48%). En el análisis univariado, las variables asociadas a mayor mortalidad fueron: shock respecto a otras formas de presentación (p = 0.0035) y ST secundario respecto al primario, p = 0.020. Además, existió una relación directa entre la mortalidad y los niveles de NT-pro-BNP máximo (p = 0.0082) y glóbulos blancos (p = 0.0101). Asimismo, la mortalidad hospitalaria mostró una relación inversa con el hematocrito (p = 0.0084) y con las alteraciones en el ECG de ingreso; es decir, que los pacientes que fallecieron durante la internación tuvieron ECG normal al ingreso con mayor frecuencia (p < 0.001). Conclusión: En este registro unicéntrico se observó que los pacientes tuvieron más comorbilidades y similar mortalidad respecto a registros internacionales.

ABSTRACT: Background: Takotsubo syndrome (TS) is a reversible cardiomyopathy with many different forms of presentations. There is no local data of TS published so far. Methods: One hundred and fifteen patients with either primary or secondary TS were retrospectively studied at Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires from 2005 to 2017. The purpose of the study was to assess the clinical features of this population during hospitalization. Results: Median of age was 78 years (64-84); 90% of patients were female, and 22% had associated coronary artery disease. Fifty-seven percent of cases were primary TS, 31% experienced an emotional trigger and 44% had a physical origin. The presentation syndrome was as follows: 9% shock, 12% heart failure, 70 % mimicking acute coronary syndrome, 5% stroke/peripheral embolism and 4% arrhythmias. Median ejection fraction at admission was 40% (36-50) and recovery from admission to discharge [median hospital stay: 4 days (3-8)] was 20%, p <0.001. In-hospital mortality was 4/115 cases (3.48%). In univariate analysis, shock compared with other forms of presentation (p=0.0035) and secondary TS (p=0.020) were associated with higher in-hospital mortality. There was a direct relationship between in-hospital mortality and maximum NT-pro-BNP levels (p= 0.0082) and white cell count (p=0.0101). In addition, in-hospital mortality was inversely associated with hematocrit (p=0.0084) and with ECG abnormalities at admission; i.e. patients who died during hospitalization had more frequently normal ECG at admission, (p<0.001). Conclusion: Compared with international registries, this single center population had more comorbidities, but similar in-hospital mortality rates.

Implementación y resultados de un nuevo programa de ECMO para trasplante de pulmón y distrés respiratorio agudo / Implementation and results of a new ECMO program for lung transplantation and acute respiratory distress

RESUMEN Objetivo: El desarrollo de la membrana de oxigenación extracorpórea en América Latina representa un desafío para la especialidad. El objetivo de este artículo fue describir los resultados de un nuevo programa de membrana de oxigenación extracorpórea en una unidad de cuidados intensivos. Métodos: Estudio de cohorte retrospectivo. Incluye 22 pacientes que requirieron membrana de oxigenación extracorpórea desde Enero de 2011 hasta Junio de 2014. Se evaluaron características basales, indicaciones, duración de la corrida, días de ventilación mecánica, días de unidad de cuidados intensivos, complicaciones y mortalidad hospitalaria. Resultados: Quince pacientes requirieron membrana de oxigenación extracorpórea post-trasplante pulmonar y 7 pacientes por distrés respiratorio agudo. Todos los pacientes trasplantados fueron destetados de membrana de oxigenación extracorpórea, con una duración mediana de 3 días (Rango intercuantil - IQR: 2 - 5), de ventilación mecánica 15,5 días (IQR: 3 - 35), de estadía unidad de cuidados intensivos 31,5 días (IQR: 19 - 53) y de estadía hospitalaria 60 días (IQR: 36 - 89), con una mortalidad de 20%. Los pacientes con distrés respiratorio agudo tuvieron una mediana de duración de membrana de oxigenación extracorpórea de 9 días (IQR: 3 - 14), mediana de ventilación mecánica 25 días (IQR: 13 - 37), de estadía en terapia 31 días (IQR: 11 - 38), y hospitalaria 32 días (IQR: 11 - 41), y 57% de mortalidad. Las principales complicaciones fueron infecciones (80%), insuficiencia renal aguda (43%), sangrados en sitio quirúrgico y de inserción de cánulas (22%), plaquetopenia (60%) y coagulopatía (30%). Conclusión: A pesar de encontrarnos transitando una curva de aprendizaje, consideramos la experiencia satisfactoria, con resultados y complicaciones comparables a las reportadas en la literatura. .

ABSTRACT Objective: The development of the extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in Latin America represents a challenge in this specialty field. The objective of this article was to describe the results of a new extracorporeal membrane oxygenation program in an intensive care unit. Methods: This retrospective cohort study included 22 patients who required extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and were treated from January 2011 to June 2014. The baseline characteristics, indications, duration of the condition, days on mechanical ventilation, days in the intensive care unit, complications, and hospital mortality were evaluated. Results: Fifteen patients required extracorporeal membrane oxygenation after lung transplantation, and seven patients required oxygenation due to acute respiratory distress. All transplanted patients were weaned from extracorporeal membrane oxygenation with a median duration of 3 days (Interquartile range - IQR: 2 - 5), were on mechanical ventilation for a median of 15.5 days (IQR: 3 - 25), and had an intensive care unit stay of 31.5 days (IQR: 19 - 53) and a median hospital stay of 60 days (IQR: 36 - 89) with 20% mortality. Patients with acute respiratory distress had a median oxygenation membrane duration of 9 days (IQR: 3 - 14), median mechanical ventilation time of 25 days (IQR: 13 - 37), a 31 day stay in therapy (IQR: 11 - 38), a 32 day stay in the hospital (IQR: 11 - 41), and 57% mortality. The main complications were infections (80%), acute kidney failure (43%), bleeding at the surgical site and at the site of cannula placement (22%), plateletopenia (60%), and coagulopathy (30%). Conclusion: In spite of the steep learning curve, we considered this experience to be satisfactory, with results and complications comparable to those reported in the literature. .

Reference values for volumetric capnography-derived non-invasive parameters in healthy individuals.

The aim of this study was to determine typical values for non-invasive volumetric capnography (VCap) parameters for healthy volunteers and anesthetized individuals. VCap was obtained by a capnograph connected to the airway opening. We prospectively studied 33 healthy volunteers 32 ± 6 years of age weighing 70 ± 13 kg at a height of 171 ± 11 cm in the supine position. Data from these volunteers were compared with a cohort of similar healthy anesthetized patients ventilated with the following settings: tidal volume (VT) of 6-8 mL/kg, respiratory rate 10-15 bpm, PEEP of 5-6 cmH2O and FiO2 of 0.5. Volunteers showed better clearance of CO2 compared to anesthetized patients as indicated by (median and interquartile range): (1) an increased elimination of CO2 per mL of VT of 0.028 (0.005) in volunteers versus 0.023 (0.003) in anesthetized patients, p < 0.05; (2) a lower normalized slope of phase III of 0.26 (0.17) in volunteers versus 0.39 (0.38) in anesthetized patients, p < 0.05; and (3) a lower Bohr dead space ratio of 0.23 (0.05) in volunteers versus 0.28 (0.05) in anesthetized patients, p < 0.05. This study presents reference values for non-invasive volumetric capnography-derived parameters in healthy individuals. Mechanical ventilation and anesthesia altered these values significantly.