[ROX index to predict failure with low flow devices in COVID-19]. / Índice ROX para predecir falla con dispositivos de bajo flujo en COVID-19.

Background: The ROX index (iROX) obtained from pulse oximetry saturation/inspired fraction of oxygen and respiratory rate, predicts success with high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC), however its performance for low-flow oxygenation devices (DOBF) is unknown. Objective: To determine suitability of iROX at 12 hours as a predictor of mechanical ventilation (VMI) in hospitalized patients with severe COVID-19 and DOBF. Material and methods: An historical cohort was performed. Adults with COVID-19, hospitalized, with supplemental oxygen supply are included, excluding patients with pathologies in chronic stages that could alter the results, calculating the iROX at 12 hours, obtaining the cut-off point using a ROC curve and Youden index, the risk of VMI is prolonged using relative risk (RR), with 95% confidence intervals (95%CI). Confounding variables were evaluated to determine the performance of the iROX. The dependent variable mechanical ventilation recorded as reported in the file and the independent iROX obtained in the same way as the previous one. Results: 63 patients with a median age of 62 years were included. The best iROX cut-off point at 12 hours was 5.35. With this cut-off point, VMI was associated with a RR of 8.75 (95% CI 2.36-32.35). In the multivariate model with an OR of 9.26; (95% CI, 2.39 - 35.78), after initiation of DOBF was consistently associated with an increased risk of intubation. Conclusion: In hospitalized patients with severe COVID-19, an iROX < 5.35 at 12 hours appears to be a predictor for the onset of VMI.

Introducción: el índice ROX (iROX) obtenido a partir de la saturación por oximetría de pulso/fracción inspirada de oxígeno y frecuencia respiratoria, pronostica el éxito con cánulas nasales de alto flujo (CNAF), pero se desconoce su desempeño para dispositivos de oxigenación de bajo flujo (DOBF). Objetivo: determinar el punto de corte y el desempeño del iROX a las 12 horas como predictor para el inicio de la ventilación mecánica (VMI) en los pacientes hospitalizados con COVID-19 grave y DOBF. Material y métodos: se realizó un estudio tipo cohorte histórica, en el que se incluyeron pacientes adultos con COVID-19, hospitalizados, con aporte de oxígeno suplementario. Se excluyeron los pacientes con patologías en etapas crónicas que pudieran alterar los resultados, calculando el iROX a las 12 horas y obteniendo el punto de corte mediante una curva ROC e índice de Youden, determinando el riesgo de VMI usando riesgo relativo (RR), con intervalos de confianza de 95% (IC95%). Evaluando otras variables confusoras para conocer el desempeño del iROX. La variable dependiente fue ventilación mecánica, obtenida por lo reportado en el expediente y la independiente el iROX, obtenida igual que la anterior. Resultados: se incluyeron 63 pacientes con una mediana de edad de 62 años. El mejor punto de corte del iROX a las 12 horas fue de 5.35. Con este punto de corte se asoció a VMI con un RR de 8.75 (IC95%: 2.36-32.35). En el modelo multivariado con un OR de 9.26; (IC95%: 2.39-35.78), después del inicio del DOBF se asoció consistentemente con un mayor riesgo de intubación. Conclusión: en pacientes hospitalizados con COVID-19 grave, un iROX < 5.35 a las 12 horas es un predictor para el inicio de la VMI.

Potential biomarkers for fatal outcome prognosis in a cohort of hospitalized COVID-19 patients with pre-existing comorbidities.

The difficulty in predicting fatal outcomes in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) impacts the general morbidity and mortality due to severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus 2 infection, as it wears out the hospital services that care for these patients. Unfortunately, in several of the candidates for prognostic biomarkers proposed, the predictive power is compromised when patients have pre-existing comorbidities. A cohort of 147 patients hospitalized for severe COVID-19 was included in a descriptive, observational, single-center, and prospective study. Patients were recruited during the first COVID-19 pandemic wave (April-November 2020). Data were collected from the clinical history whereas immunophenotyping by multiparameter flow cytometry analysis allowed us to assess the expression of surface markers on peripheral leucocyte. Patients were grouped according to the outcome in survivors or non-survivors. The prognostic value of leucocyte, cytokines or HLA-DR, CD39, and CD73 was calculated. Hypertension and chronic renal failure but not obesity and diabetes were conditions more frequent among the deceased patient group. Mixed hypercytokinemia, including inflammatory (IL-6) and anti-inflammatory (IL-10) cytokines, was more evident in deceased patients. In the deceased patient group, lymphopenia with a higher neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) value was present. HLA-DR expression and the percentage of CD39+ cells were higher than non-COVID-19 patients but remained similar despite the outcome. Receiver operating characteristic analysis and cutoff value of NLR (69.6%, 9.4), percentage NLR (pNLR; 71.1%, 13.6), and IL-6 (79.7%, 135.2 pg/mL). The expression of HLA-DR, CD39, and CD73, as many serum cytokines (other than IL-6) and chemokines levels do not show prognostic potential, were compared to NLR and pNLR values.

Physicians' Distress Related to Moral Issues and Mental Health In-Between Two Late Waves of COVID-19 Contagions.

In addition to the sanitary constrains implemented due to the pandemic, frontline physicians have faced increased workloads with insufficient resources, and the responsibility to make extraordinary clinical decisions. In 108 physicians who were at the forefront of care of patients with COVID-19 during the first two years of the pandemic, mental health, moral distress, and moral injury were assessed twice, in between two late waves of COVID-19 contagions, according to their adverse psychological reactions, in-hospital experience, sick leave due to COVID-19, quality of sleep, moral sensitivity, clinical empathy, resilience, and sense of coherence. Three months after the wave of contagions, the adverse emotional reactions and moral distress decreased, while moral injury persisted. Moral distress was related to clinical empathy, with influence from burnout and sick leave due to COVID-19, and moral injury was related to the sense of coherence, while recovery from moral distress was related to resilience. The results suggest that measures to prevent physician infection, as well as strengthening resilience and a sense of coherence, may be helpful to prevent persistent mental damage after exposure to a sanitary crisis.

[Hematological indices associated with mortality in critically ill patients with COVID-19]. / Índices hematológicos asociados con mortalidad en pacientes críticos con COVID-19.

Background: The COVID-19 disease has represented one of the most important threats to health. The most severe form is acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). The inflammatory response can cause hematologic changes. Objective: To determine the association between the Neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and the mean platelet volume (MPV) associated with mortality in critically ill patients with COVID-19 and ARDS. Material and methods: A retrospective study was carried out in an intensive care unit (ICU) in a public hospital, with patients in critical condition due to COVID-19 and on mechanical ventilation. The clinical characteristics of admission and severity of the disease were recorded. The end point was the ICU discharge condition. Results: 162 subjects were gathered, 103 were men, with a mean age of 54.54 ± 13.53 years. 66.7% died in the ICU. The NLR had an area under the curve (aROC) of 0.62, with a cut-off point for mortality of > 7.04, sensitivity of 94.4%, specificity of 29.63%. The VPM had an aROC of 0.65 with a cut-off point > 9.5, sensitivity of 30.84%, and specificity of 92.59%; finally, the APACHE II had an aROC of 0.67 with a cut-off point > 14, sensitivity of 51.4% and specificity of 80%. The NLR presented an odds ratio (OR) of 5.02, the VPM 2.06 and the APACHE II score 1.16. Conclusions: NLR, MPV, and APACHE II at ICU admission are associated with mortality for critically ill patients with COVID-19.

Introducción: la enfermedad por COVID-19 ha representado una de las amenazas más importantes para la salud. La forma más grave es el síndrome de insuficiencia respiratoria aguda (SIRA). La respuesta inflamatoria puede ocasionar cambios hematológicos. Objetivo: determinar la asociación entre el Índice neutrófilo/linfocito (INL) y el volumen plaquetario medio (VPM) asociado con la mortalidad en pacientes críticos con COVID-19 y SIRA. Material y métodos: se hizo un estudio de corte retrospectivo en una unidad de cuidados intensivos (UCI) de un hospital público, con pacientes en estado crítico por COVID y en ventilación mecánica. Se registraron las características clínicas de ingreso y severidad de la enfermedad. El punto final fue la condición de egreso de la UCI. Resultados: se reunieron 162 sujetos, 103 fueron hombres, con edad promedio de 54.54 ± 13.53 años. El 66.7% murieron en la UCI. El INL tuvo un área bajo la curva (aROC) de 0.62, con un punto de corte para mortalidad > 7.04, sensibilidad del 94.4% y especificidad del 29.63%. El VPM tuvo una aROC de 0.65 con un punto de corte > 9.5, sensibilidad de 30.84% y especificidad de 92.59%; finalmente, el APACHE II tuvo una ROC de 0.67, con un punto de corte > 14, sensibilidad de 51.4% y especificidad de 80%. El INL presentó una razón de momios (RM) de 5.02, el VPM una de 2.06 y el puntaje APACHE II una de 1.16. Conclusiones: el INL, el VPM y el APACHE II al ingreso a la UCI están asociados con la mortalidad para los pacientes críticos con COVID-19.

[Ketamine as a treatment of bronchospasm due to an anaphylaxis. A case report]. / Ketamina como tratamiento de broncoespasmo asociado a anafilaxia. Reporte de un caso.

Background: Ketamine is used in intravenous anesthesia for the maintenance in the general anesthesia. It has characteristics to prevent the difficult of breathing due to bronchospasm, as well as the delivery of histamine associated with asthmatic attack. These effects come from the direct action in the bronchial muscle, as well as from the potentiation of its catecholamines, which is why its use is very controversial, given that there are not enough trials to back it up. Moreover, the effect of ketamine on bronchospasm due to anaphylactic reaction has not been studied. The election treatment is epinephrine and there are factors associated with its use. The objective was to present the case of a patient with a history of allergic reaction to midazolam, who presented bronchospasm due to the administration of this drug, and who received unconventional treatment with positive outcomes. Clinical case: We present the case of a young female with a history of allergies to medicines, specifically to benzodiazepines, who presented bronchospasm and oxygen saturation drop after receiving a dose of midazolam into her eye while she was working. The use of ketamine was proposed after adrenaline, a beta-agonist, inhaled anticholinergics, a steroid and antihistamine drugs were used. Conclusion: Trials are needed in order to demonstrate the efficacy of ketamine in this particular context; however, the outcome in this case was positive.

Introducción: la ketamina es utilizada en anestesia intravenosa en el mantenimiento en la anestesia general. Su efecto cuenta con propiedades para prevenir la dificultad respiratoria asociada a broncoconstricción y la secreción de histamina asociada a crisis asmática. Estos efectos derivan de la acción directa en el músculo bronquial, así como de la potencialización de las catecolaminas, por lo que su uso muy controversial, ya que hasta el día de hoy no hay suficientes estudios que lo sustenten. Además, el efecto de la ketamina en el broncoespasmo debido a anafilaxia no está estudiado. El tratamiento de elección es la epinefrina y hay factores que están asociados en el éxito de esta. El objetivo fue presentar el caso de una paciente con antecedente de alergia a midazolam, que presentó broncoespasmo al estar en contacto con este y a la que se le administró tratamiento no convencional con resultados favorables. Caso clínico: presentamos el caso de una mujer joven con antecedentes de alergias a medicamentos, específicamente a benzodiacepinas, la cual presentó broncoespasmo y caída de la saturación posteriores al contacto con midazolam intraocular mientras laboraba. Se propuso la utilización de ketamina posterior a adrenalina, betaagonista y anticolinérgicos inhalados, esteroide y antihistamínico. Conclusión: es necesario hacer estudios que demuestren la eficacia de la ketamina en este contexto en particular; en este caso, los resultados fueron positivos.

Risk Factors Associated with Mortality among Patients with COVID-19: Analysis of a Cohort of 1213 Patients in a Tertiary Healthcare Center.

The presence of cardio-metabolic and respiratory comorbidities, immunosuppression, and chronic kidney disease have been associated with an increase in mortality from COVID-19. The objective of this study is to establish the risk factors associated with 30-day mortality in a cohort of hospitalized patients with COVID-19. This paper conducts a retrospective and analytical study of patients hospitalized for COVID-19 in a tertiary care center. A Cox proportional hazard analysis was performed to estimate the association of comorbidities with 30-day mortality. A total of 1215 patients with a median age of 59 years were included. In the adjusted Cox proportional hazards regression model, hypothyroidism, D-dimer ≥ 0.8 µg/mL, LHD ≥ 430 IU/L, CRP ≥ 4.83 ng/mL, and triglycerides ≥ 214 mg/dL were associated with an increased risk of death. The presence of a history of hypothyroidism and biomarkers (D-dimer, lactic dehydrogenase, CRP, and triglycerides) were associated with an increase in mortality in the studied cohort.

Factores de riesgo en infecciones del tracto urinario asociadas a instalación de catéter vesical en adultos / Risk factors in urinary tract infections associated with bladder catheter installation in adults

Introducción: las infecciones de las vías urinarias relacionadas con la instalación de catéter vesical son de las infecciones asociadas a la atención sanitaria más comunes en México y el mundo. Representan un riesgo latente para el desarrollo de complicaciones y pueden ocasionar la muerte. Objetivo: analizar los factores de riesgo que se asocian directamente a la infección del tracto urinario en la instalación del catéter vesical. Metodología: estudio observacional, descriptivo y transversal, con muestra de 90 pacientes de un hospital de segundo nivel de atención en el que se identificaron los factores de riesgo de infección de vías urinarias asociadas a la instalación de sonda vesical. Resultados: se observó un tipo de cumplimiento de los indicadores de calidad durante la instalación de sonda vesical con frecuencia en el 52.22% de los participantes. Un tipo de cumplimiento con frecuencia en el 48.90% de los participantes durante el mantenimiento de la sonda vesical, y un tipo de cumplimiento con frecuencia del 47.78% al momento del retiro de la sonda. Los principales factores de riesgo identificados asociados a la infección del tracto urinario fueron: a) que la sonda sea instalada por un médico interno, b) una estancia mayor a 3 días en urgencias y c) que la sonda sea instalada por una enfermera general. Conclusiones: se encontraron indicadores de cumplimiento cercano al 50%, lo que se considera muy bajo en la medición de los indicadores de calidad durante la instalación, mantenimiento y retiro de la sonda vesical, incluso estos están por debajo del porcentaje nacional.

Introduction: Urinary tract infections related to the installation of a bladder catheter are the most common infections associated with health care in Mexico and the world. They represent a latent risk for the development of complications and can cause death. Objective: To analyze the risk factors that are directly associated with urinary tract infection in the installation of the bladder catheter. Methods: Observational, descriptive and cross-sectional study; with a sample of 90 patients from a second-level care hospital in which the risk factors for urinary tract infection associated with the installation of a urinary catheter were identified. Results: A type of compliance with the quality indicators was observed during the urinary catheter installation with a frequency of 52.22% of the participants. A type of compliance with a frequency of 48.90% of the participants during the maintenance of the urinary catheter, and a type of compli- ance with a frequency of 47.78% at the time of catheter removal. The main risk factors identified associated with urinary tract infection were: a) that the catheter is installed by an intern, b) a stay of more than 3 days in the emergency room, and c) that the catheter is installed by a general nurse. Conclusions: Compliance indicators were found close to 50%, which is considered very low in the measurement of quality indicators during the installation, maintenance and removal of the urinary catheter, even these are below the national percentage.

Burnout, depersonalization, and anxiety contribute to post-traumatic stress in frontline health workers at COVID-19 patient care, a follow-up study.

INTRODUCTION: We designed a follow-up study of frontline health workers at COVID-19 patient care, within the same working conditions, to assess the influence of their general characteristics and pre-existing anxiety/depression/dissociative symptoms and resilience on the development of symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), while monitoring their quality of sleep, depersonalization/derealization symptoms, acute stress, state anxiety, and burnout. METHODS: In a Hospital reconfigured to address the surge of patients with COVID-19, 204 frontline health workers accepted to participate. They completed validated questionnaires to assess mental health: before, during, and after the peak of inpatient admissions. After each evaluation, a psychiatrist reviewed the questionnaires, using the accepted criteria for each instrument. Correlations were assessed using multivariable and multivariate analyses, with a significance level of .05. RESULTS: Compared to men, women reporting pre-existing anxiety were more prone to acute stress; and younger age was related to both pre-existent common psychological symptoms and less resilience. Overall the evaluations, sleep quality was bad on the majority of participants, with an increase during the epidemic crisis, while persistent burnout had influence on state anxiety, acute stress, and symptoms of depersonalization/derealization. PTSD symptoms were related to pre-existent anxiety/depression and dissociative symptoms, as well as to acute stress and acute anxiety, and negatively related to resilience. CONCLUSIONS: Pre-existent anxiety/depression, dissociative symptoms, and coexisting acute anxiety and acute stress contribute to PTSD symptoms. During an infectious outbreak, psychological screening could provide valuable information to prevent or mitigate against adverse psychological reactions by frontline healthcare workers caring for patients.

Randomized Controlled Trial of Multi-Component Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (SADEM) in Community-Dwelling Demented Adults.

BACKGROUND: Dementia is a persistent, progressive state of cognitive decline against which pharmacological intervention has a modest efficacy, reducing behavioral but not cognitive symptoms. Therefore, different non-pharmacological therapies have been developed; the most scientifically recognized are cognitive therapies that have improved cognitive function and daily life activities. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of a multicomponent cognitive stimulation therapy (SADEM) on cognitive and behavioral function and daily life activities in patients with mild stage dementia. METHODS: Controlled clinical trial with pre- and post-intervention (12 months) and follow-up (24 months after) evaluations. Participants (67) diagnosed with mild dementia were randomly assigned to intervention group (n = 39) or control group (n = 28). The intervention took place throughout one year and consisted of two weekly 90-minute sessions and one more a year after a monthly follow-up. Instruments were used to evaluate outcomes in cognitive, behavioral, and affective domains. RESULTS: The results showed statistically significant differences, with improvement in the cognitive outcomes and the Dementia Index post-intervention (p = 0.01). No progression of the disease was observed at the end of the study. CONCLUSION: The multicomponent intervention tested had positive effects on cognitive and behavioral functions and daily life activities in people with mild stage dementia, delaying progression for at least two years.

Acquired hemophilia type A in the intensive care unit. Case reports. / Hemofilia adquirida tipo A en cuidados intensivos. Reporte de casos.

BACKGROUND: Acquired hemophilia type A (AHA) is a rare and deadly condition. It is caused by autoantibodies to factor VIII. It is a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge with the potential development of complications, which can put at risk the life of the person presenting it. CASE REPORTS: We present two cases of patients that have bleeding and bleeding disorders, with the diagnosis of AHA diagnosed by activated partial thromboplastin time prolonged in isolated form, late correction with plasma, presence of factor VIII inhibitor of coagulation and decreased activity of factor VIII. The first case had a neoplasm and the second was in the puerperium, as risk factors. The severity of the condition and the risk of complications and/or death make it necessary to receive care in an intensive care unit. CONCLUSIONS: AHA is a rare clinical condition with high mortality. In patients in critical condition with persistent hemorrhage and alterations in the coagulation tests, it should be considered as part of the differential diagnosis. The management of this entity is multidisciplinary, and hemostatic and immunosuppressive treatments must be provided early.

INTRODUCCIÓN: La hemofilia adquirida tipo A (HAA) es una condición rara y mortal. La ocasionan autoanticuerpos contra el factor VIII. Es un reto diagnóstico y terapéutico, con potencial desarrollo de complicaciones, las cuales pueden poner en riesgo la vida de quien las presenta. CASOS CLÍNICOS: Presentamos dos casos de pacientes con trastornos de la coagulación y sangrado, con HAA diagnosticada por tiempo parcial de tromboplastina activado prolongado de forma aislada, corrección tardía con plasma, presencia de inhibidor del factor VIII de la coagulación y disminución de la actividad del factor VIII. El primer caso presentó una neoplasia y el segundo estaba en el puerperio, como factores de riesgo. La gravedad de la condición y el riesgo de complicaciones o muerte hicieron necesaria la atención en una unidad de cuidados intensivos. CONCLUSIONES: La HAA es una condición clínica rara y de alta mortalidad. En pacientes en estado crítico con hemorragia persistente y alteraciones de las pruebas de coagulación debe ser considerada como parte del diagnóstico diferencial. Su manejo es multidisciplinario y los tratamientos hemostático e inmunosupresor deben ser administrados de manera temprana.

Clinical characteristics of patients with open abdomen at ICU. A retrospective analysis / Características clínicas de pacientes con abdomen abierto en la UCI. Análisis retrospectivo

BACKGROUND: The open abdomen is a surgical management strategy in patients with increased intra-abdominal pressure or when the abdominal wall cannot be closed. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to describe the characteristics and clinical outcome of a group of surgical patients with open abdomen who have been admitted to an ICU. MATERIAL AND MEHOTDS: Retrospective study in an ICU of a public hospital of reference with subjects admitted with open abdomen. The clinical and demographic characteristics were recorded upon admission to the ICU and were associated with the risk of death in the ICU. RESULTS: We included 30 patients, with mean of age 51.97 ± 17.77 years. The main reason for admission to the ICU was abdominal sepsis. The severity of the disease by APACHE II was median of 14 points and a SOFA with median of 4.5 points. The lethality in ICU was 46.7%. CONCLUSION: The mortality of patients with open abdomen in ICU is high. Surviving subjects have higher number of surgical reoperations and a greater risk of whole cutaneous fistulas.

INTRODUCCIÓN: El abdomen abierto es una estrategia quirúrgica de manejo en pacientes con incremento de la presión intraabdominal o cuando la pared abdominal no puede ser cerrada. OBJETIVO: Describir las características y el resultado clínico de un grupo de pacientes quirúrgicos con abdomen abierto que han ingresado a una unidad de cuidados intensivos (UCI). MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Estudio retrospectivo en una UCI de un hospital público de referencia, con pacientes que ingresaron con abdomen abierto. Se registraron las características clínicas y demográficas al ingreso a la UCI y se asociaron con el riesgo de muerte en la UCI. RESULTADOS: Se reunieron 30 pacientes, con una edad promedio de 51.97 ± 17.77 años. La principal razón de ingreso a la UCI fue sepsis abdominal. La gravedad de la enfermedad por APACHE II tuvo una mediana de 14 puntos y por SOFA una mediana de 4.5 puntos. La letalidad en la UCI fue del 46.7%. CONCLUSIÓN: La letalidad de pacientes con abdomen abierto en la UCI es alta. Los sujetos que sobreviven tienen un mayor número de reintervenciones quirúrgicas y un mayor riesgo de fístulas enterocutáneas.

Serum Estradiol Level at Intensive Care Unit Admission and Mortality in Critically Ill Patients.

CONTEXT: It has been observed that sex hormones may play a role in inflammatory processes and mortality of critically ill patients. AIMS: The aim was evaluated the relationship between serum estradiol level at Intensive Care Unit (ICU) admission and mortality of critically ill patients. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: This study was a prospective cohort conducted in one mixed ICU. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: In heterogeneous group of critically ill patients admitted to the ICU, we measured serum estradiol at admission time. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: The discrimination to predict mortality of serum estradiol level was assessed by the receiver-operating curve (ROC) curve and its association with mortality by logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: We included 131 patients, 57.3% of which were male. The serum estradiol level measured at ICU admission was significantly higher in nonsurvivors than in survivors: 116 versus 67.2 pg/mL, respectively (P < 0.0001). The area under the ROC of serum estradiol level to predict mortality was 0.74 (P < 0.0001). Serum estradiol level ≥97.9 pg/mL had sensitivity of 60%, specificity of 90%, positive predictive value of 64%, negative predictive value of 88%, positive likelihood ratio of 6, and negative likelihood ratio of 0.44, for predicting mortality. In multivariate analysis, it had relative risk of 6.47 (P = 0.002) for ICU mortality. CONCLUSIONS: The serum estradiol level is elevated in critically ill patients, regardless of gender, especially in those who die. It has good discriminative capacity to predict mortality, and it is an independent risk factor for death in this group of patients.

[Predictors of extubation failure in neurosurgical patients]. / Predictores de fracaso en la extubación de pacientes neuroquirúrgicos.

BACKGROUND: The information regarding the factors that affect the success of extubation in neurosurgical patients is limited; thus, it is necessary to determine the prevalence, and the associated factors, of extubation failure in neurosurgical patients. METHODS: It was performed a prospective, longitudinal, observational and comparative study in neurosurgical patients with criteria for extubation. In those who the number of endotracheal aspirations had failed 24 hours before extubation, it was analyzed the presence of cough reflex, length of stay and mechanical ventilation days. RESULTS: 70 patients were included in the study, of whom 11.4 % patients failed extubation and the associated factors were performing 6 events or more of endotracheal tube suction 24 hours prior to weaning (relative risk [RR] = 1.88, 95 % confidence interval [CI] = 1.14-3.09, p 0.01), 7 days of mechanical ventilation (RR = 1.31, 95 % CI = 1.08-1.57, p 0.005) and a length of hospital stay of 7.5 days (RR = 1.24, 95 % CI = 1.05-1.47, p 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Performing 6 or more endotracheal tube suction events during the 24 hours before extubation is a risk factor for extubation failure in neurosurgical patients.

Introducción: la información con respecto a los factores que afectan el éxito de la extubación en pacientes neuroquirúrgicos es limitada; por lo tanto, es necesario determinar los factores que inciden en esta condición. Métodos: estudio prospectivo, longitudinal, observacional y comparativo en pacientes neuroquirúrgicos con criterios para la extubación. En aquellos que presentaron fracaso se analizó el número de aspiraciones endotraqueales en las 24 horas previas a la extubación, la presencia del reflejo de tos, los días de estancia y de ventilación mecánica. Resultados: se incluyeron 70 pacientes en el estudio, de los cuales el 11.4 % presentó fracaso de la extubación y los factores asociados fueron la realización de 6 aspiraciones de secreciones endotraqueales 24 horas previas a la extubación (con una razón de riesgo [RR] = 1.88, intervalo de confianza [IC] al 95 % = 1.14-3.09, p 0.01), 7 días de ventilación mecánica (RR = 1.31, IC 95 % = 1.08-1.57, p 0.005) y 7.5 días de estancia (RR = 1.24, IC 95 % = 1.05-1.47, p 0.01). Conclusión: hacer seis o más aspiraciones de secreciones endotraqueales durante las 24 horas previas a la extubación es un factor de riesgo para el fracaso de la extubación de pacientes neuroquirúrgicos.

[Threshold value of f/Vt index for predicting successful weaning from mechanical ventilation in active smokers]. / Valor umbral del índice f/Vt para predecir retiro exitoso de la ventilación mecánica en fumadores activos.

BACKGROUND: Mechanical ventilation (MV) is used in 60-70 % of patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU). An f/Vt threshold value of 105 is a predictor of successful weaning from mechanical ventilation (WMV) in patients with asthma, cardiac surgery, pneumonia, sepsis, neurocritical, etc. However, there are no reports about the usefulness of the f/Vt value to predict successful WMV in patients with active smoking (AS). The purpose of this paper is to identify a threshold value for f/Vt to predict successful WMV in patients with AS. METHODS: Prospectively, 85 patients with AS and MV >24 hours admitted to de ICU were included. Demographic and clinical data were registered. The f/Vt value was measured with a Wright's spirometer, and the sensibility, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) were calculated to predict a successful WMV. A p value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: The average of f/Vt was 68.69. Successful WMV was of 75.3 %. An f/Vt threshold value of 79.5 had sensibility of 76 %, specificity of 61 %, PPV of 85 %, and NPV of 46 % to predict successful WMV in this group of patients. CONCLUSIONS: An f/Vt threshold value of 79.5 is useful to predict successful WMV in patients with AS.

Introducción: la ventilación mecánica (VM) se utiliza en el 60-70 % de los ingresos a la unidad de cuidados intensivos (UCI). Un valor umbral del índice f/Vt de 105 es un predictor de éxito en el retiro de la ventilación mecánica (RVM) en pacientes con asma, cirugía cardiaca, neumonía, sepsis, neurocríticos, etc. Sin embargo, no existen reportes de la utilidad del índice f/Vt para predecir RVM exitoso en pacientes con tabaquismo activo (TA). El objetivo de este trabajo es identificar un valor umbral del índice f/Vt para predecir RVM exitoso en pacientes con TA. Métodos: se incluyeron prospectivamente 85 pacientes con TA y VM >24 horas, ingresados a la UCI. Se registraron variables demográficas y clínicas. Se midió el índice f/Vt con un espirómetro de Wright y se calculó su sensibilidad, especificidad, valor predictivo positivo (VPP) y valor predictivo negativo (VPN) para predecir RVM exitoso. Una p <0.05 se consideró estadísticamente significativa. Resultados: el promedio del índice f/Vt fue de 68.69. El RVM exitoso fue del 75.3 %. Un valor umbral del índice f/Vt de 79.5 tuvo sensibilidad de 76 %, especificidad de 61 %, VPP de 85 % y VPN de 46 % para predecir RVM exitoso en este grupo de enfermos. Conclusiones: el valor umbral del índice f/Vt de 79.5 es útil para predecir éxito en el RVM en pacientes con TA.

Validation of a prognostic score for mortality in elderly patients admitted to Intensive Care Unit.

CONTEXT: The performance of a prognostic score must be evaluated prior to being used. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the predictive ability of hospital mortality of Simplified Acute Physiology Score 3 (SAPS 3) score in elderly patients admitted to Intensive Care Units (ICUs). AIMS: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the SAPS 3 score predictive ability of hospital mortality in elderly patients admitted to ICU. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: This study was conducted as a prospective cohort, in two mixed ICUs. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Two hundred and eleven elderly patients were included. INTERVENTIONS: None. We compared the predictive accuracy of SAPS 3 measured at the first hour at ICU and Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II) measured with the worst values in the first 24 h at ICU. The patients were followed until hospital discharge. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Evaluation of discrimination through area under curve receiver operating characteristic (aROC) and calibration by Hosmer-Lemeshow (HL) test. RESULTS: The median age was 68 years. The hospital mortality rate was 35.54%. The mean value of SAPS 3 was 62.54 ± 12.51 and APACHE II was 17.46 ± 6.77. The mortality predicted by APACHE II was 24.98 ± 19.96 and for standard SAPS 3 equation 41.18 ± 22.34. The discrimination for SAPS 3 model was aROC = 0.68 (0.62-0.75) and to APACHE II aROC = 0.70 (0.63-0.78). Calibration: APACHE II with HL 10.127 P = 0.26, and standard SAPS 3 equation HL 7.204 P = 0.51. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, the prognostic model of SAPS 3 was not found to be accurate in predicting mortality in geriatric patients requiring ICU admission.