Bacterial coinfections in COVID-19-hospitalized patients.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess the rate of bacterial infections in COVID-19-hospitalized patients and to analyze the most prevalent germs, sources, risk factors, and its impact on in-hospital mortality. METHODS: This observational retrospective study was conducted on 672 patients hospitalized between April and August 2020 in Nossa Senhora da Conceição Hospital, a public hospital located in Porto Alegre, Brazil. The inclusion criterion was adult patients hospitalized with confirmed COVID-19. Data were collected through chart review. Risk factors for bacterial infection and mortality were analyzed using both univariate and multivariate robust Poisson regression models. RESULTS: Bacterial coinfection was observed in 22.2% of patients. Risk factors for bacterial infections were dementia (RR=2.06 (1.18-3.60); p=0.011), cerebrovascular disease (RR=1.75 (1.15-2.67); p=0.009), active cancer (RR=1.52 (1.082-2.15); p=0.01), need for noninvasive ventilation (RR=2.320 (1.740-3.094); p<0.01), invasive mechanical ventilation (RR=4.63 (2.24-9.56); p<0.01), and renal replacement therapy (RR=1.68 (1.26-2.25); p<0.01). In the adjusted model, bacterial infections were not associated with mortality (0.96 (0.75-1.24); p=0.79). The most common source of infection was due to respiratory, blood, and central venous catheters, with 69 (29.36%), 61 (25.96%), and 59 (25.11%) positive cultures, respectively. CONCLUSION: We observed a high rate of bacterial infections in COVID-19-hospitalized patients, most commonly of respiratory source. Neurologic and oncologic morbidities and need for ventilation and renal replacement therapy was associated with risk factors for bacterial infections. Nevertheless, an association between bacterial infections and hospital mortality was not established.

Anticipating ICU discharge and long-term follow-up.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This review aims to summarize recent literature findings on long-term outcomes following critical illness and to highlight potential strategies for preventing and managing health deterioration in survivors of critical care. RECENT FINDINGS: A substantial number of critical care survivors experience new or exacerbated impairments in their physical, cognitive or mental health, commonly named as postintensive care syndrome (PICS). Furthermore, those who survive critical illness often face an elevated risk of adverse outcomes in the months following their hospital stay, including infections, cardiovascular events, rehospitalizations and increased mortality. These findings underscore the need for effective prevention and management of long-term health deterioration in the critical care setting. While robust evidence from well designed randomized clinical trials is limited, potential interventions encompass sedation limitation, early mobilization, delirium prevention and family presence during intensive care unit (ICU) stay, as well as multicomponent transition programs (from ICU to ward, and from hospital to home) and specialized posthospital discharge follow-up. SUMMARY: In this review, we offer a concise overview of recent insights into the long-term outcomes of critical care survivors and advancements in the prevention and management of health deterioration after critical illness.

Long-Term Mortality and Health-Related Quality of Life After Continuous Versus Intermittent Renal Replacement Therapy in ICU Survivors: A Secondary Analysis of the Quality of Life After ICU Study.

Purpose: We assessed long-term outcomes in intensive care unit (ICU) survivors with acute kidney injury (AKI) submitted to intermittent or continuous renal replacement therapy (RRT) for comparisons between groups. Methods: The multicenter prospective cohort study included 195 adult ICU survivors with an ICU stay >72 h in 10 ICUs that had at least one episode of AKI treated with intermittent RRT (IRRT) or continuous RRT (CRRT) during ICU stay. The main outcomes were mortality and health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Hospital readmissions and physical dependence were also assessed. Results: Regarding RRT, 83 (42.6%) patients received IRRT and 112 (57.4%) received CRRT. Despite the similarity regarding sociodemographic characteristics, pre-ICU state of health and type of admission between groups, the risk of death (23.5% vs 42.7%; P < .001), the prevalence of sepsis (60.7%) and acute respiratory distress syndrome (17%) were higher at ICU admission among CRRT patients. The severity of critical illness was higher among CRRT patients, regarding the need for mechanical ventilation (75.0% vs 50.6%, P = .002) and vasopressors (91.1% vs 63.9%, P < .001). One year after ICU discharge, 67 of 195 ICU survivors died (34.4%) and, after adjustment for confounders, there were no significant differences in mortality when comparing IRRT and CRTT patients (34.9% vs 33.9%; P = .590), on HRQoL in both physical (41.9% vs 42.2%; P = .926) and mental dimensions (57.6% vs 56.6%; P = .340), and on the number of hospital readmissions and physical dependence. Conclusions: Our study suggests that among ICU survivors RRT modality (IRRT vs CRRT) in the ICU does not impact long-term outcomes after ICU discharge.

Comparison of Sepsis-1, 2 and 3 for Predicting Mortality in Septic Patients of a Middle-Income Country: A Retrospective Observational Cohort Study.

INTRODUCTION: The diagnosis of sepsis is based on expert consensus and does not yet have a "gold standard." With the aim of improving and standardizing diagnostic methods, there have already been three major consensuses on the subject. However, there are still few studies in middle-income countries comparing the methods. This study describes the characteristics of patients diagnosed with sepsis and evaluates and compares the performance of Sepsis-1, 2, and 3 criteria in predicting 28 days, and in-hospital mortality. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective observational cohort study was conducted in the intensive care unit of a tertiary hospital. All admissions between January 1, 2018, and December 31, 2019, were reviewed. Patients diagnosed with sepsis were included. RESULTS: During the study period, 653 patients diagnosed with sepsis (by any of the studied criteria) were included in the study. The 28 days mortality rate was 45.8%, and the in-hospital mortality rate was 59.7%. We observed that 72.1% of patients met the minimum criteria for diagnosing sepsis according to the three protocols, and this group also had the highest mortality rate. Age and comorbidities such as cancer and liver cirrhosis were significantly associated with in-hospital mortality. The most common microorganisms were Escherichia coli, Klebsiella spp., and Staphylococcus spp. CONCLUSIONS: The study found that most patients met the diagnostic criteria for sepsis using the three methods. Sepsis-2 showed greater sensitivity to predict mortality, while Sequential Organ Failure Assessment showed low accuracy, but was the only significant one. Furthermore, quick Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (qSOFA) had the highest specificity for mortality. Overall, these findings suggest that, although all three methods contribute to the diagnosis and prognosis of sepsis, Sepsis-2 is particularly sensitive in predicting mortality. Sepsis-3 shows some accuracy but requires improvement, and qSOFA exhibits the highest specificity. More research is needed to improve predictive capabilities and patient outcomes.

Lower quality of life in obese ICU survivors: a multicenter cohort study.

PURPOSE: To compare health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and functional status between obese, underweight, normal-weight, and overweight patients after three months post-intensive care unit (ICU) discharge. METHODS: Multicenter cohort study (10 Brazilian ICUs). 1600 ICU survivors (≥ 72 h in the ICU) were included.The main outcomes were HRQoL and functional status assessed three months after the ICU discharge. The secondary outcomes were mortality, hospital readmission, and ICU readmission during the same period. RESULTS: Obese patients (median 50.1; IQR 39.6-59.6) had lower HRQoL in the mental component than normal-weight patients (median 53; IQR 45.6-60.1) (p = 0.033). No differences were found between BMI categories regarding the physical component of HRQoL and the Barthel Index (p = 0.355 and 0.295, respectively). Regarding readmissions, 65.1 and 25.1% of patients were readmitted to the hospital and ICU, but there was no difference between the groups (p = 0.870 and 0.220, respectively). Obese patients died less frequently (11.8%) than underweight (30.9%) and normal-weight (19.3%) patients (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: After three months of post-ICU discharge, obese patients had lower HRQoL in the mental component than normal-weight patients. However, obese patients died less than underweight and normal-weight patients.

Bacterial coinfections in COVID-19-hospitalized patients

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess the rate of bacterial infections in COVID-19-hospitalized patients and to analyze the most prevalent germs, sources, risk factors, and its impact on in-hospital mortality. METHODS: This observational retrospective study was conducted on 672 patients hospitalized between April and August 2020 in Nossa Senhora da Conceição Hospital, a public hospital located in Porto Alegre, Brazil. The inclusion criterion was adult patients hospitalized with confirmed COVID-19. Data were collected through chart review. Risk factors for bacterial infection and mortality were analyzed using both univariate and multivariate robust Poisson regression models. RESULTS: Bacterial coinfection was observed in 22.2% of patients. Risk factors for bacterial infections were dementia (RR=2.06 (1.18-3.60); p=0.011), cerebrovascular disease (RR=1.75 (1.15-2.67); p=0.009), active cancer (RR=1.52 (1.082-2.15); p=0.01), need for noninvasive ventilation (RR=2.320 (1.740-3.094); p<0.01), invasive mechanical ventilation (RR=4.63 (2.24-9.56); p<0.01), and renal replacement therapy (RR=1.68 (1.26-2.25); p<0.01). In the adjusted model, bacterial infections were not associated with mortality (0.96 (0.75-1.24); p=0.79). The most common source of infection was due to respiratory, blood, and central venous catheters, with 69 (29.36%), 61 (25.96%), and 59 (25.11%) positive cultures, respectively. CONCLUSION: We observed a high rate of bacterial infections in COVID-19-hospitalized patients, most commonly of respiratory source. Neurologic and oncologic morbidities and need for ventilation and renal replacement therapy was associated with risk factors for bacterial infections. Nevertheless, an association between bacterial infections and hospital mortality was not established.

Evidence-Based Checklist to Delay Cardiac Arrest in Brain-Dead Potential Organ Donors: The DONORS Cluster Randomized Clinical Trial.

Importance: The effectiveness of goal-directed care to reduce loss of brain-dead potential donors to cardiac arrest is unclear. Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of an evidence-based, goal-directed checklist in the clinical management of brain-dead potential donors in the intensive care unit (ICU). Design, Setting, and Participants: The Donation Network to Optimize Organ Recovery Study (DONORS) was an open-label, parallel-group cluster randomized clinical trial in Brazil. Enrollment and follow-up were conducted from June 20, 2017, to November 30, 2019. Hospital ICUs that reported 10 or more brain deaths in the previous 2 years were included. Consecutive brain-dead potential donors in the ICU aged 14 to 90 years with a condition consistent with brain death after the first clinical examination were enrolled. Participants were randomized to either the intervention group or the control group. The intention-to-treat data analysis was conducted from June 15 to August 30, 2020. Interventions: Hospital staff in the intervention group were instructed to administer to brain-dead potential donors in the intervention group an evidence-based checklist with 13 clinical goals and 14 corresponding actions to guide care, every 6 hours, from study enrollment to organ retrieval. The control group provided or received usual care. Main Outcomes and Measures: The primary outcome was loss of brain-dead potential donors to cardiac arrest at the individual level. A prespecified sensitivity analysis assessed the effect of adherence to the checklist in the intervention group. Results: Among the 1771 brain-dead potential donors screened in 63 hospitals, 1535 were included. These patients included 673 males (59.2%) and had a median (IQR) age of 51 (36.3-62.0) years. The main cause of brain injury was stroke (877 [57.1%]), followed by trauma (485 [31.6%]). Of the 63 hospitals, 31 (49.2%) were assigned to the intervention group (743 [48.4%] brain-dead potential donors) and 32 (50.8%) to the control group (792 [51.6%] brain-dead potential donors). Seventy potential donors (9.4%) at intervention hospitals and 117 (14.8%) at control hospitals met the primary outcome (risk ratio [RR], 0.70; 95% CI, 0.46-1.08; P = .11). The primary outcome rate was lower in those with adherence higher than 79.0% than in the control group (5.3% vs 14.8%; RR, 0.41; 95% CI, 0.22-0.78; P = .006). Conclusions and Relevance: This cluster randomized clinical trial was inconclusive in determining whether the overall use of an evidence-based, goal-directed checklist reduced brain-dead potential donor loss to cardiac arrest. The findings suggest that use of such a checklist has limited effectiveness without adherence to the actions recommended in this checklist. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03179020.

Internal medicine consultation for high-risk surgical patients: reflection on hospital mortality and readmission rates in a low-income country.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to assess the impact of internal medicine consultation on mortality, 30-day readmission, and length of stay in surgical patients. METHODS: This is a retrospective descriptive study developed in a public Brazilian teaching hospital with 850 beds. RESULTS: A total of 70,245 patients were admitted from 2010 to 2018 to the surgery departments. The main outcomes measured were patients' mortality, 30-day readmission, and length of stay. Mortality of high-risk patients was lower when followed by internal medicine consultation: patients with ASA≥3 (RR 0.89 [95% confidence interval (95%CI) 0.80-0.99], p=0.02), patients with ASA≥3 plus≥65 years (RR 0.88 [95%CI 0.78-0.99], p=0.04), patients with ASA≥3 plus high-risk surgery (RR 0.86 [95%CI 0.77-0.97], p=0.01), and patients with ASA≥4 plus age ≥65 years (RR 0.83 [95%CI 0.72-0.96], p=0.01). The 30-day readmission of high-risk patients was lower when followed by internal medicine consultation: patients with ≥65 years (RR 0.57 [95%CI 0.37-0.89], p=0.01) and patients with high-risk surgery (RR 0.63 [95%CI 0.46-0.57], p=0.005). The Poisson multivariate regression with adjustment in variances showed that all the variables (namely, age, ASA, morbidity index, surgery risk, and internal medicine consultation) were associated with higher mortality of patients; however, internal medicine consultation was associated with a reduction of mortality in high-risk patients (RR 0.72 [95%CI 0.65-0.84], p=0.02) and an increase of mortality in low-risk patients (RR 1.55 [95%CI 1.31-1.67], p=0.01). CONCLUSION: High-risk surgical patients may benefit from perioperative internal medicine consultations, which probably decrease hospital mortality and 30-day hospital readmission.

Predictors of early and long-term mortality after ICU discharge in critically ill COVID-19 patients: A prospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: To mitigate mortality among critically ill COVID-19 patients, both during their Intensive Care Unit (ICU) stay and following ICU discharge, it is crucial to measure its frequency, identify predictors and to establish an appropriate post-ICU follow-up strategy. METHODS: In this multicentre, prospective cohort study, we included 586 critically ill COVID-19 patients. RESULTS: We observed an overall ICU mortality of 20.1% [95%CI: 17.1% to 23.6%] (118/586) and an overall hospital mortality of 25.4% [95%CI: 22.1% to 29.1%] (149/586). For ICU survivors, 30 days (early) post-ICU mortality was 5.3% [95%CI: 3.6% to 7.8%] (25/468) and one-year (late) post-ICU mortality was 7.9% [95%CI: 5.8% to 10.8%] (37/468). Pre-existing conditions/comorbidities were identified as the main independent predictors of mortality after ICU discharge: hypertension and heart failure were independent predictors of early mortality; and hypertension, chronic kidney disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and cancer were independent predictors of late mortality. CONCLUSION: Early and late post-ICU mortality exhibited an initial surge (in the first 30 days post-ICU) followed by a subsequent decline over time. Close monitoring of critically ill COVID-19 post-ICU survivors, especially those with pre-existing conditions, is crucial to prevent adverse outcomes, reduce mortality and to establish an appropriate follow-up strategy.

Predictive factors of functional limitation after cardiac surgery: a retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Functional limitation is relatively common and can negatively influence the postoperative outcome of patients after cardiac surgery. OBJECTIVE: To identify the predictive factors of functional limitation in patients undergoing elective cardiac surgery. METHODS: Retrospective cohort study was performed to evaluate patients undergoing elective cardiac surgery. All patients underwent a cardiovascular rehabilitation protocol. Functional limitation was defined based on performance in the rehabilitation protocol following cardiac surgery. Poor performance in the cardiac surgery rehabilitation protocol defined functional limitation, whereas good performance indicated no limitation. RESULTS: Data were collected from 548 patients; of these, 190 (34.7%) had functional limitation. In multivariate analysis, the factors associated with postoperative functional limitation were as follows: hospitalization by the public healthcare system [OR: 2.14; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.73, 2.65]; age (OR 1.23; 95% CI: 1.15, 1.31); length of hospitalization in the intensive care unit (OR 1.03; 95% CI: 1.01, 1.05); history of previous acute myocardial infarction (OR 1.40; 95% CI: 1.13, 1.73); presence of previous comorbidities [chronic kidney disease (OR 1.56; 95% CI: 1.15, 2.10); cerebrovascular disease (OR 1.57; 95% CI: 1.19, 2.07)]; presence of expiratory muscle weakness (OR 1.54; 95% CI: 1.08, 2.20); and intercurrence of cardiorespiratory arrest during hospitalization (OR 1.76; 95% CI: 1.40, 2.22). CONCLUSION: Functional limitation after cardiac surgery could be predicted by multiple pre and postoperative factors, except for preoperative functionality, which does not suggest to be an independent factor for functional limitation after surgery.

Does an educational website improve psychological outcomes and satisfaction among family members of intensive care unit patients?

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of an educational website on satisfaction and symptoms of anxiety and depression among family members of critically ill adult patients. METHODS: We embedded an analysis of website access in a cohort study conducted in intensive care units with flexible visiting hours in Brazil. Family members were guided to access an educational website designed to help them understand the processes and emotions associated with an intensive care unit stay. Subjects were evaluated for baseline data within the first 48 hours following enrollment and outcome assessment at up to 7 days after patient discharge from the intensive care unit, death, or until the 30th day of the study. The main outcomes were satisfaction using the Critical Care Family Needs Inventory and the presence of anxiety and depression symptoms using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. RESULTS: A total of 532 family members were evaluated during the study period. Of these, 61 (11.5%) accessed the website. After adjustments, family members who accessed the website had significantly better mean Critical Care Family Needs Inventory scores (152.8 versus 145.2, p = 0.01) and a lower prevalence of probable clinical anxiety (prevalence ratio 0.35; 95%CI 0.14 - 0.89) than family members who did not access the website. There were no differences regarding symptoms of depression. CONCLUSION: Access to an educational website was associated with higher family satisfaction with care and a lower prevalence of clinical anxiety.

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.

Association between prolonged corticosteroids use in COVID-19 and increased mortality in hospitalized patients: a retrospective study with inverse probability of treatment weighting analysis.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have demonstrated a beneficial effect of early use of corticosteroids in patients with COVID-19. This study aimed to compare hospitalized patients with COVID-19 who received short-course corticosteroid treatment with those who received prolonged-course corticosteroid treatment to determine whether prolonged use of corticosteroids improves clinical outcomes, including mortality. METHODS: This is a retrospective cohort study including adult patients with positive testing for Sars-CoV-2 hospitalized for more than 10 days. Data were obtained from electronic medical records. Patients were divided into two groups, according to the duration of treatment with corticosteroids: a short-course (10 days) and a prolonged-course (longer than 10 days) group. Inverse probability treatment weighting (IPTW) analysis was used to evaluate whether prolonged use of corticosteroids improved outcomes. The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality. Secondary outcomes were hospital infection and the association of different doses of corticosteroids with hospital mortality. Restricted cubic splines were used to assess the nonlinear association between mortality and dose and duration of corticosteroids use. RESULTS: We enrolled 1,539 patients with COVID-19. Among them, 1127 received corticosteroids for more than 10 days (prolonged-course group). The in-hospital mortality was higher in patients that received prolonged course corticosteroids (39.5% vs. 26%, p < 0.001). The IPTW revealed that prolonged use of corticosteroids significantly increased mortality [relative risk (RR) = 1.52, 95% confidence interval (95% CI): 1.24-1.89]. In comparison to short course treatment, the cubic spline analysis showed an inverted U-shaped curve for mortality, with the highest risk associated with the prolonged use at 30 days (RR = 1.50, 95% CI 1.21-1.78). CONCLUSIONS: Prolonged course of treatment with corticosteroids in hospitalized patients with COVID-19 was associated with higher mortality.

Qualidade de vida e satisfação dos familiares de pacientes internados nas unidades de terapia intensiva* / Quality of life and satisfaction of relatives of patients admitted to intensive care units* / Calidad de vida y satisfacción de los familiares de pacientes ingresados en unidades de cuidados intensivos*

RESUMO: Objetivo: avaliar a satisfação dos familiares de pacientes internados na Unidade de Terapia Intensiva e sintomas de ansiedade, depressão, estresse pós-traumático e qualidade de vida. Método: estudo longitudinal com familiares de pacientes de uma Unidade de Terapia Intensiva, no sul do Brasil, realizado em dois momentos: após alta do paciente, seguida de três meses, com os instrumentos: FS-ICU 24, HADS, IES-6, EQ-5D-3L. A análise foi realizada no programa Statical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). Resultados: 73/100% familiares, sendo 58/79,5% do sexo feminino. A satisfação dos familiares foi de 77,42%. Houve diferença significativa nos sintomas de depressão (p=0,001), estresse pós-traumático (p=0,000) e qualidade de vida, (p=0,007) e "ansiedade e depressão" (p=0,009), quando comparados aos familiares. A ansiedade não apresentou significância (p=0,095). Conclusão: satisfação com os cuidados foi satisfatória. Os que perderam seus entes se mostraram mais deprimidos, estressados e com piores escores de qualidade de vida, contribuindo, assim, para a prática clínica.

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the satisfaction of family members of patients admitted to the Intensive Care Unit and symptoms of anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress, and quality of life. Method: a longitudinal study with relatives of patients in an Intensive Care Unit in southern Brazil, carried out at two points: after the patient was discharged, followed by three months, using the following instruments: FS-ICU 24, HADS, IES-6, EQ-5D-3L. The analysis was carried out using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) program. Results: 73/100% of relatives, 58/79.5% of whom were female. Family member satisfaction was 77.42%. There was a significant difference in symptoms of depression (p=0.001), post-traumatic stress (p=0.000) and quality of life, (p=0.007) and "anxiety and depression" (p=0.009) when compared to family members. Anxiety was not significant (p=0.095). Conclusion: Satisfaction with care was satisfactory. Those who lost their loved ones were more depressed, stressed and had worse quality of life scores, thus contributing to clinical practice.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Evaluar la satisfacción de los familiares de pacientes ingresados en la Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos y los síntomas de ansiedad, depresión, estrés postraumático y calidad de vida. Método: estudio longitudinal con familiares de pacientes internados en una Unidad de Terapia Intensiva del sur de Brasil, realizado en dos momentos: después del alta del paciente, seguido por tres meses, utilizando los siguientes instrumentos: FSICU 24, HADS, IES-6, EQ-5D-3L. El análisis se realizó con el programa Statical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). Resultados: Resultados: 73/100% de los familiares, de los cuales 58/79,5% eran mujeres. La satisfacción de los familiares fue del 77,42%. Hubo una diferencia significativa en los síntomas de depresión (p=0,001), estrés postraumático (p=0,000) y calidad de vida, (p=0,007) y "ansiedad y depresión" (p=0,009), en comparación con los familiares. La ansiedad no fue significativa (p=0,095). Conclusión: La satisfacción con los cuidados fue satisfactoria. Los que perdieron a sus seres queridos estaban más deprimidos, estresados y tenían peores puntuaciones de calidad de vida, lo que contribuye a la práctica clínica.

Association between acute disease severity and one-year quality of life among post-hospitalisation COVID-19 patients: Coalition VII prospective cohort study.

PURPOSE: To assess the association between acute disease severity and 1-year quality of life in patients discharged after hospitalisation due to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). METHODS: We conducted a prospective cohort study nested in 5 randomised clinical trials between March 2020 and March 2022 at 84 sites in Brazil. Adult post-hospitalisation COVID-19 patients were followed for 1 year. The primary outcome was the utility score of EuroQol five-dimension three-level (EQ-5D-3L). Secondary outcomes included all-cause mortality, major cardiovascular events, and new disabilities in instrumental activities of daily living. Adjusted generalised estimating equations were used to assess the association between outcomes and acute disease severity according to the highest level on a modified ordinal scale during hospital stay (2: no oxygen therapy; 3: oxygen by mask or nasal prongs; 4: high-flow nasal cannula oxygen therapy or non-invasive ventilation; 5: mechanical ventilation). RESULTS: 1508 COVID-19 survivors were enrolled. Primary outcome data were available for 1156 participants. At 1 year, compared with severity score 2, severity score 5 was associated with lower EQ-5D-3L utility scores (0.7 vs 0.84; adjusted difference, - 0.1 [95% CI - 0.15 to - 0.06]); and worse results for all-cause mortality (7.9% vs 1.2%; adjusted difference, 7.1% [95% CI 2.5%-11.8%]), major cardiovascular events (5.6% vs 2.3%; adjusted difference, 2.6% [95% CI 0.6%-4.6%]), and new disabilities (40.4% vs 23.5%; adjusted difference, 15.5% [95% CI 8.5%-22.5]). Severity scores 3 and 4 did not differ consistently from score 2. CONCLUSIONS: COVID-19 patients who needed mechanical ventilation during hospitalisation have lower 1-year quality of life than COVID-19 patients who did not need mechanical ventilation during hospitalisation.

Does an educational website improve psychological outcomes and satisfaction among family members of intensive care unit patients? / Um portal educativo melhora os resultados psicológicos e a satisfação de familiares de pacientes em unidades de terapia intensiva?

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the impact of an educational website on satisfaction and symptoms of anxiety and depression among family members of critically ill adult patients. Methods: We embedded an analysis of website access in a cohort study conducted in intensive care units with flexible visiting hours in Brazil. Family members were guided to access an educational website designed to help them understand the processes and emotions associated with an intensive care unit stay. Subjects were evaluated for baseline data within the first 48 hours following enrollment and outcome assessment at up to 7 days after patient discharge from the intensive care unit, death, or until the 30th day of the study. The main outcomes were satisfaction using the Critical Care Family Needs Inventory and the presence of anxiety and depression symptoms using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Results: A total of 532 family members were evaluated during the study period. Of these, 61 (11.5%) accessed the website. After adjustments, family members who accessed the website had significantly better mean Critical Care Family Needs Inventory scores (152.8 versus 145.2, p = 0.01) and a lower prevalence of probable clinical anxiety (prevalence ratio 0.35; 95%CI 0.14 - 0.89) than family members who did not access the website. There were no differences regarding symptoms of depression. Conclusion: Access to an educational website was associated with higher family satisfaction with care and a lower prevalence of clinical anxiety.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar o efeito de um portal educativo na satisfação e nos sintomas de ansiedade e depressão de familiares de pacientes adultos em estado crítico. Métodos: Inserimos uma análise de acesso a um portal num estudo de coorte realizado em unidades de terapia intensiva com horários de visita flexíveis no Brasil. Os familiares foram orientados a acessar um portal educativo concebido para os ajudá-los a compreender os processos e as emoções associados à internação em unidades de terapia intensiva. Os sujeitos foram avaliados quanto às informações basais nas primeiras 48 horas após a inclusão e quanto aos desfechos até 7 dias após a alta do paciente da unidade de terapia intensiva, morte ou até o 30º dia do estudo. Os principais desfechos foram a satisfação por meio do Inventário das Necessidades da Família em Cuidados Intensivos e a presença de sintomas de ansiedade e depressão utilizando a Escala Hospitalar de Ansiedade e Depressão. Resultados: Avaliaram-se 532 familiares durante o período do estudo. Destes, 61 (11,5%) acessaram o portal. Após ajustes, os familiares que acessaram o portal apresentaram médias significativamente melhores dos valores do Inventário de Necessidades da Família em Cuidados Intensivos (152,8 versus 145,2; p = 0,01) e menor prevalência de provável ansiedade clínica (razão de prevalência de 0,35; IC95% 0,14 - 0,89) do que familiares que não acessaram o portal. Não houve diferença em relação aos sintomas de depressão. Conclusão: O acesso a um portal educativo foi associado a maior satisfação familiar com os cuidados e menor prevalência de ansiedade clínica.