Ruxolitinib como uso compasivo para la covid-19 frente al tratamiento con cloroquinas: Reporte de 100 casos en el Hospital de Especialidades Portoviejo - Ecuador / Ruxolitinib como uso compasivo para la Covid-19 frente al tratamiento con cloroquinas: Reporte de 100 casos en el Hospital de Especialidades Portoviejo - Ecuador

El uso compasivo de ruxolitinib en la covid-19 demostró una mejoría en las imágenes de tórax y mayor número de altas en el grupo que lo usó vs. el grupo 1 (cloroquinas y azitromicina), con descenso de los marcadores inflamatorios. Existe un artículo que señaló que un caso que fue refractario a la terapia anti-IL6, pero respondió a la inhibición de Jak-Stat con ruxolitinib.1 La comorbilidad más frecuente en ambos grupos fue la hipertensión arterial, seguida por la diabetes tipo 2; el grupo 1 presentó un mayor número de pacientes que no presentaban comorbilidades (18 pacientes). El número de hombres con enfermedad por SARS-CoV2 fue mayor en el grupo 1, con 31 hombres (62,0%) frente un total de 19 mujeres (38,0%), mientras que, en el grupo 2, el 25,0% eran hombres y mujeres, el 25,0%. La gravedad de la covid-19 fue definida como moderada: adolescente o adulto con signos clínicos de neumonía (fiebre, tos, disnea, taquipnea), en particular SpO2 ≥ 90% con aire ambiente; y grave: adolescente o adulto con signos clínicos de neumonía (fiebre, tos, disnea, taquipnea) más alguno de los siguientes: frecuencia respiratoria > 30 inspiraciones/min, dificultad respiratoria grave o SpO2 < 90% con aire ambiente.2 El síndrome de dificultad respiratoria aguda (SDRA) en ambos grupos fue de un pro medio de relación entre la presión arterial de oxígeno y la fracción inspirada de oxígeno (PaFi) en el grupo ruxolitinib 135,3 mmHg vs. Grupo control PaFi 138,9 mmHg. Se definió la eficacia por descenso de los marcadores inflamatorios, mejoría gasométrica de la PaFi, menor requerimiento de oxígeno, disminución del ingreso a unidad de cuidados intensivos de los pacientes con sintomatología grave, demostración de la seguridad del fármaco en los 10 días posteriores a su uso y detallado del número de casos con alta médica.

The group with compassionate use of ruxolitinib for Covid-19 showed improved chest images and a larger number of discharged patients, compared to group 1 (chloro quines and azithromycin), with a decrease in inflammatory markers. There is one arti cle that described a case which refractory to anti-IL6 therapy but responded to Jak-Stat inhibition with ruxolitinib.1 The most common comorbidity in both groups was arterial hypertension, followed by diabetes type 2; group 1 showed a larger number of patients without comorbidities (18 patients). The number of male patients with the disease caused by SARS-CoV2 was larger in group 1, with 31 males (62.0%), compared to a total of 19 females (38.0%), whereas in group 2, 25.0% were males, and 25.0% females. The severity of Covid-19 was defined as moderate: adolescent or adult with clinical signs of pneumonia (fever, cough, dys pnea, tachypnea), particularly SpO2 ≥ 90% on ambient air; and severe: adolescent or adult with clinical signs of pneumonia (fever, cough, dyspnea, tachypnea) plus some of the following: respiratory rate > 30 breaths/min, severe respiratory distress or SpO2 < 90% on ambient air.2 The acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) in both groups had an average ratio of pressure arterial oxygen and fraction of inspired oxygen (PaFi) of 135.3 mmHg in the ruxolitinib group versus 138.9 mmHg in the control group. Efficacy was defined as: decrease in inflammatory markers, gasometric improvement in the PaFi, lower oxygen requirement, lower number of patients with severe symptoms admitted to the Intensive Care Unit, proof of the drug's safety 10 days after use, and detailed number of discharged patients.

[Prise en charge des formes graves de Covid-19 en réanimation]. / Management of critical covid-19 in the intensive care unit.

MANAGEMENT OF CRITICAL COVID-19 IN THE INTENSIVE CARE UNIT The management of patients with severe to critical forms of Covid-19 in the intensive care unit includes oxygen therapy to treat the deep hypoxaemia induced by the disease, either delivered non-invasively (high concentration mask, high flow oxygen therapy, NIV) or invasively after oro-tracheal intubation in the most severe forms. The symptomatic management becomes then similar to that of an acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) of other origin with the introduction of protective mechanical ventilation, sedation or even curarisation, and prone positioning in the most hypoxemic patients. Other organ failures, including haemodynamic and renal failures, should also be diagnosed and treated. Thrombo-prophylaxis at a higher than usual dose (intermediate or even curative dose) should also be initiated in the acute phase of the disease. Finally, specific treatment is mainly based on systemic corticosteroid therapy with dexamethasone 6 mg/d, possibly combined with tocilizumab. Other Covid-19-specific treatments have not yet been proven to be effective in critical care patients.

PRISE EN CHARGE DES FORMES GRAVES DE COVID-19 EN RÉANIMATION La prise en charge en réanimation des patients atteints d'une forme sévère à critique de Covid-19 comporte une oxygénothérapie pour lutter contre l'hypoxémie profonde induite par la maladie ; elle peut être délivrée de façon non invasive (masque à haute concentration, oxygénothérapie à haut débit, VNI) ou invasive après intubation orotrachéale dans les formes les plus sévères. La prise en charge symptomatique rejoint alors celle d'un syndrome de détresse respiratoire aiguë (SDRA) d'origine autre que celle du Covid-19, avec instauration d'une ventilation mécanique protectrice, d'une sédation voire d'une curarisation, et d'un posturage en décubitus ventral lorsque l'hypoxémie est profonde. Les autres défaillances d'organes, notamment hémodynamique et rénale, doivent également être diagnostiquées et traitées. Une thrombo-prophylaxie à dose plus élevée qu'à l'habitude (dose intermédiaire voire curative) doit être initiée à la phase aiguë de la maladie. Enfin, le traitement spécifique repose avant tout sur la corticothérapie systémique (dexaméthasone 6 mg/j), éventuellement associée au tocilizumab ; les autres traitements spécifiques de la maladie n'ont pas, à ce jour, fait la preuve de leur efficacité chez les patients en unité de soins critiques.

Early Initiation of Extracorporeal Blood Purification Using the AN69ST (oXiris®) Hemofilter as a Treatment Modality for COVID-19 Patients: a Single-Centre Case Series

Abstract Introduction: Severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is characterised by hyperinflammatory state, systemic coagulopathies, and multiorgan involvement, especially acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). We here describe our preliminary clinical experience with COVID-19 patients treated via an early initiation of extracorporeal blood purification combined with systemic heparinisation and respiratory support. Methods: Fifteen patients were included; several biomarkers associated with COVID-19 severity were monitored. Personalised treatment was tailored according to the levels of interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, tumour necrosis factor alpha, C-reactive protein (CRP), neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, thrombocyte counts, D-dimers, and fibrinogen. Treatment consisted of respiratory support, extracorporeal blood purification using the AN69ST (oXiris®) hemofilter, and 300 U/kg heparin to maintain activation clotting time ≥ 180 seconds. Results: Ten patients presented with severe to critical disease (dyspnoea, hypoxia, respiratory rate > 30/min, peripheral oxygen saturation < 90%, or > 50% lung involvement on X-ray imaging). The median intensive care unit length of stay was 9.3 days (interquartile range 5.3-10.1); two patients developed ARDS and died after 5 and 26 days. Clinical improvement was associated with normalisation (increase) of thrombocytes and white blood cells, stable levels of IL-6 (< 50 ng/mL), and a decrease of CRP and fibrinogen. Conclusion: Continuous monitoring of COVID-19 severity biomarkers and radiological imaging is crucial to assess disease progression, uncontrolled inflammation, and to avert irreversible multiorgan failure. The combination of systemic heparin anticoagulation regimens and extracorporeal blood purification using cytokine-adsorbing hemofilters may reduce hyperinflammation, prevent coagulopathy, and support clinical recovery.

Health-related quality of life and stress-related disorders in COVID-19 ICU survivors: Are they worse than with other causes of ARDS?

Background: There are insufficient data regarding the impact of acute respiratory distress syndrome related to coronavirus disease 2019 (C-ARDS) - caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) - on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and the occurrence of stress-related disorders in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) intensive care unit (ICU) survivors. The aim of this study is to assess HRQoL and the occurrence of stress-related disorders (acute stress disorder [ASD] and post-traumatic stress disorder [PTSD]) in C-ARDS ICU survivors at 1 and 6 months following hospital discharge. Methods: This prospective observational study included 90 patients treated for C-ARDS between March and May 2020 in the ICU and discharged alive from the hospital. All patients included in the study were contacted by telephone 1 month and 6 months post-hospital discharge to assess the presence of symptoms of stress-related disorders and HRQoL using the 8-item Treatment Outcome Post-traumatic Stress Disorder scale (TOP-8) and 36-item Short Form survey (SF-36). We performed univariate analyses to evaluate differences between patients who developed stress and those who did not. We also compared SF-36 scores in our sample with data from the general Spanish population and from cohorts of non-C-ARDS and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-1 (SARS-CoV-1) survivors. Results: There are 24.1% of patients showed symptoms of ASD; in 13.5% of cases the symptoms persisted 6 months later. Risk factors for the development of symptoms of ASD and PTSD are younger age, female sex, obesity, a previously diagnosed psychiatric disease and disease severity at ICU admission (P < 0.05). HRQoL was greatly affected by C-ARDS; however, there was improvement on all scales of the SF-36 at the 6-month follow-up (P < 0.05). The mean SF-36 score of our sample was higher than those previously reported in non-C-ARDS survivors (P < 0.05) for physical functioning (78.0 vs. 52.0), role functioning/physical (51.0 vs. 31.0), bodily pain (76.1 vs. 57.0), vitality (58.6 vs. 48.0), social function (72.6 vs. 63.0) and role emotional (77.4 vs. 55.0), except on the general health scale. C-ARDS survivors also scored better than SARS-CoV-1 survivors on all scales except for body pain (P < 0.05). Conclusions: The impact of C-ARDS on HRQoL is substantial, with frequent occurrence of PTSD symptoms. Patients are heavily affected in all areas of health in the first month of post-hospital discharge but show a dramatic improvement within 6 months, especially in terms of physical health.

Early Initiation of Extracorporeal Blood Purification Using the AN69ST (oXiris®) Hemofilter as a Treatment Modality for COVID-19 Patients: a Single-Centre Case Series.

INTRODUCTION: Severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is characterised by hyperinflammatory state, systemic coagulopathies, and multiorgan involvement, especially acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). We here describe our preliminary clinical experience with COVID-19 patients treated via an early initiation of extracorporeal blood purification combined with systemic heparinisation and respiratory support. METHODS: Fifteen patients were included; several biomarkers associated with COVID-19 severity were monitored. Personalised treatment was tailored according to the levels of interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, tumour necrosis factor alpha, C-reactive protein (CRP), neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, thrombocyte counts, D-dimers, and fibrinogen. Treatment consisted of respiratory support, extracorporeal blood purification using the AN69ST (oXiris®) hemofilter, and 300 U/kg heparin to maintain activation clotting time ≥ 180 seconds. RESULTS: Ten patients presented with severe to critical disease (dyspnoea, hypoxia, respiratory rate > 30/min, peripheral oxygen saturation < 90%, or > 50% lung involvement on X-ray imaging). The median intensive care unit length of stay was 9.3 days (interquartile range 5.3-10.1); two patients developed ARDS and died after 5 and 26 days. Clinical improvement was associated with normalisation (increase) of thrombocytes and white blood cells, stable levels of IL-6 (< 50 ng/mL), and a decrease of CRP and fibrinogen. CONCLUSION: Continuous monitoring of COVID-19 severity biomarkers and radiological imaging is crucial to assess disease progression, uncontrolled inflammation, and to avert irreversible multiorgan failure. The combination of systemic heparin anticoagulation regimens and extracorporeal blood purification using cytokine-adsorbing hemofilters may reduce hyperinflammation, prevent coagulopathy, and support clinical recovery.

Risk factors for severe chest trauma complicated by acute respiratory distress syndrome / 中华创伤杂志

Objective:To investigate the risk factors of severe chest trauma complicated by acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).Methods:A case control study was conducted to analyze the clinical data of 120 patients with severe chest trauma admitted to 909th Hospital of Joint Logistics Support Force (Affiliated Dongnan Hospital of Xianmen University Medical College) from January 2018 to December 2020. There were 75 males and 45 females; aged 21-72 years [(42.2±4.8)years]. The causes of injury were traffic injury in 57 patients, crush injury in 21, fall injury in 21, smash injury in 11 and others in 10. There were 34 patients accompanied by fracture of the limb, spine and pelvis, 23 by abdominal organ injury and 8 by head trauma, with the exception of simple thoracic trauma in 55 patients. The patients were divided into ARDS group ( n=25) and non-ARDS group ( n=95) according to the condition of concurrent ARDS. The two groups were compared regarding the gender, age, causes of injury, respiratory rate, lung contusion, lung infection, flail chest, chest abbreviated injury scale (AIS), hemothorax, blood pressure, partial arterial oxygen pressure (PaO 2), initial central venous pressure (CVP) on admission, combined fracture of the limb, spine and pelvis, combined head injury and combined abdominal organ injury. The correlation between the above indexes and ARDS after severe chest trauma was analyzed by univariate analysis. Multivariate Logistic regression analysis was used to determine the independent risk factors for ARDS after severe chest trauma. Results:Univariate analysis showed a positive correlation of ARDS with age, respiratory rate, lung contusion, lung infection, flail chest, chest AIS, hemothorax, blood pressure, PaO 2, initial CVP on admission, combined fracture of the limb, spine and pelvis and combined abdominal organ injury ( P<0.05 or 0.01), but not with gender, causes of injury or combined head injury (all P>0.05). Multivariate Logistic regression analysis revealed that age ≥60 years ( OR=2.45, 95% CI 1.81-7.50, P<0.01), dyspnea (respiratory rate ≥28 times/minute or <10 times/minute) ( OR=9.55, 95% CI 2.26-9.38, P<0.01), lung contusion ( OR=6.78, 95% CI 1.84-6.96, P<0.01), lung infection ( OR=27.71, 95% CI 11.97-64.14, P<0.01), flail chest ( OR=8.97, 95% CI 2.29-14.97, P<0.01), chest AIS score ( OR=5.77, 95% CI 2.85-9.20, P<0.01), above medium amount of hemothorax ( OR=6.84, 95% CI 1.69-13.39, P<0.01), blood pressure <90 mmHg ( OR=7.93, 95% CI 1.64-11.84, P<0.01), PaO 2<60 mmHg ( OR=6.39, 95% CI 1.06-9.47, P<0.01) and absent initial CVP on admission ( OR=4.56, 95% CI 1.86-8.44, P<0.01) were significantly correlated with ARDS. Conclusion:Age ≥60 years, dyspnea (respiratory rate ≥28 times/minute or <10 times/minute), lung contusion, lung infection, flail chest, chest AIS, above medium l amount of hemothorax, blood pressure <90 mmHg, PaO 2<60 mmHg and absent initial CVP on admission are independent risk factors for ARDS in patients with severe chest trauma.

A meta-analysis of the effect of neuromuscular blocking agents on oxygenation in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome / 中华内科杂志

Objective:To evaluate the effects of neuromuscular blocking agents (NMBA) on oxygenation and respiratory conditions in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome(ARDS).Methods:English databases such as MEDLINE, Embase and Web of Science were searched online, as well as Chinese databases such as China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Chinese Biomedical Literature Database and Wanfang Database. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of NMBA therapy for ARDS with publication date up to May 2020 were retrieved. Literature was screened according to inclusion and exclusion criteria, and the main analysis indicators were oxygenation index.Results:A total of 5 RCTs were included, and 1 462 ARDS patients were enrolled. Compared with the control group, the ratio of partial arterial oxygen pressure to fraction of inspired (PaO 2)/(FiO 2) significantly improved in the intervention group after 72 hours MD=14.39, (95 %CI 6.40-22.38, P=0.000 4) and 96 hours of NMBA, but there was no difference between PaO 2/FiO 2 at 24 and 48 hours ( P>0.05).Positive end expiratory pressure (PEEP) significantly decreased at 72 hours ( MD=-0.45, 95 %CI -0.87--0.03, P=0.04) and 96 hours ( MD=-0.82, 95 %CI -1.39--0.26, P=0.004) treatment with NMBA, while there was no significant difference in PEEP between 24 and 48 hours after treatment ( P>0.05). At 96 h, plateau pressure (Pplat) in the intervention group was significantly lower ( MD=-1.69, 95 %CI -2.64--0.75, P=0.000 4), and there was no significant difference in Pplat between 24, 48 and 72 h after treatment ( P>0.05). Conclusion:The early use of NMBA within 48 hours has a delayed improvement effect on oxygenation and ventilator conditions in ARDS patients.

Application of insulin secretion index in disease assessment, multiple organ failure and prognosis prediction in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome / 中国医师进修杂志

Objective:To investigate the effect of insulin secretion index (HOMA-β) in the evaluation of the condition of patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), multiple organ failure (MOF) and prognosis prediction.Methods:A retrospective analysis of the clinical data of 96 patients with ARDS hospitalized in Hangzhou Hospital of Zhejiang Medical Health Group from January 2019 to February 2021 was divided into MOF group (38 cases) and non-MOF group (58 cases). The baseline HOMA-β, oxygenation index, acute physiology and chronic health score Ⅱ (APACHE Ⅱ), sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) and 28 d case fatality rate were collected and compared between the two groups. Compare the HOMA-β, oxygenation index, APACHE Ⅱ score, SOFA of ARDS patients with different survival prognosis. Logistic regression model analyzed the influence of HOMA-β, oxygenation index, APACHE Ⅱ, SOFA on the MOF and survival prognosis of ARDS patients. Pearson linear correlation method was used to analyze the relationship between HOMA-β and oxygenation index, APACHE Ⅱ, SOFA in ARDS patients. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to analyze the predictive power of HOMA-β on MOF and prognosis of ARDS patients.Results:The incidence of MOF and 28 d case fatality rate in 96 patients with ARDS were 39.58% (38/96) and 31.25% (31/96), respectively. The HOMA-β and oxygenation index in the MOF group were significantly lower than those in non-MOF group: 126.37 ± 28.75 vs. 178.52 ± 32.66, (125.41 ± 18.77) mmHg (1 mmHg = 0.133 kPa) vs. (153.62 ± 26.42) mmHg, while the APACHE Ⅱ, SOFA and 28 d case fatality rate were significantly higher than those in non-MOF group: (23.61 ± 4.68) points vs. (10.96 ± 2.85) points, (11.24 ± 1.65) points vs. (5.62 ± 0.87) points and 65.79% (25/38) vs. 10.34% (6/58), and there were statistical differences ( P<0.05). The HOMA-β and oxygenation index in dead ARDS patients were significantly lower than those in surviving ARDS patients: 89.62 ± 21.17 vs. 195.43 ± 35.64 and (121.66 ± 21.06) mmHg vs. (158.87 ± 28.71) mmHg, the APACHE Ⅱ and SOFA were significantly higher than those in surviving ARDS patients: (25.78 ± 5.42) points vs. (8.84 ± 2.51) points, (12.38 ± 1.22) points vs. (4.88 ± 0.83) points, and there were statistical differences ( P<0.05). Logistic regression model analysis showed that HOMA-β, oxygenation index, APACHE Ⅱ, SOFA of ARDS patients were all influencing factors of MOF and survival prognosis ( P<0.05). The results of Pearson linear correlation analysis showed that HOMA-β in ARDS patients was positively correlated with its oxygenation index ( P<0.05), and its APACHE Ⅱ and SOFA were negatively correlated ( P<0.05). ROC curve analysis results show that HOMA-β in ARDS patients has a high predictive power for their MOF and prognosis. Conclusions:The level of HOMA-β in ARDS patients is low, and it is closely related to its condition, MOF occurrence and survival prognosis. It can be used as a reference index for disease assessment and MOF and prognosis prediction of ARDS patients.

Analysis of risk factors of postoperative acute respiratory distress syndrome in patients with esophageal cancer / 肿瘤研究与临床

Objective:To investigate the risk factors of postoperative acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) in patients with esophageal cancer.Methods:The clinical data of patients with esophageal cancer who underwent surgery in the Affiliated Huai'an No. 1 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University from January 2020 to April 2021 were retrospectively analyzed, 223 patients were enrolled. The patients were divided into ARDS group (28 cases) and non-ARDS group (195 cases) according to whether ARDS occurred after surgery. The clinicopathological features of the two groups were compared, and the risk factors of postoperative ARDS were analyzed by univariate and multivariate logistic regression.Results:The age of patients in the ARDS group was higher than that in the non-ARDS group [(70±4) years old vs. (66±7) years old, P = 0.024]. The proportion of patients with history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in the ARDS group was higher than that in the non-ARDS group [25.0% (7/28) vs. 4.6% (9/195), P < 0.001]. There were no statistical differences in gender, systolic pressure, body mass index, left ventricular ejection fraction, laboratory related examinations, history of smoking, history of diabetes, history of hypertension, history of cardiovascular disease, history of cerebrovascular disease, pathological type, tumor location, tumor stage and postoperative complications between the two groups (all P > 0.05). After further adjusting for gender, multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the old age (≥65 years old) ( OR = 4.581, 95% CI 1.299-16.154, P = 0.018) and the history of COPD ( OR= 5.493, 95% CI 1.644-18.358, P = 0.006) were independent risk factors for postoperative ARDS in patients with esophageal cancer. Conclusions:Esophageal cancer patients with an age of ≥65 years old or history of COPD have a high risk of postoperative ARDS. Age and history of COPD may have certain significances in judging the occurrence of postoperative ARDS in patients with esophageal cancer.

Ventilación en posición prona en el manejo de pacientes con síndrome de dificultad respiratoria aguda / Prone ventilation in the management of patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome

INTRODUCCIÓN. El posicionamiento prono es una de las estrategias ventilatorias más estudiadas y difundidas de la medicina intensiva, forma parte del manejo de ventilación protectiva con impacto en disminución de la mortalidad en pacientes con síndrome de dificultad respiratoria aguda. OBJETIVO. Revisar la evidencia disponible acerca de ventilación en posición prona en pacientes con síndrome de dificultad respiratoria aguda, enfocada en el análisis fisiopatológico y clínico. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS. Se realizó una revisión bibliográfica en la base de datos de buscadores académicos como PubMed, Google Scholar y Elsevier, en los idiomas español e inglés, en el período comprendido entre los años 1970-2020; se seleccionaron 16 publicaciones en texto completo: 3 metaanálisis, 10 estudios randomizado, 3 revisiones sistemáticas. CONCLUSIÓN. En base a la evidencia y percepción recopilada de la experiencia de los autores, la ventilación en posición prona es una estrategia de manejo de primera línea, fiable, que no requiere para su empleo equipamiento costoso ni complejo y ha demostrado mejoría en desenlaces relevantes en el tratamiento del paciente crítico respiratorio como disminución en la mortalidad y optimización de los parámetros ventilatorios y de oxigenación.

INTRODUCTION. Prone positioning is one of the most studied and widespread ventilatory strategies in intensive medicine, it is part of protective ventilation management with an impact on mortality reduction in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome. OBJECTIVE. To review the available evidence about ventilation in the prone position in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome, focused on the pathophysiological and clinical analysis. MATERIALS AND METHODS. A bibliographic review was carried out in the databases of academic search engines such as PubMed, Google Scholar and Elsevier, in the Spanish and English languages, in the period between the years 1970-2020, 16 full text publications were selected: 3 meta-analyses, 10 randomized studies, 3 systematic reviews. CONCLUSION. Based on the evidence and perception gathered from the authors' experience, prone ventilation is a reliable first-line management strategy that does not require costly or complex equipment for its use and has demonstrated improvements in relevant outcomes in the treatment of the critically ill respiratory patient, such as decreased mortality and optimization of ventilatory and oxygenation parameters.

Cryptococcus neoformans blood stream infection in severe COVID-19 pneumonia.

Severe coronavirus disease (COVID-19) associated pneumonia leads to acute respiratory distress syndrome and emerging data suggest fungal coinfections also contribute to mortality in this patient population. Aspergillus ventilator associated pneumonia is increasingly recognized. We describe a case of likely reactivation of community acquired Cryptococcus neoformans in a patient with severe COVID-19.

Reactive airways dysfunction syndrome following inhalation of hydrogen chloride vapor.

Hydrogen chloride is available commercially as an anhydrous gas or an aqueous solution, hydrochloric acid. Exposure to this gas has been associated with the development of reactive airways dysfunction syndrome. However, there are few published reports. A 37-year-old woman developed progressive bronchospasm and acute respiratory failure after cleaning an enclosed space with an unknown concentration of hydrochloric acid gas from a cleaning substance. She had no prior history of asthma or atopy. Severe bronchospasm developed, leading to hypoxemia and diffuse interstitial infiltrates, necessitating orotracheal intubation and admission to the intensive care unit. Asthma-like symptoms such as cough, wheezing, and dyspnea; requiring bronchodilators, and repeated hospitalizations are persistent a year after the accident. Pulmonary function testing showed mild airflow obstruction.

A case report of individualized ventilation in a COVID-19 patient - new possibilities and caveats to consider with flow-controlled ventilation.

BACKGROUND: Flow-controlled ventilation (FCV) is a novel ventilation method increasingly being used clinically, particularly during the current COVID-19 pandemic. However, the continuous flow pattern in FCV during inspiration and expiration has a significant impact on respiratory parameters and ventilatory settings compared to conventional ventilation modes. In addition, the constant flow combined with direct intratracheal pressure measurement allows determination of dynamic compliance and ventilation settings can be adjusted accordingly, reflecting a personalized ventilation approach. CASE PRESENTATION: A 50-year old women with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection suffering from acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) was admitted to a tertiary medical center. Initial ventilation occurred with best standard of care pressure-controlled ventilation (PCV) and was then switched to FCV, by adopting PCV ventilator settings. This led to an increase in oxygenation by 30 %. Subsequently, to reduce invasiveness of mechanical ventilation, FCV was individualized by dynamic compliance guided adjustment of both, positive end-expiratory pressure and peak pressure; this intervention reduced driving pressure from 18 to 12 cm H2O. However, after several hours, compliance further deteriorated which resulted in a tidal volume of only 4.7 ml/kg. CONCLUSIONS: An individualized FCV approach increased oxygenation parameters in a patient suffering from severe COVID-19 related ARDS. Direct intratracheal pressure measurements allow for determination of dynamic compliance and thus optimization of ventilator settings, thereby reducing applied and dissipated energy. However, although desirable, this personalized ventilation strategy may reach its limits when lung function is so severely impaired that patient's oxygenation has to be ensured at the expense of lung protective ventilation concepts.

Repercussões da ventilação não invasiva em recém-nascidos prematuros com síndrome do desconforto respiratório agudo: revisão integrativa / Repercussionsof non-invasive ventilation in premature newborns with acute respiratory discomfort syndrome: integrative review / Repercusionesde la ventilación no invasiva en recién nacidos prematuros con síndrome de malestar respiratorio agudo: revisión integrativa

Introdução: Neonatos pré-termos apresentam singularidades anátomo-fisiológicas predispondo-os a complicações respiratórias como a Síndrome do Desconforto Respiratório Aguda. Caracterizada pelo déficit de surfactante pulmonar e consequente insuficiência respiratória, aumentando a necessidade de suporte ventilatório invasivo e não invasivo.Objetivo: Analisar os efeitos da ventilação não invasiva em recém-nascidos prematuros com Síndrome do Desconforto Respiratório Aguda. Metodologia: Trata-se de uma revisão integrativa no qual utilizou-se das bases de dados: SciELO, LILACS, PEDro, MEDLINE e Bireme. Os critérios de inclusão foram estudos relacionadosatemática em portuguêseinglês completos e com publicação entre 2015 a 2020.Resultados:Nos seteestudos sintetizados houve a utilização dos sistemas de suporte ventilatório: pressão positiva em vias aéreas a dois níveis: cânulas nasais aquecidas, umidificadas e de alto fluxo; ventilação de pressão positiva nas vias aéreas nasal, e a ventilação por pressão positiva intermitente nasal. Dois estudos que utilizaram cânulas nasais apontaram efeitos menos benéficos; e um relatou desfechos semelhantes aos demais, além de provocar menor dano nasal. Conclusões: Aventilação não invasiva tevegrande redução do número de falhas de extubação dos pacientes, principalmente naqueles que receberam a ventilação pressão positiva nas vias aéreas nasaise a ventilação por pressão positiva intermitente nasal (AU).

Introduction:Pre-term neonates have anatomophysiologicalsingularities predisposing them to respiratory complications such as Acute Respiratory Discomfort Syndrome. It is characterized by a deficit in pulmonary surfactant and consequent respiratory failure, increasing the need for invasive and non-invasive ventilatory support.Objective:To analyze the effects of non-invasive ventilation in premature newborns with Acute Respiratory Discomfort Syndrome. Methodology:In this integrative review, we used the following databases: SciELO, LILACS, PEDro, MEDLINE, and Bireme. Inclusion criteria were studies wrote in Portuguese and English and published between 2015 and 2020. Results:In the seven synthesized studies, ventilatory support systems were used: positive airway pressure at two levels: heated, humidified, and high-flow nasal cannulas; positive pressure ventilation in the nasal airways; and intermittent positive pressure ventilation. Two studies that used nasal cannulas showed less beneficial effects, and one reported similar outcome to the others, in addition to causing less nasal damage. Conclusions:Non-invasive ventilation had a significant reduction in the number of extubation failures in patients, especially in those who received positive pressure ventilation in the nasal airways and ventilation by positive intermittent nasal pressure (AU).

Introducción:Los neonatos pretérmino presentan singularidades anatomofisiológicasque predisponen a complicaciones respiratorias como el Síndrome de Malestar Respiratorio Agudo. Se caracteriza por un déficit de surfactante pulmonar y la consiguiente insuficiencia respiratoria, aumentando la necesidad de soporte ventilatorio invasivo y no invasivo. Objetivo:Analizar los efectos de la ventilación no invasiva en recién nacidos prematuros con Síndrome de Malestar Respiratorio Agudo. Metodología:En esta revisión integradora se utilizaron las siguientes bases de datos: SciELO, LILACS, PEDro, MEDLINE y Bireme. Los criterios de inclusión fueron estudios escritos en portugués y en inglés y publicados entre 2015 y 2020.Resultados:En los siete estudios sintetizados se utilizaron sistemas de soporte ventilatorio: presión positiva en la vía aéreaen dos niveles: cánulas nasales calentadas, humidificadas y de alto flujo; ventilación con presión positiva en la vía aérea nasal; y ventilación con presión positiva intermitente. Dos estudios que utilizaron cánulas nasales mostraron efectos menos beneficiosos, y uno informó de un resultado similar al de los otros, además de causar menos daño nasal. Conclusiones:La ventilación no invasiva tuvo una reducción significativa en el número de fracasos de extubación en los pacientes, especialmente en aquellos que recibieron ventilación con presión positiva en las vías aéreas nasales y ventilación por presión nasal positiva intermitente (AU).

Driving pressure e mortalidade no trauma sem síndrome do desconforto respiratório agudo: estudo observacional prospectivo / Driving pressure and mortality in trauma without acute respiratory distress syndrome: a prospective observational study

RESUMO Objetivo: Identificar a existência de associação entre os valores de driving pressure e mechanical power e do índice de oxigenação no primeiro dia de ventilação mecânica com a mortalidade de pacientes vítimas de trauma sem diagnóstico de síndrome do desconforto respiratório agudo. Métodos: Foram incluídos pacientes ventilados em modo de pressão ou volume controlado, com coleta de dados 24 horas após sua intubação orotraqueal. O acompanhamento do paciente foi realizado por 30 dias para obter o desfecho clínico. Os pacientes estiveram internados em duas unidades de terapia intensiva do Hospital de Pronto Socorro de Porto Alegre, no período de junho a setembro de 2019. Resultados: Foram avaliados 24 pacientes. Os valores de driving pressure, mechanical power e do índice de oxigenação foram similares entre os pacientes que sobreviveram e os que tiveram desfecho de óbito, sem diferença estatisticamente significativa entre os grupos. Conclusão: Os valores de driving pressure, mechanical power e índice de oxigenação obtidos no primeiro dia de ventilação mecânica não demonstraram ter associação com a mortalidade de pacientes vítimas de trauma sem síndrome do desconforto respiratório agudo.

ABSTRACT Objective: To identify the possible association between driving pressure and mechanical power values and oxygenation index on the first day of mechanical ventilation with the mortality of trauma patients without a diagnosis of acute respiratory distress syndrome. Methods: Patients under pressure-controlled or volume-controlled ventilation were included, with data collection 24 hours after orotracheal intubation. Patient follow-up was performed for 30 days to obtain the clinical outcome. The patients were admitted to two intensive care units of the Hospital de Pronto Socorro de Porto Alegre from June to September 2019. Results: A total of 24 patients were evaluated. Driving pressure, mechanical power and oxygenation index were similar among patients who survived and those who died, with no statistically significant difference between groups. Conclusion: Driving pressure, mechanical power and oxygenation index values obtained on the first day of mechanical ventilation were not associated with mortality of trauma patients without acute respiratory distress syndrome.

Expert consensus statements for the management of COVID-19-related acute respiratory failure using a Delphi method.

BACKGROUND: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has caused unprecedented pressure on healthcare system globally. Lack of high-quality evidence on the respiratory management of COVID-19-related acute respiratory failure (C-ARF) has resulted in wide variation in clinical practice. METHODS: Using a Delphi process, an international panel of 39 experts developed clinical practice statements on the respiratory management of C-ARF in areas where evidence is absent or limited. Agreement was defined as achieved when > 70% experts voted for a given option on the Likert scale statement or > 80% voted for a particular option in multiple-choice questions. Stability was assessed between the two concluding rounds for each statement, using the non-parametric Chi-square (χ2) test (p < 0·05 was considered as unstable). RESULTS: Agreement was achieved for 27 (73%) management strategies which were then used to develop expert clinical practice statements. Experts agreed that COVID-19-related acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is clinically similar to other forms of ARDS. The Delphi process yielded strong suggestions for use of systemic corticosteroids for critical COVID-19; awake self-proning to improve oxygenation and high flow nasal oxygen to potentially reduce tracheal intubation; non-invasive ventilation for patients with mixed hypoxemic-hypercapnic respiratory failure; tracheal intubation for poor mentation, hemodynamic instability or severe hypoxemia; closed suction systems; lung protective ventilation; prone ventilation (for 16-24 h per day) to improve oxygenation; neuromuscular blocking agents for patient-ventilator dyssynchrony; avoiding delay in extubation for the risk of reintubation; and similar timing of tracheostomy as in non-COVID-19 patients. There was no agreement on positive end expiratory pressure titration or the choice of personal protective equipment. CONCLUSION: Using a Delphi method, an agreement among experts was reached for 27 statements from which 20 expert clinical practice statements were derived on the respiratory management of C-ARF, addressing important decisions for patient management in areas where evidence is either absent or limited. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The study was registered with Clinical trials.gov Identifier: NCT04534569.

Recrutamento alveolar com suspiro: impacto na mecânica respiratória e oxigenação de pacientes ventilados mecanicamente / Alveolar recruitment: impact on respiratory mechanics and oxygenation of mechanically ventilated patients

INTRODUÇÃO: O suspiro caracteriza-se pela realização de uma inspiração lenta e profunda, seguida de uma expiração lenta. Estudos sugerem que a adição de um suspiro por minuto em pacientes com síndrome do desconforto respiratório agudo, ventilados em PSV, melhora a oxigenação e a mecânica pulmonar. OBJETIVO: Avaliar o impacto da manobra de recrutamento alveolar através de suspiro na mecânica pulmonar e oxigenação em pacientes ventilados mecanicamente, além de verificar o impacto hemodinâmico e a incidência de intercorrências associadas à utilização da técnica. MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: Estudo experimental com 17 pacientes em ventilação mecânica, apresentando relação entre pressão parcial de oxigênio alveolar e fração inspirada de oxigênio (PaO2/FiO2) inferior a 300mmHg. Avaliou-se dados respiratórios, de mecânica pulmonar e hemodinâmicos. Os dados foram coletados durante três períodos: antes do suspiro, imediatamente após e 15 minutos depois da técnica. Dois suspiros por minuto foram administrados utilizando pressão em vias aéreas limitada em 40cmH2O, durante um tempo inspiratório de quatro segundos. RESULTADOS: Após o suspiro, observou-se aumento da PaO2, pressão resistiva, complacência estática e relação PaO2/FiO2, além de diminuição da pressão de platô e pressão parcial de gás carbônico alveolar (PaCO2). Após 15 minutos da retirada do suspiro observou-se que a PaO2, pressão resistiva, complacência estática e relação PaO2/ FiO2 mantiveram-se acima do valor basal, enquanto que a pressão de platô manteve-se abaixo. Não foi observada alteração significante nas variáveis hemodinâmicas. CONCLUSÃO: O suspiro em pacientes ventilados mecanicamente foi capaz de melhorar a oxigenação e a mecânica pulmonar sem comprometer a estabilidade hemodinâmica.

INTRODUCTION: The sigh is characterized by a slow and deep inhalation, followed by a slow exhalation. Studies suggest that the addition of one breath per minute in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome, ventilated on PSV, improves oxygenation and pulmonary mechanics. OBJECTIVE: Analyze the impact of the alveolar recruitment maneuver through breath in pulmonary mechanics and oxygenation in mechanically ventilated patients, in addition to checking the hemodynamic impact and the incidence of complications associated with the use of the technique. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Experimental study with 17 patients on mechanical ventilation, showing a relationship between partial pressure of alveolar oxygen and fraction of inspired oxygen (PaO2/FiO2) below 300mmHg. Respiratory, pulmonary mechanics, and hemodynamic data were evaluated. Data were collected during three periods: before sigh, immediately after, and 15 minutes after the technique. Two sighs per minute were administered using airways pressure limited to 40 cmH2O, during an inspiratory time of four seconds. RESULTS: After the sigh, there was an increase in PaO2, resistive pressure, static compliance, and PaO2/FiO2 ratio, in addition to a decrease in plateau pressure and partial pressure of alveolar carbon dioxide (PaCO2). After 15 minutes of sigh removal, it was observed that PaO2, resistive pressure, static compliance, and PaO2/ FiO2 ratio remained above the baseline, while the plateau pressure remained below. There was no significant change in hemodynamic variables. CONCLUSION: The sigh in mechanically ventilated patients was able to improve oxygenation and pulmonary mechanics without compromising hemodynamic stability

Clinical characteristics and outcomes of critically ill patients with COVID-19 in Kobe, Japan: a single-center, retrospective, observational study.

PURPOSE: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has placed a great burden on critical care services worldwide. Data regarding critically ill COVID-19 patients and their demand of critical care services outside of initial COVID-19 epicenters are lacking. This study described clinical characteristics and outcomes of critically ill COVID-19 patients and the capacity of a COVID-19-dedicated intensive care unit (ICU) in Kobe, Japan. METHODS: This retrospective observational study included critically ill COVID-19 patients admitted to a 14-bed COVID-19-dedicated ICU in Kobe between March 3, 2020 and June 21, 2020. Clinical and daily ICU occupancy data were obtained from electrical medical records. The last follow-up day was June 28, 2020. RESULTS: Of 32 patients included, the median hospital follow-up period was 27 (interquartile range 19-50) days. The median age was 68 (57-76) years; 23 (72%) were men and 25 (78%) had at least one comorbidity. Nineteen (59%) patients received invasive mechanical ventilation for a median duration of 14 (8-27) days. Until all patients were discharged from the ICU on June 5, 2020, the median daily ICU occupancy was 50% (36-71%). As of June 28, 2020, six (19%) died during hospitalization. Of 26 (81%) survivors, 23 (72%) were discharged from the hospital and three (9%) remained in the hospital. CONCLUSION: During the first months of the outbreak in Kobe, most critically ill patients were men aged ≥ 60 years with at least one comorbidity and on mechanical ventilation; the ICU capacity was not strained, and the case-fatality rate was 19%.

Esquema de manejo de COVID-19 en adultos / COVID-19 treatment guidelines in adults

RESUMEN Un nuevo coronavirus, denominado COVID-19, fue descubierto por el brote iniciado en China a finales de diciembre del año 2019. Los síntomas característicos son fiebre, tos seca, dificultad respiratoria y malestar general. Muchas investigaciones se están llevando a cabo ya que, si bien no es una enfermedad considerada mortal, tiene un índice de contagio muy alto. Sin embargo, junto a los cuidados hospitalarios y extrahospitalarios, existe un grupo de fármacos que se vienen utilizando para combatir esta enfermedad, tales como hidroxicloroquina, cloroquina, remdesivir, lopinavir/ritonavir, tocilizumab, interferón beta 1B, entre otros.

ABSTRACT A novel coronavirus disease called COVID-19 was discovered as a result of the outbreak that began in China at the end of December 2019. Common symptoms are fever, dry cough, shortness of breath and malaise. Several research are being conducted since the disease has high transmission rate even though it is not considered life-threatening. However, together with hospital and out-of-hospital care, there is a group of medications being used to fight this disease, such as hydroxychloroquine, chloroquine, remdesivir, lopinavir/ritonavir, tocilizumab, interferon beta-1b, among others.