Switches in non-invasive respiratory support strategies during acute hypoxemic respiratory failure: Need to monitoring from a retrospective observational study

Objective To explore combined non-invasive-respiratory-support (NIRS) patterns, reasons for NIRS switching, and their potential impact on clinical outcomes in acute-hypoxemic-respiratory-failure (AHRF) patients. Design Retrospective, single-center observational study. Setting Intensive Care Medicine. Patients AHRF patients (cardiac origin and respiratory acidosis excluded) underwent combined NIRS therapies such as non-invasive-ventilation (NIV) and High-Flow-Nasal-Cannula (HFNC). Interventions Patients were classified based on the first NIRS switch performed (HFNC-to-NIV or NIV-to-HFNC), and further specific NIRS switching strategies (NIV trial-like vs. Non-NIV trial-like and single vs. multiples switches) were independently evaluated. Main variables of interest Reasons for switching, NIRS failure and mortality rates. Results A total of 63 patients with AHRF were included, receiving combined NIRS, 58.7% classified in the HFNC-to-NIV group and 41.3% in the NIV-to-HFNC group. Reason for switching from HFNC to NIV was AHRF worsening (100%), while from NIV to HFNC was respiratory improvement (76.9%). NIRS failure rates were higher in the HFNC-to-NIV than in NIV-to-HFNC group (81% vs. 35%, p < 0.001). Among HFNC-to-NIV patients, there was no difference in the failure rate between the NIV trial-like and non-NIV trial-like groups (86% vs. 78%, p = 0.575) but the mortality rate was significantly lower in NIV trial-like group (14% vs. 52%, p = 0.02). Among NIV to HFNC patients, NIV failure was lower in the single switch group compared to the multiple switches group (15% vs. 53%, p = 0.039), with a shorter length of stay (5 [2–8] vs. 12 [8–30] days, p = 0.001). Conclusions NIRS combination is used in real life and both switches’ strategies, HFNC to NIV and NIV to HFNC, are common in AHRF management. Transitioning from HFNC to NIV is suggested as a therapeutic escalation and in this context performance of a NIV-trial could be beneficial. ... (AU)

Objetivo Explorar los patrones combinados de soporte-respiratorio-no-invasivo (SRNI), las razones para cambiar de SRNI y su potencial impacto en los resultados clínicos en pacientes con insuficiencia-respiratoria-aguda-hipoxémica (IRAH). Diseño Estudio observacional retrospectivo unicéntrico. Ámbito Cuidados Intensivos. Pacientes Pacientes con IRAH (excluyendo causa cardíaca y acidosis respiratoria) que recibieron tanto ventilación-no-invasiva (VNI) como cánula-nasal-de-alto-flujo (CNAF). Intervenciones Se categorizó a los pacientes según el primer cambio de SRNI realizado (CNAF-to-VNI o VNI-to-CNAF) y se evaluaron estrategias específicas de SRNI (VNI trial-like vs. Non-VNI trial-like y cambio único vs. múltiples cambios de NIRS) de manera independiente. Variables de interés principales Razones para el cambio, así como las tasas de fracaso de SRNI y la mortalidad. Resultados Un total de 63 pacientes recibieron SRNI combinado, 58,7% clasificados en el grupo CNAF-to-VNI y 41,3% en el grupo VNI-to-CNAF. Los cambios de CNAF a VNI ocurrieron por empeoramiento de la IRHA (100%) y de VNI a CNAF por mejora respiratoria (76.9%). Las tasas de fracaso de SRNI fueron mayores de CNAF a VNI que de VNI a CNAF (81% vs. 35%, p < 0.001). Dentro de los pacientes de CNAF a VNI, no hubo diferencia en las tasas de fracaso entre los grupos VNI trial-like y no-VNI trial-like (86% vs. 78%, p = 0.575), pero la mortalidad fue menor en el grupo VNI trial-like (14% vs. 52%, p = 0.02). Dentro de los pacientes de VNI a CNAF, el fracaso de VNI fue menor en grupo de cambio único vs. múltiple (15% vs. 53%, p = 0.039). Conclusiones Los cambios de estrategia de SRNI son comunes en el manejo clínico diario de la IRHA. El cambio de CNAF a VNI impresiona de ser una escalada terapéutica y en este contexto la realización de un VNI-trial puede ser beneficioso. Al contrario, cambiar de VNI a CNAF impresiona de ser una desescalada terapéutica y parece segura si no hay fracaso ... (AU)

Effectiveness of Helmet-CPAP in mild to moderate coronavirus type 2 hypoxemia: An observational study.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the relative effectiveness of Helmet-CPAP (H_CPAP) with respect to high-flow nasal cannula oxygen therapy (HFNO) in avoiding greater need for intubation or mortality in a medium complexity hospital in Chile during the year 2021. DESIGN: Cohort analytical study, single center. SETTING: Units other than intensive care units. PATIENTS: Records of adults with mild to moderate hypoxemia due to coronavirus type 2. INTERVENTIONS: None. MAIN VARIABLES OF INTEREST: Need for intubation or mortality. RESULTS: 159 patients were included in the study, with a ratio by support of 2:10 (H_CPAP:HFNO). The 46.5% were women, with no significant differences by sex according to support (p = 0.99, Fisher test). The APACHE II score, for HFNO, had a median of 10.5, 3.5 units higher than H_CPAP (p < 0.01, Wilcoxon rank sum). The risk of intubation in HFNO was 42.1% and in H_CPAP 3.8%, with a significant risk reduction of 91% (95% CI: 36.9%-98.7%; p < 0.01). APACHE II does not modify or confound the support and intubation relationship (p > 0.2, binomial regression); however, it does confound the support and mortality relationship (p = 0.82, RR homogeneity test). Despite a 79.1% reduction in mortality risk with H_CPAP, this reduction was not statistically significant (p = 0.11, binomial regression). CONCLUSIONS: The use of Helmet CPAP, when compared to HFNO, was an effective therapeutic ventilatory support strategy to reduce the risk of intubation in patients with mild to moderate hypoxemia caused by coronavirus type 2 in inpatient units other than intensive care. The limitations associated with the difference in size, age and severity between the arms could generate bias.

Predictors of mechanical ventilation and mortality in critically ill patients with COVID-19 pneumonia / Predictores de ventilación mecánica y mortalidad en pacientes críticos con neumonía por COVID-19

Objective To determine if potential predictors for invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) are also determinants for mortality in COVID-19-associated acute respiratory distress syndrome (C-ARDS). Design Single center highly detailed longitudinal observational study. Setting Tertiary hospital ICU: two first COVID-19 pandemic waves, Madrid, Spain. Patients or participants : 280 patients with C-ARDS, not requiring IMV on admission. Interventions None. Main variables of interest : Target: endotracheal intubation and IMV, mortality. Predictors: demographics, hourly evolution of oxygenation, clinical data, and laboratory results. Results The time between symptom onset and ICU admission, the APACHE II score, the ROX index, and procalcitonin levels in blood were potential predictors related to both IMV and mortality. The ROX index was the most significant predictor associated with IMV, while APACHE II, LDH, and DaysSympICU were the most with mortality. Conclusions According to the results of the analysis, there are significant predictors linked with IMV and mortality in C-ARDS patients, including the time between symptom onset and ICU admission, the severity of the COVID-19 waves, and several clinical and laboratory measures. These findings may help clinicians to better identify patients at risk for IMV and mortality and improve their management. (AU)

Objetivo Determinar si las variables clínicas independientes que condicionan el inicio de ventilación mecánica invasiva (VMI) son los mismos que condicionan la mortalidad en el síndrome de distrés respiratorio agudo asociado con COVID-19 (C-SDRA). Diseño Estudio observacional longitudinal en un solo centro. Ámbito UCI, hospital terciario: primeras dos olas de COVID-19 en Madrid, España. Pacientes o participantes 280 pacientes con C-SDRA que no requieren VMI al ingreso en UCI. Intervenciones Ninguna. Principales variables de interés Objetivo: VMI y Mortalidad. Predictores: demográficos, variables clínicas, resultados de laboratorio y evolución de la oxigenación. Resultados El tiempo entre el inicio de los síntomas y el ingreso en la UCI, la puntuación APACHE II, el índice ROX y los niveles de procalcitonina en sangre eran posibles predictores relacionados tanto con la IMV como con la mortalidad. El índice ROX fue el predictor más significativo asociada con la IMV, mientras que APACHE II, LDH y DaysSympICU fueron los más influyentes en la mortalidad. Conclusiones Según los resultados obtenidos se identifican predictores significativos vinculados con la VMI y mortalidad en pacientes con C-ARDS, incluido el tiempo entre el inicio de los síntomas y el ingreso en la UCI, la gravedad de las olas de COVID-19 y varias medidas clínicas y de laboratorio. Estos hallazgos pueden ayudar a los médicos a identificar mejor a los pacientes en riesgo de IMV y mortalidad y mejorar su manejo. (AU)

Predictors of mechanical ventilation and mortality in critically ill patients with COVID-19 pneumonia.

OBJECTIVE: To determine if potential predictors for invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) are also determinants for mortality in COVID-19-associated acute respiratory distress syndrome (C-ARDS). DESIGN: Single center highly detailed longitudinal observational study. SETTING: Tertiary hospital ICU: two first COVID-19 pandemic waves, Madrid, Spain. PATIENTS OR PARTICIPANTS: 280 patients with C-ARDS, not requiring IMV on admission. INTERVENTIONS: None. MAIN VARIABLES OF INTEREST: Target: endotracheal intubation and IMV, mortality. PREDICTORS: demographics, hourly evolution of oxygenation, clinical data, and laboratory results. RESULTS: The time between symptom onset and ICU admission, the APACHE II score, the ROX index, and procalcitonin levels in blood were potential predictors related to both IMV and mortality. The ROX index was the most significant predictor associated with IMV, while APACHE II, LDH, and DaysSympICU were the most with mortality. CONCLUSIONS: According to the results of the analysis, there are significant predictors linked with IMV and mortality in C-ARDS patients, including the time between symptom onset and ICU admission, the severity of the COVID-19 waves, and several clinical and laboratory measures. These findings may help clinicians to better identify patients at risk for IMV and mortality and improve their management.

Características de pacientes con SARS-CoV-2 en estado crítico en un centro COVID-19 de referencia en Uruguay

Introducción: la pandemia de COVID-19 produjo una alta mortalidad en el mundo. Sin embargo, las presentaciones más críticas de la enfermedad han sido poco caracterizadas en nuestra región. Objetivo: estudiar la presentación clínica, evolución y mortalidad en pacientes ingresados en la unidad de medicina intensiva de un centro COVID-19 de referencia. Pacientes y método: estudio clínico, prospectivo, observacional de SARS-CoV-2 durante las primeras etapas de la pandemia en Uruguay. Se definió mortalidad en unidad de cuidados intensivos (UCI) como desenlace primario. Resultados: en 274 pacientes, la edad mediana fue de 65 años (IQR 54-73), el sexo masculino representó el 57% y el índice de Charlson tuvo una mediana de 3 (IQR 2-5). La mortalidad en UCI fue 59,9%. Las principales causas de muerte fueron: hipoxemia refractaria, disfunción orgánica múltiple y shock refractario. La edad (Odds Ratio (OR) = 1,06; IC de 95% 1,03 - 1,09), ocupación de camas (OR = 1,04, IC 95%: 1,02 - 1,07), sexo masculino (OR = 2,14, IC 95%: 0,93 - 5,06), ventilación mecánica invasiva (OR = 51,7, IC 95%: 16,5 - 208,6), coinfección al ingreso (OR = 2,34, IC 95%: 0,88 - 6,77) y enfermedad renal crónica previa (OR = 13,1, IC 95%: 2,29 - 129,2) fueron predictores independientes de mortalidad. La primera ola de la pandemia se produjo por la circulación de las variantes P.6 y P.1 del coronavirus, en una población con muy bajo porcentaje de vacunación (8%). Conclusiones: estos resultados en pacientes críticos aportan una descripción detallada del impacto de la pandemia por SARS-CoV-2 en un centro de referencia y constituyen una base para enfrentar futuros eventos epidémicos.

Introduction: COVID-19 has caused high mortality worldwide. However, the most critical presentations of the disease have been poorly characterized in our region. Objective: to study the clinical presentation, progression, and mortality in patients admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of a COVID-19 Reference Center. Patients and methods: clinical, prospective, observational study of SARS-CoV-2 during the early stages of the pandemic in Uruguay. ICU mortality was defined as the primary outcome. Results: in 274 patients, the median age was 65 years (IQR 54-73), male gender accounted for 57%, and the Charlson Index was 3 (IQR 2-5). ICU mortality was 59.9%. The main causes of death were refractory hypoxemia, multiple organ dysfunction, and refractory shock. Age (Odds Ratio (OR) = 1.06; 95% CI 1.03 - 1.09), bed occupancy (OR= 1.04, 95% CI: 1.02 -1.07), male gender (OR= 2.14, 95% CI 0.93 - 5.06), invasive mechanical ventilation (OR= 51.7, 95% CI 16.5 - 208.6), coinfection at admission (OR= 2.34, 95% CI 0.88 - 6.77), and pre-existing chronic kidney disease (OR= 13.1, 95% CI 2.29 - 129.2) were independent predictors of mortality. The first wave of the pandemic was driven by the circulation of the P.6 and P.1 variants of the coronavirus in a population with a very low vaccination percentage (8%). Conclusions: these results in critical patients provide a detailed description of the impact of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic in a reference center and serve as a foundation for addressing future epidemic events.

Introdução: a COVID-19 causou alta morbimortalidade em todo o mundo, embora as formas graves da doença tenham sido pouco caracterizadas nos países da América Latina. Objetivos: analisar o quadro clínico, a evolução e a mortalidade em pacientes com COVID-19 atendidos em uma unidade de terapia intensiva (UTI) em um Centro de Referência. Métodos: Estudo clínico, prospectivo e observacional de pacientes com SARS-CoV-2 durante a primeira onda da pandemia no Uruguai. A mortalidade na UTI foi o resultado primário. Resultados: oram estudados 274 pacientes, com uma mediada de idade de 65 anos (IQR 54-73), sendo a maioria do sexo masculino (57%). O índice de Charlson foi de 3 (IQR 2-5). A mortalidade geral na UTI foi de 59,9%. As principais causas de morte foram hipoxemia refratária, disfunção orgânica múltipla e choque refratário. A idade (Odds Ratio (OR) = 1,06; IC 95% 1,03-1,09), ocupação de leitos (OR = 1,04; IC 95%: 1,02-1,07), sexo masculino (OR = 2,14; IC 95%: 0,93-5,06), ventilação mecânica invasiva (OR = 51,7; IC 95%: 16,5-208,6), coinfecção na admissão (OR = 2,34; IC 95%: 0,88-6,77) e doença renal crônica pré-existente (OR = 13,1; IC 95%: 2,29-129,2) foram preditores independentes de mortalidade. A primeira onda da pandemia foi impulsionada pela circulação das variantes P.6 e P.1 do SARS-CoV-2 em uma população com uma taxa de vacinação muito baixa (8%). Conclusões: esses resultados em pacientes críticos fornecem uma descrição detalhada do impacto da pandemia SARS-CoV-2 em um Centro de Referência e constituem uma base para o enfrentamento de futuros eventos epidêmicos.

Switches in non-invasive respiratory support strategies during acute hypoxemic respiratory failure: Need to monitoring from a retrospective observational study.

OBJECTIVE: To explore combined non-invasive-respiratory-support (NIRS) patterns, reasons for NIRS switching, and their potential impact on clinical outcomes in acute-hypoxemic-respiratory-failure (AHRF) patients. DESIGN: Retrospective, single-center observational study. SETTING: Intensive Care Medicine. PATIENTS: AHRF patients (cardiac origin and respiratory acidosis excluded) underwent combined NIRS therapies such as non-invasive-ventilation (NIV) and High-Flow-Nasal-Cannula (HFNC). INTERVENTIONS: Patients were classified based on the first NIRS switch performed (HFNC-to-NIV or NIV-to-HFNC), and further specific NIRS switching strategies (NIV trial-like vs. Non-NIV trial-like and single vs. multiples switches) were independently evaluated. MAIN VARIABLES OF INTEREST: Reasons for switching, NIRS failure and mortality rates. RESULTS: A total of 63 patients with AHRF were included, receiving combined NIRS, 58.7% classified in the HFNC-to-NIV group and 41.3% in the NIV-to-HFNC group. Reason for switching from HFNC to NIV was AHRF worsening (100%), while from NIV to HFNC was respiratory improvement (76.9%). NIRS failure rates were higher in the HFNC-to-NIV than in NIV-to-HFNC group (81% vs. 35%, p < 0.001). Among HFNC-to-NIV patients, there was no difference in the failure rate between the NIV trial-like and non-NIV trial-like groups (86% vs. 78%, p = 0.575) but the mortality rate was significantly lower in NIV trial-like group (14% vs. 52%, p = 0.02). Among NIV to HFNC patients, NIV failure was lower in the single switch group compared to the multiple switches group (15% vs. 53%, p = 0.039), with a shorter length of stay (5 [2-8] vs. 12 [8-30] days, p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: NIRS combination is used in real life and both switches' strategies, HFNC to NIV and NIV to HFNC, are common in AHRF management. Transitioning from HFNC to NIV is suggested as a therapeutic escalation and in this context performance of a NIV-trial could be beneficial. Conversely, switching from NIV to HFNC is suggested as a de-escalation strategy that is deemed safe if there is no NIRS failure.

Efecto de la duración del decúbito prono en pacientes con SDRA durante la pandemia por SARS-CoV-2 / Effect of duration of prone position in ARDS patients during SARS-CoV-2 pandemic

Objetivo: Describir las características de los pacientes con síndrome de distrés respiratorio agudo por neumonía bilateral por COVID-19 en ventilación mecánica invasiva (VMI) y analizar el efecto del decúbito prono prolongado>24h (DPP) respecto al decúbito prono<24h (DP). Diseño: Estudio observacional retrospectivo descriptivo. Análisis uni y bivariante. Ámbito: Servicio de Medicina Intensiva del Hospital General Universitario de Elche. Participantes: Pacientes con neumonía por SARS-CoV-2 (2020-2021) en VMI por síndrome de distrés respiratorio agudo moderado-severo. Intervenciones: VMI. Maniobras de DP. Variables de interés principales: Sociodemográficas; analgosedación; bloqueo neuromuscular; DP (duración), estancia y mortalidad en UCI, días de VMI; complicaciones no infecciosas; infecciones asociadas a la asistencia sanitaria. Resultados: Cincuenta y un pacientes precisaron DP y de ellos 31 (69,78%) requirieron DPP. No se encontraron diferencias en las características iniciales de los pacientes (sexo, edad, comorbilidades, gravedad inicial, o en el tratamiento antiviral y antiinflamatorio recibido). Los pacientes con DPP presentaron menor tolerancia a la ventilación en decúbito supino (61,29 vs. 89,47%, p=0,031), mayor estancia hospitalaria (41 vs. 30 días, p=0,023), más días de VMI (32 vs. 20 días, p=0,032), mayor duración del tratamiento con bloqueo neuromuscular (10,5 vs. 3 días, p=0,0002), así como un mayor porcentaje de episodios de obstrucción del tubo orotraqueal (48,39 vs. 15%, p=0,014). Conclusiones: El DPP se asoció con mayor uso de recursos y complicaciones en pacientes con síndrome de distrés respiratorio agudo moderado-severo por COVID-19. (AU)

Objective: To describe the characteristics of patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome due to bilateral COVID-19 pneumonia on invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) and analyze the effect of prolonged prone decubitus>24h (PPD) compared to prone decubitus<24h (PD). Design: Retrospective observational descriptive study. Uni and bivariate analysis. Setting: Department of Intensive Care Medicine. General University Hospital of Elche. Participants: Patients with SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia (2020–2021) in VMI for moderate-severe acute respiratory distress syndrome, ventilated in PD. Interventions: IMV. PD maneuvers. Main variables of interest: Sociodemographic; analgo-sedation; neuromuscular blockade; PD (duration), ICU stay and mortality, days of IMV; non-infectious complications; health care-associated infections. Results: Fifty-one patients required PD and of these 31 (69.78%) required PPD. No differences were found in patient characteristics (sex, age, comorbidities, initial severity, antiviral and anti-inflammatory treatment received). Patients on PPD had lower tolerance to supine ventilation (61.29 vs. 89.47%, p=0.031), longer hospital stay (41 vs. 30 days, p=0.023), more days of IMV (32 vs. 20 days, p=0.032), longer duration of neuromuscular blockade (10.5 vs. 3 days, p=0.0002), as well as a higher percentage of episodes of orotracheal tube obstruction (48.39 vs. 15%, p=0.014). Conclusions: PPD was associated with higher resource use and complications in patients with moderate-severe acute respiratory distress syndrome by COVID-19. (AU)

Prognostic value of the novel P/FPE index to classify ARDS severity: A cohort study / Valor pronóstico del nuevo índice P/FPE para clasificar la severidad del SDRA: Estudio de cohorte

Objective To evaluate the impact of the novel P/FPE index to classify ARDS severity on mortality of patients with ARDS. Design A retrospective cohort study. Setting Twelve-bed medical and surgical intensive care unit from January 2018 to December 2020. Patients A total of 217 ARDS patients managed with invasive mechanical ventilation >48h. Interventions None. Variables ARDS severity on day 1 and day 3 was measured based on PaO2/FiO2 ratio and P/FPE index [PaO2/(FiO2×PEEP)]. Primary outcome was the hospital mortality. Results Hospital mortality rate was 59.9%. Relative to PaO2/FiO2 ratio, 31.8% of patients on day 1 and 77.0% on day 3 were reclassified into a different category of ARDS severity by P/FPE index. The level of PEEP was lower by P/FPE index-based ARDS severity classification than by using PaO2/FiO2 ratio. The performance for predicting mortality of P/FPE index was superior to PaO2/FiO2 ratio in term of AROC (day 1: 0.72 vs. 0.62; day 3: 0.87 vs. 0.68) and CORR (day 1: 0.370 vs. 0.213; day 3: 0.634 vs. 0.301). P/FPE index improved prediction of risk of death compared to PaO2/FiO2 ratio as showed by the qNRI (day 1: 72.0%, p<0.0001; day 3: 132.4%, p<0.0001) and IDI (day 1: 0.09, p<0.0001; day 3: 0.31, p<0.0001). Conclusions Assessment of ARDS severity based on P/FPE index seems better than PaO2/FiO2 ratio for predicting mortality. The value of P/FPE index for clinical decision-making requires confirmation by randomized controlled trials (AU)

Objetivo Evaluar el impacto del índice P/FPE para clasificar la severidad del SDRA y su relación con la mortalidad. Diseño Estudio de cohorte retrospectivo. Contexto Unidad de cuidados intensivos polivalentes de 12 camas desde enero de 2018 hasta diciembre de 2020. Pacientes Se estudió a 217 pacientes con SDRA con ventilación invasiva>48 horas. Intervenciones Ninguna. Variables La severidad del SDRA se evaluó el primer y el tercer día, según el índice PaO2/FiO2 y el índice P/FPE (PaO2/[FiO2×PEEP]). El desenlace primario evaluado fue la mortalidad hospitalaria. Resultados La mortalidad hospitalaria fue 59,9%. Con relación al índice PaO2/FiO2, el 31,8% de los pacientes el día 1 y el 77,0% el día 3 fue reclasificado en categorías diferentes de severidad del SDRA mediante el índice P/FPE. El nivel de PEEP fue más bajo con el uso del índice P/FPE que con el PaO2/FiO2. La predicción de la mortalidad fue superior con el índice P/FPE que con PaO2/FiO2, en términos de AROC (día 1: 0,72 vs. 0,62; día 3: 0,87 vs. 0,68) y CORR (día 1: 0,370 vs. 0,213; día 3: 0,634 vs. 0,301). El índice P/FPE mejoró la predicción del riesgo de muerte comparado con el PaO2/FiO2, como demuestra el qNRI (día 1: 72,0%, p<0,0001; día 3: 132,4%, p<0,0001) y el IDI (día 1: 0,09, p<0,0001; día 3: 0,31, p<0,0001). Conclusiones La evaluación de severidad del SDRA mediante el índice P/FPE parece ser mejor que la del índice PaO2/FiO2 para predecir la mortalidad. El valor del P/FPE para la toma de decisiones clínicas requiere confirmación mediante ensayos clínicos (AU)

PEEP titration by EIT strategies for patients with ARDS: A systematic review and meta-analysis / Evaluación sistemática y metaanálisis de la estrategia eit para la titulación Peep en pacientes con sdra

Objective To determine which method of Positive End-expiratory Pressure (PEEP) titration is more useful, and to establish an evidence base for the clinical impact of Electrical Impedance Tomography (EIT) based individual PEEP setting which appears to be a promising method to optimize PEEP in Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) patients. Design A systematic review and meta-analysis. Setting 4 databases (PUBMED, EMBASE, Web Of Science, and the Cochrane Library) from 1980 to December 2020 were performed. Participants Randomized clinical trials patients with ARDS. Main variables PaO2/FiO2-ratio and respiratory system compliance. Intervension The quality of the studies was assessed with the Cochrane risk and bias tool. Results 8 trials, including a total of 222 participants, were eligible for analysis. Meta-analysis demonstrates a significantly EIT-based individual PEEP setting for patients receiving higher PaO2/FiO2 ratio as compared to other PEEP titration strategies [5 trials, 202 patients, SMD 0.636, (95% CI 0.364−0.908)]. EIT-drived PEEP titration strategy did not significantly increase respiratory system compliance when compared to other peep titration strategies, [7 trials, 202 patients, SMD −0.085, (95% CI −0.342 to 0.172)]. Conclusions The benefits of PEEP titration with EIT on clinical outcomes of ARDS in placebo-controlled trials probably result from the visible regional ventilation of EIT. These findings offer clinicians and stakeholders a comprehensive assessment and high-quality evidence for the safety and efficacy of the EIT-based individual PEEP setting as a superior option for patients who undergo ARDS (AU)

Objetivo Para determinar qué método de valoración de la presión espirfinal positiva (PEEP) es más útil, y para establecer una base de evidencia para el impacto clínico de la tomode impedeléctrica (EIT) basada en el ajuste individual de PEEP que parece ser un método prometedor para optimizar la PEEP en pacientes con síndrome de dificultad respiraguda (ARDS). Diseño Una revisión sistemática y metanálisis. Ámbito Se realizaron 4 bases de datos (PUBMED, EMBASE, Web Of Science y Cochrane Library) de 1980 a diciembre de 2020. Participantes Ensayos clínicos aleatorizados de pacientes con SDRA. Variables principals PaO2/FiO2 ratio y compatibilidad respiratoria. Intervención La calidad de los estudios se evaluó con la Cochrane risk and bias tool. Resultados Ocho ensayos, incluyendo un total de 222 participantes, fueron elegibles para el análisis. El análisis de ≥ eta demuestra una configuración individual significativamente basada en MEITPpara pacientes que reciben una mayor proporción EE2/P PiO2en comparación con otras estrategias de titulación FOPEEP SMD CI. La estrategia de titulación de PEEP derivada del tie no aumentó significativamente el cumplimiento del sistema respiren comparación con otras estrategias de titulación de PEEP, [7 ensayos, 202 pacientes, DME -0,085, (IC del 95%: −0,342−0,172)]. Conclusiones Los beneficios de la valoración de la PEEP con EIT en los resultados clínicos de SDRA en ensayos controlados con placebo probablemente sean el resultado de la ventilación regional visible del EIT. Estos hallazgos ofrecen a los médicos y a las partes interesadas una evaluación integral y evidencia de alta calidad para la seguridad y eficacia de la configuración individual de PEEP basada en EIT como una opción superior para los pacientes que se someten a SDRA (AU)

Decúbito prono en pacientes COVID-19 con síndrome de distrés respiratorio agudo y ventilación mecánica invasiva / Prone positioning in Covid-19 patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome and invasive mechanical ventilation

Objetivos: Identificar eventos adversos secundarios al decúbito prono (DP) en pacientes con COVID-19 con síndrome de distrés respiratorio agudo (SDRA) moderado/severo, analizar los factores de riesgo para el desarrollo de úlceras por presión (UPP) en DP y describir la evolución oximétrica de estos pacientes durante el DP. Método: Estudio descriptivo retrospectivo realizado sobre 63 pacientes ingresados en la UCI de un hospital de segundo nivel, con neumonía por SARS-CoV-2, SDRA moderado/severo, ventilación mecánica invasiva, que precisaron maniobras de DP, durante marzo y abril de 2020. Se usó un muestreo no probabilístico consecutivo y se analizaron las variables seleccionadas a través de una regresión logística. Resultados: Se realizaron un total de 139 sesiones de pronación. La mediana de sesiones fue de 2 [1-3] y la duración de 22 h [15-24] por sesión. La aparición de eventos adversos ocurrió en 84,9% de los casos, siendo los fisiológicos (por ejemplo, hiper/hipotensión) los más frecuentes. Al comparar pacientes pronados que mantuvieron la integridad cutánea (34 de 63 pacientes, 54%) vs. los que desarrollaron UPP (29 de 63, 46%), estos últimos presentaron los siguientes factores de riesgo: mayor edad, ser hipertensos, prealbúmina < 21 mg/dL, mayor número de sesiones de prono y mayor gravedad al ingreso. Se observó un incremento significativo entre la PaO2/FiO2 previa al DP y en los diferentes cortes temporales durante el prono, además de una caída significativa tras despronar. Conclusiones: Existe una alta incidencia de eventos adversos debidos al DP, siendo los de tipo fisiológico los más frecuentes. La identificación de varios factores de riesgo para el desarrollo de UPP ayudará a prevenir la aparición de estas lesiones durante la pronación. La terapia de DP en pacientes COVID-19 con SDRA moderado/severo ha demostrado una mejora en los parámetros de oxigenación.(AU)

Objective: To identify adverse events related to prone positioning in COVID-19 patients with severe disease and acute respiratory distress syndrome, to analyze the risk factors associated with the development of anterior pressure ulcers, to determine whether the recommendation of prone positioning is associated with improved clinical outcomes. Methods: Retrospective study performed in 63 consecutive patients with COVID-19 pneumonia admitted to intensive care unit on invasive mechanical ventilation and treated with prone positioning between March and April 2020. Association between prone-related pressure ulcers and selected variables was explored by the means of logistic regression. Results: A total of 139 proning cycles were performed. The mean number of cycles were 2 [1-3] and the mean duration per cycle was of 22 hours [15-24]. The prevalence of adverse events this population was 84.9%, being the physiologic ones (i.e., hypo/hypertension) the most prevalent. 29 out of 63 patients (46%) developed prone-related pressure ulcers. The risk factors for prone-related pressure ulcers were older age, hypertension, levels of pre-albumin < 21 mg/dL, the number of proning cycles and severe disease. We observed a significant increase in the PaO2/FiO2 at different time points during the prone positioning, and a significant decrease after it. Conclusions: There is a high incidence of adverse events due to PD, with the physiological type being the most frequent. The identification of the main risk factors for the development of prone-related pressure ulcers will help to prevent the occurrence of these lesions during the prone positioning. Prone positioning offered an improvement in the oxygenation in these patients.(AU)

Tratamientos coadyuvantes a la ventilación mecánica invasiva en el manejo del síndrome de distrés respiratorio agudo secundario a covid-19 / Adjuvant treatments to invasive mechanical ventilation in the management of acute respiratory distress syndrome secondary to COVID-19

Introducción: La presente revisión bibliográfica está realizada con el fin de obtener respuestas acerca de aspectos relacionados con las técnicas y tratamientos, así como cuidados asociados al paciente crítico diagnosticado con covid-19. Objetivo: Analizar la evidencia científica disponible sobre la efectividad de la utilización de la ventilación mecánica invasiva junto con otras técnicas coadyuvantes, en la reducción de la tasa de mortalidad en pacientes con síndrome de distrés respiratorio agudo y juicio clínico de covid-19 atendidos en unidades de cuidados intensivos. Metodología: Se realizó una revisión bibliográfica sistematizada en las bases de datos PubMed, CUIDEN, LILACS, Medline, CINAHL y Google Scholar, utilizando términos MeSH (adult respiratory distress syndrome, mechanical ventilation, prone position, nitric oxide, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, nursing care) y los operadores booleanos correspondientes. Los estudios seleccionados se sometieron a una lectura crítica realizada entre el 6 de diciembre de 2020 y el 27 de marzo de 2021 utilizando la herramienta Critical Appraisal Skills Programme en español y un instrumento de evaluación de estudios epidemiológicos transversales. Resultados: Se seleccionaron un total de 85 artículos. Tras realizar la lectura crítica se incluyeron en la revisión un total de 7 artículos, consistiendo en 6 estudios descriptivos y un estudio de cohortes. Tras el análisis de dichos estudios, se desprende que la técnica que mejor resultados ha obtenido es la oxigenación por membrana extracorpórea, siendo importantes los cuidados proporcionados por el personal de enfermería cualificado y capacitado. Conclusión: La mortalidad por covid-19 aumenta en pacientes tratados con ventilación mecánica invasiva respecto a los pacientes tratados con oxigenación por membrana extracorpórea. Los cuidados de enfermería y la especialización pueden repercutir en una mejora de los resultados en los pacientes.(AU)

Introduction: This bibliographic review is carried out in order to obtain answers about aspects related to techniques and treatments, as well as care associated with the critically ill patient diagnosed with COVID-19. Objective: To analyze the available scientific evidence on the effectiveness of the use of invasive mechanical ventilation together with other adjuvant techniques, in reducing the mortality rate in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome and clinical trial of COVID-19 treated in intensive care units. Methodology: A systematized bibliographic review was carried out in the PubMed, CUIDEN, LILACS, Medline, CINAHL and Google Scholar databases, using MeSH terms (adult respiratory distress syndrome, mechanical ventilation, prone position, nitric oxide, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, nursing care) and the corresponding Boolean operators. The selected studies underwent a critical reading carried out between December 6, 2020 and March 27, 2021 using the Critical Appraisal Skills Program tool in Spanish and a cross-sectional epidemiological studies evaluation instrument. Results: A total of 85 articles were selected. After performing the critical reading, a total of 7 articles were included in the review, 6 being descriptive studies and one a cohort study. After analyzing these studies, it appears that the technique that has obtained the best results is extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, with the care provided by qualified and trained nursing staff being very important. Conclusion: Mortality from COVID-19 increases in patients treated with invasive mechanical ventilation compared to patients treated with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. Nursing care and specialization can have an impact on improving patient outcomes.(AU)

Effect of the duration of prone position in ARDS patients during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the characteristics of patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) due to bilateral COVID-19 pneumonia on invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV), and to analyze the effect of prone position >24 h (prolonged) (PPP) compared to prone decubitus <24 h (PP). DESIGN: A retrospective observational descriptive study was carried out, with uni- and bivariate analyses. SETTING: Department of Intensive Care Medicine. Hospital General Universitario de Elche (Elche, Alicante, Spain). PARTICIPANTS: Patients with SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia (2020-2021) on IMV due to moderate-severe ARDS, ventilated in prone position (PP). INTERVENTIONS: IMV. PP maneuvers. MAIN VARIABLES OF INTEREST: Sociodemographic characteristics, analgo-sedation, neuromuscular blockade (NMB), PD duration, ICU stay and mortality, days of IMV, non-infectious complications, healthcare associated infections. RESULTS: Fifty-one patients required PP, and of these, 31 (69.78%) required PPP. No differences were observed in terms of patient characteristics (gender, age, comorbidities, initial severity, antiviral and antiinflammatory treatment received). Patients on PPP had poorer tolerance to supine ventilation (61.29% vs 89.47%, p = 0.031), longer hospital stay (41 vs 30 days, p = 0.023), more days of IMV (32 vs 20 days, p = 0.032), longer duration of NMB (10.5 vs 3 days, p = 0.0002), as well as a higher percentage of episodes of orotracheal tube obstruction (48.39% vs 15%, p = 0.014). CONCLUSIONS: PPP was associated with greater resource use and complications in patients with moderate-severe ARDS due to COVID-19.

Liver injury due to COVID-19 in critically ill adult patients. A retrospective study.

INTRODUCTION AND AIM: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) emerged, causing the current pandemic of acute respiratory disease known as COVID-19. Liver injury due to COVID-19 is defined as any liver injury occurring during the course of the disease and treatment of patients with COVID-19, with or without liver disease. The incidence of elevated liver transaminases, alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST), ranges from 2.5 to 76.3%. The aim of the present study was to describe the hepatic biochemical abnormalities, after a SARS-CoV-2-positive polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test, and the mortality rate in critically ill patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted that included 70 patients seen at a private hospital in Mexico City, within the time frame of February-December 2021. Median patient age was 44.5 years (range: 37-57.2) and 43 (61.4%) of the patients were men. Liver function tests were performed on the patients at hospital admission. RESULTS: Gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT) levels were elevated (p = 0.032), as were those of AST (p = 0.011) and ALT (p = 0.021). The patients were stratified into age groups: 18-35, 36-50, and > 50 years of age. The 18 to 35-year-olds had the highest liver enzyme levels and transaminase levels were higher, the younger the patient. Due to the low mortality rate (one patient whose death did not coincide with a hepatic cause), the multivariate analysis showed an R2 association of 0.689, explained by AST, GGT, and C-reactive protein levels. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the increase in transaminases in our study population during the course of COVID-19, there was no increase in mortality. Nevertheless, hospitalized patient progression should be continuously followed.

Prone positioning in COVID-19 patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome and invasive mechanical ventilation.

OBJECTIVE: To identify adverse events related to prone positioning in COVID-19 patients with severe disease and acute respiratory distress syndrome, to analyze the risk factors associated with the development of anterior pressure ulcers, to determine whether the recommendation of prone positioning is associated with improved clinical outcomes. METHODS: Retrospective study performed in 63 consecutive patients with COVID-19 pneumonia admitted to intensive care unit on invasive mechanical ventilation and treated with prone positioning between March and April 2020. Association between prone-related pressure ulcers and selected variables was explored by the means of logistic regression. RESULTS: A total of 139 proning cycles were performed. The mean number of cycles were 2 [1-3] and the mean duration per cycle was of 22h [15-24]. The prevalence of adverse events this population was 84.9 %, being the physiologic ones (i.e., hypo/hypertension) the most prevalent. 29 out of 63 patients (46%) developed prone-related pressure ulcers. The risk factors for prone-related pressure ulcers were older age, hypertension, levels of pre-albumin <21mg/dl, the number of proning cycles and severe disease. We observed a significant increase in the PaO2/FiO2 at different time points during the prone positioning, and a significant decrease after it. CONCLUSIONS: There is a high incidence of adverse events due to PD, with the physiological type being the most frequent. The identification of the main risk factors for the development of prone-related pressure ulcers will help to prevent the occurrence of these lesions during the prone positioning. Prone positioning offered an improvement in the oxygenation in these patients.

Adjuvant treatments to invasive mechanical ventilation in the management of acute respiratory distress syndrome secondary to COVID-19.

INTRODUCTION: This bibliographic review is carried out in order to obtain answers about aspects related to techniques and treatments, as well as care associated with the critically ill patient diagnosed with Covid-19. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the available scientific evidence on the effectiveness of the use of invasive mechanical ventilation together with other adjuvant techniques, in reducing the mortality rate in patients with Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome and clinical trial of Covid-19 treated in intensive care units. METHODOLOGY: A systematized bibliographic review was carried out in the Pubmed, Cuiden, Lilacs, Medline, Cinahl and Google Scholar databases, using MeSH terms (Adult Respiratory Distress Syndrome, Mechanical Ventilation, Prone Position, Nitric Oxide, Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation, Nursing Care) and the corresponding Boolean operators. The selected studies underwent a critical reading carried out between December 6, 2020 and March 27, 2021 using the Critical Appraisal Skills Program tool in Spanish and a cross-sectional epidemiological studies evaluation instrument. RESULTS: A total of 85 articles were selected. After performing the critical reading, a total of 7 articles were included in the review, 6 being descriptive studies and 1 cohort study. After analyzing these studies, it appears that the technique that has obtained the best results is ECMO, with the care provided by qualified and trained nursing staff being very important. CONCLUSION: Mortality from Covid-19 increases in patients treated with invasive mechanical ventilation compared to patients treated with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. Nursing care and specialization can have an impact on improving patient outcomes.

Resultados clínicos según el tiempo de inicio de la ventilación invasiva en niños con fracaso de la ventilación no invasiva / Clinical outcomes according to timing to invasive ventilation due to noninvasive ventilation failure in children

Objetivo En adultos el fracaso de la ventilación no invasiva (VNI) se ha asociado a peores resultados clínicos debido al retraso en la intubación y en el inicio de la ventilación invasiva (VMI). Existe falta de evidencia de esta asociación en pediatría. Nuestro objetivo fue determinar la asociación entre la duración de la VMI y la estancia, con la duración de la VNI previo a la intubación/VMI en pacientes pediátricos. Diseño Estudio de cohorte prospectivo desde enero de 2015 a octubre de 2019. Ámbito Unidad de cuidados intensivos pediátricos (UCIP). Pacientes Niños/as menores de 15años con insuficiencia respiratoria aguda (IRA) que fracasaron a la VNI. Intervenciones Ninguna. Variables de interés principales Se registraron variables demográficas y clínicas, índice de mortalidad pediátrica (PIM2), diagnóstico de síndrome de distrés respiratorio agudo pediátrico (SDRAP), duración de la VMI y la VNI, estancia en UCIP y mortalidad intrahospitalaria. Resultados Se incluyeron un total de 109 pacientes con una mediana de edad de 7 (3-14) meses. El diagnóstico principal fue neumonía (89,9%). El 37,6% de la muestra presentó SDRAP. No se encontró asociación entre duración de la VNI y duración de la VMI mediante el análisis de Kaplan-Meier (logrank test p=0,479). No se encontraron diferencias significativas entre la estancia en UCIP (p=0,253) y hospitalaria (p=0,669) al categorizar por duración de la VNI. El SDRAP se asoció a mayor duración de la VMI (HR: 0,64 [IC95%: 0,42-0,99]). Conclusión No se encontró asociación entre la duración de la VNI previo a la intubación y la duración de la VMI, ni en la estancia en pacientes pediátricos con IRA (AU)

Objective Noninvasive ventilation (NIV) failure it has been associated to worst clinical outcomes due to a delay in intubation and initiation of invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV). There is a lack of evidence in pediatric patients regarding this topic. The objective was to determine the association between duration of IMV and length of stay, with duration of NIV prior to intubation/IMV in pediatric patients. Design A prospective cohort study since January 2015 to October 2019. Setting A pediatric intensive care unit. Patients Children under 15years with acute respiratory failure who failed to noninvasive ventilation. Interventions None. Main variables of interest Demographic variables, pediatric index of mortality (PIM2), pediatric acute respiratory distress syndrome (PARDS) diagnosis, IMV and NIV duration, PICU LOS were registered and intrahospital mortality. Results A total of 109 patients with a median (IQR) age of 7 (3-14) months were included. The main diagnosis was pneumonia (89.9%). PARDS was diagnosed in 37.6% of the sample. No association was found between NIV duration and duration of IMV after Kaplan-Meier analysis (Log rank P=.479). There was no significant difference between PICU LOS (P=.253) or hospital LOS (P=0.669), when categorized by NIV duration before intubation. PARDS diagnosis was associated to an increased length of invasive ventilation (HR: 0.64 [95%IC: 0.42-0.99]). Conclusions No association was found between NIV duration prior to intubation and duration of invasive ventilation in critical pediatric patients with acute respiratory failure (AU)

Pacientes críticos COVID-19. ¿Han variado el manejo y los resultados en la UCI tras un año de pandemia? Estudio multicéntrico, prospectivo, observacional / Critical patients COVID-19 has changed the management and outcomes in the ICU after 1 year of the pandemic? A multicenter, prospective, observational study

Objetivo: Comparar las características clínicas, los tratamientos y la evolución de los pacientes críticos con neumonía por COVID-19 atendidos en unidades de cuidados intensivos (UCI) tras un año de pandemia. Metodología: Estudio multicéntrico, prospectivo, en el que se incluyó pacientes críticos COVID-19 en 9 UCI del noroeste de España. Se compararon las características clínicas, los tratamientos y la evolución de pacientes ingresados en UCI durante los meses de marzo-abril de 2020 (periodo1) con pacientes ingresados en enero-febrero de 2021 (periodo2). Resultados: Se incluyeron 337 pacientes (98 en el periodo1 y 239 en el periodo2). En el periodo2 menos pacientes requirieron ventilación mecánica invasiva (VMI) (65% vs 84%, p<0,001), utilizándose con mayor frecuencia cánulas nasales de alto flujo (CNAF) (70% vs 7%, p<0,001), ventilación mecánica no invasiva (VMNI) (40% vs 14%, p<0,001), corticoides (100% vs 96%, p=0,007) y posición de decúbito prono tanto en pacientes despiertos (42% vs 28%, p=0,012) como en pacientes intubados (67% vs 54%, p=0,034). Los días de VMI, de estancia en UCI y hospitalaria fueron inferiores en el periodo2. La mortalidad fue similar en los dos periodos estudiados (16% vs 17%). Conclusiones: Tras un año de pandemia, observamos que en los pacientes ingresados en UCI se ha utilizado con mayor frecuencia CNAF, VMNI, uso del decúbito prono y corticoides, disminuyendo los pacientes en VMI, así como los tiempos de estancia en UCI y de estancia hospitalaria. La mortalidad ha sido similar en los dos periodos a estudio.(AU)

Objective: To compare the clinical characteristics, treatments, and evolution of critical patients with COVID-19 pneumonia treated in intensive care units (ICU) after one year of pandemic. Methodology: Multicenter, prospective study, which included critical COVID-19 patients in 9 ICUs in northwestern Spain. The clinical characteristics, treatments, and evolution of patients admitted to the ICU during the months of March-April 2020 (period1) were compared with patients admitted in January-February 2021 (period2). Results: 337 patients were included (98 in period1 and 239 in period2). In period2, fewer patients required invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) (65% vs. 84%, P<.001), using high-flow nasal cannulas (CNAF) more frequently (70% vs. 7%, P<.001), ventilation non-invasive mechanical (NIMV) (40% vs. 14%, P<.001), corticosteroids (100% vs. 96%, P=.007) and prone position in both awake (42% vs. 28%, P=.012), and intubated patients (67% vs. 54%, P=.034). The days of IMV, ICU stay and hospital stay were lower in period2. Mortality was similar in the two periods studied (16% vs. 17%). Conclusions: After one year of pandemic, we observed that in patients admitted to the ICU, CNAF, NIMV, use of the prone position, and corticosteroids have been used more frequently, reducing the number of patients in IMV, and the length of stay in the ICU and hospital stay. Mortality was similar in the two study periods.(AU)

Clinical outcomes according to timing to invasive ventilation due to noninvasive ventilation failure in children.

OBJECTIVE: Noninvasive ventilation (NIV) failure it has been associated to worst clinical outcomes due to a delay in intubation and initiation of invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV). There is a lack of evidence in pediatric patients regarding this topic. The objective was to deter-mine the association between duration of IMV and length of stay, with duration of NIV prior tointubation/IMV in pediatric patients. DESIGN: A prospective cohort study since January 2015 to October 2019. SETTING: A pediatric intensive care unit. PATIENTS: Children under 15 years with acute respiratory failure who failed to noninvasive ventilation. INTERVENTIONS: None. MAIN VARIABLES OF INTEREST: Demographic variables, pediatric index of mortality (PIM2), pediatric acute respiratory distress syndrome (PARDS) diagnosis, IMV and NIV duration, PICU LOS were registered and intrahospital mortality. RESULTS: A total of 109 patients with a median (IQR) age of 7 (3-14) months were included. The main diagnosis was pneumonia (89.9%). PARDS was diagnosed in 37.6% of the sample. No association was found between NIV duration and duration of IMV after Kaplan-Meier analysis (Log rank P = .479). There was no significant difference between PICU LOS (P = .253) or hospital LOS (P = 0.669), when categorized by NIV duration before intubation. PARDS diagnosis was associated to an increased length of invasive ventilation (HR: 0.64 [95% IC: 0.42-0.99]). CONCLUSIONS: No association was found between NIV duration prior to intubation and duration of invasive ventilation in critical pediatric patients with acute respiratory failure.

Critical patients COVID-19 has changed the management and outcomes in the ICU after 1 year of the pandemic? A multicenter, prospective, observational study.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the clinical characteristics, treatments, and evolution of critical patients with COVID-19 pneumonia treated in Intensive Care Units (ICU) after one year of pandemic. METHODOLOGY: Multicenter, prospective study, which included critical COVID-19 patients in 9 ICUs in northwestern Spain. The clinical characteristics, treatments, and evolution of patients admitted to the ICU during the months of March-April 2020 (period 1) were compared with patients admitted in January-February 2021 (period 2). RESULTS: 337 patients were included (98 in period 1 and 239 in period 2). In period 2, fewer patients required invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) (65% vs 84%, p < 0.001), using high-flow nasal cannulas (CNAF) more frequently (70% vs 7%, p < 0.001), ventilation non-invasive mechanical (NIMV) (40% vs 14%, p < 0.001), corticosteroids (100% vs 96%, p = 0.007) and prone position in both awake (42% vs 28%, p = 0.012), and intubated patients (67% vs 54%, p = 0.034). The days of IMV, ICU stay and hospital stay were lower in period 2. Mortality was similar in the two periods studied (16% vs 17%). CONCLUSIONS: After 1 year of pandemic, we observed that in patients admitted to the ICU, CNAF, NIMV, use of the prone position, and corticosteroids have been used more frequently, reducing the number of patients in IMV, and the length of stay in the ICU and hospital stay. Mortality was similar in the two study periods.

PEEP titration by EIT strategies for patients with ARDS: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To determine which method of Positive End-expiratory Pressure (PEEP) titration is more useful, and to establish an evidence base for the clinical impact of Electrical Impedance Tomography (EIT) based individual PEEP setting which appears to be a promising method to optimize PEEP in Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) patients. DESIGN: A systematic review and meta-analysis. SETTING: 4 databases (PUBMED, EMBASE, Web Of Science, and the Cochrane Library) from 1980 to December 2020 were performed. PARTICIPANTS: Randomized clinical trials patients with ARDS. MAIN VARIABLES: PaO2/FiO2-ratio and respiratory system compliance. INTERVENSION: The quality of the studies was assessed with the Cochrane risk and bias tool. RESULTS: 8 trials, including a total of 222 participants, were eligible for analysis. Meta-analysis demonstrates a significantly EIT-based individual PEEP setting for patients receiving higher PaO2/FiO2 ratio as compared to other PEEP titration strategies [5 trials, 202 patients, SMD 0.636, (95% CI 0.364-0.908)]. EIT-drived PEEP titration strategy did not significantly increase respiratory system compliance when compared to other peep titration strategies, [7 trials, 202 patients, SMD -0.085, (95% CI -0.342 to 0.172)]. CONCLUSIONS: The benefits of PEEP titration with EIT on clinical outcomes of ARDS in placebo-controlled trials probably result from the visible regional ventilation of EIT. These findings offer clinicians and stakeholders a comprehensive assessment and high-quality evidence for the safety and efficacy of the EIT-based individual PEEP setting as a superior option for patients who undergo ARDS.