Post-pandemic acute respiratory distress syndrome: A New Global Definition with extension to lower-resource regions.

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), first described in 1967, is characterized by acute respiratory failure causing profound hypoxemia, decreased pulmonary compliance, and bilateral CXR infiltrates. After several descriptions, the Berlin definition was adopted in 2012, which established three categories of severity according to hypoxemia (mild, moderate and severe), specified temporal aspects for diagnosis, and incorporated the use of non-invasive ventilation. The COVID-19 pandemic led to changes in ARDS management, focusing on continuous monitoring of oxygenation and on utilization of high-flow oxygen therapy and lung ultrasound. In 2021, a New Global Definition based on the Berlin definition of ARDS was proposed, which included a category for non-intubated patients, considered the use of SpO2, and established no particular requirement for oxygenation support in regions with limited resources. Although debates persist, the continuous evolution seeks to adapt to clinical and epidemiological needs, and to the search of personalized treatments.

Frailty in severe COVID-19 survivors after ICU admission. A prospective and multicenter study in Mexico.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the presence of frailty in survivors of severe COVID-19 admitted in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and followed six months after discharge. DESIGN: An observational, prospective and multicenter, nation-wide study. SETTING: Eight adult ICU across eight academic acute care hospitals in Mexico. PATIENTS: All consecutive adult COVID-19 patients admitted in the ICU with acute respiratory failure between March 8, 2020 to February 28, 2021 were included. Frailty was defined according to the FRAIL scale, and was obtained at ICU admission and 6-month after hospital discharge. INTERVENTIONS: None. MAIN VARIABLES OF INTEREST: The primary endpoint was the frailty status 6-months after discharge. A regression model was used to evaluate the predictors during ICU stay associated with frailty. RESULTS: 196 ICU survivors were evaluated for basal frailty at ICU admission and were included in this analysis. After 6-months from discharge, 164 patients were evaluated for frailty: 40 patients (20.4%) were classified as non-frail, 67 patients (34.2%) as pre-frail and 57 patients (29.1%) as frail. After adjustment, the need of invasive mechanical ventilation was the only factor independently associated with frailty at 6 month follow-up (Odds Ratio [OR] 3.70, 95% confidence interval 1.40-9.81, P = .008). CONCLUSIONS: Deterioration of frailty was reported frequently among ICU survivors with severe COVID-19 at 6-months. The need of invasive mechanical ventilation in ICU survivors was the only predictor independently associated with frailty.

Interevaluator reliability of a tool for measuring body height in adult intensive care patients.

BACKGROUND: The calculation of body height in the intensive care unit is essential for obtaining the ideal body weight, which is used to program the tidal volume and establish objective and effective pulmonary ventilation. The objective of the study was to determine the interrater reliability of a tool for measuring body height in adult patients in an intensive care unit (ICU) in southwestern Colombia. METHODS: This cross-sectional observational study was conducted between January and May 2021, following the recommendations of the COSMIN protocol. Two physiotherapists in the roles of observer/evaluator measured the heights of 106 patients upon admission to the ICU with a previously designed. The sample size was calculated based on Pearson's correlation coefficient. For interrater reliability, the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was used, and Bland-Altman analysis was used to assess concordance. The 95% confidence interval was established, and a P value <0.05 indicated statistical significance. RESULTS: A total of 106 individuals with a mean age of 59.3 years were included; the mean body height was 158.5 cm for women. The interrater reliability of the measurement of height was excellent (global ICC of 0.99, P = 0.000), and an almost perfect positive correlation was obtained between the raters for both women and men (R = 0.99). CONCLUSIONS: Excellent interrater/interobserver reliability was obtained for the measurement of body height in the ICU. This research highlights the importance of protocolizing the measurement of height in critical patients with valid and reliable instruments.

Prediction and simulation of PEEP setting effects with machine learning models / Predicción y simulación de los efectos de la configuración de la PEEP con modelos de aprendizaje automático

Objective To establish a new machine learning-based method to adjust positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) using only already routinely measured data. Design Retrospective observational study. Setting Intensive care unit (ICU). Patients or participants 51811 mechanically ventilated patients in multiple ICUs in the USA (data from MIMIC-III and eICU databases). Interventions No interventions. Main variables of interest Success parameters of ventilation (arterial partial pressures of oxygen and carbon dioxide and respiratory system compliance). Results The multi-tasking neural network model performed significantly best for all target tasks in the primary test set. The model predicts arterial partial pressures of oxygen and carbon dioxide and respiratory system compliance about 45 min into the future with mean absolute percentage errors of about 21.7%, 10.0% and 15.8%, respectively. The proposed use of the model was demonstrated in case scenarios, where we simulated possible effects of PEEP adjustments for individual cases. Conclusions Our study implies that machine learning approach to PEEP titration is a promising new method which comes with no extra cost once the infrastructure is in place. Availability of databases with most recent ICU patient data is crucial for the refinement of prediction performance. (AU)

Objetivo Establecer un nuevo método basado en el aprendizaje automático para ajustar la presión positiva al final de la espiración (PEEP según sus siglas en inglés) utilizando únicamente datos ya obtenidos de forma rutinaria. Diseño Estudio retrospectivo de observación. Ámbito Unidad de cuidados intesivos (UCI) Pacientes o participantes 51811 pacientes ventilados mecánicamente en múltiples UCIs de EE.UU. (tomados de las bases de datos MIMIC-III y eICU). Intervenciones Sin intervenciones. Variables de interés principales Parametros de éxito de la ventilación (presiones parciales arteriales de oxígeno y dióxido de carbono y distensibilidad del sistema respiratorio). Resultados El modelo de red neuronal multitarea obtuvo los mejores resultados en todos los objetivos del conjunto de pruebas primario. El modelo predice las presiones parciales arteriales de oxígeno y dióxido de carbono así como la distensibilidad del sistema respiratorio con aproximadamente 45 minutos de anticipación, mostrando errores porcentuales absolutos medios de aproximadamente 21.7%, 10.0% y 15.8%, respectivamente. El uso propuesto del modelo se demostró en situaciones hipotéticas en las que se simularon los posibles efectos de los ajustes de PEEP para casos individuales. Conclusiones Nuestro estudio implica que el enfoque de aprendizaje automático para el ajuste de la PEEP es un método nuevo y prometedor que no supone ningún coste adicional una vez que se dispone de la infraestructura necesaria. La disponibilidad de bases de datos con información de pacientes de UCI más recientes es crucial para perfeccionar el rendimiento de la predicción. (AU)

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)

Eficacia del protocolo Start to move en funcionalidad, DA-UCI y delirio: ensayo clínico aleatorizado / Efficacy of the «Start to move» protocol on functionality, ICU-acquired weakness and delirium: Randomized clinical trial

Objetivo Evaluar la eficacia del protocolo Start to move comparado con el tratamiento convencional en sujetos mayores de 15 años hospitalizados en la UCI sobre una mejoría en funcionalidad, disminución de debilidad adquirida en la UCI (DA-UCI), incidencia de delirio, días de ventilación mecánica (VM), estadía en la UCI y mortalidad a los 28 días. Diseño Ensayo clínico controlado aleatorizado. Ámbito Unidad de paciente crítico. Participantes Incluye adultos mayores a 15 años con VMI mayor a 48h, asignación aleatoria. Intervenciones Protocolo «Start to move» y tratamiento convencional. Variables de interés principales Se analizó funcionalidad, incidencia DA-UCI, incidencia delirio, días VM, estadía UCI y mortalidad-28 días, ClinicalTrials.gov número, NCT05053724. Resultados Sesenta y nueve sujetos fueron ingresados al estudio, 33 al grupo Start to move y 36 a tratamiento convencional, comparables clínico y sociodemograficamente. En el grupo Start to move la incidencia DAUCI al egreso de la UCI fue de 35,7 vs. 80,7% grupo tratamiento convencional (p=0,001). La funcionalidad (FSS-ICU) al egreso de la UCI corresponde a 26 vs. 17 puntos a favor del grupo Start to move (p=0,001). La diferencia en Barthel al egreso de la UCI fue del 20% a favor del grupo Start to move (p=0,006). No hubo diferencias significativas en incidencia de delirio, días de VM, estadía UCI y mortalidad-28 días. El estudio no reportó eventos adversos, ni suspensión de protocolo. Conclusiones La aplicación del protocolo Start to move en la UCI se asoció reducción en la incidencia DA-UCI, aumento en funcionalidad y menor caída en puntaje Barthel al egreso. (AU)

Objective To evaluate the efficacy of the Start to move protocol compared to conventional treatment in subjects over 15 years of age hospitalized in the ICU on an improvement in functionality, decrease in ICU-acquired weakness (IUCD), incidence of delirium, days of mechanical ventilation (MV), length of stay in ICU and mortality at 28 days. Design Randomized controlled clinical trial. Setting Intensive care unit. Participants Includes adults older than 15 years with invasive mechanical ventilation more than 48h, randomized allocation. Interventions Start to move protocol and conventional treatment. Main variables of interest Functionality, incidence of ICU-acquired weakness, incidence of delirium, days on mechanical ventilation, ICU stay and mortality-28 days, ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT05053724. Results Sixty-nine subjects were admitted to the study, 33 to the Start to move group and 36 to conventional treatment, clinically and sociodemographic comparable. In the “Start to move” group, the incidence of IUCD at ICU discharge was 35.7% vs. 80.7% in the “conventional treatment” group (P=.001). Functionality (FSS-ICU) at ICU discharge corresponds to 26 vs. 17 points in favor of the “Start to move” group (P=.001). The difference in Barthel at ICU discharge was 20% in favor of the “Start to move” group (P=.006). There were no significant differences in the incidence of delirium, days of mechanical ventilation, ICU stay and 28-day mortality. The study did not report adverse events or protocol suspension. Conclusions The application of the “Start to move” protocol in ICU showed a reduction in the incidence of IUCD, an increase in functionality and a smaller decrease in Barthel score at discharge. (AU)

Electrical impedance tomography: Usefulness for respiratory physiotherapy in critical illnesses.

Respiratory physiotherapy, including the management of invasive mechanical ventilation (MV) and noninvasive mechanical ventilation (NIV), is a key supportive intervention for critically ill patients. MV has potential for inducing ventilator-induced lung injury (VILI) as well as long-term complications related to prolonged bed rest, such as post-intensive care syndrome and intensive care unit acquired weakness. Physical and respiratory therapy, developed by the critical care team, in a timely manner, has been shown to prevent these complications. In this pathway, real-time bedside monitoring of changes in pulmonary aeration and alveolar gas distribution associated with postural positioning, respiratory physiotherapy techniques and changes in MV strategies can be crucial in guiding these procedures, providing safe therapy and prevention of potential harm to the patient. Along this path, electrical impedance tomography (EIT) has emerged as a new key non-invasive bedside strategy free of radiation, to allow visualization of lung recruitment. This review article presents the main and potential applications of EIT in relation to physiotherapy techniques in the ICU setting.

Comprehensive study of mechanical power in controlled mechanical ventilation: Prevalence of elevated mechanical power and component analysis / Estudio Integral de la Potencia Mecánica en la Ventilación Mecánica Controlada: Prevalencia de Potencia Mecánica Elevada y Análisis de Componentes

Objective To determine the prevalence of elevated mechanical power (MP) values (>17J/min) used in routine clinical practice. Design Observational, descriptive, cross-sectional, analytical, multicenter, international study conducted on November 21, 2019, from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM. NCT03936231. Setting One hundred thirty-three Critical Care Units. Patients Patients receiving invasive mechanical ventilation for any cause. Interventions None. Main variables of interest Mechanical power. Results A population of 372 patients was analyzed. PM was significantly higher in patients under pressure-controlled ventilation (PC) compared to volume-controlled ventilation (VC) (19.20±8.44J/min vs. 16.01±6.88J/min; p<0.001), but the percentage of patients with PM>17J/min was not different (41% vs. 35%, respectively; p=0.382). The best models according to AICcw expressing PM for patients in VC are described as follows: Surrogate Strain (Driving Pressure) + PEEP+Surrogate Strain Rate (PEEP/Flow Ratio) + Respiratory Rate. For patients in PC, it is defined as: Surrogate Strain (Expiratory Tidal Volume/PEEP) + PEEP+Surrogate Strain Rate (Surrogate Strain/Ti) + Respiratory Rate+Expiratory Tidal Volume+Ti. Conclusions A substantial proportion of mechanically ventilated patients may be at risk of experiencing elevated levels of mechanical power. Despite observed differences in mechanical power values between VC and PC ventilation, they did not result in a significant disparity in the prevalence of high mechanical power values. (AU)

Objetivo Determinar la prevalencia de valores elevados de potencia mecánica (PM) (>17J/min) utilizados en la práctica clínica habitual. Diseño estudio observacional, descriptivo de corte transversal, analítico, multicéntrico e internacional, realizado el 21 de noviembre de 2019 en horario de 8 a 15 horas. NCT03936231. Ámbito Ciento treinta y tres Unidad de Cuidados Críticos. Pacientes pacientes que recibirán ventilación mecánica por cualquier causa. Intervenciones ninguna Variables de interés principales Potencia mecánica. Resultados se analizaron 372 enfermos. La PM fue significativamente mayor en pacientes en ventilación controlada por presión (PC) que en ventilación controlada por volumen (VC) (19,20+8,44J/min frente a 16,01+6,88J/min; p<0,001), pero el porcentaje de pacientes con PM>17J/min no fue diferente (41% frente a 35% respectivamente; p=0,382). Los mejores modelos según AICcw que expresan la PM para los enfermos en VC se decribe como: Strain subrogante (Presión de conducción) + PEEP+Strain Rate subrogante (PEEP/cociente de flujo) + Frecuencia respiratoria. Para los enfermos en PC se define como: Strain subrogante (Volumen tidal expiratorio/PEEP) + PEEP+Strain Rate subrogante (Strain subrogante/Ti) + Frecuencia respiratoria+Expiratory Tidal Volumen+Ti. Conclusiones Gran parte de los pacientes en ventilación mecánica en condiciones de práctica clínica habitual reciben niveles de potencia mecánica peligrosos. A pesar de las diferencias observadas en los valores de potencia mecánica entre la ventilación VC y PC, este porcentaje de riesgo fue similar en PC y VC. (AU)

Efficacy of the "Start to move" protocol on functionality, ICU-acquired weakness and delirium: A randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of the Start to move protocol compared to conventional treatment in subjects over 15 years of age hospitalized in the ICU on an improvement in functionality, decrease in ICU-acquired weakness (DAUCI), incidence of delirium, days of mechanical ventilation (MV), length of stay in ICU and mortality at 28 days. DESIGN: randomized controlled clinical trial. SETTING: Intensive Care Unit. PARTICIPANTS: Includes adults older than 15 years with invasive mechanical ventilation more than 48h, randomized allocation. INTERVENTIONS: Start to move protocol and conventional treatment. MAIN VARIABLES OF INTEREST: Functionality, incidence of ICU-acquired weakness, incidence of delirium, days on mechanical ventilation, ICU stay and mortality-28 days, ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT05053724. RESULTS: 69 subjects were admitted to the study, 33 to the Start to move group and 36 to conventional treatment, clinically and sociodemographic comparable. In the "Start to move" group, the incidence of IUCD at ICU discharge was 35.7% vs. 80.7% in the "conventional treatment" group (p=0.001). Functionality (FSS-ICU) at ICU discharge corresponds to 26 vs. 17 points in favor of the "Start to move" group (p=0.001). The difference in Barthel at ICU discharge was 20% in favor of the "Start to move" group (p=0.006). There were no significant differences in the incidence of delirium, days of mechanical ventilation, ICU stay and 28-day mortality. The study did not report adverse events or protocol suspension. CONCLUSIONS: The application of the "Start to move" protocol in ICU showed a reduction in the incidence of IUAD, an increase in functionality and a smaller decrease in Barthel score at discharge.

Comparación del riesgo nutricional alto por tres variantes del puntaje NUTrICen pacientes críticos ventilados / High nutritional risk by three variants of NUTRIC score in critically ventilated patients

Introducción: las variantes del puntaje NUTRIC con o sin biomarcadores inflamatorios, modificada sin interleucina-6 (IL-6) (NUTRICm), conproteína C reactiva (PCR) en lugar de IL-6, dicotómica (NUTRICpcr1) o en terciles (NUTRICpcr2), se propusieron para evaluar el riesgo nutricional(RN) en pacientes críticos. Sin embargo, la valoración del RN alto podría no ser uniforme entre dichos puntajes.Objetivos: comparar la valoración del RN alto por NUTRICm y las dos variantes del NUTRICpcr.Material y métodos: análisis de una cohorte prospectiva de pacientes ventilados previa al COVID-19. El acuerdo se analizó mediante la prueba deKappa y la discriminación de la mortalidad por regresión logística. La proporción de pacientes de RN alto se comparó con la prueba Chi-cuadrado.Resultados: se analizaron 550 pacientes. Mediana (RIQ) de edad y APACHE II: 44 (28-58) años y 17 (12-22) puntos, patología traumática predo-minante (38,2 %) y mortalidad en Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos (UCI) del 32,5 %. La concordancia fue alta entre NUTRICm y NUTRICpcr1 (Kappa= 0,81) y menor entre NUTRICm y NUTRICpcr2 (Kappa = 0,60). El AUCROC (IC 95 %) del NUTRICm, NUTRICpcr1 y NUTRICpcr2 para discriminarmortalidad fue de 0,695 (0,495-0,591), 0,693 (0,495-0,591) y 0,685 (0,495-0,591), respectivamente. El RN alto mostró diferencias significa-tivas entre NUTRICm y NUTRICpcr1 (19,8 % vs. 14,4 %, p 0,0243), y fue mayor entre NUTRICm y NUTRICpcr2 (19,8 vs. 9,8 %, p < 0,0001).Conclusión: las tres variantes del NUTRIC estudiadas discriminan la mortalidad en forma similar. Sin embargo, el NUTRICm, sin biomarcadorinflamatorio, clasifica más pacientes como de RN alto.(AU)

Introduction: variants of the NUTRIC score with or without inflammatory biomarkers, modified without interleukin 6 (IL-6) (NUTRICm), withC-reactive protein (CRP) instead of IL-6, dichotomous (NUTRICpcr1) or in tertiles (NUTRICpcr2), were proposed to assess nutritional risk (NR) incritical patients. However, the assessment of the high NR might not be uniform between these scores.Objectives: to compare the assessment of the high NR by NUTRICm and the two variants of the NUTRICpcr.Material and methods: analysis of a prospective cohort of patients ventilated prior to COVID-19. Agreement was analyzed using the Kappa testand mortality discrimination by logistic regression. The proportion of patients with high NR was compared with the Chi-square test.Results: five hundred and fifty patients were analyzed. Median (IQR) age and APACHE II: 44 (28-58) years and 17 (12-22) points, predominanttraumatic pathology (38.2 %) and Intensive Care Unit (ICU) mortality of 32.5 %. The concordance was high between NUTRICm and NUTRICpcr1(Kappa = 0.81) and lower between NUTRICm and NUTRICpcr2 (Kappa = 0.60). The AUCROC (95 % CI) of NUTRICm, NUTRICpcr1 and NUTRI-Cpcr2 to discriminate mortality was 0.695 (0.495-0.591), 0.693 (0.495-0.591) and 0.685 (0.495-0.591), respectively. The tall NB showedsignificant differences between NUTRICm and NUTRICpcr1 (19.8 % vs 14.4 %, p 0.0243), being greater between NUTRICm and NUTRICpcr2(19.8 vs 9.8 %, p < 0.0001).Conclusion: the three NUTRIC variants studied discriminate mortality in a similar way. However, the NUTRICm, without an inflammatory biomarker,classifies more patients as high nutritional risk.(AU)

Incidence of hypophosphataemia after ICU admission in mechanically ventilated patients and its relationship with risk factors for refeeding syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the incidence of hypophosphatemia in patients admitted to the ICU who have required mechanical ventilation. To analyze the presence of risk factors and its relationship with nutritional practice. DESIGN: Prospective observational study. SETTING: Polyvalent ICUs of 2 University Hospitals. PATIENTS OR PARTICIPANTS: Patients on invasive mechanical ventilation ≥72 h with normal level of phosphorus at admission. INTERVENTIONS: None. MAIN VARIABLES OF INTEREST: Electrolyte levels (phosphorus, magnesium, potassium) were determined on admission to the ICU and at 96 h. Risk categories on admission, caloric intake, insulin doses and acid-base status during the first 4 days of admission were recorded. Incidence was calculated as the number of patients who developed hypophosphataemia after admission. Univariate analysis was performed for between-group comparison and multivariate analysis of potential risk factors. RESULTS: 89 patients were included. The incidence of hypophosphataemia was 32.6%. In these patients phosphorus decreased from 3.57 ±â€¯1.02 mmol/l to 1.87 ±â€¯0.65 mmol/l (52.3%). The mean kcal/kg/24 h provided in the first 4 days was 17.4 ±â€¯4.1, with no difference between the group that developed hypophosphataemia and the group that did not. Significant risk factors were insulin doses administered and pH and PaCO2 values. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of hypophosphataemia at 96 h from admission in mechanically ventilated patients is high and unrelated to the risk category and hypocaloric nutritional practice used. Insulin dosis and acid-base status are the main determinants of its occurrence.

Guidelines for inhaled sedation in the ICU.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Sedation is used in intensive care units (ICU) to improve comfort and tolerance during mechanical ventilation, invasive interventions, and nursing care. In recent years, the use of inhalation anaesthetics for this purpose has increased. Our objective was to obtain and summarise the best evidence on inhaled sedation in adult patients in the ICU, and use this to help physicians choose the most appropriate approach in terms of the impact of sedation on clinical outcomes and the risk-benefit of the chosen strategy. METHODOLOGY: Given the overall lack of literature and scientific evidence on various aspects of inhaled sedation in the ICU, we decided to use a Delphi method to achieve consensus among a group of 17 expert panellists. The processes was conducted over a 12-month period between 2022 and 2023, and followed the recommendations of the CREDES guidelines. RESULTS: The results of the Delphi survey form the basis of these 39 recommendations - 23 with a strong consensus and 15 with a weak consensus. CONCLUSION: The use of inhaled sedation in the ICU is a reliable and appropriate option in a wide variety of clinical scenarios. However, there are numerous aspects of the technique that require further study.

[High nutritional risk by three variants of NUTRIC score in critically ventilated patients]. / Comparación del riesgo nutricional alto por tres variantes del puntaje NUTRIC en pacientes críticos ventilados.

Introduction: Introduction: variants of the NUTRIC score with or without inflammatory biomarkers, modified without interleukin 6 (IL-6) (NUTRICm), with C-reactive protein (CRP) instead of IL-6, dichotomous (NUTRICpcr1) or in tertiles (NUTRICpcr2), were proposed to assess nutritional risk (NR) in critical patients. However, the assessment of the high NR might not be uniform between these scores. Objectives: to compare the assessment of the high NR by NUTRICm and the two variants of the NUTRICpcr. Material and methods: analysis of a prospective cohort of patients ventilated prior to COVID-19. Agreement was analyzed using the Kappa test and mortality discrimination by logistic regression. The proportion of patients with high NR was compared with the Chi-square test. Results: five hundred and fifty patients were analyzed. Median (IQR) age and APACHE II: 44 (28-58) years and 17 (12-22) points, predominant traumatic pathology (38.2 %) and Intensive Care Unit (ICU) mortality of 32.5 %. The concordance was high between NUTRICm and NUTRICpcr1 (Kappa = 0.81) and lower between NUTRICm and NUTRICpcr2 (Kappa = 0.60). The AUCROC (95 % CI) of NUTRICm, NUTRICpcr1 and NUTRICpcr2 to discriminate mortality was 0.695 (0.495-0.591), 0.693 (0.495-0.591) and 0.685 (0.495-0.591), respectively. The tall NB showed significant differences between NUTRICm and NUTRICpcr1 (19.8 % vs 14.4 %, p 0.0243), being greater between NUTRICm and NUTRICpcr2 (19.8 vs 9.8 %, p < 0.0001). Conclusion: the three NUTRIC variants studied discriminate mortality in a similar way. However, the NUTRICm, without an inflammatory biomarker, classifies more patients as high nutritional risk.

Introducción: Introducción: las variantes del puntaje NUTRIC con o sin biomarcadores inflamatorios, modificada sin interleucina-6 (IL-6) (NUTRICm), con proteína C reactiva (PCR) en lugar de IL-6, dicotómica (NUTRICpcr1) o en terciles (NUTRICpcr2), se propusieron para evaluar el riesgo nutricional (RN) en pacientes críticos. Sin embargo, la valoración del RN alto podría no ser uniforme entre dichos puntajes.. Objetivos: comparar la valoración del RN alto por NUTRICm y las dos variantes del NUTRICpcr. Material y métodos: análisis de una cohorte prospectiva de pacientes ventilados previa al COVID-19. El acuerdo se analizó mediante la prueba de Kappa y la discriminación de la mortalidad por regresión logística. La proporción de pacientes de RN alto se comparó con la prueba Chi-cuadrado. Resultados: se analizaron 550 pacientes. Mediana (RIQ) de edad y APACHE II: 44 (28-58) años y 17 (12-22) puntos, patología traumática predominante (38,2 %) y mortalidad en Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos (UCI) del 32,5 %. La concordancia fue alta entre NUTRICm y NUTRICpcr1 (Kappa = 0,81) y menor entre NUTRICm y NUTRICpcr2 (Kappa = 0,60). El AUCROC (IC 95 %) del NUTRICm, NUTRICpcr1 y NUTRICpcr2 para discriminar mortalidad fue de 0,695 (0,495-0,591), 0,693 (0,495-0,591) y 0,685 (0,495-0,591), respectivamente. El RN alto mostró diferencias significativas entre NUTRICm y NUTRICpcr1 (19,8 % vs. 14,4 %, p 0,0243), y fue mayor entre NUTRICm y NUTRICpcr2 (19,8 vs. 9,8 %, p < 0,0001). Conclusión: las tres variantes del NUTRIC estudiadas discriminan la mortalidad en forma similar. Sin embargo, el NUTRICm, sin biomarcador inflamatorio, clasifica más pacientes como de RN alto.

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.

Factors associated with short- and long-term outcomes in lung cancer patients requiring unplanned invasive mechanical ventilation.

OBJECTIVE: Unplanned invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) is associated with high mortality in lung cancer patients. We aimed to identify factors associated with weaning from IMV, intensive care unit (ICU) survival and 1-year survival in lung cancer patients requiring unplanned IMV. DESIGN: Retrospective observational study (2007-2017). SETTING: University-affiliated ICU. PATIENTS: Lung cancer patients requiring unplanned IMV. INTERVENTION: None. MAIN VARIABLES OF INTEREST: Weaning from IMV, ICU and 1-year survival. RESULTS: Of the 136 patients included in the analysis (age 64 (9) years, male 110 (81%), metastatic disease 97 (62%)), 52 (38%) were weaned from IMV, 51 (38%) were discharged from ICU and 22 (16%) were alive at 1year. The main indication for intubation was acute respiratory failure. In multivariate analysis, PaO2/FiO2 >175mmHg at ICU admission and intubation before ICU admission were associated with successful weaning from IMV while intubation for cardiac arrest was associated with weaning failure. Same factors were associated with ICU survival. Absence of metastasis at ICU admission and lung resection surgery were independently associated with 1-year survival. CONCLUSIONS: A significant proportion of patients with lung cancer treated with unplanned IMV could be weaned from IMV and survived to ICU discharge, especially in the absence of severe hypoxemia at ICU admission. The low one-year survival was mostly driven by metastatic status.

Comprehensive study of mechanical power in controlled mechanical ventilation: Prevalence of elevated mechanical power and component analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of elevated mechanical power (MP) values (>17J/min) used in routine clinical practice. DESIGN: Observational, descriptive, cross-sectional, analytical, multicenter, international study conducted on November 21, 2019, from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM. NCT03936231. SETTING: One hundred thirty-three Critical Care Units. PATIENTS: Patients receiving invasive mechanical ventilation for any cause. INTERVENTIONS: None. MAIN VARIABLES OF INTEREST: Mechanical power. RESULTS: A population of 372 patients was analyzed. PM was significantly higher in patients under pressure-controlled ventilation (PC) compared to volume-controlled ventilation (VC) (19.20±8.44J/min vs. 16.01±6.88J/min; p<0.001), but the percentage of patients with PM>17J/min was not different (41% vs. 35%, respectively; p=0.382). The best models according to AICcw expressing PM for patients in VC are described as follows: Surrogate Strain (Driving Pressure) + PEEP+Surrogate Strain Rate (PEEP/Flow Ratio) + Respiratory Rate. For patients in PC, it is defined as: Surrogate Strain (Expiratory Tidal Volume/PEEP) + PEEP+Surrogate Strain Rate (Surrogate Strain/Ti) + Respiratory Rate+Expiratory Tidal Volume+Ti. CONCLUSIONS: A substantial proportion of mechanically ventilated patients may be at risk of experiencing elevated levels of mechanical power. Despite observed differences in mechanical power values between VC and PC ventilation, they did not result in a significant disparity in the prevalence of high mechanical power values.

Prediction and simulation of PEEP setting effects with machine learning models.

OBJECTIVE: To establish a new machine learning-based method to adjust positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) using only already routinely measured data. DESIGN: Retrospective observational study. SETTING: Intensive care unit (ICU). PATIENTS OR PARTICIPANTS: 51811 mechanically ventilated patients in multiple ICUs in the USA (data from MIMIC-III and eICU databases). INTERVENTIONS: No interventions. MAIN VARIABLES OF INTEREST: Success parameters of ventilation (arterial partial pressures of oxygen and carbon dioxide and respiratory system compliance) RESULTS: The multi-tasking neural network model performed significantly best for all target tasks in the primary test set. The model predicts arterial partial pressures of oxygen and carbon dioxide and respiratory system compliance about 45 min into the future with mean absolute percentage errors of about 21.7%, 10.0% and 15.8%, respectively. The proposed use of the model was demonstrated in case scenarios, where we simulated possible effects of PEEP adjustments for individual cases. CONCLUSIONS: Our study implies that machine learning approach to PEEP titration is a promising new method which comes with no extra cost once the infrastructure is in place. Availability of databases with most recent ICU patient data is crucial for the refinement of prediction performance.

Association between diastolic dysfunction and fluid balance in critically ill patients during weaning from mechanical ventilation / Asociación entre la disfunción diastólica y el balance de hídrico en pacientes críticos durante el destete de la ventilación mecánica

Objective: To assess the role of diastolic dysfunction and fluid balance in weaning failure. Design: Prospective, observational, single center. Setting: Intensive care unit of a university hospital. Patients: Adult patients on mechanical ventilation for more than 48 h who underwent a spontaneous breathing trial (SBT). Interventions: Echocardiography was performed immediately before and at the end of SBT. Patients were classified into two groups according to weaning outcome. Main variable of interest: Weaning failure. Results: Among 89 patients included, weaning failure occurred in 33 patients (37%). Isolated diastolic dysfunction at the end of the SBT was more frequent in the failure group (39.3% vs. 17.8%, p = 0.025). Average daily fluid balance from ICU admission until first SBT was less negative in patients who failed than in those who succeed in the weaning (−648 mL [−884 to -138] vs. −893 mL [−1284 to −501], p = 0.007). Average daily fluid balance from the first SBT until the ICU discharge was more negative in the weaning failure than in the success group (−973 mL [−1493 to −201] vs. −425 mL [−1065 to 12], p = 0.034). Cox regression analysis showed that diastolic dysfunction was not an independent factor related to weaning failure but needed the association of positive fluid balance and age. Conclusions: Weaning failure due to diastolic dysfunction is highly related to fluid balance, and the deleterious effect of fluid balance on diastolic function is associated with age The timing of fluid removal could play a key role in this scenario. (AU)

Objetivo: Evaluar el papel de la disfunción diastólica (DD) y el balance hídrico en el fracaso del destete de la ventilación mecánica. Diseño: Prospectivo, observacional.Ámbito: Unidad de cuidados intensivos hospital universitario. Pacientes: Pacientes adultos con ventilación mecánica más de 48 h sometidos a una prueba de respiración espontánea (SBT).Intervenciones: Ecocardiografía antes y al final del SBT. Los pacientes se clasificaron en dos grupos según el resultado del destete. Variable de interés principal: Fracaso del destete. Resultados: Se incluyeron 89 pacientes, el fracaso del destete ocurrió en 33 (37%). La DD al final de la SBT fue más frecuente en el grupo de fracaso (39,3% vs 17,8%, p = 0,025). El balance hídrico diario desde el ingreso en UCI hasta la SBT fue menos negativo en los pacientes que fracasaron que en los que tuvieron éxito del destete (−648 mL [-884 a -138] vs −893 mL [-1284 a -501], p = 0,007). El balance hídrico diario desde el primer SBT hasta el alta de UCI fue más negativo en el grupo de fracaso que en el de éxito (−973 ml [−1493 a −201] vs. −425 ml [−1065 a 12], p = 0,034). La regresión de Cox mostró que la DD no era un factor independiente relacionado con el fracaso, necesitando la asociación del balance hídrico y la edad. Conclusiones: El fracaso del destete debido a DD se relaciona con el balance hídrico, incrementando su efecto nocivo con la edad. El momento de inicio del balance hídrico negativo puede jugar un papel clave en el fracaso. (AU)