[Postpartum progression of anxiety and depression levels in mothers of premature newborns]. / Progresión posparto de los niveles de ansiedad y depresión en madres de recién nacidos prematuros.

OBJECTIVE: The postpartum period represents a vulnerable time for women's mental health, especially for those with complications and prematurity. This study aims to explore the evolution of depression and anxiety levels during the 12 weeks postpartum in mothers of premature babies. DESIGN: Prospective study of two parallel cohorts. SETTING: Hospital Clínic of Barcelona. PARTICIPANTS: Women with obstetric complications [premature rupture of membranes or preeclampsia] requiring hospitalization and preterm delivery (< 37 weeks of gestation); 2) Women without complications with term delivery. MAIN MEASURES: Validated questionnaires were administered to measure anxiety (State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, STAI) and depression (Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, EPDS) during the first week, and at 6 and 12 weeks postpartum. RESULTS: 182 women were analyzed: 90 with uncomplicated pregnancies and term deliveries, and 92 with complications requiring preterm delivery. During the follow-up, women with premature newborns showed a significantly unfavorable progression in depression (p <0.001) and anxiety (p <0.001) scores, as well as a higher proportion of abnormal scores on both scales (p <0.001 and p=0.004, respectively) CONCLUSIONS: Women with preterm delivery show higher anxiety and depression levels than those with term delivery during the 12 weeks postpartum. It is essential to ensure a seamless transition between care levels to effectively address postpartum mental health.

Preterm infant mental health in the neonatal intensive care unit: A review of research on NICU parent-infant interactions and maternal sensitivity.

Caregiving relationships in the postnatal period are critical to an infant's development. Preterm infants and their parents face unique challenges in this regard, with infants experiencing separation from parents, uncomfortable procedures, and increased biologic vulnerability, and parents facing difficulties assuming caregiver roles and increased risk for psychological distress. To better understand the NICU parent-infant relationship, we conducted a review of the literature and identified 52 studies comparing observed maternal, infant, and dyadic interaction behavior in preterm dyads with full-term dyads. Eighteen of 40 studies on maternal behavior found less favorable behavior, including decreased sensitivity and more intrusiveness in mothers of preterm infants, seven studies found the opposite, four studies found mixed results, and 11 studies found no differences. Seventeen of 25 studies on infant behavior found less responsiveness in preterm infants, two studies found the opposite, and the remainder found no difference. Eighteen out of 14 studies on dyad-specific behavior reported less synchrony in preterm dyads and the remainder found no differences. We identify confounding factors that may explain variations in results, present an approach to interpret existing data by framing differences in maternal behavior as potentially adaptive in the context of prematurity, and suggest future areas for exploration.

Las relaciones de prestación de cuidados en el período postnatal son críticas para el desarrollo del infante. Los infantes nacidos prematuramente y sus progenitores enfrentan retos únicos a este respecto, con los infantes que experimentan la separación de sus progenitores, procedimientos incómodos, así como un aumento en la vulnerabilidad biológica; y los progenitores enfrentando dificultades al asumir el papel de cuidadores y el aumento de riesgo de angustia sicológica. Para comprender mejor la relación progenitor-infante en la Unidad Neonatal de Cuidados Intensivos (NICU), llevamos a cabo una revisión de la literatura e identificamos 52 estudios que comparan la observada conducta de interacción materna, del infante y de la díada en díadas de infantes prematuros con díadas de infantes de gestación completa. Dieciocho de 40 estudios sobre la conducta materna encontraron una menos favorable conducta, incluyendo una baja en la sensibilidad y más intrusión en el caso de madres de infantes prematuros; 7 estudios encontraron que se daba la situación opuesta; 4 estudios presentaron resultados mixtos; y 11 estudios no encontraron diferencias. Diecisiete de 25 estudios sobre el comportamiento del infante encontraron una menor capacidad de respuesta en infantes prematuros; dos estudios encontraron que se daba la situación opuesta; y el resto de los estudios no encontró ninguna diferencia. Ocho de 14 estudios sobre el comportamiento específico de la díada reportaron menos sincronía en las díadas con infantes prematuros y el resto de los estudios no encontró ninguna diferencia. Identificamos factores confusos que pudieran explicar las variaciones en los resultados, presentamos un acercamiento para interpretar la información existente por medio de enmarcar las diferencias en la conducta materna como potencialmente adaptable en el contexto del nacimiento prematuro, y sugerimos futuras áreas para ser exploradas.

Les relations de soin dans la période postnatale sont critiques pour le développement du nourrisson. Les bébés nés avant terme et leurs parents font face à des défis uniques à cet égard, avec les bébés faisant l'expérience de la séparation des parents, des procédures désagréables et difficiles, et une vulnérabilité biologique accrue, et les parents faisant face aux difficultés assumant des rôles de soignants et étant à risque plus élevé de détresse psychologique. Afin de comprendre la relation parent-nourrisson USIN nous avons passé en revue toutes les recherches et identifié 52 études comparant le comportement d'interaction dyadique, maternel et du nourrisson chez des dyades prématurées avec des dyades à plein terme. 18 des 40 études sur le comportement maternel ont trouvé un comportement moins que favorable, y compris une sensibilité décrue et plus d'intrusion chez les mères de nourrissons prématurés, 7 études ont trouvé le contraire, 4 études ont trouvé des résultats mélangés, et 11 études n'ont trouvé aucune différence. 17 études sur 25 sur le comportement du nourrisson ont trouvé une réaction moindre chez les nourrissons prématurés deux études ont trouvé le contraire, et le reste n'a trouvé aucune différence. 8 études sur 14 sur le comportement spécifique à la dyade ont fait état de moins de synchronie chez les dyades avant terme et les autres études n'ont trouvé aucune différence. Nous identifions des facteurs confondants qui pourraient expliquer des variations dans les résultats et nous présentons une approche pour interpréter les données existantes en cadrant des différences dans le comportement maternel comme étant potentiellement adaptatives dans le contexte de la prématurité et nous suggérons des domaines futurs d'exploration.

COVID-19 medical care direct costs during the first year of pandemic in a hospital converted for increasing bed capacity.

BACKGROUND: COVID-19 health emergency caused an increase in the demand for hospitalization and high costs for the health system. OBJECTIVE: To estimate COVID-19 care direct costs from the perspective of the healthcare provider in a secondary care hospital that underwent conversion during the first year of health emergency. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective, observational study. Information on quantities of goods and services was obtained from the SINOLAVE and CVOED platforms and from hospital administrative sources. Four cost groups were defined and estimated with 2021 unit prices in US dollars. RESULTS: Mean hospital length of stay (n = 3,241 patients) was 10.8 ± 8.2 days. Average cost of care per patient was USD 6,557 ± 4,997. Respiratory therapy with assisted mechanical ventilation was used by 13% of patients. CONCLUSIONS: The costs of COVID-19 medical care represent a large amount of resources. Most part of the costs (95%) were derived from hospital stay, respiratory therapy without assisted mechanical ventilation and costs related to personal protective equipment, hygiene, infrastructure adaptation and payments to medical personnel.

ANTECEDENTES: La emergencia sanitaria por COVID-19 causó un aumento de la demanda por hospitalización y costos elevados para el sistema de salud. OBJETIVO: Estimar los costos directos de la atención por COVID-19 desde la perspectiva del proveedor de servicios en un hospital de segundo nivel que fue reconvertido durante el primer año de la emergencia sanitaria. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Estudio observacional retrospectivo. La información sobre cantidades de bienes y servicios se obtuvo de los sistemas de información SINOLAVE y CVOED, así como de fuentes administrativas del hospital. Se definieron cuatro grupos de costos y se valoraron en dólares norteamericanos con precios unitarios de 2021. RESULTADOS: La duración promedio de la estancia hospitalaria (n = 3241 pacientes) fue de 10.8 ± 8.2 días. El costo promedio de la atención por paciente fue de USD 6 557 ± 4 997. La terapia respiratoria con ventilación mecánica asistida fue utilizada por 13 % de los pacientes. CONCLUSIONES: Los costos médicos de atención por COVID-19 representaron una gran cantidad de recursos. La mayor parte de los costos (95 %) se derivó de estancia hospitalaria, terapia respiratoria sin ventilación mecánica asistida, así como de costos relacionados con equipo de protección personal, higiene, adecuación a la infraestructura y pagos al personal médico.

Adaptation of infant mental health services to preterm infants and their families receiving neonatal intensive care unit services during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Multiple changes and stressors at the family, hospital, and societal levels have resulted from the COVID-19 pandemic that impact the early social environment of infants in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) settings. This manuscript reviews these pandemic-related adversities, including hospital-wide visitor restrictions, mask requirements that interfere with caregiver facial expressions, parental anxiety about virus transmission, and reduced support services. We will further describe adaptations to mental health service delivery and approaches to care in the NICU to mitigate increased risk associated with pandemic-related adversities. Adaptations include integration of technology, staff education and support, and delivery of activity kits to encourage parent-infant bonding. Data was collected as part of routine program evaluation of infant mental health services from one 50-bed NICU setting and describes family concerns, barriers to visitation, and utilization of mental health services during the pandemic. Concerns related to COVID-19 rarely emerged as the primary presenting issue by the families referred for infant mental health services from April through December of 2020. However, a number of families indicated that infection concerns and visitation restrictions posed significant challenges to their parenting and/or coping. There were significant discrepancies noted between the visitation patterns of families with public and private insurance. Several adaptations were developed in response to the multiple challenges and threats to infant mental health present during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Múltiples factores de estrés a nivel de la familia, el hospital y la sociedad han resultado de la pandemia del COVID-19, los cuales han tenido un impacto en el temprano ambiente social de los infantes en el ambiente de la Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos Neonatales (NICU). Este artículo revisa estas situaciones adversas relacionadas con la pandemia, incluyendo las restricciones generales de visita al hospital, el requisito de llevar máscara que interfiere con las expresiones faciales de quien presta el cuidado, la ansiedad de los padres acerca de la transmisión del virus y los reducidos servicios de apoyo. Describimos además adaptaciones al ofrecimiento de servicios de salud mental en NICU para mitigar el aumento del riesgo asociado con las situaciones adversas relacionadas con la pandemia. Estas adaptaciones incluyen la integración de tecnología, la educación y el apoyo del personal, así como el ofrecimiento de material para actividades que promueven la unión afectiva entre progenitor e infante. Se recogió información como parte de la evaluación rutinaria del programa sobre los servicios sicosociales en el caso de una unidad NICU de 50 camas y se describen las preocupaciones de la familia, los obstáculos a la visita, así como la utilización de los servicios de salud mental infantil durante la pandemia. El COVID-19 raramente surgió como el principal asunto que enfrentaban las familias que fueron referidas para intervención de abril a diciembre de 2020. Sin embargo, algunas familias indicaron que las preocupaciones de adquirir una infección y las restricciones de visita presentaron retos significativos a la crianza y/o a la manera de arreglárselas. Se notaron discrepancias significativas entre los patrones de visita de familias con seguro público o con seguro privado. Como respuestas a estas amenazas a la salud mental infantil presentes durante la pandemia del COVID-19, se desarrollaron varias adaptaciones.

Des facteurs de stress multiples aux niveaux de la famille, de l'hôpital et de la société ont résulté de la pandémie du COVID-19 qui impacte l'environnement social précoce des nourrissons dans les Unités Néonatales de Soins Intensifs (UNSI). Cet article passe en revue ces adversités liées à la pandémie, y compris les restrictions pour les visiteurs dans les hôpitaux, les obligations de porter le masque qui interfèrent avec les expressions faciales de la personne prenant soin du bébé, l'anxiété parentale à propos de la transmission du virus et des services de soutien réduits. Nous décrivons des adaptations à la prestation de service de santé mentale dans l'UNSI afin de mitiger le risque accru associé aux adversités liées à la pandémie. Des adaptations ont inclus l'intégration de la technologie, la formation et le soutien aux employés, la livraison de kits d'activités afin d'encourager le lien parent-bébé. Des données ont été recueillies comme faisant partie de l'évaluation de routine de services psychosociaux dans le contexte d'une INSI de 50 lits et décrivent les inquiétudes familiales, les barrières aux visites, l'utilisation de services de santé mentale du nourrisson durant la pandémie. Le COVID-19 a rarement émergé comme étant le problème principal présenté par les familles ayant reçu une intervention d'avril à décembre 2020. Cependant certaines familles ont indiqué que les inquiétudes touchant à l'infection et les restrictions des visites ont posé des défis importants à leur parentage et/ou à leur adaptation. Des différences importantes ont été notées entre les patterns de visites des familles ayant une assurance publique et une assurance privée. Plusieurs adaptations ont été développées pour faire face aux dangers pour la santé mentale infantile présents durant la pandémie de COVID-19.

[Impact of an active surveillance program and infection control measures on the incidence of carbapenem-resistant gram-negative bacilli in an intensive care unit]. / Impacto de un programa de vigilancia activa y medidas de control de infecciones sobre la incidencia de bacilos gram negativos resistentes a carbapenems en una unidad de cuidados intensivos.

Hospital-acquired infections caused by carbapenem-resistant Gram-negative bacteria (CRGNB) have been increasingly reported worldwide and are associated with high rates of mortality especially in intensive care units(ICUs). Early identification through rectal surveillance cultures and implementation of infection control measures(ICM) including contact precautions, staff education on cleaning and hand hygiene may reduce the spread of these microorganisms. The aim of this work was to assess the impact of enhanced ICM on CRGNB colonization and to describe the molecular epidemiology of these bacteria in a polyvalent ICU in a tertiary level hospital. A prospective study including audits and active surveillance culture program, with molecular characterization, was conducted before and after the implementation of prevention programs and infection control measures. Microbiological screening was performed in chromogenic media; PCR targeting ß-lactamases genes (blaKPC, blaNDM, blaVIM and blaOXA-48, blaSHV and blaCTX-M), molecular typing by PFGE; and MLST in K. pneumoniae were performed. CRGNB colonization was reduced from 16.92% to 9.67% upon implementing the infection control measures. In K. pneumoniae the most frequent carbapenemase type was KPC-2 associated with SHV-2 and CTX-M-15, and was disseminated in various STs (ST17, ST13, ST2256, ST353); there was no persistence of particular clones and virulence factors showed no association with hypervirulence. IMP-1 carbapenemase predominated in A. baumannii and the PFGE analysis individualized 3 clusters, assuming that the dissemination in the ICU was clonal. The early detection of patients colonized with CRBGN by using epidemiological surveillance cultures and the implementation of prophylactic measures are key to reducing the incidence of these microorganisms.

NICU music therapy effects on maternal mental health and preterm infant's emotional arousal.

In recent decades, music therapy in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) has been shown to regulate preterm infant's physiological responses and improve maternal mental health. This study investigated the effects of the music therapy intervention for the mother-preterm infant dyad (MUSIP) for maternal anxiety, postnatal depression, and stress, and preterm infants' weight gain, length of hospitalization, heart rate (HR), and oxygen saturation (So2 ). A pre-experimental design was used with 33 mother-preterm infant dyads in a Brazilian NICU: 16 dyads in the Music Therapy Group (MTG) and 17 dyads in the Control Group (CG). The MTG took part in the MUSIP, aimed at supporting maternal singing with the preterm baby. Infants' HR and So2 were recorded at each minute from 10 min before to 10 min after sessions 1, 3, and 6. Before infants' discharge, maternal anxiety and depression scores were lower in the MTG compared to the CG. Anxiety, depression, and stress levels decreased significantly after the intervention in the MTG. With regard to infants, HR and So2 ranges were higher during music therapy, compared to before and after sessions. MUSIP improved maternal mental health and affected preterm infants' emotional arousal, with positive trends in decreasing HR, stabilizing So2 , and reducing length of hospitalization.

En décadas recientes, la terapia musical de la Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos Neonatales ha demostrado poder regular las respuestas fisiológicas del infante nacido prematuramente y mejorar la salud mental materna. Este estudio investigó los efectos de la Intervención de Terapia Musical para la Díada Madre-Infante Prematuro (MUSIP) en cuanto a la ansiedad materna, la depresión posnatal y el estrés, así como el aumento del peso de los infantes prematuros, el tiempo de hospitalización, el ritmo cardíaco (HR) y la saturación de oxígeno (SO2). Un diseño preexperimental se usó con 33 díadas de madre-infante prematuro en una Unidad brasileña de Cuidados Intensivos Neonatales: 16 díadas en el Grupo de Terapia Musical (MTG) y 17 díadas en el Grupo de Control (CG). El MTG participó en MUSIP, con la finalidad de apoyar el canto materno con el bebé prematuro. Se anotó el HR y SO2 de los infantes en cada minuto a partir de 10 minutos antes hasta 10 minutos después de la Sesión 1, 3 y 6. Antes de darles de alta a los infantes, se redujeron los puntajes de ansiedad y depresión maternas en el MTG tal como se le comparó con el CG. Los niveles de ansiedad, depresión y estrés se redujeron significativamente después de la intervención en el MTG. Con respecto a los infantes, los intervalos de HR y SO2 fueron más altos durante la terapia musical, tal como se les comparó con los momentos antes y después de las sesiones. MUSIP ayudó a mejorar la salud mental materna y afectó el despertar emocional de los infantes prematuros, con tendencias a reducir el HR, estabilizar el SO2 y reducir el tiempo de hospitalización.

Dans les vingt et trente dernières années, il a été démontré que la thérapie musicale en Réanimation Néonatale régule les réponses physiologiques du bébé prématuré et améliore la santé mentale maternelle. Cette étude a étudié les effets de l'Intervention de Thérapie Musicalepour la dyade Mère-Bébé Prématurés (MUSIP) pour l'anxiété maternelle, la dépression postnatale, et le stress, ainsi que la prise de poids des bébés prématurés, la longueur de l'hospitalisation, le rythme cardiaque (RC ici) et la saturation d'oxygène (sO2). Une structure pré-expérimentale a été utilisée avec 33 dyades mère-nourrisson prématuré dans une Réanimation Néonatale au Brésil: 16 dyades dans le Groupe Thérapie Musicale (GTM en français) et 17 dyades dans le Groupe de Contrôle (GC en français). Le groupe GTM a pris part à la MUSIP, destiné à aider et soutenir les mères à chanter avec leur bébé prématuré. Le RC et la sO2 des nourrissons ont été enregistrés à chaque minute pendant 10 minutes avant jusqu'à 10 minutes après la Session 1, 3, et 6. Les scores d'évacuation des nourrissons, de l'anxiété maternelle et de dépression maternelle étaient moins élevés dans le GTM que dans le GC. L'anxiété, la dépression et les niveaux de stress ont baissé de manière importante durant l'intervention dans le groupe GTM. Pour ce qui concerne les nourrissons, les éventails de RC et de sO2 était plus élevés durant la thérapie musicale, comparés à avant et après les sessions. La MUSIP a amélioré la santé mentale maternelle et affecté la stimulation émotionnelle des nourrissons prématurés, avec des tendances positives dans la baisse du RC, la stabilisation sO2 et la réduction de la longueur de l'hospitalisation.

The risk of low risk: First time motherhood, prematurity and dyadic well-being.

Premature birth has a well-documented impact on infants, mothers and their dyadic interactions. First time motherhood in the context of low risk premature birth-relatively unexplored in the literature-is a specific experience that sits at the nexus of premature infancy, motherhood and the processes that underpin dyadic connection. This qualitative study analyzed semistructured interviews with first time mothers of low risk premature babies. Findings were generated in response to research questions concerning mothers' meaning-making, bonding and identity. Findings demonstrated that maternal meaning-making emerged from a dyadic framework. When mothers or their infants were considered outside of a dyadic context, surplus suffering inadvertently occurred. Findings have important implications for infant mental health practice in medical settings, for postnatal support in the aftermath of premature birth, and for understanding the meaning of risk.

El nacimiento prematuro tiene un impacto bien documentado en los infantes, madres y sus interacciones diádicas. La maternidad primeriza dentro del contexto de nacimiento prematuro de bajo riesgo -relativamente no explorado en la literatura- es una experiencia específica que se asienta en la coyuntura entre infancia prematura, maternidad y los procesos que respaldan la conexión diádica. Este estudio cualitativo analizó entrevistas semiestructuradas con madres primerizas de bebés prematuros de bajo riesgo. Los resultados fueron generados como respuesta a las preguntas de la investigación relativas a los procesos de dar sentido, establecer conexión de afectividad, así como de identidad de las madres. Los resultados demostraron que el proceso materno de dar sentido surgió de un marco diádico. Cuando las madres o sus infantes fueron considerados fuera de un contexto diádico, ocurrió por inadvertencia un sufrimiento en exceso. Los resultados tienen implicaciones importantes para la práctica de salud mental infantil en escenarios médicos, para el apoyo en el período que sigue al nacimiento prematuro, así como para la comprensión del significado de riesgo.

La naissance prématurée a un impact bien documenté sur les nourrissons, les mères et leurs interactions dyadiques. Le fait d'être mère pour la première fois dans le contexte d'une naissance prématurée à faible risque - relativement peu exploré dans les recherches - est une expérience spécifique qui se situe au coeur de la petite enfance prématurée, de la maternité et des processus qui soutiennent la connexion dyadique. Cette analyse qualitative a analysé des entretiens semi-structurés avec des mères étant mères pour la première fois et ayant eu des bébés prématurés à faible risque. Les résultats ont été générés en réponse à des questions de recherches concernant la quête de signification des mères, leur lien et leur identité. Les résultats démontrent que la quête de signification maternelle émergeait d'une structure dyadique. Lorsque les mères ou leurs bébés étaient considérés au dehors de ce contexte dyadique une souffrance excédentaire s'est produite par inadvertance. Les résultats ont des implications importantes pour la pratique de santé mentale du nourrisson dans des contextes médicaux, à la fois pour le soutien postnatal après une naissance prématurée et pour la compréhension de la signification du risque.

Bacillus cereus bacteremia in a patient with an abdominal stab wound.

Bacillus cereus is a gram positive microorganism commonly involved in gastrointestinal infection but capable of causing severe infections and bacteremia. We describe here a case of bacteremia caused by B. cereus in a previously healthy young woman admitted to the intensive care unit following emergency surgery due to a penetrating abdominal stab wound and subsequent hepatic lesion. She developed fever during admission and cultures were taken. B. cereus was isolated in blood and hepatic fluid collection cultures. Treatment was adjusted according to the isolate, with good clinical results. It is important to highlight the pathogenic potential of this microorganism and not underestimate it as a contaminant when it is isolated from blood samples.

Recommendations for the management of critically ill adult patients with COVID-19.

Except for pregnant women, the management of critically ill patients with COVID-19 during the pandemic includes the standard procedures that are used for any patient that requires to be attended to at the intensive care unit, as well as limited administration of crystalloid solutions, orotracheal intubation, invasive mechanical ventilation in the event of patient clinical deterioration, and muscle relaxants continuous infusion only if necessary. Non-invasive mechanical ventilation and high-flow oxygen therapy are not recommended due to the generation of aerosol (associated with risk of viral spread among health personnel), and neither is extracorporeal membrane oxygenation or the use of steroids. So far, there is no specific antiviral treatment for patients with COVID-19, and neither are there results of controlled trials supporting the use of any.

Con excepción de las mujeres embarazadas, el manejo de los pacientes adultos graves con COVID-19 durante la pandemia incluye los procedimientos estándar que se llevan a cabo en cualquier paciente que requiere atención en la unidad de cuidados intensivos, así como la administración limitada de las soluciones cristaloides, la intubación orotraqueal, la ventilación mecánica invasiva ante deterioro clínico del paciente y la relajación muscular en infusión continua sólo cuando sea ­necesaria. No se recomienda la ventilación mecánica no invasiva, la oxigenoterapia de alto flujo debido a la generación de aerosol (asociado con riesgo de propagación del virus entre el personal de salud), la oxigenación por membrana extracorpórea ni el empleo de esteroides. Hasta el momento no hay tratamiento antiviral específico para pacientes con COVID-19 ni resultados de estudios controlados que avalen su uso.

Management of acute liver failure. Clinical guideline from the Catalan Society of Digestology. / Manejo de la insuficiencia hepática aguda grave. Documento de posicionamiento de la Societat Catalana de Digestologia.

Acute liver failure is an uncommon and severe disease characterised by a rapid onset of severe hepatocellular failure in individuals without previous liver disease. Initial management of this entity determines the outcome of the patient. Initial contact with the acute liver failure patients usually occurs in the emergency department, digestology clinic or, in more severe cases, intensive care units. The management of acute liver failure patients in all these cases must be multidisciplinary, involving surgeons and hepatologists who are experts in this condition, meaning those from hospitals with active liver transplant programmes. This article reviews the current body of evidence concerning the medical management of acute liver failure patients, from the suspected diagnosis and initial management to intensive medical treatment, including the need for an emergency liver transplantation. Moreover, we also review the use of artificial liver support systems in this setting.

Eventos adversos en una nueva unidad de cuidados intensivos. Influencia del diseño y la tecnología de las instalaciones en las tasas de incidencia.

INTRODUCTION: New hospitals are replacing old facilities. There is little information on the performance of an intensive care unit (ICU) when it is relocated in a new and equipped area. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the impact of the change of ICU facilities from a shared environment to individual beds on the occurrence of adverse events. METHOD: Cross-sectional, comparative study, with prospectively collected data from patients admitted from March 01, 2014 to February 28, 2017 to the former ICU (f-ICU) and from July 17, 2017 to January 17, 2019 to the new ICU (n-ICU) of a public teaching hospital. The rate of adverse events was measured in events per 1,000 patient-days. RESULTS: Among 1,188 patients (f-ICU, n = 681 vs. n-ICU, n = 507), a reduction in the rate of unforeseen cardiac arrest (rate ratio: 0.31; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.12-0.80) and an increase in the rate of unplanned extubation (rate ratio: 2.49; 95% CI = 1.24-5.01) were observed, with both being statistically significant. The other nine monitored adverse events showed no changes. CONCLUSIONS: In comparison with the f-ICU, most of the monitored adverse events did not significantly change within the first 18 months of activities at the n-ICU.

INTRODUCCIÓN: Nuevos hospitales están reemplazando a instalaciones antiguas. Existe poca información del desempeño de una unidad de cuidados intensivos (UCI) cuando es reubicada en un área nueva y equipada. OBJETIVO: Analizar el impacto del cambio de instalaciones de un ambiente compartido a camas individuales en la ocurrencia de eventos adversos en la UCI. MÉTODO: Estudio transversal, comparativo, con datos prospectivos de pacientes ingresados del 1 de marzo de 2014 al 28 de febrero de 2017 a la antigua UCI (aUCI) y del 17 de julio de 2017 al 17 de enero de 2019 a la nueva UCI (nUCI) de un hospital-escuela público. La tasa de eventos adversos se midió en eventos por 1000 días-paciente. RESULTADOS: En 1188 pacientes (aUCI, n = 681 versus nUCI, n = 507) se observó reducción en la tasa de paro cardiaco no previsto (razón de tasas 0.31, IC 95 % = 0.12-0.80) e incremento en la tasa de extubación no planeada (razón de tasas 2.49, IC 95 % = 1.24-5.01), estadísticamente significativos; los otros nueve eventos adversos monitoreados no mostraron cambios. CONCLUSIONES: Comparada con la aUCI, la mayor parte de eventos adversos monitoreados no se modificaron significativamente en los 18 meses de inicio de actividades de la nUCI.

Benefit of an electronic medical record-based alarm in the optimization of stress ulcer prophylaxis.

BACKGROUND: The use of stress ulcer prophylaxis (SUP) has risen in recent years, even in patients without a clear indication for therapy. AIM: To evaluate the efficacy of an electronic medical record (EMR)-based alarm to improve appropriate SUP use in hospitalized patients. METHODS: We conducted an uncontrolled before-after study comparing SUP prescription in intensive care unit (ICU) patients and non-ICU patients, before and after the implementation of an EMR-based alarm that provided the correct indications for SUP. RESULTS: 1627 patients in the pre-intervention and 1513 patients in the post-intervention cohorts were included. The EMR-based alarm improved appropriate (49.6% vs. 66.6%, p<0.001) and reduced inappropriate SUP use (50.4% vs. 33.3%, p<0.001) in ICU patients only. These differences were related to the optimization of SUP in low risk patients. There was no difference in overt gastrointestinal bleeding between the two cohorts. Unjustified costs related to SUP were reduced by a third after EMR-based alarm use. CONCLUSIONS: The use of an EMR-based alarm improved appropriate and reduced inappropriate use of SUP in ICU patients. This benefit was limited to optimization in low risk patients and associated with a decrease in SUP costs.

Pronóstico de pacientes con lupus eritematoso generalizado en una unidad de cuidados intensivos.

INTRODUCCIÓN: La identificación de factores de riesgo para mortalidad ha permitido mejorar el tratamiento de los pacientes críticos con lupus eritematosos generalizado. OBJETIVO: Describir las características clínicas y los pronósticos de pacientes graves con lupus eritematosos generalizado ingresados en una unidad de cuidados intensivos. MÉTODO: Estudio de cohorte, observacional y descriptivo. Se incluyeron 207 pacientes con lupus eritematosos generalizado enero de 2011 y enero de 2016. RESULTADOS: Durante el periodo del estudio fueron ingresados 3215 pacientes graves a una unidad de cuidados intensivos, 207 (6.4 %) con lupus eritematosos generalizado después de ser evaluados por un intensivista. La mortalidad fue de 18.4 %. El análisis multivariado identificó la presencia fallas orgánicas (cardiovascular, hepática y neurológica) y niveles séricos de lactato > 2 mmol/L al ingreso o durante las primeras 24 horas de estancia en la unidad de cuidados intensivos como los principales factores asociados con incremento de la mortalidad. CONCLUSIONES: Un dato relevante fue que la falla neurológica y la falla hepática estuvieron asociadas con mayor riesgo de muerte a 28 días, sin que identificáramos reportes similares a estos hallazgos. INTRODUCTION: Identification of risk factors for mortality has enabled improving the treatment of critically ill patients with systemic lupus erythematosus. OBJECTIVE: To describe clinical characteristics and prognoses of critically ill patients with systemic lupus erythematosus admitted to an intensive care unit. METHOD: Prospective, observational cohort study. A total of 207 patients with systemic lupus erythematosus admitted between January 2011 and January 2016 were included. RESULTS: During the study period, 3,215 critically ill patients were admitted to the intensive care unit, out of which 207 (6.4%) were identified as having systemic lupus erythematosus after being evaluated by an intensivist. The multivariate analysis identified the presence of organ failure (cardiovascular, liver, neurological) and serum lactate levels > 2 mmoL/L at admission or within the first 24 hours of intensive care unit stay as the main factors associated with increased mortality. CONCLUSIONS: A relevant observation was that neurological failure and liver failure were associated with higher mortality risk at 28 days, without reports similar to these findings being identified.

Quality of the aetiological diagnosis of ventilator-associated pneumonia in Spain in the opinion of intensive care specialists and microbiologists.

INTRODUCTION: Current guidelines for the microbiological diagnosis of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) are imprecise. Based on data provided by intensive care specialists (ICS) and microbiologists, this study defines the clinical practices and microbiological techniques currently used for an aetiological diagnosis of VAP and pinpoints deficiencies. METHODS: Eighty hospitals in the national health network with intensive care and microbiology departments were sent two questionnaires, one for each department, in order to collect data on VAP diagnosis for the previous year. RESULTS: Out of the 80 hospitals, 35 (43.8%) hospitals participated. These included 673 ICU beds, 32,020 ICU admissions, 173,820 ICU days stay, and generated 27,048 lower respiratory tract specimens in the year. A third of the hospitals (35%) had a microbiology department available 24/7. Most samples (83%) were tracheal aspirates. Gram stain results were immediately reported in around half (47%) of the hospitals. Quantification was made in 75% of hospitals. Molecular techniques and direct susceptibility testing were performed in 12% and one institution, respectively. Mean turnaround time for a microbiological report was 1.7 (SD; 0.7), and 2.2 (SD; 0.6) days for a negative and positive result, respectively. Telephone/in-person information was offered by 65% of the hospitals. Most (89%) ICS considered microbiological information as very useful. No written procedures were available in half the ICUs. CONCLUSIONS: Both ICS and microbiologists agreed that present guidelines for the diagnosis of VAP could be much improved, and that a new set of consensus guidelines is urgently required. A need for guidelines to be more effectively implemented was also identified in order to improve outcomes in patients with VAP.

Descriptive analysis of neurological in-hospital consultations in a tertiary hospital. / Análisis descriptivo de las consultas intrahospitalarias dirigidas a Neurología en un hospital terciario.

INTRODUCTION: In-hospital consultations (IHC) are essential in clinical practice in tertiary hospitals. The aim of this study is to analyse the impact of neurological IHCs. PATIENTS AND METHOD: One-year retrospective descriptive study of neurological IHCs conducted from May 2013 to April 2014 at our tertiary hospital. RESULTS: A total of 472 patients were included (mean age, 62.1 years; male patients, 56.8%) and 24.4% had previously been evaluated by a neurologist. Patients were hospitalised a median of 18 days and 19.7% had been referred by another hospital. The departments requesting the most in-hospital consultations were intensive care (20.1%), internal medicine (14.4%), and cardiology (9.1%). Reasons for requesting an IHC were stroke (26.9%), epilepsy (20.6%), and confusional states (7.6%). An on-call neurologist evaluated 41.9% of the patients. The purpose of the IHC was to provide a diagnosis in 56.3% and treatment in 28.2% of the cases; 69.5% of the patients required additional tests. Treatment was adjusted in 18.9% of patients and additional drugs were administered to 27.3%. While 62.1% of cases required no additional IHCs, 11% required further assessment, and 4.9% were transferred to the neurology department. Of the patient total, 16.9% died during hospitalisation (in 37.5%, the purpose of the consultation was to certify brain death); 45.6% were referred to the neurology department at discharge and 6.1% visited the emergency department due to neurological impairment within 6 months of discharge. CONCLUSIONS: IHCs facilitate diagnosis and management of patients with neurological diseases, which may help reduce the number of visits to the emergency department. On-call neurologists are essential in tertiary hospitals, and they are frequently asked to diagnose brain death.

Quality of sleep in patients undergoing cardiac surgery during the postoperative period in intensive care. / Calidad del sueño en pacientes sometidos a cirugía cardiaca durante el postoperatorio en cuidados intensivos.

OBJECTIVES: To describe the quality of sleep of patients undergoing cardiac surgery during the first two nights following surgery and identify some of the factors conditioning the nightly rest of these patients in the Intensive Care Unit. METHOD: Observational descriptive study based on applying the Richards-Campbell Sleep Questionnaire through a consecutive sample of patients undergoing cardiac surgery with Intensive Care Unit admission. Simultaneously, a questionnaire assessing different environmental factors existing in the unit as possible conditioning of the night's rest was applied. The association between consumption of opioid and sleep quality was studied. RESULTS: Sample of 66 patients with a mean age of 65±11.57 years, of which 73% were men (N=48). The Richards-Campbell sleep questionnaire garnered average scores of 50.33mm (1.st night) and 53.30mm (2.nd night). The main sleep disturbing factors were discomfort with the different devices, 30.91mm and pain, 30.18mm. The problems caused by environmental noise, 27.5mm or through the voices of the professionals, 26.53mm were also elements of nocturnal discomfort. No statistical association was found between sleep and the distance of the patient with respect to the nursing control area or related to opioid analgesics. CONCLUSIONS: The quality of sleep during the first two nights of Intensive Care Unit admission was "regular". The environmental factors that conditioned the night-time rest of patients were discomfort, pain and ambient noise.

Evaluation and handling of constipation in critical patients. / Evaluación y abordaje del estreñimiento en el paciente crítico.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of nursing care against constipation and to identify, analyze and evaluate causes and consequences. METHODOLOGY: Observational, descriptive and prospective study in polyvalent ICU tertiary hospital (2013-2015). INCLUSION CRITERIA: >18 years, stay >7 days, connected to respiratory support, with nasogastric tube and enteral or mixed nutrition. Patients with gastrointestinal pathology, encephalopathic and jejunostomy/ileostomy were excluded. The studied variables (age, sex, weight, height, pathology, medical treatment, nutrition and volume type, depositional characteristics, quantity and frequency, corrective measures and complications) were collected by ad hoc grill. It is authorized by the CEIC. RESULTS: 139 patients with a mean age of 62 years and average stay of 11 days were analyzed; 63% suffered from constipation. Opiates and antacid were the drugs administered most frequently (99%), even though patients who took muscle relaxants, iron supplements and/or calcium and anti-hypertensive were the ones who suffered most from constipation (77%; 75%; 70%) The fiber free diet was the most widely used (60% constipated), followed by dietary fiber (51% constipated), and the combination of both (85% constipated). 56% used laxatives as a corrective measure, Magnesium Hydroxide being the most widely used; 54% began the first day. Gastric retention was the most relevant complication (49%). CONCLUSION: Constipation is a real multifactorial problem. We recommend: • Intensified surveillance in patients with drugs that promote constipation. • Use high-fiber diets from the outset. • Apply laxatives and prokinetics early and in combination. We need to create a protocol for prophylaxis and management of constipation.

A case report: Nursing interventions on a patient with anaphylactic shock in ICU. / A propósito de un caso: intervenciones enfermeras a una paciente con shock anafiláctico en la UCI.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: The care plan of a 42-year-old woman with anaphylactic shock, secondary to ingestion of amoxicillin/clavulanic acid, with upper airway involvement due to laryngeal angioedema, is presented. Previously she had had two episodes of angioedema of unknown origin. The incidence of this phenomenon is between 3.2 and 10 cases/100,000 people/year. CLINICAL OBSERVATION: An evaluation was made and three altered necessities stood out: breathing and circulation (she needed mechanical ventilation and noradrenalin perfusion), elimination (she required furosemide to keep an acceptable diuresis time), and hygiene and skin protection (she presented generalised hyperaemia, lip, lingual and oropharyngeal oedema). The hospital's Clinical Research Ethics Committee requested the patient's informed consent to access her clinical history. INTERVENTIONS: According to the altered necessities, seven diagnoses were prioritised according to NANDA taxonomy: risk of allergic response, risk of infection, risk of ineffective renal perfusion, decreased cardiac output, impaired spontaneous ventilation, risk of unstable blood glucose level, and risk of dysfunctional gastrointestinal motility. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: Scores of outcome criteria showed a favourable evolution after 24hours. The development of a standardised NANDA-NOC-NIC language in the clinical case presented allowed us to organise the nursing work, facilitating recording and normalising clinical practice. As a limitation of this case, we didn't have serial plasma levels of histamine and tryptase to assess the evolution of anaphylactic symptoms. Highlight the importance of health education in a patient with a history of angioedema.

Prevention and treatment of skin lesions associated with non-invasive mechanical ventilation. Recommendations of experts. / Prevención y tratamiento de las lesiones cutáneas asociadas a la ventilación mecánica no invasiva. Recomendaciones de expertos.

INTRODUCTION: In the last two decades, non-invasive mechanical ventilation (NIV) has been consolidated as an initial strategy for the management of respiratory failure in critical adult and paediatric patients. OBJECTIVES: To identify risk factors and preventive strategies to reduce the incidence of skin lesions associated with clinical devices (LESADIC) related to NIV, as well as the most effective treatment for injuries that cannot be avoided. METHODOLOGY: Review in the MEDLINE, CINAHL and Cochrane databases of studies published in the last 10years to reach consensus through an expert panel. RESULTS: Knowledge about how to measure correct mask size and protection of the skin with foam or hydrocolloids dressings are factors related to the incidence of LESADIC, as it conditions the degree of pressure-friction and shear that the interface exerts on the skin. The interface that causes fewer LESADIC and is better tolerated is the face mask. When there are injuries, the first thing is to remove the interface that causes pressure on damaged skin, recommending a Helmet® hood as an alternative, treating the infection, managing the exudate and stimulating perilesional skin. CONCLUSIONS: The mask of choice is the facial, always using foam or hydrocolloid dressings on the nasal bridge. Evaluate the condition of the skin under the interface and harness every 4hours (recommended) and 11hours (maximum). Evaluate the rotation strategy of the interface at 24hours if the NIV is still needed on an ongoing basis.

Incidence of moisture-associated skin damage in an intensive care unit. / Incidencia de lesiones cutáneas asociadas a la humedad en una unidad de cuidados intensivos.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the incidence of moisture-associated skin damage (MASD) in the nappy area, identify predisposing factors and know the preventive measures and nursing records. METHOD: Descriptive longitudinal study (June 2014-April 2015) in a general ICU. Patients whose stay >48hours and without skin lesions were included. The skin was assessed daily until the appearance of MASD, discharge or a maximum of 14 days. Demographics, stay, MASD type, incontinence, number and consistency of stools, obesity, Braden scale and prevention were recorded. RESULTS: 145 patients (66.2% male) were studied, median age was 69 (P25=56.5, P75=76) and median length of stay was five days (P25=3, P75=11.25), 29.9% were obese. Incontinence-associated dermatitis (IAD) was detected in 26.2% and intertriginous dermatitis (ITD) in 15.9%. MASD was recorded in 23.8%. The variables causing IAD to develop were faecal incontinence, number of stools, liquid stools, and stay. Those for ITD were obesity and score on the Braden scale. Multivariate analysis selected faecal incontinence (OR=5.4, CI95%: 1.1-26) and the number of stools (OR=1.1, CI95%:1.0-1.2) as independent variables for developing IAD and obesity (OR=2.8, CI95%:1.0-8.2) and Braden (OR=0.8, CI95%:0.7-1.0) for developing ITD. Prevention to 23.8% of obese and 42.9% of incontinent was performed. CONCLUSIONS: There is a high incidence in MASD. Faecal incontinence and higher number of stools are the risk factors for developing IAD. Obesity and a lower score on the Braden scale may affect susceptibility to ITD. Recording of MASD and its prevention in patients at risk is insufficient.