Description of Intensive Care and Intermediate Care resources managed by Anaesthesiology Departments in Spain and their adaptation capacity during the COVID-19 pandemic.

INTRODUCTION: It is essential to understand the strategic importance of intensive care resources in the sustainable organisation of healthcare systems. Our objective has been to identify the intensive and intermediate care beds managed by Anaesthesiology and Resuscitation Services (A-ICU and A-IMCU) in Spain, their human and technical resources, and the changes made to these resources during the COVID-19 pandemic. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Prospective observational study performed between December 2020 and July 2021 to register the number and characteristics of A-ICU and A-IMCU beds in hospitals listed in the catalogue published by the Spanish Ministry of Health. RESULTS: Data were obtained from 313 hospitals (98% of all hospitals with more than 500 beds, 70% of all hospitals with more than 100 beds). One hundred and forty seven of these hospitals had an A-ICU with a total of 1702 beds. This capacity increased to 2107 (124%) during the COVID-19 pandemic. Three hundred and eight hospitals had an A-IMCU with a total of 3470 beds, 52.9% (2089) of which provided long-term care. The hospitals had 1900 ventilators, at a ratio of 1.07 respirators per A-ICU; 1559 anaesthesiologists dedicated more than 40% of their working time to intensive care. The nurse-to-bed ratio in A-ICUs was 2.8. DISCUSSION: A large proportion of fully-equipped ICU and IMCU beds in Spanish hospitals are managed by the anaesthesiology service. A-ICU and A-IMCUs have shown an extraordinary capacity to adapt their resources to meet the increased demand for intensive care during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Estimated metabolic equivalents of task do not correlate with the maximal oxygen consumption of patients undergoing lung resection surgery.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Metabolic equivalent of task (MET) is a physiological measure that represents the metabolic cost of an activity of daily living. One MET is equivalent to the resting metabolic rate. METs can be estimated by questionnaires or calculated by measuring maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max). The aim of this study is to determine whether METs estimated in the pre-consultation (METse) correlates with METs calculated from VO2max (METsVO2). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Retrospective observational study in patients scheduled for lung resection surgery. The estimation of METs was obtained in the pre-consultation according to the 2014 European and American guidelines for preoperative cardiovascular assessment in non-cardiac surgery. VO2max was calculated in the ergometry laboratory. RESULTS: A total of 104 patients were included in the study, of whom 25 (24%) were female. The mean age was 65.1 years (±9.8). In 26 patients (25%), the METse classification correlated with METsVO2 (κ = -0.107 P = .02). In the remaining patients, METse overestimated functional capacity measured by ergometry (METse > METsVO2). CONCLUSIONS: Subjective assessment overestimates functional capacity and should not replace objective testing in patients scheduled for lung resection surgery.

Preoperative nutritional status assessed using the CONUT tool and its relationship with the appearance of major postoperative complications.

INTRODUCTION: Malnutrition is a risk factor for the appearance of major postoperative complications; therefore, early identification and perioperative optimization of surgical patients may improve postoperative outcomes. The objective of our study was to determine the prevalence of moderate or high under nutrition alerts in patients undergoing major non-cardiac surgery, and their relationship with the appearance of major postoperative complications. Nutritional status was calculated using the CONUT tool. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective observational study in 190 patients who underwent major non-cardiac surgery over two consecutive years. Preoperative nutritional status was calculated using CONUT, and the patients' medical records were reviewed to determine their epidemiological characteristics and major complications. RESULTS: The under nutrition alert was moderate in 17% of patients, and high in 10%. A high under nutrition alert was an independent risk factor for treatment with vasoactive drugs (OR 3.58; 95% CI 1.18-10.89; p = 0.025), respiratory support (OR 7.63; 95% CI 1.25-46.43; p = 0.027), renal support (OR 23.29; 95% CI 2.0-271.08; p = 0.012), prolonged hospital stay (Coef 20.16; 95% CI 2.10-38.22; p = 0.029) and higher in-hospital mortality (OR 7.15; 95% CI 1.31-39.02; p = 0.023). CONCLUSIONS: In total, 10% of patients who underwent major non-cardiac surgery presented serious preoperative deterioration in their nutritional status. A high under nutrition alert was an independent risk factor for the appearance of major postoperative complications.

Preoperative nutritional status assessed using the CONUT tool and its relationship with the appearance of major postoperative complications. / Estado nutricional preoperatorio valorado mediante la herramienta CONUT y su relación con la aparición de complicaciones mayores postoperatorias.

INTRODUCTION: Malnutrition is a risk factor for the appearance of major postoperative complications; therefore, early identification and perioperative optimization of surgical patients may improve postoperative outcomes. The objective of our study was to determine the prevalence of moderate or high under nutrition alerts in patients undergoing major non-cardiac surgery, and their relationship with the appearance of major postoperative complications. Nutritional status was calculated using the CONUT tool. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective observational study in 190 patients who underwent major non-cardiac surgery over two consecutive years. Preoperative nutritional status was calculated using CONUT, and the patients' medical records were reviewed to determine their epidemiological characteristics and major complications. RESULTS: The under nutrition alert was moderate in 17% of patients, and high in 10%. A high under nutrition alert was an independent risk factor for treatment with vasoactive drugs (OR 3.58; 95% CI 1.18-10.89; p=.025), respiratory support (OR 7.63; 95% CI 1.25-46.43; p=.027), renal support (OR 23.29; 95% CI 2.0-271.08; p=.012), prolonged hospital stay (coef. 20.16; 95% CI 2.10-38.22; p=.029) and higher in-hospital mortality (OR 7.15; 95% CI 1.31-39.02; p=.023). CONCLUSIONS: In total, 10% of patients who underwent major non-cardiac surgery presented serious preoperative deterioration in their nutritional status. A high under nutrition alert was an independent risk factor for the appearance of major postoperative complications.

Incidence of electrocardiographic alterations in the preoperative period of non-cardiac surgery.

BACKGROUND: The electrocardiogram is the most widely used test to assess cardiovascular risk during the preoperative period. The objective of the present study is to evaluate the incidence of electrocardiographic alterations in the general population scheduled for non-cardiac surgery and to determine if the age greater than or equal to 65 years or the revised cardiac risk index ≥1 represent a risk factor for presenting these alterations. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Over a period of one month, all preoperative electrocardiograms (ECG) from the anesthesia clinic were analyzed. Various epidemiological data were collected and the revised cardiac risk index was calculated. Major alterations were defined as those requiring Cardiology follow-up. RESULTS: 476 patients were recruited, of whom 40.8% were ≥65 years, 32.6% had HTN, 14.4% DM and 27.9% dyslipidemia. 16.16% of the patients had a Lee Index ≥1. Of the entire sample, 80.5% had a normal ECG, 6.5% minor alterations and 13.0% major alterations. In the multivariate analysis, age ≥65 years and the presence of HTN were shown as independent risk factors for presenting alterations in the total and major ECG. The Lee index ≥1 was not associated with an increased risk of electrocardiographic abnormalities. CONCLUSIONS: Patients ≥65 years old and those with HTN are at greater risk of presenting major electrocardiographic abnormalities, so we recommend including the ECG as a routine diagnostic test in the preoperative period of non-cardiac surgery.

Incidence of electrocardiographic alterations in the preoperative period of non-cardiac surgery. / Incidencia de alteraciones electrocardiográficas en el preoperatorio de cirugía no cardiaca.

BACKGROUND: The electrocardiogram is the most widely used test to assess cardiovascular risk during the preoperative period. The objective of the present study is to evaluate the incidence of electrocardiographic alterations in the general population scheduled for non-cardiac surgery and to determine if the age greater than or equal to 65 years or the revised cardiac risk index ≥ 1 represent a risk factor for presenting these alterations. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Over a period of one month, all preoperative electrocardiograms (ECG) from the anesthesia clinic were analyzed. Various epidemiological data were collected and the revised cardiac risk index was calculated. Major alterations were defined as those requiring Cardiology follow-up. RESULTS: 476 patients were recruited, of whom 40.8% were ≥ 65 years, 32.6% had HTN, 14.4% DM and 27.9% dyslipidemia. 16.16% of the patients had a Lee Index ≥ 1. Of the entire sample, 80.5% had a normal ECG, 6.5% minor alterations and 13.0% major alterations. In the multivariate analysis, age ≥ 65 years and the presence of HTN were shown as independent risk factors for presenting alterations in the total and major ECG. The Lee index ≥ 1 was not associated with an increased risk of electrocardiographic abnormalities. CONCLUSIONS: Patients ≥ 65 years old and those with HTN are at greater risk of presenting major electrocardiographic abnormalities, so we recommend including the ECG as a routine diagnostic test in the preoperative period of non-cardiac surgery.

Extracorporeal CO2 removal in a case of respiratory distress syndrome by sepsis. / Eliminación extracorpórea de CO2 en un caso de síndrome de distrés respiratorio por sepsis.

Multiorgan dysfunction syndrome is the most common cause of mortality in intensive care units. The lungs and kidneys are frequently affected, so up to 60% of patients require simultaneous respiratory support and renal replacement therapy. Extracorporeal CO2 elimination systems have now been developed with the aim of reducing the incidence of acute lung injury. These systems can be combined with renal support therapies in patients with dysfunction of both organs. We present a case of respiratory septic shock with renal failure and respiratory distress syndrome, in which extracorporeal elimination of CO2 therapy facilitated the use of protective ventilation, with a low tidal volume of 4ml/kg, plateau pressure below 30cmH2O, and PaCO2 values of less than 60mmHg.

Lung pulse visualized through pleural effusion as a diagnostic sign of complete obstructive atelectasis of the left lung in a critical patient with respiratory failure. / Pulso pulmonar visualizado a través de derrame pleural como signo diagnóstico de atelectasia obstructiva completa del pulmón izquierdo en paciente crítico con insuficiencia respiratoria.

Complete obstructive atelectasis occurs when mucous or a foreign body obstruct one of the main bronchi. Several lung ultrasound signs have been associated with this entity. We describe the case of a patient admitted to the surgical critical care unit in whom lung ultrasound led to a diagnosis of complete obstructive atelectasis, and the presence of pleural effusion provided direct visualization of lung pulse, a sign that has only previously been described by interpreting ultrasound artifacts.

Pre-Operative pro-adrenomedullin as a predictor of postoperative requirement of organ support in patients scheduled for major abdominal surgery. A prospective observational pilot study. / Pro-adrenomedulina preoperatoria como predictor de la necesidad de soporte orgánico postoperatorio en pacientes programados para cirugía abdominal mayor.

BACKGROUND: Mid-Regional-Pro-Adrenomedullin (MR-Pro-ADM) is a marker of severity in a wide spectrum of pathological conditions such as sepsis, and cardiovascular dysfunction. Its usefulness as a predictor of morbidity and mortality in surgical patients has yet to be elucidated. We examined the ability of preoperative MR-Pro-ADM in predicting Postoperative Requirement of Organ Support (PROS). METHODS: One centre, pilot, prospective observational cohort study, enrolling adult patients scheduled for major abdominal surgery. The accuracy of the MR-Pro-ADM to predict PROS was determined by area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) analysis. An univariate analysis was performed to identify the association of PROS and the MR-Pro-ADM value with the best combination of sensitivity and specificity. A multivariate analysis was performed to identify preoperative MR-Pro-ADM as independent risk factor for PROS. RESULTS: A total of 59 patients scheduled for major abdominal surgery were enrolled. The incidence of PROS was 13.6%. The association of MR-Pro-ADM levels with the incidence of PROS, was determined by an area under the ROC curve of 0.85 (95% CI: 0.74-0.96, p=0.002). The preoperative value of MR-Pro-ADM with the best combination of sensitivity and specificity to predict PROS was 0.87 nmol/l. Patients with preoperative serum levels of MR-Pro-ADM≥0.87 nmol/l had a significantly higher incidence of PROS (33.3% vs 4.9%, p=0.007). MR-Pro-ADM≥0.87 nmol/l was shown to be an independent risk factor for PROS (p=0.001; OR 9.758; IC 1.73-54.78) in the multivariate analysis. CONCLUSION: The preoperative serum level of MR-Pro-ADM may be a useful biomarker of perioperative risk and to predict postoperative requirement of organic support (PROS) in adult patients scheduled for major abdominal surgery.

Effectiveness of a bundle of measures for reducing central line-associated bloodstream infections. / Efectividad de un paquete de medidas para reducir las bacteriemias asociadas a catéter venoso central.

INTRODUCTION: Catheter-associated infections are the main cause of nosocomial bacteremia. The main objective of this study was to demonstrate a possible decrease in CLABSI rates in perioperative environment after the implementation of a bundle of measures. Secondary objective was to determine which factors were associated with an increased risk of CLABSI, after the implementation of the bundle. METHODS: Insertion bundle consisted of: subclavian vein as access of choice, disinfection with alcoholic 2% chlorhexidine, central-line full body drapes, sterile ultrasound probe-cable covers and insertion check-list. Cumulative Incidence (CI) and Incidence Density Rate (IR) of CLABSIs were compared before and after the intervention. Associations between patient or CVC characteristic and CLABSI were summarized with odds ratios and 95% confidence interval, obtained from multiple logistic regression, adjusting for age, sex, comorbidities and days with CVC. RESULTS: Before implementing the bundle, from January to November 2016, CI of CLABSI was 5.05% and IR was 5.17 ‰. In the same period of 2018, CI of CLABSI was 2.28% and IR was 2.27 ‰, which means a reduction of 54.8% in CI (P=.072) and of 56% in IR (P=.068) In multivariable analyses, replacement of CVC was associated with a higher risk of CLABSI (OR 11.01, 95%CI 2.03-59.60, P=.005), as well as 2 or more catheterizations (OR 10.05, 95%CI 1.77-57.16, P=.009), and parenteral nutrition (OR 23.37, 95%CI 4.37-124.91, P<.001). CONCLUSIONS: CLABSI rates decreased after the implementation of the insertion bundle. CVC replacement, 2 or more catheterizations and parenteral nutrition were associated with CLABSI after bundle implementation.