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.

Individualised analgesia, sedation, delirium and comfort management strategies in the ICU: a narrative review.

This group is a product of the collaboration agreement signed by SOMIAMA (Sociedad de Medicina Intensiva de Madrid) and SAR MADRID (Sociedad de Anestesiología, Reanimación y Terapéutica del Dolor de Madrid) under which the organisations agreed to create joint working groups to improve critical patient care. Pain, discomfort, agitation, and delirium cause suffering, delay discharge, and can lead to serious complications in patients admitted to medical and surgical critical care units and post-anaesthesia care units. The main objectives in this type of unit include: Ensuring the comfort of patients suffering or recovering from a critical illness.Avoiding complications associated with the measures, particularly pharmacological, taken to ensure that comfort.

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.

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.

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.

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.

[Potential biomarkers predictors of mortality in COVID-19 patients in the Emergency Department]. / Potenciales biomarcadores predictores de mortalidad en pacientes COVID-19 en el Servicio de Urgencias.

OBJECTIVE: Identify which biomarkers performed in the first emergency analysis help to stratify COVID-19 patients according to mortality risk. METHODS: Observational, descriptive and cross-sectional study performed with data collected from patients with suspected COVID-19 in the Emergency Department from February 24 to March 16, 2020. The univariate and multivariate study was performed to find independent mortality markers and calculate risk by building a severity score. RESULTS: A total of 163 patients were included, of whom 33 died and 29 of them were positive for the COVID-19 PCR test. We obtained as possible factors to conform the Mortality Risk Score age> 75 years ((adjusted OR = 12,347, 95% CI: 4,138-36,845 p = 0.001), total leukocytes> 11,000 cells / mm3 (adjusted OR = 2,649, 95% CI: 0.879-7.981 p = 0.083), glucose> 126 mg / dL (adjusted OR = 3.716, 95% CI: 1.247-11.074 p = 0.018) and creatinine> 1.1 mg / dL (adjusted OR = 2.566, 95% CI: 0.889- 7.403, p = 0.081) This score was called COVEB (COVID, Age, Basic analytical profile) with an AUC 0.874 (95% CI: 0.816-0.933, p <0.001; Cut-off point = 1 (sensitivity = 89.66 % (95% CI: 72.6% -97.8%), specificity = 75.59% (95% CI: 67.2% -82.8%). A score <1 has a negative predictive value = 100% (95% CI: 93.51% -100%) and a positive predictive value = 18.59% (95% CI: 12.82% -25.59%). CONCLUSIONS: Clinical severity scales, kidney function biomarkers, white blood cell count parameters, the total neutrophils / total lymphocytes ratio and procalcitonin are early risk factors for mortality. The variables age, glucose, creatinine and total leukocytes stand out as the best predictors of mortality. A COVEB score <1 indicates with a 100% probability that the patient with suspected COVID-19 will not die in the next 30 days.

Practical recommendations for the perioperative management of the patient with suspection or serious infection by coronavirus SARS-CoV. / Recomendaciones prácticas para el manejo perioperatorio del paciente con sospecha o infección grave por coronavirus SARS-CoV-2.

In December 2019, the Wuhan Municipal Health and health Commission (Hubei Province, China) reported a series of cases of pneumonia of unknown etiology. On January 7, 2020, the Chinese authorities identified as a causative agent of the outbreak a new type of virus of the Coronaviridiae family, called SARS-CoV-2. Since then, thounsands of cases have been reported with global dissemination. Infections in humans cause a broad clinical spectrum ranging from mild upper respiratory tract infection, to severe acute respiratory distress syndrome and sepsis. There is not specific treatment for SARS-CoV-2, which is why the fundamental aspects are to establish adequate prevention measures and support treatment and management of complications.

[Consensus document for sepsis code implementation and development in the Community of Madrid]. / Documento de consenso para la implantación y desarrollo del Código Sepsis en la Comunidad de Madrid.

The consensus paper for the implementation and development of the sepsis code, finished in April 2017 is presented here. It was adopted by the Regional Office of Health as a working document for the implementation of the sepsis code in the Community of Madrid, both in the hospital setting (acute, middle and long-stay hospitals) and in Primary Care and Out-of-Hospital Emergency Services. It is now published without changes with respect to the original version, having only added the most significant bibliographical references. The document is divided into four parts: introduction, initial detection and assessment, early therapy and organizational recommendations. In the second to fourth sections, 25 statements or proposals have been included, agreed upon by the authors after several face-to-face meetings and an extensive "online" discussion. The annex includes nine tables that are intended as a practical guide to the activation of the sepsis code. Both the content of the recommendations and their formal writing have been made taking into account their applicability in all areas to which they are directed, which may have very different structural and functional characteristics and features, so that we have deliberately avoided a greater degree of concretion: the objective is not that the sepsis code is organized and applied identically in all of them, but that the health resources work in a coordinated manner aligned in the same direction.

[Reabsorption syndrome after transurethral resection (TUR) of the prostate: review of physiologic, diagnostic, and therapeutic features]. / Síndrome de reabsorción post-resección transuretral (R.T.U.) de próstata: revisión de aspectos fisiopatológicos, diagnósticos y terapéuticos.

In spite of the development of non-invasive strategies, surgical treatment of the prostate (TURP) and, mostly transurethral resection, is the most effective choice for patients suffering from benign prostatic hyperplasia who do not respond properly to pharmacological treatment. Absorption of hypotonic fluids used during TURP may cause hemodynamic and central nervous system disturbances. These symptoms, both taken separately or as a whole, are best known as "Transurethral prostatic resection syndrome" or "TURP syndrome". The original description of this syndrome dates from half a century ago; however, a number of items regarding its physiopathology and treatment remain unclear. We present a review of this pathological entity, compiling diagnostic and therapeutical approaches.