Role of multidrug-resistant bacteria in weaning from invasive mechanical ventilation.

BACKGROUND: Although multidrug-resistant bacteria (MDR) are common in patients undergoing prolonged weaning, there is little data on their impact on weaning and patient outcomes. METHODS: This is a retrospective analysis of consecutive patients who underwent prolonged weaning and were at a university weaning centre from January 2018 to December 2020. The influence of MDR colonisation and infection on weaning success (category 3a and 3b), successful prolonged weaning from invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) with or without the need for non-invasive ventilation (NIV) compared with category 3c (weaning failure 3cI or death 3cII) was investigated. The pathogen groups considered were: multidrug-resistant gram-negative bacteria (MDRGN), methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus spp. (VRE). RESULTS: A total of 206 patients were studied, of whom 91 (44.2%) showed evidence of MDR bacteria (32% VRE, 1.5% MRSA and 16% MDRGN), with 25 patients also meeting the criteria for MDR infection. 70.9% of the 206 patients were successfully weaned from IMV, 8.7% died. In 72.2% of cases, nosocomial pneumonia and other infections were the main cause of death. Patients with evidence of MDR (infection and colonisation) had a higher incidence of weaning failure than those without evidence of MDR (48% vs. 34.8% vs. 21.7%). In multivariate analyses, MDR infection (OR 4.9, p = 0.004) was an independent risk factor for weaning failure, along with male sex (OR 2.3, p = 0.025), Charlson Comorbidity Index (OR 1.2, p = 0.027), pH (OR 2.7, p < 0.001) and duration of IMV before admission (OR 1.01, p < 0.001). In addition, MDR infection was the only independent risk factor for death (category 3cII), (OR 6.66, p = 0.007). CONCLUSION: Patients with MDR infection are significantly more likely to die during the weaning process. There is an urgent need to develop non-antibiotic approaches for the prevention and treatment of MDR infections as well as clinical research on antibiotic stewardship in prolonged weaning as well as in ICUs.

Risk factors for long-term invasive mechanical ventilation: a longitudinal study using German health claims data.

BACKGROUND: Long-term invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) is a major burden for those affected and causes high costs for the health care system. Early risk assessment is a prerequisite for the best possible support of high-risk patients during the weaning process. We aimed to identify risk factors for long-term IMV within 96 h (h) after the onset of IMV. METHODS: The analysis was based on data from one of Germany's largest statutory health insurance funds; patients who received IMV ≥ 96 h and were admitted in January 2015 at the earliest and discharged in December 2017 at the latest were analysed. OPS and ICD codes of IMV patients were considered, including the 365 days before intubation and 30 days after discharge. Long-term IMV was defined as evidence of invasive home mechanical ventilation (HMV), IMV ≥ 500 h, or readmission with (re)prolonged ventilation. RESULTS: In the analysis of 7758 hospitalisations, criteria for long-term IMV were met in 38.3% of cases, of which 13.9% had evidence of HMV, 73.1% received IMV ≥ 500 h and/or 40.3% were re-hospitalised with IMV. Several independent risk factors were identified (p < 0.005 each), including pre-diagnoses such as pneumothorax (OR 2.10), acute pancreatitis (OR 2.64), eating disorders (OR 1.99) or rheumatic mitral valve disease (OR 1.89). Among ICU admissions, previous dependence on an aspirator or respirator (OR 5.13), and previous tracheostomy (OR 2.17) were particularly important, while neurosurgery (OR 2.61), early tracheostomy (OR 3.97) and treatment for severe respiratory failure such as positioning treatment (OR 2.31) and extracorporeal lung support (OR 1.80) were relevant procedures in the first 96 h after intubation. CONCLUSION: This comprehensive analysis of health claims has identified several risk factors for the risk of long-term ventilation. In addition to the known clinical risks, the information obtained may help to identify patients at risk at an early stage. Trial registration The PRiVENT study was retrospectively registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05260853). Registered at March 2, 2022.

Weaning failure due to isolated residual diaphragmatic paralysis after cervical spinal cord ischemia following aortic surgery- a case report.

BACKGROUND: Bilateral diaphragmatic dysfunction can lead to dyspnea and recurrent respiratory failure. In rare cases, it may result from high cervical spinal cord ischemia (SCI) due to anterior spinal artery syndrome (ASAS). We present a case of a patient experiencing persistent isolated diaphragmatic paralysis after SCI at level C3/C4 following thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) for Kommerell's diverticulum. This is, to our knowledge, the first documented instance of a patient fully recovering from tetraplegia due to SCI while still exhibiting ongoing bilateral diaphragmatic paralysis. CASE PRESENTATION: The patient, a 67-year-old male, presented to the Vascular Surgery Department for surgical treatment of symptomatic Kommerell's diverticulum in an aberrant right subclavian artery. After successful surgery in two stages, the patient presented with respiratory insufficiency and flaccid tetraparesis consistent with anterior spinal artery syndrome with maintained sensibility of all extremities. A computerized tomography scan (CT) revealed a high-grade origin stenosis of the left vertebral artery, which was treated by angioplasty and balloon-expandable stenting. Consecutively, the tetraparesis immediately resolved, but weaning remained unsuccessful requiring tracheostomy. Abdominal ultrasound revealed a residual bilateral diaphragmatic paralysis. A repeated magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) 14 days after vertebral artery angioplasty confirmed SCI at level C3/C4. The patient was transferred to a pulmonary clinic with weaning center for further recovery. CONCLUSIONS: This novel case highlights the need to consider diaphragmatic paralysis due to SCI as a cause of respiratory failure in patients following aortic surgery. Diaphragmatic paralysis may remain as an isolated residual in these patients.

Central venous pressure waveform analysis during sleep/rest: a novel approach to enhance intensive care unit post-extubation monitoring of extubation failure.

This pilot study aimed to investigate the relation between cardio-respiratory parameters derived from Central Venous Pressure (CVP) waveform and Extubation Failure (EF) in mechanically ventilated ICU patients during post-extubation period. This study also proposes a new methodology for analysing these parameters during rest/sleep periods to try to improve the identification of EF. We conducted a prospective observational study, computing CVP-derived parameters including breathing effort, spectral analyses, and entropy in twenty critically ill patients post-extubation. The Dynamic Warping Index (DWi) was calculated from the respiratory component extracted from the CVP signal to identify rest/sleep states. The obtained parameters from EF patients and patients without EF were compared both during arbitrary periods and during reduced DWi (rest/sleep). We have analysed data from twenty patients of which nine experienced EF. Our findings may suggest significantly increased respiratory effort in EF patients compared to those successfully extubated. Our study also suggests the occurrence of significant change in the frequency dispersion of the cardiac signal component. We also identified a possible improvement in the differentiation between the two groups of patients when assessed during rest/sleep states. Although with caveats regarding the sample size, the results of this pilot study may suggest that CVP-derived cardio-respiratory parameters are valuable for monitoring respiratory failure during post-extubation, which could aid in managing non-invasive interventions and possibly reduce the incidence of EF. Our findings also indicate the possible importance of considering sleep/rest state when assessing cardio-respiratory parameters, which could enhance respiratory failure detection/monitoring.

Costs of Weaning Failure: A Prospective, Multicentre, Controlled, Non-Randomised, Interventional Study on Economic Implications for the German Health Care System.

BACKGROUND: Intensive care patients with respiratory failure often need invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV). With increasing population age and multimorbidity, the number of patients who cannot be weaned from IMV rises as well. Up to 85% of these patients have no access to a certified weaning centre. Their medical care is associated with impaired quality of life and high costs for the German health care system. OBJECTIVES: This study examined the weaning outcome of patients in certified weaning centres after a primarily unsuccessful weaning attempt in order to calculate saving expenses compared to patients on long-term IMV in an outpatient setting. METHODS: In this multicentre, controlled, non-randomised, interventional, prospective study, 61 patients (16 from out-of-hospital long-term IMV, 49 from other hospitals) were referred to a certified weaning centre for a second weaning phase. The incurred costs after 1 year of the latter were compared to insurance claim data of patients who were discharged from an acute hospital stay to receive IMV in an outpatient setting. RESULTS: In the intervention group, 50 patients (82%) could be completely weaned or partially weaned using non-invasive ventilation, thus not needing IMV any longer. The costs per patient for weaning and out-of-hospital care in the intervention group were EUR 114,877.08, and the costs in the comparison cohort were EUR 234,442.62. CONCLUSIONS: Early transfer to a certified weaning centre can increase weaning success and reduce total costs by approximately EUR 120,000 per patient in the first year. Given the existing structural prerequisites in Germany, every patient should have access to a weaning centre before being transferred to long-term IMV, from a medical and health economical point of view.

NT-proBNP change is useful for predicting weaning failure from invasive mechanical ventilation among postsurgical patients: a retrospective, observational cohort study.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the predictive value of N-terminal prohormone B-type natriuretic peptide (NTproBNP) for weaning failure among patients undergoing major surgeries during spontaneous breathing trial (SBT), compared to traditional weaning parameters. METHODS: The observational cohort study retrospectively included postsurgical patients who received IMV and underwent a 2 h SBT. According to weaning outcome, NTproBNP level at initiation (NTproBNP1) and at end of 2 h SBT(NTproBNP2), the ΔNTproBNP%, RSBI and MV were compared between weaning failure and weaning success group. Multiple logistical regression and ROC curve were used to evaluate the capability of NTproBNP to predict weaning failure. RESULTS: Out of the 323 included postsurgical patients, 45 (13.9%) patients had failed weaning. The ΔNTproBNP% was a better predictor for weaning failure (AUC 0.744;95%CI,0.693-0.791) than NTproBNP1(AUC 0.639; 95%CI,0.580-0.694)), NTproBNP2(AUC 0.742, 95%CI,0.688-0.792) and other traditional weaning index such as RSBI (AUC 0.651; 95%CI, 0.597-0.703) and MV (AUC 0.552; 95%CI,0.496-0.607). The cutoff value of ΔNTproBNP% for predicting weaning failure was 23.3% with the sensitivity75.76% and specificity73.38%. The multiple logistic regression analysis found that ΔNTproBNP%>23.3% was an independent predictor of weaning failure. CONCLUSION: ΔNTproBNP% may be a useful marker for predict weaning failure for postsurgical patients, and it's better to be more careful to withdraw from invasive mechanical ventilation for those postsurgical patients with ΔNTproBNP% >23.3%. The corresponding interventions to optimize cardiac function should be actively given to these patients.

Prevention of invasive ventilation (PRiVENT)-a prospective, mixed-methods interventional, multicentre study with a parallel comparison group: study protocol.

BACKGROUND: Invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) is a standard therapy for intensive care patients with respiratory failure. With increasing population age and multimorbidity, the number of patients who cannot be weaned from IMV increases, resulting in impaired quality of life and high costs. In addition, human resources are tied up in the care of these patients. METHODS: The PRiVENT intervention is a prospective, mixed-methods interventional, multicentre study with a parallel comparison group selected from insurance claims data of the health insurer Allgemeine Ortskrankenkasse Baden-Württemberg (AOK-BW) conducted in Baden-Württemberg, Germany, over 24 months. Four weaning centres supervise 40 intensive care units (ICUs), that are responsible for patient recruitment. The primary outcome, successful weaning from IMV, will be evaluated using a mixed logistic regression model. Secondary outcomes will be evaluated using mixed regression models. DISCUSSION: The overall objective of the PRiVENT project is the evaluation of strategies to prevent long-term IMV. Additional objectives aim to improve weaning expertise in and cooperation with the adjacent Intensive Care Units. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This study is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05260853).

Do Cerebral Cortex Perfusion, Oxygen Delivery, and Oxygen Saturation Responses Measured by Near-Infrared Spectroscopy Differ Between Patients Who Fail or Succeed in a Spontaneous Breathing Trial? A Prospective Observational Study.

BACKGROUND: Alterations in perfusion to the brain during the transition from mechanical ventilation (MV) to a spontaneous breathing trial (SBT) remain poorly understood. The aim of the study was to determine whether changes in cerebral cortex perfusion, oxygen delivery (DO2), and oxygen saturation (%StiO2) during the transition from MV to an SBT differ between patients who succeed or fail an SBT. METHODS: This was a single-center prospective observational study conducted in a 16-bed medical intensive care unit of the University Hospital Leuven, Belgium. Measurements were performed in 24 patients receiving MV immediately before and at the end of a 30-min SBT. Blood flow index (BFI), DO2, and %StiO2 in the prefrontal cortex, scalene, rectus abdominis, and thenar muscle were simultaneously assessed by near-infrared spectroscopy using the tracer indocyanine green dye. Cardiac output, arterial blood gases, and systemic oxygenation were also recorded. RESULTS: During the SBT, prefrontal cortex BFI and DO2 responses did not differ between SBT-failure and SBT-success groups (p > 0.05). However, prefrontal cortex %StiO2 decreased in six of eight patients (75%) in the SBT-failure group (median [interquartile range 25-75%]: MV = 57.2% [49.1-61.7] vs. SBT = 51.0% [41.5-62.5]) compared to 3 of 16 patients (19%) in the SBT-success group (median [interquartile range 25-75%]: MV = 65.0% [58.6-68.5] vs. SBT = 65.1% [59.5-71.1]), resulting in a significant differential %StiO2 response between groups (p = 0.031). Similarly, a significant differential response in thenar muscle %StiO2 (p = 0.018) was observed between groups. A receiver operating characteristic analysis identified a decrease in prefrontal cortex %StiO2 > 1.6% during the SBT as an optimal cutoff, with a sensitivity of 94% and a specificity of 75% to predict SBT failure and an area under the curve of 0.79 (95% CI: 0.55-1.00). Cardiac output, systemic oxygenation, scalene, and rectus abdominis BFI, DO2, and %StiO2 responses did not differ between groups (p > 0.05); however, during the SBT, a significant positive association in prefrontal cortex BFI and partial pressure of arterial carbon dioxide was observed only in the SBT-success group (SBT success: Spearman's ρ = 0.728, p = 0.002 vs. SBT failure: ρ = 0.048, p = 0.934). CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated a reduced differential response in prefrontal cortex %StiO2 in the SBT-failure group compared with the SBT-success group possibly due to the insufficient increase in prefrontal cortex perfusion in SBT-failure patients. A > 1.6% drop in prefrontal cortex %StiO2 during SBT was sensitive in predicting SBT failure. Further research is needed to validate these findings in a larger population and to evaluate whether cerebral cortex %StiO2 measurements by near-infrared spectroscopy can assist in the decision-making process on liberation from MV.

Lung Ultrasound Score: Does It Really Predict Extubation Failure?

How to cite this article: Salotagi S, Kannan A, Jindal A. Lung Ultrasound Score: Does It Really Predict Extubation Failure? Indian J Crit Care Med 2023;27(11):855-856.

Diaphragm ultrasound evaluation during weaning from mechanical ventilation in COVID-19 patients: a pragmatic, cross-section, multicenter study.

BACKGROUND: Diaphragmatic dysfunction is a major factor responsible for weaning failure in patients that underwent prolonged invasive mechanical ventilation for acute severe respiratory failure from COVID-19. This study hypothesizes that ultrasound measured diaphragmatic thickening fraction (DTF) could provide corroborating information for weaning COVID-19 patients from mechanical ventilation. METHODS: This was an observational, pragmatic, cross-section, multicenter study in 6 Italian intensive care units. DTF was assessed in COVID-19 patients undergoing weaning from mechanical ventilation from 1st March 2020 to 30th June 2021. Primary aim was to evaluate whether DTF is a predictive factor for weaning failure. RESULTS: Fifty-seven patients were enrolled, 25 patients failed spontaneous breathing trial (44%). Median length of invasive ventilation was 14 days (IQR 7-22). Median DTF within 24 h since the start of weaning was 28% (IQR 22-39%), RASS score (- 2 vs - 2; p = 0.031); Kelly-Matthay score (2 vs 1; p = 0.002); inspiratory oxygen fraction (0.45 vs 0.40; p = 0.033). PaO2/FiO2 ratio was lower (176 vs 241; p = 0.032) and length of intensive care stay was longer (27 vs 16.5 days; p = 0.025) in patients who failed weaning. The generalized linear regression model did not select any variables that could predict weaning failure. DTF was correlated with pH (RR 1.56 × 1027; p = 0.002); Kelly-Matthay score (RR 353; p < 0.001); RASS (RR 2.11; p = 0.003); PaO2/FiO2 ratio (RR 1.03; p = 0.05); SAPS2 (RR 0.71; p = 0.005); hospital and ICU length of stay (RR 1.22 and 0.79, respectively; p < 0.001 and p = 0.004). CONCLUSIONS: DTF in COVID-19 patients was not predictive of weaning failure from mechanical ventilation, and larger studies are needed to evaluate it in clinical practice further. Registered: ClinicalTrial.gov (NCT05019313, 24 August 2021).

The ABCDE approach to difficult weaning from venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.

Venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA ECMO) has been increasingly applied in patients with cardiogenic shock in recent years. Nevertheless, many patients cannot be successfully weaned from VA ECMO support and 1-year mortality remains high. A systematic approach could help to optimize clinical management in favor of weaning by identifying important factors in individual patients. Here, we provide an overview of pivotal factors that potentially prevent successful weaning of VA ECMO. We present this through a rigorous approach following the relatable acronym ABCDE, in order to facilitate widespread use in daily practice.

Early detection of ICU-acquired weakness in septic shock patients ventilated longer than 72 h.

PURPOSE: ICU-acquired weakness, comprising Critical Illness Polyneuropathy (CIP) and Myopathy (CIM) is associated with immobilization and prolonged mechanical ventilation. This study aims to assess feasibility of early detection of CIP and CIM by peroneal nerve test (PENT) and sensory sural nerve action potential (SNAP) screening in patients with septic shock and invasively ventilated for more than 72 h. METHODS: We performed repetitive PENT screening from 72 h after intubation until detecting a pathological response. We tested SNAPs in pathological PENT to differentiate CIP from CIM. We performed muscle strength examination in awake patients and recorded time from intubation to first in-bed and out-of-bed mobilization. RESULTS: Eighteen patients were screened with PENT and 88.9% had abnormal responses. Mean time between intubation and first screening was 94.38 (± 22.41) hours. Seven patients (38.9%) had CIP, two (11.1%) had CIM, one (5.6%) had CIP and CIM, six (33.3%) had a pathological response on PENT associated with ICU-acquired weakness (but no SNAP could be performed to differentiate between CIP and CIM) and two patients had (11.1%) had no peripheral deficit. In patients where it could be performed, muscle strength testing concorded with electrophysiological findings. Twelve patients (66.7%) had out-of-bed mobilization 10.8 (± 7.4) days after admission. CONCLUSION: CIP and CIM are frequent in septic shock patients and can be detected before becoming symptomatic with simple bedside tools. Early detection of CIP and CIM opens new possibilities for their timely management through preventive measures such as passive and active mobilization.

Mean platelet volume is useful for predicting weaning failure: a retrospective, observational study.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the usefulness of mean platelet volume (MPV), a marker of inflammation and stress, for predicting weaning failure in patients undergoing invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) compared to traditional inflammation markers. METHODS: The retrospective observational study including patients who received IMV and underwent spontaneous breathing trial (SBT) was conducted in ICU at Beijing Chao-Yang hospital in China from January, 2013 to December, 2019. According to the weaning outcome, MPV, leukocyte count and C-reaction protein(CRP) were compared between weaning failure and weaning success group. Receiver-operating characteristics (ROC) curves and multivariate logistical regression analysis were constructed to analyze the value of these inflammatory markers for predicting weaning failure. RESULTS: A total of 261 patients were enrolled in the study and 54 patients (20.7%) experienced weaning failure (45 SBT failure and 9 extubation failure after successful SBT). MPV was a better predictor for weaning failure (AUC 0.777;95%CI, 0.722-0.826) than leukocyte count (AUC 0.6;95%CI,0.538-0.66) and CRP (0.627;95%CI,0.565-0.685). The cutoff value of MPV for predicting weaning failure was 11.3 fl with sensitivity 55.56%, specificity 87.92%, and diagnostic accuracy 81.22%. According to multivariate logistic regression analyses, MPV > 11.3 fl was an independent risk factor for predicting weaning failure. CONCLUSIONS: MPV could be a more valuable marker for predicting weaning failure. and the patients with MPV > 11.3 fl should be attentively evaluated before weaning since they are at high risk of weaning failure, and it would be auspicable for those patients to undergo a noninvasive ventilation or high-flow nasal cannula oxygen therapy after extubation or even an early tracheostomy.

The Use of Transesophageal Doppler and Central Venous Oxygen Saturation as Predictors of Weaning Success.

OBJECTIVES: Weaning individuals from mechanical ventilation (MV) is a challenge to physicians. Respiratory failure is the main reason for weaning failure (WF), but heart failure plays a pivotal role as well. Transesophageal Doppler (TED) is a minimally invasive method of hemodynamic tracking with fewer problems. The study authors evaluated the role of TED in predicting WF. DESIGN: An observational study. SETTING: A university teaching hospital. PARTICIPANTS: Weaning individuals. INTERVENTIONS: TED was applied before initiating the spontaneous breathing trial (SBT). Hemodynamic parameters, arterial blood gases, and TED (peak velocity [PV], cardiac output [COP]) were reported while cases were on MV before initiating the SBT, and at the successful completion of SBT. Succeeded (group S) and failed individuals (group F, who needed reintubation within 48 hours) were compared. The sensitivity, specificity, and area under the receiver operating curve were calculated. A subgroup of patients with cardiac comorbidities and impaired cardiac contractility was further analyzed. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: The authors included 39 critically ill patients for weaning from MV. The reintubation rate was 54.8%. In patients with cardiac morbidity, delta change (dC) in PV and COP as predictors of WF showed 100% sensitivity and specificity, with 18% and 14% cut-offs after initiating the SBT (dC between the beginning and end of the successful SBT), respectively. Central venous oxygen saturation revealed a significant difference between patients with cardiac morbidity and noncardiac patients with lower sensitivity and specificity in the prediction of WF. CONCLUSIONS: TED could be a helpful method for the weaning of patients with cardiac morbidity from MV. The dC in PV and COP >18% and >14% were significant predictors of WF in these subjects, respectively.

Can levosimendan reduce ECMO weaning failure in cardiogenic shock?: a cohort study with propensity score analysis.

BACKGROUND: Veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) has been increasingly used over the last decade in patients with refractory cardiogenic shock. ECMO weaning can, however, be challenging and lead to circulatory failure and death. Recent data suggest a potential benefit of levosimendan for ECMO weaning. We sought to further investigate whether the use of levosimendan could decrease the rate of ECMO weaning failure in adult patients with refractory cardiogenic shock. METHODS: We performed an observational single-center cohort study. All patients undergoing VA-ECMO from January 2012 to December 2018 were eligible and divided into two groups: group levosimendan and group control (without levosimendan). The primary endpoint was VA-ECMO weaning failure defined as death during VA-ECMO treatment or within 24 h after VA-ECMO removal. Secondary outcomes were mortality at day 28 and at 6 months. The two groups were compared after propensity score matching. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Two hundred patients were analyzed (levosimendan group: n = 53 and control group: n = 147). No significant difference was found between groups on baseline characteristics except for ECMO duration, which was longer in the levosimendan group (10.6 ± 4.8 vs. 6.5 ± 4.7 days, p < 0.001). Levosimendan administration started 6.6 ± 5.4 days on average following ECMO implantation. After matching of 48 levosimendan patients to 78 control patients, the duration of ECMO was similar in both groups. The rate of weaning failure was 29.1% and 35.4% in levosimendan and control groups, respectively (OR: 0.69, 95%CI: 0.25-1.88). No significant difference was found between groups for all secondary outcomes. CONCLUSION: Levosimendan did not improve the rate of successful VA-ECMO weaning in patients with refractory cardiogenic shock. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04323709 .

Colistin-induced Acquired Bartter-like Syndrome: A Rare Cause of Difficult Weaning.

How to cite this article: Mahendran AJ, Gupta N, Agrawal S, Ish P. Colistin-induced Acquired Bartter-like Syndrome: A Rare Cause of Difficult Weaning. Indian J Crit Care Med 2020;24(8):739-740.

Efficacy of echocardiography during spontaneous breathing trial with low-level pressure support for predicting weaning failure among medical critically ill patients.

BACKGROUND: Echocardiography was reported to be a good predictor of weaning failure when using T-piece method, but information about its efficacy in a pressure support setting is scarce. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of echocardiography during spontaneous breathing trial with low-level pressure support for predicting weaning failure among medical critically ill patients. METHODS: This prospective cohort study was conducted in adult respiratory failure patients that tolerated low pressure support weaning for 30 minutes. Echocardiogram was performed during pressure support ventilation before extubation. Weaning failure was defined as reintubation within 48 hours. RESULTS: Of the 52 included patients (mean age 65.9 ± 17.8 years), 14 experienced weaning failure. Severe pneumonia, metabolic acidosis, and septic shock were the leading causes of respiratory failure. Univariate analysis identified BMI > 24, peak A wave < 100 cm/s, E/Ea > 14, and inferior vena cava maximum diameter (IVCmax ) > 17 mm as factors associated with reintubation. Multivariate analysis revealed E/Ea > 14 and IVCmax  > 17 mm to be independent predictors of weaning failure. CONCLUSION: Inferior vena cava maximum diameter > 17 and E/Ea ratio ≥ 14 independently predict weaning failure in patients with preserved left ventricular systolic function. This finding confirms that preload status of both ventricles plays a major role in weaning failure.

Veno-Arterial ECMO Weaning Failure in the Operating Room: Have You Considered Preweaning Bronchoscopy?

Current guidelines on postcardiotomy veno-arterial extracorporeal oxygenation ECMO (vaECMO) do not mention the assessment of pulmonary function, especially prior to the weaning procedure in the operation room (OR). Mucociliary dysfunction, a nearly ubiquitous finding among mechanically ventilated patients, might put these patients at risk for potential airway problems and associated weaning failure at the time of vaECMO weaning in the OR. In conformity to veno-venous ECMO management, we suggest routine bronchoscopy with bronchial hygiene in the ICU prior to vaECMO weaning in the OR. Likewise, an assessment of patient pleura for effusions should be routinely performed. Although cardiac and respiratory failure often co-exist and there are multiple causes of respiratory failure in patients who require vaECMO, we anticipate that vaECMO patients would significantly benefit from an expanded focus on the pulmonary function and possible respiratory mucous congestion. A routine preweaning bronchoscopy would reduce the frequency of weaning failures in this particular setting, especially in those patients with successfully restored cardiac function.

Pulmonary rehabilitation after lung transplantation with severe complications: A case report.

This case study describes a 59-year-old male with a body mass index of 14.4 kg/m2 and a diagnosis of interstitial lung disease, pneumoconiosis, and severe pulmonary hypertension who received a bilateral lung transplant in a hospital in mainland China. Veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) was initiated before the lung transplant; in addition, an emergency thoracotomy was performed three hours afterwards due to uncontrolled bleeding. VA-ECMO was weaned 34 hours later, but weaning from the ventilator failed multiple times due to bilateral pneumothorax, weak neuromuscular drive, and muscle strength. A full, personalized rehabilitation program was initiated with the help of a respiratory therapy team and the physician, drawing on the American Thoracic Society/European Respiratory Society Statement on Pulmonary Rehabilitation. This included nutrition support, draining air from the chest pleural cavity, aggressive bronchial-hygiene therapy, a weaning plan, breathing and physical exercises, and psychological support. Eighty-one days after the tracheotomy, the patient was successfully weaned, decannulated, and discharged. A careful, ongoing evaluation and a personalized program assisted with weaning this difficult patient.

Ultrasonography for Screening and Follow-Up of Diaphragmatic Dysfunction in the ICU: A Pilot Study.

PURPOSE: Reversibility and impact of diaphragmatic dysfunction (DD) are unknown. The principal aim was to describe diaphragmatic function as assessed by ultrasonography during weaning trials. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The present study is a 6-month single-center prospective study. All patients under mechanical ventilation for more than 7 days and eligible for a spontaneous breathing trial (SBT) were enrolled prospectively. INTERVENTION: Two blinded ultrasonographers evaluated each hemidiaphragm during SBT. Prevalence of DD among weaning failure and death and interobserver reproducibility have been evaluated. RESULTS: The 34 included patients had a mean Simplified Acute Physiology Score version II of 55.7 ± 14 and a median intensive care unit (ICU) stay length of 17 days (13-30). Diaphragmatic dysfunction was found in 13 (38%) patients, on both sides in 8. Bilateral DD resolved before ICU discharge in 5 of the 7 reevaluated patients. No weaning failures were recorded. The ICU mortality was higher in patients with DD (37% vs 5%, P = .048). Mean interobserver agreement rate was 91%. Reproducibility was better with M-mode. CONCLUSION: The ICU-acquired DD usually improves before ICU discharge but might constitute a marker for greater disease severity. The present preliminary results require confirmation in a larger prospective multicenter study.