Role of medical comorbidity in the association between psychiatric disorders and mortality among patients with COVID-19

We examined whether excess chronic medical comorbidity mediated excess COVID-19 inpatient mortality among people with mental disorders in the early phase of the pandemic, a question with important implications for public health and clinical decision-making. Using records of 2599 COVID-19 hospitalized patients, we conducted a formal causal mediation analysis to estimate the extent to which chronic comorbidity mediates the association between mental disorders and COVID-19 mortality. The Odds Ratio (95% CI) for Natural Indirect Effect and Controlled Direct Effect were 1.07(1.02, 1.14) and 1.40 (1.00, 1.95), respectively, suggesting that a large proportion of excess COVID-19 mortality among people with mental disorders may be explained by factors other than comorbidity.

Usefulness of the optic nerve sheath ultrasound in patients with cessation of cerebral flow

Optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD) ultrasound has proven to be a useful tool for the detection of intracranial hypertension (IH). The DVNO values, in patients with cessation of cerebral blood flow (CCBF), has not been clarified yet.

OBJECTIVE

Establish an association between DVNO and CFSC in neurocritical patients admitted to an ICU.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Cross-sectional study of patients admitted in a third level ICU, between April 2017 and April 2018, with neurological pathology. ONSD ultrasound was performed in the first 24 h and as the patient was diagnosed of CCBF. The ONSD values of patients with and without diagnosis of CCBF were compared.

RESULTS

99 patients were included, 29 of whom showed CCBF in transcranial Doppler. The ONSD measurement did not demonstrate significant differences between both groups, 65.94 ± 7.55 in the group with CCBF and 63.88 ± 5.56 in the group without CCBF, p = 0.14.

CONCLUSION

In our study, ONSD values capable of recognizing CCBF were not identified.

Overview of coronavirus pandemic

During the last months of 2019, numerous cases of respiratory illness such as pneumonia and acute respiratory distress syndrome were described in Wuhan, the capital city of Hubei province in China. At the same time, several research groups identified and reported the etiological agent, that included within the Coronaviridae family and the order Nidovirales, named SARS-CoV-2. Subsequently, the pathological and clinical status caused by the pathogen is commonly known as Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

In a short period, the outbreak of emerging spread across the world. Therefore the World Health Organization declared a public health emergency of international concern on January 30, 2020, and as a pandemic on March 11, 2020.

Many different public health and epidemiological studies have been published since the COVID-19 outbreak, but fatality rates (those that relate the number of cases to mortality) are difficult to assess with certainty. Mean and median case-fatality rates worldwide are near to 3% and 2%, respectively. The median infection fatality calculated from serologic prevalence varies from 0.00% to 1.63% but is mostly estimated between 0.27% and 0.9%. These indexes are influenced by geographic location, socioeconomic status, sex, age, and health conditions, among others.

Factors associated with death due to trauma in patients with a Glasgow Coma Scale score of 3 and bilateral fixed dilated pupils

OBJECTIVES

To compare patients with a Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score of 3 stratified according to pupillary reaction and to explore factors associated with in-hospital death in those with bilateral fixed dilated pupils.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Prospective, observational, multicenter study. We included all patients with trauma and GCS scores of 3 admitted to the intensive care unit from March 2015 to December 2019. Factors associated with in-hospital mortality in the patients with bilateral dilated pupils were explored using multiple regression analysis.

RESULTS

Of the 933 patients included, 454 (48.7%) had responsive pupils, 201 (21.5%) had a single fixed dilated pupil, and 278 (29.8%) had bilateral dilation. Hospital mortality was high in all 3 groups: 32.5% in those with normal responsive pupils, 54.6% in those with a single unreactive pupil, and 91.0% in those with bilateral dilation. Factors significantly associated with in-hospital death were age, a score of 3 or more on the Abbreviated Injury Scale for the head, and shock or refractory shock. Types I or II diffuse lesions and evacuated mass lesions were protective in patients with GCS scores of 3 and bilateral dilated pupils. Twelve of the 26 patients (46.1%) with bilateral dilated pupils and GCS scores of 3 had GCS scores of 14 or 15 on discharge from the hospital.

CONCLUSION

The in-hospital mortality was 91% in this study of trauma patients with GCS scores of 3 and bilateral dilated pupils. Factors significantly associated with in-hospital death were age, a score of 3 or more on the Abbreviated Injury Scale for the head, and shock or refractory shock. Types I or II diffuse lesions and evacuated mass lesions were protective in patients with GCS scores of 3 and bilateral dilated pupils.

Blood Donations and Transfusions during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Spain: Impact According to Autonomous Communities and Hospitals

Worldwide, the COVID-19 pandemic has caused a decline in blood donations, between 30% and 70% in some of the most affected countries. In Spain, during the initial eight weeks after the State of Emergency was decreed on 14 March 2020, in the weekly reports of the Health Ministry, an average decrease of 20% was observed between 11 and week 25 compared with the 2018 donation. We aimed to investigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on blood donations and blood distribution in four autonomous communities, and to explore the evolution of the consumption of blood components (BCs) in ten hospitals of six autonomous communities. We performed a prospective study of grouped cohorts on the donation and distribution of blood in four regional transfusion centers in four autonomous communities in Spain, and a retrospective study of the consumption of blood components in ten hospitals in six autonomous communities. Regarding donations, there was no significant decrease in donations, with differences between autonomous communities, which started between 1 and 15 March 2020 (−11%). The increase in donations in phase II (from 26 May 2020) stands out. Regarding consumption, there was a significant reduction in the consumption of packed red blood cells (RBCs) (24.5%), plasma (45.3%), and platelets (25.3%) in the central period (16 March–10 May). The reduction in the consumption of RBCs was significant in the period from 1–15 March. Conclusions: The COVID-19 pandemic has affected the donation and consumption of BCs.

Systematic testing for venous thromboembolism in hospitalized patients with COVID-19 and raised D-dimer levels

Background

Hospitalized patients with COVID-19 and raised D-dimer levels have high rates of venous thromboembolism (VTE).

Methods

We used data from hospitalized patients with COVID-19 that were tested for pulmonary embolism (PE) or deep vein thrombosis (DVT) because of raised D-dimer levels. We aimed to identify patients at increased risk for VTE.

Results

From March 25 to July 5th, 2020, 1,306 hospitalized patients with COVID-19 and raised D-dimer levels underwent testing for VTE in 12 centers. In all, 171 of 714 (24%) had PE, and 161 of 810 (20%) had DVT. The median time elapsed from admission to VTE testing was 12 days, and the median time from D-dimer measurement to testing 2 days. Most patients with VTE were men (62%), mean age was 62 ​± ​15 years, 45% were in an intensive care unit. Overall, 681 patients (52%) received VTE prophylaxis with standard doses, 241 (18%) with intermediate doses and 100 (7.7%) with therapeutic doses of anticoagulants. On multivariable analysis, patients with D-dimer levels >20 times the upper normal range (19% of the whole cohort) were at increased risk for VTE (odds ratio [OR]: 3.24; 95%CI: 2.18-4.83), as were those with a platelet count <100,000/μL (OR: 4.17; 95%CI: 1.72-10.0).

Conclusions

Hospitalized patients with COVID-19 and D-dimer levels >20 times the upper normal range were at an increased risk for VTE. This may help to identify what patients could likely benefit from the use of higher than recommended doses of anticoagulants for VTE prophylaxis.

Critical Care Requirements Under Uncontrolled Transmission of SARS-CoV-2

Objectives. To estimate the critical care bed capacity that would be required to admit all critical COVID-19 cases in a setting of unchecked SARS-CoV-2 transmission, both with and without elderly-specific protection measures.Methods. Using electronic health records of all 2432 COVID-19 patients hospitalized in a large hospital in Madrid, Spain, between February 28 and April 23, 2020, we estimated the number of critical care beds needed to admit all critical care patients. To mimic a hypothetical intervention that halves SARS-CoV-2 infections among the elderly, we randomly excluded 50% of patients aged 65 years and older.Results. Critical care requirements peaked at 49 beds per 100 000 on April 1-2 weeks after the start of a national lockdown. After randomly excluding 50% of elderly patients, the estimated peak was 39 beds per 100 000.Conclusions. Under unchecked SARS-CoV-2 transmission, peak critical care requirements in Madrid were at least fivefold higher than prepandemic capacity. Under a hypothetical intervention that halves infections among the elderly, critical care peak requirements would have exceeded the prepandemic capacity of most high-income countries.Public Health Implications. Pandemic control strategies that rely exclusively on protecting the elderly are likely to overwhelm health care systems.

Usefulness of the optic nerve sheath ultrasound in patients with cessation of cerebral flow

Optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD) ultrasound has proven to be a useful tool for the detection of intracranial hypertension (IH). The ONSD values, in patients with cessation of cerebral blood flow (CCBF), has not been clarified yet.

OBJECTIVE

Establish an association between ONSD and CCBF in neurocritical patients admitted to an ICU.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Cross-sectional study of patients admitted in a third level ICU, between April 2017 and April 2018, with neurological pathology. ONSD ultrasound was performed in the first 24 hours and as the patient was diagnosed of CCBF. The ONSD values of patients with and without diagnosis of CCBF were compared.

RESULTS

99 patients were included, 29 of whom showed CCBF in transcranial Doppler. The ONSD measurement did not demonstrate significant differences between both groups, 6,59 ± 0,75 in the group with CCBF and 6,39 ± 0,56 in the group without CCBF p=0.141.

CONCLUSION

In our study, ONSD values capable of recognizing CCBF were not identified.

Influence of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease on Volatile Organic Compounds in Patients with Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

INTRODUCTION

The etiology of lung cancer is multifactorial. Exposure to tobacco smoke and the role played by the carcinogenic compounds that it contains would explain the common association between lung cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which is closely linked to tobacco use. In both diseases, sustained inflammation is caused by increased oxidative stress (for example, lipid peroxidation). This generates low molecular weight substances called volatile organic compounds (VOC) that are excreted during breathing. VOC metabolomics provides an indirect measure of oxidative stress.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to establish the relative influence of COPD on the VOC profile in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), by first studying the possible variation of VOC associated with lung cancer histology.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Exhaled air was tested in 107 NSCLC patients, who were divided into 2 groups: NSCLC with COPD and non-COPD with NSCLC. The exhaled air sample was obtained with the BIOVOC® sampler, and transferred to desorption tubes for later analysis by thermal desorption-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The VOC analysis showed lineal aldehydes and carboxylic acids.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS

No statistically significant differences were found in VOC associated with histology. NSCLC and COPD patients present a 1.7-fold (1.1-2.7) greater probability of detection of propionic acid (95% CI: 1.22-6.2) than patients without COPD or NSCLC (p = 0.013).

Concomitant Traumatic Brain Injury and Hemorrhagic Shock: Outcomes Using the Spanish Trauma ICU Registry (RETRAUCI)

BACKGROUND

To compare the main outcomes of trauma patients with and without traumatic brain injury (TBI), hemorrhagic shock, and the combination of both using data from the Spanish trauma intensive care unit (ICU) registry (RETRAUCI).

METHODS

Patients admitted to the participating ICUs from March 2015 to May 2019 were included in the study. The main outcomes were analyzed according to the presence of TBI, hemorrhagic shock, and/or both. Comparison of groups with quantitative variables was performed using the Kruskal-Wallis test, and differences between groups with categorical variables were compared using the Chi-square test or Fisher's exact test as appropriate. A P value <.05 was considered significant.

RESULTS

Overall, 310 patients (3.98%) were presented with TBI and hemorrhagic shock. Patients with TBI and hemorrhagic shock received more red blood cell (RBC) concentrates, fresh frozen plasma (FFP), a higher ratio FFP/RBC, and had a higher incidence of trauma-induced coagulopathy (60%) (P < .001). These patients had higher mortality (P < .001). Intracranial hypertension was the leading cause of death (50.4%).

CONCLUSIONS

Concomitant TBI and hemorrhagic shock occur in nearly 4% of trauma ICU patients. These patients required a higher amount of RBC concentrates and FFP and had an increased mortality.

Surgical site infection in adults undergoing major non-cardiac surgery and its association with anemia, severe bleeding and intraoperative transfusion: A preliminary report from a prospective registry

Introduction Surgical site infection (SSI) is among the most common healthcare-related infections. Given their greater morbidity and surgical complexity, patients undergoing major surgery are exposed to a high risk of SSI. Objective To determine the incidence of SSI in adult patients undergoing major elective non-cardiac surgery, and to identify risk factors associated with its occurrence within the first 30 days after surgery. Methods An analytical study was designed on the basis of a prospective institutional registry. Clinical and laboratory variables associated with perioperative management were recorded. An active search was conducted in order to find SSI episodes, renal failure and multiple organ dysfunction during the first 30 days after surgery. Adjusted logistic regression was done to identify potential associations between risk factors and the development of SSI. Results Overall, 1501 patients were included. The incidence of SSI during the first 30 days after surgery was 6.72% (95% CI 5.57-8.11). ASA III, abdominal surgery and longer procedures were more frequent in the SSI group. Association with the occurrence of SSI was documented for preoperative hemoglobin levels (adjusted OR 0.79 [95% CI 0.72-0.88], p = 0.04), intraoperative transfusion (adjusted OR 2,47 [95% CI 1.16-5.27], p = 0.02) and major blood loss (adjusted OR 3.80 [95% CI 1.63-8.88], p = 0.04). Conclusion Preoperative hemoglobin level, intraoperative transfusion and major bleeding are independent risk factors associated with the occurrence of SSI in adult patients undergoing major elective non-cardiac surgery.

Safety and effectiveness of a four-factor prothrombin complex concentrate for vitamin K antagonist reversal following a fixed-dose strategy

OBJECTIVES

Early reversal of anticoagulation improves outcomes in major bleeding and emergency surgery. To reverse vitamin K antagonists (VKA), vitamin K in addition to prothrombin complex concentrate (PCC) is recommended. Dosing recommendations for VKA reversal provided by the manufacturer are 25-50 IU/kg depending on the baseline international normalised ratio (INR). Nevertheless, we recommend an initial fixed dose of 1000 IU, and additional 500 IU doses evaluated on a case-by-case basis. As there is a paucity of clinical data demonstrating the efficacy and safety of this strategy, we designed this study to assess the effectiveness and safety of a four-factor (4F)-PCC for VKA reversal following a fixed-dose strategy.

METHODS

This was a retrospective study of adult patients who received 4F-PCC for VKA reversal. The primary outcome was INR correction. INR correction was achieved if the first INR draw after 4F-PCC was ≤1.5. Safety outcome was any confirmed thromboembolic event within 3 months after 4F-PCC. Secondary outcomes included activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) correction, as well as haemostatic effectiveness for bleeding patients.

RESULTS

A total of 145 patients were included: 106 (73.1%) in the bleeding group and 39 (26.9%) in the emergency surgery group. The INR target was reached in 102 (70.3%) patients (p<0.0001). In one case, a thromboembolic complication was possibly related to 4F-PCC. The aPTT ratio target was reached in 113 (77.9%) patients (p<0.0001), and 79 of the 106 (74.5%) patients reversed for bleeding achieved haemostatic effectiveness.

CONCLUSIONS

After 4F-PCC, the majority of patients achieved the target INR, meaning 4F-PCC is a useful modality for rapid INR reduction. The safety profile may be considered acceptable. Fixed-dose 4F-PCC was able to restore haemostasis rapidly while minimising the risk of adverse events and optimising available resources.

Mobile Intensive Care Unit versus Hospital walk-in patients, in the treatment of first episode ST- elevation myocardial infarction

OBJECTIVE

To determine the impact of the attention given by emergency medical services teams working in mobile intensive care units (MICU) versus patients arriving at the hospital under their own means with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) event in terms of time to reperfusion (TR), mortality at 30 days and six months.

METHODS

We retrospectively studied 634 consecutive patients with STEMI who underwent primary a percutaneous coronary intervention from January 1st 2015 to December 31st 2018 in a single centre. Depending on the first medical contact patients were classified into two groups, MICU versus walk-in patients. We extracted data on patients' characteristics, symptoms, treatments, times to reperfusion and mortality.

RESULTS

In our study 634 patients were included, of whom 59.0% were initially attended by the MICU. Differences were seen between the two groups in time delays to the first medical contact (120.0 vs 63.0 min; p < 0.001) and TR (208.0 Vs 150.0 min; p < 0.001). Patients attended by the MICUs presented a shorter ICU and hospital stay. The lowest 30-day mortality rate was observed in MICU group: 9.0% in contrast with 4.5%, p = 0.03; remaining after 6 months. The multivariable analysis showed that the initial attention given by MICU to STEMI patients was a protective agent against mortality [OR: 0.32 (0.11-0.90); p = 0.03].

CONCLUSION

Initial attention of the patients with STEMI by doctor-on-board-MICU and available 24 h a day 7 days a week as part of a regional network (CORECAM), was associated with a decrease in the ischemia time, hospital stay and mortality of these patients in our environment.

Current and research therapies for the prevention and treatment of delayed neurological syndrome associated with carbon monoxide poisoning: A narrative review

Severe carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning causes fulminant deaths in common environment as well as neurological sequelae to survivors. Prevention of delayed neurological syndrome (DNS) after exposure to CO, the most important sequela, is based up to date on hyperbaric oxygen administration. Nevertheless, its use remains controversial due to the lack of evidence regarding its efficacy. The aim of this review is to report therapies under investigation for preventing or improving DNS, some of them with promising results in humans.

Transfusions in the Emergency department: More than a blood transfusion

Increasing haemoglobin and haematocrit levels with blood transfusions has been the gold standard for treating severe anaemia; however, the indication for transfusing concentrated red blood cells is based merely on a few laboratory markers, such as haemoglobin and haematocrit levels, rather than based on the symptoms according to clinical practice guidelines, the implementation of legal regulations and the consensus achieved by the hospitals' transfusion committees. The aim of this multicentre study was to reassess the suitability of the indication for transfusing concentrated red blood cells and the volumes transfused in emergency departments. We established an observational, multicentre, cross-sectional design with 2 participating centres: the La Paz University Hospital and the Hospital of Salamanca. In total, we obtained data from 381 patients, 220 (57.74%) of whom were men with an average age of 71.4±14.0 years and 161 (42.26%) of whom were women with an average age of 75.3±15.3 years (P<.001). The most prevalent underlying diseases in the patients who underwent transfusions were heart disease, which included haemorrhaging due to antiplatelet or anticoagulant therapy (57.7%), haemato-oncologic (15.3%) diseases and neurological disease. Only 54.9% (209/381) of the prescriptions for transfusion were considered appropriate, with significant differences according to the indication.

Safety and effectiveness of a prothrombin complex concentrate in approved and off-label indications

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of prothrombin complex concentrates (PCCs) in approved and off-label indications.

BACKGROUND

PCCs are approved for the urgent reversal of vitamin K antagonists (VKAs). Data concerning the efficacy, safety and dosing for off-label indications are limited, but they are included in massive bleeding protocols.

METHODS

This was a retrospective review of cases treated with four-factor PCCs (4F-PCCs) between January 2009 and 2016. Efficacy end-points include: (i) VKA reversal efficacy assessed by international normalised ratio (INR) normalisation (<1·5) and (ii) clinical efficacy as bleeding cessation and/or decreased number of transfused blood components and 24-h mortality in bleeding coagulopathy. The safety end-point is the incidence of thromboembolic events.

RESULTS

A total of 328 patients were included (51·8% male, median age 78 years old). Indications were as follows: VKA reversal (66·6%), bleeding coagulopathy (30·5%) and direct anticoagulant (DOAC) reversal due to bleeding (2·5%). VKA reversal was effective in 97·1% of patients, and 76·5% demonstrated complete reversal (INR < 1·5); only 34·3% patients needed hemoderivatives. Prior to emergency procedures, PCCs achieved global responses in 83% of patients, with no bleeding complication during intervention. DOAC reversal was effective in 88·9% of patients. Bleeding cessation was associated with the dose administered (P = 0·002). In coagulopathy bleeding, haemorrhage cessation, established by the International Society of Thrombosis and Haemostais (ISTH) definition, occurred in 56·7% of massive bleeding events and in 42·5% of other coagulopathies; 24-h mortality was 30%, mainly related to active bleeding. Ten thrombotic episodes were observed (3·1%).

CONCLUSION

4F-PCC was effective as adjuvant treatment with an acceptable safety profile, not only for the emergent reversal of VKAs but also for refractory coagulopathy associated with major bleeding.