Extubation of patients with neuromuscular weakness: a new management paradigm

Pulmonary and Physical Rehabilitation in Critically Ill Patients

Some patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) because of an acute illness, complicated surgery, or multiple traumas develop muscle weakness affecting the limbs and respiratory muscles during acute care in the ICU. This condition is referred to as ICU-acquired weakness (ICUAW), and can be evoked by critical illness polyneuropathy (CIP), critical illness myopathy (CIM), or critical illness polyneuromyopathy (CIPNM). ICUAW is diagnosed using the Medical Research Council (MRC) sum score based on bedside manual muscle testing in cooperative patients. The MRC sum score is the sum of the strengths of the 12 regions on both sides of the upper and lower limbs. ICUAW is diagnosed when the MRC score is less than 48 points. However, some patients require electrodiagnostic studies, such as a nerve conduction study, electromyography, and direct muscle stimulation, to differentiate between CIP and CIM. Pulmonary rehabilitation in the ICU can be divided into modalities intended to remove retained airway secretions and exercise therapies intended to improve respiratory function. Physical rehabilitation, including early mobilization, positioning, and limb exercises, attenuates the weakness that occurs during critical care. To perform mobilization in mechanically ventilated patients, pretreatment by removing secretions is necessary. It is also important to increase the strength of respiratory muscles and to perform lung recruitment to improve mobilization in patients who are weaned from the ventilator. For these reasons, pulmonary rehabilitation is important in addition to physical therapy. Early recognition of CIP, CIM, and CIPNM and early rehabilitation in the ICU might improve patients’ functional recovery and outcomes.

Use of home telemedicine for critical illness rehabilitation: an Indian success story

One-fifth of healthcare beneficiaries in developed nations get discharged from hospitals to physician supervised skilled nursing care facilities. In low-income and middle-income countries like India, postdischarge skilled nursing facilities are at a very nascent stage and largely underequipped in terms of infrastructure, skilled nursing and physician staff to manage complicated patients. Hence the responsibility of management of such patients lies largely with their families. We present a case where a 26-year-old man with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy who became ventilator dependent following major surgeries was weaned off his ventilator and rehabilitated back to his prehospital state. This was done at his home with visiting nurses and rehabilitation services under telemedicine supervision by a critical care specialist. Use of telemedicine services could be a viable and cost-effective option to ensure adherence to evidence-based medicine and standardisation of care in resource limited countries such as India.

Association of Need for Tracheotomy With Decreasing Mechanical In-Exsufflation Flows in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

Although patients with lower motor neuron and myopathic disorders can prolong their lives by depending on continuous noninvasive ventilatory support, most patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) cannot and must use tracheostomy mechanical ventilation to prolong survival. This case demonstrates that this occurs because amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients' upper motor neuron reflex laryngeal closure and stridor cause upper airway collapse that renders mechanical insufflation-exsufflation (MIE) ineffective in expulsing airway secretions as well as for permitting continuous noninvasive ventilatory support. A decrease in MIE-exsufflation flows is a marker for a decrease in upper airway patency that renders MIE ineffective. As airway secretions accumulate and baseline oxyhemoglobin saturation decreases, tracheotomy becomes necessary for further survival. This case demonstrates an association between diminishing MIE-exsufflation flow and need to resort to tracheotomy.

Efficacy of new intermittent abdominal pressure ventilator for post-ischemic cervical myelopathy ventilatory insufficiency

Non-invasive ventilation (NIV) is the treatment of choice for patients symptomatic for respiratory muscle dysfunction. It can normalize gas exchange and provide up to continuous non-invasive ventilator support (CNVS) as an alternative to intubation and tracheotomy. It is usually provided via non-invasive facial interfaces or mouthpieces, but these can be uncomfortable and uncosmetic. The intermittent abdominal pressure ventilator (IAPV) has been used for diurnal ventilatory support since 1938 but has been off the market since about 1990. Now, however, with greater emphasis on non-invasive management, a new IAPV is available. A patient with chronic ventilatory insufficiency post-ischemic cervical myelopathy, dependent on sleep NVS since 2003, developed symptomatic daytime hypercapnia for which he also used diurnal NVS via nasal pillows. However, he preferred not having to use facial interfaces. When not using diurnal NVS he was becoming dyspnoeic. Diurnal use of an IAPV was introduced. Arterial blood gas analysis using the IAPV decreased his blood pH from 7.45 to 7.42, PaCO₂ from 58 to 37 mmHg, and improved PaO₂ from 62 to 92 mmHg. At discharge, the patient used the IAPV 8 h/day with improved mood and quality of life. Consequently, he returned to work as a painter.

Long-Term Ventilation in Neuromuscular Patients: Review of Concerns, Beliefs, and Ethical Dilemmas

BACKGROUND

Noninvasive mechanical ventilation (NIV) is an effective treatment in patients with neuromuscular diseases (NMD) to improve symptoms, quality of life, and survival.

SUMMARY

NIV should be used early in the course of respiratory muscle involvement in NMD patients and its requirements may increase over time. Therefore, training on technical equipment at home and advice on problem solving are warranted. Remote monitoring of ventilator parameters using built-in ventilator software is recommended. Telemedicine may be helpful in reducing hospital admissions. Anticipatory planning and palliative care should be carried out to lessen the burden of care, to maintain or withdraw from NIV, and to guarantee the most respectful management in the last days of NMD patients' life. Key Message: Long-term NIV is effective but challenging in NMD patients. Efforts should be made by health care providers in arranging a planned transition to home and end-of-life discussions for ventilator-assisted individuals and their families.

Intensive Care Management of the Neuromuscular Patient

Neuromuscular emergencies are a distinct group of acute neurological diseases with distinct characteristic presentations. Patients who suffer from this group of diseases are at immediate risk of losing protection of their native airway as well as aspirating orogastric contents. This is secondary to weakness of the muscles of the oropharynx and respiratory muscles. Although some neuromuscular emergencies such as myasthenia gravis or Guillain-Barré syndrome are well understood, others such as critical illness myopathy and neuropathy are less well characterized. In this chapter, we have discussed the pathophysiology, diagnostic evaluation, and management options in patients who are admitted to the intensive care unit. We have also emphasized the importance of a thorough understanding of the use of pharmacological anesthetic agents in this patient population.

National survey: current prevalence and characteristics of home mechanical ventilation in Hungary

BACKGROUND

Home mechanical ventilation is an established treatment for chronic respiratory failure resulting in improved survival and quality of life. Technological advancement, evolving health care reimbursement systems and newly implemented national guidelines result in increased utilization worldwide. Prevalence shows great geographical variations and data on East-Central European practice has been scarce to date. The aim of the current study was to evaluate prevalence and characteristics of home mechanical ventilation in Hungary.

METHODS

We conducted a nationwide study using an online survey focusing on patients receiving ventilatory support at home. The survey focused on characterization of the site (affiliation, type), experience with home mechanical ventilation, number of patients treated, indication for home mechanical ventilation (disease type), description of home mechanical ventilation (invasive/noninvasive, ventilation hours, duration of ventilation) and description of the care provided (type of follow up visits, hospitalization need, reimbursement).

RESULTS

Our survey uncovered a total of 384 patients amounting to a prevalence of 3.9/100,000 in Hungary. 10.4% of patients received invasive, while 89.6% received noninvasive ventilation. The most frequent diagnosis was central hypopnea syndromes (60%), while pulmonary (20%), neuromuscular (11%) and chest wall disorders (7%) were less frequent indications. Daily ventilation need was less than 8 h in 74.2%, between 8 and 16 h in 15.4% and more than 16 h in 10.4% of patients reported. When comparing sites with a limited (< 50 patients) versus substantial (> 50 patients) case number, we found the former had significantly higher ratio of neuromuscular conditions, were more likely to ventilate invasively, with more than 16 h/day ventilation need and were more likely to provide home visits and readmit patients (p < 0,001).

CONCLUSIONS

Our results show a reasonable current estimate and characterization of home mechanical ventilation practice in Hungary. Although a growing practice can be assumed, current prevalence is still markedly reduced compared to international data reported, the duality of current data hinting to a possible gap in diagnosis and care for more dependent patients. This points to the importance of establishing home mechanical ventilation centers, where increased experience will enable state of the art care to more dependent patients as well, increasing overall prevalence.

Cough Effectiveness and Pulmonary Hygiene Practices in Patients with Pompe Disease

PURPOSE

While factors leading to hypoventilation have been well studied in Pompe disease, cough effectiveness and airway clearance practices are less understood. We aimed to identify significant factors that influence peak cough flow (PCF) in Pompe, and to detect whether pulmonary hygiene practices were reflective of reduced PCF.

METHODS

This is a prospective observational study of 20 subjects with Pompe disease (infantile-onset: 7, juvenile-onset: 6, adult-onset: 14). Subjects performed spirometry, maximal respiratory pressures, and cough (voluntary: n = 24, spontaneous: n = 3). Subjects or their parents reported airway clearance and secretion management practices. Relationships between disease variables, pulmonary function, and cough parameters as well as group differences in cough parameters were evaluated.

RESULTS

Subjects with infantile-onset disease had significantly lower PCF (p < 0.05) and tended to require more external ventilatory support (p = 0.07). In juvenile- and adult-onset disease, PCF differed according to external ventilatory requirement [daytime: 83.6 L/min (95% CI 41.2-126.0); nighttime: 224.6 L/min (95% CI 139.1-310.2); none: 340.2 L/min (95% CI 193.3-487.6), p < 0.005]. Cough inspiratory volume also differed significantly by ventilatory requirement [daytime: 5.5 mL/kg (95% CI 3.0-8.0); nighttime: 16.0 mL/kg (95% CI 11.8-20.2); none: 26.8 mL/kg (95% CI 11.9-41.7), p < 0.001]. However, routine airway clearance or secretion management practices were only consistently reported among patients with infantile-onset disease (infantile: 86%, juvenile: 0%, adult: 14%, p < 0.005).

CONCLUSIONS

Cough weakness was detected in the majority of patients with Pompe disease and was influenced by both inspiratory and expiratory muscle function. Patients at risk for problems or with ineffective PCF should be urged to complete routine pulmonary hygiene.

Respiratory Management of the Patient With Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy

In 2010, Care Considerations for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, sponsored by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, was published in Lancet Neurology, and in 2018, these guidelines were updated. Since the publication of the first set of guidelines, survival of individuals with Duchenne muscular dystrophy has increased. With contemporary medical management, survival often extends into the fourth decade of life and beyond. Effective transition of respiratory care from pediatric to adult medicine is vital to optimize patient safety, prognosis, and quality of life. With genetic and other emerging drug therapies in development, standardization of care is necessary to accurately assess treatment effects in clinical trials. This revision of respiratory recommendations preserves a fundamental strength of the original guidelines: namely, reliance on a limited number of respiratory tests to guide patient assessment and management. A progressive therapeutic strategy is presented that includes lung volume recruitment, assisted coughing, and assisted ventilation (initially nocturnally, with the subsequent addition of daytime ventilation for progressive respiratory failure). This revision also stresses the need for serial monitoring of respiratory muscle strength to characterize an individual's respiratory phenotype of severity as well as provide baseline assessments for clinical trials. Clinical controversies and emerging areas are included.

Benefits of Maxillary Expansion for a Patient With Spinal Muscular Atrophy Type 2

This case report involves a 10-yr-old boy diagnosed with spinal muscular atrophy type 2 who underwent nighttime mechanical ventilation with bilevel positive airway pressure. The oral examination revealed restricted mouth opening, lip interposition, dental crowding, and maxillary compression. After maxillary expansion, the upper airway volume increased 18.6%; 13 episodes of airway infections (20 days of hospitalization) were recorded in the 2 yrs before the maxillary expansion and only 4 episodes (no hospital admissions) in the 2 subsequent years. In conclusion, maxillary expansion in children with systemic disease that involves respiratory impairment may, in some cases, provide functional and clinical improvements, increase upper airway airflows, and possibly decrease the number of respiratory infections.

Primary Acute Neuromuscular Respiratory Failure

Neurologists are often called to evaluate patients with both defined and undiagnosed neuromuscular disorders when respiratory failure develops to determine if there is a neuromuscular cause. Being able to confidently diagnose neuromuscular respiratory failure and intervene appropriately is imperative, as early intervention and determination of the cause have survival implications. Outcomes are poor when the cause of neuromuscular weakness and resultant respiratory failure cannot be identified. This review discusses the clinical recognition of primary neuromuscular respiratory failure, its pathophysiology, diagnostic evaluation, and management, focusing on management of respiratory failure in the setting of Guillain-Barré syndrome and myasthenic crisis.

Noninvasive ventilatory support to reverse weight loss in Duchenne muscular dystrophy: A case series

This case series of five patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy demonstrates the nutritional advantages of instituting noninvasive intermittent positive pressure ventilatory support via 15mm angled mouthpieces to relieve tachypnea and provide more time to swallow food safely. In each case weight loss was reversed.

ANSYS-MATLAB co-simulation of mucus flow distribution and clearance effectiveness of a new simulated cough device

Coughing is an irritable reaction that protects the respiratory system from infection and improves mucus clearance. However, for the patients who cannot cough autonomously, an assisted cough device is essential for mucus clearance. Considering the low efficiency of current assisted cough devices, a new simulated cough device based on the pneumatic system is proposed in this paper. Given the uncertainty of airflow rates necessary to clear mucus from airways, the computational fluid dynamics Eulerian wall film model and cough efficiency (CE) were used in this study to simulate the cough process and evaluate cough effectiveness. The Ansys-Matlab co-simulation model was set up and verified through experimental studies using Newtonian fluids. Next, model simulations were performed using non-Newtonian fluids, and peak cough flow (PCF) and PCF duration time were analyzed to determine their influence on mucus clearance. CE growth rate (λ) was calculated to reflect the CE variation trend. From the numerical simulation results, we find that CE rises as PCF increases while the growth rate trends to slow as PCF increases; when PCF changes from 60 to 360 L/min, CE changes from 3.2% to 51.5% which is approximately 16 times the initial value. Meanwhile, keeping a long PCF duration time could greatly improve CE under the same cough expired volume and PCF. The results indicated that increasing the PCF and PCF duration time can improve the efficiency of mucus clearance. This paper provides a new approach and a research direction for control strategy in simulated cough devices for airway mucus clearance.

Preliminary experience on the safety and tolerability of mechanical "insufflation-exsufflation" in subjects with artificial airway

BACKGROUND

Catheter suctioning of respiratory secretions in intubated subjects is limited to the proximal airway and associated with traumatic lesions to the mucosa and poor tolerance. "Mechanical insufflation-exsufflation" exerts positive pressure, followed by an abrupt drop to negative pressure. Potential advantages of this technique are aspiration of distal airway secretions, avoiding trauma, and improving tolerance.

METHODS

We applied insufflation of 50 cmH2O for 3 s and exsufflation of - 45 cmH2O for 4 s in patients with an endotracheal tube or tracheostomy cannula requiring secretion suctioning. Cycles of 10 to 12 insufflations-exsufflations were performed and repeated if secretions were aspirated and visible in the proximal artificial airway. Clinical and laboratory parameters were collected before and 5 and 60 min after the procedure. Subjects were followed during their ICU stay until discharge or death.

RESULTS

Mechanical insufflation-exsufflation was applied 26 times to 7 male and 6 female subjects requiring suctioning. Mean age was 62.6 ± 20 years and mean Apache II score 23.3 ± 7.4 points. At each session, a median of 2 (IQR 1; 2) cycles on median day of intubation 11.5 (IQR 6.25; 25.75) were performed. Mean insufflation tidal volume was 1043.6 ± 649.9 ml. No statistically significant differences were identified between baseline and post-procedure time points. Barotrauma, desaturation, atelectasis, hemoptysis, or other airway complication and hemodynamic complications were not detected. All, except one, of the mechanical insufflation-exsufflation sessions were productive, showing secretions in the proximal artificial airway, and were well tolerated.

CONCLUSIONS

Our preliminary data suggest that mechanical insufflation-exsufflation may be safe and effective in patients with artificial airway. Safety and efficacy need to be confirmed in larger studies with different patient populations.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

EudraCT 2017-005201-13 (EU Clinical Trials Register).

Airway clearance techniques in neuromuscular disorders: A state of the art review

This is a unique state of the art review written by a group of 21 international recognized experts in the field that gathered during a meeting organized by the European Neuromuscular Centre (ENMC) in Naarden, March 2017. It systematically reports the entire evidence base for airway clearance techniques (ACTs) in both adults and children with neuromuscular disorders (NMD). We not only report randomised controlled trials, which in other systematic reviews conclude that there is a lack of evidence base to give an opinion, but also include case series and retrospective reviews of practice. For this review, we have classified ACTs as either proximal (cough augmentation) or peripheral (secretion mobilization). The review presents descriptions; standard definitions; the supporting evidence for and limitations of proximal and peripheral ACTs that are used in patients with NMD; as well as providing recommendations for objective measurements of efficacy, specifically for proximal ACTs. This state of the art review also highlights how ACTs may be adapted or modified for specific contexts (e.g. in people with bulbar insufficiency; children and infants) and recommends when and how each technique should be applied.

Physiological predictors of respiratory and cough assistance needs after extubation

Background

Identifying patients at high risk of post-extubation acute respiratory failure requiring respiratory or mechanical cough assistance remains challenging. Here, our primary aim was to evaluate the accuracy of easily collected parameters obtained before or just after extubation in predicting the risk of post-extubation acute respiratory failure requiring, at best, noninvasive mechanical ventilation (NIV) and/or mechanical cough assistance and, at worst, reintubation after extubation.

Methods

We conducted a multicenter prospective, open-label, observational study from April 2012 through April 2015. Patients who passed a weaning test after at least 72 h of endotracheal mechanical ventilation (MV) were included. Just before extubation, spirometry and maximal pressures were measured by a technician. The results were not disclosed to the bedside physicians. Patients were followed until discharge or death.

Results

Among 3458 patients admitted to the ICU, 730 received endotracheal MV for longer than 72 h and were then extubated; among these, 130 were included. At inclusion, the 130 patients had mean ICU stay and endotracheal MV durations both equal to 11 ± 4.2 days. After extubation, 36 patients required curative NIV, 7 both curative NIV and mechanical cough assistance, and 8 only mechanical cough assistance; 6 patients, all of whom first received NIV, required reintubation within 48 h. The group that required NIV after extubation had a significantly higher proportion of patients with chronic respiratory disease (P = 0.015), longer endotracheal MV duration at inclusion, and lower Medical Research Council (MRC) score (P = 0.02, P = 0.01, and P = 0.004, respectively). By multivariate analysis, forced vital capacity (FVC) and peak cough expiratory flow (PCEF) were independently associated with (NIV) and/or mechanical cough assistance and/or reintubation after extubation. Areas under the ROC curves for pre-extubation PCEF and FVC were 0.71 and 0.76, respectively.

Conclusion

In conclusion, FVC measured before extubation correlates closely with FVC after extubation and may serve as an objective predictor of post-extubation respiratory failure requiring NIV and/or mechanical cough assistance and/or reintubation in heterogeneous populations of medical ICU patients.

ClinicalTrials.gov as #NCT01564745

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s13613-018-0360-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Diagnosis and management of Duchenne muscular dystrophy, part 2: respiratory, cardiac, bone health, and orthopaedic management

A coordinated, multidisciplinary approach to care is essential for optimum management of the primary manifestations and secondary complications of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). Contemporary care has been shaped by the availability of more sensitive diagnostic techniques and the earlier use of therapeutic interventions, which have the potential to improve patients' duration and quality of life. In part 2 of this update of the DMD care considerations, we present the latest recommendations for respiratory, cardiac, bone health and osteoporosis, and orthopaedic and surgical management for boys and men with DMD. Additionally, we provide guidance on cardiac management for female carriers of a disease-causing mutation. The new care considerations acknowledge the effects of long-term glucocorticoid use on the natural history of DMD, and the need for care guidance across the lifespan as patients live longer. The management of DMD looks set to change substantially as new genetic and molecular therapies become available.

Comparison of Mechanical Insufflation-Exsufflation and Endotracheal Suctioning in Mechanically Ventilated Patients: Effects on Respiratory Mechanics, Hemodynamics, and Volume of Secretions

Context:

Cough assist (CA) is a device to improve bronchial hygiene of patients with secretion in the airways and ineffective cough.

Aims:

To compare the physiological effects and the volume of secretion of mechanical insufflation–exsufflation (CA device) with isolated endotracheal suctioning in mechanically ventilated patients.

Settings and Design:

Randomized crossover trial.

Materials and Methods:

The patients were randomly allocated to the first technique, then the following technique was performed in the next day. We collected the variables related to oxygen saturation, hemodynamics (heart rate, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and mean arterial pressure [MAP]), and respiratory mechanics (tidal volume, minute volume, respiratory rate, and lung compliance and resistance), pre- and postimplementation (immediately and after 15 and 30 min), and the aspirated volume of secretion.

Statistical Analysis Used:

We used two-way analysis of variance followed by the Student–Newman–Keuls t-test to compare the variables at different time points. Student's t-test was used to compare secretion volumes. All data were stored and analyzed in SPSS for Windows Version 19.0. The significance level was set at 5%.

Results:

Forty-three patients were included in the study. When we compared the results before and after the application of the techniques, we observed no significant difference in lung compliance, pulmonary resistance, MAP, peripheral oxygen saturation, and secretion volume in both groups.

Conclusions:

The mechanical insufflation–exsufflation does not alter respiratory mechanics and hemodynamic stability, and it does not improve airway clearance in mechanically ventilated patients.

Noninvasive Positive Pressure Ventilatory Support Begins During Sleep

The goal of sleep doctors has been to titrate away apneas and hypopneas using noninvasive ventilation, a term that has become synonymous with continuous positive airway pressure and bilevel positive airway pressure at the lowest effective bilevel settings. It is now time to appreciate noninvasive ventilatory support as an alternative to invasive mechanical ventilation. This article discusses mechanisms of action, two paradigms, and ancillary techniques for noninvasive ventilatory support.

[Noninvasive ventilation in pediatric acute respiratory failure]

Noninvasive ventilation (NIV) may be used to treat pediatric acute respiratory failure. Recent improvements in ventilator technology and availability of nasal and full face masks for infants and children have simplified the use of NIV even in the smallest children. Mainly patients with hypercapnic respiratory failure may benefit from noninvasive ventilation. There is some evidence available that supports the use of NIV in viral bronchiolitis, asthma and acute on chronic respiratory failure in patients with neuromuscular or chronic pulmonary disease. Furthermore, noninvasive ventilation is beneficial during prolonged weaning from invasive ventilation and to treat upper airway obstructions. Children suffering from hypoxic respiratory failure, such as community-acquired pneumonia and acute respiratory distress syndrome do not benefit from NIV. Due to possibly relevant side effects and the possibility of rapid deterioration in gas exchange in failure of NIV, invasive ventilation should be readily available; therefore, treatment with noninvasive ventilation for acute respiratory failure in children should be initiated on the pediatric intensive care ward.

Recommendations for mechanical ventilation of critically ill children from the Paediatric Mechanical Ventilation Consensus Conference (PEMVECC)

Purpose

Much of the common practice in paediatric mechanical ventilation is based on personal experiences and what paediatric critical care practitioners have adopted from adult and neonatal experience. This presents a barrier to planning and interpretation of clinical trials on the use of specific and targeted interventions. We aim to establish a European consensus guideline on mechanical ventilation of critically children.

Methods

The European Society for Paediatric and Neonatal Intensive Care initiated a consensus conference of international European experts in paediatric mechanical ventilation to provide recommendations using the Research and Development/University of California, Los Angeles, appropriateness method. An electronic literature search in PubMed and EMBASE was performed using a combination of medical subject heading terms and text words related to mechanical ventilation and disease-specific terms.

Results

The Paediatric Mechanical Ventilation Consensus Conference (PEMVECC) consisted of a panel of 15 experts who developed and voted on 152 recommendations related to the following topics: (1) general recommendations, (2) monitoring, (3) targets of oxygenation and ventilation, (4) supportive measures, (5) weaning and extubation readiness, (6) normal lungs, (7) obstructive diseases, (8) restrictive diseases, (9) mixed diseases, (10) chronically ventilated patients, (11) cardiac patients and (12) lung hypoplasia syndromes. There were 142 (93.4%) recommendations with “strong agreement”. The final iteration of the recommendations had none with equipoise or disagreement.

Conclusions

These recommendations should help to harmonise the approach to paediatric mechanical ventilation and can be proposed as a standard-of-care applicable in daily clinical practice and clinical research.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s00134-017-4920-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Ten important articles on noninvasive ventilation in critically ill patients and insights for the future: A report of expert opinions

Background

Noninvasive ventilation is used worldwide in many settings. Its effectiveness has been proven for common clinical conditions in critical care such as cardiogenic pulmonary edema and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease exacerbations.

Since the first pioneering studies of noninvasive ventilation in critical care in the late 1980s, thousands of studies and articles have been published on this topic. Interestingly, some aspects remain controversial (e.g. its use in de-novo hypoxemic respiratory failure, role of sedation, self-induced lung injury). Moreover, the role of NIV has recently been questioned and reconsidered in light of the recent reports of new techniques such as high-flow oxygen nasal therapy.

Methods

We conducted a survey among leading experts on NIV aiming to 1) identify a selection of 10 important articles on NIV in the critical care setting 2) summarize the reasons for the selection of each study 3) offer insights on the future for both clinical application and research on NIV.

Results

The experts selected articles over a span of 26 years, more clustered in the last 15 years. The most voted article studied the role of NIV in acute exacerbation chronic pulmonary disease. Concerning the future of clinical applications for and research on NIV, most of the experts forecast the development of innovative new interfaces more adaptable to patients characteristics, the need for good well-designed large randomized controlled trials of NIV in acute “de novo” hypoxemic respiratory failure (including its comparison with high-flow oxygen nasal therapy) and the development of software-based NIV settings to enhance patient-ventilator synchrony.

Conclusions

The selection made by the experts suggests that some applications of NIV in critical care are supported by solid data (e.g. COPD exacerbation) while others are still waiting for confirmation. Moreover, the identified insights for the future would lead to improved clinical effectiveness, new comparisons and evaluation of its role in still “lack of full evidence” clinical settings.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s12871-017-0409-0) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Noninvasive Respiratory Management of Patients With Neuromuscular Disease

This review article describes definitive noninvasive respiratory management of respiratory muscle dysfunction to eliminate need to resort to tracheotomy. In 2010 clinicians from 22 centers in 18 countries reported 1,623 spinal muscular atrophy type 1 (SMA1), Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis users of noninvasive ventilatory support (NVS) of whom 760 required it continuously (CNVS). The CNVS sustained their lives by over 3,000 patient-years without resort to indwelling tracheostomy tubes. These centers have now extubated at least 74 consecutive ventilator unweanable patients with DMD, over 95% of CNVS-dependent patients with SMA1, and hundreds of others with advanced neuromuscular disorders (NMDs) without resort to tracheotomy. Two centers reported a 99% success rate at extubating 258 ventilator unweanable patients without resort to tracheotomy. Patients with myopathic or lower motor neuron disorders can be managed noninvasively by up to CNVS, indefinitely, despite having little or no measurable vital capacity, with the use of physical medicine respiratory muscle aids. Ventilator-dependent patients can be decannulated of their tracheostomy tubes.

Successful Extubation After Weaning Failure by Noninvasive Ventilation in Patients With Neuromuscular Disease: Case Series

Objective

To report successful cases of extubation from invasive mechanical ventilation at our institution using pulmonary rehabilitation consisting of noninvasive ventilation (NIV) in neuromuscular patients with experience of reintubation.

Methods

Patients who experienced extubation failure via the conventional weaning strategy but afterwards had extubation success via NIV were studied retrospectively. Continuous end-tidal CO₂ (ETCO₂) and pulse oxyhemoglobin saturation (SpO₂) monitoring were performed. Extubation success was defined as a state not requiring invasive mechanical ventilation via endotracheal tube or tracheotomy during a period of at least 5 days.

Results

A total of 18 patients with ventilatory failure who initially experienced extubation failure were finally placed under part-time NIV after extubation. No patient had any serious or long-term adverse effect from NIV, and all patients left the hospital alive.

Conclusion

NIV may promote successful weaning in neuromuscular patients with experience of reintubation.

Weaning attempts, cough strength and albumin are independent risk factors of reintubation in medical patients

BACKGROUND

Reintubation is associated with increased hospital mortality. It is necessary to identify risk factors associated with reintubation.

METHODS

A prospective observational study was performed in a respiratory intensive care unit. Medical patients who successfully completed a spontaneous breathing trial (SBT) were enrolled. Before extubation, age, gender, vital signs, acute physiology and chronic health evaluation II score, SBT attempts, cough peak flow, arterial blood gas tests and albumin were recorded.

RESULTS

We enrolled 139 patients. Of these, 22 (15.8%) patients experienced reintubation within 72 hours after extubation. SBT attempts (odds ratio [OR] = 1.446, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.095-1.910), cough peak flow (OR = 0.975, 95% CI: 0.956-0.994) and albumin (OR = 0.847, 95% CI: 0.752-0.954) were independent risk factors for reintubation. In patients with 1, 2 and ≥3 SBT attempts, reintubation rates were 7.3%, 21.1% and 45.8%, respectively (P < .01). In patients with cough peak flow ≤60, 61-89 and ≥90 L/min, reintubation rates were 29.4%, 16.7% and 1.9%, respectively (P < .01). In patients with albumin ≤25, 26-30 and ≥31 g/L, reintubation rates were 32.4%, 11.1% and 9.8%, respectively (P = .01).

CONCLUSIONS

Multiple SBT attempts, weak cough and low albumin were associated with increased reintubation in medical patients. This study provides information for clinical practitioners in the consideration of patient extubation.

Decision-making for tracheostomy in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS): a retrospective study

BACKGROUND

ALS patients should discuss the issue of tracheostomy before the onset of terminal respiratory failure. While the process of shared decision-making is desirable, there are few data on the practical application of this real-life situation.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To determine how a decision-making process is actually carried out, we analysed the episodes of acute respiratory failure preceding tracheostomy.

METHODS

We studied the charts of a group of ALS patients after tracheostomy. An interview focusing on the existence of anticipated directives was carried out. Tracheostomies were classified as planned or unplanned according to the presence of a decision plan.

RESULTS

A total of 209 ALS patients were cared for during a three-year period. Of these patients, 34 (16%) were tracheotomised. In 38% of cases, tracheostomy was planned, 41% were unplanned, and 21% remained undiagnosed.

CONCLUSIONS

A minority of ALS patients make a voluntary decision for tracheostomy before the procedure is conducted. The advising process of care still presents limits that have been thus far poorly addressed. In the future, we will need to develop guidelines for the timing and content of the shared-decision making process.

Controlled invasive mechanical ventilation strategies in obese patients undergoing surgery

INTRODUCTION

The obesity prevalence is increasing in surgical population. As the number of obese surgical patients increases, so does the demand for mechanical ventilation. Nevertheless, ventilatory strategies in this population are challenging, since obesity results in pathophysiological changes in respiratory function. Areas covered: We reviewed the impact of obesity on respiratory system and the effects of controlled invasive mechanical ventilation strategies in obese patients undergoing surgery. To date, there is no consensus regarding the optimal invasive mechanical ventilation strategy for obese surgical patients, and no evidence that possible intraoperative beneficial effects on oxygenation and mechanics translate into better postoperative pulmonary function or improved outcomes. Expert commentary: Before determining the ideal intraoperative ventilation strategy, it is important to analyze the pathophysiology and comorbidities of each obese patient. Protective ventilation with low tidal volume, driving pressure, energy, and mechanical power should be employed during surgery; however, further studies are required to clarify the most effective ventilation strategies, such as the optimal positive end-expiratory pressure and whether recruitment maneuvers minimize lung injury. In this context, an ongoing trial of intraoperative ventilation in obese patients (PROBESE) should help determine the mechanical ventilation strategy that best improves clinical outcome in patients with body mass index≥35kg/m².

Mouthpiece ventilation and complementary techniques in patients with neuromuscular disease: A brief clinical review and update

Noninvasive ventilatory support (NVS) is sometimes reported as suboptimal in patients with neuromuscular disease (NMD). The reasons for this include inadequate ventilator settings and/or lack of interface tolerance. NVS has been used for many years in patients with NMD disorders as a viable alternative to continuous ventilatory support via a tracheostomy tube. The mouthpiece ventilation (MPV) is a ventilatory mode that is used as daytime ventilatory support in combination with other ventilatory modalities and interfaces for nocturnal NVS. However, there is still a poor understanding of this method's benefits compared with other modalities. This review aims to highlight the indications and advantages along with the disadvantages of MPV.

Cough augmentation techniques for extubation or weaning critically ill patients from mechanical ventilation

BACKGROUND

There are various reasons why weaning and extubation failure occur, but ineffective cough and secretion retention can play a significant role. Cough augmentation techniques, such as lung volume recruitment or manually- and mechanically-assisted cough, are used to prevent and manage respiratory complications associated with chronic conditions, particularly neuromuscular disease, and may improve short- and long-term outcomes for people with acute respiratory failure. However, the role of cough augmentation to facilitate extubation and prevent post-extubation respiratory failure is unclear.

OBJECTIVES

Our primary objective was to determine extubation success using cough augmentation techniques compared to no cough augmentation for critically-ill adults and children with acute respiratory failure admitted to a high-intensity care setting capable of managing mechanically-ventilated people (such as an intensive care unit, specialized weaning centre, respiratory intermediate care unit, or high-dependency unit).Secondary objectives were to determine the effect of cough augmentation techniques on reintubation, weaning success, mechanical ventilation and weaning duration, length of stay (high-intensity care setting and hospital), pneumonia, tracheostomy placement and tracheostomy decannulation, and mortality (high-intensity care setting, hospital, and after hospital discharge). We evaluated harms associated with use of cough augmentation techniques when applied via an artificial airway (or non-invasive mask once extubated/decannulated), including haemodynamic compromise, arrhythmias, pneumothorax, haemoptysis, and mucus plugging requiring airway change and the type of person (such as those with neuromuscular disorders or weakness and spinal cord injury) for whom these techniques may be efficacious.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL; Issue 4, 2016), MEDLINE (OvidSP) (1946 to April 2016), Embase (OvidSP) (1980 to April 2016), CINAHL (EBSCOhost) (1982 to April 2016), and ISI Web of Science and Conference Proceedings. We searched the PROSPERO and Joanna Briggs Institute databases, websites of relevant professional societies, and conference abstracts from five professional society annual congresses (2011 to 2015). We did not impose language or other restrictions. We performed a citation search using PubMed and examined reference lists of relevant studies and reviews. We contacted corresponding authors for details of additional published or unpublished work. We searched for unpublished studies and ongoing trials on the International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (apps.who.int/trialsearch) (April 2016).

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included randomized and quasi-randomized controlled trials that evaluated cough augmentation compared to a control group without this intervention. We included non-randomized studies for assessment of harms. We included studies of adults and of children aged four weeks or older, receiving invasive mechanical ventilation in a high-intensity care setting.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two review authors independently screened titles and abstracts identified by our search methods. Two review authors independently evaluated full-text versions, independently extracted data and assessed risks of bias.

MAIN RESULTS

We screened 2686 citations and included two trials enrolling 95 participants and one cohort study enrolling 17 participants. We assessed one randomized controlled trial as being at unclear risk of bias, and the other at high risk of bias; we assessed the non-randomized study as being at high risk of bias. We were unable to pool data due to the small number of studies meeting our inclusion criteria and therefore present narrative results rather than meta-analyses. One trial of 75 participants reported that extubation success (defined as no need for reintubation within 48 hours) was higher in the mechanical insufflation-exsufflation (MI-E) group (82.9% versus 52.5%, P < 0.05) (risk ratio (RR) 1.58, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.13 to 2.20, very low-quality evidence). No study reported weaning success or reintubation as distinct from extubation success. One trial reported a statistically significant reduction in mechanical ventilation duration favouring MI-E (mean difference -6.1 days, 95% CI -8.4 to -3.8, very low-quality evidence). One trial reported mortality, with no participant dying in either study group. Adverse events (reported by two trials) included one participant receiving the MI-E protocol experiencing haemodynamic compromise. Nine (22.5%) of the control group compared to two (6%) MI-E participants experienced secretion encumbrance with severe hypoxaemia requiring reintubation (RR 0.25, 95% CI 0.06 to 1.10). In the lung volume recruitment trial, one participant experienced an elevated blood pressure for more than 30 minutes. No participant experienced new-onset arrhythmias, heart rate increased by more than 25%, or a pneumothorax.For outcomes assessed using GRADE, we based our downgrading decisions on unclear risk of bias, inability to assess consistency or publication bias, and uncertainty about the estimate of effect due to the limited number of studies contributing outcome data.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

The overall quality of evidence on the efficacy of cough augmentation techniques for critically-ill people is very low. Cough augmentation techniques when used in mechanically-ventilated critically-ill people appear to result in few adverse events.

Noninvasive ventilation for neuromuscular respiratory failure: when to use and when to avoid

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Neuromuscular respiratory failure can occur from a variety of diseases, both acute and chronic with acute exacerbation. There is often a misunderstanding about how the nature of the neuromuscular disease should affect the decision on how to ventilate the patient. This review provides an update on the value and relative contraindications for the use of noninvasive ventilation in patients with various causes of primary neuromuscular respiratory failure.

RECENT FINDINGS

Myasthenic crisis represents the paradigmatic example of the neuromuscular condition that can be best treated with noninvasive ventilation. Timely use of noninvasive ventilation can substantially reduce the duration of ventilatory assistance in these patients. Noninvasive ventilation can also be very helpful after extubation in patients recovering from an acute cause of neuromuscular respiratory failure who have persistent weakness. Noninvasive ventilation can improve quality of survival in patients with advanced motor neuron disorder (such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) and muscular dystrophies, and can avoid intubation when these patients present to the hospital with acute respiratory failure. Attempting noninvasive ventilation is not only typically unsuccessful in patients with Guillain-Barre syndrome, but can also be dangerous in these cases.

SUMMARY

Noninvasive ventilation can be very effective to treat acute respiratory failure caused by myasthenia gravis and to prevent reintubation in other neuromuscular patients, but should be used cautiously for other indications, particularly Guillain-Barre syndrome.

[Non-invasive and invasive out of hospital ventilation in chronic respiratory failure : Consensus report of the working group on ventilation and intensive care medicine of the Austrian Society of Pneumology]

The current consensus report was compiled under the patronage of the Austrian Society of Pneumology (Österreichischen Gesellschaft für Pneumologie, ÖGP) with the intention of providing practical guidelines for out-of-hospital ventilation that are in accordance with specific Austrian framework parameters and legal foundations. The guidelines are oriented toward a 2004 consensus ÖGP recommendation concerning the setup of long-term ventilated patients and the 2010 German Respiratory Society S2 guidelines on noninvasive and invasive ventilation of chronic respiratory insufficiency, adapted to national experiences and updated according to recent literature. In 11 chapters, the initiation, adjustment, and monitoring of out-of-hospital ventilation is described, as is the technical equipment and airway access. Additionally, the different indications-such as chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases, thoracic restrictive and neuromuscular diseases, obesity hypoventilation syndrome, and pediatric diseases-are discussed. Furthermore, the respiratory physiotherapy of adults and children on invasive and noninvasive long-term ventilation is addressed in detail.

Ultrasonographic diaphragmatic excursion is inaccurate and not better than the MRC score for predicting weaning-failure in mechanically ventilated patients

PURPOSE

To assess the ability of diaphragmatic ultrasound (US) to predict weaning failure in mechanically ventilated patients undergoing a first spontaneous breathing trial (SBT).

METHODS

During a 4-month period, 67 consecutive patients eligible for a first SBT underwent US measurements of maximal diaphragmatic excursion (MDE) by a right anterior subcostal approach. Weaning failure was defined as either the failure of SBT or the need for resumption of ventilatory support for acute respiratory failure or death within 48h following successful extubation. The accuracy of diaphragmatic ultrasound and the Medical Research Council (MRC) score when predicting weaning failure was assessed via a receiver operating curve analysis.

RESULTS

The feasibility rate for the ultrasound measurements was 63%. Mean values of MDE were significantly higher in patients who succeeded at their first weaning attempt (4.1±2.1 versus 3±1.8cm, P=0.04). Using a threshold of MDE≤2.7cm, the sensitivity and specificity of diaphragmatic ultrasound in predicting weaning failure were 59% [39-77%] and 71% [57-82%] with an AUC at 0.65 [0.51-0.78]. There was no significant difference between MDE values and MRC scores for predicting weaning failure (P=0.73).

CONCLUSION

A decrease in MDE values may be associated with an unfavourable weaning outcome. Diaphragmatic excursion measured by ultrasound is however unable by itself to predict weaning failure at the bedside of patients undergoing a first spontaneous breathing trial and does not provide any additional value compared to the MRC score.

Quantitation of oxygen-induced hypercapnia in respiratory pump failure

PURPOSE

To determine the likelihood that clinicians know carbon dioxide levels before administering supplemental oxygen to patients with neuromuscular disorders, to quantitate the effect of oxygen therapy on carbon dioxide retention, and to explore hypercapnia contributing to the need to intubate and use of continuous noninvasive ventilatory support to avert it.

BASIC PROCEDURES

A retrospective chart review for patients with neuromuscular disorders intubated or having intubation averted by using continuous noninvasive ventilatory support with carbon dioxide known pre- and during oxygen administration.

MAIN FINDINGS

For only 2 of 316 patients who were intubated did clinicians know carbon dioxide levels prior to administering oxygen. For four cases, intubation was averted by continuous noninvasive ventilatory support and mechanical insufflation-exsufflation despite severe hypercapnia and acidosis. After initiating oxygen therapy, patients' carbon dioxide partial pressures increased 52.1±42.0mmHg in over as little as 20min.

PRINCIPAL CONCLUSIONS

Clinicians should attempt to use continuous noninvasive ventilatory support and mechanical insufflation-exsufflation rather than supplemental oxygen to normalize blood gases for neuromuscular ventilatory failure and should be prepared to intubate hypercapnic patients for whom oxygen is administered.

Dispositivos ventilatórios não invasivos em criança portadora de amiotrofia espinhal do tipo 1: relato de caso

Resumo Introdução: amiotrofia espinhal do tipo 1 (AME 1) é uma doença genética autossômica recessiva que promove morte celular de neurônios motores localizados no corno anterior da medula e núcleos motores do tronco cerebral. A precoce morbimortalidade está associada à disfunção bulbar e insuficiência respiratória, necessitando de internamento hospitalar e de suporte ventilatório artificial. O objetivo do estudo foi divulgar a relevância da manutenção de paciente com AME 1 sem prótese ventilatória invasiva e com protocolo de fisioterapia individualizado, proporcionando melhor qualidade de vida e integração com seus familiares. Descrição: relato de caso de menor diagnosticado com AME 1 que aos 11 meses foi submetido à ventilação mecânica invasiva (VMI) por 76 dias, obtendo sucesso no desmame após aplicação de um protocolo de fisioterapia respiratória, incluindo a utilização de tosse mecanicamente assistida e ventilação não invasiva (VNI). Discussão: apesar das dificuldades e intercorrências observadas, a assistência proposta alcançou o objetivo de retirada da VMI e transferência para internação domiciliar com dispositivos ventilatórios não invasivos. A VMI por traqueostomia é considerada tratamento de eleição no Brasil, no entanto, as famílias precisam ser esclarecidas da irreversibilidade da doença e das possibilidades estratégicas das terapêuticas atuais (VMI, VNI e paliação) para o manuseio de criança grave com AME 1.

Diaphragm pacing and motor neurone disease: lessons for all?

Respiratory muscle involvement is inevitable in motor neurone disease (MND) and most patients will die a respiratory death. Noninvasive ventilation (NIV) has been shown to prolong life and improve quality of life [1]. It is therefore important to identify patients who should be offered NIV at an early stage, as a delay may result in presentation with catastrophic respiratory failure, requiring endotracheal intubation, which almost always results in an unplanned tracheostomy. It used to be considered that respiratory muscle involvement was only a feature of advanced disease, but this is not correct; if looked for there is evidence of respiratory muscle weakness in most patients by the time the diagnosis is made [2]. In a small number, the diagnosis is made when the patient presents with hypercapnic respiratory failure.

Respiratory physicians and neurologists should be cognisant of the respiratory complications of motor neurone diseasehttp://ow.ly/TIxe5

Assessment and management of respiratory function in patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy: current and emerging options

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is an X-linked myopathy resulting in progressive weakness and wasting of all the striated muscles including the respiratory muscles. The consequences are loss of ambulation before teen ages, cardiac involvement and breathing difficulties, the main cause of death. A cure for DMD is not currently available. In the last decades the survival of patients with DMD has improved because the natural history of the disease can be changed thanks to a more comprehensive therapeutic approach. This comprises interventions targeted to the manifestations and complications of the disease, particularly in the respiratory care. These include: 1) pharmacological intervention, namely corticosteroids and idebenone that significantly reduce the decline of spirometric parameters; 2) rehabilitative intervention, namely lung volume recruitment techniques that help prevent atelectasis and slows the rate of decline of pulmonary function; 3) scoliosis treatment, namely steroid therapy that is used to reduce muscle inflammation/degeneration and prolong ambulation in order to delay the onset of scoliosis, being an additional contribution to the restrictive lung pattern; 4) cough assisted devices that improve airway clearance thus reducing the risk of pulmonary infections; and 5) non-invasive mechanical ventilation that is essential to treat nocturnal hypoventilation, sleep disordered breathing, and ultimately respiratory failure. Without any intervention death occurs within the first 2 decades, however, thanks to this multidisciplinary therapeutic approach life expectancy of a newborn with DMD nowadays can be significantly prolonged up to his fourth decade. This review is aimed at providing state-of-the-art methods and techniques for the assessment and management of respiratory function in DMD patients.