Regional access to a centralized extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) service in Victoria, Australia

Introduction

Victoria, Australia provides a centralised state ECMO service, supported by ambulance retrieval. Equity of access to this service has not been previously described.

Objective

Describe the characteristics of ECMO recipients and quantify geographical and socioeconomic influence on access.

Design

Retrospective observational study with spatial mapping.

Participants and setting

Adult (≥18 years) ECMO recipients from July 2016-June 2022. Data from administrative Victorian Admissions Episodes Database analysed in conjunction with Australian Urban Research Infrastructure Network population data and choropleth mapping. Presumed ECMO modes were inferred from cardiopulmonary bypass and pre-hospital cardiac arrest codes. Spatial autoregressive models including Moran's test used for spatial lag testing.

Outcomes

Demographics and outcomes of ECMO recipients; ECMO incidence by patient residence (Statistical-Area Level 2, SA-2) and Index of Relative Socioeconomic Advantage and Disadvantage (IRSAD); and ECMO utilisation adjusted for patient factors and linear distance from the central ECMO referral site.

Results

631 adults received ECMO over 6 years, after exclusion of paediatric (n = 242), duplicate (n = 135), and interstate or incomplete (n = 72) records. Mean age was 51.8 years, and 68.8 % were male. Overall ECMO incidence was 3.00 ± 3.95 per 105 population. 135 (21.4 %) were presumed VA-ECMO, 59 (9.3 %) presumed ECPR, and 437 (69.3 %) presumed VV-ECMO. Spatial lag was non-significant after adjusting for patient characteristics. Distance from the central referral site (dy/dx = 0.19, 95% CI -0.41-0.04, p = 0.105) and IRSAD score (dy/dx = 0.17, 95% CI -0.19-0.53, p = 0.359) did not predict ECMO utilisation.

Conclusion

Victorian ECMO incidence rates were low. We did not find evidence of inequity of access to ECMO irrespective of regional area or socioeconomic status.

Deep learning segmentation and registration-driven lung parenchymal volume and movement CT analysis in prone positioning

PURPOSE

To conduct a volumetric and movement analysis of lung parenchyma in prone positioning using deep neural networks (DNNs).

METHOD

We included patients with suspected interstitial lung abnormalities or disease who underwent full-inspiratory supine and prone chest CT at a single institution between June 2021 and March 2022. A thoracic radiologist visually assessed the fibrosis extent in the total lung (using units of 10%) on supine CT. After preprocessing the images into 192×192×192 resolution, a DNN automatically segmented the whole lung and pulmonary lobes in prone and supine CT images. Affine registration matched the patient's center and location, and the DNN deformably registered prone and supine CT images to calculate the x-, y-, z-axis, and 3D pixel movements.

RESULTS

In total, 108 CT pairs had successful registration. Prone positioning significantly increased the left lower (90.2±69.5 mL, P = 0.000) and right lower lobar volumes (52.5±74.2 mL, P = 0.000). During deformable registration, the average maximum whole-lung pixel movements between the two positions were 1.5, 1.9, 1.6, and 2.8 cm in each axis and 3D plane. Compared to patients with <30% fibrosis, those with ≥30% fibrosis had smaller volume changes (P<0.001) and smaller pixel movements in all axes between the positions (P = 0.000-0.007). Forced vital capacity (FVC) correlated with the left lower lobar volume increase (Spearman correlation coefficient, 0.238) and the maximum whole-lung pixel movements in all axes (coefficients, 0.311 to 0.357).

CONCLUSIONS

Prone positioning led to the preferential expansion of the lower lobes, correlated with FVC, and lung fibrosis limited lung expansion during prone positioning.

Relationship between time-weighted average glucose and mortality in critically ill patients: a retrospective analysis of the MIMIC-IV database

Blood glucose management in intensive care units (ICU) remains a controversial topic. We assessed the association between time-weighted average glucose (TWAG) levels and ICU mortality in critically ill patients in a real-world study. This retrospective study included critically ill patients from the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care IV database. Glycemic distance is the difference between TWAG in the ICU and preadmission usual glycemia assessed with glycated hemoglobin at ICU admission. The TWAG and glycemic distance were divided into 4 groups and 3 groups, and their associations with ICU mortality risk were evaluated using multivariate logistic regression. Restricted cubic splines were used to explore the non-linear relationship. A total of 4737 adult patients were included. After adjusting for covariates, compared with TWAG ≤ 110 mg/dL, the odds ratios (ORs) of the TWAG > 110 mg/dL groups were 1.62 (95% CI 0.97-2.84, p = 0.075), 3.41 (95% CI 1.97-6.15, p < 0.05), and 6.62 (95% CI 3.6-12.6, p < 0.05). Compared with glycemic distance at - 15.1-20.1 mg/dL, the ORs of lower or higher groups were 0.78 (95% CI 0.50-1.21, p = 0.3) and 2.84 (95% CI 2.12-3.82, p < 0.05). The effect of hyperglycemia on ICU mortality was more pronounced in non-diabetic and non-septic patients. TWAG showed a U-shaped relationship with ICU mortality risk, and the mortality risk was minimal at 111 mg/dL. Maintaining glycemic distance ≤ 20.1 mg/dL may be beneficial. In different subgroups, the impact of hyperglycemia varied.

Long-stay ICU patients with frailty: mortality and recovery outcomes at 6 months

BACKGROUND

Prolonged intensive care unit (ICU) stay is associated with physical, cognitive, and psychological disabilities. The impact of baseline frailty on long-stay ICU patients remains uncertain. This study aims to investigate how baseline frailty influences mortality and post-ICU disability 6 months after critical illness in long-stay ICU patients.

METHODS

In this retrospective cohort study, we assessed patients hospitalized for ≥ 7 days in the ICU between May 2018 and May 2021, following them for up to 6 months or until death. Based on the Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS) at ICU admissions, patients were categorized as frail (CFS ≥ 5), pre-frail (CFS 3-4) and non-frail (CFS 1-2). Kaplan-Meier curves and a multivariate Cox model were used to examine the association between frailty and mortality. At the 6 month follow-up, we assessed psychological, physical, cognitive outcomes, and health-related quality of life (QoL) using descriptive statistics and linear regressions.

RESULTS

We enrolled 531 patients, of which 178 (33.6%) were frail, 200 (37.6%) pre-frail and 153 (28.8%) non-frail. Frail patients were older, had more comorbidities, and greater disease severity at ICU admission. At 6 months, frail patients presented higher mortality rates than pre-frail and non-frail patients (34.3% (61/178) vs. 21% (42/200) vs. 13.1% (20/153) respectively, p < 0.01). The rate of withdrawing or withholding of care did not differ significantly between the groups. Compared with CFS 1-2, the adjusted hazard ratios of death at 6 months were 1.7 (95% CI 0.9-2.9) for CFS 3-4 and 2.9 (95% CI 1.7-4.9) for CFS ≥ 5. At 6 months, 192 patients were seen at a follow-up consultation. In multivariate linear regressions, CFS ≥ 5 was associated with poorer physical health-related QoL, but not with poorer mental health-related QoL, compared with CFS 1-2.

CONCLUSION

Frailty is associated with increased mortality and poorer physical health-related QoL in long-stay ICU patients at 6 months. The admission CFS can help inform patients and families about the complexities of survivorship during a prolonged ICU stay.

Association between frailty and clinical outcomes in patients undergoing craniotomy-systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies

BACKGROUND

Frailty in patients undergoing craniotomy may affect perioperative outcomes. There have been a number of studies published in this field; however, evidence is yet to be summarized in a quantitative review format. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to examine the effects of frailty on perioperative outcomes in patients undergoing craniotomy surgery.

METHODS

Our eligibility criteria included adult patients undergoing open cranial surgery. We searched MEDLINE via Ovid SP, EMBASE via Ovid SP, Cochrane Library, and grey literature. We included retrospective and prospective observational studies. Our primary outcome was a composite of complications as per the Clavien-Dindo classification system. We utilized a random-effects model of meta-analysis. We conducted three preplanned subgroup analyses: patients undergoing cranial surgery for tumor surgery only, patients undergoing non-tumor surgery, and patients older than 65 undergoing cranial surgery. We explored sources of heterogeneity through a sensitivity analysis and post hoc analysis.

RESULTS

In this review of 63,159 patients, the pooled prevalence of frailty was 46%. The odds ratio of any Clavien-Dindo grade 1-4 complication developing in frail patients compared to non-frail patients was 2.01 [1.90-2.14], with no identifiable heterogeneity and a moderate level of evidence. As per GradePro evidence grading methods, there was low-quality evidence for patients being discharged to a location other than home, length of stay, and increased mortality in frail patients.

CONCLUSION

Increased frailty was associated with increased odds of any Clavien-Dindo 1-4 complication. Frailty measurements may be used as an integral component of risk-assessment strategies to improve the quality and value of neurosurgical care for patients undergoing craniotomy surgery.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

Formal ethical approval is not needed, as primary data were not collected.

SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION

PROSPERO identification number: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=405240.

Factors predictive of hospital admission for children via emergency departments in Australia and Sweden: an observational cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Identifying factors predictive of hospital admission can be useful to prospectively inform bed management and patient flow strategies and decrease emergency department (ED) crowding. It is largely unknown if admission rate or factors predictive of admission vary based on the population to which the ED served (i.e., children only, or both adults and children). This study aimed to describe the profile and identify factors predictive of hospital admission for children who presented to four EDs in Australia and one ED in Sweden.

METHODS

A multi-site observational cross-sectional study using routinely collected data pertaining to ED presentations made by children < 18 years of age between July 1, 2011 and October 31, 2012. Univariate and multivariate analysis were undertaken to determine factors predictive of hospital admission.

RESULTS

Of the 151,647 ED presentations made during the study period, 22% resulted in hospital admission. Admission rate varied by site; the children's EDs in Australia had higher admission rates (South Australia: 26%, Queensland: 23%) than the mixed (adult and children's) EDs (South Australia: 13%, Queensland: 17%, Sweden: 18%). Factors most predictive of hospital admission for children, after controlling for triage category, included hospital type (children's only) adjusted odds ratio (aOR):2.3 (95%CI: 2.2-2.4), arrival by ambulance aOR:2.8 (95%CI: 2.7-2.9), referral from primary health aOR:1.5 (95%CI: 1.4-1.6) and presentation with a respiratory or gastrointestinal condition (aOR:2.6, 95%CI: 2.5-2.8 and aOR:1.5, 95%CI: 1.4-1.6, respectively). Predictors were similar when each site was considered separately.

CONCLUSIONS

Although the characteristics of children varied by site, factors predictive of hospital admission were mostly similar. The awareness of these factors predicting the need for hospital admission can support the development of clinical pathways.

Association between Controlling Nutritional Status (CONUT) Score and Body Composition, Inflammation and Frailty in Hospitalized Elderly Patients

The Controlling Nutritional Status (CONUT) score has demonstrated its ability to identify patients with poor nutritional status and predict various clinical outcomes. Our objective was to assess the association between the CONUT score, inflammatory status, and body composition, as well as its ability to identify patients at risk of frailty in hospitalized elderly patients.

METHODS

a total of 361 patients were retrospectively recruited and divided into three groups based on the CONUT score.

RESULTS

patients with a score ≥5 exhibited significantly higher levels of inflammatory markers, such as erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP), Neutrophil/Lymphocytes ratio (NLR), main platelet volume (MPV), and ferritin, compared to those with a lower score. Furthermore, these patients showed unfavorable changes in body composition, including a lower percentage of skeletal muscle mass (MM) and fat-free mass (FFM) and a higher percentage of fatty mass (FM). A positive correlation was found between the CONUT score and inflammatory markers, Geriatric Depression Scale Short Form (GDS-SF), and FM. Conversely, the Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA), Mini-Mental Status Examination, activity daily living (ADL), instrumental activity daily living (IADL), Barthel index, FFM, and MM showed a negative correlation. Frailty was highly prevalent among patients with a higher CONUT score. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve demonstrated high accuracy in identifying frail patients (sensitivity).

CONCLUSIONS

a high CONUT score is associated with a pro-inflammatory status as well as with unfavorable body composition. Additionally, it is a good tool to identify frailty among hospitalized elderly patients.

Effects of driving pressure-guided ventilation on postoperative pulmonary complications in patients with COVID-19 undergoing abdominal surgery: A post-hoc propensity score-matched analysis

Background

Application of individualized positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) based on minimum driving pressure facilitates to prevent from postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs). Whether lung protective ventilation strategy can reduce the risk of PPCs in COVID-19 patients remains unclear. In this study, we compared the effects of driving pressure-guided ventilation with conventional mechanical ventilation on PPCs in patients with COVID-19.

Methods

Patients infected COVID-19 within 30-day before surgery were retrospectively enrolled consecutively. Patients were divided into two group: driving pressure-guided lung protective ventilation strategy group (LPVS group) and conventional mechanical ventilation group (Control group). Propensity score matching for variables selected was used by logistic regression with the nearest-neighbor method. The outcomes were the incidence of PPCs and hypoxemia in post-anesthesia care unit.

Results

There was no significant difference in the baseline data between both groups (P > 0.05). The incidence of PPCs (12.73 % vs 36.36 %, χ2 = 7.068, P = 0.008) and hypoxemia [18.18 % vs 38.18 %, χ2 = 4.492, P = 0.034], and lung ultrasound scores [4.68 ± 1.60 vs 8.39 ± 1.87, t = 8.383, P < 0.001] in LPVS group were lower than control group. The PEEP, airway pressure and plateau pressure in LPVS group were higher than control group, but driving pressure and tidal volume was lower than control group, the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Individualized PEEP ventilation strategy guided by minimum driving pressure could improve oxygenation and reduce the incidence of PPCs in surgical patients with COVID-19.

Impact of two endotracheal tube fixation on the incidence of peri-oral lesions: Elastic adhesive strips versus cord in a protective sheath. Study protocol for a cluster cross-over randomized trial

BACKGROUND

Endotracheal tube fixation in ventilated patients must be appropriate to ensure security during mechanical ventilation and prevent skin lesions. The incidence of endotracheal tube-caused pressure ulcers ranges from 7% to 45%. Various endotracheal tube fixations are used in intensive care units (ICUs) worldwide. By pressure exercised on the skin, these systems could lead to mucosal and skin peri-oral lesions. The main objective of this study is to evaluate the impact of the two fixation systems most commonly used in French ICUs (adhesive elastic band versus fixation cord with PolyVinyl Chloride (PVC) sheath) on the incidence of these peri-oral skin lesions.

METHODS

This studyis a multicenter, open-label, controlled, superiority, cluster cross-over randomized trial. 768 patients will be recruited in the 16 ICUs involved. The inclusion of patients will be carried out over two 12-month periods. Each site begins with one of the evaluated fixation systems: elastic adhesive tape or cord associated with a protective sheath. After a 4-month break, each site switches to the other fixation system. The primary outcome is the development of at least one peri-oral lesion during the first ten days of maintaining an orally inserted endotracheal tube. The presence of lesions is assessed by a blinded adjudication committee using photographs taken daily.

DISCUSSION

This study is the first multicenter, randomized trial designed to evaluate the impact of elastic adhesive tape versus fixation cord with PVC sheath on the incidence of peri-oral lesions. The results will provide data which could change and standardize care practices.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

https://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Reference number: NCT04819425.

Vulnerability of the Hippocampus to Insults: Links to Blood-Brain Barrier Dysfunction

The hippocampus is a critical brain substrate for learning and memory; events that harm the hippocampus can seriously impair mental and behavioral functioning. Hippocampal pathophysiologies have been identified as potential causes and effects of a remarkably diverse array of medical diseases, psychological disorders, and environmental sources of damage. It may be that the hippocampus is more vulnerable than other brain areas to insults that are related to these conditions. One purpose of this review is to assess the vulnerability of the hippocampus to the most prevalent types of insults in multiple biomedical domains (i.e., neuroactive pathogens, neurotoxins, neurological conditions, trauma, aging, neurodegenerative disease, acquired brain injury, mental health conditions, endocrine disorders, developmental disabilities, nutrition) and to evaluate whether these insults affect the hippocampus first and more prominently compared to other brain loci. A second purpose is to consider the role of hippocampal blood-brain barrier (BBB) breakdown in either causing or worsening the harmful effects of each insult. Recent research suggests that the hippocampal BBB is more fragile compared to other brain areas and may also be more prone to the disruption of the transport mechanisms that act to maintain the internal milieu. Moreover, a compromised BBB could be a factor that is common to many different types of insults. Our analysis indicates that the hippocampus is more vulnerable to insults compared to other parts of the brain, and that developing interventions that protect the hippocampal BBB may help to prevent or ameliorate the harmful effects of many insults on memory and cognition.

Ventilation during extracorporeal gas exchange in acute respiratory distress syndrome

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Accumulating evidence ascribes the benefit of extracorporeal gas exchange, at least in most severe cases, to the provision of a lung healing environment through the mitigation of ventilator-induced lung injury (VILI) risk. In spite of pretty homogeneous criteria for extracorporeal gas exchange application (according to the degree of hypoxemia/hypercapnia), ventilatory management during extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO)/carbon dioxide removal (ECCO 2 R) varies across centers. Here we summarize the recent evidence regarding the management of mechanical ventilation during extracorporeal gas exchange for respiratory support.

RECENT FINDINGS

At present, the most common approach to protect the native lung against VILI following ECMO initiation involves lowering tidal volume and driving pressure, making modest reductions in respiratory rate, while typically maintaining positive end-expiratory pressure levels unchanged.Regarding ECCO 2 R treatment, higher efficiency devices are required in order to reduce significantly respiratory rate and/or tidal volume.

SUMMARY

The best compromise between reduction of native lung ventilatory load, extracorporeal gas exchange efficiency, and strategies to preserve lung aeration deserves further investigation.

Prolonged intensive care: muscular functional, and nutritional insights from the COVID-19 pandemic

During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, clinical staff learned how to manage patients enduring extended stays in an intensive care unit (ICU). COVID-19 patients requiring critical care in an ICU face a high risk of experiencing prolonged intensive care (PIC). The use of invasive mechanical ventilation in individuals with severe acute respiratory distress syndrome can cause numerous complications that influence both short-term and long-term morbidity and mortality. Those risks underscore the importance of proactively addressing functional complications. Mitigating secondary complications unrelated to the primary pathology of admission is imperative in minimizing the risk of PIC. Therefore, incorporating strategies to do that into daily ICU practice for both COVID-19 patients and those critically ill from other conditions is significantly important.

The addition of Cytosorb in patients on VA-ECMO improves urinary output and ICU survival

INTRODUCTION

The aim of this study was to analyze the efficiency of CytoSorb adsorber in patients presenting with cardiogenic shock and treated with venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO).

METHODS

Sixteen patients put on VA ECMO due to cardiogenic shock were included, stratified according to the use of Cytosorb adsorber in the first 24 h and compared across different clinical outcomes.

RESULTS

Significantly lower vasopressor doses were required among patients treated with Cytosorb at the initiation and before weaning from ECMO. Furthermore, these patients showed significantly higher urine output before weaning and lower lactate levels during the extracorporeal support. Finally, the mortality rate was lower among the Cytosorb therapy group (22.2% vs 57.1%).

CONCLUSION

While a decrease in vasopressor doses was already associated with CytoSorb use, this is the first study showing an increase in urinary output and a trend towards better survival among patients on VA ECMO treated with CytoSorb.

Outcomes in Obese Adult Veno-Venous Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation: A Systematic Review

Obesity is associated with an overall increased risk of morbidity and mortality. However, in patients with critical illness, sepsis, and acute respiratory distress syndrome, obesity may be protective, termed "the obesity paradox." This is a systematic literature review of articles published from 2000 to 2022 evaluating complications and mortality in adults with respiratory failure on veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VV ECMO) based on body mass index (BMI). Eighteen studies with 517 patients were included. Common complications included acute renal failure (175/377, 46.4%), venous thrombosis (175/293, 59.7%), and bleeding (28/293, 9.6%). Of the six cohort studies, two showed improved mortality among obese patients, two showed a trend toward improved mortality, and two showed no difference. Comparing all patients in the studies with BMI of less than 30 to those with BMI of greater than or equal to 30, we noted decreased mortality with obesity (92, 37.1% of BMI <30 vs. 30, 11% of BMI ≥30, p ≤ 0.0001). Obesity may be protective against mortality in adult patients undergoing VV ECMO. Morbid and super morbid obesity should not be considered a contraindication to cannulation, with patients with BMI ≥ 80 surviving to discharge. Complications may be high, however, with higher rates of continuous renal replacement therapy and thrombosis among obese patients.

Venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in patients with traumatic brain injuries and severe respiratory failure: A single-center retrospective analysis

BACKGROUND

Venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VV ECMO) can support trauma patients with severe respiratory failure. Use in traumatic brain injury (TBI) may raise concerns of worsening complications from intracranial bleeding. However, VV ECMO can rapidly correct hypoxemia and hypercarbia, possibly preventing secondary brain injury. We hypothesize that adult trauma patients with TBI on VV ECMO have comparable survival with trauma patients without TBI.

METHODS

A single-center, retrospective cohort study involving review of electronic medical records of trauma admissions between July 1, 2014, and August 30, 2022, with discharge diagnosis of TBI who were placed on VV ECMO during their hospital course was performed.

RESULTS

Seventy-five trauma patients were treated with VV ECMO; 36 (48%) had TBI. Of those with TBI, 19 (53%) had a hemorrhagic component. Survival was similar between patients with and without a TBI (72% vs. 64%, p = 0.45). Traumatic brain injury survivors had a higher admission Glasgow Coma Scale (7 vs. 3, p < 0.001) than nonsurvivors. Evaluation of prognostic scoring systems on initial head computed tomography demonstrated that TBI VV ECMO survivors were more likely to have a Rotterdam score of 2 (62% vs. 20%, p = 0.03) and no survivors had a Marshall score of ≥4. Twenty-nine patients (81%) had a repeat head computed tomography on VV ECMO with one incidence of expanding hematoma and one new focus of bleeding. Neither patient with a new/worsening bleed received anticoagulation. Survivors demonstrated favorable neurologic outcomes at discharge and outpatient follow-up, based on their mean Rancho Los Amigos Scale (6.5; SD, 1.2), median Cerebral Performance Category (2; interquartile range, 1-2), and median Glasgow Outcome Scale-Extended (7.5; interquartile range, 7-8).

CONCLUSION

In this series, the majority of TBI patients survived and had good neurologic outcomes despite a low admission Glasgow Coma Scale. Venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation may minimize secondary brain injury and may be considered in select patients with TBI.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Prognostic and Epidemiological; Level IV.

Mucosal membrane pressure injury in intensive care units: A scoping review

AIM

To describe published work on the current situation of mucosal membrane pressure injury of patients in the intensive care unit.

BACKGROUND

Device-related pressure injuries in critically ill patients are mostly focused on skin surface injuries, and less attention is paid to mucosal membrane pressure injury.

METHODS

We searched PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, CINAHL, and Cochrane Library from database construction until March 1, 2023. Two researchers independently screened and extracted data.

RESULTS

Eighteen articles met our criteria and were published in 2014-2023. The included studies showed that the incidence of mucosal membrane pressure injury in critically ill patients ranged from 0.83% to 88.2%, and the prevalence ranged from 0.16% to 55.6%. The most frequently reported site of mucosal injury is the oral mucosa, followed by the nasal mucosa. Ten studies used Braden to assess the risk of mucosal membrane pressure injury, and only six studies reported specific stages of mucosal membrane pressure injury. Thirteen studies described 30 risk factors for mucosal membrane pressure injury, with albumin being the most frequently reported risk factor, followed by the vasoconstrictive drugs use. Thirty risk factors were summarized in six aspects: medical device-related factors, disease-related factors, treatment- related factors, physiological and biochemical parameters, demographic-related factors, and microbial colonisation.

CONCLUSIONS

The incidence or prevalence of mucosal membrane pressure injury varies widely, and specific risk assessment tools and standardized staging criteria need to be further determined. The risk factors of mucosal membrane pressure injury involve multiple aspects, and some risk factors have only been explored in few studies and need to be further verified, in order to detect the risk group of mucosal membrane pressure injury early and take targeted preventive measures.

IMPLICATIONS FOR CLINICAL PRACTICE

We synthesized the current research status of mucosal membrane pressure injury in critically ill patients, which can provide a valuable reference for the clinical staff to develop preventive and management measures for such patients.

The effect of audiobooks on sleep quality and vital signs in intensive care patients

OBJECTIVE

Improving sleep quality in the intensive care unit is significant for the recovery process. This study investigated the effect of listening to audiobooks on sleep quality and vital signs in intensive care patients.

METHODS

This quasi-experimental study utilized the pre-posttest design, involving control and intervention groups. The study was conducted in the internal medicine intensive care unit of a hospital in Turkey between January-June 2022. Standard nursing care was given to both groups on the first night, and the Sleep Evaluation Form and Richard Campbell Sleep Scale were used to measure sleep quality in the morning. On the second day, the intervention group listened to a recorded story, and the control group had standard care. Sleep quality and vital signs were measured again.

RESULTS

Data from 56 participants were analyzed. Noise (96.4%), light (69.6%), unfamiliar environment (64.8%), concerns about illness (33.9%), and care and treatments (58.9%) are the main causes of sleep disruption. The effect of these factors decreased in the intervention group after the Audiobook Listening Practice, which significantly improved the sleep quality of the ICU patients (p < 0.001). Among the vital signs, a significant difference was found in pulse and blood pressure (p < 0.001), while no changes were observed in temperature and respiratory rate in time group interaction (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The Audiobook Listening Practice improved sleep quality and life parameters in the ICU. Nurses can use the practice to improve sleep quality in intensive care units.

IMPLICATIONS FOR CLINICAL PRACTICE

Evidence-based studies are needed to improve the sleep quality of patients in intensive care units, to ensure clinical improvement, and to reduce the length of stay at hospital. The practice is effective in manipulating environmental stressors. This low-cost method significantly improves patient care activities. It is recommended to integrate such complementary activities into intensive care units, to train nurses about the practice, and to support the practice with new studies.

Society of Critical Care Medicine Guidelines on Recognizing and Responding to Clinical Deterioration Outside the ICU: 2023

RATIONALE

Clinical deterioration of patients hospitalized outside the ICU is a source of potentially reversible morbidity and mortality. To address this, some acute care hospitals have implemented systems aimed at detecting and responding to such patients.

OBJECTIVES

To provide evidence-based recommendations for hospital clinicians and administrators to optimize recognition and response to clinical deterioration in non-ICU patients.

PANEL DESIGN

The 25-member panel included representatives from medicine, nursing, respiratory therapy, pharmacy, patient/family partners, and clinician-methodologists with expertise in developing evidence-based Clinical Practice Guidelines.

METHODS

We generated actionable questions using the Population, Intervention, Control, and Outcomes (PICO) format and performed a systematic review of the literature to identify and synthesize the best available evidence. We used the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation Approach to determine certainty in the evidence and to formulate recommendations and good practice statements (GPSs).

RESULTS

The panel issued 10 statements on recognizing and responding to non-ICU patients with critical illness. Healthcare personnel and institutions should ensure that all vital sign acquisition is timely and accurate (GPS). We make no recommendation on the use of continuous vital sign monitoring among unselected patients. We suggest focused education for bedside clinicians in signs of clinical deterioration, and we also suggest that patient/family/care partners' concerns be included in decisions to obtain additional opinions and help (both conditional recommendations). We recommend hospital-wide deployment of a rapid response team or medical emergency team (RRT/MET) with explicit activation criteria (strong recommendation). We make no recommendation about RRT/MET professional composition or inclusion of palliative care members on the responding team but suggest that the skill set of responders should include eliciting patients' goals of care (conditional recommendation). Finally, quality improvement processes should be part of a rapid response system.

CONCLUSIONS

The panel provided guidance to inform clinicians and administrators on effective processes to improve the care of patients at-risk for developing critical illness outside the ICU.

Extracorporeal Life Support Organization Registry International Report 2022: 100,000 Survivors

The Extracorporeal Life Support Organization (ELSO) maintains the world's largest extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) registry by volume, center participation, and international scope. This 2022 ELSO Registry Report describes the program characteristics of ECMO centers, processes of ECMO care, and reported outcomes. Neonates (0-28 days), children (29 days-17 years), and adults (≥18 years) supported with ECMO from 2009 through 2022 and reported to the ELSO Registry were included. This report describes adjunctive therapies, support modes, treatments, complications, and survival outcomes. Data are presented descriptively as counts and percent or median and interquartile range (IQR) by year, group, or level. Missing values were excluded before calculating descriptive statistics. Complications are reported per 1,000 ECMO hours. From 2009 to 2022, 154,568 ECMO runs were entered into the ELSO Registry. Seven hundred and eighty centers submitted data during this time (557 in 2022). Since 2009, the median annual number of adult ECMO runs per center per year increased from 4 to 15, whereas for pediatric and neonatal runs, the rate decreased from 12 to 7. Over 50% of patients were transferred to the reporting ECMO center; 20% of these patients were transported with ECMO. The use of prone positioning before respiratory ECMO increased from 15% (2019) to 44% (2021) for adults during the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Survival to hospital discharge was greatest at 68.5% for neonatal respiratory support and lowest at 29.5% for ECPR delivered to adults. By 2022, the Registry had enrolled its 200,000th ECMO patient and 100,000th patient discharged alive. Since its inception, the ELSO Registry has helped centers measure and compare outcomes across its member centers and strategies of care. Continued growth and development of the Registry will aim to bolster its utility to patients and centers.

Chest CT findings in severe acute respiratory distress syndrome requiring V-V ECMO: J-CARVE registry

BACKGROUND

Chest computed tomography findings are helpful for understanding the pathophysiology of severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). However, there is no large, multicenter, chest computed tomography registry for patients requiring veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (V-V ECMO). The aim of this study was to describe chest computed tomography findings at V-V ECMO initiation and to evaluate the association between the findings and outcomes in severe ARDS.

METHODS

This multicenter, retrospective cohort study enrolled patients with severe ARDS on V-V ECMO, who were admitted to the intensive care units of 24 hospitals in Japan between January 1, 2012, and December 31, 2022.

RESULTS

The primary outcome was 90-day in-hospital mortality. The secondary outcomes were the successful liberation from V-V ECMO and the values of static lung compliance. Among the 697 registry patients, of the 582 patients who underwent chest computed tomography at V-V ECMO initiation, 394 survived and 188 died. Multivariate Cox regression showed that traction bronchiectasis and subcutaneous emphysema increased the risk of 90-day in-hospital mortality (hazard ratio [95% confidence interval] 1.77 [1.19-2.63], p = 0.005 and 1.97 [1.02-3.79], p = 0.044, respectively). The presence of traction bronchiectasis was also associated with decreased successful liberation from V-V ECMO (odds ratio: 0.27 [0.14-0.52], p < 0.001). Lower static lung compliance was associated with some chest computed tomography findings related to changes outside of pulmonary opacity, but not with the findings related to pulmonary opacity.

CONCLUSIONS

Traction bronchiectasis and subcutaneous emphysema increased the risk of 90-day in-hospital mortality in patients with severe ARDS who required V-V ECMO.

The Long-Term Impact of Frailty After an Intensive Care Unit Admission Due to Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Rationale

Frailty is an increasingly recognized aspect of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The impact of frailty on long-term survival after admission to an intensive care unit (ICU) due to an exacerbation of COPD has not been described.

Objective

The objective was to quantify the impact of frailty on time to death up to 4 years after admission to the ICU in Australia and New Zealand for an exacerbation of COPD.

Methods

We performed a multicenter retrospective cohort study of adult patients admitted to 179 ICUs with a primary diagnosis of an exacerbation of COPD using the Australian and New Zealand Intensive Care Society Adult Patient Database from January 1, 2018, through December 31, 2020, in New Zealand, and March 31, 2022, in Australia. Frailty was measured using the clinical frailty scale (CFS). The primary outcome was survival up to 4 years after ICU admission. The secondary outcome was readmission to the ICU due to an exacerbation of COPD.

Measurements and Main Results

We examined 7126 patients of which 3859 (54.1%) were frail (CFS scores of 5-8). Mortality in not-frail individuals versus frail individuals at 1 and 4 years was 19.8% versus 40.4%, and 56.8% versus 77.3% respectively (both p<0.001). Frailty was independently associated with a shorter time to death (adjusted hazard ratio 1.66; 95% confidence interval 1.54-1.80).There was no difference in the proportion of survivors with or without frailty who were readmitted to the ICU during a subsequent hospitalization.

Conclusions

Frailty was independently associated with poorer long-term survival in patients admitted to the ICU with an exacerbation of COPD.

Traumatic Transradial Forearm Amputation Temporized With Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation: A Brief Report

INTRODUCTION

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is typically used to provide mechanical perfusion and gas exchange to critically ill patients with cardiopulmonary failure. We present a case of a traumatic high transradial amputation in which the amputated limb was placed on ECMO to allow for limb perfusion during bony fixation and preparations and coordination of orthopedic and vascular soft tissue reconstructions.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This is a descriptive single case report which underwent managment at a level 1 trauma center. Instutional review board (IRB) approval was obtained.

RESULTS

This case highlights many important factors of limb salvage. First, complex limb salvage requires a well-organized, pre-planned multi-disciplinary approach to optimize patient outcomes. Second, advancements in trauma resuscitation and reconstructive techniques over the past 20 years have drastically expanded the ability of treating surgeons to preserve limbs that would have otherwise been indicated for amputation. Lastly, which will be the focus of further discussion, ECMO and EP have a role in the limb salvage algorithm to extend current timing limitations for ischemia, allow for multidisciplinary planning, and prevent reperfusion injury with increasing literature to support its use.

CONCLUSIONS

ECMO is an emerging technology that may have clinical utility for traumatic amputations, limb salvage, and free flap cases. In particular, it may extend current limitations of ischemia time and reduce the incidence of ischemia reperfusion injury in proximal amputation, thus expanding the current indications for proximal limb replantation. It is clear that developing a multi-disciplinary limb salvage team with standardized treatment protocols is paramount to optimize patient outcomes and allows limb salvage to be pursued in increasingly complex cases.

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) in patients with tuberculosis: systematic review and meta-analysis of 43 cases

INTRODUCTION

Tuberculosis (TB) is still a major contributor to the global health burden. Pulmonary TB can lead to life-threatening respiratory failure necessitating extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) therapy. However, data on ECMO experience in the management of TB patients are scarce.

METHODS

We conducted a systematic review of the literature using the search terms ECMO, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, TB and tuberculosis in three databases (Medline, Web of Science and EMBASE). Clinical data were extracted by two independent investigators. Clinical parameters, such as mode of ECMO therapy, duration of treatment and clinical outcomes, were assessed.

RESULTS

Overall, 43 patients from 15 countries were included in the analysis. The age ranged from 0 to 65 years, 39.5% were male, and 60.5% were female. The majority of patients suffered from ARDS (83.4%), with a mean Horovitz quotient of 68.1 (range 30.0-131.0). 83.7% received VV-ECMO, and 24.3% received VA-ECMO. Coinfections and complications were frequently observed (45.5% and 48.6% respectively). At the end of the respective observation period, the overall outcome was excellent, with 81.4% survival.

DISCUSSION

ECMO therapy in TB patients appears to be a feasible therapeutic option, providing a bridge until antimycobacterial therapy takes effect. As the underlying cause is reversible, we advocate for the evaluation of ECMO usage in these patients with acute cardiac or respiratory failure.

Prone positioning effect on tracheal intubation rate, mortality and oxygenation parameters in awake non-intubated severe COVID-19-induced respiratory failure: a review of reviews

BACKGROUND

Prone positioning (PP) is a low-cost method with minimal risk to the patient that improves the oxygenation of patients with acute hypoxic respiratory failure (AHRF) due to COVID-19 pneumonia, thereby reducing their need for tracheal intubation (TI) and transferring to the intensive care unit (ICU). We aimed to overview the results of all previous systematic reviews and meta-analyses to examine the net effect of PP on oxygenation, the rate of TI and mortality in COVID-19 patients.

METHODS

We searched PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and Cochrane Library databases from December 2019 through 2022 without publication language restriction for systematic reviews and meta-analysis studies on PP vs. supine position (SP) in conscious patients with hypoxic respiratory failure COVID-19. After study selection, data were extracted from published meta-analyses and pooled by comprehensive meta-analysis (CMA) software version 2.2.064 to achieve effect sizes. They were analyzed for TI and mortality rates dichotomous variables, and the results were shown as pooled odds ratios (OR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI). Continuous variables such as oxygenation indices (PaO2/FiO2 and SpO2) were also analyzed, and the data were shown as mean differences (MD) with lower and upper CI. The level of statistical significance was set at p ≤ 0.05.

RESULTS

Twelve systematic reviews and meta-analyses with 19,651 patients and six systematic reviews with 2,911 patients were included in this Review of Reviews (total: 22,562). PP treatment significantly reduced the rate of TI (OR = 0.639, %95 CI (0.492, 0.829); P-value = 0.001) and decreased mortality (OR = 0.363, %95 CI (0.240, 0.549), P-value < 0.001). There was no difference in PaO2/FiO2 (MD = 3.591[- 40.881, 48.062]; P-value = 0.874) and SpO2 percent (MD = 1.641[- 4.441, 7.723]; P-value = 0.597).

CONCLUSION

Prone positioning can be recommended in conscious ICU patients with COVID-19 pneumonia to reduce mortality and intubation.

SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION

PROSPERO registration number: CRD42022326951. Registered 25 April 2022.

Ischemia-Reperfusion Programming of Alzheimer's Disease-Related Genes-A New Perspective on Brain Neurodegeneration after Cardiac Arrest

The article presents the latest data on pathological changes after cerebral ischemia caused by cardiac arrest. The data include amyloid accumulation, tau protein modification, neurodegenerative and cognitive changes, and gene and protein changes associated with Alzheimer's disease. We present the latest data on the dysregulation of genes related to the metabolism of the amyloid protein precursor, tau protein, autophagy, mitophagy, apoptosis, and amyloid and tau protein transport genes. We report that neuronal death after cerebral ischemia due to cardiac arrest may be dependent and independent of caspase. Moreover, neuronal death dependent on amyloid and modified tau protein has been demonstrated. Finally, the results clearly indicate that changes in the expression of the presented genes play an important role in acute and secondary brain damage and the development of post-ischemic brain neurodegeneration with the Alzheimer's disease phenotype. The data indicate that the above genes may be a potential therapeutic target for brain therapy after ischemia due to cardiac arrest. Overall, the studies show that the genes studied represent attractive targets for the development of new therapies to minimize ischemic brain injury and neurological dysfunction. Additionally, amyloid-related genes expression and tau protein gene modification after cerebral ischemia due to cardiac arrest are useful in identifying ischemic mechanisms associated with Alzheimer's disease. Cardiac arrest illustrates the progressive, time- and area-specific development of neuropathology in the brain with the expression of genes responsible for the processing of amyloid protein precursor and the occurrence of tau protein and symptoms of dementia such as those occurring in patients with Alzheimer's disease. By carefully examining the common genetic processes involved in these two diseases, these data may help unravel phenomena associated with the development of Alzheimer's disease and neurodegeneration after cerebral ischemia and may lead future research on Alzheimer's disease or cerebral ischemia in new directions.

Hemoadsorption in acute respiratory distress syndrome patients requiring venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

Venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VV ECMO) has been widely used for severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) in recent years. However, the role of hemoadsorption in ARDS patients requiring VV ECMO is unclear.

METHODS

Therefore, we conducted a systematic review to describe the effect of hemoadsorption on outcomes of ARDS patients requiring VV ECMO and elucidate the risk factors for adverse outcomes. We conducted and reported a systematic literature review based on the principles derived from the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement. The systematic review searched Embase, CINHAL, and Pubmed databases for studies on ARDS patients receiving hemoadsorption and VV ECMO. The demographic data, clinical data and biological data of the patients were collected.

RESULTS

We ultimately included a total of 8 articles including 189 patients. We characterized the population both clinically and biologically. Our review showed most studies described reductions in inflammatory markers and fluid resuscitation drug dosage in ARDS patients with Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) or sepsis after hemoadsorption.

CONCLUSION

Because most of the studies have the characteristics of high heterogeneity, we could only draw very cautious conclusions that hemoadsorption therapy may enhance hemodynamic stability in ARDS patients with COVID-19 or sepsis receiving VV ECMO support. However, our results do not allow us to draw conclusions that hemoadsorption could reduce inflammation and mortality. Prospective randomized controlled studies with a larger sample size are needed in the future to verify the role of hemoadsorption in ARDS patients requiring VV ECMO.

Lung transplant outcomes after acute respiratory distress syndrome requiring extracorporeal life support: Lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic

OBJECTIVE

Lung transplant for acute respiratory distress syndrome in patients supported with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation was rare before 2020, but was rapidly adopted to rescue patients with COVID-19 with lung failure. This study aims to compare the outcomes of patients who underwent lung transplant for COVID-associated acute respiratory distress syndrome and non-COVID acute respiratory distress syndrome, and to assess the impact of type and duration of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support on survival.

METHODS

Using the United Network for Organ Sharing database, we identified 311 patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome who underwent lung transplant from 2007 to 2022 and performed a retrospective analysis of the patients who required extracorporeal membrane oxygenation preoperatively, stratified by COVID-associated acute respiratory distress syndrome and non-COVID acute respiratory distress syndrome listing diagnoses. The primary outcome was 1-year survival. Secondary outcomes included the effect of type and duration of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation on survival.

RESULTS

During the study period, 236 patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome and preoperative extracorporeal membrane oxygenation underwent lung transplant; 181 patients had a listing diagnosis of COVID-associated acute respiratory distress syndrome (77%), and 55 patients had a listing diagnosis of non-COVID acute respiratory distress syndrome (23%). Patients with COVID-associated acute respiratory distress syndrome were older, were more likely to be female, had higher body mass index, and spent longer on the waitlist (all P < .02) than patients with non-COVID acute respiratory distress syndrome. The 2 groups had similar 1-year survival (85.8% vs 81.1%, P = .2) with no differences in postoperative complications. Patients with COVID-associated acute respiratory distress syndrome required longer times on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation pretransplant (P = .02), but duration of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support was not a predictor of 1-year survival (P = .2).

CONCLUSIONS

Despite prolonged periods of pretransplant extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support, selected patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome can undergo lung transplant safely with acceptable short-term outcomes. Appropriate selection criteria and long-term implications require further analysis.

Prone Positioning and Molecular Biomarkers in COVID and Non-COVID ARDS: A Narrative Review

Prone positioning (PP) represents a therapeutic intervention with the proven capacity of ameliorating gas exchanges and ventilatory mechanics indicated in acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). When PP is selectively applied to moderate-severe cases of ARDS, it sensitively affects clinical outcomes, including mortality. After the COVID-19 outbreak, clinical application of PP peaked worldwide and was applied in 60% of treated cases, according to large reports. Research on this topic has revealed many physiological underpinnings of PP, focusing on regional ventilation redistribution and the reduction of parenchymal stress and strain. However, there is a lack of evidence on biomarkers behavior in different phases and phenotypes of ARDS. Patients response to PP are, to date, decided on PaO2/FiO2 ratio improvement, whereas scarce data exist on biomarker tracking during PP. The purpose of this review is to explore current evidence on the clinical relevance of biomarkers in the setting of moderate-severe ARDS of different etiologies (i.e., COVID and non-COVID-related ARDS). Moreover, this review focuses on how PP may modulate biomarkers and which biomarkers may have a role in outcome prediction in ARDS patients.

Perioperative oxygenation impairment related to type a aortic dissection

Type A aortic dissection (TAAD) is a life-threatening disease with high mortality and poor prognosis, usually treated by surgery. There are many complications in its perioperative period, one of which is oxygenation impairment (OI). As a common complication of TAAD, OI usually occurs throughout the perioperative period of TAAD and requires prolonged mechanical ventilation (MV) and other supportive measures. The purpose of this article is to review the risk factors, mechanisms, and treatments of type A aortic dissection-related oxygenation impairment (TAAD-OI) so as to improve clinicians' knowledge about it. Among risk factors, elevated body mass index (BMI), prolonged extracorporeal circulation (ECC) duration, higher inflammatory cells and stored blood transfusion stand out. A reduced occurrence of TAAD-OI can be achieved by controlling these risk factors such as suppressing inflammatory response by drugs. As for its mechanism, it is currently believed that inflammatory signaling pathways play a major role in this process, including the HMGB1/RAGE signaling pathway, gut-lung axis and macrophage, which have been gradually explored and are expected to provide evidences revealing the specific mechanism of TAAD-OI. Numerous treatments have been investigated for TAAD-OI, such as nitric oxide (NO), continuous pulmonary perfusion/inflation, ulinastatin and sivelestat sodium, immunomodulation intervention and mechanical support. However, these measures are all aimed at postoperative TAAD-OI, and not all of the therapies have shown satisfactory effects. Treatments for preoperative TAAD-OI are not currently available because it is difficult to correct OI without correcting the dissection. Therefore, the best solution for preoperative TAAD-OI is to operate as soon as possible. At present, there is no specific method for clinical application, and it relies more on the experience of clinicians or learns from treatments of other diseases related to oxygenation disorders. More efforts should be made to understand its pathogenesis to better improve its treatments in the future.

Incidence and Long-Term Outcomes of Acute Myocardial Infarction Among Survivors of Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest

BACKGROUND

Despite the increasing long-term survival after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA), the risk of subsequent acute myocardial infarction (AMI) remains poorly understood. We aimed to determine the incidence, predictors, and long-term outcomes of AMI among survivors of OHCA.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We assembled a retrospective cohort of 882 patients with OHCA who survived to 30 days or discharge from the hospital between 2010 and 2019. Survivors of OHCA had an increased risk of subsequent AMI, defined as AMI occurring 30 days after index OHCA or following discharge from the hospital after OHCA, compared with the general population when matched for age and sex (standardized incidence ratio, 4.64 [95% CI, 3.52-6.01]). Age-specific risks of subsequent AMI for men (standardized incidence ratio, 3.29 [95% CI, 2.39-4.42]) and women (standardized incidence ratio, 6.15 [95% CI, 3.27-10.52]) were significantly increased. A total of 7.2%, 8.3%, and 14.3% of survivors of OHCA had a subsequent AMI at 3 years, 5 years, and end of follow-up, respectively. Age at OHCA (hazard ratio [HR], 1.04 [95% CI, 1.02-1.06]) and past medical history of prior AMI, defined as any AMI preceding or during the index OHCA event (HR, 1.84 [95% CI, 1.05-3.22]), were associated with subsequent AMI, while an initial shockable rhythm was not (HR, 1.00 [95% CI, 0.52-1.94]). Survivors of OHCA with subsequent AMI had a higher risk of death (HR, 1.58 [95% CI, 1.12-2.22]) than those without.

CONCLUSIONS

Survivors of OHCA are at an increased risk of subsequent AMI compared with the general population. Prior AMI, but not an initial shockable rhythm, increases this risk, while subsequent AMI predicts death. Preventive measures for AMI including cardiovascular risk factor control and revascularization may thus improve outcomes in selected patients with cardiac pathogenesis.

Effectiveness and safety of awake prone positioning in COVID-19-related acute hypoxaemic respiratory failure: an overview of systematic reviews

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate and summarize systematic reviews of the effects and safety of awake prone positioning for COVID-19-related acute hypoxaemic respiratory failure.

METHODS

A comprehensive search was conducted on PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, Web of Science, CNKI, CSPD, CCD and CBM from their inception to March 28, 2023. Systematic reviews (SRs) of awake prone positioning (APP) for COVID-19-related acute hypoxaemic respiratory failure in adults were included. Two reviewers screened the eligible articles, and four reviewers in pairs extracted data and assessed the methodological quality/certainty of the evidence of all included SRs by AMSTAR 2 and GRADE tools. The overlap of primary studies was measured by calculating corrected covered areas. Data from the included reviews were synthesized with a narrative description.

RESULTS

A total of 11 SRs were included. The methodological quality of SRs included 1 "High", 4 "Moderate", 2 "Low" and 4 "Critically low" by AMSTAR 2. With the GRADE system, no high-quality evidence was found, and only 14 outcomes provided moderate-quality evidence. Data synthesis of the included SR outcomes showed that APP reduced the risk of requiring intubation (11 SRs) and improving oxygenation (3 SRs), whereas reduced significant mortality was not found in RCT-based SRs. No significant difference was observed in the incidence of adverse events between groups (8 SRs). The corrected covered area index was 27%, which shows very high overlap among studies.

CONCLUSION

The available SRs suggest that APP has benefits in terms of reducing intubation rates and improving oxygenation for COVID-19-related acute hypoxemic respiratory failure, without an increased risk of adverse events. The conclusion should be treated with caution because of the generally low quality of methodology and evidence.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

The protocol for this review was registered with PROSPERO: CRD42023400986. Registered 15 April 2023.

Role of ultrasound in the critical ill patient with ECMO

Ultrasound is an essential diagnostic tool in critically ill patients with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). With it, we can make an anatomical and functional (cardiac, pulmonary and vascular) evaluation which allows us to execute an adequate configuration, guides implantation, helps clinical monitorization and detects complications, facilitates withdrawal and complete post-implant evaluation. In patients with ECMO as respiratory support (veno-venous), thoracic ultrasound allows monitoring pulmonary illness evolution and echocardiography the evaluation of biventricular function, especially right ventricle function, and cardiac output to optimize oxygen transport. In ECMO as circulatory support (veno-arterial), echocardiography is the guide of hemodynamic monitoring, allows detecting the most frequent complications and helps the weaning. In ECMO teams, for a proper management of these patients, there must be trained intensivists with advanced knowledge on this technique.

Effects of a Rapid Response Team on Patient Outcomes: A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

Despite the widespread adoption of the rapid response team (RRT) by many hospitals, questions remain regarding their effectiveness in improving several aspects of patient outcomes, such as hospital mortality, cardiopulmonary arrests, unplanned intensive care unit (ICU) admissions, and length of stay (LOS).

OBJECTIVES

To conduct a systematic review to understand the rapid response team's (RRT) effect on patient outcomes.

METHODS

A systematic search was conducted using PubMed, Cochrane, Embase, CINAHL, Web of Science, and two trial registers. The studies published up to May 6, 2022, from the inception date of the databases were included. Two researchers filtered the title, abstract and full text. The Version 2 of the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool and Bias in Non-Randomized Studies of Interventions (ROBINS-I) tool were used separately for randomized and non-randomized controlled trials for quality appraisal.

RESULTS

Sixty-one eligible studies were identified, four randomized controlled trials(RCTs), four non-randomized controlled trials, six interrupted time-series(ITS) design , and 47 pretest-posttest studies. A total of 52 studies reported hospital mortality, 51 studies reported cardiopulmonary arrests, 18 studies reported unplanned ICU admissions and ten studies reported LOS.

CONCLUSION

This systematic review found the variation in context and the type of RRT interventions restricts direct comparisons. The evidence for improving several aspects of patient outcomes was inconsistent, with most studies demonstrating that RRT positively impacts patient outcomes.

State of the art: Monitoring of the respiratory system during veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation

Monitoring the patient receiving veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VV ECMO) is challenging due to the complex physiological interplay between native and membrane lung. Understanding these interactions is essential to understand the utility and limitations of different approaches to respiratory monitoring during ECMO. We present a summary of the underlying physiology of native and membrane lung gas exchange and describe different tools for titrating and monitoring gas exchange during ECMO. However, the most important role of VV ECMO in severe respiratory failure is as a means of avoiding further ergotrauma. Although optimal respiratory management during ECMO has not been defined, over the last decade there have been advances in multimodal respiratory assessment which have the potential to guide care. We describe a combination of imaging, ventilator-derived or invasive lung mechanic assessments as a means to individualise management during ECMO.

Venovenous Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Usage Following Bullet Embolism to the Pulmonary Artery

Background: Pulmonary artery embolus is a rare complication following gunshot wounds that creates a unique and serious challenge for trauma surgeons. While the majority of bullets that embolize through the vascular system end in the peripheral circulation, approximately one-third enter the central venous circulation. Case Report: We present the case of a bullet embolus to the left pulmonary artery following gunshot wounds to the right chest and the abdomen, with the abdominal ballistic traversing the liver before entering the vena cava and embolizing. The patient's course was complicated by the development of severe acute respiratory distress syndrome that was successfully managed by venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. Conclusion: Venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support for severe acute respiratory distress syndrome after bullet embolization to the pulmonary tree and surgical embolectomy is a viable option in appropriately selected patients.

Acute Kidney Injury in Patients Undergoing Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Aims and background

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is a mode of extracorporeal therapy to support oxygenation of patients with severe cardiac or respiratory failure. Studies have shown that acute kidney injury (AKI) can worsen the outcome in these patients. This study aims to assess the incidence and outcome of AKI in patients on ECMO support.

Materials and methods

This retrospective study included 64 patients who underwent ECMO for more than 24 hours. Patients who died within 48 hours of initiation of ECMO and patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) on maintenance hemodialysis were excluded. Acute kidney injury was diagnosed and categorized according to the Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) criteria.

Results

Of the 64 patients studied, 38 patients (59.38%) developed AKI and 17 patients (44.73%) among them developed AKI within 24 hours of initiation of ECMO. Age, Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE-II) score, hypertension, use of nephrotoxic agents, inotropic support, and poor cardiac function were the risk factors associated with the development of AKI. Diabetes mellitus, type of ECMO used, and duration of ECMO were not found to be risk factors for AKI. Renal replacement therapy was initiated in 31 patients (81.58%). The overall mortality in the whole group was 67.19%, while it was 81.58% among the patients with AKI.

Conclusion

Acute kidney injury was found to be an independent risk factor for mortality in patients on ECMO. Early identification of the risk factors for AKI and management may help to improve the survival rate.

Clinical significance

The occurrence of AKI among patients on ECMO support increases the risk of mortality significantly. Hence, measures to prevent AKI, as well as early detection and appropriate management of AKI, would improve patient outcomes.

How to cite this article

Surjit A, Prasannan B, Abraham J, Balagopal A, Unni VA. Acute Kidney Injury in Patients Undergoing Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation: A Retrospective Cohort Study. Indian J Crit Care Med 2024;28(1):26-29.

Global mortality and readmission rates following COPD exacerbation-related hospitalisation: a meta-analysis of 65 945 individual patients

Background

Exacerbations of COPD (ECOPD) have a major impact on patients and healthcare systems across the world. Precise estimates of the global burden of ECOPD on mortality and hospital readmission are needed to inform policy makers and aid preventive strategies to mitigate this burden. The aims of the present study were to explore global in-hospital mortality, post-discharge mortality and hospital readmission rates after ECOPD-related hospitalisation using an individual patient data meta-analysis (IPDMA) design.

Methods

A systematic review was performed identifying studies that reported in-hospital mortality, post-discharge mortality and hospital readmission rates following ECOPD-related hospitalisation. Data analyses were conducted using a one-stage random-effects meta-analysis model. This study was conducted and reported in accordance with the PRISMA-IPD statement.

Results

Data of 65 945 individual patients with COPD were analysed. The pooled in-hospital mortality rate was 6.2%, pooled 30-, 90- and 365-day post-discharge mortality rates were 1.8%, 5.5% and 10.9%, respectively, and pooled 30-, 90- and 365-day hospital readmission rates were 7.1%, 12.6% and 32.1%, respectively, with noticeable variability between studies and countries. Strongest predictors of mortality and hospital readmission included noninvasive mechanical ventilation and a history of two or more ECOPD-related hospitalisations <12 months prior to the index event.

Conclusions

This IPDMA stresses the poor outcomes and high heterogeneity of ECOPD-related hospitalisation across the world. Whilst global standardisation of the management and follow-up of ECOPD-related hospitalisation should be at the heart of future implementation research, policy makers should focus on reimbursing evidence-based therapies that decrease (recurrent) ECOPD.

Usefulness of the Yokohama Advanced Cardiopulmonary Help Team in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome

Aim

To evaluate whether establishing an extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) specialist team, termed the Yokohama Advanced Cardiopulmonary Help Team (YACHT), affected the outcomes and centralization of patients requiring ECMO in Yokohama-Yokosuka regions.

Methods

This retrospective observational study included patients aged ≥18 years and treated with venovenous-ECMO for severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) from 2014 to 2023. The primary outcome was intensive care unit (ICU) mortality. The secondary outcomes included ICU-, mechanical ventilator-, and ECMO-free days and complications during the first 28 days.

Results

This study included 46 (12 without- and 34 with-YACHT) patients. Among with-YACHT patients, 24 were transferred to our hospital from other hospitals, 14 were assessed by dispatched ECMO physicians, and 9 were transferred after ECMO introduction. No without-YACHT patients were transferred from other hospitals. With-YACHT patients experienced coronavirus disease 2019-associated respiratory failure more frequently (0 vs. 27, p < 0.001) and had higher Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II scores (19 vs. 24, p = 0.037) and lower Respiratory Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Survival Prediction scores (4 vs. 2, p = 0.021). ICU mortality was not significantly different between the groups (2 vs. 4, p = 0.67). ICU- (14 vs. 9, p = 0.10), ventilator- (11 vs. 5, p = 0.01), and ECMO-free days (20 vs. 14, p = 0.038) were higher before YACHT establishment. The incidences of complications were not significantly different between the groups.

Conclusions

Mortality was not significantly different pre- and post-YACHT establishment; however, it helped promote regionalization and centralization in Yokohama-Yokosuka areas. We will collect more cases to demonstrate YACHT's usefulness.

Changes in frailty among patients hospitalized for spine pathologies during the COVID-19 pandemic in Germany-a nationwide observational study

PURPOSE

In spine care, frailty is associated with poor outcomes. The aim of this study was to describe changes in frailty in spine care during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and their relation to surgical management and outcomes.

METHODS

Patients hospitalized for spine pathologies between January 1, 2019, and May 17, 2022, within a nationwide network of 76 hospitals in Germany were retrospectively included. Patient frailty, types of surgery, and in-hospital mortality rates were compared between pandemic and pre-pandemic periods.

RESULTS

Of the 223,418 included patients with spine pathologies, 151,766 were admitted during the pandemic and 71,652 during corresponding pre-pandemic periods in 2019. During the pandemic, the proportion of high-frailty patients increased from a range of 5.1-6.1% to 6.5-8.8% (p < 0.01), while the proportion of low frailty patients decreased from a range of 70.5-71.4% to 65.5-70.1% (p < 0.01). In most phases of the pandemic, the Elixhauser comorbidity index (ECI) showed larger increases among high compared to low frailty patients (by 0.2-1.8 vs. 0.2-0.8 [p < 0.01]). Changes in rates of spine surgery were associated with frailty, most clearly in rates of spine fusion, showing consistent increases among low frailty patients (by 2.2-2.5%) versus decreases (by 0.3-0.8%) among high-frailty patients (p < 0.02). Changes in rates of in-hospital mortality were not associated with frailty.

CONCLUSIONS

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the proportion of high-frailty patients increased among those hospitalized for spine pathologies in Germany. Low frailty was associated with a rise in rates of spine surgery and high frailty with comparably larger increases in rates of comorbidities.

In-hospital care of children with COVID-19

Children have been reported to be less affected and to have milder severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection than adults during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. However, children, and particularly those with underlying disorders, are still likely to develop critical illnesses. In the case of SARS-CoV-2 infection, most previous studies have focused on adult patients. To aid in the knowledge of in-hospital care of children with COVID-19, this study presents an expert review of the literature, including the management of respiratory distress or failure, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C), hemodynamic and other organ support, pharmaceutical therapies (anti-viral drugs, anti-inflammatory or antithrombotic therapies) and management of cardiopulmonary arrest.

Cognitive screening and rehabilitation after cardiac arrest: only a few hurdles to take

Dutch and European guidelines recommend systematic screening for cognitive and emotional impairments in cardiac arrest survivors. We aimed to clarify opinions on cognitive screening and rehabilitation, identify barriers and facilitators for implementation in the Netherlands, and arrive at recommendations in this field. We conducted 22 semi-structured interviews with various stakeholders using the Tailored Implementation in Chronic Diseases checklist. There is broad-based acknowledgement of the relevance of cognitive impairment and a positive attitude regarding early cognitive screening among health professionals and patients. Barriers to implementation include a lack of practical recommendations on how, where and when to screen, insufficient knowledge of cognitive consequences of cardiac arrest, insufficient collaboration and knowledge sharing among different specialties within hospitals, insufficient resources, and insufficient evidence of the effectiveness of screening and therapy to justify financial compensation. Most of the identified barriers to implementation are solvable: national guidelines need practical recommendations and knowledge gaps among healthcare workers can be bridged by in-hospital collaboration. Fulfilling these requirements should be sufficient for the implementation of simple screening and tailored advice. More extensive cognitive rehabilitation therapy needs stronger evidence of efficacy in order to warrant stronger guideline recommendations and financial reimbursement.

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for COVID-19-associated severe acute respiratory distress syndrome in Canada: Analysis of data from the Canadian Nosocomial Infection Surveillance Program

Background

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) for COVID-19 across Canada has not been well-described. We studied trends for patients with COVID-19-related acute respiratory distress syndrome who received ECMO.

Methods

Multicentre retrospective cohort study using data from the Canadian Nosocomial Infection Surveillance Program across four different waves. Surveillance data was collected between March 2020 and June 2022. We reported data stratified by ECMO status and wave.

Results

ECMO recipients comprised 299 (6.8%) of the 4,408 critically ill patients included. ECMO recipients were younger (median age 49 versus 62 years, p < 0.001), less likely to be vaccinated against COVID-19 (Wave 4 data: 5.3% versus 19%; p = 0.002), and had fewer comorbidities compared to patients who did not receive ECMO. Thirty-day all-cause mortality was similar between the ECMO and non-ECMO groups (23% versus 26%; p = 0.25). Among ECMO recipients, mortality tended to decrease across Waves 1 to 4: 48%, 31%, 18%, and 16%, respectively (p = 0.04 for trend). However, this was no longer statistically significant when removing the high mortality during Wave 1 (p = 0.15).

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that critically ill patients in Canadian hospitals who received ECMO had different characteristics from those who did not receive ECMO. We also observed a trend of decreased mortality over the waves for the ECMO group. Possible explanatory factors may include potential delay in ECMO initiation during Wave 1, evolution of the virus, better understanding of COVID-19 disease and ECMO use, and new medical treatments and vaccines available in later waves. These findings may provide insight for future potential pandemics.

A case of massive hemoptysis caused by lung cancer saved by V-V ECMO and hemostasis achieved by radiotherapy

Massive hemoptysis is one of the fatal complications of lung cancer. There is no established standard treatment method for it, and it often causes sudden suffocation, and some cases may be difficult to save. A 63-year-old man was admitted to the hospital with dyspnea, and developed massive hemoptysis from lung cancer shortly after admission. The tumor had obstructed the right main bronchus and had invaded the right pulmonary artery. Surgery and interventional radiology were judged impossible. The patient was successfully saved by the introduction of Veno-Venous Extra Corporeal Membrane Oxygenation (V-V ECMO), and hemostasis was obtained by radiotherapy. Two months after completion of radiotherapy, he was weaned off the ventilator and discharged on his own. He died of increased peritoneal dissemination and other complications 1 year and 1 month later, but no recurrence of hemoptysis was noted until his death. We experienced a case of massive hemoptysis in which V-V ECMO and radiation therapy succeeded in saving life and stopping bleeding. The use of V-V ECMO by emergency care teams and multimodality therapy, including radiotherapy, were effective for massive hemoptysis from lung cancer.

National ICU Registries as Enablers of Clinical Research and Quality Improvement

OBJECTIVES

Clinical quality registries (CQRs) have been implemented worldwide by several medical specialties aiming to generate a better characterization of epidemiology, treatments, and outcomes of patients. National ICU registries were created almost 3 decades ago to improve the understanding of case-mix, resource use, and outcomes of critically ill patients. This narrative review describes the challenges, proposed solutions, and evidence generated by National ICU registries as facilitators for research and quality improvement.

DATA SOURCES

English language articles were identified in PubMed using phrases related to ICU registries, CQRs, outcomes, and case-mix.

STUDY SELECTION

Original research, review articles, letters, and commentaries, were considered.

DATA EXTRACTION

Data from relevant literature were identified, reviewed, and integrated into a concise narrative review.

DATA SYNTHESIS

CQRs have been implemented worldwide by several medical specialties aiming to generate a better characterization of epidemiology, treatments, and outcomes of patients. National ICU registries were created almost 3 decades ago to improve the understanding of case-mix, resource use, and outcomes of critically ill patients. The initial experience in European countries and in Oceania ensured that through locally generated data, ICUs could assess their performances by using risk-adjusted measures and compare their results through fair and validated benchmarking metrics with other ICUs contributing to the CQR. The accomplishment of these initiatives, coupled with the increasing adoption of information technology, resulted in a broad geographic expansion of CQRs as well as their use in quality improvement studies, clinical trials as well as international comparisons, and benchmarking for ICUs.

CONCLUSIONS

ICU registries have provided increased knowledge of case-mix and outcomes of ICU patients based on real-world data and contributed to improve care delivery through quality improvement initiatives and trials. Recent increases in adoption of new technologies (i.e., cloud-based structures, artificial intelligence, machine learning) will ensure a broader and better use of data for epidemiology, healthcare policies, quality improvement, and clinical trials.

Outcomes and Risk Factors Associated with Pericardiectomy in Patients with Constrictive Pericarditis: A Retrospective Study from China

PURPOSE

Pericardiectomy is the definitive treatment option for constrictive pericarditis and is associated with a high prevalence of morbidity and mortality. However, information on the associated outcomes and risk factors is limited. We aimed to report the mid-term outcomes of pericardiectomy from a single center in China.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed data collected from patients who underwent pericardiectomy at our institute from April 2018 to January 2023.

RESULTS

Eighty-six consecutive patients (average age, 46.1 ± 14.7 years; 68.6 men) underwent pericardiectomy through midline sternotomy. The most common etiology was idiopathic (n = 60, 69.8%), and 82 patients (95.3%) were in the New York Heart Association function class III/IV. In all, 32 (37.2%) patients underwent redo sternotomies, 36 (41.9%) underwent a concomitant procedure, and 39 (45.3%) required cardiopulmonary bypass. The 30-day mortality rate was 5.8%, and the 1-year and 5-year survival rates were 88.3% and 83.5%, respectively. Multivariable analysis revealed that preoperative mitral insufficiency (MI) ≥moderate (hazard ratio [HR], 6.435; 95% confidence interval [CI] [1.655-25.009]; p = 0.007) and partial pericardiectomy (HR, 11.410; 95% CI [3.052-42.663]; p = 0.000) were associated with increased 5-year mortality.

CONCLUSION

Pericardiectomy remains a safe operation for constrictive pericarditis with optimal mid-term outcomes.

Extracorporeal life support in trauma: Indications and techniques

BACKGROUND

Clarity about indications and techniques in extracorporeal life support (ECLS) in trauma is essential for timely and effective deployment, and to ensure good stewardship of an important resource. Extracorporeal life support deployments in a tertiary trauma center were reviewed to understand the indications, strategies, and tactics of ECLS in trauma.

METHODS

The provincial trauma registry was used to identify patients who received ECLS at a Level I trauma center and ECLS organization-accredited site between January 2014 and February 2021. Charts were reviewed for indications, technical factors, and outcomes following ECLS deployment. Based on this data, consensus around indications and techniques for ECLS in trauma was reached and refined by a multidisciplinary team discussion.

RESULTS

A total of 25 patients underwent ECLS as part of a comprehensive trauma resuscitation strategy. Eighteen patients underwent venovenous ECLS and seven received venoarterial ECLS. Nineteen patients survived the ECLS run, of which 15 survived to discharge. Four patients developed vascular injuries secondary to cannula insertion while four patients developed circuit clots. On multidisciplinary consensus, three broad indications for ECLS and their respective techniques were described: gas exchange for lung injury, extended damage control for severe injuries associated with the lethal triad, and circulatory support for cardiogenic shock or hypothermia.

CONCLUSION

The three broad indications for ECLS in trauma (gas exchange, extended damage control and circulatory support) require specific advanced planning and standardization of corresponding techniques (cannulation, circuit configuration, anticoagulation, and duration). When appropriately and effectively integrated into the trauma response, ECLS can extend the damage control paradigm to enable the management of complex multisystem injuries.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic/Care Management; Level IV.

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in adult patients with sepsis and septic shock: Why, how, when, and for whom

Sepsis and septic shock remain the leading causes of death in intensive care units. Some patients with sepsis fail to respond to routine treatment and rapidly progress to refractory respiratory and circulatory failure, necessitating extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). However, the role of ECMO in adult patients with sepsis has not been fully established. According to existing studies, ECMO may be a viable salvage therapy in carefully selected adult patients with sepsis. The choice of venovenous, venoarterial, or hybrid ECMO modes is primarily determined by the patient's oxygenation and hemodynamics (distributive shock with preserved cardiac output, septic cardiomyopathy (left, right, or biventricular heart failure), or right ventricular failure caused by acute respiratory distress syndrome). Veno-venous ECMO can be used in patients with sepsis and severe acute respiratory distress syndrome when conventional mechanical ventilation fails, and early application of veno-arterial ECMO in patients with sepsis-induced refractory cardiogenic shock may be critical in improving their chances of survival. When ECMO is indicated, the choice of an appropriate mode and determination of the optimal timing of initiation and weaning are critical, particularly in an experienced ECMO center. Furthermore, some special issues, such as ECMO flow, anticoagulation, and antibiotic therapy, should be noted during the management of ECMO support.