Fiberoptic bronchoscopy under noninvasive ventilation and propofol target-controlled infusion in hypoxemic patients

Target-controlled infusion - Past, present, and future

Target-controlled infusion (TCI) is a novel drug delivery system wherein a microprocessor calculates the rate of drug to be infused based upon the target plasma or effect site concentration set by the operator. It has found its place in the operation theaters and intensive care units (ICUs) for safe administration of intravenous anesthesia and analgosedation using drugs like propofol, dexmedetomidine, opioids, and so on. Operating a TCI device requires the user to have a primitive understanding of drug pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics and an awareness of the practical problems that can arise during its administration. Ongoing research supports their usage in other clinical settings and for various other drugs such as antibiotics, vasopressors, and so on. In this article, we review the underlying principles and commonly used drugs for TCI, the practical aspects of its implementation, and the scope of this technology in future. TCI technology is increasingly being used in the field of anesthesiology and critical care due to the myriad advantages it offers when compared to manual infusions. It is, therefore, essential for the reader to understand the relevant principles and practical aspects related to TCI technology, as well as to be aware of the commonly used TCI models.

Severe Community-Acquired Pneumonia in Immunocompromised Patients

Due to higher survival rates with good quality of life, related to new treatments in the fields of oncology, hematology, and transplantation, the number of immunocompromised patients is increasing. But these patients are at high risk of intensive care unit admission because of numerous complications. Acute respiratory failure due to severe community-acquired pneumonia is one of the leading causes of admission. In this setting, the need for invasive mechanical ventilation is up to 60%, associated with a high hospital mortality rate of around 40 to 50%. A wide range of pathogens according to the reason of immunosuppression is associated with severe pneumonia in those patients: documented bacterial pneumonia represents a third of cases, viral and fungal pneumonia both account for up to 15% of cases. For patients with an undetermined etiology despite comprehensive diagnostic workup, the hospital mortality rate is very high. Thus, a standardized diagnosis strategy should be defined to increase the diagnosis rate and prescribe the appropriate treatment. This review focuses on the benefit-to-risk ratio of invasive or noninvasive strategies, in the era of omics, for the management of critically ill immunocompromised patients with severe pneumonia in terms of diagnosis and oxygenation.

Esketamine Combined with Propofol TCI versus Propofol TCI for Deep Sedation during Endobronchial Ultrasound-Guided Transbronchial Needle Aspiration: A Prospective, Randomized, and Controlled Trial

Background

Endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) is an invasive procedure that required deep sedation to suppress coughing and body movements. Deep sedation, on the other hand, has been shown to cause respiratory and circulatory depression, especially when the airway is shared with the endoscopist. Esketamine is a novel sedative and analgesic with little respiratory inhibition that appears to be an appropriate adjuvant in propofol sedation for EBUS-TBNA. We compared the efficacy and safety of esketamine combined with propofol target-controlled infusion (TCI) and propofol TCI for deep sedation in EBUS-TBNA.

Methods

The study included 135 patients with ASA II-III undergoing EBUS-TBNA. They were randomly divided into two groups (group E and group P). Both groups received midazolam (0.01-0.03 mg/kg) and oxycodone (0.07-0.08 mg/kg). Then, patients in group E received 0.3 mg/kg esketamine, propofol TCI, and 0.2 mg·kg-1·h-1 esketamine for sedative maintenance. Patients in group P received only propofol TCI. The primary outcome was the dose of 1% lidocaine administrated by the endoscopist and the times of lidocaine sprays. Secondary outcome indicators were cough score, propofol dosage, patient satisfaction, endoscopist satisfaction, the incidence of sedation-related adverse effects and side effects, and recovery time.

Results

Patients in group E were given significantly less lidocaine (4.36 ml/h (2.67-6.00) vs 6.00 ml/h (4.36-7.20), P < 0.001) and less spraying frequency (2.18 times/h (1.33-3.00) vs 3.00 times/h (2.18-3.60), P < 0.001) than group P. There was a statistically significant difference in cough score between the two groups (group E 2 (0-4) vs group P 3 (2-4), P=0.03). Also, mean arterial pressure (MAP) was higher in group E in the 30th min (T5, 84.10 ± 12.91 mmHg versus 79.04 ± 10.01 mmHg, P=0.012) and 40th min (T6, 87.72 ± 15.55 mmHg versus 82.14 ± 10.51 mmHg, P=0.026). There were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of sedation-related adverse events and side effects, recovery time, endoscopist satisfaction, and patient satisfaction.

Conclusions

In patients with ASA II-III, esketamine as an adjuvant in combination with propofol TCI deep sedation for EBUS-TBNA can improve the sedation effect, reduce coughing reaction during the procedure, and obtain more stable blood pressure. No reduction in the occurrence of sedation-related side effects was observed. This trial is registered with ChiCTR2200061124.

Efficacy of different respiratory supports to prevent hypoxia during flexible bronchoscopy in patients of COPD: a triple-arm, randomised controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Patients with chronic-obstructive-pulmonary-disease (COPD) undergo bronchoscopy for various reasons, and are at relatively higher risk of complications. This study evaluated the efficacy of non-invasive ventilation (NIV) and high-flow-oxygen-therapy (HFOT) compared with conventional-oxygen-therapy (COT) in patients with COPD undergoing bronchoscopy, to prevent hypoxia.

METHODS

It was a triple-arm, open-label, randomised controlled trial. Ninety patients with COPD were randomly assigned into three intervention arms in 1:1:1 ratio. The incidence of hypoxia, lowest recorded oxygen saturation measured by plethysmography (SpO2), ECG, patient vitals and comfort levels were assessed.

RESULTS

Mean age of the study population was 61.71±7.5 years. Out of 90 cases enrolled, 51, 34 and 5 were moderate, severe and very-severe COPD, respectively, as per GOLD (Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease) classification. Rest of the baseline characteristics were similar. SpO2 during flexible bronchoscopy (FB) was lowest in COT group (COT: 87.03±5.7% vs HFOT: 95.57±5.0% vs NIV: 97.40±1.6%, p<0.001). Secondary objectives were similar except respiratory-rate (breaths-per-minute) which was highest in COT group (COT: 20.23±3.1 vs HFOT: 18.57±4.1 vs NIV: 16.80±1.9, p<0.001). Whereas post FB partial of oxygen in arterial blood was highest in NIV group (NIV: 84.27±21.6 mm Hg vs HFOT: 69.03±13.6 mm Hg vs COT: 69.30±11.9 mm Hg, p<0.001). Post FB partial pressure of carbon dioxide in arterial blood was similar in the three arms. Operator's ease-of-performing-procedure was least in the NIV group as assessed with Visual Analogue Scale (p<0.01). A higher number of NIV group participants reported nasal pain as compared with the other two arms (p<0.01).

CONCLUSION

NIV and HFOT are superior to COT in preventing hypoxia during bronchoscopy, but NIV is associated with poor patient-tolerance and inferior operator's ease of doing procedure.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

CTRI/2021/03/032190.

Comparison of remifentanil and esketamine in combination with propofol for patient sedation during fiberoptic bronchoscopy

BACKGROUND

Ideal sedation and analgesia strategies for fiberoptic bronchoscopy have not been found. At present, propofol based sedation strategy still has some defects, such as respiratory depression and blood pressure drop. It is difficult to meet the requirements of safety and effectiveness at the same time. The aim of this study was to compare the clinical efficacy of propofol/remifentanil with propofol/esketamine for patient sedation during fiberoptic bronchoscopy.

METHOD

Patients undergoing fiberoptic bronchoscopy were randomly assigned to propofol/ remifentanil (PR group; n = 42) or propofol/esketamine (PK group; n = 42) for sedation and analgesia. The primary outcome was the rate of transient hypoxia (oxygen saturation (SpO₂) < 95%). The secondary outcomes are the intraoperative hemodynamics, including the changes in blood pressure, heart rate, the incidence of adverse reactions, the total amount of propofol usage were recorded, and the satisfaction level of patients and bronchoscopists.

RESULTS

After sedation, the arterial pressure and heart rate of patients in the PK group were stable without significant decrease. Decreases in diastolic blood pressure, mean arterial pressure, and heart rate were observed in patients in the PR group (P < 0.05), although it was not of clinical relevance. The dosage of propofol in the PR group was significantly higher than that in the PK group (144 ± 38 mg vs. 125 ± 35 mg, P = 0.012). Patients in the PR group showed more transient hypoxia (SpO₂ < 95%) during surgery (7 vs. 0, 0% versus 16.6%, P = 0.018), more intraoperative choking (28 vs. 7, P < 0.01), postoperative vomiting (22 vs. 13, P = 0.076) and vertigo (15 vs. 13, P = 0.003). Bronchoscopists in the PK group showed more satisfaction.

CONCLUSION

Compared with remifentanil, the combination of esketamine with propofol in fiberoptic bronchoscopy leaded to more stable intraoperative hemodynamics, lower dosage of propofol, lower transient hypoxia rate, fewer incidence of adverse events, and greater bronchoscopists satisfaction.

Risk factors of complications during noninvasive mechanical ventilation -assisted flexible bronchoscopy

PURPOSE

Flexible bronchoscopy (FB) causes airway narrowing and may cause respiratory failure (RF). Noninvasive mechanical ventilation (NIV) is used to treat RF. Until recently, little was known about noninvasive mechanical ventilation assisted flexible bronchoscopy (NIV-FB) risk and complications.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective analysis of NIV-FB performed in 20 consecutive months (July 1, 2018-February 29, 2020) was performed. Indications for: FB and NIV, as well as impact of comorbidities, blood gas results, pulmonary function test results and sedation depth, were analyzed to reveal NIV-FB risk. Out of a total of 713 FBs, NIV-FB was performed in 50 patients with multiple comorbidities, acute or chronic RF, substantial tracheal narrowing, or after previously unsuccessful FB attempt.

RESULTS

In three cases, reversible complications were observed. Additionally, due to the severity of underlining disease, two patients were transferred to the ICU where they passed away after >48h. In a single variable analysis, PaO₂ 69 ​± ​18.5 and 49 ​± ​9.0 [mmHg] (p ​< ​0.05) and white blood count (WBC) 10.0 ​± ​4.81 and 14.4 ​± ​3.10 (p ​< ​0.05) were found predictive for complications. Left heart disease indicated unfavorable NIV-FB outcome (p ​= ​0.046).

CONCLUSIONS

NIV-FB is safe in severely ill patients, however procedure-related risk should be further defined and verified in prospective studies.

Care of Critically Ill Patients with Human Immunodeficiency Virus

Care of patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection in the intensive care unit (ICU) has changed dramatically since the infection was first recognized in the United States in 1981. The purpose of this review is to describe the current important aspects of care of patients with HIV infection in the ICU, with a primary focus on the United States and developed countries. The epidemiology and initial approach to diagnosis and treatment of HIV (including the newest antiretroviral guidelines), common syndromes and their management in the ICU, and typical comorbidities and opportunistic infections of patients with HIV infection are discussed.

Pain and dyspnea control during awake fiberoptic bronchoscopy in critically ill patients: safety and efficacy of remifentanil target-controlled infusion

Purpose

Flexible fiberoptic bronchoscopy is frequently used in intensive care unit, but is a source of discomfort, dyspnea and anxiety for patients. Our objective was to assess the feasibility and tolerance of a sedation using remifentanil target-controlled infusion, to perform fiberoptic bronchoscopy in awake ICU patients.

Materials, patients and methods

This monocentric, prospective observational study was conducted in awake patients requiring fiberoptic bronchoscopy. In accordance with usual practices in our center, remifentanil target-controlled infusion was used under close monitoring and adapted to the patient’s reactions. The primary objective was the rate of successful procedures without additional analgesia or anesthesia. The secondary objectives were clinical tolerance and the comfort of patients (graded from “very uncomfortable” to “very comfortable”) and operators (numeric scale from 0 to 10) during the procedure.

Results

From May 2014 to December 2015, 72 patients were included. Most of them (69%) were hypoxemic and admitted for acute respiratory failure. No additional medication was needed in 96% of the patients. No severe side-effects occurred. Seventy-eight percent of patients described the procedure as “comfortable or very comfortable”. Physicians rated their comfort with a median [IQR] score of 9 [8–10].

Conclusion

Remifentanil target-controlled infusion administered to perform awake fiberoptic bronchoscopy in critically ill patients is feasible without requirement of additional analgesics or sedative drugs. Clinical tolerance as well as patients’ and operators’ comfort were good to excellent. This technique could benefit patients’ experience.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13613-021-00832-6.

ISCCM Guidelines for the Use of Non-invasive Ventilation in Acute Respiratory Failure in Adult ICUs

A. ACUTE HYPERCAPNIC RESPIRATORY FAILURE A1. Acute Exacerbation of COPD: Recommendations: NIV should be used in management of acute exacerbation of COPD in patients with acute or acute-on-chronic respiratory acidosis (pH = 7.25-7.35). (1A) NIV should be attempted in patients with acute exacerbation of COPD (pH <7.25 & PaCO2 ≥ 45) before initiating invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) except in patients requiring immediate intubation. (2A). Lower the pH higher the chance of failure of NIV. (2B) NIV should not to be used routinely in normo- or mildly hyper-capneic patients with acute exacerbation of COPD, without acidosis (pH > 7.35). (2B) A2. NIV in ARF due to Chest wall deformities/Neuromuscular diseases: Recommendations: NIV may be used in patients of ARF due to chest wall deformity/Neuromuscular diseases. (PaCO2 ≥ 45) (UPP) A3. NIV in ARF due to Obesity hypoventilation syndrome (OHS): Recommendations: NIV may be used in AHRF in OHS patients when they present with acute hypercapnic or acute on chronic respiratory failure (pH 45). (3B) NIV/CPAP may be used in obese, hypercapnic patients with OHS and/or right heart failure in the absence of acidosis. (UPP) B.

NIV IN ACUTE HYPOXEMIC RESPIRATORY FAILURE

B1. NIV in Acute Cardiogenic Pulmonary Oedema: Recommendations: NIV is recommended in hospital patients with ARF, due to Cardiogenic pulmonary edema. (1A). NIV should be used in patients with acute heart failure/ cardiogenic pulmonary edema, right from emergency department itself. (1B) Both CPAP and BiPAP modes are safe and effective in patients with cardiogenic pulmonary edema. (1A). However, BPAP (NIV-PS) should be preferred in cardiogenic pulmonary edema with hypercapnia. (3A) B2. NIV in acute hypoxemic respiratory failure: Recommendations: NIV may be used over conventional oxygen therapy in mild early acute hypoxemic respiratory failure (P/F ratio <300 and >200 mmHg), under close supervision. (2B) We strongly recommend against a trial of NIV in patients with acute hypoxemic failure with P/F ratio <150. (2A) B3. NIV in ARF due to Chest Trauma: Recommendations: NIV may be used in traumatic flail chest along with adequate pain relief. (3B) B4. NIV in Immunocompromised Host: Recommendations: In Immunocompromised patients with early ARF, we may consider NIV over conventional oxygen. (2B). B5. NIV in Palliative Care: Recommendations: We strongly recommend use of NIV for reducing dyspnea in palliative care setting. (2A) B6. NIV in post-operative cases: Recommendations: NIV should be used in patients with post-operative acute respiratory failure. (2A) B6a. NIV in abdominal surgery: Recommendations: NIV may be used in patients with ARF following abdominal surgeries. (2A) B6b. NIV in bariatric surgery: Recommendations: NIV may be used in post-bariatric surgery patients with pre-existent OSA or OHS. (3A) B6c. NIV in Thoracic surgery: Recommendations: In cardiothoracic surgeries, use of NIV is recommended post operatively for acute respiratory failure to improve oxygenation and reduce chance of reintubation. (2A) NIV should not be used in patients undergoing esophageal surgery. (UPP) B6d. NIV in post lung transplant: Recommendations: NIV may be used for shortening weaning time and to avoid re-intubation following lung transplantation. (2B) B7. NIV during Procedures (ETI/Bronchoscopy/TEE/Endoscopy): Recommendations: NIV may be used for pre-oxygenation before intubation. (2B) NIV with appropriate interface may be used in patients of ARF during Bronchoscopy/Endoscopy to improve oxygenation. (3B) B8. NIV in Viral Pneumonitis ARDS: Recommendations: NIV cannot be considered as a treatment of choice for patients with acute respiratory failure with H1N1 pneumonia. However, it may be reasonable to use NIV in selected patients with single organ involvement, in a strictly controlled environment with close monitoring. (2B) B9. NIV and Acute exacerbation of Pulmonary Tuberculosis: Recommendations: Careful use of NIV in patients with acute Tuberculosis may be considered, with effective infection control precautions to prevent air-borne transmission. (3B) B10. NIV after planned extubation in high risk patients: Recommendation: We recommend that NIV may be used to wean high risk patients from invasive mechanical ventilation as it reduces re-intubation rate. (2B) B11. NIV for respiratory distress post extubation: Recommendations: We recommend that NIV therapy should not be used to manage respiratory distress post-extubation in high risk patients. (2B) C.

APPLICATION OF NIV

Recommendation: Choice of mode should be mainly decided by factors like disease etiology and severity, the breathing effort by the patient and the operator familiarity and experience. (UPP) We suggest using flow trigger over pressure triggering in assisted modes, as it provides better patient ventilator synchrony. Especially in COPD patients, flow triggering has been found to benefit auto PEEP. (3B) D.

MANAGEMENT OF PATIENT ON NIV

D1. Sedation: Recommendations: A non-pharmacological approach to calm the patient (Reassuring the patient, proper environment) should always be tried before administrating sedatives. (UPP) In patients on NIV, sedation may be used with extremely close monitoring and only in an ICU setting with lookout for signs of NIV failure. (UPP) E.

EQUIPMENT

Recommendations: We recommend that portable bilevel ventilators or specifically designed ICU ventilators with non-invasive mode should be used for delivering Non-invasive ventilation in critically ill patients. (UPP) Both critical care ventilators with leak compensation and bi-level ventilators have been equally effective in decreasing the WOB, RR, and PaCO2. (3B) Currently, Oronasal mask is the most preferred interface for non-invasive ventilation for acute respiratory failure. (3B) F.

WEANING

Recommendations: We recommend that weaning from NIV may be done by a standardized protocol driven approach of the unit. (2B) How to cite this article: Chawla R, Dixit SB, Zirpe KG, Chaudhry D, Khilnani GC, Mehta Y, et al. ISCCM Guidelines for the Use of Non-invasive Ventilation in Acute Respiratory Failure in Adult ICUs. Indian J Crit Care Med 2020;24(Suppl 1):S61-S81.

ERS International Congress, Madrid, 2019: highlights from the Respiratory Intensive Care Assembly

The Respiratory Intensive Care Assembly of the European Respiratory Society is delighted to present the highlights from the 2019 International Congress in Madrid, Spain. We have selected four sessions that discussed recent advances in a wide range of topics: from acute respiratory failure to cough augmentation in neuromuscular disorders and from extra-corporeal life support to difficult ventilator weaning. The subjects are summarised by early career members in close collaboration with the Assembly leadership. We aim to give the reader an update on the most important developments discussed at the conference. Each session is further summarised into a short list of take-home messages.

Noninvasive ventilation support during fiberoptic bronchoscopy-guided nasotracheal intubation effectively prevents severe hypoxemia

Purpose

This study investigated the feasibility and efficacy of continuous noninvasive ventilation (NIV) support with 100% oxygen using a specially designed face mask, for reducing desaturation during fiberoptic bronchoscopy (FOB)-guided intubation in critically ill patients with respiratory failure.

Materials and methods

This was a single-center prospective randomized study. All patients undergoing FOB-guided nasal tracheal intubation were randomized to bag-valve-mask ventilation or NIV for preoxygenation followed by intubation. The NIV group were intubated through a sealed hole in a specially designed face mask during continuous NIV support with 100% oxygen. Control patients were intubated with removal of the mask and no ventilatory support.

Results

We enrolled 106 patients, including 53 in each group. Pulse oxygen saturation (SpO₂) after preoxygenation (99% (96%–100%) vs. 96% (90%–99%), p = .001) and minimum SpO₂ during intubation (95% (87%–100%) vs. 83% (74%–91%), p < .01) were both significantly higher in the NIV compared with the control group. Severe hypoxemic events (SpO₂ < 80%) occurred less frequently in the NIV group than in controls (7.4% vs. 37.7%, respectively; p < .01).

Conclusions

Continuous NIV support during FOB-guided nasal intubation can prevent severe desaturation during intubation in critically ill patients with respiratory failure.

Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02462668. Registered on 25 May 2015, https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/results?term=NCT02462668.

•

Our study is the first to evaluate NIV during FOB-guided nasotracheal intubation.

•

NIV support during FOB-guided nasotracheal intubation was effectively prevented severe desaturation during intubation.

•

We used a specially-designed intubation face mask to ensure that there was no interruption of NIV support during intubation.

Noninvasive Ventilation-assisted Bronchoscopy in High-risk Hypoxemic Patients

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Hypoxemic patients undergoing fiber-optic bronchoscopy (FOB) are at risk of worsening of respiratory failure requiring mechanical ventilation due to FOB procedure itself and its complications. As patients with respiratory failure are frequently managed by non-invasive ventilation (NIV); feasibility of FOB through NIV mask has been evaluated in some studies to avoid intubation. We describe here our own case series.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Clinical data of 28 FOB done through NIV mask in 27 intensive care unit (ICU) patients over 6 years period at our center was collected retrospectively and analysed.

RESULTS

Study comprises 27 (17 male; 52±21.6 years age) hypoxemic (PaO2 71.3±14.2, on NIV and oxygen supplementation) patients. All FOB were done at bedside, 15 of them were given sedation for the procedure. Twenty four patients had bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL); three underwent bronchial biopsies, four brush cytology and seven transbronchial biopsies. In 10 patients lung or lobar collapse was reversed. There was no significant change between pre and post bronchoscopy ABG parameters except for improved post FOB PaO2 (p = 0.0032) and SpO2 (p = 0.0046). One patient (3.57%) developed late pneumothorax and 3 patients (10.7%) had bleeding after biopsy. Prior to bronchoscopy 17 (16 BIPAP, 1 CPAP) patients were already on NIV. Two patients required mechanical ventilation 6 hours after FOB due to subsequent clinical deterioration but could be weaned off later. One patient died on third day after FOB from acute myocardial infarction.

CONCLUSION

Hypoxemic patients in ICU can safely undergo bedside diagnostic and simple therapeutic bronchoscopy with NIV support while mostly avoiding intubation and with low complication rates.

HOW TO CITE THIS ARTICLE

Sircar M, Jha OK, Chabbra GS, Bhattacharya S. Noninvasive Ventilation-assisted Bronchoscopy in High-risk Hypoxemic Patients. Indian J Crit Care Med 2019;23(8):363-367.

A prospective randomized comparative study of high-flow nasal cannula oxygen and non-invasive ventilation in hypoxemic patients undergoing diagnostic flexible bronchoscopy

Background

Although oxygen supplementation during bronchoscopy in patients with pre-existing hypoxemia is provided, adequacy of oxygenation may not be achieved, resulting in the occurrence of respiratory failure that requires endotracheal tube intubation. The purpose of this study was to compare high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) with non-invasive ventilation (NIV) in patients with pre-existing hypoxemia undergoing flexible bronchoscopy (FB) on the ability to maintain oxygen saturation during bronchoscopy.

Methods

A prospective randomized study was conducted in patients who had hypoxemia [defined as partial pressure of arterial oxygen (PaO₂) less than 70 mmHg at room air] and required FB for the diagnosis of abnormal pulmonary lesions. Patients were randomized to receive either HFNC or NIV during FB. The primary outcome was the lowest oxygen saturation level during FB.

Results

Fifty-one patients underwent randomization to HFNC (n=26) or NIV (n=25). Baseline characteristics in terms of age, Simplified Acute Physiologic Score II values, and cardiorespiratory parameters were similar in both groups. After receiving HFNC or NIV, oxygen saturation as measured by pulse oximeter (SpO₂) increased to greater than 90% in all cases. During FB, although the lowest SpO₂ was similar in both groups, the lowest SpO₂ <90% tended to occur more often in the HFNC group (34.6% vs. 12.0%; P=0.057). In patients with baseline PaO₂ <60 mmHg on ambient air, a decrease in PaO₂ from preprocedure to the end of FB was less in the NIV group (-13.7 vs. -57.0 mmHg; P=0.019). After FB, the occurrence of SpO₂ <90% was 15.4% and 4.0% in the HFNC group and NIV group, respectively (P=0.17).

Conclusions

In overall, NIV and HFNC provided the similar effectiveness in prevention of hypoxemia in hypoxemic patients undergoing FB. However, in subgroup analysis, NIV provided greater adequacy and stability of oxygenation than HFNC in patients with baseline PaO₂ <60 mmHg on ambient air.

The use of bronchoscopy in critically ill patients: considerations and complications

INTRODUCTION

Flexible bronchoscopy has been well established for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes in critically ill patients. Areas covered: This review outlines the clinical evidence of the utility and safety of flexible bronchoscopy in the intensive care unit, as well as specific considerations, including practical points and potential complications, in critically ill patients. Expert commentary: Its ease to learn and perform and its capacity for bedside application with relatively few complications make flexible bronchoscopy an indispensable tool in the intensive care unit setting. The main indications for flexible bronchoscopy in the intensive care unit are the visualization of the airways, sampling for diagnostic purposes and management of the artificial airways. The decision to perform flexible bronchoscopy can only be made by trade-offs between potential risks and benefits because of the fragile nature of the critically ill. Flexible bronchoscopy-associated serious adverse events are inevitable in cases of a lack of expertise or appropriate precautions.

Effect of a musical intervention on tolerance and efficacy of non-invasive ventilation in the ICU: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial (MUSique pour l'Insuffisance Respiratoire Aigue - Mus-IRA)

Background

Non-invasive ventilation (NIV) tolerance is a key factor of NIV success. Hence, numerous sedative pharmacological or non-pharmacological strategies have been assessed to improve NIV tolerance. Music therapy in various health care settings has shown beneficial effects. In invasively ventilated critical care patients, encouraging results of music therapy on physiological parameters, anxiety, and agitation have been reported. We hypothesize that a musical intervention improves NIV tolerance in comparison to conventional care. We therefore question the potential benefit of a receptive music session administered to patients by trained caregivers (“musical intervention”) to enhance acceptance and tolerance of NIV.

Methods/design

We conduct a prospective, three-center, open-label, three-arm randomized trial involving patients in the intensive care unit (ICU) who require NIV, as assessed by the treating physician. Participants are allocated to a “musical intervention” arm (“musical intervention” applied during all NIV sessions), to a “sensory deprivation” arm (sight and hearing isolation during all NIV sessions), or to the control group. The primary endpoint is the change in respiratory comfort (measured with a digital visual scale) before the initiation and after 30 minutes of the first NIV session. The evaluation of the primary endpoint is performed blindly from the treatment group. Secondary endpoints include changes in respiratory and cardiovascular parameters during NIV sessions, the percentage of patients requiring endotracheal intubation, day-90 anxiety/depression and health-related quality of life, post-trauma stress induced by NIV, and the overall assessment of NIV.

The follow-up for each participant is 90 days. We expect to randomize a total of 99 participants.

Discussion

As music intervention is a simple and easy-to-implement non-pharmacological technique, efficacious in reducing anxiety in critically ill patients, it appeared logical to assess its efficacy in NIV, one of the most stressful techniques used in the ICU. Patient centeredness was crucial in choosing the outcomes assessed.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT02265458. Registered on 25 August 2014.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13063-016-1574-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Noninvasive Ventilation

Noninvasive ventilation (NIV) has assumed a prominent role in the treatment of patients with both hypoxemic and hypercapnic acute respiratory failure (ARF). The main theoretic advantages of NIV include avoiding side effects and complications associated with endotracheal intubation, improving patient comfort, and preserving airway defense mechanisms. Factors that affect the success of NIV in patients with ARF are clinicians' expertise, selection of patient, choice of interface, selection of ventilator setting, proper monitoring, and patient motivation. Advances in the understanding of the physiologic aspects of using NIV through different interfaces and ventilator modalities have improved patient-machine interaction, thus enhancing favorable NIV outcome.

Target-controlled versus fractionated propofol sedation in flexible bronchoscopy: A randomized noninferiority trial

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Fractionated propofol administration (FPA) in flexible bronchoscopy (FB) may lead to oversedation and an increased risk of adverse events, because a stable plasma concentration of propofol is not maintainable. The purpose of this randomized noninferiority trial was to evaluate whether target-controlled infusion (TCI) of propofol is noninferior to FPA in terms of safety in FB.

METHODS

Coprimary outcomes were the mean lowest arterial oxygen saturation (SpO₂ ) during FB and the number of propofol dose adjustments in relation to procedure duration. Secondary outcomes were the number of occasions with SpO₂  < 90% and/or oxygen desaturations of >4% from baseline, number of occasions with systolic blood pressure < 90 mm Hg, cough frequency, cumulative propofol dose, recovery time, maximum transcutaneous CO₂ , mean SpO₂ and O₂ delivery during FB.

RESULTS

Seventy-seven patients were included. TCI was noninferior to FPA in terms of mean (standard deviation) lowest SpO₂ during the procedure (88.3% (5.4%) vs 86.9% (7.3%)) and required fewer dose adjustments (0.04/min vs 0.28/min, P < 0.001) but a higher cumulative propofol dose (264 vs 194 mg, P = 0.003). All other secondary outcomes were comparable between the groups.

CONCLUSION

We suggest that TCI of propofol is a favourable sedation technique for FB with equal safety issues and fewer dose adjustments compared with FPA.

Can fiberoptic bronchoscopy be applied to critically ill patients treated with noninvasive ventilation for acute respiratory distress syndrome? Prospective observational study

Background

Noninvasive ventilation (NIV) is a cornerstone for the treatment of acute respiratory failure of various etiologies. Using NIV is discussed in mild-to-moderate acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) patients (PaO₂/FiO₂ > 150). These patients often have comorbidities that increase the risk for bronchoscopy related complications. The primary outcome of this prospective observational study was to evaluate the feasibility, safety and contribution in diagnosis and/or modification of the ongoing treatment of fiberoptic bronchoscopy (FOB) in patients with ARDS treated with NIV.

Methods

ARDS patients treated with NIV and who require FOB as the diagnostic or therapeutic procedure were included the study. Intensive care ventilators or other dedicated NIV ventilators were used. NIV was applied via simple oro-nasal mask or full-face mask. Pressure support or inspiratory positive airway pressure (IPAP), external positive end expiratory pressure (PEEP) or expiratory positive airway pressure (EPAP) levels were titrated to achieve an expiratory tidal volume of 8 to 10 ml/kg according to ideal body weight, SpO₂ > 90 % and respiratory rate below 25/min.

Results

Twenty eight subjects (mean age 63.3 ± 15.9 years, 15 men, 13 women, PaO₂/FiO₂ rate 145 ± 50.1 at admission) were included the study. Overall the procedure was well tolerated with only 5 (17.9 %) patients showing minor complications. There was no impairment in arterial blood gas and cardiopulmonary parameters after FOB. PaO₂/FiO₂ rate increased from 132.2 ± 49.8 to 172.9 ± 63.2 (p = 0.001). No patient was intubated within 2 h after the bronchoscopy. 10.7, 32.1 and 39.3 % of the patients required invasive mechanical ventilation after 8 h, 24 h and 48 h, respectively. Bronchoscopy provided diagnosis in 27 (96.4 %) patients. Appropriate treatment was decided according to the results of the bronchoscopic sampling in 20 (71.4 %) patients.

Conclusion

FOB under NIV could be considered as a feasible tool for diagnosis and guide for treatment of patients with ARDS treated via NIV in intensive care units. However, FOB-correlated life-treathening complications in severe hypoxemia should not be forgotten. Furthermore, further controlled studies involving a larger series of homogeneous ARDS patients undergoing FOB under NIV are needed to confirm these preliminary findings.

A novel technique of non-invasive ventilation: Pharyngeal oxygen with nose-closure and abdominal-compression--Aid for pediatric flexible bronchoscopy

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the safety, feasibility and efficacy of a novel non-invasive ventilation (NIV) technique--pharyngeal oxygen with nose-closure and abdominal-compression (PhO2 -NC-AC)--to aid pediatric flexible bronchoscopy (FB).

DESIGN

A prospective 1 year study of patients who received FB. A basic PhO2 flow (0.5-1.0 L/kg/min, maximal 5.0 L/min) was routinely applied. Active NIV was initiated when the heart rate dropped <80 beats/min or desaturation was <80% for >10 sec. It was performed as follows: NC 1 sec for inspiration then released, followed by AC 1 sec for active expiration at a rate of 20-30 cycles/min until vital signs returned to acceptable levels for >10 sec. When the patients were stable, supplementary NIV was optionally given. Cardiopulmonary parameters were collected and analyzed.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

Three hundred thirty-seven FBs, including 188 therapeutic, were conducted in 286 patients with a mean age of 18.3 months (± 14.4, 10 min to 12 years) and a mean body weight of 13.5 kg (± 6.7, 0.5-35 kg). Three hundred thirty-three active NIVs were executed with a mean duration of 87.8 sec (± 40.4, 28-190 sec). A significantly longer FB duration (33.2 ± 16.7 min vs. 7.2 ± 2.8 min, P < 0.001) and a higher application rate of active NIV (1.44/FB vs. 0.42/FB) were noted in the therapeutic compared to the diagnostic group. Vital signs and blood gases (35 cases) improved rapidly and returned to baseline within 3 min. All FBs were safely and successfully completed without significant complications.

CONCLUSIONS

PhO2 -NC-AC is a simple, safe and effective NIV technique for respiratory support and rescue during various pediatric FB procedures.

Safety and efficacy of bronchoalveolar lavage using a laryngeal mask airway in cases of acute hypoxaemic respiratory failure with diffuse lung infiltrates

Objective Fibre-optic bronchoscopy with bronchoalveolar lavage (FOB-BAL) is an important tool for diagnosing and selecting treatment for acutely hypoxaemic patients with diffuse lung infiltrates. However, FOB-BAL carries a risk of significant hypoxaemia and subsequent tracheal intubation during and after the procedure. The application of FOB-BAL using a laryngeal mask airway (LMA) in combination with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) may minimize the incidence of hypoxaemia; however, the safety and efficacy of this procedure have not been investigated. Methods A retrospective chart review was performed from April to September 2013. Data regarding the recovered volume of BAL fluid, incidence of tracheal intubation within eight hours after the completion of FOB-BAL, respiratory and haemodynamic parameters and treatment modifications were collected for the evaluation. Results Ten trials of FOB-BAL using an LMA and CPAP were performed in nine patients with severe acute hypoxaemia associated with diffuse lung infiltrates. The BAL fluid recovery rate was 56%, and the procedure was completed without subsequent complications. In addition, the percutaneous arterial oxygen saturation decreased to 95.7%±3.8%, although it was never lower than 90.0% during the procedure, and no patients required intubation. Furthermore, the arterial blood pressure significantly but transiently decreased due to sedation, and the procedure yielded diagnostic information in all nine patients. Conclusion FOB-BAL using LMA and CPAP appears to be safe and effective in patients who develop severe acute hypoxaemia.

Fiber-optic bronchoscopy and volume-cycled mouthpiece ventilation for a patient with multiple sclerosis and ventilatory failure

Fiber-optic bronchoscopy supported by continuous or bilevel positive airway pressure has helped patients with hypoxemic or hypercapnic respiratory failure avoid respiratory complications. The authors describe a case of a 57-yr-old man with multiple sclerosis with a vital capacity of 250 ml (5% of predicted normal) who was using continuous noninvasive intermittent positive pressure ventilatory support when he underwent bronchoscopy while receiving continuous noninvasive intermittent positive pressure ventilatory support via a 15-mm angled mouthpiece interface. He was switched from a nasal to a 15-mm angled mouthpiece interface for continuous noninvasive intermittent positive pressure ventilatory support for the procedure. Simple mouthpieces may be useful alternatives to other facial interfaces for ventilatory support during bronchoscopy because of patient comfort and operator convenience.

The potential regimen of target-controlled infusion of propofol in flexible bronchoscopy sedation: a randomized controlled trial

OBJECTIVES

Target-controlled infusion (TCI) provides precise pharmacokinetic control of propofol concentration in the effect-site (Ce), eg. brain. This pilot study aims to evaluate the feasibility and optimal TCI regimen for flexible bronchoscopy (FB) sedation.

METHODS

After alfentanil bolus, initial induction Ce of propofol was targeted at 2 μg/ml. Patients were randomized into three titration groups (i.e., by 0.5, 0.2 and 0.1 μg/ml, respectively) to maintain stable sedation levels and vital signs. Adverse events, frequency of adjustments, drug doses, and induction and recovery times were recorded.

RESULTS

The study was closed early due to significantly severe hypoxemia events (oxyhemoglobin saturation <70%) in the group titrated at 0.5 μg/ml. Forty-nine, 49 and 46 patients were enrolled into the 3 respective groups before study closure. The proportion of patients with hypoxemia events differed significantly between groups (67.3 vs. 46.9 vs. 41.3%, p = 0.027). Hypotension events, induction and recovery time and propofol doses were not different. The Ce of induction differed significantly between groups (2.4±0.5 vs. 2.1±0.4 vs. 2.1±0.3 μg/ml, p = 0.005) and the Ce of procedures was higher at 0.5 μg/ml titration (2.4±0.5 vs. 2.1±0.4 vs. 2.2±0.3 μg/ml, p = 0.006). The adjustment frequency tended to be higher for titration at 0.1 μg/ml but was not statistically significant (2 (0∼6) vs. 3 (0∼6) vs. 3 (0∼11)). Subgroup analysis revealed 14% of all patients required no further adjustment during the whole sedation. Comparing patients requiring at least one adjustment with those who did not, they were observed to have a shorter induction time (87.6±34.9 vs. 226.9±147.9 sec, p<0.001), a smaller induction dose and Ce (32.5±4.1 vs. 56.8±22.7 mg, p<0.001; 1.76±0.17 vs. 2.28 ±0.41, p<0.001, respectively), and less hypoxemia and hypotension (15.8 vs.56.9%, p = 0.001; 0 vs. 24.1%, p = 0.008, respectively).

CONCLUSION

Titration at 0.5 μg/ml is risky for FB sedation. A subgroup of patients required no more TCI adjustment with fewer complications. Further studies are warranted to determine the optimal regimen of TCI for FB sedation.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01101477.

Flexible fiberoptic bronchoscopy and remifentanil target-controlled infusion in ICU: a preliminary study

PURPOSE

Flexible fiberoptic bronchoscopy (FFB) is a major diagnostic tool commonly used in intensive care unit (ICU). However, it generates discomfort and pain and can worsen respiratory and/or hemodynamic condition of critically ill patients. Remifentanil is an ultrashort-acting opioid drug that has been shown to provide effective sedation for painful procedures in spontaneous breathing patients. The aim of this study is to evaluate the safety and efficacy of sedation with remifentanil target-controlled infusion (Remi-TCI) in patients with spontaneous ventilation undergoing FFB in ICU.

METHODS

Monocentric prospective study. All patients received Remi-TCI with initial effect-site target concentration of 2 ng/mL, progressively titrated according to their comfort and sedation. Respiratory and hemodynamic parameters were assessed before, during, and after the procedure, as well as comfort, level of sedation, FFB conditions, and recovery patterns. Global Remi-TCI data and potential complications of the procedure were also recorded.

RESULTS

Fourteen patients were included. FFB was successful in all patients with good conditions (sedation, global comfort, and cough). No severe hemodynamic or respiratory complications occurred during procedure. Maximum target concentration and total dose of remifentanil were 2.5 ng/mL (2-4 ng/mL) and 1.4 μg/kg (0.7-2.4 μg/kg), respectively, over 10 min. Patients reported low level of pain and good satisfaction with the procedure.

CONCLUSIONS

FFB under sedation with Remi-TCI seems to be safe and effective in critically ill patients with spontaneous ventilation. Such results could be the first step towards wider use of Remi-TCI in patients experiencing awkward and/or painful procedures in this setting.