Physical therapy for the critically ill in the ICU: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Crit Care Med. 2013;41:1543-1554. [PMID: 23528802 DOI: 10.1097/ccm.0b013e31827ca637]

Risk factors for ICU-acquired weakness in sepsis patients: A retrospective study of 264 patients

Background

Sepsis is a common critical illness in intensive care unit (ICU) and an important risk factor for intensive care unit-acquired weakness (ICU-AW). The objective of the study is to analyze the risk factors of ICU-AW in septic patients.

Methods

A total of 264 septic patients admitted to the General Hospital of the Western Theater Command from January 2018 to April 2022 were included in this study. The cohort was divided into 2 groups according to the presence or absence of ICU-AW. Clinical characteristics included age, sex, body mass index, length of ICU stay, multiple organ dysfunction syndrome, acute physiology and chronic health evaluation Ⅱ (APACHE Ⅱ), mechanical ventilation time, intubation, tracheotomy, protective constraint, lactic acid, fasting blood glucose, etc. The clinical characteristics of sepsis were evaluated using logistic regression analysis.

Results

A total of 114 septic patients suffered ICU-AW during their ICU stay. Multivariate binary logistic regression analysis showed that APACHE Ⅱ score, mechanical ventilation time, protective constraint, and lactic acid were independent risk factors for ICU-AW in septic patients. The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUCs) were 0.791, 0.740 and 0.812, all P < 0.05, and the optimal cut-off values were 24 points, 5 days and 2.12 mmol/L, respectively.

Conclusions

A high APACHE Ⅱ score, long mechanical ventilation time, protective constraint and high lactate concentration are independent risk factors for ICU-AW in septic patients. An APACHE Ⅱ score greater than 24 points, mechanical ventilation time longer than 5 days and lactate concentration higher than 2.12 mmol/L are likely to cause ICU-AW.

Early mobility and family partnerships in the intensive care unit: A scoping review of reviews

BACKGROUND

Critical illness significantly impacts the well-being of patients and families. Previous studies show that family members are willing to participate in patient care. Involving families in early mobility interventions may contribute to improved recovery and positive outcomes for patients and families.

AIM

In this scoping review, we investigated early mobility interventions for critically ill patients evaluated in randomized controlled trials and the extent to which family engagement in those interventions are reported in the literature.

STUDY DESIGN

In this scoping review of reviews, EMBASE, CINAHL, PubMed and Cochrane Central databases were searched in October 2019 and updated in February 2022. Systematic reviews were included and assessed using A MeaSurement Tool to Assess Systematic Reviews (AMSTAR) 2. Data were synthesized using a narrative approach. PRISMA-ScR guidelines were adhered to for reporting.

RESULTS

Thirty-three reviews were included which described a range of early mobility interventions for critically ill patients; none explicitly mentioned family engagement. Almost half of the reviews were of low or critically low quality. Insufficient detail of early mobility interventions prompted information to be extracted from the primary studies.

CONCLUSIONS

There are a range of early mobility interventions for critically ill patients but few involve families. Given the positive outcomes of family participation, and family willingness to participate in care, there is a need to explore the feasibility and acceptability of family participation in early mobility interventions.

RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE

Family engagement in early mobility interventions for critically ill patients should be encouraged and supported. How to best support family members and clinicians in enacting family involvement in early mobility requires further investigation.

Metabolic load during morning care and active bed exercises in critically ill patients: An explorative study

BACKGROUND

To avoid overexertion in critically ill patients, information on the physical demand, i.e., metabolic load, of daily care and active exercises is warranted.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was toassess the metabolic load during morning care activities and active bed exercises in mechanically ventilated critically ill patients.

METHODS

This study incorporated an explorative observational study executed in a university hospital intensive care unit. Oxygen consumption (VO2) was measured in mechanically ventilated (≥48 h) critically ill patients during rest, routine morning care, and active bed exercises. We aimed to describe and compare VO2 in terms of absolute VO2 (mL) defined as the VO2 attributable to the activity and relative VO2 in mL per kilogram bodyweight, per minute (mL/kg/min). Additional outcomes achieved during the activity were perceived exertion, respiratory variables, and the highest VO2 values. Changes in VO2 and activity duration were tested using paired tests.

RESULTS

Twenty-one patients were included with a mean (standard deviation) age of 59 y (12). Median (interquartile range [IQR]) durations of morning care and active bed exercises were 26 min (21-29) and 7 min (5-12), respectively. Absolute VO2 of morning care was significantly higher than that of active bed exercises (p = 0,009). Median (IQR) relative VO2 was 2.9 (2.6-3.8) mL/kg/min during rest; 3.1 (2.8-3.7) mL/kg/min during morning care; and 3.2 (2.7-4) mL/kg/min during active bed exercises. The highest VO2 value was 4.9 (4.2-5.7) mL/kg/min during morning care and 3.7 (3.2-5.3) mL/kg/min during active bed exercises. Median (IQR) perceived exertion on the 6-20 Borg scale was 12 (10.3-14.5) during morning care (n = 8) and 13.5 (11-15) during active bed exercises (n = 6).

CONCLUSION

Absolute VO2 in mechanically ventilated patients may be higher during morning care than during active bed exercises due to the longer duration of the activity. Intensive care unit clinicians should be aware that daily-care activities may cause intervals of high metabolic load and high ratings of perceived exertion.

Effects of robotic-assisted early mobilization versus conventional mobilization in intensive care unit patients: prospective interventional cohort study with retrospective control group analysis

BACKGROUND

Approximately one in three survivors of critical illness suffers from intensive-care-unit-acquired weakness, which increases mortality and impairs quality of life. By counteracting immobilization, a known risk factor, active mobilization may mitigate its negative effects on patients. In this single-center trial, the effect of robotic-assisted early mobilization in the intensive care unit (ICU) on patients' outcomes was investigated.

METHODS

We enrolled 16 adults scheduled for lung transplantation to receive 20 min of robotic-assisted mobilization and verticalization twice daily during their first week in the ICU (intervention group: IG). A control group (CG) of 13 conventionally mobilized patients after lung transplantation was recruited retrospectively. Outcome measures included the duration of mechanical ventilation, length of ICU stay, muscle parameters evaluated by ultrasound, and quality of life after three months.

RESULTS

During the first week in the ICU, the intervention group received a median of 6 (interquartile range 3-8) robotic-assisted sessions of early mobilization and verticalization. There were no statistically significant differences in the duration of mechanical ventilation (IG: median 126 vs. CG: 78 h), length of ICU stay, muscle parameters evaluated by ultrasound, and quality of life after three months between the IG and CG.

CONCLUSION

In this study, robotic-assisted mobilization was successfully implemented in the ICU setting. No significant differences in patients' outcomes were observed between conventional and robotic-assisted mobilization. However, randomized and larger studies are necessary to validate the adequacy of robotic mobilization in other cohorts.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

This single-center interventional trial was registered in clinicaltrials.gov as NCT05071248 on 27/08/2021.

Timing to out-of-bed mobilization and mobility levels of COVID-19 patients admitted to the ICU: Experiences in Brazilian clinical practice

INTRODUCTION

At the beginning of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, there was scarce data about clinical/functional conditions during hospitalization or after hospital discharge. Little was known about COVID-19 repercussions and how to do early mobilization in intensive care unit (ICU).

OBJECTIVE

Identify the time to the initiation of out-of-bed mobilization and the levels of mobility (sitting over the edge of the bed, sitting in a chair, standing, and ambulating) reached by critically ill patients with COVID-19 during hospitalization and the factors that could impact early mobilization.

METHODS

This was a retrospective observational study of patients with COVID-19 in the ICU.

RESULTS

There were 157 surviving COVID-19 patients included in the study (median age: 61 years; median ICU length of stay: 12 days). The median time to initiate out-of-bed mobilization in the ICU was 6 days; between patients who received mechanical ventilation (MV) compared with those who did not, this time was 8 vs. 2.5 days (p < .001). Most patients who used MV were mobilized after extubation (79.6%). During ICU stays, 88.0% of all patients were mobilized out of bed, and 41.0% were able to ambulate either with assistance or independently. The time to initiate out-of-bed mobilization is associated with sedation time and MV time.

CONCLUSION

Despite the pandemic scenario, patients were quickly mobilized out of bed, and most of the patients achieved higher mobility levels in the ICU and at hospital discharge. Sedation time and MV time were associated with delays in initiating mobilization.

Understanding the needs and perceptions of early mobilization for critically ill patients: A systematic review of qualitative studies

OBJECTIVE

To synthesize qualitative research findings on intensive care patients' perceptions of early mobilization to identify their needs and understand the factors influencing their participation.

METHODS

Studies that explored patients' experiences of early mobilization within the intensive care unit were searched. A comprehensive search was conducted by searching five English and four Chinese electronic databases. The systematic review was carried out in line with the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology for systematic reviews of qualitative evidence, and also the thematic synthesis method was used to analyze the data.

RESULTS

A total of eight studies were included. Eight descriptive themes were formed: patients' self-determination needs, patients' relationship needs, patients' needs for competency and self-control, perceived benefits of physical function, increased self-confidence, negative emotions, unpleasant experiences and suffering, negative attitudes, and three analytical themes related to patients' perceptions of early mobilization in the intensive care unit were identified, including patients' needs during early mobilization, facilitators prompting patients' actions in early mobilization, and obstacles influencing patients' actions in early mobilization.

CONCLUSION

Many factors influence the critically ill patients' actions in early mobilization. A better understanding of patients' potential needs and psychological responses to early mobilization in the intensive care unit may help health professionals develop strategies to promote the quality of early mobilization.

IMPLICATIONS FOR CLINICAL PRACTICE

Recognizing and developing the strategies to meet the needs are essential to improve the patients' actions in early mobilization in the intensive care unit.. Therefore, understanding the relationship between needs support and patients' actions in early mobilization can help them provider better support services during mobilization.

Age and period of ventilator use are related to walking independence at the time of discharge in patients with severe COVID-19 pneumonia: a single-center retrospective observational study

[Purpose] This study aimed to identify the factors and cutoffs associated with walking independence in patients with severe COVID-19 pneumonia. [Participants and Methods] In total, 112 patients with COVID-19 pneumonia (98 males and 14 females) who were hospitalized between March 2020 and August 2021 and underwent physiotherapy during mechanical ventilation were included in the study. Attributes, respiratory function, physical function, and bed-withdrawal status were compared between two groups of patients, who were classified according to their ability to walk independently at discharge. The independent variables were reduced to four components by principal component analysis. Logistic regression analysis was performed with walking independence at discharge as the dependent variable. Receiver operating characteristic curves for the extracted factors were drawn, and cutoff values were calculated. [Results] At discharge, 76 patients were able to walk independently, while 36 were not. The logistic regression analysis was adjusted according to age and mechanical ventilation time. Cutoffs were an age of 56 years and a ventilation period of 7.5 days. [Conclusion] In cases of patients with severe COVID-19 pneumonia who required ventilators, age and mechanical ventilation time were associated with ambulatory independence at discharge, indicating the importance of reducing the ventilation period by providing respiratory physiotherapy, including expectoration, positioning, and weaning.

The provision and impact of rehabilitation provided by physiotherapists in children and young people with congenital heart disease following cardiac surgery: a scoping review

INTRODUCTION

Children with congenital heart disease (CHD) are at risk of delayed motor development with increased risk for those requiring cardiac surgical intervention. We conducted a scoping review to identify the provision and impact of physiotherapy-delivered rehabilitation in children and young people with CHD following cardiac surgery.

METHODS

CINAHL, EMBASE, PUBMED, AHMED, EMCARE, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, NHS Evidence databases were searched (2000-2022). Included studies were published in full, in English and reported the use of physiotherapy in CHD (participants 0-18years) post-surgical procedure. Articles were screened by title and abstract and through full-text review with results structured in accordance with the PAGER framework and PRISMA- ScR checklist.

RESULTS

Seven full text peer reviewed papers published 2014-2021 were identified from 5747 papers screened. Included papers were predominantly non-randomised cohort studies with a sample size of between one and 247. Study participants ranged from eight days to 16 years, with a variety of congenital heart defects and surgical procedures. The provision of physiotherapy varied with a range of rehabilitation formats and physiotherapeutic interventions utilised. Physiotherapy provision appeared to have a positive impact on functional/ developmental outcomes and muscle strength.

DISCUSSION

Assessing the impact and provision of physiotherapy in CHD post-surgical intervention is challenging based on the published literature, due to small sample sizes, lack of control groups, heterogeneous demographics and variable intervention and formats delivered. Further research is required to identify the optimum format of physiotherapy provision and establish the potential impact of physiotherapy delivered rehabilitation on motor function and development. CONTRIBUTION OF THE PAPER.

A group concept mapping and ethnographic study of intensive care rehabilitation culture

BACKGROUND

Early physical activity and physical rehabilitation are advocated in the critical care unit for patients recovering from critical illness. Despite this, there are still many factors associated with implementation of early physical rehabilitation into routine critical care and practice. One such factor that has been consistently identified is unit culture, yet there is little understanding of how or why the culture of a critical care unit impacts on implementation of early rehabilitation.

AIM

To develop a detailed understanding of the cultural barriers and enablers to the promotion and implementation of physical activity and early mobilization in National Health Service (NHS) critical care units in the United Kingdom (UK).

STUDY DESIGN

A mixed-methods, two-phase study incorporating online group concept mapping (GCM) and ethnography. GCM will be conducted to provide a multistakeholder co-authored conceptual framework of rehabilitation culture. Ethnographic observations and interviews will be conducted of culture and behaviours in relation to the implementation and promotion of early physical activity and rehabilitation in two NHS critical care units in the North East of England.

RESULTS

The results of the Group Concept Mapping and ethnographic observations and interviews will be triangulated to develop a contextual framework of rehabilitation culture in critical care.

RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE

This study will provide a detailed understanding of barriers and facilitators in relation to providing a positive rehabilitation culture in the critical care unit.

Care intervention on psychological outcomes among patients admitted to intensive care unit: an umbrella review of systematic reviews and meta-analyses

BACKGROUND

Numerous studies have explored care interventions to improve the psychological outcome of intensive care unit (ICU) patients, but inconclusive evidence makes it difficult for decision-makers, managers, and clinicians to get familiar with all available literature and find appropriate interventions. This umbrella review aimed to analyze the relationship between care intervention and psychological outcomes of ICU patients based on existing systematic reviews.

METHODS

An umbrella review of evidence across systematic reviews and meta-analyses published between 1987 and 2023 was undertaken. We systematically searched reviews that examined the association between care intervention and the improvement of adverse psychological outcomes in ICU patients using PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and manual reference screening. The measurement tool (AMSTAR 2) was applied to evaluate the methodological quality of included studies. The excess significance bias, between-study heterogeneity expressed by I2, small-study effect, and evidence class were estimated.

RESULTS

A total of 5110 articles were initially identified from the search databases and nine of them were included in the analysis. By applying standardized criteria, only weak evidence was observed in 13 associations, even though most included reviews were of moderate to high methodological quality. These associations pertained to eight interventions (music therapy, early rehabilitation, post-ICU follow-up, ICU diary, information intervention, preoperative education, communication and psychological support, surrogate decision-making) and five psychological outcomes (post-intensive care syndrome, transfer anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, and depression). Weak or null association was shown among the rest of the associations (e.g., weak association between music therapy and maternal anxiety or stress level).

CONCLUSIONS

The evidence of these eight supporting interventions to improve the adverse psychological outcomes of ICU patients and caregivers was weak. Data from more and better-designed studies with larger sample sizes are needed to establish robust evidence.

Effect of Early Rehabilitation on Gait, Wound and Home Discharge in Lower Extremity Chronic Wound Patients: A Japanese Multicenter Retrospective Study

This study investigated the effect of early rehabilitation on gait restoration, wound healing, and home discharge in patients with lower extremity (LE) chronic wounds. This multicenter, retrospective cohort study included 233 Japanese inpatients who received treatment for LE chronic wounds from April 2012 to March 2015. A multivariate analysis was conducted using outcomes of gait restoration, wound healing, and home discharge as dependent variables. Other survey items were used as independent variables. Early rehabilitation was extracted as an independent factor with gait restoration (hazard ratio [HR] 1.82, P < .01) and home discharge (HR 1.77, P < .001) as dependent factors by the stepwise method in Cox proportional-hazards regression analysis, but it was not extracted as an independent factor with wound healing as the dependent factor by the stepwise method as well as the forced entry method (P = .44). A significant relationship between the presence of gait restoration and home discharge was observed in the chi-square test (P<.001), and the duration from admission to gait restoration was significantly correlated to the duration from admission to home discharge (Pearson's product-moment correlation coefficient; r=.89, P<.0001). Early rehabilitation was a positive factor for gait restoration and home discharge in chronic LE wound patients.

Incidents and Sudden Patient Deteriorations Occurring During Their Rehabilitation Sessions in an Acute Care Hospital: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Objective

To investigate the occurrence of incidents and sudden deteriorations during rehabilitation in an acute care setting by disease category based on the International Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, 10th Revision.

Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting

University hospital in Japan with 1376 beds.

Participants

A total of 49,927 patients who were admitted to the acute care wards and underwent rehabilitation over 8 years, from April 1, 2013, to March 31, 2021.

Interventions

Rehabilitation in an acute care setting.

Main Outcome Measures

Incidents and sudden deteriorations reported in medical charts.

Results

Among 49,927 admissions, 455 incidents and 683 sudden deteriorations occurred during rehabilitation. The incidents and sudden deteriorations occurred at rates of 0.009/person (0.50 case/1000 h) and 0.012/person (0.75 case/1000 h), respectively. The 3 most frequent incidents were "route-related incidents" (178 cases, 39.1%), followed by "bleeding/abrasions" (131 cases, 28.8%) and "falls" (125 cases, 27.5%). Among 12 disease categories with over 500 admissions and 10,000 rehabilitation hours, the highest incident rate occurred in "certain infectious and parasitic diseases" (0.81 case/1000 h), followed by "diseases of the musculoskeletal system and connective tissue" (0.67 case/1000 h) and "diseases of the genitourinary system" (0.66 case/1000 h). The commonest sudden deterioration was "vomiting" (460 cases, 67.3%), followed by "decreased level of consciousness (with reduced blood pressure)" (42 cases, 6.1%) and "seizure" (39 cases, 5.7%). Furthermore, the highest sudden deterioration rate was in the "endocrine, nutritional, and metabolic diseases" (1.19 case/1000 h) category, followed by "neoplasms" (1.04 case/1000 h) and "certain infectious and parasitic diseases" (0.99 case/1000 h).

Conclusions

An incident and sudden deterioration occurred every 2000 and 1333 h, respectively, during rehabilitation. Therefore, understanding the actual occurrence of incidents and sudden deteriorations during rehabilitation may provide valuable insights into preventing incidents and emergencies.

Relationship of Age And Mobility Levels During Physical Rehabilitation With Clinical Outcomes in Critical Illness

Objective

To determine whether age, mobility level, and change in mobility level across the first 3 physical rehabilitation sessions associate with clinical outcomes of patients who are critically ill.

Design

Retrospective, observational cohort study.

Setting

Medical Intensive Care Unit (MICU).

Participants

Hospitalized adults (n = 132) who received 3 or more, consecutive rehabilitation sessions in the MICU.

Interventions

Not applicable.

Measurements and Main Results

Sample included 132 patients with 60 (45%) classified as younger (18-59 years) and 72 (55%) as older (60+ years). The most common diagnosis was sepsis/septicemia (32.6%). Older relative to younger patients had a significantly slower rate of improvement in ICU Mobility Scale (IMS) scores across rehabilitation sessions (mean slope coefficient 0.3 vs 0.6 points, P<.001), were less likely to be discharged to home (30.6% vs 55.0%, P=.005), and were more likely to die within 12 months (41.7% vs 25.0%, P=.046). Covariate-adjusted models indicated greater early improvement in IMS scores were associated with discharge home (P=.005). Longer time to first rehabilitation session, lower initial IMS scores, and slower improvement in IMS scores were associated with increased ICU days (all P<.03).

Conclusion

Older age and not achieving the mobility milestone of sitting at edge of bed or limited progression of mobility across sessions is associated with poor patient outcomes. Our findings suggest that age and mobility level contribute to outcome prognostication, and can aide in clinical phenotyping and rehabilitative service allocation.

Association Between Mobilization Level And Activity of Daily Living Independence in Critically Ill Patients

OBJECTIVE

To examine the association between the mobilization level during intensive care unit (ICU) admission and independence in activity of daily living (ADL), defined as Barthel Index (BI)≥70.

METHODS

This was a post-hoc analysis of the EMPICS study involving nine hospitals. Consecutive patients who spend >48 hours in the ICU were eligible for inclusion. Mobilization was performed at each hospital according to the shared protocol and the highest ICU mobility score (IMS) during the ICU stay, baseline characteristics, and BI at hospital discharge. Multiple logistic regression analysis, adjusted for baseline characteristics, was used to deter-mine the association between the highest IMS (using the receiver operating characteristic [ROC]) and ADL.

RESULTS

Of the 203 patients, 143 were assigned to the ADL independence group and 60 to the ADL dependence group. The highest IMS score was significantly higher in the ADL independence group than in the dependence group and was a predictor of ADL independence at hospital discharge (odds ratio, 1.22; 95% confidence interval, 1.07-1.38; adjusted p=0.002). The ROC cutoff value for the highest IMS was 6 (specificity, 0.67; sensitivity, 0.70; area under the curve, 0.69).

CONCLUSION

These results indicate that, in patients who were in the ICU for more than 48 hours, that patients with good function in the ICU also exhibit good function upon discharge. However, prospective, multicenter trials are needed to confirm this conclusion.

Early mobilisation in critically ill COVID-19 patients: a subanalysis of the ESICM-initiated UNITE-COVID observational study

BACKGROUND

Early mobilisation (EM) is an intervention that may improve the outcome of critically ill patients. There is limited data on EM in COVID-19 patients and its use during the first pandemic wave.

METHODS

This is a pre-planned subanalysis of the ESICM UNITE-COVID, an international multicenter observational study involving critically ill COVID-19 patients in the ICU between February 15th and May 15th, 2020. We analysed variables associated with the initiation of EM (within 72 h of ICU admission) and explored the impact of EM on mortality, ICU and hospital length of stay, as well as discharge location. Statistical analyses were done using (generalised) linear mixed-effect models and ANOVAs.

RESULTS

Mobilisation data from 4190 patients from 280 ICUs in 45 countries were analysed. 1114 (26.6%) of these patients received mobilisation within 72 h after ICU admission; 3076 (73.4%) did not. In our analysis of factors associated with EM, mechanical ventilation at admission (OR 0.29; 95% CI 0.25, 0.35; p = 0.001), higher age (OR 0.99; 95% CI 0.98, 1.00; p ≤ 0.001), pre-existing asthma (OR 0.84; 95% CI 0.73, 0.98; p = 0.028), and pre-existing kidney disease (OR 0.84; 95% CI 0.71, 0.99; p = 0.036) were negatively associated with the initiation of EM. EM was associated with a higher chance of being discharged home (OR 1.31; 95% CI 1.08, 1.58; p = 0.007) but was not associated with length of stay in ICU (adj. difference 0.91 days; 95% CI - 0.47, 1.37, p = 0.34) and hospital (adj. difference 1.4 days; 95% CI - 0.62, 2.35, p = 0.24) or mortality (OR 0.88; 95% CI 0.7, 1.09, p = 0.24) when adjusted for covariates.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings demonstrate that a quarter of COVID-19 patients received EM. There was no association found between EM in COVID-19 patients' ICU and hospital length of stay or mortality. However, EM in COVID-19 patients was associated with increased odds of being discharged home rather than to a care facility. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT04836065 (retrospectively registered April 8th 2021).

Physical therapy in the intensive care unit: A cross-sectional study of three Asian countries

BACKGROUND

Physical therapy (PT) is beneficial for critically ill patients, but the extent of its application in the intensive care unit (ICU) differs between countries. Here, we compared the extent of PT intervention in the ICU in Japan, the Philippines, and Taiwan by evaluating the sociodemographic and ICU-related profiles of ICU physical therapists.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this cross-sectional study, a semistructured nationwide online survey was distributed to ICU physical therapists in the three countries.

RESULTS

We analyzed the responses of 164 physical therapists from Japan, Philippines, and Taiwan. Significant differences were observed between the countries in all sociodemographic variables and the following ICU-related profiles of physical therapists: ICU work experience, duration of the ICU posting, number of hours per day spent in the ICU, on-call ICU PT service engagement, source of ICU patient referral, therapist-patient ratio, and ICU-related PT training participation (p < 0.05). Medical, surgical, and neurologic ICUs were the most common ICU workplaces of the ICU physical therapists, but only surgical and neurologic ICUs exhibited significant differences between the countries (p < 0.05). Standard PT techniques in the ICU were passive and active-assisted range of motion, positioning, and breathing exercises but were implemented with significantly different frequencies between the countries (p < 0.05). The most common challenge faced in ICU PT service delivery by respondents from all three countries was lack of training prior to ICU duty, and lack of training was even bigger challenge in Japan than in other two countries after adjustment of age, highest educational attainment, and work experience.

CONCLUSION

The differences in the health-care system between Japan, the Philippines, and Taiwan were related to differences in the compliance with internationally recommended PT practice standards in the ICU, differences in the type of PT intervention prioritized, and the challenges encountered in ICU PT service delivery.

Preliminary Exploration of Long-Term Patient Outcomes After Tracheostomy in Burns: A Burn Model System Study

INTRODUCTION

Upper airway management is crucial to burn care. Endotracheal intubation is often performed in the setting of inhalation injury, burns of the face and neck, or large burns requiring significant resuscitation. Tracheostomy may be necessary in patients requiring prolonged ventilatory support. This study compares long-term, patient-reported outcomes in burn patients with and without tracheostomy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Data from the Burn Model System Database, collected from 2013 to 2020, were analyzed. Demographic and clinical data were compared between those with and without tracheostomy. The following patient-reported outcomes, collected at 6-, 12-, and 24-mo follow-up, were analyzed: Veterans RAND 12-Item Health Survey (VR-12), Satisfaction with Life, Community Integration Questionnaire, Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System 29-Item Profile Measure, employment status, and days to return to work. Regression models and propensity-matched analyses were used to assess the associations between tracheostomy and each outcome.

RESULTS

Of 714 patients included in this study, 5.5% received a tracheostomy. Mixed model regression analyses demonstrated that only VR-12 Physical Component Summary scores at 24-mo follow-up were significantly worse among those requiring tracheostomy. Tracheostomy was not associated with VR-12 Mental Component Summary, Satisfaction with Life, Community Integration Questionnaire, or Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System 29-Item Profile Measure scores. Likewise, tracheostomy was not found to be independently associated with employment status or days to return to work.

CONCLUSIONS

This preliminary exploration suggests that physical and psychosocial recovery, as well as the ability to regain employment, are no worse in burn patients requiring tracheostomy. Future investigations of larger scale are still needed to assess center- and provider-level influences, as well as the influences of various hallmarks of injury severity. Nonetheless, this work should better inform goals of care discussions with patients and families regarding the use of tracheostomy in burn injury.

Individualised analgesia, sedation, delirium and comfort management strategies in the ICU: a narrative review

This group is a product of the collaboration agreement signed by SOMIAMA (Sociedad de Medicina Intensiva de Madrid) and SAR MADRID (Sociedad de Anestesiología, Reanimación y Terapéutica del Dolor de Madrid) under which the organisations agreed to create joint working groups to improve critical patient care. Pain, discomfort, agitation, and delirium cause suffering, delay discharge, and can lead to serious complications in patients admitted to medical and surgical critical care units and post-anaesthesia care units. The main objectives in this type of unit include: Ensuring the comfort of patients suffering or recovering from a critical illness.Avoiding complications associated with the measures, particularly pharmacological, taken to ensure that comfort.

Becoming partners in rehabilitation with patients in intensive care: physiotherapists' perspectives

PURPOSE

Person-centred care is widely accepted as being central to high quality care, but little is known about how physiotherapists implement person centred rehabilitation in Intensive Care. This study explores the self-reported experiences and interpretations of physiotherapists delivering person-centred rehabilitation in this setting.

METHODS

A qualitative study using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis explored the lived experiences of physiotherapists and students who have worked in Intensive Care. Three focus groups, with four participants in each, were conducted. Data were fully transcribed, analysed and managed using NVivo software.

RESULTS

Participants shared similar interpretations about the principles of person-centred care. Operationalising person-centred rehabilitation during early recovery was not easily achievable. As the person's clinical condition improved, participants moved away from routine physiotherapy and their practice became more person-centred through the development of a partnership. Participants connected as humans to understand the person and respond to their needs within a culture that valued person-centred care.

CONCLUSIONS

Physiotherapists aspire to develop a partnership with their patients by connecting on a human level with them and addressing their biopsychosocial needs. Physiotherapists with experience of developing patient partnerships influence the culture of the Intensive Care team and are role-models to facilitate collaborative person-centred activity in others.

Long-term clinical outcomes in critically ill patients with sepsis and pre-existing low muscle mass: a retrospective cohort study

PURPOSE

Critically ill patients with sepsis account for significant disease morbidity and healthcare costs. Low muscle mass has been proposed as an independent risk factor for poor short-term outcomes, although its effect on long-term outcomes remains unclear.

METHODS

Retrospective cohort analysis of patients treated at a quaternary care medical center over 6 years (09/2014 - 12/2020). Critically ill patients meeting Sepsis-3 criteria were included, with low muscle mass defined by [Formula: see text] 5th percentile skeletal muscle index, measured at the L3 lumbar level (L3SMI) on Computed-Tomography (CT) scan ([Formula: see text] 41.6 cm2/m2 for males and [Formula: see text] 32.0 cm2/m2 for females). L3SMI was calculated by normalizing the CT-measured skeletal muscle area to the square of the patient's height (in meters). Measurements were taken from abdominal/pelvic CT scan obtained within 7 days of sepsis onset. The prevalence of low muscle mass and its association with clinical outcomes, including in-hospital and one-year mortality, and post-hospitalization discharge disposition in survivors, was analyzed. Unfavorable post-hospitalization disposition was defined as discharge to a location other than the patient's home.

RESULTS

Low muscle mass was present in 34 (23%) of 150 patients, with mean skeletal muscle indices of 28.0 ± 2.9 cm2/m2 and 36.8 ± 3.3 cm2/m2 in females and males, respectively. While low muscle mass was not a significant risk factor for in-hospital mortality (hazard ratio 1.33; 95% CI 0.64 - 2.76; p = 0.437), it significantly increased one-year mortality after adjusting for age and illness severity using Cox multivariate regression (hazard ratio 1.9; 95% CI 1.1 - 3.2; p = 0.014). Unfavorable post-hospitalization discharge disposition was not associated with low muscle mass, after adjusting for age and illness severity in a single, multivariate model.

CONCLUSION

Low muscle mass independently predicts one-year mortality but is not associated with in-hospital mortality or unfavorable hospital discharge disposition in critically ill patients with sepsis.

Early Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation Preserves Muscle Size and Quality and Maintains Systemic Levels of Signaling Mediators of Muscle Growth and Inflammation in Patients with Traumatic Brain Injury: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Objective

To investigate the effects of an early neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) protocol on muscle quality and size as well as signaling mediators of muscle growth and systemic inflammation in patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI).

Design

Two-arm, single-blinded, parallel-group, randomized, controlled trial with a blinded assessment. Setting. Trauma intensive care unit at a university hospital. Participants. Forty consecutive patients on mechanical ventilation (MV) secondary to TBI were prospectively recruited within the first 24 hours following admission. Interventions. The intervention group (NMES; n = 20) received a daily session of NMES on the rectus femoris muscle for five consecutive days (55 min/each session). The control group (n = 20) received usual care. Main Outcome Measures. Muscle echogenicity and thickness were evaluated by ultrasonography. A daily blood sample was collected to assess circulating levels of insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I), inflammatory cytokines, and matrix metalloproteinases (MMP).

Results

Both groups were similar at baseline. A smaller change in muscle echogenicity and thickness (difference between Day 1 and Day 7) was found in the control group compared to the NMES group (29.9 ± 2.1 vs. 3.0 ± 1.2, p < 0.001; -0.79 ± 0.12 vs. -0.01 ± 0.06, p < 0.001, respectively). Circulating levels of IGF-I, pro-inflammatory cytokines (IFN-y), and MMP were similar between groups.

Conclusion

An early NMES protocol can preserve muscle size and quality and maintain systemic levels of signaling mediators of muscle growth and inflammation in patients with TBI. This trial is registered with https://www.ensaiosclinicos.gov.br under number RBR-2db.

Extended Support With the Impella 5.5: Transplant, ECMO, and Complications

We report midterm results of Impella 5.5 use with focus placed on bridge-outcomes, venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) transition, complications, and risk factors for mortality. A retrospective review of patients implanted with the Impella 5.5 at our medical center was conducted. Forty patients were included with varying bridge strategies. Sixteen (40%) patients were supported for <14 days, 13 (32.5%) for 14-30 days, and 11 (27.5%) for >30 days. Thirty day mortality was 22.5% (9/40). Twenty-five (62.5%) were successfully bridged to transplant or durable left ventricular assist device (LVAD), while four (10.0%) recovered without the need for any further cardiac support. Five of 11 (60%) patients initially supported with VA-ECMO were either transitioned to durable left ventricular assist device (dLVAD; n = 3, 27.3%), transplanted (n = 1, 9.1%), or recovered (n = 1, 9.1%). Of nine patients with >moderate right ventricle (RV) dysfunction, five (55.6%) were successfully bridged to transplant or LVAD. Five (12.5%) patients required interval cannulation to VA-ECMO, often in the setting of RV dysfunction, and all (100%) were successfully transplanted. Lower pulmonary artery (PA) systolic pressure ( P = 0.029), among other factors, was associated with mortality. In summary, the Impella 5.5 may be able to effectively stabilize patients in refractory left ventricular predominant cardiogenic shock for extended durations, allowing time for mechanical circulatory support (MCS) and transplant evaluations.

The Role of Acute Rehabilitation during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Retrospective Study in the Czech Republic

In this retrospective study, we used data from the hospital information system (HIS) to evaluate the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on rehabilitation care at the University Hospital of Ostrava (UHO). From March 2020 to December 2021, 5173 COVID-19 cases were hospitalized at UHO. Cases within individual groups and categories are shown in a flowchart. The average patient age was 64.9 ± 16.9 years. The mean BMI value was 30.6 ± 6.8 in the rehabilitated group, which was significantly higher compared to that among the non-rehabilitated cases 29.1 ± 6.9 (p < 0.001). Among the admitted patients, 16.6% required artificial pulmonary ventilation (APV), 1.8% extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), and 11.9% high-flow oxygenation (HF). The days of rehabilitation ranged from 1-102 days. Among all rehabilitated patients, 92.0% (n = 1302) had a hospitalization duration ranging from 1-15 days and 8.0% (n = 114) longer than 15 days. Overall, rehabilitation care plays an important role in providing exercise, mobilization, and rehabilitation interventions to survivors of critical illness associated with COVID-19, enabling the early and functional return to home, and it must, therefore, be integrated into the clinical care of patients with COVID-19.

Association Between Daily Average of Mobility Achieved During Physical Therapy Sessions and Hospital-Acquired or Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia among Critically Ill Patients

PURPOSE

Hospital-acquired and ventilator-associated pneumonias (HAP and VAP) are associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Immobility is a risk factor for developing ICU-acquired weakness (ICUAW). Early mobilization is associated with improved physical function, but its association with hospital-acquired (HAP) and ventilator-associated pneumonias (VAP) is unknown. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the association between daily average of highest level of mobility achieved during physical therapy (PT) and incidence of HAP or VAP among critically ill patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In a retrospective cohort study of progressive mobility program participants in the medical ICU, we used a validated method to abstract new diagnoses of HAP and VAP. We captured scores on a mobility scale achieved during each inpatient physical therapy session and used a Bayesian, discrete time-to-event model to evaluate the association between daily average of highest level of mobility achieved and occurrence of HAP or VAP.

RESULTS

The primary outcome of HAP/VAP occurred in 55 (26.8%) of the 205 participants. Each increase in the daily average of highest level of mobility achieved during PT (0-6 mobility scale) exhibited a protective association with occurrence of HAP or VAP (adjusted hazard ratio [HR] 0.61; 95% CI 0.44, 0.85). Age, baseline ambulatory status, Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II, and previous day's mechanical ventilation (MV) status were not significantly associated with the occurrence of HAP/VAP.

CONCLUSIONS

Among critically ill patients in a progressive mobility program, a higher daily average of highest level of mobility achieved during PT was associated with a decreased risk of HAP or VAP.

Association between the early mobilization of mechanically ventilated patients and independence in activities of daily living at hospital discharge

Physical dysfunction after discharge from the intensive care unit (ICU) is recognized as a common complication among ICU patients. Early mobilization (EM), defined as the ability to sit on the edge of the bed within 5 days, may help improve physical dysfunction. However, the barriers to, and achievement of, EM and their impact on physical dysfunction have not been fully investigated. This study aimed to investigate the achievement of EM and barriers to it and their impact on patient outcomes in mechanically ventilated ICU patients. We conducted this multicenter retrospective cohort study by collecting data from six ICUs in Japan. Consecutive patients who were admitted to the ICU between April 2019 and March 2020, were aged ≥ 18 years, and received mechanical ventilation for > 48 h were eligible. The primary outcome was the rate of independent activities of daily living (ADL), defined as a score ≥ 70 on the Barthel index at hospital discharge. Daily changes in barriers of mobilization, including consciousness, respiratory, circulatory, medical staff factors, and device factors (catheter, drain, and dialysis), along with the clinical outcomes were investigated. The association among barriers, mobilization, and Barthel index ≥ 70 was analyzed using multivariable logistic regression analysis. During the study period, 206 patients were enrolled. EM was achieved in 116 patients (68%) on the fifth ICU day. The primary outcome revealed that achieving EM was associated with a Barthel index ≥ 70 at hospital discharge [adjusted odds ratio (AOR), 3.44; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.70-6.96]. Device factors (AOR, 0.31; 95% CI, 0.13-0.75, respectively) were significantly associated with EM achievement. EM was associated with independent ADL at hospital discharge. Time to first mobilization and barriers to achieving mobilization can be important parameters for achieving ADL independence at discharge. Further research is required to determine the most common barriers so that they can be identified and removed.

Molecular mechanisms of post-burn muscle wasting and the therapeutic potential of physical exercise

After a severe burn injury, a systemic stress response activates metabolic and inflammatory derangements that, among other, leads to muscle mass loss (muscle wasting). These negative effects on skeletal muscle continue for several months or years and are aggravated by short-term and long-term disuse. The dynamic balance between muscle protein synthesis and muscle protein breakdown (proteolysis) is regulated by complex signalling pathways that leads to an overall negative protein balance in skeletal muscle after a burn injury. Research concerning these molecular mechanisms is still scarce and inconclusive, understanding of which, if any, molecular mechanisms contribute to muscle wasting is of fundamental importance in designing of therapeutic interventions for burn patients as well. This review not only summarizes our present knowledge of the molecular mechanisms that underpin muscle protein balance but also summarizes the effects of exercise on muscle wasting post-burn as promising strategy to counteract the detrimental effects on skeletal muscle. Future research focusing on the pathways causing post-burn muscle wasting and the different effects of exercise on them is needed to confirm this hypothesis and to lay the foundation of therapeutic strategies.

[Risk of cannulation site bleeding during physical therapy mobilization during extracorporeal membrane oxygenation : A retrospective analysis in patients with acute respiratory failure]

BACKGROUND

Patients suffering from acute respiratory distress syndrome receive extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) as the last possible therapy. At the University Hospital Tübingen, these patients also receive physical therapy during this phase from a specially trained team to counteract physical deconditioning.

OBJECTIVES

In this work, the risk of cannula site bleeding during physiotherapy mobilization is investigated and aspects regarding safety are described.

METHODS

From 2013 to 2018, 83 patients matching the inclusion criteria were treated at the Anesthesiology Intensive Care Unit at the University Hospital Tübingen. The datasets were retrospectively analyzed by means of a case-control study. For comparison, the patients were divided into a passive and an active group according to the achieved level of mobilization. Bleeding events, ECMO implantation duration, and other aspects were taken into consideration in the analysis.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSION

There were two bleeding events in the passive and two bleeding events in the active group, but these were not related to physical therapy mobilization. The ECMO implantation duration varied between 1 and 77 days. Physical therapy mobilization by a specially trained interdisciplinary team did not increase the risk of bleeding at the cannulation site.

Preoperative decline in skeletal muscle strength of patients with cardiovascular disease affects postoperative pulmonary complication occurrence: a single-center retrospective study

BACKGROUND

Dynapenia, defined as age-related skeletal muscle strength decline, has been reported as a poor prognostic factor in patients with cardiovascular disease. Decline in skeletal muscle strength (DS), the main symptom of dynapenia, may be an important clinical indicator in patients undergoing cardiac surgery. However, the relationship between DS and postoperative pulmonary complication occurrence is unclear. Herein, we investigated the relationship between preoperative DS and postoperative pulmonary complication occurrence in patients undergoing cardiac surgery.

METHODS

We enrolled 125 patients who underwent cardiac surgery. DS was determined by low grip strength and quadriceps isometric strength. The patients were divided into DS and non-DS groups. The relationship between the clinical characteristics and preoperative physical function was compared, and factors associated with postoperative pulmonary complication occurrence were investigated using multivariate logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS

There were 42 (33.6%) patients in the DS group and 83 (66.4%) patients in the non-DS group. Compared with the non-DS group, the DS group was significantly older and had a higher body mass index and Japan SCORE (operative mortality rate and major complication rate). The DS group also had a lower estimated glomerular filtration rate and preoperative Barthel index than the non-DS group. Furthermore the DS group had a significantly higher incidence of postoperative pulmonary complications and length of intensive care unit stay, and their postoperative rehabilitation was prolonged compared to the non-DS group. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that DS was a determinant of postoperative pulmonary complications (odds ratio 4.26, 95% confidence interval 1.63‒11.14).

CONCLUSIONS

We showed that preoperative DS was an independent risk factor for postoperative pulmonary complications in patients undergoing cardiac surgery. Skeletal muscle strength before cardiac surgery may be an important clinical indicator for predicting the prognosis of patients from post-surgery to discharge and for planning postoperative rehabilitation programs.

Clinical Practice Guideline: Early Mobilization and Rehabilitation of Critically Ill Burn Patients

This Clinical Practice Guideline addresses early mobilization and rehabilitation (EMR) of critically ill adult burn patients in an intensive care unit (ICU) setting. We defined EMR as any systematic or protocolized intervention that could include muscle activation, active exercises in bed, active resistance exercises, active side-to-side turning, or mobilization to sitting at the bedside, standing, or walking, including mobilization using assistance with hoists or tilt tables, which was initiated within at least 14 days of injury, while the patient was still in an ICU setting. After developing relevant PICO (Population, Intervention, Comparator, Outcomes) questions, a comprehensive literature search was conducted with the help of a professional medical librarian. Available literature was reviewed and systematically evaluated. Recommendations were formulated through the consensus of a multidisciplinary committee, which included burn nurses, physicians, and rehabilitation therapists, based on the available scientific evidence. No recommendation could be formed on the use of EMR to reduce the duration of mechanical ventilation in the burn ICU, but we conditionally recommend the use of EMR to reduce ICU-acquired weakness in critically ill burn patients. No recommendation could be made regarding EMR's effects on the development of hospital-acquired pressure injuries or disruption or damage to the skin grafts and skin substitutes. We conditionally recommend the use of EMR to reduce delirium in critically ill burn patients in the ICU.

Predictors and preventers of postoperative bedridden status in the elderly ages over 75 after emergency general surgery: a retrospective cohort study

Aim

We investigated the proportion of bedridden patients after emergency surgery among the elderly ages over 75; defined as the latter-stage elderly in Japan, the associated factors, and interventions used to prevent it.

Methods

Eighty-two latter-stage elderly patients who underwent emergency surgery for non-traumatic illness between January 2020 and June 2021 in our hospital were included in the study. Backgrounds and various perioperative factors were compared retrospectively between the groups including patients who became bedridden from Performance Status Scale 0 to 3 before admission (Bedridden group) and those who did not (Keep group).

Results

Three cases of death and seven patients who were bedridden before admission were excluded. The 72 remaining patients were divided into the Bedridden group (n = 10, 13.9%) and the Keep group (n = 62, 86.1%). There were significant differences in the prevalence of dementia, pre- and postoperative circulatory dynamics, renal dysfunction, coagulation abnormality, length of stay in the high care unit/intensive care unit, and number of hospital days, with a relative risk of 13 (1.74-96.71), a sensitivity of 1.00, and a specificity of 0.67 for a preoperative shock index of 0.7 or higher being associated with the Bedridden group. Among patients with a preoperative shock index of 0.7 or higher, there was a significant difference in SI at 24 h postoperatively between the two groups.

Conclusion

Preoperative shock index may be the most sensitive predictor. Early circulatory stabilization seems to be protective against patients becoming bedridden.

Effects of different types and frequencies of early rehabilitation on ventilator weaning among patients in intensive care units: A systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to investigate the effects of different types and frequencies of physiotherapy on ventilator weaning among patients in the intensive care unit (ICU) and to identify the optimal type and frequency of intervention.

DATA SOURCES

PubMed, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, and Airiti Library.

STUDY SELECTION

Randomized controlled trials that provided information on the dosage of ICU rehabilitation and the parameters related to ventilator weaning were included.

DATA EXTRACTION AND MANAGEMENT

Treatment types were classified into conventional physical therapy, exercise-based physical therapy, neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NEMS), progressive mobility, and multi-component. The frequencies were divided into high (≥ 2 sessions/day or NEMS of > 60 minutes/day), moderate (one session/day, 3-7 days/week or NEMS of 30-60 minutes/day), and low (one session/day, < 3 days/week, or NEMS of < 30 minutes/day).

DATA SYNTHESIS

Twenty-four articles were included for systematic review and 15 out of 24 articles were analyzed in the meta-analysis. Early rehabilitation, especially the progressive mobility treatment exerted an optimal effect in reducing the ventilator duration in patients in the ICU (standardized mean difference [SMD] = 0.91; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.23-1.58; P < 0.01). Regarding the treatment frequency, the high-frequency intervention did not result in a favorable effect on ventilator duration compared with the moderate frequency of treatment (SMD = 0.75; 95% CI = -1.13-2.64; P = 0.43).

CONCLUSION

Early rehabilitation with progressive mobility is highly recommended to decrease the ventilation duration received by patients in the ICU. Depending on clinical resources and the tolerance of patients, the frequency of interventions should reach moderate-to-high frequency, that is, at least one session per day and 3 days a week.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Registration number: PROSPERO (CRD42021243331).

Overview of the Medical Management of the Critically Ill Patient

The medical management of the critically ill patient focuses predominantly on treatment of the underlying condition (e g, sepsis or respiratory failure). However, in the past decade, the importance of initiating early prophylactic treatment for complications arising from care in the intensive care unit setting has become increasingly apparent. As survival from critical illness has improved, there is an increased prevalence of postintensive care syndrome-defined as a decline in physical, cognitive, or psychologic function among survivors of critical illness. The Intensive Care Unit Liberation Bundle, a major initiative of the Society of Critical Care Medicine, is centered on facilitating the return to normal function as early as possible, with the intent of minimizing iatrogenic harm during necessary critical care. These concepts are universally applicable to patients seen by nephrologists in the intensive care unit and may have particular relevance for patients with kidney failure either on dialysis or after kidney transplant. In this article, we will briefly summarize some known organ-based consequences associated with critical illness, review the components of the ABCDEF bundle (the conceptual framework for Intensive Care Unit Liberation), highlight the role nephrologists can play in implementing and complying with the ABCDEF bundle, and briefly discuss areas for additional research.

Influence of reduced muscle mass and quality on ventilator weaning and complications during intensive care unit stay in COVID-19 patients

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Sarcopenia, a loss of muscle mass, quality and function, which is particularly evident in respiratory muscles, has been associated with many clinical adverse outcomes. In this study, we aimed at evaluating the role of reduced muscle mass and quality in predicting ventilation weaning, complications, length of intensive care unit (ICU) and of hospital stay and mortality in patients admitted to ICU for SARS-CoV-2-related pneumonia.

METHODS

This was an observational study based on a review of medical records of all adult patients admitted to the ICU of a tertiary hospital in Milan and intubated for SARS-CoV-2-related pneumonia during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. Muscle mass and quality measurement were retrieved from routine thoracic CT scans, when sections passing through the first, second or third lumbar vertebra were available.

RESULTS

A total of 81 patients were enrolled. Muscle mass was associated with successful extubation (OR 1.02, 95% C.I. 1.00-1.03, p = 0.017), shorter ICU stay (OR 0.97, 95% C.I. 0.95-0.99, p = 0.03) and decreased hospital mortality (HR 0.98, 95% C.I. 0.96-0.99, p = 0.02). Muscle density was associated with successful extubation (OR 1.07, 95% C.I. 1.01-1.14; p = 0.02) and had an inverse association with the number of complications in ICU (Β -0.07, 95% C.I. -0.13 - -0.002, p = 0.03), length of hospitalization (Β -1.36, 95% C.I. -2.21 - -0.51, p = 0.002) and in-hospital mortality (HR 0.88, 95% C.I. 0.78-0.99, p = 0.046).

CONCLUSIONS

Leveraging routine CT imaging to measure muscle mass and quality might constitute a simple, inexpensive and powerful tool to predict survival and disease course in patients with COVID-19. Preserving muscle mass during hospitalisation might have an adjuvant role in facilitating remission from COVID-19.

Barriers and facilitators to implementation of early mobilisation of critically ill patients in Zimbabwean and South African public sector hospitals: a qualitative study

PURPOSE

Implementing early mobilisation in intensive care is challenging, and a detailed knowledge of factors that may hinder or facilitate implementation is essential for success. The study was done to explore the perceived barriers and facilitators to early mobilisation by physiotherapists in Zimbabwean and South African public sector hospital ICUs.

METHODS

A qualitative study was done in eight public sector hospitals from South Africa and four hospitals from Zimbabwe. Physiotherapists from the participating hospitals who had at least two years working experience in ICU were invited to participate in semi-structured, in-depth, face-to-face interviews. Purposive sampling was done. Data collected included interpretation of early mobilisation, perceived barriers, and facilitators to early mobilisation. Data analysis was done using the content analysis method.

FINDINGS

A total of 22 physiotherapists were interviewed. In defining the activities regarded as early mobilisation, there was diversity in relation to the specific activities and the nature of the patients in which the defined activities were suitable for. Perceived barriers which emerged included lack of professional autonomy or boundaries, motivation, and clinical skills. Perceived facilitators to early mobilisation included the availability of guidelines, good communication, adequate staff, and mobilisation equipment.

CONCLUSIONS

Barriers and facilitators to early mobilisation are multifactorial. There is need for multidisciplinary team collaboration and planning before implementing early mobilisation activities.Implications to rehabilitationProfessional roles/identity and or boundaries emerged to be a barrier that hinder implementation of early mobilisation if not clearly defined.Non-rotational physiotherapy coverage was highlighted to be important in facilitating good communication and teamwork and sustainability of services in ICU.Good communication channels and referrals between different disciplines should be employed in ICU to prevent delay in rendering services to ICU patients.

Global trends and hot topics in electrical stimulation of skeletal muscle research over the past decade: A bibliometric analysis

Background

Over the past decade, numerous advances have been made in the research on electrical stimulation of skeletal muscle. However, the developing status and future direction of this field remain unclear. This study aims to visualize the evolution and summarize global research hot topics and trends based on quantitative and qualitative evidence from bibliometrics.

Methods

Literature search was based on the Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC) database from 2011 to 2021. CiteSpace and VOSviewer, typical bibliometric tools, were used to perform analysis and visualization.

Results

A total of 3,059 documents were identified. The number of literature is on the rise in general. Worldwide, researchers come primarily from North America and Europe, represented by the USA, France, Switzerland, and Canada. The Udice French Research Universities is the most published affiliation. Millet GY and Maffiuletti NA are the most prolific and the most co-cited authors, respectively. Plos One is the most popular journal, and the Journal of Applied Physiology is the top co-cited journal. The main keywords are muscle fatigue, neuromuscular electrical stimulation, spinal cord injury, tissue engineering, and atrophy. Moreover, this study systematically described the hotspots in this field.

Conclusion

As the first bibliometric analysis of electrical stimulation of skeletal muscle research over the past decade, this study can help scholars recognize hot topics and trends and provide a reference for further exploration in this field.

Comparing three wearable accelerometers to measure early activity after cardiac surgery

Objective

Wearable activity monitors can provide detailed data on activity after cardiac surgery and discriminate a patient's risk for hospital-based outcomes. However, comparative data for different monitoring approaches, as well as predictive ability over clinical characteristics, are lacking. In addition, data on specific thresholds of activity are needed. The objective of this study was to compare 3 wearable activity monitors and 1 observational mobility scale in discriminating risk for 3 hospital-based outcomes, and to establish clinically relevant step thresholds.

Methods

Cardiac surgery patients were enrolled between June 2016 and August 2017 in a cohort study. Postoperative activity was measured by 3 accelerometry monitors (StepWatch Ambulation Monitor, Fitbit Charge HR, and ActiGraph GT9X) and 1 nurse-based observation scale. Monitors represent a spectrum of characteristics, including wear location (ankle/wrist), output (activity counts/steps), consumer accessibility, and cost. Primary outcomes were duration of hospitalization >7 days, discharge to a nonhome location, and 30-day readmission.

Results

Data were available from 193 patients (median age 67 years [interquartile range, 58-72]). All postoperative day 2 activity metrics (ie, from StepWatch, Fitbit, ActiGraph, and the observation scale) were independently associated with prolonged hospitalization and discharge to a nonhome location. Only steps as measured by StepWatch was independently associated with 30-day readmission. Overall, StepWatch provided the greatest discrimination (C-statistics 0.71-0.76 for all outcomes). Step thresholds between 250 and 500 steps/day identified between 74% and 96% of patients with any primary outcome.

Conclusions

Data from wearable accelerometers provide additive value in early postoperative risk-stratification for hospital-based outcomes. These results both support and provide guidance for activity-monitoring programs after cardiac surgery.

Mobilization and Rehabilitation Practice in ICUs During the COVID-19 Pandemic

BACKGROUND

Mobilization and acute rehabilitation are essential in the intensive care unit (ICU), with substantial evidence supporting their benefits. This study aimed to characterize ICU mobilization practices during the COVID-19 pandemic for patients with and without COVID-19.

METHODS

This was a secondary analysis of an international point prevalence study. All ICUs across the world were eligible to participate and were required to enroll all patients in each ICU on the survey date, 27 January 2021. The primary outcome was the achievement of mobilization at the level of sitting over the edge of the bed. Independent factors associated with mobilization, including COVID-19 infection, were analyzed by multivariable analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 135 ICUs in 33 countries participated, for inclusion of 1229 patients. Among patients who were not receiving mechanical ventilation (MV), those with COVID-19 infection were mobilized more than those without COVID-19 (60% vs. 34%, p < 0.001). Among patients who were receiving MV, mobilization was low in both groups (7% vs. 9%, p = .56). These findings were consistent irrespective of ICU length of stay. Multivariable analysis showed that COVID-19 infection was associated with achievement of mobilization in patients without (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 4.48, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 2.71-7.42) and with MV (aOR = 2.13, 95% CI = 1.00-4.51). Factors that prevented mobilization were prone positioning in patients without MV and continuous use of neuromuscular blockade and sedation agents in patients with MV, whereas facilitating factors were the presence of targets/goals in both groups.

CONCLUSION

Mobilization rates for ICU patients across the globe are severely low, with the greatest immobility observed in mechanically ventilated patients. Although COVID-19 is not an independent barrier to the mobilization of patients with or without MV, this study has highlighted the current lack of mobility practice for all ICU patients during the COVID-19 pandemic.(299 words).

A First View of the Effect of a Trial of Early Mobilization on the Muscle Strength and Activities of Daily Living in Mechanically Ventilated Patients With COVID-19

Objective

Design

Setting

Participants

Interventions

Main Outcome Measures

Results

Conclusion

A bibliometric and visualized analysis of early mobilization in intensive care unit from 2000 to 2021

Background

Early mobilization in the intensive care unit (ICU) is a hotspot. This study aims to provide a bibliometric perspective of the progress in this field.

Methods

We extracted publications on ICU early mobilization published in the Web of Science Core Collection database from 2000 to 2021. VOSviewer was used to construct co-occurrence and co-citation relationships for authors, references, and keywords; Citespace was used to visualize knowledge mapping of subject categories, countries, and keywords with the strongest citation bursts.

Results

A total of 4,570 publications were analyzed, with a steady increase in publications in the field of ICU early mobilization. From a macro perspective, research on ICU early mobilization involves multidisciplinary involvement, including critical care medicine, neurology, and nursing; as for the meso perspective, the United States is the major contributor. Needham DM and Schweickert WD are the key researchers in this field. Moreover, the core journal is Critical Care Medicine, with the most publications and citations. The microscopic level, dominated by references and keywords, illustrates that the hotspot and frontier of research on ICU early mobilization focus on ICU-acquired weakness, delirium, the prognosis of critical illness, and severe COVID-19.

Conclusion

This study presents a research landscape of ICU early mobilization from different perspectives. These findings will contribute to a better understanding of the current state of research in critical care medicine and provide the available information for future research ideas.

Hypercatabolism and Anti-catabolic Therapies in the Persistent Inflammation, Immunosuppression, and Catabolism Syndrome

Owing to the development of intensive care units, many patients survive their initial insults but progress to chronic critical illness (CCI). Patients with CCI are characterized by prolonged hospitalization, poor outcomes, and significant long-term mortality. Some of these patients get into a state of persistent low-grade inflammation, suppressed immunity, and ongoing catabolism, which was defined as persistent inflammation, immunosuppression, and catabolism syndrome (PICS) in 2012. Over the past few years, some progress has been made in the treatment of PICS. However, most of the existing studies are about the role of persistent inflammation and suppressed immunity in PICS. As one of the hallmarks of PICS, hypercatabolism has received little research attention. In this review, we explore the potential pathophysiological changes and molecular mechanisms of hypercatabolism and its role in PICS. In addition, we summarize current therapies for improving the hypercatabolic status and recommendations for patients with PICS.

Passive motion of the lower extremities in sedated and ventilated patients in the ICU - a systematic review of early effects and replicability of Interventions

Early mobilization, which includes active / passive motion in bed along with mobilization out of bed, is recommended to prevent the development of intensive care unit acquired-weakness (ICU-AW) for patients with critical illness on the intensive care unit. To date, the impact of passive motion of the lower extremities in sedated and ventilated patients remains unclear. The aim of the study is to systematically review and summarize the currently available randomized controlled trials in English or German language on the impact of passive motion of the lower extremities in sedated and ventilated patients ≥ 18 years in the intensive care unit on musculature, inflammation and immune system and the development of intensive care unit-acquired weakness and to evaluate the replicability of interventions and the methodological quality of included studies. A systematic literature search was performed up to 20th February 2022 in the databases Medline, Embase, Cochrane Library, CINAHL and PEDro. The description of the intervention (TIDieR checklist) and the methodological quality (Downs and Black checklist) were assessed. Five studies were included in the qualitative syntheses. On average, the studies were rated with 6.8 out of 12 points according to the TIDieR checklist. For the methodological quality an average of 19.8 out of 27 points on the Downs and Black checklist was reported. The results of included studies indicated that muscle loss may be reduced by passive manual movement, passive cycling and passive motion on a continuous passive motion-unit. In addition, positive effects were reported on the reduction of nitrosative stress and the immune response. The impact on the development of ICU-AW remains unclear. In conclusion, passive movement show a slight tendency for beneficial changes on cellular level in sedated and ventilated patients in the ICU within the first days of admission, which may indicate a reduction of muscle wasting and could prevent the development of ICU-AW. Future randomized controlled trials should use larger samples, use complete intervention description, use a comparable set of outcome measures, use rigorous methodology and examine the effect of passive motion on the development of ICU-AW.

Post-COVID Care Center to Address Rehabilitation Needs in COVID-19 Survivors: A Model of Care

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2019 pandemic surge left a large cohort of patients vulnerable to cardiopulmonary, neurological, and psychiatric complications. This post-COVID Care center was established to identify patients with disease sequalae and deliver early multidisciplinary rehabilitation services. The evaluation included comprehensive history and physicals, screening tests, labs, and imaging to determine appropriate specialist referrals. After a 6-month period, 278 unique referrals were made to address symptoms reported by 114 patients in specialities including pulmonology, cardiology, and psychiatry. This framework allowed for individualized patient treatment and monitoring of disease after the acute phase of infection. This study highlights the substantial physical and psychosocial impact a coronavirus disease 2019 infection has on patients' long-term trajectory and emphasizes the need for early targeted rehabilitation Post-COVID Care centers. As the world transitions into the chronic phase of this pandemic, this model of care will provide a framework to improve the quality of health care delivery.

Improving physical function of patients following intensive care unit admission (EMPRESS): protocol of a randomised controlled feasibility trial

INTRODUCTION

Physical rehabilitation delivered early following admission to the intensive care unit (ICU) has the potential to improve short-term and long-term outcomes. The use of supine cycling together with other rehabilitation techniques has potential as a method of introducing rehabilitation earlier in the patient journey. The aim of the study is to determine the feasibility of delivering the designed protocol of a randomised clinical trial comparing a protocolised early rehabilitation programme including cycling with usual care. This feasibility study will inform a larger multicentre study.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

90 acute care medical patients from two mixed medical-surgical ICUs will be recruited. We will include ventilated patients within 72 hours of initiation of mechanical ventilation and expected to be ventilated a further 48 hours or more. Patients will receive usual care or usual care plus two 30 min rehabilitation sessions 5 days/week.Feasibility outcomes are (1) recruitment of one to two patients per month per site; (2) protocol fidelity with >75% of patients commencing interventions within 72 hours of mechanical ventilation, with >70% interventions delivered; and (3) blinded outcome measures recorded at three time points in >80% of patients. Secondary outcomes are (1) strength and function, the Physical Function ICU Test-scored measured on ICU discharge; (2) hospital length of stay; and (3) mental health and physical ability at 3 months using the WHO Disability Assessment Schedule 2. An economic analysis using hospital health services data reported with an embedded health economic study will collect and assess economic and quality of life data including the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scales core, the Euroqol-5 Dimension-5 Level and the Impact of Event Score.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

The study has ethical approval from the South Central Hampshire A Research Ethics Committee (19/SC/0016). All amendments will be approved by this committee. An independent trial monitoring committee is overseeing the study. Results will be made available to critical care survivors, their caregivers, the critical care societies and other researchers.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT03771014.

[White Paper - Improving the care of patients with impairments following sepsis and infections]

Hundreds of thousands of individuals who experience lasting sequelae after sepsis and infections in Germany do not receive optimal care. In this White Paper we present measures for improvement, which were developed by a multidisciplinary expect panel as part of the SEPFROK project. Improved care rests on four pillars: 1. cross-sectoral assessment of sequelae and a structured discharge and transition management, 2. interdisciplinary rehabilitation and aftercare with structural support, 3. strengthening the specific health literacy of patients and families, and 4. increased research into causes, prevention and treatment of sequelae. To achieve this, appropriate cross-sectoral care structures and legal frameworks must be created.

Effects of early rehabilitation in sepsis patients by a specialized physical therapist in an emergency center on the return to activities of daily living independence: A retrospective cohort study

Background

Early rehabilitation allows patients to better perform the activities of daily living after hospital discharge. A specialized physical therapist has been assigned as part of the early rehabilitation, but the effectiveness of the program remains unclear. We investigated how early rehabilitation provided by a specialized physical therapist affects ADL in patients with sepsis.

Methods

This was a retrospective cohort study. This study’s subjects were sepsis patients who entered the advanced emergency critical care center of Shinshu University Hospital between April 2014 and March 2020. Electronic medical records were reviewed to obtain information on demographic characteristics, severity score, primary source of infection, therapeutic medication, the number of days after hospital admittance until rehabilitation begins, length of hospital stay, discharge to home, and an assessment of daily living activities for each patient. The patients were divided into two groups based on whether they were treated before or after a specialized physical therapist had been hired by the advanced emergency critical care center.

Results

Assigning a physical therapist to a patient significantly shortened the number of days until rehabilitation began. In a multivariable model, the strongest predictors of return to independent living after hospital discharge were (1) assigning a specialized physical therapist (odds ratio = 2.40; 95% confidence interval = 1.09–5.79; P = 0.050) and (2) the number of days until rehabilitation started (odds ratio = 0.24; 95% confidence interval = 0.08–0.76; P = 0.014).

Conclusions

Assigning a specialized physical therapist to sepsis patients at an advanced emergency critical care center significantly shortened the number of days until a patient can begin rehabilitation after hospital admittance and improved activities of daily living after hospital discharge.

Trial registration

Trial registration [University Hospital Medical Information Network Clinical Trials Registry, number UMIN000040570 (2020/5/28).]