Predictors of mortality in mechanically ventilated patients

Mortality rate analysis of patients on invasive mechanical ventilation in the intensive care unit on day 28

Outcomes in patients receiving invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) are currently unclear. The present study aimed to explore the prognostic factors of the mortality rate on day 28 in patients treated in the intensive care unit (ICU) and undergoing IMV. The IMV Mortality Prediction Score (IMPRES) of 129 patients in the ICU receiving IMV after emergency (or selective) endotracheal intubation from March 2018 to August 2020 was calculated. The patients were divided into survival (n=73) and death groups (n=56) on day 28. The predictive factors of independent and combined mortality rates were determined using a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and the area under the ROC curve (AUC). The AUC of the IMPRES for predicting patient death on day 28 was 0.785 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.704-0.864, P<0.01). When the IMPRES cut-off was 4.50, the Youden index was at its maximum (0.487) with a sensitivity of 85.7% and a specificity of 63.0%. The AUC of the ventilator use time (days) at 12.5 days cut-off was 0.653 (95% CI: 0.56-0.746, P<0.01), the Youden index was 0.235 with a sensitivity of 52.1% and a specificity of 71.4%. The AUC of the IMPRES combined with the duration of ventilator use was 0.856 (95% CI: 0.789-0.922, P<0.001), the Youden index was 0.635 with a sensitivity of 84.9% and a specificity of 78.6%. The IMPRES was observed to be the main factor influencing the mortality rate of patients receiving IMV at the ICU on day 28, and the IMPRES combined with the duration of ventilator use had a significant predictive value for the 28-day mortality rates of these patients.

Persistent inflammation and lymphopenia and weaning outcomes of patients with prolonged mechanical ventilation

BACKGROUND

Weaning outcomes of patients receiving mechanical ventilation (MV) are affected by multiple factors. A clinical feature of critically ill patients is the presence of lymphopenia, however the clinical significance of lymphopenia in patients receiving prolonged MV remains unclear.

METHODS

We enrolled patients who received at least 21 consecutive days of MV in a medical center in Taiwan between 2007 and 2016. Patients with and without lymphopenia (mean count <1000/μL) were compared after propensity score matching.

RESULTS

Of the 3460 patients included in the analysis, 1625 (47.0%) were liberated from MV within 100 days. Lymphopenia and severe lymphopenia (mean count <500/μL) during the first 21 days of MV were common (52.9% and 14.5%, respectively), and restricted cubic spline analysis showed a significant reduction in weaning success when the lymphocyte count dropped below 1000/μL. After propensity score matching, the patients with lymphopenia during the third week had a lower rate of weaning success within 100 days (p = 0.005) and a higher in-hospital mortality rate (p = 0.001) than those without lymphopenia. The lymphopenia group also had significantly reduced platelet (p < 0.001) and albumin (p < 0.001) levels.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest that lymphopenia during the first 3 weeks may be a marker of poor weaning outcomes in patients with prolonged MV.

The Effect of Hypertonic Saline Nebulization on Arterial Blood Gas Parameters Among Patients on a Mechanical Ventilator

Introduction Care of the airway is an essential part of the management of patients receiving mechanical ventilation. If the airway is not properly managed, an endotracheal airway can result in retained secretions, airway obstructions, and infections. These complications may prolong mechanical ventilation duration and length of hospital stay and may increase the cost of affordability. Hypertonic saline nebulized suctioning is a technique used to lessen the duration of mechanical air flow and enhance airway clearance, which helps patients on mechanical ventilation breathe easier. Aim The objective of the study is to assess the effectiveness of nebulization with hypertonic saline on arterial blood gas parameters among mechanically ventilated patients. Methods The quasi-experimental design adopted with thirty-five mechanically ventilated samples was chosen using a non-probability purposive sample technique. Following the pre-test in the endotracheal tube, nebulization was given with 2 ml of hypertonic saline over 15-20 mins, two times each day, to the mechanically ventilated patients. Post-test was carried out about 15-20 minutes after the procedure using arterial blood gas analysis results were obtained and interpreted. Results The study reveals that the p values corresponding to the arterial blood gas parameters PCo2, pO2, and HCo3 are less than 0.01 and are significant at a 1% level, and arterial blood gas (ABG) pH is less than 0.05 and is significant at a 5% level; hence there is a high significant difference between the pre-test and post-test mean scores of arterial blood gas parameters PCo2, pO2, HCo3, and ABG pH. Hence, the study concluded that nebulization with hypertonic saline for patients with mechanical ventilators is more effective in improving arterial blood gas parameters.

MORTALITY AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS AMONG INTENSIVE CARE UNIT ADMITTED ADULT PATIENTS WITH MECHANICAL VENTILATION IN ETHIOPIA: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW AND META-ANALYSIS

ABSTRACT

Introduction: The global demand for intensive care has risen, given its effectiveness in lowering mortality rates. Mechanical ventilation (MV) is integral to intensive care but introduces risks such as ventilator-associated complications. Ethiopia experiences a high intensive care unit (ICU) mortality rate. Objective: This systematic review and meta-analysis aim to comprehensively synthesize evidence on the mortality of adults undergoing MV in Ethiopia and identify associated factors. Methods: The study extensively searched databases and gray literature for research on MV outcomes, trends, and associated factors in adult ICUs. Adhering to the 2020 PRISMA checklist, a systematic review and meta-analysis sought to establish the mortality rate and key determinants among adult ICU patients on MV. The search incorporated keywords and MeSH terms, excluding studies with unsound methodologies or missing data. Data extraction, quality assessment, and analysis followed established protocols, including the JBI tool for methodological quality evaluation. STATA version 17.0 facilitated analysis, assessing heterogeneity, publication bias, and performing sensitivity and meta-regression analyses. Results: The pooled mortality rate among adult ICU patients undergoing MV was 48.61% (95% CI: 40.82, 56.40%). Significant mortality-contributing factors included medical diagnosis, Glasgow Coma Scale score, sepsis/septic shock, sedation use, multiple-organ dysfunction syndrome, and cardiovascular disease. Although some pooled odds ratios seemed insignificant, closer examination revealed significant associations in individual studies. Conclusion : The study underscores the urgent need for further research, improved ICU infrastructure, and healthcare personnel training in Ethiopia to enhance outcomes for mechanically ventilated patients. Identified factors offer valuable insights for targeted interventions, guiding tailored treatment strategies to reduce mortality. This study contributes to understanding mortality and associated factors in MV patients, informing initiatives to improve critical care outcomes in Ethiopia.

Association of APACHE-II Scores With 30-Day Mortality After Tracheostomy: A Retrospective Study

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to assess whether the Acute Physiology, Age, Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE-II) score is a reliable predictor of 30-day mortality in the setting of adult patients with ventilator-dependent respiratory failure (VDRF) who undergo tracheostomy.

METHODS

This is a retrospective, single-institution study. Potential subjects were identified using the current procedural terminology codes for the tracheostomy procedure and International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision, codes for VDRF. APACHE-II scores were retrospectively calculated. Tracheostomies were performed in our population over an 18-month period (November 2018 through April 2020). Our study population did not include patients with novel coronavirus. The primary outcome was mortality at 30 days after tracheostomy.

RESULTS

A total of 238 patients with VDRF who had a tracheostomy were included in this study. Twenty-eight (11.8%) patients died within 30 days of tracheostomy. The mean (standard deviation) APACHE-II score was 22.5 (10.2) for patients who died within 30 days of tracheostomy and 19.8 (7.4) for patients living within 30 days of tracheostomy (p = 0.30). Patients with APACHE-II scores greater than or equal to 30 showed higher odds of death within 30 days of tracheostomy (odds ratio, 3.0; 95% CI, 1.14-7.89, p = 0.03).

CONCLUSION

An APACHE-II score of 30 and above is associated with mortality within 30 days of tracheostomy in patients with VDRF. APACHE-II scores may be a promising tool for assessing risk of mortality in patients with VDRF after tracheostomy.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

3 Laryngoscope, 133:273-278, 2023.

The Practice Change and Clinical Impact of Lung-Protective Ventilation Initiated in the Emergency Department: A Secondary Analysis of Individual Patient-Level Data From Prior Clinical Trials and Cohort Studies

OBJECTIVES

Mechanically ventilated emergency department (ED) patients experience high morbidity and mortality. In a prior trial at our center, ED-based lung-protective ventilation was associated with improved care delivery and outcomes. Whether this strategy has persisted in the years after the trial remains unclear. The objective was to assess practice change and clinical outcomes associated with ED lung-protective ventilation.

DESIGN

Secondary analysis of individual patient-level data from prior clinical trials and cohort studies.

SETTING

ED and ICUs of a single academic center.

PATIENTS

Mechanically ventilated adults.

INTERVENTIONS

A lung-protective ventilator protocol used as the default approach in the ED.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

The primary ventilator-related outcome was tidal volume, and the primary clinical outcome was hospital mortality. Secondary outcomes included ventilator-, hospital-, and ICU-free days. Multivariable logistic regression, propensity score (PS)-adjustment, and multiple a priori subgroup analyses were used to evaluate outcome as a function of the intervention. A total of 1,796 patients in the preintervention period and 1,403 patients in the intervention period were included. In the intervention period, tidal volume was reduced from 8.2 mL/kg predicted body weight (PBW) (7.3-9.1) to 6.5 mL/kg PBW (6.1-7.1), and low tidal volume ventilation increased from 46.8% to 96.2% ( p < 0.01). The intervention period was associated with lower mortality (35.9% vs 19.1%), remaining significant after multivariable logistic regression analysis (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 0.43; 95% CI, 0.35-0.53; p < 0.01). Similar results were seen after PS adjustment and in subgroups. The intervention group had more ventilator- (18.8 [10.1] vs 14.1 [11.9]; p < 0.01), hospital- (12.2 [9.6] vs 9.4 [9.5]; p < 0.01), and ICU-free days (16.6 [10.1] vs 13.1 [11.1]; p < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

ED lung-protective ventilation has persisted in the years since implementation and was associated with improved outcomes. These data suggest the use of ED-based lung-protective ventilation as a means to improve outcome.

Predictors of ICU Mortality among Mechanically Ventilated Patients: An Inception Cohort Study from a Tertiary Care Center in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

BACKGROUND

Mechanical ventilation is a life-saving intervention for patients with critical illnesses, yet it is associated with higher mortality in resource-constrained settings. This study intended to determine factors associated with the mortality of mechanically ventilated adult intensive care unit (ICU) patients.

METHODS

A one-year retrospective inception cohort study was conducted using manual chart review in ICU patients (age >13) admitted to Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital (Addis Ababa, Ethiopia) from September 2019 to September 2020; mechanically ventilated patients were followed to hospital discharge. Demographic, clinical, and outcome data were collected; logistic regression was used to determine mortality predictors in the ICU.

RESULT

A total of 160 patients were included; 85/160 (53.1%) were females and the mean (SD) age was 38.9 (16.2) years. The commonest indication for ICU admission was a respiratory problem (n = 97/160, 60.7%). ICU and hospital mortality were 60.7% (n = 97/160) and 63.1% (n = 101/160), respectively. Coma (Glasgow Coma Score <8 or 7 with an endotracheal tube (7T)) (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 6.3, 95% confidence interval 1.19-33.00), cardiovascular diagnosis (AOR 5.05 [1.80-14.15]), and a very low serum albumin level (<2 g/dl) (AOR 4.9 [1.73-13.93]) were independent predictors of mortality (P < 0.05). The most commonly observed complication was ICU acquired infection (n = 48, 30%).

CONCLUSIONS

ICU mortality in ventilated patients is high. Coma, a very low serum albumin level (<2 g/dl), and cardiovascular diagnosis were independent predictors of mortality. A multifaceted approach focused on developing and implementing context appropriate guidelines and improving skilled healthcare worker availability may prove effective in reducing mortality.

Comparison of the Outcomes of Patients Starting Mechanical Ventilation in the General Ward Versus the Intensive Care Unit

OBJECTIVE

Mechanical ventilation is sometimes initiated in the general ward (GW) due to the shortage of intensive care unit (ICU) beds. We investigated whether invasive mechanical ventilation (MV) started in the GW affects the patient's prognosis compared with its initiation in the ICU.

METHODS

From January 2016 to December 2018, medical records of patients who started MV in the GW or ICU were collected. The 28-day mortality, ICU mortality, ventilator-free days, and complications related to the ventilator and the ventilator-free days were analyzed as outcomes.

RESULTS

A total of 673 patients were enrolled. Among these, 268 patients (39.8%) started MV in the GW and 405 patients (60.2%) started MV within 24 hours after admittance to the ICU. There was no difference in 28-day mortality between the 2 groups (27.2% versus 27.2%, P = 0.997). In addition, there was no difference between ventilator-related complication rates, ventilator-free days, or the length of hospital stay. A high Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II score, the presence of solid tumor, the absence of chronic kidney diseases, and low platelet count were associated with higher 28-day mortality. However, the initiation of MV in the GW was not associated with an increase in 28-day mortality compared with the initiation in the ICU.

CONCLUSIONS

Starting MV in the GW was not a risk factor for 28-day mortality. Therefore, prompt application of a ventilator if medically indicated, regardless of the patient's location, is desirable if a skilled airway team and appropriate monitoring are available.

Time to recovery and its predictors among critically ill patients on mechanical ventilation from intensive care unit in Ethiopia: a retrospective follow up study

Introduction

For critically ill patients, mechanical ventilation is considered a pillar of respiratory life support. The mortality of victims in intensive care units is high in resource-constrained Sub-Saharan African countries. The recovery and prognosis of mechanically ventilated victims are unknown, according to evidence. The goal of the study was to see how long critically ill patients on mechanical ventilation survived.

Methods

A retrospective follow-up study was conducted. A total of 376 study medical charts were reviewed. Data was collected through reviewing medical charts. Data was entered into Epi-data manager version 4.6.0.4 and analyzed through Stata version 16. Descriptive analysis was performed. Kaplan- Meier survival estimates and log rank tests were performed. Cox proportional hazard model was undertaken.

Results

Median recovery time was 15 days (IQR: 6–30) with a total recovery rate of 4.49 per 100 person-days. In cox proportional hazard regression, diagnosis category {AHR: 1.690, 95% CI: (1.150- 2.485)}, oxygen saturation {AHR: 1.600, 95% CI: (1.157- 2.211)}, presence of comorbidities {AHR: 1.774, 95% CI: (1.250–2.519)}, Glasgow coma scale {AHR: 2.451, 95% CI: (1.483- 4.051)}, and use of tracheostomy {AHR: 0.276, 95% CI: (0.180–0.422)} were statistically significant predictors.

Discussion

Based on the outcomes of this study, discussions with suggested possible reasons and its implications were provided.

Conclusion and Recommendations

Duration and recovery rate of patients on mechanical ventilation is less than expected of world health organization standard. Diagnosis category, oxygen saturation, comorbidities, Glasgow coma scale and use of tracheostomy were statistically significant predictors. Mechanical ventilation durations should be adjusted for chronic comorbidities, trauma, and use of tracheostomy.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12873-022-00689-3.

Cohort study of the APACHE II score and mortality for different types of intensive care unit patients

OBJECTIVES

Find the discriminant and calibration of APACHE II (Acute Physiology And Chronic Health Evaluation) score to predict mortality for different type of intensive care unit (ICU) patients.

METHODS

This is a cohort retrospective study using secondary data of ICU patients admitted to Siloam Hospital of Lippo Village from 2014 to 2018 with minimum age ≥17 years. The analysis uses the receiver operating characteristic curve, student t-test and logistic regression to find significant variables needed to predict mortality.

RESULTS

A total of 2181 ICU patients: men (55.52%) and women (44.48%) with an average age of 53.8 years old and length of stay 3.92 days were included in this study. Patients were admitted from medical emergency (30.5%), neurosurgical (52.1%) and surgical (17.4%) departments, with 10% of mortality proportion. Patients admitted from the medical emergency had the highest average APACHE score, 23.14±8.5, compared with patients admitted from neurosurgery 15.3±6.6 and surgical 15.8±6.8. The mortality rate of patients from medical emergency (24.5%) was higher than patients from neurosurgery (3.5%) or surgical (5.3%) departments. Area under curve of APACHE II score showed 0.8536 (95% CI 0.827 to 0.879). The goodness of fit Hosmer-Lemeshow show p=0.000 with all ICU patients' mortality; p=0.641 with medical emergency, p=0.0001 with neurosurgical and p=0.000 with surgical patients.

CONCLUSION

APACHE II has a good discriminant for predicting mortality among ICU patients in Siloam Hospital but poor calibration score. However, it demonstrates poor calibration in neurosurgical and surgical patients while demonstrating adequate calibration in medical emergency patients.

Early Identification of Extubation Failure Using Integrated Pulmonary Index and High-Risk Factors

BACKGROUND

Early detection and prevention of extubation failure offers the potential to improve patient outcome. The primary aim of this study was to compare the predictive ability of the Integrated Pulmonary Index and presence of high-risk factors in determining extubation failure.

METHODS

A retrospective cross-sectional study of intubated adult subjects receiving mechanical ventilation for > 24 h was conducted at an academic medical center. The primary outcome was extubation failure, defined as the need for re-intubation or rescue noninvasive ventilation within 48 h after planned extubation.

RESULTS

Among 216 subjects, 170 (78.7%) were successfully extubated, and 46 (21.3%) failed extubation. Extubation failure group had higher body mass index (26.21 vs 28.5 kg/m², P = .033), rapid shallow breathing index during spontaneous breathing trial (43 vs 53.5, P = .02), and APACHE II score (11.86 vs 15.73, P < .001). Presence of ≥3 high-risk factors (odds ratio 3.11 [95% CI 1.32-7.31], P = .009), APACHE II > 12 on extubation day (odds ratio 2.98 [95% CI 1.22-7.27], P = .02), and Integrated Pulmonary Index decrease within 1 h after extubation (odds ratio 7.74 [95% CI 3.45-17.38], P < .001) were independently associated with extubation failure. The failed extubation group had higher ICU mortality (8.8% vs 19.6%; absolute difference 10.7% [95% CI -1.9% to 23.4%], P = .040) and hospital mortality (10% vs 22%; absolute difference 16.1% [95% CI 2.2-30%], P = .005) compared to the successful group.

CONCLUSIONS

Among subjects receiving mechanical ventilation for > 24 h, decreasing Integrated Pulmonary Index within the first hour postextubation was a predictor of extubation failure and was superior to other weaning variables collected in this retrospective study. The presence of ≥ 3 high-risk factors was also independently associated with extubation failure. Future clinical studies are required to prospectively test the ability of postextubation Integrated Pulmonary Index monitoring to guide additional interventions designed to reduce re-intubation rates and improve patient outcome.

Plasma Soluble Suppression of Tumorigenicity-2 Associates with Ventilator Liberation in Acute Hypoxemic Respiratory Failure

Rationale: Standard physiologic assessments of extubation readiness in patients with acute hypoxemic respiratory failure (AHRF) may not reflect lung injury resolution and could adversely affect clinical decision-making and patient outcomes. Objectives: We hypothesized that elevations in inflammatory plasma biomarkers sST2 (soluble suppression of tumorigenicity-2) and IL-6 indicate ongoing lung injury in AHRF and better inform patient outcomes compared with standard clinical assessments. Methods: We measured daily plasma biomarkers and physiologic variables in 200 patients with AHRF for up to 9 days after intubation. We tested the associations of baseline values with the primary outcome of unassisted breathing at Day 29. We analyzed the ability of serial biomarker measurements to inform successful ventilator liberation. Measurements and Main Results: Baseline sST2 concentrations were higher in patients dead or mechanically ventilated versus breathing unassisted at Day 29 (491.7 ng/ml [interquartile range (IQR), 294.5-670.1 ng/ml] vs. 314.4 ng/ml [IQR, 127.5-550.1 ng/ml]; P = 0.0003). Higher sST2 concentrations over time were associated with a decreased probability of ventilator liberation (hazard ratio, 0.80 per log-unit increase; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.75-0.83; P = 0.03). Patients with higher sST2 concentrations on the day of liberation were more likely to fail liberation compared with patients who remained successfully liberated (320.9 ng/ml [IQR, 181.1- 495.6 ng/ml] vs. 161.6 ng/ml [IQR, 95.8-292.5 ng/ml]; P = 0.002). Elevated sST2 concentrations on the day of liberation decreased the odds of successful liberation when adjusted for standard physiologic parameters (odds ratio, 0.325; 95% CI, 0.119-0.885; P = 0.03). IL-6 concentrations did not associate with outcomes. Conclusions: Using sST2 concentrations to guide ventilator management may more accurately reflect underlying lung injury and outperform traditional measures of readiness for ventilator liberation.

Machine Learning Models to Predict 30-Day Mortality in Mechanically Ventilated Patients

Previous scoring models, such as the Acute Physiologic Assessment and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II) score, do not adequately predict the mortality of patients receiving mechanical ventilation in the intensive care unit. Therefore, this study aimed to apply machine learning algorithms to improve the prediction accuracy for 30-day mortality of mechanically ventilated patients. The data of 16,940 mechanically ventilated patients were divided into the training-validation (83%, n = 13,988) and test (17%, n = 2952) sets. Machine learning algorithms including balanced random forest, light gradient boosting machine, extreme gradient boost, multilayer perceptron, and logistic regression were used. We compared the area under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUCs) of machine learning algorithms with those of the APACHE II and ProVent score results. The extreme gradient boost model showed the highest AUC (0.79 (0.77–0.80)) for the 30-day mortality prediction, followed by the balanced random forest model (0.78 (0.76–0.80)). The AUCs of these machine learning models as achieved by APACHE II and ProVent scores were higher than 0.67 (0.65–0.69), and 0.69 (0.67–0.71)), respectively. The most important variables in developing each machine learning model were APACHE II score, Charlson comorbidity index, and norepinephrine. The machine learning models have a higher AUC than conventional scoring systems, and can thus better predict the 30-day mortality of mechanically ventilated patients.

Epidemiological Characteristics, Ventilator Management, and Clinical Outcome in Patients Receiving Invasive Ventilation in Intensive Care Units from 10 Asian Middle-Income Countries (PRoVENT-iMiC): An International, Multicenter, Prospective Study

Epidemiology, ventilator management, and outcome in patients receiving invasive ventilation in intensive care units (ICUs) in middle-income countries are largely unknown. PRactice of VENTilation in Middle-income Countries is an international multicenter 4-week observational study of invasively ventilated adult patients in 54 ICUs from 10 Asian countries conducted in 2017/18. Study outcomes included major ventilator settings (including tidal volume [V _T] and positive end-expiratory pressure [PEEP]); the proportion of patients at risk for acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), according to the lung injury prediction score (LIPS), or with ARDS; the incidence of pulmonary complications; and ICU mortality. In 1,315 patients included, median V _T was similar in patients with LIPS < 4 and patients with LIPS ≥ 4, but lower in patients with ARDS (7.90 [6.8-8.9], 8.0 [6.8-9.2], and 7.0 [5.8-8.4] mL/kg Predicted body weight; P = 0.0001). Median PEEP was similar in patients with LIPS < 4 and LIPS ≥ 4, but higher in patients with ARDS (five [5-7], five [5-8], and 10 [5-12] cmH₂O; P < 0.0001). The proportions of patients with LIPS ≥ 4 or with ARDS were 68% (95% CI: 66-71) and 7% (95% CI: 6-8), respectively. Pulmonary complications increased stepwise from patients with LIPS < 4 to patients with LIPS ≥ 4 and patients with ARDS (19%, 21%, and 38% respectively; P = 0.0002), with a similar trend in ICU mortality (17%, 34%, and 45% respectively; P < 0.0001). The capacity of the LIPS to predict development of ARDS was poor (ROC AUC of 0.62, 95% CI: 0.54-0.70). In Asian middle-income countries, where two-thirds of ventilated patients are at risk for ARDS according to the LIPS and pulmonary complications are frequent, setting of V _T is globally in line with current recommendations.

The predictive ability of SAPS II, APACHE II, SAPS III, and APACHE IV to assess outcome and duration of mechanical ventilation in respiratory intensive care unit

Objectives:

The objective is to determine utility of SAPS II, APACHE II, SAPS III, and APACHE IV scoring system in assessing outcome in mechanically ventilated patients in respiratory intensive care unit and to predict duration of mechanical ventilation (MV).

Materials and Methods:

A prospective observational study where 83 mechanically ventilated patients were grouped into Group 1 (n₁ = 40, NIV) and Group 2 (n₂ = 43, Invasive ventilation) was conducted. SAPS II, APACHE II, SAPS III, and APACHE IV scores based predicted mortality (PM) were collected at day 1, and day 3. Outcomes (on day 7) were grouped into negative and positive. (NIV-negative outcome = Home NIV, intubation or death; positive outcome = NIV free. Invasive group-positive outcome = Extubation; negative outcome = Death). Binary logistic regression was applied to predict duration of MV (> or < 5 days).

Results:

The data were analyzed using SPSS version 17.0 trials comparisons of PM on day 1 with SAPS II (P < 0.05) and APACHE IV (P < 0.007) were significant predictors of clinical outcomes in Group 1 where as in Group 2, none of the system could predict significantly. On day 3, Group 1 analysis revealed SAPS II (P < 0.002), SAPS III (P < 0.03), and APACHE IV (P < 0.004) based PM as significant predictors of outcome. APACHE II (P < 0.05) and APACHE IV (P < 0.02) PM were significant in Group 2. On day 3, APACHE IV could significantly predict (P < 0.05) duration of MV (>5 or < 5) while A-a gradient (P < 0.09) predicted poorly in Group 1. In Group 2, APACHE IV was a poor predictor (P < 0.09). Two full logistic regression models were also formulated for both the groups.

Conclusion:

Study concludes that day 3 severity scores are more significant predictors of outcome and duration. APACHE IV scoring system was found more effective than other systems, not only significantly differentiating outcomes of MV but also predicting duration of NIV.

Predictors of Acute Kidney Injury and Mortality in Intensive Care Unit at a Teaching Tertiary Hospital_ID

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Despite the increased rates of acute kidney injury (AKI) in intensive care units (ICU) and associated mortality, information on the epidemiology of AKI is sparse in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). We investigated the rates and predictors of AKI and associated mortality in a tertiary ICU.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This retrospective study analyzed 280 hospital records of patients admitted to the ICU at a tertiary teaching hospital who were aged ≥15 years from January 2017 to May 31, 2018. The outcome parameters of the study were rates of AKI in the ICU, associated risk factors, and mortalities. Acute kidney injury and ICU mortality were established by the multivariate logistic analysis.

RESULTS

The median age was 36 years (IQR 28, 52). The rate of AKI was 52.9%, and the presence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and oliguria was 2.3-fold (0.004) and 4-fold (0.016) positive predictors of ICU-AKI, respectively. Male gender (0.003), diabetes mellitus (DM) (0.010), respiratory disease (0.001), inotropes (0.004), and ventilator support (0.017) were predictors for ICU mortality after controlling for confounders.

CONCLUSION

The rate of AKI is significantly higher in a referral tertiary hospital in Zambia compared to developed countries and the presence of HIV and noncommunicable diseases such as DM impacts severely on outcomes.

HOW TO CITE THIS ARTICLE

Banda J, Chenga N, Nambaya S, Bulaya T, Siziya S. Predictors of Acute Kidney Injury and Mortality in Intensive Care Unit at a Teaching Tertiary Hospital_ID. Indian J Crit Care Med 2020;24(2):116-121.

Anemia and red blood cell transfusion practice in prolonged mechanically ventilated patients admitted to a specialized weaning center: an observational study

Background

The impact of anemia and red blood cell (RBC) transfusion on weaning from mechanical ventilation is not known. In theory, transfusions could facilitate liberation from the ventilator by improving oxygen transport capacity. In contrast, retrospective studies of critically ill patients showed a positive correlation of transfusions with prolonged mechanical ventilation, increased mortality rates, and increased risk of nosocomial infections, which in turn could adversely affect weaning outcome.

Methods

Retrospective, observational study on prolonged mechanically ventilated, tracheotomized patients (n = 378), admitted to a national weaning center over a 5 year period. Medical records were reviewed to obtain data on patients’ demographics, comorbidities, blood counts, transfusions, weaning outcome, and nosocomial infections, defined according to the criteria of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The impact of RBC transfusion on outcome measures was assessed using regression models.

Results

Ninety-eight percent of all patients showed anemia on admission to the weaning center. Transfused and non-transfused patients differed significantly regarding disease severity and comorbidities. In multivariate analyses, RBC transfusion, but not mean hemoglobin concentration in the course of weaning, was independently correlated with weaning duration (adjusted β 12.386, 95% CI 9.335–15.436; p <  0.001) and hospital length of stay (adjusted β 16.116, 95% CI 8.925–23.306; p <  0.001); there was also a trend toward increased hospital mortality (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 2.050, 95% CI 0.995–4.224; p = 0.052), but there was no independent correlation with weaning outcome or nosocomial infections. In contrast, hemoglobin level on the day of admission to the weaning center was independently associated with hospital mortality (adjusted OR 0.956, 95% CI 0.924–0.989; p = 0.010), appearing significantly elevated at values below 8.5 g/dl (AUC 0.670, 95% CI 0.593–0.747; p <  0.001).

Conclusions

A high percentage of prolonged mechanically ventilated patients showed anemia on admission to the weaning center. RBC transfusion was independently correlated with worse outcomes. Since transfused patients differed significantly regarding their clinical characteristics and comorbidities, RBC transfusion might be an indicator of disease severity rather than directly impacting patient prognosis.

Hospital Mortality and Effect of Adjusting PaO2/FiO2 According to Altitude Above the Sea Level in Acclimatized Patients Undergoing Invasive Mechanical Ventilation. A Multicenter Study

OBJECTIVE

(i) Analyze the effect of altitude above the sea level on the mortality rate in patients undergoing invasive mechanical ventilation. (ii) Validate the traditional equation for adjusting PaO₂/FiO₂ according to the altitude.

DESIGN

A prospective, observational, multicenter and international study conducted during August 2016.

PATIENTS

Inclusion criteria: (i) age between 18 and 90 years old, (ii) admitted to intensive care unit (ICU) situated at the same altitude above the sea level (AASL) in which the patients has stayed, at least, during the previous 40 days and (iii) received invasive MV for at least 12h.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

All variables were registered the day of intubation (day 0). Patients were followed until death, ICU discharge or day 28. PaO₂/FiO₂ ratio was adjusted by the AASL according to: PaO₂/FiO₂*(barometric pressure/760). Categorical variables were compared with χ² and Cochran-Mantel-Haenszel test. Continuous variables with Mann-Whitney. Correlation between continuous variables was analyzed graphically and analytically. Logistic regression model was constructed to identify factors associated to mortality. Kapplan-Meier method was used to estimate the probability of survival according to the altitude. A 2-side p value <0.05 was consider significant.

RESULTS

249 patients (<1500m n=55; 1500 to <2500m n=20; 2500 to <3500m n=155 and ≥3500m n=19) were included. Adjusted and non-adjusted PaO₂/FiO₂ were correlated with several respiratory and non respiratory variables. None discordances between non adjusted and adjusted PaO₂/FiO₂ were identified. However, several correlations were appreciated only in patients situated <1500m or in >1500m. Seventy-nine patients died during the ICU stayed (32%). The mortality curve was not affected by the altitude above the sea level. Variables independently associated to mortality are: PEEP, age, systolic arterial blood pressure, and platelet count.

AUROC

0.72.

CONCLUSION

In acclimatized patients undergoing invasive mechanical ventilation, the traditional equation for adjusting PaO₂/FiO₂ according the elevation above the sea level seems to be inaccurate and the altitude above the sea level does not affect the mortality risk.

The delta neutrophil index predicts development of multiple organ dysfunction syndrome and 30-day mortality in trauma patients admitted to an intensive care unit: a retrospective analysis

No studies have examined the role of delta neutrophil index (DNI) reflecting on immature granulocytes in determining the severity of multiple organ dysfunction (MODS) and short-term mortality. This study investigated the utility of the automatically calculated DNI as a prognostic marker of severity in trauma patients who were admitted to an intensive care unit (ICU). We retrospectively analysed prospective data of eligible patients. We investigated 366 patients. On multivariable logistic regression analysis, higher DNI values at 12 h (odds ratio [OR], 1.079; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.037-1.123; p < 0.001) and 24 h were strong independent predictors of MODS development. Multivariable Cox regression analysis revealed that increased DNI at 12 h (hazard ratio [HR], 1.051; 95% CI, 1.024-1.079; p < 0.001) was a strong independent predictor of short-term mortality. The increased predictability of MODS after trauma was closely associated with a DNI > 3.25% at 12 h (OR, 12.7; 95% CI: 6.12-26.35; p < 0.001). A cut-off of >5.3% at 12 h was significantly associated with an increased risk of 30-day mortality (HR, 18.111; 95% CI, 6.988-46.935; p < 0.001). The DNI is suitable for rapid and simple estimation of the severity of traumatic injury using an automated haematologic analyser without additional cost or time.

PRactice of VENTilation in Middle-Income Countries (PRoVENT-iMIC): rationale and protocol for a prospective international multicentre observational study in intensive care units in Asia

INTRODUCTION

Current evidence on epidemiology and outcomes of invasively mechanically ventilated intensive care unit (ICU) patients is predominantly gathered in resource-rich settings. Patient casemix and patterns of critical illnesses, and probably also ventilation practices are likely to be different in resource-limited settings. We aim to investigate the epidemiological characteristics, ventilation practices and clinical outcomes of patients receiving mechanical ventilation in ICUs in Asia.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

PRoVENT-iMIC (study of PRactice of VENTilation in Middle-Income Countries) is an international multicentre observational study to be undertaken in approximately 60 ICUs in 11 Asian countries. Consecutive patients aged 18 years or older who are receiving invasive ventilation in participating ICUs during a predefined 28-day period are to be enrolled, with a daily follow-up of 7 days. The primary outcome is ventilatory management (including tidal volume expressed as mL/kg predicted body weight and positive end-expiratory pressure expressed as cm H₂O) during the first 3 days of mechanical ventilation-compared between patients at no risk for acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), patients at risk for ARDS and in patients with ARDS (in case the diagnosis of ARDS can be made on admission). Secondary outcomes include occurrence of pulmonary complications and all-cause ICU mortality.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

PRoVENT-iMIC will be the first international study that prospectively assesses ventilation practices, outcomes and epidemiology of invasively ventilated patients in ICUs in Asia. The results of this large study, to be disseminated through conference presentations and publications in international peer-reviewed journals, are of ultimate importance when designing trials of invasive ventilation in resource-limited ICUs. Access to source data will be made available through national or international anonymised datasets on request and after agreement of the PRoVENT-iMIC steering committee.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT03188770; Pre-results.

Respiratory mechanics, ventilator-associated pneumonia and outcomes in intensive care unit

AIM

To evaluate the predictive capability of respiratory mechanics for the development of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) and mortality in the intensive care unit (ICU) of a hospital in southern Brazil.

METHODS

A cohort study was conducted between, involving a sample of 120 individuals. Static measurements of compliance and resistance of the respiratory system in pressure-controlled ventilation (PCV) and volume-controlled ventilation (VCV) modes in the 1^st and 5^th days of hospitalization were performed to monitor respiratory mechanics. The severity of the patients’ illness was quantified by the Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II). The diagnosis of VAP was made based on clinical, radiological and laboratory parameters.

RESULTS

The significant associations found for the development of VAP were APACHE II scores above the average (P = 0.016), duration of MV (P = 0.001) and ICU length of stay above the average (P = 0.003), male gender (P = 0.004), and worsening of respiratory resistance in PCV mode (P = 0.010). Age above the average (P < 0.001), low level of oxygenation on day 1 (P = 0.003) and day 5 (P = 0.004) and low lung compliance during VCV on day 1 (P = 0.032) were associated with death as the outcome.

CONCLUSION

The worsening of airway resistance in PCV mode indicated the possibility of early diagnosis of VAP. Low lung compliance during VCV and low oxygenation index were death-related prognostic indicators.

Case-Mix, Care Processes, and Outcomes in Medically-Ill Patients Receiving Mechanical Ventilation in a Low-Resource Setting from Southern India: A Prospective Clinical Case Series

Background

Mechanical ventilation is a resource intensive organ support treatment, and historical studies from low-resource settings had reported a high mortality. We aimed to study the outcomes in patients receiving mechanical ventilation in a contemporary low-resource setting.

Methods

We prospectively studied the characteristics and outcomes (disease-related, mechanical ventilation-related, and process of care-related) in 237 adults mechanically ventilated for a medical illness at a teaching hospital in southern India during February 2011 to August 2012. Vital status of patients discharged from hospital was ascertained on Day 90 or later.

Results

Mean age of the patients was 40 ± 17 years; 140 (51%) were men. Poisoning and envenomation accounted for 98 (41%) of 237 admissions. In total, 87 (37%) patients died in-hospital; 16 (7%) died after discharge; 115 (49%) were alive at 90-day assessment; and 19 (8%) were lost to follow-up. Weaning was attempted in 171 (72%) patients; most patients (78 of 99 [79%]) failing the first attempt could be weaned off. Prolonged mechanical ventilation was required in 20 (8%) patients. Adherence to head-end elevation and deep vein thrombosis prophylaxis were 164 (69%) and 147 (62%) respectively. Risk of nosocomial infections particularly ventilator-associated pneumonia was high (57.2 per 1,000 ventilator-days). Higher APACHE II score quartiles (adjusted HR [95% CI] quartile 2, 2.65 [1.19–5.89]; quartile 3, 2.98 [1.24–7.15]; quartile 4, 5.78 [2.45–13.60]), and new-onset organ failure (2.98 [1.94–4.56]) were independently associated with the risk of death. Patients with poisoning had higher risk of reintubation (43% vs. 20%; P = 0.001) and ventilator-associated pneumonia (75% vs. 53%; P = 0.001). But, their mortality was significantly lower compared to the rest (24% vs. 44%; P = 0.002).

Conclusions

The case-mix considerably differs from other settings. Mortality in this low-resource setting is similar to high-resource settings. But, further improvements in care processes and prevention of nosocomial infections are required.

Factors predicting mortality in newborn ventilation

OBJECTIVE

Prediction of mortality among newborns on mechanical ventilation is difficult. Our aim was to develop a scoring system for predicting mortality among such neonates.

METHODS

This multi centre prospective study was performed to develop and validate a scoring system among two equal cohorts of ventilated newborns in India. Mechanical ventilator was used in pressure-limited time-cycled mode. Arterial blood gas, initial pulmonary pressures, septicemia screen along with other basic parameters were recorded in a pre-structured proforma. Blood samples were analyzed for malondialdehyde to determine the possible role and predictive validity of free radical injury. Multiple logistic regression analysis was done to find out independent predictors of mortality for the variables those were significantly associated with outcome after univariate analysis.

RESULTS

On univariate analysis, birth-weight, oxygenation-index, septicaemia, malondialdehyde level, and inotropic support were significantly associated with mortality. However, after multiple regression analysis gestational-age, pH and FiO₂ lost their significance as predictors. According to cut-off values of ROC-curve, a scoring system ranging from 0 to 20 and four mortality risk groups were developed. Area under ROC-curve was 0.94, compared to 0.90 for both APACHE-III and CRIB-scores; and 0.92 for PRISM-score.

CONCLUSIONS

Birth-weight, oxygenation-index, malondialdehyde level, inotropic support, and septicemia are independent mortality predictors of neonatal ventilation. Increase in malondialdehyde level is associated with higher mortality rate, indicating possible role of free radical injury. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2015; 50:271-275. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Mechanical ventilation of patients hospitalized in medical wards vs the intensive care unit--an observational, comparative study

BACKGROUND

In some hospitals, patients are mechanically ventilated on the wards in addition to the intensive care unit (ICU) because of the shortage of ICU beds.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the study was to compare the outcome and ventilatory management of medical patients mechanically ventilated on the medical wards and in the ICU.

DESIGN

This was a prospective, observational, noninterventional study over a 6-month period.

SETTING

The study was conducted in internal medicine wards and the ICU of a 500-bed community university-affiliated hospital.

PATIENTS

Ninety-nine mechanically ventilated medical patients in the ICU or on the medical wards because of shortage of ICU beds were included in the study.

RESULTS

Baseline characteristics of the patients ventilated in the ICU (group 1) and in the medical wards (group 2) were collected. Thirty-four patients were ventilated in the ICU and 65 in the wards during the study period. In-hospital survival rate in group 1 was 38% vs 20% in group 2 (P < .05). The Acute Physiologic and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II score in group 1 was 24 +/- 7 vs 27 +/- 7 in group 2 (P < .05). Other prognostic factors were similar. The age of the survivors in the 2 groups was similar: 57 +/- 25 years in group 1 vs 69 +/- 13 years in group 2 (P = NS). Mean number of ventilatory changes in group 1 was 7.5 +/- 1.4 per day per patient, whereas it was 1.3 +/- 1.0 in group 2 (P < .001). The number of arterial blood gas analyses in group 1 was 7.7 +/- 1.2 per day per patient compared with 2.3 +/- 1.3 in group 2 (P < .001). Twenty percent (20%) of the patients in group 1 had endotracheal tube-related inadvertent events compared with 62% of the patients in group 2 (P < .05).

CONCLUSIONS

We conclude that in medical patients requiring mechanical ventilation, there is a higher in-hospital survival rate in ICU-ventilated patients as compared with ventilated patients managed on the medical wards. In addition, ICU provides a better monitoring associated with less endotracheal tube-related complications and more active ventilatory management.

Drug utilization pattern in the intensive care unit of a tertiary care hospital

The authors studied the factors affecting drug use pattern, cost of therapy, and the association between the pattern of drug use and survival as well as the duration of stay in a prospective, observational study in an intensive care unit between February and May 2005. Data were collected regarding drugs used, severity of the disease, and their outcome. The mean +/- SD of the Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE III) and Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) scores of 84 patients were 52.2 +/- 19.4 and 7.5 +/- 2.4, respectively. Although the mean number of drugs at the time of admission to the intensive care unit was 5.3, it increased to 12.9 on the first day and 22.2 during the entire stay. More than 50% of the average expenditure on drugs and nutrition was accounted by antibiotics. Requirement of insulin or inotropes signified an adverse outcome on mortality (odds ratios of 3.43 and 8.44, respectively). In conclusion, there is a tremendous impact of antibiotic use on the cost of therapy in the intensive care unit. The requirement of certain drugs such as insulin and inotropes is of prognostic significance.