Brachial plexopathy after prone positioning

Upper limb peripheral nerve injuries in patients with ARDS requiring prone positioning: A systematic review with proportion meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the prevalence of upper limb peripheral nerve injuries (PNI) in adult patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) undergoing prone positioning.

METHODS

This systematic review with meta-analysis was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) and Meta-analysis of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (MOOSE) reporting guidelines. Four electronic databases including PubMed, the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), The Cochrane Library, and EMBASE were searched from inception to January 2024. The quality of the included studies was evaluated according to the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Tools. A proportion meta-analysis was conducted to examine the combined prevalence of upper limb PNI among patients requiring prone positioning.

RESULTS

A total of 8 studies (511 patients) were pooled in the quantitative analysis. All studies had a low or moderate risk of bias in methodological quality. The overall proportion of patients with upper limb PNI was 13% (95%CI: 5% to 29%), with large between-study heterogeneity (I2 = 84.6%, P<0.001). Both ulnar neuropathy and brachial plexopathy were described in 4 studies.

CONCLUSION

During the COVID-19 pandemic, prone positioning has been used extensively. Different approaches among ICU teams and selective reporting by untrained staff may be a factor in interpreting the large variability between studies and the 13% proportion of patients with upper limb PNI found in the present meta-analysis. Therefore, it is paramount to stress the importance of patient assessment both after discharge from the ICU and during subsequent follow-up evaluations.

IMPLICATIONS FOR CLINICAL PRACTICE

Specialized training is essential to ensure safe prone positioning, with careful consideration given to arms and head placement to mitigate potential nerve injuries. Therefore, healthcare protocols should incorporate preventive strategies, with patient assessments conducted by expert multidisciplinary teams.

Prevalence and Risk Factors of Intensive Care Unit-acquired Weakness in Patients With COVID-19: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Intensive care unit acquired weakness (ICUAW) is a common neuromuscular complication of critical illness, impacting patients' recovery and long-term outcomes. However, limited evidence is available on pooled prevalence and risk factors of ICUAW specifically in the COVID-19-infected population.

METHODS

We searched on PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, PEDro, and EBSCOhost/CINAHL up to January 31, 2024. Data synthesis was conducted using the Freeman-Tukey double-arcsine transformation model for the pooled prevalence rate and odds ratios with corresponding 95% confidence intervals was used to identify risk factors.

RESULTS

The pooled prevalence of ICUAW in COVID-19 patients was 55% in eight studies on 868 patients. Risk factors for developing ICUAW in these patients were: old age (WMD 4.78, 95% CI, 1.06-8.49), pre-existing hypertension (OR = 1.63, 95% CI, 1.02-2.61), medical intervention of prone position (OR = 5.21, 95% CI, 2.72-9.98), use of neuromuscular blocking agents (NMBA) (OR = 12.04, 95% CI, 6.20-23.39), needed tracheostomy (OR = 18.07, 95% CI, 5.64-57.92) and renal replacement therapy (RRT) (OR = 5.24, 95% CI = 2.36-11.63).

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of ICUAW in patients with COVID-19 was considered relatively high. Older age, pre-existing hypertension, medical intervention of prone position, NMBA use, needed tracheostomy and RRT were likely risk factors. In the future, interdisciplinary medical team should pay attention to high-risk groups for ICUAW prevention and early treatments.

Physical and Cognitive Impairment in Acute Respiratory Failure

Recent research has brought renewed attention to the multifaceted physical and cognitive dysfunction that accompanies acute respiratory failure (ARF). This state-of-the-art review provides an overview of the evidence landscape encompassing ARF-associated neuromuscular and neurocognitive impairments. Risk factors, mechanisms, assessment tools, rehabilitation strategies, approaches to ventilator liberation, and interventions to minimize post-intensive care syndrome are emphasized. The complex interrelationship between physical disability, cognitive dysfunction, and long-term patient-centered outcomes is explored. This review highlights the need for comprehensive, multidisciplinary approaches to mitigate morbidity and accelerate recovery.

Getting Back on Track: Meanings of Recovery After Critical Illness Caused by COVID-19

Introduction

Being critically ill in need of intensive care, lead to a challenging way back after survival, so also for survivors of COVID-19. The process to recovery can be long.

Objectives

The aim of our qualitative study was to elucidate meanings of recovery for people who were once critically ill with COVID-19.

Method

We conducted qualitative individual interviews with 13 individuals who had been critically ill with COVID-19, following a narrative approach. The data collected from the interviews, were analyzed according to phenomenological hermeneutic interpretation.

Results

The participants, although feeling alone in the process of recovery, had willpower to return to normal life but struggled to keep pace with others. They strived for balance in everyday life and to regain strength despite being exhausted after having COVID-19. The participants were grateful for their survival but displayed a need to understand what had happened. They longed for social contact, expressed feelings of abandonment, and wished for follow-up dialogues with healthcare professionals to better understand their situation. However, because support from healthcare was insufficient, the participants ultimately needed to develop their own strategies to cope with their questions, fears, and weakness.

Conclusion

Meanings of recovery for people once critically ill with COVID-19, is to strive for balance in everyday life. In their recovery process, healthcare professionals should seek to understand what the illness means for the ill person, and in mutual understanding support them based on their needs.

Enterocutaneous Fistula in a COVID-19 Obese Patient During Prolonged Prone Position for Severe Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome

Prone position (PP) has been widely used in patients under mechanical ventilation for COVID-19 acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), usually for many hours per day. Complications are not rare, although most of them are mild. To our knowledge, we report the first case of enterocutaneous fistula after prolonged use of PP in the literature. Morbid obesity; yielding increased abdominal wall pressure when the patient was prone; pre-existing intestinal hernias; and increased vasopressor doses for septic shock due to secondary infections resulted in necrosis of the small intestine, the abdominal wall, and the skin leading to enterocutaneous fistula. Clinicians managing patients with COVID-19 should keep in mind this complication, especially when proning obese patients with a history of intestinal surgery, as the presence of intestinal hernias might be missed during a clinical examination.

Postacute Sequelae of SARS-CoV-2: Musculoskeletal Conditions and Pain

Musculoskeletal and pain sequelae of COVID-19 are common in both the acute infection and patients experiencing longer term symptoms associated with recovery, known as postacute sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC). Patients with PASC may experience multiple manifestations of pain and other concurrent symptoms that complicate their experience of pain. In this review, the authors explore what is currently known about PASC-related pain and its pathophysiology as well as strategies for diagnosis and management.

Association of Parsonage-Turner syndrome with COVID-19 infection and vaccination: a systematic review

OBJECTIVES

The exact etiology of Parsonage-Turner syndrome is unknown, but it is known to be preceded by infection, vaccination, or surgical intervention. In this review, we describe associations of Parsonage-Turner syndrome with COVID-19 infection and vaccination.

METHODS

A systematic literature search was conducted using PubMed/MEDLINE, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar. Microsoft Excel was used for data extraction and statistical analysis. The quality of case reports and case series was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Tool.

RESULTS

We selected 44 case reports and 10 case series, including 68 patients (32 post-vaccination and 36 with post-COVID-19 infection Parsonage-Turner syndrome). Middle-aged males were predominantly affected in both groups. The most frequently administered vaccine was Comirnaty (Pfizer) (53%). The mean latency was 11.7 days in the post-vaccination group and 20.3 days in the post-infection group. The most affected nerves in both groups were the axillary, suprascapular, and musculocutaneous nerves; and 78.1% and 38.9% of patients showed partial amelioration of their symptoms in the post-vaccination and post-infection groups, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Post-vaccination Parsonage-Turner syndrome presents earlier than post-infection disease. Pain and sensorimotor deficits of the upper limb are common in both situations. Complete or partial recovery occurs in most cases.

Neuromuscular Disorders Associated With COVID-19

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has had an enormous impact on practically every aspect of daily life, and those with neuromuscular disorders have certainly not been spared. The effects of COVID-19 infection are far-reaching, going well beyond respiratory symptoms alone. From simple myalgias to debilitating critical illness neuromyopathies, we continue to learn and catalog the diverse pathologies presented by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) as it relates to the neuromuscular system. Complications have been documented both as a direct result of primary infection but also in those with pre-existing neuromuscular disorders from myasthenia gravis to devastating critical illness neuromyopathies. In this review, we will discuss the relationship between COVID-19 infection and critical illness neuromyopathy, peripheral nerve palsies, myalgias, positional compressive neuropathy, myasthenia gravis, and Guillain-Barré syndrome.

Pain Management in the Post-COVID Era-An Update: A Narrative Review

An extensive computer search (from January 2020 to January 2023) was conducted including literature from the PubMed, Scopus, MEDLINE, Web of Science, and EMBASE databases. According to preset criteria, a total of 58 articles were included in this review article. Generally, any patient who becomes infected with COVID-19 can develop post-COVID-19 conditions. The course of COVID-19 is divided into three main stages: acute COVID-19 (up to 4 weeks), post-acute COVID-19 (from 4 to 12 weeks), and post-COVID (from 12 weeks to 6 months). If a more protracted course of COVID (over 6 months) is demonstrated, the term "long-COVID" is used. Although the acute stage of COVID-19 infection most commonly manifests with acute respiratory symptoms, one very common symptom of the disease is pain, while the most common symptoms of post-COVID syndrome are shortness of breath, dry cough, fatigue, loss of olfactory and gustatory function, tightness and chest pain, sleep and mood disturbances, body aches, muscle and joint pain, sore throat, fever, and persistent headaches. All observations demonstrated a high incidence of chronic pain syndromes of various localization in the post- and long-COVID period. Post-COVID chronic pain might include a newly developed chronic pain as a part of post-viral syndrome; worsening of preexisting chronic pain due to the associated changes in the medical services, or a de novo chronic pain in healthy individuals who are not infected with COVID. Chronic pain during and post-COVID-19 pandemic is an important health issue due to the significant impacts of pain on the patients, health care systems, and society as well. Therefore, it is important that patients with chronic pain receive effective treatment according to their specific needs. Accordingly, the main goal of this review article is to provide a broad description about the post-COVID pain and to explore the impact of long COVID-19 on chronic pain patients, and also to give brief reports about the prevalence, risk factors, possible mechanisms, different presentations, and the management tools through a systematic approach.

Upper Extremity Neuropathies Following Severe COVID-19 Infection: A Multicenter Case Series

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of the study is to examine presentation, injury patterns, and clinical course, for COVID-19-related peripheral nerve injury following mechanical ventilation.

METHODS

A multicenter retrospective study of patients with COVID-19 complicated by acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) that required mechanical ventilation was undertaken. Patient records were reviewed for intensive care unit and intubation characteristics, prone or lateral decubitus positioning, and the onset of neuropathy diagnosis.

RESULTS

Between September 2020 and January 2022, 11 patients were diagnosed with peripheral neuropathy, including 9 with brachial plexopathy following COVID-19 infection. Each patient developed ARDS requiring mechanical ventilation for a median of 39 days. Six patients (54.5%) underwent prone positioning and 1 lateral decubitus. Neuropathies involved 5 brachial pan-plexopathies, 2 incomplete brachial plexopathies, 2 lower trunk plexopathies, 1 radial neuropathy, and 1 bilateral ulnar neuropathy. At a mean follow-up of 10.2 months, patients with brachial pan-plexopathies demonstrated signs of reinnervation proximally, and 1 resolved to a radial mononeuropathy; however, the majority have demonstrated minimal clinical improvements.

CONCLUSIONS

Our series demonstrates that peripheral neuropathies and especially brachial plexopathies have occurred following mechanical ventilation for ARDS-related COVID-19 infections. Contrary to prior COVID-19 studies, only 54.5% of these patients underwent prone positioning. Aside from a traumatic disturbance of prone positioning, the increased incidence of neuropathy may involve an atraumatic effect of COVID-19 via direct invasion of nerves, autoantibody targeting of nervous tissue, or hypercoagulation-induced microthrombotic angiopathy.

Ultrasound-based neuropathy diagnosis in COVID-19 patients in post-intensive care rehabilitation settings. A retrospective observational study

OBJECTIVES

using ultrasound scanning to examine the correlation between increase of Common Fibular Nerve's (CFN) Cross Sectional Area (CSA) and functional impairment of foot dorsiflexor muscles as an early sign of peripheral neuropathy.

DESIGN

retrospective observational study.

SETTING

in-patient rehabilitation unit between November 2020 and July 2021.

PARTICIPANTS

26 inpatients who underwent prolonged hospitilization in ICU'S and were diagnosed with CRYMINE after SARS-COV-2 infection. Physical examination and ultrasound scanning of the CFN and EMG/ENG were carried out on each patient.

INTERVENTIONS

not applicable MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): CFN's CSA at the peroneal head.

RESULTS

we verified a significant increase in the CSA of the CFN measured at the peroneal head in more than 90% of the nerves tested. A cut off value of CFN's CSA of 0,20 cm was used to identify pathological nerves. No correlations with other variables (BMI, ICU days) were found.

CONCLUSION

US scanning of the CFN appears to be an early and specific test in the evaluation of CPN's abnormalities in post COVID-19 patients. US scanning is a reproducible, cost effective, safe and easily administered bedside tool to diagnose a loss of motor function when abnormalities in peripheral nerves are present.

Long-term complications of prone position ventilation with relevance for acute and postacute rehabilitation: a systematic review of the literature

INTRODUCTION

Prone positioning ventilation (PPV) is an effective treatment for patients with moderate to severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Despite the benefits of PPV, different kinds of short and long-term consequences have been noted. This review summarizes long-term complications of PPV that impact treatment strategies and outcomes in acute and postacute rehabilitation.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

PubMed/Medline, Cochrane Library, Cochrane COVID-19 Study Register databases and the Google Scholar search engine were systematically searched for studies investigating long-term complications of PPV. The final search date for all sources/databases was January 31, 2022. For our methodological appraisal, we conducted a systematic review of articles without any restrictions on types of articles or publication dates. Only articles published in English and available as full texts were eligible for inclusion. After the screening process, data of interest were extracted from eligible sources: PPV sequelae and conclusions (i.e. possible effects on the course of rehabilitation and therapy strategies).

EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS

A total of 59 studies are included in this review. Long-term consequences are mainly pressure ulcers and nerve lesions that exist after discharge from the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Publications rarely recommend treatment strategies for long-term complications after PPV. Due to the quality of the included studies, no robust conclusions as to effective strategies can be drawn.

CONCLUSIONS

Further high-quality research is required, considering the different long-term complications after PPV and their impact on rehabilitation in order to draw conclusions about viable physical therapies. Crucially, however, prone positioning (PP) sequelae pose new challenges to physicians and therapists in acute and postacute rehabilitation medicine as well as follow-up care.

Approach to echocardiography in ARDS patients in the prone position: A systematic review

Echocardiography is commonly utilized in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) for assessment of cardiac function, volume status, and the potential development of acute cor pulmonale. In severe ARDS, prone positioning is frequently used, which imposes technical challenges during transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) image acquisition. Moreover, prone positioning can affect cardiopulmonary function in ways that are reflected on the echocardiographic findings in this position. Historically, a transesophageal approach was recommended when a patient is prone, with few studies reporting utility of TTE in this setting. However, recent publications have begun to address this knowledge gap. This review explores recent literature addressing the use of TTE in prone patients with ARDS, with a special focus on the cardiopulmonary effects of proning and potential solutions to the technical difficulties that arise in this position.

Prone position plexopathy: an avoidable complication of prone positioning for COVID-19 pneumonitis?

Prone positioning is a mainstay of management for those presenting to the intensive care unit with moderate-to-severe acute respiratory distress syndrome due to COVID-19. While this is a necessary and life-saving intervention in selected patients, careful positioning and meticulous care are required to prevent compression and traction of the brachial plexus, and resultant brachial plexopathy. We describe two patients who developed a brachial plexus injury while undergoing prone positioning for management of COVID-19 pneumonitis. Both patients were diabetic and underwent prolonged periods in the prone position during which the plexopathy affected arm was abducted for 19 and 55 hours, respectively. We discuss strategies to reduce the risk of this rare but potentially disabling complication of prone positioning.

Short and long-term complications due to standard and extended prone position cycles in CoViD-19 patients

OBJECTIVE

To investigate short and long-term complications due to standard (≤24 hours) and extended (>24 hours) prone position in COVID-19 patients.

METHODS

Retrospective cohort study conducted in an Italian general intensive care unit. We enrolled patients on invasive mechanical ventilation and treated with prone positioning. We recorded short term complications from the data chart and long-term complications from the scheduled follow-up visit, three months after intensive care discharge.

RESULTS

A total of 96 patients were included in the study. Median time for each prone positioning cycle (302 cycles) was equal to 18 (16-32) hours. In 37 (38%) patients at least one cycle of extended pronation was implemented. Patients with at least one pressure sore due to prone position were 38 (40%). Patients with pressure sores showed a statistically significative difference in intensive care length of stay, mechanical ventilation days, numbers of prone position cycles, total time spent in prone position and the use of extended prone position, compared to patients without pressure sores. All lesions were low grade. Cheekbones (18%) and chin (10%) were the most affected sites. Follow-up visit, scheduled three months after intensive care discharge, was possible in 58 patients. All patients were able to have all 12 muscle groups examined using theMedical Research Council scale examination. No patient reported sensory loss or presence of neuropathic pain for upper limbs.

CONCLUSIONS

Extended prone position is feasible and might reduce the workload on healthcare workers without significant increase of major prone position related complications.

Muscle strength and functional outcome after prone positioning in COVID-19 ICU survivors

Objective

To evaluate the muscle strength and functional level of patients discharged from intensive care unit (ICU) in relation to the swimmer position as a nurse intervention during pronation.

Methods

Prospective study conducted in the hub COVID-19 center in Milan (Italy), between March and June 2020. All patients with COVID-19 discharged alive from ICU who received invasive mechanical ventilation were included. Forward continuation ratio model was fitted to explore the statistical association between muscle strength grades and body positioning during ICU stay.

Results

Over the 128 patients admitted to ICU, 87 patients were discharged alive from ICU, with available follow-up measures at hospital discharge. Thirty-four patients (39.1%) were treated with prone positioning as rescue therapy, for a total of 106 pronation cycles with a median duration of 72 (IQR 60–83) hours. Prone positioning did not influence the odds of showing particular level of muscle strength, in any of the evaluated districts, namely shoulder (OR 1.34, 95%CI:0.61–2.97), elbow (OR 1.10, 95%CI:0.45–2.68) and wrist (OR 0.97, 95%CI:0.58–1.63). Only in the shoulder district, age showed evidence of association with strength (OR 1.06, 95%CI:1.02–1.10), affecting people as they get older. No significant sequalae related to swimmer position were reported by physiotherapists or nurses.

Conclusion

Swimmer position adopted during prone ventilation is not associated with worse upper limb strength or poor mobility level in COVID-19 survivors after hospital discharge.

Polyneuropathy following COVID-19 infection: the rehabilitation approach

A range of neurological manifestations associated with COVID-19 have been reported in the literature, but the pathogenesis of these have yet to be fully explained. The majority of cases of peripheral nervous system disease published thus far have shown a symmetrical pattern. In contrast, we describe the case of a patient with asymmetrical predominantly upper-limb sensorimotor polyneuropathy following COVID-19 infection, likely due to a multifactorial pathological process involving critical illness neuropathy, mechanical injury and inflammatory disease. His presentation, management and recovery contribute to the understanding of this complex condition and informs rehabilitation approaches.

Brachial plexopathy as a complication of COVID-19

COVID-19 affects a wide spectrum of organ systems. We report a 52-year-old man with hypertension and newly diagnosed diabetes mellitus who presented with hypoxic respiratory failure due to COVID-19 and developed severe brachial plexopathy. He was not treated with prone positioning respiratory therapy. Associated with the flaccid, painfully numb left upper extremity was a livedoid, purpuric rash on his left hand and forearm consistent with COVID-19-induced microangiopathy. Neuroimaging and electrophysiological data were consistent with near diffuse left brachial plexitis with selective sparing of axillary, suprascapular and pectoral fascicles. Given his microangiopathic rash, elevated D-dimers and paucifascicular plexopathy, we postulate a patchy microvascular thrombotic plexopathy. Providers should be aware of this significant and potentially under-recognised neurologic complication of COVID-19.

Peripheral Nervous System Manifestations Associated with COVID-19

Purpose of Review

The present review discusses the peripheral nervous system (PNS) manifestations associated with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

Recent Findings

Nerve pain and skeletal muscle injury, Guillain-Barré syndrome, cranial polyneuritis, neuromuscular junction disorders, neuro-ophthalmological disorders, neurosensory hearing loss, and dysautonomia have been reported as PNS manifestations in patients with COVID-19.

Summary

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) causes COVID-19. COVID-19 has shown syndromic complexity. Not only does SARS-CoV-2 affect the central nervous system but also it involves the PNS. The PNS involvement may be due to dysregulation of the immune system attributable to COVID-19. Here we review the broad spectrum of PNS involvement of COVID-19.

Neurological complications of COVID-19 in hospitalized patients: The registry of a neurology department in the first wave of the pandemic

OBJECTIVE

To describe the spectrum of neurological complications observed in a hospital-based cohort of COVID-19 patients who required a neurological assessment.

METHODS

We conducted an observational, monocentric, prospective study of patients with a COVID-19 diagnosis hospitalized during the 3-month period of the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in a tertiary hospital in Madrid (Spain). We describe the neurological diagnoses that arose after the onset of COVID-19 symptoms. These diagnoses could be divided into different groups.

RESULTS

Only 71 (2.6%) of 2750 hospitalized patients suffered at least one neurological complication (77 different neurological diagnoses in total) during the timeframe of the study. The most common diagnoses were neuromuscular disorders (33.7%), cerebrovascular diseases (CVDs) (27.3%), acute encephalopathy (19.4%), seizures (7.8%), and miscellanea (11.6%) comprising hiccups, myoclonic tremor, Horner syndrome and transverse myelitis. CVDs and encephalopathy were common in the early phase of the COVID-19 pandemic compared to neuromuscular disorders, which usually appeared later on (p = 0.005). Cerebrospinal fluid severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) polymerase chain reaction was negative in 15/15 samples. The mortality was higher in the CVD group (38.1% vs. 8.9%; p = 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of neurological complications is low in patients hospitalized for COVID-19. Different mechanisms appear to be involved in these complications, and there was no evidence of direct invasion of the nervous system in our cohort. Some of the neurological complications can be classified into early and late neurological complications of COVID-19, as they occurred at different times following the onset of COVID-19 symptoms.

Imaging Review of Peripheral Nerve Injuries in Patients with COVID-19

With surging numbers of patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) throughout the world, neuromuscular complications and rehabilitation concerns are becoming more apparent. Peripheral nerve injury can occur in patients with COVID-19 secondary to postinfectious inflammatory neuropathy, prone positioning-related stretch and/or compression injury, systemic neuropathy, or nerve entrapment from hematoma. Imaging of peripheral nerves in patients with COVID-19 may help to characterize nerve abnormality, to identify site and severity of nerve damage, and to potentially elucidate mechanisms of injury, thereby aiding the medical diagnosis and decision-making process. This review article aims to provide a first comprehensive summary of the current knowledge of COVID-19 and peripheral nerve imaging.

Nerve Compression Injuries After Prolonged Prone Position Ventilation in Patients With SARS-CoV-2: A Case Series

BACKGROUND

Prone positioning improves oxygenation in adult respiratory distress syndrome. This procedure has been widely used during the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic. However, this procedure can also be responsible for nerve damage and plexopathy.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed a series of 7 infectious patients with coronavirus disease 2019 who underwent prone positioning ventilation at the San Raffaele Hospital of Milan, Italy, during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic.

RESULTS

Clinical and neurophysiological data of 7 patients with nerve compression injuries have been reported.

CONCLUSIONS

Health care workers should take into consideration the risk factors for prone positioning-related plexopathy and nerve damage, especially in patients with coronavirus disease 2019, to prevent this type of complication.

Early Physical Therapist Interventions for Patients With COVID-19 in the Acute Care Hospital: A Case Report Series

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this case series was to describe the experience of Swiss physical therapists in the treatment of patients with COVID-19 during their acute care hospital stay and to discuss challenges and potential strategies in the clinical management of these patients.

METHODS

We report 11 cases of patients with COVID-19 from 5 Swiss hospitals that illustrate the various indications for physical therapy, clinical challenges, potential treatment methods, and short-term response to treatment.

RESULTS

Physical therapists actively treated patients with COVID-19 on wards and in the intensive care unit. Interventions ranged from patient education, to prone positioning, to early mobilization and respiratory therapy. Patients were often unstable with quick exacerbation of symptoms and a slow and fluctuant recovery. Additionally, many patients who were critically ill developed severe weakness, postextubation dysphagia, weaning failure, or presented with anxiety or delirium. In this setting, physical therapy was challenging and required specialized and individualized therapeutic strategies. Most patients adopted the proposed treatment strategies, and lung function and physical strength improved over time.

CONCLUSION

Physical therapists clearly have a role in the COVID-19 pandemic. Based on our experience in Switzerland, we recommend that physical therapists routinely screen and assess patients for respiratory symptoms and exercise tolerance on acute wards. Treatment of patients who are critically ill should start as soon as possible to limit further sequelae. More research is needed for awake prone positioning and early breathing exercises as well as post-COVID rehabilitation.

IMPACT

To date, there are few data on the physical therapist management of patients with COVID-19. This article is among the first to describe the role of physical therapists in the complex pandemic environment and to describe the potential treatment strategies for countering the various challenges in the treatment of these patients.

Brachial Plexus Neuropathies During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Retrospective Case Series of 15 Patients in Critical Care

OBJECTIVE

The use of the prone position to treat patients with COVID-19 pneumonia who are critically ill and mechanically ventilated is well documented. This case series reports the location, severity, and prevalence of focal peripheral nerve injuries involving the upper limb identified in an acute COVID-19 rehabilitation setting. The purpose of this study was to report observations and to explore the challenges in assessing these patients.

METHODS

Participants were patients with suspected peripheral nerve injuries following discharge from COVID-19 critical care who were referred to the peripheral nerve injury multidisciplinary team. Data were collected retrospectively on what peripheral neuropathies were observed, with reference to relevant investigation findings and proning history.

RESULTS

During the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in the United Kingdom, 256 patients were admitted to COVID-19 critical care of Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham, United Kingdom. From March to June 2020, a total of 114 patients required prone ventilation. In this subgroup, a total of 15 patients were identified with clinical findings of peripheral nerve injuries within the upper limb. In total, 30 anatomical nerve injuries were recorded. The most commonly affected nerve was the ulnar nerve (12/30) followed by the cords of the brachial plexus (10/30). Neuropathic pain and muscle wasting were identified, signifying a high-grade nerve injury.

CONCLUSION

Peripheral nerve injuries can be associated with prone positioning on intensive care units, although other mechanisms, such as those of a neuroinflammatory nature, cannot be excluded.

IMPACT

Proning-related upper limb peripheral nerve injuries are not discussed widely in the literature and could be an area of further consideration when critical care units review their proning protocols. Physical therapists treating these patients play a key part in the management of this group of patients by optimizing the positioning of patients during proning, making early identification of peripheral nerve injuries, providing rehabilitation interventions, and referring to specialist services if necessary.

LAY SUMMARY

During the COVID-19 pandemic, patients who are very ill can be placed for long periods of time on their stomach to improve their chances of survival. The potential consequences of prolonged time in this position are weakness and pain in the arms due to potential nerve damage. There are some recommended treatments to take care of these problems.

The Down Side of Prone Positioning: The Case of a Coronavirus 2019 Survivor

The coronavirus 2019 pandemic has resulted in a surge of patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome. Prone positioning may be used in such patients to optimize oxygenation. Severe infections may leave survivors with significant functional impairment necessitating rehabilitation. Those who have experienced prolonged prone positioning are at increased risk for complications not typically associated with critical illness. This case report describes the course and clinical findings of a survivor of acute respiratory distress syndrome due to coronavirus 2019 who was prone positioned while in intensive care and subsequently admitted to an inpatient rehabilitation facility. Her related complications, as well as those described in the literature, are reviewed. Critical elements of a comprehensive rehabilitation treatment plan for those who have been prone positioned, including implementation of preventive strategies, as well as early recognition and treatment of related injuries, will be described.

Persevering With Prone Ventilation in Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pneumonia

Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text.

As well as placing unprecedented demands on resources and staff involved in the care of these patients, there has been significant uncertainty regarding the optimal management of patients with coronavirus disease 2019 pneumonia. Randomized controlled trials have shown clear benefits of both neuromuscular blockade and prone positioning in treating moderate to severe acute respiratory distress syndrome, as defined by the Berlin Criteria.

Reducing the Risk and Impact of Brachial Plexus Injury Sustained From Prone Positioning-A Clinical Commentary

INTRODUCTION

Prone positioning is deployed as a critical treatment for improving oxygenation in patients with Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome. This regimen is currently highly prevalent in the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic has brought about increased concern about how best to safely avoid brachial plexus injuries when caring for unconscious proned patients.

METHODS

A review of the published literature on brachial plexus injuries secondary to proning ventilated patients was performed. This was combined with a review of available international critical care guidelines in order to produce a succinct set of guidelines to aid critical care departments in reducing brachial plexus injuries during these challenging times.

DISCUSSION

There is no one manner in which prone positioning an unconscious patient can be made universally safe. This paper provides 6 key steps to reducing the incidence of brachial plexus injuries while proning and suggests a safe and sensible management and referral pathway for the conscious patient in which a brachial plexus injury is identified.

CONCLUSION

There is in truth no completely safe position for every patient and certainly there will be anomalies in anatomy that will predispose certain individuals to nerve injury. Thus the injury rate cannot be reduced to zero but an understanding of the principles of protection will inform those undertaking positioning.

Critical biomechanical and clinical insights concerning tissue protection when positioning patients in the operating room: A scoping review

An optimal position of the patient during operation may require a compromise between the best position for surgical access and the position a patient and his or her tissues can tolerate without sustaining injury. This scoping review analysed the existing, contemporary evidence regarding surgical positioning-related tissue damage risks, from both biomechanical and clinical perspectives, focusing on the challenges in preventing tissue damage in the constraining operating room environment, which does not allow repositioning and limits the use of dynamic or thick and soft support surfaces. Deep and multidisciplinary aetiological understanding is required for effective prevention of intraoperatively acquired tissue damage, primarily including pressure ulcers (injuries) and neural injuries. Lack of such understanding typically leads to misconceptions and increased risk to patients. This article therefore provides a comprehensive aetiological description concerning the types of potential tissue damage, vulnerable anatomical locations, the risk factors specific to the operative setting (eg, the effects of anaesthetics and instruments), the complex interactions between the tissue damage risk and the pathophysiology of the surgery itself (eg, the inflammatory response to the surgical incisions), risk assessments for surgical patients and their limitations, and available (including emerging) technologies for positioning. The present multidisciplinary and integrated approach, which holistically joins the bioengineering and clinical perspectives, is unique to this work and has not been taken before. Close collaboration between bioengineers and clinicians, such as demonstrated here, is required to revisit the design of operating tables, support surfaces for surgery, surgical instruments for patient stabilisation, and for surgical access. Each type of equipment and its combined use should be evaluated and improved where needed with regard to the two major threats to tissue health in the operative setting: pressure ulcers and neural damage.

S2e guideline: positioning and early mobilisation in prophylaxis or therapy of pulmonary disorders : Revision 2015: S2e guideline of the German Society of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine (DGAI)

The German Society of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine (DGAI) commissioneda revision of the S2 guidelines on "positioning therapy for prophylaxis or therapy of pulmonary function disorders" from 2008. Because of the increasing clinical and scientificrelevance the guidelines were extended to include the issue of "early mobilization"and the following main topics are therefore included: use of positioning therapy and earlymobilization for prophylaxis and therapy of pulmonary function disorders, undesired effects and complications of positioning therapy and early mobilization as well as practical aspects of the use of positioning therapy and early mobilization. These guidelines are the result of a systematic literature search and the subsequent critical evaluation of the evidence with scientific methods. The methodological approach for the process of development of the guidelines followed the requirements of evidence-based medicine, as defined as the standard by the Association of the Scientific Medical Societies in Germany. Recently published articles after 2005 were examined with respect to positioning therapy and the recently accepted aspect of early mobilization incorporates all literature published up to June 2014.

Prone position for acute respiratory failure in adults

BACKGROUND

Acute hypoxaemia de novo or on a background of chronic hypoxaemia is a common reason for admission to intensive care and for provision of mechanical ventilation. Various refinements of mechanical ventilation or adjuncts are employed to improve patient outcomes. Mortality from acute respiratory distress syndrome, one of the main contributors to the need for mechanical ventilation for hypoxaemia, remains approximately 40%. Ventilation in the prone position may improve lung mechanics and gas exchange and could improve outcomes.

OBJECTIVES

The objectives of this review are (1) to ascertain whether prone ventilation offers a mortality advantage when compared with traditional supine or semi recumbent ventilation in patients with severe acute respiratory failure requiring conventional invasive artificial ventilation, and (2) to supplement previous systematic reviews on prone ventilation for hypoxaemic respiratory failure in an adult population.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL; 2014, Issue 1), Ovid MEDLINE (1950 to 31 January 2014), EMBASE (1980 to 31 January 2014), the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL) (1982 to 31 January 2014) and Latin American Caribbean Health Sciences Literature (LILACS) (1992 to 31 January 2014) in Ovid MEDLINE for eligible randomized controlled trials. We also searched for studies by handsearching reference lists of relevant articles, by contacting colleagues and by handsearching published proceedings of relevant journals. We applied no language constraints, and we reran the searches in CENTRAL, MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL and LILACS in June 2015. We added five new studies of potential interest to the list of "Studies awaiting classification" and will incorporate them into formal review findings during the review update.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that examined the effects of prone position versus supine/semi recumbent position during conventional mechanical ventilation in adult participants with acute hypoxaemia.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two review authors independently reviewed all trials identified by the search and assessed them for suitability, methods and quality. Two review authors extracted data, and three review authors reviewed the data extracted. We analysed data using Review Manager software and pooled included studies to determine the risk ratio (RR) for mortality and the risk ratio or mean difference (MD) for secondary outcomes; we also performed subgroup analyses and sensitivity analyses.

MAIN RESULTS

We identified nine relevant RCTs, which enrolled a total of 2165 participants (10 publications). All recruited participants suffered from disorders of lung function causing moderate to severe hypoxaemia and requiring mechanical ventilation, so they were fairly comparable, given the heterogeneity of specific disease diagnoses in intensive care. Risk of bias, although acceptable in the view of the review authors, was inevitable: Blinding of participants and carers to treatment allocation was not possible (face-up vs face-down).Primary analyses of short- and longer-term mortality pooled from six trials demonstrated an RR of 0.84 to 0.86 in favour of the prone position (PP), but findings were not statistically significant: In the short term, mortality for those ventilated prone was 33.4% (363/1086) and supine 38.3% (395/1031). This resulted in an RR of 0.84 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.69 to 1.02) marginally in favour of PP. For longer-term mortality, results showed 41.7% (462/1107) for prone and 47.1% (490/1041) for supine positions, with an RR of 0.86 (95% CI 0.72 to 1.03). The quality of the evidence for both outcomes was rated as low as a result of important potential bias and serious inconsistency.Subgroup analyses for mortality identified three groups consistently favouring PP: those recruited within 48 hours of meeting entry criteria (five trials; 1024 participants showed an RR of 0.75 (95% CI 0.59 to 94)); those treated in the PP for 16 or more hours per day (five trials; 1005 participants showed an RR of 0.77 (95% CI 0.61 to 0.99)); and participants with more severe hypoxaemia at trial entry (six trials; 1108 participants showed an RR of 0.77 (95% CI 0.65 to 0.92)). The quality of the evidence for these outcomes was rated as moderate as a result of potentially important bias.Prone positioning appeared to influence adverse effects: Pressure sores (three trials; 366 participants) with an RR of 1.37 (95% CI 1.05 to 1.79) and tracheal tube obstruction with an RR of 1.78 (95% CI 1.22 to 2.60) were increased with prone ventilation. Reporting of arrhythmias was reduced with PP, with an RR of 0.64 (95% CI 0.47 to 0.87).

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

We found no convincing evidence of benefit nor harm from universal application of PP in adults with hypoxaemia mechanically ventilated in intensive care units (ICUs). Three subgroups (early implementation of PP, prolonged adoption of PP and severe hypoxaemia at study entry) suggested that prone positioning may confer a statistically significant mortality advantage. Additional adequately powered studies would be required to confirm or refute these possibilities of subgroup benefit but are unlikely, given results of the most recent study and recommendations derived from several published subgroup analyses. Meta-analysis of individual patient data could be useful for further data exploration in this regard. Complications such as tracheal obstruction are increased with use of prone ventilation. Long-term mortality data (12 months and beyond), as well as functional, neuro-psychological and quality of life data, are required if future studies are to better inform the role of PP in the management of hypoxaemic respiratory failure in the ICU.

Adjunctive treatments in pediatric acute respiratory distress syndrome

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a devastating process that involves pulmonary inflammation, alveolar damage and hypoxemic respiratory failure. Although advances in management approaches over the past two decades have resulted in significantly improved outcomes, death from pediatric ARDS may still occur in up to 35% of patients. While invasive mechanical ventilation is an essential component of ARDS management, various adjuncts have been utilized as treatment for these patients. However, evidence-based data in infants and children in this area are lacking. In this article, the authors review the available evidence supporting (or not supporting) the use of non-ventilatory adjunctive strategies in the management of pediatric ARDS, including prone positioning, pulmonary vasodilators, β-agonists, steroids and surfactant.

The outcome of scapulothoracic arthrodesis using cerclage wires, plates, and allograft for facioscapulohumeral dystrophy

BACKGROUND

Scapulothoracic arthrodesis is a recognized treatment for impaired shoulder function in patients with facioscapulohumeral dystrophy (FSHD) and is traditionally performed with autograft. The purpose of the study was to report our experience with scapulothoracic arthrodesis in patients with FSHD using allograft, rather than autograft, with particular respect to the effect of fusion on preoperative and postoperative Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) scores; forced vital capacity (FVC); and complications.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The early results of 14 consecutive scapulothoracic arthrodeses in FSHD patients with cerclage wires, plates, and allograft (fresh-frozen femoral heads) are reported. DASH scores were recorded preoperatively and 6 months postoperatively. Preoperative and 6-month FVCs were compared. The surgical technique is described.

RESULTS

Eleven patients underwent 14 fusions. The mean follow-up period was 29 months (range, 6-50 months). Forward flexion improved from 70° to 115° (P = .001) and abduction from 68° to 109° (P = .007). The DASH score improved from 48 points to 34 points (P = .005). FVC decreased from 98% to 92% of predicted (P = .021), although this was not clinically significant. One patient required revision for nonunion, and metalwork was removed in 5 scapulae. A postoperative chest infection developed in 1 patient and a pleural effusion in another. One brachial plexus palsy occurred, which had almost completely resolved by 27 months postoperatively.

CONCLUSION

Scapulothoracic arthrodesis can be performed successfully with allograft. The nonunion and complication rates are similar to those in the existing literature. A small decrease in FVC does occur but not to a clinically significant level.

Two unusual complications of neuroleptic malignant syndrome

Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) is a rare but well described complication of the administration of antipsychotic agents. Compartment syndrome, with increased pressures within the confined space of fascial sheaths leading to compression damage of the contained tissue, similarly is well described. Brachial plexus injuries caused by patient malposition are also very rare but a few cases have been reported. We report a case where these three complications occurred together. This was attributable to the patient developing NMS whilst asleep in the prone position overnight.

Prone-positioning therapy in ARDS

The prone position has been used to improve oxygenation in patients with severe hypoxemia and acute respiratory failure since 1974. All studies with the prone position document an improvement in systemic oxygenation in 70% to 80% of patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), with maximal improvement seen in the most hypoxemic patients. This article reviews data regarding efficacy for use of the prone position in patients with ARDS. Also described is a simple, safe, quick, and inexpensive procedure used to prone patients with severe ARDS on a standard bed in the intensive care unit at the University of Michigan.

Brachial plexopathy as a complication of induced hypothermia following cardiac arrest

Induced hypothermia following cardiac arrest is a common treatment in the critical care unit. Topical cooling measures are easy to initiate and widely utilised. We report a case of brachial plexopathy occurring in association with topical cooling measures and discuss the diagnosis, management and avoidance of such complications.

Management of upper extremity injuries in obese patients

Upper extremity injuries are more prevalent in obese people than in nonobese people after low-energy falls. Because splinting and casting are inefficient methods of stabilization in the setting of obesity, internal fixation provides stability for mobilization and realignment. Morbid obesity adversely affects positioning, surgical exposures, and complications associated with operative fixation. Avoiding short cuts and complications, morbidly obese patients should be able to return to normal functioning.

Brachial plexus injury following spinal surgery

OBJECT

In the present study, the authors identified the etiology, precipitating factors, and outcomes of perioperative brachial plexus injuries following spine surgery.

METHODS

We reviewed all the available literature regarding postoperative/perioperative brachial plexus injuries, with special concern for the patient's position during surgery, duration of surgery, the procedure performed, neurological outcome, and prognosis. We also reviewed the utility of intraoperative electrophysiological monitoring for prevention of these complications.

RESULTS

Patient malpositioning during surgery is the main determining factor for the development of postoperative brachial plexus injury. Recovery occurs in the majority of cases but may require weeks to months of therapy after initial presentation.

CONCLUSION

Brachial plexus injuries are an increasingly recognized complication following spinal surgery. Proper attention to patient positioning with the use of intraoperative electrophysiological monitoring techniques could minimize injury.

Prone positioning for head and neck reconstructive surgery

Certain head and neck surgical cases require the patient to be positioned prone. Such positioning carries with it an attendant subset of risks and complications not otherwise encountered in more traditional supine positioning. Gaining awareness of these risks and complications, and developing proactive positioning strategies, will enable the surgical team to position the patient optimally for the procedure and provide for every consideration of patient safety. This article consists of a specific literature review of those issues directly related to the anatomical and physiological concerns arising from prone positioning. Particular attention is paid to the cardiopulmonary, renal, ophthalmologic, and neurological vulnerabilities unique to this position. Proper planning by the surgical team and utilization of the correct equipment are a necessity. A tailored approach to the needs of the individual patient and an intimate awareness of the potential pitfalls will contribute to better outcomes when using the prone position.

Anaesthesia in the prone position

Prone positioning of patients during anaesthesia is required to provide operative access for a wide variety of surgical procedures. It is associated with predictable changes in physiology but also with a number of complications, and safe use of the prone position requires an understanding of both issues. We have reviewed the development of the prone position and its variants and the physiological changes which occur on prone positioning. The complications associated with this position and the published techniques for various practical procedures in this position will be discussed. The aim of this review is to identify the risks associated with prone positioning and how these risks may be anticipated and minimized.