Clinical course and complications following diagnostic bronchoalveolar lavage in critically ill mechanically ventilated patients

Early bronchoscopy in severe pneumonia patients in intensive care unit: insights from the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care-IV database analysis

BACKGROUND

Pneumonia frequently leads to intensive care unit (ICU) admission and is associated with a high mortality risk. This study aimed to assess the impact of early bronchoscopy administered within 3 days of ICU admission on mortality in patients with pneumonia using the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care-IV (MIMIC-IV) database.

METHODS

A single-center retrospective analysis was conducted using the MIMIC-IV data from 2008 to 2019. Adult ICU-admitted patients diagnosed with pneumonia were included in this study. The patients were stratified into two cohorts based on whether they underwent early bronchoscopy. The primary outcome was the 28-day mortality rate. Propensity score matching was used to balance confounding variables.

RESULTS

In total, 8,916 patients with pneumonia were included in the analysis. Among them, 783 patients underwent early bronchoscopy within 3 days of ICU admission, whereas 8,133 patients did not undergo early bronchoscopy. The primary outcome of the 28-day mortality between two groups had no significant difference even after propensity matched cohorts (22.7% vs. 24.0%, P=0.589). Patients undergoing early bronchoscopy had prolonged ICU (P<0.001) and hospital stays (P<0.001) and were less likely to be discharged to home (P<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Early bronchoscopy in severe pneumonia patients in the ICU did not reduce mortality but was associated with longer hospital stays, suggesting it was used in more severe cases. Therefore, when considering bronchoscopy for these patients, it's important to tailor the decision to each individual case, thoughtfully balancing the possible advantages with the related risks.

Combination Analysis of PCDHGA12 and CDO1 DNA Methylation in Bronchial Washing Fluid for Lung Cancer Diagnosis

BACKGROUND

When suspicious lesions are observed on computer-tomography (CT), invasive tests are needed to confirm lung cancer. Compared with other procedures, bronchoscopy has fewer complications. However, the sensitivity of peripheral lesion through bronchoscopy including washing cytology is low. A new test with higher sensitivity through bronchoscopy is needed. In our previous study, DNA methylation of PCDHGA12 in bronchial washing cytology has a diagnostic value for lung cancer. In this study, combination of PCDHGA12 and CDO1 methylation obtained through bronchial washing cytology was evaluated as a diagnostic tool for lung cancer.

METHODS

A total of 187 patients who had suspicious lesions in CT were enrolled. PCDHGA12 methylation test, CDO1 methylation test, and cytological examination were performed using 3-plex LTE-qMSP test.

RESULTS

Sixty-two patients were diagnosed with benign diseases and 125 patients were diagnosed with lung cancer. The sensitivity of PCDHGA12 was 74.4% and the specificity of PCDHGA12 was 91.9% respectively. CDO1 methylation test had a sensitivity of 57.6% and a specificity of 96.8%. The combination of both PCDHGA12 methylation test and CDO1 methylation test showed a sensitivity of 77.6% and a specificity of 90.3%. The sensitivity of lung cancer diagnosis was increased by combining both PCDHGA12 and CDO1 methylation tests.

CONCLUSION

Checking DNA methylation of both PCDHGA12 and CDO1 genes using bronchial washing fluid can reduce the invasive procedure to diagnose lung cancer.

Change in Antimicrobial Therapy Based on Bronchoalveolar Lavage Data Improves Outcomes in ICU Patients with Suspected Pneumonia

Flexible bronchoscopy (FB) is often performed in critically ill patients with suspected pneumonia. It is assumed that there will be an association with improved outcomes when bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) data lead to a change in antimicrobial therapy. Methods. This study included a retrospective cohort of intensive care unit (ICU) patients who underwent FB for a diagnosis of suspected pneumonia. The study compared the outcome of patients in whom antimicrobial modification was carried out based on BAL reports versus those in whom it was not carried out. Cases where the procedure could not be completed or had incomplete records were excluded. The FB reports were accessed from the register maintained in the Department of Respiratory Medicine. The demographic details, clinical symptoms, laboratory investigations, and microbiological and radiology reports were recorded. Data on the antmicrobial therapy that the patients received during treatment and the outcome of the treatment were obtained from the case records and noted in the data collection form. Results. Data from a total of 150 patients admitted to the ICU, who underwent FB, were analyzed. The outcomes in the group where antimicrobial modification based on bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid reports was carried out versus the no-change group were as follows: expired 23, improved 82, unchanged 8 versus expired 12, improved 18, and unchanged 7 (p = 0.018); total duration of ICU stay 13.12 ± 10.61 versus 19.43 ± 13.4 days (p = 0.012); and duration from FB to discharge from ICU 6.33 ± 3.76 days versus 8.46 ± 5.99 (p = 0.047). The median total duration of ICU stay and clinical outcomes were significantly better in the nonintubated patients in whom BAL-directed antimicrobial modification was implemented. Distribution of microorganisms based on BAL reports was as follows: Acinetobacter baumanii 45 (30%), Klebsiella pneumoniae 37 (24.66%), Escherichia coli 9 (6%), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa 9 (6%). Conclusion. A change in antimicrobial therapy based on BAL data was associated with improved outcomes. The commonest bacterial isolate in the BAL fluid was Acinetobacter baumanii.

IS FLEXIBLE BRONCHOSCOPY A SAFE PROCEDURE FOR CRITICAL CARE PATIENTS WITH RESPIRATORY FAILURE?

Flexible bronchoscopy (FB) plays an important role in critical care patients. But, critical care patients with respiratory failure are at an increased risk of developing complications. Considering the developments in intensive care unit care in recent years, we aimed to evaluate the use of FB in these patients. We retrospectively reviewed patients who underwent FB in critical care between 2014 and 2020. A total of 143 patients underwent FB during the study period. Arterial blood gas measurement on the FB day revealed a mean PaO2/FiO2 of 186.94±28.47. Eighty-one (56.6%) patients underwent an fiberoptic bronchoscopy procedure under conventional oxygen supplementation, 10 (7%) on noninvasive ventilation, 13 (9.1%) on high flow nasal cannula, and 39 (27.3%) on invasive mechanical ventilation. During and immediately after bronchoscopy, none of the patients experienced life-threatening complications. Fifty-five (38.5%) patients developed complications that could be controlled. Multivariate analysis indicated that increased Apache-II score and presence of cardiovascular disease were significantly associated with an increased complication risk. Although critical care patients with respiratory failure are more prone to complications, diagnostic and therapeutic bronchoscopy may be performed following appropriate patient selection, without leading to major complications.

COVID-19-Associated Pulmonary Aspergillosis in Intensive Care Unit Patients from Poland

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been shown to be a favoring factor for aspergillosis, especially in a severe course requiring admission to the intensive care unit (ICU). The aim of the study was to assess the morbidity of CAPA among ICU patients in Poland and to analyze applied diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. Medical documentation of patients hospitalized at the temporary COVID-19 dedicated ICU of the University Hospital in Krakow, Poland, from May 2021 to January 2022 was analyzed. In the analyzed period, 17 cases of CAPA were reported with an incidence density rate of 9 per 10 000 patient days and an incidence rate of 1%. Aspergillus fumigatus and Aspergillus niger were isolated from lower respiratory samples. Antifungal therapy was administered to 9 patients (52.9%). Seven patients (77.8%) received voriconazole. The CAPA fatality case rate was 76.5%. The results of the study indicate the need to increase the awareness of medical staff about the possibility of fungal co-infections in ICU patients with COVID-19 and to use the available diagnostic and therapeutic tools more effectively.

Research Bronchoscopies in Critically Ill Research Participants: An Official American Thoracic Society Workshop Report

Bronchoscopy for research purposes is a valuable tool to understand lung-specific biology in human participants. Despite published reports and active research protocols using this procedure in critically ill patients, no recent document encapsulates the important safety considerations and downstream applications of this procedure in this setting. The objectives were to identify safe practices for patient selection and protection of hospital staff, provide recommendations for sample procurement to standardize studies, and give guidance on sample preparation for novel research technologies. Seventeen international experts in the management of critically ill patients, bronchoscopy in clinical and research settings, and experience in patient-oriented clinical or translational research convened for a workshop. Review of relevant literature, expert presentations, and discussion generated the findings presented herein. The committee concludes that research bronchoscopy with bronchoalveolar lavage in critically ill patients on mechanical ventilation is valuable and safe in appropriately selected patients. This report includes recommendations on standardization of this procedure and prioritizes the reporting of sample management to produce more reproducible results between laboratories. This document serves as a resource to the community of researchers who endeavor to include bronchoscopy as part of their research protocols and highlights key considerations for the inclusion and safety of research participants.

Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia in Immunosuppressed Patients

Immunocompromised patients-including patients with cancer, hematological malignancies, solid organ transplants and individuals receiving immunosuppressive therapies for autoimmune diseases-account for an increasing proportion of critically-ill patients. While their prognosis has improved markedly in the last decades, they remain at increased risk of healthcare- and intensive care unit (ICU)-acquired infections. The most frequent of these are ventilator-associated lower respiratory tract infections (VA-LTRI), which include ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) and tracheobronchitis (VAT). Recent studies have shed light on some of the specific features of VAP and VAT in immunocompromised patients, which is the subject of this narrative review. Contrary to previous belief, the incidence of VAP and VAT might actually be lower in immunocompromised than non-immunocompromised patients. Further, the relationship between immunosuppression and the incidence of VAP and VAT related to multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria has also been challenged recently. Etiological diagnosis is essential to select the most appropriate treatment, and the role of invasive sampling, specifically bronchoscopy with bronchoalveolar lavage, as well as new molecular syndromic diagnostic tools will be discussed. While bacteria-especially gram negative bacteria-are the most commonly isolated pathogens in VAP and VAT, several opportunistic pathogens are a special concern among immunocompromised patients, and must be included in the diagnostic workup. Finally, the impact of immunosuppression on VAP and VAT outcomes will be examined in view of recent papers using improved statistical methodologies and treatment options-more specifically empirical antibiotic regimens-will be discussed in light of recent findings on the epidemiology of MDR bacteria in this population.

Molecular imaging of chemokine-like receptor 1 (CMKLR1) in experimental acute lung injury

The lack of techniques for noninvasive imaging of inflammation has challenged precision medicine management of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Here, we determined the potential of positron emission tomography (PET) of chemokine-like receptor-1 (CMKLR1) to monitor lung inflammation in a murine model of lipopolysaccharide-induced injury. Lung uptake of a CMKLR1-targeting radiotracer, [⁶⁴Cu]NODAGA-CG34, was significantly increased in lipopolysaccharide-induced injury, correlated with the expression of multiple inflammatory markers, and reduced by dexamethasone treatment. Monocyte-derived macrophages, followed by interstitial macrophages and monocytes were the major CMKLR1-expressing leukocytes contributing to the increased tracer uptake throughout the first week of lipopolysaccharide-induced injury. The clinical relevance of CMKLR1 as a biomarker of lung inflammation in ARDS was confirmed using single-nuclei RNA-sequencing datasets which showed significant increases in CMKLR1 expression among transcriptionally distinct subsets of lung monocytes and macrophages in COVID-19 patients vs. controls. CMKLR1-targeted PET is a promising strategy to monitor the dynamics of lung inflammation and response to anti-inflammatory treatment in ARDS.

Utility and safety of flexible fiberoptic bronchoscopy in mechanically ventilated children in pediatric intensive care unit

OBJECTIVES

To study the utility, safety, and effects of flexible fiberoptic bronchoscopy (FFB) on oxygenation status, ventilation parameters, and hemodynamics in mechanically ventilated children.

DESIGN

Retrospective study.

PATIENTS

Children aged >1 month to 18 years suffering from critical medical and surgical diseases.

RESULTS

First bronchoscopy data of 131 patients were analyzed. Indication, FFB findings, the microbiological yield from bronchoalveolar lavage, and medical and surgical interventions based on FFB results were recorded. Hemodynamic and ventilation parameters before, during, and 3 h after FFB were also captured. The majority of bronchoscopies were done for diagnostic purposes with a positivity rate of 90.8%. Retained mucopurulent secretion in the airways was the commonest finding in 60 patients. A cause for weaning or extubation failure could be identified in 83.3%. Post-FFB radiological resolution of atelectasis was seen in 34/59 (57.6%; p-value: 0.001) chest radiographs. Forty-seven medical and 25 surgical interventions were done depending on FFB and BAL findings. There was a significant drop in oxygenation parameters and a rise in heart rate during FFB (p-value: <0.0001). The peak inspiratory pressure, positive end-expiratory pressure, and mean airway pressure increased significantly during bronchoscopy (p value: <.0001) while patients were on pressure-regulated volume-controlled ventilation. All these changes reversed to pre-FFB levels. There were minor procedure-related complications.

CONCLUSION

FFB was an important diagnostic and therapeutic tool for mechanically ventilated children and the results helped plan interventions. It was a safe procedure with transient reversible cardiopulmonary alterations.

Bronchoscopy in Patients With Known or Suspected COVID-19: Results From the Global Pandemic SARS-CoV-2 Bronchoscopy Database (GPS-BD)

BACKGROUND

Amid the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the benefits and risks of bronchoscopy remain uncertain. This study was designed to characterize bronchoscopy-related practice patterns, diagnostic yields, and adverse events involving patients with known or suspected COVID-19.

METHODS

An online survey tool retrospectively queried bronchoscopists about their experiences with patients with known or suspected COVID-19 between March 20 and August 20, 2020. Collected data comprised the Global Pandemic SARS-CoV-2 Bronchoscopy Database (GPS-BD). All bronchoscopists and patients were anonymous with no direct investigator-to-respondent contact.

RESULTS

Bronchoscopy procedures involving 289 patients from 26 countries were analyzed. One-half of patients had known COVID-19. Most (82%) had at least 1 pre-existing comorbidity, 80% had at least 1 organ failure, 51% were critically ill, and 37% were intubated at the time of the procedure. Bronchoscopy was performed with diagnostic intent in 166 (57%) patients, yielding a diagnosis in 86 (52%). and management changes in 80 (48%). Bronchoscopy was performed with therapeutic intent in 71 (25%) patients, mostly for secretion clearance (87%). Complications attributed to bronchoscopy or significant clinical decline within 12 hours of the procedure occurred in 24 (8%) cases, with 1 death.

CONCLUSION

Results from this international database provide a widely generalizable characterization of the benefits and risks of bronchoscopy in patients with known or suspected COVID-19. Bronchoscopy in this setting has reasonable clinical benefit, with diagnosis and/or management change resulting from about half of the diagnostic cases. However, it is not without risk, especially in patients with limited physiological reserve.

Clinical significance of procalcitonin in critically ill patients with pneumonia receiving bronchoalveolar lavage

Background

As a useful tool in intensive care units (ICU), fiberoptic bronchoscopy (FOB) may cause a deterioration of infection. This study is to investigate the clinical significance of procalcitonin (PCT) in critically ill patients with severe pneumonia receiving bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL).

Methods

A retrospective case-control study was performed in a single respiratory ICU (RICU) with 6-bed. Critically ill patients with severe pneumonia admitted to RICU were consecutively reviewed from March 2017 to October 2019. Chi-square test, Wilcoxon test, Mann Whitney U-test, Kaplan-Meier survival analysis or Cox's proportional hazards regression model was used as appropriate.

Results

A total of 72 eligible patients were included in the final analysis, 51 of which received BAL performed by FOB. Serum levels of PCT in group received BAL is markedly increased at 24 hours after FOB (p<0.001). Forty-eight hours later, BAL group with decreased serum levels of PCT had less SOFA score and decreased mortality compared with those with increased serum levels of PCT. Furthermore, Kaplan-Meier analysis indicated that patients with decreased serum levels of PCT had improved survival rate during hospital (Breslow test, p=0.041). However, increased PCT after BAL was not an independent risk factor for in-hospital mortality (hazard ratio: 1.689, 95% CI(0.626 ,4.563), p=0.301).

Conclusions

BAL performed by FOB increased serum levels of PCT. However, PCT levels decreased at 48 hours after BAL predicted a good prognosis of patients with severe pneumonia.

A systematic review and metanalysis of diagnostic yield of BAL for detection of SARS-CoV-2

BACKGROUND

The gold standard for diagnosing severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection is microbiological confirmation by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR)¹ most commonly done using oropharyngeal (OP) and nasopharyngeal swabs (NP). But in suspected cases, where these samples are false-negative, bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) may prove diagnostic.

OBJECTIVES

Hence, the diagnostic yield of BAL for detection of SARS-CoV-2 in cases of non-diagnostic upper respiratory tract samples is reviewed.

METHODS

Databases such as MEDLINE, Scopus, and Google Scholar were searched using a systematic search strategy. The current study has been in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines and has been registered with the International Prospective Registry of Systematic Reviews (CRD42020224088).

RESULTS

911 records were identified at initial database extraction, of which 317 duplicates were removed and, 596 records were screened for inclusion eligibility. We included total 19 studies in the systematic review, and 17 were included in metanalysis. The pooled estimate of SARS-CoV-2 positivity in BAL was 11% (95%CI: 0.01-0.24). A sensitivity analysis also showed that the results appear to be robust and minimal risk of bias amongst the studies.

CONCLUSION

The current study demonstrates that BAL can be used to diagnose additional cases primary disease and superadded infections in patients with severe COVID-19 lower respiratory tract infection.

ERS International Congress 2020 Virtual: highlights from the Respiratory Intensive Care Assembly

During the virtual European Respiratory Society Congress 2020, early career members summarised the sessions organised by the Respiratory Intensive Care Assembly. The topics covered included diagnostic strategies in patients admitted to the intensive care unit with acute respiratory failure, with a focus on patients with interstitial lung disease and for obvious reasons, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. These sessions are summarised in this article, with take-home messages highlighted.

Updates from #ERSCongress 2020 on diagnostic strategies in patients admitted to the ICU with acute respiratory failure and on the management of #SARSCoV2 infectionhttps://bit.ly/38cx0Pi

Bronchoscopy in intubated and non-intubated intensive care unit patients with respiratory failure

Bronchoscopy is one of the important tool for the pulmonary and critical care physicians to diagnose and treat various pulmonary conditions. It is increasingly being used by the intensivist due to its safety and portability. The utilization of bronchoscopy in the intensive care unit (ICU) has made the diagnosis and treatment of many conditions more feasible to intensivists. Sedation, topical or intravenous, usually helps better tolerate the procedure. However, the risks and benefits of bronchoscopy should be carefully considered in critically ill patients. The hypoxic patients in ICU pose a challenge as hypoxemia is one of the known complications of bronchoscopy, and this risk is exacerbated in patients with hypoxic respiratory failure. Bronchoscopy is relatively contraindicated in patients with severe hypoxemia and coagulopathy. However, bronchoscopy in hypoxic patients can have diagnostic as well as therapeutic implications. In patients with hypoxic respiratory failure, the use of non-invasive ventilation (NIV) during bronchoscopy has been shown to reduce the risk of intubation. On the other hand, bronchoscopy in mechanically ventilated patients is not contraindicated and has been widely used. Staying focused, monitoring vital signs closely, limiting the scope time in the airway, and understanding patient’s physiology may help decrease risk of complications. In this review, we discuss indications, techniques, complications, and yield associated with bronchoscopy in critically ill hypoxic patients.

Using short-term prophylactic antibiotics for prevention of infectious complications after radial endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial biopsy

BACKGROUND

Radial endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial biopsy (rEBUS-TBB) facilitates the diagnosis of peripheral lung lesions. However, methods to prevent infectious complications afterwards have not been well established. Therefore, we analyzed the efficacy of short-term oral antibiotics for preventing infectious complications.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed 484 patients. Patients who underwent rEBUS-TBB from March 2018 to March 2019 did not receive prophylactic antibiotics ("no prophylactic" group, n = 233), while patients who underwent rEBUS-TBB from April 2019 to March 2020 did receive prophylactics (oral amoxicillin/clavulanate for 3 days; "prophylactic" group, n = 251). Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify independent factors for infectious complications.

RESULTS

The median age was 66 years (IQR: 59-74 years), and 58.9% were male. Slightly over half of the patients (54.4%) were previous or current smokers. In 13% (n = 63) of patients, the procedure was performed using a guide sheath. Infectious complications occurred in 12 (5.2%) and 2 (0.8%) cases in the no prophylactic and prophylactic groups, respectively. In multivariable analysis, infectious complications were significantly associated with a cavity or low-density attenuation (LDA) of the lesion, and with obstructive pneumonic consolidation, but not with prophylactic antibiotics. In subgroup analysis, infectious complications occurred less often when prophylactic antibiotics were used in patients with at least one risk factor (22.4% vs. 0%, p = 0.005).

CONCLUSIONS

The risk factors for infectious complications were cavities, LDA in the lesion, and obstructive pneumonic consolidation. Use prophylactic antibiotics might reduce incidence of infectious complications in the presence of these risk factors.

Safety and harms of bronchoalveolar lavage for acute respiratory failure: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

This review aimed to investigate whether bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) is safe in patients with severe acute respiratory failure (ARF).

METHODS

We searched the MEDLINE, CENTRAL, and other databases up to June 2, 2021 for studies that examined BAL for severe ARF. We included all cohort studies and randomized or non-randomized trials, while we excluded case-control studies, case reports, and case series. We evaluated the quality of the evidence using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation approach.

RESULTS

We included 17 studies (1085 patients) in the meta-analysis. The integrated frequency of death was 0.000% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.000-0.045%, I² = 0.0%). The pooled risk of severe complications of respiratory system, cardiovascular system, and major bleeding was 1.32% (95% CI: 0.000-4.41%, I² = 84.8%), 0.040% (95% CI: 0.000-0.71%, I² = 9.3%), and 0.000% (95% CI: 0.000-0.27%, I² = 0.0%), respectively. In the subgroup analysis with mechanical ventilation during BAL, there were few severe complications of the respiratory system (3/717 patients in 13 studies) and almost no heterogeneity (I² = 0.0%).

CONCLUSIONS

Our study suggests that severe complications of BAL for severe ARF are probably rare, particularly in patients receiving mechanical ventilation. After considering the risks and benefits, it would be worthwhile to consider performing BAL in patients with severe ARF of unknown etiology to pursue its cause.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

The protocol was registered with the University Hospital Medical Information Network Clinical Trials Registry (UMIN000040600).

Bronchoalveolar Lavage and Blood Markers of Infection in Critically Ill Patients-A Single Center Registry Study

Microbiological sampling is an indispensable targeted antibiotic therapy for critically ill patients. Invasive respiratory sampling by bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) can be performed to obtain samples from the lower respiratory tract. It is debated as to whether blood markers of infection can predict the outcome of BAL in a medical intensive care unit (ICU). Retrospectively, all ICU patients undergoing BAL from 2009-2018 were included. A total of 468 BAL samples from 276 patients (average age 60 years, SAPS2 47, ICU-mortality 41.7%) were analyzed. At the time of BAL, 94.4% patients were mechanically ventilated, 92.9% had suspected pneumonia, 96.2% were on antibiotic therapy and 36.3% were immunocompromised. Relevant bacteria were cultured in 114/468 (24.4%) cases of BAL. Patients with relevant bacteria in the culture had a higher ICU mortality rate (45.6 vs. 40.4%, p = 0.33) and were significantly less likely to be on a steroid (36 vs. 52%, p < 0.01) or antimycotic (14.9 vs. 34.2%, p < 0.01), while procalcitonin (PCT), C-reactive protein (CRP), and white blood cell (WBC) counts were similar. The area under the receiver operating curve (AUC) values for positive culture and PCT, CRP and WBC counts were low (0.53, 0.54 and 0.51, respectively). In immunocompromised patients, AUC values were higher (0.65, 0.57 and 0.61, respectively). Therefore, microbiological cultures by BAL revealed relevant bacteria in 24.4% of samples. Our data, therefore, might suggest that indication for BAL should not be based on blood markers of infection.

Pneumomediastinum that progression to tension pneumoperitoneum after bronchioloalveolar lavage: A case report

Background

Pneumomediastinum is an abnormal accumulation of air within the mediastinum. Herein, we report a rare case in which a patient initially developed pneumomediastinum and extensive subcutaneous emphysema after bronchoscopic bronchioloalveolar lavage (BAL). The condition then progressed to abdominal compartment syndrome leading to death.

Case presentation

An 80-year-old man with acute respiratory failure caused by severe pneumonia and septic shock, was admitted to our intensive care unit. Bronchoscopic BAL was performed for microbiological specimen collection. The patient developed subcutaneous emphysema after the procedure, and pneumomediastinum was identified on subsequent chest radiography. The patient initially received supportive care. However, he experienced persistent hypotension, which did not respond to vigorous fluid replacement and high dose vasopressor treatment. Physical examination revealed distended, tense abdomen with diffuse tympanic sound upon percussion. Computer tomography scan showed extensive subcutaneous emphysema, massive air accumulation in the retroperitoneal cavity, near total collapse of the inferior vena cava, and left sided shifting of intra-abdominal organs. The impression was tension pneumoperitoneum with abdominal compartment syndrome. The patient eventually died of refractory hypotension.

Conclusions

Iatrogenic injury is a rare condition. The common complications include hypoxia, bleeding, infection, arrhythmia, subcutaneous emphysema, and pneumomediastinum, and these can be managed conservatively. However, more complex and life-threatening conditions can be caused by tracheal perforation or alveolar rupture, and can lead to pneumothorax, pneumoperitoneum, or even abdominal compartment syndrome. A high level of suspicion is needed for early detection, and immediate decompression is required to prevent death.

Phenotypes and personalized medicine in the acute respiratory distress syndrome

Although the acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is well defined by the development of acute hypoxemia, bilateral infiltrates and non-cardiogenic pulmonary edema, ARDS is heterogeneous in terms of clinical risk factors, physiology of lung injury, microbiology, and biology, potentially explaining why pharmacologic therapies have been mostly unsuccessful in treating ARDS. Identifying phenotypes of ARDS and integrating this information into patient selection for clinical trials may increase the chance for efficacy with new treatments. In this review, we focus on classifying ARDS by the associated clinical disorders, physiological data, and radiographic imaging. We consider biologic phenotypes, including plasma protein biomarkers, gene expression, and common causative microbiologic pathogens. We will also discuss the issue of focusing clinical trials on the patient's phase of lung injury, including prevention, administration of therapy during early acute lung injury, and treatment of established ARDS. A more in depth understanding of the interplay of these variables in ARDS should provide more success in designing and conducting clinical trials and achieving the goal of personalized medicine.

Risk Factors and Outcomes in Dogs With Respiratory Disease Undergoing Diagnostic Airway Lavage

Advanced diagnostic testing is becoming increasingly important to accurately assess pulmonary parenchymal, airway, and pulmonary vascular diseases in dogs. Due to respiratory system compromise, diagnostic procedures performed under general anesthesia, including thoracic computed tomography (CT) and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL), are thought to carry significant risk to dogs with respiratory disease. In lieu of performing these diagnostics, empirical medical therapy is often administered, potentially delaying appropriate therapy or providing unnecessary treatment. This study prospectively evaluated risk factors and outcomes for dogs with respiratory disease undergoing general anesthesia for thoracic CT and BAL. Arterial blood gas samples were taken pre- and post-BAL to evaluate pulmonary gas exchange. Pre-BAL arterial partial pressure of oxygen-to-fractional inspired oxygen ratio was used to stratify dogs into groups of mild or moderate to severe disease severity. A novel thoracic CT disease severity scoring system was used to independently stratify dogs into mild or moderate to severe groups. Statistical comparisons between groups were made for signalment, body weight, temperature, pulse, respiratory rate, WBC count, ventilator-acquired pulmonary mechanics (specific compliance and resistance), change in arterial partial pressure of oxygen post-BAL, and outcomes. Seventeen dogs were prospectively enrolled. A comparatively lower heart rate at presentation was the only potential marker of increased disease severity identified when stratified by CT severity score. Arterial partial pressure of oxygen did not significantly decrease post-BAL regardless of disease severity or stratification method. The CT scoring system significantly correlated with the pre-BAL arterial partial pressure of oxygen-to-fractional inspired oxygen ratio. Incidence of post-procedural complications was 18%, with all complications being transient. Mortality as a direct complication of diagnostics was 0%. When considering euthanasia secondary to severity of the underlying disease and poor prognosis or death due to unrelated disease, mortality was 18%. In dogs with respiratory disease undergoing advanced diagnostic procedures, the overall incidence of post-procedural morbidity was low with no mortality directly attributed to the procedures. A novel CT disease severity scoring system was utilized and shows promise as a tool for evaluation of disease severity in this patient population when compared to arterial blood gas analysis.

Causes of acute respiratory failure in the immunocompromised host

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

A wide spectrum of heterogeneous conditions can render a patient immunocompromised. Recent years have seen an increase in the number of immunocompromised patients given the earlier detection of conditions that require immunosuppressive therapies, changes in immunosuppressive regimens leading to increased survival or novel therapeutic advancements in oncologic care. Acute respiratory failure (ARF) is the leading cause of critical illness and mortality in this population. This review highlights the spectrum of causes of ARF in immunocompromised patients with a particular focus on acute toxicities of novel oncologic treatments.

RECENT FINDINGS

Recent years have seen improved survival amongst critically ill immunocompromised patients with ARF. This is likely attributable to patient selection of immunosuppressive therapy, improved noninvasive microbiologic diagnostic techniques, improved antimicrobial prophylaxis, treatment, stewardship, and advancements in supportive care including intensive care. Infectious complications remain the leading cause of ARF in this population. However, one of the greatest challenges physicians continue to face is accurate identification of the cause of ARF, given the vast (and increasing) noninfectious causes of ARF across these patients. Emerging therapies, such as immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) and chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy (CAR T-cell) have contributed to this problem. Finally, undetermined ARF is reported in approximately 13% of immunocompromised and is associated with a worse prognosis.

SUMMARY

Infectious complications are still the leading cause of ARF in immunocompromised patients. However, noninfectious complications, derived from the underlying disease or treatment, should be always considered, including novel therapies, such as ICIs and CAR T cells. Further research should focus in improving the diagnostic rate in this subgroup.

Biomarker-guided antibiotic stewardship in suspected ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAPrapid2): a randomised controlled trial and process evaluation

BACKGROUND

Ventilator-associated pneumonia is the most common intensive care unit (ICU)-acquired infection, yet accurate diagnosis remains difficult, leading to overuse of antibiotics. Low concentrations of IL-1β and IL-8 in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid have been validated as effective markers for exclusion of ventilator-associated pneumonia. The VAPrapid2 trial aimed to determine whether measurement of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid IL-1β and IL-8 could effectively and safely improve antibiotic stewardship in patients with clinically suspected ventilator-associated pneumonia.

METHODS

VAPrapid2 was a multicentre, randomised controlled trial in patients admitted to 24 ICUs from 17 National Health Service hospital trusts across England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. Patients were screened for eligibility and included if they were 18 years or older, intubated and mechanically ventilated for at least 48 h, and had suspected ventilator-associated pneumonia. Patients were randomly assigned (1:1) to biomarker-guided recommendation on antibiotics (intervention group) or routine use of antibiotics (control group) using a web-based randomisation service hosted by Newcastle Clinical Trials Unit. Patients were randomised using randomly permuted blocks of size four and six and stratified by site, with allocation concealment. Clinicians were masked to patient assignment for an initial period until biomarker results were reported. Bronchoalveolar lavage was done in all patients, with concentrations of IL-1β and IL-8 rapidly determined in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid from patients randomised to the biomarker-based antibiotic recommendation group. If concentrations were below a previously validated cutoff, clinicians were advised that ventilator-associated pneumonia was unlikely and to consider discontinuing antibiotics. Patients in the routine use of antibiotics group received antibiotics according to usual practice at sites. Microbiology was done on bronchoalveolar lavage fluid from all patients and ventilator-associated pneumonia was confirmed by at least 104 colony forming units per mL of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. The primary outcome was the distribution of antibiotic-free days in the 7 days following bronchoalveolar lavage. Data were analysed on an intention-to-treat basis, with an additional per-protocol analysis that excluded patients randomly assigned to the intervention group who defaulted to routine use of antibiotics because of failure to return an adequate biomarker result. An embedded process evaluation assessed factors influencing trial adoption, recruitment, and decision making. This study is registered with ISRCTN, ISRCTN65937227, and ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT01972425.

FINDINGS

Between Nov 6, 2013, and Sept 13, 2016, 360 patients were screened for inclusion in the study. 146 patients were ineligible, leaving 214 who were recruited to the study. Four patients were excluded before randomisation, meaning that 210 patients were randomly assigned to biomarker-guided recommendation on antibiotics (n=104) or routine use of antibiotics (n=106). One patient in the biomarker-guided recommendation group was withdrawn by the clinical team before bronchoscopy and so was excluded from the intention-to-treat analysis. We found no significant difference in the primary outcome of the distribution of antibiotic-free days in the 7 days following bronchoalveolar lavage in the intention-to-treat analysis (p=0·58). Bronchoalveolar lavage was associated with a small and transient increase in oxygen requirements. Established prescribing practices, reluctance for bronchoalveolar lavage, and dependence on a chain of trial-related procedures emerged as factors that impaired trial processes.

INTERPRETATION

Antibiotic use remains high in patients with suspected ventilator-associated pneumonia. Antibiotic stewardship was not improved by a rapid, highly sensitive rule-out test. Prescribing culture, rather than poor test performance, might explain this absence of effect.

FUNDING

UK Department of Health and the Wellcome Trust.

Benefit-to-risk balance of bronchoalveolar lavage in the critically ill. A prospective, multicenter cohort study

Purpose

To assess the benefit-to-risk balance of bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) in intensive care unit (ICU) patients.

Methods

In 16 ICUs, we prospectively collected adverse events during or within 24 h after BAL and assessed the BAL input for decision making in consecutive adult patients. The occurrence of a clinical adverse event at least of grade 3, i.e., sufficiently severe to need therapeutic action(s), including modification(s) in respiratory support, defined poor BAL tolerance. The BAL input for decision making was declared satisfactory if it allowed to interrupt or initiate one or several treatments.

Results

We included 483 BAL in 483 patients [age 63 years (interquartile range (IQR) 53–72); female gender: 162 (33.5%); simplified acute physiology score II: 48 (IQR 37-61); immunosuppression 244 (50.5%)]. BAL was begun in non-intubated patients in 105 (21.7%) cases. Sixty-seven (13.9%) patients reached the grade 3 of adverse event or higher. Logistic regression showed that a BAL performed by a non-experienced physician (non-pulmonologist, or intensivist with less than 10 years in the specialty or less than 50 BAL performed) was the main predictor of poor BAL tolerance in non-intubated patients [OR: 3.57 (95% confidence interval 1.04–12.35); P = 0.04]. A satisfactory BAL input for decision making was observed in 227 (47.0%) cases and was not predictable using logistic regression.

Conclusions

Adverse events related to BAL in ICU patients are not infrequent nor necessarily benign. Our findings call for an extreme caution, when envisaging a BAL in ICU patients and for a mandatory accompaniment of the less experienced physicians.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1007/s00134-019-05896-4) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Relationship between tracheobronchoscopic score and bronchoalveolar lavage red blood cell numbers in the diagnosis of exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage in horses

Background

Exercise‐induced pulmonary hemorrhage (EIPH) is diagnosed and its severity assessed by post‐exercise tracheobronchoscopy, and enumeration of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid red blood cells (BALFRBC). Minimal information is available regarding the relationship of tracheobronchoscopy score to BALFRBC number.

Objective

Evaluate the relationship between BALFRBC number and tracheobronchoscopy scores and determine their diagnostic sensitivities.

Animals

Nine sedentary horses, 21 fit Thoroughbreds, 129 Barrel Racers.

Methods

Normal BALFRBC number and the effect of bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) on it were evaluated by performing 2 BALs 24 hours apart in sedentary horses. Tracheobronchoscopy followed by BAL was performed 247 times on 150 horses after treadmill, racetrack, or barrel racing exercise. Lastly, a BALFRBC diagnostic threshold number that optimized the geometric mean of the sensitivity and precision (F1‐score) was determined using Bayesian analysis.

Results

No increase in BALFRBC occurred after the second BAL (mean ± SD, 304 ± 173/μL). Tracheobronchoscopy scores ranged from 0 (n = 112) to 4 (n = 4) and BALFRBC ranged from 102 to 4605268/μL. Spearman correlation between tracheobronchoscopy score and BALFRBC was weak (P < .001; rs = 0.42) with large ranges of BALFRBC associated with each tracheobronchoscopy score. The highest F1‐score occurred for a BALFRBC threshold number = 992/μL. Seventy‐five tracheobronchoscopy scores equaled 0 although BALFRBC number was ≥992/μL. Sensitivity of tracheobronchoscopy for diagnosing EIPH was poor (0.59; 95% confidence intervals [CI], 0.49‐0.68), compared to BALFRBC number ≥992/μL (0.93; 95% CI, 0.88‐0.96).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

False negatives are common with tracheobronchoscopy. Follow‐up determination of BALFRBC may be indicated for tracheobronchoscopy scores = 0 before EIPH can be ruled out.

Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia: Diagnostic Test Stewardship and Relevance of Culturing Practices

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is one of the most common infections in the ICU. Prompt diagnosis is vital as mortality increases with delayed antibiotic therapy. However, accurate diagnosis is challenging due to non-specific clinical features in a complicated patient cohort. Microbiological culture data remains a crucial aspect in confirming diagnosis.

RECENT FINDINGS

Literature data comparing the benefit of invasive respiratory sampling to non-invasive is inconclusive. Differences in culturing practices translate in overidentification of organisms of unclear significance. Positive culture data in a low pre-test probability does not differentiate between true infection and colonization resulting in overtreatment. Furthermore, there are also opportunities for modifying the reporting of respiratory tract cultures that can better guide antimicrobial therapy. Under the umbrella of antimicrobial stewardship, diagnostic stewardship can be incorporated to create a systematic approach that would target culturing practices to match the right pre-test probability. Ideal outcome will be targeting cultures to the right patient population and minimizing unnecessary treatment.

Diagnosis and outcome of acute respiratory failure in immunocompromised patients after bronchoscopy

OBJECTIVE

We wished to explore the use, diagnostic capability and outcomes of bronchoscopy added to noninvasive testing in immunocompromised patients. In this setting, an inability to identify the cause of acute hypoxaemic respiratory failure is associated with worse outcome. Every effort should be made to obtain a diagnosis, either with noninvasive testing alone or combined with bronchoscopy. However, our understanding of the risks and benefits of bronchoscopy remains uncertain.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This was a pre-planned secondary analysis of Efraim, a prospective, multinational, observational study of 1611 immunocompromised patients with acute respiratory failure admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU). We compared patients with noninvasive testing only to those who had also received bronchoscopy by bivariate analysis and after propensity score matching.

RESULTS

Bronchoscopy was performed in 618 (39%) patients who were more likely to have haematological malignancy and a higher severity of illness score. Bronchoscopy alone achieved a diagnosis in 165 patients (27% adjusted diagnostic yield). Bronchoscopy resulted in a management change in 236 patients (38% therapeutic yield). Bronchoscopy was associated with worsening of respiratory status in 69 (11%) patients. Bronchoscopy was associated with higher ICU (40% versus 28%; p<0.0001) and hospital mortality (49% versus 41%; p=0.003). The overall rate of undiagnosed causes was 13%. After propensity score matching, bronchoscopy remained associated with increased risk of hospital mortality (OR 1.41, 95% CI 1.08-1.81).

CONCLUSIONS

Bronchoscopy was associated with improved diagnosis and changes in management, but also increased hospital mortality. Balancing risk and benefit in individualised cases should be investigated further.

Guidelines for diagnostic flexible bronchoscopy in adults: Joint Indian Chest Society/National College of chest physicians (I)/Indian association for bronchology recommendations

Flexible bronchoscopy (FB) is commonly performed by respiratory physicians for diagnostic as well as therapeutic purposes. However, bronchoscopy practices vary widely across India and worldwide. The three major respiratory organizations of the country supported a national-level expert group that formulated a comprehensive guideline document for FB based on a detailed appraisal of available evidence. These guidelines are an attempt to provide the bronchoscopist with the most scientifically sound as well as practical approach of bronchoscopy. It involved framing appropriate questions, review and critical appraisal of the relevant literature and reaching a recommendation by the expert groups. The guidelines cover major areas in basic bronchoscopy including (but not limited to), indications for procedure, patient preparation, various sampling procedures, bronchoscopy in the ICU setting, equipment care, and training issues. The target audience is respiratory physicians working in India and well as other parts of the world. It is hoped that this document would serve as a complete reference guide for all pulmonary physicians performing or desiring to learn the technique of flexible bronchoscopy.

Outcomes of patients with non-diagnostic bronchoscopy: A clinico-radiological comparison of patients with diagnostic and non-diagnostic bronchoscopy

Bronchoscopy is one of the most common diagnostic procedures in pulmonary practice. Data on the outcome of patients following a non-diagnostic bronchoscopy are sparse. Diagnostic yield depends on indication, the characteristics of patients, and the chest imaging. The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of patients with a non-diagnostic bronchoscopy and to compare patients who had a diagnostic with those that had a non-diagnostic bronchoscopy.Retrospective, single-center study of adult patients who underwent bronchoscopy with transbronchial biopsy (TBBX) and/or endobronchial biopsy (EBBX), endobronchial ultrasound with transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA), or brushing. A strict definition for a "diagnostic" bronchoscopy was used. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed.A total of 684 patients were identified, 350 (51%) had a diagnostic procedure. Of the 334 patients with a non-diagnostic bronchoscopy, 196 (58.6%) were followed, but only 172 (88%) completed 1 year of follow-up. Most of the patients (57.8%) had resolution or stabilization of the condition; in the remaining patients, malignancy was most commonly diagnosed after further investigation followed by diffuse lung diseases and infections. Pulmonary tuberculosis was diagnosed in 8 patients. EBUS-TBNA and EBBX were the procedures associated with a diagnostic bronchoscopy. Presence of bilateral interstitial infiltrates predicted a non-diagnostic bronchoscopy.A significant number of patients with non-diagnostic bronchoscopy may have serious treatable disease that is identified upon further investigation. Close follow up of patients with a non-diagnostic procedure is warranted. Our study found no clear clinical or radiological predictors of diagnostic bronchoscopy.

Diagnostic Performance of Multiplex Nucleic Acid Testing of Bronchoalveolar Lavage and Bronchial Wash Specimens for Respiratory Viral Pathogens

There is limited knowledge on the yield of performing multiplex nucleic acid testing (NAT) on multiple lower respiratory tract specimens from a single patient with a single instance of infection. We evaluated the performance characteristics of multiplex NAT assays performed concurrently on bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) and bronchial wash (BW) specimens to detect respiratory pathogens. A retrospective study of admitted patients from March 2013 through December 2016 was performed. Individual performance characteristics of BAL and BW specimens were compared to positive results from either set of specimens. Only contemporaneous BAL and BW specimens (received by the laboratory within 4 h of each other) were included. The final cohort included 170 patients, with 184 contemporaneous BAL and BW specimens submitted for multiplex NAT (median age, 58 years; 62% male). Of the patients with positive NAT results, 38 of 40 BW specimens tested positive (overall percent agreement with combined testing, 98.9%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 95.5 to 98.9%), and 34 of 40 BAL specimens tested positive (overall percent agreement with combined testing, 96.7%; 95% CI, 93.0 to 96.7%). Assays performed on BW specimens identified 4 additional specimens and had a higher positive percent agreement (95.0%) with combined testing results compared to those performed on BAL specimens (85.0%). There was exact concordance in 174 specimens (94.6%; negative and positive for respiratory pathogens, 144 and 34 specimens, respectively). We observed high concordance (95%) between multiplex NAT results from contemporaneous BAL and BW specimens. Performance characteristics of BW specimen testing were equivalent to those of BAL specimen testing. The benefit of performing additional testing should be carefully considered against the potential complications and health care costs.

Interventional Pulmonology

Bronchoscopy presents a unique challenge and need for collaboration between anesthesia providers and bronchoscopists. The approach to topical anesthesia, analgesia, and sedation must be customized based on complexity, duration, and setting. The bronchoscopy team must work together in each phase of the procedure to ensure patient safety and allow completion of a quality bronchoscopy. Airway access may change depending on the type of procedure planned and must be discussed before each case. Intraprocedural difficulties with ventilation, airway pressure, and sedation may arise that must be addressed together. This review highlights an approach to these common challenges.

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

INTRODUCTION

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

Lower airways inflammation in patients with ARDS measured using endotracheal aspirates: a pilot study

Introduction

Our knowledge of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) pathogenesis is incomplete. The goal of this pilot study is to investigate the feasibility of measuring lower airways inflammation in patients with ARDS using repeated endotracheal aspirates (ETAs).

Methods

ETAs were obtained within 24 hours by intensive care unit admission from 25 mechanically ventilated patients with ARDS and 10 of them underwent a second ETA within 96 hours after the first sampling. In each sample, cell viability was assessed using trypan blue exclusion method and the total and differential cell counts were measured using Neubauer-improved cell counting chamber and cytospins stained with Diff-Quik.

Results

The median cell viability was 89 (IQR 80–93)%, with a median total cell count of 305 (IQR 130–1270)×10³/mL and a median macrophage, neutrophil, lymphocyte and eosinophil count, respectively, of 19.8 (IQR 5.4–71.6)×10³/mL; 279 (IQR 109–1213)×10³/mL; 0 (IQR 0–0.188)×10³/mL; 0 (IQR 0–1.050)×10³/mL. Eosinophil count in the ETA correlated with the number of blood eosinophils (r=0.4840, p=0.0142). Cell viability and total and differential cell counts were neither significantly different in the second ETA compared with the first ETA nor were unaffected by the presence or absence of bacteria in the blood and/or ETA, or by the ARDS aetiology, apart from the macrophage count which was significantly increased in patients with ARDS associated with acute pancreatitis compared with those associated with pneumonia (p=0.0143).

Conclusions

ETA can be used to investigate the cellularity of the lower airways in patients with ARDS and it is an easy-to-perform and non-invasive procedure. Eosinophil counts in ETA and blood are significantly correlated. The number of macrophages in ETA may be affected by the aetiology of the ARDS.

Disposable Bronchoscope Model for Simulating Endoscopic Reprocessing and Surveillance Cultures

BACKGROUND Endoscope-associated infections are reported despite following proper reprocessing methods. Microbiological testing can confirm the adequacy of endoscope reprocessing. Multiple controversies related to the method and interpretation of microbiological testing cultures have arisen that make their routine performance a complex target. OBJECTIVE We conducted a pilot study using disposable bronchoscopes (DBs) to simulate different reprocessing times and soaking times and to compare high-level disinfection versus ethylene oxide sterilization. We also reviewed the time to reprocessing and duration of the procedures. METHODS Bronchoscopes were chosen because an alternative disposable scope is commercially available and because bronchoscopes are more prone to delays in processing. Disposable bronchoscopes were contaminated using a liquid bacterial suspension and were then incubated for 1-4 hours. Standard processing and high-level disinfection were performed on 36 endoscopes. Ethylene oxide sterilization was performed on 21 endoscopes. Endoscope cultures were performed using the standard "brush, flush, brush" technique. RESULTS After brushing was performed, a final water-flush culture procedure was the most effective method of detecting bacterial persistence on the disposable scopes. Klebsiella pneumoniae was the most commonly recovered organism after reprocessing. Ethylene oxide sterilization did not result in total elimination of viable bacteria. CONCLUSION Routine endoscopy cultures may be required to assess the adequacy of endoscopic processing. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2017;38:136-142.

Bronchoscopy assessment of acute respiratory failure in interstitial lung disease

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Acute respiratory failure (ARF) in patients with interstitial lung disease (ILD) is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Recommended assessment for acute exacerbation (AE) of ILD includes exclusion of secondary causes via fibreoptic bronchoscopy. Our aim is to assess the role of bronchoscopy during ARF-ILD.

METHODS

Consecutive ILD patients (2002-2014) hospitalized with ARF who underwent bronchoscopy were included. Baseline demographics, underlying ILD diagnoses and presenting clinical features were reviewed. Characteristics of bronchoscopy including diagnostic findings, management and complications were collated.

RESULTS

One hundred and six patients accounted for 119 unique bronchoscopies. Sixteen (13%) were abnormal (12 infections and 4 haemorrhages). Baseline presenting clinical features did not differ between those with and without abnormal findings. About half were performed in an intensive care unit (ICU) (53%), with 25% of bronchoscopies performed in a general floor setting resulting in ICU transfer; 71% of whom resulted in immediate mechanical ventilation. Overall management of ARF in those with positive bronchoscopy findings was similar to those without, resulting in similar in-hospital mortality.

CONCLUSION

Bronchoscopy in the clinical assessment of ARF-ILD is often performed with only a 13% yield in this large retrospective cohort. As management and in-hospital mortality were similar, routine diagnostic bronchoscopy in ARF-ILD should be further studied given its low yield and high procedural risk.