Early rehabilitation relieves diaphragm dysfunction induced by prolonged mechanical ventilation: a randomised control study

The diaphragmatic electrical activity during spontaneous breathing trial in patients with mechanical ventilation: physiological description and potential clinical utility

BACKGROUNDS

Increased respiratory drive has been demonstrated to correlate with weaning failure, which could be quantified by electrical activity of the diaphragm (EAdi). We described the physiological process of EAdi-based parameters during the spontaneous breathing trial (SBT) and evaluated the change of EAdi-based parameters as potential predictors of weaning failure.

METHODS

We conducted a prospective study in 35 mechanically ventilated patients who underwent a 2-hour SBT. EAdi and ventilatory parameters were continuously measured during the SBT. Diaphragm ultrasound was performed before the SBT and at the 30 min of the SBT. Three EAdi-based parameters were calculated: neuro-ventilatory efficiency, neuro-excursion efficiency and neuro-discharge per min.

RESULTS

Of the thirty 35 patients studied, 25 patients were defined as SBT success, including 22 patients weaning successfully and 3 patients reintubated. Before the SBT, neuro-excursion efficiency differed significantly between two groups and had the highest predictive value for SBT failure (AUROC 0.875, p < 0.01). Early increases in EAdi were observed in SBT, which are more prominent in SBT failure group. One minute, changes in EAdi and neuro-discharge per min also predicted weaning outcome (AUROCs 0.944 and 0.918, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

EAdi-based parameters, especially neuro-excursion efficiency and changes in neuro-discharge per min, may detect impending weaning failure earlier than conventional indices. EAdi monitoring provides physiological insights and a more tailored approach to facilitate successful weaning. Further research should validate these findings and explore the utility of combined EAdi and diaphragm ultrasound assessment in weaning ICU patients from mechanical ventilation.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Registered at ClinicalTrials.gov on 20 September 2022 (Identifier: NCT05632822).

Association of active mobilisation variables with adverse events and mortality in patients requiring mechanical ventilation in the intensive care unit: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Mobilisation during critical illness is now included in multiple clinical practice guidelines. However, a large, randomised trial and systematic review have recently identified an increased probability of adverse events and mortality in patients who received early active mobilisation in the intensive care unit (ICU). We aimed to determine the effects of mobilisation compared with usual care on adverse events and mortality in an acute ICU setting. In subgroup analyses, we specifically aimed to investigate possible sources of harm, including the timing and duration of mobilisation achieved, ventilation status, and admission diagnosis.

METHODS

In this systematic review with frequentist and Bayesian analyses, we searched MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, CINAHL, SPORTDiscus, SCOPUS, Web of Science, and PEDro electronic databases, as well as clinical trial registries (ICTRP and ClinicalTrials.gov), from inception to March 16, 2023, without language restrictions. Eligible studies were randomised controlled trials that examined active mobilisation compared with either no mobilisation or mobilisation commencing later, or at a lower frequency or intensity, in adults who were critically ill during or after a period of mechanical ventilation in an acute ICU setting. Two authors independently screened reports, extracted data, and assessed the risk of bias using the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool (version 1). The primary outcome was the number of adverse events that occurred during the implementation of mobilisation, with the effect of mobilisation on mortality being the secondary outcome. Risk ratios (RRs) with 95% CIs were calculated in R (version 4.0.3) using random-effects modelling, with Bayesian analysis completed to calculate the probability of treatment harm (ie, RR >1). Subgroup analyses were completed to investigate the association of various factors of mobilisation on adverse events and mortality: duration of mobilisation (longer [≥20 min per day] vs shorter [<20 min per day]), timing of commencement (early [≤72 h from ICU admission] vs late [>72 h from ICU admission]), ventilation status at commencement (all patients mechanically ventilated vs all patients extubated), and ICU admission diagnosis (surgical vs medical). This study was registered with PROSPERO, CRD42022369272.

FINDINGS

After title and abstract screening of 14 440 studies and review of 466 full texts, 67 trials with 7004 participants met inclusion criteria, with 59 trials contributing to the meta-analysis. Of the 67 included studies, 15 (22%) did not mention adverse events and 13 (19%) reported no adverse events occurring across the trial period. Overall, we found no effect of mobilisation compared with usual care on the occurrence of adverse events (RR 1·09 [95% CI 0·69-1·74], p=0·71; I2 91%; 32 731 events, 20 studies; very low certainty), with a 2·96% occurrence rate (693 events in 23 395 intervention sessions; 25 studies). Mobilisation did not have any effect on mortality (RR 0·98 [95% CI 0·87-1·12], p=0·81; I2 0%; n=6218, 58 studies; moderate certainty). Subgroup analysis was hindered by the large amount of data that could not be allocated and analysed, making the results hypothesis generating only.

INTERPRETATION

Implementation of mobilisation in the ICU was associated with a less than 3% chance of an adverse event occurring and was not found to increase adverse events or mortality overall, providing reassurance for clinicians about the safety of performing this intervention. Subgroup analyses did not clearly identify any specific variable of mobilisation implementation that increased harm.

FUNDING

None.

Prolonged Mechanical Ventilation, Weaning, and the Role of Tracheostomy

Depending on the definitional criteria used, approximately 5% to 10% of critical adults will require prolonged mechanical ventilation with longer-term outcomes that are worse than those ventilated for a shorter duration. Outcomes are affected by patient characteristics before critical illness and its severity but also by organizational characteristics and care models. Definitive trials of interventions to inform care activities, such as ventilator weaning, upper airway management, rehabilitation, and nutrition specific to the prolonged mechanical ventilation patient population, are lacking. A structured and individualized approach developed by the multiprofessional team in discussion with the patient and their family is warranted.

Liberation from mechanical ventilation in critically ill patients: Korean Society of Critical Care Medicine Clinical Practice Guidelines

BACKGROUND

Successful liberation from mechanical ventilation is one of the most crucial processes in critical care because it is the first step by which a respiratory failure patient begins to transition out of the intensive care unit and return to their own life. Therefore, when devising appropriate strategies for removing mechanical ventilation, it is essential to consider not only the individual experiences of healthcare professionals, but also scientific and systematic approaches. Recently, numerous studies have investigated methods and tools for identifying when mechanically ventilated patients are ready to breathe on their own. The Korean Society of Critical Care Medicine therefore provides these recommendations to clinicians about liberation from the ventilator.

METHODS

Meta-analyses and comprehensive syntheses were used to thoroughly review, compile, and summarize the complete body of relevant evidence. All studies were meticulously assessed using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) method, and the outcomes were presented succinctly as evidence profiles. Those evidence syntheses were discussed by a multidisciplinary committee of experts in mechanical ventilation, who then developed and approved recommendations.

RESULTS

Recommendations for nine PICO (population, intervention, comparator, and outcome) questions about ventilator liberation are presented in this document. This guideline includes seven conditional recommendations, one expert consensus recommendation, and one conditional deferred recommendation.

CONCLUSIONS

We developed these clinical guidelines for mechanical ventilation liberation to provide meaningful recommendations. These guidelines reflect the best treatment for patients seeking liberation from mechanical ventilation.

Effects of Pulmonary Rehabilitation on Respiratory Function and Thickness of the Diaphragm in Patients with Post-COVID-19 Syndrome: A Randomized Clinical Trial

BACKGROUND

Rehabilitation is an effective method for improving the overall health of patients who have experienced the long-term effects of COVID-19.

METHODS

The double-blind, randomized prospective study assessed the effectiveness of a 6-week rehabilitation program among post-COVID-19 patients. A total of 59 patients under treatment following COVID-19 were randomly divided into two groups. Both groups completed the same six-week comprehensive exercise training program supported by a respiratory muscle trainer (Threshold IMT) during out-patient sessions. The control group performed placebo IMT. Respiratory muscle strength, chest wall expansion, spirometry, and diaphragm ultrasonography measurements were taken before and after the six weeks.

RESULTS

The applied rehabilitation program improved respiratory muscle strength in both the study and control groups (p < 0.001). There was a significant chest circumference increase in the study group (p < 0.001). Spirometric parameters improved in both groups, with the study group showing a greater improvement: 8.02% in FEV1 (p < 0.001), 13.24% in FVC EX (p < 0.001) and 9.67% in PEF (p < 0.001). Rehabilitation also increased diaphragm thickness during maximum inhalation in both groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on the study findings, the specialized outpatient rehabilitation program developed for post-COVID-19 patients has proven to be effective and safe.

Japanese Clinical Practice Guidelines for Rehabilitation in Critically Ill Patients 2023 (J-ReCIP 2023)

Providing standardized, high-quality rehabilitation for critically ill patients is a crucial issue. In 2017, the Japanese Society of Intensive Care Medicine (JSICM) promulgated the "Evidence-Based Expert Consensus for Early Rehabilitation in the Intensive Care Unit" to advocate for the early initiation of rehabilitations in Japanese intensive care settings. Building upon this seminal work, JSICM has recently conducted a rigorous systematic review utilizing the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) methodology. This endeavor resulted in the formulation of Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPGs), designed to elucidate best practices in early ICU rehabilitation. The primary objective of this guideline is to augment clinical understanding and thereby facilitate evidence-based decision-making, ultimately contributing to the enhancement of patient outcomes in critical care settings. No previous CPGs in the world has focused specifically on rehabilitation of critically ill patients, using the GRADE approach. Multidisciplinary collaboration is extremely important in rehabilitation. Thus, the CPGs were developed by 73 members of a Guideline Development Group consisting of a working group, a systematic review group, and an academic guideline promotion group, with the Committee for the Clinical Practice Guidelines of Early Mobilization and Rehabilitation in Intensive Care of the JSICM at its core. Many members contributed to the development of the guideline, including physicians and healthcare professionals with multiple and diverse specialties, as well as a person who had been patients in ICU. Based on discussions among the group members, eight important clinical areas of focus for this CPG were identified. Fourteen important clinical questions (CQs) were then developed for each area. The public was invited to comment twice, and the answers to the CQs were presented in the form of 10 GRADE recommendations and commentary on the four background questions. In addition, information for each CQ has been created as a visual clinical flow to ensure that the positioning of each CQ can be easily understood. We hope that the CPGs will be a useful tool in the rehabilitation of critically ill patients for multiple professions.

Diaphragm Dysfunction and ICU-Acquired Weakness in Septic Shock Patients with or without Mechanical Ventilation: A Pilot Prospective Observational Study

Sepsis is a risk factor for diaphragm dysfunction and ICU-acquired weakness (ICU-AW); however, the impact of mechanical ventilation (MV) on these relationships has not been thoroughly investigated. This study aimed to compare the incidence of diaphragm dysfunction and ICU-AW in patients with septic shock, with and without MV. We conducted a single-center prospective observational study that included consecutive patients diagnosed with septic shock admitted to the ICU between March 2021 and February 2022. Ultrasound measurements of diaphragm thickness and manual measurements of limb muscle strength were repeated after ICU admission. The incidences of diaphragm dysfunction and ICU-AW, as well as their associations with clinical outcomes, were compared between patients with MV and without MV (non-MV). Twenty-four patients (11 in the MV group and 13 in the non-MV group) were analyzed. At the final measurements in the MV group, eight patients (72.7%) had diaphragm dysfunction, and six patients (54.5%) had ICU-AW. In the non-MV group, 10 patients (76.9%) had diaphragm dysfunction, and three (23.1%) had ICU-AW. No association was found between diaphragm dysfunction and clinical outcomes. Patients with ICU-AW in the MV group had longer ICU and hospital stays. Among patients with septic shock, the incidence of diaphragm dysfunction was higher than that of ICU-AW, irrespective of the use of MV. Further studies are warranted to examine the association between diaphragm dysfunction and clinical outcomes.

Effect of neuromuscular electrical stimulation combined with early rehabilitation therapy on mechanically ventilated patients: a prospective randomized controlled study

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) blended with early rehabilitation on the diaphragm and skeletal muscle in sufferers on mechanical ventilation (MV).

METHOD

This is a prospective randomized controlled study. Eighty patients on MV for respiratory failure were divided into a study group (40 cases) and a control group (40 cases) randomly. The study group adopted a treatment method of NMES combined with early rehabilitation and the control group adopted the method of early rehabilitation only. The diaphragmatic excursion (DE), diaphragmatic thickening fraction (DTF), variation of thickness of intercostal muscles (TIM), variation of thickness of rectus abdominis (TRA), and variation of the cross-sectional area of rectus femoris (CSA-RF) were measured to evaluate the therapeutic effect by ultrasound before and after intervention at the first day of MV, the 3rd and 7th day of intervention and the day discharged from ICU.

RESULTS

No significant difference was found in the general demographic information and ultrasound indicators between the two groups before treatment (all P > 0.05). After treatment, the variation of DTF (0.15 ± 0.05% vs. 0.12 ± 0.04%, P = 0.034) was significantly higher in the study group than that in the control group on the day discharged from ICU. The variation of TRA (0.05 ± 0.09% vs. 0.10 ± 0.11%, P = 0.029) and variation of CSA-RF (0.13 ± 0.07% vs. 0.19 ± 0.08%, P < 0.001) in the study group were significantly lower than that in the control group. The duration of MV in the study group was significantly shorter than that in the control group [109.5 (88.0, 213.0) hours vs. 189.5 (131.5, 343.5) hours, P = 0.023]. The study group had better muscle strength score than the control group at discharge (52.20 ± 11.70 vs. 44.10 ± 15.70, P = 0.011).

CONCLUSION

NMES combined with early rehabilitation therapy is beneficial in reducing muscle atrophy and improving muscle strength in mechanically ventilated patients. This treatment approach may provide a new option for patients to choose a rehabilitation program; however, more research is needed to fully evaluate the effectiveness of this treatment option.

The effects of early mobilization in mechanically ventilated adult ICU patients: systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

The effects of early mobilization (EM) on intensive care unit (ICU) patients remain unclear. A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials was performed to evaluate its effect in mechanically ventilated adult ICU patients.

Methods

We searched randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published in Medline, Embase, and CENTRAL databases (from inception to November 2022). According to the difference in timing and type, the intervention group was defined as a systematic EM group, and comparator groups were divided into the late mobilization group and the standard EM group. The primary outcome was mortality. The secondary outcomes were ICU length of stay, duration of mechanical ventilation (MV), and adverse events. EM had no impact on 180-day mortality and hospital mortality between intervention groups and comparator groups (RR 1.09, 95% CI 0.89-1.33, p = 0.39). Systemic EM reduced the ICU length of stay (LOS) (MD -2.18, 95% CI -4.22--0.13, p = 0.04) and the duration of MV (MD -2.27, 95% CI -3.99--0.56, p = 0.009), but it may increase the incidence of adverse events in patients compared with the standard EM group (RR 1.99, 95% CI 1.25-3.16, p = 0.004).

Conclusion

Systematic EM has no significant effect on short- or long-term mortality in mechanically ventilated adult ICU patients, but systematic EM could reduce the ICU LOS and duration of MV.

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

OBJECTIVE

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

DATA SOURCES

PubMed, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, and Airiti Library.

STUDY SELECTION

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

DATA EXTRACTION AND MANAGEMENT

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

DATA SYNTHESIS

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

CONCLUSION

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

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Registration number: PROSPERO (CRD42021243331).

Diaphragmatic paralysis post COVID-19 treated with robot-assisted plication reinforced with acellular dermal matrix: a report of two cases

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) continues to be a disease of global importance, with an increasing array of sequelae attributed to infection by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2. One such complication that has been rarely documented thus far is diaphragmatic dysfunction. Here, we report the cases of 2 individuals who developed diaphragmatic paralysis post COVID-19, which failed to respond to conservative management. Both patients proceeded to undergo robot-assisted thoracoscopic plication of the diaphragm reinforced with a bovine acellular dermal matrix. In both cases, there was significant improvement in symptomatology, namely dyspnoea and fatigue. We conclude that robot-assisted diaphragmatic plication should be considered for the treatment of refractory diaphragmatic paralysis post COVID-19.

A phased intervention bundle to decrease the mortality of patients with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in intensive care unit

Aim

To evaluate whether a phased multidimensional intervention bundle would decrease the mortality of patients with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) and the complication incidence.

Materials and methods

We conducted a prospective observational study in comparison with a retrospective control group in six intensive care units (ICUs) in China. Patients older than 18 years supported with ECMO between March 2018 to March 2022 were included in the study. A phased intervention bundle to improve the outcome of patients with ECMO was developed and implemented. Multivariable logistic regression modeling was used to compare the mortality of patients with ECMO and the complication incidence before, during, and up to 18 months after implementation of the intervention bundle.

Results

The cohort included 297 patients in 6 ICUs, mostly VA ECMO (68.7%) with a median (25th–75th percentile) duration in ECMO of 9.0 (4.0–15.0) days. The mean (SD) APECHII score was 24.1 (7.5). Overall, the mortality of ECMO decreased from 57.1% at baseline to 21.8% at 13–18 months after implementation of the study intervention (P < 0.001). In multivariable analysis, even after excluding the confounding factors, such as age, APECHII score, pre-ECMO lactate, and incidence of CRRT during ECMO, the intervention bundle still can decrease the mortality independently, which also remained true in the statistical analysis of V-V and V-A ECMO separately. Among all the ECMO-related complications, the incidence of bloodstream infection and bleeding decreased significantly at 13–18 months after implementation compared with the baseline. The CUSUM analysis revealed a typical learning curve with a point of inflection during the implementation of the bundle.

Conclusion

A phased multidimensional intervention bundle resulted in a large and sustained reduction in the mortality of ECMO that was maintained throughout the 18-month study period.

Clinical trial registration

[ClinicalTrials.gov], identifier [NCT05024786].

Diaphragm dysfunction after severe COVID-19: An ultrasound study

Background

SARS-CoV-2 infection can impair diaphragm function at the acute phase but the frequency of diaphragm dysfunction after recovery from COVID-19 remains unknown.

Materials and methods

This study was carried out on patients reporting persistent respiratory symptoms 3–4 months after severe COVID-19 pneumonia. The included patients were selected from a medical consultation designed to screen for recovery after acute infection. Respiratory function was assessed by a pulmonary function test, and diaphragm function was studied by ultrasonography.

Results

In total, 132 patients (85M, 47W) were recruited from the medical consultation. During the acute phase of the infection, the severity of the clinical status led to ICU admission for 58 patients (44%). Diaphragm dysfunction (DD) was detected by ultrasonography in 13 patients, two of whom suffered from hemidiaphragm paralysis. Patients with DD had more frequently muscle pain complaints and had a higher frequency of prior cardiothoracic or upper abdominal surgery than patients with normal diaphragm function. Pulmonary function testing revealed a significant decrease in lung volumes and DLCO and the dyspnea scores (mMRC and Borg10 scores) were significantly increased in patients with DD. Improvement in respiratory function was recorded in seven out of nine patients assessed 6 months after the first ultrasound examination.

Conclusion

Assessment of diaphragm function by ultrasonography after severe COVID-19 pneumonia revealed signs of dysfunction in 10% of our population. In some cases, ultrasound examination probably discovered an un-recognized pre-existing DD. COVID-19 nonetheless contributed to impairment of diaphragm function. Prolonged respiratory physiotherapy led to improvement in respiratory function in most patients.

Clinical trial registration

[www.cnil.fr], identifier [#PADS20-207].

Efficacy of Physiotherapy Interventions on Weaning in Mechanically Ventilated Critically Ill Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Mechanical ventilation (MV) is currently considered a life-saving intervention. However, growing evidence highlighted that prolonged MV significantly affects functional outcomes and length of stay. In this scenario, controversies are still open about the optimal rehabilitation strategies for improving MV duration in ICU patients. In addition, the efficacy of physiotherapy interventions in critical ill patients without positive history of chronic respiratory conditions is still debated. Therefore, this systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with meta-analysis aimed at characterizing the efficacy of a comprehensive physiotherapy intervention in critically ill patients. PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases were systematically searched up to October 22, 2021 to identify RCTs assessing acute patients mechanical ventilated in ICU setting undergoing a rehabilitative intervention. The primary outcomes were MV duration, extubation, and weaning time. The secondary outcomes were weaning successful rate, respiratory function, ICU discharge rate and length of stay. Out of 2503 records, 12 studies were included in the present work. The meta-analysis performed in 6 RCTs showed a significant improvement in terms of MV duration (overall effect size: −3.23 days; 95% CI = −5.79, −0.67, p = 0.01; Z = 2.47) in patients treated with a comprehensive physiotherapy intervention including early mobilization, positioning, airway clearance techniques, lung expansion and respiratory muscle training. The quality assessment underlined 9 studies (75%) of good quality and 3 studies of fair quality according to the PEDro scale. In conclusion, our results provided previously unavailable data about the role of comprehensive physiotherapy intervention in improving MV duration in critical ill patients without chronic respiratory conditions. Further studies are needed to better characterize the optimal combination of rehabilitation strategies enhancing the improvements in critical ill patients without chronic respiratory disorders.