Project description:Mechanical ventilation may be lifesaving, but in certain persons, such as those with advanced dementia, it may prolong patient suffering without a clear survival benefit.To describe the use and outcomes of mechanical ventilation and its association with the increasing numbers of intensive care unit (ICU) beds in the United States for patients with advanced dementia residing in a nursing home 120 days before that hospital admission.This retrospective cohort study evaluated Medicare beneficiaries with advanced dementia hospitalized from January 1, 2000, to December 31, 2013, using the Minimum Data Set assessments linked with Medicare part A claims. A hospital fixed-effect, multivariable logistic regression model examined the effect of changes in ICU beds within individual hospitals and the likelihood of receiving mechanical ventilation, controlling for patients' demographic characteristics, function, and comorbidities.Mechanical ventilation.From 2000 to 2013, a total of 635?008 hospitalizations of 380?060 eligible patients occurred (30.5% male and 69.5% female; mean [SD] age, 84.4 [7.4] years). Use of mechanical ventilation increased from 39 per 1000 hospitalizations in 2000 to 78 per 1000 hospitalizations in 2013 (P?<?.001, test of linear trend). As the number of ICU beds in a hospital increased over time, patients with advanced dementia were more likely to receive mechanical ventilation (ie, adjusted odds ratio per 10 ICU bed increase, 1.06; 95% CI, 1.05-1.07). In 2013, hospitals in the top decile in the number of ICU beds were reimbursed $9611.89 per hospitalization compared with $8050.24 per hospitalization in the lower decile (P?<?.001) without an improvement in 1-year mortality (65.2% vs 64.6%; P?=?54).Among hospitalized nursing home residents with advanced dementia, we found an increase in the use of mechanical ventilation over time without substantial improvement in survival. This increase in the use of mechanical ventilation was associated with an increase in the number of ICU beds within a hospital.
Project description:Intensive care unit patients undergoing mechanical ventilation have traditionally been sedated to make them comfortable and to avoid pain and anxiety. However, this may lead to prolonged mechanical ventilation and a longer length of stay.The aim of this retrospective study was to explore whether different sedation regimens influence the course and duration of the weaning process.Intubated adult patients (n = 152) from 15 general intensive care units in Sweden were mechanically ventilated for ? 24 h. Patients were divided into three groups according to the sedative(s) received during the weaning period (i.e. from being assessed as 'fit for weaning' until extubation): dexmedetomidine alone (DEX group, n = 32); standard of care with midazolam and/or propofol (SOC group, n = 67); or SOC plus dexmedetomidine (SOCDEX group, n = 53).Patients receiving dexmedetomidine alone were weaned more rapidly than those in the other groups despite spending longer time on mechanical ventilation prior to weaning. Anxiety during weaning was present in 0, 9 and 24% patients in the DEX, SOC and SOCDEX groups, respectively. Anxiety after extubation was present in 41, 20 and 34% in the DEX, SOC and SOCDEX groups, respectively. Delirium during weaning was present in 1, 2 and 1 patient in the DEX, SOC and SOCDEX groups, respectively. Delirium at ICU discharge was present in 1, 0 and 3 patients in the DEX, SOC and SOCDEX groups, respectively. Few patients fulfilled criteria for post-traumatic stress disorder.Dexmedetomidine, used as a single sedative, may have contributed to a shorter weaning period than SOC or SOCDEX. Patients who received dexmedetomidine-only sedation tended to report better health-related quality of life than those receiving other forms of sedation.
Project description:IntroductionConsistent medical knowledge acquisition while caring for the critically ill can be challenging for learners and educators in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU), a unit often distinguished by fluctuating acuity and severity. We implemented a standardized didactic curriculum for PICU residents to facilitate their acquisition and retention of knowledge in core PICU topics.MethodsWe developed a comprehensive standardized curriculum for PGY 2-PGY 4 PICU pediatric and internal medicine-pediatric residents. Thirteen core topics were administered as 30-minute didactic sessions during the rotation, using either PowerPoint slides or a dry-erase board. Residents were tested to assess knowledge acquisition and retention.ResultsSeventy-eight residents participated, 86% of whom completed posttests. Seventeen percent completed follow-up tests. Of the learners who participated, 60 (77%) completed pretests and posttests, indicating their confidence level each time. The pretest mean was 55% (SD = 14.4%), and the posttest mean was 64% (SD = 15.6%). This 9% increase was statistically significant (p = .001; CI, 3.9% to 14.8%). The follow-up test at 3 months, completed by 15% of this subgroup, demonstrated a mean score of 62% (SD = 14.5%). When matched with posttest scores (mean score of 64%, SD = 13.3%), there was no significant difference (p = .7398; CI, -11.7% to 16.2%), suggesting retention of previously acquired knowledge.DiscussionOur standardized didactic curriculum effectively facilitated the acquisition and retention of the medical knowledge of core PICU topics among PICU residents, in addition to their usual experiential learning.
Project description:Introduction: Detection of early metabolic changes in critically-ill coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients under invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) at the intensive care unit (ICU) could predict recovery patterns and help in disease management. Methods: Targeted metabolomics of serum samples from 39 COVID-19 patients under IMV in ICU was performed within 48 h of intubation and a week later. A generalized linear model (GLM) was used to identify, at both time points, metabolites and clinical traits that predict the length of stay (LOS) at ICU (short ≤ 14 days/long >14 days) as well as the duration under IMV. All models were initially trained on a set of randomly selected individuals and validated on the remaining individuals in the cohort. Further validation in recently published metabolomics data of COVID-19 severity was performed. Results: A model based on hypoxanthine and betaine measured at first time point was best at predicting whether a patient is likely to experience a short or long stay at ICU [area under curve (AUC) = 0.92]. A further model based on kynurenine, 3-methylhistidine, ornithine, p-cresol sulfate, and C24.0 sphingomyelin, measured 1 week later, accurately predicted the duration of IMV (Pearson correlation = 0.94). Both predictive models outperformed Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II) scores and differentiated COVID-19 severity in published data. Conclusion: This study has identified specific metabolites that can predict in advance LOS and IMV, which could help in the management of COVID-19 cases at ICU.
Project description:Among hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) in children, ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is the most common after blood stream infection (BSI). VAP can prolong length of ventilation and hospitalization, increase mortality rate, and directly change a patient's outcome in Pediatric Intensive Care Units (PICU).The research on VAP in children is limited, especially in Iran; therefore, the identification of VAP incidence and mortality rate will be important for both clinical and epidemiological implications.Mechanically ventilated pediatric patients were assessed for development of VAP during hospital course on the basis of clinical, laboratory and imaging criteria. We matched VAP group with control group for assessment of VAP related mortality in the critically ill ventilated children.VAP developed in 22.9% of critically ill children undergoing mechanical ventilation. Early VAP and late VAP were found in 19.3% and 8.4% of VAP cases, respectively. Among the known VAP risk factors that were investigated, immunodeficiency was significantly greater in the VAP group (p = 0.014). No significant differences were found between the two groups regarding use of corticosteroids, antibiotics, PH (potential of hydrogen) modifying agents (such as ranitidine or pantoprazole), presence of nasogastric tube and total or partial parenteral nutrition administration. A substantial number of patients in the VAP group had more than four risk factors for development of VAP, compared to those without VAP (p = 0.087). Mortality rate was not statistically different between the VAP and control groups (p = 0.477).VAP is still one of the major causes of mortality in PICUs. It is found that altered immune status is a significant risk factor for acquiring VAP. Also, occurrence of VAP was high in the first week after admission in PICU.
Project description:BackgroundSupplemental oxygen is frequently administered to patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), including ARDS secondary to viral illness such as coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19). An up-to-date understanding of how best to target this therapy (e.g. arterial partial pressure of oxygen (PaO2) or peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO2) aim) in these patients is urgently required.ObjectivesTo address how oxygen therapy should be targeted in adults with ARDS (particularly ARDS secondary to COVID-19 or other respiratory viruses) and requiring mechanical ventilation in an intensive care unit, and the impact oxygen therapy has on mortality, days ventilated, days of catecholamine use, requirement for renal replacement therapy, and quality of life.Search methodsWe searched the Cochrane COVID-19 Study Register, CENTRAL, MEDLINE, and Embase from inception to 15 May 2020 for ongoing or completed randomized controlled trials (RCTs).Selection criteriaTwo review authors independently assessed all records in accordance with standard Cochrane methodology for study selection. We included RCTs comparing supplemental oxygen administration (i.e. different target PaO2 or SpO2 ranges) in adults with ARDS and receiving mechanical ventilation in an intensive care setting. We excluded studies exploring oxygen administration in patients with different underlying diagnoses or those receiving non-invasive ventilation, high-flow nasal oxygen, or oxygen via facemask.Data collection and analysisOne review author performed data extraction, which a second review author checked. We assessed risk of bias in included studies using the Cochrane 'Risk of bias' tool. We used the GRADE approach to judge the certainty of the evidence for the following outcomes; mortality at longest follow-up, days ventilated, days of catecholamine use, and requirement for renal replacement therapy.Main resultsWe identified one completed RCT evaluating oxygen targets in patients with ARDS receiving mechanical ventilation in an intensive care setting. The study randomized 205 mechanically ventilated patients with ARDS to either conservative (PaO2 55 to 70 mmHg, or SpO2 88% to 92%) or liberal (PaO2 90 to 105 mmHg, or SpO2 ≥ 96%) oxygen therapy for seven days. Overall risk of bias was high (due to lack of blinding, small numbers of participants, and the trial stopping prematurely), and we assessed the certainty of the evidence as very low. The available data suggested that mortality at 90 days may be higher in those participants receiving a lower oxygen target (odds ratio (OR) 1.83, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.03 to 3.27). There was no evidence of a difference between the lower and higher target groups in mean number of days ventilated (14.0, 95% CI 10.0 to 18.0 versus 14.5, 95% CI 11.8 to 17.1); number of days of catecholamine use (8.0, 95% CI 5.5 to 10.5 versus 7.2, 95% CI 5.9 to 8.4); or participants receiving renal replacement therapy (13.7%, 95% CI 5.8% to 21.6% versus 12.0%, 95% CI 5.0% to 19.1%). Quality of life was not reported.Authors' conclusionsWe are very uncertain as to whether a higher or lower oxygen target is more beneficial in patients with ARDS and receiving mechanical ventilation in an intensive care setting. We identified only one RCT with a total of 205 participants exploring this question, and rated the risk of bias as high and the certainty of the findings as very low. Further well-conducted studies are urgently needed to increase the certainty of the findings reported here. This review should be updated when more evidence is available.
Project description:BackgroundIf the duration of mechanical ventilation (MV) is related with the intensive care unit (ICU) readmission must be clarified. The purpose of this study was to elucidate if prolonged MV duration increases ICU readmission rate.MethodsThe present observational cohort study analyzed national healthcare claims data from 2006 to 2015. Critically ill patients who received MV in the ICU were classified into five groups according to the MV duration: MV for <7 days, 7-13 days, 14-20 days, 21-27 days, and ≥28 days. The rate and risk of the ICU readmission were estimated according to the MV duration using the unadjusted and adjusted analyses.ResultsWe found that 12,929 patients had at least one episode of MV in the ICU. There was a significant linear relationship between the MV duration and the ICU readmission (R2=0.85, p=0.025). The total readmission rate was significantly higher as the MV duration is prolonged (MV for <7 days, 13.9%; for 7-13 days, 16.7%; for 14-20 days, 19.4%; for 21-27 days, 20.4%; for ≥28 days, 35.7%; p<0.001). The analyses adjusted by covariables and weighted with the multinomial propensity scores showed similar results. In the adjusted regression analysis with a Cox proportional hazards model, the MV duration was significantly related to the ICU readmission (hazard ratio, 1.058 [95% confidence interval, 1.047-1.069], p<0.001).ConclusionThe rate of readmission to the ICU was significantly higher in patients who received longer durations of the MV in the ICU. In the clinical setting, closer observation of patients discharged from the ICU after prolonged periods of MV is required.
Project description:ObjectivesTo clarify the procedures related to mechanical ventilation in the intensive care unit setting: allocation of ventilators, team education, maintenance and reference documents.Study designDeclarative survey.MethodsBetween September and December 2010, we assessed the assignment and types of ventilators (ICU ventilators, temporary repair ventilators, non-invasive ventilators [NIV], and transportation ventilators), medical and nurse education, maintenance of the ventilators, presence of reference documents. Results are expressed in median/range and proportions.ResultsAmong the 62 participating ICUs, a median of 15 ventilators/ICU (range 1-50) was reported with more than one trademark in 47 (76%) units. Specific ventilators were used for NIV in 22 (35%) units, temporary repair in 49 (79%) and transportation in all the units. Nurse education courses were given by ICU physicians in 54 (87%) units or by a company in 29 (47%) units. Medical education courses were made by ICU senior physicians in 55 (89%) units or by a company in 21 (34%) units. These courses were organized occasionally in 24 (39%) ICU and bi-annually in 16 (26%) units. Maintenance procedures were made by the ICU staff in 39 (63%) units, dedicated staff (17 [27%]) or bioengineering technicians (14 [23%] ICU). Reference documents were written for maintenance procedures in 48 (77%) units, ventilator setup in 22 (35%) units and ventilator dysfunction in 20 (32%) ICU.ConclusionsThis first survey shows disparate distribution of ventilators and practices among French ICU. Education and understanding of the proper use of ventilators are key issues for security improvement.
Project description:BackgroundBasic studies show that selective 5-hydroxytryptamine type 3 (5-HT3) serotonin-receptor antagonists can protect organs from inflammatory injury and have shown lung protection. Whether 5-HT3 receptor antagonists ondansetron benefits patients with mechanical ventilation is unclear in the intensive care unit (ICU).MethodsThe Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care-IV (MIMIC-IV) database was reviewed to identify patients on mechanical ventilation (aged >16 years) in the ICU, which was divided into two groups according to whether ondansetron is used. Demographic characteristics, medical history data, clinical parameters, diagnosis and treatment measures were included as covariates. Ondansetron use was defined as any kind of ondansetron administration regardless of the dose before the induction of mechanical ventilation. The primary outcome was in-hospital death. Hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated by multivariable Cox regression. Propensity score matching (PSM) and inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) were performed to further adjust for confounding factors. Kaplan-Meier (KM) curves with log-rank test were also performed.ResultsA total of 18,566 patients on mechanical ventilation were included (5,735 with ondansetron use). The overall in-hospital mortality rate of patients on mechanical ventilation was 18.9% (3,512/18,566). Approximately 13.0% (746/5,735) and 21.6% (2,766/12,831) in-hospital mortality rates occurred in the ondansetron and non-ondansetron use groups, respectively. Multivariable regression indicated that ondansetron usage was associated with a 33% and 32% lower risk of in-hospital and 60-day death (HR =0.77, 95% CI: 0.70-0.85, P<0.001; HR =0.68, 95% CI: 0.62-0.75, P<0.001) in the whole sample. Multivariable regression post-PSM indicated that ondansetron usage was associated with a 38% and 31% lower risk of in-hospital and 60-day death (HR =0.62, 95% CI: 0.56-0.68, P<0.001; HR =0.69, 95% CI: 0.62-0.77, P<0.001). Log-rank test for the KM curve of ondansetron and 60-day death was statistically significant (P<0.001). The duration of ventilator use pre- and post-PSM was statistically different (P<0.001 and P=0.007) in the two groups.ConclusionsOndansetron usage was significantly associated with a lower mortality risk of ventilated patients in the ICU. The 5-HT3 receptor antagonist use is may be new potential adjunctive therapeutic strategy for patients on mechanical ventilation in the ICU.