Outcome of after-hours surgery: Setting, skill and timing may explain the outcome

Additional file 12: of Immunocompromised patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome: secondary analysis of the LUNG SAFE database

Table S8. Patientsâ characteristics and clinical endpoints of immunocompromised (study) patients, according to the cause of immunosuppression (known, unknown). (PDF 79Â kb)

Pressure support ventilation + sigh in acute hypoxemic respiratory failure patients: Study protocol for a pilot randomized controlled trial, the PROTECTION trial

Background Adding cyclic short sustained inflations (sigh) to assisted ventilation yields optimizes lung recruitment, decreases heterogeneity and reduces inspiratory effort in patients with acute hypoxemic respiratory failure (AHRF). These findings suggest that adding sigh to pressure support ventilation (PSV) might decrease the risk of lung injury, shorten weaning and improve clinical outcomes. Thus, we conceived a pilot trial to test the feasibility of adding sigh to PSV (the PROTECTION study). Methods PROTECTION is an international randomized controlled trial that will be conducted in 23 intensive care units (ICUs). Patients with AHRF who have been intubated from 24 h to 7 days and under…

Obstructive sleep apnea: screening is the waiting room for preoperative testing, postoperative monitoring, and safety measures

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High flow nasal therapy in immunocompromised patients with acute respiratory failure: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Abstract Purpose The role of high-flow nasal therapy (HFNT) as compared to conventional oxygen therapy (COT) in immunocompromised patients admitted to intensive care unit (ICU) with acute respiratory failure (ARF) remains unclear. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis in order to address this issue. Methods We searched PubMed, Medline and Embase until November 7th, 2018. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs), non-randomized prospective and retrospective evidence were selected. Observational studies were considered for sensitivity analysis. Primary outcome was mortality rate; intubation rate was a secondary outcome. Results We included four studies in the primary analysis: one RCT…

Effect of high-flow nasal therapy on dyspnea, comfort, and respiratory rate

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Tidal Volume Estimation during Helmet Noninvasive Ventilation: an Experimental Feasibility Study

AbstractWe performed a bench (BS) and human (HS) study to test the hypothesis that estimation of tidal volume (VT) during noninvasive helmet pressure support ventilation (nHPSV) would be possible using a turbine driven ventilator (TDV) coupled with an intentional leak single-limb vented circuit. During the BS a mannequin was connected to a lung simulator (LS) and at different conditions of respiratory mechanics, positive end expiratory pressure (PEEP) levels and leaks (30, 50 and 80 L/min). All differences were within the 95% limits of agreement (LoA) in all conditions in the Bland-Altman plot. The overall bias (difference between VT measured by TDV and LS) was 35 ml (95% LoA 10 to 57 ml), …

Nasal high-flow preoxygenation for endotracheal intubation in the critically ill patient? Pro

Noninvasive ventilation in chest trauma: systematic review and meta-analysis

Purpose: Single studies of Noninvasive Ventilation (NIV) in the management of acute respiratory failure in chest trauma patients have produced controversial findings. The aim of this study is to critically review the literature to investigate whether NIV reduces mortality, intubation rate, length of stay and complications in patients with chest trauma, compared to standard therapy. Methods: We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials, prospective and retrospective observational studies, by searching PubMed, EMBASE and bibliographies of articles retrieved. We screened for relevance studies that enrolled adults with chest trauma who developed mild to sev…

Long-term volume-targeted pressure-controlled ventilation: sense or nonsense?

The technology underlying the development of novel ventilatory modes for long-term noninvasive ventilation of patients with chronic hypercapnia is continuously evolving. Volume-targeted pressure-controlled ventilation is a hybrid ventilation mode designed to combine the advantages of conventional ventilation modes, while avoiding their drawbacks. However, manufacturers have created different names and have patented algorithms and set-up variables, which can result in confusion for physicians and respiratory therapists. In addition, clear evidence for the superiority of this novel mode has not yet been established. These factors have most likely hindered more widespread use of this mode in c…

Noninvasive Ventilation and Outcomes Among Immunocompromised Patients

VENTILATOR CONFIGURATION IN CHILDREN ON LONG TERM HOME VENTILATION DURING THE COVID19 PANDEMIC

High Flow Nasal Therapy Use in Patients with Acute Exacerbation of COPD and Bronchiectasis: A Feasibility Study

The efficacy and feasibility of high flow nasal therapy (HFNT) use in patients with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) and bronchiectasis is unknown. We performed a single-center, single-arm prospective observational study in patients with AECOPD, documented bronchiectasis, pH >= 7.35, respiratory rate (RR) >= 26 breaths/minute despite receiving maximal medical treatment and oxygen via face mask up to 10 L/m. Patients received HFNT (Airvo 2, Fisher & Paykel) at a gas flow of 50 L/min and FIO2 adjusted to maintain SpO(2) >= 92%. Dyspnea, rated by Borg scale, RR, arterial blood gases and mucus production (ranging from 1 to 3) were collected befor…

Rationale and evidence on the use of tocilizumab in COVID-19: a systematic review

Abstract Background Tocilizumab is an IL-6 receptor-blocking agent proposed for the treatment of severe COVID-19. The aim of this systematic review was to describe the rationale for the use of tocilizumab for the treatment of COVID-19 and to summarize the available evidence regarding its efficacy and safety. Methods MEDLINE, PubMed, EMBASE, pre-print repositories (bioRxiv and medRxiv) and two trial Registries were searched for studies on the use of tocilizumab in COVID-19 or SARS-CoV-2 infection, viral pneumonia, and/or sepsis until 20th June 2020. Results We identified 3 indirect pre-clinical studies and 28 clinical studies including 5776 patients with COVID-19 (13 with a comparison group,…

Noninvasive Continuous Positive Airway Pressure Response in Bronchiectasis Exacerbations: Key Practical Aspects and Topics

Bronchiectasis is a progressive lung disease characterized by gradual airflow obstruction secondary to mucus plugging, excessive airway inflammation, and parenchymal destruction. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) has been shown to promote recruitment of the flooded alveoli, decrease the ventilation-perfusion mismatch, and relieve dyspnea in patients with bronchiectasis exacerbations. It has also been proven to improve respiratory mechanics and reduce the work of breathing. It can be also successfully adopted in promoting mucus clearance and preventing desaturation during chest physiotherapy and exercise. However, validated criteria for starting CPAP treatment in bronchiectasis are …

Dying with or because of invasive fungal infection? The role of immunity exhaustion on patient outcome

De Rosa et al. considered clinical scores, biomarkers and their combination as useful aids for an early antifungal treatment and advocated the adoption of de-escalation therapy in an antifungal stewardship approach as a possible key for a better management of these patients. Authors considered the high burden of invasive fungal infections in terms of patient outcomes and costs and focused on current strategies for their optimization.

Citations and metrics of journals discontinued from Scopus for publication concerns: the GhoS(t)copus Project

Background: Scopus is a leading bibliometric database. It contains a large part of the articles cited in peer-reviewed publications. The journals included in Scopus are periodically re-evaluated to ensure they meet indexing criteria and some journals might be discontinued for 'publication concerns'. Previously published articles may remain indexed and can be cited. Their metrics have yet to be studied. This study aimed to evaluate the main features and metrics of journals discontinued from Scopus for publication concerns, before and after their discontinuation, and to determine the extent of predatory journals among the discontinued journals. Methods: We surveyed the list of discontinued jo…

Individualized versus fixed positive end-expiratory pressure for intraoperative mechanical ventilation in obese patients: a secondary analysis

Background General anesthesia may cause atelectasis and deterioration in oxygenation in obese patients. The authors hypothesized that individualized positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) improves intraoperative oxygenation and ventilation distribution compared to fixed PEEP. Methods This secondary analysis included all obese patients recruited at University Hospital of Leipzig from the multicenter Protective Intraoperative Ventilation with Higher versus Lower Levels of Positive End-Expiratory Pressure in Obese Patients (PROBESE) trial (n = 42) and likewise all obese patients from a local single-center trial (n = 54). Inclusion criteria for both trials were elective laparoscopic abdominal…

Additional file 11: of Immunocompromised patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome: secondary analysis of the LUNG SAFE database

Table S7. Patient characteristics and clinical endpoints of immunocompetent patients, according to the type of ventilatory support. (PDF 88Â kb)

Nasal pressure swings as the measure of inspiratory effort in spontaneously breathing patients with de novo acute respiratory failure.

Abstract Background Excessive inspiratory effort could translate into self-inflicted lung injury, thus worsening clinical outcomes of spontaneously breathing patients with acute respiratory failure (ARF). Although esophageal manometry is a reliable method to estimate the magnitude of inspiratory effort, procedural issues significantly limit its use in daily clinical practice. The aim of this study is to describe the correlation between esophageal pressure swings (ΔPes) and nasal (ΔPnos) as a potential measure of inspiratory effort in spontaneously breathing patients with de novo ARF. Methods From January 1, 2021, to September 1, 2021, 61 consecutive patients with ARF (83.6% related to COVID…

Efficacy and Safety of Using High-Flow Nasal Oxygenation in Patients Undergoing Rapid Sequence Intubation

Objective To assess the efficacy and safety of high-flow nasal oxygen (HFNO) therapy in patients undergoing rapid sequence intubation (RSI) for emergency abdominal surgery. Methods HFNO of 60 L.min-1 at an inspiratory oxygen fraction of 1 was delivered 4 min before laryngoscopy and maintained until the patient was intubated, and correct intubation was verified by the appearance of the end-tidal CO2 (EtCO2) waveform. Transcutaneous oxygenation (SpO2), heart rate and non-invasive mean arterial pressure were monitored at baseline (T0), after 4 min on HFNO (T1) and at the time of laryngoscopy (T2) and endotracheal intubation (ETI) (T3). An SpO2 of <3% from baseline was recorded at any sampled t…

Reducing Rebreathing During Noninvasive Ventilation: Bias Flow or No Bias Flow?

To the Editor : We read with interest the article by Signori et al[1][1] that evaluated CO2 rebreathing during noninvasive ventilation (NIV) via a full face mask connected to a double-limb ventilation circuit with 2 different configurations: (1) a single mask connector directly attached to the Y-

Two episodes of Taravana syndrome in a breath-hold diver with hyperhomocysteinemia

Key Clinical Message Taravana syndrome is a rare dysbaric disease characterized by neurologic signs and symptoms. Differently from others decompression illness, it has unspecified pathophysiology and unclear predisposing factors. Our cases suggest that thrombophilic state due to hyperhomocysteinemia could increase the risk to develop Taravana syndrome.

Perioperative management of obstructive sleep apnea: A systematic review

Introduction Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is the leading sleep disordered breathing condition, with a prevalence rate of moderate to severe OSA of approximately 10-17% in the general population. Evidence acquisition We performed an Ovid-Medline search of all articles published up to August 2016. We included all articles providing updated evidence on epidemiology, pathophysiologic mechanisms and perioperative interventions. Evidence synthesis OSA is associated with a number of comorbidities and increased perioperative risks. Although in-laboratory polysomnography represents the gold-standard for diagnosis of OSA, it is costly and time-consuming. Anesthesiologists may screen patients for OSA…

Influence of different interfaces on synchrony during pressure support ventilation in a pediatric setting: a bench study

BACKGROUND: In adults and children, patient-ventilator synchrony is strongly dependent on both the ventilator settings and interface used in applying positive pressure to the airway. The aim of this bench study was to determine whether different interfaces and ventilator settings may influence patient-ventilator interaction in pediatric models of normal and mixed obstructive and restrictive respiratory conditions. METHODS: A test lung, connected to a pediatric mannequin using different interfaces (endotracheal tube [ETT], face mask, and helmet), was ventilated in pressure support ventilation mode testing 2 ventilator settings (pressurization time [Timepress]50%/cycling-off flow threshold [T…

Additional file 1 of High flow nasal therapy versus noninvasive ventilation as initial ventilatory strategy in COPD exacerbation: a multicenter non-inferiority randomized trial

Additional file 1: Description of data: CONSORT (consolidated standards of reporting trials) Checklist for Non-inferiority and Equivalence Trials Checklist for Non-inferiority and Equivalence Trials.

Noninvasive respiratory support in acute hypoxemic respiratory failure associated with COVID-19 and other viral infections

ABSTRACTIntroductionNoninvasive respiratory support (NRS) such as noninvasive ventilation (NIV) and high flow nasal therapy (HFNT) have been used in the treatment of acute hypoxemic respiratory failure (AHRF) related to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and other viral infections. However, there is a lack of consensus in favor of or against NRS use due to the risks of worsening hypoxemia, intubation delay, and aerosols environmental contamination associated with the use of these tools. We aimed to summarize the evidence on the use of NRS in adult patients with COVID-19 and other viral pneumonia (i.e. H1N1, SARS, MERS) and AHRF. We also searched for studies evaluating the risk of aerosoliza…

Attitudes towards end-of-life issues in intensive care unit among Italian anesthesiologists: a nation-wide survey

Background: The aim of this paper is to collect data on the practice of palliative care, withholding and withdrawal of life-sustaining therapies, and management of end of life (EOL) in Italian intensive care units (ICUs). Methods: Web-based survey among Italian anesthesiologists endorsed by the Italian Society of Anesthesiology Analgesia Reanimation and Intensive Care (SIAARTI). The survey consists of 27 close-ended and 2 open-ended questions. Results: Eight hundred and five persons responded to the full list of questions. The highest proportion of respondents was of 36–45 years of age (34%) and catholic (66%). Almost 70% of responders declared that palliative/supportive care are applied …

Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia in Patients with COVID-19: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to estimate the pooled occurrence of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) among patients admitted to an intensive care unit with COVID-19 and mortality of those who developed VAP. We performed a systematic search on PubMed, EMBASE and Web of Science from inception to 2nd March 2021 for nonrandomized studies specifically addressing VAP in adult patients with COVID-19 and reporting data on at least one primary outcome of interest. Random effect single-arm meta-analysis was performed for the occurrence of VAP and mortality (at the longest follow up) and ICU length of stay. Twenty studies were included in the systematic review and meta-an…

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation in prone position: A scoping review.

Introduction The ongoing pandemic of COVID-19 brought to the fore prone positioning as treatment for patients with acute respiratory failure. With the increasing number of patients in prone position, both spontaneously breathing and mechanically ventilated, cardiac arrest in this position is more likely to occur. This scoping review aimed to summarize the available evidence on cardiopulmonary resuscitation in prone position (‘reverse CPR’) and knowledge or research gaps to be further evaluated. The protocol of this scoping review was prospectively registered on 10th May 2020 in Open Science Framework (https://osf.io/nfuh9). Methods We searched PubMed, EMBASE, MEDLINE and pre-print repositor…

Additional file 8: of Immunocompromised patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome: secondary analysis of the LUNG SAFE database

Figure S2. This figure shows a Kaplan-Meier curve for hospital survival of immunocompromised patients according to the ventilation subgroup. This figure shows a Kaplan-Meier curve for hospital survival of immunocompromised patients according to the ventilation subgroup. Mortality is defined as mortality at hospital discharge or at 90Â days after onset of acute hypoxemic respiratory failure, whichever event occurred first. We assumed that patients discharged alive from the hospital before 90Â days were alive on day 90. Type of ventilator support: IMV Patients invasively ventilated from day 1, independently of the type of support received after the eventual extubation; NIV Patients treated ex…

Inflated citations and metrics of journals discontinued from Scopus for publication concerns: the GhoS(t)copus Project

AbstractBackgroundScopus is a leading bibliometric database. It contains the largest number of articles cited in peer-reviewed publications. The journals included in Scopus are periodically re-evaluated to ensure they meet indexing criteria and some journals might be discontinued for publication concerns. These journals remain indexed and can be cited. Their metrics have yet to be studied. This study aimed to evaluate the main features and metrics of journals discontinued from Scopus for publication concerns, before and after their discontinuation, and to determine the extent of predatory journals among the discontinued journals.MethodsWe surveyed the list of discontinued journals from Scop…

WHO needs high FIO2?

World Health Organization and the United States Center for Disease Control have recently recommended the use of 0.8 FIO2 in all adult surgical patients undergoing general anaesthesia, to prevent surgical site infections. This recommendation has arisen several discussions: As a matter of fact, there are numerous studies with different results about the effect of FIO2 on surgical site infection. Moreover, the clinical effects of FIO2 are not limited to infection control. We asked some prominent authors about their comments regarding the recent recommendations.

Counterfeit filtering facepiece respirators are posing an additional risk to health care workers during COVID-19 pandemic.

ICU-acquired infections: It is not only about the number of patients per room

LETTER TO EDITOR

Medical masks and Respirators for the Protection of Healthcare Workers from SARS-CoV-2 and other viruses

The use of medical masks and respirators as personal protective equipment is pivotal to reducing the level of biological hazard to which healthcare workers are exposed during the outbreak of highly diffusible pathogens, such as the recent novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2. Unfortunately, during this pandemic, supplies are rapidly running out worldwide, with potential consequences for the rate of occupational infections. Also, knowledge about specific characteristics of respirators is of utmost importance to select the proper type according to the clinical setting. A wide variety of literature is available on the topic, but mostly based on Influenza viruses infection models. Clinical evidence on …

High flow nasal therapy versus noninvasive ventilation as initial ventilatory strategy in COPD exacerbation: a multicenter non-inferiority randomized trial

Abstract Background The efficacy and safety of high flow nasal therapy (HFNT) in patients with acute hypercapnic exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) are unclear. Our aim was to evaluate the short-term effect of HFNT versus NIV in patients with mild-to-moderate AECOPD, with the hypothesis that HFNT is non-inferior to NIV on CO2 clearance after 2 h of treatment. Methods We performed a multicenter, non-inferiority randomized trial comparing HFNT and noninvasive ventilation (NIV) in nine centers in Italy. Patients were eligible if presented with mild-to-moderate AECOPD (arterial pH 7.25–7.35, PaCO2 ≥ 55 mmHg before ventilator support). Primary endpoint was the mean di…

Effectiveness and safety of a new helmet CPAP configuration allowing tidal volume monitoring in patients with COVID-19.

Abstract Background High generated tidal volumes (Vt) have been correlated with higher risk of self-induced lung injury and worse clinical outcome. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of a new helmet continuous positive airway pressure delivered (h-CPAP) configuration allowing Vt monitoring in patients affected by COVID-19. Methods This prospective observational study was performed in the respiratory intermediate care unit of University Hospital in Turin, Italy, between March 24th, and June 15th, 2020. Included patients were treated with CPAP via a single-limb intentional leak configuration by a turbine-driven ventilator, provided with a dedicated patch. Effectiveness …

Additional file 4: of Immunocompromised patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome: secondary analysis of the LUNG SAFE database

Table S3. Ventilator settings during the first day of ARDS in the immunocompetent (Control) and immunocompromised (Study) groups. This table shows ventilator settings during the first day of ARDS in the immunocompetent (Control) and immunocompromised (Study) groups. (PDF 50Â kb)

Early extubation followed by immediate noninvasive ventilation vs. standard extubation in hypoxemic patients: a randomized clinical trial

Purpose: Noninvasive ventilation (NIV) may facilitate withdrawal of invasive mechanical ventilation (i-MV) and shorten intensive care unit (ICU) length of stay (LOS) in hypercapnic patients, while data are lacking on hypoxemic patients. We aim to determine whether NIV after early extubation reduces the duration of i-MV and ICU LOS in patients recovering from hypoxemic acute respiratory failure. Methods: Highly selected non-hypercapnic hypoxemic patients were randomly assigned to receive NIV after early or standard extubation. Co-primary end points were duration of i-MV and ICU LOS. Secondary end points were treatment failure, severe events (hemorrhagic, septic, cardiac, renal or neurologic …

Preserved somatosensory discrimination predicts consciousness recovery in unresponsive wakefulness syndrome

Objective: To assess somatosensory discrimination and command following using a vibrotactile P300-based Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) in Unresponsive Wakefulness Syndrome (UWS), and investigate the predictive role of this cognitive process on the clinical outcomes.Methods: Thirteen UWS patients and six healthy controls each participated in two experimental runs in which they were instructed to count vibrotactile stimuli delivered to the left or right wrist. A BCI determined each subject's task performance based on EEG measures. All of the patients were followed up six months after the BCI assessment, and correlations analysis between accuracy rates and clinical outcome were investigated.Re…

Noninvasive Ventilation in Hypoxemic Patients: an Ongoing Soccer Game or a Lost One?

[This corrects the article on p. 329 in vol. 45, PMID: 29359070.].

Predatory Open-Access Publishing in Anesthesiology.

Predatory publishing is an exploitative fraudulent open-access publishing model that applies charges under the pretense of legitimate publishing operations without actually providing the editorial services associated with legitimate journals. The aim of this study was to analyze this phenomenon in the field of anesthesiology and related specialties (intensive care, critical and respiratory medicine, pain medicine, and emergency care). Two authors independently surveyed a freely accessible, constantly updated version of the original Beall lists of potential, possible, or probable predatory publishers and standalone journals. We identified 212 journals from 83 publishers, and the total number…

Preoperative care in emergency surgery

Be prepared. Sir Robert Baden-Powell Introduction Surgical emergencies in the elderly concern mainly trauma, intra-abdominal and vascular surgery. Abdominal pain constitutes 10-15% of all complaints and the unspecific nature of initial symptoms often makes accurate diagnosis difficult. Radiological imaging is often employed in aiding diagnosis and delay in performing these investigations can impact on surgical outcomes. Delays can be attributed to unstable hemodynamic conditions, delayed presentation of the illness, lack of physical signs at first presentation and inability to obtain proper history. The overall morbidity seems to be reduced when surgery is performed within the first 24-48 h…

Uncertainty about the evidence on untargeted antifungal treatment

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Noninvasive oscillatory ventilation (NHFOV) in infants: Another brick in the wall of paediatric noninvasive ventilation?

EDITORIAL

Additional file 1: of High-flow nasal therapy versus noninvasive ventilation in COPD patients with mild-to-moderate hypercapnic acute respiratory failure: study protocol for a noninferiority randomized clinical trial

SPIRIT 2013 Checklist: Recommended items to address in a clinical trial protocol and related documents (DOC 122 kb)

A New Configuration for Helmet Continuous Positive Airway Pressure Allowing Tidal Volume Monitoring

We performed a bench and human study to test the hypothesis that a ventilator can accurately estimate Vt when a helmet is used in CPAP mode in a single limb configuration with an intentional leak port placed at the helmet expiratory port. We have recently demonstrated the effectiveness of this setup in bilevel mode

Regional anticoagulation with heparin of an extracorporeal CO2 removal circuit: a case report

Abstract Background Extracorporeal carbon dioxide removal is an increasingly used respiratory support technique. As is true of all extracorporeal techniques, extracorporeal carbon dioxide removal needs proper anticoagulation. We report a case of a patient at risk of bleeding complications who was treated with extracorporeal carbon dioxide removal and anticoagulated with a regional technique. Case presentation A 56-year-old Caucasian man with a history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease exacerbation required extracorporeal carbon dioxide removal for severe hypercapnia and acidosis despite mechanical ventilation. The extracorporeal circuit was anticoagulated using a regional heparin tec…

Sigh in Patients With Acute Hypoxemic Respiratory Failure and ARDS

Background Sigh is a cyclic brief recruitment maneuver: previous physiologic studies showed that its use could be an interesting addition to pressure support ventilation to improve lung elastance, decrease regional heterogeneity, and increase release of surfactant. Research Question Is the clinical application of sigh during pressure support ventilation (PSV) feasible? Study Design and Methods We conducted a multicenter noninferiority randomized clinical trial on adult intubated patients with acute hypoxemic respiratory failure or ARDS undergoing PSV. Patients were randomized to the no-sigh group and treated by PSV alone, or to the sigh group, treated by PSV plus sigh (increase in airway pr…

An Italian Guidance Model for the Management of Suspected or Confirmed COVID-19 Patients in the Primary Care Setting

An outbreak of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 started in China's Hubei province at the end of 2019 has rapidly become a pandemic. In Italy, a great number of patients was managed in primary care setting and the role of general practitioners and physicians working in the first-aid emergency medical service has become of utmost importance to coordinate the network between the territory and hospitals during the pandemic. Aim of this manuscript is to provide a guidance model for the management of suspected, probable, or confirmed cases of SARS-CoV-2 infection in the primary care setting, from diagnosis to treatment, applying also the recommendations of the Italian Society of Ge…

How to communicate between surgeon and intensivist?

Purpose of review Communication and teamwork are essential to enhance the quality of care, especially in operating rooms and ICUs. In these settings, the effective interprofessional collaboration between surgeons and intensivists impacts patients' outcome. This review discusses current opinions and evidence for improving communication strategies and the relationship between surgeons and intensivists/anesthesiologist. Recent findings Effective teamwork has been demonstrated to improve patient outcome and foster healthier relationships between professionals.With the expansion of new medical superspecialist disciplines and the latest medical developments, patient care has been put through a pr…

Fake news and patient-family-physician interaction in critical care: concepts, beliefs and potential countermeasures

Fake news has been defined as fabricated information mimicking media content in form but not in organizational process or intent. Science and medicine are deeply affected by this increasing phenomenon. Critical care represents a hot spot for fake news due to the high risk of conflictive communication, the rapid turnaround of clinical news and high prevalence of unpleasant information. Communication with patients' relatives is one of the hardest aspects. The relationship between physicians and families is pivotal to improve relatives' comfort, and reduce anxiety and pain. Fake news may undermine this relationship, posing an alternative truth between the critical care physician and relatives,…

High flow nasal therapy in perioperative medicine: from operating room to general ward

Abstract Background High flow nasal therapy (HFNT) is a technique in which humidified and heated gas is delivered to the airways through the nose via small nasal prongs at flows that are higher than the rates generally applied during conventional oxygen therapy. The delivered high flow rates combine mixtures of air and oxygen and enable different inspired oxygen fractions ranging from 0.21 to 1. HFNT is increasingly used in critically ill adult patients, especially hypoxemic patients in different clinical settings. Main body Noninvasive ventilation delivers positive pressure (end-expiratory and inspiratory pressures or continuous positive airway pressure) via different external interfaces. …

Ventilator Settings to Avoid Nuisance Alarms During Mouthpiece Ventilation

BACKGROUND: A recent study found that activation of disconnection and low-pressure alarms is common during mouthpiece ventilation and may represent a major limitation to its use. The aim of this bench study was: (1) to investigate the technical aspects that can influence the setting of the ventilator during mouthpiece ventilation and (2) to provide a practical setting strategy to avoid the alarm activation. METHODS: Eight life-support ventilators able to deliver volume controlled ventilation were tested in a bench study using a single-limb non-vented circuit configuration connected to a standard mouthpiece. Disconnection and apnea alarm were turned off or set at the least sensitive setting.…

Use of Helmet CPAP in COVID-19 – A practical review

Helmet CPAP (H-CPAP) has been recommended in many guidelines as a noninvasive respiratory support during COVID-19 pandemic in many countries around the world. It has the least amount of particle dispersion and air contamination among all noninvasive devices and may mitigate the ICU bed shortage during a COVID surge as well as a decreased need for intubation/mechanical ventilation. It can be attached to many oxygen delivery sources. The MaxVenturi setup is preferred as it allows for natural humidification, low noise burden, and easy transition to HFNC during breaks and it is the recommended transport set-up. The patients can safely be proned with the helmet. It can also be used to wean the p…

Sedation and analgesia during noninvasive ventilation (NIV)

The use of noninvasive ventilation (NIV) has increased significantly in patients with acute respiratory failure (ARF) in order to prevent tracheal intubation and its complications. Unfortunately, NIV failure represents a frequent event, with rates that in some cases reach 40%. Mask intolerance, agitation, and delirium may lead to NIV failure, thus requiring endotracheal intubation. NIV failure rates are higher in patients without chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and, when used in acute hypoxemic failure, its failure is associated with an increased mortality rate. The practice of sedation during NIV could be a valuable option for patients at risk of intubation. Sedation may decr…

Correction to: Protective ventilation with high versus low positive end-expiratory pressure during one-lung ventilation for thoracic surgery (PROTHOR): study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

Background Postoperative pulmonary complications (PPC) may result in longer duration of in-hospital stay and even mortality. Both thoracic surgery and intraoperative mechanical ventilation settings add considerably to the risk of PPC. It is unclear if one-lung ventilation (OLV) for thoracic surgery with a strategy of intraoperative high positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) and recruitment maneuvers (RM) reduces PPC, compared to low PEEP without RM. Methods PROTHOR is an international, multicenter, randomized, controlled, assessor-blinded, two-arm trial initiated by investigators of the PROtective VEntilation NETwork. In total, 2378 patients will be randomly assigned to one of two differe…

Association between night-time extubation and clinical outcomes in adult patients

Background: Whether night-time extubation is associated with clinical outcomes is unclear. Objective: The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate the association between night-time extubation and the reintubation rate, mortality, ICU and in-hospital LOS in adult patients, compared with daytime extubation. Design: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Data sources: PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL and Web of Science from inception to 2 January 2021 (PROSPERO registration - CRD42020222812). Eligibility criteria: Randomised, quasi and cluster randomised, and nonrandomised studies describing associations between adult patients' outcomes and time of extubation (daytime/night-time)…

Ten important articles on noninvasive ventilation in critically ill patients and insights for the future: A report of expert opinions

Background Noninvasive ventilation is used worldwide in many settings. Its effectiveness has been proven for common clinical conditions in critical care such as cardiogenic pulmonary edema and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease exacerbations. Since the first pioneering studies of noninvasive ventilation in critical care in the late 1980s, thousands of studies and articles have been published on this topic. Interestingly, some aspects remain controversial (e.g. its use in de-novo hypoxemic respiratory failure, role of sedation, self-induced lung injury). Moreover, the role of NIV has recently been questioned and reconsidered in light of the recent reports of new techniques such as high-fl…

Untargeted Antifungal Treatment Strategies for Invasive Candidiasis in Non-neutropenic Critically Ill Patients: Current Evidence and Insights

Purpose of Review: The purpose of this study was to provide an overview and insights on important new concepts on untargeted antifungal treatment strategies, namely prophylaxis pre-emptive and empiric treatments for the management of invasive candidiasis (IC) in non-neutropenic critically ill patients. Recent Findings: Recently, clinical practice guidelines provided recommendation for the management of IC. However, results from recent trials and systematic reviews questioned the effect of untargeted antifungal treatment strategies, especially in terms of survival benefits in non-neutropenic patients, even with septic shock. Summary: Widespread use of untargeted antifungal treatment strategi…

ERS clinical practice guidelines:high-flow nasal cannula in acute respiratory failure

BackgroundHigh-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) has become a frequently used noninvasive form of respiratory support in acute settings; however, evidence supporting its use has only recently emerged. These guidelines provide evidence-based recommendations for the use of HFNC alongside other noninvasive forms of respiratory support in adults with acute respiratory failure (ARF).Materials and methodologyThe European Respiratory Society task force panel included expert clinicians and methodologists in pulmonology and intensive care medicine. The task force used the GRADE (Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation) methods to summarise evidence and develop clinical recommendat…

Obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome: What the anesthesiologist should know

Obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS) is a rather common sleep disorder and constitutes a risk or an aggravating factor for various underlying diseases. OSAS is characterised by repeated upper airway collapse during sleep causing fragmented sleep, hypoxemia and hypercapnia. It may also cause considerable changes in intrathoracic pressure and an increase in sympathetic nervous activity, which represent the basis of associated pathologies such as arterial hypertension, ischaemic heart disease, diabetes mellitus, stroke and sudden death [1]. Moreover, there is a well-established association between OSAS and postoperative complications [2, 3]. Nevertheless, a significant proportion of patien…

The challenge of the predatory open-access publishing outbreak

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Perioperative Adverse Events in Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Use of Noninvasive Mechanical Ventilation: Key Topics and Clinical Implications

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common public health care problem and, yet, the perioperative management of OSA remains inadequate. Patients affected by this condition are prone to early postoperative complications, in part due to the negative effects of sedative, analgesic, and anesthetic agents on pharyngeal tone and arousal responses to hypoxia, hypercapnia, and obstruction. The use of opioids may also contribute to late adverse events, mainly by suppressing the rapid eye movement phase of sleep. As a result, preoperative screening of patients at high risk of OSA, as well as the implementation of a perioperative strategy to reduce the risk of complications, should lead to early periop…

Non-invasive ventilation in postoperative patients: A systematic review

Background: Postoperative pulmonary complications, generally defined as any pulmonary abnormality occurring in the postoperative period, are still a significant issue in clinical practice increasing hospital length of stay, morbidity and mortality. Non-invasive ventilation (NIV), primarily applied in cardiogenic pulmonary edema, decompensated COPD and hypoxemic pulmonary failure, is nowadays also used in perioperative settings. Objective: Investigate the application and results of preventive and therapeutic NIV in postsurgical patients. Design: A systematic review. Data sources: Medical literature databases were searched for articles about "clinical trials," "randomized controlled trials" a…

Palliative ventilatory support: same knowledge, different goal.

Palliative care as a clinical field emerged in the 1990s, aiming at improving end-of-life (EOL) experience for seriously ill patients (1). It changed the way to approach families saying them that their loved ones were approaching the end limiting life support while maintain comfort (2). It is now also evident that palliative care has not only to be seen as the job of consultants or by specialists in this field but also an approach to care at the “primary” level by intensivist, intensive care unit (ICU) nurses, and other clinicians (2).

High-flow nasal therapy versus noninvasive ventilation in COPD patients with mild-to-moderate hypercapnic acute respiratory failure: study protocol for a noninferiority randomized clinical trial

Background Noninvasive ventilation (NIV) is indicated to treat respiratory acidosis due to exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Recent nonrandomized studies also demonstrated some physiological effects of high-flow nasal therapy (HFNT) in COPD patients. We designed a prospective, unblinded, multicenter, randomized controlled trial to assess the noninferiority of HFNT compared to NIV with respect to the reduction of arterial partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCO2) in patients with hypercapnic acute respiratory failure with mild-to-moderate respiratory acidosis. Methods We will enroll adult patients with acute hypercapnic respiratory failure, as defined by arterial…

Noninvasive Ventilation in the Perioperative Period

High-flow nasal therapy (HFNT), as well as noninvasive ventilation (NIV), represents both noninvasive supports. HFNT is a ventilator support where humidified and heated gases are administered to the patient’s airways by a small nasal cannula at flow that reach up to 60 L/min. The delivered flow can be combined with oxygen providing different inspiratory oxygen fractions (FiO2). HFNT is increasingly used for critically ill adult patients in different clinical settings. Differently from noninvasive ventilation (NIV) which is intended to deliver intermittent positive pressure ventilation (NIPPV) or continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) to the patient’s airway via different external interf…

Noninvasive respiratory support in the hypoxaemic peri-operative/periprocedural patient: A joint ESA/ESICM guideline.

Hypoxaemia is a potential life-threatening yet common complication in the peri-operative and periprocedural patient (e.g. during an invasive procedure at risk of deterioration of gas exchange, such as bronchoscopy). The European Society of Anaesthesiology (ESA) and the European Society of Intensive Care Medicine (ESICM) developed guidelines for the use of noninvasive respiratory support techniques in the hypoxaemic patient in the peri-operative and periprocedural period. The panel outlined five clinical questions regarding treatment with noninvasive respiratory support techniques [conventional oxygen therapy (COT), high flow nasal cannula, noninvasive positive pressure ventilation (NIPPV) a…

Additional file 2: of Immunocompromised patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome: secondary analysis of the LUNG SAFE database

Table S1. Patient characteristics of immunocompromised patients according to the type of ventilator support. This table shows patient characteristics, including comorbidities, ARDS risk factors, and illness severity at ARDS onset of immunocompromised patients according to the type of ventilator support. (PDF 74Â kb)

Apparent Life-Threatening Events

Objectives Apparent life-threatening event (ALTE) refers to a constellation of unexpected events suddenly occurring in infants that extremely alarm the observers. The objectives of this study were to evaluate 1) intervention of Emergency Service (ES) at home, 2) parental behavior before ES intervention, 3) patients' outcome at follow-up of a minimum of 6 months. Methods Retrospective study of infants younger than 12 months whose parents called ES and were evaluated for ALTE from 2005 to 2014. Tactile stimulation (TS) was defined as any maneuver performed by parents or ES staff aimed at rescuing patients without cardiopulmonary resuscitation attempts. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation was define…

Application of palliative ventilation: potential and clinical evidence in palliative care.

Choice of fluids in critically ill patients

Background Fluids are by far the most commonly administered intravenous treatment in patient care. During critical illness, fluids are widely administered to maintain or increase cardiac output, thereby relieving overt tissue hypoperfusion and hypoxia. Main text Until recently, because of their excellent safety profile, fluids were not considered “medications”. However, it is now understood that intravenous fluid should be viewed as drugs. They affect the cardiovascular, renal, gastrointestinal and immune systems. Fluid administration should therefore always be accompanied by careful consideration of the risk/benefit ratio, not only of the additional volume being administered but also of th…

Citations and metrics of journals discontinued from Scopus for publication concerns: the GhoS(t)copus Project [version 2; peer review: 2 approved, 1 approved with reservations]

Background: Scopus is a leading bibliometric database. It contains a large part of the articles cited in peer-reviewed publications. The journals included in Scopus are periodically re-evaluated to ensure they meet indexing criteria and some journals might be discontinued for 'publication concerns'. Previously published articles may remain indexed and can be cited. Their metrics have yet to be studied. This study aimed to evaluate the main features and metrics of journals discontinued from Scopus for publication concerns, before and after their discontinuation, and to determine the extent of predatory journals among the discontinued journals. Methods: We surveyed the list of discontinued jo…

Respiratory support techniques to avoid desaturation in critically ill patients requiring endotracheal intubation: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract Purpose To evaluate which respiratory support method for critically ill patients undergoing endotracheal intubation (ETI) is associated with less desaturation. Methods We searched PubMed, Cochrane Library, Scopus and CINAHL databases. We included randomized (RCT) and non-randomized (non-RCT) studies investigating any method of respiratory support before/during ETI compared to a reference control. Results Apneic oxygenation (ApOx) was the most commonly investigated respiratory support technique for critically ill patients undergoing intubation (4 RCTs, 358 patients). Three of these studies investigated high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) for ApOx while standard nasal cannula was used in …

Comparative bench study evaluation of different infant interfaces for non-invasive ventilation

Abstract Background To compare, in terms of patient-ventilator interaction and performance, a new nasal mask (Respireo, AirLiquide, FR) with the Endotracheal tube (ET) and a commonly used nasal mask (FPM, Fisher and Paykel, NZ) for delivering Pressure Support Ventilation (PSV) in an infant model of Acute Respiratory Failure (ARF). Methods An active test lung (ASL 5000) connected to an infant mannequin through 3 different interfaces (Respireo, ET and FPM), was ventilated with a standard ICU ventilator set in PSV. The test lung was set to simulate a 5.5 kg infant with ARF, breathing at 50 and 60 breaths/min). Non-invasive ventilation (NIV) mode was not used and the leaks were nearly zero. Res…

Noninvasive oscillatory ventilation (NHFOV) in infants: Another brick in the wall of paediatric noninvasive ventilation?

Indication and Timing

Tracheostomy is performed in patients requiring prolonged mechanical ventilation aiming at avoiding the potential detrimental effect of a sustained translaryngeal intubation (e.g. laryngeal oedema, mucosal ulcerations). Potential benefits of tracheostomy in critically ill patients are improved comfort and reduced need for sedation, easier clearance of secretions and oral hygiene, and a possible faster weaning from mechanical ventilation. Controversy exists over optimal timing (early, tracheostomy placement compared with later time points) in patients with respiratory failure. Among the published randomised controlled trials, two large studies did not report a significant advantage of an ear…

Noninvasive ventilation for acute hypoxemic respiratory failure/ARDS: The show must go on

Adenosine triphosphate bioluminescence in intensive care units: Be careful with its use

LETTER TO EDITOR

Should we administer antifungal drugs before the diagnosis of invasive fungal infection in non-neutropenic critically ill patients?

No-touch methods of terminal cleaning in the intensive care unit: results from the first large randomized trial with patient-centred outcomes

N/A

Long-Term Ventilation in Neuromuscular Patients: Review of Concerns, Beliefs, and Ethical Dilemmas

&lt;b&gt;&lt;i&gt;Background:&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/b&gt; Noninvasive mechanical ventilation (NIV) is an effective treatment in patients with neuromuscular diseases (NMD) to improve symptoms, quality of life, and survival. &lt;b&gt;&lt;i&gt;Summary:&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/b&gt; NIV should be used early in the course of respiratory muscle involvement in NMD patients and its requirements may increase over time. Therefore, training on technical equipment at home and advice on problem solving are warranted. Remote monitoring of ventilator parameters using built-in ventilator software is recommended. Telemedicine may be helpful in reducing hospital admissions. Anticipatory planning and palliative care should be …

Additional file 2 of High flow nasal therapy versus noninvasive ventilation as initial ventilatory strategy in COPD exacerbation: a multicenter non-inferiority randomized trial

Additional file 2: Table S1: Characteristics of interventions in the high flow nasal therapy (HFNT) and noninvasive ventilation group (NIV); Table S2: Per-protocol 2 h. Patients’ characteristics in the noninvasive ventilation (NIV) and high flow nasal therapy (HFNT) groups at baseline; Table S3: Per-protocol 6 h. Patients’ characteristics in the noninvasive ventilation (NIV) and high flow nasal therapy (HFNT) groups at baseline; Figure S1: Absolute difference between HFNT and NIV treatment in mean PaCO2 reduction after 6 h (and 1-Sided 95% confidence interval), according to conducted analyses: intention-to-treat (ITT) and per-protocol on patients who completed the treatment originally alloc…

Assembly 2

Assembly 2, the home of groups “02.01: acute critical care” and “02.02: noninvasive ventilatory support”, is a growing and active assembly within the European Respiratory Society (ERS). The number of members in Assembly 2 is steadily increasing, reaching a total of 846 in 2016. The members of Assembly 2 are young, with up to 40% of the members of Assembly 2 aged <40 years, and scientifically active, with 120 accepted abstracts at the recent ERS International Congress 2106 in London. The overarching aims of Assembly 2 are to promote respiratory intensive care within ERS through educational activities (in conjunction with HERMES (Harmonised Education in Respiratory Medicine for European Speci…

Tidal volume and helmet: Is the never ending story coming to an end?

Noninvasive ventilation (NIV) has been increasingly used in acute care setting with various indications, but its use in patients with acute hypoxemic respiratory failure (AHRF) is controversial. In this setting, reliable monitoring of Vt and unintentional leaks is of the utmost importance. The aim of this article is to describe the importance of tidal volume measurement in the context of AHRF treated with NIV.

Protective Mechanical Ventilation during General Anesthesia for Open Abdominal Surgery Improves Postoperative Pulmonary Function

Abstract Background: The impact of intraoperative ventilation on postoperative pulmonary complications is not defined. The authors aimed at determining the effectiveness of protective mechanical ventilation during open abdominal surgery on a modified Clinical Pulmonary Infection Score as primary outcome and postoperative pulmonary function. Methods: Prospective randomized, open-label, clinical trial performed in 56 patients scheduled to undergo elective open abdominal surgery lasting more than 2 h. Patients were assigned by envelopes to mechanical ventilation with tidal volume of 9 ml/kg ideal body weight and zero-positive end-expiratory pressure (standard ventilation strategy) or tidal vol…

Immunocompromised patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome: Secondary analysis of the LUNG SAFE database

Background: The aim of this study was to describe data on epidemiology, ventilatory management, and outcome of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) in immunocompromised patients. Methods: We performed a post hoc analysis on the cohort of immunocompromised patients enrolled in the Large Observational Study to Understand the Global Impact of Severe Acute Respiratory Failure (LUNG SAFE) study. The LUNG SAFE study was an international, prospective study including hypoxemic patients in 459 ICUs from 50 countries across 5 continents. Results: Of 2813 patients with ARDS, 584 (20.8%) were immunocompromised, 38.9% of whom had an unspecified cause. Pneumonia, nonpulmonary sepsis, and noncardiog…

Medical simulation for ICU staff: does it influence safety of care?

Dear Editor, We read with great interest the article by Garrouste-Orgeas et al. entitled ‘‘Understanding medical errors and adverse events in ICU patients’’ [1]. In particular, two sentences caught our attention: ‘‘medical errors are the consequence of multiple actions of a whole chain of organizational and humans interaction...’’ and ‘‘leadership, trust, respect, open communication, non-punitive actions and coordination of behavior are essential for a multidisciplinary ICU team to provide safe care’’. In a teamworking setting like the ICU, shared knowledge and non-technical skills are pivotal to deliver a high quality of care and to reduce medical errors. Medical simulation has been demons…

Cardiac arrest during a diving session: A case report and differential diagnosis

: We report a case of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest occurred in a 61-year-old recreational female diver. After resuscitation, the patient was referred to the hospital. With data provided by witnesses and appropriate medical investigations, drowning related to a failed rebreather system was the most plausible explanation. Patient outcome was favorable.

What is the risk of acquiring bacteria from prior intensive care unit bed occupants?

Additional file 6: of Immunocompromised patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome: secondary analysis of the LUNG SAFE database

Table S6. Ventilator settings during the first day of ARDS in immunocompetent (Control) and immunocompromised (Study) patients, stratified by the type of ventilatory support (IMV, NIV, NIV failure). (PDF 60Â kb)

Performance of EasyBreath® Decathlon Snorkeling mask for Delivering Continuous Positive Airway Pressure

ABSTRACTBackgroundDuring the COVID-19 pandemic, the need for noninvasive respiratory support devices has dramatically increased, sometimes exceeding hospital capacity. The full-face Decathlon snorkeling mask, EasyBreath® (EB® mask), has been adapted to deliver continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) as an emergency respiratory interface. We aimed to assess the performance of this modified EB® mask.MethodsCPAP set at 5, 10, and 15 cmH2O was delivered to 10 healthy volunteers with a high-flow system generator set at 40, 80, and 120 L min-1 and with a turbine-driven ventilator during both spontaneous and loaded (resistor) breathing. Inspiratory CO2 partial pressure (PiCO2), pressure inside …

Additional file 1: of Immunocompromised patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome: secondary analysis of the LUNG SAFE database

List of LUNG SAFE investigators. Names and affiliations of the LUNG SAFE investigators. (PDF 172Â kb)

Precision and Bias of Target-Controlled Prolonged Propofol Infusion for General Anesthesia and Sedation in Neurosurgical Patients

The aim of this study was to determine the relationship, precision, and bias of a propofol target-controlled infusion (TCI) system during prolonged infusion in neurosurgical patients. We retrospectively included patients undergoing general anesthesia for elective neurosurgical removal of brain tumors and postoperative sedation in the intensive care unit over a period of 3 months. TCI of propofol (Diprifusor - Marsh model) and remifentanil were used for general anesthesia and sedation. We compared propofol blood concentration (Cmeas) measured by liquid chromatography-mass spectroscopy with predicted concentrations (Cpred) by the TCI system at 40 minutes (T0), 2 hours (T1), and 4 hours (T2) a…

Delirium: From the Operating Room to the ICU

Delirium is a transitory and reversible syndrome which is potentially avoidable; nevertheless represents the most common acute encephalic dysfunction in critically ill patients. Despite this population being daily treated by anesthesiologists in the operating rooms and by critical care physicians in the Intensive care unit, delirium remains an underdiagnosed condition that is associated with a significative increase in morbidity and mortality. Furthermore, it is associated with higher costs and length of stay.

Additional file 7: of Immunocompromised patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome: secondary analysis of the LUNG SAFE database

Figure S1. Kaplan-Meier curve for hospital survival in immunocompromised patients according to ARDS severity. Kaplan-Meier curve for hospital survival in immunocompromised patients according to ARDS severity. Mortality is defined as mortality at hospital discharge or at 90Â days after onset of acute hypoxemic respiratory failure, whichever event occurred first. We assumed that patients discharged alive from the hospital before 90Â days were alive on day 90. Severity of ARDS was evaluated at the day of onset according to the Berlin definition. Note: The number of patients reported in the bottom of figure is referred to as the end of the corresponding day. (PDF 402Â kb)

Should We Use Dexmedetomidine for Sedation in Parturients Undergoing Caesarean Section Under Spinal Anaesthesia?

Patient-Ventilator Asynchronies: Clinical Implications and Practical Solutions

Mechanical ventilation is a supportive treatment commonly applied in critically ill patients. Whenever the patient is spontaneously breathing, the pressure applied to the respiratory system depends on the sum of the pressure generated by the respiratory muscles and the pressure generated by the ventilator. Patient-ventilator interaction is of utmost importance in spontaneously breathing patients, and thus the ventilator should be able to adapt to patient's changes in ventilatory demand and respiratory mechanics. Nevertheless, a lack of coordination between patient and ventilator due to a mismatch between neural and ventilator timing throughout the respiratory cycle may make weaning difficul…

Additional file 3: of Immunocompromised patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome: secondary analysis of the LUNG SAFE database

Table S2. Factors associated with the use of noninvasive ventilation. Multivariate logistic regression model describing the factors associated with the use of noninvasive ventilation. (PDF 49Â kb)

Additional file 10: of Immunocompromised patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome: secondary analysis of the LUNG SAFE database

Table S9. The most important factors leading to death in the ICU in immunocompetent and immunocompromised patients. (PDF 44Â kb)

The right interface for the right patient in noninvasive ventilation: a systematic review

Introduction Research in the field of noninvasive ventilation (NIV) has contributed to the development of new NIV interfaces. However, interface tolerance plays a crucial role in determining the beneficial effects of NIV therapy. Areas covered This systematic review explores the most significant scientific research on NIV interfaces, with a focus on the potential impact that their design might have on treatment adherence and clinical outcomes. The rationale on the choice of the right interface among the wide variety of devices that are currently available is discussed here. Expert opinion The paradigm 'The right mask for the right patient' seems to be difficult to achieve in real life. Rang…

Physiopathological rationale of using high-flow nasal therapy in the acute and chronic setting: A narrative review

Abstract Chronic lung disease and admissions due to acute respiratory failure (ARF) are becoming increasingly common. Consequently, there is a growing focus on optimizing respiratory support, particularly non-invasive respiratory support, to manage these conditions. High flow nasal therapy (HFNT) is a noninvasive technique where humidified and heated gas is delivered through the nose to the airways via small dedicated nasal prongs at flows that are higher than the rates usually applied during conventional oxygen therapy. HFNT enables to deliver different inspired oxygen fractions ranging from 0.21 to 1. Despite having only recently become available, the use of HFNT in the adult population i…

Additional file 5: of Immunocompromised patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome: secondary analysis of the LUNG SAFE database

Table S4. Adjunctive measures/therapies during at least one day during follow-up in immunocompetent and immunocompromised patients. This table shows the proportions of adjunctive measures/therapies during at least one day during follow-up in immunocompetent and immunocompromised patients. (PDF 97Â kb)

Distribution of ventilation and oxygenation in surgical obese patients ventilated with high versus low positive end-expiratory pressure: A substudy of a randomised controlled trial

BACKGROUND Intra-operative ventilation using low/physiological tidal volume and positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) with periodic alveolar recruitment manoeuvres (ARMs) is recommended in obese surgery patients.OBJECTIVES To investigate the effects of PEEP levels and ARMs on ventilation distribution, oxygenation, haemodynamic parameters and cerebral oximetry.DESIGN A substudy of a randomised controlled trial.SETTING Tertiary medical centre in Geneva, Switzerland, between 2015 and 2018.PATIENTS One hundred and sixty-two patients with a BMI at least 35 kg per square metre undergoing elective open or laparoscopic surgery lasting at least 120 min.INTERVENTION Patients were randomised to PEEP…

Performance of EasyBreath Decathlon Snorkeling mask for delivering continuous positive airway pressure

AbstractDuring the COVID-19 pandemic, the need for noninvasive respiratory support devices has dramatically increased, sometimes exceeding hospital capacity. The full-face Decathlon snorkeling mask, EasyBreath (EB mask), has been adapted to deliver continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) as an emergency respiratory interface. We aimed to assess the performance of this modified EB mask and to test its use during different gas mixture supplies. CPAP set at 5, 10, and 15 cmH2O was delivered to 10 healthy volunteers with a high-flow system generator set at 40, 80, and 120 L min−1 and with a turbine-driven ventilator during both spontaneous and loaded (resistor) breathing. Inspiratory CO2 par…

Survival of patients with spinal muscular atrophy type 1.

BACKGROUND: Spinal muscular atrophy type 1 (SMA1) is a progressive disease and is usually fatal in the first year of life. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was performed of SMA1 patients and their outcomes according to the following choices: letting nature take its course (NT); tracheostomy and invasive mechanical ventilation (TV); continuous noninvasive respiratory muscle aid (NRA), including noninvasive ventilation; and mechanically assisted cough. RESULTS: Of 194 consecutively referred patients enrolled in this study (103 males, 91 females), NT, TV, and NRA were chosen for 121 (62.3%), 42 (21.7%), and 31 (16%) patients, respectively. Survival at ages 24 and 48 months was higher in …

Propofol sedation reduces diaphragm activity in spontaneously breathing patients: ultrasound assessment.

BACKGROUND: The diaphragm is the most important respiratory muscle in humans, and the close relationship between inspired volume and diaphragmatic movement in normal subjects has led to investigations into diaphragmatic activity using ultrasound, during spontaneous breathing and sedative drug infusion. METHODS: A total of 36 consecutive patients undergoing diagnostic procedures under deep propofol sedation were studied. Ultrasound measurements included the following: diaphragmatic thickening end-inspiration (TEI) and endexpiration (TEE). Diaphragmatic thickening fraction (DTF) was calculated from [(TEI TEE) / TEE] at various time points (at T0 basal; at T1 during propofol infusion; at T2 aw…

An intensive midsummer night’s dream

Additional file 1: of Effect of high-flow nasal therapy on dyspnea, comfort, and respiratory rate

List of included studies, search strategy, and risk of bias assessment. Detailed study methods, reference list of included studies, search strategy, risk of bias assessment. (DOCX 520 kb)

Antifungal Stewardship in Light of the Updated Evidence on Untargeted Antifungal Treatment in Critically Ill Patients

Material and Technology: Back to the Future for the Choice of Interface for Non-Invasive Ventilation – A Concise Review

Non-invasive ventilation (NIV) has dramatically changed the treatment of both acute and chronic respiratory failure in the last 2 decades. The success of NIV is correlated to the application of the “best ingredients” of a patient’s “tailored recipe,” including the appropriate choice of the selected candidate, the ventilator setting, the interface, the expertise of the team, and the education of the caregiver. The choice of the interface is crucial for the success of NIV. Type (oral, nasal, nasal pillows, oronasal, hybrid mask, helmet), size, design, material and headgears may affect the patient’s comfort with respect to many aspects, such as air leaks, claustrophobia, skin erythema, eye irr…

Palliative care in intensive care units: Why, where, what, who, when, how

Palliative care is patient and family-centered care that optimizes quality of life by anticipating, preventing, and treating suffering when “curative” therapies are futile. In the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), critically ill patients receive life-sustaining therapies with the goal of restoring or maintaining organ function. Palliative Care in the ICU is a widely discussed topic and it is increasingly applied in clinics. It encompasses symptoms control and end-of-life management, communication with relatives and setting goals of care ensuring dignity in death and decision-making power. However, effective application of Palliative Care in ICU presupposes specific knowledge and training which ane…

What Healthcare Workers Should Know about Environmental Bacterial Contamination in the Intensive Care Unit

Intensive care unit- (ICU-) acquired infections are a major health problem worldwide. Inanimate surfaces and equipment contamination may play a role in cross-transmission of pathogens and subsequent patient colonization or infection. Bacteria contaminate inanimate surfaces and equipment of the patient zone and healthcare area, generating a reservoir of potential pathogens, including multidrug resistant species. Traditional terminal cleaning methods have limitations. Indeed patients who receive a bed from prior patient carrying bacteria are exposed to an increased risk (odds ratio 2.13, 95% confidence intervals 1.62–2.81) of being colonized and potentially infected by the same bacterial spec…

Noninvasive Ventilation in Critically Ill Patients

Since its first application in the late 1980s, noninvasive ventilation (NIV) has been the first-line intervention for certain forms of acute respiratory failure. NIV may be delivered through the patient's mouth, nose, or both using noninvasive intermittent positive pressure ventilation or continuous positive airway pressure. When applied appropriately, NIV may reduce morbidity and mortality and may avert iatrogenic complications and infections associated with invasive mechanical ventilation. This article provides physicians and respiratory therapists with a comprehensive, practical guideline for using NIV in critical care. © 2015 Elsevier Inc.

Helmet continuous positive airway pressure and prone positioning: A proposal for an early management of COVID-19 patients

In late December 2019, clusters of patients with interstitial pneumonia of unknown cause were reported by some local health facilities in Wuhan (China). The Chinese Centre for Disease Control conducted an epidemiologic and etiologic investigation, leading to the identification of a novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2).1, 2 On March 11th, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) a pandemic. In the area of Wuhan, COVID-19 mainly affected male patients (around 60%), with a median age of about 50 years; 40% of patients developed Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) 5% requiring intensive care. The mortality rate was around 2%.3, 4 However, Grasselli …

Use of a real-Time training software (Laerdal QCPR®) compared to instructor-based feedback for high-quality chest compressions acquisition in secondary school students: A randomized trial

High-quality chest compressions are pivotal to improve survival from cardiac arrest. Basic life support training of school students is an international priority. The aim of this trial was to assess the effectiveness of a real-time training software (Laerdal QCPR®) compared to a standard instructor-based feedback for chest compressions acquisition in secondary school students. After an interactive frontal lesson about basic life support and high quality chest compressions, 144 students were randomized to two types of chest compressions training: 1) using Laerdal QCPR® (QCPR group– 72 students) for real-time feedback during chest compressions with the guide of an instructor who considered sof…

Additional file 9: of Immunocompromised patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome: secondary analysis of the LUNG SAFE database

Table S5. Factors associated with hospital mortality in immunocompromised patients. Multivariate logistic regression model describing the factors associated with hospital mortality in immunocompromised patients. (PDF 49Â kb)

Facepiece filtering respirators with exhalation valve should not be used in the community to limit SARS-CoV-2 diffusion.

Additional file 1 of Nasal pressure swings as the measure of inspiratory effort in spontaneously breathing patients with de novo acute respiratory failure

Additional file 1: eTable 1. Esophageal and nasal pressure swings according to acute respiratory failure etiology. Data are presented as median and interquartile ranges (IQR). eFigure 1. Pearson���s R showing correlations between ��Pes and ��Pnos at 24 hours after splitting the study population according to the NRS received. eFigure 2. Bland-Altman analysis assessing the agreement between ��Pes measured with esophageal manometry and estimated based on ��Pnos (��Pes, estimated) and computed as k����Pnos, where k is the average ratio of ��Pes to ��Pnos measured at baseline. At T2 Bland-Altman methods showed a bias of 0.1 cmH2O and 95% limits of agreement, LoA, from ���2.0 to 2.1 cmH2O (95.1% …

Additional file 2: of Choice of fluids in critically ill patients

Most relevant studies on fluids in critically ill patients discussed in the main text. Description of data: Table reporting relevant studies on fluids in critically ill patients retrieved by the systematic search (DOCX 151 kb)

Additional file 1: of Choice of fluids in critically ill patients

Output of the systematic search. Description of data: Excel table reporting the output of the systematic search (XLSX 485 kb)

Additional file 1: of Palliative care in intensive care units: why, where, what, who, when, how

Critical care physician’s most frequent questions about palliative care in ICU. The figure depicts critical care physician’s doubts facing a clinical picture of a patient where the curative plan seems no longer effective. The questions describe most frequent open question about palliative care in ICU. (TIFF 4303 kb)