Category Archives: Review

Combining O2 High Flow Nasal or Non-Invasive Ventilation with Cooperative Sedation to Avoid Intubation in Early Diffuse Severe Respiratory Distress Syndrome, Especially in Immunocompromised or COVID Patients?

DOI: 10.2478/jccm-2024-0035

This overview addresses the pathophysiology of the acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS; conventional vs. COVID), the use of oxygen high flow (HFN) vs. noninvasive ventilation (NIV; conventional vs. helmet) and a multimodal approach to avoid endotracheal intubation (“intubation”): low normal temperature, cooperative sedation, normalized systemic and microcirculation, anti-inflammation, reduced lung water, upright position, lowered intra-abdominal pressure.
Increased ventilatory muscle activity (“respiratory drive”) is observed in early ARDS, at variance with ventilatory fatigue observed in decompensated chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This increased drive leads to impending then overt ventilatory failure. Therefore, muscle relaxation presents little rationale and should be replaced by lowering the excessive respiratory drive, increased work of breathing, continued or increased labored breathing, self-induced lung injury (SILI), i.e. preserving spontaneous breathing. As CMV is a lifesaver in the setting of failure but does not heal the lung, side-effects of intubation, controlled mechanical ventilation (CMV), paralysis and deep sedation are to be avoided. Additionnally, critical care resources shortage requires practice changes.
Therefore, NIV should be routine when addressing immune-compromised patients. The SARS-CoV2 pandemics extended this approach to most patients, which are immune-compromised: elderly, obese, diabetic, etc. The early COVID is a pulmonary vascular endothelial inflammatory disease requiring lower positive-end-expiratory pressure than the typical pulmonary alveolar epithelial inflammatory diffuse ARDS. This leads one to reassess a) the technique of NIV b) the sedation regimen facilitating continuous and extended NIV to avoid intubation. Autonomic, circulatory, respiratory, ventilatory physiology is hierarchized under HFN/NIV and cooperative sedation (dexmedetomidine, clonidine). A prospective randomized pilot trial, then a larger trial are required to ascertain our working hypotheses.

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Challenges of the Regional Anesthetic Techniques in Intensive Care Units – A Narrative Review

DOI: 10.2478/jccm-2024-0023

Effective pain management is vital for critically ill patients, particularly post-surgery or trauma, as it can mitigate the stress response and positively influence morbidity and mortality rates. The suboptimal treatment of pain in Intensive Care Unit (ICU) patients is often due to a lack of education, apprehensions about side effects, and improper use of medications. Hence, the engagement of pain management and anesthesiology experts is often necessary.
While opioids have been traditionally used in pain management, their side effects make them less appealing. Local anesthetics, typically used for anesthesia and analgesia in surgical procedures, have carved out a unique and crucial role in managing pain and other conditions in critically ill patients. This work aims to offer a comprehensive overview of the role, advantages, challenges, and evolving practices related to the use of local anesthetics in ICUs. The ability to administer local anesthetics continuously makes them a suitable choice for controlling pain in the upper and lower extremities, with fewer side effects.
Epidural analgesia is likely the most used regional analgesic technique in the ICU setting. It is primarily indicated for major abdominal and thoracic surgeries, trauma, and oncology patients. However, it has contraindications and complications, so its use must be carefully weighed. Numerous challenges exist regarding critically ill patients, including renal and hepatic failure, sepsis, uremia, and the use of anticoagulation therapy, which affect the use of regional anesthesia for pain management. Appropriate timing and indication are crucial to maximizing the benefits of these methods.
The advent of new technologies, such as ultrasonography, has improved the safety and effectiveness of neuraxial and peripheral nerve blocks, making them feasible options even for heavily sedated patients in ICUs.

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Characteristics of the Cerebrospinal Fluid in Septic Patients with Critical Illness Polyneuropathy – A Retrospective Cohort Study

DOI: 10.2478/jccm-2024-0018

Background: Critical illness polyneuropathy (CIP) is a complex disease commonly occurring in septic patients which indicates a worse prognosis. Herein, we investigated the characteristics of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in septic patients with CIP.
Methods: This retrospective study was conducted between Match 1, 2018, and July 1, 2022. Patients with sepsis who underwent a CSF examination and nerve electrophysiology were included. The levels of protein, glucose, lipopolysaccharide, white blood cell (WBC), interleukin (IL)-1, IL-6, IL-8, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) α in CSF were measured. The fungi and bacteria in CSF were also assessed.
Results: Among the 175 septic patients, 116 (66.3%) patients were diagnosed with CIP. 28-day Mortality in CIP patients was higher than that in non-CIP patients (25.0% vs. 10.2%, P = 0.02) which was confirmed by survival analysis. The results of propensity score matching analysis (PSMA) indicated a significant difference in the level of protein, WBC, IL-1, IL-6, IL-8, and TNFα present in the CSF between CIP patients and non-CIP patients. The results of the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis showed that IL-1, WBC, TNFα, and their combined indicator had a good diagnostic value with an AUC > 0.8.
Conclusion: The increase in the levels of WBC, IL-1, and TNFα in CSF might be an indicator of CIP in septic patients.

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Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation as Circulatory Support in Adult Patients with Septic Shock: A Systematic Review

DOI: 10.2478/jccm-2024-0017

Introduction: The utilization of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) in adult patients experiencing septic shock is a subject of ongoing debate within the medical community. This study aims to comprehensively address this issue through a systematic review conducted in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines.
Aim of Study: The primary objective of this study is to assess the outcomes of ECMO utilization in adult patients diagnosed with septic shock, thereby providing insights into the potential benefits and uncertainties associated with this treatment modality.
Materials and Methods: Our research encompassed a thorough search across electronic databases for relevant English-language articles published up until April 2023. The inclusion criteria were based on studies reporting on ECMO usage in adult patients with septic shock. Among the eligible studies meeting these criteria, a total of eleven were included in our analysis, involving a cohort of 512 patients. The mean age of the participants was 53.4 years, with 67.38% being male.
Results: In the pooled analysis, the mean survival rate following ECMO treatment was found to vary significantly across different ECMO modalities. Patients receiving venovenous-ECMO (VV-ECMO) and veno-venous-arterial ECMO (VVA-ECMO) demonstrated higher survival rates (44.5% and 44.4%, respectively) compared to those receiving venoarterial-ECMO (VA-ECMO) at 25% (p<0.05). A chi-square test of independence indicated that the type of ECMO was a significant predictor of survival (χ²(2) = 6.63, p=0.036). Additionally, patients with septic shock stemming from respiratory failure demonstrated survival rates ranging from 39% to 70%. Predictors of mortality were identified as older age and the necessity for cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
Conclusions: In septic shock patients, ECMO outcomes align with established indications like respiratory and cardiogenic shock. VV-ECMO and VVA-ECMO suggest better prognoses, though the optimal mode remains uncertain. Patient selection should weigh age and CPR need. Further research is vital to determine ECMO’s best approach for this population.

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Feeding Intolerance in Critically Ill Patients with Enteral Nutrition: A Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review

DOI: 10.2478/jccm-2024-0007

Background: Feeding intolerance is a common yet serious complication in critically ill patients undergoing enteral nutrition. We aimed to conduct a meta-analysis to evaluate the risk factors of feeding intolerance in critically ill patients undergoing enteral nutrition, to provide insights to the clinical enteral nutrition treatment and care.
Methods: Two researchers systematically searched PubMed, Medline, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Chinanews.com, Wanfang and Weipu databases about the studies on the risk factors of feeding intolerance in severe patients with enteral nutrition up to August 15, 2023. Literature screening, data extraction and quality evaluation were carried out independently by two researchers, and Meta analysis was carried out with RevMan 5.3 software and Stata 15.0 software.
Results: 18 studies involving 5564 enteral nutrition patients were included. The results of meta-analyses showed that age < 2 years old, age > 60 years old, APACHE II score ≥ 20, Hypokalemia, starting time of enteral nutrition > 72 hours, no dietary fiber, intra-abdominal pressure > 15mmHg, central venous pressure > 10cmH2O and mechanical ventilation were the risk factors of feeding intolerance in critically ill patients undergoing EN (all P<0.05). No publication biases were found amongst the included studies.
Conclusion: The incidence of feeding intolerance in critically ill patients undergoing enteral nutrition is high, and there are many influencing factors. Clinical medical workers should take effective preventive measures according to the risk and protective factors of patients to reduce the incidence of feeding intolerance and improve the prognosis of patients.

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Kidney injury in critically ill patients with COVID-19 – From pathophysiological mechanisms to a personalized therapeutic model

DOI: 10.2478/jccm-2023-0023

Acute kidney injury is a common complication of COVID-19, frequently fuelled by a complex interplay of factors. These include tubular injury and three primary drivers of cardiocirculatory instability: heart-lung interaction abnormalities, myocardial damage, and disturbances in fluid balance. Further complicating this dynamic, renal vulnerability to a “second-hit” injury, like a SARS-CoV-2 infection, is heightened by advanced age, chronic kidney disease, cardiovascular diseases, and diabetes mellitus. Moreover, the influence of chronic treatment protocols, which may constrain the compensatory intrarenal hemodynamic mechanisms, warrants equal consideration. COVID-19-associated acute kidney injury not only escalates mortality rates but also significantly affects long-term kidney function recovery, particularly in severe instances. Thus, the imperative lies in developing and applying therapeutic strategies capable of warding off acute kidney injury and decelerating the transition into chronic kidney disease after an acute event. This narrative review aims to proffer a flexible diagnostic and therapeutic strategy that recognizes the multifaceted nature of COVID-19-associated acute kidney injury in critically ill patients and underlines the crucial role of a tailored, overarching hemodynamic and respiratory framework in managing this complex clinical condition.

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Fluids and early vasopressors in the management of septic shock: Do we have the right answers yet?

DOI: 10.2478/jccm-2023-0022

Septic shock is a common condition associated with hypotension and organ dysfunction. It is associated with high mortality rates of up to 60% despite the best recommended resuscitation strategies in international guidelines. Patients with septic shock generally have a Mean Arterial Pressure below 65 mmHg and hypotension is the most important determinant of mortality among this group of patients. The extent and duration of hypotension are important. The two initial options that we have are 1) administration of intravenous (IV) fluids and 2) vasopressors, The current recommendation of the Surviving Sepsis Campaign guidelines to administer 30 ml/kg fluid cannot be applied to all patients. Complications of fluid over-resuscitation further delay organ recovery, prolong ICU and hospital length of stay, and increase mortality. The only reason for administering intravenous fluids in a patient with circulatory shock is to increase the mean systemic filling pressure in a patient who is volume-responsive, such that cardiac output also increases. The use of vasopressors seems to be a more appropriate strategy, the very early administration of vasopressors, preferably during the first hour after diagnosis of septic shock, may have a multimodal action and potential advantages, leading to lower morbidity and mortality in the management of septic patients. Vasopressor therapy should be initiated as soon as possible in patients with septic shock.

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Awake Prone Decubitus Positioning in COVID-19 Patients: A Systematic Review and MetaAnalysis

DOI: 10.2478/jccm-2023-0014

To date, recommendations for the implementation of awake prone positioning in patients with hypoxia secondary to SARSCoV2 infection have been extrapolated from prior studies on respiratory distress. Thus, we carried out a systematic review and metaanalysis to evaluate the benefits of pronation on the oxygenation, need for endotracheal intubation (ETI), and mortality of this group of patients. We carried out a systematic search in the PubMed and Embase databases between June 2020 and November 2021. A randomeffects metaanalysis was performed to evaluate the impact of pronation on the ETI and mortality rates. A total of 213 articles were identified, 15 of which were finally included in this review. A significant decrease in the mortality rate was observed in the group of pronated patients (relative risk [RR] = 0.69; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.480.99; p = 0.044), but no significant effect was observed on the need for ETI (RR = 0.79; 95% CI: 0.631.00; p = 0.051). However, a subgroup analysis of randomized clinical trials (RCTs) did reveal a significant decrease in the need for this intervention (RR = 0.83; 95% CI: 0.710.97). Prone positioning was found to significantly reduce mortality, also diminishing the need for ETI, although this effect was statistically significant only in the subgroup analysis of RCTs. Patients’ response to awake prone positioning could be greater when this procedure is implemented early and in combination with noninvasive mechanical ventilation (NIMV) or highflow nasal cannula (HFNC) therapy.

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Therapeutic Hypothermia Following Cardiopulmonary Arrest: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis with Trial Sequential Analysis

DOI: 10.2478/jccm-2023-0015

Introduction: The risk-benefit profile of therapeutic hypothermia is controversial with several randomized controlled trials providing conflicting results. Aim of Study: The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to determine if therapeutic hypothermia provides beneficial neurologic outcomes relative to adverse effects.
Material and Methods: MEDLINE and EMBASE databases were searched for randomized controlled trials of post-cardiac arrest patients comparing therapeutic hypothermia (~33 degrees Celsius) to normothermia or the standard of care (36 – 38 degrees Celsius). Data were collected using the Covidence systematic review software. Statistical analysis was performed by Review Manager software. Risk of bias, sensitivity, and heterogeneity were analyzed using the Cochran’s Collaboration tool, trial sequential analysis (TSA) software, and I2 statistic respectively.
Results: A total of 1825 studies were screened and 5 studies (n=3614) were included. No significant differences existed between the hypothermia group and normothermia for favorable neurologic outcome (risk ratio [RR] 1.17, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.97 to 1.41) or all-cause mortality (RR 0.97, 95% CI 0.89 to 1.05). When compared to normothermia, the hypothermia group had greater risk of adverse effects (RR 1.16, 95% CI 1.04 to 1.28), which was driven by the onset of arrhythmias. Subgroup analyses revealed that therapeutic hypothermia provided greater neurologic benefit in trials with a higher percentage of subjects with shockable rhythms (RR 0.73, 95% CI 0.6 to 0.88). Trial sequential analysis revealed statistical futility for therapeutic hypothermia and favorable neurologic outcome, mortality, and adverse effects.
Conclusions: Therapeutic hypothermia does not provide consistent benefit in neurologic outcome or mortality in the general cardiac arrest population. Patients with shockable rhythms may show favorable neurologic outcome with therapeutic hypothermia and further investigation in this population is warranted. Any potential benefit associated with therapeutic hypothermia must be weighed against the increased risk of adverse effects, particularly the onset of arrhythmias.

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Post Hospital Discharge Functional Recovery of Critical Illness Survivors. Systematic Review

DOI: 10.2478/jccm-2023-0011

Background: Millions of people face critical illnesses and need to be hospitalized in an Intensive Care Unit (ICU) annually worldwide. Despite the fact that survival rates of these patients have increased, they develop various cognitive, psychological and functional impairments. This study aims to investigate the significance of the recovery interventions following intensive care unit discharge, the effectiveness of the rehabilitative protocols and their possible deficits.
Methods: MEDLINE (PubMed) and Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) were searched for studies analyzing the recovery potentials post-ICU among adults, who spent at least 48 hours at the ICU. Methodological quality of the studies was assessed via PEDro Scale.
Results: Nine randomized controlled trials were included. These took place mainly at specialized rehabilitation gyms as well as patients home environments. Studies analyses showed that treatment group showed improvement in functional ability in relation to control group. Nevertheless, differences between two groups were not statistically significant (P<0.05). The majority of studies assessed cardiorespiratory endurance and muscular strength.
Conclusions: The included rehabilitation programs were determined to be effective. Although they didn’t prove any statistically significant difference between groups, quality of life enhancements and stress reduction were reported. Hence, new randomized controlled trials are required in order to provide more accurate data on the potential benefits of rehabilitation strategies among post-ICU patients.

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