Early mobilization for mechanically ventilated patients in the intensive care unit:a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background: Early mobilization(EM) is a regimen that was carried out by physiotherapists in a relatively early stage. It has been investigated by an increasing number of researchers. However, there has not been a meta-analysis concerning whether EM could benefit the clinical outcomes of critically ill patients requiring mechanical ventilation(MV). The present systematic review aims to evaluate the effect of EM compared with immobilization for mechanically ventilated patients.Methods: A computerized literature search was performed in six databases for related articles from inception to June 2017. We included randomized controlled trials and controlled clinical trials and used the Physiotherapy Evidence Database scale to assess the quality of included studies. Primary outcomes were measures of muscle function, duration of MV, and incidence of mortality.Secondary outcomes were adverse effects and length of stay(LOS) in intensive care unit(ICU) and hospital.Results: Eight trials were included; of those, only one study without standard EM reported that the intervention was invalid to improve the outcomes. The result of meta-analysis indicated that EM shortened the duration of MV; however, it had no positive effect on mortality and LOS in ICU.Conclusions: This review suggests that EM improves the muscle function and ventilation duration. Further research highlighting standard intervention and specific groups is needed.

Application Effect of Stratified Nursing Intervention for ICU Mechanically Ventilated Patients in the Context of Aspiration Risk Assessment

Objective:To explore the application effect of stratified nursing intervention based on the background of misinspiration risk assessment in mechanically ventilated patients in intensive care unit(ICU).Methods:100 cases of mechanically ventilated patients who were admitted to the ICU of our hospital from March 2022 to March 2023 were selected and divided into an observation group and a control group according to the random number table method,with 50 cases in each of the two groups.The control group was given routine care in ICU,and the observation group was given stratified nursing interventions based on the background of the risk of aspiration assessment on the basis of the control group,and both groups were cared for until they were transferred out of the ICU,and the mechanical ventilation time,ICU stay time,muscle strength score,complication rate,adherence,and satisfaction were observed and compared between the two groups.Results:The mechanical ventilation time and ICU stay time of the observation group were shorter than that of the control group after the intervention;the muscle strength score,compliance and satisfaction of the observation group were higher than that of the control group after the intervention;and the complication rate of the observation group was lower than that of the control group after the intervention,all of which were P<0.05.Conclusion:The application of stratified nursing intervention based on the background of misaspiration risk assessment in ICU mechanically ventilated patients can improve the patient's muscle strength,shorten the time of mechanical ventilation,promote the patient's recovery,reduce the occurrence of complications,and improve the patient's compliance and satisfaction.

Analysis on the Effect of Yiqi Huoxue Decoction Combined with Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation in Improving ICU-Acquired Debility in Mechanically Ventilated Patients

Objective:To investigate the effect of Yiqi Huoxue decoction combined with neuromuscular electrical stimulation on improving intensive care unit(ICU)acquired debility in mechanically ventilated patients.Methods:50 patients who were admitted to the ICU and received mechanical ventilation treatment in our hospital from June 2022 to June 2023 and were complicated with ICU-acquired neurasthenia were selected,and randomly grouped using the randomized envelope method into two groups:control group with 25 patients who received neuromuscular electrical stimulation alone;observation group with 25 patients who received the traditional Chinese medicine Yiqi Huoxue decoction.Comparison indexes:treatment efficiency,degree of emotional recovery(APACHEⅡscore),muscle strength status(MRC score),motor status(FAC rating),and self-care ability(BI index score).Results:The treatment efficiency of patients in the observation group patients was higher as compared to those in the control group(P<0.05).There was no significant difference in the comparison of the results of the scores(ratings)of each index between the two groups before treatment(P>0.05).After the treatment,the APACHEⅡscores of patients in the observation group were significantly lower as compared to those in the control group,while the MRC scores,FAC ratings,and BI index scores were higher in the observation group than those of the control group patients(P<0.05).Conclusion:The combined application of Yiqi Huoxue decoction and neuromuscular electrical stimulation in the treatment of patients with ICU-acquired neurasthenia complicated by mechanical ventilation significantly enhanced the clinical efficacy,the patient’s muscle strength,motor status,and ability of self-care.Hence,it has high application value and is worthy to be popularized.

Incidence and risk factors of gastrointestinal bleeding in mechanically ventilated patients

The widespread use of gastrointestinal bleeding prophylaxis in critically ill patients was one of the most controversial issues. Since few studies reported the incidence of gastrointestinal bleeding in mechanically ventilated patients, this study aimed to identify the incidence and risk factors related to gastrointestinal bleeding in patients undergoing mechanical ventilation for more than 48 hours. A total of 283 IOU patients who had received mechanical ventilation for longer than 48 hours at a provincial hospital affiliated to Shandong University from January 1,2007 to December 31, 2009 were analyzed retrospectively. Those were excluded from the study if they had a history of gastrointestinal bleeding or ulceration, recent gastrointestinal surgery, brain death and active bleeding from the nose or throat. Demographic data of the patients included patient age, diagnosis on admission, duration of ICU stay, duration of ventilation, patterns and parameters of ventilation, ICU mortality, APACHE II score, multiple organ dysfunction, and indexes of biochemistry, kidney function, liver function and coagulation function. Risk factors of gastrointestinal bleeding were analyzed by univariate analysis and multiple logistic regression analysis. In the 242 patients who were given mechanical ventilation longer than 48 hours, the incidence of gastrointestinal bleeding was 46.7%. The bleeding in 3.3% of the patients was clinically significant. Significant risk factors were peak inspiratory pressure 〉30cmH2O, renal failure, liver failure, PLT count〈50xl09/L and prolonged APTT. Enteral nutrition had a beneficial effect on gastrointestinal bleeding. However, the multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that the independent risk factors of gastrointestinal bleeding were as follows： high pressure ventilator setting 〉 30cmH2O（RR=3.478, 95%CI=2.208-10.733）, renal failure（RR=1 .687, 95%CI=1.098-3.482）, PLT count〈50×10^9/L （RR=3.762, 95%CI=2.346-14.685）, and prolonged APTT（RR=5.368, 95%CI=2.487-11.266）. Enteral nutrition（RR=0.436, 95%CI= 0.346-0.764） was the independent protective factor. The incidence of gastrointestinal bleeding was high in the patients who received mechanical ventilation, and bleeding usually occurred within the first 48 hours. High pressure ventilator setting, renal failure, decreased PLT count and prolonged APTT were the significant risk factors of gastrointestinal bleeding. However, enteral nutrition was the independent protective factor.

Two mechanically ventilated cases of COVID-19 successfully managed with a sequential ventilation weaning protocol: Two case reports

BACKGROUND Patients with critical coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19),characterized by respiratory failure requiring mechanical ventilation(MV),are at high risk of mortality.An effective and practical MV weaning protocol is needed for these fragile cases.CASE SUMMARY Here,we present two critical COVID-19 patients who presented with fever,cough and fatigue.COVID-19 diagnosis was confirmed based on blood cell counts,chest computed tomography(CT)imaging,and nuclei acid test results.To address the patients’respiratory failure,they first received noninvasive ventilation(NIV).When their condition did not improve after 2 h of NIV,each patient was advanced to MV[tidal volume(Vt),6 mL/kg ideal body weight(IBW);8-10 cmH2 O of positive end-expiratory pressure;respiratory rate,20 breaths/min;and 40%-80%FiO2]with prone positioning for 12 h/day for the first 5 d of MV.Extensive infection control measures were conducted to minimize morbidity,and pharmacotherapy consisting of an antiviral,immune-enhancer,and thrombosis prophylactic was administered in both cases.Upon resolution of lung changes evidenced by CT,the patients were sequentially weaned using a weaning screening test,spontaneous breathing test,and airbag leak test.After withdrawal of MV,the patients were transitioned through NIV and high-flow nasal cannula oxygen support.Both patients recovered well.CONCLUSION A MV protocol attentive to intubation/extubation timing,prone positioning early in MV,infection control,and sequential withdrawal of respiratory support,may be an effective regimen for patients with critical COVID-19.

Effect of fenugreek(Trigonella foenum-graceum L.)seeds powder on gastrointestinal bleeding in mechanically ventilated patients:A double-blind,randomized controlled clinical trial

Background:Stress ulcers are common in mechanically ventilated patients.They are the most common cause of gastrointestinal bleeding and are primarily associated with increased the consumption of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.Despite advanced treatment,it has a high in-hospital mortality rate.This study assessed the effect of fenugreek(Trigonella foenum-graceum L.)seeds on gastrointestinal bleeding in mechanically ventilated patients.Methods:In this double-blind,randomized controlled clinical trial,60 mechanically ventilated patients hospitalized in intensive care units were equally distributed into intervention and control groups.The intervention group received 3 mg fenugreek seeds powder twice daily with a gavage solution for five days,in addition to routine treatment.The control group received only the gavage solution and routine treatment.The gastrointestinal bleeding and abdominal pain at admission and during the five days were assessed.Data were analyzed using SPSS software V.16,and the significance level was set at 0.05.Results:Gastrointestinal bleeding at admission was similar in both groups.The number of mechanically ventilated patients with gastrointestinal bleeding decreased on the third,fourth,and fifth days,but the difference was insignificant.The Cochran test results showed that the rate of stress-induced gastrointestinal bleeding in the control group increased significantly(P=.04).The decrease in gastrointestinal bleeding in the intervention group was not statistically significant(P=.08).Conclusion:The use of this drug reduces the gastrointestinal side effects of ventilated patient.Despite this,reducing gastrointestinal bleeding and similar mechanical ventilation complications in patients entirely dependent on the treating team is an important achievement.

Comparison of the Effectiveness of Marked Suction Tubes vs. Plain Suction Tubes in Pediatric Mechanically Ventilated Patients

Introduction: Endotracheal suction plays a crucial role in the management of mechanically ventilated patients. This study aims to evaluate the clinical effectiveness and safety of suction tubes with markings in mechanically ventilated pediatric patients. Materials and Methods: A randomized assignment was carried out on a cohort of 52 pediatric patients who underwent mechanical ventilation in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit at the Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, covering the period from January 2022 to December 2022. These patients were divided into two groups: an improved group (n = 26) utilizing marked suction tubes, and a regular group (n = 26) employing conventional suction tubes. The objective of our study was to evaluate the clinical effectiveness of marked suction tubes. Results: The effects of the improved group on the vital signs of children undergoing mechanical ventilation were small and statistically significant compared with the regular group (p < 0.05). Additionally, the improved group exhibited a reduced frequency of sputum suction, shorter mechanical ventilation duration, and fewer days of hospitalization in the PICU compared to the regular group during the ventilation period. Notably, the difference in the duration of PICU hospitalization was statistically significant (p < 0.05). Moreover, the incidence of adverse reactions in the improved group was notably lower, with statistically significant differences observed in airway mucous membrane damage and irritating cough when compared to the regular group (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The utilization of marked suction tubes provides clinical nurses with clear guidance for performing suctioning with ease, efficiency and safety. Consequently, advocating for the widespread implementation of marked suction tubes in clinical practice is a commendable pursuit.

Clinical profile of mechanically ventilated COVID-19 patients:A retrospective observational study from Dubai

Background:We did a retrospective analysis of critical coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)patients admitted to our intensive care unit(ICU).The objective was to evaluate the outcome,risk factors and effect of prone position in critically ill patients requiring invasive mechanical ventilation(IMV).Patients and methods:The data were collected regarding demographics,comorbidities,laboratory parameters and treatment.Logistic regression was used for analysis of the association of risk factors to the outcome.Results:From 15 March to 30 May 2020,35(59.3%)out of 59 critical COVID-19 requiring IMV were admitted to a tertiary care hospital in Dubai.The day-28 ICU mortality was 28.8% and 48.6% in patients requiring IMV.Prone position(PP)was used in 17(48.6%)patients for median duration of 19(5-20)hours with significant PaO_(2)/FiO_(2) improvement.Acute kidney injury was common(30.5%),and half of the patients required renal replacement therapy(RRT)with higher mortality(77.8%).Lactate dehydrogenase(LDH)odd ratio(OR)-1.006[95%CI-1.00-1.01],D-dimer(OR-1.003[1.000-1.000]),low total leucocyte count(OR-1.135[1.01-1.28]),and lymphopenia(OR-0.909[0.84-0.98])were independently associated with increased risk of IMV.Conclusions:IMV requirement in patients with COVID-19 is associated with higher mortality.Inflammatory markers like LDH,D-dimer,and lymphopenia can be used to predict the prognosis.The patients with COVID-19 on IMV respond significantly with prone position,and it should be considered early with a longer duration.

Impact of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease on coronavirus disease 2019: A systematic review

BACKGROUND Many studies have revealed a link between non-alcoholic fatty liver disease(NA-FLD)and coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19),making understanding the relationship between these two conditions an absolute requirement.AIM To provide a qualitative synthesis on the currently present data evaluating COVID-19 and NAFLD.METHODS This systematic review was conducted in accordance with the guidelines pro-vided by preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses and the questionnaire utilized the population,intervention,comparison,and outcome framework.The search strategy was run on three separate databases,PubMed/MEDLINE,Scopus,and Cochrane Central,which were systematically searched from inception until March 2024 to select all relevant studies.In addition,ClinicalTrials.gov,Medrxiv.org,and Google Scholar were searched to identify grey literature.RESULTS After retrieval of 11 studies,a total of 39282 patients data were pooled.Mortality was found in 11.5%and 9.4%of people in NAFLD and non-NAFLD groups.In all,23.2%of NAFLD patients and 22%of non-NAFLD admissions diagnosed with COVID-19 were admitted to the intensive care unit,with days of stay varying.Ventilatory support ranged from 5%to 40.5%in the NAFLD cohort and from 3.1%to 20%in the non-NAFLD cohort.The incidence of acute liver injury showed significance.Clinical improvement on days 7 and 14 between the two classifications was significant.Hospitalization stay ranged from 9.6 days to 18.8 days and 7.3 days to 16.4 days in the aforementioned cohorts respectively,with 73.3%and 76.3%of patients being discharged.Readmission rates varied.CONCLUSION Clinical outcomes except mortality consistently showed a worsening trend in patients with NAFLD and concomitant COVID-19.Further research in conducting prospective longitudinal studies is essential for a more powerful conclusion.

Research on an active and continuous monitoring system for human respiratory system

Continuous and dynamic measurements of human respiratory parameters are very important for vital diseases of respiratory system during mechanical ventilation. This paper analyzed the structure and mechanical properties of the human respiratory system, and designed an active intervening monitoring micro system for it. The mobile mechanism of the micro system is soft and earthworm-like movement actuated by pneumatic rubber actuator, the measurement and therapy unit of the system is an extensible mechanism with sensors in the front. The micro monitoring system can move in respiratory tract and measure the respiratory parameters in bronchium continuously. Experiments had been done in swine＇s respiratory tract, the results proved that the micro robot system could measure the respiratory parameters in real-time successfully and its movement was smith in swine＇s respiratory tract.

Digestive system involvement and clinical outcomes among COVID-19 patients:A retrospective cohort study from Qatar

BACKGROUND Coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 virus most commonly presents with respiratory symptoms.While gastrointestinal(GI)manifestations either at presentation or during hospitalization are also common,their impact on clinical outcomes is controversial.Some studies have described worse outcomes in COVID-19 patients with GI symptoms,while others have shown either no association or a protective effect.There is a need for consistent standards to describe GI symptoms in COVID-19 patients and to assess their effect on clinical outcomes,including mortality and disease severity.AIM To investigate the prevalence of GI symptoms in hospitalized COVID-19 patients and their correlation with disease severity and clinical outcomes.METHODS We retrospectively reviewed 601 consecutive adult COVID-19 patients requiring hospitalization between May 1-15,2020.GI symptoms were recorded at admission and during hospitalization.Demographic,clinical,laboratory,and treatment data were retrieved.Clinical outcomes included all-cause mortality,disease severity at presentation,need for intensive care unit(ICU)admission,development of acute respiratory distress syndrome,and need for mechanical ventilation.Multivariate logistic regression model was used to identify independent predictors of the adverse outcomes.RESULTS The prevalence of any GI symptom at admission was 27.1%and during hospitalization was 19.8%.The most common symptoms were nausea(98 patients),diarrhea(76 patients),vomiting(73 patients),and epigastric pain or discomfort(69 patients).There was no difference in the mortality between the two groups(6.21%vs 5.5%,P=0.7).Patients with GI symptoms were more likely to have severe disease at presentation(33.13%vs 22.5%,P<0.001)and prolonged hospital stay(15 d vs 14 d,P=0.04).There was no difference in other clinical outcomes,including ICU admission,development of acute respiratory distress syndrome,or need for mechanical ventilation.Drugs associated with the development of GI symptoms during hospitalization were ribavirin(diarrhea 26.37%P<0.001,anorexia 17.58%,P=0.02),hydroxychloroquine(vomiting 28.52%,P=0.009)and lopinavir/ritonavir(nausea 32.65%P=0.049,vomiting 31.47%P=0.004,and epigastric pain 12.65%P=0.048).In the multivariate regression analysis,age>65 years was associated with increased mortality risk[odds ratio(OR)7.53,confidence interval(CI):3.09-18.29,P<0.001],ICU admission(OR:1.79,CI:1.13-2.83,P=0.012),and need for mechanical ventilation(OR:1.89,CI:1.94-2.99,P=0.007).Hypertension was an independent risk factor for ICU admission(OR:1.82,CI:1.17-2.84,P=0.008)and need for mechanical ventilation(OR:1.66,CI:1.05-2.62,P=0.028).CONCLUSION Patients with GI symptoms are more likely to have severe disease at presentation;however,mortality and disease progression is not different between the two groups.

Effectiveness of daily interruption of sedation in sedated patients with mechanical ventilation in ICU: A systematic review

Purpose:To evaluate the effectiveness of daily sedation interruption in patients with mechanical ventilation in intensive care unit(ICU).Methods:The randomized controlled trials(RCTs)on the application of daily interruption of sedation in sedated patients with mechanical ventilation in ICU were collected through databases including Cochrane library,MEDLINE,Web of Knowledge,Embase,CNKI,CBM and VIP Data.Two reviewers independently assessed the quality of studies and extracted the data.Meta-analysis was conducted on the included studies.Results:Eight RCTs involving 757 patients were included.The daily sedation interruptions could shorten the duration of mechanical ventilation(Z=5.36,p<0.0001),length of stay(Z=2.93,p=0.003<0.05)and reduce the rate of tracheotomy(Z=3.97,p<0.00001)in these patients.Additionally,daily sedation interruption was not associated with increased rate of unplanned extubation by the patients(Z=0.53,p=0.6<0.05).Conclusion:The application of daily interruption of sedation in patients with mechanical ventilation in ICU is safe and effective.

Effect of preoperative inspiratory muscle training on postoperative outcomes in patients undergoing cardiac surgery:A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND Cardiovascular disease is the most prevalent disease worldwide and places a great burden on the health and economic welfare of patients.Cardiac surgery is an important way to treat cardiovascular disease,but it can prolong mechanical ventilation time,intensive care unit(ICU)stay,and postoperative hospitalization for patients.Previous studies have demonstrated that preoperative inspiratory muscle training could decrease the incidence of postoperative pulmonary complications.AIM To explore the effect of preoperative inspiratory muscle training on mechanical ventilation time,length of ICU stay,and duration of postoperative hospitalization after cardiac surgery.METHODS A literature search of PubMed,Web of Science,Cochrane Library,EMBASE,China National Knowledge Infrastructure,WanFang,and the China Science and Technology journal VIP database was performed on April 13,2022.The data was independently extracted by two authors.The inclusion criteria were:(1)Randomized controlled trial;(2)Accessible as a full paper;(3)Patients who received cardiac surgery;(4)Preoperative inspiratory muscle training was implemented in these patients;(5)The study reported at least one of the following:Mechanical ventilation time,length of ICU stay,and/or duration of postoperative hospitalization;and(6)In English language.RESULTS We analyzed six randomized controlled trials with a total of 925 participants.The pooled mean difference of mechanical ventilation time was-0.45 h[95%confidence interval(CI):-1.59-0.69],which was not statistically significant between the intervention group and the control group.The pooled mean difference of length of ICU stay was 0.44 h(95%CI:-0.58-1.45).The pooled mean difference of postoperative hospitalization was-1.77 d in the intervention group vs the control group[95%CI:-2.41-(-1.12)].CONCLUSION Preoperative inspiratory muscle training may decrease the duration of postoperative hospitalization for patients undergoing cardiac surgery.More high-quality studies are needed to confirm our conclusion.

Predictive value of diaphragm ultrasound for mechanical ventilation outcome in patients with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

BACKGROUND Acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(AECOPD)is often combined with respiratory failure,which increases the patient's morbidity and mortality.Diaphragm ultrasound(DUS)has developed rapidly in the field of critical care in recent years.Studies with DUS monitoring diaphragm-related rapid shallow breathing index have demonstrated important results in guiding intensive care unit patients out of the ventilator.Early prediction of the indications for withdrawal of non-invasive ventilator and early evaluation of patients to avoid or reduce disease progression are very important.AIM To explore the predictive value of DUS indexes for non-invasive ventilation outcome in patients with AECOPD.METHODS Ninety-four patients with AECOPD who received mechanical ventilation in our hospital from January 2022 to December 2023 were retrospectively analyzed,and they were divided into a successful ventilation group(68 cases)and a failed ventilation group(26 cases)according to the outcome of ventilation.The clinical data of patients with successful and failed noninvasive ventilation were compared,and the independent predictors of noninvasive ventilation outcomes in AECOPD patients were identified by multivariate logistic regression analysis.RESULTS There were no significant differences in gender,age,body mass index,complications,systolic pressure,heart rate,mean arterial pressure,respiratory rate,oxygen saturation,partial pressure of oxygen,oxygenation index,or time of inspiration between patients with successful and failed mechanical ventilation(P>0.05).The patients with successful noninvasive ventilation had shorter hospital stays and lower partial pressure of carbon dioxide(PaCO_(2))than those with failed treatment,while potential of hydrogen(pH),diaphragm thickening fraction(DTF),diaphragm activity,and diaphragm movement time were significantly higher than those with failed treatment(P<0.05).pH[odds ratio(OR)=0.005,P<0.05],PaCO_(2)(OR=0.430,P<0.05),and DTF(OR=0.570,P<0.05)were identified to be independent factors influencing the outcome of mechanical ventilation in AECOPD patients.CONCLUSION The DUS index DTF can better predict the outcome of non-invasive ventilation in AECOPD patients.

Driving pressure in mechanical ventilation:A review

Driving pressure(ΔP)is a core therapeutic component of mechanical ventilation(MV).Varying levels ofΔP have been employed during MV depending on the type of underlying pathology and severity of injury.However,ΔP levels have also been shown to closely impact hard endpoints such as mortality.Considering this,conducting an in-depth review ofΔP as a unique,outcome-impacting therapeutic modality is extremely important.There is a need to understand the subtleties involved in making sureΔP levels are optimized to enhance outcomes and minimize harm.We performed this narrative review to further explore the various uses ofΔP,the different parameters that can affect its use,and how outcomes vary in different patient populations at different pressure levels.To better utilizeΔP in MV-requiring patients,additional large-scale clinical studies are needed.

Effect of music therapy on short-term psychological and physiological outcomes in mechanically ventilated patients:A randomized clinical pilot study

Background:Elevated anxiety levels are common in patients on mechanical ventilation(MV)and may challenge recovery.Research suggests music-based interventions may reduce anxiety during MV.However,studies inves-tigating specific music therapy techniques,addressing psychological and physiological well-being in patients on MV,are scarce.Methods:This three-arm randomized clinical pilot study was conducted with MV patients admitted to the intensive care unit(ICU)of Hospital San Joséin Bogotá,Colombia between March 7,2022,and July 11,2022.Patients were divided into three groups:intervention group 1(IG1),music-assisted relaxation;intervention group 2(IG2),patient-preferred therapeutic music listening;and control group(CG),standard care.The main outcome measure was the 6-item State-Anxiety Inventory.Secondary outcomes were:pain(measured with a visual analog scale),resilience(measured with the Brief Resilience Scale),agitation/sedation(measured with the Richmond Agitation-Sedation Scale),vital signs(including heart rate,blood pressure,oxygen saturation,and respiratory rate),days of MV,extubation success,and days in the ICU.Additionally,three patients underwent electroencephalography during the interventions.Results:Data from 23 patients were analyzed in this study.The age range of the patients was 24.0-84.0 years,with a median age of 66.0 years(interquartile range:57.0-74.0).Of the 23 patients,19 were female(82.6%).No statistically significant differences between the groups were observed for anxiety(P=0.330),pain(P=0.624),resilience(P=0.916),agitation/sedation(P=0.273),length of ICU stay(P=0.785),or vital signs.A statistically significant difference between the groups was found for days of MV(P=0.019).Electroencephalography mea-surements showed a trend toward delta and theta band power decrease for two patients and a power increase on both beta frequencies(slow and fast)in the frontal areas of the brain for one patient.Conclusions:In this pilot study,music therapy did not significantly affect the anxiety levels in patients on MV.However,the interventions were widely accepted by the staff,patients,and caregivers and were safe,considering the critical medical status of the participants.Further large-scale randomized controlled trials are needed to investigate the potential benefits of music therapeutic interventions in this population.

Prognostic value of time-varying dead space estimates in mechanically ventilated patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome

Background The dead space fraction(VD/VT)has proven to be a powerful predictor of higher mortality in acute respiratory distress syndrome(ARDS).However,its measurement relies on expired carbon dioxide,limiting its widespread application in clinical practice.Several estimates employing routine variables have been found to be reliable substitutes for direct measurement of VD/VT.In this study,we evaluated the prognostic value of these dead space estimates obtained in the first 7 days following the initiation of ventilation.Methods This retrospective observational study was conducted using data from the Chinese database in intensive care(CDIC).Eligible participants were adult ARDS patients receiving invasive mechanical ventilation while in the intensive care unit between 1st January 2014 and 31st March 2021.We collected data during the first 7 days of ventilation to calculate various dead space estimates,including ventilatory ratio(VR),corrected minute ventilation(V_(Ecorr)),VD/VT(Harris–Benedict),VD/VT(Siddiki estimate),and VD/VT(Penn State estimate)longitudinally.A time-dependent Cox model was used to handle these time-varying estimates.Results A total of 392 patients(median age 66[interquartile range:55–77]years,median SOFA score 9[interquartile range:7–12])were finally included in our analysis,among whom 132(33.7%)patients died within 28 days of admission.VR(hazard ratio[HR]=1.04 per 0.1 increase,95%confidence interval[CI]:1.01 to 1.06;P=0.013),V_(Ecorr)(HR=1.08 per 1 increase,95%CI:1.04 to 1.12;P<0.001),VD/VT(Harris–Benedict)(HR=1.25 per 0.1 increase,95%CI:1.06 to 1.47;P=0.006),and VD/VT(Penn State estimate)(HR=1.22 per 0.1 increase,95%CI:1.04 to 1.44;P=0.017)remained significant after adjustment,while VD/VT(Siddiki estimate)(HR=1.10 per 0.1 increase,95%CI:1.00 to 1.20;P=0.058)did not.Given a large number of negative values,VD/VT(Siddiki estimate)and VD/VT(Penn State estimate)were not recommended as reliable substitutes.Long-term exposure to VR>1.3,V_(Ecorr)>7.53,and VD/VT(Harris–Benedict)>0.59 was independently associated with an increased risk of mortality in ARDS patients.These findings were validated in the fluid and catheter treatment trial(FACTT)database.Conclusions In cases where VD/VT cannot be measured directly,early time-varying estimates of VD/VT such as VR,,V_(Ecorr),and VD/VT(Harris–Benedict)can be considered for predicting mortality in ARDS patients,offering a rapid bedside application.

Effect of early stepwise cardiopulmonary rehabilitation on function and quality of life in sepsis patients

BACKGROUND Sepsis,as a non-limiting host infection disease,can be accompanied by serious complications such as organ failure,which seriously threatens patient quality of life.AIM To investigate the effect of early stepwise cardiopulmonary rehabilitation on cardiopulmonary function and quality of life in patients evacuated from mechanical ventilation with sepsis.METHODS A total of 80 patients with sepsis who were hospitalized in our hospital from January 2021 to January 2022 were selected and divided into the observation group(n=40)and the control group(n=40)according to the random number table method.The observation group was treated with early stepwise cardiopulmonary rehabilitation,and the control group was treated with a conventional treatment regimen.Cardiac function indexes(central venous pressure,cardiac troponin I,B-type brain natriuretic peptide),lung function indicators(diaphragmatic mobility,changes in central venous oxygen saturation,oxygenation index),and quality of life(Quality of Life Evaluation Scale)were compared between the two groups after treatment.RESULTS After treatment,the central venous pressure,diaphragm mobility,central venous oxygen saturation,oxygenation index,and Quality of Life Evaluation Scale scores in the observation group were higher than those in the control group,and the differences were statistically significant(P<0.05).The observation group was less than that of the control group for other parameters,and the differences were statistically significant(P<0.05).CONCLUSION Early stepwise cardiopulmonary rehabilitation can effectively enhance cardiac and pulmonary function and improve the quality of life in patients evacuated from mechanical ventilation with sepsis.

Role of diaphragmatic ultrasound in patients with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Assessing diaphragm function status is vital for diagnosing and treating acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(AECOPD).Diaphrag-matic ultrasound has become increasingly important due to its non-invasive nature,absence of radiation exposure,widespread availability,prompt results,high accuracy,and repeatability at the bedside.The diaphragm is a crucial respiratory muscle.Decline or dysfunction of the diaphragm can lead to dyspnea and even respiratory failure in AECOPD patients.In this editorial,we comment on an article,retrospectively analyzed ninety-four acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients who received mechanical ventilation from January 2022 to December 2023.The study found that the diaphragm thickening fraction,an index from diaphragm ultrasound,can better predict the outcome of non-invasive ventilation in patients with AECOPD.The value of non-invasive ventilation in treating respiratory failure caused by AECOPD has been widely acknowledged.Diaphragmatic dysfunction diagnosed with ultrasound is asso-ciated with prolonged mechanical ventilation and weaning times and higher mortality.

Brain protective effect of dexmedetomidine vs propofol for sedation during prolonged mechanical ventilation in non-brain injured patients

BACKGROUND Dexmedetomidine and propofol are two sedatives used for long-term sedation.It remains unclear whether dexmedetomidine provides superior cerebral protection for patients undergoing long-term mechanical ventilation.AIM To compare the neuroprotective effects of dexmedetomidine and propofol for sedation during prolonged mechanical ventilation in patients without brain injury.METHODS Patients who underwent mechanical ventilation for>72 h were randomly assigned to receive sedation with dexmedetomidine or propofol.The Richmond Agitation and Sedation Scale(RASS)was used to evaluate sedation effects,with a target range of-3 to 0.The primary outcomes were serum levels of S100-βand neuron-specific enolase(NSE)every 24 h.The secondary outcomes were remifentanil dosage,the proportion of patients requiring rescue sedation,and the time and frequency of RASS scores within the target range.RESULTS A total of 52 and 63 patients were allocated to the dexmedetomidine group and propofol group,respectively.Baseline data were comparable between groups.No significant differences were identified between groups within the median duration of study drug infusion[52.0(IQR:36.0-73.5)h vs 53.0(IQR:37.0-72.0)h,P=0.958],the median dose of remifentanil[4.5(IQR:4.0-5.0)μg/kg/h vs 4.6(IQR:4.0-5.0)μg/kg/h,P=0.395],the median percentage of time in the target RASS range without rescue sedation[85.6%(IQR:65.8%-96.6%)vs 86.7%(IQR:72.3%-95.3),P=0.592],and the median frequency within the target RASS range without rescue sedation[72.2%(60.8%-91.7%)vs 73.3%(60.0%-100.0%),P=0.880].The proportion of patients in the dexmedetomidine group who required rescue sedation was higher than in the propofol group with statistical significance(69.2%vs 50.8%,P=0.045).Serum S100-βand NSE levels in the propofol group were higher than in the dexmedetomidine group with statistical significance during the first six and five days of mechanical ventilation,respectively(all P<0.05).CONCLUSION Dexmedetomidine demonstrated stronger protective effects on the brain compared to propofol for long-term mechanical ventilation in patients without brain injury.