Recovery from respiratory failure after decompression laparotomy for severe acute pancreatitis

We present three cases of patients (at the age of 56 years, 49 years and 74 years respectively) with severe acute pancreatitis (SAP), complicated by intra-abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS) and respiratory insufficiency with limitations of mechanical ventilation. The respiratory situation of the patients was significantly improved after decompression laparotomy (DL) and lung protective ventilation was re-achieved. ACS was discussed followed by a short review of the literature. Our cases show that DL may help patients with SAP to recover from severe respiratory failure.

Clinical characteristics and outcomes associated with nasal intermittent mandatory ventilation in acute pediatric respiratory failure

AIM To characterize the clinical course and outcomes of nasal intermittent mandatory ventilation(NIMV) use in acute pediatric respiratory failure.METHODS We identified all patients treated with NIMV in the pediatric intensive care unit(PICU) or inpatient general pediatrics between January 2013 and December 2015 at two academic centers.Patients who utilized NIMV with other modes of noninvasive ventilation during the same admission were included.Data included demographics,vital signs on admission and prior to initiation of NIMV,pediatric risk of mortality Ⅲ(PRIsM-Ⅲ) scores,complications,respiratory support characteristics,PICU and hospital length of stays,duration of respiratory support,and complications.Patients who did not require escalation to mechanical ventilation were defined as NIMV responders;those who required escalation to mechanical ventilation(MV) were defined as NIMV nonresponders.NIMV responders were compared to NIMV non-responders.RESULTS Forty-two patients met study criteria.six(14%) failed treatment and required MV.The majority of the patients(74%) had a primary diagnosis of bronchiolitis.The median age of these 42 patients was 4 mo(range 0.5-28.1 mo,IQR 7,P = 0.69).No significant difference was measured in other baseline demographics and vitals on initiation of NIMV;these included age,temperature,respiratory rate,O2 saturation,heart rate,systolic blood pressure,diastolic blood pressure,and PRIsM-Ⅲ scores.The duration of NIMV was shorter in the NIMV nonresponder vs NIMV responder group(6.5 h vs 65 h,P < 0.0005).Otherwise,NIMV failure was not associated with significant differences in PICU length of stay(LOs),hospital LOs,or total duration of respiratory support.No patients had aspiration pneumonia,pneumothorax,or skin breakdown.CONCLUSION Most of our patients responded to NIMV.NIMV failure is not associated with differences in hospital LOs,PICU LOs,or duration of respiratory support.

Application of non-invasive ventilator in the treatment of acute heart failure merged with respiratory failure in ICU

Objective:To observe the application effect of non-invasive ventilator in the treatment of acute heart failure merged with respiratory failure in ICU.Methods:A total of 80 patients with acute heart failure merged with respiratory failure who were admitted in ICU from January, 2015 to January, 2016 were included in the study and randomized into the observation group and the control group with 40 cases in each group. The patients in the two groups were given routine treatments after admission. On this basis, the patients in the observation group were given non-invasive ventilator. The patients in the control group were given continuous low flow oxygen inhalation. PaO2, pH, PaCO2, SaO2, and PaO2/FiO2 before and after treatment between the two groups were compared. The serum NT-pro BNP and cTnI levels before treatment, 24 h and 48 h after treatment in the two groups were compared.Results:The comparison of PaO2, pH, PaCO2, SaO2, and PaO2/FiO2 before treatment between the two groups was not statistically significant. PaO2, pH, SaO2, and PaO2/FiO2 after treatment in the two groups were significantly elevated, while PaCO2 was significantly reduced when compared with before treatment. PaO2, pH, SaO2, and PaO2/FiO2 after treatment in the observation group were significantly higher than those in the control group, while PaCO2 was significantly lower than that in the control group. The comparison of NT-pro BNP and cTnI levels before treatment between the two groups was not statistically significant. NT-pro BNP and cTnI levels 12 h and 24 h after treatment in the two groups were significantly elevated when compared with before treatment. NT-pro BNP and cTnI levels 12 h and 24 h after treatment in the observation group were significantly lower than those in the control group.Conclusions:Non-invasive ventilator in the treatment of acute heart failure merged with respiratory failure can effectively improve the ventilation function, reduce NT-pro BNP and cTnI levels, and is of great significance in enhancing the rescued effect.

Predictive correlation test of acute respiratory failure in children with hand foot mouth disease

Objective:To investigate the predictive correlation test of acute respiratory failure in children with hand foot mouth disease (HFMD).Methods: Selected from our hospital June 2014 to June 2017 HFMD incidence of acute respiratory failure in 31 cases as a observation group;Selected from our hospital same period HFMD patients without acute respiratory failure in 35 cases as the control group;the other is selected from healthy children 40 cases as normal group. There were collected three groups peripheral venous blood 2 mL, and serum was isolated. Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay was used for the determination of IL-6. The content of CRP was measured by Backman OLYMPUS AU640 automatic biochemical analyzer. The contents of creatine kinase (CK), creatine kinase isozyme (CK-MB) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were determined by Backman OLYMPUS AU640 automatic biochemical analyzer. The content of troponin I (cTnI) was measured by Backman ACCESS2 chemiluminescence immunoanalyzer.Results:The serum levels of IL-6, CRP, CK, CK-MB, LDH and cTnI in the observation group were higher than those in the control group and the normal group. After treatment serum levels of IL-6, CRP, CK, CK-MB, LDH and cTnI were lower than those before treatment, and there were statistically significant differences.Conclusion: serum IL-6, CRP index and serum CK, CK-MB, LDH and cTnI indexes can be used as indicators for the prediction of acute respiratory failure in children with hand foot mouth disease, and have important clinical significance.

Clinical outcomes of isolated renal failure compared to other forms of organ failure in patients with severe acute pancreatitis

To assess differences in clinical outcomes of isolated renal failure (RF) compared to other forms of organ failure (OF) in patients with severe acute pancreatitis (SAP). METHODSUsing a prospectively maintained database of patients with acute pancreatitis admitted to a tertiary medical center between 2003 and 2016, those with evidence of persistent OF were classified to renal, respiratory, cardiovascular, or multi-organ (2 or more organs). Data regarding demographics, comorbidities, etiology of acute pancreatitis, and clinical outcomes were prospectively recorded. Differences in clinical outcomes after development of isolated RF in comparison to other forms of OF were determined using independent t and Mann-Whitney U tests for continues variables, and χ2 test for discrete variables. RESULTSAmong 500 patients with acute pancreatitis, 111 patients developed persistent OF: mean age was 54 years, and 75 (67.6%) were male. Forty-three patients had isolated OF: 17 (15.3%) renal, 25 (21.6%) respiratory, and 1 (0.9%) patient with cardiovascular failure. No differences in demographics, etiology of acute pancreatitis, systemic inflammatory response syndrome scores, or development of pancreatic necrosis were seen between patients with isolated RF vs isolated respiratory failure. Patients with isolated RF were less likely to require nutritional support (76.5% vs 96%, P = 0.001), ICU admission (58.8% vs 100%, P = 0.001), and had shorter mean ICU stay (2.4 d vs 15.7 d, P < 0.001), compared to isolated respiratory failure. None of the patients with isolated RF or isolated respiratory failure died. CONCLUSIONAmong patients with SAP per the Revised Atlanta Classification, approximately 15% develop isolated RF. This subgroup seems to have a less protracted clinical course compared to other forms of OF. Isolated RF might be weighed less than isolated respiratory failure in risk predictive modeling of acute pancreatitis.

Effects of low molecular weight heparin on the function of blood coagulation and serum levels of TNF-α, CK-MB, CRP of patients with acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases and respiratory failur

Objective:To study the effects of low molecular weight heparin on the function of blood coagulation and serum levels of tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α), creatine kinase isoenzyme (CK-MB), C-reactive protein (CRP) of patients with acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases and respiratory failure.Methods:A total of 80 patients with acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases and respiratory failure in our hospital from June 2014 to October 2016 were enrolled in this study. The subjects were divided into the control group (n=40) and the treatment group (n=40) randomly. The control group were treated with conventional treatment, the treatment group were treated with the conventional treatment combined with low molecular weight heparin. The two groups were treated for 7 d. The D-dimer (D-D), fibrinogen (FBG), pro thrombin time (PT), thrombin time (TT), TNF-α, CK-MB and CRP of the two groups before and after treatment were compared.Results:There were no significantly differences of the blood levels of D-D, FBG, PT and TT of the two groups before treatment. After treatment, the blood levels of D-D and FBG of the two groups were significantly lower than before treatment, and that of the treatment group were significantly lower than the control group, the PT and TT of the two groups were significantly higher than before treatment, and that of the treatment group were significantly higher than the control group. There were no significantly differences of the serum levels of the TNF-α, CK-MB and CRP of the two groups before treatment. After treatment, the serum levels of the TNF-α, CK-MB and CRP of the two groups were significantly lower than before treatment, and that of the treatment group were significantly lower than the control group.Conclusion:Low molecular weight heparin can significantly reduce the inflammatory factors of the patients with acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases and respiratory failure, can alleviath the patients conditions and reduce the myocardial damage.

Analyzing risk factors for postoperative acute renal failure requiring dialysis after valve surgery

Objective To evaluate risk factors for postoperative acute renal failure requiring dialysis (ARF-D) after hear valve surgery. Methods Adult patients (age≤18 years) underwent valve surgery with preoperative serum creati nine 【 300 μmol / L were included between January 2005 and December 2008. Fifty patients developed ARF-D

Uniphyline-Induced Hypophosphatemia: A Rare Etiology of Severe Respiratory Failure

Hypophosphataemia is defined as low level of phosphate in the blood (normal range 0.8 - 1.4 mmol/l), which can be drug-induced such as uniphyline. We present a case of elderly female patient with known chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, admitted with acute respiratory failure and low serum phosphate level, her clinical signs and serum phosphate level did not improve with conventional therapy and intravenous phosphate replacement, until her recently commenced uniphyline was discontinued. This highlights the importance of awareness amongst the clinicians about this rare but potential side effect of uniphyline. We suggest monitoring phosphate levels in patients admitted with acute respiratory failure especially those on extended bronchodilator therapy.

A Case of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) Coronavirus 2 in Pregnancy: A Multidisciplinary Approach

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-COV-2) is a truly novel, multifaceted disease that has negatively impacted the lives of many including the pregnant women. We present a 34-year-old pregnant patient at 35 weeks with SARS-COV-2 requiring emergent cesarean section under general endotracheal anesthesia and a prolonged postoperative course in the ICU with multiple end organ function derangement of this disease. After nearly 1 month, she was discharged home. Her baby did not have any manifestations of SARS-COV-2 and was able to go home after 5 days.

Application of fiberoptic bronchscopy in patients with acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease during sequential weaning of invasive-noninvasive mechanical ventilation

BACKGROUND:Early withdrawal of invasive mechanical ventilation(IMV) followed by noninvasive MV(NIMV) is a new strategy for changing modes of treatment in patients with acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(AECOPD) with acute respiratory failure(ARF).Using pulmonary infection control window(PIC window) as the switch point for transferring from invasive to noninvasive MV,the time for early extubation can be more accurately judged,and therapy efficacy can be improved.This study aimed to prospectively investigate the clinical effectiveness of fiberoptic bronchscopy(FOB) in patients with AECOPD during sequential weaning of invasive-noninvasive MV.METHODS:Since July 2006 to January 2011,106 AECOPD patients with ARF were treated with comprehensive medication and IMV after hospitalization.Patients were randomly divided into two groups according to whether fiberoptic bronchoscope is used(group A,n=54) or not(group B,n=52) during sequential weaning from invasive to noninvasive MV.In group A,for sputum suction and bronchoalveolar lavage(BAL),a fiberoptic bronchoscope was put into the airway from the outside of an endotracheal tube,which was accompanied with uninterrupted use of a ventilator.After achieving PIC window,patients of both groups changed to NIMV mode,and weaned from ventilation.The following listed indices were used to compare between the groups after treatment:1) the occurrence time of PIC,the duration of MV,the length of ICU stay,the success rate of weaning from MV for the first time,the rate of reventilatJon and the occurrence rate of ventilator-associated pneumonia(VAP);2) the convenience and safety of FOB manipulation.The results were compared using Student's f test and the Chi-square test.RESULTS:The occurrence time of PIC was(5.01 ±1.49) d,(5.87±1.87) d in groups A and B,respectively(P<0.05);the duration of MV was(6.98±1.84) d,(8.69±2.41) d in groups A and B,respectively(P<0.01);the length of ICU stay was(9.25±1.84) d,(11.10±2.63) d in groups A and B,respectively(P<0.01);the success rate of weaning for the first time was 96.30%,76.92%in groups A and B,respectively(P<0.01);the rate of reventilation was 5.56%,19.23%in groups A and B,respectively(P<0.05);and the occurrence rate of VAP was 3.70%,23.07%in groups A and B,respectively(P<0.01).Moreover,it was easy and safe to manipulate FOB,and no side effect was observed.CONCLUSIONS:The application of FOB in patients with AECOPD during sequential weaning of invasive-noninvasive MV is effective in ICU.It can decrease the duration of MV and the length of ICU stay,increase the success rate from weaning MV for the first time,reduce the rate of reventilation and the occurrence rate of VAP.In addition,such a method is convenient and safe in patients of this kind.

Lung ultrasound for the early diagnosis of acute lung injury:A case report

BACKGROUND The extensive availability of ultrasound(US)technology has increased its use for point-of-care applications in many health care settings.During anaesthesia and surgery,acute respiratory failure or pulmonary oedema are common lifethreatening events that,if not recognized and treated appropriately,result in a high mortality rate.CASE SUMMARY We report a patient under anaesthesia whose lung US examination showed multiple vertical artefacts(B-lines)in the lung tissue,indicating pulmonary oedema.The respiratory state improved with the resolution of the pulmonary oedema after our treatment.CONCLUSION We believe that US of the lungs may be a useful tool for dynamic respiratory monitoring at the bedside during anaesthesia.

A case of calciphylaxis and acute myeloid leukemia: A previously unreported association

Calciphylaxis is a condition of induced hypersensitivity in which tissues respond to challenge agents with local calcification. This article reports the first known case of diffuse calciphylaxis associated with acute myeloid leukemia resulting in death from hypoxic respiratory failure and refractory hypotension.

A 60-Year-Male Post Corneal Transplantation with Acute Pneumonia

Pneumonia is a common complication in organ transplantation patients. Multiple respiratory pathogens such as bacteria, viruses and fungi are potentially coexisted. A 60-year-old male with left eye post corneal transplantation developed acute severe pneumonia caused by Pneumocystis jiroveci (PJP) coinfection with Nocardia spp. and Cytomegalovirus (CMV). He was hospitalized due to acute respiratory failure. Chest radiographs and chest Computed Tomography (CT) revealed extensive ground-glass opacities. PJP was diagnosed from Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid (BALF). The pneumonia was persistent despite of receiving intravenous cotrimoxazole. Tracheal aspirate showed faint gram-positive filamentous beaded branching organisms. Consequently Nocardia spp. was proven. Intravenous cotrimoxazole was continued and intravenous imipenem was added. After a course of dual antibiotics, pneumonia was gradually improved. A week after, he developed the worsened acute respiratory failure. The bronchoscopy was performed. The new pathogens were not detected from BALF microbiology. The BALF cytology was unremarkable. PJP was detected by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) from BALF. CMV antigenemia was detected from BALF and blood. Intravenous ganciclovir was given. This report describes PJP coinfected with Nocardia spp. and CMV in post corneal transplantation patient suffering from severe pneumonia. Multiple respiratory pathogens are common among transplantation patients representing host immunosuppression and inadequate antimicorbial prophylaxis.

Mortality and morbidity of acute hypoxemic respiratory failure and acute respiratory distress syndrome in infants and young children

Background Acute hypoxemic respiratory failure （AHRF） often develops acute respiratory distress syndrome （ARDS）, and its incidence and mortalities in critically ill pediatric patients in China were 2% and 40% respectively. This study aimed at prospectively investigating incidence, causes, mortality and its risk factors, and any relationship to initial tidal volume （VT） levels of mechanical ventilation, in children 〈5 years of age with AHRF and ARDS. Methods In 12 consecutive months in 23 pediatric intensive care units （PICU）, AHRF and ARDS were identified in those requiring 〉12 hour intratracheal mechanical ventilation and followed up for 90 days or until death or discharge. ARDS was diagnosed according to the American-European Consensus definitions. The mortality and ventilation free days （VFD） were measured as the primary outcome, and major complications, initial disease severity, and burden were measured as the secondary outcome. Results In 13 491 PICU admissions, there were 439 AHRF, of which 345 （78.6%） developed ARDS, resulting in incidences of 3.3% and 2.6%, and corresponding mortalities of 30.3% and 32.8% respectively along with 8.2 and 6.7 times of relative risk of death in those with pneumonia （62.9%） and sepsis （33.7%） as major underlying diseases respectively. No association was found in VT levels during the first 7 days with mortality, nor for V-r at levels 〈6, 6-8, 8-10, and 〉10 ml/kg in the first 3 days with mortality or length of VFD. By binary Logistic regression analyses, higher pediatric risk of mortality score III, higher initial oxygenation index, and age 〈1 year were associated with higher mortality or shorter VFD in AHRF. Conclusions The incidence and mortalities of AHRF and ARDS in children 〈5 years were similar to or lower than the previously reported rates （in age up to 15 years）, associated with initial disease severity and other confounders, but causal relationship for the initial VT levels as the independent factor to the major outcome was not found.

Efficacy and safety of noninvasive positive pressure ventilation in the treatment of acute respiratory failure after cardiac surgery

Background Although noninvasive positive pressure ventilation （NPPV） has been successfully used for various kinds of acute respiratory failure,the data are limited regarding its application in postoperative respiratory failure after cardiac surgery.Therefore,we conducted a prospective randomized control study in a university surgical intensive care unit to evaluate the efficacy and safety of NPPV in the treatment of acute respiratory failure after cardiac surgery,and explore the predicting factors of NPPV failure.Methods From September 2011 to November 2012 patients with acute respiratory failure after cardiac surgery who had indication for the use of NPPV were randomly divided into a NPPV treatment group （NPPV group） and the conventional treatment group （control group）.The between-group differences in the patients＇ baseline characteristics,re-intubation rate,tracheotomy rate,ventilator associated pneumonia （VAP） incidence,in-hospital mortality,mechanical ventilation time after enrollment （MV time）,intensive care unit （ICU） and postoperative hospital stays were compared.The factors that predict NPPV failure were analyzed.Results During the study period,a total of 139 patients who had acute respiratory failure after cardiac surgery were recorded,and 95 of them met the inclusion criteria,which included 59 males and 36 females with a mean age of （61.5±11.2） years.Forty-three patients underwent coronary artery bypass grafting （CABG）,23 underwent valve surgery,13 underwent CABG＋valve surgery,13 underwent major vascular surgery,and three underwent other surgeries.The NPPV group had 48 patients and the control group had 47 patients.In the NPPV group,the re-intubation rate was 18.8％,tracheotomy rate was 12.5％,VAP incidence was 0,and the in-hospital mortality was 18.8％,significantly lower than in the control group 80.9％,29.8％,17.0％ and 38.3％ respectively,P ＜0.05 or P ＜0.01.The MV time and ICU stay （expressed as the median （P25,P75）） were 18.0 （9.2,35.0） hours and 4.0 （2.0,5.0） days,which were significantly shorter than in the control group,96.0 （26.0,240.0） hours and 6.0 （4.0,9.0） days respectively,P ＜0.05 or P ＜0.01.The postoperative hospital stays of the two groups were similar.The univariate analysis showed that the NPPV success subgroup had more patients with acute lung injury （ALl） （17 vs.0,P=0.038）,fewer patients with pneumonia （2 vs.7,P ＜0.001） and lower acute physiology and chronic health evaluation Ⅱ （APACHE Ⅱ） scores （16.1±2.8 vs.21.8±3.2,P ＜0.001）.Multivariate analysis showed that pneumonia （P=-0.027） and a high APACHE Ⅱ score ＞20 （P=-0.002） were the independent risk factors of NPPV failure.Conclusions We conclude that NPPV can be applied in selected patients with acute respiratory failure after cardiac surgery to reduce the need of re-intubation and improve clinical outcome as compared with conventional treatment.Pneumonia and a high APACHE Ⅱ score ＞20 might be the independent risk factors of NPPV failure in this group of patients.

Application of Venovenous Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation for Severe Acute Respiratory Failure： Situations, Issues, and Trends

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation （ECMO） is a type of extracorporeal life support （ECLS）, and technological advances have expanded the use of this technique from the confines of the operating room by producing a compact system that could revolutionize the treatment of different types of respiratory failure.

Non-invasive versus invasive mechanical ventilation for respiratory failure in severe acute respiratory syndrome

Background Severe acute respiratory syndrome is frequently complicated by respiratory failure requiring ventilatory support.We aimed to compare the efficacy of non-invasive ventilation against invasive mechanical ventilation treating respiratory failure in this disease.Methods Retrospective analysis was conducted on all respiratory failure patients identified from the Hong Kong Hospital Authority Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Database.Intubation rate,mortality and secondary outcome of a hospital utilizing non-invasive ventilation under standard infection control conditions(NIV Hospita1)were compared against 13 hospitals using solely invasive ventilation(IMV Hospitals).Multiple logistic regression analyses with adjustments for confounding variables were performed to test for association between outcomes and hospital groups.Results Both hospital groups had comparable demographics and clinical profiles,but NIV Hospital(42 patients)had higher lactate dehydrogenase ratio and worse radiographic score on admission and ribavirin-corticosteroid commencement.Compared to IMV Hospitals(451 patients).NIV Hospital had lower adjusted odds ratios for intubation(0.36,95%C10.164-0.791,P=0.011)and death(0.235.95%C10.077-0.716,P=0.O 11),and improved earlier after pulsed steroid rescue.There were no instances of transmission of severe acute respiratory syndrome among health care workers due to the use of non-invasive ventilation.Conclusion Compared to invasive mechanical ventilation,non-invasive ventilation as initial ventilatory support for acute respiratory failure in the presence of severe acute respiratory syndrome appeared to be associated with reduced intubation need and mortality.

High-flow nasal cannula oxygen therapy in acute hypoxemic respiratory failure and COVID-19-related respiratory failure

Although standard oxygen face masks are first-line therapy for patients with acute hypoxemic respiratory failure,high-flow nasal cannula oxygen therapy has gained major popularity in intensive care units.The physiological effects of high-flow oxygen counterbalance the physiological consequences of acute hypoxemic respiratory failure by lessening the deleterious effects of intense and prolonged inspiratory efforts generated by patients.Its simplicity of application for physicians and nurses and its comfort for patients are other arguments for its use in this setting.Although clinical studies have reported a decreased risk of intubation with high-flow oxygen compared with standard oxygen,its survival benefit is uncertain.A more precise definition of acute hypoxemic respiratory failure,including a classification of severity based on oxygenation levels,is needed to better compare the efficiencies of different non-invasive oxygenation support methods(standard oxygen,high-flow oxygen,and non-invasive ventilation).Additionally,the respective role of each non-invasive oxygenation support method needs to be established through further clinical trials in acute hypoxemic respiratory failure,especially in severe forms.

Oxygenation strategy during acute respiratory failure in immunocompromised patients

Acute respiratory failure(ARF)in immunocompromised patients remains challenging to treat.A large number of case require admission to intensive care unit(ICU)where mortality remains high.Oxygenation without intubation is important in this setting.This review summarizes recent studies assessing oxygenation devices for immunocompromised patients.Previous studies showed that non-invasive ventilation(NIV)has been associated with lower intubation and mortality rates.Indeed,in recent years,the outcomes of immunocompromised patients admitted to the ICU have improved.In the most recent randomized controlled trials,including immunocompromised patients admitted to the ICU with ARF,neither NIV nor high-flow nasal oxygen(HFNO)could reduce the mortality rate.In this setting,other strategies need to be tested to decrease the mortality rate.Early admission strategy and avoiding late failure of oxygenation strategy have been assessed in retrospective studies.However,objective criteria are still lacking to clearly discriminate time to admission or time to intubation.Also,diagnosis strategy may have an impact on intubation or mortality rates.On the other hand,lack of diagnosis has been associated with a higher mortality rate.In conclusion,improving outcomes in immunocompromised patients with ARF may include strategies other than the oxygenation strategy alone.This review discusses other unresolved questions to decrease mortality after ICU admission in such patients.

Efficacy and safety of awake prone positioning in the treatment of non-intubated spontaneously breathing patients with COVID-19-related acute respiratory failure:A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background Since the beginning of the coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)pandemic,prone positioning has been widely applied for non-intubated,spontaneously breathing patients.However,the efficacy and safety of prone positioning in non-intubated patients with COVID-19-related acute hypoxemic respiratory failure remain unclear.We aimed to systematically analyze the outcomes associated with awake prone positioning(APP).Methods We conducted a systematic literature search of PubMed/MEDLINE,Cochrane Library,Embase,and Web of Science from January 1,2020,to June 3,2022.This study included adult patients with acute respiratory failure caused by COVID-19.The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses(PRISMA)guidelines were followed,and the study quality was assessed using the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool.The primary outcome was the reported cumulative intubation risk across randomized controlled trials(RCTs),and the effect estimates were calculated as risk ratios(RRs;95%confidence interval[CI]).Results A total of 495 studies were identified,of which 10 fulfilled the selection criteria,and 2294 patients were included.In comparison to supine positioning,APP significantly reduced the need for intubation in the overall population(RR=0.84,95%CI:0.74–0.95).The two groups showed no significant differences in the incidence of adverse events(RR=1.16,95%CI:0.48–2.76).The meta-analysis revealed no difference in mortality between the groups(RR=0.93,95%CI:0.77–1.11).Conclusions APP was safe and reduced the need for intubation in patients with respiratory failure associated with COVID-19.However,it did not significantly reduce mortality in comparison to usual care without prone positioning.