Subglottic Secretion Drainage for Preventing Ventilator Associated Pneumonia: A Meta-analysis

Objective： Ventilator associated pneumonia （VAP） has been shown to be associated with significant morbidity and mortality（ Chastre and Fagon, 2002; klompas, 2007） among mechanically venti- lated patients in the intensive care unit （ICU）, with the incidence ranging from 9% to 27% ; crude mortality ranges from 25% to 50%.1-3 A meta-analysis of published studies was undertaken to combine information regarding the effect of subglottic secretion drainage （SSD） on the incidence of ventilated associated pneumonia in adult ICU patients. Methods： Reports of studies on SSD were identified by searching the PUBMED, EMBASE, and COCHRANCE LIBRARY databases （December 30, 2010）. Randomized trials of SSD compared to usual care in adult mechanically ventilated ICU patients were included in this meta-analysis. Results： Ten RCTs with 2,314 patients were identified. SSD significantly reduced the incidence of VAP [ relative risk （RR） =0.52, 95% confidence interval （C/）： 0.42-0.64, P〈0.000 01]. When SSD was compared with the control groups, the overall RR for ICU mortality was 1.00 （95% CI, 0.84-1.19） and for hospital mortality was 0.95 （95% CI, 0. 80-1.13）. Overall, the subglottic drainage effect on the days of mechanical ventilation was -1.52 days （95% CI, -2.94 to -0.11） and on the ICU length of stay （LOS） was -0.81days （95% CI, -2.33 to -0.7）. Conclusions： In this meta-analysis, when an endotracheal tube （ETT） with SSD was compared with an ETT without SSD, there was a highly significant reduction in the VAP rate of approxi- mately 50%. Time on mechanical ventilation （MV） and the ICU LOS may be reduced, but no reduction in ICU or hospital mortality has been observed in published trials,

Ventilator Associated Pneumonia in an Intensive Care Unit

The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate the incidence, etiologic agents and mortality rate of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP). In a six-month period, cases who were 18 years or older, dependent on mechanical ventilator for more than 3 days and without pulmonary infection on first admission were included in this study. In all cases, body temperature recordings, blood and urine culture, microbiological analyses of endotracheal aspirates, and chest X-rays were obtained and used to identify VAP. Apache II scores on admission, duration of mechanical ventilation, length of intensive care unit (ICU) stay and mortality were recorded. This study included 45 cases and 22 developed VAP (48%). The incidence of VAP was 25.34 per 1000 ventilator days. Univariate analyses showed that duration of mechanical ventilation, length of ICU stay, coma and tracheotomy were associated with the development of VAP. The mortality rate of cases with VAP (72.7%) was significantly higher than cases without VAP (39.1%). The most frequent microorganisms were Acinetobacter spp., Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Klebsiella pneumoniae. In our study, VAP was a very common and important complication of mechanical ventilation and mortality was very high. To reduce mortality, minimize morbidity, shorten the length of stay, and reduce costs, defined risk factors for VAP should be recognized and an effective infection control program for the prevention of VAP should be implemented. Surveillance results should be evaluated regularly and necessary precautions should be taken.

Ventilator associated pneumonia following liver transplantation:Etiology,risk factors and outcome

AIM: To determine the incidence, etiology, risk factors and outcome of ventilator-associated pneumonia(VAP) in patients undergoing orthotopic liver transplantation(OLT).METHODS: This retrospective study considered 242 patients undergoing deceased donor OLT. VAP was diagnosed according to clinical and microbiological criteria. RESULTS: VAP occurred in 18(7.4%) patients, with an incidence of 10 per 1000 d of mechanical ventilation(MV). Isolated bacterial etiologic agents were mainly Enterobacteriaceae(79%). Univariate logistic analysis showed that model for end-stage liver disease(MELD) score, pre-operative hospitalization, treatment with terlipressin, Child-Turcotte-Pugh score, days of MV and red cell transfusion were risk factors for VAP. Multivariateanalysis, considering significant risk factors in univariate analysis, demonstrated that pneumonia was strongly associated with terlipressin usage, pre-operative hospitalization, days of MV and red cell transfusion. Mortality rate was 22% in the VAP group vs 4% in the group without VAP. CONCLUSION: Our data suggest that VAP is an important cause of nosocomial infection during postoperative period in OLT patients. MELD score was a significant risk factor in univariate analysis. Multiple transfusions, treatment with terlipressin, preoperative hospitalization rather than called to the hospital while at home and days of MV constitute important risk factors for VAP development.

The Diagnostic and Prognostic Value of Serum Procalcitonin among Ventilator Associated Pneumonia Patients

Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is a complication in as many as 28% of patients who receive mechanical ventilation. Studies have consistently shown that a delay in diagnosis and treatment increases the mortality risk. The aim of this work was to clarify the role of the serum procalcitonin (PCT) in the diagnosis and the prognosis of ventilator associated pneumonia. Methods: Forty two VAP patients, 20 non VAP-ICU (on mechanical ventilation) admitted patients and 20 healthy control subjects of similar age and sex were included in the study. PCT levels in serum samples were measured in all subjects. Results: There was a highly statistically significant difference (p value 0.001) between VAP patients on one side and non VAP-ICU patients and healthy control subjects on the other side regarding the mean values of PCT. Also, the mean values of PCT were statistically significantly higher (p 0.001) among died VAP group than the survivor VAP group. There was a statistically positive correlation (p = 0.449), CRIP (R = 0.403) and SOFA (R = 0.437)) and initial PCT serum levels. Conclusions: This study found that the increased PCT serum level is an important diagnostic tool for VAP and the PCT serum levels can predict the outcome of VAP patients. We recommend other larger studies to augment our findings.

Clinical efficacy of mask continuous positive airway pressure mechanical ventilation in children with severe pneumonia

Objective: To investigate the clinical effects of the mask continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) mechanical ventilation in children with severe pneumonia. Methods: A total of 100 cases of children with severe pneumonia were randomly divided into two groups, study group with 50 children and control group with 50 children. These 100 children were given comprehensive treatment measures: treatment of anti-infection, anti-respiratory failure, anti-heart failure (if necessary), relieving cough and reducing sputum, aerosol inhalation, limited fluid volume, nutrition support etc. Children in the study group were added mask continuous positive airway pressure mechanical ventilation (CPAP). Children in the control group were added ordinary mask oxygen inhalation. Investigated and checked the treatment effect in these two groups. Results: After treatment, SaO2, PaO2 in both two groups were showed significantly higher than before the treatment. PaO2 of the study group is obviously higher than the control group. The oxygen inhalation time of the study group was obviously lesser than the control group. The total effective rate of the study group was significantly higher than the control group which was 96.0% vs 66.0%. Conclusion: The mask continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) mechanical ventilation can significantly improve the related symptoms and blood gas status of the children with severe pneumonia, shorten the oxygen inhalation time and had remarkable effect.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa ventilator associated pneumonia: improved outcomes with earlier follow-up

It is not clear what is the appropriate timing to follow-up patients with ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) and Clinical Pulmonary Infe- ction Score >6 between days 3-5 of an appro- priate antibiotic treatment. We studied 122 patients with Pseudomonas aeruginosa VAP. A follow-up respiratory sample was collected on days three or five ( “day-three” and “day-five” group ) and treatment was modified 48h later. Molecular typing identified super-infections or persistence. For serial data another respiratory sample was collected, on day three from the “day-five” group and on day five from the “day-three” group. Sixty patients, in the “day- three” group compared to 62 in the “day-five” group, had reduced fourteen-day mortality ( 18.3% and 38.7%;p=0.01 ) and fewer days in intensive care unit (17.2 ± 4.3 compared to 27.3 ± 4.7, p6, improved fourteen-day mortality and shorter duration of stay in health-care facilities were observed with earlier follow-up.

Outcomes and risk factors of ventilator-associated pneumonia in neonates

Background:Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) in neonates has been associated with high mortality and poor outcome.This study aimed to compare the incidence,risk factors,and outcomes of VAP and nonVAP conditions in neonates.Methods:We performed a prospective cohort study in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) in Thailand from January 2014 to December 2014.All neonatal patients who were ventilated more than 48 hours were enrolled.Results:There were 128 enrolled patients.The median (inter quartile range) gestational age and birthweight were 35 (30.2,37.8) weeks and 2380 (1323.8,3020.0) g.There were 17 VAP patients (19 episodes) and 111 non-VAP ones.The VAP rate was 13.3% or 10.1 per 1000 ventilator days.According to the multivariate analysis,a birthweight less than 750 g [adjusted odds ratio (aOR)=10.75,95% confidence interval (CI)=2.35-49.16;P=0.002] and sedative medication use (aOR=4.00,95% CI=1.23-12.50;P=0.021)were independent risk factors for VAP.Compared with the non-VAP group,the median difference in the VAP group yielded a significantly longer duration of NICU stay (18 days,P=0.001),total length of hospital stay (16 days,P=0.002) and higher hospital costs ($5113,P=0.001).The inhospital mortality rate in the VAP and non-VAP groups was 17.6% and 15.3% (P=0.73),respectively.Conclusions:A neonatal birthweight less than 750 g and sedative medication use were independent risk factors for VAP.Our VAP patients experienced a longer duration of both NICU and hospital stay,and incurred higher hospitalization costs.

Factors associated with low adherence to head-of-bed elevation during mechanical ventilation in Chinese intensive care units

Background Elevating the head of bed （HOB） 30°-45° has been widely supported as a means of ventilator associated pneumonia （VAP） prevention. However, it was poorly adhered in clinical practice. This observational study aimed to investigate the factors impeding this simple practice at the bedside. Methods This prospective study was conducted in 33 Chinese academic hospital intensive care units （ICUs）. HOB angle was measured four times daily at 5-7 hour intervals. The predefined HOB elevation goal was an angle ≥30°. Results The overall rate of achieving the HOB goal was 27.8% of the 8647 measurements in 314 patients during 2842 ventilation days. The HOB goal of ≥3 times/d was consistently achieved only in 15.9% of the cases. Almost 60% of patients had at least one 24 hours period during which the HOB goal was never documented. This low rate of protocol compliance was not associated with acute physiology and chronic health evaluation （APACHE） II score or dependence on vasopressors. In a survey, ＂nurse workload＂ was identified as the most important factor for non-compliance with the HOB goal. In addition, the rates of compliance were significantly different （P 〈0.001） between physicians self-reporting that they either did or did not know the Institutes of Healthcare Improvement （IHI） ventilator bundle. Conclusions Low adherence to a HOB angle of ≥30° was found in this nationwide survey. Nursing workload and lack of knowledge on VAP prevention were important barriers to changin.q this practice.

Ventilator-associated pneumonia in patients with cancer: Impact of multidrug resistant bacteria

BACKGROUND Patients with cancer have several risk factors for developing respiratory failure requiring mechanical ventilation(MV).The emergence of multidrug resistant bacteria(MDRB)has become a public health problem,creating a new burden on medical care in hospitals,particularly for patients admitted to the intensive care unit(ICU).AIM To describe risk factors for ventilator-acquired pneumonia(VAP)in patients with cancer and to evaluate the impact of MDRB.METHODS A retrospective study was performed from January 2016 to December 2018 at a cancer referral center in Mexico City,which included all patients who were admitted to the ICU and required MV≥48 h.They were classified as those who developed VAP versus those who did not;pathogens isolated,including MDRB.Clinical evolution at 60-d was assessed.Descriptive analysis was carried out;comparison was performed between VAP vs non-VAP and MDRB vs non-MDRB.RESULTS Two hundred sixty-three patients were included in the study;mean age was 51.9 years;52.1%were male;68.4%had solid tumors.There were 32 episodes of VAP with a rate of 12.2%;11.5 episodes/1000 ventilation-days.The most frequent bacteria isolated were the following:Klebsiella spp.[n=9,four were Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamase(ESBL)producers,one was Carbapenem-resistant(CR)];Escherichia coli(n=5,one was ESBL),and Pseudomonas aeruginosa(n=8,two were CR).One Methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus was identified.In multivariate analysis,the sole risk factor associated for VAP was length of ICU stay(OR=1.1;95%CI:1.03-1.17;P=0.003).Sixty-day mortality was 53%in VAP and 43%without VAP(P=0.342).There was not higher mortality in those patients with MDRB.CONCLUSION This study highlights the high percentage of Gram-negative bacteria,which allows the initiation of empiric antibiotic coverage for these pathogens.In this retrospective,single center,observational study,MDRB VAP was not directly linked to increased mortality at 60 days.

Risk factors for ventilator-associated pneumonia in trauma patients:A descriptive analysis

BACKGROUND:We sought to evaluate the risk factors for developing ventilator-associated pneumonia(VAP)and whether the location of intubation posed a risk in trauma patients.METHODS:Data were retrospectively reviewed for adult trauma patients requiring intubation for>48 hours,admitted between 2010 and 2013.Patients’demographics,clinical presentations and outcomes were compared according to intubation location(prehospital intubation[PHI]vs.trauma room[TRI])and presence vs.absence of VAP.Multivariate regression analysis was performed to identify predictors of VAP.RESULTS:Of 471 intubated patients,332 patients met the inclusion criteria(124 had PHI and208 had TRI)with a mean age of 30.7±14.8 years.PHI group had lower GCS(P=0.001),respiratory rate(P=0.001),and higher frequency of head(P=0.02)and chest injuries(P=0.04).The rate of VAP in PHI group was comparable to the TRI group(P=0.60).Patients who developed VAP were 6 years older,had significantly lower GCS and higher ISS,head AIS,and higher rates of polytrauma.The overall mortality was 7.5%,and was not associated with intubation location or pneumonia rates.In the early-VAP group,gram-positive pathogens were more common,while gram-negative microorganisms were more frequently encountered in the late VAP group.Logistic regression analysis and modeling showed that the impact of the location of intubation in predicting the risk of VAP appeared only when chest injury was included in the models.CONCLUSION:In trauma,the risk of developing VAP is multifactorial.However,the location of intubation and presence of chest injury could play an important role.

Early versus late percutaneous dilational tracheostomy in critically ill patients anticipated requiring prolonged mechanical ventilation

Background Tracheostomy should be considered to replace endotracheal intubation in patients requiring prolonged mechanical ventilation （MV）. However, the optimal timing for tracheostomy is still a topic of debate. The present study aimed to investigate whether early percutaneous dilational tracheostomy （PDT） can reduce duration of MV, and to further verify whether early PDT can reduce sedative use, shorten intensive care unit （ICU） stay, decrease the incidence of ventilator associated pneumonia （VAP）, and increase successful weaning and ICU discharge rate. Methods A prospective, randomized controlled trial was carried out in a surgical ICU from July 2008 to June 2011 in adult patients anticipated requiring prolonged MV via endotracheal intubation. Patients meeting the inclusion criteria were randomly assigned to the early PDT group or the late PDT group on day 3 of MV. The patients in the early PDT group were tracheostomized with PDT on day 3 of MV. The patients in the late PDT group were tracheostomized with PDT on day 15 of MV if they still needed MV. The primary endpoint was ventilator-free days at day 28 after randomization. The secondary endpoints were sedation-free days, ICU-free days, successful weaning and ICU discharge rate, and incidence of VAP at day 28 after randomization. The cumulative 60-day incidence of death after randomization was also analyzed. Results Total 119 patients were randomized to either the early PDT group （n=58） or the late PDT group （n=61）. The ventilator-free days was significantly increased in the early PDT group than in the late PDT group （（9.57±5.64） vs. （7.38±6.17） days, P 〈0.05）. The sedation-free days and ICU-free days were also significantly increased in the early PDT group than in the late PDT group （20.84±2.35 vs. 17.05±2.30 days, P 〈0.05; and 8.0 （interquartile range （IQR）： 5.0-12.0） vs. 3.0 （IQR： 0-12.0） days, P 〈0.001 respectively）. The successful weaning and ICU discharge rate was significantly higher in early PDT group than in late PDT group （74.1% vs. 55.7%, P 〈0.05; and 67.2% vs. 47.5%, P 〈0.05 respectively）. VAP was observed in 17 patients （29.3%） in early PDT group and in 30 patients （49.2%） in late PDT group （P 〈0.05）. There was no significant difference between the two groups in the cumulative 60-day incidence of death after randomization （P=0.949）. Conclusions The early PDT resulted in more ventilator-free, sedation-free, and ICU-free days, higher successful weaning and ICU discharge rate, and lower incidence of VAP, but did not change the cumulative 60-day incidence of death in the patients＇ anticipated requiring prolonged mechanical ventilation.

Sequential treatment of severe pneumonia with respiratory failure and its influence on respiratory mechanical parameters and hemodynamics

BACKGROUND The pathophysiological characteristics of severe pneumonia complicated by respiratory failure comprise pulmonary parenchymal changes leading to ventilation imbalance,alveolar capillary injury,pulmonary edema,refractory hypoxemia,and reduced lung compliance.Prolonged hypoxia can cause acid-base balance disorder,peripheral circulatory failure,blood-pressure reduction,arrhythmia,and other adverse consequences.AIM To investigate sequential mechanical ventilation’s effect on severe pneumonia complicated by respiratory failure.METHODS We selected 108 patients with severe pneumonia complicated by respiratory failure who underwent mechanical ventilation between January 2018 and September 2020 at the Luhe Hospital’s Intensive Care Unit and divided them into sequential and regular groups according to a randomized trial,with each group comprising 54 patients.The sequential group received invasive and non-invasive sequential mechanical ventilation,whereas the regular group received invasive mechanical ventilation.Blood-gas parameters,hemodynamic parameters,respiratory mechanical parameters,inflammatory factors,and treatment outcomes were compared between the two groups before and after mechanical-ventilation treatment.RESULTS The arterial oxygen partial pressure and stroke volume variation values of the sequential group at 24,48,and 72 h of treatment were higher than those of the conventional group(P<0.05).The carbon dioxide partial pressure value of the sequential group at 72 h of treatment and the Raw value of the treatment group at 24 and 48 h were lower than those of the conventional group(P<0.05).The pH value of the sequential group at 24 and 72 h of treatment,the central venous pressure value of the treatment at 24 h,and the Cst value of the treatment at 24 and 48 h were higher than those of the conventional group(P<0.05).The tidal volume in the sequential group at 24 h of treatment was higher than that in the conventional group(P<0.05),the measured values of interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-αin the sequential group at 72 h of treatment were lower than those in the conventional group(P<0.05),and the total time of mechanical ventilation in the sequential group was shorter than that in the conventional group,with a statistically significant difference(P<0.05).CONCLUSION Treating severe pneumonia complicated by respiratory failure with sequential mechanical ventilation is more effective in improving respiratory system compliance,reducing inflammatory response,maintaining hemodynamic stability,and improving patient blood-gas levels;however,from this study’s perspective,it cannot reduce patient mortality.

Ventilator management for acute respiratory distress syndrome associated with avian infl uenza A(H7N9) virus infection: A case series

BACKGROUND: Data on the mechanical ventilation(MV) characteristics and radiologic features for the cases with H7 N9-induced ARDS were still lacking.METHODS: We describe the MV characteristics and radiologic features of adult patients with ARDS due to microbiologically confirmed H7 N9 admitted to our ICU over a 3-month period.RESULTS: Eight patients(mean age 57.38±16.75; 5 male) were diagnosed with H7 N9 in the first quarter of 2014. All developed respiratory failure complicated by acute respiratory distress syndrome(ARDS), which required MV in ICU. The baseline APACHE II and SOFA score was 11.77±6.32 and 7.71±3.12. The overall CT scores of the patients was 247.68±34.28 and the range of CT scores was 196.3–294.7. The average MV days was 14.63±6.14, and 4 patients required additional rescue therapies for refractory hypoxemia. Despite these measures, 3 patients died.CONCLUSION: In H7 N9-infected patients with ARDS, low tidal volume strategy was the conventional mode. RM as one of rescue therapies to refractory hypoxemia in these patients with serious architectural distortion and high CT scores, which could cause further lung damage, may induce bad outcomes and requires serious consideration. Prone ventilation may improve mortality, and should be performed at the early stage of the disease, not as a rescue therapy.

Natural History, Outcomes and Antibiotic Treatment for Ventilator-Associated Tracheobronchitis in Critical Ill Patients

We assessed incidence and outcomes of patients with ventilator-associated respiratory infections (VARI) due to tracheobronchitis (VAT) and pneumonia (VAP), including length of intensive care unit (ICU) stay and ventilator days. We also examined pathogens, rate of progression from VAT to VAP, and impact of antibiotic therapy for VAT. Data analysis included 234 patients, 100 patients (43%) had at least moderate (+++) bacterial growth in their semi-quantitative endotracheal aspirate (SQ-ETA) cultures. VAT and VAP were each diagnosed in 34 (15%) patients. Staphylococcus aureus was the most common pathogen isolated and had the highest rate of progression from VAT to VAP. Seven (21%) of the 34 patients were diagnosed with VAT that later progressed to VAP in averaged 3 days. Patients diagnosed with VAT had significantly more ventilator days (9 vs 6, p p < 0.001) and hospital days (22 vs 17, p < 0.001). No significant difference was observed in the clinical outcomes of the 25 VAT patients with timely, appropriate antibiotics compared to the 9 VAT patients who did not receive timely appropriate antibiotics. VAT was a risk factor for increased ventilator days, longer length of ICU and hospital stay. The time window from VAT to VAP allowed physicians to identify the pathogens and sensitivity profile needed to treat VAT with appropriate antibiotics. Data from well-designed studies were needed to assess the impact of early, appropriate antibiotic therapy for VAT, the choice of antibiotics, as well as the duration and route of administration.

Epidemiological characteristics of ventilator-associated pneumonia in neurosurgery:A 10-year surveillance study in a Chinese tertiary hospital

Background Ventilator-associated pneumonia(VAP)is a significant and common health concern.The epidemiological landscape of VAP is poorly understood in neurosurgery patients.This study aimed to explore the epidemiology of VAP in this population and devise targeted surveillance,treatment,and control efforts.Methods A 10-year retrospective study spanning 2011 to 2020 was performed in a large Chinese tertiary hospital.Surveillance data was collected from neurosurgical patients and analyzed to map the demographic and clinical characteristics of VAP and describe the distribution and antimicrobial resistance profile of leading pathogens.Risk factors associated with the presence of VAP were explored using boosted regression tree(BRT)models.Results Three hundred ten VAP patients were identified.The 10-year incidence of VAP was 16.21 per 1000 ventilation days.All-cause mortality was 6.1%.The prevalence of gram-negative bacteria,fungi,and gram-positive bacteria among the 357 organisms isolated from VAP patients was 86.0%,7.6%,and 6.4%,respectively;most were multidrug-resistant organisms.Acinetobacter baumannii,Klebsiella pneumoniae,and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were the most common pathogens.The prevalence of carbapenem-resistant A.baumannii,P.aeruginosa,and K.pneumoniae was high and increased over time in the study period.The BRT models revealed that VAP was associated with number of days of ventilator use(relative contribution,47.84±7.25),Glasgow Coma Scale score(relative contribution,24.72±5.67),and tracheotomy(relative contribution,21.50±2.69).Conclusions Our findings provide a better understanding of the epidemiology of VAP and its risk factors in neurosurgery patients.

Effect of different ventilation methods combined with pulmonary surfactant on neonatal acute respiratory distress syndrome

BACKGROUND Acute respiratory distress syndrome precipitates is widespread pulmonary injury in impacted individuals,the neonatal respiratory distress syndrome(NRDS),primarily observed in preterm infants,represents a prevalent critical condition in neonatal clinical settings.AIM To investigate the clinical efficacy of various ventilation strategies combined with pulmonary surfactant(PS)therapy in the treatment of NRDS.METHODS A total of 20 neonates diagnosed with respiratory distress syndrome,admitted between May 2021 and June 2022,were randomly assigned to either a research group or a control group.Neonates in the research group received treatment involving high-frequency oscillatory ventilation(HFOV)in conjunction with PS.In contrast,neonates in the control group were administered either controlled mechanical ventilation or synchronous intermittent mandatory ventilation,combined with PS.Arterial blood samples from the neonates in both groups were collected before treatment,as well as 6 h,12 h,24 h,and 48 h post-treatment.These samples underwent blood gas analysis,with measurements taken for pH value,partial pressures of oxygen(O_(2))and carbon dioxide.Concurrently,data was collected on the duration of ventilator use,length of hospitalization time,O_(2) treatment time,treatment outcomes,and complications of the ventilator.RESULTS From 6-48 h post-treatment,both groups demonstrated significant improvements in arterial blood pH and oxygen partial pressure,along with a significant decrease in carbon dioxide partial pressure compared to pre-treatment values(P<0.05).Although these changes progressed over time,there were no significant differences between the two groups(P>0.05).However,the research group had significantly lower X-ray scores,shorter hospitalization time,and less time on O_(2) therapy compared to the control group(P<0.05).Mortality rates were similar between the two groups(P>0.05),but the research group had a significantly lower incidence of complications(P<0.05).CONCLUSION The integration of HFOV combine with PS has proven to effectively expedite the treatment duration,decrease the occurrence of complications,and secure the therapeutic efficacy in managing NRDS.

Corticosteroids for severe influenza pneumonia: A critical appraisal

Influenza pneumonia is associated with high number of severe cases requiring hospital and intensive care unit(ICU) admissions with high mortality. Systemic steroids are proposed as a valid therapeutic option even though its effects are still controversial. Heterogeneity of published data regarding study design, population demographics, severity of illness, dosing, type and timing of corticosteroids administered constitute an important limitation for drawing robust conclusions. However, it is reasonable to admit that, as it was not found any advantage of corticosteroid therapy in so diverse conditions, such beneficial effects do not exist at all. Its administration is likely to increase overall mortality and such trend is consistent regardless of the quality as well as the sample size of studies. Moreover it was shown that corticosteroids might be associated with higher incidence of hospital-acquired pneumonia and longer duration of mechanical ventilation and ICU stay. Finally, it is reasonable to conclude that corticosteroids failed to demonstrate any beneficial effects in the treatment of patients with severe influenza infection. Thus its current use in s evere influenza pneumonia should be restricted to very selected cases and in the setting of clinical trials.

Risk factors and clinical responses of pneumonia patients with colistin-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii-calcoaceticus

BACKGROUND Nosocomial infections with carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumanniicalcoaceticus complex(ABC)strains are great problem for intensive care units.ABC strains can develop resistance to all the antibiotics available.Carbapenem resistance is common and colistin resistance is rare in our country.Knowing the risk factors for colistin resistance is important since colistin seems to be the only remaining therapeutic option for the patients with pneumonia due to extensively drug resistant ABC for our country.AIM To investigate the comparison of clinical responses and outcomes between pneumonia patients with colistin-susceptible and-resistant Acinetobacter sp.Strains.METHODS During the study period,108 patients with pneumonia due to colistin-susceptible strains and 16 patients with colistin-resistant strains were included retrospectively.Continuous variables were compared with the Mann-Whitney U test,and categorical variables were compared using Pearson’s chi-square test or Fisher’s Exact chi-square test for two groups.A binary logistic regression model was developed to identify the potential independent factors associated with colistin resistance in patients with colistin-resistant strains.RESULTS High Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II scores(OR=1.9,95%CI:1.4-2.7;P<0.001)and prior receipt of teicoplanin(OR=8.1,95%CI:1.0-63.3;P=0.045)were found to be independent risk factors for infection with colistin-resistant Acinetobacter sp.Different combinations of antibiotics including colistin,meropenem,ampicillin/sulbactam,amikacin and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole were used for the treatment of patients with colistin-resistant strains.Although the median duration of microbiological cure(P<0.001)was longer in the colistin-resistant group,clinical(P=0.703),laboratory(P=0.277),radiological(P=0.551),microbiological response(P=1.000)and infection related mortality rates(P=0.603)did not differ between the two groups.Among the patients with infections due to colistin-resistant strains,seven were treated with antibiotic combinations that included sulbactam.Clinical(6/7)and microbiological(5/7)response rates were quite high in these patients.CONCLUSION The optimal therapy regimen is unclear for colistin-resistant Acinetobacter sp.infections.Although combinations with sulbactam seems to be more effective in our study patients,data supporting the usefulness of combinations with sulbactam is very limited.

The Association of Pneumonia with Clinical Outcome in Patients with Inhalation Injury

Introduction: Inhalation injury is a particularly lethal form of thermal burn injury, and is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Pneumonia is a common complication of inhalation injury, due to the increased susceptibility of lungs that have been stripped of their biologic defense mechanisms, as well as the general susceptibility of the burn population to infections. While older series suggest that pneumonia is associated with worse mortality and morbidity, recent reports suggest that this may not be the case in all populations. Methods: We attempted to clarify the impact of pneumonia in terms of mortality, length of mechanical ventilation, need for tracheostomy, and discharge disposition, in patients admitted with inhalation injury by performing a retrospective review of patients admitted to a regional burn center 2002-2009. Burn registry and electronic chart review were used to obtain demographic, clinical and outcome data. Univariate and multivariate analysis was used to compare outcomes in patients who developed pneumonia versus those who did not. Results: The study cohort comprised 166 patients, of whom 21 (13%) were diagnosed with pneumonia. Development of pneumonia was not predicted by age, surface area burned or other complications such as acute respiratory distress syndrome. Surprisingly, pneumonia was associated with reduced inpatient mortality (p = 0.006). However, patients who developed pneumonia were also more likely to have prolonged ventilator dependence (19 vs 5 days,

针对性气道护理对重症监护室患者舒适度与呼吸机相关性肺炎的影响

目的探讨针对性气道护理模式在重症监护室(ICU)患者中的应用效果。方法选择2021年1月—2022年12月医院120例ICU患者,按组间基线资料可比的原则将其分为对照组和观察组,每组60例。对照组予以常规护理,观察组采用针对性气道护理。观察两组患者护理干预前、护理干预5 d后的呼吸状况及舒适度,比较其康复进程、导管堵塞情况及呼吸机相关性肺炎(VAP)发生情况。结果观察组患者护理干预5 d后的PaO_(2)水平高于对照组,组间比较差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。PaCO_(2)水平低于对照组,组间比较差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。观察组患者护理干预5 d后的Kolcaba舒适状况量表(GCQ)评分高于对照组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。观察组患者机械通气时间及ICU治疗时间分别为6.50±1.08 d和7.84±1.50 d,短于对照组的7.22±1.36 d和8.68±1.74 d,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);观察组患者机械通气期间的导管堵塞程度较对照组轻,且VAP发生率低于对照组,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论针对性气道护理模式可改善ICU患者呼吸状况及舒适度,缩短康复进程,并可减轻患者机械通气治疗期间导管堵塞程度,降低VAP发生率。