Significant risk factors for intensive care unit-acquired weakness:A processing strategy based on repeated machine learning

BACKGROUND Intensive care unit-acquired weakness(ICU-AW)is a common complication that significantly impacts the patient's recovery process,even leading to adverse outcomes.Currently,there is a lack of effective preventive measures.AIM To identify significant risk factors for ICU-AW through iterative machine learning techniques and offer recommendations for its prevention and treatment.METHODS Patients were categorized into ICU-AW and non-ICU-AW groups on the 14th day post-ICU admission.Relevant data from the initial 14 d of ICU stay,such as age,comorbidities,sedative dosage,vasopressor dosage,duration of mechanical ventilation,length of ICU stay,and rehabilitation therapy,were gathered.The relationships between these variables and ICU-AW were examined.Utilizing iterative machine learning techniques,a multilayer perceptron neural network model was developed,and its predictive performance for ICU-AW was assessed using the receiver operating characteristic curve.RESULTS Within the ICU-AW group,age,duration of mechanical ventilation,lorazepam dosage,adrenaline dosage,and length of ICU stay were significantly higher than in the non-ICU-AW group.Additionally,sepsis,multiple organ dysfunction syndrome,hypoalbuminemia,acute heart failure,respiratory failure,acute kidney injury,anemia,stress-related gastrointestinal bleeding,shock,hypertension,coronary artery disease,malignant tumors,and rehabilitation therapy ratios were significantly higher in the ICU-AW group,demonstrating statistical significance.The most influential factors contributing to ICU-AW were identified as the length of ICU stay(100.0%)and the duration of mechanical ventilation(54.9%).The neural network model predicted ICU-AW with an area under the curve of 0.941,sensitivity of 92.2%,and specificity of 82.7%.CONCLUSION The main factors influencing ICU-AW are the length of ICU stay and the duration of mechanical ventilation.A primary preventive strategy,when feasible,involves minimizing both ICU stay and mechanical ventilation duration.

Study of the intensive care unit activity scale in the early rehabilitation of patients after direct cardiac surgery

BACKGROUND Direct cardiac surgery often necessitates intensive post-operative care,and the intensive care unit(ICU)activity scale represents a crucial metric in assessing and guiding early rehabilitation efforts to enhance patient recovery.AIM To clarify the clinical application value of the ICU activity scale in the early recovery of patients after cardiac surgery.METHODS One hundred and twenty patients who underwent cardiac surgery between September 2020 and October 2021 were selected and divided into two groups using the random number table method.The observation group was rated using the ICU activity scale and the corresponding graded rehabilitation interventions were conducted based on the ICU activity scale.The control group was assessed in accordance with the routine rehabilitation activities,and the postoperative rehabilitation indexes of the patients in both groups were compared(time of tracheal intubation,time of ICU admission,occurrence of complications,and activity scores before ICU transfer).The two groups were compared according to postoperative rehabilitation indicators(time of tracheal intubation,length of ICU stay,and occurrence of complications)and activity scores before ICU transfer.RESULTS In the observation group,tracheal intubation time lasted for 18.30±3.28 h and ICU admission time was 4.04±0.83 d,which were significantly shorter than the control group(t-values:2.97 and 2.038,respectively,P<0.05).The observation group also had a significantly lower number of complications and adverse events compared to the control group(P<0.05).Before ICU transfer,the observation group(6.7%)had few complications and adverse events than the control group(30.0%),and this difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).Additionally,the activity score was significantly higher in the observation(26.89±0.97)compared to the control groups(22.63±1.12 points)(t-value;-17.83,P<0.05).CONCLUSION Implementation of early goal-directed activities in patients who underwent cardiac surgery using the ICU activity scale can promote the recovery of cardiac function.

Effects of strengthening prospective nursing practice on sleep quality,anxiety,and depression of awake patients in intensive care unit

BACKGROUND The intensive care unit(ICU)is a specialized hospital department.Awake patients in the ICU frequently encounter adverse psychological states,such as anxiety and fear,often accompanied by poor sleep quality.This situation has garnered significant attention within the medical community.AIM To investigate the impact of prospective nursing intervention strategies on the sleep quality and negative emotional state of conscious ICU patients.METHODS One hundred and twenty ICU awake patients admitted to our hospital were selected and randomly divided into control(n=60)and observation(n=60)groups.Patients in the control group were cared for using the conventional nursing model,while patients in the observation group were cared for using the prospective nursing model.Sleep improvement was assessed using the International Standardized Sleep Efficiency Formula and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index(PSQI).The PSQI,Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item(GAD-7)scale,Self-Depression Scale(SDS),and satisfaction before and after treatment were used to assess the negative emotional states of patients under the two care models.RESULTS Patient satisfaction in the observation group was significantly higher than in the control group.The GAD-7 and SDS scores in the observation group were significantly lower than those in the control group,and the total effective rate of sleep improvement in the observation group was significantly higher than in the control group.After treatment,the PSQI scores of the two groups significantly decreased(P<0.05).The decrease in the observation group was more significan than that in the control group,and the difference between the two groups was statistically significant.CONCLUSION Prospective nursing interventions can improve sleep quality and psychological levels and significantly affect conscious patients in the ICU,which is worthy of clinical application.

Effects of nursing team communication and collaboration on treatment outcomes in intensive care unit patients with severe pneumonia

BACKGROUND Severe pneumonia is a common severe respiratory infection worldwide,and its treatment is challenging,especially for patients in the intensive care unit(ICU).AIM To explore the effect of communication and collaboration between nursing teams on the treatment outcomes of patients with severe pneumonia in ICU.METHODS We retrospectively analyzed 60 patients with severe pneumonia who were treated at the ICU of the hospital between January 1,2021 and December 31,2023.We compared and analyzed the respiratory mechanical indexes[airway resistance(Raw),mean airway pressure(mPaw),peak pressure(PIP)],blood gas analysis indexes(arterial oxygen saturation,arterial oxygen partial pressure,and oxygenation index),and serum inflammatory factor levels[C-reactive protein(CRP),procalcitonin(PCT),cortisol(COR),and high mobility group protein B1(HMGB1)]of all patients before and after treatment.RESULTS Before treatment,there was no significant difference in respiratory mechanics index and blood gas analysis index between 2 groups(P>0.05).However,after treatment,the respiratory mechanical indexes of patients in both groups were significantly improved,and the improvement of Raw,mPaw,plateau pressure,PIP and other indexes in the combined group after communication and collaboration with the nursing team was significantly better than that in the single care group(P<0.05).The serum CRP and PCT levels of patients were significantly decreased,and the difference was statistically significant compared with that of nursing group alone(P<0.05).The levels of serum COR and HMGB1 before and after treatment were also significantly decreased between the two groups.CONCLUSION The communication and collaboration of the nursing team have a significant positive impact on respiratory mechanics indicators,blood gas analysis indicators and serum inflammatory factor levels in the treatment of severe pneumonia patients in ICU.

Application of psychological intervention in intensive care unit nursing for patients with severe acute pancreatitis

BACKGROUND Severe acute pancreatitis(SAP)is a familiar critical disease in the intensive care unit(ICU)patients.Nursing staff are important spiritual pillars during the treatment of patients,and in addition to routine nursing,more attention needs be paid to the patient’s psychological changes.AIM To investigate the effects of psychological intervention in ICU patients with SAP.METHODS One hundred ICU patients with SAP were hospitalized in the authors’hospital between 2020 and 2023 were selected,and divided into observation and control groups per the hospitalization order.The control and observation groups received routine nursing and psychological interventions,respectively.Two groups are being compared,using the Self-rating Anxiety Scale(SAS),Self-Determination Scale(SDS),Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation(APACHE)Ⅱ,and 36-item Short Form Health Survey(SF-36)scores;nursing satisfaction of patients;ICU care duration;length of stay;hospitalization expenses;and the incidence of complications.RESULTS After nursing,the SDS,SAS,and APACHEⅡ scores in the experimental group were significantly lower than in the control group(P<0.05).The SF-36 scores in the observation group were significantly higher than those in the control group(P<0.05).The nursing satisfaction of patients in the experimental group was 94.5%,considerably higher than that of 75.6% in the control group(P<0.05).The ICU care duration,length of stay,and hospitalization expenses in the observation group were significantly lower than those in the control group,and the incidence of complications was lower(P<0.05).CONCLUSION For patients with SAP,the implementation of standardized psychological intervention measures can effectively alleviate adverse psychological conditions.

A Retrospective Analysis of Intoxicated Patients Admitted to the Intensive Care Unit: A Single-Institution Assessment in the Post-Pandemic Period

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of patients with acute intoxication admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Material and Methods: An observational retrospective study was conducted on intoxicated patients who admitted to ICU between January 2022 and January 2024. Data were collected from the patients medical records. The demographic characteristics, causes of intoxications, clinical parameters, the mean stay in the ICU, treatment modalities and prognosis were recorded. Results: A total of 2875 critically ill patients were admitted during the study period, and 109 (3.79%) of them were acute intoxications. Their mean of ages was 38.09 ± 12.29. The female-to-male ratio was 1.37/1. Drugs were found to be the primary cause (62.39%) of intoxications, and analgesics, antidepressants, and antibiotics were the most frequent agents. Suicidal attempts were present in 66 patients, most of them were female (62.13%) and between 17 - 24 years (40.91%). The other common causes of intoxications were carbon monoxide (CO) (22.02%), methyl/ethyl alcohol (8.26%) and mushroom (5.50%). The mean stay in the ICU was 2.69 ± 0.89 days. Mechanical ventilation was applied to 10 of our patients. Renal replacement therapy was required in 6 patients. Despite all treatments, 6 of our patients died, and we found the mortality rate to be 5.50%. Conclusion: Intoxications were more frequent in young female patients and drugs were the most common cause with suicidal intent. Unfortunately, CO poisoning continues to be a very important problem in our city. These findings provided significant information about the characteristics of intoxications in Karabuk.

Increasing role of post-intensive care syndrome in quality of life of intensive care unit survivors

In this editorial we comment on the detrimental consequences that post-intensive care syndrome(PICS)has in the quality of life of intensive care unit(ICU)survivors,highlighting the importance of early onset of multidisciplinary rehabilitation from within the ICU.Although,the syndrome was identified and well described early in 2012,more awareness has been raised on the long-term PICS related health problems by the increased number of coronavirus disease 2019 ICU survivors.It is well outlined that the syndrome affects both the patient and the family and is described as the appearance or worsening of impairment in physical,cognitive,or mental health as consequence of critical illness.PICS was described in order:(1)To raise awareness among clinicians,researchers,even the society;(2)to highlight the need for a multilevel screening of these patients that starts from within the ICU and continues after discharge;(3)to present preventive strategies;and(4)to offer guidelines in terms of rehabilitation.An early multidisci-plinary approach is the key element form minimizing the incidence of PICS and its consequences in health related quality of life of both survivors and their families.

Risk Factors for Mortality in Acute Kidney Injury in Intensive Care Units in Togo

Context: Acute kidney injury (AKI) in intensive care unit (ICU) is common and associated with very high mortality. In Togo, a tropical country with limited resources and only one nephrology department in the north, acute kidney injury seems to be a real tragedy with high mortality. Aims: to determine risk factors for mortality in acute kidney injury in the intensive care units. Methods and Material: We made a multicentric cross sectional study during 6 months in the four referral centers in northern Togo. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with mortality. Data were analyzed using RStudio 2023.04.1. Results: A total of 12.6% of patients admitted to intensive care had presented with AKI. The mean age was 49.6 ± 17.9. The sex ratio (M/F) was 2.1. Community-acquired AKI was in the majority (67.7%). Oligo anuria was the most frequent functional sign (38.4%). In our series, 81.6% of patients were in KDIGO stages 2 to 3. AKI was organic in 56.2% of cases. Mortality was 44.3%. In multivariate analysis, the main factors predictive of death were: respiratory distress (OR = 2.36;p Conclusions: Acute kidney injury in intensive care is common in northern Togo, and mortality is high. Identification of associated factors should help anticipate prognosis.

Morbidity and Mortality of Acute Renal Failure in COVID-19 Patients in Intensive Care According to Waves/Variant: Case of the Grand Hôpital de l’Est Francilien Site de Meaux

Introduction: The incidence of acute renal failure (ARF) varies between 20% and 40% of cases for COVID-19 patients admitted to the intensive care unit, with very high mortality, but heterogeneous according to the different epidemic waves, probably due to the genetic variant phenomenon of the virus. The aim of this study is to determine the morbidity and mortality of COVID-19 patients admitted with ARF to the intensive care unit of the Grand H?pital Est Francilien (GHEF) according to the waves and variants. Methods: Cross-sectional observational study of COVID-19 patients with ARF admitted to the intensive care unit of the GHEF site in Meaux covering the period from March 1st 2020 to December, 31st 2021. Per-hospitalisation and outcome data were collected and analysed with SPSS version 25.0 software using the Chi-square or Fischer’s exact test or Student’s t-test and logistic regression for p Results: A total of 86 patients were included. The mean age was higher (70 ± 8.5) in patients in the fourth wave than in the other waves (p = 0.015), with male predominance in all waves without significant difference. Co-morbidities: hypertension, diabetes, heart disease, dyslipidaemia and arrhythmia complete with fibrillation were present in all waves. The majority of patients were classified as KDIGO 1 for the different waves (1st: 61.9%, 2nd: 86.5%, 3rd: 80%, and 4th: 75%), with the same trend according to variant (alpha: 80%, beta: 75%, delta: 81.3%, omicron: 75%). Mortality by the wave was: 1st: 28.5%, 2nd: 37.5%, 3rd: 23% and 4th: 11%) and by variant: alpha: 24.2%, beta: 44.8%, delta: 20.7%, omicron: 10.3%). Overall mortality was 33.7%. Case fatality was higher in the fourth wave. Hypertension, shock, failure to recover renal function, acute lung oedema, ventilator-associated lung disease and hyperkalaemia were factors associated with mortality (p Conclusion: Acute renal failure is common in COVID-19 patients admitted to the intensive care unit, and mortality is not negligible. The beta variants and the second wave presented more cases of renal impairment, although the mechanism is still unknown. Further studies are needed to understand this mechanism and perhaps to be able to identify the cause.

Improving pressure ulcer care in intensive care units:Evaluating the impact of bundled care and silver nanoparticle dressings

BACKGROUND Pressure ulcer(PU)are prevalent among critically ill trauma patients,posing substantial risks.Bundled care strategies and silver nanoparticle dressings offer potential solutions,yet their combined effectiveness and impact on patient satisfaction remain insufficiently investigated.AIM To assess the impact of bundled care along with silver nanoparticle dressing on PUs management and family satisfaction in critically ill trauma patients.METHODS A total of 98 critically ill trauma patients with PUs in intensive care unit(ICU)were included in this study.Patients were randomly assigned to either the control group(conventional care with silver nanoparticle dressing,n=49)or the intervention group(bundled care with silver nanoparticle dressing,n=49).The PU Scale for Healing(PUSH)tool was used to monitor changes in status of pressure injuries over time.Assessments were conducted at various time points:Baseline(day 0)and subsequent assessments on day 3,day 6,day 9,and day 12.Family satisfaction was assessed using the Family Satisfaction ICU 24 ques-tionnaire.RESULTS No significant differences in baseline characteristics were observed between the two groups.In the intervention group,there were significant reductions in total PUSH scores over the assessment period.Specifically,surface area,exudate,and tissue type parameters all showed significant improvements compared to the control group.Family satisfaction with care and decision-making was notably higher in the intervention group.Overall family satisfaction was significantly better in the intervention group.CONCLUSION Bundled care in combination with silver nanoparticle dressings effectively alleviated PUs and enhances family satisfaction in critically ill trauma patients.This approach holds promise for improving PUs management in the ICU,benefiting both patients and their families.

Tracheostomy-related data from an intensive care unit for two consecutive years before the COVID-19 pandemic

BACKGROUND Tracheostomy is commonly used in intensive care unit(ICU)patients who are expected to be on long-term mechanical ventilation or suffer from emergency upper airway obstruction.However,some studies have conflicting findings regarding the optimal technique and its timing and benefits.AIM To provide evidence of practice,characteristics,and outcome concerning tracheostomy in an ICU of a tertiary care hospital.METHODS This was a retrospective cohort study including adult critical care patients in a single ICU for two consecutive years.Patients’demographic characteristics,severity of illness(APACHE II score),level of consciousness[Glasgow Coma Scale(GCS)],comorbidities,timing and type of tracheostomy procedure performed and outcome were recorded.We defined late as tracheostomy placement after 8 days or no tracheotomy.RESULTS Data of 660 patients were analyzed(median age of 60 years),median APACHE II score of 19 and median GCS score of 12 at admission.Tracheostomy was performed in 115 patients,of whom 63 had early and 52 late procedures.Early tracheostomy was mainly executed in case of altered level of consciousness and severe critical illness polyneuromyopathy,however there were no significant statistical results(47.6%vs 36.5%,P=0.23)and(23.8%vs 19.2%,P=0.55)respectively.Regarding the method selected,early surgical tracheostomy(ST)was conducted in patients with maxillofacial injuries(50.0%vs 0.0%,P=0.033),whereas late surgical tracheostomy was selected for patients with goiter(44.4%vs 0.0%P=0.033).Patients with early tracheostomy spent significantly fewer days on mechanical ventilation(15.3±8.5 vs 22.8±9.6,P<0.001)and in ICU in general(18.8±9.1 vs 25.4±11.5,P<0.001).Percutaneous dilatation tracheostomy(PDT)vs ST was preferable in older critical care patients in the case of Central Nervous System underlying cause of admission(62.5%vs 26.3%,P=0.004).ST was the method of choice in compromised airway(31.6%,vs 7.3%P=0.008).A large proportion of patients(88/115)with tracheostomy managed to wean from mechanical ventilation and were transferred out of the ICU(100%vs 17.4%,P<0.001).CONCLUSION PDT was performed more frequently in our cohort.This technique did not affect mechanical ventilation days,ventilator-associated pneumonia(VAP),ICU length of stay,or survival.No complications were observed in the percutaneous or surgical tracheostomy groups.Patients undergoing early tracheostomy benefited in terms of mechanical ventilation days and ICU length of stay but not of discharge status,presence of VAP,or survival.

Being a Father of a Premature Newborn: The Parental Experience and the Father/Premature Newborn Relationship: A Study Carried out in the Department of Neonatology Intensive Care Unit of Mohammed VI University Hospital

Introduction: Despite advances in obstetrics and pediatrics over the past 20 years, premature birth remains an unpredictable event that can have a devastating impact on parenthood. This study aimed to analyze the psycho-affective experiences of fathers of premature newborns. Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study, carried out in the department of neonatology and neonatal intensive care unit of the CHU Mohamed VI in OUJDA, over 6 months from March 2022 to August 2022. It focused on 30 fathers of premature newborns hospitalized in our department. Results: The majority of fathers described a state of fear and stress, and attributed their negative experience to the unexpected nature of the premature birth. At the first meeting, half the fathers had a positive image of their newborn’s physical appearance, while 22% of fathers reported feeling uncomfortable about their newborn’s low weight. Most fathers reported that they appreciated the welcome they received, the skill with which they cared for their newborn, and the availability of the pediatrician to provide information on their child’s state of health. Two fathers enjoyed skin-to-skin contact with their newborns. None of the fathers met a psychologist. When they returned home, half the fathers had a positive outlook, marked by happiness at being able to fully invest in their role as fathers, the other half reported being torn between the desire to see their child integrated into the family cocoon and the fear of not being able to manage delicate situations properly without a medical team. Conclusion: Bringing a premature baby into the world can be a difficult experience, leading to the development of even minor psychological distress in some fathers, and hence the need for specific psychological care.

Effect of CICARE communication nursing model combined with motivational psychological intervention in patients with postintensive care unit syndrome

BACKGROUND Post-intensive care syndrome(PICS)is a term used to describe a constellation of new or worsened dysfunctions in the physical,cognitive,or mental health status of critically ill patients after their discharge from the intensive care unit(ICU).These dysfunctions persist beyond the acute phase of illness and have a significant impact on both the patient and their family.Connect,Introduce,Communicate,Ask,Respond,Exit(CICARE)communication advocates that patients should be respected and accepted when receiving medical services.Clinicians should attach importance to the communication mode of feelings,including connection,introduction,communication,ask,response,and exit 6 steps.AIM To assess the impact of CICARE communication on the reduction of anxiety,depression,and post-traumatic stress disorder(PTSD)symptoms in patients transitioning from the ICU to other care settings.METHODS This prospective,randomized,controlled study was performed between October 2021 and March 2023.Intensive Care Unit Memory Tool was used to evaluate patients’ICU memory.The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale was employed to determine the presence of anxiety or depression symptoms.Impact of Event Scale-Revised was utilized to assess the presence of PTSD.All data were processed and analyzed using R language software version 4.1.0.The measurement data were expressed as mean±SD,and the t test was used.The count data were analyzed by theχ2 test and expressed as[n(%)].RESULTS In total,248 subjects were included in this study.Among them,206 were successfully followed up for three months after transfer from the ICU,and 42 cases were lost to follow-up.There was no significant difference in the composition of ICU memory between the two groups.The application of the CICARE communication nursing model combined with the motivational psychological intervention nursing model,as well as the adoption of only the motivational psychological intervention nursing model,demonstrated favorable effects on PICS.Both groups of patients showed a reduction in anxiety scores,depression scores,and PTSD scores following the implementation of these two nursing models.However,it is noteworthy that the experimental group exhibited greater improvements compared to the control group.CONCLUSION Our findings suggest that CICARE communication nursing mode may have good influence on relieving PICS.

Risk factors for post-traumatic stress disorder among young and middle-aged cancer patients in the intensive care unit:A casecontrol study

BACKGROUND Young and middle-aged cancer patients in intensive care unit(ICU)often suffer from stress and pressure,causing huge physical and mental damage.Currently,there is few research on post-traumatic stress disorder(PTSD)among young and middle-aged cancer patients in ICU in China,and the psychological status of patients who have experienced both cancer development and ICU stay is still unclear.AIM To explore the risk factors for PTSD in young and middle-aged patients with cancer in ICU.METHODS Using convenient sampling method,we enrolled 150 young and middle-aged patients with cancer who were admitted to the ICU of our center during the period from July to December 2020.The general data of the patients and PTSDrelated indicators were collected.The Impact of Event Scale-Revised(IES-R)was used for assessing PTSD one month after the discharge from the ICU.Binary Logistic regression analysis was performed to assess the independent risk factors for PTSD in these patients.RESULTS Among these 150 patients,32(21.33%)were found to be with PTSD.Binary Logistic regression analysis revealed that factors significantly associated with PTSD among young and middle-aged patients with cancer in ICU included monthly income(OR=0.24,P=0.02),planned transfers(OR=0.208,P=0.019),and Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation(APACHE II)score(OR=1.171,P=0.003).CONCLUSION The low monthly income,unplanned transfers,and increased APACHE II score are the risk factors for PTSD in young and middle-aged patients with cancer in ICU.

Causative bacteria of ventilator-associated pneumonia in intensive care unit in Bahrain:Prevalence and antibiotics susceptibility pattern

BACKGROUND Ventilator-associated pneumonia(VAP)is defined as pneumonia that occurs two calendar days following endotracheal intubation or after that.It is the most common infection encountered among intubated patients.VAP incidence showed wide variability between countries.AIM To define the VAP incidence in the intensive care unit(ICU)in the central gove-rnment hospital in Bahrain and review the risk factors and the predominant bacterial pathogens with their antimicrobial susceptibility pattern.METHODS The research was a prospective cross-sectional observational study over six months from November 2019 to June 2020.It included adult and adolescent patients(>14 years old)admitted to the ICU and required intubation and mechanical ventilation.VAP was diagnosed when it occurred after 48 h after endotracheal intubation using the clinical pulmonary infection score,which considers the clinical,laboratory,microbiological,and radiographic evidence.RESULTS The total number of adult patients admitted to the ICU who required intubation and mechanical ventilation during the study period was 155.Forty-six patients developed VAP during their ICU stay(29.7%).The calculated VAP rate was 22.14 events per 1000 ventilator days during the study period,with a mean age of 52 years±20.Most VAP cases had late-onset VAP with a mean number of ICU days before the development of VAP of 9.96±6.55.Gram-negative contributed to most VAP cases in our unit,with multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter being the most identified pathogen.CONCLUSION The reported VAP rate in our ICU was relatively high compared to the international benchmark,which should trigger a vital action plan for reinforcing the implementation of the VAP prevention bundle.

COVID-19 pandemic in the intensive care unit:Psychological implications and interventions,a systematic review

BACKGROUND The coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19) pandemic produced changes in intensive care units(ICUs) in patient care and health organizations. The pandemic event increased patients’ risk of developing psychological symptoms during and after hospitalisation. These consequences also affected those family members who could not access the hospital. In addition, the initial lack of knowledge about the virus and its management, the climate of fear and uncertainty, the increased workload and the risk of becoming infected and being contagious, had a strong impact on healthcare staff and organizations. This highlighted the importance of interventions aimed at providing psychological support to ICUs, involving patients, their relatives, and the staff;this might involve the reorganisation of the daily routine and rearrangement of ICU staff duties.AIM To conduct a systematic review of psychological issues in ICUs during the COVID-19 pandemic involving patients, their relatives, and ICU staff.METHODS We investigated the PubMed and the ClinicalTrials.gov databases and found 65 eligible articles,upon which we commented.RESULTS Our results point to increased perceived stress and psychological distress in staff, patients and their relatives and increased worry for being infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 in patients and relatives. Furthermore, promising results were obtained for some psychological programmes aiming at improving psychological measures in all ICU categories.CONCLUSION As the pandemic limited direct inter-individual interactions, the role of interventions using digital tools and virtual reality is becoming increasingly important. All considered, our results indicate an essential role for psychologists in ICUs.

Opinions and attitudes toward targeted temperature management in the emergency department and intensive care unit in a developing country: a survey study

INTRODUCTION The past two decades have witnessed one of the most contentious scientific debates in the field of temperature management after cardiac arrest in adults.It started in 2002,following the publication of two groundbreaking trials showing lower mortality rates and improved neurologic recovery with the use of active cooling.[1,2]International recommendations advocate active cooling in the range of 32–34℃for comatose survivors of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA).[3,4]The year2013 marked the tipping point with the release of the TTM 1 trial.

Vitamin D Levels in COVID-19 Patients Admitted to Intensive Care

Background: Vitamin D has garnered much attention for its role in immune function, more specifically, it’s conceivable link to the clinical severity of Covid-19 infections and therefore its potential application in prophylactic or therapeutic treatment. Vitamin D appears capable of inhibiting pulmonary inflammatory responses while enhancing innate defence mechanisms against respiratory pathogens with population-based studies showing an association between circulating vitamin D levels and lung function. We understand that infection with Sars-Cov-2 induces production of pro and anti-inflammatory cytokines, whilst Vitamin D downregulates production of pro-inflammatory Th1 cytokines including tumour necrosis factor and interferon Y, whilst increasing expression of anti-inflammatory cytokines by macrophages. Vitamin D is also involved in the renin-angiotensin system which is regulated by entry of the SARS-Cov-2 virus into cells via the ACE2 receptor, leading to cytokine storms, with subsequent fatal respiratory distress syndrome. The theoretical implications for Vitamin D status in the presentation of Covid-19 (the disease state of Sars-Cov-2) exist, yet data on its application is currently limited. Geographical variables depicting patterns between sun exposure, diet or Vit D status, and risk of death from Covid-19 have shown strong negative correlation. Aim: We aim to assess levels of Vitamin D deficiency in ICU patients who have tested positive for Sars-Cov-2 and who have exhibited respiratory symptoms. In this way, we hope to identify the possibility of Vitamin D as a significant contributing factor to disease progression in Covid patients. Sample: Male or Female patients of any age, who were admitted to the Intensive Care Unit exhibiting respiratory symptoms, with a positive Sars-Cov-2 PCR test, between 12/3/21 and 25/2/21. sample total: 79. Results: Testing was very inconsistent with only 67.1% having their Vitamin D levels checked. There was average delay in testing levels by 2 days. 64% of patients were found to be very deficient. Conclusion: This study highlights the strong correlation between Vitamin D status and severity of Covid-19 disease and thus demonstrates a potential huge shortfall in the testing and treatment of this immunodeficiency as it relates to Covid-19. Based on recommendations of Vitamin D levels required for protection of this viral syndrome, as much as 100% of patients sampled with severe disease could be deficient in Vitamin D.

Epidemic to Different Strains of SERRATIA: Experience of Neonatal Intensive Care Unit: About 30 Cases

Serratia is an opportunistic pathogenic bacterium of the Enterobacteriaceae family, occasionally responsible for epidemics of nosocomial infections in critical departments;in particular in neonatal intensive care units Enterobacteriaceae form a large family of Gram-negative bacteria, which cause diseases of highly variable severity, due to distinct pathogenic mechanisms. This family is heterogeneous as it consists of about 30 genera of bacteria and more than 100 species. However, all these germs have in common their preferential location in the digestive system, some being part of the normal flora although they are also present in the environment. Several metabolic processes characterize this bacterial family. These include the ability to reduce nitrate to nitrite (for energy generation), ferment glucose, lack cytochrome oxidase, be aerobic or anaerobic, motile or immobile, … Enterobacteriaceae constitute more than 80% of the germs isolated in the laboratory: Escherichia, Salmonella, Shigella, Klebsiella, Enterobacter, Serratia, Proteus, Morganella and Yersinia are the rods most often found. Regarding nosocomial infection to Serratia, this bacterium colonizes the respiratory, digestive and urinary systems of patients, mainly responsible for bacteremia, infections of the lower respiratory tract, urinary and skin infections. Through our work, we report the epidemic experienced in the neonatal intensive care unit MOHAMMED VI university hospital, mother-child hospital MARRAKECH MOROCCO for three months from December at February 2023 interesting 30 newborns whose clinical presentation was different, the positive diagnosis was based on blood and geographical samples taken by the bacteriology department to isolate the offending germs, the therapeutic management of our patients consisted essentially of various hygiene measures in association with dual antibiotic therapy based on meropenem and amikacin. The evolution was marked by the death of 21 patients (70%) and the recovery of 9 patients (30%). The prognosis of infection by serratia remains bleak with high morbidity interest in prevention by respecting the rules of hygiene, which begins with hand disinfection.

A 365-Day Record of Maternal Admissions in Intensive Care Unit at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital in Nigeria

BACKGROUND. The intensive care unit provides critically ill patients with the necessary monitoring, care and supports to optimize their organ/system functions. Parturients are often at risk of sudden deteriorations or exacerbation of chronic illnesses from direct or indirect causes and would often require admissions into the intensive care or high dependency unit. This study is aimed at looking at the trends of maternal admissions in 365 days at the intensive care unit of a tertiary teaching hospital in Southern part of Nigeria, a country that contributes significantly to the global proportion of maternal morbidity and mortality. METHODS. The study adopted a retrospective approach. All critically ill parturients admitted and requiring organ support or close monitoring in the ICU had their files and ICU documents reviewed. The review was held from January-December 2018. RESULTS. Thirty-nine (39) parturients with a mean age (years) of 33 ± 1.3 were admitted, representing 2.9% of annual deliveries. All admissions were postnatal and came predominantly from the unbooked labour ward (51%) and the time lag from maternal deteriorations to presentation to the ICU was 72 ± 10 hours. The main indications for admissions were due to postpartum haemorrhage (33.3%), complications of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (30.9%) and sepsis (25.6%). Nineteen (48.7%) patients died from obstetric haemorrhage, complications of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, sepsis and pulmonary embolism. CONCLUSION. The trend of maternal admissions at this specific time frame reflects the burden of maternal critical care in our environment. It highlights the need to holistically tackle the known scourge with improved care.