Editorial

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Open AccessEditorial

Special Issue “Pulmonary and Critical Care Practice in the Pandemic of COVID-19”

by Jihad Mallat

J. Clin. Med. 2022, 11(5), 1336; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm11051336 - 28 Feb 2022

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Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SAR-CoV-2), which is responsible for the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), has hit the world as a global pandemic at an unparalleled scale [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pulmonary and Critical Care Practice in the Pandemic of COVID-19)

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12 pages, 922 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Tocilizumab Outcomes in Critically Ill COVID-19 Patients Admitted to the ICU and the Role of Non-Tocilizumab COVID-19-Specific Medical Therapeutics

by Alyaa Elhazmi, Ahmed A. Rabie, Awad Al-Omari, Hani N. Mufti, Hend Sallam, Mohammed S. Alshahrani, Ahmed Mady, Adnan Alghamdi, Ali Altalaq, Mohamed H. Azzam, Anees Sindi, Ayman Kharaba, Zohair A. Al-Aseri, Ghaleb A. Almekhlafi, Wail Tashkandi, Saud A. Alajmi, Fahad Faqihi, Abdulrahman Alharthy, Jaffar A. Al-Tawfiq, Rami Ghazi Melibari and Yaseen M. Arabi Show full author list Hide full author list

J. Clin. Med. 2023, 12(6), 2301; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm12062301 - 16 Mar 2023

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Abstract

Background: Tocilizumab is a monoclonal antibody proposed to manage cytokine release syndrome (CRS) associated with severe COVID-19. Previously published reports have shown that tocilizumab may improve the clinical outcomes of critically ill patients admitted to the ICU. However, no precise data about the [...] Read more.

Background: Tocilizumab is a monoclonal antibody proposed to manage cytokine release syndrome (CRS) associated with severe COVID-19. Previously published reports have shown that tocilizumab may improve the clinical outcomes of critically ill patients admitted to the ICU. However, no precise data about the role of other medical therapeutics concurrently used for COVID-19 on this outcome have been published. Objectives: We aimed to compare the overall outcome of critically ill COVID-19 patients admitted to the ICU who received tocilizumab with the outcome of matched patients who did not receive tocilizumab while controlling for other confounders, including medical therapeutics for critically ill patients admitted to ICUs. Methods: A prospective, observational, multicenter cohort study was conducted among critically ill COVID-19 patients admitted to the ICU of 14 hospitals in Saudi Arabia between 1 March 2020, and October 31, 2020. Propensity-score matching was utilized to compare patients who received tocilizumab to patients who did not. In addition, the log-rank test was used to compare the 28 day hospital survival of patients who received tocilizumab with those who did not. Then, a multivariate logistic regression analysis of the matched groups was performed to evaluate the impact of the remaining concurrent medical therapeutics that could not be excluded via matching 28 day hospital survival rates. The primary outcome measure was patients’ overall 28 day hospital survival, and the secondary outcomes were ICU length of stay and ICU survival to hospital discharge. Results: A total of 1470 unmatched patients were included, of whom 426 received tocilizumab. The total number of propensity-matched patients was 1278. Overall, 28 day hospital survival revealed a significant difference between the unmatched non-tocilizumab group (586; 56.1%) and the tocilizumab group (269; 63.1%) (p-value = 0.016), and this difference increased even more in the propensity-matched analysis between the non-tocilizumab group (466.7; 54.6%) and the tocilizumab group (269; 63.1%) (p-value = 0.005). The matching model successfully matched the two groups’ common medical therapeutics used to treat COVID-19. Two medical therapeutics remained significantly different, favoring the tocilizumab group. A multivariate logistic regression was performed for the 28 day hospital survival in the propensity-matched patients. It showed that neither steroids (OR: 1.07 (95% CI: 0.75–1.53)) (p = 0.697) nor favipiravir (OR: 1.08 (95% CI: 0.61–1.9)) (p = 0.799) remained as a predictor for an increase in 28 day survival. Conclusion: The tocilizumab treatment in critically ill COVID-19 patients admitted to the ICU improved the overall 28 day hospital survival, which might not be influenced by the concurrent use of other COVID-19 medical therapeutics, although further research is needed to confirm this. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pulmonary and Critical Care Practice in the Pandemic of COVID-19)

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18 pages, 4465 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Lung Injury in COVID-19 Has Pulmonary Edema as an Important Component and Treatment with Furosemide and Negative Fluid Balance (NEGBAL) Decreases Mortality

by Jose L. Francisco Santos, Patricio Zanardi, Veronica Alo, Vanina Dos Santos, Leonardo Bovone, Marcelo Rodriguez, Federico Magdaleno, Virginia De Langhe, Andrea Villoldo, Romina Martinez Souvielle, Julieta Alconcher, Diego Quiros, Claudio Milicchio and Eduardo Garcia Saiz

J. Clin. Med. 2023, 12(4), 1542; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm12041542 - 15 Feb 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 3035

Abstract

The SARS-CoV2 promotes dysregulation of Renin–Angiotensin–Aldosterone. The result is excessive retention of water, producing a state of noxious hypervolemia. Consequently, in COVID-19 injury lung is pulmonary edema. Our report is a case–control study, retrospective. We included 116 patients with moderate–severe COVID-19 lung injury. [...] Read more.

The SARS-CoV2 promotes dysregulation of Renin–Angiotensin–Aldosterone. The result is excessive retention of water, producing a state of noxious hypervolemia. Consequently, in COVID-19 injury lung is pulmonary edema. Our report is a case–control study, retrospective. We included 116 patients with moderate–severe COVID-19 lung injury. A total of 58 patients received standard care (Control group). A total of 58 patients received a standard treatment with a more negative fluid balance (NEGBAL group), consisting of hydric restriction and diuretics. Analyzing the mortality of the population studied, it was observed that the NEGBAL group had lower mortality than the Control group, p = 0.001. Compared with Controls, the NEGBAL group had significantly fewer days of hospital stay (p < 0.001), fewer days of ICU stay (p < 0.001), and fewer days of IMV (p < 0.001). The regressive analysis between PaO₂/FiO₂BAL and NEGBAL demonstrated correlation (p = 0.04). Compared with Controls, the NEGBAL group showed significant progressive improvement in PaO₂/FiO₂ (p < 0.001), CT score (p < 0.001). The multivariate model, the vaccination variables, and linear trends resulted in p = 0.671 and quadratic trends p = 0.723, whilst the accumulated fluid balance is p < 0.001. Although the study has limitations, the promising results encourage more research on this different therapeutic approach, since in our research it decreases mortality. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pulmonary and Critical Care Practice in the Pandemic of COVID-19)

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8 pages, 2229 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Clinical Utility of 4C Mortality Scores among Japanese COVID-19 Patients: A Multicenter Study

by Kazuki Ocho, Hideharu Hagiya, Kou Hasegawa, Kouji Fujita and Fumio Otsuka

J. Clin. Med. 2022, 11(3), 821; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm11030821 - 03 Feb 2022

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2038

Abstract

Background: We analyzed data from COVID-19 patients in Japan to assess the utility of the 4C mortality score as compared with conventional scorings. Methods: In this multicenter study, COVID-19 patients hospitalized between March 2020 and June 2021, over 16 years old, were recruited. [...] Read more.

Background: We analyzed data from COVID-19 patients in Japan to assess the utility of the 4C mortality score as compared with conventional scorings. Methods: In this multicenter study, COVID-19 patients hospitalized between March 2020 and June 2021, over 16 years old, were recruited. The superiority for correctly predicting mortality and severity by applying the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was compared. A Cox regression model was used to compare the length of hospitalization for each risk group of 4C mortality score. Results: Among 206 patients, 21 patients died. The area under the curve (AUC) (95% confidential interval (CI)) of the ROC curve for mortality and severity, respectively, of 4C mortality scores (0.84 (95% CI 0.76–0.92) and 0.85 (95% CI 0.80–0.91)) were higher than those of qSOFA (0.66 (95% CI 0.53–0.78) and 0.67 (95% CI 0.59–0.75)), SOFA (0.70 (95% CI 0.55–0.84) and 0.81 (95% CI 0.74–0.89)), A-DROP (0.78 (95% CI 0.69–0.88) and 0.81 (95% CI 0.74–0.88)), and CURB-65 (0.82 (95% CI 0.74–0.90) and 0.82 (95% CI 0.76–0.88)). For length of hospitalization among survivors, the intermediate- and high- or very high-risk groups had significantly lower hazard ratios, i.e., 0.48 (95% CI 0.30–0.76)) and 0.23 (95% CI 0.13–0.43) for discharge. Conclusions: The 4C mortality score is better for estimating mortality and severity in COVID-19 Japanese patients than other scoring systems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pulmonary and Critical Care Practice in the Pandemic of COVID-19)

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10 pages, 10032 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Safety of Bedside Placement of Tunneled Hemodialysis Catheters in the Intensive Care Unit: Translating from the COVID-19 Experience

by Mohammad Ahsan Sohail, Tarik Hanane, James Lane and Tushar J. Vachharajani

J. Clin. Med. 2021, 10(24), 5766; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm10245766 - 09 Dec 2021

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 6376

Abstract

Background: Critically ill patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and kidney dysfunction often require tunneled hemodialysis catheter (TDC) placement for kidney replacement therapy, typically under fluoroscopic guidance to minimize catheter-related complications. This entails transportation of patients outside the intensive care unit to a [...] Read more.

Background: Critically ill patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and kidney dysfunction often require tunneled hemodialysis catheter (TDC) placement for kidney replacement therapy, typically under fluoroscopic guidance to minimize catheter-related complications. This entails transportation of patients outside the intensive care unit to a fluoroscopy suite, which may potentially expose many healthcare providers to COVID-19. One potential strategy to mitigate the risk of viral transmission is to insert TDCs at the bedside, using ultrasound and anatomic landmarks only, without fluoroscopic guidance. Methods: We reviewed all COVID-19 patients in the intensive care unit who underwent right internal jugular TDC insertion at the bedside between April and December 2020. Outcomes included catheter placement-related complications such as post-procedural bleeding, air embolism, dysrhythmias, pneumothorax/hemothorax, and catheter tip malposition. TDC insertion was considered successful if the catheter was able to achieve blood flow sufficient to perform either a single intermittent or 24 h of continuous hemodialysis treatment. Results: We report a retrospective, single-center case series of 25 patients with COVID-19 who had right internal jugular TDCs placed at the bedside, 10 of whom underwent simultaneous insertion of small-bore right internal jugular tunneled central venous catheters for infusion. Continuous veno-venous hemodialysis was utilized for kidney replacement therapy in all patients, and a median catheter blood flow rate of 200 mL/min (IQR: 200–200) was achieved without any deviation from the dialysis prescription. No catheter insertion-related complications were observed, and none of the catheter tips were malpositioned. Conclusions: Bedside right internal jugular TDC placement in COVID-19 patients, using ultrasound and anatomic landmarks without fluoroscopic guidance, may potentially reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission among healthcare workers without compromising patient safety or catheter function. Concomitant insertion of tunneled central venous catheters in the right internal jugular vein for infusion may also be safely accomplished and further help limit personnel exposure to COVID-19. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pulmonary and Critical Care Practice in the Pandemic of COVID-19)

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12 pages, 831 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Pulmonary Edema in COVID-19 Treated with Furosemide and Negative Fluid Balance (NEGBAL): A Different and Promising Approach

by Jose L. Francisco Santos, Patricio Zanardi, Veronica Alo, Marcelo Rodriguez, Federico Magdaleno, Virginia De Langhe, Vanina Dos Santos, Giuliana Murialdo, Andrea Villoldo, Micaela Coria, Diego Quiros, Claudio Milicchio and Eduardo Garcia Saiz

J. Clin. Med. 2021, 10(23), 5599; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm10235599 - 28 Nov 2021

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 20157

Abstract

In COVID-19, pulmonary edema has been attributed to “cytokine storm”. However, it is known that SARS-CoV2 promotes angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 deficit, increases angiotensin II, and this triggers volume overload. Our report is based on COVID-19 patients with tomographic evidence of pulmonary edema and [...] Read more.

In COVID-19, pulmonary edema has been attributed to “cytokine storm”. However, it is known that SARS-CoV2 promotes angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 deficit, increases angiotensin II, and this triggers volume overload. Our report is based on COVID-19 patients with tomographic evidence of pulmonary edema and volume overload to whom established a standard treatment with diuretic (furosemide) guided by objectives: Negative Fluid Balance (NEGBAL approach). Retrospective observational study. We reviewed data from medical records: demographic, clinical, laboratory, blood gas, and chest tomography (CT) before and while undergoing NEGBAL, from 20 critically ill patients. Once the NEGBAL strategy was started, no patient required mechanical ventilation. All cases reverted to respiratory failure with NEGBAL, but subsequently two patients died from sepsis and acute myocardial infarction (AMI). The regressive analysis between PaO2/FiO2BAL and NEGBAL demonstrated correlation (p < 0.032). The results comparing the Pao2Fio2 between admission to NEGBAL to NEGBAL day 4, were statistically significant (p < 0.001). We noted between admission to NEGBAL and day 4 improvement in CT score (p < 0.001), decrease in the superior vena cava diameter (p < 0.001) and the decrease of cardiac axis (p < 0.001). Though our study has several limitations, we believe the promising results encourage further investigation of this different pathophysiological approach. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pulmonary and Critical Care Practice in the Pandemic of COVID-19)

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12 pages, 960 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Physical and Mental Health Impacts of the COVID-19 Pandemic among US Adults with Chronic Respiratory Conditions

by Lulu Wei, Jessica Y. Islam, Eduardo A. Mascareno, Argelis Rivera, Denise C. Vidot and Marlene Camacho-Rivera

J. Clin. Med. 2021, 10(17), 3981; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm10173981 - 02 Sep 2021

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 2874

Abstract

Adults living with chronic respiratory diseases are at higher risk of death due to COVID-19. Our objective was to evaluate the physical and mental health symptoms among US adults living with chronic respiratory conditions. We used data of 10,760 US adults from the [...] Read more.

Adults living with chronic respiratory diseases are at higher risk of death due to COVID-19. Our objective was to evaluate the physical and mental health symptoms among US adults living with chronic respiratory conditions. We used data of 10,760 US adults from the nationally representative COVID-19 Impact Survey. Chronic respiratory conditions were self-reported and included asthma (14.7%), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or COPD (4.7%), and bronchitis/emphysema (11.6%). We used multivariable Poisson regression to evaluate physical health symptoms. We estimated associations of mental health symptoms using multinomial logistic regression. In multivariable models, adults with asthma were more likely to report physical symptoms including runny or stuffy nose, chest congestion, fever, and chills. In addition, adults with COPD were more likely to report several physical symptoms including fever (adjusted prevalence ratio [aPR]: 1.37, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.09–1.72), chills (aPR: 2.10, 95% CI: 1.67–2.64), runny or stuffy nose (aPR: 1.78, 95% CI: 1.39–2.27), chest congestion (aPR: 2.14, 95% CI: 1.74–2.61), sneezing (aPR: 1.59, 95% CI: 1.23–2.05), and muscle or body aches (aPR: 1.38, 95% CI: 1.06–1.81). Adults with chronic respiratory conditions are more likely to report physical and mental health symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic compared to others. Providers should prioritize discussing mental health symptom management as the pandemic continues to be a public health concern in the US. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pulmonary and Critical Care Practice in the Pandemic of COVID-19)

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11 pages, 802 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Rationale for Polyclonal Intravenous Immunoglobulin Adjunctive Therapy in COVID-19 Patients: Report of a Structured Multidisciplinary Consensus

by Irene Coloretti, Giorgio Berlot, Stefano Busani, Francesco Giuseppe De Rosa, Abele Donati, Francesco Forfori, Giacomo Grasselli, Lucia Mirabella, Carlo Tascini, Pierluigi Viale and Massimo Girardis

J. Clin. Med. 2021, 10(16), 3500; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm10163500 - 08 Aug 2021

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2574

Abstract

Introduction: Adjunctive therapy with polyclonal intravenous immunoglobins (IVIg) is currently used for preventing or managing infections and sepsis, especially in immunocompromised patients. The pathobiology of COVID-19 and the mechanisms of action of Ig led to the consideration of this adjunctive therapy, including in [...] Read more.

Introduction: Adjunctive therapy with polyclonal intravenous immunoglobins (IVIg) is currently used for preventing or managing infections and sepsis, especially in immunocompromised patients. The pathobiology of COVID-19 and the mechanisms of action of Ig led to the consideration of this adjunctive therapy, including in patients with respiratory failure due to the SARS-CoV-2 infection. This manuscript reports the rationale, the available data and the results of a structured consensus on intravenous Ig therapy in patients with severe COVID-19. Methods: A panel of multidisciplinary experts defined the clinical phenotypes of COVID-19 patients with severe respiratory failure and, after literature review, voted for the agreement on the rationale and the potential role of IVIg therapy for each phenotype. Due to the scarce evidence available, a modified RAND/UCLA appropriateness method was used. Results: Three different phenotypes of COVID-19 patients with severe respiratory failure were identified: patients with an abrupt and dysregulated hyperinflammatory response (early phase), patients with suspected immune paralysis (late phase) and patients with sepsis due to a hospital-acquired superinfection (sepsis by bacterial superinfection). The rationale for intravenous Ig therapy in the early phase was considered uncertain whereas the panelists considered its use in the late phase and patients with sepsis/septic shock by bacterial superinfection appropriate. Conclusion: As with other immunotherapies, IVIg adjunctive therapy may have a potential role in the management of COVID-19 patients. The ongoing trials will clarify the appropriate target population and the true effectiveness. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pulmonary and Critical Care Practice in the Pandemic of COVID-19)

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11 pages, 2853 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Efficiency of Prolonged Prone Positioning for Mechanically Ventilated Patients Infected with COVID-19

by Elizabeth M. Parker, Edward A. Bittner, Lorenzo Berra and Richard M. Pino

J. Clin. Med. 2021, 10(13), 2969; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm10132969 - 01 Jul 2021

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 3462

Abstract

Hypoxemia of the acute respiratory distress syndrome can be reduced by turning patients prone. Prone positioning (PP) is labor intensive, risks unplanned tracheal extubation, and can result in facial tissue injury. We retrospectively examined prolonged, repeated, and early versus later PP for 20 [...] Read more.

Hypoxemia of the acute respiratory distress syndrome can be reduced by turning patients prone. Prone positioning (PP) is labor intensive, risks unplanned tracheal extubation, and can result in facial tissue injury. We retrospectively examined prolonged, repeated, and early versus later PP for 20 patients with COVID-19 respiratory failure. Blood gases and ventilator settings were collected before PP, at 1, 7, 12, 24, 32, and 39 h after PP, and 7 h after completion of PP. Analysis of variance was used for comparisons with baseline values at supine positions before turning prone. PP for >39 h maintained PaO₂/FiO₂ (P/F) ratios when turned supine; the P/F decrease at 7 h was not significant from the initial values when turned supine. Patients turned prone a second time, when again turned supine at 7 h, had significant decreased P/F. When PP started for an initial P/F ≤ 150 versus P/F > 150, the P/F increased throughout the PP and upon return to supine. Our results show that a single turn prone for >39 h is efficacious and saves the burden of multiple prone turns, and there is no significant advantage to initiating PP when P/F > 150 compared to P/F ≤ 150. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pulmonary and Critical Care Practice in the Pandemic of COVID-19)

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14 pages, 771 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Tracheostomy Timing and Outcome in Severe COVID-19: The WeanTrach Multicenter Study

by Denise Battaglini, Francesco Missale, Irene Schiavetti, Marta Filauro, Francesca Iannuzzi, Alessandro Ascoli, Alberto Bertazzoli, Federico Pascucci, Salvatore Grasso, Francesco Murgolo, Simone Binda, Davide Maraggia, Giorgia Montrucchio, Gabriele Sales, Giuseppe Pascarella, Felice Eugenio Agrò, Gaia Faccio, Sandra Ferraris, Savino Spadaro, Giulia Falò, Nadia Mereto, Alessandro Uva, Jessica Giuseppina Maugeri, Bellissima Agrippino, Maria Vargas, Giuseppe Servillo, Chiara Robba, Lorenzo Ball, Francesco Mora, Alessio Signori, Antoni Torres, Daniele Roberto Giacobbe, Antonio Vena, Matteo Bassetti, Giorgio Peretti, Patricia R. M. Rocco and Paolo Pelosi Show full author list Hide full author list

J. Clin. Med. 2021, 10(12), 2651; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm10122651 - 16 Jun 2021

Cited by 18 | Viewed by 5512

Abstract

Background: Tracheostomy can be performed safely in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). However, little is known about the optimal timing, effects on outcome, and complications. Methods: A multicenter, retrospective, observational study. This study included 153 tracheostomized COVID-19 patients from 11 intensive care [...] Read more.

Background: Tracheostomy can be performed safely in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). However, little is known about the optimal timing, effects on outcome, and complications. Methods: A multicenter, retrospective, observational study. This study included 153 tracheostomized COVID-19 patients from 11 intensive care units (ICUs). The primary endpoint was the median time to tracheostomy in critically ill COVID-19 patients. Secondary endpoints were survival rate, length of ICU stay, and post-tracheostomy complications, stratified by tracheostomy timing (early versus late) and technique (surgical versus percutaneous). Results: The median time to tracheostomy was 15 (1–64) days. There was no significant difference in survival between critically ill COVID-19 patients who received tracheostomy before versus after day 15, nor between surgical and percutaneous techniques. ICU length of stay was shorter with early compared to late tracheostomy (p < 0.001) and percutaneous compared to surgical tracheostomy (p = 0.050). The rate of lower respiratory tract infections was higher with surgical versus percutaneous technique (p = 0.007). Conclusions: Among critically ill patients with COVID-19, neither early nor percutaneous tracheostomy improved outcomes, but did shorten ICU stay. Infectious complications were less frequent with percutaneous than surgical tracheostomy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pulmonary and Critical Care Practice in the Pandemic of COVID-19)

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13 pages, 763 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Convalescent Plasma Efficacy in Life-Threatening COVID-19 Patients Admitted to the ICU: A Retrospective Cohort Study

by Mohamed Abuzakouk, Khaled Saleh, Manuel Algora, Ahmad Nusair, Jawahir Alameri, Fatema Alshehhi, Sara Alkhaja, Mohamed Badr, Khaled Abdallah, Bruno De Oliveira, Ashraf Nadeem, Yeldho Varghese, Dnyaseshwar Munde, Shameen Salam, Baraa Abduljawad, Hussam Elkambergy, Ali Wahla, Ahmed Taha, Jamil Dibu, Ahmed Bayrlee, Fadi Hamed, Laila AbdelWareth, Nadeem Rahman, Jorge Guzman and Jihad Mallat Show full author list Hide full author list

J. Clin. Med. 2021, 10(10), 2113; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm10102113 - 14 May 2021

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2365

Abstract

(1) Background: There are limited data regarding the efficacy of convalescent plasma (CP) in critically ill patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) due to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). We aimed to determine whether CP is associated with better clinical outcome among [...] Read more.

(1) Background: There are limited data regarding the efficacy of convalescent plasma (CP) in critically ill patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) due to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). We aimed to determine whether CP is associated with better clinical outcome among these patients. (2) Methods: A retrospective single-center study including adult patients with laboratory-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection admitted to the ICU for acute respiratory failure. The primary outcome was time to clinical improvement, within 28 days, defined as patient discharged alive or reduction of 2 points on a 6-point disease severity scale. (3) Results: Overall, 110 COVID-19 patients were admitted. Thirty-two patients (29%) received CP; among them, 62.5% received at least one CP with high neutralizing antibody titers (≥1:160). Clinical improvement occurred within 28 days in 14 patients (43.7%) of the CP group vs. 48 patients (61.5%) in the non-CP group (hazard ratio (HR): 0.75 (95% CI: 0.41–1.37), p = 0.35). After adjusting for potential confounding factors, CP was not independently associated with time to clinical improvement (HR: 0.53 (95% CI: 0.23–1.22), p = 0.14). Additionally, the average treatment effects of CP, calculated using the inverse probability weights (IPW), was not associated with the primary outcome (−0.14 days (95% CI: −3.19–2.91 days), p = 0.93). Hospital mortality did not differ between CP and non-CP groups (31.2% vs. 19.2%, p = 0.17, respectively). Comparing CP with high neutralizing antibody titers to the other group yielded the same findings. (4) Conclusions: In this study of life-threatening COVID-19 patients, CP was not associated with time to clinical improvement within 28 days, or hospital mortality. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pulmonary and Critical Care Practice in the Pandemic of COVID-19)

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15 pages, 741 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Severe Acute Kidney Injury in Critically Ill Patients with COVID-19 Admitted to ICU: Incidence, Risk Factors, and Outcomes

by Muriel Ghosn, Nizar Attallah, Mohamed Badr, Khaled Abdallah, Bruno De Oliveira, Ashraf Nadeem, Yeldho Varghese, Dnyaseshwar Munde, Shameen Salam, Baraa Abduljawad, Khaled Saleh, Hussam Elkambergy, Ali Wahla, Ahmed Taha, Jamil Dibu, Ahmed Bayrlee, Fadi Hamed, Nadeem Rahman and Jihad Mallat

J. Clin. Med. 2021, 10(6), 1217; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm10061217 - 15 Mar 2021

Cited by 24 | Viewed by 2776

Abstract

Background: Critically ill patients with COVID-19 are prone to develop severe acute kidney injury (AKI), defined as KDIGO (Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes) stages 2 or 3. However, data are limited in these patients. We aimed to report the incidence, risk factors, and [...] Read more.

Background: Critically ill patients with COVID-19 are prone to develop severe acute kidney injury (AKI), defined as KDIGO (Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes) stages 2 or 3. However, data are limited in these patients. We aimed to report the incidence, risk factors, and prognostic impact of severe AKI in critically ill patients with COVID-19 admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) for acute respiratory failure. Methods: A retrospective monocenter study including adult patients with laboratory-confirmed severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection admitted to the ICU for acute respiratory failure. The primary outcome was to identify the incidence and risk factors associated with severe AKI (KDIGO stages 2 or 3). Results: Overall, 110 COVID-19 patients were admitted. Among them, 77 (70%) required invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV), 66 (60%) received vasopressor support, and 9 (8.2%) needed extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). Severe AKI occurred in 50 patients (45.4%). In multivariable logistic regression analysis, severe AKI was independently associated with age (odds ratio (OR) = 1.08 (95% CI (confidence interval): 1.03–1.14), p = 0.003), IMV (OR = 33.44 (95% CI: 2.20–507.77), p = 0.011), creatinine level on admission (OR = 1.04 (95% CI: 1.008–1.065), p = 0.012), and ECMO (OR = 11.42 (95% CI: 1.95–66.70), p = 0.007). Inflammatory (interleukin-6, C-reactive protein, and ferritin) or thrombotic (D-dimer and fibrinogen) markers were not associated with severe AKI after adjustment for potential confounders. Severe AKI was independently associated with hospital mortality (OR = 29.73 (95% CI: 4.10–215.77), p = 0.001) and longer hospital length of stay (subhazard ratio = 0.26 (95% CI: 0.14–0.51), p < 0.001). At the time of hospital discharge, 74.1% of patients with severe AKI who were discharged alive from the hospital recovered normal or baseline renal function. Conclusion: Severe AKI was common in critically ill patients with COVID-19 and was not associated with inflammatory or thrombotic markers. Severe AKI was an independent risk factor of hospital mortality and hospital length of stay, and it should be rapidly recognized during SARS-CoV-2 infection. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pulmonary and Critical Care Practice in the Pandemic of COVID-19)

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12 pages, 808 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Methylprednisolone on Ventilator-Free Days in Mechanically Ventilated Patients with Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome and COVID-19: A Retrospective Study

by Mohamed Badr, Bruno De Oliveira, Khaled Abdallah, Ashraf Nadeem, Yeldho Varghese, Dnyaseshwar Munde, Shameen Salam, Baraa Abduljawad, Khaled Saleh, Hussam Elkambergy, Ahmed Taha, Ahmed Bayrlee, Ali Wahla, Jamil Dibu, Rehan Haque, Fadi Hamed, Nadeem Rahman and Jihad Mallat

J. Clin. Med. 2021, 10(4), 760; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm10040760 - 14 Feb 2021

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2621

Abstract

Objectives: There are limited data regarding the efficacy of methylprednisolone in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) due to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) requiring invasive mechanical ventilation. We aimed to determine whether methylprednisolone is associated with increases in the number of ventilator-free [...] Read more.

Objectives: There are limited data regarding the efficacy of methylprednisolone in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) due to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) requiring invasive mechanical ventilation. We aimed to determine whether methylprednisolone is associated with increases in the number of ventilator-free days (VFDs) among these patients. Design: Retrospective single-center study. Setting: Intensive care unit. Patients: All patients with ARDS due to confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection and requiring invasive mechanical ventilation between 1 March and 29 May 2020 were included. Interventions: None. Measurements and Main Results: The primary outcome was ventilator-free days (VFDs) for the first 28 days. Defined as being alive and free from mechanical ventilation. The primary outcome was analyzed with competing-risks regression based on Fine and Gray’s proportional sub hazards model. Death before day 28 was considered to be the competing event. A total of 77 patients met the inclusion criteria. Thirty-two patients (41.6%) received methylprednisolone. The median dose was 1 mg·kg⁻¹ (IQR: 1–1.3 mg·kg⁻¹) and median duration for 5 days (IQR: 5–7 days). Patients who received methylprednisolone had a mean 18.8 VFDs (95% CI, 16.6–20.9) during the first 28 days vs. 14.2 VFDs (95% CI, 12.6–16.7) in patients who did not receive methylprednisolone (difference, 4.61, 95% CI, 1.10–8.12, p = 0.001). In the multivariable competing-risks regression analysis and after adjusting for potential confounders (ventilator settings, prone position, organ failure support, severity of the disease, tocilizumab, and inflammatory markers), methylprednisolone was independently associated with a higher number of VFDs (subhazards ratio: 0.10, 95% CI: 0.02–0.45, p = 0.003). Hospital mortality did not differ between the two groups (31.2% vs. 28.9%, p = 0.82). Hospital length of stay was significantly shorter in the methylprednisolone group (24 days [IQR: 15–41 days] vs. 37 days [IQR: 23–52 days], p = 0.046). The incidence of positive blood cultures was higher in patients who received methylprednisolone (37.5% vs. 17.8%, p = 0.052). However, 81% of patients who received methylprednisolone also received tocilizumab. The number of days with hyperglycemia was similar in the two groups. Conclusions: Methylprednisolone was independently associated with increased VFDs and shortened hospital length of stay. The combination of methylprednisolone and tocilizumab was associated with a higher rate of positive blood cultures. Further trials are needed to evaluate the benefits and safety of methylprednisolone in moderate or severe COVID-19 ARDS. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pulmonary and Critical Care Practice in the Pandemic of COVID-19)

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19 pages, 2474 KiB

Open AccessReview

Multi-Organ Involvement in COVID-19: Beyond Pulmonary Manifestations

by Vikram Thakur, Radha Kanta Ratho, Pradeep Kumar, Shashi Kant Bhatia, Ishani Bora, Gursimran Kaur Mohi, Shailendra K Saxena, Manju Devi, Dhananjay Yadav and Sanjeet Mehariya

J. Clin. Med. 2021, 10(3), 446; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm10030446 - 24 Jan 2021

Cited by 97 | Viewed by 7996

Abstract

Coronavirus Disease 19 (COVID-19), due to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) has become an on-going global health emergency affecting over 94 million cases with more than 2 million deaths globally. Primarily identified as atypical pneumonia, it has developed into severe acute respiratory [...] Read more.

Coronavirus Disease 19 (COVID-19), due to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) has become an on-going global health emergency affecting over 94 million cases with more than 2 million deaths globally. Primarily identified as atypical pneumonia, it has developed into severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), a multi-organ dysfunction with associated fatality. Ever since its emergence, COVID-19 with its plethora of clinical presentations has signalled its dynamic nature and versatility of the disease process. Being a disease with droplet transmission has now assumed the proportion of a suspected airborne nature which, once proved, poses a Herculean task to control. Because of the wide distribution of the human angiotensin-converting enzyme-2 (hACE2) receptors, known for its transmission, we envisage its multiorgan spread and extensive disease distribution. Thus, an extensive review of the extrapulmonary organotropism of SARS-CoV-2 with organ-specific pathophysiology and associated manifestations like dermatological complications, myocardial dysfunction, gastrointestinal symptoms, neurologic illnesses, hepatic and renal injury is needed urgently. The plausible mechanism of site-specific viral invasion is also discussed to give a comprehensive understanding of disease complexity, to help us to focus on research priorities and therapeutic strategies to counter the disease progression. A note on the latest advancements in vaccine research will enlighten the scientific world and equip it for better preparedness. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pulmonary and Critical Care Practice in the Pandemic of COVID-19)

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7 pages, 579 KiB

Open AccessBrief Report

Impact of Dexamethasone and Inhaled Nitric Oxide on Severe Acute Kidney Injury in Critically Ill Patients with COVID-19

by Mickaël Bobot, David Tonon, Noémie Peres, Christophe Guervilly, Flora Lefèvre, Howard Max, Youri Bommel, Maxime Volff, Marc Leone, Alexandre Lopez, Pierre Simeone, Julien Carvelli, Sophie Chopinet, Sami Hraiech, Laurent Papazian, Lionel Velly, Jérémy Bourenne and Jean-Marie Forel

J. Clin. Med. 2022, 11(20), 6130; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm11206130 - 18 Oct 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1653

Abstract

Background: Acute kidney injury (AKI) is the second most frequent condition after acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) in critically ill patients with severe COVID-19 and is strongly associated with mortality. The aim of this multicentric study was to assess the impact of the [...] Read more.

Background: Acute kidney injury (AKI) is the second most frequent condition after acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) in critically ill patients with severe COVID-19 and is strongly associated with mortality. The aim of this multicentric study was to assess the impact of the specific treatments of COVID-19 and ARDS on the risk of severe AKI in critically ill COVID-19 patients. Methods: In this cohort study, data from consecutive patients older than 18 years admitted to 6 ICUs for COVID-19-related ARDS requiring invasive mechanical ventilation were included. The incidence and severity of AKI, defined according to the 2012 KDIGO definition, were monitored during the entire ICU stay until day 90. Patients older than 18 years admitted to the ICU for COVID-19-related ARDS requiring invasive mechanical ventilation were included. Results: 164 patients were included in the final analysis; 97 (59.1%) displayed AKI, of which 39 (23.8%) had severe stage 3 AKI, and 21 (12.8%) required renal replacement therapy (RRT). In univariate analysis, severe AKI was associated with angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEI) exposure (p = 0.016), arterial hypertension (p = 0.029), APACHE-II score (p = 0.004) and mortality at D28 (p = 0.008), D60 (p < 0.001) and D90 (p < 0.001). In multivariate analysis, the factors associated with the onset of stage 3 AKI were: exposure to ACEI (OR: 4.238 (1.307–13.736), p = 0.016), APACHE II score (without age) (OR: 1.138 (1.044–1.241), p = 0.003) and iNO (OR: 5.694 (1.953–16.606), p = 0.001). Prone positioning (OR: 0.234 (0.057–0.967), p = 0.045) and dexamethasone (OR: 0.194 (0.053–0.713), p = 0.014) were associated with a decreased risk of severe AKI. Conclusions: Dexamethasone was associated with the prevention of the risk of severe AKI and RRT, and iNO was associated with severe AKI and RRT in critically ill patients with COVID-19. iNO should be used with caution in COVID-19-related ARDS. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pulmonary and Critical Care Practice in the Pandemic of COVID-19)

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