scholarly journals Otolaryngology activity in two hospitals in northern and central Italy differently affected by COVID-19 pandemic

2021 ◽  
Vol 104 (2) ◽  
pp. 003685042199848
Author(s):  
Antonio Minni ◽  
Francesco Pilolli ◽  
Massimo Ralli ◽  
Niccolò Mevio ◽  
Luca Roncoroni ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Intensive Care ◽  
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome ◽  
Intensive Care Units ◽  
Healthcare System ◽  
Central Italy ◽  
Northern Italy ◽  
Public Hospitals ◽  
Geographical Differences ◽  
Italian Regions

The Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic had a significant impact on the Italian healthcare system, although geographical differences were present; regions in northern Italy have been the most severely affected while regions in the south of the country were relatively spared. Otolaryngologists were actively involved in the management of the pandemic. In this work, we analyzed and compared the otolaryngology surgical activity performed during the pandemic in two large public hospitals located in different Italian regions. In northern Italy, otolaryngologists were mainly involved in performing surgical tracheotomies in COVID-19 positive patients and contributed to the management of these patients in intensive care units. In central Italy, where the burden of the infection was significantly lower, otolaryngologists focused on diagnosis and treatment of emergency and oncology patients. This analysis confirms the important role of the otolaryngology specialists during the pandemic, but also highlights specific differences between two large hospitals in different Italian regions.

Exercise in intensive care units, safety and hemodynamic monitoring

2020 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
pp. 3
Author(s):  
Giulliano Gardenghi
Keyword(s):  
Intensive Care ◽  
Intensive Care Units ◽  
Hemodynamic Monitoring ◽  
Artificial Respiration ◽  
Exercise Physiology ◽  
Ventilatory Support ◽  
Early Mobilization ◽  
Cycle Ergometer ◽  
Search Terms

Introduction: Patients in the intensive care unit (ICU) have several deleterious effects of immobilization, including weakness acquired in the ICU. Exercise appears as an alternative for early mobilization in these patients. Objective: This work aims to highlight the hemodynamic repercussions and the applicability of exercise in the ICU. Methods: An integrative literature review was carried out, with articles published between 2010 and 2018, in the Lilacs, PubMed and Scielo databases, using the following search terms: exercise, cycle ergometer, intensive care units, early mobilization, mechanical ventilation, artificial respiration. Results: 13 articles were included, addressing hemodynamic monitoring and the role of exercise as early mobilization, with or without ventilatory support. The exercise sessions were feasible and safe within the ICU environment. Conclusion: Physical exercise can be performed safely in an ICU environment, if respecting a series of criteria such as those presented here. It is important that the assistant professional seeks to prescribe interventions based on Exercise Physiology that can positively intervene in the functional prognosis in critically ill patients.Keywords: exercise, intensive care units, patient safety.

scholarly journals SARS-CoV-2 aerosol generation during respiratory equipment reprocessing

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Camila Quartim de Moraes Bruna ◽  
Caroline Lopes Ciofi-Silva ◽  
Anderson Vicente de Paula ◽  
Lucy Santos Villas Boas ◽  
Noely Evangelista Ferreira ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Intensive Care ◽  
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome ◽  
Intensive Care Units ◽  
Medical Devices ◽  
Aerosol Generation ◽  
Surface Samples ◽  
Tertiary Hospitals ◽  
Air Sample ◽  
Sterile Processing

AbstractAerosolization may occur during reprocessing of medical devices. With the current coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, it is important to understand the necessity of using respirators in the cleaning area of the sterile processing department. To evaluate the presence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) in the air of the sterile processing department during the reprocessing of contaminated medical devices. Air and surface samples were collected from the sterile processing department of two teaching tertiary hospitals during the reprocessing of respiratory equipment used in patients diagnosed with coronavirus disease 2019 and from intensive care units during treatment of these patients. SARS-CoV-2 was detected only in 1 air sample before the beginning of decontamination process. Viable severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 RNA was not detected in any sample collected from around symptomatic patients or in sterile processing department samples. The cleaning of respiratory equipment does not cause aerosolization of SARS-CoV-2. We believe that the use of medical masks is sufficient while reprocessing medical devices during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic.

scholarly journals Continuous EEG Monitoring in the Intensive Care Unit

1998 ◽  
Vol 25 (S1) ◽  
pp. S12-S15 ◽  
Author(s):  
John Kay
Keyword(s):  
Intensive Care Unit ◽  
Intensive Care ◽  
Intensive Care Units ◽  
Eeg Monitoring ◽  
General Icus ◽  
Continuous Eeg ◽  
Nonconvulsive Seizures ◽  
Continuous Eeg Monitoring ◽  
Clinical Problems

AbstractBackground:Electroencephalography (EEG) is playing an increasingly important role in the management of comatose patients in the intensive care unit.Methods:The techniques of EEG monitoring are reviewed. Initially, standard, discontinuous recordings were performed in intensive care units (ICUs). Later, continuous displays of “raw EEG” (CEEG) were used. More recently, the addition of quantitative techniques allowed for more effective reading.Results and Conclusions:Applications of continuous EEG to clinical problems are discussed. The most useful role of CEEG appears to be the detection and management of nonconvulsive seizures. There is a need for controlled studies to assess the role for CEEG in neuro-ICUs and general ICUs.

The role of neurovascular ultrasound in intensive care units

2015 ◽  
Vol 126 (9) ◽  
pp. e178
Author(s):  
D. Jovanović ◽  
M. Stefanović Budimkić
Keyword(s):  
Intensive Care ◽  
Intensive Care Units

scholarly journals Overview on the Prevalence of Fungal Infections, Immune Response, and Microbiome Role in COVID-19 Patients

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (9) ◽  
pp. 720
Author(s):  
Maryam Roudbary ◽  
Sunil Kumar ◽  
Awanish Kumar ◽  
Lucia Černáková ◽  
Fatemeh Nikoomanesh ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Immune Response ◽  
Intensive Care ◽  
Intensive Care Units ◽  
Fungal Infections ◽  
Fungal Species ◽  
Fungal Diseases ◽  
Severe Illness ◽  
Rising Incidence ◽  
Cryptococcus Spp

Patients with severe COVID-19, such as individuals in intensive care units (ICU), are exceptionally susceptible to bacterial and fungal infections. The most prevalent fungal infections are aspergillosis and candidemia. Nonetheless, other fungal species (for instance, Histoplasma spp., Rhizopus spp., Mucor spp., Cryptococcus spp.) have recently been increasingly linked to opportunistic fungal diseases in COVID-19 patients. These fungal co-infections are described with rising incidence, severe illness, and death that is associated with host immune response. Awareness of the high risks of the occurrence of fungal co-infections is crucial to downgrade any arrear in diagnosis and treatment to support the prevention of severe illness and death directly related to these infections. This review analyses the fungal infections, treatments, outcome, and immune response, considering the possible role of the microbiome in these patients. The search was performed in Medline (PubMed), using the words “fungal infections COVID-19”, between 2020–2021.

scholarly journals Cause and Predictors of Neonatal Mortality among Neonates Admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Units of Public Hospitals in Eastern Ethiopia: Facilities Based Prospective Follow-up Study

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Assefa Desalew ◽  
Yitagesu Sintayehu ◽  
Nardos Teferi ◽  
Firehiwot Amare ◽  
Bifitu Geda ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Intensive Care ◽  
Neonatal Mortality ◽  
Intensive Care Units ◽  
Neonatal Death ◽  
Neonatal Intensive Care ◽  
Causes Of Death ◽  
Public Hospitals ◽  
Neonatal Intensive Care Units ◽  
Eastern Ethiopia

Abstract Background The first month is the most crucial period for child survival. Neonatal mortality continues to remain high with little improvement over the years in Sub-Saharan Africa including Ethiopia. This region shows the least progress to reducing neonatal mortality and it continues to be a significant public health issue. The facilities-based causes and predictors of neonatal death in the neonatal intensive care unit are not well documented in this study setting. Hence, the aim of this study was to determine the causes and predictors of neonatal mortality among infants admitted to the neonatal intensive care units in Eastern Ethiopia. Methods Facilities-based prospective follow-up study was conducted among neonates admitted to the neonatal intensive care units of public hospitals in Eastern Ethiopia from November to December 2018. Data were collected using a pre-tested, structured questionnaire and a follow-up checklist. The main outcomes and causes of death were set by pediatricians and medical residents. Epi-Data 3.1 and Statistical Package for Social Sciences Version 25 software were used for data entry and analysis respectively. Multivariable logistic regression was used to find out the predictors of facilities-based neonatal mortality. Results The proportion of facilities-based neonatal mortality was 20%(95% CI: 16.7-23.8%) The causes of death were complications of preterm birth 28.58%, birth asphyxia 22.45%, infection 18.36%, meconium aspiration syndrome 9.18%, respiratory distress syndrome 7.14% and congenital malformation 4.08%. Low birth weight, preterm births, length of stay in NICU, low 5 minute Apgar score, hyperthermia and initiation of feeding were predictors of neonatal death among infants admitted to the neonatal intensive care units in public hospitals, Eastern Ethiopia. Conclusion The proportion of facilities-based neonatal deaths was unacceptably high. The main causes of death were preventable and treatable. Hence, improving timing and quality of ANC is essential for early detection, anticipating high-risk newborns and timely interventions. Furthermore, early initiation of feeding and a better referral linkage to tertiary facilities could lead to a reduction of neonatal death in this setting.

scholarly journals Making ICU Research Happen: a Qualitative Descriptive Study About the Role of the Research Nurse in New Zealand Level III Intensive Care Units

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Diane Margaret Mackle
Keyword(s):  
Intensive Care ◽  
New Zealand ◽  
Intensive Care Units ◽  
Shared Responsibility ◽  
Research Nurse ◽  
Primary Role ◽  
High Quality Research ◽  
Qualitative Descriptive ◽  
Research Nurses

<p>This study explored the role of the research nurse in New Zealand (NZ) Level III intensive care units (ICU). Little was known about this role in NZ prior to this study. A qualitative, descriptive approach, using semi-structured interviews was used. The study was conducted in six Level III ICUs throughout NZ, who employed a research nurse. Interviews were conducted with research nurses (n = 11), the doctors they work with (principal investigators) (n = 6) and nurse managers (n = 6) for the ICUs, and the findings were triangulated. The views across all ICUs and stakeholders were generally similar, with differences only being in some operational areas. This study found that the primary role of the research nurse was trial management, where they coordinated all elements of trial conduct. Almost half of the research nurses were also involved in trial design through their positions on management committees. Research nurses also played a vital role in patient and trial advocacy, and they bridged the knowledge gap by bringing research to staff nurses, patients and their families. The issue of consent for clinical trials in the ICU setting was significant, as this was a process which research nurses were very involved in. Consenting patients was a shared responsibility of research nurses and doctors. There was a perception that research nurses were senior nurses, but not necessarily because of their role in research. The majority of research nurses reported to a nursing line manager, and also had an informal accountability to the principal investigator (PI). Research nurses and PIs worked closely in the pursuit of rigorous research for ICU patients, and research nurses were highly regarded by PIs. This study provides clarity about the research nurse‟s role and showcases their key contribution in ensuring that NZ ICUs undertake high quality research, thus contributing to potential improvements for future patients‟ outcomes.</p>

scholarly journals A pilot survey of the current scope of the practice of South African physiotherapists in the intensive care units

2005 ◽  
Vol 61 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
H. Van Aswegen ◽  
J. Patterson
Keyword(s):  
Intensive Care ◽  
Private Sector ◽  
South African ◽  
Intensive Care Units ◽  
The South ◽  
Pilot Survey ◽  
Private Practitioners ◽  
European Survey ◽  
The Government

Objective: A pilot study was conducted to determine the currentscope of practice of South African physiotherapists working in intensive care units in the government and the private sectors. These findings were compared to the findings from a European survey with regard to the role of the physiotherapist in European intensive care units.Methodology: Ninety questionnaires were distributed nationwide to secondary and tertiary government hospitals as well as to private practitioners involved in cardiopulmonary physiotherapy. The private practitioners included in this survey were listed in the Private Practitioners Association Official Members Directory. Junior and senior physiotherapists working in the intensive care units of their respective hospitals participated in completing the questionnaire. Comparisons between government and private sector data and between the South African survey and the European survey were carried out using the 2test for non-parametric data. A p-value of less than 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant.Results: Fifty-four questionnaires were analyzed and represented 60% of questionnaires sent out. Respondents to the South African survey reported 28% percent of all ICUs had between 9 - 12 beds; 83% physiotherapists indicated the availability of an on-call service during the night and 96% physiotherapists had a weekend physiotherapy service. Ninety-two percent of physiotherapists working in the government sector supervised students compared to 44% of physiotherapists in the private sector. Between 9% and 27% of physiotherapists in government and private hospitalsactively participated in research in ICU. There were no statistically significant differences in the use of respiratory physiotherapy, mobilization and positioning between respondents to the European survey and those of the South African survey respectively.Conclusion: The response rate to this questionnaire was good. It was evident from this pilot survey that the scope of practice of physiotherapy in ICU didn’t differ significantly between the government and private sector in South Africa. The role of the intensive care physiotherapist in South Africa was similar to that of the European physiotherapist  working in ICU.

The Moderator Role of Passion for Work in the Association between Work Stressors and Secondary Traumatic Stress: A Cross‐Level Diary Study among Health Professionals of Intensive Care Units

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
pp. 907-933
Author(s):  
Jennifer E. Moreno‐Jiménez ◽  
Luis Manuel Blanco‐Donoso ◽  
Raquel Rodríguez‐Carvajal ◽  
Mario Chico‐Fernández ◽  
Juan Carlos Montejo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Intensive Care ◽  
Intensive Care Units ◽  
Traumatic Stress ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Secondary Traumatic Stress ◽  
Diary Study ◽  
Work Stressors ◽  
Moderator Role ◽  
Passion For Work
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