Post-Intensive Care Syndrome in Survivors from Critical Illness including COVID-19 Patients: A Narrative Review

Current achievements in medical science and technological advancements in intensive care medicine have allowed better support of critically ill patients in intensive care units (ICUs) and have increased survival probability. Post-intensive care syndrome (PICS) is a relatively new term introduced almost 10 years ago, defined as “new or worsening impairments in physical, cognitive, or mental health status arising after critical illness and persisting beyond acute care hospitalization”. A significant percentage of critically ill patients suffer from PICS for a prolonged period of time, with physical problems being the most common. The exact prevalence of PICS is unknown, and many risk factors have been described well. Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) survivors seem to be at especially high risk for developing PICS. The families of ICU survivors can also be affected as a response to the stress suffered during the critical illness of their kin. This separate entity is described as PICS family (PICS-F). A multidisciplinary approach is warranted for the treatment of PICS, involving healthcare professionals, clinicians, and scientists from different areas. Improving outcomes is both challenging and imperative for the critical care community. The review of the relevant literature and the study of the physical, cognitive, and mental sequelae could lead to the prevention and timely management of PICS and the subsequent improvement of the quality of life for ICU survivors.

The Characteristics of Post-Intensive Care Syndrome to Inform Occupational Therapy Practice During the Post-Intensive Care Period: A Systematic Scoping Review.

Background: As the demand for intensive care treatment increases, so too does the number of people surviving critical illness. Since 2010, the term “post-intensive care syndrome” has been used to describe the constellation of new or worsening physical, cognitive, and psychological impairments that persist after intensive care discharge. This review aimed determine the characteristics of PICS present during the first year following discharge from the ICU to inform occupational therapists working with this population during the post-intensive care period. Methods: A systematic scoping review has been conducted according to the PRISMA-ScR Checklist. Seven key databases were searched from inception to 2020. A single reviewer screened available literature against eligibility criteria then cross-checked by a second reviewer. Data were abstracted from relevant publications and results were narratively synthesised through application of a biopsychosocial model.Results: Twenty-five studies were identified for inclusion. Characteristics were categorised as biological, psychological, or social and contextual. Overarching outcomes were also considered. Results demonstrated that characteristics were complex and interwoven between domains. Results were grouped into four key themes: 1) An increased worldwide demand for intensive care, 2) ADL performance, 3) HRQOL, and 4) Consideration of social and contextual characteristics. No studies were found to detail the role of occupational therapists working with post-intensive care survivors.Conclusions: The complex and interwoven nature of post-intensive care syndrome highlights the need to consider a holistic rehabilitation approach. Considering the COVID-19 pandemic, occupational therapists have the potential to play an increased role during the post-intensive care period to reduce the global healthcare burden and improve patient outcomes. Future research is needed to determine the best model of care to support occupational therapists working with survivors of critical illness.Trial Registration: NA

Nocturnal dexmedetomidine alleviates post–intensive care syndrome following cardiac surgery: a prospective randomized controlled clinical trial

Background Dexmedetomidine is a sedative agent that may have the potential to reduce the risk of post-intensive care syndrome (PICS). This study aimed to establish whether prophylactic nocturnal dexmedetomidine safely reduces postoperative PICS incidence and to develop an easy-to-use model for predicting the risk of PICS following cardiac surgery. Methods This was a single-center, double-blind, randomized, prospective, placebo-controlled trial. Patients undergoing cardiac surgery were randomly assigned (1:1) to dexmedetomidine or placebo (normal saline) groups between January 2019 and July 2020. Dexmedetomidine or a similar volume of saline was administered, with an infusion rate up to 1.2 μg/kg/h until the RASS remained between − 1 and 0. The primary study endpoint was PICS incidence at 6 months follow-up, as defined by cognitive, physical, or psychological impairments. Results We assessed 703 individuals for eligibility, of whom 508 were enrolled. Of these, there were 251 in the dexmedetomidine group and 257 in the placebo group that received the trial agent, forming a modified intention-to-treat population. PICS incidence at 6-month follow-up was significantly decreased in the dexmedetomidine group (54/251, 21.5%) relative to the placebo group (80/257, 31.1%) (odds ratio [OR] 0.793, 95% CI 0.665–0.945; p = 0.014). Psychological impairment was significantly reduced in the dexmedetomidine group relative to the placebo group (18.7% vs. 26.8%, OR 0.806, CI 0.672–0.967, p = 0.029). However, dexmedetomidine treatment was associated with a higher rate of hypotension. A nomogram revealed that age, education, a medical history of diabetes and smoking, dexmedetomidine treatment, postoperative atrial fibrillation, and sequential organ failure assessment scores at 8 h post-surgery were independent predictors of PICS. Conclusions Prophylactic nocturnal dexmedetomidine administration significantly reduced PICS incidence by a marked reduction in psychological impairment within a 6-month follow-up period. Trial registration ChiCTR, ChiCTR1800014314. Registered 5 January 2018, http://www.chictr.org.cn/index.aspx

Delivering Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Post–Intensive Care Syndrome–Family via a Mobile Health App

Background Family members of intensive care unit (ICU) patients are at risk for post–intensive care syndrome– family (PICS-F), including symptoms of anxiety, depression, and posttraumatic stress. Cognitive behavioral therapy is the first-line nonpharmacologic treatment for many psychological symptoms and has been successfully delivered by use of mobile technology for symptom self-management. Objectives To determine the feasibility of delivering cognitive behavioral therapy through a smartphone app to family members of critically ill patients. Methods This was a prospective longitudinal cohort study with a consecutive sample of patients admitted to 2 adult ICUs and their family members. The control group period was followed by the intervention group period. The intervention consisted of a mobile health app preloaded on a smartphone provided to family members. The study time points were enrollment (within 5 days of ICU admission), 30 days after admission, and 60 days after admission. Study measures included demographic data, app use, satisfaction with the app, mental health self-efficacy, and measures of PICS-F symptoms. Results The study sample consisted of 49 predominantly White (92%) and female (82%) family members (24 intervention, 25 control). Smartphone ownership was 88%. Completion rates for study measures were 92% in the control group and 79% in the intervention group. Family members logged in to the app a mean of 18.58 times (range 2-89) and spent a mean of 81.29 minutes (range 4.93-426.63 minutes) using the app. Conclusions The study results confirm the feasibility of implementing app-based delivery of cognitive behavioral therapy to family members of ICU patients.