Glycemic control is associated with lower odds of mortality and successful extubation in severe COVID-19

Context Corticosteroids, specifically dexamethasone, have become the mainstay of treatment for moderate to severe COVID-19. Although the RECOVERY trial did not report adverse effects of corticosteroids, the METCOVID (Methylprednisolone as Adjunctive Therapy for Patients Hospitalized with COVID-19) study reported a higher blood glucose level in patients receiving methylprednisolone. Objectives This study aims to analyze the association between corticosteroids and COVID-19–related outcomes in patients admitted to the medical ICU (MICU) for COVID-19 pneumonia. Methods This is an observational study of 141 patients admitted to the MICU between March 18 and June 7, 2020. Data on demographics, laboratory and imaging studies, and clinical course were obtained, including data on corticosteroid use. Bivariate analyses and logistic regression were performed between patient characteristics and mortality and successful extubation. Results Of the 141 patients, 86 required mechanical ventilation, 50 received steroids, and 71 died. Regarding demographics, patients had a median age of 58 (interquartile range [IQR] 48, 65), Hispanic (57.4%, n=81), and non-Hispanic Black (37.5%, n=53). The most prevalent comorbidities were hypertension (49.6%, n=70) and diabetes (48.2%, n=68). Lower blood glucose levels on admission (125.5 vs. 148 mg/dL, p=0.025) and lower peak blood glucose levels on corticosteroids (215.5 vs. 361 mg/dL, p=0.0021) were associated with lower prevalence of mortality. Patients who were successfully extubated had a lower admission blood glucose (126.5 vs. 149 mg/dL, p=0.0074) and lower peak blood glucose on corticosteroids (217 vs. 361 mg/dL, p=0.0023). Conclusions Lower blood glucose on admission and lower maximum blood glucose on corticosteroids were associated with lower odds of mortality and successful extubation, regardless of preexisting diabetes. Hyperglycemia may be negating any potential benefit of corticosteroid therapy. These findings suggest that glucose control could be a parameter that impacts the outcome of patients receiving corticosteroids for COVID-19 pneumonia.

Correction to: The role of diaphragmatic ultrasound as a predictor of successful extubation from mechanical ventilation in respiratory intensive care unit

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via the original article.

Predicting Successful Extubation Rate Using Modified Spontaneous Breathing Trial in PICUs

Background: Extubation readiness is assessed by spontaneous breathing trials (SBTs); however, there is a lack of universally agreed protocols for their accurate performance and reporting in pediatric intensive care units (PICUs). Objectives: We aimed to evaluate extubating bundles, including modified SBT, in predicting successful extubation in critically-ill children with planned extubation. Method: This prospective cross-sectional study was based on the collection of data from 150 critically-ill children admitted to the PICU at Minia University Hospital. From January 2019 to June 2020, those children admitted to the PCIU and subjected to mechanical ventilation (MV), and extubation were enrolled. When the clinical team decided a child was ready for extubation based on the extubating bundle, a modified SBT (10 min) was used. It was started with switching to the CPAP\PS mode, followed by PS zero, and maintaining the original PEEP for 3 min. Finally, PS was kept at 5 - 8 cm H2O, and the original PEEP was maintained for the remaining 7 min (total period of 10 min). Results: The extubation bundle with modified SBT could predict extubation success with 89% sensitivity and 89.9% positive predictive value (PPV). There were no significant differences in age, weight, gender, and length of intubation between children with failed SBT and those who were successfully extubated. In 41 cases, SBT failure occurred in 3 ‐ 5 min, while nine cases showed failure in 6 ‐ 10 min. Conclusions: Extubation bundle with modified SBT before elective extubation is indicated for children. Guidelines for extubation among critically-ill children are needed to reduce unnecessary exposure to mechanical ventilation's adverse effects. Further multicenter research is required to enhance outcomes and decline the burden of these patients.

The role of diaphragmatic ultrasound as a predictor of successful extubation from mechanical ventilation in respiratory intensive care unit

Background The diaphragm muscle whose dysfunction may be very common in patients undergoing mechanical ventilation (Ferrari G, De Filippi G, Elia F, Panero F, Volpicelli G, Aprà F. Crit Ultrasound J 6:8, 2014). Aim: To evaluate real-time ultrasound in the evaluation of diaphragmatic thickening, thickening fraction, and/or excursion to predict extubation outcomes. We aimed to compare these parameters with other traditional weaning measures is a fundamental. Results Out of 80 included patients, 20 (25%) have failed extubation. Diaphragmatic thickening (DT), thickening fraction (DTF), and/or excursion (DE) were significantly higher in the successful group compared to those who failed extubation (p < 0.05). Cutoff values of diaphragmatic measures associated with successful extubation (during tidal breathing) were ≥ 17 mm for DE; ≥ 2.1 cm for DT inspiration; ≥ 15.5 mm for DT expiration, functional residual capacity (FRC); and ≥ 32.82% for DTF %, giving 68%, 95%, 62%, and 90% sensitivity, respectively, and 65%, 100%, 100%, and 75% specificity, respectively. Cutoff values of diaphragmatic parameters associated with successful extubation (during deep breathing) were > 28.5 mm DT Insp, total lung capacity (TLC); >22.5mm DT Exp (RV); >37 DTF %; and > 31 mm DE, giving 100%, 73%, 97%, and 75% sensitivity and 65%, 75%, 100%, and 55% specificity, respectively. Rapid shallow breathing index (RSBI) had 47% sensitivity but 90% specificity. Conclusion Ultrasound evaluation of diaphragmatic parameters could be a good predictor of weaning in patients who passed the T-tube.

The 2007 International Consensus Conference Definition in ventilated pediatric patients

Background The Task Force classification (TFC) identifies weaning from mechanical ventilation (MV) in adults as: simple (SW), difficult (DW) and prolonged (PW). The usefulness of this classification is unknown in pediatric patients. Methods Prospective, descriptive, multicenter study in 29 pediatric intensive care units from Argentina during a three-month period including all admitted patients who required MV and met weaning criteria. The evolution of these patients was analyzed according to TFC. Results 474 patients were included, 454 (95.8 %) of whom were successfully extubated. Eighty percent (n=370) were extubated after the first attempt and classified as SW, 84 (18,2%) were DW and only 7 (1,5%) faced a PW. Successful extubation on the first trial was 77.9% (n=356) and for subsequent trials, 56.7%, 64.5% and 66.7%. The duration of MV (in days) by group was [median (interquartile range)]: 5.4 (2.8-9.7) (SW), 10.6 (7.7-18.8) (DW) and 27.4 (15.1-28.4) (PW). Fourteen patients underwent tracheostomy without any weaning attempt, 3 patients were on MV at the end of the study and 3 patients died without any attempt. The only variable associated with PW and DW (as a single group, with SW as reference) in multivariable analysis was ventilator-associated pneumonia (OR 2.58, 95%CI 1.01-6.11). Conclusions We observed a low prevalence of PW. Patients with PW and DW showed no significant differences from patients with SW, albeit a higher incidence of VAP.

Handgrip strength cutoff value predicting successful extubation in mechanically ventilated patients

Background Handgrip strength (HGS) is an alternative tool to evaluate respiratory muscle function. HGS cutoff value indicating extubation success or failure has not been investigated. This study aimed to determine HGS cutoff value to predict successful extubation. Methods A prospective study was conducted. Patients requiring intubated mechanical ventilation with intubation ≥ 48 hours in medical wards were recruited. HGS test was performed at 10 minutes before and 30 minutes after spontaneous breathing trial (SBT). Rapid shallow breathing index (RSBI) was measured at 10 minutes before SBT. Results Ninety-three patients (58% men) were included. Mean age was 71.6 ± 15.2 years. Weaning failure rate was 6.5%. The area under the ROC curve of 0.84 for the best HGS cutoff value at 10 minutes before SBT was 12.7 kg, with 75.9% sensitivity and 83.3% specificity (P = 0.005). The best HSG cutoff value at 30 minutes after SBT was 14.9 kg, with the area under the ROC curve of 0.82, with 58.6% sensitivity and 83.3% specificity (P = 0.009). The best RSBI cutoff value was 43.5 breaths/min/L, with the area under the ROC curve of 0.46, 33.3% sensitivity and 66.6% specificity (P = 0.737). Conclusions HGS may be a predictive tool to guide extubation with better sensitivity and specificity than RSBI. A prospective study is needed to verify HGS test as adjunctive to RSBI in ventilator weaning protocol.