Understanding and reducing disability in older adults following critical illness

Pre-Intensive Care Unit Cognitive Status, Subsequent Disability, and New Nursing Home Admission among Critically Ill Older Adults

RATIONALE

Cognitive impairment is common among older adults, yet little is known about the association of pre-intensive care unit cognitive status with outcomes relevant to older adults maintaining independence after a critical illness.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate whether pre-intensive care unit cognitive status is associated with post-intensive care unit disability, new nursing home admission, and mortality after a critical illness among older adults.

METHODS

In this prospective cohort study, 754 persons aged 70 years or more were monitored from March 1998 to December 2013 with monthly assessments of disability. Cognitive status was assessed every 18 months, using the Mini-Mental State Examination (range, 0-30), with scores classified as 28 or higher (cognitively intact), 24-27 (minimal impairment), and less than 24 (moderate impairment). The primary outcome was disability count (range, 0-13), assessed monthly over 6 months after an intensive care unit stay. The secondary outcomes were incident nursing home admission and time to death after intensive care unit admission. The analytic sample included 391 intensive care unit admissions.

RESULTS

The mean age was 83.5 years. The prevalence of moderate impairment, minimal impairment, and intact cognition (the comparison group) was 17.3, 46.2, and 36.5%, respectively. In the multivariable analysis, moderate impairment was associated with nearly a 20% increase in disability over the 6-month follow-up period (adjusted relative risk, 1.19; 95% confidence interval, 1.04-1.36), and minimal impairment was associated with a 16% increase in post-intensive care unit disability (adjusted relative risk, 1.16; 95% confidence interval, 1.02-1.32). Moderate impairment was associated with more than double the likelihood of a new nursing home admission (adjusted odds ratio, 2.37; 95% confidence interval, 1.01-5.55). Survival differed significantly across the three cognitive groups (log-rank P = 0.002), but neither moderate impairment (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.19; 95% confidence interval, 0.65-2.19) nor minimal impairment (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.00; 95% confidence interval, 0.61-1.62) was significantly associated with mortality in the multivariable analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

Among older adults, any impairment (even minimal) in pre-intensive care unit cognitive status was associated with an increase in post-intensive care unit disability over the 6 months after a critical illness; moderate cognitive impairment doubled the likelihood of a new nursing home admission. Pre-intensive care unit cognitive impairment was not associated with mortality from intensive care unit admission through 6 months of follow-up. Pre-intensive care unit cognitive status may provide prognostic information about the likelihood of older adults maintaining independence after a critical illness.

Safety and Feasibility of Early Mobilization in Patients with Subarachnoid Hemorrhage and External Ventricular Drain

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE

In November 2014, our Neurointensive Care Unit began a multi-phased progressive early mobilization initiative for patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage and an external ventricular drain (EVD). Our goal was to transition from a culture of complete bed rest (Phase 0) to a physical and occupational therapy (PT/OT)-guided mobilization protocol (Phase I), and ultimately to a nurse-driven mobilization protocol (Phase II). We hypothesized that nurses could mobilize patients as safely as an exclusively PT/OT-guided approach.

METHODS

In Phase I, patients were mobilized only with PT/OT at bedside; no independent time out of bed occurred. In Phase II, nurses independently mobilized patients with EVDs, and patients could remain out of bed for up to 3 h at a time. Physical and occupational therapists continued routine consultation during Phase II.

RESULTS

Phase II patients were mobilized more frequently than Phase I patients [7.1 times per ICU stay (± 4.37) versus 3.0 times (± 1.33); p = 0.02], although not earlier [day 4.9 (± 3.46) versus day 6.0 (± 3.16); p = 0.32]. All Phase II patients were discharged to home PT services or acute rehabilitation centers. No patients were discharged to skilled nursing or long-term acute care hospitals, versus 12.5% in Phase I. In a multivariate analysis, odds of discharge to home/rehab were 3.83 for mobilized patients, independent of age and severity of illness. Other quality outcomes (length of stay, ventilator days, tracheostomy placement) between Phase I and Phase II patients were similar. No adverse events were attributable to early mobilization.

CONCLUSIONS

Nurse-driven mobilization for patients with EVDs is safe, feasible, and leads to more frequent ambulation compared to a therapy-driven protocol. Nurse-driven mobilization may be associated with improved discharge disposition, although exact causation cannot be determined by these data.

Predictors of successful discharge from intensive care units in older adults aged 80 years or older: A population-based study

BACKGROUND

We determined the long-term outcomes of adult intensive care unit (ICU) patients and investigated the predictors of successful discharge for ≥6 months among older adults aged ≥80 years in Taiwan.

OBJECTIVES

To identify the predictors of ICU admission in patients aged ≥80 years and the predictors of and optimal cutoff predictive discharge score (PDS) for ICU successful discharge in patients aged ≥80 years.

DESIGN

A population-based retrospective cohort study.

SETTINGS AND PARTICIPANTS

Medical records of 282,269 individuals aged ≥80 years collected from the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database from 2001 to 2013.

METHODS

Demographic and clinical parameters, Charlson's comorbidity index (CCI), hospital type, and post-discharge outcomes of ICU patients aged ≥80 years were obtained from their medical records. Multivariable logistic regression was used to analyze and identify the predictors of successful discharge and treatments received by critically ill patients aged ≥80 years admitted to the ICU. The optimal cutoff PDS for successful discharge in older adults were calculated by Youden Index. Results 65,756 ICU admissions were documented, of which 21% (n = 13,825) were for adults aged ≥80 years. The successful discharge rate among ICU patients aged ≥80 years (57.2%) was significantly lower than that among those aged 18-64 and 65-79 years (81.7% and 71.5%, respectively). Multivariable logistic regression analyses revealed the following predictors of successful discharge for ≥6 months after ICU admission in adults aged ≥80 years: younger age (adjusted odds ratio [OR] = 0.95, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.94-0.96), shorter ICU length of stay (adjusted OR = 0.90, 95% CI = 0.88-0.92), lower CCI (adjusted OR = 0.92, 95% CI = 0.90-0.93), and no life-sustaining treatments received (Cardiopulmonary resuscitation: adjusted OR = 0.75, 95% CI = 0.68-0.84; mechanical ventilation: adjusted OR = 0.63, 95% CI = 0.57-0.71; use of inotropic agents: adjusted OR = 0.37, 95% CI = 0.34-0.41). The optimal cutoff PDS in older adults was 6 (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve = 0.73, 95% CI = 0.72-0.74).

CONCLUSION

This is the first population-based study investigating the post-discharge outcomes of ICU patients aged ≥80 years. Advanced age was a predictive factor of unsuccessful discharge from the ICU. Nevertheless, more than half of this vulnerable population survived for at least 6 months after discharge. Therefore, age should not be the sole criterion when considering ICU admission and deciding curative treatments for critically ill older adults. Comprehensive assessment and effective communication with patients and their families are also crucial in clinical decision-making for critically ill older adults.

Aging and Postintensive Care Syndrome- Family: A Critical Need for Geriatric Psychiatry

Postintensive care syndrome-family (PICS-F) describes the psychological symptoms that affect the family members of patients hospitalized in the intensive care unit (ICU) or recently discharged from the ICU. Geriatric psychiatrists should be concerned about PICS-F for several reasons. First, ICU hospitalization in older adults is associated with higher rates of cognitive and physical impairment compared with older adults hospitalized in non-ICU settings or dwelling in the community. This confers a special burden on the caregivers of these older ICU survivors compared with other geriatric populations. Second, as caregivers themselves age, caring for this unique burden can be more challenging compared with other geriatric populations. Third, evidence for models of care centered on patients with multimorbidity and their caregivers is limited. A deeper understanding of how to care for PICS and PICS-F may inform clinical practice for other geriatric populations with multimorbidity and their caregivers. Geriatric psychiatrists may play a key role in delivering coordinated care for PICS-F by facilitating timely diagnosis and interdisciplinary collaboration, advocating for the healthcare needs of family members suffering from PICS-F, and leading efforts within healthcare systems to increase awareness and treatment of PICS-F. This clinical review will appraise the current literature about the impact of critical illness on the family members of ICU survivors and identify crucial gaps in our knowledge about PICS-F among aging patients and caregivers.

Early Post-Intensive Care Syndrome among Older Adult Sepsis Survivors Receiving Home Care

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

New or worsened disabilities in functional, cognitive, or mental health following an intensive care unit (ICU) stay are referred to as post-intensive care syndrome (PICS). PICS has not been described in older adults receiving home care. Our aim was to examine the relationship between length of ICU stay and PICS among older adults receiving home care. We expected that patients in the ICU for 3 days or longer would demonstrate significantly more disability in all three domains on follow-up than those not in the ICU. A secondary aim was to identify patient characteristics increasing the odds of disability.

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study.

SETTING

Hospitalization for sepsis in the United States.

PARTICIPANTS

A total of 21 520 Medicare patients receiving home care and reassessed a median of 1 day (interquartile range 1-2 d) after hospital discharge.

MEASUREMENTS

PICS was defined as a decline or worsening in one or more of 16 indicators tested before and after hospitalization using OASIS (Home Health Outcome and Assessment Information Set) and Medicare claims data.

RESULTS

The sample was predominantly female and white. All had sepsis, and most (81.8%) had severe sepsis. In adjusted models, an ICU stay of 3 days or longer, compared with no ICU stay, increased the odds of physical disability. Overall, the declines were modest and found in specific activities of daily living (16% for feeding and lower body dressing to 26% for oral medicine management). No changes were identified in cognition or mental health. Significant determinants of new or worsened physical disabilities were sepsis severity, older age, depression, frailty, and dementia.

CONCLUSION

Older adults receiving home care who develop sepsis and are in an ICU for 3 days or longer are likely to develop new or worsened physical disabilities. Whether these disabilities remain after the early postdischarge phase requires further study. J Am Geriatr Soc 67:520-526, 2019.

Dysphagia Onset in Older Adults during Unrelated Hospital Admission: Quantitative Videofluoroscopic Measures

New-onset swallowing difficulties in older patients during unrelated hospital admissions are well recognized and may result in prolonged hospital stay and increased morbidity. Presbyphagia denotes age-related swallowing changes which do not necessarily result in pathological effects. The trajectory from presbyphagia to dysphagia is not well understood. This retrospective observational study compared quantitative videofluoroscopic measures in hospitalized older adults aged 70-100 years, reporting new dysphagia symptoms during admission (n = 52), to healthy asymptomatic older (n = 56) and younger adults (n = 43). Significant physiological differences seen in hospitalized older adults but not healthy adults, were elevated pharyngeal area (p < 0.001) and pharyngeal constriction ratio (p < 0.001). Significantly increased penetration (p < 0.001), aspiration (p < 0.001) and pharyngeal residue (p < 0.001) were also observed in the hospitalized older cohort. Reasons for onset of new swallow problems during hospitalization are likely multifactorial and complex. Alongside multimorbidity and polypharmacy, a combination of factors during hospitalization, such as fatigue, low levels of alertness, delirium, reduced respiratory support and disuse atrophy, may tip the balance of age-related swallowing adaptations and compensation toward dysfunctional swallowing. To optimize swallowing assessment and management for our aging population, care must be taken not to oversimplify dysphagia complaints as a characteristic of aging.

Measuring Outcomes After Critical Illness

Outcomes after critical illness remain poorly understood. Conceptual models developed by other disciplines can serve as a framework by which to increase knowledge about outcomes after critical illness. This article reviews 3 models to understand the distinct but interrelated content of outcome domains, to review the components of functional status, and to describe how injuries and illnesses relate to disabilities and impairments afterward.

Outcome of older persons admitted to intensive care unit, mortality, prognosis factors, dependency scores and ability trajectory within 1 year: a prospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

The outcome and functional trajectory of older persons admitted to intensive care (ICU) unit remain a true question for critical care physicians and geriatricians, due to the heterogeneity of geriatric population, heterogeneity of practices and absence of guidelines.

AIM

To describe the 1-year outcome, prognosis factors and functional trajectory for older people admitted to ICU.

METHODS

In a prospective 1-year cohort study, all patients aged 75 years and over admitted to our ICU were included according to a global comprehensive geriatric assessment. Follow-up was conducted for 1 year survivors, in particular, ability scores and living conditions.

RESULTS

Of 188 patients included [aged 82.3 ± 4.7 years, 46% of admissions, median SAPS II 53.5 (43-74), ADL of Katz's score 4.2 ± 1.6, median Barthel's index 71 (55-90), AGGIR scale 4.5 ± 1.5], the ICU, hospital and 1-year mortality were, respectively, 34, 42.5 and 65.5%. Prognosis factors were: SAPS 2, mechanical ventilation, comorbidity (Lee's and Mc Cabe's scores), disability scores (ADL of Katz's score, Barthel's index and AGGIR scale), admission creatinin, hypoalbuminemia, malignant haemopathy, cognitive impairment. One-year survivors lived in their own home for 83%, with a preserved physical ability, without significant variation of the three ability assessed scores compared to prior ICU admission.

CONCLUSION

The mortality of older people admitted to ICU is high, with a significant impact of disabilty scores, and preserved 1-year survivor independency. Other studies, including a better comprehensive geriatric assessment, seem necessary to determine a predictive "phenotype" of survival with a "satisfactory" level of autonomy.

Postprandial hypotension in older survivors of critical illness

PURPOSE

In older people postprandial hypotension occurs frequently; and is an independent risk factor for falls, cardiovascular events, stroke and death. The primary aim of this pilot study was to estimate the frequency of postprandial hypotension and evaluate the mechanisms underlying this condition in older survivors of an Intensive Care Unit (ICU).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Thirty-five older (>65 years) survivors were studied 3 months after discharge. After an overnight fast, participants consumed a 300 mL drink containing 75 g glucose, labelled with 20 MBq 99mTc-calcium phytate. Patients had concurrent measurements of blood pressure, heart rate, blood glucose and gastric emptying following drink ingestion. Proportion of participants is presented as percent (95% CI) and continuous variables as mean (SD).

RESULTS

Postprandial hypotension was evident in 10 (29%; 95% CI 14-44), orthostatic hypotension in 2 (6%; 95% CI 0-13) and cardiovascular autonomic dysfunction in 2 (6%; 95% CI 0-13) participants. The maximal postprandial nadir for systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressures were -29 (14) mmHg and -18 (7) mmHg.

CONCLUSIONS

In this cohort of older survivors of ICU postprandial hypotension occurred frequently . This suggests that postprandial hypotension is an unrecognised issue in older ICU survivors.

Unplanned early hospital readmission among critical care survivors: a mixed methods study of patients and carers

BACKGROUND

Many intensive care (ICU) survivors experience early unplanned hospital readmission, but the reasons and potential prevention strategies are poorly understood. We aimed to understand contributors to readmissions from the patient/carer perspective.

METHODS

This is a mixed methods study with qualitative data taking precedence. Fifty-eight ICU survivors and carers who experienced early unplanned rehospitalisation were interviewed. Thematic analysis was used to identify factors contributing to readmissions, and supplemented with questionnaire data measuring patient comorbidity and carer strain, and importance rating scales for factors that contribute to readmissions in other patient groups. Data were integrated iteratively to identify patterns, which were discussed in five focus groups with different patients/carers who also experienced readmissions. Major patterns and contexts in which unplanned early rehospitalisation occurred in ICU survivors were described.

RESULTS

Interviews suggested 10 themes comprising patient-level and system-level issues. Integration with questionnaire data, pattern exploration and discussion at focus groups suggested two major readmission contexts. A 'complex health and psychosocial needs' context occurred in patients with multimorbidity and polypharmacy, who frequently also had significant psychological problems, mobility issues, problems with specialist aids/equipment and fragile social support. These patients typically described inadequate preparation for hospital discharge, poor communication between secondary/primary care, and inadequate support with psychological care, medications and goal setting. This complex multidimensional situation contrasted markedly with the alternative 'medically unavoidable' readmission context. In these patients medical issues/complications primarily resulted in hospital readmission, and the other issues were absent or not considered important.

CONCLUSIONS

Although some readmissions are medically unavoidable, for many ICU survivors complex health and psychosocial issues contribute concurrently to early rehospitalisation. Care pathways that anticipate and institute anticipatory multifaceted support for these patients merit further development and evaluation.

Association of intensive care unit delirium with sleep disturbance and functional disability after critical illness: an observational cohort study

Background

In medical intensive care unit (MICU) patients, the predictors of post-discharge sleep disturbance and functional disability are poorly understood. ICU delirium is a risk factor with a plausible link to sleep disturbance and disability. This study evaluated the prevalence of self-reported post-ICU sleep disturbance and increased functional disability, and their association with MICU delirium and other ICU factors.

Methods

This was an observational cohort study of MICU patients enrolled in a biorepository and assessed upon MICU admission by demographics, comorbidities, and baseline characteristics. Delirium was assessed daily using the Confusion Assessment Method for the ICU. Telephone follow-up interview instruments occurred after hospital discharge and included the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and basic and instrumental activities of daily living (BADLs, IADLs) for disability. We define sleep disturbance as a PSQI score > 5 and increased disability as an increase in composite BADL/IADL score at follow-up relative to baseline. Multivariable regression modeled the associations of delirium and other MICU factors on follow-up PSQI scores and change in disability scores.

Results

PSQI and BADL/IADL instruments were completed by 112 and 122 participants, respectively, at mean 147 days after hospital discharge. Of those surveyed, 63% had sleep disturbance by PSQI criteria, and 37% had increased disability by BADL/IADL scores compared to their pre-MICU baseline. Total days of MICU delirium (p = 0.013), younger age (p = 0.013), and preexisting depression (p = 0.025) were significantly associated with higher PSQI scores at follow-up. Lower baseline disability (p < 0.001), older age (p = 0.048), and less time to follow-up (p = 0.024) were significantly associated with worsening post-ICU disability, while the occurrence of MICU delirium showed a trend toward association (p = 0.077).

Conclusions

After adjusting for important covariates, total days of MICU delirium were significantly associated with increased post-discharge sleep disturbance. Delirium incidence showed a trend toward association with increased functional disability in the year following discharge.

Innate Immunity in the Persistent Inflammation, Immunosuppression, and Catabolism Syndrome and Its Implications for Therapy

Clinical and technological advances promoting early hemorrhage control and physiologic resuscitation as well as early diagnosis and optimal treatment of sepsis have significantly decreased in-hospital mortality for many critically ill patient populations. However, a substantial proportion of severe trauma and sepsis survivors will develop protracted organ dysfunction termed chronic critical illness (CCI), defined as ≥14 days requiring intensive care unit (ICU) resources with ongoing organ dysfunction. A subset of CCI patients will develop the persistent inflammation, immunosuppression, and catabolism syndrome (PICS), and these individuals are predisposed to a poor quality of life and indolent death. We propose that CCI and PICS after trauma or sepsis are the result of an inappropriate bone marrow response characterized by the generation of dysfunctional myeloid populations at the expense of lympho- and erythropoiesis. This review describes similarities among CCI/PICS phenotypes in sepsis, cancer, and aging and reviews the role of aberrant myelopoiesis in the pathophysiology of CCI and PICS. In addition, we characterize pathogen recognition, the interface between innate and adaptive immune systems, and therapeutic approaches including immune modulators, gut microbiota support, and nutritional and exercise therapy. Finally, we discuss the future of diagnostic and prognostic approaches guided by machine and deep-learning models trained and validated on big data to identify patients for whom these approaches will yield the greatest benefits. A deeper understanding of the pathophysiology of CCI and PICS and continued investigation into novel therapies harbor the potential to improve the current dismal long-term outcomes for critically ill post-injury and post-infection patients.

The Association of Frailty With Post-ICU Disability, Nursing Home Admission, and Mortality: A Longitudinal Study

BACKGROUND

Frailty is a strong indicator of vulnerability among older persons, but its association with ICU outcomes has not been evaluated prospectively (ie, with objective measurements obtained prior to ICU admission). Our objective was to prospectively evaluate the relationship between frailty and post-ICU disability, incident nursing home admission, and death.

METHODS

The parent cohort included 754 adults aged ≥ 70 years, who were evaluated monthly for disability in 13 functional activities and every 18 months for frailty (1998-2014). Frailty was assessed using the Fried index, where frailty, prefrailty, and nonfrailty were defined, respectively, as at least three, one or two, and zero criteria (of five). The analytic sample included 391 ICU admissions.

RESULTS

The mean age was 84.0 years. Frailty and prefrailty were present prior to 213 (54.5%) and 140 (35.8%) of the 391 admissions, respectively. Relative to nonfrailty, frailty was associated with 41% greater disability over the 6 months following a critical illness (adjusted risk ratio, 1.41; 95% CI, 1.12-1.78); prefrailty conferred 28% greater disability (adjusted risk ratio, 1.28; 95% CI, 1.01-1.63). Frailty (odds ratio, 3.52; 95% CI, 1.23-10.08), but not prefrailty (odds ratio, 2.01; 95% CI, 0.77-5.24), was associated with increased nursing home admission. Each one-point increase in frailty count (range, 0-5) was associated with double the likelihood of death (hazard ratio, 2.00; 95% CI, 1.33-3.00) through 6 months of follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

Pre-ICU frailty status was associated with increased post-ICU disability and new nursing home admission among ICU survivors, and death among all admissions. Pre-ICU frailty status may provide prognostic information about outcomes after a critical illness.

Effect of Early Rehabilitation Activity Time on Critically Ill Patients with Intensive Care Unit-acquired Weakness: A Japanese Retrospective Multicenter Study

Objective

This study examined the risk factors in the early rehabilitation therapy of critically ill patients with weakness acquired in an intensive care unit and the impact of this therapy on walking independence after discharge from the hospital.

Method

Of the 764 consecutive patients transported to the study facilities by ambulance, newly admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU), and treated with rehabilitation during hospitalization, 88 were included in this study after eliminating those who met a detailed list of exclusion criteria. To retrospectively examine the rate of walking independence and the effect of differing durations of rehabilitation activity, the study patients were divided into two groups: those with ICU-acquired weakness (AW) and those without ICU-acquired weakness (non-ICU-AW) on discharge from the ICU.

Results

Analysis using the Kaplan-Meier estimator revealed that the non-ICU-AW group needed a markedly shorter period to achieve walking independence. In terms of the rehabilitation activities performed in the ICU, both in-bed exercises and the total duration of rehabilitation activity were significantly shorter in the ICU-AW group than in the non-ICU-AW group.

Conclusion

The two groups were compared, and the amount of daily activity time significantly influenced the quality of patient outcome.

Brazilian version of the Functional Status Score for the ICU: translation and cross-cultural adaptation

Objective

The aim of the present study was to translate and cross-culturally adapt the Functional Status Score for the intensive care unit (FSS-ICU) into Brazilian Portuguese.

Methods

This study consisted of the following steps: translation (performed by two independent translators), synthesis of the initial translation, back-translation (by two independent translators who were unaware of the original FSS-ICU), and testing to evaluate the target audience's understanding. An Expert Committee supervised all steps and was responsible for the modifications made throughout the process and the final translated version.

Results

The testing phase included two experienced physiotherapists who assessed a total of 30 critical care patients (mean FSS-ICU score = 25 ± 6). As the physiotherapists did not report any uncertainties or problems with interpretation affecting their performance, no additional adjustments were made to the Brazilian Portuguese version after the testing phase. Good interobserver reliability between the two assessors was obtained for each of the 5 FSS-ICU tasks and for the total FSS-ICU score (intraclass correlation coefficients ranged from 0.88 to 0.91).

Conclusion

The adapted version of the FSS-ICU in Brazilian Portuguese was easy to understand and apply in an intensive care unit environment.

Aging and Post-Intensive Care Syndrome: A Critical Need for Geriatric Psychiatry

Because of the aging of the intensive care unit (ICU) population and an improvement in survival rates after ICU hospitalization, an increasing number of older adults are suffering from long-term impairments because of critical illness, known as post-intensive care syndrome (PICS). This article focuses on PICS-related cognitive, psychological, and physical impairments and the impact of ICU hospitalization on families and caregivers. The authors also describe innovative models of care for PICS and what roles geriatric psychiatrists could play in the future of this rapidly growing population.

ICU-acquired weakness: should medical sovereignty belong to any specialist?

ICU-acquired weakness (ICUAW), including critical illness polyneuropathy, critical illness myopathy, and critical illness polyneuropathy and myopathy, is a frequent disabling disorder in ICU subjects. Research has predominantly been performed by intensivists, whose efforts have permitted the diagnosis of ICUAW early during an ICU stay and understanding of several of the pathophysiological and clinical aspects of this disorder. Despite important progress, the therapeutic strategies are unsatisfactory and issues such as functional outcomes and long-term recovery remain unclear. Studies involving multiple specialists should be planned to better differentiate the ICUAW types and provide proper functional outcome measures and follow-up. A more strict collaboration among specialists interested in ICUAW, in particular physiatrists, is desirable to plan proper care pathways after ICU discharge and to better meet the health needs of subjects with ICUAW.

Improving Long-Term Outcomes After Sepsis

Although acute survival from sepsis has improved in recent years, a large fraction of sepsis survivors experience poor long-term outcomes. In particular, sepsis survivors have high rates of weakness, cognitive impairment, hospital readmission, and late death. To improve long-term outcomes, in-hospital care should focus on early, effective treatment of sepsis; minimization of delirium, distress, and immobility; and preparing patients for hospital discharge. In the posthospital setting, medical care should focus on addressing new disability and preventing medical deterioration, providing a sustained period out of the hospital to allow for recovery.

Dysphagia in Mechanically Ventilated ICU Patients (DYnAMICS): A Prospective Observational Trial

OBJECTIVES

Swallowing disorders may be associated with adverse clinical outcomes in patients following invasive mechanical ventilation. We investigated the incidence of dysphagia, its time course, and association with clinically relevant outcomes in extubated critically ill patients.

DESIGN

Prospective observational trial with systematic dysphagia screening and follow-up until 90 days or death.

SETTINGS

ICU of a tertiary care academic center.

PATIENTS

One thousand three-hundred four admissions of mixed adult ICU patients (median age, 66.0 yr [interquartile range, 54.0-74.0]; Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation-II score, 19.0 [interquartile range, 14.0-24.0]) were screened for postextubation dysphagia. Primary ICU admissions (n = 933) were analyzed and followed up until 90 days or death. Patients from an independent academic center served as confirmatory cohort (n = 220).

INTERVENTIONS

Bedside screening for dysphagia was performed within 3 hours after extubation by trained ICU nurses. Positive screening triggered confirmatory specialist bedside swallowing examinations and follow-up until hospital discharge.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

Dysphagia screening was positive in 12.4% (n = 116/933) after extubation (18.3% of emergency and 4.9% of elective patients) and confirmed by specialists within 24 hours from positive screening in 87.3% (n = 96/110, n = 6 missing data). The dysphagia incidence at ICU discharge was 10.3% (n = 96/933) of which 60.4% (n = 58/96) remained positive until hospital discharge. Days on feeding tube, length of mechanical ventilation and ICU/hospital stay, and hospital mortality were higher in patients with dysphagia (all p < 0.001). The univariate hazard ratio for 90-day mortality for dysphagia was 3.74 (95% CI, 2.01-6.95; p < 0.001). After adjustment for disease severity and length of mechanical ventilation, dysphagia remained an independent predictor for 28-day and 90-day mortality (excess 90-d mortality 9.2%).

CONCLUSIONS

Dysphagia after extubation was common in ICU patients, sustained until hospital discharge in the majority of affected patients, and was an independent predictor of death. Dysphagia after mechanical ventilation may be an overlooked problem. Studies on underlying causes and therapeutic interventions seem warranted.

Anti-aging factor, serum alpha-Klotho, as a marker of acute physiological stress, and a predictor of ICU mortality, in patients with septic shock

PURPOSE

Genetic deletions decreasing serum alpha-Klotho (alpha-KL) have been associated with rapid aging, multi-organ failure and increased mortality in experimental sepsis. We hypothesized that lower alpha-KL obtained at the onset of septic shock correlates with higher mortality.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Prospective cohort of 104 adult patients with septic shock. Alpha-KL was measured via ELISA on serum collected on the day of enrollment (within 72h from the onset of shock). Relationship between alpha-KL and clinical outcome measures was evaluated in uni- and multi-variable models.

RESULTS

Median (IQR) alpha-KL was 816 (1020.4) pg/mL and demonstrated a bimodal distribution with two distinct populations, Cohort A [n=97, median alpha-KL 789.3 (767.1)] and Cohort B [n=7, median alpha-KL 4365.1(1374.4), >1.5 IQR greater than Cohort A]. Within Cohort A, ICU non-survivors had significantly higher serum alpha-KL compared to survivors as well as significantly higher APACHE II and SOFA scores, rates of mechanical ventilation, and serum BUN, creatinine, calcium, phosphorus and lactate (all p≤0.05). Serum alpha-KL≥1005, the highest tertile, was an independent predictor of ICU mortality when controlling for co-variates (p=0.028, 95% CI 1.143-11.136).

CONCLUSIONS

Elevated serum alpha-KL in patients with septic shock is independently associated with higher mortality. Further studies are needed to corroborate these findings.

Frailty and Subsequent Disability and Mortality among Patients with Critical Illness

RATIONALE

The prevalence of frailty (diminished physiologic reserve) and its effect on outcomes for those aged 18 years and older with critical illness is unclear.

OBJECTIVES

We hypothesized greater frailty would be associated with subsequent mortality, disability, and cognitive impairment, regardless of age.

METHODS

At enrollment, we measured frailty using the Clinical Frailty Scale (range, 1 [very fit] to 7 [severely frail]). At 3 and 12 months post-discharge, we assessed vital status, instrumental activities of daily living, basic activities of daily living, and cognition. We used multivariable regression to analyze associations between Clinical Frailty Scale scores and outcomes, adjusting for age, sex, education, comorbidities, baseline disability, baseline cognition, severity of illness, delirium, coma, sepsis, mechanical ventilation, and sedatives/opiates.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

We enrolled 1,040 patients who were a median (interquartile range) of 62 (53-72) years old and who had a median Clinical Frailty Scale score of 3 (3-5). Half of those with clinical frailty (i.e., Clinical Frailty Scale score ≥5) were younger than 65 years old. Greater Clinical Frailty Scale scores were independently associated with greater mortality (P = 0.01 at 3 mo and P < 0.001 at 12 mo) and with greater odds of disability in instrumental activities of daily living (P = 0.04 at 3 mo and P = 0.002 at 12 mo). Clinical Frailty Scale scores were not associated with disability in basic activities of daily living or with cognition.

CONCLUSIONS

Frailty is common in critically ill adults aged 18 years and older and is independently associated with increased mortality and greater disability. Future studies should explore routine screening for clinical frailty in critically ill patients of all ages. Interventions to reduce mortality and disability among patients with heightened vulnerability should be developed and tested. Clinical trial registered with www.clinicaltrials.gov (NCT 00392795 and NCT 00400062).

A comparison of earlier and enhanced rehabilitation of mechanically ventilated patients in critical care compared to standard care (REHAB): study protocol for a single-site randomised controlled feasibility trial

BACKGROUND

Mortality from critical illness is improving, but survivors suffer from prolonged weakness and psychological and cognitive impairments. Maximising the recovery after critical illness has been highlighted as a research priority, especially in relation to an ageing population who present with higher rates of pre-morbid disability. Small studies have shown that starting rehabilitation early within the intensive care unit (ICU) improves short-term outcomes. Systematic reviews have highlighted the need for robust multicentre randomised controlled trials with longer term follow-up.

METHODS

The study design is a randomised controlled study to explore the feasibility of providing earlier and enhanced rehabilitation to mechanically ventilated patients at high risk of ICU-acquired weakness within the ICU. The rehabilitation intervention involves a structured programme, with progression along a functionally based mobility protocol according to set safety criteria. The overall aim of the intervention is to commence mobilisation at an earlier time point in the patient's illness and increase mobility of the patient through their recovery trajectory. Participants will be randomised to enhanced rehabilitation or standard care, with the aim of recruiting at least 100 patients over 16 months. The trial design will assess recruitment and consent rates from eligible patients, compliance with the intervention, and assess a range of possible outcome measures for use in a definitive trial, with follow-up continuing for 12 months post hospital discharge.

DISCUSSION

This study will evaluate the feasibility of providing an earlier and enhanced rehabilitation intervention to mechanically ventilated patients in critical care. We will identify strengths and weaknesses of the proposed protocol and the utility and characteristics of the outcome measures. The results from this study will inform the design of a phase III multicentre trial of enhanced rehabilitation for critically ill adults.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ISRCTN90103222, 13/08/2015; retrospectively registered.

Delirium After Mechanical Ventilation in Intensive Care Units: The Cognitive and Psychosocial Assessment (CAPA) Study Protocol

Background

In the intensive care unit (ICU), critical illness delirium occurs in the context of multiple comorbidities, multi-organ failure, and invasive management techniques, such as mechanical ventilation, sedation, and lack of sleep. Delirium is characterized by an acute confusional state defined by fluctuating mental status, inattention, and either disorganized thinking or an altered level of consciousness. The long-term cognitive and psychosocial function of patients that experience delirium in the ICU is of crucial interest because preliminary data suggest a strong association between ICU-related delirium and long-term cognitive impairment.

Objective

The aim of this study is to explore the relationship between delirium in the ICU and adverse outcomes by following mechanically ventilated patients for one year following their discharge from the ICU and collecting data on their long-term cognition and psychosocial function.

Methods

This study will be conducted by enrolling patients in two tertiary ICUs in Australia. We aim to recruit 200 patients who have been mechanically ventilated for more than 24 hours. Data will be collected at the following three time points: (1) at discharge where they will be administered the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE); (2) at 6 months after discharge from the ICU discharge where the Impact of Events Scale Revised (IES-R) and the Telephone Inventory for Cognitive Status (TICS) tests will be administered; and (3) at 12 months after discharge from the ICU where the patients will be administered the TICS and IES-R tests, as well as the Informant Questionnaire for Cognitive Decline in the Elderly (IQCODE). The IQCODE will be administered to their “person responsible” or the significant other of the patient.

Results

Long-term cognition and psychosocial function will be the primary outcome of this study. Mortality will also be investigated as a secondary outcome. Active enrollment will take place until the end of September 2016 and data collection will conclude at the end of September 2017. The analysis and results are expected to be available by March 2018.

Conclusion

Delirium during mechanical ventilation has been linked to longer ICU and hospital stays, higher financial burdens, increased risks of long-term cognitive impairment (ie, dementia), poor functional outcomes and quality of life, and decreased survival. However, delirium during mechanical ventilation in the ICU is not well understood. This study will advance our knowledge of the comprehensive, long-term effects of delirium on cognitive and psychosocial function.

Trial Registration

Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ANZCTR): ACTRN12616001116415; https://www.anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=371216 (Archived by WebCite at http://www.webcitation.org/ 6nfDkGTcW)

Interventions to reduce cognitive impairments following critical illness: a topical systematic review

BACKGROUND

Critical illness is associated with cognitive impairments. Effective treatment or prevention has not been established. The aim of this review was to create a systematic summary of the current evidence concerning clinical interventions during intensive care admission to reduce cognitive impairments after discharge.

METHODS

Medline, Embase, Cochrane Central, PsycInfo and Cinahl were searched. Inclusion criteria were studies assessing the effect of interventions during intensive care admission on cognitive function in adult patients. Studies were excluded if they were reviews or reported solely on survivors of cardiac arrest, stroke or traumatic brain injury.

RESULTS

Of 4877 records were identified. Seven studies fulfilled the eligibility criteria. The interventions described covered strategies for enteral nutrition, fluids, sedation, weaning, mobilization, cognitive activities, statins and sleep quality improvement. Data were synthesized to provide an overview of interventions, quality, follow-up assessments and neuropsychological outcomes.

CONCLUSION

None of the interventions had significant positive effects on cognitive impairments following critical illness. Quality was negatively affected by study limitations, imprecision and indirectness in evidence. Clinical research on cognition is feasible, but large, well designed trials with a specific aim at reducing cognitive impairments are needed.

Intensive Care Unit (ICU) - Managed Elderly Hospitalizations with Dementia in Texas, 2001-2010: A Population-Level Analysis

Background

The demand for critical care services among elderly with dementia outpaces that of their non-dementia elderly counterparts. However, there are scarce data on the corresponding attributes among ICU-managed patients with dementia.

Material/Methods

We used the Texas Inpatient Public Use Data File to examine temporal trends of the demographics, burden of comorbidities, measures of severity of illness, use of healthcare resources, and short-term outcomes among hospitalizations aged 65 years or older with a reported diagnosis of dementia, who were admitted to ICU (D-ICU hospitalizations) between 2001 and 2010. Average annual percent changes (AAPC) were derived.

Results

D-ICU hospitalizations (n=276,056) had increasing mean (SD) Charlson comorbidity index [1.7 (1.5) vs. 2.6 (1.9)], with reported organ failure (OF) nearly doubling from 25% to 48.5%, between 2001–2001 and 2009–2010, respectively. Use of life support interventions was infrequent, but rose in parallel with corresponding changes in respiratory and renal failure. Median total hospital charges increased from $26,442 to $36,380 between 2001–2002 and 2009–2010. Routine home discharge declined (−5.2%/year [−6.2%– −4.1%]) with corresponding rising use of home health services (+7.2%/year [4.4–10%]). Rates of discharge to another hospital or a nursing facility remained unchanged, together accounting for 60.4% of discharges of hospital survivors in 2010. Transfers to a long-term acute care hospital increased 9.2%/year (6.9–11.5%). Hospital mortality (7.5%) remained unchanged.

Conclusions

Elderly D-ICU hospitalizations have increasing comorbidity burden, with rising severity of illness, and increasing use of health care resources. Though the majority survived hospitalization, most D-ICU hospitalizations were discharged to another facility.

Patterns of return to oral intake and decannulation post-tracheostomy across clinical populations in an acute inpatient setting

BACKGROUND

Dysphagia is often a comorbidity in patients who require a tracheostomy, yet little is known about patterns of oral intake commencement in tracheostomized patients, or how patterns may vary depending on the clinical population and/or reason for tracheostomy insertion.

AIMS

To document patterns of clinical management around the commencement of oral intake throughout hospital admission and along the decannulation pathway in patients with a new tracheostomy, and to examine the nature of variability across multiple clinical populations.

METHODS & PROCEDURES

A 12-month retrospective review of 126 patients who had undergone an acute tracheostomy was conducted. Within the cohort, patients were further classified into eight clinical populations representing specialty areas within the tertiary referral centre. Data were collected on timing of milestones and patterns of clinical management related to oral and enteral feeding and decannulation. Relationships between temporal variables were calculated, in addition to descriptive analysis of the overall cohort and by clinical population.

OUTCOMES & RESULTS

Median temporal markers of patient progression post-tracheostomy insertion for the cohort were: continuous cuff deflation after 7.5 days, commencement of oral intake after 10.5 days, decannulation after 15 days and cessation of enteral nutrition (EN) after 17 days. However, considerable individual variation and differences between clinical populations was observed. Overall, 86% of the cohort returned to oral intake, although 25% were discharged with EN via a gastrostomy. A total of 86% of the group were decannulated by hospital discharge. Oral intake was introduced at every stage of the decannulation pathway, including prior to cuff deflation, but the majority of patients commenced diet/fluids following cuff deflation or with an uncuffed tube in situ, and most patients who ceased EN did so following decannulation. Commencement of oral intake was evenly split between the intensive care unit (ICU) and the wards. Increased time to commencement of oral intake correlated with increased time to decannulation (r = .805, p = .001), and increased time to decannulation correlated with increased hospital length of stay (r = .687, p = .006). Whilst cohort patterns were observed within the heterogeneous group, sub-analysis revealed distinct patterns of oral intake management across the different clinical populations.

CONCLUSIONS & IMPLICATIONS

The data provide benchmarks enabling comparison by overall cohort as well as by specialist clinical populations, each with differing reasons for tracheostomy insertion. The data would suggest that tracheostomy patients should not be looked upon as a singular cohort; rather, evaluation of factors with specific attention made to underlying aetiology and individual clinical presentation is essential.

Functional Status in ICU Survivors and Out of Hospital Outcomes: A Cohort Study

OBJECTIVES

Functional status at hospital discharge may be a risk factor for adverse events among survivors of critical illness. We sought to examine the association between functional status at hospital discharge in survivors of critical care and risk of 90-day all-cause mortality after hospital discharge.

DESIGN

Single-center retrospective cohort study.

SETTING

Academic Medical Center.

PATIENTS

Ten thousand three hundred forty-three adults who received critical care from 1997 to 2011 and survived hospitalization.

INTERVENTIONS

None.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

The exposure of interest was functional status determined at hospital discharge by a licensed physical therapist and rated based on qualitative categories adapted from the Functional Independence Measure. The main outcome was 90-day post hospital discharge all-cause mortality. A categorical risk-prediction score was derived and validated based on a logistic regression model of the function grades for each assessment. In an adjusted logistic regression model, the lowest quartile of functional status at hospital discharge was associated with an increased odds of 90-day postdischarge mortality compared with patients with independent functional status (odds ratio, 7.63 [95% CI, 3.83-15.22; p < 0.001]). In patients who had at least 7 days of physical therapy treatment prior to hospital discharge (n = 2,293), the adjusted odds of 90-day postdischarge mortality in patients with marked improvement in functional status at discharge was 64% less than patients with no change in functional status (odds ratio, 0.36 [95% CI, 0.24-0.53]; p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Lower functional status at hospital discharge in survivors of critical illness is associated with increased postdischarge mortality. Furthermore, patients whose functional status improves before discharge have decreased odds of postdischarge mortality.

The Impact of the Immediate Postoperative Prosthesis on Patient Mobility and Quality of Life after Transtibial Amputation

BACKGROUND

The immediate postoperative prosthesis has been purported to allow early mobilization with potential physical and psychologic benefits to patients. This study used accelerometers and validated questionnaires to prospectively examine activity level and quality of life data for patients receiving an immediate postoperative prosthesis after transtibial amputation.

METHODS

A total of 10 patients were included in the study. Mean age was 58 yrs (range, 22-69 yrs), there were 9 men and 1 woman, and reason for amputation was nonhealing gangrenous ulcer in 9 patients and ischemic limb in 1 patient. Patients were followed for 6 wks. Activity data were collected on ActiGraph GT3X accelerometers and analyzed using ActiLife 6 Data Analysis Software. At the 6-wk postoperative visit, an Amputee Mobility Predictor clinician-rated performance evaluation was conducted and a Short Form-36 questionnaire was completed.

RESULTS

Patients in the cohort spent an average of 88% (range, 83%-92%) of their time sedentary, 11.5% (range, 7.6%-16.9%) of their time in light physical activity, and 0.3% (range, 0.12%-1.36%) of their time in moderate to vigorous physical activity. No statistically significant relationships were observed between expected level of function and recorded activity level. Patients had low physical and emotional Short Form-36 component scores.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with transtibial amputations were extremely sedentary in the early postoperative period despite their immediate postoperative prosthesis dressings.

Non-sedation versus sedation with a daily wake-up trial in critically ill patients recieving mechanical ventilation - effects on long-term cognitive function: Study protocol for a randomized controlled trial, a substudy of the NONSEDA trial

Background

The effects of non-sedation on cognitive function in critically ill patients on mechanical ventilation are not yet certain. This trial is a substudy of the NONSEDA trial where critically ill patients are randomized to non-sedation or to sedation with a daily wake-up attempt during mechanical ventilation in the intensive care unit (ICU).

The aim of this substudy is to assess the effects of non-sedation versus sedation with a daily wake-up attempt on long-term cognitive function.

Methods

This is an investigator-initiated, randomized, clinical, parallel-group, superiority trial, including 200 patients.

Inclusion criteria will be adult patients who are intubated and on mechanical ventilation with an expected duration of more than 24 hours. Exclusion criteria will be patients who are comatose at admission and patients with conditions requiring therapeutic coma (i.e., severe head trauma, status epilepticus, patients treated with therapeutic hypothermia and patients with severe hypoxia).

The experimental intervention will be non-sedation supplemented with pain management during mechanical ventilation. The control intervention will be sedation with a daily wake-up attempt.

The primary outcome will be cognitive function 3 months after discharge from intensive care.

The secondary outcomes will be the results of seven specific cognitive tests, performed 3 months after discharge from intensive care, and the association between hypoactive and agitated delirium during ICU admission and long-term cognitive function.

Discussion

If non-sedation can improve long-term cognitive function, it could be an approach worth considering for a larger group of critically ill patients.

Trial registration

The study has been approved by the relevant scientific ethics committee and is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (ID: NCT02035436, registered on 10 January 2014).

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13063-016-1390-5) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Association Between Kidney Stones and Risk of Stroke: A Nationwide Population-Based Cohort Study

Nephrolithiasis is highly prevalent and has been associated with vascular diseases such as cardiovascular events. Few studies have comprehensively associated renal stones with stroke.This study explored whether patients with renal stones were at a higher stroke risk than those without renal stones. A national insurance claim dataset of 22 million enrollees in Taiwan was used to identify 53,659 patients with renal stones, and 214,107 were selected as age-, sex-, and comorbidity-matched controls for a 13-year follow-up.The relative stroke risk for the RS cohort was 1.06-fold higher than that for the non-RS group (95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.01-1.11). Age-specific analysis revealed that the adjusted stroke risk for the RS cohort increased as age decreased, with the highest risk of 1.47-fold (95% CI = 1.10-1.96) in patients aged 20 to 34 years, followed by a 1.12-fold risk (95% CI = 1.00-1.25) in patients aged 35 to 50 years. Sex-specific analysis clarified that women in the RS group had a 1.12-fold stroke risk compared with women in the non-RS group (95% CI = 1.03-1.21). Patients who had undergone >4 surgeries had up to 42.5-fold higher risk of stroke (95% CI = 33.8-53.4).The study utilized the national database and demonstrated that patients, particularly women and the younger population, with nephrolithiasis have an increased risk of ischemic stroke development. Patients treated with medication or through surgery for RSs showed steady and higher risks of stroke than those without surgical or medical intervention.