Building consensus on ICU-acquired weakness

Muscle Power is Related to Physical Function in Patients Surviving Acute Respiratory Failure: A Prospective Observational Study

BACKGROUND

Up to 66% of patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) for acute respiratory failure (ARF) develop ICU-acquired weakness, which is diagnosed by muscle strength testing. Muscle power, different from strength, is an important determinant of function that is not a common focus in patients surviving critical illness. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to assess muscle power in survivors of ARF.

METHODS

A cross-sectional observational study performed with survivors of ARF. Muscle power, strength and physical function were assessed 4-8 weeks post-hospital discharge. Cross sectional area and echogenicity of rectus femoris and tibialis anterior muscles were assessed using ultrasonography. Healthy community-dwelling adults were included for comparison.

RESULTS

12 survivors of ARF mean age of 55.6 ± 17.1 (66% male) and 12 healthy adults mean age of 51.6.1 ± 10.3 (66% male) participated in this study. Patients in the post-ARF group had a mean muscle power of 9.9 ± 3.5 W and 63.7 ± 31.6 W for 2-lb and 10% of body-weight loads, respectively. Compared to matched controls, power in ARF group was reduced by 43%. Muscle power in post-ARF group had moderate correlations with 5-times sit-to-stand testing (r = -0.644, P = 0.024), 4-m habitual gait speed (-0.780, P = 0.002), and 6-min walk distance (r = 0.589, P = 0.044).

CONCLUSIONS

Muscle power is significantly reduced in survivors of critical illness and associated with deficits in physical function. These preliminary findings may support therapeutic interventions aimed at improving muscle power to potentially increase functional benefit.

Neuromuscular blocking agents for adult patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

BACKGROUND

To explore the effect of neuromuscular blocking agents (NMBAs) on adult patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) by meta-analysis.

METHODS

Three databases including Cochrane central register of controlled trials, PubMed, and Wanfang Data were searched to find relevant articles. We included randomized controlled trials that evaluated NMBAs compared with placebo or usual treatment in adult patients with ARDS.

RESULTS

Five trials totaling 551 patients were identified eligible for inclusion. All the five trials were protective ventilation strategies based. All patients (the ratio of partial pressure of arterial oxygen/fraction of inspired oxygen ≤ 200 mm Hg) met American-European Consensus Conference or the Berlin definition oxygenation criteria for ARDS. Neuromuscular blocking agents significantly reduced intensive care unit mortality (relative risk, 0.73; 95% confidence intervals [CI], 0.58-0.93; p = 0.009; I = 0.0%; 4 trials, 455 patients) and 21- to 28-day mortality (relative risk, 0.63; 95% CI, 0.49-0.82; p = 0.001; I = 0.0%; 4 trials, 527 patients). At 48 hours, NMBAs improved oxygenation (weighted mean differences [WMD], 27.98; 95% CI, 7.45-48.51; p = 0.008; I = 44.2%; 4 trials, 212 patients). However, NMBAs have no effect on reduction of oxygenation at 24 hours (WMD, 26.83; 95% CI, -5.89 to 59.55; p = 0.108; I = 82.4%; 4 trials, 447 patients), and plateau pressure (WMD, 0.43; 95% CI, -0.46 to 1.31; p = 0.345; 4 trials, 455 patients) as well as positive end expiratory pressure (WMD, 0.10; 95% CI, -0.47 to 0.67; p = 0.73; 4 trials, 455 patients) at 48 hours.

CONCLUSION

Protective ventilation strategies based NMBAs treatment reduces mortality in patients with moderate to severe ARDS.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Systematic reviews & meta-analysis, level III.

The open abdomen in trauma and non-trauma patients: WSES guidelines

Damage control resuscitation may lead to postoperative intra-abdominal hypertension or abdominal compartment syndrome. These conditions may result in a vicious, self-perpetuating cycle leading to severe physiologic derangements and multiorgan failure unless interrupted by abdominal (surgical or other) decompression. Further, in some clinical situations, the abdomen cannot be closed due to the visceral edema, the inability to control the compelling source of infection or the necessity to re-explore (as a "planned second-look" laparotomy) or complete previously initiated damage control procedures or in cases of abdominal wall disruption. The open abdomen in trauma and non-trauma patients has been proposed to be effective in preventing or treating deranged physiology in patients with severe injuries or critical illness when no other perceived options exist. Its use, however, remains controversial as it is resource consuming and represents a non-anatomic situation with the potential for severe adverse effects. Its use, therefore, should only be considered in patients who would most benefit from it. Abdominal fascia-to-fascia closure should be done as soon as the patient can physiologically tolerate it. All precautions to minimize complications should be implemented.

The role of open abdomen in non-trauma patient: WSES Consensus Paper

The open abdomen (OA) is defined as intentional decision to leave the fascial edges of the abdomen un-approximated after laparotomy (laparostomy). The abdominal contents are potentially exposed and therefore must be protected with a temporary coverage, which is referred to as temporal abdominal closure (TAC). OA use remains widely debated with many specific details deserving detailed assessment and clarification. To date, in patients with intra-abdominal emergencies, the OA has not been formally endorsed for routine utilization; although, utilization is seemingly increasing. Therefore, the World Society of Emergency Surgery (WSES), Abdominal Compartment Society (WSACS) and the Donegal Research Academy united a worldwide group of experts in an international consensus conference to review and thereafter propose the basis for evidence-directed utilization of OA management in non-trauma emergency surgery and critically ill patients. In addition to utilization recommendations, questions with insufficient evidence urgently requiring future study were identified.

Clinical Practice Guideline of Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome

There is no well-stated practical guideline for mechanically ventilated patients with or without acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). We generate strong (1) and weak (2) grade of recommendations based on high (A), moderate (B) and low (C) grade in the quality of evidence. In patients with ARDS, we recommend low tidal volume ventilation (1A) and prone position if it is not contraindicated (1B) to reduce their mortality. However, we did not support high-frequency oscillatory ventilation (1B) and inhaled nitric oxide (1A) as a standard treatment. We also suggest high positive end-expiratory pressure (2B), extracorporeal membrane oxygenation as a rescue therapy (2C), and neuromuscular blockage for 48 hours after starting mechanical ventilation (2B). The application of recruitment maneuver may reduce mortality (2B), however, the use of systemic steroids cannot reduce mortality (2B). In mechanically ventilated patients, we recommend light sedation (1B) and low tidal volume even without ARDS (1B) and suggest lung protective ventilation strategy during the operation to lower the incidence of lung complications including ARDS (2B). Early tracheostomy in mechanically ventilated patients can be performed only in limited patients (2A). In conclusion, of 12 recommendations, nine were in the management of ARDS, and three for mechanically ventilated patients.

Efeito agudo da utilização do cicloergômetro durante atendimento fisioterapêutico em pacientes críticos ventilados mecanicamente

RESUMO Pacientes internados em unidades de terapia intensiva (UTI) e ventilados mecanicamente comumente apresentam disfunção muscular devido à inatividade física, à presença de processos inflamatórios e ao uso de agentes farmacológicos. O objetivo deste estudo foi comparar a utilização aguda do cicloergômetro em pacientes críticos ventilados mecanicamente internados em UTI. Trata-se de um ensaio clínico randomizado, no qual foram incluídos 25 pacientes em ventilação mecânica na UTI do Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre. Foram coletadas, pré e pós-intervenção, variáveis hemodinâmicas e respiratórias, bem como foram avaliadas a troca gasosa, por meio da gasometria arterial, os níveis de lactato e proteína C reativa. O protocolo consistiu de diagonais do método de Facilitação Neuromuscular Proprioceptiva de membros superiores e inferiores e técnicas de higiene brônquica, quando necessário. Já no grupo intervenção foi realizado, além da fisioterapia descrita previamente, o cicloergômetro passivo. A análise foi realizada mediante o programa SPSS 18.0. Os dados contínuos foram expressos em média e desvio-padrão, e o nível de significância adotado foi de 5%. Observou-se alteração estatisticamente significativa em relação à pressão de pico (pré: 25,1±5,9; pós: 21,0±2,7cmH2O; p=0,03) no grupo convencional e ao bicarbonato (pré: 23,5±4,3; pós: 20,6±3,0; p=0,002) no grupo intervenção. Concluiu-se que a utilização do cicloergômetro num protocolo de mobilização precoce não altera a mecânica respiratória, nem a hemodinâmica e não resulta em respostas fisiológicas agudas.

Prediction and Outcome of Intensive Care Unit-Acquired Paresis

BACKGROUND

Intensive care unit-acquired paresis (ICUAP) is associated with poor outcomes. Our objective was to evaluate predictors for ICUAP and the short-term outcomes associated with this condition.

METHODS

A secondary analysis of a prospective study including 4157 mechanically ventilated adults in 494 intensive care units from 39 countries. After sedative interruption, patients were screened for ICUAP daily, which was defined as the presence of symmetric and flaccid quadriparesis associated with decreased or absent deep tendon reflexes. A multinomial logistic regression was used to create a predictive model for ICUAP. Propensity score matching was used to estimate the relationship between ICUAP and short-term outcomes (ie, weaning failure and intensive care unit [ICU] mortality).

RESULTS

Overall, 114 (3%) patients had ICUAP. Variables associated with ICUAP were duration of mechanical ventilation (relative risk ratio [RRR] per day, 1.10; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.08-1.12), steroid therapy (RRR 1.8; 95% CI, 1.2-2.8), insulin therapy (RRR 1.8; 95% CI 1.2-2.7), sepsis (RRR 1.9; 95% CI: 1.2 to 2.9), acute renal failure (RRR 2.2; 95% CI 1.5-3.3), and hematological failure (RRR 1.9; 95% CI: 1.2-2.9). Coefficients were used to generate a weighted scoring system to predict ICUAP. ICUAP was significantly associated with both weaning failure (paired rate difference of 22.1%; 95% CI 9.8-31.6%) and ICU mortality (paired rate difference 10.5%; 95% CI 0.1-24.0%).

CONCLUSIONS

Intensive care unit-acquired paresis is relatively uncommon but is significantly associated with weaning failure and ICU mortality. We constructed a weighted scoring system, with good discrimination, to predict ICUAP in mechanically ventilated patients at the time of awakening.

Neuromuscular blocking agents in acute respiratory distress syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Introduction

Randomized trials investigating neuromuscular blocking agents in adult acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) have been inconclusive about effects on mortality, which is very high in this population. Uncertainty also exists about the associated risk of ICU-acquired weakness.

Methods

We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis. We searched the Cochrane (Central) database, MEDLINE, EMBASE, ACP Journal Club, and clinical trial registries for randomized trials investigating survival effects of neuromuscular blocking agents in adults with ARDS. Two independent reviewers abstracted data and assessed methodologic quality. Primary study investigators provided additional unpublished data.

Results

Three trials (431 patients; 20 centers; all from the same research group in France) met inclusion criteria for this review. All trials assessed 48-hour infusions of cisatracurium besylate. Short-term infusion of cisatracurium besylate was associated with lower hospital mortality (RR, 0.72; 95% CI, 0.58 to 0.91; P = 0.005; I² = 0). This finding was robust on sensitivity analyses. Neuromuscular blockade was also associated with lower risk of barotrauma (RR, 0.43; 95% CI, 0.20 to 0.90; P = 0.02; I² = 0), but had no effect on the duration of mechanical ventilation among survivors (MD, 0.25 days; 95% CI, 5.48 to 5.99; P = 0.93; I² = 49%), or the risk of ICU-acquired weakness (RR, 1.08; 95% CI, 0.83 to 1.41; P = 0.57; I² = 0). Primary studies lacked protracted measurements of weakness.

Conclusions

Short-term infusion of cisatracurium besylate reduces hospital mortality and barotrauma and does not appear to increase ICU-acquired weakness for critically ill adults with ARDS.

Examining the positive effects of exercise in intubated adults in ICU: a prospective repeated measures clinical study

BACKGROUND

Determining the optimal timing and progression of mobility exercise has the potential to affect functional recovery of critically ill adults. This study compared standard care with care delivered using a mobility protocol. We examined the effects of exercise on vital signs and inflammatory biomarkers and the effects of the nurse-initiated mobility protocol on outcomes.

METHODS

Prospective, repeated measures study with a control (standard care) and intervention (protocol) period.

RESULTS

75 heterogeneous subjects admitted to a Medical or Surgical intensive care unit (ICU) were enrolled. In <5% of exercise periods, there was a concerning alteration in respiratory rate or peripheral oxygen saturation; no other adverse events occurred. Findings suggested the use of a protocol with one 20 minute episode of exercise daily for 2 or more days reduced ICU length of stay. Duration of exercise was linked to increased IL-10, suggesting brief episodes of low intensity exercise positively altered inflammatory dysregulation in this sample.

CONCLUSION

A growing body of evidence demonstrates that early, progressive exercise has significant benefits to intubated adults. These results should encourage clinicians to add mobility protocols to the care of ICU adults and lead to future studies to determine optimal "dosing" of exercise in ICU patients.

Outcome of ICU survivors: a comprehensive review. The role of patient-reported outcome studies

Problems survivors face after intensive care unit (ICU) discharge begin while they are still in the ward, where many of their specific problems may run unrecognized, but they assume a heavy weight when they arrive at their homes and face several kind of limitations, from being unable to climb stairs because of weight loss, asthenia, dyspnea or joint stiffness to anxiety, depression or post-traumatic stress disorder. Follow-up consultations have given us a better understanding of these specific problems, and the information gained has been used to improve intensive care itself and promote a quality service for patients and relatives. The aim of this article is to provide an overview on adult ICU outcome studies and discuss how they have influenced and improved the delivery of intensive care. We will explain how we went from real patients to outcome studies and what we have learned concerning the consequences of critical illness and critical care. Development of outcome studies, what we have learned through them and our own experience will be outlined focusing mainly in four topics: mortality, physical disability, neuropsychological disability and health-related quality of life. Interventions to improve outcome on these main topics will be presented, and we will explain how we went from outcome studies to clinical interventions, focusing on the most recent proposals of intervention to improve outcome.

Adjunctive corticosteroid therapy in pediatric severe sepsis: observations from the RESOLVE study

OBJECTIVE

To assess whether corticosteroids, used as adjunctive therapy for pediatric severe sepsis, is associated with improved outcomes.

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study examining the clinical database derived from the RESOLVE (REsearching severe Sepsis and Organ dysfunction in children: a gLobal perspective, F1K-MC-EVBP) trial of activated protein C for pediatric severe sepsis.

SETTING

A total of 104 pediatric centers in 18 countries from which data were originally gathered.

SUBJECTS

Children with severe sepsis (n = 477), requiring both vasoactive-inotropic infusions and mechanical ventilation. Within this cohort, 193 children received corticosteroids during their septic episode and 284 did not.

INTERVENTIONS

None.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

Baseline summary characteristics demonstrated that children receiving or not receiving corticosteroids had similar demographics and disease severity as indicated by age, gender, mean Pediatric Risk of Mortality scores, and mean number of organ dysfunctions. Use of adjunctive corticosteroids increased during the F1K-MC-EVBP trial. Indications for corticosteroid prescription were therapeutic (89%, mostly shock) and prophylactic (13%). All cause 28-day mortality among children receiving and not receiving corticosteroids was 15.1% and 18.8%, respectively, p = .30. There was no difference in mean vasoactive-inotropic infusion days between the corticosteroid and no corticosteroid groups, 4.5 days vs. 4.3 days, respectively, p = .59. Similarly there was no difference in mean ventilator days between the corticosteroid and no corticosteroid groups, 8.3 days vs. 7.7 days, respectively, p = .38.

CONCLUSIONS

Children with severe sepsis who received adjunctive corticosteroid therapy exhibited similar illness severity compared with those who did not. No definitive improvement in outcomes can be attributable to adjunctive corticosteroid therapy in the largest pediatric sepsis trial conducted to date.

A framework for diagnosing and classifying intensive care unit-acquired weakness

Neuromuscular dysfunction is prevalent in critically ill patients, is associated with worse short-term outcomes, and is a determinant of long-term disability in intensive care unit survivors. Diagnosis is made with the help of clinical, electrophysiological, and morphological observations; however, the lack of a consistent nomenclature remains a barrier to research. We propose a simple framework for diagnosing and classifying neuromuscular disorders acquired in critical illness.