Right Ventricular Dysfunction and Its Association With Mortality in Coronavirus Disease 2019 Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome

Critical Care Ultrasound in Shock: A Comprehensive Review of Ultrasound Protocol for Hemodynamic Assessment in the Intensive Care Unit

Shock is a life-threatening condition that requires prompt recognition and treatment to prevent organ failure. In the intensive care unit, shock is a common presentation, and its management is challenging. Critical care ultrasound has emerged as a reliable and reproducible tool in diagnosing and classifying shock. This comprehensive review proposes an ultrasound-based protocol for the hemodynamic assessment of shock to guide its management in the ICU. The protocol classifies shock as either low or high cardiac index and differentiates obstructive, hypovolemic, cardiogenic, and distributive etiologies. In distributive shock, the protocol proposes a hemodynamic-based approach that considers the presence of dynamic obstruction, fluid responsiveness, fluid tolerance, and ventriculo-arterial coupling. The protocol gives value to quantitative measures based on critical care ultrasound to guide hemodynamic management. Using critical care ultrasound for a comprehensive hemodynamic assessment can help clinicians diagnose the etiology of shock and define the appropriate treatment while monitoring the response. The protocol's use in the ICU can facilitate prompt recognition, diagnosis, and management of shock, ultimately improving patient outcomes.

Correlation between worsening pneumonitis and right ventricular systolic function in critically ill patients with COVID-19

BACKGROUND

The pneumonitis associated with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection impacts the right ventricle (RV). However, the association between the disease severity and right ventricular systolic function needs elucidation.

METHOD

We conducted a retrospective study of 108 patients admitted to critical care with COVID-19 pneumonitis to examine the association between tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) by transthoracic echocardiography as a surrogate for RV systolic function with PaO2/FiO2 ratio as a marker of disease severity and other respiratory parameters.

RESULTS

The median age was 59 years [51, 66], 33 (31%) were female, and 63 (58%) were mechanically ventilated. Echocardiography was performed at a median of 3 days [2, 12] following admission to critical care. The PaO2/FiO2 and TAPSE medians were 20.5 [14.4, 32.0] and 21 mm [18, 24]. There was a statistically significant, albeit weak, association between the increase in TAPSE and the worsening of the PaO2/FiO2 ratio (r2 = 0.041, p = 0.04). This association was more pronounced in the mechanically ventilated (r2 = 0.09, p = 0.02). TAPSE did not correlate significantly with FiO2, PaO2, PaCO2, pH, respiratory rate, or mechanical ventilation. Patients with a TAPSE ≥ 17 mm had a considerably worse PaO2/FiO2 ratio than a TAPSE < 17 mm (18.6 vs. 32.1, p = 0.005). The PaO2/FiO2 ratio predicted TAPSE (OR = 0.94, p = 0.004) with good area under the curve (0.72, p = 0.006). Moreover, a PaO2/FiO2 ratio < 26.7 (moderate pneumonitis) predicted TAPSE > 17 mm with reasonable sensitivity (67%) and specificity (68%).

CONCLUSION

In patients admitted to critical care with COVID-19 pneumonitis, TAPSE increased as the disease severity worsened early in the course of the disease, especially in the mechanically ventilated. A TAPSE within the normal range is not necessarily reassuring in early COVID-19 pneumonitis.

The Effect of Pulmonary Hypertension on Mortality and Intensive Care Unit Admission in Patients With SARS-CoV-2 Infection: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

AIM

Severe COVID-19 can cause acute respiratory distress syndrome, hypoxia, systemic complications, and increased mortality. Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a major global health issue associated with worsening symptoms and increased mortality. This systematic review aimed to assess the influence of PH onset among COVID-19 patients on all-cause mortality and intensive care unit (ICU) admission.

METHOD

An unrestricted search of five databases up to June 2022 was undertaken. Pulmonary hypertension was assessed using transthoracic echocardiogram, computed tomography, or right heart catheterisation. After duplicate screening, data extraction, and risk of bias assessment, random effects meta-analyses of odds ratios (OR) and their 95% confidence intervals (CI) were performed for all-cause mortality and ICU admission.

RESULTS

From the 26 studies that were included (3,373 patients, 76% males, median age 62.6 years), PH in COVID-19 patients was significantly associated with higher odds for all-cause mortality (26 studies; OR 3.89; 95% CI 2.85-5.31; p<0.001) and higher odds for ICU admission (six studies; OR 2.50; 95% CI 1.69-3.70; p<0.001). Meta-regression/subgroup analyses by patient demographics, comorbidities, or therapeutic regimens, and sensitivity analyses did not find any differences.

CONCLUSION

Evidence from observational studies indicates that PH in COVID-19 patients is associated with increased odds of mortality and ICU admission.

Monitoring of the right ventricular responses to pressure overload: prognostic value and usefulness of echocardiography for clinical decision-making

Regardless of whether pulmonary hypertension (PH) results from increased pulmonary venous pressure in left-sided heart diseases or from vascular remodeling and/or obstructions in pre-capillary pulmonary vessels, overload-induced right ventricular (RV) dysfunction and its final transition into right-sided heart failure is a major cause of death in PH patients. Being particularly suited for non-invasive monitoring of the right-sided heart, echocardiography has become a useful tool for optimizing the therapeutic decision-making and evaluation of therapy results in PH. The review provides an updated overview on the pathophysiological insights of heart-lung interactions in PH of different etiology, as well as on the diagnostic and prognostic value of echocardiography for monitoring RV responses to pressure overload. The article focuses particularly on the usefulness of echocardiography for predicting life-threatening aggravation of RV dysfunction in transplant candidates with precapillary PH, as well as for preoperative prediction of post-operative RV failure in patients with primary end-stage left ventricular (LV) failure necessitating heart transplantation or a LV assist device implantation. In transplant candidates with refractory pulmonary arterial hypertension, a timely prediction of impending RV decompensation can contribute to reduce both the mortality risk on the transplant list and the early post-transplant complications caused by severe RV dysfunction, and also to avoid combined heart-lung transplantation. The review also focuses on the usefulness of echocardiography for monitoring the right-sided heart in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome, particularly in those with refractory respiratory failure requiring extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support. Given the pathophysiologic particularity of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) infection to be associated with a high incidence of thrombotic microangiopathy-induced increase in the pulmonary resistance, echocardiography can improve the selection of temporary mechanical cardio-respiratory support strategies and can therefore contribute to the reduction of mortality rates. On the whole, the review aims to provide a theoretical and practical basis for those who are or intend in the future to be engaged in this highly demanding field.

Predicting mortality in severe Covid-19 Pneumonia: the role of right ventricular dysfunction

PURPOSE

There is evidence that COVID-19 can have a clinically significant effect on the right ventricle (RV). Our objective was to enhance the efficiency of assessing RV dilation for diagnosing ACP by utilizing both linear measurements and qualitative assessment and its usefulness as an independent predictor of mortality.

METHODS

This is an observational, retrospective and single-center study of the Intensive Care Unit of the Sanatorio de Los Arcos in Buenos Aires, Argentina from March 2020 to January 2022. All patients admitted with acute respiratory distress syndrome due to COVID-19 pneumonia (C-ARDS) on mechanical ventilation who were assessed by transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) were included.

RESULTS

A total of 114 patients with C-ARDS requiring invasive mechanical ventilation were evaluated by echocardiography. 12.3% had RV dilation defined as a RV basal diameter greater than 41 mm, and 87.7% did not. Acute cor pulmonale (ACP) defined as RV dilation associated with paradoxical septal motion was found in 6.1% of patients. 7% had right ventricular systolic dysfunction according to qualitative evaluation. The different RV echocardiographic variables were studied with a logistic regression model as independent predictors of mortality. In the multivariate analysis, both the RV basal diameter and the presence of ACP showed to be independent predictors of in-hospital mortality with OR of 3.16 (95% CI 1.36-7.32) and 3.64 (95% CI 1.05-12.65) respectively.

CONCLUSION

An increase in the RV basal diameter and the presence of ACP measured by TTE are independent predictors of in-hospital mortality in patients with C-ARDS.

Right ventricular injury in critically ill patients with COVID-19: a descriptive study with standardized echocardiographic follow-up

PURPOSE

Patients with COVID-19 admitted to intensive care unit (ICU) may have right ventricular (RV) injury. The main goal of this study was to investigate the incidence of RV injury and to describe the patient trajectories in terms of RV injury during ICU stay.

METHODS

Prospective and bicentric study with standardized transthoracic echocardiographic (TTE) follow-up during ICU stay with a maximum follow-up of 28 days. The different patterns of RV injury were isolated RV dilation, RV dysfunction (tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion < 17 mm and/or systolic tricuspid annular velocity < 9.5 cm/s and/or RV fractional area change < 35%) without RV dilation, RV dysfunction with RV dilation and acute cor pulmonale (ACP, RV dilatation with paradoxical septal motion). The different RV injury patterns were described and their association with Day-28 mortality was investigated.

RESULTS

Of 118 patients with complete echocardiographic follow-up who underwent 393 TTE examinations during ICU stay, 73(62%) had at least one RV injury pattern during one or several TTE examinations: 29(40%) had isolated RV dilation, 39(53%) had RV dysfunction without RV dilation, 10(14%) had RV dysfunction with RV dilation and 2(3%) had ACP. Patients with RV injury were more likely to have cardiovascular risk factors, to be intubated and to receive norepinephrine and had a higher Day-28 mortality rate (27 vs. 7%, p < 0.01). RV injury was isolated in 82% of cases, combined with left ventricular systolic dysfunction in 18% of cases and 10% of patients with RV injury experienced several patterns of RV injury during ICU stay. The number of patients with de novo RV injury decreased over time, no patient developed de novo RV injury after Day-14 regardless of the RV injury pattern and 20(31%) patients without RV injury on ICU admission developed RV injury during ICU stay. Only the combination of RV dysfunction with RV dilation or ACP (aHR = 3.18 95% CI(1.16-8.74), p = 0.03) was associated with Day-28 mortality.

CONCLUSION

RV injury was frequent in COVID-19 patients, occurred within the first two weeks after ICU admission and was most often isolated. Only the combination of RV dysfunction with RV dilation or ACP could potentially be associated with Day-28 mortality. Clinical trial registration NCT04335162.

Impact of sex differences on cardiac injury in critically ill patients with COVID-19

BACKGROUND

COVID-19 infections are associated with accrued inflammatory responses which may result in cardiac injury. Immune response to infection appears different between men and women, suggesting that COVID-19 patients' outcomes may differ according to biological sex. However, the impact of biological sex on the occurrence of cardiac injury during intensive care unit (ICU) stay in COVID-19 patients remain unclear.

METHODS

In this multicenter and prospective study, we included consecutive patients admitted to ICU for severe COVID-19 pneumonia, during the first two pandemic waves. Biological, electrocardiogram (ECG) and echocardiographic variables were collected on ICU admission. Cardiac injury was defined by increased troponin above 99th percentile of upper norm value and newly diagnosed ECG and/or echocardiographic abnormalities. The primary endpoint was the proportion of patients with cardiac injury during ICU stay according to biological sex. The impact of biological sex on other subsequent clinical outcomes was also evaluated.

RESULTS

We included 198 patients with a median age of 66 (56-73) years, 147 (74%) patients were men and 51 (26%) were women. Overall, 119 (60%) patients had cardiac injury during ICU stay and the proportion of patients with cardiac injury during ICU stay was not different between men and women (60% vs. 61%, p = 1.00). Patients with cardiac injury during ICU stay showed more cardiovascular risk factors and chronic cardiac disease and had a higher ICU mortality rate. On ICU admission, they had a more marked lymphopenia (0.70 (0.40-0.80) vs. 0.80 (0.50-1.10) × 109/L, p < 0.01) and inflammation (C-Reactive Protein (155 (88-246) vs. 111 (62-192) mg/L, p = 0.03); D-Dimers (1293 (709-2523) vs. 900 (560-1813) µg/L, p = 0.03)). Plasmatic levels of inflammatory biomarkers on ICU admission correlated with SAPS-2 and SOFA scores but not with the different echocardiographic variables. Multivariate analysis confirmed cardiovascular risk factors (OR = 2.31; 95%CI (1.06-5.02), p = 0.03) and chronic cardiac disease (OR = 8.58; 95%CI (1.01-73.17), p = 0.04) were independently associated with the occurrence of cardiac injury during ICU stay, whereas biological sex (OR = 0.88; 95%CI (0.42-1.84), p = 0.73) was not. Biological sex had no impact on the occurrence during ICU stay of other clinical outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

Most critically ill patients with COVID-19 were men and experienced cardiac injury during ICU stay. Nevertheless, biological sex had no impact on the occurrence of cardiac injury during ICU stay or on other clinical outcomes. Clinical trial registration NCT04335162.

Acute respiratory distress syndrome in patients with COVID-19 vs. Non-COVID-19: clinical characteristics and outcomes in a tertiary care setting in Mexico City

BACKGROUND

Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) due tocoronavirus disease (COVID-19) infection has a unique phenotype generating a growing need to determine the existing differences that can alter existing evidence-based management strategies for ARDS.

RESEARCH QUESTION

What differences does the clinical profile of patients with ARDS due to COVID 19 and Non-COVID 19 have?

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

We conducted a comparative, observational, retrospective study in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU)of a third-level hospital in Mexico City, from March 2020 through March 2022. Clinical, echocardiographic, and laboratory variables were compared between patients with ARDS due to Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection and those due to other etiologies.

RESULTS

We enrolled 140 patients with a diagnosis of ARDS. The study group of COVID-19 etiology were younger males, higher body mass index, progressed to organ dysfunction, required more frequently renal replacement therapy, and higher SOFA score. There was no difference in rates of right ventricular dysfunction.

INTERPRETATION

COVID-19 ARDS exhibit much greater severity that led to higher admission and mortality rates, whilst being younger and less comorbid.

Right Ventricular Dysfunction Patterns among Patients with COVID-19 in the Intensive Care Unit: A Retrospective Cohort Analysis

Rationale: Right ventricular (RV) dysfunction is common among patients hospitalized with coronavirus disease (COVID-19); however, its epidemiology may depend on the echocardiographic parameters used to define it. Objectives: To evaluate the prevalence of abnormalities in three common echocardiographic parameters of RV function among patients with COVID-19 admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU), as well as the effect of RV dilatation on differential parameter abnormality and the association of RV dysfunction with 60-day mortality. Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of ICU patients with COVID-19 between March 4, 2020, and March 4, 2021, who received a transthoracic echocardiogram within 48 hours before to at most 7 days after ICU admission. RV dysfunction and dilatation, respectively, were defined by guideline thresholds for tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE), RV fractional area change, RV free wall longitudinal strain (RVFWS), and RV basal dimension or RV end-diastolic area. Association of RV dysfunction with 60-day mortality was assessed through logistic regression adjusting for age, prior history of congestive heart failure, invasive ventilation at the time of transthoracic echocardiogram, and Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II score. Results: A total of 116 patients were included, of whom 69% had RV dysfunction by one or more parameters, and 36.3% of these had RV dilatation. The three most common patterns of RV dysfunction were the presence of three abnormalities, the combination of abnormal RVFWS and TAPSE, and isolated TAPSE abnormality. Patients with RV dilatation had worse RV fractional area change (24% vs. 36%; P = 0.001), worse RVFWS (16.3% vs. 19.1%; P = 0.005), higher RV systolic pressure (45 mm Hg vs. 31 mm Hg; P = 0.001) but similar TAPSE (13 mm vs. 13 mm; P = 0.30) compared with those with normal RV size. After multivariable adjustment, 60-day mortality was significantly associated with RV dysfunction (odds ratio, 2.91; 95% confidence interval, 1.01-9.44), as was the presence of at least two parameter abnormalities. Conclusions: ICU patients with COVID-19 had significant heterogeneity in RV function abnormalities present with different patterns associated with RV dilatation. RV dysfunction by any parameter was associated with increased mortality. Therefore, a multiparameter evaluation may be critical in recognizing RV dysfunction in COVID-19.

Outcomes and time trends of acute respiratory distress syndrome patients with and without liver cirrhosis: an observational cohort

BACKGROUND

In studies prior to lung-protective ventilation, liver cirrhosis in acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) was associated with high mortality rates. Since patients with cirrhosis have been excluded from many trials on ARDS, their outcome when treated with lung-protective ventilation is unclear. The objectives were to assess whether cirrhosis is associated with mortality in ARDS and trends over time in mortality and severity.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective analysis of a prospective observational cohort conducted in a 20-bed tertiary ICU from October 2003 to December 2021. All consecutive adult critically ill patients with ARDS were included. ARDS was defined by the Berlin criteria. The primary outcome was 90 day mortality, assessed with Kaplan-Meier curves and multivariate Cox analysis. Time trends were assessed on 90 day mortality, Sequential Organ-Function Assessment score (SOFA) and non-hepatic SOFA. Ventilation settings were compared between patients with and without cirrhosis.

RESULTS

Of the 7155 patients screened, 863 had a diagnosis of ARDS. Among these ARDS patients, 157(18%) had cirrhosis. The overall 90 day mortality was of 43% (378/863), 57% (90/157) in patients with cirrhosis and 41% (288/706) in patients without cirrhosis (p < 0.001). On survival curves, cirrhosis was associated with 90 day mortality (p < 0.001). Cirrhosis was independently associated with 90 day mortality in multivariate analysis (hazard ratio = 1.56, 95% confidence interval 1.20-2.02). There was no change in mortality over time in ARDS patients with and without cirrhosis. SOFA (p = 0.04) and non-hepatic SOFA (p = 0.02) increased over time in ARDS patients without cirrhosis, and remained stable in ARDS patients with cirrhosis. Tidal volume, positive end-expiratory pressure, plateau pressure and driving pressure were not different between ARDS patients with and without cirrhosis.

CONCLUSIONS

Although ARDS management improved over the last decades, the 90 day mortality remained high and stable over time for both ARDS patients with (57%) and without cirrhosis (41%). Nevertheless, the severity of patients without cirrhosis has increased over time, while the severity of patients with cirrhosis has remained stable.

Echocardiography phenotypes of right ventricular involvement in COVID-19 ARDS patients and ICU mortality: post-hoc (exploratory) analysis of repeated data from the ECHO-COVID study

PURPOSE

Exploratory study to evaluate the association of different phenotypes of right ventricular (RV) involvement and mortality in the intensive care unit (ICU) in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) due to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

METHODS

Post-hoc analysis of longitudinal data from the multicenter ECHO-COVID observational study in ICU patients who underwent at least two echocardiography examinations. Echocardiography phenotypes were acute cor pulmonale (ACP, RV cavity dilatation with paradoxical septal motion), RV failure (RVF, RV cavity dilatation and systemic venous congestion), and RV dysfunction (tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion ≤ 16 mm). Accelerated failure time model and multistate model were used for analysis.

RESULTS

Of 281 patients who underwent 948 echocardiography studies during ICU stay, 189 (67%) were found to have at least 1 type of RV involvements during one or several examinations: ACP (105/281, 37.4%), RVF (140/256, 54.7%) and/or RV dysfunction (74/255, 29%). Patients with all examinations displaying ACP had survival time shortened by 0.479 [0.284-0.803] times when compared to patients with all examinations depicting no ACP (P = 0.005). RVF showed a trend towards shortened survival time by a factor of 0.642 [0.405-1.018] (P = 0.059), whereas the impact of RV dysfunction on survival time was inconclusive (P = 0.451). Multistate analysis showed that patients might transit in and out of RV involvement, and those who exhibited ACP in their last critical care echocardiography (CCE) examination had the highest risk of mortality (hazard ratio (HR) 3.25 [2.38-4.45], P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

RV involvement is prevalent in patients ventilated for COVID-19 ARDS. Different phenotypes of RV involvement might lead to different ICU mortality, with ACP having the worst outcome.

Clinical characteristics of patients with a risk of pulmonary artery hypertension secondary to ARDS in a high-altitude area

BACKGROUND

Hypoxaemia plays an important role in the development of pulmonary artery hypertension (PAH). Patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) in a high-altitude area have different pathophysiological characteristics from those patients in the plains. The goal of our study was to explore the clinical characteristics of PAH secondary to ARDS in a high-altitude area.

METHODS

This was a prospective study conducted in the affiliated Hospital of Qinghai University. Two investigators independently assessed pulmonary artery pressure (PAP) and right ventricular function by transthoracic echocardiography. Basic information and clinical data of the patients who were enrolled were collected. A multivariable logistic regression model was used to evaluate the risk factors for PAH secondary to ARDS in the high-altitude area.

RESULTS

The incidence of PAH secondary to ARDS within 48 hours in the high-altitude area was 44.19%. Partial pressure of oxygen/fraction of inspired oxygen <165.13 mm Hg was an independent risk factor for PAH secondary to ARDS in the high-altitude area. Compared with the normal PAP group, the right ventricular basal dimensions were significantly larger and the right ventricular tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion was lower in the PAH group (right ventricular basal dimensions: 45.47±2.60 vs 40.67±6.12 mm, p=0.019; tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE): 1.82±0.40 vs 2.09±0.32 cm, p=0.021). The ratio of TAPSE to systolic PAP was lower in the PAH group (0.03±0.01 vs 0.08±0.03 cm/mm Hg, p<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The incidence of PAH in patients with ARDS in our study is high. PAH secondary to ARDS in a high-altitude area could cause right ventricular dysfunction.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT05166759.

Literature Review-Transthoracic Echocardiography, Computed Tomography Angiography, and Their Value in Clinical Decision Making and Outcome Predictions in Patients with COVID-19 Associated Cardiovascular Complications

The sudden outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic posed a great threat to the world's healthcare systems. It resulted in the development of new methods and algorithms for the diagnosis and treatment of both COVID-19 and its complications. Diagnostic imaging played a crucial role in both cases. Among the most widely used examinations are transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) and computed tomography angiography (CTA). Cardiovascular complications in COVID-19 are frequently associated with a severe inflammatory response, which results in acute respiratory failure, further leading to severe complications of the cardiovascular system. Our review aims to discuss the value of TTE and CTA in clinical decision making and outcome prediction in patients with COVID-19-associated cardiovascular complications. Our review revealed the high clinical value of various TTE findings and their association with mortality and the prediction of patients' clinical outcomes, especially when used with other laboratory parameters. The strongest association between increased mortality and findings in TTE was observed for tachycardia and decreased left ventricular ejection fraction (odds ratio (OR) 24.06) and tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion/pulmonary artery systolic pressure ratio (TAPSE/PASP ratio) < 0.31 mm/mmHg (OR 17.80). CTA is a valuable tool in diagnosing COVID-19-associated pulmonary embolism, but its association with mortality and its predictive role should always be combined with laboratory findings and patients' medical history. D-dimers > 3000 ng/mL were found as the strongest predictors of pulmonary embolism (PE) (OR 7.494). Our review indicates the necessity for an active search for cardiovascular complications in patients with severe COVID-19, as they are linked with an increased probability of fatal outcomes.

Cardiovascular Subphenotypes in ARDS: Diagnostic and Therapeutic Implications and Overlap with Other ARDS Subphenotypes

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a highly heterogeneous clinical condition. Shock is a poor prognostic sign in ARDS, and heterogeneity in its pathophysiology may be a barrier to its effective treatment. Although right ventricular dysfunction is commonly implicated, there is no consensus definition for its diagnosis, and left ventricular function is neglected. There is a need to identify the homogenous subgroups within ARDS, that have a similar pathobiology, which can then be treated with targeted therapies. Haemodynamic clustering analyses in patients with ARDS have identified two subphenotypes of increasingly severe right ventricular injury, and a further subphenotype of hyperdynamic left ventricular function. In this review, we discuss how phenotyping the cardiovascular system in ARDS may align with haemodynamic pathophysiology, can aid in optimally defining right ventricular dysfunction and can identify tailored therapeutic targets for shock in ARDS. Additionally, clustering analyses of inflammatory, clinical and radiographic data describe other subphenotypes in ARDS. We detail the potential overlap between these and the cardiovascular phenotypes.

Artificial Intelligence in the Intensive Care Unit: Present and Future in the COVID-19 Era

The development of artificial intelligence (AI) allows for the construction of technologies capable of implementing functions that represent the human mind, senses, and problem-solving skills, leading to automation, rapid data analysis, and acceleration of tasks. These solutions has been initially implemented in medical fields relying on image analysis; however, technological development and interdisciplinary collaboration allows for the introduction of AI-based enhancements to further medical specialties. During the COVID-19 pandemic, novel technologies established on big data analysis experienced a rapid expansion. Yet, despite the possibilities of advancements with these AI technologies, there are number of shortcomings that need to be resolved to assert the highest and the safest level of performance, especially in the setting of the intensive care unit (ICU). Within the ICU, numerous factors and data affect clinical decision making and work management that could be managed by AI-based technologies. Early detection of a patient's deterioration, identification of unknown prognostic parameters, or even improvement of work organization are a few of many areas where patients and medical personnel can benefit from solutions developed with AI.

Cardiovascular Subphenotypes in Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome

OBJECTIVES

To use clustering methods on transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) findings and hemodynamic parameters to characterize circulatory failure subphenotypes and potentially elucidate underlying mechanisms in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and to describe their association with mortality compared with current definitions of right ventricular dysfunction (RVD).

DESIGN

Retrospective, single-center cohort study.

SETTING

University Hospital ICU, Birmingham, United Kingdom.

PATIENTS

ICU patients that received TTE within 7 days of ARDS onset between April 2016 and December 2021.

INTERVENTIONS

None.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

Latent class analysis (LCA) of TTE/hemodynamic parameters was performed in 801 patients, 62 years old (interquartile range, 50-72 yr old), 63% male, and 40% 90-day mortality rate. Four cardiovascular subphenotypes were identified: class 1 (43%; mostly normal left and right ventricular [LV/RV] function), class 2 (24%; mostly dilated RV with preserved systolic function), class 3 (13%, mostly dilated RV with impaired systolic function), and class 4 (21%; mostly high cardiac output, with hyperdynamic LV function). The four subphenotypes differed in their characteristics and outcomes, with 90-day mortality rates of 19%, 40%, 78%, and 59% in classes 1-4, respectively ( p < 0.0001). Following multivariable logistic regression analysis, class 3 had the highest odds ratio (OR) for mortality (OR, 6.9; 95% CI, 4.0-11.8) compared with other RVD definitions. Different three-variable models had high diagnostic accuracy in identifying each of these latent subphenotypes.

CONCLUSIONS

LCA of TTE parameters identified four cardiovascular subphenotypes in ARDS that more closely aligned with circulatory failure mechanisms and mortality than current RVD definitions.

Influence of right ventricular structure and function on hospital outcomes in COVID-19 patients

BACKGROUND

The impact of the right ventricular (RV) structure and function on the in-hospital outcomes in patients with COVID-19 infection has not been rigorously investigated.

OBJECTIVES

The main aim of our study was to investigate in-hospital outcomes including mortality, ICU admission, mechanical ventilation, pressor support, associated with RV dilatation, and RV systolic dysfunction in COVID-19 patients without a history of pulmonary hypertension.

METHODS

It was a single academic tertiary center, retrospective cohort study of 997 PCR-confirmed COVID-19 patients. One hundred ninty-four of those patients did not have a history of pulmonary hypertension and underwent transthoracic echocardiography at the request of the treating physicians for clinical indications. Clinical endpoints which included mortality, ICU admission, need for mechanical ventilation or pressor support were abstracted from the electronic charts.

RESULTS

Patients' mean age was 68+/-16 years old and 42% of the study population were females. COPD was reported in 13% of the study population, whereas asthma was 10%, and CAD was 25%. The mean BMI was 29.8+/-9.5 kg/m2. Overall mortality was 27%, 46% in ICU patients, and 9% in the rest of the cohort. There were no significant differences in co-morbidities between expired patients and the survivors. A total of 19% of patients had evidence of RV dilatation and 17% manifested decreased RV systolic function. RV dilatation or decreased RV systolic function were noted in 24% of the total study population. RV dilatation was significantly more common in expired patients (15% vs 29%, p = 0.026) and was associated with increased mortality in patients treated in the ICU (HR 2.966, 95%CI 1.067-8.243, p = 0.037), who did not need require positive pressure ventilation, IV pressor support or acute hemodialysis.

CONCLUSIONS

In hospitalized COVID-19 patients without a history of pulmonary hypertension, RV dilatation is associated with a 2-fold increase in inpatient mortality and a 3-fold increase in ICU mortality.

Cardiac function in critically ill patients with severe COVID: A prospective cross-sectional study in mechanically ventilated patients

PURPOSE

To evaluate cardiac function in mechanically ventilated patients with COVID-19.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Prospective, cross-sectional multicenter study in four university-affiliated hospitals in Chile. All consecutive patients with COVID-19 ARDS requiring mechanical ventilation admitted between April and July 2020 were included. We performed systematic transthoracic echocardiography assessing right and left ventricular function within 24 h of intubation.

RESULTS

140 patients aged 57 ± 11, 29% female were included. Cardiac output was 5.1 L/min [IQR 4.5-6.2] and 86% of the patients required norepinephrine. ICU mortality was 29% (40 patients). Fifty-four patients (39%) exhibited right ventricle dilation out of whom 20 patients (14%) exhibited acute cor pulmonale (ACP). Eight out of the twenty patients with ACP exhibited pulmonary embolism (40%). Thirteen patients (9%) exhibited left ventricular systolic dysfunction (ejection fraction <45%). In the multivariate analysis acute cor pulmonale and PaO₂/FiO₂ ratio were independent predictors of ICU mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

Right ventricular dilation is highly prevalent in mechanically ventilated patients with COVID-19 ARDS. Acute cor pulmonale was associated with reduced pulmonary function and, in only 40% of patients, with co-existing pulmonary embolism. Acute cor pulmonale is an independent risk factor for ICU mortality.

Right ventricular dysfunction in patients with COVID-19 pneumonitis whose lungs are mechanically ventilated: a multicentre prospective cohort study

Cardiovascular complications due to COVID-19, such as right ventricular dysfunction, are common. The combination of acute respiratory distress syndrome, invasive mechanical ventilation, thromboembolic disease and direct myocardial injury creates conditions where right ventricular dysfunction is likely to occur. We undertook a prospective, multicentre cohort study in 10 Scottish intensive care units of patients with COVID-19 pneumonitis whose lungs were mechanically ventilated. Right ventricular dysfunction was defined as the presence of severe right ventricular dilation and interventricular septal flattening. To explore the role of myocardial injury, high-sensitivity troponin and N-terminal pro B-type natriuretic peptide plasma levels were measured in all patients. We recruited 121 patients and 118 (98%) underwent imaging. It was possible to determine the primary outcome in 112 (91%). Severe right ventricular dilation was present in 31 (28%), with interventricular septal flattening present in nine (8%). Right ventricular dysfunction (the combination of these two parameters) was present in seven (6%, 95%CI 3-13%). Thirty-day mortality was 86% in those with right ventricular dysfunction as compared with 45% in those without (p = 0.051). Patients with right ventricular dysfunction were more likely to have: pulmonary thromboembolism (p < 0.001); higher plateau airway pressure (p = 0.048); lower dynamic compliance (p = 0.031); higher plasma N-terminal pro B-type natriuretic peptide levels (p = 0.006); and raised plasma troponin levels (p = 0.048). Our results demonstrate a prevalence of right ventricular dysfunction of 6%, which was associated with increased mortality (86%). Associations were also observed between right ventricular dysfunction and aetiological domains of: acute respiratory distress syndrome; ventilation; thromboembolic disease; and direct myocardial injury, implying a complex multifactorial pathophysiology.

Association of Right Ventricular Dilation and Dysfunction on Echocardiogram with In-Hospital Mortality Among Patients Hospitalized with COVID-19 Compared with Other Acute Respiratory Illness

BACKGROUND

Although right ventricular (RV) dysfunction is associated with mortality in acute COVID-19, the role of RV dilation is uncertain. The prognostic significance of RV dilation and dysfunction among hospitalized patients with acute COVID-19 compared to other respiratory illnesses.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective cohort study to examine 225 consecutive adults admitted for acute COVID-19 and 6,150 control adults admitted for influenza, pneumonia or ARDS who had a clinical echocardiogram performed. We used logistic regression models to assess associations between RV parameters and in-hospital mortality adjusted for confounders.

RESULTS

Among those with COVID-19, 48/225 (21.3%) died during the index hospitalization compared to 727/6150 (11.8%) with other respiratory illness (p=0.001). Independent of COVID-19, mild and moderate to severe RV dilation were associated with 1.4 and 2.0 times higher risk of inpatient mortality, respectively (95%CI 1.17 to 1.69; p=0.0003; 95%CI 1.62 to 2.47; p<0.0001, respectively). Similarly, mild and moderate RV dysfunction were associated with 1.4 and 1.7 times higher risk of inpatient mortality (95%CI 1.10 to 1.77; p=0.007; 95%CI 1.17 to 2.42; p=0.005, respectively). Relative to normal RV size and non-COVID-19 acute respiratory illness, mild and moderate RV dilation were associated with 1.4 times and 2.0 times higher risk among those without COVID-19 and 1.9 times higher and 3.0 times higher risk among those with COVID-19, with similar findings for RV dysfunction. Having both RV dilation and dysfunction or RV dilation alone were associated with 1.7 times higher risk while RV dysfunction alone was associated with 1.4 times higher risk compared to normal RV size and function.

CONCLUSIONS

RV dilation and dysfunction are associated with increased risk of inpatient mortality among those with COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses. Abnormal RV findings may identify those at higher risk of short-term mortality from acute respiratory illness including COVID-19 beyond other risk markers.

International electronic health record-derived post-acute sequelae profiles of COVID-19 patients

The risk profiles of post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC) have not been well characterized in multi-national settings with appropriate controls. We leveraged electronic health record (EHR) data from 277 international hospitals representing 414,602 patients with COVID-19, 2.3 million control patients without COVID-19 in the inpatient and outpatient settings, and over 221 million diagnosis codes to systematically identify new-onset conditions enriched among patients with COVID-19 during the post-acute period. Compared to inpatient controls, inpatient COVID-19 cases were at significant risk for angina pectoris (RR 1.30, 95% CI 1.09–1.55), heart failure (RR 1.22, 95% CI 1.10–1.35), cognitive dysfunctions (RR 1.18, 95% CI 1.07–1.31), and fatigue (RR 1.18, 95% CI 1.07–1.30). Relative to outpatient controls, outpatient COVID-19 cases were at risk for pulmonary embolism (RR 2.10, 95% CI 1.58–2.76), venous embolism (RR 1.34, 95% CI 1.17–1.54), atrial fibrillation (RR 1.30, 95% CI 1.13–1.50), type 2 diabetes (RR 1.26, 95% CI 1.16–1.36) and vitamin D deficiency (RR 1.19, 95% CI 1.09–1.30). Outpatient COVID-19 cases were also at risk for loss of smell and taste (RR 2.42, 95% CI 1.90–3.06), inflammatory neuropathy (RR 1.66, 95% CI 1.21–2.27), and cognitive dysfunction (RR 1.18, 95% CI 1.04–1.33). The incidence of post-acute cardiovascular and pulmonary conditions decreased across time among inpatient cases while the incidence of cardiovascular, digestive, and metabolic conditions increased among outpatient cases. Our study, based on a federated international network, systematically identified robust conditions associated with PASC compared to control groups, underscoring the multifaceted cardiovascular and neurological phenotype profiles of PASC.

Identification précoce des phénotypes cardiovasculaires chez les patients en insuffisance respiratoire aiguë au cours de la première pandémie Covid-19

Objectif : L'objectif principal était de comparer la prévalence de la dysfonction ventriculaire gauche (VG) et/ ou droite (VD) des patients admis au service d'urgence (SU) avec une insuffisance respiratoire aiguë (IRA) secondaire ou non à une pneumopathie à Covid-19.

Méthodes : Pendant un mois, nous avons inclus (24/7) de façon prospective les patients de l'unité de Covid-19 du SU qui présentaient une IRA. Pour chaque patient, un test RT-PCR, une tomodensitométrie thoracique et une échographie cardiaque de niveau 2 et pulmonaire étaient systématiquement réalisés avant toute intervention thérapeutique. Chaque patient était classé selon les phénotypes cardiovasculaires suivants : insuffisance VG, insuffisance VD, hypovolémie ± hyperkinésie et profil hémodynamique normal.

Résultats : Parmi les 517 patients admis pendant la période d'étude, 78 présentaient une IRA (15 %) et 62 ont bénéficié d'une échocardiographie de niveau 2 (âge : 73 ± 14 ans ; SpO2 : 90 ± 4 % ; lactate : 2,1 ± 1,3 mmol/l). Le diagnostic de la Covid-19 a été établi pour 22 patients (35 %). L'insuffisance VG (15 [38 %] vs 2 [9 %] ; p = 0,016) et celle VD (12 [30 %] vs 1 [5 %] ; p = 0,018) étaient plus souvent observées dans le groupe témoin que chez les patients ayant une pneumopathie à Covid-19. Inversement, les patients Covid-19 avaient plus fréquemment un profil hémodynamique normal ou une hypovolémie associée ou non à une vasoplégie (20 [91 %] vs 21 [53 %] ; p = 0,002). La mortalité intrahospitalière était de 18 % ( n = 11). Tous les patients atteints de la Covid-19 présentant une insuffisance VG et/ou VD précoce sont décédés pendant leur hospitalisation.

Conclusions : La dysfonction VG et celle VD étaient plus fréquentes chez les patients non atteints de la Covid-19, alors que les patients atteints de Covid-19 avaient un phénotype cardiovasculaire normal ou hypovolémique.

Association between the Right Ventricular Longitudinal Shortening Fraction and Mortality in Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome Related to COVID-19 Infection: A Prospective Study

Introduction: Right ventricular systolic dysfunction (RVsD) increases acute respiratory distress syndrome mortality in COVID-19 infection (CARDS). The RV longitudinal shortening fraction (RV-LSF) is an angle-independent and automatically calculated speckle-tracking parameter. We explored the association between RV-LSF and 30-day mortality in CARDS patients. Methods: Moderate-to-severe CARDS patients hospitalized at Amiens University Hospital with transesophageal echocardiography performed within 48 h of intensive care unit admission were included. RVsD was defined by an RV-LSF of <20%. The patients were divided into two groups according to the presence of RVsD. Using multivariate Cox regression, clinical and echocardiographic risk factors predicting 30-day mortality were evaluated. Results: Between 28 February 2020 and 1 December 2021, 86 patients were included. A total of 43% (n = 37/86) of the patients showed RVsD and 22% (n = 19/86) of the patients died. RV-LSF was observed in 26 (23.1−29.7)% of the no-RVsD function group and 16.5 (13.7−19.4)% (p < 0.001) of the RVsD group. Cardiogenic shock (n = 7/37 vs. 2/49, p = 0.03) and acute cor pulmonale (n = 18/37 vs. 10/49, p = 0.009) were more frequent in the RVsD group. The 30-day mortality was higher in the RVsD group (15/37 vs. 4/49, p = 0.001). In a multivariable Cox model, RV-LSF was an independent mortality factor (HR 4.45, 95%CI (1.43−13.8), p = 0.01). Conclusion: in a cohort of moderate-to-severe CARDS patients under mechanical ventilation, RVsD defined by the RV-LSF was associated with higher 30-day mortalities.

Cardiovascular subphenotypes in patients with COVID-19 pneumonitis whose lungs are mechanically ventilated: a single-centre retrospective observational study

Unsupervised clustering methods of transthoracic echocardiography variables have not been used to characterise circulatory failure mechanisms in patients with COVID‐19 pneumonitis. We conducted a retrospective, single‐centre cohort study in ICU patients with COVID‐19 pneumonitis whose lungs were mechanically ventilated and who underwent transthoracic echocardiography between March 2020 and May 2021. We performed latent class analysis of echocardiographic and haemodynamic variables. We characterised the identified subphenotypes by comparing their clinical parameters, treatment responses and 90‐day mortality rates. We included 305 patients with a median (IQR [range]) age 59 (49–66 [16–83]) y. Of these, 219 (72%) were male, 199 (65%) had moderate acute respiratory distress syndrome and 113 (37%) did not survive more than 90 days. Latent class analysis identified three cardiovascular subphenotypes: class 1 (52%; normal right ventricular function); class 2 (31%; right ventricular dilation with mostly preserved systolic function); and class 3 (17%; right ventricular dilation with systolic impairment). The three subphenotypes differed in their clinical characteristics and response to prone ventilation and outcomes, with 90‐day mortality rates of 22%, 42% and 73%, respectively (p < 0.001). We conclude that the identified subphenotypes aligned with right ventricular pathophysiology rather than the accepted definitions of right ventricular dysfunction, and these identified classifications were associated with clinical outcomes.

Transthoracic echocardiography of patients in prone position ventilation during the COVID-19 pandemic: an observational and retrospective study

Mechanical ventilation in prone position is a strategy that increases oxygenation and reduces mortality in severe ARDS. The hemodynamic and cardiovascular assessment of these patients is essential. Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) is a widely used tool to assess hemodynamics in critical care, but the prone position is thought to limit adequate TTE views and goal-oriented measurements. The aim of this study is to show the feasibility of the hemodynamic assessment by transthoracic echocardiography during prone position ventilation (PPV). This is a retrospective, observational study, carried out in the intensive care unit (ICU) of a tertiary-care center in Buenos Aires, Argentina. We included all the adult patients admitted to the ICU between March 2020 and August 2021 who had a TTE examination in PPV due to ARDS. During the study period, we evaluated by TTE a total of 35 patients requiring PPV. The vast majority of the patients had COVID-19 pneumonia (91.4%). In 33 out of 35 (94.3%) cases, it was able to achieve an adequate apical four chamber view. We assessed qualitatively the systolic function of left ventricle (LV) and right ventricle (RV) in all of the successfully evaluated patients. We measured the RV basal diameter (94.3%), RV/LV ratio (77.1%), tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) (91.4%), and septal mitral annular plane systolic excursion (MAPSE) (88.5%) in most of them. Also, we quantified the left ventricle outflow tract velocity time integral (LVOT VTI) in a large part (68.5%) of the examinations. Transthoracic echocardiography is a useful tool for the hemodynamic assessment of patients in prone position under mechanical ventilation.

Blood circulation changes associated with switching to non-invasive ventilation in COVID-19 patients

Background. Various methods of respiratory support in combination with prone positioning have been used during the COVID-19 pandemic. The effects of combination of these two factors on hemodynamics are of interest for clinical practitioners.The aim: to evaluate the effect of prone positioning on hemodynamics in COVID-19 patients depending on the method of respiratory support.Materials and methods. The study included 17 patients of both sexes diagnosed with COVID-19-associated community-acquired polysegmental viral and bacterial pneumonia with progressive respiratory failure. The study consisted of two stages. During the first stage, the patients were receiving respiratory support with humidified oxygen (3–7 liters per minute). The second stage was initiated after switching to noninvasive ventilation (NIV). The measurements were performed using a technique of volumetric compression oscillometry on a non-invasive hemodynamic monitoring system KAP CGosm-Globus (Russia).Results. The study showed that prone positioning in patients with severe COVID-19 when switching from oxygen therapy to NIV resulted in a change in the diastolic blood pressure difference module from 2.5 (1.0; 8.2) to 8.0 (5.7; 14.0) (p = 0.016). Escalation of respiratory support led to the changes in the left ventricular outflow tract velocity difference module from 11.5 (9.5; 34.2) to 31.0 (15.7; 42.0) (p = 0.049).Conclusions. Patients with community-acquired polysegmental viral and bacterial pneumonia associated with COVID-19 demonstrated changes in diastolic blood pressure and left ventricular outflow tract velocity as a result of prone positioning following switching from oxygen therapy to NIV.

Prevalence of right ventricular dysfunction and impact on all-cause death in hospitalized patients with COVID-19: a systematic review and meta-analysis

The Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) pandemic imposed a high burden of morbidity and mortality. In COVID-19, direct lung parenchymal involvement and pulmonary microcirculation dysfunction may entail pulmonary hypertension (PH). PH and direct cardiac injury beget right ventricular dysfunction (RVD) occurrence, which has been frequently reported in COVID-19 patients; however, the prevalence of RVD and its impact on outcomes during COVID-19 are still unclear. This study aims to evaluate the prevalence of RVD and associated outcomes in patients with COVID-19, through a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. MEDLINE and EMBASE were systematically searched from inception to 15th July 2021. All studies reporting either the prevalence of RVD in COVID-19 patients or all-cause death according to RVD status were included. The pooled prevalence of RVD and Odds Ratio (OR) for all-cause death according to RVD status were computed and reported. Subgroup analysis and meta-regression were also performed. Among 29 studies (3813 patients) included, pooled prevalence of RVD was 20.4% (95% CI 17.1-24.3%; 95% PI 7.8-43.9%), with a high grade of heterogeneity. No significant differences were found across geographical locations, or according to the risk of bias. Severity of COVID-19 was associated with increased prevalence of RVD at meta-regression. The presence of RVD was found associated with an increased likelihood of all-cause death (OR 3.32, 95% CI 1.94-5.70). RVD was found in 1 out of 5 COVID-19 patients, and was associated with all-cause mortality. RVD may represent one crucial marker for prognostic stratification in COVID-19; further prospective and larger are needed to investigate specific management and therapeutic approach for these patients.