Assessing the heterogeneity of the impact of COVID-19 incidence on all-cause excess mortality among healthcare districts in Lombardy, Italy, to evaluate the local response to the pandemic: an ecological study

OBJECTIVES

The fragmentation of the response to the COVID-19 pandemic at national, regional and local levels is a possible source of variability in the impact of the pandemic on society. This study aims to assess how much of this variability affected the burden of COVID-19, measured in terms of all-cause 2020 excess mortality.

DESIGN

Ecological retrospective study.

SETTING

Lombardy region of Italy, 2015-2020.

OUTCOME MEASURES

We evaluated the relationship between the intensity of the epidemics and excess mortality, assessing the heterogeneity of this relationship across the 91 districts after adjusting for relevant confounders.

RESULTS

The epidemic intensity was quantified as the COVID-19 hospitalisations per 1000 inhabitants. Five confounders were identified through a directed acyclic graph: age distribution, population density, pro-capita gross domestic product, restriction policy and population mobility.Analyses were based on a negative binomial regression model with district-specific random effects. We found a strong, positive association between COVID-19 hospitalisations and 2020 excess mortality (p<0.001), estimating that an increase of one hospitalised COVID-19 patient per 1000 inhabitants resulted in a 15.5% increase in excess mortality. After adjusting for confounders, no district differed in terms of COVID-19-unrelated excess mortality from the average district. Minimal heterogeneity emerged in the district-specific relationships between COVID-19 hospitalisations and excess mortality (6 confidence intervals out of 91 did not cover the null value).

CONCLUSIONS

The homogeneous effect of the COVID-19 spread on the excess mortality in the Lombardy districts suggests that, despite the unprecedented conditions, the pandemic reactions did not result in health disparities in the region.

Strategies to convert hospital beds for COVID-19 patients to minimize emergency department overcrowding

Background: The shortage of hospital beds for COVID-19 patients has been one critical cause of Emergency Department (ED) overcrowding. Purpose: We aimed at elaborating a strategy of conversion of hospital beds, from non-COVID-19 to COVID-19 care, minimizing both ED overcrowding and the number of beds eventually converted. Research Design: Observational retrospective study. Study Sample: We considered the centralized database of all ED admissions in the Lombardy region of Italy during the second "COVID-19 wave" (October to December 2020). Data collection and Analysis: We analyzed all admissions to 82 EDs. We devised a family of Monte Carlo simulations to evaluate the performance of hospital beds' conversion strategies triggered by ED crowding of COVID-19 patients, determining a critical number of beds to be converted when passing an ED-specific crowding threshold. Results: Our results suggest that the maximum number of patients waiting for hospitalization could have been decreased by 70% with the proposed strategy. Such a reduction would have been achieved by converting 30% more hospital beds than the total number converted in the region. Conclusions: The disproportion between reduction in ED crowding and additionally converted beds suggests that a wide margin to improve the efficiency of the conversions exists. The proposed simulation apparatus can be easily generalized to study management policies synchronizing ED output and in-hospital bed availability.

Prognostic value of respiratory parameters for COVID-19 patients in the emergency department: results from the EC-COVID study

While several studies have evaluated the prognostic weight of respiratory parameters in patients with COVID-19, few have focused on patients' clinical conditions at the first emergency department (ED) assessment. We analyzed a large cohort of ED patients recruited within the EC-COVID study over the year 2020, and assessed the association between key bedside respiratory parameters measured in room air (pO2, pCO2, pH, and respiratory rate [RR]) and hospital mortality, after adjusting for key confounding factors. Analyses were based on a multivariable logistic Generalized Additive Model (GAM). After excluding patients who did not perform a blood gas analysis (BGA) test in room air or with incomplete BGA results, a total of 2458 patients were considered in the analyses. Most patients were hospitalized on ED discharge (72.0%); hospital mortality was 14.3%. Strong, negative associations with hospital mortality emerged for pO2, pCO2 and pH (p-values: < 0.001, < 0.001 and 0.014), while a significant, positive association was observed for RR (p-value < 0.001). Associations were quantified with nonlinear functions, learned from the data. No cross-parameter interaction was significant (all p-values were larger than 0.10), suggesting a progressive, independent effect on the outcome as the value of each parameter departed from normality. Our results collide with the hypothesized existence of patterns of breathing parameters with specific prognostic weight in the early stages of the disease.

One-year mortality in COVID-19 is associated with patients' comorbidities rather than pneumonia severity

BACKGROUND

In patients with pneumonia or acute respiratory distress syndrome who survived hospitalization, one-year mortality can affect up to one third of discharged patients. Therefore, significant long-term mortality after COVID-19 respiratory failure could be expected. The primary outcome of the present study was one-year all-cause mortality in hospitalized COVID-19 patients.

METHODS

Observational study of COVID-19 patients hospitalized at Papa Giovanni XXIII Hospital (Bergamo, Italy), during the first pandemic wave.

RESULTS

A total of 1326 COVID-19 patients were hospitalized. Overall one-year mortality was 33.6% (N 446/1326), with the majority of deaths occurring during hospitalization (N=412, 92.4%). Thirty-four patients amongst the 914 discharged (3.7%) subsequentely died within one year. A third of these patients died for advanced cancer, while death without a cause other than COVID-19 was uncommon (8.8% of the overall post-discharge mortality). In-hospital late mortality (i.e. after 28 days of admission) interested a population with a lower age, and fewer comorbidities, more frequentely admitted in ICU. Independent predictors of post-discharge mortality were age over 65 years (HR 3.19; 95% CI 1.28-7.96, p-value=0.013), presence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (HR 2.52; 95% CI 1.09-5.83, p-value=0.031) or proxy of cardiovascular disease (HR 4.93; 95% CI 1.45-16.75, p-value=0.010), and presence of active cancer (HR 3.64; 95% CI 1.50-8.84, p-value=0.004), but not pneumonia severity.

CONCLUSIONS

One-year post-discharge mortality depends on underlying patients' comorbidities rather than COVID-19 pneumonia severity per se. Awareness among physicians of predictors of post-discharge mortality might be helpful in structuring a follow-up program for discharged patients.

Characterization of compliance phenotypes in COVID-19 acute respiratory distress syndrome

BACKGROUND

Coronavirus disease 2019-associated acute respiratory distress syndrome (COVID-19 ARDS) seems to differ from the "classic ARDS", showing initial significant hypoxemia in the face of relatively preserved compliance and evolving later in a scenario of poorly compliant lungs. We tested the hypothesis that in patients with COVID-19 ARDS, the initial value of static compliance of respiratory system (Crs) (1) depends on the previous duration of the disease (i.e., the fewer days of illness, the higher the Crs and vice versa) and (2) identifies different lung patterns of time evolution and response to prone positioning.

METHODS

This was a single-center prospective observational study. We enrolled consecutive mechanically ventilated patients with a diagnosis of COVID-19 who met ARDS criteria, admitted to intensive care unit (ICU). Patients were divided in four groups based on quartiles of initial Crs. Relationship between Crs and the previous duration of the disease was evaluated. Respiratory parameters collected once a day and during prone positioning were compared between groups.

RESULTS

We evaluated 110 mechanically ventilated patients with a diagnosis of COVID-19 who met ARDS criteria admitted to our ICUs. Patients were divided in groups based on quartiles of initial Crs. The median initial Crs was 41 (32-47) ml/cmH₂O. No association was found between the previous duration of the disease and the initial Crs. The Crs did not change significantly over time within each quartile. Positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) and driving pressure were respectively lower and greater in patients with lower Crs. Prone positioning significantly improved PaO₂/FiO₂ in the 4 groups, however it increased the Crs significantly only in patients in lower quartile of Crs.

CONCLUSIONS

In our cohort, the initial Crs is not dependent on the previous duration of COVID-19 disease. Prone positioning improves oxygenation irrespective to initial Crs, but it ameliorates respiratory mechanics only in patients with lower Crs.

SIMEU position paper on non-invasive respiratory support in COVID-19 pneumonia

The rapid worldwide spread of the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) crisis has put health systems under pressure to a level never experienced before, putting intensive care units in a position to fail to meet an exponentially growing demand. The main clinical feature of the disease is a progressive arterial hypoxemia which rapidly leads to ARDS which makes the use of intensive care and mechanical ventilation almost inevitable. The difficulty of health systems to guarantee a corresponding supply of resources in intensive care, together with the uncertain results reported in the literature with respect to patients who undergo early conventional ventilation, make the search for alternative methods of oxygenation and ventilation and potentially preventive of the need for tracheal intubation, such as non-invasive respiratory support techniques particularly valuable. In this context, the Emergency Department, located between the area outside the hospital and hospital ward and ICU, assumes the role of a crucial junction, due to the possibility of applying these techniques at a sufficiently early stage and being able to rapidly evaluate their effectiveness. This position paper describes the indications for the use of non-invasive respiratory support techniques in respiratory failure secondary to COVID-19-related pneumonia, formulated by the Non-invasive Ventilation Faculty of the Italian Society of Emergency Medicine (SIMEU) on the base of what is available in the literature and on the authors' direct experience. Rationale, literature, tips & tricks, resources, risks and expected results, and patient interaction will be discussed for each one of the escalating non-invasive respiratory techniques: standard oxygen, HFNCO, CPAP, NIPPV, and awake self-repositioning. The final chapter describes our suggested approach to the failing patient.

Frequency, characteristics, and outcome of patients with COVID-19 pneumonia and "silent hypoxemia" at admission: a severity-matched analysis

BACKGROUND

An aspect of COVID-19 baffling physicians is the presentation of patients with acute respiratory failure, but normal mental faculties and no perception of dyspnea (i.e. "silent hypoxemia"). The aim of this study was to investigate the frequency, characteristics, and outcome of COVID-19 patients with silent hypoxemic status and comparing them with a symptomatic severity-matched group.

METHODS

This is a retrospective monocentric observational study involving all patients with PCR confirmed SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia, admitted at Papa Giovanni XXIII Hospital, Bergamo (Italy) from Emergency Department due to acute respiratory failure, during the first Italian pandemic peak (February-April 2020).

RESULTS

Overall 28-day mortality in 1,316 patients was 26.9%. Patients who did not report dyspnea at admission (N 469, 35.6%) had a lower 28-day mortality (22.6 vs. 29.3%, p=0.009). The severity matching analysis (i.e. PaO2/FiO2 and imaging) led to the identification of two groups of 254 patients that did not differ for sex prevalence, age, BMI, smoking history, comorbidities, and PaCO2 at admission. The use of CPAP during the first 24 hours, such as the need of endotracheal intubation (ETI) during the overall admission were significantly lower in matched patients with silent hypoxemia, whereas 28-day mortality resulted similar (p=0.21).

CONCLUSIONS

Lack of dyspnea is common in patients suffering from severe COVID-19 pneumonia leading to respiratory failure, since up to a third of them could be asymptomatic on admission. Dyspnea per se correlates with pneumonia severity, and prognosis. However, dyspnea loses its predictive relevance once other findings to evaluate pneumonia severity are available such as PaO2/FiO2 and imaging. Silent hypoxemic patients are less likely to receive CPAP during the first 24 hours and ETI during the hospitalization, in spite of a comparable mortality to the dyspneic ones.

Usefulness of CURB-65, pneumonia severity index and MULBSTA in predicting COVID-19 mortality

The aim of our study is to evaluate the accuracy of CURB-65 and Pneumonia Severity Index (PSI), the most widely used scores for community acquired pneumonia, and MuLBSTA, a viral pneumonia score, in predicting 28-day mortality in Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pneumonia.We retrospectively collected clinical data of consecutive patients with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 pneumonia admitted at Papa Giovanni XXIII Hospital from February 23rd to March 14th, 2020. We calculated at Emergency Department (ED) presentation CURB-65, PSI and MuLBSTA and we compared their performances in discriminating between survivors and non-survivors at 28 days. Among 431 hospitalized patients, the majority presented with hypoxic respiratory failure: median (interquartile range, IQR) PaO2/FiO2 ratio at admission was 228.6 (142.0-278.1). In the first 24 hours, 111 (27%) patients were administered low-flow oxygen cannula, 50 (12%) Venturi Mask, 95 (23%) non-rebreather mask, 106 (26%) non-invasive ventilation, 12 (3%) mechanical ventilation and 41 (9%) were not administered oxygen therapy. Mortality rate at 28-day was 35% (150/431). Between survivors and non-survivors, median (IQR) scores were, respectively, 1.0 (1.0-2.0) and 2.0 (2.0-3.0) for CURB-65 (p<0.001); 90.5 (76.0-105.5) and 115.0 (100.0-129.0) for PSI (p<0.001); 7.0 (5.0-10.0) and 11.0 (9.0-13.0) for MuLBSTA (p<0.001). Areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUCs) for each score were, respectively, 0.725 (0.662-0.787), 0.776 (0.693-0.859) and 0.743 (0.680-0.806) (p>0,05). PSI and MuLBSTA did not show a better performance when compared to CURB-65. Although CURB-65, PSI and MuLBSTA scores are useful tools to discriminate between survivors and non-survivors in COVID-19 pneumonia, their diagnostic accuracy in discriminating 28-day mortality in COVID-19 pneumonia is moderate, as confirmed by AUCs <0.80, and there is a potential underestimation of disease severity in the low-risk classes. For this reason, they should not be recommended in ED to decide between inpatient and outpatient management in patients affected by COVID-19 pneumonia.

Early Diagnosis of Acute Myocarditis in the ED: Proposal of a New ECG-Based Protocol

The diagnosis of acute myocarditis (AM) is based on a multi-parametric assessment including clinical presentation, ECG, imaging and biomarkers. Fragmented QRS (fQRS) might be an additional diagnostic sign in patients with proven AM. The main objective of this study was to assess the diagnostic yield of fQRS in patients with suspected AM presenting to the emergency department (ED). Patients admitted between January 2016 and March 2021 with a proven diagnosis of AM, according to clinical, cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) and/or histologic criteria, were included in the analysis. In total, 51 patients were analyzed (41 men, 78%), with a median age of 36 (29–45) years. Thirty-three (65%) patients had prodromal flu-like symptoms. Patients presented to the ED mostly complaining of chest pain (68%) and palpitations (21%). Seven (14%) patients experienced cardiac arrest, one of whom died. At presentation, 40 patients (78%) displayed fQRS, and 10 (20%) presented ventricular arrhythmias. All the surviving patients underwent CMR and displayed late gadolinium enhancement (LGE). ECG leads showed that fQRS matched the LGE distribution in 38 patients (95%). The presence of fQRS is a simple clinical bedside tool to support the initial suspect of AM in the emergency department and to guide the most appropriate clinical workup.

Noninvasive respiratory support outside the intensive care unit for acute respiratory failure related to coronavirus-19 disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Noninvasive respiratory support (NIRS) has been diffusely employed outside the intensive care unit (ICU) to face the high request of ventilatory support due to the massive influx of patients with acute respiratory failure (ARF) caused by coronavirus-19 disease (COVID-19). We sought to summarize the evidence on clinically relevant outcomes in COVID-19 patients supported by NIV outside the ICU.

METHODS

We searched PUBMED®, EMBASE®, and the Cochrane Controlled Clinical trials register, along with medRxiv and bioRxiv repositories for pre-prints, for observational studies and randomized controlled trials, from inception to the end of February 2021. Two authors independently selected the investigations according to the following criteria: (1) observational study or randomized clinical trials enrolling ≥ 50 hospitalized patients undergoing NIRS outside the ICU, (2) laboratory-confirmed COVID-19, and (3) at least the intra-hospital mortality reported. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-analysis guidelines were followed. Data extraction was independently performed by two authors to assess: investigation features, demographics and clinical characteristics, treatments employed, NIRS regulations, and clinical outcomes. Methodological index for nonrandomized studies tool was applied to determine the quality of the enrolled studies. The primary outcome was to assess the overall intra-hospital mortality of patients under NIRS outside the ICU. The secondary outcomes included the proportions intra-hospital mortalities of patients who underwent invasive mechanical ventilation following NIRS failure and of those with 'do-not-intubate' (DNI) orders.

RESULTS

Seventeen investigations (14 peer-reviewed and 3 pre-prints) were included with a low risk of bias and a high heterogeneity, for a total of 3377 patients. The overall intra-hospital mortality of patients receiving NIRS outside the ICU was 36% [30-41%]. 26% [21-30%] of the patients failed NIRS and required intubation, with an intra-hospital mortality rising to 45% [36-54%]. 23% [15-32%] of the patients received DNI orders with an intra-hospital mortality of 72% [65-78%]. Oxygenation on admission was the main source of between-study heterogeneity.

CONCLUSIONS

During COVID-19 outbreak, delivering NIRS outside the ICU revealed as a feasible strategy to cope with the massive demand of ventilatory assistance.

REGISTRATION

PROSPERO, https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/ , CRD42020224788, December 11, 2020.

Covid-19 and gender: lower rate but same mortality of severe disease in women-an observational study

BACKGROUND

Gender-related factors might affect vulnerability to Covid-19. The aim of this study was to describe the role of gender on clinical features and 28-day mortality in Covid-19 patients.

METHODS

Observational study of Covid-19 patients hospitalized in Bergamo, Italy, during the first three weeks of the outbreak. Medical records, clinical, radiological and laboratory findings upon admission and treatment have been collected. Primary outcome was 28-day mortality since hospitalization.

RESULTS

431 consecutive adult patients were admitted. Female patients were 119 (27.6%) with a mean age of 67.0 ± 14.5 years (vs 67.8 ± 12.5 for males, p = 0.54). Previous history of myocardial infarction, vasculopathy and former smoking habits were more common for males. At the time of admission PaO2/FiO2 was similar between men and women (228 [IQR, 134-273] vs 238 mmHg [150-281], p = 0.28). Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) assistance was needed in the first 24 h more frequently in male patients (25.7% vs 13.0%; p = 0.006). Overall 28-day mortality was 26.1% in women and 38.1% in men (p = 0.018). Gender did not result an independent predictor of death once the parameters related to disease severity at presentation were included in the multivariable analysis (p = 0.898). Accordingly, the Kaplan-Meier survival analysis in female and male patients requiring CPAP or non-invasive ventilation in the first 24 h did not find a significant difference (p = 0.687).

CONCLUSION

Hospitalized women are less likely to die from Covid-19; however, once severe disease occurs, the risk of dying is similar to men. Further studies are needed to better investigate the role of gender in clinical course and outcome of Covid-19.

Bergamo and Covid-19: How the Dark Can Turn to Light

The novel coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, continues to spread rapidly. Here we discuss the dramatic situation created by COVID-19 in Italy, particularly in the province of Bergamo (the most severely affected in the first wave), as an example of how, in the face of an unprecedented tragedy, acting (albeit belatedly)-including imposing a very strict lockdown-can largely resolve the situation within approximately 2 months. The measures taken here ensured that Bergamo hospital, which was confronted with rapidly rising numbers of severely ill COVID-19 patients requiring hospitalization, was able to meet the initial challenges of the pandemic. We also report that local organization and, more important, the large natural immunity against SARS-CoV-2 of the Bergamo population developed during the first wave of the epidemic, can explain the limited number of new COVID-19 cases during the more recent second wave compared to the numbers in other areas of Lombardy. Furthermore, we highlight the importance of coordinating the easing of containment measures to avoid what is currently observed in other countries, especially in the United States, Latin American and India, where this approach has not been adopted, and a dramatic resurgence of COVID-19 cases and an increase in the number of hospitalisations and deaths have been reported.

At the peak of COVID-19 age and disease severity but not comorbidities are predictors of mortality: COVID-19 burden in Bergamo, Italy

BACKGROUND

Findings from February 2020, indicate that the clinical spectrum of COVID-19 can be heterogeneous, probably due to the infectious dose and viral load of SARS-CoV-2 within the first weeks of the outbreak. The aim of this study was to investigate predictors of overall 28-day mortality at the peak of the Italian outbreak.

METHODS

Retrospective observational study of all COVID-19 patients admitted to the main hospital of Bergamo, from February 23 to March 14, 2020.

RESULTS

Five hundred and eight patients were hospitalized, predominantly male (72.4%), mean age of 66±15 years; 49.2% were older than 70 years. Most of patients presented with severe respiratory failure (median value [IQR] of PaO<inf>2</inf>/FiO<inf>2</inf>: 233 [149-281]). Mortality rate at 28 days resulted of 33.7% (N.=171). Thirty-nine percent of patients were treated with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), 9.5% with noninvasive ventilation (NIV) and 13.6% with endotracheal intubation. 9.5% were admitted to Semi-Intensive Respiratory Care Unit, and 18.9% to Intensive Care Unit. Risk factors independently associated with 28-day mortality were advanced age (≥78 years: odds ratio [OR], 95% confidence interval [CI]: 38.91 [10.67-141.93], P<0.001; 70-77 years: 17.30 [5.40-55.38], P<0.001; 60-69 years: 3.20 [1.00-10.20], P=0.049), PaO<inf>2</inf>/FiO<inf>2</inf><200 at presentation (3.50 [1.70-7.20], P=0.001), need for CPAP/NIV in the first 24 hours (8.38 [3.63-19.35], P<0.001), and blood urea value at admission (1.01 [1.00-1.02], P=0.015).

CONCLUSIONS

At the peak of the outbreak, with a probable high infectious dose and viral load, older age, the severity of respiratory failure and renal impairment at presentation, but not comorbidities, are predictors of 28-day mortality in COVID-19.

Severity of respiratory failure and outcome of patients needing a ventilatory support in the Emergency Department during Italian novel coronavirus SARS-CoV2 outbreak: Preliminary data on the role of Helmet CPAP and Non-Invasive Positive Pressure Ventilation

BACKGROUND

Novel Coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 pandemic is spreading around the world. At the end of February, the outburst of the pandemic has hit hard on northern Italian's hospitals. As of today, no data have been published regarding the severity of respiratory failure of patients presenting to the Emergency Departments. Moreover, the outcome the patients forced to undergo Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) or Non-Invasive Positive Pressure Ventilation (NIPPV) due to lack of Intensive Care resources is unknown. "Papa Giovanni XXIII" hospital (HPG23) of Bergamo is one of the largest hospitals in the Country, with an Emergency Department (ED) managing over 100,000 patients per year.

METHODS

This is a retrospective observational study based on chart review of patients presenting to the Emergency Department of HPG23 from 29/02/2020 to 10/03/2020 with a clinical condition highly suspicious for COVID-19 infection. Registration of admission rates, severity of respiratory failure (ARDS classification), need of respiratory support, SARS-CoV-2 PCR test and outcome of patients treated with a ventilatory support were registered on 10th of May 2020.

FINDINGS

From 29/02 to 10/03 611 patients with a suspected diagnosis of COVID-19 infection were evaluated in our ED; 320 (52%) met the criteria for hospital admission and 99 (31%) needed to be immediately started on ventilatory support (81% CPAP, 7% NIPPV, 12% Invasive Mechanical Ventilation). Eighty-five (86%) of the 99 patients needing a ventilatory support eventually had SARS-CoV-2 infection confirmed by PCR test on nasal-pharyngeal swab. Their median PO2/FiO2 ratio was 128 (IQR 85-168), with 23 patients (29.5%) classified as severe ARDS. Mortality rate as of 10th of May was 76.5%, ranging from 44.4% within patients <60 years old to 85% within those older than 60 years (p = 0.001). NIPPV/CPAP failure occurred in 91.5% of patients.

INTERPRETATION

The population of patients suspected for COVID-19 infection presenting at our ED showed a very high rate of severe respiratory failure, with urgent need of a large amount of intensive care resources. Mortality rates of critically ill patients with confirmed COVID-19 (76.5%) are similar to previously reported studies with similar population. CPAP/NIPPV could be a valid strategy to treat severely hypoxic patients that cannot be intubated in the ED due to lack of intensive care resources.

FUNDING

No funds were received for this research project.

Non-invasive positive pressure ventilation in pneumonia outside Intensive Care Unit: An Italian multicenter observational study

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Non-Invasive Ventilation (NIV) represents a standard of care to treat some acute respiratory failure (ARF). Data on its use in pneumonia are lacking, especially in a setting outside the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). The aims of this study were to evaluate the use of NIV in ARF due to pneumonia outside the ICU, and to identify risk factors for in-hospital mortality.

METHODS

Prospective, observational study performed in 19 centers in Italy. Patients with ARF due to pneumonia treated outside the ICU with either continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) or noninvasive positive pressure ventilation (NPPV) were enrolled over a period of at least 3 consecutive months in 2013. Independent factors related to in-hospital mortality were evaluated.

RESULTS

Among the 347 patients enrolled, CPAP was applied as first treatment in 176 (50.7%) patients,NPPV in 171 (49.3%). The NPPV compared with CPAP group showed a significant higher PaCO₂ (55 [47-78] vs 37 [32-43] mmHg, p < 0.001), a lower arterial pH (7.30 [7.21-7.37] vs 7.43 [7.35-7.47], p < 0.001), higher HCO3- (28 [24-33] vs 24 [21-27] mmol/L, p < 0.001). De-novo ARF was more prevalent in CPAP group than in NPPV group (86/176 vs 31/171 patients,p < 0.001). In-hospital mortality was 23% (83/347). Do Not Intubate (DNI) order and Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) ≥3 were independent risk factors for in-hospital mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

Outside ICU setting, CPAP was used mainly for hypoxemic non-hypercapnic ARF, NPPV for hypercapnic ARF. In-hospital mortality was mainly associated to patients' basal status (DNI status, CCI) rather than the baseline degree of ARF.

A real life evaluation of non invasive ventilation in acute cardiogenic pulmonary edema: a multicenter, perspective, observational study for the ACPE SIMEU study group

BACKGROUND

During the past three decades conflicting evidences have been published on the use of non-invasive ventilation (NIV) in patients with acute cardiogenic pulmonary edema (ACPE). The aim of this study is to describe the management of acute respiratory failure (ARF) due to ACPE in twelve Italian emergency departments (EDs). We evaluated prevalence, characteristics and outcomes of ACPE patients treated with oxygen therapy, continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) or Bi-level positive airway pressure (BiPAP) on admission to the EDs.

METHODS

In this multicenter, prospective, observational study, consecutive adult patients with ACPE were enrolled in 12 EDs in Italy from May 2009 to December 2013. Three study groups were identified according to the initial respiratory treatment: patients receiving oxygen therapy, those treated with CPAP and those treated with BiPAP. Treatment failure was evaluated as study outcome.

RESULTS

We enrolled 1293 patients with acute cardiogenic pulmonary edema. 273 (21%) began with oxygen, 788 (61%) with CPAP and 232 (18%) with BiPAP. One out of four patient who began with oxygen was subsequently switched to NIV and initial treatment with oxygen therapy had an odds ratio for treatment failure of 3.65 (95% CI: 2.55-5.23, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

NIV seems to be the first choice for treatment of ARF due to ACPE, showing high clinical effectiveness and representing a rescue option for patients not improving with conventional oxygen therapy.

Non-Invasive Mechanical Ventilation in Critically Ill Trauma Patients: A Systematic Review

There is limited literature on non-invasive mechanical ventilation (NIMV) in patients with polytrauma-related acute respiratory failure (ARF). Despite an increasing worldwide application, there is still scarce evidence of significant NIMV benefits in this specific setting, and no clear recommendations are provided. We performed a systematic review, and a search of clinical databases including MEDLINE and EMBASE was conducted from the beginning of 1990 until today. Although the benefits in reducing the intubation rate, morbidity and mortality are unclear, NIMV may be useful and does not appear to be associated with harm when applied in properly selected patients with moderate ARF at an earlier stage of injury by experienced teams and in appropriate settings under strict monitoring. In the presence of these criteria, NIMV is worth attempting, but only if endotracheal intubation is promptly available because non-responders to NIMV are burdened by an increased mortality when intubation is delayed.

Acute Heart Failure in the Emergency Department: the SAFE-SIMEU Epidemiological Study

BACKGROUND

Patients with acute heart failure (AHF) have high rates of attendance to emergency departments (EDs), with significant health care costs.

OBJECTIVES

We aimed to describe the clinical characteristics of patients attending Italian EDs for AHF and their diagnostic and therapeutic work-up.

METHODS

We carried out a retrospective analysis on 2683 cases observed in six Italian EDs for AHF (January 2011 to June 2012).

RESULTS

The median age of patients was 84 years (interquartile range 12), with females accounting for 55.8% of cases (95% confidence interval [CI] 53.5-57.6%). A first episode of AHF was recorded in 55.3% (95% CI 55.4-57.2%). Respiratory disease was the main precipitating factor (approximately 30% of cases), and multiple comorbidities were recorded in > 50% of cases (history of acute coronary syndrome, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, diabetes, chronic kidney disease, valvular heart disease). The treatment was based on oxygen (69.7%; 67.9-71.5%), diuretics (69.2%; 67.9-71.5%), nitroglycerin (19.7%; 18.3-21.4%), and noninvasive ventilation (15.2%; 13.8-16.6%). Death occurred within 6 h in 2.5% of cases (2.0-3.1%), 6.4% (5.5-7.3%) were referred to the care of their general practitioners within a few hours from ED attendance or after short-term (< 24 h) observation 13.9% (12.6-15.2%); 60.4% (58.5-62.2%) were admitted to the hospital, and 16.8% (15.4-18.3%) were cared for in intensive care units according to disease severity.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study reporting the "real-world" clinical activity indicates that subjects attending the Italian EDs for AHF are rather different from those reported in international registries. Subjects are older, with a higher proportion of females, and high prevalence of cardiac and noncardiac comorbidities.

Serum and exhaled breath condensate inflammatory cytokines in community-acquired pneumonia: a prospective cohort study

Background

The role and relationship between pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines represents one of the least studied aspects of the pathogenesis of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). The aim of the present study was to evaluate pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines at both local (lung) and systemic (blood) levels and their relationship with the severity of the disease on admission and time for a patient to reach clinical stability during hospitalisation.

Methods

This was an observational, prospective, cohort study of hospitalised patients with a diagnosis of CAP at the IRCCS Policlinico Hospital, Milan, Italy, between April 2010 and January 2012. Ten pro-inflammatory cytokines (interleukin [IL]-1, IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-2, IL-6, IL-8, tumor necrosis factor [TNF]α and interferon [IFN]γ) and anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-4 and IL-10) were measured in both serum and exhaled breath condensate within 24 h after hospital admission.

Results

A total of 74 patients (median age: 76 years; gender: 61 % male) were enrolled. The anti- to pro-inflammatory cytokine ratio was reduced in patients with severe disease on admission and prolonged time to reach clinical stability. This was due to lower levels of anti-inflammatory cytokines in the exhaled breath condensate and higher levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines in serum.

Conclusions

Dis-regulation between pro- and anti-inflammatory pathways might be a part of the pathogenic mechanisms that lead to severe infection and worse early clinical outcomes in CAP patients.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s41479-016-0009-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Acute heart failure in the emergency department: a follow-up study

Acute heart failure (AHF) is a major public health issue due to high incidence and poor prognosis. Only a few studies are available on the long-term prognosis and on outcome predictors in the unselected population attending the emergency department (ED) for AHF. We carried out a 1-year follow-up analysis of 1234 consecutive patients from selected Italian EDs from January 2011 to June 2012 for an episode of AHF. Their prognosis and outcome-associated factors were tested by Cox proportional hazard model. Patients' mean age was 84, with 66.0% over 80 years and 56.2% females. Comorbidities were present in over 50% of cases, principally a history of acute coronary syndrome, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, diabetes, chronic kidney disease, valvular heart disease. Death occurred within 6 h in 24 cases (1.9%). At 30-day follow-up, death was registered in 123 cases (10.0%): 110 cases (89.4%) died of cardiovascular events and 13 (10.6%) of non-cardiovascular causes (cancer, gastrointestinal hemorrhages, sepsis, trauma). At 1-year follow-up, all-cause death was recorded in 50.1% (over 3 out of 4 cases for cardiovascular origin). Six variables (older age, diabetes, systolic arterial pressure <110 mm/Hg, high NT pro-BNP, high troponin levels and impaired cognitive status) were selected as outcome predictors, but with limited discriminant capacity (AUC = 0.649; SE 0.015). Recurrence of AHF was registered in 31.0%. The study identifies a cluster of variables associated with 1-year mortality in AHF, but their predictive capacity is low. Old age and the presence of comorbidities, in particular diabetes are likely to play a major role in dictating the prognosis.

Acute myocardial infarction versus other cardiovascular events in community-acquired pneumonia

The aim of the present study was to define the prevalence, characteristics, risk factors and impact on clinical outcomes of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) versus other cardiovascular events (CVEs) in patients with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP).

This was an international, multicentre, observational, prospective study of CAP patients hospitalised in eight hospitals in Italy and Switzerland. Three groups were identified: those without CVEs, those with AMI and those with other CVEs.

Among 905 patients, 21 (2.3%) patients experienced at least one AMI, while 107 (11.7%) patients experienced at least one other CVE. Patients with CAP and either AMI or other CVEs showed a higher severity of the disease than patients with CAP alone. Female sex, liver disease and the presence of severe sepsis were independent predictors for the occurrence of AMI, while female sex, age >65 years, neurological disease and the presence of pleural effusion predicted other CVEs. In-hospital mortality was significantly higher among those who experienced AMI in comparison to those experiencing other CVEs (43% versus 21%, p=0.039). The presence of AMI showed an adjusted odds ratio for in-hospital mortality of 3.57 (p=0.012) and for other CVEs of 2.63 (p=0.002).

These findings on AMI versus other CVEs as complications of CAP may be important when planning interventional studies on cardioprotective medications.

Acute myocardial infarction is associated with specific risk factors and accounts for worse outcomes in CAP patientshttp://ow.ly/QhT2t

Oronasal mask versus helmet in acute hypercapnic respiratory failure

The choice of the interface for noninvasive ventilation (NIV) is a key factor in NIV success. We hypothesised that a new helmet specifically design to improve performance in hypercapnic patients would be clinically equivalent to a standard oronasal mask. In a multicentre, short-term, physiological, randomised trial in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients facing an acute hypercapnic respiratory failure episode, we compared the changes in arterial blood gases (ABGs) and tolerance score obtained using the helmet or mask, and, as secondary end-points, dyspnoea, vital signs, early NIV discontinuation and rate of intubation. 80 patients were randomly assigned to receive NIV either with the helmet (n=39) or mask (n=41), using an intensive care unit ventilator. Compared with baseline, in the first 6 h, NIV improved ABGs, dyspnoea and respiratory rate (p<0.05) in both groups. Changes in ABGs and discomfort were similar with the two groups, while dyspnoea decreased more (p<0.005) using the mask. The rate of intubation and the need for interface change during the whole period of NIV were very low and not different between groups. The new helmet may be a valid alternative to a mask in improving ABGs and achieving a good tolerance during an episode of acute hypercapnic respiratory failure.

Non-invasive mechanical ventilation in patients with diffuse interstitial lung diseases

Background

To evaluate noninvasive ventilation (NIV) in diffuse interstitial lung diseases (DILD) patients with acute respiratory failure (ARF) according to baseline radiological patterns and the etiology of ARF.

Methods

In a multicenter, observational, retrospective study, consecutive DILD patients undergoing NIV because of an episode of ARF were evaluated in six Italian high dependency units. Three groups of patients were identified based on the etiology of ARF: those with pneumonia (Group A), those with acute exacerbation of fibrosis, (Group B) and those with other triggers (Group C). Clinical failure was defined as any among in-hospital mortality, endotracheal intubation and extra-corporeal membrane oxygenation use.

Results

Among the 60 patients enrolled (63% males; median age: 71 years), pneumonia (42%) and acute exacerbation of fibrosis (39%) were the two most frequent causes of ARF. A significant increase of PaO₂/FiO₂ ratio during NIV treatment was detected in Group A (p = 0.010), but not in Group B. No significant difference in PaO₂/FiO₂ ratio, PaCO₂ and pH values during NIV treatment was detected in patients with a radiological pattern of usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP) and non-specific interstitial pneumonia (NSIP). 22 patients (37%) suffered for a clinical failure. No significant differences in the study outcome were detected in Group A vs. Group B, as well as among patients with a radiological pattern of UIP vs. NSIP.

Conclusions

NIV treatment should be individualized in DILD patients with ARF according to the etiology, but not the baseline radiological pattern, in order to improve oxygenation.

Helmet CPAP vs. oxygen therapy in severe hypoxemic respiratory failure due to pneumonia

PURPOSE

The efficacy of noninvasive continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) to improve outcomes in severe hypoxemic acute respiratory failure (hARF) due to pneumonia has not been clearly established. The aim of this study was to compare CPAP vs. oxygen therapy to reduce the risk of meeting criteria for endotracheal intubation (ETI).

METHODS

In a multicenter randomized controlled trial conducted in four Italian centers patients with severe hARF due to pneumonia were randomized to receive helmet CPAP (CPAP group) or oxygen delivered with a Venturi mask (control group). The primary endpoint was the percentage of patients meeting criteria for ETI, including either one or more major criteria (respiratory arrest, respiratory pauses with unconsciousness, severe hemodynamic instability, intolerance) or at least two minor criteria (reduction of at least 30% of basal PaO2/FiO2 ratio, increase of 20% of PaCO2, worsening of alertness, respiratory distress, SpO2 less than 90%, exhaustion).

RESULTS

Between February 2010 and 2013, 40 patients were randomized to CPAP and 41 to Venturi mask. The proportion of patients meeting ETI criteria in the CPAP group was significantly lower compared to those in the control group (6/40 = 15% vs. 26/41 = 63%, respectively, p < 0.001; relative risk 0.24, 95% CI 0.11-0.51; number needed to treat, 2) two patients were intubated in the CPAP group and one in the control group. The CPAP group showed a faster and greater improvement in oxygenation in comparison to controls (p < 0.001). In either study group, no relevant adverse events were detected.

CONCLUSIONS

Helmet CPAP reduces the risk of meeting ETI criteria compared to oxygen therapy in patients with severe hARF due to pneumonia.

Phenotyping community-acquired pneumonia according to the presence of acute respiratory failure and severe sepsis

Background

Acute respiratory failure (ARF) and severe sepsis (SS) are possible complications in patients with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). The aim of the study was to evaluate prevalence, characteristics, risk factors and impact on mortality of hospitalized patients with CAP according to the presence of ARF and SS on admission.

Methods

This was a multicenter, observational, prospective study of consecutive CAP patients admitted to three hospitals in Italy, Spain, and Scotland between 2008 and 2010. Three groups of patients were identified: those with neither ARF nor SS (Group A), those with only ARF (Group B) and those with both ARF and SS (Group C) on admission.

Results

Among the 2,145 patients enrolled, 45% belonged to Group A, 36% to Group B and 20% to Group C. Patients in Group C were more severe than patients in Group B. Isolated ARF was correlated with age (p < 0.001), COPD (p < 0.001) and multilobar infiltrates (p < 0.001). The contemporary occurrence of ARF and SS was associated with age (p = 0.002), residency in nursing home (p = 0.007), COPD (p < 0.001), multilobar involvement (p < 0.001) and renal disease (p < 0.001). 4.2% of patients in Group A died, 9.3% in Group B and 26% in Group C, p < 0.001. After adjustment, the presence of only ARF had an OR for in-hospital mortality of 1.85 (p = 0.011) and the presence of both ARF and SS had an OR of 6.32 (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

The identification of ARF and SS on hospital admission can help physicians in classifying CAP patients into three different clinical phenotypes.

Multidrug-resistant pathogens in hospitalised patients coming from the community with pneumonia: a European perspective

BACKGROUND

Probabilistic scores have been recently suggested to identify pneumonia caused by multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria. The aim of the study was to validate both Aliberti and Shorr scores in predicting MDR pneumonia, comparing them with healthcare associated pneumonia (HCAP) classification.

METHODS

Two independent European cohorts of consecutive patients hospitalised with pneumonia were prospectively evaluated in Barcelona, Spain (BC) and Edinburgh, UK (EC). Data on admission and during hospitalisation were collected. The predictive value of the three scores was explored for correctly indicating the presence of MDR pneumonia via a receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve.

RESULTS

A total of 1591 patients in the BC and 1883 patients in the EC were enrolled. The prevalence of patients with MDR pathogen among those with isolated bacteria was 7.6% in the BC and 3.3% in the EC. The most common MDR pathogen found in both cohorts was MRSA, followed by MDR P aeruginosa. A significantly higher prevalence of MDR bacteria was found among patients in the intensive care unit (ICU). The two probabilistic scores, and particularly the Aliberti one, showed an area under the ROC curve higher than the HCAP classification in predicting MDR pneumonia, especially in the ICU.

CONCLUSIONS

Risk scores able to identify MDR pneumonia could help in developing strategies for antimicrobial stewardship.

Complications of non-invasive ventilation techniques: a comprehensive qualitative review of randomized trials

Non-invasive ventilation (NIV) has become a common treatment for acute and chronic respiratory failure. In comparison with conventional invasive mechanical ventilation, NIV has the advantages of reducing patient discomfort, procedural complications, and mortality. However, NIV is associated with frequent uncomfortable or even life-threatening adverse effects, and patients should be thoroughly screened beforehand to reduce potential severe complications. We performed a detailed review of the relevant medical literature for NIV complications. All major NIV complications are potentially life-threatening and can occur in any patient, but are strongly correlated with the degree of pulmonary and cardiovascular involvement. Minor complications can be related to specific structural features of NIV interfaces or to variable airflow patterns. This extensive review of the literature shows that careful selection of patients and interfaces, proper setting of ventilator modalities, and close monitoring of patients from the start can greatly reduce NIV complications.

Causes and correlates of anemia in 200 patients with acute cardiogenic pulmonary edema

BACKGROUND

Acute heart failure has a poor prognosis and the presence of anemia may increase the risk of adverse outcomes. However, the clinical and laboratory characteristics of anemia in acute heart failure are poorly known. We aimed to assess the causes and the clinical and laboratory correlates of anemia in patients with acute cardiogenic pulmonary edema (ACPE).

METHODS

This observational study, performed in an Emergency Unit, enrolled 200 patients treated with medical therapy and continuous positive airway pressure.

RESULTS

Anemia was found in 36% of patients (38.5% of females and 32.5% of males) and was severe (hemoglobin <9 g/dL) in 6.9% of cases. The most frequent causes of anemia were chronic renal failure (27.8%), chronic inflammatory states (27.8%) and the clustering of multiple factors (18.1%). A wider spectrum of etiological factors was found in females than in males. Microcytic anemia was observed only in females (20% of those anemic), mainly due to iron deficiency/chronic blood loss. Glomerular filtration rate, serum iron, serum albumin, total cholesterol and diastolic blood pressure were independently associated with hemoglobin levels.

CONCLUSIONS

The etiology of anemia in ACPE is heterogeneous, with several causal factors besides impaired renal function. The pattern of anemia is different between genders, suggesting that sex-specific diagnostic and therapeutic targets should be implemented.

Effectiveness and predictors of success of noninvasive ventilation during H1N1 pandemics: a multicenter study

BACKGROUND

The use of non-invasive ventilation (NIV) in acute hypoxemic respiratory failure (AHRF) due to H1N1 virus infection is controversial. In this multicenter study we aimed to assess the efficacy of NIV in avoiding endotracheal intubation (ETI) and to identify predictors of success or failure.

METHODS

In this prospective multicenter study, 98 patients with new pulmonary infiltrate(s) sustained by H1N1 virus and a PaO(2)/FiO2<300 were eligible for study; 38/98 required immediate ETI, while the others received NIV as a first line therapy; 13/60 patients failed NIV and were intubated after 5.8+5.5 hours from enrolment. The remaining 47/60 patients were successfully ventilated with NIV.

RESULTS

Hospital mortality was significantly higher in those patients who failed NIV vs. those who succeeded (53.8% vs. 2.1%; OR=0.52, P<0.001). ETI was associated with higher number of infectious complications, mainly sepsis and septic shock. The OR of having one of these events in the NIV failure group vs. NIV success was 16.7, P<0.001. According to logistic regression model, a SAPS II>29 and a PaO(2)/FIO(2)≤127 at admission and PaO2/FIO(2)≤149 after 1 hr of NIV were independently associated with the need for ETI.

CONCLUSION

The early application of NIV, with the aim to avoid invasive ventilation, during the H1N1 pandemics was associated with an overall success rate of 47/98 (48%). Patients presenting at admission with an high SAPS II score and a low PaO(2)/FiO(2) ratio and/or unable to promptly correct gas exchange are at high risk of intubation and mortality.

The use of non-invasive ventilation during acute respiratory failure due to pneumonia

The use of non-invasive ventilation in patients with community-acquired pneumonia is controversial since this is associated with high rates of treatment failure, compared with other causes of severe acute respiratory failure. The populations of patients with community-acquired pneumonia who have demonstrated better response to non-invasive ventilation are those with previous cardiac or respiratory disease, particularly chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. By contrast, the use of non-invasive ventilation in patients with community-acquired pneumonia without these pre-existing diseases should be very cautious and under strict monitoring conditions, since there are increasing evidences that the unnecessary delay in intubation of those patients who fail treatment with non-invasive ventilation is associated with lower survival. Pulmonary complications of immunosuppressed patients are associated with high rates of intubation and mortality. The use of non-invasive ventilation in these patients may decrease the need for intubation and improve the poor outcome associated with these complications. Continuous positive airway pressure has been used to treat acute respiratory failure in several conditions characterised by alveolar collapse. While this is extremely useful in patients with acute cardiogenic pulmonary oedema, the efficacy in pneumonia seems limited to immunosuppressed patients with pulmonary complications. Conversely, there are no sufficient evidences on the efficacy of continuous positive airway pressure in immunocompetent patients with pneumonia and severe acute respiratory failure.

Mechanical ventilation in emergency departments: non invasive or invasive mechanical ventilation. Where is the answer?

The Emergency Department length of stay for patients requiring mechanical ventilation paper in this issue is very illustrative of many variables that still confound the way we treat patients that may not require endotracheal intubation (ETI) but may benefit from non-invasive mechanical ventilation (NIV) [1].

Stratifying risk factors for multidrug-resistant pathogens in hospitalized patients coming from the community with pneumonia

BACKGROUND

 Not all risk factors for acquiring multidrug-resistant (MDR) organisms are equivalent in predicting pneumonia caused by resistant pathogens in the community. We evaluated risk factors for acquiring MDR bacteria in patients coming from the community who were hospitalized with pneumonia. Our evaluation was based on actual infection with a resistant pathogen and clinical outcome during hospitalization.

METHODS

 An observational, prospective study was conducted on consecutive patients coming from the community who were hospitalized with pneumonia. Data on admission and during hospitalization were collected. Logistic regression models were used to evaluate risk factors for acquiring MDR bacteria independently associated with the actual presence of a resistant pathogen and in-hospital mortality.

RESULTS

 Among the 935 patients enrolled in the study, 473 (51%) had at least 1 risk factor for acquiring MDR bacteria on admission. Of all risk factors, hospitalization in the preceding 90 days (odds ratio [OR], 4.87 95% confidence interval {CI}, 1.90-12.4]; P = .001) and residency in a nursing home (OR, 3.55 [95% CI, 1.12-11.24]; P = .031) were independent predictors for an actual infection with a resistant pathogen. A score able to predict pneumonia caused by a resistant pathogen was computed, including comorbidities and risk factors for MDR. Hospitalization in the preceding 90 days and residency in a nursing home were also independent predictors for in-hospital mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

 Risk factors for acquiring MDR bacteria should be weighted differently, and a probabilistic approach to identifying resistant pathogens among patients coming from the community with pneumonia should be embraced.

Non-invasive continuous positive airway pressure in monolateral lung transplant patient with pneumonia and IPF

Patients who undergo lung transplantation are prone to develop lower respiratory tract infections, leading to severe acute respiratory failure (ARF). Endotracheal intubation may not be indicated in these patients in light of a higher rate of mortality due to infections. The application of non-invasive ventilation could play a role in bridging these patients through the episode of ARF waiting for medical treatment to have effect. We report the evidence of morphological and physiological effects of the application of non-invasive continuous positive airway pressure during ARF sustained by pneumonia in a patient who underwent left lung transplantation because of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). We studied the effects of the application of positive end-expiratory pressure on both the right native lung affected by IPF and the transplanted lung affected by pneumonia.

Predicting mortality in hospitalized patients with 2009 H1N1 influenza pneumonia

BACKGROUND

Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) severity scores can identify patients at low risk for mortality who may be suitable for ambulatory care. Here, we follow the clinical course of hospitalized patients with CAP due to 2009 H1N1 influenza.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the role of CAP severity scores as predictors of mortality.

METHODS

This was a secondary data analysis of patients hospitalized with CAP due to 2009 H1N1 influenza confirmed by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction enrolled in the CAPO (Community-Acquired Pneumonia Organization) international cohort study. CAP severity scores PSI (Pneumonia Severity Index), CURB-65 (confusion, urea, respiratory rate, blood pressure, age ≥ 65 years) and CRB-65 (confusion, respiratory rate, blood pressure, age ≥ 65 years) were calculated. Actual and predicted mortality rates were compared. A total of 37 predictor variables were evaluated to define those associated with mortality.

RESULTS

Data from 250 patients with CAP due to 2009 H1N1 influenza were analyzed. Patients with low predicted mortality rates (0-1.5%) had actual mortality rates ranging from 2.6% to 17.5%. Obesity and wheezing were the only novel variables associated with mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

The decision to hospitalize a patient with CAP due to 2009 H1N1 influenza should not be based on current CAP severity scores, as they underestimate mortality rates in a significant number of patients. Patients with obesity or wheezing should be considered at an increased risk for mortality.