Acute and Critical Care

Original Articles

Surgery
Effects of closed- versus open-system intensive care units on mortality rates in patients with cancer requiring emergent surgical intervention for acute abdominal complications: a single-center retrospective study in Korea: Jae Hoon Lee, Jee Hee Kim, Ki Ho You, Won Ho Han; Acute Crit Care. 2024;39(4):554-564. Published online November 25, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4266/acc.2024.00808

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Background
In this study, we aimed to compare the in-hospital mortality of patients with cancer who experienced acute abdominal complications that required emergent surgery in open (treatment decisions made by the primary attending physician of the patient's admission department) versus closed (treatment decisions made by intensive care unit [ICU] intensivists) ICUs.
Methods
This retrospective, single-center study enrolled patients with cancer admitted to the ICU before or after emergency surgery between November 2020 and September 2023. Univariate and logistic regression analyses were conducted to explore the associations between patient characteristics in the open and closed ICUs and in-hospital mortality.
Results
Among the 100 patients (open ICU, 49; closed ICU, 51), 23 died during hospitalization. The closed ICU group had higher Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II scores, vasopressor use, mechanical ventilation, and preoperative lactate levels and a shorter duration from diagnosis to ICU admission, surgery, and antibiotic administration than the open ICU group. Univariate analysis linked in-hospital mortality and APACHE II score, postoperative lactate levels, continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT), and mechanical ventilation. Multivariate analysis revealed that in-hospital mortality rate increased with CRRT use and was lower in the closed ICU.
Conclusions
Compared to an open ICU, a closed ICU was an independent factor in reducing in-hospital mortality through prompt and appropriate treatment.

Citations

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The efficacy of intensivist-led closed-system intensive care units in improving outcomes for cancer patients requiring emergent surgical intervention
Eun Young Kim
Acute and Critical Care.2024; 39(4): 640. CrossRef

Rapid response system
Development and implementation of an artificial intelligence–enhanced care model to improve patient safety in hospital wards in Spain: Alejandro Huete-Garcia, Sara Rodriguez-Lopez; Acute Crit Care. 2024;39(4):488-498. Published online November 18, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4266/acc.2024.00759

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Abstract PDF: Background
Early detection of critical events in hospitalized patients improves clinical outcomes and reduces mortality rates. Traditional early warning score systems, such as the National Early Warning Score 2 (NEWS2), effectively identify at-risk patients. Integrating artificial intelligence (AI) could enhance the predictive accuracy and operational efficiency of such systems. The study describes the development and implementation of an AI-enhanced early warning system based on a modified NEWS2 scale with laboratory parameters (mNEWS2-Lab) and evaluates its ability to improve patient safety in hospital wards.
Methods
For this retrospective cohort study of 3,790 adults admitted to hospital wards, data were collected before and after implementing the mNEWS2-Lab protocol with and without AI enhancement. The study used a multivariate prediction model with statistical analyses such as Fisher's chi-square test, relative risk (RR), RR reduction, and various AI models (logistic regression, decision trees, neural networks). The economic cost of the intervention was also analyzed.
Results
The mNEWS2-Lab reduced critical events from 6.15% to 2.15% (RR, 0.35; P<0.001), representing a 65% risk reduction. AI integration further reduced events to 1.59% (RR, 0.26; P<0.001) indicating a 10% additional risk reduction and enhancing early warning accuracy by 15%. The intervention was cost-effective, resulting in substantial savings by reducing critical events in hospitalized patients.
Conclusions
The mNEWS2-Lab scale, particularly when integrated with AI models, is a powerful and cost-effective tool for the early detection and prevention of critical events in hospitalized patients.

Epidemiology
Long-term mortality of adult patients with carbon monoxide poisoning presenting to the emergency department in Korea: a population-based cohort study: Sang Hwan Lee, Soo Rack Ryu, Kyung Hun Yoo, Juncheol Lee, Yongil Cho, Tae Ho Lim, Hyunggoo Kang, Jaehoon Oh, Byuk Sung Ko; Acute Crit Care. 2024;39(4):526-534. Published online November 18, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4266/acc.2024.00199

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Abstract PDF Supplementary Material: Background
Carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning can lead to significant morbidity and mortality. However, relatively few studies have investigated its long-term mortality impact. This nationwide population-based cohort study examined the association between CO poisoning and long-term mortality.
Methods
This retrospective study utilized data from the National Health Insurance Service database in South Korea. We compared the patients with CO poisoning to those without CO poisoning. Inverse probability treatment weights were applied to both groups to control for potential confounding factors. Subsequently, mortality was assessed using the incidence rate and Cox proportional hazard ratios.
Results
This study included 23,387 patients with CO poisoning and 359,851 without it. Over a median follow-up period of 7.6 years after CO poisoning diagnosis, the mortality risk was 2.6 times higher in patients with CO poisoning compared to that in the control group. In a long-term follow-up of patients surviving beyond 30 days, mortality remained 2.18 times higher. Additionally, a higher mortality risk was observed in the relatively younger age group (18–39 years) and the group with fewer underlying diseases, as indicated by a Charlson Comorbidity Index score of 0.
Conclusions
CO poisoning is associated with an elevated long-term mortality rate particularly in a relatively young and healthy population.

Immunology
Serum procalcitonin and C-reactive protein as indices of early sepsis and mortality in North Indian pediatric burn injuries: a prospective evaluation and literature review: Nupur Aggarwal, Durga Karki, Rajni Gaind, Monika Matlani, Vamseedharan Muthukumar; Acute Crit Care. 2024;39(3):350-358. Published online August 30, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4266/acc.2023.00759

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Abstract PDF: Background
Delays in diagnosing sepsis in children afflicted with thermal injuries can result in high morbidity and mortality. Our study evaluated the role of the biomarkers Procalcitonin (PCT) and C-reactive protein (CRP) as predictors of early sepsis and mortality, respectively, in this group of patients.
Methods
This was a prospective evaluation of 90 pediatric burn cases treated at a tertiary care burn center in Northern India. Patients, aged 1–16 years, presenting within 24 hours of being burned, with >10% body surface area of burn injury were included in the study. Levels of PCT and CRP were measured on days 1, 3, 5, and 7. Patients were followed until discharge, 30th post-burn day, or death, whichever occurred first.
Results
Sepsis was clinically present in 49 of 90 (54.4%) cases with a median 30% total body surface area (TBSA) of burns. Mortality was seen in 31 of 90 (34.4%) cases with a median of 35% TBSA burns. High PCT and CRP were seen in the sepsis group, particularly on days 3, 5, and 7. PCT was also significantly higher in the mortality group (days 1 and 3).
Conclusions
While PCT was a good early predictor of sepsis and mortality in children with burns, CRP was reliable as a predictor of sepsis only. Both markers, however, can serve as adjuncts to culture sensitivity reports for diagnosing early onset sepsis and initiation of antibiotic therapy in appropriate patients.

Pulmonary
Increased red cell distribution width predicts mortality in COVID-19 patients admitted to a Dutch intensive care unit: Anthony D. Mompiere, Jos L.M.L. le Noble, Manon Fleuren-Janssen, Kelly Broen, Frits van Osch, Norbert Foudraine; Acute Crit Care. 2024;39(3):359-368. Published online August 22, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4266/acc.2023.01137

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Abstract PDF: Background
Abnormal red blood cell distribution width (RDW) is associated with poor cardiovascular, respiratory, and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outcomes. However, whether RDW provides prognostic insights regarding COVID-19 patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) was unknown. Here, we retrospectively investigated the association of RDW with 30-day and 90- day mortalities, duration of mechanical ventilation, and length of ICU and hospital stay in patients with COVID-19.
Methods
This study included 321 patients with COVID-19 aged >18 years who were admitted to the ICU between March 2020 and July 2022. The outcomes were mortality, duration of mechanical ventilation, and length of stay. RDW >14.5% was assessed in blood samples within 24 hours of admission.
Results
The mortality rate was 30.5%. Multivariable Cox regression analysis showed an association between increased RDW and 30-day mortality (hazard ratio [HR], 3.64; 95% CI, 1.54–8.65), 90-day mortality (HR, 3.66; 95% CI, 1.59–8.40), and shorter duration of invasive ventilation (2.7 ventilator-free days, P=0.033).
Conclusions
Increased RDW in COVID-19 patients at ICU admission was associated with increased 30-day and 90-day mortalities, and shorter duration of invasive ventilation. Thus, RDW can be used as a surrogate biomarker for clinical outcomes in COVID-19 patients admitted to the ICU.

Epidemiology
The impact of age on mortality in the intensive care unit: a retrospective cohort study in Malaysia: Abdul Jabbar Ismail, W Mohd Nazaruddin W Hassan, Mohd Basri Mat Nor, Wan Fadzlina Wan Muhd Shukeri; Acute Crit Care. 2024;39(3):390-399. Published online August 12, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4266/acc.2024.00640

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Abstract PDF

Background
Age is a significant consideration for intensive care unit (ICU) admission. However, the reported associations between increasing age and mortality vary across studies, and data in the local context of Malaysia are lacking. The objective of the present study was to determine the impact of increasing age on ICU mortality.
Methods
A retrospective cohort study of ICU patients was conducted between January 2020 and November 2023 at a university hospital in Malaysia. Patients were classified into two categories according to age (years) and into four groups according to National Library of Medicine Medical Subject Headings (MeSH): young adult (19–24), adult (25–44), middle age (45–64), and elderly (≥65). The Cochran-Armitage test for trend and Cox proportional hazards regression analyses were performed to evaluate the impact of increasing age on ICU mortality.
Results
A total of 1,661 patients was analyzed. The Cochran-Armitage test showed a significant positive association between ICU mortality rate and age group (Z=−4.86, P<0.01) or MeSH category (Z=−5.36, P<0.01). After adjusting for other confounders, the strongest predictor for ICU mortality in the Cox proportional hazards regression analyses was age, with the elderly age group having the highest adjusted hazard ratio of 4.777 (95% CI, 1.128–20.231; P=0.03).
Conclusions
Age had a significant impact on ICU mortality in our cohort of critically ill patients.

Citations

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Early Mortality Prediction in Intensive Care Unit Patients Based on Serum Metabolomic Fingerprint
Rúben Araújo, Luís Ramalhete, Cristiana P. Von Rekowski, Tiago A. H. Fonseca, Luís Bento, Cecília R. C. Calado
International Journal of Molecular Sciences.2024; 25(24): 13609. CrossRef

Nephrology
Incidence of hypothermia in critically ill patients receiving continuous renal replacement therapy in Siriraj Hospital, Thailand: Thonnarat Pornsirirat, Nualnapa Kasemvilawan, Patcharavalia Pattanacharoenwong, Saisunee Arpibanwana, Hatairat Kondon, Thummaporn Naorungroj; Acute Crit Care. 2024;39(3):379-389. Published online August 12, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4266/acc.2024.00038

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Abstract PDF Supplementary Material: Background
Hypothermia is a relatively common complication in patients receiving continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT). However, few studies have reported the factors associated with hypothermia.
Methods
A retrospective cohort study was performed in five intensive care units (ICUs) to evaluate the incidence of hypothermia and the predictive factors for developing hypothermia during CRRT, with hypothermia defined as a time-weighted average temperature <36 °C.
Results
From January 2020 to December 2021, 300 patients were enrolled. Hypothermia developed in 23.7% of them within the first 24 hours after CRRT initiation. Compared to non-hypothermic patients, hypothermic patients were older and had lower body weight, more frequent acidemia, and higher ICU and 30-day mortality rates. In the multivariate analysis, age >70 years (odds ratio [OR], 2.59; 95% CI, 1.38–4.98; P=0.004), higher positive fluid balance on the day before CRRT (OR, 1.11; 95% CI, 1.02–1.22; P=0.02), and CRRT dose (OR, 1.003; 95% CI, 1.00–1.01; P=0.04) were significantly associated with hypothermia. Conversely, a higher body weight was independently associated with mitigated risk of hypothermia (OR, 0.89; 95% CI, 0.81–0.97; P=0.01). Moreover, a higher coefficient of variance of temperature was associated with greater ICU mortality (OR, 1.41; 95% CI, 1.13–1.78; P=0.003).
Conclusions
Hypothermia during CRRT is a relatively common occurrence, and factors associated with hypothermia onset in the first 24 hours include older age, lower body weight, higher positive fluid balance on the day before CRRT, and higher CRRT dose. Greater temperature variability was associated with increased ICU mortality.

Neurosurgery
The efficacy of therapeutic hypothermia in patients with poor-grade aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage: a systematic review and meta-analysis: Seungjoo Lee, Moinay Kim, Min-Yong Kwon, Sae Min Kwon, Young San Ko, Yeongu Chung, Wonhyoung Park, Jung Cheol Park, Jae Sung Ahn, Hanwool Jeon, Jihyun Im, Jae Hyun Kim; Acute Crit Care. 2024;39(2):282-293. Published online May 30, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4266/acc.2024.00612

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Abstract PDF Supplementary Material

Background
This study evaluates the effectiveness of Therapeutic Hypothermia (TH) in treating poor-grade aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), focusing on functional outcomes, mortality, and complications such as vasospasm, delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI), and hydrocephalus.
Methods
Adhering to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) 2020 guidelines, a comprehensive literature search was conducted across multiple databases, including Medline, Embase, and Cochrane Central, up to November 2023. Nine studies involving 368 patients were selected based on eligibility criteria focusing on TH in poor-grade SAH patients. Data extraction, bias assessment, and evidence certainty were systematically performed.
Results
The primary analysis of unfavorable outcomes in 271 participants showed no significant difference between the TH and standard care groups (risk ratio [RR], 0.87). However, a significant reduction in vasospasm was observed in the TH group (RR, 0.63) among 174 participants. No significant differences were found in DCI, hydrocephalus, and mortality rates in the respective participant groups.
Conclusions
TH did not significantly improve primary unfavorable outcomes in poor-grade SAH patients. However, the reduction in vasospasm rates indicates potential specific benefits. The absence of significant findings in other secondary outcomes and mortality highlights the need for further research to better understand TH's role in treating this patient population.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

Progress of Brain Hypothermia Treatment for Severe Subarachnoid Hemorrhage—177 Cases Experienced and a Narrative Review
Hitoshi Kobata
Therapeutic Hypothermia and Temperature Management.2024;[Epub] CrossRef

Pulmonary
Are sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 inhibitors associated with improved outcomes in diabetic patients admitted to intensive care units with septic shock?: Nikita Ashcherkin, Abdelmohaymin A. Abdalla, Simran Gupta, Shubhang Bhatt, Claire I. Yee, Rodrigo Cartin-Ceba; Acute Crit Care. 2024;39(2):251-256. Published online May 14, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4266/acc.2023.01046

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Abstract PDF: Background
Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) have been shown to reduce organ dysfunction in renal and cardiovascular disease. There are limited data on the role of SGLT2i in acute organ dysfunction. We conducted a study to assess the effect of SGLT2i taken prior to intensive care unit (ICU) admission in diabetic patients admitted with septic shock.
Methods
This retrospective cohort study used electronic medical records and included diabetic patients admitted to the ICU with septic shock. We compared diabetic patients on SGLT2i to those who were not on SGLT2i prior to admission. The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality, and secondary outcomes included hospital and ICU length of stay, use of renal replacement therapy, and 28- and 90-day mortality.
Results
A total of 98 diabetic patients was included in the study, 36 in the SGLT2i group and 62 in the non-SGLT2i group. The Sequential Organ Failure Assessment and Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation III scores were similar in the groups. Inpatient mortality was significantly lower in the SGLT2i group (5.6% vs. 27.4%, P=0.008). There was no significant difference in secondary outcomes.
Conclusions
Our study found that diabetic patients on SGLT2i prior to hospitalization who were admitted to the ICU with septic shock had lower inpatient mortality compared to patients not on SGLT2i.

Meta-analysis
Association of malnutrition status with 30-day mortality in patients with sepsis using objective nutritional indices: a multicenter retrospective study in South Korea: Moon Seong Baek, Young Suk Kwon, Sang Soo Kang, Daechul Shim, Youngsang Yoon, Jong Ho Kim; Acute Crit Care. 2024;39(1):127-137. Published online February 20, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4266/acc.2023.01613

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Abstract PDF Supplementary Material

Background
The Controlling Nutritional Status (CONUT) score and the prognostic nutritional index (PNI) have emerged as important nutritional indices because they provide an objective assessment based on data. We aimed to investigate how these nutritional indices relate to outcomes in patients with sepsis.
Methods
Data were collected retrospectively at five hospitals for patients aged ≥18 years receiving treatment for sepsis between January 1, 2017, and December 31, 2021. Serum albumin and total cholesterol concentrations, and peripheral lymphocytes were used to calculate the CONUT score and PNI. To identify predictors correlated with 30-day mortality, analyses were conducted using univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards models.
Results
The 30-day mortality rate among 9,763 patients was 15.8% (n=1,546). The median CONUT score was 5 (interquartile range [IQR], 3–7) and the median PNI score was 39.6 (IQR, 33.846.4). Higher 30-day mortality rates were associated with individuals with moderate (CONUT score: 5–8; PNI: 35–38) or severe (CONUT: 9–12; PNI: <35) malnutrition compared with those with no malnutrition (CONUT: 0–1; PNI: >38). With CONUT scores, the hazard ratio (HR) associated with moderate malnutrition was 1.52 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.24–1.87; P<0.001); for severe, HR=2.42 (95% CI, 1.95–3.02; P<0.001). With PNI scores, the HR for moderate malnutrition was 1.29 (95% CI, 1.09–1.53; P=0.003); for severe, HR=1.88 (95% CI, 1.67–2.12; P<0.001).
Conclusions
The nutritional indices CONUT score and PNI showed significant associations with mortality of sepsis patients within 30 days.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

Development and validation of a predictive model for in-hospital mortality from perioperative bacteremia in gastrointestinal surgery
Yusuke Taki, Shinsuke Sato, Masaya Watanabe, Ko Ohata, Hideyuki Kanemoto, Noriyuki Oba
European Journal of Clinical Microbiology & Infectious Diseases.2024; 43(11): 2117. CrossRef
Sepsis and Septic Shock Management and Care: A Case Presentation
Myriam Jean Cadet
MEDSURG Nursing.2024; 33(5): 214. CrossRef

Epidemiology
Development of a deep learning model for predicting critical events in a pediatric intensive care unit: In Kyung Lee, Bongjin Lee, June Dong Park; Acute Crit Care. 2024;39(1):186-191. Published online February 20, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4266/acc.2023.01424; Correction in: Acute Crit Care 2024;39(2):330

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Abstract PDF: Background
Identifying critically ill patients at risk of cardiac arrest is important because it offers the opportunity for early intervention and increased survival. The aim of this study was to develop a deep learning model to predict critical events, such as cardiopulmonary resuscitation or mortality.
Methods
This retrospective observational study was conducted at a tertiary university hospital. All patients younger than 18 years who were admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit from January 2010 to May 2023 were included. The main outcome was prediction performance of the deep learning model at forecasting critical events. Long short-term memory was used as a deep learning algorithm. The five-fold cross validation method was employed for model learning and testing.
Results
Among the vital sign measurements collected during the study period, 11,660 measurements were used to develop the model after preprocessing; 1,060 of these data points were measurements that corresponded to critical events. The prediction performance of the model was the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (95% confidence interval) of 0.988 (0.9751.000), and the area under the precision-recall curve was 0.862 (0.700–1.000).
Conclusions
The performance of the developed model at predicting critical events was excellent. However, follow-up research is needed for external validation.

Trauma
Role of platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio at the time of arrival to the emergency room as a predictor of short-term mortality in trauma patients with severe trauma team activation: Jae Kwang Kim, Kyung Hoon Sun; Acute Crit Care. 2024;39(1):146-154. Published online February 15, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4266/acc.2023.01319

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Abstract PDF

Background
Platelet-to-Lymphocyte ratio (PLR) has been studied as a prognostic factor for various diseases and traumas. This study examined the utility of PLR as a tool for predicting 30-day mortality in patients experiencing severe trauma.
Methods
This study included 139 patients who experienced trauma and fulfilled ≥1 criteria for activation of the hospital’s severe trauma team. Patients were divided into non-survivor and survivor groups. Mean PLR values were compared between the groups, the optimal PLR cut-off value was determined, and mortality and survival analyses were performed. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS ver. 26.0. The threshold of statistical significance was P<0.05.
Results
There was a significant difference in mean (±standard deviation) PLR between the non-survivor (n=36) and survivor (n=103) groups (53.4±30.1 vs. 89.9±53.3, respectively; P<0.001). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis revealed an optimal PLR cut-off of 65.35 (sensitivity, 0.621; specificity, 0.694, respectively; area under the ROC curve, 0.742), and Kaplan-Meier survival analysis revealed a significant difference in mortality rate between the two groups.
Conclusions
PLR can be calculated quickly and easily from a routine complete blood count, which is often performed in the emergency department for individuals who experience trauma. The PLR is useful for predicting 30-day mortality in trauma patients with severe trauma team activation.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

Utility of systemic immune-inflammation index, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio as a predictive biomarker in pediatric traumatic brain injury
Muhammad Arifin Parenrengi, Wihasto Suryaningtyas, Ahmad Data Dariansyah, Budi Utomo, Glenn Otto Taryana, Catur Kusumo, Surya Pratama Brilliantika
Surgical Neurology International.2024; 15: 456. CrossRef

Pulmonary
Early bronchoscopy in severe pneumonia patients in intensive care unit: insights from the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care-IV database analysis: Chiwon Ahn, Yeonkyung Park, Yoonseok Oh; Acute Crit Care. 2024;39(1):179-185. Published online February 15, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4266/acc.2023.01165

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Abstract PDF: Background
Pneumonia frequently leads to intensive care unit (ICU) admission and is associated with a high mortality risk. This study aimed to assess the impact of early bronchoscopy administered within 3 days of ICU admission on mortality in patients with pneumonia using the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care-IV (MIMIC-IV) database.
Methods
A single-center retrospective analysis was conducted using the MIMIC-IV data from 2008 to 2019. Adult ICU-admitted patients diagnosed with pneumonia were included in this study. The patients were stratified into two cohorts based on whether they underwent early bronchoscopy. The primary outcome was the 28-day mortality rate. Propensity score matching was used to balance confounding variables.
Results
In total, 8,916 patients with pneumonia were included in the analysis. Among them, 783 patients underwent early bronchoscopy within 3 days of ICU admission, whereas 8,133 patients did not undergo early bronchoscopy. The primary outcome of the 28-day mortality between two groups had no significant difference even after propensity matched cohorts (22.7% vs. 24.0%, P=0.589). Patients undergoing early bronchoscopy had prolonged ICU (P<0.001) and hospital stays (P<0.001) and were less likely to be discharged to home (P<0.001).
Conclusions
Early bronchoscopy in severe pneumonia patients in the ICU did not reduce mortality but was associated with longer hospital stays, suggesting it was used in more severe cases. Therefore, when considering bronchoscopy for these patients, it's important to tailor the decision to each individual case, thoughtfully balancing the possible advantages with the related risks.

Pulmonary
Association between mechanical power and intensive care unit mortality in Korean patients under pressure-controlled ventilation: Jae Kyeom Sim, Sang-Min Lee, Hyung Koo Kang, Kyung Chan Kim, Young Sam Kim, Yun Seong Kim, Won-Yeon Lee, Sunghoon Park, So Young Park, Ju-Hee Park, Yun Su Sim, Kwangha Lee, Yeon Joo Lee, Jin Hwa Lee, Heung Bum Lee, Chae-Man Lim, Won-Il Choi, Ji Young Hong, Won Jun Song, Gee Young Suh; Acute Crit Care. 2024;39(1):91-99. Published online January 26, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4266/acc.2023.00871

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Abstract PDF Supplementary Material

Background
Mechanical power (MP) has been reported to be associated with clinical outcomes. Because the original MP equation is derived from paralyzed patients under volume-controlled ventilation, its application in practice could be limited in patients receiving pressure-controlled ventilation (PCV). Recently, a simplified equation for patients under PCV was developed. We investigated the association between MP and intensive care unit (ICU) mortality.
Methods
We conducted a retrospective analysis of Korean data from the Fourth International Study of Mechanical Ventilation. We extracted data of patients under PCV on day 1 and calculated MP using the following simplified equation: MPPCV = 0.098 ∙ respiratory rate ∙ tidal volume ∙ (ΔPinsp + positive end-expiratory pressure), where ΔPinsp is the change in airway pressure during inspiration. Patients were divided into survivors and non-survivors and then compared. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to determine association between MPPCV and ICU mortality. The interaction of MPPCV and use of neuromuscular blocking agent (NMBA) was also analyzed.
Results
A total of 125 patients was eligible for final analysis, of whom 38 died in the ICU. MPPCV was higher in non-survivors (17.6 vs. 26.3 J/min, P<0.001). In logistic regression analysis, only MPPCV was significantly associated with ICU mortality (odds ratio, 1.090; 95% confidence interval, 1.029–1.155; P=0.003). There was no significant effect of the interaction between MPPCV and use of NMBA on ICU mortality (P=0.579).
Conclusions
MPPCV is associated with ICU mortality in patients mechanically ventilated with PCV mode, regardless of NMBA use.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

Perioperative Ventilation in Neurosurgical Patients: Considerations and Challenges
Ida Giorgia Iavarone, Patricia R.M. Rocco, Pedro Leme Silva, Shaurya Taran, Sarah Wahlster, Marcus J. Schultz, Nicolo’ Antonino Patroniti, Chiara Robba
Current Anesthesiology Reports.2024; 14(4): 512. CrossRef

Review Article

Ethics
Impact of institutional case volume on intensive care unit mortality: Christine Kang, Ho Geol Ryu; Acute Crit Care. 2023;38(2):151-159. Published online May 31, 2023; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4266/acc.2023.00689

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Abstract PDF

The primary aim of this review is to explore current knowledge on the relationship between institutional intensive care unit (ICU) patient volume and patient outcomes. Studies indicate that a higher institutional ICU patient volume is positively correlated with patient survival. Although the exact mechanism underlying this association remains unclear, several studies have proposed that the cumulative experience of physicians and selective referral between institutions may play a role. The overall ICU mortality rate in Korea is relatively high compared to other developed countries. A distinctive aspect of critical care in Korea is the existence of significant disparities in the quality of care and services provided across regions and hospitals. Addressing these disparities and optimizing the management of critically ill patients necessitates thoroughly trained intensivists who are well-versed in the latest clinical practice guidelines. A fully functioning unit with adequate patient throughput is also essential for maintaining consistent and reliable quality of patient care. However, the positive impact of ICU volume on mortality outcomes is also linked to complex organizational factors, such as multidisciplinary rounds, nurse staffing and education, the presence of a clinical pharmacist, care protocols for weaning and sedation, and a culture of teamwork and communication. Despite some inconsistencies in the association between ICU patient volume and patient outcomes, which are thought to arise from differences in healthcare systems, ICU case volume significantly affects patient outcomes and should be taken into account when formulating related healthcare policies.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

Case volume and specialization in critically ill emergency patients: a nationwide cohort study in Japanese ICUs
Jun Fujinaga, Takanao Otake, Takehide Umeda, Toshio Fukuoka
Journal of Intensive Care.2024;[Epub] CrossRef
Association of Intensive Care Unit Case Volume With Mortality and Cost in Sepsis Based on a Japanese Nationwide Medical Claims Database Study
Takehiko Oami, Taro Imaeda, Taka‑aki Nakada, Tuerxun Aizimu, Nozomi Takahashi, Toshikazu Abe, Yasuo Yamao, Satoshi Nakagawa, Hiroshi Ogura, Nobuaki Shime, Yutaka Umemura, Asako Matsushima, Kiyohide Fushimi
Cureus.2024;[Epub] CrossRef

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