Jacobo Sellares

Non-invasive ventilation after extubation in hypercapnic patients with chronic respiratory disorders: randomised controlled trial

BACKGROUND Non-invasive ventilation can prevent respiratory failure after extubation in individuals at increased risk of this complication, and enhanced survival in patients with hypercapnia has been recorded. We aimed to assess prospectively the effectiveness of non-invasive ventilation after extubation in patients with hypercapnia and as rescue therapy when respiratory failure develops. METHODS We undertook a randomised controlled trial in three intensive-care units in Spain. We enrolled 106 mechanically ventilated patients with chronic respiratory disorders and hypercapnia after a successful spontaneous breathing trial. We randomly allocated participants by computer to receive after extubation either non-invasive ventilation for 24 h (n=54) or conventional oxygen treatment (n=52). The primary endpoint was avoidance of respiratory failure within 72 h after extubation. Analysis was by intention to treat. This trial is registered with clinicaltrials.gov, identifier NCT00539708. FINDINGS Respiratory failure after extubation was less frequent in patients assigned non-invasive ventilation than in those allocated conventional oxygen therapy (8 [15%] vs 25 [48%]; odds ratio 5.32 [95% CI 2.11-13.46]; p<0.0001). In patients with respiratory failure, non-invasive ventilation as rescue therapy avoided reintubation in 17 of 27 patients. Non-invasive ventilation was independently associated with a lower risk of respiratory failure after extubation (adjusted odds ratio 0.17 [95% CI 0.06-0.44]; p<0.0001). 90-day mortality was lower in patients assigned non-invasive ventilation than in those allocated conventional oxygen (p=0.0146). INTERPRETATION Early non-invasive ventilation after extubation diminished risk of respiratory failure and lowered 90-day mortality in patients with hypercapnia during a spontaneous breathing trial. Routine implementation of this strategy for management of mechanically ventilated patients with chronic respiratory disorders is advisable. FUNDING IDIBAPS, CibeRes, Fondo de Investigaciones Sanitarias, European Respiratory Society.

Effect of corticosteroids on treatment failure among hospitalized patients with severe community-acquired pneumonia and high inflammatory response: a randomized clinical trial.

IMPORTANCE In patients with severe community-acquired pneumonia, treatment failure is associated with excessive inflammatory response and worse outcomes. Corticosteroids may modulate cytokine release in these patients, but the benefit of this adjunctive therapy remains controversial. OBJECTIVE To assess the effect of corticosteroids in patients with severe community-acquired pneumonia and high associated inflammatory response. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS Multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial conducted in 3 Spanish teaching hospitals involving patients with both severe community-acquired pneumonia and a high inflammatory response, which was defined as a level of C-reactive protein greater than 150 mg/L at admission. Patients were recruited and followed up from June 2004 through February 2012. INTERVENTIONS Patients were randomized to receive either an intravenous bolus of 0.5 mg/kg per 12 hours of methylprednisolone (n = 61) or placebo (n = 59) for 5 days started within 36 hours of hospital admission. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES The primary outcome was treatment failure (composite outcome of early treatment failure defined as [1] clinical deterioration indicated by development of shock, [2] need for invasive mechanical ventilation not present at baseline, or [3] death within 72 hours of treatment; or composite outcome of late treatment failure defined as [1] radiographic progression, [2] persistence of severe respiratory failure, [3] development of shock, [4] need for invasive mechanical ventilation not present at baseline, or [5] death between 72 hours and 120 hours after treatment initiation; or both early and late treatment failure). In-hospital mortality was a secondary outcome and adverse events were assessed. RESULTS There was less treatment failure among patients from the methylprednisolone group (8 patients [13%]) compared with the placebo group (18 patients [31%]) (P = .02), with a difference between groups of 18% (95% CI, 3% to 32%). Corticosteroid treatment reduced the risk of treatment failure (odds ratio, 0.34 [95% CI, 0.14 to 0.87]; P = .02). In-hospital mortality did not differ between the 2 groups (6 patients [10%] in the methylprednisolone group vs 9 patients [15%] in the placebo group; P = .37); the difference between groups was 5% (95% CI, -6% to 17%). Hyperglycemia occurred in 11 patients (18%) in the methylprednisolone group and in 7 patients (12%) in the placebo group (P = .34). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE Among patients with severe community-acquired pneumonia and high initial inflammatory response, the acute use of methylprednisolone compared with placebo decreased treatment failure. If replicated, these findings would support the use of corticosteroids as adjunctive treatment in this clinical population. TRIAL REGISTRATION clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT00908713.

Influence of Previous Use of Inhaled Corticoids on the Development of Pleural Effusion in Community-acquired Pneumonia

RATIONALE Previous use of inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease has been associated with increased risk of community-acquired pneumonia. However, ICS have been associated with fewer pneumonia complications and decreased risk of pneumonia-related mortality. OBJECTIVES The objective of the study was to assess the influence of previous use of ICS on the incidence of parapneumonic effusion in patients with different baseline respiratory disorders. METHODS We conducted a single-center cohort study of 3,612 consecutively collected patients diagnosed with community-acquired pneumonia. We assessed clinical, radiographic, and pleural-fluid chemistry and microbiologic variables. Patients were classified according to whether or not they received prior ICS treatment. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS A total of 633 patients (17%) were treated with corticosteroids before the diagnosis of pneumonia (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, 54%; asthma, 13%). Incidence of parapneumonic effusion was lower in patients with ICS use compared with non-ICS patients (5% vs. 12%; P < 0.001). After matching according to propensity scores (n = 640), prior treatment with corticosteroids was still significantly associated with a lower incidence of parapneumonic effusion (odds ratio, 0.40; 95% confidence interval, 0.23-0.69; P = 0.001) compared with patients without ICS treatment. Prior ICS treatment was associated with higher levels of glucose (P = 0.003) and pH (P = 0.02), and lower levels of protein (P = 0.01) and lactic acid dehydrogenase (P = 0.007) in the pleural fluid. CONCLUSIONS Prior treatment with ICS in a population of patients with different respiratory chronic disorders who develop pneumonia is associated with lower incidence of parapneumonic effusion.

Community-acquired pneumonia in outpatients: aetiology and outcomes

The purpose of this study was to establish the microbial aetiology and outcomes of patients with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) treated as outpatients after presenting to a hospital emergency care unit. A prospective observational study was carried out in the Hospital Clinic of Barcelona (Barcelona, Spain). All consecutive cases of CAP treated as outpatients were included. 568 adult outpatients with CAP were studied (mean±sd age 47.2±17.6 yrs; 110 (19.4%) were aged ≥65 yrs). Aetiological diagnoses were established in 188 (33.1%) cases. Streptococcus pneumoniae was the most frequent pathogen followed by Mycoplasma pneumoniae and respiratory viruses. Legionella was detected in 13 (2.3%) cases. More than one causative agent was found in 17 (9.0%) patients. Mortality was low (three (0.5%) patients died) and other adverse events were rare (30 (5.2%) patients had complications, 13 (2.3%) were re-admitted and treatment failed in 13 (2.3%)). Complications were mostly related to pleural effusion and empyema, and re-admissions and treatment failures to comorbidities. Outpatients with CAP have a characteristic microbial pattern. Regular antipneumococcal coverage remains mandatory. Treatment failures and re-admissions are rare and may be reduced by increased attention to patients requiring short-term observation in the emergency care unit and in the presence of pleural effusion and comorbidities.

Predictive and prognostic factors in patients with blood-culture-positive community-acquired pneumococcal pneumonia

In patients with pneumococcal community-acquired pneumonia (CAP), the risk factors for bacteraemia and its impact on outcomes are not fully elucidated. We aimed to compare characteristics of patients with blood-culture-positive versus blood-culture-negative pneumococcal CAP, and to characterise bacteraemic serotypes. We describe a prospective, observational study on nonimmunocompromised patients with pneumococcal CAP, from 1996 to 2013. We define severe pneumonia according to American Thoracic Society/Infectious Diseases Society of America guidelines. Of a total of 917 patients with pneumococcal CAP, 362 had blood-culture-positive pneumococcal pneumonia (BCPPP; 39%). High C-reactive protein (CRP) (≥20 mg·dL−1) (odds ratio (OR) 2.36, 95% CI 1.45–3.85), pleural effusion (OR 2.03, 95% CI 1.13–3.65) and multilobar involvement (OR 1.69, 95% CI 1.02–2.79) were independently associated with bacteraemic CAP, while nursing home resident (OR 0.12, 95% CI 0.01–1.00) was found as a protective factor. Despite the clinical differences, BCPPP showed similar outcomes to blood-culture-negative pneumococcal pneumonia (BCNPP). 14% of the serotypes (period 2006–2013) causing bacteraemia are included in pneumococcal conjugate vaccine PVC7, 74% in pneumococcal conjugate vaccine PVC13 and 83% in pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine PPSV23. Pleural effusion, a high level of CRP and multilobar involvement predicted an increased risk of BCPPP. Although BCPPP patients were more severely ill at admission, mortality was not significantly greater than in BCNPP patients. Pleural effusion, multilobar involvement and CRP ≥20 mg·dL–1 indicate high risk of bacteraemic pneumococcal pneumonia http://ow.ly/4mJk2Z

Noninvasive ventilation in withdrawal from mechanical ventilation.

Patients with chronic airflow obstruction and difficult or prolonged weaning are at increased risk for prolonged invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV). Several randomized controlled trials mainly conducted in patients who had pre-existing lung disease have shown that the use of noninvasive ventilation (NIV) to advance extubation in patients with difficult and prolonged weaning can result in reduced periods of endotracheal intubation, complication rates, and improved survival. Patients in these studies were hemodynamically stable, with a normal level of consciousness, no fever, and a preserved cough reflex. The use of NIV in the management of mixed populations with respiratory failure after extubation, including small proportions of chronic respiratory patients did not show clinical benefits included. By contrast, NIV immediately after extubation is effective in avoiding respiratory failure after extubation and improving survival in patients at risk for this complication, particularly those with chronic respiratory disorders, cardiac comorbidity, and hypercapnic respiratory failure. Finally, both continuous positive airway pressure and NIV can improve clinical outcomes in patients with postoperative acute respiratory failure, particularly abdominal and thoracic surgery.

An integrated model involving sleep units and primary care for the diagnosis of sleep apnoea

To the Editor: Obstructive sleep apnoea/hypopnea (OSAH) is a highly prevalent disease that increases the risk of cardiovascular, metabolic and neurocognitive disorders [1, 2]. Generally speaking, when OSAH is suspected primary care physicians refer the patient to a hospital sleep unit to assess the clinical history and decide the optimal sleep test for confirming the diagnosis [3]. In recent years there has been an increase in the demand for consultations and diagnostic studies in sleep units [4], resulting in long waiting lists. Therefore, new strategies are needed in order to improve the management of this disease. We consider that an ideal system would consist of an integrated network involving sleep units and primary care centres, which would permit a detailed classification of patients and reduce excessive delay for those with severe symptoms. Accordingly, the aim of the study was to demonstrate that in suspected sleep apnoea patients the initial assessment and the appropriate sleep test would be similar whether they were undertaken by a trained general pulmonologist in a primary care centre or by a sleep physician. Our hospital has developed a new model of integrated care involving hospital sleep units and primary care centres, governed by a shared clinical protocol. The major premises for this model are: 1) when a family physician suspects OSAH, he or she sends the patient to a primary care pulmonologist, who has a basic knowledge of sleep medicine, as well as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, etc. ; 2) the pulmonologist (second level of health attention) assesses the patient and decides the type of sleep study required, according to the aforementioned common protocol; 3) the patient is referred to the sleep unit to perform the diagnostic study, and continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) titration when required (normally …

The effect of spontaneous breathing on systemic interleukin-6 during ventilator weaning

During the weaning process, spontaneous breathing trials (SBTs) involve cardiopulmonary stress for ventilated patients. As interleukin (IL)-6 is a major modulator of the stress response, we hypothesised that systemic IL-6 increases during a SBT and that this increase is more evident in SBT failure. 49 SBTs of 30-min duration were performed on different mechanically ventilated patients, and classified as SBT failure or success. Blood samples were drawn before and at the end of the SBT. An additional sample was drawn 24 h later in a subset of patients (n=39). Serum IL-6 levels and other inflammatory mediators commonly associated with stress were determined. IL-6 levels increased from mechanical ventilation to spontaneous breathing in all patients (p=0.02) and in the chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) population (p=0.05) with SBT failure compared with success, but not in non-COPD patients (p=0.12). After 24 h of SBT stress, IL-6 levels decreased in patients with SBT failure (under mechanical ventilation at that point) (p=0.02) and those with weaning success (p=0.04). No changes were observed in the remaining inflammatory mediators. Systemic IL-6 increases during a 30-min, failed SBT, especially in COPD patients. Future studies may corroborate the different IL-6 responses among different populations who initiate weaning, together with the potential clinical implications.

Withdrawal of Noninvasive Mechanical Ventilation in COPD Patients with Hypercapnic Respiratory Failure

Recent investigations in noninvasive mechanical ventilation (NIMV) have facilitated the increasing use of this type of ventilation worldwide. Indications of NIMV are better established, and the benefit of its use has been demonstrated in several studies, especially in acute hypercapnic respiratory failure (AHRF). However, some aspects of the use of NIMV still remain unclear and are under controversy. This is the case for which method is the best to withdraw NIMV. The paucity of information in defining a strategy to withdraw NIMV contrasts with all the information and studies related to weaning from invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV). There is a marked variability in the methods used to withdraw NIMV in the numerous studies of NIMV published, which reflects the absence of a prospectively validated protocol. In this chapter, we review the current recommendations to withdraw NIMV, and we suggest novel potential strategies. We especially focus on the withdrawal of NIMV in AHRF as this indication is the best established in NIMV, although some points of our review may also be extrapolated to other indications of NIMV.