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Background: Based on current evidence, there appears to be an association between peri-intubation hypotension and patient morbidity and mortality. Studies have identified shock indices as possible pre-intubation risk factors for peri-intubation hypotension. Thus, we sought to evaluate the association between shock index (SI), modified shock index (MSI), and diastolic shock index (DSI) and peri-intubation hypotension along with other outcomes. Methods: The present study is a sub-study of a randomized controlled trial involving critically ill patients undergoing intubation. We defined peri-intubation hypotension as a decrease in mean arterial pressure <65 mm Hg and/or a reduction of 40% from baseline; or the initiation of, or increase in infusion dosage of, any vasopressor medication (bolus or infusion) during the 30-min period following intubation. SI, MSI, and DSI were analyzed as continuous variables and categorically using pre-established cut-offs. We also explored the effect of age on shock indices. Results: A total of 151 patients were included in the analysis. Mean pre-intubation SI was 1.0 ± 0.3, MSI 1.5 ± 0.5, and DSI 1.9 ± 0.7. Increasing SI, MSI, and DSI were significantly associated with peri-intubation hypotension (OR [95% CI] per 0.1 increase = 1.16 [1.04, 1.30], P =.009 for SI; 1.14 [1.05, 1.24], P =.003 for MSI; and 1.11 [1.04, 1.19], P =.003 for DSI). The area under the ROC curves did not differ across shock indices (0.66 vs 0.67 vs 0.69 for SI, MSI, and DSI respectively; P =.586). Increasing SI, MSI, and DSI were significantly associated with worse sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) score (spearman rank correlation: r = 0.30, r = 0.40, and r = 0.45 for SI, MSI, and DSI, respectively, all P <.001) but not with other outcomes. There was no significant impact when incorporating age. Conclusions: Increasing SI, MSI, and DSI were all significantly associated with peri-intubation hypotension and worse SOFA scores but not with other outcomes. Shock indices remain a useful bedside tool to assess the potential likelihood of peri-intubation hypotension. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier - NCT02105415 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cardiovascular instability occurring during endotracheal intubation (ETI) in the critically ill is a commonly recognized phenomenon. However, this complication has not been evaluated in terms of the physiological cause (ie, decreased preload, contractility, or afterload) leading to the instability. Thus, the aim of the current investigation was to describe the hemodynamics occurring during ETI with noninvasive physiologic monitoring and to collect preliminary data on the hemodynamic effects of induction agents and positive pressure ventilation. Methods: A multicenter prospective study enrolling adult (≥18 years) critically ill patients undergoing ETI with noninvasive cardiac output monitoring in a medical/surgical intensive care unit from June 2018 to May 2019 was conducted. This study used the Cheetah Medical noninvasive cardiac output monitor to collect hemodynamic data during the peri-intubation period. Additional data collected included baseline characteristics such as illness severity, peri-intubation pharmacologic administration, and mechanical ventilation settings. Results: From the original 27 patients, only 19 (70%) patients had complete data and were included in the final analysis. Propofol was the most common sedative 8 (42%) followed by ketamine 6 (32%) and etomidate 5 (26%). Patients given propofol demonstrated a decrease in total peripheral resistance index (delta change [dynes × s/cm−5/m2]: −2.7 ± 778.2) but stabilization in cardiac index (delta change (L/min/m2]: 0.1 ± 1.5) while etomidate and ketamine demonstrated increases in total peripheral resistance index (etomidate delta change [dynes × s/cm−5/m2]: 302.1 ± 414.3; ketamine delta change [dynes × s/cm−5/m2]: 278.7 ± 418.9) but only etomidate resulted in a decrease in cardiac index (delta change [L/min/m2]: −0.3 ± 0.5). Positive pressure ventilation resulted in minimal changes to hemodynamics during ETI. Conclusions: The current study demonstrates that although propofol administration leads to a decrease in total peripheral resistance index, cardiac index is maintained while etomidate leads to a decrease in cardiac index with both etomidate and ketamine increasing total peripheral resistance index. These hemodynamic profiles are minimally affected by positive pressure ventilation. Study registration: ClinicalTrials.gov ID, NCT03525743. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: High-dose catecholamines can impair hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction and increase shunt fraction. We aimed to determine if Angiotensin II (Ang-2) is associated with improved PaO2/FiO2 and SpO2/FiO2 in patients in shock. Methods: Adult patients at four tertiary care centers and one community hospital in the United States who received Ang-2 from July 2018-September 2020 were included in this retrospective, observational cohort study. PaO2, SpO2, and FiO2 were measured at 13 timepoints during the 48-h before and after Ang-2 initiation. Piecewise linear mixed models of PaO2/FiO2 and SpO2/FiO2 were created to evaluate hourly changes in oxygenation after Ang-2 initiation. The difference in the proportion of patients with PaO2/FiO2 ≤ 300 mm Hg at the time of Ang-2 initiation and 48 h after was also examined. Results: The study included 254 patients. In the 48 h prior to Ang-2 initiation, oxygenation was significantly declining (hourly PaO2/FiO2 change −4.7 mm Hg/hr, 95% CI − 6.0 to −3.5, p <.001; hourly SpO2/FiO2 change −3.1/hr, 95% CI−3.7 to −2.4, p <.001). Ang-2 treatment was associated with significant improvements in PaO2/FiO2 and SpO2/FiO2 in the 48-h after initiation (hourly PaO2/FiO2 change +1.5 mm Hg/hr, 95% CI 0.5-2.5, p =.003; hourly SpO2/FiO2 change +0.9/hr, 95% CI 0.5-1.2, p <.001). The difference in the hourly change in oxygenation before and after Ang-2 initiation was also significant (p interaction < 0.001 for both PaO2/FiO2 and SpO2/FiO2). This improvement was associated with significantly fewer patients having a PaO2/FiO2 ≤ 300 mm Hg at 48 h compared to baseline (mean difference −14.9%, 95% CI −25.3% to −4.6%, p =.011). Subgroup analysis found that patients with either a baseline PaO2/FiO2 ≤ 300 mm Hg or a norepinephrine-equivalent dose requirement >0.2 µg/kg/min had the greatest associations with oxygenation improvement. Conclusions: Ang-2 is associated with improved PaO2/FiO2 and SpO2/FiO2. The mechanisms for this improvement are not entirely clear but may be due to catecholamine-sparing effect or may also be related to improved ventilation-perfusion matching, intrapulmonary shunt, or oxygen delivery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is associated with a prothrombotic state; leading to multiple sequelae. We sought to detect whether thromboelastography (TEG) parameters would be able to detect thromboembolic events in patients hospitalized with COVID-19. Methods: We performed a retrospective multicenter case–control study of the Collaborative Research to Understand the Sequelae of Harm in COVID (CRUSH COVID) registry of 8 tertiary care level hospitals in the United States (US). This registry contains adult patients with COVID-19 hospitalized between March 2020 and September 2020. Results: A total of 277 hospitalized COVID-19 patients were analyzed to determine whether conventional coagulation TEG parameters were associated with venous thromboembolic (VTE) and thrombotic events during hospitalization. A clotting index (CI) >3 was present in 45.8% of the population, consistent with a hypercoagulable state. Eighty-three percent of the patients had clot lysis at 30 min (LY30) = 0, consistent with fibrinolysis shutdown, with a median of 0.1%. We did not find TEG parameters (LY30 area under the receiver operating characteristic [ROC] curve [AUC] = 0.55, 95% CI: 0.44-0.65, P value =.32; alpha angle [α] AUC = 0.58, 95% CI: 0.47-0.69, P value =.17; K time AUC = 0.58, 95% CI: 0.46-0.69, P value =.67; maximum amplitude (MA) AUC = 0.54, 95% CI: 0.44-0.64, P value =.47; reaction time [R time] AUC = 0.53, 95% CI: 0.42-0.65, P value =.70) to be a good discriminator for VTE. We also did not find TEG parameters (LY30 AUC = 0.51, 95% CI: 0.42-0.60, P value =.84; R time AUC = 0.57, 95%CI: 0.48-0.67, P value.07; α AUC = 0.59, 95%CI: 0.51-0.68, P value =.02; K time AUC = 0.62, 95% CI: 0.53-0.70, P value =.07; MA AUC = 0.65, 95% CI: 0.57-0.74, P value <.01) to be a good discriminator for thrombotic events. Conclusions: In this retrospective multicenter cohort study, TEG in COVID-19 hospitalized patients may indicate a hypercoagulable state, however, its use in detecting VTE or thrombotic events is limited in this population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Hypotension with endotracheal intubation (ETI) is common and associated with adverse outcomes. We sought to evaluate whether a previously described hypotension prediction score (HYPS) for ETI is associated with worse patient outcomes and/or clinical conditions. Methods: This study is a post hoc analysis of a prospective observational multicenter study involving adult (age =18 years) intensive care unit (ICU) patients undergoing ETI in which the HYPS was derived and validated on the entire cohort and a stable subset (ie, patients in stable condition). We evaluated the association between increasing HYPSs in both subsets and several patient-centered outcomes and clinical conditions. Results: Complete data for HYPS calculations were available for 783 of 934 patients (84%). Logistic regression analysis showed increasing odds ratios (ORs) for the highest risk category for new-onset acute kidney injury (OR, 7.37; 95% CI, 2.58-21.08); new dialysis need (OR, 8.13; 95% CI, 1.74-37.91); ICU mortality (OR, 16.39; 95% CI, 5.99-44.87); and hospital mortality (OR, 18.65; 95% CI, 6.81-51.11). Although not increasing progressively, the OR for the highest risk group was significantly associated with new-onset hypovolemic shock (OR, 6.06; 95% CI, 1.47-25.00). With increasing HYPSs, median values (interquartile ranges) decreased progressively (lowest risk vs. highest risk) for ventilator-free days (23 [18-26] vs. 1 [0-21], P < .001) and ICU-free days (20 [11-24] vs. 0 [0-13], P < .001). Of the 729 patients in the stable subset, 598 (82%) had complete data for HYPS calculations. Logistic regression analysis showed significantly increasing ORs for the highest risk category for new-onset hypovolemic shock (OR, 7.41; 95% CI, 2.06-26.62); ICU mortality (OR, 5.08; 95% CI, 1.87-13.85); and hospital mortality (OR, 7.08; 95% CI, 2.63-19.07). Conclusions: As the risk for peri-intubation hypotension increases, according to a validated hypotension prediction tool, so does the risk for adverse clinical events and certain clinical conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Sedatives are frequently administered in an ICU and are often dependent on patient population and ICU type. These differences may affect patient-centered outcomes. Objective: Our primary objective was to identify differences in sedation practice among three different ICU types at an academic medical center. Methods: This was a retrospective cross-sectional study of adult patients (≥18 years) requiring a continuous sedative for ≥6 h and admitted to a medical ICU, surgical ICU, and medical/surgical ICU at a single academic medical center in Rochester Minnesota from June 1, 2018 to May 31, 2020. We extracted baseline characteristics; sedative type, dose, and duration; concomitant therapies; and patient outcomes. Summary statistics are presented. Results: A total of 2154 patients met our study criteria (1010 from medical ICU, 539 from surgical ICU, 605 from medical/surgical ICU). Propofol was the most frequently used sedative in all ICU settings (74.1% in medical ICU, 53.8% in surgical ICU, 68.9% in medical/surgical ICU, and 67.5% in all ICUs). The mortality rate was highest in the medical/surgical ICU (40.2% in medical ICU, 26.0% in surgical ICU, 40.7% in medical/surgical ICU, and 36.8% in all ICUs). 90.7% of all patients required mechanical ventilation (92.9% in medical ICU, 88.5% in surgical ICU, and 89.1% in medical/surgical ICU). Overall, patients spent more time in light sedation than deep sedation, 75% versus 10.3%, during their ICU admission. Patients in the medical ICU spent a greater proportion of time positive for delirium than the other ICU settings (35.7% in medical ICU, 9.8% in surgical ICU, and 20% in medical/surgical ICU). Similar amounts of opioids (morphine milligram equivalents) were used during the continuous sedative infusion between the three settings. Conclusions: We observed that patients in the medical ICU spent more time deeply sedated with multiple agents which was associated with a higher proportion of delirium. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Little is known about hypoxemia surrounding endotracheal intubation in the critically ill. Thus, we sought to identify risk factors associated with peri-intubation hypoxemia and its effects' on the critically ill. Methods: Data from a multicenter, prospective, cohort study enrolling 1,033 critically ill adults who underwent endotracheal intubation across 16 medical/surgical ICUs in the United States from July 2015-January 2017 were used to identify risk factors associated with peri-intubation hypoxemia and its effects on patient outcomes. We defined hypoxemia as any pulse oximetry - 88% during and up to 30 minutes following endotracheal intubation. Results: In the full analysis (n = 1,033), 123 (11.9%) patients experienced the primary outcome. Five risk factors independently associated with our outcome were identified on multiple logistic regression: cardiac related reason for endotracheal intubation (OR 1.67, [95% CI 1.04, 2.69]); pre-intubation noninvasive ventilation (OR 1.66, [95% CI 1.09, 2.54]); emergency intubation (OR 1.65, [95% CI 1.06, 2.55]); moderate-severe difficult bag-mask ventilation (OR 2.68, [95% CI 1.72, 4.19]); and crystalloid administration within the preceding 24 hours (OR 1.24, [95% CI 1.07, 1.45]; per liter up to 4 liters). Higher baseline SpO2 was found to be protective (OR 0.93, [95% CI 0.91, 0.96]; per percent up to 97%). Consistent results were seen in a separate analysis on only stable patients (n = 921, 93 [10.1%]) (those without baseline hypoxemia - 88%). Peri-intubation hypoxemia was associated with in-hospital mortality (OR 2.40, [95% CI 1.33, 4.31]; stable patients: OR 2.67, [95% CI 1.38, 5.17]) but not ICU length of stay (point estimate 0.9 days, [95% CI -1.0, 2.8 days]; stable patients: point estimate 1.5 days, [95% CI -0.4, 3.4 days]) after adjusting for age, body mass index, illness severity, airway related reason for intubation (i.e., acute respiratory failure), and baseline SPO2. Conclusions: Patients with pre-existing noninvasive ventilation and volume loading who were intubated emergently in the setting of hemodynamic compromise with bag-mask ventilation described as moderate-severe in difficulty were at increased risk for peri-intubation hypoxemia. Higher baseline oxygenation was found to be protective against peri-intubation hypoxemia. Peri-intubation hypoxemia was associated with in-hospital mortality but not ICU length of stay. Trial registration: Clinicaltrials.gov identifier: NCT02508948 and Registered Report Identifier: RR2-10.2196/11101. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Pharmacogenomic (PGx) testing has the potential to provide information on specific drug-metabolizing enzymes that may lead to an absence, reduction, or increase in medication effect in patients. There is a paucity of prospective studies examining PGx testing in the intensive care unit (ICU) setting. Research Aims: To (1) obtain a PGx panel in a sample of cardiovascular (CV) surgical patients with a planned ICU stay and identify phenotypes, and (2) identify PGx variants that may inform treatment regimens and may warrant prescribing adjustments. Design and Methods: Descriptive, single cohort cross-sectional design. Adult (≥18 years) CV patients with an anticipated postoperative ICU stay were enrolled from a large Midwestern tertiary academic medical center. Eligible patients provided informed consent at the time of their CV clinic appointment; PGx testing was then ordered. Pharmacogenomic testing consisted of the Focused Pharmacogenomics panel which included 10 genes and 55 medications. Results: Of the 272 patients screened, 100 (68% male) patients completed PGx testing (mean age 66.2 ± 9.6 years, mean Acute Physiology, Age and Chronic Health Evaluation III score 76.1 ± standard deviation). Pharmacogenomic results were available in the medical record within a median of 52.4 hours (interquartile range: 33.4-80.3). Pharmacogenomic testing results identified 5 CYP2C19 poor metabolizers, 26 CYP2C19 rapid metabolizers, 5 CYP2C19 ultrarapid metabolizers, 6 CYP2D6 poor metabolizers, 5 CYP2D6 poor to intermediate metabolizers, and 2 CYP2D6 rapid metabolizers identified. Overall, 98% of patients had actionable or potentially actionable PGx results, including 82% for warfarin, 65% for propafenone, 65% for tramadol, 46% for oxycodone, 45% for metoprolol, 33% for clopidogrel, 32% for proton pump inhibitors, 25% for statins, and 12% for haloperidol. Conclusions: A significant portion of patients had identified genetic variants that may warrant changes in medication management during and after CV-ICU stay. It remains to be seen if PGx testing leads to improvements in ICU patient outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Hypotension following endotracheal intubation in the ICU is associated with poor outcomes. There is no formal prediction tool to help estimate the onset of this hemodynamic compromise. Our objective was to derive and validate a prediction model for immediate hypotension following endotracheal intubation. Methods: A multicenter, prospective, cohort study enrolling 934 adults who underwent endotracheal intubation across 16 medical/surgical ICUs in the United States from July 2015-January 2017 was conducted to derive and validate a prediction model for immediate hypotension following endotracheal intubation. We defined hypotension as: 1) mean arterial pressure <65 mmHg; 2) systolic blood pressure <80 mmHg and/or decrease in systolic blood pressure of 40% from baseline; 3) or the initiation or increase in any vasopressor in the 30 minutes following endotracheal intubation. Results: Post-intubation hypotension developed in 344 (36.8%) patients. In the full cohort, 11 variables were independently associated with hypotension: increasing illness severity; increasing age; sepsis diagnosis; endotracheal intubation in the setting of cardiac arrest, mean arterial pressure <65 mmHg, and acute respiratory failure; diuretic use 24 hours preceding endotracheal intubation; decreasing systolic blood pressure from 130 mmHg; catecholamine and phenylephrine use immediately prior to endotracheal intubation; and use of etomidate during endotracheal intubation. A model excluding unstable patients' pre-intubation (those receiving catecholamine vasopressors and/or who were intubated in the setting of cardiac arrest) was also developed and included the above variables with the exception of sepsis and etomidate. In the full cohort, the 11 variable model had a C-statistic of 0.75 (95% CI 0.72, 0.78). In the stable cohort, the 7 variable model C-statistic was 0.71 (95% CI 0.67, 0.75). In both cohorts, a clinical risk score was developed stratifying patients' risk of hypotension. Conclusions: A novel multivariable risk score predicted post-intubation hypotension with accuracy in both unstable and stable critically ill patients. Study registration: Clinicaltrials.gov identifier: NCT02508948 and Registered Report Identifier: RR2-10.2196/11101. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Our primary aim was to ascertain the frequency of postintubation hypotension in immunocompromised critically ill adults with secondary aims of arriving at potential risk factors for the development of postintubation hypotension and its impact on patient-related outcomes. Methods: Critically ill adult patients (≥18 years) were included from January 1, 2010, to December 31, 2014. We defined immunocompromised as patients with any solid organ or nonsolid organ malignancy or transplant, whether solid organ or not, requiring current chemotherapy. Postintubation hypotension was defined as a decrease in systolic blood pressure to less than 90 mm Hg or a decrease in mean arterial pressure to less than 65 mm Hg or the initiation of any vasopressor medication. Patients were then stratified based on development of postintubation hypotension. Potential risk factors and intensive care unit (ICU) outcome metrics were electronically captured by a validated data mart system. Results: The final cohort included 269 patients. Postintubation hypotension occurred in 141 (52%; 95% confidence interval: 46-58) patients. Several risk factors predicted postintubation hypotension on univariate analysis; however, only Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation III score in the first 24 hours, preintubation shock status, and preintubation hemodynamic instability remained significant on all 4 multivariate analyses. Patients developing postintubation hypotension had higher ICU and hospital mortality (54 [38%] vs 31 [24%], P =.01; 69 [49%] vs 47 [37%], P =.04). Conclusion: Based on previous literature, we found a higher frequency of postintubation hypotension in the immunocompromised than in the nonimmunocompromised critically ill adult patients. Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation III score in the first 24 hours, preintubation shock status, and preintubation hemodynamic instability were significant predictors on multivariate analyses. Postintubation hypotension led to higher ICU and hospital mortality in those experiencing this complication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Data regarding best practices for ventilator management strategies that improve outcomes in acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) are readily available. However, little is known regarding processes to ensure compliance with these strategies. We developed a goal-directed mechanical ventilation order set that included physician-specified lung-protective ventilation and oxygenation goals to be implemented by respiratory therapists (RTs). We sought as a primary outcome to determine whether an RT-driven order set with predefined oxygenation and ventilation goals could be implemented and associated with improved adherence with best practice. Methods: We evaluated 1302 patients undergoing invasive mechanical ventilation (1693 separate episodes of invasive mechanical ventilation) prior to and after institution of a standardized, goal-directed mechanical ventilation order set using a controlled before-and-after study design. Patient-specific goals for oxygenation partial pressure of oxygen in arterial blood (Pa o 2), ARDS Network [Net] positive end-expiratory pressure [PEEP]/fraction of inspired oxygen [F io 2] table use) and ventilation (pH, partial pressure of carbon dioxide) were selected by prescribers and implemented by RTs. Results: Compliance with the new mechanical ventilation order set was high: 88.2% compliance versus 3.8% before implementation of the order set (P <.001). Adherence to the PEEP/F io 2 table after implementation of the order set was significantly greater (86.0% after vs 82.9% before, P =.02). There was no difference in duration of mechanical ventilation, intensive care unit (ICU) length of stay, and in-hospital or ICU mortality. Conclusions: A standardized best practice mechanical ventilation order set can be implemented by a multidisciplinary team and is associated with improved compliance to written orders and adherence to the ARDSNet PEEP/F io 2 table. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Our primary aim was to determine the factors leading to prophylactic endotracheal intubation in intensive care unit (ICU) patients undergoing gastrointestinal endoscopy. Secondary aims were to determine the rate of unplanned endotracheal intubations during endoscopy and to determine the rate of aspiration following endoscopy for patients admitted to the ICU. Methods: Critically ill adult (≥18 years) patients who underwent upper and lower endoscopic procedures from January 2012 to July 2016 in a medical/surgical ICU were included. Determinants of prophylactic endotracheal intubation prior to endoscopy as well as other postprocedure outcomes were electronically captured by a validated data mart system. Given our focus on aspiration in those who were not endotracheally intubated prior to endoscopy, we used a validated definition a priori. Results: A total of 320 patients were included in the final analysis: 76(24%) were intubated prior to endoscopy and 244 (76%) were not. The endotracheally intubated group had a significantly higher Acute Physiologic and Chronic Health Evaluation III (44.5 [16.2] vs 39.5 [15.5]; P =.02) and Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (6.9 [4.4] vs 3.8 [3]; P ≤.01) scores, higher rate of hematemesis within 24 hours of endoscopy (28 [37%] vs 45 [18%]; P ≤.01), and higher rate of upper endoscopy (72 [96%] vs 181 [74%]; P ≤.01). We composed a composite outcome for multivariable analyses, which demonstrated the rate of any complication was significantly higher among those who were intubated prior to the procedure versus those who were not intubated previously (odds ratio: 2.80, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.16-6.72, P =.02). Conclusion: Endoscopy performed in the ICU without endotracheal intubation is safe. However, patient selection for prophylactic intubation prior to endoscopy is of critical importance as illustrated in this study with higher illness severity, planned upper endoscopy, and hematemesis 24 hours prior being key factors on deciding to perform endotracheal intubation. Prophylactic intubation for endoscopy and preexisting cardiac disease were associated with a higher rate of adverse outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To describe the practice of intubation of the critically ill at a single academic institution, Mayo Clinic's campus in Rochester, Minnesota, and to report the incidence of immediate postintubation complications. Patients and Methods: Critically ill adult (≥18 years) patients admitted to a medical–surgical intensive care unit from January 1, 2013, to December 31, 2014, who required endotracheal intubation included. Results: The final cohort included 420 patients. The mean age at intubation was 62.9 ± 16.3 years, with 58% (244) of the cohort as male. The most common reason for intubation was respiratory failure (282 [67%]). The most common airway device used was video laryngoscopy (204 [49%]). Paralysis was used in 264 (63%) patients, with ketamine as the most common sedative (194 [46%]). The most common complication was hypotension (170 [41%]; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 35.7-45.3) followed by hypoxemia (74 [17.6%]; 95% CI: 14.1-21.6), with difficult intubation occurring in 20 (5%; 95% CI: 2.9-7.3). Conclusion: We found a high success rate of first-pass intubation in critically ill patients (89.8%), despite the procedure being done primarily by trainees 92.6% of the time; video was the preferred method of laryngoscopy (48.6%). Although our difficult intubation (4.8%) and complication rates typically associated with the act of intubation such as aspiration (1.2%; 95% CI: 0.4-2.8) and esophageal intubation (0.2%; 95% CI: 0.01-1.3) are very low compared to other published rates (8.09%), postintubation hypotension (40.5%) and hypoxemia (17.6%) higher. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To assess whether exposure to modified shock index (MSI) in the first 24 hours of intensive care unit (ICU) admission is associated with increased in-hospital mortality. Methods: Adult critically ill patients were included in a case–control design with 1:2 matching. Cases (death) and controls (alive) were abstracted by a reviewer blinded to exposure status (MSI). Cases were matched to controls on 3 factors—age, end-stage renal disease, and ICU admission diagnosis. Results: Eighty-three cases and 159 controls were included. On univariate analysis, lorazepam administration (odds ratio [OR]: 5.75, confidence interval [CI] = 2.28-14.47; P ≤ .01), shock requiring vasopressors (OR: 3.62, CI = 1.77-7.40; P ≤ .01), maximum MSI (OR: 2.77 per unit, CI = 1.63-4.71; P ≤ .001), and elevated acute physiologic and chronic health evaluation (APACHE) III score at 1 hour (OR: 1.41 per 10 units, CI = 1.19-1.66; P ≤ .001) were associated with mortality. Maximum MSI (OR: 1.93 per unit, CI = 1.07-3.48, P = .03) and APACHE III score at 1 hour (OR: 1.29 per 10 units, CI = 1.09-1.53; P = .003) remained significant with mortality in the multivariate analysis. The optimal cutoff point for high MSI and mortality was 1.8. Conclusion: Critically ill patients who demonstrate an elevated MSI within the first 24 hours of ICU admission have a significant mortality risk. Given that MSI is easily calculated at the bedside, clinicians may institute interventions earlier which could improve survival. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: In the last decade, the practice of intubation in the intensive care unit (ICU) has evolved. To further examine the current intubation practice in the ICU, we administered a survey to critical care physicians. Design: Cross-sectional survey study design. Setting: Thirty-two academic/nonacademic centers nationally and internationally. Measurements and Main Results: The survey was developed among a core group of physicians with the assistance of the Survey Research Center at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota. The survey was pilot tested for functionality and reliability. The response rate was 82 (51%) of 160 among the 32 centers. Although propofol was the induction drug of choice, there was a significant difference with actual ketamine use and those who indicated a preference for it (ketamine: 52% vs 61%; P < .001). The most common airway device used for intubation was direct laryngoscopy (Miller laryngoscope blade) at 56 (68%) followed by video laryngoscopy at 26 (32%). Most (>90%) indicated that they have a difficult airway cart, but only 55 (67%) indicated they have a documented plan to handle a difficult airway with even lower results for documented review of adverse events (49%). Conclusion: Although propofol was the induction drug of choice, ketamine was a medication that many preferred to use, possibly relating to the fact that the most common complication postintubation is hypotension. Direct laryngoscopy remains the primary airway device for endotracheal intubation. Finally, although the majority stated they had a difficult airway cart available, most did not have a documented plan in place when encountering a difficult airway or a documented process to review adverse events surrounding intubation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/aims: To evaluate and compare the performance of ocular ultrasonography (US) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for detecting increased intracranial pressure (ICP) in patients with idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH). Methods: Twenty-two patients with papilledema from IIH and 22 with pseudopapilledema were prospectively recruited based on funduscopic and clinical findings. Measurements of optic nerve sheath diameters (ONSDs) 3 mm behind the inner sclera were performed on B-scan US and axial T2-weighted MRI examinations. Pituitary-to-sella height ratio (pit/sella) was also calculated from sagittal T1-weighted MRI images. Lumbar puncture was performed in all patients with IIH and in five patients with pseudopapilledema. results: Average US and MRI ONSD were 4.4 (SD ± 0.7) and 5.2 ± 1.4 mm for the pseudopapilledema group and 5.2 ± 0.6 and 7.2 ± 1.6 mm for the papilledema group (p < 0.001). Average MRI pit/sella ratio was 0.7 ± 0.3 for the pseudopapilledema group and 0.3 ± 0.2 for the papilledema group (p < 0.001). Based on receiver-operator curve analysis, the optimal thresholds for detecting papilledema are US ONSD > 4.8 mm, MRI ONSD > 6.0 mm, and MRI pit/sella < 0.5. Combining a dilated US ONSD or MRI ONSD with a below-threshold MRI pit/sella ratio yielded a sensitivity of 73% and specificity of 96% for detecting IIH. Adding the US ONSD to the MRI ONSD and pit/sella ratio only increased the sensitivity by 5% and did not change specificity. conclusion: US and MRI provide measurements of ONSD that are well-correlated and sensitive markers for increased ICP. The combination of the ONSD and the pit/sella ratio can increase specificity for the diagnosis of IIH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the ever-increasing adoption of shift models for intensive care unit (ICU) staffing, improving shift-to-shift handoffs represents an important step in reducing medical errors. The authors developed an electronic handoff tool integrated within the existing electronic medical record to improve handoffs in an adult ICU. First, stakeholder (staff intensivists, fellows, and nurse practitioners/physician assistants) input was sought to define what elements they perceived as being essential to a quality handoff. The principal outcome measure of handoff accuracy was the concordance between data transmitted by the outgoing team and data received by the incoming team (termed as agreement). Based on stakeholder input, the authors developed the handoff tool and provided regular education on its use. Handoffs were observed before and after implementation of the tool. There was an increase in the level of agreement for tasks and other important data points handed off without an increase in the time required to complete the handoff. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Evidence is lacking for what defines post-intubation hypotension in the intensive care unit (ICU). If a valid definition could be used, the potential exists to evaluate possible risk factors and thereby improve postintubation. Thus, our objectives were to arrive at the best surrogate for post-intubation hypotension that accurately predicts both in-hospital and 90-day mortality in a population of ICU patients and to report mortality rates between the exposed and unexposed cohorts. Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of emergent endotracheal intubations in a medical-surgical ICU from January 1, 2010 to December 31, 2011 to evaluate surrogates for post-intubation hypotension that would predict in-hospital and 90-day mortality followed by an analysis of exposed versus unexposed using our best surrogate. Patients were ≥18 years of age, underwent emergent intubation during their first ICU admission, and did not meet any of the surrogates 60 min pre-intubation. Results: The six surrogates evaluated 60 min post-intubation were those with any systolic blood pressures ≤90 mmHg, any mean arterial pressures ≤65 mmHg, reduction in median systolic blood pressures of ≥20 %, any vasopressor administration, any non-sinus rhythm and, fluid administration of ≥30 ml/kg. A total of 147 patients were included. Of the six surrogates, only the administration of any vasopressor 60 min post-intubation remained significant for mortality. Twenty-nine patients were then labeled as hemodynamically unstable and compared to the 118 patients labeled as hemodynamically stable. After adjusting for confounders, the hemodynamically unstable group had a significantly higher in-hospital and 90-day mortality [OR (95 % CI); 3.84 (1.31-11.57) (p value = 0.01) and 2.37 (1.18-4.61) (p-value = 0.02)]. Conclusions: Emergently intubated patients manifesting hemodynamic instability after but not before intubation, as measured by vasoactive administration 60 min post-intubation, have a higher association with in-hospital and 90-day mortality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Endotracheal intubation (ETI) is commonly performed as a life-saving procedure in the intensive care unit (ICU). It is often associated with significant hemodynamic perturbations and can severely impact the outcome of ICU patients. Etomidate is often chosen by many critical care providers for the patients who are hypotensive because of its superior hemodynamic profile compared to other induction medications. However, recent evidence has raised concerns about the increased incidence of adrenal insufficiency and mortality associated with etomidate use. A combination of ketamine and propofol (known as ketofol) has been studied in various settings as an alternative induction agent. In recent years, studies have shown that this combination may provide adequate sedation while maintaining hemodynamic stability, based on the balancing of the hemodynamic effects of these two individual agents. We hypothesized that ketofol may offer a valuable alternative to etomidate in critically ill patients with or without hemodynamic instability. Methods/design: A randomized controlled parallel-group clinical trial of adult critically ill patients admitted to either a medical or surgical ICU at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN will be conducted. As part of planned emergency research, informed consent will be waived after appropriate community consultation and notification. Patients undergoing urgent or emergent ETI will receive either etomidate or a 1:1 admixture of ketamine and propofol (ketofol). The primary outcome will be hemodynamic instability during the first 15 minutes following drug administration. Secondary outcomes will include ICU length of stay, mortality, adrenal function, ventilator-free days and vasoactive medication use, among others. The planned sample size is 160 total patients. Discussion: The overall goal of this trial is to assess the hemodynamic consequences of a ketamine-propofol combination used in critically ill patients undergoing urgent or emergent ETI compared to etomidate, a medication with an established hemodynamic profile. The trial will address a crucial gap in the literature regarding the optimal induction agent for ETI in patients that may have potential or established hemodynamic instability. Greater experience with planned emergency research will, hopefully, pave the way for future prospective randomized clinical trials in the critically ill population. Trial registration: Clinicaltrials.gov: NCT02105415. 31 March 2014. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background U.S. federal regulations require that certain ethical elements be followed to protect human research subjects. The location and clinical circumstances of a proposed research study can differ substantially and can have significant implications for these ethical considerations. Both the location and clinical circumstances are particularly relevant for research in intensive care units (ICUs), where patients are often unable to provide informed consent to participate in a proposed research intervention. Purpose Our goal is to elaborate on the updated 2013 U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) guidance document regarding an exemption from the requirement of obtaining informed consent from patients or their surrogates and to address certain elements within that document, thereby assisting clinicians in developing a framework for emergency research in accordance with the regulatory bodies at their own institutions and in the United States. Methods Review of the 2011 and updated FDA guidance document on exemption from informed consent. Results The current process of obtaining informed consent within ICUs needs to be revisited, especially for research in which timely informed consent is not likely. In particular, the process of obtaining informed consent may not be appropriate or even ethical for critically ill patients in extremis who require an intervention for which there is no current acceptable standard of care and clinical equipoise exists. We provide clinicians with a viewpoint that further elaborates on the FDA guidance document. Limitations The viewpoints provided herein are those of the authors and are therefore inherently limited by the personal views of a selected few. Other clinicians or researchers may not interpret the FDA guidelines in a similar manner. Moreover, the discussion of a guideline document is a limitation in and of itself. The guidelines set forth by the FDA are precisely that--guidelines. Therefore, they may not be followed as outlined in the guidance document within one's own institution. Our goal is that, by elaborating on the guidelines for planned research involving human subjects in the ICU, institutional regulatory bodies may gain a better understanding in drafting their own document when faced with a clinician or a researcher who wishes to conduct planned research in an ICU. Conclusions We believe that the interpretations provided will allow clinicians to safely undertake planned research in ICUs without endangering the main tenets of ethical research involving human participants. This research is needed for the advancement of care in the critically ill. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The development and validation of automated electronic medical record (EMR) search strategies are important for establishing the timing of mechanical ventilation initiation in the intensive care unit (ICU). Thus, we sought to develop and validate an automated EMR search algorithm (strategy) for time zero, the moment of mechanical ventilation initiation in the critically ill patient. Methods The EMR search algorithm was developed on the basis of several mechanical ventilation parameters, with the final parameter being positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP), and was applied to a comprehensive institutional EMR database. The search algorithm was derived from a secondary retrospective analysis of a subset of 450 patients from a cohort of 2,684 patients admitted to a medical ICU and a surgical ICU from January 1, 2010, through December 31, 2011. It was then validated in an independent subset of 450 patients from the same period. The overall percent of agreement between our search algorithm and a comprehensive manual medical record review in the derivation and validation subsets, using peak inspiratory pressure (PIP) as the reference standard, was compared to assess timing of mechanical ventilation initiation. Results In the derivation subset, the automated electronic search strategy achieved an 87% (κ = 0.87) perfect agreement, with 94% agreement to within one minute. In validating this search algorithm, perfect agreement was found in 92% (κ = 0.92) of patients, with 99% agreement occurring within one minute. Conclusions The use of an electronic search strategy resulted in highly accurate extraction of mechanical ventilation initiation in the ICU. The search algorithm of mechanical ventilation initiation is highly efficient and reliable and can facilitate both clinical research and patient care management in a timely manner. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Study Objective: Determine if perioperative hypotension, a modifiable risk factor, is associated with increased postoperative healthcare resource utilization (HRU).Design: Retrospective cohort study.Setting: Multicenter using the Optum® electronic health record database.Patients: Patients discharged to the ward after non-cardiac, non-obstetric surgeries between January 1, 2008 and December 31, 2017 with six months of data, before and after the surgical visit.Interventions/exposure: Perioperative hypotension, a binary variable (presence/absence) at an absolute MAP of ≤65-mmHg, measured during surgery and within 48-h after, to dichotomize patients with greater versus lesser hypotensive exposures.Measurements: Short-term HRU defined by postoperative length-of-stay (LOS), discharge to a care facility, and 30-day readmission following surgery discharge. Mid-term HRU (within 6 months post-discharge) quantified via number of outpatient and emergency department (ED) visits, and readmission LOS.Main Results: 42,800 distinct patients met study criteria and 37.5% experienced perioperative hypotension. After adjusting for study covariates including patient demographics and comorbidities, patients with perioperative hypotension had: longer LOS (4.01 vs. 3.83 days; LOS ratio, 1.05; 95% CI, 1.04-1.06), higher odds of discharge to a care facility (OR, 1.18; 95% CI, 1.12-1.24; observed rate 22.1% vs. 18.1%) and of 30-day readmission (OR, 1.22; 95% CI, 1.11-1.33; observed rate 6.2% vs. 5.0%) as compared to the non-hypotensive population (all outcomes, p < 0.001). During 6-month follow-up, patients with perioperative hypotension showed significantly greater HRU regarding number of ED visits (0.34 vs. 0.31 visits; visit ratio, 1.10; 95% CI, 1.05-1.15) and readmission LOS (1.06 vs. 0.92 days; LOS ratio, 1.15; 95% CI, 1.07-1.24) but not outpatient visits (10.47 vs. 10.82; visit ratio, 0.97; 95% CI, 0.95-0.99) compared to those without hypotension. There was no difference in HRU during the 6-month period before qualifying surgery.Conclusions: We report a significant association of perioperative hypotension with an increase in HRU, including additional LOS and readmissions, both important contributors to overall medical costs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The discovery and utilization of volatile anesthetics has significantly transformed surgical practices since their inception in the mid-19th century. Recently, a paradigm shift is observed as volatile anesthetics extend beyond traditional confines of the operating theatres, finding diverse applications in intensive care settings. In the dynamic landscape of intensive care, volatile anesthetics emerge as a promising avenue for addressing complex sedation requirements, managing refractory lung pathologies including acute respiratory distress syndrome and status asthmaticus, conditions of high sedative requirements including burns, high opioid or alcohol use and neurological conditions such as status epilepticus. Volatile anesthetics can be administered through either inhaled route via anesthetic machines/devices or through extracorporeal membrane oxygenation circuitry, providing intensivists with multiple options to tailor therapy. Furthermore, their unique pharmacokinetic profiles render them titratable and empower clinicians to individualize management with heightened accuracy, mitigating risks associated with conventional sedation modalities. Despite the amounting enthusiasm for the use of these therapies, barriers to widespread utilization include expanding equipment availability, staff familiarity and training of safe use. This article delves into the realm of applying inhaled volatile anesthetics in the intensive care unit through discussing their pharmacology, administration considerations in intensive care settings, complication considerations, and listing indications and evidence of the use of volatile anesthetics in the critically ill patient population., Competing Interests: Conflict-of-interest statement: All authors declare no conflicts of interest., (©The Author(s) 2024. Published by Baishideng Publishing Group Inc. All rights reserved.)

Introduction: High-dose catecholamines can impair hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction and increase shunt fraction. We aimed to determine if Angiotensin II (Ang-2) is associated with improved PaO 2 /FiO 2 and SpO 2 /FiO 2 in patients in shock., Methods: Adult patients at four tertiary care centers and one community hospital in the United States who received Ang-2 from July 2018-September 2020 were included in this retrospective, observational cohort study. PaO 2 , SpO 2 , and FiO 2 were measured at 13 timepoints during the 48-h before and after Ang-2 initiation. Piecewise linear mixed models of PaO 2 /FiO 2 and SpO 2 /FiO 2 were created to evaluate hourly changes in oxygenation after Ang-2 initiation. The difference in the proportion of patients with PaO 2 /FiO 2  ≤ 300 mm Hg at the time of Ang-2 initiation and 48 h after was also examined., Results: The study included 254 patients. In the 48 h prior to Ang-2 initiation, oxygenation was significantly declining (hourly PaO 2 /FiO 2 change -4.7 mm Hg/hr, 95% CI - 6.0 to -3.5, p  < .001; hourly SpO 2 /FiO 2 change -3.1/hr, 95% CI-3.7 to -2.4, p  < .001). Ang-2 treatment was associated with significant improvements in PaO 2 /FiO 2 and SpO 2 /FiO 2 in the 48-h after initiation (hourly PaO 2 /FiO 2 change +1.5 mm Hg/hr, 95% CI 0.5-2.5, p   =  .003; hourly SpO 2 /FiO 2 change +0.9/hr, 95% CI 0.5-1.2, p  < .001). The difference in the hourly change in oxygenation before and after Ang-2 initiation was also significant ( p interaction  < 0.001 for both PaO 2 /FiO 2 and SpO 2 /FiO 2 ). This improvement was associated with significantly fewer patients having a PaO 2 /FiO 2  ≤ 300 mm Hg at 48 h compared to baseline (mean difference -14.9%, 95% CI -25.3% to -4.6%, p   =  .011). Subgroup analysis found that patients with either a baseline PaO 2 /FiO 2  ≤ 300 mm Hg or a norepinephrine-equivalent dose requirement >0.2 µg/kg/min had the greatest associations with oxygenation improvement., Conclusions: Ang-2 is associated with improved PaO 2 /FiO 2 and SpO 2 /FiO 2 . The mechanisms for this improvement are not entirely clear but may be due to catecholamine-sparing effect or may also be related to improved ventilation-perfusion matching, intrapulmonary shunt, or oxygen delivery.

Background: Dexmedetomidine is a centrally acting alpha-2A adrenergic agonist that is commonly used as a sedative and anxiolytic in the intensive care unit (ICU), with prolonged use increasing risk of withdrawal symptoms upon sudden discontinuation. As clonidine is an enterally available alpha-2A adrenergic agonist, it may be a suitable agent to taper off dexmedetomidine and reduce withdrawal syndromes. The appropriate dosing and conversion strategies for using enteral clonidine in this context are not known. The objective of this systematic review is to summarize the evidence of enteral clonidine application during dexmedetomidine weaning for prevention of withdrawal symptoms., Aim: To systematically review the practice, dosing schema, and outcomes of enteral clonidine use during dexmedetomidine weaning in critically ill adults., Methods: This was a systematic review of enteral clonidine used during dexmedetomidine weaning in critically ill adults (≥ 18 years). Randomized controlled trials, prospective cohorts, and retrospective cohorts evaluating the use of clonidine to wean patients from dexmedetomidine in the critically ill were included. The primary outcomes of interest were dosing and titration schema of enteral clonidine and dexmedetomidine and risk factors for dexmedetomidine withdrawal. Other secondary outcomes included prevalence of adverse events associated with enteral clonidine use, re-initiation of dexmedetomidine, duration of mechanical ventilation, and ICU length of stay., Results: A total of 3427 studies were screened for inclusion with three meeting inclusion criteria with a total of 88 patients. All three studies were observational, two being prospective and one retrospective. In all included studies, the choice to start enteral clonidine to wean off dexmedetomidine was made at the discretion of the physician. Weaning time ranged from 13 to 167 h on average. Enteral clonidine was started in the prospective studies in a similar protocolized method, with 0.3 mg every 6 h. After starting clonidine, patients remained on dexmedetomidine for a median of 1-28 h. Following the termination of dexmedetomidine, two trials tapered enteral clonidine by increasing the interval every 24 h from 6 h to 8h, 12h, and 24 h, followed by clonidine discontinuation. For indicators of enteral clonidine withdrawal, the previously tolerable dosage was reinstated for several days before resuming the taper on the same protocol. The adverse events associated with enteral clonidine use were higher than patients on dexmedetomidine taper alone with increased agitation. The re-initiation of dexmedetomidine was not documented in any study. Only 17 (37%) patients were mechanically ventilated with median duration of 3.5 d for 13 patients in one of the 2 studies. ICU lengths of stay were similar., Conclusion: Enteral clonidine is a strategy to wean critically ill patients from dexmedetomidine. There is an association of increased withdrawal symptoms and agitation with the use of a clonidine taper., Competing Interests: Conflict-of-interest statement: All authors declare no conflicts of interest., (©The Author(s) 2023. Published by Baishideng Publishing Group Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objective: To derive and validate a multivariate risk score for the prediction of respiratory failure after extubation., Patients and Methods: We performed a retrospective cohort study of adult patients admitted to the intensive care unit from January 1, 2006, to December 31, 2015, who received mechanical ventilation for ≥48 h. Extubation failure was defined as the need for reintubation within 72 h after extubation. Multivariate logistic regression model coefficient estimates generated the R e- I ntubation S ummation C alculation (RISC) score., Results: The 6,161 included patients were randomly divided into 2 sets: derivation ( n = 3,080) and validation ( n = 3,081). Predictors of extubation failure in the derivation set included body mass index <18.5 kg/m 2 [odds ratio (OR), 1.91; 95% CI, 1.12-3.26; P = 0.02], threshold of Glasgow Coma Scale of at least 10 (OR, 1.68; 95% CI, 1.31-2.16; P < 0.001), mean airway pressure at 1 min of spontaneous breathing trial <10 cmH 2 O (OR, 2.11; 95% CI, 1.68-2.66; P < 0.001), fluid balance ≥1,500 mL 24 h preceding extubation (OR, 2.36; 95% CI, 1.87-2.96; P < 0.001), and total mechanical ventilation days ≥5 (OR, 3.94; 95% CI 3.04-5.11; P < 0.001). The C-index for the derivation and validation sets were 0.72 (95% CI, 0.70-0.75) and 0.72 (95% CI, 0.69-0.75). Multivariate logistic regression demonstrated that an increase of 1 in RISC score increased odds of extubation failure 1.6-fold (OR, 1.58; 95% CI, 1.47-1.69; P < 0.001)., Conclusion: RISC predicts extubation failure in mechanically ventilated patients in the intensive care unit using several clinically relevant variables available in the electronic medical record but requires a larger validation cohort before widespread clinical implementation., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2022 Bansal, Smischney, Kashyap, Li, Marquez, Diedrich, Siegel, Sen, Tomlinson, Venegas-Borsellino and Freeman.)

Acute exacerbations of interstitial lung disease (AE-ILD) represent an acute, frequent and often highly morbid event in the disease course of ILD patients. Admission in the intensive care unit (ICU) is very common and the need for mechanical ventilation arises early. While non-invasive ventilation has shown promise in staving off intubation in selected patients, it is unclear whether mechanical ventilation can alter the exacerbation course unless it is a bridge to lung transplantation. Risk stratification using clinical and radiographic findings, and early palliative care involvement, are important in ICU care. In this review, we discuss many of the pathophysiological aspects of AE-ILD and raise the hypothesis that ventilation strategies used in acute respiratory distress syndrome might be implemented in AE-ILD. We present possible decision-making and management algorithms that can be used by the intensivist when caring for these patients., Competing Interests: Conflict-of-interest statement: There is no conflict of interest associated with any of the senior author or other coauthors contributed their efforts in this manuscript., (©The Author(s) 2022. Published by Baishideng Publishing Group Inc. All rights reserved.)

Endotracheal intubation is one of the most common, yet most dangerous procedure performed in the intensive care unit (ICU). Complications of ICU intubations include severe hypotension, hypoxemia, and cardiac arrest. Multiple observational studies have evaluated risk factors associated with these complications. Among the risk factors identified, the choice of sedative agents administered, a modifiable risk factor, has been reported to affect these complications (hypotension). Propofol, etomidate, and ketamine or in combination with benzodiazepines and opioids are commonly used sedative agents administered for endotracheal intubation. Propofol demonstrates rapid onset and offset, however, has drawbacks of profound vasodilation and associated cardiac depression. Etomidate is commonly used in the critically ill population. However, it is known to cause reversible inhibition of 11 β-hydroxylase which suppresses the adrenal production of cortisol for at least 24 h. This added organ impairment with the use of etomidate has been a potential contributing factor for the associated increased morbidity and mortality observed with its use. Ketamine is known to provide analgesia with sedation and has minimal respiratory and cardiovascular effects. However, its use can lead to tachycardia and hypertension which may be deleterious in a patient with heart disease or cause unpleasant hallucinations. Moreover, unlike propofol or etomidate, ketamine requires organ dependent elimination by the liver and kidney which may be problematic in the critically ill. Lately, a combination of ketamine and propofol, "Ketofol", has been increasingly used as it provides a balancing effect on hemodynamics without any of the side effects known to be associated with the parent drugs. Furthermore, the doses of both drugs are reduced. In situations where a difficult airway is anticipated, awake intubation with the help of a fiberoptic scope or video laryngoscope is considered. Dexmedetomidine is a commonly used sedative agent for these procedures., Competing Interests: Conflict-of-interest statement: Nathan Smischney has a patent application titled Ketamine and Propofol Admixture: #16/606,056, pending., (©The Author(s) 2022. Published by Baishideng Publishing Group Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Vasoplegic shock is a challenging complication of cardiac surgery and is often resistant to conventional therapies for shock. Norepinephrine and epinephrine are standards of care for vasoplegic shock, but vasopressin has increasingly been used as a primary pressor in vasoplegic shock because of its unique pharmacology and lack of inotropic activity. It remains unclear whether vasopressin has distinct benefits over standard of care for patients with vasoplegic shock., Aim: To summarize the available literature evaluating vasopressin vs non-vasopressin alternatives on the clinical and patient-centered outcomes of vasoplegic shock in adult intensive care unit (ICU) patients., Methods: This was a systematic review of vasopressin in adults (≥ 18 years) with vasoplegic shock after cardiac surgery. Randomized controlled trials, prospective cohorts, and retrospective cohorts comparing vasopressin to norepinephrine, epinephrine, methylene blue, hydroxocobalamin, or other pressors were included. The primary outcomes of interest were 30-d mortality, atrial/ventricular arrhythmias, stroke, ICU length of stay, duration of vasopressor therapy, incidence of acute kidney injury stage II-III, and mechanical ventilation for greater than 48 h., Results: A total of 1161 studies were screened for inclusion with 3 meeting inclusion criteria with a total of 708 patients. Two studies were randomized controlled trials and one was a retrospective cohort study. Primary outcomes of 30-d mortality, stroke, ventricular arrhythmias, and duration of mechanical ventilation were similar between groups. Conflicting results were observed for acute kidney injury stage II-III, atrial arrhythmias, duration of vasopressors, and ICU length of stay with higher certainty of evidence in favor of vasopressin serving a protective role for these outcomes., Conclusion: Vasopressin was not found to be superior to alternative pressor therapy for any of the included outcomes. Results are limited by mixed methodologies, small overall sample size, and heterogenous populations., Competing Interests: Conflict-of-interest statement: The authors have nothing to disclose., (©The Author(s) 2020. Published by Baishideng Publishing Group Inc. All rights reserved.)

BACKGROUND Serotonin syndrome is a life-threatening condition that can lead to neurologic complications and is associated with the use of serotonergic medications. As the use of antidepressant medications has increased, the incidence of perioperative serotonin syndrome has transitioned from a rare diagnosis to one that should be considered as a differential diagnosis for any patient displaying signs of neuroexcitation. CASE REPORT A 70-year-old man (ASA 2) with a history of vestibular migraines (treated with venlafaxine), gastroesophageal reflux disease, and benign prostatic hyperplasia presented to our institution for photoselective vaporization of the prostate. Upon review of prior anesthetic records, his medical chart was found to list a propofol allergy. In discussion with the patient, he stated the reaction was rigidity. The anesthesiologist and patient agreed this was not an allergy. Thus, the patient was induced with propofol and given ketamine and fentanyl boluses throughout the procedure. During emergence, the patient exhibited myoclonic jerks in the upper and lower extremities. He was given intravenous meperidine for postoperative shivering; minutes after administration, the myoclonic jerks and rigidity worsened. The anesthesia team raised concern about serotonin syndrome. Intravenous midazolam improved the patient's myoclonic jerks and rigidity. CONCLUSIONS Patients with a history of rigidity/movement disorders during the perioperative period may have experienced serotonin toxicity. It is possible, as in our case, for this history to have been labelled as an allergy to a perioperative medication. Clinicians should remain vigilant for patients at risk of developing serotonin syndrome, such as those taking outpatient medications that increase neuronal serotonin.

Background: Emergent use research-research involving human subjects that have a life-threatening medical condition and who are unlikely to provide informed consent-in critical illness is fraught with challenges related to obtaining informed consent. Per federal regulations, to meet criteria to conduct such trials, the investigators have to seek community consultations. Effective ways of obtaining this consultation remains ill-defined., Objective: We sought to describe methods, interpretations, and our experiences of conducting community consultation in a planned emergent use randomized controlled trial., Methods: As part of a planned emergent use clinical trial in our study, community consultation consisted of four focus groups sessions with members from the community in which the clinical trial was conducted. Three focus group sessions were conducted with members who had an affiliation to Mayo Clinic, and the other focus group session was conducted with non-Mayo affiliation members. The feedback from the focus group sessions led to the creation of the public notification plan. The public was notified of the trial through community meetings as well as social media., Results: As compared to community meetings, focus group sessions resulted in greater attendance with more interactive discussions. Moreover, focus group sessions resulted in greater in-depth conversations leading to institutional acceptance of the clinical trial under study., Conclusions: Exception from informed consent can be acceptable to the community. Focus groups provided better participation and valuable interactive insight as compared to community meetings in our study. This could serve as a valuable guide for investigators pursuing exception from informed consent in their research studies., (©Nathan J Smischney, Jasleen Pannu, Richard F Hinds, Jennifer B McCormick. Originally published in JMIR Research Protocols (http://www.researchprotocols.org), 02.05.2018.)

Background: Arterial desaturations experienced during endotracheal intubation (ETI) may lead to poor outcomes. Thus, our primary aim was to identify predictors of arterial desaturation (pulse oximetry <90%) during the peri-intubation period and to assess outcomes of those who developed arterial hypoxemia., Methods: Adult patients admitted to a medical and/or surgical intensive care unit (ICU) over the time period of January 1st 2013 through December 31st 2014 who required ETI were included. Only the first intubation was captured. Arterial desaturation was defined as pulse oximetry readings of <90% (hypoxemia) in the immediate peri-intubation period. Patients were then grouped in cases (those who developed desaturation) and controls (those who did not develop this complication)., Results: The final cohort included 420 patients. Arterial desaturations occurred in 74 (18%) patients. When adjusting for significant predictors on univariate analysis and known predictors of a difficult airway, only acute respiratory failure (OR 2.38; 95% CI: 1.15-4.93; P=0.02) and provider training level (OR 7.12; 95% CI: 1.65-30.67; P=0.016) remained significant. Higher pulse oximetry readings prior to intubation was found to be protective on multivariate analysis (OR 0.92; 95% CI: 0.89-0.96; P<0.01; per one percent increase)., Conclusions: Patients who were intubated for acute respiratory failure and those who were intubated by junior level trainees had increased odds of experiencing arterial desaturation in the peri-intubation period. Patients experiencing arterial desaturation had lower pulse oximetry readings prior to intubation suggesting a possible delay at intubation., Competing Interests: Conflicts of Interest: The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare.

Severe sepsis and septic shock are major causes of morbidity and mortality in patients entering the emergency department (ED) or intensive care unit (ICU). Despite substantial efforts to improve patient outcome, treatment of sepsis remains challenging to clinicians. In this context, early goal directed therapy (EGDT) represents an important concept emphasizing both early recognition of sepsis and prompt initiation of a structured treatment algorithm. As part of the AME evidence series on sepsis, we conducted a systematic review of all randomized controlled EGDT trials. Focus was laid on the setting (emergency department versus ICU) where EGDT was carried out. Early recognition of sepsis, through clinical or automated systems for early alert, together with well-timed initiation of the recommended therapy bundles may improve patients' outcome. However, the original "EGDT" protocol by Rivers and coworkers has been largely modified in subsequent trials. Currently, many investigators opt for an "expanded" EGDT (as suggested by the Surviving Sepsis Campaign). Evidence is also presented on the effectiveness of automated systems for early sepsis alert. Early recognition of sepsis and well-timed initiation of the SSC bundle may improve patient outcome., Competing Interests: Conflicts of Interest: The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare.

Objective: To describe the practice of intubation of the critically ill at a single academic institution, Mayo Clinic's campus in Rochester, Minnesota, and to report the incidence of immediate postintubation complications., Patients and Methods: Critically ill adult (≥18 years) patients admitted to a medical-surgical intensive care unit from January 1, 2013, to December 31, 2014, who required endotracheal intubation included., Results: The final cohort included 420 patients. The mean age at intubation was 62.9 ± 16.3 years, with 58% (244) of the cohort as male. The most common reason for intubation was respiratory failure (282 [67%]). The most common airway device used was video laryngoscopy (204 [49%]). Paralysis was used in 264 (63%) patients, with ketamine as the most common sedative (194 [46%]). The most common complication was hypotension (170 [41%]; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 35.7-45.3) followed by hypoxemia (74 [17.6%]; 95% CI: 14.1-21.6), with difficult intubation occurring in 20 (5%; 95% CI: 2.9-7.3)., Conclusion: We found a high success rate of first-pass intubation in critically ill patients (89.8%), despite the procedure being done primarily by trainees 92.6% of the time; video was the preferred method of laryngoscopy (48.6%). Although our difficult intubation (4.8%) and complication rates typically associated with the act of intubation such as aspiration (1.2%; 95% CI: 0.4-2.8) and esophageal intubation (0.2%; 95% CI: 0.01-1.3) are very low compared to other published rates (8.09%), postintubation hypotension (40.5%) and hypoxemia (17.6%) higher.