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Abstract Background Standard high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) is a respiratory support device widely used to manage post-extubation hypoxemic acute respiratory failure (hARF) due to greater comfort, oxygenation, alveolar recruitment, humidification, and reduction of dead space, as compared to conventional oxygen therapy. On the contrary, the effects of the new asymmetrical HFNC interface (Optiflow® Duet system (Fisher & Paykel, Healthcare, Auckland, New Zealand) is still under discussion. Our aim is investigating whether the use of asymmetrical HFNC interface presents any relevant difference, compared with the standard configuration, on lung aeration (as assessed by end-expiratory lung impedance (EELI) measured by electrical impedance tomography (EIT)), diaphragm ultrasound thickening fraction (TFdi) and excursion (DE), ventilatory efficiency (estimated by corrected minute ventilation (MV)), gas exchange, dyspnea, and comfort. Methods Pilot physiological crossover randomized controlled study enrolling 20 adults admitted to the Intensive Care unit, invasively ventilated for at least 24 h, and developing post-extubation hARF, i.e., PaO2/set FiO2

Abstract Background Yearly, a multitude of randomized controlled trials are published, overwhelming clinicians with conflicting information; this data saturation leads to confusion and hinders clinicians’ everyday decision-making. Hence, it is crucial to assess the quality and reliability of the evidence in order to consolidate it. Through this synthesis, clinicians can guarantee that their decisions are informed by solid evidence. Meta-analysis, a statistical technique, can effectively combine data from multiple studies to furnish accurate and dependable evidence for clinical practice and policy decisions. Nonetheless, the reliability of the obtained results depends on the use of high-quality evidence. Main body Risk of bias is an assessment mandatory while performing a meta-analysis and is used to have an overview of the quality of the studies from which data are extracted. Several tools have been developed and are used to perform the risk of bias assessment. In this statistical round, we will provide an overview of the most used tools for both the randomized (Cochrane Risk of Bias 2 and Jadad) and the nonrandomized (Risk Of Bias In Non-randomized Studies and Newcastle–Ottawa Scale) clinical trials. Conclusion We provided an overview of the most used risk of bias tools used in meta-analysis.

Background The effect of noninvasive respiratory support (NRS), including high-flow nasal oxygen, bi-level positive airway pressure and continuous positive airway pressure (noninvasive ventilation (NIV)), for preventing and treating post-extubation respiratory failure is still unclear. Our objective was to assess the effects of NRS on post-extubation respiratory failure, defined as re-intubation secondary to post-extubation respiratory failure (primary outcome). Secondary outcomes included the incidence of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP), discomfort, intensive care unit (ICU) and hospital mortality, ICU and hospital length of stay (LOS), and time to re-intubation. Subgroup analyses considered “prophylactic” versus “therapeutic” NRS application and subpopulations (high-risk, low-risk, post-surgical and hypoxaemic patients). Methods We undertook a systematic review and network meta-analysis (Research Registry: reviewregistry1435). PubMed, Embase, CENTRAL, Scopus and Web of Science were searched (from inception until 22 June 2022). Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) investigating the use of NRS after extubation in ICU adult patients were included. Results 32 RCTs entered the quantitative analysis (5063 patients). Compared with conventional oxygen therapy, NRS overall reduced re-intubations and VAP (moderate certainty). NIV decreased hospital mortality (moderate certainty), and hospital and ICU LOS (low and very low certainty, respectively), and increased discomfort (moderate certainty). Prophylactic NRS did not prevent extubation failure in low-risk or hypoxaemic patients. Conclusion Prophylactic NRS may reduce the rate of post-extubation respiratory failure in ICU patients.

Background While laparoscopic surgical procedures have various advantages over traditional open techniques, artificial pneumoperitoneum is associated with severe bradycardia and cardiac arrest. Dexmedetomidine, an imidazole derivative that selectively binds to α2-receptors and has sedative and analgesic properties, can cause hypotension and bradycardia. Our primary aim was to assess the association between dexmedetomidine use and intraoperative bradycardia during laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Methods We performed a systematic review with a meta-analysis and trial sequential analysis using the following PICOS: adult patients undergoing endotracheal intubation for laparoscopic cholecystectomy (P); intravenous dexmedetomidine before tracheal intubation (I); no intervention or placebo administration (C); intraoperative bradycardia (primary outcome), intraoperative hypotension, hemodynamics at intubation (systolic blood pressure, mean arterial pressure, heart rate), dose needed for induction of anesthesia, total anesthesia requirements (both hypnotics and opioids) throughout the procedure, and percentage of patients requiring postoperative analgesics and experiencing postoperative nausea and vomiting and/or shivering (O); randomized controlled trials (S). Results Fifteen studies were included in the meta-analysis (980 patients). Compared to patients that did not receive dexmedetomidine, those who did had a higher risk of developing intraoperative bradycardia (RR: 2.81, 95% CI [1.34, 5.91]) and hypotension (1.66 [0.92, 2.98]); however, they required a lower dose of intraoperative anesthetics and had a lower incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting. In the trial sequential analysis for bradycardia, the cumulative z-score crossed the monitoring boundary for harm at the tenth trial. Conclusions Patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy who receive dexmedetomidine during tracheal intubation are more likely to develop intraoperative bradycardia and hypotension.

Chronic pain is a common, pervasive, and often disabling medical condition that affects millions of people worldwide. According to the Global Burden of Disease survey, painful chronic conditions are causing the largest numbers of years lived with disability worldwide. In America, more than one in five adults experiences chronic pain. Erector spinae plane block is a novel regional anesthesia technique used to provide analgesia with multiple possible uses and a relatively low learning curve and complication rate. Here, we review the erector spinae plane block rationale, mechanism of action and possible complications, and discuss its potential use for chronic pain with possible future directions for research

Abstract Background Central venous catheter (CVC) placement is a routine procedure but is potentially associated with severe complications. Relatively small studies investigated if the use of ultrasound is effective in bridging the skill gap between proficient and not proficient operators, while patient safety during training remains a controversial topic. The first aim of this study was to evaluate if resident proficiency affects the failure rate in CVC positioning under ultrasound guidance. In addition, it aimed to investigate the different rate of complications between proficient and non proficient residents. Methods We conducted a cohort study including CVC placed by residents at the University Hospital of Padova, from November 1, 2012 to July 9, 2020 comparing proficient and non proficient residents. To avoid bias the two cohorts were matched using propensity score. Results A total of 356 residents positioned 2310 CVC during the 8 year study period. Among them, two groups of 1060 CVCs each were matched with a propensity score analysis. There was no difference in the failure rate among the groups (2.8 vs 2.7%, p-value 0.895). Moreover, cohorts had the same rate of hematomas, catheter tip malposition, arterial puncture and pneumothorax. No cases of hemothorax were reported. Conclusions We found the same rate of success and incidence of adverse complications among cohorts, meaning that the process of skill acquisition is safe as long as appropriate training and direct supervision by a senior consultant are available.

Abstract Background We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to assess the association of higher positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP), as opposed to lower PEEP, with hospital mortality in adult intensive care unit (ICU) patients undergoing invasive mechanical ventilation for reasons other than acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Methods We performed an electronic search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, Scopus, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, CINAHL, and Web of Science from inception until June 16, 2021 with no language restrictions. In addition, a research-in-progress database and grey literature were searched. Results We identified 22 RCTs (2225 patients) comparing higher PEEP (1007 patients) with lower PEEP (991 patients). No statistically significant association between higher PEEP and hospital mortality was observed (risk ratio 1.02, 95% confidence interval 0.89–1.16; I 2 = 0%, p = 0.62; low certainty of evidence). Among secondary outcomes, higher PEEP was associated with better oxygenation, higher respiratory system compliance, and lower risk of hypoxemia and ARDS occurrence. Furthermore, barotrauma, hypotension, duration of ventilation, lengths of stay, and ICU mortality were similar between the two groups. Conclusions In our meta-analysis of RCTs, higher PEEP, compared with lower PEEP, was not associated with mortality in patients without ARDS receiving invasive mechanical ventilation. Further large high-quality RCTs are required to confirm these findings.

After fluid status optimization, norepinephrine infusion represents the cornerstone of septic shock treatment. De-escalation of vasopressors should be considered with caution, as hypotension increases the risk of mortality. In this prospective observational study including 42 patients, we assess the role of dynamic elastance (EaDyn), i.e., the ratio between pulse pressure variation and stroke volume variation, which can be measured noninvasively by the MostCare monitoring system, to predict a mean arterial pressure (MAP) drop > 10% 30 min after norepinephrine reduction. Patients were divided into responders (MAP falling > 10%) and non-responders (MAP falling < 10%). The receiver-operating-characteristic curve identified an area under the curve of the EaDyn value to predict a MAP decrease > 10% of 0.84. An EaDyn cut-off of 0.84 predicted a MAP drop > 10% with a sensitivity of 0.71 and a specificity of 0.89. In a multivariate logistic regression, EaDyn was significantly and independently associated with MAP decrease (OR 0.001, 95% confidence interval 0.00001–0.081, p < 0.001). The nomogram model for the probability of MAP decrease > 10% showed a C-index of 0.90. In conclusion, in a septic shock cohort, EaDyn correlates well with the risk of decrease of MAP > 10% after norepinephrine reduction.

Veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (V-V ECMO) may be required to treat critically ill patients with COVID-19-associated severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). We report the case of a 43-year-old peripartum patient, who underwent two sequential V-V ECMO runs. The first extracorporeal support was established for COVID-19 ARDS, as characterized by severe hypoxemia and hypercapnia (arterial partial pressure of oxygen to inspired oxygen fraction ratio 85 mmHg and arterial partial pressure of carbon dioxide 95 mmHg) and reduction of respiratory system static compliance to 25 mL/cmH2O, unresponsive to mechanical ventilation and prone positioning. After 22 days of lung rest, V-V ECMO was successfully removed and ventilator weaning initiated. A second V-V ECMO was required 7 days later, because of newly onset ARDS due to Pseudomonas aeruginosa ventilator-associated pneumonia. The second V-V ECMO run lasted 12 days. During both V-V ECMO runs, anticoagulation and ventilator settings were titrated through bedside thromboelastometry and electrical impedance tomography, respectively, without major complications. The patient was successfully decannulated, weaned from mechanical ventilation, and finally discharged home without oxygen therapy. At one-month follow-up, she showed good general conditions and no sign of respiratory failure.

The erector spinae plane block (ESP) is a novel interfascial block described in 2016 by Forero. Although it has been used to provide analgesia for planned abdominal and thoracic surgery, it has never been used as a rescue technique for abdominal surgery. Pain control can be a challenge for anaesthesiologists in laparotomic surgery when epidural analgesia is contraindicated. We report two cases in which the ESP block has been successfully used as a rescue technique to provide pain relief after laparotomic surgery.

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via the original article.

Background: During COVID-19 pandemic, optimization of the diagnostic resources is essential. Lung Ultrasound (LUS) is a rapid, easy-to-perform, low cost tool which allows bedside investigation of patients with COVID-19 pneumonia. We aimed to investigate the typical ultrasound patterns of COVID-19 pneumonia and their evolution at different stages of the disease. Methods: We performed LUS in twenty-eight consecutive COVID-19 patients at both admission to and discharge from one of the Padua University Hospital Intensive Care Units (ICU). LUS was performed using a low frequency probe on six different areas per each hemithorax. A specific pattern for each area was assigned, depending on the prevalence of A-lines (A), non-coalescent B-lines (B1), coalescent B-lines (B2), consolidations (C). A LUS score (LUSS) was calculated after assigning to each area a defined pattern. Results: Out of 28 patients, 18 survived, were stabilized and then referred to other units. The prevalence of C pattern was 58.9% on admission and 61.3% at discharge. Type B2 (19.3%) and B1 (6.5%) patterns were found in 25.8% of the videos recorded on admission and 27.1% (17.3% B2; 9.8% B1) on discharge. The A pattern was prevalent in the anterosuperior regions and was present in 15.2% of videos on admission and 11.6% at discharge. The median LUSS on admission was 27.5 [21–32.25], while on discharge was 31 [17.5–32.75] and 30.5 [27–32.75] in respectively survived and non-survived patients. On admission the median LUSS was equally distributed on the right hemithorax (13; 10.75–16) and the left hemithorax (15; 10.75–17). Conclusions: LUS collected in COVID-19 patients with acute respiratory failure at ICU admission and discharge appears to be characterized by predominantly lateral and posterior non-translobar C pattern and B2 pattern. The calculated LUSS remained elevated at discharge without significant difference from admission in both groups of survived and non-survived patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]