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Background: Hypoxemia is common during tracheal intubation in intensive care units. To prevent hypoxemia during intubation, 2 methods of delivering oxygen between induction and laryngoscopy have been proposed: bag-mask ventilation and supplemental oxygen delivered by nasal cannula without ventilation (apneic oxygenation). Whether one of these approaches is more effective for preventing hypoxemia during intubation of critically ill patients is unknown. Methods: We performed a secondary analysis of data from 138 patients enrolled in 2, consecutive randomized trials of airway management in an academic intensive care unit. A total of 61 patients were randomized to receive bag-mask ventilation in a trial comparing bag-mask ventilation to none, and 77 patients were randomized to receive 100% oxygen at 15 L/min by nasal cannula in a trial comparing apneic oxygenation to none. Using multivariable linear regression accounting for age, body mass index, severity of illness, and oxygen saturation at induction, we compared patients assigned to bag-mask ventilation with those assigned to apneic oxygenation regarding lowest oxygen saturations from induction to 2 min after intubation. Results: Patients assigned to bag-mask ventilation and apneic oxygenation were similar at baseline. The median lowest oxygen saturation was 96% (interquartile range [IQR] 89%-100%) in the bag-mask ventilation group and 92% (IQR 84%-99%) in the apneic oxygenation group. After adjustment for prespecified confounders, bag-mask ventilation was associated with a higher lowest oxygen saturation compared to apneic oxygenation (mean difference, 4.2%; 95% confidence interval, 0.7%-7.8%; P = .02). The incidence of severe hypoxemia (oxygen saturation

Background Pain assessment in brain-injured patients in the intensive care unit (ICU) is challenging and existing scales may not be representative of behavioral reactions expressed by this specific group. This study aimed to validate the French-Canadian and English revised versions of the Critical-Care Pain Observation Tool (CPOT-Neuro) for brain-injured ICU patients. Methods A prospective cohort study was conducted in three Canadian and one American sites. Patients with a traumatic or a non-traumatic brain injury were assessed with the CPOT-Neuro by trained raters (i.e., research staff and ICU nurses) before, during, and after nociceptive procedures (i.e., turning and other) and non-nociceptive procedures (i.e., non-invasive blood pressure, soft touch). Patients who were conscious and delirium-free were asked to provide their self-report of pain intensity (0–10). A first data set was completed for all participants (n = 226), and a second data set (n = 87) was obtained when a change in the level of consciousness (LOC) was observed after study enrollment. Three LOC groups were included: (a) unconscious (Glasgow Coma Scale or GCS 4–8); (b) altered LOC (GCS 9–12); and (c) conscious (GCS 13–15). Results Higher CPOT-Neuro scores were found during nociceptive procedures compared to rest and non-nociceptive procedures in both data sets (p 0.40 and > 0.60, respectively). CPOT-Neuro cut-off scores ≥ 2 and ≥ 3 were found to adequately classify mild to severe self-reported pain ≥ 1 and moderate to severe self-reported pain ≥ 5, respectively. Interrater reliability of raters’ CPOT-Neuro scores was supported with intraclass correlation coefficients > 0.69. Conclusions The CPOT-Neuro was found to be valid in this multi-site sample of brain-injured ICU patients at various LOC. Implementation studies are necessary to evaluate the tool’s performance in clinical practice.

IntroductionAmong critically ill patients undergoing orotracheal intubation in the emergency department (ED) or intensive care unit (ICU), failure to visualise the vocal cords and intubate the trachea on the first attempt is associated with an increased risk of complications. Two types of laryngoscopes are commonly available: direct laryngoscopes and video laryngoscopes. For critically ill adults undergoing emergency tracheal intubation, it remains uncertain whether the use of a video laryngoscope increases the incidence of successful intubation on the first attempt compared with the use of a direct laryngoscope.Methods and analysisTheDirEct versusVIdeo LaryngosCopE(DEVICE) trial is a prospective, multicentre, non-blinded, randomised trial being conducted in 7 EDs and 10 ICUs in the USA. The trial plans to enrol up to 2000 critically ill adults undergoing orotracheal intubation with a laryngoscope. Eligible patients are randomised 1:1 to the use of a video laryngoscope or a direct laryngoscope for the first intubation attempt. The primary outcome is successful intubation on the first attempt. The secondary outcome is the incidence of severe complications between induction and 2 min after intubation, defined as the occurrence of one or more of the following: severe hypoxaemia (lowest oxygen saturation Ethics and disseminationThe trial protocol was approved with waiver of informed consent by the single institutional review board at Vanderbilt University Medical Center and the Human Research Protection Office of the Department of Defense. The results will be presented at scientific conferences and submitted for publication in a peer-reviewed journal.Trial registration numberClinicalTrials.gov Registry (NCT05239195).

IMPORTANCE: For critically ill adults undergoing emergency tracheal intubation, failure to intubate the trachea on the first attempt occurs in up to 20% of cases and is associated with severe hypoxemia and cardiac arrest. Whether using a tracheal tube introducer (“bougie”) increases the likelihood of successful intubation compared with using an endotracheal tube with stylet remains uncertain. OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of use of a bougie vs an endotracheal tube with stylet on successful intubation on the first attempt. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: The Bougie or Stylet in Patients Undergoing Intubation Emergently (BOUGIE) trial was a multicenter, randomized clinical trial among 1102 critically ill adults undergoing tracheal intubation in 7 emergency departments and 8 intensive care units in the US between April 29, 2019, and February 14, 2021; the date of final follow-up was March 14, 2021. INTERVENTIONS: Patients were randomly assigned to use of a bougie (n = 556) or use of an endotracheal tube with stylet (n = 546). MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: The primary outcome was successful intubation on the first attempt. The secondary outcome was the incidence of severe hypoxemia, defined as a peripheral oxygen saturation less than 80%. RESULTS: Among 1106 patients randomized, 1102 (99.6%) completed the trial and were included in the primary analysis (median age, 58 years; 41.0% women). Successful intubation on the first attempt occurred in 447 patients (80.4%) in the bougie group and 453 patients (83.0%) in the stylet group (absolute risk difference, −2.6 percentage points [95% CI, −7.3 to 2.2]; P = .27). A total of 58 patients (11.0%) in the bougie group experienced severe hypoxemia, compared with 46 patients (8.8%) in the stylet group (absolute risk difference, 2.2 percentage points [95% CI, −1.6 to 6.0]). Esophageal intubation occurred in 4 patients (0.7%) in the bougie group and 5 patients (0.9%) in the stylet group, pneumothorax was present after intubation in 14 patients (2.5%) in the bougie group and 15 patients (2.7%) in the stylet group, and injury to oral, glottic, or thoracic structures occurred in 0 patients in the bougie group and 3 patients (0.5%) in the stylet group. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Among critically ill adults undergoing tracheal intubation, use of a bougie did not significantly increase the incidence of successful intubation on the first attempt compared with use of an endotracheal tube with stylet. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03928925

Editor’s PerspectiveWhat We Already Know about This TopicWhat This Article Tells Us That Is NewBackgroundDifficult or failed intubation is a major contributor to morbidity for patients and liability for anesthesiologists. Updated difficult airway management guidelines and incorporation of new airway devices into practice may have affected patient outcomes. The authors therefore compared recent malpractice claims related to difficult tracheal intubation to older claims using the Anesthesia Closed Claims Project database.MethodsClaims with difficult tracheal intubation as the primary damaging event occurring in the years 2000 to 2012 (n = 102) were compared to difficult tracheal intubation claims from 1993 to 1999 (n = 93). Difficult intubation claims from 2000 to 2012 were evaluated for preoperative predictors and appropriateness of airway management.ResultsPatients in 2000 to 2012 difficult intubation claims were sicker (78% American Society of Anesthesiologists [ASA] Physical Status III to V; n = 78 of 102) and had more emergency procedures (37%; n = 37 of 102) compared to patients in 1993 to 1999 claims (47% ASA Physical Status III to V; n = 36 of 93; P < 0.001 and 22% emergency; n = 19 of 93; P = 0.025). More difficult tracheal intubation events occurred in nonperioperative locations in 2000 to 2012 than 1993 to 1999 (23%; n = 23 of 102 vs. 10%; n = 10 of 93; P = 0.035). Outcomes differed between time periods (P < 0.001), with a higher proportion of death in 2000 to 2012 claims (73%; n = 74 of 102 vs. 42%; n = 39 of 93 in 1993 to 1999 claims; P < 0.001 adjusted for multiple testing). In 2000 to 2012 claims, preoperative predictors of difficult tracheal intubation were present in 76% (78 of 102). In the 97 claims with sufficient information for assessment, inappropriate airway management occurred in 73% (71 of 97; κ = 0.44 to 0.66). A “can’t intubate, can’t oxygenate” emergency occurred in 80 claims with delayed surgical airway in more than one third (39%; n = 31 of 80).ConclusionsOutcomes remained poor in recent malpractice claims related to difficult tracheal intubation. Inadequate airway planning and judgment errors were contributors to patient harm. Our results emphasize the need to improve both practitioner skills and systems response when difficult or failed tracheal intubation is encountered.

Rationale: “Target trial emulation” has been proposed as an observational method to answer comparative effectiveness questions, but it has rarely been attempted concurrently with a randomized clinical trial (RCT). Objectives: We tested the hypothesis that blinded analysts applying target trial emulation to existing observational data could predict the results of an RCT. Methods: PreVent (Preventing Hypoxemia with Manual Ventilation during Endotracheal Intubation) was a multicenter RCT examining the effects of positive-pressure ventilation during tracheal intubation on oxygen saturation and severe hypoxemia. Analysts unaware of PreVent’s results used patient-level data from three previous trials evaluating airway management interventions to emulate PreVent’s eligibility criteria, randomization procedure, and statistical analysis. After PreVent’s release, results of this blinded observational analysis were compared with those of the RCT. Difference-in-differences estimates for comparison of treatment effects between the observational analysis and the PreVent trial are reported on the absolute scale. Results: Using observational data, we were able to emulate PreVent’s randomization procedure to produce balanced groups for comparison. The lowest oxygen saturation during intubation was higher in the positive-pressure ventilation group than the no positive-pressure ventilation group in the observational analysis (n = 360; mean difference = 1.8%; 95% confidence interval [CI] = −1.0 to 4.6) and in the PreVent trial (n = 401; mean difference = 3.9%; 95% CI = 1.4 to 6.4), though the observational analysis could not exclude no difference. Difference-in-differences estimates comparing treatment effects showed reasonable agreement for lowest oxygen saturation between the observational analysis and the PreVent trial (mean difference = −2.1%; 95% CI = −5.9 to 1.7). Positive-pressure ventilation resulted in lower rates of severe hypoxemia in both the observational analysis (risk ratio = 0.60; 95% CI = 0.38 to 0.93) and in the PreVent trial (risk ratio = 0.48; 95% CI = 0.30 to 0.77). The absolute reduction in the incidence of severe hypoxemia with positive-pressure ventilation was similar in the observational analysis (9.4%) and the PreVent trial (12.0%), though the difference between these estimates had wide CIs (mean difference = 2.5%; 95% CI = −8.0 to 13.6%). Conclusions: Applying target trial emulation methods to existing observational data for the evaluation of a novel intervention produced results similar to those of a randomized trial. These findings support the use of target trial emulation for comparative effectiveness research.

In the intensive care unit (ICU), extubation failure has been associated with greater resource utilization and worsened clinical outcomes. Most recently, nighttime extubation (NTE) has been reported as a risk factor for increased ICU and hospital mortality. We hypothesized that, in a large, urban, university-affiliated hospital with multidisciplinary assessment for extubation, rigorously protocolized extubation algorithms, and expert airway managers available at all times of day for assessment of high-risk extubations, NTE would not confer additional risk of adverse clinical outcomes.This was a retrospective cohort study of mechanically ventilated adults at a single university-affiliated hospital. NTE was defined as occurring between 7:00 PM and 6:59 AM the following day. All data were extracted from the institution's electronic medical record. Multivariable regression analyses were used to assess associations between NTE and reintubation, ICU and hospital length of stay (LOS), and mortality with adjustments for demographic and clinical covariates defined a priori. Palliative, unplanned, and routine postoperative extubations were excluded in sensitivity analyses.Of 2241 patients, 204 of 2241 (9.1%) underwent NTE. The rates of reintubation (NTE 6.9% versus daytime extubation [DTE] 12.4%; adjusted odds ratio [95% confidence interval {CI}], 0.78 [0.43-1.41]; P = .41) and in-hospital mortality (NTE 3.4% versus DTE 5.9%; adjusted odds ratio [95% CI], 0.72 [0.28-1.84]; P = .49) were not found to differ. NTE, compared to DTE, was associated with shorter duration of mechanical ventilation (median [interquartile range], 1 [0-1] days vs 2 [1-4] days; adjusted ratio of geometric means [RGMs] [95% CI], 0.64 [0.54-0.70]; P.001), ICU (2 [1-5] days vs 4 [2-10] days; adjusted RGMs [95% CI], 0.65 [0.57-0.75]; P.001), and hospital LOS (6 [3-18] days vs 13 [6-25] days; adjusted RGMs [95% CI], 0.64 [0.56-0.74]; P.001). These results were unchanged in sensitivity analyses.Patients who underwent NTE were not at increased risk of reintubation or in-hospital mortality. In addition, NTE was associated with a shortened duration of mechanical ventilation and hospital LOS. In health care systems with similar critical care delivery models, NTE may coincide with reduced resource utilization in appropriately selected patients.

Purpose In hospital-based studies, patients intubated by physicians while in an inclined position compared to supine position had a higher rate of first pass success and lower rate of peri-intubation complications. We evaluated the impact of patient positioning on prehospital endotracheal intubation in an EMS system with rapid sequence induction capability. We hypothesized that patients in the inclined position would have a higher first-pass success rate. Methods Prehospital endotracheal intubation cases performed by paramedics between 2012 and 2017 were prospectively collected in airway registries maintained by a metropolitan EMS system. We included all adult (age ≥ 18 years) non-traumatic, non-arrest patients who received any attempt at intubation. Patients were categorized according to initial positioning: supine or inclined. The primary outcome measure was first pass success with secondary outcomes of laryngoscopic view and challenges to intubation. Results Of the 13,353 patients with endotracheal intubation attempted by paramedics during the study period, 4879 were included for analysis. Of these, 1924 (39.4%) were intubated in the inclined position. First pass success was 86.3% among the inclined group versus 82.5% for the supine group (difference 3.8%, 95% CI: 1.5%–6.1%). First attempt laryngeal grade I view was 62.9% in the inclined group versus 57.1% for the supine group (difference 5.8%, 2.0–9.6). Challenges to intubation were more frequent in the supine group (42.3% versus 38.8%, difference 3.5%, 0.6–6.3). Conclusion Inclined positioning was associated with a better grade view and higher rate of first pass success. The technique should be considered as a viable approach for prehospital airway management.

IMPORTANCE: Hypotension is common during tracheal intubation of critically ill adults and increases the risk of cardiac arrest and death. Whether administering an intravenous fluid bolus to critically ill adults undergoing tracheal intubation prevents severe hypotension, cardiac arrest, or death remains uncertain. OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of fluid bolus administration on the incidence of severe hypotension, cardiac arrest, and death. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: This randomized clinical trial enrolled 1067 critically ill adults undergoing tracheal intubation with sedation and positive pressure ventilation at 11 intensive care units in the US between February 1, 2019, and May 24, 2021. The date of final follow-up was June 21, 2021. INTERVENTIONS: Patients were randomly assigned to receive either a 500-mL intravenous fluid bolus (n = 538) or no fluid bolus (n = 527). MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: The primary outcome was cardiovascular collapse (defined as new or increased receipt of vasopressors or a systolic blood pressure

Background Patients with traumatic brain injury, cerebral edema, and severe hyponatremia require rapid augmentation of serum sodium levels. Three percent sodium chloride is commonly used to normalize or augment serum sodium level, yet there are limited data available concerning the most appropriate route of administration. Traditionally, 3% sodium chloride is administered through a central venous catheter (CVC) due to the attributed theoretical risk of phlebitis and extravasation injuries when hyperosmolar solution is administered peripherally. CVCs are associated with numerous complications, including arterial puncture, pneumothorax, infection, thrombosis, and air embolus. Peripherally infused 3% sodium chloride may bypass these concerns. Aims To explore the evidence for peripherally infused 3% sodium chloride and to implement the findings. Methods The Iowa Model of Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) was used to guide the project. A multidisciplinary team was established, and they developed an evidence-based protocol for the administration of 3% sodium chloride using peripheral intravenous catheters (PIVs), identified potential barriers to implementation, and developed targeted education to implement this practice change in a large academic medical center. Results Of the 103 patients in this project, only three (2.9%) identified adverse events. Two were associated with continuous infusions, and one was associated with a bolus infusion. Linking action to evidence This is the first study to describe a multidisciplinary protocol development and implementation process for the administration of 3% sodium chloride peripherally. Utilizing a multidisciplinary team is critical to the success of an EBP project. Implementing an evidence-based PIV protocol with stringent monitoring criteria for the administration of 3% sodium chloride has the potential to reduce adverse events related to CVC injury.

The assembly of actin filaments into distinct cytoskeletal structures plays a critical role in cell physiology, but how proteins localize differentially to these structures within a shared cytoplasm remains unclear. Here, we show that the actin-binding domains of accessory proteins can be sensitive to filament conformational changes. Using a combination of live cell imaging and in vitro single molecule binding measurements, we show that tandem calponin homology domains (CH1–CH2) can be mutated to preferentially bind actin networks at the front or rear of motile cells. We demonstrate that the binding kinetics of CH1–CH2 domain mutants varies as actin filament conformation is altered by perturbations that include stabilizing drugs and other binding proteins. These findings suggest that conformational changes of actin filaments in cells could help to direct accessory binding proteins to different actin cytoskeletal structures through a biophysical feedback loop., The assembly of actin filaments into distinct cytoskeletal structures plays a critical role in cell physiology. Here, the authors use a combination of live cell imaging and in vitro single molecule binding measurements to show that tandem calponin homology domains (CH1–CH2) are sensitive to actin filament conformation, biasing their subcellular localization.

Endotracheal intubation (EI) is a potentially lifesaving but high-risk procedure in critically ill patients. While the ACGME mandates that trainees in pulmonary and critical care medicine (PCCM) achieve competence in this procedure, there is wide variation in EI training across the USA. One study suggests that 40% of the US PCCM trainees feel they would not be proficient in EI upon graduation. This article presents a review of the EI training literature; the recommendations of a national group of PCCM, anesthesiology, emergency medicine, and pediatric experts; and a call for further research, collaboration, and consensus guidelines.

Objective: The development of these updated clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) was commissioned by the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE), The Obesity Society, American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, Obesity Medicine Association, and American Society of Anesthesiologists Boards of Directors in adherence with the AACE 2017 protocol for standardized production of CPGs, algorithms, and checklists. Methods: Each recommendation was evaluated and updated based on new evidence from 2013 to the present and subjective factors provided by experts. Results: New or updated topics in this CPG include: contextualization in an adiposity-based chronic disease complications-centric model, nuance-based and algorithm/checklist-assisted clinical decision-making about procedure selection, novel bariatric procedures, enhanced recovery after bariatric surgery protocols, and logistical concerns (including cost factors) in the current health-care arena. There are 85 numbered recommendations that have updated supporting evidence, of which 61 are revised and 12 are new. Noting that there can be multiple recommendation statements within a single numbered recommendation, there are 31 (13%) Grade A, 42 (17%) Grade B, 72 (29%) Grade C, and 101 (41%) Grade D recommendations. There are 858 citations, of which 81 (9.4%) are evidence level (EL) 1 (highest), 562 (65.5%) are EL 2, 72 (8.4%) are EL 3, and 143 (16.7%) are EL 4 (lowest). Conclusion: Bariatric procedures remain a safe and effective intervention for higher-risk patients with obesity. Clinical decision-making should be evidence based within the context of a chronic disease. A team approach to perioperative care is mandatory, with special attention to nutritional and metabolic issues. A1C = hemoglobin A1c; AACE = American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists; ABCD = adiposity-based chronic disease; ACE = American College of Endocrinology; ADA = American Diabetes Association; AHI = Apnea-Hypopnea Index; ASA = American Society of Anesthesiologists; ASMBS = American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery; BMI = body mass index; BPD = biliopancreatic diversion; BPD/DS = biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch; CI = confidence interval; CPAP = continuous positive airway pressure; CPG = clinical practice guideline; CRP = C-reactive protein; CT = computed tomography; CVD = cardiovascular disease; DBCD = dysglycemia-based chronic disease; DS = duodenal switch; DVT = deep venous thrombosis; DXA = dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry; EFA = essential fatty acid; EL = evidence level; EN = enteral nutrition; ERABS = enhanced recovery after bariatric surgery; FDA = U.S. Food and Drug Administration; G4G = Guidelines for Guidelines; GERD = gastroesophageal reflux disease; GI = gastrointestinal; HCP = health-care professional(s); HTN = hypertension; ICU = intensive care unit; IGB = intragastric balloon(s); IV = intravenous; LAGB = laparoscopic adjustable gastric band; LAGBP = laparoscopic adjustable gastric banded plication; LGP = laparoscopic greater curvature (gastric) plication; LRYGB = laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass; LSG = laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy; MetS = metabolic syndrome; NAFLD = nonalcoholic fatty liver disease; NASH = nonalcoholic steatohepatitis; NSAID = nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug; OA = osteoarthritis; OAGB = one-anastomosis gastric bypass; OMA = Obesity Medicine Association; OR = odds ratio; ORC = obesity-related complication(s); OSA = obstructive sleep apnea; PE = pulmonary embolism; PN = parenteral nutrition; PRM = pulmonary recruitment maneuver; RCT = randomized controlled trial; RD = registered dietician; RDA = recommended daily allowance; RYGB = Roux-en-Y gastric bypass; SG = sleeve gastrectomy; SIBO = small intestinal bacterial overgrowth; TOS = The Obesity Society; TSH = thyroid-stimulating hormone; T1D = type 1 diabetes; T2D = type 2 diabetes; VTE = venous thromboembolism; WE = Wernicke encephalopathy; WHO = World Health Organization.

Intubation of patients suffering acute traumatic injuries is associated with higher airway-related morbidity and mortality than when the same procedure occurs under elective conditions. Indirect video-enabled laryngoscopes (VL) offer the potential advantage of improved glottic visualization as an integral step in the process of endotracheal intubation when compared to traditional direct laryngoscopy (DL). However, despite robust evidence that VL consistently achieves a superior view of the vocal cords in critically ill and injured adults, a consistent improvement in first-attempt intubation success has not yet been demonstrated. A review of recent literature suggests that the primary limitations of VL in urgent airway management include steps subsequent to sighting, such as tube delivery and cannulation of the trachea; these are distinct, non-intuitive motor skills that require extensive, device-specific training to master. This has been demonstrated across acute care settings, including the prehospital environment, the emergency department, and the intensive care unit. Given the spectrum of health care personnel who may be responsible for urgent airway management in trauma care, training programs should focus on high-volume opportunities to practice device-specific motor skills to improve the successful use of VL in acute care settings. Innovative stylet and/or tube technology may further optimize tube delivery and tracheal cannulation.

Item does not contain fulltext OBJECTIVE: To update and expand the 2013 Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Management of Pain, Agitation, and Delirium in Adult Patients in the ICU. DESIGN: Thirty-two international experts, four methodologists, and four critical illness survivors met virtually at least monthly. All section groups gathered face-to-face at annual Society of Critical Care Medicine congresses; virtual connections included those unable to attend. A formal conflict of interest policy was developed a priori and enforced throughout the process. Teleconferences and electronic discussions among subgroups and whole panel were part of the guidelines' development. A general content review was completed face-to-face by all panel members in January 2017. METHODS: Content experts, methodologists, and ICU survivors were represented in each of the five sections of the guidelines: Pain, Agitation/sedation, Delirium, Immobility (mobilization/rehabilitation), and Sleep (disruption). Each section created Population, Intervention, Comparison, and Outcome, and nonactionable, descriptive questions based on perceived clinical relevance. The guideline group then voted their ranking, and patients prioritized their importance. For each Population, Intervention, Comparison, and Outcome question, sections searched the best available evidence, determined its quality, and formulated recommendations as "strong," "conditional," or "good" practice statements based on Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation principles. In addition, evidence gaps and clinical caveats were explicitly identified. RESULTS: The Pain, Agitation/Sedation, Delirium, Immobility (mobilization/rehabilitation), and Sleep (disruption) panel issued 37 recommendations (three strong and 34 conditional), two good practice statements, and 32 ungraded, nonactionable statements. Three questions from the patient-centered prioritized question list remained without recommendation. CONCLUSIONS: We found substantial agreement among a large, interdisciplinary cohort of international experts regarding evidence supporting recommendations, and the remaining literature gaps in the assessment, prevention, and treatment of Pain, Agitation/sedation, Delirium, Immobility (mobilization/rehabilitation), and Sleep (disruption) in critically ill adults. Highlighting this evidence and the research needs will improve Pain, Agitation/sedation, Delirium, Immobility (mobilization/rehabilitation), and Sleep (disruption) management and provide the foundation for improved outcomes and science in this vulnerable population.

Background. Thoracic Endovascular Aortic Repair (TEVAR) has substantially decreased the mortality and major complications from aortic surgery. However, neurological complications such as spinal cord ischemia may still occur after TEVAR. S-100β is a biomarker of central nervous system injury, and oxidant injury plays an important role in neurological injury. In this pilot study, we examined the trends of S-100β and antioxidant capacity in the CSF during and after TEVAR. Methods. We recruited 10 patients who underwent elective TEVAR. CSF samples were collected through a lumbar catheter at the following time points: before the start of surgery (T0) and immediately (T1) and 24 (T2) and 48 hours (T3) after the deployment of the aortic stent. S-100β and CSF antioxidant capacity were analyzed with the use of commercially available kits. Results. We observed that the level of S-100β in all of the subjects at 24 hours after the deployment of the aortic stent (T2) increased. However, the levels of S-100β at T1 and T3 were comparable to the baseline value. The antioxidant capacity remained unchanged. No patient had a clinical neurologic complication. Conclusions. Our observations may indicate biochemical/subclinical central nervous system injury attributable to the deployment of the aortic stent.

Hyponatremia is common in patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage, but its effect on outcomes remains contentious. Fluctuation in sodium has been reported to negatively affect perioperative outcomes in general surgical patients, but not specifically in patients with a subarachnoid hemorrhage. The primary aim was to describe the relationship between 1) hyponatremia and 2) sodium fluctuations during intensive care and neurologic outcome at hospital discharge.Adults with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage between January 2012 and September 2013 were retrospectively reviewed. Data were collected for admission to day 14 of intensive care or death. Severity of illness was assessed by Hunt and Hess grade and simplified acute physiology score. Hyponatremia was defined as any measurement135 mEq/L. Sodium variability was categorized as a maximum change of6, 6-12, or12 mEq/L during intensive care. Neurologic outcomes at discharge were assessed by modified Rankin Scale. The relationship between sodium and outcome was assessed by ordinal logistic regression.A total of 198 patients were included. After adjustment for Hunt and Hess grade, severity of systemic illness, patient age, surgical intervention, and whether or not the hyponatremia was treated with additional sodium, hyponatremia was not associated with worse neurologic outcomes. More patients with sodium variability of 6-12 and12 mEq/L had cerebral infarction than those with variability6 mEq/L and had modified Rankin Scale scores of 2-3 and 4-6, respectively (P = 0.001).Sodium fluctuation, not hyponatremia, is associated with worse neurologic outcome in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage. This is in contradistinction to current teaching and warrants further examination.

Macrophage phagocytosis can be triggered by diverse receptor-ligand interactions to clear pathogens and dead cells from a host. Many ways of assaying phagocytosis exist that utilize a variety of phagocytic targets with different combinations of receptor-ligand interactions, making comparisons difficult. To study how phagocytosis is affected by specific changes to the target surface, we developed an in vitro assay based on reconstituted membrane-coated target particles to which known molecules can be added. The targets are made by coating glass beads with supported lipid bilayers followed by coupling proteins and other ligands of interest. Composition of the lipid bilayer can be varied to bind and orient specific proteins, incorporate signaling and reporter lipids, and control bilayer fluidity. To quantify phagocytosis, the reconstituted target particles are incubated with macrophages in vitro for a defined period of time, imaged with fluorescence microscopy and analyzed with software that measures the amount of target particle fluorescence within each macrophage. A multi-well plate format can be used for multi-parameter studies (e.g., to investigate how phagocytosis is affected by specific receptor-ligand interactions, ligand density, lipid charge, membrane fluidity and other molecular details). As an example, we demonstrate that antibody-dependent phagocytosis is more efficient for targets with fluid membranes than non-fluid membranes. The assay protocol takes approximately 6 h and requires basic molecular biology, mammalian cell culture and fluorescence microscopy skills. This assay can also be used with other phagocytic and non-phagocytic cells to study the individual or collective roles of receptors and ligands in immune effector function.

Tracheal intubation is common in the care of critically ill adults and is frequently complicated by hypotension, cardiac arrest, or death. We aimed to evaluate administration of an intravenous fluid bolus to prevent cardiovascular collapse during intubation of critically ill adults.We did a pragmatic, multicentre, unblinded, randomised trial in nine sites (eight ICUs and one emergency department) around the USA. Critically ill adults (≥18 years) undergoing tracheal intubation were randomly assigned (1:1, block sizes of 2, 4, and 6, stratified by study site) to either an intravenous infusion of 500 mL of crystalloid solution or no fluid bolus. The primary outcome, assessed in the intention-to-treat population, was cardiovascular collapse, defined as a new systolic blood pressure65 mm Hg; new or increased vasopressor receipt between induction and 2 min after tracheal intubation; or cardiac arrest or death within 1 h of tracheal intubation. Adverse events were assessed in the as-treated population. This trial, which is now complete, is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT03026777.Patients were enrolled from Feb 6, 2017, to Jan 9, 2018, when the data and safety monitoring board stopped the trial on the basis of futility. By trial termination, 337 (63%) of 537 screened adults had been randomly assigned. Cardiovascular collapse occurred in 33 (20%) of 168 patients in the fluid bolus group compared with 31 (18%) of 169 patients in the no fluid bolus group (absolute difference 1·3% [95% CI -7·1% to 9·7%]; p=0·76). The individual components of the cardiovascular collapse composite outcome did not differ between groups (new systolic blood pressure65 mm Hg 11 [7%] in the bolus group vs ten [6%] in the no-bolus group, new or increased vasopressor 32 [19%] vs 31 [18%], cardiac arrest within 1 h seven [4%] vs two [1%], death within 1 h of intubation two [1%] vs one [1%]). In-hospital mortality was not significantly different in the fluid bolus group (48 [29%]) compared with no fluid bolus (59 [35%]).Administration of an intravenous fluid bolus did not decrease the overall incidence of cardiovascular collapse during tracheal intubation of critically ill adults compared with no fluid bolus in this trial.US National Institutes of Health.

BACKGROUND: Hypoxemia is the most common complication during tracheal intubation of critically ill adults and may increase the risk of cardiac arrest and death. Whether positive-pressure ventilation with a bag-mask device (bag-mask ventilation) during tracheal intubation of critically ill adults prevents hypoxemia without increasing the risk of aspiration remains controversial. METHODS: In a multicenter, randomized trial conducted in seven intensive care units in the United States, we randomly assigned adults undergoing tracheal intubation to receive either ventilation with a bag-mask device or no ventilation between induction and laryngoscopy. The primary outcome was the lowest oxygen saturation observed during the interval between induction and 2 minutes after tracheal intubation. The secondary outcome was the incidence of severe hypoxemia, defined as an oxygen saturation of less than 80%. RESULTS: Among the 401 patients enrolled, the median lowest oxygen saturation was 96% (interquartile range, 87 to 99) in the bag-mask ventilation group and 93% (interquartile range, 81 to 99) in the no-ventilation group (P = 0.01). A total of 21 patients (10.9%) in the bag-mask ventilation group had severe hypoxemia, as compared with 45 patients (22.8%) in the no-ventilation group (relative risk, 0.48; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.30 to 0.77). Operator-reported aspiration occurred during 2.5% of intubations in the bag-mask ventilation group and during 4.0% in the no-ventilation group (P = 0.41). The incidence of new opacity on chest radiography in the 48 hours after tracheal intubation was 16.4% and 14.8%, respectively (P = 0.73). CONCLUSIONS: Among critically ill adults undergoing tracheal intubation, patients receiving bag-mask ventilation had higher oxygen saturations and a lower incidence of severe hypoxemia than those receiving no ventilation. (Funded by Vanderbilt Institute for Clinical and Translational Research and others; PreVent ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT03026322.)

International audience; This is an updated, comprehensive review of the psychometric properties of behavioral pain assessment tools for use with noncommunicative, critically ill adults. Articles were searched in 5 health databases. A total of 106 articles were analyzed, including 54 recently published papers. Nine behavioral pain assessment tools developed for noncommunicative critically ill adults and 4 tools developed for other non-communicative populations were included. The scale development process, reliability, validity, feasibility, and clinical utility were analyzed using a 0 to 20 scoring system, and quality of evidence was also evaluated. The Behavioral Pain Scale, the Behavioral Pain Scale-Nonintubated, and the Critical-Care Pain Observation Tool remain the tools with the strongest psychometric properties, with validation testing having been conducted in multiple countries and various languages. Other tools may be good alternatives, but additional research on them is necessary.

BackgroundPain from rib fractures is associated with significant pulmonary morbidity. Epidural and paravertebral blocks (EPVBs) have been recommended as part of a multimodal approach to rib fracture pain, but their utility is often challenging in the trauma intensive care unit (ICU). The serratus anterior plane block (SAPB) has potential as an alternative approach for chest wall analgesia.MethodsThis retrospective study compared critically injured adults sustaining multiple rib fractures who had SAPB (n=14) to EPVB (n=25). Patients were matched by age, body mass index, American Society of Anesthesiology Physical Status, whether the patient required intubation, number of rib fractures and injury severity score. Outcome measures included hospital length of stay, ICU length of stay, preblock and post block rapid shallow breathing index (RSBI) in intubated patients, pain scores and morphine equivalent doses administered 24-hour preblock and post-block in non-intubated patients, and mortality.ResultsThere were no demographic differences between the two groups after matching. Nearly all of the patients who received either SAPB or EPVB demonstrated a reduction in RSBI or pain scores. The preblock RSBI was higher in the serratus anterior plane block group, but there was no difference between any of the other outcome measures.DiscussionThis retrospective study of our institutional data suggests no difference in efficacy between the serratus anterior plane block and neuraxial block for traumatic rib fracture pain in critically ill patients, but the sample size was too small to show statistical equivalence. Serratus anterior plane block is technically easier to perform with fewer theoretical contraindications compared with traditional neuraxial block. Further study with prospective comparative trials is warranted.Level of evidenceRetrospective matched cohort; Level IV.

Background: Oral nimodipine is standard therapy for patients suffering an aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH). During a national drug shortage, nimodipine therapy was shortened from a 21-day course to a 14-day course at our institution. Objective: The objective of this study was to compare neurological outcomes among patients who had previously received the standard duration of therapy compared with those who received a shortened duration as a result of the national drug shortage. Methods: This retrospective cohort study evaluated adult patients receiving nimodipine for aSAH from January 2012 to August 2013. Neurological outcome, graded by Modified Rankin Scale (mRS) at hospital discharge, was compared between patients receiving a shortened course and those receiving the standard duration of nimodipine. Results: A total of 199 aSAH patients were included in the analysis. There were 164 patients in the standard-duration and 35 patients in the shortened-duration group. Baseline patient severity of illness, assessed by SAPS II (Simplified Acute Physiology Score), and severity of aSAH, assessed by Fisher grade, and Hunt and Hess grade scores, did not differ between the treatment groups. A shortened duration of nimodipine was not associated with a higher risk of a poor neurological outcome defined by mRS (odds ratio = 1.85; 95% CI = 0.54-6.32; P = 0.32). Mortality rates were similar between the groups. Conclusions: A 14-day course of nimodipine therapy was not associated with worse neurological outcomes in aSAH patients at one institution. More studies are needed prior to recommending a shortened duration of nimodipine therapy in all aSAH patients.

Hypoxemia is a common complication during tracheal intubation of critically ill adults and is a frequently used endpoint in airway management research. Identifying patients likely to experience low oxygen saturations during tracheal intubation may be useful for clinical practice and clinical trials.To identify risk factors for lower oxygen saturations and severe hypoxemia during tracheal intubation of critically ill adults and develop prediction models for lowest oxygen saturation and hypoxemia.Using data on 433 intubations from two randomized trials, we developed linear and logistic regression models to identify preprocedural risk factors for lower arterial oxygen saturations and severe hypoxemia between induction and 2 minutes after intubation. Penalized regression was used to develop prediction models for lowest oxygen saturation after induction and severe hypoxemia. A simplified six-point score was derived to predict severe hypoxemia.Among the 433 intubations, 426 had complete data and were included in the model. The mean (standard deviation) lowest oxygen saturation was 88% (14%); median (interquartile range) was 93% (83-98%). Independent predictors of severe hypoxemia included hypoxemic respiratory failure as the indication for intubation (odds ratio [OR], 2.70; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.58-4.60), lower oxygen saturation at induction (OR, 0.92 per 1% increase; 95% CI, 0.89-0.96 per 1% increase), younger age (OR, 0.97 per 1-year increase; 95% CI, 0.95-0.99 per 1-year increase), higher body mass index (OR, 1.03 per 1 kg/mLowest oxygen saturation and severe hypoxemia during tracheal intubation in the intensive care unit can be accurately predicted using routinely available preprocedure clinical data, with saturation at induction and hypoxemic respiratory failure being the strongest predictors. A simple bedside score may identify patients at risk for hypoxemia during intubation to help target preventative interventions and facilitate enrichment in clinical trials.

Macrophages protect the body from damage and disease by targeting antibody-opsonized cells for phagocytosis. Though antibodies can be raised against antigens with diverse structures, shapes, and sizes, it is unclear why some are more effective at triggering antibody-dependent phagocytosis than others. Here we quantitatively define an antigen height threshold that regulates phagocytosis of both engineered and cancer-specific antigens by macrophages. Using a reconstituted model of antibody-opsonized target cells, we find that phagocytosis is dramatically impaired for antigens that position antibodies >10 nm from the target surface. Increasing antigen height allows for co-localization of Fc receptors and the inhibitory phosphatase CD45 at the cell-cell interface, which reduces Fc receptor phosphorylation, and inhibits phagocytosis. Our work shows that close contact between macrophage and target cell is a requirement for efficient phagocytosis, suggesting that therapeutic antibodies should target short antigens in order to trigger Fc receptor activation through size-dependent physical segregation.

Author(s): Devlin, John W; Skrobik, Yoanna; Gelinas, Celine; Needham, Dale M; Slooter, Arjen JC; Pandharipande, Pratik P; Watson, Paula L; Weinhouse, Gerald L; Nunnally, Mark E; Rochwerg, Bram; Balas, Michele C; van den Boogaard, Mark; Bosma, Karen J; Brummel, Nathaniel E; Chanques, Gerald; Denehy, Linda; Drouot, Xavier; Fraser, Gilles L; Harris, Jocelyn E; Joffe, Aaron M; Kho, Michelle E; Kress, John P; Lanphere, Julie A; McKinley, Sharon; Neufeld, Karin J; Pisani, Margaret A; Payen, Jean-Francois; Pun, Brenda T; Puntillo, Kathleen A; Riker, Richard R; Robinson, Bryce RH; Shehabi, Yahya; Szumita, Paul M; Winkelman, Chris; Centofanti, John E; Price, Carrie; Nikayin, Sina; Misak, Cheryl J; Flood, Pamela D; Kiedrowski, Ken; Alhazzani, Waleed

Objectives The objectives of this study were to examine the variation in reintubations across Washington state hospitals that perform cardiac surgery, and explore hospital and patient characteristics associated with variation in reintubation. Design Retrospective cohort study. Setting All nonfederal hospitals performing cardiac surgery in Washington state. Participants A total of 15,103 patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting or valvular surgery between January 1, 2008 and September 30, 2011. Interventions None. Measurements and Main Results Patient and hospital characteristics were compared between hospitals that had a reintubation frequency≥5% or

Background Hypoxemia and hypotension are common complications during endotracheal intubation of critically ill adults. Verbal performance of a written, preintubation checklist may prevent these complications. We compared a written, verbally performed, preintubation checklist with usual care regarding lowest arterial oxygen saturation or lowest systolic BP experienced by critically ill adults undergoing endotracheal intubation. Methods A multicenter trial in which 262 adults undergoing endotracheal intubation were randomized to a written, verbally performed, preintubation checklist (checklist) or no preintubation checklist (usual care). The coprimary outcomes were lowest arterial oxygen saturation and lowest systolic BP between the time of procedural medication administration and 2 min after endotracheal intubation. Results The median lowest arterial oxygen saturation was 92% (interquartile range [IQR], 79-98) in the checklist group vs 93% (IQR, 84-100) with usual care ( P = .34). The median lowest systolic BP was 112 mm Hg (IQR, 94-133) in the checklist group vs 108 mm Hg (IQR, 90-132) in the usual care group ( P = .61). There was no difference between the checklist and usual care in procedure duration (120 vs 118 s; P = .49), number of laryngoscopy attempts (one vs one attempt; P = .42), or severe life-threatening procedural complications (40.8% vs 32.6%; P = .20). Conclusions The verbal performance of a written, preprocedure checklist does not increase the lowest arterial oxygen saturation or lowest systolic BP during endotracheal intubation of critically ill adults compared with usual care. Trial Registry ClinicalTrials.gov; No.: NCT02497729; URL: www.clinicaltrials.gov.

Background The evidence shows that brain-injured patients express behaviours that are related to their level of consciousness (LOC), and different from other patients in the intensive care unit (ICU). Therefore, existing behavioural scales should be revised to enhance their content and validity for use in these patients. Objectives The aim was to evaluate the content relevance of behaviours and autonomic responses for pain assessment of brain-injured ICU patients from the perspective of critical care clinicians. Methods A total of 77 clinicians from four adult neuroscience ICUs (three from Canada and one from the United States) participated in this descriptive study. A physician/nurse ratio of 21% (13/61) was reached in this quota sample, and three physiotherapists also participated. They completed a content validation questionnaire of 19 items rated on clarity and relevance based on the patient’s LOC. Item Content Validity Index (I-CVI), and modified kappa (κ*) were calculated. Values higher than 0.78 and 0.75 respectively were considered excellent. Results Regardless of the patient’s LOC, brow lowering, grimacing, and trying to reach the pain site were rated as the most relevant behaviours by clinicians, with excellent values of I-CVI > 0.78 and κ* > 0.75. Eyes tightly closed, moaning and verbal complaints of pain also obtained excellent values in altered LOC and conscious patients. Eye weeping obtained excellent values only in conscious patients. Other items showed fair (0.40–0.59) to good (0.60–0.74) values, while blinking and coughing showed poor values ( Conclusions Facial expressions, movements towards the pain site, and vocalisation of pain were the most relevant pain-related behaviours rated by critical care clinicians. The relevance of some behaviours (e.g., moaning and verbal complaints of pain) varied across LOCs, thereby calling forth adaptations of behavioural pain scales to allow for interpretation in the context of a patient’s LOC and ability to express specific behaviours.

Background Hypoxemia is the most common complication during endotracheal intubation of critically ill adults. Intubation in the ramped position has been hypothesized to prevent hypoxemia by increasing functional residual capacity and decreasing the duration of intubation, but has never been studied outside of the operating room. Methods Multicenter, randomized trial comparing the ramped position (head of the bed elevated to 25°) with the sniffing position (torso supine, neck flexed, and head extended) among 260 adults undergoing endotracheal intubation by pulmonary and critical care medicine fellows in four ICUs between July 22, 2015, and July 19, 2016. The primary outcome was lowest arterial oxygen saturation between induction and 2 minutes after intubation. Secondary outcomes included Cormack-Lehane grade of glottic view, difficulty of intubation, and number of laryngoscopy attempts. Results The median lowest arterial oxygen saturation was 93% (interquartile range [IQR], 84%-99%) with the ramped position vs 92% (IQR, 79%-98%) with the sniffing position ( P = .27). The ramped position appeared to increase the incidence of grade III or IV view (25.4% vs 11.5%, P = .01), increase the incidence of difficult intubation (12.3% vs 4.6%, P = .04), and decrease the rate of intubation on the first attempt (76.2% vs 85.4%, P = .02), respectively. Conclusions In this multicenter trial, the ramped position did not improve oxygenation during endotracheal intubation of critically ill adults compared with the sniffing position. The ramped position may worsen glottic view and increase the number of laryngoscopy attempts required for successful intubation. Trial Registry ClinicalTrials.gov; No.: NCT02497729; URL: www.clinicaltrials.gov

The occurrence of hypovolemia in the setting of cerebral vasospasm reportedly increases the risk for delayed ischemic neurologic deficits. Few studies have objectively assessed blood volume (BV) in response to fluid administration targeting normovolemia (NV) or hypervolemia (HV) and none have done so with crystalloids alone. The primary purpose was to evaluate the BV of patients with SAH receiving crystalloid fluid administration targeting NV or HV. The University of Washington IRB approved the study. Prospectively collected data was obtained from patients enrolled in a clinical trial and a concurrent group of patients who received IV fluids during the ICU stay. We defined a normovolemia (NV) and hypervolemia (HV) group based on the cumulative amount of IV fluid administered in mL/kg from ICU admission to day 5; ≥30–60 mL/kg/day (NV) and ≥60 mL/kg/day (HV), respectively. In a subgroup of patients, BV was measured on day 5 post ictus using iodinated 131I-labeled albumin injection and the BVA-100 (Daxor Corp, New York, NY). Differences between the NV and HV groups were compared using Student’s t-test with assumption for unequal variance. Twenty patients in the NV and 19 in the HV groups were included. The HV group received more fluid and had a higher fluid balance than the NV group. The subgroup of patients in whom BV was measured on day 5 (n = 19) was not different from the remainder of the cohort with respect to the total amount of administered fluid and net cumulative fluid balance by day 5. BV was not different between the two groups and varied widely. Routinely targeting prophylactic HV using crystalloids does not result in a higher circulating BV compared to targeting NV, but the possibility of clinically unrecognized hypovolemia remains.

Objectives Endotracheal tube (ETT) and its inflated cuff are likely to induce specific reactivity at the emergence time. In ICU, the tolerance of the ETT cuff could be a part of patient agitation and increased of sedation. Materials and methods Using specific ICU ETT cuff (thin polyurethane cuff), we perform an in vitro evaluation of diffusion of lidocaine and alkalinized lidocaine (L-B) across the PU cuff for a long duration. We evaluate the safety of this procedure by a daily injection into the cuff. Results With lidocaine alone, we observed a low rate of diffusion through the cuff ( 90% over 24 h). The released profiles were similar from day 0 to day 8, and no cuff rupture was reported over the 8-day study. Conclusion The safety, controlled release, and lack of deleterious effects on cuff membrane were confirmed. In case of unexpected cuff rupture, an adequate determination of the mixture allows to obtain a safe solution with the achievement of a physiological pH (7.4) and the small dose of lidocaine (40 mg).

BACKGROUND: Assessment of a patient9s readiness for removal of the endotracheal tube in the ICU is based on respiratory, airway, and neurological measures. However, nearly 20% of patients require reintubation. We created a prediction model for the need for reintubation, which incorporates variables importantly contributing to extubation failure. METHODS: This was a cohort study of 2,007 endotracheally intubated subjects who required ICU admission at a tertiary care center. Data collection included demographic, hemodynamic, respiratory, and neurological variables preceding extubation. Data were compared between subjects extubated successfully and those who required reintubation, using bivariate logistic regression models, with the binary outcome reintubation and the baseline characteristics as predictors. Multivariable logistic regression analysis with robust variance was used to build the prediction model. RESULTS: Of the 2,007 subjects analyzed, 376 (19%) required reintubation. In the bivariate analysis, admission Simplified Acute Physiology Score II, minute ventilation, breathing frequency, oxygenation, number of prior SBTs, rapid shallow breathing index, airway-secretions suctioning frequency and quantity, heart rate, and diastolic blood pressure differed significantly between the extubation success and failure groups. In the multivariable analysis, higher Simplified Acute Physiology Score II and suctioning frequency were associated with failed extubation. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.68 for failure at any time, and 0.71 for failure within 24 hours. However, prior failed SBT, minute ventilation, and diastolic blood pressure were additional independent predictors of failure at any time, whereas oxygenation predicted extubation failure within 24 hours. CONCLUSIONS: A small number of independent variables explains a substantial portion of the variability of extubation failure, and can help identify patients at high risk of needing reintubation. These characteristics should be incorporated in the decision-making process of ICU extubation.

Pain is experienced by the overwhelming majority of patients during their intensive care unit stay, but it remains an underappreciated problem. To effectively treat pain, it must be detected and quantified using a validated assessment tool. It is acknowledged that optimal pain relief may be difficult to achieve given the complex interplay of coexisting medical conditions and the environment in which care is provided. Nonetheless, by following structured approaches to pain, resource consumption may be reduced, and even improved survival may be realized. This review covers practices and techniques specific to addressing and treating pain in the adult intensive care environment. Traditional pharmacological approaches including opiate and nonopiate medications are reviewed, as are regional anesthetic techniques and nonpharmacological approaches used for controlling pain.

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a major cause of death and disability throughout the world. Injury can be divided into primary and secondary injuries. For patients with TBI admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU), the management and prevention of secondary injury is most important. The third edition of the Brain Trauma Foundation guidelines was published in 2007 and is widely used to guide treatment of patients with severe TBI. This article reviews ICU care of patients with severe TBI, with a particular focus on recent evidence that is not incorporated in the existing guidelines.