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Abstract Background Extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR) is an alternative method for patients with reversible causes of cardiac arrest (CA) after conventional cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CCPR). However, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) duration during ECPR can vary due to multiple factors. Healthcare providers need to understand these factors to optimize the resuscitation process and improve outcomes. The aim of this study was to examine the different variables impacting the duration of CPR in patients undergoing ECPR. Methods This retrospective, single-center, observational study was conducted on adult patients who underwent ECPR due to in-hospital CA (IHCA) or out-of-hospital CA (OHCA) at Hamad General Hospital (HGH), the tertiary governmental hospital of Qatar, between February 2016 and March 2020. Univariate and multivariate binary logistic regression analyses were performed to identify the prognostic factors associated with CPR duration, including demographic and clinical variables, as well as laboratory tests. Results The mean ± standard division age of the 48 participants who underwent ECPR was 41.50 ± 13.15 years, and 75% being male. OHCA and IHCA were reported in 77.1% and 22.9% of the cases, respectively. The multivariate analysis revealed that several factors were significantly associated with an increased CPR duration: higher age (OR: 1.981, 95%CI: 1.021–3.364, P = 0.025), SOFA score (OR: 3.389, 95%CI: 1.289–4.911, P = 0.013), presence of comorbidities (OR: 3.715, 95%CI: 1.907–5.219, P = 0.026), OHCA (OR: 3.715, 95%CI: 1.907–5.219, P = 0.026), and prolonged collapse-to-CPR time (OR: 1.446, 95%CI:1.092–3.014, P = 0.001). Additionally, the study found that the initial shockable rhythm was inversely associated with the duration of CPR (OR: 0.271, 95%CI: 0.161–0.922, P = 0.045). However, no significant associations were found between laboratory tests and CPR duration. Conclusion These findings suggest that age, SOFA score, comorbidities, OHCA, collapse-to-CPR time, and initial shockable rhythm are important factors influencing the duration of CPR in patients undergoing ECPR. Understanding these factors can help healthcare providers better predict and manage CPR duration, potentially improving patient outcomes. Further research is warranted to validate these findings and explore additional factors that may impact CPR duration in this population.

Abstract Introduction This study aimed to compare the predictive abilities of macrocirculation markers (mean arterial pressure, heart rate, and central venous pressure), microcirculation markers (capillary refill time and peripheral perfusion index), as well as fluid balance, lactate level, and lactate clearance on the outcomes of patients with septic shock during initial resuscitation. Methods In this prospective, single-center observational study, adult patients with septic shock admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) at Shohada Hospital in Tabriz, Iran, between December 2020 and September 2021, were included. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis and multivariate logistic regression were used to assess the associations between macrocirculation markers (heart rate, mean arterial pressure, central venous pressure, and fluid balance) and microcirculation markers (capillary refill time, peripheral perfusion index, mottling score, lactate level, and lactate clearance level) with outcomes such as ICU length of stay, need for renal replacement therapy (RRT), vasopressor requirements, duration of mechanical ventilation (MV), and mortality rate. Assessments were performed at baseline, 6 h, and 24 h after fluid resuscitation. Results A total of 100 patients with septic shock (55 men and 45 women) were enrolled in the study. The area under the curve (AUC) values for the macrocirculation and microcirculation markers in predicting mortality ranged from 0.517 to 0.770 and 0.695 to 0.993, respectively. Among the macrocirculation markers, central venous pressure and mean arterial pressure at baseline showed the best predictive values for mortality, with AUCs of 0.770 and 0.753, respectively. Conclusion In patients with septic shock, microcirculation markers, particularly the peripheral perfusion index (PPI), demonstrated better predictive accuracy for mortality compared to macrocirculation markers. Furthermore, the combination of markers had a higher AUC, sensitivity, and specificity for predicting outcomes compared to individual markers alone.

Abstract Background The impact of the chronological sequence of events, including cardiac arrest (CA), initial cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC), and extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR) implementation, on clinical outcomes in patients with both out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) and in-hospital cardiac arrest (IHCA), is still not clear. The aim of this study was to investigate the prognostic effects of the time interval from collapse to start of CPR (no-flow time, NFT) and the time interval from start of CPR to implementation of ECPR (low-flow time, LFT) on patient outcomes under Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO). Methods This single-center, retrospective observational study was conducted on 48 patients with OHCA or IHCA who underwent ECMO at Hamad General Hospital (HGH), the tertiary governmental hospital of Qatar, between February 2016 and March 2020. We investigated the impact of prognostic factors such as NFT and LFT on various clinical outcomes following cardiac arrest, including 24-hour survival, 28-day survival, CPR duration, ECMO length of stay (LOS), ICU LOS, hospital LOS, disability (assessed using the modified Rankin Scale, mRS), and neurological status (evaluated based on the Cerebral Performance Category, CPC) at 28 days after the CA. Results The results of the adjusted logistic regression analysis showed that a longer NFT was associated with unfavorable clinical outcomes. These outcomes included longer CPR duration (OR: 1.779, 95%CI: 1.218–2.605, P = 0.034) and decreased survival rates for ECMO at 24 h (OR: 0.561, 95%CI: 0.183–0.903, P = 0.009) and 28 days (OR: 0.498, 95%CI: 0.106–0.802, P = 0.011). Additionally, a longer LFT was found to be associated only with a higher probability of prolonged CPR (OR: 1.818, 95%CI: 1.332–3.312, P = 0.006). However, there was no statistically significant connection between either the NFT or the LFT and the improvement of disability or neurologically favorable survival after 28 days of cardiac arrest. Conclusions Based on our findings, it has been determined that the NFT is a more effective predictor than the LFT in assessing clinical outcomes for patients with OHCA or IHCA who underwent ECMO. This understanding of their distinct predictive abilities enables medical professionals to identify high-risk patients more accurately and customize their interventions accordingly.

Abstract Background Critical care nurses are vital in the care of patients with life-threatening illnesses in intensive care units. To optimize their effectiveness, it is crucial to enhance their proficiency in professional care techniques. Implementing evidence-based training standards can improve nurses' knowledge, skills, and attitudes, ultimately enhancing healthcare services for patients. Aim/purpose The aim of this study protocol is to outline a series of quasi-experimental, non-randomized, single-group studies that assess the impact of standardized training courses on the development of competencies in diverse care techniques for critical care nurses. Methodology A comprehensive checklist will be created to evaluate nurses' professional qualifications in the specific care techniques under investigation. This checklist will be used during three expert panel sessions for each study. Nurses will then undergo theoretical and practical training to enhance their competence in implementing these techniques. To assess the training effectiveness, each nurse's competency level will be evaluated before, during, and after the training using a checklist to track their learning curve. Results This study will use the learning curve model to determine the optimal number of repetitions required for novice intensive care unit nurses to attain a satisfactory level of competence in each targeted care technique after training. Conclusion These findings could standardize nursing education practices and optimize skill practice frequency, leading to improved quality of education in the field. Trial registration This study is also registered at U.S. National Library of Medicine under "Clinicaltrials.gov" identifier NCT02830971, https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02830971 , first date registered 13/07/2016 and last updated on 15/04/2021.

Abstract The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between types of ventilator and the one-year survival rate of patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) due to SARS‑CoV-2 infection. This multi-center, retrospective observational study was conducted on 1078 adult patients admitted to five university-affiliated hospitals in Iran who underwent mechanical ventilator (MV) due to ARDS. Of the 1078 patients, 781 (72.4%) were managed with ICU ventilators and 297 (27.6%) with transport ventilators. Overall mortality was significantly higher in patients supported with transport ventilator compared to patients supported with ICU ventilator (16.5% vs. 9.3% P = 0.001). Regression analysis revealed that the expected hazard overall increased with age (HR: 1.525, 95% CI 1.112–1.938, P = 0.001), opacity score (HR: 1.448, 95% CI 1.122–2.074, P = 0.001) and transport ventilator versus ICU ventilator (HR: 1.511, 95% CI 1.143–2.187, P = 0.029). The Kaplan–Meier curves of survival analysis showed that patients supported with ICU ventilator had a significantly higher 1-year survival rate (P = 0.001). In MV patients with ARDS due to COVID-19, management with non-ICU sophisticated ventilators was associated with a higher mortality rate compared to standard ICU ventilators. However, more studies are needed to determine the exact effect of ventilator types on the outcome of critically ill patients.

Abstract Purpose Modified Nutrition Risk in the Critically Ill (NUTRIC) score (mNUTRIC score) have been validated as screening tool for quantifying risk of adverse outcome critically ill patients admitted to the intensive care units (ICUs). The aim of this study was to evaluate the prognostic value of mNUTRIC score to assess outcomes in this population. Materials and methods This prospective, observational study was conducted on adult patients admitted to the general ICUs of two university affiliated hospital in northwest of Iran. The association between the mNUTRIC score and outcomes was assessed using the univariate and multivariate binary logistic regression. The performance of mNUTRIC score to predict outcomes was assessed using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC)-curve. Results In total 445 ICU patients were enrolled. Based on mNUTRIC score, 62 (13.9%) and 383 (86.1%) individuals were identified at high and low nutritional risk, respectively. The area under the curve (AUC) for predicting ICU mortality, using vasopressor, duration of vasopressor, and mechanical ventilation (MV) duration were (AUC: 0.973, 95% CI: 0.954–0.986, P

Abstract The aim of this study was to evaluate the prognostic value of the Lactate to Albumin (L/A) ratio compared to that of lactate and lactate clearance in predicting outcomes in patients with septic shock. This was a multi-center observational study of adult patients with septic shock, who admitted to intensive care units (ICUs) at Shohada and Imam Reza Hospitals, Tabriz, Iran, between Sept 2018 and Jan 2021. The area under the curve (AUC) of receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to explore associations of the L/A ratio, lactate and lactate clearance on the primary (mortality) and secondary outcomes [ICU length of stay (LOS), duration of mechanical ventilation (MV), need of renal replacement therapy (RRT) and duration of using vasopressors] at baseline, 6 h and 24 h of septic shock recognition. Best performing predictive value for mortality were related to lactate clearance at 24 h, L/A ratio at 6 h and lactate levels at 24 h with (AUC 0.963, 95% CI 0.918–0.987, P

Abstract Background The development of evidence-based training standards can help improve the quality of educational programs for novice intensive care unit (ICU) nurses. This study was conducted to assess the application of a training course on competency development of nurses in relation to oral hygiene care in ICU patients and to develop a checklist for evaluating the competence performance. In addition, to achieve a certain level of oral hygiene competence, as well as to assess the relative importance of predicting factors and learning competency patterns in oral hygiene care, we used standard learning curve. Methods This quasi-experimental study with time series design was conducted on newly registered ICU nurses of a teaching hospital affiliated with Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Iran, between 2016 and 2018. In the first phase of this study, we designed a checklist to assess nurses' professional competence in oral hygiene care in three stages: before, during, and after care. Then, in the second phase, the level of competence of nurses in repeated times of oral hygiene care was determined based on checklist items and recorded in the learning curve. Results The greatest increase of oral hygiene care competency due to repetition was observed in the first and fourth times of repetition in comparison to the subsequent and previous steps. In the linear regression model, demographic variables predicted 12–19% of changes related to skill scores in repetitions. Conclusion According to the learning curve, newly registered ICU nurses can reach an acceptable competency after 6 repetitions of oral hygiene care.

BackgroundThe aim of this study was to compare the effect of spinal anesthesia (SPA), paracervical block (PB), and general anesthesia (GA), on pain, the frequency of nausea and vomiting and analgesic requirements in diagnostic hysteroscopy.MethodsThis single-center, non-randomized, parallel-group, clinical trial was conducted on 66 diagnostic hysteroscopy candidates who were selected by convenience sampling at Fatemieh Hospital, in Hamadan, Iran, in 2021.ResultsThe mean pain score during recovery and the need for analgesic injections was found to be significantly higher in the GA group compared to that in the SPA group (pain: 3.77 ± 2.25 vs. 0.10 ± 0.30, P < 0.001), (analgesic: 50 vs. 0%, P < 0.001) and PB group (pain: 3.77 ± 2.25 vs. 0.90 ± 1.37, P < 0.001), (analgesic 50 vs. 10%, P < 0.001), respectively. However, no statistically significant difference was observed between the mean pain score between SPA and PB groups (0.10 ± 0.30 vs. 0.90 ± 1.3, P = 0.661). In addition, there were no significant differences between groups on nausea/vomiting after operation (P = 0.382). In adjusted regression analysis (adjusting for age, weight, gravid, abortion, and cause of hysteroscopy), the odds ratio (OR) of pain score during recovery was increased in PB (OR: 4.471, 95% CI: 1.527–6.156, P = 0.018) and GA (OR: 8.406, 95% CI: 2.421–9.195, P = 0.001) groups compared with the SPA group. However, in adjusting based on times of surgery duration, anesthesia duration, recovery and return of motor function, the ORs of pain score between groups was not statistically significant.ConclusionDespite reduced pain during recovery in patients receiving SPA, duration of anesthesia, recovery period, and return of motor function were significantly prolonged compared to those receiving PB or GA. It seems that PB with less recovery time and faster return of motor function than SPA and also mild pain during recovery compared to GA can be a good option for hysteroscopy.Clinical trial registrationhttp://www.irct.ir, identifier IRCT20120915010841N26.

Abstract Using a rehabilitation program for the survivors of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) could be one of the important and fundamental steps to improve the pulmonary function and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of patients. This study was carried out to evaluate the effect of two rehabilitation techniques (Family-Based Empowerment Model (FECM)/Continuing Care Model (CCM), or both of them) on pulmonary function, and HRQoL in ARDS survivors. From December 2009 to June 2016, ARDS survivors from mixed medical-surgical ICUs at four academic teaching hospitals in Tehran, Iran, were randomly assigned to one of three intervention groups (A, B, or C) or a control group (D). Pre- and post-interventions, pulmonary functions and HRQoL status of patients in all groups were collected 48 times via clinical measurements and various questionnaires during 5 years of follow-up. Significantly improvement was seen in the intervention groups compared to the control group, and the greatest benefit was observed in patients who received mixed of FCEM and CCM rehabilitation techniques. Co-administration of FCEM and CCM can improve pulmonary function as well as the life satisfaction of ARDS survivors. As a result, the execution of the empowerment model by nurses is recommended for ARDS survivors and the participation of their families at the same time. Trial registration: NCT02787720 (ClinicalTrial.gov, 24/05/2016).

BackgroundReducing adverse effects during cesarean delivery and improving the quality of sensory blocks with appropriate doses of intrathecal hyperbaric bupivacaine can play an important role in the safe management of cesarean delivery. The aim of this study was to compare the doses of 10 and 12 mg of intrathecal hyperbaric bupivacaine 0.5% on sensory block level after first spinal failure in cesarean section (CS).MethodsIn this double-blind, randomized clinical trial, 40 candidates of CS after first spinal failure with class I-II based on American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) were randomly assigned into two equal groups (n = 20). Group A and B received the spinal anesthesia with 10 mg and 12 mg of hyperbaric bupivacaine (0.5%), respectively. Maximum levels of sensory block, motor block quality, and vital signs were measured in two groups by 60 min after SPA. Incidence of SPA complications during surgery were also recorded. Data were analyzed by SPSS ver.21 software using repeated measures analysis of variance at 95% confidence interval (CI) level.ResultsExcellent quality of sensory blocks and complete quality of motor blocks were achieved in all participants (100%). However, the mean time to onset of anesthesia (4.47 ± 0.69 vs. 3.38 ± 0.47, P < 0.001) and time to reach T10 level (60.73 ± 11.92 vs. 79.00 ± 19.21, P < 0.001) in the Group A, were significantly shorter than in the patients of Group B. The incidence of hypotension (P = 0.001), nausea/vomiting (P = 0.007) and bradycardia (P = 0.012) as well as administration of ephedrine and atropine were significantly higher in Group B compared to Group A.ConclusionSpinal anesthesia can be safely repeated with a 10 mg of hyperbaric bupivacaine 0.5% in a caesarean section after the initial spinal failure.Clinical trial registration[https://en.irct.ir/trial/40714], identifier [IRCT20120915010841N20].

BackgroundModified Early Warning Score (MEWS) and National Early Warning Score (NEWS) are widely used in predicting the mortality and intensive care unit (ICU) admission of critically ill patients. This study was conducted to evaluate and compare the prognostic value of NEWS and MEWS for predicting ICU readmission, mortality, and related outcomes in critically ill patients at the time of ICU discharge.MethodsThis multicenter, prospective, observational study was conducted over a year, from April 2019 to March 2020, in the general ICUs of two university-affiliated hospitals in Northwest Iran. MEWS and NEWS were compared based on the patients’ outcomes (including mortality, ICU readmission, time to readmission, discharge type, mechanical ventilation (MV), MV duration, and multiple organ failure after readmission) using the univariable and multivariable binary logistic regression. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to determine the outcome predictability of MEWS and NEWS.ResultsA total of 410 ICU patients were enrolled in this study. According to multivariable logistic regression analysis, both MEWS and NEWS were predictors of ICU readmission, time to readmission, MV status after readmission, MV duration, and multiple organ failure after readmission. The area under the ROC curve (AUC) for predicting mortality was 0.91 (95% CI = 0.88–0.94, P < 0.0001) for the NEWS and 0.88 (95% CI = 0.84–0.91, P < 0.0001) for the MEWS. There was no significant difference between the AUC of the NEWS and the MEWS for predicting mortality (P = 0.082). However, for ICU readmission (0.84 vs. 0.71), time to readmission (0.82 vs. 0.67), MV after readmission (0.83 vs. 0.72), MV duration (0.81 vs. 0.67), and multiple organ failure (0.833 vs. 0.710), the AUCs of MEWS were significantly greater (P < 0.001).ConclusionNational Early Warning Score and MEWS values of >4 demonstrated high sensitivity and specificity in identifying the risk of mortality for the patients’ discharge from ICU. However, we found that the MEWS showed superiority over the NEWS score in predicting other outcomes. Eventually, MEWS could be considered an efficient prediction score for morbidity and mortality of critically ill patients.

BackgroundTo develop ten new integrated weaning indices that can predict the weaning outcome better than the traditional indices.MethodsThis retrospective-prospective derivation-validation observational multicenter clinical trial (Clinical Trial.Gov, NCT 01779297), was conducted on 1,175 adult patients admitted at 9 academic affiliated intensive care units (ICUs; 4 surgical and 5 medical), from Jan 2013 to Dec 2018. All patients, intubated and mechanically ventilated for at least 24 h and ready for weaning were enrolled. The study had two phases: at first, the threshold values of each index that best discriminate between a successful and an unsuccessful weaning outcome was determined among 208 patients in the derivation group. In the second phase, the predictive performance of these values was prospectively tested in 967 patients in the validation group. In the prospective-validation set we used Bayes’ theorem to assess the probability of each test in predicting weaning.ResultsIn the prospective validation group, sensitivity, specificity, diagnostic accuracy, positive and negative predictive values, and finally area under the receiver operator characteristic curves and standard errors for each index (ten formulae) were calculated. Statistical values of ten formulae for aforesaid variables were higher than 87% (0.87–0.99).ConclusionThe new indices can be used for hospitalized patients in intensive care settings for accurate prediction of the weaning outcome.

Background: According to the widespread prevalence of different chronic diseases, nurses need to know the choices, necessities, and abilities of patients. The study purpose was to investigate the methodological quality of published papers based on Family-Centered Empowerment Model (FCEM). Methods: This study was a systematic review. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guideline was used to retrieve all national and international studies in the field of FCEM. The final papers were reviewed for different methodological dimensions using three quantitative scales: Jadad, Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT) 2010, and Newcastle-Ottawa, and qualitative scale of Cochrane risk of bias. Findings: In the initial search, 644 papers were retrieved; following PRISMA screening guideline, 47 relevant papers were recognized. Jadad scale scores showed that one study received a score of 5 and 33 received a score of less than 3. Consort scale scores indicated that four studies were scored 7 and the same number were scored less than 5. The Newcastle-Ottawa scale scores showed that 13 studies were scored 8, and 4 were scored less than 4. The five dimensions of Cochrane's risk of bias scale are detailed in the paper. Conclusion: The methodological quality of applied studies based on the FCEM was relatively good, but their reporting style and quality were inadequate.

BackgroundSpinal anesthesia (SPA) is the most common type of anesthesia administered for cesarean section. The main aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of aspiration of CSF (0.2 mL) immediately after SPA with hyperbaric 0.5% bupivacaine on the extent of sensory and motor block.MethodsIn this clinical trial, 60 women at ≥37 weeks of gestation and aged between 18 and 46 years, candidate for cesarean delivery under spinal anesthesia were randomly allocated into two equal groups (n = 30). Group A (CSF-aspiration group) received the spinal anesthesia with 10 mg of hyperbaric 0.5% bupivacaine with aspiration of 0.2 ml of CSF. Group B (no-CSF-aspiration group) received only 10 mg of 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine. Pin-prick analgesia and motor block were tested during the induction.ResultsThe mean maximum level of analgesia was T6 in each group. Although the mean time to reach the maximum level of anesthesia (4.43 ± 5.14 vs. 2.76 ± 2.04, P = 0.107) and to reach T10 level (50.56 ± 11.51 vs. 49.10 ± 13.68, P = 0.665) in the CSF-aspiration group is longer than the non-CSF-aspiration group, but this differences were not significant. There were no significant between-group differences regarding sensory and motor block quality (P = 0.389) or failed SPA (four cases in CSF-aspiration group vs. two cases in no-CSF-aspiration group, P = 0.389). The incidence of bradycardia, hypotension, headache, vomiting and nausea were similar in both groups (P > 0.05). In addition, the difference in hemodynamic parameters between the two groups over times was not statistically significant.ConclusionOur finding indicated that the aspiration of 0.2 ml of CSF after injection of spinal anesthesia with hyperbaric 0.5% bupivacaine does not seem to affect the extent of sensory and motor block, success rate, or outcome after SPA in cesarean section.Clinical Trial Registration[https://www.irct.ir/search/result?query=IRCT20120915010841N25], identifier [IRCT20120915010841N25].

Introduction. The incidence and risk factors for ventilator-related pneumonia (VAP) in patients with delirium are deficient, and there is a lack of in-depth knowledge of the impact of VAP on outcomes in this population. We investigated the incidence, risk factors, and outcomes of VAP in patients with delirium. Materials and Methods. This prospective observational study was performed in a surgical ICU at Be’sat Hospital in Hamadan, Iran, between 2018 and 2019. A total of 108 patients with delirium were identified using the Confusion Assessment Method (CAM) for the ICU and Intensive Care Delirium Screening Checklist (ICDSC) and enrolled in this study. The association between VAP and delirium, risk factors, and outcomes (ICU length of stay and ICU mortality) for VAP were investigated using the Cox proportional hazards model and logistic and simple linear regression analyses with a 95% confidence interval. Results. Of 108 delirium patients, 86 patients (79.6%) underwent mechanical ventilation (MV) and 16 patients (18.6%) experienced VAP during ICU stay. The median onset of VAP was 6.5 (IQR 4.2–7.7) days after intubation. Delirium patients with VAP stayed longer in the ICU (21.68 ± 4.26 vs.12.93 ± 1.71, P

Using physical devices such as eye masks and earplugs to improve to the quality of sleep in intensive care units (ICUs) is a very important issue. This study was conducted to assess the efficacy of eye masks and earplugs for sleep promotion in critically ill adult patients in the ICU based on various sleep quality assessment tools. PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and ProQuest were systematically retrieved until May 2021. Both randomized and non-randomized experimental and quasi-experimental studies were included if they evaluated the efficacy of eye masks and earplugs interventions on sleep outcomes in critically ill patients. The methodological quality was assessed by the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) critical appraisal tool. For the main outcome (sleep quality), a mean difference (MD) and confidence intervals (CIs) of 95% were determined. A total of 2,687 participants from 35 studies met the inclusion criteria. Twenty one studies were included in meta-analysis and 14 studies were included in the qualitative analysis. According to the results based on sleep quality assessment tools; overall scores of Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and Richards-Campbell Sleep Questionnaire (RCSQ), eye mask and/or earplug interventions have a positive effect on sleep quality. Based on Verran-Snyder-Halpern Sleep Scale (VSHSS), sleep disturbance was significantly lower in the intervention groups. In terms of polysomnography, the use of eye masks and/or earplugs resulted in a significant increase in total sleep time, sleep efficiency, rapid eye movement (REM) time, significant reduction of awaking, and sleep arousals index. The results of the present study suggest that the use of earplugs or eye masks, separately or combined affects sleep improvement in critically ill patients.Systematic Review Registration:https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=145830, PROSPERO: CRD42020145830.

OBJECTIVES:. To evaluate the effect of 17-ventilator care bundles and different training strategies for critical care nurses on clinical outcomes. DESIGN:. A randomized controlled triple-blinded clinical trial. SETTING:. The multicenter study was conducted in four academic teaching hospitals in Tehran, Iran, from October 2011 to June 2015. PATIENTS:. A total of 1,600 adult patients (age ≥ 18 yr) who were admitted to mixed medical-surgical ICUs (> 72 hr) and received invasive ventilation (> 48 hr) were included in this study. In addition, 160 critical care nurses were recruited through letters and telephone and face-to-face invitations. INTERVENTIONS:. Seventeen-ventilator care bundles applied by four different groups of nurses. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS:. Clinical outcomes were compared between four groups of study which include three intervention groups (who received 17-ventilator care bundles by trained nurses) and one control group (who received routine care). According to the results, ICU length of stay, non-ICU length of stay, ventilator-associated pneumonia occurrence date, ventilator-associated pneumonia, and mortality rates were significantly higher in control group compared with other groups. CONCLUSIONS:. Critical care nurses training program to accurately implement 17-ventilator care bundles improves outcomes.

Objective: To investigate the safety and efficacy of simultaneous administration of nimodipine, progesterone, magnesium sulfate in patients suffering from severe traumatic brain injury (TBI).Methods: Overall, 90 patients with blunt head trauma who were admitted to the Besat hospital, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Iran through the Emergency Department in 2017 to 2018 were randomly assigned to the study or control groups each containing 45 patients. In the study group, intravenous nimodipine 60 mg every 12 hours for 5 days, intramuscular progesterone 1 mg/kg daily for 5 days, and magnesium sulfate 5 grams stat followed by 2.5 grams every 4 hours for 21 days were administered. Daily GCS and jugular venous oxygen saturation (SjvO2) of the patients were measured on admission day (day 0) through hospitalization day 4 at the intensive care unit. Then, all patients were visited at three months after discharge.Results: The mean age of the patients was 31.4 ± 12.8 years including 59 (65.6%) men with no significant difference between the groups. The baseline GCS and SjvO2 of the patients were comparable in both groups, however, GCS of the patients in the study group were significantly higher in the next 4 hospitalization days compared to the controls. Whereas, the SjvO2 of the patients were not significantly different between the groups during these days. Three-month mortality rate of the patients in the study group was significantly lower than the three-month mortality rate of the patients in the control groups (22.2% vs. 42.2%, p=0.042).Conclusion: Administration of combined protocol of magnesium sulfide, progesterone and nimodipine may be safe and effective in patients suffering from severe TBI.Clinical Trial Registry: IRCT201210229534N2

Despite the ongoing vaccination efforts, there is still an urgent need for safe and effective treatments to help curb the debilitating effects of COVID-19 disease. This systematic review aimed to investigate the efficacy of supplemental curcumin treatment on clinical outcomes and inflammation-related biomarker profiles in COVID-19 patients. We searched PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, EMBASE, ProQuest, and Ovid databases up to 30 June 2021 to find studies that assessed the effects of curcumin-related compounds in mild to severe COVID-19 patients. Six studies were identified which showed that curcumin supplementation led to a significant decrease in common symptoms, duration of hospitalization and deaths. In addition, all of these studies showed that the intervention led to amelioration of cytokine storm effects thought to be a driving force in severe COVID-19 cases. This was seen as a significant (p < 0.05) decrease in proinflammatory cytokines such as IL1β and IL6, with a concomitant significant (p < 0.05) increase in anti-inflammatory cytokines, including IL-10, IL-35 and TGF-α. Taken together, these findings suggested that curcumin exerts its beneficial effects through at least partial restoration of pro-inflammatory/anti-inflammatory balance. In conclusion, curcumin supplementation may offer an efficacious and safe option for improving COVID-19 disease outcomes. We highlight the point that future clinical studies of COVID-19 disease should employ larger cohorts of patients in different clinical settings with standardized preparations of curcumin-related compounds.

Background & Aim: Pain is the main stressful factor in patients hospitalized in intensive care units(ICU). Non-pharmacological methods for pain relief are preferred by ICU patients due to lack of considerable side effects. The present research aims to determine the effect of TENS on pain intensity followed by surgery in patients hospitalized in intensive care units. Setting of the study was Besat Hospital in Hamadan, Iran. In this cross over clinical trial, thirty five patients hospitalized in intensive care unit with level of consciousness 9-12 based on Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS), assigned randomly to active/placebo TENS(18 patients) or placebo/active TENS (17 patients) sequence. Methods & Materials: Patients received each intervention for two hours by a random order. A card was allocated to each patient on which the order of interventions was written. In placebo TENS, the system was off and no electrical simulation was applied. Active TENS was applied by conventional TENS with frequency of 80 Hz within 330 milliseconds that is a subset of high TENS. Pain intensity were measured and recorded using Behavioural Pain Scale (PBS)before and 6 hours after intervention. Statistical analysis used: Data were analysed using SPSS 19 and independent t-test, chi square and Wilcoxon tests. Results: Mean scores of pain intensity before and after active TENS was significantly different in both intervention order (P= 0.001). Mean scores of pain intensity after placebo TENS was not significantly different in both groups. None of patients suffered from side effects after using TENS. Conclusion: Based on results, application of active TENS reduced significantly pain intensity in patients after surgery. Concerning the simplicity of using this method and lack of considerable side effects, it is suggested to be used as pain relief in similar situations.

Background: This study aimed to compare intermittent intravenous (IV) pantoprazole and ranitidine for control of gastric acid secretion and the possible prevention of Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding (UGIB) in critical care patients. Methods: This was a randomized, double blind clinical trial study of IV pantoprazole (40 mg every12 hour) or intermittent IV ranitidine (50 mg bolus every 8 hour) in patients at risk for UGIB. The primary endpoint was gastric pH. UGIB was measured as secondary endpoint. Results: ninety two Critical care patients were enrolled. Gastric pH was well controlled by two study drugs. Gastric pH increased in pantoprazole group than in the ranitidine group (4.40±0.39 versus 3.32±0.28; P=0.000). Upper GI bleeding was higher in ranitidine group than pantoprazole group (4/46 versus 2/46; P=0.404). Conclusion: This study indicates that intermittent IV pantoprazole compared with bolus IV ranitidine, more effectively controls gastric pH and may prevent UGIB in high risk critical care patients without the development of tolerance.