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Assessment of the efficacy and complications associated with performing bronchoscopy-guided percutaneous tracheostomy in COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 patients.Prospective observational study conducted between March of 2020 and February of 2022. All adult patients who underwent elective bronchoscopy-guided percutaneous tracheostomy were included. The efficacy of the procedure was evaluated based either on the success rate in the execution or on the need for conversion to open technique. Percutaneous tracheostomy-related complications were registered during the procedure. We performed 6-month follow-up for identifying late complications.During the study period, 312 bronchoscopy-guided percutaneous tracheostomies were analyzed. One hundred and eighty-three were performed in COVID-19 patients and 129 among non-COVID-19 patients. Overall, 64.1% (200) of patients were male, with a median age of 66 (interquartile range 54-74), and 65% (205) presented at least 1 comorbidity. Overall, oxygen desaturation was the main complication observed (20.8% [65]), being more frequent in the COVID-19 group occurring in 27.3% (50) with a statistically significant difference versus the non-COVID-19 patients' group (11.6% [15]); P.01). Major complications such as hypotension, arrhythmias, and pneumothorax were more frequently observed among COVID-19 patients as well but with no significant differences. Percutaneous tracheostomy could be executed quickly and satisfactorily in all the patients with no need for conversion to the open technique. Likewise, no suspension of the procedure was required in any case. During 6-month follow-up, we found an incidence of 0.96% (n = 3) late complications, 2 tracheal granulomas, and 1 ostomal infection.Bronchoscopy-guided percutaneous tracheostomy can be considered an effective and safe procedure in COVID-19 patients. Nevertheless, it is highly remarkable that in the series under study, a great number of COVID-19 patients presented oxygen desaturation during the procedure.

Objective: investigate the predictive value of NEWS2, NEWS-C, and COVID-19 Severity Index for predicting intensive care unit (ICU) transfer in the next 24 hours. Design: retrospective multicenter study Setting: two third-level hospitals in Argentina Patients: all adult patients with confirmed COVID-19, admitted on general wards, excluding patients with non-intubated orders. Interventions: Patients were divided between those who were admitted to ICU and non-admitted. We calculated the three scores for each day of hospitalization. Variables: we evaluate the calibration and discrimination of the three scores for the outcome ICU admission within 24, 48 h, and at hospital admission. Results: we evaluate 13,768 days of hospitalizations on general medical wards of 1318 patients. Among these, 126 (9.5%) were transferred to ICU. The AUROC of NEWS2 was 0.73 (95%CI 0.68-0.78) 24 hours before ICU admission, and 0.52 (95%CI 0.47-0.57) at hospital admission. The AUROC of NEWS-C was 0.73 (95%CI 0.68-0.78) and 0.52 (95%CI 0.47-0.57) respectively, and the AUROC of COVID-19 Severity Index was 0.80 (95%CI 0.77-0.84) and 0.61 (95%CI 0.58-0.66) respectively. COVID-19 Severity Index presented better calibration than NEWS2 and NEWS-C. Conclusion: COVID-19 Severity index has better calibration and discrimination than NEWS2 and NEWS-C to predict ICU transfer during hospitalization.

INTRODUCCIÓN: El objetivo de este estudio fue describir el conocimiento y el uso reportado del paquete de medidas ABCDEF en las unidades de cuidados intensivos (UCI) de adultos de la República Argentina durante la pandemia por SARS-CoV-2. MÉTODOS: Se realizó un estudio cualitativo a través de una encuesta nacional dirigida a profesionales de la salud. RESULTADOS: Se recibieron 396 cuestionarios completos de profesionales de 21 provincias argentinas y la Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires. El 66% de los participantes contestó que conoce el paquete y lo aplica con diferentes grados de implementación. El 42,9% informó que usa al menos una herramienta validada para evaluar el dolor. Más de la mitad de los encuestados afirman realizar vacaciones de sedación y pruebas de ventilación espontánea diariamente. Las escalas de sedación fueron utilizadas por el 66,6% de los participantes en forma rutinaria. El 62% utiliza herramientas validadas para la detección de delirium. Respecto de la movilización temprana y ejercicio de los pacientes, el 91,8% de los profesionales entrevistados comunicaron que realizan rehabilitación neuromuscular en su UCI. Finalmente, sólo el 6,8% informó que su unidad estaba abierta las 24 horas para las visitas familiares. Las principales barreras a la aplicación del paquete de medidas fueron los recursos humanos y hospitalarios limitados, la resistencia al cambio, la falta de información y el aislamiento por COVID-19. CONCLUSIÓN: El 66% de los participantes contestó que conoce el paquete y lo aplica con diferentes grados de implementación.

Antecedentes: Tanto la sobreinfección bacteriana como la neumonía asociada a la ventilación (NAV) son eventos frecuentes en los cuidados críticos. Durante la pandemia de COVID-19, las prácticas diagnósticas habituales, como el lavado broncoalveolar y el aspirado traqueal, están limitadas debido al alto riesgo de exposición que conllevan para el operador. Con el fin de poner el foco principal en la protección del personal sanitario, se desarrolla y utiliza una técnica de aspiración traqueal modificada (M-TA) para la adquisición de muestras microbiológicas del tracto respiratorio inferior con un dispositivo de aspiración cerrado. Métodos: Se realiza un estudio observacional retrospectivo para evaluar la eficacia de la M-TA. Resultados: Se analizaron un total de 33 muestras de M-TA. En el 66,6% de los casos, los resultados condujeron a un cambio en la toma de decisiones médicas. Se alcanzó una precisión del 100% en el diagnóstico de COVID-19 y una tasa de crecimiento bacteriano del 56% en las cultivas en las que se sospechó de VAP. Ningún personal sanitario desarrolló síntomas ni dio positivo a COVID-19 durante o después de la recogida de muestras. Conclusiones: La técnica de M-TA presentada podría considerarse como un procedimiento seguro y eficaz con bajo porcentaje de complicaciones.

The criteria for the selection of COVID-19 patients that could benefit most from ECMO organ support are yet to be defined. In this study, we evaluated the predictive performance of ECMO mortality predictive models in patients with COVID-19. We also performed a cost-benefit analysis depending on the mortality predicted probability. We conducted a retrospective cohort study in COVID-19 patients who received ECMO at two tertiary care hospitals between March 2020 to July 2021. We evaluated the discrimination (C-statistic), calibration (Cox calibration), and accuracy of the prediction of death due to severe ARDS in V-V ECMO score (PRESERVE), the Respiratory Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Survival Score (RESP) score, and the PREdiction of Survival on ECMO Therapy-Score (PRESET) score. In addition, we compared the RESP score with Plateau pressure instead of Peak pressure. We included a total of 36 patients, 29 (80%) of them male and with a median (IQR) APACHE of 10 (8-15). The PRESET score had the highest discrimination (AUROCs 0.81 [95%CI 0.67 - 0.94]) and calibration (calibration-in-the-large 0.5 [95%CI -1.4 - 0.3]; calibration slope 2.2 [95%CI 0.7 / 3.7]). The RESP score with Plateau pressure had higher discrimination than the conventional RESP score. The cost per QALY in the USA, adjusted to life expectancy, was higher than USD 100,000 in patients older than 45 years with a PRESET10. The PRESET score had the highest predictive performance and could help in the selection of patients that benefit most from this resource-demanding and highly invasive organ support.

Introducción: Las quemaduras eléctricas representan entre el 3 y el 4% de todas las quemaduras. Los sitios de impacto más frecuentes son el sistema cardiovascular, el tejido muscular, el neurológico y el cutáneo. El compromiso del sistema respiratorio es infrecuente, con escaso número de casos reportados en la literatura. Caso clinico: Paciente varón de 26 años que ingresa luego de lesión eléctrica de alto voltaje. Presentó compromiso cutáneo y distress respiratorio con requerimiento de asistencia respiratoria mecánica, sedación profunda y bloqueo neuromuscular. Conclusión: Hay pocos casos reportados en la literatura de lesión pulmonar asociado a trauma eléctrico. Es fundamental reconocer el sistema respiratorio como posible sitio de impacto resaltando la importancia de un soporte vital avanzado.

Aspergillus tracheobronchitis is a rare form of invasive aspergillosis reported exceptionally in the immunocompetent patient. Its diagnosis is difficult, and the treatments proposed so far are of little effectiveness, all of which constitute a real problem for the health team. We present the case of an immunocompetent 28 years old woman, with no epidemiological background, who developed necrotizing tracheobronchitis due to invasive aspergillosis and received voriconazole with local instillation by bronchoscopy with a good response.

Pandemics pose a major challenge for public health preparedness, requiring a coordinated international response and the development of solid containment plans. Early and accurate identification of high-risk patients in the course of the current COVID-19 pandemic is vital for planning and making proper use of available resources. The purpose of this study was to identify the key variables that account for worse outcomes to create a predictive model that could be used effectively for triage. Through literature review, 44 variables that could be linked to an unfavorable course of COVID-19 disease were obtained, including clinical, laboratory, and X-ray variables. These were used for a 2-round modified Delphi processing with 14 experts to select a final list of variables with the greatest predictive power for the construction of a scoring system, leading to the creation of a new scoring system: the COVID-19 Severity Index. The analysis of the area under the curve for the COVID-19 Severity Index was 0.94 to predict the need for ICU admission in the following 24 hours against 0.80 for NEWS-2. Additionally, the digital medical record of the Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires was electronically set for an automatic calculation and constant update of the COVID-19 Severity Index. Specifically designed for the current COVID-19 pandemic, COVID-19 Severity Index could be used as a reliable tool for strategic planning, organization, and administration of resources by easily identifying hospitalized patients with a greater need of intensive care.La pandemia por COVID-19 planteó un desafío para el sistema salud, debido a la gran demanda de pacientes hospitalizados. La identificación temprana de pacientes hospitalizados con riesgo de evolución desfavorable es vital para asistir en forma oportuna y planificar la demanda de recursos. El propósito de este estudio fue identificar las variables predictivas de mala evolución en pacientes hospitalizados por COVID-19 y crear un modelo predictivo que pueda usarse como herramienta de triage. A través de una revisión narrativa, se obtuvieron 44 variables vinculadas a una evolución desfavorable de la enfermedad COVID-19, incluyendo variables clínicas, de laboratorio y radiográficas. Luego se utilizó un procesamiento por método Delphi modificado de 2 rondas para seleccionar una lista final de variables incluidas en el score llamado COVID-19 Severity Index. Luego se calculó el Área Bajo la Curva (AUC) del score para predecir el pase a terapia intensiva en las próximas 24 horas. El score presentó un AUC de 0,94 frente a 0,80 para NEWS-2. Finalmente se agregó el COVID-19 Severity Index a la historia clínica electrónica de un hospital universitario de alta complejidad. Se programó para que el mismo se actualice de manera automática, facilitando la planificación estratégica, organización y administración de recursos a través de la identificación temprana de pacientes hospitalizados con mayor riesgo de transferencia a la Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos.

Influenza infection is a latent public health problem, affecting millions of people throughout the world, which imposes high morbidity and economic burden on the region. In Argentina, influenza-associated mortality is estimated at 6/100 000 person-years, and is higher among men = 65 years old. The knowledge of the baseline characteristics and outcomes of hospitalized patients is crucial for public health officials planning interventions to address local outbreaks. Thus, in this retrospective, single-center study, performed in a highcomplexity university hospital, we aimed to analyze clinical characteristics, image findings, and laboratory variables of patients with laboratory-confirmed influenza requiring hospitalization in our hospital during 2019. Cases were confirmed by real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. One hundred and forty-three patients with influenza were hospitalized during the study period; 141 (98.6%) were infected with influenza virus type A, including 88 (61.5%) with the H1N1 subtype. The median age was 71 years (IQR 60- 82), 111 (77.6%) were older than 70 years, and 126 (88.1%) had at least one coexisting illness; 56 (39.1%) patients required intensive care unit, 16 (11.1%) invasive mechanical ventilation, and 6 (4.1%) died during hospitalization. In this study, in-hospital mortality was similar to that reported in previous series of non-pandemic influenza, even though the majority of the cases in this study were older than 70 years and had at least one coexisting illness.La influenza es un problema latente de salud pública que afecta a millones de personas en todo el planeta e impone una alta morbilidad y carga económica para la región. En Argentina, la mortalidad asociada a la influenza se estima en 6/100 000 personas-año y es mayor entre los hombres mayores de 65 años. El conocimiento de las características clínicas y la evolución de los pacientes hospitalizados es fundamental para planificar el abordaje de los brotes locales. En este estudio retrospectivo, realizado en un hospital universitario de alta complejidad, nuestro objetivo fue analizar las características clínicas, los hallazgos de imágenes y las variables de laboratorio en 143 pacientes con influenza confirmada por laboratorio que requirieron hospitalización durante 2019. Los casos fueron confirmados mediante la reacción en cadena de la polimerasa con transcripción inversa en tiempo real. El 98.6% (n: 141) estaban infectados por influenza tipo A y 61.5% (n: 88) correspondía al subtipo H1N1. La mediana de edad fue 71 años (IQR 60-82), el 77.6% (n: 111) tenía más de 70 años y el 88.1% (n: 126) al menos una enfermedad coexistente. El 39.1% (n: 56) requirió internación en unidad de cuidados intensivos, el 11.1% (n: 16) ventilación mecánica invasiva y seis pacientes (4.1%) fallecieron durante la hospitalización. En este estudio, la mortalidad hospitalaria fue similar a la publicada en series previas de influenza no pandémica, aunque la mayoría de los pacientes eran mayores de 70 años y presentaban al menos una enfermedad coexistente.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) meant an unprecedented global crisis, which involved the reorganization of health systems and the rationalization of available diagnostic and therapeutic resources. The objective of this observational and retrospective study was to analyze the clinical characteristics and evolution of patients admitted to general ward, intensive care unit and emergency department of a high complexity hospital in Buenos Aires city, during the first seven months of viral circulation. A total of 1005 patients with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 were included. The median age was 45 years, and 73.7% were men. Half of the patients had at least one comorbidity. Among the laboratory findings, the median of total leukocytes was 6300 cells/mm3 and that of lymphocytes 818 cells/mm3; 82.3% of the patients presented alterations in the chest tomography, and the most frequently observed radiological pattern was ground-glass opacity (33%); 82.4% of them received empirical antibiotic therapy directed to the respiratory focus and, in addition, 18.7% were treated with dexamethasone. Regarding severity, 14.7% of the patients presented uncomplicated disease, 55.2% mild pneumonia, 20.8% moderate pneumonia, and 9.2% severe pneumonia. Likewise, 8.7% of them were transferred to intensive care. In-hospital mortality was 2.3%, and 20.5% among critically ill patients. A statistically significant association was found between mortality and age, with an age difference of 9.6 years, being greater among the deceased (p = 0.0004; 95% CI 4-14). However, there was no association between the presence of comorbidities and sex vs. mortality and severity of the disease.La pandemia por COVID-19 significó una crisis mundial sin precedentes, que implicó la reorganización de los sistemas de salud y la racionalización de los recursos diagnósticos y terapéuticos disponibles. El objetivo de este estudio observacional y retrospectivo fue analizar características clínicas y evolución de los pacientes internados en guardia, sala general y terapia intensiva en un hospital privado de alta complejidad de la Ciudad de Buenos Aires, durante los primeros siete meses de circulación viral. Se incluyeron 1005 pacientes con COVID-19 confirmado por laboratorio. La mediana de edad fue de 45 años; 73.7% eran varones. La mitad de los pacientes presentaba al menos una comorbilidad. La mediana de leucocitos totales fue 6300 células/mm3 y de linfocitos 818 células/mm3. El 82.3% presentó alteraciones en la tomografía de tórax; y el patrón radiológico observado con mayor frecuencia fue opacidad tipo vidrio esmerilado (33%). El 82.4% recibió antibioticoterapia empírica dirigida a foco respiratorio y, además, el 18.7% fu e tratado con dexametasona. Respecto de la gravedad, el 14.7% presentó enfermedad no complicada, el 55.2% neumonía leve, el 20.8% neumonía moderada y el 9.2% neumonía grave. Asimismo, el 8.7% fue transferido a terapia intensiva. Se registró una mortalidad hospitalaria del 2.3% y del 20.5% en terapia intensiva. Se encontró asociación estadísticamente significativa entre mortalidad y edad, con una diferencia de edad de 9.6 años, siendo mayor entre los fallecidos (p = 0.0004; IC 95% 4-14). Sin embargo, no hubo asociación entre presencia de comorbilidades y sexo vs. mortalidad y gravedad de la enfermedad.

Critical asthma syndrome is a life-threatening medical condition that can lead to irreversible hypoxia or cardiorespiratory arrest. Invasive mechanical ventilation is one of the therapeutic pillars, however, it can also develop ventilator-induced lung injury. For this reason, the use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) could be an additional strategy to improve gas exchange and reduce damage induced by mechanical ventilation. We present the case of a patient with critical asthma syndrome who required ECMO due to severe barotrauma.El síndrome de asma crítico es una emergencia médica que amenaza la vida y de no instaurar un tratamiento urgente, progresa a un estado de hipoxia irreversible o paro cardiorrespiratorio. La ventilación mecánica invasiva constituye uno de los pilares terapéuticos, sin embargo, también puede desarrollar injuria pulmonar por barotrauma. En ese contexto, el uso de oxigenación por membrana extracorpórea (ECMO) supone una estrategia adicional para mejorar el intercambio gaseoso y reducir el daño inducido por la ventilación mecánica. Se presenta el caso de una paciente con síndrome de asma crítico que requirió ECMO por barotrauma grave.

During the SARSCoV-2 pandemic many drugs have been used as potential treatments in order to improve the clinical outcome and reduce the mortality. But since it is a currently unknown disease, the evidence about efficacy and safety is built as the drugs are prescribed. In this context, intensive pharmacovigilance allows early detection of adverse events, and thereby infer the safety profile of the indication. We conducted an observational, retrospective, single-center study involving adult patients with severe SARS-CoV-2 infection. All adverse events detected in 23 patients in the Intensive Care Unit between March 15 and June 15, 2020 were registered. We describe type and severity of the adverse events and if treatment suspension was needed. The results show a high rate of adverse events (10/23, 43%) in treatment with lopinavir/ritonavir. In most cases early treatment suspension was required. Even though the limitations of our study derived from the small sample size, these results could help in building evidence about the safety of using lopinavir/ritonavir for severe SARS-CoV-2 infection.Durante el transcurso de la pandemia causada por el virus SARS-CoV-2 se han utilizado diferentes fármacos como potenciales tratamientos específicos con el objetivo de lograr mejoría clínica y/o disminuir la mortalidad de los afectados, pero al tratarse de una enfermedad hasta ahora desconocida, la evidencia acerca de su seguridad y eficacia se va construyendo a medida que se los prescribe. La farmacovigilancia intensiva en este contexto permite detectar eventos adversos y mediante su reporte y análisis inferir el perfil de seguridad en cada indicación. Se realizó un estudio observacional, retrospectivo, en un único centro, en el cual se relevaron los eventos adversos en 23 pacientes adultos en estado crítico, de los cuales 18 recibieron lopinavir/ritonavir como tratamiento empírico, entre el 15 de marzo y el 15 de junio de 2020, durante su internación en una Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos. Se describe el tipo de eventos adversos, su gravedad y si fueron motivo de suspensión del tratamiento. Los resultados del presente análisis muestran una alta tasa de eventos adversos (10/23, 43%) entre los que recibieron lopinavir/ritonavir, llevando en la mayoría de los casos a la decisión de suspender el mismo antes de completar el tratamiento. Aun con las limitaciones propias del reducido número de casos, la divulgación de dichos resultados aporta evidencia para definir el perfil de seguridad de la combinación lopinavir/ritonavir usado en enfermedad grave por SARS-CoV-2.

IntroductionInfluenza virus infection is a latent public health problem, affecting millions of people through the planet, and it is an important cause of morbidity and mortality. In Argentina, there is a significant absence of data regarding influenza severe respiratory disease and, therefore, a lack of knowledge about the impact of this disease at health institutions.ObjectivesAnalysis of clinical characteristics, image findings and laboratory variables in patients with influenza viruses during 2019.MethodsRetrospective, single-centre study, we analyzed all confirmed cases of influenza in a high complexity hospital from Buenos Aires.Results143 patients with influenza virus were hospitalized in this period of time. The 98.6% were infected by type A influenza, and most of them 61.5% were H1N1 subtype.Median age was 71 years (IQR 60 - 82), 77.6% were older than 70 years, and 88.1% had at least one coexisting illness. 39.1% of the patients required intensive care, 11.1% invasive mechanical ventilation and 4.1% died during hospitalization.ConclusionMortality and severity were similar to previous series of non-pandemic influenza. Analysis of annual data would be valuable in order to document the severity of influenza hospitalizations by ageJgroup and comorbidities according to the circulating influenza viruses.

BackgroundBacterial superinfection as well as ventilation associated pneumonia (VAP) are both frequent events in critical care. During COVID-19 pandemic, usual diagnostic practices such as bronchoalveolar lavage and tracheal aspirate are limited due to their associated high risk of exposure for the operator. In order to set primary focus on the protection of health care personnel, a modified tracheal aspiration (M-TA) technique is developed and used for acquiring a lower respiratory tract of microbiological samples with a closed suction device.MethodsRetrospective observational study to evaluate effectiveness of M-TA is conducted.ResultsA total of 33 M-TA samples were analyzed. In 66,6% of the cases, results led to a change in medical decision making. A 100% accuracy was achieved regarding COVID-19 diagnosis and a 56% bacterial growth-rate in cultives where VAP was suspected. No health care personnel have developed symptoms nor tested positive for COVID-19 during or after sample collection.ConclusionM-TA technique presented could be considered as a safe and effective procedure with low percentage of complications.

IntroductionPandemics pose a major challenge for public health preparedness, requiring a coordinated international response and the development of solid containment plans. An early and accurate identification of high-risk patients in the course of the actual COVID-19 pandemic is vital for planning and for making proper use of available resources.ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to identify the key variables to create a predictive model that could be used effectively for triage.MethodsA narrative literature review of 651 articles was conducted to assess clinical, laboratory and imaging findings of COVID-19 confirmed cases. After screening, 10 articles met the inclusion criteria and a list of suggested variables was gathered. A modified Delphi process analysis was performed to consult experts in order to generate a final list of variables for the creation of the predictive model.ResultsThe modified Delphi process analysis identified 44 predictive variables that were used for building a severity prediction score, the COVID-19 Severity Index.ConclusionSpecifically designed for current COVID-19 pandemic, COVID-19 Severity Index could be used as a reliable tool for strategic planning, organization and administration of resources by easily identifying hospitalized patients with higher risk of transfer to Intensive Care Unit (ICU).

IntroducciónEl Síndrome de Leak Capilar Idiopático (SLCI) o enfermedad de Clarkson es un entidad rara pero potencialmente letal, caracterizada por episodios recurrentes de shock y anasarca secundarios al aumento idiopático de la permeabilidad capilar. En este contexto, el uso de membrana de oxigenación extracorpórea (ECMO) venoarterial como soporte cardiorrespiratorio, es una medida de rescate que busca generar estabilidad hemodinámica a la espera de la desaparición espontánea del leak capilar con el fin de sortear las complicaciones de la fase de reabsorción. Caso ClínicoSe presenta el caso de un paciente un paciente de 42 años de edad que presentó SLCI y requirió ECMO durante 8 días como soporte hemodinámico. Cursó 20 días de internación en la unidad de terapia intensiva y se otorgó el alta hospitalaria luego de 43 días. ConclusionesEl uso de ECMO en el caso reportado significó una estrategia útil para el manejo del SLCI como puente a la recuperación, tanto en la etapa de leak como en la fase de reabsorción de fluidos. Sin embargo, su indicación se ve limitada a pacientes altamente seleccionados, y todavía requiere un mayor debate entre especialistas sobre los posibles riesgos y beneficios.

Objetivo: Medicion de la eficacia y relevamiento de las complicaciones asociadas a la a realizacion de traqueostomia percutanea (TP) guiada por videobroncoscopia en un hospital universitario de alta complejidad. Materiales y metodos: Estudio observacional retrospectivo realizado entre mayo de 2017 y agosto de 2019. El criterio para la indicacion de TP fue desvinculacion prolongada de la ventilacion mecanica en todos los casos. Incluyo pacientes mayores de 18 anos en que se realizo TP electiva guiada por videobroncoscopia. Se registraron variables demograficas, APACHE II y dias de ventilacion mecanica previos a la TP. La eficacia del procedimiento fue evaluada en base a la tasa de exito en la ejecucion, la necesidad de conversion a tecnica abierta. Asimismo, se registraron las complicaciones observadas. Resultados: Se evaluaron 235 procedimientos (149 hombres y 86 mujeres) en pacientes con edad media de 61 anos ± 19, un score APACHE II 18 ± 8. La TP pudo ser ejecutada en forma rapida y satisfactoria en todos los pacientes sin requerimiento de conversion a tecnica abierta. Se presentaron complicaciones tempranas en el 3,8% (9) de los casos. El sangrado menor fue la complicacion mas frecuentemente observada en 5 casos (2,1%), hipotension en 3 casos (1,3%) e hipoxemia transitoria en un caso (0,4%). Asimismo el 2,1% (5) de los casos registro complicaciones tardias. Conclusion: La realizacion de TP mediante la tecnica de dilatador unico guiada por videobroncoscopia se describe como un procedimiento efectivo y seguro, que puede realizarse en unidades de cuidados intensivos con baja tasa de complicaciones. Objective Measurement of the efficacy and complications associated with performing percutaneous tracheostomy (PT) guided by video bronchoscopy. Materials and methods Retrospective observational study conducted between May 2017 and August 2019. Adult patients who underwent elective PT guided by video bronchoscopy were included. The criteria for the indication of PT was prolonged weaning from mechanical ventilation in all cases. Demographic variables, APACHE II score and days of mechanical ventilation prior to PT were recorded. The efficacy of the procedure was evaluated based on the success rate in the execution, the need for conversion to open technique. Also complications observed were recorded. Results 235 procedures (149 men and 86 women) were evaluated in patients with an average age of 61 years ± 19 and APACHE II score 18 ± 8. The PT was performed quickly and satisfactorily in all patients without conversion to open technique in any case. Complications occurred in 3.8% (9) of the cases. Minor bleeding was the most frequently observed complication in 5 cases (2.1%), hypotension in 3 cases (1.3%), and transient hypoxemia in one patient (0.4%). Also, 2,1% (5) of the cases presented late complications. Conclusion Performing PT guided by video bronchoscopy is described as an effective and safe procedure that can be done in intensive care units with a low rate of complications.

This is an analysis of clinical characteristics, images findings, laboratory variables and respiratory mechanics in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) during the first month of the pandemic outbreak in Buenos Aires. In this descriptive case study of a single-centre, we included all confirmed cases of COVID-19 hospitalized in intensive care unit (ICU). All cases were confirmed by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. A total of 7 patients with confirmed COVID-19 were referred to out ICU. The median age was 71 years (interquartile range 52-75), including 4 men and 3 women. Patients most common clinical manifestations were fever (7), cough (5), asthenia (4) and shortness of breath (3). Among the radiological findings, five of them showed interstitial opacities and one patient had bilateral pulmonary consolidation. Five required invasive mechanical ventilation and multiple prone sessions. None died during hospitalization, although three still remain in the ICU. According to imaging examination, 71.4% showed interstitial opacities and one patient bilateral consolidation. Five patients required invasive mechanical ventilation and multiple prone sessions. None of them died during hospitalization, although three still remain in the ICU.Se trata de un análisis de características clínicas, hallazgos radiológicos, variables de laboratorio y mecánica respiratoria en pacientes con enfermedad por coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) durante el primer mes de la pandemia en Buenos Aires. Es un estudio descriptivo de casos, de un solo centro. Se incluyeron todos los casos confirmados de COVID-19 internados en la unidad de terapia intensiva de adultos (UTIA) del Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires. Todos los casos se confirmaron por reacción en cadena de la polimerasa con transcriptasa inversa. Un total de 7 pacientes con COVID-19 fueron atendidos en la UTIA. La mediana de edad fue de 71 años (intervalos intercuartílicos: 52-75), 4 hombres y 3 mujeres. Las manifestaciones clínicas más comunes fueron fiebre (7), tos (5), astenia (4) y disnea (3). Entre los hallazgos radiológicos, cinco de ellos mostraron opacidades intersticiales y un paciente consolidación pulmonar bilateral. Cinco requirieron ventilación mecánica invasiva y múltiples sesiones de decúbito prono. Ninguno murió durante la hospitalización, aunque aún tres permanecen en UCI.

Objetivo: Medición de la eficacia y relevamiento de las complicaciones asociadas a la a realización de traqueostomía percutánea (TP) guiada por videobroncoscopia en un hospital universitario de alta complejidad. Materiales y métodos: Estudio observacional retrospectivo realizado entre mayo de 2017 y agosto de 2019. El criterio para la indicación de TP fue desvinculación prolongada de la ventilación mecánica en todos los casos. Incluyó pacientes mayores de 18 años en que se realizó TP electiva guiada por videobroncoscopia. Se registraron variables demográficas, APACHE II y días de ventilación mecánica previos a la TP. La eficacia del procedimiento fue evaluada en base a la tasa de éxito en la ejecución, la necesidad de conversión a técnica abierta. Asimismo, se registraron las complicaciones observadas. Resultados: Se evaluaron 235 procedimientos (149 hombres y 86 mujeres) en pacientes con edad media de 61 años ± 19, un score APACHE II 18 ± 8. La TP pudo ser ejecutada en forma rápida y satisfactoria en todos los pacientes sin requerimiento de conversión a técnica abierta. Se presentaron complicaciones tempranas en el 3,8% (9) de los casos. El sangrado menor fue la complicación más frecuentemente observada en 5 casos (2,1%), hipotensión en 3 casos (1,3%) e hipoxemia transitoria en un caso (0,4%). Asimismo el 2,1% (5) de los casos registró complicaciones tardías. Conclusión: La realización de TP mediante la técnica de dilatador único guiada por videobroncoscopia se describe como un procedimiento efectivo y seguro, que puede realizarse en unidades de cuidados intensivos con baja tasa de complicaciones.Measurement of the efficacy and complications associated with performing percutaneous tracheostomy (PT) guided by video bronchoscopy.Retrospective observational study conducted between May 2017 and August 2019. Adult patients who underwent elective PT guided by video bronchoscopy were included. The criteria for the indication of PT was prolonged weaning from mechanical ventilation in all cases. Demographic variables, APACHE II score and days of mechanical ventilation prior to PT were recorded. The efficacy of the procedure was evaluated based on the success rate in the execution, the need for conversion to open technique. Also complications observed were recorded.235 procedures (149 men and 86 women) were evaluated in patients with an average age of 61 years ± 19 and APACHE II score 18 ± 8. The PT was performed quickly and satisfactorily in all patients without conversion to open technique in any case. Complications occurred in 3.8% (9) of the cases. Minor bleeding was the most frequently observed complication in 5 cases (2.1%), hypotension in 3 cases (1.3%), and transient hypoxemia in one patient (0.4%). Also, 2,1% (5) of the cases presented late complications.Performing PT guided by video bronchoscopy is described as an effective and safe procedure that can be done in intensive care units with a low rate of complications.Medición de la eficacia y relevamiento de las complicaciones asociadas a la a realización de traqueostomía percutánea (TP) guiada por videobroncoscopia en un hospital universitario de alta complejidad.Estudio observacional retrospectivo realizado entre mayo de 2017 y agosto de 2019. El criterio para la indicación de TP fue desvinculación prolongada de la ventilación mecánica en todos los casos. Incluyó pacientes mayores de 18 años en que se realizó TP electiva guiada por videobroncoscopia. Se registraron variables demográficas, APACHE II y días de ventilación mecánica previos a la TP. La eficacia del procedimiento fue evaluada en base a la tasa de éxito en la ejecución, la necesidad de conversión a técnica abierta. Asimismo, se registraron las complicaciones observadas.Se evaluaron 235 procedimientos (149 hombres y 86 mujeres) en pacientes con edad media de 61 años ± 19, un score APACHE II 18 ± 8. La TP pudo ser ejecutada en forma rápida y satisfactoria en todos los pacientes sin requerimiento de conversión a técnica abierta. Se presentaron complicaciones tempranas en el 3,8% (9) de los casos. El sangrado menor fue la complicación más frecuentemente observada en 5 casos (2,1%), hipotensión en 3 casos (1,3%) e hipoxemia transitoria en un caso (0,4%). Asimismo el 2,1% (5) de los casos registró complicaciones tardías.La realización de TP mediante la técnica de dilatador único guiada por videobroncoscopia se describe como un procedimiento efectivo y seguro, que puede realizarse en unidades de cuidados intensivos con baja tasa de complicaciones.

The arteriovenous extracorporeal membrane is used in patients with hemodynamic and respiratory failure, unresponsive to conventional treatment. It provides transitory hemodynamic support, oxygenation and removal of CO2, allowing pulmonary rest. Moreover it offers the possibility of ultraprotective ventilation and avoids generation of VILI (Ventilation-Induced Lung Injury). It is not frequently used in patients with hemodynamic failure secondary to obstructive shock due to mediastinal compromise. We present the case of a patient with obstructive shock, mediastinal mass of lymphoproliferative origin that was treated with extracorporeal arteriovenous circulation membrane.

Idiopathic systemic capillary leak syndrome (ISCLS) or Clarkson's disease is unusual but potentially lethal, characterized by recurrent shock incidents and anasarca secondary to idiopathic increase of capillary permeability. In such a context, the use of venoarterial Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) as cardiorespiratory support is a rescue action that seeks hemodynamic stability generation until spontaneous disappearance of the capillary occurs with the objective of surpassing the complications of resorption phase.A 42 year old patient presented ISCLS and required ECMO as hemodynamic support for 8 days. She remained 20 days in Intensive Care Unit and was given hospital release after 43 days.The use of ECMO in the reported case was a useful strategy in the ISCLS management as a bridge to recovery both in the leak stage and the fluid resorption phase. Notwithstanding its indication is limited to thoroughly selected patients and requires further debate between specialists about its risks and benefits.El Síndrome de Leak Capilar Idiopático (SLCI) o enfermedad de Clarkson es un entidad rara pero potencialmente letal, caracterizada por episodios recurrentes de shock y anasarca secundarios al aumento idiopático de la permeabilidad capilar. En este contexto, el uso de membrana de oxigenación extracorpórea (ECMO) venoarterial como soporte cardiorrespiratorio, es una medida de rescate que busca generar estabilidad hemodinámica a la espera de la desaparición espontánea del leak capilar con el fin de sortear las complicaciones de la fase de reabsorción.Se presenta el caso de un paciente un paciente de 42 años de edad que presentó SLCI y requirió ECMO durante 8 días como soporte hemodinámico. Cursó 20 días de internación en la unidad de terapia intensiva y se otorgó el alta hospitalaria luego de 43 días.El uso de ECMO en el caso reportado significó una estrategia útil para el manejo del SLCI como puente a la recuperación, tanto en la etapa de leak como en la fase de reabsorción de fluidos. Sin embargo, su indicación se ve limitada a pacientes altamente seleccionados, y todavía requiere un mayor debate entre especialistas sobre los posibles riesgos y beneficios.

Electrical burns account for 3 to 4% of all burns. The most common sites of impact are the cardiovascular system, muscle tissue, neurological and skin. The commitment of the respiratory system is uncommon, with few cases reported in the literature.26-year-old male patient who enters after high-voltage electrical injury. He presented skin and respiratory distress engagement with requirement of mechanical respiratory assistance, deep sedation and neuromuscular blockade.There are few reported cases in the literature of lung injury associated with electrical trauma. Recognizing the respiratory system as a possible site of impact by highlighting the importance of advanced life support is critical.Las quemaduras eléctricas representan entre el 3 y el 4% de todas las quemaduras. Los sitios de impacto más frecuentes son el sistema cardiovascular, el tejido muscular, el neurológico y el cutáneo. El compromiso del sistema respiratorio es infrecuente, con escaso número de casos reportados en la literatura.Paciente varón de 26 años que ingresa luego de lesión eléctrica de alto voltaje. Presentó compromiso cutáneo y distress respiratorio con requerimiento de asistencia respiratoria mecánica, sedación profunda y bloqueo neuromuscular.Hay pocos casos reportados en la literatura de lesión pulmonar asociado a trauma eléctrico. Es fundamental reconocer el sistema respiratorio como posible sitio de impacto resaltando la importancia de un soporte vital avanzado.

Dapsone intoxication can be a life-threatening condition due its enterohepatic recirculation pharmacokinetics, and therefore, persistent methemoglobinemia development. We describe a case of a 17-year-old girl who was admitted 4 h after ingesting 5 g of dapsone. She presented methemoglobinemia (39%) and showed clinical signs of toxicity (cyanosis and altered mental status) despite mechanical ventilation. Multiple activated charcoal dosis and methylene blue infusions were performed. Notwithstanding initial improvement, a pattern of peaks and valleys was observed in serial methemoglobinemia measurements, with cyclic states of hypoxemia. On account of enterohepatic recirculation pharmacokinetics, clearance was enhanced by whole bowel irrigation. After 7 days of hospitalization, she was discharged in good general condition.

Purpose COVID-19 has become a pandemic with significant consequences worldwide. About 3.2% of patients with COVID-19 will require intubation and invasive ventilation. Moreover, there will be an increase in the number of critically ill patients, hospitalized and intubated due to unrelated acute pathology, who will present underlying asymptomatic or mild forms of COVID-19. Tracheostomy is one of the procedures associated with an increased production of aerosols and higher risk of transmission of the virus to the health personnel. The aim of this paper is to describe indications and recommended technique of tracheostomy in COVID-19 patients, emphasizing the safety of the patient but also the medical team involved. Materials and methods A multidisciplinary group made up of surgeons with privileges to perform tracheostomies, intensive care physicians, infectious diseases specialists and intensive pulmonologists was created to update previous knowledge on performing a tracheostomy in critically ill adult patients (>18 years) amidst the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic in a high-volume referral center. Published evidence was collected using a systematic search and review of published studies. Results A guideline comprising indications, surgical technique, ventilator settings, personal protective equipment and timing of tracheostomy in COVID-19 patients was developed. Conclusions A safe approach to performing percutaneous dilational bedside tracheostomy with bronchoscopic guidance is feasible in COVID-19 patients of appropriate security measures are taken and a strict protocol is followed. Instruction of all the health care personnel involves is key to ensure their safety and the patient's favorable recovery.