Critical care explorations
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To propose the optimal timing to consider tracheostomy insertion for weaning of mechanically ventilated patients recovering from coronavirus disease 2019 pneumonia. We investigated the relationship between duration of mechanical ventilation prior to tracheostomy insertion and in-hospital mortality. In addition, we present a machine learning approach to facilitate decision-making. ⋯ We propose that the optimal window for consideration of tracheostomy for ventilatory weaning is between day 13 and 17. Late predictors of mortality may serve as adverse factors when considering tracheostomy, and our decision tree provides a degree of decision support for clinicians.
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To assess the prevalence and prognostic value of right ventricular dysfunction as measured by echocardiography in patients treated with venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. ⋯ Echocardiographic variables consistent with right ventricular dysfunction or a small dynamic left ventricle were associated with decreased survival to decannulation and hospital discharge. These results enhance prognostic capabilities while implicating right ventricular dysfunction in the high mortality observed in this patient population.
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We aimed to determine if elevations in serum neuron-specific enolase are associated with brain injury and outcomes in adults who require venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. ⋯ In adult patients under venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, day-3 serum neuron-specific enolase concentrations are independently associated with short-term mortality and poor functional outcomes. These findings deserve validation in a multicenter setting.
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Examine well-being, measured as burnout and professional fulfillment, across critical care healthcare professionals, ICUs, and hospitals within a health system; examine the impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. ⋯ Burnout was common across roles, yet differed across ICUs and hospitals. Professional fulfillment varied by provider role. We identified potentially modifiable factors related to clinician well-being that can inform organizational strategies at the ICU and hospital level. Longitudinal studies, designed to assess the long-term impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic on the well-being of the critical care workforce, are urgently needed.
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To examine whether increasing time between admission and intubation was associated with mortality in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 who underwent mechanical ventilation. ⋯ Among patients with coronavirus disease 2019 who were intubated and mechanically ventilated, intubation earlier in the course of hospital admission may be associated with improved survival.