American journal of respiratory and critical care medicine
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Am. J. Respir. Crit. Care Med. · Sep 2021
Multicenter StudyEarly Bacterial Identification Among Intubated Patients with COVID-19 or Influenza Pneumonia: A European Multicenter Comparative Cohort Study.
Rationale: Early empirical antimicrobial treatment is frequently prescribed to critically ill patients with coronavirus disease (COVID-19) based on Surviving Sepsis Campaign guidelines. Objectives: We aimed to determine the prevalence of early bacterial identification in intubated patients with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pneumonia, as compared with influenza pneumonia, and to characterize its microbiology and impact on outcomes. Methods: A multicenter retrospective European cohort was performed in 36 ICUs. ⋯ However, no significant difference was found in the heterogeneity of outcomes related to bacterial identification between the two study groups, suggesting that the impact of coinfection on mortality was not different between patients with SARS-CoV-2 and influenza. Conclusions: Bacterial identification within 48 hours after intubation is significantly less frequent in patients with SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia than patients with influenza pneumonia. Clinical trial registered with www.clinicaltrials.gov (NCT04359693).
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Am. J. Respir. Crit. Care Med. · Sep 2021
Racial Segregation and Respiratory Outcomes among Urban Black Residents with and at Risk of COPD.
Rationale: Racial residential segregation has been associated with worse health outcomes, but the link with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) morbidity has not been established. Objectives: To investigate whether racial residential segregation is associated with COPD morbidity among urban Black adults with or at risk of COPD. Methods: Racial residential segregation was assessed using isolation index, based on 2010 decennial census and baseline address, for Black former and current smokers in the multicenter SPIROMICS (Subpopulations and Intermediate Outcome Measures in COPD Study), a study of adults with or at risk for COPD. ⋯ George's Respiratory Questionnaire; β = 6.1; 95% CI, 2.3 to 9.9), and cough and sputum (β = 0.8; 95% CI, 0.1 to 1.5); lower FEV1% predicted (β = -7.3; 95% CI, -10.9 to -3.6); higher rate of any and severe exacerbations; and higher percentage emphysema (β = 2.3; 95% CI, 0.7 to 3.9) and air trapping (β = 3.8; 95% CI, 0.6 to 7.1). Adverse associations attenuated with adjustment for potential mediators but remained robust for several outcomes, including dyspnea, FEV1% predicted, percentage emphysema, and air trapping. Conclusions: Racial residential segregation was adversely associated with COPD morbidity among urban Black participants and supports the hypothesis that racial segregation plays a role in explaining health inequities affecting Black communities.
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Am. J. Respir. Crit. Care Med. · Sep 2021
Opioid Use Increases the Risk of Delirium in Critically Ill Adults Independently of Pain.
Rationale: It is unclear whether opioid use increases the risk of ICU delirium. Prior studies have not accounted for confounding, including daily severity of illness, pain, and competing events that may preclude delirium detection. Objectives: To evaluate the association between ICU opioid exposure, opioid dose, and delirium occurrence. ⋯ Any opioid administration in awake patients without delirium was associated with an increased risk for delirium the next day [OR, 1.45; 95% CI, 1.24-1.69]. Each daily 10-mg intravenous morphine-equivalent dose was associated with a 2.4% increased risk for delirium the next day. Conclusions: The receipt of an opioid in the ICU increases the odds of transitioning to delirium in a dose-dependent fashion.
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Am. J. Respir. Crit. Care Med. · Sep 2021
Ensuring Access to Albuterol in Schools: From Policy to Implementation. An Official ATS/AANMA/ALA/NASN Policy Statement.
Rationale: For children with asthma, access to quick-relief medications is critical to minimizing morbidity and mortality. An innovative and practical approach to ensure access at school is to maintain a supply of stock albuterol that can be used by any student who experiences respiratory distress. To make this possible, state laws allowing for stock albuterol are needed to improve medication access. ⋯ Conclusions: Stock albuterol in schools is a safe, practical, and potentially life-saving option for children with asthma, whether asthma is diagnosed or undiagnosed, who lack access to their personal quick-relief medication. Legislation is imperative for aiding in the adoption and implementation of school stock albuterol policies, and key policy inclusions can lay the groundwork for success. Future work should focus on passing legislation in all states, implementing policy in schools, and evaluating the impact of such programs on academic and health outcomes.