Prevalence of pressure injuries among critically ill patients and factors associated with their occurrence in the intensive care unit: The PRESSURE study

BackgroundThe prevalence of pressure injuries (PIs) in critically ill patients has been extensively studied, but there is uncertainty regarding the risk factors. The main objective of this study was to describe the prevalence of PIs in critically ill patients. Secondary objectives were to describe PI, use of preventive measures for PI, and factors associated with occurrence of PI in the intensive care unit (ICU).Material and methodsThis was a 1-day point-prevalence study performed on a weekday in June 2017 in ICUs in France. On the same day, we noted the presence or absence of PI in all hospitalised patients of the participating ICUs, data on the ICUs, and the characteristics of patients and of PI.ResultsEighty-six participating ICUs allowed the inclusion of 1228 patients. The prevalence of PI on the study day was 18.7% (95% confidence interval: 16.6–21.0). PIs acquired in the ICU were observed in 12.5% (95% confidence interval: 10.6–14.3) of critically ill patients on the study day. The most frequent locations of PI were the sacrum (57.4%), heel (35.2%), and face (8.7%). Severe forms of PI accounted for 40.8% of all PIs. Antiulcer mattresses were used in 91.5% of the patients, and active and/or passive mobilisation was performed for all the patients. Multiple logistic regression analysis identified longer length of stay in the ICU, a higher Simplified Acute Physiology Score, higher body weight, motor neurological disorder, high-dose steroids, and absence of oral nutrition on the study day as factors independently associated with occurrence of PI in the ICU.ConclusionThis large point-prevalence study shows that PIs are found in about one of five critically ill patients despite extensive use of devices for preventing PI. Acquisition of PI in the ICU is strongly related to the patient's severity of illness on admission to the ICU and length of stay in the ICU.     

Factors affecting the occurrence of pressure injuries among patients receiving targeted temperature management after cardiac arrest

BackgroundPressure injuries (PIs) are a well-known complication of critically ill patients admitted to the intensive care unit with targeted temperature management (TTM) after cardiac arrest (CA). However, little is known about the factors that impact the occurrence of PIs among these patients.ObjectivesThis study aimed to examine factors related to the occurrence of PIs among patients after CA treated with TTM.MethodsThis retrospective observational study collected data from 126 patients after CA aged 18 years or older from a single tertiary hospital admitted between January 2017 and December 2019. Demographic, clinical, and medical device–related characteristics were collected by patient chart review. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors related to the occurrence of PIs.ResultsThe study showed that the incidence of PIs was 31.8%. Patients who were male (odds ratio [OR], 4.80; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.21–19.08), developed diarrhoea (OR, 4.90, 95% CI, 1.31–18.41), or were subjected to physical restraint (OR, 6.03; 95% CI, 1.52–23.96) were at a higher risk of developing PIs. A lower risk of developing PIs was associated with the Glasgow Coma Scale score greater than 13 on the third day of admission (OR, 0.08; 95% CI, 0.01–0.52), higher haemoglobin level (OR, 0.65; 95% CI, 0.49–0.86), or low nutritional risk index (≤100) (OR, 0.10; 95% CI, 0.02–0.57).ConclusionsNurses should be aware that patients treated with TTM after CA are at a high risk of developing PIs from the moment of admission and should be closely monitored.     

Prevalence of pressure injuries and the management of support surfaces (mattresses) in adult intensive care patients: A multicentre point prevalence study in Australia and New Zealand

BackgroundPressure injuries (PIs) are a patient safety issue that impact patient outcomes. Intensive care unit (ICU) patients are at high risk of PIs.ObjectivesTo report the prevalence and classification of documented PIs in adult ICU patients, the use of pressure injury risk assessment tools, and support surface management as a part of the prevention of PIs.MethodsThis was a prospective, single-day, multicentre, cross-sectional study of patients aged ≥ 16 years admitted to adult ICUs in Australia and New Zealand (ANZ), August 2016 as part of the Australian and New Zealand Intensive Care Society Clinical Trials Group (ANZICS-CTG) Point Prevalence Program.FindingsData were collected on 671 patients (58% male) in 47 ICUs. The mean [standard deviation] age and weight were 60.2 years [17.2 years] and 82.1 kg [29.7 kg], respectively, with a severity of illness score (Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation [APACHE] II) of 18.2 [8.4]. PIs were reported in 10% (70/671) of patients. Patients with a PI had a mean APACHE II score of 22.5 [standard deviation; 7.7], and 57.1% (40/70) met the criteria for sepsis on the study day. There were 107 PIs documented on the study day (N = 107) in the 70 patients with nearly half of PIs present on ICU admission (46.7%; 50/107). The sacrum was the most common location for PIs (28.9%; 31/107) and then the heels (15.9%; 17/107). All units routinely use a risk of PI assessment tool and were cared for on an active or reactive support surface. Patients with a PI were more often moved to an active support surface.ConclusionsThe prevalence rate was reported at 10% for PIs for adult intensive care patients on the study day. More than half of the patients with a PI had signs of sepsis on the study day and a higher severity of illness, and more were cared for on active support surfaces. Most PIs were located at the sacrum and then the heels. All clinical sites routinely used a PI risk assessment tool.     

Prevalence of infections in intensive care units in Mexico: a multicenter study

OBJECTIVE: To determine the 1-day prevalence of community-acquired, hospital-acquired, or intensive care unit (ICU)-acquired infections in Mexican ICUs. To identify associated risk factors, predominant infecting organisms, and mortality rates. DESIGN: A 1-day point-prevalence study. SETTING: A total of 254 adult ICUs in Mexico. PATIENTS: Adult patients hospitalized in the participating ICUs. RESULTS: A total of 895 patients were studied, of whom 521 patients (58.2%) were infected. Community-acquired infection occurred in 214 patients (23.9%), non-ICU nosocomial infection occurred in 99 patients (11.1%), and 208 patients had at least one ICU-acquired infection (23.2%; 1.45 episodes/patient). The most frequently reported ICU-acquired infections were pneumonia (39.7%), urinary tract infections (20.5%), wound infection (13.3%), and bacteremia (7.3%). The mortality rate for the ICU-acquired infections after 6 wks of follow-up was 25.5%. Multivariate regression analysis showed the following risk factors for ICU-acquired infections: neurologic failure as a primary cause of admission (odds ratio [OR], 1.697; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.001-2.839); length of stay in ICU (OR, 1.119; 95% CI, 1.091-1.151); number of therapeutic and/or diagnostic interventions during the preceding week (OR, 1.118; 95% CI, 1.016-1.231); peripherally administered infusion of hyperosmolar solutions (OR, 6.93; 95% CI, 2.452-21.661); sedative usage in the preceding week (OR, 1.751; 95% CI, 1.183-2.602); history of an emergency surgery in the preceding month (OR, 1.875; 95% CI, 1.251-2.813). The administration of antimicrobial treatment if there was an infection decreased the risk of death (OR, 0.406; 95% CI, 0.204-0.755). CONCLUSIONS: Evidence of a high frequency of nosocomial infections was found, and potential risk factors for acquiring infections and mortality were identified. Mortality rates according to the hierarchy of the systemic inflammatory response syndrome in Latin American ICUs are reported.     

Risk for corneal injury in intensive care unit patients: A cohort study

AimTo identify the incidence and risk factors for corneal injury amongst critically ill patients.MethodA prospective cohort study with adult patients from one intensive care unit in Northern Brazil. Logistic regression was performed to predict the risk factors associated with corneal injury.ResultsData from 149 patients revealed 18.8% (28/149) corneal injuries. Factors independently associated with corneal injury were patients with eyeball exposure (OR: 27.31; 95% CI: 3.50–212.78); lagophthalmos (OR: 17.15; 95% CI: 5.78–50.85); chemosis (OR: 7.39; 95% CI: 2.28–23.97), periorbital oedema (OR: 7.99; 95% CI: 2.19–29.13) and hospitalisation >7-days (OR: 11.96; 95% CI: 3.27–43.66) had a significantly higher risk of developing corneal injury in this ICU.ConclusionCorneal injury was a common complication amongst critically ill patients and was associated with altered physiological function of the eyes such as exposure, lagophthalmos, chemosis and periorbital oedema. This study suggests introduction of a corneal injury prevention protocol for nursing and adding lagophthalmos and chemosis to the NANDA-I Taxonomy, thus contributing to the assessment and monitoring for the risk for corneal injury in critically ill patients.     

Incidence and risk factors for acquiring nosocomial urinary tract infection in the critically ill

PURPOSE: A urinary tract infection (UTI) is the most common hospital-acquired infection. However, the epidemiology of intensive care unit (ICU)-acquired UTIs is not well defined. The objective of this study was to describe the incidence, risk factors, and clinical outcomes of ICU-acquired UTIs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All patients admitted to adult multidisciplinary ICUs in the Calgary Health Region (CHR, population approximately 1 million) during May 1, 1999 to April 30, 2000 were studied using a cohort design. RESULTS: A total of 1,158 admissions to a CHR ICU were 48 hours in duration or more. A total of 111 episodes of ICU-acquired UTI (defined as >10(5) CFU/mL of 1 or 2 organisms >48 hours after ICU admission) occurred in 105 (9%) patients and 5 (0.4%) had ICU-acquired bacteremic/fungemic UTIs for incidences of 11.3 and 0.5 UTIs per 1,000 ICU days, respectively. Significant independent risk factors for developing an ICU-acquired UTI as determined by a logistic regression model were female gender (adjusted odds ratio [OR(adj)], 2.31; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.48-3.59) and natural logarithmic transformation of ICU length of stay (OR(adj), 3.96; 95% CI, 3.02-5.17). No differences in admitting vital signs, routine blood tests, APACHE II and TISS scores, or overall hospital mortality rate were observed among patients who developed an ICU-acquired UTI as compared with those who did not. The most common UTI etiologies were Enterococcus spp. (24%), Candida albicans (21%), and Escherichia coli (15%). Only 4 (3%) of the organisms were highly antibiotic resistant. CONCLUSIONS: Nosocomial UTIs develop commonly in the critically ill and women and those with an extended ICU stay are at increased risk. Although ICU-acquired UTIs are markers of morbidity, they do not significantly increase mortality.     

Risk factors for post–intensive care syndrome: A systematic review and meta-analysis

ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to identify the risk factors for each area of post–intensive care syndrome (PICS) and to determine their effect size.Review method usedThis study used systematic review and meta-analysis.Data sourcesPubMed, CINAHL, EMBASE, PsycINFO, and Cochrane Library were searched.Review methodsEighty-nine studies were selected for the review based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. The PICS areas and risk factors reported in the individual studies were reviewed and categorised. We used the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale to evaluate the quality of studies. The effect size of each risk factor was calculated as odds ratio (OR).ResultsThere were 33 mental health studies, 15 cognitive impairment studies, 32 physical impairment studies, eight studies on two areas, and one study on all three areas. Sixty risk factors were identified, including 33 personal and 27 intensive care unit (ICU)–related factors. Significant risk factors for mental health included female sex (odds ratio [OR] = 3.37, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.12–10.17), previous mental health problems (OR = 9.45, 95% CI: 2.08–42.90), and negative ICU experience (OR = 2.59, 95% CI: 2.04–3.28). The only significant risk factor for cognitive impairment was delirium (OR = 2.85, 95% CI: 1.10–7.38). Significant risk factors for physical impairment included older age (OR = 2.19, 95% CI: 1.11–4.33), female sex (OR = 1.96, 95% CI: 1.32–2.91), and high disease severity (OR = 2.54, 95% CI: 1.76–3.66).ConclusionsAlthough PICS is a multidimensional concept, each area has been studied separately. Significant risk factors for PICS included older age, female sex, previous mental health problems, disease severity, negative ICU experience, and delirium. To prevent PICS, the multidisciplinary team should pay attention to modifiable risk factors such as delirium and patients’ ICU experience.     

Independent risk factors for the development of incontinence-associated dermatitis (category 2) in critically ill patients with fecal incontinence: A cross-sectional observational study in 48 ICU units

BackgroundCritically ill patients suffering from fecal incontinence have a major risk of developing incontinence-associated dermatitis (IAD). The presence of moisture and digestive enzymes (lipase, protease) negatively influences skin barrier function. Additional risk factors will make some patients even more vulnerable than others. In order to provide (cost) effective prevention, this specific patient population should be identified timely.ObjectivesTo identify independent risk factors for the development of IAD category 2 (skin loss) in critically ill patients with fecal incontinence.DesignA cross-sectional observational study.Setting and participantsThe study was performed in 48 ICU wards from 27 Belgian hospitals. Patients of 18 years or older, with fecal incontinence at the moment of data collection, were eligible to participate. Patients with persistent skin redness due to incontinence (IAD category 1) were excluded.MethodsPotential risk factors were carefully determined based on literature and expert consultations. Data were collected over a period of eight months by trained researchers using patient records and observation of skin care practices. At the time a patient was included in the study, all relevant data from the past six days, or since admission at the ICU, were recorded. Simultaneously, direct skin observations were performed and high definition photographs were ratified by an expert IAD researcher. A multiple binary logistic regression model was composed to identify independent risk factors. Variables with P < .25 in single binary logistic regression analyses were added to the multiple model using a forward procedure. A cut-off value of P < .1 was established to retain variables in the final model. Nagelkerke’s R² and Hosmer-Lemeshow statistic were calculated as measures of model fit.ResultsThe sample comprised of 206 patients, of which 95 presented with IAD category 2, and 111 were free of IAD. Seven independent risk factors were identified: liquid stool [odds ratio (OR) 4.69; 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.28–9.62], diabetes (OR 2.89; 95% CI 1.34–6.27), age (OR 1.05; 95% CI 1.02–1.08), smoking (OR 2.67; 95% CI 1.21–5.91), non-use of diapers (OR 2.97; 95% CI 1.39–6.33), fever (OR 2.60; 95% CI 1.23–5.53), and low oxygen saturation (OR 2.15; 95% CI 1.03–4.48). Nagelkerke’s R² was 0.377. The Hosmer-Lemeshow statistic indicated no significant difference between the observed and expected values (p = .301).ConclusionsLiquid stool, diabetes, age, smoking, non-use of diapers, fever, and low oxygen saturation were independently associated with IAD category 2 in critically ill patients with fecal incontinence.     

Annual prevalence,characteristics, and outcomes of intensive care patients with skin or soft tissue infections in Australia and New Zealand: A retrospective cohort study between 2006-2017

BackgroundThere are limited published data on the epidemiology of skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs) requiring intensive care unit (ICU) admission. This study intended to describe the annual prevalence, characteristics, and outcomes of critically ill adult patients admitted to the ICU for an SSTI.MethodsThis was a registry-based retrospective cohort study, using data submitted to the Australian and New Zealand Intensive Care Society Adult Patient Database for all admissions with SSTI between 2006 and 2017. The inclusion criteria were as follows: primary diagnosis of SSTI and age ≥16 years. The exclusion criteria were as follows: ICU readmissions (during the same hospital admission) and transfers from ICUs from other hospitals. The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality, and the secondary outcomes were ICU mortality and length of stay (LOS) in the ICU and hospital with independent predictors of outcomes.ResultsAdmissions due to SSTI accounted for 10 962 (0.7%) of 1 470 197 ICU admissions between 2006 and 2017. Comorbidities were present in 25.2% of the study sample. The in-hospital mortality was 9% (991/10 962), and SSTI necessitating ICU admission accounted for 0.07% of in-hospital mortality of all ICU admissions between 2006 and 2017. Annual prevalence of ICU admissions for SSTI increased from 0.4% to 0.9% during the study period, but in-hospital mortality decreased from 16.1% to 6.8%. The median ICU LOS was 2.1 days (interquartile range = 3.4), and the median hospital LOS was 12.1 days (interquartile range = 20.6). ICU LOS remained stable between 2006 and 2017 (2.0–2.1 days), whereas hospital LOS decreased from 15.7 to 11.2 days. Predictors for in-hospital mortality included Australian and New Zealand Risk of Death scores [odds ratio (OR): 1.07; confidence interval (CI) (1.05, 1.09); p < 0.001], any comorbidity except diabetes [OR: 2.00; CI (1.05, 3.79); p = 0.035], and admission through an emergency response call [OR: 2.07; CI (1.03, 4.16); p = 0.041].ConclusionsSSTIs are uncommon as primary ICU admission diagnosis. Although the annual prevalence of ICU admissions for SSTI has increased, in-hospital mortality and hospital LOS have decreased over the last decade.     

An approach to develop clinical prediction rule for candidemia in critically ill patients: A retrospective observational study

PurposeEarly detection of candidemia in critically ill patients is important for preemptive antifungal treatment. Our study aimed to identify the independent risk factors for the development of a new candidemia prediction score.MethodsThis single-centre retrospective observational study evaluated 2479 intensive care unit (ICU) cases from January 2016 to December 2018. A total of 76 identified candidemia cases and 76 matched control cases were analyzed. The patients' demographic characteristics and illness severity were analyzed, and possible risk factors for candidemia were investigated.ResultsMultivariate logistic regression analysis identified renal replacement therapy (RRT) (odds ratio [OR]: 52.83; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 7.82–356.92; P < 0.0001), multifocal Candida colonization (OR: 23.55; 95% CI: 4.23–131.05; P < 0.0001), parenteral nutrition (PN) (OR: 63.67; 95% CI: 4.56–889.77; P = 0.002), and acute kidney injury (AKI) (OR: 7.67; 95% CI: 1.24–47.30; P = 0.028) as independent risk factors. A new prediction score with a cut-off value of 5.0 (80.3% sensitivity and 77.3% specificity) was formulated from the logit model equation.ConclusionsRenal replacement therapy, AKI, PN, and multifocal Candida colonization were the independent risk factors for the new candidemia prediction score with high discriminatory performance and predictive accuracy.     

Do ventilatory parameters influence outcome in patients with severe acute respiratory infection? Secondary analysis of an international,multicentre14-day inception cohort study

PurposeTo investigate the possible association between ventilatory settings on the first day of invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) and mortality in patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) with severe acute respiratory infection (SARI).Materials and methodsIn this pre-planned sub-study of a prospective, multicentre observational study, 441 patients with SARI who received controlled IMV during the ICU stay were included in the analysis.ResultsICU and hospital mortality rates were 23.1 and 28.1%, respectively. In multivariable analysis, tidal volume and respiratory rate on the first day of IMV were not associated with an increased risk of death; however, higher driving pressure (DP: odds ratio (OR) 1.05; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.01–1.1, p = 0.011), plateau pressure (Pplat) (OR 1.08; 95% CI: 1.04–1.13, p < 0.001) and positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) (OR 1.13; 95% CI: 1.03–1.24, p = 0.006) were independently associated with in-hospital mortality. In subgroup analysis, in hypoxemic patients and in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), higher DP, Pplat, and PEEP were associated with increased risk of in-hospital death.ConclusionsIn patients with SARI receiving IMV, higher DP, Pplat and PEEP, and not tidal volume, were associated with a higher risk of in-hospital death, especially in those with hypoxemia or ARDS.     

Risk Factors for Frailty in Critical Care Survivors: A secondary analysis

ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence of frailty and its risk factors among critical care survivors who were discharged after receiving treatment in an intensive care unit.MethodsThis was a secondary analysis using data from a methodological study conducted between June and August 2018. The sample included 494 adults who had been admitted to the intensive care unit for more than 48 hours within a year. Only post-intensive care frailty was evaluated using the Kihon Checklist. The sociodemographic and intensive care-related risk factors for frailty were analysed using multivariate logistic regression.ResultsThe prevalence of frailty in the sample was 65.8%. The risk factors for frailty were female sex (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.68, 95% CI: 1.02–2.78), aged 70 years or older (aOR = 4.16, 95% CI: 2.00–8.65), unemployment (aOR = 2.41, 95% CI: 1.39–4.17) and longer ICU days (aOR = 2.29, 95% CI: 1.35–3.91). Analysis of differences in risk factors according to sex revealed that risk factors for frailty were unemployment and longer ICU length of stay for male and older age for female.ConclusionHealth care providers should be aware of frailty risk factors in female and male patients and provide patient-specific interventions for preventing frailty.     

浙江省宁波市4～6年级小学生近视现况及其影响因素分析

  目的  了解浙江省宁波市4～6年级小学生近视患病现状及其影响因素,为制定有针对性的近视防护和行为干预措施提供参考依据。  方法  分阶段整群抽样方法抽取调查对象进行问卷调查和近视筛查,描述调查对象的近视患病现状,采用非条件logistic回归对近视的影响因素进行多因素分析。  结果  1 088名学生的总近视率为61.5%。 多因素分析结果表明,不同居住地（OR=0.547,95%CI:0.417～0.717）、年级（OR=2.188,95%CI:1.556～1.251）、每天家庭作业时间（OR=0.498,95%CI:0.327～0.759）、每周文化类补习班时间（OR=1.358,95%CI:1.019～1.809）、读写时眼睛书本距离（OR=0.732,95%CI:0.549～0.976）、父母近视情况（OR=2.233,95%CI:1.706～2.922）与调查对象近视率差异存在关联。  结论  居住地、年级、每天家庭作业时间、每周文化类补习班时间、读写时眼睛书本距离、父母近视是调查对象近视患病的影响因素。 为降低目标人群的近视患病率,需要开展有针对性的宣传教育和行为干预。     

Care and treatments related to intensive care unit–acquired muscle weakness: A cohort study

BackgroundIntensive care unit–acquired muscle weakness (ICUAW) has an incidence of 40–46%. Early mobilisation is known to be a protective factor.ObjectiveThe aim of the study was to identify the incidence of ICUAW in Spain and to evaluate variables likely to contribute to the development of ICUAW.MethodsA 4-month, prospective observational multicentre cohort study was conducted on patients receiving invasive mechanical ventilation for at least 48 h. Data were collected from ICU day 3 until ICU discharge. The primary outcome was presence of ICUAW (diagnosed using the Medical Research Council [MRC] scale). The secondary outcome was nurse–patient ratio, physiotherapist availability, analgesia, sedation and delirium management, glycaemic control, and daily level of mobility during the ICU stay as per the ICU Mobility Scale. A logistic regression model was constructed based exclusively on days 3–5 of the ICU stay.ResultsThe data of 642 patients were analysed from 80 ICUs, accounting for 35% of all ICUs in Spain. The incidence of ICUAW was 58% (275 of 474 patients; 95% confidence interval [CI] [53–62]). The predictors for ICUAW were older age (odds ratio [OR] = 1.01; 95% CI [1.00–1.03]) and more days with renal replacement therapy (OR = 1.01; 95% CI [1.00–1.02]). The protective factors for ICUAW were male gender (OR = 0.58; 95% CI [0.38–0.89]), higher Barthel Index (showing prehospital functional independence) (OR = 0.97; 95% CI [0.95–0.99]), more days of being awake and cooperative (defined by a feasible MRC assessment) (OR = 0.98; 95% CI [0.97–0.99]), presence of delirium (OR = 0.98; 95% CI [0.97–0.99]), and more days with active mobilisation (ICU Mobility Scale ≥ 4) (OR = 0.98; 95% CI [0.97–0.99]).ConclusionsThe risk factors for ICUAW were functional dependence before admission, female gender, older age, and more days on renal replacement therapy. The protective factors for ICUAW were feasibility of MRC assessment, the presence of delirium, and being actively mobilised during the first 5 days in the ICU.     

Prevalence of burnout risk and factors associated with burnout risk among ICU nurses during the COVID-19 outbreak in French speaking Belgium

ObjectiveBurnout is a global work-related phenomenon. Intensive care unit (ICU) nurses are at risk of burnout and the COVID-19 pandemic may increase this risk. The objectives of this study were to assess the prevalence of burnout risk and identify risk factors among ICU nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic.Research methodologyWeb-based survey performed during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in French speaking Belgium.Main outcome measuresRisk of burnout was assessed with the Maslach Burnout Inventory scale.ResultsA total of 1135 ICU nurses responded to the questionnaire. The overall prevalence of burnout risk was 68%. A total of 29% of ICU nurses were at risk of depersonalisation (DP), 31% of reduced personal accomplishment (PA), and 38% of emotional exhaustion (EE). A 1:3 nurse-to-patient ratio increased the risk of EE (OR = 1.77, 95% CI: 1.07–2.95) and DP (OR = 1.38, 95% CI: 1.09–2.40). Those who reported having a higher perceived workload during the COVID-19 pandemic were at higher risk for all dimensions of burnout. Shortage of personal protective equipment increased the risk of EE (OR = 1.78, 95% CI: 1.35–3.34) and nurses who reported having symptoms of COVID-19 without being tested were at higher risk of EE (OR = 1.40, 95% CI: 1.68–1.87).ConclusionsTwo-thirds of ICU nurses were at risk of burnout and this risk was associated with their working conditions during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. We recommend monitoring the risk of burnout and implementing interventions to prevent and manage it, taking into account the factors identified in this study.     

Posttraumatic stress disorder in close Relatives of Intensive Care unit patients’ Evaluation (PRICE) study

BackgroundThere is a high risk of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in relatives of intensive care unit (ICU) patients.AimsTo determine the prevalence and predictors of symptoms of PTSD in relatives of an Australian critically ill population.Methods108 consecutive patients staying >48 h in a mixed, level three ICU were identified. On day three of admission, their next-of-kin were contacted and consent obtained for a telephonic questionnaire to be done at 90 days after ICU discharge. This consisted of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and the Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R) questionnaires administered to relatives at 90 days post-discharge from the ICU. An IES-R score of >26 was used to define PTSD symptoms.ResultsEight subjects were excluded because the next-of-kin details were unavailable. 37 other subjects refused to participate. Out of a total of 108, 63 family members were included, including 49 next-of-kin of patients who survived. The prevalence of PTSD symptoms was 41.2% (26/63, 95% CI 29.0–54.4%). The anxiety score was found to be a predictor of PTSD symptoms (relative risk = 1.07; 95% CI 1.00–1.14, p = 0.05).ConclusionThere is a high prevalence of PTSD symptoms in next-of-kin of Australian patients admitted to the ICU. High anxiety scores were a predictor for developing PTSD symptoms.     

Drug-class-wide resistance to antiretrovirals in HIV-infected patients failing therapy: prevalence, risk factors and virological outcome

BACKGROUND: Drug-class-wide resistance (DCWR) to antiretrovirals substantially reduces treatment options. METHODS: A database of 602 patients failing highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) undergoing genotypic resistance test (GRT) was analysed. DCWR was defined according to the International AIDS Society consensus. A multiple logistic regression model was built to define factors significantly associated with DCWR and to assess virological response to salvage regimens. RESULTS: NRTI DCWR was observed in 28.5% of 592 NRTI-exposed patients, NNRTI DCWR in 57.7% of 284 NNRTI exposed patients, PI DCWR in 19.9% of 412 PI exposed patients, and three-class resistance in 21.4% of 112 three-class-exposed patients. The prevalence of NRTI and PI DCWR increased significantly by year of exposure to the same class from 8.9% (< 1 year) to 35.3% (> 4 years) and from 1.2% (< 1 year) to 34.8% (> 4 years), respectively (P < 0.001, for trend). The risk of developing NRTI and PI DCWR increased by 25% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.6%-51.3%) and by 53% (20.5%-94.3%) for each year of treatment, and by 17% (95% CI: 5.6%-29.3%) and by 32% (17.7%-50.3%) for each previous failing NRTI- and PI-containing regimen, respectively. NRTI DCWR due to at least four nucleoside analogues mutations (NAMs) increased by year of NRTI exposure from 8.9% (< 1 year) to 32.6% (> 4 years; P < 0.001, for trend). After adjustment for confounding factors, the probability of achieving plasma viral load < 500 copies/ml was significantly reduced in patients with NRTI (OR: 0.750; 95% CI: 0.574-0.979), NNRTI (OR: 0.746; 95% CI: 0.572-0.975), PI (OR: 0.655; 95% CI: 0.456-0.941), three-class (OR: 0.220; 95% CI: 0.082-0.593) resistance. CONCLUSIONS: The probability of developing NRTI and PI DCWR increased with length of class exposure and with the number of previously failing regimens. By contrast, high levels of NNRTI DCWR were observed within 1 year in NNRTI-failing patients, with a steady prevalence over time. The increase in prevalence with time of NRTI DCWR was due to the accumulation of NAMs. DCWR to NRTIs, NNRTIs, PIs or all the three together was associated with an increased probability of virological failure to subsequent HAART regimens.     

Moving average as a method of assessing risk of pressure injury using the COMHON index (Conscious level,Mobility, Hemodynamic,Oxygenation, Nutrition) for patients in intensive care units

BackgroundMoving average is the continuously updated arithmetic mean of the pressure injury (PI) risk score values measured with the COMHON Index (Conscious level, Mobility, Hemodynamics, Oxygenation, Nutrition).ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to validate the moving average as a method to measure the level of risk of PI.MethodThis is a cohort study of adult patients admitted for a duration of more than 24 h in an intensive care unit (ICU) of a tertiary-level university hospital, between June 1, 2018, and December 31, 2019. The risk of PI was obtained with the COMHON Index, and its 3-day moving average was used to monitor the risk of PI. To assess the predictive ability of the moving average score, a receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was performed, obtaining the area under the curve, and the Youden Index to determine the optimal cut-off point of the PI risk moving average score using the COMHON Index.ResultsA total of 1335 patients (94.6% of admissions) were included, and 82 developed PI (cumulative incidence of 6.1%) in the 18 months of the study. The highest incidence of PI was in the sacrum (49%) followed by the heel (17.6%). The median age was 65 (54–73) years, and the median length of stay was 3.8 (1.9–9) days. The moving average score had an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 87% (95% confidence interval: 85%–89%), with a cut-off point of the moving average score ≥11, and the negative predictive value was 99.6%.ConclusionsThe moving average score combined with a validated scale is a useful method to predict potential PI of patients admitted to the ICU. Its use is suggested for decision-making during the implementation of the care plan related to the prevention of PI in patients admitted to the ICU.     

Device-related pressure injuries in adult intensive care unit patients: An Australian and New Zealand point prevalence study

BackgroundDevice-related pressure injuries (DRPIs) are an ongoing iatrogenic problem evident in intensive care unit (ICU) settings. Critically ill patients are at high risk of developing pressure injuries caused by devices.ObjectiveThe aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of DRPI in critically ill patients in intensive care and the location, stage, and attributable device of DRPI and describe the products and processes of care used to prevent these injuries.MethodsThis was a prospective, multicentre, cross-sectional point prevalence study of patients aged more than 16 years in Australian and New Zealand ICUs. The study was part of the Australian and New Zealand Intensive Care Society Clinical Trials Group Point Prevalence Program coordinated by The George Institute for Global Health.Main outcome measureIdentification of DRPI on the study day was the main outcome measure.ResultsOf the 624 patients included from 44 participating ICUs, 27 were found to have 35 identified DRPIs, giving a point prevalence DRPI rate of 4.3% (27/624). Study patients had a mean age of 59 years, and 60.3% were men. Patients with DRPI compared with patients without DRPI were significantly heavier (median: 92 kg versus 80 kg, respectively, p = 0.027), were less likely to survive the ICU (63.0% versus 85.9%, respectively, p = 0.015), had higher Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II scores at admission to the ICU (median: 20 versus 16, respectively, p = 0.001), received mechanical ventilation more often (88.9% versus 43.5%, respectively, p < 0.001), and were more frequently diagnosed with respiratory conditions (37.0% versus 18.6%, respectively, p = 0.022). Processes of care activities were surveyed in 42 ICUs. Most DRPIs were attributed to endotracheal tubes and other respiratory devices. Forty-two ICUs reported processes of care to prevent DRPI, and just more than half of the participating sites (54.8%, 23/44) reported a dedicated ICU-based protocol for prevention of DRPI.ConclusionDRPIs pose a burden on patients in the ICU. Our study showed a DRPI prevalence comparable with other studies. Prevention strategies targeting DRPI should be included in ICU-specific pressure injury prevention guidelines or protocols.