Endothelial Function and Hypoxic–Hyperoxic Preconditioning in Coronary Surgery with a Cardiopulmonary Bypass: Randomized Clinical Trial

A hypoxic–hyperoxic preconditioning (HHP) may be associated with cardioprotection by reducing endothelial damage and a beneficial effect on postoperative outcome in patients undergoing cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). Patients (n = 120) were randomly assigned to an HHP and a control group. A safe, inhaled oxygen fraction for the hypoxic preconditioning phase (10–14% oxygen for 10 min) was determined by measuring the anaerobic threshold. At the hyperoxic phase, a 75–80% oxygen fraction was used for 30 min. The cumulative frequency of postoperative complications was 14 (23.3%) in the HHP vs. 23 (41.1%), p = 0.041. The nitrate decreased after surgery by up to 20% in the HHP group and up to 38% in the control group. Endothelin-1 and nitric oxide metabolites were stable in HHP but remained low for more than 24 h in the control group. The endothelial damage markers appeared to be predictors of postoperative complications. The HHP with individual parameters based on the anaerobic threshold is a safe procedure, and it can reduce the frequency of postoperative complications. The endothelial damage markers appeared to be predictors of postoperative complications

Predictors of Progression and Mortality in Patients with Chronic Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis: Retrospective Analysis of Registry of Fibrosing Interstitial Lung Diseases

Hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP) is an interstitial lung disease (ILD) resulting from an immune-mediated response in susceptible and sensitized individuals to a large variety of inhaled antigens. Chronic HP with a fibrotic phenotype is characterized by disease progression and a dismal prognosis. The aim of this study was to identify predictors of progression and mortality in patients with chronic HP in real clinical practice. Materials and methods: This retrospective, multicenter, observational study used data from a registry of 1355 patients with fibrosing ILDs. The study included 292 patients diagnosed with chronic HP based on the conclusion of a multidisciplinary discussion (MDD). Results: The patients were divided into groups with progressive (92 (30.3%) patients) and nonprogressive pulmonary fibrosis (200 (69.7%) patients). The most significant predictors of adverse outcomes were a DLco < 50% predicted, an SpO2 at the end of a six-minute walk test (6-MWT) < 85%, and a GAP score ≥ 4 points. Conclusion: Pulmonary fibrosis and a progressive fibrotic phenotype are common in patients with chronic HP. Early detection of the predictors of an adverse prognosis of chronic HP is necessary for the timely initiation of antifibrotic therapy

Predictors of Pulmonary Hypertension and Right Ventricular Dysfunction in Patients with Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis

Background: Hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP) is an interstitial lung disease (ILD) that occurs in susceptible individuals in response to various inhaled antigens. The fibrotic phenotype of HP is characterized by disease progression and can lead to pulmonary hypertension (PH). The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of PH and to identify predictors of PH in patients with chronic HP. Methods: We conducted an observational longitudinal study that included 85 patients with an established diagnosis of HP. Clinical examination, quality of life questionnaires, high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) of the chest, arterial blood gases analyses, six-minute walking test (6-MWT), pulmonary function tests, and echocardiography were performed. Results: Patients were divided into groups with fibrotic (71.8%) and nonfibrotic phenotype (28.2%). PH was detected in 41 (48.2%) patients. Patients with PH had the predominant fibrotic phenotype of HP, were older, more symptomatic, and had a higher FVC/DLco ratio. The most significant predictors of PH were CT signs of fibrosis, finger clubbing, FVC/DLco, decreased distance, and SpO2 at the end of 6-MWT, as well as the presence of cardiovascular diseases. Conclusions: PH is a common condition in patients with chronic HP, especially with the fibrotic phenotype. Early detection of the PH predictors is necessary for the timely diagnosis of this complication of HP

Evolution over Time of Ventilatory Management and Outcome of Patients with Neurologic Disease∗

OBJECTIVES: To describe the changes in ventilator management over time in patients with neurologic disease at ICU admission and to estimate factors associated with 28-day hospital mortality. DESIGN: Secondary analysis of three prospective, observational, multicenter studies. SETTING: Cohort studies conducted in 2004, 2010, and 2016. PATIENTS: Adult patients who received mechanical ventilation for more than 12 hours. INTERVENTIONS: None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Among the 20,929 patients enrolled, we included 4,152 (20%) mechanically ventilated patients due to different neurologic diseases. Hemorrhagic stroke and brain trauma were the most common pathologies associated with the need for mechanical ventilation. Although volume-cycled ventilation remained the preferred ventilation mode, there was a significant (p &lt; 0.001) increment in the use of pressure support ventilation. The proportion of patients receiving a protective lung ventilation strategy was increased over time: 47% in 2004, 63% in 2010, and 65% in 2016 (p &lt; 0.001), as well as the duration of protective ventilation strategies: 406 days per 1,000 mechanical ventilation days in 2004, 523 days per 1,000 mechanical ventilation days in 2010, and 585 days per 1,000 mechanical ventilation days in 2016 (p &lt; 0.001). There were no differences in the length of stay in the ICU, mortality in the ICU, and mortality in hospital from 2004 to 2016. Independent risk factors for 28-day mortality were age greater than 75 years, Simplified Acute Physiology Score II greater than 50, the occurrence of organ dysfunction within first 48 hours after brain injury, and specific neurologic diseases such as hemorrhagic stroke, ischemic stroke, and brain trauma. CONCLUSIONS: More lung-protective ventilatory strategies have been implemented over years in neurologic patients with no effect on pulmonary complications or on survival. We found several prognostic factors on mortality such as advanced age, the severity of the disease, organ dysfunctions, and the etiology of neurologic disease