Patient discharge Archives - Critical Care Science (CCS)
, , Abstract
Critical Care Science. 2024;36:e20240015en
DOI 10.62675/2965-2774.20240015-en
, , , To describe the clinical trajectories of patients discharged directly from a critical unit to a postacute care facility.
This was a retrospective cohort study of patients who were transferred from an intensive care unit or intermediate care unit to a postacute care facility between July 2017 and April 2023. Functional status was measured by the Functional Independence Measure score.
A total of 847 patients were included in the study, and the mean age was 71 years. A total of 692 (82%) patients were admitted for rehabilitation, while 155 (18%) were admitted for palliative care. The mean length of stay in the postacute care facility was 36 days; 389 (45.9%) patients were discharged home, 173 (20.4%) were transferred to an acute hospital, and 285 (33.6%) died during hospitalization, of whom 263 (92%) had a do-not-resuscitate order. Of the patients admitted for rehabilitation purposes, 61 (9.4%) had a worsened functional status, 179 (27.6%) had no change in functional status, and 469 (63%) had an improved functional status during hospitalization. Moreover, 234 (33.8%) patients modified their care goals to palliative care, most of whom were in the group that did not improve functional status. Patients whose functional status improved during hospitalization were younger, had fewer comorbidities, had fewer previous hospitalizations, had lower rates of enteral feeding and tracheostomy, had higher Functional Independence Measure scores at admission to the postacute care facility and were more likely to be discharged home with less complex health care assistance.
Postacute care facilities may play a role in the care of patients after discharge from intensive care units, both for those receiving rehabilitation and palliative care, especially for those with more severe illnesses who may not be discharged directly home.
Abstract
Critical Care Science. 2024;36:e20240015en
DOI 10.62675/2965-2774.20240015-en
, , , To describe the clinical trajectories of patients discharged directly from a critical unit to a postacute care facility.
This was a retrospective cohort study of patients who were transferred from an intensive care unit or intermediate care unit to a postacute care facility between July 2017 and April 2023. Functional status was measured by the Functional Independence Measure score.
A total of 847 patients were included in the study, and the mean age was 71 years. A total of 692 (82%) patients were admitted for rehabilitation, while 155 (18%) were admitted for palliative care. The mean length of stay in the postacute care facility was 36 days; 389 (45.9%) patients were discharged home, 173 (20.4%) were transferred to an acute hospital, and 285 (33.6%) died during hospitalization, of whom 263 (92%) had a do-not-resuscitate order. Of the patients admitted for rehabilitation purposes, 61 (9.4%) had a worsened functional status, 179 (27.6%) had no change in functional status, and 469 (63%) had an improved functional status during hospitalization. Moreover, 234 (33.8%) patients modified their care goals to palliative care, most of whom were in the group that did not improve functional status. Patients whose functional status improved during hospitalization were younger, had fewer comorbidities, had fewer previous hospitalizations, had lower rates of enteral feeding and tracheostomy, had higher Functional Independence Measure scores at admission to the postacute care facility and were more likely to be discharged home with less complex health care assistance.
Postacute care facilities may play a role in the care of patients after discharge from intensive care units, both for those receiving rehabilitation and palliative care, especially for those with more severe illnesses who may not be discharged directly home.
Abstract
Critical Care Science. 2024;36:e20240265en
DOI 10.62675/2965-2774.20240265-en
A significant portion of individuals who have experienced critical illness encounter new or exacerbated impairments in their physical, cognitive, or mental health, commonly referred to as postintensive care syndrome. Moreover, those who survive critical illness often face an increased risk of adverse consequences, including infections, major cardiovascular events, readmissions, and elevated mortality rates, during the months following hospitalization. These findings emphasize the critical necessity for effective prevention and management of long-term health deterioration in the critical care environment. Although conclusive evidence from well-designed randomized clinical trials is somewhat limited, potential interventions include strategies such as limiting sedation, early mobilization, maintaining family presence during the intensive care unit stay, implementing multicomponent transition programs (from intensive care unit to ward and from hospital to home), and offering specialized posthospital discharge follow-up. This review seeks to provide a concise summary of recent medical literature concerning long-term outcomes following critical illness and highlight potential approaches for preventing and addressing health decline in critical care survivors.
Abstract
Critical Care Science. 2024;36:e20240265en
DOI 10.62675/2965-2774.20240265-en
A significant portion of individuals who have experienced critical illness encounter new or exacerbated impairments in their physical, cognitive, or mental health, commonly referred to as postintensive care syndrome. Moreover, those who survive critical illness often face an increased risk of adverse consequences, including infections, major cardiovascular events, readmissions, and elevated mortality rates, during the months following hospitalization. These findings emphasize the critical necessity for effective prevention and management of long-term health deterioration in the critical care environment. Although conclusive evidence from well-designed randomized clinical trials is somewhat limited, potential interventions include strategies such as limiting sedation, early mobilization, maintaining family presence during the intensive care unit stay, implementing multicomponent transition programs (from intensive care unit to ward and from hospital to home), and offering specialized posthospital discharge follow-up. This review seeks to provide a concise summary of recent medical literature concerning long-term outcomes following critical illness and highlight potential approaches for preventing and addressing health decline in critical care survivors.
, , , Abstract
Critical Care Science. 2023;35(4):345-354
DOI 10.5935/2965-2774.20230162-en
, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , The optimal target for blood glucose concentration in critically ill patients is unclear. We will perform a systematic review and meta-analysis with aggregated and individual patient data from randomized controlled trials, comparing intensive glucose control with liberal glucose control in critically ill adults.
MEDLINE®, Embase, the Cochrane Central Register of Clinical Trials, and clinical trials registries (World Health Organization, clinical trials.gov). The authors of eligible trials will be invited to provide individual patient data. Published trial-level data from eligible trials that are not at high risk of bias will be included in an aggregated data meta-analysis if individual patient data are not available.
Inclusion criteria: randomized controlled trials that recruited adult patients, targeting a blood glucose of ≤ 120mg/dL (≤ 6.6mmol/L) compared to a higher blood glucose concentration target using intravenous insulin in both groups. Excluded studies: those with an upper limit blood glucose target in the intervention group of > 120mg/dL (> 6.6mmol/L), or where intensive glucose control was only performed in the intraoperative period, and those where loss to follow-up exceeded 10% by hospital discharge.
In-hospital mortality during index hospital admission. Secondary endpoints: mortality and survival at other timepoints, duration of invasive mechanical ventilation, vasoactive agents, and renal replacement therapy. A random effect Bayesian meta-analysis and hierarchical Bayesian models for individual patient data will be used.
This systematic review with aggregate and individual patient data will address the clinical question, ‘what is the best blood glucose target for critically ill patients overall?’
Abstract
Critical Care Science. 2023;35(4):345-354
DOI 10.5935/2965-2774.20230162-en
, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , The optimal target for blood glucose concentration in critically ill patients is unclear. We will perform a systematic review and meta-analysis with aggregated and individual patient data from randomized controlled trials, comparing intensive glucose control with liberal glucose control in critically ill adults.
MEDLINE®, Embase, the Cochrane Central Register of Clinical Trials, and clinical trials registries (World Health Organization, clinical trials.gov). The authors of eligible trials will be invited to provide individual patient data. Published trial-level data from eligible trials that are not at high risk of bias will be included in an aggregated data meta-analysis if individual patient data are not available.
Inclusion criteria: randomized controlled trials that recruited adult patients, targeting a blood glucose of ≤ 120mg/dL (≤ 6.6mmol/L) compared to a higher blood glucose concentration target using intravenous insulin in both groups. Excluded studies: those with an upper limit blood glucose target in the intervention group of > 120mg/dL (> 6.6mmol/L), or where intensive glucose control was only performed in the intraoperative period, and those where loss to follow-up exceeded 10% by hospital discharge.
In-hospital mortality during index hospital admission. Secondary endpoints: mortality and survival at other timepoints, duration of invasive mechanical ventilation, vasoactive agents, and renal replacement therapy. A random effect Bayesian meta-analysis and hierarchical Bayesian models for individual patient data will be used.
This systematic review with aggregate and individual patient data will address the clinical question, ‘what is the best blood glucose target for critically ill patients overall?’
, , , , Abstract
Critical Care Science. 2023;35(2):147-155
DOI 10.5935/2965-2774.20230422-en
, , , , , , , , To assess factors associated with long-term neuropsychiatric outcomes, including biomarkers measured after discharge from the intensive care unit.
A prospective cohort study was performed with 65 intensive care unit survivors. The cognitive evaluation was performed through the Mini-Mental State Examination, the symptoms of anxiety and depression were evaluated using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and posttraumatic stress disorder was evaluated using the Impact of Event Scale-6. Plasma levels of amyloid-beta (1-42) [Aβ (1-42)], Aβ (1-40), interleukin (IL)-10, IL-6, IL-33, IL-4, IL-5, tumor necrosis factor alpha, C-reactive protein, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor were measured at intensive care unit discharge.
Of the variables associated with intensive care, only delirium was independently related to the occurrence of long-term cognitive impairment. In addition, higher levels of IL-10 and IL-6 were associated with cognitive dysfunction. Only IL-6 was independently associated with depression. Mechanical ventilation, IL-33 levels, and C-reactive protein levels were independently associated with anxiety. No variables were independently associated with posttraumatic stress disorder.
Cognitive dysfunction, as well as symptoms of depression, anxiety, and posttraumatic stress disorder, are present in patients who survive a critical illness, and some of these outcomes are associated with the levels of inflammatory biomarkers measured at discharge from the intensive care unit.
Abstract
Critical Care Science. 2023;35(2):147-155
DOI 10.5935/2965-2774.20230422-en
, , , , , , , , To assess factors associated with long-term neuropsychiatric outcomes, including biomarkers measured after discharge from the intensive care unit.
A prospective cohort study was performed with 65 intensive care unit survivors. The cognitive evaluation was performed through the Mini-Mental State Examination, the symptoms of anxiety and depression were evaluated using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and posttraumatic stress disorder was evaluated using the Impact of Event Scale-6. Plasma levels of amyloid-beta (1-42) [Aβ (1-42)], Aβ (1-40), interleukin (IL)-10, IL-6, IL-33, IL-4, IL-5, tumor necrosis factor alpha, C-reactive protein, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor were measured at intensive care unit discharge.
Of the variables associated with intensive care, only delirium was independently related to the occurrence of long-term cognitive impairment. In addition, higher levels of IL-10 and IL-6 were associated with cognitive dysfunction. Only IL-6 was independently associated with depression. Mechanical ventilation, IL-33 levels, and C-reactive protein levels were independently associated with anxiety. No variables were independently associated with posttraumatic stress disorder.
Cognitive dysfunction, as well as symptoms of depression, anxiety, and posttraumatic stress disorder, are present in patients who survive a critical illness, and some of these outcomes are associated with the levels of inflammatory biomarkers measured at discharge from the intensive care unit.
, , , , , Abstract
Revista Brasileira de Terapia Intensiva. 2022;34(1):141-146
DOI 10.5935/0103-507X.20220008-en
, , , , , , To assess early postdischarge health-related quality of life and disability of all survivors of critical COVID-19 admitted for more than 24 hours to na intensive care unit..
Study carried out at the Intensive Care Medicine Department of Centro Hospitalar Universitário São João from 8th October 2020 to 16th February 2021. Approximately 1 month after hospital discharge, an intensive care-trained nurse performed a telephone consultation with 99 survivors already at home applying the EuroQol Five-Dimensional Five-Level questionnaire and the 12-item World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0.
The mean age of the population studied was 63 ± 12 years, and 32.5% were submitted to invasive mechanical ventilation. Their mean Simplified Acute Physiologic Score was 35 ± 14, and the Charlson Comorbidity Index was 3 ± 2. Intensive care medicine and hospital lengths of stay were 13 ± 22 and 22 ± 25 days, respectively. The mean EuroQol Visual Analog Scale was 65% (± 21), and only 35.3% had no or slight problems performing their usual activities, most having some degree of pain/discomfort and anxiety/depression. The 12-item World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0 showed marked impairments in terms of reassuring usual work or community activities and mobility. The use of both tools suggested that their health status was worse than their perception of it.
This early identification of sequelae may help define flows and priorities for rehabilitation and reinsertion after critical COVID-19.
Abstract
Revista Brasileira de Terapia Intensiva. 2022;34(1):141-146
DOI 10.5935/0103-507X.20220008-en
, , , , , , To assess early postdischarge health-related quality of life and disability of all survivors of critical COVID-19 admitted for more than 24 hours to na intensive care unit..
Study carried out at the Intensive Care Medicine Department of Centro Hospitalar Universitário São João from 8th October 2020 to 16th February 2021. Approximately 1 month after hospital discharge, an intensive care-trained nurse performed a telephone consultation with 99 survivors already at home applying the EuroQol Five-Dimensional Five-Level questionnaire and the 12-item World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0.
The mean age of the population studied was 63 ± 12 years, and 32.5% were submitted to invasive mechanical ventilation. Their mean Simplified Acute Physiologic Score was 35 ± 14, and the Charlson Comorbidity Index was 3 ± 2. Intensive care medicine and hospital lengths of stay were 13 ± 22 and 22 ± 25 days, respectively. The mean EuroQol Visual Analog Scale was 65% (± 21), and only 35.3% had no or slight problems performing their usual activities, most having some degree of pain/discomfort and anxiety/depression. The 12-item World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0 showed marked impairments in terms of reassuring usual work or community activities and mobility. The use of both tools suggested that their health status was worse than their perception of it.
This early identification of sequelae may help define flows and priorities for rehabilitation and reinsertion after critical COVID-19.
, , , , , Abstract
Revista Brasileira de Terapia Intensiva. 2022;34(1):197-201
Abstract
Revista Brasileira de Terapia Intensiva. 2022;34(1):197-201
Abstract
Revista Brasileira de Terapia Intensiva. 2020;32(3):426-432
DOI 10.5935/0103-507X.20200072
To evaluate the association between the incidence of delirium in the intensive care unit and quality of life 1 month after hospital discharge.
This was a prospective cohort study conducted in the intensive care units of two medium-complexity hospitals from December 2015 to December 2016. Delirium was identified using the Confusion Assessment Method for the Intensive Care Unit scale. At the time of hospital discharge, functional capacity and cognition were assessed with the Barthel index and the Mini Mental State Examination, respectively. Thirty days after patient discharge, the World Health Organization Quality of Life-BREF questionnaire was administered by telephone.
A total of 216 patients were included. Delirium was identified in 127 (58.8%) of them. Patients with delirium exhibited greater functional dependence (median Barthel index 50.0 [21.2 - 70.0] versus 80.0 [60.0 - 95.0]; p < 0.001) and lower cognition (Mini Mental State Examination score 12.9 ± 7.5 versus 20.7 ± 9.8; p < 0.001) at hospital discharge. There was no difference in any of the quality-of-life domains evaluated 1 month after hospital discharge between patients with and without delirium.
Our findings suggest that patients with delirium in the intensive care unit do not have worse quality of life 1 month after hospital discharge, despite presenting greater cognitive impairment and functional disability at the time of hospital discharge.
Abstract
Revista Brasileira de Terapia Intensiva. 2020;32(3):426-432
DOI 10.5935/0103-507X.20200072
To evaluate the association between the incidence of delirium in the intensive care unit and quality of life 1 month after hospital discharge.
This was a prospective cohort study conducted in the intensive care units of two medium-complexity hospitals from December 2015 to December 2016. Delirium was identified using the Confusion Assessment Method for the Intensive Care Unit scale. At the time of hospital discharge, functional capacity and cognition were assessed with the Barthel index and the Mini Mental State Examination, respectively. Thirty days after patient discharge, the World Health Organization Quality of Life-BREF questionnaire was administered by telephone.
A total of 216 patients were included. Delirium was identified in 127 (58.8%) of them. Patients with delirium exhibited greater functional dependence (median Barthel index 50.0 [21.2 - 70.0] versus 80.0 [60.0 - 95.0]; p < 0.001) and lower cognition (Mini Mental State Examination score 12.9 ± 7.5 versus 20.7 ± 9.8; p < 0.001) at hospital discharge. There was no difference in any of the quality-of-life domains evaluated 1 month after hospital discharge between patients with and without delirium.
Our findings suggest that patients with delirium in the intensive care unit do not have worse quality of life 1 month after hospital discharge, despite presenting greater cognitive impairment and functional disability at the time of hospital discharge.
Abstract
Revista Brasileira de Terapia Intensiva. 2019;31(4):529-535
DOI 10.5935/0103-507X.20190066
To measure and compare the functionality of patients after discharge from the intensive care unit and at the time of hospital discharge.
Quantitative study of a prospective cohort performed between August of 2016 and December of 2017 at a university hospital. A 10-meter walk test was performed at 2 timepoints: after discharge from the intensive care unit and prior to hospital discharge. The data were analyzed using Student's t-test and Pearson or Spearman correlation. Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 21.0 was used for the analysis, and p ≤ 0.05 was adopted as the level of significance.
Forty patients, with a mean age of 57.1 ± 12.2 years and with a predominance of males (60%), were evaluated. For the post-intensive care unit test, a mean speed of 0.48m/s was observed, and for the pre-hospital discharge test, there was an increase to 0.71m/s, evidencing functional evolution during the hospital stay (p < 0.001).
There was significant improvement in walking speed at the time of hospital discharge when compared to the walking speed at the time of intensive care unit discharge.
Abstract
Revista Brasileira de Terapia Intensiva. 2019;31(4):529-535
DOI 10.5935/0103-507X.20190066
To measure and compare the functionality of patients after discharge from the intensive care unit and at the time of hospital discharge.
Quantitative study of a prospective cohort performed between August of 2016 and December of 2017 at a university hospital. A 10-meter walk test was performed at 2 timepoints: after discharge from the intensive care unit and prior to hospital discharge. The data were analyzed using Student's t-test and Pearson or Spearman correlation. Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 21.0 was used for the analysis, and p ≤ 0.05 was adopted as the level of significance.
Forty patients, with a mean age of 57.1 ± 12.2 years and with a predominance of males (60%), were evaluated. For the post-intensive care unit test, a mean speed of 0.48m/s was observed, and for the pre-hospital discharge test, there was an increase to 0.71m/s, evidencing functional evolution during the hospital stay (p < 0.001).
There was significant improvement in walking speed at the time of hospital discharge when compared to the walking speed at the time of intensive care unit discharge.
