Abstract Background: In Mexico, 29% of mortality resulting from SARS-CoV-2 was associated with one or more comorbidities. Diabetes mellitus was one of the most frequently increasing in-hospital mortality. Objective: This study was aimed at determining the impact of nosocomial infections in diabetic patients diagnosed with COVID-19. Materials and methods: An analysis of 930 patients with SARS-CoV-2 was performed, grouping data from April 2020 to December 2021. Survival, hospital stay, causative agents, antimicrobial resistance, and comorbidities were the variables of interest. Results: About 30% of patients had diabetes mellitus, which presented a greater number of concomitant comorbidities such as arterial hypertension in 50%, and chronic kidney disease in 13%. The survival function was higher in patients without diabetes mellitus. Conclusions: The association between nosocomial infections and diabetes mellitus increased hospital length of stay and mortality, which is why multidisciplinary teams are important to carry out prevention programs and establish hospital sanitation measures.

Objective: this study evaluated burnout symptoms among physicians and nurses before, during and after COVID-19 care. Method: a cross-sectional comparative study in the Pulmonary Care unit of a tertiary-level public hospital. The Maslach Burnout Inventory was used. Results: 280 surveys were distributed across three periods: before (n=80), during (n=105) and after (n=95) COVID-19 care; 172 surveys were returned. The response rates were 57.5%, 64.8% and 61.1%, respectively. The prevalence of severe burnout was 30.4%, 63.2% and 34.5% before, during and after COVID-19 care (p<0.001). Emotional exhaustion (p<0.001) and depersonalization (p=0.002) symptoms were more prevalent among nurses than among physicians. Severe burnout was more prevalent in women, nurses and night shift staff. Conclusion: the high prevalence of burnout doubled in the first peak of hospital admissions and returned to pre-pandemic levels one month after COVID-19 care ended. Burnout varied by gender, shift and occupation, with nurses among the most vulnerable groups. Focus on early assessment and mitigation strategies are required to support nurses not only during crisis but permanently.

Objetivo: este estudio evaluó síntomas de Burnout entre médicos y enfermeros antes, durante y después de la atención provista a pacientes con la enfermedad COVID-19. Método: estudio comparativo y transversal realizado en la unidad de Atención Respiratoria de un hospital público de nivel terciario. Se empleó el Inventario de Burnout Maslach. Resultados: se distribuyeron 280 encuestas entre los tres períodos: antes (n=80), durante (n=105) y después (n=95) de la atención a pacientes con COVID-19; se obtuvieron 172 encuestas respondidas. Las tasas de respuesta fueron 57,5%, 64,8% y 61,1%, respectivamente. Los valores de prevalencia de Burnout grave fueron 30,4%, 63,2% y 34,5% antes, durante y después de la atención a pacientes por la enfermedad del coronavirus 2019 (p<0,001). Los síntomas de agotamiento emocional (p<0,001) y despersonalización (p=0,002) fueron más prevalentes entre los enfermeros que entre los médicos. El Síndrome de Burnout grave fue más prevalente en las mujeres, los enfermeros y el personal del turno noche. Conclusión: la elevada prevalencia de Burnout se duplicó en el primer pico de internaciones y regresó a niveles previos a la pandemia un mes después de finalizada la atención a pacientes por la enfermedad del coronavirus 2019. El Síndrome de Burnout varió por sexo, turno de trabajo y ocupación, y los enfermeros representaron los grupos más vulnerables. Es necesario enfocarse en estrategias de evaluación y mitigación tempranas para asistir a los enfermeros, no solo durante la crisis sino permanentemente.

Objetivo: este estudo avaliou os sintomas de burnout entre médicos e enfermeiros antes, durante e após o cuidado dos pacientes contaminados com o COVID-19. Método: estudo transversal comparativo realizado na unidade de Atenção Pulmonar de um hospital público de nível terciário. Foi utilizado o Inventário de Burnout de Maslach. Resultados: 280 formulários de pesquisa foram distribuídos em três períodos: antes (n=80), durante (n=105) e após (n=95) os cuidados dos pacientes contaminados com COVID-19; 172 formulários foram respondidos. As taxas de resposta foram de 57,5%, 64,8% e 61,1%, respectivamente. A prevalência de burnout grave foi de 30,4%, 63,2% e 34,5% antes, durante e após o atendimento dos pacientes (p<0,001). Os sintomas de exaustão emocional (p<0,001) e despersonalização (p=0,002) foram mais prevalentes entre os enfermeiros do que entre os médicos. O burnout grave foi mais prevalente em mulheres, enfermeiros e funcionários do turno da noite. Conclusão: a alta prevalência de burnout dobrou no primeiro pico de internações hospitalares e voltou aos níveis pré-pandemia um mês após o término dos cuidados dos pacientes contaminados com COVID-19. O burnout variou de acordo com o sexo, turno e profissão, encontrando-se os enfermeiros entre os grupos mais vulneráveis. O foco na avaliação precoce e nas estratégias de mitigação é necessário para apoiar os enfermeiros não apenas durante a crise, mas de forma permanente.

Resumen La tuberculosis extrapulmonar es aquella tuberculosis diagnosticada clínicamente y confirmada por estudios bacteriológicos que afecta a tejidos y órganos fuera del parénquima pulmonar. México es el tercer lugar en América Latina en incidencia de tuberculosis pulmonar y extrapulmonar. Los métodos de cultivo siguen siendo el método de referencia para el diagnóstico de tuberculosis extrapulmonar, ya que identifican la especie y la sensibilidad a los fármacos.

Abstract Extrapulmonary tuberculosis is defined as that case of tuberculosis clinically diagnosed and confirmed by bacteriological studies that affects tissues and organs outside the lung parenchyma. Mexico is in third place among Latin American countries in terms of the incidence of pulmonary and extrapulmonary tuberculosis. Culture methods are still the gold standard for the diagnosis of extrapulmonary tuberculosis since they identify the species and susceptibility to drugs.

Abstract: Introduction: non-conventional sedatives and those off-label, such as inhaled anesthetics, were used due to the shortage of medicines during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Objectives: to compare the cost and results obtained with the use of inhaled anesthetics versus intravenous sedatives in COVID-19. Material and methods: retrospective study in a public reference hospital ICU. A calculation of sedation costs was made of the first two days of ICU stay. Drug doses were taken from the clinical records and acquisition costs directly from CompraNet. Mean costs per medication and per group are compared. Results: of 151 patients, 81 received intravenous sedation and 70 received inhaled anesthesia with or without intravenous sedatives. There was no difference in mortality, days of mechanical ventilation, ICU stay, and hospital stay between groups. A significant reduction in costs derived from the less use of midazolam, propofol and dexmedetomidine (p < 0.0001), and a difference between means of total sedation costs of $4,108.42 Mexican pesos per patient per day was observed with inhaled anesthesia. Conclusions: inhaled anesthesia during the COVID-19 pandemic compared to intravenous sedation allowed a cost reduction in the first two days of ICU stay.

Resumen: Introducción: los sedantes de uso no convencional y aquéllos fuera de recomendación como los anestésicos inhalados se usaron ante la escasez de medicamentos durante la pandemia por SARS-CoV-2. Objetivos: comparar el costo y resultados obtenidos con el uso de anestésicos inhalados versus sedantes intravenosos en COVID-19. Material y métodos: estudio retrospectivo en una unidad de terapia intensiva (UTI) de un hospital público de referencia. Se hizo un cálculo de costos de sedación de los dos primeros días de estancia en la UTI. Las dosis de fármacos fueron tomadas del expediente clínico y los costos de adquisición directamente de CompraNet. Se comparan medias de costos por medicamento y por grupo. Resultados: de 151 pacientes, 81 recibieron sedación intravenosa y 70 anestesia inhalada con o sin sedantes intravenosos. No hubo diferencia en mortalidad, días de ventilación mecánica, estancia en la UTI y estancia hospitalaria entre grupos. Se observó una reducción significativa de costos derivados del menor uso de midazolam, propofol y dexmedetomidina (p < 0.0001) cuando se usó anestesia inhalada y una diferencia entre medias de costos totales de sedación de $4,108.42 M.N. por día por paciente. Conclusiones: la anestesia inhalada durante la pandemia por COVID-19 permitió una reducción de costos comparada con sedación intravenosa en los primeros dos días de estancia en la UTI.

Resumo: Introdução: sedativos de uso não convencional e não recomendados, como anestésicos inalatórios, foram utilizados devido à escassez de medicamentos durante a pandemia de SARS-CoV-2. Objetivos: comparar o custo e os resultados obtidos com o uso de anestésicos inalatórios versus sedativos intravenosos na COVID-19. Material e métodos: estudo retrospectivo em uma UTI de um hospital público de referência. Foi feito um cálculo dos custos de sedação para os dois primeiros dias de internação na UTI. As doses dos medicamentos foram retiradas do prontuário clínico e os custos de aquisição diretamente do CompraNet. Os custos médios por medicamento e por grupo são comparados. Resultados: dos 151 pacientes, 81 receberam sedação intravenosa e 70 anestesia inalatória com ou sem sedativos intravenosos. Não houve diferença na mortalidade, dias em ventilação mecânica, permanência na UTI e internação entre os grupos. Uma redução significativa nos custos derivados do menor uso de midazolam, propofol e dexmedetomidina (p < 0.0001) foi observada quando a anestesia inalatória foi usada e uma diferença entre as médias dos custos totais de sedação de $4,108.42 M.N. por dia por paciente. Conclusões: a anestesia inalatória durante a pandemia de COVID-19 permitiu redução de custos em comparação com a sedação endovenosa nos primeiros dois dias de internação na UTI.

Abstract Introduction: COVID-19 associated mortality in patients who require mechanical ventilation is unknown in the Mexican population. Objective: To describe the characteristics of Mexican patients with COVID-19 who required mechanical ventilation. Methods: Observational cohort study carried out in an intensive care unit from March 25 to July 17, 2020. Data were obtained from a prospective database and electronic medical records, and were analyzed with the chi-square test, Fisher’s exact test or Mann-Whitney’s U-test. Results: One hundred patients required mechanical ventilation; median age was 56 years, 31 % were females and 97 % were Latin American. Most common comorbidities were obesity (36 %), diabetes (26 %), hypertension (20 %), and chronic or end-stage kidney disease (10 %). At the end of the analysis, 11 patients remained in the ICU, 31 had been discharged alive and 58 (65.2 %) died; survivors were younger, had lower scores on severity and organ dysfunction scales, lower levels of C-reactive protein at ICU admission, were less likely to receive hemodialysis and vasopressors, and had longer hospital and ICU stays. Conclusions: This study adds information on the presentation and results of SARS-CoV-2-infected patients who require mechanical ventilation.

Resumen Introducción: La mortalidad por COVID-19 en quienes requieren ventilación mecánica se desconoce en la población mexicana. Objetivo: Describir las características de pacientes mexicanos con COVID-19 que requirieron ventilación mecánica. Métodos: Estudio de cohorte observacional en una unidad de terapia intensiva, del 25 de marzo al 17 de julio de 2020. Los datos se obtuvieron de una base de datos prospectiva y de registros clínicos electrónicos; fueron analizados con c2, prueba exacta de Fisher o prueba U de Mann-Whitney. Resultados: Cien pacientes recibieron ventilación mecánica, la edad media fue de 56 años, 31 % era del sexo femenino y 97 %, latinoamericano. Las comorbilidades más comunes fueron obesidad (36 %), diabetes (26 %), hipertensión (20 %) y enfermedad renal crónica o renal terminal (10 %). Al término del análisis, 11 pacientes permanecían en la UCI, 31 egresaron vivos y 58 (65.2 %) fallecieron; los sobrevivientes fueron más jóvenes, con menor puntuación en las escalas de gravedad y disfunción orgánica, menores niveles de proteína C reactiva al ingreso a la UCI, menor propensión a hemodiálisis y necesidad de vasopresores y con mayor estancia hospitalaria y en la UCI. Conclusiones: Este estudio agrega información sobre la presentación y resultados de pacientes con ventilación mecánica infectados con SARS-CoV-2.

Resumen: Introducción: Existen indicadores de calidad tanto generales como específicos en medicina crítica. Los indicadores para procesos propios de unidades de cuidados intensivos respiratorios (UCIRs) son necesarios. Material y métodos: Un grupo de trabajo de las UCIRs de los servicios de tórax de los principales hospitales de tercer y cuarto nivel de atención sanitaria en México, siguiendo la metodología de los grupos de trabajo de la Sociedad Española de Medicina Intensiva, Crítica y Unidades Coronarias y la Fundación Avedis-Donabedian, identificó aspectos relevantes del proceso del cuidado con relación a volumen, riesgo y complejidad, recabando información de 10 años de actividad asistencial para ser correlacionados y finalmente diseñar indicadores. Resultados: Con información de 2,776 pacientes atendidos del 1o de noviembre de 2009 al 1o de noviembre de 2019, se delimitó el campo de actuación con aspectos importantes como broncoscopia, neumonía, paciente inmunocomprometido, hemoptisis masiva, embolización de arterias bronquiales, cirugía de resección segmentaria/lobar o pulmonar, pleurocentesis y ultrasonido fueron identificados y correlacionados en consenso por el grupo de expertos, llevando al diseño de cuatro indicadores. Conclusiones: Este es el primer reporte de desarrollo de indicadores de calidad para UCIRs de servicios de tórax que servirán para la mejora de la calidad en este tipo de unidades.

Abstract: Introduction: There are both general and specific quality indicators in critical care medicine. Indicators for respiratory intensive care units (RICUs) processes are needed. Material and methods: Following the methodology of the working groups of the Spanish Society of Intensive, Critical Care and Coronary Units and the Avedis-Donabedian Foundation, a working group of the RICUs belonging to departments of chest medicine of the main hospitals of third and fourth level of care in Mexico identified relevant aspects of the care process in relation to volume, risk and complexity, collecting information from ten years of clinical activity to be correlated and finally to design indicators. Results: Delimitation of the field of action was made accounting with information on 2,776 patients treated from November 1, 2009 to November 1, 2019. Important aspects such as bronchoscopy, pneumonia, immunocompromised patient, massive hemoptysis, bronchial artery embolization, segmental/lobar or pulmonary resection surgery, thoracentesis and ultrasound were identified and correlated in consensus by the group of experts leading to the design of four indicators. Conclusions: This is the first report on the development of quality indicators for RICUs belonging to departments of chest medicine that will serve to improve quality in this type of units.

Resumo: Introdução: Existen indicadores de qualidade tanto gerais como específicos em medicina crítica. São necessários os indicadores para procesos própios das unidades de terapias intensivas respiratórias (UTIRs). Material e métodos: Um grupo de trabalho das UTIRs dos serviço de tórax dos principais hospitais de tercero e quarto níveis de atenção sanitária no México, seguindo a metodologia dos grupos de trabalho da Sociedade Espanhola de Terapia Intensiva, Crítica e Unidades Coronárias e a Fundação Avedis-Donabedian, identificou aspectos relevantes do processo de cuidado com relação ao volume, risco e complexidade, reunindo informações de 10 anos de atividade assistencial para ser correlacionada e, finalmente, desenhar indicadores. Resultados: Com informações de 2,776 pacientes atendidos de 1o de novembro de 2009 a 1o de novembro de 2019, o campo de atuação foi definido com aspectos importantes como broncoscopia, pneumonia, paciente imunocomprometido, hemoptise maciça, embolização de artérias brônquicas, cirurgia de ressecção segmentar/lobar ou pulmonar, pleurocentese e ultrassom foram identificados e correlacionados em consenso pelo grupo de especialistas, resultando no desenho de quatro indicadores. Conclusão: Este é o primeiro relatório de desenvolvimento de indicadores de qualidade para UTIRs do serviço de tórax que servirão para melhorar a qualidade neste tipo de unidade.

Background: Pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) is a world public health problem. Its association with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) occurs as a consequence of immunosuppression that facilitates coinfection. Materials and methods: A descriptive observational study of consecutive cases from January 6 to September 30, 2016, was made in a tertiary care reference center in Mexico, where HIV-positive patients suspicious of having PTB were negative for bacilli in the acid-fast stain of sputum. Bronchial lavage (BL) was performed and cultures for Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) were made to confirm PTB. Some cases were tested with Xpert® MTB/RIF® methodology with a polymerase chain reaction to detect Mtb and its sensitivity to rifampicin. Results: BL was performed on 82 HIV-positive acid-fast negative patients from whom samples were obtained to search for Mtb through culture. Expectoration smear samples of 26 patients resulted in 21 negatives for Mtb. The remaining five patients turned Ziehl-Neelsen positive as well as positive for Mtb through culture. In the 56 cases of non-expectoration and dry cough, 37 patients were negative for Mtb, seven were positive by culture, and 12 were positive by Xpert. A total of 24 (29.2%) cases were positive for Mtb. Conclusions: BL facilitates the early diagnosis of PTB in smear-negative HIV-positive patients. Xpert MTB/RIF positive results allowed treatment initiation within 2 h.

Abstract Background: There is little information of intensive care unit (ICU) performance when it's relocated to a totally new and equipped area. Objective: To analyze the clinical performance and use of resources of a new respiratory-ICU (nRICU) in a large third-level care hospital. Method: Cross-sectional, comparative study using prospective data of patients admitted from July 17, 2017 to July 17, 2018. The Rapoport adjusted method was used to obtain the standardized clinical performance index (SCPI) and the standardized resource use index (SRUI). Results: Out of 354 patients, those who were readmissions or remained hospitalized and those whose treatment was withheld or withdrawn where excluded from the analysis. In 301 patients, the observed survival at hospital discharge was 63% while the expected survival was 67.7%. Values of SCPI and SRUI were −1.03 and 0.05 respectively, placing results in coordinates within two standard deviations when plotted in the Rapoport chart. There was a statistically significant difference in survival when comparing the study period with outcomes obtained in the RICU before its relocation (63% vs. 55%, p = 0.01). Conclusions: In its 1st year of operation, the nRICU had better clinical performance compared to the former RICU, with no change in the use of resources.

Resumen Antecedentes: Existe poca información acerca del desempeño de una unidad de cuidados intensivos (UCI) cuando es reubicada en un área totalmente nueva y equipada. Objetivo: Analizar el rendimiento clínico y el uso de recursos de la nueva UCI respiratoria (UCIR) de un hospital grande de tercer nivel. Método: Estudio transversal, comparativo, con datos prospectivos de pacientes ingresados del 17 de julio de 2017 al 17 de julio de 2018. Se usa el método ajustado de Rapoport para obtener el índice de rendimiento clínico estandarizado (IRCE) y el índice de uso de recursos estandarizado (IRURE). Resultados: De 354 pacientes fueron excluidos los reingresos, los pacientes aún hospitalizados y aquellos a quienes se limitó o retiró el tratamiento. En 301 pacientes la sobrevida hospitalaria fue del 63%, mientras que la sobrevida esperada fue del 67.7%. El IRCE fue −1.03 y el IRURE fue 0.05, situando el resultado en coordenadas dentro de dos desviaciones estándar en el gráfico de Rapoport. Hubo una diferencia estadísticamente significativa en la sobrevida comparando el periodo de estudio con resultados de la UCIR obtenidos antes de su reubicación (63 vs. 55%, p = 0.01). Conclusiones: En su primer año de funcionamiento, la nueva UCIR tuvo mejor rendimiento clínico que la antigua, sin modificación en el uso de recursos.

Abstract Background: Catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) are the most frequent cause of infection related to healthcare. There are different strategies for preventing them and new ones, such as BIP Foley catheters (catheters coated in silver, gold, and palladium), should be considered as an alternative in reducing said infections. Aims: To compare the incidence of CAUTIs in patients with BIP Foley catheters versus conventional Foley catheters. Materials and methods: A double-blind clinical trial with simple randomization was conducted, obtaining a representative sample of 140 cases. A 95% confidence interval and error not greater than 5% were established. Results: Of the 140 cases, 15 were excluded (11%), leaving a total of 125 cases. Mean patient age was 50 years ± 18; 52% were men and 48% were women. Mean time observed was 10 days ± 7. Overall incidence was 25 CAUTIs x 1000 days. Discussion: Foley catheter use is an everyday practice. BIP Foley catheters reduce the incidence of CAUTIs. Conclusions: CAUTIs are the most frequent infections associated with healthcare. Nosocomial infections are an indicator of the quality of patient care, negatively impacting morbidity and mortality, as well as patient economy. The use of coated catheters was an efficacious measure that considerably reduced the incidence of CAUTIs.

Resumen Introducción: La infección de tracto urinario asociada a catéter (ITUCV) es la causa más frecuente de infección asociada a los cuidados de la salud. Existen diversas estrategias para prevenir dichas infecciones. Se deben considerar nuevas estrategias como los catéteres vesicales BIP (catéteres con recubrimiento de plata, oro, paladio), como una alternativa para reducir las mismas. Objetivos: Comparar la incidencia de las ITUCV en pacientes con catéter vesical Foley BIP versus Foley convencional. Metodología: Se realizó un ensayo clínico con aleatorización simple, siguiendo el sistema de doble ciego. Se estableció un nivel de confianza del 95%, un error no mayor del 5%. Obteniendo un total de 140 casos, alcanzando así una muestra representativa. Resultados: 140 casos con una inclusión de 125 casos y una exclusión de 15 casos (11%). La media de edad fue 50 años ± 18, con un 52 % hombres y 48% mujeres. El tiempo observado promedio fue de 10 días ± 7. Se presentó una tasa de incidencia global de 25 ITUCV x 1000 días. Discusión: El uso del catéter urinario Foley es una práctica cotidiana. El uso de catéteres Foley BIP disminuyó la tasa de incidencia de infección de vías urinarias asociada a catéter. Conclusiones: Las ITUCV son la infección más frecuente asociado a cuidados de la salud. Las infecciones nosocomiales representan un indicador de calidad de atención de los pacientes, repercuten en la morbimortalidad y economía de los pacientes. Los catéteres con recubrimiento fueron una medida eficaz, disminuyendo de manera considerable la incidencia de ITUCV.

Abstract Introduction: New hospitals are replacing old facilities. There is little information on the performance of an intensive care unit (ICU) when it is relocated in a new and equipped area. Objective: To analyze the impact of the change of ICU facilities from a shared environment to individual beds on the occurrence of adverse events. Method: Cross-sectional, comparative study, with prospectively collected data from patients admitted from March 01, 2014 to February 28, 2017 to the former ICU (f-ICU) and from July 17, 2017 to January 17, 2019 to the new ICU (n-ICU) of a public teaching hospital. The rate of adverse events was measured in events per 1,000 patient-days. Results: Among 1,188 patients (f-ICU, n = 681 vs. n-ICU, n = 507), a reduction in the rate of unforeseen cardiac arrest (rate ratio: 0.31; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.12–0.80) and an increase in the rate of unplanned extubation (rate ratio: 2.49; 95% CI = 1.24–5.01) were observed, with both being statistically significant. The other nine monitored adverse events showed no changes. Conclusions: In comparison with the f-ICU, most of the monitored adverse events did not significantly change within the first 18 months of activities at the n-ICU.

Resumen Introducción: Nuevos hospitales están reemplazando a instalaciones antiguas. Existe poca información del desempeño de una unidad de cuidados intensivos (UCI) cuando es reubicada en un área nueva y equipada. Objetivo: Analizar el impacto del cambio de instalaciones de un ambiente compartido a camas individuales en la ocurrencia de eventos adversos en la UCI. Método: Estudio transversal, comparativo, con datos prospectivos de pacientes ingresados del 1 de marzo de 2014 al 28 de febrero de 2017 a la antigua UCI (aUCI) y del 17 de julio de 2017 al 17 de enero de 2019 a la nueva UCI (nUCI) de un hospital-escuela público. La tasa de eventos adversos se midió en eventos por 1000 días-paciente Resultados: En 1188 pacientes (aUCI, n = 681 versus nUCI, n = 507) se observó reducción en la tasa de paro cardiaco no previsto (razón de tasas 0.31, IC 95 % = 0.12-0.80) e incremento en la tasa de extubación no planeada (razón de tasas 2.49, IC 95 % = 1.24-5.01), estadísticamente significativos; los otros nueve eventos adversos monitoreados no mostraron cambios Conclusiones: Comparada con la aUCI, la mayor parte de eventos adversos monitoreados no se modificaron significativamente en los 18 meses de inicio de actividades de la nUCI.

Abstract: Introduction: Benign central airway obstruction (BCAO) management remains a challenge. We describe the results with the use of argon plasma coagulation (APC) in BCAO. Methods: Retrospective case series analysis. Results: Twenty patients with BCAO were treated in a two-year period. With a mean age of 38.9 ± 12.8 years; twelve were women. BCAO was secondary to intubation (n = 10), infection (n = 4), tracheoplasty (n = 2); lobectomy (n = 1); inflammatory response to foreign body (n = 1); Wegener's granulomatosis (n = 1); and trauma (n = 1). Location of the obstruction was at the subglottic space in 70%; upper third of the trachea in 10%; half third of the trachea in 10%; left main bronchi in 5%; and right main bronchi in 5%. CAP was used for a total of 38 sessions (range 1-7 sessions/patient). Also, laryngeal and/or tracheal dilatation was performed in eleven cases. Significant improvement was observed in eleven cases, while eight cases experimented minimal improvement and one case did not improve at all. Mean patient follow-up was 15.7 ± 6.4 months (range 7-30). There were no complications related to the procedures. Conclusions: In selected cases, BCAO could be effectively and safely treated by means of CAP. Combined treatment with dilators could be of helpful in recovering the occluded airway.

Resumen: Introducción: Tratar la obstrucción benigna de la vía aérea (OBVA) continúa siendo un reto. Describimos resultados del uso de coagulación con argón plasma (CAP) en OBVA. Métodos: Análisis retrospectivo de una serie de casos. Resultados: Se incluyeron 20 pacientes con OBVA tratados en dos años, con edad promedio 38.9 ± 12.8 años, 12 fueron mujeres. La OBVA fue secundaria a: intubación (n = 10), infección (n = 4), traqueoplastia (n = 2), lobectomía (n = 1), reacción inflamatoria por cuerpo extraño (n = 1), granulomatosis de Wegener (n = 1) y trauma (n = 1). La localización de la obstrucción fue en subglotis (70%), en tráquea en tercio superior (10%) y tercio medio (10%), en bronquio principal izquierdo (5%) y bronquio principal derecho (5%). Se utilizó CAP en un total de 38 sesiones (rango 1-7 sesiones/paciente); además, se realizó dilatación laríngea y/o traqueal en 11 casos. En 11 casos hubo mejoría significativa del grado de oclusión, en 8 la mejoría fue mínima y en 1 no hubo cambios. El seguimiento promedio fue de 15.7 ± 6.4 meses (rango 7-30). No hubo complicaciones relacionadas a los procedimientos. Conclusiones: La OBVA puede ser tratada de manera efectiva y segura con CAP en casos seleccionados. El manejo combinado con dilatadores puede ser de ayuda para disminuir el grado de obstrucción.

Purpose: To compare the outcomes in a Respiratory Intensive Care Unit (RICU) between thoracic and non-thoracic emergency surgery. Material and methods: Retrospective and transversal cohort study. All patients admitted to a RICU who underwent emergency surgery between March of 2010 and October of 2014 were included. Results: In the study period, emergency surgery was the reason for admission in 126 patients (thoracic surgery in 70; non-thoracic surgery in 56). Diagnoses of thoracic surgery patients were: mediastinitis (81.5%), penetrating thoracic wound (8.6%), empyema (7.1%), and other (2.8%). Diagnoses of non-thoracic surgery patients were: intestinal perforation (55.4%), appendicitis/cholecystitis (14.3%), mesenteric thrombosis (8.9%), intestinal occlusion (7.1%), abdominopelvic fasciitis (7.1%), and other (7.2%). Sex did not differed among groups (woman 30% versus 41%, p 0.27); but, a difference in age was observed (39.4 ± 11.6 versus 55 ± 16.4 years, p < 0.001), as well as in Simplified Acute Physiology Score 3 (36 ± 11 versus 59 ± 17, p < 0.001), Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score (3.4 ± 3.5 versus 7.9 ± 4.9, p < 0.001), mean days on mechanical ventilation (5.9 ± 5.2 versus 11.5 ± 12.1, p < 0.001) and mortality in the intensive care unit (21.4% versus 57.1%, p < 0.001). There was no difference in the length of stay in intensive care (9.4 ± 6.6 versus 12.6 ± 13.8, p 0.08). Conclusions: When comparing thoracic versus non-thoracic emergency surgery patients in the RICU, non-thoracic surgery patients were older, had worst prognosis, spend more resources and had three times more mortality compared to thoracic surgery patients.

Objetivo: Comparar resultados del postoperatorio de urgencia de cirugía de tórax versus cirugía no torácica en una Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos Respiratorios (UCIR). Material y métodos: Estudio de cohortes, retrospectivo, transversal. Se incluye a los pacientes ingresados a una UCIR en postoperatorio de urgencia de marzo de 2010 a octubre de 2014. Resultados: En el periodo de estudio fueron postoperados de urgencia 126 pacientes (cirugía torácica en 70 y cirugía no torácica en 56). Los diagnósticos para cirugía torácica fueron: mediastinitis (81.5%), herida penetrante de tórax (8.6%), empiema (7.1%) y otros (2.8%); y para cirugía no torácica: perforación de víscera hueca (55.4%), apendicitis/colecistitis (14.3%), trombosis mesentérica (8.9%), oclusión intestinal (7.1%), fascitis abdominopélvica (7.1%) y otros (7.2%). El sexo no difirió entre grupos (mujeres 30% versus 41%, p = 0.27), pero sí la edad (39.4 ± 11.6 versus 55 ± 16.4 años, p < 0.001), el puntaje Simplified Acute Physiology Score 3 (36 ± 11 versus 59 ± 17, p < 0.001), la escala Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (3.4 ± 3.5 versus 7.9 ± 4.9, p < 0.001), los días de ventilación mecánica (5.9 ± 5.2 versus 11.5 ± 12.1, p < 0.001), y la mortalidad en terapia intensiva (21.4% versus 57.1%, p < 0.001). No hubo diferencia en días de estancia en terapia intensiva (9.4 ± 6.6 versus 12.6 ± 13.8, p = 0.08). Conclusiones: En la UCIR, los postoperados de urgencia no torácica son pacientes de mayor edad, más graves, consumen más recursos y tienen mortalidad tres veces mayor comparados con postoperados de urgencia torácica.