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Mechanical ventilation in ICUs in Poland: a multi-center point-prevalence study
Andrzej Kübler1, Dariusz Maciejewski, Barbara Adamik
1Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Therapy, Wrocław Medical University, Wrocław, Poland. andrzej.kubler@am.wroc.pl
Summary
Mechanical ventilation is common in Polish ICUs, with acute respiratory failure and coma as primary indications. Treatment strategies include low oxygen concentrations and positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP).
Area of Science:
- Critical Care Medicine
- Pulmonology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Mechanical ventilation is essential for organ support in intensive care units (ICUs).
- Appropriate ventilation modes are crucial to prevent lung injury.
- Understanding mechanical ventilation practices in Poland is vital for improving patient outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the epidemiology of mechanical ventilation in Polish ICUs.
- To evaluate current treatment strategies for mechanically ventilated patients.
- To identify common indications, ventilation parameters, and sedation methods.
Main Methods:
- A point-prevalence study was conducted across 148 ICUs in Poland.
- Questionnaires collected data on patient demographics, ventilation indications, and management.
- Eighty-three ICUs participated, providing data on 73.6% of their ventilated patients.
Main Results:
- Acute respiratory failure (40%) and coma (40%) were the leading indications for mechanical ventilation.
- Orotracheal tubes were the most common airway access (58%).
- Synchronized intermittent mandatory ventilation with pressure support was the predominant mode, with common use of positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) and low oxygen concentrations (mean 40%).
Conclusions:
- Mechanical ventilation is widely utilized in Polish ICUs.
- Extrapulmonary indications account for nearly half of ventilated patients.
- Current practices involve low oxygen concentrations and frequent use of PEEP.
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A Ventilation assessment is critical for monitoring a patient's health status. Respiration, one of the most accessible vital signs, provides insights into the function of numerous body systems and can indicate serious health issues, such as brainstem injuries from head trauma.
Critical Guidelines for Assessing Ventilation:
A Ventilation assessment is critical for monitoring a patient's health status. Respiration, one of the most accessible vital signs, provides insights into the function of numerous body systems and can indicate serious health issues, such as brainstem injuries from head trauma.
Critical Guidelines for Assessing Ventilation:
01:29Assessment of Ventilation II: Respiratory Depth and Rhythm
Respiratory Depth
Respiratory depth measures the volume of air inhaled or exhaled during a breath. It can vary from shallow to deep and typically remains consistent when a person is at rest or asleep. Occasionally, individuals will automatically inhale deeply, known as sighing, which inflates the lungs with more air than normal breathing.
To assess respiratory depth, observe the degree of chest excursion or movement:
Respiratory depth measures the volume of air inhaled or exhaled during a breath. It can vary from shallow to deep and typically remains consistent when a person is at rest or asleep. Occasionally, individuals will automatically inhale deeply, known as sighing, which inflates the lungs with more air than normal breathing.
To assess respiratory depth, observe the degree of chest excursion or movement: