INTRODUCTION:Critical Care Internal Medicine (CCIM) is vital to the U.S. Military as evidenced by the role CCIM played in the COVID-19 pandemic response and wartime operations. Although the proficiency needs of military surgeons have been well studied, this has not been the case for CCIM. The objective of this study was to compare the patient volume and acuity of military CCIM physicians working solely at Military Treatment Facilities (MTFs) with those at MTFs also working part-time in a military-civilian partnership (MCP) at the University Medical Center of Southern Nevada (UMC). MATERIALS AND METHODS:We analyzed FY2019 critical care coding data from the Military Health System and UMC comparing the number of critical care encounters, the number of high-acuity critical care encounters, and the Abilities/Activity component of the Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities/Clinical Activity (KSA) score. This analysis was restricted to critical care encounters defined by Current Procedural Terminology codes for critical care (99291 and 99292). A critical care encounter was considered high acuity if the patient had ICD-10 codes for shock, respiratory failure, or cardiac arrest or had at least three codes for critical care in the same episode. RESULTS:The five AF CCIM physicians in the MCP group performed 2,019 critical care encounters in 206 days, with 63.1% (1,273) being defined as high acuity. The total number of MTF critical care encounters was 16,855 across all providers and services, with 28.9% (4,864) of encounters defined as high acuity. When limited to CCIM encounters, MTFs had 6,785 critical care encounters, with 32.0% being high acuity (2,171). Thus, the five AF CCIM physicians, while working 206 days at the UMC, equated to 12.0% (2,019/16,855) of the total critical care MTF encounters, 27.2% (1,273/4,684) of the total high-acuity MTF critical care encounters, and 29.8% (2,019/6,785) of the MTF CCIM encounters, with 58.6% (1,273/2,171) of the MTF CCIM high-acuity encounters.The USAF CCIM physicians in the MCP group performed 454,395 KSAs in 206 days, with a KSA density per day of 2,206. In the MTF group, CCIM providers generated 2,344,791 total KSAs over 10,287 days, with a KSA density per day of 227.9. Thus, the five CCIM physicians at the UMC accounted for 19.38% of the MTF CCIM KSAs, with a KSA density over 10 times higher (2,206 vs. 227.9). CONCLUSIONS:The volume and acuity of critical care at MTFs may be insufficient to maintain CCIM proficiency under the current system. Military-civilian partnerships are invaluable in maintaining clinical proficiency for military CCIM physicians and can be done on a part-time basis while maintaining beneficiary care at an MTF. Future CCIM expeditionary success is contingent on CCIM physicians and team members having the required CCIM exposure to grow and maintain clinical proficiency.Limitations of this study include the absence of off-duty employment (moonlighting) data and difficulty filtering military data down to just CCIM physicians, which likely caused the MTF CCIM data to be overestimated.

INTRODUCTION:Deployed military personnel may be at risk for developing acute and chronic lung disease. Prior studies of this patient population have revealed that unexplained exertional dyspnea is the most common diagnosis despite an extensive evaluation. There is a concern that an occult disorder may be affecting this population. This study evaluated the role for bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid analysis in the evaluation of chronic deployment-associated dyspnea. MATERIALS AND METHODS:Military personnel who reported chronic respiratory symptoms were evaluated as part of the Study of Active Duty Military for Pulmonary Disease Related to Environmental Deployment Exposures III study. Participants underwent bronchoscopy with BAL as part of a standardized evaluation. RESULTS:A total of 308 patients with a mean age of 38 ± 8.6 years underwent bronchoscopy with BAL. BAL cell-count percentages of macrophages, lymphocytes, neutrophils, and eosinophils were: 76.2 ± 17.0%, 16.3 ± 13.4%, 6.6 ± 8.9%, and 0.9 ± 3.2%, respectively. There was no clear differentiation between groups based on increases in lymphocyte counts (P = .640), although lymphocyte values were more elevated (21.4 ± 12.1%) in the interstitial lung disease category. Neutrophil counts (6.6 ± 8.9%) were elevated compared to the reported normal reference values and were increased in the isolated pulmonary function test abnormality (9.4 ± 11.6%), large airway disorder (10.0 ± 7.5%), miscellaneous (10.9 ± 20.2%), and obstructive lung disease (11.0 ± 15.6%) groups. Eosinophil counts were within normal limits (0.9 ± 3.2%) and showed no differences between groups (P = .545); asthma patients trended higher (1.6 ± 5.7%). BAL counts for the exertional dyspnea group were within normal reference values and showed no differences from the entire cohort. CONCLUSIONS:The addition of BAL cytology did not help differentiate those patients with unexplained dyspnea from other etiologies.

Background:Ketamine has both analgesic and sedative properties, combined with favorable hemodynamic effects, which makes it a theoretically ideal agent for bronchoscopic sedation. Studies in the adult population that demonstrate safety, efficacy, and patient/physician satisfaction are lacking. We hypothesized that ketamine is an effective alternative to standard moderate sedation (SMS) regimens used for bronchoscopic sedation and may be preferred by patients and physicians. Research Question:Is ketamine an effective alternative to SMS for flexible fiberoptic bronchoscopy? Study Design and Methods:A randomized controlled trial was conducted comparing ketamine to SMS using midazolam and fentanyl for outpatient flexible fiberoptic bronchoscopy from July 2019 to March 2022. Patients who met inclusion criteria were randomized to receive either ketamine or SMS for bronchoscopic sedation. This was a single-anonymized study and the primary outcome was patient satisfaction based on the Patient Satisfaction with Sedation Instrument. Results:A total of 56 patients were enrolled with 28 randomized to each cohort. There was a significant increase in reported sedation side effects based on the Patient Satisfaction with Sedation Instrument (21.8 [SD 9.1] vs 17.0 [SD 5.6], P = .02) in the ketamine vs SMS cohorts respectively; however, global satisfaction was similar (5.4 [SD 4.6] vs 4.6 [SD 1.5], P = .38). Physician global satisfaction based on the Clinician Satisfaction with Sedation Instrument was significantly worse in the ketamine cohort (50.9 [SD 23.2] vs 35.0 [SD 10.8], P = .002), with significantly worse satisfaction scores in the sedation administration subset (26.7 [SD 12.5] vs 17.2 [SD 5.0], P ≤ .001) and secretions produced category (2.97 [SD 1.8] vs 1.93 [SD 1.6], P = .02). There were no significant differences in adverse events, and all procedures were completed successfully. Interpretation:Our results indicate that ketamine is safe in adult patients undergoing flexible fiberoptic bronchoscopy. However, the use of ketamine was associated with increased patient-reported side effects and decreased physician satisfaction. Clinical Trial Registration:ClinicalTrials.gov; No.: NCT06181188; URL: www.clinicaltrials.gov.

INTRODUCTION:Asthma is the most common diagnosis in military personnel who endorse chronic dyspnea. Service members have unique occupational risk factors, and there is concern that airborne exposures in the deployed environment as well as other occupational exposures may contribute to the development of asthma or exacerbate pre-existing disease. Asthma phenotyping with clinical biomarkers such as serum immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels and eosinophil (EOS) counts is useful in defining treatment strategies for the management of asthma. This study sought to characterize the phenotype of medically separated military personnel with career-limiting asthma to define potential management strategies and guide future research evaluating the unexplained prevalence of asthma in this population. MATERIALS AND METHODS:A retrospective chart review of active duty service members (ADSM) who underwent fitness for duty evaluation via medical evaluation board between 2005 and 2016 and were separated with a minimum 30% conditional disability rating for asthma was performed. Only ADSM who were diagnosed with asthma by a pulmonologist and had spirometry data available were included in the analysis. Demographics, spirometry data, and laboratory data to include IgE levels, radioallergosorbent panels, and EOS counts were analyzed from the DoD electronic medical record. RESULTS:A total of 141 service members were evaluated with a mean age of 42 ± 6.8 years, mean serum EOS count of 300 ± 358 cells/μL, and mean IgE level of 305 ± 363 IU/mL. The patients were further categorized into 4 subgroups based on serum EOS count and IgE level: group A with IgE < 100 IU/mL and EOS < 300 cells/μL (n = 45; 33%), group B with IgE > 100 IU/mL and EOS < 300 cells/μL (n = 44; 32%), group C with IgE < 100 IU/mL and EOS > 300 cells/μL (n = 6; 1%), and group D with IgE > 100 IU/mL, EOS > 300 cells/μL (n = 46; 34%). Among the cohorts, there were no statistically significant differences in demographics, body mass index, spirometry, smoking history, or disability rating. CONCLUSION:The majority of ADSM with a defined asthma history do not have concordant elevations in serum IgE and blood EOS suggestive of a Th2-high phenotype. Asthma in this population is heterogeneous, and phenotyping using clinical biomarkers may be useful to define optimal treatment strategies.

BACKGROUND:Virtual care (VC) and remote patient monitoring programs were deployed widely during the COVID-19 pandemic. Deployments were heterogeneous and evolved as the pandemic progressed, complicating subsequent attempts to quantify their impact. The unique arrangement of the US Military Health System (MHS) enabled direct comparison between facilities that did and did not implement a standardized VC program. The VC program enrolled patients symptomatic for COVID-19 or at risk for severe disease. Patients' vital signs were continuously monitored at home with a wearable device (Current Health). A central team monitored vital signs and conducted daily or twice-daily reviews (the nurse-to-patient ratio was 1:30). OBJECTIVE:Our goal was to describe the operational model of a VC program for COVID-19, evaluate its financial impact, and detail its clinical outcomes. METHODS:This was a retrospective difference-in-differences (DiD) evaluation that compared 8 military treatment facilities (MTFs) with and 39 MTFs without a VC program. Tricare Prime beneficiaries diagnosed with COVID-19 (Medicare Severity Diagnosis Related Group 177 or International Classification of Diseases-10 codes U07.1/07.2) who were eligible for care within the MHS and aged 21 years and or older between December 2020 and December 2021 were included. Primary outcomes were length of stay and associated cost savings; secondary outcomes were escalation to physical care from home, 30-day readmissions after VC discharge, adherence to the wearable, and alarms per patient-day. RESULTS:A total of 1838 patients with COVID-19 were admitted to an MTF with a VC program of 3988 admitted to the MHS. Of these patients, 237 (13%) were enrolled in the VC program. The DiD analysis indicated that centers with the program had a 12% lower length of stay averaged across all COVID-19 patients, saving US $2047 per patient. The total cost of equipping, establishing, and staffing the VC program was estimated at US $3816 per day. Total net savings were estimated at US $2.3 million in the first year of the program across the MHS. The wearables were activated by 231 patients (97.5%) and were monitored through the Current Health platform for a total of 3474 (median 7.9, range 3.2-16.5) days. Wearable adherence was 85% (IQR 63%-94%). Patients triggered a median of 1.6 (IQR 0.7-5.2) vital sign alarms per patient per day; 203 (85.7%) were monitored at home and then directly discharged from VC; 27 (11.4%) were escalated to a physical hospital bed as part of their initial admission. There were no increases in 30-day readmissions or emergency department visits. CONCLUSIONS:Monitored patients were adherent to the wearable device and triggered a manageable number of alarms/day for the monitoring-team-to-patient ratio. Despite only enrolling 13% of COVID-19 patients at centers where it was available, the program offered substantial savings averaged across all patients in those centers without adversely affecting clinical outcomes.

PURPOSE: Chronic respiratory symptoms are often reported after military deployment to Southwest Asia and there remain concerns about multiple inhalation exposures such as geologic dusts and burn pit smoke.The STAMPEDE studies addressed the evaluation of deployers with chronic pulmonary symptoms.Longitudinal studies have not been conducted to characterize any measurable effect on pulmonary function testing and exercise testing in the deployed military population overall METHODS: Military personnel with multiple deployments were referred to Brooke Army Medical Center for a standardized evaluation determining overall fitness for duty.Included in this evaluation was cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) with determination of maximum oxygen consumption (VO 2 ) and expired gas analysis.All participants completed baseline spirometry and maximum voluntary ventilation (MVV) prior to completing a maximal exercise study.Lung CT imaging was obtained in conjunction with coronary artery CT analysis.A control group of age-matched non-military personnel were evaluated in a similar manner. RESULTS:To date, 1045 participants have completed testing procedures to include 585 active-duty service members (ADSM) with 460 control participants.Mean age was 53.09 AE 3.9 years for the study population and 92% male.Pulmonary function testing to include a) forced expiratory volume at one second (FEV 1 ) was 100.74 AE 13.31% for ADSM and 98.75 AE 13.48% for controls (p¼ 0.02); b) forced vital capacity (FVC) was 99.86 AE 13.4% for ADSM and 97.84 AE 12.63% for controls (p¼0.03);and c) FEV 1 / FVC was 79.15 AE 6.16% for ADSM and 80.25 AE 5.74% for controls (p¼.01).All values are within normal values for established PFT reference values.Cardiopulmonary exercise testing values were notable for VO 2 max of 120.75 AE 18.18% in the study population compared to 118.36 AE 6.92% in the controls (p¼0.05).Both set of values are considered to be in the high normal range for VO 2 max and represent above average exercise tolerance.Respiratory values to include tidal volume, minute ventilation and respiratory rate during CPET were also in normal ranges.CONCLUSIONS: Long term outcomes in deployed military personnel are essential to assess any impact of burn pit smoke and/or geologic dust exposure on respiratory health.Studies such as STAMPEDE I and II have primarily short term changes in pulmonary function and noted no overall decrement in spirometry based on 6 and 9 month deployments.STAMPEDE III defined the types of respiratory disease identified with deployment, nearly 30% of the study group had normal PFTs and chest imaging.While small changes in pulmonary function can be attributed to exposures in urban environments such as air pollution, none were detected in this cohort.CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Long-term PFT and CPET data from a group of active duty personnel with multiple deployments show no decrement in pulmonary function or exercise tolerance compared to non-deployed controls.

Abstract Background The pathology of persistent post-COVID-19 symptoms remains poorly understood. We examined radiographic and physiological correlates in those with ongoing post-COVID-19 dyspnea compared to those with resolved dyspnea. Methods The Epidemiology, Immunology, and Clinical Characteristics of Emerging Infectious Diseases with Pandemic Potential (EPICC) is a COVID-19 cohort study of Military Health System (MHS) beneficiaries. Study participants aged 18-65, with no pre-existing significant cardiopulmonary disease, and respiratory symptoms ≥ 3 months after COVID-19 onset were enrolled into the ChIPS sub-study as cases. Controls with resolved post-COVID-19 symptoms were also enrolled. Each participant underwent high resolution chest CT (HRCT), transthoracic echocardiography (TTE), electrocardiogram (ECG), full pulmonary function testing (PFT), impulse oscillometry (IOS), and a six minute walk test (6MWT) with Borg dyspnea scale. Results There were 115 participants enrolled in the ChIPS sub-study, of whom 39 had persistent dyspnea (cases) and 76 had resolved dyspnea (controls) (Table 1). There was no statistically significant difference in age, sex, comorbidity index, or infecting variant between cases and controls. Cases were more likely to be unvaccinated at the time of initial infection. The average FEV1/FVC, FVC and FEV1 was within normal ranges for both cases and controls, though mean FEV1/FVC was higher in those with persistent dyspnea (Table 2). DLCO and IOS were similar between groups (Table 2). Cases had a decreased 6MWT distance and higher post-6MWT Borg scores compared to controls (Table 2). There were no significant differences in TTE results between groups. Variable ECG changes were seen in both groups with no statistically significant differences. HRCT findings are currently being analyzed. Conclusion We noted a small decrease in 6MWT distance and increased post-exertional Borg scores in those with persistent post-COVID symptoms; these should be explored as interventional study endpoints. PFT, IOS, TTE, and ECG findings were similar between groups. Those with vaccine-breakthrough infections were less likely to have persistent dyspnea. Disclosures Mark P. Simons, PhD, AstraZeneca: The IDCRP and HJF were funded to conduct an unrelated phase III COVID-19 monoclonal antibody immunoprophylaxis trial as part of US Govt COVID Response David Tribble, MD, DrPH, AstraZeneca: The IDCRP and HJF were funded to conduct an unrelated phase III COVID-19 monoclonal antibody immunoprophylaxis trial as part of US Govt COVID response Timothy Burgess, MD, MPH, AstraZeneca: The IDCRP and the Henry M. Jackson Foundation (HJF) were funded to conduct an unrelated phase III COVID-19 monoclonal antibody immunoprophylaxis trial Simon Pollett, MBBS, AstraZeneca: The IDCRP and the Henry M. Jackson Foundation (HJF) were funded to conduct an unrelated phase III COVID-19 monoclonal antibody immunoprophylaxis trial Michael Morris, MD, Janssen Pharmaceuticals: Paid speaker (unrelated to this project and COVID-19 in general)

INTRODUCTION:Military internist and internal medicine (IM) subspecialist physicians must be prepared to function in both traditional inpatient and outpatient settings, as well as manage critically ill patients within a deployed austere environment. As many critical care procedures are not performed on a routine basis in general IM practice, many active duty IM physicians experience skills degradation and lack confidence in performing these procedures. In order to address this perceived deficiency, the U.S. Army and Air Force Internal Medicine Education and Skills Validation Course was developed to provide essential training in critical care procedures for active duty military IM physicians and subspecialists. MATERIALS AND METHODS:Staff internist and subspecialist physicians at multiple military treatment facilities participated in a 2-day simulation-based training course in critical care procedures included in the Army Individual Critical Task Lists and the Air Force Comprehensive Medical Readiness Program. Educational content included high-yield didactic lectures, multi-disciplinary Advanced Cardiac Life Support/Advanced Trauma Life Support high-fidelity simulation scenarios, and competency training/validation in various bedside procedures, including central venous and arterial line placement, trauma-focused ultrasound exam, airway management and endotracheal intubation, chest tube thoracotomy, and mechanical ventilation, among others. RESULTS:A total of 87 staff IM physicians participated in the course with an average of 2-4 years of experience following completion of graduate medical education. Upon course completion, all participants successfully achieved rigorous, checklist-based, standardized validation in all the required procedures. Survey data indicated a significant improvement in overall skills confidence, with 100% of participants indicating improvement in their ability to function independently as deployed medical officers. CONCLUSIONS:Broad implementation of this program at military hospitals would improve pre-deployment critical care procedural readiness in military IM physicians.

Objective This study compares the clinical and haemodynamic severity of methamphetamine-associated pulmonary arterial hypertension (MA-PAH) with idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (IPAH) and connective tissue-associated pulmonary arterial hypertension (CTD-PAH). It also examines sex differences in clinical and physiological parameters among those with MA-PAH.Design This is a cross-sectional study using clinically derived data from the National Biological Sample and Data Repository for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH biobank), a US-based registry, to compare clinical and physiological characteristics between males and females with MA-PAH.Population The analysis included 1830 patients enrolled in the PAH biobank, with a diagnosis of MA-PAH (n=42), IPAH (n=1073), or CTD-PAH (n=715).Main outcome measures The study assessed and compared the clinical and haemodynamic parameters of patients with MA-PAH, IPAH and CTD-PAH.Results Among the patients analysed, 42 had MA-PAH, with 69.1% being female. There were no statistically significant differences in functional class among patients with MA-PAH, IPAH and CTD-PAH. The per cent predicted 6-min walk distance (6MWD) was comparable between the three groups. Patients with MA-PAH had similar mean pulmonary artery pressure and pulmonary vascular resistance to patients with IPAH but higher compared with patients with CTD-PAH. Male patients with MA-PAH exhibited a worse functional class and lower per cent predicted 6MWD, but no significant differences in haemodynamic findings were observed between the sexes.Conclusion There were no differences in haemodynamic between MA-PAH and IPAH but we found that MA-PAH differed from CTD-PAH. The study did not find evidence of sex differences in MA-PAH. Further research is necessary to identify risk factors and underlying mechanisms of MA-PAH, particularly considering the increasing prevalence of methamphetamine use. Such investigations will contribute to the development of effective prevention and treatment strategies for this condition.

The Cooling to Help Injured Lungs (CHILL) trial is an open label, two group, parallel design multicenter, randomized phase IIB clinical trial assessing the efficacy and safety of targeted temperature management with combined external cooling and neuromuscular blockade to block shivering in patients with early moderate-severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). This report provides the background and rationale for the clinical trial and outlines the methods using the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials guidelines. Key design challenges include: [1] protocolizing important co-interventions; [2] incorporation of patients with COVID-19 as the cause of ARDS; [3] inability to blind the investigators; and [4] ability to obtain timely informed consent from patients or legally authorized representatives early in the disease process. Results of the Reevaluation of Systemic Early Neuromuscular Blockade (ROSE) trial informed the decision to mandate sedation and neuromuscular blockade only in the group assigned to therapeutic hypothermia and proceed without this mandate in the control group assigned to a usual temperature management protocol. Previous trials conducted in National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute ARDS Clinical Trials (ARDSNet) and Prevention and Early Treatment of Acute Lung Injury (PETAL) Networks informed ventilator management, ventilation liberation and fluid management protocols. Since ARDS due to COVID-19 is a common cause of ARDS during pandemic surges and shares many features with ARDS from other causes, patients with ARDS due to COVID-19 are included. Finally, a stepwise approach to obtaining informed consent prior to documenting critical hypoxemia was adopted to facilitate enrollment and reduce the number of candidates excluded because eligibility time window expiration.

BACKGROUND:Limited hospital inpatient capacity, exacerbated by SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) and associated staffing shortages, has driven interest in converting surgeries historically done as inpatient procedures to same-day surgeries (SDS). Remote patient monitoring (RPM) has the potential to increase safety and confidence in SDS but has had mixed success in a bariatric population. OBJECTIVES:Assess the feasibility of and adherence to a protocol offering patients same-day laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (SG) supported by RPM with an updated wearable device. Secondary outcomes were readmissions, costs, adherence, and clinical alarm rates. SETTING:Academic, military tertiary referral center (United States). METHODS:A single-center, retrospective case control study of patients undergoing SG, comparing SDS with RPM to patients admitted to the hospital for SG during this time. Patients for SDS were selected by set inclusion/exclusion criteria and patient/surgeon preference, and perioperative management was standardized. RESULTS:Twenty patients were enrolled in the SDS group, then compared with 53 inpatients. Inpatients were older (46 versus 39, P = .006), but with no significant differences in sex, preoperative body mass index, or co-morbidities. RPM wearable and blood pressure adherence was found to be 97% and 80%, respectively. Readmission rates were similar (10% versus 7.5%, P > .05). RPM alarm rates were .5 (0-1.3) per patient for each 24-hour home monitoring period. SDS patients also demonstrated the potential for cost savings over inpatient SG, depending on the number of patients monitored per day as well as the healthcare setting. CONCLUSIONS:SG as SDS with RPM was a feasible approach. It should be evaluated in other surgical procedures and higher-risk patient populations.

INTRODUCTION:Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection is characterized by a dysregulated inflammatory response, which may result in severe hemodynamic instability and septic shock. The Seraph-100® Microbind® Affinity Blood Filter is a commercially available extracorporeal pathogen absorbent device with the ability to bind pathogens and cytokines present within the blood. Our study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of the Seraph-100® for patients with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection and septic shock. MATERIALS AND METHODS:A retrospective review was performed to evaluate the use of the Seraph-100® blood filter at a Single Center tertiary-care facility at Brooke Army Medical Center from 2020 to 2021. Nine patients (11 treatments) were completed with the Seraph-100® blood filter in patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection and septic shock. The Seraph-100® blood filter was used in combination with continuous renal replacement therapy and slow low-efficiency dialysis or directly in parallel with the extracorporeal membrane oxygenation circuit. RESULTS:Within this cohort, there was a statistically significant improvement in the following clinical parameters comparing values to before and after treatment with the Seraph-100® blood filter: Mean arterial pressure (mmHg) (64.2 ± 2.36 vs. 76.2 ± 2.68; P < .001), heart rate (beats per minute) (128 ± 6.6 vs. 100.3 ± 6.07; P < .001), administered fraction of oxygen (%) (74.4 ± 10.58 vs. 60.3 ± 10.35; P < .001), serum lactate (mmol/L) (6.14 ± 1.25 vs. 2.8 ± 1.14; P = .0095), and pH (7.29 ± 0.03 vs. 7.39 ± 0.04; P = .0203). There were statistically significant improvements in vasopressor requirements: norepinephrine (mcg/min) (36.3 ± 4.74 vs. 8.3 ± 3.92; P < .001), vasopressin (units/min) (0.04 ± 0.004 vs. 0.02 ± 0.003; P < .001), dobutamine (mcg/kg/min) (2.3 ± 1.00 vs. 0.2 ± 0.75; P = .006) and angiotensin II (ng/kg/min) (34.5 ± 6.4 vs. 3.3 ± 5.26; P < .001). CONCLUSIONS:The use of the Seraph-100® blood filter was associated with statistically and clinically significant improvements in hemodynamic parameters and decreased vasopressor requirements in patients with septic shock and SARS-CoV-2 infection.

INTRODUCTION Pulmonary embolism (PE) is associated with significant rates of morbidity and mortality. Management of PE is complex, and adverse patient events are not uncommon. Brooke Army Medical Center (BAMC) is among several select institutions that have implemented multidisciplinary pulmonary embolism response teams (PERTs) to improve PE outcomes. PERT structure varies among institutions and often involves specialty expertise from a variety of departments within the hospital. PE response teams aim to improve the diagnosis and treatment for patients with acute PE. Here, we report our initial experience with this intervention. MATERIALS AND METHODS We developed a multidisciplinary PERT and implemented a standardized algorithm to guide the evaluation, management, and disposition of patients with acute PE. Patients with PE were identified in the pre-PERT period (2015-2017) and the post-PERT period (2020-2021). A retrospective analysis of clinical characteristics, management strategies, and outcomes was performed for both cohorts. RESULTS A total of 68 patients with acute PE were analyzed, 38 patients before PERT adoption, and 30 patients post-PERT. Baseline characteristics between the two cohorts were similar. A statistically significant increase in the evaluation for right ventricle dysfunction was noted in the post-PERT cohort, with 80% of patients having pro-brain natriuretic peptide labs obtained compared to 47% in the pre-PERT cohort (P = .005). Furthermore, 97% of patients in the post-PERT cohort had a transthoracic echocardiogram compared to 55% in the pre-PERT cohort (P = .0001). Six patients in the pre-PERT cohort underwent catheter-directed thrombolysis, compared to zero in the post-PERT cohort (P = .006). There were no differences in other treatment modalities. There was no statistically significant difference in length of stay between the two cohorts. CONCLUSIONS To our knowledge, this is the first report describing the successful implementation of a PERT at a military treatment facility to guide the evaluation, management, and treatment of PE. The implementation of the PERT improved the appropriate diagnostic evaluation for patients with intermediate-risk PE and reduced the use of non-guideline-based catheter-directed thrombolysis. This initiative serves as an example of what could be applied across other military treatment facilities within the Defense Health Agency.

BACKGROUND:Published guidelines on spirometry interpretation suggest an elevated FVC and FEV1 > 100% of predicted with an obstructive ratio may represent a physiological variant. Further evidence is needed on whether this finding indicates symptomatic airways obstruction and what additional evaluation should be done. METHODS:Participants were prospectively enrolled to undergo additional testing for a technically adequate spirometry study with an FEV1 > 90% of predicted, and FEV1/FVC below the lower limit of normal, based on 95th percentile confidence intervals. Further testing consisted of full pulmonary function testing, impulse oscillometry (IOS), post-bronchodilator testing, fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO), and methacholine challenge testing (MCT). RESULTS:A total of 49 patients meeting entry criteria enrolled and completed testing. Thirty-three were considered symptomatic based on clinical indications for initial testing and 16 were considered asymptomatic. Baseline pulmonary function test values were not different between groups while IOS R5 values (% predicted) were higher in the symptomatic group (126.5 ± 0.37 vs 107.1 ± 0.31). Bronchodilator responsiveness on PFT or IOS was infrequent in both groups. There was a 29% positivity rate for MCT in the symptomatic group compared to one borderline study in asymptomatic participants. FeNO was similar for symptomatic, 26.17 ± 31.3 ppb, compared to asymptomatic, 22.8 ± 13.5 ppb (p = 0.93). The dysanapsis ratio was higher in the symptomatic (0.15 ± 0.03) compared to the asymptomatic (0.13 ± 0.02) (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION:Normal FEV1 > 90% of predicted and obstructive indices may not represent a normal physiological variant in all patients. In symptomatic patients, a positive MCT and elevated baseline IOS values were more common than in asymptomatic patients with similar PFT characteristics. These findings suggest that clinicians should still evaluate for airway hyperresponsiveness in patients with exertional dyspnea with airway obstruction and FEV1 > 90% of predicted and consider alternative diagnoses to include a normal physiologic variant if non-reactive.

Evaluation of patients with pectus excavatum has primarily been focused on, especially the pediatric population who undergoes surgical correction of sternal defects mainly for cosmetic reasons combined with exercise-limiting symptoms. The extent of cardiopulmonary improvement in this population based on cardiac imaging, pulmonary function testing, and cardiopulmonary exercise testing may be highly variable. There is no current consensus on the limitations of cardiopulmonary impairment or potential improvement from surgical repair in pediatric patients. Limited data have been published in the medical literature on the evaluation of adults with pectus excavatum who may also present with a variety of clinical symptoms. Adult patients with exercise limitation and pectus excavatum may present with exertional dyspnea, chest discomfort, palpitations/tachycardia, exercise-induced wheezing, and use of bronchodilators for asthma-like symptoms. While numerous published review articles outline clinical evaluation and surgical treatment for younger patients, comprehensive evaluation for these adult patients has not been fully elucidated. There is no current consensus on the underlying cause of cardiopulmonary impairment in adult patients or their potential improvement from surgical repair. This review focuses on the recommended evaluation of adult patients to discern the potential cardiopulmonary limitations to exercise due to pectus excavatum, especially in physically fit adults, such as active-duty military personnel. Two illustrative cases are presented to describe the complexity of the evaluation for adult patients and the potential need for surgical correction.

Abstract Introduction Patients who require extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) have a very high mortality if they develop septic shock. Extracorporeal blood purification has been studied as an adjunct to antimicrobials but has yielded mixed or even disappointing results. The Seraph-100 Microbind Affinity Blood Filter (ExThera Medical Corporation, Martinez, CA) is currently undergoing clinical trials. The filter consists of polyethylene beads, coated in heparin sulfate, that irreversibly binds bacteria, fungi, viruses, and toxins. Seraph-100 therapy is traditionally delivered through conventional hemodialysis or continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT), with the filter being placed in-line with these circuits. We present a case of a burn patient on veno-venous (VV) ECMO in septic shock, who was treated with a Seraph filter by connecting it directly to the ECMO circuit. Methods We present a case. Results A 34-year-old male presented with 56% thermal burns and grade 1 inhalation injury from a fuel tank explosion. He underwent a large-volume resuscitation for burn shock with lactated Ringer’s and albumin, receiving 18,152 mL (163 mL/kg) in the first 24 hours. He was placed on CRRT for acute kidney injury and underwent escharotomies of the hands and legs. On day 4, he developed bacteremia, septic shock and progressed to acute respiratory distress syndrome requiring VV ECMO. Extracorporeal blood purification was started via the Seraph-100 filter. Due to limitations of blood flow rates on CRRT, the Seraph-100 filter was added directly into the ECMO circuit. Inflow tubing was connected to an existing port on the oxygenator (Fig 1) and returned to the venous drainage by cutting a new port into the drainage tubing (Fig 2). The filter itself did not require any special configuration or orientation (Fig 3). This configuration allowed for pressures generated by the ECMO circuit to drive blood flow through the Seraph-100 filter (Fig 4). After 6 hours of treatment, vasopressor requirements drastically decreased. Conclusions Complications related to the Seraph-100 filter are rare but may include catheter thrombosis. This is typically due to the type of catheter used and/or the blood-flow rate through the filter rather than the filter itself. This issue was avoided with the ECMO configuration. Similarly, clinicians can avoid transient hypotension, blood loss from a clotted circuit, catheter-site bleeding, and other complications frequently associated with a renal replacement circuit.

INTRODUCTION:Inhalational exposures are common among service members who deploy to southwest Asia. The objective of this study is to determine if deployed Air Force firefighters have any decline in spirometry related to deployment. METHODS:This study is a retrospective chart review. RESULTS:The database search identified 302 firefighters with documentation of two separate spirometry examinations. For deployed firefighters, mean change in forced expiratory volume at 1 second (FEV1) percent predicted was -1.01 ± 7.86, forced vital capacity (FVC) was -0.46 ± 10.26 predicted, and mid-expiratory flow (FEF25-75) was -0.13 ± 12.97. For firefighters who had never deployed, mean change in FEV1 percent predicted was +0.08 ± 7.09, FVC was +0.72 ± 7.75, and FEF25-75 was -0.66 ± 16.17. CONCLUSION:There does not appear to be evidence that deployment causes a significant change in lung function as measured by spirometry.

SESSION TITLE: Unique Uses of Pulmonary Function TestsSESSION TYPE: Rapid Fire Original InvPRESENTED ON: 10/19/2022 11:15 am - 12:15 pmPURPOSE: In the STAMPEDE III Study, deployed military personnel have undergone evaluation of chronic respiratory symptoms at Brooke Army Medical Center and Walter Reed National Military Medical Center since 2012. Study results published in 2020 demonstrated the underlying etiologies were predominantly diseases that included chronic dyspnea, airway hyperresponsiveness, asthma, and upper airway disorders. This study is currently contacting participants of the STAMPEDE III to determine any changes in clinical course based on imaging and pulmonary function testing.METHODS: Military personnel referred for deployment-related pulmonary symptoms enrolled in the STAMPEDE III study underwent a standardized evaluation including full pulmonary function testing, impulse oscillometry, methacholine challenge testing, chest imaging, echocardiography, exercise laryngoscopy and cardiopulmonary exercise testing. This follow-up evaluation included participants who underwent repeat pulmonary function testing a minimum of three years after initial testing.RESULTS: Comparison of initial spirometry testing with follow up testing was performed on 37 participants of the STAMPEDE III study. Mean age at time of enrollment was 39 ± 8 with initial testing obtained from June 2012 to August 2015. The most common diagnosis from the initial testing was asthma diagnosed in 61% of patients. Follow up PFTs were performed for clinical indications from January 2017 to December 2021. Comparison of initial and follow up spirometry showed mild decrease in FVC % predicted from 90.5 ± 13.8% to 89.0 ± 18.3%, (-1.6% change), FEV1 % predicted from 86.2 ± 16.7% to 84.8 ± 19.6%, (-1.7% change), and FEV1/FVC from 76.5 ± 9.9 to 76.0 ± 9.6%, (-0.7% change). There were larger declines seen in TLC (3.9%) and DLCO (9.6%) based on a very limited number of patients (n=20) with repeat testing.CONCLUSIONS: In military personnel with deployment related chronic respiratory symptoms, years following initial evaluation, asthma and hyperresponsiveness airway disease remain the most common diagnoses. There is very limited on long-term outcomes in this cohort. In this preliminary evaluation of patients predominantly diagnosed with asthma, repeat spirometry from the initial evaluation was found to be relatively stable. More pronounced changes were seen in patients with TLC and DLCO. Further evaluation of each patient’s clinic course and imaging is needed to fully elucidate long term outcomes.CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Continued monitoring of pulmonary function tests may show continued importance in military personnel with deployment related chronic respiratory symptoms. Further evaluation of each patient’s clinic course and imaging is needed to fully elucidate long term outcomes.DISCLOSURES: No relevant relationships by Jess AndersonNo relevant relationships by Mateo HouleSpeaker/Speaker's Bureau relationship with Janssen Please note: $1001 - $5000 by Michael Morris, value=HonorariaSpeaker/Speaker's Bureau relationship with GSK Please note: $1001 - $5000 by Michael Morris, value=HonorariaRemoved 03/29/2022 by Michael MorrisNo relevant relationships by Steven StoffelNo relevant relationships by Robert Walter SESSION TITLE: Unique Uses of Pulmonary Function Tests SESSION TYPE: Rapid Fire Original Inv PRESENTED ON: 10/19/2022 11:15 am - 12:15 pm PURPOSE: In the STAMPEDE III Study, deployed military personnel have undergone evaluation of chronic respiratory symptoms at Brooke Army Medical Center and Walter Reed National Military Medical Center since 2012. Study results published in 2020 demonstrated the underlying etiologies were predominantly diseases that included chronic dyspnea, airway hyperresponsiveness, asthma, and upper airway disorders. This study is currently contacting participants of the STAMPEDE III to determine any changes in clinical course based on imaging and pulmonary function testing. METHODS: Military personnel referred for deployment-related pulmonary symptoms enrolled in the STAMPEDE III study underwent a standardized evaluation including full pulmonary function testing, impulse oscillometry, methacholine challenge testing, chest imaging, echocardiography, exercise laryngoscopy and cardiopulmonary exercise testing. This follow-up evaluation included participants who underwent repeat pulmonary function testing a minimum of three years after initial testing. RESULTS: Comparison of initial spirometry testing with follow up testing was performed on 37 participants of the STAMPEDE III study. Mean age at time of enrollment was 39 ± 8 with initial testing obtained from June 2012 to August 2015. The most common diagnosis from the initial testing was asthma diagnosed in 61% of patients. Follow up PFTs were performed for clinical indications from January 2017 to December 2021. Comparison of initial and follow up spirometry showed mild decrease in FVC % predicted from 90.5 ± 13.8% to 89.0 ± 18.3%, (-1.6% change), FEV1 % predicted from 86.2 ± 16.7% to 84.8 ± 19.6%, (-1.7% change), and FEV1/FVC from 76.5 ± 9.9 to 76.0 ± 9.6%, (-0.7% change). There were larger declines seen in TLC (3.9%) and DLCO (9.6%) based on a very limited number of patients (n=20) with repeat testing. CONCLUSIONS: In military personnel with deployment related chronic respiratory symptoms, years following initial evaluation, asthma and hyperresponsiveness airway disease remain the most common diagnoses. There is very limited on long-term outcomes in this cohort. In this preliminary evaluation of patients predominantly diagnosed with asthma, repeat spirometry from the initial evaluation was found to be relatively stable. More pronounced changes were seen in patients with TLC and DLCO. Further evaluation of each patient’s clinic course and imaging is needed to fully elucidate long term outcomes. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Continued monitoring of pulmonary function tests may show continued importance in military personnel with deployment related chronic respiratory symptoms. Further evaluation of each patient’s clinic course and imaging is needed to fully elucidate long term outcomes. DISCLOSURES: No relevant relationships by Jess Anderson No relevant relationships by Mateo Houle Speaker/Speaker's Bureau relationship with Janssen Please note: $1001 - $5000 by Michael Morris, value=Honoraria Speaker/Speaker's Bureau relationship with GSK Please note: $1001 - $5000 by Michael Morris, value=Honoraria Removed 03/29/2022 by Michael Morris No relevant relationships by Steven Stoffel No relevant relationships by Robert Walter

SESSION TITLE: Close Critical Care CallsSESSION TYPE: Case ReportsPRESENTED ON: 10/18/2022 11:15 am - 12:15 pmINTRODUCTION: With the development of resistant organisms, additional therapies are needed to effectively treat patients with severe infections. The Seraph®-100 Microbind Affinity Blood Filter utilizes immobilized heparinized microbeads, acting similar as the human glycocalyx, to bind and remove these substrates. In vitro and pre-clinical studies have shown up to 99% clearance of Enterococcus faecalis exposed to the Seraph®-100 blood filter. This novel extracorporeal blood purification system could assist with infection source control and reduction of vasopressor requirements.CASE PRESENTATION: A 30-year-old male with no significant past medical history was admitted due to severe ARDS secondary to COVID-19 infection and required extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) after an unsuccessful trial of conventional supportive therapies. The patient's hospital course was complicated by multiple infections, including bacteremia from methicillin susceptible Staphylococcus aureus, candidemia and Enterobacter ventilator associated pneumonia. These infections initially improved with use of appropriate intravenous antimicrobials. However, the patient experienced an acute hemodynamic decompensation requiring multiple vasoactive medications. He was empirically started on broad spectrum anti-microbials including meropenem, vancomycin, and isavuconazole. Blood cultures revealed Enterococcus faecalis, susceptible to broad-spectrum antibiotics. After 24 hours of broad-spectrum antimicrobials without improvements in vasopressor requirements, the Seraph-100® blood filter was used in-parallel with the ECMO circuit. Immediate improvement in vasopressors was noted with discontinuation of vasopressin and decrease in norepinephrine by 75%. The patient finished a 2-week course of intravenous ampicillin/sulbactam. His respiratory status subsequently improved and he was able to be removed from ECMO 24 days later.DISCUSSION: Initial studies have shown the Seraph-100 is capable of clearing the SARS-Cov-2 virus and use has been associated with decreased mortality in patients with SARS-Cov-2. The ability to remove additional pathogens including bacteria, fungi and viruses would aid in obtaining source control and augment the effects of intravenous antibiotics. This case not only illustrates the benefits with the use of the Seraph ®-100 blood filter along with broad spectrum antibiotics, but also the ability to use this extracorporeal blood purification system in-line with ECMO.CONCLUSIONS: With the emergence of multi-drug resistant pathogens, additional treatment options are urgently needed. The Seraph®-100 may be a useful adjunct to broad spectrum antimicrobials and may improve hemodynamics in patients with vasopressor-dependent septic shock. Further prospective studies are needed to assess clinical improvements with the use of the Seraph-100 Microbind blood filter in patients with bacteremia and those requiring ECMO.Reference #1: Olson SW, Oliver JD, Collen J, et al. Treatment for Severe Coronavirus Disease 2019 With the Seraph 100 Microbind Affinity Blood Filter. Critical Care Explor. 2020;2(8):e0180.Reference #2: Chitty, Stephen, Mobbs, Sarah, Chung, Kevin et al., for the PURIFY INVESTIGATORS. A Multicenter Evaluation of Blood Purification with Seraph 100 Microbind Affinity Blood Filter for the Treatment of Severe COVID-19: A Preliminary Report. medRxiv 2021.04.20.21255810; doi: https://doi.org/10.1101/2021.04.20.21255810Reference #3: Seffer, Malin-Theres, et al. "Heparin 2.0: a new approach to the infection crisis.” Blood Purification 50.1 (2021): 28-34.DISCLOSURES: No relevant relationships by Joshua BosterNo relevant relationships by Henry DanchiSpeaker/Speaker's Bureau relationship with Janssen Please note: $1001 - $5000 by Michael Morris, value=HonorariaSpeaker/Speaker's Bureau relationship with GSK Please note: $1001 - $5000 by Michael Morris, value=HonorariaRemoved 03/29/2022 by Michael MorrisNo relevant relationships by Mai NguyenNo relevant relationships by Melissa RosasNo relevant relationships by Steven StoffelNo relevant relationships by Robert Walter SESSION TITLE: Close Critical Care Calls SESSION TYPE: Case Reports PRESENTED ON: 10/18/2022 11:15 am - 12:15 pm INTRODUCTION: With the development of resistant organisms, additional therapies are needed to effectively treat patients with severe infections. The Seraph®-100 Microbind Affinity Blood Filter utilizes immobilized heparinized microbeads, acting similar as the human glycocalyx, to bind and remove these substrates. In vitro and pre-clinical studies have shown up to 99% clearance of Enterococcus faecalis exposed to the Seraph®-100 blood filter. This novel extracorporeal blood purification system could assist with infection source control and reduction of vasopressor requirements. CASE PRESENTATION: A 30-year-old male with no significant past medical history was admitted due to severe ARDS secondary to COVID-19 infection and required extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) after an unsuccessful trial of conventional supportive therapies. The patient's hospital course was complicated by multiple infections, including bacteremia from methicillin susceptible Staphylococcus aureus, candidemia and Enterobacter ventilator associated pneumonia. These infections initially improved with use of appropriate intravenous antimicrobials. However, the patient experienced an acute hemodynamic decompensation requiring multiple vasoactive medications. He was empirically started on broad spectrum anti-microbials including meropenem, vancomycin, and isavuconazole. Blood cultures revealed Enterococcus faecalis, susceptible to broad-spectrum antibiotics. After 24 hours of broad-spectrum antimicrobials without improvements in vasopressor requirements, the Seraph-100® blood filter was used in-parallel with the ECMO circuit. Immediate improvement in vasopressors was noted with discontinuation of vasopressin and decrease in norepinephrine by 75%. The patient finished a 2-week course of intravenous ampicillin/sulbactam. His respiratory status subsequently improved and he was able to be removed from ECMO 24 days later. DISCUSSION: Initial studies have shown the Seraph-100 is capable of clearing the SARS-Cov-2 virus and use has been associated with decreased mortality in patients with SARS-Cov-2. The ability to remove additional pathogens including bacteria, fungi and viruses would aid in obtaining source control and augment the effects of intravenous antibiotics. This case not only illustrates the benefits with the use of the Seraph ®-100 blood filter along with broad spectrum antibiotics, but also the ability to use this extracorporeal blood purification system in-line with ECMO. CONCLUSIONS: With the emergence of multi-drug resistant pathogens, additional treatment options are urgently needed. The Seraph®-100 may be a useful adjunct to broad spectrum antimicrobials and may improve hemodynamics in patients with vasopressor-dependent septic shock. Further prospective studies are needed to assess clinical improvements with the use of the Seraph-100 Microbind blood filter in patients with bacteremia and those requiring ECMO. Reference #1: Olson SW, Oliver JD, Collen J, et al. Treatment for Severe Coronavirus Disease 2019 With the Seraph 100 Microbind Affinity Blood Filter. Critical Care Explor. 2020;2(8):e0180. Reference #2: Chitty, Stephen, Mobbs, Sarah, Chung, Kevin et al., for the PURIFY INVESTIGATORS. A Multicenter Evaluation of Blood Purification with Seraph 100 Microbind Affinity Blood Filter for the Treatment of Severe COVID-19: A Preliminary Report. medRxiv 2021.04.20.21255810; doi: https://doi.org/10.1101/2021.04.20.21255810 Reference #3: Seffer, Malin-Theres, et al. "Heparin 2.0: a new approach to the infection crisis.” Blood Purification 50.1 (2021): 28-34. DISCLOSURES: No relevant relationships by Joshua Boster No relevant relationships by Henry Danchi Speaker/Speaker's Bureau relationship with Janssen Please note: $1001 - $5000 by Michael Morris, value=Honoraria Speaker/Speaker's Bureau relationship with GSK Please note: $1001 - $5000 by Michael Morris, value=Honoraria Removed 03/29/2022 by Michael Morris No relevant relationships by Mai Nguyen No relevant relationships by Melissa Rosas No relevant relationships by Steven Stoffel No relevant relationships by Robert Walter

Boparai, Sukhmani; Channa, Hajra; Dhaliwal, Lovekirat; Walter, Robert; Motayar, Nasim Author Information