Development and validation of a nomogram for predicting mechanical ventilation need among acutely intoxicated patients with impaired consciousness.

Background: A considerable portion of acutely intoxicated patients is presented with impaired consciousness. Early identification of those patients who require advanced medical care, such as mechanical ventilation (MV), can improve their prognosis.

Methods: This study included 330 acutely intoxicated patients who were presented with impaired consciousness and admitted to Tanta University Poison Control Center, Egypt, in the period from January 2021 to December 2023. Patients were enrolled in derivation (257 patients) and validation (73 patients) cohorts. Patients' data were analyzed to develop and validate a predictive nomogram to determine the probability of MV need in acutely intoxicated patients.

Results: Significant predictors for MV need were mean arterial blood pressure (OR = 0.96, p = .014), PaO₂ (OR = 0.96, p = .001), pH (OR = 0.00, p < . 001), and glucose/potassium ratio (OR = 1.59, p = .030). These four parameters were used to formulate a bedside nomogram. Receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) analysis for the proposed nomogram shows that area under the curve (AUC) = 95.7%, accuracy = 93.4%, sensitivity = 88.9%, and specificity = 95.1%. The internal validation for the developed nomogram was assessed using a bootstrapping method and calibration curve. Regarding external validation, AUCs for the developed nomogram probability was 96.5%, and for predicted probability using the developed nomogram was 97.8%.

Conclusion: The current study provides a validated nomogram that could be used as a reliable tool for the accurate prediction of MV need among acutely intoxicated patients with impaired consciousness. It could assist in the early identification of patients who will require MV, especially in low-income countries with limited resources.