Jornal brasileiro de pneumologia : publicaça̋o oficial da Sociedade Brasileira de Pneumologia e Tisilogia
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To evaluate the diagnostic performance of the rapid shallow breathing index (RSBI) in predicting extubation failure among adult patients in the intensive care unit and to determine the appropriateness of the classical RSBI cut-off value. ⋯ The classical RSBI cut-off value proved inappropriate, predicting only 20% of the cases of extubation failure in our sample. The new cut-off value provided substantial improvement in sensitivity, with an acceptable loss of specificity. The area under the ROC curve indicated that the discriminative power of the RSBI is satisfactory, which justifies the validation of this index for use.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Physical therapy in the immediate postoperative period after abdominal surgery.
A series of pulmonary complications can occur after abdominal surgery. Therefore, it is necessary to introduce appropriate treatment early in order to minimize postoperative complications. ⋯ This was a randomized clinical trial, in which one group of patients was submitted to physical therapy in the postoperative recovery room and, subsequently, in the infirmary, whereas another group was submitted to physical therapy in the infirmary exclusively. We conclude that physical therapy performed in the immediate postoperative period minimizes losses in lung function and respiratory muscle strength, as well as shortening recovery room stays.
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To determine the prevalence of and factors associated with smoking among medical students, as well as to evaluate the profile of this group. ⋯ The prevalence of smoking remains significant among medical students. Therefore, it is fundamental that we develop more effective strategies for smoking prevention and cessation in order to reduce the number of smokers among future doctors.
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Editorial Comment
Assessment of exercise capacity in pulmonary hypertension.
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To analyze bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) specimens of burn victims who inhaled smoke, in order to identify alterations associated with mortality or survival. ⋯ The total body surface area burned was a predictive factor for mortality. Increased numbers of ciliated epithelial cells in the BAL fluid, denoting bronchial epithelial desquamation, were associated with higher mortality in patients with facial burns.