Chest
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To develop a predictive equation that estimates the probability of life-supporting therapy among ICU monitor admissions and to explore its potential for reducing cost and improving ICU utilization. ⋯ Objective predictions can accurately identify groups of ICU admissions who are at a low risk for receiving life support. This capability can be used to assess ICU resource use and develop strategies for providing graded critical care services at a reduced cost.
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Comparative Study
Occlusion pressure and its ratio to maximum inspiratory pressure are useful predictors for successful extubation following T-piece weaning trial.
In most weaning studies, failure group patients are reventilated prior to extubation, thus compromising the evaluation of the applied weaning indices' predictive values. This study determines the usefulness of both standard and recent indices in predicting successful extubation following prolonged mechanical ventilation. ⋯ PO.1 and PO.1/MIP ratio provide the best means of predicting extubation success, and they are not influenced by tracheal tube resistance.
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Comparative Study
PET-FDG imaging and transthoracic needle lung aspiration biopsy in evaluation of pulmonary lesions. A comparative risk-benefit analysis.
Positron emission tomography (PET) utilizing 2-[fluorine-18]-fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose (FDG) has been demonstrated to be highly accurate in differentiating benign from malignant pulmonary nodules. Transthoracic fine-needle aspiration biopsy (TTNA) is generally the initial procedure of choice in the evaluation of peripheral lesions suspected to be malignant. Our objective was to determine whether PET-FDG imaging, a noninvasive test, was equally efficacious as TTNA in the evaluation of lung lesions suspected to be malignant. ⋯ We conclude that PET imaging of the lung is as efficacious as TTNA, with less risk, and offers an alternate noninvasive option in the evaluation and management of lung lesions suspected to be malignant.
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Comparative Study
Predictors of patient adherence to long-term home nebulizer therapy for COPD. The IPPB Study Group. Intermittent Positive Pressure Breathing.
Patients with moderate to severe COPD are frequently prescribed expensive and complicated therapies that require adjustments in usual activities of daily living. However, little is known about factors that are associated with adherence to such treatment. The objective of this study was to identify characteristics of patients who were adherent to long-term home nebulizer therapy. ⋯ Sociodemographic, physiologic, and quality of life variables were associated with adherence to long-term nebulizer therapy.