Chest
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Hemodynamic assessment is a key component of the evaluation of the critically ill patients and has both diagnostic and prognostic utility. This review outlines a general approach to assessment of hemodynamics and perfusion, and then discusses various hemodynamic parameters: heart rate, BP, intravascular (central venous and pulmonary artery) pressures, cardiac output, and myocardial performance, within the context not only of how they are best measured but also how they should be used in a clinical context. Hemodynamics are best assessed using a combination of not only different hemodynamic parameters but also those with the inclusion of clinical indices of perfusion. ⋯ Although what to measure and how to measure it is important, what is most important is how to use the information. Evaluating the response to therapeutic interventions is frequently the most useful way to employ hemodynamic monitoring techniques. For the practitioner, learning how to select from a robust set of hemodynamic tools and how to tailor their use to individual clinical settings will allow for optimal patient care.
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COPD and hypertension both increase the risk of congestive heart failure (CHF). Current clinical trials do not inform the selection of combination antihypertensive therapy among patients with COPD. We performed a comparative effectiveness study to investigate whether choice of dual agent antihypertensive therapy is associated with risk of hospitalization for CHF among patients with these two conditions. ⋯ Among patients with comorbid hypertension and COPD requiring two antihypertensive agents, combination therapy that includes a thiazide diuretic was associated with a significantly lower risk of hospitalization for CHF among patients without a history of CHF.
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Studies of the impact of respiratory muscle training (RMT) on central neurodegenerative pathologies have been aimed at improving pulmonary function. However, there is no certainty about the effectiveness of RMT in patients affected by these groups of disorders. The purpose of this review was to assess the evidence regarding the efficacy of inspiratory muscle training (IMT) and expiratory muscle training (EMT) on respiratory function in patients with neurodegenerative disorders of the CNS. ⋯ There is some evidence that RMT improves a number of respiratory function parameters in patients with Parkinson disease and multiple sclerosis; however, the number of studies and their quality are not sufficient to conclude whether IMT or EMT is effective in improving respiratory function in patients with neurodegenerative disorders of the CNS.
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The recovery of Aspergillus and Candida from the respiratory secretions of patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) is common. Their relationship to the development of allergic sensitization and effect on lung function has not been established. Improved techniques to detect these organisms are needed to increase knowledge of these effects. ⋯ Allergic sensitization is not associated with recovery of Candida or Aspergillus from the sputum of patients with CF. Aspergillus but not Candida sensitization is associated with greater lung function decline and pulmonary exacerbations.
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Comparative Study
Moderate glucose control is associated with increased mortality compared with tight glucose control in critically ill patients without diabetes.
Optimal glucose management in the ICU remains unclear. In 2009, many clinicians at Intermountain Healthcare selected a moderate glucose control (90-140 mg/dL) instead of tight glucose control (80-110 mg/dL). We hypothesized that moderate glucose control would affect patients with and without preexisting diabetes differently. ⋯ Moderate glucose control (90-140 mg/dL) may confer greater mortality in critically ill patients without diabetes compared with tight glucose control (80-110 mg/dL). A single glucose target does not appear optimal for all critically ill patients. These data have important implications for the design of future interventional trials as well as for the glycemic management of critically ill patients.