Chest
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Observational Study
Conservative Management in Traumatic Pneumothoraces: An Observational Study.
Traumatic pneumothoraces are a common consequence of major trauma. Despite this, there is a paucity of literature regarding their optimal management, including the role of conservative treatment. The aim of this study was to assess the treatment, complications, and outcomes of traumatic pneumothoraces in patients presenting to a major trauma center. ⋯ In the largest observational study of traumatic pneumothoraces published to date, > 90% of patients whose pneumothorax was managed conservatively never required subsequent tube drainage. Importantly, this also applies to patients requiring PPV, with no significant increased risk of failure of expectant management. These data support a role for conservative management in traumatic pneumothoraces.
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The collapsibility index of the inferior vena cava is traditionally visualized from the subcostal region in the sagittal plane, referred to here as cIVCSS. Alternatively, the collapsibility index of the inferior vena cava can be visualized from the right midaxillary line in the coronal plane, referred to here as cIVCRC. It is unclear whether values of cIVCRC are comparable with values of cIVCSS because the inferior vena cava collapses asymmetrically into an elliptical form, quantified as the flat ratio of the inferior vena cava (F-IVC). This study aimed (1) to establish if cIVCRC is concordant or discordant to cIVCSS, and (2) to describe how this concordance or discordance is related to F-IVC. ⋯ cIVCRC and cIVCSS measures are discordant, where cIVCRC underestimates cIVCSS. The degree of discordance is directly proportional to the value of F-IVC. Therefore, we recommend that cIVCRC ≥ 42% be used to rule in, but not to rule out, fluid responsivity. Wherever possible, F-IVC should be assessed to understand the clinical relevance of cIVCRC.
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The expression and localization of transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) pathway proteins in different compartments of the lower airways of patients with stable COPD is unclear. We aimed to determine TGF-β pathway protein expression in patients with stable COPD. ⋯ Expression of TGF-βs and their regulatory proteins is distinct within different lower airway compartments in stable COPD. Selective reduction in TGF-β1 and enhanced BAMBI expression may be associated with the increase in autoimmunity in COPD.
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Insights into the clinical course of COPD indicate the need for new therapies for this condition. The discovery of alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (AATD) led to the protease-antiprotease imbalance hypothesis, which was applied to COPD related to AATD as well as COPD not related to AATD. The discovery of AATD brought recognition to the importance of elastin fibers in maintaining lung matrix structure. ⋯ The results suggest that preservation of lung elastin structure may slow the progression of COPD. Hyaluronan aerosol decreases the severity of elastase-induced emphysema in animals and has induced reductions in DI levels in preliminary human studies. Hyaluronan deserves further development as a therapy for COPD.
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Oxygen supplementation for exercise-induced hypoxemia is a common clinical practice that improves exercise tolerance. However, we know of no standardized exercise oxygen titration protocol using a single walk test. We report our experience with a protocol developed in our laboratory. ⋯ Our protocol was easily performed as a modification of a standard 6MWT with no serious adverse events. Because it is based on a widely accepted measurement of functional capabilities, and because it determined a stable final oxygen dose for ≥ 3 min of walking in most patients, we believe this protocol can be easily adapted for clinical use.