Chest
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Observational Study
Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) for Refractory Asthma Exacerbations with Respiratory Failure.
Asthma exacerbations with respiratory failure (AERF) are associated with hospital mortality of 7% to 15%. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) has been used as a salvage therapy for refractory AERF, but controlled studies showing its association with mortality have not been performed. ⋯ ECMO was associated with lower mortality and higher hospital costs, suggesting that it may be an important salvage therapy for refractory AERF following confirmatory clinical trials.
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The risk factors and clinical outcomes of quantitative interstitial abnormality progression over time have not been characterized. ⋯ The objective, longitudinal measurement of quantitative interstitial abnormalities may help identify people at greatest risk for adverse events and most likely to benefit from early intervention.
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Observational Study
Exercise intolerance in untreated obstructive sleep apnea: role of pulmonary gas exchange and systemic vascular abnormalities.
Reduced exercise capacity has been reported previously in patients with OSA hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS), although the underlying mechanisms are unclear. ⋯ Patients with OSAHS showed evidence of pulmonary gas exchange abnormalities during exercise (in the form of increased dead space) and resting systemic vascular dysfunction that may explain reduced exercise capacity and increased exertional dyspnea intensity.
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Case Reports
A 67-Year-Old Woman With Fluctuating Hypertension and Hypotension After Elective Surgery.
A 67-year-old woman with hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and hypothyroidism presented for an elective blepharoplasty. She underwent monitored anesthesia care with propofol and dexmedetomidine. No inhaled gases or neuromuscular blockade were administered during the procedure.