Chest
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Mixed pneumoconiosis is pulmonary disease due to two or more inhaled mineral irritants. Chronic disease due to beryllium has not been a component of any described mixed pneumoconiosis. ⋯ Silicosis, talcosis, asbestosis, and berylliosis were all documented by an open biopsy of the lung. The varieties of mixed pneumoconiosis are summarized.
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During a 23-month period, 25 premature infants underwent ligation of a patent ductus arteriosus performed in the neonatal intensive care unit utilizing a limited posterolateral muscle-retracting incision. This approach afforded adequate exposure with minimal surgical time and trauma. All infants manifested severe respiratory distress and congestive heart failure. ⋯ Advantages of ligation of a patent ductus arteriosus in the neonatal intensive care unit include the elimination of problems of transportation (thermoregulation, ventilation, and loss of lines) and continuity of ongoing care and monitoring. The standard facilities of the neonatal intensive care unit proved completely satisfactory for ligation of a patent ductus arteriosus. Ligation in the neonatal intensive care unit is suggested to minimize potential complications of care in the operating room and transport of these critically ill infants.
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Forty-three consecutive patients requiring endotracheal intubation in an emergency room were studied prospectively to define the complications associated with intubation and the survival of these patients, and to evaluate emergency room policies. The indications for intubation were acute respiratory failure (ARF) in 22 patients and cardiopulmonary arrest (CPA) in 21 patients. Thirty-eight complications occurred in 24 of the 43 patients. ⋯ Age less than 40 years and admission PaO2 greater than 40 mm Hg also were associated with increased survival. We conclude that the complication rate of emergency room intubations is high and would not appear to be lowered by limiting intubations to physicians from specific departments or with certain levels of training. The underlying diagnosis and condition on admission to the emergency room appear to be more important factors relating to survival than complications during intubation.