Intensive care medicine
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Intensive care medicine · Dec 1997
Multicenter StudyEffects of ventilation in ventral decubitus position on respiratory mechanics in adult respiratory distress syndrome.
To assess the potential benefits of a period of ventilation in ventral decubitus (VD) on oxygenation and respiratory mechanics in the adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). ⋯ We observed an increase in oxygenation and Crs when the patients were turned from the supine to the prone position with the upper thorax and pelvis supported.
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A prospective echocardiographic study was conducted in 68 patients with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) (C3 stage 78%, i.v. drug abuse 71%) in order, firstly to, assess the prevalence of cardiac abnormalities, and, secondly, to make an early therapeutic decision. Only five patients presented clinical evidence of cardiac disease. Echocardiographic abnormalities were identified in 35 patients (51%): pericardial effusion: 20 cases (29%), with tamponade in 2 cases that led to an immediate pericardiocentesis. ⋯ Vegetations of the tricuspid value in 3 drug addicts (4%) requiring early antibiotic treatment. Echocardiography proved to be very helpful in detecting hidden cardiac dysfunctions. It is immensely valuable in ICU management of HIV patients, since prompt initiation of appropriate treatment is essential.
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Intensive care medicine · Dec 1997
Letter Case ReportsSevere nitrous oxide embolism during venous stripping.
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Intensive care medicine · Nov 1997
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study Clinical TrialRespiratory comfort of automatic tube compensation and inspiratory pressure support in conscious humans.
To compare the new mode of ventilatory support, which we call automatic tube compensation (ATC), with inspiratory pressure support (IPS) with respect to perception of respiratory comfort. ATC unloads the resistance of the endotracheal tube (ETT) in inspiration by increasing the airway pressure, and in expiration by decreasing the airway pressure according to the non-linear pressure-flow relationship of the ETT. ⋯ ATC provides an increase in respiratory comfort compared with IPS. The predominant cause for respiratory discomfort in the IPS mode seems to be lung over-inflation.