Irish journal of medical science
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Observational Study
Is disposable continuous positive airway pressure system effective for the management of acute hypercapnic respiratory failure?
This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of disposable continuous positive airway pressure (DCPAP) system in decreasing the partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCO2) levels in patients with acute hypercapnic respiratory failure (AHRF). ⋯ The study demonstrated that the treatment of AHRF patients with a DCPAP provides a faster decrease in PaCO2 levels in hypercapnic patients compared to standard medical therapy alone.
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In humans, zinc is involved in many biological functions acting as signaling ion, neurotransmitter, structural component of proteins, and cofactor for many enzymes and, through this, is an important regulator of the immune and nervous system. Food supplies zinc to the human body, but a high prevalence of inadequate dietary zinc intake has been reported worldwide. ⋯ We conclude that at present, low zinc intake may be prevalent in as much as 87% of women, including 47% of pregnant women. Therefore, zinc status needs to be considered as a factor impacting the health of women, and in particular pregnant women, also in industrialized and developed countries such as Ireland.
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Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) is the most common autoinflammatory disease characterized by short, repeated, and self-limiting attacks of fever and serositis. Subclinical inflammation can persist in the periods with no symptoms and result in amyloidosis even with colchicine treatment. Neopterin and calprotectin have been considered essential players in inflammation and immune response. ⋯ Calprotectin, neopterin, and RDW can be valuable marker candidates to be used in the follow-up of subclinical inflammation in FMF patients.
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Cystic fibrosis (CF)-associated liver disease commonly manifests as portal hypertension and its complications. We investigated the proposal that the pathophysiology is of non-cirrhotic rather than cirrhotic portal hypertension. This distinction may have important implications for treatment. ⋯ This study demonstrates that non-cirrhotic portal hypertension or obliterative portal venopathy is the predominant hepatic pathophysiology in adult CF patients requiring liver transplantation. It suggests that treatments directed at the hepatic portal venous system may be more effective than current treatment directed at the biliary system in cystic fibrosis.
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Acute gastrointestinal bleeding (GI bleeding) can range from mild symptoms to life-threatening conditions that require emergency intervention. Therefore, it is important to first identify the high-risk and low-risk patients in the emergency department (ED). ⋯ This study validated that lactate clearance at three-hourly intervals is useful for early prediction of mortality and prognosis in patients with GI bleeding. It is important to perform not only an initial lactate measurement, but also a follow-up lactate measurement after initial resuscitation to check the lactate clearance.