Clinics in chest medicine
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Clinics in chest medicine · Dec 2007
ReviewNoninvasive ventilation in the older patient who has acute respiratory failure.
Older patients are at significantly increased risk of acute respiratory failure from multiple causes. Noninvasive positive pressure ventilation has been shown to dramatically improve care of patients with acute respiratory failure. ⋯ The presence of a do-not-intubate order does not necessarily preclude the use of noninvasive positive pressure ventilation, and some patients may derive significant benefit from its use. Overall, noninvasive positive pressure ventilation is a reasonable and justifiable option in the treatment of acute respiratory failure in older patients.
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Clinics in chest medicine · Dec 2007
ReviewMechanical ventilation and acute respiratory distress syndrome in older patients.
As the population of the United States ages, an increasing number of elderly adults will be cared for in intensive care units. An understanding of how aging affects the respiratory system is important for patient care and ongoing research. ⋯ We present a discussion of the management of acute lung injury and acute respiratory distress syndrome with a focus on the role of mechanical ventilation. We conclude with what is known about age and its impact on mortality and functional outcomes after mechanical ventilation.