Heart & lung : the journal of critical care
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To evaluate the development of an extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) program for the treatment of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) in adults. ⋯ Our results endorse the use of ECMO as a rescue therapy in adults with ARDS, although there are some risks associated with a learning curve as well as an important increase in the days of patient stay. The justification for the maintenance of an ECMO program in adults should be based on future studies of efficacy and cost effectiveness.
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Review Meta Analysis
The effect of N-acetylcysteine on exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: A meta-analysis and systematic review.
N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. Its effects on chronic obstructive pulmonary (COPD) outcomes, including exacerbation of and changes in lung function parameters, are controversial. To investigate the effects of NAC on COPD exacerbation and changes in lung function parameters in patients with COPD. ⋯ Long-term (≥6 months), but not short-term, NAC reduced exacerbation prevalence (RR = 0.85, 95% CI = 0.74-0.98, P = 0.024). NAC did not affect exacerbation rate, forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), or inspiratory capacity (IC). Long-term NAC therapy may reduce risk of COPD exacerbation.