Critical care clinics
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Respiratory failure may affect up to 1 in 500 pregnancies, due to pregnancy-specific conditions, conditions aggravated by the pregnant state, or other causes. Management during pregnancy is influenced by altered maternal physiology, and the presence of a fetus influencing imaging, and drug therapy choices. ⋯ Hypocapnia reduces uteroplacental circulation, and some degree of hypercapnia may be tolerated in pregnancy. Delivery of the fetus may be considered to improve maternal respiratory status but improvement does not always occur.
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Critical care clinics · Apr 2024
ReviewPhysical and Cognitive Impairment in Acute Respiratory Failure.
Recent research has brought renewed attention to the multifaceted physical and cognitive dysfunction that accompanies acute respiratory failure (ARF). This state-of-the-art review provides an overview of the evidence landscape encompassing ARF-associated neuromuscular and neurocognitive impairments. ⋯ The complex interrelationship between physical disability, cognitive dysfunction, and long-term patient-centered outcomes is explored. This review highlights the need for comprehensive, multidisciplinary approaches to mitigate morbidity and accelerate recovery.
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Acute respiratory failure is commonly encountered in severe acute brain injury due to a multitude of factors related to the sequelae of the primary injury. The interaction between pulmonary and neurologic systems in this population is complex, often with competing priorities. Many treatment modalities for acute respiratory failure can result in deleterious effects on cerebral physiology, and secondary brain injury due to elevations in intracranial pressure or impaired cerebral perfusion. High-quality literature is lacking to guide clinical decision-making in this population, and deliberate considerations of individual patient factors must be considered to optimize each patient's care.
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Fluid management in acute respiratory failure is an area of uncertainty requiring a delicate balance of resuscitation and fluid removal to manage hypoperfusion and avoidance of hypoxemia. Overall, a restrictive fluid strategy (minimizing fluid administration) and careful attention to overall fluid balance may be beneficial after initial resuscitation and does not have major side effects. Further studies are needed to improve our understanding of patients who will benefit from a restrictive or liberal fluid management strategy.