Archivos de bronconeumología
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Arch. Bronconeumol. · Sep 2008
[Spirometric evaluation of respiratory involvement in asymptomatic multinodular goiter with an intrathoracic component].
Respiratory tract obstruction is underestimated in asymptomatic intrathoracic goiter. Our aim was to evaluate the involvement of the upper airway of asymptomatic patients with intrathoracic multinodular goiter, assessing the effect on respiratory function by means of spirometry. We selected 21 patients with asymptomatic intrathoracic goiter on whom a thyroidectomy had been performed. ⋯ To conclude, spirometry in asymptomatic intrathoracic goiter shows mild obstruction of respiratory function in 10% to 20% of cases, depending on position. Surgery was associated with normalization of the abnormal parameters and an improvement in the remaining parameters. These data support the need to schedule surgery as soon as possible.
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Arch. Bronconeumol. · Aug 2008
Practice Guideline[Guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of spontaneous pneumothorax].
This is the fourth update of the guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of pneumothorax published by the Spanish Society of Pulmonology and Thoracic Surgery (SEPAR). Spontaneous pneumothorax, or the presence of air in the pleural space not caused by injury or medical intervention, is a significant clinical problem. We propose a method for classifying cases into 3 categories: partial, complete, and complete with total lung collapse. ⋯ This update also has a new section on catamenial pneumothorax, a condition that is probably underdiagnosed. The definitive treatment for a recurring or persistent air leak is usually surgery or the application of talc through the drainage tube when surgery is contraindicated. Our aim in proposing algorithms for the management of pneumothorax in these guidelines was to provide a useful tool for clinicians involved in the diagnosis and treatment of this disease.
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Arch. Bronconeumol. · Jul 2008
Comparative Study[Local anesthesia in arterial puncture: nurses' knowledge and attitudes].
Local anesthesia is rarely used in arterial puncture, even though it is recommended. The aim of this study was to examine attitudes and beliefs among nurses and third-year undergraduate nursing students in hospital training regarding the use of local anesthesia when performing arterial puncture and to assess their knowledge of the technique. ⋯ Local anesthesia is used very little in arterial puncture. Knowledge about how to perform arterial blood extraction for blood gas analysis is insufficient and needs to be improved among both nurses and nursing students. Nonetheless it is noteworthy that most of those surveyed indicated a preference for receiving local anesthesia if they were to undergo the procedure. These data should be taken into consideration when training nurses to perform arterial puncture.