Pneumologie
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Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study
[Efficacy of tiotropium bromide (Spiriva) in patients with chronic-obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) of different severities].
Aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of inhaled Tiotropium bromide in COPD patients of different severities in pneumological practices during a three months clinical trial. ⋯ Tiotropium bromide 18 microg once daily led to a persistent improvement of lung function and a reduction of exacerbations in patients with COPD of different severities.
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Until recently "mechanical ventilation" meant "intensive care unit (ICU)". Important arguments for more flexibility concerning the locality where patients are mechanically ventilated are the increase in number of patients, costs and reduced resources. ⋯ The RICU is the key player in this concept, since as a step down unit it represents a cost-effective approach to the care of substantial numbers of selected patients requiring specialized respiratory care, e. g. intensive respiratory monitoring and therapy, particularly those requiring prolonged mechanical ventilation and non-invasive mechanical ventilation. Success of the RICU requires an experienced team, adequate location and high quality of technical equipment, experienced team, adequate location and high quality of technical equipment.