Pneumologie
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The link between haemoglobin and physical performance was established a long time ago and is the underlying principle of blood doping. Blood loss on the other hand decreases physical capacity. The aim of this study is to evaluate physical performance loss and underlying mechanisms following voluntary blood donation. ⋯ Maximal physical performance is impaired after blood donation. Haemoglobin decline accounts for the decreased oxygen uptake. As a consequence thereof the anaerobic transition occurs earlier. Subjects not engaged in regular sports activity did not experience a decline in their capacity. Inclusion of the haemoglobin value into equations predicting maximal oxygen uptake could improve prediction precision.
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Patients with nosocomial infections in the intensive care unit (ICU) seem to have a poor prognosis. In this retrospective cohort study we investigated the relationship between weaning outcome, in-hospital mortality and the microbiological proof of nosocomial pathogens from secretions in mechanically ventilated patients in the years 2002 and 2006. ⋯ Proof of nosocomial pathogens and infiltrates had no influence on the weanability of long-term mechanically ventilated patients. For in-hospital mortality, the results are contradictory.
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In this case report, argon plasma coagulation (APC) was applied in a male individual to treat an occluding tumour of the right middle lobe bronchus with a post-stenotic atelectasis. During attempted recanalisation, the patient suffered a cerebral gas embolism as seen on CT scan, resulting in a distinct neurological deficit. We discuss the available data about cerebral gas embolism as a complication of APC and possibilities to avoid such complications.
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The advances in intensive and critical care medicine have not only improved the prognosis of patients with acute respiratory failure but have also increased the number of ventilator-dependent patients. The continuously increasing number of patients, the differentiation of care-giving institutions and the technical progress make it necessary to re-evaluate the quality of health care in weaning centres and outpatient care of patients on long-term ventilation. ⋯ V.", wish to present this actual position paper. However, scientific guidelines are in preparation.