American journal of surgery
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Respiratory failure secondary to a variety of causes remains a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in the pediatric population. Newer therapies are appearing frequently in an attempt to decrease the number of deaths from this disease state. We briefly review the current literature on some of the newer modalities including: high-frequency ventilation, surfactant, liquid ventilation, and nitric oxide. We then present our experience from the past 11 years in the most invasive, yet successful, therapy for acute respiratory failure-extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). ⋯ While the newer treatment modalities discussed may have an important role in treating neonatal and pediatric respiratory failure in the near future, ECMO remains a cornerstone of the modern treatment modalities. Although somewhat invasive, ECMO is effective therapy with increasing survival rates each year.
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To demonstrate the safety and efficacy of 65 degrees C (149 degrees F) centrally administered intravenous fluid (CIVF) compared to conventional 40 degrees C (104 degrees F) CIVF in the treatment of hypothermia. ⋯ CIVF at 65 degrees C is a safe and effective means of treating hypothermia.