Seminars in respiratory and critical care medicine
-
Shock is a broad category of injury to the human body caused by a variety of insults. Fluid resuscitation is the cornerstone of initial therapy for nearly all forms of shock. This article reviews the basic physiology determining body fluid composition, the goals of fluid resuscitation in shock, the types of fluids available for use, and clinical evidence for use of specific fluids based on etiology of the insult.
-
Intensive monitoring is a crucial component of the management of shock. However, there is little consensus about optimal strategies for monitoring. ⋯ In addition, there is evolving evidence that targeting and monitoring certain physiological goals may be most important early in the course of shock. In this chapter, we examine many of the available monitoring techniques and the evidence supporting their use.
-
Wegener's granulomatosis (WG), the most common of the pulmonary granulomatous vasculitides, typically involves the upper respiratory tract, lower respiratory tract (bronchi and lung), and kidney, with varying degrees of disseminated vasculitis. Major histological features include a necrotizing vasculitis involving small vessels, extensive "geographic" necrosis, and granulomatous inflammation. Clinical manifestations of WG are protean; virtually any organ can be involved. ⋯ Currently, short-course (3-6 months) induction treatment with CYC plus CS, followed by maintenance therapy with less toxic agents (e.g., methotrexate, azathioprine) is recommended. Further, recent studies suggest that methotrexate combined with CS may be adequate for limited, non-life threatening WG. The role of other immunomodulatory agents (including trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole) is also explored.
-
Tracheobronchial foreign body (FB) aspiration is a common problem in children and adults. The medical history is the single most predictive factor in the clinical suspicion of FB aspiration. The "penetration syndrome" defined by the sudden onset of choking and coughing with or without vomiting should prompt concerns for FB aspiration. ⋯ Airway control can be achieved with an endotracheal tube or a laryngeal mask airway. A delay in diagnosis increases morbidity including cough, wheeze, edema, and granulation tissue formation. Bronchoscopic evaluation and removal should be performed as soon as the diagnosis is suspected.
-
Invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA) is the most common fungal pulmonary infection in severely immunocompromised patients. Aspergillus species are commonly isolated from the soil, plant debris, and the indoor environment, including the hospital. Phagocytosis is the main host defense against Aspergillus conidia and hyphae. ⋯ The improved survival observed with voriconazole makes it a new reference for the first-line therapy of IA. Lipid formulations of amphotericin B, caspofungin, micafungin, and posaconazole are other therapeutic options in the event of failure of or contraindication to voriconazole. The main indication for surgery is prevention of severe hemoptysis when the lesion is adjacent to a large vessel.