Sleep & breathing = Schlaf & Atmung
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Undiagnosed obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) can contribute to hypertension, cardiovascular disease, stroke, and detract from overall quality of life. Dentists can play an important role in detecting, making recommendations for, and treating OSA with oral appliances (OAs). A survey of 18 questions of knowledge and opinion of, educational background for, and clinical experience with OSA and OAs was mailed to 500 general practice dentists in Indiana, United States. ⋯ Only 31 (16%) were taught about this issue in dental school; 77 (40%) knew little or nothing about OA treatment for OSA patients; 57 (30%) learned from postgraduate training. Cooperation and referrals between dentists and physicians were rated as "poor." Of the responders, 54% never consulted with physicians for a suspected OSA patient in their practice; 75% of dentists reported they have never been referred patients by physicians; and 80% of dentists never or less than five times prescribed OAs to OSA patients. Results suggest a need for increased education and training regarding OSA and OAs in dental school, as well as increased cooperation between dentists and physicians for better patient care.
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This study describes the blood gases features and short-term outcomes with noninvasive positive pressure ventilation (NPPV) treatment in the management of acute respiratory failure (ARF) during a severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) epidemic. Between April 22 and May 1, 2003, 120 patients meeting clinical criteria for SARS were admitted to a hospital for infectious diseases in Beijing, China. At 6 weeks after onset, 25% of patients (30/120) had experienced ARF. ⋯ The overall fatality rate at 13 weeks was 6.7% (8/120); it was higher (26.7%) in those needing NPPV. No caregiver contracted SARS. We conclude that NPPV is a feasible and appropriate treatment for ARF occurring as a result of a SARS infection.