Respiratory care
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Volumetric capnography dead-space measurements (physiologic dead-space-to-tidal-volume ratio [VD/VT] and alveolar VD/VT) are considered more accurate than the more readily available time-based capnography dead-space measurement (end-tidal alveolar dead-space fraction [AVDSF]). We sought to investigate the correlation between volumetric capnography and time-based capnography dead-space measurements. ⋯ In mechanically ventilated children without significant hypoxemia or with cardiac output-related dead-space changes, physiologic VD/VT was highly correlated with AVDSF and alveolar VD/VT. In children with significant hypoxemia, physiologic VD/VT was poorly correlated with AVDSF. Alveolar VD/VT and AVDSF correlated well in most tested circumstances. Therefore, AVDSF may be useful in most children for alveolar dead-space monitoring.
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Review Meta Analysis
Systematic Review of Inspiratory Muscle Training After Cerebrovascular Accident.
This systematic review examines levels of evidence and recommendation grades of various therapeutic interventions of inspiratory muscle training in people who have had a stroke. Benefits from different levels of force and resistance in respiratory muscles are shown in this population. This review was conducted following the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) directives and was completed in November 2014. ⋯ One specific study compared 3 inspiratory muscle training groups with a group of breathing exercises (diaphragmatic exercises with pursed lips) and a control group. Future long-term studies with larger sample sizes are needed. It is necessary to apply respiratory muscle training as a service of the national health system and to consider its inclusion in the conventional neurological program.
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The injurious effects of alveolar overdistention are well accepted, and there is little debate regarding the importance of pressure and volume limitation during mechanical ventilation. The role of recruitment maneuvers is more controversial. Alveolar recruitment is desirable if it can be achieved, but the potential for recruitment is variable among patients with ARDS. ⋯ A PEEP level should be selected that balances alveolar recruitment against overdistention. The easiest approach to select PEEP might be according to the severity of the disease: 5-10 cm H2O PEEP in mild ARDS, 10-15 cm H2O PEEP in moderate ARDS, and 15-20 cm H2O PEEP in severe ARDS. Recruitment maneuvers and PEEP should be used within the context of lung protection and not just as a means of improving oxygenation.
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Comparative Study
Pressurized Metered-Dose Inhalers Versus Nebulizers in the Treatment of Mechanically Ventilated Subjects With Artificial Airways: An In Vitro Study.
The primary focus of previous aerosol research during mechanical ventilation was the endotracheal tube (ETT). Consequently, there are limited data in the literature on the delivery of inhaled medications administered with different aerosol devices in mechanically ventilated patients with a tracheostomy tube (TT). The purpose of this study was to quantify and compare the efficiency of aerosol devices in a lung model of an intubated and mechanically ventilated adult with a TT. ⋯ Aerosol drug delivery via a TT was greater than with an ETT, whereas the delivery efficiency of a pMDI via either airway was greater than that of a jet nebulizer.