Respiratory care
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We previously described an index, defined as the ratio between the inspiratory muscle pressure (Pmus) and the electrical activity of the diaphragm (EA(di)) (Pmus/EA(di) index). In the present work, we describe the trend of Pmus/EA(di) index over time, investigating whether it could be an indicator of muscular efficiency associated with risk factors for diaphragmatic injury and/or clinical outcomes. ⋯ The Pmus/EA(di) index value remained constant in each subject over time, although the inter-individual variability was high. Neither the Pmus/EA(di) index nor its trends appeared to be associated with ventilatory variables or clinical outcome.
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Walking is part of obesity management. Assessment of ventilatory impairments and consequences for gait induced by obesity could be clinically helpful. We aimed to develop a method to accurately monitor ventilation with respiratory inductive plethysmography (RIP) in subjects with high body mass indices (BMIs) during a 6-min walk test (6MWT). ⋯ This respiratory monitoring method is sufficiently sensitive to point out differences between rest and exercise as well as locomotor and ventilatory differences relative to BMI during the 6MWT. Thus, this system gives useful information from the 6MWT for clinicians who want to assess respiratory patterns of patients during this commonly used test.
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Observational Study
The Objective Use of Pulse Oximetry to Predict Respiratory Support Transition in Preterm Infants: An Observational Pilot Study.
Preterm infants often require some form of respiratory support with supplemental oxygen and are monitored by continuous pulse oximetry (SpO2 ). The study objective was to determine whether the histogram distribution of SpO2 over a 24-h period will predict readiness for weaning respiratory support in preterm infants. We hypothesize that infants with ≥15% of time spent with SpO2 <86% before transitioning from CPAP or high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) to low-flow nasal cannula, oxyhood, or room air are more likely to fail transitioning. ⋯ These data suggest that pulse oximetry histograms may be useful in assessing CPAP/HFNC support transition readiness.
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Smoking is a serious problem in prisons. This work aimed to assess smoking-related behaviors and the effectiveness of tobacco cessation therapy in prison. ⋯ Factors like stress and being in prison may provoke smoking. A smoking ban does not seem to be a total solution for preventing tobacco use in prisons. Tobacco cessation programs may be a better option. Cost-free cessation medications may increase quitting rates among prisoners and prison staff.