Respiratory care
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The objective of this work was to examine the relationship between obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and inflammatory markers and quality of life in patients with acute coronary syndrome, especially undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention. ⋯ Subjects with acute coronary syndrome undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention who had moderate-severe OSA showed higher levels of inflammatory mediators and lower treatment satisfaction and disease perception. These factors may increase the risk of adverse sequelae by increasing the systemic inflammatory response.
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Obstructive sleep apnea is a clinical disorder characterized by loud snoring, apneic episodes, and chronic sleep disruption. Collegiate football players exhibit several risk factors for OSA, including large neck circumference and high body mass index, although the prevalence of OSA in this cohort is unknown. ⋯ Based on our sample, we estimate the prevalence of SDB among collegiate football players to be 8%, regardless of risk stratification. Given the strong link between SDB and cardiovascular disease, these data underscore the importance of screening and subsequent treatment of SDB in this highly conditioned yet potentially vulnerable group of athletes.
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The addition of heated humidification to CPAP has been shown to improve nasal adverse effects in subjects with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). However, current data regarding improvement in CPAP adherence is conflicting. Furthermore, there are no data from a tropical climate area with a high humidity level. ⋯ Even in a tropical climate area, CPAP adherence and quality of life appeared to improve when heated humidification was employed in subjects with moderate to severe OSA with nasopharyngeal symptoms post-split-night polysomnography. The improvement may be related to a reduction in the dry throat/sore throat symptom.
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In mainland China, there are no special care centers (long-term acute care, weaning, chronic care facilities) for patients requiring prolonged mechanical ventilation (PMV). Our goal was to characterize the prevalence and outcome of patients undergoing PMV in Chinese intensive care units (ICUs). ⋯ The number of subjects receiving PMV was surprisingly high in this cross-section of Chinese ICUs. In the following 28 ICU days, only a small proportion of these subjects were weaned. Age and chronic heart dysfunction were high risk factors for weaning failure.
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COPD is a high-mortality disease and projected to become the third leading cause of death worldwide by 2030. Our aim was to evaluate predictors of 3-y mortality and factors associated with early (1 y) and late (second and third year) mortality in subjects with severe COPD who completed a pulmonary rehabilitation program. ⋯ There is a high mortality rate in late-stage patients with COPD. The most relevant factors associated with mortality were lung cancer, respiratory failure and noninvasive ventilation, severe exacerbations with hospitalization, and lower functional exercise capacity.