Respiratory care
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Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study
Comparing the Effects of Two Different Levels of Hyperoxygenation on Gas Exchange During Open Endotracheal Suctioning: A Randomized Crossover Study.
Endotracheal suctioning is required for mechanically ventilated patients to maintain a patent airway. Studies show that open endotracheal suctioning affects respiratory mechanics and gas exchange. The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of hyperoxygenation with FIO2 + 0.20 above baseline and hyperoxygenation with FIO2 1.0 in preventing hypoxemia, and to determine the impact of open endotracheal suctioning on the pulmonary ventilation of critical subjects receiving mechanical ventilatory support. ⋯ In mechanically ventilated adult subjects, hyperoxygenation with FIO2 + 0.20 above baseline prevents hypoxemia. Also, transient changes in pulmonary ventilation with open circuit suctioning were confirmed by volumetric capnography analysis. (Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02440919).
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Editorial Randomized Controlled Trial
A Respiratory Therapist Disease Management Program for Patients Hospitalized With COPD.
Patients with COPD often require repeated emergency department visits and hospitalizations for COPD exacerbations. Such readmissions increase health-care costs and expose COPD patients to the added risks of nosocomial infections and increased mortality. ⋯ Our RT disease management program was associated with less readmission, fewer ICU days, and shorter hospital stays due to COPD exacerbations. Further studies are needed to determine the optimal utilization of RT disease management teams for patients with COPD to optimize outcomes and prevent return hospital visits. (ClinicalTrials.gov registration NCT01543217.).