Respiratory care
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Multicenter Study Observational Study
Prolonged Mechanical Ventilation as a Predictor of Mortality After Cardiac Surgery.
Mortality among the small percentage of cardiac surgery patients receiving prolonged mechanical ventilation is high, but this issue appears to be inadequately addressed in guidelines. ⋯ Prolonged postoperative mechanical ventilation was required by 10-20% of cardiac surgery subjects, who constitute a specific group that represents most of the postoperative mortality, which is associated with multiple organ failure and sepsis.
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Respiratory complications represent the major cause of death in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Noninvasive respiratory support is the mainstay therapy, but treatment becomes challenging as the disease progresses, possibly due to a malfunctioning larynx, which is the entrance to the airways. We studied laryngeal response patterns to mechanically assisted cough (mechanical insufflation-exsufflation) as ALS progresses. ⋯ Applying high insufflation pressures during mechanically assisted cough in ALS can become counterproductive as the disease progresses as well as prior to the onset of bulbar symptoms. The application of positive inspiratory pressures should be tailored to the individual patient, and laryngoscopy during ongoing treatment appears to be a feasible tool.
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Airway clearance techniques are regularly proposed as a part of the treatment in chronic obstructive airway diseases. Intrapulmonary percussive ventilation (IPV) is used as an airway clearance technique in patients affected by excessive lung secretions. The aim of this systematic review is to summarize the physiological and clinical effects related to the use of IPV as an airway clearance technique in chronic obstructive airway diseases. ⋯ The systematic use of IPV as an airway clearance technique in chronic obstructive airway diseases is not supported by sufficiently strong evidence to recommend routine use in this patient population.
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Caring for patients with neuromuscular disease (NMD) is challenging. Respiratory care is of the utmost importance because it is a major determinant of quality of life and survival. ⋯ Some noninvasive methods have shown success in the management of sialorrhea, which is of paramount importance in the initiation of NIV. This review will summarize the management of respiratory symptomatology in patients with NMD with recent advances made in NIV.
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Observational Study
Analysis of a Pediatric Home Mechanical Ventilator Population.
The population of children requiring home mechanical ventilation has evolved over the years and has grown to include a variety of diagnoses and needs that have led to changes in the care of this unique population. The purpose of this study was to provide a descriptive analysis of pediatric patients requiring home mechanical ventilation after hospitalization and how the evolution of this technology has impacted their care. ⋯ The evolution of home mechanical ventilation has allowed earlier transition out of the pediatric ICU and with increasing disposition to skilled nursing facilities over time. There has also been a change in ventilator management, including increased use of PEEP upon discharge, possibly driven by changes in ventilators and in-patient practice patterns.