Respiratory care
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The electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) has been regarded by many as a healthier alternative to the combustible cigarette, yet there is a lack of consensus concerning the health consequences and the health benefits associated with e-cigarette use. We review the research on the effects of e-cigarettes on multiple physiological systems, examine the association between e-cigarette use and combustible cigarette uptake and cessation, and highlight research necessary to build consensus. Although the levels of known toxicants and carcinogens tend to be significantly lower in e-cigarettes than in combustible cigarette smoke, toxicants in e-cigarette e-liquid and those that form as part of the vaporization process may produce adverse health consequences in their own right. ⋯ Further research is warranted with a focus on individual devices, e-liquid constituents, user characteristics, and patterns of use. Any potential benefit of e-cigarettes for smoking cessation must be weighed against the risks. Given the potential longer-term effects, efforts to prevent e-cigarette use in youth are critical.
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Our study set out to test the effect of noninvasive ventilation (NIV) performed after unplanned extubation. ⋯ NIV after unplanned extubation had uncertain efficacy, especially when provided as rescue management of postextubation respiratory failure.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Effects of Electrical Muscle Stimulation in Subjects Undergoing Prolonged Mechanical Ventilation.
Muscle atrophy and deconditioning are common complications in patients on prolonged mechanical ventilation (PMV). There are few studies that reviewed the effects of electrical muscle stimulation in this population. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of electrical muscle stimulation on muscle function and hospitalization outcomes in subjects with PMV. ⋯ Electrical muscle stimulation enhanced muscle strength in subjects who received PMV. Electrical muscle stimulation can be considered a preventive strategy for muscle weakness in patients who receive PMV. (ClinicalTrials.gov registration NCT02227810.).
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Comparative Study Observational Study
The Risk of Latent Tuberculosis Infection in Respiratory Therapists in a Country with Intermediate Incidence.
Respiratory therapists (RTs) are exposed to aerosols more frequently than other health care workers (HCWs) and might bear a higher risk for tuberculosis (TB) infection. The QuantiFERON-TB Gold (QFTG) test was used to evaluate the risk for TB infection in Taiwan, a country with intermediate TB incidence. ⋯ RTs had no higher risk for latent TB infection than other HCWs in a country with intermediate TB incidence.
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Comparative Study
Ventilation Efficiency and Respiratory Muscle Function at Different Levels of CPAP in Intubated Prematurely Born Infants.
CPAP improves respiratory function in prematurely born infants by establishing and maintaining functional residual capacity, but the level of CPAP that optimizes respiratory function has not been adequately described. We compared ventilation efficiency and respiratory muscle function at different levels of CPAP. ⋯ Increasing the level of CPAP from 4 to 6 cm H2O was associated with enhanced ventilation efficiency and respiratory muscle function in convalescent premature infants on ventilation, but there was no further benefit from increasing the pressure >6 cm H2O.