Respiratory care
-
Mechanical ventilation is frequently used in pediatric patients to ensure adequate gas exchange, ameliorate respiratory distress, and enable resolution of pulmonary or other disorders. However, a number of important challenges remain in the pediatric population because there is a paucity of large-scale randomized controlled trials to generate data and inform clinical practice. This review summarizes a number of discoveries and advances that have been made in pediatric mechanical ventilation from June 2017 to December 2018.
-
Randomized Controlled Trial
Acute Effects of Oscillatory PEP and Thoracic Compression on Secretion Removal and Impedance of the Respiratory System in Non-Cystic Fibrosis Bronchiectasis.
Bronchiectasis is characterized by abnormal and permanent dilatation of the bronchi, caused mainly by the progression of inflammatory processes and loss of the ability to remove mucus. Techniques to clear the airways are essential for the treatment of these patients. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the acute effects of oscillatory PEP and thoracic compression on both the clearance of secretions and impedance of airways in subjects with bronchiectasis. ⋯ The oscillatory PEP technique was effective for the removal of secretions and in decreasing total and peripheral respiratory system resistance; thoracic compression had comparable positive effects on the peripheral resistance. Both techniques were safe and well tolerated by the subjects with bronchiectasis. ClinicalTrials.gov registration NCT02509637.).
-
Age- and lifestyle-related changes in respiratory and physical function affect cough strength. However, in older adults, the main factors that relate to cough strength remain unclear. This study was a preliminary investigation of factors that contribute to cough strength and the relationships between cough strength and respiratory function, physical performance, physical activity, and sedentary behavior in community-dwelling older adults. ⋯ Analysis of our results indicated that FVC and PImax were related to CPF and provided preliminary evidence that supported strategies for preserving and improving cough strength in community-dwelling older adults.
-
Airway clearance therapy (ACT) is a core component of daily treatment for cystic fibrosis (CF). However, surprisingly little is known about sustained or persistent use of ACT over time among adults with CF. This longitudinal study examined persistent adherence to ACT over 12 months and its modifiable predictors, drawing on aspects of Social Cognitive Theory and the Theory of Planned Behavior. ⋯ This longitudinal study addresses an important gap in the literature regarding adherence to ACT over time (12 mo) in a routine clinical setting. Persistent adherence was problematic. As anticipated, social cognitive variables (self-confidence and perceived concerns) predicted self-reported persistence, and these may represent practical targets for intervention.