Respiratory care
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This systematic literature review summarizes the impact of smoking on maximal oxygen uptake (maximum [Formula: see text]). ⋯ More research is needed on the effects of smoking on maximum [Formula: see text] to better understand any relationships or causations.
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Breathing exercises with positive expiratory pressure (PEP) and oscillating PEP are common treatments for patients with respiratory impairments. There are several trials evaluating the clinical effects of a variety of commercially available and self-made devices. There is a lack of evaluation concerning technical aspects and construction of the devices. The aims of this review were to describe and compare technical aspects of devices and equipment used for PEP and oscillating PEP as a basis for clinical decisions regarding prescriptions. ⋯ Many devices are available to provide PEP and oscillating PEP treatment. These devices differ substantially in design as well as in performance. When using PEP devices, it is important to understand how all parts of the devices affect outcomes. An increased understanding of how PEP is produced for the spontaneously breathing patient is important to achieve desired treatment effects.
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Observational Study
Titration of Parameters in Shared Ventilation with a Portable Ventilator.
Dual-patient, single-ventilator protocols (ie, protocols to ventilate 2 patients with a single conventional ventilator) may be required in times of crisis. This study demonstrates a means to titrate peak inspiratory pressure (PIP), PEEP, and [Formula: see text] for test lungs ventilated via a dual-patient, single-ventilator circuit. ⋯ Pressures and [Formula: see text] can be reliably adjusted when utilizing a dual-patient, single-ventilator circuit with simple, low-cost modifications to the circuit. This innovation could potentially be lifesaving in a resource-limited or crisis setting. Understanding the interactions of these circuits is imperative for making their use safer.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
High-Flow Oxygen Therapy in Tracheostomized Subjects With Prolonged Mechanical Ventilation: A Randomized Crossover Physiologic Study.
High-flow oxygen therapy via tracheostomy (HFT) can be used in tracheostomized patients during ventilator disconnection. The physiologic effects of this technique are unknown. We hypothesized that HFT would reduce inspiratory effort and improve breathing pattern compared to conventional oxygen therapy via T-tube. This study aimed to evaluate the physiologic effects of HFT compared to conventional O2 in patients with prolonged mechanical ventilation. ⋯ Inspiratory effort and breathing frequency increased significantly during unassisted breathing compared to PSV in tracheostomized subjects, but HFT via tracheostomy provided no measurable additional physiologic benefit compared to O2 therapy via T-tube.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Open and Closed Endotracheal Suction Systems Divergently Affect Pulmonary Function in Mechanically Ventilated Subjects: A Quasi-Randomized Clinical Trial.
In mechanically ventilated subjects, intra-tracheal secretions can be aspirated with either open suction systems (OSS) or closed suction systems (CSS). In contrast to CSS, conventional OSS require temporarily disconnecting the patient from the ventilator, which briefly diminishes PEEP and oxygen supply. On the other hand, CSS are more expensive and less effective at aspirating secretions. Thus, it was hypothesized that the 2 procedures differentially affect pulmonary and cardiovascular parameters after suction. ⋯ Elevated airway resistance prior to endotracheal suction may justify use of a CSS and contraindicate a conventional OSS in mechanically ventilated subjects. Adoption of this approach into clinical guidelines may prevent suction-induced pulmonary injury in subjects, especially for those with underlying diseases involving increased airway resistance or increased alveolar pressure. (ClinicalTrials.gov registration: NCT03256214.).