Respiratory care
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Exposure of respiratory therapists (RTs) during aerosol-generating procedures such as endotracheal intubation is an occupational hazard. Depending on the hospital, RTs may serve as laryngoscopist or in a role providing ventilation support and initiating mechanical ventilation. This study aimed to evaluate the potential exposure of RTs serving in either of these roles. ⋯ Of the 3 techniques, the coronavirus flexible enclosure contained the fluorescent marker more effectively during endotracheal intubation than PPE alone or the intubating box based on exposure of the laryngoscopist and supporting RT. Optimizing containment during aerosol-generating procedures like endotracheal intubation is a critical component of minimizing occupational and nosocomial spread of SARS-CoV-2 to RTs who may serve as either the laryngoscopist or a support role.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Avoidance of Routine Endotracheal Suction in Subjects Ventilated for ≤ 12 h Following Elective Cardiac Surgery.
Mechanical ventilation requires an endotracheal tube. Airway management includes endotracheal suctioning, a frequent procedure for patients in the ICU. Associated risks of endotracheal suctioning include hypoxia, atelectasis, and infection. There is currently no evidence about the safety of avoiding endotracheal suction. We aimed to assess the safety of avoiding endotracheal suction, including at extubation, in cardiac surgical patients who were mechanically ventilated for ≤ 12 h. ⋯ Endotracheal suctioning can be safely minimized or avoided in low-risk patients who have had cardiac surgery and are expected to be ventilated for < 12 h after surgery.
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The aim of CPAP and noninvasive ventilation (NIV) is to correct sleep-disordered breathing and nocturnal gas exchange. The aim of the study was to analyze the results of a systematic home pulse oximetry ([Formula: see text]) and transcutaneous carbon dioxide ([Formula: see text]) monitoring in stable pediatric subjects on long-term CPAP/NIV or screened for CPAP/NIV weaning, and the consequent interventions in the subjects with abnormal gas exchange. ⋯ A significant number (∼12%) of systematic home [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] recordings in stable pediatric subjects treated with CPAP/NIV were abnormal and may be corrected by adequate therapeutic interventions.
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The transition from an ICU ventilator to a portable home ventilator (PHV) for children requiring long-term mechanical ventilation is a crucial step in preparing for discharge home and may not be successful on the first attempt. A review of this process at our institution revealed that some children required multiple trials before they were able to tolerate a PHV. A protocol was developed to standardize the transition process and reduce the number of failed attempts. Key features of the protocol included a transition readiness assessment and criteria for changing to the PHV. ⋯ The process of changing from an ICU ventilator to a PHV in children requiring long-term mechanical ventilation was improved through the use of a standardized protocol. Both the number of failed attempts and the length of time to achieve successful transition were reduced when the protocol was applied. Further study is needed to evaluate other medical and nonmedical factors that may affect successful transition to a PHV.
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Pediatric ARDS is a heterogeneous disease entity with high morbidity and mortality. In this study, we categorized pediatric ARDS by direct and indirect initial triggering events and identified characteristics of survivors and nonsurvivors in these 2 subtypes. ⋯ Direct and indirect pediatric ARDS had distinct clinical characteristics, especially in terms of prognostic factors. Variables related to mechanical ventilation were significantly associated with mortality among subjects with direct pediatric ARDS, but not among subjects with indirect pediatric ARDS. Thus, this study provides evidence of the potential benefit of categorizing patients with pediatric ARDS by subtype for evaluating prognostic factors and developing adjusted management strategies to improve clinical outcomes.