Respiratory care
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Sputum production and purulence were proposed as criteria for justifying the use of antimicrobial agents. The Sputum Color Chart was developed and validated to standardize purulence of sputum evaluation. The aim of this study was to observe the reproducibility of the Sputum Color Chart from different categories of health caregivers. ⋯ Even if the Sputum Color Chart is a useful tool for the clinician in the context of clinical deterioration, it presents non-uniform reliability regarding the caregivers and their category.
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This study aimed to examine the relationship between hand-grip force and maximum inspiratory pressure (PImax) in healthy young and middle-age individuals. ⋯ The results showed significant correlation between hand flexors' force and strength of inspiratory muscles in healthy individuals. This appears to be an easy way to evaluate the results indirectly and can help to assess the relationship between hand flexor and inspiratory muscle capacity, especially the diaphragm. Our study should be viewed as a hypothesis-generating one, and further studies are required in the population of critically ill or difficult-to-wean patients. (ClinicalTrials.gov registration NCT02423616.).
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Exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB) can lead to long-term respiratory illness and even death. EIB prevalence rates are both high and variable in college athletes. Also, prevalence rates may be underestimated due to ineffective screening. The purpose of this study is to investigate the prevalence of EIB and the perceived impact of EIB in college athletes via a self-report questionnaire. ⋯ College athletes self-report a high prevalence of EIB or asthma. Although college athletes may not report a history of EIB or asthma, they indicate symptoms of EIB. A majority of athletes reported a history or current symptoms related to EIB or asthma. Many athletes with a history of EIB or asthma are not taking any asthma medication. Last, athletes report concern about EIB adversely affecting their sports performance. More work is needed using a combination of a screening questionnaire and standardized EIB testing to develop a validated tool for accurately screening and diagnosing EIB in college athletes.
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ICU-acquired weakness is a major complication of critical illness requiring mechanical ventilation. Early mobilization has been shown to decrease the negative consequences of ICU-acquired weakness. ⋯ Additional staffing needs might have a negative financial impact. This review examines whether early mobilization should be routinely performed in mechanically ventilated patients.