Respiratory care
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The aim of this study was to assess the different methods of percutaneous tracheostomy in terms of successful performance of the tracheostomy as well as safety. Tracheostomy is the most common procedure performed on the airway for patients in ICUs. Lately, several methods of percutaneous tracheostomy (multiple dilator, progressive dilator, forceps dilation, screw-like dilation, balloon dilation, and translaryngeal) have been described, with theoretical advantages, but there is no consensus about which is better. ⋯ The Blue Rhino method is less difficult and has more minor bleeding events, but physicians also have more experience with this technique. However, trials are underpowered to define the best method.
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Comparative Study
An Innovative Childhood Asthma Score Predicts the Need for Bronchodilator Nebulization in Children With Acute Asthma Independent of Auscultative Findings.
We sought to compare the accuracy of a newly developed childhood asthma score (CAS) with routine clinical assessment of respiratory status in children with acute asthma in predicting requirements for bronchodilator nebulization. ⋯ Using a cutoff value of 4, the newly developed CAS accurately predicts the requirement for bronchodilator nebulization in children with acute asthma without use of auscultative findings.
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Observational Study
Association of Influenza-Like Illness and Climatic Parameters With Hemoptysis.
Although some authors have suggested that there is some seasonal periodicity of hemoptysis, or relation to respiratory tract infections, the association of influenza or climatic parameters with hemoptysis has been poorly investigated. Our aim was to describe the relationship between influenza and climatic parameters with severe hemoptysis that required bronchial artery embolization (BAE). ⋯ There is a strong long running relationship between severe hemoptysis and low monthly mean temperature. A weaker association of hemoptysis with influenza activity was also found.
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The aims of this study were (1) to assess the ability of a range of health-care professionals (HCPs: specialists [physicians specializing in management of airways disease], general practitioners, pharmacists, pharmacist assistants, nurses, and respiratory therapists) in Jordan to demonstrate the correct use of some commonly used inhalers using standardized checklists, with highest scores indicating optimal use, and (2) to evaluate the short-term and long-term effectiveness of a single educational intervention on the HCPs' skills in using inhalers. ⋯ With the exception of specialists, HCPs in Jordan need to be updated on their inhaler technique skills, specifically the newer dry powder inhalers. A single effective educational workshop on inhaler technique can significantly improve HCPs' long-term ability to demonstrate these skills.