Respiratory care
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Even though it is not a common practice, an external filter to the expiratory limb of the breathing circuit may protect the expiratory valve from water saturation in case of nebulization, or from the environment in case of lung infection with multi-drug-resistant micro-organisms or H1N1 influenza. ⋯ In BTPS condition, volume error differed substantially across ICU ventilators for VT delivery, with further significant changes occurring after addition of a filter at the distal expiratory limb.
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Plasma level of human β-defensin 2 (HBD-2), noted to play a role in lung inflammatory diseases, is elevated in patients with pneumonia. ⋯ In CAP patients, plasma HBD-2 level on admission is associated with 30-day clinical outcomes, and lower plasma HBD-2 level is an independent predictor for adverse outcomes. Plasma HBD-2 level may become a useful tool for prognostic stratification in patients with CAP.
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To carry out an in vitro study of Boussignac CPAP valve performance with a new humidification method, using a heated humidifier. ⋯ This new method of Boussignac CPAP humidification yielded humidity values above 25 mg H2O/L regardless of the heated humidifier and flow used. Pressurization values remained constant in each experimental situation and were not influenced by adding humidification. These data open up the possibility of using Boussignac CPAP on different types of patients, with different interfaces and for long periods of time.