Revista Brasileira de terapia intensiva
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Rev Bras Ter Intensiva · Jun 2009
Association of alveolar recruitment maneuvers and prone position in acute respiratory disease syndrome patients.
The acute respiratory distress syndrome is the clinical presentation of acute lung injury characterized by diffuse alveolar damage and development of non-cardiogenic pulmonary edema due to increased pulmonary alveolar-capillary membrane permeability. Alveolar recruitment maneuvers and prone position can be used in the treatment of acute respiratory distress syndrome. The objective of this review of literature was to identify possible benefits, indications, complications and care of the associated recruitment maneuvers and prone position for treatment of the acute respiratory distress syndrome. ⋯ Despite advances in the understanding of acute respiratory distress syndrome pathophysiology, mortality is still expressive. Alveolar recruitment maneuvers and prone position significantly contribute to treatment of acute respiratory distress syndrome patient aiming to improve oxygenation and minimizing complications of refractory hypoxemia and reduction of pulmonary compliance. However,as there are few studies in literature associating alveolar recruitment maneuvers and prone position for treatment of acute respiratory distress syndrome, additional research and evidences of clinical application are required.
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Rev Bras Ter Intensiva · Jun 2009
Outcome and characteristics of infants with acute viral bronchiolitis submitted to mechanical ventilation in a Brazilian pediatric intensive care.
To describe the characteristics and the outcome of infants with acute viral bronchiolitis submitted to mechanical ventilation. ⋯ The declining mortality in acute viral bronchiolitis is observed even in non developed regions, involving children with high rates of anemia and premature labor. The low mortality is associated with the maintenance of the lower airway obstructive pattern during the period on mechanical ventilation. The development of acute respiratory distress syndrome is associated with increased mortality and higher prevalence of complications, representing the actual challenge in the management of children with severe acute viral bronchiolitis.
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Rev Bras Ter Intensiva · Jun 2009
Assessment of fluid responsiveness in patients under spontaneous breathing activity.
To assess fluid responsiveness in patients under spontaneous breathing activity ventilation remains a challenge for intensive care physicians. Much of the knowledge on heart-lung interactions and dynamic indexes of fluid responsiveness may not be useful for these patients. Historically, the most frequently used variables to guide fluid responsiveness on this population have been the static preload indexes. ⋯ Dynamic indexes, such as pulse pressure variation and other indexes had not been appropriately tested during spontaneous ventilation. Favorable results were found with central venous pressure variation and with transthoracic echocardiography or transesophageal Doppler dynamic indexes, especially when associated to passive lower limb elevation. We conclude that although central venous pressure variation and echocardiography variables could aid bedside clinicians in assessing fluid responsiveness during spontaneous ventilation, more studies on this subject are definitely required.
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Postoperative nausea and vomiting are common and can be prevented. Complications of this condition cause higher rates of morbidity and mortality. A review of literature was carried out on MEDLINE, with focus on controlled clinical trials. ⋯ An algorithm for identification of higher risk patients was elaborated and classified the level of prevention/treatment recommended to avoid excessive use of drugs and their side effects. Postoperative nausea and vomiting must be prevented, because of the involved complications and discomfort for patients. A systematic approach with analysis of preoperative risk factors and prescription of medication can be effective for prevention.
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Rev Bras Ter Intensiva · Mar 2009
Therapeutical hypothermia after cardiopulmonary resuscitation: evidences and practical issues.
Cardiac arrest survivors frequently suffer from ischemic brain injury associated with poor neurological outcome and death. Therapeutic hypothermia improves outcomes in comatose survivors after resuscitation from out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. Considering its formal recommendation as a therapy, post-return of spontaneous circulation after cardiac arrest, the objective of this study was to review the clinical aspects of therapeutic hypothermia. ⋯ When temperature increases to more than 35º C, sedation, analgesia, and paralysis could be discontinued. The expected complications of hypothermia may be pneumonia, sepsis, cardiac arrhythmias, and coagulopathy. In spite of potential complications which require rigorous control, only six patients need to be treated to save one life.