Articles: mechanical-ventilation.
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The impact of different classes of microbial pathogens on mortality in severe community-acquired pneumonia is not well elucidated. Previous studies have shown significant variation in the incidence of viral, bacterial and mixed infections, with conflicting risk associations for mortality. We aimed to determine the risk association of microbial aetiologies with hospital mortality in severe CAP, utilising a diagnostic strategy incorporating molecular testing. Our primary hypothesis was that respiratory viruses were important causative pathogens in severe CAP and was associated with increased mortality when present with bacterial pathogens in mixed viral-bacterial co-infections. ⋯ Respiratory viruses are common organisms isolated in severe community-acquired pneumonia. Mixed viral-bacterial infections may be associated with an increased risk of mortality.
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Regimens containing topical polymyxin appear to be more effective in preventing ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) than other methods. ⋯ The mean incidence of AAVAP within the control groups of studies of topical polymyxin is more than double the benchmark, whereas the incidence rates within the groups of non-polymyxin studies and, paradoxically, polymyxin intervention groups are more similar to the benchmark. These incidence rates, which are paradoxical in the context of an apparent effect against VAP within controlled trials of topical polymyxin-based interventions, force a re-appraisal.
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Closed suction catheters are commonly used with pressurized metered-dose inhalers (pMDIs) in ventilator-dependent patients receiving bronchodilator therapy. Although heated/humidified circuits result in a decrease in drug delivery, no studies have investigated the impact of a closed suction catheter with a pMDI on aerosol delivery during mechanical ventilation. We sought to quantify aerosol delivery with a variety of closed suction catheters and pMDI adapters in a simulated ventilator-dependent adult lung model with and without exhaled humidity. ⋯ Closed suction catheter, pMDI spacer/adapters, and exhalation conditions have an impact on drug delivery during simulated adult mechanical ventilation. Aerosol delivery without exhaled humidity appears to report unrealistically high values in comparison to the more accurate values with simulated exhalation humidity.
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Although acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) has been recognized for more than 50 years, limited information exists about the incidence and management of ARDS in mainland China. To evaluate the potential for improvement in management of patients with ARDS, this study was designed to describe the incidence and management of ARDS in mainland China. ⋯ Despite general acceptance of low Vt and limited Pplat, high driving pressure, low PEEP and low use of adjunctive measures may still be a concern in mainland China, especially in patients with severe ARDS.