Articles: mechanical-ventilation.
-
Anesthetics in ventilated patients are critical as any cofactor hampering diaphragmatic function may have a negative impact on the weaning progress and therefore on patients' mortality. Dexmedetomidine may display antioxidant and antiproteolytic properties, but it also reduced glucose uptake by the muscle, which may impair diaphragm force production. This study tested the hypothesis that dexmedetomidine could inhibit ventilator-induced diaphragmatic dysfunction. ⋯ Twenty-four hours of mechanical ventilation during dexmedetomidine sedation led to a worsening of ventilation-induced diaphragm dysfunction, possibly through impaired Glut-4 translocation. Although dexmedetomidine prevented diaphragmatic fiber atrophy, it did not inhibit oxidative stress and activation of the proteolytic pathways.
-
Journal of critical care · Apr 2018
Exploring the scope of communication content of mechanically ventilated patients.
Ineffective communication during mechanical ventilation (MV) and critical illness is distressing to many patients. This study aimed to describe the scope of communication content of ventilated critically ill patients. ⋯ The scope of communication content of ventilated ICU patients was broad, extending far beyond task-focused subject matter. Content ranged from conveying symptom-related messages to active participation in medical discussions, to conversing with family about a range of complex multi-dimensional issues, to sharing their own psychoemotional experiences. These patient-centered needs should be recognized and addressed in communication strategies.
-
Observational Study
Thirty-day hospital readmissions among mechanically ventilated emergency department patients.
Unplanned 30-day readmissions have a negative impact on patients and healthcare systems. Mechanically ventilated ED patients are at high risk for complications, but factors associated with readmission are unknown. ⋯ Almost one in four mechanically ventilated ED patients are readmitted within 30 days, and readmission is associated with patient-level and institutional-level factors. Strategies must be developed to identify, treat and coordinate care for the most at-risk patients.
-
The American Academy of Pediatrics Section on Transport recommends the use of portable ventilators during the transport of patients with advanced airways. We sought to identify knowledge gaps and evaluate the effectiveness of a transport ventilator competency boot camp. ⋯ Quality data were useful in identifying areas requiring knowledge and competency assessment. Re-assessment results validated the need to conduct education and competency assessment at defined intervals.
-
Case Reports
Nebulized ketamine to avoid mechanical ventilation in a pediatric patient with severe asthma exacerbation.
Asthma is a major cause of morbidity and mortality despite advances in outpatient treatment. Sometimes, children fail to respond to standard treatment and can potentially require mechanical ventilation. We describe a case of a 26-month-old girl with a severe asthma exacerbation successfully managed by ketamine administration via nebulization route that permitted to avoid mechanical ventilation. Nebulized ketamine might be a reasonable option to avoid mechanical ventilation in children who fail to respond to standard treatment of severe asthma exacerbation.