Articles: mechanical-ventilation.
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Gastrointestinal (GI) motility disorders may be directly associated with the intensity of acute brain injury, edema of the brainstem, and opioid use in neurosurgical patients. ⋯ Significant correlation was registered between brainstem edema, gastrointestinal dysmotility, and opioids. CNS bleeding was the most important single factor influencing GI dysmotility. Further studies with opioid and nonopioid sedation may distinguish the influence of acute brain lesions versus drugs on GI dysmotility.
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Determination of optimum PEEP levels remains an elusive goal. One factor is the recruitability of the lung, yet this is another difficult determination. Recently, a simple bedside technique, called the recruitment-to-inflation ratio, has been described and validated by comparison to the dual pressure-volume curve method. We describe the prior research and concepts of lung mechanics leading up to this metric and develop some background mathematics that help clinicians understand its meaning.
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Observational Study
Sleep Assessment in Critically Ill Subjects With Acute Hypoxemic Respiratory Failure.
Sleep deprivation alters respiratory muscle performance and may precipitate respiratory failure. This study aimed to assess sleep in subjects admitted to ICU for acute hypoxemic respiratory failure and its role in the risk of intubation. ⋯ Whereas total sleep time remained relatively preserved in critically ill subjects with acute hypoxemic respiratory failure, REM sleep time was uncommon or completely absent in a large number of subjects. Sleep did not differ between subjects who required intubation and those who did not. However, given a trend toward an increased risk of intubation in subjects with a complete absence of REM sleep, further studies are needed to better explore the impact of REM sleep on the risk of intubation.
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The first modern intensive care unit was established in Copenhagen 70 yr ago. This cornerstone of anaesthesia was largely based on experience gained using positive pressure ventilation to save hundreds of patients during the polio epidemic in 1952. Ventilation approaches, monitoring techniques, and pharmacological innovations have developed to such an extent that cuirass ventilation, which proved inadequate during the polio epidemic, might now have novel applications for both anaesthesia and treatment of the critically ill.
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The outcome of patients with acute ischemic stroke who require mechanical ventilation has been poor. Intubation due to a reversible condition could be associated with better 1-year survival. ⋯ The indication for intubation seems to significantly affect outcome. Functional outcome at 3 months is often poor, but a great majority of 1-year survivors are able to live at home.