Chest
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Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study
Inhaled mannitol improves lung function in cystic fibrosis.
The airways in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) are characterized by the accumulation of tenacious, dehydrated mucus that is a precursor for chronic infection, inflammation, and tissue destruction. The clearance of mucus is an integral component of daily therapy. Inhaled mannitol is an osmotic agent that increases the water content of the airway surface liquid, and improves the clearance of mucus with the potential to improve lung function and respiratory health. To this end, this study examined the efficacy and safety of therapy with inhaled mannitol over a 2-week period. ⋯ Inhaled mannitol treatment over a period of 2 weeks significantly improved lung function in patients with CF. Mannitol therapy was safe and well tolerated.
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Multicenter Study
Blood glucose control in critically ill adults and children: a survey on stated practice.
We document clinicians' stated blood glucose control practice patterns in North American pediatric and adult ICUs. ⋯ Blood glucose control with insulin is used frequently for critically ill adults and children. A wide variation in practice exists in blood glucose targets, hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia definitions, and decision algorithms among North American adult and pediatric ICUs.
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Multicenter Study
Impact of COPD on outcome among patients with complicated peptic ulcer.
COPD is associated with an increased risk of peptic ulcer disease, but limited data exist on whether COPD influences short-term mortality among patients with bleeding and a perforated peptic ulcer. We examined the association between COPD and 30-day mortality following bleeding and perforation of a peptic ulcer. ⋯ COPD substantially increased 30-day mortality among patients with bleeding and perforated peptic ulcers.