Chest
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Impact of Vasoactive Medications on ICU-Acquired Weakness in Mechanically Ventilated Patients.
Vasoactive medications are commonly used in the treatment of critically ill patients, but their impact on the development of ICU-acquired weakness is not well described. The objective of this study is to evaluate the relationship between vasoactive medication use and the outcome of ICU-acquired weakness. ⋯ In mechanically ventilated patients enrolled in a randomized clinical trial of early mobilization, the use of vasoactive medications was independently associated with the development of ICU-acquired weakness. Prospective trials to further evaluate this relationship are merited.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Effects of Exercise Training and CPAP in Patients With Heart Failure and OSA: A Preliminary Study.
Exercise and CPAP improve OSA. This study examined the effects of exercise in patients with heart failure (HF) and OSA. ⋯ In patients with HF and OSA, our preliminary results showed that exercise alone attenuated OSA and improved quality of life more than CPAP. In the landscape treatment of OSA in patients with HF, this analysis is the only randomized trial showing any treatment (in this case, exercise) that improved all the studied parameters. The results highlight the important therapeutic benefits of exercise, particularly because adherence to CPAP is low.
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A 67-year-old man with a history of atrial fibrillation (AF) presented to his physician with symptoms of episodic, nighttime palpitations and excessive daytime sleepiness. Four years prior he underwent radiofrequency ablation after a confirmed diagnosis of AF with subsequent resolution of his palpitations. His palpitations returned approximately 1 year following the ablation. ⋯ Holter monitoring showed baseline sinus rhythm with multiple episodes of AF with rates of 75 to 169 beats/min. These events were all nocturnal and correlated with the symptom diary; episodes ranged from 45 min to 2 h. An echocardiogram showed normal left ventricular size and ejection fraction with a mildly enlarged right atrium (4.38 cm) and no evidence of pulmonary hypertension.
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A 26-year-old man presented to the ED with dizziness and gait imbalance. He noted dizziness for 3 months, but symptoms progressed more rapidly over the last 3 weeks when he began experiencing nausea, vomiting, and "wobbly legs." These symptoms would worsen with physical exertion, especially when lifting heavy objects. ⋯ He had no appreciable dyspnea, cough, chest pain, or increased sputum production. The patient recalled a history of "brain surgery" approximately 4 years prior to his presentation, but no further details could be provided at the time.