Chest
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To evaluate an equation that estimates resting energy expenditure from two easily obtained measurements--expired carbon dioxide and minute ventilation, and compare the results of this equation with standard methods of estimating and measuring caloric expenditure in mechanically ventilated patients. ⋯ Minute ventilation and expired carbon dioxide measurements are easily and inexpensively obtainable. Energy expenditures calculated from these measurements (CEE) compare favorably with values obtained from a metabolic cart and are significantly more accurate than HBc.
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The aim of this study was to describe the facility, patient population, outcome of treatment, and survival of patients transferred to a regional weaning center (RWC) after prolonged mechanical ventilation in the ICU setting. ⋯ Selected patients who become ventilator dependent for prolonged periods in the ICU may be transferred to an RWC with the expectation of successful weaning in a majority of cases.
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A unique association of giant lymph node hyperplasia (Castleman's disease) and cardiac tamponade is presented. Although pleural effusions have been previously described with Castleman's disease, the authors believe this to be the first report of pericardial effusion and tamponade with this entity. The development of effusions may be due to an inflammatory syndrome sometimes seen with the plasma cell variant of this disease.
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We successfully implemented the delivery of noninvasive mechanical ventilation for patients with acute respiratory failure, a previously controversial use of this technique, using a simplified ventilator (BiPAP) with nasal mask. Pilot work showed this mode of support to be effective when administered by the members of a research team, and in the current study we were able to transfer this responsibility to usual care providers. ⋯ Withdrawal of ventilatory support for greater than 48 h (successful outcome) was about the same during usual care (phase 3, 80 percent) as it was during special care (phase 1, 76 percent).