Chest
-
Comparative Study
Mechanical insufflation-exsufflation. Comparison of peak expiratory flows with manually assisted and unassisted coughing techniques.
Pulmonary complications are major causes of morbidity and mortality for patients with severe expiratory muscle weakness. The purpose of this study was to compare peak cough expiratory flows (PCEFs) during unassisted and assisted coughing and review the long-term use of mechanical insufflation-exsufflation (MI-E) for 46 neuromuscular ventilator users. These individuals used noninvasive methods of ventilatory support for a mean of 21.1 h/d for 17.3 +/- 15.5 years. ⋯ Each PCEF was significantly greater than the preceding, respectively (p < 0.01). We conclude that manually assisted coughing and MI-E are effective and safe methods for facilitating airway secretion clearance for neuromuscular ventilator users who would otherwise be managed by endotracheal suctioning. Severely decreased MIC, but not necessarily vital capacity, is an indication for tracheostomy.
-
To determine the individual contributions of variables in the Fick equation to cardiac output, we simultaneously measured oxygen uptake (VO2), carbon dioxide production (VCO2), venous oxygen saturation (SvO2) and thermodilution cardiac output (Qth) in 28 medical and surgical ICU patients. Patients were intubated and ventilated with the intermittent mandatory ventilation mode. VO2 and VCO2 (averaged over 3 min) were obtained from a metabolic cart. ⋯ None of the above oximetry relationships were substantially altered by use of COoximetry venous oxygen saturations. We conclude that Qth cannot be predicted well solely from VO2, VCO2, or SvO2 nor can changes in Qth be predicted well solely from changes in VO2, VCO2, or SvO2. Of the metabolic variables, changes in VCO2 best predicted changes in Qth.
-
To determine the prevalence of thrombocytopenia in an ICU and assess which factors were associated with thrombocytopenia. ⋯ Thrombocytopenia is a common occurrence in the ICU, usually due to the underlying disease, and is associated with an increased mortality.