Pediatric pulmonology
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Pediatric pulmonology · Jul 2011
Comparative StudyCan we use portable nitric oxide analyzer in young children?
Management of asthma could be improved by measuring exhaled nitric oxide (FENO). Portable hand-held FENO analyzer (NIOX MINO) is practical and small and could be used also in the primary care office. It has demonstrated good repeatability and correlation with stationary device (NIOX) in adults and school aged children, but so far there have been no reports on young children. The aim of this study was to compare conventional chemiluminescence device (NIOX) with a hand-held electrochemical device (NIOX MINO) in young children. ⋯ We conclude that NIOX MINO can be used as a screening tool for the assessment of airway inflammation in children from the age of 4 years, but its applicability is limited by lower measurement success rate and relatively poor accuracy and detection limit at low levels of FENO.
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Pediatric pulmonology · Jun 2011
The effect of early Pseudomonas aeruginosa treatment on lung function in pediatric cystic fibrosis.
Our aim was to assess the effect of treatment of early infection of P. aeruginosa on pulmonary function in pediatric CF patients. ⋯ Lung function was not different between patients with early P. aeruginosa infection and those that never had P. aeruginosa infection. However given the slow rate of FEV(1) decline in the study population, a longer observation period and/or more sensitive outcomes measures may be required to exclude long-term detrimental effects of transient P. aeruginosa infection on lung function in CF patients.
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Respiration rate is an important indicator of a person's health, and thus it is monitored when performing clinical evaluations. There are different approaches for respiration monitoring, but generally they can be classed as contact or noncontact. For contact methods, the sensing device (or part of the instrument containing it) is attached to the subject's body. ⋯ In this article a review of respiration monitoring approaches (both contact and noncontact) is provided. Concerns related to the patient's recording comfort, recording hygiene, and the accuracy of respiration rate monitoring have resulted in the development of a number of noncontact respiration monitoring approaches. A description of thermal imaging based and vision based noncontact respiration monitoring approaches we are currently developing is provided.
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Pediatric pulmonology · Jun 2011
ReviewComplementary and alternative therapies: use in pediatric pulmonary medicine.
With increased awareness of complementary/alternative medicine (CAM) and concern of potential adverse effects or limited effectiveness of conventional medications, patients and parents are looking to CAM approaches as either an alternative or as adjunct therapy, especially for chronic diseases such as asthma or cystic fibrosis. It is important that practitioners have adequate information so that patients and parents receive balanced and accurate information, especially regarding safety and potential efficacy. This review provides an overview of some of the more frequently used CAM therapies for children with chronic pulmonary disorders and summarizes the basic principles of each modality, along with efficacy and safety data.
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Pediatric pulmonology · May 2011
Observational StudyComplications of mechanical ventilation in the pediatric population.
Mechanical ventilation (MV) strategies are continuously evolving in an effort to minimize adverse events. The objective of this study was to determine the complications associated with MV in children. ⋯ MV complications occurred in 40% of patients and most often consisted of atelectasis and post-extubation stridor. Further studies are needed to examine associated risk factors and strategies to reduce their occurrence.