American journal of respiratory and critical care medicine
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Real-time endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) is an established technique for invasive mediastinal staging of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Needle-based techniques are now recommended as a first-line diagnostic modality for mediastinal staging. Accurate performance of systematic staging with EBUS-TBNA requires a detailed knowledge of mediastinal anatomy. ⋯ Obtaining sufficient tissue for molecular profiling may require performing more than three passes. The operating characteristics of EBUS-TBNA are similar to mediastinoscopy. However, mediastinoscopy should be considered in the setting of a negative EBUS-TBNA and a high posterior probability of N2 or N3 involvement.
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Am. J. Respir. Crit. Care Med. · Mar 2014
ReviewThe Application of Esophageal Pressure Measurement in Patients with Respiratory Failure.
This report summarizes current physiological and technical knowledge on esophageal pressure (Pes) measurements in patients receiving mechanical ventilation. The respiratory changes in Pes are representative of changes in pleural pressure. The difference between airway pressure (Paw) and Pes is a valid estimate of transpulmonary pressure. ⋯ The use of Pes for positive end-expiratory pressure titration may help improve oxygenation and compliance. Pes measurements make it feasible to individualize the level of muscle effort during mechanical ventilation and weaning. The time is now right to apply the knowledge obtained with Pes to improve the management of critically ill and ventilator-dependent patients.
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Am. J. Respir. Crit. Care Med. · Mar 2014
ReviewClimate Change: A Global Threat to Cardiopulmonary Health.
Recent changes in the global climate system have resulted in excess mortality and morbidity, particularly among susceptible individuals with preexisting cardiopulmonary disease. These weather patterns are projected to continue and intensify as a result of rising CO2 levels, according to the most recent projections by climate scientists. ⋯ We discuss how many of the climate-related health effects will disproportionally affect people from economically disadvantaged parts of the world, who contribute relatively little to CO2 emissions. Last, we discuss the financial implications of climate change solutions from a public health perspective and argue for a harmonized approach to clean air and climate change policies.