Critical care : the official journal of the Critical Care Forum
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Effects of high flow nasal cannula on the coordination between swallowing and breathing in postextubation patients, a randomized crossover study.
Timing of swallows in relation to respiratory phases is associated with aspiration events. Oxygen therapy possibly affects the timing of swallows, which may alter airway protective mechanisms. ⋯ Compared with LFNO, HFNO significantly increased the E-swallow and decreased the I-swallow in post-extubation patients. The findings indicated that HFNO might reduce a risk of aspiration during the post-extubation period. Clinical trial No.: Thai clinical trial TCTR20200206004 Registered February 4, 2020. URL: http://www.clinicaltrials.in.th/index.php?tp=regtrials&menu=trialsearch&smenu=fulltext&task=search&task2=view1&id=5740 .
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Observational Study
Lean mass as a risk factor for intensive care unit admission: an observational study.
Intensive care unit (ICU) survivors have reduced physical function likely due to skeletal muscle wasting and weakness acquired during critical illness. However, the contribution of pre-morbid muscle mass has not been elucidated. We aimed to examine the association between pre-ICU muscle mass and ICU admission risk. Secondary outcomes include the relationship between muscle mass and ICU outcomes. ⋯ Lean mass was not associated with ICU admission in this population-based cohort study; however, greater appendicular lean mass was associated with reduced mortality. This suggests pre-ICU muscle status may not predict development of critical illness but is associated with better survival after critical illness occurs.
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Zinc is a trace element that plays a role in stimulating innate and acquired immunity. The role of zinc in critically ill patients with COVID-19 remains unclear. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of zinc sulfate as adjunctive therapy in critically ill patients with COVID-19. ⋯ The use of zinc sulfate as an additional treatment in critically ill COVID-19 patients may improve survival. Furthermore, zinc supplementation may have a protective effect on the kidneys.