Respiratory care
-
Nocturnal noninvasive ventilation is recommended for patients with hypercapnic COPD. Long-term oxygen therapy improves survival in patients with hypoxemic disease. However, leaks during noninvasive ventilation are likely to reduce the fraction of inspired oxygen. ⋯ The nighttime inspired O2 fraction decreased with a modern noninvasive ventilation pattern, pressure target, and intentional leaks. This partial lack of O2 therapy is likely to be harmful. It might explain the poor results in all but 2 randomized controlled trials on long-term noninvasive ventilation in COPD. (ClinicalTrials.gov registration NCT02599246.).
-
Children dependent on invasive home mechanical ventilation (HMV) represent a growing population worldwide. The objective of this study was to assess the experience of 10 years of medical assistance given to pediatric patients on continuous invasive HMV at a Brazilian Home Care Service (HCS), specifically patient characteristics and predictors of outcome (ie, hospital readmission, death, and location of death). ⋯ The most prevalent diagnosis of children on continuous invasive HMV was cerebral palsy. The main cause of hospital readmission was respiratory tract infection, especially tracheitis. Having the first hospital readmission at < 6 months after discharge was shown to be a risk factor associated with mortality.
-
Advances in medicine and technology have led to improved survival rates of children with chronic respiratory disease such as cystic fibrosis, neuromuscular disease, and ventilator dependence. Survival into adulthood has created the need for adult specialists for conditions originating in childhood. Transition from pediatric to adult health care is a process that requires advanced planning and preparation and is not a one-time transfer event. ⋯ This narrative review summarizes the literature for health care transition from pediatric to adult care including the rationale, barriers, factors associated with successful transition, and special considerations. The intent of this review is to increase clinician awareness of health care transitions and the components necessary for an effective transfer of young adults with chronic respiratory disease. Understanding the transition process is an important consideration for both pediatric and adult clinicians, including respiratory therapists.
-
Exposure of respiratory therapists (RTs) during aerosol-generating procedures such as endotracheal intubation is an occupational hazard. Depending on the hospital, RTs may serve as laryngoscopist or in a role providing ventilation support and initiating mechanical ventilation. This study aimed to evaluate the potential exposure of RTs serving in either of these roles. ⋯ Of the 3 techniques, the coronavirus flexible enclosure contained the fluorescent marker more effectively during endotracheal intubation than PPE alone or the intubating box based on exposure of the laryngoscopist and supporting RT. Optimizing containment during aerosol-generating procedures like endotracheal intubation is a critical component of minimizing occupational and nosocomial spread of SARS-CoV-2 to RTs who may serve as either the laryngoscopist or a support role.