Respiratory care
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Although better insights into the natural course of cystic fibrosis (CF) have led to treatment approaches that have improved pulmonary health and increased the life expectancy of individuals with this disorder, lung disease remains the main cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with CF. Evidence suggests that airway epithelial defects in ions-water transport lead to dehydrated mucus, impaired mucus clearance, and mucus adhesion to airway surfaces. An increase in mucin secretion is also suggested by the formation of endobronchial mucus plaques and plugs, which become the main sites of air flow obstruction, infection, and inflammation conducing to early small airways disease followed by the development of bronchiectasis. ⋯ The lung parenchyma is virtually untouched for much of the course of the disease. This review focuses on the lung involvement in cystic fibrosis and summarizes new developments on the diagnostic approach of CF and pathogenesis of related lung disease. Current therapeutic modalities, novel therapies targeting the basic genetic defect, and lung transplantation are also reviewed.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
High-Flow Nasal Cannula Therapy With Early Extubation for Subjects Undergoing Off-Pump Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery.
The effects of high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) therapy on postoperative atelectasis and duration of oxygen therapy after off-pump coronary artery bypass graft are unknown. The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of HFNC therapy for subjects who underwent off-pump coronary artery bypass graft with the effects of standard oxygen therapy in terms of oxygen requirement and atelectasis. ⋯ Using HFNC therapy after off-pump coronary artery bypass graft shortened the duration of oxygen therapy and reduced the percentage loss of lung volume and total amount of oxygen administered when compared with standard oxygen therapy.
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Auscultation is a fundamental part of the physical examination, but its utility has been questioned due to the low inter-rater concordance. We therefore sought to evaluate the concordance of the discrimination of lung sound recordings between experienced physiotherapists. ⋯ Concordance between physiotherapists in discriminating recorded lung sounds was moderate. The ability to recognize stridor was inversely associated with years of work experience.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Physical Exercise Combined With CPAP in Subjects Who Underwent Surgical Myocardial Revascularization: A Randomized Clinical Trial.
Aerobic exercise and CPAP benefit patients in the postoperative period of cardiac surgery. To our knowledge, the association of aerobic exercise on an exercise bicycle with CPAP has not yet been demonstrated. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of physical exercise on a cycle ergometer combined with CPAP in the postoperative period after coronary artery bypass graft surgery. ⋯ Physical exercise combined with CPAP promoted the maintenance of functional capacity and reduced the length of stay in the ICU.
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Early mobilization is part of the rehabilitation process for critically ill patients and is currently considered a means of preventing ICU-acquired muscle deterioration and worsening of physical function. We sought to determine whether the use of speaking valves in tracheostomized patients would improve their mobility. We evaluated the changes in mobility performance with the use of speaking valves in tracheostomized subjects. ⋯ The use of speaking valves in tracheostomized subjects improved mobility.