Respiratory care
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Multicenter Study Clinical Trial Observational Study
Predictors of Extubation Failure Related to Aspiration and/or Excessive Upper Airway Secretions.
Extubation failure may have several causes, including swallowing dysfunction, aspiration, and excessive upper airway secretions. We hypothesized that a bedside global swallowing pattern assessment including 9 criteria (volume of pharyngeal secretions, 5 swallowing motor items, swallowing reflex, and 2 gag reflexes) performed prior to extubation could identify patients at risk of extubation failure. ⋯ In subjects with prolonged ventilation, the presence of one or both gag reflexes could predict a reduction in extubation failure related to aspiration or excessive upper airway secretions. (Clinical trials.gov registration NCT00780078.).
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A lung-protective mechanical ventilation strategy has become the hallmark of ventilation management for patients with acute respiratory failure. However, some patients progress to more severe forms of acute respiratory failure with refractory hypoxemia. In such circumstances, individualized titration of mechanical ventilation according to the patient's specific respiratory and cardiovascular pathophysiology is desirable. A lung rescue team (LRT) was recently established at our institution to improve the medical care of patients with acute respiratory failure when conventional treatment fails. The aim of this report is to describe the consultation processes, the cardiopulmonary assessment, and the procedures of the LRT. ⋯ The LRT individualized the management of severe acute respiratory failure. The LRT consultations were shown to be effective, safe, and efficient, with an impact on decision-making in the ICU.
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Chronic heart failure is commonly associated with inspiratory muscle weakness. However, few studies have investigated the risk factors for inspiratory muscle weakness in individuals with chronic heart failure and systolic dysfunction (left-ventricular ejection fraction [LVEF] <40%). ⋯ The combination of lower LVEF, lower systolic blood pressure, and smoking history predicted inspiratory muscle weakness. Patients with suspected inspiratory muscle weakness should be examined and, if inspiratory muscle weakness exists, then inspiratory muscle training should be provided. Reducing inspiratory muscle weakness has the potential to improve many of the deleterious effects of chronic heart failure.
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The use of noninvasive ventilation (NIV) is debated in de novo respiratory failure. Prolonged sessions, using a dedicated NIV ventilator, with high PEEP levels could be associated with better outcomes than shorter sessions using an ICU ventilator, with low PEEP levels. We performed a systematic review of randomized controlled trials to test whether the incidence of intubation was influenced by the NIV protocol in subjects admitted to the ICU for de novo respiratory failure. ⋯ Except for high PEEP levels that might be associated with lower intubation rates, the protocol for carrying out NIV does not seem to influence intubation rate in patients with de novo respiratory failure.
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Children are most affected by passive smoke and least able to avoid it. The Tobacco Dependence Program was developed to help reduce first-, second-, and thirdhand smoke exposure to our patients while they are in the hospital. ⋯ The Tobacco Dependence Program offers support to families as they begin the cessation process and provide the tools to continue a smoke-free lifestyle after discharge. The program is feasible and welcomed to assist patients and families in this process.