Respiratory care
-
Spirometry results can yield a diagnosis of normal air flow, air flow obstruction, or preserved ratio impaired spirometry (PRISm), defined as a reduced FEV1 or FVC in the setting of preserved FEV1/FVC. Previous studies have estimated the prevalence of PRISm to be 7-12%. Our objective was to examine the prevalence of PRISm in a spirometry database and to identify factors associated with PRISm. ⋯ In a spirometry database at an academic medical center, the PRISm prevalence was 17-24%, which is higher than previously reported.
-
Respiratory therapy was introduced to India in 1995. Respiratory therapists (RTs) work alongside doctors in hospitals. Of the 993 universities in India, a few have bachelor's or master's programs in respiratory therapy, but no studies have examined the demographics, geographical spread, or skills used by these RTs. This study assessed the demographics and services offered by RTs in India. ⋯ Most subjects were employed in south India and had a bachelor's degree. They worked as staff RTs with a focus on the acute care environment. Pneumonia, asthma, COPD, and ARDS were the most commonly managed diseases. Competencies such as recommending procedures, planning and providing pulmonary rehabilitation, and administering home-based care were the least frequently performed.
-
Low airway surface pH is associated with many airway diseases, impairs antimicrobial host defense, and worsens airway inflammation. Inhaled Optate is designed to safely raise airway surface pH and is well tolerated in humans. Raising intracellular pH partially prevents activation of SARS-CoV-2 in primary normal human airway epithelial (NHAE) cells, decreasing viral replication by several mechanisms. ⋯ Inhaled Optate may be well suited for a clinical trial in patients with pulmonary SARS-CoV-2 infection. However, it is vitally important for patient safety that formulations designed for inhalation with regard to pH, isotonicity, and osmolality be used. An inhalational treatment that safely prevents SARS-CoV-2 viral replication could be helpful for treating patients with pulmonary SARS-CoV-2 infection.