Articles: mechanical-ventilation.
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Journal of critical care · Feb 2023
Multicenter Study Observational StudyDetermining respiratory rate using measured expiratory time constant: A prospective observational study.
Potential negative implications associated with high respiratory rate (RR) are intrinsic positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEPi) generation, cardiovascular depression and possibly ventilator induced lung injury. Despite these negative consequences, optimal RR remains largely unknown. We hypothesized that without consideration of dynamics of lung emptying (i.e., the expiratory time constant [RCEXP]) clinician settings of RR may exceed the frequency needed for optimal lung emptying. ⋯ Use of RRP based on measured RCEXP revealed that the clinician-set RR exceeded that predicted by RCEXP in the majority of patients. Measuring RCEXP appears to be a useful variable for adjusting the RR during mandatory mechanical ventilation.
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Previous studies indicated an association between impaired cerebral perfusion and post-procedural neurological disorders. We investigated whether intra-procedural hypoxaemia or hypocapnia are associated with delirium after surgery. ⋯ Intra-procedural hypoxaemia and hypocapnia were dose-dependently associated with a higher risk of postoperative delirium. These findings support maintaining normal gas exchange to avoid postoperative neurological disorders.
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Development of protocolized care in the intensive care unit (ICU) improves patient outcomes, but presents multiple challenges. A mechanical ventilation weaning protocol (WP) was adopted in our institution but was underused. This study aimed to determine the factors that influenced the implementation of this protocol locally. ⋯ Implementation of a continuous improvement process with regular and specific follow-up may help identify potential challenges and thus help ensure a more consistent use of the WP.
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Critically ill patients sometimes remember periods of neuromuscular blockade. ⋯ Among patients intubated emergently using a neuromuscular blocking agent, 7.4% of patients recalled awareness without being able to move, which was more likely when patients had a normal level of consciousness prior to intubation.