Articles: mechanical-ventilation.
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    Although mechanical ventilation is frequently a life-saving therapy, its use can result in unwanted side effects. It has been well documented that the choice of sedating agent may influence the duration of mechanical ventilation. Melatonin is a sedative and analgesic agent without any respiratory depressant effect which makes it an attractive adjuvant for sedation in the intubated patients. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of melatonin on the duration of mechanical ventilation in patients with hemorrhagic stroke. ⋯ Melatonin possesses hypnotic, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-oxidative properties that distinguish it as an attractive adjuvant in patients under mechanical ventilation. In conclusion, the administration of melatonin may facilitate the weaning process through decreasing the consumption of sedatives with respiratory depressant properties as well as preventing ventilator-associated lung injury. 
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    Comparative Study Clinical TrialSpontaneous breathing trial in T-tube negatively impact on autonomic modulation of heart rate compared with pressure support in critically ill patients.Spontaneous breathing with a conventional T-piece (TT) connected to the tracheal tube orotraqueal has been frequently used in clinical setting to weaning of mechanical ventilation (MV), when compared with pressure support ventilation (PSV). However, the acute effects of spontaneous breathing with TT versus PSV on autonomic function assessed through heart rate variability (HRV) have not been fully elucidated. ⋯ Acute effects of TT mode may be closely linked to cardiorespiratory mismatches and cardiac autonomic imbalance in critically ill patients. 
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    Pediatric pulmonology · Jul 2017 Effect of ventilator mode on patient-ventilator synchrony and work of breathing in neonatal pigs.Patient-ventilator asynchrony can result in increased work of breathing (WOB) and need for increased sedation, as well as respiratory muscle fatigue and prolonged mechanical ventilation. Different ventilator modes may result in varying degrees of asynchrony and WOB. ⋯ Asynchrony and WOB are highest with SIMV/VC plus PS. If SIMV is utilized, SIMV/PRVC plus a PS that optimizes tidal volume may be preferable. PRVC has the least asynchrony and WOB in the injured lung. 
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    Observational StudyDiaphragm Muscle Thinning in Subjects Receiving Mechanical Ventilation and Its Effect on Extubation.Diaphragm muscle weakness and atrophy are consequences of prolonged mechanical ventilation. Our purpose was to determine whether thickness of the diaphragm (TDI) changes over time after intubation and whether the degree of change affects clinical outcome. ⋯ Although most of the subjects showed evidence of diaphragm thinning, we were unable to find a correlation with outcome of extubation failure. In fact, the thinner the diaphragm at baseline and the greater the extent of diaphragm thinning at 72 h, the greater the likelihood of extubation. Thickening ratio or other measurement may be a more reliable indicator of diaphragm dysfunction and should be explored. 
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    Nursing in critical care · Jul 2017 Nursing patients with chronic critical illness and their families: a qualitative study.chronic critical illness (CCI) is a complex syndrome with a high risk of dying in hospital. Intensive care unit nurses are well-positioned to lead conversations integrating palliative and end-of-life care, yet have reported limited involvement. ⋯ Internal tension, as experienced by participants reflects the challenges of transition from acute to palliation and end-of-life care, made more complex in CCI, because of its poorly defined terminal stage. Nurses' ability to manage the complex process of supporting hope while gradually providing information to build family understanding of CCI highlights their central role in facilitating what and how prognostic information is given, while managing the emotional implications and family response. To better support nurses do this, we advocate for formal structures enabling nurses to participate in decision-making regarding timing of transitions using palliation and end-of-life care.