Analysis of the Effect of Non-Invasive Positive Pressure Ventilation in Emergency Treatment of Severe Bronchial Asthma with Respiratory Failure

Objective:This study aims to evaluate the clinical efficacy of non-invasive positive pressure ventilation(NIPPV)in patients with severe bronchial asthma combined with respiratory failure.Methods:90 patients with severe bronchial asthma combined with respiratory failure between September 2022 and December 2023 were selected for the study and randomly divided into the experimental group(NIPPV-assisted treatment)and the control group.The differences between the two groups were compared in terms of total effective rate of treatment,days of clinical symptom disappearance,days of hospitalization,lung function indexes,incidence of adverse reactions,and quality of life.Results:Patients in the experimental group had a significantly higher total effective rate of treatment(97.78%)than the control group(75.56%).In terms of pulmonary function indexes,patients in the experimental group showed significant improvement after treatment,especially the increase in forced expiratory volume and forced vital capacity,while these improvements were not as obvious in the control group.In addition,the incidence of adverse reactions was significantly lower in the experimental group than in the control group,suggesting that the application of NIPPV is relatively safe.Quality of life assessment also showed that patients in the experimental group had significantly better quality of life than the control group after treatment.Conclusion:This study demonstrated the effectiveness of NIPPV as an adjunctive treatment for severe bronchial asthma combined with respiratory failure.NIPPV can improve lung function,reduce the incidence of adverse effects,increase the overall effectiveness of the treatment,and contribute to the improvement of patients'quality of life.Therefore,NIPPV should be regarded as an effective and safe treatment in clinical management,especially in patients with severe bronchial asthma combined with respiratory failure,where its application has potential clinical significance.

Observation on the Effect of Non-Invasive Ventilator Combined with Conventional Therapy in the Treatment of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Complicated with Respiratory Failure

Objective:To explore the clinical effect of a non-invasive ventilator combined with conventional therapy in the treatment of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD)combined with respiratory failure.Methods:68 patients with COPD combined with respiratory failure treated in our hospital from September 2021 to October 2023 were selected as the research subjects.Using the random number table method,they were divided into a control group and an experimental group of 34 cases each.The control group received conventional symptomatic treatment,and the experimental group received non-invasive ventilator treatment based on the control group.The clinical effects,blood gas indicators(partial pressure of carbon dioxide(PaCO_(2)),partial pressure of oxygen(PaO_(2)),arterial oxygen saturation(SaO_(2))),lung function(forced expiratory volume in 1 second(FEV1),forced vital capacity(FVC),6 min walking distance),complications,and inflammatory factor levels(c-reactive protein(CRP),interleukin-6(IL-6),neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio(NLR))of the two groups of patients were observed.Results:(1)The clinical efficacy of the patients in the experimental group(33/97.06%)was more significant as compared with the control group(25/73.53%)(P<0.05);(2)After treatment,the clinical efficacy of the two groups of patients in terms of FEV1,FEV1/FVC,6-minute walking distance,PaO_(2)and SaO_(2)all increased in the experimental group as compared to that of the control group(P<0.05);(3)After treatment,the PaCO_(2),CRP,IL-6,and NLR of the two groups of patients decreased,and the decrease in the experimental group was higher than that of the control group(P<0.05);(4)The patients’complication rate in the experimental group(2/5.88%)was lower as compared to that of the control group(9/26.46%)(P<0.05).Conclusion:Non-invasive ventilators combined with conventional therapy achieved good clinical results in treating patients with COPD and respiratory failure.

Clinical Study on Respiratory Medicine Treatment of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Combined with Respiratory Failure

Objective:To explore the respiratory medicine treatment methods for treating chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD)combined with respiratory failure.Methods:70 cases of COPD patients with combined respiratory failure admitted to our hospital from January 2021 to January 2023 were selected as the study subjects,and randomly divided into the control group and the experimental group,each with 35 cases.The control group received only conventional treatment,and the experimental group received non-invasive positive pressure ventilation,and the treatment effects and changes in the levels of IL-18,hs-CRP,and CES2 inflammatory factors were observed and evaluated in the two groups.Results:There was no significant difference between the general data of the two groups(P>0.05);after treatment,the total effective rate of clinical efficacy of the observation group(91.43%)was significantly higher than that of the control group(71.43%),and the difference showed a significant correlation(P<0.05);after treatment,the level of inflammatory factor of the observation group was significantly reduced compared with that of the control group,and the difference showed a highly significant correlation(P<0.001).Conclusion:The non-invasive positive pressure ventilation treatment program significantly improves the therapeutic effect,effectively controls the level of inflammatory factors,and improves the health status of patients when dealing with patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease accompanied by respiratory failure,showing a good clinical application prospect.

Noninvasive Respiratory Strategies in Patients with Acute Hypoxemic Respiratory Failure and COVID-19 in Gabon: A Prospective Observational Study

Importance: The best respiratory support technique to reduce intubation and mortality in patients with respiratory failure due to COVID-19 is controversial. Objective: To determine the respiratory support technique that could reduce the need for tracheal intubation and mortality in patients with respiratory failure due to COVID-19 admitted to intensive care units (ICUs) of Military’s Hospital (HIAOBO) in Gabon. Design, Setting, and Participants-Methodology: Prospective observational study over 10 months (January 2021-October 2021). We included patients admitted to intensive care for SARS Cov2 pneumonia who had benefited from available ventilatory support: high concentration face mask, High Flow Nasal cannula (HFNC), NIV (Non Invasive Ventilation), Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP). The choice was guided by the clinical condition, and the choice of the prescribing physicians. Recourse to mechanical ventilation was decided when faced with a Glasgow score of less than 13, an SpO2/FiO2 ratio ≤ 300, a FR ≥ 35/min, the impossibility of drainage of secretions. Main Outcomes and Measures: The primary outcome was the proportion of patients requiring intubation. The secondary outcomes were mortality in ICU. Results: The sample included 97 patients, the average age was55.6 years, hypertension was the main comorbidity (51.1%). Mean respiratory rate (RR) was 30.8 cycles/min, admission SpO2 was 83%, respiratory alkalosis was present in 63% of patients, mean CT involvement was 51%.Respiratory support was NIV (56.7%), CPAP (21.65%), high concentration face mask (18.55%). Sixteen percent (16%) of patients were intubated, 93% of them following failure of NIV. Mortality was 30%, mechanical ventilation was an independent risk factor for mortality. Conclusions: Non Invasive Ventilation, CPAP, and high-concentration face mask were frequently used in patients with COVID-related acute respiratory failure. The CPAP has reduced the need for intubation. Mechanical ventilation is a risk factor for death.

Application and Satisfaction Analysis of Humanized Quality Nursing Intervention in the Care of Patients with Critical Respiratory Failure

Objective:To implement humanized quality care in critical respiratory failure nursing,observe the effect,and analyze the satisfaction.Methods:80 patients with severe respiratory failure were divided into 40 cases per group(admitted from February 2022 to December 2023)by double-blind method,the control group performed routine care,and the observation group was given humanized quality care.Results:After the nursing care,two respiratory function indexes of the observation group were lower than those of the control group,and two pulmonary function indexes were higher than those of the control group(P<0.05);regarding the complication situation,the incidence rate of the observation group was lower(P<0.05);regarding the nursing care satisfaction situation,the observation group had a higher level of total satisfaction(P<0.05).Conclusion:The application of a humanized quality nursing intervention model in the care of critical respiratory failure can actively improve patients’respiratory status and lung function,reduce complications,and satisfy patients.

Analysis of the Effectiveness of Targeted Nursing in Children with Severe Viral Encephalitis Complicated with Respiratory Failure

Objective:To explore and analyze the effectiveness of targeted nursing in children with severe viral encephalitis complicated with respiratory failure.Methods:From April 2021 to April 2023,74 children with severe viral encephalitis complicated with respiratory failure admitted to the Department of Pediatrics of our hospital were selected as the research objects and divided into the target group(n=37)and the reference group(n=37).Targeted nursing was given to the target group,while general nursing was given to the reference group.Physical rehabilitation,motor scores,and lung function were compared between the groups.Results:The recovery time of limb abnormalities,convulsions,abnormal consciousness,and cranial nerve disorders in the target group was significantly better than that in the reference group(P<0.05).The motor function,joint activity and pain,sensory function,and total score of the target group were significantly lower than those of the reference group(P<0.05).After the intervention,lung function indicators including VC(vital capacity),FVC(forced vital capacity),and MVV(maximum voluntary ventilation)of the target group were better than those of the reference group(P<0.05).Conclusion:Targeted nursing can shorten the recovery period of severe viral encephalitis complicated with respiratory failure in children,speed up the recovery of motor function,and improve lung function.This nursing model has a significant application effect in children with severe viral encephalitis complicated with respiratory failure.

Clinical evaluation of ventilation mode on acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease with respiratory failure

BACKGROUND At present,understanding of the most effective ventilation methods for treating chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD)patients experiencing acute worsening symptoms and respiratory failure remains relatively limited.This report analyzed the efficiency and side effects of various ventilation techniques used for individuals experiencing an acute COPD exacerbation.AIM To determine whether pressure-controlled ventilation(PCV)can lower peak airway pressures(PAPs)and reduce the incidence of barotrauma compared to volume-controlled ventilation(VCV),without compromising clinical outcomes and oxygenation parameters.METHODS We have evaluated 600 patients who were hospitalized due to a severe COPD exacerbation,with 400 receiving mechanical ventilation for the respiratory failure.The participants were divided into two different groups,who were administered either VCV or PCV,along with appropriate management.We thereafter observed patients'attributes,clinical factors,and laboratory,radiographic,and arterial blood gas evaluations at the start and during their stay in the intensive care unit(ICU).We have also employed appropriate statistical methods for the data analysis.RESULTS Both the VCV and PCV groups experienced significant enhancements in the respiratory rate,tidal volume,and arterial blood gas values during their time in the ICU.However,no significant distinctions were detected between the groups in terms of oxygenation indices(partial pressures of oxygen/raction of inspired oxygen ratio)and partial pressures of carbon dioxide improvements.There was no considerable disparity observed between the VCV and PCV groups in the hospital mortality(32%vs 28%,P=0.53),the number of days of ICU stay[median interquartile range(IQR):9(6-14)d vs 8(5-13)d,P=0.41],or the duration of the mechanical ventilation[median(IQR):6(4-10)d vs 5(3-9)d,P=0.47].The PCV group displayed lower PAPs compared to the VCV group(P<0.05)from the beginning of mechanical ventilation until extubation or ICU departure.The occurrence of barotrauma was considerably lower in the PCV group in comparison to the VCV group(6%vs 16%,P=0.03).CONCLUSION Both VCV and PCV were found to be effective in treating patients with acute COPD exacerbation.However,PCV was associated with lower PAPs and a significant decrease in barotrauma,thus indicating that it might be a safer ventilation method for this group of patients.However,further large-scale study is necessary to confirm these findings and to identify the best ventilation approach for patients experiencing an acute COPD exacerbation.

Critical respiratory failure due to pregnancy complicated by COVID-19 and bacterial coinfection:A case report

BACKGROUND In the past 3 years,the global pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)has posed a great threat to human life and safety.Among the causes of death in COVID-19 patients,combined or secondary bacterial infection is an important factor.As a special group,pregnant women experience varying degrees of change in their immune status,cardiopulmonary function,and anatomical structure during pregnancy,which puts them at higher risk of contracting COVID-19.COVID-19 infection during pregnancy is associated with increased adverse events such as hospitalisation,admission to the intensive care unit,and mechanical ventilation.Therefore,pregnancy combined with coinfection of COVID-19 and bacteria often leads to critical respiratory failure,posing severe challenges in the diagnosis and treatment process.CASE SUMMARY We report a case of COVID-19 complicated with Staphylococcus aureus(S.aureus)coinfection in a pre-gnant woman at 34 wk of gestation.Her rapid progression of pulmonary lesions caused severe respiratory failure,and she received noninvasive ventilator-assisted respiratory treatment.Subsequently,we delivered a foetus via emergency caesarean section after accelerating the maturity of the foetal pulmonary system,and the respiratory condition of the puerperant woman significantly improved after the delivery of the foetus.Lavage fluid was taken under tracheoscopy to quickly search for pathogens by the metagenomic nextgeneration sequencing(mNGS),and both COVID-19 and S.aureus were detected.After targeted anti-infective treatment,the maternal condition gradually improved,and the patient was discharged from the hospital.CONCLUSION The coinfection of pregnancy with COVID-19 and bacteria often leads to critical respiratory failure,which is a great challenge in the process of diagnosis and treatment.It is crucial to choose the right time to deliver the foetus and to quickly find pathogens by mNGS.

Uniphyline-Induced Hypophosphatemia: A Rare Etiology of Severe Respiratory Failure

Hypophosphataemia is defined as low level of phosphate in the blood (normal range 0.8 - 1.4 mmol/l), which can be drug-induced such as uniphyline. We present a case of elderly female patient with known chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, admitted with acute respiratory failure and low serum phosphate level, her clinical signs and serum phosphate level did not improve with conventional therapy and intravenous phosphate replacement, until her recently commenced uniphyline was discontinued. This highlights the importance of awareness amongst the clinicians about this rare but potential side effect of uniphyline. We suggest monitoring phosphate levels in patients admitted with acute respiratory failure especially those on extended bronchodilator therapy.

Analysis of the Efficacy of Humidified High-Flow Nasal Oxygen Therapy Combined with Alveolar Lavage in the Treatment of Patients with Severe Pneumonia Complicated with Respiratory Failure

Objective:To analyze the curative effect of humidified high-flow nasal oxygen therapy combined with alveolar lavage in patients with severe pneumonia and respiratory failure.Methods:120 patients with severe pneumonia complicated with respiratory failure admitted to the Third People’s Hospital of Xining from July 2021 to December 2022 were randomly divided into two groups:group A and group B.The patients in group A were given humidified high-flow nasal oxygen therapy combined with alveolar lavage,whereas those in group B were given humidified high-flow nasal oxygen therapy.The treatment efficacy,blood gas analysis results,and differences in inflammatory mediators were compared between the two groups.Results:The curative effect in group A(96.67%)was significantly higher than that in group B(81.67%),P<0.05;the partial pressure of carbon dioxide(PaCO2),partial pressure of oxygen(PaO2),oxygen saturation(SpO2),and Horowitz index(P/F)of group A were significantly better than group B,P<0.05;the interleukin 6(IL-6),tumor necrosis factor alpha(TNF-α),and C-reactive protein(CRP)levels,white blood cell(WBC)count,serum procalcitonin(PCT),and neutrophil(N)percentage of group A were significantly lower than those of group B,P<0.05.Conclusion:For patients with severe pneumonia complicated with respiratory failure,alveolar lavage,on the basis of humidified high-flow oxygen therapy,can inhibit local inflammation,improve blood gas analysis results,promote disease recovery,and improve the clinical treatment effect。

Evaluation of the Effect of Comfort Nursing on Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Complicated with Respiratory Failure

Objective:To explore and analyze the effect of comfort nursing in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD)complicated with respiratory failure.Methods:60 patients with COPD and respiratory failure who were admitted to the Department of Respiratory Medicine of our hospital from May 2020 to May 2023 were selected as subjects of this study,and they were divided into comfort group and reference group by odd and even number draw method,with 30 cases in each group.The comfort group received comfort nursing,and the reference group received general nursing.The lung function performance and living conditions were compared between the groups.Results:Before the intervention,there was no statistically significant difference(P>0.05)in terms of lung functions such as forced expiratory volume in the first second(FEV1),forced vital capacity(FVC),and the ratio FEV1/FVC between the groups;after the intervention,the lung functions of the comfort group were significantly better than those in the reference group(P<0.05).Before the intervention,there was no statistically significant difference(P>0.05)between the groups in terms of mental state,physical function,social situation,and spiritual aspects;after the intervention,the mental state,physical function,social situation,and spiritual aspects of the comfort group were significantly better than those of the reference group(P<0.05).Conclusion:Comfort nursing care for COPD patients with respiratory failure can improve their lung function and quality of life,and achieve ideal nursing effects.

Recovery from respiratory failure after decompression laparotomy for severe acute pancreatitis

We present three cases of patients (at the age of 56 years, 49 years and 74 years respectively) with severe acute pancreatitis (SAP), complicated by intra-abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS) and respiratory insufficiency with limitations of mechanical ventilation. The respiratory situation of the patients was significantly improved after decompression laparotomy (DL) and lung protective ventilation was re-achieved. ACS was discussed followed by a short review of the literature. Our cases show that DL may help patients with SAP to recover from severe respiratory failure.

Sequential treatment of severe pneumonia with respiratory failure and its influence on respiratory mechanical parameters and hemodynamics

BACKGROUND The pathophysiological characteristics of severe pneumonia complicated by respiratory failure comprise pulmonary parenchymal changes leading to ventilation imbalance,alveolar capillary injury,pulmonary edema,refractory hypoxemia,and reduced lung compliance.Prolonged hypoxia can cause acid-base balance disorder,peripheral circulatory failure,blood-pressure reduction,arrhythmia,and other adverse consequences.AIM To investigate sequential mechanical ventilation’s effect on severe pneumonia complicated by respiratory failure.METHODS We selected 108 patients with severe pneumonia complicated by respiratory failure who underwent mechanical ventilation between January 2018 and September 2020 at the Luhe Hospital’s Intensive Care Unit and divided them into sequential and regular groups according to a randomized trial,with each group comprising 54 patients.The sequential group received invasive and non-invasive sequential mechanical ventilation,whereas the regular group received invasive mechanical ventilation.Blood-gas parameters,hemodynamic parameters,respiratory mechanical parameters,inflammatory factors,and treatment outcomes were compared between the two groups before and after mechanical-ventilation treatment.RESULTS The arterial oxygen partial pressure and stroke volume variation values of the sequential group at 24,48,and 72 h of treatment were higher than those of the conventional group(P<0.05).The carbon dioxide partial pressure value of the sequential group at 72 h of treatment and the Raw value of the treatment group at 24 and 48 h were lower than those of the conventional group(P<0.05).The pH value of the sequential group at 24 and 72 h of treatment,the central venous pressure value of the treatment at 24 h,and the Cst value of the treatment at 24 and 48 h were higher than those of the conventional group(P<0.05).The tidal volume in the sequential group at 24 h of treatment was higher than that in the conventional group(P<0.05),the measured values of interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-αin the sequential group at 72 h of treatment were lower than those in the conventional group(P<0.05),and the total time of mechanical ventilation in the sequential group was shorter than that in the conventional group,with a statistically significant difference(P<0.05).CONCLUSION Treating severe pneumonia complicated by respiratory failure with sequential mechanical ventilation is more effective in improving respiratory system compliance,reducing inflammatory response,maintaining hemodynamic stability,and improving patient blood-gas levels;however,from this study’s perspective,it cannot reduce patient mortality.

Exhaled nitric oxide in neonates with or without hypoxemic respiratory failure

BACKGROUND： Exhaled nitric oxide （eNO） is one of the airway condensate derived markers, reflecting mainly airway inflammation in asthma and other lung diseases. The changes of eNO levels as pathophysiology of neonatal hypoxemic respiratory failure （HRF） in early postnatal life have not been thoroughly studied. The present study was to establish a method for measuring eNO concentrations in neonates with or without HRF. METHODS： Twenty-two newborn infants with HRF and 26 non-NRF controls were included within the first 24 hours of postnatal life. Their eNO levels were detected with a rapid-response chemiluminescence analyzer daily during the first week of their postnatal life, and lung mechanics and gas exchange efficiency were monitored at the same time, such as pulse oxygen saturation （SpO2）, inspired fraction of oxygen （FiO2） and other parameters. RESULTS：During the first two days of postnatal life, eNO values of HRF neonates were significantly higher than those of the control neonates （day 1,7.9±3.2 vs. 5.8±1.8 parts per billion [ppb], P〈0.05; day 2, 8.8±3.2 vs. 6.0±2.4 ppb, P〈0.05）, but there were no significant differences in the following days. With SpOJFiO2 increasing, difference of eNO values between the HRF and non-HRF neonates became narrowed, but there was still a two-fold difference of eNO/[SpO2/（FiO2×100）] on days 5-7. CONCLUSION： We established a method for measuring eNO and found difference in neonates with or without HRF, which diminished with prolonged postnatal days, reflecting pathophysiological characteristics of HRF.

New perspectives for investigating respiratory failure induced by cervical spinal cord injury

Traumatic cervical spinal cord injury （SCI）, with an annual incidence of 12,000 new cases in USA （NSCISC 2013）, causes devastating locomotor and respiratory paralysis and unfortunately compromises the human patient＇s lifespan. The severity of the injury depends on the degree and the extent of the initial trauma. In fact, respiratory failure is the leading cause of mortality following upper cervical SCI. However, 80% of the injuries are incomplete, allowing some modest spontaneous recovery. To date, no effective treatment is available in order to restore the loss of function.

Respiratory evaluation of patients requiring ventilator support due to acute respiratory failure

This review, based on relevant published evidence and the authors` clinical experience, presents how to evaluate a patient with acute respiratory failure requiring ventilatory support. This patient must be carefully evaluated by nurses, physiotherapists, respiratory care practitioners and physicians regarding the elucidation of the cause of the acute episode of respiratory failure by means of physical examination with the measurement of respiratory parameters and assessment of arterial blood gases analysis to make a correct respiratory diagnosis. After the initial evaluation, the patient must quickly receive adequate oxygen and ventilatory support that has to be carefully monitored until its discontinuation. When available, a noninvasive ventilation trial must be done in patients presenting desaturation during oxygen mask and or PaCO2 retention, especially in cases of cardiogenic pulmonary edema and severe exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. In cases of noninvasive ventilation trial-failure, endotracheal intubation and invasive protective mechanical ventilation must be promptly initiated. In severe ARDS patients, low tidal ventilation, higher PEEP levels, prone positioning and recruitment maneuvers with adequate PEEP titration should be used. Recently, new modes of ventilation should allow a better patient-ventilator interaction or synchrony permitting a sufficient unloading of respiratory muscles and increase patient comfort. Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease may be considered for a trial for early extubation to noninvasive positive pressure ventilation in centers with extensive experience in noninvasive positive pressure ventilation.

Acute flaccid paralysis and neurogenic respiratory failure associated with enterovirus D68 infection in children: Report of two cases

BACKGROUND Acute flaccid paralysis(AFP)and neurogenic respiratory failure rarely occur in children.At the end of 2018,some children with such symptoms were admitted to our hospital.In this study,we aimed to assess two children with AFP and neurogenic respiratory failure associated with enterovirus D68(EV-D68).CASE SUMMARY Two children admitted to our hospital presented with symptoms and imaging results different from those of acute disseminated encephalomyelitis and hand,foot,and mouth disease.Their main symptoms were AFP and neurogenic respiratory failure.Magnetic resonance imaging showed severe inflammatory injury mainly to the anterior horn cells of the spinal cord.Blood and cerebrospinal fluid samples were collected to assess for pathogens,including bacteria,tuberculosis,cryptococcus,herpes virus,and coxsackie virus,and the results were negative.At the beginning,the two cases were not assessed for EV-D68 in the nasopharyngeal,blood,and cerebrospinal fluid specimens.About 2 mo later,EVD68 was detected in the stool sample of one of the cases.The symptom of AFP was caused by injury to the anterior horn cells at levels C5-L5 of the spinal cord,while neurogenic respiratory failure was at levels C3-C5.CONCLUSION We should pay attention to the detection and diagnosis of EV-D68 and make efforts to develop antivirus drugs and vaccines.

Bronchoscopy for diagnosis of COVID-19 with respiratory failure:A case report

BACKGROUND Although the imaging features of coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)are starting to be well determined,what actually occurs within the bronchi is poorly known.Here,we report the processes and findings of bronchoscopy in a patient with COVID-19 accompanied by respiratory failure.CASE SUMMARY A 65-year-old male patient was admitted to the Hainan General Hospital on February 3,2020 for fever and shortness of breath for 13 d that worsened for the last 2 d.The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 nucleic acid test was positive.Routine blood examination on February 28 showed a white blood cell count of 11.02×109/L,86.9%of neutrophils,6.4%of lymphocytes,absolute lymphocyte count of 0.71×109/L,procalcitonin of 2.260 ng/mL,and C-reactive protein of 142.61 mg/L.Oxygen saturation was 46%at baseline and turned to 94%after ventilation.The patient underwent video bronchoscopy.The tracheal cartilage ring was clear,and no deformity was found in the lumen.The trachea and bilateral bronchi were patent,while the mucosa was with slight hyperemia;no neoplasm or ulcer was found.Moderate amounts of white gelatinous secretions were found in the dorsal segment of the left inferior lobe,and the bronchial lumen was patent after sputum aspiration.The right inferior lobe was found with hyperemia and mucosal erosion,with white gelatinous secretion attachment.The patient’s condition did not improve after the application of therapeutic bronchoscopy.CONCLUSION For patients with COVID-19 and respiratory failure,bronchoscopy can be performed under mechanical ventilation to clarify the airway conditions.Protection should be worn during the process.Considering the risk of infection,it is not necessary to perform bronchoscopy in the mild to moderate COVID-19 patients.

Respiratory failure after scoliosis correction surgery in patients with Prader-Willi syndrome: Two case reports

BACKGROUND Sleep-disordered breathing,including hypoventilation and obstructive sleep apnea,is often observed in Prader-Willi syndrome(PWS).Particularly in adolescence,scoliosis causes a progressive restrictive pulmonary pattern,leading to hypoventilation,so timely corrective surgery is required.However,the effect is controversial.In addition,since mental retardation of PWS,patient effort-based respiratory tests may be less reliable.So far,no studies have accurately reported on the comparison of respiratory function before and after corrective surgery,and appropriate respiratory function measurement method in PWS.CASE SUMMARY We present two cases of adolescent PWS with typical characteristics,including obesity,mental retardation,and scoliosis.Two boys,aged 12 and 13,diagnosed with PWS,both underwent scoliosis correction surgery.Before and immediately after surgery,arterial blood tests showed no abnormalities and no respiratory symptoms occurred.However,after 6-7 mo,both patients complained of daytime sleepiness,difficulty sleeping at night,dyspnea on exertion,and showed cyanosis.Hypercapnia and hypoxia were confirmed by polysomnography and transcutaneous CO2 monitoring during sleep and were diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea and alveolar hypoventilation.It was corrected by nighttime noninvasive ventilation application and normal findings of arterial blood gas were maintained after 6-8 mo follow-up.CONCLUSION Even after scoliosis surgery,“periodic”monitoring of respiratory failure with an“objective”test method is needed for timely respiratory support.

Congenital fiber-type disproportion presenting with type II respiratory failure after delivery:A case report

BACKGROUND Congenital fiber-type disproportion(CFTD)is a form of congenital myopathy.CFTD is rare,especially when presenting in patients with critical illnesses.Here,we report a case of CFTD presenting with type II respiratory failure after delivery and provide a review of the literature on CFTD.CASE SUMMARY A 30-year-old woman was admitted to the obstetrics department of our hospital with premature rupture of the fetal membrane and with 7 h of regular contractions.After delivery,the patient experienced a refractory type II respiratory failure.Physical examination along with diagnostic procedures such as electromyography and biopsy confirmed CFTD.Use of invasive ventilator followed by intermittent use of noninvasive ventilator attenuated her symptoms.The patient recovered after ventilator-assisted respiration and was weaned off the noninvasive ventilator on the seventh day postpartum.CONCLUSION Congenital myopathy should be considered a differential diagnosis for type II respiratory failures that cannot be attributed to other diseases.