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.

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.

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.

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.

Respiratory training interventions improve health status of heart failure patients: A systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

BACKGROUND Prior studies indicate that doing breathing exercises improves physical performance and quality of life (QoL) in heart failure patients. However, these effects remain unclear and contradictory. AIM To determine the effects of machine-assisted and non-machine-assisted respiratory training on physical performance and QoL in heart failure patients. METHODS This was a systematic review and network meta-analysis study. A literature search of electronic databases was conducted for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on heart failure. Respiratory training interventions were grouped as seven categories: IMT_Pn (inspiratory muscle training without pressure or < 10% maximal inspiratory pressure, MIP), IMT_Pl (inspiratory muscle training with low pressure, 10%-15% MIP), IMT_Pm (inspiratory muscle training with medium pressure, 30%-40% MIP), IMT_Ph (inspiratory muscle training with high pressure, 60% MIP or MIP plus aerobics), Aerobics (aerobic exercise or weight training), Qi_Ex (tai chi, yoga, and breathing exercise), and none. The four outcomes were heart rate, peak oxygen uptake (VO2 peak), 6-min walking distance test (6MWT), and Minnesota Living with Heart Failure QoL. The random-effects model, side-splitting model, and the surface under the cumulative ranking curve (SUCRA) were used to test and analyze the data. RESULTS A total of 1499 subjects from 31 RCT studies were included. IMT_Ph had the highest effect sizes for VO2 peak and 6MWT, IMT_Pm highest for QoL, and Qi_Ex highest for heart rate. Aerobics had the second highest for VO2 peak, Qi_Ex second highest for 6MWT, and IMT_Ph second highest for heart rate and QoL.CONCLUSION This study supports that high- and medium-intensity machine-assisted training improves exercise capacity and QoL in hospital-based heart failure patients. After hospital discharge, non-machine-assisted training continuously improves cardiac function.

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for pediatric respiratory failure: History, development and current status

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation(ECMO) is currently used to support patients of all ages with acute severe respiratory failure non-responsive to conventional treatments, and although initial use was almost exclusively in neonates, use for this age group is decreasing while use in older children remains stable(300-500 cases annually) and support for adults is increasing. Recent advances in technology include: refinement of double lumen veno-venous(VV) cannulas to support a large range of patient size, pumps with lower prime volumes, more efficient oxygenators, changes in circuit configuration to decrease turbulent flow and hemolysis. Veno-arterial(VA) mode of support remains the predominant type used; however, VV support has lower risk of central nervous injury and mortality. Key to successful survival is implementation of ECMO before irreversible organ injury develops, unless support with ECMO is used as a bridge to transplant. Among pediatric patients treated with ECMO mortality varies by pulmonary diagnosis, underlying condition, other nonpulmonary organ dysfunction as well as patient age, but has remained relatively unchanged overall(43%)over the past several decades. Additional risk factors associated with death include prolonged use of mechanical ventilation(> 2 wk) prior to ECMO, use of VA ECMO, older patient age, prolonged ECMO support as well as complications during ECMO. Medical evidence regarding daily patient management specifically related to ECMO is scant, it usually mirrors care recommended for similar patients treated without ECMO. Linkage of the Extracorporeal Life Support Organization dataset with other databases and collaborative research networks will be required to address this knowledge deficit as most centers treat only a few pediatric respiratory failure patients each year.

Rare empty sella syndrome found after postoperative hypotension and respiratory failure:A case report

BACKGROUND Empty sella syndrome is a condition in which the pituitary gland shrinks or flattens. Patients with empty sella syndrome often present with headache,hypertension, obesity, visual disturbances, cerebrospinal fluid(CSF) rhinorrhoea,or endocrine dysfunction. Herein, we report a rare case of empty sella syndrome discovered after the patient experienced postoperative hypotension and respiratory failure.CASE SUMMARY A 60-year-old man was admitted for further workup of left shoulder pain. He was assessed by the orthopaedics team and booked for internal fixation of the left clavicle. General anaesthesia with a nerve block was administered. His blood pressure continued to decrease post-operation. Endocrine tests were performed,with the results supporting a diagnosis of hypopituitarism with hypocortisolism and hypothyroidism. Brain magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated that the sella was enlarged and filled with CSF, confirming a diagnosis of empty sella syndrome. The patient was started on endocrine replacement therapy. The patient regained consciousness and spontaneous breath finally.CONCLUSION This case highlights the importance of considering pituitary hormone insufficiency in the context of respiratory and hemodynamic failure during the perioperative period.

Clinical Analysis of Early Noninvasive Mechanical Ventilation in the Treatment of Acute Left Heart Failure Complicated with Respiratory Failure

Objective To evaluate the efficacy of early and non-early non-invasive mechanical ventilation(NIV) for acute left heart failure and respiratory failure. Methods 29 cases of patients with acute left heart failure and respiratory failure treated by NIV were selected from our department from August 2016 to March 2019. According to the time of initiation of noninvasive mechanical ventilation, the patients were divided into the early treatment group(group A, treatment with NIV immediately after admission, n=15) and the non-early treatment group(group B, treatment with NIV for 2 h after admission, n=14), the improvement time, mechanical ventilation time, effective rate, intubation rate and fatality rate were compared between the two groups. Results The improvement time of patients in group A was(4.8±2.5) hours, the time of mechanical ventilation was(9.6±3.2) hours, the improvement time of group B was(6.8±2.6) hours, and the time of mechanical ventilation(12.8±4.4) hours. There were significant differences between the two groups(P<0.05). In group A, 13 patients were cured, 2 patients were intubated, 1 patient died, 10 patients in group B were cured, 4 patients were intubated, and 2 patients died. The difference in cure rate, intubation rate and mortality was statistically significant(P<0.05). Conclusion The treatment of acute left heart failure and respiratory failure is effective, and early application can improve the cure rate, reduce intubation and mortality.

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.

Respiratory failure in diabetic ketoacidosis

Respiratory failure complicating the course of diabetic ketoacidosis(DKA)is a source of increased morbidity and mortality.Detection of respiratory failure in DKA requires focused clinical monitoring,careful interpretation of arterial blood gases,and investigation for conditions that can affect adversely the respiration.Conditions that compromise respiratory function caused by DKA can be detected at presentation but are usually more prevalent during treatment.These conditions include deficits of potassium,magnesium and phosphate and hydrostatic or non-hydrostatic pulmonary edema.Conditions not caused by DKA that can worsen respiratory function under the added stress of DKA include infections of the respiratory system,pre-existing respiratory or neuromuscular disease and miscellaneous other conditions.Prompt recognition and management of the conditions that can lead to respiratory failure in DKA may prevent respiratory failure and improve mortality from DKA.

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.

Respiratory failure in the hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipient

The number of patients receiving hematopoietic stem cell transplantation(HSCT) is rapidly rising worldwide. Despite substantial improvements in peri-transplant care, pulmonary complications resulting in respiratory failure remain a major contributor to morbidity and mortality in the post-transplant period, and represent a major barrier to the overall success of HSCT. Infectious complications include pneumonia due to bacteria, viruses, and fungi, and most commonly occur during neutropenia in the early post-transplant period. Non-infectious complications include idiopathic pneumonia syndrome, periengraftment respiratory distress syndrome, diffuse alveolar hemorrhage, pulmonary veno-occlusive disease, delayed pulmonary toxicity syndrome, cryptogenic organizing pneumonia, bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome, and post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder. These complications have distinct clinical features and risk factors, occur at differing times following transplant, and contribute to morbidity and mortality.

Subacute liver and respiratory failure after segmental hepatectomy for complicated hepatolithiasis with secondary biliary cirrhosis: A case report

BACKGROUND Despite being a benign disease, hepatolithiasis has a poor prognosis because of its intractable nature and frequent recurrence. Nonsurgical treatment is associated with high incidences of residual and recurrent stones. Consequently, surgery via hepatic lobectomy or segmental hepatectomy has become the main treatment modality. Clinical management and resolution of complicated hepatolithiasis with bilateral or diffuse intrahepatic stones remain very difficult and challenging. Repeated cholangitis and calculous obstruction may result in secondary biliary cirrhosis, a limiting factor in the treatment of hepatolithiasis.CASE SUMMARY A 53-year-old woman with a 5-year history of intermittent abdominal pain and fever was admitted to the hepatopancreatobiliary surgery department following worsening symptoms over a 3-d period. Blood tests revealed elevated transaminases, alkaline phosphatase, γ-glutamyl transpeptidase, and total bilirubin, as well as anemia. Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography showed dilatation of the intrahepatic, left and right hepatic, common hepatic, and common bile ducts, and multiple short T2 signals in the intrahepatic and common bile ducts. Abdominal computed tomography showed splenomegaly and splenic varices. The diagnosis was bilateral hepatolithiasis and choledocholithiasis with cholangitis. Surgical treatment included hepatectomy of segments Ⅱ and Ⅲ, cholangioplasty, left hepaticolithotomy, second biliary duct exploration, choledocholithotomy, T-tube drainage, and accretion lysis. Surgical and pathological findings confirmed secondary biliary cirrhosis. Liver-protective therapy and anti-infectives were administered. The patient developed liver and respiratory failure, severe abdominal infection, and septicemia. Eventually, her family elected to discontinue treatment.CONCLUSION Liver transplantation, rather than hepatectomy, might be a treatment option for complicated bilateral hepatolithiasis with secondary liver cirrhosis.

A study on sleep architecture in patients with chronic respiratory failure under long-term oxygen therapy—Focused on the influence of ventilatory failure (high CO₂) elements on the patient’s sleep architecture

Sleep disturbance related symptoms are common in patients with long-term oxygen therapy (LTOT). Essentially, there were only few previous reports about the sleep architecture in patients with respiratory disease, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This study aims to clarify the objective sleep state and the elements that affect sleep architecture in Chronic Respiratory Failure (CRF) patients with focus on clinical cases of chronic hypercapnia. 13 subjects with chronic respiratory failure were enrolled in the study. All the subjects were pre-evaluated by pulmonary function test and Arterial blood gas analysis (ABG) including exercise testing. Polysomnography (PSG) test was performed in each subject with supplemental oxygen. The estimated base line PaCO2 value that reflects overall PaCO2 including sleep period was calculated using equation of PaCO2[2.4×(HCOˉ3)-22]from obtained ABG value just before PSG test. 6 subjects were classified as hypercapnic group (base line PaCO2 ≥ 45 mmHg) and 7 subjects were non-hypercapnic group (base line PaCO2 < 45 mmHg). Latency persistent sleep of PSG data was significant higher in patients with hypercapnic than non-hypercapnic (p < 0.01). Periodic Limb Movement was seen in 23.6% of the subjects, however there was no contribution for arousals. Other PSG data include mean SpO2 were no significant difference. This study suggests that patients with estimated hypercapnia had more disturbed sleep architecture especially significant loss of sleep latency than non-hypercapnic patient with chronic respiratory failure under LTOT. Nocturnal PaCO2 level or ventilatory function may contribute to sleep disturbance in patients with estimated hypercapnia during LTOT.

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.

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.

Application of non-invasive ventilator in the treatment of acute heart failure merged with respiratory failure in ICU

Objective:To observe the application effect of non-invasive ventilator in the treatment of acute heart failure merged with respiratory failure in ICU.Methods:A total of 80 patients with acute heart failure merged with respiratory failure who were admitted in ICU from January, 2015 to January, 2016 were included in the study and randomized into the observation group and the control group with 40 cases in each group. The patients in the two groups were given routine treatments after admission. On this basis, the patients in the observation group were given non-invasive ventilator. The patients in the control group were given continuous low flow oxygen inhalation. PaO2, pH, PaCO2, SaO2, and PaO2/FiO2 before and after treatment between the two groups were compared. The serum NT-pro BNP and cTnI levels before treatment, 24 h and 48 h after treatment in the two groups were compared.Results:The comparison of PaO2, pH, PaCO2, SaO2, and PaO2/FiO2 before treatment between the two groups was not statistically significant. PaO2, pH, SaO2, and PaO2/FiO2 after treatment in the two groups were significantly elevated, while PaCO2 was significantly reduced when compared with before treatment. PaO2, pH, SaO2, and PaO2/FiO2 after treatment in the observation group were significantly higher than those in the control group, while PaCO2 was significantly lower than that in the control group. The comparison of NT-pro BNP and cTnI levels before treatment between the two groups was not statistically significant. NT-pro BNP and cTnI levels 12 h and 24 h after treatment in the two groups were significantly elevated when compared with before treatment. NT-pro BNP and cTnI levels 12 h and 24 h after treatment in the observation group were significantly lower than those in the control group.Conclusions:Non-invasive ventilator in the treatment of acute heart failure merged with respiratory failure can effectively improve the ventilation function, reduce NT-pro BNP and cTnI levels, and is of great significance in enhancing the rescued effect.

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.