Quality indicators in respiratory therapy

Quality indicators in healthcare refer to measurable and quantifiable parameters used to assess and monitor the performance,effectiveness,and safety of healthcare services.These indicators provide a systematic way to evaluate the quality of care offered,and thereby to identify areas for improvement and to ensure that patient care meets established standards and best practices.Respiratory therapists play a vital role in areas of clinical administration such as infection control practices and quality improvement initiatives.Quality indicators serve as essential metrics for respiratory therapy departments to assess and enhance the overall quality of care.By systematically tracking and analyzing indicators related to infection control,treatment effectiveness,and adherence to protocols,respiratory care practitioners can identify areas to improve and implement evidence-based changes.This article reviewed how to identify,implement,and monitor quality indicators specific to the respiratory therapy departments to set benchmarks and enhance patient outcomes.

Respiratory Mechanics, Respiratory Muscle Strength, Control of Ventilation and Gas Exchange in Patients with Autoimmune Liver Disease

Objectives: To assess respiratory elastance and resistive properties in patients with autoimmune liver disorders using the passive relaxation expiration technique and compare findings to a group of patients with non-autoimmune liver disease and control subjects. These findings were then related to control of ventilation and gas exchange. A secondary objective was to assess respiratory muscle strength and gas exchange and their relation to respiratory mechanics. Methods: Measurements included respiratory elastance and resistance using the passive relaxation method. Pulmonary function, gas exchange and control of ventilation were assessed using standard methods. Results: a) Compared to control subjects, Ers in patients with liver disease was on average 50% greater than in controls;b) mean respiratory resistance, expressed as the respiratory constants, K1 and K2 in the Rohrer relationship, Pao/V’ = K1 + K2V’, was not different from control resistance;c) mean maximal inspiratory and maximal expiratory pressures averaged 36% and 55% of their respective control values;d) inspiratory occlusion pressure in 0.1 sec (P0.1) was increased and negatively associated with FVC;and e) increases in P0.1, mean inspiratory flow (Vt/Ti) and presence of respiratory alkalosis confirmed the increase in ventilatory drive. Despite inspiratory muscle weakness in patients, P0.1/Pimax averaged 5-fold higher than in control subjects. Conclusions: Despite inspiratory muscle weakness and a V’E similar to that in normal subjects, central drive is increased in patients with chronic liver disease. The increase in ventilatory drive is related to smaller lung volumes and weakly associated with increase in respiratory elastance. Findings confirm that P0.1 is a reliable measure of central drive and is an approach that can be used in the evaluation of control of ventilation in patients with chronic liver disease.

The Effect of Respiratory Care on the Treatment of Asthma Patients

Objective:To analyze the intervention effect of respiratory care on asthma patients.Methods:49 asthma patients admitted to the hospital between December 1,2018 and November 30,2022 were selected for this study.The patients were divided into Group A(25 cases)and Group B(24 cases).The patients in Group A received respiratory care,while the patients in Group B received routine care,and the nursing effects of both groups were compared.Results:Group A demonstrated a better nursing effect compared to Group B;the patients in Group A were generally more satisfied with the care given compared to those of Group B.Furthermore,Group A showed better improvements in respiratory function compared to Group B(P<0.05).Before care,there was no difference in quality-of-life scores between the two groups(P>0.05).After care,Group A’s quality of life score was lower than Group B’s(P<0.05).Conclusion:Respiratory care for asthma patients can improve the quality of care and patient satisfaction.Besides,it also leads to a better improvement in respiratory function and the quality of life of the patients.

Plasma Metabonomics of Human Adenovirus-infected Patients with Pneumonia and Upper Respiratory Tract Infection

Objective Human adenovirus(HAdV)infection is common and can develop to serious conditions with high mortality,yet the mechanism of HAdV infection remains unclear.In the present study,the serum metabolite profiles of HAdV-7-infected patients with pneumonia or upper respiratory tract infection(URTI)were explored.Methods In total,35 patients were enrolled in the study following an outbreak of HAdV-7 in the army,of whom 14 had pneumonia and 21 had URTI.Blood samples were collected at the acute stage and at the recovery stage and were analyzed by untargeted metabolomics.Results Over 90% of the differential metabolites identified between the pneumonia patients and URTI patients were lipids and lipid-like molecules,including glycerophospholipids,fatty acyls,and sphingolipids.The metabolic pathways that were significantly enriched were primarily the lipid metabolism pathways,including sphingolipid metabolism,glycerophospholipid metabolism,and linoleic acid metabolism.The sphingolipid metabolism was identified as a significantly differential pathway between the pneumonia patients and URTI patients and between the acute and recovery stages for the pneumonia patients,but not between the acute and recovery stages for the URTI patients.Ceramide and lactosylceramide,involved in sphingolipid metabolism,were significantly higher in the pneumonia patients than in the URTI patients with good discrimination abilities[area under curve(AUC)0.742 and 0.716,respectively;combination AUC 0.801].Conclusion Our results suggested that HAdV modulated lipid metabolism for both the patients with URTI and pneumonia,especially the sphingolipid metabolism involving ceramide and lactosylceramide,which might thus be a potential intervention target in the treatment of HAdV infection.

Protective mechanism of quercetin in alleviating sepsis-related acute respiratory distress syndrome based on network pharmacology and in vitro experiments

BACKGROUND:Sepsis-related acute respiratory distress syndrome(ARDS)has a high mortality rate,and no effective treatment is available currently.Quercetin is a natural plant product with many pharmacological activities,such as antioxidative,anti-apoptotic,and anti-inflammatory effects.This study aimed to elucidate the protective mechanism of quercetin against sepsis-related ARDS.METHODS:In this study,network pharmacology and in vitro experiments were used to investigate the underlying mechanisms of quercetin against sepsis-related ARDS.Core targets and signaling pathways of quercetin against sepsis-related ARDS were screened and were verified by in vitro experiments.RESULTS:A total of 4,230 targets of quercetin,360 disease targets of sepsis-related ARDS,and 211 intersection targets were obtained via database screening.Among the 211 intersection targets,interleukin-6(IL-6),tumor necrosis factor(TNF),albumin(ALB),AKT serine/threonine kinase 1(AKT1),and interleukin-1β(IL-1β)were identified as the core targets.A Gene Ontology(GO)enrichment analysis revealed 894 genes involved in the inflammatory response,apoptosis regulation,and response to hypoxia.Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG)enrichment analysis identified 106 pathways.After eliminating and generalizing,the hypoxia-inducible factor-1(HIF-1),TNF,nuclear factor-κB(NF-κB),and nucleotide-binding and oligomerization domain(NOD)-like receptor signaling pathways were identified.Molecular docking revealed that quercetin had good binding activity with the core targets.Moreover,quercetin blocked the HIF-1,TNF,NF-κB,and NODlike receptor signaling pathways in lipopolysaccharide(LPS)-induced murine alveolar macrophage(MH-S)cells.It also suppressed the inflammatory response,oxidative reactions,and cell apoptosis.CONCLUSION:Quercetin ameliorates sepsis-related ARDS by binding to its core targets and blocking the HIF-1,TNF,NF-κB,and NOD-like receptor signaling pathways to reduce inflammation,cell apoptosis,and oxidative stress.

Effect of nursing on postoperative respiratory function and mental health of lung cancer patients

BACKGROUND Both pulmonary rehabilitation training and psychological care have been shown to have a positive effect on the postoperative recovery of patients with lung cancer.However,few studies have combined the two to explore their combined effect.Therefore,this study aimed to investigate the effects of pulmonary rehabil-itation training combined with psychological care on postoperative respiratory function and mental health in lung cancer patients.AIM To investigate effect of nursing on postoperative respiratory function and mental health of lung cancer patients.METHODS 122 cases of lung cancer patients who underwent surgical treatment in our hospital and were treated in our department from January 2022 to April 2023 were selected and randomly divided into the control group and observation group.The control group performed the routine care intervention.The obser-vation group was given pulmonary rehabilitation training and psychological care based on conventional nursing interventions.Forced expiratory volume,forced vital capacity.Maximum ventilatory volume(MVV)in one second was measured,and the patient's 6-min walking distance and dyspnoea index scale were used to assess the patient's respiratory condition.The Connor-Davidson resilience scale(CD-RISC),self-rating anxiety scale(SAS),and self-rating depression scale(SDS)were used to evaluate the mental health of the patients.RESULTS There was no difference between the two groups regarding age,gender,education level,surgical procedure,type of pathology,and treatment(P>0.05).After treatment,MVV,6-min walking distance,toughness,strength,optimism,and total CD-RISC scores were significantly higher in the observation group(P<0.05),dyspnoea scores,SAS,and SDS scores were substantially lower in the control group compared to the observation group(P<0.05).CONCLUSION Pulmonary rehabilitation training combined with psychological care for patients after lung cancer resection could improve lung function,enhance daily activities,effectively relieve negative emotions such as anxiety and depression,and reduce complications.

Advanced nanomedicines and immunotherapeutics to treat respiratory diseases especially COVID-19 induced thrombosis

Immunotherapy and associated immune regulation strategies gained huge attraction in order to be utilized for treatment and prevention of respiratory diseases.Engineering specifically nanomedicines can be used to regulate host immunity in lungs in the case of respiratory diseases including coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)infection.COVID-19 causes pulmonary embolisms,thus new therapeutic options are required to target thrombosis,as conventional treatment options are either not effective due to the complexity of the immunethrombosis pathophysiology.In this review,we discuss regulation of immune response in respiratory diseases especially COVID-19.We further discuss thrombosis and provide an overview of some antithrombotic nanoparticles,which can be used to develop nanomedicine against thrombo-inflammation induced by COVID-19 and other respiratory infectious diseases.We also elaborate the importance of immunomodulatory nanomedicines that can block pro-inflammatory signalling pathways,and thus can be recommended to treat respiratory infectious diseases.

Clinical significance of platelet mononuclear cell aggregates in patients with sepsis and acute respiratory distress syndrome

BACKGROUND The diagnosis of sepsis combined with acute respiratory distress syndrome(ARDS)has increased owing to the enhanced awareness among medical profes-sionals and the continuous development of modern medical technologies,while early diagnosis of ARDS still lacks specific biomarkers.One of the main patho-genic mechanisms of sepsis-associated ARDS involves the actions of various pathological injuries and inflammatory factors,such as platelet and white blood cells activation,leading to an increase of surface adhesion molecules.These adhesion molecules further form platelet-white blood cell aggregates,including platelet-mononuclear cell aggregates(PMAs).PMAs has been identified as one of the markers of platelet activation,here we hypothesize that PMAs might play a potential biomarker for the early diagnosis of this complication.METHODS We selected 72 hospitalized patients diagnosed with sepsis as the study population between March 2019 and March 2022.Among them,30 patients with sepsis and ARDS formed the study group,while 42 sepsis patients without ARDS comprised the control group.After diagnosis,venous blood samples were imme-diately collected from all patients.Flow cytometry was employed to analyze the expression of PMAs,platelet neutrophil aggregates(PNAs),and platelet aggregates(PLyAs)in the serum.Additionally,the Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation(APACHE)II score was calculated for each patient,and receiver operating characteristic curves were generated to assess diagnostic value.RESULTS The study found that the levels of PNAs and PLyAs in the serum of the study group were higher than those in the control group,but the difference was not statistically significant(P>0.05).However,the expression of PMAs in the serum of the study group was significantly upregulated(P<0.05)and positively correlated with the APACHE II score(r=0.671,P<0.05).When using PMAs as a diagnostic indicator,the area under the curve value was 0.957,indicating a high diagnostic value(P<0.05).Furthermore,the optimal cutoff value was 8.418%,with a diagnostic sensitivity of 0.819 and specificity of 0.947.CONCLUSION In summary,the serum levels of PMAs significantly increase in patients with sepsis and ARDS.Therefore,serum PMAs have the potential to become a new biomarker for clinically diagnosing sepsis complicated by ARDS.

Outpatient insulin use in type 2 diabetes mellitus and acute respiratory distress syndrome outcomes:A retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND The impact of type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM)on acute respiratory distress syndrome(ARDS)is debatable.T2DM was suspected to reduce the risk and complications of ARDS.However,during coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19),T2DM predisposed patients to ARDS,especially those who were on insulin at home.AIMTo evaluate the impact of outpatient insulin use in T2DM patients on non-COVID-19 ARDS outcomes.METHODS We conducted a retrospective cohort analysis using the Nationwide Inpatient Sample database.Adult patients diagnosed with ARDS were stratified into insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus(DM)(IDDM)and non-insulindependent DM(NIDDM)groups.After applying exclusion criteria and matching over 20 variables,we compared cohorts for mortality,duration of mechanical ventilation,incidence of acute kidney injury(AKI),length of stay(LOS),hospitalization costs,and other clinical outcomes.RESULTS Following 1:1 propensity score matching,the analysis included 274 patients in each group.Notably,no statistically significant differences emerged between the IDDM and NIDDM groups in terms of mortality rates(32.8%vs 31.0%,P=0.520),median hospital LOS(10 d,P=0.537),requirement for mechanical ventilation,incidence rates of sepsis,pneumonia or AKI,median total hospitalization costs,or patient disposition upon discharge.CONCLUSION Compared to alternative anti-diabetic medications,outpatient insulin treatment does not appear to exert an independent influence on in-hospital morbidity or mortality in diabetic patients with non-COVID-19 ARDS.

Clinical Effect of Yinhuang Qingfei Capsules in Treatment of Asymptomatic and Mild/Common Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Infection:An Analysis of 242 Cases

[Objectives]To investigate the clinical effect of Yinhuang Qingfei capsules in the treatment of asymptomatic and mild/common severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2(SARS-CoV-2)infection.[Methods]A total of 362 patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection were divided into the treatment group with 242 patients and control group with 120 patients according to their treatment regimen.The patients in the control group were given standard treatment regimen and those in the treatment group were given Yinhuang Qingfei capsules in addition to the treatment in the control group.The two groups were observed in terms of average length of hospital stay,mean time for nucleic acid clearance,TCM syndrome score,and progression to severe/critical illness,and clinical outcome was compared between the two groups.[Results]There was a significant difference in the overall response rate between the treatment group and the control group[97.52%(236/242)vs 95.00%(114/120),P<0.05].Compared with the control group,the treatment group had significantly shorter length of hospital stay and time for nucleic acid clearance(P<0.05).After 7 days of treatment,both groups had a significant change in TCM syndrome score,and there was a significant difference in TCM syndrome score between the two groups(P<0.05);after 15 days of treatment,both groups had a TCM syndrome score of 0.Progression to severe/critical illness was not observed in either group.[Conclusions]Compared with the standard treatment regimen alone,standard treatment regimen combined with Yinhuang Qingfei capsules can effectively shorten the length of hospital stay and time for nucleic acid clearance and improve TCM symptoms in patients with asymptomatic and mild/common SARS-CoV-2 infection.

A Comparison between Late Preterm and Term Infants with Respiratory Distress Syndrome, Early-Onset Sepsis, and Neonatal Jaundice in Ecuadorian Newborns

Background: To examine the differences in prevalence of respiratory distress syndrome, early-onset sepsis and jaundice, between late preterm infants versus term infants in Ecuadorian newborns. Methods: Study design: Epidemiological, observational, and cross-sectional, with two cohorts of patients. Settings: IESS Quito Sur Hospital at Quito, Ecuador, from February to April of 2020. Participants: This study included 204 newborns, 102 preterm infants, 102 term infants. Results: There are significant differences between late preterm infants and term infants, with a p-value of 0.000 in the prevalence of early sepsis, 70.59% vs. 35.29%. In respiratory distress syndrome between late and term premature infants, significant differences were observed with a p-value of 0.000, the proportion being 55.58% vs. 24.51% respectively. The prevalence of jaundice is higher in term infants with a p value of 0.002, 72.55%, versus 51.96% in late preterm infants, and the mean value of bilirubins in mg/dL was higher in term infants 14.32 versus 12.33 in late preterm infants;this difference is statistically significant with a p value of 0.004. Admission to the NICU is more frequent in late preterm infants with a p-value of 0.000, being 42.16% for late preterm infants vs. 7.84% in term infants;the mean of the hospital days with p-value 0.005, was higher in late preterm infants 4.97 days vs. 3.55 days for term newborns. Conclusion: Due to the conditions of their immaturity, late preterm infants are 2.86 times more likely to present early sepsis than full-term newborns. It is shown that late preterm infants are 2.69 times more likely to have respiratory distress syndrome compared to term infants, therefore, late preterm infants have a longer hospital stay of 4.97 days versus 3.55 days in term infants. Jaundice and mean bilirubin levels are higher in term infants due to blood group incompatibility and insufficient breastfeeding.

Steroids in acute respiratory distress syndrome:A panacea or still a puzzle?

Acute respiratory distress syndrome(ARDS)is a unique entity marked by various etiologies and heterogenous pathophysiologies.There remain concerns regarding the efficacy of particular medications for each severity level apart from respiratory support.Among several pharmacotherapies which have been examined in the treatment of ARDS,corticosteroids,in particular,have demonstrated potential for improving the resolution of ARDS.Nevertheless,it is imperative to consider the potential adverse effects of hyperglycemia,susceptibility to hospital-acquired infections,and the development of intensive care unit acquired weakness when administering corticosteroids.Thus far,a multitude of trials spanning several decades have investigated the role of corticosteroids in ARDS.Further stringent trials are necessary to identify particular subgroups before implementing corticosteroids more widely in the treatment of ARDS.This review article provides a concise overview of the most recent evidence regarding the role and impact of corticosteroids in the management of ARDS.

Respiratory Distress in Neonates at the Teaching Hospitals of Lomé, Togo

Introduction: Respiratory distress in neonates is a neonatal emergency that can lead to serious complications if not treated appropriately. The aim of this study was to describe the epidemiology, the diagnostic, and the outcomes of neonatal respiratory distress. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study carried out in the pediatric wards of Lomé Teaching Hospitals (CHU Sylvanus Olympio and CHU Campus), including neonates treated for respiratory distress (dyspnea associated with the use of accessory muscles of respiration, noisy breathing and with or without cyanosis) from January 1, 2021 to December 31, 2021. Data were entered using Epi Data 3.1 and SPSS software version 12.0. Results: The total number of neonates hospitalized for respiratory distress was 353, with a frequency of 12.5% and a sex ratio of 1.5. The mean age was 0.82 ± 3.20 days;the 0 - 6-day age group accounted for 92.4% of cases. Neonates had been resuscitated at birth in 46.7% of cases. Dyspnea was tachypnea in 94% of cases and bradypnea in 6%. Dyspnea was associated with cyanosis in 21.5% of cases. The severity of the respiratory distress was moderate in 64.9% of cases. Perinatal asphyxia (49.1%), inhalation pneumonitis (17.1%) and neonatal bacterial infection (14.1%) were the main etiologies. The mortality rate was 20.4%. Age greater than or equal to seven days, no neonatal resuscitation were protective factors against death. Prematurity, no antenatal consultations follow up, neonatal resuscitation, severe respiratory distress were risk factors of death. Conclusion: Neonatal respiratory distress was common in the early neonatal period and its mortality was high.

Factors Associated with Acute Respiratory Infections in Children Aged 0 - 5 Years in the Yénawa District of Cotonou (Benin) in 2023

Introduction: Acute respiratory infections remain one of the main causes of mortality in children aged 0 to 5. This work aimed to study the associated factors with the occurrence of acute respiratory infections in children 0 to 5 years old in Yénawa, Cotonou in 2023. Subjects and Method: It was an analytical cross-sectional study of children aged 0 - 5 years and their mothers in Yénawa, selected by four-degree random sampling. The sampling size, calculated using the Schwartz formula, was 126 children and 126 mothers. The dependent variable was the occurrence of acute respiratory infections. The independent variables were classified into four groups: socio-demographic and economic characteristics, behavioral factors, child-related factors, and environmental factors. Data collected by observation and questionnaire survey were analyzed using STATA version 15 software. Associated factors were investigated by bivariate analysis and multiple logistic regression, at the 5% significance level. Results: A total of 126 children aged 0 - 5 years and 126 mothers were surveyed, aged 23.5 (11 - 36) months and 30 (18 - 48) years respectively. The prevalence of acute respiratory infections was 74.60% (CI95% = 66.89 to 82.30). The associated factors were the mother’s age between 18 and 28 (OR = 10.77;CI95% = 1.89 to 61.27;p = 0.007), the use of charcoal/wood for cooking (OR = 7.36;IC = 1.99 to 27.10;p = 0.003)), children's poor personal hygiene (OR = 8.87;IC = 2.92 to 26.97;p 0.001)), and cohabitation with domestic animals (OR = 7.27;IC = 1.67 to 31.71;p = 0.015). Conclusion: Communicating with mothers about the factors identified will help reduce the prevalence of acute respiratory infections in children aged 0 to 5.

Carbocysteine as Adjuvant Therapy in Acute Respiratory Tract Infections in Patients without Underlying Chronic Conditions: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Objective: This study aims to systematically examine the existing evidence regarding the clinical benefits of carbocysteine as an adjunctive treatment in acute bronchopulmonary and otorhinological processes. Design: Systematic review and meta-analysis. Data sources: An electronic search was conducted across PubMed, Cochrane Library, clinicaltrials.gov, and the European Clinical Trial Register, with the search dated to May 2023. Bibliographic references from other literature reviews and meta-analyses were also reviewed. The search was limited to randomized clinical trials published in any language and year. It was completed by cross-checking the references of the located articles. Methods: Inclusion criteria covered studies assessing systemic or inhaled carbocysteine, regardless of dosing regimen. Concomitant medication use was acceptable if balanced between intervention and control groups. Authors independently extracted data, resolving disagreements through consensus. Methodological quality assessment relied on critical reading of each study. Dichotomous variables were analyzed using odds ratio (OR), and a final effect size was calculated. Statistical significance was established when confidence intervals did not cross the neutral value. Heterogeneity was assessed via the X2 test and I2 index. Results: Out of 318 initially identified studies, 4 met inclusion criteria. The meta-analysis for poor general condition yielded an OR of 0.45 in favor of intervention, p = 0.013, with non-significant heterogeneity. Cough events showed a percentage of 15.8% for carbocysteine vs. 27.2% for placebo. On the seventh day, expectoration rates were 18.37% for carbocysteinevs 33.3% for placebo. Conclusions: The observed clinical benefits align with carbocysteine’s mucoactive and muco-regulatory properties, complemented by anti-inflammatory and antioxidant actions. Carbocysteine stands out among mucolytic agents. In the context of persistent infectious diseases, the study emphasizes the need for further exploration of carbocysteine’s therapeutic potential as an adjunctive treatment for acute respiratory infections. These findings underscore its significance in the evolving landscape of respiratory healthcare.

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.

Study on the Accuracy of Serum Prealbumin Level in Predicting the Prognosis of Patients with Critical Respiratory Illness

Objective: To analyze the accuracy of serum prealbumin levels in predicting the prognosis of patients with critical respiratory illness. Methods: Fifty patients with critical respiratory illness admitted to our hospital from October 2022 to September 2023 were selected and divided into an observation group and a control group after condition assessment, with 25 cases in each group. The results of cholinesterase (ChE), prealbumin (PALB), albumin (ALB), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), total protein (TP), and forced expiratory volume (FEV1)/Predicted (Pred) of the two groups were measured. Results: The ChE levels of the observation group were lower than those of the control group, while the PALB and ALB levels of the observation group were higher than those of the control group (P < 0.05). The AST, TP, and FEV1 /Pred levels of the observation group were higher than those in the control group (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Serum PALB levels can be used as the main indicator for prognosis in critically ill respiratory patients.

Research Progress on the Prevention of Premature Infant Lung Injury and Neonatal Respiratory Support

In the past 40 years,advances in neonatal intensive care unit(NICU)technology have enabled premature infants with lower birth weight and younger gestational age to survive.But with it comes an increase in the incidence of long-term respiratory dysfunction,mainly in the form of bronchopulmonary dysplasia(BPD).Preventing lung injury is crucial for preventing BPD and improving the long-term prognosis of premature infants.Therefore,how to avoid ventilator-associated lung injury has become a focus of clinical and scientific research in premature infants in recent years.This article will elaborate on the susceptibility and pathophysiology of premature infant lung injury,ventilation strategies for preventing lung injury,and new advances in neonatal respiratory support.

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 Current Situation and Risk Factors of Lower Respiratory Tract Infection among ICU Patients in Guizhou,China During 2019-2022

Objective:This study aims to explore the prevalence,features,and risk factors of lower respiratory tract infections(LRTIs)in the intensive care unit(ICU)of a newly established hospital in Zunyi City.The goal is to devise strategies for preventing LRTIs in the ICU of new hospitals,thereby mitigating the incidence of nosocomial LRTIs in ICU patients.Methods:A case-control study was conducted from March 2019 to December 2022 to investigate the incidence rate of LRTIs in the ICU of a newly constructed hospital in Zunyi City.Patients with LRTIs constituted the case group,while those without LRTIs constituted the control group,where a 1:1 matching principle was adhered to.A single-factor chi-square(χ2)test was employed to analyze the risk factors,with independent risk factors being explored using a multivariate logistic regression analysis.Results:A total of 169 strains of pathogenic bacteria were isolated,comprising 66.28%gram-negative bacteria,17.75%gram-positive bacteria,and 15.97%fungi.The most prevalent pathogens included Acinetobacter baumannii(43.20%),Candida albicans(10.65%),and Pseudomonas aeruginosa(8.88%).Of the 82 strains infected by multidrug-resistant bacteria in patients with LRTIs,81.7%were carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii,9.8%were multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa,and 6.1%were carbapenem-resistant Escherichia coli.Identified risk factors included smoking history,total hospitalization days,ICU stay length,hypoproteinemia,indwelling gastric tube,intubation type,duration of mechanical ventilation,usage of antibacterial drugs,and administration of protein drugs(P<0.05).Multivariate logistic regression analysis demonstrated that these factors were independent risk factors for nosocomial LRTIs in ICU patients(P<0.05).Conclusion:ICU patients in our hospital were mainly infected by carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii.To prevent LRTIs in patients,tailored preventive measures should be developed and the rational use of antibacterial drugs should be promoted.