Ventricular structural changes in patients with sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) and myocardial infarction

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is associated with cardiovascular diseases. Aim: To analyze structural parameters of myocardial damage in patients presenting with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and its relationship with OSA severity. Method: This is a prospective, observational study in patients with a first acute myocardial infarction (MI) treated by percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) studies were performed at 3 days and 6 months. Eligible patients underwent a polysomnography within 30 days after PCI. Quantitative data were expressed as mean±SD. Linear regression analysis was used to describe associations between infarct characteristics and OSA. …

Usefulness of Oscillations Added to Mechanical In-Exsufflation in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis.

BACKGROUND: Assisted coughing via mechanical in-exsufflation (MI-E) is a first-line treatment for secretion management in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) with unassisted CPF METHODS: We conducted a 12-month, prospective, randomized follow-up study of subjects with ALS for whom assisted coughing techniques were indicated. One group was treated with oscillations in addition to MI-E (MI-E+O), and the other group was treated with conventional MI-E. RESULTS: 29 subjects were included in the MI-E group and 27 subjects were included in the MI-E+O group. Five subjects (8.9%) required invasive techniques for secretion management (3 in the MI-E group and 2 in the MI-E+O group, P = .…

Circulating microRNAs can identify endotypes of community-acquired pneumonia

Background: The identification of the host processes dysregulated in community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) patients, especially in those who develop severe complications could be crucial for future management of this disease. We aim to study microRNAs profiles to define different CAP endotypes regarding complications. Methods: An observational prospective study of consecutive hospitalized CAP cases was performed. Circulating microRNAs were analyzed using qRT-PCR. We study correlations and predictive value of miRNAs regarding severe sepsis and acute hypoxemic respiratory failure (AHRF: PaO2/FiO2 Results: We analyzed clinical data and blood samples from 169 CAP patients. The mean age was 66.9 ye…

Traqueotomía en enfermos con ELA: pro

Unstable control of breathing can lead to ineffective noninvasive ventilation in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

Upper airway obstruction with decreased central drive (ODCD) is one of the causes of ineffective noninvasive ventilation (NIV) in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The aim of this study is to determine the mechanism responsible for ODCD in ALS patients using NIV. This is a prospective study that included ALS patients with home NIV. Severity of bulbar dysfunction was assessed with the Norris scale bulbar subscore; data on upper or lower bulbar motor neuron predominant dysfunction on physical examination were collected. Polysomnography was performed on every patient while using NIV and the ODCD index (ODCDI: number of ODCD events/total sleep time) was calculated. To determine the possible …

Effect of one-year dextromethorphan/quinidine treatment on management of respiratory impairment in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

Abstract Treatment with Dextromethorphan/Quinidine (DM/Q) has demonstrated benefit on pseudobulbar affect and bulbar function in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The aim of this study was to assess whether DM/Q could provide long-term improvement in bulbar function and thereby prolong noninvasive respiratory management in ALS. Materials and methods This prospective, case-cohort study, recruited ALS patients with bulbar dysfunction. Subjects included were compared with cross-matched historical controls. Cases received DM/Q (20/10 mg twice daily) during one-year follow-up; bulbar dysfunction was evaluated with the Norris scale bulbar subscore (NBS) and bulbar subscale of AlSFRS-R (ALSFRSb…

Mechanical Insufflation-Exsufflation With Oscillations in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis With Home Ventilation via Tracheostomy

BACKGROUND: Mechanical insufflation-exsufflation (MI-E) applied via tracheostomy tubes in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) who are on home mechanical ventilation via tracheostomy is an effective procedure for respiratory secretion management. Nonetheless, tenacious secretions may remain and increase the risk of respiratory infections. The aim of this study was to determine whether adding oscillations to MI-E could reduce the rate of respiratory infections and the need for bronchoscopy to remove secretions in patients with ALS on home mechanical ventilation via tracheostomy. METHODS: This was a 2-y, prospective, crossover study. Subjects were treated with conventional MI-E a…