0000000000673748
AUTHOR
Scala R
Tracheostomy in patients with long-term mechanical ventilation: a survey.
Summary Background Tracheostomy is increasingly performed in intensive care units (ICU), with many patients transferred to respiratory ICU (RICU). Indications/timing for closing tracheostomy are discussed. Aim and Method We report results of a one-year survey evaluating: 1) clinical characteristics, types of tracheostomy, complications in patients admitted to Italian RICU in 2006; 2) clinical criteria and systems for performing decannulation, and outcome of patients undergoing tracheostomy (number decannulated; number non-decannulated/non-ventilated; number non-decannulated/ventilated; dead/lost patients). Results 22/32 RICUs replied. There were 846 admissions of 719 patients (Mean age 64,3…
High-flow nasal cannula versus non-invasive ventilation for acute hypercapnic respiratory failure in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized trials
Abstract Background Non-invasive ventilation (NIV) with bi-level positive pressure ventilation is a first-line intervention for selected patients with acute hypercapnic respiratory failure. Compared to conventional oxygen therapy, NIV may reduce endotracheal intubation, death, and intensive care unit length of stay (LOS), but its use is often limited by patient tolerance and treatment failure. High-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) is a potential alternative treatment in this patient population and may be better tolerated. Research question For patients presenting with acute hypercapnic respiratory failure, is HFNC an effective alternative to NIV in reducing the need for intubation? Methods We sear…