[Results of an educational program on the autonomy of patients tracheotomized for chronic respiratory insufficiency].

In 1984 an educational programme was drawn up for patients with chronic respiratory failure and tracheotomies (IRCT) aimed at their obtaining independence and self-sufficiency. A prospective evaluation was made in parallel with the diary cards of the nurses (SI) measuring the level of dependence of care, defined by 15 characteristics and based on objective and analysable data. After excluding those patients who are already independent (22), decreased or transferred on account of decompensation (23) or removal of the tracheostomy tube (27), 92 patients (46 obstructive and 46 restrictive) coming from 31 centres of respiratory care or intensive care were studied between January 1985 and December 1986: 17 patients were bed-ridden and non-educable and were used as control subjects (T), and 75 patients entered the educational programme.

[Complications of tracheotomy].

The complications of tracheotomy are reviewed and divided into two categories: early and late complications depending on whether the cannula has been removed or remains in situ. In the acute period, severe haemorrhages (0.3 to 2%) and oesophagotracheal fistulae (0.

Correlation between precancerous bronchial metaplasia and cigarette consumption, and preliminary results of retinoid treatment.

Vitamin A and its derivatives, so-called retinoids, can prevent squamous metaplasia induced not only by vitamin A deficiency but also by carcinogenic hydrocarbons. An aromatic retinoid, such as ET1, has been shown to prevent chemically induced papillomas in mice and to amplify certain immunologic reactions. Heavy smokers, 106 volunteers, were submitted to fibrobronchoscopy with bronchial biopsies.