Publications by authors named "Christian Labra"

Article Synopsis
  • This study compared two fluid removal strategies for critically ill patients on mechanical ventilation: a traditional negative fluid balance approach and a newer method focusing on fluid responsiveness.
  • Results showed that patients in the fluid responsiveness group were able to wean off the ventilator significantly faster than those in the negative fluid balance group.
  • The fluid responsiveness approach also helped avoid metabolic issues like secondary alkalosis and hypokalemia, suggesting it may be a safer and more effective method for managing fluid overload in these patients.
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Introduction: Sleep disorders are common in the military, and there is a gross shortage of sleep specialists in the military health system. The purposes of the present study were to (1) understand perceptions and expectations surrounding sleep telehealth approaches and (2) solicit feedback to optimize and refine a proposed novel sleep telehealth management platform. To accomplish these objectives, we investigated the perceptions, expectations, and preferences of active duty service members (ADSMs) with sleep disorders, primary care managers (PCMs), and administrative stakeholders regarding sleep telehealth management.

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Introduction: Sleep disorders' are highly prevalent among U.S. active duty service members (ADSMs) and present well-documented challenges to military health, safety, and performance.

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Background: The spontaneous breathing trial (SBT) assesses the risk of weaning failure by evaluating some physiological responses to the massive venous return increase imposed by discontinuing positive pressure ventilation. This trial can be very demanding for some critically ill patients, inducing excessive physical and cardiovascular stress, including muscle fatigue, heart ischemia and eventually cardiac dysfunction. Extubation failure with emergency reintubation is a serious adverse consequence of a failed weaning process.

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Chest pain is a common complaint at medical treatment facilities during combat operations. The initial evaluation focuses on potentially life-threatening conditions (acute coronary syndrome, aortic dissection, pulmonary embolus), in addition to pericarditis and benign musculoskeletal conditions such as costochondritis. Pulmonary arteriovenous malformation is a rare condition, but an important diagnostic consideration in soldiers who present with chest pain and/or hypoxia and in whom other life-threatening conditions, such as cardiovascular disasters and pulmonary embolus, are excluded.

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