Association Between Vitamin D Status and Weaning From Prolonged Mechanical Ventilation in Survivors of Critical Illness.

Background: In this study, we examined the association between 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) concentration and successful weaning from mechanical ventilation in a cohort of ICU survivors requiring prolonged mechanical ventilation.

Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study of ICU survivors admitted to a long-term acute care hospital. Demographic data were extracted from medical records, including 25(OH)D concentrations drawn on admission.

Diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea using pulse oximeter derived photoplethysmographic signals.

Objectives: Increasing awareness of the high prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and its impact on health in conjunction with high cost, inconvenience, and short supply of in-lab polysomnography (PSG) has led to the development of more convenient, affordable, and accessible diagnostic devices. We evaluated the reliability and accuracy of a single-channel (finger pulse-oximetry) photoplethysmography (PPG)-based device for detection of OSA (Morpheus Ox).

Methods: Among a cohort of 73 patients referred for in-laboratory evaluation of OSA, 65 were simultaneously monitored with the PPG based device while undergoing PSG.

Long-term acute care patients weaning from prolonged mechanical ventilation maintain circadian rhythm.

Background: Circadian rhythm regulates many physiologic and immunologic processes. Disruption of these processes has been demonstrated in acutely ill, mechanically ventilated patients in the ICU setting. Light has not been studied as an entraining stimulus in the chronically mechanically ventilated patient.