Tracheoesophageal fistulas in coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic: A case report.

Background: Tracheoesophageal fistulas (TEFs) can be described as a pathological communication between the trachea and the esophagus. According to their origin, they may be classified as benign or malignant. Benign TEFs occur mostly as a consequence of prolonged mechanical ventilation, particularly among patients exposed to endotracheal cuff overinflation.

Impact of head of bed elevation in symptoms of patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease: a randomized single-blind study (IBELGA).

Background: The clinical impact of head-of-bed elevation in patients with gastro-oesophageal reflux disease is unclear, because of inconsistency and methodological limitations of previous studies.

Patients And Methods: A randomised single-blind single-centre controlled clinical trial with a 2x2 cross-over design, in 39 pharmacologically treated patients with gastro-oesophageal reflux disease. Active intervention was to use a head-of-bed-elevation of 20cm for 6 weeks and then to sleep without inclination for 6 additional weeks, with a wash-out of 2 weeks between periods.