The depth of neuromuscular blockade is not related to chest wall elastance and respiratory mechanics in moderate to severe acute respiratory distress syndrome patients. A prospective cohort study.

Background: Data concerning the depth of neuromuscular blockade (NMB) required for effective relaxation of the respiratory muscles in ARDS are scarce. We hypothesised that complete versus partial NMB can modify respiratory mechanics.

Method: Prospective study to compare the respiratory mechanics of ARDS patients according to the NMB depth.

Prediction of pulmonary aspergillosis in patients with ventilator-associated pneumonia.

Background: Predictors of ICU-acquired pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA) are not well-established in critically ill patients with ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP), making IPA commonly misdiagnosed and anti-fungal therapy delayed. We aimed to develop a clinical score for prediction of IPA among patients with VAP.

Methods: Mechanically ventilated patients who developed VAP in 4 ICUs in Bretagne, Western France, were included.

Prevention of ICU-acquired infection with decontamination regimen in immunocompromised patients: a pre/post observational study.

Purpose: Although the proportion of immunocompromised patients admitted to the ICU is increasing, data regarding specific management, including acquired infection (ICU-AI) prophylaxis, in this setting are lacking. We aim to investigate the effect of multiple-site decontamination regimens (MSD) in immunocompromised patients.

Methods: We conducted a prospective pre-/post-observational study in 2 ICUs in Bretagne, western France.

Multiple-site decontamination in mechanically ventilated ICU patients: A real-life study.

Introduction: Decontamination regimen decreases acquired infection (ICU-AI) incidence but has remained controversial, mostly because it contains a course of intravenous antibiotic. Multiple-site decontamination (MSD), which does not include systemic antibiotics, has been less widely studied but is associated with lower risks of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP), bloodstream infection (BSI) and multidrug resistant micro-organism (MDRO) acquisition. We aimed to confirm these favorable outcomes.