Impact of tapered-cuff tracheal tube on microaspiration of gastric contents in intubated critically ill patients: a multicenter cluster-randomized cross-over controlled trial.

Purpose: Studies on the impact of tapered-cuff tracheal tubes on rates of microaspiration and ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) in intubated patients have reported conflicting results. The aim of this study was to determine the influence of this shape of tracheal cuff on abundant microaspiration of gastric contents in critically ill patients.

Methods: All patients intubated in the intensive care unit (ICU) and requiring mechanical ventilation for at least 48 h were eligible for this multicenter cluster-randomized controlled cross-over open-label study.

The use of static and dynamic haemodynamic parameters before volume expansion: A prospective observational study in six French intensive care units.

Objective: The aim of the present study was to determine the use of static and dynamic haemodynamic parameters for predicting fluid responsiveness prior to volume expansion (VE) in intensive care unit (ICU) patients with systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS).

Methods: We conducted a prospective, multicentre, observational study in 6 French ICUs in 2012. ICU physicians were audited concerning their use of static and dynamic haemodynamic parameters before each VE performed in patients with SIRS for 6 consecutive weeks.

Impact of tracheal cuff shape on microaspiration of gastric contents in intubated critically ill patients: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

Background: Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is the most common infection in intubated critically ill patients. Microaspiration of the contaminated gastric and oropharyngeal secretions is the main mechanism involved in the pathophysiology of VAP. Tracheal cuff plays an important role in stopping the progression of contaminated secretions into the lower respiratory tract.