[Non-invasive ventilation in immunosuppressed patients].

Introduction: In immunosuppressed patients with acute respiratory insufficiency (ARI) mechanical ventilation is associated with a high mortality. Therefore, in this situation, avoidance of intubation could be an important objective. However, experience of non-invasive ventilation (NIV) in the immunosuppressed remains limited.

[Association of type 1 neurofibromatosis and primary hyperparathyroidism].

Introduction: The combination of neurofibromatosis type I with hyperparathyroidism is classical but rare.

Observation: Our report is on the original observation of a patient affected with Von Recklinghausen's disease complicated by chronic restrictive breathing deficiency. After an intense breathing decompensation and a spreading convulsive attack, hyperparathyroidism was diagnosed.

Noninvasive ventilation in acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in patients with and without home noninvasive ventilation.

Objective: The frequency of home ventilation has increased greatly. The objective of the study was, first, to compare the outcome of episodes of acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease treated with mask intermittent positive-pressure ventilation (MIPPV) in patients with home MIPPV and in patients without home ventilatory support and, second, for each category of patients, to compare patients successfully ventilated with MIPPV with those who failed with MIPPV.

Design: Prospective, controlled, nonrandomized clinical study.

Designing a new flushing machine: a compromise between tradition and modernity.

Sewer cleaning has always been difficult and unhealthy work. Paris had to contrive, for sewermen, specific flushing units for removing grit from its interceptors. These machines, which are over a hundred years old and only take power from the water flow, could not be replaced by more mechanised systems based upon different concepts.

Comparison of B-mode ultrasound and computed tomography in the diagnosis of maxillary sinusitis in mechanically ventilated patients.

Objective: To compare B-mode ultrasound with sinus computed tomograph (CT) scan in the diagnosis of sinusitis in intubated patients undergoing mechanical ventilation.

Design: Prospective, clinical investigation.

Setting: Medical intensive care unit of a university hospital.