Forced Expiratory Volume in One Second Quotient (FEV1Q) as a Prognostic Factor in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Patients: Comparing Its Predictive Value to Other Lung Function Measurements.

Introduction: Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disorder affecting the first and second motor neurons. Forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) have conventionally served as indicators of respiratory muscle strength. Recently, FEV1Q (FEV1 divided by the sex-specific first percentile values of absolute FEV1 in adults with lung disease) has been suggested as a predictor of mortality.

Medical masks' and respirators' pattern of use, adverse effects and errors among Portuguese health care professionals during the COVID-19 pandemic: A cross-sectional study.

Background: During COVID-19 pandemic, a shortage of surgical masks (Mask) and respirators (Resp) was experienced worldwide. We aimed to assess its pattern of use, adverse effects and user errors by Portuguese health care professionals (HCP).

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted through snowball convenience sample, collected by email/ social media to health care organizations.

Usefulness of the HACOR score in predicting success of CPAP in COVID-19-related hypoxemia.

Introduction: In COVID-19 associated hypoxemic acute respiratory failure (ARF) without mandatory indication for urgent endotracheal intubation, a trial of CPAP may be considered. We aimed to evaluate HACOR (heart rate, acidosis, consciousness, oxygenation, respiratory rate) score performance in these patients as predictor of CPAP failure.

Methods: Prospective observational multicentric study (three centers in different countries), including adult patients with SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia admitted to a respiratory intermediate care unit, presenting PaO/FiO < 300 and PaCO < 45 mmHg, who received CPAP.