Long-term outcomes of pandemic 2009 influenza A(H1N1)-associated severe ARDS.

Background: No data on long-term outcomes of survivors of 2009 influenza A(H1N1) (A[H1N1])-associated ARDS are available. The objective of this study was to compare the 1-year outcomes of survivors of A(H1N1)-associated ARDS, according to use or no use of extracorporeal lung assist (ECLA), using its need as an ARDS severity surrogate.

Methods: Survivors of ARDS (12 with ECLA use vs 25 without, corresponding to 75% and 54% of the eligible patients for each group, respectively) selected from the Réseau Européen de Ventilation Artificielle (REVA) registry had previously been healthy, with only pregnancy and/or moderate obesity (BMI ≤ 35 kg/m²) as known risk factors for A(H1N1) infection.

Diaphragm pacing improves sleep in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

In amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients, respiratory insufficiency is a major burden. Diaphragm conditioning by electrical stimulation could interfere with lung function decline by promoting the development of type 1 muscle fibres. We describe an ancillary study to a prospective, non-randomized trial (NCT00420719) assessing the effects of diaphragm pacing on forced vital capacity (FVC).

Aerosol delivery and humidification with the Boussignac continuous positive airway pressure device.

Background: A simple method for effective bronchodilator aerosol delivery while administering continuing continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) would be useful in patients with severe bronchial obstruction.

Objective: To assess the effectiveness of bronchodilator aerosol delivery during CPAP generated by the Boussignac CPAP system and its optimal humidification system.

Methods: First we assessed the relationship between flow and pressure generated in the mask with the Boussignac CPAP system.

Nebulized and intravenous colistin in experimental pneumonia caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Purpose: Emergence of multidrug-resistant strains in intensive care units has renewed interest in colistin, which often remains the only available antimicrobial agent active against resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The aim of this study is to compare lung tissue deposition and antibacterial efficiency between nebulized and intravenous administration of colistin in piglets with pneumonia caused by P. aeruginosa.

Chemosensitivity recovery in Ondine's curse syndrome under treatment with desogestrel.

Congenital central hypoventilation syndrome (CCHS), or Ondine's curse syndrome, is a rare genetic disorder associated with mutations of the PHOX2B gene. It is characterized by sleep-related life-threatening hypoventilation that requires mechanical ventilation. The ventilatory response to hypercapnia and hypoxia is absent or dramatically reduced.

Cardiac asthma in elderly patients: incidence, clinical presentation and outcome.

Background: Cardiac asthma is common, but has been poorly investigated. The objective was to compare the characteristics and outcome of cardiac asthma with that of classical congestive heart failure (CHF) in elderly patients.

Methods: Prospective study in an 1,800-bed teaching hospital.

Telemetric monitoring of pulmonary function after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.

Background: Late-onset noninfectious pulmonary complications (LONIPC) are both frequent and severe after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). The high mortality rate (40-80%) may be related to delayed diagnosis. We assessed the use of telemetric home surveillance of pulmonary function for early diagnosis of LONIPC in transplant recipients.

Acute respiratory failure in the elderly: etiology, emergency diagnosis and prognosis.

Introduction: Our objectives were to determine the causes of acute respiratory failure (ARF) in elderly patients and to assess the accuracy of the initial diagnosis by the emergency physician, and that of the prognosis.

Method: In this prospective observational study, patients were included if they were admitted to our emergency department, aged 65 years or more with dyspnea, and fulfilled at least one of the following criteria of ARF: respiratory rate at least 25 minute-1; arterial partial pressure of oxygen (PaO2) 70 mmHg or less, or peripheral oxygen saturation 92% or less in breathing room air; arterial partial pressure of CO2 (PaCO2) > or = 45 mmHg, with pH < or = 7.35.

Mild intermittent asthma: CT assessment of bronchial cross-sectional area and lung attenuation at controlled lung volume.

Purpose: To evaluate, with thin-section computed tomography (CT), changes in bronchial cross-sectional area and lung attenuation induced by bronchial stimulation in patients with mild intermittent asthma, at a given lung volume monitored with pneumotachography.

Materials And Methods: Twelve patients with mild intermittent asthma who were nonsmokers (National Institutes of Health staging) and six nonsmoking healthy volunteers, age and sex ratio-matched, were examined by using helical thin-collimation CT at the level of basal bronchi at 65% of total lung capacity. Three sets of acquisitions were obtained: at baseline and after inhalation of methacholine and then salbutamol.

Lung tissue concentrations of nebulized amikacin during mechanical ventilation in piglets with healthy lungs.

The tissue concentration of aminoglycosides in lung parenchyma is the main determinant of bactericidal efficiency. The aim of the study was to compare the lung deposition of amikacin administered either by an ultrasonic nebulizer or by intravenous infusion during mechanical ventilation. Eighteen healthy ventilated piglets received a single daily dose of amikacin by intravenous infusion (15 mg.