Peri-partum respiratory management of pregnant women with neuro-muscular disorders: a prospective observational study (IT-NEUMA-Pregn study).

Background: Pregnant women with neuromuscular diseases (NMDs) often display respiratory muscle impairment which increases the risk for pulmonary complications (PCs). The aim of this study was to identify pregnant NMDs patients with pulmonary risk factors and to apply in these women non-invasive ventilation (NIV) combined with mechanical insufflation-exsufflation (MI-E) in the peri-partum period.

Methods: We conducted a multicenter observational study on women with NMDs undergoing cesarean section or spontaneous labor in a network of 7 national hospitals.

Blood and ultrafiltrate dosage of citrate as a useful and routine tool during continuous venovenous haemodiafiltration in septic shock patients.

Background: Citrate anticoagulation is gaining popularity in renal replacement therapies (RRT) for critically ill patients. In order to study whether citrate accumulates in septic shock patients, we determined citrate in plasma and dialysate during continuous venovenous haemodiafiltration (CVVHDF).

Methods: An automated routine determination of citrate was set up using a commercial kit (citrate lyase method).

Efficacy and safety of a low-flow veno-venous carbon dioxide removal device: results of an experimental study in adult sheep.

Introduction: Extracorporeal lung assist, an extreme resource in patients with acute respiratory failure (ARF), is expanding its indications since knowledge about ventilator-induced lung injury has increased and protective ventilation has become the standard in ARF.

Methods: A prospective study on seven adult sheep was conducted to quantify carbon dioxide (CO2) removal and evaluate the safety of an extracorporeal membrane gas exchanger placed in a veno-venous pump-driven bypass. Animals were anaesthetised, intubated, ventilated in order to reach hypercapnia, and then connected to the CO2 removal device.

Study protocol: the DOse REsponse Multicentre International collaborative initiative (DO-RE-MI).

Introduction: Current practices for renal replacement therapy in intensive care units (ICUs) remain poorly defined. The DOse REsponse Multicentre International collaborative initiative (DO-RE-MI) will address the issue of how the different modes of renal replacement therapy are currently chosen and performed. Here, we describe the study protocol, which was approved by the Scientific and Steering Committees.

Hemodynamic response to coupled plasmafiltration-adsorption in human septic shock.

Objective: The objective was to examine the effect of repeated applications of coupled plasmafiltration-adsorption on the hemodynamic response in septic shock patients hospitalized in intensive care units (ICUs).

Design: Prospective, intention-to-treat.

Setting: General ICU of a tertiary care, non-teaching, 400-bed, city hospital.