Predictors of prolonged ventilator weaning and mortality in critically ill patients with COVID-19.

Objective: To identify factors associated with prolonged weaning and mortality in critically ill COVID-19 patients admitted to ICUs and under invasive mechanical ventilation.

Methods: Between March of 2020 and July of 2021, we retrospectively recorded clinical and ventilatory characteristics of critically ill COVID-19 patients from the day of intubation to the outcome. We classified the patients regarding the weaning period in accordance with established criteria.

High-dose inhaled beclomethasone treatment in patients with chronic cough: a randomized placebo-controlled study.

Background: It is important to determine whether chronic cough is associated with asthma and can be helped by treatment with inhaled corticosteroids.

Objective: To compare the effects of beclomethasone and placebo in patients with chronic cough for at least 8 weeks after excluding those with cough due to postnasal drip and gastroesophageal reflux disease.

Methods: A prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study comprising 64 patients was performed for 2 weeks.