Risk Factors for Weaning Failure in COVID-19 Patients.

Background: Data on risk factors associated with mechanical ventilation (MV) weaning failure among SARS-CoV2 ARDS patients is limited. We aimed to determine clinical characteristics associated with weaning outcome in SARS-CoV2 ARDS patients under MV.

Objectives: To determine potential risk factors for weaning outcome in patients with SARS-CoV2 ARDS.

Demographic and clinical features of critically ill patients with COVID-19 in Greece: The burden of diabetes and obesity.

Aims: The aim of the study was to investigate the association between type-2 diabetes mellitus, other underlying diseases and obesity with the outcomes of critically ill Covid-19 patients in Greece.

Methods: In this retrospective observational multi-centre study, data and outcomes of 90 RNA 2109-nCoV confirmed critically ill patients from 8 hospitals throughout Greece, were analysed. All reported information stand through April 13th 2020.

Effect of the independent acid base variables on anion gap variation in cardiac surgical patients: a Stewart-Figge approach.

Purpose: To determine the effect of each of independent acid base variables on the anion gap (AG) value in cardiac surgical patients.

Methods: This retrospective study involved 128 cardiac surgical patients admitted for postoperative care. The variation of AG (AGvar) between the day of admission and the first postoperative day was correlated via a multiple linear regression model with the respective variations of the independent acid base variables, that is, apparent strong ion difference (SIDa), strong ion gap (SIG), carbon dioxide (PCO2), and albumin and phosphate concentrations.

Inflammatory markers in middle-aged obese subjects: does obstructive sleep apnea syndrome play a role?

Background: Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome (OSAS) is associated with inflammation, but obesity may be a confounding factor. Thus, the aim of this study was to explore differences in serum levels of inflammation markers between obese individuals with or without OSAS.

Methods: Healthy individuals (n = 61) from an outpatient obesity clinic were examined by polysomnography and blood analysis, for measurement of TNF-alpha, IL-6, CRP, and fibrinogen levels.

Pro-brain natriuretic peptide is a sensitive marker for detecting cardiac metastases in patients with non-small cell lung cancer.

Background: B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) and N-terminal-pro-BNP (NT-pro-BNP) are important diagnostic tools for patients with suspected cardiac disorders. The aim of this study was to evaluate the predictive value of plasma NT-pro-BNP in identifying cardiac metastases in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and dyspnoea.

Patients And Methods: A total of 120 patients, median age 62 years (range 46-83), with NSCLC and dyspnoea were studied.