Small dead space heat and moisture exchangers do not impede gas exchange during noninvasive ventilation: a comparison with a heated humidifier.

Objective: Adverse respiratory and gasometrical effects have been described in patients with acute respiratory failure (ARF) undergoing noninvasive ventilation (NIV) with standard heat and moisture exchangers (HME). We decided to evaluate respiratory parameters and arterial blood gases (ABG) of patients during NIV with small dead space HME compared with heated humidifier (HH).

Design: Prospective randomized crossover study.

Influence of surgical treatment timing on mortality from necrotizing soft tissue infections requiring intensive care management.

Purpose: Surgical treatment is crucial in the management of necrotizing soft tissue infections (NSTIs). The aim of this study was to determine the influence of surgical procedure timing on hospital mortality in severe NSTI.

Methods: A retrospective study including 106 patients was conducted in a medical intensive care unit equipped with a hyperbaric chamber.

Influence of cardiac output level on oxygen exchange in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients.

Study Objectives: In the course of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pulmonary gas exchange deteriorates as a result of ventilation/perfusion inequalities and hypoxaemia. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the influence of cardiac output (CO) level observed at rest in COPD patients on interaction between central and peripheral O(2) exchange.

Methods: One hundred and nine patients with advanced but stable COPD were analysed in a retrospective study by the multiple inert gas elimination technique.

Mass transfer, clearance and plasma concentration of procalcitonin during continuous venovenous hemofiltration in patients with septic shock and acute oliguric renal failure.

Objectives: To measure the mass transfer and clearance of procalcitonin (PCT) in patients with septic shock during continuous venovenous hemofiltration (CVVH), and to assess the mechanisms of elimination of PCT.

Setting: The medical department of intensive care.

Design: A prospective, observational study.

Postvaccinal inflammatory neuropathy: peripheral nerve biopsy in 3 cases.

Autoimmune inflammatory polyneuropathy (PN) can be triggered by vaccination. We report 3 such cases. A 36-year-old female nurse presented 15 days after a hepatitis B vaccination (HBV) with acute sensory disturbances in the lower limbs.