Automatic oxygen administration and weaning in patients following mechanical ventilation.

PURPOSE: To evaluate efficacy of FreeO2 device in oxygen weaning of patients after being liberated from mechanical ventilation (MV). METHODS: Prospective crossover cohort study in patients admitted to ICU and after MV weaning. FreeO2 curves were recorded during constant flow and FreeO2 modes. Oxygenation parameters and O2 consumption were assessed. RESULTS: Fifty one records were obtained in 51 patients (median age, 62 years, 54.9% had COPD, admission for acute respiratory failure in 96%). NIV was used initially in 68.6%. For a median records duration of 2.04 h, the time spent within target SpO2 range was significantly higher with FreeO2 mode compared to constant O2 flow mode [86.92% (77.11-92.39) vs 43.17% (5.08-75.37); p < 0.001]. Time with hyperoxia was lower with FreeO2 mode: 8.68% (2.96-15.59) vs 38.28% (2.02-86.34). Times with hypoxaemia, and with severe desaturation, were similar. At the end of FreeO2 mode, O2 flow was lower than 1 l/min in 28 patients (54.9%), with a median of 0.99 l/min. CONCLUSIONS: For the purpose of oxygen weaning in patients recovering from MV, automatic O2 titration with FreeO2 was associated with a substantial reduction in O2 delivery and better oxygenation parameters in comparison with constant O2 flow.

[Contribution of high fidelity simulation to training in respiratory medicine]. / Apport de l'apprentissage par la simulation dans l'enseignement de la pneumologie.

INTRODUCTION: Simulation maintains patient safety by limiting the risk of errors. In the medical field, simulation is a method of learning that is developing more and more in the acute specialties but it is still not widespread in the field of respiratory medicine. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of high fidelity simulation as a teaching tool in respiratory medicine. METHODS AND POPULATION STUDIED: This was a prospective and descriptive study including students who had high fidelity simulation training sessions during their traineeship in respiratory medicine. Simulation learning took the form of four teaching sessions. The included students were assessed at the beginning and end of each session by a pre-test and post-test. Student satisfaction was assessed at the end of each session. RESULTS: Comparing the average student score before and after the simulation session showed an improvement in post-test scores. This improvement was statistically significant for all four scenarios. The majority of students, 60% (N=13), were satisfied with the progress of their internship in the Respiratory Department. CONCLUSION: High fidelity simulation is a teaching method that allows the acquisition and/or optimization of several skills. Nevertheless, this method remains undeveloped in respiratory medicine.

[Multiple cranial nerve involvement: consider the diagnosis of cephalic tetanus. A case report and review of the literature]. / Atteinte multiple des nerfs crâniens : atteinte multiple des nerfs crâniens au cours du tétanos céphalique. À propos d'une observation et revue de la littérature.

INTRODUCTION: Cephalic tetanus is the most serious form of localized tetanus. It associates trismus with impairment of one or more cranial nerves. It was a rare condition, whose diagnosis can raise several problems. CASE REPORT: A 49-year-old-man presented multiple and unilateral cranial nerve involvement revealing cephalic tetanus. CONCLUSION: This case illustrates the importance of considering cephalic tetanus when patients present cranial nerve palsy associated with injury.

[Congenital esophageal stenosis due to tracheobronchial remnants: report of 2 cases and literature review]. / Sténose congénitale de l'oesophage par hétérotopie trachéobronchique: à propos de 2 cas et revue de littérature.

Congenital esophageal stenosis due to tracheobronchial remnants is a rare malformation whose diagnosis may be difficult. It is characterised by the abnormal presence of congenital tissue of tracheal origin in the esophageal wall, which is responsible for the narrowing of the esophagus. We report 2 cases whose treatment was surgical after failure of esophageal dilations. The presence of tracheal-bronchial tissue was confirmed by histological examination of the operative piece. Outcome was favourable and the final result was excellent. Recently, endoscopic ultrasonography has been proved useful in the diagnosis of congenital esophageal stenosis due to tracheobronchial remnants by showing the presence of cartilage, which explains the failure of dilation. The high rate of perforation in these cases is due to brutal fragmentation of the cartilaginous rings. Surgical resection of esophageal stenosis with the tracheobronchial tissue appears the only treatment susceptible to completely suppress the stenosis and its consequences.