Experienced Respiratory Symptoms and the Impact on Daily Life from the Perspective of People with Parkinson's Disease: A Grounded Theory.

BACKGROUND: Abnormal respiratory function tests can be observed early in the course of Parkinson's disease (PD). A better understanding of the impact of respiratory dysfunction on daily life in PD is needed to prevent later occurring complications as a (aspiration) pneumonia. OBJECTIVE: To explain which respiratory symptoms people with PD or a form of atypical parkinsonism experience and how these symptoms impact on their daily lives. METHODS: This qualitative study used a grounded theory approach. A purposeful sample strategy was used to capture information-rich cases. Data were collected in semi-structured interviews with participants diagnosed with either PD (n = 11) or atypical parkinsonism (n = 3), all of whom had confirmed respiratory symptoms. Data were analyzed using grounded theory analysis by creating codes, categories, theoretical themes, and, ultimately, a conceptual model. RESULTS: Four respiratory profiles emerged, describing different types of respiratory dysfunction, with various positive and negative influencing factors. First, a loss of breathing automatism was experienced. Second, episodes of breathlessness or a rapid, shallow breathing pattern were triggered by either physical exertion, fatigue, or postural deformities. Third, stress and anxiety also triggered episodes of breathlessness. Fourth, a decreased cough strength and frequent coughing. Based on these findings, we constructed a conceptual model that visualizes the relations between these four types of respiratory dysfunction and their impact on daily life, with 'discomfort' and 'avoidance of social activities' as crucial elements. CONCLUSION: A tailored approach for each profile of respiratory dysfunction is recommended to improve respiratory dysfunction and to reduce its social impact in people with PD.

Current status of prevention and treatment of respiratory diseases in primary care in China: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: China launched its new round of health care reform to develop primary care in 2009, establishing 954,390 primary care institutions that employed over 10 million staff by 2019. However, some studies have shown that the prevention and management of respiratory diseases is inadequate in these institutions. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional survey of grassroots institutions throughout China between September and December 2020 based on the standardized Prevention and Treatment System and Capacity Building Project of Respiratory Diseases in primary care settings. The operation of the respiratory department in primary health care institutions was evaluated in terms of facilities, drugs, personnel and management of chronic diseases by means of questionnaires. Descriptive analyses were performed to calculate percentages and frequencies of key parameters. RESULTS: A total of 144 primary health care institutions were surveyed, including 51 in the east, 82 in the west, 9 in the central and 2 in the northeast. Approximately 60% of institutions had spirometers and pulse oximeters. The majority had short-acting bronchodilators, theophylline, systemic corticosteroids, antibiotics, and traditional Chinese medicine. More than half had at least one respiratory physician and operator for spirometry. Half of the institutions carried out screening of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease within the jurisdiction. The institutions in the east were superior to those in the west regarding the equipment, common drugs, medical staff, and management of respiratory diseases. CONCLUSIONS: The study reveals that the overall operation of the respiratory department in primary care settings needs to be further strengthened. It is crucial to provide adequate essential equipment, medical professionals, and medicines for proper diagnosis and treatment of chronic respiratory diseases, as well as improving the management of diseases.

Feasibility and Efficacy of Inspiratory Muscle Training in Patients with Head and Neck Cancer receiving Concurrent Chemoradiotherapy.

OBJECTIVES: Patients with head and neck cancer (HNC) undergoing concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) often experience pulmonary symptoms. This study evaluated if a 7-week inspiratory muscle training (IMT) program during CCRT is feasible, adherent, and safe in patients with HNC. This study also evaluated the effect of IMT on diaphragm thickness, mobility, and cardiorespiratory parameters in patients with HNC receiving CCRT. METHODS: Ten participants with advanced stage HNC receiving CCRT were recruited for the study. Feasibility, adherence, and safety of the intervention were the primary outcomes. Changes in diaphragm thickness and mobility, maximal inspiratory pressure, maximal expiratory pressure, forced vital capacity, forced expiratory volume in first second and functional capacity using 6-MWT were measured at baseline and post 7 weeks of CCRT. IMT was performed at one session per day for 5 days a week for 7 weeks. Eight sets of two minutes of inspiratory manoeuvres with one minute rest period between them with intensity of 40% MIP were given. RESULTS: Ten participants  were included in this study out of the 13 patients screened, indicating the feasibility to be 76.9%. Participants completed a total of 260 training sessions out of the 350 planned sessions denoting the adherence level as 74%. Diaphragm thickness and MEP remained significantly unchanged while significant decline was seen in diaphragm mobility, MIP,FVC, FEV1 and 6-MWD at the end of 7 weeks. No adverse events were reported following the intervention. CONCLUSION: Inspiratory muscle training did not show significant effect on the diaphragm thickness, mobility, and cardiorespiratory parameters; however, it was feasible, adherent, and safe in patients with HNC receiving CCRT.

A comparison of laryngeal mask airway-supreme and endotracheal tube use with respect to airway protection in patients undergoing septoplasty: a randomized, single-blind, controlled clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: There are doubts among anesthesiologists on the use of the Laryngeal Mask Airway (LMA) in nasal surgeries because of concerns about the occurrence of blood leakages to the airway. We hypothesized that the use of LMA-Supreme (LMA-S) in nasal surgery is comparable with endotracheal tube (ETT) according to airway protection against blood leakage through the fiberoptic bronchoscopy, oropharyngeal leakage pressure (OLP), heart rate (HR), mean arterial pressure (MAP), and postoperative adverse events. METHODS: The present study was conducted in a prospective, randomized, single-blind, controlled manner on 80 patients, who underwent septoplasty procedures under general anesthesia, after dividing them randomly into two groups according to the device used (LMA-S or ETT). The presence of blood in the airway (glottis/trachea, distal trachea) was analyzed with the fiberoptic bronchoscope and a four-point scale. Both groups were evaluated for OLP; HR; MAP; postoperative sore throat, nausea, and vomiting; dysphagia; and dysphonia. RESULTS: In the fiberoptic evaluation of the airway postoperatively, less blood leakage was detected in both anatomic areas in the LMA-S group than in the ETT group (glottis/trachea, p = 0.004; distal trachea, p = 0.034). Sore throat was detected less frequently in the LMA-S group at a significant level in the 2nd, 6th, and 12th hours of postoperative period; however, other adverse events were similar in both groups. Hemodynamic parameters were not different between the two groups. CONCLUSION: The present findings demonstrate that the LMA-S provided more effective airway protection than the ETT in preventing blood leakage in the septoplasty procedures. We believe that the LMA-S can be used safely and as an alternative to the ETT in septoplasty cases. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This trial is registered at the US National Institutes of Health ( ClinicalTrials.gov ) # NCT03903679 on April 5, 2019.

Association Between Preoperative Statin Use and Respiratory Complications After Noncardiac Surgery: A Retrospective Cohort Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Statins possess pleiotropic effects, which potentially benefit noncardiovascular conditions. Previous work suggests that statins reduce inflammation and prevent acute respiratory distress syndrome and infections. However, there is a paucity of data regarding potential benefits of statins on respiratory and infectious complications, particularly after noncardiac surgery. We therefore evaluated respiratory and other complications in noncardiac surgery patients taking or not taking statins preoperatively. METHODS: We obtained data from the Cleveland Clinic Perioperative Health Documentation System and evaluated medical records of 92,139 inpatients who had noncardiac surgery. Among these, 31,719 patients took statins preoperatively. Statin patients were compared to nonstatin patients on incidence of intraoperative use of albuterol and postoperative respiratory complications for primary analysis. Infectious complications, cardiovascular complications, in-hospital mortality, and duration of hospitalization were compared for secondary analyses, using inverse probability of treatment weighting to control for potential confounding. RESULTS: Statin use was associated with lower odds of intraoperative albuterol treatment (odds ratio [OR] = 0.89; 97.5% confidence interval [CI], 0.82-0.97; P = .001; number needed to treat [NNT] = 216). Postoperative respiratory complications were also less common (OR = 0.82; 98.75% CI, 0.78-0.87; P < .001). Secondarily, statin use was associated with lower odds of infections, cardiovascular complications, in-hospital mortality, and shorter duration of hospitalization. The interaction between statin use and sex was significant (with significance criteria P < .10) for all primary and secondary outcomes except intraoperative use of albuterol. CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative statin use in noncardiac surgical patients was associated with slightly reduced odds of postoperative respiratory, infectious, and cardiovascular complications. However, the NNTs were high. Thus, despite the fact that statins appeared to be associated with lower odds of various complications, especially cardiovascular complications, our results do not support using statins specifically to reduce noncardiovascular complications after noncardiac surgery.

Effect of prenatal cigarette smoke exposure on sevoflurane-induced respiratory suppression in neonatal rats and the protective role of hydrogen sulfide.

Prenatal cigarette smoke (CS) exposure causes numerous respiratory health problems in infants. This study aimed to investigate the effect of prenatal CS exposure on sevoflurane-induced respiratory suppression in neonatal rats and the protective role of H2S. We found that at baseline, minute ventilation (V'E), respiratory frequency (fR), and tidal volume (VT) were similar among tested groups, whereas sigh frequency (fS) was lower in CS group than in the Control group. During 3 % sevoflurane anesthesia, V'E was decreased, fR was slowed, VT was increased, and fS was reduced in all groups; however, the decline in fR and increase in VT was greater in CS group than in the Control group. During the recovery, fS remained lower in CS group. The above changes of respiratory response caused by prenatal CS exposure were alleviated by NaHS pretreatment (a donor of H2S, 56 µmol/kg/d, intraperitoneal injection). These results indicated that prenatal CS exposure alters the breathing into a much slower and deeper manner in neonatal rats during sevoflurane anesthesia, and H2S mitigates this respiratory change.

Prevention and management of respiratory disease in young people with cerebral palsy: consensus statement.

Respiratory illness is the leading cause of mortality in children with cerebral palsy (CP). Although risk factors for developing chronic respiratory illness have been identified, comprehensive clinical care recommendations for the prevention and management of respiratory illness do not currently exist. We invited over 200 clinicians and researchers from multiple disciplines with expertise in the management of respiratory illness in children with CP to develop care recommendations using a modified Delphi method on the basis of the RAND Corporation-University of California Los Angeles Appropriateness Method. These recommendations are intended for use by the wide range of practitioners who care for individuals living with CP. They provide a framework for recognizing multifactorial primary and secondary potentially modifiable risk factors and for providing coordinated multidisciplinary care. We describe the methods used to generate the consensus recommendations, and the overall perspective on assessment, prevention, and treatment of respiratory illness in children with CP. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS: The first consensus statement for preventing and managing respiratory disease in cerebral palsy (CP). Risk factors for respiratory disease in CP should be identified early. Individuals with CP at risk of respiratory disease require regular assessment of risk factors. Effective partnerships between multidisciplinary teams, individuals with CP, and families are essential. Treatment of respiratory disease in individuals with CP must be proactive.

La enfermedad respiratoria es la principal causa de mortalidad en niños con parálisis cerebral (PC). Aunque se han identificado los factores de riesgo para desarrollar enfermedades respiratorias crónicas, actualmente no existen recomendaciones completas de atención clínica para la prevención y el tratamiento de las enfermedades respiratorias. Invitamos a más de 200 médicos e investigadores de múltiples disciplinas con experiencia en el manejo de enfermedades respiratorias en niños con PC para desarrollar recomendaciones de atención utilizando un método Delphi modificado sobre la base del Método de adecuación RAND Corporation - Universidad de California en Los Ángeles. Estas recomendaciones están destinadas a ser utilizadas por la amplia gama de profesionales que atienden a personas que viven con PC. Proporcionan un marco para reconocer factores de riesgo multifactoriales primarios y secundarios potencialmente modificables y para proporcionar atención coordinada multidisciplinaria. Describimos los métodos utilizados para generar las recomendaciones de consenso, y la perspectiva general sobre la evaluación, prevención y tratamiento de enfermedades respiratorias de niños con PC.

Doença respiratória é a principal causa de mortalidade em crianças com paralisia cerebral (PC). Embora fatores de risco para desenvolver doença respiratória crônica tenham sido identificados, recomendações abrangentes de cuidado clínico e gerenciamento de doença respiratória não existem atualmente. Convidamos cerca de 200 clínicos e pesquisadores de múltiplas disciplinas com experiência no manejo de doença respiratória em crianças com PC para desenvolver recomendações de cuidado usando um método Delphi com base no método de Apropriação da Corporação RAND - Universidade da Califórnia. Estas recomendações são para uso de profissionais que atendem indivíduos com PC. Elas oferecem uma estrutura para reconhecer fatores de risco multifatoriais potencialmente modificáveis e prover cuidado multidisciplinar. Descrevemos métodos usados para gerar as recomendações do consenso, e a perspectiva geral de avaliação, prevenção e tratamento de doença respiratória em crianças com PC.

The contribution of specific non-communicable diseases to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goal 3.4 in Peru.

BACKGROUND: Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) have received political attention and commitment, yet surveillance is needed to measure progress and set priorities. Building on global estimates suggesting that Peru is not on target to meet the Sustainable Development Goal 3.4, we estimated the contribution of various NCDs to the change in unconditional probability of dying from NCDs in 25 regions in Peru. METHODS: Using national death registries and census data, we estimated the unconditional probability of dying between ages 30 and 69 from any and from each of the following NCDs: cardiovascular, cancer, diabetes, chronic respiratory diseases and chronic kidney disease. We estimated the contribution of each NCD to the change in the unconditional probability of dying from any of these NCDs between 2006 and 2016. RESULTS: The overall unconditional probability of dying improved for men (21.4%) and women (23.3%). Cancer accounted for 10.9% in men and 13.7% in women of the overall reduction; cardiovascular diseases also contributed substantially: 11.3% in men) and 9.8% in women. Consistently in men and women and across regions, diabetes moved in the opposite direction of the overall reduction in the unconditional probability of dying from any selected NCD. Diabetes contributed a rise in the unconditional probability of 3.6% in men and 2.1% in women. CONCLUSIONS: Although the unconditional probability of dying from any selected NCD has decreased, diabetes would prevent Peru from meeting international targets. Policies are needed to prevent diabetes and to strengthen healthcare to avoid diabetes-related complications and delay mortality.

Changes in spirometric parameters after protective interventions among workers at a chlorine production plant in Iran.

OBJECTIVES: This study was conducted to assess changes in spirometric parameters after protective interventions among workers at a chlorine production plant in Semnan, Iran during 2012-2016. METHODS: This quasi-experimental study included 100 workers at a chlorine production plant in Semnan during 2012-2016. Spirometric parameters (forced vital capacity [FVC], forced expiratory volume in 1 second [FEV1], FEV1/FVC, peak expiratory flow [PEF], and PEF occurring in the middle 50% of the patient's exhaled volume [PEF 25-75%]) were measured in all workers before the initial intervention in 2012. Protective interventions were then implemented for 4 consecutive years and the parameters were measured annually. A multivariable linear regression model was used to assess the factors affecting spirometric parameters before and after the protective interventions in SPSS version 24. RESULTS: The mean values of all spirometric parameters significantly increased after the protective interventions (p<0.05). Multivariable linear regression showed that age (ß=-0.40), body mass index (BMI) (ß=0.71; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.11 to 1.31), and type of mask (ß=-7.88; 95% CI, -15.96 to -0.46) had significant effects on the mean difference in FVC. Similarly, age (ß=-0.35; 95% CI, -0.70 to -0.01), BMI (ß=0.80; 95% CI, 0.20 to 1.41) and type of mask (ß=-8.88; 95% CI, -16.98 to -0.79) had significant associations with the mean difference in FEV1. The type of mask (ß=-12.81; 95% CI, -25.01 to -0.60) had a significant effect on the mean difference in PEF. CONCLUSIONS: All spirometric parameters significantly increased in workers after protective interventions were implemented. Therefore, protective interventions to prevent respiratory disorders in workers exposed to chlorine gas are suggested.

Cardiorespiratory Progression Over 5 Years and Role of Corticosteroids in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy: A Single-Site Retrospective Longitudinal Study.

BACKGROUND: Corticosteroids (CSs) have prolonged survival and respiratory function in boys with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) when compared with CSs-naïve boys. RESEARCH QUESTION: The differential impact of frequently used CSs and their regimens on long-term (> 5 years) cardiorespiratory progression in children with DMD is unknown. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: This was a retrospective longitudinal study including children with DMD followed at Dubowitz Neuromuscular Centre, Great Ormond Street Hospital London, England, from May 2000 to June 2017. Patients enrolled in any interventional clinical trials were excluded. We collected patients' anthropometrics and respiratory (FVC, FVC % predicted and absolute FVC, and noninvasive ventilation requirement [NIV]) and cardiac (left ventricular shortening function [LVFS%]) function. CSs-naïve patients had never received CSs. Patients who were treated with CSs took either deflazacort or prednisolone, daily or intermittently (10 days on/10 days off) for > 1 month. Average longitudinal models were fitted for yearly respiratory (FVC % predicted) and cardiac (LVFS%) progression. A time-to-event analysis to FVC % predicted < 50%, NIV start, and cardiomyopathy (LVFS% < 28%) was performed in CS-treated (daily and intermittent) vs CS-naïve patients. RESULTS: There were 270 patients, with a mean age at baseline of 6.2 ± 2.3 years. The median follow-up time was 5.6 ± 3.5 years. At baseline, 263 patients were ambulant. Sixty-six patients were treated with CSs daily, 182 patients underwent CSs intermittent > 60% treatment, and 22 were CS-naïve patients. Yearly FVC % predicted declined similarly from 9 years (5.9% and 6.9% per year, respectively; P = .27) in the CSs-daily and CSs-intermittent groups. The CSs-daily group declined from a higher FVC % predicted than the CSs-intermittent group (P < .05), and both reached FVC % predicted < 50% and NIV requirement at a similar age, > 2 years later than the CS-naïve group. LVFS% declined by 0.53% per year in the CSs-treated group irrespective of the CSs regimen, significantly slower (P < .01) than the CSs-naïve group progressing by 1.17% per year. The age at cardiomyopathy was 16.6 years in the CSs-treated group (P < .05) irrespective of regimen and 13.9 years in the CSs-naïve group. INTERPRETATION: CSs irrespective of the regimen significantly improved respiratory function and delayed NIV requirement and cardiomyopathy.

Effects of inverse ratio ventilation combined with lung protective ventilation on pulmonary function in patients with severe burns for surgery.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of inverse ratio ventilation combined with lung-protective ventilation on pulmonary function and inflammatory factors in severe burn patients undergoing surgery. Populations and Methods: Eighty patients with severe burns undergoing elective surgery were divided randomly into two groups: control (CG, n = 40) and experiment (EG, n = 40). The CG had conventional ventilation, whereas the EG were ventilated with tidal volume (TV) of 6-8 ml/kg, I (inspiration): E (expiration) of 2:1, and positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) 5 cm H2O. The following variables were evaluated before (T0), 1 h after start of surgery (T1) and after surgery (T2): oxygenation index (OI), partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCO2), TV, peak airway pressure (Ppeak), mean airway pressure (Pmean), PEEP, pulmonary dynamic compliance (Cdyn), alveolar-arterial difference of oxygen partial pressure D(A-a)O2, lactic acid (Lac), interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-10, and lung complications. Results: At T1 and T2 time points, the OI, Pmean and Cdyn were significantly greater in the EG than in the CG while the TV, Ppeak, D(A-a)O2, IL-6 and IL-10 were significantly smaller in the EG than in the CG. At the end of the surgery, the Lac was significantly smaller in the EG than in the CG (1.28 ± 0.19 vs. 1.40 ± 0.23 mmol/L). Twenty-four hours after the surgery, significantly more patients had hypoxemia (27.5 vs. 10.0%), increased expectoration (45.0 vs. 22.5%), increased lung texture or exudation (37.5 vs. 17.5%) in the CG than in the EG. Conclusions: Inverse ratio ventilation combined with lung-protective ventilation can reduce Ppeak, increase Pmean and Cdyn, improve the pulmonary oxygenation function, and decrease ILs in severe burn surgery patients.

Respiratory Muscle Training Improves Strength and Decreases the Risk of Respiratory Complications in Stroke Survivors: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of respiratory muscle training in a population of stroke patients. DATA SOURCES: The following databases were searched for clinical trials through December 2019: PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure. STUDY SELECTION: Randomized controlled trials (N=9) published in English met the inclusion criteria. DATA EXTRACTION: Data were extracted and assessed for accuracy by 2 reviewers. Any disagreements were resolved after discussions with an independent third reviewer. The quality of the included randomized controlled trials was assessed using the Cochrane bias tool. DATA SYNTHESIS: The meta-analysis showed increased maximal inspiratory pressure (standardized mean difference [SMD], 0.88; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.62-1.15; P<.001; 12-wk follow-up period: SMD, 0.94; 95% CI, 0.42-1.45; P<.001), maximal expiratory pressure (SMD, 0.83; 95% CI, 0.15-1.52; P=.017; 12-wk follow-up period: SMD, 0.99; 95% CI, 0.47-1.51; P<.001), forced expiratory volume in 1 second (SMD, 1.41; 95% CI, 0.57-2.24; P=.001), forced vital capacity (SMD, 1.36; 95% CI, 0.55-2.16; P<.001), peak expiratory flow (SMD, 0.74; 95% CI, 0.16-1.32; P=.013), 6-minute walk test (SMD, 0.67; 95% CI, 0.11-1.23; P=.020), and decreased respiratory complications (odds ratio, 0.55; 95% CI, 0.30-1.00; P=.050) compared with no respiratory intervention or a sham intervention. CONCLUSIONS: Respiratory muscle training improved poststroke muscle strength and the benefits were carried over for up to 12 weeks, including improved lung function, walking capacity, and a reduced risk of respiratory impediments.

Blockade of astrocytic activation delays the occurrence of severe hypoxia-induced seizure and respiratory arrest in mice.

Seizures are induced when subjects are exposed to severe hypoxia. It is followed by ventilatory fall-off and eventual respiratory arrest, which may underlie the pathophysiology of death in patients with epilepsy and severe respiratory disorders. However, the mechanisms of hypoxia-induced seizures have not been fully understood. Because astrocytes are involved in various neurological disorders, we aimed to investigate whether astrocytes are operational in seizure generation and respiratory arrest in a severe hypoxic condition. We examined the effects of astrocytic activation blockade on responses of EEG and ventilation to severe hypoxia. Adult mice were divided into two groups; in one group (n = 24) only vehicle was injected, and in the other group (n = 24) arundic acid, an inhibitory modulator of astrocytic activation, was administered before initiation of recording. After recording EEG and ventilation by whole body plethysmography in room air, the gas in the recording chamber was switched to 5% oxygen (nitrogen balanced) until a seizure and ventilatory depression occurred, followed by prompt switch back to room air. Severe hypoxia initially increased ventilation, followed by a seizure and ventilatory suppression in all mice examined. Fourteen mice without arundic acid showed respiratory arrest during loading of hypoxia. However, 22 mice pretreated with arundic acid did not suffer from respiratory arrest. Time from the onset of hypoxia to the occurrence of seizures was significantly longer in the group with arundic acid than that in the group without arundic acid. We suggest that blockade of astrocytic activation delays the occurrence of seizures and prevents respiratory arrest.

A Phase II randomized controlled trial for lung and diaphragm protective ventilation (Real-time Effort Driven VENTilator management).

Lung Protective Mechanical Ventilation (MV) of critically ill adults and children is lifesaving but it may decrease diaphragm contraction and promote Ventilator Induced Diaphragm Dysfunction (VIDD). An ideal MV strategy would balance lung and diaphragm protection. Building off a Phase I pilot study, we are conducting a Phase II controlled clinical trial that seeks to understand the evolution of VIDD in critically ill children and test whether a novel computer-based approach (Real-time Effort Driven ventilator management (REDvent)) can balance lung and diaphragm protective ventilation to reduce time on MV. REDvent systematically adjusts PEEP, FiO2, inspiratory pressure, tidal volume and rate, and uses real-time measures from esophageal manometry to target normal levels of patient effort of breathing. This trial targets 276 children with pulmonary parenchymal disease. Patients are randomized to REDvent vs. usual care for the acute phase of MV (intubation to first Spontaneous Breathing Trial (SBT)). Patients in either group who fail their first SBT will be randomized to REDvent vs usual care for weaning phase management (interval from first SBT to passing SBT). The primary clinical outcome is length of weaning, with several mechanistic outcomes. Upon completion, this study will provide important information on the pathogenesis and timing of VIDD during MV in children and whether this computerized protocol targeting lung and diaphragm protection can lead to improvement in intermediate clinical outcomes. This will form the basis for a larger, Phase III multi-center study, powered for key clinical outcomes such as 28-day ventilator free days. Clinical Trials Registration: NCT03266016.

Investigation of an outbreak of acute respiratory disease in an indigenous village in Brazil: Contribution of Influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 and human respiratory syncytial viruses.

Analyses of the 2009 H1N1 influenza pandemic and post-pandemic years showed high attack rates and severity among indigenous populations. This study presents the characteristics of the first documented influenza outbreak in indigenous peoples in Brazil, that occurred from 30th March to 14th April 2016 in a Guarani village in Southeast Region. Acute respiratory infections were prospectively investigated. The majority of the 73 cases were influenza-like illness (ILI) (63.0%) or severe acute respiratory infection (SARI) (20.5%). The ILI+SARI attack rate (35.9%) decreased with increasing age. There was a high influenza vaccination rate (86.3%), but no statistically significant difference in vaccination rates between severe and non-severe cases was seen (p = 0.334). Molecular analyses of 19.2% of the cases showed 100% positivity for influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 and/or hRSV. Influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 was included in the 6B.1 genetic group, a distinct cluster with 13 amino acid substitutions of A/California/07/2009-like. The hRSV were clustered in the BA-like genetic group. The early arrival of the influenza season overlapping usual hRSV season, the circulation of a drifted influenza virus not covered by vaccine and the high prevalence of risk factors for infection and severity in the village jointly can explain the high attack rate of ARI, even with a high rate of influenza vaccination. The results reinforce the importance of surveillance of respiratory viruses, timely vaccination and controlling risk factors for infection and severity of in the indigenous populations in order to preventing disease and related deaths, particularly in children.

Effects of low-dose intraoperative fentanyl on postoperative respiratory complication rate: a pre-specified, retrospective analysis.

BACKGROUND: Fentanyl is one of the most frequently administered intraoperative drugs and may increase the risk of postoperative respiratory complications (PRCs). METHODS: We performed a pre-specified analysis of 145 735 adult non-cardiac surgical cases under general anaesthesia. Using multivariable logistic regression, we evaluated the association of intraoperative fentanyl dose and PRCs within 3 days after surgery (defined as reintubation, respiratory failure, pneumonia, pulmonary oedema, or atelectasis). We examined effect modification by patient characteristics, surgical site, and anaesthetics used. RESULTS: PRCs within 3 days after surgery occurred in 18 839 (12.9%) patients. In comparison with high intraoperative fentanyl doses [median: 3.85; inter-quartile range (IQR): 3.42-4.50 µg kg-1, quartile 4 (Q4)], low intraoperative fentanyl dose [median: 0.80, IQR: 0.00-1.14 µg kg-1, quartile 1 (Q1)] was significantly associated with lower odds of PRCs [Q1 vs Q4: 10.9% vs 16.2%; adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 0.79; 95% confidence intervals (CI) 0.75-0.84; P<0.001; adjusted absolute risk difference (aARD) -1.7%]. This effect was augmented by thoracic surgery (P for interaction <0.001; aARD -6.2%), high doses of inhalation anaesthetics (P for interaction=0.016; aARD -2.2%) and neuromuscular blocking agents (NMBAs) (P for interaction=0.001; aARD -3.4%). Exploratory analysis demonstrated that compared with no fentanyl, low-dose fentanyl was associated with lower rates of PRCs (decile 2 vs decile 1: aOR 0.82, CI 0.75-0.89, P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Intraoperative low-dose fentanyl (about 60-120 µg for a 70 kg patient) was associated with lower risk of postoperative respiratory complications compared with both no fentanyl and high-dose fentanyl. Beneficial effects of low-dose fentanyl were magnified in specific patient subgroups. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT03198208.