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C Hörmann

Publications and source records attributed to C Hörmann.

53 records · Page 3Linked to original sources

[The prone position in ARDS. A successful therapeutic strategy].

As early as 1974, Brian advocated the prone position for ventilated patients. He suggested that this position might enhance ventilation of the dorsal parts of the lungs, thereby improving oxygenation. These considerations have been confirmed by several experimental and clinical studies. Better secretion removal, decreased intrapulmonary shunting, and an increased FRC are thought to be responsible for the observed improvement of oxygenation. However, the prone position never became very popular in the clinical treatment of the adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Routine performance of thoracic CT scans in ARDS patients demonstrated preferential distribution of pathological densities in the dependent lung areas. The prone position therefore could possibly benefit these patients, as shown by two recent studies. The aim of our study was to evaluate the influence of repeatedly turning the patient to the prone position on gas exchange and thoracic CT findings in multiple-trauma patients. METHODS. Seven ventilated intensive care patients with severe ARDS (Murray Score > 2.5, Quotient > 0.7, mean airway pressure > 18 cm H2O, thoracic CT scan showing dorsal atelectases) were included in the study. Patients were turned from the supine to the prone position at 12-h intervals using an air-cushion bed (Mediscus, Austria). Redistribution of dystelectatic or atelectatic dependent lung areas was verified by means of repeated thoracic CT scans (Figs. 1, 8). RESULTS. The patients were intermittently turned for 6.5 +/- 1.1 days. The course of gas exchange is shown in Figs. 2 and 3. Initially, improvement of the respiratory quotient could only be achieved during prone positioning, from the 2nd day in the supine position as well. Intrapulmonary shunting showed a similar trend (Figs. 4 and 5). No significant changes in cardiovascular parameters could be observed. Control thoracic CT scans showed uniform reduction of atelectases in dependent lung areas (Figs. 1 and 8). The inspiratory fraction of oxygen could be reduced significantly as of the 2nd day (Fig. 7). Constant levels of positive end-expiratory pressure and tidal volume were associated with decreasing mean and plateau airway pressures (Fig. 6). DISCUSSION. Repeatedly turning the patient to the prone position produced long-lasting improvement of arterial oxygenation, which persists up to the end of the weaning process. This is in good accordance with other studies, however, this is the first study to report an observation period of more than 6 days of repeatedly turning the patient. These positive effects on gas exchange can be attributed to sudden improvement of the ventilation-perfusion ratio within the lung areas that become dependent after turning to the prone position. Due to reduced hydrostatic pressure and relative hyperventilation, previously collapsed alveoli are recruited in the lung areas that become non-dependent after turning to the prone position.

Adult↗

Subglottic positive end-expiratory pressure in extubated patients recovering from acute lung injury.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the glottic function in extubated patients recovering from acute lung injury by simultaneous measurement of airway opening and subglottic airway pressures while patients are breathing at ambient pressure and receiving continuous positive airway pressure by a face mask. DESIGN: Descriptive, prospective study. SETTING: Intensive care unit at a university hospital. PATIENTS: Ten patients who required continuous positive airway pressure of at least 7 cm H2O in order to restore gas exchange after mechanical ventilation for acute lung injury. INTERVENTIONS: Spontaneous breathing at ambient airway pressure and with continuous positive airway pressures of 5 and 10 cm H2O via face mask. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Intratracheal pressure, airway opening pressure, and airflow at the airway opening were measured. Breathing at ambient pressure resulted in significantly higher end-expiratory intratracheal pressure than end-expiratory airway opening pressure (p < .01). No significant differences between end-expiratory intratracheal pressure and end-expiratory airway opening pressure were observed during breathing with continuous positive airway pressures of 5 and 10 cm H2O. A significant end-expiratory airflow at the airway opening (p < .01), observed during ambient pressure breathing, was not detectable while the patient received mask continuous positive airway pressure. The partial pressure of oxygen in the arterial blood (Pao2) increased significantly while patients breathed with 10 cm H2O, but not while patients breathed 5 cm H2O continuous positive airway pressure compared with breathing at ambient pressure (p < .05). CONCLUSIONS: Our data imply that patients recovering from acute lung injury create an intratracheal positive end-expiratory pressure by braking the expiratory airflow, probably by glottic narrowing. Despite compensatory glottic narrowing, extubated patients with reduced lung function may benefit from higher levels of continuous positive airway pressure.

Adolescent↗

Continuous positive airway pressure breathing increases cerebral blood flow velocity in humans.

The effect of a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) of 12 cm H2O on mean middle cerebral artery flow velocity (CBFV) was studied in nine human volunteers by means of transcranial Doppler sonography (TCD). During CPAP breathing, CBFV increased (45 +/- 9 vs 59 +/- 11 cm/s; P < 0.001; mean +/- SD), and pulsatility index (PI) decreased (0.87 +/- 0.1 vs 0.74 +/- 0.2; P < 0.05), indicating an increase in cerebral blood flow due to cerebral vasodilation. This phenomenon should be taken into account when CPAP is applied to patients with intracranial disease or when assessing CBFV patterns of patients during CPAP respiration.

Adult↗

[Errors in ventilation therapy].

In spontaneous breathing intrathoracic pressure alternates between positive and negative in a biphasic sequential pattern. By contrast, during mechanical ventilation (IPPV, CPPV) the intrathoracic pressure remains above atmospheric all the time. Due to these unphysiological conditions there are extensive causal and side effects on the lung parenchyma and other organs. Errors in the artificial ventilation technique can magnify these effects. In order to minimize these deleterious effects of positive pressure ventilation it is essential to keep the procedure as short and little invasive as possible. The following strategy enables this goal to be brought closer: 1) early commencement of ventilation; 2) optimal adjustment of artificial ventilation to the individual needs of the patient, 3) early weaning from assisted ventilation through augmented rather than controlled modes of ventilation: 4) kinetic therapy (systematic changing of the patient's position) with the back up of the requisite thoracic CT scan findings; 5) reduction of the invasiveness of the procedure in order to ensure early commencement of spontaneous respiration.

Humans↗

Biphasic positive airway pressure (BIPAP)--a new mode of ventilatory support.

Biphasic Positive Airway Pressure (BIPAP) can be described as pressure controlled ventilation in a system allowing unrestricted spontaneous breathing at any moment of the ventilatory cycle. It can also be described as a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) system with a time-cycled change of the applied CPAP level. As with a pressure controlled, time-cycled mode, the duration of each phase (T(high), T(low)) as well as the corresponding pressure levels (P(high), P(low)) can be adjusted independently. Depending on the spontaneous breathing activity, BIPAP can be subdivided into: no spontaneous breathing: CMV-BIPAP; spontaneous breathing at the lower pressure level: IMV-BIPAP; spontaneous breathing at the upper pressure level: APRV-BIPAP; spontaneous breathing at both CPAP levels: genuine BIPAP. Since it enables progressive transition from controlled to all levels of augmented mechanical ventilation, BIPAP appears to be a suitable mode for the entire period of mechanical ventilation of the patient. There are difficulties neither in choosing the correct moment for switching nor the further respiratory management of the ventilated patient under BIPAP. The necessary adaptation (ventilation, oxygenation) can be individualized on the basis of blood gas analyses. An increase or reduction of the invasivity of ventilation can be attained without any problems with BIPAP. Furthermore, spontaneous breathing of the patient does not necessitate any switching of the mode of ventilation. The transition from controlled to augmented ventilation is smooth. BIPAP enables the therapist to let the patient breathe freely even under the most invasive ventilation conditions.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Humans↗

Response of cerebrospinal fluid pressure to continuous positive airway pressure in volunteers.

The effect of a 10-min period of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) of 12 cm H2O on lumbar cerebrospinal fluid pressure (CSFP), cerebral perfusion pressure (CPP), central venous pressure (CVP), mean arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR), and end-tidal carbon dioxide (ETCO2) was studied in eight volunteers. CSFP increased (7 +/- 4 control vs 11 +/- 4 mm Hg; P < 0.001; mean +/- SD) and CVP increased (2 +/- 2 control vs 5 +/- 3 mm Hg; P < 0.001; mean +/- SD) when CPAP of 12 cm H2O was applied. CPP decreased slightly during CPAP (79 +/- 13 vs 74 +/- 19 mm Hg; P < 0.05; mean +/- SD), whereas MAP, HR, and ETCO2 remained unchanged. The findings of our study suggest that changes in CSFP and CPP due to moderate levels of CPAP, although statistically significant, are probably of only minor clinical importance.

Adult↗

Comparison of mask and nasal continuous positive airway pressure after extubation and mechanical ventilation.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the effects of continuous positive airway pressure applied via face masks and nose masks on the change in functional residual capacity and gas exchange. DESIGN: Descriptive and prospective study. SETTING: Intensive care unit of a university hospital. PATIENTS: Ten patients with acute lung injury who had required mechanical ventilation. INTERVENTIONS: Continuous positive airway pressure at a level of 10 cm H2O applied in random order via face and nose masks. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Both continuous positive airway pressure methods resulted in an almost identical increase of functional residual capacity. During nasal continuous positive airway pressure, the increase in functional residual capacity was 294 +/- 82 mL. During mask continuous positive airway pressure, the increase in functional residual capacity was 290 +/- 85 mL. PaO2 increased and the alveolar-arterial oxygen tension/alveolar oxygen tension quotient decreased significantly during mask continuous positive airway pressure and nasal continuous positive airway pressure at a level of 10 cm H2O. Two patients showed a periodic change in their breathing patterns; they took a few breaths at an increased lung volume, followed by one deep expiration caused by mouth opening. Change in mask pressure was negligible in these two patients. Using a visual analog scale (10 = highly comfortable; 0 = severely uncomfortable), the patients rated nasal continuous positive airway pressure (8.6 +/- 0.9) significantly more comfortable than mask continuous positive airway pressure (2.6 +/- 0.8). CONCLUSION: The major advantages of continuous positive airway pressure (the improvement of functional residual capacity and oxygen transfer) can also be achieved with nasal continuous positive airway pressure in the postextubation period in patients who have been mechanically ventilated for acute lung injury.

Acute Disease↗

Selecting ventilator settings according to variables derived from the quasi-static pressure/volume relationship in patients with acute lung injury.

Knowledge of the pressure/volume (P/V) relationship of the lung may allow selection of tidal volume and positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) to optimize gas exchange without adversely affecting lung function or hemodynamics. Ten patients with acute lung injury were stabilized on controlled mechanical ventilation, based on conventional practice, using criteria from arterial blood gas data. The P/V relationship was determined under quasi-static conditions (end-expiratory and end-inspiratory, no flow periods > 0.8 s) during mechanical ventilation with an automated procedure that changed PEEP in a stepwise fashion. Differences in expiratory tidal volumes before and after a change in PEEP equaled the change in functional residual capacity (delta FRC). PEEP was set above the lowest point of the steepest section of the P/V curve (inflection pressure) to prevent end-expiratory lung collapse. Inspiratory tidal volumes (VTI) were adjusted to avoid an end-inspiratory lung volume reaching the flat part of the P/V curve. Averaged delta FRC versus PEEP curves were shifted to the left and the slope increased 1, 6, and 12 h after changing ventilator settings compared to baseline (P < 0.01). Averaged baseline delta FRC versus PEEP curves showed a marked inflection pressure that decreased after adjusting ventilator settings (P < 0.01). PEEP was increased from 7.4 +/- 1.8 cm H2O (baseline) to 11.9 +/- 1.6 cm H2O (1 h) (P < 0.001) according to measured baseline inflection pressures. Simultaneously, VTI had to be reduced from 759 +/- 161 mL (baseline) to 664 +/- 101 mL (1 h) (P < 0.01) to avoid end-inspiratory overinflation. To maintain minute volume constant ventilator frequency was increased from 14 +/- 1.2 (baseline) to 16 +/- 1.2 breaths/min (1 h) (P < 0.01). Maximum quasi-static compliance of 38 +/- 7 mL/cm H2O (baseline) increased to 46 +/- 9 mL/cm H2O (1 h) (P < 0.01). Maintaining FIO2 constant, PaO2 increased from a baseline of 90 +/- 16 mm Hg to 122 +/- 24 mm Hg (1 h) (P < 0.001), to 130 +/- 20 mm Hg (6 h) (P < 0.01), and to 138 +/- 19 mm Hg (12 h) (P < 0.01). Intrapulmonary shunt decreased from 0.28 +/- 0.08 (baseline) to 0.14 +/- 0.05 (12 h) (P < 0.001). Hemodynamic variables did not change. Our data suggest that using variables derived from a quasi-static P/V loop during mechanical ventilation under muscle paralysis is clinically superior compared to blood gas criteria for titration of ventilator settings.

Adult↗

Tidal volume, breathing frequency, and oxygen consumption at different pressure support levels in the early stage of weaning in patients without chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of different PSV levels on VT, F, VO2 in the early weaning phase of patients without chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. These parameters were tested for the predictive power for the success of the weaning. Patients on SIMV were studied during the first weaning attempt with PSV. Depending on their ventilatory support demands after 24 h they were divided into responders (patients breathing on CPAP) and nonresponders (patients being on a more invasive ventilatory mode). 14 ICU patients without pre-existing pulmonary disease being ventilated for at least 3 days entered the study. 2 of them could be studied a second time after failing the first weaning attempt. Beside the level of ventilatory support no other changes (drugs, nutrition) were allowed. VO2, VT, F were measured by a computer controlled, metabolic unit connected to the expiratory port of a Siemens Servo Ventilator. In addition, airway pressures, arterial pressure and heart rate were recorded. The measurements were performed at PSV of 5, 10 and 20 cmH2O. Arterial blood-gases were drawn at the end of each 60 min lasting PS period. Responders and nonresponders could be separated by the response of VO2, VT and F to a change in PS 10 to PS 20 cmH2O. Patients who significantly increased VT and significantly decreased F did not fulfil our weaning criteria. Our responders did not show a significant change in these two parameters, but a significant increase in VO2 at PS 20 cmH2O could be observed.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adult↗

Assessment of changes in lung microvascular permeability in posttraumatic acute lung failure after direct and indirect injuries to lungs.

We prospectively studied the variation in sequence of occurrence of lung microvascular permeability (LMVP) increase and clinical onset of posttraumatic acute lung failure (ALF) in the sequential failure of organ systems after direct and indirect lung injury. Acute lung failure developed in 52 of 255 trauma patients. Thirty-seven of these developed ALF after a direct injury to lung tissue and 11 after an indirect injury. Lung microvascular permeability was measured with a gamma camera simultaneously over both lungs using indium 113m-labeled transferrin and technetium 99m-labeled erythrocytes in 24 patients with ALF due to direct lung injury and in 4 with ALF due to indirect injury. A localized increased LMVP was observed initially only in the directly traumatized lung (traumatized/nontraumatized lung: 10.03 +/- 5.08/3.73 +/- 3.33 %/h), but involved the primarily nontraumatized lung within 4 days (traumatized/nontraumatized lung: 9.13 +/- 4.49/10.89 +/- 5.05 %/h). In contrast, in ALF due to indirect lung injury, an increased LMVP over both lungs was observed initially (right/left lung: 11.57 +/- 6.18/12.63 +/- 5.73 %/h) and 4 days later (right/left lung: 12.3 +/- 5.49/11.92 +/- 5.75 %/h). Acute lung failure due to direct lung injury occurred significantly earlier (less than 72 h) (P less than 0.01), whereas onset of indirectly induced ALF was later (greater than 72 h). Sepsis syndrome and multiple organ failure were the major complications once ALF occurred after a direct injury. In contrast, sepsis syndrome and multiple organ failure commonly preceded or paralleled the onset of ALF due to an indirect injury.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Acute Disease↗

[The course of extravascular lung water in severely injured patients in intensive care with and without thoracic trauma].

In patients with multiple injuries, the development of permeability edema can be assumed. However, no uniform shape of this fluid accumulation can be found even in the presence of severe injuries. Based on the first clinical observations, our aim was to search for correlations between the development of extravascular lung water (EVLW) and the individual injury pattern in severely traumatized ICU patients. PATIENTS and METHODS. Our investigations were performed in 48 artificially ventilated ICU patients. According to the prevailing injury pattern patients were divided into three groups: group A: 18 patients (mean age: 32 years, mean Injury Severity Score (ISS) = 29) with isolated thoracic trauma; group B: 10 patients (mean age: 27 years, mean ISS = 42) with severe multiple trauma but without any thoracic injury; group C: 20 patients (mean age: 33 years, mean ISS = 43) with severe multiple trauma and concomitant thoracic trauma. In all patients (group A, B, C), EVLW was determined by means of a double indicator method on a daily basis from the patient's admission to the ICU (day of trauma) until day 10. Additionally, the hemodynamic parameters (heart rate, mean arterial pressure, mean pulmonary arterial pressure, pulmonary capillary wedge pressure and cardiac index) were determined at the same time. RESULTS. As shown in Fig 1, EVLW was slightly elevated on day 1. However, on day 2 EVLW decreased within normal values and remained in that range until the end of the observation period. On day 3 a slight and fleeting increase of EVLW, but within normal range, can be seen. In group B (Fig.2), EVLW can be observed within normal range within a period of 4 days. Starting from day 5 until day 7 a marked increase (p greater than 0.01) in EVLW can be seen. From that maximum point EVLW development reverses slightly until day 10--however, without returning to the normal range. In group C, a marked biphasic pattern can be seen due to EVLW maximum values on post-traumatic days 3 and 7. However, in this group the EVLW was in the pathological range during the whole observation period. No statistically significant differences could be seen, when looking at hemodynamic variables. CONCLUSION. Isolated thoracic trauma will not lead to a marked pathological elevation of EVLW within the lungs. Moreover, EVLW decreases rapidly within a short time period. Based on our results, it seems that severe extrathoracic injuries will intensify microvascular injury in the initial period, as shown in our patients in group C. Increase of EVLW at a later time (day 7), as observed in groups B and C, is possibly the expression of a mediator and activator-induced "septiformal" injury of the microvascular endothelium. This may be caused by the underlying massive peripheral soft-tissue trauma. Specific elevations of EVLW subsequent to the individual injury pattern can indicate that that process has begun and is responsible for the origin of the microvascular injuries.

Adolescent↗

Reactivity of sera and isolated monoclonal IgM from patients with Waldenström's macroglobulinaemia with peripheral nerve myelin.

Sera of 23 patients with Waldenström's macroglobulinaemia and six monoclonal IgM paraproteins, which had been isolated from these sera, were examined for reactivity against peripheral nerve tissue. Of these 23 patients, 12 had clinical signs of peripheral polyneuropathy (PN). Using an indirect immunofluorescence method, all sera and monoclonal IgM preparations reacted with peripheral nerve structures, displaying a distinct granular fluorescence pattern with anti-IgM sera. The Waldenström sera reacted mainly with structures at the border of the myelin sheath, as well as between myelin and axon, and occasionally with the axon itself. There was no difference between sera of patients with PN and those without. Negative results were obtained in a complement fixation assay. Of the 23 sera, 15 reacted in an antibody-dependent lymphocyte-mediated cytotoxicity reaction (ADLC) with peripheral nerve myelin, and to a much lesser extent with myelin basic protein from CNS. Five of the six isolated monoclonal IgM preparations also gave positive ADLC reactions. These results constitute additional evidence for an immunological mechanism in the pathogenesis of PN in Waldenström's macroglobulinaemia.

Aged↗

[Value of computed tomography for tumors of the epi- and oropharynx].

The results of computed tomography in 89 patients with tumours of the epipharynx and oropharynx involving the mouth are compared with the findings of other forms of clinical examination. In 26 patients, CT provided additional relevant information, in eight patients CT provided less information than clinical examination. The value of CT depended largely on the localisation of the tumour; the poorest results were found in tumours of the tonsils and the soft palate. CT provided additional information most commonly with large tumours, since these are frequently associated with bone destruction, local infiltration and occlusion of large vessels.

Carcinoma, Squamous Cell↗

Scanning laser ophthalmoscope-evoked multifocal-ERG (SLO-m-ERG) by using short m-sequences.

PURPOSE: To demonstrate the possibility of topographic mapping of retinal function under simultaneous control of fixation in humans, by scanning laser ophthalmoscope evoked multifocal electroretinography (SLO-m-ERG). METHODS: A confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscope was used as a stimulator and trigger unit to take m-ERGs. Short m-sequences based on a modified algorithm were used, with the advantage that each measurement cycle can be evaluated separately. We examined 78 normal subjects; in 62 a distortion factor of 1:1 was applied, and a factor of 1:4 in 16. RESULTS: The recorded amplitudes decreased with eccentricity, approximately following the decrease of retinal cone density. Amplitudes were higher in the central hexagonal element in the group with 1:4 distortion than in the group with the 1:1 distortion setting. CONCLUSIONS: SLO-m-ERG is a reliable technique for topographic mapping of retinal function under simultaneous control of fixation.

Adult↗