Evaluation in pulmonary rehabilitation.
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Disability Evaluation↗
Biomedical subjects
E Clini
Publications and source records attributed to E Clini.
Does the supine position worsen respiratory function in elderly subjects?
The aim of our study was to test whether the supine position or the sitting position worsens static, forced expiratory flows and measurements of lung mechanics in a group of aged subjects living in a nursing home who were clinically stable and without clinical evidence of cardiorespiratory diseases. Seventeen subjects (mean age 80 +/- 7 years; 16 f) were studied under baseline conditions. Spirometric, breathing pattern and mechanics data by means of an esophageal balloon were measured in sitting and supine positions. Analysis of sitting results showed aged subjects to have a slight flow limitation in peripheral airways, an increase in expiratory airways resistance and mild hyperinflation index (PEEPi = 2.2 +/- 1.9 cm H2O). Pressure time index did not reach the fatigue level in hardly any patient. Maximal inspiratory pressure values (42 +/- 15 cm H2O) were reduced by about 50% in comparison with our normal laboratory standards. Arterial blood gas analysis revealed no pathological data in any subject. When supine, subjects revealed a significant decrease in forced expiratory volume at the first second (p < 0.005), in forced vital capacity (p < 0.01) and in peak expiratory flow (p < 0.05). Moreover, mechanics and breathing pattern data showed a significant decrease in tidal volume (Vt) and dynamic lung compliance (Cld) (p < 0.05) and an increase in respiratory rate/Vt ratio (p < 0.05). Our data confirm the results of previous reports about Cld decrease in supine posture in young normal people. Although our aged subjects showed a significant decrease in forced expiratory volumes and Vt when the supine position was adopted, static mechanics data did not appear modified by the gravitational effect of this posture.
Aged↗
Acute exacerbations in patients with COPD: predictors of need for mechanical ventilation.
Predictive factors in mechanically-ventilated patients with acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) have been extensively studied but not in spontaneously breathing patients. The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the contribution of parameters of respiratory mechanics, clinical and nutritional status in predicting the need for mechanical ventilation (MV) in COPD patients treated with medical therapy for an acute exacerbation. Anthropometric data, Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II score, bedside spirometry, breathing pattern, respiratory mechanics and blood gases were measured in 39 COPD patients upon hospital admission for exacerbation of their disease. Fourteen patients in whom MV was necessary were compared with 25 patients in whom medical therapy was enough for a good outcome. The discriminant analysis showed, with decreasing order of power, that nutritional prognostic index (NPI), APACHE II score, forced expiratory volume in one second/forced vital capacity (FEV1/FVC) ratio, vital capacity (VC) (% predicted) and FVC (% pred) provided a significant distinction between the two groups. The discriminant equation considering NPI, and FVC (% pred) could correctly predict the success in 76% of the patients. A multiparametric stepwise regression analysis showed that APACHE II score was significantly correlated with NPI, VC (% pred), pressure time index (PTI) and duty cycle, i.e. fraction of inspiration to duration of total breathing cycle (tl/ttot). In conclusion, underlying general conditions as assessed by malnutrition and APACHE II score were shown to be unfavourable indices of outcome for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients who experienced an exacerbation of their disease and were treated with medical therapy. Flow limitation data as assessed by the forced expiratory manoeuvre may provide additional information.
APACHE↗
Long-term home care programmes may reduce hospital admissions in COPD with chronic hypercapnia.
Long-term oxygen therapy (LTOT) has been shown to improve survival in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients. The clinical effectiveness of long-term home mechanical ventilation (HMV) is still discussed, nevertheless both LTOT and HMV are often included in the home care programmes of these patients. To evaluate the effectiveness of home care programmes including either HMV or LTOT, 34 COPD patients were studied. They were admitted to either HMV (Group A: 12 males and 5 females, aged 62 +/- 5 yrs), or LTOT (Group B: 9 males and 8 females, aged 62 +/- 8 yrs). They were compared to a historical group (Group C: 19 males and 10 females, aged 67 +/- 16 yrs) performing only their usual standard LTOT during the same period. Spirometry, maximal inspiratory pressure and arterial blood gas values were assessed at baseline and at 6, 12 and 18 months of follow-up. Mortality rate and number of hospital and intensive care unit (ICU) admissions and days of hospitalization were also assessed. Four out of 17 (23%) patients in Group A, 3 out of 17 (18%) in Group B, and 5 out of 29 (17%) in Group C died within 18 months. Of the lung function tests, only maximal inspiratory pressure in Group A showed a significant increase in the 18th month (50 +/- 4 to 56 +/- 7 cmH2O; p<0.01). In comparison to 18 months prior to the study, hospital admissions (from 2.2 +/- 0.6 to 1.3 +/- 1.1 and from 2.0 +/- 0.7 to 1.0 +/- 0.9 for Group A and B, respectively; p<0.005 for both), and days of hospitalization (from 60 +/- 34 to 34 +/- 40 and from 55 +/- 23 to 18 +/- 20 days in Group A and B, respectively; p<0.005 for both) significantly decreased only in the two groups submitted to the home care programme. We conclude that home care programmes may be effective in the long-term treatment of chronically hypercapnic chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients in reducing hospital admissions.
Aged↗
Echo-Doppler evaluation of left ventricular impairment in chronic cor pulmonale.
The effects of acute right ventricular (RV) pressure and volume overloads on left ventricular (LV) filling are well known, while the significance of chronic RV pressure overload on LV function has been less studied. To evaluate the LV impairment, 30 patients with chronic cor pulmonale and pulmonary arterial hypertension secondary to chronic obstructive lung diseases (COLDs) were studied. All patients underwent respiratory tests and arterial blood gas assessment. An echo-Doppler examination was made to measure LV ejection fraction (EF), RV and LV end-diastolic and end-systolic diameters and areas, RV/LV area indexes, LV diastolic and systolic eccentricity indexes, mitral and tricuspid flow patterns, and mitral flow velocity in late and early diastole (A/E) indexes. A right heart catheterization was carried out to determine the resting mean pulmonary arterial pressure (mPAP). The data showed a marked enlargement of RV, compressing the left through a leftward shift of interventricular septum. A linear regression analysis detected a significant correlation between mPAP and the following parameters: RV/LV diastolic and systolic area indexes (r=0.75, p<0.0001; r=0.84, p<0.000, respectively), mitral A/E index (r=0.61, p<0.0005), and LV diastolic and systolic eccentricity indexes (r=0.93, p<0.0001; and r=0.83, p<0.0001). No correlations were found between echo-Doppler data and functional respiratory parameters. From these results, we conclude that chronic RV pressure overload induces LV filling impairment despite a normal systolic phase, due to septal leftward shift. In fact, chronic RV pressure overload distorts early diastolic LV geometry delaying LV filling phase, and the functional diastolic impairment of the LV is closely correlated to pulmonary hypertension levels.
Aged↗
Methacholine inhaled challenge: study of correlation among different indices expressing the result.
We tested measures of specific airway conductance (sGaw) and forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) versus transcutaneous oxygen tension (Ptc,O2) during inhaled methacholine bronchial challenge in 60 out-patients (38 males 22 females, mean age 33 +/- 13 yrs). The provocative doses of methacholine needed to produce a 35% decrease of sGaw (PD35,sGaw), a 20% fall in FEV1 (PD20,FEV1) and a 20% decrease in Ptc,O2 (PD20,O2) were simultaneously derived from the dose-response curves. Two groups were identified according to the PD20,FEV1 result ("responders" with a PD20,FEV1 < 2,000 micrograms methacholine and "nonresponders" with PD20,FEV1 > 2,000 micrograms methacholine). All three indices derived from the dose-response curves differed significantly between the groups (p < 0.00005). The relationship analysis showed a significantly better value for PD20,O2 versus PD35,sGaw (r = 0.98) than versus PD20, FEV1 (r = 0.62). We observed similar baseline levels and variations in arterial oxygen tension (Pa,O2) and Ptc,O2 during methacholine challenge (-25 and -27%, respectively) in 14 randomly studied responders. Thus, inhaled methacholine-induced hypoxaemia (PD20,O2) seems to reflect PD35,sGaw better than changes in FEV1. Our investigation supports the hypothesis that PD20,O2 could be useful in interpreting the methacholine inhaled challenge. It could be of help in clarifying the pathophysiological meaning of the concurrent hypoxaemia during this challenge, which should be further elucidated.
Adult↗
[Experience of an intermediate respiratory intensive therapy in the treatment of prolonged weaning from mechanical ventilation].
109 patients who suffered from an episode of acute respiratory failure, necessitated mechanical ventilation (MV) in a general Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and admitted to our Respiratory Intermediate Intensive Unit (RIIU), were retrospectively evaluated for outcome and weaning success. The patients, 69 +/- 9 years old, presented the following diseases: COLD (70%), cardiovascular (15%) and neuromuscular (15%). A relapse of underlying disease (62%), pneumonia (20%), thoraco-muscular pump failure (15%) and pulmonary embolism (3%) were the relapsing causes needing the ICU admission. Patients remained intubated for 12 +/- 6 days and ventilated for 25 +/- 10 days. They were transferred to RIIU on pressure support ventilation (70%); the causes of prolonged and/or difficult weaning were as following: lung failure (48%), pump failure (12%), cardiac and haemodynamic instability (28%) others (12%). Apache II score was 18 +/- 5. Maximal inspiratory pressure (31 +/- 7 cmH2O) and respiratory rate/tidal volume (83 +/- 34) were measured within 48 hours after RIIU admission. 82 subjects (75%) were weaned after 6 +/- 4 days of MV using in 87% of patients pressure support technique with spontaneous breathing cycles with oxygen supplementation. 8 patients on 109 (7%) died; 20 patients on 109 (18%) were discharged after 40 +/- 9 days of stay in RIIU necessitating home MV more than 18 hours/day by means of a tracheostomy. All patients stay in RIIU for 17 +/- 7 days with a mean cost per die of 750 thousands lire. Our data suggest that a RIIU institution for prolonged weaning in chronic diseases may be a useful solution to decrease superfluous stays in ICU decreasing costs without ba worsening in quality of care.
Aged↗
Non-invasive mechanical ventilation in acute respiratory failure due to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: correlates for success.
BACKGROUND: Non-invasive mechanical ventilation is increasingly used in the treatment of acute respiratory failure in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The aim of this study was to identify simple parameters to predict the success of this technique. METHODS: Fifty nine episodes of acute respiratory failure in 47 patients with COPD treated with non-invasive mechanical ventilation were analysed, considering each one as successful (78%) or unsuccessful (22%) according to survival and to the need for endotracheal intubation. RESULTS: Pneumonia was the cause of acute respiratory failure in 38% of the unsuccessful episodes but only in 9% of the successful ones. Success with non-invasive mechanical ventilation was associated with less severely abnormal baseline clinical and functional parameters, and with less severe levels of acidosis assessed during an initial trial of non-invasive mechanical ventilation. CONCLUSIONS: The severity of the episode of acute respiratory failure as assessed by clinical and functional compromise, and the level of acidosis and hypercapnia during an initial trial of non-invasive mechanical ventilation, have an influence on the likelihood for success with non-invasive mechanical ventilation and may prove to be useful in deciding whether to continue with this treatment.
Aged↗
Association therapy as a prognostic factor in deep fungal infection complicating oncohaematological diseases.
A group of 31 oncohaemopathic patients (17 male, mean age 44 +/- 6 years), diagnosed as having primary deep fungal infection involving the lungs, were retrospectively evaluated. When infection was suspected on a clinical basis the major associated risks for death were the duration of bone marrow aplasia (12 +/- 7 versus 21 +/- 6 days, P < 0.001), increase in white blood cells and, in particular, prolonged granulocytopenia (11 +/- 5 versus 24 +/- 8 days, P < 0.001) when survivors were compared with patients, who died. Our therapeutic empirical approach was based on the association of i.v. amphotericin B, 1 mg kg-1 day-1, with oral 5-fluorocytosine (5-FC) 150 mg kg-1 day-1. Only 9 subjects received combination therapy for more than 7 days. For majority of them, oral 5-FC was interrupted because of altered compliance or sustained liver damage. A chi 2 test for independent parameters showed (P = 0.0021) a concentration of deaths among patients who received amphotericin B alone (15/22); none of the patients treated with amphotericin B + 5-FC (9 cases) died. Results generally suggest that a more favourable outcome was statistically associated with empirical antifungal combination therapy in deep fungal infection, although both treatment regimens showed effectiveness in terms of survival. Nevertheless the low 5-FC compliance and the small sample do not indicate the safe use of this drug in a large population.
Adolescent↗
Respiratory muscle function and exercise capacity in multiple sclerosis.
Patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) show a poor exercise tolerance. A reduction in respiratory muscle strength has also been reported. The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether reduction in exercise tolerance was related to respiratory muscle dysfunction. Twenty four multiple sclerosis patients (mean +/- SD age: 48 +/- 9 yrs, duration of illness 12.2 +/- 6 yrs, severity of illness as assessed by Expanded Disability Scale Score (EDSS) 5.3 +/- 2), underwent detailed evaluation of lung function tests, arterial blood gas analysis, respiratory muscle strength and endurance, and exercise test on an arm ergometer. Sixteen of the 24 patients were able to perform the exercise test (Group I), whilst the other eight were not (group II). Arterial blood gases and lung function tests were normal for both groups. Respiratory muscle strength as assessed both by maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP) and maximal expiratory pressure (MEP) was significantly reduced (MIP 18-76 cmH2O; MEP 16-82 cmH2O) compared to predicted values. Inspiratory muscle endurance time was significantly reduced in Group II in comparison to Group I (247 +/- 148 vs 397 +/- 154 s, respectively). Both MIP and MEP were significantly related to inspiratory muscle endurance time. Endurance time, MIP and MEP were inversely significantly related to duration of illness, whilst only endurance time was significantly related to Expanded Disability Scale Score.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Blood Gas Analysis↗
Transcutaneous partial oxygen tension and lung mechanics during methacholine inhaled challenge.
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Adult↗
Respiratory monitoring in an intermediate intensive unit.
The major goal of monitoring is continuous recording of indices that enhance our understanding of the underlying pathophysiology, in order to improve diagnosis and guide management, and identify trends that assist in assessing the therapeutic response and predicting prognosis. Nowadays, technology has made it possible to automatically sense and display a wide variety of physiological indices. An ideal monitoring system should be pertinent to patient management, propose interpretable data, show high technical accuracy, high sensitivity, good reproducibility, be practical to use. The international literature, our personal experience, and cost considerations have proposed the following monitoring standards as the best for a noninvasive respiratory intermediate intensive care unit (RIICU): 1) mandatory indices: respiratory rate, oxygen saturation, haemogas-analysis, tidal volume, minute ventilation, maximum voluntary ventilation, forced expiratory volume in one second, forced vital capacity, vital capacity, maximal inspiratory pressure, heart rate and blood pressure; 2) second choice indices: capnometry, respiratory inductive plethysmography, transcutaneous monitoring of gases, haemodynamic monitoring, mechanics data by means of an oesophageal balloon, and central drive. Pulmonary monitoring devices shorten the time for patients who remain on mechanical ventilators; a reduction both in the risk of associated complications and the costs involved is a natural consequence. Continuous monitoring of significant physiological indices has the potential for predicting a critical event, and providing an opportunity for the institution of lifesaving measures.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Critical Care↗
From intermediate intensive unit to home care.
The procedure of discharging the chronically ill respiratory patient from an intermediate intensive care unit (IICU) is always difficult and requires multidisciplinary intervention. A complete clinical and functional evaluation is necessary during the period of hospitalization to determine the weaning possibilities and the respiratory performance of the patient in care. In-hospital management should also be able to produce an accurate plan for home care, especially in those subjects for whom ventilatory support cannot be denied. Appropriate instruction for the care-givers involved must be provided. Funding requirements should be carefully evaluated. Four hundred and sixty five chronically, critically ill respiratory patients were admitted to our cardiopulmonary IICU (34% of the total patients admitted) coming from intensive care units (ICUs) or other departments. The death rate was 6%. Six patients were transferred to an ICU due to urgent necessity. Three hundred and thirty eight subjects were mechanically-ventilated (115 invasively), and 23 were finally admitted to a long-term home-care programme. Nowadays, the respiratory IICU can be considered a new hospital ward, where appropriate monitoring can be performed and accurate evaluation for discharge should be planned. Knowledge of worldwide experience is necessary to establish the best way to discharge patients from a respiratory IICU and to eventually recommend them for a home-care programme.
Aftercare↗
Professional figures in intermediate intensive units.
In Italy, respiratory intermediate intensive care units (IICUs) are not yet considered as autonomous hospital departments. The IICU of the Rehabilitation Department of the Medical Centre of Gussago (12 monitored beds) provides care for respiratory and cardiac patients. Ventilatory assistance and noninvasive modalities both in treatment and monitoring suggest a multidisciplinary approach to the patient. Highly professional figures should, therefore, be singled out to provide care in a respiratory IICU. The medical staff is composed of one anaesthesiologist, one cardiologist and one pulmonologist, who can integrate care when respiratory complications occur in a cardiological patient, or when cardiac events affect a respiratory patient. Nurses are capable of specific activities, especially when ventilatory assistance is required. The presence of a physiotherapist reduces the nursing workload, especially for ventilated individuals. The psychological aspect is undertaken by a specialist. Finally, an expert in nutrition provides an individualized dietary regimen. Our 4 year experience encourages such a multidisciplinary approach. An ideal integration of the professional activities should provide adequate and individual care for patients admitted to an IICU.
Humans↗
Different modes of noninvasive intermittent positive pressure ventilation (IPPV) in acute exacerbations of COLD patients.
Patients with chronic obstructive lung disease may suffer from acute exacerbations of their disease, which may lead to acute respiratory failure necessitating endotracheal intubation and mechanical ventilation. We have compared retrospectively the results obtained with nasal positive pressure ventilation and those of standard medical therapy in acute relapses of severe COLD. The study showed that nasal IPPV (NIPPV) in control mode delivered for approximately 1 h, four times daily, six days a week over a 21 day period, does not result in independent improvement of acute exacerbation of COLD. In the next study the data seem to indicate, in apparent contrast, a marked reduction in the need for endotracheal intubation using noninvasive ventilation, both with assist-control and pressure support noninvasive modes, in comparison with an historical control group. We did not find a significant difference in the success rate of the two modes, but compliance to noninvasive ventilation was better with pressure support. In the former study patients showing neurological signs and requiring mechanical ventilation were excluded, while in the last study patients were selected on the basis of necessity of mechanical ventilation. The fact that in the last study, ventilation was applied by face mask instead of nasal mask may have influenced results. Further efforts are required to determine whether non-invasive ventilation is more a preventive measure to avoid endotracheal intubation, or is another means of delivering ventilatory support.
Disease Progression↗
Hygroscopic condenser humidifiers in chronically tracheostomized patients who breathe spontaneously.
The aim of this study was to test the usefulness of hygroscopic condenser humidifiers on secretion and on inspired gas temperature in tracheostomized patients. Forty spontaneously breathing chronically tracheostomized patients were divided into two groups: Group 1 received a hygroscopic condenser humidifier connected to the tracheostomy, 24 h daily for 10 days; Group 2, without any protection system, was chosen as the control group. The daily number of tracheal suctions, quantity of aspirate and thickness and colouring of secretions was evaluated. At baseline, and at days 5 and 10, patients were submitted to blood gas analysis, respiratory function tests and sputum analysis. The temperature of gases breathed was measured at rest and during a hyperventilation test, with and without the hygroscopic condenser humidifier. Statistically significant differences were found in thickness and colouring of secretions between the two groups during the period of 10 days. Group 2 showed a significantly greater trend in number of bacteria than Group 1. The group with the hygroscopic condenser humidifier showed respiratory function improvement over time for forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) and tidal volume (VT), maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP), and maximal voluntary ventilation (MVV) in comparison to the control group, who did not. Significant differences in the temperature between rest and hyperventilation, with and without a hygroscopic condenser humidifier were also found. In conclusion, a hygroscopic condenser humidifier may be useful in chronically tracheostomized patients who breathe spontaneously, improving viscosity and colouring of secretions, preventing further bacterial colonization, heating inspiratory flow, and helping to improve the functional outcome.
Aged↗
An unusual increase in haemodynamic values in a sleep apnoea syndrome patient with prolonged apnoea.
This case report shows the results of a right heart catheterisation in a patient with sleep apnoea syndrome (SAS). Arterial oxygen saturation (SaO2), heart rate, oronasal flow, and monitoring of electroencephalographic (EEG), sovrayoidal electromyographic (EMG) and thoracoabdominal movements were recorded simultaneously. A mixed apnoea of 180 s was registered, SaO2 fell to 54% and systolic pulmonary artery pressure (sPAP) increased to 130 mmHg. Slowly, haemodynamic values began to normalise with the reappearance of respiratory acts. We can hypothesize that this patient's nocturnal apnoeas may cause frequent and deep negative pleural pressure swings, with severe continuous action on pulmonary circulation. This case report has shown that a SAS patient is capable of developing an adaptative response to an unusual and remarkable systolic pulmonary artery pressure increase, which is mainly due to hypoxic vasoconstriction.
Adult↗
Cardiopulmonary intermediate intensive unit: time course of two years activity.
Intermediate intensive care may be defined as a post comprehensive programme, where monitoring, combined with necessary treatment, improves and maintains physiological functions to complete the cure of underlying diseases. The aims of this paper are: 1) to describe the caring activity that patients admitted to our 12 bed Cardiopulmonary Intermediate Intensive Unit (CPIIU) experience and, 2) to demonstrate that a noninvasive choice does not worsen mortality and the quality of care needed to improve patient outcome. From September 1st 1990 to September 30th 1992, 775 patients (135 respiratory subjects) were admitted. The majority of these patients came from Coronary Intensive Units or Medical and Surgical Intensive Care Units. Noninvasive cardiorespiratory monitoring was assessed in these patients, to obtain their clinical improvement. After this post acute observance, our patients were followed during a stabilization programme in the cardiopulmonary rehabilitation division until a day-hospital or home care programme was carried out. By implementing the CPIIU principles in our department we have reduced the number of deaths and the necessity for Intensive Care Unit admission (from 19 to 9.6%). The estimated risk of death proposed by Apache score was higher than that recorded in our patients (estimated Apache = 25 and 6% for respiratory and cardiac patients, respectively; actual Apache = 10.4 and 3.1% for the same patients, respectively). Average hospitalisation days in our CPIIU was 18 +/- 9. Our CPIIU showed a mean daily cost for each patient of $370.6.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Adult↗