Efficacy of Veno-Venous Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation in Severe Acute Respiratory Failure

PURPOSE: The objective of this study was to evaluate our institutional experience with veno-venous (VV) extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) in patients with severe acute respiratory failure (ARF). MATERIALS AND METHODS: From January 2007 to August 2013, 31 patients with severe ARF that was due to various causes and refractory to mechanical ventilation with conventional therapy were supported with VV ECMO. A partial pressure of arterial oxygen (PaO2)/inspired fraction of oxygen (FiO2) <100 mm Hg at an FiO2 of 1.0 or a pH <7.25 due to CO2 retention were set as criteria for VV ECMO. RESULTS: Overall, 68% of patients survived among those who had received VV ECMO with a mean PaO2/FiO2 of 56.8 mm Hg. Furthermore, in trauma patients, early use of ECMO had the best outcome with a 94% survival rate. CONCLUSION: VV ECMO is an excellent, life-saving treatment option in patients suffering from acute and life-threatening respiratory failure due to various causes, especially trauma, and early use of VV ECMO therapy improved outcomes in these patients.

Inter-generation Occupational Mobility Experience of Nurses: Focus on Mother's Experience / 한국간호교육학회지

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to analyze how the experiences of nurses influence their role model function when they are mothers of children who in turn have become nurses or nursing students. METHOD: The subjects of this study were 12 nurses, 8 of their children who became nurses and another 4 children then in training to become one. Data were collected through in-depth personal interviews and subsequently analyzed through a phenomenological approach. RESULTS: Four main themes were identified as follows; 'Persuasion and dissuasion,' 'Proud but still pathetic,' 'As mom and senior nurse' and 'Great to pass it down.' CONCLUSION: The results of this study show that the nurse as mother could be a positive professional role model for her children. However, they tended to stress the arduous clinical routines and poor work conditions nurses currently experience. Should such routines and conditions improve, mothers who are nurses would be more willing to recommend the nursing profession to their children. Improving the professional environment is thus important because inter-generation nursing mobility provides a reliable resource to recruit qualified and dedicated nursing personnel.