Severe hypoxemia: which strategy to choose.

BACKGROUND: Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is characterized by a noncardiogenic pulmonary edema with bilateral chest X-ray opacities and reduction in lung compliance, and the hallmark of the syndrome is hypoxemia refractory to oxygen therapy. Severe hypoxemia (PaO2/FiO2 < 100 mmHg), which defines severe ARDS, can be found in 20-30 % of the patients and is associated with the highest mortality rate. Although the standard supportive treatment remains mechanical ventilation (noninvasive and invasive), possible adjuvant therapies can be considered. We performed an up-to-date clinical review of the possible available strategies for ARDS patients with severe hypoxemia. MAIN RESULTS: In summary, in moderate-to-severe ARDS or in the presence of other organ failure, noninvasive ventilatory support presents a high risk of failure: in those cases the risk/benefit of delayed mechanical ventilation should be evaluated carefully. Tailoring mechanical ventilation to the individual patient is fundamental to reduce the risk of ventilation-induced lung injury (VILI): it is mandatory to apply a low tidal volume, while the optimal level of positive end-expiratory pressure should be selected after a stratification of the severity of the disease, also taking into account lung recruitability; monitoring transpulmonary pressure or airway driving pressure can help to avoid lung overstress. Targeting oxygenation of 88-92 % and tolerating a moderate level of hypercapnia are a safe choice. Neuromuscular blocking agents (NMBAs) are useful to maintain patient-ventilation synchrony in the first hours; prone positioning improves oxygenation in most cases and promotes a more homogeneous distribution of ventilation, reducing the risk of VILI; both treatments, also in combination, are associated with an improvement in outcome if applied in the acute phase in the most severe cases. The use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) in severe ARDS is increasing worldwide, but because of a lack of randomized trials is still considered a rescue therapy. CONCLUSION: Severe ARDS patients should receive a holistic framework of respiratory and hemodynamic support aimed to ensure adequate gas exchange while minimizing the risk of VILI, by promoting lung recruitment and setting protective mechanical ventilation. In the most severe cases, NMBAs, prone positioning, and ECMO should be considered.

Understanding neonatal ventilation: strategies for decision making in the NICU.

Neonatal ventilation is an integral component of care delivered in the neonatal unit. The aim of any ventilation strategy is to support the neonate's respiratory system during compromise while limiting any long-term damage to the lungs. Understanding the principles behind neonatal ventilation is essential so that health professionals caring for sick neonates and families have the necessary knowledge to understand best practice. Given the range of existing ventilation modes and parameters available, these require explanation and clarification in the context of current evidence. Many factors can influence clinical decision making on both an individual level and within the wider perspective of neonatal care.

Revisión de conocimientos sobre los cuidados en la prevención de la neumonía asociada a la ventilación mecánica / Review of knowledge on care measures in prevention of mechanical ventilation associated pneumonia

Incorpora un sistema anual de autoevaluación y acreditación dentro de un programa de formación continuada sobre la revisión de conocimientos para la atención de enfermería al paciente adulto en estado crítico. Uno de los objetivos de Enfermería intensiva es que sirva como instrumento educativo y formativo en esta área y estimule el estudio continuado. Las personas interesadas en acceder a la obtención de los créditos de formación continuada, que a través de la SEEIUC otorga la Comisión Nacional de Formación Continuada, deberán remitir cumplimentada la hoja de respuestas adjunta (no se admiten fotocopias) dentro de los 2 meses siguientes a la aparición de cada número, a la Secretaría de la SEEIUC. Vicente Caballero, 17 (AU)

Pulmonary issues in acute and critical care: pulmonary embolism and ventilator-induced lung injury.

Many patients admitted to acute care hospitals are at risk for VTE. Nurses play a pivotal role in prevention of VTE events by assessing risk and implementing prophylactic interventions, promptly recognizing and reacting to signs and symptoms of DVT and PE, and collaborating with other team members to ensure rapid treatment ensues. When patients require mechanical ventilation, nurses need to remain alert for complications indicative of VILI, effectively communicate assessment findings to other team members and confidently implement nursing and ordered medical interventions to promote the best possible patient outcomes.