A new simple method to perform pressure-volume curves obtained under quasi-static conditions during mechanical ventilation.

OBJECTIVE: To describe a fast, simple method to acquire pressure-volume curves of the respiratory system and to compare this with a classic method in terms of reliability of the data and speed. DESIGN: Acquisition of pressure-volume curves by low flow inflation technique (P-Vlf) versus the occlusion technique (P-Vst) using the standard equipment of a Cesar ventilator. SETTING: General ICU - Aix en Provence Hospital. PATIENTS: Ten sedated, curarized patients undergoing mechanical ventilation. INTERVENTIONS: P-Vlf curves were acquired by setting the ventilator parameters at f = 5 c./min, duty time Ti/Ttot = 80 %, VT = 1100 ml, pause time = 0. The pressure and volume data were collected directly on the ventilator screen. P-Vst curves were acquired using an airway occlusion technique. The pressures obtained for the same inflation volumes and times necessary for performance of the two techniques were compared. RESULTS: The time needed to acquire a P-Vlf curve was 3 min versus 38 min for P-Vst curve. Concordance analysis between the two methods showed a 95 % confidence interval of (-0.5 cm H2O, + 1.8 cm H2O) for pressure. CONCLUSIONS: P-Vlf curves are close to P-Vst curves, are much less time-consuming, easy to acquire with Cesar ventilator equipment, and may be used in clinical routine to assess the elastic properties of the respiratory system.

[Enterobacter aerogenes pneumopathy treated by a cefepime-sulbactam-gentamicin combination]. / Pneumopathie à Enterobacter aerogenes traitée par l'association céfépime-sulbactam-gentamicine.

BACKGROUND: Enterobacter aerogenes is the fifth most frequent pathogen causing nosocomial infections. Several strains have developed multiple resistance by over-production of a natural cephalosporinase and by the presence of wide-spectrum betalactamases. CASE REPORT: A patient with chronic respiratory failure developed Enterobacter aerogenes pneumonia while under mechanical ventilation. The infection was successfully treated with a cefepime, sulbactam, gentamycin combination. DISCUSSION: Choosing the optimum antibiotic therapy is a difficult task in many nosocomial infections. In certain cases, combining a betalactamase inhibitor with the appropriate antibiotic can improve bactericidal activity and provide successful cure.

[Embolism in the brain stem as a consequence of cervical spine dislocation complicated by thrombosis of the vertebral artery]. / Embolie du tronc cérébral consécutive à une luxation du rachis cervical compliquée d'une thrombose de l'artère vertébrale.

A case is reported of a 52-year-old man who sustained a cervical spine dislocation in a road traffic accident, which was complicated by an initially asymptomatic vertebral arterial thrombosis. Embolism from this thrombosis into the vertebrobasilar territory during the surgical manoeuvers to reduce the dislocation was the cause of a fatal postanaesthetic coma. Such unexpected but life-threatening neurological consequences may be found with trauma of the cervical spine of various intensities. The diagnosis may be made by angiography. However, the usefulness of atraumatic investigations, such as the cervical doppler, and the indications for angiography need to be assessed.