Immunometabolic features of natural killer cells are associated with infection outcomes in critical illness.

Immunosuppression increases the risk of nosocomial infection in patients with chronic critical illness. This exploratory study aimed to determine the immunometabolic signature associated with nosocomial infection during chronic critical illness. We prospectively recruited patients who were admitted to the respiratory care center and who had received mechanical ventilator support for more than 10 days in the intensive care unit.

End-Expiratory Lung Volumes During Spontaneous Breathing Trials in Tracheostomized Subjects on Prolonged Mechanical Ventilation.

Background: The role of end-expiratory lung volume (EELV) during a spontaneous breathing trial (SBT) in patients who were tracheostomized and on prolonged mechanical ventilation is unclear. This study aimed to assess EELV during a 60-min SBT and its correlation with weaning success.

Methods: Enrolled subjects admitted to a weaning unit were measured for EELV and relevant parameters before and after the SBT.

Kinetics of oxygen uptake during unassisted breathing trials in prolonged mechanical ventilation: a prospective pilot study.

Few studies have investigated the measurement of oxygen uptake ([Formula: see text]O) in tracheostomized patients undergoing unassisted breathing trials (UBTs) for liberation from mechanical ventilation (MV). Using an open-circuit, breath-to-breath method, we continuously measured [Formula: see text]O and relevant parameters during 120-min UBTs via a T-tube in 49 tracheostomized patients with prolonged MV, and calculated mean values in the first and last 5-min periods. Forty-one (84%) patients successfully completed the UBTs.

Improving patient safety during intrahospital transportation of mechanically ventilated patients with critical illness.

Aim: Intrahospital transportation (IHT) of patients under mechanical ventilation (MV) significantly increases the risk of patient harm. A structured process performed by a well-prepared team with adequate communication among team members plays a vital role in enhancing patient safety during transportation.

Design And Implementation: We conducted this quality improvement programme at the intensive care units of a university-affiliated medical centre, focusing on the care of patients under MV who received IHT for CT or MRI examinations.

Significant Clinical Factors Associated with Long-term Mortality in Critical Cancer Patients Requiring Prolonged Mechanical Ventilation.

Studies about prognostic assessment in cancer patients requiring prolonged mechanical ventilation (PMV) for post-intensive care are scarce. We retrospectively enrolled 112 cancer patients requiring PMV support who were admitted to the respiratory care center (RCC), a specialized post-intensive care weaning facility, from November 2009 through September 2013. The weaning success rate was 44.