Secretion management in patients with ineffective airway clearance with non-invasive mechanical ventilation use: Expert guidance for clinical practice.

Non-invasive ventilation (NIV) is a mainstay of management of chronic respiratory failure in many disorders which are known to cause abnormal airway secretion clearance. Currently, there is no guidance regarding either the secretion handling during NIV use or the role of NIV in secretion management in these patients. The aim of this document was to provide an overview of the various techniques available in the management of respiratory secretions and their use in conjunction with NIV.

The role of non-invasive ventilation in weaning and decannulating critically ill patients with tracheostomy: A narrative review of the literature.

Introduction: Invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) is associated with several complications. Placement of a long-term airway (tracheostomy) is also associated with short and long-term risks for patients. Nevertheless, tracheostomies are placed to help reduce the duration of IMV, facilitate weaning and eventually undergo successful decannulation.

Noninvasive ventilation: education and training. A narrative analysis and an international consensus document.

Noninvasive ventilation (NIV) is an increasingly used method of respiratory support. The use of NIV is expanding over the time and if properly applied, it can save patients' lives and improve long-term prognosis. However, both knowledge and skills of its proper use as life support are paramount.

Tuberculous synovitis of the knee in a 65-year-old man.

Introduction: Tuberculous (TB) synovitis is a rare, treatable, potentially lethal form of extrapulmonary TB resulting from massive lymphohematogenous dissemination of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tuberculosis). We presented a case of TB synovitis of the knee in a Caucasian HIV-negative man from Romania, a high TB incidence country.

Pulmonary rehabilitation in elderly patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Elderly patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), neglected in terms of pulmonary rehabilitation some decades ago, have nowadays evidence-based recommendations to attend it. There are no serious limitations excepting the locomotor handicap (neurological and musculoskeletal disability), severe cardiovascular and cognitive impairment. Multiple outcomes are expected to show up, as improvement of cardiovascular fitness and exercise capacity, relieving symptoms as dyspnoea, depression and anxiety.