Comparative evaluation of spontaneous breathing trial techniques for ventilator weaning: a bench study.

Background: Spontaneous breathing trials (SBT) are crucial for determining when mechanically ventilated patients are ready for extubation. While pressure support (PS) and T-piece trials are commonly used, humidified high-flow (HHF) is increasingly considered, but its physiological effects remain unclear. This bench study compares T-piece, PS, and HHF modalities, evaluating their impact on work of breathing (WOB), tidal volume (Vt), total positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEPtot) and CO clearance.

Development and Comparison of Reference Equations for the Six-Minute Walk Test in Spanish Healthy Adults Aged 45-85 Years.

Objectives: (i) To develop sex-specific reference equations to predict distance walked (6MWD) in the 6-minute walk test (6MWT), in healthy subjects aged 45-85 years, from different geographic areas of Spain; and (ii) to compare developed equations with previously published in a large sample of COPD patients.

Methods: First, a cross-sectional multicentre sample of randomly selected healthy subjects from 17 Spanish hospitals and universities performed two 6MWT. Linear regression and fractional polynomial modelling were used to develop the equations.

Accuracy of Real-Time Data Provided by Mechanical Insufflation-Exsufflation Devices.

Mechanical insufflation-exsufflation (MI-E) is crucial to assist patients with impaired cough, especially those with neuromuscular diseases. Despite recent advancements that enable real-time display of peak expiratory flow (PEF) and inspiratory volume, accurately monitoring these parameters with MI-E devices during treatment can still present challenges. A bench study that used a mechanical lung connected to 3 MI-E devices (EOVE-70; E-70 and Comfort Cough II) was conducted to evaluate PEF and inspiratory volume monitoring accuracy.

Impacts of three inspiratory muscle training programs on inspiratory muscles strength and endurance among intubated and mechanically ventilated patients with difficult weaning: a multicentre randomised controlled trial.

Background: Inspiratory muscle training (IMT) is well-established as a safe option for combating inspiratory muscles weakness in the intensive care setting. It could improve inspiratory muscle strength and decrease weaning duration but a lack of knowledge on the optimal training regimen raise to inconsistent results. We made the hypothesis that an innovative mixed intensity program for both endurance and strength improvement could be more effective.

Effects of mechanical in-exsufflation in preventing postextubation acute respiratory failure in intensive care acquired weakness patients: a randomized controlled trial.

Objective: We hypothesized that the use of mechanical insufflation-exsufflation can reduce the incidence of acute respiratory failure within the 48-hour post-extubation period in intensive care unit-acquired weakness patients.

Methods: This was a prospective randomized controlled open-label trial. Patients diagnosed with intensive care unit-acquired weakness were consecutively enrolled based on a Medical Research Council score ≤ 48/60.

Clinical Findings and Outcomes From Subjects With COVID-19 Pneumonia in an Intermediate Respiratory Care Unit.

Background: Many patients with COVID-19 require respiratory support and close monitoring. Intermediate respiratory care units (IRCU) may be valuable to optimally and adequately implement noninvasive respiratory support (NRS) to decrease clinical failure. We aimed at describing intubation and mortality in a novel facility entirely dedicated to COVID-19 and to establish their outcomes.

Effects of Mechanical Insufflation-Exsufflation With Different Pressure Settings on Respiratory Mucus Displacement During Invasive Ventilation.

Background: Mechanical insufflation-exsufflation (MI-E) has been proposed as a potential strategy to generate high expiratory flows and simulate cough in the critically ill. However, efficacy and safety of MI-E during invasive mechanical ventilation are still to be fully elucidated. This study in intubated and mechanically ventilated pigs aimed to evaluate the effects of 8 combinations of insufflation-exsufflation pressures during MI-E on mucus displacement, respiratory flows, as well as respiratory mechanics and hemodynamics.

Effects of Mechanical Insufflation-Exsufflation on Sputum Volume in Mechanically Ventilated Critically Ill Subjects.

Background: Mechanical insufflation-exsufflation (MI-E) is a noninvasive technique performed to simulate cough and remove sputum from proximal airways. To date, the effects of MI-E on critically ill patients on invasive mechanical ventilation are not fully elucidated. In this randomized crossover trial, we evaluated the efficacy and safety of MI-E combined to expiratory rib cage compressions (ERCC).

In the spotlight: Early Career Member Awardee 2020, ERS Lung Science Conference 2021, and Sleep and Breathing 2021.

https://bit.ly/3fUXs1M.

Effectiveness of a Home-Based Active Video Game Programme in Young Cystic Fibrosis Patients.

Background: Exercise-based rehabilitation is already a part of cystic fibrosis (CF) treatment; however, patient adherence is low.

Objectives: To assess the effectiveness of a home exercise programme using active video games (AVGs) as a training modality for children and adolescents with CF.

Methods: Thirty-nine children with CF were randomised to a control group (CG, n = 20, age 11 ± 6 years; FEV1 86.