Myron Stein

Bronchoconstriction in the Presence of Pulmonary Embolism

In a group of seven patients with pulmonary embolism, evidence of bronchoconstriction was found. Heparin appeared to relieve partially the observed airway obstruction. A possible common mechanism for the initiation of intravascular coagulation and the production of bronchoconstriction was considered. When other causes can be eliminated, the detection of bronchoconstriction may serve as a useful index for the early recognition of pulmonary emboli.

Physiologic Evaluation and Treatment of Kyphoscoliotic Patients

Excerpt New techniques of investigation have clarified the nature of the abnormalities of pulmonary function in patients with severe kyphoscoliosis. Restricted lung volumes, alveolar hypoventilatio...

Intensive care in acute respiratory failure

Summary Patients requiring acute intensive respiratory therapy may have ventilatory failure and/or severe ventilatory insufficiency. The former group will have varying degrees of dyspnea and abnormal blood gases, the latter ventilatory fatigue. Therapy should be directed towards the establishment of a clear airway, easy removal of secretions and improvement of blood gas exchange. Depending on the nature and severity of the underlying condition as well as the blood gas abnormalities, the following therapeutic measures may be taken: oxygen, assisted IPPB, and tracheostomy with assisted or controlled IPPB. The role of infections, humidification of inspired gases, bronchodilator drugs, expectorants, monitoring of blood gases and pH, cardiac management and certain complications of respiratory failure are emphasized.