Pricila Mara Novais de Oliveira

Does Experience Influence the Performance of Neonatal and Pediatric Manual Hyperinflation

BACKGROUND: Manual hyperinflation (MH) is used to improve mucociliary clearance and alveolar expansion in mechanically ventilated patients. Despite the popularity of MH, studies with adults have shown considerable variability in the results from its use. This study assessed if professional training on the application of MH influences its performance. METHODS: An experimental study was conducted with physiotherapists, including 11 with previous professional experience (experienced) and 11 without previous experience (inexperienced). They applied MH in a test lung model using self-inflating bags in 2 sizes (infant and pediatric) from 3 manufacturers (Hudson, Laerdal, and JG Moriya). The test lung simulated the lung mechanics of a newborn and a pediatric patient in 2 different clinical situations: at normal and reduced compliance. The professionals were instructed to perform MH as described in the literature. Measurements of inspiratory volume, peak inspiratory pressure, peak inspiratory flow, and peak expiratory flow were recorded using a pneumotachograph in each condition. RESULTS: The delivered peak inspiratory flow was higher in the experienced group (P = .03) than in the inexperienced group. This result was observed in both neonatal and pediatric self-inflating bags. There was no difference in the parameters delivered between the experienced and inexperienced groups. CONCLUSIONS: The experienced and inexperienced groups were similar in their overall MH performance; the only difference was the observation of the highest PIF in the results from the experienced group.

Neonatal and Pediatric Manual Hyperinflation: Influence of Oxygen Flow on Ventilation Parameters

BACKGROUND: Although self-inflating bags are widely used for manual hyperinflation, they do not allow ventilation parameters, such as pressure or volume, to be set. We studied the ventilation performance of neonatal and pediatric self-inflating bags. METHODS: We asked 22 physiotherapists to manually hyperinflate 2 lung models (neonatal and pediatric), using self-inflating bags from 3 manufactures (Hudson, Laerdal, and JG Moriya), with flows of 0, 5, 10, and 15 L/min. A pneumotachograph recorded tidal volume (VT), peak inspiratory pressure (PIP), peak inspiratory flow (PIF), peak expiratory flow (PEF), and inspiratory time. RESULTS: The VT, PIP, and inspiratory time delivered by the Hudson, Laerdal, and JG Moriya bags, in both neonatal and pediatric self-inflating bags, were significantly different (P < .001). The PEF and PIF delivered were different only when using the neonatal self-inflating bags (P < .001). The VT, PIP, and PIF delivered with a flow of 0 L/min were lower than with 15 L/min (P < .05) with all the tested bags, in both the neonatal and pediatric sizes. CONCLUSIONS: The performance of the tested neonatal and pediatric bags varied by manufacturer and oxygen flow. There was an increase in VT, PIP, and PIF related to the increase of oxygen flow from 0 L/min to 15 L/min. The neonatal bags showed higher ventilation parameters variation than the pediatric bags.

Relationship between self-reported and clinician-rated psychopathology in youth psychiatric outpatients

Introduction Psychopathology rating scales have been widely used. Studies evaluating the congruence between self and observer-reported ratings show inconsistent results. Objectives or aims Determine whether there was consistency between psychopathology as assessed by patients and clinicians’ assessment in outpatients observed in the Young Adult Unit of our Psychiatry Department (Coimbra Hospital and University Centre-Portugal). Methods Socio-demographic characterization was undertaken with young adult outpatients observed during nineteen months (1st January 2015–31st July 2016). Brief Symptom Inventory–53 items (BSI-53) and Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS) were applied at the first clinical evaluation. Spearman correlation coefficient between General Severity Index (GSI) of BSI-53 and BPRS total score was calculated. Results During the mentioned interval 255 outpatients were observed: 64.3% females and 35.7% males; aged between 17 and 39 years old (average: 20.56; median: 20). Fifty percent were diagnosed with neurotic, stress-related and somatoform disorders (ICD-10 F40-48) and 14.1% with mood disorders (ICD-10 F30-39). BPRS and BSI-53 rating scales were administered to 55 patients: 72.5% females and 27.5% males; average age 21.2. A statistical significant correlation was found between BPRS total and GSI score. Conclusions Several factors can determine the accuracy of psychopathology self-assessment, including diagnosis and severity of illness. In fact, studies show strong correlation between self and observer assessment of depressive and anxious psychopathology, but no correlation in psychotic psychopathological dimensions. Therefore, the correlation found in this population can be explained by the fact that the majority of patients were diagnosed with neurotic, stress-related and somatoform and mood disorders.

Capnography: A Feasible Tool in Clinical and Experimental Settings

Capnography is the monitoring of the partial pressure of alveolar carbon dioxide (CO2) in the respiratory gases. It is a useful noninvasive clinical tool for assessing efficiency and optimizing mechanical ventilation.[1][1] The use of capnography for monitoring surgical patients during anesthesia