Shallow Breathing Research Articles

Markerless tracking of tumor and tissues: A motion model approach.

Respiratory motion management is essential in order to achieve high-precision radiotherapy. Markerless motion tracking of tumor can provide a non-invasive way to manage respiratory motion, thereby enhancing treatment accuracy. However, the low contrast in real-time x-ray images for image guidance limits the application of markerless tracking. We present a novel approach based on a motion model to perform markerless tracking of tumor and surrounding tissues even when they have low contrast in real-time x-ray images. A proof-of-concept validation of the method has been performed using digital and physical phantoms at breathing conditions that are significantly different than the planning stage. A motion model is first constructed by performing principal component analysis (PCA) on the planning 4DCT. During treatment, the motion of a surrogate is tracked and used as the input of the motion model, which generates a 3D real-time volume estimation. Such 3D estimation is then projected to 2D to create digitally reconstructed radiographs (DRRs). The relationships between the real-time DRRs, reference DRRs, and reference x-ray images are first established to simulate 2D real-time images from the real-time volume. The registration between the simulated 2D real-time images and real-time x-ray images corrects the initial motion model estimation to ensure the estimated volume matches the real-time condition. In digital phantom, the Dice index of pancreas was improved from 0.74 to 0.78 after correction using real-time DRRs in fully inhaled phase. Validation on lung and pancreas is performed in physical phantom with two motion traces. The surrogate-tumor relationships were intentionally altered to generate large target localization errors due to the differences in body condition between treatment planning stage and during treatment. The real-time correction for the estimated 3D real-time volume was performed using a pair of 2D x-ray images. For the deep breathing motion trace, the tumor localization mean absolute error (MAE) throughout the tracking decreases from around 3mm to less than 1mm after correction. For the shallow breathing motion trace with a 1.7mm baseline shift, the tumor localization MAE throughout the tracking decreases from around 1.5mm to less than 1mm after correction. The method combines the detailed structural information from planning 4DCT and real-time information from real-time x-ray images through a motion model. The matching between the real-time model estimation and 2D real-time images is performed in the same modality so that it can be applied to regions with low contrast in the images. The real-time images successfully corrected the initial motion model estimations in our proof-of-concept validation. This suggests the potential to perform markerless tracking in low-contrast region using a motion model.

Predictors of weaning failure in ventilated intensive care patients: a systematic evidence map.

Ventilator weaning is of great importance for intensive care patients in order to avoid complications caused by prolonged ventilation. However, not all patients succeed in weaning immediately. Their spontaneous breathing may be insufficient, resulting in extubation failure and the subsequent need for reintubation. To identify patients at high risk for weaning failure, a variety of potential predictors has already been examined in individual studies and meta-analyses over the last decades. However, an overview of all the predictors investigated is missing. To provide an overview of empirically investigated predictors for weaning failure. A systematic evidence map was developed. To this end, we conducted a systematic search in the Medline, Cochrane, and CINAHL databases in December 2023 and added a citation search and a manual search in June 2024. Studies on predictors for weaning failure in adults ventilated in the intensive care unit were included. Studies on children, outpatients, non-invasive ventilation, or explanatory factors of weaning failure were excluded. Two reviewers performed the screening and data extraction independently. Data synthesis followed an inductive approach in which the predictors were thematically analyzed, sorted, and clustered. Of the 1388 records obtained, 140 studies were included in the analysis. The 112 prospective and 28 retrospective studies investigated a total of 145 predictors. These were assigned to the four central clusters 'Imaging procedures' (n = 22), 'Physiological parameters' (n = 61), 'Scores and indices' (n = 53), and 'Machine learning models' (n = 9). The most frequently investigated predictors are the rapid shallow breathing index, the diaphragm thickening fraction, the respiratory rate, the P/F ratio, and the diaphragm excursion. Predictors for weaning failure are widely researched. To date, 145 predictors have been investigated with varying intensity in 140 studies that are in line with the current weaning definition. It is no longer just individual predictors that are investigated, but more comprehensive assessments, indices and machine learning models in the last decade. Future research should be conducted in line with international weaning definitions and further investigate poorly researched predictors. Registration, Protocol: https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/2KDYU.

Rapid Shallow Breathing Index and Ultrasonographic Diaphragmatic Parameters as Predictors of Weaning Outcome in Critically Ill Patients on Mechanical Ventilation.

Successful weaning is a crucial element in care toward critically ill patients on mechanical ventilation. An attempt was made to propose and assess a reliable predictor of weaning outcome. A prospective observational study was conducted on 76 patients on mechanical ventilation, assessed by Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II) score. For all these patients we calculate Rapid shallow breathing index (RSBI), Ultrasonographic diaphragmatic parameters namely diaphragmatic excursion (DEx), diaphragmatic thickening fraction (DTF) and diaphragmatic contraction velocity (DCV). Values were compared among patients with two groups of successful and failed weaning outcomes, respectively, and statistically analyzed. Of 76 patients included in the study, with ultrasonographic diaphragmatic parameters being measured 30 min into SBT, 71 patients tolerated spontaneous breathing test (SBT) for 2 h and were extubated. Of these, 61 patients did not require reintubation or any form of ventilatory support within 48 h after extubation. There was a statistically significant difference in APACHE II scores, duration of ventilation, oxygen saturation levels, RSBI, DEx, DTF, and DCV between groups of patients who showed successful and failed weaning from mechanical ventilation. There were a significant positive correlation between the duration of ventilation and the RSBI and a significant negative correlation between DEx, DCV, DTF, and duration of ventilation. As predictors of weaning outcome, RSBI showed the best validity, followed by DCV, DTF, and DEx. RSBI can be reliably used as a predictor of weaning outcome in critically ill patients on mechanical ventilation.

FACTORS RELATED TO PEAK EXPIRATORY FLOW RATE IN PULMONARY TUBERCULOSIS PATIENTS

Patients with pulmonary tuberculosis can be at risk of bronchial obstruction due to secretions or secretions that collect and shallow breathing due to pain, which can cause atelectasis and decreased Peak Expiratory Flow Rate (PEFR) in pulmonary TB patients. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between PEFR in pulmonary TB patients at the Kramat Jati Health Center. This type of research uses correlation analytic observation using cross-sectional design and data analysis using Chi Square and Sperman rank methods. The sample in this study were 50 respondents at the TB Poly Kramat Jati Health Center and were collected using total sampling. Conclusion: The results of this study showed that gender was associated with PEFR in pulmonary TB patients with a p value=0.016 p <0.05 and work was associated with PEFR in pulmonary TB patients with a p value=0.007 p <0.05, age was unrelated to PEFR in pulmonary TB patients with a p value=0.412 and so was BMI with a p value=0.509. Suggestion: for more in-depth matters related to PEFR in pulmonary TB patients can be seen in terms of environmental factors or the physical condition of the patient.

Right ventricular outflow tract arrhythmias in patients with obstructive sleep apnea- electrophysiological insights

Abstract Background Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) was associated with atrial fibrillation and heart failure. Furthermore, the arrhythmic sudden death during sleep in patients with OSA raises serious concerns. Non-ischemic ventricular arrhythmias arise frequently from the right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT). The involvement of obstructive sleep apnea in the genesis of arrhythmia (premature ventricular contraction or tachycardia) originating specifically in the RVOT is not yet coherently established. Purpose This study aims to demonstrate the possible relationship between untreated obstructive sleep apnea and the occurrence of RVOT arrhythmia and to follow the electrophysiological features and outcomes after radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFA) in patients carrying this double burden. Methods One-hundred-twelve (112) consecutive asymptomatic and symptomatic patients admitted with RVOT arrhythmia ((PVCs and VTs) underwent a sleep study (polysomnography). Apnea was set out as the cessation of breathing and hypopnea was defined as shallow, slow, and restricted breathing occurring in episodes of ten seconds or more. The patients had normal left and right ventricle ejection fractions and no structural cardiovascular disease or other known extracardiac arrhythmia predisposing conditions. No significantly elevated systolic pressure in the pulmonary artery was assessed at echocardiography. Every patient was investigated by electrophysiologic study (EPS) and RFA of the clinical ventricular arrhythmia was immediately performed. Practicing and former professional athletes were excluded. Results Seventy-eight (69 %) of the included patients had an apnea-hypopnea index > 10/h. The included patients had the following characteristics: mean age 52 ± 8 years, 62% males, 81% had a BMI >30kg/m². The cardiac electrophysiologic study did not induce sustained VTs. The distribution of the PVCs and non-sustained VTs evidenced a predilection for the superior, septal and anterior (68%) and also superior and anterolateral aspects of the RVOT (23%). Radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFA) guided by activation mapping, precocity (the site of earliest activation > 30 ms before the setting of the QRS complex) and pace-mapping were performed in all patients. Immediate success was obtained in 98 patients (88%). After a mean follow-up of 24± 6 months, 28 patients (28%) from the success arm had a recurrence of the PVCs or the non-sustained VTs, 22 patients (22%) with and 6 patients (6%) without sleep apnea. Conclusions RVOT arrhythmia genesis and relapse after successful RFA seem highly associated with sleep apnea. Furthermore, patients with sleep apnea are more prone to have recurrent arrhythmias after radiofrequency catheter ablation in the absence of appropriate control of OSA.

Combined lung and diaphragm ultrasound predicts extubation outcomes in ARDS: a prospective study

BackgroundExtubation failure is a crucial issue for acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Ultrasound of the lung and diaphragm is individually valuable for predicting extubation outcomes. We aimed to determine whether combined lung and diaphragmatic ultrasound could improve the accuracy of predicting the extubation of ARDS patients.MethodsThis was a prospective cohort study of ARDS patients who were ready for extubation. The lung ultrasound score (LUS), diaphragmatic displacement (DD), diaphragm thickening fraction (DTF), and diaphragmatic-rapid shallow breathing index (D-RSBI) were measured at the end of the spontaneous breathing trial. The primary outcome was extubation success. Logistic regression was used to combine these indicators, and the predictive performance of the single and combined indicators was evaluated through receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, the Hosmer–Lemeshow Ĉ‐test, and the Brier score. Multivariate logistic regression was used to determine the association between combined ultrasound indicators and extubation success.ResultsThis study enrolled 132 eligible patients from January 2019 to December 2022. A total of 71% (94/132) of patients were successfully extubated from mechanical ventilation. The combination of LUS and D-RSBI had the largest area under the ROC curves, the lowest Brier score, and the greatest calibration. After formula transformation, LUS + 2.43 × D-RSBI ≤ 14.273 was significantly associated with extubation success in ARDS patients.ConclusionsIn ARDS patients receiving mechanical ventilation, the combination of LUS and D-RSBI was more accurate than a single parameter alone in predicting extubation outcomes. This combined approach could help refine extubation protocols in critical care.Clinical trial registration This study is registered online with the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR), http://www.chictr.org.cn, ChiCTR1800019340 (Registration time: 2018/11/06).

Comparative assessment of the nature of the combined action of insecticides: different methodical approaches

Introduction. Pesticide mixtures containing insecticide methomyl are commonly used in agriculture. However, the interaction of their active ingredients in a mixture has been insufficiently studied. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the nature of the combined action of a mixture of insecticides methomyl (carbamate) and bifenthrin (pyrethroid) using various methods: a classical model (orthogonal planning of the experiment using nonlinear variables); a generalized linear regression model for the binomial distribution (probit regression); and an isobologram. The study was conducted at the Federal Scientific Center of Hygiene named after F.F. Erisman of the Federal Service for Supervision in Protection of the Rights of Consumer and Man Wellbeing, according to the protocol approved by the local bioethical commission. Materials and methods. Ninety male outbred rats were administered 9 combined doses of the insecticides (combinations of LD16, LD33 and LD50 for the individual compounds, as devised from a preliminary study). Results. Impaired coordination, tremor of the limbs and head, turning into convulsions, rapid (shallow) breathing were observed in all groups. The data on mortality as used to construct 2 mathematical models, as well as to construct an isobologram. Limitations. The study was limited to studying the indicators of acute oral toxicity, without taking into account the possible repeated exposure. Conclusion. The models showed that the additive effect for the combination of methomyl and bifenthrin was only observed for combinations when the individual dose of bifenthrin was equal to or greater than 45 mg/kg b.w. (LD33) and the dose of methomyl was less than 30 mg/kg b.w., as all animals receiving a dose of 30 mg/kg b.w. of methomyl (LD50) in the mixture died. Therefore, the dose of methomyl dictated the toxic effect of the mixture, which should be accounted for in hygienic regulation of methomyl-containing formulations.

Predictive Value of Diaphragm and Lung Ultrasonography for Weaning Failure in Critically Ill Patients with Acute Respiratory Failure Due to COVID-19 Pneumonia.

This study analyzed weaning characteristics and assessed the association of clinical and ultrasonographic indices-maximum inspiratory pressure (MIP), rapid shallow breathing index (RSBI), peak flow expiratory (PFE), diaphragm-thickening fraction (DTF), diaphragm thickness (DT), diaphragm excursion (DE), diaphragm-RSBI (D-RSBI), and lung ultrasound (LUS) patterns-with weaning failure. This retrospective cohort study included critically ill COVID-19 patients aged 18 and older who had been on invasive mechanical ventilation for at least 48 h and undergoing weaning. Exclusion criteria included absence of ultrasound assessments, neuromuscular diseases, and chronic cardio-respiratory dysfunction. Among 61 patients, 44.3% experienced weaning failure, 27.9% failed the spontaneous breathing trial (SBT), 16.4% were re-intubated within 48 h, and 28% required tracheostomy. Weaning failure was associated with prolonged ventilation (29 vs. 7 days, p < 0.001), extended oxygen therapy, longer ICU stays, and higher ICU mortality. These patients had higher pressure support, lower oxygenation levels, a higher RSBI, and a lower MIP. While PEF, DTF, DE, and D-RSBI showed no significant differences, both right and left diaphragm thicknesses and the inspiratory thickness of the left diaphragm were reduced in failure cases. LUS scores were significantly higher before and after SBT in the failure group. Bivariate analysis identified RSBI [OR = 1.04 (95% CI = 1.01-1.07), p = 0.010], MIP [OR = 0.92 (95% CI = 0.86-0.99), p = 0.018], and LUS [OR = 1.15 (95% CI = 0.98-1.35), p = 0.025] as predictors of weaning failure; however, these associations were not confirmed in multivariate analysis. Ultrasound provides supplementary information during weaning, but no definitive association between ultrasound indices and weaning failure was confirmed in this study.

Validity of a new weaning index of discontinuation from mechanical ventilation in intensive care unit

Background Failure to wean from mechanical ventilation (MV) is a frequent problem in the intensive care unit (ICU) setting. Herein, we investigate a new WI measured at the initial spontaneous breathing trial (SBT) in order to predict successful liberation from MV in mechanically ventilated ICU cases. Patients and methods This prospective cross-sectional study consisted of two phases; Phase I was designed to create a new WI from the criteria of 60 mechanically ventilated patients, while Phase II aimed to assess the accuracy of that index in another 40 patients. Results The incidence of failed weaning was 33.3% in phase I, and 35% in phase II. Multivariate regression analysis was done for phase I variables, and the following equation was created; (((Cough strength×0.743)–1.927)×0.05+((PaCO2 (mmHg)×-0.126)+6.786)×0.08+((mean airway pressure (CmH2O)×-1.304)+14.119)×0.193+((PaO2/FIO2 × 0.268)-58.555)×0.328+((rapid shallow breathing index×-0.485)+24.406)×0.353). Using a cut-off value of &gt;0.69 and Applying this index in phase II, it showed a mean value of -1.43 and 4.67 in the failure and success groups, respectively (P&lt;0.001). This new WI with cut-off value (&gt;0.69) had 88.5% sensitivity, 57.1% specificity, and a 77.5% accuracy to predict the success of weaning from MV. Conclusion We developed a new WI using formula including (semiquantitative Cough strength, PCO2 gradient mean airway pressure, PO2/FIO2 ratio, Rapid shallow breathing index) with accepted sensitivity and moderate specificity for predicting successful weaning from MV in ICU patients. Its use should be encouraged in the ICU setting, especially by less experienced ICU physicians.

Predictive value of diaphragm ultrasound for mechanical ventilation outcome in patients with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) is often combined with respiratory failure, which increases the patient's morbidity and mortality. Diaphragm ultrasound (DUS) has developed rapidly in the field of critical care in recent years. Studies with DUS monitoring diaphragm-related rapid shallow breathing index have demonstrated important results in guiding intensive care unit patients out of the ventilator. Early prediction of the indications for withdrawal of non-invasive ventilator and early evaluation of patients to avoid or reduce disease progression are very important. To explore the predictive value of DUS indexes for non-invasive ventilation outcome in patients with AECOPD. Ninety-four patients with AECOPD who received mechanical ventilation in our hospital from January 2022 to December 2023 were retrospectively analyzed, and they were divided into a successful ventilation group (68 cases) and a failed ventilation group (26 cases) according to the outcome of ventilation. The clinical data of patients with successful and failed noninvasive ventilation were compared, and the independent predictors of noninvasive ventilation outcomes in AECOPD patients were identified by multivariate logistic regression analysis. There were no significant differences in gender, age, body mass index, complications, systolic pressure, heart rate, mean arterial pressure, respiratory rate, oxygen saturation, partial pressure of oxygen, oxygenation index, or time of inspiration between patients with successful and failed mechanical ventilation (P > 0.05). The patients with successful noninvasive ventilation had shorter hospital stays and lower partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCO2) than those with failed treatment, while potential of hydrogen (pH), diaphragm thickening fraction (DTF), diaphragm activity, and diaphragm movement time were significantly higher than those with failed treatment (P < 0.05). pH [odds ratio (OR) = 0.005, P < 0.05], PaCO2 (OR = 0.430, P < 0.05), and DTF (OR = 0.570, P < 0.05) were identified to be independent factors influencing the outcome of mechanical ventilation in AECOPD patients. The DUS index DTF can better predict the outcome of non-invasive ventilation in AECOPD patients.

Predictive Value of Serial Rapid Shallow Breathing Index Measurements for Extubation Success in Intensive Care Unit Patients.

Background and Objectives: Extubation success in ICU patients is crucial for reducing ventilator-associated complications, morbidity, and mortality. The Rapid Shallow Breathing Index (RSBI) is a widely used predictor for weaning from mechanical ventilation. This study aims to determine the predictive value of serial RSBI measurements on extubation success in ICU patients on mechanical ventilation. Materials and Methods: This prospective observational study was conducted on 86 ICU patients at Hitit University between February 2024 and July 2024. Patients were divided into successful and unsuccessful extubation groups. RSBI values were compared between these groups. Results: This study included 86 patients (32 females, 54 males) with a mean age of 54.51 ± 12.1 years. Extubation was successful in 53 patients and unsuccessful in 33. There was no significant difference in age and intubation duration between the groups (p = 0.246, p = 0.210). Significant differences were found in RSBI-1a and RSBI-2 values (p = 0.013, p = 0.011). The median RSBI-2a was 80 in the successful group and 92 in the unsuccessful group (p = 0.001). The ΔRSBI was higher in the unsuccessful group (p = 0.022). ROC analysis identified optimal cut-off values: RSBI-2a ≤ 72 (AUC 0.715) and ΔRSBI ≤ -3 (AUC 0.648). RSBI-2a ≤ 72 increased the likelihood of successful extubation by 10.8 times, while ΔRSBI ≤ -3 increased it by 3.4 times. Using both criteria together increased the likelihood by 28.48 times. Conclusions: Serial RSBI measurement can be an effective tool for predicting extubation success in patients on IMV. These findings suggest that serially measured RSBI may serve as a potential indicator for extubation readiness.

Predicting Successful Weaning through Sonographic Measurement of the Rapid Shallow Breathing Index.

Background: Diaphragmatic dysfunction correlates with weaning failure, highlighting the need to independently assess the diaphragm's effects on weaning. We modified the rapid shallow breathing index (RSBI), a predictor of successful weaning, by incorporating temporal variables into existing ultrasound-derived diaphragm index to create a simpler index closer to tidal volume. Methods: We conducted a prospective observational study of patients who underwent a spontaneous breathing trial in the medical intensive care unit (ICU) at Severance Hospital between October 2022 and June 2023. Diaphragmatic displacement (DD) and diaphragm inspiratory time (Ti) were measured using lung ultrasonography. The modified RSBI was defined as follows: respiratory rate (RR) divided by DD was defined as D-RSBI, and RR divided by the sum of the products of DD and Ti on both sides was defined as DTi-RSBI. Results: Among the sonographic indices, DTi-RSBI had the highest area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve of 0.774 in ROC analysis, and a correlation was found between increased DTi-RSBI and unsuccessful extubation in a multivariable logistic regression analysis (adjusted odds ratio 0.02, 95% confidence interval 0.00-0.97). Conclusions: The DTi-RSBI is beneficial in predicting successful weaning in medical ICU patients.

Improved exercise ventilatory efficiency with nasal compared to oral breathing in cardiac patients.

Objectives: To assess whether nasal breathing improves exercise ventilatory efficiency in patients with heart failure (HF) or chronic coronary syndromes (CCS). Background: Exercise inefficient ventilation predicts disease progression and mortality in patients with cardiovascular diseases. In healthy people, improved ventilatory efficiency with nasal compared to oral breathing was found. Methods: Four study groups were recruited: Patients with HF, patients with CCS, old (age≥45years) and young (age 20-40years) healthy control subjects. After a 3-min warm-up, measurements of 5min with once nasal and once oral breathing were performed in randomized order at 50% peak power on cycle ergometer. Ventilation and gas exchange parameters measured with spiroergometry were analysed by Wilcoxon paired-sample tests and linear mixed models adjusted for sex, height, weight and test order. Results: Groups comprised 15 HF, CCS, and young control and 12 old control. Ventilation/carbon dioxide production ( E/ CO2), ventilation ( E), breathing frequency (fR), and end-tidal oxygen partial pressure (PETO2) were significantly lower and tidal volume and end-tidal carbon dioxide partial pressure (PETCO2) significantly higher during nasal compared to oral breathing in all groups, with large effect sizes for most parameters. For patients with HF, median E/ CO2 was 35% lower, fR 26% lower, and PETCO2 10% higher with nasal compared to oral breathing, respectively. Exercise oscillatory ventilation (EOV) was present in 6 patients and markedly reduced with nasal breathing. Conclusion: Nasal breathing during submaximal exercise significantly improved ventilatory efficiency and abnormal breathing patterns (rapid shallow breathing and EOV) in 80% of our patients with HF and CCS.

The ReInvigorate Study—phrenic nerve-to-diaphragm stimulation for weaning from mechanical ventilation: a protocol for a randomized pivotal clinical trial

BackgroundIn the United States in 2017, there were an estimated 903,745 hospitalizations involving mechanical ventilation (MV). Complications from ventilation can result in longer hospital stays, increased risk of disability, and increased healthcare costs. It has been hypothesized that electrically pacing the diaphragm by phrenic nerve stimulation during mechanical ventilation may minimize or reverse diaphragm dysfunction, resulting in faster weaning.MethodsThe ReInvigorate Trial is a prospective, multicenter, randomized, controlled clinical trial evaluating the safety and efficacy of Stimdia’s pdSTIM System for facilitating weaning from MV. The pdSTIM system employs percutaneously placed multipolar electrodes to stimulate the cervical phrenic nerves and activate contraction of the diaphragm bilaterally. Patients who were on mechanical ventilation for at least 96 h and who failed at least one weaning attempt were considered for enrollment in the study. The primary efficacy endpoint was the time to successful liberation from mechanical ventilation (treatment vs. control). Secondary endpoints will include the rapid shallow breathing index and other physiological and system characteristics. Safety will be summarized for both primary and additional analyses. All endpoints will be evaluated at 30 days or at the time of removal of mechanical ventilation, whichever is first.DiscussionThis pivotal study is being conducted under an investigational device exception with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The technology being studied could provide a first-of-kind therapy for difficult-to-wean patients on mechanical ventilation in an intensive care unit setting.Trial registrationClinicaltrials.gov, NCT05998018, registered August 2023.

The influence of physical rehabilitation on the endocrine function of ovaries of women after oophorectomy

Purpose: The purpose of the work is to analyze the effectiveness of the influence of the developed physical rehabilitation program for women after gynecological surgery, based on the results of the endocrine profile of the main ovarian hormones that have the most pronounced biological effect. Material and methods: 21 women aged 25-34 years were examined after gynecological surgery for ovarian cysts - oophorectomy. They were divided into the control group (n=9) and the main group (n=12). Patients of the main group were engaged in a developed physical rehabilitation program, including shallow breathing with elements of muscle relaxation and auto-training and dosed walking in combination with therapeutic massage to prevent exacerbation or worsening of concomitant diseases. A comparative assessment of changes in the secretion of sex hormones was carried out in dynamics, where indicators of their level after radical treatment in this situation acquire the significance of a test for biological recovery. Results: Analysis of the content of estradiol in the blood shows that in women of both groups during the first and second months after surgery, the remaining ovary functions in an economical mode of the anovulatory menstrual cycle without significant differences between samples within and between groups (p &gt; 0,3). At the third menstrual cycle, only in the main group a clear increase in estradiol appeared (the difference with the first sample is significant, p &lt; 0.05). A faster normalization of the endocrine profile in women of the main group is also confirmed by the data obtained from determining progesterone levels. Its minimum values were recorded during the first two cycles in both groups. The third cycle in women of the main group already reveals progesterone levels in the second phase, corresponding to physiological indicators (р &lt; 0,01). Conclusions. Significantly better differences were revealed between women of the main and control groups according to the results of the endocrine parameters studied, which confirms the effectiveness of the proposed physical rehabilitation program in contrast to the standard system of rehabilitation treatment.

Mechanical power density, spontaneous breathing indexes, and prolonged weaning failure: a prospective cohort study

A prospective observational study comparing mechanical power density (MP normalized to dynamic compliance) with traditional spontaneous breathing indexes (e.g., predicted body weight normalized tidal volume [VT/PBW], rapid shallow breathing index [RSBI], or the integrative weaning index [IWI]) for predicting prolonged weaning failure in 140 tracheotomized patients. We assessed the diagnostic accuracy of these indexes at the start and end of the weaning procedure using ROC curve analysis, expressed as the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC). Weaning failure occurred in 41 out of 140 patients (29%), demonstrating significantly higher MP density (6156 cmH2O2/min [4402–7910] vs. 3004 cmH2O2/min [2153–3917], P < 0.01), lower spontaneous VT/PBW (5.8 mL*kg−1 [4.8–6.8] vs. 6.6 mL*kg−1 [5.7–7.9], P < 0.01) higher RSBI (68 min−1*L−1 [44–91] vs. 55 min−1*L−1 [41–76], P < 0.01) and lower IWI (41 L2/cmH2O*%*min*10−3 [25–72] vs. 71 L2/cmH2O*%*min*10-3 [50–106], P < 0.01) and at the end of weaning. MP density was more accurate at predicting weaning failures (AUROC 0.91 [95%CI 0.84–0.95]) than VT/PBW (0.67 [0.58–0.74]), RSBI (0.62 [0.53–0.70]), or IWI (0.73 [0.65–0.80]), and may help clinicians in identifying patients at high risk for long-term ventilator dependency.

The Role of Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing in Assessment of Patients with Interstitial Lung Disease

Abstract Background Cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) is considered as the gold standard for evaluating the causes of exercise intolerance in patients with pulmonary and cardiac disease, and is based on the principle that system failure typically occurs while the system (e.g muscle-energetic, cardiovascular or pulmonary) is under stress. Objective To evaluate the role of cardiopulmonary exercise test in assessment of patients with interstitial lung disease. Patients and Methods This is observational study included 30 consecutive examined with the diagnosis of ILDs in Kobry El Kopa military hospital. The study was carried out over the period from February 2016 to August 2019. All patients with dyspnea to be investigated and ILDs diagnosed and assessed in rehabilitation department who undergo cardio pulmonary exercise test. Results Reduction on the compliance of the lung and/ or chest wall cause change in lung volumes and tachypnea during exercise. Also agreed with harris EzeAo Who showed that alterations on breathing pattern such as lower Vt, increased respiratory effort, rapid shallow breathing were reported in individual with interstitial lung diseases. Conclusion The pathophysiology of ILD has a negative impact on the ventilatory, cardiovascular, and skeletal muscle responses to exercise, thereby leading to exertional dyspnea and reduced exercise capacity. CPET is an excellent tool for assessing the severity of exertional dyspnea and mechanisms of exercise limitation in patients with various forms of cardiorespiratory disease; however, its application in ILD has remained limited. A growing body of evidence supports the use of CPET in patients with ILD. CPET is currently used to assess functional capacity, to inform exercise prescription, and to evaluate the effects of various interventions. Recent findings highlight that, in addition to its current uses, CPET-derived measures may help improve the management of patients with ILD. Despite these recent advances, additional research is required in order to confirm the utility of CPET in this population.

Validity of A new Weaning Index of Discontinuation From Mechanical Ventilation in Intensive Care Unit

Abstract Background Failure to wean from mechanical ventilation (MV) is a frequent problem in the intensive care unit (ICU) setting. Herein, we investigate a new WI measured at the initial spontaneous breathing trial (SBT) in order to predict successful liberation from MV in mechanically ventilated ICU cases. Patients and methods This prospective cross-sectional study consisted of two phases; Phase I was designed to create a new WI from the criteria of 60 mechanically ventilated patients, while Phase II aimed to assess the accuracy of that index in another 40 patients. Patients aged older than 18 years who were receiving controlled-mode MV from day 3 to day 14 and planned to be weaned off MV were included in our study. Contrarily, patients with prior history of poor tolerance to SBT, weaning failure were excluded. Additionally, we also excluded patients with neurological or neuromuscular disorders, tracheostomy, pregnancy, or an active COVID-19 infection. Results The incidence of failed weaning was 33.3% in phase I, and 35% in phase II. Pulmonary causes were the most common indication in both groups. Multivariate regression analysis was done for phase I variables, and the following equation was created; (((Cough strength* 0.743) - 1.927) *0.05 + ((PaCO2 (mmHg)* - 0.126) + 6.786) *0.08 + ((mean airway pressure (CmH2O) * -1.304) + 14.119) *0.193 + ((PaO2/FIO2 * 0.268) - 58.555) *0.328 + ((rapid shallow breathing index * -0.485) + 24.406) *0.353). Using a cut-off value of &amp;gt; 0.69 and applying this index in phase II, it showed a mean value of -1.43 and 4.67 in the failure and success groups, respectively (p &amp;lt; 0.001). This new WI with cutoff value (&amp;gt; 0.69) had 88.5% sensitivity, 57.1% specificity, and a 77.5% accuracy to predict the success of weaning from MV. Conclusion We developed a new WI with good sensitivity and moderate specificity for predicting successful weaning from MV in ICU patients. Its use should be encouraged in the ICU setting, especially by less experienced ICU physicians.

The ratio of parasternal intercostal muscle-thickening fraction-to-diaphragm thickening fraction for predicting weaning failure

BackgroundDiaphragm dysfunction is associated with weaning outcomes in mechanical ventilation patients, in the case of diaphragm dysfunction, the accessory respiratory muscles would be recruited. The main purpose of this study is to explore the performance of parasternal intercostal muscle thickening fraction in relation to diaphragmatic thickening fraction ratio (TFic1/TFdi2) for predicting weaning outcomes, and compare its accuracy with D-RSBI in predicting weaning failure. Materials and methodsWe prospectively enrolled consecutive patients from 7/2022–5/2023. We measured TFic, TFdi, and diaphragmatic excursion (DE3) by ultrasound and calculated the TFic/TFdi ratio and diaphragmatic rapid shallow breathing index (D-RSBI4). Receiver-operator characteristic (ROC5) curves evaluated the accuracy of the TFic/TFdi ratio and D-RSBI in predicting weaning failure. Results161 were included in the final analysis, 114 patients (70.8%) were successfully weaned from mechanical ventilation. The TFic/TFdi ratio (AUROC = 0.887 (95% CI: 0.821–0.953)) was superior to the D-RSBI (AUROC = 0.875 (95% CI: 0.807–0.944)) for predicting weaning failure. ConclusionsThe TFic/TFdi ratio predicted weaning failure with high accuracy and outperformed the D-RSBI.

Development and Validation of a Deep Learning Classifier Using Chest Radiographs to Predict Extubation Success in Patients Undergoing Invasive Mechanical Ventilation.

The decision to extubate patients on invasive mechanical ventilation is critical; however, clinician performance in identifying patients to liberate from the ventilator is poor. Machine Learning-based predictors using tabular data have been developed; however, these fail to capture the wide spectrum of data available. Here, we develop and validate a deep learning-based model using routinely collected chest X-rays to predict the outcome of attempted extubation. We included 2288 serial patients admitted to the Medical ICU at an urban academic medical center, who underwent invasive mechanical ventilation, with at least one intubated CXR, and a documented extubation attempt. The last CXR before extubation for each patient was taken and split 79/21 for training/testing sets, then transfer learning with k-fold cross-validation was used on a pre-trained ResNet50 deep learning architecture. The top three models were ensembled to form a final classifier. The Grad-CAM technique was used to visualize image regions driving predictions. The model achieved an AUC of 0.66, AUPRC of 0.94, sensitivity of 0.62, and specificity of 0.60. The model performance was improved compared to the Rapid Shallow Breathing Index (AUC 0.61) and the only identified previous study in this domain (AUC 0.55), but significant room for improvement and experimentation remains.