Τετάρτη 21 Σεπτεμβρίου 2022

Less is More? Antibiotic Treatment Duration in Pseudomonas aeruginosa Ventilator-associated Pneumonia

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Abstract
Recommended antimicrobial treatment durations for ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa have evolved over the past few decades. In this Viewpoint, we provide a narrative review of landmark trials investigating antimicrobial treatment durations for VAP caused by P. aeruginosa, and appraise iterations of expert consensus guidelines based on these data. We highligh t strengths and weaknesses of existing data on this topic and provide recommendations for future avenues of study.
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Palatal Coupling Maneuvers Do Not Predict Hypoglossal Nerve Stimulator Treatment Efficacy

alexandrossfakianakis shared this article with you from Inoreader
Palatal Coupling Maneuvers Do Not Predict Hypoglossal Nerve Stimulator Treatment Efficacy


Objective(s)

Maneuvers during drug-induced sleep endoscopy (DISE), for patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), have been used as predictors for success with oral appliances. Hypoglossal nerve stimulation (HGNS) promotes opening at the velum through palatoglossus coupling. In this study, we evaluate maneuvers during DISE as predictors for HGNS treatment efficacy.

Methods

We evaluated patients undergoing HGNS between November, 2014 and February, 2021. We assessed maneuvers including jaw thrust and chin lift during preoperative DISE. The impact of tongue base and palatal opening during these maneuvers were rated from 1 to 4 (1: no improvement, 2: mild improvement, 3: moderate improvement, 4: significant improvement). Patients were grouped by a score of 1–2 (weak response) or 3–4 (strong response). Apnea hypopnea index (AHI) change was calculated from the difference between preoperative and postoperative sleep study.

Results

One hundred and seventy one patients were included. With jaw thrust, there was no significant difference in AHI change between patients with weak or strong response at the palate (n = 68 vs. 94, 9.5 vs. 13.6, p = 0.21) or tongue base (n = 24 vs. 138, 16.6 vs. 11.3, p = 0.24). On chin lift, there was no significant difference at the palate (n = 82 vs. 18, 13.9 vs. 11.4, p = 0.63) or tongue base (n = 92 vs. 72, 10.8 vs. 14.6, p = 0.24). On multiple linear regression analysis, lower body mass index, higher preoperative AHI, and higher preoperative oxygen nadir were associated with a larger AHI change.

Conclusion

Palatal coupling maneuvers during DISE are not predictive of AHI change with HGNS. Findings using these maneuvers should not preclude HGNS candidacy.

Level of Evidence

Level III Laryngoscope, 2022

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Two stage, hybrid endovascular and open surgical approach to treat difficult carotid body tumors

alexandrossfakianakis shared this article with you from Inoreader

Abstract

Objective

Present the feasibility, applicability, clinical effectiveness, and results of complicated Shamblin II or III carotid body tumors treated with a two-stage hybrid surgical approach.

Materials and Methods

Retrospective, observational, cross-sectional, descriptive study of the successful treatment of 16 cases of difficult Shamblin II or III carotid body tumors, consisting of a two-stage surgical approach. We conducted a retrospective, observational, cross-sectional, descriptive study of a series of patients with complicated Shamblin II or III carotid body tumors, which we treated with a two-stage hybrid surgical procedure, in which we first placed a carotid endoprosthesis and 45 days later performed surgical resection of the tumor, following our originally published technique. This study was conducted from February, 2007 to November, 2019, in a third level care centre.

Results

We treated 16 patients with a mean age of 50.5 years. All resided at more than 2000 meters above sea level. In all 16 a complete resection was performed. The average duration of surgery was 103.9 min, the average intraoperative bleeding was 69 ml. There were three cases of neuropraxia. The ansa cervicalis nerve had to be sectioned in three cases and there was permanent upper laryngeal nerve injury in two cases. There were no permanent cerebrovascular injuries from placement of the endoprostheses. One patient developed transient cerebral ischaemia (TIA) with no long-term sequelae. There were two cases of asymptomatic late occlusion of the endoprostheses. The average initial volume of the tumors was 54.4 cc. The average tumor volume 35 days after implant of the endoprosthesis was 30.9 cc.

Symptoms

Presence of tumors in the neck in all cases and two cases of dysphagia.

Conclusion

This two-stage hybrid technique allowed for the complete resection of difficult Shamblin II or III carotid body tumors, with one case of TIA and two with permanent upper laryngeal nerve injuries and without mortality.

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