Assisted Cough: A new technique

The Lane Fox Respiratory Unit at St Thomas' Hospital is a national centre for care of patients with neuromuscular disorders. These patients frequently have severe problems with sputum clearance which can be long standing as a result of ineffective coughing due to respiratory muscle weakness. Over the past four years, we have trialed and implemented an adjunct to treatment, which aids the respiratory muscles in achieving an effective cough. This is the mechanical in-exsufflator (MI-E) (Emerson Co MA USA).The aim of this report is to outline the effects, the indications for use and the practicalities of MI-E. A brief case history encapsulating the clinical reasoning involved in MI-E and the role of MI-E as an adjunct to physiotherapy treatment will be discussed.Due to the lack of recent literature on this subject, research findings have been extrapolated from older studies. Future work is necessary to complement these earlier results.     

Peak Cough Flow Fails to Detect Upper Airway Collapse During Negative Pressure Titration for Cough-Assist

ObjectiveTo study the ability of peak cough flow (PCF) and effective cough volume, defined as the volume exsufflated >3 L/s, to detect upper airway collapse during mechanical insufflation-exsufflation (MI-E) titration in neuromuscular patients.DesignProspective observational study.SettingRehabilitation hospital.ParticipantsPatients (N=27) with neuromuscular disease causing significant impairment of chest wall and/or diaphragmatic movement.InterventionsThe lowest insufflation pressure producing the highest inspiratory capacity was used. Exsufflation pressure was decreased from ?20 cm H₂O to ?60/?70 cm H₂O, in 10-cm H₂O decrements, until upper airway collapse was detected using the reference standard of flow-volume curve analysis (after PCF, abrupt flattening or flow decrease vs previous less negative exsufflation pressure).Main Outcome MeasuresPCF and effective cough volume profiles during expiration with MI-E.ResultsUpper airway collapse occurred in 10 patients during titration. Effective cough volume increased with decreasing expiratory pressure then decreased upon upper airway collapse occurrence. PCF continued to increase after upper airway collapse occurrence. In 5 other patients, upper airway collapse occurred at the initial ?20 cm H₂O exsufflation pressure, and during titration, PCF increased and effective cough volume remained unchanged at <200 mL. PCF had 0% sensitivity for upper airway collapse, whereas effective cough volume had 100% sensitivity and specificity.ConclusionOf 27 patients, 15 experienced upper airway collapse during MI-E titration. Upper airway collapse was associated with an effective cough volume decrease or plateau and with increasing PCF. Accordingly, effective cough volume, but not PCF, can detect upper airway collapse.     

Mechanical insufflation-exsufflation for airway mucus clearance

Cough is an important component of airway clearance, particularly in individuals with intrinsic pulmonary disease, weakness of respiratory muscles, or central nervous system disease that impairs breathing. The use of assisted cough to enhance airway clearance in individuals with neuromuscular disease is essential to produce and maintain peak cough flow above a minimum and thereby avoid retained secretions that cause infection, inflammation, and respiratory failure. Periodic insufflation of the lung above a reduced vital capacity is also important, to maintain range of motion of the thoracic cage and avoid progressive respiratory disability. Mechanical insufflation-exsufflation is a therapy in which the device (the CoughAssist In-Exsufflator is the only currently marketed insufflation-exsufflation device) gradually inflates the lungs (insufflation), followed by an immediate and abrupt change to negative pressure, which produces a rapid exhalation (exsufflation), which simulates a cough and thus moves secretions cephalad. Mechanical insufflation-exsufflation is used with patients with neuromuscular disease and muscle weakness due to central nervous system injury. Insufflation-exsufflation decreases episodes of respiratory failure, particularly during upper-respiratory-tract infection, and provides greater success in weaning from mechanical ventilation than do conventional methods. Alternatives to insufflation-exsufflation that can produce sufficient peak cough flow for airway clearance include (1) insufflation to maximum insufflation capacity (via breath-stacking with a bag and mask, a volume ventilator, or glossopharyngeal breathing) followed by a spontaneous cough, and (2) manually assisted cough with an abdominal thrust. The effectiveness of insufflation-exsufflation in patients with obstructive lung disease, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or asthma, and in pediatric patients, is less clear.     

Mechanical insufflation-exsufflation for invasively ventilated critically ill patients—A focus group study

Introduction

Mechanical Insufflation-Exsufflation (MI-E) is used as an airway clearance intervention in primary care (home ventilation), long-term care (prolonged rehabilitation after intensive care, neuromuscular diseases, and spinal cord injury), and increasingly in acute care in intensive care units (ICU).

Aim

We sought to develop in-depth understanding of factors influencing decision-making processes of health care professionals regarding initiation, escalation, de-escalation, and discontinuation of MI-E for invasively ventilated patients including perceived barriers and facilitators to use.

Methods

We conducted focus groups (3 in the Netherlands; 1 with participants from four European countries) with clinicians representing the ICU interprofessional team and with variable experience of MI-E. The semi-structured interview guide was informed by the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF). Two researchers independently coded data for directed content analysis using codes developed from the TDF.

Results

A purposive sample of 35 health care professionals participated. Experience varied from infrequent to several years of frequent MI-E use in different patient populations. We identified four main themes: (1) knowledge; (2) beliefs; (3) clinical decision-making; and (4) future adoption.

Conclusion

Interprofessional knowledge and expertise of MI-E in invasively ventilated patients is limited due to minimal available evidence and adoption. Participants believed MI-E a potentially useful intervention for airway clearance and inclusion in weaning protocols when more evidence is available.

Relevance to Clinical Practice

This focus group study provides an overview of current practice, knowledge and expertise, and barriers and facilitators to using MI-E in mechanically ventilated patients. From these data, it is evident there is a need to develop further clinical expertise and evidence of efficacy to further understand the role of MI-E as an airway clearance technique for ventilated patients.     

Resuscitation by extracorporeal lung assist of a patient suffocating after inhalation of sawdust particles

A 17-yr-old male accidentally inhaled a massive amount of sawdust particles. Severe respiratory distress developed, resulting in subcutaneous emphysema and left pneumothorax. Therefore, sufficient positive-pressure ventilation was inapplicable. Under veno-venous extracorporeal lung assist (ECLA) with an artificial lung, the sawdust particles were removed by broncho-fibroscopy and lung lavage. After 36 h, the patient was weaned from ECLA without further complications.     

SARS危重患者无创正压通气并发症分析及呼吸治疗策略的探讨

目的　对严重急性呼吸综合征 (SARS)危重患者行无创正压通气 (NIPPV)后出现气胸或纵隔气肿的临床资料进行分析 ,并探讨相应的呼吸治疗策略。方法　回顾性分析 2 7例行 NIPPV的 SARS危重患者的临床资料。结果　 2 7例行 NIPPV的 SARS危重患者中 ,有 7例出现气胸或纵隔气肿 ;189例未行机械通气的 SARS患者中 1例出现纵隔气肿 ;与后者比较 ,行 NIPPV的 SARS危重患者气胸或纵隔气肿发生率有非常显著性差异 (χ2 =2 5 .0 5 2 ,P<0 .0 1)。调整通气压力并适当提高吸入氧浓度后 ,所有患者脉搏容积血氧饱和度均无明显变化。 7例患者气胸或纵隔气肿均未进一步发展且逐步好转。结论　 SARS危重患者行 NIPPV后所出现气胸或纵隔气肿现象 ,可能与 SARS造成肺脏损伤、剧烈咳嗽及机械通气压力过高有关。对 SARS危重患者行 NIPPV治疗时谋求改善低氧血症的同时 ,还应该选择最佳的通气压力 ,以避免气胸或纵隔气肿的发生。     

食管癌术后使用无创面罩式咳痰机的效果研究

目的 探讨无创面罩式咳痰机（mechanical insufflation-exsufflation，MI-E）对食管癌手术后的排痰效果及改善其呼吸功能的作用。方法 选择120例食管癌手术后患者，按随机原则分为实验组与对照组，各60例，监测2组患者咳痰效果，对2组患者术后发生低氧血症及肺不张的情况、术后住院时间与医疗费用、患者满意度进行对比分析，并将2组患者并发低氧血症及肺不张后治疗前与治疗后30min的动脉血气指标结果进行对比。结果 实验组发生低氧血症及肺不张的例数、术后住院时间少于对照组，实验组患者满意度与对照组比较有显著性差异（P〈0．01）。发生低氧血症及肺不张后，实验组治疗后30min的PaO2及PaCO2的改善程度均明显优于对照组（P〈0．01）。结论 无创面罩式咳痰机可预防并改善食管癌手术患者的通气障碍，是一种安全有效的辅助预防与治疗方法。     

Systematic review of techniques to enhance peak cough flow and maintain vital capacity in neuromuscular disease: the case for mechanical insufflation–exsufflation

Abstract

Patients with neuromuscular disease risk developing chest infections due to the inability to cough effectively and to maintain adequate lung volume. This systematic review aimed to evaluate the comparative effectiveness of techniques used in the respiratory management of these patients. Articles evaluating peak cough flow measurements and maintenance of lung volumes only were selected to retain a specific focus for comparison. A database search was performed using the Cochrane controlled register, AMED, Cinahl, Medline and PEDro. Various techniques improved cough efficacy in neuromuscular disease by increasing peak cough flow values and maintaining lung volume. Mechanical insufflation–exsufflation is a technique used to augment cough strength, producing the greatest increase in peak cough flow compared with other techniques. These findings highlight the treatment options for the patient with neuromuscular disease in order to maintain respiratory muscle length, prevent infection and augment peak cough flow.     

Isolated spinal accessory nerve palsy after coronary artery bypass: an unusual complication

Isolated spinal accessory nerve palsy after coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery is a rare complication. We report a case of a 52-yr-old male patient who presented with right shoulder weakness, drooping of shoulder, and weakness of forward elevation after CABG. A program of neuromuscular electrical stimulation and exercises was started after the diagnosis of right isolated spinal accessory nerve palsy by physical examination and electromyographic study. Involved muscle function recovered after 6 mos of physical therapy and rehabilitation. This case report suggests that isolated spinal accessory nerve palsy should be considered in cases of shoulder pain or weakness after CABG, and conservative treatment is recommended if palsy develops.     

Catamenial pneumothorax due to bilateral pulmonary endometriosis

Co-existence of catamenial pneumothorax and hemoptysis is rare. We present a case of catamenial pneumothorax due to bilateral pulmonary endometriosis in a 45-year-old woman. The patient presented with a 3-year history of intermittent productive cough with blood-tinged sputum, chronic anemia, loss of appetite, and general weakness associated with menstruation. Three years prior to this presentation the patient had undergone a sigmoidectomy as treatment for endometriosis of the sigmoid colon with bleeding. Chest radiographs and computed tomography (CT) scan revealed multiple nodules in both lung parenchyma and recurrent pneumothorax. CT-guided biopsy revealed chronic inflammation of those pulmonary nodules, and laboratory studies disclosed elevated serum levels of carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA 19-9) and CA 125. Thoracoscopic wedge resection of the pulmonary nodules was performed, and histopathological examination of the resected nodules revealed endometriosis. At one-year follow-up there was no evidence of recurrence of gastrointestinal bleeding or pneumothorax.     

Effects of mechanical insufflation-exsufflation in preventing respiratory failure after extubation: a randomized controlled trial

ABSTRACT: INTRODUCTION: Weaning protocols that include noninvasive ventilation (NIV) decrease re-intubation rates and ICU length of stay. However, impaired airway clearance is associated with NIV failure. Mechanical insufflation-exsufflation (MI-E) has been proven to be very effective in patients receiving NIV. We aimed to assess the efficacy of MI-E as part of an extubation protocol. METHOD: Patients with mechanical ventilation (MV) for more than 48 hours with specific inclusion criteria, who successfully tolerated a spontaneous breathing trial (SBT), were randomly allocated before extubation, either for (A) a conventional extubation protocol (control group), or (B) the MI-E extubation protocol (study group). During the postextubation period (48 hours), group A patients received standard medical treatment (SMT), including NIV in case of specific indications, whereas group B received the same postextubation approach plus three daily sessions of mechanical in-exsufflation (MI-E). Reintubation rates, ICU length of stay, and NIV failure rates were analyzed. RESULTS: Seventy-five patients (26 women) with a mean age of 61.8 ± 17.3 years were randomized to a control group (n = 40; mean SAPS II, 47.8 ± 17.7) and to a study group (n = 35; mean SAPS II, 45.0 ± 15.0). MV time before enrollment was 9.4 ± 4.8 and 10.5 ± 4.1 days for the control and the study group, respectively. In the 48 hours after extubation, 20 control patients (50%) and 14 study patients (40%) used NIV. Study group patients had a significant lower reintubation rate than did controls; six patients (17%) versus 19 patients (48%), P < 0.05; respectively, and a significantly lower time under MV; 17.8 ± 6.4 versus 11.7 ± 3.5 days; P < 0.05; respectively. Considering only the subgroup of patients that used NIV, the reintubation rates related to NIV failure were significantly lower in the study group when compared with controls; two patients (6%) versus 13 (33%); P < 0.05, respectively. Mean ICU length of stay after extubation was significantly lower in the study group when compared with controls (3.1 ± 2.5 versus 9.8 ± 6.7 days; P < 0.05). No differences were found in the total ICU length of stay. CONCLUSION: Inclusion of MI-E may reduce reintubation rates with consequent reduction in postextubation ICU length of stay. This technique seems to be efficient in improving the efficacy of NIV in this patient population.     

Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever: A pediatric case responding to plasmapheresis treatment

Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is a life-threatening tick-borne viral infection. The most important step in the treatment of CCHF is supportive therapy. Ribavirin is the recommended antiviral agent for infected patients. We present a case of a child who presented to our pediatric intensive care unit due to CCHF and was treated with plasmapheresis and ribavirin. A previously healthy seven-month-old male infant presented to the emergency room with a fever of 39.5 °C, nosebleed, cough, vomiting, and weakness. We decided to apply plasmapheresis treatment due to multiple organ failure associated with thrombocytopenia, acute liver failure, and a family history of death from the disease. Plasmapheresis was performed in three sessions. By the sixth day of his admission to the intensive care unit, the patient’s clinical condition had improved and his laboratory values had returned to normal, so he was transferred to the infectious diseases service in stable condition.     

Camptocormia in a patient with Parkinson disease and a myopathy with nemaline rods

Camptocormia, also referred to as bent spine, is a gait disorder characterized by hyperflexion of the thoracolumbar spine that develops in recumbent position while walking and that disappears in supine position. Myopathy is one of the frequent causes of camptocormia. A 77-yr-old male patient who was followed up with the diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis for 2 yrs was admitted with progressive gait deterioration. Hyperflexion of trunk, disappearing in supine position, was detected and diagnosed as camptocormia. He also exhibited the signs of parkinsonism. A paraspinal muscle biopsy showed myopathy with rods in many muscle fibers. Camptocormia in this patient may be attributable to the myopathic weakness of thoracolumbar paraspinal muscles. The normal biceps brachii muscle biopsy refers to the isolated affection of paraspinal muscles in this patient. A camptocormia (bent spine) case of myopathy with nemaline rods associated with Parkinson disease is presented.     

不同浓度酒精对液气胸患者引流液泡沫的影响研究

目的探讨不同浓度酒精对液气胸患者引流液中泡沫的影响以及在减少护理工作量中的作用。方法将80例液气胸行胸腔闭式引流术后水封瓶内产生大量泡沫的患者随机分为4组,每组20例,分别以20%(A组)、30%(B组)、40%(C组)、50%(D组)的酒精水溶液作为闭式引流水封瓶内的基础液体,观察引流液中泡沫的消除和再产生情况以及其性质和量,同时观察病人有无刺激性咳嗽等。结果所有病例的引流液与使用浓度酒精前相比,20%~50%的酒精都能不同程度的消除液气胸患者引流液中的泡沫,差异有显著性意义,而30%~50%的酒精消除泡沫差异有极显著性意义。结论30%~50%的酒精能有效消除液气胸患者引流液中的泡沫,为了避免产生不良反应,保证引流效果并利于护士观察,30%的酒精最适宜。     

Descending polyneuropathy in an intravenous drug user.

A 27-year-old male intravenous drug user presented to the Emergency Department of St James's Hospital with a 1-week history of progressive dysphasia, dysphagia and difficulty 'holding his head up' and 'keeping his eyes open'. He also complained of increasing weakness in his upper limbs, as a result of which he kept dropping things. He was on a methadone program but was using both intravenous heroin and cocaine at the time of presentation. Examination of his motor function revealed generalized hypotonia, hyporeflexia and reduced power in both upper limbs. No sensory loss was observed. Co-ordination was intact. The clinical picture of a proximal symmetrical descending weakness and an absence of sensory loss was suggestive of botulism. Clostridium botulinum is a spore-forming, obligate anaerobe. The three forms of human botulism are food-borne, wound and intestinal. A fourth man-made form is produced from aerosolized botulinum toxin and results in inhalational botulism. A little as 1 g of aerosolized botulinum toxin has the potential to kill 1.5 million people. Toxin is detected in serum or stool specimens in only approximately 46% of clinically diagnosed cases. Treatment involves supportive care and early passive immunization with equine antitoxin. Patients should be regularly assessed for loss of gag and cough reflex, control of oropharyngeal secretions, oxygen saturation, vital capacity and inspiratory force. When respiratory function begins to deteriorate, anticipatory intubation is indicated. Early symptom recognition and early treatment with antitoxin are essential in order to prevent mortality, and to prevent additional cases, it is important to ascertain the presence of similar symptoms in contacts of the patient and local public health officials must be notified as one case may herald an outbreak. Given the continued threat of bioterrorism, the Centre for Disease Control Surveillance System in the United States must also be notified of any cases of botulism.     

Care of the chronic tracheostomy

A minority of patients with neuromuscular disease require placement of a tracheostomy, usually for the purpose of providing mechanical ventilation. Often the tracheostomy is performed during a hospital admission for an acute illness. The debate about the appropriate timing of tracheostomy in critically ill patients has not been resolved; however, the weight of evidence now favors performing a tracheostomy early (within 7 d of translaryngeal intubation) if the period of mechanical ventilation is likely to be prolonged beyond 3 weeks. For patients with chronic progressive weakness who develop respiratory difficulty, the consensus of opinion is that tracheostomy should be performed in patients with severe bulbar involvement, inability to effectively cough up secretions despite mechanical aids for secretion clearance, or for those who are unable to tolerate or fail noninvasive ventilation. The decision to perform tracheostomy in patients with chronic neuromuscular weakness involves consideration of several factors, including complications, resources, quality of life, ethical issues, cosmetic issues, and cost. Complications from tracheostomy and physician-perceived poor quality of life often lead to a negative bias, such that some patients may be denied this life-saving procedure. Special training is needed to provide long-term tracheostomy care, and an organized approach should be followed to decannulate patients who recover from their acute illness. Appropriate and skilled care could significantly improve the longevity and quality of life of those patients with neuromuscular disease who have a tracheostomy for long-term ventilation.     

自发性气胸67例的诊治

目的　分析自发性气胸的临床特点和治疗效果。方法　 6 7例自发性气胸患者中 18～ 5 9岁中青年组 36例 ,6 0岁以上老年组 31例。比较两组临床特点和治疗效果。结果　老年组主诉胸痛和起病急者明显少于中青年组 (P <0 0 0 1,P <0 0 5 )。同时 ,老年组合并胸部基础疾病者明显高于中青年组 (P <0 0 0 1) ,老年组误诊率高 ,该组患者行胸腔闭式引流的机率高于中青年组。结论　老年性自发性气胸临床表现隐匿 ,易误诊为慢性阻塞性肺病急性发作或其它疾病 ,须行细致的体格检查和尽早行胸片检查 ,治疗上以胸腔闭式引流为主。     

支气管哮喘急性发作并发气胸的临床特点分析

目的：探讨支气管哮喘急性发作并发气胸的临床特点。方法：对２４例支气管哮喘并发气胸的患者，从哮喘程度与病程、诱发因素、临床表现、Ｘ线胸片检查、气胸类型、治疗及转归等方面进行综合分析。结果：本组并发气胸者以中或重度哮喘、病程超过１２年且有明显发病诱因（剧咳、呕吐、用力）者为多，所占百分比分别为３３．２％、４５．９％、６３．０％和６６．７％；气胸临床症状不典型，９５．８％经Ｘ线胸片确诊，４５．８％为张力性气胸。２４例均治愈出院。结论：支气管哮喘急性发作应高度警惕并发气胸的可能。一经确诊，迅速有效地排气减压是抢救患者生命的关键。     

Dextromethorphan and codeine: objective assessment of antitussive activity in patients with chronic cough

Dextromethorphan, the most widely used cough suppressant in the U.S.A., was compared with codeine, the traditional European antitussive, in a double-blind, crossover trial using both an objective and subjective assessment of efficacy in sixteen patients with chronic, stable cough. Both preparations, at a dose of 20 mg, were similarly effective in reducing cough frequency. Dextromethorphan lowered cough intensity to a greater degree than codeine (p less than 0.0008) and was considered the better antitussive by the majority of patients (p less than 0.001). In view of its lack of side-effects, its safety even in overdose and its non-narcotic status, the increasing trend in Europe to use dextromethorphan as a substitute for codeine in the treatment of cough is to be welcomed.