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Respiratory Care Dec 2013Nonpharmacologic airway clearance techniques are used to reduce the sequelae of obstructive secretions. We systematically reviewed comparative studies of... (Review)
Review
Nonpharmacologic airway clearance techniques are used to reduce the sequelae of obstructive secretions. We systematically reviewed comparative studies of nonpharmacologic interventions that health professionals can employ to achieve mucus clearance in hospitalized or postoperative patients without cystic fibrosis, over the age of 12 months. We searched MEDLINE and other databases from 1990 to 2012 to identify relevant literature. Two reviewers independently assessed each study against predetermined inclusion/exclusion criteria. Two reviewers also independently extracted data regarding subject and intervention characteristics and outcomes, and assigned overall quality ratings. The 32 studies meeting the review criteria included 24 randomized controlled trials, 7 crossover randomized controlled trials, and one prospective cohort study. Studies were typically small and together included a total of 2,453 subjects (mean 76/study). Studies generally examined chest physical therapy/physiotherapy modalities in postoperative or critically ill subjects or those with COPD. Interventions, comparators, and populations varied considerably across studies, hampering our ability to draw firm conclusions. Interventions, including conventional chest physical therapy/physiotherapy, intrapulmonary percussive ventilation, and positive expiratory pressure, typically provided small benefits in pulmonary function, gas exchange, oxygenation, and need for/duration of ventilation, among other outcomes, but differences between groups were generally small and not significant. Harms of the techniques were not consistently reported, though airway clearance techniques were generally considered safe in studies that did comment on adverse effects. Further research with clearly characterized populations and interventions is needed to understand the potential benefits and harms of these techniques.
Topics: Airway Management; Breathing Exercises; Comparative Effectiveness Research; Critical Care; Hospitalization; Humans; Mucociliary Clearance; Outcome and Process Assessment, Health Care; Physical Therapy Modalities; Postoperative Care; Respiratory System; Respiratory Therapy; Respiratory Tract Diseases
PubMed: 24222708
DOI: 10.4187/respcare.02704 -
Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine :... Aug 2021Identifying optimal treatment for infants with Robin sequence (RS) is challenging due to substantial variability in the presentation of upper airway obstruction (UAO) in...
STUDY OBJECTIVES
Identifying optimal treatment for infants with Robin sequence (RS) is challenging due to substantial variability in the presentation of upper airway obstruction (UAO) in this population. Objective assessments of UAO and treatments are not standardized. A systematic review of objective measures of UAO was conducted as a step toward evidence-based clinical decision-making for RS.
METHODS
A literature search was performed in the PubMed and Embase databases (1990-2020) following PRISMA guidelines. Articles reporting on RS and UAO treatment were included if the following objective measures were studied: oximetry, polysomnography, and blood gas. Quality was appraised by the methodological index for nonrandomized studies (range: 0-24).
RESULTS
A total of 91 articles met the inclusion criteria. The mean methodological index for nonrandomized studies score was 7.1 (range: 3-14). Polysomnography was most frequently used (76%) followed by oximetry (20%) and blood gas (11%). Sleep position of the infant was reported in 35% of studies, with supine position most frequently, and monitoring time in 42%, including overnight recordings, in more than half. Of 71 studies that evaluated UAO interventions, the majority used polysomnography (90%), of which 61% did not specify the polysomnography technique. Reported polysomnography metrics included oxygen saturation (61%), apnea-hypopnea index (52%), carbon dioxide levels (31%), obstructive apnea-hypopnea index (27%), and oxygen desaturation index (16%). Only 42 studies reported indications for UAO intervention, with oximetry and polysomnography thresholds used equally (both 40%). In total, 34 distinct indications for treatment were identified.
CONCLUSIONS
This systematic review demonstrates a lack of standardization, interpretation, and reporting of assessment and treatment indications for UAO in RS. An international, multidisciplinary consensus protocol is needed to guide clinicians on optimal UAO assessment in RS.
CITATION
Logjes RJH, MacLean JE, de Cort NW, et al. Objective measurements for upper airway obstruction in infants with Robin sequence: what are we measuring? A systematic review. . 2021;17(8):1717-1729.
Topics: Airway Obstruction; Humans; Infant; Oxygen Saturation; Pierre Robin Syndrome; Polysomnography; Sleep
PubMed: 33960296
DOI: 10.5664/jcsm.9394 -
Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine Apr 2019Stellate ganglion nerve blockade (SGNB) is a vital tool in our armamentarium for the treatment of various chronic pain syndromes. SGNB can be performed using the... (Review)
Review
Stellate ganglion nerve blockade (SGNB) is a vital tool in our armamentarium for the treatment of various chronic pain syndromes. SGNB can be performed using the traditional landmark-based approach, or with image guidance using either fluoroscopy or ultrasound. In this review, we systematically analyzed reported SGNB-related complications between 1990 and 2018. Seven databases were queried for SGNB between January 1, 1990 and November 27, 2018. Search results of the complications associated with SGNB were reported as per the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses recommendations. Out of a total of 1909 articles, 67 articles met our inclusion criteria, yielding 260 cases with adverse events. In 134 of the 260 (51.5%) cases, SGNB was performed with image guidance. Sixty-four (24.6%) and 70 (26.9%) of the complication cases reported the use of ultrasound and fluoroscopy guidance, respectively. One hundred and seventy-eight (68.4%) patients had medication-related or systemic side effects, and 82 (31.5%) had procedure-related or local side effects. There was one report of death due to massive hematoma leading to airway obstruction. There was one case report of quadriplegia secondary to pyogenic cervical epidural abscess and discitis following an SGNB. Complications following SGNB have been reported with both landmark-based techniques and with imaging guidance using fluoroscopy or ultrasound. In our systematic review, most adverse events that were reported occurred during or shortly after SGNB. Vigilance, American Society of Anesthesiologists standard monitors for conscious sedation, and accessibility to resuscitation equipment are vital to the safe performance of SGNB.
PubMed: 30992414
DOI: 10.1136/rapm-2018-100127 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Jun 2011Croup (laryngotracheobronchitis) is a common cause of upper airway obstruction in children with a peak incidence of 60 per 1000 child years in those aged between one and... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Croup (laryngotracheobronchitis) is a common cause of upper airway obstruction in children with a peak incidence of 60 per 1000 child years in those aged between one and two years. It is characterised by hoarseness, a barking cough, and inspiratory stridor. These symptoms are thought to occur as a result of oedema of the larynx and trachea, which have been triggered by a recent viral infection. Para influenza virus type 1 is the agent most commonly identified in cases of croup. Severe cases are admitted to hospital and steroid treatment is established to reduce disease severity. Treatment with humidified air was previously widely used and is still commonly recommended as home treatment.
OBJECTIVES
To assess the efficacy of humidified air in the treatment of croup.
SEARCH STRATEGY
We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (The Cochrane Library Issue 4, 2005), MEDLINE (1966 to January 2006) and EMBASE (1990 to January 2006).
SELECTION CRITERIA
Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) involving children suffering from croup treated with humidified air.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Two authors independently identified potentially relevant abstracts identified from the search and then assessed the full papers for inclusion and methodological quality. Outcome measures included mortality, ventilation, admission to hospital, re-contact with medical services, number of days off school and relief of symptoms; these were separately analysed for the week following treatment. Data extraction was performed by the two authors then entered by one and checked by the second author. Missing data were obtained from trial authors where possible. Data were analysed using Review Manager version 4.2. Sensitivity and sub-group analysis were not possible due to the paucity of trials.
MAIN RESULTS
Three studies in emergency settings provided data on 135 patients with moderate croup for the main outcome (croup score). The combined results from 20 to 60 minutes in the three studies marginally favoured the treatment group with a weighted standardised mean difference of -0.14 (95% confidence interval (CI) -0.75 to 0.47). No other outcomes were significantly different between the groups.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
The croup score of children managed in an emergency setting with mild to moderate croup probably does not improve greatly with inhalation of humidified air. Further research is needed in primary care settings, using a wider range of more sensitive outcome measures.
Topics: Air; Child; Child, Preschool; Croup; Humans; Humidity; Infant; Inhalation; Steam
PubMed: 21678339
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD002870.pub3 -
Physical Therapy May 2009BACKGROUND, OBJECTIVES, AND MEASUREMENTS: Patients with chronic airway obstruction (CAO) frequently experience dyspnea and fatigue during activities performed by... (Review)
Review
UNLABELLED
BACKGROUND, OBJECTIVES, AND MEASUREMENTS: Patients with chronic airway obstruction (CAO) frequently experience dyspnea and fatigue during activities performed by accessory muscles of ventilation, which competitively participate in arm elevation. This systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) concerning patients with CAO addresses the effects of upper-extremity exercise training (UEET), added to lower-extremity training or comprehensive pulmonary rehabilitation, on the following patient-centered outcomes: exercise capacity, symptoms, ability to perform daily activities, and health-related quality of life.
METHODS
Studies were retrieved using comprehensive database and hand-search strategies. Two independent reviewers determined study eligibility based on inclusion criteria. A detailed description of treatments was mandatory. Reviewers rated study quality and extracted information on study methods, design, intervention, and results.
RESULTS
Forty publications were evaluated. Four RCTs met the inclusion criteria but had serious methodological limitations, which introduce possible biases that reduce their internal validity. The outcomes measured were heterogeneous, and the results were inconsistent regarding maximal exercise capacity, dyspnea, and health-related quality of life. No effect of UEET was demonstrated for measures of arm fatigue.
LIMITATIONS AND CONCLUSIONS
The limited methodological quality of the studies retrieved prevented us from performing a meta-analysis, the results of which could be misleading. This systematic review shows that there is limited evidence examining UEET and that the evidence available is of poor quality. Therefore, a recommendation for the inclusion or exclusion of UEET in pulmonary rehabilitation programs for individuals with CAO is not possible. Further research is needed to definitively ascertain the effects of this training modality on patient-centered outcomes.
Topics: Exercise Therapy; Exercise Tolerance; Humans; Patient Compliance; Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive; Quality of Life; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Self Care; Severity of Illness Index; Treatment Outcome; Upper Extremity
PubMed: 19282362
DOI: 10.2522/ptj.20070368 -
Critical Care (London, England) May 2017The aims of this systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials are to evaluate the effects of active heated humidifiers (HHs) and moisture... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Heat and moisture exchangers (HMEs) and heated humidifiers (HHs) in adult critically ill patients: a systematic review, meta-analysis and meta-regression of randomized controlled trials.
BACKGROUND
The aims of this systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials are to evaluate the effects of active heated humidifiers (HHs) and moisture exchangers (HMEs) in preventing artificial airway occlusion and pneumonia, and on mortality in adult critically ill patients. In addition, we planned to perform a meta-regression analysis to evaluate the relationship between the incidence of artificial airway occlusion, pneumonia and mortality and clinical features of adult critically ill patients.
METHODS
Computerized databases were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing HHs and HMEs and reporting artificial airway occlusion, pneumonia and mortality as predefined outcomes. Relative risk (RR), 95% confidence interval for each outcome and I were estimated for each outcome. Furthermore, weighted random-effect meta-regression analysis was performed to test the relationship between the effect size on each considered outcome and covariates.
RESULTS
Eighteen RCTs and 2442 adult critically ill patients were included in the analysis. The incidence of artificial airway occlusion (RR = 1.853; 95% CI 0.792-4.338), pneumonia (RR = 932; 95% CI 0.730-1.190) and mortality (RR = 1.023; 95% CI 0.878-1.192) were not different in patients treated with HMEs and HHs. However, in the subgroup analyses the incidence of airway occlusion was higher in HMEs compared with HHs with non-heated wire (RR = 3.776; 95% CI 1.560-9.143). According to the meta-regression, the effect size in the treatment group on artificial airway occlusion was influenced by the percentage of patients with pneumonia (β = -0.058; p = 0.027; favors HMEs in studies with high prevalence of pneumonia), and a trend was observed for an effect of the duration of mechanical ventilation (MV) (β = -0.108; p = 0.054; favors HMEs in studies with longer MV time).
CONCLUSIONS
In this meta-analysis we found no superiority of HMEs and HHs, in terms of artificial airway occlusion, pneumonia and mortality. A trend favoring HMEs was observed in studies including a high percentage of patients with pneumonia diagnosis at admission and those with prolonged MV. However, the choice of humidifiers should be made according to the clinical context, trying to avoid possible complications and reaching the appropriate performance at lower costs.
Topics: Adult; Airway Management; Airway Obstruction; Critical Illness; Equipment Design; Hot Temperature; Humans; Humidifiers; Incidence; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Regression Analysis; Respiration, Artificial
PubMed: 28552074
DOI: 10.1186/s13054-017-1710-5 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Oct 2015Chronic lung disease (CLD) is a major cause of mortality and morbidity in very low birth weight infants despite increased use of antenatal steroids and surfactant... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Chronic lung disease (CLD) is a major cause of mortality and morbidity in very low birth weight infants despite increased use of antenatal steroids and surfactant therapy. Ventilator injury and oxygen toxicity are thought to be important factors in the pathogenesis of chronic pulmonary disease. Evidence from animal studies and from adult human studies indicates that high-frequency jet ventilation may reduce the severity of lung injury associated with mechanical ventilation.
OBJECTIVES
To compare use of high-frequency jet ventilation (HFJV) versus conventional ventilation (CV) in preterm infants with severe pulmonary dysfunction.Subgroup analyses include the following.• Trials with and without surfactant replacement therapy.• Trials with and without strategies to maintain lung volume.• Trials with infants of different gestational ages and birth weights (specific subgroups to include < 28 weeks' gestation and < 1000 grams).• Trials with and without adequate humidification of inspired gases.
SEARCH METHODS
The original search included MEDLINE (1966 to August 2005), the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL; 2005, Issue 3) and EMBASE (1988 to August 2005). We also obtained information from experts in the field and checked cross-references. We updated the electronic search in June 2013 and again in June 2015.
SELECTION CRITERIA
We included in this systematic review randomised and quasi-randomised controlled trials of rescue high-frequency jet ventilation versus conventional ventilation in preterm infants born at less than 35 weeks' gestation or with birth weight less than 2000 grams in respiratory distress.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
We used standard methods of the Cochrane Neonatal Review Group, including independent trial assessment and data extraction. We analysed data using risk ratios (RRs) and risk differences (RDs).
MAIN RESULTS
We included only one trial in the review. Keszler 1991 randomly assigned 166 preterm infants; reported data on 144 infants; and permitted cross-over to the alternate treatment if initial treatment failed. Investigators found no statistically significant differences in overall mortality (including survival after cross-over) between the two groups (RR 1.07, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.67 to 1.72). In a secondary analysis of infants up to the time of cross-over, rescue treatment with HFJV was associated with lower mortality (RR 0.66, 95% CI 0.45 to 0.97). Researchers reported no significant differences in the incidence of CLD among survivors at 28 days of age, nor in the incidence of intraventricular haemorrhage, new air leaks, airway obstruction and necrotising tracheobronchitis.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
Study authors reported no significant differences in overall mortality between rescue high-frequency jet ventilation and conventional ventilation and presented highly imprecise results for important adverse effects such as intraventricular haemorrhage, new air leaks, airway obstruction and necrotising tracheobronchitis.The overall quality of evidence is affected by limitations in trial design and by imprecision due to the small number of infants in the included study. Existing evidence does not support the use of high-frequency jet ventilation as rescue therapy in preterm infants.Studies that target populations at greatest risk and that have sufficient power to assess important outcomes are needed. These trials should incorporate long-term pulmonary and neurodevelopmental outcomes.
Topics: High-Frequency Jet Ventilation; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Infant, Premature; Infant, Very Low Birth Weight; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Respiration, Artificial; Respiratory Distress Syndrome, Newborn; Salvage Therapy
PubMed: 26474355
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD000437.pub3 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... 2000Following a period of mechanical ventilation, post-extubation upper airway obstruction can occur in newborn infants, especially after prolonged, traumatic or multiple... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Following a period of mechanical ventilation, post-extubation upper airway obstruction can occur in newborn infants, especially after prolonged, traumatic or multiple intubations. The subsequent increase in upper airway resistance may lead to respiratory insufficiency and failure of extubation. The vasoconstrictive properties of epinephrine, and its proven efficacy in the treatment of croup in infants, has led to the routine use of inhaled nebulised epinephrine immediately post-extubation in some neonatal units. It is also recommended for neonates with post-extubation tracheal obstruction and stridor in neonatal and respiratory textbooks and reviews.
OBJECTIVES
The primary objective was to assess whether nebulised epinephrine administered immediately after extubation in neonates weaned from IPPV decreases the need for subsequent additional respiratory support.
SEARCH STRATEGY
Searches were made of Medline (MeSH search terms 'epinephrine' and 'exp infant, newborn'), the Oxford Database of Perinatal trials, expert informants and journal hand searching mainly in the English language, expert informant searches in the Japanese language by Prof. Ogawa, previous reviews including cross references, abstracts, and conference and symposia proceedings.
SELECTION CRITERIA
All randomised and quasi-randomised control trials in which nebulised epinephrine was compared with placebo immediately post-extubation in newborn infants who have been weaned from IPPV and extubated, with regard to clinically important outcomes (i.e. need for additional respiratory support, increase in oxygen requirement, respiratory distress, stridor or the occurrence of side effects).
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
No studies met our criteria for inclusion in this review.
MAIN RESULTS
No studies were identified which looked at the effect of inhaled nebulised epinephrine on clinically important outcomes in infants being extubated.
IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE
There is no evidence either supporting or refuting the use of inhaled nebulised racemic epinephrine in newborn infants.
IMPLICATIONS FOR RESEARCH
randomised controlled trials are needed comparing inhaled nebulised racemic epinephrine with placebo in neonates post-extubation. This should be looked at both as a routine treatment post-extubation and as specific treatment for post-extubation upper airway obstruction. Study populations should include the group of infants at highest risk for upper airway obstruction from mucosal swelling because of their small glottic and sub-glottic diameters (ie those infants with birthweights less than 1000 grams).
Topics: Administration, Inhalation; Epinephrine; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Intubation, Intratracheal; Nebulizers and Vaporizers; Racepinephrine; Respiration, Artificial; Respiratory Insufficiency; Vasoconstrictor Agents; Ventilator Weaning
PubMed: 10796376
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD000506 -
Annals of Intensive Care Nov 2020While the results of previous meta-analyses have shown beneficial effects of corticosteroid therapy on post-extubation stridor and extubation failure in adults, these... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
While the results of previous meta-analyses have shown beneficial effects of corticosteroid therapy on post-extubation stridor and extubation failure in adults, these results might not be generalizable to children because of the differences in anatomy and structure. We aimed to determine the benefits of corticosteroids on those outcomes in pediatric populations.
METHODS
We searched PubMed, EMBASE, and reference lists of articles from inception until February 2019. Randomized controlled trials and observational studies on the efficacy of systemic corticosteroid administration given prior to elective extubation in mechanically ventilated pediatrics were eligible. Outcomes included post-extubation stridor indicating laryngeal edema and extubation failures.
RESULTS
A total of ten randomized controlled trials with 591 pediatric patients were included: seven of the ten studies for post-extubation stridor/suspected upper airway obstruction and nine of the ten studies for extubation failure. The estimate of pooled odds ratios (ORs) for post-extubation stridor/suspected upper airway obstruction was 0.40 (95% CI: 0.21-0.79). When analysis was restricted to trials that had explicit data for infants and explicit data for pediatric patients under 5 years old excluding infants, the estimates of pooled ORs were 0.53 (95% CI: 0.20-1.40) and 0.68 (95% CI: 0.38-1.22), respectively. For pediatric patients who received corticosteroids, there was a 0.37-fold lower odds of extubation failure than that in pediatric patients who did not receive corticosteroids (OR, 0.37; 95% CI, 0.22-0.61). While three observational studies were included in this review, their estimates have a potential for bias and we did not perform a meta-analysis.
CONCLUSIONS
Despite a relatively small sample size in each randomized controlled trial and wide ranges of ages and steroid administration regimens, our results suggest that the use of corticosteroids for prevention of post-extubation stridor and extubation failure could be considered to be acceptable in pediatric patients.
PubMed: 33206245
DOI: 10.1186/s13613-020-00773-6 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Dec 2012This is an update of a Cochrane Review originally published in Issue 4, 2005 of The Cochrane Library and previously updated in 2010.Recurrent respiratory papillomatosis... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
This is an update of a Cochrane Review originally published in Issue 4, 2005 of The Cochrane Library and previously updated in 2010.Recurrent respiratory papillomatosis is a condition characterised by benign papillomatous (wart-like) growths in the upper airway. It can affect both adults and children causing airway obstruction and voice change. Treatment usually involves repeated surgical debulking of the papillomata. Several agents have been proposed as adjuvants to surgical debulking, including antivirals, administered systemically or injected into the lesions.
OBJECTIVES
To assess the effectiveness of antiviral agents as adjuvant therapy in the management of recurrent respiratory papillomatosis in children and adults.
SEARCH METHODS
We searched the Cochrane Ear, Nose and Throat Disorders Group Trials Register; the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL); PubMed; EMBASE; CINAHL; Web of Science; BIOSIS Previews; Cambridge Scientific Abstracts; ICTRP and additional sources for published and unpublished trials. The date of the most recent search was 24 February 2012.
SELECTION CRITERIA
Randomised controlled trials.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
We identified 143 references from the searches. Forty-three were appropriate for retrieval and assessed for eligibility by the authors. One randomised controlled trial met the inclusion criteria, involving 19 participants. We contacted the authors to obtain additional data to facilitate the review.
MAIN RESULTS
The included study was a single-institution, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of intralesional cidofovir administered at the time of surgical debulking. Adults (n = 15) and children (n = 4) were included. We judged the study to have a reasonably low risk of bias. After a 12-month trial period, no difference was found between the cidofovir and placebo groups. Both groups showed a significant reduction in disease extent (as assessed at the time of surgery using the Derkay Scoring System), but no significant change in health-related quality of life.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
There is insufficient evidence to support the efficacy of antiviral agents as adjuvant therapy in the management of recurrent respiratory papillomatosis in children or adults. The included randomised controlled trial showed no advantage of intralesional cidofovir over placebo at 12 months. The study was limited by a small sample size and a change in the cidofovir concentration midway through the trial, from 0.3 mg/ml in children and 0.75 mg/ml in adults, to 5 mg/ml in both adults and children. An adequately powered randomised controlled trial of intra-lesional cidofovir, consistently using higher concentrations of cidofovir in comparison with injected placebo, would be required to determine effectiveness convincingly. Future studies must include health-related quality of life and symptom-based outcome measures.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Airway Obstruction; Antiviral Agents; Chemotherapy, Adjuvant; Child; Cidofovir; Cytosine; Humans; Organophosphonates; Papilloma; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Recurrence; Respiratory Tract Neoplasms
PubMed: 23235619
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD005053.pub4