SEARCH TERM: severe asthma
A from New Zealand questions the textbook approach to a severe asthma attack: administering high-concentration oxygen. Concerned about the risk of causing hyperoxemia and increased partial pressure of CO2, a research team randomized high-dose oxygen against titrating the oxygen dose to relieve hypoxemia without causing hyperoxemia. The results prompt them to recommend the latter.
RESULT: Randomised controlled trial of high concentration versus titrated oxygen therapy in severe exacerbations of asthma
Thorax | Nov 1, 2011 (Free abstract. Full text $30)
Using the same kind of pneumatic vest that clears mucus from lungs with cystic fibrosis via systematic, regulated thumping, experts from Johns Hopkins, the University of Chicago, and the Cleveland Clinic achieved significant reductions in dyspnea among adults hospitalized for acute asthma or COPD. Beyond the clinical beneficial effect, patients were satisfied with the intervention. However, this small multicenter controlled trial is merely proof of concept that requires further validation.
RESULT: High frequency chest wall oscillation for asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease exacerbations: a randomized sham controlled clinical trial
Respiratory Research | Sep 10, 2011 (FREE FULL TEXT)
