Inside What's 2011 NEPVA Annual Banquet

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

Inside What's 2011 NEPVA Annual Banquet CCORDORD WWORDORD December 2011 THE NEWSLEttER OF THE NEW ENGLAND CHAPTER PARALYZED VETERANS OF AMERICA Vol. LXI, #12 A MEMBER CHAPTER OF THE PARALYZED VETERANS OF AMERICA – CHARTERED BY THE CONGRESS OF THE UNITED STATES 2011 NEPVA Annual Banquet n a chilly fall evening, approximately to have several officials from the VA Boston What’s 120 guests assembled at the Holiday Healthcare System and VISN I in attendance. Inside OInn in Mansfield, MA for the These included: VABHS Associate Director Dr. NEPVA Annual Banquet on October 21st, 2011. Susan MacKenzie; VABHS Chief of Staff Dr. Upon their arrival, members, friends and family, Michael Charness; Acting Director of the Edith President’s along with VA staff gathered and mingled in Nourse Rogers Memorial Veterans Hospital Report the cocktail lounge while meatballs, scallops Christine Croteau; VABHS Associate Director 3 wrapped in bacon and stuffed mushrooms were of Nursing/Patient Services Cecilia McVey; being passed around. This year’s banquet again Associate Chief of Nursing-Brockton Annmarie Government featured a four course dinner with a choice of Fredericks; and Deputy Nurse Executive Relations Report entrée (filet mignon, stuffed chicken breast, Joan Clifford. Craig went on to introduce 4 grilled salmon or a vegetarian meal), awards, and the NEPVA officers and Board members dancing to the music of DJ Corin Ashley. present, PVA Service Office staff, and NEPVA Service Officer’s staff. Following the welcome remarks and Report As in the past, the lounge area and banquet introductions, everyone was served dinner. 5 hall were beautifully decorated with balloons, and colorful centerpieces in an array of fall After guests completed their entrees, the awards Sports & colors. Decorations, as always, were provided by portion of the evening began and President Recreation Balloons over Boston. 6 Keeping with tradition, ladies were again Banquet Photos presented with a long 8 & 9 stem red rose as they approached the banquet PVA News hall. 10 Upon entering the banquet hall, everyone was seated and enjoyed their fresh fruit cup followed by salad. After Right: Medical staff Craig Cascella returned to the podium. He salads were served, NEPVA President Craig from the VA Boston spoke briefly about New England PVA, its Healthcare System Cascella came forward to the microphone to pose for a group history, and accomplishments. Carrying on welcome everyone and introduce some honored photo at the NEPVA an annual tradition, Craig then presented the Annual Banquet. guests. As in past years, NEPVA was honored continued on page Cord Word December 2011 PARALYZED VETERANS of AMERICA NEW ENGLAND CHAPTER NEPVA ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE 1600 PROVIDENCE HIGHWAY-SUITE 143 WALPOLE, MA 02081 TEL: (508) 660-1181, 1-(800) 660-1181 FAX: (508) 668-9412; e-mail: [email protected] web: www.nepva.org Office Hours: Monday-Friday 9:00am-4:30pm NEPVA OFFICERS EXECUTIVE BOARD President, Craig Cascella John Brako Vice President, Debra Freed Brad Carlson 9 MONTH DRAWING Secretary, Debra Freed Walter Farrington Treasurer, Charles Schena Wayne Ross NOVEMBER WINNERS National Director, Craig Cascella Dustin Soroka Jim Wallack $50 PROGRAM DIRECTORS Neal Williams Development Director, Craig Cascella Paul R. McPhee Membership Officer, Craig Cascella Hanover, MA MS Liaison, John Brako Community Outreach, Mike Guilbault $25 NEPVA Peer Mentor Rep., Mike Guilbault Scholarship Chairman, Craig Cascella Sally E. Quinn Sports Director, Brad Carlson Concord, NH Assistant Sports Director, Mike Guilbault Bass Trail Liaison, Jim Wallack $25 Web Master, Harley Freedman Women Veterans’ Liaison, Debra Freed Ronald Ayre Volunteer Chairman, Judy Goldstein Marshfield, MA Hospital Liaisons Brockton, MA VAMC, Craig Cascella West Roxbury, MA VAMC, Craig Cascella Northampton, MA VAMC, Craig Cascella Providence, RI VAMC, Craig Cascella Manchester, NH VAMC, Walter Farrington West Haven, CT VAMC, Richard Frano White River Jct, VT VAMC, Craig Cascella Togus, ME VAMC, Neal Williams STAFF NATIONAL SERVICE OFFICE Cord Word Editor, Judy Goldstein PARALYZED VETERANS OF AMERICA Government Relations Director, Debra Freed BOSTON VA REGIONAL OFFICE Administrative Assistant, Judy Goldstein J.F.K. FEDERAL BUILDING - Room - 1575 C Bookkeeper, Jeri Farinella BOSTON, MA 02203 Cord Word Design, Harley Freedman TEL: (617) 303-1395 & 1-800-795-3607 Monthly meetings are held every first Wednesday of the month at the Fax: (617) 723-7467 NEPVA office in Walpole, Ma. The executive board meets at 10:30 A.M. Sr. Benefits Advocate, Joseph E. Badzmierowski Followed by the regular membership meeting at 1:00 P.M. Senior Secretary, Ann Marie Wallace Cord Word is published twelve times a year by the New England Chapter Paralyzed Veterans of America, 1600 Providence Hwy., Suite 143, Walpole, MA 02081 in the interest of Chapter members. PVA National Service OFFICE Membership in NEPVA entitles you to a free subscription to Cord TOGUS, VARO, 1 VA CENTER Word. Articles published in Cord Word do not necessarily reflect BLDG 248, ROOM 112 the views of the Paralyzed Veterans of America, New England Augusta, ME 04330 Chapter. NEPVA neither endorses nor guarantees any of the ERVING AINE EW AMPSHIRE AND ERMONT products or services advertised herein. Postmaster: send changes S M , N H V of address to NEPVA, 1600 Providence Hwy., Suite 143, Walpole, TEL:(207) 621-7394, FAX: (207) 621-4829 MA 02081 TOLL FREE: 866-795-1911 National Service Officer II, John Stansbury Secretary, Wendy Glidden 2 www.nepva.org Cord Word December 2011 President’s Report by Craig C. Cascella NEPVA President n October 21st, we held our I recently received an email notification Services, Veterans Annual Chapter Banquet, as from the VA Boston Healthcare System Benefits, and Ousual there was a very good Director’s office, announcing that for Architecture to turnout (see associated article in this the second year in a row the VA Boston work hard issue). A great time seemed to be had Healthcare System has been selected and as a by all and we will pass along next year’s as one of The Boston Globe’s Top Places team hold date as soon as we can. to Work. The competition is tough; the VA however, for 2011 they ranked number accountable On the 26th, I visited the Brockton VA 16 in the Large Employers category, a for the issues LTC Unit. I had the opportunity to most impressive showing. On behalf they get off chat with the residents, volunteers, and of NEPVA, a sincere thank you for all track on and also the VA Staff, as well as to listen to or your hard work. Receiving a public support the VA on the things they address any concerns they may have. honor such as this is proof positive are doing well. It is important for our of what we at NEPVA already know, membership to know that all of PVA’s On the 29th, I joined Chapter members that VA BHS is a great place to work, staff works hard to accomplish all the for a fun time horseback riding in with an outstanding staff that cares key goals, mission, and objectives of the Brookfield, MA, at the Elm Hill Center for America’s most deserving patients. organization. Please feel free to contact Stables. It was a chilly day and in fact Once again, congratulations to the me on any issue or concern you may there was a winter storm in the forecast entire VA BHS team. have. that had arrived a little earlier than predicted. I look forward to riding PVA continues to make major progress On November 11th, I was fortunate again in the future, perhaps when the with site visit reports and staffing to be able to attend Veterans Day warmer weather comes back around. guidelines. We continue to hold the VA ceremonies at the Vietnam Wall Thanks to Sports Director Brad accountable when we know we need to Memorial in Washington D.C. As Carlson for organizing the event. and work with them when we believe usual, the ceremonies were fantastic we have the same goals and objectives. and I would recommend visiting The Chapter will be sponsoring PVA is tough but fair in all our dealings Washington D.C. and visiting the Holiday parties at many of the local with the VA. It is important for Medical many monuments or memorials where VAMC’s in the area. The SCI Clinic continued on page 12 staff, Social Workers, and other VA Staff assist the Chapter in arranging the dates and supplies for the parties. On behalf of the Chapter, I hope all of our members, volunteers, and friends had a wonderful Thanksgiving and have a Merry Left: Ret. General Barry R. McCaffery & NEPVA President Craig Cascella at Vietnam Wall Veterans Day Christmas. Ceremonies. Right: Minnesota PVA Chapter President Tom Fjerstad & NEPVA President Craig Cascella at the PVA www.nepva.org Wreath laying at the Vietnam Wall Memorial. 3 Cord Word December 2011 Government Relations by Debra Freed Government Relations Director Did You Know . ! ell, winter certainly gave The Chapter sent out an email to nearly its best by making us a good scare at the end 305 members asking if they would medicines Wof October. The weather want to get the newsletter via email. We different has been decent since but be prepared. received a number of responses so far in shapes the positive that these members would and sizes. Our webmaster, Thomas Dodd, like to get the email version. November However, resigned towards the end of September was a bit late but hopefully this process it is not but NEPVA. will be up and difficult org remains up With all the talk about running for the to forget and running December issue which one is and even has reducing the deficit, and the January which. So, Dr. MacKenzie inquired a new look.
Recommended publications
  • The Use of Heliox in Treating Decompression Illness
    The Diving Medical Advisory Committee DMAC, Eighth Floor, 52 Grosvenor Gardens, London SW1W 0AU, UK www.dmac-diving.org Tel: +44 (0) 20 7824 5520 [email protected] The Use of Heliox in Treating Decompression Illness DMAC 23 Rev. 1 – June 2014 Supersedes DMAC 23, which is now withdrawn There are many ways of treating decompression illness (DCI) at increased pressure. In the past 20 years, much has been published on the use of oxygen and helium/oxygen mixtures at different depths. There is, however, a paucity of carefully designed scientific studies. Most information is available from mathematical models, animal experiments and case reports. During a therapeutic compression, the use of a different inert gas from that breathed during the dive may facilitate bubble resolution. Gas diffusivity and solubility in blood and tissue is expected to play a complex role in bubble growth and shrinkage. Mathematical models, supported by some animal studies, suggest that breathing a heliox gas mixture during recompression could be beneficial for nitrogen elimination after air dives. In humans, diving to 50 msw, with air or nitrox, almost all cases of DCI can be adequately treated at 2.8 bar (18 msw), where 100% oxygen is both safe and effective. Serious neurological and vestibular DCI with only partial improvements during initial compression at 18 msw on oxygen may benefit from further recompression to 30 msw with heliox 50:50 (Comex therapeutic table 30 – CX30). There have been cases successfully treated on 50:50 heliox (CX30), on the US Navy recompression tables with 80:20 and 60:40 heliox (USN treatment table 6A) instead of air and in heliox saturation.
    [Show full text]
  • Clinical Management of Severe Acute Respiratory Infections When Novel Coronavirus Is Suspected: What to Do and What Not to Do
    INTERIM GUIDANCE DOCUMENT Clinical management of severe acute respiratory infections when novel coronavirus is suspected: What to do and what not to do Introduction 2 Section 1. Early recognition and management 3 Section 2. Management of severe respiratory distress, hypoxemia and ARDS 6 Section 3. Management of septic shock 8 Section 4. Prevention of complications 9 References 10 Acknowledgements 12 Introduction The emergence of novel coronavirus in 2012 (see http://www.who.int/csr/disease/coronavirus_infections/en/index. html for the latest updates) has presented challenges for clinical management. Pneumonia has been the most common clinical presentation; five patients developed Acute Respira- tory Distress Syndrome (ARDS). Renal failure, pericarditis and disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) have also occurred. Our knowledge of the clinical features of coronavirus infection is limited and no virus-specific preven- tion or treatment (e.g. vaccine or antiviral drugs) is available. Thus, this interim guidance document aims to help clinicians with supportive management of patients who have acute respiratory failure and septic shock as a consequence of severe infection. Because other complications have been seen (renal failure, pericarditis, DIC, as above) clinicians should monitor for the development of these and other complications of severe infection and treat them according to local management guidelines. As all confirmed cases reported to date have occurred in adults, this document focuses on the care of adolescents and adults. Paediatric considerations will be added later. This document will be updated as more information becomes available and after the revised Surviving Sepsis Campaign Guidelines are published later this year (1). This document is for clinicians taking care of critically ill patients with severe acute respiratory infec- tion (SARI).
    [Show full text]
  • Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Effectively Treats Long-Term Damage from Radiation Therapy
    Hyperbaric oxygen therapy effectively treats long-term damage from radiation therapy HBOT is last hope for many patients “For the subset of patients who suffer from late effects of radiation exposure, hyperbaric oxygen therapy is often the only treatment than can prevent irreversible bone or tissue loss or enable them to undergo life-improving reconstructive procedures such as breast or facial surgeries,” explains Susan Sprau, M.D., Medical Director of UCLA Hyperbaric Medicine. “By offering this therapy, we are able to provide a better quality of life to patients who have already survived devastating illnesses.” Late side effects from More than 11 million people living in the U.S. today have been diagnosed with radiotherapy result from scarring cancer, and about half of them have received radiation therapy (radiotherapy). and narrowing of the blood While improved radiotherapy techniques have increased treatment precision and vessels within the treatment area, reduced side effects caused by radiotherapy, the high doses of radiation used to which may lead to inadequate kill cancer cells may still cause long-term damage to nearby healthy cells in some blood supply and cause necrosis of normal tissues and bones. patients. By helping the blood carry more oxygen to affected areas, hyperbaric Hyperbaric oxygen therapy oxygen therapy (HBOT) has been proven effective for these patients. (HBOT) helps blood carry more oxygen to affected areas and Long-term side effects stimulates growth of new blood vessels by exposing patients to For most cancer patients who experience negative effects from radiotherapy, the pure oxygen within a sealed side effects are short-term and appear within six months of their last exposure chamber set at greater than the to radiation.
    [Show full text]
  • Download Our Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Brochure
    Hyperbaric Oxygen THERAPY HYPERBARIC MEDICINE 987561 Nebraska Medical Center Omaha, Nebraska 68198-7561 402.552.2490 This brochure has been designed to provide you with basic information about hyperbaric oxygen therapy. After reading this brochure, please contact your doctor or the Hyperbaric Medicine staff at 402.552.2490 if you have any questions. What is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy? Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is a medical treatment used for specific medical conditions. It may be the primary treatment for some disorders, but is often used as part of a combined program involving nursing care, dressing changes, surgical debridement, medications and nutrition. During hyperbaric oxygen therapy, the patient is placed in a clear plastic chamber which is pressurized with pure oxygen up to three times normal air pressure. This increases the oxygen level in the blood and ultimately in the body tissues. How Does Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Work? Oxygen that is delivered to a patient in a hyperbaric chamber greatly increases the amount that can be delivered to body tissues by the blood. The benefits of hyperbaric oxygen are not from oxygen in contact with the surface of the body, but from breathing it and getting more into the blood stream. Jeffrey S. Cooper, MD, Medical Director, Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Hyperbaric oxygen therapy may be used to treat several medical conditions including: as the eardrum responds to changes in pressure. As part of • Severe anemia the introduction to treatment, patients are taught several easy • Brain abscess methods to avoid ear discomfort. • Bubbles of air in blood vessels (arterial gas embolism) • Burn Is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Safe? • Decompression sickness Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is prescribed by a physician and • Carbon monoxide poisoning performed under medical supervision.
    [Show full text]
  • Middle Ear Barotrauma After Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy - the Role of Insuflation Maneuvers
    DOI: 10.5935/0946-5448.20120032 ORIGINAL ARTICLE International Tinnitus Journal. 2012;17(2):180-5. Middle ear barotrauma after hyperbaric oxygen therapy - the role of insuflation maneuvers Marco Antônio Rios Lima1 Luciano Farage2 Maria Cristina Lancia Cury3 Fayez Bahmad Jr.4 Abstract Objective: To analyze the association of insuflation maneuvers status before hyperbaric oxygen therapy with middle ear barotrauma. Materials and Methods: Fouty-one patients (82 ears) admitted to the Department of Hyperbaric Medicine from May 2011 to July 2012. Assessments occurred: before and after the first session, after sessions with symptoms. During the evaluations were performed: otoscopy with Valsalva and Toynbee maneuvers, video otoscopy and specific questionnaire. Middle ear barotrauma was graduated by the modified Edmond’s scale. Tubal insuflation was classified in Good, Median and Bad according to combined results of Valsalva and Toynbee maneuvers. Inclusion criteria: patients evaluated by an otolaryngologist before and after the first session, with no history of ear disease, who agreed to participate in the research (convenience sample). Results: Of the 82 ears included in the study, 32 (39%) had barotrauma after the first session. The rate of middle ear barotrauma according to tubal insuflation was: 17.9% (Good insuflation) 44.4% (Median insuflation) and 55.6% (Bad insuflation)P ( = 0.013). Conclusion: Positive Valsalva and Toynbee maneuvers before the first session, alone or associated were protective factors for middle ear barotrauma by ear after the first session. Keywords: barotrauma, hyperbaric oxygenation, middle ear ventilation. 1 Health Science School - University of Brasília - Brasília - DF - Brasil. E-mail: [email protected] 2 Health Science School - University of Brasília - Brasília - DF - Brasil.
    [Show full text]
  • An Updated Narrative Review on Ergometric Systems Applied to Date in Assessing Divers’ Fitness
    healthcare Review An Updated Narrative Review on Ergometric Systems Applied to Date in Assessing Divers’ Fitness Sven Dreyer 1, Johannes Schneppendahl 1, Fabian Moeller 2, Andreas Koch 3, Thomas Muth 4 and Jochen D Schipke 5,* 1 Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Moorenstrasse 5, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany; [email protected] (S.D.); [email protected] (J.S.) 2 Department of Exercise Physiology, Institute of Exercise Training and Sport Informatics, German Sport University Cologne, 50933 Cologne, Germany; [email protected] 3 German Naval Medical Institute, Maritime Medicine, 24119 Kronshagen, Germany; [email protected] 4 Institute of Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich-Heine-University, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany; [email protected] 5 Forschungsgruppe Experimentelle Chirurgie, Universitäts-Klinikum Düsseldorf, Moorenstrasse 5, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany * Correspondence: [email protected]; Tel.: +49-211-57-99-94 Abstract: Many recreational divers suffer medical conditions, potentially jeopardizing their safety. To scale down risks, medical examinations are mandatory and overwhelmingly performed using bicycle ergometry, which overlooks some important aspects of diving. Searching ergometric systems that better address the underwater environment, a systematic literature search was conducted using the keywords ‘diving’, ‘fitness’, ‘ergometry’, and ‘exertion’. All presented alternative systems Citation: Dreyer, S.; Schneppendahl, found convincingly describe a greatly reduced underwater physical performance. Thus, if a diver’s J.; Moeller, F.; Koch, A.; Muth, T.; workload in air should already be limited, he/she will suffer early from fatigue, risking a diving Schipke, J.D. An Updated Narrative incident. How to assess fitness? Performance diagnostics in sports is always specific for a modality Review on Ergometric Systems or movement.
    [Show full text]
  • Oxygen Therapy for Acute Adult Inpatients
    Manual NNumber: Site: _______ ________ Oxygen Therapy for Acute Adult Inpatients Learning Module for Allied Health Staff (Category 1 and 2) Allied Health Services December 9, 2019 Oxygen Therapy Learning Module for Category 1 and 2 Staff 2 This document has been reviewed and revised in 2019 by HPSP, to reflect the changes in the Oxygen Management Guideline – Allied Health Adult Acute Care Inpatients This document has been reviewed and revised in 2015 by an Allied Health provincial multi- disciplinary group to reflect the needs of all areas of the province. It is intended for the use of adult acute care Allied Health Staff across AHS and is based on previous educational material produced in the Calgary Zone. The original document was developed in 2006 by a group of Calgary Health Region staff including Physical Therapists, Management and Program Facilitators. In 2013 it was reviewed and revised by the Allied Health Educators of the Calgary Zone, AHS. Copyright © (2015) Alberta Health Services. This material is protected by Canadian and other international copyright laws. All rights reserved. This material may not be copied, published, distributed or reproduced in any way in whole or in part without the express written permission of Alberta Health Services (please contact Health Professions, Strategy and Practice Senior Practice Lead –Physiotherapy June Norris at 780-735-3481/ [email protected]). This material is intended for general information only and is provided on an "as is", "where is" basis. Although reasonable efforts were made to confirm the accuracy of the information, Alberta Health Services does not make any representation or warranty, express, implied or statutory, as to the accuracy, reliability, completeness, applicability or fitness for a particular purpose of such information.
    [Show full text]
  • Oxygen Administration in Patients Recovering from Cardiac Arrest: a Narrative Review Ryo Yamamoto* and Jo Yoshizawa
    Yamamoto and Yoshizawa Journal of Intensive Care (2020) 8:60 https://doi.org/10.1186/s40560-020-00477-w REVIEW Open Access Oxygen administration in patients recovering from cardiac arrest: a narrative review Ryo Yamamoto* and Jo Yoshizawa Abstract High oxygen tension in blood and/or tissue affects clinical outcomes in several diseases. Thus, the optimal target PaO2 for patients recovering from cardiac arrest (CA) has been extensively examined. Many patients develop hypoxic brain injury after the return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC); this supports the need for oxygen administration in patients after CA. Insufficient oxygen delivery due to decreased blood flow to cerebral tissue during CA results in hypoxic brain injury. By contrast, hyperoxia may increase dissolved oxygen in the blood and, subsequently, generate reactive oxygen species that are harmful to neuronal cells. This secondary brain injury is particularly concerning. Although several clinical studies demonstrated that hyperoxia during post-CA care was associated with poor neurological outcomes, considerable debate is ongoing because of inconsistent results. Potential reasons for the conflicting results include differences in the definition of hyperoxia, the timing of exposure to hyperoxia, and PaO2 values used in analyses. Despite the conflicts, exposure to PaO2 > 300 mmHg through administration of unnecessary oxygen should be avoided because no obvious benefit has been demonstrated. The feasibility of titrating oxygen administration by targeting SpO2 at approximately 94% in patients recovering from CA has been demonstrated in pilot randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Such protocols should be further examined. Keywords: Cardiac arrest, Post cardia arrest syndrome, Oxygen, Hyperoxia, Hypoxic brain injury Background indicates that the initiation of oxygen treatment and the Many patients develop hypoxic brain injury after the re- amount of oxygen should be deliberately decided.
    [Show full text]
  • Diving and Hyperbaric Medicine
    Diving and Hyperbaric Medicine The Journal of the South Pacific Underwater Medicine Society (Incorporated in Victoria) A0020660B and the European Underwater and Baromedical Society Volume 42 No. 3 September 2012 HBOT does not improve paediatric autism Diver Emergency Service calls: 17-year Australian experience Methods of monitoring CO2 in ventilated patients compared Australasian Workshop on deep treatment tables for DCI ‘Bubble-free’ diving – do bent divers listen to advice? Diving-related fatalities in Australian waters in 2007 ISSN 1833 3516 Print Post Approved ABN 29 299 823 713 PP 331758/0015 Diving and Hyperbaric Medicine Volume 42 No. 3 September 2012 PURPOSES OF THE SOCIETIES To promote and facilitate the study of all aspects of underwater and hyperbaric medicine To provide information on underwater and hyperbaric medicine To publish a journal and to convene members of each Society annually at a scientific conference SOUTH PACIFIC UNDERWATER EUROPEAN UNDERWATER AND MEDICINE SOCIETY BAROMEDICAL SOCIETY OFFICE HOLDERS OFFICE HOLDERS President President Mike Bennett <[email protected]> Peter Germonpré <[email protected]> Past President Vice President Chris Acott <[email protected]> Costantino Balestra <[email protected]> Secretary Immediate Past President Karen Richardson <[email protected]> Alf Brubakk <[email protected]> Treasurer Past President Shirley Bowen <[email protected]> Noemi Bitterman <[email protected]> Education Officer Honorary Secretary David Smart <[email protected]>
    [Show full text]
  • Revisiting Oxygen Therapy in Patients with Exacerbation of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
    IMPROVING CLINICAL CARE — COMMENTARY Revisiting oxygen therapy in patients with exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease Iven H Young Controlling oxygen delivery to limit oxygen saturation should reduce the incidence of hyperoxic hypercapnia he report by Joosten et al in this issue of the Journal should be determined and monitored.9,10 In the absence of clinical (page 235)1 is a timely reminder of the importance of trial evidence, it is reasonable to control oxygen flow rate to T avoiding the induction of hyperoxic hypercapnia in achieve an arterial oxygen saturation of 90%, but not above 93%– patients with acute-on-chronic respiratory failure. The complica- 95%. This corresponds with an arterial oxygen tension of 60– tion of acute hypercapnic respiratory failure precipitated by giving 70 mmHg at the start of the “flat part” of the oxyhaemoglobin oxygen has long been recognised; most resident medical and dissociation curve, and ensures adequate arterial oxygen content nursing staff are aware of this problem. The natural intervention in and delivery in most circumstances. This is also consistent with the patients presenting with acute-on-chronic respiratory failure is to data of Joosten and colleagues, who found an arterial oxygen relieve any hypoxia with supplemental oxygen, but this can be tension of less than 74.5 mmHg to be protective.1 The ready associated with carbon dioxide retention, narcosis, respiratory availability of continuously reading pulse oximeters makes the The Medical Journal of Australia ISSN: 0025- acidosis, and death. That the use of controlled oxygen flow rates above recommendation a practical procedure, and its wide appli- 729X 5 March 2007 186 5 239-239 could avoid this complication (and the need, in those days, for cation in wards, emergency departments and, particularly, ambu- ©The Medical Journal of Australia 2007 tracheostomywww.mja.com.au and invasive ventilation) was first recognised in the lances should substantially reduce the incidence of the hazardous 1940sImproving and 1950s.
    [Show full text]
  • Middle-Ear Barotrauma After Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
    UHM 2010, Vol. 37, No. 4 – MIDDLE-EAR BAROTRAUMA AFTER HBO2 Middle-ear barotrauma after hyperbaric oxygen therapy JACQUES BESSEREAU 1,2, ALEXIS TABAH 2,3, NICOLAS GENOTELLE 2, ADRIEN FRANÇAIS 3, MATHIEU COULANGE 1, DJILLALI ANNANE 2 1 Hyperbaric Medicine Centre, Pôle RUSH, Sainte-Marguerite Hospital, Marseille, France; 2 Intensive Care Unit and Hyperbaric Medicine, Raymond Poincaré Hospital, Garches, France; 3 INSERM U823; university Grenoble 1 –Albert Bonniot Institute, Grenoble, France CORRESPONDING AUTHOR: Dr. Alexis Tabah – [email protected] ABSTRACT Background: Middle-ear barotrauma (MEB) is one of the most common side effects of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBO2). The incidence of MEB has been shown to vary between treatment centers and patients. This study was aimed to determine which patients are at high risk of MEB. Materials and methods: Prospective study including all the patients treated in a multiplace HBO2 chamber between January and December 2005. Scoring of MEB before and after HBO2 by otoscopy was performed using the Haines and Harris classification. Results: We included 130 patients: 53 Males, 37.5 ± 20.5 years old; 76% were treated for CO poisoning, 11% for iatrogenic gas embolism, 12% for decompression sickness and 4% for necrotizing soft tissue infection. 13% were intubated. MEB occurred in 13.6% of the patients (12.4% of the conscious and 24.4% of the intubated patients, p=0.26). Risk factors for MEB were: repetitive treatments and difficulties with pressure equalization. There was no influence of age, sex or mechanical ventilation on the occurrence of MEB. Conclusions: MEB induced by HBO2 occurred in 13.6% of the patients.
    [Show full text]
  • Diving Physiology 3
    Diving Physiology 3 SECTION PAGE SECTION PAGE 3.0 GENERAL ...................................................3- 1 3.3.3.3 Oxygen Toxicity ........................3-21 3.1 SYSTEMS OF THE BODY ...............................3- 1 3.3.3.3.1 CNS: Central 3.1.1 Musculoskeletal System ............................3- 1 Nervous System .........................3-21 3.1.2 Nervous System ......................................3- 1 3.3.3.3.2 Lung and 3.1.3 Digestive System.....................................3- 2 “Whole Body” ..........................3-21 3.2 RESPIRATION AND CIRCULATION ...............3- 2 3.2.1 Process of Respiration ..............................3- 2 3.3.3.3.3 Variations In 3.2.2 Mechanics of Respiration ..........................3- 3 Tolerance .................................3-22 3.2.3 Control of Respiration..............................3- 4 3.3.3.3.4 Benefits of 3.2.4 Circulation ............................................3- 4 Intermittent Exposure..................3-22 3.2.4.1 Blood Transport of Oxygen 3.3.3.3.5 Concepts of and Carbon Dioxide ......................3- 5 Oxygen Exposure 3.2.4.2 Tissue Gas Exchange.....................3- 6 Management .............................3-22 3.2.4.3 Tissue Use of Oxygen ....................3- 6 3.3.3.3.6 Prevention of 3.2.5 Summary of Respiration CNS Poisoning ..........................3-22 and Circulation Processes .........................3- 8 3.2.6 Respiratory Problems ...............................3- 8 3.3.3.3.7 The “Oxygen Clock” 3.2.6.1 Hypoxia .....................................3-
    [Show full text]