Travel with CPAP machines: how frequent and what are the problems?

Journal of Travel Medicine, Volume 25, Issue 1, 1 January 2018, tax085

 

Obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome is a common condition for which continuous positive airways pressure (CPAP) is the standard treatment. The condition affects a population of which a substantial proportion will be travelling. We use a questionnaire survey of CPAP users to gain understanding regarding the behaviours, attitudes and problems surrounding travel with CPAP machines during travel and while abroad.

UHCW Research: Richard Bodington

NIHR Signal Use of a facemask ventilator can reduce deaths in severe flare-ups of COPD

People admitted to hospital with a severe exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) were 46% less likely to die if they received non-invasive ventilation. Only 12% of those receiving non-invasive ventilation needed subsequent invasive ventilation via a tube, compared to 34% of those who had usual care.

This review identified 17 trials of adults with a severe acute exacerbation of COPD with high carbon dioxide levels. Trials compared usual care, including steroids and antibiotics with usual care plus non-invasive ventilation, which delivers air at high pressure via a mask. Airways are forced open and respiratory muscles can rest.

From the NIHR  Dissemination Centre

Intramuscular diaphragm stimulation for ventilator-dependent chronic respiratory failure caused by high spinal cord injuries (IPG594)

New NICE Interventional Procedure guidance on intramuscular diaphragm stimulation for ventilator-dependent chronic respiratory failure in people with high spinal cord injuries. This involves implanting electrodes into the diaphragm to make it contract. This gradually strengthens the diaphragm and may eventually help the person to breathe without a ventilator.

Current evidence on intramuscular diaphragm stimulation for ventilator-dependent chronic respiratory failure caused by high spinal cord injuries shows that there are serious but well-recognised safety concerns. Evidence on efficacy is limited in quantity and quality. Therefore, this procedure should only be used in the context of research.

Intramuscular diaphragm stimulation for ventilator-dependent chronic respiratory failure caused by motor neurone disease [IPG 593]

New Interventional Procedures guidance from NICE on intramuscular diaphragm stimulation for ventilator-dependent chronic respiratory failure in people with motor neurone disease. This involves implanting electrodes into the diaphragm to make it contract. This gradually strengthens the diaphragm and may eventually help the person to breathe without a ventilator.

Current evidence on intramuscular diaphragm stimulation for ventilator-dependent chronic respiratory failure caused by motor neurone disease suggests that there are serious long-term safety concerns. Evidence on efficacy is limited and therefore, this procedure should not be used to treat this condition.

Inspiring change: a review of the quality of care provided to patient receiving acute non-invasive ventilation

This NCEPOD report focuses on the quality of acute non-invasive ventilation clinical care, for patients aged 16 years or older who are admitted to hospital.  It takes a critical look at areas where the care of patients might have been improved. Remediable factors have also been identified in the clinical and organisational care of these patients

Physio wins digital pioneer award for use of modems to help patients at home

A physiotherapist who uses technology to help monitor patients who receive non-invasive ventilation (NIV) at home has received an award for being a digital pioneer.