RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Humidification and Secretion Volume in Mechanically Ventilated Patients
JF Respiratory Care
FD American Association for Respiratory Care
SP 1329
OP 1335
VO 54
IS 10
A1 Mario Solomita
A1 Lucy B Palmer
A1 Feroza Daroowalla
A1 Jeffrey Liu
A1 Dori Miller
A1 Deniese S LeBlanc
A1 Gerald C Smaldone
YR 2009
UL http://rc.rcjournal.com/content/54/10/1329.abstract
AB OBJECTIVE: To determine potential effects of humidification on the volume of airway secretions in mechanically ventilated patients. METHODS: Water vapor delivery from devices providing non-heated-wire humidification, heated-wire humidification, and heat and moisture exchanger (HME) were quantified on the bench. Then, patients requiring 24-hour mechanical ventilation were exposed sequentially to each of these humidification devices, and secretions were removed and measured by suctioning every hour during the last 4 hours of the 24-hour study period. RESULTS: In vitro water vapor delivery was greater using non-heated-wire humidification, compared to heated-wire humidification and HME. In vivo, a total of 9 patients were studied. Secretion volume following humidification by non-heated-wire humidification was significantly greater than for heated-wire humidification and HME (P = .004). CONCLUSIONS: The volume of secretions appeared to be linked to humidification, as greater water vapor delivery measured in vitro was associated with greater secretion volume in vivo.