Προστατευτικοί μηχανισμοί που αναπτύσσονται στον πνεύμονα μετά από εισπνοή τοξικών πυκνοτήτων οξυγόνου: Μελέτη σε πειραματόζωα

Different species of animals (rats, mice and hamsters) were exposed to high oxygen concentrations (40, 60, 85, 100%) for prolonged period (2-14 days). Survival time and changes in lung antioxidant enzyme activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) in response to hyperoxia were determined. All animal species die after prolonged exposure to 100% oxygen (1Atm). The primary damage is to the lung and the signs are those of progressive respiratory distress syndrome until death. Also all the animal species in hyperoxic environment of 40-60% showed insignificant lung changes and insignificant increase in lung antioxidant enzyme activity of SOD. The same results we had in hyperoxic environment of 85% oxygen for the animal species of mice and hamsters. The animal species of rats after exposure to 85% oxygen for 7 days showed significant lung changes and significant increase 113% in lung antioxidant enzyme activity of SOD especially in mitochondria 187%, and became "tolerant" (survived more than 11 days ) to 100% oxygen. In contrast, control rats without proexposure to 85% oxygen, mice and hamsters after proexposure to 85% oxygen for seven days, died within 70-80 hours in 100% oxygen. The special behaviour of the animal species rats, the stimulation of the biochemical antioxidant enzyme system during the acute stage of oxygen toxicity, the return of enzyme almost to normal levels after prolonged exposure to 85% oxygen , the lung adaptation of animal rats in environment of 85% oxygen and the development of tolerance in environment of 100% oxygen, the accompanying metabolic and histodynamic changes of lung cells in hyperoxic environment , constitute the main conclusions of this study. All these, on one hand, emphasize the important role that superoxide dismutase acts to control the free radical cell injury probably by scavenging the initial reactive products of oxygen, and on the other hand raise a point in relation with the stimulation mechanism of the antioxidant enzyme system probably with many factors activating during the acute respiratory distress and causing the augmentation of antioxidant enzyme.[…] Η παρούσα εργασία είναι μία πειραματική μελέτη της τοξικότητας του οξυγόνου σε πειραματόζωα. Σκοπός της είναι η καλύτερη κατανόηση των αμυντικών μηχανισμών που αναπτύσσονται στον πνεύμονα απέναντι στην τοξική δράση του οξυγόνου όταν αυτό χορηγείται σε υψηλές πυκνότητες. Ιδιαίτερη δε αναφορά γίνεται στο ρόλο της δισμουτάσης του υπεροξειδίου (SOD) και στη σχέση της με την άμυνα του κυττάρου του πνεύμονα έναντι των τοξικών "ελεύθερων ριζών οξυγόνου". […

Euglycemic Ketoacidosis in Spinal Muscular Atrophy

Euglycemic ketoacidosis is defined by the triad of high anion gap acidosis, increased plasma ketones, and the absence of hyperglycemia. Apart from diabetes mellitus, the disorder may occur in prolonged fasting, excessive alcohol consumption, pregnancy, and inborn errors of metabolism. Here, we highlight the diagnosis of euglycemic ketoacidosis in a pediatric nondiabetic patient with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) type 1 (Werdnig–Hoffmann disease), who, subsequently to her postoperative admission to the intensive care unit following a spinal surgery, developed high anion gap metabolic acidosis. We discuss the pathophysiology of acid-base disorders in SMA, along with the glucose and fatty acids metabolism, the necessary knowledge for medical practitioners

Exploring the psychosocial needs and satisfaction of the family of patients hospitalized in the Intensive Care Unit

Introduction: The sudden admission of patients in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) is considered an extremely stressful and painful experience for the whole family. In recent years, family has been recognized to have an important role to the outcome and particular emphasis has been given to the oriented approach of the patient’s family. Aims: To investigate the needs and the degree of satisfaction of relatives whose patients are hospitalized in ICU. Methodology: This cross-sectional analytical study was conducted in a Greek ICU of a public hospital from November 2015 to – February 2016. The sample consisted of 47 relatives of patients who had been hospitalized for more than 48 hours. They were administered a questionnaire including socio- demographic data and the following psychometric tools: Family Satisfaction in Intensive Care Unit (FS- ICU 24) and Critical Care Family Needs Inventory (CCFNI). Data were analyzed with the program SPSS version 23.0 . Results: A 72% and 80% of patients companions, expressed a great satisfaction in the caring and satisfaction with the decision making process scales of the FS-ICU 24. Basics are considered the need of reassurance for the better delivered care the knowledge of their patients’ outcome and the administration of sincere and understandable information. Statistically significant differences have been found on the relationship with the patient, in the approach subscale of the CCFNI (p=0,024). Concerning the ages of the participants, statistically differences have been found at a group of 26-40 years old, in reassurance subscales (p=0,049), information (p=0,006), approach (p=0,009), support (p=0,004) and the offer of comfort (p=0,005) of the CCFNI. Conclusions: The cooperation of ICU professionals with relatives, the training of personnel in the provision of holistic care and the family’s integration in the therapeutic process, may be beneficial in reducing stress and adequate and effectively fulfillment of their needs and therefore to the satisfaction of both sides