Assisted modes were only utilized by 8 % of the centers. Recruitment maneuvers were used by 28 %, particularly during the early phase of the ARDS. Muscle relaxants were administered by 32 % during the early phase of the ARDS. Complete prone positioning was used by 60 % of the centers, whereas 88 % utilized

incomplete (135A degrees) prone positioning. Continuous axial rotation was utilized by 16 %. Spontaneous breathing tests were used in 88 % of the centers with 60 % performing these at least once a day. Supportive therapies were frequently applied and mainly consisted of nitrous oxide (44 %), prostacycline AZD1208 (48 %) and corticosteroids (52 %). A restrictive fluid therapy was used in 48 % and a special nutrition regimen in 28 Cyclopamine % of the centers. Of the participating centers 22 were able to offer extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). In this case, respiratory therapy

was modified by further reducing tidal volumes (91 %), inspiratory pressures (96 %) as well as using lower respiratory rates (a parts per thousand currency signaEuro parts per thousand 8/min in 31 %). Only 9 % reduced PEEP during ECMO. Regular recruitment maneuvers were used by 14 %. Positioning maneuvers during ECMO were used by 82 %. Lung protective ventilation with reduced tidal volumes as well as inspiratory pressures represents the current standard of care and was utilized in all network check details centers. Prone positioning was widely used. Promising adjuvant therapies such as the muscle relaxation

during the early phase of the ARDS, fluid restriction and corticosteroids were used less frequently. During ECMO respirator therapy was generally continued with ultraprotective ventilator settings.”
“The association of atrial fibrillation (AF) with ischemic stroke has long been recognized; yet, the pathogenic mechanisms underlying this relationship are incompletely understood. Clinical schemas, such as the CHA(2)DS(2)-VASc (congestive heart failure, hypertension, age bigger than = 75 years, diabetes mellitus, stroke/transient ischemic attack, vascular disease, age 65 to 74 years, sex category) score, incompletely account for thromboembolic risk, and emerging evidence suggests that stroke can occur in patients with AF even after sinus rhythm is restored. Atrial fibrosis correlates with both the persistence and burden of AF, and gadolinium-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging is gaining utility for detection and quantification of the fibrotic substrate, but methodological challenges limit its use. Factors related to evolution of the thrombogenic fibrotic atrial cardiomyopathy support the view that AF is a marker of stroke risk regardless of whether or not the arrhythmia is sustained. Antithrombotic therapy should be guided by a comprehensive assessment of intrinsic risk rather than the presence or absence of AF at a given time.