Even though endotracheal tube (ETT) size selection is often the result of clinical judgement, factors such as age, gender, height, body mass index (BMI), and anticipated bronchoscopies are often considered before insertion. 1-3 The objective of this study was to explore whether gender differences exist in ventilator-associated event (VAE) development based on larger ETT selection. The surveillance paradigms for VAEs are established by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 4 They denote 3 categories of increasing progression in mechanically ventilated patients from a ventilator-associated condition (VAC), to an infection-related ventilator-associated complication (IVAC), and finally to possible ventilator-associated pneumonia (PVAP). Our a priori hypothesis for this study was that an 8.0-mm ETT is associated with less risk of VAEs because a larger diameter is optimal for pulmonary hygiene. Methods

Legionnaire’s disease (LD) is most commonly caused by Legionella pneumophila (L. pneumophila). In immunocompromised patients LD can cause necrosis of the lung parenchyma with abscess formation and cavitation. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disorder with features of both primary and secondary immunodeficiency. SLE patients often develop pulmonary abnormalities, but rarely develop lung cavitations. We report a case of cavitary pneumonia caused by L. pneumophila in a 64-year-old female patient with SLE. We also highlight reasons why SLE patients are more prone to L. pneumophila infections. The importance of using correct diagnostic methods for recognizing and treating such infections is also discussed, as mistreatment of cavitary lesions in SLE patients with steroid therapy can have fatal outcomes as the infectious process can significantly worsen.

4. Aberg N, Dahl A, Benson M. A nasally applied cellulose powder in seasonal allergic rhinitis (SAR) in children and adolescents; reduction of symptoms and relation to pollen load.

No abstract

No abstract