title: Helium oxygen mixtures in the intensive care unit.
abstract: Heliox, a mixture of helium and oxygen, has a density that is less than that of air. Breathing heliox leads to a reduction in resistance to flow within the airways, and consequently to a decrease in the work of breathing (WOB), particularly in disorders that are characterized by increased airways resistance. Beneficial effects have been observed in patients with asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), bronchiolitis, bronchopulmonary dysplasia and upper airways obstruction. Until we have conclusive data that attest to the efficacy of heliox in such conditions, its use will remain controversial. Meanwhile, it appears wise not to incorporate heliox therapy into routine practice because of technical complications and high costs.
authors.affiliation: University Hospital, Geneva, Switzerland. chevrole@cmu.unige.ch
authors.forename: J C
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Chevrolet
mesh_terms: D001049:Apnea / Q000503:physiopathology*; D003422:Critical Care / Q000379:methods*; D006371:Helium / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000191:economics / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D007362:Intensive Care Units; D010100:Oxygen / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000191:economics / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D012140:Respiratory Tract Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000191:economics / Q000503:physiopathology; D013557:Switzerland; D014939:Work of Breathing / Q000187:drug effects
chemical_list: D006371:Helium; C038949:heliox; D010100:Oxygen