A review of the use of heliox in the critically ill.
Heliox, a mix of oxygen and helium, has a number of potential medical applications resulting from its relatively lower density. This paper reviews the physics underlying its utility and considers the evidence for its use. While there are studies that support its role, particularly in patients with exacerbations of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), the data are inconclusive.
Intensive Care Unit, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, New South Wales.
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Wigmore
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Stachowski
D000402:Airway Obstruction / Q000188:drug therapy; D001249:Asthma / Q000188:drug therapy; D016638:Critical Illness; D003440:Croup / Q000188:drug therapy; D006371:Helium / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D000860:Hypoxia / Q000503:physiopathology*; D010100:Oxygen / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D029424:Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive / Q000188:drug therapy*; D011659:Pulmonary Gas Exchange; D012122:Ventilators, Mechanical
D006371:Helium; C038949:heliox; D010100:Oxygen