Respiration; international review of thoracic diseases
-
In spite of the known role of cigarette smoking in the development of airflow limitation (AL), fewer than 20% of smokers actually develop chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). ⋯ We conclude that the serum neutrophil elastase/alpha(1)-proteinase inhibitor ratio and FEV(1) (%pred) adjusted by pack-years can be reliable predictors of the development of COPD.
-
The concentration of exhaled nitric oxide ([NO]) has been reported to reflect the inflammatory process of airways in patients with bronchial asthma, particularly when they are steroid naive. However, it is not fully understood whether it equally reflects the degree of airway inflammation in patients receiving inhaled corticosteroids, but whose symptoms are not necessarily well controlled. ⋯ Although exhaled [NO] is a useful marker of airway inflammation for differential diagnosis and evaluation of severity in steroid-naive patients with bronchial asthma, it may not be as useful in steroid-treated patients.
-
Letter Case Reports
Transmission of Mycobacterium tuberculosis by accidental needlestick.