Respiration; international review of thoracic diseases
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Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a major public health burden and profoundly affects individuals suffering from the disease. However, the majority of subjects with COPD are still undiagnosed. ⋯ COPD in the primary-care setting is as prevalent and underdiagnosed as reported recently for the BOLD study. The surprisingly low participation rate of GPs and patients indicates that prevention of COPD is not a health priority, and that awareness for COPD has to heightened before case-finding strategies will be successful.
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Acute exacerbation of chronic fibrosing interstitial pneumonia (AE-CFIP) is an often fatal condition with no established treatment. Recently, macrolides were found to be beneficial in cases of acute lung injury. ⋯ Azithromycin was associated with improved outcomes in patients with AE-CFIP. Further studies are needed to verify this finding (Clinical trial JMA-IIA00095).
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There are various imaging methods in use designed to provide information on lung functional status, particularly gas exchange within specific lung segments. These complex imaging methods provide indirect information about volume and local lung function. ⋯ This new method enables gas sampling at the lung segment level. The concomitant display of local endocapnometry and endooximetry curves allows for a better identification of target zones for endoscopic emphysema treatments or to improve ventilation strategies for patients on respiratory support.
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There are just a few epidemiological studies on sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) in the elderly, and the results are inconsistent. ⋯ SDB was found to be common among elderly Koreans, and it was more prevalent and severe in male than in female subjects. Health consequences of SDB in the elderly need to be further explored.
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There are few reports about sleep disturbances in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in Asian countries. ⋯ COPD patients with even mild-to-moderate airflow limitations had nocturnal desaturation and RDI-related impaired sleep quality without significant symptoms.