Respiration; international review of thoracic diseases
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Inhaled corticosteroids as additional treatment in alpha-1-antitrypsin-deficiency-related COPD.
No consistent data are available regarding the effect of inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) in alpha(1)-antitrypsin-deficiency (AATD)-related COPD. Recent data report inflammatory effects of the polymers of alpha(1)-antitrypsin on the peripheral lung. ⋯ In AATD-related COPD patients (ZZ genotype) the addition of extra-fine ICS to LABAs decreases airway narrowing, mostly in the small airways, further reducing dynamic hyperinflation with a marked improvement in exercise tolerance and dyspnea, suggesting that a peripheral inflammatory process contributes to airflow obstruction in these patients.
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Comparative Study
Clinical heterogeneity among patients with obesity hypoventilation syndrome: therapeutic implications.
Obesity hypoventilation syndrome (OHS) can be treated with noninvasive positive pressure ventilation (NIPPV). Once clinical stability is achieved, continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) can be recommended in many cases. However, some patients respond only partially to CPAP and NIPPV is a better option for them. ⋯ Two patient subtypes can be identified. Those controlled with CPAP have better spirometry and a significantly higher apnea-hypopnea index. None of these patients showed daytime hypoxemia and all exhibited satisfactory overnight oxygenation. However, 61% of the NIPPV group had suboptimal oximetry results. Nocturnal/diurnal oximetries should be made to assess treatment efficacy in stable OHS patients who fail to achieve good control with CPAP.