International journal of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
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Int J Chron Obstruct Pulmon Dis · Jan 2009
Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study Comparative StudyEfficacy of amoxycillin versus amoxycillin/clavulanate in acute exacerbations of chronic pulmonary obstructive disease in primary care.
Amoxycillin/clavulanate is considered first-line treatment for ambulatory exacerbations of COPD. However, narrow-spectrum antibiotics may be as useful for mild to moderate patients. ⋯ Amoxycillin was at least as effective clinically and as safe as amoxycilin/ clavulanate in the treatment of acute exacerbations of COPD in mild to moderate patients in primary care.
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Int J Chron Obstruct Pulmon Dis · Jan 2009
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative StudyDesensitization to dyspnea in COPD with specificity for exercise training mode.
Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) exhibit improved exercise capacity after physical training due to reconditioning and improved ventilatory efficiency. Other possible effects are improved ventilatory muscle function and desensitization to dyspnea. We compared general physical training (GPT), consisting of walking and stair climbing exercises, with inspiratory muscle training (IMT), consisting of targeted breathing through inspiratory resistances, in two groups with severe COPD. ⋯ Breathlessness by visual analog scale was reduced following 6-minute walks after GPT (P < 0.05) but not after IMT. Following maximal incremental tests, breathlessness scores were unchanged for both groups. COPD patients performing regular physical exercise report reductions in breathlessness which are specific to the exercise training mode.
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Int J Chron Obstruct Pulmon Dis · Jan 2009
ReviewFocusing on outcomes: making the most of COPD interventions.
A number of excellent intervention studies related to clinical and psychosocial aspects of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) have been undertaken in the recent past. A range of outcomes have been examined including pulmonary function, health care use, quality of life, anxiety and depression, ambulation, exercise capacity, and self-efficacy. The purpose of this narrative review was to a) consider clinical, psychosocial, and educational interventions for people living with COPD in light of the health related outcomes that they have produced, b) identify the type of interventions most associated with outcomes, c) examine work related to COPD interventions as it has evolved regarding theory and models compared to work in asthma, and d) explore implications for future COPD research. ⋯ Research in other chronic diseases, particularly asthma, suggests that interventions grounded in learning theory and models of behavior change can consistently produce desired results for patients and clinicians. Use of a model of self-regulation may enhance COPD interventions. Although the extent to which COPD efforts can benefit from the experience in other conditions is a question, more outcome focused intervention studies using more robust theoretical approaches may enhance COPD results, especially regarding health care use and quality of life.
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Int J Chron Obstruct Pulmon Dis · Jan 2009
Randomized Controlled TrialPredictive value and utility of oral steroid testing for treatment of COPD in primary care: the COOPT study.
The oral prednisolone test is widely used to distinguish chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients who might benefit from inhaled steroid treatment. Previous studies used selected patient groups that did not represent the large COPD population in primary care. ⋯ Oral steroid testing identifies a limited proportion of COPD patients, but does not reveal any clinically relevant benefit from inhaled steroid treatment on health status. No significant effects on exacerbation rate and lung function decline occurred.
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Int J Chron Obstruct Pulmon Dis · Jan 2009
The impact of SHS exposure on health status and exacerbations among patients with COPD.
Secondhand smoke (SHS) is a major contributor to indoor air pollution. Because it contains respiratory irritants, it may adversely influence the clinical course of persons with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). We used data from nonsmoking members of the FLOW cohort of COPD (n = 809) to elucidate the impact of SHS exposure on health status and exacerbations (requiring emergency department visits or hospitalization). ⋯ Lower level and higher level SHS exposure were associated with a greater risk of hospital-based care for COPD, which was a composite endpoint of either ED visits or hospitalizations for COPD (HR 1.52; 95% CI 1.06 to 2.18 and HR 1.40; 95% CI 0.94 to 2.10, respectively). In conclusion, SHS was associated with poorer health status and a greater risk of COPD exacerbation. COPD patients may comprise a vulnerable population for the health effects of SHS.