International journal of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
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Int J Chron Obstruct Pulmon Dis · Oct 2010
Comparative StudyAssessment of airway inflammation using sputum, BAL, and endobronchial biopsies in current and ex-smokers with established COPD.
Smoking effects on physiological and gross pathology in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are relatively well described. However, there is little known in COPD about the detailed interrelationships between lung function and inflammatory profiles in different airway compartments from the same individual and whether airway inflammation in these different compartments differs in ex- and current smokers with established COPD. ⋯ Airway inflammation persists in ex-smokers with COPD, but differs from COPD current smokers. The impact of smoking appears to vary in different airway compartments and any direct relationships between cellularity and lung function tended to be negative, ie, worse lung function indicated the presence of fewer cells.
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Int J Chron Obstruct Pulmon Dis · Oct 2010
Comparative StudyDirect costs of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease among managed care patients.
To estimate patient- and episode-level direct costs of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) among commercially insured patients in the US. ⋯ Direct costs of COPD-related care for commercially insured patients are driven by hospital stays with or without ICU care. Exacerbation prevention resulting in reduced need for inpatient care could lower costs.
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Int J Chron Obstruct Pulmon Dis · Oct 2010
Interleukin-6 and airflow limitation in chemical warfare patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is one of the main late complications of sulfur mustard poisoning. The aim of this study was to evaluate serum levels of interleukin (IL)-6 in war veterans with pulmonary complications of sulfur mustard poisoning and their correlation with severity of airways disease. ⋯ Our findings suggest that serum IL-6 is increased in patients with sulfur mustard poisoning and COPD, and may have a direct association with airflow limitation.