International journal of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
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Int J Chron Obstruct Pulmon Dis · Jan 2016
Multicenter Study Observational StudyInfluence of inhaler technique on asthma and COPD control: a multicenter experience.
The successful management of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) mostly depends on adherence to inhalation drug therapy, the usage of which is commonly associated with many difficulties in real life. Improvement of patients' adherence to inhalation technique could lead to a better outcome in the treatment of asthma and COPD. ⋯ Adherence to inhalation therapy is one of the key factors of successful respiratory disease treatment. Therefore, health care professionals should insist on educational programs aimed at improving patients' inhalation technique with different devices, resulting in better long-term disease control and improved quality of life.
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Int J Chron Obstruct Pulmon Dis · Jan 2016
Comparative Study Observational StudyQuantitative computed tomography measurements of emphysema for diagnosing asthma-chronic obstructive pulmonary disease overlap syndrome.
The diagnostic criteria of asthma-COPD overlap syndrome (ACOS) are controversial. Emphysema is characteristic of COPD and usually does not exist in typical asthma patients. Emphysema in patients with asthma suggests the coexistence of COPD. Quantitative computed tomography (CT) allows repeated evaluation of emphysema noninvasively. We investigated the value of quantitative CT measurements of emphysema in the diagnosis of ACOS. ⋯ Asthma patients with high EI fulfill the features of ACOS, as described in the Global Initiative for Asthma and Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease guidelines. Quantitative CT measurements of emphysema may help in diagnosing ACOS.
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Int J Chron Obstruct Pulmon Dis · Jan 2016
Randomized Controlled TrialA randomized controlled trial of telephone-mentoring with home-based walking preceding rehabilitation in COPD.
With the limited reach of pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) and low levels of daily physical activity in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a need exists to increase daily exercise. This study evaluated telephone health-mentoring targeting home-based walking (tele-rehab) compared to usual waiting time (usual care) followed by group PR. ⋯ Telephone-mentoring for home-based walking demonstrated no benefit to exercise capacity. Two 6-minute walking tests at each time-point may not be necessary. Supervised exercise seems essential in PR. The challenge of incorporating exercise into daily life in COPD is substantial.
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Int J Chron Obstruct Pulmon Dis · Jan 2016
Impact of individualized care on readmissions after a hospitalization for acute exacerbation of COPD.
Acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) increase COPD morbidity and mortality and impose a great burden on health care systems. Early readmission following a hospitalization for AECOPD remains an important clinical problem. We examined how individualized comprehensive care influences readmissions following an index hospital admission for AECOPD. ⋯ Comprehensive individualized care for subjects admitted to hospital for AECOPD did not reduce 30- and 90-day readmission rates but did reduce 90-day total mortality. Interestingly, it reduced 90-day readmission rate in females. We speculate that an individualized care package could impact COPD morbidity and mortality after an acute exacerbation.
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Int J Chron Obstruct Pulmon Dis · Jan 2016
Prevalence of and risk factors for postoperative pulmonary complications after lung cancer surgery in patients with early-stage COPD.
This study aimed to investigate whether the prevalence of postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs) in patients with non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is even higher in the early stages of COPD than in such patients with normal lung function and to verify the usefulness of symptom- or quality of life (QoL)-based scores in predicting risk for PPCs. ⋯ Even in patients with early-stage COPD, the prevalence of PPCs is higher than in patients with NSCLC with normal spirometry. However, this rate is not different between group A and group B patients with COPD. In accordance with this, scores based on symptoms or QoL are not predictors of risk of PPCs in patients with early-stage COPD.