International journal of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
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Int J Chron Obstruct Pulmon Dis · Jan 2017
Observational StudyA nationwide structure for valid long-term oxygen therapy: 29-year prospective data in Sweden.
Long-term oxygen therapy (LTOT) improves prognosis in COPD with severe hypoxemia. However, adherence to criteria for eligibility and quality of LTOT is often insufficient and varies between countries. The aim of this study was to evaluate a national structure for prescription and management of LTOT over three decades in Sweden. ⋯ We present a structure for prescription, management, and follow-up of LTOT. The national registry effectively monitored adherence to prescription recommendations and most likely contributed to improved quality of care.
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Acute exacerbations are the leading causes of hospitalization and mortality in patients with COPD. Prognostic tools for patients with chronic COPD exist, but there are scarce data regarding acute exacerbations. We aimed to identify the prognostic factors of death and readmission after exacerbation of COPD. ⋯ COPD remains of ominous prognosis, especially after exacerbation requiring hospitalization. Baseline pulmonary function remains the strongest predictor of mortality and new admission. Demographic factors, such as age and comorbidities and notably diabetes and cancer, are closely associated with the outcome of the patient. Respiratory rate at admission appears to be the most prognostic clinical parameter. A prospective validation is, however, still required to enable the identification of patients at higher risk of death or readmission.
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Int J Chron Obstruct Pulmon Dis · Jan 2017
Comparative StudyClinical characteristics of chronic bronchitic, emphysematous and ACOS phenotypes in COPD patients with frequent exacerbations.
Chronic bronchitis (CB), emphysematous (EM) and asthma-chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) overlap syndrome (ACOS) phenotypes in COPD are well recognized. This study aimed to investigate distinguishing characteristics of these phenotypes in COPD patients with frequent exacerbations (FE). ⋯ In CB or EM phenotypes, COPD patients with FE present several differential clinical characteristics compared to patients with iFE, while the characteristics of ACOS phenotype in patients with FE need more investigation.
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Int J Chron Obstruct Pulmon Dis · Jan 2017
Pulmonary artery to aorta ratio is associated with cardiac structure and functional changes in mild-to-moderate COPD.
The ratio of the diameter of the pulmonary artery (PA) to the diameter of the aorta (PA:A) on computed tomography (CT) imaging is associated with both COPD exacerbation and pulmonary hypertension. The mechanisms of PA enlargement in COPD are poorly understood. ⋯ In patients with mild-to-moderately severe COPD and preserved LV function, increased PA:A ratio occurs independent of LV diastolic dysfunction. Furthermore, the PA:A ratio is associated with right heart structure and function changes, as well as pulmonary hemodynamics. These findings indicate that PA:A ratio is a marker of intrinsic pulmonary vascular changes rather than impaired LV filling.
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Int J Chron Obstruct Pulmon Dis · Jan 2017
Observational StudyPositive end-expiratory pressure attenuates hemodynamic effects induced by an overload of inspiratory muscles in patients with COPD.
Inspiratory muscle training (IMT) using a Threshold® device is commonly used to improve the strength and endurance of inspiratory muscles. However, the effect of IMT, alone or with positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP), on hemodynamic parameters in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) remains unknown. ⋯ Acute hemodynamic effects induced by overloading of the inspiratory muscles were attenuated and/or reversed by the addition of PEEP in COPD patients.