International journal of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
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Int J Chron Obstruct Pulmon Dis · Jan 2017
Comparative StudyComparison of distinctive models for calculating an interlobar emphysema heterogeneity index in patients prior to endoscopic lung volume reduction.
The degree of interlobar emphysema heterogeneity is thought to play an important role in the outcome of endoscopic lung volume reduction (ELVR) therapy of patients with advanced COPD. There are multiple ways one could possibly define interlobar emphysema heterogeneity, and there is no standardized definition. ⋯ This study reveals the most appropriate ways of calculating an interlobar emphysema heterogeneity with regard to ELVR.
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Int J Chron Obstruct Pulmon Dis · Jan 2017
The direct and indirect costs of managing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in Greece.
COPD is associated with significant economic burden. The objective of this study was to explore the direct and indirect costs associated with COPD and identify the key cost drivers of disease management in Greece. ⋯ The management of COPD in Greece is associated with intensive resource use and significant economic burden. Exacerbations and productivity losses are the key cost drivers. Cost containment policies should focus on prioritizing treatments that increase patient compliance as these can lead to reduction of exacerbations, longer maintenance phases, and thus lower costs.
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Int J Chron Obstruct Pulmon Dis · Jan 2017
MiR-344b-1-3p targets TLR2 and negatively regulates TLR2 signaling pathway.
COPD is an abnormal inflammatory response characterized by decreased expression of TLR2 in patients, which is suggested to induce invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA). MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have been shown to play important roles in the pathogenesis of human respiratory system disorders. Therefore, the aim of this study was to identify the miRNAs involved in the regulation of TLR2 signaling in COPD. ⋯ Findings outlined in this study suggest that miR-344b-1-3p was an effective modulator of TLR2 gene, which can be employed as a promising therapeutic and preventive target of IPA in COPD patients.
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Int J Chron Obstruct Pulmon Dis · Jan 2016
Multicenter Study Observational StudyChronic bronchitis is an independently associated factor for more symptom and high-risk groups.
The chronic bronchitis (CB) phenotype has been associated with poor quality of life and an increased risk of disease in patients with COPD. However, little information exists regarding the relationship between the CB phenotype and the COPD assessment test (CAT) score. The goal of this study was to reveal the different pattern of CAT scores between CB and non-CB patients. Moreover, we aimed to investigate whether the CB phenotype is an independently associated factor for more symptom and high-risk groups. ⋯ The present study revealed that CB patients have higher CAT scores and subquestionnaire results compared to non-CB patients. Additionally, we demonstrated that the CB phenotype is an independently associated factor for both more symptom and high-risk groups.
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Int J Chron Obstruct Pulmon Dis · Jan 2016
Individualized lung function trends in alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency: a need for patience in order to provide patient centered management?
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is characterized by fixed airflow obstruction and accelerated decline of forced expired volume in 1 second (FEV1). Alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency is a genetic cause of COPD and associated with more rapid decline in lung function, even in some never smokers (NS) but the potential for individualized assessment to reveal differences when compared to group analyses has rarely been considered. ⋯ These data confirm differing individual rates of lung function decline in alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency, indicating the importance of comprehensive physiological assessment and a personalized approach to patient management.