International journal of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
-
Int J Chron Obstruct Pulmon Dis · Jan 2016
Multicenter Study Observational StudyDrop in lung function during asthma and COPD exacerbations - can it be assessed without spirometry?
When assessing patients with exacerbation of asthma or COPD, it may be useful to know the drop in forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) compared with stable state, in particular when considering treatment with oral corticosteroids. The objective of the study was to identify indicators of drop in FEV1 during exacerbations. ⋯ Increased wheezing, as experienced by the patient, and a decreased SpO2 value strongly indicated a drop in lung function during asthma and COPD exacerbations and should probably be taken into account when treatment with oral corticosteroids is considered.
-
Int J Chron Obstruct Pulmon Dis · Jan 2016
Multicenter Study Observational StudyAssessment of satisfaction with different dry powder inhalation devices in Greek patients with COPD and asthma: the ANASA study.
Poor adherence to inhaled therapy is common in patients with asthma and COPD. An inhaler selection based on patients' preference could be beneficial to adherence and treatment effectiveness. Properly designed questionnaires can assess patients' satisfaction with their medication devices. The aim of this study was to estimate, using the Feeling of Satisfaction with Inhaler (FSI-10) questionnaire, the ease of use and satisfaction of patients regarding three different marketed dry powder inhalers (DPIs): Diskus(®) (DK), Elpenhaler(®) (EH), and Turbuhaler(®) (TH). The FSI-10 is a self-completed questionnaire to assess patients' opinions regarding ease of use, portability, and usability of devices, irrespective of the drug used. ⋯ All DPIs tested were highly acceptable by asthma and COPD patients of different ages; nevertheless, EH received significantly higher ratings in most of the questionnaire domains. COPD patients in advanced stages of the disease generally expressed higher level of satisfaction with their devices.
-
Int J Chron Obstruct Pulmon Dis · Jan 2016
Elevated circulating PAI-1 levels are related to lung function decline, systemic inflammation, and small airway obstruction in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) and soluble urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor (suPAR) participate in inflammation and tissue remolding in various diseases, but their roles in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are not yet clear. This study aimed to investigate if PAI-1 and suPAR were involved in systemic inflammation and small airway obstruction (SAO) in COPD. ⋯ Our findings first illustrate that elevated serum PAI-1 levels are related to the lung function decline, systemic inflammation, and SAO in COPD, suggesting that PAI-1 may play critical roles in the pathogenesis of COPD.
-
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.
-
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.