International journal of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
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Int J Chron Obstruct Pulmon Dis · Jan 2014
Comparative StudyPulmonary function impairment in patients with combined pulmonary fibrosis and emphysema with and without airflow obstruction.
The syndrome of combined pulmonary fibrosis and emphysema (CPFE) is a recently described entity associating upper-lobe emphysema and lower-lobe fibrosis. We sought to evaluate differences in pulmonary function between CPFE patients with and without airflow obstruction. ⋯ The mechanisms underlying impairment of physiological function may differ among CPFE OB(+) patients, CPFE OB(-) patients, and COPD patients. CPFE is a heterogeneous disease, and may have distinct phenotypes physiologically and radiologically.
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Int J Chron Obstruct Pulmon Dis · Jan 2014
Observational StudyReduction of exacerbation frequency in patients with COPD after participation in a comprehensive pulmonary rehabilitation program.
Pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) is an important treatment option for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients and might contribute to a reduction in exacerbation and exacerbation-related hospitalization rate. ⋯ In a large population of severely impaired COPD patients with high exacerbation rates, a significant reduction in exacerbation and hospitalization frequency was observed after participation in a comprehensive PRP.
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Int J Chron Obstruct Pulmon Dis · Jan 2014
Comparative StudyA US database study characterizing patients initiating a budesonide-formoterol combination versus tiotropium bromide as initial maintenance therapy for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
To compare clinical and demographic characteristics, resource utilization and costs of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients prior to initiating budesonide-formoterol combination (BFC) or tiotropium-maintenance therapy. ⋯ Initiators of BFC or tiotropium showed differences in clinical and demographic characteristics and health care utilization and costs prior to starting COPD maintenance therapy.
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Int J Chron Obstruct Pulmon Dis · Jan 2014
Paradoxical association between body mass index and in-hospital mortality in elderly patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in Japan.
The prevalence and mortality of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in elderly patients are increasing worldwide. Low body mass index (BMI) is a well-known prognostic factor for COPD. However, the obesity paradox in elderly patients with COPD has not been well elucidated. We investigated the association between BMI and in-hospital mortality in elderly COPD patients. ⋯ Overweight and obese patients had a lower mortality than low-normal weight patients, which supports the obesity paradox.
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Int J Chron Obstruct Pulmon Dis · Jan 2014
Comparative StudyCOPD management costs according to the frequency of COPD exacerbations in UK primary care.
The economic burden of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) exacerbations is significant, but the impact of other sources on the overall cost of COPD management is largely unknown. We aimed to estimate overall costs for patients experiencing none, one, or two or more exacerbations per year in the UK. ⋯ Disease management strategies focused on reducing costs in primary care may help reduce total COPD costs significantly.