The clinical respiratory journal
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Effect of physical therapy on muscle strength, respiratory muscles and functional parameters in patients with intensive care unit-acquired weakness.
The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of an intensive physical therapy protocol in patients who contract 'intensive care unit-acquired weakness' (ICUAW), in terms of muscle strength, breathing and functional indices. ⋯ It is possible that an intensive therapy protocol may facilitate the initial recovery process in patients who suffer from ICUAW.
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Multicenter Study
Endoscopic treatment of native lung hyperinflation using endobronchial valves in single-lung transplant patients: a multinational experience.
Hyperinflation of the native lung (NLH) is a known complication to single-lung transplantation for emphysema. The hyperinflation can lead to compression of the graft and cause respiratory failure. Endobronchial valves have been used to block airflow in specific parts of the native lung, reducing the native lung volume and relieving the graft. ⋯ Treating NLH with IBV endobronchial valves leads to clinical improvement in the majority of patients, and the treatment has an acceptable safety.
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We describe a case of thoracic empyema in a 76-year-old male with complication of diabetes mellitus and hypertension. His chief complaints were fever and chest pain. The patient was diagnosed as pleural infection according to the pulmonary computed tomography (CT) scan and laboratory results. ⋯ On the subsequent 2-month and 6-month follow-up visits, no recurrence has been reported for this patient. Routine microbiological methods are important in diagnosis of pleural infection, but they have limitations in some cases, especially for anaerobe. Molecular assay based on 16S rDNA is helpful in detecting causative organisms of thoracic empyema.
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Presently, the Department of Health Taiwan has begun to fund a smoking cessation program, and the annual cessation rate was 8.9% in 2010. This study aims to see whether to enhance abstinence effectiveness by utilizing exhaled carbon monoxide (COExh) measurement with self-declared smoking cessation. ⋯ Utilizing COExh measurement with self-declared smoking cessation enhanced abstinence effectiveness in Taiwanese outpatients.
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Our objective was to investigate characteristics risk factors and outcomes of patients with chronic pulmonary aspergillosis (CPA). ⋯ Our results provide data on clinical characteristics and outcomes of CPA emphasizing the role of preexisting chronic respiratory conditions and protective effect of preserved BMI and lower Charlson index score.