The clinical respiratory journal
-
Autoimmune responses mediated by cluster of differentiation 4(+) T cells may contribute to the development of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, little is known about the frequency of peripheral blood Th17 cells and of regulatory T cells (Tregs) in Chinese patients with COPD. This study is aimed at determining the frequency of circulating Th17 and Tregs in patients with moderate and severe COPD, heavy smokers and healthy controls (HC). ⋯ An imbalance of circulating Th17 cells and Tregs is associated with the deterioration of pulmonary function in patients with moderate and severe COPD.
-
This is a sporadic H7N9 avian influenza case that was the first severe imported case in Beijing and the first case of Hebei province in China. A 61-year-old female who had rapidly progressive pneumonia with respiratory distress and bilateral exduation and consolidation changes on chest X-ray and computerized tomography (CT) scan that did not respond to ordinary antibiotics was diagnosed with influenza A (H7N9) infection in our hospital on July 19, 2013. Intravenous peramivir, veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VV-ECMO) and continuous veno-venous hemofiltration were given on the same day of lab diagnosis because of severe acute respiratory distress syndrome and acute renal failure. ⋯ Twenty-three days after hospitalization, blood stream infection with multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter Baumannii occurred, which lead to septic shock and death. Whether or not the influenza season in north China, the influenza screening should be carried out as a conventional test for the patients who are suspected of viral pneumonia. For the patients who need mechanical ventilation and ECMO support, the lung protective strategy under the guidance of transpulmonary pressure may be helpful for recovering the lung.
-
Comparative Study
Comparison of clinical characteristics of chronic cough due to non-acid and acid gastroesophageal reflux.
Little is known about non-acid gastroesophageal reflux-induced chronic cough (GERC). The purpose of the study is to explore the clinical characteristics of non-acid GERC. ⋯ There are some differences in the clinical manifestations between non-acid and acid GERC, but MII-pH is essential to diagnose non-acid GERC.
-
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study
Electromagnetic navigation-guided TBNA vs conventional TBNA in the diagnosis of mediastinal lymphadenopathy.
Conventional transbronchial needle aspiration (C-TBNA) is a safe method for the diagnosis of hilar and mediastinal lymphadenopathy (MLN). However, diagnostic yield of this technique varies considerably. Electromagnetic navigation bronchoscopy (ENB) is a new technology to increase the diagnostic yield of flexible bronchoscopy for the peripheral lung lesions and MLN. The aim of this prospective study was to compare the diagnostic and sampling success of ENB-guided TBNA (ENB-TBNA) in comparison with C-TBNA while dealing with MLN. ⋯ In this study comparing ENB-TBNA and C-TBNA, the sampling and diagnostic success of ENB-TBNA was found to be superior while dealing with MLN, in all categories studied.
-
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.