Chest
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Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study Clinical Trial
Pulmonary function and sputum production in patients with cystic fibrosis: a pilot study comparing the PercussiveTech HF device and standard chest physiotherapy.
To compare the PercussiveTech HF (PTHF) device (Vortran Medical Technology 1; Sacramento, CA) to standard manual chest physiotherapy (CPT) with respect to acute changes in pulmonary function, sputum production, and pulse oximetry in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). ⋯ The PTHF device appears to be a safe and effective method of airway clearance in CF patients in this small pilot study.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical Trial
Long-term intermittent dobutamine infusion, combined with oral amiodarone for end-stage heart failure: a randomized double-blind study.
To examine the effects of long-term intermittent dobutamine infusion, combined with oral amiodarone in patients with congestive heart failure (CHF) refractory to standard medical treatment. ⋯ Long-term intermittent dobutamine infusion combined with amiodarone added to the conventional drugs improved the survival of patients with advanced CHF that was refractory to conventional treatment.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical Trial
Office spirometry significantly improves early detection of COPD in general practice: the DIDASCO Study.
To determine if spirometry is essential for the early detection of COPD in general practice, compared to the screening value of a short questionnaire. ⋯ The use of a spirometer is mandatory if early stages of OLD are to be detected in general practice. Screening for airflow obstruction almost doubles the number of known patients with OLD.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study Clinical Trial
Spinal prostaglandin formation and pain perception following thoracotomy: a role for cyclooxygenase-2.
Prostaglandins (PGs) generated in the spinal cord may play a major role in pain perception. Consequently, the suppression of spinal cyclooxygenase (COX) and PG formation may contribute to the analgesic effect of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in pain following surgery. Which isoform of COX is responsible for postsurgical pain and, consequently, should be targeted, is unclear. ⋯ Increases in spinal PG synthesis after thoracotomy are repressed by a selective COX-2 inhibitor. This suggests that the inducible COX-2 mediates central PG synthesis, which may be important in the generation of pain, as the use of nimesulide also resulted in significant decreases in postoperative pain perception.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical Trial
Symptoms, respirator use, and pulmonary function changes among New York City firefighters responding to the World Trade Center disaster.
New York City firefighters responding to the World Trade Center (WTC) disaster on September 11, 2001, were exposed to numerous hazards. A medical screening program was conducted 3 weeks after the disaster on a sample of firefighters. ⋯ The symptoms and pulmonary function changes following exposure at the WTC demonstrate the need for improvements in respirators and their use, as well as long-term medical monitoring of rescue workers.