Chest
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Review
Macrolides for Clinically Significant Bronchiectasis in Adults: Who Should Receive this Treatment?
Long-term macrolide therapy offers an evidence-based treatment to reduce frequent exacerbations in stable adult patients with bronchiectasis. There is limited evidence that these agents also attenuate the decline in lung function and improve health-related quality of life. ⋯ Further work is needed to understand the optimal drug, dose, and regimen, the mechanisms behind these benefits, appropriate patient selection, sustainability of efficacy, potential long-term risk for the lung microbiome; and their use with or without inhaled antibiotic treatment. We reviewed the current evidence on long-term macrolides in adults with bronchiectasis.
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The critically ill, asplenic patient presents a variety of management challenges. Historically, the focus of the care of the asplenic population has been the prevention and management of infection, including the often-fatal overwhelming postsplenectomy infection with encapsulated organisms such as Streptococcus pneumoniae. ⋯ Because of the relatively small size of this population and the relative infrequency with which critical illness occurs in it, there are few controlled trials that can serve as a basis for therapeutic maneuvers; thus, optimal management requires an astute clinician with an understanding of the pathogenetic mechanisms underlying the reported consequences of splenectomy. The purpose of this review is to explore the pathophysiology of the asplenic state-impairment in adaptive immunity, loss of blood filtration, endothelial dysfunction, and dysregulated coagulation-and how it leads to infection, thrombosis, and pulmonary hypertension as well as to discuss the implications of these conditions on the management of the critically ill, splenectomized patient.
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Endobronchial ultrasonography (EBUS) has become an invaluable tool in the diagnosis of patients with a variety of thoracic abnormalities. The majority of EBUS procedures are used to diagnose and stage mediastinal and hilar abnormalities, as well as peripheral pulmonary targets, with a probe-based technology. Nearly 1,000 articles have been written about its use and utility. ⋯ These new codes have been through the valuation process, and the new rule for reimbursement has been active since January 1, 2016 with National Correct Coding Initiative correction as of April 1, 2016. The impact of these new codes will result in a net reduction in professional and technical reimbursement. This article describes the current use of EBUS and explains the current codes and professional reimbursement.
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Comparative Study
Direct Comparison of Dabigatran, Rivaroxaban, and Apixaban for Effectiveness and Safety in Nonvalvular Atrial Fibrillation.
The introduction of non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs) has been a major advance for stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation (AF). Patients and clinicians now have a choice between different NOACs, but there is no direct comparative effectiveness evidence to guide decision-making. We aimed to compare the effectiveness and safety of dabigatran, rivaroxaban, and apixaban in clinical practice. ⋯ Dabigatran, rivaroxaban, and apixaban appear to have similar effectiveness, although apixaban may be associated with a lower bleeding risk and rivaroxaban may be associated with an elevated bleeding risk.