Chest
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Sarcoidosis is an idiopathic systemic granulomatosis whose evolution is self-limiting in most cases. However, it can progress to organ damage that menaces the vital or functional prognosis of patients. Sarcoidosis itself, but also its comorbidities, can pose a threat to the patient, require rapid initiation of treatment, and justify emergency hospitalization. ⋯ The overall mortality of patients with sarcoidosis hospitalized in emergency is high. The presence of comorbidities and the severity of respiratory failure, as reflected by oxygen requirement, are important prognostic determinants.
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The terminology of a do not resuscitate (DNR) order can be confusing and controversial for patients at the end of life. We examined whether changing the name to beneficial care only (BCO) would increase patient acceptance. ⋯ We found no statistically significant difference in preference between BCO and DNR orders for a terminally ill patient. These findings suggest changing the terminology of DNR to BCO may not lead to changes in decisions to forgo CPR. The additional themes identified with the use of BCO support the concept that BCO terminology conveys to the recipient that all beneficial care will continue to be provided to the patient.
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Exacerbations in COPD can be life-threatening and can lead to irreversible declines in lung function and quality of life. Medications that reduce exacerbation burden are an unmet need, because exacerbations put patients at risk of more exacerbations and decrease quality of life. Ensifentrine is a novel, first-in-class, selective, dual inhibitor of phosphodiesterase 3 and 4 with demonstrated nonsteroidal antiinflammatory activity and bronchodilatory effects. ⋯ Ensifentrine reduced the rate of exacerbations and increased the time to first exacerbation among patients with COPD across a broad range of clinically relevant subgroups.
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Breathlessness shares aging mechanisms with frailty and sarcopenia. ⋯ The findings suggest that frailty and sarcopenia strongly contribute to breathlessness in community-dwelling older adults. Measuring sarcopenia and frailty in older adults may offer opportunities to prevent age-related breathlessness.