Lung
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Randomized Controlled Trial
The impact of CPAP on cardiovascular biomarkers in minimally symptomatic patients with obstructive sleep apnea: a pilot feasibility randomized crossover trial.
Previous, largely uncontrolled studies demonstrated the substantial effects of continuous positive airway pressure ventilation (CPAP) on a variety of physiologic and biochemical markers known to be risk factors for cardiovascular disease in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). In this pilot crossover study, we assessed (1) the feasibility of using CPAP in a group of minimally symptomatic patients with OSA, assessed through patient compliance and (2) CPAP therapy's effect on biomarkers in these patients. ⋯ In this pilot study there were potential improvements in a variety of cardiovascular biomarkers with CPAP. CPAP compliance was reasonably good even though patients were not particularly sleepy. Accordingly, larger randomized controlled trials in this area appear feasible and warranted.
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Nodular sarcoidosis is an uncommon presentation of sarcoidosis. Our objective was to describe the clinical characteristics of a large cohort of patients with nodular sarcoidosis. ⋯ Nodular sarcoidosis is a rare presentation of pulmonary sarcoidosis. It usually presents with multiple pulmonary masses that tend to be peripheral and are associated with mediastinal lymphadenopathy. Bronchoscopy with transbronchial biopsies has high diagnostic yield. Despite its ominous presentation, nodular sarcoidosis has favorable prognosis.
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Cough reflex sensitivity has not been studied extensively in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The aim of the study was to evaluate cough reflex sensitivity to capsaicin in current and former smokers with COPD and examine its association with potentially protussive mediators. Fifteen active smokers and 18 ex-smokers with moderate to severe COPD, 14 healthy active smokers, and 13 healthy never smokers were enrolled. ⋯ BAL fluid concentrations of LTE(4) and LTB(4) were similar in all groups. IL-8 concentrations did not differ between COPD smokers, COPD ex-smokers, and healthy active smokers, but were significantly higher in all three groups compared with healthy never smokers. Cough reflex sensitivity to capsaicin does not differ between smokers and ex-smokers with COPD.
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The combination of electromagnetic navigation bronchoscopy (ENB), PET-CT, and rapid on-site cytopathologic examination (ROSE) for the routine diagnostic work-up of peripheral lung lesions has not been evaluated previously. ⋯ ENB in combination with PET-CT and ROSE is safe and effective in the diagnostic workup of peripheral lung lesions.