Lung
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Observational Study
The Diagnostic Yield, Safety, and Impact of Flexible Bronchoscopy in Non-HIV Immunocompromised Critically Ill Patients in the Intensive Care Unit.
Flexible bronchoscopy (FB) and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) have major roles in the evaluation of parenchymal lung diseases in immunocompromised patients. Given the limited evidence, lack of standardized practice, and variable perception of procedural safety, uncertainty still exists on what constitutes the best approach in critically ill patients with immunocompromised state who present with pulmonary infiltrates in the era of prophylactic antimicrobials and the presence of new diagnostic tests. ⋯ FB can be safely performed in immunocompromised critically ill patients in the ICU. The yield can be improved when FB is done prior to initiation of empiric antimicrobials, within 24 h of admission to the ICU, and in patients with focal disease.
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Comparative Study Observational Study
Imaging Features of Chronic Bronchitis with Preserved Ratio and Impaired Spirometry (PRISm).
The purpose of the study was to investigate the quantitative chest tomographic features of chronic bronchitis with preserved ratio and impaired spirometry (PRISm), including airway wall area, emphysema index, and lung capacity. ⋯ In terms of airway wall area and emphysema index, patients with chronic bronchitis with PRISm were essentially no different than those with chronic bronchitis without abnormal spirometry, whereas for symptoms, they are more like GOLD 1 and 2 patients. Our findings show that it is not yet clear whether it constitutes an intermediate stage of chronic bronchitis with normal lung function that progression to early COPD.