Archivos de bronconeumología
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Arch. Bronconeumol. · Jun 2007
[Usefulness of computed tomography in determining risk of recurrence after a first episode of primary spontaneous pneumothorax: therapeutic implications].
The main cause of primary spontaneous pneumothorax is the rupture of subpleural blebs or bullae. The presence of bullae may also lead to an increased risk of recurrence. The best way to detect them is by means of computed tomography (CT). Our objective in the present study was to determine whether bullae detected by CT represent an increased risk of recurrence after a first episode of primary spontaneous pneumothorax. We also evaluated therapeutic implications. ⋯ The present study could not demonstrate that the presence, size, or number of bullae on CT scans has any influence on recurrence rate. We cannot recommend surgery after a first episode of primary spontaneous pneumothorax based on the presence of bullae on the CT scan.
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Arch. Bronconeumol. · May 2007
[Spanish version of the Functional Outcomes of Sleep Questionnaire: scores of healthy individuals and of patients with sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome].
The main symptom of sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (SAHS) is excessive daytime sleepiness. The self-administered Functional Outcomes of Sleep Questionnaire (FOSQ) was designed to evaluate the impact of sleepiness on a patient's daily life. The aim of this study was to determine the scores of patients with SAHS and of healthy individuals on the Spanish version of the FOSQ and to assess its usefulness for evaluating the impact of excessive sleepiness in patients with suspected SAHS. ⋯ We obtained FOSQ reference scores for Spanish patients with SAHS and for healthy individuals. The study showed that the Spanish version of the FOSQ is a good instrument for assessing the impact of excessive sleepiness on activities of daily living in patients with suspected SAHS.
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Arch. Bronconeumol. · Apr 2007
[Validity and reliability of the St George's Respiratory Questionnaire in adults with cystic fibrosis].
To study self-perceived quality of life in adults with cystic fibrosis (CF), and to assess the validity of the St George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) for use in these patients. ⋯ Self-perceived quality of life is worse among adults with CF than in the general population or among patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The SGRQ is a valid instrument for analyzing health-related quality of life in adults with CF as it discriminates very well between different degrees of severity of pulmonary impairment and also have an appropriate intern consistency.
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Arch. Bronconeumol. · Mar 2007
Comparative Study Controlled Clinical Trial[Physiologic effects of noninvasive ventilation in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease].
Noninvasive mechanical ventilation has been of use in the treatment of some forms of chronic and acute respiratory failure. However, the benefits of its use in patients in the stable phase of severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) remain unclear. A combination of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) and pressure support ventilation (PSV) may improve respiratory mechanics and alveolar ventilation, and reduce inspiratory muscle effort. In this study, we analyzed the physiologic effects of differing levels of CPAP and CPAP plus PSV in patients with stable severe COPD. ⋯ CPAP of 3 cm H20 in combination with PSV improved breathing pattern, increased alveolar ventilation, and reduced work of breathing. These results offer a rational basis for the use of noninvasive mechanical ventilation in the treatment of patients with stable severe COPD.
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Oxygen-conserving devices include transtracheal catheters, reservoir cannulas, and demand oxygen delivery systems. They are designed to extend the amount of time portable oxygen cylinders will last and correct hypoxemia with a lower flow of oxygen. Transtracheal catheters increase the fraction of inspired oxygen by delivering oxygen directly to the trachea, bypassing the dead space of the oropharynx and improving the efficiency of the upper airway as a reservoir. ⋯ Demand oxygen delivery systems have a valve that is activated during inspiration, meaning that oxygen is only delivered during this stage of the respiratory cycle. Each system has advantages and disadvantages arising from differing design features. Prescription should be based on individual tests in all cases to ensure optimal oxygen delivery during rest, exercise, and sleep.