Respiratory medicine
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Respiratory medicine · Oct 2003
Review Meta AnalysisNon-invasive positive pressure ventilation (NIPPV) in stable patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
While non-invasive positive pressure ventilation (NIPPV) has become an accepted management approach for patients with acute hypercapnia, it remains unclear whether it can also be beneficial in stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients with chronic respiratory failure. Randomised controlled trials (RCT) with a maximum duration of 3 months showed contradictory effects in blood gasses, dyspnoea, sleep efficiency and health-related quality of life. On the other hand, several uncontrolled trials did show positive results in patients with hypercapnia. ⋯ However, a selected group of patients might have clinical benefits from it. Patients who are clearly hypercapnic, who can tolerate an effective level of ventilatory support, and who get enough time to adjust to the ventilator might show clinical benefits even after 3 months. A trial with ventilatory support in this group of patients can be considered.
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Respiratory medicine · Oct 2003
Meta AnalysisCardioselective beta-blockers for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a meta-analysis.
Beta-blocker therapy has a mortality benefit in patients with hypertension, heart failure and coronary artery disease, as well as during the perioperative period. These drugs have traditionally been considered contraindicated in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The objective of this study was to assess the effect of cardioselective beta-blockers on respiratory function of patients with COPD. ⋯ Subgroup analyses revealed no significant change in results for those participants with severe chronic airways obstruction or for those with a reversible obstructive component. In conclusion, cardioselective beta-blockers given to patients with COPD do not produce a significant reduction in airway function or increase the incidence of COPD exacerbations. Given their demonstrated benefit in conditions such as heart failure, coronary artery disease and hypertension, cardioselective beta-blockers should be considered for patients with COPD.
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Respiratory medicine · Oct 2003
Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study Clinical TrialSequential IV/PO moxifloxacin treatment of patients with severe community-acquired pneumonia.
IV/PO moxifloxacin was evaluated in the treatment of hospitalized patients with severe community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). ⋯ Sequential IV/PO moxifloxacin 400 mg QD is as safe and effective as other fluoroquinolones and a beta-lactam/macrolide combination for treating hospitalized patients with severe CAP.