Respiratory medicine
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Respiratory medicine · Feb 2011
Multicenter Study Comparative StudyComparison of a network of primary care physicians and an open spirometry programme for COPD diagnosis.
Early diagnosis of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) remains the cornerstone for effective management. In this study we compared an open spirometry programme and a case-finding programme providing spirometry to high-risk subjects selected by primary care physicians. ⋯ A case-finding programme involving primary care physicians was more cost-effective for the identification of new cases of COPD compared to an open spirometry programme. The development of networks of primary care physicians with access to good quality spirometry and specialist consultation for early diagnosis of COPD is justified.
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Respiratory medicine · Feb 2011
The lung permeability index: a feasible measurement of pulmonary capillary permeability.
We performed this study to determine the pulmonary capillary permeability (PCP) measuring radiolabeled human serum albumin leakage into the lung. The objective was to use PCP to differentiate between cardiogenic and non-cardiogenic pulmonary edema etiologies. ⋯ The lung permeability index is a feasible, noninvasive estimation of the pulmonary capillary permeability.
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Respiratory medicine · Feb 2011
Multicenter StudyPredictive factors for evaluation of response to fluticasone propionate/salmeterol combination in severe COPD.
The predictive factors for treatment response in patients with severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are unknown. We investigated predictive factors for response to fluticasone propionate/salmeterol (FSC) in severe COPD patients. ⋯ Nearly 80% of patients responded to FSC treatment in this real-life study. Improvements in IC and QoL at 12 weeks revealed a clinically relevant response in patients with no improvement in FEV(1). IC reversibility to salbutamol before treatment might represent, better than FEV1, a prognostic factor of response to FSC in severe COPD. Moreover these tests are easy to perform routinely and in large numbers of patients.
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Respiratory medicine · Feb 2011
A longitudinal study of serial BODE indices in predicting mortality and readmissions for COPD.
BODE index comprises Body mass index, Obstruction of the airway [FEV(1)], Dyspnoea score [modified Medical Research Council questionnaire] and Exercise capacity [6 min walk test]. This study assessed the role of serial changes in BODE index in predicting mortality and readmissions of COPD patients. ⋯ Baseline BODE index could predict both survival and readmissions for AECOPD, whereas serial BODE indices were not predictive of survival at 3 years. Single rather than serial measurements of BODE index is sufficient for prediction of survival and readmissions for patients treated with usual care.
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Respiratory medicine · Feb 2011
Admission profile and management of community acquired pneumonia in Nigeria--5 year experience in a tertiary hospital.
Studies examining the prevalence, baseline characteristics and outcome of patients admitted with Community Acquired Pneumonia (CAP) are not readily available in Nigeria. This study aims to evaluate the management of CAP at a tertiary hospital in Nigeria with a view to determining the prevalence, characteristics, severity and outcome of the admitted patients. ⋯ We suggest multicenter prospective studies to determine the prevalence and burden of CAP in Nigeria. There is need for an improved assessment and appropriate use of guidelines in the management of patients presenting with CAP.