Respiratory medicine
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Respiratory medicine · Sep 2017
Comparative StudyDomestic solid fuel combustion in an adult population in Nigeria: A cross sectional analysis of association with respiratory symptoms, quality of life and lung function.
We examined the association of respiratory symptoms, health status, and lung function with the use of solid fuel (wood, charcoal, coal or crop residue) for cooking or heating in a predominantly non-smoking population. ⋯ Using solid fuel for domestic cooking or heating was associated with a higher risk of cough or phlegm and a lower mental quality of life. However we found no significant effect in the prevalence of chronic airflow obstruction in Ife, Nigeria.
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Respiratory medicine · Sep 2017
Comparative StudyIntensive smoking diminishes the differences in quality of life and exacerbation frequency between the alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency genotypes PiZZ and PiSZ.
Alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency (AATD) is a rare genetic disorder that is associated with low levels of circulating alpha-1-antitrypsin in serum. In comparison to the genotype PiZZ, PiSZ usually leads to lower risk of emphysema, better lung function and better survival. The aim of this study was to analyze the relationship between cigarette smoking (packyears) and the AATD genotypes (PiZZ and PiSZ) concerning quality of life (SGRQ), transfer factor of the lung for carbon monoxide (TLCO), forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) and exacerbation rate. ⋯ The differences in quality of life and exacerbation frequency between PiZZ and PiSZ individuals diminish by intensive (ex-) smoking.
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Respiratory medicine · Sep 2017
Does untreated obstructive sleep apnea cause secondary erythrocytosis?
The current literature suggests a relationship between obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) severity and hematocrit. However, the degree that OSA contributes to clinically significant erythrocytosis is uncertain. The aim of this study is to evaluate this association in a large study sample controlling for multiple confounders. ⋯ Hematocrit levels and presence of erythrocytosis appear not associated with OSA severity, but rather with hypoxemia as measured by awake and to a lesser extent mean nocturnal oxygen saturation. Nocturnal oximetry may provide diagnostic utility in the evaluation of unexplained secondary polycythemia and polysomongraphy may be warranted in those with unexplained nocturnal hypoxemia and erythrocytosis.