Respiratory medicine
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Respiratory medicine · Nov 2007
Comparative StudyDiagnostic utility of inflammatory biomarkers in asthma: exhaled nitric oxide and induced sputum eosinophil count.
Even though an inflammatory process is known to be the underlying cause of asthma, diagnosis is based on clinical history, reversible airway obstruction and bronchial hyperresponsiveness according to international guidelines. The fraction of exhaled nitric oxide (FE(NO)) and induced sputum eosinophil count (Eos%) have been used as non-invasive inflammatory biomarkers. ⋯ The diagnostic accuracy of FE(NO) measurement was superior to that of the standard diagnostic spirometry in patients with symptoms suggestive of asthma. The use of FE(NO) measurement and induced sputum Eos% together to diagnose asthma in clinical practice is more accurate than spirometry or FE(NO) assessment alone and easier to perform.
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Respiratory medicine · Nov 2007
Assessment of the burden of caregiving for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
To determine the effect of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) on the quality of life of caregivers. ⋯ COPD causes a significant impact on the quality of life of caregivers. The two most important predictors of COPD burden are the relationship between caregivers and patients and caregiver MCS scores.
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Respiratory medicine · Oct 2007
Multicenter StudyEpidemiology of acute lung injury and acute respiratory distress syndrome in The Netherlands: a survey.
The characteristics, incidence and risk factors for acute lung injury (ALI) and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) may depend on definitions and geography. ⋯ The effect of definitions of ALI/ARDS on mechanical ventilation in the Netherlands is small. Nevertheless, the incidence of ALI/ARDS may be higher than in other European countries but lower than in the USA, and the incidence of ALI by LIS may overestimate compared to that by NAECC. Aspiration, pneumonia, sepsis and chronic alcohol abuse are major risk factors, largely independent of definitions.
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Respiratory medicine · Oct 2007
Multicenter StudyOccupational exposure and severe pulmonary fibrosis.
External agents, especially metal and wood dust, are believed to be risk factors for development of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). The aim of this case-control study was to investigate which occupational exposure types are associated with development of severe pulmonary fibrosis (PF), and especially IPF. ⋯ Exposure for birch and hardwood dust may contribute to the risk for IPF in men.
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Respiratory medicine · Oct 2007
Diagnostic accuracy of bronchoalveolar lavage samples in immunosuppressed patients with suspected pneumonia: analysis of a protocol.
Fast and accurate etiologic diagnosis of pneumonia in immunocompromised patients is essential for a good outcome. Utility of bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) samples has already been established, but studies about them are scarce and limited to few countries. We aimed to evaluate the accuracy of a diagnostic protocol, emphasizing on local epidemiology, rapidity, and yield of different techniques. ⋯ Systematical study of BAL samples has a high diagnostic yield in our immunocompromised patients with suspected pneumonia. As economical and epidemiological conditions of regions are different, it should be tried everywhere.