Canadian respiratory journal : journal of the Canadian Thoracic Society
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Exacerbations of airway disease are eosinophilic, neutrophilic, both or neither. The primary objective of the present study was to identify whether the treatment of a neutrophilic bronchitis can unmask an associated eosinophilia. ⋯ A neutrophilic exacerbation of airway disease was observed to mask sputum eosinophilia in one-third of patients who had sputum cell counts available before and after antibiotic therapy. Hence, the absence of sputum eosinophilia during an infective exacerbation should not be used as an indication to reduce the dose of corticosteroids. To optimize therapy, repeat sputum cell count measurements are recommended after antibiotic treatment before changing corticosteroid treatment.
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Cystic fibrosis patients with an implantable venous access device (IVAD) and a patent foramen ovale (PFO) are at an increased risk of developing paradoxical embolism. A 33-year-old patient who had a cerebrovascular accident in the above setting is described. ⋯ She made a full neurological recovery. Echocardiography and prophylactic closure of the PFO, when present, as primary prevention for paradoxical embolism may be warranted in cystic fibrosis patients before placement of an IVAD.