Respirology : official journal of the Asian Pacific Society of Respirology
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Multicenter Study
Pulmonary function testing in New Zealand: the use and importance of reference ranges.
The diagnosis, assessment and management of a wide range of respiratory diseases rely on accurate interpretation of lung function tests through the use of reference equations to generate predicted values. This paper ascertains the suitability of reference equations currently used in New Zealand through comparison with newly derived equations from the Wellington Respiratory Survey, and discusses the relevance of the findings to the Asia Pacific region. ⋯ Many reference equations in current usage in New Zealand are no longer suitable for use. The applicability of reference equations used in other populations and countries within the Asia Pacific region requires further investigation. We recommend that up-to-date reference equations are derived and implemented if those currently used are shown to be unsatisfactory.
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The prognosis in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis and acute respiratory failure requiring mechanical ventilation is believed to be poor. The aim of this study was to identify factors contributing to in-hospital mortality in these patients. ⋯ Acute respiratory failure caused by pulmonary tuberculosis necessitating mechanical ventilation has a high mortality rate and poor prognosis, particularly in patients with tuberculous-destroyed lungs, high Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II scores and sepsis.
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Comparative Study
Gender-associated differences in dyspnoea and health-related quality of life in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Recent studies have reported several gender-associated differences among patients with COPD, but gender-associated differences in health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in patients with COPD have not yet been clarified. This study evaluated gender differences in dyspnoea and HRQoL in patients with COPD. ⋯ Gender differences exist in dyspnoea and HRQoL in patients with COPD. These need to be considered when designing treatment strategies for COPD patients.
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Clinical Trial
Evaluation of a new inflammatory molecule (triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells-1) in the diagnosis of pleural effusion.
The triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cell-1 (TREM-1) is a newly discovered molecule that is associated with the inflammatory response to microorganisms. We investigated the role of surface and soluble TREM-1 in differentiating different disease entities in pleural effusion formation. ⋯ Soluble and surface TREM-1 are valuable markers in establishing the aetiology of pleural effusions.
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The benefits of pulmonary rehabilitation for patients with COPD depend on the intensity of training. Traditional pulmonary rehabilitation programmes (PRPs) do not consistently achieve high-intensity training and have variable training effects. This study examined the effects of high-intensity exercise training on cardiac and pulmonary function in COPD patients. ⋯ Exercise training in a PRP improved submaximal exercise capacity. Only patients who completed high-intensity exercise training showed improvements in maximal exercise capacity, FVC and work efficiency.