Respirology : official journal of the Asian Pacific Society of Respirology
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The solid-phase immunoassay, semi-quantitative procalcitonin (PCT) test (B R A H M S PCT-Q) can be used to rapidly categorize PCT levels into four grades. However, the usefulness of this kit for determining the prognosis of adult patients with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is unclear. ⋯ The semi-quantitative PCT test and the A-DROP scale were found to be useful for predicting mortality in adult patients with CAP.
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Comparative Study
Comparing peak and submaximal cardiorespiratory responses during field walking tests with incremental cycle ergometry in COPD.
Field and laboratory-based tests are used to measure exercise capacity in people with COPD. A comparison of the cardiorespiratory responses to field tests, referenced to a laboratory test, is needed to appreciate the relative physiological demands. We sought to compare peak and submaximal cardiorespiratory responses to the 6-min walk test, incremental shuttle walk test and endurance shuttle walk test with a ramp cycle ergometer test (CET) in patients with COPD. ⋯ In patients with moderate COPD, field walking tests elicited a similar peak rate of oxygen uptake and heart rate as a CET, demonstrating that both self- and externally paced walking tests progress to high intensities.