Respirology : official journal of the Asian Pacific Society of Respirology
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The link between tuberculosis (TB) and dialysis is known; however, the impact of TB on the clinical outcomes remains to be elucidated. This study aims to determine the clinical consequences of pulmonary TB among patients under long-term dialysis. ⋯ Pulmonary TB increases the risk of morbidity and mortality in dialysis patients; DOTS implementation reduces some morbidities and TB relapse. Continuing DOTS implementation should be encouraged to improve clinical outcomes in dialysis patients.
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Studies analysing the effect of worsening pulmonary physiological impairment in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) with respect to quality of life have been limited to single centres or highly selected trial populations. The aim of this study was to determine the principal determinants of baseline and longitudinal health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in a large unselected IPF population. ⋯ Cough, dyspnoea and depression are major symptomatic determinants of HRQoL in IPF. FVC decline is associated with worsening HRQoL.
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Acute eosinophilic pneumonia (AEP) is characterized by a massive pulmonary infiltration of eosinophils. Mechanisms regulating the selective accumulation of eosinophils in AEP have not been fully established. The objective of this study was to evaluate the mechanisms of eosinophil accumulation in alveolar spaces through examination of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) from AEP patients (AEP-BALF). ⋯ These findings suggest that CCR3 ligands including eotaxin-2 and MCP-4, and LTB4 play a role in the accumulation of eosinophils in AEP.
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Bronchiectasis is a growing health burden both globally and in Australasia. Associated with repeated respiratory infections, the disease often results in hospital admission, impaired quality of life, reduced lung function and shortened life expectancy. We describe the local clinical, physiological and sputum characteristics in patients hospitalized with an infective exacerbation of bronchiectasis. ⋯ Patients hospitalized with an infective exacerbation of bronchiectasis are predominantly older with co-morbidities and of lower socio-economic status. Presence of P. aeruginosa was a risk factor for repeated exacerbations, as was a history of asthma, COPD or small airway reversibility.