Respirology : official journal of the Asian Pacific Society of Respirology
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Titration effectiveness of two autoadjustable continuous positive airway pressure devices driven by different algorithms in patients with obstructive sleep apnoea.
Nocturnal application of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is the standard treatment for patients with obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA). Determination of the therapeutic pressure (CPAP titration) is usually performed by a technician in the sleep laboratory during attended polysomnography. One possible alternative to manual titration is automated titration. Indeed, during the last 15 years, devices have been developed that deliver autoadjustable CPAP (A-CPAP). The aim of the present study was to compare the titration effectiveness of two A-CPAP devices using different flow-based algorithms in patients with OSA. ⋯ It was observed that the two A-CPAP devices using different algorithms are equally effective in initial titration of CPAP.
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Observational Study
Prognostic value of plasma N-terminal pro B-type natriuretic peptide levels in pneumonia patients requiring intensive care unit admission.
Correct and early risk stratification for critically ill pneumonia patients remains an unmet medical need. This study aimed to test whether N-terminal pro B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) can serve as a prognostic marker in this setting. ⋯ For pneumonia patients admitted to intensive care unit, NT-proBNP strongly and independently predicts mortality, and its prognostic accuracy is comparable with APACHE II and IDSA/ATS 2007 minor criteria.
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Comparative Study
Laryngeal sensory dysfunction in laryngeal hypersensitivity syndrome.
Diseases associated with laryngeal dysfunction include chronic refractory cough (CRC), paradoxical vocal fold movement (PVFM), muscle tension dysphonia (MTD) and globus pharyngeus. We hypothesized the presence of a common sensory laryngeal dysfunction, the 'laryngeal hypersensitivity' syndrome, in these conditions. The aim of the study was to compare symptoms and sensory function in patients with CRC, PVFM, MTD and globus. ⋯ These discrete clinical laryngeal syndromes display considerable overlap in their clinical features and a common sensory dysfunction, supporting the 'laryngeal hypersensitivity' hypothesis. Reconceptualizing functional laryngeal disorders as a form of laryngeal hypersensitivity syndrome provides an alternative approach to management of these perplexing conditions.
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Previous studies have found evidence of an association between tuberculosis and vitamin D deficiency (VDD). However, the association between VDD and infection caused by non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) has never been studied. This study evaluated the prevalence and severity of VDD in NTM lung disease and attempted to identify predictive factors. ⋯ Patients with NTM lung disease have a high prevalence of severe VDD and VDD was independently associated with NTM lung disease. Further studies are needed to examine causality.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study
Budesonide/formoterol via Turbuhaler® versus formoterol via Turbuhaler® in patients with moderate to severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: phase III multinational study results.
The efficacy and tolerability of budesonide/formoterol versus formoterol in patients with moderate to severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) was evaluated. ⋯ Budesonide/formoterol 160/4.5 μg two inhalations twice daily was effective and well tolerated in patients with moderate to severe COPD, offering benefits over formoterol alone in terms of improved lung function and reduced risk of exacerbation.