Respirology : official journal of the Asian Pacific Society of Respirology
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Continuous monitoring of PaO(2) in seriously ill patients is an important aspect of clinical management, especially for patients with acute lung injury (ALI) or acute respiratory distress syndrome. We have developed a fibreoptic sensor to detect PaO(2)in vivo based on fluorescence quenching technology. In this study we evaluated the sensitivity of this sensor in monitoring PaO(2) in a rabbit model with ALI. ⋯ The oxygen sensor showed high accuracy and stability for continuous monitoring of PaO(2) in normal animals, in animals with ALI and in animals with electrolyte disturbance, suggesting that it may be clinically useful in the continuous measurement of oxygen partial pressure.
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Controlled Clinical Trial
Cough-reflex sensitivity to inhaled capsaicin in COPD associated with increased exacerbation frequency.
The causes of exacerbations in COPD patients are poorly understood. This study examined the association between cough-reflex sensitivity in patients with stable COPD and the frequency of subsequent exacerbations. ⋯ Hypersensitivity of the cough reflex to inhaled capsaicin might reflect airway inflammation in stable COPD patients, which predisposes to frequent exacerbations.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study
Efficacy and safety of omalizumab in an Asian population with moderate-to-severe persistent asthma.
The efficacy and safety of the anti-IgE antibody, omalizumab, has been widely studied in patients with asthma. However to date, no large studies have been performed in Asian populations. The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy and safety of omalizumab with placebo, as add-on therapy in Asian patients with moderate-to-severe persistent asthma. ⋯ Add-on treatment with omalizumab improved asthma control without significant adverse events in Japanese patients with moderate-to-severe persistent asthma.
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Intensive Care Unit (ICU) patients often require urgent, high-risk diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. However, they are particularly vulnerable to procedural complications due to the severity and instability of their illnesses. ⋯ It is important for the operator to be familiar with the specific complications of each procedure, as well as steps to take in order to enhance safety and reduce adverse events. High standards of training and credentialing are crucial to ensure that the ICU physicians are proficient in performing these procedures.