Resp Care
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Recently, advanced therapies for pulmonary arterial hypertension have become available, and have been effective in reducing pulmonary vascular resistance and symptoms in patients with Eisenmenger syndrome, previously thought to be inoperable. This review summarizes the current knowledge on the pathophysiology and treatment of Eisenmenger syndrome. ⋯ With continued improvements in the diagnosis, preoperative management, refinement of surgical techniques and intra- and postoperative management strategies, the patients with Eisenmenger syndrome selected using a diagnostic-treatment-and-repair strategy are operable with safety and efficacy in the current era with advanced pulmonary arterial hypertension therapy. Future directions of Eisenmenger syndrome may be the combination of reversal of pulmonary vascular remodeling and correction.
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Tobacco smoke has detrimental effects on the respiratory system. This study investigated the associations of active and passive smoking with asthma symptoms in Hong Kong adolescents. ⋯ Adolescents who are heavy smokers and having parents and a best friend who smoke are more likely than others to have asthma symptoms. Both active and passive smoking are related to asthma symptoms in adolescents.