Annals of the American Thoracic Society
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Peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) are common in the treatment of patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). Previous reports suggest that patients with CF are at increased risk for PICC-associated deep vein thrombosis (DVT). ⋯ To reduce risk of PICC-associated DVT in patients with CF, QI strategies should focus on insertion of smaller-diameter 4F PICCs and reduction in PICC use in high-risk patients when possible.
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Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) have high symptom burdens and poor health-related quality of life. The American Thoracic Society issued a consensus statement outlining the need for palliative care for patients with chronic respiratory diseases. A better understanding of the unmet healthcare needs among patients with COPD may help determine which aspects of palliative care are most beneficial. ⋯ There are many unmet healthcare needs among patients hospitalized for COPD exacerbation. Relief of symptoms, physical limitations, emotional distress, social isolation, and concerns about the future may be better managed by integrating specialist palliative care into our current care model.
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Occupational exposure to indium compounds, including indium-tin oxide, can result in potentially fatal indium lung disease. However, the early effects of exposure on the lungs are not well understood. ⋯ In indium-tin oxide facility workers with short-term, low-level exposure, plasma indium concentrations lower than previously reported were associated with lung symptoms, decreased spirometric parameters, and increased serum biomarkers of lung disease.
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Multicenter Study
Increasing global mortality from idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis in the twenty-first century.
Evidence from the United Kingdom suggests that the number of deaths from idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is increasing, although comparable international data are limited. ⋯ Mortality from idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is increasing steadily worldwide, despite the fact that death certification will almost certainly underestimate true mortality. We estimate that there will be between 28,000 and 65,000 deaths in Europe and between 13,000 and 17,000 deaths in the United States from idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis clinical syndrome in 2014. Variation between countries remains but is less than previously reported.