BMC pulmonary medicine
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BMC pulmonary medicine · May 2019
Comparative StudyOutcomes of stereotactic body radiotherapy versus lobectomy for stage I non-small cell lung cancer: a propensity score matching analysis.
Lobectomy is the standard treatment for patients with stage I non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Recent studies have shown promising results of stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) in these patients. We retrospectively compared the outcomes of lobectomy and SBRT in these patients from our therapeutic center. ⋯ Treatment-related outcomes of SBRT and lobectomy were comparable. SBRT was well tolerated and had a very low toxicity profile in our study. SBRT is a promising alternative treatment option for stage I NSCLC patients. This study indicates that matching these disparate cohorts of patients is challenging. Clinical trials are essential to define the indications and relative efficacy of lobectomy and SBRT in a selected population.
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BMC pulmonary medicine · May 2019
Prevalence and management of chronic breathlessness in COPD in a tertiary care center.
Breathlessness is the prominent symptom of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Despite optimal therapeutic management including pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions, many COPD patients exhibit significant breathlessness. Chronic breathlessness is defined as breathlessness that persists despite optimal treatment of the underlying disease. Because of the major disability related to chronic breathlessness, symptomatic treatments including opioids have been recommended by several authors. The prevalence of chronic breathlessness in COPD and its management in routine clinical practice have been poorly investigated. Our aim was to examine prevalence, associated characteristics and management of chronic breathlessness in patients with COPD recruited in a real-life tertiary hospital-based cohort. ⋯ Treatment approaches to breathlessness and associated psychological distress are insufficient in COPD. This study highlights underuse of pulmonary rehabilitation and symptomatic treatment for breathlessness.
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BMC pulmonary medicine · May 2019
Case ReportsBronchoscopic lung volume reduction using an endobronchial valve to treat a huge emphysematous bullae: a case report.
In patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), bronchoscopic lung volume reduction (BLVR) techniques using unidirectional endobronchial valves improve lung function and increase exercise tolerance. BLVR treatment is included in the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) treatment guidelines for COPD patients without interlobar collateral ventilation. However, BLVR using an endobronchial valve has not been attempted in patients with giant bullae. ⋯ This case supports recent suggestions that BLVR can serve as a good alternative treatment for appropriately selected patients.