BMC pulmonary medicine
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BMC pulmonary medicine · Nov 2016
Small lung lesions invisible under fluoroscopy are located accurately by three-dimensional localization technique on chest wall surface and performed bronchoscopy procedures to increase diagnostic yields.
Nowadays, small peripheral pulmonary lesions (PPLs) are frequently detected and the prognosis of lung cancer depends on the early diagnosis. Because of the high fee and requiring specialized training, many advanced techniques are not available in many developing countries and rural districts. ⋯ Small PPL whether it is visible or not under fluoroscopy can be located accurately by our three-dimensional localization technique on chest wall surface and performed bronchoscopy procedures to increase diagnostic yields. It is more convenient, economical and reliable with the similar diagnostic yields than R-EBUS guided method.
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BMC pulmonary medicine · Nov 2016
Safety and efficacy of bridging to lung transplantation with antifibrotic drugs in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: a case series.
Following recent approval of pirfenidone and nintedanib for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), questions arise about the use of these antifibrotics in patients awaiting lung transplantation (LTx). ⋯ Antifibrotic drugs can probably be safely administered in IPF patients, possibly attenuating disease progression over time, while awaiting LTx.
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BMC pulmonary medicine · Nov 2016
Comparative StudyCombined ultrasound-guided cutting-needle biopsy and standard pleural biopsy for diagnosis of malignant pleural effusions.
The most efficient approach to diagnose malignant pleural effusions (MPEs) is still controversial and uncertain. This study aimed to evaluate the utility of a combined approach using ultrasound (US)-guided cutting-needle biopsy (CNB) and standard pleural biopsy (SPB) for diagnosing MPE. ⋯ Use of a combination of US-guided CNB and SPB afforded a high sensitivity to diagnose MPEs, it is a convenient and safe approach.
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BMC pulmonary medicine · Nov 2016
Risk of asthma in patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome: a retrospective cohort study.
Sjögren's syndrome (SS) has been associated with bronchial hyperresponsiveness and asthma; however, no population-based cohort study has been performed. We evaluated the risk of asthma in patients with primary SS in a nationwide population. ⋯ Patients with primary SS are associated with an increased risk of developing asthma. We should pay more attention to this group of individuals and provide them with appropriate support.
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BMC pulmonary medicine · Nov 2016
Multicenter Study Observational StudyThe evaluation of a remote support program on quality of life and evolution of disease in COPD patients with frequent exacerbations.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients often present considerable individual medical burden in their symptoms, limitations, and well-being that complicate medical treatment. To improve their overall health status, while reducing the number of exacerbations, a multidisciplinary approach including different elements of care is needed. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of a remote support program on COPD patients at high risk of experiencing worsening of their disease and other health-related outcomes. ⋯ A remote support program for high-risk COPD patients results in an improvement of the patients' health status, particularly in those with initially poor health status, and it helps to reduce COPD exacerbations.