BMC pulmonary medicine
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BMC pulmonary medicine · Jan 2013
Randomized Controlled TrialSimvastatin decreases the level of heparin-binding protein in patients with acute lung injury.
Heparin-binding protein is released by neutrophils during inflammation and disrupts the integrity of the alveolar and capillary endothelial barrier implicated in the development of acute lung injury and systemic organ failure. We sought to investigate whether oral administration of simvastatin to patients with acute lung injury reduces plasma heparin-binding protein levels and improves intensive care unit outcome. ⋯ A reduction in heparin-binding protein with simvastatin is a potential mechanism by which the statin may modify outcome from acute lung injury.
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BMC pulmonary medicine · Jan 2013
Randomized Controlled TrialSerum levels of N-terminal proB-type natriuretic peptide in mechanically ventilated critically ill patients--relation to tidal volume size and development of acute respiratory distress syndrome.
Serum levels of N-terminal proB-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) are elevated in patients acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Recent studies showed a lower incidence of acute cor pulmonale in ARDS patients ventilated with lower tidal volumes. Consequently, serum levels of NT-proBNP may be lower in these patients. We investigated the relation between serum levels of NT-proBNP and tidal volumes in critically ill patients without ARDS at the onset of mechanical ventilation. ⋯ Serum levels of NT-proBNP are independent of tidal volume size, but are increasing in patients who develop ARDS.
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BMC pulmonary medicine · Jan 2013
Randomized Controlled TrialEffectiveness of treatment with high-frequency chest wall oscillation in patients with bronchiectasis.
High-frequency airway clearance (HFCWC) assist devices generate either positive or negative trans-respiratory pressure excursions to produce high-frequency, small-volume oscillations in the airways.HFCWC can lead to changes in volume of 15-57 ml and in flow up to 1.6 L/s, which generate minimal coughing to mobilize secretions. The typical treatment lasts 20-30 minutes, and consists of short periods of compression at different frequencies, separated by coughing.The aim of this study was to find the more efficacious treatment in patients with bronchiectasis: traditional techniques of chest physiotherapy (CPT) versus high frequency oscillation of the chest wall in patients with bronchiectasis. ⋯ The HFCWO technique provides an improvement both in pulmonary function and quality of life related parameters in patients with chronic hypersecretive disease. Since those patients need daily airway clearance, this treatment should be included among the principal options in chest physiotherapy. The study was registered as ChiCTR-TRC-12002134 at http://www.chictr.org.
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BMC pulmonary medicine · Jan 2013
Randomized Controlled TrialA randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of oral montelukast in acute asthma exacerbation.
Leukotriene receptor antagonists (LTRAs) are well established in the management of outpatient asthma. However, there is very little information as to their role in acute asthma exacerbations. We hypothesized that LTRAs may accelerate lung function recovery when given in an acute exacerbation. ⋯ Our study suggests that there is no benefit of addition of oral montelukast over conventional treatment in the management of acute asthma attack.
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BMC pulmonary medicine · Jan 2013
ReviewClinical, economic, and humanistic burden of asthma in Canada: a systematic review.
Asthma, one of the most common chronic respiratory diseases, affects about 3 million Canadians. The objective of this study is to provide a comprehensive evaluation of the published literature that reports on the clinical, economic, and humanistic burden of asthma in Canada. ⋯ As new therapies for asthma become available, economic evaluations and assessment of clinical and humanistic burden will become increasingly important. This report provides a comprehensive resource for health technology assessment that will assist decision making on asthma treatment selection and management guidelines in Canada.