Thorax
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Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study
The role of a soluble TNFalpha receptor fusion protein (etanercept) in corticosteroid refractory asthma: a double blind, randomised, placebo controlled trial.
Tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNFalpha) is a cytokine recognised as a therapeutic target in chronic inflammatory diseases. ⋯ Etanercept therapy over 12 weeks demonstrated only a small but significant improvement in asthma control and systemic inflammation, as measured by serum albumin and CRP. Larger randomised, placebo controlled trials are required to clarify the role of TNFalpha antagonism in subjects with severe refractory asthma.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Mechanisms of dyspnoea relief and improved exercise endurance after furosemide inhalation in COPD.
This study examined the effects of inhaled furosemide on the ventilatory and perceptual response to high-intensity constant-load cycle exercise in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). ⋯ Alleviation of exertional dyspnoea after single-dose furosemide inhalation in COPD is multifactorial but improvements in dynamic ventilatory mechanics are contributory in some individuals.