Thorax
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Letter Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study
Characterisation of an OCS-dependent severe asthma population treated with mepolizumab.
A subpopulation of patients with asthma treated with maximal inhaled treatments is unable to maintain asthma control and requires additional therapy with oral corticosteroids (OCS); a subset of this population continues to have frequent exacerbations. Alternate treatment options are needed as daily use of OCS is associated with significant systemic adverse effects that affect many body systems and have a direct association with the dose and duration of OCS use. We compared the population demographics, medical conditions and efficacy responses of the OCS-dependent group from the DREAM study of mepolizumab with the group not managed with daily OCS.
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Multicenter Study
Predicting survival in malignant pleural effusion: development and validation of the LENT prognostic score.
Malignant pleural effusion (MPE) causes debilitating breathlessness and predicting survival is challenging. This study aimed to obtain contemporary data on survival by underlying tumour type in patients with MPE, identify prognostic indicators of overall survival and develop and validate a prognostic scoring system. ⋯ The LENT scoring system is the first validated prognostic score in MPE, which predicts survival with significantly better accuracy than ECOG PS alone. This may aid clinical decision making in this diverse patient population.
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This article is the result of a round table discussion held at BMA House. Its purpose is to outline the challenges facing both patients and doctors in managing idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. A number of recommendations for service development and research have been identified.
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We describe a case of acquired methaemoglobinaemia due to frequent use of the 'legal high' known as 'Pink Panthers'. This contains 5,6-Methylenedioxy-2-aminoindane and 2-Aminoindane, both amphetamine analogues with the potential to cause methaemoglobinaemia. Furthermore, the most common 'cutting agent' for legal highs in the UK is benzocaine, also known to cause methaemoglobinaemia. ⋯ Furthermore, in one case series, benzocaine gel used for toothache was the second most common reason for hospitalisation due to acquired methaemoglobinaemia after dapsone use. Indeed, the Federal Drug Agency has issued as public warning as to the risk of these products. We therefore think that clinicians and the public should be made more aware of the risk associated with such agents.