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American Journal of Preventive Medicine Volume 31, Issue 3 , September 2006, Pages 252-256
To assess how numbers and age distributions of cases and deaths during an influenza pandemic in the United States would potentially vary from those during the 1918–1919 pandemic, given the same virulence of the pandemic strain.
COPD is a systemic disorder that is associated with increases of inflammatory proteins in systemic circulation. However, no data on the potential role of systemic inflammation in pulmonary hypertension secondary to COPD are available. Therefore, our aim was to investigate the degree of systemic inflammation reflected by circulatory levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), tumor-necrosis factor (TNF)-, and interleukin (IL)-6 in COPD patients with and without pulmonary hypertension.
Spirometry is performed to monitor lung health, but variability between tests can hinder recognition of excessive FEV1 declines. We sought to describe the relationship between FEV1 changes over 1 to 5 years and FEV1 declines over longer terms, using 21,821 test results from 1,884 workers who participated in an annual health monitoring program at a chemical plant between 1973 and 2003.
To assess the quality of occupational histories obtained by health-care providers and to measure the prevalence of clinician-diagnosed OA in a population at elevated risk for OA.
To determine if the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) stage 0 (subjects at risk for COPD) provides information about long-term mortality risk.
Automatic continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) devices that adjust the pressure delivered to the patient are now available to treat sleep-disordered breathing. Sophisticated auto-CPAP devices can detect and correct flattened inspiratory flow contours (FIFCs) associated with subtle upper airway obstruction. However, evaluations of their performance are made difficult by differences across patients and devices.
One third of young children are distressed during inhalation therapy. It has been suggested that administration during sleep could be a good alternative for these children. A laboratory study in our department using an infant upper airway model showed significantly higher lung doses from a pressured metered-dose inhaler (pMDI)-spacer for sleep-breathing patterns compared with wake-breathing patterns.
To assess the extent and severity of bronchiectasis through high-resolution CT (HRCT) scan score, and to correlate it with clinical, microbiological, and functional data.
Allergy and Asthma Proceedings, Volume 27, Number 4, July-August 2006, pp. 341-349(9)
In the present cohort, 85% of infants hospitalized for wheezing outgrew their symptoms until puberty, but 30 - 40% had asthma, depending on criteria, again in young adulthood. The aim of this study was to determine early predictors for adulthood asthma, bronchial reactivity, and lung function abnormalities in infants hospitalized for bronchiolitis.
Journal of Neurosurgical Anesthesiology. 18(3):179-184, July 2006
The aim of this study was to compare the effects of 3 different sedative-analgesic regimens in patients with intracranial mass lesions undergoing stereotactic brain biopsy.
Although it is estimated that > 1 billion passengers travel by air worldwide each year, the incidence of in-flight emergencies is low. However, due to nonstandardized reporting requirements for in-flight medical emergencies, the true incidence of pulmonary barotrauma in airplane passengers is unknown.
PEDIATRICS Vol. 118 No. 2 August 2006, pp. e509-e513
Invasive aspergillosis is extremely rare in immunocompetent children. Here we describe the clinical, radiologic, and laboratory course of fatal invasive pulmonary and central nervous system aspergillosis in a previously healthy child after a near-drowning incident with submersion in a pond. Findings were compared with data from the literature, which is reviewed.
To describe the experience of screening patients with asthma for allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) presenting to a chest clinic. The clinical, serologic, radiologic, and treatment aspects including outcome of ABPA are also described.
Allergy, Volume 61, Number 9, September 2006, pp. 1097-1103(7)
Adhesion molecule very late antigen-4 (VLA-4) is implicated in the recruitment and activation of inflammatory cells in asthma, including eosinophils, T cells and mast cells. VLA-4 antagonists have been proposed as a new anti-inflammatory treatment modality for asthma.
Despite the high prevalence of chest trauma and its high morbidity, lung contusion (LC) often remains undiagnosed in the emergency department (ED). The present study investigates the possible clinical applicability of chest ultrasonography for the diagnosis of LC in the ED in comparison to radiography and CT.
The relationships between objective cough rates, cough reflex sensitivity, subjective estimates of cough frequency, and cough-related quality of life in patients with COPD are poorly understood.
We performed ultrathin bronchoscopy for pulmonary peripheral lesions using a system that displays virtual bronchoscopy (VB) images to the lesion simultaneously with actual images and navigates the bronchoscope to the target bronchus. We then evaluated the system with regard to its usefulness and problems.
The role of thrombotic arteriopathy in the pathophysiology of idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (IPAH) and the use of anticoagulants in the treatment of IPAH are currently controversial issues. This article reviews the evidence for a role of vascular thrombosis in the pathophysiology of IPAH. There is sufficient biological rationale to support the notion that thrombotic arteriopathy is an important pathophysiologic feature of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and that its progression materially contributes to disease progression.
Current Respiratory Medicine Reviews, Volume 2, Number 3, August 2006, pp. 325-329(5)
For decades, neurologic and pulmonary disorders have been associated to diabetes mellitus (DM) and more recently to obesity. Many studies have attempted to establish the association between sleep apnea and adult-onset DM. Growing evidence exists demonstrating the association between insulin-resistance and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), as well as sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) in non-obese diabetic patients with autonomic neuropathy. In patients with DM, two types of sleep disorders can be found; upper airway resistance syndrome and sleep apnea.
Current Respiratory Medicine Reviews, Volume 2, Number 3, August 2006, pp. 331-337(7)
Thickening of the basement membrane zone (BMZ) is a characteristic feature of airway remodeling. The BMZ appears as three component layers: the laminas lucida, densa, and reticularis. The lamina reticularis of the BMZ is thickened in asthma, allergic rhinitis, eosinophil bronchitis and lung transplants. Collagen types I, III and V form heterogeneous fibers that account for the thickness of the BMZ.
Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is the most common nosocomial infection in the ICU. Patients who acquire VAP have higher mortality rates and longer ICU and hospital stays. Because there are other potential causes of fever, leukocytosis, and pulmonary infiltrates, clinical diagnostic criteria are overly sensitive in the diagnosis of VAP.
Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Volume 87, Issue 7 , July 2006, Pages 918-922
(1) To examine the concurrent criterion validity of the modified shuttle walk test (MSWT) by using the 6- (6MWT) and 12-minute walk test (12MWT), (2) to examine the concurrent criterion validity of the estimated maximum oxygen uptake (V?o2max) of the MSWT with actual V?o2max, and (3) to determine test-retest reliability of the MSWT in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
To determine whether adding lung function measurements to clinical history substantially changes the asthma severity classification, thereby influencing treatment decisions.
The American Journal of Surgery Volume 192, Issue 1 , July 2006, Pages 46-51
Pulmonary metastasis, which is the most common type of extrahepatic recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), has been considered unsuitable for surgical resection because most pulmonary metastases are multiple. Until now there have been few reports about surgical resection for pulmonary metastasis from HCC. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the significance of surgical resection for pulmonary metastasis from HCC.
European Journal of Clinical Investigation, Volume 36, Supplement 3, September 2006, pp. 62-66(5)
Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is found in 2-20% of cirrhosis patients who have portal hypertension (portopulmonary hypertension, PPHT). Endothelin (ET), a potent vasoconstrictor, is likely to play a role in the pathogenesis of portal hypertension. We describe the long-term successful use of the dual ETA/ETB receptor antagonist bosentan in a 43-year-old male with alcohol-related cirrhosis (Child-Pugh A), right ventricular enlargement and dysfunction, respectively, and moderate PAH. Elevated pulmonary arterial pressure was substantially reduced and exercise capacity increased.
European Journal of Clinical Investigation, Volume 36, Supplement 3, September 2006, pp. 32-38(7)
New oral substances such as beraprost, bosentan and sildenafil have proven effective in different forms of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), both alone and in combination with standard treatment such as intravenous and inhaled prostacyclins. However, there are few reports so far on the effect of a combination of exclusively oral substances.
Current Opinion in Pulmonary Medicine. 12(5):342-345, September 2006
Anti-tumor necrosis factor-[alpha] agents have recently been approved and recommended as effective and relatively safe drug therapy for ankylosing spondylitis. In light of this major advance in the management of these patients, recent observations on the pulmonary manifestations of ankylosing spondylitis are reviewed.
Sleep Medicine Volume 7, Issue 5 , August 2006, Pages 431-435
Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is a chronic disease ranging from innocuous to life-threatening and causes brain alterations manifested by neuropsychiatric symptoms. Neuron-specific enolase (NSE) and the astrocytic protein S100B are established sensitive peripheral biochemical markers of brain injury. In the present work we measured the serum levels of S100B and NSE in order to evaluate the deleterious effects of OSAS to the brain.
Respirology, Volume 11, Number 5, September 2006, pp. 619-626(8)
COPD is a progressive disorder characterized by periodic exacerbations. While comprehensive self-management programmes decrease health-care resource utilization, the essential components are unclear. We performed a study of written action plans in the management of COPD.
Allergy and Asthma Proceedings, Volume 27, Number 4, July-August 2006, pp. 354-358(5)
Asthma represents one of the most common chronic medical conditions affecting children. Although complications of asthma are rare, they deserve consideration when treating children with asthma. The aim of this study was report our experience with an 11-year-old boy with asthma that was complicated by bronchiectasis and to review our hospital's 10-year experience with bronchiectasis.
Respirology, Volume 11, Number 5, September 2006, pp. 598-602(5)
The addition of an alternative class of long-acting bronchodilator is recommended for COPD patients who do not respond satisfactorily to monotherapy. The aim of this study was to investigate the additive benefit of tiotropium in severe COPD and to establish whether the improvement in lung function in these patients can be predicted from their acute bronchodilator response to ipratropium or salbutamol.
Respirology, Volume 11, Number 5, September 2006, pp. 627-632(6)
The Fifteen-Count Breathlessness Score (15CBS) has been reported to quantify breathlessness. The aim of this study was to determine the reliability and validity of the 15CBS in adults with COPD.
European Journal of Clinical Investigation, Volume 36, Supplement 3, September 2006, pp. 39-43(5)
Bosentan, a dual endothelin receptor antagonist, has been used for symptomatic improvement of patients with idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and specific types of secondary (e.g. scleroderma and human immunodeficiency virus infection) PAH, but its efficacy in patients with congenital heart disease and chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension is still under evaluation.
Respirology, Volume 11, Number 5, September 2006, pp. 659-662(4)
Post-intubation tracheal stenosis is usually caused by pressure necrosis at the cuff. Despite the fact that this phenomenon is well known and both large volume and low pressure cuffs have been developed, this lesion nevertheless continues to occur. Although the best results for tracheal reconstruction are obtained by an experienced surgeon, not all patients are able to undergo this operation for either medical or personal reasons.
Respiratory Medicine Volume 100, Issue 9 , September 2006, Pages 1554-1565
This randomized, double-blind, multicenter study compared the efficacy and safety of piperacillin/tazobactam (P/T) and imipenem/cilastatin (IMP), both in combination with an aminoglycoside, in hospitalized patients with acute nosocomial pneumonia (NP). Patients with acute NP, defined as pneumonia with symptoms 48 h after admission or 7 days after hospital discharge, received infusions of 4 g/500 mg P/T or 500 mg/500 mg IMP every 6 h. Endpoints were clinical cure and microbiological response rates; pathogen eradication rates; length of hospital stay; hospital readmissions; and adverse events (AEs).
Respiratory Medicine Volume 100, Issue 8 , August 2006, Pages 1349-1355
The present study focuses on the prevalence of nutritional depletion in relation to functional performance, airflow limitation, experienced dyspnoea and health status in a large multi-center out-patient population with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
The Journal of Infectious Diseases 2006;194:493-497
Moraxella catarrhalis is one of the leading causes of exacerbations in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). In the present article, we show that moraxella (n = 15) binds to the major basement-membrane glycoprotein laminin, which is thickened in the airways of smokers.
American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine Vol 174. pp. 393-399, (2006)
To determine whether clusterin is involved in the defense of the lung against cigarette smoke, we investigated the effects of cigarette smoke extract on clusterin expression and its protective effect, if any, against oxidative stress.
Respiratory Medicine Volume 100, Issue 8 , August 2006, Pages 1307-1317
Asthma is a complex disease of the respiratory tract associated with chronic inflammation in which an intricate network of cells and cellular factors plays a major role. Asthma is one of the most common chronic diseases, with an estimated 300 million cases worldwide, imposing a considerable burden on society in morbidity, quality of life, and healthcare costs. Inhaled corticosteroids (ICSs) form the gold standard, first-line therapy in the effective management of persistent asthma and reduce morbidity and mortality from asthma.
Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology Volume 118, Issue 2 , August 2006, Pages 368-375
Overexpression of the transcriptional regulatory factor activator protein 1 might contribute to T-cell glucocorticoid (GC) refractoriness in GC-resistant asthma. We sought to address the hypothesis that clinically GC-resistant asthma is accompanied by failure of systemic GCs to inhibit phosphorylation of c-jun and c-jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) in bronchial mucosal cells.
American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine Vol 174. pp. 379-385, (2006)
We compared ASM cultured from endobronchial biopsies from subjects with and without asthma to assess if asthmatic cells were hypersecretory and determined whether the underlying mechanism involved autocrine ECM production.
American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine Vol 174. pp. 367-372, (2006)
Asthma is an airway disease highly prevalent in westernized countries and of unknown etiology. Often, asthma is associated with atopy, but not all atopic individuals have asthma. Some patients with asthma outgrow symptoms, whereas many others acquire asthma later in life.
American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine Vol 174. pp. 373-378, (2006)
Long-term oxygen treatment (LTOT) prolongs life in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and severe resting hypoxemia. Although this benefit is proven by clinical trials, scientific research has not provided definitive guidance regarding who should receive LTOT and how it should be delivered. Deficiencies in knowledge and in current research activity related to LTOT are especially striking in comparison to the importance of LTOT in the management of COPD and the associated costs.
To investigate whether deep (<20 °C) hypothermia is necessary in patients undergoing pulmonary endarterectomy for chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension.
American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine Vol 174. pp. 455-460, (2006)
In adults, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is associated with metabolic dysfunction that improves with treatment of OSA. No equivalent studies exist in children. To examine the relationship between metabolic markers and OSA with time and treatment in children.
Respiratory Medicine Volume 100, Issue 8 , August 2006, Pages 1318-1336
To identify the side effects of ICS perceived by patients in the community and, through the use of a self-report questionnaire, measure their intensity, prevalence and relationship with daily medication dose.
American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine Vol 174. pp. 446-454, (2006)
Sleepiness plays an important role in major crashes of commercial vehicles. Because determinants are likely to include inadequate sleep and sleep apnea, we evaluated the role of short sleep durations over 1 wk at home and sleep apnea in subjective sleepiness (Epworth Sleepiness Scale), objective sleepiness (reduced sleep latency as determined by the Multiple Sleep Latency Test), and neurobehavioral functioning (lapses in performance, tracking error in Divided Attention Driving Task) in commercial drivers.
Respiratory Medicine Volume 100, Issue 8 , August 2006, Pages 1415-1422
The involvement of bronchial vasculature in the airway remodelling occurring in symptomatic smokers with normal lung function and with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has been poorly investigated.
Respiratory Medicine Volume 100, Issue 8 , August 2006, Pages 1407-1414
The aim of this study was to describe medication use and disease management of asthmatic patients and to evaluate the usefulness of the Asthma Control Test (ACT) in community pharmacies. In 54 Flemish community pharmacies 166 asthmatic patients were included in the study.
Respiratory Medicine Volume 100, Issue 8 , August 2006, Pages 1431-1435
The asthma managing strategy has evolved and inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) are now the cornerstone of asthma treatment. Their effect on symptoms and exacerbations are well ascertained, whereas their effects on asthma mortality are still matter of debate. This ecological study evaluated asthma mortality rates and drug sales in the decade 1990–1999 in Argentina.
The adipocyte fatty acid–binding protein aP2 regulates systemic glucose and lipid metabolism. We report that aP2, in addition to being abundantly expressed by adipocytes, is also expressed by human airway epithelial cells and shows a striking upregulation following stimulation of epithelial cells with the Th2 cytokines IL-4 and IL-13.
Respiratory Medicine Volume 100, Issue 8 , August 2006, Pages 1397-1401
The National Lung Health Education Program recommends that primary care providers perform spirometry tests on cigarette smoking patients 45 years or older in order to detect airways obstruction and aid smoking cessation efforts [Ferguson GT, Enright Pl, Buist AS, et al. Office spirometry for lung health assessment in adults: a consensus statement from the national lung education program.
Respiratory Medicine Volume 100, Issue 8 , August 2006, Pages 1436-1441
Little is known about what happens to COPD patients during their final years of life, in particular in terms of hospital use. We linked the Swedish Mortality and Inpatient Registers to examine this research question during the period 1987–2000.
Respiratory Medicine Volume 100, Issue 8 , August 2006, Pages 1451-1457
The aim of this study was to evaluate thigh muscle strength and endurance in patients with COPD compared with healthy controls. Forty-two patients (26 women; 16 men) with moderate to severe COPD and 53 (29 women; 24 men) age-matched healthy controls participated in the study.
PEDIATRICS Vol. 118 No. 2 August 2006, pp. e347-e355
Spirometry is an important component of the National Asthma Education and Prevention Program guidelines for asthma, yet published data show variable associations between forced expiratory volume in 1 second percentage (FEV1%) predicted, symptoms and health care utilization.
Respiratory Medicine Volume 100, Issue 8 , August 2006, Pages 1423-1430
Individuals exposed both to cigarette smoke and respiratory pollutants at work incur a greater risk of development of airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) and accelerated decline in forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) than that incurred by subjects undergoing each exposure separately.
Respiratory Medicine Volume 100, Issue 8 , August 2006, Pages 1442-1450
The aim of this study was to investigate differences in airway inflammation between childhood and adult-onset asthma. A total of 47 asthmatic subjects were recruited from patients attending outpatient clinic.
The American Journal of Surgery Volume 192, Issue 2 , August 2006, Pages 191-195
High-frequency percussive ventilation (HFPV), a hybrid of conventional mechanical ventilation and high-frequency oscillatory ventilation, has been used to salvage patients with persistent hypoxemia on conventional mechanical ventilation. We hypothesized that oxygenation would improve in injured patients with severe hypoxemia who were converted to HFPV after initial management with conventional ventilation.
Journal of Pediatric Surgery Volume 41, Issue 7 , July 2006, Pages 1230-1236
Hydatid cyst still remains an important health problem in our country as in many Mediterranean countries. The disease may affect children, and its treatment may be challenging in this age group. Surgery is the primary way of treatment. In the current study, the features unique to childhood pulmonary hydatid disease are emphasized.
Nocturnal hemodialysis has been shown to improve sleep apnea in patients who receive conventional hemodialysis. It was hypothesized that nocturnal peritoneal dialysis (NPD) also is effective in correcting sleep apnea in patients who receive continuous ambulatory PD (CAPD).
Clinical & Experimental Immunology, Volume 145, Number 2, August 2006, pp. 228-234(7)
The objective of this work was to study the role of mannose-binding lectin (MBL) and C-reactive protein (CRP) in pneumococcal pneumonia, to determine whether MBL acts as an acute-phase reactant and whether the severity of the disease correlates with MBL levels. The study comprised 100 patients with pneumococcal pneumonia.
Journal of Nuclear Medicine Vol. 47 No. 8 1281-1287
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is characterized by an uncontrolled accumulation and activation of lung fibroblasts. A modulation of fibroblast activation has been observed in various systems with octreotide, a synthetic somatostatin analog with strong affinity for the somatostatin receptor subtype 2 (sst2). One aim of our study was to evaluate the expression of somatostatin receptors in the lungs of patients with IPF. A second aim was to evaluate the relationship between 111In-octreotide uptake and the effect of pulmonary fibrosis as assessed by lung function tests and parameters and by radiologic findings.
Cigarette smoking causes accelerated facial wrinkling and predisposes to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, it has long been recognised that there is a subgroup of susceptible smokers who are at increased risk of developing airflow obstruction. We have tested the hypothesis that there is a common susceptibility for the development of COPD and facial wrinkling in cigarette smokers.
In order to determine the feasibility of inhalative vaccination with polysaccharide antigen in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), we used controlled inhalation of a defined dose of Pneumovax in a randomized 3-arm study. The vaccine was either deposited in the alveoli (alveolar vaccination) or in the large airways (bronchial vaccination) and these were compared to standard intramuscular vaccination.
European Journal of Internal Medicine Volume 17, Issue 5 , August 2006, Pages 355-359
Oxygen is one of the most common drugs used in secondary care. It is often used incorrectly on hospital wards, and it has been suggested that prescribing oxygen would facilitate correct administration. However, the knowledge of hospital doctors who would prescribe oxygen, and that of nurses who administer it, has not been tested.
Respiratory Medicine Volume 100, Issue 8 , August 2006, Pages 1297-1306
Inhaled corticosteroids form the cornerstone of treatment for most patients with asthma. A range of compounds are available with a wide range of prescribable doses. In this overview, we summarize the findings from a number of Cochrane systematic reviews that have examined the relative benefits of different doses of beclometasone dipropionate, budesonide and fluticasone propionate when used to treat children and adults.
Studies examining the physiological interactions of oxygen (O2) and bronchodilators (BD) during exercise in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) should provide new insights into mechanisms of exercise intolerance. We examined the effects of O2 and BD, alone and in combination, on dyspnoea, ventilation (E), breathing pattern, operating lung volumes, and exercise endurance.
Respiratory Medicine Volume 100, Issue 8 , August 2006, Pages 1415-1422
The involvement of bronchial vasculature in the airway remodelling occurring in symptomatic smokers with normal lung function and with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has been poorly investigated.
Respiratory Medicine Volume 100, Issue 8 , August 2006, Pages 1407-1414
The aim of this study was to describe medication use and disease management of asthmatic patients and to evaluate the usefulness of the Asthma Control Test (ACT) in community pharmacies. In 54 Flemish community pharmacies 166 asthmatic patients were included in the study.
Respiratory Medicine Volume 100, Issue 8 , August 2006, Pages 1431-1435
The asthma managing strategy has evolved and inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) are now the cornerstone of asthma treatment. Their effect on symptoms and exacerbations are well ascertained, whereas their effects on asthma mortality are still matter of debate. This ecological study evaluated asthma mortality rates and drug sales in the decade 1990–1999 in Argentina.
The adipocyte fatty acid–binding protein aP2 regulates systemic glucose and lipid metabolism. We report that aP2, in addition to being abundantly expressed by adipocytes, is also expressed by human airway epithelial cells and shows a striking upregulation following stimulation of epithelial cells with the Th2 cytokines IL-4 and IL-13.
Respiratory Medicine Volume 100, Issue 8 , August 2006, Pages 1397-1401
The National Lung Health Education Program recommends that primary care providers perform spirometry tests on cigarette smoking patients 45 years or older in order to detect airways obstruction and aid smoking cessation efforts [Ferguson GT, Enright Pl, Buist AS, et al. Office spirometry for lung health assessment in adults: a consensus statement from the national lung education program.
Respiratory Medicine Volume 100, Issue 8 , August 2006, Pages 1436-1441
Little is known about what happens to COPD patients during their final years of life, in particular in terms of hospital use. We linked the Swedish Mortality and Inpatient Registers to examine this research question during the period 1987–2000.
Respiratory Medicine Volume 100, Issue 8 , August 2006, Pages 1451-1457
The aim of this study was to evaluate thigh muscle strength and endurance in patients with COPD compared with healthy controls. Forty-two patients (26 women; 16 men) with moderate to severe COPD and 53 (29 women; 24 men) age-matched healthy controls participated in the study.
PEDIATRICS Vol. 118 No. 2 August 2006, pp. e347-e355
Spirometry is an important component of the National Asthma Education and Prevention Program guidelines for asthma, yet published data show variable associations between forced expiratory volume in 1 second percentage (FEV1%) predicted, symptoms and health care utilization.
Respiratory Medicine Volume 100, Issue 8 , August 2006, Pages 1423-1430
Individuals exposed both to cigarette smoke and respiratory pollutants at work incur a greater risk of development of airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) and accelerated decline in forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) than that incurred by subjects undergoing each exposure separately.
Respiratory Medicine Volume 100, Issue 8 , August 2006, Pages 1442-1450
The aim of this study was to investigate differences in airway inflammation between childhood and adult-onset asthma. A total of 47 asthmatic subjects were recruited from patients attending outpatient clinic.
The American Journal of Surgery Volume 192, Issue 2 , August 2006, Pages 191-195
High-frequency percussive ventilation (HFPV), a hybrid of conventional mechanical ventilation and high-frequency oscillatory ventilation, has been used to salvage patients with persistent hypoxemia on conventional mechanical ventilation. We hypothesized that oxygenation would improve in injured patients with severe hypoxemia who were converted to HFPV after initial management with conventional ventilation.
Journal of Pediatric Surgery Volume 41, Issue 7 , July 2006, Pages 1230-1236
Hydatid cyst still remains an important health problem in our country as in many Mediterranean countries. The disease may affect children, and its treatment may be challenging in this age group. Surgery is the primary way of treatment. In the current study, the features unique to childhood pulmonary hydatid disease are emphasized.
Nocturnal hemodialysis has been shown to improve sleep apnea in patients who receive conventional hemodialysis. It was hypothesized that nocturnal peritoneal dialysis (NPD) also is effective in correcting sleep apnea in patients who receive continuous ambulatory PD (CAPD).
Clinical & Experimental Immunology, Volume 145, Number 2, August 2006, pp. 228-234(7)
The objective of this work was to study the role of mannose-binding lectin (MBL) and C-reactive protein (CRP) in pneumococcal pneumonia, to determine whether MBL acts as an acute-phase reactant and whether the severity of the disease correlates with MBL levels. The study comprised 100 patients with pneumococcal pneumonia.
Journal of Nuclear Medicine Vol. 47 No. 8 1281-1287
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is characterized by an uncontrolled accumulation and activation of lung fibroblasts. A modulation of fibroblast activation has been observed in various systems with octreotide, a synthetic somatostatin analog with strong affinity for the somatostatin receptor subtype 2 (sst2). One aim of our study was to evaluate the expression of somatostatin receptors in the lungs of patients with IPF. A second aim was to evaluate the relationship between 111In-octreotide uptake and the effect of pulmonary fibrosis as assessed by lung function tests and parameters and by radiologic findings.
Cigarette smoking causes accelerated facial wrinkling and predisposes to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, it has long been recognised that there is a subgroup of susceptible smokers who are at increased risk of developing airflow obstruction. We have tested the hypothesis that there is a common susceptibility for the development of COPD and facial wrinkling in cigarette smokers.
In order to determine the feasibility of inhalative vaccination with polysaccharide antigen in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), we used controlled inhalation of a defined dose of Pneumovax in a randomized 3-arm study. The vaccine was either deposited in the alveoli (alveolar vaccination) or in the large airways (bronchial vaccination) and these were compared to standard intramuscular vaccination.
European Journal of Internal Medicine Volume 17, Issue 5 , August 2006, Pages 355-359
Oxygen is one of the most common drugs used in secondary care. It is often used incorrectly on hospital wards, and it has been suggested that prescribing oxygen would facilitate correct administration. However, the knowledge of hospital doctors who would prescribe oxygen, and that of nurses who administer it, has not been tested.
Respiratory Medicine Volume 100, Issue 8 , August 2006, Pages 1297-1306
Inhaled corticosteroids form the cornerstone of treatment for most patients with asthma. A range of compounds are available with a wide range of prescribable doses. In this overview, we summarize the findings from a number of Cochrane systematic reviews that have examined the relative benefits of different doses of beclometasone dipropionate, budesonide and fluticasone propionate when used to treat children and adults.
Studies examining the physiological interactions of oxygen (O2) and bronchodilators (BD) during exercise in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) should provide new insights into mechanisms of exercise intolerance. We examined the effects of O2 and BD, alone and in combination, on dyspnoea, ventilation (E), breathing pattern, operating lung volumes, and exercise endurance.
Primary Care Respiratory Journal Volume 15, Issue 4 , August 2006, Pages 256-258
A solitary lung nodule (SLN) is seen in 1 in 500 chest radiographs. Benign causes include infectious granulomas and hamartomas, and less commonly, rheumatoid nodules, intrapulmonary lymph nodes and sarcoidosis. Bronchogenic carcinoma and solitary pulmonary metastases are found in 35% and 23% of SLN's respectively. Primary pulmonary non-Hodgkins lymphoma is a rare disease, constituting 0.4% of all lymphomas. We present a case of primary pulmonary non-Hodgkins lymphoma which presented as a SLN in an 87-year old lady with a smoking history of 50 pack years.
Primary Care Respiratory Journal Volume 15, Issue 4 , August 2006, Pages 246-251
Pulmonary hydatidosis is a major health problem, particularly in Mediterranean countries, and manifests with different clinical and radiological forms. The aim of this study was to identify specific characteristics of the disease.
Respiratory Medicine Volume 100, Issue 8 , August 2006, Pages 1470-1474
Septic pulmonary embolization (SPE) is a rare but serious disorder. It is a well-recognized potential problem in the settings of tricuspid valve endocarditis, septic thrombophlebitis, infected central venous catheters, and postanginal septicemia. Less well documented is the occurrence of SPE in patients with periodontal disease without suppurative thrombophlebitis of the great vessels of the neck.
Primary Care Respiratory Journal Volume 15, Issue 4 , August 2006, Pages 237-245
There is increasing international interest in using emerging technologies to enhance chronic disease management. We aimed to explore the attitudes of patients and primary care professionals to using mobile technology in order to monitor asthma.
Respiratory Medicine Volume 100, Issue 8 , August 2006, Pages 1458-1462
This is the first study aiming to assess the effects of heliox in combination with nasal continuous positive airway pressure (Hx-nCPAP) as a rescue treatment in infants with refractory acute bronchiolitis.
Current Opinion in Pulmonary Medicine. 12(5):364-368, September 2006
The present article reviews recent data on the de-escalation of empirical antibiotic treatment on pneumonia, with special attention to newer strategies aimed at increasing adequacy and minimizing resistance emergence risks in ventilator-associated pneumonia.
Primary Care Respiratory Journal Volume 15, Issue 4 , August 2006, Pages 252-255
To understand better which patients with which diagnoses or suspected diagnoses are referred for spirometry in primary care, and to assess whether all such referrals are appropriate.
Annals of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, Volume 97, Supplement 1, July 2006, pp. 16-19(4)
The Inner-City Asthma Intervention (ICAI) asthma counselor program was modeled after interventions proven to be effective by the National Cooperative Inner-City Asthma Study (NCICAS) with inner-city children with asthma. The objective of the ICAI program was to translate and implement the NCICAS intervention into the real-world setting.
Gastroenterology Volume 131, Issue 1 , July 2006, Pages 69-75
The hepatopulmonary syndrome (HPS) is defined as the triad of liver disease, arterial deoxygenation, and widespread pulmonary vasodilatation. Hypoxic hepatitis, also known as ischemic hepatitis, is the leading cause of acute liver impairment in hospitals. It is unknown whether HPS occurs in hypoxic hepatitis. We assessed the prevalence and clinical consequences of HPS in patients with hypoxic hepatitis.
International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology Volume 70, Issue 8 , August 2006, Pages 1351-1356
To evaluate the prevalence of nocturnal enuresis (NE) in children diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) and the effect of tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy on enuresis.
Journal of Tropical Pediatrics 2006 52(4):249-253;
To describe the implementation of bubble-CPAP in a referral hospital in a developing country and to investigate: the feasibility of nurses implementing bubble-CPAP and the impact of bubble-CPAP on need for mechanical ventilation and mortality.
International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology Volume 70, Issue 8 , August 2006, Pages 1333-1342
Viral upper respiratory infection is the most common reason for seeking medical care for children. Recurrent viral respiratory infections and subsequent complications (e.g. acute otitis media (AOM)) are a burden for children, their families and society. Over the past decade, our knowledge on the significance of respiratory viruses has broadened remarkably. Viruses cause large variety of respiratory diseases and cause alone diseases, which previously have been assumed to be bacterial only (e.g. AOM and pneumonia).
Very long-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency (VLCAD) is a key enzyme catalysing the dehydrogenation of long-chain fatty acids in mitochondrial ß-oxidation. VLCAD deficiency is a genetic disorder that commonly presents in infancy or childhood with episodes of hypoketotic
hypoglycaemia, cardiomyopathy and liver dysfunction.
ANZ Journal of Surgery, Volume 76, Number 8, August 2006, pp. 722-724(3)
We find pleural effusion in clinical practice frequently. However, it is difficult to make a diagnosis definitively by thoracocentesis or closed pleural biopsy. We directly examine the thoracic cavity by thoracoscopy under local anaesthesia, carry out pleural biopsy and make a definitive pathological diagnosis in pleurisy.
The Lancet Volume 368, Issue 9533 , 29 July 2006-4 August 2006, Pages 371-378
Individual risk of recurrent venous thromboembolism affects patient management and might differ between men and women. We did a meta-analysis to assess from available evidence whether men and women have the same risk of recurrent venous thromboembolism after stopping anticoagulant treatment.
Respiratory Medicine Volume 100, Issue 7 , July 2006, Pages 1163-1173
The aim of this study was to investigate whether teenagers and adolescents (10–22 years) with asthma or asymptomatic bronchial hyperresponsiveness, were more likely to experience vocational or professional career limitations in the future, as compared to non-asthmatic contemporaries.
Respiratory Medicine Volume 100, Issue 7 , July 2006, Pages 1152-1162
This multicentre, parallel group, double-blind, double-dummy, randomised 24-week study was designed to compare the efficacy of
salmeterol/fluticasone propionate combination (SFC) 50/250 µg one inhalation twice daily (bid) with
formoterol/budesonide combination (FBC) 6/200 µg two inhalations bid in patients with persistent asthma, currently receiving 1000–2000 µg/day of inhaled corticosteroids.
Respiratory Medicine Volume 100, Issue 7 , July 2006, Pages 1180-1185
Systemic drugs-like oral montelukast can reach lower airways, whose inflammation plays a crucial role in the evolution of asthma, while inhaled drugs hardly reach them. The impulse oscillometry (IOS) technique is useful to evaluate both central and peripheral airways function.
Organising pneumonia is defined histopathologically by intra-alveolar buds of granulation tissue, consisting of intermixed myofibroblasts and connective tissue. Although nonspecific, this histopathological pattern, together with characteristic clinical and imaging features, defines cryptogenic organising pneumonia when no cause or peculiar underlying context is found. Rapid clinical and imaging improvement is obtained with corticosteroid treatment, but relapses are common after stopping treatment.
Respiratory Medicine Volume 100, Issue 9 , September 2006, Pages 1495-1503
Use of maintenance bronchodilator therapy is currently recommended in symptomatic patients with Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and in those with Stage II or greater COPD as defined by the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD).
Respiratory Medicine Volume 100, Issue 7 , July 2006, Pages 1139-1151
An estimated 300 million people are affected by asthma worldwide and the burden is likely to rise substantially in the next few decades. Estimates of the prevalence of asthma range from 7% in France and Germany to 11% in the USA and 15–18% in the United Kingdom. Approximately 20% of these patients have severe asthma, of which 20% is inadequately controlled. Patients with inadequately controlled severe persistent asthma are at a particularly high risk of exacerbations, hospitalization and death, and often have severely impaired quality of life.
Respiratory Medicine Volume 100, Issue 7 , July 2006, Pages 1174-1179
Pulmonary blastoma is a rare malignant lung tumor with a poor prognosis. It is composed of immature mesenchymal and epithelial components that resemble fetal lung tissue. We aimed to share our treatment results in biphasic pulmonary blastoma.
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