Links
to Journal Articles
Delivered Directly to Your Computer
The latest links to journal article abstracts on Respiratory, Pulmonary, COPD, Mechanical Ventilation,
Ventilator Weaning, Respiratory Therapy, Asthma, Cardio-Vascular, Sleep
Apnea, CPAP, BiPAP, Decannulation and other related clinical topics. Add the Northeast Center for Special
Care Journal Watch
to your favorite RSS program.
Journal of Trauma-Injury Infection & Critical Care. 63(6):1329-1337, December 2007
Using an arbitrary day cutoff or clinical signs to decide the duration of antibiotic therapy for ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) may be suboptimal for some patients. We sought to determine whether antibiotic duration for VAP can be safely abbreviated in trauma patients using repeat bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL).
It has been suggested that impaired respiratory muscle function occurs in patients with PH (pulmonary hypertension); however, comprehensive investigations of respiratory muscle function, including the application of non-volitional tests, needed to verify impairment of respiratory muscle strength in patients with PH have not yet been performed.
BAL is an established technique for measuring antibiotic concentrations in the epithelial lining fluid (ELF) of the bronchiolar-alveolar regions. However, the results may not reflect concentrations in bronchial regions. Bronchoscopic microsampling (BMS) is a technique for repeated sampling of bronchial ELF.
Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol 293: L1406-L1418, 2007
Contractile responses of airway smooth muscle (ASM) determine airway resistance in health and disease. Caveolae microdomains in the plasma membrane are marked by caveolin proteins and are abundant in contractile smooth muscle in association with nanospaces involved in Ca2+ homeostasis.
Lorazepam is currently recommended for sustained sedation of mechanically ventilated intensive care unit (ICU) patients, but this and other benzodiazepine drugs may contribute to acute brain dysfunction, ie, delirium and coma, associated with prolonged hospital stays, costs, and increased mortality. Dexmedetomidine induces sedation via different central nervous system receptors than the benzodiazepine drugs and may lower the risk of acute brain dysfunction.
The Proceedings of the American Thoracic Society 4:692-694 (2007)
This workshop summary examines current research that addresses the question: Are women more susceptible than men to the effects of inhaled pollutants, namely those found in work or residential environments?
The Proceedings of the American Thoracic Society 4:591-596 (2007)
The majority of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma exacerbations in both children and adults are associated with respiratory viral infections and are cyclic in nature. Some variation in these cycles is associated with the timing of the appearance of respiratory viruses, particularly influenza and respiratory syncytial virus.
The Proceedings of the American Thoracic Society 4:686-691 (2007)
Following in the footsteps of cardiovascular researchers and clinicians, the pulmonary scientific community is beginning to explore how gender may impact the diagnosis, treatment, and surveillance of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
The Proceedings of the American Thoracic Society 4:647-658 (2007)
Acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are important events in the natural history of this chronic lung disorder. These events can be caused by a large number of infectious and noninfectious agents and are associated with an increased local and systemic inflammatory response.
American Journal of Respiratory Cell and Molecular Biology. Vol. 38, pp. 68-77, 2008
Acute lung injury (ALI) is a devastating condition resulting from diverse causes. Genetic studies of human populations indicate that ALI is a complex disease with substantial phenotypic variance, incomplete penetrance, and gene-environment interactions.
The Proceedings of the American Thoracic Society 4:680-682 (2007)
Stigma is a social construction that defines people in terms of a distinguishing characteristic or mark, and devalues them as a consequence. Stigma occurs when society labels someone as tainted, less desirable, or handicapped. There is emerging evidence that chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a physical condition with social consequences.
The Proceedings of the American Thoracic Society 4:671-674 (2007)
There is a worldwide epidemic of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in women. Some large epidemiologic studies suggest that female smokers may have increased susceptibility to COPD.
The Proceedings of the American Thoracic Society 4:675-679 (2007)
This article reflects on a multidisciplinary workshop addressing the evidence pertaining to tobacco use, sex, gender, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). In preparation, a literature review was conducted that examined the academic and gray literature on tobacco, COPD, and gender and women, with a view to assessing if and how these literatures spoke to each other.
American Journal of Respiratory Cell and Molecular Biology. Vol. 38, pp. 57-67, 2008
Maternal immune responses can promote allergy development in offspring, as shown in a model of increased susceptibility to asthma in babies of ovalbumin (OVA)-sensitized and -challenged mother mice.
The Proceedings of the American Thoracic Society 4:683-685 (2007)
Emerging evidence suggests that sex and gender differences exist in the prevalence, susceptibility to, severity of, and response to treatment and management of, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
The Proceedings of the American Thoracic Society 4:618-625 (2007)
Although the outcome of respiratory infection alters with age, nutritional status, and immunologic competence, there is a growing body of evidence that we all develop a unique but subtle inflammatory profile. This uniqueness is determined by the sequence of infections or antigenic insults encountered that permanently mold our lungs through experience.
Only a few population-based studies have examined prevalence of mental disorder in people with chronic respiratory conditions. Clinical studies have yielded mixed results.
The Proceedings of the American Thoracic Society 4:659-666 (2007)
Therapies currently used to reduce exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are compounds used almost entirely for asthma therapy. A notable exception is tiotropium, a long-acting parasympatholytic agent.
The first step in lung analysis by CT is the identification of the lung border. To deal with the increased number of sections per scan in thin-slice multidetector CT, it has been crucial to develop accurate and automated lung segmentation algorithms. In this study, an automated method for lung segmentation of thin-slice CT data is presented.
It is now considered that the major component of mucus, MUC5AC, is mainly produced by goblet cells but not submucosal glands, and the role of the submucosal glands in the production of MUC5AC is unclear. The aim of this study was to clarify whether human submucosal glands produce MUC5AC.
Childhood sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) has been known to be associated with health and cognitive impacts for more than a century, and yet our understanding of this disorder is in its infancy. Neuropsychological consequences in children with snoring or subtle breathing disturbances not meeting the traditional definition of sleep apnea suggest that "benign, or primary snoring" may be clinically significant, and that the true prevalence of SDB might be underestimated.
Hemodynamic monitoring, a cornerstone in the management of the critically ill patient, is used to identify cardiovascular insufficiency, its probable cause, and response to therapy. Still it is difficult to document the efficacy of monitoring because no device improves outcome unless coupled to a treatment that improves outcome.
There is debate about the mechanisms of persistent airflow limitation in patients with asthma. Chronic inflammation is assumed to be important, although there is limited and contradictory information about the relationship between airway inflammation and postbronchodilator FEV1.
The Proceedings of the American Thoracic Society 4:626-634 (2007)
The systemic manifestations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) exacerbations are recognized, but our understanding of their etiology and importance is lacking largely due to the small number of systematic and longitudinal studies. Most of the systemic manifestations are likely the result of inflammatory processes. Serum biomarkers, such as various cytokines, adipokines, C-reactive protein, and coagulation factors, are elevated during exacerbations.
A growing body of basic and clinical science implicates the atypical bacterial pathogens Mycoplasma pneumoniae and Chlamydophila (formerly Chlamydia) pneumoniae as potentially important factors in asthma, although their exact contribution to asthma development and/or persistence remains to be determined.
Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol 293: L1427-L1436, 2007
The pathogenesis of pulmonary fibrosis remains unclear. The receptor for advanced glycation end-products (RAGE) is a multi-ligand receptor known to be involved in the process of fibrotic change in several organs, such as peritoneal fibrosis and kidney fibrosis.
Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol 293: L1437-L1443, 2007
Surfactant proteins (SP)-A and SP-D have been shown to affect the functions of a variety of innate immune cells and to interact with various immune proteins such as complement and immunoglobulins. The goal of the current study is to test the hypothesis that SP-A regulates IgG-mediated phagocytosis by neutrophils, which are major effector cells of the innate immune response that remove invading pathogens by phagocytosis and by extracellular killing mediated by reactive oxygen and nitrogen.
Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol 293: L1444-L1453, 2007. First published September 7, 2007
Previously, we have shown that pulmonary arterial endothelial cells (PAECs) isolated from fetal lambs produce significant levels of nitric oxide (NO) but minimal superoxide upon stimulation, whereas PAECs isolated from 4-wk-old lambs produce significant amounts of both NO and superoxide.
Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol 293: L1469-L1474, 2007. First published October 12, 2007
Agricultural work and other occupational exposures are responsible for 15% of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). COPD involves airway remodeling in response to chronic lung inflammatory events and altered airway repair mechanisms.
The International Journal of Tuberculosis and Lung Disease, Volume 11, Number 12, December 2007 , pp. 1358-1365(8)
Chronic bronchitis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)/emphysema occur frequently among middle-aged and elderly asthma patients who smoke.
Tropical Medicine & International Health, Volume 12, Number 12, December 2007 , pp. 1545-1552(8)
To investigate the contribution of poor case management and care-seeking behaviour to childhood deaths from acute respiratory infections (ARI) and diarrhoeal diseases in rural Mexico.
The aim of the current study was to establish the epidermal growth factor receptor
(EGFR) ligand expression profile in human airway epithelial cells exposed to either particulate matter (PM) with an aerodynamic diameter <2.5 µm (PM2.5) or its components and the involvement of EGFR ligands in PM2.5-provoked airway inflammation.
An abnormal inflammatory response (IR) in pneumonia is associated with poor outcomes and high mortality. Animal models could help to better understand the relationship between the pulmonary infection and the associated IR.
PEDIATRICS Vol. 120 No. 6 December 2007, pp. 1311-1316
In the newborn infant, removal of fetal lung liquid from the airways depends on ion transport through the airway epithelium. The epithelial sodium channel is considered rate limiting for the postnatal clearance of lung liquid, but it is unknown whether during the early postnatal period the expression of epithelial sodium channel is associated with maturity.
The Internet Journal of Pulmonary Medicine. 2007. Volume 8 Number 2
Aspiration of teeth secondary to maxillofacial trauma is uncommon and its spontaneous removal after coughing is a rare clinical condition. Hereby we report such type of case in fifty years old male.
Angiopoietins, newly discovered vascular-specific growth factors, and vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGF) play distinct and complementary roles in angiogenesis and vascular maturation. However, the exact roles of angiogenic factors in the adult pulmonary vasculature remain unclear.
Archives of Disease in Childhood - Fetal and Neonatal Edition 2007;92:F444-F448
Positive pressure ventilation in premature infants can improve oxygenation but may diminish cerebral blood flow and cardiac output. Low superior vena cava (SVC) flow increases risk of intraventricular haemorrhage, and higher mean airway pressure is associated with low SVC flow.
Expert Opinion on Pharmacotherapy, Volume 8, Number 18, December 2007 , pp. 3117-3131(15)
Healthcare-associated pneumonia (HCAP) is a relatively new entity that includes pneumonia occurring in healthcare settings other than acute-care hospitals.
American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine Vol 176. pp. 1200-1207, (2007)
Basic science research suggests a causal role for endothelial dysfunction in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Clinical studies examining endothelial function are lacking, particularly early in the disease. Flow-mediated dilation (FMD) is a physiologic measure of endothelial reactivity to endogenous nitric oxide.
Airway inflammation is a critical feature of the airway diseases asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). There is emerging evidence that structural cells play a key role in the development and perpetuation of the inflammatory response and are pivotal in the development of the changes in the airway structures that lead to airway remodelling.
Airlines commonly report respiratory in-flight emergencies; flight outcomes have not been examined prospectively in large numbers of respiratory patients. The current authors conducted a prospective, observational study of flight outcomes in this group.
American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine Vol 176. pp. 1236-1242, (2007)
Traffic-related emissions have been associated with respiratory symptoms in some studies. However, there is limited information on how traffic-related emissions relate to lung function and airway inflammation.
American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine Vol 176. pp. 1269-1273, (2007)
It remains unclear whether premature birth, in the absence of neonatal respiratory disease, results in abnormal growth and development of the lung. We previously reported that a group of healthy infants born at 32-34 weeks' gestation and without respiratory complications had decreased forced expiratory flows and normal forced vital capacities at 2 months of age.
To assess influenza vaccination coverage from 2001 to 2006 in Germany, to understand drivers and barriers to vaccination and to identify vaccination intentions for season 2006/07.
Archives of Disease in Childhood - Fetal and Neonatal Edition 2007;92:F459-F464
With changes in the predominant pathogenic factors in the new form of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), a different pattern of CT findings may be expected. This study aimed to (1) describe CT findings in infants with BPD and (2) correlate the CT findings with lung function abnormalities.
We compared the radiological features and outcome of WHO defined severe pneumonia among HIV infected and exposed uninfected children randomised to receive penicillin or oral amoxicillin in Durban, South Africa.
American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine Vol 176. pp. 1192-1199, (2007)
Transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 is involved in airway inflammation and remodeling, two key processes in asthma pathogenesis. Tobacco smoke and traffic emissions induce airway inflammation and modulate TGF-Beta1 gene expression. We hypothesized that the effects of functional TGF-Beta1 variants on asthma occurrence vary by these exposures.
American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine Vol 176. pp. 1215-1221, (2007)
To assess the prevalence of airways disease in subjects with AAT deficiency and to identify the relationship between radiological airway abnormalities and clinical phenotype.
Journal of Computer Assisted Tomography. 31(6):936-942, November/December 2007
The aim of this study was to evaluate volume histogram analysis between usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP) and nonspecific interstitial pneumonia (NSIP).
The aim of the study was to investigate whether radiologists can rank the image quality of digital radiographs with different doses; a preliminary study investigated whether reduced dose images provide sufficient diagnostic quality.
Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) has been linked to a number of extra-esophageal symptoms and disorders, primarily in the respiratory tract. This systematic review aimed to provide an estimate of the strength and direction of the association between GORD and asthma.
Clinical & Experimental Immunology, Volume 151, Number 1, January 2008 , pp. 110-113(4)
Pulmonary complications are common in patients with primary immune deficiency (PID). The aim of this study was to assess the usefulness of lung function tests (LFTs) in the management of these patients, and in particular to see if carbon monoxide transfer factor (TLCO) is needed in addition to spirometry.
Clinical & Experimental Allergy, Volume 38, Number 1, January 2008 , pp. 43-50(8)
Airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) to stimuli that cause bronchial smooth muscle (BSM) contraction indirectly through the release of endogenous mediators is thought to reflect airway inflammation more closely compared with AHR measured by stimuli that act directly on BSM.
Symptoms are a central component of health status; however, little is known about the full range and trajectory of symptoms experienced by persons with chronic diseases other than cancer.
Current Respiratory Medicine Reviews, Volume 3, Number 4, November 2007 , pp. 258-269(12)
Sleep-Disordered Breathing (SDB) is characterized by repetitive partial or complete upper airway occlusion during sleep with a high prevalence in the general community, and associated with considerable morbidity and mortality. In the US, approximately 12 million people 30 to 60 years of age have SDB, and 38,000 die each year from cardiovascular disease attributed to SDB.
Current Respiratory Medicine Reviews, Volume 3, Number 4, November 2007 , pp. 297-308(12)
Airway remodeling (the structural changes which occur in the airways) is one of the characteristic features of severe persistent asthma. These changes include thickening of the laminar reticularis, an increase in the bulk of the airway smooth muscle, thickening of the basement membrane and alterations in the profile of extracellular matrix proteins in the airway wall.
Current Respiratory Medicine Reviews, Volume 3, Number 4, November 2007 , pp. 270-277(8)
Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is the first line treatment for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), and resolves the majority of complications associated with untreated OSA.
Current Respiratory Medicine Reviews, Volume 3, Number 4, November 2007 , pp. 278-281(4)
Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a clinical syndrome characterized by irregular menstrual cycles, signs of androgen access including hirsutism and acne, and infertility, with ovaries showing cystic changes.
Clinical Microbiology and Infection doi:10.1111/j.1469-0691.2007.01898.x
Chlamydia pneumoniae respiratory tract infections were studied in 512 male military conscripts (123 asthmatic and 389 non-asthmatic) taking part in 180-day service between July 2004 and July 2005 in Kajaani, Finland. Respiratory tract infections requiring a medical consultation were analysed prospectively.
Sleep Medicine Volume 9, Issue 1, Pages 80-87 (December 2007)
Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is recognized as one of the risk factors of hypertension and cardiovascular disorders. In the current study, we hypothesized that the hypoxic stress caused by obstructive sleep apnea would increase circulating adrenomedullin (ADM) levels in untreated OSAS patients compared to an age-matched control group. We further hypothesized that oxygen administration treatment may decrease OSAS-induced hypoxic stress and ADM levels.
Sleep Medicine Volume 9, Issue 1, Pages 42-53 (December 2007)
Many patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) participate in the work force. However, the impact of OSA and sleepiness on work performance is unclear.
Sleep Medicine Volume 9, Issue 1, Pages 33-41 (December 2007)
To assess the importance of non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep disturbance in major depressive disorder (MDD) patients using cyclic alternating pattern (CAP) analysis, and to determine the usefulness of CAP analysis in evaluating treatment effect.
Sleep Medicine Volume 9, Issue 1, Pages 15-21 (December 2007)
This is a randomized study comparing the addition of nasal CPAP treatment to standard prenatal care to standard prenatal care alone in hypertensive women treated with alpha-methyl dopa during early pregnancy. Pregnant women with hypertension were recruited by their obstetricians and completed baseline sleep questionnaires and visual analogue scales on snoring and sleepiness.
Sleep Medicine Volume 9, Issue 1, Pages 9-14 (December 2007)
Pre-eclampsia is a leading cause of maternal-fetal morbidity and mortality. Significant overlap exists between the risk factors for pre-eclampsia and sleep-disordered breathing. Nasal continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) has been proposed as therapy for pre-eclampsia. This prospective, longitudinal study was designed to characterize sleep-related breathing patterns in pregnant women with pre-eclampsia risk factors, and to describe the effects of early nasal CPAP therapy in these patients.
Cockroach exposure is a major risk factor for the development of asthma. Inhalation of fecal remnants (frass) is the likely sensitizing agent; however isolated frass has not been tested for its ability to induce experimental asthma in mice.
Allergy, Volume 63, Number 1, January 2008 , pp. 116-124(9)
Few data are available on the asthma burden in the general population. We evaluated the level and the factors associated with the asthma burden in Europe.
Allergy, Volume 63, Number 1, January 2008 , pp. 125-131(7)
In sensitive patients, aspirin is associated with nasal and bronchial inflammation, eliciting local symptoms. Although the disease is clinically well characterized, its physiopathology is incompletely understood and noninvasive procedures, allowing an effective distinction between aspirin-induced asthma (AIA) and aspirin-tolerant asthma (ATA) are missing.
The Internet Journal of Pulmonary Medicine. 2007. Volume 8 Number 2.
A 55 year old woman presented with progressive dyspnea and a new right-sided pleural effusion on chest radiograph. She had been diagnosed with invasive keratinized squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the head and neck 5 months before presentation. She was treated with local resection with reconstruction and radiotherapy.
Gary S. Rachelefsky. Pediatric Asthma, Allergy & Immunology. 2007, 20(3): 146-156
Despite the availability of effective asthma therapies, asthma remains poorly controlled, causes significant morbidity, and often prompts costly emergency care in children. Many of the adverse consequences of asthma result from the failure of preventive therapy due to poor adherence to treatment.
American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine Vol 176. pp. 1208-1214, (2007)
More patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) die of cardiovascular causes than of respiratory causes, and patients with COPD have increased morbidity and mortality from stroke and coronary heart disease.
Novel treatments, such as prostanoids or endothelin receptor antagonists, have been introduced for various forms of pulmonary arterial hypertension, but the long-term effects of these treatments on portopulmonary hypertension (PPHT) are unknown.
The prevalence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in women is increasing, as is hospitalization for COPD. The number of women dying of COPD in the United States now surpasses men. Despite this, research suggests that physicians are still more likely to correctly diagnose men with COPD than women.
The aim of the present study was to assess the safety and implementation of a diagnostic strategy in hospitalised patients with suspected acute pulmonary embolism (PE).
The Internet Journal of Pulmonary Medicine. 2007. Volume 8 Number 2.
In patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) and other extrapyramdial disorders, respiratory problems commonly contribute to morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study is to investigate the characteristics of pulmonary function tests (PFT) abnormalities in patients with PD.
The Internet Journal of Pulmonary Medicine. 2007. Volume 8 Number 2.
Pleuropulmonary manifestations of rheumatoid arthritis are a frequent extra-articular manifestation of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Various studies have reported a prevalence of interstitial lung disease (ILD) of 5-40 %.
The Internet Journal of Pulmonary Medicine. 2007. Volume 8 Number 2.
Most of the disease burden in India is due to the respiratory disorders namely acute respiratory infections (ARI), asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), tuberculosis (TB) and lung cancer. These diseases are mainly attributed with exposure to indoor pollution, solid-cooking fuels, smoking, poor housing and malnutrition.
To estimate the effect of 7-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV7) on rates of pneumonia-related health care utilization and costs in children younger than 2 years.
Allergy, Volume 63, Number 1, January 2008 , pp. 75-80(6)
Adenosine receptor activation is suggested to play a role in asthmatic airway inflammation. Inhibition of adenosine receptors may have an effect on the late asthmatic response (LAR) after allergen inhalation and this mechanism could offer a potential new treatment in asthma.
Annals of Internal Medicine 4 December 2007 Volume 147 Issue 11 Pages 766-774
The long-term risk for fatal pulmonary embolism (PE) after treatment of venous thromboembolism (VTE) may be an important factor in the decision to discontinue this treatment.
European Journal of Pediatrics, Volume 166, Number 10, October 2007 , pp. 1025-1031(7)
Our aim was to determine whether starting inhaled nitric oxide (iNO) on critically ill neonates with severe hypoxemic respiratory failure and/or persistent pulmonary hypertension (PPH), at a referring hospital at the start of transport, decreases the need for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), lessens the number of hospital days and improves survival in comparison with those patients who were started on iNO only at the receiving facility.
Clinical & Investigative Medicine, Vol 30, No 6 (2007)
The effect of the obstructive sleep apnea syndrome on energy expenditure is controversial. The objective of this study was to assess the relationship between 24-hr energy expenditure or sleeping metabolic rate and features of the obstructive sleep apnea.
PEDIATRICS Vol. 120 No. 6 December 2007, pp. e1402-e1410
Emergency departments play an important role in the care of children with asthma. Emergency department return-visit rates provide a measure of the quality of acute asthma care.
Allergy, Volume 63, Number 1, January 2008 , pp. 5-34(30)
Asthma is the leading chronic disease among children in most industrialized countries. However, the evidence base on specific aspects of pediatric asthma, including therapeutic strategies, is limited and no recent international guidelines have focused exclusively on pediatric asthma.
Journal of Evaluation in Clinical Practice, Volume 13, Number 6, December 2007 , pp. 846-852(7)
The reason why many patients seem to tolerate suffering from sub-optimal treated asthma remains unclear. The aim was to evaluate the guideline adherence combined with quality of life of patients with moderate to severe asthma.
Allergy, Volume 63, Number 1, January 2008 , pp. 95-102(8)
Gynaecological surgery that may lead to cessation of menstruation is a major indication for the use of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) which in turn has been associated with asthma.
The present study reports the case of a 43-yr-old very sporty male, who developed shortness of breath and expectorated bloody froth during aqua jogging. Pulmonary oedema was diagnosed clinically and by computed tomography of the chest. The patient made a full recovery and his echocardiography was entirely normal.
Canadian Journal of Anesthesia 54:1011-1016 (2007)
To describe a case of transfusion-related acute lung injury (TRALI) after platelet transfusion immediately following cardiac surgery, and to review the clinical features, pathophysiology, management, and morbidity and mortality associated with such an event.
Ventilator-associated pneumonia is a costly complication of hospitalization that lengthens intensive care unit and hospital stay, increasing morbidity and mortality. Among evidence-based measures to prevent ventilator associated pneumonia is the use of a specialized endotracheal tube that aspirates subglottic secretions.
Critical Care Medicine. 35(12):2677-2685, December 2007
There is ongoing debate about the efficacy of polyvalent immunoglobulins as adjunctive therapy for sepsis or septic shock. Two meta-analyses by the Cochrane collaboration calculated a significant reduction in mortality. However, data of the largest study were missing in one, and a subset of four high-quality studies failed to show an effect in the other. To broaden the database, we performed a meta-analysis of all randomized controlled studies published so far.
Acute lung injury (ALI) and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) represent a continuum of injury that may arise from a number of primary insults.
Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) titre elevation is sometimes found in benign diseases, such as gastro-intestinal tract inflammatory disease and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; however, very high CEA titre is rarely encountered in benign pulmonary disease.
The aim of the current study was to estimate influenza- and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)-associated mortality and hospitalisations, especially the influenza-associated burden among low-risk individuals 65 yrs old, not yet recommended for influenza vaccination in many European countries.
The objective of the present study was to investigate the kinetics of high doses of inhaled steroid fluticasone in comparison with oral steroid prednisone on plasma protein leakage and bronchial eosinophilia in adults with moderate asthma exacerbations.
The aim of this study was to define the epidemiology of World Health Organization (WHO) Group I pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) in a large referral centre in the USA.
Journal of Computer Assisted Tomography. 31(6):956-960, November/December 2007
To examine incomplete pulmonary lobes and their variations using multiplanar reformation (MPR) techniques of isotropic voxel data produced by multidetector row computed tomography (CT).
New England Journal of Medicine Volume 357:2348-2358 December 6, 2007 Number 23
Air pollution from road traffic is a serious health hazard, and people with preexisting respiratory disease may be at increased risk. We investigated the effects of short-term exposure to diesel traffic in people with asthma in an urban, roadside environment.
Expert Opinion on Pharmacotherapy, Volume 8, Number 18, December 2007 , pp. 3183-3193(11)
Bronchiectasis is a chronic lung disease and clinically is characterised by chronic cough, sputum production and susceptibility to lower respiratory tract infections. Management of bronchiectasis involves investigation to identify treatable causes and then focusing on prevention of exacerbations by regular physiotherapy and the appropriate use of antibiotics for infective exacerbations.
PEDIATRICS Vol. 120 No. 6 December 2007, pp. 1260-1269
Although abnormal pulmonary vascular structure and function in preterm infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia may predispose infants to pulmonary artery hypertension, little is known about the characteristics and outcomes of bronchopulmonary dysplasia-associated pulmonary artery hypertension in the surfactant era.
New England Journal of Medicine Volume 357:2338-2347 December 6, 2007 Number 23
Air pollution has been associated with impaired health, including reduced lung function in adults. Moving to cleaner areas has been shown to attenuate adverse effects of air pollution on lung function in children but not in adults.
It is now generally accepted that IgE-mediated inflammation (allergy) is an important source of the chronic inflammation that is characteristic of asthma.
Idiopathic pulmonary hemosiderosis (IPH) is a rare cause of diffuse alveolar hemorrhage with unknown etiology. In the present report, the presentations of two sisters are described: one sister had IPH, eosinophilia and a high serum immunoglobulin E (IgE) level; and the other had IPH, pneumothorax, eosinophilia and a high serum IgE level. Both cases had quite unusual presentations.
Research in Nursing & Health Volume 30, Issue 6 , Pages 572 - 583
The purpose of this exploratory study was to identify behaviors that may signify respiratory distress across cognitive states in response to an asphyxial threat. Patients undergoing a ventilator weaning trial were assessed and observed at baseline and during weaning with a capnograph/oximeter and video camera.
Canadian Respiratory Journal November/December 2007, Volume 14 Issue 8: 485-489
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is associated with significant mortality. It is currently the fourth leading cause of death in Canada and the world.
Patients with acute pulmonary embolism (PE) presenting with haemodynamic instability have the worst prognosis. However, what is understood by haemodynamic instability has not been clearly defined.
At present a syringe is being used for calibration of lung function devices, but biological controls are used to detect prospectively the variability and reproducibility of lung volumes measured by spirometers.
Canadian Respiratory Journal November/December 2007, Volume 14 Issue 8: 480-484
To describe an interactive playing card workshop in the communication of asthma guidelines recommendations, and to assess the initial evaluation of this educational tool by family physicians.
Cystic fibrosis (CF) affects the respiratory and digestive systems. It evolves toward deterioration of pulmonary function through colonization with Pseudomonas aeruginosa. There is no consensus with respect to its eradication. Nebulized colistimethate is used for eradication treatment, but the optimal dose and duration is yet to be determined.
American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine Vol 176. pp. 1274-1280, (2007)
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is linked to increased cardiovascular risk, but the impact of mild forms of OSA and their treatment on cardiovascular outcomes remains controversial.
Eur Respir J 2007; 30:1138-1142 The algorithms utilised in the diagnosis of chronic cough advocate sequential investigations and treatment trials for asthma-like syndromes, post-nasal drip and
gastro-oesophageal reflux disease; however, the role of bronchoscopy is unclear. In the present authors' specialist clinic (North West Lung Centre Cough Clinic, Manchester, UK), flexible bronchoscopy is included in the diagnostic work-up of patients with chronic unexplained cough. In a retrospective review, the authors report on their experiences.
Canadian Respiratory Journal November/December 2007, Volume 14 Issue 8: 460-462
In the present issue of the Canadian Respiratory Journal, Chan et al (1) report the results of a large Canadian trial studying the long-acting anticholinergic tiotropium in patients with stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Approximately 900 patients from a wide variety of practices were recruited and treated for approximately one year with tiotropium or placebo in double-blinded fashion. They were allowed access to other drugs with the exception of other inhaled anticholinergics and long-acting beta2-agonists. Specifically, inhaled corticosteroid use was permitted.
Journal of Sleep Research, Volume 16, Number 4, December 2007 , pp. 421-427(7)
This study examined the influence of electroencephalographic (EEG) arousal on the magnitude and morphology of the pressor response to Cheyne-Stokes respiration (CSR) in subjects with congestive heart failure (CHF).
Journal of Thoracic Imaging. 22(4):358-359, November 2007
Pulmonary hemorrhage is a relatively common complication of blunt chest trauma. Occasionally, it may result from pulmonary barotrauma after scuba diving or from sports activities not associated with barotrauma such as long breath-hold diving.
Allergy, Volume 63, Number 1, January 2008 , pp. 38-46(9)
We describe the methodology for the 2008 update of the Allergic Rhinitis and its Impact on Asthma (ARIA) guidelines. The methodology differs from the 2001 edition in several respects. The most prominent change is the application of the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach to compiling evidence, assessing the quality of evidence and grading of recommendations.
Allergy, Volume 63, Number 1, January 2008 , pp. 87-94(8)
Striking differences in asthma prevalence have been reported among Hispanic adults and children living in different cities of the USA. Prevalence is highest among those of Puerto Rican and lowest among those of Mexican origin. We hypothesized that body size would mediate this association.
The triple reassortant H3N2 viruses were isolated for the first time from pigs in 1998 and are known to be endemic in swine and turkeys populations in the United States. In 2004, we isolated two H3N2 triple reassortant viruses from two turkey breeder flocks in Ohio and Illinois.
Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health, Volume 43, Number 12, December 2007 , pp. 790-794(5)
Without ventilatory support, premature death from respiratory insufficiency is virtually universal in infants with spinal muscular atrophy type 1 (SMA1). With mechanical ventilation, however, long-term survival has been reported from numerous international centres. We aimed to characterize physician attitudes to the various forms of ventilatory support for children with SMA1.
What
is RSS?
