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Journal of Clinical Pharmacy & Therapeutics, Volume 31, Number 5, October 2006, pp. 461-467(7)
International studies using data aggregated for all ages have shown decreasing rates of general practice consultations for acute respiratory infections with fewer antibiotic prescriptions issued per consultation.
New England Journal of Medicine Volume 355:1154-1159 September 14, 2006 Number 11
A 62-year-old man was admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) with severe community-acquired pneumonia. On the sixth hospital day, he remained intubated and was receiving broad-spectrum antibiotics for his pneumonia when an episode of hypotension occurred.
Allergy, Volume 61, Number 10, October 2006, pp. 1209-1215(7)
Numerous factors affect the evolution of respiratory allergy, in children, but little is known in adults. We assessed in a prospective study the influence of the type of allergen on the progression of disease.
To determine the incidence and trends of pneumococcal community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) resistant to antibiotics, to describe clinical and microbiological features of pneumococcal CAP, and to ascertain prognostic risk factors in a third-level hospital.
Pulsus paradoxus (PP) is a pathophysiologic parameter that is indicative of asthma severity. The ability of PP to categorize acutely asthmatic patients in accordance with the earlier National Asthma Education and Prevention Program (NAEPP) expert panel report 1 guidelines was determined.
The increase in peripheral chemoreflex sensitivity in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is associated with activation of autonomic nervous system and hemodynamic responses. Nasal CPAP (nCPAP) is an effective treatment for OSA, but little is known on its effect on chemoreflex sensitivity.
To investigate the technical properties and user friendliness of 10 office spirometers devoted for use in general practice, and to compare the results with standard diagnostic spirometers.
Until relatively recently, critical care practitioners have focused on the survival of their patients and not on long-term outcomes. The incidence of chronic neurocognitive dysfunction has been underestimated and underreported, and only recently has it been studied in critically ill patients. However, neurocognitive outcomes have been the subject of extensive investigation in other medical populations for many years.
To determine if obesity-related changes in lung volume might contribute to airway reactivity, we investigated the effects of simulated mild obesity-related lung volume reductions on airway responsiveness in lean, nonasthmatic subjects.
Current Opinion in Critical Care. 12(5):452-457, October 2006
To describe the use of a 'de-escalation' strategy to deliver appropriate empiric therapy for ventilator-associated pneumonia, without the overuse of antibiotics.
Reactive nitrogen species (RNS) are thought to be one of the important factors in the pathogenesis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). A study was undertaken to examine the effects of theophylline and fluticasone propionate (FP) on RNS production in subjects with COPD.
Information about the influence of regular physical activity on the course of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is scarce. A study was undertaken to examine the association between regular physical activity and both hospital admissions for COPD and all-cause and specific mortality in COPD subjects.
The aims of this study were to compare the number of phosphorylated IB-immunopositive airway epithelial cells (AECs) in the peripheral airways of patients with COPD, asymptomatic smokers and asymptomatic nonsmokers.
Guidelines for long term oxygen therapy (LTOT) recommend increasing oxygen flow by 1 l/min overnight. A study was undertaken in patients with COPD on LTOT to determine the prevalence of overnight desaturation if the usual oxygen flow rate is not increased at night, whether resting oxygen saturation predicts overnight desaturation, and whether overnight desaturation correlates with health related quality of life (HRQL) and sleep quality.
The evidence of benefit for pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) programmes is established. However, the optimal duration of a PR programme is not known. A randomised controlled trial was undertaken in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) to assess whether a 4 week PR programme was equivalent to our conventional 7 week PR programme at equivalent time points of 7 weeks and 6 months.
Electrical impedance tomography (EIT) is a non-invasive imaging technique which can be used to measure the blood volume changes in the pulmonary vascular bed during the cardiac cycle.
Because inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) play a central role in the management of asthma, new drug delivery systems for fluticasone propionate, Diskhaler (FPdh) and Diskus (FPdk), were developed.
American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine Vol 174. pp. 514-523, (2006)
A systematic review and meta-analysis of epidemiologic studies to determine whether total or species-specific current parasite infection is associated with a reduced risk of asthma or wheeze.
American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine Vol 174. pp. 493-498, (2006)
To eliminate the need for multiple formulae for black, Latin, and white men and women by developing single formulae with less variance than current formulae for %FEV1/FVC and %FEV3/FVC.
Heart and Vessels Volume 21, Number 4 / July, 2006 221-225
Although the temporary inferior vena cava filter (IVC-F) is being used increasingly for protection against pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE), indications for its use are not established.
Pediatric Allergy and Immunology, Volume 17, Number 6, September 2006, pp. 428-434(7)
Airway hyper-responsiveness (AHR) to adenosine 5-monophosphate (AMP) is closely associated with airway inflammation; however, not all asthmatic patients are responsive to it.
Airway remodeling is believed to be important in the pathophysiology of asthma, and myofibroblasts are increased in the airways of asthmatic individuals 24 h after allergen challenge.
Journal of Asthma, Volume 43, Number 7, September 2006, pp. 481-487(7)
Health care providers are increasingly shifting asthma management from treating acute attacks to achieving symptom control to return patients to full functioning and improve their quality of life.
To examine the effect of fluticasone propionate, 250 µg/salmeterol, 50 µg combination
(FSC 250/50) twice daily on lung hyperinflation and associated measures of exercise performance in patients with
COPD.
Our aim was to assess long-term prognosis for patients with an exacerbation of COPD who were treated by the anesthesiologists of the Mobile Emergency Care Unit (MECU) of Copenhagen. We specifically sought to examine whether mortality was different among patients released before hospital admission and those admitted to the hospital.
Health-care workers are concerned about the risk of acquiring contagious diseases such as severe acute respiratory syndrome and avian influenza after recent outbreaks. We studied exhaled air and particle dispersion through an oronasal mask attached to a human-patient simulator (HPS) during noninvasive positive-pressure ventilation (NPPV).
Obesity is a major health issue in North America, and the trend is for obesity to be a more important medical issue in the future. Since obesity can cause respiratory symptoms, many obese people are referred for pulmonary function tests (PFTs).
Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal. 25(9):804-808, September 2006
The aim of the study was to evaluate the prevalence of torquetenovirus (TTV) infection in a group of children with recurrent lower respiratory tract infections and radiologic evidence of bronchiectasis. Correlations between TTV loads and severity of bronchiectasis and between TTV loads and lung function were evaluated.
American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine Vol 174. pp. 639-645, (2006)
To prospectively collect data on ventilator settings, gas exchange, and circulatory parameters before and after surfactant therapy during open lung high-frequency ventilation.
In recent years, the process of the programmed cell death has gained much interest because it has important pathophysiological consequences contributing to the deletion of unwanted cells in the vessel wall, loss of pulmonary smooth muscle cells and therefore in reversing the pulmonary pressure.
We report a 57-year-old female with severe airway obstruction who underwent resection of a tumor of unknown dignity during lung volume reduction surgery.
Clinical & Experimental Immunology, Volume 145, Number 3, September 2006, pp. 474-479(6)
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is characterized by an excessive inflammatory response to inhaled particles, mainly tobacco smoking. T lymphocytes are important regulatory cells that secrete several cytokines and participate actively in this inflammatory response.
Clinical & Experimental Allergy, Volume 36, Number 9, September 2006, pp. 1109-1114(6)
IL-17 family members belong to a distinct category of cytokines that coordinate local tissue inflammation by inducing the release of pro-inflammatory and neutrophil-mobilizing cytokines.
Clinical & Experimental Allergy, Volume 36, Number 9, September 2006, pp. 1147-1152(6)
Asthma is a multi-factorial disorder caused by complex interactions between genetic and environmental factors. IFN-y and IFN regulatory factor 1 (IRF-1) affect Th1/Th2 cytokine balance, and influence the differentiation of Th2 cells, which influence the development of asthma.
A 70-year-old woman presented with a persistent, nonmalignant esophagorespiratory fistula. Since other treatment options failed or were denied, an experimental nonsurgical therapy was performed.
Major airway obstruction due to broncholithiasis produces significant morbidity, and management is difficult. Many of the patients are elderly and are not good candidates for surgical removal. Bronchoscopic removal may be limited due to anatomic considerations, skill of the bronchoscopist, and exposure of the patient to additional procedural risks.
Acta Paediatrica, Volume 95, Number 9, September 2006, pp. 1036-1048(13)
This review documents the evolution of surfactant therapy, beginning with observations of surfactant deficiency in respiratory distress syndrome, the basis of exogenous surfactant treatment and the development of surfactant-containing novel peptides patterned after SP-B.
Acta Paediatrica, Volume 95, Number 9, September 2006, pp. 1116-1123(8)
To test the hypothesis that inhaled nitric oxide therapy can decrease the incidence of bronchopulmonary dysplasia and death in preterm infants with severe respiratory distress syndrome; to evaluate the possible predictive factors for the response to inhaled nitric oxide therapy.
PEDIATRICS Vol. 118 No. 3 September 2006, pp. e547-e553
Controversy surrounds the optimal treatment of parapneumonic effusions. This trial of pediatric patients with community-acquired pneumonia and associated parapneumonic processes compared primary video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery with conventional thoracostomy drainage.
PEDIATRICS Vol. 118 No. 3 September 2006, pp. e741-e746
Chronic snoring that does not adhere to the criteria for a diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome may be associated with learning and behavioral problems. We investigated the sleep structure of chronic snorers who had an apnea-hypopnea index of <1 event per hour and analyzed the cyclic alternating pattern.
Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is an incurable disease characterized by a progressive increase in pulmonary vascular resistance leading to right heart failure. Carbon monoxide (CO) has emerged as a potently protective, homeostatic molecule that prevents the development of vascular disorders when administered prophylactically.
Journal of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition, Vol. 30, No. 5, 2006 440-445
An intervention to reduce complications from insertion of small-bore nasogastric feeding tubes was performed. Methods: This was a Performance Improvement project with the Plan, Do, Study, Act (PDSA) format; interventions occurred in July 2003. Electronic searches of risk management and radiology databases identified feeding-tube malpositions and complications from January 1, 2001, through December 31, 2004.
Acta Paediatrica, Volume 95, Number 9, September 2006, pp. 1093-1098(6)
To measure plasma prostaglandin E 1 (PGE 1 ) levels in newborns with hypoxemic respiratory failure (NHRF) following inhaled PGE 1 (IPGE 1 ), normal term newborns, and newborns with congenital heart disease (CHD) following intravenous PGE 1 .
American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine Vol 174. pp. 665-673
We immunohistochemically analyzed the formation and localization of 8-nitroguanine in lung tissues from control subjects, patients with IPF, and patients with lung cancer.
American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine Vol 174. pp. 659-664
To examine the association between 6MWD and survival in patients with IPF listed for lung transplantation, and to identify sensitive and specific cutoffs for predicting death at 6 mo.
Journal of Asthma, Volume 43, Number 7, September 2006, pp. 521-526(6)
Examine the association of medication adherence with workplace productivity and health-related quality of life (HRQL) in asthma patients. Methods . Adult patients with asthma in a state health insurance program identified from medical claims (July 2001-June 2003) were mailed a three-part survey to measure HRQL (St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire), workplace productivity (Workplace Productivity Short Inventory), and self-reported medication adherence (Morisky Scale).
Journal of Asthma, Volume 43, Number 7, September 2006, pp. 489-493(5)
Research has shown that spirometry is underutilized in the clinical setting. This study profiles the use of spirometry in an asthma management program at an inner-city community health clinic.
Journal of Asthma, Volume 43, Number 7, September 2006, pp. 513-519(7)
Information about predictors of decline in pulmonary function (forced expiratory volume in 1 second [FEV 1 ]) or health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in patients with asthma or (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease [COPD]) might help to determine those who need additional care.
Journal of Asthma, Volume 43, Number 7, September 2006, pp. 495-499(5)
Using data from the1996, 1998, and 2000 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey, this study assessed controller medication use in a national representative sample of school-aged children with persistent asthma.
Journal of Asthma, Volume 43, Number 7, September 2006, pp. 501-507(7)
Patients with inadequately controlled asthma on inhaled corticosteroid (400 to 1,600 μg/day chlorofluorocarbon beclomethasone equivalent) were treated with concomitant salmeterol ( n = 18) or sustained-release tulobuterol (patch) ( n = 18), or the inhaled corticosteroid dose was doubled (add-on) ( n = 13) to compare clinical efficacy.
The aim of this study was to develop a technique for the collection of exhaled breath condensate (EBC) from ventilated children and assess its safety and feasibility. Collection of EBC is used to investigate markers of oxidative stress in the lower airway. No studies have assessed its safety in ventilated children.
Tuberculosis Volume 86, Issue 5 , September 2006, Pages 382-385
Interferon-y (IFN-y) plays a key role in the host defense response against mycobacterial disease, and a complete or partial deficiency in
IFN-y receptor 1 (IFN-yR1) or IFN-y receptor 2 (IFN-γR2) has been reported to contribute to susceptibility to disseminated infection with
non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM).
American Journal of Respiratory Cell and Molecular Biology. Vol. 35, pp. 306-313, 2006
Airway wall remodeling is a hallmark of asthma, characterized by subepithelial thickening and extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling. Mechanical stress due to hyperresponsive smooth muscle cells may contribute to this remodeling, but its relevance in a three-dimensional environment (where the ECM plays an important role in modulating stresses felt by cells) is unclear.
American Journal of Respiratory Cell and Molecular Biology. Vol. 35, pp. 366-377, 2006
We investigated the therapeutic potential of a newly developed antifibrotic agent, pirfenidone, to regulate airway remodeling and the development of allergic airway inflammation and airway hyperresponsiveness after chronic allergen challenge.
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF)/usual interstitial pneumonia is a deadly disease with no effective treatment. The purpose of this randomised prospective multicentric study was to characterise the clinical effects of interferon gamma (IFN-) 1b administered subcutaneously thrice weekly versus colchicine for 2 yrs. This study had no pre-specified end-points.
The present study assessed the diagnostic usefulness of a multiplex PCR (mPCR) for Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, Mycoplasma pneumoniae and Chlamydophila pneumoniae applied to bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL).
Portopulmonary hypertension (POPH) is regarded as a subtype of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH); however, established PAH therapies have not been evaluated for this condition.
To assess rates of influenza vaccination among children with asthma; document the frequency, timing, and patterns of missed opportunities to vaccinate during successive influenza seasons; and project potential influenza vaccination rates that could be achieved by reducing or eliminating missed opportunities.
The aim of this study was to quantify the global prevalence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) by means of a systematic review and random effects meta-analysis.
Journal of Thoracic Imaging. 21(3):179-183, August 2006
We studied the incidence and appearance of the sternalis muscles on multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) to permit the differentiation of the sternalis from significant pathologic condition.
Clinical & Experimental Immunology, Volume 145, Number 3, September 2006, pp. 428-437(10)
Smokers exhibit airway inflammation and increased number of alveolar macrophages (AM), but not all develop chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Allergy, Volume 61, Number 9, September 2006, pp. 1047-1053(7)
The Th2 cytokine interleukin (IL)-13 is implicated in the development of various allergic diseases including asthma. The IL-13 receptor, IL-13Rα1, is expressed on most leukocytes, except T-cells. Evidence to support IL-13Rα1 expression on mast cells is limited.
Recently, IL-17A has been shown to be expressed in higher levels in respiratory secretions from asthmatics and correlated with airway hyperresponsiveness. Although these studies raise the possibility that IL-17A may influence allergic disease, the mechanisms remain unknown.
The use of exhaled nitric oxide measurements (FENO) in clinical practice is now coming of age. There are a number of theoretical and practical factors which have brought this about. Firstly, FENO is a good surrogate marker for eosinophilic airway inflammation. High FENO levels may be used to distinguish eosinophilic from non-eosinophilic pathologies.
A study was undertaken to measure cough frequency in children with stable asthma using a validated monitoring device, and to assess the correlation between cough frequency and the degree and type of airway inflammation.
Personal digital assistant (PDA)-based drug reference software can help you make informed point-of-care prescription decisions, but accuracy, usability, and comprehensiveness vary greatly among programs.
The American Journal of Cardiology Volume 98, Issue 5 , 1 September 2006, Pages 685-690
The objective of this study was to use tissue Doppler parameters to identify pulmonary embolism (PE) in patients with echocardiographic signs of pulmonary hypertension. One hundred fifty patients with echocardiographic signs of pulmonary hypertension were enrolled, 50 of whom had PE on multidetector row computed tomography of the chest.
Pediatric Critical Care Medicine. 7(4):335-339, July 2006
The primary goal of this study was to evaluate the validity of the North American-European Consensus Committee (NAECC) definition for acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) in pediatric patients. A secondary aim was to evaluate the threshold value for the Pao2/Fio2 ratio, used to determine which pediatric patients have ARDS.
To assess factors related to prescribing antibiotics for nonspecific upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs) by office-based osteopathic physicians.
As a consequence of their condition, people with sickle cell disease are at high risk of developing an acute infection of the pulmonary parenchyma called community-acquired pneumonia. Many different bacteria can cause this infection and antibiotic treatment is generally needed to resolve it. There is no standardized approach to antibiotic therapy and treatment is likely to vary from country to country. Thus, there is a need to identify the efficacy and safety of different antibiotic treatment approaches for people with sickle cell disease suffering from community-acquired pneumonia.
The authors sought to determine the contribution of delays in care on time to antibiotics for patients admitted from the emergency department (ED) with pneumonia and to identify patients at risk for delayed antibiotics.
Respiratory Medicine Volume 100, Issue 9 , September 2006, Pages 1540-1546
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a common chronic respiratory condition associated with considerable personal and social burden yet little is known about how patients manage their condition.
Journal of Asthma, Volume 43, Number 7, September 2006, pp. 509-512(4)
In this randomized crossover study, 22 adult patients with moderate-to-severe persistent bronchial asthma were assigned to one of two groups. Patients in group 1 were administered fluticasone dry powder inhaler (DPI) for 8 weeks followed by a 2-week washout period, then hydrofluoroalkane-beclometasone dipropionate (HFA-BDP) for 8 weeks. After a further 2-week washout, they were again administered fluticasone DPI for 8 weeks.
IL-13 is a key cytokine involved in airway remodeling in asthma. We previously reported that IL-13 stimulated the mitogenesis of lung fibroblasts via platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-AA. In this report, we show that IL-13 increases PDGF-A and PDGF-C mRNA levels through a dual intracellular cascade that requires coactivation of Stat6 and Stat1 to impact transcriptional regulation of the early growth response (Egr)-1 gene, which then drives PDGF expression.
At present there is no curative treatment for sarcoidosis. Immunosuppressive and/or immunomodulatory drugs can, however, be used for controlling the disease.
Clinical Cancer Research Vol. 12, 5129-5135, September 1, 2006
Patients with malignant mesothelioma or adenocarcinoma of the lung often present with respiratory complications associated with a malignant pleural effusion. Distinguishing between these malignancies is frequently problematic, as many of the clinical, cytologic, and histologic features of the diseases overlap.
Current recommendations for management of obese patients post-extubation are based on clinical experience and expert opinions. It was hypothesised that the application of noninvasive ventilation (NIV) during the first 48 h after extubation in severely obese patients would reduce post-extubation failure and avert the need for reintubation.
An increased incidence of cardiovascular disease has previously been reported in middle-aged males during a follow-up period of 7 yrs. The aim of the present study was to address the incidence of coronary artery disease (CAD) in a larger sample without any heart disease at baseline.
In occupational asthma continued workplace exposure to the causative agent is associated with a poor prognosis. However, there is little information available on how rapidly lung function declines in those who continue to be exposed, nor how removal from exposure affects lung function.
The impact of induction chemotherapy on postoperative complications after pneumonectomy remains unclear. The aim of the study was to test the hypothesis that chemotherapy may increase the risk of postoperative respiratory complications.
Current Opinion in Critical Care. 12(5):470-476, October 2006
Streptococcus pneumoniae is the leading cause of community-acquired pneumonia worldwide and is the most likely causative pathogen in patients with community-acquired pneumonia admitted to the intensive care unit. Bacteremic pneumococcal pneumonia is an advanced stage of severe pneumococcal pneumonia. Improvement in the management of bacteremic pneumococcal pneumonia has the potential for improving the survival for severe pneumococcal pneumonia.
Journal of Intensive Care Medicine, Vol. 21, No. 5, 287-295 (2006)
Obesity has reached epidemic proportions over the last few decades. Obesity is associated with increased morbidity and mortality in hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, stroke, and cancer and is feared to decrease overall life expectancy over the next few decades. There is a growing body of evidence suggesting that obesity is a chronic inflammatory disease. Obesity is becoming a cause of concern in critically ill patients as well. Sepsis is the number one cause of morbidity and mortality in noncoronary artery disease critical care units all over the world and is associated with a high cost of care. An increase in morbidity in obese septic patients compared with lean people is a cause of growing concern.
Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol 291: L307-L311, 2006
Substantial progress has been made in understanding the contribution of alterations in coagulation and fibrinolysis to the pathogenesis of acute lung injury (ALI). Findings from mouse, rat, baboon, and human studies indicate that alterations in coagulation and fibrinolysis may be of major pathogenetic importance in ALI and other inflammatory conditions in the lung including pneumonia, sepsis, and ventilator-induced lung injury.
Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal. 25(9):779-781, September 2006
A World Health Organization (WHO) working group in 2001 developed a method for standardizing interpretation of chest radiographs in children for epidemiologic purposes. We reevaluated radiographs from the Kaiser Permanente Pneumococcal Efficacy trial using this method.
Pediatric Emergency Care. 22(8):574-578, August 2006
We describe 4 nonconsecutive cases of infants admitted to Catholic University pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) because of complicated respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection during winter RSV outbreaks from the year 2000 to the year 2003.
Journal of Asthma, Volume 43, Number 7, September 2006, pp. 549-552(4)
We mailed a survey to a sample of adults with persistent asthma to assess gender differences in asthma management and quality of life. Women were more likely to regularly use a peak flow meter, have a regular clinician for their asthma care, and to have a written asthma management plan.
Journal of Asthma, Volume 43, Number 7, September 2006, pp. 543-548(6)
To develop a brief questionnaire for health care professionals to use in screening children with asthma for psychosocial adjustment problems. Method . The initial version of the Childhood Asthma Resiliency Questionnaire (CARQ) listed 85 items focusing on self-esteem, medical fears, peer relationships, family relations, stress, and depression.
Spontaneous pneumothorax remains a significant health problem. However, with time, there have been improvements in pathogenesis, diagnostic procedures and both medical and surgical approaches to treatment.
Journal of Asthma, Volume 43, Number 7, September 2006, pp. 533-538(6)
The focus of this study is to evaluate a brief parent-report instrument, the Severity of Chronic Asthma (SCA) scale, that conforms to the national guidelines for assessing asthma. Convergent validity was found between the SCA and other measures related to asthma severity including an illness severity scale (How Bad is the Asthma?), asthma management scales for parents and children, and the pediatric quality-of-life scale.
Journal of Asthma, Volume 43, Number 7, September 2006, pp. 559-564(6)
Our objective was to develop a composite index to measure and quantify preventive asthma care delivered in the primary care office. We documented preventive actions used for children with asthma at the time of an office visit and weighted actions based on their intensity to create a composite index.
Journal of Asthma, Volume 43, Number 7, September 2006, pp. 539-542(4)
Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) is defined as the movement of gastric content toward laryngopharynx and is a common occurrence in patients with asthma. This study aimed (1) to determine the incidence of LPR in patients with asthma by assessment of symptom scores and indirect laryngoscopy and (2) to determine the effect of LPR treatment on asthma symptom scores.
American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine Vol 174. pp. 508-513
African Americans acutely ill with asthma come to emergency departments more frequently and are admitted to hospital more often than whites but the reasons are unclear.
Journal of Asthma, Volume 43, Number 7, September 2006, pp. 527-532(6)
Many asthma patients use the emergency department (ED) as the sole source of asthma care. This is considered inadequate and poor practice. This prospective study revealed that young age, lack of evening clinic, forgetting to keep the appointment, conflicting priorities of daily life, and easy access to the ED on an as-needed basis for urgent care, medications, and prescriptions, and failure to use inhaled corticosteroids were significant while lack of insurance or access to asthma clinic were not significant factors in exclusive use of the ED. Establishing ED asthma education programs or an after hours asthma clinic may alleviate the practice.
Archives of Disease in Childhood - Fetal and Neonatal Edition 2006;91:F295-F298
Maintenance of neonatal normocarbia may prevent chronic lung disease and periventricular leucomalacia, but this requires frequent arterial sampling, which has risks. Alternative methods for measuring CO2 are therefore desirable. These include end tidal CO2, capillary sampling, and transcutaneous measurements. CO2 detectors have also proved effective and rapid indicators of endotracheal intubation.
Journal of Asthma, Volume 43, Number 7, September 2006, pp. 553-558(6)
Obesity is a risk factor for being diagnosed with asthma, but there is conflicting evidence on whether obesity is a risk factor for lung function abnormalities characteristic of asthma.
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