Respiration; international review of thoracic diseases
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The differential diagnosis of pleural effusions can present a considerable challenge, and the etiology of pleural effusions varies depending on the population studied. ⋯ MT is an effective and safe procedure for diagnosing pleural effusions of undetermined causes. In areas with high tuberculosis prevalence, MT should be particularly helpful in the differential diagnosis of tuberculous pleural effusion.
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Correct measurement of PO₂ and PCO₂ is essential to establish appropriate therapy such as long-term oxygen therapy (LTOT) in patients suffering from respiratory failure. ⋯ The comparison of different methods for blood gas measurements showed substantial differences between capillary and arterial PO₂ and between transcutaneous and arterial PO₂. Therefore, arterial PO₂ analysis is the essential method evaluating indication for LTOT. Nevertheless, comparative analysis further indicated capillary PCO₂ as an adequate surrogate for arterial PCO₂.
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Case Reports
Autologous Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells as Treatment in Refractory Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome.
Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a devastating disorder. Despite enormous efforts in clinical research, effective treatment options are lacking, and mortality rates remain unacceptably high. ⋯ This case report provides initial encouraging evidence to use locally instilled PBMC/EPO for treatment of severe refractory ARDS. The observed clinical improvement may partially be due to the anti-inflammatory effects of PBMC/EPO to promote tissue regeneration. Further studies are needed for more in-depth understanding of the underlying mechanisms of in vivo regeneration.
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Comparative Study
Opening of a respiratory intermediate care unit in a general hospital: impact on mortality and other outcomes.
Respiratory intermediate care units (RICUs) are specialized areas aimed at optimizing the cost-benefit ratio of care. No data exist about the impact of opening a RICU on hospital outcomes. ⋯ The opening of a RICU may be advantageous to reduce in-hospital mortality, the need for ICU admission, and the hospital stay of patients with AECOPD, CAP, and ARF. Better use of care resources contributed to better patient management in the RICU.
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The prevalence of tobacco smoking in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is high. It is assumed that this group of smokers has more difficulties quitting than smokers without COPD. In order to increase the effectiveness of smoking cessation treatments in smokers with COPD it is important to identify any smoking-related factors which are specific to this group of smokers. ⋯ Smokers with COPD differ from smokers without COPD on several factors which are associated with tobacco smoking and quitting. Taking into account these differences may help to increase the effectiveness of smoking cessation treatments for the specific group of smokers with COPD.