International journal of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
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Int J Chron Obstruct Pulmon Dis · Jan 2006
Randomized Controlled TrialCreatine supplementation and physical training in patients with COPD: a double blind, placebo-controlled study.
Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) have low exercise capacity and low content of high energetic phosphates in their skeletal muscles. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether creatine supplementation together with exercise training may increase physical performance compared with exercise training in patients with COPD. ⋯ Oral creatine supplementation in combination with exercise training showed no significant improvement in physical performance, measured as ESWT, in patients with COPD compared with exercise training alone.
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Int J Chron Obstruct Pulmon Dis · Jan 2006
ReviewThe role for N-acetylcysteine in the management of COPD.
Oxidative stress has been implicated in the pathogenesis and progression of COPD. Both reactive oxidant species from inhaled cigarette smoke and those endogenously formed by inflammatory cells constitute an increased intrapulmonary oxidant burden. ⋯ The antioxidant N-acetylcysteine (NAC), a glutathione precursor, has been applied in these patients to reduce symptoms, exacerbations, and the accelerated lung function decline. This article reviews the available experimental and clinical data on the antioxidative effects of NAC in COPD, with emphasis on the role of exhaled biomarkers.
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Int J Chron Obstruct Pulmon Dis · Jan 2006
Review Comparative Study Historical ArticleThe history of COPD.
The evolution of knowledge concerning COPD and its components--emphysema, chronic bronchitis, and asthmatic bronchitis--covers 200 years. The stethoscope and spirometer became important early tools in diagnosis and assessment. Spirometry remains the most effective means of identification and assessment of the course of COPD and responses to therapy, and is grossly underused for this purpose. ⋯ Surgery benefits a select few. Today, COPD is a steadily growing global healthcare problem, with increasing morbidity and mortality. Early identification and prevention, and treatment of emerging stages of disease through smoking cessation and a growing number of bronchoactive drugs promises to change the outcome.
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Int J Chron Obstruct Pulmon Dis · Jan 2006
ReviewPalliative management of refractory dyspnea in COPD.
COPD is a progressive illness with worldwide impact. Patients invariably reach a point at which they require palliative interventions. Dyspnea is the most distressing symptom experienced by these patients; when not relieved by traditional COPD management strategies it is termed "refractory dyspnea" and palliative approaches are required. ⋯ Numerous pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions can achieve these goals, though evidence supporting their use is variable. This review provides a summary of the options for the management of refractory dyspnea in COPD, outlining currently available evidence and highlighting areas for further investigation. Topics include oxygen, opioids, psychotropic drugs, inhaled furosemide, Heliox, rehabilitation, nutrition, psychosocial support, breathing techniques, and breathlessness clinics.
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Int J Chron Obstruct Pulmon Dis · Jan 2006
Comparative StudyDoes the multidimensional grading system (BODE) correspond to differences in health status of patients with COPD?
To verify whether and to what extent the body mass index, airflow obstruction, dyspnea, and exercise capacity (BODE) index correlates with a disease-specific index of health status in patients with COPD. ⋯ The BODE scoring system corresponds to important differences in health status of patients with COPD. This grading system is better correlated to the health status indexes of the SGRQ than the GOLD staging criteria.