International journal of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
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Int J Chron Obstruct Pulmon Dis · Jan 2017
Comparative StudyRisk factors for pulmonary arterial hypertension in patients with tuberculosis-destroyed lungs and their clinical characteristics compared with patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
There are limited data on pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) in patients with tuberculosis-destroyed lung (TDL), a sequela of pulmonary tuberculosis. We identified the risk factors for PAH and their effects on acute exacerbation and mortality in patients with TDL, as well as the clinical differences in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and PAH. ⋯ PAH in patients with TDL was associated with severity of lung destruction but risk of exacerbation and mortality did not significantly differ between patients with PAH and without PAH.
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Int J Chron Obstruct Pulmon Dis · Jan 2017
Observational StudySensitization to Aspergillus fumigatus as a risk factor for bronchiectasis in COPD.
Bronchiectasis-chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) overlap presents a possible clinical phenotype of COPD, but it is unclear why it develops in a subset of patients. We hypothesized that sensitization to Aspergillus fumigatus (A fum) is associated with bronchiectasis in COPD and occurs more frequently in vitamin D-deficient patients. ⋯ These results highlight a potential role for sensitization to A fum in COPD-related bronchiectasis.
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Int J Chron Obstruct Pulmon Dis · Jan 2017
Comparative StudyComparison of distinctive models for calculating an interlobar emphysema heterogeneity index in patients prior to endoscopic lung volume reduction.
The degree of interlobar emphysema heterogeneity is thought to play an important role in the outcome of endoscopic lung volume reduction (ELVR) therapy of patients with advanced COPD. There are multiple ways one could possibly define interlobar emphysema heterogeneity, and there is no standardized definition. ⋯ This study reveals the most appropriate ways of calculating an interlobar emphysema heterogeneity with regard to ELVR.
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Int J Chron Obstruct Pulmon Dis · Jan 2017
Comparative StudyClinical application value of impulse oscillometry in geriatric patients with COPD.
The diagnosis and assessment of COPD rely mainly on the use of spirometry, which is an effort-dependent test and requires good patient cooperation. Impulse oscillometry (IOS) is a non-volitional method that requires less effort and cooperation and presents advantages for geriatric patients. However, the clinical application value of IOS in geriatric patients with COPD remains unclear. ⋯ IOS demonstrated good relevance compared with spirometry for geriatric patients with COPD. IOS may serve as an alternative method for spirometry in elderly subjects for the evaluation of the state of COPD.
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Int J Chron Obstruct Pulmon Dis · Jan 2017
Readmission After COPD Exacerbation Scale: determining 30-day readmission risk for COPD patients.
COPD affects over 13 million Americans, and accounts for over half a million hospitalizations annually. The Hospital Readmission Reduction Program, established by the Affordable Care Act requires the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to reduce payments to hospitals with excess readmissions for COPD as of 2015. This study sought to develop a predictive readmission scale to identify COPD patients at higher readmission risk. ⋯ The RACE Scale reliably predicts an individual patient's 30-day COPD readmission risk based on specific factors present at initial admission. By identifying these patients at high risk of readmission with the RACE Scale, patient-specific readmission-reduction strategies can be implemented to improve patient care as well as reduce readmissions and health care expenditures.