The clinical respiratory journal
-
Comparative Study
Usefulness of admission red blood cell distribution width as a predictor of severity of acute pulmonary embolism.
Previous researches have represented a considerable relation between acute pulmonary embolism (PE) and red blood cell distribution width (RDW). To the authors' knowledge no research has been informed in subjects with PE severity. Pulmonary arterial obstruction index (PAOI) is associated with the severity of acute PE. ⋯ PAOI was correlated with PE severity, D-dimer level, sPAP and clinical probability scores. PAOI was correlated with RDW levels. RDW levels, an inexpensive and easily measurable laboratory factor, were considerable associated with the severity and presence of PE.
-
Comparative Study
Radiologic computed tomography features of Mycobacterium abscessus in cystic fibrosis.
Mycobacterium abscessus infection in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients can lead to poor outcomes. Early diagnosis is important, but there are no studies outlining specific imaging features of M. abscessus in CF. ⋯ The most common CT features of early M. abscessus in our CF population include bronchiectasis, mucus plugging, and consolidation, but the findings did not reveal a unique radiologic signature. CT at this initial time point may not distinguish early M. abscessus infection from background lung disease or mycobacterial colonization in CF patients.
-
The important role of radiological examinations of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA) in patients with neutropenia has been well studied; however, little is known about IPA in critically ill chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients. ⋯ Multiple nodules that were distributed along with broncho-vascular bundles were relatively common and specific in critically ill COPD patients with IBPA. Deteriorated CXR combined with specific laboratory examinations, even when appropriate antibiotics were used, could indicate a diagnosis of IBPA. Large consolidations might be considered as poor prognostic indicators.
-
The co-existence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common phenomenon referred to as overlap syndrome (OS). In this study, we evaluated the prevalence of OS in mild hypoxemic COPD patients without OSA symptoms and compared characteristics of OS and COPD patients. ⋯ This findings support that high prevalence (58%) of OS in COPD patients without OSA symptoms is related to BMI. Therefore, sleep study should be considered in especially overweight or obese COPD patients, even in those without sleep apnea symptoms.
-
We aimed to investigate the effect of pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) on the number of exacerbations in chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPD) patients. ⋯ Notwithstanding disease severity, PR treatment is reported to have positive effects on COPD patients in terms of perceived dyspnea, exercise capacity, arterial oxygenation, quality of life, anxiety and depression. This study found reduced number of emergency referrals and hospitalization among COPD patients with frequent exacerbations after PR.