Chest
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Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study
Does a low-density gas mixture or oxygen supplementation improve exercise training in COPD?
Low-density gas mixtures and oxygen (O₂) supplementation are known to improve physical performance and ventilatory adaptation during incremental maximal exercise in COPD. We investigated whether their combined use during intense physical training is also effective in ameliorating exercise tolerance in patients affected by moderate to severe COPD. ⋯ We concluded that the use of a low-density gas mixture or O₂ supplementation does not contribute to improved exercise performance in patients with moderate to severe COPD without a significantly decreased diffusion lung capacity for CO who are able to tolerate intense physical training.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study
Procalcitonin vs C-reactive protein as predictive markers of response to antibiotic therapy in acute exacerbations of COPD.
Rational prescription of antibiotics in acute exacerbations of COPD (AECOPD) requires predictive markers. We aimed to analyze whether markers of systemic inflammation can predict response to antibiotics in AECOPD. ⋯ Contrary to the current literature, this study suggests that patients with low PCT values do benefit from antibiotics. CRP might be a more valuable marker in these patients.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study
Prevalence and recognition of obstructive sleep apnea in Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is associated with disorders of glucose metabolism. Previous studies revealed a high prevalence of OSA among subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM). The aims of this study were to determine the prevalence of OSA and associated clinical factors in Chinese patients with DM. ⋯ In conclusion, OSA is more prevalent in Chinese adults with DM than in the general population. A high index of suspicion for OSA in patients with DM is warranted, because they may not have overt daytime sleepiness.