Chest
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Single-breath washout tests to assess small airway disease in COPD.
Current functional assessments do not allow a reliable assessment of small airways, which are a major site of disease in COPD. Single-breath washout (SBW) tests are feasible and reproducible methods for evaluating small airway disease. Their relevance in COPD remains unknown. ⋯ SIIIN2 and SIIIDTG, two fast and clinically applicable measures of small airway disease, reflect different physiological and clinical aspects of COPD, largely independent of spirometry.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
The COPD Assessment Test: can it discriminate across COPD subpopulations?
The COPD Assessment Test (CAT) is a valid disease-specific questionnaire measuring health status. However, knowledge concerning its use regarding patient and disease characteristics remains limited. Our main objective was to assess the degree to which the CAT score varies and can discriminate between specific patient population groups. ⋯ These results suggest that the CAT, originally designed for use in clinically symptomatic patients with COPD, can also be used in individuals with mild airflow obstruction and newly diagnosed COPD. In addition, the CAT was able to discriminate between sexes and subjects who experience frequent and infrequent exacerbations.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Long-term anticoagulation with rivaroxaban for preventing recurrent VTE: A benefit-risk analysis of EINSTEIN EXTENSION.
Short-term anticoagulant treatment for acute DVT or pulmonary embolism (PE) effectively reduces the risk of recurrent disease during the first 6 to 12 months of therapy. Continued anticoagulation often is not instituted because of the perception among physicians that the risk of major bleeding will outweigh the risk of new venous thrombotic episodes. ⋯ A clinically important benefit and a favorable benefit-risk profile of continued rivaroxaban anticoagulation was observed.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Acute Effects of Nasal CPAP in Patients with Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy.
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a common genetic disease that may cause left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) obstruction, heart failure, and sudden death. Recent studies have shown a high prevalence of OSA among patients with HCM. Because the hemodynamics in patients with LVOT obstruction are unstable and depend on the loading conditions of the heart, we evaluated the acute effects of CPAP on hemodynamics and cardiac performance in patients with HCM. ⋯ The acute application of CPAP is apparently safe in patients with HCM, because CPAP does not lead to hemodynamic compromise. Long-term studies in patients with HCM and sleep apnea and nocturnal CPAP are warranted.