Chest
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The anatomic location of small airways, the distribution of airway cartilage, and their correlation with ageing have not been well elucidated. The objective of this article was to explore the morphologic characteristics of small airways in vivo, and how airway structural changes correlate with age using endobronchial optical coherence tomography (EB-OCT). ⋯ Small airways are mainly located at the seventh generation, where cartilaginous structures are present despite reduced distribution in more distal airways, and the thickness decreased in older age. Reduction in luminal area of medium-to-small airways might be the morphologic changes associated with ageing (ie, > 55 years of age).
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COPD increases susceptibility to sleep disturbances, which may in turn predispose to increased respiratory symptoms. The objective of this study was to evaluate, in a population-based sample, the relationship between subjective sleep quality and risk of COPD exacerbations. ⋯ Higher baseline PSQI scores were associated with increased risk of COPD exacerbation over 18 months' prospective follow-up.
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COPD has a substantial burden seen in both patient quality of life and health-care costs. One method of minimizing this burden is the implementation of clinical pathways (CPWs). CPWs bring the best available evidence to a range of health-care professionals by adapting guidelines to a local context and detailing essential steps in care. ⋯ This systematic review reveals evidence to suggest that CPWs for COPD have the potential to reduce complications, readmissions, and length of stay without negatively influencing mortality or quality of life. However, quality of evidence was generally low. The authors therefore acknowledge that results should be interpreted with caution and note the need for additional research in this area.
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The efficacy of azathioprine (AZA) and mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) for interstitial lung disease (ILD) has been described, but mainly in connective tissue disease-associated ILD. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of AZA and MMF on lung function and prednisone dose in myositis-related ILD (M-ILD). ⋯ In M-ILD, AZA treatment was associated with improved FVC % predicted and Dlco % predicted, and lower prednisone dose. Patients treated with MMF had improved FVC % predicted and lower prednisone dose. After 36 months, patients treated with AZA received a lower prednisone dose than those treated with MMF.