Chest
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Case-control studies are one of the major observational study designs for performing clinical research. The advantages of these study designs over other study designs are that they are relatively quick to perform, economical, and easy to design and implement. ⋯ Study design considerations are reviewed, including sample size, power, and measures associated with risk factors for clinical outcomes. Finally, we discuss the advantages and disadvantages of case-control studies and provide a checklist for authors and a framework of considerations to guide reviewers' comments.
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Case Reports
Treatment with convalescent plasma for critically ill patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection.
As of March 24, 2020, novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has been responsible for 379,661 infection cases with 16,428 deaths globally, and the number is still increasing rapidly. Herein, we present four critically ill patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection who received supportive care and convalescent plasma. Although all four patients (including a pregnant woman) recovered from SARS-CoV-2 infection eventually, randomized trials are needed to eliminate the effect of other treatments and investigate the safety and efficacy of convalescent plasma therapy.
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Observational Study
Long term noninvasive ventilation in the Geneva Lake area: indications, prevalence and modalities.
Noninvasive ventilation (NIV) is standard of care for chronic hypercapnic respiratory failure, but indications, devices, and ventilatory modes are in constant evolution. ⋯ Use of NIV is increasing rapidly in this area, and the population treated is aging, comorbid, and frequently obese. COPD is presently the leading indication followed by OHS.
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Comparative Study
Comparison of Hospitalized Patients with Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome Caused by COVID-19 and H1N1.
Since the outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in China in December 2019, considerable attention has been focused on its elucidation. However, it is also important for clinicians and epidemiologists to differentiate COVID-19 from other respiratory infectious diseases such as influenza viruses. ⋯ There were many differences in clinical presentations between patients with ARDS infected with either COVID-19 or H1N1. Compared with H1N1 patients, patients with COVID-19-induced ARDS had lower severity of illness scores at presentation and lower SOFA score-adjusted mortality.
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Observational Study
Who May Benefit from Diuretics in OSA? A Propensity Score-Match Observational Study.
Diuretics have been reported as effective for reducing OSA severity by preventing fluid retention and reducing rostral fluid shift. The benefit of diuretics might vary depending on the OSA clinical phenotype and comorbidities. To test this hypothesis, we conducted a propensity score-matched cohort analysis of data from the French national sleep apnea registry "Observatoire Sommeil de la Fédération de Pneumologie." ⋯ Diuretics appear to have a positive impact on OSA severity in overweight or moderately obese patients with hypertension. A prospective study is needed to confirm that diuretics are of interest in combined therapies for hypertensive patients with OSA.