Respiratory medicine
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Respiratory medicine · Sep 2017
Does untreated obstructive sleep apnea cause secondary erythrocytosis?
The current literature suggests a relationship between obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) severity and hematocrit. However, the degree that OSA contributes to clinically significant erythrocytosis is uncertain. The aim of this study is to evaluate this association in a large study sample controlling for multiple confounders. ⋯ Hematocrit levels and presence of erythrocytosis appear not associated with OSA severity, but rather with hypoxemia as measured by awake and to a lesser extent mean nocturnal oxygen saturation. Nocturnal oximetry may provide diagnostic utility in the evaluation of unexplained secondary polycythemia and polysomongraphy may be warranted in those with unexplained nocturnal hypoxemia and erythrocytosis.
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Respiratory medicine · Sep 2017
Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter StudyBiological effects of p38 MAPK inhibitor losmapimod does not translate to clinical benefits in COPD.
p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) expression is increased in chronic inflammatory disease. Losmapimod, a p38 MAPK inhibitor, has been developed as a potential anti-inflammatory therapy in COPD. ⋯ Losmapimod treatment did not reduce the rate of exacerbations in, subjects with COPD at high risk of exacerbation and ?2% blood eosinophils. These data do not support its use as a therapy in COPD in addition to standard of care.
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Respiratory medicine · Sep 2017
Comparative StudyEffects of inhaled corticosteroids /long-acting agonists in a single inhaler versus inhaled corticosteroids alone on all-cause mortality, pneumonia, and fracture in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: A nationwide cohort study 2002-2013.
Both inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) and long-acting ?-agonists (LABA) have been recommended for the treatment of severe/moderate chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), but mild COPD has not been frequently studied. ⋯ Among newly diagnosed COPD patients and new users of ICS or ICS/LABA, use of ICS/LABA in a single inhaler was associated with lowered risk of all-cause mortality and delayed first hospitalization for fracture, as compared with use of ICS alone. However, there was no significant difference in terms of first hospitalization for pneumonia.
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Respiratory medicine · Sep 2017
Observational StudyLong-term "real-life" safety of omalizumab in patients with severe uncontrolled asthma: A nine-year study.
Randomized Controlled Trials showed that omalizumab exhibited a good safety and tolerability profile in patients with moderate-to-severe asthma. However, safety data of long-term treatment with omalizumab are scarce. Our aim was to assess the safety of omalizumab in patients under long-term treatment in a real-life setting. ⋯ Long-term treatment with omalizumab appears remarkably safe and well tolerated in real-life setting. Prolonged omalizumab treatment for many consecutive years did not increase the risk of side effects, particularly anaphylaxis.
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Respiratory medicine · Sep 2017
Comparative StudyDomestic solid fuel combustion in an adult population in Nigeria: A cross sectional analysis of association with respiratory symptoms, quality of life and lung function.
We examined the association of respiratory symptoms, health status, and lung function with the use of solid fuel (wood, charcoal, coal or crop residue) for cooking or heating in a predominantly non-smoking population. ⋯ Using solid fuel for domestic cooking or heating was associated with a higher risk of cough or phlegm and a lower mental quality of life. However we found no significant effect in the prevalence of chronic airflow obstruction in Ife, Nigeria.