American journal of respiratory and critical care medicine
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Am. J. Respir. Crit. Care Med. · May 2010
Randomized Controlled TrialSimvastatin as a treatment for pulmonary hypertension trial.
In animal models of pulmonary hypertension, simvastatin has been shown to reduce pulmonary artery pressure and induce regression of associated right ventricular (RV) hypertrophy. ⋯ Simvastatin added to conventional therapy produces a small and transient early reduction in RV mass and NT-proBNP levels in patients with PAH, but this is not sustained over 12 months.
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Am. J. Respir. Crit. Care Med. · May 2010
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative StudyCritical comparisons of the clinical performance of oxygen-conserving devices.
Clinical testing of oxygen-conserving devices is not mandated before marketing. Consequently, little is known about individual or comparative therapeutic effectiveness. ⋯ The mechanical and clinical performances of current oxygen conservers are highly variable and in some instances actually contribute to limitations in exercise ability. Seemingly equivalent technical features do not guarantee equivalent therapeutic functionality.
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Am. J. Respir. Crit. Care Med. · May 2010
Randomized Controlled TrialEfficacy of corticosteroids in community-acquired pneumonia: a randomized double-blinded clinical trial.
Some studies have shown a beneficial effect of corticosteroids in patients with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP), possibly by diminishing local and systemic antiinflammatory host response. ⋯ Prednisolone (at 40 mg) once daily for a week does not improve outcome in hospitalized patients with CAP. A benefit in more severely ill patients cannot be excluded. Because of its association with increased late failure and lack of efficacy prednisolone should not be recommended as routine adjunctive treatment in CAP.