Canadian respiratory journal : journal of the Canadian Thoracic Society
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Multicenter Study Comparative Study
A comparison of work-exacerbated asthma cases from clinical and epidemiological settings.
Clinical and epidemiological studies commonly use different case definitions in different settings when investigating work-exacerbated asthma (WEA). These differences are likely to impact characteristics of the resulting WEA cases. ⋯ Findings from both types of studies should be considered when measuring the contribution of work to asthma exacerbations, identifying putative agents, and selecting industries and occupations in which to implement screening and surveillance programs.
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The most effective approaches to escalating advanced therapies in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) are controversial. ⋯ Based on registry data, adoption of this strategy did not affect survival rates, nor cause a sustained improvement in 6MWD by 12 months. WHO class improved similarly in both treatment groups.
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Patients with lung cancer often experience a reduction in exercise tolerance, muscle weakness and decreased quality of life. Although the effectiveness of pulmonary rehabilitation programs is well recognized in other forms of cancers and in many pulmonary diseases, few researchers have studied its impact in patients with lung cancer, particularly in those awaiting lung resection surgery (LRS). ⋯ In patients with lung cancer awaiting LRS, HBETP was feasible and improved exercise tolerance and muscle strength. This may be clinically relevant because poor exercise capacity and muscle weakness are predictors of postoperative complications.
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Identifying different phenotypes of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is important for both therapeutic options and clinical outcome of the disease. ⋯ The present study exposed the intimate relationship between phenotype(s) characterized by HRCT and scoring for morphological abnormalities; and clinical and functional parameters and inflammatory markers. The inclusion of HRCT among routine examinations for COPD may provide significant benefits both in the management and prognosis of COPD patients.
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Comparative Study
Management of malignant pleural effusions with indwelling pleural catheters or talc pleurodesis.
Management of malignant pleural effusion typically involves insertion of an indwelling pleural catheter (IPC) or chemical pleurodesis with agents such as talc. ⋯ Both IPC insertion and TP remain acceptable options for the management of malignant pleural effusions.