Respirology : official journal of the Asian Pacific Society of Respirology
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The aim of this study was to assess the performance of N-terminal proB-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) levels for the diagnosis of left ventricular dysfunction in patients with severe acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and renal dysfunction. ⋯ NT-proBNP remains an accurate biomarker for the diagnosis of left ventricular dysfunction associated with acute exacerbations of COPD. Threshold values of NT-proBNP were higher in patients with impaired renal function than in those with normal renal function.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study
Efficacy of inhaled N-acetylcysteine monotherapy in patients with early stage idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a fatal disorder for which there are currently no specific or effective medical treatments. A multicentre, prospective, randomized, controlled clinical trial was conducted to assess the efficacy of inhaled N-acetylcysteine (NAC) monotherapy in Japanese patients with early stage IPF. ⋯ These findings indicate that NAC monotherapy may have some beneficial effect in patients with early stage IPF. Further trials in more select IPF populations with progressive disease are required to prove the efficacy of inhaled NAC.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study Comparative Study
Efficacy and safety of indacaterol 150 and 300 µg in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients from six Asian areas including Japan: a 12-week, placebo-controlled study.
The efficacy and safety of indacaterol, a novel inhaled once daily ultra long-acting β(2) -agonist was evaluated in COPD patients in six Asian countries/areas. This study was primarily designed to obtain the regulatory approval of indacaterol in Japan. ⋯ Indacaterol provided clinically significant bronchodilation and improvements in dyspnoea and health status in Asian COPD patients.
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Multicenter Study
Prescription of antibiotics for adults hospitalized with community-acquired pneumonia in Korea in 2004: a population-based descriptive study.
Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is generally considered to be a major cause of morbidity and mortality. There is much controversy regarding the optimal choice of antibiotics for patients with CAP. The aim of this study was to identify the antibiotics prescribed for adults hospitalized with CAP in Korea during a calendar year. ⋯ In this study, patterns of antimicrobial prescription for patients hospitalized with CAP were assessed for the first time in Korea. There was divergence from the 2009 Korean guidelines for the treatment of CAP, reinforcing the need for assessment of physicians' adherence to the guidelines.
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The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of and risk factors associated with COPD in a rural setting in the Philippines. ⋯ The prevalence COPD in a rural community in Nueva Ecija, Philippines was 20.8% for GOLD Stage I or higher, and 16.7% for GOLD Stage II or higher. In addition to smoking history, the use of firewood for cooking, working on a farm and a history of tuberculosis were significantly associated with fixed airflow obstruction, as assessed by spirometry.