Resp Care
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Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study
The measurement of lung volumes using body plethysmography: a comparison of methodologies.
The statement of the American Thoracic Society and European Respiratory Society on the measurement of static lung volumes (SLV) suggests a preferred and alternate method for measuring and calculating SLV. ⋯ Differences in FRC, VC, RV, and TLC obtained using the preferred and alternate measurement methodologies exist in the clinical setting in select classification groups and individuals. Differing calculation methods dependent on measurement method used may be unnecessary.
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Inhaled corticosteroids (ICSs) are the mainstay of anti-inflammatory treatment in subjects with asthma and COPD. This review evaluates the role of nebulizers as an alternative to inhalers for delivering ICSs in asthma and COPD. I selected 16 randomized, placebo-controlled, blinded, long-term studies, mostly carried out in asthma (n = 14) and COPD. ⋯ The practices of mixing nebulized ICSs with bronchodilators and using nebulized ICSs in acute settings are promising, but require further confirmations, and at present cannot be recommended. I conclude that nebulizers may be considered as an effective alternative to inhalers for delivering ICSs and can be recommended to asthmatic and COPD subjects who are unwilling or unable to use inhalers. Newer formulations could possibly offer a relevant advance for a more efficient nebulization of ICSs.