Respiratory care
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Observational Study
CRP, PCT, CPIS AND PNEUMONIA SEVERITY SCORES IN NURSING HOME ACQUIRED PNEUMONIA.
Patients with nursing home acquired pneumonia (NHAP) present a distinct group of lower respiratory track infections with different risk factors, clinical presentation, and mortality rates. ⋯ CPIS, procalcitonin, and C-reactive protein are reliable for the diagnosis of NHAP. Procalcitonin and CURB-65 are accurate in predicting in-patient mortality in NHAP.
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Gait speed is a simple physical function measure associated with key outcomes in the elderly population. Gait speed measurements may improve clinical care in patients with COPD. However, there is a knowledge gap about the reliability and variability of gait speed testing protocols in COPD. We evaluated established techniques of measuring gait speed in patients with COPD and assessed feasibility of implementing gait speed as a routine vital sign in an out-patient clinic. ⋯ Gait speed is a reliable measure in COPD, regardless of instructed pace, distance, or timing mechanism; however, adhering to one protocol is suggested. 4MGS was easily implemented into clinical practice with high acceptability by patients and clinic staff.
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This study aims to evaluate bronchial thickness via thorax high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) in subjects with mild intermittent asthma in comparison with healthy control subjects. ⋯ Our findings revealed an increase in bronchial wall thickness in peripheral airways in subjects with mild intermittent asthma regardless of the duration of asthma. This may indicate a need to also administer anti-inflammatory or bronchodilator therapy, which is effective in peripheral airways during the early period of the disease.
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Unilateral primary pulmonary hypoplasia is rare in adulthood. It is usually present in the neonatal period or in early childhood, and is characterized by a decreased number of bronchial segments and decreased/absent alveolar air space. ⋯ A thorough workup, including imaging modalities and bronchoscopy, disclosed a hypoplastic left lung, which had gone undiagnosed for 25 years. Embryological, clinical, and diagnostic aspects are briefly discussed.
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Chronic neck pain is one of the most common musculoskeletal pain conditions experienced by many people during their lives. Although patients with neck pain are managed predominantly as musculoskeletal patients, there are indications that they also have poor pulmonary function. The aim of this study was to examine whether patients with chronic neck pain have spirometric abnormalities and whether neck pain problems and psychological states are associated with these abnormalities. ⋯ Patients with chronic neck pain do not have optimal pulmonary function. Cervical spine muscle dysfunction in parallel with pain intensity and kinesiophobia are factors that are associated mainly with this respiratory dysfunction.