Thorax
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Antibiotics are commonly prescribed in exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, the role of bacteria in these exacerbations is controversial. ⋯ The self-reporting presence of purulence in the sputum, as well as common previous exacerbations and hospitalisations due to COPD in patients with severe airflow obstruction (FEV1% <50) predict the presence of bacterial infection in the distal airways. The use of these clinical variables may help in selecting candidates to receive antibiotic treatment.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Nasal CPAP reduces systemic blood pressure in patients with obstructive sleep apnoea and mild sleepiness.
A randomised controlled study was undertaken to examine the effect of nasal continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) on 24 hour systemic blood pressure (BP) in patients with obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA). ⋯ Compared with subtherapeutic CPAP, 12 weeks of treatment with therapeutic CPAP leads to reductions in 24 hour mean and diastolic BP by 3.8 mm Hg and 3.5 mm Hg, respectively, in mildly sleepy patients with OSA.