Computed tomography characteristics predictive for radial EBUS-miniprobe-guided diagnosis of pulmonary lesions.

Introduction: Radial endobronchial ultrasonography miniprobe (rEBUS-MP) is a technique that has increased the diagnostic yield of bronchoscopic occult pulmonary lesions. The purpose of this study was to identify computed tomography (CT) characteristics affecting the success rate of rEBUS-MP in the evaluation of these pulmonary lesions.

Methods: Our study encompassed a retrospective review of all consecutive patients who underwent a rEBUS-MP examination between January 2011 and December 2013.

Results of patch testing with fragrance mix 1, fragrance mix 2, and their ingredients, and Myroxylon pereirae and colophonium, over a 21-year period.

Background: The frequency of fragrance contact allergy has shown a fluctuating trend over the years.

Objectives: To describe the frequency of positive reactions to the baseline screening agents and fragrance mix (FM) 1 and 2 components, to determine trends of the latter over the years, and to evaluate simultaneous reactions.

Patients And Methods: This was a cross-sectional study on patch test results of 13 332 patients from January 1990 to December 2011.

Monitoring modifiable cardiovascular risk in type 2 diabetes care in general practice: the use of an aggregated z-score.

Background: Because many patients in usual care reach the diabetes treatment goals, it may be more efficacious to focus quality improvement efforts on those general practice populations requiring additional support. We therefore developed a tool based on a composite end point considering blood pressure, lipids, and glycaemia.

Methods: We created an aggregated z(A)-score, calculated as the average of 3 z-scores testing whether the mean practice values of hemoglobin A1c, low density lipoprotein cholesterol, and systolic blood pressure are significantly higher than the corresponding ADA-target (respectively 7%, 100 mg/dL, and 130 mm Hg).

Start improving the quality of care for people with type 2 diabetes through a general practice support program: a cluster randomized trial.

Aims: To evaluate the effectiveness of a two-arm quality improvement program (QIP) to support general practice with limited tradition in chronic care on type 2 diabetes patient outcomes.

Methods: During 18 months, we performed a cluster randomized trial with randomization of General Practices. The usual QIP (UQIP: 53 GPs, 918 patients) merged standard interventions including evidence-based treatment protocol, annual benchmarking, postgraduate education, case-coaching for GPs and patient education.

Interdisciplinary diabetes care teams operating on the interface between primary and specialty care are associated with improved outcomes of care: findings from the Leuven Diabetes Project.

Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a complex, progressive disease which requires a variety of quality improvement strategies. Limited information is available on the feasibility and effectiveness of interdisciplinary diabetes care teams (IDCT) operating on the interface between primary and specialty care. A first study hypothesis was that the implementation of an IDCT is feasible in a health care setting with limited tradition in shared care.