Publications by authors named "A Van Muylem"
Background: Occupational exposure to charcoal smoke and dust is a threat to workers' respiratory systems.
Research Question: What is the prevalence of COPD in charcoal workers compared with that of farmers in rural areas of Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)?
Study Design And Methods: This cross-sectional, comparative, and multisite study was performed in the charcoal-producing provinces of southwestern DRC. We randomly included charcoal workers and compared them with farmers (age range, 18-70 years).
Rationale: Endoscopic lung volume reduction improves lung function, quality of life and exercise capacity in severe emphysema patients. However, its effect on the diaphragm function is not well understood. We hypothesised that endoscopic lung volume reduction increases its strength by modifying its shape.
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- Long-acting muscarinic antagonists (LAMAs) like tiotropium were found to significantly enhance tissue oxygenation in COPD patients compared to long-acting β-agonists (LABAs) such as olodaterol, which showed only a marginal improvement.
- The study measured various lung function indicators, including forced expiratory volume (FEV) and transcutaneous oxygenation (TcO), revealing that after 2 hours, TcO increased more after LAMA treatment compared to LABA.
- Results indicated that while both drugs improved ventilation, their mechanisms differed: LABA primarily increased peripheral ventilation, while LAMA significantly boosted lung capillary blood volume, suggesting LAMA could be preferred in COPD treatment if oxygenation benefits persist.