To investigate dose reduction and comparability of standard dose CT vs Ultra low dose CT in evaluating pulmonary emphysema.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the extent of dose reduction and comparability of standard dose CT vs Ultra low dose CT in evaluating pulmonary emphysema.

Methods: Forty-nine patients with emphysema were recruited from a tertiary referral respiratory clinic. Each patient had a non-contrast Standard Dose (SD) and Ultra Low Dose (ULD) thoracic CT.

A protocol for a randomised clinical trial of the effect of providing feedback on inhaler technique and adherence from an electronic device in patients with poorly controlled severe asthma.

Introduction: In clinical practice, it is difficult to distinguish between patients with refractory asthma from those with poorly controlled asthma, where symptoms persist due to poor adherence, inadequate inhaler technique or comorbid diseases. We designed an audio recording device which, when attached to an inhaler, objectively identifies the time and technique of inhaler use, thereby assessing both aspects of adherence. This study will test the hypothesis that feedback on these two aspects of adherence when passed on to patients improves adherence and helps clinicians distinguish refractory from difficult-to-control asthma.