Increased Urinary Erythropoietin Excretion in Severe Sleep Apnea-Hipoapnea Syndrome: The Effect of CPAP.

Introduction: Tissue hypoxia stimulates the production of erythropoietin (EPO), the main effect of which is, in turn, to stimulate erythropoiesis. Sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (SAHS) is an entity characterized by repeated episodes of hypoxemia during sleep.

Objective: To analyze whether hypoxemia stimulated increased urinary excretion of EPO, and if so, to evaluate if treatment with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) can inhibit this phenomenon.

Long-term Impact of Continuous Positive Airway Pressure Therapy on Arrhythmia and Heart Rate Variability in Patients With Sleep Apnea.

Introduction: Autonomic dysfunction can alter heart rate variability and increase the incidence of arrhythmia. We analyzed the impact of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) on this pathophysiological phenomenon in patients with severe sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome.

Methods: Consecutive patients with recently diagnosed severe sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome were prospectively considered for inclusion.

Obstructive sleep apnea in patients with typical atrial flutter: prevalence and impact on arrhythmia control outcome.

Background: The clinical yield of cavotricuspid isthmus (CTI) radiofrequency ablation of atrial flutter (AF) is limited by a high incidence of atrial fibrillation (AFib) in the long term. Among other acknowledged variables, the association of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) could favor incomplete arrhythmia control in this setting. We assessed the impact of CPAP in reducing the occurrence of AFib after CTI ablation.

Omalizumab therapy in severe asthma: experience from the Spanish registry--some new approaches.

Objective: The efficacy of omalizumab in severe asthma has been widely demonstrated. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of omalizumab in a real-life setting in Spain, particularly in those patients with immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels out of range.

Methods: Totally 266 uncontrolled severe asthma patients receiving high-dose inhaled corticosteroids (ICSs) plus long-acting β2-agonist (LABA) were recruited.

[Safety and tolerability of bronchodilators in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease].

The most effective bronchodilators in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are beta(2)-adrenergic and anticholinergic agents. When administered via inhalation and at recommended doses, these drugs are well tolerated and generally safe. beta-Adrenergic agents show systemic effects such as an increase in heart rate, QT prolongation, hypopotassemia and tremor.

[Global muscle dysfunction and exacerbation of COPD: a cohort study].

Background And Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate on a prospective fashion the effects of clinical relapses of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) on both peripheral and respiratory skeletal muscle functions.

Patients And Method: We included 49 patients (males, 63 [11] years) who were assigned to three cohorts: a) COPD patients who were hospitalized in a conventional ward because of a relapse of their disease; b) patients hospitalized in conventional wards because of another lung disease or a pulmonary nodule; and c) COPD patients whose disease was stabilized (outpatients). Sequential measurements were made by means of anthropometry, serum biochemistry and body bioimpedance (BIA).