Publications by authors named "Cinzia Lastoria"

Background: Inhaled drug therapy is an essential treatment in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) patients as it reduces symptoms, exacerbation rate and mortality risk. Errors in inhaler use can affect drug delivery to the lungs and minimize treatment benefits. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of a nurse-lead educational intervention on inhaler use in a group of patients with COPD during a Respiratory Rehabilitation Program.

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Introduction: The severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus 2 outbreak spread rapidly in Italy and the lack of intensive care unit (ICU) beds soon became evident, forcing the application of noninvasive respiratory support (NRS) outside the ICU, raising concerns over staff contamination. We aimed to analyse the safety of the hospital staff and the feasibility and outcomes of NRS applied to patients outside the ICU.

Methods: In this observational study, data from 670 consecutive patients with confirmed coronavirus disease 2019 referred to pulmonology units in nine hospitals between March 1 and May 10, 2020 were analysed.

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To date treatment protocols in Respiratory and or Internal departments across Italy for treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients at hospital admission with relapse due to exacerbation do not find adequate support in current guidelines. Here we describe the results of a recent clinical audit, including a systematic review of practices reported in literature and an open discussion comparing these to current real-life procedures. The process was dived into two 8-hour-audits 3 months apart in order to allow work on the field in between meeting and involved 13 participants (3 nurses, 1 physiotherapist, 2 internists and 7 pulmonologists).

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We present the clinical case of a 74 years old patient undergoing tracheotomy for persistent hypercapnic respiratory failure after lower right lobectomy surgery, performed as a result of pulmonary cancer recurrence. The patient was transferred to the Department of Respiratory Sub Intensive Care for respiratory weaning, decannulation and cycle of motor and respiratory physiotherapy. The joint evaluation of physicians, nurses and physiotherapists has allowed the identification of ICD-9 and ICF codes of the severe disability shown by the patient in the first days of hospital stay (respiratory failure due to pneumonia that need invasive mechanical ventilation by tracheotomy, prolonged immobility, muscular deconditioning and inability to perform even the simplest activities of daily life; it required also artificial nutrition by naso gastric tube).

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The aim of our study was to evaluate the prevalence and predictors of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) undergoing inpatient pulmonary rehabilitation programs (PRPs). A retrospective data review of consecutive stable patients with a known diagnosis of COPD, admitted for PRP between January 2007 and December 2013. Full overnight polysomnography (PSG) and Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) were assessed in all patients.

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Background: Any acute event, either primary or secondary to a chronic disease, is generally followed by some degree of physical impairment. Subacute care (SAC) represents one of the inpatient intermediate care settings aimed at completing recovery and restoring functional capacity. Debate exists on the role of the rehabilitation treatment in the SAC setting.

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Cladophialophora boppii is a dematiaceous fungus, which has been reported only rarely to be the cause of cutaneous infection. Herein we describe a C boppii parenchymal and bronchial infection in a lung transplant recipient. We also illustrate the clinicoradiologic patterns and review possible treatment options for these difficult infections.

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