ERS statement: a core outcome set for clinical trials evaluating the management of COPD exacerbations.

Clinical trials evaluating the management of acute exacerbations of COPD assess heterogeneous outcomes, often omitting those that are clinically relevant or more important to patients. We have developed a core outcome set, a consensus-based minimum set of important outcomes that we recommend are evaluated in all future clinical trials on exacerbations management, to improve their quality and comparability. COPD exacerbations outcomes were identified through methodological systematic reviews and qualitative interviews with 86 patients from 11 countries globally.

Switching COPD patients from the disposable to the new reusable Respimat soft mist inhaler: a real-world study from Switzerland.

Objective: The aims of the survey were to assess first experiences of Swiss COPD patients switching from the disposable to the new reusable Respimat inhaler, and to evaluate physicians´ and patients´ views of the new training material.

Methods: Patients with a confirmed diagnosis of COPD using a disposable Respimat inhaler for at least three months were included. Patients´ demographics, COPD stage, current treatment, and comorbidities relevant for the handling of the device were assessed.

Adherence to GOLD Recommendations among Swiss Pulmonologists and General Practitioners.

Significant variability in adherence to COPD management recommendations has been reported. We aimed to evaluate real-life COPD pharmacotherapy prescribing patterns and adherence to the 2017 Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) global strategy in Switzerland. A questionnaire-based survey was conducted among Swiss general practitioners (GPs) and pulmonologists (PULs) from May 1 to November 30, 2017.

Core outcome set for the management of acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: the COS-AECOPD ERS Task Force study protocol.

Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) on the management of COPD exacerbations evaluate heterogeneous outcomes, often omitting those that are clinically important and patient relevant. This limits their usability and comparability. A core outcome set (COS) is a consensus-based minimum set of clinically important outcomes that should be evaluated in all RCTs in specific areas of health care.

[Development of inhaled therapies for COPD and asthma].

Development of inhaled therapies for COPD and asthma Inhaled therapies still represent one of the most important pillars of the COPD and asthma treatments. In recent years, the importance of inhaled corticosteroids in the treatment of COPD changed again and again and currently it seems that they are gaining more importance again. In the future, inhaled therapies will increasingly focus on biomarkers.

[Rare Complication of a Common Disease: Thyroid and Epileptic Seizures].

Rare Complication of a Common Disease: Thyroid and Epileptic Seizures A myxedema crisis is a life-threatening complication of hypothyroidism (mortality 20-25 %). The diagnosis is made on clinical grounds and thyroid function tests. Treatment with levothyroxine (possibly combined with T3) should be instituted immediately, along with glucocorticoids, until co-existing adrenal insufficiency has been ruled out.