Background: There is a paucity of data on long term clinical effects of high frequency chest wall oscillation (HFCWO) in the Bronchiectasis population. Other therapies such as nebulized mucolytics and long term antibiotics have proven benefit on quality of life and exacerbation rate. In this study a treatment algorithm that included HFCWO as a component was initiated to see what the long term effects of the proposed algorithm were on lung function, antibiotic use, and exacerbation rates.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBackground: Social isolation is a common experience in patients with COPD but is not captured by existing patient-reported outcomes, and its association with clinical outcomes is unknown.
Methods: We prospectively enrolled adults with stable COPD who completed the University of Alabama at Birmingham Life Space Assessment (LSA) (range: 0-120, restricted Life-Space mobility: ≤60 and a marker of social isolation in older adults); six-minute walk test (6MWT), and the University of California at San Diego Shortness of Breath Questionnaire, COPD Assessment Test, and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. The occurrence of severe exacerbations (emergency room visit or hospitalization) was recorded by review of the electronic record up to 1 year after enrollment.
Int J Chron Obstruct Pulmon Dis
January 2019
Background: Systemic corticosteroids (SC) are an integral part of managing acute exacerbations of COPD (AECOPD). However, the optimal dose and duration vary widely in clinical practice. We hypothesized that the use of a "PowerPlan" order set in the electronic health system (EHS) that includes a 5-day SC order would be associated with a reduced steroid dose and length of stay (LOS) for individuals hospitalized with AECOPD.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFRationale: Approximately 20% of Medicare beneficiaries hospitalized for acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are readmitted within 30 days of discharge. In addition to implementing penalties for excess readmissions, the U.S.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFPurpose Of Review: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is an increasing cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Although COPD has historically been considered a disease of white male smokers, it now clearly impacts both sexes and all races, with mortality rising fastest in women and African-Americans. Given the scarcity of data about non-African-American minorities, this review will focus on the disparities in COPD susceptibility, diagnosis, and treatment between men and women and between African-Americans and whites.
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