Analyzing respiratory muscle weakness and thoracopulmonary restriction in subjects with Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

Objective: To analyze the underlying components of reduced maximal static inspiratory (MIP) and expiratory (MEP) pressures in subjects with Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

Methods: Forty-three subjects were assessed based on routine pulmonary function tests. MIP and MEP were measured the subjects performed maximal expirations and inspirations using a snorkel mouthpiece.

Argentine consensus recommendations for lung cancer screening programmes: a RAND/UCLA-modified Delphi study.

Background: Lung cancer (LC) screening improves LC survival; the best screening method in terms of improving survival is low-dose CT (LDCT), outpacing chest X-ray and sputum cytology.

Methods: A consensus of experts in Argentina was carried out to review the literature and generate recommendations for LC screening programmes. A mixed-method study was used with three phases: (1) review of the literature; (2) modified Delphi consensus panel; and (3) development of the recommendations.

Estimating prevalence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in the Southern Cone of Latin America: how different spirometric criteria may affect disease burden and health policies.

Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the fourth leading cause of death worldwide. The study aimed to determine and compare the prevalence of COPD in the general population aged 45-74 years old according to fixed ratio and lower limit of normal (LLN) thresholds in four cities in the Southern Cone of Latin America.

Methods: The Pulmonary Risk in South America (PRISA) study used a 4-stage stratified sampling method to select 5814 participants from 4 cities in the Southern Cone of Latin America (Bariloche and Marcos Paz, Argentina; Temuco, Chile; and Pando-Barros Blancos, Uruguay).

Socioeconomic status and COPD among low- and middle-income countries.

Background: Socioeconomic status (SES) is a strong social determinant of health. There remains a limited understanding of the association between SES and COPD prevalence among low- and middle-income countries where the majority of COPD-related morbidity and mortality occurs. We examined the association between SES and COPD prevalence using data collected in Argentina, Bangladesh, Chile, Peru, and Uruguay.

The epidemiology and burden of COPD in Latin America and the Caribbean: systematic review and meta-analysis.

Unlabelled: Abstract Background: In the developing world, COPD continues to be an under studied, diagnosed and treated disorder. In the present study, we analyzed the prevalence, mortality and resource utilization of COPD in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) in order to guide future research and public policies.

Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis was performed following MOOSE and PRISMA guidance.

Detection and follow-up of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and risk factors in the Southern Cone of Latin America: the pulmonary risk in South America (PRISA) study.

Background: The World Health Organization has estimated that by 2030, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease will be the third leading cause of death worldwide. Most knowledge of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is based on studies performed in Europe or North America and little is known about the prevalence, patient characteristics and change in lung function over time in patients in developing countries, such as those of Latin America. This lack of knowledge is in sharp contrast to the high levels of tobacco consumption and exposure to biomass fuels exhibited in Latin America, both major risk factors for the development of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Radiological versus histopathological diagnosis of usual interstitial pneumonia in the clinical practice: does it have any survival difference?

Background: Recent studies have shown that quantification of specific histopathologic features found in usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP) are useful in defining a prognosis, suggesting the need of biopsy in all patients.

Objectives: This study examines whether UIP-associated mortality is different in patients diagnosed by high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) features considered definite of UIP and in patients with no definite radiological diagnosis that required histological confirmation of diagnoses.

Methods: Forty-five patients were included (30 males, mean age 65.

[New argentine consensus of respiratory rehabilitation 2008].

Respiratory rehabilitation (RR) is a multidisciplinary program of care for patients with chronic respiratory impairment, individually tailored, designed to optimize physical and social performance and patient autonomy. It is particularly indicated in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients with exercise intolerance. The objectives of respiratory rehabilitation are: reduction in symptoms and exercise intolerance, improvement of health-related quality of life, and reduction of health costs.

[Diagonal earlobe crease, a sign of coronary artery disease].

The diagonal earlobe crease is a sign theorically related to coronary artery disease. The purpose of this study was to prove the usefulness of this sign. A total of 104 patients were examined (ages 30 to 80) grouped by age and sex.