Demographics and survival of patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis in the FinnishIPF registry.

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is characterised by unpredictable disease course and poor survival. After the introduction of novel antifibrotic drugs, the prognosis of patients with IPF is probably changing. FinnishIPF, a nationwide registry of carefully characterised patients, was initiated in Finland in 2011.

Are physicians in primary health care able to recognize pulmonary fibrosis?

: The early diagnosis of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) has become increasingly important due to evolving treatment options. IPF patients experience a significant delay in receiving an accurate diagnosis, thus delayed access to tertiary care is associated with higher mortality independently from disease severity. : The aims were to evaluate whether there had been a delay in the referral process, and to determine whether the referring doctors had suspected IPF or other interstitial lung disease (ILD) already during the time of referral.

[The prognosis of lung cancer continues to be poor--treatment outcome within The Hospital District of Southwest Finland in 2004 to 2011].

Background: The survival of lung cancer patients is still poor; 10-15% are alive five years after diagnosis.

Material And Methods: We evaluated 1 542 patients with new lung cancer diagnosis in 2004-2011.

Results: The one-, two- and five-year survival rate was 37.

[Commencement of and adherence to CPAP treatment of patients with sleep-disordered breathing].

Background: We evaluated the changes in nasal CPAP treatment and adherence in patients with sleep-disordered breathing (SDB).

Material And Methods: Information from the clinic database of 4,385 patients commencing CPAP treatment during 2002-2009.

Results: Average CPAP adherence was 74%.

Pemetrexed in malignant pleural mesothelioma and the clinical outcome.

Introduction: Pemetrexed has emerged as standard chemotherapy for malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM).

Objectives: MPMs at two Finnish University Hospitals during 7 years (2000-2006) were reviewed in order to evaluate the treatments, survival and prognostic factors. The results in two periods (before pemetrexed use in 2000-2002 and with pemetrexed in 2003-2006) were compared.

[Bevacizumab in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer].

Treatment of advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer with current cytotoxic agents is at its best able to only slow down the progression of the disease, while no curative treatment is known. Novel antiangiogenetic agents such as Bevacizumab have been expected to bring about a change in the treatment and prognosis of this disease. Two randomized studies have been conducted with Bevacizumab, whereby it was observed to make the therapeutic results more effective when combined with a cytotoxic platinum agent in a selected patient group.

Delays in the diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer.

Study Objectives: This study was undertaken to measure delays of diagnosis and to assess the causes for those delays in patients with lung cancer. In addition, the relation of delay times and survival was analyzed.

Design: A retrospective study based on patient records.

Gastroesophageal reflux and bronchial responsiveness: correlation and the effect of fundoplication.

Background: A causal relationship between gastroesophageal reflux (GER) and asthma has been suggested. Should this be the case, one could expect treatment of GER to diminish bronchial sensitivity. There has been a lack of trials evaluating the efficacy of antireflux surgery on airway reactivity.