CT densitometry in emphysema: a systematic review of its clinical utility.

Background: The aim of the study was to assess the relationship between computed tomography (CT) densitometry and routine clinical markers in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and alpha-1 anti-trypsin deficiency (AATD).

Methods: Multiple databases were searched using a combination of pertinent terms and those articles relating quantitatively measured CT densitometry to clinical outcomes. Studies that used visual scoring only were excluded, as were those measured in expiration only.

ICS Use May Modify FEV1 Decline in α1-Antitrypsin Deficiency Patients with Relatively High Blood Eosinophils.

Background: α1-Antitrypsin deficiency (AATD) predisposes to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). In COPD unrelated to AATD, the role of a higher blood eosinophil count in disease and subsequent personalization of therapy has recently received much attention. We sought to investigate this concept in patients with AATD-associated COPD.

Rare case of eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis in two patients with α-1-antitrypsin deficiency (PiSZ).

We present two cases of eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis occurring with α-1-antitrypsin deficiency, both PiSZ phenotype. The simultaneous occurrence of these two conditions has seldom been described in the literature, despite evidence of an association between α-1-antitrypsin deficiency and other forms of vasculitis. Both patients had pulmonary involvement and reported intermittent exacerbations of vasculitic symptoms.

Identifying the lowest effective dose of acetazolamide for the prophylaxis of acute mountain sickness: systematic review and meta-analysis.

Objectives: To assess the efficacy of three different daily doses of acetazolamide in the prevention of acute mountain sickness and to determine the lowest effective dose.

Design: Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Data Sources: Medline and Embase along with a hand search of selected bibliographies.