Clinical Characteristics and Risk of Exacerbations Associated With Different Diagnostic Criteria of Asthma-COPD Overlap.

Introduction: There is currently no universally accepted definition of asthma-COPD overlap (ACO).

Objective: To compare the prevalence of ACO in patients with asthma or COPD, and to assess their clinical characteristics and the capacity of the different definitions to predict the risk of exacerbation.

Method: Prospective observational study with a 12-month follow-up in an asthma cohort and a COPD cohort.

Effectiveness and pharmacoeconomic analysis of the treatment of severe asthma with omalizumab in clinical practice.

Objective: To assess socio-sanitary expenditure after the addition of omalizumab to standard treatment in the control of severe asthma and to analyse its effectiveness under standard clinical practice.

Method: Observational retrospective multicentre study conducted in 12  pneumology services in the Valencian Community, Spain. Data from 186  patients were analysed.

The role of pulmonology in the National Health System Chronicity Strategy.

Longer life expectancy and the progressive aging of the population is changing the epidemiological pattern of healthcare, with a reduction in the incidence of acute diseases and a marked increase in chronic diseases. This change brings important social, healthcare and economic consequences that call for a reorganization of patient care. In this respect, the Spanish National Health System has developed a Chronicity strategy that proposes a substantial change in focus from traditional rescue medicine to patient- and environment-centered care, with a planned, proactive, participative and multidisciplinary approach.

Primary pulmonary Hodgkin's lymphoma.

A 21-year-old man presented to hospital with a two-month history of productive cough with no other symptoms. Radiology revealed a cavitating lesion in the left upper lobe for which a variety of diagnoses were considered. A biopsy revealed primary pulmonary Hodgkin's lymphoma.