Relationship between pulmonary hyperinflation and dyspnoea severity during acute exacerbations of cystic fibrosis.

Background And Objective: Acute exacerbations of cystic fibrosis (CF) occur frequently throughout the course of the disease. Dyspnoea is the most common and distressing symptom experienced by patients during these episodes. We tested the hypothesis that pulmonary hyperinflation is an important determinant of dyspnoea severity during acute exacerbations.

Effects of heated humidification and topical steroids on compliance, nasal symptoms, and quality of life in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome using nasal continuous positive airway pressure.

Background: Nasal side effects are common in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) starting on nasal continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy. We tested the hypothesis that heated humidification or nasal topical steroids improve compliance, nasal side effects and quality of life in this patient group.

Methods: 125 patients with the established diagnosis of OSAS (apnea/hypopnea index > or = 10/h), who tolerated CPAP via a nasal mask, and who had a successful CPAP titration were randomized to 4 weeks of dry CPAP, humidified CPAP or CPAP with additional topical nasal steroid application (fluticasone, GlaxoWellcome).

Effects of salmeterol on sleeping oxygen saturation in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Background: Sleep is associated with important adverse effects in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), such as disturbed sleep quality and gas exchange, including hypoxemia and hypercapnia. The effects of inhaled long-acting beta(2)-agonist therapy (LABA) on these disturbances are unclear.

Objectives: The aim of the study was to assess the effect of inhaled salmeterol on nocturnal sleeping arterial oxygen saturation (SaO(2)) and sleep quality.

Auto-adjusting versus fixed positive pressure therapy in mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnoea.

Study Objectives: To determine if auto-adjusting positive airway pressure (APAP) would be better tolerated on the basis of delivering a lower mean pressure in patients with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS).

Design: Patients spent 8 weeks on continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) and 8 weeks on APAP in a randomized crossover design.

Setting: Respiratory Sleep Disorders Unit in a University Hospital and the patient's home.

Cardiovascular risk markers in obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome and correlation with obesity.

Background: High C-reactive protein (CRP) and homocysteine levels are risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Some, but not all, previous studies have reported increased levels of CRP and homocysteine in patients with obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS). A study was undertaken to investigate the levels of these factors in carefully selected patients with OSAS and matched normal controls.