Using PICO Methodology to Answer Questions About Smoking in COPD Patients.

The ALAT and SEPAR Treatment and Control of Smoking Groups have collaborated in the preparation of this document which attempts to answer, by way of PICO methodology, different questions on health interventions for helping COPD patients to stop smoking. The main recommendations are: (i)moderate-quality evidence and strong recommendation for performing spirometry in COPD patients and in smokers with a high risk of developing the disease, as a motivational tool (particularly for showing evidence of lung age), a diagnostic tool, and for active case-finding; (ii)high-quality evidence and strong recommendation for using intensive dedicated behavioral counselling and drug treatment for helping COPD patients to stop smoking; (iii)high-quality evidence and strong recommendation for initiating interventions for helping COPD patients to stop smoking during hospitalization with improvement when the intervention is prolonged after discharge, and (iv)high-quality evidence and strong recommendation for funding treatment of smoking in COPD patients, in view of the impact on health and health economics.

Prevalence, Knowledge and Attitudes Towards Smoking Among SEPAR Members.

The aims of this study were to estimate the prevalence of smoking among SEPAR members, and their approach to smoking cessation in their patients. An online survey was completed by 640 members (496 pulmonologists, 45 nurses, 34 thoracic surgeons, 37 physiotherapists, and 28 other specialists). Of the members interviewed, 5% confessed that they were smokers: 3.

Clinical application of the COPD assessment test: longitudinal data from the COPD History Assessment in Spain (CHAIN) cohort.

Objective: The COPD Assessment Test (CAT) has been proposed for assessing health status in COPD, but little is known about its longitudinal changes. The objective of this study was to evaluate 1-year CAT variability in patients with stable COPD and to relate its variations to changes in other disease markers.

Methods: We evaluated the following variables in smokers with and without COPD at baseline and after 1 year: CAT score, age, sex, smoking status, pack-year history, BMI, modified Medical Research Council (mMRC) scale, 6-min walk distance (6MWD), lung function, BODE (BMI, obstruction, dyspnea, exercise capacity) index, hospital admissions, Hospital and Depression Scale, and the Charlson comorbidity index.

Recommendations for fitness for work medical evaluations in chronic respiratory patients. Spanish Society of Pulmonology and Thoracic Surgery (SEPAR).

Chronic respiratory diseases often cause impairment in the functions and/or structure of the respiratory system, and impose limitations on different activities in the lives of persons who suffer them. In younger patients with an active working life, these limitations can cause problems in carrying out their normal work. Article 41 of the Spanish Constitution states that «the public authorities shall maintain a public Social Security system for all citizens guaranteeing adequate social assistance and benefits in situations of hardship».

Evaluating respiratory patient disability.

The evaluation of the disabilities of patients with respiratory disease is regulated by the Spanish Ministry of Labor and Social Security, as are disabilities of any other type. We believe, however, that in respiratory pathologies this evaluation is especially complicated because, as they are chronic processes, they inter-relate with other systems. Furthermore, they tend to have occasional exacerbations; therefore, normal periods may alternate with other periods of important functional limitations.

[Cyclooxygenase-2 polymorphisms and bronchoalveolar lavage cellularity of sarcoidosis].

Objectives: Recent studies have found cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and its polymorphisms to be associated with sarcoidosis, being it significantly decreased in alveolar macrophages, with no information on the relationship between these polymorphisms and the rest of cells in bronchoalveolar layage (BAL). The present study aimed to investigate the potential association between COX-2 gene polymorphisms and the BAL cell profile including the CD4/CD8 ratio.

Material And Methods: This observational cross-sectional study involved six hospitals in Spain.

Serum levels of soluble mesothelin-related peptides in malignant and nonmalignant asbestos-related pleural disease: relation with past asbestos exposure.

Background: Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) results from malignant transformation of mesothelial cells. Past asbestos exposure represents a major risk factor for MPM and other benign pleural disease. Soluble mesothelin-related peptides (SMRP) have been regarded as a promising serum biomarker for MPM.

Cyclooxygenase-2 polymorphisms confer susceptibility to sarcoidosis but are not related to prognosis.

Background: The aim of this multicenter study was to investigate the relationship between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the cyclooxygenase-2 (COX2) gene and susceptibility to sarcoidosis, as well as the relation between these SNPs and the evolution of the disease.

Material And Methods: This multicenter investigation involved seven hospitals in Spain. We used a case-control design followed by a prospective follow-up study.