Publications by authors named "Irena F Laska"
Article Synopsis
- Bronchiectasis is a chronic lung condition marked by the permanent widening of airways, leading to symptoms like cough and sputum production, with rising global incidence possibly linked to better imaging and awareness.
- Recent studies show a significant increase in mortality rates among bronchiectasis patients, ranging from 16-24.8% over 4-5 years, though prevalence data can vary widely, indicating possible underreporting and methodological issues in research.
- This review aims to summarize current epidemiological data on bronchiectasis, including its incidence, prevalence, mortality, healthcare costs, and factors affecting its distribution across different geographic areas.
Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) combined with bronchodilators can reduce the frequency of exacerbations in some patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). There is evidence, however, that ICS are frequently used in patients where their benefit has not been established. Therefore, there is a need for a personalised approach to the use of ICS in COPD and to consider withdrawal of ICS in patients without a clear indication.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBackground: Objective assessment of symptoms in bronchiectasis is important for research and in clinical practice. The COPD Assessment Test (CAT) is a short, simple assessment tool widely used in COPD. The items included in the CAT are not specific to COPD and also reflect the dominant symptoms of bronchiectasis.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBackground: Although use of inhaled antibiotics is the standard of care in cystic fibrosis, there is insufficient evidence to support use of inhaled antibiotics in patients with bronchiectasis not due to cystic fibrosis. We aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of inhaled antibiotics for the long-term treatment of adults with bronchiectasis and chronic respiratory tract infections.
Methods: We did a systematic review and meta-analysis of all randomised controlled trials of inhaled-antibiotic use in adult patients with bronchiectasis and chronic respiratory tract infections.
The aim of the study was to determine the accuracy of rapid on-site examinations, performed on transbronchial brushings of peripheral pulmonary lesions, in determining final bronchoscopic diagnosis. In addition to determining if rapid on-site examination impacts procedural outcomes. A prospective cohort study of consecutive patients with peripheral pulmonary lesions, which had been located by radial endobronchial ultrasound, was undertaken.
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