Effect of short-course exercise training on the frequency of exacerbations and physical activity in patients with COPD: A randomized controlled trial.

Background And Objective: Previous studies have suggested that early pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) programmes post-AECOPD are an effective and safe intervention for reducing hospital admissions and improving quality of life. This study assessed whether a short course of exercise training post-AECOPD with periodic reinforcement exercise training and phone call reminders reduces readmissions and increases physical activity in COPD patients.

Methods: Subjects were randomized into either the (i) intervention group (IG), consisting of 4-8 weeks of training supervised by a physiotherapist and phone contact every 2 weeks by a case manager providing support and reinforcement of continuous exercise at home or (ii) usual care group (UG), which had no input by a physiotherapist or case manager.

Molecular detection of respiratory pathogens and typing of human rhinovirus of adults hospitalized for exacerbation of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Background: Acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) and asthma are associated with a variety of precipitating factors including infection. This study assessed the infective viral etiologies by real-time multiplex polymerase chain reaction of patients hospitalized with AECOPD and asthma exacerbations. In addition, infective etiologies were assessed for association with the clinical outcome of the patients.

Mesenteric fat thickness is associated with metabolic syndrome independently of Apnoea-Hypopnoea Index in subjects with obstructive sleep apnoea.

Background And Objective: Mesenteric fat thickness (MFT) was associated with metabolic syndrome (MetS) and obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) in separate studies. This study aimed to assess whether the association of MFT with MetS was independent of OSA in subjects with suspected OSA.

Methods: Two hundred forty-two subjects (men: 181; women: 61) with suspected OSA underwent ultrasound examinations for measurements of mesenteric, subcutaneous and preperitoneal fat thicknesses after overnight polysomnography.

Early dislodgement of Indwelling Pleural Catheter (IPC): a balancing act.

A 63-year-old nonsmoker with right malignant pleural effusion derived symptomatic benefit following drainage of his effusion. Following insertion of indwelling pleural catheter (IPC), 1.3 L of blood-stained fluid was drained into underwater sealed bottle (Atrium®), but the IPC dislodged 26 h after continuous connection.

COPD care programme can reduce readmissions and in-patient bed days.

Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a common disease worldwide with significant morbidity and mortality.

Aim: To investigate the effect of a comprehensive COPD management programme in decreasing COPD readmissions 1 year before and 1 year after the programme.

Method: 185 (166 males) patients admitted for acute exacerbation of COPD (AECOPD) were recruited between September 2010 and December 2012.

Mesenteric fat thickness is associated with increased risk of obstructive sleep apnoea.

Background And Objective: Mesenteric fat is a type of intraperitoneal adipose tissue draining into portal circulation. The objective of this study was to investigate the relationships between mesenteric fat thickness and obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) in patients with suspected OSA.

Methods: One hundred forty-nine subjects (men: 114; women: 35) with suspected OSA underwent ultrasound examinations of mesenteric, preperitoneal and subcutaneous fat thickness after overnight polysomnography.

Evaluation of the asthma control test: a reliable determinant of disease stability and a predictor of future exacerbations.

Background And Objective: This study assessed the asthma control test (ACT) cut-off values for asthma control according to the Global Initiative for Asthma guideline in adults and the effectiveness of ACT scores in predicting exacerbations and serial changes in ACT scores over time in relation to treatment decisions.

Methods: Subjects completed ACT together with same-day spirometry and fractional concentration of exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) measurement at baseline and at 3 months. Physicians, blinded to the ACT scores and FeNO values, assessed the patient's asthma control in the past month and adjusted the asthma medications according to management guidelines.

The long-term impact of severe acute respiratory syndrome on pulmonary function, exercise capacity and health status.

Background And Objective: Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) emerged in 2003 and its long-term sequelae remain largely unclear. This study examined the long-term outcome of pulmonary function, exercise capacity, health and work status among SARS survivors.

Methods: A prospective cohort study of SARS patients at the Prince of Wales Hospital, Hong Kong was conducted, with serial assessments of lung function, 6MWD and 36 item Short Form General Health Survey at 3, 6, 12, 18 and 24 months after disease onset.

A 1-year prospective study of the infectious etiology in patients hospitalized with acute exacerbations of COPD.

Introduction: Infection is a major cause of acute exacerbations of COPD (AECOPDs). We aimed to study the infectious etiology related to AECOPD.

Methods: Patients admitted to an acute care hospital in Hong Kong with an AECOPD were recruited prospectively from May 1, 2004, to April 30, 2005.

Sleep-disordered breathing and continuous positive airway pressure compliance in a group of commercial bus drivers in Hong Kong.

Objective And Background: Sleep-disordered breathing may predispose drivers to road traffic accidents. However, CPAP acceptance and compliance among commercial bus drivers is unknown.

Methods: We conducted a sleep questionnaire survey at a bus depot followed by random selection of bus drivers for home sleep study with the mesam iv device.