Endobronchial administration of tranexamic Acid for controlling pulmonary bleeding: a pilot study.

Background: Tranexamic acid (TA) is a synthetic antifibrinolytic substance used for short-term control of bleeding. However, control of pulmonary bleeding with endobronchial administration of TA in more than 2 cases has not been attempted earlier.

Objective: We tested the feasibility of endobronchial administration of TA for controlling pulmonary bleeding.

Endoscopic sealing of bronchopleural fistulas with submucosal injection of a tissue expander: a novel technique.

The occurrence of a bronchopleural fistula (BPF) continues to represent a challenging management problem, and is associated with high morbidity and mortality. A novel and successful technique that uses submucosal injection of a tissue expander for bronchoscopic occlusion of BPFs has been designed. This method may be used either alone or in combination with bronchoscopic instillation of n-butyl-cyanoacrylate glue.

[Importance of fatigue, sleep quality and mood in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and the need for measurement instruments].

The effect of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) on patients and their perception of wellbeing goes beyond functional respiratory alterations. Fatigue, mood and sleep alterations constitute a complex of interrelated symptoms affecting perception of health status. Fatigue is a highly important symptom due to its frequency, clinical repercussions and association with other manifestations.

[Annual Review of COPD].

There have been significant advances in the knowledge in the thoracic and extrathoracic aspects of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in the past few years. COPD is associated with numerous comorbidities, the prevalences of which have recently been evaluated. Dyspnea has been shown to be associated with neuropsychiatric disturbances, such as anxiety.

[Training of pulmonologists in overseas centers: a resident's experience].

Training in pulmonology at overseas centers may require a considerable effort, and although such an experience could even imply a financial burden for the trainee, the benefits far outweigh the material costs. The desire for personal and scientific growth should encourage young pulmonologists and medical residents to rotate outside Spain and become acquainted with other health care systems, customs, dynamics, and resources in order to obtain quality training and added value that will further enrich our specialty. Any pulmonologist wishing to undergo specialized training at an overseas institution will necessarily consider questions such as the relevance of the stay and its objectives, timing, availability of centers, eligibility, and funding agencies.

Factors associated with quality of life in patients with chronic respiratory failure due to kyphoscoliosis.

Objectives: Patients with chronic respiratory failure due to kyphoscoliosis (CHRF-KS) constitute a specific population with impaired health-related quality of life (HRQL). Thus far, no studies have examined factors related to HRQL. The objective of the present study was to identify clinical, functional and exertion-related factors associated with HRQL.

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.

Temporal trends in asthma mortality over 30 years.

Background: Bronchial asthma is an important cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. There is limited availability of updated information on asthma mortality trends. In this context, further investigation of asthma mortality trends is necessary.

Association of the 3050G>C polymorphism in the cyclooxygenase 2 gene with systemic sarcoidosis.

Background: We investigated the potential association between cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) gene polymorphisms and clinical manifestations of sarcoidosis.

Methods: This observational cross-sectional study involved seven hospitals in Spain. We diagnosed patients with sarcoidosis according to the International Criteria.

Transculturally adapted Spanish SRI questionnaire for home mechanically ventilated patients was viable, valid, and reliable.

Objective: To validate the Spanish Severe Respiratory Insufficiency (SRI) questionnaire, the first health-related quality-of-life questionnaire specific for patients receiving home mechanical ventilation (HMV).

Study Design And Setting: This multicenter prospective study enrolled 115 patients (53 males, age 62+/-13 years) receiving HMV, recruited from five hospitals. Patients were scheduled for two visits during which sociodemographic and clinical data were recorded, and both the Spanish SRI and the SF-36 questionnaires were administered.

[Lung cancer mortality trends in Spain between 1980 and 2005].

Objective: To describe trends in lung cancer mortality in Spain between 1980 and 2005.

Material And Methods: Data on deaths from lung cancer during the study period were obtained from the Spanish National Institute of Statistics. Global and truncated (35 to 64 years) age-specific and gender-specific mortality rates were calculated and expressed as rates per 100,000 person-years.

[Hepatopulmonary syndrome in patients with advanced hepatic disease: study of a series of 24 cases].

Background And Objective: To describe the characteristics observed in patients diagnosed of hepatopulmonary syndrome (HPS) waiting for orthotopic liver transplantation and those who underwent liver trasplantation.

Patients And Method: An observational prospective descriptive study was carried out of patients waiting for liver transplantation in whom data of liver illness and lung function tests were analyzed.

Results: 107 patients of 53.

Shuttle walking versus maximal cycle testing: clinical correlates in patients with kyphoscoliosis.

A cross-sectional prospective design was used to compare the effectiveness of the shuttle walking test (SWT) and the maximal cycle ergometry test (CET) to assess the functional capacity of patients with chronic hypercapnic respiratory failure due to severe kyphoscoliosis. Twenty-four patients completed both the SWT and CET. Heart rate, blood pressure, leg fatigue, chest pain and dyspnea (Borg's scale) were measured immediately after each test.

Factors related to quality of life in patients receiving home mechanical ventilation.

Objectives: The objective of this study was to evaluate factors associated with health-related quality of life (HRQOL) among patients receiving home mechanical ventilation (HMV).

Methods: Observational, cross-sectional study. Patients receiving HMV were recruited from hospital outpatients facilities at five participating centers; a single follow-up visit was scheduled.

CPAP titration: Different methods for similar clinical results.

Background: Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is the main treatment for obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS). Polysomnography (PSG) is the gold standard for CPAP titration. However, alternative methods have been sought to titrate CPAP at less expense in terms of time and resources.

Incidence of interstitial lung diseases in the south of Spain 1998-2000: the RENIA study.

Unlabelled: This study aims to describe the distribution of interstitial lung diseases (ILD) in the South of Spain.

Methods: A prospective multicentre population-based registry was established in nine provinces in the south of Spain with a population of 6,848,243 during a 3-year period (1998-2000). The number of participant physicians was 36 among 29 public hospitals.