Publications by authors named "Josef Bolitschek"
The Austrian Society of Pneumology (ASP) launched a first statement on severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection in May 2020, at a time when in Austria 285 people had died from this disease and vaccinations were not available. Lockdown and social distancing were the only available measures to prevent more infections and the breakdown of the health system. Meanwhile, in Austria over 13,000 patients have died in association with a SARS-CoV‑2 infection and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) was among the most common causes of death; however, SARS-CoV‑2 has been mutating all the time and currently, most patients have been affected by the delta variant where the vaccination is very effective but the omicron variant is rapidly rising and becoming predominant.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFArticle Synopsis
- Scientific members of the Austrian Society of Pneumology emphasize the need for patient-oriented and cost-efficient respiratory care in Austria, focusing on various respiratory diseases and their environmental impacts.
- Key findings highlight the high prevalence of respiratory diseases linked to unhealthy behaviors, with a projection of increased disease rates but fewer hospitalizations in the future.
- Suggested measures include implementing screening for lung cancer and COPD, utilizing e-health solutions, enhancing patient education, fostering inter-professional care, and promoting outpatient pulmonary rehabilitation programs.
Results of the Austrian National Lung Cancer Audit.
Clin Med Insights Oncol
September 2020
Objectives: The Austrian Lung Cancer Audit (ALCA) is a pilot study to evaluate clinical and organizational factors related to lung cancer care across Austria.
Materials And Methods: The ALCA is a prospective, observational, noninterventional cohort study conducted in 17 departments in Austria between September 2013 and March 2015. Participating departments were selected based on an annual case load of >50 patients with lung cancer.
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is currently a challenge worldwide. In Austria, a crisis within the healthcare system has so far been prevented. The treatment of patients with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP), including SARS-CoV‑2 infections, should continue to be based on evidence-based CAP guidelines during the pandemic; however, COVID-19 specific adjustments are useful.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBackground: Tiotropium + olodaterol improves lung function and symptoms compared to monotherapies in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The OTEMTO 1 and 2 studies investigated the effects of tiotropium + olodaterol on lung function and health-related quality of life compared to placebo in patients with moderate to severe COPD.
Methods: In these two replicate, double-blind, parallel-group, placebo-controlled trials, patients were randomised to receive tiotropium + olodaterol 5/5 μg, 2.