Early and Sustained Response to Benralizumab in Severe, Eosinophilic Asthma: A Real-World Observational Study.

Purpose: Although studies have evaluated benralizumab, a monoclonal IL-5 receptor α antibody in severe eosinophilic asthma (SEA), in real-world settings, additional evidence is needed to further characterize its effectiveness in specific patient populations. Our study aimed to evaluate asthma control over 56 weeks in patients treated with benralizumab in Swiss real-world settings.

Patients And Methods: Conducted across 13 centres, this prospective, observational, non-interventional study involved 73 adults with physician confirmed SEA.

Vaccination in adult patients with chronic lung diseases.

In Switzerland, additional vaccinations against influenza, COVID-19, Streptococcus pneumoniae and varicella zoster virus (VZV), are recommended for patients with chronic lung diseases such as COPD, asthma or interstitial lung disease, since infectious diseases often lead to exacerbation of lung diseases resulting in increased disease burden and mortality. In this review we give an overview on recommended vaccinations for patients with chronic lung diseases, also including vaccinations against pertussis and RSV, which are recommended in international guidelines. While continuous development of vaccines against S.

Pulmonary Embolism Management Audit and Machine Learning Analysis of Delayed Anticoagulation in a Swiss Teaching Hospital.

Diagnosing acute pulmonary embolism (PE) is challenging due to its wide range of symptoms and numerous differential diagnoses. Medical professionals must balance performing all essential examinations and avoiding unnecessary testing. This study aimed to retrospectively audit the diagnosis and treatment of acute PE at a Swiss public teaching hospital to determine the adherence to current guidelines and to identify the factors associated with the delayed initiation of anticoagulation in PE patients.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Acute Heart Failure: A Retrospective Observational Study and Medical Audit.

: Acute Heart Failure (AHF) is a leading cause of hospitalizations and remains a significant socioeconomic burden. Despite advances in medical care, mortality and rehospitalization rates remain high. Previous AHF audits have revealed regional differences and a poor adherence to guidelines.

Effects of serial NT-proBNP measurements in patients with acute decompensated heart failure: Results of the POC-HF pilot trial.

Introduction: Serial N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) measurements have proven to be useful for therapy monitoring in patients hospitalized for acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF). The POC-HF pilot study investigated whether serial NT-proBNP measurements influenced treatment decisions in these patients.

Methods: Patients hospitalized for ADHF were randomly assigned to an intervention group (serial NT-proBNP measurements made available to treating physicians) or a control group (care as usual).

Proteinuria Assessment and Therapeutic Implementation in Chronic Kidney Disease Patients-A Clinical Audit on KDIGO ("Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes") Guidelines.

: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a major health problem with a rising prevalence due to comorbidities like diabetes and hypertension. The aim of this research was to audit the assessment and therapeutic management of proteinuria in CKD patients at the Cantonal Hospital Baselland (KSBL) in Switzerland and determine associations between patient comorbidities, rehospitalisation, death, and the quality of therapeutic management. : We analysed data from 427 adults with CKD (eGFR < 45 mL/min/1.

The Predictive Performance of Risk Scores for the Outcome of COVID-19 in a 2-Year Swiss Cohort.

Various scoring systems are available for COVID-19 risk stratification. This study aimed to validate their performance in predicting severe COVID-19 course in a large, heterogeneous Swiss cohort. Scores like the National Early Warning Score (NEWS), CURB-65, 4C mortality score (4C), Spanish Society of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology score (COVID-SEIMC), and COVID Intubation Risk Score (COVID-IRS) were assessed in patients hospitalized for COVID-19 in 2020 and 2021.

Characteristics and feedback of adult survivors of childhood cancer seen in Swiss comprehensive follow-up clinics led by general internists: a prospective cohort study.

Objectives: In our study, we aimed to characterise adult childhood cancer survivors (ACCS), assess their health issues, gauge health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and evaluate visit satisfaction.

Design: Prospective cohort study using data from clinical visits and questionnaires.

Setting: Interdisciplinary follow-up programme for ACCS based on the long-term follow-up (LTFU) guidelines of the Children's Oncology Group and overseen by internists in two Swiss hospitals.

Nonspecific stress biomarkers for mortality prediction in older emergency department patients presenting with falls: a prospective multicenter observational study.

Background: Older patients presenting to the emergency department (ED) after falling are increasingly prevalent. Falls are associated with functional decline and death. Biomarkers predicting short-term mortality might facilitate decisions regarding resource allocation and disposition.

Diagnostic and prognostic value of cardiac troponins in emergency department patients presenting after a fall: A prospective, multicenter study.

Background: Emergency department (ED) presentations after a ground-level fall (GLF) are common. Falls were suggested to be another possible presenting feature of a myocardial infarction (MI), as unrecognized MIs are common in older adults. Elevated high-sensitivity cardiac troponin (hs-cTn) concentrations could help determine the etiology of a GLF in ED.

Diagnosis and Therapy of Community-Acquired Pneumonia in the Emergency Department: A Retrospective Observational Study and Medical Audit.

Background: Despite advances in therapy, community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is still associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Several studies conducted in different countries have reported suboptimal adherence to the guidelines. However, there are currently no available data on adherence to CAP guidelines specifically in Switzerland.

The Management of Acute Exacerbations in COPD: A Retrospective Observational Study and Clinical Audit.

(1) Background: Acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are not only associated with increased patient morbidity and mortality, but with extensive healthcare costs. Thus, adequate clinical management is crucial. The aim of this project was to evaluate the management of acute COPD exacerbations in a public teaching hospital in Switzerland.

The Early HOSPITAL Score to Predict 30-Day Readmission Soon After Hospitalization: a Prospective Multicenter Study.

Background: The simplified HOSPITAL score is an easy-to-use prediction model to identify patients at high risk of 30-day readmission before hospital discharge. An earlier stratification of this risk would allow more preparation time for transitional care interventions.

Objective: To assess whether the simplified HOSPITAL score would perform similarly by using hemoglobin and sodium level at the time of admission instead of discharge.

Clinical characteristics governing treatment adjustment in COPD patients: results from the Swiss COPD cohort study.

Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a widespread chronic disease characterised by irreversible airway obstruction [1]. Features of clinical practice and healthcare systems for COPD patients can vary widely, even within similar healthcare structures. The Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) strategy is considered the most reliable guidance for the management of COPD and aims to provide treating physicians with appropriate insight into the disease.

Risk Factors for Recurrent Exacerbations in the General-Practitioner-Based Swiss Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Cohort.

Background: Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) often suffer from acute exacerbations. Our objective was to describe recurrent exacerbations in a GP-based Swiss COPD cohort and develop a statistical model for predicting exacerbation.

Methods: COPD cohort demographic and medical data were recorded for 24 months, by means of a questionnaire-based COPD cohort.

Adherence to the GOLD Guidelines in Primary Care: Data from the Swiss COPD Cohort.

(1) Introduction: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and its associated morbidity and mortality are a global burden on both affected patients and healthcare systems. The Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) issues guidelines with the aim of improving COPD management. Previous studies reported significant variability in adherence to these recommendations.

The Correct Indication to Induce Labour in a Swiss Cantonal Hospital.

Background: Induction of labour (IOL) is a way to stimulate the onset of labour using mechanical and pharmacological methods. IOL is one of the most frequently performed obstetric procedures worldwide. We aimed to determine compliance with guidelines and to investigate factors associated with the success of labour.

Factors Affecting Best-Tolerated Dose of Pirfenidone in Patients with Fibrosing Interstitial Lung Disease.

The aim of the study was to examine the best-tolerated dose of pirfenidone, the adverse effects profile, and potential factors other than drug dose influencing the tolerability of pirfenidone in patients with fibrosing interstitial lung diseases (ILDs). We performed an observational retrospective study of 113 patients with IPF and other fibrosing ILDs treated with pirfenidone. Baseline liver function tests (LFTs) and dose escalation of pirfenidone were recorded for all patients.

Occurrence of sensitive topics during ward round: an ancillary analysis of the BEDSIDE-OUTSIDE trial.

Objective: Discussing sensitive topics (eg, medical uncertainty, social issues, non-adherence) during ward rounds is challenging and may negatively impact patient satisfaction with the healthcare they are receiving. In the previous multicentre randomised BEDSIDE-OUTSIDE trial focusing on communication during ward rounds, we investigated the interplay between sensitive topics and low reported satisfaction with care.

Design: Pre-planned secondary analysis of a randomised controlled trial.

Predictors of Length of Stay, Rehospitalization and Mortality in Community-Acquired Pneumonia Patients: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

Background: Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) represents one of the leading causes of hospitalization and has a substantial impact on the financial burden of healthcare. The aim of this study was to identify factors associated with the length of hospital stay (LOHS), rehospitalization and mortality of patients admitted for CAP.

Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted with patients presenting to a Swiss public hospital between January 2019 and December 2019.

Is Serum 25-Hydroxyvitamin D Level Associated with Severity of COVID-19? A Retrospective Study.

(1) Background: SARS-COV2 infection has a clinical spectrum ranging from asymptomatic infection to COVID-19 with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Although vitamin D deficiency is often found in patients with ARDS, its role in COVID-19 is not clear. The aim of this study was to explore a possible association between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels and the severity of COVID-19 in hospitalised patients.

[COPD : a still neglected condition].

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a heterogeneous lung disorder with a complex clinical picture. The diagnosis may be difficult at times, as COPD may develop insidiously and remain unnoticed for a long time. Therefore, general practitioners play a central role in early detection of disease.