Agreement between a simple dyspnea-guided treatment algorithm for stable COPD and the GOLD guidelines: a pilot study.

Introduction: Guidelines recommendations for the treatment of COPD are poorly followed. This could be related to the complexity of classification and treatment algorithms. The purpose of this study was to validate a simpler dyspnea-based treatment algorithm for inhaled pharmacotherapy in stable COPD, comparing its concordance with the current Global Initiative for Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) guideline.

Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: Prevalence and Predictors.

Objective: Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) prevalence has been reported to be between 0.5% and 17% in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). This study assessed PAH prevalence and predictors in an SLE cohort.

Prevalence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in the Canary Islands.

Introduction: The prevalence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) varies significantly among the different geographical areas reported. In Spain, two epidemiological studies have shown a prevalence of 9-10% in the population aged over 40. However, neither of these studies included the Canary Islands, which are of interest due to their climatic conditions and high incidence of smoking.

Prevalence of sensitization to Blomia tropicalis among young adults in a temperate climate.

Background: There are no previous population-based studies assessing the prevalence of Blomia tropicalis (BT). This investigation analyzes the prevalence of sensitization to BT and its contribution to asthma and related diseases among young adults in the Canary Islands.

Material And Methods: From a random sample of 9506 adults, aged between 20 and 44, who had previously answered a short respiratory questionnaire, a further 20% random sample was drawn.

Long-term cardiopulmonary function after thoracic sympathectomy: comparison between the conventional and simplified techniques.

Objective: We sought to compare the long-term effects of conventional and simplified thoracic sympathectomy on cardiopulmonary function.

Methods: We performed a prospective and randomized study of 32 patients with diagnoses of primary hyperhidrosis who were candidates for either conventional or simplified thoracic sympathectomy. Patients were randomized according to the type of procedure: conventional thoracic sympathectomy (18 patients) and simplified thoracic sympathectomy (14 patients).

Long-term inhaled nitric oxide plus phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors for severe pulmonary hypertension.

Background: Inhaled nitric oxide (iNO) is a potent pulmonary vasodilator, but therapeutic experience in patients with severe pulmonary hypertension is scarce.

Methods: Eleven patients with severe pulmonary hypertension, 6 due to pulmonary arterial hypertension and 4 due to chronic thromboembolic disease, were selected for iNO therapy. A phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor (PDE5i) was added in cases of clinical worsening.

[Intrathoracic gossypiboma interpreted as bronchogenic carcinoma. Another false positive with positron emission tomography].

Gossypibomas from inflammatory reactions to textile foreign bodies are a rare postoperative complication and are easily confused with neoplastic processes because of their diversity of symptoms and radiographic signs. Positron emission tomography (PET) is seldom used to diagnose gossypibomas and PET findings can result in false positives for a diagnosis of neoplastic disease. We describe the case of a 56-year-old man in whom PET findings showed an intrathoracic mass suggesting a tumor.

Usefulness of cephalometry in sparing polysomnography of patients with suspected obstructive sleep apnea.

The aim of this investigation was to evaluate the contribution of cephalometry to a statistical model integrating clinical, physical, and oximetric variables, to reduce demands for polysomnographies. Two hundred and twenty-five consecutive patients that had been referred to the sleep clinic for suspected obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) were studied. The clinical assessment of all patients consisted of a sleep related questionnaire, the Epworth sleepiness scale, and a physical examination.

Long-term inhaled nitric oxide plus dipyridamole for pulmonary arterial hypertension.

Inhaled nitric oxide (iNO) has been shown to be a potent and selective vasodilator in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). However, the clinical experience in prolonged treatment is limited. We assess the safety and effectiveness of long-term administration of iNO in severe PAH.

Long-term pulmonary function after thoracic sympathectomy.

Background: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the long-term and midterm effects of thoracic sympathectomy on pulmonary function and to assess the influence of the sympathetic nervous system on bronchomotor tone.

Methods: Thirty-seven consecutive patients were diagnosed with primary hyperhidrosis requiring thoracic sympathectomy and were included in this study. Spirometry and methacholine challenge testing were performed before and 3 months after surgery.