Publications by authors named "W Boersma"
Background: Aspergillus species cause diverse clinical manifestations in bronchiectasis including allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA), Aspergillus sensitization (AS), and raised IgG indicating exposure to or infection with Aspergillus.
Research Question: What are the prevalence and clinical significance of Aspergillus-associated conditions in individuals with bronchiectasis?
Study Design And Methods: Patients with bronchiectasis enrolled into the European Bronchiectasis Registry from 2015 through 2022 with laboratory testing for Aspergillus lung disease (total IgE, IgE specific to Aspergillus or Aspergillus skin test, or IgG specific to Aspergillus and blood eosinophil counts) were included for analysis. Modified International Society for Human and Anima Mycology ABPA working group criteria (2021) were used to define ABPA.
Background: In community-acquired pneumonia (CAP), the role of biomarkers to shorten duration of antibiotic treatment has not been firmly established. We assessed the effectiveness of active feedback of treatment algorithms based on procalcitonin (PCT) and C-reactive protein (CRP), compared to standard care, on the duration of antibiotic treatment in patients hospitalized with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) in non-ICU wards.
Methods And Findings: We performed a randomised, open label, parallel group, multi-centre trial in 3 Dutch teaching hospitals.
Article Synopsis
- International guidelines emphasize the importance of airway clearance management in treating bronchiectasis, yet its actual usage across Europe remains unclear.
- A study involving 16,723 patients from 28 countries showed that 52% reported using regular airway clearance, with significant variation in techniques and usage between countries.
- Patients using airway clearance tended to have more severe disease and symptoms, and access to specialized respiratory physiotherapy was notably low, especially in Eastern Europe.
Article Synopsis
- - The study utilized a 4-point sputum colour chart to assess airway inflammation in bronchiectasis patients, analyzing data from 13,484 individuals across 31 countries in the EMBARC registry.
- - Findings revealed that more purulent sputum correlates with worse lung function, a higher severity of the disease, increased frequency of exacerbations, and greater risk of hospitalizations and mortality.
- - The research concluded that sputum colour serves as an effective, straightforward indicator for predicting clinical outcomes and disease severity in bronchiectasis patients.