Phosphodiesterase 4 inhibitors in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a new approach to oral treatment.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease represents a major global health care burden for both primary and secondary care providers and is the most common respiratory condition necessitating hospital admission. Short-acting bronchodilators play a vital role in immediate relief of symptoms, while inhaled long-acting bronchodilators and inhaled corticosteroids are advocated for regular use in individuals with persistent symptoms and exacerbations. Theophylline is a nonspecific phosphodiesterase inhibitor and is usually reserved for patients with ongoing symptoms despite optimum inhaled bronchodilator treatment or when difficulty is encountered with inhaler devices.

Variation in lung cancer survival rates between countries: do differences in data reporting contribute?

Background: Mortality rates from lung cancer are known to vary considerably between countries. Differences in patients, disease, investigation and treatment are thought to account for some survival shortfalls but it is not known whether differences in collection or processing of data also contribute.

Methodology: We searched recognised sources where information regarding mortality rates have been published for the United Kingdom, Europe and United States (US).