Causative diseases of bloody sputum and hemoptysis in respiratory clinics in Japan.

Background: No previous studies have compared respiratory clinics and respiratory specialized facilities regarding causative diseases for bloody sputum and hemoptysis in Japan.

Methods: We retrospectively compared causative diseases for bloody sputum and hemoptysis between 3 respiratory clinics (clinic group) and 7 departments of respiratory medicine at hospitals (hospital group) in Japan.

Results: We collected data from 231 patients (median age, 51 years; age range, 24-96 years; 109 men (47.

Neglected Pulmonary Infection Caused by Exophiala dermatitidis Misidentified as Rhodotorula spp.

Exophiala dermatitidis is an emerging black fungus that causes pulmonary infections that may be underestimated by conventional culture methods. We encountered one case that initially appeared to be yeast and was misidentified as Rhodotorula spp. using a commercial identification kit.

Favorable impact of azithromycin on patients in the intensive care unit with coronavirus disease 2019: Insights from the first wave using a Japanese database.

Background: Azithromycin has favorable effects on critical respiratory diseases owing to its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. During the early stages of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, azithromycin was frequently administered before specific treatments were developed. However, the efficacy of this treatment has not been verified.

Efficacy and safety of long-term macrolide therapy for non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Long-term macrolide therapy for non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis (NCFB) can play a significant role. However, such data are insufficient regarding the efficacy against severe exacerbation and adverse effects, including the emergence of macrolide-resistant pathogens and prolonged macrolide use beyond 1 year.

Methods: Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and prospective observational studies comparing the efficacy and safety of macrolides and placebo in adult patients with NCFB were screened on April 10, 2024.