0000000000901929
AUTHOR
Silvia Terraneo
Dynamic hyperinflation during the 6-min walk test in severely asthmatic subjects
We tested the hypothesis that dynamic hyperinflation develops in severe asthmatic subjects during exercise. Changes in inspiratory capacity (IC) were measured during the 6-min walk test (6MWT) in severe asthmatic subjects compared with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) subjects with a similar degree of bronchial obstruction. We assessed whether changes in IC were associated with changes in dyspnoea perception. 27 severe asthmatic subjects (10 males and 17 females) and 43 COPD subjects (35 males and eight females) were recruited. The two groups performed similarly in the 6MWT (p=0.90). At the end of the test, the Borg score increased significantly in both groups (mean difference: …
Effects of a structured educational intervention in moderate-to-severe elderly asthmatic subjects.
Background: Adherence to inhaled drugs is linked to patients’ satisfaction with their device, and an incorrect use can negatively affect the outcomes of asthma treatment. We speculated that this is particularly true in elderly asthmatic subjects. Aim: We performed a national pre-post interventional multicentre study, enrolling moderate-to-severe asthmatic subjects aged ≥65 years treated with fixed inhaled combination drugs by dry powder inhaler (DPI) or pressurized metered dose inhaler (pMDI). Adherence and critical errors were evaluated by means of validated questionnaires at first visit (V1) and after 3–6 months (V2). At V1, subjects underwent intensive training on the correct use of the…
Asthma management in a specialist setting: Results of an Italian Respiratory Society survey.
Abstract Background Asthma considerably impairs patients' quality of life and increases healthcare costs. Severity, morbidity, and degree of disease control are the major drivers of its clinical and economic impact. National scientific societies are required to monitor the application of international guidelines and to adopt strategies to improve disease control and better allocate resources. Aim to provide a detailed picture of the characteristics of asthma patients and modalities of asthma management by specialists in Italy and to develop recommendations for the daily management of asthma in a specialist setting. Method: A quantitative research program was implemented. Data were collected…
Additional file 1: of Atypical pathogens in hospitalized patients with community-acquired pneumonia: a worldwide perspective
Table A: Tables with testing frequencies for specific atypical pathogens across continents (A1: Testing frequencies for C. pneumoniae across continents; A2: Testing frequencies for M. pneumoniae across continents; A3: Testing frequencies for L. pneumophila across continents).- Brief description of the data: a table in three parts reporting data about frequency of testing for different atypical pathogens across different continents. (DOC 50â kb)
Prevalence and Etiology of Community-acquired Pneumonia in Immunocompromised Patients
Abstract Background The correct management of immunocompromised patients with pneumonia is debated. We evaluated the prevalence, risk factors, and characteristics of immunocompromised patients coming from the community with pneumonia. Methods We conducted a secondary analysis of an international, multicenter study enrolling adult patients coming from the community with pneumonia and hospitalized in 222 hospitals in 54 countries worldwide. Risk factors for immunocompromise included AIDS, aplastic anemia, asplenia, hematological cancer, chemotherapy, neutropenia, biological drug use, lung transplantation, chronic steroid use, and solid tumor. Results At least 1 risk factor for immunocompromis…
The EDUCA (Elderly and Device Use in Chronic Asthma) multicentre Italian study on the assessment of errors and satisfaction in using the inhalers in elderly asthmatics: Preliminary results
Background: The incorrect use of inhalers can negatively affect the outcomes of asthma treatment. We assessed whether, and to what extent, this is the case in elderly asthmatics. Methods: This is an observational, multicentre Italian study enrolling mild-to-severe asthmatic patients aged ≥65 yrs treated with inhaled drugs, by DPI or pressurized MDI (pMDI). Critical errors, patient9s satisfaction with their inhaler and adherence were evaluated by means of validated questionnaires; the patients were also trained to a correct use of their device. After 3 to 6 months patient were revaluated. Results: To date, 312 patients have been included (41% males, median age 71 yrs). At least one critical …