Did you mean: pulmonologists
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Respirology Case Reports May 2024Primary tracheal tumours are extremely rare, that originate from Schwann cells. We report a case of a primary tracheal schwannoma. A 60-year-old male who presented with...
Primary tracheal tumours are extremely rare, that originate from Schwann cells. We report a case of a primary tracheal schwannoma. A 60-year-old male who presented with noisy breathing, shortness of breath, and blood streaked phlegm. Chest CT scan showed an endotracheal mass which was resected bronchoscopically using Rigid bronchoscopy, electrocautery snare and cryoextraction. Biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of schwannoma.
PubMed: 38808151
DOI: 10.1002/rcr2.1390 -
PeerJ 2024During the COVID-19 pandemic, universal mask-wearing became one of the main public health interventions. Because of this, most physical examinations, including lung...
OBJECTIVE
During the COVID-19 pandemic, universal mask-wearing became one of the main public health interventions. Because of this, most physical examinations, including lung auscultation, were done while patients were wearing surgical face masks. The aim of this study was to investigate whether mask wearing has an impact on pulmonologist assessment during auscultation of the lungs.
METHODS
This was a repeated measures crossover design study. Three pulmonologists were instructed to auscultate patients with previously verified prolonged expiration, wheezing, or crackles while patients were wearing or not wearing masks (physician and patients were separated by an opaque barrier). As a measure of pulmonologists' agreement in the assessment of lung sounds, we used Fleiss kappa (K).
RESULTS
There was no significant difference in agreement on physician assessment of lung sounds in all three categories (normal lung sound, duration of expiration, and adventitious lung sound) whether the patient was wearing a mask or not, but there were significant differences among pulmonologists when it came to agreement of lung sound assessment.
CONCLUSION
Clinicians and health professionals are safer from respiratory infections when they are wearing masks, and patients should be encouraged to wear masks because our research proved no significant difference in agreement on pulmonologists' assessment of auscultated lung sounds whether or not patients wore masks.
Topics: Humans; Masks; COVID-19; Cross-Over Studies; Auscultation; Male; Respiratory Sounds; Female; SARS-CoV-2; Middle Aged; Adult; Pandemics; Pulmonologists; Aged
PubMed: 38803582
DOI: 10.7717/peerj.17368 -
Journal of Clinical Medicine May 2024Diagnostic and therapeutic decision-making in pregnancy with suspected pulmonary embolism (PE) is challenging. European and other international professional societies... (Review)
Review
Diagnostic and therapeutic decision-making in pregnancy with suspected pulmonary embolism (PE) is challenging. European and other international professional societies have proposed various recommendations that are ambiguous, probably due to the unavailability of randomized controlled trials. In the following sections, we discuss the supporting diagnostic steps and treatments. We suggest a standardized diagnostic work-up in pregnant patients presenting with symptoms of PE to make evidence-based diagnostic and therapeutic decisions. We strongly recommend that clinical decisions on treatment in pregnant patients with intermediate- or high-risk pulmonary embolism should include a multidisciplinary team approach involving emergency physicians, pulmonologists, angiologist, cardiologists, thoracic and/or cardiovascular surgeons, radiologists, and obstetricians to choose a tailored management option including an interventional treatment. It is important to be aware of the differences among guidelines and to assess each case individually, considering the specific views of the different specialties. This review summarizes key concepts of the diagnostics and acute management of pregnant women with suspected PE that are supportive for the clinician on duty.
PubMed: 38792409
DOI: 10.3390/jcm13102863 -
Archives of Rheumatology Mar 2024The aim of this study was to identify differences and similarities between connective tissue disease (CTD) patients with and without progressive pulmonary fibrosis (PPF)...
OBJECTIVES
The aim of this study was to identify differences and similarities between connective tissue disease (CTD) patients with and without progressive pulmonary fibrosis (PPF) by applying the new guidelines.
PATIENTS AND METHODS
Patient characteristics and disease courses from medical records of 50 CTD-associated Interstitial lung disease (ILD) patients (33 females, 17 males; mean age: 60.1±12.9 years) were longitudinally studied between January 2018 and May 2022. Respiratory involvement in CTD patients was described, and differences in CTD patients who developed PPF compared to those who did not were identified by the 2022 ATS (American Thoracic Society)/ERS (European Respiratory Society)/JRS (Japanese Respiratory Society)/ALAT (Asociación Latinoamericana de Thórax) Guidelines on Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis and Progressive Pulmonary Fibrosis in Adults.
RESULTS
In the majority (74%) of patients, CTD was diagnosed before ILD onset. Nonspecific interstitial pneumonia was the most common high resolution computer tomography pattern, followed by the usual interstitial pneumonia pattern. On pulmonary function test, 38% had a restrictive pattern at baseline. Patients without PPF tended to have worse lung function at baseline and increased macrophage count in bronchoalveolar lavage than patients with PPF.
CONCLUSION
In patients without PPF, disease progression may be missed, resulting in inadequate management. Interdisciplinary management of patients with CTD with the participation of pulmonologists and precise lung function diagnostics is recommended.
PubMed: 38774704
DOI: 10.46497/ArchRheumatol.2024.10105 -
BMC Health Services Research May 2024The inappropriate and excessive use of antibiotics during the coronavirus pandemic has become an important issue.
BACKGROUND
The inappropriate and excessive use of antibiotics during the coronavirus pandemic has become an important issue.
OBJECTIVE
Our primary aim is to ascertain the attitudes of physicians toward the antibiotics prescribing for the treatment of COVID-19 in Turkey. Our secondary aim was to identify factors affecting to physicians' decisions regarding antibiotic therapy for the treatment of COVID-19 and risk factors associated with antibiotic overprescribing.
METHODS
It was a multicenter cross-sectional survey. Physicians from 63 different cities were invited to survey through social media (Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp). Data were collected from respondents through an online questionnaires during November-December 2021.
RESULTS
The survey was completed by 571 participants from 63 cities. Pulmonologists comprised the majority (35.20%), followed by internal medical specialists (27.85%) and general practitioners (23.29%). The rates of participants who started empirical antibiotics in the outpatient, ward, and ICU (intensive care unit) were 70.2%, 85.5%, and 74.6%, respectively. When the practice of prescribing antibiotics by physicians for the treatment of COVID-19 in outpatients was compared according to the healthcare setting (primary, secondary, tertiary care hospitals) no significant difference was found. Sputum purulence (68.2%) was recognized as the most important factor for the decision of antibiotic therapy, followed by procalcitonin levels (64.9%) and abnormal radiological findings (50.3%). The most prescribed antibiotics were respiratory quinolones. (48%, 65.9%, 62.7% outpatient, ward, ICU respectively) CONCLUSIONS: In this study, we found that physicians frequently had irrational attitudes toward antibiotic prescription to COVID-19 patients, including those with minor diseases. Our findings underline that the necessity of particular, workable interventions to guarantee the prudent use of antibiotics in COVID-19.
Topics: Humans; Turkey; Cross-Sectional Studies; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Male; Female; Practice Patterns, Physicians'; Adult; Attitude of Health Personnel; Middle Aged; COVID-19; Surveys and Questionnaires; Inappropriate Prescribing; COVID-19 Drug Treatment; SARS-CoV-2; Physicians; Pandemics
PubMed: 38773553
DOI: 10.1186/s12913-024-11110-z -
Medicine May 2024This study aims to investigate the effect of amantadine use on neurological outcomes and mortality in patients with severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) (Glasgow coma... (Observational Study)
Observational Study
This study aims to investigate the effect of amantadine use on neurological outcomes and mortality in patients with severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) (Glasgow coma score [GCS] between 3 and 8) who have been followed up on mechanical ventilators in the intensive care unit (ICU). Data from the hospital's electronic records were retrospectively searched. Patients over 18 years of age, with severe brain trauma (GCS between 3-8), who were treated with endotracheal intubation and invasive mechanical ventilation at admission to the ICU, and who were treated with Amantadine hydrochloride at least once in the first week of follow-up were included in the study. To evaluate the patients' neurological outcomes, the GCS and FOUR scores were used. GCS and FOUR scores were recorded on the 1st, 3rd, and 7th days of the first week. In addition, the score difference between the 1st and 7th day was calculated for both scores. The patients were divided into 2 groups: those receiving amantadine treatment (Group A, n = 44) and the control group (Group C, n = 47). The median age of all patients was 39 (18-81) (P = .425). When Group A and Group C were compared, no statistically significant results were found between the 1st, 3rd, and 7th day GCS values (P = .474, P = .483, and P = 329, respectively). However, the difference in GCS values between day 1 and day 7 (∆ GCS 7-1) was statistically significant (P = .012). Similarly, when Group A and Group C were compared, no statistically significant results were found between the 1st, 3rd, and 7th day FOUR score values (P = .948, P = .471, and P = .057, respectively). However, the FOUR score values between day 1 and day 7 (∆ FOUR score 7-1) were statistically significant (P = .004). There was no statistically significant difference among the groups in terms of ICU length of stay, duration of non-ICU hospital stay, and length of hospital stay (P = .222, P = .175, and P = .067, respectively). Amantadine hydrochloride may help improve neurological outcomes in patients with severe TBI. However, further research is needed to investigate this topic.
Topics: Humans; Amantadine; Respiration, Artificial; Male; Female; Middle Aged; Adult; Retrospective Studies; Intensive Care Units; Aged; Glasgow Coma Scale; Adolescent; Aged, 80 and over; Brain Injuries, Traumatic; Young Adult; Treatment Outcome; Craniocerebral Trauma
PubMed: 38758901
DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000038172 -
BMJ Open Respiratory Research May 2024Self-management, as the most common method of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) management, is not an isolated behaviour, but a set of physical, social,...
INTRODUCTION
Self-management, as the most common method of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) management, is not an isolated behaviour, but a set of physical, social, cultural, psychological and existential factors affecting it.
AIM
This study aimed to explore the facilitators and barriers to self-management in men with COPD in the unique social, cultural, political and economic context of Iran.
METHODS
This paper reports part of the findings of a qualitative grounded theory study aimed at exploring the process of self-management in Iranian men with COPD, which was conducted in Iran from January 2019 to July 2023. Participants included men with COPD, their family members and pulmonologists. The selection of participants in this research began with the purposeful sampling method. Data was collected using semistructured interviews. Data collection continued until the data saturation was achieved. A total of 15 interviews were conducted with nine patients, three family members of patients and three pulmonologists. The data was analysed using the constant comparative analysis method.
RESULTS
The findings of this study showed that knowledge, education, experience, family involvement and financial support are the factors that facilitate self-management. Factors related to deficits include lack of education, lack of treatment support, family cooperation deficit, financial problems, medication obtaining problems and factors related to disease impacts include specific nature of the disease, residual effect, comorbidity and factors related to negative patients characteristics include false beliefs, poor self-efficacy, feeling shame and non-adherence are barriers to self-management in men with COPD.
CONCLUSION
Based on results of this study, healthcare providers and health planners can strengthen the factors that facilitate self-management and weaken or remove the barriers to self-management, so that these patients use self-management strategies with maximum capacity to control the disease.
Topics: Humans; Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive; Male; Iran; Qualitative Research; Self-Management; Middle Aged; Aged; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; Adult; Grounded Theory
PubMed: 38749535
DOI: 10.1136/bmjresp-2023-002245 -
Journal of Asthma and Allergy 2024Severe chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis (CRSwNP) is a disabling airway disease that significantly impacts patients' lives through the severity of symptoms,...
Severe chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis (CRSwNP) is a disabling airway disease that significantly impacts patients' lives through the severity of symptoms, the need for long-term medical treatment and the high risk of recurrence post-surgery. Biological agents targeting type 2 immune responses underlying the pathogenesis of CRSwNP have shown effectiveness in reducing polyp size and eosinophilic infiltrate, and in decreasing the need for additional sinus surgeries. However, despite recent progress in understanding and treating the disease, type 2 inflammation-driven severe CRSwNP continues to pose challenges to clinical management due to several factors such as persistent inflammation, polyp recurrence, heterogeneity of disease, and comorbidities. This article presents the findings of a scientific discussion involving a panel of ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialists and pulmonologists across Sweden and Finland. The discussion aimed to explore current management practices for type 2 inflammation-driven severe CRSwNP in the Nordic region. The main topics examined encompassed screening and referral, measurements of disease control, treatment goals, and future perspectives. The experts emphasized the importance of a collaborative approach in the management of this challenging patient population. The discussion also revealed a need to broaden treatment options for patients with type 2 inflammation-driven CRSwNP and comorbid conditions with shared type 2 pathophysiology. In light of the supporting evidence, a shift in the disease model from the presence of polyps to that of type 2 inflammation may be warranted. Overall, this discussion provides valuable insights for the scientific community and can potentially guide the future management of CRSwNP.
PubMed: 38745838
DOI: 10.2147/JAA.S447093 -
International Journal of Chronic... 2024The prevalence of airflow obstruction in Japan is 3.8%-16.9%. This epidemiological study based on a large database aimed to reassess the prevalence of airflow...
PURPOSE
The prevalence of airflow obstruction in Japan is 3.8%-16.9%. This epidemiological study based on a large database aimed to reassess the prevalence of airflow obstruction in Japan and the diagnosis rate of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
PATIENTS AND METHODS
We used data regarding claims from the health insurance union and health checkups provided by JMDC. The present study included a subgroup of individuals aged ≥40 years who underwent health checkups involving spirometry between January and December 2019. The study endpoints were the prevalence of airflow obstruction, COPD diagnosis rate, disease stage, and respiratory function test results.
RESULTS
Among 102,190 participants, 4113 (4.0%) had airflow obstruction. The prevalence of airflow obstruction was 5.3% in men and 2.1% in women. Among the study population, 6.8% were current smokers, while 3.4% were never or former smokers. Additionally, the prevalence of COPD increased with age. Approximately 8.4% of participants with airflow obstruction were diagnosed with COPD. Regarding the COPD diagnosis status, participants with airflow obstruction who were diagnosed with COPD were at a more advanced stage than those not diagnosed. Finally, patients diagnosed with COPD had significantly lower FEV/FVC and FEV (p < 0.0001; Wilcoxon rank sum test).
CONCLUSION
The epidemiological study based on a large database determined the COPD diagnosis rate related to airflow obstruction. The COPD diagnosis rate was extremely low among individuals who underwent health checkups, indicating the need for increased awareness about this medical condition. Moreover, primary care physicians should identify patients with suspected COPD and collaborate with pulmonologists to facilitate the early detection of COPD and enhance the COPD diagnosis rate.
Topics: Humans; Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive; Male; Female; Japan; Middle Aged; Prevalence; Aged; Adult; Spirometry; Forced Expiratory Volume; Databases, Factual; Lung; Vital Capacity; Smoking; Predictive Value of Tests; Severity of Illness Index
PubMed: 38737192
DOI: 10.2147/COPD.S450270