Pulmonary rehabilitation in an asthma clinic

For a small proportion of patients with respiratory disorders, the regular medical care provided by general practitioners and chest physicians does not result in control of respiratory symptoms. In the Dutch Asthma Center, Davos, Switzerland, two conditions not available in routine medical settings are instrumental in treating patients with severe respiratory illness. The treatment center is located at 1560 m above sea level in a high altitude climate (low air humidity, low allergen concentration) which helps stabilize respiratory symptoms. Second, an interdisciplinary treatment plan encompasses optimal medical care and psychological interventions (patient education, self-management training). In this treatment facility, we carry out a cohort study on the determinants of the course of respiratory disorders in the adult patients. At admission, at discharge, and at 6-month follow-up, patient are assessed on medical, psychological, and medical outcome variables. At 6-month follow-up, 35% of the patients were readmitted to a hospital for exacerbations of respiratory symptoms. Multivariate analyses point out that both pulmonary function and psychological factors (particularly state anxiety and agoraphobia) predicted admission. Additional data will be presented and the implications for the multidisciplinary treatment will be discussed.     

FENO and AHR mannitol in patients referred to an out-of-hospital asthma clinic: a real-life study

Objective: Ongoing airway inflammation measured by fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FENO) and airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) to mannitol are associated in selected asthma patients, but no evidence exists of this association in unselected asthma patients. The aim was to investigate the association between FENO and AHR to mannitol in unselected individuals with possible asthma. Methods: A real-life study on patients with possible asthma referred to a specialized asthma clinic. Data on asthma history, FEV1, FENO, atopy, smoking, treatment and AHR to mannitol were collected. Results: In 217 unselected patients with symptoms suggestive of asthma, FENO and response to mannitol were tested. Of the 141 who underwent both tests, 32 (23%) had FENO >?25?ppb, and 58 (41%) had AHR to mannitol. A significant association between high FENO and AHR was found (p?r?=?0.32, p?Conclusion: In a large sample of patients referred to an asthma clinic, an association was found between FENO and AHR to mannitol. However, a significant proportion of asthma patients had a normal FENO despite having AHR, suggesting that in some patients, AHR to mannitol is not driven by eosinophilic airway inflammation.     

哮喘控制问卷与哮喘生命质量问卷在哮喘患者中的应用价值研究

目的探讨哮喘控制问卷（ACQ）与哮喘生命质量问卷（AQLQ）在哮喘患者中的应用价值。方法选取中国医科大学附属第一医院呼吸内科就诊的哮喘患者132例,其中男性60例,女性72例,平均年龄（47．64-12．3）岁。所有患者填写ACQ、AQLQ问卷并完成肺功能测试。按FEV-％pred将患萏分为三组：1组FEVi％pred≥80％;2组60％≤FEV1％pred〈80％;3组FEV1％pred〈60％。采用Pearson相关分析ACQ分值、AQLQ分值与肺功能指标之间的相关性。结果3组患者的ACQ、AQLQ评分差异有统计学意义（F：32．27、4．65,P〈0．01）,且ACQ、AQI。Q评分能很好的反映肺功能的差异。ACQ评分与肺功能指标呈负相关,AQI。Q评分与肺功能指标呈正相关。结论哮喘患者的肺功能指标与ACQ评分、AQLQ评分有很好的相关性,能更准确的评价患者病情,ACQ与AQLQ在哮喘患者中有很好的应用价值。     

咳嗽变异性哮喘患者的肺功能和支气管扩张药物治疗评价

目的 进一步探讨“咳嗽变异性哮喘”与变态反应之间的关系,了解肺功能和气道反应性特点,以及吸入支气管扩张药物治疗的反应。方法:1.测定吸入支气管扩张药物Salbutamol前和吸入后的FEV1改善情况;2.测定吸入Methacholine时的气道反应性;3.观察和随访吸入Procaterol和应用氨茶碱等药物治疗的效果。结果:1.吸入支气管扩张剂Salbutamol后FEV1增加0.21±0.04L,增加率为9.0±2.5％;2.气道反应性测定显示吸入Methacholine后气道反应性增加,PC20—FEV1为2.63mg/m1;3.所有患者经吸入Procaterol治疗后,咳嗽均得到不同程度的缓解。结论:1.咳嗽变异性哮喘的发病与变态反应有关,其FEV1变异率和Methacholine激发试验测定结果与哮喘相似;2.此类患者应用支气管扩张剂和氨茶碱等药物治疗有效。     

The link between mold sensitivity and asthma severity in a cohort of northern Chinese patients

Background

Mold sensitivity in asthmatic patients has recently attracted clinical interest; however the links between mold sensitivity and asthma severity in the Chinese population have been poorly characterized. In this study, we assess the relationship between asthma severity and airborne mold sensitivity in a cohort of northern Chinese patients.

Methods

Ninety-three non-smoking adult outpatients with asthma completed a questionnaire and underwent skin prick testing with five aeroallergens. For all patients, eosinophil cell counts, total serum IgE (sIgE) levels, and pulmonary function were measured. An asthma severity score was calculated based on the patient’s forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV₁), number of asthma attacks, number of hospital admissions, and use of inhaled or oral corticosteroids in the past year.

Results

Ninety-three patients were divided into three groups based on the results of their allergy tests: negative results for all tested allergens (group A, n=32); positive reactions to aeroallergens including mold antigens (group B, n=41); and positive reactions to aeroallergens other than molds (group C, n=20). Patients in group B had a lower FEV₁ (74.46%±23.09% predicted) compared with group A (85.52%±19.53%, P=0.023). Patients in both group B and C had elevated absolute eosinophil count (AEC) (group A: 3.12%±2.71%, group B: 5.41%±2.85%, group C: 6.1%±4.49%; group A vs. group B, P=0.008; group A vs. group C, P=0.002), and total sIgE values (group A: 117.36±144.90 IU/mL, group B: 195.86±155.87 IU/mL, group C: 253.31±152.41 IU/mL; group A vs. group B, P=0.031; group A vs. group C, P=0.002) compared with patients in group A. Asthma severity scores were higher in patients in group B compared to patients in group C (7 vs. 5.5, P<0.05). Patients allergic to molds were more likely to have severe asthma [odds ratio 3.636, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.394 to 9.484; for severe versus mild asthma, P<0.05]. There was no association between asthma severity and sensitisation to house mites or weeds.

Conclusions

Mold sensitivity is positively correlated with asthma severity in our cohort of northern Chinese patients.     

Treatment retention of patients referred by public assistance to an alcoholism clinic

In order to ascertain the relative impact of coercion by a welfare program on retention in an ambulatory alcoholism program, records of 178 consecutive admissions to an inner-city alcoholism clinic were reviewed. Patients who came to the clinic via coerced referral from a public assistance agency were as likely to remain in treatment for at least nine sessions as self-referred patients.     

老年冠心病漏诊和误诊临床分析

目的分析老年冠心病误诊的原因,以减少误诊。方法采用回顾方法分析2007年1月至2009年12月17例发生冠心病漏诊和误诊患者的临床资料。结果 17例患者中冠心病误诊为消化道疾病5例,咽炎1例,心神经官能症1例,颈椎病1例;其他疾病误诊为冠心病的有带状疱疹3例,胆囊炎2例,心尖部肥厚性心肌病1例,主动脉夹层动脉瘤1例,早期复极综合征2例。结论老年冠心病患者临床表现不典型,同时身患多种疾病,需全面分析、仔细鉴别,及时进行相关检查,减少误诊。     

Therapeutic compliance among asthma patients in an allergy clinic: third evaluation (SEGARIA Project)

ObjectivesTo perform a third evaluation of therapeutic compliance in asthma patients managed in our department by using identical methodology to that employed in two prior evaluations (1995 and 1993). To study the possible association between correct inhalation technique and the patient's degree of knowledge about asthma.Material and methodsA random sample with a fixed rate was obtained, comprising 54 adult patients with asthma (aged more than 18 years old) managed in our department in an outpatient regime.Patients who reported that they habitually failed to comply with the treatment duration, the number of dosage times per day, or the dose at each specific dosage time were classified as noncompliers with the medication in question. The study was performed during October and November, 2003. First visits were excluded. The same categories of medications and procedures as those employed in the 1993 and 1995 studies were used.ResultsOf the 54 patients studied, 19 % revealed some type of pharmacological noncompliance. The overall percentage of incorrectly used medication was 8%. Among noncompliers, clinical course was poor in 44 % and additional visits to specialists or the emergency room were required in 45 %. Incorrect use was most frequent with the turbuhaler (32.1%), and faulty technique was also most common with this device (67.9 %).ConclusionsIn this evaluation, overall therapeutic compliance was clearly better than that in 1995 (81 % compared with 54 %), indicating a positive tendency over time. These results were more positive than those reported in the scientific literature on therapeutic compliance. Nevertheless, correct inhalation technique was markedly less frequent than in our previous studies.The most incorrectly used pharmacological groups continue to be the controller medications. A nonsignificant tendency among noncompliers to require more additional visits and to have worse clinical course and less knowledge about their disease than compliers was maintained.This type of evaluation continues to be useful in the clinical monitoring of therapeutic complicance in daily clinical practice.     

吸入呋塞米对急性发作期支气管哮喘患者肺通气功能的影响

目的 探讨吸入呋塞米对急性发作期支气管哮喘（哮喘）患者肺通气功能的影响。方法 将６例经、中度发作期哮喘患者随机分为Ａ、Ｂ、Ｃ三组,每组各２０例。Ａ组吸入生理盐水５ｍｌ,Ｂ组吸入呋塞米５０ｍｇ（５ｍｌ,１０ｍｇ／ｍｌ）,Ｃ组吸入０．１％沙丁胺醇溶液５ｍｌ。观察三组患者吸药后１５ｍｉｎ肺通气功能的变化。结果 吸药后１５ｍｉｎＢ、Ｃ组用力肺活量（ＦＶＣ）、第１ｓ用力呼气容积（ＦＥＶ１）、最在呼气流量（Ｐ     

变应性鼻炎和慢性鼻窦炎对哮喘患者肺通气功能的影响

目的 探讨变应性鼻炎和慢性鼻窦炎对哮喘患者肺通气功能的影响.方法 将110例哮喘患者分为三组:单纯哮喘组(n=37)、哮喘合并变应性鼻炎组(n=40)和哮喘合并变应性鼻炎、慢性鼻窦炎组(n=33),比较三组的FEV1％、PEF％、FEF25％、FEF50％、FEF75％.结果 哮喘合并变应性鼻炎组的FEV1％、PEF％、FEF25％低于单纯哮喘组(P＜0.05);哮喘合并变应性鼻炎、慢性鼻窦炎组的FEV1％、PEF％、FEF25％、FEF50％、FEF75％低于单纯哮喘组(P＜0.05).结论 与单纯哮喘患者比较,哮喘合并变应性鼻炎或慢性鼻窦炎患者的肺通气功能降低.     

胃食管反流病对哮喘患者肺功能影响的研究

目的探讨胃食管反流病对哮喘患者肺功能的影响。 方法收集2015年5月至2017年8月新疆维吾尔自治区人民医院收治并确诊哮喘226例患者的临床资料,根据是否合并有胃食管反流病(GERD)患者分为GERD组102例和非GERD组124例,比较2组患者FEV1占预计值%、FVC占预计值%及FEV1 /FVC%等肺功能指标。 结果GERD发生率45.1%(102/226),GERD组患者FEV1占预计值%、FVC占预计值%及FEV1/FVC%,明显低于非GERD组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。 结论哮喘与GERD密切相关,GERD对哮喘患者肺功能影响大,GERD与哮喘是因果还是伴随关系仍需进一步研究。     

Prevalence of atopy, asthma and COPD in an urban and a rural area of an African country

The objectives of this study were to determine the prevalence of asthma, atopy and COPD in Rwanda and to identify risk factors. The survey was conducted in Kigali, the Capital of Rwanda, and in Huye District, a rural area located in southern Rwanda.

Methods

A total of 2138 subjects were invited to participate in the study.1920 individuals (90%) answered to questionnaires on respiratory symptoms and performed spirometry, 1824 had acceptable spirograms and performed skin-prick test. In case of airflow obstruction (defined as pre-bronchodilator ratio FEV₁/FVC < LLN) a post bronchodilator spirometry was performed. Reversibility was defined as an increase in FEV₁ of 200 ml and 12% above baseline FEV₁ after inhalation of 400 mcg of salbutamol.

Results

The mean age was 38.3 years; 48.1% of participants were males and 51.9% females. Airflow obstruction was found in 256 participants (14%); 163(8.9%) subjects were asthmatics and 82 (4.5%) had COPD. COPD was found in 9.6% of participants aged 45 years and above. 484 subjects had positive skin-prick tests (26.5%); house dust mite and grass pollen mix were the main allergens. Risk factors for asthma were allergy, female gender and living in Kigali. COPD was associated with cigarette smoking, age and male sex.

Conclusion

this is the first study which shows the prevalence of atopy, asthma and COPD in Rwanda. Asthma and COPD were respectively diagnosed in 8.9% and 4.5% of participants. COPD was diagnosed in 9.6% of subjects aged ≥45 years.The prevalence of asthma was higher in urban compared to rural area.     

诱导痰嗜酸粒细胞与慢性持续期支气管哮喘病情严重程度的关系

目的 观察初诊不同病情严重程度慢性持续期支气管哮喘(简称哮喘)患者的诱导痰嗜酸粒细胞(eosinophil,EOS)比例变化,探讨二者之间的关系,并分析诱导痰EOS比例与肺功能的相关性.方法 收集专科门诊就诊的63例初诊慢性持续期哮喘患者,根据症状分为轻度持续、中度持续、重度持续3组,分别予诱导痰和肺功能检查.观察不同病情严重程度的患者气道炎症状况.对所得数据用SPSS 15.0软件分析,各组间总体分析采用Kruskal-Wallis法,两组间分析采用Mann-Whitney U test法.结果 ①慢性持续期患者诱导痰EOS比例随病情严重程度增加呈增高趋势,重度持续患者诱导痰EOS比例显著高于轻度持续患者(41.8%vs 17.8%,P=0.033),但轻度持续与中度持续、中度持续与重度持续患者之间比较诱导痰EOS比例差异无统计学意义(P>0.05);②诱导痰EOS比例与第1秒用力呼气容积差异无统计学意义(r=-0.111,P>0.05),与第1秒用力呼气容积/用力肺活量(%)差异无统计学意义(r=-0.154,P>0.05).结论 慢性持续期哮喘患者病情严重程度与诱导痰EOS比例有关,但症状不能完全反映气道炎症程度.评价哮喘患者的严重程度时应结合临床症状和气道炎症程度综合考虑.     

肺功能及哮喘控制测试(ACT)在哮喘患者管理中的价值

目的探讨肺功能及哮喘控制测试在支气管哮喘患者管理中的价值。方法将肺功能及ACT应用于支气管哮喘患者136例。每月填写1次ACT,在哮喘患者应用ACT前药物治疗时、应用ACT 6个月结束时测定第1秒用力呼气量(FEV1)、FEV1占预计值百分比(FEV1%预计值)和用力肺活量(FVC)、FVC占预计值百分比(FVC%预计值),同时测定ACT评分观察哮喘患者在药物治疗、肺功能检查,应用ACT 6个月末时ACT使用率、治疗的依从性、哮喘控制情况。结果每月1次坚持应用ACT 132例,使用率97%;坚持使用规范的治疗128例,治疗依从性达94%;症状完全控制率达47%,良好控制率达74.2%。ACT评分治疗6个月后较入选时升高,肺功能指标亦有明显改善,FEV1与ACT评分呈正相关(r=0.82,P<0.01)。结论肺功能及ACT用于支气管哮喘患者的管理能提高患者对治疗的依从性和哮喘控制率。     

噻托溴铵治疗中重度支气管哮喘30例临床观察

目的:探讨噻托溴铵在中重度支气管哮喘治疗中的意义。方法:将60例中重度支气管哮喘患者随机分为观察组和对照组,两组患者均依据2009 GINA规范治疗3个月,其中观察组每天增加吸入一次噻托溴铵18μg。比较两组患者治疗前后性别、年龄、病程、哮喘控制测试(ACT)评分、血清免疫球蛋白E(IgE)、嗜酸细胞计数(EOS)、吸入支气管扩张剂后一秒钟用力呼气量(FEV1)、用力呼气中期流速(FEF25%~75%)值、用力呼气峰速(PEF)及每周急救药使用次数等指标变化并进行统计学分析。结果:①两组间患者性别、年龄、病程、治疗前各指标差异无统计学意义(P0.05)。②治疗后两组各指标与治疗前比较,差异有统计学意义(P0.01)。③治疗后,观察组的ACT评分、FEV1、PEF、FEF及每周急救药使用喷数与对照组比较,差异有统计学意义(P0.01)。治疗后观察组EOS、IgE与对照组比较,差异无统计学意义(P0.05)。结论:噻托溴铵治疗中重度支气管哮喘有效,且以扩张气道、改善症状和肺功能为主,其是否有非特异性抗炎作用还需进一步研究论证。     

氯吡格雷对支气管哮喘患者P-选择素影响的研究

目的 观察支气管哮喘患者血清P-选择素的变化,探讨氯吡格雷治疗哮喘的疗效.方法 将60例支气管哮喘患者随机分为两组,常规治疗组和氯吡格雷组（氯吡格雷＋常规治疗）,选择健康体检者为对照组（30名）,进行观察.测定哮喘患者急性发作期和缓解期血清P-选择素水平的变化,同步检测肺功能第一秒用力呼气量（FEV1）、最大呼气流速（PEF）.结果 （1）哮喘患者急性发作期血清P-选择素水平较对照组明显升高（P均＜0.01）.氯吡格雷组缓解期血清P-选择素水平较常规治疗组缓解期明显下降（P均＜0.01）.哮喘患者血清P-选择素水平与FEV1、PEF比较成负相关;（2）氯吡格雷组患者缓解时间少于常规治疗组（P＜0.01）;（3）氯吡格雷组患者人均静脉用甲基强的松龙用量明显少于常规治疗组（P＜0.05）.结论 支气管哮喘患者急性发作期、缓解期血清P-选择素水平较对照组升高,氯吡格雷可以降低血清P-选择素水平,可作为辅助治疗支气管哮喘的药物之一.     

Increased perception of airway narrowing in patients with mild asthma

To compare the perception of airway narrowing of nonasthmatic subjects with those having wheeze or mild asthma (doctor-diagnosed), the relationship between FEV1 and breathlessness was examined in 123 subjects from a general population sample. Scores for breathlessness, using the Borg scale, were recorded before and after inhaling incremental doses of methacholine to a maximal dose of 196 mcmol or a maximum change in FEV1 of 50%. A history of asthma symptoms, including wheeze in the previous 12 months, and doctor-diagnosed asthma was obtained by questionnaire. At any given level of FEV1 there was wide variation in Borg scores between subjects, however median Borg scores and the mean slope of Borg score on FEVI was greater in the asthmatic subjects or those with wheeze compared with nonasthmatic subjects or those without wheeze. In both nonasthmatic and asthmatic subjects, those with airway hyperresponsiveness had increased maximum symptom scores and maximum changes in FEVI, but similar Borg scores relative to change in FEVI, compared with those without hyperresponsiveness. We conclude that the perception of mild and moderate degrees of airway narrowing varies widely between individuals but is increased in subjects with a history of mild asthma or wheeze in the last 12 months, independently of airway responsiveness.