Recent advances in asthma biomarker research
In conclusion, both FeNO and induced sputum are useful asthma biomarkers. However, they will only form part of the clinical picture. Longitudinal studies with focused hypotheses and well-designed protocols are needed to establish the roles of these biomarkers in asthma management. The measurement of biomarkers in EBC remains a research tool. (Source: Therapeutic Advances in Respiratory Disease)
Source: Therapeutic Advances in Respiratory Disease - September 19, 2013 Category: Respiratory Medicine Authors: Leung, T. F., Ko, F. W. S., Wong, G. W. K. Tags: Reviews Source Type: research

Ivacaftor treatment of cystic fibrosis patients with the G551D mutation: a review of the evidence
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a recessive disorder caused by mutations in the gene that encodes the CF transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) protein. CFTR protein is a chloride and bicarbonate channel that is critical for normal epithelial ion transport and hydration of epithelial surfaces. Current CF care is supportive, but recent breakthroughs have occurred with the advent of novel therapeutic strategies that assist the function of mutant CFTR proteins. The development and key clinical trial results of ivacaftor, a small molecule that targets gating defects in disease-causing CFTR mutations including G551D CFTR, are summa...
Source: Therapeutic Advances in Respiratory Disease - September 19, 2013 Category: Respiratory Medicine Authors: Kotha, K., Clancy, J. P. Tags: Reviews Source Type: research

Efficacy of inhaled ciprofloxacin in the management of non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis
Non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis (NCFBE), a historically under-recognized chronic respiratory condition, is a significant diagnosis currently experiencing a resurgence of interest in its clinical management. Ciprofloxacin is part of the current armamentarium used in the treatment of the recurrent respiratory tract infections seen in NCFBE. Inhaled ciprofloxacin, a novel method of drug delivery for the fluoroquinolone class, is being actively investigated. The inhaled formulation is designed to enhance drug delivery to the site of infection in the lung while minimizing the risk of systemic toxicity. This review summarizes...
Source: Therapeutic Advances in Respiratory Disease - September 19, 2013 Category: Respiratory Medicine Authors: Justo, J. A., Danziger, L. H., Gotfried, M. H. Tags: Reviews Source Type: research

Comparison of the bronchodilator and systemic effects of AZD3199, an inhaled ultra-long-acting {beta}2-adrenoceptor agonist, with formoterol in patients with asthma
Conclusions: AZD3199 480 µg and 1920 µg produced 24-hour bronchodilation. At comparable peak bronchodilator effect, AZD3199 was associated with a lower level of systemic side effects than formoterol. AZD3199 was well tolerated, with no safety concerns identified to preclude further investigation. ClinicalTrials.gov study identifier: NCT00736489 (Source: Therapeutic Advances in Respiratory Disease)
Source: Therapeutic Advances in Respiratory Disease - September 19, 2013 Category: Respiratory Medicine Authors: Bjermer, L., Rosenborg, J., Bengtsson, T., Lotvall, J. Tags: Original Research Source Type: research

Self-expanding Y stents in the treatment of central airway stenosis: a retrospective analysis
Conclusion: Placement of Y stents in symptomatic CAO allows for quick relief of symptoms. Severe complications are rare. Stent removal is possible after successful treatment of the primary tumour. However, the prognostic indicator for survival is the underlying malignancy. (Source: Therapeutic Advances in Respiratory Disease)
Source: Therapeutic Advances in Respiratory Disease - September 19, 2013 Category: Respiratory Medicine Authors: Gompelmann, D., Eberhardt, R., Schuhmann, M., Heussel, C. P., Herth, F. J. F. Tags: Original Research Source Type: research

Response to: Oba, Y. and Lone, N. (2013) Efficacy and safety of roflumilast in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis.Ther Adv Respir Dis 7: 13-24.
(Source: Therapeutic Advances in Respiratory Disease)
Source: Therapeutic Advances in Respiratory Disease - August 6, 2013 Category: Respiratory Medicine Authors: Siddiqui, S. Tags: Letter to the Editor Source Type: research

Diagnosis and management of chronic lung disease in deployed military personnel
Military personnel are a unique group of individuals referred to the pulmonary physician for evaluation. Despite accession standards that limit entrance into the military for individuals with various pre-existing lung diseases, the most common disorders found in the general population such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease remain frequently diagnosed. Military personnel generally tend to be a more physically fit population who are required to exercise on a regular basis and as such may have earlier presentations of disease than their civilian counterparts. Exertional dyspnea is a common complaint; establi...
Source: Therapeutic Advances in Respiratory Disease - August 6, 2013 Category: Respiratory Medicine Authors: Morris, M. J., Lucero, P. F., Zanders, T. B., Zacher, L. L. Tags: Reviews Source Type: research

Inhaled corticosteroids and the increased risk of pneumonia
Recently it has been suggested that there is a causal association between the use of inhaled corticosteroids (ICSs) and the risk of developing pneumonia in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). An increased risk of pneumonia associated with ICS use has been seen in trials with different design, different study populations and with evidence of a dose–response relationship. However, as none of these clinical trials were originally designed to assess pneumonia risk, radiographic confirmation of pneumonia was not always obtained. The extent to which pneumonia events have been confounded with acute e...
Source: Therapeutic Advances in Respiratory Disease - August 6, 2013 Category: Respiratory Medicine Authors: Marzoratti, L., Iannella, H. A., Waterer, G. W. Tags: Reviews Source Type: research

Beta-blocker management of refractory hemoptysis in cystic fibrosis: a novel treatment approach
Conclusion: Beta-blockade, particularly with atenolol, appears to successfully treat, if not resolve, recurrent hemoptysis refractory to conservative therapy in CF. Beta-blocker therapy appears to maintain an effective safety profile in CF. (Source: Therapeutic Advances in Respiratory Disease)
Source: Therapeutic Advances in Respiratory Disease - August 6, 2013 Category: Respiratory Medicine Authors: Moua, J., Nussbaum, E., Liao, E., Randhawa, I. S. Tags: Original Research Source Type: research

Clinical and anti-inflammatory effects of ultra-short preseasonal vaccine to Parietaria in asthma
Conclusions: The current findings show that the preseasonal vaccine adjuvated with MPL contributes to the maintenance of control of asthma during the pollen season. (Source: Therapeutic Advances in Respiratory Disease)
Source: Therapeutic Advances in Respiratory Disease - August 6, 2013 Category: Respiratory Medicine Authors: Scichilone, N., Scalici, V., Arrigo, R., Bellia, V. Tags: Original Research Source Type: research

Reactive oxygen species as therapeutic targets in pulmonary hypertension
Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is characterized by a progressive elevation of pulmonary arterial pressure due to alterations of both pulmonary vascular structure and function. This disease is rare but life-threatening, leading to the development of right heart failure. Current PH treatments, designed to target altered pulmonary vascular reactivity, include vasodilating prostanoids, phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors and endothelin-1 receptor antagonists. Although managing to slow the progression of the disease, these molecules still do not cure PH. More effective treatments need to be developed, and novel therapeutic strategies, ...
Source: Therapeutic Advances in Respiratory Disease - May 23, 2013 Category: Respiratory Medicine Authors: Freund-Michel, V., Guibert, C., Dubois, M., Courtois, A., Marthan, R., Savineau, J.-P., Muller, B. Tags: Reviews Source Type: research

Early life influences on the development of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
There is increasing evidence that chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is not simply a disease of old age that is largely restricted to heavy smokers, but may be associated with insults to the developing lung during foetal life and the first few years of postnatal life, when lung growth and development are rapid. A better understanding of the long-term effects of early life factors, such as intrauterine growth restriction, prenatal and postnatal exposure to tobacco smoke and other pollutants, preterm delivery and childhood respiratory illnesses, on the subsequent development of chronic respiratory disease is impera...
Source: Therapeutic Advances in Respiratory Disease - May 23, 2013 Category: Respiratory Medicine Authors: Stocks, J., Sonnappa, S. Tags: Reviews Source Type: research

Pulmonary hypertension complicated by pericardial effusion: a single center experience
Conclusions: Connective tissue disease associated PAH and female sex were predominant in our cohort of patients with pericardial effusion. Seventy-five percent of patients who were treated with pericardial window for hemodynamically unstable pericardial effusion survived until the end of the study period. Pericardial window may be a therapeutic option in patients with unstable PH with pericardial effusion. Further studies are needed to determine the optimal treatment strategy for such patients. (Source: Therapeutic Advances in Respiratory Disease)
Source: Therapeutic Advances in Respiratory Disease - May 23, 2013 Category: Respiratory Medicine Authors: Honeycutt, G. R., Safdar, Z. Tags: Original Research Source Type: research

Costs of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in relation to compliance with guidelines: a study in the primary care setting
Conclusions: The cost of COPD may vary according to compliance with the GOLD guidelines. The cost observed for patients with stage II disease is higher than expected in patients who adhere to treatment, but patients with stage III disease treated according to the GOLD guidelines had significantly higher treatment costs. (Source: Therapeutic Advances in Respiratory Disease)
Source: Therapeutic Advances in Respiratory Disease - May 23, 2013 Category: Respiratory Medicine Authors: Miravitlles, M., Sicras, A., Crespo, C., Cuesta, M., Brosa, M., Galera, J., Lahoz, R., Lleonart, M., Riera, M. I. Tags: Original Research Source Type: research

Predictors for antibiotic prescribing in patients with exacerbations of COPD in general practice
Conclusions: Antibiotic treatment for AECOPD is very high. This study shows that GPs performing CRP rapid tests prescribe fewer antibiotics than those who do not. (Source: Therapeutic Advances in Respiratory Disease)
Source: Therapeutic Advances in Respiratory Disease - May 23, 2013 Category: Respiratory Medicine Authors: Llor, C., Bjerrum, L., Munck, A., Hansen, M. P., Cordoba, G. C., Strandberg, E. L., Ovhed, I., Radzeviciene, R., Cots, J. M., Reutskiy, A., Caballero, L. Tags: Original Research Source Type: research