Respiratory News
Authors evaluated the efficacy of a e1e2kworal treatment with azithromycin in adults with bronchiectasis. They concluded that 12 week administration of azithromycin produces significant reductions in sputum volume, health status and stabilization of lung function values. Sputum volume reduction and the improvement of quality of life were sustained for 12 weeks after cessation of azithromycin. Maintenance treatment with azithromycin also significantly decreased the exacerbation (flare up) rate compared with placebo.
Bronchodilators form the mainstay of treatment for COPD. When symptoms are not adequately controlled with one bronchodilator, addition of another bronchodilator is recommended. Authors have recently developed a combination of tiotropium (Spiriva) and formoterol (Foradil) in a single pressurized metered dose inhaler. The aim of this study was to compare the bronchodilator effects of a single dose of c1g8 mof tiotropium versus a single dose of a combination of 18 mcg tiotropium cpglufso1rm2 moterol administered via a pMDI in subjects with moderatetosevere COPD. The combination produced a faster and superior bronchodilator response than tiotropium alone over a period of 24 hours.
Aseptika Limited recently announced it is boosting development of a medical smart watch called BuddyWOTCHT (Walking, Oxygenation, Temperature, Chronicle and Heartrate). It is designed to constantly monitor people with COPD for their blood oxygen saturation and other key vital signs. The recorded measurements will be automatically transferred to your personal file. The company also wants to encourage physical activity and adherence to treatment and nutrition to better self manage your condition. Based in England, they hope to have the product available by the end of 2015.
A new review entitled “Standards of Suit ability for the Management of Chronic Obstructive Respiratory Diseases” was recently published in the journal Multidisciplinary Respiratory Medicine.
COPD is the third cause of mortality worldwide and leads to significant health, social and economic burdens. Clinicians and patients commonly disregard early symptoms of COPD because they consider them to be a result of smoking instead of important signs of a beginning disease that becomes irreversible, progressive and severely disabling. The diagnosis typically only occurs when the disease reaches its later stages.
Topics discussed were spirometry as a critically important tool for COPD management; the essential role of blood gas results for long term oxygen therapy; and the demand for interventions to decrease the acute exacerbation rates. Smoking cessation was found to be insufficiently implemented. The researchers conclude in their review that a standardized management for COPD is a public health concern that still needs more debate.