scholarly journals Non-Malignant Respiratory Illnesses in Association with Occupational Exposure to Asbestos and Other Insulating Materials: Findings from the Alberta Insulator Cohort

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (19) ◽  
pp. 7085
Author(s):  
Subhabrata Moitra ◽  
Ali Farshchi Tabrizi ◽  
Kawtar Idrissi Machichi ◽  
Samineh Kamravaei ◽  
Noushin Miandashti ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Occupational Exposure ◽  
Pulmonary Function Tests ◽  
Prevalence Ratio ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Chronic Obstructive ◽  
Ceramic Fibers ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Obstructive Pulmonary Disease ◽  
Insulating Materials ◽  
Respiratory Illnesses

Many insulating materials are used in construction, although few have been reported to cause non-malignant respiratory illnesses. We aimed to investigate associations between exposures to insulating materials and non-malignant respiratory illnesses in insulators. In this cross-sectional study, 990 insulators (45 ± 14 years) were screened from 2011–2017 in Alberta. All participants underwent pulmonary function tests and chest radiography. Demographics, work history, and history of chest infections were obtained through questionnaires. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) was diagnosed according to established guidelines. Associations between exposures and respiratory illnesses were assessed by modified Poisson regression. Of those screened, 875 (88%) were males. 457 (46%) participants reported having ≥ 1 chest infection in the past 3 years, while 156 (16%) were diagnosed with COPD. In multivariate models, all materials (asbestos, calcium silicate, carbon fibers, fiberglass, and refractory ceramic fibers) except aerogels and mineral fibers were associated with recurrent chest infections (prevalence ratio [PR] range: 1.18–1.42). Only asbestos was associated with COPD (PR: 1.44; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.01, 2.05). Therefore, occupational exposure to insulating materials was associated with non-malignant respiratory illnesses, specifically, recurrent chest infections and COPD. Longitudinal studies are urgently needed to assess the risk of exposure to these newly implemented insulation materials.

scholarly journals Periostin and closing volume in combined pulmonary fibrosis and emphysema

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fernando Medeiros Anselmo ◽  
Cláudia Henrique da Costa ◽  
Luciana Silva Rodrigues ◽  
Thaís Porto Amadeu ◽  
Mariana Martins de Athaide ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis ◽  
Pulmonary Fibrosis ◽  
Pulmonary Function Tests ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Chronic Obstructive ◽  
Closing Volume ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Obstructive Pulmonary Disease ◽  
Diffusion Capacity ◽  
Characterization Methods

Abstract Background Combined pulmonary fibrosis and emphysema (CPFE) is an entity characterized by the presence of emphysema in upper lobes and fibrosis in lower lobes. Due to the presence of the two diseases concomitantly, it may be difficult to diagnose. This study aims at a better understanding of this entity and proposes biological markers (functional and biochemical) that help in this characterization. Methods A prospective, observational, cross-sectional study was carried out at a reference center. Pulmonary function tests (spirometry, CO-diffusion capacity, plethysmography and single-maneuver nitrogen washout test - SBWN 2 ) and biochemical markers (periostin, mucin-16, PDGF-BB and TGF-β 1 ) were measured in groups of patients: idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, CPFE and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Results Variables derived from SBWN 2 - closing volume (CV) / vital capacity (VC) (%) and closing capacity (CC) / total lung capacity (TLC) (%) - were found to be higher in the CPFE group compared to the Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) group (CV/VC%: 0.25 (0.12 – 11.01) and 13.05 (0.21 – 20.73); p = 0.005; CC/TLC%: 30.1 (22.4 – 37.47) and 33.69 (32.05 – 41.98); p = 0.03, respectively). Periostin was higher in the CPFE group than in the other groups [CPFE: 66.74 (45.21 – 90.5), IPF: 43.81 (31.97 – 56.18), COPD: 40.08 (20.66 – 50.81); p = 0.0002], and mucin-16 was higher in the IPF group than in the CPFE group [CPFE: 13.59 (4.16 – 28.16); IPF: 71.94 (40.46 - 164); COPD: 25.85 (9.27 – 30.29); p = 0.02]. Conclusions Findings show that CPFE presents different functional and biochemical characteristics than IPF, including higher CV/VC%, CC/TLC% and periostin, whereas mucin-16 was higher in the IPF.

scholarly journals The Impact of Haze on Healthcare Utilizations for Acute Respiratory Diseases: Evidence From Malaysia

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hafiz Jaafar ◽  
Amirah Azzeri ◽  
Marzuki Isahak ◽  
Maznah Dahlui
Keyword(s):  
Bronchial Asthma ◽  
Disease Burden ◽  
Secondary Data ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Chronic Obstructive ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Obstructive Pulmonary Disease ◽  
Respiratory Illnesses ◽  
Acute Respiratory Diseases ◽  
The Impact

Haze imposes a substantial disease burden on the human population especially in the Southeast Asia region due to the high frequency of haze episodes. The reduction of air quality levels by haze has resulted in a substantial disease burden and an increase in healthcare utilization (HU). This study aims to determine the association between haze and HU of haze-related respiratory illnesses with a focus given on the acute exacerbation of bronchial asthma (AEBA) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD). A cross-sectional study was conducted through secondary data collection of haze/non-haze episodes as the study exposures and HU related to the exacerbation of bronchial asthma and COPD as the study outcomes. Data on haze/non-haze episodes and HU for four consecutive years (2012–2015) were retrieved from the Department of Environment and Ministry of Health Malaysia, respectively. In the four consecutive years, the percentage of haze episodes recorded in all stations was higher (67%) as compared to non-haze (33%) episodes. Means (SD) of patients diagnosed with AEBA and AECOPD were also significantly higher (p < 0.05) for inpatient 74 (62.1) and outpatient 320 (650.1) cases during haze episodes as compared to inpatient 34 (16.5) and outpatient 146 (170.5) cases during non-haze episodes. Findings from this study indicated that haze episodes incurred a significant healthcare burden due to an increase in HU. The evidence from this study will help the policymakers to prepare and allocate resources to control future implications of haze-related illnesses.

scholarly journals Pulmonary Function Test Outcomes in Adult Omani Patients

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anan Al Jabri ◽  
Ruqaiya Al Hinai ◽  
Ruth Balaji ◽  
Sharifa Al Harrasi ◽  
Hajar Al Rajaibi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pulmonary Function ◽  
Pulmonary Function Tests ◽  
Tertiary Hospital ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Pulmonary Diseases ◽  
Chronic Obstructive ◽  
Limited Information ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Obstructive Pulmonary Disease ◽  
Function Tests

Objectives: There is limited information regarding distribution of Pulmonary Diseases (PD) in Oman. Pulmonary Function Tests (PFT) outcome patterns could be a pointer to an indirect indication of the distribution of PD. This study aimed to document distribution of PFT outcomes among Omani adult patients. Methods: This retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted from January to December 2015 at a tertiary hospital in Oman. A total of 1,118 adults referred for PFTs during this period were included. Results: There were 605 (54.1%) female and 513 (45.9%) male patients. The mean age was 47.11±18.1 years. Most underwent spirometry with reversibility (36.8%) or full lung function testing with reversibility (29.7%). Of the 1,064 patients with conclusive PFT outcomes, 39.9% had normal findings, followed by 26.1% with obstructive defects, 19.6% restrictive defects and 10.6% had mixed obstructive/restrictive defects. Conclusion: This study generated important preliminary data regarding PFT outcomes (defects) in Omani patients. Keywords: Pulmonary Function Tests; Spirometry; Pulmonary Diseases; Asthma; Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease; Oman.

scholarly journals Evaluation of Work-Related Symptoms by Job Exposure Matrix in Chronic Pulmonary Diseases - A Cross-sectional Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 24 (9) ◽  
pp. 696-700
Author(s):  
Lahya Afshari Saleh ◽  
Atefeh Matoori ◽  
Reza Basiri ◽  
Habibollah Esmaily ◽  
Farzaneh Rahimpour ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Weight ◽  
Occupational Exposure ◽  
Health And Safety ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Chronic Obstructive ◽  
Job Exposure Matrix ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Obstructive Pulmonary Disease ◽  
Work Related ◽  
Chronic Pulmonary Diseases

Background: Despite the high prevalence of occupational airway disorders, they are usually underestimated by physicians. This study designed to study the prevalence of work-related symptoms (WRS) and their association with occupational exposure in outpatient pulmonary clinics. Methods: Adults with more than one year of lower respiratory symptoms were included. Retired patients, housewives and those unable to perform spirometry were excluded. Demographic, anthropometric and medical data were documented. The Persian version of National institute for health and safety respiratory questionnaire was used to classify job titles. WRS were defined as 2 (or more) positive questions with improvement of symptoms on days off work. Job exposure matrix (JEM) was used for classifying the type of occupational exposure into one of three categories: high molecular weight (HKW), low molecular weight (LMW) and mixed. Results: A total of 250 patients (69% male) with mean (±SD) age of 40 (±11.6) years, 178 cases of asthma and 59 chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) cases entered. Occupational exposure was seen in 51.2% of patients (26, 51 and 51 cases with HMW, LMW and mixed, respectively). WRS were lower in those who exercised regularly (24.6% vs. 39.4%) and higher in those with eczema (62.5% vs. 33.6%). Eczema had an odds ratio (OR) of 4.13 (95% CI 1.3 to 12.9, P = 0.01). Exposure to LMW almost tripled the risk of WRS (OR: 2.9, 95% CI: 1.4 to 5.9, P = 0.003) in our patients. Conclusion: Pulmonologists are firmly advised to take their patients’ occupational and vocational exposures into consideration for treatment plans, especially in those with positive history of eczema and exposure to LMW.

ROLE OF PHARMACIST INTERVENTION ON COPD PATIENTS OF SELECTED AREAS IN CHITRADURGA: A KAP STUDY

2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Melvin K Mathews ◽  
Abubaker Siddiq ◽  
Bharathi D R
Keyword(s):  
Illness Perceptions ◽  
Pharmacist Intervention ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Chronic Obstructive ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Obstructive Pulmonary Disease ◽  
Copd Patients ◽  
Post Test ◽  
Knowledge Practice ◽  
And Control

Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is preventable and treatable disease state characterized by air flow limitation that is not fully reversible. Severity of the symptoms is increased during exacerbations. Objectives: The purpose of the study is to assess and improve the knowledge regarding COPD among study subjects. Materials and Methods: A Cross-sectional interventional study was carried out among the peoples in selected areas of the Chitradurga city for a period of six months. Result: A total 207 subjects enrolled in the study in that 155 male and 52 females. In our study mean score of post test was more (5.87±1.68) when compare to pre-test (2.63±1.46) which show significant increase in their knowledge after educating them (p=0.000). A total of 207 subjects were enrolled into the study. SPSS Software was used to calculate the statistical estimation. Paired t-test was used to detect the association status of different variables. Conclusion: The relatively good level of COPD awareness needs to be maintained to facilitate future prevention and control of the disease. This study had identified that negative illness perceptions should be targeted, so that they will not avoid patients from seeking for COPD treatment and adhere to it. Key words: Cross sectional study, Knowledge, practice, COPD.

scholarly journals Determinants of COVID-19 preventive behaviours among adults with chronic diseases in the USA: an analysis of the nationally representative COVID-19 impact survey

BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. e044600
Author(s):  
Jessica Y. Islam ◽  
Denise C. Vidot ◽  
Marlene Camacho-Rivera
Keyword(s):  
Chronic Diseases ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Prevalence Ratio ◽  
Face Mask ◽  
Chronic Obstructive ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Obstructive Pulmonary Disease ◽  
High School Degree ◽  
The Usa ◽  
Nationally Representative

BackgroundPreventive behaviours have been recommended to control the spread of SARS-CoV-2. Adults with chronic diseases (CDs) are at higher risk of COVID-19-related mortality compared to the general population. Our objective was to evaluate adherence to COVID-19 preventive behaviours among adults without CDs compared with those with CDs and identify determinants of non-adherence to COVID-19 preventive behaviours.Study designCross-sectional.Setting and participantsWe used data from the nationally representative COVID-19 Impact Survey (n=10 760) conducted in the USA.Primary measuresAdults with CDs were categorised based on a self-reported diagnosis of diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease/heart attack/stroke, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), bronchitis or emphysema, cystic fibrosis, liver disease, compromised immune system, or cancer (54%).ResultsCompared with adults without CDs, adults with CDs were more likely to adhere to preventive behaviours including wearing a face mask (χ2-p<0.001), social distancing (χ2-p<0.001), washing or sanitising hands (χ2-p<0.001), and avoiding some or all restaurants (χ2-p=0.002) and public or crowded places (χ2-p=0.001). Adults with a high school degree or below [Adjusted prevalence ratio (aPR):1.82, 95% Confidence interval (CI)1.04 to 3.17], household income <US$50 000 (aPR:2.03, 95% CI 1.34 to 2.72), uninsured (aPR:1.65, 95% CI1.09 to 2.52), employed (aPR:1.48, 95% CI 1.02 to 2.17), residing in rural areas (aPR:1.70, 95% CI 1.01 to 2.85) and without any CD (aPR:1.78, 95% CI 1.24 to 2.55) were more likely to not adhere to COVID-19 preventive behaviours.ConclusionAdults with CDs are more likely to adhere to recommended COVID-19 preventive behaviours. Public health messaging targeting specific demographic groups and geographic areas, such as adults without CD or adults living in rural areas, should be prioritised.

scholarly journals Breathlessness and opioid prescribing in COPD in general practice: a cross-sectional, observational study

2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 00299-2019
Author(s):  
David C. Currow ◽  
Miriam J. Johnson ◽  
Allan Pollack ◽  
Diana H. Ferreira ◽  
Slavica Kochovska ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
General Practice ◽  
Clinical Care ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Prescribing Patterns ◽  
Pain Patient ◽  
Chronic Obstructive ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Opioid Prescription ◽  
Obstructive Pulmonary Disease ◽  
Health Database

Chronic breathlessness is a disabling syndrome, prevalent in people with advanced chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Regular, low-dose, oral sustained-release morphine is approved in Australia to reduce symptomatic chronic breathlessness. We aimed to determine the current prescribing patterns of opioids for chronic breathlessness in COPD in Australian general practice and to define any associated patient and practitioner characteristics.Five years (2011 to 2016) of the Bettering the Evaluation and Care of Health database, an Australian national, continual, cross-sectional study of clinical care in general practice were used. The database included 100 consecutive clinical encounters from almost 1000 general practitioners annually (n=488 100 encounters). Descriptive analyses with subsequent regression models were generated.Breathlessness as a patient-defined reason for encounter was identified in 621 of 4522 encounters where COPD was managed. Opioids were prescribed in 309 of 4522 encounters where COPD was managed (6.8%; (95% CI) 6.1–7.6), of which only 17 were prescribed for breathlessness, and the rest for other conditions almost entirely related to pain. Patient age (45–64 years versus age 80+ years, OR 1.68; 1.19–2.36), Commonwealth Concession Card holders (OR 1.70; 1.23–2.34) and socioeconomic disadvantage (OR 1.30; 1.01–1.68) were associated with increased likelihood of opioid prescription at COPD encounters. The rate of opioid prescriptions rose over the 5 years of study.In primary care encounters for COPD, opioids were prescribed in 6.8% of cases, but almost never for breathlessness. These data create a baseline against which to compare changes in prescribing as the treatment of chronic breathlessness evolves.

Clinical and Quality of Life Differences in Patients with COPD With and Without a Background of Hospitalization in the Last Year

2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (4) ◽  
pp. 228-233
Author(s):  
Jhonatan Betancourt-Peña ◽  
Juan Carlos Ávila-Valencia ◽  
Jorge Karim Assis ◽  
David Alejandro Escobar-Vidal
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Survival Rates ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Chronic Obstructive ◽  
Upward Trend ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Obstructive Pulmonary Disease ◽  
Lower Socioeconomic ◽  
Causes Of Mortality

Introduction: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is the fourth leading cause of death worldwide. An upward trend is estimated by 2030. One of the causes of mortality is the exacerbations of symptoms that result in hospitalizations. These hospitalizations reduce the quality of life, limit performance in daily life, and increase the costs for the health system and the patient. Objective: This study aimed to determine the differences between hospitalized and non-hospitalized patients with a medical diagnosis of COPD, considering some sociodemographic and clinical variables, and survival rates. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted, which included patients diagnosed with COPD who initiated pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) from January to September 2018. The patients were divided into two groups: patients with one or more exacerbations that led to the hospitalization (COPD-H) and patients without hospitalizations in the last year (COPD-NH). Results: There were 128 participants (78 males and 50 females), with a mean age of 71.10±(9.34) in the COPD-H group and 71.30±(8.91) in the COPD-NH group. When comparing both groups, COPD-NH had a higher socioeconomic status (p=0.041), reporting a higher FEV1 44.71± (14.97), p=0.047, and comorbidities according to the COTE index (p<0.001). Conclusion: The patients with the highest number of hospitalizations belonged to a lower socioeconomic stratum and had a higher number of comorbidities. Therefore, it is necessary to identify these factors at the beginning of PR.

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