Summary: The increasing availability of nucleic acid amplification tests since the 1980s has revolutionised our understanding of the pathogenesis, epidemiology, clinical and laboratory aspects of known and novel viral respiratory pathogens. High-throughput, multiplex polymerase chain reaction is the most commonly used qualitative detection method, but utilisation of newer techniques such as next-generation sequencing will become more common following significant cost reductions. Rapid and readily accessible isothermal amplification platforms have also allowed molecular diagnostics to be used in a ‘point-of-care’ format. This review focuses on the current applications and limitations of molecular diagnosis for respiratory viruses. (Source: Pathology)

Authors: Kozielski J Abstract Combination therapy with anticholinergics and b2-agonists should be used in COPD patients after failure of previous monotherapy with one of these drugs. Synergistic effect of both mechanisms of bronchodilation can maximize the efficacy of separately administered drugs. The effectiveness of the combination of LABA and LAMA is already confirmed, nevertheless the question about the safety profile of this therapy is still remaining, particularly with regard to the cardiovascular system. The paper discusses the overall safety profile of the combined preparation compare to placebo as well as the active comparators, especially the cardiovascular safety of fixed-dose formulation. Based on the data it has been demonstrated, that the combination of two ultra -lo...

Background: We studied the value of routine biochemical variables albumin, C-reactive protein (CRP) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) to improve prediction and monitoring of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) severity in the intensive care unit. Methods: In 101 critically ill patients, with or at risk for ARDS after new onset fever, data were collected on days (D) 0, 1, 2, and 7 after inclusion. ARDS was defined by the Berlin definition and lung injury score (LIS). Results: At baseline, 48 patients had mild to severe ARDS according to Berlin and 87 according to LIS (Rs = 0.54, P  (Source: BioMed Central)

CONCLUSIONS: Most patients consulting GPs for suspected CAP had the three following most common symptoms: cough, fever, and weakness or myalgia. More than a third of them were at increased risk for invasive pneumococcal disease. With or without X-rays, most patients received antibiotics and experienced uncomplicated disease progression. PMID: 25763466 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Respiratory Care)