The 2009 framework for undergraduate medical education in the Netherlands.

The 2009 Framework defines the joint Dutch national learning outcomes to be attained by medical students after completing their three-year master programme in medicine. The Framework thus helps to guarantee to society at large and to patients in particular that medical graduates who are starting out as practitioners have attained a certain professional level. This level is the aggregate of the physicians' target profile, physicians' (sub-) competencies to be achieved and the list of issues relating to illness and health. In addition, the Framework also defines the profile of the bachelor and the learning outcomes of the bachelor programme in medicine.

Self-management education for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

BACKGROUND: There is great interest in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and the associated large burden of disease. COPD is characterised by frequent day by day fluctuations, and repetitive clinical exacerbations are typical. Self-management is a term applied to educational programmes aimed at teaching skills needed to carry out medical regimens specific to the disease, guide health behaviour change, and provide emotional support for patients to control their disease and live functional lives. In COPD, the value of self-management education is not yet clear. The first Cochrane review about self-management was published in 2003. It was intended to shed light on the effectiveness of self-management programmes in COPD and the relative efficacy of their constitutive elements. No conclusions about the effectiveness of self-management could be drawn because of the large variation in outcome measures used in the limited number of included studies. This article describes the first update of this review. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this review was to assess the settings, methods and efficacy of COPD self-management education programmes on health outcomes and use of health care services. SEARCH STRATEGY: We searched the Cochrane Airways Group trial register, MEDLINE (January 1985 to January 2006), reference lists, and abstracts of medical conferences. SELECTION CRITERIA: Controlled trials (randomised and non-randomised) of self-management education in patients with COPD. Studies focusing mainly on pulmonary rehabilitation and studies without usual care as a control group were excluded. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two reviewers independently assessed study quality and extracted data. Investigators were contacted for additional information. MAIN RESULTS: The reviewers included 15 group comparisons drawn from 14 trials. They assessed a broad-spectrum of interventions and health outcomes with different follow-up times. Meta-analyses could often not appropriately be performed because of heterogeneity among studies. The studies showed a significant reduction in the probability of at least one hospital admission among patients receiving self-management education compared to those receiving usual care (OR 0.64; 95% CI (0.47 to 0.89)). This translates into a one year NNT ranging from 10 (6 to 35) for patients with a 51% risk of exacerbation, to an NNT of 24 (16 to 80) for patients with a 13% risk of exacerbation. On the disease specific SGRQ, differences reached statistical significance at the 5% level on the total score (WMD -2.58; 95% CI (-5.14 to -0.02)) and impact domain (WMD -2.83; 95% CI (-5.65 to -0.02)), but these difference did not reach the clinically relevant improvement of 4 points. A small but significant reduction was detected in dyspnoea measured with the BORG-scale (WMD -0.53; 95% CI (-0.96 to -0.10)). No significant effects were found either in number of exacerbations, emergency department visits, lung function, exercise capacity, and days lost from work. Inconclusive results were observed in doctor and nurse visits, on symptoms other than dyspnoea, the use of courses of oral corticosteroids and antibiotics, and the use of rescue medication. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: It is likely that self-management education is associated with a reduction in hospital admissions with no indications for detrimental effects in other outcome parameters. This would in itself already be enough reason for recommending self-management education in COPD. However, because of heterogeneity in interventions, study populations, follow-up time, and outcome measures, data are still insufficient to formulate clear recommendations regarding the form and contents of self-management education programmes in COPD. There is an evident need for more large RCTs with a long-term follow-up, before more conclusions can be drawn.

Profiles of measured and perceived bronchodilation. A placebo-controlled cross-over trial comparing formoterol and salmeterol in moderate persistent asthma.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Long-acting beta(2)-agonists have acquired an indispensable position in the management of bronchial symptoms in patients with asthma. The objective of this study was to compare onset-of-action and clinical effectiveness of formoterol and salmeterol during 2 weeks of treatment. We also investigated the association between bronchodilator effects and perceived relieve of dyspnoea. METHODS: A multi-centre randomized double-blind placebo-controlled cross-over trial was performed in 35 subjects with moderate persistent asthma. Treatment periods existed of 2 weeks formoterol (12 microg bid), salmeterol (50 microg bid) and placebo, all administered by pressurized metered dose inhaler. FEV(1) and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) scores were repeatedly measured until 180 min post-bronchodilation (post-BD), before as well as after each treatment period. Onset-of-action was defined as a >/=15% increase in FEV(1). Subjects kept diaries of morning and evening PEFR values and use of rescue bronchodilator. RESULTS: Formoterol and salmeterol both caused a significant increase in FEV(1) (0.45L [95% CI 0.01, 0.80] and 0.27L [95% CI 0.08, 0.62] respectively). At 3' post-BD, three times as many subjects demonstrated onset-of-action on formoterol compared to salmeterol (36% versus 13%, P = 0.063), at 6' post-BD 42% versus 27% (P = 0.063). VAS scores were similar for formoterol and salmeterol at pre-treatment assessment, but tended to be higher for formoterol after 2weeks treatment. No differences between formoterol and salmeterol were observed for PEFR values or use of rescue medication. 50% of the subjects preferred formoterol, 29% salmeterol (P < 0.001). Significant associations between FEV(1) and VAS ratings existed only at 10', 15' and 30' post-BD, not before or after these time points. CONCLUSION: The earlier described faster onset-of-action of formoterol as compared to a equipotent dosage of salmeterol was confirmed in this study. Perception of decreasing airflow obstruction may be delayed after acute bronchodilation.

Superoxide production by peripheral polymorphonuclear leukocytes in patients with COPD.

Polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) have been implicated in the pathogenesis of COPD, partly because of the release of oxidants, like superoxide anion (SA). The goal of this study was to measure the spontaneous and stimulated release of SA by peripheral PMN in stable COPD compared with healthy controls. Seventeen patients with stable moderate COPD and 17 healthy age-matched controls were included. SA release from peripheral PMN was measured spectrophotometrically as the superoxide dismutase (SOD) inhibitable reduction of cytochrome c. PMNs were stimulated with phorbol myristate acetate (PMA, 1 and 10 ng/ml), diesel exhaust particles (DEPs), carbon black (CB) and ultrafine CB (ufCB, 125, 250 and 500 microg/ml). The spontaneous SA release (PMA-0) between patients and control subjects was not significantly different. After stimulation with PMA, SA release increased in both patients and controls. The SA release did not increase after stimulation with DEP and CB in patients nor in controls. There was only an increase after stimulation with ufCB in the patient group. The increased SA release in COPD patients after stimulation with ufCB may suggest that PMN of COPD patients are more prone to stimulation and that the smaller particle size of ufCB might be a crucial factor.

Self-management education for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

BACKGROUND: In asthma, self-management programmes have been proven to be effective. In COPD, their value is not clear. OBJECTIVES: To assess the efficacy of COPD self-management/ education programmes on health outcomes and use of health services SEARCH STRATEGY: We searched the Cochrane Airways Group trial registers, MEDLINE (January 1985 to October 2001), reference lists, and abstracts of medical conferences. We also contacted research groups in the field for ongoing trials and unpublished material. SELECTION CRITERIA: Controlled trials (randomised and non-randomised) of self-management education in patients with COPD. Studies focusing mainly on physical pulmonary rehabilitation were excluded. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two reviewers independently assessed trial quality and extracted data. Investigators were contacted for additional information. MAIN RESULTS: The reviewers included 12 articles describing 8 randomised-controlled trials and 1 controlled clinical trial. Self-management education was compared with usual care in 8 studies. The studies in this review assessed a broad-spectrum of outcome measures with different follow-up times. Synthesis of the results using meta-analysis was always not possible. The studies showed no effect of self-management education on hospital admissions, emergency room visits, days lost from work and lung function. Inconclusive results were observed on health-related quality of life (HRQoL): studies using the disease specific SGRQ showed a better quality of life in the patients in the intervention group, but only in the activity component where there was heterogeneity between the results of the two included studies. A potential reason for the absence of convincing effects on HRQoL is the limited use of COPD-specific instruments. Inconclusive results were observed on COPD-symptoms and use of other health care resources such as doctor and nurse visits. Self-management education reduced the need for rescue medication, and led to an increased use of courses of oral steroids and antibiotics for respiratory symptoms. REVIEWER'S CONCLUSIONS: The data available for this review are insufficient for forming recommendations. Further research on the effectiveness of self-management programmes should be focussed on behavioural change evaluated in well designed randomised controlled trials with standardised outcomes designed for use in COPD patients, and with long follow-up time so that definite conclusions can be made.

Benefit from the inclusion of self-treatment guidelines to a self-management programme for adults with asthma.

This study assessed the long-term efficacy of adding self-treatment guidelines to a self-management programme for adults with asthma. In this prospective randomized controlled trial, 245 patients with stable, moderate to severe asthma were included. They were randomized into a self-treatment group (group S) and a control group (group C). Both groups received self-management education. Additionally, group S received self-treatment guidelines based on peak expiratory flow (PEF) and symptoms. Outcome parameters included: asthma symptoms, quality of life, pulmonary function, and exacerbation rate. The 2-yr study was completed by 174 patients. Both groups showed an improvement in the quality of life of 7%. PEF variability decreased by 32% and 29%, and the number of outpatient visits by 25% and 18% in groups S and C, respectively. No significant differences in these parameters were found between the two groups. After 1 yr, patients in both groups perceived better control of asthma and had more self-confidence regarding their asthma. The latter improvements were significantly greater in group S as compared to group C. There were no other differences in outcome parameters between the groups. Individual self-treatment guidelines for exacerbations on top of a general self-management programme does not seem to be of additional benefit in terms of improvements in the clinical outcome of asthma. However, patients in the self-treatment group had better scores in subjective outcome measures such as perceived control of asthma and self-confidence than patients in the control group.

A placebo-controlled clinical trial of regular monotherapy with short-acting and long-acting beta(2)-agonists in allergic asthmatic patients.

BACKGROUND: Some recent studies suggest that regular beta(2)-agonist use may result in inadequate control of asthma. It has been hypothesized that this occurs particularly in allergic asthmatic patients exposed to relevant allergens. Moreover, it is still unclear whether this occurs during the use of both short-acting and long-acting beta(2)-agonists. METHODS: Asthmatic patients (n = 145) allergic to house dust mite (HDM) were randomly allocated to monotherapy with a short-acting beta(2)-agonist (SA; n = 48), a long-acting beta(2)-agonist (LA; n = 50), or placebo (n = 47), double blind, double dummy. The study covered three periods: (1) a 4-week run-in period, in which no changes took place; followed by (2) cessation of treatment with asthma medication including inhaled corticosteroids, introduction of allergen avoidance measures (active/placebo treatment) to lower HDM exposure in the active group, and an 8-week washout period to adjust patients to these changes; followed by (3) a 12-week study medication period. At the start of the 12-week medication period, and every 4 weeks thereafter, spirometric measurements (FEV(1) and provocative concentration of histamine causing a 20% fall in FEV(1) [PC(20)]) were performed. Peak flow and asthma symptoms were recorded daily. Additionally, at the start and every 6 weeks thereafter, dust samples were collected from mattresses and living room and bedroom floors to assess HDM (der p 1) concentrations. Effects on FEV(1), PC(20), peak flow, and asthma symptoms were analyzed with repeated-measurement analysis and corrected for the exposure to HDM allergens. RESULTS: There were no significant differences among the three medication groups after 12 weeks for FEV(1). However, a significant decrease in mean FEV(1) percent predicted (95% confidence interval [CI]) was observed within the SA group: - 6.6 (- 10.4 to - 2.8) (p = 0.0002). A decrease in geometric mean PC(20) (95% CI) of - 1.2 (- 1.96 to - 0.44) doubling concentration was observed within the SA group (p = 0.05). No significant changes in FEV(1) and PC(20) were observed > 12 weeks within the LA group or the placebo group. There were neither changes in peak flow and asthma symptom scores among the three medication groups nor within the groups. Moreover, none of the parameters showed interactive effects with allergen exposure. CONCLUSION: There were no significant differences among the three medication groups for FEV(1) and PC(20). The within-treatment group comparison showed a significant small decline in FEV(1) for the SA group (but not for the LA group), which could indicate that monotherapy with SAs might have negative effects on FEV(1). This was not seen during regular use of LAS: No clear pathophysiologic mechanism can explain these findings at the moment. Relatively high or low exposure to allergens did not alter these findings.

Behavioural effect of self-treatment guidelines in a self-management program for adults with asthma.

To assess the efficacy of self-management programs it is important to know what behavioural changes take place. This paper assesses whether including self-treatment guidelines (action plans) in a self-management program for adult asthmatics, leads to greater behavioural changes than a program without these guidelines. Patients were randomised into a self-treatment group (n=123) or an active control group (n=122). All subjects received self-management training. Discussed topics included the pathophysiology of asthma, medication and side-effects, triggers, symptoms, smoking, physical exercise, and compliance. The only difference was that the self-treatment group received instructions about self-treatment of exacerbations and the control group did not. At 1 year of follow-up asthma-specific self-efficacy expectancies, outcome expectancies, and asthma-specific knowledge improved significantly in all patients. Only self-treatment group patients demonstrated favourable changes in generalised self-efficacy, social support, and self-treatment and self-management behaviour, in case of a hypothetical scenario of a slow-onset exacerbation. We conclude that our self-management program is effective in changing the behavioural variables, and including self-treatment guidelines (action plans) has added benefit.

Compliance during long-term treatment with fluticasone propionate in subjects with early signs of asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD): results of the Detection, Intervention, and Monitoring Program of COPD and Asthma (DIMCA) Study.

In a prospective study, we investigated the long-term compliance to fluticasone propionate (FP) by dry powder inhalation (Rotadisk) in subjects with early signs of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) without an established diagnosis. Subjects were selected from a large screening program on early stages of asthma and COPD (Detection, Intervention, and Monitoring Program of COPD and Asthma [DIMCA] program) in the general practice. Forty-eight adult subjects with "early signs of COPD" (slightly increased forced expiratory volume in 1 sec [FEV1] decline of >0.04L/year) and 29 adult subjects with "early signs of asthma" (signs of bronchial hyperresponsiveness or reversibility) participated in a randomized placebo-controlled trial with FP (Flixotide 500 microg daily) versus placebo with a duration of 2 years or 1 year, respectively. Compliance was measured by counting Rotadisks returned. By means of a questionnaire, participants were asked about perceived effects and/or side effects of the trial drug. The mean overall individual compliance rates of 72% (range 7%-102%) in the early COPD trial and 71% (range 8%-99%) in the early asthma trial were maintained throughout the study. Perceived effectiveness (12% of the participants) or side effects (30% of the participants) of the trial drug were not related to compliance. The willingness of patients to use the trial drug in daily practice if efficacy would be proved was statistically significantly related to compliance during the trial (p = 0.017). It was concluded that the compliance rates found were relatively high in patients with symptoms of mild asthma or COPD without an established diagnosis. Conviction of the importance of treatment influenced compliance more positively than perceived (side) effects. These results again emphasize the importance of patient education in establishing early treatment with inhaled corticosteroids.

Effects of emphysema and training on glutathione oxidation in the hamster diaphragm.

Loading of skeletal muscles is associated with increased generation of oxidants, which in turn may impair muscle contractility. We investigated whether the load on the hamster diaphragm imposed by pulmonary emphysema induces oxidative stress, as indicated by glutathione oxidation, and whether the degree of glutathione oxidation is correlated with contractility of the diaphragm. In addition, the effect of 12 wk of treadmill exercise training on contractility and glutathione content in the normal (NH) and emphysematous hamster (EH) diaphragm was investigated. Training started 6 mo after elastase instillation. After the training period, glutathione content and in vitro contractility of the diaphragm were determined. Twitch force and maximal tetanic force were significantly reduced (by approximately 30 and approximately 15%, respectively) in EH compared with NH. In sedentary hamsters, the GSSG-to-GSH ratio was significantly elevated in the EH compared with the NH diaphragm. A significant inverse correlation was found between GSSG-to-GSH ratio and twitch force in the diaphragm (P < 0. 01). Training improved maximal tetanic force and reduced fatigability of the EH diaphragm but did not alter its glutathione content. In conclusion, 1) emphysema induces oxidative stress in the diaphragm, 2) training improves the contractile properties of the EH diaphragm, and 3) this improvement is not accompanied by changes in glutathione redox status.

Underdiagnosis of asthma: is the doctor or the patient to blame? The DIMCA project.

BACKGROUND: It is important to diagnose asthma at an early stage as early treatment may improve the prognosis in the long term. However, many patients do not present at an early stage of the condition so the physician may have difficulty with the diagnosis. A study was therefore undertaken to compare the proportion of patients who underpresented their respiratory symptoms with the proportion of underdiagnosed cases of asthma by the general practitioner (GP). A secondary aim was to investigate whether bad perception of dyspnoea by the patient was a determining factor in the underpresentation of asthma symptoms to the GP. METHODS: A random sample of 1155 adult subjects from the general population in the eastern part of the Netherlands was screened for respiratory symptoms and lung function and the results were compared with the numbers of asthma related consultations registered in the medical files of the GP. In subjects with reduced lung function the ability to perceive dyspnoea was investigated during a histamine provocation test in subjects who did and did not report their symptoms to their GP. RESULTS: Of the random sample of 1155 subjects 86 (7%) had objective airflow obstruction (forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV(1)) below the reference value corrected for age, length, and sex minus 1.64SD on two occasions) and had symptoms suggestive of asthma. Of these 86 subjects only 29 (34%) consulted the GP, which indicates underpresentation by 66% of patients. Of all subjects with objective airflow obstruction who presented to their GP with respiratory symptoms, 23 (79%) were recorded in the medical files as having asthma, indicating underdiagnosis by the GP in 21% of cases. Of the subjects with objective airflow obstruction who visited the GP with respiratory symptoms 6% had bad perception of dyspnoea compared with 26% of those who did not present to the GP in spite of airflow obstruction (chi(2) = 3.02, p = 0.08). CONCLUSIONS: Underpresentation to GPs of respiratory symptoms by asthmatic patients contributes significantly to the problem of underdiagnosis of asthma. Underdiagnosis by the GP seems to play a smaller role. Furthermore, there are indications that underpresentation of symptoms by the patient is at least partly explained by a worse perception of dyspnoea.

Restoration by vacuum inflation of original alveolar dimensions in small human lung specimens.

Resection of lung specimens results in deflated and distorted lung structures. If no major airway is present (as in the case of small lung specimens from biopsies), lung dimensions cannot be restored by inflation under 25 cmH20. This impedes morphological analysis of the tissue. This report describes a simple and easy procedure to restore alveolar dimensions in deflated small lung specimens. Small human lung samples were inflated using moderate vacuum conditions which are provided by a common water stream-driven vacuum device. Restoration of alveolar dimensions and morphology was evaluated for paraffin-embedded as well as frozen tissue, using morphometric and immunohistological analysis. Vacuum inflation results in restoration of original lung dimensions as judged by light and scanning electron microscopy, and by analysis of the mean linear intercept, and the average length, width, perimeter and surface area. It also results in markedly improved cutting characteristics, allowing reliable sectioning of 2 microm cryosections and achieving high resolution images in immunofluorescence. Vacuum inflation is a simple and easy procedure to restore lung architecture of small human lung specimens/biopsies with a concomitant improvement of cutting characteristics. It allows for correct histological analysis of small specimens which cannot be inflated otherwise.

International study comparing cefdinir and cefuroxime axetil in the treatment of patients with acute exacerbation of chronic bronchitis.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the efficacy and tolerability of three antibiotic regimens in patients with acute exacerbation of chronic bronchitis. METHODS: In this double-blind, randomized, multicentered, parallel-group study, patients received once-daily cefdinir 600 mg, twice-daily cefdinir 300 mg, or twice-daily cefuroxime axetil 250 mg for 10 days. Primary efficacy measures were microbiologic eradication rate, by pathogen and by patient, and clinical response rate, by patient. RESULTS: Of 1045 patients, 589 were evaluable for efficacy. At baseline, most patients had moderate or severe cough and sputum production as well as rhonchi, wheezing, and dyspnea. The microbiologic eradication rates by pathogen were 90% with once-daily cefdinir, 85% with twice-daily cefdinir, and 88% with twice-daily cefuroxime. The corresponding values for microbiologic eradication rate by patient were 90% (once-daily cefdinir), 85% (twice-daily cefdinir), and 86% (twice-daily cefuroxime). The respective clinical response rates by patient were 81%, 74%, and 80%. There were no significant differences in the incidence of drug-related adverse events or discontinuations due to adverse events. Diarrhea was the most frequent complaint. CONCLUSIONS: The results indicate that the efficacy and tolerability of cefdinir, once or twice daily, and cefuroxime were comparable with no significant differences between the regimens used.

Multiple inhalers confuse asthma patients.

This study investigated the influence of the use of different types of inhalers on the adequacy of inhalation technique among adult asthmatics. Three hypotheses were tested: first, patients using only one type of inhaler will demonstrate adequate inhalation technique more often than those with two or more types. Secondly, patients using a combination of dry powder inhalers (DPIs) will demonstrate correct inhalation technique more often than those using the combination of a metered dose inhaler (MDI) and a DPI. Thirdly, some inhalers or combinations of inhalers are more prone to erroneous inhalation technique than others. Adult outpatients with asthma who regularly used inhaled steroid therapy (n=321) participated in the study. The inhalers investigated were MDIs on the one hand, and the DPIs Turbuhaler, Diskhaler, Cyclohaler, Inhaler Ingelheim and Rotahaler on the other. Of 208 adult asthmatics with only one inhaler, 71% made no inhalation errors versus 61% of 113 patients with two or more different inhalers. Of patients with a combination of DPIs 68% performed all essential checklist items correctly, versus 54% of patients with the combination of "regular" MDI and DPI. Patients using only the Diskhaler made fewest errors. Whenever possible, only one type of inhaler should be prescribed. If a combination is unavoidable, combinations of DPIs are preferable to MDI and DPI. The Diskhaler seems to be the most foolproof device.

Xanthine oxidase is involved in exercise-induced oxidative stress in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

In the present study, we hypothesized that exhaustive exercise in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) results in glutathione oxidation and lipid peroxidation and that xanthine oxidase (XO) contributes to free radical generation during exercise. COPD patients performed incremental cycle ergometry until exhaustion with (n = 8) or without (n = 8) prior treatment with allopurinol, an XO inhibitor. Reduced (GSH) and oxidized glutathione (GSSG) and lipid peroxides [malondialdehyde (MDA)] were measured in arterial blood. In nontreated COPD patients, maximal exercise (approximately 75 W) resulted in a significant increase in the GSSG-to-GSH ratio (4. 6 +/- 0.9% at rest vs. 9.3 +/- 1.7% after exercise). In nontreated patients, MDA increased from 0.68 +/- 0.08 nmol/ml at rest up to 1. 32 +/- 0.13 nmol/ml 60 min after cessation of exercise. In contrast, in patients treated with allopurinol, GSSG-to-GSH ratio did not increase in response to exercise (5.0 +/- 1.2% preexercise vs. 4.6 +/- 1.1% after exercise). Plasma lipid peroxide formation was also inhibited by allopurinol pretreatment (0.72 +/- 0.15 nmol/ml preexercise vs. 0.64 +/- 0.09 nmol/ml 60 min after exercise). We conclude that strenuous exercise in COPD patients results in blood glutathione oxidation and lipid peroxidation. This can be inhibited by treatment with allopurinol, indicating that XO is an important source for free radical generation during exercise in COPD.

[Physical examination--percussion of the thorax]. / Fysische diagnostiek--percussie van de thorax.

Percussion of the chest cannot detect small lesions (< 3 cm in diameter) and lesions situated deep in the lung (5-7 cm away from the outside of the thoracic wall). The value of percussion as a test to detect a pathological pulmonary situation in comparison with chest radiography is evaluated in only a few studies. Chest percussion appears to be of limited value; especially the sensitivity is very low. Moreover, the inter- and intra-observer errors are high. The value of percussion to detect cardiomegaly is only investigated in one recent study in a selected patient population. In this study the predictive values as well as the reproducibility appear to be moderate.

Effects of house dust mite avoidance measures on Der p 1 concentrations and clinical condition of mild adult house dust mite-allergic asthmatic patients, using no inhaled steroids.

BACKGROUND: Exposure to house dust mite (HDM) allergens often results in worsening of asthma. Therefore, avoidance of exposure to HDM allergens is often proposed. Unfortunately, the most effective and feasible avoidance strategy is still not completely assessed. Consequently, we investigated the effects of a combined HDM avoidance strategy on HDM allergen concentrations and clinical condition of allergic, mild asthmatic, patients using no inhaled steroids. METHODS: Asthmatic patients, allergic to HDM, using no inhaled corticosteroids, were randomly allocated to an active (n = 76) or a placebo allergen-avoidance group (n = 81). Avoidance measures consisted of applying Acarosan(R) (placebo: water) to the living room and bedroom floors, and the use of HDM-impermeable covers for mattresses and bedding (placebo: cotton covers for mattresses only). Effects on allergen concentrations (Der p 1), FEV1, bronchial hyperresponsiveness, peak flow parameters and asthma symptom scores were studied during 20 weeks and controlled for the allergic status of the patients. RESULTS: The active covers reduced Der p 1 concentrations to 9.4% (P = 0.0001), and were always significant lower than in the placebo group (P = 0.0002). Acarosan(R) resulted in slight but significant decreases (twofold, P = 0.0001), both on living room and bedroom floors, but concentrations were never significantly lower than the placebo group. Although the combined avoidance strategy resulted in a considerable reduction in allergen load in the active group, no differences were seen between the two groups in any of the clinical parameters during the follow-up period in this group of allergic asthmatics, using no inhaled corticosteroids. Corrections for the allergic status did not alter these results. CONCLUSIONS: The combined avoidance strategy was effective in reducing HDM allergen concentration. This was especially achieved by the allergen-impermeable covers, while the effects of Acarosan(R) were only marginal. However, this allergen reduction was not reflected in a convincing improvement in clinical condition in this group of mild allergic asthmatics, using no inhaled steroids. Perhaps, a longer follow-up period would have resulted in more pronounced effects.

Inhalation technique of 166 adult asthmatics prior to and following a self-management program.

Self-management of asthma and self-treatment of exacerbations are considered important in the treatment of asthma. For successful self-treatment, medication has to be inhaled correctly, but the percentage of patients inhaling effectively varies widely. As part of a self-management program we checked and corrected inhalation technique. This paper addresses differences among inhalers in relation to patient characteristics and the effect of instruction, 1 year after enrollment. Maneuvers that are essential for adequate inhalation were identified. When errors in inhalation technique were observed, patients were instructed in the correct use of their devices. One year later, inhalation technique was checked again. Only patients who used the same inhaler throughout the entire study period were analyzed. Of the 245 adult asthmatic patients who were enrolled in the self-management program, 166 used the same inhaler throughout the study period. One hundred twenty patients (72%) performed all key items correctly at baseline and this increased to 80% after 1 year. At follow-up, older patients were less likely to demonstrate a perfect inhalation. Patients with a Diskhaler made fewest errors. Adjustment for differences in patient characteristics did not significantly change the results. Because many patients with asthma use their inhaler ineffectively, there is a need to know which inhaler leads to fewest errors. Diskhaler was nominated by this study. When patients are not able to demonstrate adequate inhalation technique in a "tranquil" setting, it is doubtful that they can do so when they experience an exacerbation. Therefore, inhalation instruction should be considered an essential ingredient, not only of self-management programs, but also of asthma patient care in general.

Effects of anabolic steroids on diaphragm impairment induced by methylprednisolone in emphysematous hamsters.

This study was designed to investigate whether the administration of the anabolic steroid nandrolone decanoate is able to antagonize the loss in diaphragm function induced by long-term administration of a low-dose of methylprednisolone in emphysematous hamsters. Normal and emphysematous male hamsters were randomized to receive either saline or methylprednisolone 0.2 mg x kg(-1) x day(-1) for 9 months, with or without nandrolone decanoate 1 mg x kg(-1) x week(-1) i.m. during the final 3 months. Diaphragm contractile properties and myosin heavy chain composition were determined. Compared to control hamsters, the force generating capacity of isolated diaphragm strips decreased by approximately 12% in the emphysema group and by approximately 22% in the emphysema plus methylprednisolone group. Addition of nandrolone decanoate to the emphysema plus methylprednisolone hamsters significantly improved force generation. The atrophy of type IIa and IIx diaphragm fibres in the emphysema plus methylprednisolone group was completely reversed to the level of control hamsters by the addition of nandrolone decanoate. In conclusion, nandrolone decanoate in part reversed the loss in diaphragm force-generating capacity in emphysematous hamsters treated with methylprednisolone, and reversed type IIa and IIx fibre atrophy completely.