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Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease II: Emphysema01:23

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease II: Emphysema

Emphysema, a major phenotype of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), is characterized by irreversible destruction of alveolar walls and permanent enlargement of distal airspaces. Unlike chronic bronchitis, which primarily affects the airways, emphysema predominantly involves the lung parenchyma, where structural damage leads to airflow limitation.PathophysiologyIt most commonly results from prolonged exposure to cigarette smoke and other toxic gases, particularly cigarette smoke.
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The process of breathing, inhaling and exhaling, involves the coordinated movement of the chest wall, the lungs, and the muscles that move them. Two muscle groups with important roles in breathing are the diaphragm, located directly below the lungs, and the intercostal muscles, which lie between the ribs. When the diaphragm contracts, it moves downward, increasing the volume of the thoracic cavity and creating more room for the lungs to expand. When the intercostal muscles contract, the ribs...
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Dornase alfa (Pulmozyme).

Jeffrey S Wagener1, Oren Kupfer

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine and Children's Hospital Colorado, Aurora, Colorado 80045, USA. jeff.wagener@ucdenver.edu

Current Opinion in Pulmonary Medicine
|September 20, 2012
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Dornase alfa (Pulmozyme) improves lung function and survival in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients. This review explores its optimal use in CF and emerging applications for other respiratory conditions.

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Area of Science:

  • Pulmonary Medicine
  • Pharmacology
  • Respiratory Therapeutics

Background:

  • Dornase alfa (Pulmozyme) is a cornerstone therapy for cystic fibrosis (CF).
  • Understanding its role is crucial amidst evolving respiratory medications and expanding clinical applications.
  • This review synthesizes recent literature on dornase alfa's indications and usage.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review recent publications on dornase alfa.
  • To explore expanding indications for dornase alfa beyond cystic fibrosis.
  • To enhance understanding of optimal dornase alfa therapy in CF.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of recent publications on dornase alfa.
  • Analysis of clinical data regarding dornase alfa's efficacy and safety.
  • Synthesis of information on mechanism of action and pathophysiology.

Main Results:

  • Dornase alfa's mechanism of action clarifies its impact on CF pathophysiology.
  • Routine dornase alfa use correlates with improved lung function and survival in CF patients.
  • Potential uses are identified in conditions like empyema and in mechanically ventilated patients.

Conclusions:

  • Dornase alfa has a well-established role in CF treatment, reducing pulmonary deterioration and improving survival.
  • Emerging clinical evidence suggests dornase alfa's value in treating complicated pneumonia and atelectasis in mechanically ventilated patients.