John Landsverk’s Post

Building further on last year's publications concluding a correlation between the pulmonary arterial and veinous volume and mortality in COPD, this abstract presented recently at #ATS2024 shows more evidence on pulmonary vasculature abnormalities in COPD patients. The study used LungQ AVX to conclude the presence of pulmonary vascular abnormalities in all COPD GOLD stages, with more prevalence in higher disease severity and smokers with COPD. This correlation could potentially be of great relevance for clinical management. As a routine check of pulmonary vascular alterations, for example, it could allow for a better monitoring of the disease progression for all COPD severities, as well as for developing effective treatments. Authors: Harm Tiddens, Tjeerd van der Veer Leticia Gallardo Estrella, Jean-Paul Charbonnier, Steve Humphries, David Lynch Eleni-Rosalina Andrinopoulou Read the full abstract here: https://lnkd.in/dhic7dWz

An estimated 129 million people in the U.S. have at least one major chronic disease such as heart disease, cancer, diabetes, obesity or hypertension. Chronic diseases are increasing in prevalence throughout the U.S. and put a major strain on the health care system.   Today, on #ChronicDiseaseDay, we're highlighting the outstanding work of our Specialty360 Therapy Teams that support patients with complex conditions. These teams deliver the clinical expertise patients depend on when it comes to rare, chronic and complex conditions, as well as the medications that treat them. Our specially trained professionals provide patients with holistic care – specific to their condition – and work collaboratively with providers to monitor side effects and maintain adherence.    Learn more how Walgreens Specialty Pharmacy helps patients with chronic conditions: https://lnkd.in/gqGrGqCc

We were honored to sponsor a recent roundtable focused on early detection of heart failure, kidney disease, diabetes, and other metabolic risk factors. The discussions centered around the necessity to update the content and frequency of preventive check-ups by general practitioners, the current landscape, and the required changes to the reimbursement decree, patient follow-up, and referrals. Key insights from the discussion included: 1. Revising the Preventive Check-ups Decree: It is essential to have more frequent and comprehensive check-ups to facilitate earlier diagnosis and treatment. 2. Digitalizing Laboratory Data: Streamlining information sharing and ensuring targeted treatment reimbursement. 3. Empowering GPs with Innovative Drug Prescriptions: Faster access to cutting-edge treatments for patients. We sincerely thank all participants in the event including Deputy Minister of Health, Jakub Dvořáček; Prof. Michal Vrablík, President of the Czech Society for Atherosclerosis; MUDr. Petr Šonka, President of the GPs' Association; and other notable experts for their valuable contributions and look forward to the next steps in advancing patient care.

Portables are useful in the early diagnosis of #COPD. Read the new systematic review in ARM: https://lnkd.in/dnHyz5a2. How to Enhance the Diagnosis of Early Stages of #ChronicObstructivePulmonaryDisease (COPD)? The Role of Mobile #Spirometry in COPD Screening and Diagnosis. #RespiratoryMedicine #HealthTech #EarlyDetection #HealthAwareness

🎞️ Here’s a clip of Paul reviewing an article from our most recent Digest #50: Eosinophil-guided COPD treatment–STARR2 🎙️ Tune in to episode #428 as we review more recent articles and news featured in The DIGEST #48, #49, and #50 🗞️ Summary: Systemic glucocorticoids have long been used for treatment of acute exacerbations of COPD, with the dosage and duration progressively decreasing–but with concerns remaining about the potential toxicity of glucocorticoid therapy. Ultimately a Cochrane review from 2014 concluded there was “high-quality evidence” to support the use of COPD exacerbations with systemic steroids (oral or IV) in preventing short-term treatment failure, shortening length of stay for hospitalized, non-ventilated patients and improving symptoms earlier – but no mortality benefit, with a number needed to harm of around 5. So is there a way to better select patients with COPD exacerbations for steroids, and choose only those who will really benefit? Noting that peripheral eosinophil count has been shown to be useful in selecting patients who would benefit from inhaled corticosteroids, the authors of STARR2 sought to look at whether or not peripheral blood eosinophilia might be used to guide who receives systemic corticosteroid therapy in the setting of acute COPD exacerbations. Full episode! https://lnkd.in/eacGRbxY

#WorldAsthmaDay Do you know how many times pulmonary diagnostics are referenced in the 263 pages of The 2024 Global Strategy for Asthma Management and Prevention by Global Initiative for Asthma? • Spirometry: 46 • FEV1: 97 • FVC: 13 • FEV1/FVC Ratio: 7 Pulmonary diagnostics are extremely important to the diagnosis, treatment and management of asthma. "Asthma costs about $50 Billion each year in healthcare costs" - CDC "Control Asthma Fast Facts" March 2022 Here's how Pulmonary Services can help your individual practice, group, organization, etc. • Better patient outcomes are achieved when a diagnosis, treatment and management are measurable • Better patient satisfaction is achieved when disease specific education empowers the patient to enhance their own quality of life • Better provider satisfaction is achieved when pulmonary patients are well controlled at home, reducing shared savings waste • Lower total cost of care is achieved when pulmonary patients are prescribed medications that are affordable, disease specific and easy to self administer Contact me today about our Pulmonary in the Primary Care Program. We're mobile, we come to you!

🎞️ Here’s a clip of Paul reviewing an article from our most recent Digest #50: Eosinophil-guided COPD treatment–STARR2 🎙️ Tune in to episode #428 as we review more recent articles and news featured in The DIGEST #48, #49, and #50 🗞️ Summary: Systemic glucocorticoids have long been used for treatment of acute exacerbations of COPD, with the dosage and duration progressively decreasing–but with concerns remaining about the potential toxicity of glucocorticoid therapy. Ultimately a Cochrane review from 2014 concluded there was “high-quality evidence” to support the use of COPD exacerbations with systemic steroids (oral or IV) in preventing short-term treatment failure, shortening length of stay for hospitalized, non-ventilated patients and improving symptoms earlier – but no mortality benefit, with a number needed to harm of around 5. So is there a way to better select patients with COPD exacerbations for steroids, and choose only those who will really benefit? Noting that peripheral eosinophil count has been shown to be useful in selecting patients who would benefit from inhaled corticosteroids, the authors of STARR2 sought to look at whether or not peripheral blood eosinophilia might be used to guide who receives systemic corticosteroid therapy in the setting of acute COPD exacerbations.

🌿 **Navigating Lyme Disease with Glutathione: A Patient's Perspective** 🌿 In her compelling article, "Glutathione and Lyme Disease, a Patient's Perspective," Jennifer Crystal sheds light on the promising role of glutathione for Lyme disease sufferers. Jennifer’s firsthand account highlights significant improvements in symptoms such as brain fog and fatigue, illustrating the potential for symptom management. 🔍 **Key Insights:** 1. **Personalized Treatment**: Jennifer underscores the necessity of consulting a Lyme Literate Medical Doctor (LLMD). With no universal treatment protocol, personalized approaches ensure better outcomes. 2. **Varied Responses**: Lyme disease manifests differently across patients, influenced by factors like duration of illness, immune responses, and co-infections. This variability stresses the importance of individualized care. 3. **Glutathione Benefits**: Known for its antioxidant properties, glutathione shows promise in mitigating the often debilitating symptoms of Lyme disease, potentially offering a better quality of life. 🌟 **Industry Implications:** The positive experiences shared by patients like Jennifer Crystal are guiding lights for healthcare professionals and researchers. They emphasize the need for more tailored treatments and continued innovation in the management of complex diseases like Lyme. 💬 **Join the Conversation:** How can we further leverage patient perspectives to enhance personalized medicine in chronic disease management? Share your thoughts and experiences to foster a collaborative discussion. #LymeDisease #PersonalizedMedicine #HealthInnovation #PatientCare

🌿 **Overcoming Chronic Lyme Disease with Advanced Diagnostics and Treatment** 🌿 Kate McCallum's journey with chronic Lyme disease, as detailed in "Lyme Disease Survivor - Kate's Envita Review," is a powerful testament to the crucial need for advanced diagnostic and treatment methods in healthcare. 🩺 **Undiagnosed for Years**: Kate grappled with debilitating symptoms for over a decade, enduring the frustration of negative test results and a persistent lack of proper diagnosis. This highlights a significant gap in standard Lyme disease testing, which often fails due to the immune system's compromised state. 🔬 **Proprietary Testing at Envita**: Envita Medical Centers' use of CLIA-validated PathoDNA testing stands out. This advanced method uncovers Lyme and other tick-borne diseases with greater accuracy, overcoming the limitations of traditional diagnostics that frequently result in false negatives. 💊 **Precision Treatment**: Envita's personalized approach, featuring techniques like IRAD (Insulin Receptor Antibiotic Delivery), ensures medications effectively treat neurological symptoms by crossing the blood-brain barrier—an innovative solution where conventional treatments fall short. Kate’s story underscores the importance of specialized care in tackling misdiagnosis and treatment inefficacy. As healthcare professionals, how can we drive greater adoption of pioneering diagnostic methods and personalized treatments to enhance patient outcomes? 💬 **Let's Discuss! Share your thoughts or experiences.** #LymeDisease #HealthcareInnovation #PersonalizedMedicine #Diagnostics #PatientCare

Patients’ views or opinions about how effective their medicine is will affect how consistently they take the medicine, as prescribed. A survey tool, the Onset of Effect Questionnaire, consists of 5 questions about patients’ perceptions of how their medication is working. It was originally developed for and has been previously used with asthma patients, but never studied with COPD patients. In a recently published study, researchers used lung function tests and interviews to evaluate using the Onset of Effect Questionnaire with COPD individuals. Read what they learned in Validation of the Onset of Effect Questionnaire in Participants With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease in the latest issue of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases: Journal of the COPD Foundation. Read the article: https://lnkd.in/gvMYwmfP Charlie Strange Frank Trudo, MD MBA Gale Harding James M. Eudicone Norbert Feigler MD #COPD #asthma #medication #pulmonology #research