COPD

Brian Carlin, MD, FCCP, Allegheny General Hospital, discusses the challenges in reducing 30-day readmission rates, specifically as they apply to congestive heart failure, pneumonia, and COPD. The biggest challenge of all is setting up a coordinated team care effort, says Dr Carlin.

Although there has been a concentrated focus on pulmonary vascular diseases at this year's CHEST conference, there have also been a number of studies released that pertain to cardiovascular events, such as congestive heart failure, atrial fibrillation, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Here are some of the highlights in these areas.

Early initiation of maintenance medication in patients with moderate to severe COPD exacerbations is associated with reduced risk of future exacerbations and lower costs.

Initiation of fluticasone propionate–salmeterol after a COPD-related hospitalization or ED visit decreased the risk of a recurrent event and reduced COPD-related medical costs.