Background: To assess the alterations in exacerbation rates, other clinical outcomes, and to identify persistent challenges in the management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in Vietnamese COPD management units (CMUs). Methods: A multi-center, prospective cohort study was conducted on COPD within the CMUs of three study sites. The primary endpoint was exacerbation frequency. Data on demographic and clinical characteristics were collected at the initiation of the study. Participants were followed for 12 to 15 months after enrollment. Results: Throughout the follow-up period, a decrease was noted in the prevalence of patients requiring hospitalization (from 42.3% to 34.4%) and intensive care unit/emergency department admissions (from 5.7% to 0.6%). The annual rates of exacerbation and hospitalization were 0.75±0.89 and 0.56±0.70, respectively. Factors such as symptom severity, degree of airflow obstruction, and body mass index were associated with increased exacerbation frequency and elevated annual exacerbation rates. Our findings underscore the complexities and obstacles encountered in managing COPD during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, including the rise in smoking prevalence, inadequate testing rates, and non-compliance with established treatment guidelines. Conclusion Our study elucidates the challenges and difficulties in managing COPD amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting issues such as increased smoking rates, insufficient testing, and deviations from established therapeutic guidelines. These insights lay the groundwork for future intervention strategies and policy enhancements.

Background: To assess the alterations in exacerbation rates, other clinical outcomes, and to identify persistent challenges in the management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in Vietnamese COPD management units (CMUs). Methods: A multi-center, prospective cohort study was conducted on COPD within the CMUs of three study sites. The primary endpoint was exacerbation frequency. Data on demographic and clinical characteristics were collected at the initiation of the study. Participants were followed for 12 to 15 months after enrollment. Results: Throughout the follow-up period, a decrease was noted in the prevalence of patients requiring hospitalization (from 42.3% to 34.4%) and intensive care unit/emergency department admissions (from 5.7% to 0.6%). The annual rates of exacerbation and hospitalization were 0.75±0.89 and 0.56±0.70, respectively. Factors such as symptom severity, degree of airflow obstruction, and body mass index were associated with increased exacerbation frequency and elevated annual exacerbation rates. Our findings underscore the complexities and obstacles encountered in managing COPD during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, including the rise in smoking prevalence, inadequate testing rates, and non-compliance with established treatment guidelines. Conclusion Our study elucidates the challenges and difficulties in managing COPD amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting issues such as increased smoking rates, insufficient testing, and deviations from established therapeutic guidelines. These insights lay the groundwork for future intervention strategies and policy enhancements.

Background: To assess the alterations in exacerbation rates, other clinical outcomes, and to identify persistent challenges in the management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in Vietnamese COPD management units (CMUs). Methods: A multi-center, prospective cohort study was conducted on COPD within the CMUs of three study sites. The primary endpoint was exacerbation frequency. Data on demographic and clinical characteristics were collected at the initiation of the study. Participants were followed for 12 to 15 months after enrollment. Results: Throughout the follow-up period, a decrease was noted in the prevalence of patients requiring hospitalization (from 42.3% to 34.4%) and intensive care unit/emergency department admissions (from 5.7% to 0.6%). The annual rates of exacerbation and hospitalization were 0.75±0.89 and 0.56±0.70, respectively. Factors such as symptom severity, degree of airflow obstruction, and body mass index were associated with increased exacerbation frequency and elevated annual exacerbation rates. Our findings underscore the complexities and obstacles encountered in managing COPD during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, including the rise in smoking prevalence, inadequate testing rates, and non-compliance with established treatment guidelines. Conclusion Our study elucidates the challenges and difficulties in managing COPD amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting issues such as increased smoking rates, insufficient testing, and deviations from established therapeutic guidelines. These insights lay the groundwork for future intervention strategies and policy enhancements.

Background: To assess the alterations in exacerbation rates, other clinical outcomes, and to identify persistent challenges in the management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in Vietnamese COPD management units (CMUs). Methods: A multi-center, prospective cohort study was conducted on COPD within the CMUs of three study sites. The primary endpoint was exacerbation frequency. Data on demographic and clinical characteristics were collected at the initiation of the study. Participants were followed for 12 to 15 months after enrollment. Results: Throughout the follow-up period, a decrease was noted in the prevalence of patients requiring hospitalization (from 42.3% to 34.4%) and intensive care unit/emergency department admissions (from 5.7% to 0.6%). The annual rates of exacerbation and hospitalization were 0.75±0.89 and 0.56±0.70, respectively. Factors such as symptom severity, degree of airflow obstruction, and body mass index were associated with increased exacerbation frequency and elevated annual exacerbation rates. Our findings underscore the complexities and obstacles encountered in managing COPD during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, including the rise in smoking prevalence, inadequate testing rates, and non-compliance with established treatment guidelines. Conclusion Our study elucidates the challenges and difficulties in managing COPD amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting issues such as increased smoking rates, insufficient testing, and deviations from established therapeutic guidelines. These insights lay the groundwork for future intervention strategies and policy enhancements.

Background: To assess the alterations in exacerbation rates, other clinical outcomes, and to identify persistent challenges in the management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in Vietnamese COPD management units (CMUs). Methods: A multi-center, prospective cohort study was conducted on COPD within the CMUs of three study sites. The primary endpoint was exacerbation frequency. Data on demographic and clinical characteristics were collected at the initiation of the study. Participants were followed for 12 to 15 months after enrollment. Results: Throughout the follow-up period, a decrease was noted in the prevalence of patients requiring hospitalization (from 42.3% to 34.4%) and intensive care unit/emergency department admissions (from 5.7% to 0.6%). The annual rates of exacerbation and hospitalization were 0.75±0.89 and 0.56±0.70, respectively. Factors such as symptom severity, degree of airflow obstruction, and body mass index were associated with increased exacerbation frequency and elevated annual exacerbation rates. Our findings underscore the complexities and obstacles encountered in managing COPD during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, including the rise in smoking prevalence, inadequate testing rates, and non-compliance with established treatment guidelines. Conclusion Our study elucidates the challenges and difficulties in managing COPD amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting issues such as increased smoking rates, insufficient testing, and deviations from established therapeutic guidelines. These insights lay the groundwork for future intervention strategies and policy enhancements.

Background: Non-small cell lung cancer is the most common type of lung cancer. It usually grows and spreads more slowly than small cell lung cancer. Objective: To describe clinical characteristics and the TNM staging of non-small cell lung cancer. Subjects and method: It was a prospective study on clinical characteristics and the TNM staging of 53 patients with non-small cell lung cancer in Bach Mai Hospital from January 2005 to June 2005. Results and conclusions: The most common age was over 40, accounting for 92.5%, male/female (2.5/1). 64.2% of cases with smoking history (97.1% for men and 2.9% for women). 79.4% of patients had smoked over 20 years. The concordance of diagnosis between the previous hospitals and Bach Mai hospital was 34.6%. The most common clinical symptoms at the time of diagnosis were chest pain, prolonged cough, haemoptysis, weight lost and pleural effusion syndrome. Basing on the 1997 International Staging System of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer, we have found that T4 in 64.2%, N(+) 64.2% and metastasis in 32.1%. IIIB and IV stage in 75.5%, patients with IA to IIIA stages being able to be operated was 24.5% of cases. 92.5% of patients were over 40 years old; male/female: 2.5/1. 79.4 of patients had smoked cigarette over 20 years.
Lung Neoplasms/ pathology ; etiology

Background: Empyema is not rare in Vietnam and in the world. Objective: To study clinical, subclinical manifestations and lung CT-scan images of patients with empyema. Subjects and method: A study included 50 patients of empyema treated in Department of Respiratory of Bach Mai Hospital, from January 2003 to August 2005. This was a retrospective, prospective, descriptive, cross-sectional, controlled study. Results and conclusions: Most empyema commonly occurred in the setting of bacterial pneumonia. Empyema was common in males and the male-to-female ratio was 2.82. The onset of empyema was suddenly with clearly infection syndrome (high fever, increased WBC count, accelerated erythrocyte sedimentation rate), chest pain, and cough. CT images of empyema were ipsilateral; almost empyema was free pleural effusion and moderate in size. Thickening pleura was 72% and located pleura were 42%. Positive culture of pleural fluid was very low (24%). Gram (-) bacteria was predominant (P. Aeruginosa 33.3%, K. Pneumoniae 25%).
Empyema ; Pleural/diagnosis ; radiography

Background: Thoracoscopy has used for lots of thoracic disorders. Pneumothorax may be ideally suited for thoracoscopic management. Objective: To study the value of thoracoscopy in the diagnosis and treatment of pneumothorax. Subjects and method: From September 2003 to October 2006, 30 patients with pneumothorax were treated by thoracoscopy at Department of Respiratory of Bach Mai Hospital. This was a longitudinal, retrospective and prospective study. Prospective study included 15 patients from September 2005 to October 2006. Retrospective study included 15 patients from September 2003 to August 2005. Results: In 30 patients, primary spontaneous pneumothorax accounted for 80%, secondary spontaneous pneumothorax 13.3%, catamenial pneumothorax 3.3% and iatrogenic pneumothorax 3.3%. Mean age of patients was 34\xb115 years (ranged from 17 to 77 years). 90% of cases were male. Bullea was found in 70% by thoracoscopy. Patients were in stage I 13.3%, stage II 20%, stage III 33.3%, and stage IV 33.3%. There were 3 procedures with ligation, 11 procedures with coagulator, 25 procedures with talc poudrage; mean dose of talc was 8.2\xb12.2 g. The success rates of procedures with talc poudrage were 80% and 100% after supplemental pleurodesis. Complications and side effects were subcutaneous emphysema 46.7%, empyema 3.3%, high fever 3.3% that we thought was nosocomial infections, bleeding in pleural cavity 3.3%, chest pain 96.7%, fever 63.3%, dyspnea 10%. After a mean follow up of 14.1\xb110.4 months, the recurrent rate was 3.3%. Conclusions: Medical thoracoscopy achieved a high success rate in the diagnosis and treatment of pneumothorax.
Pneumothorax/ diagnosis ; therapy ; Thoracoscopy

Background: Standard treatment for pleural infection includes of drainage and antibiotics. Chest tube drainage often fails if the fluid is loculated by fibrinous adhesions. Intrapleural fibrinolysis may facilitate pleural drainage. Objective: To evaluate the role of Streptokinase (STK) in the treatment of empyema and exudative pleural effusions. Subjects and method: A study included 34 patients (21 patients with exudative pleural effusions, 13 patients with empyema), aged 15-77 years. All patients received intrapleural STK daily with dose of 300.0000-500.000 UI for empyema and 300.000 UI for exudative pleural effusions. Response was assessed by clinical outcome, pleural fluid drainage, chest radiography, pleural ultrasound. Results: Mean pleural fluid drainage after STK instillation was higher in all patients. Pleural fluid drainage was 640 \xb1 494 ml before STK instillation and 823 \xb1 755 ml after STK instillation for empyema; 765 \xb1 691 ml before STK instillation and 1,033 \xb1 757 ml after STK instillation for exudative pleural effusions. The success rate of clinical outcome was 100%. Only 2 patients required decortications. Fever occurred in 3 patients (8.8%) and allergy in 1 patient (3%). Conclusions: Intrapleural STK was safe and effective in the treatment of empyema and exudative pleural effusions. STK prevents pleural adhesions and reduces the risks for surgery.
Streptokinase/ therapeutic use ; Empyema ; Pleural/therapy ; Pleural Effusion/ therapy

Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) remains a major public health problem. It is the fourth leading cause of chronic morbidity and mortality in the United States, and is projected to rank fifth in 2020 in burden of disease caused worldwide. Objective: To research the epidemiology of COPD in the population of Bac Giang city and finding out the risk factors of COPD. Subjects and method: Cross-sectional survey of general population sample of 2,104 men and women with the age \ufffd?0 years in 30 wards of 11 communes of Bac Giang city. Data on respiratory symptoms, diseases, and risk factors were collected. Lung function tests were performed with Spiroanalyzer snoo, Japan. Results and conclusions: The incidence of COPD was 2.3%; in men 3.0% and in women 1.7%. The incidence of simple chronic bronchitis was 6.4%. People who smoked had higher rate of COPD than the others (OR = 2.8). The incidence of smoking in COPD was 55.9%. The three most important risk factors of COPD was the age \ufffd?0; smoking >15 pack/year and medical history of asthma.
Pulmonary Disease ; Chronic Obstructive/ epidemiology