Introduction
Articles that focused on treatments for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) dominated the most-read headlines by Medscape Pulmonary Medicine member physicians in 2011. Members were also interested in asthma and pulmonary fibrosis treatments, among other topics.
Here is list of the most-read articles by pulmonologists this year. If you missed any of these articles, please consider reading them now.
The Top 10
10. Pfizer Pulls PAH Drug Due to Liver Toxicity
Pfizer announced today that it will voluntarily withdraw sitaxsentan, a drug for pulmonary arterial hypertension, following 2 cases of fatal liver toxicity.
9. Bronchial Thermoplasty for Uncontrolled Severe Asthma
A novel, nondrug therapy for severe asthma might be the answer for patients who can't be controlled with the standard means.
8. Infliximab and COPD: A Practice-Changing Study
The F1000 commentary on this practice-changing study was a major contributor to the questions on the safety of antitumor necrosis factor (TNF) therapies in chronic inflammatory diseases.
7. Mortality Associated With Tiotropium Mist Inhaler in Patients With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
This meta-analysis indicates that tiotropium bromide, a long-acting anticholinergic drug for the treatment of COPD, conveys additional risk when delivered by mist inhaler. Is there cause for concern?
6. Just Say No to Treating This Pulmonary Infection
A woman presents with recurrent hemoptysis and an unusual finding is made upon chest imaging.
5. New Pharmacological Strategies for the Treatment of Pulmonary Fibrosis
The treatment of pulmonary fibrosis continues to pose major difficulties. Learn about new strategies for treating this disease.
4. Sepsis Drug Xigris Pulled From Worldwide Market
Physicians should stop ongoing treatment with the drug now that it has failed a new efficacy test, according to the FDA.
3. Pulmonary Effects of Marijuana Inhalation
Is pot smoking as damaging to the lungs as tobacco?
2. FDA Approves COPD Drug Opposed by Advisory Panel
Despite an FDA advisory panel conclusion in April 2010 that adverse events associated with this treatment outweighed its benefits, the FDA gives the thumbs-up to this new COPD drug.
Keep reading for the most-read article of 2011 and a few runners up to the Top 10 list.
Medscape Pulmonary Medicine © 2011 WebMD, LLC
Cite this: Marrecca Fiore. Top 10 Pulmonary Medicine Articles: 2011 - Medscape - Dec 08, 2011.
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