ObjectiveAlpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency is a relatively prevalent, but under-diagnosed, genetic disease. The objective of this study was to assess whether the systematic screening for alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency in all patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease from a tertiary service has an impact on the number of patients being diagnosed with this condition.ResultsChronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients were screened for alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency using immunonephelometry. The presence of a mutation was confirmed by molecular study of the SERPINA1 gene or by genetic sequencing, as needed. A total of 551 patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease were analyzed. Among these, 40 (7.2%) had some genetic mutation, while 11 (2%) had a Pi*ZZ genotype, resulting in severe respiratory illness. The systematic evaluation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients revealed that screening is an effective method to diagnose alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency. Early diagnosis may facilitate smoking cessation and initiation of treatment to maintain lung function.
Objectives: The study’s purpose has been to build Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for nursing care while performing diagnostic exams in secondary health care. Methods: A committee for Nursing Care Systematization (NCS) was then established, which assessed the sectors in which new diagnostic technologies were being implemented and raised the need for training of the technical team that performed these tests to standardize procedures, then reducing errors and failures in its realization. The SOPs were described through tables comprised by the following: definition of the diagnostic procedure, necessary material, nursing interventions and special care. Results: Four SOPs were elaborated, related to the exams of spirometry, polysomnography, retinography and hydrogen breath test. Conclusion: It was possible not only to know the execution of the exams, but also to understand the applicability of NCS with a focus on diagnostic technologies, besides providing subsidies for future implementation of NCS in the study institution.
Objectives: The study’s purpose has been to build Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for nursing care while performing diagnostic exams in secondary health care. Methods: A committee for Nursing Care Systematization (NCS) was then established, which assessed the sectors in which new diagnostic technologies were being implemented and raised the need for training of the technical team that performed these tests to standardize procedures, then reducing errors and failures in its realization. The SOPs were described through tables comprised by the following: definition of the diagnostic procedure, necessary material, nursing interventions and special care. Results: Four SOPs were elaborated, related to the exams of spirometry, polysomnography, retinography and hydrogen breath test. Conclusion: It was possible not only to know the execution of the exams, but also to understand the applicability of NCS with a focus on diagnostic technologies, besides providing subsidies for future implementation of NCS in the study institution.
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