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Platelets in pneumonia
It is not uncommon to see thrombocytosis or thrombocytopenia in patients with pneumonia. This study (Platelets doi: 10.1080/09537104.2016.1219032) investigated whether platelet count on admission, at discharge, or change in platelets during admission had any prognostic significance in patients with pneumonia. The study followed 976 patients hospitalised for community-acquired pneumonia and looked at all-cause mortality at 90 days and 3 years. Mortality was significantly higher in the group who had a fall in platelets (by more than 50×109/L) during their admission compared with those whose platelets rose (by more than 50×109/L) or had no change (p<0.001). Mortality was also significantly higher in those with thrombocytopenia on discharge. A rising platelet count during admission was found to be a powerful predictor of better survival. Platelet count changes could be used as a prognostic marker for pneumonia.
Azithromycin in asthma
Azithromycin as a long-term antibiotic is being increasing used in a range of respiratory conditions. The AZALEA trial (JAMA Internal Medicine doi: 10.1001/jamainternmed.2016.5664) studied whether a short course of azithromycin had any benefit in the treatment …