Background: Legionella pneumophilia is typically transmitted via inhalation aerosols derived from water or soil during outbreaks or be acquired sporadically, commonly causing community-acquired or nosocomial pneumonia1,2. Death occurs through progressive respiratory failure, shock and multiorgan failure3,4. Epidemiological data for in-patient Legionella in the United States (U.S.) is lacking. The objective of the study is to […]

Background: There is literature to suggest there is a subtype of COPD patients in which eosinophils may play an important role. Data suggests that this subset of patient are more prone to develop exacerbations, but also have a higher likelihood of responding to inhaled corticosteroid therapy. The objective of this study is to determine if […]

Background: Hospital discharge is a complex process that requires coordination from various parties. There still remains a significant rate of readmission, with a reported 30 day readmission of roughly 20% and annual cost of $18 Billion to Medicare. Patients with adequate discharge planning have a decreased readmission rate. Recent studies that demonstrated that high risk […]

Background: COPD is the third leading cause of death and hospital readmissions. Inpatient care for patients with COPD exacerbations varies widely across the US which can lead to patients failing to receive recommended evaluation, treatment, education, and follow-up to reduce the likelihood of recurrent exacerbations and unnecessary acute care utilization. In an effort to innovate […]

Case Presentation: A 56-year-old male with WHO Group I/III pulmonary hypertension (PH), Gold Stage III COPD, and right ventricular failure presented with several weeks of gradually worsening dyspnea. One month prior, he was hospitalized for an acute exacerbation of PH and was discharged on an increased dose of ambrisentan after excluding intra-atrial shunting. On the […]

Background: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is among the top three leading causes of hospital readmissions in the United States. Acute Exacerbation of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease(AECOPD) is associated with increased morbidity, mortality, and cost with AECOPD accounting for more than half of the 15.5 billion USD spent on COPD[1,2]. In this project, we aim […]