Bacterial infections of the respiratory tract contribute to significant morbidity and mortality worldwide. Early recognition of lower respiratory tract infections is fundamental for the management and prevention of complications such a sepsis. Common respiratory infections such as community-acquired, hospital-acquired pneumonia, atypical bacterial infection, and acute infective exacerbations of chronic disease such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and bronchiectasis are caused by a wide range of pathogens which can be treated in the community or in the hospital setting based on assessment of severity. Antibiotics are by far the most commonly used pharmacological intervention in the management of bacterial infections. Antibiotics have different and unique mechanisms of action against bacteria and several guidelines exist to direct treatment of chest infections. However, with inappropriate use of antibiotics, the resistance of bacteria to antimicrobials has seen significant growth globally, causing concern to the public health. Other pharmacological interventions for the management of infections and sepsis are in the development phase.
Gas exchange is the main function of the lungs. Lungs have a large reserve for gas exchange. Oxygen and carbon dioxide diffuse along their partial pressure gradient across the alveolar–capillary membrane. Alveolar ventilation and pulmonary circulation are closely matched to provide efficient gas exchange in the lungs. Hypoxaemia often results from mismatch in ventilation–perfusion. Gas exchange can be impaired in various disease states. Measurement of the diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide (DLCO) provides estimation of the gas exchange function. A low DLCO indicates an impairment of oxygen transfer across the alveolar–capillary membrane. Based on the lung function tests one can assess the risks of perioperative pulmonary complications. Anaesthesia and surgery adversely affect pulmonary function, many of which adverse effects can be prevented.
This article describes the role of statistics in clinical trials, covering study design, directionality, variables, randomization and blinding, error reduction, probability and ethics as applied to trial design.