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Autoimmunity Reviews Jan 2024Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a heterogeneous autoimmune disease, where a significant proportion of patients develop interstitial lung disease (ILD), which is the major... (Review)
Review
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a heterogeneous autoimmune disease, where a significant proportion of patients develop interstitial lung disease (ILD), which is the major cause of mortality. In recent years, the diagnosis of SSc-ILD has improved a lot, and caring rheumatologists, together with pulmonologists, regularly screen and follow the development and course of ILD. Considerable progress has also been made in the treatment of SSc-ILD based on several clinical trials. The recommendations for immunosuppressive treatment have been modified and supplemented with targeted agents (tocilizumab, rituximab), and antifibrotic drugs such as nintedanib registered as a new treatment for SSc-ILD. However, there are no clear recommendations regarding the start and timing of nintedanib treatment. A debate on the early introduction of nintenadib or not took place on the 7th edition of the International Congress on Controversies in Rheumatology and Autoimmunity (CORA) in March/2023, and this review summarizes the main arguments that were discussed in this session.
Topics: Humans; Secondary Prevention; Immunosuppressive Agents; Lung Diseases, Interstitial; Indoles; Scleroderma, Systemic; Lung
PubMed: 37844857
DOI: 10.1016/j.autrev.2023.103463 -
Current Opinion in Pulmonary Medicine Jan 2024In this review, we highlight the important anesthetic consideration that relate to interventional bronchoscopic procedures for the management of central airway... (Review)
Review
PURPOSE OF REVIEW
In this review, we highlight the important anesthetic consideration that relate to interventional bronchoscopic procedures for the management of central airway obstruction due to anterior mediastinal masses, endoluminal endobronchial obstruction, peripheral bronchoscopy for diagnosis and treatment of lung nodules, bronchoscopic lung volume reduction and medical pleuroscopy for diagnosis and management of pleural diseases.
RECENT FINDINGS
The advent of the field of Interventional Pulmonology has allowed for minimally invasive options for patients with a wide range of lung diseases which at times have replaced more invasive surgical procedures. Ongoing research has shed light on advancement in anesthetic techniques and management strategies that have increased the safety during peri-operative management during these complex procedures. Current evidence focusing on the anesthetic techniques is presented here.
SUMMARY
The field of Interventional Pulmonology requires a tailored anesthetic approach. Recent advancements and ongoing research have focused on expanding the partnership between the anesthesiologist and interventional pulmonologists which has led to improved outcomes for patients undergoing these procedures.
Topics: Humans; Pulmonary Medicine; Lung Diseases; Bronchoscopy; Pleural Diseases; Airway Obstruction; Anesthetics; Lung Neoplasms
PubMed: 37930637
DOI: 10.1097/MCP.0000000000001033 -
Chest Aug 2023The diagnosis, prognostication, and differentiation of phenotypes of COPD can be facilitated by CT scan imaging of the chest. CT scan imaging of the chest is a... (Review)
Review
The diagnosis, prognostication, and differentiation of phenotypes of COPD can be facilitated by CT scan imaging of the chest. CT scan imaging of the chest is a prerequisite for lung volume reduction surgery and lung transplantation. Quantitative analysis can be used to evaluate extent of disease progression. Evolving imaging techniques include micro-CT scan, ultra-high-resolution and photon-counting CT scan imaging, and MRI. Potential advantages of these newer techniques include improved resolution, prediction of reversibility, and obviation of radiation exposure. This article discusses important emerging techniques in imaging patients with COPD. The clinical usefulness of these emerging techniques as they stand today are tabulated for the benefit of the practicing pulmonologist.
Topics: Humans; Lung; Tomography, X-Ray Computed; Pneumonectomy; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive
PubMed: 36907375
DOI: 10.1016/j.chest.2023.02.049 -
JAMA Jan 2024Many patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), heart failure (HF), and interstitial lung disease (ILD) endure poor quality of life despite conventional... (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study Randomized Controlled Trial
Nurse and Social Worker Palliative Telecare Team and Quality of Life in Patients With COPD, Heart Failure, or Interstitial Lung Disease: The ADAPT Randomized Clinical Trial.
IMPORTANCE
Many patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), heart failure (HF), and interstitial lung disease (ILD) endure poor quality of life despite conventional therapy. Palliative care approaches may benefit this population prior to end of life.
OBJECTIVE
Determine the effect of a nurse and social worker palliative telecare team on quality of life in outpatients with COPD, HF, or ILD compared with usual care.
DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS
Single-blind, 2-group, multisite randomized clinical trial with accrual between October 27, 2016, and April 2, 2020, in 2 Veterans Administration health care systems (Colorado and Washington), and including community-based outpatient clinics. Outpatients with COPD, HF, or ILD at high risk of hospitalization or death who reported poor quality of life participated.
INTERVENTION
The intervention involved 6 phone calls with a nurse to help with symptom management and 6 phone calls with a social worker to provide psychosocial care. The nurse and social worker met weekly with a study primary care and palliative care physician and as needed, a pulmonologist, and cardiologist. Usual care included an educational handout developed for the study that outlined self-care for COPD, ILD, or HF. Patients in both groups received care at the discretion of their clinicians, which could include care from nurses and social workers, and specialists in cardiology, pulmonology, palliative care, and mental health.
MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES
The primary outcome was difference in change in quality of life from baseline to 6 months between the intervention and usual care groups (FACT-G score range, 0-100, with higher scores indicating better quality of life, clinically meaningful change ≥4 points). Secondary quality-of-life outcomes at 6 months included disease-specific health status (Clinical COPD Questionnaire; Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire-12), depression (Patient Health Questionnaire-8) and anxiety (Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7) symptoms.
RESULTS
Among 306 randomized patients (mean [SD] age, 68.9 [7.7] years; 276 male [90.2%], 30 female [9.8%]; 245 White [80.1%]), 177 (57.8%) had COPD, 67 (21.9%) HF, 49 (16%) both COPD and HF, and 13 (4.2%) ILD. Baseline FACT-G scores were similar (intervention, 52.9; usual care, 52.7). FACT-G completion was 76% (intervention, 117 of 154; usual care, 116 of 152) at 6 months for both groups. Mean (SD) length of intervention was 115.1 (33.4) days and included a mean of 10.4 (3.3) intervention calls per patient. In the intervention group, 112 of 154 (73%) patients received the intervention as randomized. At 6 months, mean FACT-G score improved 6.0 points in the intervention group and 1.4 points in the usual care group (difference, 4.6 points [95% CI, 1.8-7.4]; P = .001; standardized mean difference, 0.41). The intervention also improved COPD health status (standardized mean difference, 0.44; P = .04), HF health status (standardized mean difference, 0.41; P = .01), depression (standardized mean difference, -0.50; P < .001), and anxiety (standardized mean difference, -0.51; P < .001) at 6 months.
CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE
For adults with COPD, HF, or ILD who were at high risk of death and had poor quality of life, a nurse and social worker palliative telecare team produced clinically meaningful improvements in quality of life at 6 months compared with usual care.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02713347.
Topics: Adult; Aged; Female; Humans; Male; Heart Failure; Lung Diseases, Interstitial; Quality of Life; Single-Blind Method; Social Workers; Telemedicine; Nurse's Role; Palliative Care; Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive; Patient Care Team; Terminal Care; Ambulatory Care; Veterans Health Services; Lung Diseases; Nurses
PubMed: 38227034
DOI: 10.1001/jama.2023.24035 -
Journal of Thoracic Disease Jul 2023Benign tracheal stenosis can cause dyspnea, wheezing, and cough mimicking other obstructive lung diseases which often leads to a delay in the diagnosis. Risk factors and... (Review)
Review
Benign tracheal stenosis can cause dyspnea, wheezing, and cough mimicking other obstructive lung diseases which often leads to a delay in the diagnosis. Risk factors and etiologies for tracheal strictures include autoimmune diseases, infection, gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD), radiation injury and iatrogenic factors such as post-intubation and post-tracheostomy. Once suspected, tracheal strictures are diagnosed by performing a thorough evaluation involving clinical exam, laboratory workup, pulmonary function test, chest imaging and bronchoscopy. Bronchoscopy plays a pivotal role in the diagnosis of stenosis and along with the imaging and physiologic assessments leads to a proper description of the stenosis based on all parameters that matters for management. Surgical resection provides a definitive management in most patients with idiopathic or post intubation/tracheostomy stenosis, however, factors such as severe co-morbidities, length and location of the stricture can preclude patients from undergoing curative surgery. Several bronchoscopic interventions including mechanical or laser assisted dilation, electrosurgery (ES), airway stenting and pharmacological treatment with mitomycin C (MMC) and intralesional steroid have been reported in the literature for management of patients who are not surgical candidates. Herein, we review the role of bronchoscopy and illustrate the importance of a multi-disciplinary team (MDT) approach comprising of interventional pulmonologists, thoracic surgeons and otorhinolaryngologists in the diagnosis and management of patients with benign tracheal stenosis.
PubMed: 37559626
DOI: 10.21037/jtd-22-1734 -
BMC Gastroenterology Sep 2023The Hepatic hydrothorax is a pleural effusion related to portal hypertension; its diagnosis and therapeutic management may be difficult. The aims of this article are...
BACKGROUND
The Hepatic hydrothorax is a pleural effusion related to portal hypertension; its diagnosis and therapeutic management may be difficult. The aims of this article are which follows: To gather the practices of hepatogastroenterologists or pulmonologists practitioners regarding the diagnosis and management of the hepatic hydrothorax.
METHODS
Practitioners from 13 French- speaking countries were invited to answer an online questionnaire on the hepatic hydrothorax diagnosis and its management.
RESULTS
Five hundred twenty-eight practitioners (80% from France) responded to this survey. 75% were hepatogastroenterologists, 20% pulmonologists and the remaining 5% belonged to other specialities. The Hepatic hydrothorax can be located on the left lung for 64% of the responders (66% hepatogastroenterologists vs 57% pulmonologists; p = 0.25); The Hepatic hydrothorax can exist in the absence of clinical ascites for 91% of the responders (93% hepatogastroenterologists vs 88% pulmonologists; p = 0.27). An Ultrasound pleural scanning was systematically performed before a puncture for 43% of the responders (36% hepatogastroenterologists vs 70% pulmonologists; p < 0.001). A chest X-ray was performed before a puncture for 73% of the respondeurs (79% hepatogastroenterologists vs 54% pulmonologists; p < 0.001). In case of a spontaneous bacterial empyema, an albumin infusion was used by 73% hepatogastroenterologists and 20% pulmonologists (p < 0.001). A drain was used by 37% of the responders (37% hepatogastroenterologists vs 31% pulmonologists; p = 0.26).An Indwelling pleural catheter was used by 50% pulmonologists and 22% hepatogastroenterologists (p < 0.01). TIPS was recommended by 78% of the responders (85% hepatogastroenterologists vs 52% pulmonologists; p < 0.001) and a liver transplantation, by 76% of the responders (86% hepatogastroenterologists vs 44% pulmonologists; p < 0.001).
CONCLUSIONS
The results of this large study provide important data on practices of French speaking hepatogastroenterologists and pulmonologists; it appears that recommendations are warranted.
Topics: Humans; Hydrothorax; Gastroenterologists; Pulmonologists; Pleural Effusion; Hypertension, Portal
PubMed: 37697230
DOI: 10.1186/s12876-023-02931-z -
BMC Gastroenterology Sep 2023The prevalence of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) has had a marked increase in Western countries with a paralleling interest in extraesophageal (EE)... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
The prevalence of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) has had a marked increase in Western countries with a paralleling interest in extraesophageal (EE) manifestations of GERD, including laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR). There are considerable differences in clinical practice between gastroenterologists, otolaryngologists and pulmonologists.
METHODS
In this narrative review we address some of these controversies concerning EE manifestations of GERD and LPR.
RESULTS
It is disputed whether there is causal relationship between reflux and the numerous symptoms and conditions suggested to be EE manifestations of GERD. Similarly, the pathophysiology is uncertain and there are disagreements concerning diagnostic criteria. Consequently, it is challenging to provide evidence-based treatment recommendations. A significant number of patients are given a trial course with a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) for several months before symptoms are evaluated. In randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and meta-analyses of RCTs PPI treatment does not seem to be advantageous over placebo, and the evidence supporting that patients without verified GERD have any benefit of PPI treatment is negligible. There is a large increase in both over the counter and prescribed PPI use in several countries and a significant proportion of this use is without any symptomatic benefit for the patients. Whereas short-term treatment has few side effects, there is concern about side-effects after long-term use. Although empiric PPI treatment for suspected EE manifestations of GERD instead of prior esophageal 24-hour pH and impedance monitoring is included in several guidelines by various societies, this practice contributes to overtreatment with PPI.
CONCLUSION
We argue that the current knowledge suggests that diagnostic testing with pH and impedance monitoring rather than empiric PPI treatment should be chosen in a higher proportion of patients presenting with symptoms possibly attributable to EE reflux.
Topics: Humans; Laryngopharyngeal Reflux; Electric Impedance; Proton Pump Inhibitors
PubMed: 37674110
DOI: 10.1186/s12876-023-02945-7 -
BMC Pulmonary Medicine Dec 2023Usual Interstitial Pneumonia (UIP) is characterized by progression of lung parenchyma that may be observed in various autoimmune rheumatic diseases (ARDs), including... (Review)
Review
Usual Interstitial Pneumonia (UIP) is characterized by progression of lung parenchyma that may be observed in various autoimmune rheumatic diseases (ARDs), including rheumatoid arthritis and connective tissue diseases. From a diagnostic point of view, a UIP pattern related to ARDs may display imaging and pathological features able to distinguish it from that related to IPF, such as the "straight-edge" sign at HRCT and lymphoplasmacytic infiltrates at histologic specimens. Multidisciplinary approach (MDD), involving at least pulmonologist, rheumatologist and radiologist, is fundamental in the differential diagnosis process, but MDD is also required in the evaluation of severity, progression and response to treatment, that is based on the combination of changes in symptoms, pulmonary function trends, and, in selected patients, serial CT evaluation. Differently from IPF, in patients with ARDs both functional evaluation and patient-reported outcomes may be affected by systemic involvement and comorbidities, including musculoskeletal manifestations of disease. Finally, in regards to pharmacological treatment, immunosuppressants have been considered the cornerstone of therapy, despite the lack of solid evidence in most cases; recently, antifibrotic drugs were also proposed for the treatment of progressive fibrosing ILDs other than IPF. In ARD-ILD, the therapeutic choice should balance the need for the control of systemic and lung involvements with the risk of adverse events from multi-morbidities and -therapies. Purpose of this review is to summarize the definition, the radiological and morphological features of the UIP pattern in ARDs, together with risk factors, diagnostic criteria, prognostic evaluation, monitoring and management approaches of the UIP-ARDs.
Topics: Humans; Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis; Lung Diseases, Interstitial; Lung; Autoimmune Diseases; Rheumatic Diseases; Respiratory Distress Syndrome
PubMed: 38082233
DOI: 10.1186/s12890-023-02783-z -
Chest Oct 2023Climate change adversely impacts global health. Increasingly, temperature variability, inclement weather, declining air quality, and growing food and clean water supply... (Review)
Review
Climate change adversely impacts global health. Increasingly, temperature variability, inclement weather, declining air quality, and growing food and clean water supply insecurities threaten human health. Earth's temperature is projected to increase up to 6.4 °C by the end of the 21st century, exacerbating the threat. Public and health care professionals, including pulmonologists, perceive the detrimental effects of climate change and air pollution and support efforts to mitigate its effects. In fact, evidence is strong that premature cardiopulmonary death is associated with air pollution exposure via inhalation through the respiratory system, which functions as a portal of entry. However, little guidance is available for pulmonologists in recognizing the effects of climate change and air pollution on the diverse range of pulmonary disorders. To educate and mitigate risk for patients competently, pulmonologists must be armed with evidence-based findings of the impact of climate change and air pollution on specific pulmonary diseases. Our goal is to provide pulmonologists with the background and tools to improve patients' health and to prevent adverse outcomes despite climate change-imposed threats. In this review, we detail current evidence of climate change and air pollution impact on a diverse range of pulmonary disorders. Knowledge enables a proactive and individualized approach toward prevention strategies for patients, rather than merely treating ailments reactively.
Topics: Humans; Air Pollutants; Air Pollution; Allergens; Climate Change; Pulmonologists; Lung Diseases
PubMed: 37054776
DOI: 10.1016/j.chest.2023.04.009 -
Annals of Medicine Dec 2023The coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) increased the already heavy workload in the pulmonary and respiratory departments, which therefore possibly increased the... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVES
The coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) increased the already heavy workload in the pulmonary and respiratory departments, which therefore possibly increased the prevalence of burnout among pulmonologists or respiratory therapists. We aimed to compare the differences in burnout among pulmonologists or respiratory therapists pre- and post-COVID-19 by doing a systematic review with meta-analysis.
METHODS
We searched pulmonologist, or pulmonary, or respiratory, and burnout up to 29 January 2023 in six databases. We included studies investigating pulmonologists or respiratory therapists and reporting the prevalence of burnout among them. The risk of bias was assessed by a tool for prevalence studies. The overall prevalence of burnout was pooled.
RESULTS
A total of 2859 records were identified and 16 studies were included in the final analysis. The included studies reported 3610 responding individuals and 2336 burnouts. The pooled prevalence of burnout was 61.7% (95% confidence interval (CI), 48.6-73.2%; = 96.3%). The pooled prevalence of burnout during COVID-19 was significantly higher than it was prior to the outbreak (68.4% vs. 41.6%, = .01). The result of the meta-regression revealed that COVID-19 coverage was significantly associated with the prevalence of burnout ( = .04).
CONCLUSIONS
Burnout was widely prevalent among pulmonologists or respiratory therapists and increasingly perceived during COVID-19. Therefore, interventions were needed to reduce burnout in this specialty.KEY MESSASGESThe coronavirus disease-19 increased the already heavy workload in the pulmonary and respiratory departments.Burnout was widely prevalent among pulmonologists or respiratory therapists and increasingly perceived during COVID-19.
Topics: Humans; COVID-19; Pulmonologists; Prevalence; Burnout, Professional; Burnout, Psychological
PubMed: 37459584
DOI: 10.1080/07853890.2023.2234392