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Pediatric Pulmonology Oct 2022Though endogenous S-nitroso-l-cysteine (l-CSNO) signaling at the level of the carotid body increases minute ventilation (v̇ ), neither the background data nor the... (Review)
Review
Though endogenous S-nitroso-l-cysteine (l-CSNO) signaling at the level of the carotid body increases minute ventilation (v̇ ), neither the background data nor the potential clinical relevance are well-understood by pulmonologists in general, or by pediatric pulmonologists in particular. Here, we first review how regulation of the synthesis, activation, transmembrane transport, target interaction, and degradation of l-CSNO can affect the ventilatory drive. In particular, we review l-CSNO formation by hemoglobin R to T conformational change and by nitric oxide (NO) synthases (NOS), and the downstream effects on v̇ through interaction with voltage-gated K (Kv) channel proteins and other targets in the peripheral and central nervous systems. We will review how these effects are independent of-and, in fact may be opposite to-those of NO. Next, we will review evidence that specific elements of this pathway may underlie disorders of respiratory control in childhood. Finally, we will review the potential clinical implications of this pathway in the development of respiratory stimulants, with a particular focus on potential pediatric applications.
Topics: Child; Cysteine; Hemoglobins; Humans; Nitric Oxide; Nitric Oxide Synthase; Respiratory System Agents; S-Nitrosothiols
PubMed: 35785452
DOI: 10.1002/ppul.26036 -
Der Orthopade Nov 2019Due to the broad range of diagnostic and therapeutic aspects with an increased risk of mortality, lung manifestations of rheumatic diseases are an exciting and important... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Due to the broad range of diagnostic and therapeutic aspects with an increased risk of mortality, lung manifestations of rheumatic diseases are an exciting and important field in the clinical routine of pulmonologists and rheumatologists.
OBJECTIVE
Discussion of different presentations in the lung, diagnostics and management of lung manifestation associated with rheumatic diseases.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
Analysis and presentation of current literature on the subject.
RESULTS
The manuscript presents forms of lung involvement associated with rheumatic diseases, in particular the connective tissue disease-associated interstitial lung disease. Considering the negative impact on survival, rapid and adequate diagnosis is of great importance. In the case of a known underlying rheumatic disease, histological confirmation of interstitial changes is not always necessary. In addition to the patient's history, pulmonary function testing and diagnostic imaging with high-resolution CT-scan (HR-CT) are cornerstones of the diagnostic process. The final diagnosis and therapeutic approach should be determined by a multidisciplinary discussion process. The basis of the treatment is immunosuppressants, however the use antifibrotic drugs is currently under investigation in clinical trials. In the case of advanced lung disease, lung transplantation should be evaluated promptly.
CONCLUSION
In the case of pulmonary involvement with rheumatic disease, the teamwork of pulmonologists, rheumatologists and radiologists is of particular importance.
Topics: Connective Tissue Diseases; Humans; Immunosuppressive Agents; Lung Diseases, Interstitial; Pulmonary Medicine; Rheumatic Diseases; Rheumatologists
PubMed: 31538207
DOI: 10.1007/s00132-019-03806-6 -
Diagnostics (Basel, Switzerland) Mar 2023The treatment of non-small cell lung cancer has dramatically changed over the last decade through the use of targeted therapies and immunotherapies. Implementation of... (Review)
Review
The treatment of non-small cell lung cancer has dramatically changed over the last decade through the use of targeted therapies and immunotherapies. Implementation of these treatment regimens relies on detailed knowledge regarding each tumor's specific genomic profile, underscoring the necessity of obtaining superior diagnostic tissue specimens. While these treatment approaches are commonly utilized in the metastatic setting, approval among earlier-stage disease will continue to rise, highlighting the importance of early and comprehensive biomarker testing at the time of diagnosis for all patients. Pulmonologists play an integral role in the diagnosis and staging of non-small cell lung cancer via sophisticated tissue sampling techniques. This multifaceted review will highlight current indications for the use of targeted therapies and immunotherapies in non-small cell lung cancer and will outline the quality of various diagnostic approaches and subsequent success of tissue biomarker testing. Pulmonologist-specific methods, including endobronchial ultrasound and guided bronchoscopy, will be examined as well as other modalities such as CT-guided transthoracic biopsy and more.
PubMed: 36980426
DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics13061117 -
Chest Jun 2021Despite international treaties banning torture, it is still widely practiced by state agents and private citizens alike. Pulmonologists may encounter survivors of... (Review)
Review
Despite international treaties banning torture, it is still widely practiced by state agents and private citizens alike. Pulmonologists may encounter survivors of torture in routine clinical practice or in the context of a forensic medical evaluation. The Istanbul Protocol delineates the general approach to the effective medical examination, investigation, and reporting of an individual alleging torture, but relatively little text is devoted to the specific pulmonary manifestations of torture. This review intends to address this paucity.
Topics: Forensic Medicine; Humans; Lung Diseases; Pulmonologists; Torture
PubMed: 33582098
DOI: 10.1016/j.chest.2021.02.010 -
Clinics in Chest Medicine Mar 2020In the diagnosis of lung cancer, pulmonologists have several tools at their disposal. From the tried and true convex probe endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS)-guided... (Review)
Review
In the diagnosis of lung cancer, pulmonologists have several tools at their disposal. From the tried and true convex probe endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS)-guided transbronchial needle aspiration to robotic bronchoscopy for peripheral lesions and new technology to unblind the biopsy tools, this article elucidates and expounds on the tools currently available and being developed for lung cancer diagnosis.
Topics: Biopsy; Bronchoscopy; Female; Humans; Lung; Lung Neoplasms; Male; Pulmonologists
PubMed: 32008625
DOI: 10.1016/j.ccm.2019.11.002 -
Cureus Mar 2020Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) are electronic devices designed to vaporize chemical compounds. The device is made up of a mouthpiece, liquid tank, a heating... (Review)
Review
Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) are electronic devices designed to vaporize chemical compounds. The device is made up of a mouthpiece, liquid tank, a heating element, and a battery. E-cigarette use may pose health risks in the form of cardiovascular and respiratory diseases. These health risks have implications to not only the primary user, but the aerosols can also cause secondhand and thirdhand injuries to others in the vicinity. Acute lung injury may also be associated with the use of e-cigarettes, but the underlying cause remains unknown. Clinicians, including hospitalists, pulmonologists, intensivists, medical examiners, pathologists, and the like, should report possible cases as the medical community continues to assess the health risks of e-cigarette use.
PubMed: 32351806
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.7421 -
Pulmonary Therapy Dec 2021Sarcoidosis is a systemic granulomatous disease with heterogenous clinical manifestations. Here we review the diagnosis of sarcoidosis and propose a clinically feasible... (Review)
Review
Sarcoidosis is a systemic granulomatous disease with heterogenous clinical manifestations. Here we review the diagnosis of sarcoidosis and propose a clinically feasible diagnostic work-up and monitoring protocol. As sarcoidosis is a systemic disease, a multidisciplinary approach is recommended for best outcomes. However, since the lungs are frequently involved, the pulmonologist is often the referral physician for diagnosis and management. When sarcoidosis is suspected, diagnosis needs to be confirmed and organ involvement/impairment assessed. This process is also required to establish whether the patient is likely to benefit from treatment, as many cases of sarcoidosis are self-limited and remit spontaneously. Whether or not treatment is started, effective regular follow-up is necessary to monitor changes in the disease, including extension, progression, remissions, flare-ups, and complications.
PubMed: 34091831
DOI: 10.1007/s41030-021-00161-w -
The European Respiratory Journal Mar 2021Thoracic ultrasound is increasingly considered to be an essential tool for the pulmonologist. It is used in diverse clinical scenarios, including as an adjunct to... (Review)
Review
Thoracic ultrasound is increasingly considered to be an essential tool for the pulmonologist. It is used in diverse clinical scenarios, including as an adjunct to clinical decision making for diagnosis, a real-time guide to procedures and a predictor or measurement of treatment response. The aim of this European Respiratory Society task force was to produce a statement on thoracic ultrasound for pulmonologists using thoracic ultrasound within the field of respiratory medicine. The multidisciplinary panel performed a review of the literature, addressing major areas of thoracic ultrasound practice and application. The selected major areas include equipment and technique, assessment of the chest wall, parietal pleura, pleural effusion, pneumothorax, interstitial syndrome, lung consolidation, diaphragm assessment, intervention guidance, training and the patient perspective. Despite the growing evidence supporting the use of thoracic ultrasound, the published literature still contains a paucity of data in some important fields. Key research questions for each of the major areas were identified, which serve to facilitate future multicentre collaborations and research to further consolidate an evidence-based use of thoracic ultrasound, for the benefit of the many patients being exposed to clinicians using thoracic ultrasound.
Topics: Humans; Lung Diseases; Pleura; Pleural Effusion; Pneumothorax; Ultrasonography
PubMed: 33033148
DOI: 10.1183/13993003.01519-2020 -
Chest Jul 2020Providing guideline-concordant management of pulmonary nodules can present challenges when a patient's anxiety about cancer or fear of invasive procedures colors... (Review)
Review
Providing guideline-concordant management of pulmonary nodules can present challenges when a patient's anxiety about cancer or fear of invasive procedures colors judgment. The way in which providers discuss and make decisions about how to evaluate a pulmonary nodule can affect patient satisfaction, distress, and adherence to evaluation. This article discusses the complexity of tailoring patient-provider communication, decision-making, and implementation of guidelines for pulmonary nodule evaluation to the individual patient, emphasizing the importance of how information is conveyed and the value of listening to and addressing patients' concerns. We summarize the relevant guideline recommendations and literature, and provide two case scenarios to illustrate a patient-centered approach to discussing and managing pulmonary nodules from our perspectives as a pulmonologist and thoracic surgeon.
Topics: Communication; Guideline Adherence; Humans; Patient-Centered Care; Physician-Patient Relations; Solitary Pulmonary Nodule
PubMed: 32081651
DOI: 10.1016/j.chest.2020.02.007 -
Panminerva Medica Sep 2019In clinical practice, interventional pulmonologists face several situations which can lead to dramatic consequences especially regarding ventilation and require... (Review)
Review
In clinical practice, interventional pulmonologists face several situations which can lead to dramatic consequences especially regarding ventilation and require immediate intervention. We describe the main pathological conditions where an urgent bronchoscopy is crucial because they act through mechanisms such as airway obstructions or alteration of the anatomic integrity of the tracheobronchial tree. We point out the problems resulting from inhalation of foreign bodies, one of the most dramatic respiratory emergencies typical in childhood which needs not only the appropriate endoscopic equipment suitable for the age, but also great experience in the management of the possible related complications. Massive hemoptysis is then discussed in order to help to choose the right endoscope and to clarify the steps requested to face this dramatic event. Lastly, iatrogenic tracheal injuries are described, in spite of their low occurrence. The correct endoscopic assessment of the lesions enables to select the proper multidisciplinary therapeutic approach together with surgeons and anesthetists. Due to their peculiarities, emergencies do not allow classic training so it is difficult to estimate the procedure volume necessary to achieve an adequate endoscopic experience. We think, in this field, it is advisable to refer to numbers proposed for elections endoscopic procedures. For these reasons, we consider desirable the use of simulators and clinic case discussions during interventional pulmonologist's training.
Topics: Bronchoscopes; Bronchoscopy; Clinical Competence; Emergencies; Emergency Medicine; Endoscopy; Foreign Bodies; Foreign-Body Reaction; Hemoptysis; Humans; Inhalation; Pulmonary Medicine; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 30303356
DOI: 10.23736/S0031-0808.18.03543-7