Did you mean: pulmonologists
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Children (Basel, Switzerland) May 2024Pulmonologists may be involved in managing pulmonary diseases in children with complex clinical pictures without a diagnosis. Moreover, they are routinely involved in... (Review)
Review
Pulmonologists may be involved in managing pulmonary diseases in children with complex clinical pictures without a diagnosis. Moreover, they are routinely involved in the multidisciplinary care of children with rare diseases, at baseline and during follow-up, for lung function monitoring. Lysosomal storage diseases (LSDs) are a group of genetic diseases characterised by a specific lysosomal enzyme deficiency. Despite varying pathogen and organ involvement, they are linked by the pathological accumulation of exceeding substrates, leading to cellular toxicity and subsequent organ damage. Less severe forms of LSDs can manifest during childhood or later in life, sometimes being underdiagnosed. Respiratory impairment may stem from different pathogenetic mechanisms, depending on substrate storage in bones, with skeletal deformity and restrictive pattern, in bronchi, with obstructive pattern, in lung interstitium, with altered alveolar gas exchange, and in muscles, with hypotonia. This narrative review aims to outline different pulmonary clinical findings and a diagnostic approach based on key elements for differential diagnosis in some treatable LSDs like Gaucher disease, Acid Sphingomyelinase deficiency, Pompe disease and Mucopolysaccharidosis. Alongside their respiratory clinical aspects, which might overlap, we will describe radiological findings, lung functional patterns and associated symptoms to guide pediatric pulmonologists in differential diagnosis. The second part of the paper will address follow-up and management specifics. Recent evidence suggests that new therapeutic strategies play a substantial role in preventing lung involvement in early-treated patients and enhancing lung function and radiological signs in others. Timely diagnosis, driven by clinical suspicion and diagnostic workup, can help in treating LSDs effectively.
PubMed: 38929247
DOI: 10.3390/children11060668 -
Annali Dell'Istituto Superiore Di Sanita 2024The percentage of smokers who develop COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) peaks at 40-50% in most recent publications. (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
The percentage of smokers who develop COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) peaks at 40-50% in most recent publications.
SUMMARY
Tobacco smoke remains the main cause of COPD, though smoking-related limitation of the flow is rather subjective. For patients who keep on smoking, general practitioners (GPs) and pulmonologists should be able to offer smoking cessation programs as an important part of COPD treatment. This narrative article aims to provide the scientific basis to help healthcare professionals develop this therapy; with this aim in mind, the authors have analyzed the most recent literature.
KEY MESSAGES
Only 3% of smokers who try to quit without availing themselves of any support succeed. Effective smoking cessation methods are counselling and pharmacotherapy, which, combined together, are credited with a 24% success rate. Although there are no therapeutic novelties with strong scientific evidence for smoking cessation, it is however advisable to keep the literature updated to new devices and new digital therapies.
Topics: Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive; Smoking Cessation; Humans; Counseling; Smoking; Smoking Cessation Agents
PubMed: 38920255
DOI: 10.4415/ANN_24_01_04 -
Respiratory Care Jun 2024Pulmonary function tests (PFTs) have historically used race-specific prediction equations. The recent American Thoracic Society guidelines recommend the use of a...
BACKGROUND
Pulmonary function tests (PFTs) have historically used race-specific prediction equations. The recent American Thoracic Society guidelines recommend the use of a race-neutral approach in prediction equations. There are limited studies centering the opinions of practicing pulmonologists on the use of race in spirometry. Provider opinion will impact adoption of the new guideline. The aim of this study was to ascertain the beliefs of academic pulmonary and critical care providers regarding the use of race as a variable in spirometry prediction equations.
METHODS
We report data from 151 open-ended responses from a voluntary, nationwide survey (distributed by the Association of Pulmonary Critical Care Medicine Program Directors) of academic pulmonary and critical care providers regarding the use of race in PFT prediction equations. Responses were coded using inductive and deductive methods, and a thematic content analysis was conducted.
RESULTS
There was a balanced distribution of opinions among respondents supporting, opposing, or being unsure about the incorporation of race in spirometry prediction equations. Responses demonstrated a wide array of understanding related to the concept and definition of race and its relationship to physiology.
CONCLUSIONS
There was no consensus among providers regarding the use of race in spirometry prediction equations. Concepts of race having biologic implications persist among pulmonary providers and will likely affect the uptake of the Global Lung Function Initiative per the American Thoracic Society guidelines.
PubMed: 38918025
DOI: 10.4187/respcare.11734 -
Archivos de Bronconeumologia Jun 2024
PubMed: 38906715
DOI: 10.1016/j.arbres.2024.06.003 -
Chest Jun 2024Despite advances in precision medicine for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), biomarker testing for these therapies remain frequently underutilized, delayed, and...
BACKGROUND
Despite advances in precision medicine for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), biomarker testing for these therapies remain frequently underutilized, delayed, and inequitable. Pulmonologists often play a critical role in the initial diagnostic steps for patients with lung cancer and previous data show variability in their knowledge and practices regarding biomarker testing. The purpose of this study is to better understand how pulmonologists' view their role in lung cancer care.
RESEARCH QUESTION
With the increasing importance of biomarker testing and precision medicine, how do pulmonologists view their role in lung cancer care?
STUDY DESIGN
An electronic survey consisting of 31 items focused on attitudes and practices regarding diagnostic steps for NSCLC was randomly distributed to a sample of practicing pulmonologists in the American College of Chest Physicians (CHEST) Analytics database. Inferential statistics were performed using Chi tests and multivariable logistic regression models.
RESULTS
A total of 401 pulmonologists responded to the survey. The majority (92%) were general pulmonologists, and over half (62%) indicate they order biomarker testing. Longer practice tenure, higher case volumes, and participation in a multidisciplinary tumor board were associated with ordering biomarkers (p<0.05). Pulmonology was identified to have the leading responsibility for the initial diagnostic biopsy by most respondents (83%) and less often for staging (45%), leading discussions about biomarker testing with patients (28%), and for ordering biomarkers (22%). The most common reasons for not ordering biomarkers included: oncology was responsible (84%), it is not within their scope of practice (46%), or lack of the necessary knowledge (51%).
INTERPRETATION
Pulmonologists vary in their practices for ordering biomarkers and many defer this responsibility to oncology. Despite the role of bronchoscopy and pulmonology societal guidelines for staging, many defer leadership of this process. Many pulmonologists lack the necessary resources and multi-disciplinary infrastructure likely required to efficiently accomplish biomarker testing.
PubMed: 38906460
DOI: 10.1016/j.chest.2024.06.001 -
The Journal of Asthma : Official... Jun 2024Female hormones and obesity have an impact on women with asthma. We aimed to describe how these components affect asthma inflammatory processes.
INTRODUCTION
Female hormones and obesity have an impact on women with asthma. We aimed to describe how these components affect asthma inflammatory processes.
METHODS
Sex hormones [FSH, LH, estradiol (E2), estrone (E1), testosterone and Δ4 androstenedione (A4)] and serum IL1β, IL13, IL17a, IL-5, IL6, TNF-a were measured from 11 to18 pre- and postmenopausal women with asthma.
RESULTS
Premenopausal normal weight women revealed higher levels of IL5 and IL17a than obese women on both days of the menstrual cycle (IL5: D1: 6.4 vs 1.4 pg/ml, = .036 and D14: 3 vs 1.4 pg/ml, = .045 and IL17a: D1: 13.7 pg/ml vs 10.6 pg/ml and D14: 12.4 pg/ml vs 10.6 pg/ml, = .009, respectively). In premenopausal women on D1, Δ4 Androstenedione was positively correlated with IL1β ( = .016, = 0.733), whereas on D14, Estradiol with IL1β ( = .009, = -.768) and TNF-a with Testosterone ( = .004, = -0.816), and Δ4 Androstenedione ( = .002, = -0.841) negatively. In postmenopausal women, TNF-a was negatively associated with FSH ( = .004, = -0.638), but positively with Testosterone ( = .025, = 0.526) and IL10 also positively with Estradiol ( = .007, = 0.610).
CONCLUSION
Obesity shows a protective role in asthma through the suppression of IL5 and IL17. Estrogens seem to inhibit Th1 and Th2 inflammation, while androgens have a dual role with negative and positive correlations with neutrophilic biomarkers.
PubMed: 38900498
DOI: 10.1080/02770903.2024.2362859 -
Pediatric Allergy and Immunology :... Jun 2024Atopic dermatitis (AD) is frequently associated with asthma and allergic rhinitis (AR). Dupilumab is an effective treatment for pediatric AD, although the effect on...
BACKGROUND
Atopic dermatitis (AD) is frequently associated with asthma and allergic rhinitis (AR). Dupilumab is an effective treatment for pediatric AD, although the effect on atopic comorbidities in pediatric AD patients is limited.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the prevalence of asthma and AR in pediatric AD patients starting dupilumab treatment and to evaluate the effect of dupilumab on these comorbidities.
METHODS
This study included pediatric AD patients (aged 3-17 years) treated with dupilumab between 2019 and 2023. Patients were screened at baseline by a pulmonologist for the presence of asthma and AR. Screening included evaluation of medical history and current symptoms, spirometry (including Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 s (FEV)), Fractional exhaled Nitric Oxide (FeNO), and measurement of aeroallergen-specific IgE levels. In patients diagnosed with comorbid asthma and/or AR, measurements were repeated at weeks 16 and 52. Spirometry measurements, FeNO, and aeroallergen-specific IgE levels during treatment were analyzed using a covariance pattern model.
RESULTS
Eighty-four patients were included. Asthma was diagnosed in 50 patients (59.5%) and AR in 72 patients (85.7%). Baseline FeNO levels were elevated in both patients with (29.0 ppb (95% CI 22.0-54.0)) and without asthma (26.0 ppb (95% CI 22.0-30.0)). During treatment, FeNO levels decreased (p < .001) and FEV scores increased (p < .001) in patients with asthma. In patients with asthma and/or AR, all aeroallergen-specific IgE levels decreased between 61.3% and 89.1% at 52 weeks of treatment.
CONCLUSION
One year of dupilumab treatment, primarily indicated for AD, resulted in a significant improvement in comorbid asthma and a profound decrease in aeroallergen-specific IgE levels in patients with asthma and/or AR.
Topics: Humans; Dermatitis, Atopic; Child; Asthma; Female; Male; Adolescent; Child, Preschool; Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; Immunoglobulin E; Allergens; Registries; Rhinitis, Allergic; Prevalence; Spirometry; Treatment Outcome; Comorbidity; Nitric Oxide
PubMed: 38899688
DOI: 10.1111/pai.14178 -
Journal of Clinical Medicine May 2024Asthma, a prevalent chronic respiratory condition characterized by inflammation of the airways and bronchoconstriction, has demonstrated a potential association with... (Review)
Review
Asthma, a prevalent chronic respiratory condition characterized by inflammation of the airways and bronchoconstriction, has demonstrated a potential association with hemoglobinopathies such as thalassemia and sickle cell disease (SCD). Numerous studies have highlighted a higher prevalence of asthma among thalassemia patients compared to the general population, with rates ranging around 30%. Similarly, asthma frequently coexists with SCD, affecting approximately 20-48% of patients. Children with SCD often experience heightened lower airway obstruction and airway hyper-reactivity. Notably, the presence of asthma in SCD exacerbates respiratory symptoms and increases the risk of severe complications like acute chest syndrome, stroke, vaso-occlusive episodes, and early mortality. Several studies have noted a decrease in various cytokines such as IFN-γ and IL-10, along with higher levels of both IL-6 and IL-8, suggesting an overactivation of pro-inflammatory mechanisms in patients with hemoglobinopathies, which could trigger inflammatory conditions such as asthma. The exact mechanisms driving this association are better elucidated but may involve factors such as chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, and immune dysregulation associated with thalassemia-related complications like chronic hemolytic anemia and iron overload. This review aims to comprehensively analyze the relationship between asthma and hemoglobinopathies, with a focus on thalassemia and SCD. It emphasizes the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration among pulmonologists, hematologists, and other healthcare professionals to effectively manage this complex interplay. Understanding this link is crucial for improving care and outcomes in affected individuals.
PubMed: 38892971
DOI: 10.3390/jcm13113263 -
Therapeutic Advances in Respiratory... 2024People with (a cough lasting more than 8 weeks) are often referred to different specialists and undergo numerous diagnostic tests, but clear guidance is lacking. This... (Review)
Review
People with (a cough lasting more than 8 weeks) are often referred to different specialists and undergo numerous diagnostic tests, but clear guidance is lacking. This work summarizes a consensus (an agreement) among medical specialists who are involved in managing people with : physicians (family doctors), pulmonologists (doctors who specialize in lung conditions), allergists (medical professionals specializing in allergies) and ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialists. They discussed how to perform a basic assessment of people with in (day-to-day healthcare given by a general practitioner or family doctor) and how to refer them to different specialists based on clinical findings or test results.
Topics: Humans; Primary Health Care; Cough; Chronic Disease; Referral and Consultation; Consensus; Specialization; Predictive Value of Tests; Chronic Cough
PubMed: 38888181
DOI: 10.1177/17534666241257166 -
Pediatric Pulmonology Jun 2024Studies have shown a high prevalence of sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) in children with spina bifida. International standards for regular testing for SDB in this...
INTRODUCTION
Studies have shown a high prevalence of sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) in children with spina bifida. International standards for regular testing for SDB in this population are lacking. While there are studies investigating the prevalence of SDB in children with spina bifida, there are close to no studies in neonates.
AIM AND OBJECTIVE
To evaluate if routine respiratory polygraphy (RPG) testing is indicated for neonates with spina bifida and if yes, with what therapeutic consequence.
METHODS
We conducted a retrospective cohort study of all neonates with spina bifida at the University (Children's) Hospital Zurich after fetal spina bifida repair born between 2017 and 2022, who had undergone at least 1 RPG evaluation during hospitalization on the neonatal ward. RPG were evaluated by a blinded group of experienced pediatric pulmonologists. Based on the neonatal RPG results and pediatric pulmonologist's recommendation for caffeine therapy the spina bifida cohort was divided into two groups. Neonatal baseline RPG and follow-up RPG at the age of the 3 months were evaluated.
RESULTS
48 neonates with RPG were included. Compared to the standard values in healthy neonates, the RPG results of this spina bifida cohort showed findings of SDB with central apnea and hypopnea. 22 (45.8%) neonatal RPG evaluations detected central SDB, prompting caffeine therapy. Follow-up RPG conducted after 3 months showed significant improvement of SDB with (almost) no need for continuation of caffeine.
CONCLUSION
We recommend the implementation of routine RPG testing in neonates with spina bifida to detect SDB and facilitate early targeted treatment.
PubMed: 38888157
DOI: 10.1002/ppul.27137