Respiration; international review of thoracic diseases
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Lung volume reduction surgery can improve lung function and working capacity in severe heterogeneous emphysema. Endobronchial lung volume reduction (ELVR) performed by one-way valves inserted via a flexible bronchoscope can result in a moderate but significant improvement in lung function and exercise tolerance, eliminating the surgical risks. ⋯ In carefully selected AAT deficiency patients with severe emphysema, ELVR can be safely performed with encouraging long-lasting results.
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In the acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), lung-protective ventilation strategies combine the delivery of small tidal volumes (VT) with sufficient positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP). However, an optimal approach guiding the setting of PEEP has not been defined. Monitoring volumetric capnography is useful to detect changes in lung aeration. ⋯ In this surfactant-depleted model, PEEP at the lowest VDalv/VTalv and SIII allows an optimal balance between lung overinflation and collapse. Hence, volumetric capnography is a useful bedside approach to identify the optimal PEEP.
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Observational Study
Pirfenidone in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: real-life experience from a German tertiary referral center for interstitial lung diseases.
Pirfenidone is a novel antifibrotic drug for the treatment of mild-to-moderate idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). However, adverse events may offset treatment benefits and compliance. ⋯ Adverse events affect the majority of patients treated with pirfenidone, but are mostly manageable with supportive measures. In this heterogeneous patient group, a nonsignificant effect of pirfenidone treatment on pulmonary function was seen, underlining the need for more data on patient selection criteria and efficacy of pirfenidone, particularly in patients with coexistent emphysema and concomitant NAC/CCS treatment.
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Patients with interstitial lung disease (ILD) have a high incidence of postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs) after lung resection, but there is little data about these complications in ILD after other types of surgery. ⋯ The incidence of PPCs detected over all surgeries was not as high as that reported for lung surgery alone in ILD patients. Lower BMI, emergency surgery, lung surgery, and longer anesthesia time were risk factors. Operative conditions as well as lung function should be considered in preoperative planning and management for ILD patients undergoing major surgery.
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Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) is a serious complication of pulmonary embolism (PE). Taking into account the reported incidence of CTEPH after acute PE, the number of patients with undiagnosed CTEPH may be high. ⋯ CPET is a useful noninvasive diagnostic tool for the detection of CTEPH in patients with suspected PH but normal echocardiography. The 4-P-CPET score provides a high sensitivity with the highest specificity.