Chest
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Lung cancer (LC) is frequently associated with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). Despite this well-known association, the outcome of LC in patients with IPF is unclear. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of LC on survival of patients with associated IPF. ⋯ In patients with IPF, LC has a significant adverse impact on survival. Diagnosis and treatment of LC in IPF are burdened by an increased incidence of severe complicating events, apparently as lethal as the cancer itself.
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Biography Historical Article
Giants in Chest Medicine: Edward C. Rosenow III, MD, Master FCCP.
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OSA is a common chronic disorder that is associated with significant morbidity and mortality including cardiovascular, metabolic, and neurocognitive disease and increased cancer-related deaths. OSA is characterized by recurrent episodes of apneas and hypopneas associated with repetitive episodes of intermittent hypoxemia, intrathoracic pressure changes, and arousals. Intermittent hypoxemia (IH) is now being recognized as a potential major factor contributing to the pathogenesis of OSA-related comorbidities. ⋯ Treatment with CPAP to reverse OSA-related symptoms and comorbidities has been shown to provide variable benefit in some but not all patient groups. Early treatment with CPAP makes intuitive sense to promote maximal functional recovery and minimize residual injury. More studies are needed to determine the interacting effects of IH and obesity, differential effects of both short-term and long-term hypoxemia, and the effect of CPAP treatment.