Chest
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Stage classification provides a nomenclature about the anatomic extent of a cancer; a consistent language provides the ability to communicate about a specific patient and about cohorts of patients in clinical studies. This paper summarizes the eighth edition of lung cancer stage classification, which is the worldwide standard as of January 1, 2017. This revision is based on a large global database, a sophisticated analysis, extensive internal validation as well as multiple assessments confirming generalizability. Practicing clinicians must be familiar with the stage classification system when managing contemporary patients with lung cancer.
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An update of evidence-based guidelines concerning liberation from mechanical ventilation is needed as new evidence has become available. The American College of Chest Physicians (CHEST) and the American Thoracic Society (ATS) have collaborated to provide recommendations to clinicians concerning liberation from the ventilator. ⋯ The guideline panel provided recommendations for inspiratory pressure augmentation during an initial SBT, protocols minimizing sedation, and preventative NIV, in relation to ventilator liberation.
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Hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction (HPV) is a homeostatic mechanism that is intrinsic to the pulmonary vasculature. Intrapulmonary arteries constrict in response to alveolar hypoxia, diverting blood to better-oxygenated lung segments, thereby optimizing ventilation/perfusion matching and systemic oxygen delivery. In response to alveolar hypoxia, a mitochondrial sensor dynamically changes reactive oxygen species and redox couples in pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMC). ⋯ Genetic and epigenetic abnormalities of this oxygen-sensing pathway can trigger normoxic activation of HIF-1α and can promote abnormal metabolism and cell proliferation. The resulting pseudohypoxic state underlies the Warburg metabolic shift and contributes to the neoplasia-like phenotype of PH. HPV and oxygen sensing are important in human health and disease.
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To assess the clinical characteristics, diagnosis, and outcome of cardiac sarcoidosis in a single institution sarcoidosis clinic. ⋯ The new WASOG criteria were able to characterize cardiac involvement in our sarcoidosis clinic. Age and lack of pacemaker or defibrillator were the significant predictors of mortality for cardiac sarcoidosis, and reduced LVEF < 40% was associated with worse prognosis.
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Obesity is prevalent in the United States; however, the impact of obesity on COPD morbidity is unclear. We hypothesized that obesity is associated with worse outcomes in COPD. ⋯ Obesity is prevalent among individuals with COPD and associated with worse COPD-related outcomes, ranging from QOL and dyspnea to 6MWD and severe AECOPD. These associations were strengthened when obesity was analyzed as a dose-dependent response. Obesity in patients with COPD may contribute to a worse COPD-related course.