Chest
-
Cardiac output (Q˙) is a key parameter in the assessment of cardiac function, its measurement being crucial for the diagnosis, treatment, and prognostic evaluation of all heart diseases. Until recently, Q˙ determination at peak exercise has been possible through invasive methods, so that normal values were obtained in studies based on small populations. ⋯ The simultaneous measurement of Q˙ and V˙o2 at peak exercise in a large sample of healthy subjects provided an equation to predict peak Q˙ from peak V˙o2 values.
-
Lung transplantation (LTx) is frequently considered for patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) when the FEV1 reaches < 30%. This study estimated transplant-free survival for patients with CF and an FEV1 < 30% and identified predictors of death without LTx. ⋯ Median survival was > 6.5 years for patients with CF and an FEV1 < 30%, exceeding prior survival estimates. There was substantial heterogeneity in survival, with some patients with CF dying soon after reaching this lung function threshold and others living for many years. For this reason, we conclude that FEV1 < 30% remains an important marker of disease severity for patients with CF. Patients with a supplemental oxygen requirement or frequent exacerbations should have prompt referral because of their increased risk of death.
-
Ex vivo lung perfusion (EVLP) promises to be a comprehensive platform for assessment, reconditioning, and preservation of donor lungs and has been dramatically changing the face of clinical lung transplantation. Besides its increasing role in lung transplantation, EVLP has also been recognized as a useful tool for translational research involving the lungs. ⋯ By combining EVLP with advances in regenerative medicine, stem cell biology, and oncology, the evolving technology of EVLP has tremendous potential to advance pulmonary medicine and science. In this review, we revisit recent advances in EVLP technology and research and discuss the future translation of EVLP applications into life-changing medicine.
-
Because the interrelationships of objectively ascertained sleep-disordered breathing (SDB), postcardiac surgery atrial fibrillation (PCSAF), and obesity remain unclear, we aimed to further investigate the interrelationships in a clinic-based cohort. ⋯ SDB was significantly associated with PCSAF in unadjusted analyses, but not after taking into account obesity; those with both SDB and obesity may represent a vulnerable subgroup to target to reduce PCSAF and its associated morbidity.