Respirology : official journal of the Asian Pacific Society of Respirology
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Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is a common pulmonary manifestation of systemic sclerosis (SSc). It is unknown whether radiographic fibrosis score predicts mortality in SSc-associated ILD (SSc-ILD). We retrospectively analysed patients with SSc-ILD to evaluate whether radiographic fibrosis score was a useful predictor of mortality. ⋯ A high radiographic fibrosis score was a poor prognostic factor in SSc-ILD. More widespread fibrosis was associated with an increased risk of death, independent of HRCT pattern.
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Intratumoral administration of chemotherapeutic agents is a treatment modality that has proven efficacious in reducing the recurrence of tumours and increases specificity of treatment while minimizing systemic side effects. Direct intratumoral injection of malignant airway obstruction has potential therapeutic benefits but tissue drug concentrations and side-effect profiles are poorly understood. ⋯ Results of these studies confirm the administration of PTX directly into the bronchial wall is safe and feasible. PTX was detectable in plasma for <7 days but tissue concentrations remained therapeutic throughout the follow-up period.
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Despite its clinical and prognostic significance, few studies have evaluated the severity of exertional oxygen desaturation in fibrotic interstitial lung disease (ILD). Our objectives were to identify clinical and physiological variables that predict the extent of exertional oxygen desaturation in fibrotic ILD and to quantify the severity of desaturation compared to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). ⋯ Patients with fibrotic ILD have greater oxygen desaturation during 6MWT compared to patients with COPD when adjusting for demographic features and pulmonary physiology. These findings suggest the need for disease-specific studies to evaluate the potential utility of ambulatory oxygen in fibrotic ILD.