Annals of the American Thoracic Society
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Despite being a major cause of morbidity and mortality, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is frequently undiagnosed. Yet the burden of disease among the undiagnosed is significant, as these individuals experience symptoms, exacerbations, and excess mortality compared to those without COPD. The U. ⋯ These challenges underline the importance of defining what constitutes "early disease." A recently proposed definition characterizes early COPD as either: 1) airflow limitation, 2) compatible CT imaging abnormalities, or 3) accelerated forced expiratory volume in 1 second decline in persons younger than 50 years and with greater than a 10 pack-year smoking history. Although it is recognized that this definition does not encompass all individuals who will develop COPD, it is an attempt to identify a group of individuals with most rapid decline to better understand mechanisms of disease development and where disease-modifying interventions are most likely to be successful. Ultimately, leveraging tools such as chest CT imaging, the electronic medical record, and machine learning algorithms may aid in the identification of such individuals.
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Quantitative computed tomographic (CT) imaging can aid in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) phenotyping. Few studies have identified whether occupational exposures are associated with distinct CT imaging characteristics. ⋯ In an analysis of SPIROMICS participants, we found that VGDF exposure in the longest job was associated with an increase in emphysema, and in large- and small-airway disease, as measured by quantitative CT imaging.
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Early antibiotics improve outcomes for patients with sepsis. Factors influencing antibiotic timing in emergency department (ED) sepsis remain unclear. ⋯ Prehospital ALS but not BLS-only care was associated with faster antibiotic initiation for patients with sepsis without hypotension. Process redesign for non-ALS patients may improve antibiotic timeliness for ED sepsis.
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Despite the increasing proportion of women in U. S. medical schools, there are relatively few women in leadership positions, and a number of recent publications have highlighted many factors that could contribute to gender inequity and inequality in medicine. ⋯ The workshop identified a number of factors that could contribute to gender inequality and inequity: gender climate (including implicit and perceived biases); disproportionate family responsibilities; lack of women in leadership positions; poor retention of women; and lack of gender equality in compensation. The panel members developed a roadmap of concrete recommendations for societies, leaders, and individuals that should promote gender equity to achieve gender equality and improve retention of women in the field of pulmonary, critical care, and sleep medicine.