Annals of the American Thoracic Society
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Rationale: There is an unmet need for sensitive lung function tests for young children to aid in the diagnosis of asthma and wheezy disorders. We hypothesized that multiple breath washout (MBW) could be a valuable tool for such a purpose. Objectives: To compare the ability of MBW lung clearance index with traditional lung function measurements to discriminate between preschool children with well-controlled asthma/persistent wheeze and healthy children. ⋯ Lung clearance index from MBW was not significantly different in children with versus those without asthma/persistent wheeze (mean standard deviation [SD] = 6.96 [1.14] vs. 6.95 [0.93], mean difference [95% confidence interval] = 0.02 [-0.18 to 0.22], P = 0.86, area under the curve [AUC] = 0.48), whereas significant differences were observed for specific airway resistance from plethysmography (1.21 kPa/s [0.31] vs. 1.14 kPa/s [0.25]; +0.07 kPa/s [0.02-0.13]; P < 0.01; AUC = 0.56) and spirometry forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) % predicted (99.4% [12.0] vs. 102.6% [12.5]; -3.2% [-5.6 to -0.9]; P < 0.01; AUC = 0.56) and forced expiratory flow at 25-75% (1.55 L/s [0.44] vs. 1.68 L/s [0.46]; -0.14 L/s [-0.22 to -0.05]; P < 0.01; AUC = 0.58). FEV1 (L/s) and FEV1/forced vital capacity ratio were not significantly different (P > 0.4). Conclusions: MBW, spirometry, and plethysmography are not sensitive tools for diagnosing mild asthmatic disease in young children.
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Multicenter Study Observational Study
Computed Tomography Honeycombing Identifies a Progressive Fibrotic Phenotype with Increased Mortality across Diverse Interstitial Lung Diseases.
Rationale: Honeycombing on chest computed tomography (CT) has been described in diverse forms of interstitial lung disease (ILD); however, its prevalence and association with mortality across the spectrum of ILD remains unclear. Objective: To determine the prevalence and prognostic value of CT honeycombing and characterize associated mortality patterns across diverse ILD subtypes in a multicenter cohort. Methods: This was an observational cohort study of adult participants with multidisciplinary or adjudicated ILD diagnosis and documentation of chest CT imaging at index diagnosis across five U. ⋯ In IPF, however, mortality rates were similar between those with and without CT honeycombing. Conclusions: CT honeycombing is prevalent in diverse forms of ILD and uniquely identifies a progressive fibrotic ILD phenotype with a high mortality rate similar to IPF. CT honeycombing did not confer additional risk in IPF, which is already known to be a progressive fibrotic ILD phenotype regardless of the presence of CT honeycombing.
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Rationale: Patients frequently use YouTube as a platform for dissemination and consumption of health information. Caregivers and patients affected by idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) are likely consumers of this information. Objectives: We aimed to determine viewer engagement, quality, and content of YouTube videos on IPF and to compare the provided information with contemporaneous guidelines. ⋯ Videos supporting the use of nonrecommended therapies have higher viewing numbers and user engagement, highlighting the potential risks of using YouTube as a resource for health information. Physicians, professional organizations, and patient support organizations should be aware that YouTube is frequently used by patients. Developing a tool similar to HONCode that applies to YouTube videos would improve the ability to critically and rapidly appraise the quality of online video-disseminated information on IPF.
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Meta Analysis
Maximal Static Respiratory and Sniff Pressures in Healthy Children. A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
Respiratory muscle strength in children can be assessed by maximal inspiratory pressures (MIP), maximal expiratory pressures (MEP), and sniff nasal inspiratory pressures (SNIP). However, previous studies involved small cohorts of healthy children and reported wide reference ranges. ⋯ We summarized the available reference ranges for MIP, MEP, and SNIP tests based on existing literature, especially for three age groups, and developed prediction equations that can be used in pulmonary function laboratories to aid clinicians. Existing literature on SNIP tests is limited, and future studies are encouraged to explore their use in children. Systematic review registered with the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO; CRD42017072004).
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Physical Function Trajectories in Survivors of Acute Respiratory Failure.
Survivorship from critical illness has improved; however, factors mediating the functional recovery of persons experiencing a critical illness remain incompletely understood. ⋯ We identified distinct trajectories of physical function recovery after critical illness. Age, sex, continuous sedation time, and ICU length of stay impact the trajectory of functional recovery after critical illness. Further examination of these groups may assist in clinical trial design to tailor interventions to specific subgroups.