BACKGROUND Acute respiratory distress syndrome(ARDS)is a critical condition characterized by acute hypoxemia,non-cardiogenic pulmonary edema,and decreased lung compliance.The Berlin definition,updated in 2012,classifi...BACKGROUND Acute respiratory distress syndrome(ARDS)is a critical condition characterized by acute hypoxemia,non-cardiogenic pulmonary edema,and decreased lung compliance.The Berlin definition,updated in 2012,classifies ARDS severity based on the partial pressure of arterial oxygen/fractional inspired oxygen fraction ratio.Despite various treatment strategies,ARDS remains a significant public health concern with high mortality rates.AIM To evaluate the implications of driving pressure(DP)in ARDS management and its potential as a protective lung strategy.METHODS We conducted a systematic review using databases including EbscoHost,MEDLINE,CINAHL,PubMed,and Google Scholar.The search was limited to articles published between January 2015 and September 2024.Twenty-three peer-reviewed articles were selected based on inclusion criteria focusing on adult ARDS patients undergoing mechanical ventilation and DP strategies.The literature review was conducted and reported according to PRISMA 2020 guidelines.RESULTS DP,the difference between plateau pressure and positive end-expiratory pressure,is crucial in ARDS management.Studies indicate that lower DP levels are significantly associated with improved survival rates in ARDS patients.DP is a better predictor of mortality than tidal volume or positive end-expiratory pressure alone.Adjusting DP by optimizing lung compliance and minimizing overdistension and collapse can reduce ventilator-induced lung injury.CONCLUSION DP is a valuable parameter in ARDS management,offering a more precise measure of lung stress and strain than traditional metrics.Implementing DP as a threshold for safety can enhance protective ventilation strategies,po-tentially reducing mortality in ARDS patients.Further research is needed to refine DP measurement techniques and validate its clinical application in diverse patient populations.展开更多
BACKGROUND The World Health Organization defined long coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)as the continuation or development of new symptoms 3 months after the initial severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 inf...BACKGROUND The World Health Organization defined long coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)as the continuation or development of new symptoms 3 months after the initial severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection,with these symptoms lasting for at least 2 months with no other explanation.AIM To evaluate the potential laboratory and instrumental findings(short-term and long-term)resulting from COVID-19.METHODS This longitudinal observational COVID-19 cohort study(March 1,2020-March 1,2021)was carried out on patients≥18 years old who were admitted to the University Hospitals of Pisa,Siena and Careggi and the Azienda USL Toscana Nord Ovest,Sud Est and USL Centro Toscana and were subjected to follow-up.Follow-up was conducted between 0 day and 89 days,90 days and 179 days,180 days and 269 days,270 days and 359 days,and more than 360 days after hospitalization.RESULTS Of 2887 patients(58.5%males,average age 66.2 years)hospitalized in the study period(March 1,2020-March 1,2021)carrying out at least one follow-up examination within 12 months of discharge,a total of 1739 patients(705 males,average age 66 years)underwent laboratory tests,of whom 714 patients(470 males,average age 63 years)underwent spirometry.Some laboratory test results remained above the threshold even at follow-up beyond 360 days(C-reactive protein:36%,fibrin degradation fragment:48.8%,gamma-glutamyl transferase:16.8%),while others showed a return to normal range more quickly in almost all patients.Alterations in liver enzymes,hematocrit,hemoglobin,lymphocytes and neutrophils were associated with the risk of requiring oxygen therapy or forced expiratory volume in one second/forced vital capacity alterations at follow-up.CONCLUSION Alterations in liver enzymes,hematocrit or hemoglobin,lymphocytes and neutrophils were associated with risk outcomes(need for oxygen therapy or spirometry alterations).These imbalanced conditions may contribute to pulmonary dysfunction.展开更多
Flexible bronchoscopy(FB)has become a standard of care for the triad of inspection,sampling,and treatment in critical care patients.It is an invaluable tool for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes in critically ill pa...Flexible bronchoscopy(FB)has become a standard of care for the triad of inspection,sampling,and treatment in critical care patients.It is an invaluable tool for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes in critically ill patients in intensive care unit(ICU).Less is known about its role outside the ICU,particularly in the intermediate care unit(IMCU),a specialized environment,where an intermediate grade of intensive care and monitoring between standard care unit and ICU is provided.In the IMCU,the leading indications for a diagnostic work-up are:To visualize airway system/obstructions,perform investigations to detect respiratory infections,and identify potential sources of hemoptysis.The main procedures for therapeutic purposes are secretion aspiration,mucus plug removal to solve atelectasis(total or lobar),and blood aspiration during hemoptysis.The decision to perform FB might depend on the balance between potential benefits and risks due to frailty of critically ill patients.Serious adverse events related to FB are relatively uncommon,but they may be due to lack of expertise or appropriate precautions.Finally,nowadays,during dramatic recent coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)pandemic,the exact role of FB in COVID-19 patients admitted to IMCU has yet to be clearly defined.Hence,we provide a concise review on the role of FB in an IMCU setting,focusing on its indications,technical aspects and complications.展开更多
Respiratory infections are the most frequent nosocomial infections after those urinaries and surgicals. We analysed respiratory infection incidences in patients treated with different kinds of respiratory assistance (...Respiratory infections are the most frequent nosocomial infections after those urinaries and surgicals. We analysed respiratory infection incidences in patients treated with different kinds of respiratory assistance (non-invasive ventilation and invasive mechanical ventilation trough tracheostomy), studying 640 patients recovering in the intensive area of respiratory disease from 2010 to 2013. We had 113 cases of respiratory infections: 42.5% in patients of non-invasive ventilation group and 57.5% of patients treated with invasive ventilation with a statistically significant difference between the two groups. The patients treated with non-invasive ventilation showed a lower incidence of nosocomial respiratory infections. Prevention guidelines are important to reduce nosocomial infections frequency.展开更多
A case of pulmonary coinfection by Strongyloides stercoralis and Pneumocystis jiroveci has been detected in an AIDS patient treated in the Respiratory Intensive Care Unit of the Muniz Hospital.At diagnosis,the patient...A case of pulmonary coinfection by Strongyloides stercoralis and Pneumocystis jiroveci has been detected in an AIDS patient treated in the Respiratory Intensive Care Unit of the Muniz Hospital.At diagnosis,the patient presented cough with mucopurulent expectoration,dyspnea,fever,bilateral pulmonary infiltrates on the chest X-ray,negative bacilloscopy for acid fast bacteria and a CD4^+ T lymphocytes count of 52 cells/μ L.The microbiological diagnosis was achieved by microscopic observation of the respiratory secretions obtained by bronchoalveolar lavage,while the wet mount examination revealed rhabditiform and filariform larvae of the nematode and foamy exudates,pathognomonic of the pulmonary pneumocystosis.It was the unique case of this association among about 3 000 samples performed in our laboratory in the last 10 years and diagnosed by microscopy.Other complementary stains(a rapid modification of Grocott,Kinyoun and Giemsa) were applied to the smears after the diagnosis of mycotic and parasitary infections achieved by fresh microscopy.Both physicians and microbiologists should take into account the possible coexistence of respiratory pathogens in immunocompromised patients,such as those with AIDS.展开更多
Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic, progressive and life-limiting condition of unknown cause with no curative treatment. The impact of IPF on a patient’s quality of life is devastating and palliative tr...Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic, progressive and life-limiting condition of unknown cause with no curative treatment. The impact of IPF on a patient’s quality of life is devastating and palliative treatment such as pulmonary rehabilitation programmes are used to improve quality of life among these individuals, yet relatively little attention has been made to access the effectiveness of rehabilitation programs aimed designed for these patients. There are large gaps in our knowledge on the cardiorespiratory response to exercise and rehabilitation among IPF patients and this study aims to fill this gap in a physiological prospective. We quantified the effects of an eight-week pulmonary rehabilitation program for IPF patients, conducted at Morriston Hospital, Swansea. Fifteen individuals (13 with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis and two with Pulmonary Fibrosis associated with Rheumatoid Disease) underwent physical and physiological assessments during a three-day testing protocol: 1) On Day 1, physical function (six-minute walk test) and ventilatory function (spirometry) were measured;2) On Day 2, patients’ cardio-respiratory responses to slowly-increasing, wide-ranging metabolic challenge (using a protocol consisting of periods of rest, incremental bicycle exercise to maximal effort, and post-exercise recovery) were assessed via respiratory gas analysis and ECG recording;3) On Day 3, patients’ cardio-respiratory responses to rapid-onset, high-workload metabolic challenge were assessed (using a protocol including a rapid-onset, constant workload bicycle exercise) by modelling dynamic respiratory oxygen and heart rate responses. Respiratory gas analysis was used to measure the rate of oxygen uptake ( VO<sub>2</sub> ) and oxygen uptake efficiency (OUES). All assessments were performed before and after participants completed the pulmonary rehabilitation programme. A Holter ECG recorder (Pathfinder/Lifecard Digital CF system;Spacelabs Medical Ltd., UK) provided continuous ECG data throughout each exercise test, from which heart rate was derived. Following the rehabilitation programme, heart rate was elevated by 11% - 18% during exercise and recovery states. Post-rehabilitation VO<sub>2</sub> was significantly increased (p = 0.01 - 0.03) during the first two minutes of heavy-intensity exercise, whilst HR was reduced (p = 0.04) during this period. OUES and standard measures of respiratory performance (minute ventilation, peak VO<sub>2</sub>) were unchanged following rehabilitation, whilst peak HR and work rates were significantly reduced during incremental exercise only (p < 10<sup>-3</sup>). Pulmonary rehabilitation improved the rate of oxygen uptake during heavy-intensity exercise, despite substantially lower heart rates. This suggests that the rehabilitation programme increased systemic arterial-tissue oxygen exchange and/or influenced cardiovascular function to improve systemic oxygen delivery. We might therefore expect that individuals with IPF would find it easier to perform the activities of daily life, including those requiring substantial metabolic demands, following rehabilitation.展开更多
A sensitive, reproducible and feasible measure of lung function for monitoring the respiratory health is a prerequisite for the optimization of management of the patients with cystic fibrosis(CF). Spirometry has been ...A sensitive, reproducible and feasible measure of lung function for monitoring the respiratory health is a prerequisite for the optimization of management of the patients with cystic fibrosis(CF). Spirometry has been considered the method of choice, although it is applicable only in children older than 6 years of age, as good cooperation is necessary for its proper performance. However, over the last15 years, scientific interest in gas dilution techniques and particularly in multiple breath wash out(MBW) method has been revived. The most commonly reported index of MBW is lung clearance index(LCI). The aim of this review is to present the most recent developments in the application of LCI as a monitoring index of respiratory status of CF patients. LCI is a sensitive and reproducible marker of ventilation inhomogeneity. It is more sensitive than spirometry and, unlike spirometry; it can be performed across the whole pediatric age range. Since it is dependent on body size, until at least the age of 6 years, the relative and not the absolute changes are more appropriate for providing clinically meaningful conclusion on ventilation inhomogeneity. Until now, MBW has been mainly used as a research tool. Based on the currently available data LCI cannot safely predict high-resolution computed tomography findings in children with CF, especially in infants. It can be used as an end-point measure for the assessment of beneficial effect of interventions. However, its utility as an outcome measure for the efficacy of therapeutic interventions seems to be dependent on the pathophysiologic mechanisms that underlie each intervention. It seems that more studies,especially longitudinal ones, are required in order to fully clarify the clinical usefulness of LCI, not only in the research setting, but also in every day practice of CF clinic.展开更多
Obstructive airway disease is a complex disease entity including several maladies characterized by bronchoconstriction and abnormal airway inflammation. Reversing bronchoconstriction leads to symptomatic relief and im...Obstructive airway disease is a complex disease entity including several maladies characterized by bronchoconstriction and abnormal airway inflammation. Reversing bronchoconstriction leads to symptomatic relief and improvement in quality of life, both in reversible(bronchial asthma) and partially reversible(chronic obstructive airway disease) obstructive airway diseases. β2-adrenoceptor expressed in human airway is the main β-receptor subtype, and its activation in airway smooth muscle cells leads to bronchodilatation. Drugs targeting β-adrenoceptors have been around for many years, for which agonists of the receptors are used in bronchodilation while antagonists are used in cardiovascular diseases. This review article summarizes the effect and usage of β2-agonist in obstructive airway disease, addressing the benefits and potential risks of β2-agonist. The article also looks at the safety of β-blocker usage for cardiovascular disease in patients with obstructive airway disease. There is also emerging evidence that non-selective β-blockers with inverse agonism ironically can have longterm beneficial effects in obstructive airway disease that is beyond cardiovascular protection. Further trials are urgently needed in this area as it might lead to a dramatic turnaround in clinical practice for obstructive airway diseases as has already been seen in the usage of β-blockers for heart failure.展开更多
Overweight and obesity are highly prevalent in developed and developing countries among children and adolescents. During the last two decades, it became evident that excess weight is adversely related to respiratory h...Overweight and obesity are highly prevalent in developed and developing countries among children and adolescents. During the last two decades, it became evident that excess weight is adversely related to respiratory health in childhood and adolescence mainly in terms of asthma occurrence. Additionally, there is a mounting body of evidence that overweight/obesity may also affect lung function in non-asthmatic subjects. The aim of this review was to present and discuss the studies that investigated this issue in non-asthmatic children and adolescents. Only a few studies have evaluated the impact of excess weight on static volumes and their results point towards an inverse relationship between overweight/obesity and functional residual capacity. More studies have been conducted on the impact of excess weight on dynamic lung volumes with inconsistent, however, results. Nevertheless, a relatively consistent finding was that the ratio of forced expiratory volume in 1 s/forced vital capacity was significantly lower among overweight/obese children compared to their counterparts with normal weight. The underlying mechanisms of these observations have not been adequately elucidated but it is believed to result from complex interaction of mechanical, developmental, and metabolic causes. There is a need for more welldesigned studies in order to clarify the impact of excess weight on lung function in non-asthmatic subjects, as well as to explore the contribution of factors such as duration and degree of obesity, and fat distribution. Despite the absence of conclusive data, there are stillconvincing evidence to be communicated to the children and their families as part of the arguments to encourage them to adopt a healthier lifestyle.展开更多
BACKGROUND Tidal breathing flow-volume(TBFV)analysis provides important information about lung mechanics in infants.AIM To assess the effects of breastfeeding on the TBFV measurements of infants who recover from acute...BACKGROUND Tidal breathing flow-volume(TBFV)analysis provides important information about lung mechanics in infants.AIM To assess the effects of breastfeeding on the TBFV measurements of infants who recover from acute bronchiolitis.METHODS In this cross-sectional study,TBFV analysis was performed in infants with bronchiolitis prior to hospital discharge.The ratio of time to peak expiratory flow to total expiratory time(tPEF/tE)at baseline and after the administration of 400 mcg salbutamol was evaluated.RESULTS A total of 56 infants(35 boys),aged 7.4±2.8 mo,were included.Of them,12.5%were exposed to tobacco smoke and 41.1%were breastfed less than 2 mo.There were no differences in baseline TBFV measurements between the breastfeeding groups;however,those who breastfed longer than 2 mo had a greater change in tPEF/tE after bronchodilation(12%±10.4%vs 0.9%±7.1%;P<0.001).Moreover,there was a clear dose-response relationship between tPEF/tE reversibility and duration of breastfeeding(P<0.001).In multivariate regression analysis,infants who breastfed less(regression coefficient-0.335,P=0.010)or were exposed to cigarette smoke(regression coefficient 0.353,P=0.007)showed a greater change in tPEF/tE after bronchodilation,independent of sex,prematurity,and family history of asthma or atopy.CONCLUSION Infants who recover from bronchiolitis and have a shorter duration of breastfeeding or are exposed to cigarette smoke,have TBFV measurements indicative of obstructive lung disease.展开更多
Gastroesophageal reflux disease(GERD) is a common gastrointestinal disorder in cystic fibrosis(CF), and based on various studies, its prevalence is elevated since childhood. There are several pathogenetic mechanisms o...Gastroesophageal reflux disease(GERD) is a common gastrointestinal disorder in cystic fibrosis(CF), and based on various studies, its prevalence is elevated since childhood. There are several pathogenetic mechanisms on the basis of association between CF and GERD. However, there are no specific guidelines for GERD in CF patients, so diagnosis is based on guidelines performed on patients not affected by CF. The aim of this review is to provide the pathophysiology, diagnostic and therapeutic options, complications, and future directions in the management of GERD patients with CF.展开更多
In the current socio-economic scenario characterized by a growing shortage of resources and progressive budget constraints, the need to better coordinate processes in health institutions appears as a relevant aspect t...In the current socio-economic scenario characterized by a growing shortage of resources and progressive budget constraints, the need to better coordinate processes in health institutions appears as a relevant aspect to ensure the future sustainability of system. In this sense, Relational Coordination(RC) provides a valuable opportunity for the reconfiguration of clinical guidelines concerning isolated single-level considerations. In this research the RC model has been applied to explain best results in the process of diagnosing and offering clinical treatments for lung cancer. Lung cancer presents the higher rates of tumor's mortality worldwide. Through unstructured and informal interviews with clinicians at both levels(Primary/Specialist Care), a diagnosis of the situation in relation to joint management of lung cancer is provided. Solutions of continuity in terms of coordination are explained due to the observation of lack of effective knowledge transfer between the two levels. It is this disconnection which justifies the introduction of a modified model of RC for the study and implementation of transfer relations between the knowledge holders, in order to structure consolidated and cooperative evidence-based models that lead to a substantial shortening in the response times with a marked outcomes improvement. To our knowledge, the application of this model to a Public Health problem bringing together both levels of care, hasn't been made till now.展开更多
The use of PRP involves a complex network of molecular events which accelerate tissue regenera-tion due to its richness in growth factors plus a variety of biologic mediators. Several communica-tions tell us about its...The use of PRP involves a complex network of molecular events which accelerate tissue regenera-tion due to its richness in growth factors plus a variety of biologic mediators. Several communica-tions tell us about its usefulness on the dental implantology field, plastic surgery, orthopedics and peripheral nerve regeneration after trauma. We have presented our successful experience of its use in pneumology when treating severe hemoptysis, respiratory fistulae, spontaneous pneumothorax and one tracheal rupture. In this article we present two cases of post intubation tracheal rupture successfully treated with the local instillation of PRP on one of them and with the injection of PRP along the lips of the tracheal wound on the other. Tracheal rupture is a rare but life threatening complication of emergency intubation requiring an effective response in order to avoid the risk of patient death due to secondary mediastinitis and sepsis. Up to now there is no general consensus in the treatment of this condition and alternatives in use are not universally accepted. The use of local autologous PRP in our experience has demonstrated a favorable performance in such cases, turning it in a highly promising tool for the treatment of conditions such as this, in which a rapidly effective and minimally invasive handling is required.展开更多
Bronchiectasis is usually classified as cystic fibrosis(CF) related or CF unrelated(non-CF); the latter is not considered an orphan disease any more, even in developed countries. Irrespective of the underlying etiolog...Bronchiectasis is usually classified as cystic fibrosis(CF) related or CF unrelated(non-CF); the latter is not considered an orphan disease any more, even in developed countries. Irrespective of the underlying etiology, bronchiectasis is the result of interaction between host, pathogens, and environment. Vitamin D is known to be involved in a wide spectrum of significant immunomodulatory effects such as down-regulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines. Respiratory epithelial cells constitutively express 1α-hydroxylase leading to the local transformation of the inactive 25(OH)-vitamin D to the active 1,25(OH)_2-vitamin D. The latter through its autocrine and paracrine functions up-regulates vitamin D dependent genes with important consequences in the local immunity of lungs. Despite the scarcity of direct evidence on the involvement of vitamin D deficiency states in the development of bronchiectasis in either CF or non-CF patients, it is reasonable to postulate that vitamin D may play some role in the pathogenesis of lung diseases and especially bronchiectasis. The potential contribution of vitamin D deficiency in the process of bronchiectasis is of particular clinical importance, taking into consideration the increasing prevalence of vitamin D deficiency worldwide and the significant morbidity of bronchiectasis. Given the well-established association of vitamin D deficiency with increased inflammation, and the indicative evidence for harmful consequences in lungs, it is intriguing to speculate that the administration of vitamin D supplementation could be a reasonable and cost effective supplementary therapeutic approach for children with non-CF bronchiectasis. Regarding CF patients, maybe in the future as more data become available, we have to re-evaluate our policy on the most appropriate dosage scheme for vitamin D.展开更多
Background: The available data on cryptogenic chronic hypersensitivity pneumonitis (ccHP) indicate an inherited predisposition to disease with triggering autoimmune phenomena. Hence, we evaluated prospectively the rol...Background: The available data on cryptogenic chronic hypersensitivity pneumonitis (ccHP) indicate an inherited predisposition to disease with triggering autoimmune phenomena. Hence, we evaluated prospectively the role of a new autoimmune regimen in treatment of its severe and progressive disease. Patients and Methods: A total of 9 patients were included in the study. They had criteria for ccHP viz. 1) clinical features of cryptogenic progressive restrictive lung disease, 2) high-resolution computed tomographic pulmonary abnormalities, and 3) bronchoalveolar lavage lymphocytosis (>30%). The regimen consisted of an initial induction phase of 3-month Solumedrol 1 g IV daily for 3 days followed by 1 month of Prednisone (P) 60 mg/day to tapered down to discontinuation by 3rd month. They also had received Mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) 1 g twice daily for 3 months. This stage was followed by a maintenance phase of yearly Rituximab infusions (1 g followed by 1 g 2 weeks later). Results: compared to their previous 6 months deterioration;all patients showed significant improvement in their forced vital volume, diffusion capacity for carbon monoxide, 6-minutes-walk after the induction phase (at 3 months) which improved further at 15 months with Rituximab therapy. Conclusion: After 3-month induction therapy with P and MMF;yearly R treatment is a safe, practical and effective long-term therapy for ccHP.展开更多
Introduction: The presence of mould as a source of perennial allergens and bacteria products has been related to the appearance of respiratory symptoms in several studies. Yet, its role in eczema has not been elucidat...Introduction: The presence of mould as a source of perennial allergens and bacteria products has been related to the appearance of respiratory symptoms in several studies. Yet, its role in eczema has not been elucidated. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between exposure to indoor visible molds/dampness and the manifestation of eczema in children. Methods: The study is part of the Greek contribution to ISAAC IΙ that includes 2023 students of randomly selected public primary schools in Athens and Thessaloniki, aged 9 - 10 years old. The children represented a general population sample and were evaluated according to ISAAC II questionnaire, validated for Greek language. Additionally, skin prick tests to aero-allergens were performed and children were examined for active skin lesions. Results: 13% had suffered from eczema in the past, 9% had current and 2% had atopic eczema (positive at least one skin prick test). Out of the children examined, half reported that eczema first appeared after the age of five years old whereas 70% mentioned persistence of eczema. Dampness was reported in 10.8% and visible mould in 6.4% of all cases during infancy, while continued exposure until the age of 10 years old was reported in 38% and 33% out of them respectively. 10.8% of the sensitized children were positive to house dust mites and Alternaria, however, sensitization was not related to indoor exposure. In logistic regression analysis evaluating 20 environmental risk factors, a significant association was noted between the presence of indoor visible mold and dampness in infancy, and the presence of current eczema OR 1, 89 (95%CI 1.18 - 3.03). This association remained significant irrespective of the family history of eczema and sensitization. Conclusions: Frequently eczema first appears at early school age. The presence of visible mold and dampness at home during infancy appears to be an initial enhancing risk factor for the development but also for the persistence of the disease throughout school age.展开更多
At birth the mammalian airway switches from liquid secretion to absorption, a n important mechanismin lung liquid clearance. Airway ion transport was examined on the first postnatal day in 38 moderately preterm infant...At birth the mammalian airway switches from liquid secretion to absorption, a n important mechanismin lung liquid clearance. Airway ion transport was examined on the first postnatal day in 38 moderately preterm infants (29- 36 weeks gest ation). The absorptive airway ion transport capacity was well developed regardle ss of respiratory condition and there was little capacity for Cl- secretion.展开更多
Whereas prone positioning of intubated patients suffering from acute respiratory distress syndrome represents the standard of care,proning non-intubated patients,so-called“awake prone positioning(APP),”has only rece...Whereas prone positioning of intubated patients suffering from acute respiratory distress syndrome represents the standard of care,proning non-intubated patients,so-called“awake prone positioning(APP),”has only recently gained popularity and undergone scientific evaluation.In this review,we summarize current evidence on physiological and clinical effects of APP on patients’centered outcomes,such as intubation and mortality,the safety of the technique,factors and predictors of success,practical issues for optimal implementation,and future areas of research.Current evidence supports using APP among patients suffering from acute hypoxemic respiratory failure due to COVID-19 and undergoing advanced respiratory support,such as high-flow nasal cannula,in an intensive care unit setting.Healthcare teams should aim to prone patients at least 8 h daily.Future research should focus on optimizing the tolerance of the technique and comprehensively evaluating benefits in other patient populations.展开更多
文摘BACKGROUND Acute respiratory distress syndrome(ARDS)is a critical condition characterized by acute hypoxemia,non-cardiogenic pulmonary edema,and decreased lung compliance.The Berlin definition,updated in 2012,classifies ARDS severity based on the partial pressure of arterial oxygen/fractional inspired oxygen fraction ratio.Despite various treatment strategies,ARDS remains a significant public health concern with high mortality rates.AIM To evaluate the implications of driving pressure(DP)in ARDS management and its potential as a protective lung strategy.METHODS We conducted a systematic review using databases including EbscoHost,MEDLINE,CINAHL,PubMed,and Google Scholar.The search was limited to articles published between January 2015 and September 2024.Twenty-three peer-reviewed articles were selected based on inclusion criteria focusing on adult ARDS patients undergoing mechanical ventilation and DP strategies.The literature review was conducted and reported according to PRISMA 2020 guidelines.RESULTS DP,the difference between plateau pressure and positive end-expiratory pressure,is crucial in ARDS management.Studies indicate that lower DP levels are significantly associated with improved survival rates in ARDS patients.DP is a better predictor of mortality than tidal volume or positive end-expiratory pressure alone.Adjusting DP by optimizing lung compliance and minimizing overdistension and collapse can reduce ventilator-induced lung injury.CONCLUSION DP is a valuable parameter in ARDS management,offering a more precise measure of lung stress and strain than traditional metrics.Implementing DP as a threshold for safety can enhance protective ventilation strategies,po-tentially reducing mortality in ARDS patients.Further research is needed to refine DP measurement techniques and validate its clinical application in diverse patient populations.
基金Supported by Regione Toscana,No.D55H20000210002.
文摘BACKGROUND The World Health Organization defined long coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)as the continuation or development of new symptoms 3 months after the initial severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection,with these symptoms lasting for at least 2 months with no other explanation.AIM To evaluate the potential laboratory and instrumental findings(short-term and long-term)resulting from COVID-19.METHODS This longitudinal observational COVID-19 cohort study(March 1,2020-March 1,2021)was carried out on patients≥18 years old who were admitted to the University Hospitals of Pisa,Siena and Careggi and the Azienda USL Toscana Nord Ovest,Sud Est and USL Centro Toscana and were subjected to follow-up.Follow-up was conducted between 0 day and 89 days,90 days and 179 days,180 days and 269 days,270 days and 359 days,and more than 360 days after hospitalization.RESULTS Of 2887 patients(58.5%males,average age 66.2 years)hospitalized in the study period(March 1,2020-March 1,2021)carrying out at least one follow-up examination within 12 months of discharge,a total of 1739 patients(705 males,average age 66 years)underwent laboratory tests,of whom 714 patients(470 males,average age 63 years)underwent spirometry.Some laboratory test results remained above the threshold even at follow-up beyond 360 days(C-reactive protein:36%,fibrin degradation fragment:48.8%,gamma-glutamyl transferase:16.8%),while others showed a return to normal range more quickly in almost all patients.Alterations in liver enzymes,hematocrit,hemoglobin,lymphocytes and neutrophils were associated with the risk of requiring oxygen therapy or forced expiratory volume in one second/forced vital capacity alterations at follow-up.CONCLUSION Alterations in liver enzymes,hematocrit or hemoglobin,lymphocytes and neutrophils were associated with risk outcomes(need for oxygen therapy or spirometry alterations).These imbalanced conditions may contribute to pulmonary dysfunction.
文摘Flexible bronchoscopy(FB)has become a standard of care for the triad of inspection,sampling,and treatment in critical care patients.It is an invaluable tool for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes in critically ill patients in intensive care unit(ICU).Less is known about its role outside the ICU,particularly in the intermediate care unit(IMCU),a specialized environment,where an intermediate grade of intensive care and monitoring between standard care unit and ICU is provided.In the IMCU,the leading indications for a diagnostic work-up are:To visualize airway system/obstructions,perform investigations to detect respiratory infections,and identify potential sources of hemoptysis.The main procedures for therapeutic purposes are secretion aspiration,mucus plug removal to solve atelectasis(total or lobar),and blood aspiration during hemoptysis.The decision to perform FB might depend on the balance between potential benefits and risks due to frailty of critically ill patients.Serious adverse events related to FB are relatively uncommon,but they may be due to lack of expertise or appropriate precautions.Finally,nowadays,during dramatic recent coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)pandemic,the exact role of FB in COVID-19 patients admitted to IMCU has yet to be clearly defined.Hence,we provide a concise review on the role of FB in an IMCU setting,focusing on its indications,technical aspects and complications.
文摘Respiratory infections are the most frequent nosocomial infections after those urinaries and surgicals. We analysed respiratory infection incidences in patients treated with different kinds of respiratory assistance (non-invasive ventilation and invasive mechanical ventilation trough tracheostomy), studying 640 patients recovering in the intensive area of respiratory disease from 2010 to 2013. We had 113 cases of respiratory infections: 42.5% in patients of non-invasive ventilation group and 57.5% of patients treated with invasive ventilation with a statistically significant difference between the two groups. The patients treated with non-invasive ventilation showed a lower incidence of nosocomial respiratory infections. Prevention guidelines are important to reduce nosocomial infections frequency.
基金Supported by Scientific Research Fund for Education Departmentof the the School of Medicine-Buenos Aires University(No:J500798759)
文摘A case of pulmonary coinfection by Strongyloides stercoralis and Pneumocystis jiroveci has been detected in an AIDS patient treated in the Respiratory Intensive Care Unit of the Muniz Hospital.At diagnosis,the patient presented cough with mucopurulent expectoration,dyspnea,fever,bilateral pulmonary infiltrates on the chest X-ray,negative bacilloscopy for acid fast bacteria and a CD4^+ T lymphocytes count of 52 cells/μ L.The microbiological diagnosis was achieved by microscopic observation of the respiratory secretions obtained by bronchoalveolar lavage,while the wet mount examination revealed rhabditiform and filariform larvae of the nematode and foamy exudates,pathognomonic of the pulmonary pneumocystosis.It was the unique case of this association among about 3 000 samples performed in our laboratory in the last 10 years and diagnosed by microscopy.Other complementary stains(a rapid modification of Grocott,Kinyoun and Giemsa) were applied to the smears after the diagnosis of mycotic and parasitary infections achieved by fresh microscopy.Both physicians and microbiologists should take into account the possible coexistence of respiratory pathogens in immunocompromised patients,such as those with AIDS.
文摘Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic, progressive and life-limiting condition of unknown cause with no curative treatment. The impact of IPF on a patient’s quality of life is devastating and palliative treatment such as pulmonary rehabilitation programmes are used to improve quality of life among these individuals, yet relatively little attention has been made to access the effectiveness of rehabilitation programs aimed designed for these patients. There are large gaps in our knowledge on the cardiorespiratory response to exercise and rehabilitation among IPF patients and this study aims to fill this gap in a physiological prospective. We quantified the effects of an eight-week pulmonary rehabilitation program for IPF patients, conducted at Morriston Hospital, Swansea. Fifteen individuals (13 with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis and two with Pulmonary Fibrosis associated with Rheumatoid Disease) underwent physical and physiological assessments during a three-day testing protocol: 1) On Day 1, physical function (six-minute walk test) and ventilatory function (spirometry) were measured;2) On Day 2, patients’ cardio-respiratory responses to slowly-increasing, wide-ranging metabolic challenge (using a protocol consisting of periods of rest, incremental bicycle exercise to maximal effort, and post-exercise recovery) were assessed via respiratory gas analysis and ECG recording;3) On Day 3, patients’ cardio-respiratory responses to rapid-onset, high-workload metabolic challenge were assessed (using a protocol including a rapid-onset, constant workload bicycle exercise) by modelling dynamic respiratory oxygen and heart rate responses. Respiratory gas analysis was used to measure the rate of oxygen uptake ( VO<sub>2</sub> ) and oxygen uptake efficiency (OUES). All assessments were performed before and after participants completed the pulmonary rehabilitation programme. A Holter ECG recorder (Pathfinder/Lifecard Digital CF system;Spacelabs Medical Ltd., UK) provided continuous ECG data throughout each exercise test, from which heart rate was derived. Following the rehabilitation programme, heart rate was elevated by 11% - 18% during exercise and recovery states. Post-rehabilitation VO<sub>2</sub> was significantly increased (p = 0.01 - 0.03) during the first two minutes of heavy-intensity exercise, whilst HR was reduced (p = 0.04) during this period. OUES and standard measures of respiratory performance (minute ventilation, peak VO<sub>2</sub>) were unchanged following rehabilitation, whilst peak HR and work rates were significantly reduced during incremental exercise only (p < 10<sup>-3</sup>). Pulmonary rehabilitation improved the rate of oxygen uptake during heavy-intensity exercise, despite substantially lower heart rates. This suggests that the rehabilitation programme increased systemic arterial-tissue oxygen exchange and/or influenced cardiovascular function to improve systemic oxygen delivery. We might therefore expect that individuals with IPF would find it easier to perform the activities of daily life, including those requiring substantial metabolic demands, following rehabilitation.
文摘A sensitive, reproducible and feasible measure of lung function for monitoring the respiratory health is a prerequisite for the optimization of management of the patients with cystic fibrosis(CF). Spirometry has been considered the method of choice, although it is applicable only in children older than 6 years of age, as good cooperation is necessary for its proper performance. However, over the last15 years, scientific interest in gas dilution techniques and particularly in multiple breath wash out(MBW) method has been revived. The most commonly reported index of MBW is lung clearance index(LCI). The aim of this review is to present the most recent developments in the application of LCI as a monitoring index of respiratory status of CF patients. LCI is a sensitive and reproducible marker of ventilation inhomogeneity. It is more sensitive than spirometry and, unlike spirometry; it can be performed across the whole pediatric age range. Since it is dependent on body size, until at least the age of 6 years, the relative and not the absolute changes are more appropriate for providing clinically meaningful conclusion on ventilation inhomogeneity. Until now, MBW has been mainly used as a research tool. Based on the currently available data LCI cannot safely predict high-resolution computed tomography findings in children with CF, especially in infants. It can be used as an end-point measure for the assessment of beneficial effect of interventions. However, its utility as an outcome measure for the efficacy of therapeutic interventions seems to be dependent on the pathophysiologic mechanisms that underlie each intervention. It seems that more studies,especially longitudinal ones, are required in order to fully clarify the clinical usefulness of LCI, not only in the research setting, but also in every day practice of CF clinic.
基金Supported by NMRC/CBRG/0027/2012 from the National Medical Research Council of Singapore(in part)by NUHS Seed Fund R-184-000-238-112
文摘Obstructive airway disease is a complex disease entity including several maladies characterized by bronchoconstriction and abnormal airway inflammation. Reversing bronchoconstriction leads to symptomatic relief and improvement in quality of life, both in reversible(bronchial asthma) and partially reversible(chronic obstructive airway disease) obstructive airway diseases. β2-adrenoceptor expressed in human airway is the main β-receptor subtype, and its activation in airway smooth muscle cells leads to bronchodilatation. Drugs targeting β-adrenoceptors have been around for many years, for which agonists of the receptors are used in bronchodilation while antagonists are used in cardiovascular diseases. This review article summarizes the effect and usage of β2-agonist in obstructive airway disease, addressing the benefits and potential risks of β2-agonist. The article also looks at the safety of β-blocker usage for cardiovascular disease in patients with obstructive airway disease. There is also emerging evidence that non-selective β-blockers with inverse agonism ironically can have longterm beneficial effects in obstructive airway disease that is beyond cardiovascular protection. Further trials are urgently needed in this area as it might lead to a dramatic turnaround in clinical practice for obstructive airway diseases as has already been seen in the usage of β-blockers for heart failure.
文摘Overweight and obesity are highly prevalent in developed and developing countries among children and adolescents. During the last two decades, it became evident that excess weight is adversely related to respiratory health in childhood and adolescence mainly in terms of asthma occurrence. Additionally, there is a mounting body of evidence that overweight/obesity may also affect lung function in non-asthmatic subjects. The aim of this review was to present and discuss the studies that investigated this issue in non-asthmatic children and adolescents. Only a few studies have evaluated the impact of excess weight on static volumes and their results point towards an inverse relationship between overweight/obesity and functional residual capacity. More studies have been conducted on the impact of excess weight on dynamic lung volumes with inconsistent, however, results. Nevertheless, a relatively consistent finding was that the ratio of forced expiratory volume in 1 s/forced vital capacity was significantly lower among overweight/obese children compared to their counterparts with normal weight. The underlying mechanisms of these observations have not been adequately elucidated but it is believed to result from complex interaction of mechanical, developmental, and metabolic causes. There is a need for more welldesigned studies in order to clarify the impact of excess weight on lung function in non-asthmatic subjects, as well as to explore the contribution of factors such as duration and degree of obesity, and fat distribution. Despite the absence of conclusive data, there are stillconvincing evidence to be communicated to the children and their families as part of the arguments to encourage them to adopt a healthier lifestyle.
文摘BACKGROUND Tidal breathing flow-volume(TBFV)analysis provides important information about lung mechanics in infants.AIM To assess the effects of breastfeeding on the TBFV measurements of infants who recover from acute bronchiolitis.METHODS In this cross-sectional study,TBFV analysis was performed in infants with bronchiolitis prior to hospital discharge.The ratio of time to peak expiratory flow to total expiratory time(tPEF/tE)at baseline and after the administration of 400 mcg salbutamol was evaluated.RESULTS A total of 56 infants(35 boys),aged 7.4±2.8 mo,were included.Of them,12.5%were exposed to tobacco smoke and 41.1%were breastfed less than 2 mo.There were no differences in baseline TBFV measurements between the breastfeeding groups;however,those who breastfed longer than 2 mo had a greater change in tPEF/tE after bronchodilation(12%±10.4%vs 0.9%±7.1%;P<0.001).Moreover,there was a clear dose-response relationship between tPEF/tE reversibility and duration of breastfeeding(P<0.001).In multivariate regression analysis,infants who breastfed less(regression coefficient-0.335,P=0.010)or were exposed to cigarette smoke(regression coefficient 0.353,P=0.007)showed a greater change in tPEF/tE after bronchodilation,independent of sex,prematurity,and family history of asthma or atopy.CONCLUSION Infants who recover from bronchiolitis and have a shorter duration of breastfeeding or are exposed to cigarette smoke,have TBFV measurements indicative of obstructive lung disease.
文摘Gastroesophageal reflux disease(GERD) is a common gastrointestinal disorder in cystic fibrosis(CF), and based on various studies, its prevalence is elevated since childhood. There are several pathogenetic mechanisms on the basis of association between CF and GERD. However, there are no specific guidelines for GERD in CF patients, so diagnosis is based on guidelines performed on patients not affected by CF. The aim of this review is to provide the pathophysiology, diagnostic and therapeutic options, complications, and future directions in the management of GERD patients with CF.
文摘In the current socio-economic scenario characterized by a growing shortage of resources and progressive budget constraints, the need to better coordinate processes in health institutions appears as a relevant aspect to ensure the future sustainability of system. In this sense, Relational Coordination(RC) provides a valuable opportunity for the reconfiguration of clinical guidelines concerning isolated single-level considerations. In this research the RC model has been applied to explain best results in the process of diagnosing and offering clinical treatments for lung cancer. Lung cancer presents the higher rates of tumor's mortality worldwide. Through unstructured and informal interviews with clinicians at both levels(Primary/Specialist Care), a diagnosis of the situation in relation to joint management of lung cancer is provided. Solutions of continuity in terms of coordination are explained due to the observation of lack of effective knowledge transfer between the two levels. It is this disconnection which justifies the introduction of a modified model of RC for the study and implementation of transfer relations between the knowledge holders, in order to structure consolidated and cooperative evidence-based models that lead to a substantial shortening in the response times with a marked outcomes improvement. To our knowledge, the application of this model to a Public Health problem bringing together both levels of care, hasn't been made till now.
文摘The use of PRP involves a complex network of molecular events which accelerate tissue regenera-tion due to its richness in growth factors plus a variety of biologic mediators. Several communica-tions tell us about its usefulness on the dental implantology field, plastic surgery, orthopedics and peripheral nerve regeneration after trauma. We have presented our successful experience of its use in pneumology when treating severe hemoptysis, respiratory fistulae, spontaneous pneumothorax and one tracheal rupture. In this article we present two cases of post intubation tracheal rupture successfully treated with the local instillation of PRP on one of them and with the injection of PRP along the lips of the tracheal wound on the other. Tracheal rupture is a rare but life threatening complication of emergency intubation requiring an effective response in order to avoid the risk of patient death due to secondary mediastinitis and sepsis. Up to now there is no general consensus in the treatment of this condition and alternatives in use are not universally accepted. The use of local autologous PRP in our experience has demonstrated a favorable performance in such cases, turning it in a highly promising tool for the treatment of conditions such as this, in which a rapidly effective and minimally invasive handling is required.
文摘Bronchiectasis is usually classified as cystic fibrosis(CF) related or CF unrelated(non-CF); the latter is not considered an orphan disease any more, even in developed countries. Irrespective of the underlying etiology, bronchiectasis is the result of interaction between host, pathogens, and environment. Vitamin D is known to be involved in a wide spectrum of significant immunomodulatory effects such as down-regulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines. Respiratory epithelial cells constitutively express 1α-hydroxylase leading to the local transformation of the inactive 25(OH)-vitamin D to the active 1,25(OH)_2-vitamin D. The latter through its autocrine and paracrine functions up-regulates vitamin D dependent genes with important consequences in the local immunity of lungs. Despite the scarcity of direct evidence on the involvement of vitamin D deficiency states in the development of bronchiectasis in either CF or non-CF patients, it is reasonable to postulate that vitamin D may play some role in the pathogenesis of lung diseases and especially bronchiectasis. The potential contribution of vitamin D deficiency in the process of bronchiectasis is of particular clinical importance, taking into consideration the increasing prevalence of vitamin D deficiency worldwide and the significant morbidity of bronchiectasis. Given the well-established association of vitamin D deficiency with increased inflammation, and the indicative evidence for harmful consequences in lungs, it is intriguing to speculate that the administration of vitamin D supplementation could be a reasonable and cost effective supplementary therapeutic approach for children with non-CF bronchiectasis. Regarding CF patients, maybe in the future as more data become available, we have to re-evaluate our policy on the most appropriate dosage scheme for vitamin D.
文摘Background: The available data on cryptogenic chronic hypersensitivity pneumonitis (ccHP) indicate an inherited predisposition to disease with triggering autoimmune phenomena. Hence, we evaluated prospectively the role of a new autoimmune regimen in treatment of its severe and progressive disease. Patients and Methods: A total of 9 patients were included in the study. They had criteria for ccHP viz. 1) clinical features of cryptogenic progressive restrictive lung disease, 2) high-resolution computed tomographic pulmonary abnormalities, and 3) bronchoalveolar lavage lymphocytosis (>30%). The regimen consisted of an initial induction phase of 3-month Solumedrol 1 g IV daily for 3 days followed by 1 month of Prednisone (P) 60 mg/day to tapered down to discontinuation by 3rd month. They also had received Mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) 1 g twice daily for 3 months. This stage was followed by a maintenance phase of yearly Rituximab infusions (1 g followed by 1 g 2 weeks later). Results: compared to their previous 6 months deterioration;all patients showed significant improvement in their forced vital volume, diffusion capacity for carbon monoxide, 6-minutes-walk after the induction phase (at 3 months) which improved further at 15 months with Rituximab therapy. Conclusion: After 3-month induction therapy with P and MMF;yearly R treatment is a safe, practical and effective long-term therapy for ccHP.
文摘Introduction: The presence of mould as a source of perennial allergens and bacteria products has been related to the appearance of respiratory symptoms in several studies. Yet, its role in eczema has not been elucidated. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between exposure to indoor visible molds/dampness and the manifestation of eczema in children. Methods: The study is part of the Greek contribution to ISAAC IΙ that includes 2023 students of randomly selected public primary schools in Athens and Thessaloniki, aged 9 - 10 years old. The children represented a general population sample and were evaluated according to ISAAC II questionnaire, validated for Greek language. Additionally, skin prick tests to aero-allergens were performed and children were examined for active skin lesions. Results: 13% had suffered from eczema in the past, 9% had current and 2% had atopic eczema (positive at least one skin prick test). Out of the children examined, half reported that eczema first appeared after the age of five years old whereas 70% mentioned persistence of eczema. Dampness was reported in 10.8% and visible mould in 6.4% of all cases during infancy, while continued exposure until the age of 10 years old was reported in 38% and 33% out of them respectively. 10.8% of the sensitized children were positive to house dust mites and Alternaria, however, sensitization was not related to indoor exposure. In logistic regression analysis evaluating 20 environmental risk factors, a significant association was noted between the presence of indoor visible mold and dampness in infancy, and the presence of current eczema OR 1, 89 (95%CI 1.18 - 3.03). This association remained significant irrespective of the family history of eczema and sensitization. Conclusions: Frequently eczema first appears at early school age. The presence of visible mold and dampness at home during infancy appears to be an initial enhancing risk factor for the development but also for the persistence of the disease throughout school age.
文摘At birth the mammalian airway switches from liquid secretion to absorption, a n important mechanismin lung liquid clearance. Airway ion transport was examined on the first postnatal day in 38 moderately preterm infants (29- 36 weeks gest ation). The absorptive airway ion transport capacity was well developed regardle ss of respiratory condition and there was little capacity for Cl- secretion.
文摘Whereas prone positioning of intubated patients suffering from acute respiratory distress syndrome represents the standard of care,proning non-intubated patients,so-called“awake prone positioning(APP),”has only recently gained popularity and undergone scientific evaluation.In this review,we summarize current evidence on physiological and clinical effects of APP on patients’centered outcomes,such as intubation and mortality,the safety of the technique,factors and predictors of success,practical issues for optimal implementation,and future areas of research.Current evidence supports using APP among patients suffering from acute hypoxemic respiratory failure due to COVID-19 and undergoing advanced respiratory support,such as high-flow nasal cannula,in an intensive care unit setting.Healthcare teams should aim to prone patients at least 8 h daily.Future research should focus on optimizing the tolerance of the technique and comprehensively evaluating benefits in other patient populations.
