Expert review of respiratory medicine
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Expert Rev Respir Med · Jan 2016
EditorialSelexipag for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension.
The endothelin (ET), nitric oxide (NO) and prostacyclin (PGI2) pathways are involved in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) pathogenesis. While ET and NO are targeted early in the disease process, limitations of current pharmacotherapies that target the PGI2 pathway (PGI2 or PGI2 analogues) result in them not being used or delayed. ⋯ Activation of the IP receptor induces vasodilation in the pulmonary circulation and inhibits the proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells, key factors in PAH pathogenesis. By combining oral dosing with improved receptor selectivity, selexipag may enable earlier combination therapy targeting the three-molecular pathways of PAH with anticipated improvements in daily- and long-term clinical function and outcome in PAH.
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Expert Rev Respir Med · Dec 2014
EditorialNew clinical practice guidelines on the classification, evaluation and management of childhood interstitial lung disease in infants: what do they mean?
The American Thoracic Society (ATS) recently published a clinical practice guideline regarding the classification, evaluation, and management of childhood interstitial lung disease in infancy (chILD). As disease entities among infants with ILD are often distinct from forms seen in older children and adults, the guideline encourages an age-based classification system and focuses on the diagnostic approach to neonates and infants <2 years of age. The guideline reviews current evidence and recommendations for the evaluation, relevant genetic studies, and management of symptomatic infants. Here, we summarize the ATS guideline, highlight the major concepts, and discuss future strategies aimed at addressing current gaps in knowledge.
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Expert Rev Respir Med · Oct 2014
EditorialAutofluorescence thoracoscopy in pleural disease: does it have clinical relevance?
Thoracoscopy has proved to be a reliable tool to demonstrate or exclude pleural malignancy, with a diagnostic yield of at least 90%. (Auto)fluorescence thoracoscopy is a technique used in clinical practice for the early detection of malignant changes in the pleura in order to increase the detection rate of early malignant disease. The sensitivity of autofluorescence thoracoscopy for detecting malignant lesions on the pleural surface was, in our experience, 100% and the specificity was 75%. Autofluorescence thoracoscopy is still in the preclinical research stage and not yet ready for routine use in clinical practice. It will neither increase the (already very high) diagnostic yield of thoracoscopy nor change treatment in patients suffering from malignant pleural disease.