Chest
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The current approach to interpretation of lung function measurements assumes that differences in lung function between racial and ethnic groups represent inherent and biological differences. Observed differences in lung function between White and Black populations are often attributed to physiological differences in body proportions (eg, chest size, leg length); however, most studies investigating the observed differences have not considered the impact of socioeconomic status (SES). ⋯ Reproducible research aimed at explaining the etiology of the differences in lung function between populations is difficult to achieve. The evidence to support the use of race/ethnic specific equations is limited, and the practice needs to be re-evaluated.
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Multicenter Study
Comparison of the Lung Clearance Index in Preschool Children with Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia and Cystic Fibrosis.
Previous studies showed that the lung clearance index (LCI) determined by multiple-breath washout (MBW) is sensitive to detecting early lung disease in preschool children with cystic fibrosis (CF). In preschool children with primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD), data on the onset and severity of lung disease and on the sensitivity of the LCI as a noninvasive quantitative outcome measure remain limited. ⋯ This study demonstrated early onset of lung disease in preschool children with PCD and indicated that lung disease severity in PCD may be similar to that in CF during preschool years. These data support a need for early diagnostic monitoring and therapy and suggest the LCI as a noninvasive diagnostic tool and as a potential end point in clinical trials testing early interventions in children with PCD.
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Recent clinical practice guidelines have addressed the diagnosis of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and fibrotic hypersensitivity pneumonitis (fHP). These disease-specific guidelines were developed independently, without clear direction on how to apply their respective recommendations concurrently within a single patient, where discrimination between these two fibrotic interstitial lung diseases represents a frequent diagnostic challenge. ⋯ Although these algorithms necessarily reflect some uncertainty wherever strong evidence is lacking, they provide insight into the current approach favored by experts in the field based on currently available knowledge. The authors further identify priorities for future research to clarify ongoing uncertainties in the diagnosis of fibrotic interstitial lung diseases.
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Relatively little is known about various aspects of low-dose CT (LDCT) scan lung cancer screening in US clinical practice, including characteristics of cases diagnosed after screening. We assessed this using the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER)-Medicare database. ⋯ LDCT scan use was low but increased over time. The lung cancer yield was substantial; cases among those who underwent screening primarily were in the early stage with high survival rates. Although screening rates were unacceptably low, screening outcomes in those Medicare recipients undergoing screening were favorable.
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Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a sensory-motor neurologic disorder present to a clinically significant degree in 2% to 3% of the adult population, more commonly with advancing age and in women, that dramatically affects sleep and quality of life. Addressing factors that worsen RLS (eg, iron deficiency, antidepressant or antihistamine administration, OSA) is an important first step in treatment. RLS can generally be well treated with medications such as the alpha2-delta calcium channel ligands (A2Ds) gabapentin, pregabalin, and gabapentin enacarbil or, if these are poorly tolerated or lack efficacy, the dopamine agonists (DAs) pramipexole, ropinirole, or rotigotine. ⋯ If dopaminergic augmentation of RLS is present, substitution of an A2D or opioid for the DA is the primary goal. However, given the profound rebound RLS and insomnia that occurs with even small dose reductions of DAs, the initial change should be the addition of one of these alternate treatments. Once adequate doses, or symptom relief, are achieved with the second agent, subsequent very slow down-titration and discontinuation of the DA is often possible and can lead to dramatic long-term relief of RLS symptoms and improvement in sleep.