Chest
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The COVID-19 pandemic has affected clinicians in many different ways. Clinicians have their own experiences and lessons that they have learned from their work in the pandemic. This article outlines a few lessons learned from the eyes of CHEST Critical Care Editorial Board members, namely practices which will be abandoned, novel practices to be adopted moving forward, and proposed changes to the health care system in general. In an attempt to start the discussion of how health care can grow from the pandemic, the editorial board members outline their thoughts on these lessons learned.
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Observational Study
Cardiac Effort to Compare Clinic and Remote 6-Minute Walk Testing in PAH.
The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has limited objective physiologic assessments. A standardized remote alternative is not currently available. "Cardiac effort" (CE), that is, the total number of heart beats divided by the 6-min walk test (6MWT) distance (beats/m), has improved reproducibility in the 6MWT and correlated with right ventricular function in pulmonary arterial hypertension. ⋯ Remote 6MWT was feasible on a user-defined course; 6MWT distance was shorter than clinic distance. CE calculated by chest heart rate and accelerometer-estimated distance provides a reproducible remote assessment of exercise tolerance, comparable to the clinic-measured value.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study
Effectiveness of a long-term home-based exercise training program in patients with COPD following pulmonary rehabilitation: A multi-center randomized controlled trial.
Most patients with COPD do not maintain exercise training after pulmonary rehabilitation (PR). ⋯ The home exercise program had no effect on dyspnea, but improved 1MSTST performance and patient-perceived fitness. The supported program was well accepted by patients with COPD and may facilitate continued exercise training at home.
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The management of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) has become more complex in recent years because of increased pharmacotherapy options and longer patient survival with increasing numbers of comorbidities. As such, more opportunities exist for drug-drug interactions between PAH-targeted medications and medications potentially used to treat comorbid conditions. In this review, we provide an overview of pharmaceutical metabolism by cytochrome P450 and discuss important drug-drug interactions for the 14 Food and Drug Administration-approved medications for PAH in the nitric oxide (NO), endothelin, and prostacyclin pathways. ⋯ In the endothelin pathway, bosentan is associated with more drug interactions via CYP3A4 inhibition; macitentan and ambrisentan have fewer interactions of note. Although the parenteral therapies in the prostacyclin pathway bypass significant liver metabolism and avoid drug interactions, selexipag and oral treprostinil may exhibit interactions with CYP2C8 inhibitors such as gemfibrozil and clopidogrel, which can raise drug levels. Finally, we provide a framework for identifying potential drug-drug interactions and avoiding errors.
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Multicenter Study Observational Study
Bleeding risk with combination intrapleural fibrinolytic and enzyme therapy in pleural infection - an international, multicenter, retrospective cohort study.
Combination intrapleural fibrinolytic and enzyme therapy (IET) has been established as a therapeutic option in pleural infection. Despite demonstrated efficacy, studies specifically designed and adequately powered to address complications are sparse. The safety profile, the effects of concurrent therapeutic anticoagulation, and the nature and extent of nonbleeding complications remain poorly defined. ⋯ IET use in pleural infection confers a low overall bleeding risk. Increased rates of pleural bleeding are associated with concurrent use of anticoagulation but can be mitigated by withholding anticoagulation before IET. Concomitant administration of IET and therapeutic anticoagulation should be avoided. Parameters related to higher IET-related bleeding have been identified that may lead to altered risk thresholds for treatment.