Chest
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It has been observed widely that, on average, Black individuals in the United States have lower FVC than White individuals, which is thought to reflect a combination of genetic, environmental, and socioeconomic factors that are difficult to disentangle. Debate therefore persists even after the American Thoracic Society's 2023 guidelines recommending race-neutral pulmonary function test (PFT) result interpretation strategies. Advocates of race-based PFT results interpretation argue that it allows for more precise measurement and will minimize disease misclassification. ⋯ Furthermore, the use of race-based algorithms in medicine in general is increasingly being questioned for its risk of perpetuating structural health care disparities. Given these concerns, we believe it is time to adopt a race-neutral approach, but note that more research is urgently needed to understand how race-neutral approaches impact PFT results interpretation, clinical decision-making, and patient outcomes. In this brief case-based discussion, we offer a few examples of how a race-neutral PFT results interpretation strategy will impact individuals from racial and ethnic minority groups at different scenarios and stages of life.
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Comment Review
Lung Imaging of COPD: Part 2: Emerging Concepts Lung Imaging in COPD: Part 2: Emerging Concepts.
The diagnosis, prognostication, and differentiation of phenotypes of COPD can be facilitated by CT scan imaging of the chest. CT scan imaging of the chest is a prerequisite for lung volume reduction surgery and lung transplantation. Quantitative analysis can be used to evaluate extent of disease progression. ⋯ Potential advantages of these newer techniques include improved resolution, prediction of reversibility, and obviation of radiation exposure. This article discusses important emerging techniques in imaging patients with COPD. The clinical usefulness of these emerging techniques as they stand today are tabulated for the benefit of the practicing pulmonologist.
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Patients with persisting exercise limitation after COVID infection show reduction in peak VO2 from peripheral rather than central cardiovascular limitation.
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Multicenter Study Observational Study
Low- Versus Conventional-Dose Trimethoprim-Sulfamethoxazole Treatment for Pneumocystis Pneumonia in Non-Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Infected Patients: A Multi-Center, Retrospective Observational Cohort Study.
Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX) is an effective treatment for Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PCP) in immunocompromised patients with and without HIV infection; however, a high incidence of adverse events has been observed. Low-dose TMP-SMX is a potentially effective treatment with fewer adverse events; however, evidence is limited. ⋯ Survival was similar between the low-dose and conventional-dose TMP-SMX groups, and low-dose TMP-SMX was associated with reduced adverse events in patients with non-HIV PCP.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Modification of endotypic traits in obstructive sleep apnea by the carbonic anhydrase inhibitor sulthiame.
The carbonic anhydrase inhibitor sulthiame reduces OSA severity, increases overnight oxygenation, and improves sleep quality. Insights into how sulthiame modulates OSA pathophysiologic features (endotypic traits) adds to our understanding of the breathing disorder itself, as well as the effects of carbonic anhydrases in respiratory regulation. ⋯ The effect of sulthiame in OSA may be explained by a reduction of ventilatory instability (LG1) as well as upper airway collapsibility (Vmin and Vpassive).