Current opinion in pulmonary medicine
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The usual diagnostic criteria for sarcoidosis include the documentation of a compatible clinicoradiologic scenario, biopsy proof of granulomas, and exclusion of alternate causes for the findings. Establishing the presence of multisystem disease, and longitudinal assessment for the emergence of potential sarcoidosis mimics both strengthen the diagnosis. These principles have constituted a 'diagnostic modus operandi' for several decades, but the emergence of several new technologies has begun to transform their application. ⋯ The diagnosis of sarcoidosis and the assessment of its extent should be tailored to the clinical situation. The application of new technologies may permit some evolution of the diagnostic approach in many patients.
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Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a progressive and deadly disease. The US Food and Drug Administration recently approved two medications for the treatment of IPF - pirfenidone and nintedanib. Given the limited clinical experience with these agents, a number of questions remain regarding their use. ⋯ Currently many questions remain regarding the use of pirfenidone and nintedanib in IPF, including which drug to prescribe, the optimal patient population to treat, the duration of therapy, and how to define treatment success or failure. It also remains to be seen whether combination therapy with both agents will result in improved outcomes. Hopefully, future randomized controlled trials will address these issues.
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Hypersensitivity pneumonitis is a complex syndrome characterized by a combination of inflammation and fibrosis located in both the airways and the lung parenchyma. Both diagnosis and treatment are a real challenge for physicians. This review will focus on recent developments in this emerging field; furthermore, we will emphasize major gaps in the current knowledge, to stimulate further research in this field. ⋯ Diagnosis and treatment of hypersensitivity pneumonitis remain a real challenge; this article provides an overview of our current understanding and points out new opportunities for further research.
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Review Comparative Study
Comparison of mesothelin and fibulin-3 in pleural fluid and serum as markers in malignant mesothelioma.
Malignant mesothelioma is an asbestos-induced, aggressive tumour, which frequently presents with pleural effusion. There are over 60 reported causes that can result in the development of a pleural effusion. Currently, there are no tumour biomarkers in widespread clinical use for the differential diagnosis of mesothelioma from other diseases. With the incidence of mesothelioma expected to continue to increase, it is timely to review the current status of effusion-based biomarkers for mesothelioma diagnosis. ⋯ To date, soluble mesothelin remains the best available biomarker for mesothelioma and a positive result is clinically useful in patients with pleural effusions in whom the diagnosis is uncertain.
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Pleural effusions have a major impact on the cardiorespiratory system. This article reviews the pathophysiological effects of pleural effusions and pleural drainage, their relationship with breathlessness, and highlights key knowledge gaps. ⋯ Pleural effusions are associated with abnormalities in gas exchange, respiratory mechanics, respiratory muscle function and hemodynamics, but the association between these abnormalities and breathlessness remains unclear. Prospective studies should aim to identify the key mechanisms of effusion-related breathlessness and predictors of improvement following pleural drainage.