Respirology : official journal of the Asian Pacific Society of Respirology
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There is emerging evidence that cystic fibrosis lung disease begins early in infancy. Newborn screening allows early detection and surveillance of pulmonary disease and the possibility of early intervention in this life-shortening condition. We report two children with cystic fibrosis who underwent a comprehensive assessment from diagnosis that included measurement of lung function, limited-slice high-resolution CT and BAL performed annually. Early aggressive surveillance enabled significant lung disease and bronchiectasis to be detected during the first few years of life and led to a change in management, highlighting a clinical role for CT scanning during the preschool years in children with cystic fibrosis.
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Clinical Trial
Sustained effects of thoracocentesis on oxygenation in mechanically ventilated patients.
No consensus exists as to the benefit of pleural drainage in mechanically ventilated patients with conflicting data concerning the effects on gas exchange. We determined the effects on gas exchange over a 48-hour period of draining, by thoracocentesis, large volume pleural effusions. ⋯ Drainage of large pleural effusions in mechanically ventilated patients leads to a significant improvement in gas exchange, and these effects are sustained for 48 h after the procedure supporting a role in the discontinuation of mechanical ventilation.
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Therapeutic thoracentesis (TT) is required in patients with refractory pleural effusions and impaired oxygenation. In this study, the relationship between pleural space elastance (PE) and changes in oxygenation after TT was investigated in ventilated patients with heart failure and transudative pleural effusions. ⋯ Measurement of PE during TT may be valuable for predicting improvement in oxygenation in ventilated patients with heart failure and pleural effusions. Patients with lower PE showed greater improvement in oxygenation after TT.
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The authors were given the charge of providing a vision of the future in paediatric respirology. Themes selected for being ripe for this visionary analysis include bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), asthma, cystic fibrosis (CF), lung infections, obstructive sleep disordered breathing (OSDB) and pulmonary diagnostics and monitoring. A profound reduction or elimination of BPD is seen. ⋯ In addition, management options, as an alternative to adenotonsilectomy, are listed with a call for further research. Pulmonary diagnostics and monitoring will see the development and refinement of tools like the lung clearance index and the analysis of exhaled gases, volatiles and dissolved biomarkers of inflammation as techniques that might help clinicians identify both the initiation of inflammation while it is more amenable to therapy, and to identify more readily the early changes associated with chronic lung diseases in children. The authors hope that these visionary articles will generate comments, arguments, inspiration, and perhaps even motivate funding agencies.
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In this study the prevalence, lung function and prognosis of IPF combined with emphysema were evaluated. ⋯ Emphysema was a common finding in patients with UIP. Patients with UIP and emphysema had greater lung volumes and better survival compared with those with UIP alone.