Frontiers in medicine
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Interstitial lung disease (ILD) comprises a heterogeneous group of diffuse parenchymal lung processes with overlapping clinical, radiographic, and histopathologic features. Among the most common and deadly ILDs are idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and chronic hypersensitivity pneumonitis (CHP). As the name implies, the cause of IPF remains elusive, but a variety of genetic and infectious risk factors have been identified. ⋯ In this piece, we highlight recent advances in our understanding of the genomic factors that influence susceptibility and outcome risk among patients with IPF and CHP. Genomic modalities used to identify these genomic markers include genome-wide association studies, analyses of gene expression, drug-gene interaction testing, telomere length determination, telomerase mutation analysis, and studies of the lung microbiome. We then identify gaps in knowledge that should be addressed to help facilitate the incorporation of these genomic technologies into ILD clinical practice.
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The main goal of enhanced recovery program after thoracic surgery is to minimize stress response, reduce postoperative pulmonary complications, and improve patient outcome, which will in addition decrease hospital stay and reduce hospital costs. As minimally invasive technique, video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery represents an important element of enhanced recovery program in thoracic surgery. ⋯ This article focuses on the key elements of the enhanced recovery program in thoracic surgery. Having reviewed recent literature, the authors highlight potential procedures and techniques that might be incorporated into the program.
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Frontiers in medicine · Jan 2018
ReviewThe Management of Patients With Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis.
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), the most common form of fibrosing idiopathic interstitial pneumonia, is an inexorably progressive disease with a 5-year survival of ~20%. In the last decade, our understanding of disease pathobiology has increased significantly and this has inevitably impacted on the approach to treatment. Indeed, the paradigm shift from a chronic inflammatory disorder to a primarily fibrotic one coupled with a more precise disease definition and redefined diagnostic criteria have resulted in a massive increase in the number of clinical trials evaluating novel candidate drugs. ⋯ Lung transplantation, the only curative treatment, remains a viable option for only a minority of highly selected patients. The unmet medical need in IPF remains high, and more efficacious and better tolerated drugs are urgently needed. However, a truly effective therapeutic approach should also address quality of life and highly prevalent concomitant conditions and complications of IPF.
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The use of truncal nerve blocks has been described since 2001. Since then, there have been many studies trying to understand the ideal clinical scenarios for its use. ⋯ Its anatomical placement, concentration of local anesthetic, volume of local anesthetic, and anatomic placement have all been raised as clinical questions. This article will discuss the literature of the QL block in an effort to understand how it is best used in a variety of clinical scenarios.
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Frontiers in medicine · Jan 2018
Epidural Analgesia With Surgical Stabilization of Flail Chest Following Blunt Thoracic Trauma in Patients With Multiple Trauma.
Flail chest, often defined as the fracture of three or more ribs in two or more places, represents the most severe form of rib fractures. Conservative treatment, consisting of respiratory assistance with endotracheal intubation and mechanical ventilation (internal pneumatic stabilization) and pain control, are the current treatments of choice in the majority of patients with multiple rib fractures. However, the use of mechanical ventilation may create complications. ⋯ Tracheotomy was performed in 33.3% of study patients. Mortality in the observed group was 44.4%. This study shows that surgical stabilization and epidural analgesia reduced ventilator support, shortened trauma intensive care unit stay, and reduced medical costs vs internal pneumatic stabilization.