Articles: cations.
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Semin Respir Crit Care Med · Jun 2024
ReviewDiagnostic Approach to Interstitial Lung Diseases Associated with Connective Tissue Diseases.
Interstitial lung disorders are a group of respiratory diseases characterized by interstitial compartment infiltration, varying degrees of infiltration, and fibrosis, with or without small airway involvement. Although some are idiopathic (e.g., idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, idiopathic interstitial pneumonias, and sarcoidosis), the great majority have an underlying etiology, such as systemic autoimmune rheumatic disease (SARD, also called Connective Tissue Diseases or CTD), inhalational exposure to organic matter, medications, and rarely, genetic disorders. ⋯ In a minority of patients, a definitive diagnosis cannot be established. Their clinical presentations and prognosis can be variable even within subsets of SARDs.
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This review article explores the potential longer-term implications of neuraxial analgesia in labour for both the mother and her child. ⋯ Women should continue to access the significant benefits of neuraxial analgesia in labour without undue concern about adverse sequelae for themselves or their offspring. Measures to prevent, appropriately manage and adequately follow-up women who have suffered complications of neuraxial analgesia, such as postdural puncture headache, are good practice and can mitigate the development of long-term sequelae.
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Semin Respir Crit Care Med · Jun 2024
ReviewApproach to Pulmonary Nodules in Connective Tissue Disease.
The assessment of pulmonary nodules is a common and often challenging clinical scenario. This evaluation becomes even more complex in patients with connective tissue diseases (CTDs), as a range of disease-related factors must also be taken into account. ⋯ This integrated approach is vital for effective risk stratification and precise diagnosis. This review article addresses specific CTD-related factors that should be taken into account when evaluating pulmonary nodules in this patient group.
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Connective tissue diseases (CTD) are heterogeneous, immune-mediated inflammatory disorders often presenting with multiorgan involvement. With the advent of high-resolution computed tomography, CTD-related pleuritis-pleural thickening and effusion-is now increasingly recognized early in the disease trajectory. ⋯ Treatment of the underlying CTD is necessary to manage the pleural disease. Depending on the degree of symptom burden and physiological insult, specific treatment of pleural disease can include monitoring, repeated aspirations, systemic anti-inflammatory medication, and surgical decortication.
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Semin Respir Crit Care Med · Jun 2024
ReviewThe Oral-Lung Microbiome Axis in Connective Tissue Disease-Related Interstitial Lung Disease.
Connective tissue disease-related interstitial lung disease (CTD-ILD) is a frequent and serious complication of CTD, leading to high morbidity and mortality. Unfortunately, its pathogenesis remains poorly understood; however, one intriguing contributing factor may be the microbiome of the mouth and lungs. ⋯ Here, we review the existing data demonstrating oral and lung microbiota dysbiosis and possible contributions to the development of CTD-ILD in rheumatoid arthritis, Sjögren's syndrome, systemic sclerosis, and systemic lupus erythematosus. We identify several areas of opportunity for future investigations into the role of the oral and lung microbiota in CTD-ILD.