Observational study of the Amaze™ asthma disease management platform.

Objective: Asthma is often inadequately controlled, which can result in exacerbations that lead to unplanned healthcare visits. Mobile application (app) use could help manage asthma exacerbations. We implemented the Amaze™ asthma disease management platform in clinical practice and assessed user satisfaction, usage, and usability.

Select amino acids recover cytokine-altered ENaC function in human bronchial epithelial cells.

The airway epithelium plays a pivotal role in regulating mucosal immunity and inflammation. Epithelial barrier function, homeostasis of luminal fluid, and mucociliary clearance are major components of mucosal defense mechanisms. The epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) is one of the key players in controlling airway fluid volume and composition, and characteristic cytokines cause ENaC and barrier dysfunctions following pulmonary infections or allergic reactions.

The effect of activity and face masks on exhaled particles in children.

Importance: Despite the high burden of respiratory infections among children, the production of exhaled particles during common activities and the efficacy of face masks in children have not been sufficiently studied.

Objective: To determine the effect of type of activity and mask usage on exhaled particle production in children.

Methods: Healthy children were asked to perform activities that ranged in intensity (breathing quietly, speaking, singing, coughing, and sneezing) while wearing no mask, a cloth mask, or a surgical mask.

Pemphigoid of the pulmonary system (POPS): A review of a less recognized feature.

This review of Pemphigoid of the Pulmonary System (POPS) is a comprehensive description of pulmonary involvement in patients with mucous membrane pemphigoid (MMP), which is an orphan autoimmune blistering disease. The objective of the review was to analyze clinical features of pulmonary involvement in MMP. This POPS review is a case series in which multiple search engines were utilized from inception to June 2022 for cases of MMP with biopsy and immunopathology proven tracheal and bronchial pemphigoid.

Effect modification by age of the association between obstructive lung diseases, smoking, and COVID-19 severity.

Introduction: Obstructive lung diseases (asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)) and smoking are associated with greater risk of respiratory infections and hospitalisations, but conflicting data exist regarding their association with severity of COVID-19, and few studies have evaluated whether these associations differ by age.

Objectives: To examine the associations between asthma, COPD and smoking on the severity of COVID-19 among a cohort of hospitalised patients, and to test for effect modification by age.

Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of electronic health record data of patients admitted to Massachusetts General Hospital, assigning the maximal WHO Clinical Progression Scale score for each patient during the first 28 days following hospital admission.

Virologic Features of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Infection in Children.

Background: Data on pediatric coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has lagged behind adults throughout the pandemic. An understanding of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) viral dynamics in children would enable data-driven public health guidance.

Methods: Respiratory swabs were collected from children with COVID-19.

Virologic features of SARS-CoV-2 infection in children.

Background: Data on pediatric COVID-19 has lagged behind adults throughout the pandemic. An understanding of SARS-CoV-2 viral dynamics in children would enable data-driven public health guidance.

Methods: Respiratory swabs were collected from children with COVID-19.

Aerosol transmission of SARS-CoV-2 by children and adults during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) can be transmitted via respiratory droplets, aerosols, and to a lesser extent, fomites. Defining the factors driving infectivity and transmission is critical for infection control and containment of this pandemic. We outline the major methods of transmission of SARS-CoV-2, focusing on aerosol transmission.

The diagnosis of respiratory disease in children using a phone-based cough and symptom analysis algorithm: The smartphone recordings of cough sounds 2 (SMARTCOUGH-C 2) trial design.

The diagnosis of acute respiratory diseases in children can be challenging, and no single objective diagnostic test exists for common pediatric respiratory diseases. Previous research has demonstrated that ResAppDx, a cough sound and symptom-based analysis algorithm, can identify common respiratory diseases at the point of care. We present the study protocol for SMARTCOUGH-C 2, a prospective diagnostic accuracy trial of a cough and symptom-based algorithm in a cohort of children presenting with acute respiratory diseases.

Insight into the pediatric and adult dichotomy of COVID-19: Age-related differences in the immune response to SARS-CoV-2 infection.

The difference in morbidity and mortality between adult and pediatric coronavirus disease 2019 infections is dramatic. Understanding pediatric-specific acute and delayed immune responses to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is critical for the development of vaccination strategies, immune-targeted therapies, and treatment and prevention of multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children. The goal of this review is to highlight research developments in the understanding of the immune responses to SARS-CoV-2 infections, with a specific focus on age-related immune responses.

The future is here: Integrating genetics into the pediatric pulmonary clinic.

Recognition of underlying genetic etiologies of disease is increasing at an exponential rate, likely due to greater access to and lower cost of genetic testing. Monogenic causes of disease, or conditions resulting from a mutation or mutations in a single gene, are now well recognized in every subspecialty, including pediatric pulmonary medicine; thus, it is important to consider genetic conditions when evaluating children with respiratory disease. In the pediatric pulmonary clinic, genetic testing should be considered when multiple family members present with similar or related clinical features and when individuals have unusual clinical presentations, such as early-onset disease or complex, syndromic features.

Recognizing genetic disease: A key aspect of pediatric pulmonary care.

Advancement in technology has improved recognition of genetic etiologies of disease, which has impacted diagnosis and management of rare disease patients in the pediatric pulmonary clinic. This review provides an overview of genetic conditions that are likely to present with pulmonary features and require extensive care by the pediatric pulmonologist. Increased familiarity with these conditions allows for improved care of these patients by reducing time to diagnosis, tailoring management, and prompting further investigation into these disorders.

The Unexpected Risks of COVID-19 on Asthma Control in Children.

Much is being learned about clinical outcomes for adult COVID-19 patients with underlying chronic conditions; however, there is less coverage on how the COVID-19 pandemic impacts the management of chronic medical conditions, such as asthma, in children and youth. Asthma is a common chronic medical condition in children that is uniquely susceptible to changes brought on by COVID-19. Sudden dramatic changes in the environment, medical practice, and medication use have altered the asthma management landscape with potential impacts on asthma outcomes.

Lung transplant referral practice patterns: a survey of cystic fibrosis physicians and general pulmonologists.

Background: Many individuals with cystic fibrosis (CF) die from respiratory failure without referral for lung transplant. Physician practices that may expedite, delay, or preclude referral, are poorly understood.

Methods: Two parallel, web-based surveys focusing on lung transplant referral triggers and barriers, as well as pre-referral evaluation, were emailed to pulmonologists practicing in the New England region.