[How to deal with unexplained dyspnoea].

Unexplained dyspnoea is defined as a chronic (≥ 3 months) and significant (mMRC ≥ 2) dyspnoea without a diagnosis after clinical examination, chest X-ray, biological work-up and electrocardiogram. This condition affects 15 % of patients with dyspnoea and is associated with prolonged diagnostic delay and difficulties in patient referral. This article presents the definition and epidemiology of unexplained dyspnoea, as well as the useful elements of the history and clinical examination.

[Proposals from a French expert panel for respiratory care in ALS patients].

Background: Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by progressive diaphragm weakness and deteriorating lung function. Bulbar involvement and cough weakness contribute to respiratory morbidity and mortality. ALS-related respiratory failure significantly affects quality of life and is the leading cause of death.

Real-life evaluation of NIV to CPAP switch in patients with chronic respiratory failure. A case control study.

Background: Non-invasive ventilation (NIV) is a standard of care for hypercapnic chronic respiratory failure (CRF). Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSA) frequently contributes to hypoventilation in CRF patients. CPAP improves hypercapnia in selected COPD and obese patients, like NIV.

Measurement of thoraco-abdominal synchrony using respiratory inductance plethysmography: technical aspects and a proposal to overcome its limitations.

Background: Thoraco-abdominal asynchrony (TAA) is usually assessed by respiratory inductance plethysmography. The main parameter used for its assessment is the calculation of the phase angle based on Lissajous plots. However, there are some mathematical limitations to its use.