Reassessing Pulmonary Hypertension Classification: Utilizing Criteria for Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction Instead of Pulmonary Arterial Wedge Pressure.

: The current classification of pulmonary hypertension (PH) distinguishes between pre-capillary (PAWP ≤ 15 mmHg) and post-capillary (PAWP > 15 mmHg) forms, with left heart disease, especially heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), being a common cause of PH. We investigated the suitability of an HFpEF diagnosis instead of PAWP in diagnosing PH associated with HFpEF. : In a retrospective, single-center analysis, we reviewed diagnoses from our database, focusing on patients initially diagnosed with idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (IPAH) or PH associated with HFpEF (PH-HFpEF) based on their PAWP.

Anti-interleukin-5/anti-interleukin-5 receptor α treatment improves self-reported work productivity in patients with severe eosinophilic asthma: a prospective cohort trial.

Background: Severe asthma affects the working life of millions of people worldwide. Interleukin (IL)-5/anti-interleukin-5 receptor α (IL-5Rα) antibodies are highly effective in reducing symptoms in patients with severe eosinophilic asthma. We analysed effects of anti-IL-5/anti-IL-5Rα treatment on self-reported productivity and absenteeism at work in patients with severe eosinophilic asthma.

Different dynamics of soluble inflammatory mediators after clearance of respiratory SARS-CoV-2 versus blood-borne hepatitis C virus infections.

Viral infections can be acute or chronic, with the immune system pivotal in immunopathogenesis. The potential reversibility of inflammation post-viral elimination is of current interest. This study compares the dynamics of soluble inflammatory mediators (SIM) during and after respiratory infections with SARS-CoV-2 and blood-borne acute and chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections.

Effect of sotatercept on circulating proteomics in pulmonary arterial hypertension.

https://bit.ly/3Z5AZJ3

Clinical Features, Diagnostics, Etiology, and Outcomes of Hospitalized Solid Organ Recipients With Community-Acquired Pneumonia: A Retrospective Cohort Analysis.

Background: Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Limited evidence is available on the most effective diagnostic approaches, management strategies, and long-term outcomes for CAP in patients who have undergone solid organ transplantation.

Research Question: What is the acute and long-term morbidity and mortality after CAP in organ transplant recipients?

Study Design And Methods: We retrospectively analyzed hospitalizations for CAP in solid organ recipients at the largest German transplant center.

Effect of a biomimetic pathogen adsorbing device on inflammatory biomarkers in COVID-19 patients.

Introduction: The Seraph 100 Microbind Affinity blood filter eliminate bacteria, viruses, fungi and toxins from blood stream.

Methods: This is a prospective multicenter observational biomarker trial in PCR-positive SARS-CoV-2 patients with acute respiratory failure. Biomarkers were sequentially tested at three time points.

Right heart function during and after pregnancy in women with pulmonary arterial hypertension.

https://bit.ly/3Q13WjX

Long-term multicenter comparison shows equivalent efficacy of monoclonal antibodies in severe asthma therapy.

Background: Monoclonal antibodies (biologics) drastically changed severe asthma therapy. Mepolizumab (anti-interleukin (IL) 5), benralizumab (anti-IL5 receptor alpha), and dupilumab (anti-IL4/13) are the most used biologics in this context. While all biologics are efficient individually, the choice of biologic is complicated by insufficient data on their comparative long-term treatment efficacy.

Factors influencing voriconazole plasma level in intensive care patients.

Background: In clinical routine, voriconazole plasma trough levels () out of target range are often observed with little knowledge about predisposing influences.

Objectives: To determine the distribution and influencing factors on voriconazole blood levels of patients treated on intensive- or intermediate care units (ICU/IMC).

Patients And Methods: Data were collected retrospectively from patients with at least one voriconazole trough plasma level on ICU/IMC ( = 153) to determine the proportion of sub-, supra- or therapeutic plasma levels.

Prevention of peri-interventional hypothermia during endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography using a forced-air heating system.

Perioperative hypothermia is associated with significant complications and can be prevented with forced-air heating systems (FAHS). Whether hypothermia occurs during prolonged endoscopic sedation is unclear and prevention measures are not addressed in endoscopic sedation guidelines. We hypothesized that hypothermia also occurs in a significant proportion of patients undergoing endoscopic interventions associated with longer sedation times such as endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreaticography (ERCP), and that FAHS may prevent it.

Blood T cell phenotypes correlate with fatigue severity in post-acute sequelae of COVID-19.

Purpose: Post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC) affect approximately 10% of convalescent patients. The spectrum of symptoms is broad and heterogeneous with fatigue being the most often reported sequela. Easily accessible blood biomarkers to determine PASC severity are lacking.

Qualitative and quantitative evaluation of computed tomography changes in adults with cystic fibrosis treated with elexacaftor-tezacaftor-ivacaftor: a retrospective observational study.

The availability of highly effective triple () modulator combination therapy with elexacaftor-tezacaftor-ivacaftor (ETI) has improved pulmonary outcomes and quality of life of people with cystic fibrosis (pwCF). The aim of this study was to assess computed tomography (CT) changes under ETI visually with the Brody score and quantitatively with dedicated software, and to correlate CT measures with parameters of clinical response. Twenty two adult pwCF with two consecutive CT scans before and after ETI treatment initiation were retrospectively included.

Optimal treatment of the underlying aetiology is the most effective antimicrobial stewardship for chronic respiratory disease: a lesson learned from cystic fibrosis.

https://bit.ly/3ptrmV8.

Criteria for evaluation of response to biologics in severe asthma - the Biologics Asthma Response Score (BARS).

Background:  The introduction of monoclonal antibodies (biologics) has revolutionized the therapy of severe asthma. Even though there is a response in the majority of patients, the degree of response varies. To date criteria for assessment of response to biologics are not consistently defined.

Point-of-care procalcitonin testing for lower respiratory tract infection in pulmonary outpatient care has limited value.

Lower respiratory tract infections (LRTI) are frequently the reasons for patients to visit their general practitioners or lung specialists; however, physicians tend to prescribe antibiotics less frequently than necessary. A readily available biomarker could help distinguish between viral and bacterial cause of LRTI. The primary objective of our study was to determine the diagnostic accuracy of point-of-care testing (POCT) of procalcitonin (PCT) in identifying bacterial pneumonia in outpatients with LRTI.

Influence of anti-interleukin (IL)-5/anti-IL-5 receptor-α treatment on work productivity in patients with severe eosinophilic asthma.

https://bit.ly/3IIPppR.

Relationship Between the Response to Antibody Therapy and Symptoms of Depression and Anxiety Disorders in Patients with Severe Asthma.

Purpose: Asthma is associated with a high prevalence of psychopathological disorders, especially depressive disorders or anxiety. In patients with uncontrolled severe asthma, monoclonal antibody (mAb)-therapy positively influenced control of mental disorders. Therefore, we evaluated the impact of antibody therapy on the burden of these mental diseases depending on responder status.

The impact of anti-eosinophilic therapy on exercise capacity and inspiratory muscle strength in patients with severe asthma.

Introduction: Exercise limitation is frequently described among asthmatic patients and could be related to different mechanisms of the pulmonary, cardiovascular and muscular systems. Despite this, cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) does not have an established role in the management of severe asthma. The aim of our study was to investigate the role of CPET and inspiratory pressure measurement in exercise capacity and muscle strength in severe asthmatic patients treated with anti-IL-5 therapy.

[Criteria for evaluation of response to biologics in severe asthma - the Biologics Asthma Response Score (BARS)].

Background:  The introduction of monoclonal antibodies (biologics) has revolutionized the therapy of severe asthma. Even though there is a response in the majority of patients, the degree of response varies. To date criteria for assessment of response to biologics are not consistently defined.