Determinants of response to hypercapnia and to progressive and transient hypoxia in obstructive sleep apnea patients.

Background: The knowledge regarding the control of breathing during wakefulness in patients affected by obstructive sleep apnea (OSAS) is still challenging. The aim of this study is firstly to analyze hypoxic and hypercapnic ventilatory response in OSA patients in comparison to controls and secondly, to investigate correlations between chemosensivity and both lung function tests, such as arterial blood gas analysis and spirometric parameters, and clinical characteristics, such as age and BMI.

Methods: Seventeen never treated OSA patients (16M; 53±13.

Air bronchogram integrated lung ultrasound score to monitor community-acquired pneumonia in a pilot pediatric population.

Aims: Chest ultrasound is a non-invasive method for evaluating children with suspected community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). We evaluated the prognostic role of change of ultrasonographic (US) air bronchogram in management of CAP in terms of: rate of complicated CAP, change of empiric antibiotic therapy, relationship to defervescence time, and length of hospitalization.

Methods: Patients with CAP and radiographic evidence of lung consolidation were prospectively enrolled.

Agreement between chest ultrasonography and chest X-ray in patients who have undergone thoracic surgery: preliminary results.

Background: Chest Ultrasonography (chest US) has shown good sensibility in detecting pneumothorax, pleural effusions and peripheral consolidations and it can be performed bedside.

Objectives: The aim of the study was to analyze agreement between chest US and chest X-ray in patients who have undergone thoracic surgery and discuss cases of discordance.

Methods: Patients undergoing thoracic surgery were retrospectively selected.

Educational interventions alone and combined with port protector reduce the rate of central venous catheter infection and colonization in respiratory semi-intensive care unit.

Background: Central Line-Associated BloodStream Infections (CLABSIs) are emerging challenge in Respiratory semi-Intensive Care Units (RICUs). We evaluated efficacy of educational interventions on rate of CLABSIs and effects of port protector as adjuvant tool.

Methods: Study lasted 18 months (9 months of observation and 9 of intervention).

Chest ultrasonography in health surveillance of asbestos-related lung diseases.

Objectives: Exposure to asbestos fibers can lead to different lung diseases, such as pleural thickening and effusion, asbestosis, mesothelioma, and lung cancer. These diseases are expected to peak in the next few years. The aim of the study was to validate ultrasonography (US) as a diagnostic tool in the management of lung diseases in subjects with a history of occupational exposure to asbestos.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Nickel Allergy: What Is the Role of the Low Nickel Diet?

Background/aims: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is characterized by chronic abdominal pain or discomfort accompanied by abnormal bowel movements. In sensitized subjects, ingested nickel (Ni) may induce gastrointestinal symptoms similar to IBS, in addition to typical systemic cutaneous lesions (systemic nickel allergy syndrome [SNAS]). A low nickel diet could improve the systemic manifestations.

Lung ultrasonography may provide an indirect estimation of lung porosity and airspace geometry.

Background: Echographic vertical artifacts (B-lines) in chest ultrasonography have often been associated with pathological patterns. A scientifically sound explanation of these artifacts has not yet been proposed.

Objectives: The 'spongy' nature of the lung in its liquid and solid components and the changes that take place in peripheral airspace (PAS) geometry might be the key point to understanding these phenomena.

Look at the lung: can chest ultrasonography be useful in pregnancy?

Background: This study aimed to evaluate the clinical value of chest ultrasound (US) in the detection, diagnosis and follow-up of pathologic processes of both peripheral lung parenchyma and pleural space in pregnant women.

Findings: Pregnant women admitted to Obstetric Pathology Hospital Department for respiratory diseases were enrolled. Chest US examination was performed when there was a respiratory disease highly suggestive of pneumonia and/or pleural effusion and chest X-ray (CXR) should have been obtained.

Ultrasonographic assessment of the diaphragm in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients: relationships with pulmonary function and the influence of body composition - a pilot study.

Background: Skeletal muscle weakness with loss of fat-free mass (FFM) is one of the main systemic effects of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The diaphragm is also involved, leading to disadvantageous conditions and poor contractile capacities.

Objectives: We measured the thickness of the diaphragm (TD) by ultrasonography to evaluate the relationships between echographic measurements, parameters of respiratory function and body composition data.

Empyema caused by Prevotella bivia complicating an unusual case of spontaneous chylothorax.

Spontaneous chylothorax is rare in adults. We present an unusual case that was complicated by Prevotella bivia empyema. Full recovery was achieved with chest tube drainage and prompt treatment with intravenous clindamycin.

Post-operative rehabilitation for surgically resected non-small cell lung cancer patients: serial pulmonary functional analysis.

Introduction: Post-operative pulmonary rehabilitation in patients who have undergone surgery for lung cancer is a subject of open debate. Clinical practice in this setting is based on the results of observational trials, such as the one described here. Prospective randomized controlled trials have been registered and recruitment is ongoing.

Ultrasound-guided pleural puncture in supine or recumbent lateral position - feasibility study.

Background: The aim of this study is to evaluate feasibility, safety and efficacy of accessing the pleural space with the patient supine or in lateral recumbent position, under constant ultrasonic guidance along the costophrenic sinus.

Methods: All patients with pleural effusion, referred to thoracentesis or pleural drainage from February 2010 to January 2011 in two institutions, were drained either supine or in lateral recumbent position through an echomonitored cannulation of the costophrenic sinus. The technique is described in detail and an analysis of safety and feasibility is carried out.

Respiratory symptoms in children living near busy roads and their relationship to vehicular traffic: results of an Italian multicenter study (SIDRIA 2).

Background: Epidemiological studies have provided evidence that exposure to vehicular traffic increases the prevalence of respiratory symptoms and may exacerbate pre-existing asthma in children. Self-reported exposure to road traffic has been questioned as a reliable measurement of exposure to air pollutants. The aim of this study was to investigate whether there were specific effects of cars and trucks traffic on current asthma symptoms (i.

Wheeze and asthma in children: associations with body mass index, sports, television viewing, and diet.

Background: Obesity, physical activity, and dietary habits are distinct but strongly interrelated lifestyle factors that may be relevant to the prevalence of wheeze and asthma in children. Our goal was to analyze the relationship of body mass index (BMI), regular sports participation, TV viewing, and diet with current wheezing and asthma.

Methods: We investigated 20,016 children, aged 6-7 years, who were enrolled in a population-based study.