Eosinopenia in bronchiectasis: A novel biomarker for morbidity and mortality.

Background: The paradigm of bronchiectasis is shifting away from its exclusive characterization as a neutrophilic condition. Patients with bronchiectasis and high eosinophil levels have been found to have a specific phenotype, but the clinical effect of eosinopenia remains unclear.

Method: A retrospective, single-center, observational study was conducted at a tertiary medical center.

Utility of serum uric acid levels in excluding pulmonary hypertension in severe chronic lung disease: insights from a tertiary care center.

Hyperuricemia is a known predictor of World Health Organization (WHO) Group 1 pulmonary hypertension (PH) (pulmonary arterial hypertension), but its role in excluding PH secondary to chronic lung diseases (WHO Group 3) remains unclear. We retrospectively analyzed data from 323 patients with severe chronic pulmonary diseases who underwent evaluation for lung transplantation at a tertiary medical center between June 2017 and February 2023. We examined the association between hyperuricemia (serum uric acid > 6 mg/dL or > 0.

Pretransplant NT-proBNP levels are associated with mortality among lung transplant recipients.

The prognostic significance of pretransplant N-terminal pro-brain (B)-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) level has not been investigated in lung transplant recipients. The electronic files of 173 patients with chronic lung disease who underwent lung transplantation in 2018-2022 at a tertiary medical center were retrospectively reviewed. Right heart catheterization (RHC) and NT-proBNP determination were performed preoperatively in all cases.

High antinuclear antibody titer is associated with increased mortality risk in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a diagnosis of exclusion, requiring that potential etiologies of interstitial lung disease be ruled out. Antinuclear antibody (ANA) testing is commonly performed in individuals with IPF, but the clinical significance of ANA positivity remains uncertain. A retrospective search identified 161 patients diagnosed with IPF between May 2010 and January 2021.

Phenotypical characteristics of nontuberculous mycobacterial infection in patients with bronchiectasis.

Background: The global mortality and morbidity rates of bronchiectasis patients due to nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) pulmonary infection are on a concerning upward trend. The aims of this study to identify the phenotype of NTM-positive individuals with bronchiectasis.

Methods: A retrospective single-center observational study was conducted in adult patients with bronchiectasis who underwent bronchoscopy in 2007-2020.

The acute effect of inhaled nitric oxide on the exercise capacity of patients with advanced interstitial lung disease: a randomized controlled trial.

Background: Inhaled nitric oxide (iNO) selectively acts on the pulmonary vasculature of ventilated lung tissue by reducing pulmonary vascular resistance and intrapulmonary shunt. This effect may reduce ventilation/perfusion mismatch and decrease pulmonary hypertension in patients with interstitial lung disease.

Methods: In a prospective, single-blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled trial, participants with advanced interstitial lung disease, underwent two separate six-minute walk tests (6MWT): one with iNO and the other with a placebo.

Endobronchial closure of broncho-biliary fistula using Amplatzer device: Case report.

Broncho-biliary fistula (BBF) is an extremely rare but serious medical condition resulting from pathological communication between the biliary system and the bronchial tree. Treatment options include both surgical and non-surgical approaches. Several endobronchial techniques, such as the spigot and glue, can be used for this purpose.

Bronchoscopy for management and identification of etiology of right middle lobe syndrome: Analysis of 66 cases.

Background: Right middle lobe (RML) syndrome is a recurrent or chronic obstruction of the RML causing atelectasis of the right middle lobe due to mechanical and nonmechanical etiologies. The consequences of untreated RML syndrome range from chronic cough to post-obstructive pneumonia and bronchiectasis. We report here our bronchoscopy experience in patients with RML syndrome.

Prognostic Significance of the N-Terminal Pro-B-Type Natriuretic Peptide in Lung Transplant Candidates on the Waiting List.

We investigated the prognostic significance of N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) in lung transplant candidates, in a retrospective single-center study. Data regarding various baseline characteristics and all-cause mortality were collected for 205 lung transplant candidates placed on waitlist for transplantation from November 2017 to December 2019. Associations of NT-proBNP levels with baseline characteristics and mortality were analyzed.

Successful treatment of acute relapse of chronic eosinophilic pneumonia with benralizumab and without corticosteroids: A case report.

Background: Currently, the mainstay of chronic eosinophilic pneumonia (CEP) treatment is corticosteroids, usually with a favorable response and good prognosis. However, relapse is common, requiring long-term use of corticosteroids, with risk of significant treatment-related complications. The dire need to develop new treatments for patients with CEP, who are dependent on, or resistant to corticosteroids has led to exploring novel therapies.

Carboxyhemoglobin Does Not Predict the Need of Mechanical Ventilation and Prognosis during COPD Exacerbation.

Background: Carboxyhemoglobin (COHb) is a complex formed by the binding of carbon monoxide to hemoglobin in blood. Higher COHb levels have been associated with poor prognosis in a variety of pulmonary disorders. However, little is known regarding the prognostic significance of COHb among individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) exacerbation.

Dexmedetomidine versus propofol sedation in flexible bronchoscopy: a randomized controlled trial.

Background: Dexmedetomidine (DEX), is a highly selective alpha2 adrenoceptor (α2-AR) agonist, successfully used in various procedures including flexible bronchoscopy. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating DEX sedation during bronchoscopy report equivocal results regarding respiratory and hemodynamic outcomes.

Methods: We conducted an RCT to evaluate the efficacy and safety of dexmedetomidine compared to propofol for sedation during bronchoscopy.

Sertraline-Associated Interstitial Lung Disease: A case series and Literature Review.

Sertraline-associated interstitial lung disease (ILD) is a rare entity. A search of the English medical literature retrieved only 9 such cases. We report herein on an additional 12 patients who developed ILD during treatment with sertraline.

Nontuberculous Mycobacterial Pulmonary Infection Among Lung Transplant Recipients.

Objectives: Data are limited regarding the clinical significance of nontuberculous mycobacteria pulmonary infections among lung transplant recipients. We investigated the incidence and characteristics of pulmonary nontuberculous mycobacteria infection in ourlung transplant patient population.

Materials And Methods: We obtaineddata of the patients who underwent lung transplant in our center from January 1997 to March 2019.

The LungVision navigational platform for peripheral lung nodule biopsy and the added value of cryobiopsy.

Background: The LungVision system is a novel augmented-fluoroscopy-based real-time navigation and guidance technology for bronchoscopy that can be integrated with any standard biopsy tool, including the cryoprobe, to enable real-time visualization and localization of pulmonary nodules.

Objectives: To evaluate the diagnostic yield and safety among patients undergoing peripheral pulmonary nodule biopsy with the LungVision system.

Methods: This prospective, single-center study was conducted at Rabin Medical Center in Israel.

Long-Term Success of Metal Endobronchial Stents in Lung Transplant Recipients.

Background: Bronchial stenosis is a common complication following lung transplantation. We evaluated long-term associations of the use of self-expandable metal stents (SEMSs) with lung function tests, patient safety, and survival.

Methods: A retrospective chart review of 582 lung transplantations performed at our institution between January 2002 and January 2018.

Long-term outcomes of metallic endobronchial stents in lung transplant recipients are not affected by bacterial colonization.

Objectives: We evaluated associations of endobronchial stenting with airway bacterial colonization, the antimicrobial resistance profile, hospitalizations for pneumonia and survival in lung transplant recipients.

Methods: This is a retrospective single-centre study of 582 recipients of lung transplant during 2002-2018. We compared outcomes of 57 patients (9.

Placement of self-expanding metallic tracheobronchial Y stent with laryngeal mask airway using conscious sedation under fluoroscopic guidance.

Background: Central airway obstruction and fistula are treated with a tracheobronchial Y stent. In the currently used self-expandable metal Y stents, the delivery system is 8 mm in diameter and requires either a 9 mm tracheal tube or rigid bronchoscope to enable airway control during insertion. In this study we present a novel technique of laryngeal mask airway (LMA) assisted Y stent insertion, enabling airway control during deployment of the Y stent.

The Etiology and Prognosis of Delayed Postoperative Leukocytosis in Lung Transplant Recipients.

Background: Leukocytosis (white blood cell count >12 000/µL) in the delayed postoperative period (4-7 days) after lung transplantation is due to diverse etiologies. We aimed to describe the etiologies of delayed postoperative leukocytosis in lung transplant recipients and to evaluate the association of leukocytosis causes with short-term survival.

Methods: A retrospective chart review of 274 lung transplantations performed in our institution during 2006 to 2013.

Delayed versus classic orthostatic hypotension: clinical and prognostic implications.

Orthostatic hypotension (OH) is a common disorder, especially among hospitalised patients. Classic OH is defined as occurring 3 or less minutes of orthostatic stress, and delayed OH as occurring after 3 min of stress. We aimed to compare clinical characteristics and prognosis between inpatients with classic vs.

Routine comprehensive Aspergillus screening of bronchoalveolar lavage samples in lung transplant recipients.

Background: Invasive aspergillosis is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in lung transplant recipients (LTRs). Early diagnosis may improve outcome, yet is challenging. We assessed the diagnostic yield of a routine, comprehensive, prospectively employed Aspergillus screening strategy in LTRs.

Platelet distribution width: a novel prognostic marker in an internal medicine ward.

: Platelet distribution width (PDW) has demonstrated clinical significance in populations with specific disorders; its prognostic significance in internal medicine wards has not been investigated. : Demographic, clinical and laboratory data were collected prospectively for 1036 internal medicine inpatients. The primary outcome was 90-day mortality, secondary outcomes were: treatment with mechanical ventilation, prolonged hospital stay, in-hospital death, and all-cause mortality following discharge.

Mucormycosis in lung transplant recipients: A systematic review of the literature and a case series.

Background: Mucormycosis is a rare infection in lung transplant recipients (LTR). Our objective was to better define the clinical presentation and optimal management of this frequently lethal infection.

Methods: A systematic review of the literature was performed to identify all published cases of mucormycosis in LTR using PubMed/MEDLINE.