Epidemiology of Latent Tuberculosis in Rheumatic Immune-Mediated Inflammatory Diseases-Study of 1117 Patients and Descriptive Literature Review.

Patients with rheumatic immune-mediated diseases (rheumatic-IMID) and latent tuberculosis (LTBI) are at an increased risk of developing active tuberculosis (TB); therefore, screening is recommended before starting biological treatment. The aims of this study were as follows: (i) to assess the prevalence of LTBI, (ii) to determine the importance of using a booster test in TST-negative patients, (iii) to compare the tuberculin skin test (TST) with the interferon-gamma release assay (IGRA), (iv) to perform a review of the prevalence of LTBI. A cross-sectional hospital study was performed, including patients diagnosed with rheumatic-IMID who underwent a TST and/or IGRA during the period 2016-2020.

Association Between Oxidative Potential of Particulate Matter Collected by Personal Samplers and Systemic Inflammation Among Asthmatic and Non-Asthmatic Adults.

With the rationale that the oxidative potential of particulate matter (PM-OP) may induce oxidative stress and inflammation, we conducted the ASTHMA-FENOP study in which 44 asthmatic patients and 37 matched controls wore a personal sampler for 24 h, allowing the collection of fine and coarse PM fractions separately, to determine PM-OP by the dithiothreitol (DTT) and ascorbic acid (AA) methods. The levels of Interleukin 6 (IL-6) and the IL-6/IL-10 ratio, as indicators of pro- and anti-inflammatory statuses, were determined by calculating the mean differences (MDs), odds ratios (ORs) and p-trends adjusted for sex, age, study level and body mass index. Positive associations for IL-6 levels in the form of adjusted MDs and ORs were obtained for all PM-OP metrics, reaching statistical significance for both OP-DTT and OP-AA in the fine fraction, with adjusted OR = 5.

Everolimus Treatment for Chronic Lung Allograft Dysfunction in Lung Transplantation.

Unlabelled: Our study aims to evaluate the effect of everolimus treatment on lung function in lung transplant (LT) patients with established chronic lung allograft dysfunction (CLAD).

Methods: This retrospective study included LT patients in two reference LT units who started everolimus therapy to treat CLAD from October 2008 to October 2016. We assessed the variation in the maximum forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV) before and after the treatment.

Inflammasome-Related Genetic Polymorphisms as Severity Biomarkers of COVID-19.

The most critical forms of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) are associated with excessive activation of the inflammasome. Despite the COVID-19 impact on public health, we still do not fully understand the mechanisms by which the inflammatory response influences disease prognosis. Accordingly, we aimed to elucidate the role of polymorphisms in the key genes of the formation and signaling of the inflammasome as biomarkers of COVID-19 severity.

E-Selectin, ICAM-1, and ET-1 Biomarkers Address the Concern of the Challenging Diagnosis of Interstitial Lung Disease in Patients with Autoimmune Diseases.

Interstitial lung disease (ILD) constitutes the most critical comorbidity in autoimmune diseases (ADs) and its early diagnosis remains a challenge for clinicians. Accordingly, we evaluated whether E-selectin, ICAM-1, and ET-1, key molecules in endothelial damage, could be useful biomarkers for the detection of AD-ILD. We recruited patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA)-ILD ( = 21) and systemic sclerosis (SSc)-ILD ( = 21).

Evaluation of Two Different CMV-Immunoglobulin Regimens for Combined CMV Prophylaxis in High-Risk Patients following Lung Transplant.

Background: The clinical benefits of the common off-label use of cytomegalovirus (CMV)-specific immunoglobulin (CMV-Ig) combined with antivirals in organ transplantation have not been previously assessed. The objective was to compare the risk of CMV infection and other post-transplantation outcomes between two CMV-Ig prophylaxis regimens in lung transplant recipients; Methods: Retrospective study of 124 donor CMV positive/recipient negative (D+/R-) patients receiving preventive ganciclovir/valganciclovir for 12 months, of whom 62 received adjunctive CMV-Ig as per label indication (short regimen [SR-Ig]; i.e.

Elevated VCAM-1, MCP-1 and ADMA serum levels related to pulmonary fibrosis of interstitial lung disease associated with rheumatoid arthritis.

Early diagnosis of interstitial lung disease (ILD) associated with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) constitutes a challenge for the clinicians. Pulmonary vasculopathy is relevant in the development of interstitial lung disease. Accordingly, we aimed to explore the role of vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) and asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), key molecules in the vasculopathy, as potential biomarkers of pulmonary fibrosis in RA-ILD.

Predictive Value of Immune Cell Functional Assay for Non-Cytomegalovirus Infection in Lung Transplant Recipients: A Multicenter Prospective Observational Study.

Introduction: Immune cell functional assay (ImmuKnow®) is a non-invasive method that measures the state of cellular immunity in immunosuppressed patients. We studied the prognostic value of the assay for predicting non-cytomegalovirus (CMV) infections in lung transplant recipients.

Methods: A multicenter prospective observational study of 92 patients followed up from 6 to 12 months after transplantation was performed.

Angiogenic T Cells: Potential Biomarkers for the Early Diagnosis of Interstitial Lung Disease in Autoimmune Diseases?

(1) Background: We explored, for the first time, the contribution of angiogenic T cells (TAng) in interstitial lung disease associated to autoimmune disease (AD-ILD) as potential biomarkers of the disease, evaluating their role in the underlying vasculopathy and lung fibrosis. Additionally, the relationship of TAng with clinical manifestations and cellular and molecular endothelial dysfunction-related biomarkers was assessed. (2) Methods: We included 57 AD-ILD patients (21 with rheumatoid arthritis (RA)-ILD, 21 with systemic sclerosis (SSc)-ILD and 15 with other AD-ILD) and three comparative groups: 45 AD-ILD patients (25 RA-ILD and 20 SSc-ILD); 21 idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) patients; 21 healthy controls (HC).

ISHLT consensus document on lung transplantation in patients with connective tissue disease: Part I: Epidemiology, assessment of extrapulmonary conditions, candidate evaluation, selection criteria, and pathology statements.

Patients with connective tissue disease (CTD) and advanced lung disease are often considered suboptimal candidates for lung transplantation (LTx) due to their underlying medical complexity and potential surgical risk. There is substantial variability across LTx centers regarding the evaluation and listing of these patients. The International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation-supported consensus document on lung transplantation in patients with CTD standardization aims to clarify definitions of each disease state included under the term CTD, to describe the extrapulmonary manifestations of each disease requiring consideration before transplantation, and to outline the absolute contraindications to transplantation allowing risk stratification during the evaluation and selection of candidates for LTx.

Endothelial Progenitor Cells: Relevant Players in the Vasculopathy and Lung Fibrosis Associated with the Presence of Interstitial Lung Disease in Systemic Sclerosis Patients.

Endothelial progenitor cells (EPC), which are key effectors in the physiologic vascular network, have been described as relevant players in autoimmune diseases. We previously showed that EPC frequency may help to identify the presence of interstitial lung disease (ILD) in rheumatoid arthritis patients. Given that ILD constitutes the main cause of mortality in systemic sclerosis (SSc) patients, we aimed to determine the EPC contribution to the pathogenic processes of vasculopathy and lung fibrosis in SSc-ILD.

Coexisting sarcoidosis and systemic lupus erythematosus: a case report and literature review.

The coexistence of sarcoidosis and SLE in the same patient has uncommonly been reported. Information on the epidemiology, clinical presentation, and management of this rare association is scarce. We report a 46-year-old Hispanic man who was recently diagnosed with concomitant SLE and sarcoidosis at our institution.

Invasive aspergillosis in solid organ transplantation: Diagnostic challenges and differences in outcome in a Spanish national cohort (Diaspersot study).

Background: The diagnosis of invasive aspergillosis (IA) can be problematic in solid organ transplantation (SOT). The prognosis greatly varies according to the type of transplant, and the impact of prophylaxis is not well defined.

Patients And Methods: The Diaspersot cohort analyses the impact of IA in SOT in Spain during the last 10 years.

Role of Polymorphisms in the Susceptibility and Severity of Interstitial Lung Disease.

The search for biomarkers that can help to establish an early diagnosis and prognosis of interstitial lung disease (ILD) is of potential interest. polymorphisms have been implicated in the development of several lung disorders. Consequently, we assessed, for the first time, the role of polymorphisms in the susceptibility and severity of ILD.

Atypical presentation of immunoglobulin G4-related disease as subglottic stenosis: a case-based review.

Immunoglobulin G4-related disease (IgG4-RD) is a recently recognized fibro-inflammatory pathology that has been reported to affect principally the retroperitoneum, hepatobiliary system, salivary glands, orbital structures or lymph nodes. However, IgG4-RD with laryngeal involvement is a very rare entity. Our aims were to describe a case of subglottic stenosis as first and only manifestation of IgG4-RD and review the literature.

Predictive Value of Immune Cell Functional Assay for Non-Cytomegalovirus Infection in Lung Transplant Recipients: A Multicenter Prospective Observational Study.

Introduction: Immune cell functional assay (ImmuKnow®) is a non-invasive method that measures the state of cellular immunity in immunosuppressed patients. We studied the prognostic value of the assay for predicting non-cytomegalovirus (CMV) infections in lung transplant recipients.

Methods: A multicenter prospective observational study of 92 patients followed up from 6 to 12 months after transplantation was performed.

Methylprednisolone in adults hospitalized with COVID-19 pneumonia : An open-label randomized trial (GLUCOCOVID).

Purpose: To determine whether a 6-day course of methylprednisolone (MP) improves outcome in patients with severe SARS-CoV‑2 (Corona Virus Disease 2019 [COVID-19]).

Methods: The study was a multicentric open-label trial of COVID-19 patients who were aged ≥ 18 years, receiving oxygen without mechanical ventilation, and with evidence of systemic inflammatory response who were assigned to standard of care (SOC) or SOC plus intravenous MP (40 mg bid for 3 days followed by 20 mg bid for 3 days). The primary outcome was a composite of death, admission to the intensive care unit, or requirement for noninvasive ventilation.

Endothelial Progenitor Cells as a Potential Biomarker in Interstitial Lung Disease Associated with Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Interstitial lung disease (ILD) increases morbidity and mortality in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Although the pathogenesis of ILD associated with RA (RA-ILD) remains poorly defined, vascular tissue is crucial in lung physiology. In this context, endothelial progenitor cells (EPC) are involved in endothelial tissue repair.

HLA association with the susceptibility to anti-synthetase syndrome.

Objective: To investigate the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) association with anti-synthetase syndrome (ASSD).

Methods: We conducted the largest immunogenetic HLA-DRB1 and HLA-B study to date in a homogeneous cohort of 168 Caucasian patients with ASSD and 486 ethnically matched healthy controls by sequencing-based-typing.

Results: A statistically significant increase of HLA-DRB1*03:01 and HLA-B*08:01 alleles in patients with ASSD compared to healthy controls was disclosed (26.

Rituximab in the Treatment of Interstitial Lung Disease Associated with Autoimmune Diseases: Experience from a Single Referral Center and Literature Review.

In the present study, we aimed to report our experience with rituximab (RTX) in the treatment of patients with ILD associated with AD (AD-ILD) at a single center. For this purpose, clinical characteristics, radiological findings, and pulmonary function tests (PFTs) of RTX-treated AD-ILD-patients seen from May 2016 until March 2020 at a referral center for individuals with ILD were retrospectively reviewed. Additionally, an updated literature review was conducted.

Controlled, double-blind, randomized trial to assess the efficacy and safety of hydroxychloroquine chemoprophylaxis in SARS CoV2 infection in healthcare personnel in the hospital setting: A structured summary of a study protocol for a randomised controlled trial.

Background: SARS-CoV-2 infection presents a high transmission in the group of health professionals in Spain (12-15% infected). Currently there is no accepted chemoprophylaxis but hydroxychloroquine (HDQ) is known to inhibit the coronavirus in vitro. Our hypothesis is that oral administration of hydroxychloroquine to healthcare professionals can reduce the incidence and prevalence of infection as well as its severity in this group.