Iron laden macrophages in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: the telltale of occult alveolar hemorrhage?

Rationale: A number of observations suggest that iron accumulates in the lungs of patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) with vascular abnormalities, including pulmonary hypertension.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and intensity of accumulation of alveolar epithelial lining fluid (ELF) iron and of alveolar macrophage hemosiderin in IPF and its relationship with disease severity.

Methods: Forty seven IPF patients and 14 healthy controls were retrospectively evaluated for iron accumulation in the lower respiratory tract using total iron spectrophotometric measures and for hemosiderin accumulation using the Perls' stain with the Golde score.

Effect of indacaterol on arterial blood gases in patients suffering from acute exacerbation of COPD.

Aim: The administration of β2-agonists to patients with airways obstruction often results in transient decrease in PaO2 despite concomitant bronchodilation. This effect is potentially dangerous for patients suffering from acute exacerbation of COPD (AECOPD). In this study, we investigated the effect of indacaterol 150 μg and 300 μg on the arterial blood gas tensions of hospitalised patients with AECOPD.

A 6MWT index to predict O2 flow correcting exercise induced SpO2 desaturation in ILD.

Introduction: Ambulatory oxygen (O2) is prescribed to interstitial lung disease (ILD) patients with mild hypoxemia, breathlessness and dyspnea on exertion. Oxygen titration is generally done with the 6 minute walk test (6MWT) to determine the O2 flow preventing oxygen saturation by pulse oximetry (SpO2) from falling below 88%. His study was designed to generate a 6MWT index predicting the O2 flow allowing completion of the 6MWT without oxygen desaturation.

Energy expenditure and impact of bronchodilators in COPD patients.

28 Consecutive COPD patients performed four 6-minute walking tests (6-MWTs) in 2 different days before and 2, 4 and 6h after the inhalation of formoterol 12microg or tiotropium 18microg, respectively. Physical activity during each 6-MWT was assessed by the SenseWear Armband. At each time also spirometry was performed.