Thoracic pain in patients with chronic interstitial lung disease-an underestimated symptom.

Introduction: Prevalence and predisposing factors for the development of thoracic pain (TP) in patients with chronic interstitial lung disease (cILD) are largely unknown. Underestimation and insufficient therapy of pain can lead to worsened ventilatory function. Quantitative sensory testing is an established tool for characterization of chronic pain and its neuropathic components.

Predictors of obstructive sleep apnea in lung transplant recipients.

Background: The aim of our study was to determine the prevalence and clinical predictors of obstructive sleep apnea in lung transplantation recipients.

Methods: In a cross-sectional analysis we studied 77 clinically stable lung transplant recipients (45 men, time range after lung transplantation [LTX]: from one month to 15 years). Indications for LTX were 36 chronic obstructive lung disease (COPD), 27 idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), eight cystic fibrosis, and six others.

Decreased Hypercapnic Ventilatory Response in Long-Term Lung Transplant Recipients is Associated with Exercise Impairment.

Purpose: Bilateral lung transplantation results in complete denervation of the lung and might impair hypercapnic ventilatory response (HCVR). However, experimental and clinical findings are scarce and conflicting. Therefore, this study investigated the relationship between HCVR and exercise capacity after long-term bilateral lung transplantation.