Interstitial lung disease in patients with anti-neutrophil cytoplasm antibody-associated vasculitis: an update on pathogenesis and treatment.

Purpose Of Review: Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is now recognized as a common complication of anti-neutrophil cytoplasm antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitides (AAV), especially myeloperoxidase (MPO)-ANCA-positive AAV and microscopic polyangiitis (MPA). This review focuses on current concepts pertaining to the pathogenesis, clinical assessment, and management of AAV-ILD.

Recent Findings: ILD is typically identified before or at the onset of systemic AAV, and usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP) is the most common CT pattern.

Clinical Trial Risk in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: The Effects of Drug Class and Inclusion Criteria.

Background: This study analyzed the risk of clinical trial failure in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) drug development between 1998 and 2015. We investigated elements that influenced clinical trial risk and factors that could improve outcomes during development.

Objectives: This study aims to quantify clinical trial risk for drug development in COPD and factors that affect clinical trial risk.

Prevention of acute exacerbations of COPD: American College of Chest Physicians and Canadian Thoracic Society Guideline.

Background: COPD is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in the United States as well as throughout the rest of the world. An exacerbation of COPD (periodic escalations of symptoms of cough, dyspnea, and sputum production) is a major contributor to worsening lung function, impairment in quality of life, need for urgent care or hospitalization, and cost of care in COPD. Research conducted over the past decade has contributed much to our current understanding of the pathogenesis and treatment of COPD.

Canadian practice assessment in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: respiratory specialist physician perception versus patient reality.

Introduction: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a common respiratory condition and the fourth leading cause of death in Canada. Optimal COPD management requires patients to participate in their care and physician knowledge of patients' perceptions of their disease.

Methods: A prospective study in which respiratory specialist physicians completed a practice assessment questionnaire and patient assessments for 15 to 20 consecutive patients with COPD.

Search for chronic beryllium disease among sarcoidosis patients in Ontario, Canada.

Chronic beryllium disease (CBD) is clinically similar to other granulomatous diseases such as sarcoidosis. It is often misdiagnosed if a thorough occupational history is not taken. When appropriate, a beryllium lymphocyte proliferation tests (BeLPT) need to be performed.

Nontuberculous mycobacterial infection as a cause of difficult-to-control asthma: a case-control study.

Background: Symptomatic disease due to nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) is known to occur commonly in the presence of structural lung disease, but is not described in association with asthma.

Methods: This was a case-control study nested in a cohort. We identified 22 patients with difficult asthma referred to a tertiary academic referral center and subsequently found to have infection with NTM.

Canadian guidelines for the management of acute exacerbations of chronic bronchitis.

Acute exacerbations of chronic bronchitis (AECB) account for over 1.5 million physician visits annually in Canada and are a cause of significant morbidity and mortality. This document represents a joint effort between respirologists, microbiologists, infectious disease specialists and family physicians to update the Canadian AECB guidelines published in 1994.