Preoperative evaluation for lung resection in patients with bronchiectasis: should we rely on standard lung function evaluation?

Objectives: The scant data about non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis, including tuberculosis sequelae and impairment of lung function, can bias the preoperative physiological assessment. Our goal was to evaluate the changes in lung function and exercise capacity following pulmonary resection in these patients; we also looked for outcome predictors.

Methods: We performed a non-randomized prospective study evaluating lung function changes in patients with non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis treated with pulmonary resection.

Impact of thoracic radiotherapy on respiratory function and exercise capacity in patients with breast cancer.

Objective: To evaluate the impact of thoracic radiotherapy on respiratory function and exercise capacity in patients with breast cancer.

Methods: Breast cancer patients in whom thoracic radiotherapy was indicated after surgical treatment and chemotherapy were submitted to HRCT, respiratory evaluation, and exercise capacity evaluation before radiotherapy and at three months after treatment completion. Respiratory muscle strength testing, measurement of chest wall mobility, and complete pulmonary function testing were performed for respiratory evaluation; cardiopulmonary exercise testing was performed to evaluate exercise capacity.

Skeletal muscle abnormalities in pulmonary arterial hypertension.

Background: Pulmonary arterial hypertension is a progressive disease that is characterized by dyspnea and exercise intolerance. Impairment in skeletal muscle has recently been described in PAH, although the degree to which this impairment is solely determined by the hemodynamic profile remains uncertain. The aim of this study was to verify the association of structural and functional skeletal muscle characteristics with maximum exercise in PAH.

Lung resection improves the quality of life of patients with symptomatic bronchiectasis.

Background: Bronchiectasis is a significant cause of morbidity. Surgical resection is a treatment option, but its main outcomes regarding quality of life (QOL) and physiologic consequences have not been addressed previously, to our knowledge. We aimed to evaluate the effect of surgical procedures on QOL, exercise capacity, and lung function in patients with bronchiectasis in whom medical treatment was unsuccessful.