Pilot Study Using Recombinant Antigens r-PROE and r-IGLL1 for the Serodiagnosis of Feather Duvet Lung.

Background: Feather duvet lung (FDL) is an underestimated form of acute and chronic hypersensitivity pneumonitis. Serological tests for FDL need to be validated. We investigated the ability of recombinant pigeon Proproteinase E (r-PROE) and Immunoglobulin-lambda-like-polypeptide-1 (r-IGLL1) proteins to support the serological diagnosis of FDL, and propose them as a serological tool for clinicians to differentiate cases from FDL and Bird fancier's lung (BFL).

Pilot Study Using Recombinant Antigens r-PROE and r-IGLL1 for the Serodiagnosis of Feather Duvet Lung.

Background: Feather duvet lung (FDL) is an underestimated form of acute and chronic hypersensitivity pneumonitis. Serological tests for FDL need to be validated. We investigated the ability of recombinant pigeon Proproteinase E (r-PROE) and Immunoglobulin-lambda-like-polypeptide-1 (r-IGLL1) proteins to support the serological diagnosis of FDL, and propose them as a serological tool for clinicians to differentiate cases from FDL and Bird fancier's lung (BFL).

Exposure Assessment Tools for Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis. An Official American Thoracic Society Workshop Report.

This report is based on proceedings from the Exposure Assessment Tools for Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis (HP) Workshop, sponsored by the American Thoracic Society, that took place on May 18, 2019, in Dallas, Texas. The workshop was initiated by members from the Environmental, Occupational, and Population Health and Clinical Problems Assemblies of the American Thoracic Society. Participants included international experts from pulmonary medicine, occupational medicine, radiology, pathology, and exposure science.

Yield of Imaging to Evaluate Unilateral Vocal Fold Paralysis of Unknown Etiology.

Objectives/hypothesis: To identify the incidence and nature of positive findings on imaging studies ordered for evaluation of unilateral vocal fold paralysis (UVFP) of unknown etiology, to analyze these findings based on laterality, and to examine the use of the expanded-field computed tomography (CT) neck protocol in this evaluation.

Study Design: Retrospective review.

Methods: A total of 145 patients from 2000 to 2018 with UVFP of unknown etiology were studied.

Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis and (Idiopathic) Pulmonary Fibrosis Due to Feather Duvets and Pillows.

Introduction: Exposure to feather bedding may be an unnoticed cause of hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP) and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). Thus, an in-depth clinical study of the diagnosis of patients with suspected HP and IPF is required in order to determine their etiologies. The objective of the present study is to raise awareness of HP and pulmonary fibrosis due to exposure to feather bedding, and to study the prevalence and describe long-term outcomes.

Diagnosis of occupational hypersensitivity pneumonitis.

Purpose Of Review: To discuss the diagnostic methods currently used in the study of patients with hypersensitivity pneumonitis, with special emphasis on the most recent contributions published in the medical literature regarding the diagnosis of occupational hypersensitivity pneumonitis (OHP). This review presents an update of the use of these diagnostic tests, a controversial issue among experts.

Recent Findings: In spite of the multiple attempts at systematization and the publication of expert consensus statements, standardizing and diagnostic methods and criteria remain particularly difficult.

Long-term outcomes in chronic hypersensitivity pneumonitis.

Introduction: The objective of this study was to analyze mortality, possible predictors of long-term survival, and health-related quality of life of a large chronic hypersensitivity pneumonitis (CHP) patient sample.

Methods: Longitudinal study in patients diagnosed with CHP during 2004-2013, followed for at least 1 year. Patients remaining alive and consenting to participate had a follow-up visit during 2015, including a complete pulmonary function study and the EuroQol-5D and Beck Depression and Anxiety Inventories.

Diagnosis of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis. An Official ATS/ERS/JRS/ALAT Clinical Practice Guideline.

Background: This document provides clinical recommendations for the diagnosis of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). It represents a collaborative effort between the American Thoracic Society, European Respiratory Society, Japanese Respiratory Society, and Latin American Thoracic Society.

Methods: The evidence syntheses were discussed and recommendations formulated by a multidisciplinary committee of IPF experts.

Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis: Challenges in Diagnosis and Management, Avoiding Surgical Lung Biopsy.

This review presents an update of the currently available information related to hypersensitivity pneumonitis, with a particular focus on the contribution of several techniques in the diagnosis of this condition. The methods discussed include proper elaboration of a complete medical history, targeted auscultation, detection of specific immunoglobulin G antibodies against the most common antigens causing this disease, skin tests, antigen-specific lymphocyte activation assays, bronchoalveolar lavage, and cryobiopsy. Special emphasis is placed on the relevant contribution of specific inhalation challenge (bronchial challenge test).

Treatment patterns, resource use and costs of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis in Spain--results of a Delphi Panel.

Background: Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a form of chronic fibrosing interstitial pneumonia characterized by progressive worsening of dyspnea and lung function, with a poor prognosis. The objective of this study was to determine treatment patterns, resource use and costs of managing Spanish patients with IPF.

Methods: A three-round Delphi consensus panel of 15 clinical experts was held between December 2012 and June 2013 using questionnaires to describe the management of patients with IPF.

Utility of Exhaled Nitric Oxide Fraction for the Diagnosis of Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis.

Background: There is very little evidence of the utility of the exhaled fraction of NO (FeNO) for the diagnosis of interstitial lung disease and nearly all of it is related with connective tissue disease. Some authors have suggested that in patients with hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP), evolution to pulmonary fibrosis may be mediated by a Th2 mechanism, which could redound in a potential utility of FeNO. The aim of this study was to investigate the values of FeNO before and after antigenic exposure with the specific inhalation challenge (SIC) and to analyze its potential utility for the diagnosis of HP.

Changes in PH in exhaled breath condensate after specific bronchial challenge test in patients with chronic hypersensitivity pneumonitis: a prospective study.

Background: The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of the specific inhalation challenge (SIC) on changes of pH values in exhaled breath condensate (EBC) in patients with hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP).

Methods: A prospective study of 85 patients with suspected HP, of whom 63 were diagnosed with HP due to exposure to avian or fungal antigens. In all cases, EBC samples were collected before and after completion of the SIC and pH values were determined.

Incidence and Triggers of Asthma Exacerbations Attended in the Emergency Department as a Level of Care Indicator (ASMAB III, 2005 and ASMAB IV, 2011).

Introduction: The identification of asthma exacerbations (AE) seen in emergency departments and in the home is proposed as a parameter of asthma control and for monitoring environmental triggers.

Patients And Methods: All AEs seen in 2005 and 2011 in the reference hospital of the region and in the patients' homes by the Emergency Medical Services were identified.

Results: The incidence of AE was 1.