Assessing and Managing Surgical Risk in Obstructive Sleep Apnea: A Narrative Review
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThe aim of this review is to examine the existing data for risks involved and clinical recommendations for patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) undergoing a surgical procedure.Recent FindingsIn addition to upper airway anatomy, there are non-anatomical endotypes of OSA as well. The response of these endotypes to various perioperative scenarios can be used for targeted, patient-specific intervention. Screening tools should be used for risk stratification. Positive airway pressure therapy remains the treatment of choice. A few patients may require supplemental oxygen.SummaryObstructive sleep a...
Source: Current Respiratory Care Reports - January 12, 2024 Category: Respiratory Medicine Source Type: research
Bronchiectasis: An Evidence-Based Approach to Diagnosis
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThe purpose of this review is to understand the criteria for clinical and radiologic diagnosis of bronchiectasis and the algorithmic approach for diagnosing its etiology.Recent FindingsThe current understanding of bronchiectasis is of a syndrome with characteristic clinical and radiologic features. The clinical diagnosis requires presence of cough and/or sputum production on most days of the week and history of infective exacerbations. Radiologic diagnosis requires identification of abnormally dilated airways on a chest computed tomogram. Etiology of bronchiectasis is then established by analyzing ...
Source: Current Respiratory Care Reports - January 11, 2024 Category: Respiratory Medicine Source Type: research
Transbronchial Tumor Ablation
AbstractPurpose of ReviewTechnological advancements in transbronchial tumor ablation are poised to revolutionize bronchoscopic interventions by enabling diagnosis and treatment in one session. However, a deep understanding of ablation technologies and the factors determining their success is vital for effective implementation, which this review aims to address.Recent FindingsWhile percutaneous ablation has been part of lung cancer care for over two decades, transbronchial ablation is in its infancy. Recent reports of transbronchial ablation bring excitement and the need for further developments.SummaryTransbronchial ablati...
Source: Current Respiratory Care Reports - January 10, 2024 Category: Respiratory Medicine Source Type: research
Guided Bronchoscopy for Peripheral Pulmonary Lesion Sampling: The Pros and Cons of Electromagnetic Navigation Bronchoscopy and Robotic-Assisted Bronchoscopy
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThis review compares the advantages and limitations of two guided bronchoscopy platforms —electromagnetic navigation bronchoscopy and robotic-assisted bronchoscopy—in sampling peripheral pulmonary lesions.Recent FindingsDiagnostic outcomes for electromagnetic navigation bronchoscopy fall short of CT-guided transthoracic needle aspiration. Robotic-assisted bronchoscopy has improved the accuracy of sampling peripheral pulmonary lesions due to advancements in technology. However, major limitations remain with both guided bronchoscopy platforms specifically the presence of CT to body divergence a...
Source: Current Respiratory Care Reports - January 4, 2024 Category: Respiratory Medicine Source Type: research
Advanced Imaging Techniques to Facilitate Bronchoscopic Sampling of Peripheral Pulmonary Lesions
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThis review describes real-time imaging modalities recently introduced into bronchoscopic sampling of peripheral pulmonary nodules and appraises the data available on these technologies.Recent FindingsIn the last 5 years, four different types of imaging modalities have been introduced into bronchoscopic sampling of peripheral pulmonary nodules: digital tomosynthesis, augmented fluoroscopy, hybrid 2-dimensional/3-dimensional mobile C-arm fluoroscopy, and cone-beam computed tomography. Various single-center st udies have reported modest to significant increases in diagnostic yield with the addition...
Source: Current Respiratory Care Reports - January 3, 2024 Category: Respiratory Medicine Source Type: research
Asbestos-Related Diseases and Its Impact on Health: An Updated Review Article
AbstractPurpose of ReviewAsbestos is a naturally occurring mineral with a wide range of application in various industries. It has been linked with respiratory and non-respiratory illnesses. We aim to discuss the various pathologies caused due to asbestos exposure with succinct coverage of all areas of asbestosis study.Recent FindingsAsbestos continues to be used in many industries. Currently, cosmetic products contaminated by asbestos raise the problem of continuous exposure to a proven carcinogen. Various conditions like effusions, plaques, pneumoconiosis, mesothelioma, and lung cancer are associated with it. The developm...
Source: Current Respiratory Care Reports - October 28, 2023 Category: Respiratory Medicine Source Type: research
Airway Complications of Lung Transplantation
This article aims to consolidate the latest data on this topic for the past few years.Recent FindingsAs the acuity of lung transplant candidates increases, it is important to recognize that some recipient factors such as age and prolonged mechanical ventilation are increasingly more common but are associated with anastomotic complications. Novel techniques such as ex vivo lung perfusion may also be associated. The shortened donor bronchial segment poses challenges to endobronchial interventions, especially stenting. Bifurcated mainstem stents, 3D printed stents, and biodegradable stents are a few more recent developments i...
Source: Current Respiratory Care Reports - October 2, 2023 Category: Respiratory Medicine Source Type: research
Bronchoscopy-Related Infection and the Development of Single-Use Bronchoscopy Technology
AbstractPurpose of ReviewBronchoscopy-related infection is recognized as a leading healthcare hazard, and this review delves into its incidence, causes, and prevention.Recent FindingsDue to both the recognition of the scale of bronchoscopy-related infection and the COVID-19 pandemic, single-use or disposable bronchoscopy (SUFB) technology has progressed beyond the ICU setting to the bronchoscopy suite. A review of data related to currently available scopes, bench-top, and clinical data is also presented.SummaryNot only does SUFB technology provide a portable and immediately accessible bronchoscope for procedures in the ICU...
Source: Current Respiratory Care Reports - September 28, 2023 Category: Respiratory Medicine Source Type: research
Lung RADS: Lessons Learned and Strategies for the Optimization of Lung Cancer Screening
AbstractPurpose of ReviewLung cancer screening (LCS) using low-dose chest CT (LDCT) has been shown to decrease lung cancer specific morbidity and mortality (Jonas et al. in JAMA 325(10):971 –87, 2021•). We aim to discuss important current and evolving concepts related to LCS, including major updates to the US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommendations and to the lexicon used by radiologists in the reporting of LCS LDCT, the Lung Imaging Reporting and Data System (Lung- RADS).Recent FindingsThe number of individuals eligible to receive LCS has increased following the latest update to USPSTF recommendations,...
Source: Current Respiratory Care Reports - September 18, 2023 Category: Respiratory Medicine Source Type: research
Endobronchial Ultrasound Staging for Lung Cancer: What We Know Now and What We Need to Know
This article aims to assess the latest findings, equip clinicians with evidence-based recommendations, and highlight avenues for further research pertaining to EBUS-TBNA and lung cancer staging.Recent FindingsThe role of EBUS-TBNA for mediastinal staging continues to evolve. Studies continue to explore factors that affect the performance of EBUS as well as the potential patients that may benefit from such technology.SummaryCollaborative efforts among specialized centers will be pivotal in driving further progress in EBUS-TBNA and enhancing the quality of care delivered to individuals with lung cancer. (Source: Current Resp...
Source: Current Respiratory Care Reports - September 7, 2023 Category: Respiratory Medicine Source Type: research
Making Mountains Out of Molehills: Scoring Hypopnea Based on 3 and 4% Desaturation of Oxyhemoglobin
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThis review explores recent investigations into the clinical impact of different apnea –hypopnea index (AHI) scoring criteria, namely the minimal oxygen desaturation required to score hypopnea (3% vs 4%), in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).Recent FindingsAnalyses of prior large cohort studies on OSA with the goal of re-interpretation of polysomnography using a 3% desaturation threshold for hypopnea have demonstrated that overall prevalence of OSA increases when using the more liberal desaturation criterion. Certain groups of patients are more likely to require a 3% desaturation rule t...
Source: Current Respiratory Care Reports - September 5, 2023 Category: Respiratory Medicine Source Type: research
Genetic Testing in Interstitial Lung Disease: Potential Benefits and Unintended Risks
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThis review aims to summarize the recent evidence supporting the role of genetic testing across the spectrum of interstitial lung diseases and identifying barriers and unintended risks of genetic testing.Recent FindingsThere is increasing interest among patients and their relatives in pursuing testing and no significant negative psychological impact of testing has been identified. Specific group of individuals who would most benefit from genetic testing (younger age at diagnosis, familial pulmonary fibrosis, features of short telomere syndrome, Hermansky-Pudlak syndrome, and relatives of individu...
Source: Current Respiratory Care Reports - August 30, 2023 Category: Respiratory Medicine Source Type: research
Pleuroscopy: Update on Indications, Techniques, and Limitations
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThis review provides an overview of pleuroscopy including both its diagnostic and therapeutic use in pleural disease. Indications and technical aspects of pleuroscopy are discussed and compared to other diagnostic and therapeutic modalities for pleural effusions.Recent FindingsPleuroscopy is an established diagnostic modality for exudative pleural effusions. Recent studies have also evaluated its use for pleural infection. Newer instruments have maintained diagnostic sensitivity. Recent studies have compared it to video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) as well as less invasive techniques for t...
Source: Current Respiratory Care Reports - August 7, 2023 Category: Respiratory Medicine Source Type: research
Pleuroparenchymal Fibroelastosis (PPFE) — An Update
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThis review highlights the clinical, radiological and histological features of pleuroparenchymal fibroelastosis (PPFE) as well as the typical disease course and management.Recent FindingsPPFE has been associated with a number of conditions including post-transplantation, respiratory infection and connective tissue disease. The clinical course of PPFE is varied although the overall prognosis is poor. Pneumothorax occurs frequently but can often be managed conservatively. Lung transplant outcomes comparable with those in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) have been reported although long-term outcom...
Source: Current Respiratory Care Reports - July 19, 2023 Category: Respiratory Medicine Source Type: research
Environmental Factors and Their Impact on Airway Diseases: Exploring Air Pollution, Indoor and Outdoor Allergens, and Climate Change
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThis review provides an overview of the impact of air pollution on respiratory health, by examining the relationship between air pollution and climate change, as well as the effects of indoor and outdoor allergens, on airway respiratory health.Recent FindingsThe majority of the world ’s population is exposed to air pollution levels that exceed the WHO’s air quality standards. Outdoor air pollution, particularly traffic-related air pollution, is linked to several respiratory disorders. Indoor air pollution resulting from the use of biomass and coal for cooking and heating is a significant contri...
Source: Current Respiratory Care Reports - July 19, 2023 Category: Respiratory Medicine Source Type: research
