ERS/ATS technical standard on interpretive strategies for routine lung function tests

BackgroundAppropriate interpretation of pulmonary function tests (PFTs) involves the classification of observed values as within/outside the normal range based on a reference population of healthy individuals, integrating knowledge of physiologic determinants of test results into functional classifications, and integrating patterns with other clinical data to estimate prognosis. In 2005, the American Thoracic Society and the European Respiratory Society jointly adopted technical standards for the interpretation of PFTs. We aimed to update the 2005 recommendations and incorporate evidence from recent literature to establish new standard for PFT interpretation.MethodsThis technical standards document was developed by an international joint task force, appointed by the European Respiratory Society and the American Thoracic Society with multidisciplinary expertise in conducting and interpreting pulmonary function tests, and developing international standards. A comprehensive literature review was conducted, and published evidence was reviewed.ResultsRecommendations for the choice of reference equations and limits of normal of the healthy population to identify individuals with unusually low or high results, respectively are discussed. Interpretation strategies for bronchodilator responsiveness testing, limits of natural changes over time and severity are also updated. Interpretation of measurements made by spirometry, lung volumes and gas transfer are described as they relate to underlying pathophysiology with updated classification protocols of common impairments.ConclusionsPFTs interpretation must be complemented with clinical expertise and consider the inherent biological variability of the test and the uncertainty of the test result to ensure appropriate interpretation of an individual's lung function measurements.

Interstitial pneumonia with autoimmune features: challenges and controversies

The presence of clinical, serological and/or radiological features suggestive, but not confirmatory, of a defined connective tissue disease in patients with interstitial lung disease is a relatively frequent occurrence. In 2015, the European Respiratory Society and the American Thoracic Society proposed classification criteria for the interstitial pneumonia with autoimmune features (IPAF) research entity to capture such patients in a standardised manner, with the intention of nurturing clinical research. This initiative resulted in the publication of several series of IPAF patients, with significant variation between cohorts in clinical characteristics, outcome and the application of IPAF criteria in patient selection. From this increasing body of published work, it has become apparent that revision of IPAF criteria is now required in order to justify the eventual designation of IPAF as a standalone diagnostic term, as opposed to a provisional entity put forward as a basis for clinical research. This review covers the current state of IPAF, conclusions that can and cannot be drawn from the IPAF evidence base, and ongoing uncertainties that require further expert group consideration.

Malignant Pleural Effusions—A Review of Current Guidelines and Practices

Malignant pleural effusion (MPE) occurs in 15% of all cancer patients and usually portends poor prognosis while also serving to limit the patient’s quality of life. Palliation of symptoms has been the goal for the management of these effusions while keeping the patient’s hospital stay to a minimum. Traditionally, this has been achieved by chest tube drainage followed by the instillation of sclerosing agents, such as talc, in the pleural space. A recent increase in evidence for the effectiveness and convenience of indwelling pleural catheters has changed the management of MPE, which is reflected in the guidelines released by the American Thoracic Society as well their European Counterpart (ERS/BTS). In this article, we aim to review the current management practices and guidelines for MPE.

Contribuição da pesquisa convergente assistencial para prevenção de pneumonia associada à ventilação mecânica

Objetivo: elaborar um protocolo para prevenção de pneumonia associada à ventilação mecânica com a participação dos profissionais que o utilizarão, por meio do referencial da pesquisa convergente assistencial. Método: foi realizada uma entrevista individual e três encontros grupais com os profissionais. Para a análise dos dados foi utilizado o referencial de Morse e Field. O estudo foi aprovado por um Comitê de Ética em Pesquisa. Resultados: os cuidados citados nas entrevistas individuais foram organizados de acordo com o nível de evidência sugerido no Guideline da American Thoracic Society. Nos encontros grupais os cuidados foram discutidos de acordo com a relevância na prevenção da pneumonia. Os cuidados elencados como relevantes compuseram a versão final do protocolo. Conclusão: o referencial da pesquisa convergente assistencial possibilitou a elaboração de um protocolo para prevenção de pneumonia associada à ventilação mecânica, com o envolvimento dos profissionais atuantes na Unidade de Terapia Intensiva.