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International Journal of

Respiratory and Pulmonary MedicineISSN: 2378-3516

Early Online

 Open Access DOI:10.23937/2378-3516/1410195

Sotatercept in the Treatment of Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: A Comprehensive Narrative Review of Mechanism, Efficacy, and Future Directions

Niroshan Ranjan, MD, Ahmed Ahmed, MD, Jordana Woods, MD, Ramaneshwar Selvaraj, MBBS, Mihir Patel, DO, Yaman Dalati, DO, Vidushan Sabanathan and Thanujan Thangadurai, MD

Article Type: Narrative Review | Indexed Archive: Volume 12

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a progressive vascular remodeling disease with elevated pulmonary vascular resistance that is lethal. While therapeutic progress was recently made with endothelin, nitric oxide, and prostacyclin pathway-based therapy for the treatment of PAH, the disease is currently incurable with a high cost of morbidity and mortality. Sotatercept, a new activin receptor IIA-Fc fusion protein, may prove to be a gamechanger as a therapeutic agent for the treatment of PAH...

 Open Access DOI:10.23937/2378-3516/1410194

Addressing Environmental Factors in COPD: The Role of HEPA Filters in Indoor Air Quality

Nishant Allena, Anandu Mathews Anto, Luis Espinosa, Sneha Khanal and Trupti Vakde

Article Type: COPD is a major public health issue globally, resulting in Check for updates unit increase in ambien | Indexed Archive: Volume 12

COPD is a major public health issue globally, resulting in Check for updates unit increase in ambient air pollutant exposure is significant morbidity, loss of productivity, and increased health expenditure. Air pollution is considered the primary factor leading to the development and progression of COPD. While the role of outdoor air pollution was well outlined, studies have looked at how indoor air quality and indoor air pollution can cause or worsen the disease. ...

 Open Access DOI:10.23937/2378-3516/1410193

Assessing Measures for Preventing Ventilator Associated Pneumonia among Nurses Working in Intensive Care Units: A Case of Two Selected Referral and Teaching Hospitals in Kigali

Ernest Ruririmbwa, Busisiwe Rosemary Bhengu, Girum Sebsibie Teshome

Article Type: Original Research | Indexed Archive: Volume 12

Ventilator associated pneumonia (VAP) is the most common hospital acquired infection in intensive care units (ICUs). This infection has been found to be associated with increased duration on mechanical ventilation, longer hospital stay, higher treatment costs as well as increased rate of morbidity and mortality....

 Open Access DOI:10.23937/2378-3516/1410191

The Impact of Comorbidities and Obesity on the Severity of COVID-19 and Risk Factors for Mortality, A Prospective Study in Hospitalized Patients

Abdelbassat Ketfi, Rachida Yahiaoui-Sidi Said, Ghania Malki and Rama Touahri

Article Type: Research Article | Indexed Archive: Volume 11

The studies of the clinical and demographic characteristics of COVID-19 patients around the world have made it possible to observe a rich semiology, which implicated obesity as a factor in the severity of COVID-19 pneumonia, and can lead to intensive care or even death. Some biomarkers have been identified as risk factors for mortality. The aim of this study is to verify obesity and the risk factors for mortality of COVID-19 infection....

 Open Access DOI:10.23937/2378-3516/1410192

A Case of Resistant Status Asthmaticus: Resistant to Steroids and Responsive to IV Epinephrine

Saeed S, Hong D, Salam E, Adams W and Harris M

Article Type: Case Report | Indexed Archive: Volume 11

Status Asthmaticus, is a medical emergency, an extreme form of asthma exacerbation characterized by hypoxic and hypercapnic respiratory failure with resistance to standard therapy including inhaled selective beta-adrenergic agonists, low dose systemic steroids and usually responds to high dose systemic steroids with continuous nebulization of bronchodilators. Epinephrine, while not significantly advantageous in cases of mild to moderate asthma compared to standard therapy, can be significantly u...

 Open Access DOI:10.23937/2378-3516/1410190

Catamenial Pneumothorax

Marina Gabriela Alves

Article Type: Case Report | Indexed Archive: Volume 10

Catamenial pneumothorax is the most common form of thoracic endometriosis syndrome. It is a form of spontaneous recurrent pneumothorax, occurring mostly in women of reproductive age, typically within 72h from the onset of menstruation. Although aetiology is unknown, several hypothesis have been raised trying to explain the pathogenesis behind it. We present two cases of women in reproductive age, with episodes of recurrent right pneumothorax. ...

 Open Access DOI:10.23937/2378-3516/1410186

Factors Associated with the Peak Flow Variation Generated during Forced Manual Hyperinflation Technique

Luan Rodrigues da Silva, Ana Paula Felix Arantes, Fernando Guimarães Cruvinel and Renato Canevari Dutra da Silva

Article Type: Research Article | Indexed Archive: Volume 10

Manual hyperinflation is one of the most used respiratory physiotherapy techniques in critically ill patients and consists of administering a higher volume of gaseous fluid than the patient performed using a self-inflating balloon (AMBU). This technique was developed with the objective of removing bronchial secretion and re-expansion of atelectasis lung areas, thus improving pulmonary compliance and oxygenation in mechanically ventilated patients....

 Open Access DOI:10.23937/2378-3516/1410185

Effectiveness of Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation in Adults

James A Wright

Article Type: Research Article | Indexed Archive: Volume 10

With patients for whom it is difficult or near impossible to maintain adequate oxygenation by conventional means, it may become necessary to oxygenate the blood outside the body. One method used with moderate success is the procedure of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of ECMO in adult patients suffering from conditions associated with respiratory failure that is refractory to conventional means of treatment....

 Open Access DOI:10.23937/2378-3516/1410184

Effectiveness of Prone Positioning versus Supine Positioning in Patients Suffering from Refractory ARDS: A Meta-Analysis

James A Wright

Article Type: Research Article | Indexed Archive: Volume 10

Prone positioning (PP) was advocated more than 40 years ago as a means of improving the oxygenation status in patients exhibiting acute respiratory failure (ARF) and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). The purpose of this meta-analysis is to determine if prone positioning (PP) is a more effective way of treating ARDS patients than supine positioning (SP) in patients that are refractory to conventional mechanical ventilation....

 Open Access DOI:10.23937/2378-3516/1410183

Methylene Blue Instillation for the Evaluation of Bronchopleural Fistula

Lorijn Verbrugghe, MD and Peter Driesen, MD

Article Type: Case Report | Indexed Archive: Volume 10

A bronchopleural fistula (BPF) is a pathologic communication between a bronchus and the pleural space. BPF has a high morbidity and mortality, therefore a timely diagnosis is of great importance. Methylene Blue has been used for the localization of BPF for decades and although other diagnostic tools are available, it remains favorable because it is widely available, safe and easy to perform. In this case report we would like to stress the ongoing relevance of this diagnostic method by presenting...

 Open Access DOI:10.23937/2378-3516/1410182

Intravenous Immunoglobulin Therapy for Maintenance Therapy of Interstitial Lung Disease Due to Antisynthetase Syndrome

Angad Deengar, MD and Rahul Mutneja, MD

Article Type: Case Report | Indexed Archive: Volume 9

Antisynthetase syndrome (AS) is a rare autoimmune condition characterized by fever, Raynaud’s phenomenon, hyperkeratosis, inflammatory polyarthritis, and interstitial lung disease (ILD). The development of ILD in patients with antisynthetase syndrome (AS-ILD) portends a poor prognosis to an already rare and difficult to diagnose autoimmune disorder. We present the case of a 67-year-old Caucasian male who initially presented for evaluation of an abnormal chest radiograph, taken a few weeks afte...

 Open Access DOI:10.23937/2378-3516/1410181

Investigation of Sirtuins-1 and Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 Levels in the Bronchiectasis Patients

Deniz Kuruçay, Mustafa Doğan Bedir, Zehra Seyfikli and Dilara Ülger Özbek

Article Type: Research Article | Indexed Archive: Volume 9

Bronchiectasis refers to abnormal, usually permanent, dilatation of the bronchi and it is a clinical syndrome that usually presents with cough, sputum production, and recurrent chest infections with symptoms such as malaise, chest discomfort, hemoptysis (cough of blood), and weight loss. The aim of this study was to determine sirtuin-1 (SIRT-1) and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) levels in the serum of patients with bronchiectasis and to reveal whether there was a possible relationship betwee...
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 Open Access DOI:10.23937/2378-3516/1410180

SARS Cov-2 Infection-Related Persistent Air Leaks Managed By Endobronchial Valves

Mukund Tiwari, MBBS, Nikita Tangella, MD, Archana Sreekantan Nair, MD and Killol K Patel, MD

Article Type: Case Report | Indexed Archive: Volume 9

There have been recently documented reports of pneumothorax and persistent air leaks as complications associated with SARS CoV-2-related ARDS. Alveolar-pleural fistulas and broncho-pleural fistulas can lead to the development of pneumothorax. In more recent times, bronchoscopy-guided interventions, specifically Endobronchial Valves (EBV), have been established to serve as a treatment modality for these fistulas....

 Open Access DOI:10.23937/2378-3516/1410179

Laryngeal Foreign Body for 20 days without a Catastrophic Event

Ved Narang, Sambiagio Giovanni and Balaji Natarajan

Article Type: Case Report | Indexed Archive: Volume 9

We present successful management of an unusual foreign body (FB) case in the larynx for 20 days. A 45-year old man presented with complaints of hoarseness of voice and coughing up a few pieces of silver-colored flakes. He had unresolved dyspnoea and wheeze for three weeks and was managed as an asthmatic with partial resolution of symptoms....

 Open Access DOI:10.23937/2378-3516/1410178

Outcomes of Robotic Surgery for Patients with Pulmonary Nontuberculous Mycobacterial Disease

Erin McGuire, MD, Ashwin Basavaraj, MD, Robert Cerfolio, MD and Doreen Addrizzo Harris, MD

Article Type: Research Article | Indexed Archive: Volume 9

Treatment for patients with pulmonary nontuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) disease includes long, multi-drug, and toxic medication regimens. Surgical resection is an alternative treatment for patients with localized or refractory NTM infection. Robot-assisted operations have not been performed routinely in this population....

 Open Access DOI:10.23937/2378-3516/1410177

Smear Negative Pulmonary Tuberculosis Is a Distinct Clinical Entity, Not a “Misdiagnosis Waste Basket”

Ademola E Fawibe, Olufemi O Desalu, Olalekan A Agede, Olutobi B Ojuawo, Taofeek Oloyede, Adeniyi O Aladesanmi and Alakija K Salami

Article Type: Research Article | Indexed Archive: Volume 9

PTB can mimic many chronic lung diseases resulting in misdiagnosis with serious consequences....

 Open Access DOI:10.23937/2378-3516/1410176

Relationship between Anthropometric Variables and Lung Function Parameters among Apparently Healthy Adults in a Nigerian University

John Jeneviv Nene, Nwosu Chiamaka Justina, Okezue Obinna Chinedu, Anyachukwu Canice Chukwudi, John Davidson Okwudili and Mgbeojedo Ukamaka Gloria

Article Type: Research Article | Indexed Archive: Volume 9

Lung function reportedly differs between ethnic groups in infants, children and adults. More so, a reduction in lung function has health implications that go beyond diagnosable lung disease. As a result, it is imperative to understand the circumstances that can cause variations in lung function. This study investigated the relationship between anthropometric variables and lung function (LF) parameters of apparently healthy adults....

 Open Access DOI:10.23937/2378-3516/1410173

Mimicry of EVALI during the Times of Covid-19 Pandemic. Another Preventive Public Health Concerns In Young Adults

Azkia khan, MD, Nadir Siddiqui, MD, Hashim Ejaz, MBBS and Nazir Lone, MD, MPH

Article Type: Case Report | Indexed Archive: Volume 9

The global healthcare has been challenged to provide adequate care during COVID 19 pandemic. There is increased public anxiety and knowledge gaps that have created major dilemmas in health care delivery....

 Open Access DOI:10.23937/2378-3516/1410175

Hypercoagulable State in COVID-19 Severe Symptoms and Non Cardiac T-Wave Invertion: A Case Report

Adipta K, Gantira WD, Ari S and Kolanda M

Article Type: Cas e Report | Indexed Archive: Volume 9

The 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) or the severe acute respiratory syndrome corona virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) as it is now called, is rapidly spreading from its origin in Wuhan City of Hubei Province of China to the rest of the world....

 Open Access DOI:10.23937/2378-3516/1410174

The Unusual Occurrence of Leukocytoclastic Vasculitis in Pulmonary Tuberculosis-Case Report

Hingolikar Ankita Prashant, Shah Preet Mukesh and Shah Bharat

Article Type: Case Report | Indexed Archive: Volume 9

We present a case of 19 year old girl who presented to us with 4 weeks history of anorexia, weight loss and acute onset (3 days) of papular rashes over both lower extremities and swelling and pain in ankle and knee joints. Broncho-alveolar lavage revealed presence of acid fast bacilli and culture showed growth of mycobacterium tuberculosis....

 Open Access DOI:10.23937/2378-3516/1410172

How Do Hospitalized Patients Tolerate Non-Invasive Positive Pressure Ventilation: A Pilot Patient-Centered Survey

Joanne Tsang, MD, Calvin H Hwang, MD, Kuhokee K Das, BS, Kathleen R Yan, BA, Paul J Christos, DrPH and Cynthia X Pan, MD

Article Type: Research Article | Indexed Archive: Volume 9

Non-invasive positive pressure ventilation (NIPPV) is increasingly used to treat in-patients with acute respiratory failure. NIPPV tolerability is often overlooked because it is usually thought of as a life-saving intervention. Studies examining patient tolerability of NIPPV are scarce and mostly qualitative. Our objective was to understand the hospitalized patient’s experiences and NIPPV tolerability. We conducted a pilot study using a novel NIPPV Tolerability Survey tool and conducted a cros...

 Open Access DOI:10.23937/2378-3516/1410171

Medical Chest Drain Insertion-Considerations for a Pleural Service

Ying Tung Liu, MBChB, FRACP, Zi Wei Goh, MBChB, FRACP and Lutz Beckert, MD, FRACP

Article Type: Research Article | Indexed Archive: Volume 9

To review local chest drain insertions, the indications, use of fibrinolytics, and the success rate of talc pleurodesis in a tertiary hospital in New Zealand. This is an observational study of all patients requiring chest drain insertion in the respiratory unit in Christchurch Hospital from January 2015 to December 2016. We analysed patient characteristics, type of drain inserted, and the nature of pleural fluid. We report the success of fibrinolytic therapy for empyema and pleurodesis for malig...

 Open Access DOI:10.23937/2378-3516/1410170

Free Testosterone Levels in Patients with Covid-19 and its Association with Disease Severity

Jesus Alan Guardado Vindiola, MD, Gisel Viviana Licon Martinez, MD, Marina Estrada-Rodriguez, Katya Lorena Wilhelmy-Ledesma, Joaquin Córdova Erberk, Álvaro Lozano Castañeda, Miguel Angel Gaxiola-García, MD, MSc and Hiram Javier Jaramillo-Ramírez, MD

Article Type: Research Article | Indexed Archive: Volume 9

The TMPRSS2 protein is an entry pathway for SARS-CoV-2, its expression is up-regulated by testosterone. Men have 7 to 8 times higher serum testosterone than women. We propose that patients hospitalized with COVID-19, with higher levels of testosterone, have worse outcomes than those with lower levels. A prospective, observational analysis of patients over 18-years-old with COVID-19 admitted to the internal medicine department in Mexicali’s General Hospital from January to April 2021. 49 patien...

Volume 9
Issue 2