Watch the Video introducing the Review Series on lung function testing

In this human experimental study using bronchial instillation of endotoxin (LPS) the kinetics of specific T-cell subsets were studied. Increased frequency of Tregs was observed, thus suggesting that these cells may aid in the resolution of acute lung inflammation.

Among adults with OLF in the United States, the associations among C-reactive protein, fibrinogen and leukocyte count and mortality were examined. The hazard ratios for having 1, 2 or 3 elevated markers were 1.17 (95% CI: 0.71–1.94), 1.44 (95% CI: 0.89–2.32) and 2.08 (95% CI: 1.29–3.37), respectively.

We conducted a population-based cross-sectional survey of the prevalence and patient characteristics of COPD in 1506 non-smokers from urban and rural Vietnam and Indonesia. The overall prevalence of COPD was 6.9% (95% CI: 5.7–8.3). Very few participants (6%) had been previously diagnosed with COPD.

Serum levels of irisin increased in COPD patients following an 8-week training programme. Serum irisin level could be used as a novel biomarker associated with physical activity in patients with COPD and may prove to be a valuable tool in clinical follow up of COPD.

This study compares exercise capacities by measuring in COPD patients with and without bronchitis, and investigates possible mechanisms responsible for the different responses during exercise. COPD patients with CB have a significantly lower exercise capacity mainly due to their accelerated dynamic hyperinflation during exercise.

Despite efforts to differentiate between COPD and asthma, misdiagnosis is still a serious problem in general practice, especially in a primary care setting. This study suggests a new scoring system that may be a useful tool for differentiating between COPD and asthma in primary care.

We evaluated physical activity in patients with IPF. The modified MRC scale, 6MWT distance, extent of honeycomb and reticular abnormality on HRCT scans of the chest, and serum KL-6 levels were strongly correlated with physical activity. Physical activity may be an important indicator in multifaceted evaluation of patients with IPF.

This is the first study looking at Australian and New Zealand management of IPF, comparing two physician surveys conducted 15 years apart. Significant variation in practice was identified in both cohorts. With increasing understanding of disease pathogenesis and emerging therapeutic options, a guideline-based, standardized approach is needed.

About 40% of lung cancer patients develop pleural effusions, of which half are so small to preclude a thoracentesis and do not progress to become symptomatic. They do not require a therapeutic procedure. However, they confer a survival disadvantage compared with those patients without pleural effusions.

Risk factors recommended by current guidelines only detect one third of the patients admitted with CAP due to P. aeruginosa. Not administrating antibiotics active against P. aeruginosa in the first 48 h increases 30-day mortality.