The pathophysiological mechanisms by which mechanical ventilation can contribute to lung injury, termed "ventilator-induced lung injury" (VILI), is increasingly well understood. "Biotrauma" describes the release of mediators by injurious ventilatory strategies, which can lead to lung and distal organ injury. Insights from preclinical models demonstrating that traditional high tidal volumes drove the inflammatory response helped lead to clinical trials demonstrating lower mortality in patients who underwent ventilation with a lower-tidal-volume strategy. Other approaches that minimize VILI, such as higher positive end-expiratory pressure, prone positioning, and neuromuscular blockade have each been demonstrated to decrease indices of activation of the inflammatory response. This review examines the evolution of our understanding of the mechanisms underlying VILI, particularly regarding biotrauma. We will assess evidence that ventilatory and other "adjunctive" strategies that decrease biotrauma offer great potential to minimize the adverse consequences of VILI and to improve the outcomes of patients with respiratory failure.

This review addresses common questions regarding the role of surgical lung biopsy (SLB) in the diagnosis and treatment of interstitial lung disease (ILD). We specifically address when a SLB can be diagnostic as well as when it may be avoided; for example, when the combination of the clinical context and the imaging pattern seen on high-resolution CT (HRCT) chest scans can provide a confident diagnosis. Existing studies on the diagnostic utility as well as the complications associated with SLB are reviewed; also reviewed are the performance characteristics and reliability of HRCT scans of the chest in predicting the underlying histopathologic findings of the lung. The review is formatted in the form of answers to questions that clinicians regularly ask when considering an SLB in a patient with ILD.

In chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, both smaller and larger airways are affected. FEV1 mainly reflects large airways obstruction, while the later fraction of forced exhalation reflects reduction in terminal expiratory flow. In this study, the objective was to evaluate the relationship between spirometric ratios, including the ratio of forced expiratory volume in 3 and 6 seconds (FEV3/FEV6), and small airways measures and gas trapping at quantitative chest CT scanning, and clinical outcomes in the Genetic Epidemiology of COPD (COPDGene) cohort.

OSA is a risk factor for a first episode of pulmonary embolism (PE), although its impact on the risk of thromboembolism recurring is uncertain. Our objective was to explore the prognostic value of OSA after the discontinuation of oral anticoagulation (OAC) in patients with a first episode of PE.

Reports that septic shock incidence is rising and mortality rates declining may be confounded by improving recognition of sepsis and changing coding practices. We compared trends in septic shock incidence and mortality in academic hospitals using clinical vs claims data.

Based on meta-analyses, the BP-lowering effect of CPAP therapy in patients with OSA is reported to be approximately 2 to 3 mm Hg. This figure is derived from heterogeneous trials, which are often limited by poor CPAP adherence, and thus the treatment effect may possibly be underestimated. We analyzed morning BP data from three randomized controlled CPAP withdrawal trials, which included only patients with optimal CPAP compliance.

Work-related asthma (WRA) is the most common chronic occupational lung disease in the developed world. Several factors including sociodemographic status and occupation/industry increase the risks of developing WRA. In this study, we sought to identify changes in patterns and characteristics among patients with WRA over a 15-year period in an occupational lung disease clinic.

Medically underserved areas are composed of vulnerable populations with reduced access to ambulatory care services. Our goal was to determine the association between residence in a medically underserved area and severe sepsis incidence and mortality.

World Trade Center (WTC)-exposed rescue/recovery workers endured massive respiratory insult from inhalation of particulate matter and gases, resulting in respiratory symptoms, loss of lung function, and, for many, bronchial hyperreactivity (BHR). The persistence of respiratory symptoms and lung function abnormalities has been well-documented, whereas persistence of BHR has not been investigated.

Although mucus is a normal product of the tracheobronchial tree, some diseases of the respiratory tract are characterized by unusually thick (inspissated) forms of mucus that accumulate within the airways. These are known as mucus plugs. The pathologic composition of these plugs is surprisingly diverse and, in many cases, correlates with distinctive clinical, radiologic, and bronchoscopic findings. The best-known conditions that involve mucus plugs are allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis, plastic bronchitis, and asthma. Other lung diseases occasionally associated with plugs within the airways include Aspergillus tracheobronchitis, hyper-IgE syndrome, exogenous lipoid pneumonia, pulmonary alveolar proteinosis, and chronic eosinophilic pneumonia. In this review, we describe and illustrate the bronchoscopic, pathologic, and imaging findings in respiratory disorders characterized by mucus plugs or plugs composed of other similar materials. Recognition of the characteristic appearance and differential diagnosis of mucus plugs will hopefully facilitate diagnosis and management of these diseases.

The long-term outcomes of follow-up care for ground-glass opacity (GGO) lesions need to be clarified.

Prone positioning was first proposed in the 1970s as a method to improve gas exchange in ARDS. Subsequent observations of dramatic improvement in oxygenation with simple patient rotation motivated the next several decades of research. This work elucidated the physiological mechanisms underlying changes in gas exchange and respiratory mechanics with prone ventilation. However, translating physiological improvements into a clinical benefit has proved challenging; several contemporary trials showed no major clinical benefits with prone positioning. By optimizing patient selection and treatment protocols, the recent Proning Severe ARDS Patients (PROSEVA) trial demonstrated a significant mortality benefit with prone ventilation. This trial, and subsequent meta-analyses, support the role of prone positioning as an effective therapy to reduce mortality in severe ARDS, particularly when applied early with other lung-protective strategies. This review discusses the physiological principles, clinical evidence, and practical application of prone ventilation in ARDS.

Protracted bacterial bronchitis (PBB) and bronchiectasis are distinct diagnostic entities that share common clinical and laboratory features. It is postulated, but remains unproved, that PBB precedes a diagnosis of bronchiectasis in a subgroup of children. In a cohort of children with PBB, our objectives were to (1) determine the medium-term risk of bronchiectasis and (2) identify risk factors for bronchiectasis and recurrent episodes of PBB.

COPD exacerbation incidence rates are often ascertained retrospectively through patient recall and self-reports. We compared exacerbation ascertainment through patient self-reports and single-physician chart review to central adjudication by a committee and explored determinants and consequences of misclassification.

Because pneumothorax is frequent in lymphangioleiomyomatosis, patients have expressed concerns regarding the risk of pneumothorax associated with pulmonary function or exercise testing. Indeed, pneumothorax has been reported in patients with lung disease after both of these tests. The aim of this study was to determine the incidence of pneumothorax in patients with lymphangioleiomyomatosis during admissions to the National Institutes of Health Clinical Research Center between 1995 and 2015. Medical records were reviewed to identify patients who had a pneumothorax during their stay at the National Institutes of Health. A total of 691 patients underwent 4,523 pulmonary function tests and 1,900 exercise tests. Three patients developed pneumothorax after pulmonary function tests and/or exercise tests. The incidence of pneumothorax associated with lung function testing was 0.14 to 0.29 of 100 patients or 0.02 to 0.04 of 100 tests. The incidence of pneumothorax in patients undergoing exercise testing was 0.14 to 0.28 of 100 patients or 0.05 to 0.10 of 100 tests. The risk of pneumothorax associated with pulmonary function or exercise testing in patients with lymphangioleiomyomatosis is low.