Effect of Chemotherapy on Removal of Indwelling Pleural Catheters in Breast Cancer Patients with Malignant Pleural Effusions.

BACKGROUND: Indwelling pleural catheters (IPC) are commonly used in the management of malignant pleural effusions (MPE). The effect of systemic chemotherapy on IPC removal has not been reported previously. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study is to identify the effect of chemotherapy on the removal of IPCs in breast cancer patients with MPEs. METHODS: In this retrospective cohort study at an academic tertiary-care center, patients with breast cancer and MPE who received an IPC between 2006 and 2016 were identified from a prospectively collected database. Patient chemotherapy data were obtained, as well estrogen receptor (ER) and human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 status at the time of diagnosis. Patients receiving chemotherapy while their IPC was in situ were compared to those who did not. The primary outcome was time to IPC removal. All patients were followed until IPC removal or death. RESULTS: A total of 207 patients and 216 IPCs were included in the analysis. There was no difference in time to IPC removal between the chemotherapy and no-chemotherapy groups (HR 0.73, 95% CI 0.50-1.07, p = 0.10) or rate of IPC removal (OR 1.16, 95% CI 0.68-1.98, p = 0.59). The risk of IPC infection was not different between patients who received chemotherapy and those who did not (RR 0.57, 95% CI 0.06-5.39, p = 0.48). CONCLUSIONS: Treatment with chemotherapy with an IPC in situ was not associated with a reduced time to IPC removal in our breast cancer population. IPC insertion in patients receiving chemotherapy is safe and not associated with an increased risk of infection.

Effect of physical training on airway inflammation in animal models of asthma: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: There is little data on the effect of exercise on markers of airway inflammation in human asthmatics. The main objective of this review is to determine the effects of physical training on markers of airway inflammation in animal models of asthma. METHODS: A peer reviewed search was applied to Medline, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane, and DARE databases. Data extraction was performed in a blinded fashion. RESULTS: From the initial 2336 studies, a total of 10 studies were selected for the final analysis. All were randomized controlled trials with low to moderate intensity training on ovalbumin-sensitized mice. In the exercised group of mice, there was a reduction in BAL eosinophils and Th-2 cytokines, no change in Th-1 cytokines, an increase in IL-10, and a reversal of airway remodeling. The data was not pooled owing to significant heterogeneity between studies, and a funnel plot test for publication bias was not performed because there were few studies reporting on any one outcome measure. The asthma models differed between studies in age and gender of mice, as well as in timing of physical training after sensitization. The risk of bias was unclear for some studies though this may not influence outcome measures. The accuracy of data extracted from graphics is unknown. CONCLUSIONS: Physical training improves airway inflammation in animal asthma models.

Effect of physical training on airway inflammation in bronchial asthma: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: The majority of the global population cannot afford existing asthma pharmacotherapy. Physical training as an airway anti-inflammatory therapy for asthma could potentially be a non-invasive, easily available, affordable, and healthy treatment modality. However, effects of physical training on airway inflammation in asthma are currently inconclusive. The main objective of this review is to summarize the effects of physical training on airway inflammation in asthmatics. METHODS: A peer reviewed search was applied to Medline, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane, and DARE databases. We included all observational epidemiological research studies and RCTs. Studies evaluating at least one marker of airway inflammation in asthmatics after a period of physical training were selected. Data extraction was performed in a blinded fashion. We decided a priori to avoid pooling of the data in anticipation of heterogeneity of the studies, specifically heterogeneity of airway inflammatory markers studied as outcome measures. RESULTS: From the initial 2635 studies; 23 studies (16 RCTs and 7 prospective cohort studies) were included. Study sizes were generally small (median sample size = 30). There was a reduction in C-reactive protein, malondialdehyde, nitric oxide, sputum cell counts and IgE in asthmatics with physical training. Mixed results were observed after training for fractional excretion of nitric oxide and bronchial hyperresponsiveness. The data was not pooled owing to significant heterogeneity between studies, and a funnel plot tests for publication bias were not performed because there were less than 10 studies for almost all outcome measures. Physical training intervention type, duration, intensity, frequency, primary outcome measures, methods of assessing outcome measures, and study designs were heterogeneous. CONCLUSION: Due to reporting issues, lack of information and heterogeneity there was no definite conclusion; however, some findings suggest physical training may reduce airway inflammation in asthmatics.

Pleural cerebrospinal fluid shunting causing trapped lung: A respiratory physician's approach to management and prevention.

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) shunting into the pleural space can cause complications such as long-standing pleural effusions and trapped lung. These complications can be difficult to manage due to the propensity of effusions to recur, and the irreversible nature of trapped lung. This report describes the case of a woman with a pleural CSF shunt who developed chronic pleural effusions and trapped lung over two years, following a 24-year period without any respiratory shunt complications. Management options for this patient included thoracentesis, lung decortication, insertion of an indwelling pleural catheter, and shunt revision. Advocating for pleural shunt revision when symptomatic or increasingly large pleural effusions occur may prevent the development of trapped lung.

An Algorithmic Approach for Assessment of Mediastinal Lesions Using Conventional Transbronchial Needle Aspiration and Endoscopic Ultrasonography in a Single Procedure.

BACKGROUND: In the era of endobronchial/esophageal ultrasound (EBUS-TBNA/EUS-FNA), many centers forgo conventional transbronchial needle aspiration (C-TBNA) in favour of EBUS-TBNA/EUS-FNA despite no conclusive evidence showing better yields with EBUS-TBNA/EUS-FNA. OBJECTIVES: Assess the feasibility of an algorithmic approach for mediastinal sampling beginning with C-TBNA utilizing rapid onsite cytologic evaluation. METHODS: Descriptive analysis of 92 consecutive patients referred for adenopathy that underwent C-TBNA and subsequent EBUS-TBNA/EUS-FNA if C-TBNA was negative or nondiagnostic. RESULTS: 92 procedures were analyzed. In 50 (54.3%) of cases, C-TBNA alone was sufficient. EBUS-TBNA was performed after C-TBNA in 27 (29.3%) of cases and EUS-FNA in 33 (35.9%) of cases. The yield was 92.9% for C-TBNA, 92.5% for EBUS-TBNA, and 89.7% for EUS-FNA. There were no statistically significant differences in yields by LN station (P = 0.51), the relationship between yield and LN size (P = 0.37), or time difference in procedures following the algorithm compared to EBUS/EUS only procedures (33.7 minutes versus 32.4 minutes on average [95% CI for difference: -9.1 to 11.7], P = 0.80). CONCLUSIONS: An algorithmic approach to assess the mediastinum using C-TBNA initially is feasible without sacrificing yield or procedure times. C-TBNA was sufficient for diagnosis in 54.3% of cases and can be efficiently taught in an IP training program.

Recurrent spontaneous pneumothoraces and bullous emphysema. A novel mutation causing Birt-Hogg-Dube syndrome.

Birt-Hogg-Dube syndrome (BHDS) is a rare form of classically cystic lung disease that may present with spontaneous pneumothorax. The associated skin manifestations (fibrofolliculomas) are not always present. This article describes a case of spontaneous pneumothorax secondary to bullous emphysema in an otherwise healthy gentleman caused by a novel mutation in the folliculin (FLCN) gene.

Diffuse pulmonary ossification as a rare cause of interstitial lung disease.

Diffuse pulmonary ossification (DPO) is a rare form of interstitial lung disease. The present article describes a case of DPO in an elderly man who presented with progressive dyspnea on exertion and an isolated reduction in diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide. DPO may occur as sequelae of mitral stenosis, left heart failure, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, recurrent aspiration pneumonia, solid organ transplant, adult respiratory distress syndrome or may arise idiopathically. In the absence of other findings of interstitial lung disease, a lung biopsy is unlikely to be helpful in the management of these patients.