[Adverse events in biologics for severe asthma]. / Effets indésirables des biothérapies de l'asthme sévère.

INTRODUCTION: Asthma is a pathology that remains severe and is inadequately controlled in 4% of patients. Identification of multiple pathophysiological mechanisms has led to the development of biomedicines, of which there are currently five available in France, with a safety profile that appears favorable but remains uncertain due to a lack of real-life experience with these new molecules. STATE OF KNOWLEDGE: Although relatively benign, the adverse effects of biologics are diverse. Headache, joint pain, skin reactions at the injection site, fever and asthenia are commonly observed during the different treatments. Ophthalmological complications seem restricted to dupilumab, with numerous cases of keratitis and conjunctivitis in patients with atopic dermatitis. Several respiratory complications have also been observed, essentially consisting in pharyngitis and other upper respiratory infections. Hypereosinophilia may occur, mainly with dupilumab, requiring investigation of systemic repercussions or vasculitis. Allergic reactions are uncommon but require careful monitoring during initial injections. CONCLUSION: Biologics for severe asthma are recent drugs with a favorable safety profile, but with little real-life experience, justifying increased vigilance by prescribing physicians.

[Diaphragmatic ultrasonography for the pulmonologist: Technique and clinical use]. / L'échographie diaphragmatique pour le pneumologue : méthodologie et intérêt clinique.

INTRODUCTION: Ultrasonography is an emerging tool that helps to assess diaphragmatic function. It is now widely used in ICUs to predict weaning from mechanical ventilation. Ultrasonography is readily available, harmless (no radiation), and repeatable with good interoperator reproducibility. Over the past few years, ultrasonography has seen increasing use in patients with chronic pulmonary pathologies. STATE OF THE ART: The aim of this review is (1) to describe the ultrasound techniques used to assess diaphragmatic excursion and thickening, (2) to indicate the expected, normal values in healthy patients, and (3) to summarize the main findings and clinical applications in treatment of chronic respiratory disorders. CONCLUSIONS: Chronic pulmonary diseases are associated with diaphragmatic dysfunction that can be assessed with ultrasound. Diaphragmatic dysfunction is primary in neuromuscular disorders and secondary to respiratory disease in other chronic pulmonary conditions (COPD, ILD). Ultrasound is correlated with the severity of the underlying disease (functional and clinical parameters). PERSPECTIVES: The prognostic interest of diaphragm ultrasonography remains to be established, after which its utilization should become routine.

[French practical guidelines for the diagnosis and management of IPF - 2021 update, full version]. / Recommandations pratiques pour le diagnostic et la prise en charge de la fibrose pulmonaire idiopathique ­ Actualisation 2021. Version intégrale.

BACKGROUND: Since the previous French guidelines were published in 2017, substantial additional knowledge about idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis has accumulated. METHODS: Under the auspices of the French-speaking Learned Society of Pulmonology and at the initiative of the coordinating reference center, practical guidelines for treatment of rare pulmonary diseases have been established. They were elaborated by groups of writers, reviewers and coordinators with the help of the OrphaLung network, as well as pulmonologists with varying practice modalities, radiologists, pathologists, a general practitioner, a head nurse, and a patients' association. The method was developed according to rules entitled "Good clinical practice" in the overall framework of the "Guidelines for clinical practice" of the official French health authority (HAS), taking into account the results of an online vote using a Likert scale. RESULTS: After analysis of the literature, 54 recommendations were formulated, improved, and validated by the working groups. The recommendations covered a wide-ranging aspects of the disease and its treatment: epidemiology, diagnostic modalities, quality criteria and interpretation of chest CT, indication and modalities of lung biopsy, etiologic workup, approach to familial disease entailing indications and modalities of genetic testing, evaluation of possible functional impairments and prognosis, indications for and use of antifibrotic therapy, lung transplantation, symptom management, comorbidities and complications, treatment of chronic respiratory failure, diagnosis and management of acute exacerbations of fibrosis. CONCLUSION: These evidence-based guidelines are aimed at guiding the diagnosis and the management in clinical practice of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.

[French practical guidelines for the diagnosis and management of IPF - 2021 update, short version]. / Recommandations pratiques pour le diagnostic et la prise en charge de la fibrose pulmonaire idiopathique ­ Actualisation 2021. Version courte.

BACKGROUND: Since the previous French guidelines were published in 2017, substantial additional knowledge about idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis has accumulated. METHODS: Under the auspices of the French-speaking Learned Society of Pulmonology and at the initiative of the coordinating reference center, practical guidelines for treatment of rare pulmonary diseases have been established. They were elaborated by groups of writers, reviewers and coordinators with the help of the OrphaLung network, as well as pulmonologists with varying practice modalities, radiologists, pathologists, a general practitioner, a head nurse, and a patients' association. The method was developed according to rules entitled "Good clinical practice" in the overall framework of the "Guidelines for clinical practice" of the official French health authority (HAS), taking into account the results of an online vote using a Likert scale. RESULTS: After analysis of the literature, 54 recommendations were formulated, improved, and validated by the working groups. The recommendations covered a wide-ranging aspects of the disease and its treatment: epidemiology, diagnostic modalities, quality criteria and interpretation of chest CT, indication and modalities of lung biopsy, etiologic workup, approach to familial disease entailing indications and modalities of genetic testing, evaluation of possible functional impairments and prognosis, indications for and use of antifibrotic therapy, lung transplantation, symptom management, comorbidities and complications, treatment of chronic respiratory failure, diagnosis and management of acute exacerbations of fibrosis. CONCLUSION: These evidence-based guidelines are aimed at guiding the diagnosis and the management in clinical practice of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.

[Sclerosing pneumocytoma: A rare and benign tumor]. / Le pneumocytome sclérosant : une tumeur rare et apparemment bénigne.

INTRODUCTION: Sclerosing pneumocytoma is a benign and rare lung tumor affecting epithelial cells. In most cases, patients are asymptomatic and the diagnosis is made on an X ray or a CT scan performed for other enquiry. Sex ratio favors women. Epidemiological studies report that middle-aged Asian women are more frequently affected. Radiological investigations find a solitary nodule or a mass with peripheric localization. When performed, histological analysis shows a tumor composed of at least two of the four following architectures: papillary, sclerosing, hemangiomatous and solid, with two types of cells that can be round or cubic cells. CASES REPORT: We report two cases of multiple sclerosing pneumocytoma in two caucasien men. The first patient was asymptomatic, the second complain from moderate dyspnea. A wedge resection was performed in both, allowing diagnosis. Anatomopathology revealed respectively a predominant sclerosing and solid architecture and a sclerosing and papillary architecture. There was no progression of the other concomitant nodules after three years follow-up. CONCLUSION: Pneumocytoma is a benign, slow-growing tumor with good prognosis.

Lung function in Birt-Hogg-Dubé syndrome: a retrospective analysis of 96 patients.

BACKGROUND: Birt-Hogg-Dubé syndrome (BHD) is a rare autosomal dominant disorder caused by mutations in the FLCN gene coding for folliculin. Its clinical expression includes cutaneous fibrofolliculomas, renal tumors, multiple pulmonary cysts, and recurrent spontaneous pneumothoraces. Data on lung function in BHD are scarce and it is not known whether lung function declines over time. We retrospectively assessed lung function at baseline and during follow-up in 96 patients with BHD. RESULTS: Ninety-five percent of BHD patients had multiple pulmonary cysts on computed tomography and 59% had experienced at least one pneumothorax. Mean values of forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), FEV1/FVC ratio, and total lung capacity were normal at baseline. Mean (standard deviation) residual volume (RV) was moderately increased to 116 (36) %pred at baseline, and RV was elevated > 120%pred in 41% of cases. Mean (standard deviation) carbon monoxide transfer factor (DLco) was moderately decreased to 85 (18) %pred at baseline, and DLco was decreased < 80%pred in 33% of cases. When adjusted for age, gender, smoking and history of pleurodesis, lung function parameters did not significantly decline over a follow-up period of 6 years. CONCLUSIONS: Cystic lung disease in BHD does not affect respiratory function at baseline except for slightly increased RV and reduced DLco. No significant deterioration of lung function occurs in BHD over a follow-up period of 6 years.

Bilateral vocal cord paralysis after endoscopic placement of fully covered self-expandable metal stent for palliative treatment of malignant proximal esophageal obstruction: two case reports.

BACKGROUND: Oesophageal stents have several well-known respiratory complications, including aspiration pneumonia, fistula and airway compression. However, bilateral vocal cord paralysis has rarely been described. METHODS: We describe two patients who presented with refractory dysphagia due to malignant proximal oesophageal strictures. Both received palliative treatment consisting of fully covered self-expandable metal stents that were placed across the strictures. RESULTS: Both patients developed inspiratory stridor and acute hypoxemic respiratory failure shortly after the stent was placed. Flexible bronchoscopy revealed vocal cord paralysis in paramedian position, potentially due to extrinsic compression of the posterior branch of the recurrent laryngeal nerve following the progressive opening of the esophageal prosthesis. One patient recovered after the stent was removed. CONCLUSIONS: Bilateral vocal cord paralysis is a rare but potentially fatal complication of proximal esophagus stenting.

[HSP27: A new target for treating idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis?] / HSP27 : une nouvelle cible pour traiter la fibrose pulmonaire idiopathique ?

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a progressive and fatal disease without therapeutic options. The development of new therapeutic strategies for the disease is needed. IPF is characterized by myofibroblast accumulation and collagen overproduction. Transforming growth factor-ß1 (TGF-ß1) is a key cytokine activating these pathological processes. Heat shock proteins (HSPs) are crucial regulators and promote TGF-ß1 activity. Among them, HSP27 is overexpressed in animal models and in the lung of patients with IPF. HSP27 activates pro-fibrotic mechanisms and therefore may represents a potential target. Strategies aiming to inhibit HSP27 might pave the way towards new treatment options for patients with IPF.

[Diagnosis of allergy in asthma]. / Le diagnostic de l'allergie dans l'asthme.

Allergy is a hypersensitivity reaction induced by immunological mechanisms. In asthma, allergy has a complex role and is usually IgE mediated. Allergy must be evaluated during the work up but evidence of IgE sensitivity does not mean that allergens play a role in the pathophysiology of the disease. The clinical relevance of the sensitivity has to be considered. This paper describes current available tools to screen for IgE sensitivity, allergen exposure and their role in asthma.

Effectiveness of Omalizumab in Severe Allergic Asthma and Nasal Polyposis: A Real-Life Study.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Omalizumab is a human anti-IgE antibody approved for the treatment of severe allergic asthma (SAA). However, its effectiveness in SAA associated with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis (CRSNP+) is less well documented. Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the real-life effectiveness of omalizumab in patients with SAA and CRSNP+ who tolerated and did not tolerate aspirin. METHODS: We performed a retrospective, observational, multicenter, real-life study of patients with SAA and CRSNP+ treated with omalizumab for 6 months. Asthma outcome parameters (symptoms, number of salbutamol rescues/wk, number of moderate/severe exacerbations, Asthma Control Test score, and lung function), sinonasal outcome parameters (symptoms, number of episodes of acute rhinosinusitis, sinus computed tomography images, nasal polyps endoscopy score), and serum eosinophil levels were analyzed 6 months before and after treatment with omalizumab. RESULTS: Twenty-four adult patients were included (9 with documented aspirin intolerance). All respiratory parameters were significantly improved by the treatment. In parallel, a significant improvement was observed in sinonasal clinical outcomes and sinus computed tomography images, with no major effect on the nasal polyps endoscopy score. The serum eosinophil count decreased significantly after 6 months of treatment with omalizumab. CONCLUSION: Treatment of SAA with omalizumab improves the outcome of associated CRSNP+, thus supporting the concept of a "one airway disease".

Effectiveness of omalizumab in severe allergic asthma and nasal polyposis: a real-life study

BACKGROUND: Omalizumab is a human anti-IgE antibody approved for the treatment of severe allergic asthma (SAA). However, its effectiveness in SAA associated with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis (CRSNP+) is less well documented. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the real-life effectiveness of omalizumab in patients with SAA and CRSNP+ who tolerated and did not tolerate aspirin. METHODS: We performed a retrospective, observational, multicenter, real-life study of patients with SAA and CRSNP+ treated with omalizumab for 6 months. Asthma outcome parameters (symptoms, number of salbutamol rescues/wk, number of moderate/severe exacerbations, Asthma Control Test score, and lung function), sinonasal outcome parameters (symptoms, number of episodes of acute rhinosinusitis, sinus computed tomography images, nasal polyps endoscopy score), and serum eosinophil levels were analyzed 6 months before and after treatment with omalizumab. RESULTS: Twenty-four adult patients were included (9 with documented aspirin intolerance). All respiratory parameters were significantly improved by the treatment. In parallel, a significant improvement was observed in sinonasal clinical outcomes and sinus computed tomography images, with no major effect on the nasal polyps endoscopy score. The serum eosinophil count decreased significantly after 6 months of treatment with omalizumab. CONCLUSION: Treatment of SAA with omalizumab improves the outcome of associated CRSNP+, thus supporting the concept of a "one airway disease"

ANTECEDENTES: El omalizumab es un anticuerpo anti-IgE humanizado aprobado para el tratamiento del asma alérgica grave (SAA), si bien su eficacia, cuando ésta se asocia a la rinosinusitis crónica con poliposis nasal (CRSNP+), está menos documentada. OBJETIVO: El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar en "vida real" la eficacia de omalizumab en pacientes con SAA y CRSNP+ con o sin intolerancia a la Aspirina. MÉTODOS: Se realizó un estudio retrospectivo, observacional y multicéntrico, en vida real que incluyó pacientes con SAA y CRSNP+ que fueron tratados con omalizumab durante 6 meses. Las variables de eficacia en relación al asma (síntomas, número de inhalaciones de rescate de salbutamol por semana, número de exacerbaciones moderadas/graves, puntuación de la prueba de control del asma (ACT) y función pulmonar), y de la rinosinusitis (síntomas, número de rinosinusitis aguda, puntuación en tomografía computarizada, puntuación del tamaño de los pólipos en la endoscopia nasal) y el nivel de eosinófilos en sangre se analizaron antes y después de 6 meses de tratamiento con omalizumab. RESULTADOS: Se incluyeron veinticuatro pacientes adultos (nueve con una intolerancia a la Aspirina documentada). Todas las variables de eficacia en relación al asma mejoraron significativamente con el tratamiento. Paralelamente, las variables clínicas de eficacia en rinosinusitis y la puntuación de las imágenes tomográficas de los senos paranasales mejoraron significativamente, si bien no se observó un efecto relevante en la puntuación de los pólipos en la endoscopia nasal. El nivel de eosinófilos en sangre disminuyó significativamente después de 6 meses de tratamiento con omalizumab. CONCLUSIÓN: El tratamiento con omalizumab en pacientes con SAA induce paralelamente una mejoría clínica y radiológica de la CRSNP+ asociada, lo que apoya el concepto de una única enfermedad de las vías respiratorias