A new era in the treatment of progressive fibrosing interstitial lung diseases.

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and progressive pulmonary fibrosis (PPF) are characterised by an irreversible progression of pulmonary fibrosis and functional lung decline. Current antifibrotic therapies (nintedanib and pirfenidone for IPF and nintedanib for PPF) can reduce disease progression but not halt or reverse it. PPF and IPF share common pathophysiological pathways that need to be further elucidated for the development of novel therapeutic strategies.

Machine Learning Model Integrating CT Radiomics of the Lung to Predict Checkpoint Inhibitor Pneumonitis in Patients with Advanced Cancer.

ObjectiveCheckpoint inhibitor pneumonitis (CIP) is a potentially life-threatening immune-related adverse event. Efficient strategies to select patients at risk are still required. The aim of our study was to assess the utility of a machine learning model, integrating pre-treatment CT lung radiomics features with clinical data, to predict patients at risk of developing CIP.

Comparison of Droplet- and Microwell-based Methods to Analyze Cryopreserved Human BAL Cells by Single-Cell RNA Sequencing.

Single-cell and single-nucleus RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) has revolutionized the exploration of tissue biology and cellular heterogeneity by delivering transcriptomic data at the individual-cell level. However, the logistical challenge of utilizing fresh material has hindered investigations, particularly on human samples. Here, we aimed to address this limitation by implementing and comparing two cryopreservation and scRNA-seq methods for human BAL fluid (BALF) cells on the basis of droplet and microwell entrapment.

Development and multicentric external validation of a prognostic COVID-19 severity model based on thoracic CT.

Background: Risk stratification of COVID-19 patients can support therapeutic decisions, planning and resource allocation in the hospital. In times of high incidence, a prognostic model based on data efficiently retrieved from one source can enable fast decision support.

Methods: A model was developed to identify patients at risk of developing severe COVID-19 within one month based on their age, sex and imaging features extracted from the thoracic computed tomography (CT).

Association of fibrotic-related extracellular vesicle microRNAs with lung involvement in systemic sclerosis.

Background: There is a pressing need to identify early biomarkers of lung involvement in systemic sclerosis to start antifibrotic therapy as soon as possible. We aimed to identify extracellular vesicle-derived microRNAs (miRNAs) that are differentially expressed between systemic sclerosis patients with and without interstitial lung disease, and to explore their diagnostic value and functional properties.

Methods: Small extracellular vesicles derived from plasma were isolated from 91 well-characterised patients with systemic sclerosis with (n=45) and without (n=46) interstitial lung disease and 43 matched healthy subjects.

Automated AI-based image analysis for quantification and prediction of interstitial lung disease in systemic sclerosis patients.

Background: Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a rare connective tissue disease associated with rapidly evolving interstitial lung disease (ILD), driving its mortality. Specific imaging-based biomarkers associated with the evolution of lung disease are needed to help predict and quantify ILD.

Methods: We evaluated the potential of an automated ILD quantification system (icolung) from chest CT scans, to help in quantification and prediction of ILD progression in SSc-ILD.

[Idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension revealed by right ventricular dysfunction].

Idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (iPAH) is a rare, rapidly progressive disease associated with high morbidity and mortality. It is characterized by endothelial dysfunction within the pulmonary vascular bed and gradually leads to an increase in the pulmonary vascular resistances. Its non-specific symptomatology delays the diagnosis and brings the most severe forms to right ventricular failure.

Circulating inflammatory cytokines predict severity disease in hospitalized COVID-19 patients: A prospective multicenter study of the European DRAGON consortium.

Background: COVID-19 has put a huge strain on the healthcare systems worldwide, requiring unprecedented intensive care resources. There is still an unmet clinical need for easily available biomarkers capable of predicting the risk for severe disease. The main goal of this prospective multicenter study was to identify biomarkers that could predict ICU admission and in-hospital mortality.

Long Term Evaluation of Quantitative Cumulative Irradiation in Patients Suffering from ILDs.

Background: Interstitial lung diseases (ILDs) are an heterogeneous group of infiltrating lung pathologies, for which prompt diagnosis and continuous assessment are of paramount importance. While chest CT is an established diagnostic tool for ILDs, there are no formal guidelines on the follow-up regimen, leaving the frequency and modality of follow-up largely at the clinician's discretion.

Methods: The study retrospectively evaluated the indication of chest CT in a cohort of 129 ILD patients selected from the ambulatory care polyclinic at University Hospital of Liège.

Breathomics to monitor interstitial lung disease associated with systemic sclerosis.

https://bit.ly/4aKMYif.

Recruited atypical Ly6G macrophages license alveolar regeneration after lung injury.

The lung is constantly exposed to airborne pathogens and particles that can cause alveolar damage. Hence, appropriate repair responses are essential for gas exchange and life. Here, we deciphered the spatiotemporal trajectory and function of an atypical population of macrophages after lung injury.

Practical guidance for the early recognition and follow-up of patients with connective tissue disease-related interstitial lung disease.

Background: The early detection and management of (progressive) interstitial lung disease in patients with connective tissue diseases requires the attention and skills of a multidisciplinary team. However, there are currently no well-established standards to guide the daily practice of physicians treating this heterogenous group of diseases.

Research Question: This paper aimed to identify gaps in scientific knowledge along the journey of patients with connective tissue disease-related interstitial lung disease and to provide tools for earlier identification of interstitial lung disease and progressive disease.

Laboratory data and broncho-alveolar lavage on Covid-19 patients with no intensive care unit admission: Correlation with chest CT features and clinical outcomes.

Broncho-alveolar lavage (BAL) is indicated in cases of uncertain diagnosis but high suspicion of Sars-Cov-2 infection allowing to collect material for microbiological culture to define the presence of coinfection or super-infection. This prospective study investigated the correlation between chest computed tomography (CT) findings, Covid-19 Reporting and Data System score, and clinical outcomes in Coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) patients who underwent BAL with the aim of predicting outcomes such as lung coinfection, respiratory failure, and hospitalization length based on chest CT abnormalities. Study population included 34 patients (range 38-90 years old; 20 males, 14 females) with a positive nucleic acid amplification test for Covid-19 infection, suitable BAL examination, and good quality chest CT scan in the absence of lung cancer history.

ERS International Congress 2023: highlights from the Interstitial Lung Diseases Assembly.

This article summarises a selection of scientific highlights in the field of interstitial lung diseases (ILDs) presented at the International Congress of the European Respiratory Society in 2023. Translational and clinical studies focused on the whole spectrum of ILDs, from (ultra)rare ILDs to sarcoidosis, ILDs associated with connective tissue disease and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. The main topics of the 2023 Congress presentations were improving the diagnostic process of ILDs, better prediction of disease course and investigation of novel treatment options.

Utility of bronchoalveolar lavage for COVID-19: a perspective from the Dragon consortium.

Diagnosing COVID-19 and treating its complications remains a challenge. This review reflects the perspective of some of the Dragon (IMI 2-call 21, #101005122) research consortium collaborators on the utility of bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) in COVID-19. BAL has been proposed as a potentially useful diagnostic tool to increase COVID-19 diagnosis sensitivity.

Clinical course of suspected familial and sporadic idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: Data from the PROOF-Next registry.

Background And Objective: Real-life data on suspected familial fibrosis, defined as the occurrence of the disease in a patient younger than 50 and/or having at least one relative affected by pulmonary fibrosis remain scarce.

Methods: The Belgian and Luxembourg IPF registry (PROOF-Next) is a multicentric prospective longitudinal and observational study set in Belgium and Luxembourg. We compared characteristics and clinical course of patients with suspected familial pulmonary fibrosis (FPF) and sporadic IPF.

[Lung disease associated with rheumatoid arthritis].

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory systemic disease. Pulmonary manifestations are the most common extra-articular involvements and can impact all components of the respiratory system: parenchyma, pleura, vessels and airways, all complications that are briefly described in this article. Interstitial lung disease is the most common of these and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality.

[Clinically amyopathic dermatomyositis : a rare entity associated with acute and severe interstitial lung disease].

Dermatomyositis is a rare disease of unknown etiology characterized by a severe inflammatory myopathy associated with a cutaneous syndrome. Dermatomyositis is associated with multisystemic disorders mostly represented by cardiac, pulmonary and articular involvements, which are particularly associated with a bad prognosis. We report a case of a 50-year-old patient suffering from dermatomyositis associated with an interstitial lung disease with a particularly fast and pejorative clinical evolution.

[An emerging cause of chronic fatigue and pain : post-COVID-19 condition or long COVID].

Some individuals who have been infected with SARS-CoV-2 can experience long-term effects from their infection, known as post-COVID conditions, post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 or long COVID. Different underlying mechanisms can lead to long COVID, none of which are mutually exclusive. Lingering symptoms can persist years after SARS-CoV-2 infection, including fatigue, muscle weakness, tachycardia, dyspnea and various neurological symptoms.