By América Torres
The constant search for innovative solutions and more effective treatments has led to significant progress in the research of pulmonary diseases, marking a milestone in the understanding and approach to these medical conditions.
In this blog, we highlight some of the milestones reached in pulmonary health research. We mention some of the most notable or surprising developments of 2023 and, especially, emphasize the dedication of the scientific community to improve the lives of patients.
The ATS removes race and ethnicity from spirometry
The ATS removes race and ethnicity from spirometry
The American Thoracic Society (ATS) removed race and ethnicity from the values to be considered when interpreting spirometry. They stated that these notions were more of a social construct than a parameter with biological foundation, which could increase health disparities. Instead, the ATS recommended replacing race and ethnicity with race-neutral average reference equations. Click here to read more about this.
Pulmonary hypertension in adults
Pulmonary hypertension in adults
Understanding the pathophysiological mechanisms of pulmonary hypertension (PH) has helped transform this field. Knowing that the five main groups of pulmonary hypertension differ in epidemiology, causes and risk factors, underlying disease mechanisms, and clinical presentation has opened the door to developing a wide range of therapeutic options focused on the distinctive features of each condition. We share with you a series of studies published in The Lancet dedicated to PH. Click here.
Trends 2023 from the American Lung Association
Trends 2023 from the American Lung Association
This institution provides a series of reports based on the analysis of data from various health statistics agencies. These documents offer a quick overview of the situation on topics such as:
- Asthma
- COPD
- Smoking
- Lung cancer
- Prevalence of lung diseases
Click here to go to the corresponding page of the American Lung Association.
Clinical definition of asthma remission
Clinical definition of asthma remission
The development of a wide variety of therapeutic treatments to control asthma allowed clinical remission of this disease to become a viable goal. However, there was no consensus on the definition of this stage. Therefore, the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (ACAAI) /American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI) / American Thoracic Society (ATS) created a joint working group that included 6 allergists, 3 pulmonologists, and 2 pediatricians.
This working group reviewed the available literature on the evidence of asthma remission and previously proposed definitions and realized that there was no standard acceptable definition of clinical remission in asthma under treatment. Therefore, the team of specialists set out to issue a consensus definition consisting of 6 criteria. Click here to read the official statement document.
Advances in Pediatric Pulmonary Hypertension
Advances in Pediatric Pulmonary Hypertension
In comparison to adult cohorts, the etiology of pediatric pulmonary hypertension (PH) is often multifactorial, with contributions from prenatal, genetic, and developmental factors. The authors of the study "Recent Advances in Pediatric Pulmonary Hypertension: Implications for Diagnosis and Treatment" (Rachel T Sullivan et al.) compile information available over the last 10 years to provide an updated insight into the causes and classification of pediatric PH, describe current treatments, and highlight the need for future and necessary research in this area. Click here to read the original study.
As science advances, it is crucial to have cutting-edge tools and technologies to drive research forward. SCHILLER, a leader in the development of state-of-the-art medical devices, plays a crucial role in this progress by providing physicians and researchers with the necessary tools to explore new frontiers in the treatment and understanding of pulmonary diseases.
