Search for Articles:
Title / Keyword
Author / Affiliation / Email
Journal
Article Type
 
 
Advanced Search
 
Section
Special Issue
Volume
Issue
Number
Page
 
6.0
3.4
Journals
Life
Special Issues
Advances in Pulmonology: Transforming Diagnosis and Treatment of Lung Diseases
share announcement

Advances in Pulmonology: Transforming Diagnosis and Treatment of Lung Diseases

A special issue of Life (ISSN 2075-1729). This special issue belongs to the section "Medical Research".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 28 May 2026 | Viewed by 9042

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Doina-Adina Todea

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
1. Department of Pneumology, “Iuliu Hatieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Victor Babes Street No. 8, 400347 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
2. Leon Daniello Clinical Hospital of Pneumology, B.P. Hasdeu Street No. 6, 400332 Cluj Napoca, Romania
Interests: chronic pulmonary obstructive disease; sleep; tabacology; pulmonary infectious diseases; interstitial lung diseases; pulmonary rehabilitation; long COVID; air pollution and environmental diseases; lung cancer
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Anca-Diana Maierean

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
1. Department of Pneumology, “Iuliu Hatieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Victor Babes Street No. 8, 400347 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
2. Leon Daniello Clinical Hospital of Pneumology, B.P. Hasdeu Street No. 6, 400332 Cluj Napoca, Romania
Interests: COPD; sleep disorders and comorbidities; interstitial lung disease; post-COVID-19 syndrome; thoracic surgery
Dr. Damiana-Maria Vulturar

E-Mail
Guest Editor
1. Department of Pneumology, “Iuliu Hatieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Victor Babes Street No. 8, 400347 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
2. Leon Daniello Clinical Hospital of Pneumology, B.P. Hasdeu Street No. 6, 400332 Cluj Napoca, Romania
Interests: COPD; sleep disorders; interstitial lung disease; lung cancer; pulmonary hypertension

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

In recent years, significant advancements in pulmonology have redefined the diagnosis and treatment of lung diseases, offering patients innovative and personalized solutions. From the development of advanced biomarkers and high-resolution imaging to personalized therapies and minimally invasive interventions, ongoing research continues to improve patient outcomes.

This Special Issue aims to gather original research and reviews on the latest innovations in pulmonology. We welcome articles exploring novel diagnostic techniques; advanced biomarkers and therapies for sleep disorders, chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases, interstitial lung diseases, and lung cancer; advances in thoracic surgery; and the impact of emerging infections and environmental changes on lung health. Additionally, we encourage the submission of studies addressing digital health solutions in modern pulmonology.

Through this Special Issue, we aim to foster knowledge exchange among researchers and clinicians, contributing to the development of effective strategies to enhance patient care in pulmonary medicine.

Prof. Dr. Doina-Adina Todea
Dr. Anca-Diana Maierean
Dr. Damiana-Maria Vulturar
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Life is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • biomarkers in lung diseases
  • sleep disorders
  • chronic obstructive diseases
  • interstitial lung diseases
  • thoracic surgery

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

  • Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
  • Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
  • Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
  • External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
  • Reprint: MDPI Books provides the opportunity to republish successful Special Issues in book format, both online and in print.

Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.

Published Papers (9 papers)

Download All Papers
Order results
Result details
Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

Jump to: Review, Other

25 pages, 1586 KB  
Article
A Simulation-Based Mechanical System-Identification Framework for Non-Invasive Lung Diagnostics and Personalized Pulmonary Rehabilitation
by Paraschiva Postolache, Călin Gheorghe Buzea, Alin Horatiu Nedelcu, Constantin Ghimus, Valeriu Aurelian Chirica, Razvan Tudor Tepordei, Simona Alice Partene Vicoleanu, Ana Maria Dumitrescu, Manuela Ursaru, Emil Anton, Cătălin Aurelian Ștefănescu, Constantin Stan, Sorin Bivolaru and Alexandru Nechifor
Life 2026, 16(4), 555; https://doi.org/10.3390/life16040555 - 27 Mar 2026
Viewed by 476
Abstract
Current diagnostic assessments of lung disease rely primarily on medical imaging and global pulmonary function tests, which either provide static structural information or collapse complex regional behavior into global indices. As a result, important information about regional mechanical heterogeneity and early pathological changes [...] Read more.
Current diagnostic assessments of lung disease rely primarily on medical imaging and global pulmonary function tests, which either provide static structural information or collapse complex regional behavior into global indices. As a result, important information about regional mechanical heterogeneity and early pathological changes may remain inaccessible. In this work, we introduce a conceptual diagnostic framework for the lung based on mechanical system identification and evaluate its feasibility using simulation-based analysis. Rather than directly imaging internal lung structure, the lung–thorax system is treated as an identifiable viscoelastic dynamical system whose internal mechanical properties can be inferred from its response to controlled external excitation. A multi-degree-of-freedom mechanical representation of the lung was developed to capture the dominant low-frequency behavior of the chest wall and major lung regions. Sensitivity and Fisher-information analysis confirmed the structural identifiability of regional stiffness parameters (FIM eigenvalues λ1 = 1.75 × 10−9 and λ2 = 8.91 × 10−10). Inverse fitting experiments accurately recovered simulated stiffness perturbations (e.g., k01 = 240 → 239.5; k02 = 154 → 159.5) from noisy frequency response data, while classification experiments achieved the complete separation of simulated pathological configurations in an idealized synthetic scenario, supporting theoretical discriminability rather than clinical performance claims. These findings demonstrate the theoretical feasibility of a diagnostic paradigm in which regional lung mechanical alterations can in principle be identified through mechanical system identification rather than direct imaging, thereby suggesting a complementary approach for a non-invasive assessment of regional lung mechanics from externally measured responses. By quantifying regional stiffness and mechanical heterogeneity, this framework may also support the personalization and monitoring of pulmonary rehabilitation strategies in chronic respiratory disease. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Pulmonology: Transforming Diagnosis and Treatment of Lung Diseases)
►▼ Show Figures

Graphical abstract

11 pages, 482 KB  
Article
Efficacy and Safety of Pirfenidone in Patients with Progressive Pulmonary Fibrosis: A Retrospective Single-Center Study
by Ju Hyun Oh, Jin Han Park, Ji Hoon Jang, Minyoung Her, Een Young Cho and Jae Ha Lee
Life 2026, 16(1), 11; https://doi.org/10.3390/life16010011 - 21 Dec 2025
Viewed by 1638
Abstract
Progressive pulmonary fibrosis (PPF) is an emerging subset of fibrotic interstitial lung diseases (ILD), defined by progressive fibrosis despite standard treatment in patients with other than idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. The international guidelines recommended the use of nintedanib for PPF, while evidence supporting pirfenidone [...] Read more.
Progressive pulmonary fibrosis (PPF) is an emerging subset of fibrotic interstitial lung diseases (ILD), defined by progressive fibrosis despite standard treatment in patients with other than idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. The international guidelines recommended the use of nintedanib for PPF, while evidence supporting pirfenidone remains insufficient. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of pirfenidone in treating PPF. In this retrospective single-center study, we analyzed clinical data from patients with PPF who were treated with pirfenidone. Lung function data from six months before and after pirfenidone treatment were collected to assess changes over time. Missing values were imputed using a general linear mixed model (GLMM) for longitudinal data analysis. Of 33 subjects, the median age was 65.0 years, and 51.5% were female. Rheumatoid arthritis-related ILD was the most common subtype (45.5%). The median daily dose of pirfenidone was 600 mg, with a median treatment duration of 7.3 months. GLMM analysis showed a significant forced vital capacity (FVC) improvement, from −114 mL in the 6 months before treatment to +47.3 mL in the 6 months after treatment (p = 0.001). All adverse events related to pirfenidone were mild. In conclusion, the use of pirfenidone in PPF can potentially reduce the rate of FVC decline in real clinical practice. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Pulmonology: Transforming Diagnosis and Treatment of Lung Diseases)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

12 pages, 255 KB  
Article
Is Biologic Therapy an Effective Tool for Achieving Remission in Severe Asthma? A Retrospective Study in Central Romania
by Corina Mărginean, Dragoș Huțanu, Mara Andreea Vultur, Hédi-Katalin Sárközi, Edith-Simona Ianoși, Maria Beatrice Ianoși, Andreea Safta, Gabriela Jimborean and Corina Eugenia Budin
Life 2025, 15(7), 1113; https://doi.org/10.3390/life15071113 - 16 Jul 2025
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1029
Abstract
Background: Severe asthma, which is characterized by persistent symptoms despite standard therapies, presents a significant clinical challenge. Biologic therapies targeting specific inflammatory pathways offer a potential avenue for achieving disease remission. This retrospective study evaluates the effectiveness of biologic therapies in achieving remission [...] Read more.
Background: Severe asthma, which is characterized by persistent symptoms despite standard therapies, presents a significant clinical challenge. Biologic therapies targeting specific inflammatory pathways offer a potential avenue for achieving disease remission. This retrospective study evaluates the effectiveness of biologic therapies in achieving remission in severe asthma within a central Romanian cohort. Methods: Forty-eight patients with severe asthma treated with omalizumab, benralizumab, or dupilumab (2020–2025) were assessed. Clinical remission was defined using ACT scores, exacerbation frequency, corticosteroid use, and FEV1. Biological remission was determined using FeNO and eosinophil levels. Statistical analysis was performed to compare treatment outcomes. Results: At 12 months, 75% of patients achieved biological remission, and 75% reached clinical remission criteria. Significant improvements were observed in FEV1 (p < 0.001), eosinophil counts (p < 0.001), and ACT scores (p < 0.001). Complete remission, encompassing clinical, biological, and functional normalization, was observed in 54.2% of patients. Conclusion: Biologic therapies demonstrate promise in inducing comprehensive remission in severe asthma, supporting their role in improving disease control and lung function. Further research with larger cohorts is warranted. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Pulmonology: Transforming Diagnosis and Treatment of Lung Diseases)
12 pages, 719 KB  
Article
Differential Analysis of Hemogram Parameters and Cellular Ratios in Severe Asthma Exacerbations: A Comparative Study of Eosinophilic and Non-Eosinophilic Phenotypes
by Nicolae Demenciuc, Corina Eugenia Budin, Corina Ureche, Mircea Stoian, Teodora Nicola-Varo, Dragos-Florin Baba, Dariana-Elena Pătrîntașu and Diana Deleanu
Life 2025, 15(6), 970; https://doi.org/10.3390/life15060970 - 18 Jun 2025
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1519
Abstract
Asthma exacerbations are acute worsening episodes in individuals with bronchial asthma, frequently necessitating emergency hospital care. Early differentiation between eosinophilic (≥150 eosinophils/mm3) and non-eosinophilic (<150 eosinophils/mm3) subtypes plays a crucial role in treatment decisions and identifying patients eligible for [...] Read more.
Asthma exacerbations are acute worsening episodes in individuals with bronchial asthma, frequently necessitating emergency hospital care. Early differentiation between eosinophilic (≥150 eosinophils/mm3) and non-eosinophilic (<150 eosinophils/mm3) subtypes plays a crucial role in treatment decisions and identifying patients eligible for biologic therapies. The ExBA Study explored variations in complete blood count (CBC) parameters and derived cellular ratios—namely the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte (NLR), thrombocyte-to-lymphocyte (TLR), and eosinophil-to-leukocyte ratios (ELR)—in adults hospitalized with severe asthma exacerbations. Ninety patients were enrolled and categorized into eosinophilic (n = 38) and non-eosinophilic (n = 52) groups. Significant statistical differences were observed in the neutrophil and lymphocyte levels, as well as in all three ratios. ROC analysis highlighted the ELR as the most specific indicator of the eosinophilic phenotype (specificity 100%, AUC 0.938, cut-off 0.003), whereas the NLR and TLR showed stronger associations with the non-eosinophilic group (AUC 0.733 and 0.676). No meaningful differences emerged regarding arterial blood gas levels, length of hospital stay, treatment costs, or mortality. A notable association was found between a personal or family history of atopy and the eosinophilic subtype (p = 0.0181). This study underscores the relevance of CBC-based ratios in asthma phenotyping during exacerbation events. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Pulmonology: Transforming Diagnosis and Treatment of Lung Diseases)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

Review

Jump to: Research, Other

19 pages, 608 KB  
Review
Tirzepatide in Obesity-Related Obstructive Sleep Apnea: Beyond Weight Loss Toward Disease Modification?
by Florin-Dumitru Mihălțan, Corina Ioana Borcea and Ancuța Alina Constantin
Life 2026, 16(5), 802; https://doi.org/10.3390/life16050802 (registering DOI) - 12 May 2026
Abstract
Background: Obesity is a major driver of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), traditionally managed as a mechanical disorder of upper airway collapse. However, growing evidence supports a broader pathophysiological model involving metabolic dysfunction, systemic inflammation, and ventilatory instability. Tirzepatide, a dual glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide [...] Read more.
Background: Obesity is a major driver of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), traditionally managed as a mechanical disorder of upper airway collapse. However, growing evidence supports a broader pathophysiological model involving metabolic dysfunction, systemic inflammation, and ventilatory instability. Tirzepatide, a dual glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist, has demonstrated substantial weight loss and cardiometabolic benefits, raising the possibility of a paradigm shift in OSA management. Objective: To critically evaluate whether tirzepatide may act as a disease-modifying therapy in obesity-related OSA beyond its effects on weight reduction. Methods: A narrative review was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science up to January 2026. Evidence from randomized controlled trials, meta-analyses, and mechanistic studies on incretin-based therapies in obesity and OSA was synthesized, with emphasis on clinical outcomes and underlying biological pathways. Results: Tirzepatide is associated with significant reductions in apnea–hypopnea index (AHI), accompanied by substantial weight loss. However, emerging data suggest that improvements in OSA severity may not be entirely explained by weight reduction alone. Potential weight-independent mechanisms include modulation of systemic inflammation, improvements in insulin sensitivity, alterations in adipokine profiles, and effects on autonomic regulation and ventilatory control. These pleiotropic effects may influence key components of OSA pathophysiology, including upper airway stability and chemosensitivity. Despite these findings, current evidence remains insufficient to definitively distinguish weight-dependent from weight-independent effects. Conclusions: Tirzepatide represents a promising therapeutic advance in obesity-related OSA, with potential implications extending beyond weight loss toward disease modification. While current data support a substantial role in reducing OSA severity, definitive confirmation of disease-modifying effects requires further mechanistic and long-term clinical studies. This emerging paradigm points to a shift from purely device-based management toward integrated, pathophysiology-driven treatment strategies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Pulmonology: Transforming Diagnosis and Treatment of Lung Diseases)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

17 pages, 527 KB  
Review
United Airway Disease: An Evolving Concept? A Scoping Review of the Modern Literature on Integrated Treatment Approaches
by Victor Alexandru, Alexia Manole, Ligia Salomea Groza and Felicia Manole
Life 2026, 16(2), 220; https://doi.org/10.3390/life16020220 - 28 Jan 2026
Viewed by 952
Abstract
Background: This scoping review screens modern literature in search of effective treatment approaches that target both upper and lower airway diseases. Methods: After the establishment of a research protocol, 227 potential articles were obtained through a logged search method. These were screened and [...] Read more.
Background: This scoping review screens modern literature in search of effective treatment approaches that target both upper and lower airway diseases. Methods: After the establishment of a research protocol, 227 potential articles were obtained through a logged search method. These were screened and narrowed down to 26 included articles. Data were extracted using a standardized data extraction form and were analyzed thematically and analytically. Results: The main integrated treatment approaches are biological (dupilumab was the most mentioned molecule) and non-biological (allergen immunotherapy, nasal saline irrigation, and endoscopic polypectomy). Data suggest that these approaches are effective in improving upper and lower airway outcomes and showcase a good safety profile. Conclusions: Patients with upper and lower airway diseases should benefit from integrated treatment approaches when possible. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Pulmonology: Transforming Diagnosis and Treatment of Lung Diseases)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

21 pages, 347 KB  
Review
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease in Never-Smokers—A Distinct Entity Within the COPD Spectrum
by Andreea-Nicoleta Mălăescu, Florin-Dumitru Mihălțan and Ancuța-Alina Constantin
Life 2026, 16(1), 43; https://doi.org/10.3390/life16010043 - 26 Dec 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1711
Abstract
Although smoking is the main risk factor for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), about one-third of patients have never smoked. This phenomenon supports the idea of a distinct phenotype of the disease in never-smokers, influenced by genetic, infectious, socioeconomic, environmental, and occupational factors. [...] Read more.
Although smoking is the main risk factor for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), about one-third of patients have never smoked. This phenomenon supports the idea of a distinct phenotype of the disease in never-smokers, influenced by genetic, infectious, socioeconomic, environmental, and occupational factors. The paper is based on a narrative review of recent literature on the etiology, clinical features, evolution, and therapeutic strategies of COPD in never-smokers, mainly through the analysis of published studies over the last 3 years. COPD in never-smokers occurs predominantly in women, the elderly, and individuals from rural areas or with poor socioeconomic status. Key risk factors include exposure to occupational or environmental pollutants, air pollution, previous respiratory infections, particularly due to pulmonary tuberculosis, and genetic predisposition, mainly through alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (A1ATD). Clinically, COPD in never-smokers is characterized by chronic cough and dyspnea, with less severe pulmonary functional impairment, slow progression, and lower prevalence of emphysema compared to smokers. Imaging often highlights bronchiectasis or post-infectious sequelae, and biological markers indicate a significant eosinophilic component. Thus, COPD in never-smokers is a distinct clinical entity with multifactorial pathogenesis and distinct clinical-functional characteristics. Prompt recognition of this form of disease is essential for prevention and adaptation of therapeutic strategies. A personalized multidisciplinary approach can improve disease prognosis and the quality of life for these patients. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Pulmonology: Transforming Diagnosis and Treatment of Lung Diseases)

Other

Jump to: Research, Review

21 pages, 2409 KB  
Systematic Review
Comparative Efficacy of Transbronchial Needle Aspiration and Cryobiopsies in Thoracic Disorders: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis for Optimal Diagnostic Efficacy
by Liviu-Ștefan Moacă, Damiana-Maria Vulturar, Daniel-Corneliu Leucuța, Doina Adina Todea, Teodora-Gabriela Alexescu, Maria Adriana Neag, Cezar Aurelian Matau, Anca Dana Buzoianu and Claudia Diana Gherman
Life 2026, 16(5), 768; https://doi.org/10.3390/life16050768 - 3 May 2026
Viewed by 297
Abstract
This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluate the comparative diagnostic efficacy and safety of endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) and transbronchial mediastinal cryobiopsy (EBUS-TBMC) for sampling mediastinal and hilar lymph nodes. Following the PRISMA 2020 guidelines, 20 studies published between January 2020 and [...] Read more.
This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluate the comparative diagnostic efficacy and safety of endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) and transbronchial mediastinal cryobiopsy (EBUS-TBMC) for sampling mediastinal and hilar lymph nodes. Following the PRISMA 2020 guidelines, 20 studies published between January 2020 and July 2025 were analysed to provide a comprehensive performance overview. The results demonstrate that EBUS-TBMC offers a significantly higher overall diagnostic efficacy compared to EBUS-TBNA, with a pooled risk difference (RD) of 0.30 (95% CI: 0.17–0.44, p < 0.001). The subgroup analyses revealed a trend toward a superior yield for EBUS-TBMC in lymphoma (RD 0.11, p = 0.05) and sarcoidosis (RD 0.03, p = 0.077), while no significant differences were found for lung cancer subtypes. Safety profiles remained comparable, with no significant differences in the risk of pneumothorax (RD 0.00, p = 1.00) or bleeding (RD 0.00, p = 0.965). In conclusion, these findings support integrating EBUS-TBMC into diagnostic algorithms when preserved tissue architecture is critical, such as for lymphoproliferative disorders, granulomatous diseases, and advanced molecular profiling, providing a safe and more effective alternative to conventional needle aspiration. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Pulmonology: Transforming Diagnosis and Treatment of Lung Diseases)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

9 pages, 988 KB  
Case Report
Case Report: Hemidiaphragm Paralysis Results in Reduced Blood Oxygen Saturation, Increased Respiratory Rate, and Severe Dyspnea in Supine and Prone Positions due to Impaired Abdominal Breathing
by Akos Koller, Szonja Decker, Johanna Takács, Andrea Harangozo, Bela Faludi and Tamás Horváth
Life 2026, 16(4), 634; https://doi.org/10.3390/life16040634 - 9 Apr 2026
Viewed by 436
Abstract
Background: The breathing cycle consists of abdominal breathing (AB), for which the diaphragm is responsible, and thoracic breathing (TB), generated by the intercostal muscles. Contraction of the two portions of the diaphragm accounts for 80% percent of inspiration. While bilateral diaphragmatic paralysis causes [...] Read more.
Background: The breathing cycle consists of abdominal breathing (AB), for which the diaphragm is responsible, and thoracic breathing (TB), generated by the intercostal muscles. Contraction of the two portions of the diaphragm accounts for 80% percent of inspiration. While bilateral diaphragmatic paralysis causes severe shortness of breath, hemidiaphragm paralysis (HDP) gives fewer symptoms at rest, making it difficult to recognize and diagnose. Because this condition is rare, little is known regarding its consequences on breathing efficiency. Hypothesis: Based on previous studies, we hypothesized that body positions substantially affect the efficiency of breathing in a patient with unilateral hemidiaphragm paralysis and the corresponding physiological parameters. Aims: To measure and compare the amplitudes of abdominal and chest movements in different body positions in an individual with HDP and measure parameters indicating breathing efficiency. Patient and Methods: The patient had HDP due to iatrogenic phrenic nerve injury. Changes in the circumference of the abdomen and chest were measured during inhalation and exhalation with respiratory plethysmography belts (placed on standardized reproducible positions on the chest and abdomen) in different body positions: sitting (SI), standing (ST), lying (SU) and prone (PR). Breathing frequency was calculated, and blood oxygen saturation (SpO2) was measured with a pulse oximeter. Results: The percentage (%) contributions of abdominal breathing were SI: 16.0; ST: 50.3; SU: −53.5; PR: 1.1. A negative sign shows paradoxical breathing. Blood oxygen saturation (SpO2) in the four positions was SI: 93%; ST: 93%; SU: 82%; and PR: 82%, whereas the respiratory rate (1/min) was SI:19.4; ST: 15.0; SU: 37.5; PR: 35.9. Conclusions: Body position markedly influences the relative contributions of abdominal and thoracic breathing and overall respiratory efficiency in patients with hemidiaphragm paralysis; abdominal breathing in the supine and prone positions is greatly reduced leading to decreased blood oxygen saturation, a compensatory increase in respiratory rate, and severe dyspnea even at rest. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Pulmonology: Transforming Diagnosis and Treatment of Lung Diseases)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:
 
Displaying articles 1-9
Back to TopTop