Liam Heaney, ERS 2020 – Corticosteroid Optimisation using Composite Biomarkers

Following his recent publication in the Lancet Respiratory Medicine, and presentation at the ERS Congress, we spoke with Prof. Liam Heaney (Queen’s University, Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK) about the composite biomarker approach to optimising steroid dosage in patients with severe asthma. Questions Why is there a need for new approaches to optimising steroid dosage in people […]

Michael Wechsler, ERS 2020 – Dupilumab in the LIBERTY ASTHMA TRAVERSE Trial

We discuss with Prof. Michael Wechsler (National Jewish Health, Denver, CO, USA) the clinical evidence supporting the use of dupilumab in patients with asthma and specifically the major findings from the long-term safety evaluation of dupilumab in the LIBERTY ASTHMA TRAVERSE trial (NCT02134028). Questions 1. What are the major unmet needs in the biologic treatment […]

Brian Carlin, CHEST 2020 – New Thoughts in COPD

Brian Carlin (Pittsburgh Critical Care Associates, Pittsburgh, PA, US) talks to us about recent developments in the treatment of COPD and the impact COVID-19 has had on pulmonary rehabilitation services. Questions 1. What have been the most exciting recent developments in inhaled therapies for COPD? (0:20) 2. What factors should physicians consider before prescribing inhaled […]

Carolyn D’Ambrosio, CHEST 2020 – Sleep Apnea in Women

We caught up with Caroyln D’Ambrosio (Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA) to discuss obstructive sleep apnea in women. Questions What proportion of sleep apnea patients are female? (0:23) What are the risk factors for sleep apnea in women? (1:02) How do sleep apnea symptoms in women differ from those in men? (1:36) What are […]

Dupilumab—A Potential New Biologic for Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps

US Respiratory & Pulmonary Diseases. 2020;5(1):Epub ahead of publication

Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is a clinical syndrome defined by symptomatic inflammation of the paranasal sinuses and nasal cavity for at least 12 weeks in duration. Historically, CRS has been classified into 2 subgroups, CRS with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) and CRS without nasal polyps. Those with CRSwNP have a more significant burden of disease and poor […]

Nintedanib—A Potential New Therapy for Systemic Sclerosis-associated Interstitial Lung Disease

US Respiratory and Pulmonary Diseases. 2020;5(1):Epub ahead of print.

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an autoimmune disorder characterized by inflammation and fibrosis of the skin and other organs. It has a range of clinical manifestations, and the typical internal organs involved include the lungs, kidneys, heart, and gastrointestinal tract. Though it is an uncommon condition, the mortality rate of this disease is higher than any […]

Evidence and E-cigarettes – The English Perspective

European Respiratory & Pulmonary Diseases. 2019;5(1):10–11

Recently, there has been much media coverage on the topic of e-cigarettes. Approaches to new data suggesting that e-cigarettes may be harmful have differed between countries. In particular, the attitude of public health bodies in England has differed significantly from those in other countries internationally. American electronic cigarette company Juul has been accused of deliberately […]

Elexacaftor-tezacaftor-ivacaftor—A Combination Therapy for Phe508del Cystic Fibrosis

US Respiratory & Pulmonary Diseases. 2019;4(1):15–9

Cystic fibrosis (CF), an inherited disease affecting all races and ethnicities, results from defects in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene, which leads to dysregulations in the ion and fluid balance across epithelial membranes throughout the body.1–3 The CFTR protein is an anion channel that functions as a transmembrane traffic ATPase which is […]