
Low-dose CT for Diagnosis of Pneumonia in COPD Exacerbations and Comparison of the Inflammatory...
COPD Exacerbation* Hypothesis: There is an underdiagnosis of pneumonia in COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) exacerbations which could be demonstrated by performing low-dose chest CT. Differences in the inflammatory profile in sputum and blood in patients with and without pneumonia can be seen. * Objective: To assess the degree of underdiagnosis of pneumonia in COPD exacerbations, using chest low-dose CT and to compare clinical and inflammatory differences in blood and sputum between patients with and without pneumonia. *Material and Methods: Prospective observational study including 75 patients with the diagnosis of COPD at the time of an exacerbation and with criteria for a respiratory tract infection. At the time of inclusion clinical features, blood and sputum analysis, chest X-ray and chest low-dose CT are performed. The investigators divide the patients into two groups according to the existence of pneumonia and the inflammatory pattern in blood (inflammatory markers) and sputum (cell populations and inflammatory markers) is compared between the two branches.

Etiologies, Investigations and Outcomes of Patients Presenting With Hemoptysis
HemoptysisHaemoptysis19 moreThe study consist of a retrospective analysis of the etiologies, investigations and outcomes of patients presenting between 2005 to 2010 with hemoptysis in a North-American Tertiary center.

Use of Endobronchial Ultrasound Scope (EBUS) Transducer to Identify Pneumothorax-A Feasibility Study...
PneumothoraxEndobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) is a technique that uses ultrasound along with bronchoscope to visualize airway wall and structures adjacent to it. Pneumothorax is a known complication from EBUS procedure. To rule out a Pneumothorax after the procedure, a Chest -X-ray is usually done. Point-of-care sonography has emerged as an invaluable tool in the assessment of patients with both traumatic and non-traumatic dyspnea. Multiple studies involving bedside ultrasound has shown that a pneumothorax can easily be ruled out if pleural sliding sign or B lines are visualized on lung ultrasonography; the accuracy of lung ultrasound in ruling out pneumothorax approach computed tomography and exceed plain radiography. Preforming a lung ultrasound using the EBUS bronchoscope tip as a way to rule out pneumothorax has never been described previously. If this is possible it will obviate the need of getting a Chest -X-ray and decrease the dose of radiation that the patient is exposed to. In this study we will demonstrate that the feasibility of using the transducer of the EBUS Bronchoscope to perform bedside lung ultrasound to rule out pneumothorax.

Cross Transmissions of Pseudomonas Aeruginosa Between Children From a Same Cystic Fibrosis Center....
Cystic FibrosisPseudomonas Aeruginosa1 moreCystic fibrosis is the most common hereditary autosomal recessive disease in the Caucasian population. The diseases is caused by a mutation of the gene coding for the CFTR protein (Cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator), an ion channel present at the apical pole of the epithelial cells. The channel dysfunction induces a deficit in hydration and a hyperviscosity of different exocrine secretions. Clinically, Cystic fibrosis is a multi-systemic disease. Pulmonary and pancreatic involvement are classically in the foreground. Degradation of respiratory function, associated with acute and chronic infections, represents the major cause of morbidity and mortality. Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a ubiquitous gram-negative bacillus found primarily in stagnant water. Pseudomonas aeruginosa is capable of colonizing the digestive, pulmonary and urinary mucosa and the skin. This bacterium is incriminated in many opportunistic infections including respiratory infections in patients with cystic fibrosis. Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection is the most common parenchymal lung infection in the Cystic fibrosis community. Pseudomonas aeruginosa chronic carriage represents a factor of poor prognosis associated with an increase in morbidity and mortality. Complications related to chronic carriage of Pseudomonas aeruginosa justify the implementation of strategies of eviction, screening and eradication of acute Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection. In addition to Pseudomonas aeruginosa contamination of patients via the environment, hand and airborne infections between patients with Cystic fibrosis have been reported. Measures to eliminate cross-transmissions have therefore been implemented in a majority of hospitals. The aim of the study is firstly to identify the number of Pseudomonas aeruginosa cross-transmissions between patients with Cystic fibrosis followed-up in Cystic fibrosis center of HUDERF. Investigator will use the Pulsed-Field Gel Electrophoresis to assess the possibility of cross-infection. Depending on the results, Investigator will implement new strategies to avoid future cross-contamination in our different places of care (consultation, hospitalization, physiotherapy…).

NSE/Alb as a Prognostic Biomarker for Lung Cancer
CarcinomaNon-Small-Cell LungThe incidence and mortality rate of lung cancer is the highest in the world. Current studies have found that tumor markers, inflammatory or nutritional indicators have a good predictive value for the prognosis of patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Neuron specific enolase (NSE) and serum albumin (Alb) are important indicators for monitoring tumor progression and nutritional status in lung cancer patients, respectively. Previous studies suggested that the higher the NSE, the worse prognosis of NSCLC patients, while the lower the Alb, the worse the prognosis of patients with malignant tumors. Through a retrospective study, the investigators found that NAR (NSE Alb Ratio) was higher and prognosis was poorer in patients undergoing NSCLC surgery. This is better than the previous assessment indicators PLR (platelet to lymphocyte ratio), NLR (neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio), AGR (albumin to globulin ratio), NAR can better assess prognosis. Therefore, on the basis of the previous retrospective analysis, the optimal NAR cut-off value was calculated according to ROC curve, and the value was grouped into multi-center prospective cohort study, and the relationship between NAR and other clinical indicators was studied by chi-square test. Univariate and multivariate analysis of Cox proportional hazard regression model was used to determine the prognostic factors. Finally, NSCLC patients were stratified according to tumor stage and pathological classification, and the differences of survival time between high NAR group and low NAR group were compared again under different stages and types, and the different stages of NAR in NSCLC patients were further analyzed. The clinical significance of typing. By exploring and validating the relationship between NAR and the prognosis of NSCLC patients, the investigators try to establish a new prognostic index. Obviously, it has important value for clinical application.

Multicenter Epidemiologic Study of Severe Community Acquired Pneumonia in China
Community-acquired PneumoniaThis study is aimed to understand the clinical characteristics, etiology and resistance phenotype of major pathogens of SCAP in China through multicenter and prospective investigation. Thus to provide epidemiological basis for improving the SCAP diagnosis and treatment protocol suitable for China.

Sensitivity of Forced Oscillation Technique in Children With Asthma and Normal Spirometry
Asthma in ChildrenExhibiting variable airway obstruction is a key factor in the diagnosis of asthma but too often it is undetected by spirometry. Study hypothesis: The forced oscillation technique (FOT) will show airway obstruction in asthmatic children with normal spirometry pointing out its advantage in measuring AW obstruction in this population. We will conduct a prospective observational study in 6-18 years old children with the diagnosis of asthma and a normal spirometry results. Each subject will undergo evaluation including: asthma control questionnaire, spirometry, FOT and Fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) to assess the sensitivity of FOT in diagnosing airway obstruction in this circumstances.

The Differences of Muscle Activity Between Patients With COPD and Healthy Adults
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary DiseaseThe purpose of this study attempts to investigate the differences and relationships of respiratory parameters, muscle activity, and dyspnea during ADL between patients with COPD and age-matched healthy participants.

Clinical Characteristics and Long-term Prognosis of 2019-nCoV Infection in Children
2019-nCoVThe study is designed to clarify the clinical characteristics, risk factors and long-term prognosis of children with 2019-nCoV infection in China.

Prevalence and Seroconversion of COVID-19 in Autoimmune Diseases in Europe
COVID-19Systemic Lupus Erythematosus4 moreThe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is a potentially fatal disease that represents a great global public health concern. In European countries such as Spain, Italy, Germany, Portugal, England and France, the pandemic has been of utmost importance. To date, no treatment has been robustly validated, and two theoretically opposite therapeutic strategies are proposed, based either on antiretroviral therapy or on immunomodulating agents. In this complex context, people living with immune-mediated inflammatory diseases (IMID) raise specific concerns due to their potentially increased risk of infections or of severe infections. Among IMID, Sjögren's syndrome, systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, spondyloarthritis and giant cell arteritis are some key diseases. In this cross-sectional, observational, multi-centric study, the investigators aim to assess both clinical and serological prevalence of COVID-19 among samples of IMID patients in Europe. In parallel, the investigators aim to compare the prevalence of COVID-19 seroconversion across these five IMIDs, their penetration across different 6 European countries (France, Italy, Spain, Germany, United Kingdom and Portugal), and to assess the severity of COVID-19 in these patients. Moreover, changes in treatment will be assessed, including immunomodulatory tapering or discontinuation, its causes over the outbreak period, as well as the incidence of IMID flares and their severity over this same period. Finally, patient's perceptions towards the pandemic will be evaluated and compared to medication beliefs. Data will be collected through questionnaires during medical visit or phone consultation and serological tests will be performed within routine blood collection. As so, all study procedures are comprised within usual care. Through this study the investigators expect to have a better knowledge of the clinical and serological prevalence of COVID-19 in IMID across Europe, along with the psychological, clinical, and therapeutic impact of COVID-19 in this particular patient population.