New LiteraturePulmonary fibrosis is associated with an elevated risk of thromboembolic disease, by Sprunger DB, et al. Recent epidemiological studies have suggested an increased risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in lung fibrosis. Large-scale epidemiological data regarding the risk of VTE in pulmonary fibrosis-associated mortality have not been published. Using data from the National Center for Health Statistics from 1988–2007, we determined the risk of VTE in decedents with pulmonary fibrosis in the USA. Decedents with pulmonary fibrosis had a significantly greater risk of VTE. Those with VTE and pulmonary fibrosis died at a younger age than those with pulmonary fibrosis alone. These data suggest a link between a pro-fibrotic and a pro-coagulant state. Read more…. Delayed Access and Survival in Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis, by Lamas DJ, et al. Delays in accessing care occur frequently among patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). The harms of delayed access to an interstitial lung disease (ILD) center have not been previously examined. Delayed access to a tertiary care center is associated with a higher risk of death in IPF independent of disease severity. Early referral to an ILD center should be considered for those with suspected or known interstitial lung disease. Read more…. Minimal (clinically) important differences for the Fatigue Assessment Scale in sarcoidosis, by de Kleijn WP, et al. The usefulness of any questionnaire in clinical management and research trials depends on its ability to indicate a likelihood of treatment success during follow-up. The Minimal Clinically Important Difference (MCID) reflects a clinically relevant change score. The aim of this study was to estimate the MCID for the Fatigue Assessment Scale (FAS) in patients with sarcoidosis. Outpatients (n = 321) of the ild care team of the Dept. of Respiratory Medicine of the Maastricht University Medical Centre, The Netherlands, participated in this prospective follow-up study. Based on the anchor-based and distribution-based methods, the MCID is a 4-point difference on the FAS. Read more… Exercise capacity, muscle strength and fatigue in sarcoidosis, by Marcellis RG, et al. Sarcoidosis patients(n=124) referred to the Maastricht University Medical Centre were included. The six-minute walk test (6MWT) was reduced in 45% of the population, while handgrip in 15%, elbow flexor in 12%, quadriceps in 27%, hamstrings in 18% and inspiratory muscle strength tests (Pi,max) in 43% of the population. The majority of the patients (81%) reported fatigue (Fatigue Assessment Scale (FAS) ≥ 22). Patients with reduced peripheral muscle strength of the upper and/or lower extremities were more fatigued and demonstrated impaired lung functions, FFM, Pi,max, 6MWT and quality of life. Fatigue was neither predicted by exercise capacity, nor by muscle strength. Besides fatigue, exercise intolerance and muscle weakness are frequent problems in sarcoidosis. We therefore recommend physical tests in the multidisciplinary management of sarcoidosis patients, even in non-fatigued patients. Read more…
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