Annals of Thoracic Medicine最新文献

Background: This narrative review aims to explore the current state and future perspective of artificial intelligence (AI) in respiratory care. The objective is to provide insights into the potential impact of AI in this field.

Methods: A comprehensive analysis of relevant literature and research studies was conducted to examine the applications of AI in respiratory care and identify areas of advancement. The analysis included studies on remote monitoring, early detection, smart ventilation systems, and collaborative decision-making.

Results: The obtained results highlight the transformative potential of AI in respiratory care. AI algorithms have shown promising capabilities in enabling tailored treatment plans based on patient-specific data. Remote monitoring using AI-powered devices allows for real-time feedback to health-care providers, enhancing patient care. AI algorithms have also demonstrated the ability to detect respiratory conditions at an early stage, leading to timely interventions and improved outcomes. Moreover, AI can optimize mechanical ventilation through continuous monitoring, enhancing patient comfort and reducing complications. Collaborative AI systems have the potential to augment the expertise of health-care professionals, leading to more accurate diagnoses and effective treatment strategies.

Conclusion: By improving diagnosis, AI has the potential to revolutionize respiratory care, treatment planning, and patient monitoring. While challenges and ethical considerations remain, the transformative impact of AI in this domain cannot be overstated. By leveraging the advancements and insights from this narrative review, health-care professionals and researchers can continue to harness the power of AI to improve patient outcomes and enhance respiratory care practices.

Improvements: Based on the findings, future research should focus on refining AI algorithms to enhance their accuracy, reliability, and interpretability. In addition, attention should be given to addressing ethical considerations, ensuring data privacy, and establishing regulatory frameworks to govern the responsible implementation of AI in respiratory care.

Background: Systemic corticosteroids have been shown to improve outcomes in severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pneumonia; however, their role in post-COVID-19 persistent lung abnormalities is not well defined. Here, we describe our experience with corticosteroids in patients with persistent lung infiltrates following COVID-19 infection.

Research question: What is the efficacy of systemic corticosteroids in improving lung function and radiological abnormalities in patients following COVID-19 pneumonia?

Study design and methods: This is a single-center retrospective study evaluating patients with persistent respiratory symptoms and abnormal chest computed tomography findings. Patients were divided into two groups based on treatment with corticosteroids: "steroid group" and "nonsteroid group." Clinical data were collected from the electronic medical records.

Results: Between March 2020 and December 2021, 227 patients were seen in the post-COVID-19 pulmonary clinic, of which 75 were included in this study. The mean age was 56 years, 63% were female, and 75% were white. The main physiologic deficit was reduced Diffusing capacity of the Lungs for Carbon Monoxide (DLCO) at 72% (±22). On chest imaging, the most common findings were ground-glass opacities (91%) and consolidation (29%). Thirty patients received corticosteroid (steroid group) and 45 did not (nonsteroid group). Patients treated with corticosteroids had lower DLCO (DLCO [%]: steroid group 63 ± 17, nonsteroid group 78 ± 23; P = 0.005) and all had ground-glass opacities on imaging compared to 84% in the nonsteroid group (P = 0.04). At follow-up, patients in the steroid group (n = 16) had a significant improvement in spirometry and DLCO. In addition, there was a significant improvement with resolution of ground-glass opacities in both the groups (P < 0.05).

Conclusion: The use of systemic corticosteroids in patients with persistent respiratory symptoms and radiological abnormalities post-COVID-19 was associated with significant improvement in pulmonary function testing and imaging. Prospective studies are needed to confirm whether these findings are the effect of corticosteroid therapy or disease evolution over time.