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Background and Purpose: Dysfunctional breathing (DB) with or without an underlying medical condition is associated with impaired quality of life. DB-related symptoms can be measured with the 25-item Self Evaluation of Breathing Questionnaire (SEBQ). However, the SEBQ is not available in Danish.The aim of the present study was to translate and cross-culturally adapt the SEBQ into Danish and to assess the face validity of the Danish version of the questionnaire in individuals with DB-related symptoms., Materials and Methods: The SEBQ was translated and cross-culturally adapted into Danish using an internationally acknowledged six-step forward-backward translation guideline in an interactive process with an expert committee of clinicians, translators, methodologists and the SEBQ developer. Face validity was explored through semi-structured interviews with 24 adult individuals with DB-related symptoms (age 20-70 years, female n  = 14)., Results: The SEBQ was successfully translated and cross-culturally adapted into Danish. Three major modifications were made following the translation process and participant interviews. First, an introductory paragraph, including a recall period of the previous seven days, was added. Second, the administration of the questionnaire was changed from a paper to an electronic version. Finally, adaptations regarding semantic equivalence, especially concerning being 'breathless' and 'short of breath', were performed. The participants expressed that the final version of the SEBQ embraced their DB-related symptoms, was understandable, and easy to complete., Conclusion: The SEBQ is the first available Danish questionnaire to measure DB-related symptoms, following an internationally acknowledged cross-cultural adaptation and face validity evaluation approach. This promising validation should be followed by an assessment of measurement properties in individuals with DB-related symptoms to investigate the adequacy of the SEBQ in a Danish context., Competing Interests: No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s)., (© 2024 The Author(s). Published by Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.)

Background: Both adherence rates to pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) programmes and long-term attendance in exercise training after PR remain a challenge. In our previous randomised controlled trial (RCT), effects were positively associated with a dose-response pattern, regardless of whether PR contained conventional physical exercise training (PExT) or Singing for Lung Health (SLH) as a training modality within a 10 weeks' PR programme for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, long-term status of this RCT cohort remains unknown. In this study, we investigated whether current status (=attendance in supervised exercise training or a lung choir and scoring in quality of life (QoL)) was related to initial PR completion, randomisation, or adherence., Methods: We collected data via telephone, using a researcher-developed questionnaire on current self-reported attendance in supervised exercise training or a lung choir and on perceived benefits of the initial RCT intervention. Additionally, we used COPD-validated questionnaires (primarily: QoL (measure: St George's Respiratory Questionnaire; SGRQ)., Results: In 2023 (i.e., mean/median 4.7 years after initial PR), surviving participants were contacted ( n  = 196; 73% of 270), and 160 (82% of 196) were included. Out of the included participants, 30 (19%) had not completed initial PR. Compared to the initial PR-completers, non-completers reported less current attendance in exercise training or lung choir (24% vs. 46%, p  = 0.03) but SGRQ scores were comparable. Yet, those who attended exercise training or lung choir at present ( n  = 66/160; 41% out of 160) reported better QoL score than those with no current attendance (SGRQ; Attending: 39.9 ± 15.4; Not attending: 43.1 ± 16.7; p  = 0.02). Neither having had SLH instead of PExT, nor adherence level during initial PR, was related to current attendance or to QoL scores., Conclusion: This study indicates that long-term self-reported attendance and current QoL scores are positively related to initial completion of a PR programme. Surprisingly, neither initial PR content (PExT or SLH) nor initial PR adherence was related to long-term outcomes. We suggest that future PR programmes include special attention to those who do not complete PR to support long-term attendance and QoL status., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (© 2024 Kaasgaard, Bodtger, Skou, Clift, Hilberg, Rasmussen and Løkke.)

Background: Bronchoscopy and EBUS are standard procedures in lung cancer work-up but have low diagnostic yield in lesions outside the central airways and hilar/mediastinal lymph nodes. Growing evidence on introducing the EBUS endoscope into the oesophagus (EUS-B) in the same session as bronchoscopy/EBUS gives access to new anatomical areas that can be safely biopsied., Objective: To summarize the current evidence of the added value of EUS-B-FNA to bronchoscopy and EBUS-TBNA in lung cancer work-up., Methods: A narrative review., Results: Few randomized trials or prospective studies are available. Prospective studies show that add-on EUS-B-FNA increases diagnostic yield when sampling abnormal mediastinal lymph nodes, para-oesophageal lung and left adrenal gland. A large retrospective series on EUS-B-FNA from retroperitoneal lymph nodes suggests high diagnostic yield without safety concerns, as do casuistic reports on EUS-B-FNA from mediastinal pleural thickening, pancreatic lesions, ascites fluid and pericardial effusions. No study has systematically assessed both diagnostic yield, safety, patient reported outcomes, adverse events and costs., Conclusion: The diagnostic value of add-on EUS-B to standard bronchoscopy and EBUS in lung cancer work-up appears very promising without safety concerns, giving the pulmonologist access to a variety of sites out of reach with other minimally invasive techniques. Little is known on patient-reported outcomes and costs. Future and prospective research should focus on effectiveness aspects to clarify whether overall benefits of add-on EUS-B sufficiently exceed overall downsides., Competing Interests: No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s)., (© 2024 The Author(s). Published by Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.)

Background: Malignant pleural effusion (MPE) affects up to 15% of patients with malignancy, and the prevalence is increasing. Non-expandable lung (NEL) complicates MPE in up to 30% of cases. However, it is not known if patients with malignant pleural effusion and NEL are more symptomatic in activities of daily living compared to patients with MPE with expandable lung., Methods: This was an observational study on consecutively recruited patients with MPE from our pleural clinic. Before thoracentesis, patients completed patient-reported outcomes on cancer symptoms (ESAS), health-related quality of life (5Q-5D-5L), and dyspnoea scores. Following thoracentesis, patients scored dyspnoea relief and symptoms during thoracentesis. Data on focused lung ultrasound and pleural effusion biochemistry were collected. The non-expandable lung diagnosis was made by pleural experts based on radiological and clinical information., Results: We recruited 43 patients, including 12 with NEL (28%). The NEL cohort resembled those from previous studies concerning ultrasonography, pleural fluid biochemistry, and fewer cases with high volume thoracentesis. Patients with and without NEL were comparable concerning baseline demography. The 5Q-5D-5L utility scores were 0.836 (0.691-0.906) and 0.806 (0.409-0.866), respectively, for patients with and without NEL. We observed no between-group differences in symptom burden or health-related quality of life., Conclusion: While the presence of NEL affects the clinical management of recurrent MPE, the presence of NEL seems not to affect patients' overall symptom burden in patients with MPE.

Background: Hemoptysis is a challenging and potentially life-threatening medical condition. The most appropriate diagnostic work-up is debated and several diagnostic approaches are implemented worldwide., Methods: An international, online survey was carried out to investigate the current practice of the diagnostic work-up of patients with hemoptysis of unknown etiology., Results: Overall, 604 physicians responded to the survey. At baseline, chest X-ray was suggested as the first diagnostic investigation by 342 (56.6%) participants. Computed tomography (CT) was suggested in each patient with non- and life-threatening hemoptysis by 310 (51.3%) and 526 (87.1%) respondents, respectively. Contrast-enhanced CT is the currently preferred technique (333, 55.1%). In case of patchy ground glass opacities and negative CT, 287 (47.5%) and 222 (36.8%) participants, respectively, would always offer bronchoscopy. Otorhinolaryngological evaluation was mostly suggested in case of suspected upper airways bleeding before other investigations (212, 35.1%). A follow-up was recommended for idiopathic hemoptysis by the majority of the participants (316, 52.3%). A multidisciplinary assessment is deemed crucial for each patient with life-threatening hemoptysis (437, 72.4%)., Conclusions: Chest X-ray and contrast-enhanced CT are currently preferred as the first diagnostic investigations, regardless of hemoptysis severity. Bronchoscopy is suggested in case of negative radiological examination and when CT shows only ground glass opacities. Otorhinolaryngological evaluation is advised before any other investigations when upper airways bleeding is suspected. Patients with idiopathic hemoptysis are suggested to undergo a clinical follow-up and in case of life-threatening bleeding a multidisciplinary assessment is deemed crucial. Due to the heterogeneous approaches a consensus statement would be needed.

Background: The optimal management for spontaneous pneumothorax (SP) remains contentious, with various proposed approaches. This joint clinical practice guideline from the ERS, EACTS and ESTS societies provides evidence-based recommendations for the management of SP., Methods: This multidisciplinary Task Force addressed 12 key clinical questions on the management of pneumothorax, using ERS methodology for guideline development. Systematic searches were performed in MEDLINE and Embase. Evidence was synthesised by conducting meta-analyses, if possible, or narratively. Certainty of evidence was rated with GRADE (Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations). The Evidence to Decision framework was used to decide on the direction and strength of the recommendations., Results: The panel makes a conditional recommendation for conservative care of minimally symptomatic patients with primary spontaneous pneumothorax (PSP) who are clinically stable. We make a strong recommendation for needle aspiration over chest tube drain for initial PSP treatment. We make a conditional recommendation for ambulatory management for initial PSP treatment. We make a conditional recommendation for early surgical intervention for the initial treatment of PSP in patients who prioritise recurrence prevention. The panel makes a conditional recommendation for autologous blood patch in secondary SP patients with persistent air leak (PAL). The panel could not make recommendations for other interventions, including bronchial valves, suction, pleurodesis in addition to surgical resection or type of surgical pleurodesis., Conclusions: With this international guideline, the ERS, EACTS and ESTS societies provide clinical practice recommendations for SP management. We highlight evidence gaps for the management of PAL and recurrence prevention, with research recommendations made., Competing Interests: Conflict of interest: R. Hallifax has received consulting fees from Rocket Medical UK and Cook Medical, and honoraria for educational talks from AstraZeneca. M. Keijzers has received consulting fees from Philips. Y.C.G. Lee received drainage kits from Rocket Medical PLC for patients participating in clinical trials. P. Licht has received personal honoraria from Ethicon and Johnson & Johnson. N. Maskell has received consulting fees and device support for clinical trials from Rocket Medical UK and BD. B. Nagavci acted as ERS methodologist. E. Roessner has received consultancy fees from Rivolution, lecture fees from Siemens Healthineers and AstraZeneca, and was Thoracic Domain chair, Council member and Task Force member of the Solitary Pulmonary Nodules Task Force for EACTS. N. Rahman has received consulting fees Rocket Medical UK and Cook Medical, and has received device support for clinical trials from Rocket Medical UK. P. Van Schil has received personal payments from BMS and Roche, institutional payment from Janssen, MSD and AstraZeneca, and is the treasurer of BACTS (Belgian Association for Cardiothoracic Surgery) and president-elect for IASLC (International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer). D. Waller has received lecture fees from Pulmonx and Medtronic. T. Walles has received a grant (WA 1649/5-2) for clinical study on surgical therapy for treatment of primary pneumothorax from the German Research Foundation, and is an assessor (unpaid) for the German Society of Thoracic Surgery. The remaining authors have no potential conflicts of interest to disclose., (This article has been co-published with permission in the European Journal of Cardio-Thoracic Surgery and in the European Respiratory Journal. Copyright ©The Author(s) 2024. Published by European Respiratory Society. All rights reserved. The articles are identical except for minor stylistic and spelling differences in keeping with each journal's style. Either citation can be used when citing this article. For reproduction rights and permissions contact permissions@ersnet.org.)

Background: In patients with recurrent pleural effusion, therapeutic thoracentesis is one way of relief. Correct prediction of which patients will experience relief following drainage may support the management of these patients. This study aimed to assess the association between ultrasound (US) characteristics and a relevant improvement in dyspnoea immediately following drainage., Methods: In a prospective, observational study, patients with recurrent unilateral pleural effusion underwent US evaluation of effusion characteristics and diaphragm movement measured by M-mode and the Area method before and right after drainage. The level of dyspnoea was assessed using the modified Borg scale (MBS). A minimal important improvement in dyspnoea was defined as delta MBS ≥ 1., Results: In the 104 patients included, 53% had a minimal important improvement in dyspnoea following thoracentesis. We found no association between US-characteristics, including diaphragm shape or movement (M-mode or the Area method), and a decrease in dyspnoea following drainage. Baseline MBS score ≥ 4 and a fully drained effusion were significant correlated with a minimal important improvement in dyspnoea (OR 3.86 (1.42-10.50), p  = 0.01 and 2.86 (1.03-7.93), p  = 0.04, respectively)., Conclusions: In our study population, US-characteristics including assessment of diaphragm movement or shape was not associated with a minimal important improvement in dyspnoea immediately following thoracentesis., Competing Interests: No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s)., (© 2024 The Author(s). Published by Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.)

Background: Research in Denmark indicates that approximately 30% of people with confirmed COVID-19 infection experience at least one physical symptom 6-12 months after the acute infection. The lived experiences of undergoing prolonged recovery processes and how these processes unfold need further attention., Aim: To contribute in-depth knowledge about recovery, as experienced over time by people living with the post COVID-19 condition., Methods: Within a qualitative research design, nine women and six men were interviewed. Ten of them gave a follow-up interview. Prompt cards and participant-generated photographs were included. A phenomenological-hermeneutic approach inspired by Ricoeur's theory of interpretation guided the data analysis., Findings: Living with long-term health problems associated with the post COVID-19 condition involved recovery processes where participants struggled with reduced capacity, new unpredictability and uncertainty in everyday life. Participants continuously searched for improvement and aimed for regaining former health and well-being. Lack of knowledge, acknowledgement and support made it difficult to find clear directions for improvement. Participants created a protective shield and struggled, often jointly with family and friends, to cope with bodily, cognitive, emotional, existential and social challenges. Over time, some participants realised that they might not be able to fully return to their earlier habitus. However, some of them gained a new foothold and sense of hope for the future., Conclusion: This study provides in-depth insight into the experience of changing and open-ended recovery processes while living with the post COVID-19 condition. Over time, some participants learned to rebuild their lives, adapting to their reduced capacities. Future care and rehabilitation models for these patients must address the complex and challenging nature of recovery processes associated with living with post-COVID-19 condition., (© 2023 The Authors. Scandinavian Journal of Caring Sciences published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Nordic College of Caring Science.)

Background: The management of pulmonary nodules plays a critical role in early detection of lung cancer. Computed tomography (CT) has led to a stage-shift towards early-stage lung cancer, but regional differences in survival rates have been reported in Denmark. This study aimed to evaluate whether variations in nodule management among Danish health regions contributed to these differences., Material and Methods: The Danish Health Data Authority and Danish Lung Cancer Registry provided data on CT usage and lung cancer stage distribution, respectively. Auditing of lung cancer stage IA patient referrals and nodule management of stage IV lung cancer patients was conducted in seven Danish lung cancer investigation centers, covering four of the five Danish health regions. CT scans were performed up to 2 years before the patients' diagnosis from 2019 to 2021., Results: CT usage has increased steadily in Denmark over the past decade, with a simultaneous increase in the proportion of early-stage lung cancers, particularly stage IA. However, one Danish health region, Region Zealand, exhibited lower rates of early-stage lung cancer and overall survival despite a CT usage roughly similar to that of the other health regions. The audit did not find significant differences in pulmonary nodule management or a higher number of missed nodules by radiologists in this region compared to others., Conclusion: This study suggests that a high CT scan volume alone is not sufficient for the early detection of lung cancer. Factors beyond hospital management practices, such as patient-related delays in socioeconomically disadvantaged areas, may contribute to regional differences in survival rates. This has implications for future strategies for reducing these differences., Competing Interests: No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s)., (© 2024 The Author(s). Published by Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.)

Background: Non-expandable lung (NEL) has severe implications for patient symptoms and impaired lung function, as well as crucial implications for the management of malignant pleural effusion (MPE). Indwelling pleural catheters have shown good symptom relief for patients with NEL; hence, identifying patients early in their disease is vital. With the inability of the lung to achieve pleural apposition following thoracentesis and the formation of a hydropneumothorax, traditionally, chest X-ray and clinical symptoms have been used to make the diagnosis following thoracentesis. It is our aim to investigate whether ultrasound measurement of lung movement during respiration can predict NEL before thoracentesis, thereby aiding clinicians in their planning for the optimal treatment of affected patients., Methods: A total of 49 patients were consecutively included in a single-centre trial performed at a pleural clinic. Patients underwent protocolled ultrasound assessment pre-thoracentesis with measurements of lung and diaphragm movement and shear wave elastography measurements of the pleura and pleural effusion at the planned site of thoracentesis., Results: M-mode measurements of lung movement provided the best diagnostic ROC-curve results, with an AUC of 0.81. Internal validity showed good results utilising the calibration belt test and Brier test., Conclusion: M-mode measurement of lung movement shows promise in diagnosing NEL before thoracentesis in patients with known or suspected MPE. A validation cohort is needed to confirm the results.

Introduction: Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death globally. Incidental pulmonary nodules represent a golden opportunity for early diagnosis, which is critical for improving survival rates. This study explores the impact of missed pulmonary nodules on the progression of lung cancer., Methods: A total of 4,066 stage IV lung cancer cases from 2019 to 2021 in Danish hospitals were investigated to determine whether a chest computed tomography (CT) had been performed within 2 years before diagnosis. CT reports and images were reviewed to identify nodules that had been missed by radiologists or were not appropriately monitored, despite being mentioned by the radiologist, and to assess whether these nodules had progressed to stage IV lung cancer., Results: Among stage IV lung cancer patients, 13.6% had undergone a chest CT scan before their diagnosis; of these, 44.4% had nodules mentioned. Radiologists missed a nodule in 7.6% of cases. In total, 45.3% of nodules were not appropriately monitored. An estimated 2.5% of stage IV cases could have been detected earlier with proper surveillance., Conclusion: This study underlines the significance of monitoring pulmonary nodules and proposes strategies for enhancing detection and surveillance. These strategies include centralized monitoring and the implementation of automated registries to prevent gaps in follow-up., (© 2024 S. Karger AG, Basel.)