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With the change in global environment, respiratory disorders are becoming more threatening to the health of people all over the world. These diseases are closely linked to performance of immune system. Within the innate arm of immune system, Neutrophils are an important moiety to serve as an immune defense barrier. They are one of the first cells recruited to the site of infection and plays a critical role in pathogenesis of various pulmonary diseases. It is established that the migration and activation of neutrophils can lead to inflammation either directly or indirectly and this inflammation caused is very crucial for the clearance of pathogens and resolution of infection. However, the immunopathological mechanisms involved to carry out the same is very complex and not well understood. Despite there being studies concentrating on the role of neutrophils in multiple respiratory diseases, there is still a long way to go in order to completely understand the complexity of the participation of neutrophils and mechanisms involved in the development of these respiratory diseases. In the present article, we have reviewed the literature to comprehensively provide an insight in the current development and advancements about the role of neutrophils in infectious respiratory disorders including viral respiratory disorders such as Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and bacterial pulmonary disorders with a focused review on pulmonary tuberculosis as well as in noninfectious disorders like Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma. Also, future directions into research and therapeutic targets have been discussed for further exploration. Respiratory illnesses are becoming more prevalent and a substantial source of sickness and mortality worldwide as a result of the changes in the global environment. Although diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for respiratory disorders have improved over the years, a thorough and in-depth approach is still required to understand the underlying immuno-pathophysiological mechanisms. Neutrophils are a crucial part of innate immune system which functions as a first line defense against various pulmonary infections. They are known to be involved in resistance against invading pulmonary pathogens and also play an important role in repairing of damaged lung tissue by removing debris. However, emerging evidences suggest that neutrophils may also be involved in promoting and aggravating the unabating inflammation in several pulmonary disorders by release of various proteases, forming neutrophil extracellular traps or by attracting and activating other immune cells at the site of inflammation. In this article, we have discussed diverse roles and responses of neutrophils and their use in potential future research and therapeutic approaches in infectious pulmonary disorders like Tuberculosis and COVID-19 and noninfectious pulmonary disorders like Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The dominant road traffic particle sources are wear particles from the road and tire interface, and from vehicle brake pads. The aim of this work was to investigate the effect of road and brake wear particles on pulmonary function and biomarkers in isolated perfused rat lungs. Particles were sampled from the studded tire wear of three road pavements containing different rock materials in a road simulator; and from the wear of two brake pad materials using a pin-on-disk machine. Isolated rat lungs inhaled the coarse and fine fractions of the sampled particles resulting in an estimated total particle lung dose of 50 μg. The tidal volume (TV) was measured during the particle exposure and the following 50 min. Perfusate and BALF were analyzed for the cytokines TNF, CXCL1 and CCL3. The TV of lungs exposed to rock materials was significantly reduced after 25 min of exposure compared to the controls, for quartzite already after 4 min. The particles of the heavy-duty brake pads had no effect on the TV. Brake particles resulted in a significant elevation of CXCL1 in the perfusate. Brake particles showed significant elevations of all three measured cytokines, and quartzite showed a significant elevation of TNF in BALF. The study shows that the toxic effect on lungs exposed to airborne particles can be investigated using measurements of tidal volume. Furthermore, the study shows that the choice of rock material in road pavements has the potential to affect the toxicity of road wear PM10. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pulmonary disorders in 2018 entered the 5th rank as a disease that causes death. Dust and gas are air pollutants that have a high level of toxicity in the environment when entering and accumulating in human respiratory organs for a long time can cause lung function disorders. The purpose of this study was to determine the factors for impaired function in workers in Indonesia. This study used the literature review method with Google Scholar, PubMed, and BioMed Central databases. Search for articles according to topics published from 2017 to 2022 with a working population and research locations in Indonesia. The results of the study obtained a total of 4648 articles, after screening 30 articles were obtained for analysis. From the research it was found that dust exposure and gas exposure were the types of pollutants that caused lung function disorders. The factors that can be modified are setting the length of exposure so that it can affect the working period per year, nutritional status, exercise, smoking habits and the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Age and gender variables are risk factors that cannot be modified. The longer a person works, the greater the potential hazards that accumulate into the body, especially workers who are in a dusty environment. Therefore, efforts are needed to manage exposure to air pollution in the work environment and routinely conduct medical check-ups for workers, exercise regularly, use PPE, eliminate smoking habits to minimize the occurrence of lung function disorders.

Purpose: This article is an in-depth review of the complex classification, diagnosis, and treatment of idiopathic interstitial pneumonias (IIP), as well as emergence of new treatment options. Summary: Idiopathic interstitial pneumonias consist of various subgroup classifications that require expert analysis of imaging and histology to accurately diagnose this broad group of patients. Timely and accurate assessment of these patients is key in developing an appropriate pharmacological plan. The pathophysiology of IIP is not well understood but has been linked to an immune response resulting in inflammation, fibrosis, or proliferation of lung tissue which reduces lung function. Lung transplantation is currently the only curative option for treatment, but many new antiproliferative and immunosuppressive agents are being used to effectively slow the progression of lung dysfunction. Conclusion: An often mixed radiological and histological pattern along with the invasive nature of biopsy for gold standard diagnosis create a challenge for the accurate identification of IIP. Further understanding of these idiopathic interstitial pneumonias will pave the way forward to the emergence of new treatment options and updates to standards of care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: In muscular dystrophies (MD) patients with end-stage heart failure (HF), continuous flow left ventricular assist device (cf-LVAD) therapy is still controversial due to a progressive nature of MD-associated muscle weakness. Methods: All the MD patients who had cf- VAD implants between March 2013 and August 2019 in our hospital were retrospectively studied. Study end points were death, major LVAD-associated complications or respiratory dysfunction caused by muscular weakness. Results: A total of 11 MD patients (Becker type: n = 6; Emery–Dreifuss Myodystrophy: n = 2; Fukuyama subtype: n = 1; Limb-girdle 1B: n = 2) were enrolled. Demographics: median age 41 years (IQR; 29–47); median Japanese Registry for Mechanically Assisted Circulatory Support: level 3 (2–3); a median interval between MD diagnosis and LVAD implantation 9 years (6–18). The pulmonary function test at LVAD implantation showed a median of %VC; 62% (45–82), FEV1%, 82% (81–88). Survival to discharge was 100% without pulmonary complication and early VAD-related complications. During a median follow-up of 38 months (27–53), re-admissions were needed due to device infection (n = 2), cerebrovascular accidents (disabling, n = 2 and non-disabling, n = 2), ventricular tachycardia (n = 4), and right HF (n = 3), respectively. 7 patients received successful heart transplant after a median waiting time of 44 months (34–61); 3 patients are still on the waiting list (waiting time: 21, 38, and 39 months). One patient died of right HF 15 months after VAD implantation. No one had overt pulmonary dysfunction during LVAD support. Conclusion: In selected MD patients with end-stage HF, cf-LVAD therapy is a viable therapeutic option as bridge to heart transplant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dyspnea is one of the most common symptoms of many respiratory diseases, including COVID-19. Clinical assessment of dyspnea relies mainly on self-reporting, which contains subjective biases and is problematic for frequent inquiries. This study aims to determine if a respiratory score in COVID-19 patients can be assessed using a wearable sensor and if this score can be deduced from a learning model based on physiologically induced dyspnea in healthy subjects. Noninvasive wearable respiratory sensors were employed to retrieve continuous respiratory characteristics with user comfort and convenience. Overnight respiratory waveforms were collected on 12 COVID-19 patients, and a benchmark on 13 healthy subjects with exertion-induced dyspnea was also performed for blind comparison. The learning model was built from the self-reported respiratory features of 32 healthy subjects under exertion and airway blockage. A high similarity between respiratory features in COVID-19 patients and physiologically induced dyspnea in healthy subjects was observed. Learning from our previous dyspnea model of healthy subjects, we deduced that COVID-19 patients have consistently highly correlated respiratory scores in comparison with normal breathing of healthy subjects. We also performed a continuous assessment of the patient's respiratory scores for 12–16 h. This study offers a useful system for the symptomatic evaluation of patients with active or chronic respiratory disorders, especially the patient population that refuses to cooperate or cannot communicate due to deterioration or loss of cognitive functions. The proposed system can help identify dyspneic exacerbation, leading to early intervention and possible outcome improvement. Our approach can be potentially applied to other pulmonary disorders, such as asthma, emphysema, and other types of pneumonia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) are metabolites released by bacterial components of the microbiota. These molecules have a wide range of effects in the microbiota itself, but also in host cells in which they are known for contributing to the regulation of cell metabolism, barrier function, and immunological responses. Recent studies indicate that these molecules are important players in the gut-lung axis and highlight the possibility of using strategies that alter their intestinal production to prevent or treat distinct lung inflammatory diseases. Here, we review the effects of the SCFA butyrate and its derivatives in vitro and in vivo on murine models of respiratory disorders, besides discussing the potential therapeutic use of butyrate and the other SCFAs in lung diseases.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) causes transmissible viral illness of the respiratory tract prompted by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. COVID-19 is one of the worst global pandemics affecting a large population worldwide and causing catastrophic loss of life. Patients having pre-existing chronic disorders are more susceptible to contracting this viral infection. This pandemic virus is known to cause notable respiratory pathology. Besides, it can also cause extra-pulmonary manifestations. Multiple extra-pulmonary tissues express the SARS-CoV-2 entry receptor, hence causing direct viral tissue damage. This insightful review gives a brief description of the impact of coronavirus on the pulmonary system, extra-pulmonary systems, histopathology, multiorgan consequences, the possible mechanisms associated with the disease, and various potential therapeutic approaches to tackle the manifestations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dyspnea is one of the most common symptoms of many respiratory diseases, including COVID-19. Clinical assessment of dyspnea relies mainly on self-reporting, which contains subjective biases and is problematic for frequent inquiries. This study aims to determine if a respiratory score in COVID-19 patients can be assessed using a wearable sensor and if this score can be deduced from a learning model based on physiologically induced dyspnea in healthy subjects. Noninvasive wearable respiratory sensors were employed to retrieve continuous respiratory characteristics with user comfort and convenience. Overnight respiratory waveforms were collected on 12 COVID-19 patients, and a benchmark on 13 healthy subjects with exertion-induced dyspnea was also performed for blind comparison. The learning model was built from the self-reported respiratory features of 32 healthy subjects under exertion and airway blockage. A high similarity between respiratory features in COVID-19 patients and physiologically induced dyspnea in healthy subjects was observed. Learning from our previous dyspnea model of healthy subjects, we deduced that COVID-19 patients have consistently highly correlated respiratory scores in comparison with normal breathing of healthy subjects. We also performed a continuous assessment of the patient’s respiratory scores for 12–16 h. This study offers a useful system for the symptomatic evaluation of patients with active or chronic respiratory disorders, especially the patient population that refuses to cooperate or cannot communicate due to deterioration or loss of cognitive functions. The proposed system can help identify dyspneic exacerbation, leading to early intervention and possible outcome improvement. Our approach can be potentially applied to other pulmonary disorders, such as asthma, emphysema, and other types of pneumonia.

• Conventional diagnostic modalities focus on tumor phenotypic attributes, limiting utility for early cancer detection. • In situ analysis by MSI offers new perspectives for the diagnosis of pulmonary disorders and biomarker discovery. • MSIcan provide a comprehensive view of the spatial and temporal distribution of drugs in the organism. Mass Spectrometry Imaging (MSI) represents a novel and advancing technology that offers unparalleled in situ characterization of tissues. It provides comprehensive insights into the chemical structures, relative abundances, and spatial distributions of a vast array of both identified and unidentified endogenous and exogenous compounds, a capability not paralleled by existing analytical methodologies. Recent scholarly endeavors have increasingly explored the utility of MSI in the adjunct diagnosis and biomarker research of pulmonary disorders, including but not limited to lung cancer. Concurrently, MSI has proven instrumental in elucidating the spatiotemporal dynamics of various pharmacological agents. This review concisely delineates the fundamental principles underpinning MSI, its applications in pulmonary disease diagnosis, biomarker discovery, and drug distribution investigations. Additionally, it presents a forward-looking perspective on the prospective trajectories of MSI technological advancements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rhamnazin (RN) is a flavonol isolated from the calyxes and fruits of Physalis alkekengi L. var. franchetii (Mast.) Makino, which has been used for treating pulmonary diseases in traditional Chinese medicine. The nuclear factor erythroid 2–related factor 2 (Nrf2) is a therapeutic target for pulmonary diseases. In the present study, the underlying mechanism and pharmacological effect of RN against pulmonary disorders are investigated. Human lung epithelial Beas‐2B cell and RAW 264.7 murine macrophage‐based cell models, and a cigarette smoke (CS)‐induced pulmonary impairment mice model are adopted for investigation in vitro and in vivo. RN is identified to be an Nrf2 activator, which promotes Nrf2 dissociation from Keap1 via reacting with the Cys151 cysteine residue of Keap1, and suppresses Nrf2 ubiquitination. In addition, RN is able to attenuate toxicant‐stimulated oxidative stress and inflammatory response in vitro. Importantly, RN significantly relieves CS‐induced oxidative insult and inflammation, and RN‐induced inhibition of inflammation is related to inhibition of nuclear transcription factor‐κB (NF‐κB) and induction of cell autophagy. In conclusion, our data indicate that RN is an activator of the Nrf2 pathway and evidently alleviates pulmonary disorders via restricting NF‐κB activation and promoting autophagy. RN is a promising candidate for the therapy of pulmonary disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) deficiency is broadly divided into two types, primary and secondary. Primary CoQ10 deficiencies are relatively rare disorders resulting from mutations in genes directly involved in the CoQ10 biosynthetic pathway, and are not a subject of this article. Secondary CoQ10 disorders are relatively common, and may occur for a variety of reasons; these include mutations in genes not directly related to the synthetic pathway, oxidative stress induced reduction of CoQ10, and the effects of pharmacological agents such as statins. CoQ10 is of key importance in cell metabolism; in addition to its role in mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation, it is a major endogenous antioxidant, and has a role in the metabolism of sulphides, lipids and amino acids. Given its importance in cell metabolism, it is unsurprising that secondary CoQ10 deficiency has been linked with a wide range of disorders. In this article, we have reviewed evidence of secondary CoQ10 deficiency in both common and less common disorders, and highlighted those disorders in which CoQ10 supplementation has been shown to be of significant clinical benefit.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a widespread global health problem marked by increasing airflow limitation and chronic airway inflammation. Conventional treatments for COPD offer limited efficacy and have potentially undesirable effects, requiring the investigation of other therapeutic options. Because of their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and bronchodilatory effects, plant-based chemicals have emerged as viable candidates for COPD therapy. The successful delivery of these compounds to the respiratory system, on the other hand, remains an enormous challenge. This extensive review article explores the promising potential of plant-based therapies for COPD and investigates leading-edge nanoformulation technologies targeted at addressing the complex delivery challenges that accompany these natural compounds. We discuss multiple plant-derived compounds (polyphenols, flavonoids, and alkaloids) and their modes of action in reducing COPD-related indications and complications. Additionally, the function of nanotechnology in improving the bioavailability, stability, and targeted delivery of plant-based pharmaceuticals in COPD treatment is explored. Nanoformulation techniques, such as nanoparticles, liposomes, and micelles, are described, with an emphasis on their potential to precisely encapsulate and transport plant-derived bioactive to the afflicted parts of the lung. Furthermore, constraints in the development of plant-based nanoformulations for COPD are also highlighted, including safety, scalability, and regulatory issues. The current review aims to provide a thorough understanding of the promising future of COPD treatment by combining knowledge of plant-based therapies and novel nanoformulation technologies. The intersection of nature-inspired medicines and nanotechnology may hold the key to more effective, safer, and patient-centred therapeutic choices for people suffering from this chronic respiratory illness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Yoga is gaining popularity as an alternative treatment but knowledge of its effects remains limited, particularly among patients with chronic conditions. This randomized controlled pilot-study investigated immediate and long-term effects of a hatha yogic exercises (YE) program as compared to a conventional training program (CTP) on health-related outcomes including anxiety, depression, stress, sleep quality, insomnia, and subjective health complaints (SHC). Patients with obstructive pulmonary disorders (N = 36) were randomized into YE (n = 19) or CTP (n = 17). The YE included a newly developed 12-week program, adapted to the patient group, with two weekly classes delivered by experienced certified instructors. CTP training involved an individually tailored CTP. Questionnaire data were collected at baseline, at 12 weeks, and at a 6-month follow-up. ANOVAs comparing YE and CTP showed statistically significant interaction effects for anxiety and stress. In both groups, effects on anxiety were weak. Decreased stress was found in the CTP only. Separate analyses of each intervention showed consistently and increasing sleep quality in the YE-group between baseline and the 6-month follow-up, and decreasing SHC between baseline and the 12-week follow-up. For CTP, statistically significant effects emerged for both stress and SHC between baseline and the two follow-ups. Overall, comparisons showed more consistent effects of CTP, but for stress only. The findings suggest that YE and CTP effect different outcomes. This points at the importance of deciding which outcome to target when choosing between treatment alternatives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The prevalence of patients with end stage renal disease is increasing. Pulmonary diseases have been suggested to be more common in end stage renal disease patients on haemodialysis. Aim of the work: It was to evaluate the pulmonary function state and the prevalence of pulmonary disorders in hemodialysis patients. Subjects and methods: A retrospective study on 61 patients with chronic renal failure on regular Hemodialysis at El-Hussein University Hospital, Al-Azhar University. Results: The study included 61 chronic renal failure patients fulfilling the inclusion criteria with mean age 54.23 ± 10.07 years that ranged from 26 – 77 years old. Females represent 62.3%, about one third of patients (31.15%) were smokers and slightly more than half of them living in rural areas Pulmonary functions were affected in nearly half of them (restrictive 27.87%, obstructive 14.75% and mixed 6.56%). Variety of pulmonary disorders coexisted in about 69% of patients with 22.95% suffered from pleural effusion, 16.39% had TB, 11.48% and 8.20% developed pulmonary embolism and pulmonary edema respectively and finally community acquired pneumonia and uraemic asthma. Conclusion: Respiratory disorders especially restrictive lung pattern, pleural effusion, pneumonia and pulmonary embolism were associated with end stage renal disease on regular hemodialysis. Recommendation: Any patient with chronic renal failure, especially patients on regular hemodialysis should be observed early for detection of any pulmonary diseases or disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Regulation of T cell-mediated immunity in the lungs is critical for prevention of immune-related lung disorders and for host protection from pathogens. While the prevalent view of pulmonary T cell responses is based on peptide recognition by antigen receptors, called T cell receptors (TCR), on the T cell surface in the context of classical major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules, novel pathways involving the presentation of lipid antigens by cluster of differentiation 1 (CD1) molecules to lipid-reactive T cells are emerging as key players in pulmonary immune system. Whereas, genetic conservation of group II CD1 (CD1d) in mouse and human genomes facilitated numerous in vivo studies of CD1d-restricted invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells in lung diseases, the recent development of human CD1-transgenic mice has made it possible to examine the physiological roles of group I CD1 (CD1a-c) molecules in lung immunity. Here, we discuss current understanding of the biology of CD1-reactive T cells with a specific focus on their roles in several pulmonary disorders.

Regulation of T cell-mediated immunity in the lungs is critical for prevention of immune-related lung disorders and for host protection from pathogens. While the prevalent view of pulmonary T cell responses is based on peptide recognition by antigen receptors, called T cell receptors (TCR), on the T cell surface in the context of classical major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules, novel pathways involving the presentation of lipid antigens by cluster of differentiation 1 (CD1) molecules to lipid-reactive T cells are emerging as key players in pulmonary immune system. Whereas, genetic conservation of group II CD1 (CD1d) in mouse and human genomes facilitated numerous in vivo studies of CD1d-restricted invariant natural killer T (i NKT) cells in lung diseases, the recent development of human CD1-transgenic mice has made it possible to examine the physiological roles of group I CD1 (CD1a-c) molecules in lung immunity. Here, we discuss current understanding of the biology of CD1-reactive T cells with a specific focus on their roles in several pulmonary disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) is the leading cause of mortality and morbidity in preterm neonates that can be diagnosed by clinical and radiographic findings. Surfactants are highly effective for the diminution of neonatal mortality. The question, however, is which type of surfactant is more efficacious. Methods: This was a double-masked randomized clinical trial conducted from November 2015 to November 2016. For this study, 240 preterm neonates with established RDS were recruited who were then equally divided into two major groups. The first group received BLES while the second one received Curosurf. These two major groups were subsequently divided into equal subgroups based on positive and negative maternal history of betamethasone administration. The other demographic characteristics of the enrolled neonates, such as sex, gestational age, and severity of RDS, were matched. Results: The observations showed that maternal betamethasone was associated with the indices like oxygenation index, hospital stay, assisted ventilation, surfactant induced adverse effects, and expenses, but it did not affect the indices such as repetitive doses of surfactants and mortality. The type of applied surfactant was not associated with the aforementioned indices but the expenditure of those receiving BLES was less than that of the opposite group. This could be attributed to the lower cost of BLES. Conclusions: Given the beneficial effects of prenatal corticosteroid administration, it is highly recommended for imminent preterm labor. Furthermore, with respect to almost similar therapeutic efficacy of BLES compared with Curosurf, it can be considered as a valuable candidate for surfactant therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Remote telemonitoring systems have been designed as a response to the new needs of home care for patients with chronic diseases. It also has the potential to ensure appropriate monitoring and treatment of patients as well as reducing the healthcare costs. Telemonitoring has been shown to be able to significantly improve the treatment outcomes of many chronic diseases, including pulmonary disorders, diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Despite the promising results of telemonitoring systems regarding patient management and healthcare costs reduction, usage of this innovative technology is not as widespread as we would expect. The major barriers responsible for this are: unawareness and non-compliance of health care providers and patients, insufficient reimbursement of telemonitoring system expenses by National Health Service (NHS) and health insurance companies, unclear business models and also high costs of making necessary adjustments to change from more conventional systems to the new ones for the healthcare providers. These concerns should be addressed when designing and producing new telemonitoring systems. The focus has to be on making systems that are more user friendly, cost effective, durable with better safety standards. There should be a lot of effort to gain the support of the NHS and health insurance companies as well as to train and educate patients and health care providers in order to make them more compliant. Moreover, specific considerations must be made for special needs groups such as the elderly, those with impaired mental health or the ones that do not have access to computers easily. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Interstitial lung diseases are characterized by varying degrees of inflammation and fibrosis of the lung interstitium. Lung biopsy, though the sine qua non for diagnosis is not feasible at routine health facilities due to its invasive nature. High Resolution Computed Tomography (HRCT) is now a valuable tool for the evaluation of patients with Interstitial Lung Diseases (ILD). But even HRCT is not widely available in India. Spirometry, a non-invasive modality, can be used in detecting the severity of the ILD. Spirometry carries no harmful effects of radiation, is much more easily available compared to HRCT and is also cheaper. Aim: The present study aims at an in-depth HRCT based evaluation of interstitial lung diseases with relevant spirometric correlation. Qualitative as well as semi quantitative features of interstitial lung diseases were assessed on the HRCT scan. Materials and Methods: A total of 60 patients were included in this study conducted at Government Medical College, Patiala. HRCT chest was done on Siemens-Somatom Emotion 6 slice third generation spiral CT scanner using standard protocol in supine position. Lung parenchymal abnormalities were categorized for specific diagnosis. Spirometry was performed using Medisoft Spiro Air dry rolling seal spirometer. Results: Usual Interstitial Pneumonia (UIP) was the most common ILD (55%) found in our study followed by Nonspecific Interstitial Pneumonia (NSIP) (15%) and sarcoidosis (8.33%). HRCT severity had strong and significant negative correlation with spirometry indices, especially Forced Vital Capacity (FVC), followed by Vital Capacity (VC) and least with forced expiratory volume in first second (FEV1). Conclusion: HRCT and spirometry are two simple and reliable noninvasive modalities for the diagnosis. Each ILD presents with its typical HRCT features. HRCT, with relevant clinical and laboratory information, gives a reliable diagnosis of various ILDs. Spirometry with its merits of non-invasiveness, easy availability and low cost is a reliable means for assessing the severity of disease.

Introduction: Interstitial lung diseases are characterized by varying degrees of inflammation and fibrosis of the lung interstitium. Lung biopsy, though the sine qua non for diagnosis is not feasible at routine health facilities due to its invasive nature. High Resolution Computed Tomography (HRCT) is now a valuable tool for the evaluation of patients with Interstitial Lung Diseases (ILD). But even HRCT is not widely available in India. Spirometry, a non-invasive modality, can be used in detecting the severity of the ILD. Spirometry carries no harmful effects of radiation,is much more easily available compared to HRCT and is also cheaper. Aim: The present study aims at an in-depth HRCT based evaluation of interstitial lung diseases with relevant spirometric correlation. Qualitative as well as semi quantitative features of interstitial lung diseases were assessed on the HRCT scan. Material and Methods: A total of 60 patients were included in this study conducted at Government Medical College, Patiala. HRCT chest was done on Siemens-Somatom Emotion 6 slice third generation spiral CT scanner using standard protocol in supine position. Lung parenchymal abnormalities were categorized for specific diagnosis. Spirometry was performed using Medisoft Spiro Air dry rolling seal spirometer. Results: Usual Interstitial Pneumonia (UIP) was the most common ILD (55%) found in our study followed by Nonspecific Interstitial Pneumonia (NSIP) (15%) and sarcoidosis (8.33%). HRCT severity had strong and significant negative correlation with spirometry indices, especially Forced Vital Capacity (FVC), followed by Vital Capacity (VC) and least with forced expiratory volume in first second (FEV1). Conclusion: HRCT and spirometry are two simple and reliable noninvasive modalities for the diagnosis. Each ILD presents with its typical HRCT features. HRCT, with relevant clinical and laboratory information, gives a reliable diagnosis of various ILDs. Spirometry with its merits of non-invasiveness, easy availability and low cost is a reliable means for assessing the severity of disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]