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Delivering Bronchiectasis and NTM Care in Safety-Net Health Systems: A Practical Framework for Implementation

Sep 19, 2026

The authors aim to address the challenges of delivering effective care for bronchiectasis and nontuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) pulmonary disease within under-resourced safety-net health systems, where patients often lack access to specialized care. They propose a practical framework that adapts existing clinical guidelines to these settings by focusing on diagnostic pathways, co-management models, resource-aligned therapies, and culturally responsive education to enhance care delivery and reduce health disparities.

Impact of pre-ICU balanced crystalloids versus saline on mortality in sepsis: a propensity score-matched multicenter cohort study

Sep 19, 2026

The authors aimed to determine the association between the type of crystalloid administered before ICU admission and clinical outcomes in patients with sepsis. Their multicenter cohort study found that the use of balanced crystalloids, compared to saline, was linked to significantly lower 30-day mortality rates and reduced need for renal replacement therapy, suggesting that balanced crystalloids may be a superior choice for initial fluid resuscitation in sepsis.

Non-Cystic Fibrosis Bronchiectasis in the United States: Prevalence Trends in a Large Electronic Health Record Population, 2015-2025

Sep 19, 2026

The authors aimed to investigate the trends in prevalence of non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis in the US primary care population from 2015 to 2025, examining demographic variations and the impact of subspecialist evaluations. Their analysis revealed a significant 133% increase in age-adjusted prevalence, reaching 270.3 per 100,000 patients by 2025, with affected individuals generally being older, predominantly female, and more likely to be white and on Medicare.

Mixed Mucus Plug-Emphysema Subtype and Acute Exacerbation in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Sep 19, 2026

The authors aimed to investigate the prognostic value of quantitative computed tomography-derived mucus plugs and emphysema in predicting acute exacerbations in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Their findings revealed that higher mucus plug scores and the presence of emphysema significantly increased the risk of acute exacerbations, highlighting the importance of these metrics for personalized risk stratification and targeted prevention in COPD management.

Thoracentesis with pleural fluid cytology versus thoracoscopy with pleural biopsy for the diagnosis of malignant pleural effusion: a cost-effectiveness study

Sep 19, 2026

This study investigates the cost-effectiveness of thoracentesis with pleural fluid cytology versus thoracoscopy with pleural biopsy for diagnosing malignant pleural effusion (MPE) in patients with prior or active malignancy. The findings suggest that thoracentesis is more cost-effective as an initial diagnostic strategy when the cytology sensitivity is above 27%, while thoracoscopy is favored for recurrent effusions after a negative thoracentesis.

Multicomponent Pulmonary Rehabilitation for Prolonged Mechanical Ventilation in Patients Aged 80 Years or Older: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Sep 19, 2026

This randomized controlled trial investigates whether a multicomponent pulmonary rehabilitation program can enhance successful weaning from prolonged mechanical ventilation in patients aged 80 years or older. The results indicate that the rehabilitation program significantly increased the weaning success rate (45.3% vs. 12.0%) and improved various physiological outcomes without increasing the risk of deep vein thrombosis or mortality. Overall, the study suggests that such rehabilitation can lead to better recovery in this vulnerable population.

Lung Cancer Screening Uptake Among Adults Newly Eligible Under the 2023 American Cancer Society Guideline Compared With USPSTF-Eligible Adults: A Nationwide Cross-Sectional Study

Sep 18, 2026

This study investigates the differences in lung cancer screening (LCS) uptake between adults newly eligible under the 2023 American Cancer Society (ACS) guidelines and those eligible under the 2021 US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) criteria. The findings reveal that while there is a measurable uptake of LCS among the newly eligible ACS group, it remains significantly lower than that of USPSTF-eligible adults, indicating a need for targeted strategies to improve screening among former smokers with longer cessation histories.

Social Media and Crisis Care Principles During Pandemics and Disasters: A Consensus Report From a Subgroup of the Task Force for Mass Critical Care

Sep 15, 2026

The authors aimed to develop consensus-based recommendations for improving communication and operational coordination in healthcare during pandemics and disasters, drawing on lessons learned from COVID-19. Through a modified Delphi process, they evaluated 147 evidence statements and identified 22 key suggestions, emphasizing the importance of transparent public communication, community engagement, and coordinated planning across healthcare systems to enhance disaster response and patient outcomes. The findings highlight the necessity of investing in communication strategies and interorganizational relationships to build trust and improve system performance during crises.

Optimizing Palliative Care Delivery in the Intensive Care Unit:A Multi-Institutional Qualitative Study of Palliative Care Clinicians' Views on Their Role in the ICU

Sep 10, 2026

This study explores the perspectives of specialty palliative care (SPC) clinicians on when their consultations are most and least beneficial for critically ill patients in the intensive care unit (ICU) and their preferred models for integration. Through interviews with 19 SPC clinicians, the authors identified key themes related to communication, the need for improved primary palliative care skills among intensivists, and the advantages of embedding SPC within ICU teams. The findings suggest that optimizing SPC-ICU collaboration requires a shared understanding of consultation needs and strengthened relationships between SPC and ICU staff.

A 40-Year-Old Woman With Exertional Dyspnea and Unexplained Hypoxia

Sep 9, 2026

The authors present a case of a 40-year-old woman with a history of stage IV lung adenocarcinoma who developed progressive exertional dyspnea and unexplained hypoxia, raising the question of the underlying causes of her respiratory symptoms despite stable disease status. The case highlights the complexities of managing patients with advanced cancer and the need to investigate potential non-tumor-related factors contributing to respiratory distress.