Research To Read, Edition 3.
In the third edition of Research To Read, let’s read some research papers related to Pulmonology, the medical branch of study for the respiratory system. Quite coincidentally, I’m also going to be reviewing abstract submissions for a pulmonology conference through March, so I guess this was a good warmup :))
What is the R2R newsletter all about?
To recap, this newsletter is my 2025 resolution in action: to make reading medical research a consistent habit. Just like any muscle that needs regular exercise, the only way to strengthen this practice is by doing it—repeatedly.
That’s the motivation behind Research to Read. It's a way for me to share the research I’m diving into, while also expanding my own knowledge. And I’m inviting my fellow medicos to join me on this journey. We all stand to benefit from staying informed and sharpening our understanding of the latest studies in our field.
So, let’s get into the research, together!
Before you dive in:
Pulmonary Pioneers: Trailblazing Advances in the World of Lung Medicine is a great article by Dr. Arun Arora outlining some of the most significant discoveries and innovations in the field of pulmonology and is a fun way to start off your reading.
Here’s my list of research papers to read:
Impact of Dyspnea on Adults With Respiratory Symptoms Without a Defined Diagnosis
Impact of Dyspnea on Adults With Respiratory Symptoms Without a Defined Diagnosis Bierbrier, Jared et al. CHEST, Volume 166, Issue 6, 1296 - 1308
This study talks about the role of diagnosing preserved ratio impaired spirometry (PRISm) in the diagnosis of dyspnea and utilizes various questionnaires such as the Asthma Screening Questionnaire (ASQ), COPD Assessment Test (CAT) questionnaire, St. George’s Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) and the Short Form Health Survey questionnaire.
The results of this study show that individuals with PRISm exhibited the greatest impact of dyspnea, even higher than those newly diagnosed with asthma or COPD, facing difficulties with quality of life, decreased work productivity and also result in increasing burden to the healthcare system.
Read it here: https://journal.chestnet.org/article/S0012-3692(24)05133-X/fulltext
2. International Variation in Severe Exacerbation Rates in Patients With Severe Asthma
International Variation in Severe Exacerbation Rates in Patients With Severe Asthma Lee, Tae Yoon et al. CHEST, Volume 166, Issue 1, 28 - 38
This study explores the setting-specific influences on asthma exacerbation risk, which is considered for designing disease management strategies. Using data from the International Severe Asthma Registry, participants who were >18 yrs of age with no h/o biologics treatment were selected from 2015 to 2021. With this, 17 core patient prognostic characteristics were extracted, showing substantial between-country differences in various aspects described in detail.
Studies like this aim to improve representability and generalizability in asthma care worldwide.
Read it here: https://journal.chestnet.org/article/S0012-3692(24)00264-2/fulltext
3. Exacerbation History and Risk of Myocardial Infarction and Pulmonary Embolism in COPD
Exacerbation History and Risk of Myocardial Infarction and Pulmonary Embolism in COPD Wallström, Oskar et al. CHEST, Volume 166, Issue 6, 1347 - 1359
This study sets out to answer the question of whether the number and severity of acute exacerbations in COPD are associated with increased risk of MI and pulmonary embolism using a real-life cohort of COPD patients aged >30 yrs from the SNAR (Swedish National Airway Registry) from January 2014 to June 2022.
I liked this paper for it’s splendid visual representation of the cohort design and the succinct take-home points.
Read it here: https://journal.chestnet.org/article/S0012-3692(24)04880-3/pdf
4. Clinical Features, Diagnostics, Etiology, and Outcomes of Hospitalized Solid Organ Recipients With Community-Acquired Pneumonia
Clinical Features, Diagnostics, Etiology, and Outcomes of Hospitalized Solid Organ Recipients With Community-Acquired Pneumonia Joean, Oana et al. CHEST, Volume 166, Issue 4, 697 - 707
This studies the correlation between community-acquired pneumonia and solid organ transplant patients after classifying the study group according to the type of transplant and the adverse outcomes noted.
The study included 403 hospitalisations and 333 solid organ transplant recipients, this is one of the most extensive reports of clinical features, etiology, diagnostics, and outcomes in hospitalised patients with CAP after solid organ transplant.
Read it here: https://journal.chestnet.org/article/S0012-3692(24)00671-8/fulltext
5. Precision Solutions- A Strategy to Improve Medical Care for Patients With Pulmonary Hypertension in Latin America
Precision Solutions Orozco-Levi, Mauricio et al. CHEST, Volume 165, Issue 3, 669 - 672
Starting with a multinational survey with eight domains on the state of pulmonary hypertension (PH) in the United States and Latin America, this study uses these findings to propose “precise solutions” to improve health outcomes and reduce health disparities in the care for PH. It also expands on the potential benefits, feasibility and ways to implement it.
Read it here: https://journal.chestnet.org/article/S0012-3692(23)05676-3/fulltext
…and that brings us to the end of the third edition of Research to Read!!
I hope you enjoyed it and look forward to reading more research along with me, where I’ll be diving into research rooted in different medical specialties :)
Check out Research to Read, Edition 1 and Research to Read, Edition 2 here.
To get updates on future newsletter editions, please subscribe and if you have any suggestions, write to me at srinivasannanditha@gmail.com
