CHESTSoundings

 This summary will provide a review of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) cases. The cases will encompass the diversity of etiologies and characteristics of patients with PAH.

 This summary will address the root of the differences and the scientific studies on this topic, and suggest steps toward resolution.

 This summary will provide a review of the current GOLD guideline recommendations and discuss the risks and benefits of long-acting β-agonist, anticholinergic, and corticosteroid therapies.

 This summary will provide an introduction to ongoing clinical trials in the areas of interstitial lung disease, pulmonary hypertension, and COPD.

 This summary will provide a description of the tools and skills required to translate theory into the practice of venous thromboembolism (VTE) prevention in hospitalized patients.

COPD is often misdiagnosed, and people with COPD are commonly treated for asthma. Primary care physicians indicate that they prescribe similar medications for COPD and asthma, even though the appropriate treatments differ.

The use of spirometry for the early detection of COPD has become a topic of controversy since 1999, when CHEST published the National Lung Health Education Program (NLHEP) guidelines recommending office spirometry testing for all smokers over the age of 45 years.

Experts in the field will provide up-to-date information on clinical areas of patient assessment and the use of tools to evaluate sedation, agitation, pain, and delirium; the pharmacologic use of sedative and analgesic agents; and delirium. Follow-up case study questions will reiterate information provided during the lectures.

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a progressive cardiopulmonary vascular disease characterized by right ventricular failure, substantial morbidity, and high mortality. Effective management of PAH is enhanced by earlier recognition and early and aggressive management.