The GOLD guidelines recommend regular physical activity in all patients with stable COPD. How we operationalize this is completely unclear. We know pulmonary rehab works but few patients are referred and fewer participate. We also know physical activity, not just exercise, directly measured in the field is associated with COPD-specific outcomes such as acute exacerbations, hospitalizations and death. How do we bring ...more »

Does prednisone therapy improve outcomes in acute exacerbation of IPF?

Continued and expanded support for the Cardiothoracic Surgical Trials Network (CTSN) and Pediatric Heart Network (PHN) is essential as both design, conduct, and analyze multiple, collaborative clinical trials that evaluate surgical interventions, and related management approaches for the treatment of cardiovascular disease. To date both networks have reported on and developed a portfolio of studies which need continued ...more »

Can we manipulate the microbiome to modify disease?

The two obstacles to warfarin therapy (keeping the INR in range and the associated hassles of frequent lab visits) can be eliminated by INR self testing and online "virtual clinic" monitoring and management (as demonstrated in six small studies. Achieving an INR percent time in range of approximately 75% to 80% is associated with a 50% or lower rate of thromboembolism and major bleeding. The studies of new oral anticoagulants ...more »

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a complex, progressive condition characterized by high blood pressure in the lungs. For several decades, oral anticoagulation has been recommended by some societies for patients with a specific form of PH called pulmonary arterial hypertension. However, the evidence currently supporting this recommendation is very limited. To date, no prospective randomized clinical trial has been completed ...more »

What are the optimal strategies for transfusion of blood products in pediatric and neonatal population?

What are the causative factors underlying the disparity in prevalence and progression of various vascular disorders (PAD, CVD, aneurysm) across populations?

What therapeutic strategies can reduce tissue and organ injury caused by total body ischemia and reperfusion?

What is the contribution of airways disease to acute and chronic pulmonary distress?

This palliative care process permits a natural death. The process is largely unstandardized and reflects local practice customs. In fact, the process may vary across ICUs and even within an ICU based on whose attending the patient. This process continues to be an under-investigated area of ICU care for terminally ill patients undergoing terminal ventilator withdrawal.

Is there a role for statins and/or ACE-inhibitor medications in patients with more mild COPD who do not present with acute exacerbations?