Dr. Ricardo Jose

Insights into Personalised Medicine in Bronchiectasis

Bronchiectasis is a heterogenous disease with multiple aetiologies resulting in inflammation and dilatation of the airways with associated mucus production and chronic respiratory infection. The condition is being recognised ever more frequently as the availability of computed tomography increases. It is associated with significant morbidity and healthcare-related costs. With new understanding of the disease process, varying endotypes, identification of underlying causes and treatable traits, the management of bronchiectasis can be increasingly personalised.

Airway disease in hematologic malignancies

Introduction: Hematologic malignancies are cancers of the blood, bone marrow and lymph nodes and represent a heterogenous group of diseases that affect people of all ages. Treatment generally involves chemotherapeutic or targeted agents that aim to kill malignant cells. In some cases, hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HCT) is required to replenish the killed blood and stem cells. Both disease and therapies are associated with pulmonary complications. As survivors live longer with the disease and are treated with novel agents that may result in secondary immunodeficiency, airway diseases and respiratory infections will increasingly be encountered. To prevent airways diseases from adding to the morbidity of survivors or leading to long-term mortality, improved understanding of the pathogenesis and treatment of viral bronchiolitis, BOS, and bronchiectasis is necessary. Areas covered: This review focuses on viral bronchitis, BOS and bronchiectasis in people with hematological malignancy. Literature was reviewed from Pubmed for the areas covered. Expert opinion: Airway disease impacts significantly on hematologic malignancies. Viral bronchiolitis, BOS and bronchiectasis are common respiratory manifestations in hematological malignancy. Strategies to identify patients early in their disease course may improve the efficacy of treatment and halt progression of lung function decline and improve quality of life.

Pneumococcal Vaccination in Immunocompromised Hosts: An Update

Infections with the pathogen, Streptococcus pneumoniae, are a common cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. It particularly affects those at the extremes of age and immunocompromised individuals. Preventing pneumococcal disease is paramount in at risk individuals, and pneumococcal vaccination should be offered. Here, we discuss the role of pneumococcal vaccination in specific groups of immunocompromised hosts.