[Pathophysiology of interstitial lung disease]. / Physiopathologie des pneumopathies interstitielles diffuses.

Chronic interstitial lung disease (ILD) groups a number of diseases with the common feature of radiological pulmonary infiltration, typical functional syndrome, and diffuse involvement of the deep pulmonary parenchyma identified histologically. Correlations between histological and radiological findings have enabled progress in both fields, leading to better interpretation of the radiological findings and optimizing the etiological diagnosis. Besides the signs themselves, their distribution in relation to the normal lung structures is highly contributive. Function tests can be used to quantify the impact on the respiratory system and assess the effect of treatment. Evidence-based criteria will progressively replace the consensual criteria enabling more effective evaluation of treatment in difficult pathological conditions such as idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.

[Severe dehydration and August 2003 heat wave in a cohort of adults with cystic fibrosis]. / Déshydratation sévère, conséquence de la canicule d'août 2003 sur une cohorte d'adultes atteints de mucoviscidose.

OBJECTIVE: To study dehydration related to the August 2003 heat wave in France in a cohort of adults with cystic fibrosis. Method Retrospective study of the telephone calls received from and hospital admissions of all adult cystic fibrosis patients (n=245) regularly followed in our specialized clinic. RESULTS: Six patients developed extracellular dehydration with functional kidney failure concomitant to intracellular dehydration with hypokalemia and hypochloremia. Rehydration measures normalized the blood chemistry measures within 48 hours for all patients except one, who died of malignant hyperthermia. CONCLUSION: In hot weather, it is essential for patients with cystic fibrosis to take measures (hydration, salt supplementation) to prevent severe dehydration.