LUNG FUNCTION COURSE

Part 1: Online presentations with multiple-choice questions
1.1 Reference values
1.2 Spirometry – Slow and forced vital capacity manoeuvres – Flow-volume loop
1.3 Bronchoprovocation testing (methacholine, histamine, adenosine, exercise)
1.4 Physiology of static lung volumes, compliance
1.5 Body plethysmography (TGV-Raw)
1.6 FRC measurement using multiple-breath techniques: the helium dilution and the N₂ wash-out techniques
1.7 Resistance measurements (oscillometry)
1.8 New techniques for assessing airway inflammation

Part 2: On-campus sessions
1.1 Lung function and its role in the diagnosis and management of asthma and COPD
1.2 Reversibility of airway obstruction in asthma and COPD (theory)
1.3 Interactive session on the interpretation of obstructive disorders. Cases of asthma versus COPD
1.4 How to organise a pulmonary function laboratory – Quality control (theory)
1.5 How to write a good protocol – automated protocols (theory)
1.6 Case series

Part 1: Online presentations with multiple-choice questions
2.1 Diffusion capacity of the lung
2.2 Gas exchange, hypoxaemia (heart and lung failure) and blood gases
2.3 Assessment of respiratory muscle function
2.4 Functional evaluation of the pulmonary circulation
2.5 External factors and pulmonary function
2.6 Neuropsychological assessment of dyspnoea
2.7 Hyperventilation syndrome

Part 2: On-campus sessions
2.1 Restrictive syndromes, assessment and longitudinal follow-up (theory)
2.2 Are your lungs fit to dive?
2.3 Restriction: parenchymal vs. thoracic wall vs. neuromuscular disorders. Case
studies 2.4 Interpretation of diffusion disorders and gas exchange. Case
studies 2.5 Fit to dive. Case
studies 2.6 Shunt calculation
2.7 Fit to fly test
2.8 Oxygen therapy and conventions
2.9 Case studies

Part 1: Online presentations with multiple-choice questions
3.1 Breathing and sleep: from physiology to pathophysiology (of obstructive sleep apnoea, central sleep apnoea and sleep hypoventilation)
3.2 Scoring sleep-related breathing abnormalities using polysomnography – polygraphy
3.3 A multidisciplinary approach to central sleep apnoea and sleep hypoventilation caused by neuromuscular disease and heart failure
3.4 Exercise physiology: Cardiovascular and ventilatory response to exercise
3.5 Exercise pathophysiology: factors
limiting exercise 3.6 Functional capacity and physical activity
3.7 Pre-operative lung function in lung resection and general anaesthesia

Part 2: On-campus sessions
3.1 Exercise testing – endurance testing – physical activity: practical considerations (theory)
3.2 Practical interpretation of exercise testing – interpretation algorithms
3.3 Exercise testing. Case
studies 3.4 Treatment options for sleep disorders
3.5 CPAP, APAP, ASV, BiPAP, NIV, …: what are they all about?
3.6 Interactive workshop with real-life polysomnography (case studies)