ARISE – International Network for Lung OscIllometry Research
The growing burden of Chronic Respiratory Diseases (CRD’s) across the globe has contributed to immense suffering and death as well as huge economic loss. According to the latest Global Burden of Disease Report, India alone has over 68 million cases of asthma and COPD and an additional number of other chronic respiratory diseases. The current COVID pandemic and its associated lung sequalae is expected to further increase the burden of chronic respiratory diseases. An estimated, 1.16 million people die every year due to asthma and COPD and an additional unknown number due to other chronic lung diseases and COVID lung complications. Chronic lung diseases account for the 2nd leading cause of deaths and suffering in India.
A large number of subjects with chronic lung diseases, including asthma and COPD remain undiagnosed and therefore untreated, furthering the suffering and deaths associated with this. More than 95% of community-based COPD patients remain undiagnosed in India and the numbers are not too different for asthma. Among the various contributing factors for under-diagnosis, lack of an easy to perform simple diagnostic tool is a major cause. Spirometry is currently the Gold Standard diagnostic test for asthma and COPD, but it has several limitations and in the current COVID pandemic use of spirometry is not recommended because of its aerosol generating nature.
The Forced Oscillometry Technique/Impulse Oscillometry System (FOT/IOS) are lung oscillometry techniques which emit single/multiple frequency pressure waves, that are superimposed on the tidal breathing. The resulting impedance, resistance and reactance parameters help indicate obstructive airways diseases and its predominant location, as well as some lung parenchymal diseases. The FOT/IOS does not require much patient effort and can easily be performed in children as young as 3 years as well as elderly and patients on ventilator. Lung Oscillometry is fast emerging as an important diagnostic tool for various lung diseases. Yet, the knowledge generation in this field is grossly inadequate. Many physicians are also not aware about this useful diagnostic tool.
The International Network for Lung Oscillometry Research (ARISE) aims to enhance and promote the application of FOT/IOS in the diagnosis of asthma, COPD and other chronic lung diseases, not only in India but across the globe through high quality scientific research and advocacy. Research questions that address the fundamental application of the lung oscillometry will be undertaken in the form of multi-centric, standardized, quality research methods. The resulting new knowledge will be published in international peer reviewed journals. The ARISE network will be operationalized by Chest Research and Training (CREST) with an expert and dedicated team of clinicians and scientists. The team comprises of eminent researchers from the erstwhile Chest Research Foundation, where a lot of fundamental research was initiated.