About Us

Head: Stefano Nava
Secretary: Bernd Schonhofer

Respiratory failure is the principal reason for intensive care admission. Although the field involves many different specialties, there is a strong tradition of research and training among pneumologists.
There are presently two Groups in this Assembly.

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Group 02.01 Acute Critical Care

Chair: Paolo Pelosi
Secretary: Antonio Artigas

This Group is dedicated to the diagnosis, monitoring, treatment and pathogenesis of acute respiratory failure in both acute and chronic lung disease, including respiratory infections, both community-acquired and ventilator-associated. Acute respiratory failure and respiratory infections are still associated with a high mortality, often due to sepsis and multi-organ failure. Our Group hosts pneumologists, intensivists, anaesthesiologists, physiologists, infectiologists, surgeons and other specialists reflecting the interdisciplinary approach to this field. We contribute to the organisation of Symposia, Postgraduate Courses and other activities intended to facilitate an interactive and scientifically valid exchange of knowledge with well-recognised experts. It offers a platform for the expansion of expertise in established concepts and the introduction of new and alternative approaches in the management and diagnosis of patients with acute respiratory failure and respiratory infections.

Active participation can help to achieve the most important aim of this Group: to improve the care of patients suffering from acute respiratory failure and respiratory infections. Joining our Group provides a direct connection to clinicians, academics, researchers and allied respiratory professionals working in this field.

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Group 02.02 Noninvasive Ventilatory Support

Chair: Jean-Francois Muir
Secretary: Paolo Navalesi

Non-invasive mechanical ventilation was initially applied to treat severe episodes of acute respiratory failure in patients with chronic pulmonary disease, but is now increasingly used to support those with acute hypoxaemic respiratory failure. Indeed, this technique has been widely used on a chronic basis to improve gas exchange, symptoms and survival in patients affected by several forms of restrictive thoracic disease.

The ERS is the only international society that includes a group specifically dedicated to this appealing technique. Chronic respiratory patients develop, sooner or later, acute or chronic respiratory failure, so that almost all the Departments of Pneumology have to face this problem. Important technological aspects are being developed nowadays and a clear need for harmonisation of practice has appeared between the European countries. By joining our Group, experience in this fascinating field will be increased; the exchange of ideas and opinions with European colleagues will become possible; and, lastly, opportunities to actively participate in large multicentre studies will arise.