Between 5 and 9 September, the European Respiratory Society (ERS) congress was held in Barcelona. As part of the meeting, the most relevant event in the field of respiratory diseases worldwide, more than thirty studies involving professionals from the Vall d’Hebron Research Institute (VHIR) were presented.

During the days of the congress, around ten presentations featured the participation of researchers from the Pneumology group, including Dr. Marc Miravitlles, Dr. Eva Revilla, Dr. Eva Polverino and Dr. Miriam Barrecheguren. The topics discussed included exacerbations and clinical challenges in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), the use of smart antibiotics for pneumonia, the management of bronchiectasis, among others. As part of the congress, Dr. Marc Miravitlles was also presented as the new president of the ERS for the 2026-2027 period.

From the Growth and Development group at VHIR, Dr. Inés de Mir participated in a round table on transition in respiratory diseases, specifically severe asthma. Adolescence and the transition to adult care are periods of particular vulnerability in the disease, with poorer control and adherence and higher morbidity and mortality and use of healthcare resources. The session highlighted the need for a specific approach and follow-up during this stage.

Pollution and alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency among the highlighted studies

In addition, around thirty posters from Vall d’Hebron were presented, highlighting new developments in research into lung diseases.

Among them was a study on pollution and respiratory health led by Dr. María Jesús Cruz, head of the Pneumology group at VHIR, and Dr. Xavier Muñoz, head of the Pneumology Department at Vall d’Hebron University Hospital and a researcher in the same group, and presented by Dr. David Soler, a postdoctoral researcher in the group. The aim of the study was to analyse how traffic-related air pollution in Barcelona affects people with asthma at a molecular level. The results show that, after two hours of exposure, people with asthma have a lower protective response to inflammation caused by pollution than healthy people, and point to microRNAs as possible early biomarkers for identifying people who are more vulnerable to the effects of pollution.

Also noteworthy is the work by Dr. Miriam Barrecheguren and Dr. Marc Miravitlles, researchers in the Pneumology group, on alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, a genetic disease that causes lung damage. Through analyses of data from the international EARCO registry, with more than 5,000 patients from 26 countries, they studied the impact of alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency on the quality of life of affected individuals. The results show that factors such as age, lung function and respiratory exacerbations play a relevant role, and highlight the importance of specialised follow-up at referral centres.

The Growth and Development group also presented a study as part of the multicentre CASAM study on the safety of the drug mepolizumab for severe asthma. The project followed 145 patients with severe asthma for two years.

An opportunity to raise awareness of the importance of respiratory health

As part of the congress, several activities were also organised to raise public awareness of respiratory health, with the support of the European Lung Foundation.

On Friday 4, at the Palau Macaya in Barcelona, the launch of the Healthy Lungs for Life (HLfL) project was held, an international public health campaign to promote lung health through tests such as spirometry, public education, communication and outreach activities. The programme will work with schools and families to raise awareness, particularly of the impact of pollution. Dr. Miravitlles moderated the session.

On the other hand, an event was also organised on Sunday 6 at Plaça Universitat to offer members of the public the opportunity to undergo spirometry and learn first-hand about their lung health.