Introduction to CIPP V: A paediatric forum for respiratory disease

This special issue presents a selection of research and review articles from the Fifth International Congress on Pediatric Pulmonology (CIPP V) that was held in February 2002, 18−21, in Nice, France. Building on its tradition of excellence, the CIPP V offered in-depth, state of the art updates on major aspects of Paediatric Pulmonology, including coverage of basic mechanisms relevant to current understanding and management of paediatric pulmonary diseases. Specific problems pertaining to the practice of Paediatric Pulmonology in developing countries constituted a major element of the program, and thereby provided ample opportunities for discussion and interaction among colleagues practicing in such countries. Approximately 800 practicing physicians and scientists from over 25 countries attended the conference. Furthermore, more than 100 invited speakers representing the best expertise available in the areas covered by CIPP V contributed to the program through their lectures, and provided ample opportunities for discussion and interactions. The full program of the meeting, including abstracts of all poster presentations, is available at: http://www.cipp-meeting.com/CIPP5/index.htm Like the previous conferences, CIPP V introduced or highlighted a number of new areas that have only recently gained recognition in our discipline. For example, exercise testing in children and its implications to child well-being and growth were covered in a postgraduate course. Similarly another course focused on paediatric bronchoscopy, while noninvasive ventilation was address through the age spectrum. As would be expected, asthma took a prominent place in CIPP V, and topics ranging from genetics, immunology, environmental factors, clinical approaches to infants and children presenting with wheezing, as well as the role of steroids and of other novel interventions were all covered over the 3 days of the meeting. Similarly, the various infectious diseases that can lead to pulmonary involvement were extensively discussed and presentations ranged from basic mechanisms to clinical applications and diagnostic approaches. In this CIPP V, the transition from fetal life to the neonatal period was emphasised and novel concepts on lung growth, ontogeny of pulmonary circulation, congenital anomalies, as well as the care and antecedents of chronic lung disease in premature infants were all thoroughly discussed through a series of outstanding and complementary presentations. Of course, sessions dealing with cystic fibrosis and paediatric sleep disorders were also part of the expanded variety of issues and topics that were covered in this venue of CIPP. The organizers of the meeting thank Drs. JeanPaul Praud (President), Nemr Eid (Vice-President) and all the members of the Scientific Committee for their input and contributions to the organisation of scientific sessions. Special thanks are due to Dr. Annie Bidart and her staff for the superb on-site management of the conference. This special issue presents a sampler of topics covered at the meeting that are of particular interest to the readership of Paediatric Respiratory Reviews. The Guest Editors (D.G. and B.K.R.) and the Editorin-Chief of the journal thank all the contributing authors and hope that this special issue will be both timely and useful.