Charles G. Alex
M.D., FCCP
Professor
FCO Division Director, Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine
Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine
CONTACT INFORMATION
Specialties
Lung Transplant, Interstitial Lung Disease, Critical Care
Locations
Edward Hines, Jr. VA Hospital
RML Specialty Hospital
Board Certifications
Critical Care - Subspecialty Cert: AM Board of Internal Medicine
Internal Medicine - General Cert: AM Board of Internal Medicine
Pulmonary Disease - Subspecialty Cert: AM Board of Internal Medicine
Publications
The prevalence and extent of gastroesophageal reflux disease correlates to the type of lung transplantation.Fisichella,P. M.; Davis,C. S.; Shankaran,V.; Gagermeier,J.; Dilling,D.; Alex,C. G.; Kovacs,E. J.; Joehl,R. J.; Love,R. B.Surgical laparoscopy, endoscopy & percutaneous techniques 2012 ;22(1):46-51
Functional Performance in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Declines with TimeKapella,M. C.; Larson,J. L.; Covey,M. K.; Alex,C. G.Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise 2011 ;43(2):218-224
The protective role of laparoscopic antireflux surgery against aspiration of pepsin after lung transplantation.Fisichella,P. M.; Davis,C. S.; Lundberg,P. W.; Lowery,E.; Burnham,E. L.; Alex,C. G.; Ramirez,L.; Pelletiere,K.; Love,R. B.; Kuo,P. C.; Kovacs,E. J.SURGERY 2011 ;150(4):598-606
Laparoscopic Antireflux Surgery for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease After Lung TransplantationFisichella,P. M.; Davis,C. S.; Gagermeier,J.; Dilling,D.; Alex,C. G.; Dorfmeister,J. A.; Kovacs,E. J.; Love,R. B.; Gamelli,R. L.The Journal of surgical research 2011 ; ( ):
Laparoscopic antireflux surgery for gastroesophageal reflux disease after lung transplantation.Fisichella,P. M.; Davis,C. S.; Gagermeier,J.; Dilling,D.; Alex,C. G.; Dorfmeister,J. A.; Kovacs,E. J.; Love,R. B.; Gamelli,R. L.JOURNAL OF SURGICAL RESEARCH 2011 ;170(2):e279-86
A review of the potential applications and controversies of non-invasive testing for biomarkers of aspiration in the lung transplant populationDavis,C. S.; Gagermeier,J.; Dilling,D.; Alex,C.; Lowery,E.; Kovacs,E. J.; Love,R. B.; Fisichella,P. M.CLINICAL TRANSPLANTATION 2010 ;24(3):E54-61
Gastroesophageal reflux disease after lung transplantation: pathophysiology and implications for treatmentDavis,C. S.; Shankaran,V.; Kovacs,E. J.; Gagermeier,J.; Dilling,D.; Alex,C. G.; Love,R. B.; Sinacore,J.; Fisichella,P. M.DISEASES OF THE ESOPHAGUS 2010 ;23(Supp1):1A-134A
Gastroesophageal reflux disease after lung transplantation: pathophysiology and implications for treatment.Davis,C. S.; Shankaran,V.; Kovacs,E. J.; Gagermeier,J.; Dilling,D.; Alex,C. G.; Love,R. B.; Sinacore,J.; Fisichella,P. M.SURGERY 2010 ;148(4):737-744
End stage renal disease in lung transplant recipients. Abstract TH-P0984 presented at the American Society of Nephrology Annual Meeting.Khanna,R.; Kramer,H. J.; Potluri,K.; Chang,A.; Alex,C.; Pelletiere,K.; Holt,D. R.JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN SOCIETY OF NEPHROLOGY 2010 ; ( ):
Reduction in Venous Thromboembolism Following Prophylaxis Modification in Lung Transplantation PatientsGagermeier,J. P.; Alex,C. G.; Dilling,D. F.; Patel,T.; Wigfield,C. H.; Love,R. B.JOURNAL OF HEART AND LUNG TRANSPLANTATION 2010 ;29(2):s132
Increased incidence of Ganciclovir resistance in Cystic Fibrosis Patients following lung transplantation. Meeting Abstract # A1825Gagermeier,J. P.; Alex,C. G.; Dilling,D. F.; Rusinak,J.; Lurain,N.; Love,R. B. 2010 ;181( ):
Subtherapeutic Ganciclovir Levels Result in Resistant CMV in Lung Transplantation PatientsGagermeier,J. P.; Alex,C. G.; Dilling,D. F.; Rusinak,J.; O'Keefe,P.; Lurain,N. S.JOURNAL OF HEART AND LUNG TRANSPLANTATION 2010 ;29(2):s67
Peri-Operative Hyperglycemia and Acute Cellular Rejection 12 Months after Lung TransplantationIndacochea,S.; DePorre,A.; Dilling,D. F.; Emanuele,N. V.; Gagermeier,J. P.; Wigfield,C. H.; Alex,C. G.; Love,R. B.; Emanuele,M. A.JOURNAL OF HEART AND LUNG TRANSPLANTATION 2010 ;29(2):s134
A detailed analysis of perioperative outcomes of lung transplant patients undergoing laparoscopic atireflux surgery (LARS) for GERD: How safe is it?Shankaran,V.; Davis,C. S.; Kovacs,E. J.; Gagermeier,J.; Dilling,D.; Alex,C. G.; Love,R. B.; Sinacore,J.; Fisichella,P. M.DISEASES OF THE ESOPHAGUS 2010 ;23(Supp1):14A
Donation after Cardiac Death (DCD) Lung Allografts Have a Low Incidence of Primary Graft Dysfunction (PGD) after Transplantation (LTx)Wigfield,C. H.; Smith,J. W.; Alex,C.; D'Allessandro,T.; Love,R. B.JOURNAL OF HEART AND LUNG TRANSPLANTATION 2010 ;29(2):S45
The Lung Allocation Score: (LAS) Evaluation from Transplant Coordinators' PerspectiveMahoney,E.; Johnson,J.; Wigfield,C.; Alex,C. G.; Love,R.The Journal of Heart and Lung Transplantation 2009 ;28(1):S187
Long Term Follow-Up in the AIRSAC Trial, a Multicenter Randomized Clinical Trial in Lung Transplant RecipientsAlex,C. G.; Vigneswaran,W.; Charbeneau,J.; Drishnan,J.; Durazo,R.; Garrity,E.; Bhorade,S. M.; Abya,V.; Kotloff,R.; Baz,M.; Valentine,V.; Arcasoy,S.; Love,R.; Bag,R.The Journal of Heart and Lung Transplantation 2009 ;28(2):S119-S120
Donor Lung Procurement Analysis of 1886 Consecutive OffersTsirline,V.; Mahoney,E.; Johnson,J.; Alex,C. G.; Love,R.American Journal of Respiratory & Critical Care Medicine 2009 ;179(4):A4607
Do Short Waitlist Times Negatively Impact Outcomes after Lung Transplantation?Dilling,D. F.; Wigfield,C.; Gagermeier,J.; Alex,C. G.; Love,R.The Journal of Heart and Lung Transplantation 2009 ;28(2):S300-S301
Efficacy of Dobutamine Stress Echocardiography in Cardiac Evaluation for Lung TransplantationLome,S.; Jeff,F.; Ling,F.; Dilling,D.; Love,R.; Wigfield,C.; Gagermeier,J.; Alex,C. G.; Dieter,R.; Leya,F.The Journal of Heart and Lung Transplantation 2009 ;28(2):S99-S100
Factors related to adherence to training in COPDCovey,M.; Larson,J.; Kapella,M.; Collins,E.; Alex,C. G.; Sibilano,H.American Journal of Respiratory & Critical Care Medicine 2009 ;179(4):A2300
Increased Mortality in Ganciclovir Resistant CMV Infection in Lung TransplantationGagermeier,J.; Alex,C. G.; Dilling,D. F.; Love,R.; Wigfield,C.; Rusinak,J.; O'Keefe,P.; Schriever,C.; Lurain,N.The Journal of Heart and Lung Transplantation 2009 ;28(2):S292
Sirolimus Is Associated with an Increase Risk of Venous Thromboembolism in Lung TransplantationMcShane,P.; Bhorade,S.; Baz,M.; Valentine,S.; Love,R.; Seethamraju,H.; Garrity,E.; Alex,C. G.; Bag,R.; Vigneswaran,W.; Charbeneau,J.; Krisbanan,J.; Durazo,R.; Abya,V.The Journal of Heart and Lung Transplantation 2009 ;28(2):S139
Comparison of Infection Rates between Sirolimus and Azathioprine in a Tacrolimus Based Immunosuppressive Regimen after Lung TransplantationBhorade,S.; Baz,M.; Abya,V.; Seethamraju,H.; Valentine,V.; Arcasoy,S.; Love,R.; DeOliveira,N.; Alex,C. G.; Vigneswaran,W.; Krishnan,J. A.; Charbeneau,J.; Garrity,E. R.American Journal of Respiratory & Critical Care Medicine 2008 ;177(4):A394
Cylex ImmuKnow assay levels are lower in lung transplant recipients with infection.Bhorade,S. M.; Janata,K.; Vigneswaran,W. T.; Alex,C. G.; Garrity,E. R.Journal of Heart & Lung Transplantation 2008 ;27(9):990-994
Effects of 16 Weeks of Upper Body Resistance Training with Exercise-Specific Self-Efficacy in COPDCovey,M. K.; Larson,J. L.; Kapella,M. K.; Alex,C. G.; Sibilano,H.American Journal of Respiratory & Critical Care Medicine 2008 ;177(4):A558
Comparison of a Tacrolimus/Sirolimus/Prednisone Regimen Versus Tacrolimus/Azathioprine/Prednisone Immunosuppressive Regimen in Lung TransplantationBhorade,S.; Baz,M.; Abya,V.; Seethamaraju,H.; Valentine,V.; Arcasoy,S.; Love,R.; Alex,C. G.; Vigneswaran,W.; Krishnan,J.; Charbeneau,J.; Garrity,E.The Journal of Heart and Lung Transplantation 2008 ;27(2):S207
Early re-admission is a predictor of survival following isolated lung transplantationLamounier,F.; Bhorade,S.; Garrity,E.; Alex,C. G.; Hellenowski,M.; Pelletiere,K.; Vigneswaran,W.The Journal of Heart and Lung Transplantation 2007 ;26(2):S99
Elevation of interleukin-15 protein expression in bronchoalveolar fluid in acute lung allograft rejection.Bhorade,S. M.; Yu,A.; Vigneswaran,W. T.; Alex,C. G.; Garrity,E. R.CHEST 2007 ;131(2):533-538
Chronic kidney disease in recipients of lung transplants. Presented at the American Society of Nephrology Annual Meeting, 2007.Patel,A. N.; Khanna,R.; Peplow,N.; Alex,C.; Holt,D. R.; Hou,S. H.JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN SOCIETY OF NEPHROLOGY 2007 ;18( ):
Stroke and myocardial infarction as late complications of lung transplantation.Johnston,S. L.; Halabi,S.; Cohoon,K.; Alex,C. G.; Hutchens,K.; Leya,F.Journal of Heart & Lung Transplantation 2007 ;26(10):1065-1068
Fighting the ventilatorTobin,M. J.; Alex,C. G.; Fahey,P. J. 2006 ; (Pt. XIII, Chapter 53):1121-1136
Longitudinal changes in inspiratory muscle strengthCovey,M.; Larson,J.; Kapella,N.; Alex,C. G.; Albazzaz,F.American Journal of Respiratory & Critical Care Medicine 2005 ;2( ):A51
Longitudinal decline in functional performance: chronic obstructive pulmonary diseaseCovey,M. K.; Larson,J. L.; Kapella,M. C.; Santefort,K. L.; Albazzaz,F.; Alex,C. G.American Journal of Respiratory & Critical Care Medicine 2004 ;169( ):A756
High-intensity inspiratory muscle training in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and severely reduced function.Covey,M. K.; Larson,J. L.; Wirtz,S. E.; Berry,J. K.; Pogue,N. J.; Alex,C. G.; Patel,M.Journal of cardiopulmonary rehabilitation 2001 ;21(4):231-240
Long-term effects of pulmonary exacerbation on Pimax, body composition, functional performance in COPDCovey,M. K.; Larson,J. L.; Kapella,M. K.; Alex,C. G.; Albazzaz,F.; Sibilano,H.American Journal of Respiratory & Critical Care Medicine 2001 ;163( ):
Assessment of pulmonary function in critically ill patientsAlex,C. G.; Tobin,M. J. 2000 ; (Chapter 112):1222-1232
Respiratory monitoring, part IIAlex,C. G.; Tobin,M. J.CLINICAL PULMONARY MEDICINE 2000 ;7(1):30-40
Nebulized glycopyrrolate causes significant and long-lasting bronchodilation in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD)Alex,C. G.; Skorodin,M. S.; Karafilidis,J.; Russell,H.American Journal of Respiratory & Critical Care Medicine 1999 ;159( ):A823
Refractory post-transplant airway strictures: successful management with wire stents.Lonchyna,V. A.; Arcidi,J. M.,Jr; Garrity,E. R.,Jr; Simpson,K.; Alex,C. G.; Yeldandi,V.; Bokhos,M.EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF CARDIO-THORACIC SURGERY 1999 ;15(6):842-849
Test-retest reliability of symptom-limited cycle ergometer tests in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.Covey,M. K.; Larson,J. L.; Alex,C. G.; Wirtz,S.; Langbein,W. E.NURSING RESEARCH 1999 ;48(1):9-19
Discontinuous incremental threshold loading test: measure of respiratory muscle endurance in patients with COPD.Larson,J. L.; Covey,M. K.; Berry,J.; Wirtz,S.; Alex,C. G.; Matsuo,M.CHEST 1999 ;115(1):60-67
Cycle ergometer and inspiratory muscle training in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.Larson,J. L.; Covey,M. K.; Wirtz,S. E.; Berry,J. K.; Alex,C. G.; Langbein,W. E.; Edwards,L.American Journal of Respiratory & Critical Care Medicine 1999 ;160(2):500-507
Extending ventilator circuit change interval beyond 2 days reduces the likelihood of ventilator-associated pneumonia.Fink,J. B.; Krause,S. A.; Barrett,L.; Schaaff,D.; Alex,C. G.CHEST 1998 ;113(2):405-411
Patient 6 : a 53-year-old woman with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, hypercapnic respiratory failure, and inability to consisteltly trigger the ventilatorAlex,C. G.; Tobin,M. J. 1998 ; ( ):16-18
Ventilation of asthmatic patientsAlex,C. G.; Tobin,M. J. 1997 ;2(Chapter 134):1977-2003
Inspiratory muscle training (IMT) and bicycle exercise training (EX) in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary diseaseLarson,J. L.; Covey,M. K.; Berry,J.; Wirtz,C. G.; Alex,C. G.; Langbein,E.American Journal of Respiratory & Critical Care Medicine 1997 ;155( ):A497
ORAL GANCICLOVIR PROPHYLAXIS DECREASES CYTOMEGALOVIRUS (CMV) PNEUMONIA AFTER LUNG TRANSPLANTATIONKaramchandani,K.; Garrity,E.; McCabe,M.; Simpson,K.; Alex,C. G.; Lonchyna,V.; Hussain,A.; O'Keefe,P.; Robinson,J.; Yeldandi,V.CHEST 1997 ;112(3):119S-120S
Peri-operative infections in lung transplantationKaramchandani,K.; Garrity,E. R.; Siddiqi,M.; McCabe,M.; O'Keefe,P.; Husain,A.; Lonchyna,V.; Simpson,K.; Alex,C. G.; Robinson,J.; Yeldandi,V. 1997 ; ( ):
High intensity inspiratory muscle training (IMT) in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and severely reduced functionAlex,C. G.; Berry,J.; Larson,J. L.; Covey,M. K.; Wirtz,S.American Journal of Respiratory & Critical Care Medicine 1997 ;155( ):A451
Conducta a seguir en un paciente que "luncha contra su respirador"Alex,C. G.; Fahey,P. J.; Tobin,M. J. 1996 ; ( ):365-383
What a clinician should do when a patient "fights the ventilator"Alex,C. G.; Fahey,P. J.; Tobin,M. J. 1996 ; ( ):
Reliability and validity of the 12-minute distance walk in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.Larson,J. L.; Covey,M. K.; Vitalo,C. A.; Alex,C. G.; Patel,M.; Kim,M. J.NURSING RESEARCH 1996 ;45(4):203-210
Lack of dyspnea improvement with bronchodilators during exercise in patients with COPDMacias,P.; Langbein,E.; Alex,C. G.American Journal of Respiratory & Critical Care Medicine 1996 ;153( ):A656
Diaphragm pacing with a quadripolar phrenic nerve electrode: an international study.Weese-Mayer,D. E.; Silvestri,J. M.; Kenny,A. S.; Ilbawi,M. N.; Hauptman,S. A.; Lipton,J. W.; Talonen,P. P.; Garcia,H. G.; Watt,J. W.; Exner,G.; Baer,G. A.; Elefteriades,J. A.; Peruzzi,W. T.; Alex,C. G.; Harlid,R.; Vincken,W.; Davis,G. M.; Decramer,M.; Kuenzle,C.; Saeterhaug,A.; Schober,J. G.Pacing & Clinical Electrophysiology 1996 ;19(9):1311-1319
Cost benefit analysis of portable sleep monitoring for the diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea syndromeMamdani,M.; Versoorn,K. J.; Ghabra,M.; Stittsworth,J. D.; Alex,C. G.; Jones,C. B.; Maddox,J. 1995 ; ( ):
Assessment of pulmonary function in critically ill patientsAlex,C. G.; Tobin,M. J. 1995 ; (Chapter 73):649-658
Discontinuation of mechanical ventilationTobin,M. J.; Alex,C. G. 1994 ; (Chapter 52):1177-1206
Chronic obstructive pulmonary diseaseAlex,C. G.; Tobin,M. J. 1994 ; ( ):159-162
Chronic obstructive pulmonary diseaseAlex,C. G.; Tobin,M. J. 1993 ; ( ):161-164
Noninvasive monitoring of respirationAlex,C. G.; Tobin,M. J. 1993 ; ( ):27-60
Non-invasive monitoring of respirationAlex,C. G.; Tobin,M. J. 1993 ; ( ):227-260
Maximal inspiratory pressure. Learning effect and test-retest reliability in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.Larson,J. L.; Covey,M. K.; Vitalo,C. A.; Alex,C. G.; Patel,M.; Kim,M. J.CHEST 1993 ;104(2):448-453
Inspiratory muscle training in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.Kim,M. J.; Larson,J. L.; Covey,M. K.; Vitalo,C. A.; Alex,C. G.; Patel,M.NURSING RESEARCH 1993 ;42(6):356-362
Trending of oxygen utilization in the critically ill. Is there a reliable method?.Alex,C. G.CHEST 1993 ;104(4):995-996
Noninvasive measurement of force-frequency curves to guide a phrenic nerve pacing programAlex,C. G.; Jubran,A.; Goldstone,J.; Tobin,M. J.AMERICAN REVIEW OF RESPIRATORY DISEASE 1992 ;145(4):A256
lAlex,C. G.; Jubran,A.; Golstone,J.; Tobin,M. J.AMERICAN REVIEW OF RESPIRATORY DISEASE 1992 ;145(4):A256
Weaning from mechanical ventilationTobin,M. J.; Skorodin,M.; Alex,C. G. 1991 ; ( ):373-415
Interval training approach (ITA) for inspiratory muscle training of COPD patientsCovey,M. K.; Larson,J. L.; Vitalo,C. A.; Alex,C. G.; Kim,J. M.AMERICAN REVIEW OF RESPIRATORY DISEASE 1991 ;143(4):A256
Four months of inspiratory muscle training (IMT) with a pressure threshold breathing device in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)Larson,J. L.; Kim,M. J.; Covey,M. K.; Vitalo,C. A.; Alex,C. G.AMERICAN REVIEW OF RESPIRATORY DISEASE 1989 ;139(4):A193
Changes in end-expiratory lung volume during sleep in patients with occlusive apnea.Aronson,R. M.; Alex,C. G.; Onal,E.; Lopata,M.JOURNAL OF APPLIED PHYSIOLOGY 1987 ;63(4):1642-1647
Effects of continuous positive airway pressure on upper airway and respiratory muscle activity.Alex,C. G.; Aronson,R. M.; Onal,E.; Lopata,M.JOURNAL OF APPLIED PHYSIOLOGY 1987 ;62(5):2026-2030
Changes in Functional Residual Capacity During NREM Sleep and the Pathogenesis of Occlusive ApneaAlex,C. G.; Aronson,R. M.; Onal,E.; Lopata,M.AMERICAN REVIEW OF RESPIRATORY DISEASE 1986 ;133( ):A307
Effects of Continuous Positive Airway Pressure on Upper Airway and Respiratory Muscle Activity in Normal Wake SubjectsAlex,C. G.; Onal,E.; Aronson,R. M.; Lopata,M.AMERICAN REVIEW OF RESPIRATORY DISEASE 1986 ;133( ):A192
Upper airway occlusion during sleep in patients with Cheyne-Stokes respiration.Alex,C. G.; Onal,E.; Lopata,M.AMERICAN REVIEW OF RESPIRATORY DISEASE 1986 ;133(1):42-45
Upper airway occlusion during sleep in patients with Cheyne-Stokes respiration.Alex,C. G.; Onal,E.; Lopata,M.AMERICAN REVIEW OF RESPIRATORY DISEASE 1985 ;131( ):A103
Reliability of graded exercise tests in COPD patientsLarson,J. L.; Covey,M. K.; Langbein,E.; Alex,C. G.; Maki,K.; Vitalo,C. A.; Zachman,K.; Berry,J. ; ( ):
Could that respiratory problem be due to substance abuse?Alex,C. G.; Gross,N. J.JOURNAL OF RESPIRATORY DISEASES ;9(1):23
Education
Medical School
University of Illinois College of Medicine
Residency
University of Illinois at Chicago, Internal Medicine: General
Fellowship
University of Illinois at Chicago, Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine