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PeerJ 2023To determine the predictability of the MARKO questionnaire and/or its domains, individually or in combination with other markers and characteristics (age, gender,...
AIMS
To determine the predictability of the MARKO questionnaire and/or its domains, individually or in combination with other markers and characteristics (age, gender, smoking history, lung function, 6-min walk test (6 MWT), exhaled breath temperature (EBT), and hsCRP for the incident chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in subjects at risk over 2 years follow-up period).
PARTICIPANTS AND METHODS
Patients, smokers/ex-smokers with >20 pack-years, aged 40-65 years of both sexes were recruited and followed for 2 years. After recruitment and signing the informed consent at the GP, a detailed diagnostic workout was done by the pulmonologist; they completed three self-assessment questionnaires-MARKO, SGRQ and CAT, detailed history and physical, laboratory (CBC, hsCRP), lung function tests with bronchodilator and EBT. At the 2 year follow-up visit they performed: the same three self-assessment questionnaires, history and physical, lung function tests and EBT.
RESULTS
A sample of 320 subjects (41.9% male), mean (SD) age 51.9 (7.4) years with 36.4 (17.4) pack-years of smoking was reassessed after 2.1 years. Exploratory factor analysis of MARKO questionnaire isolated three distinct domains (breathlessness and fatigue, "exacerbations", cough and expectorations). We have determined a rate for incident COPD that was 4.911/100 person-years (95% CI [3.436-6.816]). We found out that questions about breathlessness and "exacerbations", and male sex were predictive of incident COPD after two years follow-up (AUC 0.79, 95% CI [0.74-0.84], < 0.001). When only active smokers were analyzed a change in EBT after a cigarette (ΔEBT) was added to a previous model (AUC 0.83, 95% CI [0.78-0.88], < 0.001).
CONCLUSION
Our preliminary data shows that the MARKO questionnaire combined with EBT (change after a cigarette smoke) could potentially serve as early markers of future COPD in smokers.
Topics: Female; Humans; Male; Follow-Up Studies; C-Reactive Protein; Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive; Respiratory System; Dyspnea
PubMed: 38130928
DOI: 10.7717/peerj.16650 -
Minerva Surgery Oct 2023Since December 2019, Sars-CoV2 infection has become a pandemic health emergency. The most severe manifestation of COVID-19 is acute respiratory distress syndrome...
BACKGROUND
Since December 2019, Sars-CoV2 infection has become a pandemic health emergency. The most severe manifestation of COVID-19 is acute respiratory distress syndrome requiring intensive care unit admission and mechanical ventilation. The most serious, although rare, complication of prolonged MV is post-intubation tracheal stenosis. We hypothesized that, in addition to recognized risk factors in COVID-19 patients, additional factors may promote airways injury.
METHODS
We analyzed data from 13 patients with PITS referred to our Thoracic Surgery Department from 2020 to 2022 divided in two groups: 8 ex-COVID-19 patients (in MV for ARDS during Sars-Cov2 positivity) and 5 non-COVID-19 patients (in MV for other reasons). Computer-tomography and bronchoscopy were performed to confirm diagnosis of PITS. Surgical treatment including tracheal resection and end-to-end anastomosis was performed in all patients. Tracheal samples were histologically analyzed to define the existence of any difference between the two groups.
RESULTS
The presence of total immunoglobulin G (IgG) and immunoglobulin G4 (IgG4) were tested. IgG infiltrate was present in both groups. IgG4-infiltrate was significantly represented in the tracheal sample of ex-COVID-19 patients and absent in the non-COVID-19 cohort of patients.
CONCLUSIONS
It is suggested that COVID-19 patients have almost double the risk of developing tracheal injuries. This work supports the idea of a major predisposition for such injuries in COVID-19 patients due to a possible immune-mediated mechanism leading to aberrant and fibrotic wound healing following a trigger insult (in this case MV with oro-tracheal tube). In the near future an increasing incidence of PITS is expected. Interventional pulmonologist and thoracic surgeons might be called to deal with this possibility. Clarification of the physiopathology of PITS is needed to prevent excessive tracheal scarring following prolonged endotracheal intubation and recurrence after endoscopic and/or surgical treatment. Careful prevention, early detection and effective management of this life-threatening condition are warranted.
PubMed: 37166947
DOI: 10.23736/S2724-5691.23.09920-3 -
The European Respiratory Journal Feb 2024Continuation of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy after initial prescription has been shown to reduce all-cause mortality therapy termination. However,...
BACKGROUND
Continuation of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy after initial prescription has been shown to reduce all-cause mortality therapy termination. However, there is a lack of data on the rates and impact of resuming CPAP in patients with obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA). This analysis determined the prevalence of CPAP resumption in the year after termination, characterised determinants of CPAP resumption, and examined the impact of CPAP resumption on all-cause mortality.
METHODS
French national health insurance reimbursement system data for adults aged ≥18 years were used. CPAP prescription was identified by specific treatment codes. Patients who resumed CPAP after first therapy termination and continued to use CPAP for 1 year were matched with those who resumed CPAP then terminated therapy for a second time.
RESULTS
Out of 103 091 individuals with a first CPAP termination, 26% resumed CPAP over the next 12 months, and 65% of these were still using CPAP 1 year later. Significant predictors of CPAP continuation after resumption included male sex, hypertension and CPAP prescription by a pulmonologist. In the matched population, the risk of all-cause death was 38% lower in individuals who continued using CPAP after therapy resumption those who had a second therapy discontinuation (hazard ratio 0.62, 95% CI 0.48-0.79; p=0.0001).
CONCLUSION
These data suggest that individuals with OSA who fail initial therapy with CPAP should be offered a second trial with the device to ensure that effective therapy is not withheld from those who might benefit.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Male; Adolescent; Continuous Positive Airway Pressure; Patient Compliance; Hypertension; Sleep Apnea, Obstructive; France
PubMed: 38135441
DOI: 10.1183/13993003.01171-2023 -
Heliyon Apr 2024At the beginning of 21st century, reclassification of fibrosing interstitial lung diseases (ILD) scored academic concerning, and then propelled development. Decade...
BACKGROUND
At the beginning of 21st century, reclassification of fibrosing interstitial lung diseases (ILD) scored academic concerning, and then propelled development. Decade before, pifenidone and nintedanib were approved for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, but no more drugs are yet available. To evaluate the development traits of pirfenidone and nintedanib in fibrosing ILD, including the influential country, institution, authors, keywords, and the major problems or the priorities of the field emerge and evolve, bibliometric analysis was used to summarize and draw scientific knowledge maps.
METHODS
We confined the words to "pirfenidone", "nintedanib", "pulmonary fibrosis", and "lung disease, interstitial". Publications were retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection on February 24, 2024 with the search strategies. Citespace and VOSviewer were adopted for bibliometric analysis.
RESULTS
For the knowledge map of pirfenidone, a total of 4359 authors from 279 institutions in 58 countries/regions contributed to 538 studies. The United States and Italy are way ahead. Genentech Inc and the University of Turin are the institutions with the strongest influence. AM J RESP CRIT CARE is the maximized influential periodical. Raghu G was the most frequently co-cited scholar. keywords cluster demonstrated that vital capacity, safety, outcome, effectiveness, acute exacerbation, pathway, cell, collagen were the hotspots. The burst timeline of hotspots and references revealed academic transitions of pirfenidone-related studies. About the knowledge map of nintedanib, 3297 authors from 238 institutions in 47 countries/regions published 374 studies. Japan, the United States, and Italy are the most productive countries. Boehringer Ingelheim is the overriding productive institution. New ENGL J MED have important roles in reporting milestones of nintedanib. Richeldi L carried numerous capital publications to support the anti-fibrotic effect of nintedanib. From the network of co-occurrence keywords, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, efficacy, and safety were the hotspots. Nintedanib for systemic sclerosis-related ILD and progressive pulmonary fibrosis is the hotspot with sharp evolution recently.
CONCLUSIONS
We summarized and showed developmental alterations of pirfenidone and nintedanib in fibrosing ILD through bibliographic index-based analysis. Our findings showed just dozen years sharp development period of pirfenidone and nintedanib in ILD, and identifies potential partners for interested researchers. The burst of hotspots demonstrated the evolvement of research priorities and major problems, and we observed the transition of keywords from experimental terms like mouse, bleomycin, cell, pathway, collagen, gene expression, to clinical terms including efficacy, safety, survival, acute exacerbation, and progressive pulmonary fibrosis. In the future, exploration about disparity models of drug administration, differences between early and later initiate anti-fibrotic therapy, both short-term and long-term efficacy of pirfenidone and nintedanib in fibrosing ILD, specifically in connective disease associate ILD would be emphatically concerned by pulmonologists.
PubMed: 38655311
DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e29266 -
PeerJ 2023This study aimed to investigate the effects of oxygen therapy using a high flow nasal cannula (HFNC) on patients diagnosed with COVID-19 Acute Respiratory Distress... (Observational Study)
Observational Study
BACKGROUND/AIM
This study aimed to investigate the effects of oxygen therapy using a high flow nasal cannula (HFNC) on patients diagnosed with COVID-19 Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (C-ARDS) by utilizing electrical impedance tomography (EIT)-based parameters.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Oxygen therapy was administered to the patients at two different flow rates and two different positions: T0-baseline measurements were taken in the supine position before any therapy was initiated. T1-HFNC was administered in the supine position with a flow rate of 30 L/min. T2-HFNC was administered in the supine position with a flow rate of 50 L/min. T3-HFNC was administered in the prone position with a flow rate of 30 L/min. T4-HFNC was administered in the prone position with a flow rate of 50 L/min. EIT-based parameters (global inhomogeneity index (GI index), center of ventilation (CoV), regional ventilation delay index (RVD index), region of interest ratio (ROI ratio)), as well as respiratory and hemodynamic parameters of the patients, were recorded from the database.
RESULTS
A total of twenty patients were included in this retrospective observational study. The mean age of the included patients was 64.3 ± 10.6 years. Statistically significant differences were observed in the measurements of GI index, CoV, RVD index, ROI ratio, PaO2/FiO2 ratio, respiratory rate, and mean arterial pressure parameters across different time intervals ( < 0.005). Pairwise comparisons of EIT parameters and measurements of respiratory and hemodynamic parameters at five different time points revealed statistically significant differences. For the GI index, significant differences were observed between the mean measurements taken at T0-T1, T0-T2, T0-T3, T0-T4, T1-T3, T1-T4, T2-T3, T2-T4, and T3-T4 time intervals ( < 0.05). Regarding CoV, significant differences were found between the mean measurements taken at T0-T3, T1-T3, T2-T3, and T3-T4 time intervals ( < 0.05). Additionally, for the ROI ratio, significant differences were observed between the measurement averages taken at each time interval ( < 0.05).
CONCLUSION
Our findings suggest that prone positioning during the management of C-ARDS patients leads to improved lung homogeneity, as indicated by EIT parameters. However, further research is required to enhance the visualization of ventilation using EIT.
Topics: Humans; Adult; Middle Aged; Aged; Retrospective Studies; Electric Impedance; COVID-19; Tomography; Respiratory Distress Syndrome; Oxygen
PubMed: 37465153
DOI: 10.7717/peerj.15555 -
Pulmonology Dec 2023Interstitial lung diseases (ILDs) encompass a heterogeneous group of parenchymal lung disorders which have a significant burden on quality of life and exercise. The... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES
Interstitial lung diseases (ILDs) encompass a heterogeneous group of parenchymal lung disorders which have a significant burden on quality of life and exercise. The primary purpose of this randomised pilot trial performed in advanced ILD was to determine the feasibility and efficacy of a multidisciplinary palliative care approach (including physiotherapist, psychologist, pulmonologists, and palliative care doctors) to relieve patients' symptoms of dyspnoea, depression measured with the Center for Epidemiological Studies-Depression (CES-D) scale and quality-of-life (QoL) at 6 and 12 months.
MATHERIALS AND METHODS
Fifty patients with confirmed interstitial lung disease at computed tomography (CT) scan and advanced disease were enrolled at our clinic. Patients were randomised to usual care group vs intervention group; in the intervention group, patients were scheduled to meet a physiotherapist, a psychologist, a palliative care doctor, and a pulmonologist specialized in ILD care. Data on dyspnoea, cough, quality of life and depression were recorded; patients in the intervention group were also tested to assess lower body flexibility and strength.
RESULTS
Both groups showed a worsening in dyspnoea during the time course of the trial, but the Borg scale was less in the intervention group at 6 and 12 months. A similar trend was observed also for the CES-D scale. No differences were observed for the other scales.
CONCLUSIONS
A multi-disciplinary palliative care intervention in patients with advanced fibrosing interstitial lung disease is feasible and effective.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
NCT02929966 on ClinGovTrial.
Topics: Humans; Quality of Life; Pilot Projects; Feasibility Studies; Lung Diseases, Interstitial; Dyspnea
PubMed: 34969647
DOI: 10.1016/j.pulmoe.2021.11.004 -
ATS Scholar Sep 2023Concerns about the pediatric pulmonology workforce suggest a need to improve fellowship recruitment. Program size is related to the financial health and recruitment...
BACKGROUND
Concerns about the pediatric pulmonology workforce suggest a need to improve fellowship recruitment. Program size is related to the financial health and recruitment success of pediatric subspecialty education programs, but there are few data on how program size impacts recruitment and workforce in pediatric pulmonology.
OBJECTIVE
Assess the impact of program size in pediatric pulmonology through examination of the distribution of applicants matching into pediatric pulmonology training programs over time and relationships to workforce distribution.
METHODS
Data from the National Residency Match Program from 2010 to 2022 were extracted from published documents. Positions offered, positioned filled, and match rates were calculated for each appointment year. Statewide statistics for the number of fellows matched were analyzed relative to the number of pediatric pulmonologists per capita using data from the American Board of Pediatrics.
RESULTS
From 2010 to 2018, the size and distribution of programs in pediatric pulmonology were stable, with most fellows (82.4%) matching into programs with one or two positions per cycle. Starting in 2019, programs offering three or more positions steadily increased in number and aggregate positions offered. This change was associated with an increase in total filled positions (38.9 ± 7.3 in 2010-2018 vs. 50.5 ± 8.7 in 2019-2022; < 0.03) and an increased fraction who matched into larger programs (17.6% in 2010-2018 vs. 36.9% in 2019-2022; < 0.001). Among states with fellowship programs, the number of fellows matched over the past 5 years correlated with the number of practicing pediatric pulmonologists per capita ( = 0.78; < 0.001).
CONCLUSION
The period 2019-2022 saw a marked shift of pediatric pulmonary trainees matching into a relatively small number of larger programs. This shift was associated with overall growth in the number of trainees but may have implications on geographical distribution of practicing pediatric pulmonologists.
PubMed: 37795123
DOI: 10.34197/ats-scholar.2022-0117OC -
BMC Ophthalmology Sep 2023In cases with advanced glaucomatous disc changes, further changes associated with other optic neuropathies cannot be easily identified. We present a case of preexisting...
BACKGROUND
In cases with advanced glaucomatous disc changes, further changes associated with other optic neuropathies cannot be easily identified. We present a case of preexisting open-angle glaucoma and concurrent involvement of sarcoidosis-associated optic neuropathy.
CASE PRESENTATION
A 53-year-old man presented with gradual visual loss in his left eye, which began 1 year ago and accelerated 3 months ago. The best-corrected visual acuity in the right eye was 20/20 and counting fingers in the left. Intraocular pressures (IOP) were 12 mmHg in the right eye and 34 mmHg in the left. We diagnosed him with advanced open-angle glaucoma in the left eye based on the advanced glaucomatous cupping of the left optic disc. The IOP in the left eye dropped to 10 mmHg and was well controlled with antiglaucomatous medication; however, his left optic disc developed pallor 3 months after the treatment. The patient was revealed to be diagnosed with sarcoidosis a month ago and had been treated with systemic corticosteroids thereafter by a pulmonologist. Orbital magnetic resonance imaging revealed sarcoidosis-associated optic neuropathy in the left eye. Subsequently, optic neuropathy occurred in his right eye.
CONCLUSIONS
In eyes with advanced glaucomatous disc change, detecting the coexistence of other optic neuropathies can be difficult. This report highlights the importance of careful ophthalmic examinations and investigation for etiologies of other optic neuropathies if non-glaucomatous changes are suspected even in eyes with advanced glaucoma.
Topics: Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Glaucoma, Open-Angle; Optic Nerve Diseases; Optic Disk; Glaucoma; Rare Diseases; Sarcoidosis
PubMed: 37704998
DOI: 10.1186/s12886-023-03104-y -
Children (Basel, Switzerland) Oct 2023The purpose of this study is to better understand the way caregivers of patients with Rett syndrome perceive the quality of the health care services they receive and...
BACKGROUND
The purpose of this study is to better understand the way caregivers of patients with Rett syndrome perceive the quality of the health care services they receive and identify its main shortcomings.
METHODS
A survey was distributed to all caregivers who are part of AIRETT (the Italian Association of Relatives of Patients with RS). The survey gathered information on the management of relatives of patients with Rett syndrome.
RESULTS
The data refers to 52 patients, all females, with a median age of 15 years at the time of the survey. Concerning RS specificity, our data confirm the high complexity of this chronic, multifaceted condition, mainly characterized by the presence of epilepsy, apnea, severe scoliosis, and gastrointestinal symptoms. The specialists more frequently involved in the care of patients were general practitioners or family pediatricians (98%) and neurologists (92%), and more rarely physiatrists (71%). Only 15% of patients were followed by a pulmonologist, despite the fact that respiratory problems were frequent (apneas were present in 81% of patients, and 2% had a tracheostomy). Although 63.5% of patients presented with gastrointestinal symptoms and 2% had a gastrostomy, only 33% were followed by a gastroenterologist. Moreover, although orthopedic issues were present in 78.8% of patients, including severe scoliosis in 22% of them, only 25% were followed by an orthopedist. Furthermore, despite the fact that RS patients are fragile, about one quarter of them were not vaccinated. As far as organizational issues are concerned, several specialized centers are located in various regions throughout the country. As a consequence, the high mobility rate from one center to another resulted in non-homogeneous assistance.
CONCLUSIONS
The study shows that caregivers of RS patients take over most obligations and burdens by increasing their perceived level of stress. For the majority of patients, the most frequent complications were not followed by the reference subspecialist, with the only exception of epilepsy. Moreover, improving vaccination strategies for these patients is necessary.
PubMed: 37892376
DOI: 10.3390/children10101713 -
Clinical and Applied... 2024Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Risk scores associated with VTE have been widely used in clinical practice. Among numerous... (Review)
Review
Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Risk scores associated with VTE have been widely used in clinical practice. Among numerous scores published, those included in guidelines are usually typical risk scores which have been extensively validated and globally recognized. This review provides an updated overview of the risk scores associated with VTE endorsed by 3 guidelines which are highly recognized in the field of VTE including the European Society of Cardiology, American College of Chest Physicians, and American Society of Hematology, focusing on the development, modification, validation, and comparison of these scores, to provide a comprehensive and updated understanding of all the classic risk scores associated with VTE to medical readers including but not limited to cardiologists, pulmonologists, hematologists, intensivists, physicians, surgeons, and researchers. Although each score recommended by these guidelines was more or less validated, there may still be room for further improvement. It may still be necessary to seek simpler, more practical, and more universally applicable VTE-related risk scores in the future.
Topics: Humans; Venous Thromboembolism; Practice Guidelines as Topic; Risk Factors; Societies, Medical; Risk Assessment; Female
PubMed: 38887044
DOI: 10.1177/10760296241263856