Change In Forced Expiratory Volume Research Articles

Impact of day-to-day variation in FEV1 on measures of change: A conceptual description

Clinical trials often demonstrate treatment efficacy through change in forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), comparing single FEV1 measurements from post- versus pre-treatment timepoints. Day-to-day variation in measured FEV1 is common for reasons such as diurnal variation and intermittent health changes, relative to a stable, monthly average. This variation can alter estimation of associations between change in FEV1 and baseline in predictable ways, through a phenomenon called regression to the mean. We quantify and explain day-to-day variation in percent-predicted FEV1 (ppFEV1) from 4 previous trials, and we present a statistical, data-driven explanation for potential bias in ceiling and floor effects due to commonly observed amounts of variation. We recommend accounting for variation when assessing associations between baseline value and change in CF outcomes in single-arm trials, and we consider possible impact of variation on conventional standards for study eligibility.

The predictive role of lung clearance index on FEV1 decline in cystic fibrosis.

The lung clearance index (LCI) is a sensitive lung function index that is used to detect early lung disease changes in children with cystic fibrosis (CF). This study aimed to define the predictive role of baseline LCI, along with other potential factors on the change in forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) during one-year follow-up in CF patients who had a percent predicted (pp) FEV1≥80. LCI was concurrently performed on 57 CF patients who had ppFEV1 ≥80 at month zero. The ppFEV1 decline was evaluated prospectively during the one year follow up. The primary outcome of ppFEV1 decline in the study group in one year was dichotomized according to the median value for the decline in ppFEV1, which was 3.7. The LCI value predicting ppFEV1 decline at the end of one year was calculated with receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. Regression analysis was performed. Furthermore, a decision tree was constructed using classification and regression tree methods to better define the potential effect of confounders on the ppFEV1 decline. The LCI value for predicting ppFEV1 decline >3.7% at the end of one year was 8.2 (area under the curve: 0.80) Multivariable regression analysis showed that the absence of the F508del mutation in at least one allele, LCI >8.2 and initial FEV1 z-score were predictors of a ppFEV1 decline >3.7 (p<0.001). Factors altering ppFEV1 decline>3.7% at the end of one-year evaluated by decision trees were as follows: initial FEV1 z-score, type of CFTR mutation, LCI value and initial weight-for-age z-score. LCI is sensitive for predicting ppFEV1 decline in patients with ppFEV1 ≥80 along with the initial FEV1-z-score and type of CFTR mutation.

High-Flow Nasal Cannula and in-line aerosolised bronchodilator delivery during severe exacerbation of asthma in adults: A feasibility Observational Study

BackgroundAsthma is a common chronic respiratory disease affecting 1–29% of the population in different countries. Exacerbations represent a change in symptoms and lung function from the patient's usual condition that requires emergency department (ED) admission. Recently, the use of a High-Flow Nasal Cannula (HFNC) plus an in-line vibrating mesh nebulizer (VMN) for aerosol drug delivery has been advocated in clinical practice. Thus, this pilot observational study aims to investigate the feasibility of HFNC treatment with VMN for in-line bronchodilator delivery in patients with severe asthma. MethodsThis study was conducted from May 2022 to May 2023. Subjects ≥ 18 years old with a previous diagnosis of asthma who were admitted to the ED during severe exacerbation were included. The primary endpoint was the change in peak expiratory flow ratio (PEFR) after 2-h of treatment with bronchodilator delivered by HFNC with in-line VMN. Additional outcomes were changes in forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) and clinical variables before treatment. Results30 patients mean age of 43 (SD ± 16) years, mostly female (67%) were studied. A significant change in PEFR (147 ± 31 L/m vs. 220 ± 38 L/m; p < 0.001) was observed after treatment with HFNC and in-line VMN with significant improvement in clinical variables. And no subjects required invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) during the study. ConclusionsHFNC treatment with in-line VMN for bronchodilator delivery appears feasible and safe for patients with severe asthma exacerbation. These preliminary promising results should be confirmed with appropriately large-designed studies.

Machine learning and magnetic resonance image texture analysis predicts accelerated lung function decline in ex-smokers with and without chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Our objective was to train machine-learning algorithms on hyperpolarized magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) datasets to generate models of accelerated lung function decline in participants with and without chronic-obstructive-pulmonary-disease. We hypothesized that hyperpolarized gas MRI ventilation, machine-learning, and multivariate modeling could be combined to predict clinically-relevant changes in forced expiratory volume in 1s ( ) across 3 years. Hyperpolarized MRI was acquired using a coronal Cartesian fast gradient recalled echo sequence with a partial echo and segmented using a k-means clustering algorithm. A maximum entropy mask was used to generate a region-of-interest for texture feature extraction using a custom-developed algorithm and the PyRadiomics platform. The principal component and Boruta analyses were used for feature selection. Ensemble-based and single machine-learning classifiers were evaluated using area-under-the-receiver-operator-curve and sensitivity-specificity analysis. We evaluated 88 ex-smoker participants with months follow-up data, 57 of whom (22 females/35 males, years) had negligible changes in and 31 participants (7 females/24 males, years) with worsening . In addition, 3/88 ex-smokers reported a change in smoking status. We generated machine-learning models to predict decline using demographics, spirometry, and texture features, with the later yielding the highest classification accuracy of 81%. The combined model (trained on all available measurements) achieved the overall best classification accuracy of 82%; however, it was not significantly different from the model trained on MRI texture features alone. For the first time, we have employed hyperpolarized MRI ventilation texture features and machine-learning to identify ex-smokers with accelerated decline in with 82% accuracy.

Relation of changes in peak expiratory flow (PEF) and forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) during bronchoconstriction.

Diagnosis of asthma can be confirmed based on variability in peak expiratory flow (PEF) or changes in forced expiratory volume in 1 s(FEV1) measured with spirometry. Our aim was to use methacholine challenge as a model of induced airway obstruction to assess how well relative changes in PEF reflect airway obstruction in comparison to relative changes in FEV1. We retrospectively studied 878 patients who completed a methacholine challenge test. To assess congruency along with differences between relative changes in FEV1 and PEF during airway obstruction, a regression analysis was performed, and a Bland & Altman plot was constructed. ROC analysis, sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values and κ-coefficient were used to analyze how decrease in PEF predicts decrease of 10% or 15% in FEV1. The relative change in PEF was on average less than the relative change in FEV1. In the ROC analysis areas under the curve were 0.844 and 0.893 for PEF decrease to predict a 10% and 15% decrease in FEV1, respectively. The agreement between changes in PEF and FEV1 varied from fair to moderate. Airway obstruction detected by change in PEF was false in about 40% of cases when compared to change in FEV1. Change in PEF is not a very accurate measure of airway obstruction when compared to change in FEV1. Replacing peak flow metre with a handheld spirometer might improve diagnostic accuracy of home monitoring in asthma.

Lung function and symptom recovery in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease with pneumonic and non-pneumonic exacerbations

RATIONALE Acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) accelerate decline in lung function and are associated with hospitalization. Patients with COPD are at risk for community acquired pneumonia (CAP). There may be a benefit to distinguish between these entities. OBJECTIVES The objectives of this research were to assess differences in initial presentation and short-term lung function and symptom recovery in patients with COPD hospitalized for AECOPD or CAP. METHODS A single center, non-interventional, prospective cohort study of patients with COPD hospitalized with AECOPD or CAP was used. Baseline characteristics were collected. Spirometry was obtained on admission, at discharge, and 6-wk post-discharge. The primary outcome was change in forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1%) predicted over time. COPD Assessment Test (CAT) was used to assess symptom burden on admission and 6-wk post-discharge. MAIN RESULTS A total of 54 patients were recruited, all with at least moderate airflow obstruction. On admission, there were higher levels of CRP in COPD with CAP compared to AECOPD (86.4 [SD 81.9] vs 33.5 [35.4]). There was a statistically significant difference in FEV1% predicted (p = 0.0038) and CAT score (p = 0.0005) over time, after adjusting for presence of CAP. However, there was no difference in FEV1% predicted (p = 0.7184) or CAT score (p = 0.441), between those with an AECOPD and COPD with CAP, after adjusting for time. Average length of stay in hospital was longer in COPD with CAP than for AECOPD (11.0 [10.2] versus 6.9 [4.5] days). CONCLUSIONS Time is the principal factor in short term lung function and symptom recovery in patients with COPD hospitalized for acute respiratory decompensation.

Extracorporeal photopheresis (ECP) in the treatment of chronic lung allograft dysfunction (CLAD): a prospective, multicentre, open-label, randomised controlled trial studying the addition of ECP to standard care in the treatment of bilateral lung transplant patients with CLAD (E-CLAD UK)

BackgroundLong-term survival after lung transplantation is limited compared with other organ transplants. The main cause is development of progressive immune-mediated damage to the lung allograft. This damage, which can develop...

Impact of bronchodilator responsiveness classification changes on a large Australian community cohort

RATIONALE Bronchodilator responsiveness (BDR) was redefined in the 2021 European Respiratory Society/American Thoracic Society (ERS-ATS) technical statement, from at least 200 mL absolute and 12% relative change in forced expiratory volume in 1 sec (FEV1) or forced vital capacity (FVC) in 2005 to more than 10% change from predicted values. OBJECTIVES The objectives of this research are to measure the impact of BDR reclassification and identify the characteristics of reclassified patients. METHODS A retrospective cohort analysis of a convenience sample of 2,065 tests. Repeat tests were excluded. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS A total of 1,429 tests were evaluated; 206 (14%) were BDR by one or both definitions; and 55/206 (27%) of these records were reclassified, with a close number of results newly classified as BDR (n = 27) and losing this classification (n = 28). Analyzing FEV1 only, 159 tests were BDR by one or both definitions; and 48/159 (30%) were reclassified, with 18 newly classified as BDR and 30 losing this classification. Analyzing FVC only, 101 tests were BDR by one or both definitions; and 27/101 (27%) were reclassified, with 19 newly classified as BDR and 8 losing this classification. Individuals with BDR that were reclassified were significantly heavier (81.8 vs 75.8 kg), and taller (170.6 vs 166.1 cm), although there was no significant difference in body mass index (BMI) (27.9 vs 27.3 kg/m2). They had smaller relative changes in FEV1 (12% vs 16%) and FVC (6% vs 12%), and greater baseline FEV1 (1.99 vs 1.74 L) and FVC (3.39 vs 2.97 L) and were more likely to be female (59% vs 42%). CONCLUSIONS More people were reclassified than expected. When evaluated by expiratory maneuver, there were less people classified as BDR using FEV1 in 2021 than 2005, and more using FVC. This analysis illustrates the potential clinical impact of the change in BDR definition.

Effects of the Use of Beta-Blockers on Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Associated with Cardiovascular Comorbities: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Cardiovascular comorbidity is common in individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This factor interferes with pharmacological treatment. The use of β-blockers has been proposed for their known cardioprotective effects. However, due to their adverse reactions, and the risk of causing bronchospasm, there is reluctance to use them. To summarize existing evidence on the effects of β-blocker use in COPD associated with cardiovascular comorbidities in relation to disease severity, exacerbation, and mortality outcomes. EMBASE, Medline, Lilacs, Cochrane Library, and Science Direct databases were used. Observational studies that evaluated the effects of β-blockers on individuals with COPD and cardiovascular comorbidities, and related disease severity, exacerbations, or mortality outcomes were included. Studies that did not present important information about the sample and pharmacological treatment were excluded. Twenty studies were included. Relevance to patient care and clinical practice: The use of β-blockers in individuals with COPD and cardiovascular disease caused positive effects on mortality and exacerbations outcomes, compared with the results of individuals who did not use them. The severity of the disease caused a slight change in forced expiratory volume in 1 second. The odds ratio for mortality was 0.50 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.39 to 0.63; p&lt;0.00001), and for exacerbations, 0.76 (95% CI, 0.62 to 0.92; p=0.005), being favorable to the group that used β-blockers. Further studies are needed to study the effect of using a specific β-blocker in COPD associated with a specific cardiovascular comorbidity.

Impact of CFTR modulator therapy on body composition as assessed by thoracic computed tomography: A follow-up study

Treatment with cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) modulators in individuals with cystic fibrosis (CF) has brought a significant change in forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) and clinical parameters. However, it also results in weight gain. The aim of our study is to evaluate the effect of CFTR modulator treatment on body composition, measured by computed tomography (CT). Adult subjects with CF under follow-up at La Princesa University Hospital were recruited. All of them were on elexacaftor-tezacaftor-ivacaftor (ELX/TEZ/IVA) treatment. Body composition analysis was conducted using CT scans and an open-source software. The results were then compared with bioimpedance estimations, as well as other clinical and spirometry data. Our sample consisted of 26 adult subjects. The fat mass compartments on CT scans correlated with similar compartments on bioimpedance, and normal-density muscle mass exhibited a strong correlation with phase angle. Higher levels of very low-density muscle prior to treatment were associated with lower final FEV1 and less improvement in FEV1 after therapy. We observed an increase in total body area (P < 0.001), driven by increases in total fat mass (P < 0.001), subcutaneous fat (P < 0.001), visceral fat (P = 0.002), and intermuscular fat (P = 0.022). The only muscle compartment that showed an increase after treatment was very low-density muscle (P = 0.032). CT scans represent an opportunity to assess body composition on CF. Combination treatment with CFTR modulators, leads to an improvement in FEV1 and to an increase in body mass in all compartments primarily at the expense of fat mass.

Association of systemic anticholinergic medication use and accelerated decrease in lung function in older adults

Older adults are frequently exposed to medicines with systemic anticholinergic properties, which are linked to increased risk of negative health outcomes. The association between systemic anticholinergics and lung function has not been reported. The aim of this study was to investigate if exposure to systemic anticholinergics influences lung function in older adults. Participants of the southernmost centres of the Swedish National study on Aging and Care (SNAC) were followed from 2001 to 2021. In total, 2936 subjects (2253 from Good Aging in Skåne and 683 from SNAC-B) were included. An extensive medical examination including spirometry assessments was performed during the study visits. The systemic anticholinergic burden was described using the anticholinergic cognitive burden scale. The effect of new use of systemic anticholinergics on the annual change in forced expiratory volume (FEV1s) was estimated using mixed models. During follow-up, 802 (27.3%) participants were exposed to at least one systemic anticholinergic medicine. On average, the FEV1s of participants without systemic anticholinergic exposure decreased 37.2 ml/year (95% CI [33.8; 40.6]) while participants with low and high exposure lose 47.2 ml/year (95% CI [42.4; 52.0]) and 43.7 ml/year (95% CI [25.4; 62.0]). A novel association between new use of medicines with systemic anticholinergic properties and accelerated decrease in lung function in older adults was found. The accelerated decrease is comparable to that observed in smokers. Studies are needed to further explore this potential side effect of systemic anticholinergics.

Protocol for the air purification for eosinophilic COPD study (APECS): a randomised controlled trial of home air filtration by HEPA

IntroductionExposure to particulate matter (PM) pollution has been associated with lower lung function in adults with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Patients with eosinophilic COPD have been found to have...

Your preoperative rehabilitation assistant: A study protocol for the impact of a telemedicine-supported preoperative home rehabilitation program on the prognosis of patients undergoing thoracoscopic surgery

Background Reduced cardiorespiratory fitness levels are associated with increased short-term complications after surgery, and potentially exert long-lasting effects on the postoperative lives, work and educational pursuits of patients. Currently, research suggests that lifestyle interventions, such as preoperative physical exercise undertaken by patients themselves, may improve patients’ cardiopulmonary fitness and reduce post-operative complications. This study aims to investigate the effectiveness and feasibility of a remote medical supervision model for prehabilitation exercise in patients undergoing thoracoscopic lung tumour resection surgery. Methods/Design All enrolled patients will participate in a 4-week pre-operative exercise intervention to improve their cardiorespiratory fitness. During this period, patients will wear wearable devices and exercise at home based on exercise prescriptions. The exercise prescription comprises aerobic exercise (three times a week or more), muscle strengthening exercise (twice a week or more), and respiratory muscle exercise (once a day). The primary aim is to investigate whether baseline VO2max could be improved following a 4-week preoperative exercise program. Secondary objectives include changes in forced expiratory volume in 1 s and forced vital capacity, degree of acceptance of the technology, quality of life, handgrip strength, postoperative complication rate and length of hospital stay. Discussion This study aims to evaluate the influence of preoperative prehabilitation exercises in a telemedicine active supervision mode in patients undergoing thoracoscopic lung tumour resection. As such, results of this trial might have some impact on future implementations of group- and home-based prehabilitation exercises in lung cancers. Trial registration This study was approved by the Medical Ethics Committee of Tongji Hospital Affiliated to Tongji Medical College of Huazhong University of Science and Technology (approval number: TJ-IRB20220564) with registration at ClinicalTrials.gov (identifier: NCT05608759).

Association of GAB1 gene with asthma susceptibility and the efficacy of inhaled corticosteroids in children

Asthma is a polygenic disease that may onset during childhood. Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) are the main therapy in asthma, although their efficacy varies among individuals. Nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) is an important target of ICS treatment of asthma. Recent research has reported that GRB2 associated binding protein 1 (GAB1) gene may participate in the pathogenesis of asthma by regulating the NF-κB pathway. Therefore, we used the technique of an improved multiplex ligation detection reaction to sequence GAB1 gene and investigated the involvement of Single-nucleotide variants (SNVs) in GAB1 gene in asthma and ICS efficacy in asthmatic children. We found no differences between asthma cases and controls in allele or genotype frequencies of GAB1. Haplotype analysis showed an increased tendency for AGGAGC frequency in asthma patients compared with controls (OR = 2.69, p = 0.018). The percentage of EOS and genotype distribution of rs1397527 were associated (p = 0.007). The EOS percentage was higher in GT genotype when compared to the GG genotype (5.50 vs 3.00, Bonferroni adjusted p = 0.005). After 12-weeks ICS treatment, GAB1 rs1397527 TT and GT genotype carriers had a smaller change in forced expiratory volume in 1 second/forced vital capacity (FEV1/FVC) than GG carriers (p = 0.009), and rs3805236 GG and AG genotype carriers also had a smaller change in FEV1/FVC than AA carriers (p = 0.025). For ICS response, the frequency of GG genotype of rs1397527 was significantly higher in good responders (p = 0.038). The generalized multifactor dimensionality reduction (GMDR) analysis showed a best significant four-order model (rs1397527, allergen exposure, environmental tobacco smoke exposure, and pet exposure) involving gene-environment interactions (p = 0.001). In summary, we found that GAB1 SNVs were not associated with asthma susceptibility. Haplotype AGGAGC was a risk factor for asthma. GAB1 variants were associated with eosinophils and ICS response in asthmatics. Furthermore, gene-environment interaction was observed.

Effects of treatment with corticosteroids on human rhinovirus-induced asthma exacerbations in pediatric inpatients: a prospective observational study

BackgroundHuman rhinoviruses (HRVs) infection is a common cause of exacerbations in pediatric patients with asthma. However, the effects of corticosteroids on HRV-induced exacerbations in pediatric asthma are unknown. We conducted a prospective observational study to determine the viral pathogens in school-age pediatric inpatients with asthma exacerbations. We assessed the effects of maintenance inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) on the detection rates of HRV species and treatment periods of systemic corticosteroids during exacerbations on pulmonary lung function after exacerbations.MethodsNasopharyngeal samples and clinical information were collected from 59 patients with asthma exacerbations between April 2018 and March 2020. Pulmonary function tests were carried out 3 months after exacerbations in 18 HRV-positive patients. Changes in forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1)% predicted from baseline in a stable state were compared according to the treatment periods of systemic corticosteroids.ResultsFifty-four samples collected from hospitalized patients were analyzed, and viral pathogens were identified in 45 patients (83.3%) using multiplex PCR assay. HRV-A, −B, and -C were detected in 16 (29.6%), one (1.9%), and 16 (29.6%) patients, respectively. The detection rates of HRV-C were lower in the ICS-treated group compared with those in the ICS-untreated group (p = 0.01), whereas maintenance ICS treatment did not affect the detection rate for viral pathogens in total and HRV-A. Changes in FEV1% predicted in patients treated with systemic corticosteroids for 6–8 days (n = 10; median, 4.90%) were higher than those in patients treated for 3–5 days (n = 8; median, − 10.25%) (p = 0.0085).ConclusionsMaintenance ICS reduced the detection rates of HRV (mainly HRV-C) in school-age inpatients with asthma exacerbations, and the treatment periods of systemic corticosteroids during exacerbations affected lung function after HRV-induced exacerbations. The protective effects of corticosteroids on virus-induced asthma exacerbations may be dependent upon the types of viral pathogen.

Specific Ventilation in Severe Asthma Evaluated with Noncontrast Tidal Breathing 1H MRI.

Purpose To determine if proton (1H) MRI-derived specific ventilation is responsive to bronchodilator (BD) therapy and associated with clinical biomarkers of type 2 airway inflammation and airways dysfunction in severe asthma. Materials and Methods In this prospective study, 27 participants with severe asthma (mean age, 52 years ± 9 [SD]; 17 female, 10 male) and seven healthy controls (mean age, 47 years ± 16; five female, two male), recruited between 2018 and 2021, underwent same-day spirometry, respiratory oscillometry, and tidal breathing 1H MRI. Participants with severe asthma underwent all assessments before and after BD therapy, and type 2 airway inflammatory biomarkers were determined (blood eosinophil count, sputum eosinophil percentage, sputum eosinophil-free granules, and fraction of exhaled nitric oxide) to generate a cumulative type 2 biomarker score. Specific ventilation was derived from tidal breathing 1H MRI and its response to BD therapy, and relationships with biomarkers of type 2 airway inflammation and airway dysfunction were evaluated. Results Mean MRI specific ventilation improved with BD inhalation (from 0.07 ± 0.04 to 0.11 ± 0.04, P < .001). Post-BD MRI specific ventilation (P = .046) and post-BD change in MRI specific ventilation (P = .006) were greater in participants with asthma with type 2 low biomarkers compared with participants with type 2 high biomarkers of airway inflammation. Post-BD change in MRI specific ventilation was correlated with change in forced expiratory volume in 1 second (r = 0.40, P = .04), resistance at 5 Hz (r = -0.50, P = .01), resistance at 19 Hz (r = -0.42, P = .01), reactance area (r = -0.54, P < .01), and reactance at 5 Hz (r = 0.48, P = .01). Conclusion Specific ventilation evaluated with tidal breathing 1H MRI was responsive to BD therapy and was associated with clinical biomarkers of airways disease in participants with severe asthma. Keywords: MRI, Severe Asthma, Ventilation, Type 2 Inflammation Supplemental material is available for this article. © RSNA, 2023 See also the commentary by Moore and Chandarana in this issue.

Prospective direct comparison of biologic treatments for severe eosinophilic asthma: Findings from the PRISM study

BackgroundAlthough various monoclonal antibodies have been used as add-on therapy for severe eosinophilic asthma (SEA), to the best of our knowledge, no direct head-to-head comparative study has evaluated their efficacy. ObjectiveTo compare the efficacy of reslizumab, mepolizumab, and dupilumab in patients with SEA. MethodsThis was a multicenter, prospective observational study in patients with SEA who had received 1 of these biologic agents for at least 6 months. Cox proportional hazard models were used to compare the risk of the first exacerbation event, adjusting for sputum or blood eosinophils and common asthma-related covariates. The annual exacerbation rate was analyzed using a negative binomial model, and a mixed-effect model was used to analyze changes in forced expiratory volume in 1 second and asthma control test score over time. ResultsA total of 141 patients with SEA were included in the analysis; 71 (50%) received dupilumab; 40 (28%) received reslizumab, and 30 (21%) received mepolizumab. During the 12-month follow-up, 27.5%, 43.3%, and 38.0% of patients in the reslizumab, mepolizumab, and dupilumab groups, respectively, experienced at least 1 exacerbation. However, after adjusting for confounding factors, the dupilumab and mepolizumab groups showed similar outcomes in time-to-first exacerbation, exacerbation rate, forced expiratory volume in 1 second, and asthma control test score to those of the reslizumab group. ConclusionIn patients with SEA, treatment with reslizumab, mepolizumab, and dupilumab resulted in comparable clinical outcomes within a 12-month period. Trial RegistrationThe cohort protocol was sanctioned by the Institutional Review Board of each study center (clinicaltrial.gov identifier NCT05164939).

Exercise‐induced bronchoconstriction assessed by a ratio of surface diaphragm EMG to tidal volume

AbstractExercise‐induced bronchoconstriction (EIB) is usually assessed by changes in forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) which is effort dependent. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the diaphragm electromyogram (EMGdi) recorded from chest wall surface electrodes could be used to reflect changes in airway resistance during an exercise challenge test and to distinguish patients with EIB from those without EIB. Ninety participants with or without asthma history were included in the study. FEV1 was recorded before and 5, 10, 15, and 20 min after exercise. EIB was defined as an FEV1 decline greater than 10% after exercise. A ratio of root mean square of EMGdi to tidal volume (EMGdi/VT) was used to assess changes in airway resistance. Based on changes in FEV1, 25 of 90 participants exhibited EIB; the remainder were defined as non‐EIB participants. EMGdi/VT in EIB increased by 124% (19%–478%) which was significantly higher than that of 21% (−39% to 134%) in non‐EIB participants (p &lt; 0.001). At the optimal cutoff point (54% in EMGdi/VT), the area under the ROC curve (AUC) for detection of a positive test was 0.92 (p &lt; 0.001) with sensitivity 92% and specificity 88%. EMGdi/VT can be used to assess changes in airway resistance after exercise and could be used to distinguish participants with EIB from those without EIB.

Risk factors for loss of pulmonary function after wedge resection for peripheral ground-glass opacity dominant lung cancer.

This study aimed to identify the risk factors for pulmonary functional deterioration after wedge resection for early-stage lung cancer with ground-glass opacity, which remain unclear, particularly in low-risk patients. We analysed 237 patients who underwent wedge resection for peripheral early-stage lung cancer in JCOG0804/WJOG4507L, a phase III, single-arm confirmatory trial. The changes in forced expiratory volume in 1 s were calculated pre- and postoperatively, and a cutoff value of -10%, the previously reported reduction rate after lobectomy, was used to divide the patients into 2 groups: the severely reduced group (≤-10%) and normal group (>-10%). These groups were compared to identify predictors for severe reduction. Thirty-seven (16%) patients experienced severe reduction. Lesions with a total tumour size ≥1 cm were significantly more frequent in the severely reduced group than in the normal group (89.2% vs 71.5%; P = 0.024). A total tumour size of ≥1 cm [odds ratio (OR), 3.287; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.114-9.699: P = 0.031] and pleural indentation (OR, 2.474; 95% CI, 1.039-5.890: P = 0.041) were significant predictive factors in the univariable analysis. In the multivariable analysis, pleural indentation (OR, 2.667; 95% CI, 1.082-6.574; P = 0.033) was an independent predictive factor, whereas smoking status and total tumour size were marginally significant. Of the low-risk patients who underwent pulmonary wedge resection for early-stage lung cancer, 16% experienced severe reduction in pulmonary function. Pleural indentation may be a risk factor for severely reduced pulmonary function in pulmonary wedge resection.

Does NSAID exacerbated respiratory disease (N-ERD) accompanying severe asthma affect biological treatment response? Efficacy of omalizumab and mepolizumab in N-ERD

IntroductionNon-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)-exacerbated respiratory disease (N-ERD) accompanies severe asthma in about 15% of the patients and may adversely affect the prognosis. Omalizumab and mepolizumab are biologics used in patients with severe asthma. The objective of this study is to assess the respiratory improvements, after these biologics in severe asthmatic patients stratifed by the presence of concomitant Non-erosive reflux disease (N-ERD) and the effect of omalizumab and mepolizumab in severe asthmatics with N-ERD. Material & methodThe population of this three-center, retrospective, cross-sectional, observational study comprised patients using omalizumab or mepolizumab for severe asthma. Patients administered these biologics for severe asthma were comparatively analyzed for the presence of N-ERD; asthma control test (ACT) scores, number of attacks, and the changes in forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) were assessed. Subsequently, patients who were found to have N-ERD were analyzed using visual analog scale (VAS) in terms of the changes in their nasal parameters (ie, nasal obstruction, facial pain, anterior-posterior rhinitis, and hyposmia), according to whether they use omalizumab or mepolizumab. ResultsThe use of biologics resulted in a significant improvement in ACT and FEV1 and reduction in attacks in 28 severe asthmatics with N-ERD and 125 without N-ERD. Although both biologics resulted in a significant improvement in the respiratory parameters, omalizumab treatment resulted in a significant improvement in nasal parameters except hyposmia, mepolizumab treatment resulted in a significant improvement only in posterior rhinitis, and nasal obstruction among the nasal parameters. ConclusionThis study is the first to address both omalizumab and mepolizumab treatments in severe asthmatics with N-ERD. The improvement in nasal parameters was more pronounced in patients who were administered omalizumab. Large-scale randomized controlled studies are needed to corroborate the findings of this study.