Chronic Bronchitis Patients Research Articles

The mediating effect of depression on the association between lung disease and cardiovascular health.

In this study, we investigated the effect of depression on the interaction between lung disease and cardiovascular health (CVH). Utilising data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2013-2018), we employed multivariate regression and bootstrap mediation analysis to explore the relationships among lung diseases, depression, and CVH scores. Complex and significant associations were identified among lung diseases, depression, and CVH scores, with depression mediating 9.42% of the effect on CVH, especially for chronic bronchitis patients. Depression significantly mediated the relationship between lung disease and reduced CVH scores, highlighting the importance of mental health management in lung disease patients.

Clinical significance of chronic bronchitis in different racial groups

BackgroundsLimited data are available on racial differences in the clinical features of chronic bronchitis (CB) patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). In this study, we aimed to compare clinical features among CB patients of different races. We also analyzed the clinical significance of CB, defined classically and based on the COPD Assessment Test (CAT), to validate the CAT-based definition.MethodsWe analyzed patient data extracted from the Korean COPD Subgroup Study (KOCOSS) cohort (2012–2021) and US Genetic Epidemiology of COPD (COPDGene) study (2008–2011). We compared clinical characteristics among CB and non-CB patients of three different races using two CB definitions.ResultsIn this study, 3,462 patients were non-Hispanic white (NHW), 1,018 were African American (AA), and 1,793 were Asian. The proportions of NHW, AA, and Asian patients with CB according to the classic definition were 27.4%, 20.9%, and 10.7%, compared with 25.2%, 30.9%, and 23.0% according to the CAT-based definition, respectively. The risk of CB prevalence was highest in NHW and lowest in Asian COPD patients. Among all races, CB patients were more likely to be current smokers, have worse respiratory symptoms and poorer health-related quality of life (HrQoL), and to have decreased lung function and exercise capacity. Most of these characteristics showed similar associations with the outcomes between the two definitions of CB. A binominal regression model revealed that CB patients of all races had an increased risk of future exacerbations according to both CB definitions, except for Asian patients with classically defined CB.ConclusionsThe presence of CB was associated with worse respiratory symptoms, HrQoL, exercise capacity and lung function, and more exacerbations, regardless of race or CB definition. The CAT-based definition may be more useful for assessing the risk of future exacerbations in Asian COPD patients.

Evaluation of C-Reactive Protein, Interleukin-6, and Neutrophil-Lymphocyte Ratio as Inflammatory Markers in Patients with Chronic Bronchitis Taking Oral Prednisolone in Maysan City Population

Background: Clinically, chronic bronchitis is defined as a persistent cough lasting at least three months over the course of two years in a patient where all other causes have been excluded. It is almost invariably described as a feature of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) secondary to smoking. Patients and methods: Ninety-five Iraqi patients newly diagnosed with chronic bronchitis were selected to participate in this study. Sixty patients (40 male and 20 female) were enrolled in the current study their ages were ranged from (40-65 years). The patients were divided into two groups, in the first group (responders’ group) the patients were responded to oral prednisolone therapy, and in the other group the patients were not responded to oral prednisolone therapy (non-responders’ group). The assessment of responsiveness to prednisolone will be according to ATS (American Thoracic Society) which define the responders as those with a response of >12% baseline and >200 ml of FEV1. This study is a prospective observational clinical trial was carried out in thoracic consultant clinic at Al- Sader teaching Hospital in Maysan city from March 2022 until March 2023. The prednisolone tablets given in a dose of 30mg /day for 14 days. Aim of the study: The current study was aimed to identify the association of the inflammatory markers C-reactive protein, interleukin-6 and neutrophils-lymphocytes ratio with the response of chronic bronchitis patients to oral prednisolone therapy. Results and Conclusions: CRP, IL-6, and NLR consider as good predictive markers (P value<0.001) to determine the responsivity of patients with chronic bronchitis taking oral prednisolone tablets for 14 days.

Mechanism of Tonifying Spleen-lung Recipe in the Treatment of Chronic Bronchitis Based on Network Pharmacology and Observational Data.

Chronic bronchitis is a type of common chronic inflammatory respiratory disease, which is mainly characterized by chronic cough and expectoration. Clinical practice and experimental research have shown that the modified tonifying spleen-lung method has significant preventive and therapeutic effects on chronic lung diseases, but the mechanism of TSLR in the treatment of chronic bronchitis are not yet clear. To explore the mechanism of tonifying spleen-lung recipe (TSLR) in the treatment of chronic bronchitis (CB) through network pharmacology combined with observational studies. The effective components, core targets and signaling pathways of TSLR in the treatment of chronic bronchitis were obtained using network pharmacology. One hundred and thirty-seven elderly CB patients were selected as the observational group who were treated by TSLR, and 67 no-CB cases from the Physical Examination Center were selected as the control group. We compared the levels of inflammatory parameters between patients before and after TSLR treatment, and after treatment group with the control group were also compared. The key effective components of TSLR selected by network pharmacology included quercetin, kaempferol, luteolin, and nobiletin, and the core targets involved HSP90AA1, AKT1, JUN, MAPK1, IL6, MAPK3, MAPK14, STAT1, NFKB1, and CDKN1. KEGG pathway enrichment analysis revealed that the TNF signaling pathway, PI3K-AKT and AGE-RAGE signaling pathways might play a key role in the treatment of CB. The observation study demonstrated that compared with the control group, the levels of WBC, NEU, NLR, PCT, and CRP in the research group after TSLR treatment were increased. Although the levels of WBC, NEU, NLR, and PCT in the research group after TSLR treatment were higher than those in the control group, the above indicators trend tended towards the control group, and there was no significant difference in CRP indicators between the control group and after treatment group. TSLR had a good therapeutic effect on chronic bronchitis patients, which might be related to the fact that the natural active components in TSLR inhibit inflammation by regulating the expression of proteins related to PI3K-AKT and TNF signaling pathways.

Differential expression profiles and functional prediction of circular RNAs in lung cancer patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a pilot study.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), characterized by clinical sub-phenotypes such as emphysema (E) and chronic bronchitis (CB), is associated with a greater risk of lung cancer (LC). This study aimed to assess the expression patterns of circRNA and their potential functional involvement in LC patients with COPD. A circRNA microarray was used to characterize differentially expressed circRNAs (DEcircRNAs) profiles. A total of 176, 240, 163, and 243 DEcircRNAs were identified in comparisons between CB vs. LC patients (Con), E vs. Con, E vs. CB, and CBE vs. Con, respectively. DEcircRNAs in all comparison groups were primarily associated with immune-related GO terms and were also enriched in immune and inflammatory pathways. In total, 49 DEcircRNAs were significantly correlated with the infiltration of multiple immune cells. Among them, hsa-MROH9_0001 and hsa-RP11-35J10_0013 were positively and negatively correlated with plasma cells and T-cell CD4 memory resting cells, respectively; these two DEcircRNA-sponged miRNAs have good diagnostic performance. WGCNA identified six key circRNAs associated with CB progression. The expression patterns of hsa-MROH9_0001 and circRNA_21729 in E and CB groups were confirmed by RT-qPCR. In conclusion, we reported circRNA profiles and the findings demonstrated that hsa-MROH9_0001 and circRNA_21729 may be potential therapeutic targets for LC with COPD.

Prevalence and risk factors of patients with chronic bronchitis among Iraqi adults.

This study aimed to identify the risk factors associated with chronic bronchitis among patients seeking medical attention for respiratory conditions in Al-Najaf Al-Ashraf city, Iraq. The study employed a case-control design and recruited 134 participants using convenient sampling. Data was collected using a questionnaire consisting of four parts which included demographic characteristics, individual factors, family history, and seasonal, environmental, and nutritional factors. The majority of participants were males aged between 21 and 35 years, with 71.8% of the study group residing in rural areas and 66.3% of the control group living in urban areas. We found that asthma was the most prevalent associated disease among chronic bronchitis patients, with 64.1% reporting it. The risk factors associated with chronic bronchitis were residency, smoking, exposure to secondhand smoke, respiratory sensitivity, dust sensitivity, spring sensitivity, hay fever, asthma, pulmonary obstruction, pneumonia, pertussis, and family history. The study highlights the need for smoking cessation, physical fitness, and healthy eating habits to prevent chronic bronchitis. The findings of this study are important for healthcare professionals in Iraq to design and implement effective prevention and management strategies for chronic bronchitis.

Chronic dust bronchitis: composition of the sputum bacterial microbiome and its association with chromosome damage in blood lymphocytes

BACKGROUND: Recent studies show that the bacterial microbiome of the respiratory tract can influence the development of a number of diseases of the human respiratory system. Changes in the composition of the microbiome in patients are associated with dysbiosis, and in addition, many bacteria have a genotoxic potential and can directly or indirectly damage the genome in the cells of the host organism.
 AIM: The aim of the study was to analyze the composition of the sputum microbiome and its relationship with chromosome damage in the blood leukocytes of patients with chronic dust bronchitis (CDB).
 MATERIALS AND METHODS: The taxonomic composition of the sputum microbiome of 22 patients with CKD and 22 sputum donors from the control group was studied using next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology of 16S rRNA of bacterial genes. At the same time, the basic frequencies of chromosomal aberrations and micronuclei were determined in blood leukocytes.
 RESULTS: The sputum microbiome of chronic dust bronchitis patients had a significant reduction in alpha and beta diversity parameters compared to healthy study participants. In addition, an increase in the relative abundance of the genus Streptococcus (29.97 3.03 vs. 18.78 2.47; p = 0.003) was found in the sputum of CP patients compared with the control. Thus, the results of metagenome sequencing indicate a common dysbiotic process with a predominance of one dominant genus of bacteria in this pulmonary pathology. The results of cytogenetic analysis of blood leukocytes showed a significant increase in the proportion of aberrant metaphases in CKD patients compared with healthy donors (3.41% vs. 1.84%; p 0.01) and the absence of significant differences in frequency leukocytes with micronuclei between the compared groups (1.28% vs. 1.11%). Correlation analysis revealed the presence of significant direct relationships between the frequency of aberrant metaphases and the percentage of representatives of the genera Bacteroides in the sputum of patients with chronic dust bronchitis (r = 0.471; p = 0.031); Lachnoanaerobaculum (r = 0.446; p = 0.043) and Alloprevotella (r = 0.444; p = 0.044). Further studies should be devoted to the search for possible mechanisms of influence of these bacteria on clastogenic effects in the cells of the host organism.

Effects of Active Cycle of Breathing Techniques on quality of life in patients with Chronic Bronchitis

Background: In patients with a range of respiratory disorders such as chronic bronchitis, active cycle of breathing techniques which includes cycle of breathing control, thoracic expansion exercises and forced expiratory technique (FET), appears to have beneficial effects. Objectives: To determine the effectiveness of active cycle of breathing techniques with conventional medicine among chronic bronchitis patients. Methods: A quasi-interventional study was conducted in a physiotherapy department of 600 bedded Ibn-e-Siena Hospital of Multan, from August 2020 to July 2021 with 26 patients in the experimental group who followed the pharmacological and active cycle breathing techniques treatment while the 26 patients in control group patients received the basic routine pharmacological treatment only. Patients were assessed through the help of the Saint George Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) from baseline to 3 months in both groups. Results: Baseline treatment showed mean SGRQ total score was 26.53±27.39 in the control group and 20.0±20.27 (p<0.33) in the experimental group. Assessment after 3 months showed mean SGRQ total score was 14.50±12.26 in control group and 8.11±10.32 (p<0.04) in experimental group. Conclusion: Active cycle of breathing techniques was more effective with conventional medicine among chronic bronchitis patients in comparison with patients with medicine alone. Significant differences was observed in symptoms, activity, impact, and total SGRQ scores of the experimental group.

Association of body mass index and COPD exacerbation among patients with chronic bronchitis

Background and objectiveChronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients with a body mass index (BMI) < 25 kg/m2 are prone to develop adverse event of pharmacological treatment for frequent exacerbation. As chronic bronchitis (CB) is one of the strong risk factors of exacerbation, we investigated the associations between BMI and COPD exacerbations in patients with CB.MethodsPatients with COPD were included from the Korean COPD Subgroup Study (KOCOSS), a multicenter observational cohort study. CB was defined using the St. George’s Respiratory Questionnaire and the participants were categorized according to BMI cut-off of 25 kg/m2. Exacerbations during a 1-year follow-up were compared among four groups: non-CB with BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2, non-CB with BMI < 25 kg/m2, CB with BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2, and CB with BMI < 25 kg/m2.ResultsAmong the 1264 patients with COPD, 451 (35.7%) had CB and 353 (27.9%) had both CB and BMI < 25 kg/m2. The COPD exacerbation risk increased across the non-CB with BMI < 25 kg/m2, CB with BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2, and CB with BMI < 25 kg/m2 groups (adjusted incidence rate ratio [95% confidence interval] 1.21 [0.89–1.62], 1.20 [0.77–1.88], and 1.41 [1.02–1.91], respectively, compared to the non-CB with BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2 group).ConclusionsCOPD patients having both CB and a BMI < 25 kg/m2 are at higher risk of exacerbations. Considering that a BMI < 25 kg/m2 often limits treatment options preventing exacerbations, modified guidelines might be needed for non-obese CB patients in Asia.

Comparison of clinical characteristics between chronic bronchitis and non-chronic bronchitis in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

BackgroundChronic bronchitis (CB) is associated with poor outcomes in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The aim of this study was to identify the characteristics that distinguish chronic bronchitis (CB) from non-CB. In addition, the features of mild CB versus severe CB were compared and a cut-off level was defined according to CAT1 and CAT2 scores.MethodsThis study was based on the Korea COPD Subgroup Study (KOCOSS) database, constructed in a multicenter COPD cohort study that recruited patients from 54 centers. CB was defined as CAT1 and CAT2 scores ≥ 3; severe CB was defined as CAT1 and CAT2 scores ≥ 4, while mild CB was defined as either a CAT1 or a CAT2 score < 4. Baseline characteristics, 1-year exacerbation rate, and 3-year FEV1 decline were compared in non-CB versus CB patients and in patients with mild CB versus severe CB.ResultsAmong the 2162 patients enrolled in this study, 497 (23%) had CB. These patients were more likely than non-CB patients to be current smokers; they also had higher symptom and depression/anxiety scores. Lung function tests showed lower FEV1, FEV1/FVC, and DLco values in CB patients. Among CB patients, 67.6% had mild disease. Symptom and depression/anxiety scores were worse in patients with severe CB than in patients with mild CB. There were no significant differences in the lung function tests of the two groups. Analysis of 1-year exacerbation rates in CB patients and non-CB patients revealed that patients with CB more frequently had moderate-to-severe exacerbations (OR = 1.46, p < 0.01). More severe exacerbation was also present in patients with severe CB than in patients with mild CB (OR = 2.52, p = 0.01). The difference in annual FEV1 decline rate did not significantly differ either between CB patients and non-CB patients or between patients with severe CB and patients with mild CB.ConclusionsCB patients had worse symptoms and lung function than non-CB patients; CB patients also had more frequent moderate-to-severe exacerbation. Patients with severe CB had higher symptom scores and more frequent severe exacerbation than did patients with mild CB.

Grape Wine Chlorogenic Acids Offset The Development Of Metabolic Syndrome

Goal is to evaluate effectiveness of chlorogenic acids (CGA) of grape wines as a part of medical rehabilitation in chronic bronchitis (CB) patients with comorbid metabolic syndrome (MS). Material and Methods — Analysis of effectiveness of CGA of dry white wines “Rkatsiteli” and “Rkatsiteli Alma” and liquor red wine “Cahors” as parts of the health resort treatment was carried out in group of 182 patients with CB (42 patients with MS). Results and Conclusion — The beneficial effect of grape wine CGA was manifested in relation to dynamics of triacylglycerol, regardless of presence or absence of MS. The greatest metabolic effect of CGA was manifested in patients with MS with positive effect on dynamics of Quetelet index and cholesterol. The moderate consumption of wines rich in CGA can be recommended to patients with chronic bronchitis as a preventive measure to development of metabolic syndrome.

Clinical Evolution and Quality of Life in Clinically Based COPD Chronic Bronchitic and Emphysematous Phenotypes: Results from the 1-Year Follow-Up of the STORICO Italian Observational Study

IntroductionUnderstanding clinical evolution of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is crucial for improving disease management.Materials and MethodsSTORICO (NCT03105999), an Italian, multicenter, non-interventional, observational study conducted in 40 pulmonology centers, aimed to describe the 1-year clinical evolution and health status of clinicallbased phenotypes. Baseline and follow-up data of COPD subjects with a chronic bronchitis (CB) or emphysema (EM) phenotype were collected. The frequency of COPD symptoms during the 24 hours (gathered via the night-time, morning and day-time symptoms of COPD questionnaire) and the anxiety and depression levels (via the HADS Scale) were recorded at each visit.ResultsA total of 261 CB and 159 EM patients were analyzed. CB patients with ≥1 night-time symptom seemed to be more frequent (51.7%, 41.8% and 41.4% at baseline, 6-month and 12-month follow-up, respectively) than EM (37.7%, 32.1% and 30.2% at study visits) even if no statistical differences were observed at time points between phenotypes (chi-square test p-values presence/absence of night-time symptoms in CB vs EM at study visits >0.0007). In the first 6 months, the frequency of patients with ≥1 night-time symptom decreased of 9.9% in CB and of 5.6% in EM. A clinically relevant decline of DLCO % predicted over 1 year in EM was observed, the mean (SD) being 61.5 (20.8) % at baseline and 59.1 (17.4) % at 12-month follow-up. EM had higher levels of anxiety and depression than CB (median (25th-75th percentile) HADS total score in CB: 7.0 (4.0–13.0) and 7.0 (3.0–12.0), in EM: 9.0 (3.0–14.0) and 9.5 (3.0–14.0) both at baseline and at 6-month follow-up, respectively), considering 1.17 as minimally clinical important difference (MCID) for the total score.ConclusionEM patients, evaluated in a real-world setting, seem to suffer from a worse clinical condition and health status compared to CB patients, appearing to have “more treatable” traits.

Cost-effectiveness analysis of COPD screening programs in primary care for high-risk patients in China

We built a decision-analytic model to compare the cost-effectiveness of using portable spirometer and questionnaire to screen chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPD) with no screening (i.e. usual care) among chronic bronchitis patient in China. A lifetime horizon and a payer perspective were adopted. Cost data of health services including spirometry screening and treatment costs covered both maintenance and exacerbation. The result indicated that portable spirometer screening was cost-saving compared with questionnaire screening and no screening, with an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) of −5026 and −1766 per QALY, respectively. Sensitivity analyses confirmed the robustness of the results. In summary, portable spirometer screening is likely the optimal option for COPD screening among chronic bronchitis patients China.

Study of bacterial microbiota in patients with acute exacerbation of bronchial asthma and chronic bronchitis

Introduction: Microbiota of respiratory tract may be responsible for acute exacerbation of bronchial asthma and chronic bronchitis. So the present study was carried out to find out specific bacterial etiological agents’ involvement in acute exacerbation of these diseases. Materials and Methods: Sputum samples from patients of bronchial asthma, chronic bronchitis during acute exacerbation and endotracheal aspirates from control cases were processed to isolate the microbiota of respiratory tract using quantitative methods after liquefying and diluting the samples. Significant and insignificant bacterial counts from the samples were determined. Grading of pus cells and bacterial morphology was seen by Gram's staining. Results: Pus cell grading of 1+ to 3+ were seen in the both cases of bronchial asthma and chronic bronchitis whereas pus cells were not found in control cases. Percentage of microorganisms by Gram's staining in asthmatics, chronic bronchitis, and controls cases were 93.33%, 86.67%, 76.67% respectively. Among the pathogenic bacteria, percentage of significant count of Staphylococcus aureus and Klebsiella pneumonia were found to be high in chronic bronchitis cases when compared these pathogens in asthmatics. In bronchial asthma cases, the percentage of significant count of Streptococcus pyogenes, Proteus mirablis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were high as compared to chronic bronchitis cases. In chronic bronchitis patients and asthmatics, significant count of non-pathogens were 16.67% and 13.33% respectively. Conclusion: The quantitative cultures showing significant numbers as 104/ml and 107 /ml of pathogenic and nonpathogenic bacteria respectively are found to be associated with acute exacerbation of bronchial asthma and chronic bronchitis. Keywords: Bronchial asthma, Chronic bronchitis, Microbiota, Quantitative culture.

Clinical features of occupational chronic obstructive bronchitis

The aim of the study was to analyze the trends of spirometry changes in occupational chronic bronchitis patients during the period of 10 years. It was found out that in 34,1% of 158 patients had transformed into chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, regardless of the history of smoking.

Impact of Thera-Pep and Forced Expiratory Technique in Chronic Bronchitis Patients

Aim: To study the impact of Thera-Pep and Forced Expiratory Technique in Chronic Bronchitis patients. Objectives: To find the effect of Thera-pep device in mobilizing secretion. To find the effect of forced expiratory technique in mobilizing secretion and To compare the effect of Thera-pep and forced expiratory technique in chronic bronchitis patients. Materials and Method: 54 patients were included according to inclusion and exclusion criteria, were randomized by chit method into two groups. Group A (Forced Expiratory technique with coughing) and Group B (Thera-PEP device with coughing) - with 27 patients in each group. All the patients were assessed with Six Minute Walk Test (6MWT) and Peak Expiratory Flow Rate (PEFR). The treatment was given for twice a day for 6 days a week for 2 weeks. After 2 weeks, effect of interventions were assessed by 6MWT and PEFR. Results: There was no significant difference in 6MWT and PEFR score in comparison of both experimental and conventional intervention. The inter group values of 6MWT and PEFR showed significant improvement in chronic bronchitis patients. The intra group values of 6MWT and PEFR showed no significant improvement in comparison of the techniques in chronic bronchitis patients. Conclusion: Both the techniques are effective on removal and mobilizing of secretion individually in chronic bronchitis patients. However, the techniques when compared with each other were equally effective and there was no significant difference between each other.

Заболевания органов дыхания и гипераммониемия

Study Objective: To assess the incidence of hyperammoniemia in respiratory diseases. Materials and Methods. 36 patients with respiratory diseases took part in the study: chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (21 (58.3%) patients), chronic bronchitis (5 (13.9%) patients), and pneumonia (10 (27.8%) patients). Mean age was 66.8 ± 11.8 years; 9 (25.0%) females and 27 (75.0%) males. Each patient had his/her capillary ammonia measured (microdiffusion). In order to assess the nutrition status, all patients had their primary somatometry measured: height, weight, body mass index, inactive arm circumference, waist circumference, skin-fat rolls thickness under biceps, above triceps, below shoulder blade angle, in inguinal region. Study Results. 9 (25.0%) out of 36 patients had hyperammoniemia (capillary ammonia level: 74.0 ± 7.1 nmol/L); their mean age was 62.3 ± 18.2 years. Patients with COPD/chronic bronchitis had significantly higher ammonia concentration (60.7 ± 16.6 mol/L) vs. patients with pneumonia (48.4 ± 14.3 mol/L; t = 2.2, p &lt; 0.03). COPD patients demonstrated significant differences in ammonia levels depending on duration of disease. In the group of higher ammonia concentration, COPD lasted significantly longer (t = 4.03 p = 0.001). We did not find any sound correlation between nutritional (trophological) status and ammonia concentrations in patients with respiratory diseases (t &lt; 2, p &gt; 0.05). Conclusion. In 25% of cases, respiratory diseases were associated with hyperammoniemia that is non-cirrhotic, because hepatobiliary disorders in this group of patients were an exclusion criterion. Although no statistically significant correlation between non-cirrhotic hyperammoniemia and nutritional (trophological) status was demonstrated, pathogenic relations between them cannot be ruled out. Whether underweight is a determining factor in non-cirrhotic hyperammoniemia is still unclear and requires further research and more observations. Keywords: ammonia, non-cirrhotic hyperammoniemia, nutritional (trophological) status, respiratory diseases.

An impact of the governmental tobacco control policy on chronic bronchitis incidence in the Russian Federation

Chronic bronchitis (CB) is one of the most common respiratory diseases. An important risk factor of CB is tobacco smoking which is highly prevalent in the Russian Federation (RF). In 2013, a Federal Law about health protection against second-hand tobacco smoke exposure and consequences of tobacco consumption came into the legal force in the RF. This law resulted in a significant reduction in the prevalence of active and passive tobacco smoking. The aim of the present research was to analyze an impact of the governmental tobacco control policy on CB incidence in the RF. Methods : The incidence of CB was analyzed using the official statistics for the period of 2009 – 2017 and was defined as number of newly diagnosed CB patients per 100,000. To evaluate an impact of the Federal Law on CB incidence, primary morbidities were compared between the years 2009 – 2013 (before adoption of the Law) and 2014 – 2017 (after adoption of the Law). Results . Before the year 2013, the CB incidence had tended to a substantial increase followed by its reduction after the year 2014. A relative reduction in the CB incidence in 2014 – 2017 was ≥ 36%. Conclusions : The current analysis demonstrated a steady downward trend in CB incidence in RF after the adoption of the Federal Law on tobacco control policy in 2013. This is probably related to decreasing prevalence of active smoking and to second-hand smoking reduction as well. Therefore, the comprehensive governmental tobacco control strategy positively inf luenced on the health status of Russian population.

CAT Score and SGRQ Definitions of Chronic Bronchitis as an Alternative to the Classical Definition.

PurposePrevious studies have used various definitions to classify chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients into chronic bronchitis (CB) and non-CB patients. This study was performed to identify differences among three definitions of CB based on the classical method, St. George’s Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ), and the CAT (COPD Assessment Test) score.Patients and methodsWe extracted data from the multicenter Korea COPD Subgroup Study (KOCOSS) cohort, for which patients recruited from among 47 medical centers in South Korea beginning in April 2012. Patients were classified according to three different definitions of CB: 1) classical definition; 2) SGRQ (using questions regarding cough and sputum); and 3) CAT score (comprising cough [CAT1] and sputum [CAT2] subscale scores).ResultsA total of 2694 patients were enrolled in this study. The proportions of CB were 10.8%, 35.8%, and 24.0% according to the classical, SGRQ, and CAT definitions, respectively. The three definitions yielded consistently significant differences between CB and non-CB patients in modified Medical Research Council dyspnea scale CAT score, SGRQ score, number of moderate-to-severe exacerbations per year and forced expiratory volume in 1 second. By three definitions, CB consistently predicted future risk of exacerbation. The kappa coefficient of agreement between the classical definition and SGRQ definition was 0.29, that of the classical definition and CAT definition was 0.32, and that of the SGRQ definition and CAT definition was 0.44.ConclusionPatients with CB according to the new definitions based on SGRQ or CAT score showed similar clinical characteristics to those defined according to the classical definition. The new CB definitions may be used as alternatives to the classical definition.

Analysis of Korean Medical status of Acute Bronchitis, Chronic Bronchitis and Allergic Rhinitis patients

Analysis of Korean Medical status of Acute Bronchitis, Chronic Bronchitis and Allergic Rhinitis patients