European Respiratory Society Task Force Research Articles

European Respiratory Society statement on preschool wheezing disorders: updated definitions, knowledge gaps and proposed future research directions.

Since the publication of the European Respiratory Society (ERS) task force reports on the management of preschool wheezing in 2008 and 2014, a large body of evidence has accumulated suggesting that the clinical phenotypes that were proposed (episodic (viral) wheezing and multiple-trigger wheezing) do not relate to underlying airway pathology and may not help determine response to treatment. Specifically, using clinical phenotypes alone may no longer be appropriate, and new approaches that can be used to inform clinical care are needed for future research. This ERS task force reviewed the literature published after 2008 related to preschool wheezing and has suggested that the criteria used to define wheezing disorders in preschool children should include age of diagnosis (0 to <6 years), confirmation of wheezing on at least one occasion, and more than one episode of wheezing ever. Furthermore, diagnosis and management may be improved by identifying treatable traits, including inflammatory biomarkers (blood eosinophils, aeroallergen sensitisation) associated with type-2 immunity and differential response to inhaled corticosteroids, lung function parameters and airway infection. However, more comprehensive use of biomarkers/treatable traits in predicting the response to treatment requires prospective validation. There is evidence that specific genetic traits may help guide management, but these must be adequately tested. In addition, the task force identified an absence of caregiver-reported outcomes, caregiver/self-management options and features that should prompt specialist referral for this age group. Priorities for future research include a focus on identifying 1) mechanisms driving preschool wheezing; 2) biomarkers of treatable traits and efficacy of interventions in those without allergic sensitisation/eosinophilia; 3) the need to include both objective outcomes and caregiver-reported outcomes in clinical trials; 4) the need for a suitable action plan for children with preschool wheezing; and 5) a definition of severe/difficult-to-treat preschool wheezing.

European Respiratory Society guidelines for the Diagnosis and Management of Pulmonary Alveolar Proteinosis.

Pulmonary alveolar proteinosis (PAP) is a rare syndrome caused by several distinct diseases leading to progressive dyspnoea, hypoxemia, risk of respiratory failure and early death due to accumulation of proteinaceous material in the lungs. Diagnostic strategies may include computed tomography (CT) of the lungs, bronchoalveolar lavage, evaluation of antibodies against granulocyte macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF), genetic testing, and, eventually, lung biopsy. The management options are focused at removing the proteinaceous material by whole lung lavage (WLL), augmentation therapy with GM-CSF, rituximab, plasmapheresis, and lung transplantation. The presented diagnostic and management guideline aim to provide guidance to physicians managing patients with PAP. A European Respiratory Society Task Force committee composed of clinicians, methodologists, and patients with experience in PAP developed recommendations in accordance with the ERS Handbook for Clinical Practice Guidelines and the GRADE (Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations) approach. This included a systematic review of the literature and application of the GRADE approach to assess the certainty of the evidence and strength of recommendations. The committee formulated five PICO (Patients, Intervention, Comparison, Outcomes) questions, and two narrative questions to develop specific evidence-based recommendations. The Task Force committee developed recommendations for five PICOs. These included management of PAP with WLL, GM-CSF augmentation therapy, rituximab, plasmapheresis, and lung transplantation. Also, the committee made recommendations regarding the use of GM-CSF antibody testing, diagnostic bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) and biopsy based on narrative questions.In addition to the recommendations, the committee provided information on the hierarchy of diagnostic interventions and therapy. The diagnosis of PAP is based on CT and BAL cytology or lung histology, whereas diagnosis of specific PAP-causing diseases requires GM-CSF antibody testing or genetic analysis. There are several therapies including WLL and augmentation therapy with GM-CSF available to treat PAP, but supporting evidence is still limited.

European Respiratory Society clinical practice guideline on symptom management for adults with serious respiratory illness.

Respiratory symptoms are ubiquitous and impair health-related quality of life in people with respiratory disease. This European Respiratory Society (ERS) task force aimed to provide recommendations for symptomatic treatment in people with serious respiratory illness. The ERS task force comprised 16 members, including representatives of people with serious respiratory illness and informal caregivers. Seven questions were formulated, six in the PICO (Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome) format, which were addressed with full systematic reviews and evidence assessed using GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation). One question was addressed narratively. An "evidence-to-decision" framework was used to formulate recommendations. To treat symptoms in people with serious respiratory illness, the task force suggests the use of graded exercise therapy (conditional recommendation, low certainty of evidence); and suggests the use of a multicomponent services, handheld fan and breathing techniques (conditional recommendations, very low certainty of evidence). The task force suggests not to use opioids (conditional recommendation, very low certainty of evidence); and suggests either administering or not administering supplemental oxygen therapy (conditional recommendation, low certainty of evidence). The task force suggests that needs assessment tools may be used as part of a comprehensive needs assessment, but do not replace patient-centred care and shared decision making (conditional recommendation, low certainty of evidence). The low certainty of evidence, modest impact of interventions on patient-centred outcomes, and absence of effective strategies to ameliorate cough highlight the need for new approaches to reduce symptoms and enhance wellbeing for individuals who live with serious respiratory illness.

ERS/ESTS/ESTRO/ESR/ESTI/EFOMP statement on management of incidental findings from low dose CT screening for lung cancer.

Screening for lung cancer with low radiation dose computed tomography has a strong evidence base, is being introduced in several European countries and is recommended as a new targeted cancer screening programme. The imperative now is to ensure that implementation follows an evidence-based process that will ensure clinical and cost effectiveness. This European Respiratory Society (ERS) task force was formed to provide an expert consensus for the management of incidental findings which can be adapted and followed during implementation. A multi-European society collaborative group was convened. 23 topics were identified, primarily from an ERS statement on lung cancer screening, and a systematic review of the literature was conducted according to ERS standards. Initial review of abstracts was completed and full text was provided to members of the group for each topic. Sections were edited and the final document approved by all members and the ERS Science Council. Nine topics considered most important and frequent were reviewed as standalone topics (interstitial lung abnormalities, emphysema, bronchiectasis, consolidation, coronary calcification, aortic valve disease, mediastinal mass, mediastinal lymph nodes and thyroid abnormalities). Other topics considered of lower importance or infrequent were grouped into generic categories, suitable for general statements. This European collaborative group has produced an incidental findings statement that can be followed during lung cancer screening. It will ensure that an evidence-based approach is used for reporting and managing incidental findings, which will mean that harms are minimised and any programme is as cost-effective as possible.

European Respiratory Society clinical practice guideline: palliative care for people with COPD or interstitial lung disease.

There is increased awareness of palliative care needs in people with COPD or interstitial lung disease (ILD). This European Respiratory Society (ERS) task force aimed to provide recommendations for initiation and integration of palliative care into the respiratory care of adult people with COPD or ILD. The ERS task force consisted of 20 members, including representatives of people with COPD or ILD and informal caregivers. Eight questions were formulated, four in the Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome format. These were addressed with full systematic reviews and application of Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation for assessing the evidence. Four additional questions were addressed narratively. An "evidence-to-decision" framework was used to formulate recommendations. The following definition of palliative care for people with COPD or ILD was agreed. A holistic and multidisciplinary person-centred approach aiming to control symptoms and improve quality of life of people with serious health-related suffering because of COPD or ILD, and to support their informal caregivers. Recommendations were made regarding people with COPD or ILD and their informal caregivers: to consider palliative care when physical, psychological, social or existential needs are identified through holistic needs assessment; to offer palliative care interventions, including support for informal caregivers, in accordance with such needs; to offer advance care planning in accordance with preferences; and to integrate palliative care into routine COPD and ILD care. Recommendations should be reconsidered as new evidence becomes available.

Developing a Pan-European Technical Standard for a Comprehensive High-quality Lung Cancer CT Screening Program. An ERS Technical Standard.

A collaborative group was convened to include members of multiple European societies (see below). Topics were identified during a scoping review and a systematic review of the literature was conducted. Full text was provided to members of the group for each topic. The final document was approved by all members and the ERS Scientific Advisory Committee. Ten topics were identified representing key components of a screening program. The action on findings from the LDCT were not included as they are addressed by separate international guidelines (nodule management and clinical management of lung cancer) and by a linked taskforce (incidental findings). Other than smoking cessation, other interventions that are not part of the core screening process were not included (e.g. pulmonary function measurement). Fifty-three statements were produced and areas for further research identified. This European collaborative group has produced a technical standard that is a timely contribution to implementation of LCS. It will serve as a standard that can be used, as recommended by the European Council, to ensure a high quality and effective program.

Nasal nitric oxide measurement in children for the diagnosis of primary ciliary dyskinesia: European Respiratory Society technical standard.

Nasal nitric oxide (nNO) is extremely low in most people with primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) and its measurement is an important contributor to making the diagnosis. Existing guidelines and technical standards focus on nNO measurements in older, cooperative children using chemiluminescence analysers. However, measurements of nNO in pre-school-age children (age 2-5 years) may facilitate early diagnosis and electrochemical rather than chemiluminescence analysers are widely used. Pre-schoolers often need different methods to be employed when measuring nNO. Hence, a European Respiratory Society Task Force has developed this technical standard as the first step towards standardising sampling, analysis and reporting of nNO measured as part of the diagnostic testing for PCD in all age groups, including pre-school-age children. Furthermore, we considered both chemiluminescence and electrochemical analysers that are in use worldwide. There was a paucity of quality evidence for electrochemical analysers and sampling methods used in young children, and the Task Force proposes future research priorities to allow updates of this technical standard.

НОВІ ПІДХОДИ ДО ВЕДЕННЯ ХВОРИХ НА САРКОЇДОЗ ЛЕГЕНЬ (методичний посібник)

Sarcoidosis is an inflammatory multi-systemic disease of unknown origin with wide spectrum of clinical manifestations. Sarcoidosis may affect practically any organ — predominantly lungs, lymphatic system, skin, eyes alone or in combination. The disease is characterized by formation of non-caseous granuloma. In 1999 American Thoracic society (ATS), European Respiratory society (ERS) and World Association of Sarcoidosis and Other Granulomatous diseases (WASOG) adopted an international consensus statement on diagnosis and treatment of sarcoidosis «Statement on Sarcoidosis». Based on ATS, ERS and WASOG 1999 Statement the national documents such as “Evidence-based adapted clinical guideline on sarcoidosis” and “Unified clinical protocol of primary, secondary (specialized) and tertiary (highly-specialized) medical care for sarcoidosis” approved by MOH of Ukraine (decree # 634 dated 08 Sep 2014) were developed by current authors in Ukraine. For a more detailed description of the principles of diagnosis and treatment of pulmonary sarcoidosis, we have developed and published methodological guidelines "Diagnosis of respiratory tract sarcoidosis" (2014) and "Treatment of pulmonary sarcoidosis" (2018). In 2020 ATS experts published an updated «Diagnosis and Detection of Sarcoidosis. An Official American Thoracic Society Clinical Practice Guideline», according to which the diagnosis of sarcoidosis was based on 3 criteria: compatible clinical symptoms, presence of non-necrotizing granulomatous inflammation in one or more tissue samples (not always required) and exclusion of alternative causes of granulomatous disorder. Finally, in 2021 ERS task force report was published “ERS clinical practice guidelines on treatment of sarcoidosis”, which outlined completely new approaches to management of sarcoidosis patients. According to this document, a decision about treatment of patient depends on 2 major factors: risk of death or organ failure and deterioration of quality of life of a patient. In addition, main principle of management of sarcoidosis patients is a balance between: a) minimization of risk of disability or death due to lung injury and decrease of quality of life, and b) risk of comorbidity and reduction of quality of life due to corticosteroid or other therapies. Methodical guideline focuses on analysis of major statements of these documents, disputable questions of initial therapy choice in patients with pulmonary sarcoidosis.

European Respiratory Society guidelines on transbronchial lung cryobiopsy in the diagnosis of interstitial lung diseases.

In patients with interstitial lung diseases (ILD), histopathological input is often required to obtain a diagnosis. Surgical lung biopsy (SLB) is considered the reference standard, but many patients are clinically unfit to undergo this invasive procedure, and adverse events, length of hospitalisation and costs are considerable. This European Respiratory Society (ERS) guideline provides evidence-based clinical practice recommendations for the role of transbronchial lung cryobiopsy (TBLC) in obtaining tissue-based diagnosis in patients with undiagnosed ILD. The ERS Task Force consisted of clinical experts in the field of ILD and/or TBLC and methodological experts. Four PICO (Patient, Intervention, Comparator, Outcomes) questions and two narrative questions were formulated. Systematic literature searches were performed in MEDLINE and Embase (up to June 2021). GRADE (Grading, Recommendation, Assessment, Development and Evaluation) methodology was applied. In patients with undiagnosed ILD and an indication to obtain histopathological data: 1) TBLC is suggested as a replacement test in patients considered eligible to undergo SLB, 2) TBLC is suggested in patients not considered eligible to undergo SLB, 3) SLB is suggested as an add-on test in patients with a non-informative TBLC, 4) no recommendation is made for or against a second TBLC in patients with a non-informative TBLC and 5) TBLC operators should undergo training, but no recommendation is made for the type of training required. TBLC provides important diagnostic information in patients with undiagnosed ILD. Diagnostic yield is lower compared to SLB, at reduced serious adverse events and length of hospitalisation. Certainty of the evidence is mostly "very low".

European Respiratory Society statement on long COVID follow-up.

Patients diagnosed with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) associated with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection frequently experience symptom burden post-acute infection or post-hospitalisation. We aimed to identify optimal strategies for follow-up care that may positively impact the patient's quality of life (QoL). A European Respiratory Society (ERS) Task Force convened and prioritised eight clinical questions. A targeted search of the literature defined the timeline of “long COVID” as 1–6 months post-infection and identified clinical evidence in the follow-up of patients. Studies meeting the inclusion criteria report an association of characteristics of acute infection with persistent symptoms, thromboembolic events in the follow-up period, and evaluations of pulmonary physiology and imaging. Importantly, this statement reviews QoL consequences, symptom burden, disability and home care follow-up. Overall, the evidence for follow-up care for patients with long COVID is limited.

НОВІ ПІДХОДИ ДО ВЕДЕННЯ ХВОРИХ НА САРКОЇДОЗ ЛЕГЕНЬ

Sarcoidosis is an inflammatory multi-systemic disease of unknown origin with wide spectrum of clinical manifestations. Sarcoidosis may affect practically any organ — predominantly lungs, lymphatic system, skin, eyes alone or in combination. The disease is characterized by formation of non-caseous granuloma. In 1999 American Thoracic society (ATS), European Respiratory society (ERS) and World Association of Sarcoidosis and Other Granulomatous diseases (WASOG) adopted an international consensus statement on diagnosis and treatment of sarcoidosis «Statement on Sarcoidosis». Based on ATS, ERS and WASOG 1999 Statement the national documents such as “Evidence-based adapted clinical guideline on sarcoidosis” and “Unified clinical protocol of primary, secondary (specialized) and tertiary (highly-specialized) medical care for sarcoidosis” approved by MOH of Ukraine (decree # 634 dated 08 Sep 2014) were developed by current authors in Ukraine. In 2020 ATS experts published an updated «Diagnosis and Detection of Sarcoidosis. An Official American Thoracic Society Clinical Practice Guideline», according to which the diagnosis of sarcoidosis was based on 3 criteria: compatible clinical symptoms, presence of non-necrotizing granulomatous inflammation in one or more tissue samples (not always required) and exclusion of alternative causes of granulomatous disorder. Finally, in 2021 ERS task force report was published “ERS clinical practice guidelines on treatment of sarcoidosis”, which outlined completely new approaches to management of sarcoidosis patients. According to this document, a decision about treatment of patient depends on 2 major factors: risk of death or organ failure and deterioration of quality of life of a patient. In addition, main principle of management of sarcoidosis patients is a balance between: a) minimization of risk of disability or death due to lung injury and decrease of quality of life, and b) risk of comorbidity and reduction of quality of life due to corticosteroid or other therapies. Current review focuses on analysis of major statements of these documents, disputable questions of initial therapy choice in patients with pulmonary sarcoidosis. Key words: pulmonary sarcoidosis, diagnosis, treatment, glucocorticosteroids, immunosuppressants, cytokine inhibitors.

ERS clinical practice guidelines: high-flow nasal cannula in acute respiratory failure.

High-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) has become a frequently used noninvasive form of respiratory support in acute settings; however, evidence supporting its use has only recently emerged. These guidelines provide evidence-based recommendations for the use of HFNC alongside other noninvasive forms of respiratory support in adults with acute respiratory failure (ARF). The European Respiratory Society task force panel included expert clinicians and methodologists in pulmonology and intensive care medicine. The task force used the GRADE (Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation) methods to summarise evidence and develop clinical recommendations for the use of HFNC alongside conventional oxygen therapy (COT) and noninvasive ventilation (NIV) for the management of adults in acute settings with ARF. The task force developed eight conditional recommendations, suggesting the use of 1) HFNC over COT in hypoxaemic ARF; 2) HFNC over NIV in hypoxaemic ARF; 3) HFNC over COT during breaks from NIV; 4) either HFNC or COT in post-operative patients at low risk of pulmonary complications; 5) either HFNC or NIV in post-operative patients at high risk of pulmonary complications; 6) HFNC over COT in nonsurgical patients at low risk of extubation failure; 7) NIV over HFNC for patients at high risk of extubation failure unless there are relative or absolute contraindications to NIV; and 8) trialling NIV prior to use of HFNC in patients with COPD and hypercapnic ARF. HFNC is a valuable intervention in adults with ARF. These conditional recommendations can assist clinicians in choosing the most appropriate form of noninvasive respiratory support to provide to patients in different acute settings.

ERS clinical practice guidelines on treatment of sarcoidosis.

The major reasons to treat sarcoidosis are to lower the morbidity and mortality risk or to improve quality of life (QoL). The indication for treatment varies depending on which manifestation is the cause of symptoms: lungs, heart, brain, skin or other manifestations. While glucocorticoids remain the first choice for initial treatment of symptomatic disease, prolonged use is associated with significant toxicity. Glucocorticoid-sparing alternatives are available. The presented treatment guidelines aim to provide guidance to physicians treating the very heterogenous sarcoidosis manifestations. A European Respiratory Society Task Force committee composed of clinicians, methodologists and patients with experience in sarcoidosis developed recommendations based on the GRADE (Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations) methodology. The committee developed eight PICO (Patients, Intervention, Comparison, Outcomes) questions and these were used to make specific evidence-based recommendations. The Task Force committee delivered 12 recommendations for seven PICOs. These included treatment of pulmonary, cutaneous, cardiac and neurologic disease as well as fatigue. One PICO question regarding small-fibre neuropathy had insufficient evidence to support a recommendation. In addition to the recommendations, the committee provided information on how they use alternative treatments, when there was insufficient evidence to support a recommendation. There are many treatments available to treat sarcoidosis. Given the diverse nature of the disease, treatment decisions require an assessment of organ involvement, risk for significant morbidity, and impact on QoL of the disease and treatment.

Clinical and research priorities for children and young people with bronchiectasis: an international roadmap.

The global burden of children and young people (CYP) with bronchiectasis is being recognised increasingly. They experience a poor quality of life and recurrent respiratory exacerbations requiring additional treatment, including hospitalisation. However, there are no published data on patient-driven clinical needs and/or research priorities for paediatric bronchiectasis.Parent/patient-driven views are required to understand the clinical needs and research priorities to inform changes that benefit CYP with bronchiectasis and reduce their disease burden. The European Lung Foundation and the European Respiratory Society Task Force for paediatric bronchiectasis created an international roadmap of clinical and research priorities to guide, and as an extension of, the clinical practice guideline.This roadmap was based on two global web-based surveys. The first survey (10 languages) was completed by 225 respondents (parents of CYP with bronchiectasis and adults with bronchiectasis diagnosed in childhood) from 21 countries. The parent/patient survey encompassed both clinical and research priorities. The second survey, completed by 258 health practitioners from 54 countries, was limited to research priorities.The two highest clinical needs expressed by parents/patients were: having an action management plan for flare-ups/exacerbations and access to physiotherapists. The two highest health practitioners’ research priorities related to eradication of airway pathogens and optimal airway clearance techniques. Based on both surveys, the top 10 research priorities were derived, and unanimous consensus statements were formulated from these priorities.This document addresses parents'/patients' clinical and research priorities from both the parents'/patients' and clinicians' perspectives and will help guide research and clinical efforts to improve the lives of people with bronchiectasis.

European Respiratory Society guidelines for the management of children and adolescents with bronchiectasis

There is increasing awareness of bronchiectasis in children and adolescents, a chronic pulmonary disorder associated with poor quality of life for the child/adolescent and their parents, recurrent exacerbations, and costs to the family and health systems. Optimal treatment improves clinical outcomes. Several national guidelines exist, but there are no international guidelines.The European Respiratory Society (ERS) Task Force for the management of paediatric bronchiectasis sought to identify evidence-based management (investigation and treatment) strategies. It used the ERS standardised methodology that included a systematic review of the literature and application of the GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation) approach to define the quality of the evidence and level of recommendations.A multidisciplinary team of specialists in paediatric and adult respiratory medicine, infectious disease, physiotherapy, primary care, nursing, radiology, immunology, methodology, patient advocacy and parents of children/adolescents with bronchiectasis considered the most relevant clinical questions (for both clinicians and patients) related to managing paediatric bronchiectasis. 14 key clinical questions (seven PICO (Patient, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome) and seven narrative) were generated. The outcomes for each PICO were decided by voting by the panel and parent/patient advisory group.This guideline addresses the definition, diagnostic approach and antibiotic treatment of exacerbations, pathogen eradication, long-term antibiotic therapy, asthma-type therapies (inhaled corticosteroids and bronchodilators), mucoactive drugs, airway clearance, investigation of underlying causes of bronchiectasis, disease monitoring, factors to consider before surgical treatment, and the reversibility and prevention of bronchiectasis in children/adolescents. Benchmarking quality of care for children/adolescents with bronchiectasis to improve clinical outcomes and evidence gaps for future research could be based on these recommendations.

COVID-19 recrudescence and rehabilitation

International Journal of Therapy and RehabilitationVol. 28, No. 1 EditorialCOVID-19 recrudescence and rehabilitationMassimiliano PolastriMassimiliano PolastriCorrespondence to: E-mail Address: [email protected]Department of Continuity of Care and Disability, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, St Orsola University Hospital, Bologna, ItalySearch for more papers by this authorMassimiliano PolastriPublished Online:28 Jan 2021https://doi.org/10.12968/ijtr.2020.0154AboutSectionsView articleView Full TextPDF/EPUB ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissions ShareShare onFacebookTwitterLinked InEmail View article References Bromley J. Burnout: really, really tired of COVID. Int J Ther Rehabil. 2020;27(10):1–3. https://doi.org/10.12968/ijtr.2020.0142 Link, Google ScholarEuropean Centre for Disease Prevention and Control. Situation update worldwide, as of week 1 2021. 2021. https://www.ecdc.europa.eu/en/geographical-distribution-2019-ncov-cases (accessed 21 January 2021) Google ScholarGrasselli G, Tonetti T, Protti A et al.. Pathophysiology of COVID-19-associated acute respiratory distress syndrome: a multicentre prospective observational study. Lancet Respir Med. 2020;8(12):1201–1208. https://doi.org/10.1016/S2213-2600(20)30370–2 Crossref, Google ScholarLazzeri M, Lanza A, Bellini R et al.. Respiratory physiotherapy in patients with COVID-19 infection in acute setting: position paper of the Italian Association of Respiratory Physiotherapists (ARIR). Monaldi Arch Chest Dis. 2020;90(1):1285. https://doi.org/10.408/monaldi.2020.1285 Crossref, Google ScholarLee AJY, Chung CLH, Young BE et al.. Clinical course and physiotherapy intervention in 9 patients with COVID-19. Physiotherapy. 2020;109:1–3. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.physio.2020.06.002 Crossref, Google ScholarNava S, Tonelli R, Clini EM. An Italian sacrifice to the COVID-19 epidemic. Eur Respir J. 2020;55(6):2001445. https://doi.org/10.1183/13993003.01445-2020 Crossref, Google ScholarPan American Health Organization. Rehabilitation considerations during the COVID-19 outbreak. 2020. https://iris.paho.org/bitstream/handle/10665.2/52035/NMHMHCOVID19200010_eng.pdf?sequence=6&isAllowed=y (accessed 21 January 2021) Google ScholarPolastri M, Nava S, Clini E, Vitacca M, Gosselink R. COVID-19 and pulmonary rehabilitation: preparing for phase three. Eur Respir J. 2020;55(6):2001822. https://doi.org/10.1183/13993003.01822-2020 Crossref, Google ScholarRighetti RF, Onoue MA, Politi FVA et al.. Physiotherapy care of patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) - a Brazilian experience. Clinics (Sao Paulo). 2020;75:e2017. https://doi.org/10.6061/clinics/2020/e2017 Crossref, Google ScholarSimonelli C, Paneroni M, Fokom AG et al.. How the COVID-19 infection tsunami revolutionized the work of respiratory physiotherapists: an experience from Northern Italy. Monaldi Arch Chest Dis. 2020;90(2). https://doi.org/10.4081/monaldi.2020.1085 Crossref, Google ScholarSpruit MA, Holland AE, Singh SJ et al.. COVID-19: interim guidance on rehabilitation in the hospital and post-hospital phase from a European Respiratory Society and American Thoracic Society-coordinated International Task Force. Eur Respir J. 2020;56:2002197. https://doi.org/10.1183/13993003.02197-2020 Crossref, Google ScholarThomas P, Baldwin C, Bisset B et al.. Physiotherapy management for COVID-19 in the acute hospital setting: clinical practice recommendations. J Physiother. 2020;66(2):73–82. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jphys.2020.03.011 Crossref, Google ScholarTonetti T, Zanella A, Pizzilli G et al.. One ventilator for two patients: feasibility and considerations of a last resort solution in case of equipment shortage. Thorax. 2020;75(6):517–519. https://doi.org/10.1136/thoraxjnl-2020-214895 Crossref, Google ScholarVitacca M, Migliori GB, Spanevello A et al.. Management and outcomes of post-acute COVID-19 patients in Northern Italy. Eur J Intern Med. 2020a;78:159–160. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejim.2020.06.005 Crossref, Google ScholarVitacca M, Carone M, Clini E et al.. Joint statement on the role of respiratory rehabilitation in the COVID-19 crisis: the Italian position paper. Respiration. 2020b;99(6):493–499. https://doi.org/10.1159/000508399 Crossref, Google ScholarZangrillo A, Gattinoni L. Learning from mistakes during the pandemic: the Lombardy lesson. Intensive Care Med. 2020;46(8):1622–1623. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00134-020-06137-9 Crossref, Google Scholar FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails 2 January 2021Volume 28Issue 1ISSN (online): 1759-779X Metrics History Published online 28 January 2021 Published in print 2 January 2021 Information© MA Healthcare LimitedPDF download

Health-related quality of life in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: A hospital-based study.

Background & objectives:Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) adversely affects various functional and structural domains of the lungs, in addition to having an array of extra-pulmonary effects which affect overall well-being of a patient. This study was aimed at measuring the health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in COPD patients and relating the severity of disease and other factors with the degree of impairment of HRQOL.Methods:This cross-sectional study was conducted on 100 individuals with established COPD aged 45 yr or above. COPD severity was graded based on the Global Initiative for Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) staging system. Pulmonary function test was carried out as per the American Thoracic Society and European Respiratory Society task force standardised lung function testing guidelines. The quality of life was measured using the COPD-specific version of the St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ). The three component scores (activity, impact and symptoms) and the total score were compared across the various categories of age, gender and COPD grades. Using multivariable linear regression analysis, the relationship between COPD grades and various component scores, adjusting for age and gender, was determined.Results:The mean total SGRQ Classification score was found to be 48.5±17.1. There was a significant increase in the symptom, activity and impact component scores and the total scores of the participants with worsening of COPD grade. The activity, impact component scores and total score showed an increasing trend with age. However, the values of these three scores were lower in participants in the age group of 56-65 yr in comparison to those in the 45-55 yr age group. There was a significant increase in the symptom component score with increasing age across the study population. The difference in the various scores between males and females was not significant.Interpretation & conclusions:HRQOL is impaired in patients with COPD, and it deteriorates with increasing severity of the disease. The onset of COPD at a younger age has a much more significant deterioration of HRQOL, due to the early onset of symptoms and complications. These findings call for better early care and integration of pulmonary rehabilitation programmes into current health policies.

European Respiratory Society statement on thoracic ultrasound.

Thoracic ultrasound is increasingly considered to be an essential tool for the pulmonologist. It is used in diverse clinical scenarios, including as an adjunct to clinical decision making for diagnosis, a real-time guide to procedures and a predictor or measurement of treatment response. The aim of this European Respiratory Society task force was to produce a statement on thoracic ultrasound for pulmonologists using thoracic ultrasound within the field of respiratory medicine. The multidisciplinary panel performed a review of the literature, addressing major areas of thoracic ultrasound practice and application. The selected major areas include equipment and technique, assessment of the chest wall, parietal pleura, pleural effusion, pneumothorax, interstitial syndrome, lung consolidation, diaphragm assessment, intervention guidance, training and the patient perspective. Despite the growing evidence supporting the use of thoracic ultrasound, the published literature still contains a paucity of data in some important fields. Key research questions for each of the major areas were identified, which serve to facilitate future multicentre collaborations and research to further consolidate an evidence-based use of thoracic ultrasound, for the benefit of the many patients being exposed to clinicians using thoracic ultrasound.

JUST ANOTHER CASE OF CHEST PAIN? EGPA MYOCARDITIS

SESSION TITLE: Medical Student/Resident Signs and Symptoms of Chest Disease Posters SESSION TYPE: Med Student/Res Case Rep Postr PRESENTED ON: October 18-21, 2020 INTRODUCTION: Eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangitis (EGPA), formerly called Churg-Strauss syndrome, is a rare vasculitis affecting small and medium vessels. While EGPA has multisystem involvement, cardiac involvement accounts for nearly half of the deaths. CASE PRESENTATION: 63-year-old male with a past medical history of asthma presented with acute onset of chest pain and exertional dyspnea. Review of systems was significant for a 3 months history of bilateral feet numbness. Vitals were remarkable for tachycardia (115/min); cardiopulmonary and abdominal examinations were unremarkable. Neurological examination was significant for left foot drop and a sensory deficit in both feet. Labs revealed leukocytosis (32,000/mm3) with 52% eosinophils; troponemia (2.018 ng/ml) & an elevated ESR (80 mm/hr). EKG revealed sinus tachycardia and echocardiography revealed a trace hemodynamically insignificant pericardial effusion. Left heart catheterization was without coronary arteriopathy. Serum IgE level was 1499 IU/mL and ANA, c-ANCA and p-ANCA were negative. CT chest demonstrated a new parenchymal opacification in the right upper lobe and CT sinus showed bilateral ethmoidal and frontal sinus mucosal disease. Bone marrow biopsy excluded a myeloproliferative disorder. Sural nerve biopsy revealed vasculitis with endoneural fibrosis. Per ACR criteria, the patient was diagnosed with EGPA. Treatment included prednisone (1mg/Kg/day) with resultant resolution of leukocytosis, eosinophilia, chest pain and dyspnea, the latter of which were attributed to myocarditis. DISCUSSION: EGPA is the least common of the ANCA-positive vasculitides. However, only 30 to 60 % of EGPA patients are ANCA positive (1), therefore negative MPO-ANCA and PR3-ANCA do not exclude the diagnosis of EGPA. EGPA can be diagnosed with 99.7% specificity if 4 of 6 of the following criteria are met: asthma, greater than 10% eosinophils on leukocyte differential, mononeuropathy including multiplex or polyneuropathy, migratory or transient pulmonary opacities on chest radiograph, paranasal sinus abnormality, and biopsy showing vasculitis (2). Our patient had multiorgan involvement with upper and lower airway, myocardial/pericardial and neural disease. EGPA with cardiac involvement has a significantly higher mortality rate and about 50% of EGPA deaths are those with cardiac involvement (3). The typical cardiac involvement seen in EGPA includes myocarditis, pericarditis, heart failure, valvular insufficiency. CONCLUSIONS: Multiorgan involvement, atypical presentation, ANCA negativity makes diagnosis challenging, making careful history and physical and thorough systems review vital. Cardiac involvement is the leading cause of EGPA deaths and hence, EGPA, although rare, should be considered in the differential diagnosis in a patient presenting with myopericarditis. Prompt diagnosis and treatment help to prevent complications. Reference #1: 1) Cottin V, Bel E, Bottero P, et al. Revisiting the systemic vasculitis in eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (Churg-Strauss): A study of 157 patients by the Groupe d’Etudes et de Recherche sur les Maladies Orphelines Pulmonaires and the European Respiratory Society Taskforce on eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (Churg-Strauss). Autoimmun Rev. 2017 Jan;16(1):1–9. Reference #2: 2)Masi AT, Hunder GG, Lie JT, et al. The American College of Rheumatology 1990 criteria for the classification of Churg-Strauss syndrome (allergic granulomatosis and angiitis). Arthritis Rheum. 1990 Aug;33(8):10941–100. Reference #3: 3) Cardiac involvement in eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangitis (Churg Strauss) (RCD code: I-3A.7a) Szczeklik W, Miszalski-Jamka T. https://jrcd.eu/index.php/crcd/article/download/56/26 J Rare Cardiovasc Dis. 2013;1:91–95. DISCLOSURES: No relevant relationships by Floyd Burke, source=Web Response No relevant relationships by Jovan Gayle, source=Web Response No relevant relationships by Somshukla Ghosh, source=Web Response

Pediatric liver transplantation in severe hepatopulmonary syndrome and use of inhaled nitric oxide for post-transplant hypoxemia-a single center experience.

Data on pediatric patients with HPS undergoing LT are limited. Our aim was to study the spectrum and outcomes of pediatric patients with HPS undergoing LDLT. The role ofiNO for post-LDLT refractory hypoxemia was also assessed. Patients (aged<18years) undergoing LT were retrospectively studied. HPS was diagnosed based on European Respiratory Society Taskforce 2004 criteria. HPS was graded based on oxygenation criteria and contrast-enhanced echocardiogram. Post-operative course was studied. Refractory post-operative hypoxemia was treated with iNO by institutionally developed protocol. 23/150 pediatric patients undergoing LDLT had HPS. BA was the most common underlying cause (52.2%). By oxygenation criteria, 6 (26.1%) had VS-HPS. VS-HPS was associated with longer LOS (p=.031) and prolonged oxygen requirement (p=.001) compared with other HPS patients. 4/6 patients with VS-HPS had pO2<45mmHg. Among these, 2 developed ICH post-operatively and 1 died. 3 developed refractory post-operative hypoxemia, successfully treated with iNO. Mean duration of iNO was 26.3days. In the group of patients with HPS, the incidence of HAT and portal vein thrombosis was 17.3% and 4.3%, respectively. One year post-LDLT survival of patients with HPS was similar to non-HPS patients (86.9% vs 94.4%; p=.88). We concluded that, pediatric patients with VS-HPS, especially those with pre-operative pO2<45mmHg, have long and difficult post-LT course. Refractory postoperative hypoxemia can be successfully overcome with strategic use of iNO. Vigilant monitoring and good intensive care support are essential.