Forced Expiratory Volume In 1s Research Articles

LAMA improve tissue oxygenation more than LABA in patients with COPD

Background The effect of bronchodilators is mainly assessed with forced expiratory volume in 1s (FEV1) in COPD. Their impact on oxygenation and lung periphery is less known. Objectives To compare the action of long-acting ß2-agonists (LABA-olodaterol) and muscarinic antagonists (LAMA-tiotropium) on tissue oxygenation in COPD, considering their impact on proximal and peripheral ventilation as well as lung perfusion. Methods FEV1, Helium slope (SHe) from a single-breath washout test (SHe decrease reflecting a peripheral ventilation improvement), frequency dependence of resistance (R5-R19), area under reactance (AX), lung capillary blood volume (Vc) from double diffusion (DLNO/DLCO) and transcutaneous oxygenation (TcO2) were measured before and 2 hours post-LABA (day 1) and LAMA (day 3) in 30 COPD patients (FEV1 54±18% pred; GOLD A 31%/B 48%/E 21%) after 5-7 days of washout, respectively. Results TcO2 increased more (p=0.03) after LAMA (11±12%from baseline, p<0001) compared to LABA (4±11%, p=0.06) despite a lower FEV1 increase (p=0.03) and similar SHe (p=0.98), AX (p=0.63) and R5-R19 decreases (p=0.37). TcO2 and SHe changes were negatively correlated (r=-0.47, p=0.01) after LABA, not after LAMA (r=0.10, p=0.65). DLNO/DLCO decreased and Vc increased after LAMA (p=0.04; p=0.01, respectively) but not after LABA (p=0.53; p=0.24). Conclusion LAMA significantly improved tissue oxygenation in COPD patients, while only a trend was observed with LABA. The mechanisms involved may differ between both drugs: LABA increased peripheral ventilation while LAMA increased lung capillary blood volume. Should oxygenation differences persist over time, LAMA could arguably become the first therapeutic choice in COPD.

Ultrasonographic measurement indicated patients with chronic neck pain had reduced diaphragm thickness and mobility along with declined respiratory functions

Chronic neck pain (CNP) is a prevalent musculoskeletal condition including notable impairments in respiratory function. The diaphragm, serving dual roles in respiration and spinal stability, is intricately linked to the cervical spine through fascial, neurophysiological, and biomechanical connections. However, to date, none has investigated the diaphragm function in patients with CNP. To investigate the diaphragm function, respiratory muscle strength, and pulmonary function in patients with CNP. In addition, their associations were also examined. A case-control study. A total of 54 participants were recruited including 25 patients with CNP (CNP group) and 29 healthy adults (CON group). Pulmonary function including forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume in 1s (FEV1), and respiratory muscle strength represented by maximal inspiratory (MIP) and maximal expiratory pressure (MEP), as well as diaphragm function including ultrasonographic measures of mobility and thickness changes during maximal inspiration and expiration were assessed in all participants. Additionally, the intensity of pain and disability were evaluated using a Visual Analog Scale and Neck Disability Index only in patients with CNP. Significant reductions of the FVC, FEV1, MIP, and MEP were found in the CNP group compared to the CON group (p<0.05). The diaphragm mobility and thickness changes were also significantly decreased in the CNP group than the CON group with medium effect sizes (p<0.05). Only diaphragm thickness change was positively correlated with FVC, FEV1, and MEP in patients with CNP. Furthermore, MEP showed the strongest contribution to diaphragm thickness change based on the regression analysis. Impaired diaphragm function, respiratory muscle strength, and pulmonary function were observed in patients with CNP. Patients with smaller diaphragm thickness change had poorer pulmonary function and reduced maximal expiratory muscle strength. Diaphragm assessment and intervention may be considered in CNP management.

The effect of lobar shifting following right upper lobectomy on postoperative pulmonary function.

Lobes occasionally displace after lobectomy, referred to as "lobar shifting". However, the benefits, especially in postoperative pulmonary function, remain controversial. This study aimed to measure the effect of lobar shifting on postoperative pulmonary function especially in the right upper lobe. This retrospective study includes 273 right upper lobectomy patients (lobectomy group) and 24 right upper segmentectomy patients (segmentectomy group) from 2012 to 2021. The lobectomy group was further subdivided based on their Synapse Vincent® image: with their postoperative middle lobe bronchus shifted toward the head (shift group: 176 cases) and without (non-shift group: 97 cases). Several factors were examined to determine the cause of lobar shifting. The rate of measured actual postoperative forced expiratory volume in 1s (FEV1.0) to predicted postoperative FEV1.0 was analyzed and compared among the three groups. Factors that correlated with lobar shifting included age (p < 0.001), a relatively small middle lobe volume (p = 0.03), no adhesions (p < 0.001), and good upper/middle and middle/lower lobulation (p = 0.04, p = 0.02). The rate of measured actual postoperative FEV1.0 to predicted postoperative FEV1 for the shift, non-shift, and segmentectomy groups were 112.5%, 107.9%, and 103.1% (shift vs non-shift: p = 0.04, shift vs segmentectomy: p = 0.02, non-shift vs segmentectomy: p = 0.19). Lobar shifting after right upper lobectomy is influenced by morphological factors and may have a beneficial impact on postoperative pulmonary function.

Compensatory expansion of the right middle lobe: volumetric and functional analysis of the changes after right upper or lower lobectomy.

The right middle lobe often poorly expands after right upper lobectomy. Postoperative pulmonary function may be inferior after right upper lobectomy than after right lower lobectomy due to poor expansion of the middle lobe. This study examined the difference in the postoperative right middle lobe expansion and pulmonary function between right upper and right lower lobectomy. Patients who underwent right upper or right lower lobectomy through video-assisted thoracic surgery (n = 82) were enrolled in this retrospective study. Pulmonary function tests and computed tomography were performed preoperatively and at 1year postoperatively. Using three-dimensional computed tomography volumetry, the preoperative and postoperative lung volumes were measured, and the predicted postoperative forced expiratory volume in 1s was calculated. Middle lobe volume ratio (i.e., ratio of the postoperative to the preoperative middle lobe volume) and the postoperative forced expiratory volume in 1s ratio (i.e., ratio of the measured to the predicted postoperative forced expiratory volume in 1s) were compared between right upper and right lower lobectomy. Compared with the patients who underwent right upper lobectomy (n = 50), those who underwent right lower lobectomy (n = 32) had significantly higher middle lobe volume ratio (1.15 ± 0.32 vs. 1.63 ± 0.52, p < 0.001) and postoperative forced expiratory volume in 1s ratio (1.12 ± 0.12 vs. 1.19 ± 0.13, p = 0.010). The right middle lobe showed more expansion and better recovery of postoperative pulmonary function after right lower lobectomy than after right upper lobectomy.

Association between Increased Risk of Pneumonia with ICS in COPD: A Continuous Variable Analysis of Patient Factors from the IMPACT Study.

Despite the proven benefits of inhaled corticosteroid (ICS)-containing triple therapy for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), clinicians limit patient exposure to ICS due to the risk of pneumonia. However, there are multiple factors associated with the risk of pneumonia in patients with COPD. This posthoc analysis of IMPACT trial data aims to set the risks associated with ICS into a context of specific patient-related factors that contribute to the risk of pneumonia. The 52-week, double-blind IMPACT trial randomized patients with symptomatic COPD and ≥1 exacerbation in the prior year 2:2:1 to once-daily fluticasone furoate (FF)/umeclidinium (UMEC)/vilanterol (VI), FF/VI or UMEC/VI. Annual rate of on-treatment pneumonias in the intent-to-treat population associated with age, body mass index (BMI), percent predicted forced expiratory volume in 1s (FEV1) and blood eosinophil count (BEC) was evaluated. This analysis revealed that the annual rate of pneumonia showed the lowest risk at the age of 50years. The 95% confidence intervals (CI) between ICS-containing and non-ICS containing treatments diverged in ages > 63years, suggesting a significantly increased ICS-related risk in older patients. In contrast, the annual rate of pneumonia rose in both groups below BMI of 22.5kg/m2, but above that, there was no relationship to pneumonia rate and no differential effect between the two groups. The relationship between BEC and pneumonia was flat up to > 300/µL cells with ICS-containing treatment and then rose. In contrast, the rate of pneumonia with non-ICS containing treatment appeared to increase at a lower level of BEC (~ 200/µL). There was little evidence of a differential effect of older age, lower BMI, lower FEV1 and BEC on the pneumonia rate between ICS-containing and non-ICS containing treatments. This analysis points to the need for a balanced approach to risk versus benefit in the use of ICS-containing treatments in COPD. IMPACT ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT02164513.

Galectin-3 levels in children with cystic fibrosis.

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a multisystemic disease in which airway obstruction, infection, and inflammation play a critical role in the pathogenesis and progression of CF lung disease. The carbohydrate-binding protein Galectin-3 is increased in several inflammatory and fibrotic diseases and has recently been forwarded as a biomarker in these diseases. We aimed to define the role of serum Galectin-3 in children with CF by comparison with healthy subjects. This is a cross-sectional, case-control study. 143 CF and 30 healthy subjects were enrolled in the study. Peripheral blood and sputum concentrations of Galectins-3, interleukin (IL)-17A, IL-8, and neutrophil elastase (NE) were determined with commercial ELISA kits. There was no significant difference between the groups in age and gender (p = 0.592, p = 0.613, respectively). Serum Galectin-3 and NE concentrations were higher in the patient group than in healthy controls (p = 0.002, p < 0.001, respectively). There were no significant differences between groups according to IL-17A and IL-8 concentrations. Serum Galectin-3 was correlated with age (r = 0.289, p < 0.001) and body mass index (BMI) (r = 0.493, p < 0.001) in children with CF. Sputum Galectin-3 levels are negatively correlated with percent predictive forced expiratory volume in 1s (FEV1) (r = - 0.297, p = 0.029), FEV1 z-score, (r = - 0.316, p = 0.020), percent predictive forced vital capacity (FVC) (r = - 0.347, p = 0.010), and FVC z-score (r = - 0.373, p = 0.006). Conclusion: The study shows that serum Galectin-3 levels increased in clinically stable CF patients, and serum Galectin-3 response may depend on age, gender, and BMI. The sputum Galectin-3 was found to be negatively correlated with patients' lung functions. What is known: • Galectin-3 is a key regulator of chronic inflammation in the lung, liver, kidney, and tumor microenvironment. What is new: • Children with cystic fibrosis (CF) have higher serum Galectin-3 concentrations than healthy children. • Serum Galectin-3 expression influenced by age, BMI, and gender in children with CF.

Evaluation of nocturnal apnea and airflow limitation as indicators for cognitive dysfunction in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease/obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome overlap syndrome.

The aim of this study is to investigate how much intermittent hypoxemia and airflow limitation contribute to cognitive impairment in overlap syndrome (OS), which is the coexistence of two common diseases, obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). We conducted a cross-sectional study of patients with OSAHS, COPD or OS, compared with normal controls, to determine the association between sleep apnea/pulmonary function-related indicators and cognitive dysfunction in individuals with OSAHS, COPD or OS. A total of 157 participants were recruited. Both OSAHS and OS presented lower adjusted Montreal cognitive assessment (MoCA) scores compared with COPD group. In addition, the MoCA score was significantly lower in COPD group compared with control group. The incidence of cognitive impairment was 57.4% in OSAHS group, and 78% in OS group, which were significantly higher than COPD group (29%) and control group (8.8%). Furthermore, a broader range of cognitive domains were affected in OS group compared with OSAHS group. Elevated levels of oxygen desaturation index (ODI) and/or apnea hypopnea index (AHI) were positively correlated with increased Epworth sleeping scale (ESS) in OSAHS and OS. Forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in 1s (FEV1) and peak expiratory flow (PEF) were positively correlated with cognitive scores in OSAHS but not in OS. Serum level of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) was significantly higher in OS. Logistic regression identified ODI as an independent risk factor for cognitive impairment in OS, while severity of snoring and PEF were independent risk factors in OSAHS. This study revealed significant cognitive impairment in OS, OSAHS and COPD. Sleep-related indicators are warranted in OS patients for detection, differentiation and grading of cognitive impairment, whereas pulmonary functions are warranted in OSAHS patients for detection and early intervention of cognitive impairment.

Urban environment during pregnancy and lung function, wheezing, and asthma in school-age children. The generation R study

The urban environment during pregnancy may influence child's respiratory health, but scarce evidence exists on systematic evaluation of multiple urban exposures (e.g., air pollution, natural spaces, noise, built environment) on children's lung function, wheezing, and asthma development.We aimed to examine the association of the urban environment during pregnancy with lung function, preschool wheezing, and school-age asthma.We included 5624 mother-child pairs participating in a population-based prospective birth cohort. We estimated 30 urban environmental exposures including air pollution, road traffic noise, traffic, green spaces, blue spaces, and built environment during pregnancy. At 10 years of age, lung function was measured by spirometry. Information on preschool wheezing and physician-diagnosed school-age asthma was obtained from multiple questionnaires. We described single-exposure associations with respiratory outcomes using an exposome-wide association study. We also identified patterns of urban exposures with hierarchical clustering on principal components analysis and examined their associations with respiratory outcomes using multivariate regression models.Single-exposure analyses showed associations of higher particulate matter (PM) with lower mid-expiratory flow (FEF25–75%) (e.g., for PM < 2.5 μm of diameter [PM2.5] z-score = −0.06 [-0.09, −0.03]) and higher forced expiratory volume in 1s (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC) (e.g., for PM2.5 FEV1 0.05 [0.02, 0.08]) after correction for multiple-hypothesis testing. Cluster analysis described three patterns of urban exposures during pregnancy and showed that the cluster characterised by higher levels of air pollution, noise, walkability, street connectivity, and lower levels of natural spaces were associated with lower FEF25–75% (−0.08 [-0.17, 0.00]), and higher odds of preschool wheezing (1.21 [1.03, 1.43]).This study shows that the characteristics of the urban environment during pregnancy are of relevance to the offspring's respiratory health during childhood.

Successful Use of Easyhaler® Dry Powder Inhaler in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease; Analysis of Peak Inspiratory Flow from Three Clinical Trials.

There is increasing pressure to use environmentally friendly dry powder inhalers (DPI) instead of pressurized metered-dose inhalers (pMDI). However, correct inhalation technique is needed for effective inhaler therapy, and there is persistent concern whether patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) can generate sufficient inspiratory effort to use DPIs successfully. The aims of this study were to find clinical predictors for peak inspiratory flow rate (PIF) and to assess whether patients with COPD had difficulties in generating sufficient PIF with a high resistance DPI. Pooled data of 246 patients with COPD from previous clinical trials was analyzed to find possible predictors of PIF via the DPI Easyhaler (PIFEH) and to assess the proportion of patients able to achieve an inhalation flow rate of 30 l/min, which is needed to use the Easyhaler successfully. The mean PIF was 56.9l/min and 99% (243/246) of the study patients achieved a PIF ≥ 30l/min. A low PIF was associated with female gender and lower forced expiratory volume in 1s (FEV1), but the association was weak and a statistical model including both only accounted for 18% of the variation seen in PIFEH. Based on our results, impaired expiratory lung function or patient characteristics do not predict patients' ability to use DPIs in COPD; 99% of the patients generated sufficient PIFEH for successful dose delivery. Considering the targets for sustainability in health care, this should be addressed as DPIs are a potential option for most patients when choosing the right inhaler for the patient. Two of three included trials were registered under numbers NCT04147572 and NCT01424137. Third trial preceded registration platforms and therefore, was not registered.

Association of Abnormal Lung Function and Its Subtypes With Arterial Stiffness: A Longitudinal Cohort Study.

Prior studies have reported the cross-sectional relationship between lung function and arterial stiffness, while the longitudinal association remains unclear to date. This study aimed to investigate whether abnormal lung function and its subtypes at baseline are associated with increased arterial stiffness using a cohort. This was a secondary analysis extracting 2461 participants from Beijing Health Management Cohort as baseline and annually followed for development of arterial stiffness. Abnormal lung function was defined by forced expiratory volume in 1s <80% of the predicted value, forced vital capacity of the predicted value, or forced expiratory volume in 1s/forced vital capacity ratio <70%. Increased arterial stiffness was determined by brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity ≥1400 cm/s. Cox proportional hazards model was used to calculate the hazard ratio and population attributable fraction. The mean age was 42.8±8.1 years, and 444 (18.0%) cases developed increased arterial stiffness during a median follow-up of 3.0 years. The adjusted hazard ratio (95% CI) of arterial stiffness was 1.47 (95% CI, 1.10-1.96) for abnormal lung function, with a population attributable fraction of 3.9% (95% CI, 0.8-7.1). Of subtypes, only obstructive ventilatory dysfunction was significantly associated with arterial stiffness (adjusted hazard ratio, 2.06 [95% CI, 1.27-3.36]), not restricted ventilatory dysfunction (adjusted hazard ratio, 0.95 [95% CI, 0.54-1.65]). Consistent results were observed on multiple sensitivity analyses. Our study indicated a longitudinal association of abnormal lung function with increased arterial stiffness using a large cohort, especially for the obstructive ventilatory dysfunction.

MDCT and MRI in Bronchiectasis in Older Children and Young Adults- A Non-Inferiority Trial.

To compare and evaluate the usefulness of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with computed tomography (CT) in bronchiectasis; to compare MRI and CT scores with pulmonary function tests (PFT) and to evaluate the role of Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) in bronchiectasis. In this prospective study, 25 patients between 7-21 y of age with a clinical/radiological diagnosis of bronchiectasis underwent MDCT and MRI chest. MRI and CT scoring was performed using modified Bhalla-Helbich's score by two independent radiologists for all parameters. A final consensus score was recorded. The overall image quality of different MRI sequences to identify pathologies was also assessed. Appropriate statistical tests were used for inter-observer agreements, and correlation amongst CT and MRI; as well as CT, MRI and PFT. Strong agreement (ICC 0.80-0.95) between CT and MRI was seen for extent and severity of bronchiectasis, number of bullae, sacculation/abscess, emphysema, collapse/ consolidation, mucus plugging, and mosaic perfusion. Overall CT and MRI scores had perfect concordance (ICC 0.978). Statistically significant (p-value <0.01) intra-observer and inter-observer agreement for all CT and MRI score parameters were seen. A strong negative correlation was seen between total CT and MRI severity scores and forced expiratory volume in 1s (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory flow (FEF) 25-75%. DWI MR, with an apparent diffusion coefficient(ADC) cut-off of 1.62 × 10-3 mm3/s had a sensitivity of 70% and specificity of 75% in detecting true mucus plugs. MRI with DWI can be considered as a radiation-free alternative in the diagnostic algorithm for assessment of lung changes in bronchiectasis, especially in follow-up.

Associations between combined urban and lifestyle factors and respiratory health in European children

IntroductionPrevious studies identified some environmental and lifestyle factors independently associated with children respiratory health, but few focused on exposure mixture effects. This study aimed at identifying, in pregnancy and in childhood, combined urban and lifestyle environment profiles associated with respiratory health in children. MethodsThis study is based on the European Human Early-Life Exposome (HELIX) project, combining six birth cohorts. Associations between profiles of pregnancy (38 exposures) and childhood (84 exposures) urban and lifestyle factors, identified by clustering analysis, and respiratory health were estimated by regression models adjusted for confounders. ResultsAmong the 1033 included children (mean ± standard-deviation (SD) age: 8.2 ± 1.6 years old, 47% girls) the mean ± SD forced expiratory volume in 1s (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC) were 99 ± 13% and 101 ± 14%, respectively, and 12%, 12% and 24% reported ever-asthma, wheezing and rhinitis, respectively. Four profiles of pregnancy exposures and four profiles of childhood exposures were identified. Compared to the reference childhood exposure profile (low exposures), two exposure profiles were associated with lower levels of FEV1. One profile was characterized by few natural spaces in the surroundings and high exposure to the built environment and road traffic. The second profile was characterized by high exposure to meteorological factors and low levels of all other exposures and was also associated with an increased risk of ever-asthma and wheezing. A pregnancy exposure profile characterized by high exposure levels to all risk factors, but a healthy maternal lifestyle, was associated with a lower risk of wheezing and rhinitis in children, compared to the reference pregnancy profile (low exposures). ConclusionThis comprehensive approach revealed pregnancy and childhood profiles of urban and lifestyle exposures associated with lung function and/or respiratory conditions in children. Our findings highlight the need to pursue the study of combined exposures to improve prevention strategies for multifactorial diseases such as asthma.

Impact of long-term exposure to ambient ozone on lung function over a course of 20 years (The ECRHS study): a prospective cohort study in adults.

While the adverse effects of short-term ambient ozone exposure on lung function are well-documented, the impact of long-term exposure remains poorly understood, especially in adults. We aimed to investigate the association between long-term ozone exposure and lung function decline. The 3014 participants were drawn from 17 centers across eight countries, all of which were from the European Community Respiratory Health Survey (ECRHS). Spirometry was conducted to measure pre-bronchodilation forced expiratory volume in 1s (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC) at approximately 35, 44, and 55 years of age. We assigned annual mean values of daily maximum running 8-h average ozone concentrations to individual residential addresses. Adjustments were made for PM2.5, NO2, and greenness. To capture the ozone-related change in spirometric parameters, our linear mixed effects regression models included an interaction term between long-term ozone exposure and age. Mean ambient ozone concentrations were approximately 65μg/m³. A one interquartile range increase of 7μg/m³ in ozone was associated with a faster decline in FEV1 of-2.08mL/year (95% confidence interval:-2.79,-1.36) and in FVC of-2.86mL/year (-3.73,-1.99) mL/year over the study period. Associations were robust after adjusting for PM2.5, NO2, and greenness. The associations were more pronounced in residents of northern Europe and individuals who were older at baseline. No consistent associations were detected with the FEV1/FVC ratio. Long-term exposure to elevated ambient ozone concentrations was associated with a faster decline of spirometric lung function among middle-aged European adults over a 20-year period. German Research Foundation.

Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing Provides Prognostic Information in Advanced Cystic Fibrosis Lung Disease.

Rationale: Cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) provides prognostic information in cystic fibrosis (CF); however, its prognostic value for patients with advanced CF lung disease is unknown. Objectives: To determine the prognostic value of CPET on the risk of death or lung transplant (LTX) within 2 years. Methods: We retrospectively collected data from 20 CF centers in Asia, Australia, Europe, and North America on patients with a forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) ⩽ 40% predicted who performed a cycle ergometer CPET between January 2008 and December 2017. Time to death/LTX was analyzed using mixed Cox proportional hazards regression. Conditional inference trees were modeled to identify subgroups with increased risk of death/LTX. Results: In total, 174 patients (FEV1, 30.9% ± 5.8% predicted) were included. Forty-four patients (25.5%) died or underwent LTX. Cox regression analysis adjusted for age, sex, and FEV1 revealed percentage predicted peak oxygen uptake ([Formula: see text]o2peak) and peak work rate (Wpeak) as significant predictors of death/LTX: adjusted hazard ratios per each additional 10% predicted were 0.60 (95% confidence interval, 0.43-0.90; P = 0.008) and 0.60 (0.48-0.82; P < 0.001). Tree-structured regression models, including a set of 11 prognostic factors for survival, identified Wpeak to be most strongly associated with 2-year risk of death/LTX. Probability of death/LTX was 45.2% for those with a Wpeak ⩽ 49.2% predicted versus 10.9% for those with a Wpeak > 49.2% predicted (P < 0.001). Conclusions: CPET provides prognostic information in advanced CF lung disease, and Wpeak appears to be a promising marker for LTX referral and candidate selection.

Mortality in obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) and overlap syndrome (OS): The role of nocturnal hypoxemia and CPAP compliance

BackgroundObstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are two chronic diseases that afflict many individuals worldwide with negative effects on health that may overlap in Overlap Syndrome (OS). The aim of our study was to investigate the differences in mortality between OSAS alone and OS and the risk factors involved. MethodsThe study was conducted on patients with OSAS or OS diagnosis that completed 15-year follow-up between 2005 and 2023. Of these, the clinical, functional, sleep and survival data were registered and analysed. Risk factors were found by regression analysis. Results501 patients (428 OSAS and 73 OS) were enrolled. Patients with OS had higher mortality than OSAS (p < 0,001). The morality risk factors for the overall population found were age >65 years (odds ratio (OR) = 10.69 (95%CI 3,85–29,69), p < 0,001) and low forced-expiratory volume in 1-s (FEV1) (OR = 10.18 (95%CI 2,32–44,68), p = 0,002). In patients with OSAS, age and nocturnal hypoxemia (NH) (OR = 2.41 (95%CI 1,07–5,41), p = 0,03) were risk factors, while adherence to nighttime positive airway pressure (PAP) reduced mortality (OR = 0,36 (95%CI 0,15–0,83), p = 0,017). Multivariate analysis confirmed age and FEV1 as risk factors in OS. Conversely, the risk factors for the overall population under 65 years were NH, which is confirmed in patients with OSAS alone (OR = 4,72 (95%CI 1,07–20,77), p = 0,04) in whom, on the other hand, PAP compliance reduced the mortality risk. ConclusionsThe study suggests that NH is a risk factor for all-cause mortality in sleep disorders by excluding the age; conversely, nighttime PAP improves the survival.

Impact of COVID-19 on long-term lung function in lung transplant recipients: A single-center retrospective cohort study.

Available data are limited concerning long-term lung function (LF) evolution after severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection in lung transplant (LT) recipients. The aim of this study is to determine the effect of first SARS-CoV-2 infection on long-term LF in LT recipients. We analyzed spirometry results of LT recipients followed at our institution (March 2020 to July 2022) at 3, 6, and 12months after first SARS-CoV-2 infection. Overall, 42 LT patients of our cohort (70%) with COVID-19 were included for long-term LF analysis. Forced expiratory volume in 1s (FEV1 ) declined significantly at 3months (-4.5%, -97mL, 95% CI [-163; -31], p<.01), but not at 6 and 12months (-3.9%, -65mL, 95% CI [-168; +39], p = .21). Results were quite similar for the forced vital capacity. Spirometry values declined significantly at 3months after COVID-19 in LT recipients, presented a mixed decline at 6months, and no significant decline at 12months.

Impact of elexacaftor/tezacaftor/ivacaftor on lung function, nutritional status, pulmonary exacerbation frequency and sweat chloride in people with cystic fibrosis: real-world evidence from the German CF Registry.

Treatment with elexacaftor/tezacaftor/ivacaftor (ETI) improves multiple clinical outcomes in people with cystic fibrosis (pwCF) with at least one F508del allele. This study evaluated the real-world impact of ETI on lung function, nutritional status, pulmonary exacerbation frequency, and sweat chloride concentrations in a large group of pwCF. This observational cohort study used data from the German CF Registry for pwCF who received ETI therapy and were followed up for a period of 12 months. The study included 2645 pwCF from 67 centres in Germany (mean age 28.0±11.5 years). Over the first year after ETI was initiated, percent predicted forced expiratory volume in 1s (ppFEV1) increased by 11.3% (95% confidence interval [CI] 10.8-11.8, p<0.0001), body mass index (BMI) z-score increased by 0.3 (95% CI 0.3-0.4, p<0.0001) in individuals aged 12 to <18 years and BMI in adults increased by 1.4kg/m2 (95% CI 1.3-1.4, p<0.0001), pulmonary exacerbations decreased by 75.9% (p<0.0001) and mean sweat chloride concentration decreased by 50.9mmol/L (95% CI -52.6,-49.3, p<0.0001). Improvements in ppFEV1 over the first year of therapy were greater in pwCF who had not previously received cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) modulator therapy (12.6% [95% CI 11.9-13.4] vs. 9.7% [95% CI 9.0-10.5] in those with prior CFTR modulator treatment. These real-world data are consistent with the findings of randomised clinical trials, and support the use of ETI as a highly effective treatment option for pwCF who have at least one F508del allele. None.

Echocardiography and extravascular lung water during 3weeks of exposure to high altitude in otherwise healthy asthmatics.

Background: Asthma rehabilitation at high altitude is common. Little is known about the acute and subacute cardiopulmonary acclimatization to high altitude in middle-aged asthmatics without other comorbidities. Methods: In this prospective study in lowlander subjects with mostly mild asthma who revealed an asthma control questionnaire score >0.75 and participated in a three-week rehabilitation program, we assessed systolic pulmonary artery pressure (sPAP), cardiac function, and extravascular lung water (EVLW) at 760m (baseline) by Doppler-echocardiography and on the second (acute) and last day (subacute) at a high altitude clinic in Kyrgyzstan (3100m). Results: The study included 22 patients (eight male) with a mean age of 44.3 ± 12.4 years, body mass index of 25.8 ± 4.7kg/m2, a forced expiratory volume in 1s of 92% ± 19% predicted (post-bronchodilator), and partially uncontrolled asthma. sPAP increased from 21.8mmHg by mean difference by 7.5 [95% confidence interval 3.9 to 10.5] mmHg (p < 0.001) during acute exposure and by 4.8 [1.0 to 8.6] mmHg (p = 0.014) during subacute exposure. The right-ventricular-to-pulmonary-artery coupling expressed by TAPSE/sPAP decreased from 1.1 by -0.2 [-0.3 to -0.1] mm/mmHg (p < 0.001) during acute exposure and by -0.2 [-0.3 to -0.1] mm/mmHg (p = 0.002) during subacute exposure, accordingly. EVLW significantly increased from baseline (1.3 ± 1.8) to acute hypoxia (5.5 ± 3.5, p < 0.001) but showed no difference after 3weeks (2.0 ± 1.8). Conclusion: In otherwise healthy asthmatics, acute exposure to hypoxia at high altitude increases pulmonary artery pressure (PAP) and EVLW. During subacute exposure, PAP remains increased, but EVLW returns to baseline values, suggesting compensatory mechanisms that contribute to EVLW homeostasis during acclimatization.

Expiratory airflow at 7–8 years of age in children born extremely low birthweight from 14 years before to 14 years after the introduction of exogenous surfactant

It is unclear if expiratory airflow in survivors born extremely low birth weight (ELBW; 500-999g) has improved after the introduction of exogenous surfactant into clinical practice in 1991. The primary aim of this study was to describe the changes in airflow at 7-8 years of age of survivors born ELBW in five discrete cohorts from 14 years before to 14 years after the introduction of exogenous surfactant into clinical practice. The cohorts comprised consecutive survivors born ELBW in 1977-82 and 1985-87at the Royal Women's Hospital, Melbourne, and in 1991-92, 1997 and 2005 in the state of Victoria, Australia. Survival rates to 2-years of age for infants born ELBW in the state of Victoria rose from approximately 1-in-4 to 3-in-4 over the time of this study. Expiratory airflow measurements at 7-8 years included the forced expired volume in 1s (FEV1), converted to z-scores for age, height, sex, and race. There were 596 ELBW participants with expiratory flow data, 280 (47%) of whom had bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). Overall, there was little change in zFEV1 over the 28-year period (mean change per year; 0.003, 95% CI-0.010, 0.015, P=0.67). There was, however, evidence of an interaction between BPD and year; zFEV1 in those who had BPD fell over time (mean change per year-0.019, 95% CI-0.037,-0.009, P=0.035), whereas zFEV1 improved in those who did not have BPD (mean change per year 0.021, 95% CI 0.006, 0.037, P=0.007). Contrary to recent evidence, expiratory airflow of children born ELBW has not improved with the introduction of surfactant, and may be deteriorating in those who had BPD. National Health and Medical Research Council (Australia); Victorian Government's Operational Infrastructure Support Program.

Cystic fibrosis related bone disease in children: Can it be predicted?

Cystic fibrosis (CF) -related bone disease (CFBD) is an important complication of CF, and low BMD in childhood is a precursor of CFBD. Here, we aimed to investigate bone turnover biomarkers, including osteocalcin (OC), receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa B ligand (RANKL) and osteoprotegerin (OPG) in relation to low BMD in children with CF (cwCF). We also evaluated factors which could affect bone turnover with particular emphasis on fat-free mass (FFM), forced expiratory volume in 1s (FEV1), hand grip strength (HGS), and functional capacity and physical activity. Sixteen cwCF aged 8-18 years with moderate low BMD (group1) and 64 cwCF with normal BMD (group2) were enrolled. Serum RANKL, OC, and OPG were determined by immunoenzymatic assays. Multiple parameters including pancreatic status, lung functions, body mass index (BMI), FFM measured by bioelectric impedance analysis (BIA), 6-minute walk test, vitamin D, nutritional intake, HGS, functional capacity and physical activity, serum and urine biomarkers were compared between the two groups. We found similar serum levels of RANKL (p=0.501), OC (p=0.445), OPG (p=0.380), and RANKL/OPG ratio (p=0.449) between group1 and group2 in cwCF. BMI z-score (p<0.001), FFMI z-score (p<0.001), FEV1 z-score (p=0.007), and right-HGS (%pred) (p=0.009) significantly differed between the two groups. Multivariate linear regression revealed that the only factors that predicted BMD were FFMI z-score and HGS %pred. Serum OC, OPG, RANKL and RANKL/OPG ratio did not predict BMD in cwCF. FFMI z-score and HGS %pred measured by non-invasive and practical methods were the best predictors of BMD.