Frequency Of Acute Exacerbations Research Articles

Treatment with JianPiYiFei II granules for patients with moderate to very severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: A 52-week randomised, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, multicentre trial

BackgroundComplementary and alternative therapy is widely used to treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). A Chinese herbal medicine, JianPiYiFei (JPYF) II granules, have been shown to improve COPD patients’ quality of life, however long-term effectiveness has not been examined. PurposeTo investigate whether long-term treatment with JPYF II granules is effective and safe for patients with stable, moderate to very severe COPD. Study Design and MethodsA multicentre, randomised, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial was conducted. Eligible participants from six hospitals were randomly assigned 1:1 to receive either JPYF II granules or placebo for 52 weeks. The primary outcome was the change in St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) score during treatment. Secondary outcomes included the frequency of acute exacerbations during treatment, COPD Assessment Test (CAT), 6-minute walking test (6MWT), lung function, body mass index, airflow obstruction, dyspnoea, exercise capacity (BODE) index, and peripheral capillary oxygen saturation (SpO2) at the end of treatment. ResultsA total of 276 patients (138 in each group) were included in the analysis. JPYF II granules led to a significantly greater reduction in SGRQ score (-7.33 points, 95% CI -10.59 to -4.07; p < 0.0001) which reflects improved quality of life. JPYF II granules improved CAT (-3.49 points, 95% CI -5.12 to -1.86; p < 0.0001) and 6MWT (45.61 metres, 95% CI 20.26 to 70.95; p = 0.0005), compared with placebo. Acute exacerbations were less frequent with JPYF II granules than with placebo (0.87 vs. 1.34 events per patient; p = 0.0043). There were no significant differences between the groups in lung function, BODE index and SpO2. JPYF II granules were well tolerated and no significant adverse effects were noted. ConclusionsLong-term treatment with JPYF II granules is effective in moderate to very severe COPD, improving quality of life and exercise capacity, decreasing the risk of acute exacerbation, and relieving symptoms.

Efficacy and safety of modified Bushen Yiqi formulas (MBYF) as an add-on to formoterol and budesonide in the management of COPD: study protocol for a multicentre, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group, randomized clinical trial: FB-MBYF Trial

BackgroundInhaled glucocorticoid corticosteroid (ICS), long-acting β2-adrenoceptor agonist (LABA), and other drugs have limited therapeutic effects on COPD with significant individual differences. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM)-modified Bushen Yiqi formula (MBYF) demonstrates advantages in COPD management in China. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of MBYF as an add-on to budesonide/formoterol in COPD patients and confirm the related genes affecting the therapeutic effect in the treatment of COPD.MethodsIn this multicentre, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study, eligible patients with COPD will randomly receive a 360-day placebo or MBYF as an adjuvant to budesonide/formoterol in a 1:1 ratio and be followed up with every 2 months. The primary outcomes will be the frequency, times, and severity of acute exacerbation of COPD (AECOPD), COPD assessment test (CAT) score, and pulmonary function tests (PFTs). The secondary outcomes will include the modified Medical Research Council (mMRC) dyspnoea scale, 6-min walking test (6MWT), BODE index, quantitative scores of syndromes classified in TCM, inflammation indices, and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenaline (HPA) axis function. We will also test the genotype to determine the relationship between drugs and efficacy. All the data will be recorded in case report forms (CRFs) and analysed by SPSS V.20.0.DiscussionA randomized clinical trial design to evaluate the efficacy and safety of MBYF in COPD is described. The results will provide evidence for the combination therapy of modern medicine and TCM medicine, and individual therapy for COPD.Trial registration.Trial registrationID: ChiCTR1900026124, Prospective registration.

Genomic diversity and antimicrobial resistance of Prevotella species isolated from chronic lung disease airways.

Cystic fibrosis (CF) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are characterized by increasingly frequent acute pulmonary exacerbations that reduce life quality and length. Human airways are home to a rich polymicrobial environment, which includes members of the obligately anaerobic genus Prevotella . Despite their commonness, surprisingly little is known about the prevalence, role, genomic diversity and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) potential of Prevotella species and strains in healthy and diseased airways. Here, we used comparative genomics to develop a real-time PCR assay to permit rapid Prevotella species identification and quantification from cultures and clinical specimens. Assay specificity was validated across a panel of Prevotella and non- Prevotella species, followed by PCR screening of CF and COPD respiratory-derived cultures. Next, 35 PCR-positive isolates were subjected to whole-genome sequencing. Of eight identified Prevotella species, P. histicola , P. melaninogenica , P. nanceiensis , P. salivae and P. denticola overlapped between participant cohorts. Phylogenomic analysis revealed considerable interhost but limited intrahost diversity, suggesting patient-specific lineages in the lower airways, probably from oral cavity aspirations. Correlation of phenotypic AMR profiles with AMR genes identified excellent correlation between tetQ presence and decreased doxycycline susceptibility, and ermF presence and decreased azithromycin susceptibility and clindamycin resistance. AMR rates were higher in the CF isolates, reflecting greater antibiotic use in this cohort. All tested Prevotella isolates were tobramycin-resistant, providing a potential selection method to improve Prevotella culture retrieval rates. Our addition of 35 airway-derived Prevotella genomes to public databases will enhance ongoing efforts to unravel the role of this diverse and enigmatic genus in both diseased and healthy lungs.

The Role of Acupoint Application of Herbal Medicine for Asthma: Meta-Analysis of Randomized Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Trials.

Background Acupoint application of herbal medicine (AAHM) has been widely used in China. At present, there is no systematic review of AAHM versus placebo in the treatment of asthma. This systematic review aims to assess the efficacy of AAHM for asthma. Methods Searches were conducted in five English databases and four Chinese databases from their inceptions until December 2020. Randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trials were screened, and included studies evaluated routine pharmacotherapy (RP) plus AAHM versus RP plus placebo or AAHM versus placebo. The Cochrane risk of bias tool and Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) were performed to evaluate the methodological quality and quality of evidence separately. Results Sixteen studies involving 1,730 participants were included in this review. Compared with placebo plus RP, participants receiving long-term AAHM plus RP showed improvement in asthma quality of life questionnaire (AQLQ) with moderate-quality evidence (MD 6.53 points, 95% CI 2.70 to 10.36). Low-quality evidence indicated that AAHM plus RP was associated with improved FEV1 (%) compared with placebo plus RP, whether long- or short-term use (MD 11.80%, 95% CI 2.84 to 20.76; MD 10.57%, 95% CI 8.40 to 12.74; respectively). Moderate-quality evidence showed that participants receiving short-term AAHM were associated with a higher AQLQ score (MD 6.57 points, 95% CI 3.76 to 9.38) and a lower frequency of acute exacerbations (MD –1.84, 95% CI –2.32 to –1.36) compared with placebo. Low-quality evidence also indicated that AAHM was associated with improved FEV1 (L) compared with placebo, whether long- or short-term use (MD 0.35 litres, 95% CI 0.03 to 0.67; MD 0.66 litres, 95% CI 0.59 to 0.73; respectively). Conclusions Moderate-quality evidence is promising that AAHM can improve the quality of life and reduce acute exacerbations in patients with asthma. AAHM also shows a positive role in improving lung function, but the evidence is so indefinite due to low quality.

Multi-omics analysis reveals the mechanisms of action and therapeutic regimens of traditional Chinese medicine, Bufei Jianpi granules: Implication for COPD drug discovery

BackgroundChronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a serious public health challenge in the world. According to the treatment instructions by Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) 2020, bronchiectasis combine with inhaled corticosteroids and long-acting anti-muscarinic agents were recommended as the main prescription. However, this symptomatic treatment still has ineluctable limits because it ignored the most pathogenesis mechanism of COPD. As an alternative traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for COPD, Bufei Jianpi granules (BJG) can reduce the frequency and duration of acute exacerbation in COPD patients and improve their quality of life. The evidence demonstrated BJG acts as therapeutics that retarding the airway remodeling process, eliminating phlegm, thrombolysis and improving mitochondrial function. However, the detailed molecular mechanism is still urgently revealed. PurpuseIn this study, we aim to find out the active pharmacodynamic ingredients and reveal the treatment mechanism of active pharmacodynamic ingredients. MethodsBased on the pharmacodynamic evaluation and chemomic profiling of BJG in COPD rats, an integrated multi-omics analysis was performed, including molecular networking, metabonomics, proteomics and bioinformatics. Moreover, focus on the active compounds, we verified the molecular core mechanism by molecular biology methods. ResultsPachymic acid, shionone, peiminine and astragaloside A was verified as therapeutic agents for improving the condition of COPD by acting on the EGFR, ERK1, PAI-1 and p53 target, respectively. ConclusionIn this study, our findings indicated that some compounds in BJG alleviates the pathological process of COPD, which is related to regulating lung function, mucus production, pulmonary embolism and energy metabolism and this will be a benefit complementary to GOLD guidelines.

Effectiveness of patient activation interventions on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease self‐management outcomes: A systematic review

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is the third leading cause of death worldwide. Although there is currently no cure for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, the available self-management strategies can result in improving the symptoms, slowing the disease progression, reducing the frequency of acute exacerbations, improving the patients' quality of life and minimising health care utilisation-associated costs. Patient activation is often considered an essential driver of self-management; however, there are contradictory evidence about its impact on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease self-management. This review aims to fill this gap by collating the available evidence on the effectiveness of patient activation-driven chronic obstructive pulmonary disease self-management interventions. Databases including MEDLINE, Academic Search Complete, CINAHL Plus, Science Citation Index, Social Sciences Citation Index, Scopus, APA PsychInfo, EMBASE and ScienceDirect were searched for randomised controlled trials of patient activation-driven chronic obstructive pulmonary disease self-management interventions between 2004 and July 2020. The search terms included chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, self-management/self-care and patient activation/patient engagement. The initial search resulted in 645 articles, and after reviewing, 10 randomised controlled trials met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Our review found that patient activation level had a positive association with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease self-management and clinical outcomes, and higher patient activation levels led to better outcomes. The interventions also led to moderate improvements in patient activation level. However, improved patient activation levels did not improve hospitalisation rates, quality of life and mental health. Our findings suggest that patient activation can be used as a reliable tool for improving chronic obstructive pulmonary disease self-management and clinical outcomes; however, it should encompass all aspects of patient activation, especially the emotional aspect.

A Study of Red Blood Cell Disorders in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Patients

Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a disease that affecting body systems especially the respiratory system, circulatory system and also hematopoietic system. Objectives: The primary objective of the present study was to determine the prevalence of anemia and polycythemia in COPD patients. The secondary objectives was to determine factors associated with anemia and polycythemia. Materials and Methods: The present study was a retrospective study. All medical records of COPD patients visiting the lung diseases clinic of HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn Medical Center between January 1, 2016, and December 31, 2019, were reviewed. Complete blood count, biochemistry laboratory results, lung function test, 6-minute walking distance, frequency of exacerbations and admission were recorded. Results: One hundred twenty-five patients were enrolled. Patients in GOLD stage 1, 2, 3 and 4 were 41.2%, 47%, 9.8% and 2% respectively. Most of the patients were in group A (50.4%). In our study, the prevalence of anemia in COPD patients was 39.2% and none of the patients had polycythemia. There was no association between GOLD classification or group of COPD and anemia. When analyzed by multiple logistic regression, we found that the higher BMI showed a significantly lower risk of anemia than lower BMI (OR 0.877; 95% CI: 0.795 to 0.967) and the frequency of acute exacerbation correlated with anemic condition statistically significant (OR 1.402, 95% CI: 1.142 to 1.721). Anemia and frequency of exacerbation had&nbsp; very low level of positive correlation (r=0.282) at the significance level. Conclusion: Anemia was common comorbidity in COPD patients. Lower body mass index and frequency of exacerbation were significantly related to anemia. Keywords: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; Anemia; Polycythemia; Hemoglobin

Effectiveness and safety of acupuncture for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: A protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background:Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is the most common respiratory disease in clinic. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) lung rehabilitation has gradually been valued in the field of prevention and treatment of COPD. Acupuncture, as an important part of TCM lung rehabilitation, is carried out in clinical extensively and application. It has the advantage of improving the symptoms and quality of life of COPD cases, but the evidence-based proof is limited.Methods:Eight databases will be systematically retrieved from their inceptions to December 2021. This study will include randomized controlled trials of acupuncture in the treatment of COPD with stable stage. The main outcome will include clinical effective rate, TCM symptom score, quality of life, dyspnea, exercise capacity, lung function, frequency of acute exacerbation, adverse events. Literature screening, quality evaluation and information extraction will be completed by two independent researchers. Revman 5.3 software will be used to perform meta-analysis. Assessment of multiple systematic reviews-2 tool will be used for evaluating the methodological quality of systematic review (SR), grading of recommendations assessment will for rating the quality of evidence, and consolidated standards of reporting trials and Standards for Reporting Interventions in Clinical Trials of Acupuncture tool will for assessing the reporting quality of randomized controlled trials.Results:The findings of this SR will be presented at relevant conferences and submitted for peer-review publication.Conclusions:The findings of this SR will provide up-to-date summary proof for evaluating the effectiveness and safety of acupuncture for COPD.

Clinical Characteristics and Prognosis of Allergic Bronchopulmonary Aspergillosis: A Retrospective Cohort Study

BackgroundThe clinical features, treatment, and prognosis of allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) are not well-defined.ObjectiveWe aimed to investigate the clinical characteristics, therapy, and prognosis of ABPA to aid its clinical recognition.MethodsA total of 232 patients with ABPA were analyzed retrospectively. The characteristics of ABPA in terms of its misdiagnosis, computed tomography classification, therapy, and its relationship with asthma were analyzed, and risk factors for acute exacerbation of ABPA were analyzed based on follow-up data.ResultsOf the 232 ABPA patients, 132 had a history of misdiagnosis. Compared with the misdiagnosed patients, ABPA patients with central bronchiectasis, a high total eosinophil count, and mucus plugs were less likely to be misdiagnosed. Compared with serological ABPA, ABPA with central bronchiectasis was more likely to occur in older people and in patients with mucus plugs, and decreased forced vital capacity and diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide. ABPA patients with asthma were more likely to have bronchiectasis, decreased lung function in 1 s FEV1 and FEV1/FVC, and shorter time to first acute exacerbation compared with ABPA patients without asthma. Patients receiving glucocorticoids plus antifungal therapy had a longer time to first exacerbation than those receiving glucocorticoid therapy alone. Univariate and multivariate analyses revealed that duration of asthma history, duration of misdiagnosis, mucus plugs, and poor pulmonary function were risk factors for acute exacerbation of ABPA.ConclusionTo our knowledge, this is the largest sample size study of ABPA in China. ABPA patients with a history of asthma and/or central bronchiectasis on high-resolution computed tomography are prone to frequent acute exacerbations. The use of glucocorticoids combined with antifungal drugs can prolong the time to the first acute exacerbation in ABPA patients. Longer durations of asthma history and misdiagnosis, mucus plugs, and poor pulmonary function are risk factors for acute exacerbation of ABPA.

Role of Vitamin D in Reducing the Frequency of Asthma Attacks in Patients with Frequent Exacerbation of Asthma

Introduction: Vitamin D deficiency is common among asthmatics with literature suggesting that its low levels in the body may trigger exacerbations and decrease the response to corticosteroid treatment. It has also shown to inhibit the production of cytokines, which in turn enhances the body’s response to corticosteroid treatment during an exacerbation. Therefore, maintenance of adequate levels of vitamin D in patients with asthma may reduce the risk of exacerbation and improve their general health. This study aims to explore the role of vitamin D supplementation in preventing asthma exacerbations.&#x0D; Methods: This single blind parallel arm interventional study was conducted in the pulmonology ward in a tertiary care hospital from June 2018 to April 2020. Two hundred (n= 200) participants with a history of frequent acute exacerbation of asthma were enrolled in the study via consecutive convenient non-probability technique. Participants were divided into two groups; the placebo and the interventional group that received 200,000 IU of vitamin D capsule.&#x0D; Results: Compared to day 0, mean episodes of exacerbation in the interventional group were significantly lower after 180 days (1.1 ± 0.4 vs. 0.61 ± 0.3; p-value &lt;0.0001). Similarly, number of asthma attacks in past 7 days was significantly lower in intervention group after 180 days (4.4&#x0D; ± 2.7 vs. 3.1 ± 1.5; p-value 0.0001)&#x0D; Conclusion: Vitamin D supplementation is a safe and cost-friendly approach to reducing asthma exacerbations. It may also help to improve the condition in severe asthmatics with low vitamin D levels.

Nutritional assessment and rehabilitation in children with bronchiectasis and childhood interstitial lung diseases: effects on pulmonary functions and clinical severity

BackgroundNutrition is recognized as a modifiable contributor to bronchiectasis and interstitial lung diseases (ChILD) development and progression. Nutritional interventions have great potential in reducing respiratory illness related morbidity and mortality. The study was done to assess nutritional state and body composition of children with bronchiectasis and interstitial lung diseases (ChILD) and to study the effect of short course nutritional intervention program on their growth, clinical symptoms, pulmonary functions and frequency of acute exacerbations and hospitalization. Seventeen patients with bronchiectasis and thirteen patients with interstitial lung diseases and 40 healthy children as controls were enrolled. Nutritional status, chest symptoms, anthropometry, body composition, and spirometric pulmonary function were evaluated. A short course nutritional intervention program was done for patients and then they were re-evaluated.ResultsIn total, 56.67% of studied patients were moderately malnourished and 23.33% were severely malnourished. A total of 66.7% of studied patients were underweight and 50% of patients had stunted growth. Anthropometric indices were significantly lower than control groups (P < 0.05). Body composition indices were lower in patients than control but not with a statistical significance. Forced vital capacity was positively correlated to body mass index (P = 0.045). Nutritional rehabilitation significantly improved patient anthropometry (weight, body mass index, height, triceps skin-fold thickness, mid arm circumference), body composition (body fat, fat free mass, and muscle mass), respiratory symptoms, and FEV1. Needs to asthma rescue medications, school absence, acute exacerbation attacks, and hospitalization were reduced.ConclusionPatients with bronchiectasis and interstitial lung diseases (ChILD) have malnutrition and body composition changes that improved significantly after short nutritional intervention program with significant improvement in FEV1, frequency of acute exacerbations, and hospitalization.

Long-term macrolide treatment for non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis in children: a meta-analysis

Recurrent bacterial infection causes frequent bronchiectasis (BE) exacerbations. The effectiveness and safety of long-term administration of macrolides in BE remain controversial, especially in children who require minimal treatment to prevent exacerbation. We conducted this meta-analysis to determine the usefulness of long-term macrolide use in pediatric BE. We searched PubMed, Cochrane Library databases, Embase, KoreaMed, Igaku Chuo Zasshi, and Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure databases. We identified randomized controlled trials (RCTs) which elucidated long-term macrolide treatment (≥ 4 weeks) in non-cystic fibrosis BE in children aged < 18 years. The primary outcome was frequency of acute exacerbation; secondary outcomes included changes in pulmonary function, sputum scores, and adverse events including bacterial resistance. We included four RCTs. Long-term macrolide treatment showed a significant decrease in the frequency of exacerbation (odds ratio [OR], 0.30; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.10–0.87), mean number of exacerbations per patient (mean difference, − 1.40; 95% CI, − 2.26 to − 0.54), and sputum purulence score (mean difference, − 0.78; 95% CI, − 1.32 to − 0.24). However, long-term macrolide treatment was accompanied by an increased carriage of azithromycin-resistant bacteria (OR, 7.13). Long-term macrolide administration prevents exacerbation of BE in children; however, there are risks of increasing antibiotic resistance. Benefits and risks should be weighed and determined on a patient-by-patient basis.

Does Neuromodulation Reduce Chronic Pain Patient Emergency Department Utilization?

Chronic pain (CP) affects roughly 100 million adults in the United States. These subjects present disproportionately to the emergency department (ED). Neuromodulation (NM) has been shown to reduce ED visits longitudinally in subjects. To compare ED utilization rates between subjects with CP with and without NM. Subjects with failed back surgery syndrome, complex regional pain syndrome, or neuropathic pain diagnosis who visited the hospital between January 1, 2019, and December 31, 2019, were included. Subjects were divided into a NM-treated cohort and a non-NM cohort. Demographic information, medications, and pain provider visits were obtained. Pain-related ED visits between 2017 and 2019 were compared. A total of 2516 subjects were identified; 291 (11.6%) previously underwent NM. The non-NM cohort had significantly higher rate of pain-related ED visits compared with the NM cohort (15.1% vs 10.0%, P = .018). Younger age (odds ratio [OR] = 0.888 [0.843-0.935]), shorter distance to the hospital (OR = 0.807 [0.767-0.849]), lower household income (OR = 0.865 [0.831-0.901]), opioid use (OR = 1.375 [1.291-1.465]), nonopioid use (OR = 1.079 [1.033-1.128]), and non-NM therapy (OR = 1.751 [1.283-2.390]) were significant predictors of ED visits. Opioid use was the only significant predictor (OR = 6.124 [1.417-26.473]) associated with ED visits in the NM cohort. Subjects who underwent NM had fewer visits to the ED when compared with similar subjects who received conventional treatment. Opioid use prompted increased ED utilization in both cohorts. We posit that NM leads to improvement in pain outcomes, integration with multidisciplinary pain specialists, and reduction in severity and frequency of acute pain exacerbations, thereby limiting health care resource utilization.

Long-term immunogenicity and safety of a non-typeable Haemophilus influenzae-Moraxella catarrhalis vaccine: 4-year follow-up of a phase 1 multicentre trial

A multicomponent vaccine has been developed to reduce the frequency of acute exacerbations of COPD associated with non-typeable Haemophilus influenzae (NTHi) and Moraxella catarrhalis (Mcat) infections, containing NTHi (PD and PE-PilA) and Mcat (UspA2) surface proteins. In a randomised, observer-blind, placebo-controlled study with two steps (NCT02547974), the investigational vaccine had good immunogenicity and no safety concerns were identified. In step 2, 90 adults aged 50–71 years with smoking history received two doses 60 days apart of one of two AS01E-adjuvanted formulations containing 10 µg of each antigen (10–10-AS01) or 10 µg NTHi antigens and 3.3 µg UspA2 (10–3-AS01), or placebo. Long-term persistence of antigen-specific humoral antibodies was assessed in 81 participants during 3 years of follow-up after the initial 14-month study (NCT03201211).Antigen-specific antibody concentrations were measured in blood samples taken every 6 months. Safety monitoring evaluated serious adverse events (SAEs) and potential immune-mediated disease (pIMD).Immune responses against NTHi antigens persisted up to 4 years post-vaccination. For PD, PE and PilA, at each follow-up time point, adjusted antibody geometric mean concentrations (GMCs) were higher (non-overlapping 95% confidence intervals [CIs]) in the vaccine groups versus placebo and versus pre-vaccination. Antibody GMC point estimates were higher with 10–3-AS01 than with 10–10-AS01. For UspA2, 95% CIs included 1 for GMC ratios of 10–10-AS01 or 10–3-AS01 to placebo at each time point. During follow-up, SAEs were reported in nine (11.1%) participants, one of which was fatal (lung cancer, 607 days after second 10–10-AS01 dose). One non-serious pIMD, trigeminal neuralgia, was reported 771 days after second 10–3-AS01 dose. The SAEs and pIMD were considered not related to vaccination.Immune responses against NTHi antigens persisted for 4 years after two-dose vaccination with the investigational NTHi-Mcat vaccine. There was no persistent response against the Mcat antigen. No safety concerns were identified during the long-term follow-up.

Risk assessment of intensive care unit admission for postoperative patients with stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

To observe the risk factors of intensive care unit (ICU) admission for postoperative patients with stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Patients with stable COPD who were admitted to Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University for proposed surgical procedures from March 2014 to December 2020 were enrolled. Based on the criteria of the global initiative for chronic obstructive lung disease (GOLD), the patients were classified according to the severity of airflow limitation as grade 1 [forced expiratory volume in one second as a percentage of expected value (FEV1%) ≥ 80%], grade 2 (50% ≤ FEV1% < 80%), grade 3 (30% ≤ FEV1% < 50%), and grade 4 (FEV1% < 30%). Then the patients were divided into groups A, B, C, D according to symptom level and history of moderate/severe acute exacerbation within 1 year. The patients in the group A had the lightest symptoms, the lowest frequency and degree of acute exacerbation, while those in the group D had the most severe symptoms, the most frequent and degree of acute exacerbation. Data of general information, COPD-related factors, surgical-related factors and postoperative admission to ICU were collected. The correlation between different degree of airflow limitation subgroups as well as different comprehensive assessment of symptom subgroups and risk of postoperative ICU admission was analyzed. Multivariate Logistic regression models were used to analyze the risk factors affecting postoperative ICU admission. A total of 143 patients were enrolled in the analysis. According to the degree of airflow limitation, there were 34 patients in GOLD grade 1, 72 in grade 2, 32 in grade 3 and 5 in grade 4. According to the comprehensive assessment of symptoms, there were 78 patients in group A, 31 in group B, 5 in group C and 29 in group D. There were no statistically significant differences in the general data of gender, age, height and weight of patients in each group with different degrees of airflow limitation and different comprehensive assessment of symptoms. Univariate analysis showed that the degree of airflow limitation and comprehensive assessment of symptoms were not associated with postoperative ICU admission [degree of airflow limitation: odds ratio (OR) = 1.526, 95% confidence interval (95%CI) was 0.682-3.415, P = 0.304; comprehensive assessment of symptoms: OR = 1.508, 95%CI was 0.921-2.469, P = 0.103]. There was also no statistically significant difference in the surgical-related factors such as surgical site, surgical method, anesthesia, and surgical duration among the patients with different degrees of airflow limitation and different comprehensive assessment of symptoms. Among the 143 patients, 10 were admitted to ICU postoperation and 133 were not. Compared with the non-admitted ICU patients, patients admitted ICU were older (years old: 73.10±10.56 vs. 65.14±9.79, P < 0.05), had a higher modified Medical Research Council (mMRC) classification [1.5 (1.0, 2.0) vs. 1.0 (0, 2.0), P < 0.05], and had more frequent acute exacerbations per year [times: 1 (1, 2) vs. 1 (0, 1), P < 0.05]. There was also significant difference in surgical method between the two. Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that age and frequency of acute exacerbations per year were risk factors for postoperative admission to the ICU (age: OR = 1.093, 95%CI was 1.010-1.183, P = 0.028; frequency of acute exacerbations per year: OR = 2.400, 95%CI was 1.015-5.676, P = 0.046). Different levels of airflow restriction and symptom comprehensive assessment groupings in stable COPD patients are not associated with the risk of postoperative ICU admission. Age and frequency of acute exacerbations per year were risk factors for postoperative ICU admission.

Interleukin-6 is a Strong Predictor of the Frequency of COPD Exacerbation Within 1 Year.

PurposePersistent chronic inflammation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is associated with poor outcomes and frequently results in acute exacerbation. Predicting the number of exacerbations is important. Because interleukin 6 (IL-6) plays an important role in inducing and maintaining chronic inflammation, we sought to observe whether IL-6 measurement can predict the frequency of acute exacerbation of COPD.MethodsWe reviewed serum IL-6 concentrations of stable COPD patients from January 2016 to December 2017 and statistically analyzed them to determine the optimal threshold value to predict the frequency of COPD acute exacerbations. Outpatients with stable COPD were then recruited between January 2018 and December 2019 and grouped into a low IL-6 group and a high IL-6 group according to this threshold value. We then compared the number of exacerbations of COPD in 1 year between the two groups.ResultsWe reviewed data from 95 COPD patients, who had a median of 1.00 exacerbations in preceding year; 35 of these patients had no fewer than two. The median IL-6 concentration was 8.80 pg/mL. IL-6 and hs-CRP were positively correlated with frequency of acute exacerbation in the preceding year, COPD assessment test (CAT) score and British medical research council (mMRC) score, and negatively correlated with forced expiratory volume in one second as percentage of predicted value (FEV1%pred) and FEV1/FVC% (forced vital capacity). IL-6 was the risk factor of COPD patients with two or more exacerbations in 1 year. Finally, we enrolled 65 COPD patients and divided into low IL-6 group and high IL-6 group; the high IL-6 group experienced more frequent exacerbations than did the low IL-6 group.ConclusionAn IL-6 measurement of 14.030 pg/mL or more is a risk factor for ≥2 acute exacerbations of COPD in the following year.

Comorbidities of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD): thyroid abnormalities in stable COPD

Objective: The aim of the study is to evaluate the prevalence of thyroid abnormalities in patients with stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and the relationship between thyroid disorder and ventilatory function tests and arterial blood gas analyses. Material and methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted with 60 patients with stable COPD without diagnosed thyroid disorder before the study (37 males and 23 females aged 40–75) as the Investigated Group (IG) and 30 subjects from the general population without COPD as the Control Group (CG). They were matched by age, gender and body mass index with the IG. All patients underwent laboratory tests, thyroid hormones –free thyroxin (fT4), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), and free triiodothyronine (fT3), pulmonary function tests (FEV1, FVC%, FEV1/FVC, FEF25–75%), and ABG parameters (PH, PaCO2, PaO2, HCO3, O2 saturation). The severity level in patients with COPD was determined according to GOLD (Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease) criteria and classified into four stages GOLD I, II, III, and IV. Results: Our results presented a statistically significant difference between prevalence of thyroid hormones abnormalities in stable COPD compared to controls 18 (30.0%) vs 3 (10.0%), p = 0.0355; p &lt; 0.05). Thyroid dysfunction among COPD patients was more common in females than males. Serum level of TSH was lower than the normal range in 18 patients (30.0%) from the IG and in 3 (10.0%) from the CG, with a statistically significant difference, p = 0.0355; p &lt; 0.05. Thyrotoxicosis with low serum TSH and a higher serum level of fT3, according to the referent range, was present in 8 patients (13.3%), and in no patients from the CG 0 (0.0%), p = 0.0375; p &lt; 0.05. The prevalence of subclinical hyperthyroidism with low serum TSH and normal serum level of fT3 was higher in the IG –10 patients (16.7%) compared with 3 (10.0%) of the CG, but the difference was not statistically significant p = 0.3970. Acute exacerbation frequency of IG was significantly higher than in the CG (1.6 ± 0.42 and 0.82 ± 0.79 respectively; p &lt; 0.0001). A positive significant relationship between acute exacerbation frequency and TSH values was found (p &lt; 0.0001; r = 0.82). The mean values of fT3 in the IG were significantly increasing with the increased severity of COPD. The degree of airflow limitation in COPD (FEV1 as a percentage of the predicted value, FEV1%pred) was significantly negatively correlated to fT3, Pearson correlation, (R = -0.525; p = 0.000; p &lt; 0.01). FEV1%pred was positively correlated with TSH (R = 0.358; p = 0.005; p &lt; 0.01). Significant negative correlations were present between fT3 levels and both PaO2 and SO2 in the IG, and elevation of fT3 was associated with higher PaCO2. Conclusion: The present study confirms that both clinical and subclinical hyperthyroidism was higher in patients with COPD compared to the non-COPD group. TSH and fT3 are related to lung function. A better understanding of the correlation between thyroid gland disorders and COPD may contribute to better care of patients.

Asthma Patients Benefit More Than Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Patients in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic.

Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has raised many questions about the role of underlying chronic diseases on disease outcomes. However, there is limited information about the effects of COVID-19 on chronic airway diseases. Therefore, we conducted the present study to investigate the impact of COVID-19 on patients with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and ascertain risk factors for acute exacerbations (AEs).Methods: This single-center observational study was conducted at the Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, involving asthma or COPD patients who had been treated with inhaled combination corticosteroids (ICSs), such as budesonide, and one long-acting beta-2-agonist (LABA), such as formoterol, for at least a year before the COVID-19 pandemic. We conducted telephone interviews to collect demographic information and clinical data between January 1, 2019, and December 31, 2020, focusing on respiratory and systemic symptoms, as well as times of exacerbations. Data for asthma and COPD were then compared, and the risk factors for AEs were identified using logistic regression analysis.Results: A total of 251 patients were enrolled, comprising 162 (64.5%) who had asthma and 89 who had COPD, with none having COPD/asthma overlap. Frequency of AEs among asthma patients was significantly lower in 2020 than in 2019 (0.82 ± 3.33 vs. 1.00 ± 3.16; P < 0.05). Moreover, these patients visited the clinic less (0.37 ± 0.93 vs. 0.49 ± 0.94; P < 0.05) and used emergency drugs less (0.01 ± 0.11 vs. 007 ± 0.38; P < 0.05) during the COVID-19 pandemic. In contrast, among COPD patients, there were no significant differences in AE frequency, clinic visits, or emergency drug use. Furthermore, asthma patients visited clinics less frequently during the pandemic than those with COPD. Logistic regression analysis also showed that a history of at least one AE within the last 12 months was associated with increased AE odds for both asthma and COPD during the COVID-19 pandemic (odds ratio: 13.73, 95% CI: 7.04–26.77; P < 0.01).Conclusion: During the COVID-19 pandemic, patients with asthma showed better disease control than before, whereas patients with COPD may not have benefited from the pandemic. For both diseases, at least one AE within the previous 12 months was a risk factor for AEs during the pandemic. Particularly, among asthma patients, the risk factors for AE during the COVID-19 pandemic were urban environment, smoking, and lower asthma control test scores.

Does the Use of Asthma-Controller Medication in Accordance with Guidelines Reduce the Incidence of Acute Exacerbations and Healthcare Costs?

BackgroundIn asthma, consistent control of chronic airway inflammation is crucial, and the use of asthma-controller medication has been emphasized. Our purpose in this study is to compare the incidence of acute exacerbation and healthcare costs related to the use of asthma-controller medication.MethodsBy using data collected by the National Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service, we compared one-year clinical outcomes and medical costs from July 2014 to June 2015 (follow-up period) between two groups of patients with asthma who received different prescriptions for recommended asthma-controller medication (inhaled corticosteroids or leukotriene receptor antagonists) at least once from July 2013 to June 2014 (assessment period).ResultsThere were 51,757 patients who satisfied our inclusion criteria. Among them, 13,702 patients (26.5%) were prescribed a recommended asthma-controller medication during the assessment period. In patients using a recommended asthma-controller medication, the frequency of acute exacerbations decreased in the follow-up period, from 2.7% to 1.1%. The total medical costs of the controller group decreased during the follow-up period compared to the assessment period, from $3,772,692 to $1,985,475. Only 50.9% of patients in the controller group used healthcare services in the follow-up period, and the use of asthma-controller medication decreased in the follow-up period.ConclusionOverall, patients using a recommended asthma-controller medication showed decreased acute exacerbation and reduced total healthcare cost by half.

Effect of sitting and lying Liuzijue exercise for pulmonary rehabilitation in acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients with non-invasive ventilation: a randomized controlled trial.

Acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) will lead to the aggravation of respiratory symptoms and accelerate the progression of the disease. So early pulmonary rehabilitation is essential for patients with AECOPD. We aimed to investigate the effect of sitting and lying Liuzijue in AECOPD patients with non-invasive ventilation. A total of 80 AECOPD patients with non-invasive ventilation were randomly divided into two groups. The controlled group (CG) (n=40) received AECOPD conventional treatment and nursing, and the sitting and lying Liuzijue exercise group (LG) (n=40) received sitting and lying Liuzijue therapy. Participants in the LG were required to take this training for 3 months, 30 minutes once every morning and evening. Pulmonary function test, 6-minute walking test (6MWT), Modified Medical Research Council Dyspnea Scales (mMRC), and the St George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) were evaluated before and after the intervention. Blood gas was measured before treatment, 3 days, and 5 days after treatment. In addition, the length of hospital stay, the duration of non-invasive ventilation, and the frequency of acute exacerbation within 6 months after the intervention were compared. Seventy patients completed the study. The pulmonary function, 6MWT, mMRC scores, SGRQ, and pH, were significantly improved in the LG. Meanwhile, the 6MWT of the CG was improved. The comparison between the groups showed that the improvement of the pulmonary function, 6MWD, mMRC scores, SGRQ, the duration of non-invasive ventilation, and the frequency of acute exacerbation within 6 months of the LG group differed significantly from the CG. Sitting and lying Liuzijue exercise methods significantly improved lung function, exercise endurance, and quality of life in AECOPD patients with non-invasive ventilation. Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR2000034530.