History Of Acute Exacerbation Research Articles

Acute Exacerbation of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Due to Carbapenem-Resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae-Induced Pneumonia: Clinical Features and Prognostic Factors.

Carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CRKP) is closely related to respiratory tract infection. The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical features and prognostic factors of CRKP-induced pneumonia in acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) patients. A single-centre, retrospective case-control study on COPD patients hospitalized for acute exacerbation and CRKP-induced pneumonia was conducted from January 1, 2016, to December 31, 2022. The mortality rate of acute exacerbation due to CRKP-induced pneumonia was investigated. The patients were divided into the CRKP-induced pneumonic acute exacerbation (CRKPpAE) group and the non-CRKP-induced pneumonic acute exacerbation (non-CRKPpAE) group, and the clinical characteristics and prognostic factors were compared using univariate analysis and multivariate analysis. A total of 65 AECOPD patients were included, composed of 26 patients with CRKPpAE and 39 patients with non-CRKPpAE. The mortality rate of CRKPpAE was 57.69%, while non-CRKPpAE was 7.69%. Compared with non-CRKPpAE, a history of acute exacerbation in the last year (OR=8.860, 95% CI: 1.360-57.722, p=0.023), ICU admission (OR=11.736, 95% CI: 2.112-65.207, p=0.005), higher NLR levels (OR=1.187, 95% CI: 1.037-1.359, p=0.013) and higher D-dimer levels (OR=1.385, 95% CI: 1.006-1.905, p=0.046) were independently related with CRKPpAE. CRKP isolates were all MDR strains (26/26, 100%), and MDR strains were also observed in non-CRKP isolates (5/39, 12.82%). Compared with non-CRKPpAE, CRKPpAE affects the COPD patient's condition more seriously and significantly increases the risk of death.

Relationship between nighttime symptoms and clinical features in COPD patients: A cross-sectional multicenter study in China

BackgroundChronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a chronic respiratory disease that causes breathing difficulties, coughing, and other symptoms. Nighttime symptoms, such as coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath, can significantly impact the quality of life for people with COPD. ObjectiveTo investigate the relationship between nighttime symptoms and other clinical features in patients with COPD, and identify potential risk factors associated with nighttime symptoms. MethodsThis cross-sectional study was conducted from October 1, 2022 to November 30, 2022 in 24 hospital outpatient departments in different cities of Hunan Province, China. The COPD Nighttime Symptom Instrument (NiSCI) was used to measure the severity of night time symptoms in COPD patients. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to express patient socio-demographics and factors influencing nighttime symptoms. ResultsThe study included 2219 COPD patients. The results showed that nighttime symptom scores differed significantly based on gender, whether the patient had experienced acute exacerbation in the past year, mMRC and CAT scores, the duration of home oxygen therapy and home non-invasive ventilation (all P < 0.0001). Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that CAT score (P < 0.0001) was significantly associated with nighttime symptom scores. ConclusionNighttime symptoms are prevalent in Chinese COPD patients and correlate with disease severity. The assessment and management of nighttime symptoms in COPD patients must take into account gender, CAT and mMRC scores, history of acute exacerbations, and duration of home oxygen therapy and home non-invasive ventilation to enable tailoring of treatment strategies to individual needs.

A Prediction Scoring Model for the Effect of Withdrawal or Addition of Inhaled Corticosteroids in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.

The aims of this study were to develop a scoring model that predicts the effects of withdrawing inhaled corticosteroids (ICSs) from triple therapy and to examine its adaptability when applied to assess the effect of adding ICSs to dual bronchodilators patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). A scoring model was developed using the IMPACT study dataset, consisting of 2389 COPD patients treated with triple therapy before enrollment (ICS withdrawal dataset). The developed model consisted of COPD duration, Acute exacerbation history, Sex, Pulmonary function tests, blood Eosinophil count, and Race (CASPER) and was used to predict composite events of moderate-to-severe exacerbation, all-cause mortality, and pneumonia. Treatment heterogeneity was assessed using Cox interaction analyses. The CASPER model was applied to 540 COPD patients treated with dual bronchodilator before enrollment (ICS addition dataset). Validity was assessed using Harrell's C-index, time-dependent receiver operating characteristic curves, and calibration plots. The cumulative incidence of the composite event was 60.1% over 12 months in the ICS withdrawal dataset. Cox interaction analyses revealed that ICS was different according to race and blood eosinophil counts. The hazard ratios (HRs) for dual bronchodilator compared with triple therapy were 1.318 (95% confidence interval (CI)=1.170-1.485; P-value <0.001) in whites and 0.922 (95% CI = 0.712-1.195; P-value=0.541) in other races. The treatment effect was different in the eosinophil count ≥0.3 group (HR = 1.586; 95% CI = 1.274-1.975) and in the eosinophil count = 0.1-0.3 group (HR = 1.211; 95% CI = 1.041-1.408), but it was same in the eosinophil count <0.1 (HR = 1.009; P-value=0.940). The CASPER model performed well with good discrimination and calibration, which were superior to the prediction based on exacerbation history and blood eosinophil count. The presented CASPER model might be able to predict and compare the risk of composite events when dual bronchodilator or triple therapy is administered to COPD patients.

Post-ESWL and post-ERCP pancreatitis in patients with chronic pancreatitis: Do they share the same risks?

Endoscopic intervention combined with extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) is recommended as the first line therapy for large pancreatic stones, yet both can cause adverse events. The aim of the study was to identify the risk factors for post-procedural pancreatitis. Consecutive patients with chronic pancreatitis and pancreatic stones treated with both ESWL and subsequent endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) from October 2016 to December 2019 were prospectively enrolled. Multivariate logistic analyses were performed to detect risk factors for post-ESWL and post-ERCP pancreatitis (PEP). A total of 714 patients (507 males, 45.60±12.52years) were included in this study. A total of 80 patients (11.2%) developed post-ESWL pancreatitis,while 33 patients (4.6%) suffered from PEP. Steatorrhea (P=.018), multiple stones (P=.043), and stones located at the head combined with the body or tail of the pancreas (P=.015) were identified as independent protective factors for post-ESWL pancreatitis. The history of acute exacerbations (P=.013), post-ESWL pancreatitis (P<.001) and stricture dilation during ERCP (P=.002) were identified as risk factors for PEP. More attention should be paid to patients with post-ESWL pancreatitis, as well as a history of acute exacerbations and stricture dilation during ERCP to prevent PEP. (ClincialTrials.gov number, NCT04619511).

Switching antifibrotics in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: a multi-center retrospective cohort study

BackgroundCurrently, there are two antifibrotics used to treat idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF): pirfenidone and nintedanib. Antifibrotics slow disease progression by reducing the annual decline of forced vital capacity (FVC), which possibly improves outcomes in IPF patients. During treatment, patients occasionally switch antifibrotic treatments. However, prognostic implication of changing antifibrotics has not yet been evaluated.MethodsThis multi-center retrospective cohort study examined 262 consecutive IPF patients who received antifibrotic therapy. Antifibrotic agents were switched in 37 patients (14.1%). The prognoses were compared between the patient cohort that switched antifibrotics (Switch-IPF) and those without (Non-Switch-IPF) using propensity-score matched analyses.ResultsThe median period between the initiation of antifibrotic therapy and the drug switch was 25.8 (12.7–35.3) months. The most common reasons for the switch were disease progression (n = 17) followed by gastrointestinal disorders (n = 12). Of the 37 patients that switched antifibrotics, only eight patients disrupted switched antifibrotics by their adverse reactions. The overall prognosis of the Switch-IPF cohort was significantly better than the Non-Switch-IPF cohort (median periods: 67.2 vs. 27.1 months, p < 0.0001). In propensity-score matched analyses that were adjusted to age, sex, FVC (%), history of acute exacerbation, and usage of long-term oxygen therapy, the Switch-IPF cohort had significantly longer survival times than the Non-Switch-IPF group (median 67.2 vs. 41.3 months, p = 0.0219). The second-line antifibrotic therapy showed similar survival probabilities than those in first-line antifibrotic therapy in multistate model analyses.ConclusionSwitching antifibrotics is feasible and may improve prognosis in patients with IPF. A further prospective study will be required to confirm clinical implication of switching the antifibrotics.

Management of Asthma Exacerbations in Southeast Asian Tertiary Care.

BackgroundThere have been limited reports looking into the care of patients with asthma exacerbations admitted to tertiary hospitals in Southeast Asia. This study aims to determine the extent in which the 2019 Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) guidelines were being met.MethodsA retrospective study of patients with asthma exacerbations admitted to the University of Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC) and Pantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur (PHKL), Malaysia from 1 July 2019 to 31 December 2019.ResultsThere were significant numbers of patients with previous admissions for asthma in both centres, with almost 50% experiencing an exacerbation in the previous year. Approximately 75% of the patients considered their asthma to be controlled when asked, despite many of them having had a history of acute exacerbations in the previous year. When cross-checked, the level of GINA-defined asthma control remained low, with only 6.4% of the patients deemed to have good control, while asthma was partially controlled in 25.6% of the patients and uncontrolled in 68% of the patients. About 72.1% of the patients reported daytime symptoms, 65.1% of the patients reported night-time symptoms, 70.9% of the patients required frequent usage of rescue inhalers and 72.1% of the patients reported some limitation in their activity prior to the current asthma exacerbation. Almost a quarter of the patients who were admitted had severe or life-threatening exacerbations as defined by GINA. These patients had more hospitalizations in a year and were more likely to have previous admissions requiring non-invasive and invasive ventilation. They were also more likely to be on GINA Step 5 treatment, had a lower mean percent predicted FEV1 and a higher baseline blood eosinophil count. Multivariate analysis revealed that baseline eosinophil count were independently associated with severe or life-threatening asthma exacerbations (odds ratio: 1.01, 95% confidence interval: 1.00–1.01, p=0.001). Failure to adhere to daily controller medications was high in this study (37.2%).ConclusionAlthough the management of asthma exacerbations in tertiary hospitals in Southeast Asia is largely congruous with international guidelines, there is room for improvement. As there is a marked discrepancy between patient-perceived and guideline-defined asthma control, efforts to increase awareness on the dangers of uncontrolled asthma are warranted.

Impact of comorbid asthma on severity of coronavirus disease (COVID-19)

The severity of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is associated with various comorbidities. However, no studies have yet demonstrated the potential risk of respiratory failure and mortality in COVID-19 patients with pre-existing asthma. We selected 7272 adult COVID-19 patients from the Korean Health Insurance Review and Assessment COVID-19 database for this nationwide retrospective cohort study. Among these, 686 patients with asthma were assessed by their severities and evaluated by the clinical outcome of COVID-19 compared to patients without asthma. Of 7272 adult COVID-19 patients, 686 with asthma and 6586 without asthma were compared. Asthma was not a significant risk factor for respiratory failure or mortality among all COVID-19 patients (odds ratio [OR] = 0.99, P = 0.997 and OR = 1.06, P = 0.759) after adjusting for age, sex, and the Charlson comorbidity score. However, a history of acute exacerbation (OR = 2.63, P = 0.043) was significant risk factors for death among COVID-19 patients with asthma. Asthma is not a risk factor for poor prognosis of COVID-19. However, asthma patients who had any experience of acute exacerbation in the previous year before COVID-19 showed higher COVID-19-related mortality, especially in case of old age and male sex.

Life expectancy (LE) and loss-of-LE for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Background and objectivesPrognosis of COPD is usually expressed as a 3-year survival rate, which might not be easily understood by lay people. This study estimates the life expectancy (LE) and loss-of-LE for COPD patients with different GOLD stages and patients with a history of acute exacerbation (AE) requiring hospitalization (severe AE) in the preceding year. Methods532 patients who were diagnosed with COPD according to the GOLD criteria at NCKU hospital between 2006 and 2016 were recruited. Survival was estimated by Kaplan-Meier method, and extrapolated to lifetime to obtain the LE. The loss-of-LE was quantified by subtracting the LE of the COPD cohort from national life tables. The survival of patients with severe AE history was validated by a nation-wide cohort from the National Health Insurance dataset. ResultsThe survival of patients with severe stage COPD (GOLD grades 3 and 4) was almost the same as those patients with a history of severe AE and the loss-of-LE for the former and the latter were 9.3 (1.1) and 9.4 (1.3) years, respectively. The nation-wide cohort with severe AE history (n = 44,764) showed a loss-of-LE of 8.3 (0.1) years. The loss-of-LE of patients with moderate stage COPD (GOLD grade 2) was 6.2 years, but no reduction in LE was noted for mild stage COPD (GOLD grade 1). ConclusionsWe successfully estimated LE and loss of LE in COPD patients under the GOLD criteria. The survival of severe stage COPD patients is almost the same as those with severe AE history, or about 8–9 years of life lost.

Analysis on respiratory rehabilitation in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease aged 40 years or older in China, 2014-2015

Objective: To understand the situation of respiratory rehabilitation and oxygen inhalation therapy in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients aged 40 years or older in China, and provide basic information for the development of pulmonary rehabilitation. Methods: The data were from 2014-2015 COPD surveillance in China. Chinese residents aged 40 years or older were recruited through a complex multi-stage stratified cluster sampling from 125 COPD surveillance points in 31 provinces (autonomous regions, municipalities). Standardized face to face electronic questionnaires were used to collect information about respiratory rehabilitation and oxygen inhalation therapy of the patients. Spirometry was performed on all participants, and patients with post- bronchodilator FEV(1)/FVC<70% were diagnosed with COPD. The number of defined COPD patients was 9 134. Based on the complex sampling design, the respiratory rehabilitation treatment rate and oxygen inhalation therapy rate of COPD patients aged 40 years old or older in China were estimated, and the influencing factors were analyzed. Results: A total of 9 118 COPD patients aged 40 years or older were included in the analysis. The rate of respiratory rehabilitation was 0.8% (95CI: 0.6%-1.0%), and the rate of oxygen inhalation therapy was 2.5% (95%CI: 2.0%-2.9%). Among patients with severe symptoms or high risk of acute exacerbation (combined COPD assessment groups B, C, D), the rate of respiratory rehabilitation was 1.4% (95%CI: 0.9%-1.9%), and the rate of oxygen inhalation therapy was 5.4% (95%CI: 4.4%-6.4%). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that urban or rural residences, geographic area, awareness of COPD, history of acute exacerbation and severity of airflow restriction had influences on the respiratory rehabilitation rate in the COPD patients. Gender, geographic area, awareness of COPD, history of acute exacerbation, mMRC scores and severity of airflow restriction had influences on the patients' oxygen inhalation therapy rate. Conclusions: The rate of respiratory rehabilitation and oxygen inhalation therapy in COPD patients aged 40 years or older was relatively low in China. It is necessary to explore an effective model of pulmonary rehabilitation and COPD management, so that more COPD patients may have access to scientific pulmonary rehabilitation treatment.

Prognosis and causes of death of patients with acute exacerbation of fibrosing interstitial lung diseases

BackgroundThe aim of this study was to compare the clinical characteristics, causes of death and factors impacting on the prognosis of patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and other fibrosing...

Analysis of clinical features of adult asthma according to blood basophils and their association with cytokines in exhaled breath condensate

Purpose: Although basophils are major effector cells involved in asthma, their pathophysiological role in asthma remains uncertain. In this study, we investigated the relationship between blood basophils, clinical features in asthmatics, and cytokines in exhaled breath condensate (EBC) which could be noninvasively obtained. Methods: A total of 13 adult asthmatics were prospectively enrolled. We obtained information on demographics, asthma control levels, history of acute exacerbation as well as the asthma control test and Quality of Life Questionnaire for Adult Korean Asthmatics (QLQAKA) scores. Peripheral blood and EBC samples were collected, and pulmonary function test was also performed. The associa tion between blood basophil count and clinical feature and severity of asthma or inflammatory cytokines in EBC was analyzed. Results: The percentage of blood basophils was positively correlated with that of blood eosinophils (Spearman r=0.665, P=0.013). The number of acute exacerbations was significantly larger (1.2±0.6 vs. 5.3±5.8, P=0.049) in the group with blood basophils ≥50 cells/μL, while the QLQAKA score was lower (68.8±7.9 vs. 49.0±12.0, P=0.028). There were no significant differences in age, atopy status, smoking history, and forced expiratory volume in 1 second according to blood basophil count. Blood basophil count was positively correlated with interleukin-33 (IL-33) (r=0.651, P=0.016) and IL-17 (r=0.732, P=0.004) in EBC. Conclusion: Blood basophils may be associated with frequent asthma exacerbations and lower quality of life due to asthma. IL-33 and IL-17 may be the key mediators that stimulate basophils to participate in the pathogenesis of asthma. (Allergy Asthma Respir Dis 2020;8:119-126)

Predictive factors of mortality in rheumatoid arthritis-associated interstitial lung disease analysed by modified HRCT classification of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis according to the 2018 ATS/ERS/JRS/ALAT criteria

Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is associated with high morbidity and mortality in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Although usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP) pattern was reported as a poor prognostic factor, in clinical practice, we often cannot classify high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) patterns specifically as UIP or nonspecific interstitial pneumonia (NSIP). This study of RA-ILD aimed to elucidate prognosis by using our modified HRCT pattern classification according to the latest guideline on idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). We analysed the medical records of 96 consecutive patients diagnosed as having RA-ILD. The modified HRCT classifications were defined as definite UIP, probable UIP, indeterminate for UIP (i.e., early UIP or NSIP/UIP), NSIP, organizing pneumonia (OP), NSIP+OP, and unclassifiable. Predictors of prognosis were determined using Cox regression models. Our RA-ILD cohort included definite UIP (21%), probable UIP (20%), indeterminate for UIP (30%) including NSIP/UIP (27%), alternative diagnosis (29%) including NSIP (14%), and other patterns. Interrater agreement for HRCT pattern was good (κ=0.75). Multivariate analysis showed that older age, history of acute exacerbation, and radiological honeycombing were negative prognostic factors of mortality. NSIP/UIP pattern of indeterminate for UIP was the major pattern in RA-ILD. Although classifications of HRCT patterns were not related to survival, the presence of radiological honeycombing could be a useful predictor of poor prognosis, and acute exacerbation of ILD can seriously impact patient survival regardless of the presence of a UIP or indeterminate for UIP pattern. Our modified HRCT classification based on the latest IPF guideline might be useful to assess appropriate strategies of diagnosis in future RA-ILD studies, and radiological honeycombing could better predict poor prognosis rather than HRCT pattern.

Développement du score GLORI-COPD : repérer les patients atteints de bronchopneumopathie chronique obstructive à risque de complications

GLObal RIsk of severe outcomes in COPD patients. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a commonly under-diagnosed disease. This study aimed to develop a screening tool for COPD patients with a high risk of complications, taking into accountCOPD severity and associated co-morbidity. Two Delphi rounds were conducted to select the items for a preliminary score. Subsequently, this score was submitted to patients with a possible diagnosis of COPD attending for pulmonary function tests in hospital and primary care. Items associated with a diagnosis of COPD and its severity were examined with multivariate logistic regressions. Associated items in our analyses and in the literature were integrated into the score. The score was developed with a factorial analysis and optimized according to ROC curves. Fifteen items were selected with the Delphi method, of which six were retained after logistic regression. They were submitted to 64patients (mean age: 59+/-13.6years). Factors associated with COPD were smoking ≥10pack-years and a history of acute exacerbations. Low levels of activity and coughing up sputum were associated with COPD severity. Age ≥40years and co-morbidities were added to the score. According to the factorial analysis, a two-stage score was developed assessing first the diagnosis of COPD and then the risk of severe outcomes. It showed a sensitivity of 71%, a specificity of 77%. The positive and negative predictive value were respectively 28% and 96%. The score was an acceptable screening tool to identify COPD patients with high risk of complications. Nevertheless, validation needs be performed in a larger population to allow its use in primary care.

Glucose tolerance & insulin secretion & sensitivity characteristics in Indian children with cystic fibrosis: A pilot study.

Background & objectives:Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a life-limiting genetic condition resulting in chronic respiratory infections, pancreatic enzyme insufficiency and associated complications. This pilot study was undertaken to assess the glucose tolerance and insulin secretion and sensitivity among Indian children with CF.Methods:Children with CF under regular follow up at the Paediatric Pulmonology Clinic of a tertiary care hospital in New Delhi, India, were enrolled. Children who had a history of acute exacerbation or intake of systemic steroids within the last two weeks were excluded. Anthropometry, pulmonary function and disease severity (Shwachman) score were assessed. Fasting venous sample was drawn to assess glucose, insulin, haemoglobin and calcium. Oral glucose tolerance test was performed, and blood glucose and insulin were assessed at 30, 60, 90 and 120 min. Insulin secretion and sensitivity indices were calculated.Results:Twenty nine patients with a mean age of 11.2±4.1 yr were enrolled. Stunting, thinness, anaemia and hypocalcaemia were present in 31.0, 13.8, 37.0 and 48.3 per cent of the patients, respectively. Abnormal glucose tolerance (AGT) was present in 21.4 per cent. Insulin secretion was similar in individuals with AGT and normal glucose tolerance (NGT), but insulin sensitivity index was lower (0.12±0.02 vs 0.15±0.01, P<0.001) and homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance higher [1.63 (0.53-1.76) vs 0.83 (0.28-4.43), P<0.05] in individuals with AGT compared to NGT.Interpretation & conclusions:AGT was observed in 21.4 per cent of children with CF. The CF patients with AGT had significantly lower insulin sensitivity compared to patients with NGT. Future multicentric studies with a large sample should be conducted to assess insulin secretion and sensitivity indices in CF patients compared to healthy controls.

Increased serum IL-17A and Th2 cytokine levels in patients with severe uncontrolled asthma.

Asthma is a syndrome of chronic bronchial inflammation and airway remodelling. Initially, asthma has been categorized into atopic and nonatopic types, based on antigen-specific IgE levels. Moreover, recently, asthma has been classified into different endotypes based on its pathophysiology, leading to the selection of the most optimal and effective therapies. Although T helper cell type 2 (Th2) cytokines were proven to play critical roles in atopic asthma, IL-17A has been reported to be involved in severe refractory asthma. In this study, we measured the levels of 24 cytokines/chemokines in the sera of healthy controls (HCs) (n=34) and patients with asthma (n=77), that were compared among patient groups with different disease activities and characteristics. The serum levels of nine cytokines were significantly higher in patients with asthma than in HCs, and the levels of IL-17A and SCF were significantly different between uncontrolled and well-controlled patient groups (p=0.003). The IL-17A levels were significantly correlated with those of IL-4, IL-25, IL-10, and IFN-γ in patients with uncontrolled asthma, and the patients with the highest levels of all the above cytokines were refractory to high-dose of inhaled corticosteroid therapy and have a history of acute exacerbation within 1 year, requiring systemic steroid therapy. This study examines the profiles of upregulation and downregulation of various cytokines and chemokines in relation to asthmatic control status. IL-17A was significantly upregulated in patients with the uncontrolled and refractory status. Therefore, IL-17A may play important roles in asthmatic exacerbation, and its high level, in combination with upregulated Th2 and other cytokines, may indicate the refractory endotype of asthma.

Current situation of asthma-COPD overlap syndrome (ACOS) in Chinese patients older than 40 years with airflow limitation: rationale and design for a multicenter, cross-sectional trial (study protocol).

Asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are the frequently occurring chronic airway diseases, and the overlapping syndrome observed in the majority of patients has been recently defined as asthma-COPD overlap syndrome (ACOS) by the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung (GOLD, 2014) and Global initiative for Asthma (GINA, 2015). The proportion, features, and clinical practice of ACOS still remain elusive in China. We are conducting this multicenter, cross-sectional, observational study (NCT02600221) to investigate the distributions of chronic obstructive diseases in patients >40 years of age with chronic airflow limitation in China along with determination of the main clinical practice and features of these diseases. The study will also explore the factors that may influence the exacerbations and severity of ACOS in Chinese patients (>40 years of age). A total of 2,000 patients (age, ≥40 years; either sex) who are clinically diagnosed as having asthma, COPD/chronic bronchitis/emphysema, or ACOS for at least 12 months with airflow limitation [post-bronchodilator forced expiratory volume in 1 second/forced vital capacity (FEV1/FVC): <0.7] will be enrolled from approximately 20 sites in China between December 2015 and December 2016. The proportion of ACOS among patients older than 40 years based on GINA 2015 and GOLD 2014 definitions is the primary variable. Following were the secondary variables: the proportions of COPD and asthma among the patients, distributions of the severity of airflow limitation, distribution of groups according to GOLD 2011 group definition (A, B, C, D), and the distribution of medication by drug class in patients with ACOS, asthma, and COPD. Acute exacerbation history, hospitalization, and severity of ACOS as evaluated using COPD Assessment Test, Asthma Control Questionnaire-5, and Modified British Medical Research Council in patients with ACOS were also assessed. This will be the first study to disseminate scientific knowledge on the current situation, main clinical practice, and features of ACOS, asthma, and COPD conditions in Chinese patients. The insights will be helpful in designing optimal management strategies for ACOS and redefining the healthcare development programs.

Insight into Best Variables for COPD Case Identification: A Random Forests Analysis

This study is part of a larger, multi-method project to develop a questionnaire for identifying undiagnosed cases of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in primary care settings, with specific interest in the detection of patients with moderate to severe airway obstruction or risk of exacerbation. To examine 3 existing datasets for insight into key features of COPD that could be useful in the identification of undiagnosed COPD. Random forests analyses were applied to the following databases: COPD Foundation Peak Flow Study Cohort (N=5761), Burden of Obstructive Lung Disease (BOLD) Kentucky site (N=508), and COPDGene® (N=10,214). Four scenarios were examined to find the best, smallest sets of variables that distinguished cases and controls:(1) moderate to severe COPD (forced expiratory volume in 1 second [FEV1] <50% predicted) versus no COPD; (2) undiagnosed versus diagnosed COPD; (3) COPD with and without exacerbation history; and (4) clinically significant COPD (FEV1<60% predicted or history of acute exacerbation) versus all others. From 4 to 8 variables were able to differentiate cases from controls, with sensitivity ≥73 (range: 73-90) and specificity >68 (range: 68-93). Across scenarios, the best models included age, smoking status or history, symptoms (cough, wheeze, phlegm), general or breathing-related activity limitation, episodes of acute bronchitis, and/or missed work days and non-work activities due to breathing or health. Results provide insight into variables that should be considered during the development of candidate items for a new questionnaire to identify undiagnosed cases of clinically significant COPD.

Factors Associated With Acute Exacerbation in COPD Patients With Mild-to-Moderate Airflow Limitation

SESSION TITLE: COPD Posters III SESSION TYPE: Original Investigation Poster PRESENTED ON: Wednesday, October 28, 2015 at 01:30 PM - 02:30 PM PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to compare the clinical characteristics of patients with mild-to-moderate airflow limitation according to the experience the acute exacerbation. METHODS: The patients included in the present study were from the Korean COPD Subtype Study (KOCOSS) cohort. The patients were recruited from 37 referral hospitals in Korea. The definition of COPD was adopted by the GOLD guideline. We obtained the clinical data from the medical record and compared the clinical, spirometric data according to the development of exacerbation during the follow-up period RESULTS: A total of 570 patients with mild-to-moderate airflow limitation were enrolled. A total of 9.3% had FEV1>80% of predicted value. The mean CAT score was 13.9 ± 6.9. The mean SGRQ-c was 30.4 ± 6.5. There were 114 patients (20%) who had experienced one year before enrollment. A total of 17.4% and 14.2% of patients had history of measles and pneumonia, respectively. When adopting 2011 GOLD classification, 24.9% and 74.7% of the patients were classified as GOLD A and B, respectively. During the first 2 years of follow-up period, 17.5% of patients experienced acute exacerbation. SGRQ-c and CAT score were significantly higher in patients with exacerbation than patients without exacerbation (36.3 ± 2.0 vs. 25.6±1.5, 16.6±79 vs. 12.1±6.0, respectively). Patient with exacerbation had allergic rhinitis, hyperlipidemia more frequently, which is statistically significant. A total of 83.3% of patients with history of exacerbation at enrollment experienced exacerbation during the follow-up period. A total 22.0% and 24.1% of the patients with exacerbation had history of pneumonia and measles, which is higher than that of patients without exacerbation (p=0.014 and 0.044, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: A total of 17.5% of mild to moderate COPD patients experienced acute exacerbation during 2 years of follow up. Development of acute exacerbations is associated with poor quality of life, hyperlipidemia, allergic rhinitis, history of acute exacerbation, history of pneumonia and history of measles CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: A subsequent number of patients with mild-to-moderate airflow limitation experienced exacerbations. Presence of co-morbidities, quality of life and past medical history should be assessed meticulously in order to differentiate patients with high risk of exacerbation. DISCLOSURE: The following authors have nothing to disclose: Yong Il Hwang, Chang Youl Lee, Sunghoon Park, Joo Hee Kim, Yong Bum Park, Seung Hun Jang, Kwang Ha Yoo, Chin Kook Rhee, Hyoung Kyu Yoon, Ki-Suck Jung No Product/Research Disclosure Information

Daily Step Count Is Associated With Plasma C-Reactive Protein and IL-6 in a US Cohort With COPD

Physical activity is an important clinical marker of disease status in COPD. COPD is also characterized by low-grade systemic inflammation. However, the relationship between physical activity and systemic inflammation in COPD is unclear. We monitored daily step count, a directly measured physical activity, using the StepWatch Activity Monitor, an ankle-worn accelerometer, in 171 people with stable COPD. Exercise capacity was assessed with the 6-min walk test (6MWT). We measured plasma C-reactive protein (CRP) and IL-6 levels. Linear regression models examined the cross-sectional associations of daily step count and 6MWT distance with CRP and IL-6 levels. Subjects had a mean age 72±8 years and mean FEV1 1.5±0.57 L (54±20% predicted). Median daily step count was 5,203 (interquartile range [IQR], 3,627-7,024], CRP level was 2.4 mg/L (IQR, 1.2-5.0), and IL-6 level was 2.9 pg/mL (IQR, 2.0-5.1). Each 1,000-step increase in daily step count was associated with a 0.94 mg/L and 0.96 pg/mL decrease in CRP (P=.020) and IL-6 (P=.044) levels, respectively, adjusting for age, FEV1 % predicted, pack-years smoked, cardiac disease, current statin use, history of acute exacerbations, and season. There was a significant linear trend of increasing daily step count by quartiles and decreasing CRP (P=.0007) and IL-6 (P=.023) levels. Higher 6MWT distance was also significantly associated with lower CRP and IL-6 values. People with COPD who walked the most had the lowest plasma CRP and IL-6 levels. These results provide the conceptual basis to study whether an intervention to promote walking will reduce systemic inflammation in people with COPD.

Predicting 7-day and 3-month functional outcomes after an ED visit for acute nontraumatic low back pain

BackgroundRecent work has shown that two-thirds of patients report functional disability 1 week after an emergency department (ED) visit for nontraumatic musculoskeletal low back pain (LBP). Nearly half of these patients report functional disability 3 months later. Identifying high-risk predictors of functional disability at each of these 2 time points will allow emergency clinicians to provide individual patients with an evidence-based understanding of their risk of protracted symptoms. ObjectThe aim of the present study was to determine whether 5 high-risk features previously identified in various primary care settings predict poor functional outcomes among patients in the ED. The hypothesized predictors are as follows: LBP-related functional disability at baseline, radicular signs, depression, a work-related injury, or a history of chronic or recurrent LBP before the index episode. MethodsWe conducted a prospective observational cohort study of patients in the ED with a chief complaint of nontraumatic LBP, which the ED attending physician classified as musculoskeletal. We interviewed patients in the ED before discharge and performed a baseline assessment of functional disability using the 24-item Roland-Morris questionnaire. We also trichotomized the patient's baseline history of LBP into chronic (defined as 30 straight days with continuous LBP or a history of acute exacerbations more frequently than once per week); episodic (acute exacerbations more frequently than once per year but less frequently than once per week), or rarely/never (less frequently than once per year or no history of LBP). We performed telephone follow-up 1 week and 3 months after ED discharge using a scripted closed-question data collection instrument. The primary outcome was any functional limitation attributable to LBP at 1 week and 3 months, defined as a score greater than zero on the Roland-Morris questionnaire. We used logistic regression, adjusted for age, sex, and educational level, to assess the independent association between functional disability and each of the 5 hypothesized predictors listed above. ResultsWe approached 894 patients for participation and included 556. We obtained follow-up on 97% and 92% of our sample at 1 week and 3 months, respectively. Two of the 5 hypothesized variables predicted functional disability at both time points: higher baseline Roland-Morris score (odds ratio [OR], 4.3; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.6-6.9) and chronic LBP (OR, 2.3; 95% CI, 1.1-4.8) were associated with 7-day functional disability. These same 2 variables predicted functional disability 3 months after ED discharge—higher baseline Roland-Morris score (OR, 2.3; 95% CI, 1.4-3.9) and chronic LBP (OR, 2.8; 95% CI, 1.5-5.2). The remaining 3 hypothesized predictors (depression, radicular signs, and on-the-job injury) did not predict functional outcome at either time point. ConclusionsPatients in the ED with worse baseline functional impairment and a history of chronic LBP are 2 to 4 times most likely to have poor short- and longer-term outcomes.