Lower FEV1 Research Articles

OUTCOMES OF COVID-19 IN LUNG TRANSPLANT RECIPIENTS: A SINGLE CENTER REVIEW

SESSION TITLE: Lung Transplantation: New Issues in 2022SESSION TYPE: Rapid Fire Original InvPRESENTED ON: 10/19/2022 11:15 am - 12:15 pmPURPOSE: Currently the sequelae of COVID pneumonia in lung transplant recipients (LTR) is poorly described and the long-term effects are largely unknown. LTRs encompass a unique patient population with anatomic and immunological changes that pose a huge challenge in the management of COVID pneumonia compared to the general population. This project looks to further delineate risk factors, prognostication, and long-term sequelae of COVID pneumonia in LTRs.METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed in a single large lung transplant center in Chicago from January 2020 to June 2021. Impact of COVID-19 based on patient demographics, management strategies, level of care, mortality, and pre- and post-COVID spirometry changes were analyzed based on follow-up visits after infection in survivors.RESULTS: There was an overall mortality of 21% with 68% requiring hospital admission. Of the patients admitted, there was a 62% mortality risk associated with ICU admission. Pre-existing chronic lung allograft dysfunction (CLAD) was present in 10 patients of which 50% were admitted to the ICU. Baseline FEV1 was 1.95 L with an average post covid FEV1 of 1.89 L (3.7% decline) for survivors. Pre-existing CLAD, lower baseline FEV1, and increased time since transplant were predictors of ICU admission.CONCLUSIONS: COVID-19 continues to remain a dangerous, life-threatening disease, particularly for LTRs. While there were no patients that developed CLAD post infection, there was an overall decrease in lung function. The long term trajectory of graft function post-covid remains unclear, however pre-existing allograft dysfunction appears to provide prognostic value.CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Further study needs to be done on COVID-19 and the long-term implications of allograft function in the LTR population.DISCLOSURES: Speaker/Speaker's Bureau relationship with boehringer ingelheim Please note: $5001 - $20000 by Brad Bemiss, value=Travel and payment for lectureNo relevant relationships by Timothy O'ConnorNo relevant relationships by Love Patel SESSION TITLE: Lung Transplantation: New Issues in 2022 SESSION TYPE: Rapid Fire Original Inv PRESENTED ON: 10/19/2022 11:15 am - 12:15 pm PURPOSE: Currently the sequelae of COVID pneumonia in lung transplant recipients (LTR) is poorly described and the long-term effects are largely unknown. LTRs encompass a unique patient population with anatomic and immunological changes that pose a huge challenge in the management of COVID pneumonia compared to the general population. This project looks to further delineate risk factors, prognostication, and long-term sequelae of COVID pneumonia in LTRs. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed in a single large lung transplant center in Chicago from January 2020 to June 2021. Impact of COVID-19 based on patient demographics, management strategies, level of care, mortality, and pre- and post-COVID spirometry changes were analyzed based on follow-up visits after infection in survivors. RESULTS: There was an overall mortality of 21% with 68% requiring hospital admission. Of the patients admitted, there was a 62% mortality risk associated with ICU admission. Pre-existing chronic lung allograft dysfunction (CLAD) was present in 10 patients of which 50% were admitted to the ICU. Baseline FEV1 was 1.95 L with an average post covid FEV1 of 1.89 L (3.7% decline) for survivors. Pre-existing CLAD, lower baseline FEV1, and increased time since transplant were predictors of ICU admission. CONCLUSIONS: COVID-19 continues to remain a dangerous, life-threatening disease, particularly for LTRs. While there were no patients that developed CLAD post infection, there was an overall decrease in lung function. The long term trajectory of graft function post-covid remains unclear, however pre-existing allograft dysfunction appears to provide prognostic value. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Further study needs to be done on COVID-19 and the long-term implications of allograft function in the LTR population. DISCLOSURES: Speaker/Speaker's Bureau relationship with boehringer ingelheim Please note: $5001 - $20000 by Brad Bemiss, value=Travel and payment for lecture No relevant relationships by Timothy O'Connor No relevant relationships by Love Patel

Combined assessment of bronchial asthma control using forced expiratory volume in first second and exhaled nitric oxide

Introduction The principal goal of bronchial asthma (BA) management is to control and reduce the risk of exacerbations. Poor assessment of asthma control is a major cause of poor asthma management. This study aimed to detect the level of asthma control using spirometry and exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO). Patients and methods This study investigated 210 patients with a diagnosis of BA. Asthma control in included patients was classified according to the Global Initiative for Asthma symptom-based assessment of asthma control, into controlled, partly controlled, or uncontrolled. Spirometry and FeNO results were recorded. Results Most of the studied patients had partly controlled BA (43.3%), while uncontrolled BA was found in 29% of them. There was a significant association between both prebronchodilator forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) and the presence of reversibility with levels of BA control. There was no significant difference in the FeNO value between the levels of BA control (P=0.5). Combined assessment of BA using low FEV1 with high FeNO showed a significant difference between BA control groups. Conclusion A combination of FeNO and FEV1 provides a better method in detecting the level of BA control. It may be very important for patients with higher airway reversibility to consistently monitor disease control and then to modify therapeutic strategy.

Small airway function measured using forced expiratory flow between 25% and 75% of vital capacity and its relationship to airflow limitation in symptomatic ever-smokers: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundChronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is diagnosed and its severity graded by traditional spirometric parameters (forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1)/forced vital capacity (FVC) and FEV1, respectively) but these...

Determinants of Severe Asthma - A Long-Term Cohort Study in Northern Sweden.

BackgroundRisk factors for severe asthma are not well described. The aim was to identify clinical characteristics and risk factors at study entry that are associated with severe asthma at follow-up in a long-term prospective population-based cohort study of adults with asthma.MethodsBetween 1986 and 2001, 2055 adults with asthma were identified by clinical examinations of population-based samples in northern Sweden. During 2012–2014, n = 1006 (71% of invited) were still alive, residing in the study area and participated in a follow-up, of which 40 were identified as having severe asthma according to ERS/ATS, 131 according to GINA, while 875 had other asthma. The mean follow-up time was 18.7 years.ResultsObesity at study entry and adult-onset asthma were associated with severe asthma at follow-up. While severe asthma was more common in those with adult-onset asthma in both men and women, the association with obesity was observed in women only. Sensitization to mites and moulds, but not to other allergens, as well as NSAID-related respiratory symptoms was more common in severe asthma than in other asthma. Participants with severe asthma at follow-up had lower FEV1, more pronounced FEV1 reversibility, and more wheeze, dyspnea and nighttime awakenings already at study entry than those with other asthma.ConclusionAdult-onset asthma is an important risk factor for development of severe asthma in adults, and obesity increased the risk among women. The high burden of respiratory symptoms already at study entry also indicate long-term associations with development of severe asthma.

653. DOES MIE REDUCE PULMONARY COMPLICATIONS IN A REAL-WORLD SCENARIO?

Abstract Pulmonary complications are a common cause of morbidity, and occurs in upto 30% after esophagectomy. Randomised trials have shown significant decrease in pulmonary complications after minimally invasive esophagectomy (MIE). We conducted a study to evaluate whether this was true in a real-world scenario. We performed a retrospective analysis of a prospectively maintained database of patients undergoing esophagectomy. Data of consecutive patients undergoing MIE or open Mc-keown transthoracic esophagectomy (OE) between 2013 and 2021 were included. Categorical variables were compared by Pearson’s Χ2 test or Fisher’s exact test. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to analyse the relation between pulmonary complications and potential related factors to identify independent predictors of pulmonary complications. A total of 1046 patients underwent MIE or OE between 01/01/2013 and 31/12/2021. The mean age was 54.2+/-9.9 y; 413 (39.5%) were smokers; 862 (82.4%) patients underwent neo-adjuvant chemotherapy; 411 patients(41.1%) underwent MIE( 309- VATS, 102- Robotic) while the remaining 635 underwent OE. Overall, 354(33.8%) patients had pulmonary complications, of which 234(22.4%) were CD 3a and above. Pulmonary complications were reduced by 11.6% (171/635, 26.9% with OE vs 63/411, 15.3% with MIE; p=0.001)(). On multivariate analysis, age > 60y, open surgery, FEV1,3-field lymphadenectomy and ASA grade(II and III) were found to be significant predictors of pulmonary complications (table 1) Adoption of MIE results in fewer pulmonary complications in the real world; however, the large differences seen in randomised trials may not be replicable in a real-world scenario. Elderly patients, those with low FEV1 values, a higher ASA grade and those who have undergone a 3-field lymphadenectomy may develop significant pulmonary complications in spite of undergoing MIE.

Street-View Greenspace Exposure and Childhood Asthma-Related Outcomes: Analyses in Project Viva

Background and Aim: While higher levels of greenspace can mitigate air pollution, reduce stress, and increase physical activity, its role in childhood asthma is unclear. The aim of this study is to examine the associations of neighborhood greenspace based on Google street view (GS) images with asthma-related measures among children in Project Viva, a cohort in eastern Massachusetts participating in the Environmental influences on Child Health Outcomes (ECHO) consortium. Methods: We leveraged GSV images from 2007 to 2011 within 250m of participants’ home addresses at mid-childhood and applied deep learning algorithms to derive unique metrics of ground-level greenspace exposure. We calculated total greenspace exposure, which combined %grass, %trees, %plants, %fields, and %flowers within each image. Mothers reported the child’s asthma status in mid-childhood (median 7.7 yr) and early adolescence (median 12.7 yr). Trained research assistants performed lung function tests (FEV1 and FVC) using spirometry and collected blood for total serum IgE measurement. We constructed linear and logistic regression models to examine associations of neighborhood greenspace with these asthma-related outcomes adjusting for child’s sex, race/ethnicity, age at outcome, maternal and paternal education, marital status and household income (at enrollment), and census tract level household income and urbanicity (at delivery). Results: In adjusted cross-sectional analyses (N=486), each interquartile range increase in total greenspace was associated with lower FEV1 (-44.7 mL [95% CI: -82.7, -6.64]) and higher total IgE (56.4 kU/L [95% CI: 0.86, 112]). Similar associations were observed for %tree but not for %grass. Greenspace was not associated with asthma status cross-sectionally in mid-childhood. There were no longitudinal associations between any greenspace measures in mid-childhood and any asthma-related outcomes in early adolescence (N=414). Conclusions: We observed cross-sectional but not longitudinal associations between GSV-based greenspace with FEV1 and total serum IgE in adverse directions and found no association between greenspace and asthma status.

Subclinical Risk Factors for Heart Failure With Preserved and Reduced Ejection Fraction Among Black Adults

Sparse data exist regarding the contributions of subclinical impairments in cardiovascular and noncardiovascular function to incident heart failure (HF) with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) and preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) among Black US residents, limiting understanding of the etiology of HF subtypes. To identify subclinical cardiovascular and noncardiovascular risk factors associated with HFrEF and HFpEF in Black US residents. This cohort study used cross-sectional and time-to-event analysis with data from the community-based Jackson Heart Study (JHS), a longitudinal cohort study with baseline data collected from 2000 to 2004 (visit 1) and 10-year follow-up for incident HF. Black US residents from the Jackson, Mississippi, metropolitan area enrolled in JHS; those with prevalent HF, with moderate or greater aortic or mitral valve diseases on visit 1, who died before 2005, and who had missing HF status on follow-up were excluded. The analysis included 4361 participants and was performed between June 2020 to August 2021. Quantitative measures of cardiovascular (left ventricular mass index [LVMI], left ventricular ejection fraction [LVEF], left atrial [LA] diameter, and pulse pressure) and noncardiovascular (percent predicted forced expiration volume in 1 second [FEV1 (percent predicted)], estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), waist circumference, and hemoglobin A1c [HbA1c] level) organ function. Incident HF, HFrEF, and HFpEF over 10-year follow-up. The 4361 participants had a mean (SD) age of 54 (13); 2776 (64%) were women; and there were 163 HFpEF and 146 HFrEF events. In multivariable models incorporating measures reflecting each organ system, factors associated with incident HFpEF included greater LA diameter (hazard ratio [HR], 1.23; 95% CI, 1.03-1.47; P = .02), higher pulse pressure (HR, 1.23; 95% CI, 1.05-1.44; P = .009), lower FEV1 (percent predicted) (HR, 1.22; 95% CI, 1.04-1.43; P = .02), lower eGFR (HR, 1.43; 95% CI, 1.19-1.72; P < .001), higher HbA1c level (HR, 1.25; 95% CI, 1.07-1.45; P = .005), and higher waist circumference (HR, 1.41; 95% CI, 1.18-1.69; P < .001). Factors associated with incident HFrEF included greater LVMI (HR, 1.25; 1.07-1.46; P = .005), lower LVEF (HR, 1.65; 95% CI, 1.42-1.91; P < .001), lower FEV1 (percent predicted) (HR, 1.19; 95% CI, 1.00-1.42; P = .047), and lower eGFR (HR, 1.27; 95% CI, 1.04-1.55; P = .02). In this community-based cohort study of Black US residents, subclinical impairments in cardiovascular and noncardiovascular organ function were differentially associated with risk of incident HFpEF and HFrEF.

Association of lung function with the risk of cardiovascular diseases and all-cause mortality in patients with diabetes: Results from NHANES III 1988-1994.

ObjectiveThe potential effects of pulmonary dysfunction on cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and all-cause mortality are receiving attention. The current study aimed to explore whether reduced lung function predicts CVD and all-cause mortality in people with diabetes.MethodsA total of 1,723 adults with diabetes (mean age 60.2 years) were included in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III). Death outcomes were ascertained by linkage to the database records through 31 December 2015. Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for coronary heart disease (CHD), CVD, and all-cause mortalities. We conducted stratified analyses based on age, body mass index (BMI), history of hypertension, and dyslipidemia.ResultsDuring a mean follow-up of 14.62 years (25,184 person-year), a total of 1,221 deaths were documented, of which 327 were CHD, 406 were CVD, and 197 were cancer. After multi-factor adjustment, participants with lower FEV1 and FVC had a higher risk of CHD, CVD, and all-cause mortality. This association was also found in lower FVC and a higher risk of cancer mortality [HR: 3.85 (1.31–11.32); P for trend = 0.040], but the association of FEV1 was attenuated after adjustment for covariates [HR:2.23 (0.54–9.17); P for trend = 0.247]. In subgroup analysis, we found that the adverse associations of FEV1 and FVC with CVD mortality were observed in subgroups of age, BMI, and history of hypertension and dyslipidemia.ConclusionDeclined lung function was associated with a higher risk of CVD and all-cause mortality in people with diabetes. Lung function tests, especially FEV1 and FVC, should be encouraged to provide prognostic and predictive information for the management of CVD and all-cause mortality in patients with diabetes.

Spirometric Evaluation of Effect of Air Pollution on Pulmonary Functions of Traffic Police in Kathmandu Valley

Background and objectives: Traffic police personnel are exposed to ambient air pollution which leads to important health hazards like impairment of lung functions. The objectives of this study were to measure and compare the pulmonary function parameters of traffic police and general duty police and also aimed to evaluate the effect of job duration on those parameters in Kathmandu valley. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional comparative study was done in a total of 133 healthy, non-smoker, male policemen working in Kathmandu valley for a minimum of one year. Out of them, 70 were from traffic police and 63 were from general duty police. MIR Spirolab II was used for pulmonary function test (PFT) measurement. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS version 20. The results were presented as mean ±SD and Independent sample t-test: was used. The p-value &lt;0.05 was considered statistically significant. Pulmonary functions of the two groups were compared. Results: There was a statistically significant decrease in FEV1, FEV1/FVC and FEF25%=75% among policemen working in Kathmandu valley for seven years or more as compared to those working for less than seven years. Although the traffic police had lower FVC, FEV1, FEV1/FVC and PEF in comparison to the general duty police, these differences were not statistically significant. Conclusion: The findings of this study demonstrated that pulmonary functions of both the traffic and the general duty police decrease with increase in duration of job in Kathmandu valley. The pulmonary functions of the traffic police were lower than their predicted values although they were not significantly lower than those of the general duty police. Keywords: Lung function, Spirometry, Traffic policemen, FVC, FEV1, PEF, FEF25%-75%

Determinants of lung function across childhood in the Severe Asthma Research Program (SARP) 3

Children with asthma are at risk for low lung function extending into adulthood, but understanding of clinical predictors is incomplete. We sought to determine phenotypic factors associated with FEV1 throughout childhood in the Severe Asthma Research Program 3 pediatric cohort. Lung function was measured at baseline and annually. Multivariate linear mixed-effects models were constructed to assess the effect of baseline and time-varying predictors of prebronchodilator FEV1 at each assessment for up to 6 years. All models were adjusted for age, predicted FEV1 by Global Lung Function Initiative reference equations, race, sex, and height. Secondary outcomes included postbronchodilator FEV1 and prebronchodilator FEV1/forced vital capacity. A total of 862 spirometry assessments were performed for 188 participants. Factors associated with FEV1 include baseline Feno (B, -49 mL/log2 PPB; 95% CI, -92 to -6), response to a characterizing dose of triamcinolone acetonide (B, -8.4 mL/1% change FEV1 posttriamcinolone; 95% CI, -12.3 to -4.5), and maximal bronchodilator reversibility (B, -27 mL/1% change postbronchodilator FEV1; 95% CI, -37 to -16). Annually assessed time-varying factors of age, obesity, and exacerbation frequency predicted FEV1 over time. Notably, there was a significant age and sex interaction. Among girls, there was no exacerbation effect. For boys, however, moderate (1-2) exacerbation frequency in the previous 12 months was associated with -20 mL (95% CI, -39 to -2) FEV1 at each successive year. High exacerbation frequency (≥3) 12 to 24 months before assessment was associated with -34 mL (95% CI, -61 to -7) FEV1 at each successive year. In children with severe and nonsevere asthma, several clinically relevant factors predict FEV1 over time. Boys with recurrent exacerbations are at high risk of lower FEV1 through childhood.

Chronic Bronchitis Affects Outcomes in Smokers without Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).

Background. Chronic bronchitis (CB) importantly affects outcomes in smokers with COPD, but the effects on smokers without COPD are less well known and less emphasized. The aim of our study was to investigate the possible effects of CB on clinical outcomes in smokers without COPD (noCOPD) and compare them with the effects in smokers with COPD (COPD). Methods. For that purpose, we studied 511 smokers, 302 with and 209 without COPD, followed for 10 years in an academic COPD ambulatory setting. Chronic bronchitis was defined as the presence of cough and sputum production for at least 3 months in each of two consecutive years. All subjects underwent clinical and functional examination with spirometry, diffusion capacity (DLco), 6-min walking test (6MWT), mMRC Dyspnoea Scale, COPD Assessment Test (CAT), and recording of annual frequency of exacerbations. All-cause mortality during follow-up was recorded. Results. 27% of noCOPD and 45% of COPD had CB. noCOPD with CB had lower FEV1 and DLco, worse 6MWT, more dyspnoea, a higher number of exacerbations and lower survival than noCOPD without CB. CB did not affect FEV1 decline in noCOPD but it significantly did in COPD. Conclusions. The presence of chronic bronchitis in smokers without COPD will significantly affect symptoms, quality of life, and survival, underlining the importance of recognizing the condition and managing it accordingly.

Body mass index increase: a risk factor for forced expiratory volume in 1 s decline for overweight and obese adults with asthma.

BackgroundWith increasing prevalence of overweight and obesity, it is important to study how body mass index (BMI) change may affect lung function among subjects with asthma. There are few prospective studies on this topic, especially with separate analyses of those with normal and high BMI. The aim of the present study was to prospectively study the association between annual BMI change and annual lung function decline, separately among those with normal initial BMI and overweight/obesity, in an adult asthma cohort.MethodsA population-based adult asthma cohort was examined at study entry between 1986 and 2001 and at follow-up between 2012 and 2014 (n=945). Annual BMI change was analysed in association with annual decline in forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC) and FEV1/FVC separately in those with normal weight (BMI 18.5–24.9) and overweight/obese subjects (BMI ≥25) at study entry. Regression models were used to adjust for sex, age, smoking, inhaled corticosteroids use and occupational exposure to gas, dust or fumes.ResultsOverweight/obese subjects had lower FEV1 and FVC but slower annual FEV1 and FVC decline compared to those with normal weight. After adjustment through regression modelling, the association between BMI change with FEV1 and FVC decline remained significant for both BMI groups, but with stronger associations among the overweight/obese (FEV1 B[Overweight/obese]=−25 mL versus B[normal weight]=−15 mL). However, when including only those with BMI increase during follow-up, the associations remained significant among those with overweight/obesity, but not in the normal-weight group. No associations were seen for FEV1/FVC.ConclusionsBMI increase is associated with faster FEV1 and FVC decline among overweight and obese adults with asthma in comparison with their normal-weight counterparts.

Small airway dysfunction in Chinese patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis

BackgroundRecent years, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is thought to be a disease of alveoli as well as small airways. This study aimed to demonstrate the clinical feature, predictor, and prognosis of small airway dysfunction (SAD) in Chinese patients with IPF.MethodsWe enrolled 416 patients with IPF who hospitalized in Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital from 2000 to 2014 in this study, and the follow-up ended at December 2016. We collected demographic information, clinical examination results, spirometry results, HRCT results, and blood gas results during the study. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify the predictor for SAD. The COX proportional hazard model was used to analysis the prognosis effect of SAD.ResultsAmong all the participants, 165 (39.66%) patients had SAD. FEV1 (% predicted) and FEV3/FVC were significantly associated with SAD in patients with IPF. IPF patients with lower FEV1 (% predicted, OR 30.04, 95% CI 9.61–93.90) and FEV3/FVC (OR 77.76, 95% CI 15.44–391.63) had increased risk for SAD. Patients with SAD were associated with significantly increased risk of mortality in patients with IPF (HR 1.73, 95% CI 1.02–2.92), as well as in IPF patients without other pulmonary comorbidities (COPD, emphysema, and asthma).ConclusionsSpirometry-defined SAD was like 40% in patients with IPF. Lower FEV1 (% predicted) and FEV3/FVC were main predictors for SAD. IPF patients with SAD showed poorer prognosis.

Gestational phthalate exposure and lung function during childhood: A prospective population-based study

The potential effect of gestational exposure to phthalates on the lung function levels during childhood is unclear. Therefore, we examined this association at different ages (from 4 to 11 years) and over the whole childhood. Specifically, we measured 9 phthalate metabolites (MEP, MiBP, MnBP, MCMHP, MBzP, MEHHP, MEOHP, MECPP, MEHP) in the urine of 641 gestating women from the INMA study (Spain) and the forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) and FEV1/FVC in their offspring at ages 4, 7, 9 and 11. We used linear regression and mixed linear regression with a random intercept for subject to assess the association between phthalates and lung function at each study visit and for the overall childhood, respectively. We also assessed the phthalate metabolites mixture effect on lung function using a Weighted Quantile Sum (WQS) regression. We observed that the phthalate metabolites gestational levels were consistently associated with lower FVC and FEV1 at all ages, both when assessed individually and jointly as a mixture, although most associations were not statistically significant. Of note, a 10% increase in MiBP was related to lower FVC (−0.02 (−0.04, 0)) and FEV1 z-scores (−0.02 (−0.04, −0.01) at age 4. Similar significant reductions in FVC were observed at ages 4 and 7 associated with an increase in MEP and MnBP, respectively, and for FEV1 at age 4 associated with an increase in MBzP. WQS regression consistently identified MBzP as an important contributor to the phthalate mixture effect. We can conclude that the gestational exposure to phthalates was associated with children's lower FVC and FEV1, especially in early childhood, and in a statistically significant manner for MEP, MiBP, MBzP and MnBP. Given the ubiquity of phthalate exposure and its established endocrine disrupting effects in children, our findings support current regulations that limit phthalate exposure.

Thinness negatively affects lung function among Sri Lankan children.

BackgroundThere have been conflicting findings on the effect of body mass index (BMI) on lung functions in children. Therefore, we studied the relationship between spirometry parameters and BMI among healthy Sri Lankan school children aged 5–7 years.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted among 296 school children (5–7-year-old) without apparent lung disease. Recruitment was done with stratified random sampling. Spirometry parameters, FEV1, FVC, PEFR, and FEV1/FVC ratio were determined. The acceptable and reproducible spirometry recordings were included in the analysis. Simple and multivariate linear regression analysis examined possible associations of lung function parameters with BMI, socio‐demographic variables and indoor risk factors. Also, the mediator effect of gender on lung function through BMI was explored.ResultsThe participants’ mean age (SD) was 6.4 (0.65) years. One-third were thin/severely thin (37%). A statistically significant difference in FVC (p = 0.001) and FEV1 (p = 0.001) was observed between BMI groups (obesity/overweight, normal, and thinness). Yet, PEFR or FEV1/FVC did not significantly differ among BMI groups (p = 0.23 and p = 0.84). Multivariate regression analysis showed that FEV1 and FVC were significantly associated with BMI, child’s age, gender, family income, father’s education, having a pet, and exposure to mosquito coil smoke. Interaction between gender and BMI for lung functions was not significant. The thin children had significantly lower FVC (OR: -0.04, 95%CI: -0.077, -0.012, p = 0.008) and FEV1 (OR: -0.04, 95%CI: -0.075, -0.014, p = 0.004) than normal/overweight/obese children. Family income demonstrated the greatest effect on lung functions; FVC and FEV1 were 0.25L and 0.23L smaller in low-income than the high-income families.ConclusionLower lung function parameters (FVC and FEV1) are associated with thinness than normal/overweight/obese dimensions among children without apparent lung disease. It informs that appropriate nutritional intervention may play a role in improving respiratory health.

Residential Wood Burning and Pulmonary Function in the Agricultural Lung Health Study.

Background:In low- and middle-income countries, burning biomass indoors for cooking or heating has been associated with poorer lung function. In high-income countries, wood, a form of biomass, is commonly used for heating in rural areas with increasing prevalence. However, in these settings the potential impact of chronic indoor woodsmoke exposure on pulmonary function is little studied.Objective:We evaluated the association of residential wood burning with pulmonary function in case–control study of asthma nested within a U.S. rural cohort.Methods:Using sample weighted multivariable linear regression, we estimated associations between some and frequent wood burning, both relative to no exposure, in relation to forced expiratory volume in 1 s (), forced vital capacity (FVC), their ratio (), and fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO). We examined effect modification by smoking or asthma status.Results:Among all participants and within smoking groups, wood burning was not appreciably related to pulmonary function. However, in individuals with asthma (), frequent wood burning was significantly associated with lower [: ; 95% confidence interval (CI): , ], FVC (: ; 95% CI: , ), and (: ; 95% CI: , ), whereas no appreciable association was seen in individuals without asthma (). These differences in association by asthma were statistically significant for () and (). Frequent wood burning was also associated with higher FeNO levels in all individuals (; : ; 95% CI: 0.02, 0.2), but associations did not differ by asthma or smoking status.Discussion:Frequent exposure to residential wood burning was associated with a measure of airway inflammation (FeNO) among all individuals and with lower pulmonary function among individuals with asthma. This group may wish to reduce wood burning or consider using air filtration devices. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP10734

Epidemiology of Lower Respiratory Tract Infections and Community-Acquired Respiratory Viruses in Patients with Bronchiolitis Obliterans Syndrome after Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome (BOS)-chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD) affecting the lungs-is an uncommon complication of allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplant (HCT). The epidemiology and complications of lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs) and community-acquired respiratory viruses (CARVs) in these patients are poorly understood. We aim to characterize the epidemiology of LRTIs in patients with BOS complicating HCT. We also aim to explore the association of LRTIs and CARV detection on lung function in BOS patients. Adult patients with BOS at Stanford Health Care between January 2010 and December 2019 were included in this retrospective cohort study. LRTI diagnosis was based on combined clinical, microbiologic, and radiographic criteria, using consensus criteria where available. Fifty-five patients with BOS were included. BOS was diagnosed at a median of 19.2 (IQR 12.5-24.7) months after HCT, and patients were followed for a median of 29.3 (IQR 9.9-53.2) months from BOS diagnosis. Twenty-two (40%) patients died after BOS diagnosis; 17 patients died from complications of cGVHD (including respiratory failure and infection) and 5 died from relapsed disease. Thirty-four (61.8%) patients developed at least one LRTI. Viral LRTIs were most common, occurring in 29 (52.7%) patients, primarily due to rhinovirus. Bacterial LRTIs-excluding Nocardia and non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM)-were the second most common, occurring in 21 (38.2%) patients, mostly due to Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Fungal LRTIs, NTM, and nocardiosis occurred in 14 (25.5%), 10 (18.2%), and 4 (7.3%) patients, respectively. Median time to development of the first LRTI after BOS diagnosis was 15.3 (4.7-44.7) months. Twenty-six (76.5%) of the 34 patients who developed LRTIs had infections due to more than one type of organism-fungi, viruses, Nocardia, NTM, and other bacteria-over the observation period. Patients with at least one LRTI had significantly lower forced expiratory volume in one second percent predicted (FEV1%) (37% vs. 53%, p = 0.0096) and diffusing capacity of carbon monoxide (DLCO) (45.5% predicted vs. 69% predicted, p = 0.0001). Patients with at least one LRTI trended toward lower overall survival (OS) (p = 0.0899) and higher non-relapse mortality (NRM) (p = 0.2707). Patients with a CARV detected or LRTI diagnosed after BOS-compared to those without any CARV detected or LRTI diagnosed-were more likely to have a sustained drop in FEV1% from baseline of at least 10% (21 [61.8%] versus 7 [33.3%]) and a sustained drop in FEV1% of at least 30% (12 [36.4%] versus 2 [9.5%]). LRTIs are common in BOS and associated with lower FEV1%, lower DLCO, and a trend toward decreased OS and higher NRM. Patients with LRTIs or CARVs (even absent lower respiratory tract involvement) were more likely to have substantial declines in FEV1% over time than those without. The array of organisms-including P. aeruginosa, mold, Nocardia, NTM, and CARVs-seen in BOS reflects the unique pathophysiology of this form of cGVHD, involving both systemic immunodeficiency and structural lung disease. These patterns of LRTIs and their outcomes can be used to guide clinical decisions and inform future research.

The clinical use of impulse oscillometry in neuromuscular diseases

BackgroundThe patients with neuromuscular diseases (NMD) are very fragile and it is hard to evaluate respiratory involvement of the primary disease in this group. Therefore, our study aimed to reveal the relationship between pulmonary function tests (PFT) and impulse oscillometry (IOS) and their correlation with respiratory clinical findings in NMD. Material and methodsA total of 86 consecutive patients with NMD were included. The clinical findings of respiratory involvement, PFT, and IOS results of the patients were analyzed. ResultsForty patients out of 86 were female. There were 29 patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, four patients with myasthenia gravis, and 53 patients with muscular dystrophies/myopathies. According to the PFT results, 47 patients had restrictive PFT. However, there was no difference in IOS parameters when we compared the patients according to restrictions in PFT. A positive correlation was found with FVC %pred and X5. PEF %pred values were positively correlated with X10, X15, and X20, and negatively correlated with AX and R5-20. The patients with worse swallowing capability had increased Rrs levels, and more negative Xrs levels. The shortness of breath led to lower FEV1 %pred., higher R5, AX and R5-20, and also more negative X10, X15, and X35. ConclusionClinically reported dysphagia, a decreased capability of coughing, and shortness of breath in patients with NMD make Rrs increase in general, but Xrs parameters, which mainly express rib cage elasticity, turn more negative. In patients with NMD, IOS monitoring may help in evaluating the regression in respiratory functions, however, future studies are needed to understand more.

The Dietary Inflammatory Index and Early COPD: Results from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.

We examined 3962 people aged 20 to 49 years who had information on spirometry testing and underwent a 24 h dietary recall interview from the 2007–2012 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) and used multivariable logistic regression to evaluate associations between Dietary Inflammatory Index (DII, a pro-inflammatory diet) and early COPD and lung function. The overall prevalence of early COPD was 5.05%. Higher DII was associated with increased odds of early COPD (quartile 4 vs. 1, the OR = 1.657, 95% CI = 1.100–2.496, p = 0.0156). In a full-adjusted model, each unit of increase in DII score was associated with a 90.3% increase in the risk of early COPD. Higher DII is significantly associated with lower FEV1 and FVC among individuals with early COPD, each unit increment in the DII was significantly associated with 0.43 L–0.58 L decrements in FEV1 (β = –0.43, 95% CI = −0.74, −0.12) and FVC (β = −0.58, 95% CI = −1.01, −0.16). These findings demonstrate that higher consumption of a pro-inflammatory diet may contribute to an increased risk of early COPD and lower lung function, and further support dietary interventions as part of a healthy lifestyle in order to preserve lung function and prevent or improve COPD.

Impact of Chronic Bronchial Infection by Staphylococcus aureus on Bronchiectasis.

The objective of the study was to analyze the factors associated with chronic bronchial infection (CBI) due to methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus (SA) and assess the clinical impact on severity, exacerbations, hospitalizations, and loss of lung function compared to patients with no isolation of PPMs in a large longitudinal series of patients from the Spanish bronchiectasis registry (RIBRON). Material and methods: A prospective, longitudinal, multicenter study was conducted with patients included in the RIBRON registry between January 2015 and October 2020. The inclusion criteria were an age of 18 years or older and an initial diagnosis of bronchiectasis. Patients recorded in the registry had a situation of clinical stability in the absence of an exacerbation in the four weeks before their inclusion. All patients were encouraged to provide a sputum sample at each visit for microbiological culture. Annual pulmonary function tests were performed according to the national spirometry guidelines. Results: A total of 426 patients were ultimately included in the study: 77 patients (18%) with CBI due to SA and 349 (82%) who did not present any isolation of PPMs in sputum. The mean age was 66.9 years (16.2), and patients 297 (69.7%) were female, with an average BMI of 25.1 (4.7) kg/m2 and an average Charlson index of 1.74 (1.33). The mean baseline value of FEV1 2 L was 0.76, with a mean FEV1% of 78.8% (23.1). One hundred and seventy-two patients (40.4%) had airflow obstruction with FEV1/FVC < 0.7. The mean predictive FACED score was 1.62 (1.41), with a mean value of 2.62 (2.07) for the EFACED score and 7.3 (4.5) for the BSI score. Patients with CBI caused by SA were younger (p < 0.0001), and they had a lower BMI (p = 0.024) and more exacerbations in the previous year (p = 0.019), as well as in the first, second, and third years of follow-up (p = 0.020, p = 0.001, and p = 0.018, respectively). As regards lung function, patients with CBI due to SA had lower levels of FEV1% at the time of inclusion in the registry (p = 0.021), and they presented more frequently with bronchial obstruction (p = 0.042). A lower age (OR: 0.97; 95% CI: 0.94–0.99; p < 0.001), lower FEV1 value% (OR: 0.98; 95% CI: 0.97–0.99; p = 0.035), higher number of affected lobes (OR: 1.53; 95% CI: 1.2–1.95; p < 0.001), and the presence of two or more exacerbations in the previous year (OR: 2.33; 95% CI: 1.15–4.69; p = 0.018) were observed as independent factors associated with CBI due to SA. The reduction in FEv1% in all patients included in the study was −0.31%/year (95% CI: −0.7; −0.07) (p = 0.110). When the reduction in FEv1% is analyzed in the group of patients with CBI due to SA and the group without pathogens, we observed that the reduction in FEV1% was −1.19% (95% CI: −2.09, −0.69) (p < 0.001) in the first group and −0.02% (95% CI: −0.07, −0.01) (p = 0.918) in the second group. According to a linear regression model (mixed effects) applied to determine which factors were associated with a more pronounced reduction in FEv1% in the overall group (including those with CBI due to SA and those with no PPM isolation), age (p = 0.0019), use of inhaled corticosteroids (p = 0.004), presence of CBI due to SA (p = 0.007), female gender (p < 0.001), and the initial value of FEV1 (p < 0.001) were significantly related. Conclusions: Patients with non-CF bronchiectasis with CBI due to SA were younger, with lower FEV1% values, more significant extension of bronchiectasis, and a higher number of exacerbations of mild to moderate symptoms than those with no PPM isolation in respiratory secretions. The reduction in FEV1% was −1.19% (95% CI: −2.09, −0.69) (p < 0.001) in patients with CBI caused by SA.