Lung Function Parameters In Patients Research Articles

Correlation of Parathyroid Hormone Values With Lung Function Parameters in Patients With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Correlation of Parathyroid Hormone Values With Lung Function Parameters in Patients With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Effects of acetylcysteine on micro-inflammation and pulmonary ventilation in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease exacerbation.

Acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) is a serious complication of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, often characterized by increased morbidity and mortality. In traditional Chinese medicine, AECOPD is linked to phlegm-heat and blood-stasis, presenting symptoms like thick sputum, fever, and chest pain. It has been shown that acetylcysteine inhalation in conjunction with conventional therapy significantly reduced inflammatory markers and improved lung function parameters in patients with AECOPD, suggesting that acetylcysteine may be an important adjunctive therapy for patients with phlegm-heat-blood stasis type AECOPD. To investigate the effect of acetylcysteine on microinflammation and lung ventilation in patients with phlegm-heat and blood-stasis-type AECOPD. One hundred patients with phlegm-heat and blood-stasis-type AECOPD were randomly assigned to two groups. The treatment group received acetylcysteine inhalation (10% solution, 5 mL, twice daily) along with conventional therapy, whereas the control group received only conventional therapy. The treatment duration was 14 d. Inflammatory markers (C-reactive protein, interleukin-6, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha) in the serum and sputum as well as lung function parameters (forced expiratory volume in one second, forced vital capacity, and peak expiratory flow) were assessed pre- and post-treatment. Acetylcysteine inhalation led to significant reductions in inflammatory markers and improvements in lung function parameters compared to those in the control group (P < 0.05). This suggests that acetylcysteine could serve as an effective adjunct therapy for patients with phlegm-heat and blood-stasis-type AECOPD. Acetylcysteine inhalation significantly reduced inflammatory markers in the serum and sputum and improved lung ventilation function parameters in patients with phlegm-heat and blood-stasis type AECOPD compared with the control group. These differences were statistically significant (P < 0.05). The study concluded that acetylcysteine inhalation had a positive effect on microinflammation and lung ventilation function in patients with this type of AECOPD, suggesting its potential as an adjuvant therapy for such cases. Acetylcysteine inhalation demonstrated significant improvements in reducing inflammatory markers in the serum and sputum, as well as enhancing lung ventilation function parameters in patients with phlegm-heat and blood-stasis type AECOPD. These findings suggest that acetylcysteine could serve as a valuable adjuvant therapy for individuals with this specific type of AECOPD, offering benefits for managing microinflammation and optimizing lung function.

Dupilumab sustains lung function improvements in patients with moderate-to-severe asthma

BackgroundTRAVERSE (NCT02134028), a phase 3 open-label extension study, assessed dupilumab safety and efficacy in patients with asthma aged ≥12 years who completed a previous dupilumab asthma study. This analysis evaluated changes in multiple lung function parameters in patients with moderate-to-severe asthma with elevated type 2 biomarkers (baseline eosinophils ≥150 cells·μL−1 or fractional exhaled nitric oxide ≥25 ppb) who completed QUEST (parent study) and 2 years of dupilumab treatment in TRAVERSE. MethodsEndpoints analyzed included: pre-bronchodilator forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory flow (FEF25-75 %), and pre- and post-bronchodilator FEV1/FVC at parent study baseline (PSBL) at Weeks 0, 2, 48, and 96 in TRAVERSE, as well as pre- and post-bronchodilator FEV1 slopes in QUEST and TRAVERSE. Statistical analyses were descriptive. ResultsDupilumab improved pre-bronchodilator FEV1, FVC, and FEF25–75 % in QUEST; these improvements were sustained in TRAVERSE. In QUEST patients who received placebo, dupilumab initiation in TRAVERSE resulted in rapid lung function improvements. Mean (standard deviation) changes from PSBL at TRAVERSE Weeks 48 and 96 in pre-bronchodilator FEV1 were 0.52 (0.59) and 0.45 (0.49) L in the dupilumab/dupilumab group and 0.47 (0.42) and 0.44 L (0.45) in the placebo/dupilumab group, respectively. Similar trends were observed for FVC and FEF25–75 %. Dupilumab also improved FEV1 slopes in QUEST and TRAVERSE. ConclusionDupilumab demonstrated sustained improvements across multiple spirometric lung function measurements for up to 3 years; patients who received placebo in QUEST experienced rapid lung function improvement upon initiation of dupilumab in TRAVERSE.

Perioperative lung function following flow controlled ventilation for robot-assisted prostatectomies in steep trendelenburg position: an observational study

BackgroundSteep Trendelenburg position combined with capnoperitoneum can lead to pulmonary complications and prolonged affection of postoperative lung function. Changes in pulmonary function occur independent of different modes of ventilation and levels of positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP). The effect of flow-controlled ventilation (FCV) has not been evaluated yet. We perioperatively measured spirometric lung function parameters in patients undergoing robot-assisted prostatectomy under FCV. Our primary hypothesis was that there is no significant difference in the ratio of the maximal mid expiratory and inspiratory flow (MEF50/MIF50) after surgery.MethodsIn 20 patients, spirometric measurements were obtained preoperatively, 40, 120, and 240 min and 1 and 5 days postoperatively. We measured MEF50/MIF50, vital capacity (VC), forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), and intraoperative ventilation parameters.ResultsMEF50/MIF50 ratio increased from 0.92 (CI 0.73–1.11) to 1.38 (CI 1.01–1.75, p < 0.0001) and returned to baseline within 24 h, while VC and FEV1 decreased postoperatively with a second nadir at 24 h and only normalized by the fifth day (p < 0.0001). Compared to patients with PCV, postoperative lung function changes similarly.ConclusionFlow-controlled ventilation led to changes in lung function similar to those observed with pressure-controlled ventilation. While the ratio of MEF50/MIF50 normalized within 24 h, VC and FEV1 recovered within 5 days after surgery.

Quantitative CT parameters correlate with lung function in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

This study aimed to analyze the correlation between quantitative computed tomography (CT) parameters and airflow obstruction in patients with COPD. PubMed, Embase, Cochrane and Web of Knowledge were searched by two investigators from inception to July 2022, using a combination of pertinent items to discover articles that investigated the relationship between CT measurements and lung function parameters in patients with COPD. Five reviewers independently extracted data, and evaluated it for quality and bias. The correlation coefficient was calculated, and heterogeneity was explored. The following CT measurements were extracted: percentage of lung attenuation area <-950 Hounsfield Units (HU), mean lung density, percentage of airway wall area, air trapping index, and airway wall thickness. Two airflow obstruction parameters were extracted: forced expiratory volume in the first second as a percentage of prediction (FEV1%pred) and FEV1 divided by forced expiratory volume lung capacity. A total of 141 studies (25,214 participants) were identified, which 64 (6,341 participants) were suitable for our meta-analysis. Results from our analysis demonstrated that there was a significant correlation between quantitative CT parameters and lung function. The absolute pooled correlation coefficients ranged from 0.26 (95% CI, 0.18 to 0.33) to 0.70 (95% CI, 0.65 to 0.75) for inspiratory CT and 0.56 (95% CI, 0.51 to 0.60) to 0.74 (95% CI, 0.68 to 0.80) for expiratory CT. Results from this analysis demonstrated that quantitative CT parameters are significantly correlated with lung function in patients with COPD. With recent advances in chest CT, we can evaluate morphological features in the lungs that cannot be obtained by other clinical indices, such as pulmonary function tests. Therefore, CT can provide a quantitative method to advance the development and testing of new interventions and therapies for patients with COPD.

Comparison of Ultrasound Measurements for Diaphragmatic Mobility, Diaphragmatic Thickness, and Diaphragm Thickening Fraction with Each Other and with Lung Function in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.

PurposeTo compare ultrasound measurements of diaphragmatic mobility, diaphragm thickness, and diaphragm thickening fraction with one another and also with lung function parameters in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).Patients and MethodsWe conducted a prospective, observational study from 2015 to 2018. A total of 140 patients were randomly selected for this study. Diaphragmatic thickness was measured at deep expiration and deep inspiration with a linear 10-MHz ultrasound probe. Diaphragm thickening fraction was calculated as the ratio between diaphragm thickness at deep inspiration and end expiratory diaphragm thickness. Diaphragmatic mobility was measured with a 3.5-MHz curved probe. Forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), residual lung volume, Pimax, and P0.1max were also measured. Sonographic results were compared to FEV1 and other lung function parameters.ResultsThere was a significant positive correlation between diaphragmatic mobility and the following measurements: FEV1 (P < 0.01), diaphragm thickening fraction (P = 0.013), and lung function parameters reflecting ventilatory muscle strength such as Pimax (P < 0.017) and P0.1/Pimax (P < 0.01). There was a significant negative correlation between diaphragmatic mobility and both residual volume (P < 0.01) and diaphragmatic thickness (P = 0.022). In contrast, there was no correlation between diaphragmatic thickness and FEV1, Pimax, and P0.1/Pimax. Diaphragm thickening fraction had a significant correlation with FEV1 (P = 0.041).ConclusionIn patients with COPD, diaphragm mobility measured sonographically correlates with different lung function parameters and also with sonographically measured diaphragm thickness (negative correlation) and diaphragm thickening fraction (positive correlation).

Computed Tomography Registration-Derived Regional Ventilation Indices Compared to Global Lung Function Parameters in Patients With COPD.

CT registration-derived indices provide data on regional lung functional changes in COPD. However, because unlike spirometry which involves dynamic maximal breathing maneuvers, CT-based functional parameters are assessed between two static breath-holds, it is not clear how regional and global lung function parameters relate to each other. We assessed the relationship between CT-density change (dHU), specific volume change (dsV), and regional lung tissue deformation (J) with global spirometric and plethysmographic parameters, gas exchange, exercise capacity, dyspnoea, and disease stage in a prospective cohort study in 102 COPD patients. There were positive correlations of dHU, dsV, and J with spirometric variables, DLCO and gas exchange, 6-min walking distance, and negative correlations with plethysmographic lung volumes and indices of trapping and lung distension as well as GOLD stage. Stepwise regression identified FEV1/FVC (standardized β = 0.429, p < 0.0001), RV/TLC (β = −0.37, p < 0.0001), and BMI (β = 0.27, p=<0.001) as the strongest predictors of CT intensity-based metrics dHU, with similar findings for dsV, while FEV1/FVC (β = 0.32, p=<0.001) and RV/TLC (β = −0.48, p=<0.0001) were identified as those for J. These data suggest that regional lung function is related to two major pathophysiological processes involved in global lung function deterioration in COPD: chronic airflow obstruction and gas trapping, with an additional contribution of nutritional status, which in turn determines respiratory muscle strength. Our data confirm previous findings in the literature, suggesting the potential of CT image-based regional lung function metrics as the biomarkers of disease severity and provide mechanistic insight into the interpretation of regional lung function indices in patients with COPD.

Desaturation-Distance Ratio During Submaximal and Maximal Exercise Tests and Its Association With Lung Function Parameters in Patients With Lymphangioleiomyomatosis.

Background: The desaturation–distance ratio (DDR), the ratio of the desaturation area to the distance walked, is a promising, reliable, and simple physiologic tool for functional evaluation in subjects with interstitial lung diseases. Lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM) is a rare neoplastic condition frequently associated with exercise impairment. However, DDR has rarely been evaluated in patients with LAM.Objectives: To assess DDR during maximal and submaximal exercises and evaluate whether DDR can be predicted using lung function parameters.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in a cohort of women with LAM. The 6-min walking test (6MWT) and the incremental shuttle walking test (ISWT) were performed, and DDR was obtained from both tests. The functional parameters were assessed at rest using spirometry and body plethysmography. The pulmonary function variables predictive of DDR were also assessed.Results: Forty patients were included in this study. The mean age was 46 ± 10 years. Airway obstruction, reduced DLCO, and air trapping were found in 60, 57, and 15% of patients, respectively. The distance walked and the DDR for the 6MWT and ISWT were, respectively, 517 ± 65 and 443 ± 127 m; and 6.6 (3.8–10.9) and 8.3 (6.2–12.7). FEV1 (airway obstruction) and reduced DLCO and RV/TLC (air trapping) were independent variables predictive of DDR during exercises field tests [DDR6MWT = 18.66–(0.06 × FEV1%pred)–(0.10 × DLCO%pred) + (1.54 × air trapping), = 0.43] and maximal [DDRISWT = 18.84–(0.09 × FEV1%pred)–(0.05 × DLCO%pred) + (3.10 × air trapping), = 0.33].Conclusion: Our results demonstrated that DDR is a useful tool for functional evaluation during maximal and submaximal exercises in patients with LAM, and it can be predicted using airway obstruction, reduced DLCO, and air trapping.

Relationship of Serum Levels of IL-17, IL-18, TNF-α, and Lung Function Parameters in Patients with COPD, Asthma-COPD Overlap, and Bronchial Asthma.

Determination of markers of systemic inflammation is one of the important directions in the study of pathogenesis and improvement of diagnosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma-COPD overlap (ACO), and bronchial asthma (BA). The aim of our work was a comparative study of the features of changes in serum levels of IL-17, IL-18, and TNF-α in patients with COPD, ACO, and BA with various severity of the disease, as well as evaluation of the relationship between the level of these cytokines and lung ventilation function. A total of 147 patients with COPD (n = 58), ACO (n = 57), and BA (n = 32) during a stable period have been examined in this study. The control group included 21 healthy nonsmokers with similar sex-age indicators. Serum levels of IL-17, IL-18, and TNF-α were determined by ELISA. The concentrations of these cytokines in the circulation in the studied patients with COPD, ACO, and BA were higher than those in healthy nonsmokers (p ≤ 0.001). IL-17 and IL-18 levels in the blood serum were comparable in all examined patients. The mean TNF-α concentrations in the circulation in COPD and ACO were significantly higher than those in BA (p < 0.001). In patients with COPD, the levels of IL-17 and TNF-α increased progressively against the background of a decrease in numerous spirometric indicators, which allows us to consider these cytokines as systemic biomarkers of disease severity. In BA, the inverse correlations between the level of IL-17 and FEV1/FVC (%) and FEV1 have been found. In patients with ACO, the increase in IL-18 levels was associated with a decrease in FEV1 and TNF-α with FEV1/FVC (%). These findings indicate that IL-17, IL-18, and TNF-α can participate in the mechanisms of systemic inflammation and the genesis of disorders of airway obstruction in COPD, AСO, and BA. An increase in the levels of IL-17 and TNF-α may be associated with impaired bronchial patency in COPD and BA. The established associations of the IL-18 concentration in the blood serum and FEV1 only in patients with ACO allow using the level of IL-18 as a potential marker of the degree of impaired airway obstruction in this disease.

Reduced endogenous secretory RAGE in blood and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid is associated with poor prognosis in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis

BackgroundThe endogenous secretory receptor for advanced glycation end products (esRAGE) is a soluble isoform produced by alternative splicing of the RAGE gene. The isoform has anti-inflammatory properties due to its inhibition of the RAGE/ligand interaction and is reduced in the lung tissue of patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). This study aimed to investigate the association of esRAGE serum and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) levels with progression of IPF.MethodsThis study included 79 IPF patients and 90 healthy controls. IPF and control serum esRAGE levels were compared, and the correlation between serum and BALF esRAGE levels was analyzed in 57 IPF patient samples. We also investigated the relationship of esRAGE serum and BALF levels with prognoses and lung function parameters in patients with IPF.ResultsSerum esRAGE levels in IPF patients were significantly lower than those in healthy controls (162.0 ± 102.4 ng/ml and 200.7 ± 107.3 ng/ml, p = 0.009), although the baseline characteristics of age and smoking history were not matched. Serum levels of esRAGE were correlated with BALF esRAGE levels (rs = 0.317). The BALF esRAGE levels were also correlated with diffusion capacity for carbon monoxide (rs = 0.406). A Kaplan-Meier curve analysis and univariate/multivariate Cox hazard proportion analysis revealed that lower levels of esRAGE in blood and BALF were significantly associated with poorer prognoses in patients with IPF.ConclusionsDecreased esRAGE levels in BALF and blood were associated with poor prognoses in patients with IPF. These results suggest that esRAGE could be related to the pathophysiology of IPF and serum esRAGE could be a potential prognostic marker of IPF.

Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio in bronchoalveolar lavage from IPF patients: a novel prognostic biomarker?

THIS is the first time that a bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NL-ratio) has been demonstrated in sarcoidosis and chronic hypersensitivity pneumonitis (cHP) than in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) patients. Consecutive BAL samples from the 167 interstitial lung disease (ILD) patients were retrospectively enrolled in the study and clustered into three diagnostic categories: IPF, cHP and sarcoidosis. NL-ratio which proved higher in IPF (mean±SD, 2.1±3.8) than sarcoidosis (mean±SD 0.7±1.9; P<1E-04) and cHP patients (mean±SD 1.6±3.1; P=7.7E-03). ROC curve analysis to discriminate between Sarcoidosis and other ILDs showed an area under the curve (AUC) of 83.7%, (56% sensitivity and 96% specificity) while IPF and the other ILD were discriminated with AUC of 73% using a NL-ratio threshold value of 0.48 (73% sensitivity and 63% specificity). Interestingly, the NL-ratio was significantly correlated with other prognostic parameters: it was inversely correlated with forced vital capacity (FVC) (r=-0.3; P=2.5E-02) and forced expiration volume in 1 second (FEV1) (r=-0.3; P=2E-02) percentages and directly correlated with composite pulmonary index (CPI) score (r=0.3; P=3.2E-02). A decision-tree statistical algorithm was applied. This is the first time that a lower NL-ratio has been demonstrated in sarcoidosis and cHP than in IPF patients. The present preliminary report indicates a relationship between BAL NL-ratio and lung function parameters in patients with IPF: this ratio may help to optimize management of IPF patients and to improve follow-up and outcome.

The association of patient-reported symptoms and clinical and lung function parameters in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in stable phase

ABSTRACT Objectives Few ‘real-life’ studies were conducted on the relationship between functional and clinical features in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). We described the correlation between clinical and functional respiratory parameters in one-year follow-up observational study during stable phase COPD and regular inhalation therapy. Methods In 237 patients, the impact of respiratory symptoms was evaluated using the modified Medical Research Council (mMRC) dyspnea scale, the COPD assessment test (CAT), and a self-assessment of patient’s perceived COPD severity (Mapel scale) at baseline (T0) and after one year (T1). Results Mean CAT and mMRC scores at T0 were 10.55 and 1.2, respectively. The majority of patients pointed out mild symptoms (values between 1 and 2 at Mapel scale). Mean CAT score at T0 did not differ after subdividing our population in the four spirometry GOLD stages. In the year of follow-up, FEV1 and hyperinflation indexes improved. CAT score was significantly associated with mMRC (p < 0.001), residual volume (RV) (p = 0.023), and RV/total lung capacity % (p = 0.011). Conclusion The impact of symptoms in COPD stable patients was related to hyperinflation indexes and mMRC. There was no correlation between significant changes in CAT score and other symptom evaluation scores after one year.

Burden of Asthma and Role of 2.5µg Tiotropium Respimat® as an Add-On Therapy: A Systematic Review of Phase 2/3 Trials.

IntroductionTiotropium, a long-acting muscarinic antagonist, is approved for maintenance treatment of asthma in patients at least 6 years of age in the USA. We systematically reviewed published evidence on the efficacy and safety of 2.5 µg tiotropium Respimat® add-on therapy to inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) with or without additional controller medication(s) in children, adolescents, and adults with asthma.MethodsWe searched PubMed from inception until October 3, 2018, for phase 2 and 3 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating the effects of 2.5 µg tiotropium Respimat® on lung function parameters in patients with asthma. We extracted adjusted mean differences for lung function data and adverse events (AEs) from relevant articles.ResultsOverall, 11 RCTs (three phase 2 and eight phase 3 studies) including 3244 patients (2.5 µg tiotropium Respimat®, n = 1642; placebo, n = 1602) met the predefined inclusion criteria. Once-daily 2.5 µg tiotropium Respimat® improved lung function parameters, including peak and trough forced expiratory volume in 1 s and peak and trough forced vital capacity, versus placebo. Overall, the safety profile of 2.5 µg tiotropium Respimat® was comparable to that of placebo, with the most commonly reported AEs being asthma worsening, reduction in peak expiratory rate, nasopharyngitis, and respiratory tract infections.ConclusionOn the basis of the results of phase 2 and 3 studies, 2.5 µg tiotropium Respimat® as add-on to ICS therapy was safe and associated with consistent improvements in lung function in patients with asthma of varying severities across different age groups.FundingDevelopment of the manuscript was funded by Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (BIPI).Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (10.1007/s12325-019-01062-w) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Lung function changes after chemoradiation therapy in patients with lung cancer treated by three usual platinum combinations.

Reports point out lung toxicity of chemotherapeutic agents and radiation therapy in cancer patients. The aim of our study was to assess lung function after sequential chemoradiation therapy in patients with lung cancer. Fifteen lung cancer patients participated the study and underwent lung function assessment before and after sequential treatment of chemotherapy with the 3 most applied platinum-based combinations: of vinorelbine (VN) 6 patients, gemcitabine (GEM) 4 patients and etoposide (EP) 5 patients and radiation therapy. Lung function tests were forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), total lung capacity (TLC), diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide (DLCO) and carbon monoxide transfer coefficient (Kco). Mean patients' age was 58±9.4 years (42-75 years). Male patients were 14 (93.3%), all smokers. Overall, after chemoradiation treatment significant changes were noted in FEV1 (P=0.012), FVC (P=0.046), TLC (P=0.04) from baseline. The drop from baseline was more significant after chemoradiation therapy in DLCO (P=0.002) and KCO (P=0.008). According to our results, sequential chemoradiation causes significant changes in lung function parameters in patients with lung cancer.

Lung Function Parameters in Patients with Dilated Cardiomyopathy Complicated by Pulmonary Hypertension

Aim . To study clinical and morphofunctional indicators of respiratory function in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) with and without pulmonary hypertension (PH). Material and methods. 91 patients with idiopathic DCM (34 women and 57 men; mean age of 46.4±13.7 years) were included into the study. 25 (27.4%) patients had right ventricular DCM (RV DCM). 6-minute walking test (6MWT), the standard 12-lead ECG, spirography, echocardiography were performed in all patients. PH occurred in 48 of DCM patients (Group I) and 43 DCM patients had no PH (Group II). A number of patients with RV DCM in Groups I and II was 11 (23%) and 14 (32.5%), respectively. Results. Pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PASP) in group I was 48.1±10.7 mmHg (in 71% of the patients – degree 1 of PH, and in 29% - degree 2). A significant decrease in the majority of speed indicators of respiratory functions was found in Group I. The inverse relationship between PASP and Tiffno index (p=0.03) and a positive correlation between forced vital capacity (53.17±9.21%) and 6MWT distance (206.7±80.3 m; p=0.017) were found in patients of Group I. Conclusion. PH syndrome often aggravates the DCM course. Forced expiratory volume in the first second, Tiffno index, and some speed indicators show disorders of respiratory function in DCM patients.

Impact of resection techniques on postoperative lung function parameters in pulmonary metastasectomy

Pulmonary metastasectomy with curative intent is nowadays a common practice in thoracic surgery. The impact of metastasectomy on respiratory function has become a relevant factor in the treatment algorithm of these patients. However, no sufficient data on the loss of lung function following pulmonary metastasectomy is available to date. A prospective single center study was designed to determine changes in lung function parameters in patients undergoing metastasectomy. Forty-five consecutive patients were included in the study. In 19 patients, metastases were removed by enucleation (laser = 10; electrocautery = 9), in 19 patients by wedge resection, and 7 patients received a lobectomy in order to achieve clear resection margins. Lung function testing was obtained from all patients preoperatively and 3 months after hospital discharge. A significant decrease in FEV1 and VC was found when comparing enucleation/wedge/lobectomy patients (FEV1: 3.4 ± 0.7, 7.6 ± 1.5, 14.2 ± 3.0; VC: 2.4 ± 1.6, 4.7 ± 1.6, 16.9 ± 2.9; respectively). However, no differences were found regarding the loss of FEV1 per resected nodule between laser and electrocautery enucleations. These findings were confirmed by a volumetric analysis of the resected tissue and did not correlate with size of metastases as determined by preoperative CT evaluations. The surgical resection of pulmonary metastases is associated with a detectable but mild loss of lung function. Lung parenchyma sparing resection methods—e.g. electrocautery or laser enucleations—should be preferred over less tissue-sparing techniques.

Highly sensitive C-reactive protein levels in Iranian patients with pulmonary complication of sulfur mustard poisoning and its correlation with severity of airway diseases

Sulfur mustard (SM) is a chemical warfare agent that can cause serious pulmonary complications. This study was designed to determine serum highly sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and evaluate its correlation with lung function parameters in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) due to SM poisoning. Fifty consecutive SM patients with stable COPD and a mean age 46.3 +/- 9.18 years were enrolled in this cross sectional study. Thirty healthy men were selected as controls. Lung function parameters were evaluated. Serum hs-CRP by immunoturbidometry assay was measured in both the patients and controls. In the case group, the mean forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) was 2.14 +/- 0.76 L (58.98% +/- 17.51% predicted). The mean serum hs-CRP was 9.4 +/- 6.78 SD and 3.9 +/- 1.92 SD mg/L in the cases and controls, respectively, with significant statistical differences (p < .001). There was negative correlation between the serum hs-CRP and FEV1 levels (p = .01). The serum hs-CRP levels were also correlated with Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung disease (GOLD) stages (r = .45, p < .001). Our findings suggest that the serum hs-CRP level is increased in SM patients with COPD and may have a direct correlation with disease severity. It may then be used as a marker for the severity of COPD in patients with SM poisoning.

Comparison of the effects of salmeterol/fluticasone propionate with fluticasone propionate on airway physiology in adults with mild persistent asthma

BackgroundThis study compared the effect of inhaled fluticasone propionate (FP) with the combination of salmeterol/fluticasone propionate (SFC) on lung function parameters in patients with mild asthma.MethodsAdult patients with mild persistent asthma (≥ 80% predicted FEV1) receiving 200–500 μg of BDP or equivalent were randomised to receive either FP 100 μg or SFC 50/100 μg twice daily from a Diskus® inhaler for four weeks. The primary outcome was the change from baseline in airway resistance (sRaw) at 12 hrs post dose measured by whole body plethysmography. Impulse oscillometry and spirometry were also performed.ResultsA comparison of the geometric mean sRaw at 12 hrs post dose in the SFC group to the FP group gave a ratio of 0.76 (0.66 – 0.89, p < 0.001) at week 2 and 0.81 (0.71 – 0.94, p = 0.006) at week 4. Similarly, significant results in favour of SFC for oscillometry measurements of resistance and reactance were observed. FEV1 was also significantly superior at week 2 in the SFC group (mean difference 0.16L, 95% CI; 0.03 – 0.28, p = 0.015), but not at week 4 (mean difference 0.17L, 95% CI -0.01 – 0.34, p = 0.060).ConclusionSFC is superior to FP in reducing airway resistance in mild asthmatics with near normal FEV1 values. This study provides evidence that changes in pulmonary function in patients with mild asthma are detected more sensitively by plethysmography compared to spirometryTrial registration numberNCT00370591.

Low-dose surfactant instillation during extracorporeal membrane oxygenation therapy in a patient with adult respiratory distress syndrome and secondary atelectasis after chest contusion

DULT RESPIRATORY DISTRESS SYNDROME (ARDS) is a serious complication in patients with chest contusion. The impaired oxygenation often cannot be improved, either by an increase of respiratory minute volume or by an increase of positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP). Rather, barotrauma is promoted by these measures, t,2 Frequent postural change can improve the survival rate in patients with ARDS and entails only minor therapeutic interventions) ,4 Previous studies have shown that additional high-dose ambroxol therapy (3 g/24 hr) reliably reduces the incidence of ARDS or improves lung function parameters in patients with existing ARDS.5 Treatment with venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is an effective extension of therapy. 6 Since its introduction, the survival rate of acute, noninfectious respiratory failure has increased from 56% to 78%. 7 A further step of ARDS treatment is the administration of surfactant. Its successful use has been reported by several authors. TM Costs are extremely high, however, restricting this therapy to highly selected cases. The authors report a patient who developed severe ARDS. Even during ECMO therapy, arterial oxygenation improved only temporarily. To reduce costs and intervention time for therapeutic bronchoscopy in a critical situation, an extremely low dose of surfactant was used.

Long-term augmentation therapy in twenty patients with severe alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency--three-year follow-up.

The purpose of this uncontrolled, prospective study was to evaluate the influence of long-term augmentation therapy with plasma-derived alpha 1-antitrypsin (AAT) on lung function parameters in patients with severe emphysema caused by AAT deficiency. Twenty patients (mean age 48 years) received AAT infusions once weekly for up to 36 months. No adverse effects were observed. At the beginning of the study, mean (+/- SEM) FEV1 was 1.35 +/- 0.12 liters and mean TLCO was 54 +/- 4% of predicted. After 36 months of treatment, mean FEV1 was 1.25 +/- 0.12 liters (p = n.s) and the TLCO was 52 +/- 4% predicted (p = n.s). Similar values were obtained before and after therapy for FVC (2.79 +/- 0.23 vs. 2.82 +/- 0.21 liters), MEF50 (0.72 +/- 0.09 vs. 0.68 +/- 0.08 liters/s), RV (4.60 +/0 0.44 vs 4.45 +/- 0.311) and TLC (7.72 +/- 0.49 vs. 7.38 +/- 0.42 l). The calculated annual loss of FEV1 (35.6 ml/year) was smaller than in historical untreated patients with AAT deficiency.