mMRC Score Research Articles

Reliability and validity of the chronic obstructive pulmonary disease morning symptom diary Chinese version

Objective: To describe the development of the Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Morning Symptom Diary (COPD-MSD) Chinese version and to test its reliability and validity. Methods: The COPD-MSD Chinese version was developed by the standard cross-cultural translation principle. A hundred and eight patients with COPD in stable condition from the Second Xiangya Hospital were assessed by interview with COPD-MSD Chinese version, and underwent mMRC, CAT scores and pulmonary function test.The reliability and validity were evaluated by performing correlation analysis.The stages of COPD determined by lung function were compared to observe the value of COPD-MSD Chinese version in determining disease severity. Results: The Cronbach's alpha and retest reliability of the total scale were 0.908 and 0.927, respectively.The explanatory factor analysis was conducted using orthogonal rotation through the maximum variation principle components extraction which revealed the presence of 5 components with eigen values exceeding 1, explaining totally 74.257% of the variance, and the total score of the COPD-MSD Chinese version was significantly correlated with the mMRC and CAT scores (r=0.44 and 0.56,P<0.01), indicating that the scale of the convergence validity was good. The COPD-MSD Chinese version scores varied significantly in patients with different severity of COPD(χ(2)=9.808, P<0.05). Conclusion: The COPD-MSD Chinese version showed good reliability and validity and could be used in clinical assessment of morning symptoms in Chinese COPD patients.

Blood eosinophil count and GOLD stage predict response to maintenance azithromycin treatment in COPD patients with frequent exacerbations.

Maintenance treatment with macrolides are useful in preventing COPD exacerbations. We investigated which characteristics of COPD patients with frequent exacerbations predicted the best response to maintenance treatment with azithromycin. This study was part of the COLUMBUS trial, a prospective randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study in 92 COPD patients with frequent exacerbations. During the 1-year treatment period, follow-up data were collected for spirometry, mMRC scores, sputum cultures and blood inflammatory markers. In the azithromycin group a significant lower number of exacerbations per patient was observed in patients with the following characteristics: baseline blood eosinophil count ≥2.0% (x̄ = 1.26), compared to an eosinophil count < 2.0% (x̄ = 2.50; p = 0.02), GOLD stage 1-2 (x̄ = 1.06), versus GOLD stage 4 (x̄ = 2.62; p = 0.02) and GOLD group C (x̄ = 0.45) compared to group D (x̄ = 2.18; p < 0.01). Moreover, the number of hospitalizations was significantly lower in patients, with a blood eosinophil count ≥2.0% (x̄ = 0.26) compared to an eosinophil count < 2.0% (x̄ = 0.90; p = 0.01) and in GOLD stages 1-2 (x̄ = 1.06) compared to stage 4 (x̄ = 2.62; p = 0.04). In conclusion, azithromycin maintenance treatment appears to be effective in COPD patients with frequent exacerbations, who are either classified in GOLD stage 1-2 or GOLD C and those with a blood eosinophil count of ≥2.0%.

Assessment of symptom burden and adherence to respiratory medications in individuals self-reporting a diagnosis of COPD within a community pharmacy setting

ObjectivesData on symptom burden or medication adherence in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) within a community pharmacy setting are limited. This study assessed symptom burden and adherence to respiratory medications in individuals reporting COPD, chronic bronchitis, or emphysema diagnoses visiting community pharmacies. DesignThis cross-sectional study enrolled participants visiting 35 community pharmacies in Missouri (October 2016 to April 2017). ParticipantsEligible participants (aged 40 years or more with a self-reported history of COPD, prescription for at least 1 COPD maintenance medication during the previous 12 months, and able to complete an English questionnaire) were identified from pharmacy dispensing records. Main outcome measuresParticipants completed a questionnaire assessing demographics, clinical characteristics, health literacy, COPD Assessment Test (CAT) modified Medical Research Council (mMRC) dyspnea scale scores, and exacerbation history. Recent spirometry data were obtained, if available, from participants’ physicians. COPD was classified according to the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) 2016 criteria. Medication adherence was assessed as proportion of days covered (PDC) from dispensing records. ResultsOf 682 participants (mean age 63.0 years; 57% female) with available pharmacy data, 251 (36.8%) had available spirometry data. Most participants had mMRC scores ≥ 2 (60.9%) and CAT scores ≥ 10 (90.2%); 57.2% reported at least 2 moderate or 1 or more severe exacerbations within the previous 12 months. GOLD classifications varied depending on the scale used (mMRC vs. CAT); more participants were classified as group C/D than group A/B, with the highest proportion classified as group D (higher symptom burden and exacerbation risk). Mean PDC was 0.46 ± 0.37; only 28.7% of participants were adherent (PDC ≥ 80%) to at least 1 COPD maintenance medication. ConclusionIndividuals self-reporting a COPD diagnosis receiving respiratory medications from community pharmacies in Missouri have a high symptom burden and low medication adherence. Further research should determine reasons for low adherence and ways to reduce COPD symptoms.

Long-Term Outcome of Metallic Stenting for Central Airway Involvement in Relapsing Polychondritis

Placement of uncovered self-expandable metallic stents was found to successfully alleviate critical airflow limitation in patients with relapsing polychondritis (RP) with central airway involvement by several reports. However, the long-term outcome of airway metallic stenting in patients with RP remain unclear. We retrospectively analyzed patients with RP who underwent airway metallic stenting with the use of fiberoptic bronchoscopy between September 1, 2009, and October 1, 2017, in Shanghai. Outcome measurements, including modified Medical Research Council (mMRC) dyspnea score, 6-minute walk distance (6MWD), spirometry, and bronchoscopic findings, as well as adverse events after stent placement, were collected. A total of 27 patients were included; the median patient age was 58 years (range: 41 to 74 years), and 19 weremen (70.4%). Nineteen uncovered self-expandable metallic stents were placed in the trachea and 39 in the main bronchi. The median follow-up time was 50.5 months (range: 6 to 100 months). The baseline forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) percentage predicted (%pred), FEV1/forced vital capacity (FVC), and peak expiratory flow (PEF) was 24.2 ± 3.7, 27.2 ± 5.6, and 0.99 ± 0.21 L/min, respectively. One day after the procedure, improvement from baseline in FEV1 %pred, FEV1/FVC, and PEF was 17.9± 8.9 (p= 0.001), 19.8 ± 10.9 (p= 0.002), and 0.69 ± 0.44 L/min (p= 0.001), respectively. Changes in the following variables were also statistically and clinically significant: 6MWD of 193.7 ± 83.4 m; mMRC dyspnea score of-1.2 ± 0.4 points (both p < 0.05). The improvements were maintained at 5 years: a mean change in FEV1 %pred, FEV1/FVC, PEF, 6MWD, and mMRC score was 19.5 ± 6.7, 13.9 ± 5.0, 0.82± 0.40 L/min, 134.7 ± 66.2 m, and-0.83 ± 0.29 points, respectively. Cough, foreign body sensation, mucus production, and granulomas were common adverse events,occurring in 48.1% (13 of 27), 40.7% (11 of 27), 29.6% (8 of 27), and 25.9% (7 of 27) of the subjects. However, noneof those complications were severe enough to requireurgent bronchoscopic interventions. Airway metallic stenting in patients with RP with central airway involvement resulted in long-term clinical benefits in lung function, exercise tolerance, and dyspnea with an acceptable safety profile.

Determinants of frailty in primary care patients with COPD: the Greek UNLOCK study

BackgroundFrailty is a state of increased vulnerability that has a significant risk of unfavorable outcomes such as increased dependency and/or death, but little is known about frailty in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).MethodWe aimed to determine the prevalence of frailty in COPD patients and to identify the associated risk factors. Two hundred fifty-seven COPD patients enrolled from primary care in Greece between 2015 and 2016. Physicians used structured interviews to collect cross-sectional data including demographics, medical history, symptoms and COPD Assessment Tool (CAT) or modified Medical Research Council Dyspnea scale (mMRC) score. Patients were classified into severity groups according to GOLD 2017 guidelines. Participants completed the The Frail Non-Disabled (FiND) questionnaire, exploring the frailty and disability domains. In the present analyses, frail patients with and without mobility disability were pooled and were compared to non-frail patients. Factors associated with frailty were analyzed using univariate and multivariate logistic regression.ResultsMean (SD) age was 65 (12.3) with 79% males. The majority of patients suffered with frailty (82%) of which 76.8% had mobility disability. 84.2% were married/with partner and 55.4% retired. 55.6% were current smokers. Uncontrolled disease (≥10 CAT score) was reported in 91.1% and 37.2% of patients had ≥2 exacerbations in the past year. Dyspnea (38%) and cough (53.4%) were the main symptoms. Main comorbidities were hypertension (72.9%), hyperlipidaemia (24.6%) and diabetes (11%).Risk of frailty was significantly increased with age (OR; 95%CI: 1.05; 1.02–1.08), hypertension (2.25; 1.14–4.45), uncontrolled disease (≥10 CAT score 4.65; 1.86–11.63, ≥2 mMRC score 5.75 (2.79–11.85) or ≥ 2 exacerbations 1.73; 1.07–2.78), smoking cessation (ex compared to current smokers: 2.37; 1.10–5.28) and GOLD status (B&D compared to A&C groups: CAT-based 4.65; 1.86–11.63; mMRC-based: 5.75; 2.79–11.85). In multivariate regression smoking cessation and GOLD status remained significant. Gender, body mass index, occupational or marital status, symptoms and other comorbidities were not significant.ConclusionsFrailty with mobility disability is common in COPD patients and severity of disease increases the risk. It is possible that frail patients are more likely to quit smoking perhaps because of their disability and uncontolled disease. Routine assessment of frailty in addition to COPD control may allow early interventions for preventing or delaying progression of frailty and improvement in COPD disease.

Chronic Bacterial Infection Prevalence, Risk Factors, and Characteristics: A Bronchiectasis Population-Based Prospective Study.

Background: Few data are available on chronic bacterial infections (CBI) in bronchiectasis patients. Given that CBI seems to trigger longer hospital stays, worse outcomes, and morbimortality, this study was undertaken to assess CBI prevalence, characteristics, and risk factors in outpatients with bronchiectasis. Methods: A total of 186 patients followed in a bronchiectasis tertiary referral centre in Portugal were included. Demographic data and information on aetiology, smoking history, mMRC score, Bronchiectasis Severity Index (BSI) score, sputum characteristics, lung function, exacerbations, and radiological involvement degree were collected. Results: Patients included (mean age 54.7 ± 16.2 years; 60.8% females) were followed up for a period of 3.8 ± 1.7 years. The most common cause of bronchiectasis was infection (31.7%) followed by immune deficiencies (11.8%), whereas in 29% of cases, no cause was identified. Haemophilus influenzae (32.3%) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (30.1%) were the most common CBI-associated possible pathogenic microorganisms. CBI patients presented a higher follow-up time than no-CBI patients (p = 0.003), worse lung function, BSI (p < 0.001), and radiological (p < 0.001) scores, and more prominent daily sputum production (p = 0.002), estimated mean volume (p < 0.001), and purulent sputum (p < 0.001). The number of exacerbations/year (p = 0.001), including those requiring hospital admission (p = 0.009), were also higher in the CBI group. Independent CBI predictors were BSI score (OR 3.577, 95% CI 1.233–10.378), sputum characteristics (OR 3.306, 95% CI 1.107–9.874), and radiological score (OR 1.052, 95% CI 1.004–1.102). Conclusion: According to the CBI status, two different sub-groups of patients were found on the basis of several clinical outcomes, emphasizing the importance of routine sputum microbiological monitoring. Further studies are needed to better characterize CBI profiles and to define the individual clinical impact of the most prevalent pathogenic microorganisms.

COPD patients' characteristics, usual care, and adherence to guidelines: the Greek UNLOCK study.

PurposeGOLD guidelines classify COPD patients into A–D groups based on health status as assessed by COPD Assessment Test (CAT) or mMRC tools and exacerbations and recommend single or dual long-acting bronchodilators as maintenance therapy, with additional inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) if the disease remains uncontrolled. We aimed to classify primary care COPD patients into A–D groups, assess usual treatment and adherence to guidelines, potential mismatches between CAT-and mMRC-based classification and described symptoms within groups.Patients and methodsA total of 257 primary care COPD patients were enrolled between 2015 and 2016 in Greece. Physicians used structured interviews to collect cross-sectional data including demographics, symptoms, CAT, mMRC scores, and medications. Patients were classified into A–D groups based on CAT and mMRC, and prevalence of symptoms and medication was estimated within A–D groups. Interviews with physicians were also performed to explore additional issues about treatment and adherence to guidelines.ResultsMean (SD) age was 65 (12.3) years with 79% males. The majority of patients reported uncontrolled symptoms (91% and 61% with ≥10 CAT or ≥2 mMRC scores, respectively). Thirty-seven percentage had $2 exacerbations in the past year. Group B was the largest followed by Groups D, A, and C. Patients were classified as more severe by CAT than by mMRC. In all groups, the majority were treated with combined long-acting beta agonist/ICS (> 50%). When patients were asked to report their main symptoms, dyspnea and cough were the most important symptoms mentioned, and there was a great variation between the A–D groups. However, Groups A–C reported mainly morning symptoms, whereas Group D suffered symptoms all day. Physicians reported a significant number of barriers to implementing guidelines, eg, frequent lack of guideline updates, access to diagnostic procedures, and prescription-reimbursement issues.ConclusionOur study confirms poor adherence to guidelines regarding treatment with an overuse of ICS and important barriers to implementation. A mismatch in classification occurs depending on the tool used, which can mislead clinicians in their choice of treatment.

Tiotropium discontinuation in patients with early-stage COPD: a prospective observational cohort study.

BackgroundTiotropium improves lung function and ameliorates the annual decline in forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) after bronchodilator use in patients with mild to moderate chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, whether these benefits persist in patients with early-stage COPD after tiotropium discontinuation is unknown.MethodsIn this prospective cohort observational follow-up study, patients who had completed the Tiotropium in Early-Stage COPD (Tie-COPD) trial were followed for a maximum of 3 years, continuing or discontinuing treatment according to their willingness. The outcomes measured were spirometry parameters, COPD exacerbations, COPD Assessment Test (CAT) scores, Clinical COPD Questionnaire (CCQ) scores, modified Medical Research Council (mMRC) scores and the use of respiratory medications.ResultsOut of 376 patients, 262 (126 in the post-placebo group and 136 in the post-tiotropium group) completed the maximum 3-year follow-up after the study medication was withdrawn. After discontinuation, the decrease in FEV1 and forced vital capacity (FVC) did not differ significantly between the two groups, and neither did their annual decline. In addition, the frequency of acute COPD exacerbations and the mMRC scores were similar between the two groups after medication withdrawal. Both the mean CAT and CCQ scores were significantly lower in the post-tiotropium group than in the post-placebo group (p<0.05 for all comparisons) at the 1-year follow-up after withdrawal, but they were not different at the next follow-up.ConclusionWithdrawal of tiotropium treatment in early-stage COPD resulted in difference reduction of both FEV1 and FVC, indicating that treatment should be continued.

Effects of baseline symptom burden on treatment response in COPD.

RationaleIn symptomatic patients with COPD, the decision whether to initiate maintenance treatment with a single agent or a combination of long-acting bronchodilators remains unclear.ObjectiveTo investigate whether baseline symptomatic status influences response to tiotropium/olodaterol treatment.Materials and methodsPost hoc analysis of the randomized OTEMTO® studies (NCT01964352; NCT02006732), in which patients with moderate-to-severe COPD received placebo, tiotropium 5 µg, tiotropium/olodaterol 2.5/5 µg, or tiotropium/olodaterol 5/5 µg once daily for 12 weeks via the Respimat® inhaler (Boehringer Ingelheim, Ingelheim am Rhein, Germany). Impact of baseline symptomatic status (modified Medical Research Council [mMRC] score) on response to treatment with tiotropium/olodaterol 5/5 µg, tiotropium 5 µg, or placebo at Week 12 was assessed by St George’s Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) total score and response rate, transition dyspnea index (TDI) focal score and response rate, and trough forced expiratory volume in 1 second response.ResultsTiotropium/olodaterol improved SGRQ total scores and response rates compared with placebo and tiotropium for patients with baseline mMRC scores 0–1 and ≥2. For tiotropium/olodaterol vs tiotropium, greater improvements were observed for patients with mMRC ≥2 (SGRQ score adjusted mean treatment difference −3.44 [95% CI: −5.43, −1.46]; P=0.0007; SGRQ response rate ORs 2.09 [95% CI: 1.41, 3.10]; P=0.0002). Dyspnea, measured by TDI score, was consistently improved with tiotropium/olodaterol vs placebo for patients with mMRC scores 0–1 and ≥2 (adjusted mean treatment difference 1.63 [95% CI: 1.06, 2.20]; P<0.0001 and 1.60 [95% CI: 1.09, 2.10]; P<0.0001, respectively). In patients with mMRC scores 0–1 and ≥2, tiotropium/olodaterol consistently improved TDI response rate and lung function vs placebo and tiotropium.ConclusionsPatients with COPD with more severe baseline dyspnea appear to derive greater health status benefit with tiotropium/olodaterol compared with tiotropium alone.

Relation of Indices of Lung Hyperinflation to Dyspnea in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A Physiologic Assessment and Discussion

Background: The severity of COPD is commonly assessed by the reduction in forced expiratory volume at one second (FEV1), although more recently prognostic factors influencing survival have also incorporated functional capacity, degree of breathlessness on exertion, and body mass index. Increasingly, the reliability of physiological parameters such as FEV1 to predict patient-centered outcomes has been brought into question. Objectives: To evaluate the relationship between dyspnea as assessed by the Modified Medical Council Dyspnea (MMRC) scale, the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD 2014) staging and indices of lung hyperinflation and spirometry. Methods: Data were retrospectively analyzed at a 600-bed tertiary care center including spirometry, plethysmographic lung volumes, single breath carbon monoxide diffusion capacity and dyspnea graded according to MMRC, and GOLD staging. Results: Data for 331 patients were analyzed. Differences amongst FEV1, IC, IC/TLC, FRC and RV/TLC were significant between GOLD I/II and GOLD III/IV groups. The closest relationship to GOLD staging was seen with FEV1, FVC and slow vital capacity (SVC). FEV1/FVC, IC, and IC/TLC were inversely associated with MMRC score, while RV/TLC exhibited a positive relation with MMRC score. Conclusions: Indices of lung hyperinflation are closely associated, with dyspnea as assessed by MMRC grading with TLC, RV/TLC and IC exhibiting the closest relations, more so than FEV1. GOLD staging also shows strong correlations with lung volume subdivisions (weakly with TLC), more so than with FEV1. That TLC changed little between GOLD stages can be explained by the presence of collateral interalveolar channels and population characteristics different from those of other studies. These findings further support the concept that more than a reduction in FEV1, lung hyperinflation contributes to the sensation of dyspnea in airflow limitation.

Influence of Particulate Matter during Seasonal Smog on Quality of Life and Lung Function in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

The impact of outdoor air pollution on the quality of life (QoL) of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients, as measured by the COPD assessment test (CAT) questionnaire, is limited. The aim of this study was to determine the impact of a short-term increase in outdoor particulate matter in which the particles are less than 10 microns in diameter (PM10) during a seasonal smog period on QoL, symptoms, and lung function in COPD patients. This prospective observational study was conducted at Chiang Dao Hospital, Chiang Mai, Thailand between March and August 2016. Measurement of QoL, severity of dyspnea, forced vital capacity (FVC), and forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1) were performed at both high and low PM10 periods. Fifty-nine patients met the inclusion criteria for enrollment into the study, with the mean age being 71.5 ± 8.0 years. Total CAT score, but not mMRC score, was statistically higher during the high PM10 period. The two lung function parameters, FVC and FEV1, were significantly lower at the high PM10 compared to the low PM10 period. We concluded that exposure to PM10 during the seasonal smog period resulted in short-term negative impact on the quality of life and lung function in COPD patients.

Adoption and adherence to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease GOLD guidelines in a primary care setting.

Objectives:Over 380 million people in the world live with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and it is the third leading cause of death in the United States. Despite updated guidelines, there may be significant variations in diagnosis and management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease at a primary care level. The aim of the study was to examine primary care physician management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in two community clinics.Methods:After approval from the Institutional Review Board, a retrospective chart review was done among all patients with the diagnosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in two community clinics. Baseline demographics, utilization of spirometry, exacerbation history and home oxygen use were also obtained.Results:Chart reviews of 101 patients were completed (52 male and 49 female) in two outpatient primary care provider offices (Office A: 66 patients and Office B: 35 patients). None of the patients had validated measures of dyspnoea such as CAT or mMRC scores. Only 21% (22/101) of the patients had formal pulmonary function test testing done, and of those who had pulmonary function tests, 31.5% of patients were incorrectly diagnosed and mislabelled as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Pharmacotherapy for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease was not in alignment with GOLD guidelines, with only 42% of patients on an inhaler regimen that included a long-acting muscarinic antagonist.Conclusion:There is suboptimal use of pulmonary function test in a primary care setting for diagnosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and substantial errors in diagnosis. There is virtually no use routinely of validated symptom scales for diagnosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. There is substantial variance in pharmacotherapy, and regimens routinely do not follow GOLD guidelines.

A Descriptive Study of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease in Tertiary Care Clinics of a Caribbean Island

Objective: To determine the relationship between severity of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and quality of life as well as COPD’s correlation with depressive symptoms in West Indian subjects. Methods: This is a cross-sectional, observational study of outpatients with COPD in tertiary care. The severity of COPD was determined by the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) stage, GOLD group, and body mass index, airflow obstruction, dyspnoea and exercise capacity (BODE) index. Quality of life was assessed by the St George Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) and COPD Assessment Test (CAT), and depression was assessed by the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D). Results: A total of 105 patients (85.7% male, 37.1% Indo-Trinidadian, 42.9% Afro-Trinidadian, 64.8% primary level education) were recruited with a mean age of 66.9 years (standard deviation: 9.60 years). The median body mass index was 25 kg/m2; 26.7% were underweight. Risk factors identified were: ever-smokers (27.6%), marijuana (20%), biomass (81.9%), passive smoke (70.5%), occupational exposures (80%). The CES-D of 25% of the patients was ≥ 16. Co-morbidities included diabetes (22%), hypertension (29%), gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (10%) and previous myocardial infarction (15%). A total of 59% of the patients reported a monthly household income of less than US$800. Lower level of education was associated with worse SGRQ (total and impact), lower forced expiratory volume in one second, modified Medical Research Council scale (mMRC) of ≥ 2 and higher BODE index. Higher GOLD group correlated with worse SGRQ, CAT and CES-D. Higher CES-D was associated with shorter six-minute walk distance, worse SGRQ, CAT and mMRC scores, higher GOLD group and increased COPD admissions per year. Patients with a CES-D of ≥ 16 walked shorter distances. Higher BODE quartile was associated with worse SGRQ, CAT and CES-D scores. Conclusion: Higher GOLD group and higher BODE quartile were associated with worse quality of life scores and higher depression scores. Patients in higher GOLD groups should be screened for depression. Education on COPD should be targeted at those of lower socioeconomic status.

Pulmonary Rehabilitation in patients with Interstitial Lung Disease: The effects of a 12-week programme.

The inclusion of Pulmonary Rehabilitation as part of the management of Interstitial Lung Disease, although being highly recommended in most recent guidelines, still has limited studies exploring the outcomes from such an intervention. The present study aims to contribute to the available literature by investigating the effects of a high intensity, 12 week PR programme on functional and quality of life measures in patients with a diagnosis of Interstitial Lung Disease. ology: This paper reports outcomes of an observational, prospective, quasi experimental type of study. A total of 120 participants were recruited: 60 patients formed part of the active group, and another 60 patients were enrolled in an inactive group. Each participant was classified according to the modified Medical Research Council dyspnoea scale and placed in one of 5 categories (0-4) according to self-perceived breathlessness during daily activities. The following outcomes were measured: Lung function tests including plethysmography and diffusion capacity of carbon monoxide (DLCO), functional tests (6-min walking distance test, Dyspnoea Borg Scale) and health status measures (St George's Respiratory Questionnaire and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Score). A 12-week PR programme for patients with Interstitial Lung Disease, led to significant improvements in the active group of patients in the 6 min walking distance test, the modified Borg Scale, mMRC scores and in the health status measures. Lung function measures did not show any significant improvement following this intervention. This 12week Pulmonary Rehabilitation programme resulted in improvements in functional aspects for patients with Interstitial Lung Disease. Further studies are recommended as Pulmonary Rehabilitation for Interstitial Lung Disease may have an impact at both an individual level and at global organisational/financial levels.

A High Degree of Dyspnea Is Associated With Poor Maximum Exercise Capacity in Subjects With COPD With the Same Severity of Air-Flow Obstruction.

In patients with COPD, limited data have been reported concerning the association between dyspnea perception and exercise tests. Moreover, the perception of dyspnea has not been analyzed in patients with the same severity of air-flow obstruction. The aim of our study was to evaluate the relationship between the degree of dyspnea and exercise capacity in subjects with COPD who had the same severity of air-flow obstruction. We assessed dyspnea perception and maximum exercise capacity by using the modified Medical Research Council dyspnea scale (mMRC) questionnaire and by using the symptom-limited incremental cardiopulmonary exercise test, respectively. A propensity score matching was used to obtain the balance between the subjects with COPD and with an mMRC questionnaire score <2 and ≥2 (mMRC score) according to the severity of air-flow obstruction. A total of 249 ambulatory adult patients with stable COPD (mean age, 68 y) were considered in the full cohort. After propensity score analysis, 160 subjects (65% men; mean ± SD FEV1, 47.5 ± 12.8% of predicted) were included in our study cohort. The subjects with an mMRC questionnaire score ≥2 in comparison with those with an mMRC questionnaire score <2 showed lower values in oxygen uptake at peak (VO2 max) (P = .002) and in maximum work load (P < .001). In the regression models, the mMRC questionnaire score was able to predict oxygen uptake at peak (P < .001) and at maximum work load (P < .001). In subjects with COPD and with the same severity of air-flow obstruction, a high score in dyspnea was related to a poor maximum exercise capacity. Our results support the view that, in COPD, the severity of air-flow obstruction was less informative than symptoms in the combined assessment of the disease.

Efficacy and Safety of Botulinum Toxin Type A in Spasticity Caused by Spinal Cord Injury: A Randomized, Controlled Trial.

BackgroundBaclofen is approved by the US FDA to treat spasticity, but its sustained use may cause drug addiction. The objective of this study was to compare the efficacy and safety of botulinum toxin type A versus baclofen in spasticity.Material/MethodsA total of 336 patients who had spasticity caused by spinal cord injury were enrolled in a randomized (in 1: 1: 1: ratio) for placebo, controlled trial. Patients had received baclofen (BA group, n=112), local intramuscular injection of 500 U Botulinum toxin type A (BTI group, n=112), or physical therapies alone (placebo group, n=112). Modified Ashworth scale (mAS) score, disability assessment scale (DAS) score, modified medical research council (mMRC) score, the Barthel Index (BI) score, and treatment-emergent adverse effects were evaluated during the follow-up period. Wilcoxon test or one-way ANOVA/Tukey post hoc tests were performed at 95% of confidence level.ResultsBaclofen (1.504±0.045 vs. 1.53±0.06, p=0.003, q=4.068) and botulinum toxin type A (1.49±0.09 vs. 1.528±0.15, p=0.0224, q=3.5541) had improved mAS scores after 2 weeks. Baclofen had a more strongly improved DAS score than botulinum toxin type A at 4 (p=0.0496, q=3.48) and 6 (p<0.0001, q=6.48) weeks. Baclofen and botulinum toxin type A had consistently improved BI scores. Baclofen caused asthenia and sleepiness, while botulinum toxin type A caused bronchitis and elevated blood pressure.ConclusionsBotulinum toxin type A may be an effective therapeutic option for spasticity caused by spinal cord injury.

Efficacy and safety of cryotherapy combined with balloon dilatation through electronic bronchoscope in the management of airway occlusion caused by scar stenosis type of tracheobronchial tuberculosis

Objective: To investigate the efficacy and safety of cryotherapy combined with balloon dilatation through electronic bronchoscope in the management of airway occlusion caused by scar stenosis type of tracheobronchial tuberculosis (TBTB). Methods: From December 2008 to May 2016, 98 cases of airway occlusion caused by scar stenosis of TBTB were diagnosed by microbiology, histopathology, CT (computer tomography), bronchial reconstructions and bronchoscopy. All patients underwent routine anti-tuberculosis chemotherapy and cryotherapy through bronchoscope. The patients whose airways were reopened successfully received balloon dilatation through bronchoscope subsequently. The treatment effects were estimated by indexes including clinical efficacy, modified medical research council (mMRC) dyspnea scale and complications. Results: Among the 98 patients, airway occlusion in 87 cases were reopened successfully by cryotherapy for (10±4) times, and then these patients received balloon dilatation through bronchoscope for (7±3) times subsequently. The total effective rates were 76.53% and 72.45% after 3 and 12 months after the treatments respectively. Analysis of the disease courses of patients with different therapeutic efficacy showed that the median disease course was 3 months in healed cases, 5 months in effective cases and 9 months in ineffective cases. There was a significant difference between the ineffective and the total effective cases in disease courses (t=-15.012, P<0.01). The average of mMRC score changed from (3.8±0.5) before the procedure, to (1.1±0.7), (1.2±0.7) and (1.2±0.7) immediately, 3 and 12 months after the treatments. The difference was significant between the scores before and after therapy (t=30.398-31.058, P<0.01), but not among the 3 scores after treatments. No serious complications were observed in all cases. Conclusions: Cryotherapy combined with balloon dilatation through electronic bronchoscope was a very safe and effective method in the management of airway occlusion caused by scar stenosis of tracheobronchial tuberculosis. A shorter course of disease indicated more benefits for patients.

Correlation of serum levels of HIF-1α and IL-19 with the disease progression of COPD: a retrospective study.

BackgroundThe aim of this study was to disclose the correlation between the serum levels of hypoxia-inducible factor 1 alpha (HIF-1α) and IL-19 and stable COPD.MethodsThe serum levels of HIF-1α and IL-19 were tested by ELISA. The relationships between their levels and clinical parameters of stable COPD patients were analyzed by linear regression methods.ResultsPatients with stable COPD showed higher serum levels of HIF-1α and IL-19 compared with healthy control group (P<0.001), and serum levels of HIF-1α and IL-19 had a positive linear correlation (P<0.05). In stable COPD patients, increased serum levels of HIF-1α and IL-19 were positively correlated with the GOLD grading (P<0.005), modified British Medical Research Council (mMRC) score (P<0.05), and medical history (P<0.05) but negatively related to the pulmonary function (P<0.05). The serum level of HIF-1α (P<0.05) was affected by the patient’s FEV1/FVC value and COPD grading, and the serum level of IL-19 was associated with the mMRC scores and the serum level of HIF-1α (P<0.05).ConclusionIncreased serum levels of HIF-1α and IL-19 correlated with the disease progression of COPD, suggesting that they can be used as indicators to help us understand the COPD.

P3.01-10 Dyspnea as a Prognostic Factor in Hispanic Patients with Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Cohort

Lung cancer is a commonly diagnosed cancer, and the leading cause of cancer death around the world. Over 80% of lung cancer patients in México are diagnosed in advanced stage. Common symptoms include cough, dyspnea, weight loss, and chest pain. Dyspnea is one of the most common symptoms in patients with lung cancer at initial presentation with a prevalence of 55–90%. The intensity of dyspnea is an important and validated factor for assessment of quality of life (QOL) in cancer patients. In addition, improvement of health-related QOL and symptoms, such as dyspnea, are related with the efficacy of chemotherapeutic regimens and favorable outcome in lung cancer. In this study, we investigated the association between the degree of dyspnea and clinical outcomes to identify the prognostic role of dyspnea in hispanic patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). We retrospectively reviewed lung cancer database of Centro Oncologico Estatal ISSEMYM. From 2013 to 2016 we enrolled patients with diagnosis of advanced NSCLC. Clinicopathological information on age, sex, smoking history, histologic type, stage, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status, clinical outcomes and evaluation of symptoms of dyspnea at diagnosis using modified Medical Research Council (mMRC) scores from each patient were recorded. A total of 120 patients with diagnosis of NSCLC were identified, of these only in 65 patients (54%) the symptom of dyspnea were detected and evaluate using modified Medical Research Council (mMRC) scores at initial diagnosis. The median age was 58 years. Among those patient with dyspnea and mMRC scores available at diagnosis, 29 (45%) patients had an mMRC score ≥ 2, while 36 (55 %) had an mMRC score < 2. In multivariate analysis, poor performance status and an mMRC score ≥2 were found to be significant prognostic factors for patient survival. The overall median survival for all patients was 18 months. The overall survival of patients with dyspnea (mMRC grade 2 or higher) was significantly lower than that for patients without or low grade dyspnea (median survival, 17 months vs. 35 months, p<0.036). In conclusion, this study showed that the dyspnea mMRC mMRC grade 2 or higher in Hispanic patient with NSCLC were significantly associated with poor prognosis. Therefore, clinicians should pay more attention to evaluation and management of dyspnea.

Pulmonary Rehabilitation Reduces Emergency Admission and Hospitalization Rates of Patients with Chronic Respiratory Diseases.

Chronic respiratory diseases exert a global health burden with high health care costs, morbidity, and mortality. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) on emergency admission and hospitalization rates of patients with chronic respiratory disease. In this retrospective cohort study, hospitalization rates and emergency admissions of patients before (December 2014-December 2015) and after PR (January 2015-December 2016) were investigated. Patients with chronic respiratory diseases were included. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients were classified based on the Global Initiative Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease assessment scheme. PR was applied by three physiotherapists over 8 weeks (2 days/week). Data on patient demographics, clinical and anthropometric data, spirometry, exercise capacity, and quality of life before and after PR were acquired. This study evaluated 51 patients, of whom 76% were men. A total of 37 (73%) COPD patients and 14 (27%) non-COPD patients (7 bronchiectasis, 4 interstitial lung disease, and 3 kyphoscoliosis) were included. The patients exhibited significantly improved incremental shuttle walk test (ISWT) and endurance test scores (p<0.05) after PR. Similar to exercise capacity, the patients exhibited significantly improved Modified Medical Research Council (mMRC) score, St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ), anxiety and depression scores (p<0.05) after PR. In COPD patients, differences in pre- and post-PR ISWT, COPD assessment test, mMRC, and SGRQ scores were statistically significant (p=0.001). The number of emergency admissions and hospitalizations significantly decreased after PR (p=0.001; p=0.001). The post-PR FEV1% of COPD significantly increased (p=0.029). Pulmonary rehabilitation leads to an increase in exercise capacity as well as improved quality of life, resulting in a decrease in emergency admissions and hospitalization rates. Considering the cost of hospitalization, it is important to add PR to the management of patients with chronic respiratory diseases, in addition to medical therapy.