Obstructive Pattern Research Articles

Are all ventilators for NIV performing the same? A bench analysis

Global pandemic due to COVID-19 has increased the interest for ventilators´ use worldwide. New devices have been developed and older ones have undergone a renewed interest, but we lack robust evidence about performance of each ventilator to match appropriate device to a given patient and care environment. The aim of this bench study was to investigate the performance of six devices for noninvasive ventilation, and to compare them in terms of volume delivered, trigger response, pressurization capacity and synchronization in volume assisted controlled and pressure support ventilation. All ventilators were tested under thirty-six experimental conditions by using the lung model ASL5000® (IngMar Medical, Pittsburgh, PA). Two leak levels, two muscle inspiratory efforts and three mechanical patterns were combined for simulation. Trigger function was assessed by measurement of trigger-delay time. Pressurization capacity was evaluated as area under the pressure–time curve over the first 500 ms after inspiratory effort onset. Synchronization was evaluated by the asynchrony index and by incidence and type of asynchronies in each condition. All ventilators showed a good performance, even if pressurization capacity was worse than expected. Leak level did not affect their function. Differences were found during low muscle effort and obstructive pattern. In general, Philips Trilogy Evo/EV300 and Hamilton C3 showed the best results. NIV devices successfully compensate air leaks but still underperform with low muscle effort and obstructive lungs. Clinicians´ must have a clear understanding of the goals of NIV both for devices´ choice and set main parameters to achieve therapy success.

Evidence for Alloimmune Sinusoidal Injury in De Novo Nodular Regenerative Hyperplasia After Liver Transplantation.

Posttransplant nodular regenerative hyperplasia (NRH) mostly remains unexplained. Microvascular injury due to antibody-mediated rejection (AMR) is suspected, but lack of donor specific antibody (DSA) testing makes it difficult to prove. Centered around a 1-year period of routine DSA testing, concomitant protocol, and indicated posttransplant liver biopsies (LB), recipients with NRH (n = 18) were compared with a matched control group (n = 36). All index, previous, and subsequent LB were reviewed. Both groups were similar in terms of demographics, timing of index LB, and DSA. In the index LB, the NRH group had higher sinusoidal C4d positivity (p = 0.029) and perisinusoidal fibrosis (p = 0.034), both independently associated with NRH (p = 0.038 and 0.050, respectively). Features of "possible" chronic AMR were detected in 28.5% of the NRH group without a known cause and 0% of the control group (p = 0.009). The NRH group had more preceding indicated LB with increased incidence of rejection and biliary obstruction pattern. In the follow-up histology, overall, sinusoidal and portal C4d positivity, sinusoidal microvasculitis, and perisinusoidal fibrosis were also higher (all p < 0.050). In conclusion, we provide evidence towards the hypothesis that some cases of posttransplant NRH are related to preceding active and persistent AMR. Large multicenter studies with protocol DSA testing are required to confirm.

A comparative study of dynamic lung hyperinflation and tidal volume to total lung capacity ratios during exercise in patients with chronic respiratory disease and healthy individuals

BackgroundCurrent measures of tidal volume/forced vital capacity (VT/FVC) and VT/inspiratory capacity (VT/IC) at peak exercise cannot differentiate restrictive from obstructive ventilation patterns. This study aimed to investigate the utility of VT/total lung capacity (VT/TLC) as a marker for dynamic lung hyperinflation (DH) in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and interstitial lung disease (ILD). Methods267 subjects were screened: 23 ILD, 126 COPD, and 33 healthy individuals were enrolled. Lung function tests and cardiopulmonary exercise tests with repeated IC maneuver were conducted and compared at three exercise efforts: unloaded, middle of exercise, and peak exercise. ResultsDuring exercise, ILD patients demonstrated normal end-expiratory lung volume/TLC (EELV/TLC) ratios, but elevated end-inspiratory lung volume/TLC (EILV/TLC) ratios, except for peak exercise. COPD patients exhibited elevated ratios for both EELV/TLC and EILV/TLC during exercise with a larger EELV/TLC ratio compared to ILD patients at peak exercise (p < 0.05). The VT/TLC ratio distinguished ILD, COPD, and healthy controls at peak exercise (p < 0.05). A VT/TLC ratio of ≤ 0.22 or ≥ 0.30 indicated airflow obstruction with hyperinflation or normal lung expansion, respectively (AUC: 0.74 or 0.88). Furthermore, VT/TLC outperformed VT/FVC and VT/IC in differentiating lung expansion between ILD and COPD during exercise (all p < 0.05). ConclusionExercise-induced DH was absent in ILD patients but observed in COPD patients. Excessive lung expansion occurred in all patients during exercise, except for limited expansion in ILD at peak exercise probably due to specific lung properties. VT/TLC can distinguish between restrictive, obstructive, and normal ventilatory patterns.

Characterization and Factors Associated with Poor Asthma Control in Adults with Severe Eosinophilic Asthma.

A study was conducted in 98 adult patients diagnosed with severe eosinophilic asthma (73.5% women, mean age 47.2 years) and followed prospectively for 1 year. The aim of the study was to characterize this population and to identify factors associated with poor prognosis at 1 year of follow-up. At the initial visit, uncontrolled severe asthma was diagnosed in 87.7% of patients. Allergic sensitization was observed in 81.7% (polysensitization in 17.3%), with clinically significant allergic asthma in 45%. The mean percentage of sputum eosinophils was 4.7% (standard deviation(SD) 6.3%) and the mean (SD) blood eosinophil count 467 (225) cells/µL. Almost half of the patients (48.3%) had sputum eosinophilia (>3% eosinophils). Sputum eosinophils correlated significantly with peripheral eosinophilia (p = 0.004) and, to a lesser extent, with fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) (p = 0.04). After 1 year, 48 patients (49%) had uncontrolled asthma in all visits, and 50 (51%) had controlled asthma in some visits. Airway obstruction (FEV1 < 80% predicted) was the main reason for uncontrolled asthma. In the multivariate analysis, an obstructive pattern (odds ratio (OR) 7.45, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.41-23.03, p < 0.0001) and the patient's age (OR 1.045, 95% CI 1.005-1.086, p = 0.026) were independent predictors of poor asthma control. In adult-onset and long-standing asthma, serum interleukin (IL) IL-17 was higher in the uncontrolled asthma group. This study contributes to characterizing patients with severe eosinophilic asthma in real-world clinical practice.

Use of the Allium Round Posterior Stent for the Treatment of Recurrent Vesicourethral Anastomosis Stricture

To compare outcomes of monopolar incision and Allium Round Posterior Stent (RPS) insertion for the treatment of recurrent vesicourethral anastomosis stricture. Having a suprapubic catheter and an obstructed pattern with a peak flow rate (PFR) ≤12mL/s on uroflowmetry were the indications for the surgery. Once the fibrotic vesicourethral anastomosis was incised, RPS was inserted at the level of vesicourethral anastomosis under fluoroscopic guidance. All the stents were removed at postoperative first year. Patients were evaluated 3months after stent removal. Objective cure was defined as no need to further treatments and PFR ≥12mL/s while subjective cure was defined as having points <4 on Patient Global Impression of Improvements scale. Of the 30 patients with a median age 66 (52-74) enrolled in the study, 18 had a suprapubic catheter, remaining 12 had median PFR 5.2 (2-10)mL/s. Stent migration was noted in two patients, these stents were replaced by new ones. Stone formation was diagnosed in one patient, a pneumatic-lithotripsy was performed. The median follow-up time was 28 (4-60) months following stent removal. Six cases needed further treatment after removal. The median PFR of remaining 24 patients was 20 (16-30) mL/s (P=.001). The objective cure rate was 24/30(80%), the Patient Global Impression of Improvements scores varied from 1 to 2, meaning subjective cure rate was 24/30(80%). For the six failed cases, according to patient preferences a lifetime RPS insertion was planned. With its minimally invasive nature, reversibility, and acceptable success and complication rates, incision of anastomosis and insertion of the RPS for a 1-year duration is a promising option for the treatment of recurrent vesicourethral anastomosis stricture.

Primary repair vs Delayed staged repair in infants with primary obstructive megaureters and their long term outcomes – A single centre experience

There is paucity of literature in the management of infants with primary obstructive megaureters undergoing upfront primary repair with an extravesical technique of ureteral re implantation (with or without ureteral tailoring). To compare 2 different approaches in the management of infants with unilateral primary obstructive megaureters. This was a retrospective analysis of a prospectively maintained data base between 2005 and 2021. Infants <1 year with unilateral primary obstructive megaureter were included. They were divided into 2 groups: those who underwent an upfront extravesical ureteric reimplantation with or without ureteral tailoring during infancy -Primary Repair (PR), and those who initially underwent a low end cutaneous ureterostomy during infancy followed by take down of ureterostomy and intravesical ureteric reimplantation after 1 year of age -Delayed staged repair (DSR). Children presenting with sepsis, in whom a diversion was imperative, were excluded. All children were followed up annually after their definitive repair with a renal ultrasound, diuretic renogram, estimated glomerular filtration rate and assessment of voiding dysfunction if present. The 1st year and 3rd year follow up details were collated and analysed. Failure was defined as persistent obstructive pattern on renogram with worsening differential renal function or presence of high grade reflux with recurrent breakthrough urinary tract infection; both of which necessitated a redo reimplantation following the definitive surgery. There were 18 infants in Primary repair and 16 infants in Delayed Staged Repair. Urinary tract infections was the commonest presenting symptom amongst both groups i.e. > 50%.The post operative complication rate was 11% in Primary repair and 31% in Delayed Staged Repair. One child in each of the groups (2 girls) required redo reimplantation (5.8%). At the end of the 3rd year follow up (from the definitive repair) there was significant reduction in the hydronephrosis, improvement in the differential renal function with no evidence of obstruction and improvement in the estimated glomerular filtration rate amongst all in both groups which was statistically significant i.e. p<0.05. The success rate was 94.4% in Primary Repair and 93.75% in Delayed Staged Repair. The mean follow up was 9.7 years amongst those undergone Primary Repair and 9 years amongst those undergone Delayed Staged Repair. Primary extravesical ureteral reimplantation may be considered as the preferred line of management of unilateral obstructed megaureters during infancy.

Collagen Type IV Alpha 5 Chain in Bronchiolitis Obliterans Syndrome After Lung Transplant: The First Evidence

IntroductionBronchiolitis obliterans syndrome (BOS) is the most common form of CLAD and is characterized by airflow limitation and an obstructive spirometry pattern without parenchymal opacities. The protein signature of BOS lesions concerns extracellular matrix organization and aberrant basement membrane composition. In this pilot study, we investigated the presence of COL4A5 in the serum of patients with BOS.Methods41 patients who had undergone LTX were enrolled. Of these, 27 developed BOS and 14 (control group) were considered stable at the time of serum sampling. Of BOS patients, serum samples were analysed at the time of BOS diagnosis and before the clinical diagnosis (pre-BOS). COL4A5 levels were detected through the ELISA kit.ResultsSerum concentrations of COL4A5 were higher in pre-BOS than in stable patients (40.5 ± 13.9 and 24.8 ± 11.4, respectively, p = 0.048). This protein is not influenced by comorbidities, such as acute rejection or infections, or by therapies. Survival analysis also reveals that a higher level of COL4A5 was also associated with less probability of survival. Our data showed a correlation between concentrations of COL4A5 and FEV1 at the time of diagnosis of BOS.ConclusionSerum concentrations of COL4A5 can be considered a good prognostic marker due to their association with survival and correlation with functional parameters.

Evaluation of the Clinicoradiological Profile in Cases of Allergic Bronchopulmonary Aspergillosis: An Original Research.

A complicated hypersensitive reaction to inhaled fungal antigens results in allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA), an immunologic pulmonary disease. ABPA complicates nearly 2% of instances of persistent asthma as well as nearly 10% of chronic cases of steroid-dependent asthma, and it occurs most frequently in immunocompetent patients. The purpose of the current research was to analyze the radiological and clinical features of the participants as well as the serological association of ABPA. From April 2020 to April 2021, a retrospective investigation was conducted. The study included patients based on the International Society for Human and Animal Mycology's criteria for ABPA confirmation. Analysis was done on the demographic information and pathological and radiological test results of the patients. The patients' pre-bronchodilator and post-bronchodilator spirometry was compared, and asthmatic control was estimated. A total of 50 patients were investigated at in this study. Demographic findings indicated young subjects and aa female predominance. Cough was the most prevalent symptom in 84% of patients. Asthma of the bronchi was a risk factor for all of the patients. The mean serum immunoglobulin E level and the mean absolute eosinophil count were 533 cells/L and 2269 UI/mL, respectively. Spirometry results from the study's participants indicated an obstructive pattern in about 80% of cases. The most typical radiological abnormality observed was bronchiectasis, followed by parenchymal opacities. In conclusion, when treating asthma that is challenging to control, the diagnosis of ABPA must be taken into account. Delay in diagnosis might result in declining lung function, worsening asthma control, possibly irreversible alterations, greater treatment costs, and declined quality of life.

Changes in pulmonary function in patients with breast cancer before and after radiation therapy

Background: The respiratory system is negatively affected by radiation exposure during the comprehensive treatment of breast cancer (BC), which has an effect on the treatment effectiveness and patients’ quality of life.Objective: To evaluate changes in pulmonary ventilation and diffusion characteristics and ventilation effectiveness in patients with BC before and after radiation therapy (RT).Methods: Our prospective cohort study included 232 women with BC admitted to the Meshalkin National Medical Research Center for an adjuvant RT after surgical treatment. Before and after the RT we conducted pulmonary function tests: body plethysmography, lung diffusion capacity testing, and cardiopulmonary exercise testing with measurement of peak oxygen consumption. We used multivariate regression analysis to determine predictors of pulmonary function decline during RT (decrease in the lung diffusion capacity &gt; 5% compared with baseline).Results: Pulmonary function tests prior to RT demonstrated that 15% of the patients with BC had pulmonary ventilation disorders, and 25% of the patients had pulmonary gas exchange abnormalities (most of them were newly diagnosed). In the general group following RT, we saw a significant decrease in the lung diffusion capacity (P = .044) and an increased incidence of obstructive breathing patterns among the examined patients (P = .036). Other pulmonary ventilation parameters, its effectiveness, and reserve capacity of the respiratory system after RT did not change significantly in the study group and corresponded to the reference values. The postradiation pulmonary function was negatively affected by the reduced level of pulmonary diffusion capacity at baseline (≤ 70% of the reference value) [OR 1.15 (1.03-1.34), P = .004], abnormal breathing pattern prior to RT [OR 1.08 (1.01-1.15), P = .029], involvement of regional lymph nodes (N1-3) [OR 1.10 (1.04-1.26), P = .003].Conclusion: Early postradiation respiratory disorders in patients with BC are marked by a decrease in the lung diffusion capacity and an increased incidence of obstructive patterns of pulmonary ventilation. The factors negatively affecting changes in pulmonary ventilation and diffusion characteristics after RT were the baseline pulmonary gas exchange disorders, obstructive breathing pattern prior to RT, and radiation exposure to lymph nodes. Received 28 December 2022. Revised 26 May 2023. Accepted 30 May 2023. Funding: The study did not have sponsorship. Conflict of interest: The authors declare no conflict of interest. Contribution of the authorsConception and study design: O.V. Kamenskaya, V.V. Lomivorotov Data collection and analysis: S.S. Porotnikova, E.A. Samoilova, V.G. Tihomirov Statistical analysis: I.Yu. Loginova, A.S. Klinkova Drafting the article: I.Yu. Loginova, O.V. Kamenskaya Critical revision of the article: S.E. Krasilnikov, A.M. Chernyavskiy Final approval of the version to be published: O.V. Kamenskaya, I.Yu. Loginova, A.S. Klinkova, S.S. Porotnikova, E.A. Samoilova, V.G. Tihomirov, S.E. Krasilnikov, V.V. Lomivorotov, A.M. Chernyavskiy

Association of Pulmonary Function with Osteosarcopenic Obesity in Older Adults Aged over 50 Years.

Osteosarcopenic obesity (OSO) is a newly described coexistence of osteopenia/osteoporosis, sarcopenia, and obesity. We examined the association between pulmonary function, OSO, and its composition in adults aged ≥ 50 years. A total of 26,343 participants (8640 men; 17,703 women) were classified into four groups based on the number of abnormal body compositions (osteopenia/osteoporosis, sarcopenia, and obesity): 0 (control), 1+, 2+, and 3+ (OSO) abnormal body compositions. The values of forced volume vital capacity (FVC)%, forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1%), and FEV1/FVC% were significantly decreased by increasing the number of adverse body compositions (p < 0.0001). Although the prevalence of restrictive spirometry pattern (RSP) was positively associated with a higher number of abnormal body composition parameters (p < 0.001), obstructive spirometry pattern (OSP) had no association with adverse body composition. In multivariate analyses, the adjusted odds ratios (ORs) for RSP compared to the control group were 1.36 in 1+, 1.47 in 2+, and 1.64 in 3+ abnormal body compositions (p for trend < 0.001). Multiple abnormal body composition, especially osteosarcopenic obesity, was independently associated with poor lung function showing RSP in older adults over 50 years. The coexistence of these abnormal body compositions may be a predisposing factor for pulmonary function deterioration.

Cholestatic Jaundice during Epstein-Barr Virus Primary Infection: A Rare Manifestation

Infectious mononucleosis, induced by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), is a very frequent infection, affecting mostly young adults. Although liver damage is often mild and self-limiting, only a few cases of severe EBV-induced cholestatic hepatitis and jaundice have been reported in the literature. EBV infection should be considered as part of the differential diagnosis in patients with an obstructive pattern on liver function tests without evidence of biliary obstruction demonstrated on advanced imaging. The diagnosis is usually confirmed only by serology and the evolution is generally favorable. We report the observation of an 16 year old female with no particular medical history, who developed a febrile cholestatic jaundice without signs of hemolysis and without biliary obsruction on imagery.

Association between spirometry pattern, left ventricular diastolic function, and mortality.

Spirometric abnormalities have been related to incident heart failure in general population, who generally have preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). We aimed to investigate the association between spirometric indices, cardiac functions and clinical outcomes. Subjects presenting with exertional dyspnoea and received spirometry and echocardiography were eligible for this study. Forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1)/FVC ratio were measured to define the spirometry patterns: normal (FEV1/FVC ≥ 70%, FVC ≥ 80%), obstructive (FEV1/FVC < 70%, FVC ≥ 80%), restrictive pattern (FEV1/FVC ≥ 70%, FVC < 80%) and mixed (FEV1/FVC < 70%, FVC < 80%). The diastolic dysfunction index (DDi) was the counts of the indicators, including septal e' velocity <7 cm/s, septal E/e' > 15, pulmonary artery systolic pressure > 35 mmHg and left atrial dimension >40 mm. Among a total of 8669 participants (65.8 ± 16.3 years, 56% men), 3739 (43.1%), 829 (9.6%), 3050 (35.2%) and 1051 (12.1%) had normal, obstructive, restrictive and mixed spirometry pattern, respectively. Subjects with restrictive or mixed spirometry pattern had higher DDi and worse long-term survival than those with obstructive or normal ventilation. FVC but not FEV1/FVC was predictive of 5-year mortality, independent of age, sex, renal function, LVEF, DDi, body mass index, and comorbidities (hazard ratio, 95% confidence intervals: .981, .977-.985). Furthermore, there was an inverse nonlinear relationship between FVC and DDi, suggesting the declined FVC may mediate 43% of the prognostic hazard of left ventricular diastolic dysfunction. The restrictive spirometry pattern or the declined FVC was associated with left ventricular diastolic dysfunction, which aggravated the long-term mortality in the ambulatory dyspnoeic subjects.

Clinical Manifestations of Subjects With the Non-Specific Pulmonary Function Test Pattern

IntroductionNon-specific pattern (NSP) is a subgroup of preserved ratio impaired spirometry (PRISm) that requires a normal total lung capacity measurement. NSP has been historically classified as being an obstructive lung disease pattern. There has been heightened interest and investigation into PRISm recently as it has been associated with an increased likelihood of developing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Given the inherent challenges of understanding the clinical significance of the NSP, the aim of this study was to further explore the clinical characteristics of patients with this pulmonary function test pattern. Material and methodsWe identified 111 and 79 subjects using pre-bronchodilator (pre-BD) and post-bronchodilator (post-BD) values, respectively, that met criteria for NSP. The outpatient medical records were retrospectively reviewed for associated diagnoses that were then clustered into ‘obstructive’ or ‘non-obstructive’ groups based on the treating physician's primary pulmonary clinical diagnosis. ResultsWithin this NSP cohort, cough, wheezing and sputum production were documented more frequently in those with an obstructive lung disease diagnosis. Whether identified using pre-BD or post-BD spirometric values, those with NSP and a positive BD response were more likely to carry an obstructive lung disease diagnosis. ConclusionApproximately one third of patients with NSP in this study were not given an obstructive lung disease diagnosis by their clinician, which supports the classification of NSP as not an exclusively obstructive lung disease pattern. However, the presence of supporting clinical symptoms, such as cough with sputum production and wheeze, and/or a positive BD response on PFT, support a diagnosis of obstruction in patients with NSP.

#5129 CLINICAL-FUNCTIONAL KIDNEY-LUNG LINK IN A POPULATION OF HEMODIALYZED PATIENTS

Abstract Background and Aims We know that lung and kidney are intimately related from a functional standpoint, both in physiological conditions and in diseases. The close relationship between lung and kidney (kidney-lung link) is evidence of a homeostatic connection between all organs and systems in an attempt to maintain the body system balance. In a recent review [1] we emphasized the importance to search for the clinical signs of a disease not only in the primary affected organ but also in organ functionally related. Method For this purpose we examined 81 hemodialyzed patients, with a mean age of 66.6 ± 13 years (28 f and 53 M), undergoing hemodialysis treatment (mean dialysis: 96 ± 34 months), with regard to smoking habits (47 non-smokers and 34 smokers with an average of 19.8 cigarettes per day: pack / years: 33.4 ± 2.9). Pulmonary function test (PFT) and clinical signs were evaluated. we excluded 6 patients (4 males and 2 females) in the smoking group with obstructive spirometric pattern (detected by a FEV1.0/FVC ratio lower than 70 absolute value), so that the final non-smoking group consisted of 47 patients and the smoking-group by 28 smokers: both groups matched for anthropomorphic data. Results The mean values of PFT were globally no different between smokers with normal PFT and non smokers are summarized in Table 1: Although the never-smoking group was nearly twice as large as the smokers, and PFT were similar and normal, respiratory symptoms were predominant: daily cough (49 yes; 26 no); chronic phlegm (51 yes; 24 no). Conclusion in dialysis patients, cough and phlegm are common symptoms, regardless of smoking and spirometric values. Probably these results are the consequence of synergistic effects between lungs and kidneys, as recently demonstrated [2]. Hence the need to evaluate dialysis patients from the clinical-functional point of view of both, kidneys and lungs, in order to evaluate the appropriate, personalized, therapeutic strategy according to the last evidences of the literature [3].

Ventilation dynamics using a portable device coupled to the six-minute walk test in people with long-COVID syndrome: a preliminary study

ObjectiveTo investigated the dynamic ventilatory responses and their influence on functional exercise capacity in patients with long-COVID-19 syndrome (LCS).ResultsSixteen LCS patients were subjected to resting lung function (spirometry and respiratory oscillometry-RO) and cardiopulmonary performance to exercise (Spiropalm®-equipped six-minute walk test-6MWT and cardiopulmonary exercise test-CPX). At rest, spirometry showed a normal, restrictive and obstructive pattern in 87.5%, 6.25% and 6.25% of participants, respectively. At rest, RO showed increased resonance frequency, increased integrated low-frequency reactance and increased difference between resistance at 4–20 Hz (R4-R20) in 43.7%, 50%, and 31.2% of participants, respectively. The median of six-minute walking distance (DTC6) was 434 (386–478) m, which corresponds to a value of 83% (78–97%) of predicted. Dynamic hyperinflation (DH) and reduced breathing reserve (BR) were detected in 62.5% and 12.5% of participants, respectively. At CPX, the median peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak) was 19 (14–37) ml/kg/min. There was a significant correlation of 6MWD with both R4-R20 (rs=-0.499, P = 0.039) and VO2peak (rs=0.628, P = 0.009). Our results indicate that DH and low BR are contributors to poor exercise performance, which is associated with peripheral airway disease. These are promising results considering that they were achieved with simple, portable ventilatory and metabolic systems.

Evaluation of Chronic Cough in Children Using Management Algorithm: A Prospective Cohort Study.

To assess the use of a standardized evaluation algorithm [American College of Chest Physician (ACCP) 2006] in children with chronic cough. In this prospective cohort study, children with chronic cough were evaluated as per the ACCP 2006 diagnostic algorithm. All children were followed regularly at an interval of 2-4 wk. The study's endpoint was for the patient being cough free for four weeks either following treatment or naturally. The mean age of the 87 studied children (52 male, 35 female) was 11.9±3 y. Forty children (45.9%) had specific cough pointers on history and examination. Radiograph showed abnormalities in 12 (13.8%) children, and spirometry showed a reversible obstructive pattern on spirometry in 6 (6.9%) among 47 (54%) children without specific cough pointers. After a detailed evaluation, 16 (18.3%) children had no remarkable findings and were reviewed after two weeks. Spontaneous resolution of cough occurred in 6 children. A trial of inhalational corticosteroids (ICS) (9 children) or antibiotics (1 child) was given to the rest of the ten children. Specific underlying diagnoses could be established in 80 (91.9%) children. The most common etiology identified in the study was asthma and asthma-like illnesses (n = 52; 59.8%), followed by upper airway cough syndrome (n=13; 14.9%) and tuberculosis (n = 9; 10.4%). Eighty-four (96.5%) children had complete resolution of cough during follow-up. The mean time to resolution in the study was 33.6±16.8 d. This study demonstrated that the ACCP 2006 algorithm is effective in establishing the underlying etiology and managing children with chronic cough.

Systemic and Pulmonary Inflammation/Oxidative Damage: Implications of General and Respiratory Muscle Training in Chronic Spinal-Cord-Injured Patients.

Chronic spinal cord injury affects several respiratory-function-related parameters, such as a decrease in respiratory volumes associated with weakness and a tendency to fibrosis of the perithoracic muscles, a predominance of vagal over sympathetic action inducing airway obstructions, and a difficulty in mobilizing secretions. Altogether, these changes result in both restrictive and obstructive patterns. Moreover, low pulmonary ventilation and reduced cardiovascular system functionality (low venous return and right stroke volume) will hinder adequate alveolar recruitment and low O2 diffusion, leading to a drop in peak physical performance. In addition to the functional effects described above, systemic and localized effects on this organ chronically increase oxidative damage and tissue inflammation. This narrative review describes both the deleterious effects of chronic spinal cord injury on the functional effects of the respiratory system as well as the role of oxidative damage/inflammation in this clinical context. In addition, the evidence for the effect of general and respiratory muscular training on the skeletal muscle as a possible preventive and treatment strategy for both functional effects and underlying tissue mechanisms is summarized.

Prevalence of obstructive lung patterns and actual spirometric result at different workplaces in Ethiopia: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Burdens of occupational exposure like insoluble dust particles and chemicals in the respiratory tract leads to impaired clearance. This study aims to assess the prevalence of obstructive lung patterns and actual spirometric result in Ethiopia at different workplaces. Five electronic databases such as: PubMed, HINARI, Science Direct, Google Scholar, and African Journals Online were searched in studies conducted from 2010 to 2021. In this study, we used STATA 14 software for data analysis and the quality of included studies were appraised using the New Castle Ottawa quality assessment tool. The pooled prevalence of obstructive lung patterns and actual spirometric results were estimated using effect size and standardized mean differences (SMD). A total representative of 3511 participants was included in this study. The pooled prevalence of obstructive lung patterns in occupational exposure at different workplaces was found 13.04% (95% CI: 7.96, 18.12, I 2 = 89.2%). On the other hand, the pooled prevalence of obstructive lung patterns in controls was 4.10% (95% CI: 1.86, 6.34, I 2 = 76.8%). SMD of spirometric results was significantly decreased in cases as compared to the controls. The SMD of FVC in a litter (L) at 95% of CI: -0.50 (-0.70, -0.30, I 2 = 87.7%), SMD of FEV1 in (L) at 95% CI: -0.54 (-0.72, -0.36, I 2 = 84.9%), SMD of FEF25%-50% in litter per second (L/s) at 95% of CI: -0.42 (-0.67, -0.17, I 2 = 81.9%) and SMD of PEFR in L/s at 95% CI: -0.45 (-0.68, -0.21, I 2 = 78.4%) were significantly decreased in cases as compared to the controls. The pooled prevalence of obstructive lung pattern was higher in people who are working at different workplace that generating dusts and chemicals. The SMD of actual spirometric results were reduced in cases than controls. Therefore, to alleviate this problem appropriate preventive measure would be warranted for those people who are working in different dust and chemical generating environments.

Effect of overweight and obesity on spirometric parameters in children and adolescent with asthma

Aim: Being overweight and obesity are factors in the negative modification of bronchial asthma (BA). The mechanisms of the aggravating effect of obesity on the course of BA have not yet been fully determined, but include changes in external respiration. The aim of the study was to study the effect of being overweight/obesity on spirometric parameters and on the occurrence of dysanapsis in children and adolescents with BA. Methods: It was a cross-sectional, open, single-center study. The data were obtained from 428 patients with atopic BA aged 7 years to 17 years, 12.0 [9.0; 14.0], and 72.9% (312/428) of them were boys. The children were divided into 3 groups: group 1—normal body weight; group 2—overweight; and group 3—obesity. All participants underwent spirometry, the ratio of forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1)/forced vital capacity (FVC) was calculated and the diagnosis of dysanapsis was performed. Results: As body weight increases, a progressive decrease in FEV1/FVC is revealed—group 1: 79.55% [71.37; 85.43]; group 2: 76.82% [70.12; 82.03]; and group 3: 76.28% [67.04; 79.89] P = 0.004; as well as a decrease in Z FEV1/FVC: group 1—1.23 [–2.18; –0.28]; group 2—1.54 [–2.19; –0.68]; and group 3—1.75 [–2.63; –0.90] P = 0.02. Dysanapsis was detected in 37.7% (159/428) of patients. The incidence of dysanapsis increased statistically significantly with increasing body mass index (BMI) and amounted to: with normal body weight—31.7% (77/243), with overweight—42.0% (55/131), and with obesity—50% (27/54) P = 0.016. Conclusions: In children and adolescents with BA, as BMI increases, there is a statistically significant decrease in the ratio of FEV1/FVC, and, consequently, bronchial patency; the incidence of dysanapsis also increases statistically significantly. Taken together, this indicates the formation of an obstructive pattern of external respiration under the influence of being overweight and obesity in children and adolescents with BA.

0814 Obstructive sleep apnea in asthmatic children: highly prevalent though no identifiable risk factors

Abstract Introduction Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and Asthma often coexist. There is some evidence that adults with asthma are more prone to developing OSA than the general population, as well as OSA may impact asthma control. Different than adults, OSA prevalence is equal in boys and girls, while puberty has strong influence in asthma, especially in pubescent girls. The objectives of this study were to analyze the prevalence of OSA in boys and girls and the impact of asthma severity in OSA prevalence. Methods Asthmatic children attending a tertiary pediatric pulmonology clinic performed clinical evaluation, Pulmonary Function Test, and Home Sleep Apnea Test. OSA was defined as habitual snoring and one or more obstructive respiratory events (OREI) per hour of recording. Control and severity of Asthma were evaluated according to Global Initiative for Asthma and puberal stage using Tanner figures for boys and girls Results We studied 80 consecutive patients, 7 to 18 years-old, mean age 11.6 years (SD: 2.7), 51.3% female. According to BMI z-score, nutritional status was: 2 (2.5%) underweight, 63 eutrophic (79%), and 15 obese (18.5%). Puberty was present in 17 volunteers. Pulmonary Function Tests were obtained from 71 volunteers, 45% presented obstruction pattern. Home Sleep Apnea Tests were available from 76 volunteers, with mean OREI of 1.8 events/h. OSA occurred in 69 volunteers (91%), while 66% were mild, 21% moderate, and 4% severe. We did not find associations of obstructive sleep apnea with sex or asthma severity. Conclusion OSA was highly prevalent among these asthmatic children, but most were mild. Sex and asthma severity were not associated to OSA. Considering the interrelationship of both diseases, it is worth to keep in mind the possibility of OSA among children and teenagers with asthma. Support (if any) AFIP (Associação Fundo de Incentivo à Pesquisa) and CNPq (Conselho Nacional de Pesquisas)