Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Assessment Test Research Articles

Development and Preliminary Evaluation of the Effects of an mHealth Web-Based Platform (HappyAir) on Adherence to a Maintenance Program After Pulmonary Rehabilitation in Patients With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: Randomized Controlled Trial.

BackgroundPulmonary rehabilitation is one of the main interventions to reduce the use of health resources, and it promotes a reduction in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) costs. mHealth systems in COPD aim to improve adherence to maintenance programs after pulmonary rehabilitation by promoting the change in attitude and behavior necessary for patient involvement in the management of the disease.ObjectiveThis study aimed to assess the effects of an integrated care plan based on an mHealth web-based platform (HappyAir) on adherence to a 1-year maintenance program applied after pulmonary rehabilitation in COPD patients.MethodsCOPD patients from three hospitals were randomized to a control group or an intervention group (HappyAir group). Patients from both groups received an 8-week program of pulmonary rehabilitation and educational sessions about their illness. After completion of the process, only the HappyAir group completed an integrated care plan for 10 months, supervised by an mHealth system and therapeutic educator. The control group only underwent the scheduled check-ups. Adherence to the program was rated using a respiratory physiotherapy adherence self-report (CAP FISIO) questionnaire. Other variables analyzed were adherence to physical activity (Morisky-Green Test), quality of life (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Assessment Test, St. George’s Respiratory Questionnaire, and EuroQOL-5D), exercise capacity (6-Minute Walk Test), and lung function.ResultsIn total, 44 patients were recruited and randomized in the control group (n=24) and HappyAir group (n=20). Eight patients dropped out for various reasons. The CAP FISIO questionnaire results showed an improvement in adherence during follow-up period for the HappyAir group, which was statistically different compared with the control group at 12 months (56.1 [SD 4.0] vs 44.0 [SD 13.6]; P=.004) after pulmonary rehabilitation.ConclusionsmHealth systems designed for COPD patients improve adherence to maintenance programs as long as they are accompanied by disease awareness and patient involvement in management.Trial RegistrationClinicalTrials.gov NCT04479930; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04479930

Eosinophilia and parasitic infestations in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Eosinophilia may guide response to inhaled corticosteroid treatment in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This study aimed to determine prevalence of eosinophilia and parasitic infestations in these patients. We conducted a prospective cohort study between February 2019 and January 2020 and screened 107 stable COPD patients. A total of 77 subjects (84.4% men) were included. Age was 73.8 ± 8.9 years. Forced expiratory volume in 1 s was 66.5 ± 25.5%. Smoking history was 25.9 ± 18 pack-years. Comorbidities included cardiovascular disease (57.1%). Respiratory symptoms were assessed by modified Medical Research Council dyspnea score (1.6 ± 0.8), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease Assessment Test score (9.3 ± 4.9), and 6-min walking distance (317.2 ± 135.2 m). Patients with blood eosinophil count at least 100 cells/μL were 79.2% and at least 300 cells/μL were 33.8%. Intestinal parasites were not found. Significant positive correlations were found between high blood eosinophilia and some post-bronchodilator lung function parameters. In conclusion, eosinophilic COPD was not uncommon. No intestinal parasite was found in this population. This study suggests that stool parasite exam might be omitted for routine practice.Clinicaltrials.in.th Number: TCTR20191129002.

Implementation of the chronic obstructive pulmonary disease Assessment Test in clinical practice.

The chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) Assessment Test (CAT) is a questionnaire used for COPD symptom assessment that is valid, reliable, and evidence based; yet, few specialty or primary care practices have formally implemented it in practice. The University of Colorado's pulmonary division has consistently been rated the best in the country by US News and World Reports; however, the dedicated multidisciplinary COPD clinic at the University had yet to formally implement any COPD Assessment tools for COPD symptom management. This quality improvement project focused on the successful implementation of the CAT for management of COPD and whether its use impacts symptom management. Plan-Do-Study-Act cycles were used to implement the CAT questionnaire in the outpatient COPD clinic from April 16 to September 30, 2019. Weekly retrospective chart evaluation was completed to evaluate CAT completion, documentation, and associated medical intervention rates. Weekly patient phone surveys were completed on qualifying COPD patients to garner patient opinion on the utility of the CAT in symptom management. The CAT was administered to all COPD patients in University of Colorado Hospital's COPD clinic. Cat-themed signs, decorations, and treats were provided to staff on COPD clinic days to increase staff buy-in. The CAT was completed on 217 of 245 (89%) patients with COPD. Of patients surveyed, 81% (n = 53) noted that their symptoms were better managed after CAT implementation. Implementation and utilization of COPD assessment tools, like the CAT, are practical and sustainable in a specialty practice setting. Moreover, the CAT helps with COPD symptom management.

Clinical Development and Research Applications of the Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Assessment Test.

The COPD Assessment Test (CAT) was developed by a multidisciplinary group of international experts in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) as a short, easy-to-use (paper or digital) tool to assess symptoms and impact of the disease. The CAT should facilitate and encourage meaningful discussions between healthcare professionals and patients, enabling reliable assessment of the impact over time of COPD on a person's life. It measures a number of symptoms, the total scores of which can be used to give an overall impact and severity score for a patient's COPD. Over the past 10 years the CAT has been widely used across a wide range of clinical practice settings, employed by international and national guidelines as an instrument for COPD severity stratification and management and has been included in many clinical trials. The CAT is managed by an International Governance Board to facilitate its broad adoption and ensure that it continues to be developed in the best interests of patients with obstructive lung disease. The CAT is available to patients, healthcare professionals, and researchers through a public website. The authors propose that the CAT be used as a clinical outcomes assessment drug development tool. This recommendation is based on its frequent use in clinical practice and in Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) to assess health status, as well as its frequent application as an entry criterion and efficacy outcome in clinical development programs.

Validation of the Korean Version of the Bronchiectasis Health Questionnaire.

BackgroundThe Bronchiectasis Health Questionnaire (BHQ) is a simple and repeatable, self-reporting health status questionnaire for bronchiectasis. We have translated the original version of the BHQ into Korean using a standardized methodology. The purpose of this study was to assess the validity of the Korean version of the BHQ (K-BHQ) with Korean patients.MethodsStable state patients with bronchiectasis from two academic hospitals were enrolled in this study. The validity was assessed by investigating the relationship between the K-BHQ scores and the Korean version of the Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Assessment Test (K-CAT) scores. We also investigated the relationship between the K-BHQ scores and other variables of the modified Medical Research Council’s (mMRC) dyspnea scale, lung function, and exacerbations.ResultsA total of 126 patients with bronchiectasis were enrolled. The mean age was 64.3 (standard deviation [SD], 9.7). Women comprised 53.2% of the patients. The mean forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV₁) was 60% of the predicted value (SD, 18.9%); the mean K-CAT score was 17.6 (SD, 9.1). The K-BHQ scores correlated strongly with the K-CAT scores (r=–0.656, p<0.001). There was significant correlation between the K-BHQ scores and the mMRC dyspnea scale (ρ=–0.409, p<0.001), FEV₁ (r=0.406, p<0.001), and number of exacerbations requiring hospitalization (ρ=–0.303, p=0.001).ConclusionThe K-BHQ is valid for assessing the health-related quality of life or health status of Korean bronchiectasis patients.

Decreased handgrip strength can predict lung function impairment in male workers: a cross sectional study

BackgroundSpirometry is useful for evaluating respiratory health status and predicting health-related outcomes. As spirometry requires skilled technician and takes time, it is useful to find simple way for predicting lung function impairment. The aim of this study was to investigate which tests could predict lung function impairment among workers.MethodsThis prospective study included workers of manufacturing industry who underwent health check-ups in 2017. Subjects underwent the chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) assessment test (CAT), spirometry, and physical fitness assessments, including handgrip strength (HGS). Lung function impairment was defined as a decline in any of forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), or a FEV1/FVC ratio less than the lower limit of normal (LLN).ResultsComplete data on 475 workers (366 men, 50.4% ever smokers) were available. Lung function impairment was observed in 99 subjects (64 men). Men with lung function impairment had significantly higher rate of ever-smoking, passive smoking at home in childhood, high CAT scores, and decreased HGS, compared with those without. On multivariate analyses, ever-smoking (odds ratio [OR], 2.50; 95% confidence intervals [CI], 1.25–4.97), passive smoking at home in childhood (OR, 2.71; 95% CI, 1.16–6.32), CAT scores (OR, 1.06; 95% CI, 1.01–1.12), and HGS (OR, 0.73; 95% CI, 0.57–0.92) were independently associated with lung function impairment in men.ConclusionsEver-smoking, passive smoking at home in childhood, high CAT scores, and decreased HGS are significantly associated with lung function impairment in men.Trial registrationRegistration number: UMIN000028011. Date of registration: July 1, 2017.

Efficacy and Safety of the 9-mm Intrabronchial Valve in Patients with Advanced Emphysema

Background: Endoscopic valve therapy aims at lung volume reduction that is associated with improved lung function, exercise tolerance and quality of life in emphysema patients. The size of intrabronchial valves of the Spiration® Valve System (SVS) selected to achieve lobar occlusion may have an influence on treatment outcomes. Methods: 49 severe emphysema patients (M/F: 24/25, age: 64 ± 7 years), with complete interlobar fissures on the side intended to be treated, underwent treatment with at least one 9-mm intrabronchial valve implantation at 3 centers and were followed up at 30, 90 and 180 days after intervention. Changes in pulmonary function tests (PFT), 6-min walk test (6MWT), modified Medical Research Council (mMRC) dyspnea scale and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease assessment test scores as well as possible complications were recorded. Results: Forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV₁) improved significantly over the 6-month period of the study, and the proportion of patients achieving a minimal clinically important difference (MCID) for FEV₁ was 46.4% at 6 months. Regarding the remaining PFT values, the changes were not statistically significant at 6 months, but when looking at the MCIDs, 44.4% of the patients achieved the MCID decrease for residual volume. The 6MWT distance also improved statistically significantly, and an MCID increase of ≥26 m was reached by 41.7% of the patients. Furthermore, there was a statistically significant improvement in the mMRC score. The incidence of pneumothoraxes requiring drainage was 26.5% while a valve dislocation rate of 24% was observed but only in the lower lobes. Conclusions: Endoscopic lung volume reduction with the 9-mm SVS valves was associated with statistically significant but modest improvement of FEV₁, mMRC and 6MWT up to 6 months after intervention. These results were accompanied by an anticipated and acceptable risk profile. The relative increased incidence of device dislocation observed needs to be further elucidated.

Chronic Cough and Phlegm in Subjects Undergoing Comprehensive Health Examination in Japan - Survey of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Patients Epidemiology in Japan (SCOPE-J).

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to estimate the prevalence of subjects with chronic cough and phlegm and describe their characteristics including the presence or absence of airflow limitation among the general population in Japan.Subjects and MethodsThis was an observational cross-sectional survey targeting multiple regions of Japan. Subjects aged 40 years or above who were undergoing comprehensive health examination were recruited. The existence of chronic cough and phlegm, airflow limitation, and treatment for respiratory diseases were examined. Chronic cough and phlegm were defined as having both symptoms for at least 3 months of the year and for at least 2 consecutive years, or as receiving any treatment for chronic bronchitis at the time of recruitment. Airflow limitation was defined as forced expiratory volume in 1 s/forced vital capacity (FEV1/FVC) less than 0.7.ResultsIn a total of 22,293 subjects, 380 subjects (1.7%) had chronic cough and phlegm. Among these 380 subjects, 21.8% received treatment for a respiratory disease, and 11.6% had airflow limitation. Compared to subjects without both chronic cough and phlegm but with airflow limitation, subjects with chronic cough and phlegm without airflow limitation were younger, more likely to be current smokers (39.6%), and had higher total scores on a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) assessment test (CAT). Scores of CAT questions 1–4 (cough, phlegm, chest tightness, breathlessness, respectively) were higher in subjects with chronic cough and phlegm regardless of airflow limitation.ConclusionThis study demonstrated that subjects identified to have chronic cough and phlegm in comprehensive health examination settings were symptomatic, while most of them did not receive any treatment for respiratory diseases and did not have airflow limitation. Screening subjects for chronic cough and phlegm in a comprehensive health examination followed by a detailed examination of screened subjects could be an effective approach for better management of chronic cough and phlegm. Smoking cessation should be included in the management, in consideration that around 40% of subjects with chronic cough and phlegm were current smokers.

Validity of EQ-5D utility index and minimal clinically important difference estimation among patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

BackgroundThe discriminatory ability of multi-attribute utility (MAU) measures compared to condition-specific measures (CSM) in assessing health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is an unsettled issue. This study investigated the quality of life of patients with COPD with three different HRQoL instruments and examined whether they could differentiate between adjacent severity groups in a statistically and clinically meaningful manner. In the process, the minimal clinically important differences (MCID) of the EQ-5D utility index were estimated.MethodsCross-sectional survey data were collected from patients with mild to very severe COPD in South Korea. In addition to demographic and clinical information, the following HRQoL questionnaires were used: The three-level five-dimensional Euro-Quality of Life tool (EQ-5D-3L), the EQ-Visual Analog Scale (EQ-VAS), and the Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Assessment Test (CAT). Patients’ health-related quality of life was analyzed with reference to severity groups based on the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) classification. To investigate the discriminatory ability of the HRQoL instruments between COPD severity groups, tests examining variance, covariance, and standardized mean difference were performed. After estimating the MCID of the EQ-5D utility index using the anchor-based method, we investigated whether the differences in the EQ-5D utility scores between groups exceeded the clinically meaningful minimum level.ResultsA total of 298 patients completed this study. All the quality of life scores showed statistically significant differences between the GOLD severity groups. The pooled MCID estimate for the EQ-5D utility index was 0.028 (range: 0.017–0.033). Even after adjusting for other factors affecting quality of life, the EQ-5D utility index differentiated the GOLD groups well.ConclusionsWe conclude that the EQ-5D utility index is a valid instrument for measuring the quality of life of patients with COPD, and the pooled MCID estimate for the EQ-5D utility index was 0.028.

Validation of Serbian version of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease assessment test

Background/Aim. The Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) Assessment Test (CAT) is a simple and reliable tool designed to measure overall COPD related health status and complement physician assessment in routine clinical practice. Objective of this study was to evaluate the validity of the Serbian version of CAT. Methods. Study included 140 outpatients in the stable COPD, recruited from two centres: Clinic for Pulmonology, Clinical Center of Serbia, Belgrade, and Institute for Pulmonary Diseases of Vojvodina, Sremska Kamenica. All patients completed pulmonary function testing ? spirometry, the CAT and the modified Medical Research Council (mMRC) dyspnea scale at baseline visit. The CAT test-retest reliability was tested in 20 patients by the same investigator (physician). Results. We demonstrated that Serbian version of CAT had high internal consistency with Cronbach?s alpha 0.88. Test-retest analysis showed good correlation between CAT scores in two time points (Spearman?s ? = 0.681, p &lt; 0.01). In our study the CAT correlated moderately to mMRC scale (? = +0.57), weakly to FEV1 (? -0.214), was positively related to number of exacerbations, but did not showed exact regularity with change in the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive lung disease (GOLD) stage. Conclusion. The Serbian version of CAT is a reliable, simple and easy-to-use tool that can be used in everyday clinical practice to assess the health status of COPD patients in Serbia.

Clinical Role of the Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Assessment Test in Prediction of the Response to Treatment for Exacerbations.

BackgroundThe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) assessment test (CAT) is a validated, eight-item questionnaire used to quantify the health status of patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of the CAT questionnaire as a tool to assess the response to treatment in acute exacerbations of COPD in an outpatient setting.MethodsA multicenter, phase 3 randomized controlled trial was conducted previously to examine the efficacy and safety of oral zabofloxacin for the treatment of COPD exacerbations. In the present post hoc analysis of the original study, patients with COPD exacerbation were categorized as responders or non-responders according to the respiratory symptoms persisting on day 10 (visit 3) of treatment. The CAT questionnaire was completed daily by patients at home from the initial visit to the second visit on day 5. Subsequently, the questionnaire was completed in the presence of a physician on days 10 (visit 3) and 36 (visit 4). Multivariate regression analysis was performed to determine the association between CAT scores and the therapeutic response.ResultsThe CAT scores decreased more rapidly in responders compared to non-responders during the first 5 days (23.3–20.4 vs. 23.5–22). Among responders, patients with higher severity of illness also revealed higher CAT scores on the first day of an exacerbation (mild, 19.8; moderate, 21.4; severe, 23.8; very severe, 28.6). Multivariate analysis revealed that a change in the CAT score during the first 3 days influenced the therapeutic response. A significant decrease in scores in the domains of sputum production, chest tightness, and activities of daily living was seen among responders.ConclusionEarly improvement in CAT scores may be associated with a more favorable response to the treatment of COPD exacerbations.Trial RegistrationClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01658020Trial RegistrationClinical Research Information Service Identifier: KCT0000532

Evaluation of a chest rehabilitation project in Nepal using the St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Assessment Test.

[Purpose] The incidence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is rapidly increasing worldwide. In Nepal, it has the highest mortality rate among all noninfectious diseases. Since 2015, we have been involved in a project that aims to facilitate chest rehabilitation for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in Nepal. We compared the Nepali version of the St. George’s Respiratory Questionnaire with the Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Assessment Test, the latter of which was translated into Nepali for this project. We also evaluated the extent to which patient quality of life improved after the rehabilitation program. [Participants and Methods] The Nepali St. George’s Respiratory Questionnaire and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Assessment Test were used to assess the health status of patients both before the intervention’s initiation and one year after it. Between May and September of 2016, 122 patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease participated in this program. [Results] We collected valid responses from 57 patients both before and after the intervention. The scores of both screening tools were significantly lower after the intervention than before and showed a significant correlation with one another. [Conclusion] These results suggest that the Nepali version of the Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Assessment Test is a reliable tool for the evaluation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and that the intervention used in the project might be effective for patients afflicted with the disease. However, there are limitations to the research design, such as the limited number of participants used in the study.

Is Inhaler Technique Associated with Quality of Life in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease?

Inhalers are the mainstay of treatment for patients suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. However, incorrect inhaler technique is a considerable challenge. We aimed to evaluate inhaler technique and its association with quality of life in a sample of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. This cross-sectional study included patients with confirmed chronic obstructive pulmonary disease who were prescribed at least 1 inhaler medication on a regular basis. Patients were recruited from the outpatient pulmonary clinic of a hospital in Tehran. Inhaler technique was assessed according to a validated checklist. Patients' quality of life was evaluated using Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Assessment Test. One hundred seventy-five patients with mean (SD) age of 59.0 (10.1) years were included. Patients' devices were 192 (62.3%) pressurized metered-dose inhalers (including pressurized metered-dose inhalers plus spacer) and 116 (37.7%) dry powder inhalers. Unfortunately, only 2.86% of patients used their inhalers completely correct. The highest rate of errors was committed by patients who used metered-dose inhalers plus spacer. Patients with a higher educational degree had significantly lower rate of errors on average (P = 0.001). The most frequent errors made by patients using pressurized metered-dose inhalers or Turbuhaler was priming the inhaler before the first administration in 90.6% and 78.3% of patients, respectively. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Assessment Test scores in patients using different inhaler devices were not significantly different. However, in patients with lower quality of life, significantly more patients had poor inhaler technique (P = 0.0001). There is still considerable need for interventions to optimize inhaler technique. We also noted that appropriate inhaler technique is associated with better quality of life. (Curr Ther Res Clin Exp. 2020; 81:XXX-XXX).

Predictive role of interleukin-6 and CAT score in mechanical ventilation in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease at the acute exacerbation stage in the emergency department.

The study aimed to evaluate the predictive role of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) assessment test (CAT) score in mechanical ventilation (MV) in COPD patients at the acute exacerbation stage in the emergency department (ED). For a one-year period, among adult patients in the ED who met the criteria of acute exacerbation of COPD, 158 who received MV within 48 hours after admission were compared to 294 who didn't require MV within the same period after admission. IL-6 level and CAT score were compared between the two groups. The predicted value of IL-6 and CAT score was assessed by logistic regression analysis and a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. The IL-6 and CAT scores in the 158 MV patients were much higher than those without. IL-6 and CAT scores were independent predictors of MV within 48 hours using logistic regression analysis (IL-6: odds ratio [OR] 1.053, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.039-1.067, P<0.001; CAT score: OR 1.122, 95% CI 1.086-1.159, P<0.001). The combination of IL-6 and CAT scores (area under ROC curve [AUC] 0.826, 95% CI 0.786-0.866, P<0.001) improved the accuracy of predicting MV within 48 hours when compared with IL-6 (AUC 0.752, 95% CI 0.703-0.800, P<0.001) and CAT scores alone (AUC 0.739, 95% CI 0.692-0.786, P<0.001). The sensitivity and specificity were 69.6%, 74.1%, 75.32% and 63.6%, respectively. The combined of IL-6 and CAT scores is useful for evaluating the risk of COPD patients at acute exacerbation in ED, and can provide a predictive value for MV or not within 48 hours.

Predictive value of Chartis measurement for lung function improvements in bronchoscopic lung volume reduction.

Background:Bronchoscopic lung volume reduction (BLVR) via valve implantation can be achieved by targeting severely hyperinflated and emphysematously destructed lung areas in patients with chronic obstructive lung disease. Lack of collateral ventilation (CV) is important for good outcomes with BLVR. CV can be measured using the catheter-based Chartis system. The aim of this study was to evaluate the correlation between total exhaled volume drained from the target lobe measured by Chartis and clinical outcomes after BLVR in CV-negative patients.Methods:From January 2016 to March 2019, 60 patients were included in this retrospective single-center analysis. Drained volume (TVol) measured by Chartis was recorded and compared with lung function and physical performance parameters. Outcome variables included the percentage change in lung function [forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), residual volume (RV), and inspiratory vital capacity (IVC)]. Secondary outcomes were the degree of target lobe volume reduction (TLVR), change in 6-min walk distance (6MWD), and change in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) assessment test (CAT) score.Results:Drained volume correlated significantly with post-BLVR change in FEV1 (r = 0.663), IVC (r = 0.611), RV (r = −0.368), and TLVR (r = 0.635) (all p < 0.05). In a priori-defined patient subgroups based on drained volume [<100 ml (n = 19), 100−400 ml (n = 33), and >400 ml (n = 8)]; mean changes in FEV1 were 2.6%, 17.4%, and 51.3%; in RV were −3.9%, −10.6%, and −23.8%; in IVC were −4.0%, 10.6%, and 62.4%; and in TLVR were 525 ml (39%), 1375 ml (73%) and 1760 ml (100%), respectively. There were no significant correlations between absolute and percentage changes in 6MWD and the CAT score. Lung volume reduction was diagnosed in 32 (53%) cases.Conclusion:Drained volume measured by the Chartis system correlated with functional improvement in CV-negative patients undergoing BLVR. The reviews of this paper are available via the supplemental material section.

Tai Chi Movements for Wellbeing - evaluation of a British Lung Foundation pilot.

In breathless individuals with respiratory disease, pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) can improve exercise capacity, symptoms and ability to cope with their condition. However, access is often limited, and adherence can be poor. Thus, there is interest in developing alternative and complementary forms of exercise intervention and tai chi may be effective in this context. The British Lung Foundation worked in collaboration with 'Tai Chi Movements for Wellbeing' Training to train leaders to run community-based tai chi groups in the UK. Leaders received funding to run 3 months of once-a-week classes consisting of a 12 movement sequence of tai chi. Participants completed a questionnaire survey to evaluate the service at the start of their first session and again after 3 months. Ten tai chi groups recruited 128 participants, 65% women, mean (standard deviation (SD)) age 70.1 (7.4) years at baseline. Seventy individuals completed the follow-up questionnaire at 3 months. Participants demonstrated an improvement in Medical Research Council (MRC) Dyspnoea Score pre 3 (interquartile range (IQR) = 1.8), post 2 (IQR = 1), p = .013 and disease burden; chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) assessment test score pre 19.4 (8.7), post 17.9 (9.4), mean change -1.5 (confidence interval (CI): -2.89 to -0.127), p = .033. Those who completed the programme had a worse baseline COPD assessment test (CAT) score and were more likely to have participated in maintenance exercise previously. Qualitative feedback suggested that participants felt the classes had helped with breathlessness and relaxation. Establishing a tai chi for wellbeing programme for people with respiratory disease is feasible, with a reasonable level of compliance, and is perceived to be helpful by participants.

Patterns and Predictors of Recovery from Poor Health Status Measured with the Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Assessment Test in Patients with Stable COPD: A Longitudinal Study.

Recent recommendations for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) suggest that evaluation and management should focus on patient health status. Despite the frequency of poor health status and its negative impact on patients with COPD, little is known about how poor or non-poor health status persists and/or remits over time or what factors might predict recovery from a poor health status. The aim was to determine the likelihood of transitioning between poor and non-poor health status in patients with stable COPD followed for 2 years and to investigate factors that might predict recovery from poor health status. We prospectively included 137 patients with stable COPD (mean age, 66.9 years ± 8.3). Health status was measured at baseline and after 1 and 2 years with the COPD assessment test (CAT). Higher scores indicated worse health status, and 10 was the cut-off score for discriminating between non-poor and poor health status. The likelihoods of annual transitions to new episodes and recovery were calculated. We evaluated demographic, non-respiratory, and respiratory variables as potential predictors with generalized estimating equations. At baseline, 37 patients (27%) reported non-poor health status. Within the group of patients displaying poor health status at the beginning of the year, 176 annual transitions were identified during the study period: 15.9% were transitions to recovery from poor health status. In contrast, of the 70 transitions from a starting non-poor health status, 32.4% worsened. Predictors of transitions to recovery were: current non-smoker status (odds ratio (OR) = 3.88; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.64–5.54) and handgrip strength (OR = 1.08; 95% CI: 1.00–1.16). This study suggests that self-reported health status, measured with the CAT, has a dynamic nature in patients with COPD. Annual transitions towards recovery from poor health status are most likely among current non-smoking patients and those with high handgrip strength.

The London Chest Activity of Daily Living scale cut-off point to discriminate functional status in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

ObjectiveTo determine the cut-off point for the London Chest Activity of Daily Living scale in order to better discriminate functional status. Secondarily, to determine which of the scores (total or %total) is better associated with clinical outcomes of a pulmonary rehabilitation program. MethodsSixty-one patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease performed the following tests: spirometry; Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Assessment Test; Saint George's Respiratory Questionnaire; modified Medical Research Council, the body-mass index, airflow obstruction, dyspnea, and exercise capacity index; six-minute walk test; physical activity in daily life assessment and London Chest Activity of Daily Living scale. Thirty-eight patients were evaluated pre- and post-pulmonary rehabilitation . The cut-off point was determined using the receiver operating characteristic curve with six-minute walk test (cut-off point: 82%pred), modified Medical Research Council (cut-off point: 2), level of physical (in)activity (cut-off point: 80min per day in physical activity ≥3 metabolic equivalent of task) and presence/absence of severe physical inactivity (cut-off point: 4580 steps per day) as anchors. ResultsA cut-off point found for all anchors was 28%: modified Medical Research Council [sensitivity=83%; specificity=72%; area under the curve=0.80]; level of physical (in)activity [sensitivity=65%; specificity=59%; area under the curve=0.67] and classification of severe physical inactivity [sensitivity=70%; specificity=62%; area under the curve=0.70]. The patients who scored ≤28% in %total score of London Chest Activity of Daily Living had lower modified Medical Research Council , Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Assessment Test, Saint George's Respiratory Questionnaire, body-mass index, airflow obstruction, dyspnea and exercise capacity index and sitting time than who scored >28%, and higher forced expiratory volume in the first second, time in physical activity ≥3 metabolic equivalent of task, steps per day and six-minute walk distance. The %total score of London Chest Activity of Daily Living correlated better with clinical outcomes than the total score. ConclusionsThe cut-off point of 28% is sensitive and specific to distinguish the functional status in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The %total score of the London Chest Activity of Daily Living reflects better outcomes of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease when compared to total score.

Chronic lung disease in adult recurrent tuberculosis survivors in Zimbabwe: a cohort study.

To examine the prevalence and magnitude of chronic lung disease (CLD) and its association with empiric anti-tuberculosis treatment (due to lack of bacteriologic confirmation) among recurrent tuberculosis (TB) survivors in a human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) prevalent setting. Prospective cohort study of retreatment TB survivors in Harare, Zimbabwe. At median follow-up of 2 years post-treatment initiation, we characterized mortality, respiratory impairment, and mental health. Among 175 retreatment TB survivors, 65% of whom were HIV-positive and 21% had been empirically treated, multiparameter CLD was noted at follow-up among 14% of patients (95%CI 9.0-19.7), with a six-fold increase in age-adjusted death in the first year following treatment completion. Empirically treated TB (relative risk [RR] 3.4, 95%CI 1.4-8.3) was associated with CLD, as was the number of previous anti-tuberculosis treatment courses in dose-dependent fashion (three vs. one, RR 6.2, 95%CI 1.7-22.1). Among retreatment TB survivors, 33% (95%CI 26.0-40.1) had persistent respiratory symptoms (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Assessment Test score 10); 26% (95%CI 19.8-33.0) significant deficits in exercise capacity (median incremental shuttle walk test distance, 550 m; Q1-Q₃ 440-730 m); 83% (95%CI 75.7-89.7) residual radiographic abnormalities on chest X-ray; 12% (95%CI 6.6-16.1%) moderate-to-severe obstruction on spirometry; and 13% (95%CI 7.6-17.5%) major depression. Despite successful treatment, retreatment TB survivors retain a substantial risk of morbidity and mortality.

Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells Can Ameliorate Airway Remodelling and Improve Oxidative Stress: An Open Label and Randomized Clinical Trial Study on Sulfur Mustard Exposed Patients

Background: Lung is a primary target for sulfur mustard (SM) toxicity. Here, we investigated the potential efficacy and safety of adipose derived mesenchymal stem cell (AdMSC) on respiratory quality, lung regeneration, oxidative stress, and airway remodelling in patients with mustard lung. Methods: In this clinical trial study, 10 patients received 100x106 cells every 20 days for 4 injections over 8 weeks. The pulmonary function tests (PFT), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) Assessment Test (CAT), Borg Scale Dyspnea Assessment (BSDA), and 6 Minute Walk Test (6MWT) were evaluated. Total antioxidant capacity (TAC), malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione (GSH) were measured in the sputum of all samples. Changes in expression of metallothionein 3 (MT3), glutathione reductase (GR), glutathione peroxidase (GPX), and lacto peroxidase (LPO), as well as matrix metallopeptidase 2 (MMP2), matrix metallopeptidase 9 (MMP9), transforming growth factor-b1 (TGF-b), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), metallopeptidase inhibitor 1 (TIMP1), and metallopeptidase inhibitor 2 (TIMP2) were assessed using real-time PCR. Clara cell protein 16 (CC16) and Mucin-1 protein (KL-6) were measured in the sputum all samples as biomarkers of lung injury using enzyme immunoassay method. This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT02749448). Findings: Spirometry test results were slightly improved after each injection. A gradual improvement was observed in the mean of 6MWT scores. CASA-Q and VAS scores were increased, while means of CAT and Borg-Score were decreased. A significant improvement was found for the mean of KL-6 (p=0.022) and CC16 (p=0.005) levels. Sputum levels of TAC and GSH had a tendency to be higher after each injection, while MDA content was decreased. An improvement was observed for antioxidants genes, especially for GSR, MT3 and LPO, compared to the baseline. A gradual upregulation was found for VEGF and TGF-β expression after MSCs therapy. MSCs caused a balance between MMP9/TIMP1 and MMP2/TIMP2 ratio. The MMP2/TIMP2 ratio was decreased from 4.9 on baseline to 0.71 on day 180 (p<0.001), while the MMP9/TIMP1 ratio was declined from 16.35 on baseline to 0.64 on day 180 (p<0.001). Interpretation: The findings suggest that MSCs therapy can be safely used for improvement of lung injury and regeneration in these patients without any adverse effects. Trial Registration Number: This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT02749448). Funding: Iran National Science Foundation and Veterans Foundation. Declaration of Interest: The authors confirm that there are no conflicts of interest. Ethical Approval: The ethics review board of the Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences (Cod: IR.BMSU.REC.1393.32) approved this survey and all patients signed an informed consent letter before the study.