Outcomes In Pulmonary Disease Research Articles

Fixed Handheld Dynamometry Provides Reliable and Valid Values for Quadriceps Isometric Strength in People With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A Multicenter Study.

Quadriceps weakness is associated with poor clinical outcomes in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, quadriceps isometric strength assessment has not been routinely adopted in clinical practice because of the lack of homogeneity in the devices and protocols and the lack of reliability studies. The objectives of this study were to determine the test-retest reliability and the criterion validity of a commercially available handheld dynamometer for evaluating the quadriceps isometric maximal voluntary contraction (iMVCquad) using a standardized protocol and to investigate the relationship between iMVCquad and functional capacity in people with COPD. This was a prospective, observational, multicenter trial. Participants with mild to severe COPD from 4 Canadian sites were tested on 2 separate days. Five iMVCquad measurements were obtained following a standardized procedure with a fixed handheld dynamometer (iMVCquad-HHD), and then 5 iMVCquad measurements were obtained with a computerized dynamometer (iMVCquad-CD; the gold standard). Functional capacity was assessed with the Short Physical Performance Battery. Intraclass correlation coefficients, standard errors of measurement, Bland-Altman plots, and Spearman correlation coefficients were used for analyses. Sixty-five participants (mean age=69 years [SD=8]; forced expiratory volume in 1 second=48% of predicted value [SD=21]) completed the study. The mean iMVCquad-HHD values on visits 1 and 2 were 102.7 (SD=51.6) and 105.6 (SD=58.8) N·m, respectively; the standard error of measurement was 11.4 N·m. The between-visits intraclass correlation coefficient for iMVCquad-HHD was 0.95 (95% confidence interval =0.92-0.97), with a mean bias of 2.0 (Bland-Altman plot). There was a strong correlation between iMVCquad-HHD and iMVCquad-CD (Spearman correlation coefficient=0.86). There was no correlation between iMVCquad-HHD and Short Physical Performance Battery total score. Participants had stable COPD with few comorbidities and were more physically active than the general population of people with COPD; results might not be applicable to patients with acute exacerbations of the disease or more comorbidities. Assessment order between handheld and computerized dynamometers has not been randomized, but analyses did not highlight any systematic bias or learning effect. Quadriceps strength assessment can be implemented in a reliable and valid way in people with COPD using a fixed handheld dynamometer and standardized procedure. This protocol should be established in clinical practice to facilitate the assessment of muscle strength in people with COPD.

Modern Innovative Solutions to Improve Outcomes in Asthma, Breathlessness, and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (MISSION ABC): Protocol for a Mixed-Methods Study.

BackgroundA high proportion of the costs for respiratory diseases are generated by a relatively small group of patients with severe disease (recognized or unrecognized) or complex problems that include multimorbidity, at-risk behaviors, and socioeconomic disadvantage. These patients often struggle to engage with the structured, proactive, care approaches for chronic disease management advocated for asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), resulting in repeated emergency use of both primary and secondary health care. An integrated approach for the management of complex patients, incorporating both specialist and primary care teams’ expertise, may be effective in improving outcomes for such high-risk patients. However, the evidence is mixed, and there is a need for evaluation of models of integrated care in routine “real-world” clinical settings.ObjectiveThis mixed-methods protocol examines the implementation of a novel integrated care model for patients with airways disease and undifferentiated breathlessness by using both quantitative and qualitative evaluation of processes, patient and health care professional experiences, and clinical outcomes throughout the clinic cycles. It aims to establish whether Modern Innovative Solutions to Improve Outcomes in Asthma, Breathlessness, and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (MISSION ABC), including innovative diagnostic and self-management tools, can deliver improvements in health service use and clinical outcomes for the different patient groups (asthma, breathlessness, and COPD) and compares the 12-month period prior to the first patient visit and the 6-month period following the last visit.MethodsA combination of study designs is required to evaluate all aspects of the service: participatory action research approach, involving real-time evaluation at each clinic to inform subsequent clinics; before-and-after study for patient outcomes before and after clinic attendance; and qualitative methods (interviews and focus groups).ResultsThe results will be compiled and published in April 2019.ConclusionsEvaluation of the clinic cycles will include consideration of qualitative data from patients, carers, and health care professionals in addition to quantitative outcomes for service implementation and patient factors. The long-term impact of the service will be evaluated using clinical and health service outcomes.International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)DERR1-10.2196/9228

Resting hyperinflation and emphysema on the clinical course of COPD

The aim of this study is to clarify whether the combined evaluation of resting hyperinflation and emphysema confers any additional advantages in terms of predicting clinical outcomes in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients. We included COPD patients from the Korean Obstructive Lung Disease (KOLD) cohort. Patients with a residual volume/total lung capacity (RV/TLC) over the upper limit of normal were defined as having resting hyperinflation, and those with an emphysema index >10% were defined as having emphysema. We investigated the impacts of resting hyperinflation and emphysema on exacerbations and mortality. A total of 310 COPD patients were analyzed over a mean of 61.1 months. After adjustment for covariates, resting hyperinflation was an independent predictor of earlier exacerbation (HR = 1.66, CI = 1.24–2.22), more frequent exacerbation (IRR = 1.35, CI = 1.01–1.81), and higher mortality (HR = 2.45, CI = 1.16–5.17) risk. Emphysema was also significantly associated with earlier exacerbation (HR = 1.64, CI = 1.15–2.35), and higher mortality (HR = 3.13, CI = 1.06–9.27) risk. Participants with both resting hyperinflation and emphysema had an additively higher risk of earlier exacerbations (HR = 1.71, 95% CI = 1.26–2.33) and mortality (HR = 3.75, 95% CI = 1.81–7.73) compared with those in other groups. In conclusion, resting hyperinflation and emphysema had additional worse impacts on exacerbations and mortality in COPD patients.

Frailty and Clinical Outcomes in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.

Frailty represents an increased vulnerability to adverse health outcomes. The frailty phenotype conceptual model (three or more patient attributes of wasting, exhaustion, low activity, slowness, and weakness) is associated with increased morbidity and mortality in geriatric populations. Our objective was to describe the risks associated with frailty in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Data from the National Emphysema Treatment Trial (NETT) were retrospectively analyzed. The frailty phenotype conceptual model was operationalized as three or more frailty parameters (a body mass index decrease of ≥5% over 12 months, self-reported exhaustion, low 6-minute walk distance, or physical activity or respiratory muscle strength in the lowest quartile). Frail participants were compared with participants with two or fewer frailty parameters. Participants were followed starting 12 months after NETT randomization (to minimize surgical effect) for 24 months. Univariate, multivariate, Kaplan-Meier, and Cox proportional hazard analyses were performed, adjusting for treatment arm, age, modified Medical Research Council dyspnea scale, sex, and baseline forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1). Multiple imputation was used for missing values. The participants (N = 902) were predominantly white (94.5%) males (59.5%), with a median age of 67 years (interquartile range, 63-70 yr) and a median FEV1% predicted of 26 (interquartile range, 20-33). Six percent of the participants (95% confidence interval [CI], 4.5 to 7.6) were frail. The incidence rate of frailty was 6.4 per 100 person-years. Frail participants reported significantly worse disease-specific and overall quality of life by St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire total score (mean difference of 11.6; 95% CI, 7.6 to 15.6; P < 0.001), mental composite on Medical Outcomes Survey Short Form-36 (mean difference -6.8; 95% CI, -10.0 to -3.6; P < 0.001), and physical composite scores on Medical Outcomes Survey Short Form-36 (mean difference -16.7; 95% CI, -21.3 to -12.1; P = 0.001). Frail participants had an increased rate of hospitalization (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.6; 95% CI, 1.1 to 2.5; P = 0.02) and an adjusted increase in hospital use of 8.0 days (95% CI, 4.4 to 11.6; P < 0.001) compared with nonfrail participants. Frail participants had a higher mortality rate (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.4; 95% CI, 0.97 to 2.0; P = 0.07). Among adults with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, our measure of frailty (modified from the Fried frailty phenotype) was associated with incident and longer-duration hospitalization, and with poor quality of life.

Use, utility and methods of telehealth for patients with COPD in England and Wales: a healthcare provider survey

IntroductionAlthough the effectiveness of domiciliary monitoring (telehealth) to improve outcomes in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is controversial, it is being used in the National Health Service (NHS).AimTo explore the...

Improving outcomes in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease by taking beta-blockers after acute myocardial infarction: a nationwide observational study

β-Blockers are a standard therapy for acute myocardial infarction (AMI) due to their better short-term and long-term outcomes. However, β-blockers are often under-prescribed in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients with AMI, since they are thought be related to bronchospasm. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between the usage of β-blockers and the risk of mortality in COPD patients after first AMI via a nationwide, population-based cohort study. In this retrospective study, we identified 186,326 patients with AMI diagnosed between January 2000 and December 2012, 23,116 of whom had COPD, from the National Health Insurance Research Database. A total of 7609 patients (32.92%) were prescribed β-blockers, while 15,507 were not. The β-blocker patients were stratified into selective and non-selective β-blocker groups. Multivariate Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate adjusted hazard ratios (HR) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). Selective β-blocker use showed a reduced risk of mortality, as compared with patients without β-blockers (HR 0.93; 95% CI 0.89-0.98; p < 0.01) while non-selective β-blocker groups did not increase the risk of mortality compared to the patients without β-blockers (HR 0.98; 95% CI 0.94-1.02; p = 0.38). In addition, the use of β-blockers was found to be associated with a reduced risk of mortality in most stratified analyses which was seen particularly in males, patients aged 65years and above, and in individuals with an array of comorbidities. These findings suggest that β-blockers improve overall survival among COPD patients after first AMI.

Vitamin D deficiency and pulmonary affection in rheumatoid arthritis

Background Vitamin D appears to play a key role both in the innate and in the adaptive immune system, and the presence of its receptors in different cell types seems to play a role in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Vitamin D deficiency is common and seems to be correlated with the course of RA and outcome of pulmonary disease, which is a major contributor to morbidity and mortality in RA patients. Aim This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and its relationship with pulmonary affection in a cohort of Egyptian RA patients. Patients and methods A total of 100 RA patients were enrolled in this study, who underwent a clinical examination, with a focus on articular and extra-articular manifestations including pulmonary manifestations. Assessment of RA disease activity was performed using the disease activity score (DAS)-28 score and serum vitamin D level was measured. Spirometry and diffusion lung capacity for carbon monoxide were performed. Radiographic evaluation, Plain x-ray on hands, chest x-ray and high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) chest were done. Results Our study included 100 RA patients (40 patients with pulmonary affection and 60 patients without pulmonary affection). DAS-28 and rheumatoid factor titer were increased in RA patients with pulmonary affection. Moreover, vitamin D serum levels were decreased in RA patients with pulmonary affection. Multiple regression analysis showed that older age, disease activity parameters, and decreased vitamin D levels had an independent effect on increasing the HRCT chest total score. Logistic regression analysis showed that the increase in the DAS-28 score and the rheumatoid factor titer and the decrease in the vitamin D levels had an independent effect on increasing the probability of pulmonary affection occurrence. Conclusion Patients with RA-associated interstitial lung disease ‘proved by HRCT and/or diffusion lung capacity for carbon monoxide’ tend to have a high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and high disease activity; also, lower levels of vitamin D play a significant role in the pathogenesis of RA-interstitial lung disease.

Physiologic Insights from the COPD Genetic Epidemiology Study

COPD Genetic Epidemiology Study (COPDGene®) manuscripts have provided important insights into chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) pathophysiology and outcomes, including a better understanding of COPD phenotypes relating computed tomography (CT) anatomic data to spirometric and patient-reported outcomes. Spirometry significantly underdiagnoses smoking-induced lung disease, and there is a marked improvement in sensitivity and specificity with CT scanning. This review also highlights the COPDGene® exploration of specific spirometry phenotypes (e.g.,PRISm), contributors to spirometric decline, composite physiologic measures, asthma-COPD overlap (ACO) syndrome, consequences of bronchodilator responsiveness, newer methods to assess small airway dysfunction, and spirometric correlates of comorbid diseases such as obesity and diabetes.

Promoting exercise training and physical activity in daily life: a feasibility study of a virtual group intervention for behaviour change in COPD

BackgroundPhysical inactivity is associated with poor health outcomes in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It is therefore crucial for patients to have a physically active lifestyle. The aims of this feasibility study were to assess a tablet-based physical activity behavioural intervention in virtual groups for COPD regarding 1) patients’ acceptance 2) technology usability 3) patients’ exercise programme adherence and 4) changes in patients’ physical activity level.MethodsWe used an application with functionality for a virtual peer group, a digital exercise diary, a follow-along exercise video, and visual rewards on the home screen wallpaper. The exercise programme combined scheduled virtual group exercising (outdoor ground walking, indoor resistance and strength training) with self-chosen individual exercises. Ten participants with COPD were enrolled into two exercise training groups. Patients’ acceptance was assessed by semi-structured interviews, technology usability was assessed by the System Usability Scale, and exercise programme adherence and level of physical activity by self-reporting. The interviews were also used for the latter three aspects.ResultsThe virtual peer group was experienced as motivating, helping participants to get started and be physically active. They updated their own activity status and kept track of the others’ status. Having a time schedule for the virtual group exercises helped them to avoid postponing the exercise training. All participants recorded individual exercises in the diary, the exercise video was well received and used, and most participants paid attention to the visual rewards. All participants found the technology easy both to learn and to use. The exercise programme adherence was good, with, on average, 77% attendance for the virtual group exercises, and all participants performed additional individual exercises. The average number of physical activity sessions per week was doubled from 2.9 (range 0–10, median 2) at baseline to 5.9 (range 3.3–10.33, median 4.8) during the intervention period.ConclusionThe results indicate that the tablet-based intervention may be feasible in COPD, and that it was acceptable, encouraged a sense of peer support and fellowship in the group and motivated participants to physical activity and exercise training in daily life. Further assessment is needed on patient outcomes.

Pilot study to determine the feasibility of using registered pharmacy technicians to identify and correct inhaler misuse

RATIONALE: Poor inhaler technique is a pervasive problem among patients with chronic respiratory conditions. It has been associated with inadequate drug delivery and poor respiratory outcomes.OBJECTIVES: This pilot study assessed the feasibility of having registered Pharmacy Technicians (PT) in community pharmacies assess and correct inhaler technique at inhaler refill pick-ups.METHODS: Assessment and correction of inhaler technique was conducted by PTs in three community pharmacies during a 30-day period. For each patient interaction, the following data was collected: estimated patient age and sex, type of issue detected (if any), perceived patient response, and length of interaction. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with the PTs and pharmacy managers at the end of the 30-day period to assess perceptions and feasibility of expanding the service.MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Eighty-five percent (40/47) of patients that were offered the assessment accepted and demonstrated their inhaler technique; the median interaction time was 3 minutes. More than half of patients (52.5%) demonstrated at least one technical error, all of which the PTs were able to correct. Almost all patients (39/40) were perceived to be either satisfied or very satisfied with the assessment. Five primary themes emerged from the interviews, including: feasibility, patient benefit, potential to reduce pharmacist workload, professional development/job satisfaction, and barriers.CONCLUSIONS: PTs helped to identify inhaler misuse in community pharmacies, and this study identified barriers and potential solutions for expanding the service. Future studies should investigate the benefit of the PT expanded role on clinical outcomes in asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

The Effect of Low Body Mass Index on the Development of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Mortality

Background: Sarcopenia may worsen disease progression and lead to poor outcomes in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, its effect on the development of COPD is unclear. Methods: We enrolled 437,584 participants registered in the physical health check-up cohort database of the Korean National Health Interview Survey from 2002 to 2003, after exclusion of participants older than 65 years and those previously diagnosed with COPD confirmed by ICD-10 code and prescribed medication. We classified participants according to smoking duration and BMI at baseline. COPD development and mortality were checked for 13 years. Findings: Participants in the low BMI group (<18.5 kg/m2) had a significantly higher rate of COPD development for 13 years (7.6%) than those in other groups (3.4-4.1%; P < .0001). Among never or light smokers, COPD development in the low BMI group (5.6–6.7%) was significantly higher than those in other groups (2.8–4.7%). Similarly, among participants with a smoking history of ≥30 years, same trend was observed (20.1% versus 8.4-12.4%). On multivariable analysis, normal or higher than normal body weight was significantly protective against the development of COPD (hazard ratio [HR], 0.609–0.739; P < .0001) compared to low BMI. It also shows better COPD-free-survival (HR, 491–0.622; P < .0001) and overall survival (HR, 0.440–0.585; P < .0001) compared to low BMI. Interpretation: Low BMI is an important risk factor for COPD development and mortality. Maintaining normal or higher than normal body weight may reduce the risk for COPD development and mortality. Funding Statement: None Declaration of Interests: None Ethics Approval Statement: This study was approved by the Institutional Review Board of Gangnam Severance Hospital (number: 3-2018-0034). The requirement for informed consent was waived considering the retrospective nature of this study.

Defining risk of general surgery in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases.

The relationship between chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and perioperative outcomes remains incompletely understood. Our purpose is to evaluate the features of postoperative adverse outcomes for geriatric surgical patients with COPD receiving non-thoracic surgeries. To evaluate the potential impact of COPD history on the outcome after general surgery. A retrospective cohort study with matching procedure by propensity score. We conducted a nationwide study of 15 359 COPD patients aged 65 years and older who received major non-thoracic surgeries in 2008-2013 from the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database. Comprehensive matching procedure with propensity score were used to select 15 359 surgical patients without COPD for comparison. Major postoperative complications and 30-day in-hospital mortality were evaluated among patients with and without COPD by calculating adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and 95% CIs. Patients with COPD had significantly increased risk for postoperative complications, including pneumonia (OR = 90.3; 95% CI: 60.3-135), septicemia (OR = 3.11; 95% CI: 2.82-3.43), acute renal failure (OR = 2.53; 95% CI: 2.11-3.02), pulmonary embolism (OR = 2.74; 95% CI: 1.52-4.96), and 30-day postoperative mortality (adjusted OR = 2.09; 95% CI: 1.76-2.50), compared with surgical patients without COPD. Longer length of hospital stay and higher medical expenditures were also noted in COPD patients than those without COPD. Geriatric patients with COPD showed significantly higher postoperative adverse outcome rates with risk of 30-day mortality nearly twofold when compared with patients without COPD. Our findings remind surgical care team pay more attention to this specific population.

Asthma/COPD Disparities in Diagnosis and Basic Care Utilization Among Low-Income Primary Care Patients.

Obstructive pulmonary disease outcomes in the United States differ between Latinos and non-Hispanic whites. There is little objective data about diagnosis prevalence and primary care visit frequency in these disease processes. We used electronic health record data to perform a retrospective cohort analysis of 34,849 low-income patients seen at Oregon community health centers between 2009 and 2013 to assess joint racial/ethnic and insurance disparities in diagnosis and visit rates between Latino and non-Hispanic white patients. The overall study prevalence of obstructive lung disease was 18%. Latinos had lower odds of obstructive lung disease diagnosis (OR 0.37, 95% CI 0.30-0.44). Among those diagnosed prior to 2009, the uninsured (regardless of race/ethnicity) had lower visit rates during 2009-2013 than the insured. This study identified racial/ethnic disparities in the diagnosis of obstructive pulmonary disease between Latinos and non-Hispanic Whites, confirming trends observed in survey research but controlling for important confounders. Health insurance was associated with basic care utilization, suggesting that lack of health insurance could lessen the quality of care for obstructive pulmonary disease in Latino and non-Hispanic white patients.

Applying the pragmatic-explanatory continuum indicator summary to the implementation of a physical activity coaching trial in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

BackgroundObservational studies show that physical inactivity is associated with worse outcomes in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Despite practice guidelines recommending regular physical activity (PA), there are no large-scale experimental studies to confirm that patients at high risk for COPD exacerbations can increase their PA and consequently, have improved outcomes. PurposeThe purpose of this case study is to describe the use of a widely accepted pragmatic trials framework for the design and implementation of a pragmatic clinical trial (PCT) of PA coaching for COPD in a real-world setting. MethodThe aim of the trial was to determine the effectiveness of a 12-month PA coaching intervention (Walk On!) compared to standard care for 2,707 patients at high risk for COPD exacerbations from a large integrated health care system. The descriptions of our implementation experiences are anchored within the pragmatic-explanatory continuum indicator summary (PRECIS-2) framework. DiscussionFacilitators of PCT implementation include early and ongoing engagement and support of multiple stakeholders including patients, health system leaders, administrators, physician champions, and frontline clinicians, an organizational/setting that prioritizes positive lifestyle behaviors, and a flexible intervention that allows for individualization. Pragmatic challenges include reliance on electronic data that are not complete or available in real-time for patient identification, timing of outreach may not synchronize with patients’ readiness for change, and high turnover of clinical staff drawn from the existing workforce. DiscussionPRECIS-2 is a useful guide for organizing decisions about study designs and implementation approaches to help diverse stakeholders recognize the compromises between internal and external validity with those decisions.

A systematic review of how patients value COPD outcomes.

Our objective was to summarise systematically all research evidence related to how patients value outcomes in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).We conducted a systematic review (systematic review registration number CRD42015015206) by searching PubMed, Embase, PsycInfo and CINAHL, and included reports that assessed the relative importance of outcomes from COPD patients' perspective. Two authors independently determined the eligibility of studies, abstracted the eligible studies and assessed risk of bias. We narratively summarised eligible studies, meta-analysed utilities for individual outcomes and assessed the certainty of evidence using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations approach.We included 217 quantitative studies. Investigators most commonly used utility measurements of outcomes (n=136), discrete choice exercises (n=13), probability trade-off (n=4) and forced choice techniques (n=46). Patients rated adverse events as important but on average, less so than symptom relief. Exacerbation and hospitalisation due to exacerbation are the outcomes that COPD patients rate as most important. This systematic review provides a comprehensive registry of related studies.

Impact of BMI on exacerbation and medical care expenses in subjects with mild to moderate airflow obstruction.

Background and objectiveThe rate of obesity is increasing in Asia, but the clinical impact of body mass index (BMI) on the outcome of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) remains unknown. We aimed to assess this impact while focusing on the risk of exacerbation, health-care utilization, and medical costs.MethodsWe examined 43,864 subjects registered in the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) database from 2007 to 2012, and linked the data of COPD patients who had mild to moderate airflow obstruction (n = 1,320) to National Health Insurance (NHI) data. COPD was confirmed by spirometry. BMI was used to stratify patients into four categories: underweight (BMI <18.5 kg/m2), normal range (18.5–22.9 kg/m2), overweight (23–24.9 kg/m2), and obese (≥25 kg/m2).ResultsOf the 1,320 patients with COPD with mild to moderate airflow obstruction, 27.8% had a BMI ≥25 kg/m2. Compared with normal-weight patients, obese patients tended to experience fewer exacerbations (incidence rate ratio [IRR] 0.88; 95% CI 0.77–0.99; P = 0.04), although this association was not significant in a multivariable analysis. COPD-related health-care utilization and medical expenses were higher among underweight patients than the other groups. After adjustment, the risk of COPD-related hospitalization was highest among underweight and higher among overweight patients vs normal-weight patients (adjusted IRRs: 7.12, 1.00, 1.26, and 1.02 for underweight, normal, overweight, and obese groups, respectively; P = 0.01).ConclusionDecreased weight tends to negatively influence prognosis of COPD with mild to moderate airflow obstruction, whereas higher BMI was not significantly related to worse outcomes.

Genetic profile and patient-reported outcomes in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: A systematic review.

BackgroundChronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) impacts differently on patients at similar grades, suggesting that factors other than lung function may influence patients’ experience of the disease. Recent studies have found associations between genetic variations and patient-reported outcomes (PROs). Identifying these associations might be fundamental to predict the disease progression and develop tailored interventions. This systematic review aimed to identify the genetic variations associated with PROs in COPD.Methods and findingsDatabases were searched until July 2017 (PROSPERO: CRD42016041639) and additional searches were conducted scanning the reference list of the articles. Two independent reviewers assessed the quality of studies using the Q-Genie checklist. This instrument is composed of 11 questions, each subdivided in 7 options from 1 poor-7 excellent. Thirteen studies reporting 5 PROs in association with genes were reviewed. Studies were rated between “good quality” (n = 8) and “moderate” (n = 5). The most reported PRO was frequency of exacerbations (n = 7/13), which was mainly associated with MBL2 gene variants. Other PRO’s were health-related quality of life (HRQOL) (n = 4/13), depressive symptoms (n = 1/13), exacerbation severity (n = 1/13) and breathlessness, cough and sputum (n = 1/13), which were commonly associated with other genetic variants.ConclusionsAlthough a limited number of PRO’s have been related to genetic variations, findings suggest that there is a significant association between specific gene variants and the number/severity of exacerbations, depressive symptoms and HRQOL. Further research is needed to confirm these findings and assess the genetic influence on other dimensions of patients’ lives, since it may enhance our understanding and management of COPD.

Acute hypercapnia does not alter voluntary drive to the diaphragm in healthy humans

Although systemic hypercapnia is a common outcome of pulmonary disease, the relationship between hypercapnia and voluntary diaphragmatic activation (VAdi) is unclear. To examine whether hypercapnia independent of ventilatory work contributes to reduced central motor drive to the diaphragm in healthy humans, 14 subjects spontaneously breathed room air (NN) or a hypercapnic gas mixture (HH; 7% CO2 with air) while at rest. Thereafter, subjects volitionally hyperventilated room air (NH) matching the minute ventilation recorded during HH while maintained at eucapnic levels. Twitch interpolation with bilateral magnetic stimulation of phrenic nerves at functional residual capacity was used to assess VAdi during the three trials. Although PETCO2 was elevated during HH compared with NN and NH (52 vs 36 mmHg), VAdi was not altered across the trials (HH = 93.3 ± 7.0%, NN = 94.4 ± 5.0%, NH = 94.9 ± 4.6%, p = 0.48). Our findings indicate that the magnitude of hypercapnia acutely imposed may not be effective in inhibiting voluntary neural drives to the diaphragm in normal resting individuals.

Systematic review: chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and work-related outcomes.

Several studies have assessed the impact of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) on work ability and work productivity; however, this relationship is poorly understood. To undertake a systematic review to assess the effects of COPD on employment, absenteeism and presenteeism. A comprehensive search using CINAHL, Embase, MEDLINE and the Cochrane Library was conducted to include epidemiological studies from 1937 to August 2017. One reviewer screened all citations. Shortlisted full-text articles were independently assessed by a second reviewer. Data were extracted by one reviewer with a random sample of papers (45%) checked by a second reviewer. Forty-four studies were included; the majority of evidence was from cross-sectional studies, and some cohort studies. COPD patients had lower employment rates than those without COPD. Among those in work, most studies showed patients with COPD took more time off work than those without and reported poorer work performance (presenteeism), although evidence for this association was weaker. The influence of disease severity on these outcomes was unclear; however, it appeared that increasing severity of airflow obstruction was associated with reduced likelihood of being employed. A number of methodological limitations were found among the evidence, including the lack of adjustment for important confounders. Future studies are required which assess the impact of COPD on presenteeism using validated presenteeism instruments and consistent reporting methods. Robust studies are now needed to identify modifiable factors associated with these poorer working outcomes to inform future interventions aimed at improving work productivity among those with COPD.

Demographic Characteristics and Clinical Outcomes in Patients from Latin America Versus the Rest of the World: A TIOSPIR® Post-Hoc Analysis

IntroductionGeographical variations may impact outcomes in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). We evaluated differences in baseline characteristics and outcomes between patients enrolled in Latin America compared with the rest of the world (RoW) in the TIOtropium Safety and Performance In Respimat® (TIOSPIR®) trial. MethodsTIOSPIR®, a 2–3-year, randomized, double-blind trial (n=17116; treated set), compared safety and efficacy of once-daily tiotropium Respimat® 5 and 2.5μg with tiotropium HandiHaler® 18μg. This post-hoc analysis pooled data from all treatment arms to assess mortality, exacerbations, cardiac events, and serious adverse events (SAEs) between both regions. ResultsAt baseline, patients enrolled in Latin America (n=1000) versus RoW (n=16116) were older, with higher pack-years of smoking history and more exacerbations, but less cardiac history. In this analysis, patients in Latin America versus RoW had an increased risk of death (hazard ratio [HR] [95% confidence interval (CI)]: 1.52 [1.24–1.86]; P<.0001) or moderate-to-severe exacerbation (HR [95% CI]: 1.29 [1.18–1.41]; P<.0001), but a lower risk of severe exacerbation (HR [95% CI]: 0.82 [0.68–0.98]; P=.0333). SAE rates in Latin America were lower versus RoW (incidence rate ratio [IRR] [95% CI]: 0.82 [0.72–0.92]), including cardiac disorders (IRR [95% CI]: 0.68 [0.48–0.97]). Risk of major adverse cardiovascular events were similar (HR [95% CI]: 0.99 [0.71–1.40]; P=.9677). ConclusionsTIOSPIR® patients in Latin America had a higher risk of death or moderate-to-severe exacerbation, but a lower risk of severe exacerbation than those in RoW. Geographical differences may impact outcomes in COPD trials.