Improvement In Pulmonary Function Research Articles

Literature review: Early-onset Scoliosis and the Space Available for Lung (SAL) post-surgery

Background: Early-onset scoliosis (EOS) poses significant risks to thoracic development and pulmonary function in children due to the deformities’ impact on the space available for lung (SAL). Various surgical techniques, including growth-sparing methods like growing rods, vertical expandable prosthetic titanium ribs (VEPTR), and the Shilla system, aim to correct spinal deformities while allowing for thoracic growth. This literature review explores the efficacy of these interventions in improving SAL and lung function, as measured by forced vital capacity (FVC) and other pulmonary outcomes. Studies indicate that growth-friendly techniques are associated with substantial improvements in SAL, with growing rods showing an average 30% increase in thoracic volume and a corresponding improvement in pulmonary function. VEPTR has been similarly effective in increasing thoracic volume by 25% in patients with thoracic insufficiency syndrome. The Shilla system offers advantages in maintaining spinal correction while promoting growth but has been noted for potential complications like metal debris. Conclusion: Despite these advances, complications such as hardware failure and the need for revision surgeries remain concerns. This review underscores the importance of early surgical intervention to maximize thoracic volume and prevent long-term pulmonary impairment. However, further research is needed to assess the long-term outcomes of these surgical techniques, particularly in adulthood.

The Impact of Nusinersen Treatment on Respiratory Function in Patients with Spinal Muscular Atrophy: A Systematic Review

Background/Objectives: This systematic review evaluated the impact of nusinersen therapy on respiratory health and function in individuals with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) and determined whether nusinersen improves pulmonary function, focusing on differences based on patient age and the timing of treatment initiation. Methods: A systematic search of PubMed, Ovid Medline, ScienceDirect, and Web of Science databases was conducted up to January 2024 in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines. Thirteen studies were included, comprising clinical trials, observational studies, and case series that focused on respiratory outcomes in SMA patients treated with nusinersen. The data on study design, participant characteristics, nusinersen intervention, respiratory outcomes, and adverse events were extracted. The Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Tool was used to assess study quality. A narrative synthesis was conducted to address the heterogeneity of the studies. Results: This review found a general trend of improvement in pulmonary function, specifically in forced vital capacity (FVC), although the extent and duration of improvement varied across the studies. Peak cough flow (PCF) and peak expiratory flow (PEF) showed positive trends in some studies, although the results were not consistently significant. Respiratory function improvements were frequently observed, particularly in younger patients and those treated earlier. Conclusions: Nusinersen appears to enhance respiratory function and improve motor outcomes in SMA patients, especially with early treatment. However, further research is needed to fully understand its mechanisms and long-term effects on respiratory health in SMA.

The Association Between Patient-Level Factors and Physical Function in Lung Transplant Recipients

Purpose: Despite the dramatic improvement in pulmonary function after lung transplantation, lung transplant recipients often have reduced physical function. The purpose of this study was to investigate the associations between physical function and a wide range of patient-level factors among lung transplant recipients to allow researchers and health care providers to identify and better understand contributors to poor physical function. Methods: A cross-sectional study of lung transplant recipients enrolled in Lung Transplant Go, a randomized, controlled trial evaluating the efficacy of a telerehabilitation behavioral exercise intervention on physical function. Data were collected at the time of study enrollment for physical function using the 30-second sit-to-stand (STS-30) test, and patient-level factors included discharge destination, time since transplant, hospital length of stay, participation in exercise program outside the study, comorbidities, psychological distress, and symptoms. Regression analysis was performed to identify the association between physical function and patient-level factors. Results: A total of 72 lung transplant recipients with a mean age of 56 years (13), 58% male and 88% White, completed the STS-30 test. The bivariate analysis identified factors associated with STS-30 performance, which are age, marital status, time since transplant, Questionnaire for Lung Transplant Patients' activity intolerance subscale, and psychological distress. Factors that significantly predicted STS-30 performance using the regression analysis were age, time since transplant, and psychological distress (P < .05). Conclusions: Age, time since lung transplantation, and psychological distress significantly predicted poor physical function. Interventions to prevent poor physical function after lung transplantation should consider these factors. Research is needed to better understand patient-level factors on other physical function measures.

Effect of Perioperative Inhaled Tiotropium for patients with chronic Obstructive Pulmonary disease in Esophageal cancer surgery (EPITOPE): an open-label, randomized, parallel-group pilot study.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a risk factor for pneumonia following esophagectomy. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of perioperative inhaled tiotropium in patients with COPD undergoing esophagectomy. This open-label, randomized controlled trial randomly assigned 32 patients with COPD undergoing esophagectomy to conventional management or addition of tiotropium inhalation. The intervention group received tiotropium from two weeks before esophagectomy until the final evaluation one month after esophagectomy. The primary outcome was the incidence of pneumonia within 30 postoperative days. We also assessed the changes and the percentages from baseline in pulmonary function and walking distance of the incremental shuttle walking test to just before esophagectomy and final evaluation. Enrolled patients were randomly assigned to the control group (n = 18) and the intervention group (n = 14). Pneumonia was recorded in 4 (28.6%) and 5 (27.8%) patients in the intervention and control groups, respectively (risk difference: 0.8%, 95% confidence interval: - 30.6 to 32.2). The intervention group demonstrated a significant improvement in pulmonary function and walking distance preoperatively. Further, the pulmonary function test was significantly better preoperatively in the intervention group than in the control group. Postoperatively, pulmonary function deterioration was more significant in the control group than in the intervention group. Preoperative tiotropium inhalation significantly improved pulmonary function and exercise tolerance in patients with COPD undergoing esophagectomy. The perioperative tiotropium did not reduce pneumonia after esophagectomy, but it may contribute to patient recovery by reducing postoperative pulmonary function deterioration.

Lung Tensioning Device Coil Treatment in Patients with Severe Emphysema: A Prospective Safety and Feasibility Trial (EFFORT)

Introduction: Currently, there is a lack of bronchoscopic lung volume reduction options that do not depend on fissure integrity. Endobronchial coils have been extensively studied to address this need but exhibited variable patient response and have been discontinued. Lung tension device (LTD) coils represent the next-generation coil treatment. This study aimed to evaluate safety, feasibility, and efficacy of LTD-coil treatment. Methods: Patients with advanced emphysema and hyperinflation were enrolled at two European sites. LTD-coils (Free Flow Medical, Fremont, CA, USA) were implanted in the two most destructed lobes, as determined by quantitative CT analysis, in two separate procedures. The primary endpoint was 3-month follow-up after the last treatment. Results: Fourteen patients (50% male, median age 64 years, FEV1 23%predicted, RV 249%predicted) received LTD-coil treatment: 12 received bilateral and 2 unilateral treatment. Six serious respiratory adverse events occurred within the initial 3 months posttreatment, including one device-associated death. Treatment significantly reduced in- and expiratory volume of the treated lobes (−410 [−710, −340], p = 0.004 and −650 [−730, −190] mL, p < 0.001, respectively) and improved quality of life (SGRQ total score −4.6 [−21.0, −2.6], p < 0.001). However, at a group level, no significant improvements in pulmonary function or 6-min walk distance were observed. Responder rates ranged from 18% to 54% for the different endpoints. Conclusion: This first-in-human study shows that the new LTD-coil procedure is feasible with a safety profile comparable to the previous coil treatment. While the treatment effectively reduced lobar volume and modestly improved quality of life up to 3 months’ follow-up, at a group level it did not significantly enhance pulmonary function or exercise capacity.

Time-Restricted Eating Benefits on Pulmonary Function and Postural Balance in Overweight or Obese Women.

Thirty-one participants were assigned to either a TRE group (n = 15, 28.74 ± 9.25 years, 88.32 ± 13.38 kg, and 32.71 ± 5.15 kg/m2), engaging in ad libitum 16 h fasting over a 12-week period, or a control group (CG, n = 16, 36.25 ± 11.52 years, 90.88 ± 19.01 kg, and 33.66 ± 6.18 kg/m2). The assessment of heart rate variability (HRV), spirometric parameters (forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1), FEV1/ FVC ratio, objective and subjective sleep assessments employing actigraphy and the Epworth Sleepiness Scale, and postural balance using the Y balance test (YBT) were conducted before and after the intervention. No significant negative effects of TRE were observed for HRV and objective sleep parameters. Only the TRE group improved FEV1 in both sitting (p < 0.0005) and supine positions (p = 0.001). Furthermore, the TRE group showed improvement in postural balance performance compared to the CG in anterior (p = 0.03), postero-medial (p = 0.04), and postero-lateral directions (p = 0.003). This study highlights TRE as a feasible and safe dietary intervention with significant improvements in postural balance and pulmonary function, without any negative impact on HRV or objective sleep assessments among overweight or obese women.

Glucagon-like-peptide-1 agonist therapy in adults with cystic fibrosis

Glucagon-like-peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonists are commonly used to improve glycemic control and promote weight loss in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and/or obesity. However, there is a paucity of evidence regarding GLP-1 agonist use in people with cystic fibrosis (pwCF). We present 11 people with CF (males: 3, females: 7; age range 24–47; BMI range 25.7–43.7) treated with GLP-1 agonists (semaglutide: 9,tirzepatide: 2) for variable duration (1–50 months). All experienced weight loss on GLP- 1 agonist therapy (median change in weight = -7.2 kg; change in BMI [kg/m2] = -0.9 to -8.1). Eight pwCF showed improvement in percent predicted forced expiratory volume in 1 second (ppFEV1) [change = -5 to + 18] and nine pwCF showed improvement in percent predicted forced vital capacity (ppFVC) [change= +1 to + 26]. Of the 7 pwCF with CFRD, all reduced their insulin quantity (mean, 31.5 % decrease in total daily insulin dose), and glucose time in range improved for most (mean, +11 % increase from baseline). Four pwCF stopped using GLP-1 agonists: 2 due to severe nausea/vomiting, 1 due to lack of perceived benefit, and 1 due to change in insurance coverage. This report is the largest published series to date of pwCF treated with GLP-1 agonist therapy. With the addition of GLP-1 agonists, all individuals experienced weight loss and a reduction in daily insulin dose, and most had improvement in pulmonary function. Future multi-center studies are needed to corroborate the efficacy and safety of these agents in the CF population.

The Effect of Inspiratory Muscle Training on Health-Related Fitness in College Students.

In an era characterized by rapid economic growth and evolving lifestyles, college students encounter numerous challenges, encompassing academic pressures and professional competition. The respiratory muscle endurance capability is important for college students during prolonged aerobic exercise. Therefore, it is of great significance to explore an effective intervention to enhance the endurance level of college students. This study explores the transformative potential of inspiratory muscle training (IMT) to improve the physical functions of college students. This research comprised a group of 20 participants who underwent IMT integrated into their daily physical education classes or regular training sessions over an 8-week period, with 18 participants forming the control group. The IMT group adhered to the manufacturer's instructions for utilizing the PowerBreathe device. The findings indicated a significant positive effect on inspiratory muscle strength (p < 0.001), showing improvements in pulmonary function, exercise tolerance, cardiac function, and overall athletic performance. These results revealed the substantial benefits of IMT in enhancing physical fitness and promoting health maintenance among college students.

КОМБИНИРОВАННАЯ АКТИВНО-ПАССИВНАЯ КИНЕЗИОТЕРАПИИ В РЕАБИЛИТАЦИИ ПОСЛЕ COVID-19 РАЗЛИЧНОЙ ТЯЖЕСТИ ТЕЧЕНИЯ

Abstract. Introduction. Rehabilitation is necessary to restore the quality of life of post-COVID-19 patients. Aim of the study is to evaluate effectiveness and safety of the rehabilitation using combined active and passive kinesiotherapy after COVID-19 of varying severity. Materials and Methods. Study design: comparative, prospective, open. The study involved 17 patients after moderate COVID-19 (M_COV19) and 21 patients after severe COVID-19 (S_COV19). The 2-week rehabilitation course consisted of 6 active and 10 passive kinesiotherapy procedures. Active kinesiotherapy included breathing training and physical exercises. Passive kinesiotherapy was carried out using the ORMED-KINESO mechanotherapy device. Passive rhythmic flexion-extension movements were performed in the patient’s thoracic spine with a comfortable frequency of 12-20/min within a 10-minute procedure. The rehabilitation effect was assessed using Baseline and Transition Dyspnea Indices (BDI-TDI), spirography, and the 6-minute walk test (6-MWT). For spirography, individual predicted normal values were calculated using the Global Lung Function Initiative (GLI) equations, and the relative predicted values were calculated by the formula: %predicted = measured value/predicted normal value*100%. The data are given as Median (Quartile1, Quartile3), while changes are presented as Median [95% confidence interval]. Results and Discussion. At baseline, the patients suffered from dyspnea. BDI was 9(6;9) in M_COV19 and 8(6;9) in S_COV19, p=0.89. All patients noted a decrease in dyspnea after rehabilitation. TDI was +6(3.7;6.3) and +4(3.7;6.0), respectively, p=0.53. Spirography showed restrictive limitation of pulmonary function. Vital capacity (VC) was 72.0(67.3;82.3)%predicted in M_COV19 and 59.0(47.0;68.7)%predicted in S_COV19, p&lt;0.001. After rehabilitation, the increase in VC was +6.5[3;10.5]%predicted, p=0.001, and +7.0[3.0;14.0]%predicted, p=0.001, respectively, no difference between groups, p=0.88. Only in M_COV19, forced vital capacity(FVC) increased by +5.5[2.0;10.5]%predicted, p=0.002, and 1 st -second forced expiratory volume (FEV 1 ) increased by +10.0[3.5;23.0]%predicted, p=0.003. After rehabilitation the 6-MWT distance increased from 364(332;431)m to 400(351;495)m, p=0.001, in M_COV19 and it increased from 322(238;347)m to 356(322;381)m, p=0.001, in S_COV19. 6-MWT median gain was +43[26;74]m and +37[21;59] m, respectively, no significant difference, p=0.56. Conclusions. Combined active and passive kinesiotherapy demonstrated comparable rehabilitation effectiveness and safety in patients after both moderate and severe COVID-19. The rehabilitation course reduced dyspnea and increased physical performances in both groups. Pulmonary function improvement was more significant in patients after moderate СOVID-19 compared to severe COVID-19.

Impact of anti-fibrotic medications on post-COVID-19 pulmonary fibrosis: A systematic review and meta-analysis

ObjectivesThe impact of anti-fibrotic medications on pulmonary fibrosis caused by COVID-19 remains inconclusive and lacks systematic investigation. This study assessed the efficacy of anti-fibrotic drugs in addressing post-COVID-19 lung fibrosis. MethodsWe searched PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and the Cochrane Library until June 15, 2024. The meta-analysis was performed using Review Manager. Heterogeneity was evaluated utilizing I2 statistic, and publication bias was assessed via funnel plots. ResultsThe study (CRD42024552847) included 7 trials with 496 participants. No significant differences were observed in chest CT score (SMD = -0.60, 95% CI: -1.33 to 0.12, P = 0.10), length of hospital stay (MD = -1.34, 95% CI: -4.39 to 1.70, P = 0.39), and mortality (OR = 0.91, 95% CI: 0.50 to 1.64, P = 0.75) between anti-fibrosis and standard treatment groups. Notable improvements in pulmonary function were observed with anti-fibrotic drugs, as indicated by FEV1%pred (MD = 23.95, 95% CI: 12.24 to 35.67, P < 0.0001) and FEV1/FVC (MD = 18.17, 95% CI: 11.96 to 24.38, P < 0.00001). ConclusionsAnti-fibrotic medications may help reduce fibrotic lesions and improve pulmonary function in post-COVID-19 pulmonary fibrosis, but their practical use is currently based more on theory than on solid medical evidence. Currently, in clinical practice, the use of anti-fibrotic drugs in these patients primarily relies on empirical treatment. Further clinical studies are imperative to bolster its credibility for future applications.

Effectiveness of telerehabilitation in patients with post-COVID-19: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials

ObjectiveTo assess the effects of telerehabilitation on clinical symptoms, physical function, psychological function and quality of life (QoL) in patients with post-COVID-19.DesignSystematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials (RCTs).Data...

Comparing the Effect of Pursed Lip Breathing and Diaphragmatic Breathing on Pulmonary Function and Exercise Frequency in COPD Patients

Background: COPD is a disease having both pulmonary and extra-pulmonary consequences , a curable but avoidable condition that frequently results in serious difficulties for patients. Its hallmark is a progressive and permanent limiting of airflow brought on by long-term lung inflammation brought on by a variety of dangerous particles or gases. The GOLD strategy highlights the importance of a post-bronchodilator FEV1/FVC ratio &lt; 0.7 and stresses spirometry as the cornerstone for diagnosis. With the help of this criteria-driven method, COPD can be accurately identified and managed in accordance with medical recommendations. Objectives: The aim of study was to investigate the effect of pursed lip breathing exercise and effect of diaphragmatic breathing in COPD patients and also to check improvement of pulmonary function and exercise frequency. Methods: The study was Quasi experimental in which purposive sampling technique was done from COPD patients from DHQ and General hospital, Faisalabad after meeting inclusion criteria. The study duration was 6 months.Forty individuals with COPD wasdivided into two groups: group 1 and group 2. Group 1 received pursed lip breathing exercise and group 2 receiveddiaphragmatic breathing exercise for 8 weeks. To check the normality of data distribution shiparo wilk test was applied. FVC and FEV1 by FVC at baseline shows p values more than 0.05. Data was normally distributed so parametric tests were applied. Paired sample T test for comparison within group which shows p values less than 0.05. Independent sample T Test for comparison between groups which shows p values greater than 0.05. Evaluation of exercise frequency and pulmonary function was measured by counting the number of exercises performed, modifiedborg scale and spirometry (FVC,FEV1, FEV1/FVC) Data was analyzed by SPSS version 24 for this study. Results: there was no significant difference between the effects of pursed lip breathing and diaphragmatic breathing exercises on pulmonary function and exercise frequency. Conclusion: Both interventions were equally effective. Keywords: Pulmonary, Obstructive, Breathing Exercise, Tolerance, Rehabilitation, Respiratory mechanics.

Operation room nursing based on humanized nursing mode combined with nitric oxide on rehabilitation effect after lung surgery

BACKGROUND With advancements in the diagnosis and treatment of lung diseases, lung segment surgery has become increasingly common. Postoperative rehabilitation is critical for patient recovery, yet challenges such as complications and adverse outcomes persist. Incorporating humanized nursing modes and novel treatments like nitric oxide inhalation may enhance recovery and reduce postoperative complications. AIM To evaluate the effects of a humanized nursing mode combined with nitric oxide inhalation on the rehabilitation outcomes of patients undergoing lung surgery, focusing on pulmonary function, recovery speed, and overall treatment costs. METHODS A total of 79 patients who underwent lung surgery at a tertiary hospital from March 2021 to December 2021 were divided into a control group (n = 39) receiving a routine nursing program and an experimental group (n = 40) receiving additional humanized nursing interventions and atomized inhalation of nitric oxide. Key indicators were compared between the two groups alongside an analysis of treatment costs. RESULTS The experimental group demonstrated significant improvements in pulmonary function, reduced average recovery time, and lower total treatment costs compared to the control group. Moreover, the quality of life in the experimental group was significantly better in the 3 months post-surgery, indicating a more effective rehabilitation process. CONCLUSION The combination of humanized nursing mode and nitric oxide inhalation in postoperative care for lung surgery patients significantly enhances pulmonary rehabilitation outcomes, accelerates recovery, and reduces economic burden. This approach offers a promising reference for improving patient care and rehabilitation efficiency following lung surgery.

Efficacy-based comparison between adults and children regarding using advanced counseling for asthma

Background Asthma advanced counseling using smartphone applications has recently become one of the most effective and commonly used methods among adults and children with asthma. Objectives We aimed to compare the advanced counseling effectiveness between adults and children with asthma. Methods A cohort prospective parallel study was performed on a group of adults and children nonsmoking patients with asthma, using a pressurized metered dose inhaler (pMDI). The patients were divided into two groups namely adults with asthma with ages ranging from 19 to 60 years and Children with asthma with ages ranging from 11 to 18 years, the two groups received a 2-month course of advanced counseling using “Asthma software” and “Asthma Dodge” smartphone applications, during which the two groups were monitored using the forced expiratory volume in the first second to the forced vital capacity (FEV1/FVC) ratio and asthma control test (ACT). The study has obtained ethical approval with the serial number REC-H-PhBSU-23002, adhering to the principles outlined in The Declaration of Helsinki, from the Ethical Approval Committee of Beni-Suef University Faculty of Pharmacy. Results With a total of 60 patients with asthma (N = 60), 31 adults (N = 31), and 29 children (N = 29), We found that starting from the first-month visit of counseling the children group showed superiority over the adult group in terms of the pulmonary function improvement p = .006. Also, regarding ACT scores the children group showed a superiority over the adult group this significance started from the first-month visit and continued to the second-month visit with p values = .032 and .011, respectively. Conclusion The advanced counseling achieved better asthma control and pulmonary function improvement in children and adults; however, the improvement was much better in children with asthma than adults with asthma.

Aerobic exercise training engages the canonical wnt pathway to improve pulmonary function and inflammation in COPD

BackgroundWe studied whether the exercise improves cigarette smoke (CS) induced chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in mice through inhibition of inflammation mediated by Wnt/β-catenin-peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) γ signaling.MethodsFirstly, we observed the effect of exercise on pulmonary inflammation, lung function, and Wnt/β-catenin-PPARγ. A total of 30 male C57BL/6J mice were divided into the control group (CG), smoke group (SG), low-intensity exercise group (LEG), moderate-intensity exercise group (MEG), and high-intensity exercise group (HEG). All the groups, except for CG, underwent whole-body progressive exposure to CS for 25 weeks. Then, we assessed the maximal exercise capacity of mice from the LEG, MEG, and HEG, and performed an 8-week treadmill exercise intervention. Then, we used LiCl (Wnt/β-catenin agonist) and XAV939 (Wnt/β-catenin antagonist) to investigate whether Wnt/β-catenin-PPARγ pathway played a role in the improvement of COPD via exercise. Male C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into six groups (n = 6 per group): CG, SG, LiCl group, LiCl and exercise group, XAV939 group, and XAV939 and exercise group. Mice except those in the CG were exposed to CS, and those in the exercise groups were subjected to moderate-intensity exercise training. All the mice were subjected to lung function test, lung histological assessment, and analysis of inflammatory markers in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, as well as detection of Wnt1, β-catenin and PPARγ proteins in the lung tissue.ResultsExercise of various intensities alleviated lung structural changes, pulmonary function and inflammation in COPD, with moderate-intensity exercise exhibiting significant and comprehensive effects on the alleviation of pulmonary inflammation and improvement of lung function. Low-, moderate-, and high-intensity exercise decreased β-catenin levels and increased those of PPARγ significantly, and only moderate-intensity exercise reduced the level of Wnt1 protein. Moderate-intensity exercise relieved the inflammation aggravated by Wnt agonist. Wnt antagonist combined with moderate-intensity exercise increased the levels of PPARγ, which may explain the highest improvement of pulmonary function observed in this group.ConclusionsExercise effectively decreases COPD pulmonary inflammation and improves pulmonary function. The beneficial role of exercise may be exerted through Wnt/β-catenin-PPARγ pathway.

Lung volume reduction surgery is safe and feasible after initial endobronchial valve treatment for emphysema patients.

Bronchoscopic lung volume reduction with endobronchial valves is a guideline treatment leading to improved pulmonary function, exercise tolerance and quality of life, in patients with advanced emphysema, severe hyperinflation and no collateral ventilation. After valve treatment, loss of the initial lung volume reduction effect can occur, as well as local valve-induced complications such as persistent haemoptysis. In these cases, a surgical lobectomy can be considered to achieve similar efficacy outcomes. We evaluated the safety and feasibility of a video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery lobectomy after valve treatment. This single-centre retrospective study included patients who underwent an elective lobectomy after previous valve treatment. Data were evaluated for safety and efficacy for the additional surgical procedure. Twenty-one patients [73% female, median age 67 (7) years, forced expiratory volume in 1 s 29 (7) %pred, and residual volume 223 (58) %pred] were included. There was no 90-day mortality and there were no postoperative intensive care admissions. Pulmonary infections (14%) and prolonged air leak (14%) were the most common complications. In patients who underwent surgery due to loss or lack of effect of valve treatment, a lobectomy led to a significant improvement in pulmonary function; median forced expiratory volume in 1 s +75 (193) ml (P < 0.013), forced vital capacity +450 (572) ml (P = 0.001), residual volume -665 (715) ml (P = 0.005). In patients who underwent a lobectomy because of complications of valve treatment, all complications were resolved after surgery. We demonstrate that an elective lobectomy after an initial valve treatment is safe and feasible and restores the lung volume reduction effect.

Potential of the domestic biosimile omalizumab in achievement of control in patients with severe asthma: short communication

BACKGROUND: Severe atopic asthma is a medical and social problem due to its prevalence, the tendency to exacerbations, the impact on the quality of life and on the work ability, and high treatment costs. The appearance biosimilar omalizumab among biologicals makes such therapy more accessible to patients. This article presents the results of an open prospective clinical study of the biosimilar omalizumab in patients with the severe atopic asthma.&#x0D; AIM: To evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of the domestically produced biosimilar omalizumab in the real clinical practice.&#x0D; MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study involved 15 adult patients (19–66 years) with a reliable history consistent with moderate to severe atopic asthma who hadn`t have asthma control at the time of inclusion in the study. All patients received the Genolar (omalizumab, Generic JSC, Russia) for 52 weeks at the dose calculated according to the instructions. The efficacy was evaluated taking into account changes in symptom severity, improved asthma control using the Asthma Control Questionnaire (ACQ-5), pulmonary function tests, peak flow measurements, assessment the asthma exacerbations number and the healthcare resources use.&#x0D; RESULTS: According to our study results, all patients demonstrated a decrease in the night and daytime attacks frequency and the shortness of breath severity due to omalizumab, which made it possible to reduce the basic therapy and refuse systemic glucocorticosteroids using in patients who previously received there. After 6 months we obtained an improvement in the asthma symptoms control: ΔACQ-5=-1.87 (p=0.0002) compared to baseline with a trend towards further improvement in indicators and reached ΔACQ-5=-2.18 (p=0.0001) to the 52nd week. We also obtained a statistically significant improvement in pulmonary function (after a year of treatment, the increase in forced expiratory volume in the first second was +19.85% compared to baseline, p=0.0001). No asthma exacerbation was registered during 12 months omalizumab treatment.&#x0D; CONCLUSION: Our study showed that the biosimilar treatment in patients with severe atopic asthma allowed to achieve asthma control, decrease the exacerbations number and reduce the basic therapy volume, including oral-corticosteroid elimination.

Body composition impacts outcome of bronchoscopic lung volume reduction in patients with severe emphysema: a fully automated CT-based analysis

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is characterized by progressive and irreversible airflow limitation, with individual body composition influencing disease severity. Severe emphysema worsens symptoms through hyperinflation, which can be relieved by bronchoscopic lung volume reduction (BLVR). To investigate how body composition, assessed through CT scans, impacts outcomes in emphysema patients undergoing BLVR. Fully automated CT-based body composition analysis (BCA) was performed in patients with end-stage emphysema receiving BLVR with valves. Post-interventional muscle and adipose tissues were quantified, body size-adjusted, and compared to baseline parameters. Between January 2015 and December 2022, 300 patients with severe emphysema underwent endobronchial valve treatment. Significant improvements were seen in outcome parameters, which were defined as changes in pulmonary function, physical performance, and quality of life (QoL) post-treatment. Muscle volume remained stable (1.632 vs. 1.635 for muscle bone adjusted ratio (BAR) at baseline and after 6 months respectively), while bone adjusted adipose tissue volumes, especially total and pericardial adipose tissue, showed significant increase (2.86 vs. 3.00 and 0.16 vs. 0.17, respectively). Moderate to strong correlations between bone adjusted muscle volume and weaker correlations between adipose tissue volumes and outcome parameters (pulmonary function, QoL and physical performance) were observed. Particularly after 6-month, bone adjusted muscle volume changes positively corresponded to improved outcomes (ΔForced expiratory volume in 1 s [FEV1], r = 0.440; ΔInspiratory vital capacity [IVC], r = 0.397; Δ6Minute walking distance [6MWD], r = 0.509 and ΔCOPD assessment test [CAT], r = −0.324; all p < 0.001). Group stratification by bone adjusted muscle volume changes revealed that groups with substantial muscle gain experienced a greater clinical benefit in pulmonary function improvements, QoL and physical performance (ΔFEV1%, 5.5 vs. 39.5; ΔIVC%, 4.3 vs. 28.4; Δ6MWDm, 14 vs. 110; ΔCATpts, −2 vs. −3.5 for groups with ΔMuscle, BAR% < –10 vs. > 10, respectively). BCA results among patients divided by the minimal clinically important difference for forced expiratory volume of the first second (FEV1) showed significant differences in bone-adjusted muscle and intramuscular adipose tissue (IMAT) volumes and their respective changes after 6 months (ΔMuscle, BAR% −5 vs. 3.4 and ΔIMAT, BAR% −0.62 vs. 0.60 for groups with ΔFEV1 ≤ 100 mL vs > 100 mL). Altered body composition, especially increased muscle volume, is associated with functional improvements in BLVR-treated patients.

Efficacy of hot fomentation over intra scapular region in the improvement in pulmonary function in healthy volunteers

Abstract Naturopathy, an integrative form of primary care, combines traditional healing practices with modern research, emphasizing the body’s natural healing abilities and disease prevention. Fomentation, a therapeutic technique using hot compresses, has demonstrated efficacy in stimulating tissue activity and circulation, particularly benefiting individuals with pulmonary congestion. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of fomentation applied to the interscapular region on pulmonary function in healthy participants. A total of 30 healthy subjects were recruited and underwent a single session of hot fomentation (HF) applied to the interscapular region for a duration of 20 min. Pre-test and post-test assessments were conducted before and after the intervention. The results demonstrated a significant improvement in peak expiratory flow rate and forced expiratory volume in 1 s among healthy individuals. In conclusion, this study on the effects of fomentation to the interscapular region on pulmonary function in healthy individuals reveals significant improvements in lung function. The findings indicate that HF may be a beneficial and non-invasive intervention for enhancing respiratory performance in healthy individuals.

Long-term outcomes of survivors with influenza A H1N1 virus-induced severe pneumonia and ARDS: a single-center prospective cohort study.

Systematic evaluation of long-term outcomes in survivors of H1N1 is still lacking. This study aimed to characterize long-term outcomes of severe H1N1-induced pneumonia and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). This was a single-center, prospective, cohort study. Survivors were followed up for four times after discharge from intensive care unit (ICU) by lung high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT), pulmonary function assessment, 6-minute walk test (6MWT), and SF-36 instrument. A total of 60 survivors of H1N1-induced pneumonia and ARDS were followed up for four times. The carbon monoxide at single breath (DLCO) of predicted values and the 6MWT results didn't continue improving after 3 months. Health-related quality of life didn't change during the 12 months after ICU discharge. Reticulation or interlobular septal thickening on HRCT did not begin to improve significantly until the 12-month follow-up. The DLCO of predicted values showed negative correlation with the severity degree of primary disease and reticulation or interlobular septal thickening, and a positive correlation with physical functioning. The DLCO of predicted values and reticulation or interlobular septal thickening both correlated with the highest tidal volume during mechanical ventilation. Levels of fibrogenic cytokines had a positive correlation with reticulation or interlobular septal thickening. The improvements in pulmonary function and exercise capacity, imaging, and health-related quality of life had different time phase and impact on each other during 12 months of follow-up. Long-term outcomes of pulmonary fibrosis might be related to the lung injury and excessive lung fibroproliferation at the early stage during ICU admission.