Pulmonary Function Tests In Patients Research Articles

EP.08F.01 Predicting Radiation Pneumonitis with Baseline Pulmonary Function Tests in Patients with Locally Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC)

EP.08F.01 Predicting Radiation Pneumonitis with Baseline Pulmonary Function Tests in Patients with Locally Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC)

Impact of pectus excavatum deformity on the cardiopulmonary function: a literature review

BACKGROUND: Pectus excavatum deformity is the most common chest wall malformation. Currently, surgeons and researchers of this problem have no consensus on whether pectus excavatum is a purely aesthetic problem or whether pectus excavatum disturbs the function of the cardiopulmonary system. AIM: To analyze publications on the effect of pectus excavatum on the cardiorespiratory system and the functional features of the heart and lung after thoracoplasty in patients with pectus excavatum. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data were searched in the scientific databases PubMed, Google Scholar, Cochrane Library, Crossref, and eLibrary without language limitation. In this article, the method of analysis and synthesis of information was used. Most of the studies included in the analysis were published in the last 20 years. RESULTS: In patients with pectus excavatum, severity of cardiorespiratory dysfunction depends on the degree of chest deformity. According to obtained data, the pulmonary function test in patients with pectus excavatum in the majority of cases revealed restrictive pattern (formed vital capacity 80% of the norm, with normal ratio of forced expiratory volume in 1 minute to forced lung capacity). In most cases, echocardiography showed compression of the right heart chambers. Comparative analysis of the pre- and postoperative study of cardiorespiratory system in most cases indicated improvement and adaptation of the cardiopulmonary system to stress after surgical intervention. CONCLUSIONS: Funnel chest is an aesthetic problem wherein a severe degree of deformity leads to impaired respiratory mechanics and dysfunction of the cardiovascular system. Surgical restoration of the volume of the retrosternal space allows improvement of the functional capabilities of the heart and lungs.

Prediction of nocturnal ventilation by pulmonary function testing in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

In amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) prognosis is poor due to progressive weakening of the respiratory muscles. Survival and quality of life can be improved by noninvasive ventilation (NIV), which is initially applied while sleeping. The indication for NIV is based on pulmonary function testing (PFT) and polysomnography (PSG) with capnography (tCO2). While it is desirable to predict nocturnal ventilation by waking PFT in ALS, the parameters suited for reliable predictions remain elusive. We retrospectively analyzed parameters derived from PFT (spirometry, body plethysmography, diffusion capacity, respiratory muscle testing) and blood gas analysis, PSG and tCO2 in 42 patients with ALS (27 men, 15 women, age 69 ± 12.1 years) and performed Spearman's correlation analysis of daytime waking parameters and nighttime sleep parameters. 28 patients (66.7%) showed restrictive impairment of ventilation and 15 patients (48.3%) showed insufficiency of the respiratory musculature. There was no obstructive impairment of ventilation. We did not observe any significant correlations between any single daytime PFT parameter with nocturnal pCO2. However, there were significant correlations between the ratios PIF/PEF, MEF50/MIF50, DLCO/VA as well as FEV1/FVC and nocturnal pCO2. Highly normal FEV1/FVC and Krogh-Factor (DLCOc/VA) indicated nocturnal hypercapnia. Furthermore, waking hypercapnia, concentrations of bicarbonate and base excess were each positively correlated with nocturnal hypercapnia. Waking PFT is not a good predictor of nocturnal ventilation. Inspiratory parameters as well as the ratios FEV1/FVC and DLCO/VA performed best and should be included in the interpretation. Our analyses confirm the relevance of inspiratory muscle weakness in ALS. PSG and tCO2 remain the gold standard for the assessment of nocturnal ventilation.

Association of clinical and imaging characteristics with pulmonary function testing in patients with Long-COVID

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to identify clinical and imaging characteristics associated with post-COVID pulmonary function decline. MethodsThis study included 22 patients recovering from COVID-19 who underwent serial spirometry pulmonary function testing (PFT) before and after diagnosis. Patients were divided into two cohorts by difference between baseline and post-COVID follow-up PFT: Decline group (>10 % decrease in FEV1), and Stable group (≤10 % decrease or improvement in FEV1). Demographic, clinical, and laboratory data were collected, as well as PFT and chest computed tomography (CT) at the time of COVID diagnosis and follow-up. CTs were semi-quantitatively scored on a five-point severity scale for disease extent in each lobe by two radiologists. Mann-Whitney U-tests, T-tests, and Chi-Squared tests were used for comparison. P-values <0.05 were considered statistically significant. ResultsThe Decline group had a higher proportion of neutrophils (79.47 ± 4.83 % vs. 65.45 ± 10.22 %; p = 0.003), a higher absolute neutrophil count (5.73 ± 2.68 × 109/L vs. 3.43 ± 1.74 × 109/L; p = 0.031), and a lower proportion of lymphocytes (9.90 ± 4.20 % vs. 21.21 ± 10.97 %; p = 0.018) compared to the Stable group. The Decline group also had significantly higher involvement of ground-glass opacities (GGO) on follow-up chest CT [8.50 (4.50, 14.50) vs. 3.0 (1.50, 9.50); p = 0.032] and significantly higher extent of reticulations on chest CT at time of COVID diagnosis [6.50 (4.00, 9.00) vs. 2.00 (0.00, 6.00); p = 0.039] and follow-up [5.00 (3.00, 13.00) vs. 2.00 (0.00, 5.00); p = 0.041]. ICU admission was higher in the Decline group than in the Stable group (71.4 % vs. 13.3 %; p = 0.014). ConclusionsThis study provides novel insight into factors influencing post-COVID lung function, irrespective of pre-existing pulmonary conditions. Our findings underscore the significance of neutrophil counts, reduced lymphocyte counts, pulmonary reticulation on chest CT at diagnosis, and extent of GGOs on follow-up chest CT as potential indicators of decreased post-COVID lung function. This knowledge may guide prediction and further understanding of long-term sequelae of COVID-19 infection.

An Experimental Study to Analyse the Effect of Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation in Improving Functional Capacity and Pulmonary Function Test in Patients with Post Renal Transplantation

An Experimental Study to Analyse the Effect of Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation in Improving Functional Capacity and Pulmonary Function Test in Patients with Post Renal Transplantation

Reproducibility of pulmonary function tests in patients with systemic sclerosis

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a rare autoimmune disease in which interstitial lung disease (ILD) is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality. Clinical management of the lung disease is mainly based on pulmonary function testing (PFT) and their changes over time. Little is known about the reproducibility of PFT testing in SSc patients. The aim of this study was to assess the test–retest reliability and reproducibility of PFTs in SSc patients with or without ILD over 30 days in order determine the potential physiologic variation over the time. We performed prospective observational study of SSc patients. The FVC, FEV1/FVC ratio, DLCO and KCO parameters were assessed in this population at four different timepoints; T0 (time 0) and H3 (T0 + 3 h) defined test–retest reliability, D15 (T0 + 15 days) and D30 (T0 + 30 days) for reproducibility. A mixed linear model was used to test the effect of time (and therefore reproducibility) on patients and we looked for an interaction. We included 25 SSc patients divided in two groups, 14 with ILD and 11 non-ILD. Interactions between time and group were not significant and were not reported. Time and group did not significantly influence the different measures of the PFT: FVC [p values time and group effect respectively (0.33; 0.34)], FEV1/FVC ratio (0.093; 0.056) and DLCO (0.99; 0.13) in the ILD and non ILD group (Table S2). The analyse with interactions between time and group were not significant and are not reported. We also used a Bland Altman test to assess reproducibility for FVC (L) and DLCO (mMKpa/min/L), Figs. 1 and 2 respectively. The measurements were therefore reproducible over time and in each group. PFT parameters are reproducible over time in a clinically stable population of SSc (no significant effect of the time T0, H3, D15 and D30) and there is no significant distinction between patients with ILD and no ILD. These respiratory functional data can further underline their use in clinical practice.

The Effect of Ferritin Level on Respiratory Functions in Patients with β-Thalassemia Major

Introduction-Purpose β-thalassemia major (β-TM) is an autosomal recessive disorder caused by mutations in the β-globin gene of hemoglobin. The disease is characterized by splenomegaly due to ineffective erythropoiesis, iron accumulation signs in tissues as a result of increased iron absorption, bone expansion due to increased erythropoietic activity, and decreased tissue oxygenation. One of the effected organ can be the lungs due to excessive iron deposition in these patients. The current study aimed to investigate the effect of serum ferritin level, which is known as a marker of iron accumulation in tissues, on pulmonary function tests (PFT) in patients with β-TM. Methods and Materials Patients aged ≥6 years who were regularly followed in the pediatric hematology section of Mersin City Research and Training Hospital with a diagnosis of β-TM were included. All patients received regular blood transfusion and iron chelation therapy. Study participants underwent PFT prior to blood transfusion in the pediatric pulmonology section Results A total of 43 patients with β-TM were studied. Included patients were divided into two groups according to the mean annual ferritin level; low ferritin group if below 2000 ml/ng and high ferritin group if above 2000 ml/ng. The low ferritin group was consisted of 19 patients and the high ferritin group was consisted of 24 patients. The characteristics of these two groups are shown in Table 1. There were no statistical significance in age, gender, body mass index, age at diagnosis, mean annual hemoglobin, splenectomy, cardiac involvement and oxygen saturation among both groups, but the number of annual transfusion was significantly higher in the high ferritin group than lower ferritin group. When PFT parameters of both groups were compared, FVC (forced vital capacity) was statistically lower in the high ferritin group compared to the low ferritin group. Other parameters included FEV 1 (forced expiratory volume in 1 second), FEV 1/FVC ratio, PEF (peak expiratory flow) and FEF 25-75 (forced expiratory flow between 25% and 75% of vital capacity) were similar among groups. (Table 2) Discussion Patients with β-TM may accumulate iron in the interstitial area of the lungs which can lead fibrosis and impaired lung function over time. There are several studies investigated lung dysfunction and its etiology in these patients. Although the results of the studies are varied, the majority of them reported a restrictive pattern of respiratory dysfunction in thalassemia patients. Additionally, some studies showed the presence of mild or moderate obstruction in small airways and decrease in diffusion capacity with the increase of alveolar-capillary membrane thickness at advanced ages. In the present study, we found that patients with β-TM who had high ferritin level showed restrictive type lung function compared to those with low ferritin level. There were no difference among the groups in obstructive parameters (i.e. FEV 1, FEV 1/FVC, FEF 25-75) of PFT. In the literature, studies investigating PFT in patients with high ferritin levels had variable results, impaired or no change, in pulmonary status. In conclusion, loss of respiratory function and impaired tissue oxygenation in patients with β-TM may develop over time due to iron deposition in the interstitial area. PFT assessment of these patients is essential and recommended for the detection of early lung disease. Routine PFT follow in patients with β-TM of high ferritin values is highly important.

Pulmonary function testing in patients with liver cirrhosis (Review).

Liver cirrhosis is a common long-term outcome of chronic hepatic inflammation. Patients with liver cirrhosis may also have pulmonary complications. There are several reasons for pulmonary dysfunction in liver cirrhosis, including intrinsic cardiopulmonary dysfunction unrelated to liver disease and specific disorders related to the presence of liver cirrhosis and/or portal hypertension. The most prevalent and clinically significant pulmonary complications are hepatic hydrothorax, hepatopulmonary syndrome, spontaneous pulmonary empyema and portopulmonary hypertension. Pulmonary function tests (PFTs) have traditionally been used to assess the lung function of patients with liver cirrhosis. To the best of our knowledge, the present review is the first to detail all types of PFTs performed in patients with liver cirrhosis and discuss their clinical significance. Patients with liver cirrhosis have reduced values of spirometric parameters, diffusion capacity for carbon monoxide (DLCO), lung volumes, maximal inspiratory pressure and maximal expiratory pressure. Furthermore, they have a higher closing volume, a greater airway occlusion pressure 0.1 sec after the onset of inspiratory flow and greater exhaled nitric oxide values. In order to improve pulmonary function, patients with ascites may require therapeutic paracentesis. Such findings should be considered when evaluating individuals with liver disease, particularly those who may require surgery. Poor lung function, particularly restrictive lung disease, can have an impact on post-transplant outcomes, such as ventilator time, length of hospital duration and post-operative pulmonary complications; thus, the transplant care team needs to be aware of its prevalence and relevance.

Pearls and pitfalls of respiratory testing in a patient with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and COPD.

Interpretation of pulmonary function testing in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis must account for coexisting lung diseases, when making patient care decisions. https://bit.ly/3Co2yR0.

Sigara içen hastalarda ameliyat sonrası üç top solunum egzersiz uygulamasının solunum fonksiyon testleri üzerine etkisi

Aim:Incentive spirometry is used to reduce pulmonary complications after surgical interventions under general anesthesia. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effect of postoperative incentive spirometry on pulmonary function tests in patients who smoke and undergo extremity surgery under general anesthesia. Study design: Eighty patients with ASA I-II physiological score, aged 18-61 years, who underwent extremity operation in a 3rd level hospital were included in the study. After the patients were divided into two groups as 40 patients in each group, smokers of 10-20 cigarettes per day for at least 5 years and non-smokers and the groups were once more randomized according to whether they would use incentive spirometry (three balls of breathing exercise) or not. Group K (n=20):Non-smoker and not using incentivespirometry, Group T (n=20): Non-smoker and using incentivespirometry, Group S (n=20): Smoker of 10-20 cigarettes per day for at least 5 years andnot using incentive spirometry, Group ST (n=20): Smokers of 10-20 cigarettes per day for at least 5 years and using incentive spirometry. Results:The demographic data similar between the groups. When the groups were compared in terms of preoperative and postoperative FVC and FEV1 values, the postoperative FVC values in Group K and Group S were found to be significantly lower than the preoperative values (p=0.001, p=0.002, respectively). Postoperative PEF values were significantly lower than preoperative values (p=0.024, p=0.024, p=0.001, respectively). When compared within groups, postoperative VC values in Group K and Group S were found to be significantly lower than preoperative values (p=0.037, p=0.012, respectively). When the groups were compared statistically in terms of preoperative and postoperative FEV1/FVC values, no significant difference was found (p&amp;gt;0.05). Conclusion:It was found that postoperative worsening of respiratory function test values in smokers who received general anesthesia has improved with the use of incentive spirometry. For this reason, it is assumed that the use of incentivespirometry in the postoperative period in extremity operations performed under general anesthesia will be helpful in preventing postoperative respiratory complications.

Clinical, radiological outcomes and pulmonary function tests in patients recovered from COVID-19 in a three-month follow-up

Introduction: Long-term pulmonary consequences of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) are unknown. Objectives: The aim of this study was the clinical and radiologic consequences and pulmonary function test in the cured COVID-19 patients in a three-month follow-up. Patients and Methods: Patients with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 infection by a reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assay were recruited in this prospective descriptive epidemiological study. Computerized tomography (CT) scan and blood oxygen measurement were performed before and three months after discharge for all the patients. Spirometry test and 6-minute walk test (6MWT) were conducted to determine the levels of dyspnea and persistent respiratory symptoms. Results: Eighty patients were recruited in this study. At the 3-month follow-up, oxygen saturation was higher than the time of discharge from the hospital. Chest CT scan showed abnormal results in 66.3% of patients. The pulmonary function test results indicated that only 27 (35.75%) of patients had abnormal test. The median distance in the 6MWT was 325 meters (interquartile range, 96-480 m). Conclusion: Follow-up of COVID-19 patients revealed radiological abnormalities in most cured COVID-19 patients, indicating the need for more extended follow-up periods for investigating the long-term consequences of COVID-19.

Increased Thromboxane A2 Levels in Pulmonary Artery Smooth Muscle Cells Isolated from Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.

Introduction: Pulmonary hypertension due to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is classified as Group 3 pulmonary hypertension, with no current proven targeted therapies. It has been shown that cigarette smoke, the main risk factor for COPD, can increase thromboxane A2 production in healthy human pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells and pulmonary artery endothelial cells, and that blocking the effect of increased thromboxane A2 using daltroban, a thromboxane A2 receptor antagonist, can inhibit cigarette smoke-induced pulmonary artery cell proliferation. However, it is largely unknown whether thromboxane A2 is increased in smokers with COPD. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the level of thromboxane A2 production in patients with COPD who smoke. Methods: Pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells from three smokers with COPD and three healthy donors were cultured in cell culture medium. The culture medium was collected and the thromboxane B2 (a stable metabolite of thromboxane A2) released in the culture medium was quantified using an ELISA kit. The data were normalised with the total protein concentration and then expressed in pg/mg protein. Demographic data were collected and baseline pulmonary function tests of patients with COPD were conducted. Results: The mean age of patients with COPD was 69 ± 7 years. All patients were smokers and had a mean smoking history of 39.66 ± 9.50 packs per year. The mean forced expiratory volume in one second, that is, FEV1%, and the ratio of forced vital capacity (FVC) to FEV1% of COPD patients were 63.33 ± 19.60% and 52.66 ± 14.64%, respectively. The results revealed that thromboxane A2 production was significantly increased in pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells from smokers with COPD (434.56 ± 82.88 pg/mg protein) compared with the thromboxane A2 levels in pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells from healthy donors (160 ± 59.3 pg/mg protein). Conclusions: This is the first report of increased thromboxane A2 production in pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells from smokers with COPD. This observation strongly suggests that thromboxane A2 can be used as a novel therapeutic target for the treatment of patients with COPD-associated pulmonary hypertension.

Diabetic Neuropathy, a Cause of Pulmonary Dysfunction in Patients of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Introduction: Diabetic neuropathy (DN) is most commonly associated with diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN). About 66% of diabetic patients have either clinical or subclinical neuropathy. Materials and Methods: One hundred and twenty patients were enrolled in our study, 60 patients are of Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) with neuropathy (DPN), and 60 were of T2DM without neuropathy. They were assessed for neuropathy. Serum fasting blood glucose, postprandial blood glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin A1C (HbA1C), and duration of disease were obtained from the patients. Forced expiratory volume at the 1st s (FEV1) and forced vital capacity were recorded and % FEV1 was calculated. Results: The mean age of T2DM with neuropathy was 49.17 ± 7.1 and in patients of T2DM without neuropathy was 46.63 ± 8.028. The mean value of % FEV1 in T2DM with neuropathy is 95.45 ± 7.16, while in T2DM without neuropathy, it is 83.53 ± 6.22, and the difference was statistically significant. Linear correlation of % FEV1 with fasting plasma glucose (FPG) (r = 0.474, P = 0.008) and HbA1C (r = 0.588, P = 0.001) shows a statistically significant association in diabetic peripheral neuropathy. The standardized β weights of FPG, postprandial plasma glucose, and HbA1C show significant values in patients of DPN. Conclusion: Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is associated with decreased pulmonary function as compared to patients of diabetes without neuropathy, the glycemic status of patients may also adversely affect % FEV1. Thus, proper control of hyperglycemia will decrease the further progression of the disease. We also suggest performing pulmonary function test in patients of diabetes mellitus with DN in the preoperative period so as to optimize the perioperative care.

Correlation of Six Minute Walking Test, Sit to Stand Test and Pulmonary Function Test in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Introduction: Assessment of functional capacity in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) patients helps in determining the severity of the disease. While spirometry is the gold standard, six Minutes Walk Test (6MWT) and one minute Sit To Stand Test (STST) are simple and practical tests to assess exercise capacity and physical condition. Aim: To find the diagnostic accuracy of these of 6MWT and one minute STST in comparison with spirometry. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of General Medicine at Sri Devaraj Urs Academy of Higher Education and Research, Kolar, Karnataka, India, from January 2019 to December 2019. All cases of COPD diagnosed using GOLD 2018 criteria were included in the study. Patients performed 6MWT and one minute STST. Heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen saturation, SpO2, dyspnea, and fatigue (Borg scale) were noted pretest and posttest. The sensitivity, specificity, predictive values and diagnostic accuracy of the screening test with the decided cut-off values along with their 95% CI were presented. A p-value&lt;0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The mean age of the patients was 64.09±8.31,while there were 112 (94.9%) males and 6 (5.1%) female. Overall, 81.54% of the participants had severe/very severe COPD group, walked &lt;332.49 meters, and only 18.46% could walk more than 332.50 m. SpO2 decreased from 93.98±0.82 to 91.75±1.39. During the one minute STST SpO2 decreased from 93.98±0.82 to 91.75±1.39. A positive correlation was observed between the one minute STST, and it had good predictive validity in predicting COPD as compared with spirometry (area under the curve of 0.915 95% CI 0.866 to 0.963, p-value &lt;0.001). 6MWT has a sensitivity of 81.54%, the specificity of 79.25%, and one minute STST had a sensitivity of 89.23%, specificity of 67.92% in predicting COPD. Conclusion: In a remote clinical setting where spirometry is not available, 6MWT and one minute STST are the best methods for assessing COPD severity.

Comparison of Lung, Lobe, and Airway Volumes between Supine and Upright Computed Tomography and Their Correlation with Pulmonary Function Test in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Background: Correlations between upright CT and pulmonary function test (PFT) measurements, and differences in lung/lobe/airway volumes between supine and standing positions in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) remain unknown. Objectives: The study aimed to evaluate correlations between lung/airway volumes on both supine and upright CT and PFT measurements in patients with COPD, and compare CT-based inspiratory/expiratory lung/lobe/airway volumes between the two positions. Methods: Forty-eight patients with COPD underwent both conventional supine and upright CT in a randomized order during inspiration and expiration breath-holds, and PFTs within 2 h. We measured the lung/lobe/airway volumes on both CT. Results: The correlation coefficients between total lung volumes on inspiratory CT in supine/standing position and PFT total lung capacity and vital capacity were 0.887/0.920 and 0.711/0.781, respectively; between total lung volumes on expiratory CT in supine/standing position and PFT functional residual capacity and residual volume, 0.676/0.744 and 0.713/0.739, respectively; and between airway volume on inspiratory CT in supine/standing position and PFT forced expiratory volume in 1 s, 0.471/0.524, respectively. Inspiratory/expiratory bilateral upper and right lower lobe, bilateral lung, and airway volumes were significantly higher in the standing than supine position (3.6–21.2% increases, all p < 0.05); however, inspiratory/expiratory right middle lobe volumes were significantly lower in the standing position (4.6%/15.9% decreases, respectively, both p < 0.001). Conclusions: Upright CT-based volumes were more correlated with PFT measurements than supine CT-based volumes in patients with COPD. Unlike other lobes and airway, inspiratory/expiratory right middle lobe volumes were significantly lower in the standing than supine position.

Distal Lung Inflammation Assessed by Alveolar Concentration of Nitric Oxide Is an Individualised Biomarker of Severe COVID-19 Pneumonia.

Pulmonary sequelae as assessed by pulmonary function tests (PFTs) are often reported in patients infected by SARS-CoV-2 during the post-COVID-19 period. Little is known, however, about the status of pulmonary inflammation during clinical recovery after patients’ discharge from the hospitals. We prospectively measured PFTs coupled with the exhaled nitric oxide (NO) stemming from the proximal airways (FeNO) and the distal lung (CaNO) in 169 consecutive patients with varying degrees of the severity of COVID-19 six weeks to one year after acute infection by SARS-CoV-2. The proportions of patients with abnormal PFTs, defined as the presence of either obstructive/restrictive patterns or impaired lung gas transfer, or both, increased with the severity of the initial lung disease (15, 30, and 52% in patients with mild, moderate, and severe COVID-19). FeNO values remained within normal ranges and did not differ between the three groups of patients. CaNO, however, was significantly higher in patients with severe or critical COVID-19, compared with patients with milder forms of the disease. There was also an inverse relationship between CaNO and DLCO. We conclude that the residual inflammation of the distal lung is still present in the post-COVID-19 follow-up period, in particular, in those patients with an initially severe form of COVID-19. This long-lasting alveolar inflammation might contribute to the long-term development of pulmonary fibrosis and warrants the regular monitoring of exhaled NO together with PFTs in patients with COVID-19.

Effect of intraoperative alveolar recruitment maneuver on intraoperative oxygenation and postoperative pulmonary function tests in patients undergoing robotic-assisted hysterectomy: a single-blind randomized study

BackgroundRobotic-Assisted Hysterectomies (RAH) require Trendelenburg positioning and pneumoperitoneum, which further accentuate alteration in respiratory mechanics induced by general anesthesia. The role of Recruitment Maneuver (RM) as a lung-protective strategy during intraoperative surgical settings has not been much studied. We planned this study to evaluate the effect of RM on perioperative oxygenation and postoperative spirometry using PaO2/FiO2 and FEV1/FVC, respectively in patients undergoing RAH. MethodsSixty-six ASA I‒II female patients scheduled for elective RAH were randomized into group R (recruitment maneuver, n = 33) or group C (control, n = 33). Portable spirometry was done one day before surgery. Patients were induced with general anesthesia, and mechanical ventilation started with volume control mode, with Tidal Volume (TV) of 6–8 mL.kg−1, Respiratory Rate (RR) of 12 min, inspiratory-expiratory ratio (I: E ratio) of 1:2, FiO2 of 0.4, and Positive End-Expiratory Pressure (PEEP) of 5 cmH2O. Patients in group R received recruitment maneuvers of 30 cmH2O every 30 minutes following tracheal intubation. The primary objectives were comparison of oxygenation and ventilation between two groups intraoperatively and portable spirometry postoperatively. Postoperative pulmonary complications, like desaturation, pulmonary edema, pneumonia, were monitored. ResultsPatients who received RM had significantly higher PaO2 (mmHg) (203.2+-24.3 vs. 167.8+-27.3, p < 0.001) at T2 (30 min after the pneumoperitoneum). However, there was no significant difference in portable spirometry between the groups in the postoperative period (FVC, 1.40 ± 0.5 L vs. 1.32 ± 0.46 L, p = 0.55). ConclusionThis study concluded that intraoperative recruitment did not prevent deterioration of postoperative spirometry values; however, it led to improved oxygenation intraoperatively.

Pulmonary function test in patients with asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in conditions of impared carbohydrate metabolism

Objective: To study the state of pulmonary function tests (PFTs) in patients having non-allergic variant of bronchial asthma (NABA) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) either particularly or in combination with diabetes mellitus type 2 (DM2) in the context of the effect of glycemic control on PFTs.Methods: Such groups of patients as patients having NABA (n=61), patients suffering NABA combined with DM2 (n=20), patients with COPD (n=55); and patients having diagnosed COPD combined with DM2 (n=12) were examined. The blood glucose level was determined by the hexokinase method, the level of glycated hemoglobin was measured using the immunoinhibition method. PFTs were evaluated using spirometry, bronchodilator test, and body plethysmography (MasterScreen SN5112116, CareFusion 234 GmbH).Results: Statistically significant decrease of VС, FVC, and an increase of Raw in the group of patients with a combination of NABA and DM2 compared with the group having NABA was observed. An increase of Raw in the group with a combination of COPD and DM2 in comparison with the group having COPD was observed. Moreover negative correlations between the parameters of PFTs in different groups and the degree of carbohydrate metabolism disorders were detected.Conclusions: PFT indexes of patients having obstructive pulmonary pathology on the background of carbohydrate metabolism disorder tend to decrease due to different factors, especially glication of proteins.

Prevalence of post-intensive care syndrome in mechanically ventilated patients with COVID-19

Coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) patients usually require long periods of mechanical ventilation and sedation, which added to steroid therapy, favours a predisposition to the development of delirium and subsequent mental health disorders, as well as physical and respiratory sequelae. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of post-intensive care syndrome (PICS) at 3 months after hospital discharge, in a cohort of mechanically ventilated patients with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). An ambispective, observational study was conducted in three hospitals with intensive care unit (ICU) follow-up clinics. We studied adults who survived a critical illness due to SARS-CoV-2 infection requiring invasive mechanical ventilation. A physical (muscle strength and pulmonary function), functional [12-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-12), and Barthel score], psychological [hospital anxiety and depression (HADS) and posttraumatic stress disorder symptom severity scales], and cognitive [Montreal cognitive assessment (MoCA) test] assessment were performed. A total of 186 patients were evaluated at 88 days (IQR 68–121) after hospital discharge. Mean age was 59 ± 12 years old, 126 (68%) patients were men, and median length of mechanical ventilation was 14 days (IQR 8–31). About 3 out of 4 patients (n = 139, 75%) met PICS criteria. Symptoms of cognitive and psychiatric disorders were found in 59 (32%) and 58 (31%) patients, respectively. Ninety-one (49%) patients had muscle weakness. Pulmonary function tests in patients with no respiratory comorbidities showed a normal pattern in 93 (50%) patients, and a restrictive disorder in 62 (33%) patients. Also, 69 patients (37%) were on sick leave, while 32 (17%) had resumed work at the time of assessment. In conclusion, survivors of critical illness due to SARS-CoV-2 infection requiring mechanical ventilation have a high prevalence of PICS. Physical domain is the most frequently damaged, followed by cognitive and psychiatric disorders. ICU follow-up clinics enable the assistance of this vulnerable population.

Assessing Pulmonary Function Tests in Patients with Thalassemia Major: A Descriptive Cross-Sectional Study

Assessing Pulmonary Function Tests in Patients with Thalassemia Major: A Descriptive Cross-Sectional Study