Pulmonary Impairment In Patients Research Articles

Lung Clearance Index as a Screening Parameter of Pulmonary Impairment in Patients under Immune Checkpoint Therapy: A Pilot Study.

Background: Immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) has presented a breakthrough in the treatment of malignant tumors and increased the overall survival of patients with various tumor entities. ICB may also cause immune-related adverse events, such as pneumonitis or interstitial lung disease. The lung clearance index (LCI) is a multiple-breath washout technique offering information on lung pathology in addition to conventional spirometry. It measures the degree of pulmonary ventilation inhomogeneity and allows early detection of pulmonary damage, especially that to peripheral airways. Methods: This cross-sectional study compared the lung function of patients with melanoma or metastatic cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma who received programmed cell death 1 (PD-1) and cytotoxic T-Lymphocyte-associated Protein 4 (CTLA-4) antibodies, alone or in combination, to age- and sex-matched controls. Lung function was assessed using spirometry, according to American Thoracic Society and European Respiratory Society standards, the LCI, and a diffusion capacity of carbon monoxide (DLCO) measurement. Results: Sixty-one screened patients and thirty-eight screened controls led to nineteen successfully included pairs. The LCI in the ICB-treated patients was 8.41 ± 1.15 (mean ± SD), which was 0.32 higher compared to 8.07 ± 1.17 in the control group, but the difference was not significant (p = 0.452). The patients receiving their ICB therapy for under five months showed a significantly lower LCI (7.98 ± 0.77) compared to the ICB patients undergoing therapy for over five months (9.63 ± 1.22) at the point of testing (p = 0.014). Spirometric analysis revealed that the forced expiratory volume between 25 and 75% of the forced vital capacity (FEF25-75%) in the ICB-treated patients was significantly reduced (p = 0.047) compared to the control group. DLCO (%predicted and adjusted for hemoglobin) was 94.4 ± 19.7 in the ICB patients and 93.4 ± 21.7 in the control group (p = 0.734). Conclusions: The patients undergoing ICB therapy showed slightly impaired lung function compared to the controls. Longer periods of ICB treatment led to deterioration of the LCI, which may be a sign of a subclinical inflammatory process. The LCI is feasible and may be easily integrated into the clinical daily routine and could contribute to early detection of pulmonary (auto-)inflammation.

Is there cardiac autonomic dysfunction in children and adolescents with exercise-induced bronchospasm?

ABSTRACT Background The pulmonary impairment in patients with bronchoconstriction induced by eucapnic voluntary hyperpnea(EVH) goes beyond the respiratory system, also impairing autonomic nervous modulation. This study aimed to evaluate the behavior of cardiac autonomic modulation in young asthmatics with and without EIB after the EVH test. Research design and methods A cross-sectional study design using 54 asthmatics(51.9% female), aged between 10 and 19 years, investigated with the EVH test. Forced expiratory volume in one second(FEV1) was measured at 5, 10, 15, and 30 min after EVH. Heart rate variability(HRV) measures of time were assessed pre and 30 min-post EVH. The diagnosis of Exercise-Induced bronchoconstriction with underlying clinical asthma(EIBA) was confirmed by a fall in FEV1 ≥10% compared to baseline. Results Thirty(55.5%) asthmatics had EIBA. Subjects with EIBA have reduced mean of the R-R intervals in relation to baseline until 15 minutes after EVH. Individuals without EIBA had increased parasympathetic activity compared to baseline(rMSSD) from 5 min after EVH(p < 0.05). This parasympathetic activity increase in relation to baseline was seen in individuals with EIBA after 25 minutes (rMSSD = 49.9 ± 5.3 vs 63.5 ± 7.2, p < 0.05). Conclusion Young asthmatics with EIBA present a delay in the increase of the parasympathetic component after EVH when compared to asthmatics without EIBA.

Rehabilitation of the patients with pulmonary tuberculosis and tuberculosis sequelae

Tuberculosis sequelae are very common after successful treatment of the disease. Airflow obstruction and restrictive impairment develop alongside with the changes. High prevalence of pulmonary impairment in patients with tuberculosis sequelae shows that lung function study and pulmonary rehabilitation should be performed. Malnutrition is very common among TB patients. The review deals with the methods of rehabilitation, which include physical training and nutritional status correction.

Respiratory Dysfunction in Parkinson's Disease: Relation with Dysautonomia.

Background:Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disease perceived as a motor disorder. It is most commonly associated with autonomic dysfunction, affecting multiple systems. This altered autonomic control might be reflected by a parallel change in the airway caliber of these patients.Aim:To correlate the pulmonary impairment in patients with Parkinson's disease with the underlying dysautonomia.Materials and Methods:A total of 30 patients with Parkinson's disease participated in the study. Heart rate (HR) variability was recorded for 5 min to assess the autonomic dysfunction, followed by impulse oscillometry (IOS) and spirometry. IOS being an effort independent technique uses sound waves at different frequencies (5–25 Hz) to measure the airway impedance.Results:There was a significant decrease in SDSD (6.60 (10.18–6.01) vs. 12.22 (13.95–11.30); P = 0.04), RMSSD (6.59 (10.17–5.50) vs. 12.20 (13.93–11.28); P = 0.04), and total power (315.8 (506.3–120.7) vs. 771.3 (799.0–643.6); P = 0.04) in stage II as compared to stage I. Resistance at 20 Hz (R20) was found to be positively correlated with SDSD (r = 0.40, P = 0.04), RMSSD (r = 0.40, P = 0.04), and HF (r = 0.41, P = 0.03).Conclusion:Amongst the PD population, any changes in the parasympathetic component (responsible for bronchoconstriction) due to the underlying dysautonomia might be reflected as increased airway resistance in the pulmonary system.

Characterization of pulmonary impairment associated with COVID-19 in patients requiring mechanical ventilation.

ObjectiveTo detect early respiratory and hemodynamic instability to characterize pulmonary impairment in patients with severe COVID-19.MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed data collected from COVID-19 patients suffering from acute respiratory failure requiring intubation and mechanical ventilation. We used transpulmonary thermodilution assessment with a PiCCO™ device. We collected demographic, respiratory, hemodynamic and echocardiographic data within the first 48 hours after admission. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the data.ResultsFifty-three patients with severe COVID-19 were admitted between March 22nd and April 7th. Twelve of them (22.6%) were monitored with a PiCCO™ device. Upon admission, the global-end diastolic volume indexed was normal (mean 738.8mL ± 209.2) and moderately increased at H48 (879mL ± 179), and the cardiac index was subnormal (2.84 ± 0.65). All patients showed extravascular lung water over 8mL/kg on admission (17.9 ± 8.9). We did not identify any argument for cardiogenic failure.ConclusionIn the case of severe COVID-19 pneumonia, hemodynamic and respiratory presentation is consistent with pulmonary edema without evidence of cardiogenic origin, favoring the diagnosis of acute respiratory distress syndrome.

Respiratory Dysfunction in Children and Adolescents with Mucopolysaccharidosis Types I, II, IVA, and VI.

Mucopolysaccharidosis (MPS) is a rare genetic disease involving active storage of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs). Accumulation of GAGs in the connective tissues of airways leads to progressive pulmonary dysfunction. Studies conducted in Taiwan revealed mainly restrictive pulmonary dysfunction, whereas the same studies in Egypt and California revealed obstructive pulmonary dysfunction. The contradictory results and lack of studies of respiratory system in patients with MPS in Asian populations are an indication to study pulmonary impairment in patients with MPS in Kazakhstan. The prospective study of respiratory system in patients with MPS was conducted in the Scientific Centre of Paediatrics and Paediatric Surgery. Patients with MPS (n = 11) were examined for respiratory function. Different types of pulmonary dysfunction were present in MPS patients, they were mainly of a restrictive pathology. One patient with MPS II had obstructive dysfunction. Enzyme replacement therapy was provided for an average duration of four years, leading to improvements in respiratory function in two patients with total normalization in one. All observed patients had respiratory dysfunction, mainly of the restrictive type. Pulmonary impairment in patients with MPS is the main reason for death. Thus, it is necessary to follow up with pulmonary function assessments in children with MPS.

A case of malignant scoliosis and its relationship with pulmonary lung function and long-term health-related quality of life

The relationship of spinal deformity and pulmonary impairment is so variable that it is still to be established. This study is to report the clinical pulmonary improvements of a patient with severe adolescent idiopathic scoliosis treated with corrective scoliosis surgery using posterior spinal instrumented fusion. The patient was an 11-year-old premenarche adolescent female. Preoperative Cobb angles were 102° from T4 toT12 and 58° from T12 to L4. The patient was already complaining of shortness of breath and chest pains with exertion. Pulmonary function tests (PFTs) were performed before surgery and 8 months postsurgery. Postoperative Cobb angle improved with the thoracic curve at 36° and lumbar curve at 10°. There was a marked improvement with her previous symptoms. Significant improvements were observed in her lung volume parameters on PFT. Her health-related quality of life continued to improve. This study reconfirms the influence of spinal deformities on pulmonary impairment in patients with severe scoliosis.

Pulmonary Function in Patients With Germ Cell Cancer Treated With Bleomycin, Etoposide, and Cisplatin

For patients with germ cell cancer, various pulmonary toxicity risk factors have been hypothesized for treatment with bleomycin, etoposide, and cisplatin (BEP). Because existing studies have shortcomings, we present a large, unselected cohort of patients who have undergone close monitoring of lung function before, during, and after treatment with BEP to disclose valid pulmonary toxicity risk factors. All patients who were treated with BEP at Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark, from 1984 to 2007, were included. Pulmonary function tests (PFTs) that measured the diffusing capacity of the lungs for carbon monoxide (DLCO), forced expiratory volume in 1 second, and forced vital capacity were performed systematically before, during, and after treatment with BEP for 5 years of follow-up. According to local protocol, bleomycin was discontinued if hemoglobin-corrected DLCO (DLCOc) decreased ≥ 25% compared with pretreatment value. Covariates of possible importance were evaluated with a multiple regression analysis for pretreatment PFTs and with a mixed model for follow-up PFTs. Bleomycin was adjusted on the basis of PFT results and was thus omitted as covariate. Overall, 565 patients were evaluated with a PFT before or after treatment with BEP. During BEP, 15 patients died of progressive disease or toxicity, including one patient from bleomycin-induced pneumonitis. Post-treatment DLCOc decreased significantly, with a rebound during follow-up. Forced expiratory volume in 1 second and forced vital capacity remained unchanged after BEP but increased significantly to levels above pretreatment during follow-up. International Germ Cell Cancer Collaborative Group (IGCCCG) prognostic group, mediastinal primary, pulmonary metastases, and smoking all significantly influenced baseline PFT results. Pulmonary surgery, pulmonary embolism, IGCCCG poor prognosis, and smoking influenced PFT during follow-up. Mediastinal primary, pulmonary metastases, age, or doses of cisplatin and etoposide had no influence on follow-up PFT, and renal function did not influence PFT. After 5 years of follow-up, pulmonary impairment in patients with germ cell cancer who were treated with BEP was limited. Exceptions were patients treated with pulmonary surgery, those who suffered pulmonary embolism, and those in the IGCCCG poor prognostic group.

Peak Expiratory Flow as a Tool for Detecting Pulmonary Impairment in Patients Treated for Pulmonary Tuberculosis

Peak Expiratory Flow as a Tool for Detecting Pulmonary Impairment in Patients Treated for Pulmonary Tuberculosis

Spinal Mobility, Vertebral Squaring, Pulmonary Function, Pain, Fatigue, and Quality of Life in Patients With Ankylosing Spondylitis

ObjectiveTo investigate the relationships between spinal mobility, pulmonary function, structural change of the spine, pain, fatigue, and quality of life (QOL) in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS).MethodsThirty-six patients with AS were recruited. Their spinal mobility was examined through seven physical tests: modified Schober test, lateral bending, chest expansion, occiput to wall, finger to ground, bimalleolar distance, and range of motion (ROM) of the spine. Pulmonary Function Test (PFT) was performed using a spirometer, and vertebral squaring was evaluated through the modified Stoke Ankylosing Spondylitis Spinal Score (mSASSS). QOL, disease activity, functional capacity, and fatigue were evaluated by SF-36 Health Survey (SF-36), the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI), the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index (BASFI), and the Multidimensional Assessment of Fatigue (MAF) scale, respectively. Perceived physical condition and degree of pain were assessed using 10 cm visual analogue scale.ResultsParticipants showed reduced spinal mobility, which was negatively correlated with mSASSS. PFT results showed reduced forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC) and increased FEV1/FVC. Reduced FEV1 and FVC showed positive correlations with reduced spinal mobility and a negative relationship with mSASSS. Perceived physical condition and degree of pain were both significantly related to the SF-36, BASDAI, BASFI, and MAF scores.ConclusionThis study shows that both reduced spinal mobility and radiographic changes in the vertebral body may have a predictive value for pulmonary impairment in patients with AS. Likewise, pain and perceived physical condition may play an important role in the QOL, functional capacity, and fatigue level of these patients.

Quality of Life and Pulmonary Impairment in Patients Cured for Tuberculosis: Gender Differences

Quality of Life and Pulmonary Impairment in Patients Cured for Tuberculosis: Gender Differences

The usefulness of dyspnea rating in evaluation for pulmonary impairment/disability in patients with chronic pulmonary disease

Background: Resting pulmonary function tests(PFTs) are routinely used in the evaluation of pulmonary impairment/disability. But the significance of the cardiopulmonary exercise test(CPX) in the evaluation of pulmonary impairment is controvertible. Many experts believe that dyspnea, though a necessary part of the assessment, is not a reliable predictor of impairment. Nevertheless, oxygen requirements of an organism at rest are different from at activity or exercising, and a clear relationship between resting PFTs and exercise tolerance has not been established in patients with chronic pulmonary disease. As well, the relationship between resting PFTs and dyspnea is complex. To investigate the relationship of dyspnea, resting PFTs, and CPX, we evaluated the patients of stabilized chronic pulmonary disease with clinical dyspnea rating(baseline dyspnea index, BDI), resting PFTs, and CPX. Method: The 50 patients were divided into two groups: non-severe and severe group on basis of results of resting PFTs(by criteria of ATS), CPX(by criteria of ATS or Ortega), and dyspnea rating(by focal score of BDI). Groups were compared with respect to pulmonary function, indices of CPX, and dyspnea rating. Results: 1. According to the criteria of pulmonary impairment with resting PFTs, max, and focal score of BDI were significantly low in the severe group(pmax(ml/kg/min) and max(%), the parameters of resting PFTs, except were not significantly different between non-severe and severe(p>0.05). According to focal score((%), FVC(%), MW(%), , and max were significantly lower in the severe group(pmax(ml/kg/min) and max(%) were low(p(%) was correlated with max(%)(r=0.52;pmax and max WR. Therefore, if not contraindicated, CPX would be considered to evaluate the severity of pulmonary impairment in patients with chronic pulmonary diseases, including with severe resting PFTs. Current criteria used to evaluate the severity of impairment were insufficient in considering the degree of dyspnea, so new criteria, including the severity of dyspnea, may be necessary.

The role of preoperative pulmonary function tests in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis undergoing posterior spinal fusion.

A retrospective review of the case records and radiographs of 133 patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis who underwent posterior spinal fusion and instrumentation between 1986 and 1992. To evaluate the incidence of abnormal results on preoperative pulmonary function tests and their correlation to immediate postoperative pulmonary impairment in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis who had posterior spinal fusion. It has been stated that preoperative pulmonary function tests are essential to assess surgical risk in a patient with scoliosis because of the possibility of further compromising the pulmonary function. Authors of previous studies have reported on the increased incidence of postoperative pulmonary complications in patients undergoing anterior spinal surgery. The case records and radiographs of 133 patients with either a thoracic or a double-major curve, who underwent posterior spinal fusion, were reviewed. The presence of any preoperative or postoperative cardiopulmonary symptoms and increased requirement of postoperative ventilatory support were noted. Results of preoperative pulmonary function tests were classified as normal, restrictive, or obstructive disease. Postoperative chest radiographs were examined to note the presence of atelectasis, infiltrates, pneumothorax, hemothorax, or pneumonia. The majority of patients (72.9%) had normal results on pulmonary function tests. The mean coronal Cobb angle of the thoracic curve was 48 degrees, and the mean angle of kyphosis was 26 degrees. None of the patients had any increased requirement of postoperative ventilatory support. The overall incidence of postoperative pulmonary complications was 2.3%. Performance of a thoracoplasty was the only risk factor for postoperative pulmonary complications in patients undergoing posterior spinal fusion. There was no correlation between deterioration of preoperative pulmonary function and the risk of postoperative pulmonary complications. It appears that performance of preoperative pulmonary function tests in patients with moderate adolescent idiopathic scoliosis-scheduled for posterior spinal fusion is not necessary.

Evaluating pulmonary impairment: appropriate use of pulmonary function and exercise tests

Pulmonary impairment in patients with occupational lung diseases can frequently be detected and quantified simply by measuring spirometric values (forced vital capacity, forced expiratory volume in 1 second), or single breath-diffusing capacity. When the results of such pulmonary function tests are equivocal or inconsistent with clinical symptoms, cardiopulmonary exercise testing provides helpful ancillary information. Published guidelines are available to assist in grading the severity of respiratory impairment based on pulmonary function and exercise testing.