Significant Improvement In Dyspnea Research Articles

P264 Alcohol septal ablation in hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy with mitral insufficiency of mixed mechanism

Abstract Alcohol septal ablation is a percutaneous intervention for hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy, aiming to relieve symptoms, as an alternative to surgical myomectomy, in optimally treated but still symptomatic patients, with high surgical risk. We present the case of 65-year-old female, with persistently elevated blood pressure, presenting with severe dyspnea and angina on exertion and frequent episodes of paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea. Clinical examination revealed an intense left parasternal systolic murmur. Electrocardiographic findings were sinus rhythm and negative T waves in V2-V6. Transthoracic echocardiography showed a small LV cavity with severe asymmetric left ventricular hypertrophy (maximum basal interventricular septum thickness of 26 mm), with important obstruction in the left ventricular outflow tract - resting gradient 77mmHg, provoked gradient 100mmHg. TOE evaluation of the mitral valve revealed significant mitral regurgitation, with intermitent telesystolic anterior motion of the anterior mitral leaflet and also P2 scallop prolapse. Further evaluation revealed a 60% stenosis of left anterior descending (LAD) artery of second segment, 60% stenosis of the left internal carotid artery, chronic renal disease (creatinine clearance 80ml/min), and moderate pulmonary hypertension. Although surgery was initially proposed to the patient, given the high operative risk (EUROSCORE II 8.45%) for a complete surgical procedure (myomectomy, mitral valve repair and coronary bypass), we attempted a stepwise approach to alleviate her symptoms. Intensive medical treatment improved blood pressure control while angioplasty of the LAD alleviated her angina. Echo-guided alcohol ablation of the interventricular septal wall was performed. Catheter-based contrast injection of a secondary septal branch of the LAD produced a subendocardial contrast in the contact area of anterior mitral valve leaflet; subsequently, embolizing the artery, producing an isolated necrosis at this level, with equalizing the pressure curves between LV and aorta. Postintervention, initial gradients were 50mmHg at rest, 100mmHg on postextrasystolic measurement. Systolic movement of the anterior leaflet maintained a mezotelesystolic pattern. At 3-months follow-up, LVOT gradients were 27/100mmHg, without any increase in pulmonary artery pressure, but with significant improvement of dyspnea. Further risk assessment by Holter ECG monitoring identified non-sustained ventricular tachycardia, so an ICD was implanted. The modest reduction in gradient was associated with significant clinical improvement in the patient’s symptomatology. This procedure has been refined in the last years, especially with the introduction of myocardial contrast echocardiography for better localizing the area at risk of infarction and to reduce the amount of alcohol used. Alcohol septal ablation may be part of a stepwise plan to improve symptoms, with lower procedural risks as compared to classic surgery.

Effects of Different Modes of Upper Limb Training in Individuals With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

ObjectiveTo determine effects of different modes of upper limb training on dyspnea and quality of life of individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) having different disease severity.MethodsRandomized clinical trials were retrieved from five electronic databases. Risk of bias and quality of evidence were assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration’s tool and the GRADE approach, respectively. Effects of upper limb training compared to control were identified using standardized mean difference and 95% confidence interval.ResultsFifteen studies with 514 subjects were included. When compared to control, upper limb endurance and strength training with moderate quality of evidence resulted in significant improvement in dyspnea. However, quality of life was not significantly different between upper limb training of all modes of and the control. The upper limb training was more effective in reducing dyspnea in patients with severe COPD than in those with mild to moderate levels of COPD. Although quality of life was slightly improved by upper limb training for those with moderate or severe level of COPD, such improvement did not reach a significant level when compared to the control.ConclusionUpper limb endurance and strength training could significantly improve dyspnea in individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Thus, incorporating the upper limb training into pulmonary rehabilitation is recommended to reduce dyspnea, especially for those with severe patients. Further studies with larger sample size and standardized training protocol are needed to confirm these finding (Registration No. CRD42018102805).

SQUAMOUS CELL CARCINOMA PRESENTING WITH OBSTRUCTION OF THE SUPERIOR VENA CAVA AND CENTRAL AIRWAYS

SESSION TITLE: Tuesday Fellows Case Report Posters SESSION TYPE: Fellow Case Report Posters PRESENTED ON: 10/22/2019 01:00 PM - 02:00 PM INTRODUCTION: One mechanism by which cancer causes morbidity/mortality is by mass effect with distortion, compression, or occlusion of nearby anatomical structures. Within the chest, tumors can exert these effects on the airways and vascular structures. This case illustrates the need for urgent intervention in a patient presenting with severe compression of multiple intrathoracic structures. CASE PRESENTATION: A 54 year-old man with chronic tobacco use and limited exposure to healthcare presented to the hospital with gradually progressive shortness of breath over several months, followed by facial swelling, severe wheezing, and recurrent syncope over the past few days. Exam was remarkable for facial flushing and diffuse inspiratory/expiratory wheezing. Laryngoscopy was performed, which did not suggest critical airway edema. Computed tomography (CT) of the chest demonstrated a large right-sided suprahilar mass, with severe compression of the superior vena cava (SVC) and right mainstem bronchus (RMB) and bronchus intermedius, narrowing of the right pulmonary artery and vein, and complete collapse of the right upper lobe. The patient underwent urgent placement of an 11x59mm balloon-expandable covered stent within the SVC, after which the patient reported improvement in facial swelling but minimal improvement in dyspnea. Next, he underwent bronchoscopy, which demonstrated significant extrinsic compression within the right mainstem bronchus; transbronchial needle aspirates of lymph nodes from Stations 4R and 7 were obtained, from which pathology results were consistent with squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Because of the degree of bronchial compression, and the need for chemotherapy and radiation therapy which could temporarily cause tumoral inflammation and worsen compression/collapse of the right lung, bronchoscopy was repeated, and this time a 12x40mm self-expandable partially-covered stent was placed within the right mainstem bronchus. After this, the patient reported significant improvement in dyspnea, and was discharged to home in stable condition. DISCUSSION: This case describes pulmonary SCC presenting with symptoms of acute SVC syndrome and central airway compression. Lung cancer associated with either of these conditions has dramatically increased morbidity/mortality. In malignant SVC syndrome, stent placement has been shown to reduce SVC pressure and improve symptoms; there is moderate risk of stent re-obstruction. Though not free of risks, endobronchial stent placement can prevent the impending occlusion of a central airway, when surgical or endobronchial resection/debulking is not possible. In recent years, there have been numerous advances in the technology and variety of endobronchial stents for multiple indications. CONCLUSIONS: Malignant extrinsic compression of the SVC and central airways is associated with high morbidity/mortality and can be managed urgently and safely with stent placement. Reference #1: Avasarala SK, Freitag L, & Mehta AC. Metallic endobronchial stents: A contemporary resurrection [published online ahead of print December 11, 2018]. CHEST. doi:10.101/j.chest.2018.12.001. Reference #2: Niu S, Xu YS, Cheng L, & Cao C. Stent insertion for malignant superior vena cava syndrome: Effectiveness and long-term survival. Vascular and Interventional Radiology 2017, 122: 633-638. Reference #3: Mudambi L, Miller R, & Eapen GA. Malignant central airway obstruction. Journal of Thoracic Disease 2017, 9(10): 1087-1110. DISCLOSURES: No relevant relationships by Gabriel Ryan, source=Web Response

The effect of inspiratory muscle training on fatigue and dyspnea in patients with heart failure: A randomized, controlled trial.

Fatigue and dyspnea are debilitating symptoms in patients with heart failure (HF). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of inspiratory muscle training (IMT) on dyspnea, fatigue and the New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional classification in patients with HF. In this prospective, randomized, controlled trial, 84 patients with HF (NYHA classes II-III/IV) with a mean age of 56.62 ± 9.56 years were randomly assigned to a 6-week IMT (n = 42) or a sham IMT (n = 42) program. The IMT was performed at 40% of the maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP) in the IMT group and at 10% in the sham group. The main outcomes were assessed at baseline and after the intervention and included dyspnea severity scale (Modified Medical Research Council [MMRC], Fatigue Severity Scale [FSS] and the NYHA functional classification (based on the presenting symptoms). The between-group analysis showed significant improvements in dyspnea, fatigue and the NYHA functional classification in the IMT group compared to the sham group (P < .05). The within-group analysis showed significant improvements in dyspnea (from 2.63 ± 0.79 to 1.38 ± 0.66, P < .001), fatigue (from 43.36 ± 8.5 to 28.95 ± 9.11, P < .001) and the NYHA functional classification (from 2.73 ± 0.5 to 2.1 ± 0.6, P = .001) in the IMT group, while fatigue and dyspnea increased significantly in the sham group. The 6-week home-based IMT was found to be an effective and safe tool for reducing dyspnea and fatigue and improving the NYHA functional classification.

The other explanation for dyspnea: giant paraesophageal hiatal hernia repair routinely improves pulmonary function

Paraesophageal hiatal hernias (PEHs) are most commonly associated with gastrointestinal symptoms; less widely appreciated is their potentially important influence on respiratory function. We hypothesize that surgical repair of PEH will significantly improve not only gastrointestinal symptoms, but also preoperative dyspnea and spirometry scores. A prospective Institutional Review Board-approved database was used to review all patients undergoing PEH repair from 2000 to 2016. Patients with pre- and postoperative pulmonary function tests assessed by spirometry were included. Postoperative changes in spirometry measurements were compared to PEH size as reflected by the percentage of intrathoracic stomach observed on preoperative contrast studies. Patients were stratified according to improvement in forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1). Patients with >12% ('significant') improvement in FEV1 after surgery were compared to the remaining patient population. In total, 299 patients met the inclusion criteria. Symptomatic improvement in respiratory function was noted in all patients after PEH repair. Age, gender, BMI, presenting symptoms, Charlson comorbidity index as well as preoperative comorbidities did not significantly impact the functional outcome. Spirometry results improved in 80% of the patients, 21% of whom showed an improvement of >20% compared to the preoperative level. 'Significant' improvement in respiratory function was seen in 122 of 299 (41%) patients. Patients presenting with moderate and severe preoperative pulmonary obstruction demonstrated 'significant' improvement in FEV1 in 48% and 40% of cases, respectively. Large PEHs, characterized by a percentage of intrathoracic stomach >75%, was strongly associated with 'significant' improvement in FEV1 (P = 0.001). PEHs can impact subjective and objective respiratory status and surgical repair can result in a significant improvement in dyspnea and pulmonary function score that is independent of preoperative pulmonary disease. Gastric herniation of more than 75% was associated with higher possibility for improvement of pulmonary function tests. Patients with persistent and unexplained dyspnea and coexistent PEH should be assessed by an experienced surgeon for consideration of elective repair.

Fan Therapy for the Treatment of Dyspnea in Adults: A Systematic Review

ContextThe use of a handheld or electric fan has been proposed as one component of the complex clinical interventions used in the relief of dyspnea; however, there is a lack of consensus regarding its efficacy. ObjectivesWe performed a systematic review to determine the effectiveness of fan therapy for the treatment of dyspnea. MethodsWe searched the Medline, EMBASE, Web of Science, Scopus, CINAHL, PsycInfo, and Cochrane Library databases to identify all fan therapy studies published from January 1, 1946 to September 31, 2018. The search terms included “dyspnea,” “dysponea,” “dyspneic,” “short of breath,” “shortness of breath,” “breathless,” “breathlessness,” “breathing difficulty,” “labored breathing,” and “fan.” Searches were limited to articles in English or Chinese. The bibliographies of identified articles were also manually searched. Three authors independently assessed papers for inclusion. ResultsTen of the 92 unique records identified met the inclusion criteria (nine randomized controlled trials and one cohort study). Most studies (80%) were conducted in the hospital setting, and none were double blinded. Nearly half (159 [46%]) of the 344 total subjects had cancer. The most common nonmalignant disease was chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The most common duration of fan therapy was five minutes. Six studies (60%) reported a significant improvement in dyspnea with fan therapy. There are two ongoing trials being conducted based on a search of trial registries. ConclusionLimited direct evidence from randomized controlled trials indicates that fan therapy may effectively alleviate dyspnea. Additional trials are warranted to confirm this finding and explore the use of fan therapy for the treatment of dyspnea in more diverse populations and settings.

Treatment of complex airway stenoses using patient-specific 3D-engineered stents: a proof-of-concept study

Anatomically complex airway stenosis (ACAS) represents a challenging situation in which commercially available stents often result in migration or granulation tissue reaction due to poor congruence. This proof-of-concept clinical trial...

A Systematic Review and Narrative Synthesis to Explore the Effectiveness of Exercise-Based Interventions in Improving Fatigue, Dyspnea, and Depression in Lung Cancer Survivors.

Lung cancer survival rates are increasing; however, lung cancer survivors' mental and physical well-being can suffer from experiencing symptoms of fatigue, dyspnea, and depression. Exercise can improve these symptoms. However, no studies have examined the effects of different exercise interventions on these symptoms. This review aims to examine the evidence on the effects of exercise interventions on fatigue, dyspnea, and depression in lung cancer survivors. PRISMA guidelines were followed. CINAHL, MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases were searched between 2000 and May 2017. Gray literature was searched. All identified studies were screened for inclusion. Quantitative data were narratively synthesized. From 852 records retrieved and screened, 10 full-text articles were included. Seven studies had a high risk of bias, 2 had an unclear risk, and 1 study had a low risk, limiting the robustness of findings. Exercise interventions included pulmonary rehabilitation, aerobic exercise, resistance training, exercise and balance programs, and medical qigong. Six studies reported statistically significant reductions in fatigue; 2 reported significant improvements in dyspnea, and one a significant reduction in depression postintervention. Exercise interventions may be effective and are unlikely to cause harm for lung cancer survivors. However, evidence quality is limited. More rigorous study designs are required to provide guidance about which interventions may help lung cancer survivors self-manage these symptoms. Health professionals should provide comprehensive, customized exercise screening and treatment plans to lung cancer survivors to complement their lifestyle needs and ensure appropriate recommendations aimed at improving symptom control are communicated to them.

Ventilation strategy and anesthesia management in patients with severe tracheal stenosis undergoing urgent tracheal stenting.

Stenting of airway stenosis is a common procedure in specialized centers. The aim of this study was to summarize our clinical experience in ventilation strategy and anesthesia management of patients undergoing urgent tracheal stenting. Clinical data of 22 patients with severe tracheal stenosis who underwent urgent endoscopic placement of a tracheal stent during a 2-year period were retrospectively reviewed. The efficacy and safety of different ventilation strategies and veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), individualized based on the cause and location of tracheal narrowing, were evaluated. Sufficient ventilation was successfully established in all patients; ECMO was used in five patients with stenosis in the mid-trachea who were unable to tolerate conventional intubation; a laryngeal mask airway (LMA) was used in five patients with post-intubation tracheal stenosis; a cuffed tracheal tube was used in eight patients with lower tracheal stenosis; and low-frequency jet ventilation in rigid bronchoscopy was used in four patients with mid- or lower tracheal stenosis. Tracheal stents were successfully placed and there were significant improvements in dyspnea. There were significant increases in the partial pressure of carbon dioxide in patients ventilated with the LMA and cuffed tracheal tube. There was no hypoxia during the operative period. Establishment of effective airway ventilation in patients with severe tracheal stenosis should be based on the cause, location, and severity of tracheal narrowing. Veno- arterial ECMO may be considered in patients with severe stenosis, if they are judged unable to tolerate conventional ventilation or jet ventilation.

Efficacy and safety of tiotropium and olodaterol in COPD: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundLong-acting bronchodilators are the cornerstone of pharmacologic treatment of COPD. The new combination of long-acting muscarinic antagonist (LAMA) tiotropium (TIO) and long acting beta-agonists (LABA) olodaterol (OLO) has been introduced as fist line therapy for COPD. This article analyses the evidence of efficacy and safety of the TIO/OLO combination.MethodsA systematic review and metaanalysis of randomized controlled trials (RCT) with a period of treatment of at least 6 weeks, in patients with COPD confirmed by spirometry, comparing combined treatment with TIO/OLO (approved doses only), with any of the mono-components or any other active comparator administered as an inhalator.ResultsA total of 10 Randomized controlled trials (RCT) were identified (N = 10,918). TIO/OLO significantly improved trough FEV1 from baseline to week 12 versus TIO, OLO and LABA/ICS (0.06 L, 0.09 L and between 0.04 and 0.05 L, respectively). TIO/OLO improved transitional dyspnea index (TDI) and St. George’s Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) compared with mono-components, with patients more likely to achieve clinically important improvements in TDI (risk ratio [RR]: 1.17, 95% confidence interval [CI]: [1.07, 1.28] versus TIO and RR: 1.14, 95%CI: [1.01, 1.28] versus OLO) and in SGRQ (RR: 1.21, 95%CI: [1.12, 1.30] versus TIO and RR: 1.28, 95%CI: [1.18, 1.40] versus OLO). Patients treated with TIO/OLO showed a significant reduction in the use of rescue medication and no significant differences in frequency of general and serious adverse events were observed between TIO/OLO and mono-components.ConclusionsTreatment with TIO/OLO provided significant improvements in lung function versus mono-components and LABA/ICS with more patients achieving significant improvements in dyspnea and health status. No differences in adverse events were observed compared with other active treatments.Clinical trial registrationPROSPERO register of systematic reviews (CRD42016040162).

There's no place like home: Integrating pulmonary rehabilitation into the home setting.

Traditional, outpatient pulmonary rehabilitation provided to stable COPD patients leads to significant improvements in dyspnea, exercise capacity and health related quality of life. Also, when started during or shortly after a hospitalization for a COPD exacerbation, pulmonary rehabilitation improves these patient-centered outcomes and arguably reduces subsequent health care utilization and mortality. Despite these benefits, the uptake of traditional pulmonary rehabilitation remains disappointingly poor. Home-based pulmonary rehabilitation, a safe and effective alternative to traditional, center-based programs, can broaden access. While proven improvements in dyspnea, exercise capacity and health status justify implementation of home-based pulmonary rehabilitation, it would be helpful to know whether it can also decrease health care utilization and be cost-effective.

Comorbidities in Patients With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Pulmonary Rehabilitation Outcomes.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of comorbidities as potential predictors of the response to pulmonary rehabilitation in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The study included 165 patients with COPD with exercise limitations. Comorbidity was classified as cardiac, metabolic, orthopedic, behavioral health problems, or other diseases. Number of comorbidities was grouped as 0, 1, or ≥2. Outcomes were defined as improvement in exercise capacity (maximal exercise capacity, 6-minute walk test, and constant workload cycle exercise duration) and quality of life (Chronic Respiratory Questionnaire). We assessed the effect of comorbidities on improvement in outcomes and the impact of the number of comorbidities on the percentage of patients reaching the minimal clinically important difference for each outcome. Most patients (n = 160; 96%) were elderly males (mean age 70 years) with COPD Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) stages II to IV. Sixty-four percent of patients had at least 1 comorbidity. The ≥2 comorbidity group (n = 29) had a higher modified Charlson index and more patients required continuous supplemental oxygen. Absolute differences in dyspnea scores in patients with cardiac disease and orthopedic problems compared with those without these comorbidities were 2.6 ± 0.87; 95% CI 0.89 to 4.32; p = .003, and -3.25 ± 1.23; 95% CI -5.69 to -0.82; p = .009, respectively. Comorbidities had no significant effect on other exercise outcomes or quality of life. Patients with cardiac disease experienced greater improvement in the dyspnea score compared with patients with no cardiac disease, whereas patients with orthopedic problems had a smaller but also clinically significant improvement in dyspnea after pulmonary rehabilitation.

Efficacy and safety of ethanol injection for endobronchial tumor debulking (a feasibility study)

BackgroundAirway obstruction by malignant tumors may lead to dyspnea, cough, hemoptysis, atelectasis and pneumonia. AimThe aim was to assess safety and efficacy of ethanol injection in debulking of endobronchial malignant tumors. Patients and methodsIt included 20 patients with endobronchial malignant tumors and divided into 2 groups randomly: group A; 10 patients subjected to ethanol injection plus chemotherapy and group B; included 10 patients treated with chemotherapy alone. ResultsThere was a significant improvement in dyspnea, cough and hemoptysis scores in group A after the end of the study (P1: 0.004, 0.014 and 0.014 respectively) and a significant improvement in group A compared with group B 2weeks after the last session of chemotherapy as regard dyspnea and cough (P2<0.001 and 0.02 respectively) but with no significant difference between both groups two weeks after the last session of chemotherapy (P2: 0.21) for hemoptysis. In group A, there was a significant improvement in Karnofsky performance scale, FEV1 and FEV1/FVC ratio at the end of the procedure (P1 0.002, 0.024 and 0.03 respectively) with a significant improvement compared with group B (P2: 0.003, 0.04 and 0.05 respectively). Two patients in group A showed improvement in CT chest with no improvement in group B. Evaluation of response with revised RECIST; in group A, one patient showed good response, 5 patients showed partial response but in group B, only 2 patients showed partial response. ConclusionIntratumoral injection of ethanol 95% is effective and safe adjuvant to chemotherapy for tumor debulking.

Argon plasma coagulation versus cryotherapy in alleviation of endobronchial obstruction via fiberoptic bronchoscope

Central airway obstruction from malignant or benign endobronchial tumor can result in respiratory failure. Therapeutic bronchoscopy offers effective method in alleviating dyspnea, controlling hemoptysis and improving quality of life. Aim of the workThe aim of our study was to assess safety and efficacy of Argon plasma coagulation (APC) versus Cryotherapy in treatment of endobronchial obstruction. Patients and methodsThis study was conducted at Chest Medicine Department, Mansoura University Hospital. This study included 20 patients with central airway obstruction (15 male and 5 female). They were divided into two groups. Group A treated with APC in addition to chemotherapy in case of malignant airways obstruction. Group B treated with cryotherapy besides chemotherapy in malignant patients. Clinical, radiological, bronchoscopic and functional data were evaluated before and after therapy. ResultsThere was significant improvement in dyspnea, hemoptysis and cough scores in both groups after therapy when compared to pre-treatment state. Spirometric parameters were improved in both groups. Radiological improvement occurred in 6 out of 10 patients in group A, in 4 out of 10 patients in group B. As regards the complications of the procedures, in group A: bleeding in one case, bronchospasm in one patient and pneumomediastinum in one patient. While in group B: 2 patients were complicated with bleeding, one patient with bronchospasm and one patient with respiratory failure. ConclusionBoth APC and cryotherapy were equally safe and effective methods for treating patients with endobronchial obstruction.

Upper limb exercise training for COPD

Upper limb exercise training for COPD

The effect of ivabradine on functional capacity in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Increased sympathetic tone and use of bronchodilators increase heart rate and this may worsen functional capacity in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The aim of this study was to look at the short-term effect of the heart rate lowering drug ivabradine on clinical status in COPD patients.We randomised 80 COPD patients with sinus heart rate ≥90 bpm into either taking ivabradine 7.5 mg twice per day or placebo for two weeks. We assessed all patients using the modified Borg scale and 6-minute walk test at baseline and then again 2 weeks after randomisation.There were no significant differences in age, sex, severity of airway obstruction (measured using forceful exhalation), severity of diastolic dysfunction or pulmonary artery systolic pressure between the two groups. The ivabradine group showed significant improvement in 6-minute walk distance (from 192.6±108.8 m at baseline to 285.1±88.9 m at the end of the study) compared with the control group (230.6±68.4 at baseline and 250.4±65.8 m at the end of study) (p<0.001). This improvement in the drug group was associated with significant improvement of dyspnea on modified Borg scale (p=0.007).Lowering heart rate with ivabradine can improve exercise capacity and functional class in COPD patients with resting heart rate >90 bpm.

Effect of sequential treatment with TCM syndrome differentiation on acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and AECOPD risk window

ObjectiveTo evaluate the efficacy and safety of the comprehensive interventions based on three Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) patterns therapy in acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) and AECOPD risk window. MethodsA prospective, multi-center, single-blinded, double-dummy and randomized controlled clinical trial is being conducted to test the therapeutic effects of a sequential two stage treatment. A total of 364 patients were enrolled into this study with 182 in each treatment group (TCM and conventional). Patients received medication (or control) according to their assigned group. TCM treatment according to syndrome differentiation for AECOPD were administered twice daily to patients with AECOPD over 7–21days, followed by TCM for AECOPD risk window (RW) over 28days. All patients were followed up for 6 months. Exacerbations were used as the primary outcome measures. Forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1) and the modified medical research council dyspnea (MMRC) scale, quality of life and mortality rate were used as secondary outcome measures. ResultsOf 364 randomized patients, 353 were included in the intention-to-treat analysis and 290 in the per-protocol analysis. In the TCM group, 16 patients (10.4%) reached the primary end point; 24 (17.7%) in the conventional group (RR 0.59, 95% CI 0.33–1.06; p=0.074). Among patients with a re-exacerbation, the median time to event was 107.5days (interquartile range [IQR], 39.5–129.0) in the TCM and 50days (IQR, 31–130.5) in the conventional group (P=0.011). After exacerbation therapy and a further 180-days follow-up, patients in the TCM group had significant improvements in dyspnea, as measured by MMRC (P=0.003), Patients in the TCM group also had improvements in health-related quality of life (P=0.002), as measured COPD Assessment Test (CAT). There was no difference between groups in death, and recovery of lung function. There were no differences between the TCM and conventional treatment group in adverse events. ConclusionsIn patients presenting to the respiratory department with acute exacerbations of COPD, TCM treatments with syndrome differentiation will have beneficial effects with regard to re-exacerbation, relieving symptoms, improving quality of life for COPD patients.

Cardiac platypnea–orthodeoxia syndrome induced by a low-volume state

We present the case of a 85-year-old patient admitted with palpitations and dyspnea. When assuming a recumbent position, we noticed a significant improvement in dyspnea, as well as a rise in arterial oxygen saturation. This is a typical presentation of platypnea-orthodeoxia syndrome (POS). The diagnosis was confirmed by serial analyses of the arterial oxygen saturation in different positions. In our patient, POS was caused by a cardiac right–left shunt through a patent foramen ovale, facilitated by an atrial septal aneurysm, a dilated aortic root and a large Eustachian valve. A low-volume state, caused by diarrhea and worsened by administration of diuretics in the emergency room, triggered the POS to become clinically apparent. We also noticed a rise in arterial oxygen saturation when the patient was in a hypertensive state. This has never been described before and underlines the influence of hemodynamic changes on the right–left shunt that underlies POS.

New combinations in the treatment of COPD: rationale for aclidinium-formoterol.

The current guidelines on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) recommend the prominent use of bronchodilators, including long-acting β2-agonists (LABAs) and long-acting muscarinic antagonists (LAMAs), while inhaled corticosteroids are recommended only in patients with severe disease or frequent exacerbations. LABA–LAMA combinations are indicated when single bronchodilators are insufficient to control COPD. A number of LABA–LAMA combinations are available, based on twice-daily or once-daily administration according to the 12- or 24-hour duration of action, respectively. The aclidinium–formoterol combination is based on the new LAMA aclidinium bromide, which has a high selectivity for M3 muscarinic receptors and a fast onset of action, and the well-known LABA formoterol. Both drugs require twice-daily administration. The fixed-dose combination of aclidinium 400 μg/formoterol 12 μg has shown in randomized controlled trials fast and sustained bronchodilation that was greater than either monotherapy and provided clinically significant improvements in dyspnea and health status compared with placebo, also reducing the use of rescue medications. The overall incidence of adverse events was low and comparable to placebo. These data define the aclidinium–formoterol fixed-dose combination as a new treatment option for patients with COPD. The need for twice-daily administration could be an apparent disadvantage compared to the available once-daily LABA–LAMA combinations, but the immediately perceived benefit in reducing dyspnea due to the fast onset of action, as well as reported correct patient use and satisfaction with the Genuair inhaler might prove useful in favoring adherence.

To Sink the Lifted: Selection, Technique, and Result of Laparoscopic Diaphragmatic Plication for Paralysis or Eventration

Introduction Diaphragmatic eventration is a congenital defect of the muscular portion of a hemidiaphragm that eventually leads to hemidiaphragmatic elevation and dysfunction. The clinical diagnosis of diaphragmatic eventration or diaphragmatic paralysis may be indistinguishable and diaphragmatic plication is the treatment of choice for both conditions. Discussion We review the indications, patient selection, and surgical techniques for diaphragmatic plication. We explain our preferred technique and guide the reader step by step on our approach. Conclusion Minimally invasive diaphragm plication techniques are effective alternatives to open transthoracic plication and result in significant improvement in dyspnea and quality of life in adequately selected patients.