Use Of Spirometry Research Articles

Effects of Respiratory Training on Pulmonary Function, Cough, and Functional Independence in Patients with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

Background: Respiratory complications in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), due to the involvement of respiratory muscles, are the leading cause of death, and respiratory physiotherapy (RP) focuses on addressing these complications. Objectives: The objective was to evaluate the effectiveness of an RP intervention that combines the four specific techniques (inspiratory muscle training, lung volume recruitment, manually assisted coughing, and diaphragmatic breathing training) in patients with ALS. Methods: A quasi-experimental study was carried out, and a specific RP programme was implemented in 15 patients with ALS (12 sessions, 30 min/session, one session/week, duration of three months), based on directed ventilation techniques, lung volume recruitment, manually assisted coughing, and the use of incentive spirometry and a cough assist device, along with a daily home exercise programme. Respiratory functions were assessed (pre- and post-intervention, with follow-up at three months) using Forced Vital Capacity (FVC) and Peak Expiratory Cough Flow (PECF); functionality was assessed using the Revised ALS Functional Rating Scale (ALSFRS-R) and the Modified Barthel Index by Granger. Results: FVC experienced an increase after three months of the intervention initiation (p = 0.30), which was not sustained at the three-month follow-up after the intervention ended. All other variables remained practically constant after treatment, with their values decreasing at follow-up. Conclusion: A specific RP intervention could have beneficial effects on respiratory functions, potentially preventing pulmonary infections and hospitalisations in patients with ALS. It may improve FVC and help stabilize the patient's functional decline. Considering the progressive and degenerative nature of the disease, this finding could support the usefulness of these techniques in maintaining respiratory function.

Reducing Opioid Consumption and Length of Stay After Bariatric Surgery: A Nonpharmacologic ERAS Intervention Bundle

PurposeTo reduce opioid consumption and decrease length of stay (LOS) in bariatric surgical patients by implementing an evidence-based, nonpharmacologic enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) intervention bundle. DesignEvidence-based practice project. MethodsWe developed and implemented a nonpharmacologic ERAS bundle from existing American Society of PeriAnesthesia Nurses Standards and bariatric and subspecialty surgical ERAS protocols to standardize the postoperative nursing care of bariatric patients. The bundle consisted of early ambulation, immediate initiation and prolonged use of oxygenation, prevention of nausea and vomiting, frequent use of incentive spirometry, and application of ice packs to surgical sites. The two project outcomes were opioid consumption and patient LOS. We used descriptive statistics to summarize opioid consumption and LOS among surgical bariatric patients at baseline and post intervention and independent samples t tests to determine the statistical significance of pre- or post-LOS changes. FindingsAfter implementing the ERAS bundle in 31 bariatric surgical patients, we found that the percentage of patients given an opioid substantially decreased by 13.8%, with both fentanyl and hydromorphone (Dilaudid) consumption meaningfully decreasing by 11.0% and 25.6%, respectively. The average LOS significantly decreased (P = .015) by 23 minutes per patient following the intervention, from 1 hour and 58 minutes to 1 hour and 35 minutes, representing a 19.5% reduction in total patient time in the PACU. ConclusionsUse of a nonpharmacologic ERAS bundle and standardizing postoperative care decreased overall PACU bariatric surgical patient opioid consumption and significantly reduced PACU LOS. Optimizing pain management for bariatric patients in the PACU could lead to improved pain control and reduced reliance on opioids during their entire hospital stay, enhancing health care outcomes and improving patient safety. Perioperative leaders and educators can use our example to develop initiatives that decrease opioid use and LOS to improve care for the high-acuity bariatric patient population.

Role of Spirometry, Radiology, and Flexible Bronchoscopy in Assessing Chronic Cough in Children.

Chronic cough in children is a common and multifaceted symptom, often requiring a comprehensive approach for accurate diagnosis and effective management. This review explores the use of spirometry, radiology (chest X-rays and computed tomography (CT) scans), and flexible bronchoscopy in the assessment of chronic cough in children through current guidelines and studies. The strengths, clinical indications, and limitations of each modality are examined. Spirometry, radiology, and in some cases flexible bronchoscopy are integral to the assessment of chronic cough in children; however, a tailored approach, leveraging the strengths of each modality and guided by clinical indications, enhances diagnostic accuracy and therapeutic outcomes of pediatric chronic cough.

Integrating incentive spirometry and progressive muscle training in managing respiratory compromise in Guillain–Barré syndrome

BackgroundGuillain–Barré syndrome (GBS) is one of the most common causes of acute neuromuscular paralysis in developed and developing countries. It is a complex autoimmune disorder characterized by progressive skeletal muscle weakness, potentially involving respiratory muscles. The purpose of this case report was to explore the importance of combined use of incentive spirometry and progressive muscle training as essential therapies in a 20-year-old male diagnosed with GBS.Case presentationThis is a case report of a 20-year-old Nigerian male university student who was brought to the trauma center on a wheelchair with weakness of both upper and lower limbs which was said to be progressive, and a diagnosis of GBS was made by the attending physician. On examination, he was discovered to have quadriparesis with mild respiratory muscle involvement. He deteriorated with cardiopulmonary compromise and was transferred into intensive care unit. He was managed with supplementary oxygen therapy until there was significant improvement and he was weaned off oxygen therapy and then needed further evaluation and management. The patient was placed on immunoglobulin in conjunction with incentive spirometry, progressive strengthening exercise and exercise training which proved to be effective as he regained all the lost function within a few weeks of symptoms.ResultsThis intervention delves into the synergistic potential of fortifying respiratory muscles and improving respiratory function alongside overall muscle strength which resulted in the patient regaining all the lost function within a few weeks.ConclusionsThe combined use of incentive spirometry and progressive muscle training in addition to immunoglobulin was effective in modulating GBS related impairments. We recommend the use of a multifaceted strategy in the management of patients with GBS and other similar health conditions.

Combining Spirometry and the ARISCAT Respiratory Risk Assessment Can Improve Postoperative Outcomes and Reduce Mortality Risk in Mexico

IntroductionAlthough a major goal of preoperative evaluation is to identify risk factors and improve postoperative outcomes, current clinical guidelines in Mexico indicate that preoperative spirometry should only be performed on patients with pulmonary disease. The aim of this study was to compare the incidence of postoperative complications (POC), mortality, and risk factors among adults who did or did not undergo preoperative spirometry, based on their Assess Respiratory Risk in Surgical Patients in Catalonia (ARISCAT) risk level. Material and methodsAn observational, retrospective and comparative study design was used to identify 2059 patients from the General Hospital of Mexico who had an ARISCAT assessment during 2013–2017. Patients were classified in two groups: ARISCAT with spirometry (n=1306) and ARISCAT without spirometry (n=753). Chi-square, Fisher's exact test and the Student's t-tests were used to compare groups. Logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with an increased risk of POC and mortality. ResultsIn the ARISCAT with spirometry group, 11% of patients had POC, compared with 48% of patients in the ARISCAT without spirometry group. High-risk ARISCAT patients who did not receive spirometry had higher mortality (18%), than those who underwent spirometry (0.4%). Logistic regression results indicate that not performing preoperative spirometry increases the probability of POC and mortality. ConclusionsOur findings suggest that the combined use of preoperative spirometry and ARISCAT is associated with reduced POC and mortality. Future clinical guidelines should recommend the use of preoperative spirometry for patients with a moderate or high ARISCAT level in Mexico.

Paediatric Association of Nigeria Guidelines on the Management of Acute Chest Syndrome in Children with Sickle Cell Disease (2023)

Acute Chest Syndrome (ACS) is a major cause of hospitalisation, a potentially life-threatening complication and a leading cause of mortality in children with Sickle Cell Disease (SCD). The affected child commonly presents with respiratory symptoms such as cough, breathlessness, chest pain, jitteriness, and confusion, with or without fever. The cause of this condition is multifactorial and sometimes unidentified, but the majority are due to infection, infarction, and fat embolism. ACS and its related complications may be minimised by prompt intervention and appropriate therapy, including the use of incentive spirometry and blood transfusion.
 
 Objective
 The development of a national guideline on the management of ACS in children with SCD under 18 years in Nigeria is meant to enhance early diagnosis and prompt treatment of ACS to improve the quality of care and clinical outcome and prevent death from ACS. It is intended to enhance the clinician's diagnostic capability and ensure that children with ACS receive the best available care.
 
 Methods
 This evidence-based guideline was adapted from the British Society of Haematology (BSH) and the American Society of Hematology (ASH) guidelines using the ADAPTE (Resource tool kit version 2.1) and AGREE II methods.
 
 Results
 The PAN Guideline Panel reached a consensus on 25 recommendations, three of which were modified and adapted for local use. The recommendations reflect a broad definition of ACS and a management approach, including blood transfusion and incentive spirometry, such as blowing latex balloons in the absence of a spirometer.
 
 Conclusions
 Most recommendations are conditional because of low-certainty evidence and closely balanced benefits and harms (benefits of therapy to patients and availability of such therapy). Patient preferences should drive clinical decisions. Randomised controlled trials and comparative-effectiveness studies are needed for optimal management of blood transfusion, fluid therapy, and use of oxygen.

366 Implementation of COPD Clinical Practice Guidelines with Use of Telehealth

OBJECTIVES/GOALS: Studies to improve uptake of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Clinical Practice Guidelines (COPD CPG) have yielded inconsistent results. We hypothesized that using implementation science would facilitate rigorous site ‘diagnosis’, and promote effective contextual tailoring of COPD CPG, while piloting the use of telehealth for this. METHODS/STUDY POPULATION: The study was conducted in two Veterans Affairs primary care clinics located in a small sized city. A detailed formative evaluation was conducted using key informant interviews (with VA staff and veterans with COPD who received care at this location) and quantitative data. Multidisciplinary stakeholder group was engaged and strategies to address the determinants identified through the previous step were identified. Telehealth was strongly encouraged as the primary modality for implementing the COPD CPG and we are collecting pilot data on this. Tele-Facilitation, used as the meta-strategy was employed in conjunction with other strategies such as develop/distribute educational materials, tailor strategies, change record systems and revise professional roles. RESULTS/ANTICIPATED RESULTS: Primary Care at the VA is provided by Patient Aligned Care Teams (PACT-teams), where each team consists of multiple health professionals to provide collaborative care to the patient. Discussions with the multidisciplinary stakeholder team suggested that any implementation effort primarily focused on physician and nursing efforts was unlikely to succeed due to competing demands. A pharmacy-centric model that allowed for the PACT-team clinical pharmacist to address most of the COPD CPG (inhaler technique education/assessment, inhaler choice optimization, COPD-specific patient education, spirometry use, smoking and immunization) was developed and implemented with incorporation of telehealth (video visits and telephone). We will present pilot implementation outcomes using RE-AIM framework elements. DISCUSSION/SIGNIFICANCE: This use of implementation science to implement COPD CPG and novel use of telehealth has enormous potential for impact. Increasing reach/adoption by targeting primary care practices can help permeate quality care to the underserved population. This data will allow us to explore generalizability through wider scale implementation studies.

Impact of Volume-Oriented Incentive Spirometry on Lung Volume and Peak Expiratory Flow Rate in Patients With Tracheostomy.

Background The volume-oriented incentive spirometer is a specialized device designed to facilitate maximal inspiration, promote deep breathing exercises, and enhance lung function. The use of spirometry is challenging and not proven in patients with tracheostomy. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the impact of volume-oriented incentive spirometry on lung volume and peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) in patients with tracheostomy. Methodology All adult patients with cuffed tracheostomy tubes with a Medical Research Council (MRC) score of more than 48 were studied. Volume-oriented incentive spirometry was performed and the PEFR was measured before and after the spirometry session. All patients underwent 28 sessions in seven days with initial few training sessions. Patient demographic information, such as age, gender, reasons for tracheostomy, MRC at the beginning of the session, volume (volume per breath, mL), and PEFR, was documented. Results Thirty patients were studied, consisting of 18 males and 12 females with initial MRC scores ranging from 48 to 60. The mean lung volume and mean PEFR at the end of seven days were 950 ± 330.9and 134.7 ± 63.3, respectively, demonstrating safety with minimal complications, including four cases of pain at the tracheostomy site, three cases of hypotension, one case of abdominal pain, and 22 cases with no reported complications. Conclusion Volume-oriented incentive spirometry improves lung volumeand PEFRin patients with a tracheostomy tube. Additionally, spirometry proved to be both feasible and effective in this patient population.

Screening for post-TB lung disease at TB treatment completion: Are symptoms sufficient?

Pulmonary TB survivors face a high burden of post-TB lung disease (PTLD) after TB treatment completion. In this secondary data analysis we investigate the performance of parameters measured at TB treatment completion in predicting morbidity over the subsequent year, to inform programmatic approaches to PTLD screening in low-resource settings. Cohort data from urban Blantyre, Malawi were used to construct regression models for five morbidity outcomes (chronic respiratory symptoms or functional limitation, ongoing health seeking, spirometry decline, self-reported financial impact of TB disease, and death) in the year after PTB treatment, using three modelling approaches: logistic regression; penalised regression with pre-selected predictors; elastic net penalised regression using the full parent dataset. Predictors included demographic, clinical, symptom, spirometry and chest x-ray variables. The predictive performance of models were examined using the area under the receiver-operator curve (ROC AUC) values. Key predictors were identified, and their positive and negative predictive values (NPV) determined. The presence of respiratory symptoms at TB treatment completion was the strongest predictor of morbidity outcomes. TB survivors reporting breathlessness had higher odds of spirometry decline (aOR 20.5, 95%CI:3-199.1), health seeking (aOR 10.2, 2.4-50), and symptoms or functional limitation at 1-year (aOR 16.7, 3.3-133.4). Those reporting activity limitation were more likely to report symptoms or functional limitation at 1-year (aOR 4.2, 1.8-10.3), or severe financial impact of TB disease (aOR2.3, 1.0-5.0). Models were not significantly improved by including spirometry or imaging parameters. ROC AUCs were between 0.65-0.77 for the morbidity outcomes. Activity limitation at treatment completion had a NPV value of 78-98% for adverse outcomes. Our data suggest that whilst challenging to predict the development of post-TB morbidity, the use of symptom screening tools at TB treatment completion to prioritise post-TB care should be explored. We identified little benefit from the additional use of spirometry or CXR imaging.

Ab. No. 40 The Effect of Inspiratory Muscle Training on Respiratory Muscle Strength and Quality of Life in Maintenance Hemodialysis Individuals- A Case Study

Introduction: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a global public health concern characterized by multiple organ dysfunction, including lung function. The kidneys and lungs regulate acid-base balance, blood pressure, and fluid homeostasis, and CKD can significantly impair lung function due to persistent fluid overload, individuals with chronic kidney disease (CKD) frequently develop a restrictive spirometry pattern. Pulmonary edema and respiratory muscle dysfunction can occur when the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) decreases as a result of fluid retention as well as alterations in the metabolism, endocrine system, and cardiovascular system. Deteriorating pulmonary function may be associated with both GFR and urine protein excretion. Other significant systemic symptoms associated with lung diseases, such as anemia, osteoporosis, malnutrition, muscular wasting, and cardiovascular disease, are also affected by chronic kidney disease (CKD). The study aims to study the effect of inspiratory muscle trainers on respiratory parameters in CKD patients undergoing hemodialysis. Methods: Individuals with chronic kidney failure and undergoing hemodialysis. Maximum inspiratory pressure (PImax) was assessed by use of a pressure vacuum meter reading. Pulmonary function was assessed by use of spirometry. Functional capacity was assessed by use of walked distance obtained in the six-minute walk test (6MWT). A four-week inspiratory muscle training (IMT) protocol was applied during hemodialysis sessions, with load set to 40% of PImax and a weekly frequency of three alternate days. Result: After 4 weeks of training, there was a significant improvement in the walked distance, pulmonary function test, and respiratory muscle strength (PImax-21cmH2O to -90cmH2O). Conclusion: The study showed significant differences in respiratory muscle strength, and pulmonary function. An increase in the walked distance was observed in the 6MWT. Implications: Based on the current case it is safe to say that inspiratory muscle training can be used in chronic kidney disease to improve respiratory outcomes.

Electronic home monitoring of children with cystic fibrosis to detect and treat acute pulmonary exacerbations and its effect on 1-year FEV1

BackgroundWe aimed to investigate the effect of the use of electronic home spirometry in children with cystic fibrosis (CF) on 1-year FEV1 (% predicted, pp) change. MethodsThis is a randomised, one-year prospective study including children with CF between 6 and 18 years of age. Subjects were randomised into home spirometry group (HSG) and usual care group (UCG). Children in HSG performed two pulmonary function tests (PFT) per week. Data regarding acute pulmonary exacerbations (PEx) was obtained from patients’ records. At baseline and 12th month, health related quality of life questionnaire for CF patients (CFQ-R) and lung clearance index (LCI) were performed. ResultsSixty children were recruited with a median (IQR) age of 13.3 (11.4–15.4) years. Absolute change in FEV1pp from baseline to 12th month as median (IQR) was +1% (-6.75–9.75) in HSG and -2.50% (-7.50–3.25) in UCG (p = 0.10). Sensitivity analysis including only adherent children in HSG (n = 22), yielded an increase of 5% (-3.50–12) in HSG and a decrease of 2.50% (-7.50–3.25) in UCG (p = 0.009). A total of 29 (96.7%) subjects in HSG and 23 (76.7%) in UCG had PEx (p = 0.05). Absolute change in median (IQR) LCI2.5 from baseline to the 12th month was -1.6 [-2.9–0] (p<0.001) in HSG and -1.5 [-2.8-(-0.6)] (p<0.001) in UCG (p = 0.94). There was a significant increase in the social domain of the CFQ-R in HSG (from 59.1 to 76.2, p = 0.01). ConclusionsElectronic home monitoring of children with CF by spirometry may result in improvement in lung function.

Acute chest syndrome in children with sickle cell disease: Data from a national AIEOP cohort identify priority areas of intervention in a hub-and-spoke system.

Acute chest syndrome (ACS) is a frequent cause of hospitalization in sickle cell disease (SCD). Despite advances in acute care, many settings still lack knowledge about ACS best practices. After the AIEOP Guidelines were published in 2012, suggesting standardized management in Italy, a retrospective study was performed to assess the diagnostic and therapeutic pathways of ACS in children. From 2013 to 2018, 208 ACS episodes were presented by 122/583 kids in 11 centres. 73 were male, mean age 10.9 years, 85% African, 92% HbSS or Sβ°. In our hub-and-spoke system, a good adherence to Guidelines was documented, but discrepancies between reference centres and general hospitals were noted. Improvement is needed for timely transfer to reference centres, use of incentive spirometry, oxygen therapy and pain management.

Comparison of Pneumotachometer and Portable Digital Turbine Spirometry for Field-Based Assessment: An Air Quality, Environment, and Respiratory Outcomes in Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia Study.

Introduction: Data on the use of remote spirometry are limited in the pediatric population. We sought to assess the feasibility and accuracy of a digital turbine spirometer, Medical International Research (MIR) Spirobank Smart (MIR, New Berlin, WI, USA), compared with a pneumotachography spirometer, Pneumotrac (Vitalograph Inc., Lenexa, KS, USA), in field-based clinical research. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study of a subgroup of school-aged participants enrolled in the Air quality, Environment, and Respiratory Outcomes in Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia (BPD) study, who performed same-day paired coached baseline spirometry measurements from the Pneumotrac and MIR devices. Proportion of successful tests was estimated for each device and compared using McNemar's test. Correlation between devices forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC) was analyzed by Lin's concordance correlation, and Bland-Altman plots were generated. Results: Twenty-one participants with history of BPD completed home spirometry maneuvers on both devices. The mean age of participants was 8.7 years. The mean FEV1 and FVC measurement was 81% predicted and 90.4% predicted, respectively. The proportion of acceptable tests appeared higher using Pneumotrac (81%) than when using MIR (67%), although without evidence of discordance (P = 0.317). Among subjects with successful tests on both devices, Lin's concordance correlation demonstrated moderate agreement (FEV1 r = 0.955, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.87-0.98; FVC r = 0.971, CI: 0.91-0.99). The mean difference in FEV1 between Pneumotrac and MIR was 0.079 L (95% limits of agreement were -0.141 to 0.298 L) and FVC was 0.075 L (95% limits of agreement were -0.171 to 0.322 L). These were relatively small and without evidence of systematic or volume-dependent bias. Conclusions: Utilizing turbine spirometers may be a promising and feasible way to perform pulmonary function testing for field research in children.

Underdiagnosis and misclassification of COPD in Sweden – A Nordic Epilung study

IntroductionThe prevalence of COPD tends to level off in populations with decreasing prevalence of smoking but the extent of underdiagnosis in such populations needs further investigation. AimTo investigate underdiagnosis and misclassification of COPD with a focus on socio-economy, lifestyle determinants and healthcare utilization. MethodThe 1839 participants were selected from two ongoing large-scale epidemiological research programs: The Obstructive Lung Disease in Northern Sweden Studies and the West Sweden Asthma Study. COPDGOLD was defined according to the fixed post-bronchodilator spirometric criteria FEV1/FVC<0.70 in combination with respiratory symptoms. ResultsAmong the 128 participants who fulfilled the criteria for COPDGOLD, the underdiagnosis was 83.6% (n = 107) of which 57.9% were men. The undiagnosed participants were younger, had higher FEV1% of predicted and less frequently a family history of bronchitis. One in four of the undiagnosed had utilized healthcare and had more frequently utilized healthcare due to a burden of respiratory symptoms than the general population without COPD. Underdiagnosis was not related to educational level. Misclassification of COPD was characterized by being a woman with low education, ever smoker, having respiratory symptoms and having a previous asthma diagnosis. ConclusionIn the high income country Sweden, the underdiagnosis of COPD was highly prevalent.Reduced underdiagnosis can contribute to risk factor modification, medical treatment and self-management strategies in early stages of the disease, which may prevent disease progression and improve the quality of life among those affected. Therefore, there is a need to increase the use of spirometry in primary care to improve the diagnostic accuracy.

Clinic vs Home Spirometry for Monitoring Lung Function in Patients With Asthma

Studies examining agreement between home and clinic spirometry in patients with asthma are limited, with conflicting results. Understanding the strengths and limitations of telehealth and home spirometry is particularly important considering the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. How well do home and clinic measurements of trough forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) agree in patients with uncontrolled asthma? This post hoc analysis used trough FEV1 data from the randomised, double-blind, parallel-group Phase IIIA CAPTAIN (205715; NCT02924688) and Phase IIB (205832; NCT03012061) trials in patients with uncontrolled asthma. CAPTAIN evaluated the impact of adding umeclidinium (UMEC) to fluticasone furoate/vilanterol (FF/VI) via a single inhaler; 205832 investigated adding UMEC to FF versus placebo. Trough FEV1 measurements were collected via home spirometry and supervised in-person spirometry in the research clinic. To compare home and clinic spirometry, we examined the time-course analyses of home and clinic trough FEV1, and generated post hoc Bland-Altman plots to assess agreement between home and clinic spirometry. Data from 2436 (CAPTAIN) and 421 (205832) patients were analysed. Treatment-related improvements in FEV1 were observed in both trials using home and clinic spirometry. Improvements measured by home spirometry were of lower magnitude and less consistent than clinic measurements. Bland-Altman plots suggested poor agreement between home and clinic trough FEV1 at baseline and Week 24. This post hoc comparison of home and clinic spirometry is the largest conducted in asthma. Results showed that home spirometry was less consistent than and lacked agreement with clinic spirometry, suggesting that unsupervised home readings are not interchangeable with clinic measurements. However, these findings may only be applicable to home spirometry using the specific device and coaching methods employed in these studies. Post-pandemic, further research to optimise home spirometry use is needed. Clinicaltrials.gov (NCT03012061; NCT02924688).

Identification of key opportunities for optimising the management of high-risk COPD patients in the UK using the CONQUEST quality standards: an observational longitudinal study.

This study compared management of high-risk COPD patients in the UK to national and international management recommendations and quality standards, including the COllaboratioN on QUality improvement initiative for achieving Excellence in STandards of COPD care (CONQUEST). The primary comparison was in 2019, but trends from 2000 to 2019 were also examined. Patients identified in the Optimum Patient Care Research Database were categorised as newly diagnosed (≤12 months after diagnosis), already diagnosed, and potential COPD (smokers having exacerbation-like events). High-risk patients had a history of ≥2 moderate or ≥1 severe exacerbations in the previous 12 months. For diagnosed patients, the median time between diagnosis and first meeting the high-risk criteria was 617 days (Q1-Q3: 3246). The use of spirometry for diagnosis increased dramatically after 2004 before plateauing and falling in recent years. In 2019, 41% (95% CI 39-44%; n=550/1343) of newly diagnosed patients had no record of spirometry in the previous year, and 45% (95% CI 43-48%; n=352/783) had no record of a COPD medication review within 6 months of treatment initiation or change. In 2019, 39% (n=6893/17,858) of already diagnosed patients had no consideration of exacerbation rates, 46% (95% CI 45-47%; n=4942/10,725) were not offered or referred for pulmonary rehabilitation, and 41% (95% CI 40-42%; n=3026/7361) had not had a COPD review within 6 weeks of respiratory hospitalization. Opportunities for early diagnosis of COPD patients at high risk of exacerbations are being missed. Newly and already diagnosed patients at high-risk are not being assessed or treated promptly. There is substantial scope to improve the assessment and treatment optimisation of these patients. This study is conducted by the Observational & Pragmatic Research International Ltd and was co-funded by Optimum Patient Care and AstraZeneca. No funding was received by the Observational & Pragmatic Research Institute Pte Ltd (OPRI) for its contribution.

The quality of paediatric asthma guidelines: evidence underpinning diagnostic test recommendations from a meta-epidemiological study.

Asthma is one of the most frequent reasons children visit a general practitioner (GP). The diagnosis of childhood asthma is challenging, and a variety of diagnostic tests for asthma exist. GPs may refer to clinical practice guidelines when deciding which tests, if any, are appropriate, but the quality of these guidelines is unknown. To determine (i) the methodological quality and reporting of paediatric guidelines for the diagnosis of childhood asthma in primary care, and (ii) the strength of evidence supporting diagnostic test recommendations. Meta-epidemiological study of English-language guidelines from the United Kingdom and other high-income countries with comparable primary care systems including diagnostic testing recommendations for childhood asthma in primary care. The AGREE-II tool was used to assess the quality and reporting of the guidelines. The quality of the evidence was assessed using GRADE. Eleven guidelines met the eligibility criteria. The methodology and reporting quality varied across the AGREE II domains (median score 4.5 out of 7, range 2-6). The quality of evidence supporting diagnostic recommendations was generally of very low quality. All guidelines recommended the use of spirometry and reversibility testing for children aged ≥5 years, however, the recommended spirometry thresholds for diagnosis differed across guidelines. There were disagreements in testing recommendations for 3 of the 7 included tests. The variable quality of guidelines, lack of good quality evidence, and inconsistent recommendations for diagnostic tests may contribute to poor clinician adherence to guidelines and variation in testing for diagnosing childhood asthma.

Does routine spirometry impact on clinical decisions and patient-related outcome measures of children seen in respiratory clinics: an open-label randomised controlled trial

IntroductionThere is limited evidence on the efficacy of using spirometry routinely in paediatric practice for improving outcomes.ObjectiveTo determine whether the routine use of spirometry alters clinical decisions and patient-related outcome...

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.

Effectiveness of Nonpharmacological Interventions in the Field of Ventilation: An Umbrella Review.

Systematic reviews of the literature published in English, Spanish, French, and Portuguese were used, which included studies in which nonpharmacological interventions were used as a response to impaired ventilation in adults in any given context of the clinical practice. The recommendations given by the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) for umbrella reviews were followed. This research took place in several databases such as MEDLINE, CINAHL Complete, CINHAL, MedicLatina, ERIC, Cochrane Reviews (Embase), and PubMed. The Joanna Briggs critical analysis verification list was used for the systematic review. The data extraction was performed independently by two investigators based on the data extraction tools of the Joanna Briggs Institute, and the data were presented in a summary table alongside the support text. Forty-four systematic reviews, thirty randomized clinical essays, and fourteen observational studies were included in this review. The number of participants varied between n = 103 and n = 13,370. Fifteen systematic revisions evaluated the effect of isolated respiratory muscular training; six systematic revisions evaluated, in isolation, breathing control (relaxed breathing, pursed-lip breathing, and diaphragmatic breathing exercises) and thoracic expansion exercises; and one systematic review evaluated, in isolation, the positions that optimize ventilation. Nineteen systematic reviews with combined interventions that reinforced the role of education and capacitation while also aiming for their success were considered. The articles analyzed isolated interventions and presented their efficacy. The interventions based on respiratory exercises and respiratory muscular training were the most common, and one article mentioned the efficacy of positioning in the compromisation of ventilation. Combined interventions in which the educational component was included were found to be effective in improving pulmonary function, diffusion, oxygenation, and functional capacity. The outcomes used in each study were variable, leading to a more difficult analysis of the data. The interventions that were the focus of the review were duly mapped. The results suggest that nonpharmacological interventions used to optimize ventilation are effective, with a moderate to high level of evidence. There is a strong foundation for the use of the chosen interventions. The lack of studies on the intervention of "positioning to optimize ventilation" points out the need for a deeper analysis of its effects and for studies with a clear focus. This study supports the decisions and recommendations for the prescription of these interventions to patients with impaired ventilation.