St George's Respiratory Questionnaire Research Articles

Role of long-term oxygen therapy in interstitial lung diseases

BackgroundLong-term oxygen therapy in patients with interstitial lung diseases is frequently given in order to enhance gas exchange, lessen dyspnea, and increase physical activity.ObjectiveTo evaluate how individuals with hypoxemia and interstitial lung disease respond to long-term oxygen therapy.ResultsBetween October 2019 and July 2021, this prospective analytical (cross-sectional) study was carried out at the Assiut University Hospital’s Chest Department. Seventy ILD patients were evaluated utilizing a 6-min walk test (SMWT), the St. George respiratory questionnaire (SGRQ), MMRC, and echocardiography and follow-up was done at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months for ABG, SMWT, and MMRC. As regards echocardiography and SGRQ, a follow-up was done on admission and 1 year after starting LTOT. Significant improvement in St. George’s respiratory questionnaire score, MMRC, and EF by echocardiography was observed meanwhile PASP showed insignificant reduction.ConclusionLong-term oxygen therapy is beneficial for patients with ILD and hypoxemia.Trial registrationLong-term oxygen therapy in patients with interstitial lung disease: ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT04089826 Registered on September 12, 2019.

Home high flow nasal cannula for chronic hypercapnic respiratory failure in COPD: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundChronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) with chronic hypercapnia is usually treated with non-invasive ventilation (NIV). High flow nasal cannula (HFNC) may be an appropriate alternative. However, the efficacy of HFNC in COPD patients with chronic hypercapnia is yet to be optimally summarized. MethodsWe conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis using random effects with inverse variance methods. Randomized controlled trials involving adult COPD patients initiated on HFNC for at least one month were included. Outcomes of interest were all-cause mortality, acute exacerbations, hospitalizations, and change in St. George Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ). We assessed the risk of bias using ROB 2.0 and assessed the quality of the evidence using GRADE. ResultsWe included four randomized trials involving 440 patients. HFNC probably reduces acute exacerbations compared to standard care (RR 0.77 [95 % CI 0.66 to 0.89]; moderate certainty), suggesting 69 fewer acute exacerbations per 1000 patients. HFNC may reduce hospital admissions (RR 0.87 [95 % CI 0.69 to 1.09]; low certainty) and may lower the SGRQ score (MD 8.12 units lower [95 % CI 13.30 to 2.95 lower]; low certainty). However, HFNC may have no effect on mortality (RR 1.22 [95 % CI 0.64 to 2.35]; low certainty). ConclusionHFNC probably reduces acute exacerbations and might reduce hospital admissions in COPD patients with chronic hypercapnia. However, its effect on mortality is uncertain. Future larger RCTs with longer follow-up periods are recommended to provide more robust evidence on the efficacy of HFNC in patients with COPD.

Can Blood Biomarkers Be Used to Assess Oxidative Stress in COPD Patients After Pulmonary Rehabilitation.

To determine the level of oxidative stress in the body due to pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) with thiols and disulfide and to investigate their relationship with indirect markers such as creatine kinase (CK), creatine kinase - MB (CK-MB), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), which show cell destruction. Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are included in inpatient and outpatient care. They were evaluated before and after for PR, and an exercise program was prescribed. In addition, native thiol (NT), total thiol (TT), disulfide (DS), LDH, CK, and CK-MB values were tested. The mean age of 21 patients was 63±7.31 years. Eleven of them were outpatients and 10 of them were inpatients. Most of the patients were male (M/F=20/1, 95.2/4.8%). There was a significant difference in pulmonary function tests (PFT), St. George Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ), and 1 repetition maximum (1RM) before and after the treatment (p<0.001). There was a correlation between PFT and 1RM upper extremity. While there was no significant difference between thiols and disulfide, according to GOLD scores, there was a significant difference in patients with level 3-MMRC. No correlation was found between LDH, CK, CK-MB, and thiols, DS. ΔCK was found to be associated with ΔDS, and ΔCK-MB with ΔNT, and ΔTT. PR contributes to the antioxidant process by improving respiration and reducing oxidative stress. The decrease in LDH, CK with PR, increase in CK-MB, and correlation of CK with thiols and DS gave a different interpretation. In this case, it should be considered that oxidative stress may also be increased in people with high CK values.

Influence of home-based pulmonary rehabilitation program among people with interstitial lung disease: A pre-post study

ABSTRACT Introduction Access to interstitial lung disease programs may not be available in rural settings. Home-based pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) programs have been proposed as an alternative to hospital-based programs. Method Forty participants with ILD underwent a structured unsupervised home-based pulmonary rehabilitation program from September 2020 to September 2022. Quality of life was assessed using St. George Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) and functional capacity using 6-minute walk test (6MWT). The outcome measures were assessed at baseline and 4 weeks post-unsupervised home-based PR program. Result We recruited 40 participants with ILD. There was statistically significant improvement in the 6-minute walk distance (353.8 m and 368 m, effect size – 0.5, p ≤ .001) and quality of life using SGRQ total score (38.6 and 42.35, effect size – 2.5, p ≤ .001) between before and after receiving home-based PR among all 40 participants with ILD. Conclusion Four weeks of home-based PR program, using minimal resources, deliver short-term improvements in functional exercise capacity and quality of life among ILD participants. Our home-based PR program resulted in a quarter percentage improvement in functional capacity, and we believe that if consistency is maintained, it will result in similar changes corresponding to the already established Minimal Clinically Important Difference (MCID) of 35 m.

Reliability and responsiveness of the D12 and validity of its scores as a measure of dyspnoea severity in patients with rheumatoid arthritis-related interstitial lung disease

BackgroundInterstitial lung disease due to rheumatoid arthritis (RA-ILD) affects a substantial minority of patients with RA, inducing life-altering symptoms, impairing quality of life (QOL) and forcing patients to confront the...

From pre-COPD to COPD: a Simple, Low cost and easy to IMplement (SLIM) risk calculator.

The lifetime risk of developing clinical COPD among smokers ranges from 13% to 22%. Identifying at-risk individuals who will develop overt disease in a reasonable timeframe may allow for early intervention. We hypothesised that readily available clinical and physiological variables could help identify ever-smokers at higher risk of developing chronic airflow limitation (CAL). Among 2273 Lovelace Smokers' Cohort (LSC) participants, we included 677 (mean age 54 years) with normal spirometry at baseline and a minimum of three spirometries, each 1 year apart. Repeated spirometric measurements were used to determine incident CAL. Using logistic regression, demographics, anthropometrics, smoking history, modified Medical Research Council dyspnoea scale, St George's Respiratory Questionnaire, comorbidities and spirometry, we related variables obtained at baseline to incident CAL as defined by the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease and lower limit of normal criteria. The predictive model derived from the LSC was validated in subjects from the COPDGene study. Over 6.3 years, the incidence of CAL was 26 cases per 1000 person-years. The strongest independent predictors were forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1)/forced vital capacity (FVC) <0.75, having smoked ≥30 pack-years, body mass index (BMI) ≤25 kg·m2 and symptoms of chronic bronchitis. Having all four predictors increased the risk of developing CAL over 6 years to 85% (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC ROC) 0.84, 95% CI 0.81-0.89). The prediction model showed similar results when applied to subjects in the COPDGene study with a follow-up period of 10 years (AUC ROC 0.77, 95% CI 0.72-0.81). In middle-aged ever-smokers, a simple predictive model with FEV1/FVC, smoking history, BMI and chronic bronchitis helps identify subjects at high risk of developing CAL.

Differences in physical function, self-efficacy, and health-related quality of life by disease severity in community-dwelling patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Purpose: This study investigated the differences in physical function, self-efficacy (SE), and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) categorized by disease severity in community-dwelling patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Methods: This cross-sectional study included 182 patients with COPD selected from the pulmonology outpatient department of a tertiary hospital. Disease severity was measured using forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1). Physical function, SE, and HRQoL were measured with the six-minute walking distance, pulmonary rehabilitation self-efficacy (PRAISE), and St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ). Disease duration, FEV1, and 12-month history of exacerbations were obtained from medical records. Patients were categorized by Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) category. Data were analyzed using the two-sample t-test, χ2 test, and one-way ANOVA. Results: Most of the participants were male and nonsmokers. The disease duration was 10.76 ± 10.03 years, the mean FEV1% was 62.13 ± 22.80, and 70.3% of the participants were in GOLD category 2 (moderate) or milder. Half of the participants reported modified Medical Research Council scores ≥ 2. Patients in GOLD categories 1 and 3 (mild and severe) exhibited significantly higher PRAISE scores than those in the other groups (F = 8.23, p &lt; .001). The total SGRQ scores were highest in GOLD 4 (very severe), indicating the lowest HRQoL. Significant differences were identified among GOLD 1, GOLD 2 and 3, and GOLD 4 (F = 9.92, p &lt; .001). Conclusion: We identified potentially useful variables to comprehensively assess disease severity and tailor management strategies, including airflow limitation, and to determine the consequences of COPD from patients’ perspectives.

Efficacy and safety of aclidinium/formoterol versus monotherapies and aclidinium versus placebo in Chinese and other Asian patients with moderate-to-severe COPD: The AVANT Phase 3 study

AVANT was a Phase 3, 24-week, randomized, parallel-group, double-blind, double-dummy, placebo-controlled study to assess the efficacy and safety of aclidinium/formoterol 400 μg/12 μg combination vs monotherapies and aclidinium vs placebo (1:1:1:1) in Asian patients (∼70% of whom were Chinese) with moderate-to-severe stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Endpoints were analyzed hierarchically to incorporate type I error control. At Week 24, aclidinium/formoterol demonstrated improvements from baseline in 1-h morning post-dose forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) vs aclidinium (least squares [LS] mean 92 mL; 95% confidence interval [CI] 60, 124 mL; p < 0.001), and in trough FEV1 vs formoterol (LS mean 85 mL; 95% CI 53, 117 mL; p < 0.001). Furthermore, aclidinium provided improvements in trough FEV1 vs placebo (LS mean 134 mL; 95% CI 103, 166 mL; p < 0.001). There was an improvement in transition dyspnea index focal score at Week 24 for aclidinium/formoterol vs placebo (LS mean 0.8; 95% CI 0.2, 1.3; p = 0.005) but not for aclidinium vs placebo (LS mean 0.4; 95% CI −0.1, 1.0; p = 0.132). Improvements in St George's Respiratory Questionnaire total scores occurred for aclidinium/formoterol vs placebo (LS mean −4.0; 95% CI −6.7, −1.4; p = 0.003) and aclidinium vs placebo (LS mean −2.9; 95% CI −5.5, −0.3; p = 0.031). Aclidinium/formoterol and aclidinium were well tolerated and safety findings were consistent with known profiles; rates of treatment-emergent adverse events (AEs) (aclidinium/formoterol: 54.8%; aclidinium: 47.4%; placebo: 53.9%), serious AEs (7.2, 7.9, and 7.8%, respectively), and AEs leading to discontinuation of study medication (2.3, 1.5, and 2.2%, respectively) were similar between groups.

Tai Chi as a complementary exercise for pulmonary rehabilitation in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: A randomised controlled trial

ObjectivesWith the characteristics of mindfulness and breathing techniques, Tai Chi has been recommended with therapeutic values in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, its strengths as a complementary exercise for conventional pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) remain unclear. Design and settingThis single-blinded randomised controlled trial recruited patients with mild to severe stable COPD. Eligible participants were randomly assigned to the group with usual care (control), total body recumbent stepper (TBRS) exercise, Tai Chi (TC), or combined TBRS exercise and Tai Chi (TBRS-TC). Patients received a two-month hospital-based supervised exercise, followed by a ten-month community- or home-based rehabilitation program. ResultsA total of 120 participants were recruited, and 102 were included in the per-protocol analysis. The mean changes in St George’s Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) total score from baseline to the post-hospital exercise in the control group, TBRS group, TC group, and TBRS-TC group was 2.62 (95 % CI −8.99 to 8.99), −9.28 (95 % CI −13.96 to −4.60), −10.19 (95 % CI −13.72 to −6.67), and −16.75 (95 % CI −20.25 to −13.24), respectively, with a statistically significant difference between groups in favor of the TBRS-TC exercise (P < 0.001). The remarkable effect of TBRS-TC exercise in improving the quality of life maintained until the end of the community- or home-based rehabilitation training (P < 0.001). Besides, a statistically better effect with the TBRS-TC exercise was also observed in the outcomes regarding exercise capacity, pulmonary function, symptom burden, and systemic inflammation after the whole process of 12-month integrative PR exercise programme. ConclusionsBased on the results, a novel integrated exercise modality combining Tai Chi and conventional pulmonary rehabilitation was developed. It might contribute to more positive effects in patients with stable COPD. RegistrationThe study was registered with the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR-IOR-15006874) prior to commencing recruitment.

Predictors of Quality-of-Life Improvement at Different Minimum Clinically Important Difference Values in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease after Climatic Rehabilitation Treatment.

The minimum clinically important difference (MCID) for the St George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) is debated in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) quality-of-life (QoL) assessments. This study aimed to determine whether there is a difference in predictors of clinically significant improvement between the traditional (value of 4) and newly proposed MCID SGRQ (value of 7) after climatic rehabilitation treatment. Climatic rehabilitation treatment consists of two main parts: climatotherapy, which typically involves the controlled exposure of individuals to natural environmental elements, and climatic rehabilitation, which includes other therapeutic factors such as physical activities as well as educating the patient to change their lifestyle. This study included 90 consecutive patients diagnosed with COPD who underwent structured complex pulmonary rehabilitation in High Tatras, part of the Carpathian Mountains. The examination before and after treatment included spirometry, QoL assessment using the SGRQ, 6 min walk test (6-MWT), and the Borg, Beck and Zung scale. Patients showed statistically significant improvement after the intervention in FEV1, FEV1/FVC, 6-MWT, (p < 0.001), anxiety scores, depression, and improvement in dyspnoea both before and after the 6-MWT (p < 0.001). For both MCID for SGRQ levels 4 and 7, we confirmed the same predictors of clinical improvement for bronchial obstruction grade (spirometry) and exercise capacity (6-MWT), for quality of life in activity score and total score. The results suggest that both the proposed MCID for SGRQ values could be sufficient to assess the clinical significance of the achieved change in health status when assessing the need for pulmonary rehabilitation comprising climatotherapy in patients with COPD.

Assessment of dyspneic sensation in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2D) should be considered a susceptible group for pulmonary dysfunction. So, we aimed to evaluate the sensation of breathlessness in this population by administering two well-validatedquestionnaires. This is a crosssectional study with 592 people without known respiratory disease (353 with T2D) who answered the modified Medical Research Council (mMRC) questionnaire. In addition, 47% also responded to the St George Respiratory Questionnaire, a specific instrument designed to be applied to patients with obstructive airway disease. Patients with T2D showed a higher mMRC score in comparison to the control group [1.0 (0.0 - 4.0) vs. 0.0 (0.0 - 4.0), p<0.001]. A higher prevalence of subjects with mMRC ≥2 was observed in T2D that in the control group (20.2% vs. 11.6%, p=0.004). Participants with T2D and mMRC ≥2 showed a higher HbA1c (8.2 ± 1.6% vs. 7.8 ± 1.6%, p=0.048), longer T2D evolution and higher prevalence of nephropathy. In the multivariate analysis, the presence of T2D [OR=1.95 (1.19 to 3.22), p=0.008] in all the population, and HbA1c [OR=1.19 (1.01 to 1.41), p=0.034] and the presence of diabetic nephropathy [OR=2.00 (1.14 to 3.52), p=0.015] in patients with T2D, predicted a mMRC ≥2. Finally, no differences were observed regarding the SGRQ score among groups. Patients with T2D showed a greater sensation of dyspnea than subjects with normal carbohydrate metabolism. Risk factors included poor metabolic control and the presence of renal disease.

Expectations, symptoms, and quality of life before and after 1 year of Pirfenidone treatment in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: A single-arm, open-label nonrandomized study.

Antifibrotic therapies reduce lung function decline in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). This single-arm, open-label, nonrandomized study aimed to determine the influence of antifibrotic treatment on patients' reported symptoms and expectations of the therapy. Fifty-two patients with confirmed IPF at a mean age of 65 ± 8.63 years (73% male) completed the following surveys at baseline and after 12 months of Pirfenidone treatment: Short Form Healthy Survey (SF-36), St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ), Baseline Dyspnea Index (BDI), Fatigue Assessment Scale (FAS), Leicester Cough Questionnaire (LCQ), and Patient's Needs and Expectations Authors' Survey. The most important patients' needs were access to novel therapy, fast and easy access to health centers specializing in IPF treatment, and the improvement of the general condition or the maintenance of its level. These needs did not change with time, except for the significantly more important right of deciding on disease management after 12 months of treatment (p = 0.014). The quality of life per SF-36, after 1 year of Pirfenidone treatment, significantly improved in the physical cumulative score (p = 0.004) and mental cumulative score (p = 0.003). Significant deteriorations were observed in bodily pain and vitality. For the remaining questionnaires (SGRQ, BDI, FAS, and LCQ), no significant changes in the course of the study were noticed. Around one in 10 patients subjected to Pirfenidone therapy had achieved general symptom improvement in all areas; that is, quality of life improvement as well as cough and dyspnea reduction. One year of antifibrotic treatment resulted in a general improvement in the quality of life per the SF-36 questionnaire. Patients' expectations of disease management did not change; also, access to novel therapies and easy access to health centers specializing in IPF management remained their top needs.

Isolated abnormal diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide (iso↓DLco) is associated with increased respiratory symptom burden in people with HIV infection.

An isolated reduction in the diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide (DLco; iso↓DLco) is one of the most common pulmonary function test (PFT) abnormalities in people living with HIV (PWH), but its clinical implications are incompletely understood. In this study, we explored whether iso↓DLco in PWH is associated with a greater respiratory symptom burden. Cross-sectional analysis. We used ATS/ERS compliant PFTs from PWH with normal spirometry (post-bronchodilator FEV1/FVC ≥0.7; FEV1, FVC ≥80% predicted) from the I AM OLD cohort in San Francisco, CA and Seattle, WA, grouped by DLco categorized as normal (DLco ≥lower limit of normal, LLN), mild iso↓DLco (LLN >DLco >60% predicted), and moderate-severe iso↓DLco (DLco ≤60% predicted). We performed multivariable analyses to test for associations between DLco and validated symptom-severity and quality of life questionnaires, including the modified Medical Research Council dyspnea scale (mMRC), the COPD Assessment Test (CAT), and St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ), as well as between DLco and individual CAT symptoms. Mild iso↓DLco was associated only with a significantly higher SGRQ score. Moderate-severe iso↓DLco was associated with significantly higher odds of mMRC ≥2 and significantly higher CAT and SGRQ scores. PWH with moderate-severe iso↓DLco had increased odds of breathlessness, decreased activity, lower confidence leaving home, and less energy. Iso↓DLco is associated with worse respiratory symptom scores, and this association becomes stronger with worsening DLco, suggesting that impaired gas exchange alone has a significant negative impact on the quality of life in PWH. Additional studies are ongoing to understand the etiology of this finding and design appropriate interventions.

Baseline dependent minimally important differences for clinical outcomes of pulmonary rehabilitation in people with COPD

IntroductionMinimally important differences (MIDs) for common outcomes of pulmonary rehabilitation are well documented for people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It is not known whether MIDs differ based on COPD disease characteristics. This study aimed to estimate MIDs for clinical outcomes of pulmonary rehabilitation dependent upon baseline characteristics. MethodsA database containing 2791 people with COPD was split into derivation (n=2245; age 66±9 years; 50% males; FEV1 47±20% predicted) and comparator (n=546; age 66±9 years; 47% males; FEV1 46±21% predicted) cohorts. MIDs were estimated using 0.5 x SD (symmetrically distributed) or 0.5 x IQR (non-symmetrically distributed) for: 6-minute walk test (6MWT), constant work rate test (CWRT), COPD assessment test (CAT), St. George's respiratory questionnaire (SGRQ), hospital anxiety and depression scale (HADS), and fat-free mass index (FFMI). MIDs were estimated based on baseline outcome scores, lung function, modified medical research council (mMRC) grade and FFMI. ResultsMID estimates were comparable to previously reported values. MIDs for SGRQ domains (Symptom=8.7 points, Activity=7.1 points, Impact=8.1 points) and FFMI were produced (0.36kg/m2). There was greater variation of change in 6MWT, SGRQ-activity, SGRQ-impact, HADS and FFMI on which the MIDs were determined when categorising for baseline values (all, p<0.05). Greater variation of change in 6MWT on which the MIDs were determined was evident with COPD disease severity grouping (p<0.05). The magnitude of change in 6MWT, CAT, CWRT, SGRQ-activity, and FFMI with baseline mMRC score categorisation resulted in greater variation on which the MIDs were determined (all, p<0.05). Baseline stratification for FFMI resulted in greater variation of change in CWRT (p<0.001) and HADS-depression (p = 0.043) on which MIDs were determined. DiscussionFindings suggest that baseline presentation should be considered for people with COPD when assessing the efficacy of pulmonary rehabilitation. However, clinical significance of the variation underpinning MIDs is yet to be determined.

Reliability and validity of the London Chest Activity of Daily Living scale for adults with asthma

Introduction Dyspnea during activities of daily living (ADL) is frequently reported by adults with asthma. However, instruments that specifically assess that in people with asthma have not yet been validated. Objectives To investigate the validity and reliability, including standard error of measurement (SEM) and Minimum Detectable Change (MDC), of the London Chest Activity of Daily Living (LCADL) scale for adults with asthma. Methods Adults with asthma answered the LCADL scale which was performed twice by the same rater. Spirometry, 6-min walk test (6MWT), St George’s Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ), modified Medical Research Council (mMRC) dyspnea scale, Asthma Quality of Life questionnaire (AQLQ), Asthma Control Test (ACT), and Glittre-ADL test were assessed. For statistical analyses, Spearman correlation, Wilcoxon test, Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC), Cronbach’s alpha coefficient, SEM, MDC were performed. Results Seventy participants were included (30% men, 44 ± 15 years old, BMI 27[23-31]kg/m2, FEV1 80 ± 17%predicted). For convergent validity, the LCADL scale was moderately correlated with SGRQ, AQLQ, and Glittre-ADL (r = 0.57, −0.46, and 0.41 respectively; p < 0.0001). The LCADL scale correlated weakly with the mMRC scale, ACT, and spirometry measures (-0.23<r < 0.39; p < 0.001). Weak to strong correlations between the domains of the LCADL scale and the domains of the SGRQ were observed (0.26<r < 0.73; p < 0.001). There was no difference between the test-retest of the scale (p = 0.65) and reliability analysis shows an ICC3 of 0.71, a Cronbach’s alpha coefficient of 0.87, an SEM of 6.23 points, and an MDC of 17.27 points. Conclusion The LCADL scale is valid and reliable for assessing dyspnea during ADL in adults with asthma.

Longitudinal significance of six-minute walk test in patients with nontuberculous mycobacterial pulmonary disease: an observational study

BackgroundThe long-term exercise tolerance changes in patients with nontuberculous mycobacterial pulmonary disease (NTM-PD) are of great interest because of its chronic course. This study aimed to characterize the associations between changes over time in six-minute walking test (6MWT) parameters and clinical parameters in patients with NTM-PD.MethodsOverall, 188 patients with NTM-PD, visiting outpatient clinics at Keio University Hospital from April 2012 to March 2020 were included in the study. Data were collected using the St. George’s Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ), pulmonary function test (PFT), blood tests, and the 6MWT at registration and at least once after that. The association of the anchors and clinical indicators with the 6MWT parameters was assessed.ResultsThe median age [interquartile range] of the patients was 67 [63–74] years. The median baseline six-minute walk distance (6MWD) and final Borg scale (FBS) were 413 [361–470] m and 1 [0–2], respectively. In the correlation analysis, ΔSGRQ total/year (yr), Δforced vital capacity (FVC, % predicted)/yr, Δforced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1, % predicted)/yr, and Δdiffusing capacity for carbon monoxide (DLCO, % predicted)/yr correlated with both Δ6MWD/yr and ΔFBS/yr in the longitudinal analysis (|Rho| > 0.20). When stratified into three quantiles of changes in each anchor, the 6MWT parameters worsened over time in the bottom 25% group by mixed-effects model. Specifically, Δ6MWD was affected by SGRQ activity, SGRQ impacts, PFT (FVC, FEV1, and DLCO), and C-reactive protein (CRP). ΔFBS was affected by all SGRQ components, total score, and PFT. Anchor scores and variables at baseline that worsened Δ6MWD were higher SGRQ scores, lower FVC (% predicted), lower DLCO (% predicted), higher Krebs von den Lungen-6, old age, and undergoing treatment at registration. Similarly, these clinical parameters and elevated CRP, excluding undergoing treatment at registration, worsened ΔFBS.ConclusionsThe decreased walking distance and exacerbation of dyspnea on exertion over time in patients with NTM-PD may reflect a deterioration of health-related quality of life and pulmonary function. Thus, the change in 6MWT over time can be used as an indicator to accurately assess the patient’s condition and tailor their healthcare environment.

Comparison of Predictive Properties between Tools of Patient-Reported Outcomes: Risk Prediction for Three Future Events in Subjects with COPD.

Patient-reported outcome (PRO) measures must be evaluated for their discriminatory, evaluative, and predictive properties. However, the predictive capability remains unclear. We aimed to examine the predictive properties of several PRO measures of all-cause mortality, acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and associated hospitalization. A total of 122 outpatients with stable COPD were prospectively recruited and completed six self-administered paper questionnaires: the COPD Assessment Test (CAT), St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ), Baseline Dyspnea Index (BDI), Dyspnoea-12, Evaluating Respiratory Symptoms in COPD and Hyland Scale at baseline. Cox proportional hazards analyses were conducted to examine the relationships with future outcomes. A total of 66 patients experienced exacerbation, 41 were hospitalized, and 18 died. BDI, SGRQ Total and Activity, and CAT and Hyland Scale scores were significantly related to mortality (hazard ratio = 0.777, 1.027, 1.027, 1.077, and 0.951, respectively). The Hyland Scale score had the best predictive ability for PRO measures, but the C index did not reach the level of the most commonly used FEV1. Almost all clinical, physiological, and PRO measurements obtained at baseline were significant predictors of the first exacerbation and the first hospitalization due to it, with a few exceptions. Measurement of health status and the global scale of quality of life as well as some tools to assess breathlessness, were significant predictors of all-cause mortality, but their predictive capacity did not reach that of FEV1. In contrast, almost all baseline measurements were unexpectedly related to exacerbation and associated hospitalization.

The impact of emphysema heterogeneity on treatment response after endobronchial valve treatment.

Lung volume reduction with endobronchial valves can significantly improve functional outcomes in patients with advanced emphysema. The extent and spatial distribution pattern of emphysema shows considerable heterogeneity, which might affect response to endobronchial valve treatment. Our aim was to study the effect of emphysema heterogeneity on change in clinical outcomes after endobronchial valve treatment. Data were collected from our national registry of patients who received endobronchial valve treatment between 2016 and 2020. We assessed the association between the heterogeneity index, absolute difference in destruction between the target and ipsilateral lobe, and relative change in forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), residual volume (RV), St George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) and 6-min walk distance (6MWD) at 6-week, 6-month and 12-month follow-up. In total, 236 patients were included. Heterogeneity index was significantly associated with improvements in FEV1, RV and 6MWD at all follow-up visits, and in SGRQ at the 6- and 12-month follow-up visits. The majority of patients, independent of heterogeneity index, showed clinically meaningful improvements based on minimal important difference thresholds. Heterogeneity index influences the degree of clinical improvement after endobronchial valve treatment where in general a more heterogeneous distribution translates to larger improvements. However, patients with a more homogeneous distribution also showed clinically meaningful improvements. Therefore, we believe emphysema heterogeneity alone should not be used as a decisive patient selection criterion, but should be weighed in the context of all other relevant patient and target lobe characteristics when deciding on a patient's treatment eligibility.

Feasibility of home initiation of an airway clearance device (SIMEOX) by telecare in people with non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis: a pilot study

BackgroundMucociliary clearance is a cornerstone of the management of people with non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis (NCFB). SIMEOX, an innovative device, could facilitate autonomous airway clearance, but its use requires specific training....

Assessment of efficacy and safety of endoscopic lung volume reduction with one-way valves in patients with a very low FEV1.

Endoscopic lung volume reduction (ELVR) with one-way valves produces beneficial outcomes in patients with severe emphysema. Evidence on the efficacy remains unclear in patients with a very low forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) (≤20% predicted). We aim to compare clinical outcomes of ELVR, in relation to the FEV1 restriction. All data originated from the German Lung Emphysema Registry (Lungenemphysem Register), which is a prospective multicentric observational study for patients with severe emphysema after lung volume reduction. Two groups were formed at baseline: FEV1 ≤20% pred and FEV1 21-45% pred. Pulmonary function tests (FEV1, residual volume, partial pressure of carbon dioxide), training capacity (6-min walk distance (6MWD)), quality of life (modified Medical Research Council dyspnoea scale (mMRC), COPD Assessment Test (CAT), St George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ)) and adverse events were assessed and compared at baseline and after 3 and 6 months. 33 patients with FEV1 ≤20% pred and 265 patients with FEV1 21-45% pred were analysed. After ELVR, an increase in FEV1 was observed in both groups (both p<0.001). The mMRC and CAT scores, and 6MWD improved in both groups (all p<0.05). The SGRQ score improved significantly in the FEV1 21-45% pred group, and by trend in the FEV1 ≤20% pred group. Pneumothorax was the most frequent complication within the first 90 days in both groups (FEV1 ≤20% pred: 7.7% versus FEV1 21-45% pred: 22.1%; p=0.624). No deaths occurred in the FEV1 ≤20% pred group up to 6 months. Our study highlights the potential efficacy of one-way valves, even in patients with very low FEV1, as these patients experienced significant improvements in FEV1, 6MWD and quality of life. No death was reported, suggesting a good safety profile, even in these high-risk patients.