Multidisciplinary Management of Patients With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Cardiovascular Disease

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and cardiovascular disease (CVD) frequently coexist, increasing the prevalence of both entities and impacting on symptoms and prognosis. CVD should be suspected in patients with COPD who have high/very high risk scores on validated scales, frequent exacerbations, precordial pain, disproportionate dyspnea, or palpitations. They should be referred to cardiology if they have palpitations of unknown cause or angina pain. COPD should be suspected in patients with CVD if they have recurrent bronchitis, cough and expectoration, or disproportionate dyspnea. They should be referred to a pulmonologist if they have rhonchi or wheezing, air trapping, emphysema, or signs of chronic bronchitis. Treatment of COPD in cardiovascular patients should include long-acting muscarinic receptor antagonists (LAMA) or long-acting beta-agonists (LABA) in low-risk or high-risk non-exacerbators, and LAMA/LABA/inhaled corticosteroids in exacerbators who are not controlled with bronchodilators. Cardioselective beta-blockers should be favored in patients with CVD, the long-term need for amiodarone should be assessed, and antiplatelet drugs should be maintained if indicated. (AU)

Síndrome del pulmón encogido asociado a lupus eritematoso sistémico: estudio de 9 pacientes / Shrinking lung syndrome in systemic lupus erythematosus: A study of 9 patients

Introducción: El síndrome de pulmón encogido (SPE) es una manifestación rara del lupus eritematoso sistémico. Nuestro objetivo fue describir las características clínicas, radiológicas y funcionales de una cohorte con SPE y su evolución en el tiempo.MétodosEstudio retrospectivo entre 2009 y 2018. Se recogieron datos demográficos, clínicos, funcionales, radiológicos y de tratamiento.ResultadosDe un total de 225 pacientes, 11 presentaron SPE (prevalencia del 4,8%). Dos fueron excluidos. La edad media fue 39,33±16 años, 6 eran mujeres. Los síntomas principales fueron la disnea y el dolor pleurítico. La capacidad vital forzada media fue del 49%, la capacidad pulmonar total del 60%, la capacidad de difusión de monóxido de carbono del 66%, el factor de transferencia para el monóxido de carbono del 128%, la presión inspiratoria máxima del 66% y la presión espiratoria máxima del 82%. Todos los pacientes recibieron corticosteroides. Después de una mediana de seguimiento de 19 meses, 4 casos presentaron mejoría y 4 estabilización.ConclusionesEl SPE debe tenerse presente en todo paciente lúpico con disnea de causa no evidente. Si bien suele evolucionar con mejoría, la mayoría queda con deterioro persistente a pesar del tratamiento. (AU)

Introduction: Shrinking lung syndrome (SLS) is a rare manifestation of systemic lupus erythematosus. Our aim was to describe the clinical, radiological, and functional characteristics of a cohort with SLS and its evolution over time.MethodsA retrospective study was conducted between 2009 and 2018. Demographic, clinical, functional, radiological, and treatment data were collected.ResultsOut of a total of 225 patients, 11 presented with SLS (prevalence of 4.8%). Two patients were excluded. The mean age was 39.33±16 years, and 6 were female. The main symptoms were dyspnea and pleuritic pain. The mean forced vital capacity was 49%, total lung capacity was 60%, carbon monoxide diffusing capacity was 66%, carbon monoxide transference factor was 128%, maximal inspiratory pressure was 66%, and maximal expiratory pressure was 82%. All patients received corticosteroids. After a median follow-up of 19 months, 4 cases showed improvement, and 4 cases remained stable.ConclusionsSLS should be considered in every lupus patient with unexplained dyspnea. Although it often shows improvement, many cases experience persistent deterioration despite treatment. (AU)

Impact of Pleural Lavage Cytology Positivity on Early Recurrence After Surgery for Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer / Impacto de la positividad de la citología del lavado pleural en la recurrencia temprana después de la cirugía por cáncer de pulmón de células no pequeñas

Objective: The aim of this study was to elucidate the impact of pleural lavage cytology positivity on early recurrence in patients operated on non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Methods: This is a multicentre prospective cohort study of 684 patients undergoing an anatomical lung resection for NSCLC between October 2015 and October 2017 at 12 national centres. A pleural lavage was performed before and after lung resection. The association between the different predictors of early recurrence and PLC positivity was performed using univariate and multivariate logistic regression models. A propensity score analysis was performed by inverse probability weighting (IPSW) using average treatment effect (ATE) estimation to analyse the impact of PLC positivity on early recurrence. Results: Overall PLC positivity was observed in 15 patients (2.2%). After two years, 193 patients (28.2%) relapsed, 182 (27.2%) with a negative PLC and 11 (73.3%) with a positive PLC (p<0.001). Factors associated to early recurrence were adenocarcinoma histology (OR=1.59, 95%CI 1.06–2.38, p=0.025), visceral pleural invasion (OR=1.59, 95%CI 1.04–2.4, p=0.03), lymph node involvement (OR=1.84, 95%CI 1.14–2.96, p=0.013), advanced pathological stage (OR=2.12, 95%CI 1.27–3.54, p=0.004) and PLC positivity (OR=4.14, 95%CI 1.25–16.36, p=0.028). After IPSW, PLC positivity was associated with an increased risk of early recurrence (OR=3.46, 95%CI 2.25–5.36, p<0.001). Conclusions: Positive pleural lavage cytology was found to be the strongest predictor of early recurrence.(AU)

Predicting Response to In-Hospital Pulmonary Rehabilitation in Individuals Recovering From Exacerbations of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease / Predicción de la respuesta a la rehabilitación pulmonar hospitalaria en personas que se recuperan de exacerbaciones de la enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica

Background: Predicting the response to pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) could be valuable in defining admission priorities. We aimed to investigate whether the response of individuals recovering from a COPD exacerbation (ECOPD) could be forecasted using machine learning approaches. Method: This multicenter, retrospective study recorded data on anthropometrics, demographics, physiological characteristics, post-PR changes in six-minute walking distance test (6MWT), Medical Research Council scale for dyspnea (MRC), Barthel Index dyspnea (BId), COPD assessment test (CAT) and proportion of participants reaching the minimal clinically important difference (MCID). The ability of multivariate approaches (linear regression, quantile regression, regression trees, and conditional inference trees) in predicting changes in each outcome measure has been assessed. Results: Individuals with lower baseline 6MWT, as well as those with less severe airway obstruction or admitted from acute care hospitals, exhibited greater improvements in 6MWT, whereas older as well as more dyspnoeic individuals had a lower forecasted improvement. Individuals with more severe CAT and dyspnea, and lower 6MWT had a greater potential improvement in CAT. More dyspnoeic individuals were also more likely to show improvement in BId and MRC. The Mean Absolute Error estimates of change prediction were 44.70m, 3.22 points, 5.35 points, and 0.32 points for 6MWT, CAT, BId, and MRC respectively. Sensitivity and specificity in discriminating individuals reaching the MCID of outcomes ranged from 61.78% to 98.99% and from 14.00% to 71.20%, respectively. Conclusion: While the assessed models were not entirely satisfactory, predictive equations derived from clinical practice data might help in forecasting the response to PR in individuals recovering from an ECOPD. Future larger studies will be essential to confirm the methodology, variables, and utility.(AU)

Respiratory Syncytial Virus Vaccination Recommendations for Adults Aged 60 Years and Older: The NeumoExperts Prevention Group Position Paper / Recomendaciones de vacunación contra el virus sincitial respiratorio para adultos de 60 años o más: documento de posición del grupo de prevención NeumoExperts

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a major cause of respiratory tract infections in adults, particularly older adults and those with underlying medical conditions. Vaccination has emerged as a potential key strategy to prevent RSV-related morbidity and mortality. This Neumoexperts Prevention (NEP) Group scientific paper aims to provide an evidence-based positioning and RSV vaccination recommendations for adult patients. We review the current literature on RSV burden and vaccine development and availability, emphasising the importance of vaccination in the adult population. According to our interpretation of the data, RSV vaccines should be part of the adult immunisation programme, and an age-based strategy should be preferred over targeting high-risk groups. The effectiveness and efficiency of this practice will depend on the duration of protection and the need for annual or more spaced doses. Our recommendations should help healthcare professionals formulate guidelines and implement effective vaccination programmes for adult patients at risk of RSV infection now that specific vaccines are available.(AU)

Differential diagnosis of lophomaniasis in patients with COVID-19 in northern Mexico: a case report / Diagnóstico diferencial de lofomaniasis en pacientes con COVID-19 en el norte de México: reporte de un caso

Pulmonary lophomoniasis is a rare infection produced by a multiflagellated and anaerobic pyriform or oval protozoan belonging to the family of Lophomonadidae. The study aimed learn the differential diagnosis of lophomoniasis in patients with COVID-19 in northern Mexico. Clinical case of a 37-years-old male patient diagnosed with pneumonia, respiratory syndrome, hemoptysis, and fever, which suggested pulmonary tuberculosis. Bronchial lavage was performed, and laboratory tests were requested, an RT-PCR test to search for SARS-CoV-2, which was positive. The results for TB and KOH for fungi were negative. In addition to the protocol, a fresh examination was performed by placing a drop from the sample on a glass slide and observing it with a 10X objective, then 40X searching for clinically structural elements. As a result, multiflagellated cellular elements in the continuous movement were observed that morphologically correspond to the genus Lophomonas spp concluding the bacteriological protocol of bronchial secretions should consider fresh examination to search for trophozoites of Lophomonas spp. Medical and laboratory personnel are unaware of the protozoa Lophomonas spp, since the fresh examination in the analysis protocol is not considered. This paper reports the first case of Lophomonas infection in a patient caused by chronic lung disease. (AU)

La lofomoniasis pulmonar es una infección rara producida por un protozoo piriforme u ovalado multiflagelado y anaeróbico perteneciente a la familia de los Lophomonadidae. El estudio tuvo como objetivo conocer el diagnóstico diferencial de lofomoniasis en pacientes con COVID-19 en el norte de México. Caso clínico de un paciente masculino de 37 años con diagnóstico de neumonía, síndrome respiratorio, hemoptisis y fiebre, que sugería tuberculosis pulmonar. Se realizó lavado bronquial y se solicitaron pruebas de laboratorio, prueba RT-PCR para búsqueda de SARS-CoV-2, la cual resultó positiva. Los resultados de TB y KOH para hongos fueron negativos. Además del protocolo, se realizó un nuevo examen colocando una gota de la muestra en un portaobjetos de vidrio y observándola con un objetivo de 10X, luego 40X en busca de elementos clínicamente estructurales. Como resultado se observaron elementos celulares multiflagelados en movimiento continuo que morfológicamente corresponden al género Lophomonas spp, por lo que el protocolo bacteriológico de secreciones bronquiales debe considerar examen en fresco para búsqueda de trofozoítos de Lophomonas spp. El personal médico y de laboratorio desconoce la presencia del protozoo Lophomonas spp, ya que en el protocolo de análisis no se considera el examen en fresco. Este artículo reporta el primer caso de infección por Lophomonas en un paciente causado por una enfermedad pulmonar crónica. (AU)

Toxicidad pulmonar por amiodarona. No olvidemos lo aprendido / Pulmonary toxicity by amiodarone. Let's not forget what we learned

La toxicidad pulmonar es un efecto adverso poco frecuente de la amiodarona cuyo diagnóstico es una tarea complicada ya que debe tenerse una alta sospecha clínica y descartar otras patologías que pueden confundirse con este proceso. Es importante que el diagnóstico sea precoz para poder instaurar un tratamiento temprano y evitar la progresión a fibrosis pulmonar. Presentamos un caso que manifiesta la importancia de un diagnóstico preciso y la buena evolución del mismo tras la retirada del fármaco y la instauración de tratamiento. (AU)

Pulmonary toxicity is a rare adverse effect of amiodarone, the diagnosis of which is a complicated task since a high clinical suspicion must be maintained and other pathologies that may be confused with this process must be ruled out. It is important that the diagnosis is early to be able to establish early treatmentand avoid progression to pulmonary fibrosis. We present a case that shows the importance of an accurate diagnosis and its good evolution after drug withdrawal and treatment initiation. (AU)

Effect of Individualized PEEP on Perioperative Pulmonary Complications in Elderly Patients with Prostate Cancer Undergoing General Anesthesia in Trendelenburg Position: A Single-Center Retrospective Study

Objective: This study aimed to explore the effect of individualized positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) on postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs) in elderly patients with prostate cancer undergoing general anesthesia in Trendelenburg position (low-head and high-foot position at about 45° when patients were in supine position). Methods: The clinical data of 96 elderly patients undergoing Leonardo’s robotic-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy in Zhejiang Provincial People’s Hospital from October 2021, to April 2023, were selected for retrospective analysis. Sixteen patients who had interrupted follow-up or did not meet the inclusion criteria were excluded, and 80 patients were finally included. The patients were divided into group A (lung-protective strategy using routine PEEP value, n = 40) and group B (lung-protective strategy using individualized PEEP value, n = 40) on the basis of different inversion methods. The PEEP value of group A was set as 5 cmH2O, whereas that of group B was determined under the guidance of static lung compliance. The incidences of PPCs on postoperative day 7 were statistically analyzed, and the serum levels of interleukin (IL) 6 (IL-6) and IL-8 in both groups were measured by enzyme-linked immunoadsordent assay (ELISA). Results: The incidence of pulmonary complications was obviously lower in group B than in group A on postoperative day 7 (p < 0.001). Group B had lower levels of serum IL-6 and IL-8 at the end of surgery (T1) and 12 h after surgery (T2, p < 0.001); Higher oxygenation index values 10 min after successful titration of individualized PEEP (A3), 1 h after individualized PEEP ventilation (A4), 2 h after individualized PEEP ventilation (A5), 10 min after recovery of supine position (A6), and 30 min after tracheal extubation (A7); And lower hospitalization time (all p < 0.001) than group A (AU)