Systemic antibiotics for Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection in outpatients with non-hospitalised exacerbations of pre-existing lung diseases: a randomised clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: The effect of dual systemic antibiotic therapy against Pseudomonas aeruginosa in patients with pre-existing lung disease is unknown. To assess whether dual systemic antibiotics against P. aeruginosa in outpatients with COPD, non-cystic fibrosis (non-CF) bronchiectasis, or asthma can improve outcomes. METHODS: Multicenter, randomised, open-label trial conducted at seven respiratory outpatient clinics in Denmark. Outpatients with COPD, non-CF bronchiectasis, or asthma with a current P. aeruginosa-positive lower respiratory tract culture (clinical routine samples obtained based on symptoms of exacerbation not requiring hospitalisation), regardless of prior P. aeruginosa-status, no current need for hospitalisation, and at least two moderate or one hospitalisation-requiring exacerbation within the last year were eligible. Patients were assigned 1:1 to 14 days of dual systemic anti-pseudomonal antibiotics or no antibiotic treatment. Primary outcome was time to prednisolone or antibiotic-requiring exacerbation or death from day 20 to day 365. RESULTS: The trial was stopped prematurely based in lack of recruitment during the COVID-19 pandemic, this decision was endorsed by the Data and Safety Monitoring Board. Forty-nine outpatients were included in the study. There was a reduction in risk of the primary outcome in the antibiotic group compared to the control group (HR 0.51 (95%CI 0.27-0.96), p = 0.037). The incidence of admissions with exacerbation within one year was 1.1 (95%CI 0.6-1.7) in the dual antibiotic group vs. 2.9 (95%CI 1.3-4.5) in the control group, p = 0.037. CONCLUSIONS: Use of dual systemic antibiotics for 14 days against P. aeruginosa in outpatients with chronic lung diseases and no judged need for hospitalisation, improved clinical outcomes markedly. The main limitation was the premature closure of the trial. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03262142, registration date 2017-08-25.

The association between alcohol consumption and pulmonary function: a scoping review.

INTRODUCTION: The health effects of alcohol are well established but the influence on pulmonary function remains debated. Studies indicate that small amounts of alcohol are beneficial and heavy consumption is harmful, suggesting a U-shaped association. Our objective is to determine whether there is an association between alcohol intake and changes in pulmonary function parameters, exploring the potential protective effect of moderate alcohol consumption and the harm caused by heavy drinking. METHODS: A comprehensive search from PubMed, Embase, Cochrane and CINAHL was carried out, and studies were evaluated using the JBI methodological framework for scoping reviews. Two independent reviewers conducted parallel screening and data extraction. A data extraction form was utilised to organise key themes, with qualitative analysis and visual representation of the results. RESULTS: Among 4427 screened abstracts, 179 underwent full-text review, resulting in 30 eligible studies. Of these, 10 showed a negative effect, nine reported no impact, nine exhibited a positive effect and two indicated a nonlinear U-shaped association between alcohol consumption and pulmonary function parameters. CONCLUSION: While the U-shaped curve hypothesis remains unconfirmed by the current literature, there are notable associations. Heavy alcohol consumption appears to negatively affect pulmonary function, while low to moderate intake shows a positive influence in included studies. However, the diversity in study quality, the nonstandardised alcohol intake quantification and the confounding role of smoking challenge definitive conclusions. The need for consistent, long-term international studies is evident to further explore this relationship while addressing the complex interplay between alcohol and smoking.

Risk of pharmacological treatment of anxiety and depression after admission for acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

BACKGROUND: Anxiety and depression are very common in patients with COPD and may lead to lower quality of life and higher risk of exacerbations and mortality. This study aimed to examine the incidence of anxiety and depression within one year after admission with acute exacerbation in COPD (AECOPD). The secondary aim was to examine the characteristics of the patients who develop anxiety and depression. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study used the Danish National Patient Registry. Patients aged 40-90 years admitted for COPD between 01.01.99 and 31.12.18 were included. Patients with mental disorders within 10 years before admission were excluded. Age, sex, educational level, inhaled medication, and comorbidities were evaluated. Anxiety or depression were defined by redemption of anxiolytics or antidepressants within one year after admission. RESULTS: We included 97,929 patients. Anxiolytics and antidepressants were redeemed by 4 and 5 % of patients respectively. Higher age, male sex, treatment with short acting ß2-agonists and short acting muscarinic antagonists, cancer and heart failure were positively associated to risk of anxiety or depression, while diabetes and treatment with triple inhalation therapy showed an inverse association. CONCLUSION: Respectively four and five per cent of patients redeemed anxiolytics and antidepressants within the first year after their first severe AECOPD. Several patient characteristics were significantly associated to risk of anxiety or depression. The results from this study support that there is a risk of anxiety and depression after AECOPD in addition to the known risk of preexisting anxiety and depression.

Home-based respiratory support.

This review provides an overview of home-based respiratory support modalities for patients with chronic lung diseases. It discusses the increasing use of long-term high-flow nasal cannula (LT-HFNC) and long-term non-invasive ventilation (LT-NIV) and their potential to enhance patient quality of life. This review addresses various types of respiratory failure and their respective treatments, emphasising the significance of monitoring and telemedicine in home care. This comprehensive review underscores the clinical relevance of these interventions in the management of chronic lung diseases.

The use of telemedicine in lung diseases with focus on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Telemedicine is emerging and has both clinical, scientific, and political interest. In this review, we present the present literature on implementation and describe the economic considerations when implementing telemedicine in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The use of telemedicine in COPD is well-received by patients, but there is little evidence to suggest its superiority to standard outpatient care or to support better outcomes for patients. Thus, local settings and cost effectiveness should be considered during the implementational process.

Association of inadequate social support and clinical outcomes in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease - A cross-sectional study.

INTRODUCTION: In patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), loneliness and social isolation are associated with increased morbidity and decreased mobility, self-reliance, and health-related quality of life. Social support has been shown to improve these outcomes. AIMS: This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the level of experienced social support and the clinical outcomes associated with inadequate social support among patients with COPD with a resident loved one. METHODS: Level of social support was assessed with the Medical Outcomes Study - Social Support Survey (MOS-SSS) in patients with COPD with a resident loved one. Patients were sub-grouped into adequate or inadequate social support. Multiple clinical outcomes were assessed, including lung function, degree of dyspnoea, health status, symptoms of anxiety and depression, the degree of care dependency, functional status, and mobility. RESULTS: The study included 191 Dutch patients with COPD (53.4% men, age: 65.6 ± 8.9 years, FEV1: 47.3 ± 17.7% predicted). Eighteen percent of the patients reported inadequate social support. Patients with inadequate social support reported a significantly symptom severity of COPD (p = 0.004), a higher care dependency level (p = 0.04) and a higher level of depression (p = 0.004) compared to patients with adequate social support. Other traits were comparable for both groups. CONCLUSION: Patients with COPD with a resident loved one who perceive an inadequate level of social support are more likely to report a higher impact of COPD, a higher care dependency and symptoms of depression. Other characteristics are comparable with patients who perceive adequate social support.

Association between the Static and Dynamic Lung Function and CT-Derived Thoracic Skeletal Muscle Measurements-A Retrospective Analysis of a 12-Month Observational Follow-Up Pilot Study.

BACKGROUND: Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) with low skeletal muscle mass and severe airway obstruction have higher mortality risks. However, the relationship between dynamic/static lung function (LF) and thoracic skeletal muscle measurements (SMM) remains unclear. This study explored patient characteristics (weight, BMI, exacerbations, dynamic/static LF, sex differences in LF and SMM, and the link between LF and SMM changes. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of a 12-month prospective follow-up study patients with stable COPD undergoing standardized treatment, covering mild to severe stages, was conducted. The baseline and follow-up assessments included computed tomography and body plethysmography. RESULTS: This study included 35 patients (17 females and 18 males). This study revealed that females had more stable LF but tended to have greater declines in SMM areas and indices than males (-5.4% vs. -1.9%, respectively), despite the fact that females were younger and had higher LF and less exacerbation than males. A multivariate linear regression showed a negative association between the inspiratory capacity/total lung capacity ratio (IC/TLC) and muscle fat area. CONCLUSIONS: The findings suggest distinct LF and BC progression patterns between male and female patients with COPD. A low IC/TLC ratio may predict increased muscle fat. Further studies are necessary to understand these relationships better.

Ethnic differences in CT derived abdominal body composition measures: a comparative retrospect pilot study between European and Inuit study population.

Understanding ethnic variations in body composition is crucial for assessing health risks. Universal models may not suit all ethnicities, and there is limited data on the Inuit population. This study aimed to compare body composition between Inuit and European adults using computed tomography (CT) scans and to investigate the influence of demographics on these measurements. A retrospective analysis was conducted on 50 adults (29 Inuit and 21 European) who underwent standard trauma CT scans. Measurements focused on skeletal muscle index (SMI), various fat indices, and densities at the third lumbar vertebra level, analyzed using the Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney test and multiple linear regression. Inuit women showed larger fat tissue indices and lower muscle and fat densities than European women. Differences in men were less pronouncehd, with only Intramuscular fat density being lower among Inuit men. Regression indicated that SMI was higher among men, and skeletal muscle density decreased with Inuit ethnicity and age, while visceral fat index was positively associated with age. This study suggests ethnic differences in body composition measures particularly among women, and indicates the need for Inuit-specific body composition models. It higlights the importance of further research into Inuit-specific body composition measurements for better health risk assessment.

Long-term cognitive and pulmonary functions following a lower versus a higher oxygenation target in the HOT-ICU and HOT-COVID trials: A protocol update.

BACKGROUND: The Handling Oxygenation Targets in the Intensive Care Unit (HOT-ICU) trial was a multicentre, randomised, parallel-group trial of a lower oxygenation target (arterial partial pressure of oxygen [PaO2 ] = 8 kPa) versus a higher oxygenation target (PaO2 = 12 kPa) in adult ICU patients with acute hypoxaemic respiratory failure; the Handling Oxygenation Targets in coronavirus disease 2019 (HOT-COVID) tested the same oxygenation targets in patients with confirmed COVID-19. In this study, we aim to evaluate the long-term effects of these oxygenation targets on cognitive and pulmonary function. We hypothesise that a lower oxygenation target throughout the ICU stay may result in cognitive impairment, whereas a higher oxygenation target may result in impaired pulmonary function. METHODS: This is the updated protocol and statistical analysis plan of two pre-planned secondary outcomes, the long-term cognitive function, and long-term pulmonary function, in the HOT-ICU and HOT-COVID trials. Patients enrolled in both trials at selected Danish sites and surviving to 1 year after randomisation are eligible to participate. A Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status score and a full-body plethysmography, including diffusion capacity for carbon monoxide, will be obtained. The last patient is expected to be included in the spring of 2024. CONCLUSION: This study will provide important information on the long-term effects of a lower versus a higher oxygenation target on long-term cognitive and pulmonary functions in adult ICU patients with acute hypoxaemic respiratory failure.

Increased risk of obstructive lung disease in inflammatory bowel disease: A population-based cohort study.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is associated with disease manifestations in organs other than the gastrointestinal tract. In this study, we aimed to estimate the odds of obstructive lung disease (OLD) before IBD onset and the risk of OLD after IBD onset. METHODS: In a nationwide population-based Danish cohort study from 1999 to 2018, individuals with IBD and OLD were identified using the Danish registries. Between 2003 and 2013, 24,238 individuals with IBD were identified and matched 1:10 with non-IBD individuals. Logistic regression was used to estimate the prevalence odds ratio for OLD before IBD onset. Time-to-event analysis was performed to explore the risk of OLD after IBD onset. In a sensitivity analysis, the time-to-event analysis was repeated using the composite outcome OLD and the separate outcomes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, and bronchiectasis. RESULTS: Individuals with IBD were 60% more likely to have OLD before onset (adjusted odds ratio: 1.60, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.53-1.67). Furthermore, their risk of OLD was more than 40% higher after IBD diagnosis (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR]: 1.43, 95% CI: 1.37-1.49). The sensitivity analysis increased the risk to 60% (aHR: 1.63, 95% CI: 1.53-1.73). Similar results were found for COPD and asthma separately, whereas the risk of bronchiectasis increased more than 2-fold (aHR: 2.44, 95% CI: 1.91-3.11). CONCLUSION: The odds of OLD before- and the risk following an IBD diagnosis were increased. We encourage physicians to be vigilant of pulmonary symptoms in persons with IBD and gastrointestinal symptoms in individuals with OLD.

Christmas article: Dangers associated with close contact with reindeer.

There is a Danish Christmas tune indicating that Santa can cause traffic hazards. The question is, however, whether there are other dangers associated with closer contacts to reindeers during Christmas. A literature search reveals a need for cautiousness, should one be tempted to try to get a glimpse of - or even to pad - Rudolph on the back on Christmas Eve.

A Real-Life Study of Combined Treatment with Long-Term Non-Invasive Ventilation and High Flow Nasal Cannula in Patients with End-Stage Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease.

Patients with end-stage chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) often develop persistent hypoxic or hypercapnic respiratory failure, or a combination of both. Ventilatory support, in terms of a long-term high-flow nasal cannula (LT-HFNC) and long-term non-invasive ventilation (LT-NIV), may be indicated. Often, clinicians choose either one or the other. This paper explores combined treatment with LT-HFNC and LT-NIV in a real-life setting. In total, 33 patients with COPD and persistent respiratory failure were included in this study. Of those, 17 were initiated on LT-HFNC and used it for 595 (374) days and 16 were initiated on LT-NIV and used it for 558 (479) days. On average, patients used respiratory support continuously for 908 (586) days. Baseline characteristics were comparable, apart from PaCO2 at first ventilatory support initiation (LT-HFNC/LT-NIV 7.1 (1.1) kPa/8.8 (0.9) kPa respectively (p = 0.002)). Both groups experienced a reduction in hospitalizations in the first twelve months after treatment initiation, compared to the twelve months before (LT-HFNC p = 0.022 and LT-NIV p = 0.014). In total, 25% of LT-NIV patients stopped treatment after HFNC initiation due to intolerance and 59% stopped LT-HFNC treatment 126 (36) days after LT-NIV initiation as monotherapy was sufficient. In 44% of these patients, LT-HFNC was re-initiated at the end of life. At the time of analysis, 70% of patients had died. In the last three months of life, patients stopped using LT-NIV, whereas 91% used LT-HFNC. In conclusion, the combined use of LT-NIV and LT-HFNC reduced hospitalizations in patients with COPD and persistent respiratory failure. The study indicates that LT-HFNC is well tolerated, and better tolerated than LT-NIV at the very end stages of COPD.

Decision on non-conveyance of patients suspected of COVID-19 in a novel arrangement with assessment visits by paramedics at home.

BACKGROUND: During the first weeks of the outbreak of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), the North Denmark emergency medical services authorised paramedics to assess patients suspected of COVID-19 at home, and then decide if conveyance to a hospital was required. The aim of this study was to describe the cohort of patients who were assessed at home and their outcomes in terms of subsequent hospital visits and short-term mortality. METHODS: This was a historical cohort study in the North Denmark Region with consecutive inclusion of patients suspected of COVID-19 who were referred to a paramedic's assessment visit by their general practitioner or an out-of-hours general practitioner. The study was conducted from 16 March to 20 May 2020. The outcomes were the proportion of non-conveyed patients who subsequently visited a hospital within 72 hours of the paramedic's assessment visit and mortality at 3, 7 and 30 days. Mortality was estimated using a Poisson regression model with robust variance estimation. RESULTS: During the study period, 587 patients with a median age of 75 (IQR 59-84) years were referred to a paramedic's assessment visit. Three of four patients (76.5%, 95% CI 72.8;79.9) were non-conveyed, and 13.1% (95% CI 10.2;16.6) of the non-conveyed patients were subsequently referred to a hospital within 72 hours of the paramedic's assessment visit. Within 30 days from the paramedic's assessment visit, mortality was 11.1% [95% CI 6.9;17.9] among patients directly conveyed to a hospital and 5.8% [95% CI 4.0;8.5] among non-conveyed patients. Medical record review revealed that deaths in the non-conveyed group had happened among patients with 'do-not-resuscitate' orders, palliative care plans, severe comorbidities, age ≥ 90 years or nursing home residents. CONCLUSIONS: The majority (87%) of the non-conveyed patients did not visit a hospital for the following three days after a paramedic's assessment visit. The study implies that this newly established prehospital arrangement served as a kind of gatekeeper for the region's hospitals in regard to patients suspected of COVID-19. The study also demonstrates that implementation of non-conveyance protocols should be accompanied by careful and regular evaluation to ensure patient safety.

Association between thoracic and third lumbar CT-derived muscle mass and density in Caucasian patients without chronic disease: a proof-of-concept study.

BACKGROUND: Computed tomography (CT) is increasingly used in the clinical workup, and existing scan contains unused body composition data, potentially useful in a clinical setting. However, there is no healthy reference for contrast-enhanced thoracic CT-derived muscle measures. Therefore, we aimed at investigating whether there is a correlation between each of the thoracic and third lumbar vertebra level (L3) skeletal muscle area (SMA), skeletal muscle index (SMI), and skeletal muscle density (SMD) at contrast-enhanced CT in patients without chronic disease. METHODS: A proof-of-concept retrospective observational study was based on Caucasian patients without chronic disease, who received CT for trauma between 2012 and 2014. Muscle measures were assessed using a semiautomated threshold-based software by two raters independently. Pearson's correlation between each thoracic level and third lumbar and intraclass correlation between two raters and test-retest with SMA as proxy parameters were used. RESULTS: Twenty-one patients (11 males, 10 females; median age 29 years) were included. The second thoracic vertebra (T2) had the highest median of cumulated SMA (males 314.7 cm2, females 118.5 cm2) and SMI (97.8 cm2/m2 and 70.4 cm2/m2, respectively). The strongest SMA correlation was observed between T5 and L3 (r = 0.970), the SMI between T11 and L3 (r = 0.938), and the SMD between the T10 and L3 (r = 0.890). CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that any of the thoracic levels can be valid to assess skeletal muscle mass. However, the T5 may be most favourable for measuring SMA, the T11 for SMI, and T10 for SMD when using contrast-enhanced thoracic CT. RELEVANCE STATEMENT: In COPD patients, a CT-derived thoracic muscle mass assessment may help identify who would benefit from focused pulmonary rehabilitation: thoracic contrast-enhanced CT conducted as part of the standard clinical workup can be used for this evaluation. KEY POINTS: • Any thoracic level can be used to assess thoracic muscle mass. • Thoracic level 5 is strongly associated with the 3rd lumbar muscle area. • A strong correlation between the thoracic level 11 and the 3rd lumbar muscle index. • Thoracic level 10 is strongly associated with the 3rd lumbar muscle density.

The Danish respiratory society guideline for long-term high flow nasal cannula treatment, with or without supplementary oxygen.

Introduction: Long-term High Flow Nasal Cannula (LT-HFNC), defined as High Flow Nasal Cannula treatment provided to patients with chronic pulmonary conditions during stable phases, has emerged as a home treatment in different categories of patients with chronic lung diseases in recent years. Methods: This paper summarizes the physiological effects of LT-HFNC and evaluates the clinical knowledge to date about treatment in patients with chronic obstructive lung disease, interstitial lung disease and bronchiectasis. The guideline is translated and summarized in this paper and presented unabridged as an appendix to the paper. Results: The paper describes the working process behind the Danish Respiratory Society's National guideline for treatment of stable disease, which has been written to support clinicians in both evidence-based decision making and practical issues concerning the treatment.

Assessment of circulating biomarkers for detection of lung cancer in a high-risk cohort.

BACKGROUND: There is an urgent need for early detection of lung cancer. Screening with low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) is now implemented in the US. Supplementary use of a lung cancer biomarker with high specificity is desirable. OBJECTIVE: To assess the diagnostic properties of a biomarker panel consisting of cytokeratin 19 fragment (CYFRA 21-1), carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and cancer antigen 125 (CA125). METHODS: A cohort of 250 high-risk patients was investigated on suspicion of lung cancer. Ahead of diagnostic work-up, blood samples taken. Cross-validated prediction models were computed to assess lung cancer detection properties. RESULTS: In total 32% (79/250) of patients were diagnosed with lung cancer. Area under the curve (AUC) for the three biomarkers was of 0.795, with sensitivity/specificity of 57%/93% and negative predictive value of 83%. When combining the biomarkers with US screening criteria, the AUC was 0.809, while applying only US screening criteria on the cohort, yielded an AUC of 0.62. The ability of the biomarkers to detect stage I-II lung cancer was substantially lower; AUC 0.54. CONCLUSIONS: In a high-risk cohort, the detection properties of the three biomarkers were acceptable compared to current LDCT screening criteria. However, the ability to detect early stage lung cancer was low.

The effect of domiciliary high flow nasal cannula treatment on dyspnea and walking distance in patients with interstitial lung disease - A pilot study.

INTRODUCTION: Interstitial Lung Diseases (ILD) affect the lung parenchyma and are often complicated by respiratory failure (RF) and impaired physical activity. High Flow Nasal Cannula (HFNC) has proved effective in other disease entities with RF. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of domiciliary HFNC in ILD on dyspnea and walking distance. METHODS: A 6 weeks cross-over study with domiciliary HFNC-treatment/6 weeks' observation in ILD-patients requiring ambulatory oxygen therapy or with newly prescribed (within 12 months) long term oxygen therapy. Patients were advised to use HFNC 8 h/day, recommended night-time use. Body phletysmography; 6-min walk test (6MWT) including BORG-score, oxygen saturation (SO2) at start, minimum SO2 and time to recovery after 6MWT; arterial blood gasses; modified Medical Research Council (mMRC)-score; quality of life, by the St George Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) and QoS, by the Richards-Campbell Sleep Questionnaire (RCSQ) were investigated at baseline; six weeks and 12 weeks. RESULTS: 10 patients were included; one later withdrew consent. Patients used HFNC between 8-<1 h/day. There were no differences in lung function; blood gasses; SGRQ or RCSQ over the observational period). Walking distance improved significantly (393-441 m p = 0.049) as did time to recovery (3.4-2-2 min, p = 0.001). When correcting for HFNC use (hours/day) significant improvement was also seen in mMRC-score (p = 0.035) and minimum saturation during 6MWT (p = 0.01). CONCLUSION: Despite a very heterogenous group and no effect on quality of life and -sleep, the study indicates an improvement in dyspnea and physical ability of HFNC in ILD patients.

Targeted AntiBiotics for Chronic pulmonary diseases (TARGET ABC): can targeted antibiotic therapy improve the prognosis of Pseudomonas aeruginosa-infected patients with chronic pulmonary obstructive disease, non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis, and asthma? A multicenter, randomized, controlled, open-label trial.

BACKGROUND: Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection is seen in chronic pulmonary disease and is associated with exacerbations and poor long-term prognosis. However, evidence-based guidelines for the management and treatment of P. aeruginosa infection in chronic, non-cystic fibrosis (CF) pulmonary disease are lacking. The aim of this study is to investigate whether targeted antibiotic treatment against P. aeruginosa can reduce exacerbations and mortality in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), non-CF bronchiectasis, and asthma. METHODS: This study is an ongoing multicenter, randomized, controlled, open-label trial. A total of 150 patients with COPD, non-CF bronchiectasis or asthma, and P. aeruginosa-positive lower respiratory tract samples will be randomly assigned with a 1:1 ratio to either no antibiotic treatment or anti-pseudomonal antibiotic treatment with intravenous beta-lactam and oral ciprofloxacin for 14 days. The primary outcome, analyzed with two co-primary endpoints, is (i) time to prednisolone and/or antibiotic requiring exacerbation or death, in the primary or secondary health sector, within days 20-365 from study allocation and (ii) days alive and without exacerbation within days 20-365 from the study allocation. DISCUSSION: This trial will determine whether targeted antibiotics can benefit future patients with chronic, non-CF pulmonary disease and P. aeruginosa infection in terms of reduced morbidity and mortality, thus optimizing therapeutic approaches in this large group of chronic patients. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03262142 . Registered on August 25, 2017.

How Patients Who Are Transported by Ambulance Experience Dyspnea and the Use of a Dyspnea Scale: A Qualitative Study.

Approximately 7% of all dispatched ambulances in Denmark are for patients for whom breathing difficulties are the main cause for using ambulance services. Objective measurements are routinely carried out in the ambulances, but little is known of the patients' subjective experience of dyspnea. The purpose of this study was to investigate how patients with acute dyspnea, transported to hospital by ambulance, experience their situation, along with their experience of the use of a dyspnea scale. The study was carried out in the North Denmark Region. Transcribed patient interviews and field notes were analyzed and interpreted with inspiration from Paul Ricoeur. For interviews, we included 12 patients with dyspnea who were transported to the hospital by ambulance: six women and six men all aged 60 years or above. Observations were made over six ambulance transports related to dyspnea. Three themes emerged: "anxiety", "reassurance in the ambulance" and "acceptance of the dyspnea measurements in the ambulance". Several patients expressed anxiety due to their dyspnea, which was substantiated by observations in the ambulance. The patients expressed different perspectives on what improved the situation (treatment, reassurance by ambulance professionals). The patients and the ambulance personnel were, in general, in favor of the dyspnea scale.

Natural killer cell activity as a biomarker for the diagnosis of lung cancer in high-risk patients.

OBJECTIVE: Natural killer (NK) cells play an essential role in the immune response against cancer. However, immune escape mechanisms may cause inferior NK cell activity (NKA) in patients with cancer. This prospective study examined the relationship between NKA and lung cancer in a high-risk cohort. METHODS: In a cohort study, 250 participants referred by their general practitioner for suspicion of lung cancer were included. Before clinical investigation, blood was collected into NK Vue tubes, and the level of interferon gamma after 24 hours served as a surrogate marker for NKA. RESULTS: Among 250 patients, 79 were diagnosed with lung cancer. No difference in NKA was found between patients with lung cancer and control participants in which lung cancer was ruled out (median 226 pg/mL vs. 450 pg/mL). However, there was a significant difference in NKA between patients with late-stage lung cancer and controls (median 161 pg/mL vs. 450 pg/mL). A linear regression model showed that NKA was not influenced by age, sex or smoking status. CONCLUSIONS: The significantly lower NKA in patients with late-stage lung cancer warrants further investigation combining NKA with other biomarkers and examining the potential role of NKA as a marker of disseminated disease.