Evaluation of continuous positive airway pressure adherence and its contributing factors.

BACKGROUND: Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) adherence may vary based on the study design and country. OBJECTIVES: To investigate long-term CPAP adherence and elucidate associated factors. METHODS: A multicenter retrospective observational cohort study was conducted over two years. The study included patients diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea who were prescribed CPAP (n = 1261). Adherence was assessed for 90 days and 365 days. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) criteria (≥4 h/night on ≥70 % of nights) and research adherence criteria (≥4 h/night during the observational period) were used. Factors influencing CPAP adherence (CMS criteria) during 90 and 365 days were also evaluated. Continuous variables were categorized into low, middle, and high classes, and logistic regression analysis with interaction was performed. RESULTS: CPAP adherence to CMS criteria for 90 and 365 days was 45.6 % and 44.7 %, respectively, whereas adherence to research criteria was 57.0 % and 54.1 %, respectively. Middle age, high age, and high apnea ratio independently increased CPAP adherence. Conversely, a high rapid eye movement apnea-hypopnea index ratio decreased CPAP adherence. Although high body mass index (BMI) had no independent effect on adherence, its interaction with high 3 % oxygen desaturation index increased 90-day CPAP adherence. However, high BMI decreased 90-day CPAP adherence in males. The interaction between middle age and high BMI was associated with decreased CPAP adherence over 365 days. CONCLUSIONS: Adherence to CPAP in real-world settings is modest. Various factors influence CPAP adherence. BMI may exert varied effects on CPAP adherence depending on the accompanying factors.

Multidimensional prediction of continuous positive airway pressure adherence.

OBJECTIVE: Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is the standard treatment for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Unsatisfactory adherence to CPAP is an important clinical issue to resolve. Cluster analysis is a powerful tool to distinguish subgroups in a multidimensional fashion. This study aimed to investigate the use of cluster analysis for predicting CPAP adherence using clinical polysomnographic (PSG) parameters and patient characteristics. PATIENTS/METHODS: Participants of this multicenter observational study were 1133 patients with OSA who were newly diagnosed and implemented CPAP. Ward's method of cluster analysis was applied to in-laboratory diagnostic PSG parameters and patient characteristics. CPAP adherence was assessed during 90- and 365-day periods after CPAP initiation in each cluster. We adopted the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services criterion for CPAP adherence, i.e., CPAP use ≥4 h per night for 70 % or more of the observation period. Logistic regression analysis was performed to stratify clusters according to CPAP adherence. RESULTS: Five clusters were identified through cluster analysis. Clustering was significantly associated with CPAP adherence at 90- and 365-day periods after CPAP initiation. Logistic regression revealed that the cluster with features including apnea predominant sleep-disordered breathing, high apnea-hypopnea index, and relatively older age demonstrated the highest CPAP adherence. CONCLUSION: Cluster analysis revealed hidden connections using patient characteristics and PSG parameters to successfully identify patients more likely to adhere to CPAP for 90 days and up to 365 days. When prescribing CPAP, it is possible to identify patients with OSA who are more likely to be non-adherent.

Assessment and management of continuous positive airway pressure therapy in patient with obstructive sleep apnea.

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) causes excessive daytime sleepiness, impaired daytime functioning, and an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is a highly effective therapy for moderate to severe OSA. Although CPAP adherence is commonly assessed using a 4-hthreshold, determining the optimal usage time based on clinical outcomes is crucial. While subjective sleepiness often improves with ≥4 h of CPAP usage, an extended duration (≥6 h) may be necessary to impact objective sleepiness. CPAP demonstrated a modest yet clinically meaningful dose-dependent effect on lowering blood pressure. For patients seeking antihypertensive benefits from CPAP therapy, the goal should extend beyond 4 h of use to maximize the therapeutic impact. Recognizing individual variations in sleep duration and responses to CPAP therapy is essential. The adoption of 'individualized goals for CPAP use,' outlining target times for specific outcomes, should also consider an individual's total sleep duration, including periods without CPAP. The impact of CPAP on clinical outcomes may vary, even with the same duration of CPAP use, depending on the period without CPAP use, particularly during the first or second half of sleep. Patients who remove or initiate CPAP midway or have a low CPAP usage frequency may require different forms of guidance. Tailoring patient education to address CPAP usage patterns may be necessary to enhanced satisfaction, self-efficacy, and adherence to therapy. Management of CPAP treatment should be personalized to meet individual needs and adapted based on specific response patterns for achieving treatment efficacy.

Successful dabrafenib and trametinib combination therapy in a patient with recurrent BRAFV600E-mutant non-small-cell lung cancer and coexisting radiation pneumonitis.

There have been several reports of drug-induced lung injury caused by molecular-targeted agents. Additionally, medical history of interstitial lung disease and chest irradiation are established risk factors for the development and progression of drug-induced lung injury. Moreover, the presence of fibrosis on chest computed tomography before treatment is a predictive factor for the appearance of pneumonia induced by anticancer drugs. Accordingly, patients with a history of interstitial lung disease or pneumonitis were excluded from clinical trials of dabrafenib and trametinib combination therapy for patients with previously treated BRAF V600E-mutant metastatic non-small-cell lung cancer. This article presents a case of successful dabrafenib and trametinib combination therapy in a patient with BRAF V600E-mutant non-small-cell lung cancer who had a history of radiation pneumonitis and developed recurrence after conventional chemoradiotherapy.

Serum Free Radical Scavenging Capacity Profiles of Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.

Background: Oxidative stress is an important mechanism for the development and progression of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It may also contribute to systemic manifestation in patients with COPD. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) including free radicals play a crucial role in oxidative stress in COPD. The aims of this study were to determine serum scavenging capacity profile against multiple free radicals and to evaluate its correlation with pathophysiology, exacerbations, and prognosis in patients with COPD. Methods: Serum scavenging capacity profile against multiple free radicals comprising hydroxyl radical (•OH), superoxide radical (O2 -•), alkoxy radical (RO•), methyl radical (•CH3), alkylperoxyl radical (ROO•), and singlet oxygen (1O2) was assessed using the multiple free-radical scavenging method in 37 patients with COPD (mean age, 71 years; mean forced expiratory volume in 1 s, 55.2% predicted). The severity of emphysema was evaluated by Goddard classification on chest computed tomography. Exacerbations were recorded prospectively for 1 year and the overall mortality was assessed 5 years after the initial assessment. Results: •OH scavenging capacity was significantly decreased (p < 0.05) and O2 -• and •CH3 scavenging capacity tended to decrease in patients with COPD compared to that in healthy controls. On the other hand, ROO• scavenging capacity tended to increase. In addition, RO• scavenging capacity was associated with severity of emphysema (p < 0.05) and exacerbation frequency (p < 0.02). There was a difference in the profile of the scavenging capacity between survived and deceased patients with COPD for 5 years after initial assessment. Conclusion: Characteristic profile of free radical scavenging capacity can provide insight into the pathophysiology and prognosis of patients with COPD.

Mini Nutritional Assessment Short-Form as screening tool for osteoporosis in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Osteoporosis is a common complication of chronic obstructive pulmonary dis-ease (COPD). It is impractical to measure bone mineral density (BMD) in all patients with COPD. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between Mini Nutritional Assessment Short-Form (MNA-SF), a simple nutritional status questionnaire, and osteoporosis, and to determine whether it can be used as a reliable screening tool for osteoporosis in patients with COPD. METHODS AND STUDY DESIGN: Thirty-seven patients with stable COPD were enrolled in this prospective cohort study. Patients with MNA-SF scores >11 were defined as well-nourished, and those with scores of ≤11 being at risk for malnutrition. Body composition, BMD, and undercarboxylated osteocalcin (ucOC), a bone metabolism marker, were measured using bioelectrical impedance, dual energy X-ray, and electrochemiluminescence immunoassay, respectively. RESULTS: Seventeen (45.9%) were classified as at risk for malnutrition, and 13 (35.1%) had osteoporosis. Patients at risk for malnutrition had significantly more osteoporosis and higher ucOC values than well-nourished patients (p=0.007, p=0.030, respectively). Patients with osteoporosis also had significantly lower body mass index (BMI) and fat-free mass index than those without osteoporosis (p= 0.007 and p=0.005, respectively), although FEV1 % pred was not significantly different. MNA-SF (cutoff value; 11) had better sensitivity to identify the presence of osteoporosis than BMI (cutoff value; 18.5 kg/m2) (sensitivity, 0.769; specificity, 0.708; sensitivity, 0.462; specificity, 0.875, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: MNA-SF was associated with osteoporosis and bone metabolism markers in patients with COPD. MNA-SF may be a useful screening tool for osteoporo-sis in patients with COPD.

Moving toward Equitable Care for Sleep Apnea in the United States: Positive Airway Pressure Adherence Thresholds: An Official American Thoracic Society Policy Statement.

Background: Positive airway pressure (PAP) is a highly effective treatment for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), but adherence limits its efficacy. In addition, coverage of PAP by CMS (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services) and other insurers in the United States depends on adherence. This leaves many beneficiaries without PAP, disproportionally impacting non-white and low socioeconomic position patients with OSA and exacerbating sleep health disparities. Methods: An inter-professional, multidisciplinary, international committee with various stakeholders was formed. Three working groups (the historical policy origins, impact of current policy, and international PAP coverage models) met and performed literature reviews and discussions. Using surveys and an iterative discussion-based consensus process, the policy statement recommendations were created. Results: In this position paper, we advocate for policy change to CMS PAP coverage requirements to reduce inequities and align with patient-centered goals. We specifically call for eradicating repeat polysomnography, eliminating the 4-hour rule, and focusing on patient-oriented outcomes such as improved sleepiness and sleep quality. Conclusions: Modifications to the current policies for PAP insurance coverage could improve health disparities.

Pulmonary sarcoidosis with a cavitary lesion in the lung caused by a TNF-α inhibitor: A case report.

A 28-year-old man with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) who was treated with a tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) inhibitor, adalimumab, presented with newly detected multiple bilateral pulmonary nodules on chest computed tomography (CT). We suspected bacterial infection, including those caused by acid-fast bacilli, or adalimumab-related condition, such as sarcoidosis. After adalimumab cessation, no resolution of the pulmonary shadows was observed. Moreover, pulmonary cavitation appeared on chest CT at 7 weeks, prompting surgical lung biopsy. Acid-fast bacteria culture of the lung tissue showed negative results. Pathological examination suggested that confluent granulomas associated with sarcoidosis might have obstructed the blood vessels, causing necrosis and lung cavitation. Consequently, prednisolone was initiated, and these shadows were reduced. After administering anti-interleukin (IL)-17A antibody for treatment of AS and prednisolone withdrawal, these shadows were not exacerbated. TNF-α inhibitor-induced sarcoidosis could cause cavitary lesions due to vascular invasion of granulomas.