Clinical and Physiological Variables in Patients with Post-COVID-19 Condition and Persistent Fatigue.

Background/Objectives: Post-COVID-19 condition can manifest through various symptoms such as dyspnea, cognitive disturbances, and fatigue, with mechanisms related to these symptoms, particularly those related to fatigue, still requiring further clarification. Therefore, our aim was to assess the clinical and physiological variables in patients with post-COVID-19 condition and persistent fatigue. Methods: After one year post-COVID-19 infection, the patients underwent a comprehensive evaluation, including a complete blood count, a metabolic panel, complete spirometry, and assessments of dyspnea, quality of life, anxiety and depression, physical capacity, body composition, muscle strength, comorbidities, and medications. The participants were categorized into two groups: G1-fatigue and G2-non-fatigue. Results: Seventy-seven patients (53% female; 55 ± 11.8 years) were included, 37 in G1 and 40 in G2. As for clinical markers and symptoms of illness, in those with persistent fatigue symptoms, a greater sensation of dyspnea [BDI score: 7.5 (6-9) vs. 12 (9-12), p < 0.001; mMRC score: 1 (1-2) vs. 0 (0-1), p = 0.002], worse quality of life [SGRQ total score: 1404 (1007-1897) vs. 497 (274-985); p < 0.001], higher levels of anxiety [HADS-A score: 8 (5-9) vs. 3 (0.5-4); p < 0.001], and a reduction in peripheral and inspiratory muscle strength [handgrip strength: 34 (28-40) vs. 40 (30-46.5) kgf, p = 0.044; MIP: -81 ± 31 vs. -111 ± 33 mmHg, p < 0.001)] were observed. Conclusions: Those with persistent fatigue exhibited a greater sensation of dyspnea, higher levels of anxiety, reduced peripheral and inspiratory muscle strength, and a greater impairment of quality of life. The severity of fatigue was influenced by the worsening quality of life, heightened anxiety levels, and decreased peripheral muscle strength. Additionally, the worse quality of life was associated with a higher sensation of dyspnea, lower muscle strength, and reduced physical capacity.

Long-term oxygen therapy to reduce length of hospital stay in COVID-19.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of long-term oxygen therapy as a strategy to reduce hospitalization time in patients affected by COVID-19. METHODS: Between April and December 2021, COVID-19 patients with stable clinical conditions needing supplementary oxygen therapy during hospitalization were oriented to have hospital discharge with long-term oxygen therapy and reassessment after 15 days. RESULTS: A total of 62 patients were evaluated and, 15 days after discharge, 69% of patients had suspended long-term oxygen therapy, with no difference between the groups admitted to the intensive care unit or the ward (p=0.319). Among the individuals who needed to maintain long-term oxygen therapy, in addition to worse P/F ratio (265±57 vs. 345±51; p<0.001) and lower partial pressure of oxygen (55±12 vs. 72±11 mmHg; p<0.001), were those more obese (37±8 vs. 30±6 kg/m2; p=0.032), needed more time for invasive mechanical ventilation (46±27 vs. 20±16 days; p=0.029), had greater persistence of symptoms (p<0.001), and shorter time between the onset of symptoms and the need for hospitalization (7 [2-9] vs. 10 [6-12] days; p=0.039). CONCLUSION: Long-term oxygen therapy is an effective strategy for reducing hospitalization time in COVID-19 patients, regardless of gravity. Additionally, more obese patients with persistence of respiratory symptoms, faster disease evolution, and more days of invasive mechanical ventilation needed to maintain the long-term oxygen therapy longer.

Cardiac function, myocardial fat deposition, and lipid profile in young smokers: a cross-sectional study.

Background: There is a possibility that cardiac morphometric characteristics are associated with the lipid profile, that is, the composition and concentration of triglycerides, total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, and others lipoproteins in young smokers without comorbidities. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the association of cardiac morphometric characteristics, myocardial fat deposition, and smoking cessation with the lipid profile of young smokers. Methods: A clinical and laboratory evaluation of lipids and the smoking status was performed on 57 individuals, including both a smoker group and a control group. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with proton spectroscopy was performed to identify cardiac changes and triglyceride (TG) deposition in myocardial tissue. Results: No differences were observed between the groups (control vs. smokers) in relation to the amount of myocardial TG deposition (p = 0.47); however, when TG deposition was correlated with cardiac MRI variables, a positive correlation was identified between smoking history and myocardial TG deposition [hazard ratio (95% CI), 0.07 (0.03-0.12); p = 0.002]. Furthermore, it was observed that the smoking group had lower high-density lipoprotein cholesterol [51 (45.5-59.5) mg/dl vs. 43 (36-49.5) mg/dl, p = 0.003] and higher TG [73 (58-110) mg/dl vs. 122 (73.5-133) mg/dl, p = 0.01] and very-low-density lipoprotein cholesterol [14.6 (11.6-22.2) mg/dl vs. 24.4 (14.7-26.6) mg/dl, p = 0.01] values. In the control and smoking groups, a negative correlation between TGs and the diameter of the aortic root lumen and positive correlation with the thickness of the interventricular septum and end-diastolic volume (EDV) of both the right ventricle (RV) and left ventricle (LV) were noted. Moreover, in the RV, positive correlations with the end-systolic volume (ESV) index (ESVI), stroke volume (SV), ESV, and EDV were observed. Regarding serum free fatty acids, we found a negative correlation between their values and the diameter of the lumen of the ascending aortic vessel. Lipoprotein lipase showed a positive correlation with the SV index of the RV and negative correlation with the diameter of the lumen of the ascending aortic vessel. Conclusion: Several associations were observed regarding cardiac morphometric characteristics, myocardial fat deposition, and smoking cessation with the lipid profile of young smokers.

Organizing pneumonia and COVID-19.

Organizing pneumonia (OP) is an interstitial lung disease, and can be cryptogenic, if no cause is identified, or secondary to several conditions. COVID-19-induced persistent inflammation can be associated with interstitial lung disease. We present a review of literature of OP and COVID-19-induced OP with an illustrative case. A 38-year-old man was admitted with COVID-19 that required mechanical ventilation for 56 days. Initial chest computed tomography (CT) revealed diffuse bilateral ground-glass opacities in the lungs with consolidation areas involving 75 % of the parenchyma. After weaning from MV, the patient still required oxygen supplementation. A new chest CT scan also showed extensive diffuse areas of consolidation and ground-glass opacity. OP was hypothesized and 40 mg/day prednisone initiated and continued for six months with resolution of lung functional and image abnormalities. Organizing pneumonia should be included in the differential diagnosis of COVID-19 patients with respiratory symptoms after partial pulmonary recovery.

Efficacy of BREATHOX® Device Inhalation on Acute Symptoms Associated with COVID-19 (BREATH Study): A Randomized Pilot Clinical Trial.

(1) Background: A high concentration of sodium chloride on in vitro cell culture leads to reduced SARS-CoV-2 replication. Therefore, our aim was to evaluate the effects of inhaling hypertonic NaCl particles (BREATHOX®) on the duration of COVID-19-induced acute symptoms. (2) Methods: A prospective, open label, randomized, standard of care-controlled group (SOC) pilot trial compared inhaled oral and nasal administered BREATHOX® (2.0 mg NaCl, particles size between 1-10 µm), with five or ten inhalations per day for ten days. The primary endpoint was the time to resolve COVID-19-related symptoms. Safety outcomes included adverse clinical and laboratory events. (3) Results: A total of 101 individuals were screened and 98 were randomly assigned to BREATHOX® ten sessions per day (Group 1; 33 patients), BREATHOX® five sessions per day (Group 2; 32 patients), or SOC (33 patients), and followed up for 28 days. There was an association with cough frequency after 10 days BREATHOX® compared to SOC [Group 1: hazard ratio (HR) 2.01, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.06-3.81; Group 2: HR 2.17, 95% CI 1.17-4.04]. No differences between the groups for the reported symptoms' resolution time were seen after 28 days. After combining both BREATHOX® groups, the period to cough resolution 10 days after randomization was significantly lower than in SOC (HR 2.10, 95% CI 1.20-3.67). An adverse event occurred in 30% of Group 1, 36% of Group 2, and 9% in SOC individuals. One patient from SOC had a serious adverse event. Nasal burning, sore or itchy nose, and dry mouth were considered related to BREATHOX® use and resolved after stopping inhalations. (4) Conclusion: BREATHOX® inhalation is safe and may be effective in reducing the duration of COVID-19-induced coughing.

Clinical, radiological, and transbronchial biopsy findings in patients with long COVID-19: a case series.

This brief communication demonstrates the correlation of persistent respiratory symptoms with functional, tomographic, and transbronchial pulmonary biopsy findings in patients with COVID-19 who had a long follow-up period. We report a series of six COVID-19 patients with pulmonary involvement who presented with persistent dyspnea within 4-15 months of discharge. We performed transbronchial biopsies, and the histopathological pattern consistently demonstrated peribronchial remodeling with interstitial pulmonary fibrosis. Therefore, lung biopsy may be useful in the approach of patients with long COVID-19, although the type of procedure, its precise indication, and the moment to perform it are yet to be clarified. (Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials-ReBEC; identifier: RBR-8j9kqy [http://www.ensaiosclinicos.gov.br]).

Clinical, radiological, and transbronchial biopsy findings in patients with long COVID-19: a case series / Achados clínicos, radiológicos e de biópsia transbrônquica em pacientes com COVID-19 prolongada: série de casos

ABSTRACT This brief communication demonstrates the correlation of persistent respiratory symptoms with functional, tomographic, and transbronchial pulmonary biopsy findings in patients with COVID-19 who had a long follow-up period. We report a series of six COVID-19 patients with pulmonary involvement who presented with persistent dyspnea within 4-15 months of discharge. We performed transbronchial biopsies, and the histopathological pattern consistently demonstrated peribronchial remodeling with interstitial pulmonary fibrosis. Therefore, lung biopsy may be useful in the approach of patients with long COVID-19, although the type of procedure, its precise indication, and the moment to perform it are yet to be clarified. (Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials-ReBEC; identifier: RBR-8j9kqy [http://www.ensaiosclinicos.gov.br])

RESUMO Esta comunicação breve demonstra a correlação de sintomas respiratórios persistentes com achados funcionais, tomográficos e de biópsia pulmonar transbrônquica em pacientes com COVID-19 que tiveram um longo período de acompanhamento. Relatamos uma série de seis pacientes com COVID-19 com acometimento pulmonar que apresentavam dispneia persistente após 4-15 meses da alta. Realizamos biópsias transbrônquicas, e o padrão histopatológico consistentemente demonstrou remodelação peribrônquica com fibrose pulmonar intersticial. Portanto, a biópsia pulmonar pode ser útil na abordagem de pacientes com COVID-19 prolongada, embora o tipo de procedimento, suas indicações precisas e o momento de sua realização ainda não estejam esclarecidos. (Registro Brasileiro de Ensaios Clínicos - ReBEC; número de identificação: RBR-8j9kqy [http://www.ensaiosclinicos.gov.br])

Nine-Year Follow-Up of Interleukin 6 in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease - Complementary Results from Previous Studies.

BACKGROUND: Systemic manifestations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are related to increased systemic inflammatory process; however, it is not entirely clear how much they are related and how the systemic inflammation, in particular interleukin-6 (IL-6), is associated with exacerbation and mortality risk. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the role of IL-6 in COPD patients over nine years. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: A total of 133 COPD patients were assessed at baseline between 2004 and 2006 and reassessed after three and nine years through clinical evaluation, comorbidities, hematological blood count and IL-6 analysis. RESULTS: After nine years, 19 patients lost the follow-up and were not possible to identify the date of death of four patients; 12 refused to participate and 1 could not be involved due to recurrent exacerbations. Therefore, 33 patients were included in the reassessment after nine years of follow-up and 92 patients were included in the Cox mortality analysis with IL-6 as a time-dependent covariate. Regarding the inflammatory profile, in patients who survived after nine years, there was a significant increase in IL-6 [0.4 (0.2-0.8) vs 5.7 (3.4-11) pg/mL; p < 0.001] and reduction in lymphocyte count [2.1 (1.6-2.4) vs 1.4 (1.2-2.1)10^9/L; p < 0.01] with an increase in the neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (2.0 ± 0.7 vs 2.7 ± 1.2; p = 0.003). The Cox mortality model did not show a statistical significance influence of IL-6 assessed during the follow-up. CONCLUSION: There was a progressive increase in IL-6 during the follow-up, however, without influence on mortality.

Persistent interstitial lung abnormalities in post-COVID-19 patients: a case series.

A new concept of multisystem disease has emerged as a long-term condition following mild-severe COVID-19 infection. The main symptoms of this affection are breathlessness, chest pain, and fatigue. We present here the clinical case of four COVID-19 patients during hospitalization and 60 days after hospital discharge. Physiological impairment of all patients was assessed by spirometry, dyspnea score, arterial blood gas, and 6-minute walk test 60 days after hospital discharge, and computed tomographic scan 90 days after discharge. All patients had fatigue, which was not related to hypoxemia or impaired spirometry values, and interstitial lung alterations, which occurred in both mechanically ventilated and non-mechanically ventilated patients. In conclusion, identifying the prevalence and patterns of permanent lung damage is paramount in preventing and treating COVID-19-induced fibrotic lung disease. Additionally, and based on our preliminary results, it will be also relevant to establish long-term outpatient programs for these individuals.

Peripheral Blood Eosinophils and Nine Years Mortality in COPD Patients.

BACKGROUND: Eosinophil counts increase during chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) exacerbation and influence the response to different agents (such as inhaled and systemic corticosteroids), as well as increase the production of other inflammatory cytokines. However, few studies have evaluated the association between peripheral blood eosinophils with mortality rate. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the association between peripheral blood eosinophils and mortality rate in COPD patients over a nine-year period. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: This cohort included 133 COPD patients assessed at baseline by spirometry, pulse oximetry (SpO2), complete blood count, body composition, dyspnea intensity [Modified Medical Research Council (mMRC)] and the six-minute distance test (6MWD). The Kaplan-Meier curve followed by a Log rank test was used to evaluate mortality rate related to eosinophil cutoff point categorization. Multivariate Cox regression analysis was performed to identify the association between eosinophils and mortality with all subjects evaluated at baseline, adjusted for age, gender, mMRC, 6MWT, forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1) and SpO2. RESULTS: Nineteen patients did not complete follow-up and it was not possible to identify the date of death in four others. Therefore, 110 patients were included in the analysis. At baseline, 81% presented ≥150 eosinophil cells and 72% presented ≥2%. We identified a three-fold higher risk of death in those with <2% eosinophils and <150 cells. We did not identify statistical differences when using other cutoff points. CONCLUSION: The decrease in number of peripheral eosinophils, with cutoff points at 2% and 150 cells, may be associated with a higher risk of death in COPD patients over nine years.

Persistent interstitial lung abnormalities in post-COVID-19 patients: a case series

A new concept of multisystem disease has emerged as a long-term condition following mild-severe COVID-19 infection. The main symptoms of this affection are breathlessness, chest pain, and fatigue. We present here the clinical case of four COVID-19 patients during hospitalization and 60 days after hospital discharge. Physiological impairment of all patients was assessed by spirometry, dyspnea score, arterial blood gas, and 6-minute walk test 60 days after hospital discharge, and computed tomographic scan 90 days after discharge. All patients had fatigue, which was not related to hypoxemia or impaired spirometry values, and interstitial lung alterations, which occurred in both mechanically ventilated and non-mechanically ventilated patients. In conclusion, identifying the prevalence and patterns of permanent lung damage is paramount in preventing and treating COVID-19-induced fibrotic lung disease. Additionally, and based on our preliminary results, it will be also relevant to establish long-term outpatient programs for these individuals.

Evaluation of the association of adherence to long-term home oxygen therapy and clinical markers and five-year mortality in patients with Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. / Avaliação da associação da aderência à oxigenoterapia domiciliar prolongada e marcadores clínicos e mortalidade em cinco anos em pacientes com a doença pulmonar obstrutiva crônica.

Objective Assess the relationship between adherence to long-term oxygen therapy (LTOT) with mortality in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and chronic respiratory failure and their clinical features. Methods Longitudinal retrospective analysis of 254 patients with COPD and chronic respiratory failure from 2008 to 2016. At baseline, we evaluated the diagnosis, spirometry values, arterial blood gas analysis, blood count, pulse oximetry, body composition and health questionnaires (dyspnea, quality of life, anxiety and depression). For referred adherence analysis to LTOT we included 199 patients, divided according to prescription of oxygen: 12h/day (G1), 15h/day (G2) and 24h/day (G3). The cause of death and dates were studied over the five-year period. Results In five years we identified 124 deaths (62.3%). No significant difference was found in mortality between the adherence groups (p=0.75) nor did we find differences in the clinical parameters evaluated. LTOT prescription was not associated with mortality (p=0.07). In Cox regression analysis, there was no association between mortality and non-adherence to LTOT (HR: 0.75; IC95%: 0.21-2.70). The risk of mortality was increased in G3 compared with G1 (HR: 7.16; IC 95%: 1.44-35.38) and in those with a higher depression score (HR: 1.35; IC: 1.14-1.59). Conclusion No association was found between LTOT adherence and mortality in patients with COPD and respiratory failure. There were no clinical differences between the adherence groups.

Respiratory Function and Grip Strength in the Acute Phase of Stroke Are Associated with Stroke Severity and Disability at Hospital Discharge.

Introduction. Stroke can lead to musculoskeletal and respiratory dysfunction, chronic deconditioning, and functional limitations, as well as long-term complications. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between respiratory function and grip strength in the acute phase of stroke and stroke severity, disability, and autonomy in the long term. METHODS: This was a cohort study including 46 patients in the stroke unit. The stroke patients were assessed in the stroke unit at the following moments: at admission by the clinical and haemodynamic stability, demographic and anthropometric data, hand grip strength, stroke severity by National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score, and respiratory function using a manovacuometer; during hospitalization by clinical complications and the length of stay; and at hospital discharge and 90 days after discharge by the degrees of functional capacity and dependence using NIHSS, modified Rankin scale (mRs), and Barthel index. Data analysis was performed by multiple linear regression to verify the association between respiratory function and grip strength and the outcomes. RESULTS: The median length of stay in the stroke unit was 7 days. A negative correlation was found between the palmar prehension strength on the unaffected side and mRs at discharge (ß = -0.034, p = 0.049). The NIHSS scores at discharge (ß = -0.034, p = 0.049). The NIHSS scores at discharge (ß = -0.034, p = 0.049). The NIHSS scores at discharge (. CONCLUSION: It was concluded that a loss of grip strength is associated with a loss of ability and autonomy at discharge and poor respiratory function is associated with stroke severity at discharge.

Influence of an exercise program on cardiac remodeling and functional capacity in patients with stroke (CRONuS trial): study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular rehabilitation is one of the treatment options for post-stroke individuals in order to improve functional independence in activities of daily life and reduce energy expenditure. The aim of this trial is to evaluate the effect of an exercise program on the echocardiographic variables, functional capacity, inflammatory response, neurological status, nutritional status, cardiologic evaluation, and quality of life of patients after stroke. METHODS/DESIGN: This is a randomized controlled trial including patients with ischemic stroke in the chronic phase. The patients will be evaluated at the beginning of the study and after 16 weeks. This will include clinical and physical evaluation, 6-min walk test, neurological assessment, nutritional assessment, ambulatory blood pressure monitoring, transthoracic echocardiography, and assessment of the quality of life. The sample size has been determined as 40 patients, who will be divided into two groups: control group (CG; n = 20) and intervention group (IG; n = 20). The CG will undergo conventional physiotherapy for 45 min, three times a week, up to 16 weeks, while the IG will be put on a cardiovascular rehabilitation program consisting of heating, aerobic exercise, and muscle strengthening for 45 min, three times a week, for 16 weeks. The primary endpoint will be functional capacity following a 6-min walk test (delta maxVO2) and morphofunctional echocardiographic variables (indexed left ventricular mass) before and after the intervention. DISCUSSION: We expect to observe an improvement in cardiac structural and functional abnormalities in the IG, on echocardiography and biochemical examination, and that the improvement of these parameters after cardiovascular rehabilitation will have a favorable impact on the functional capacity and quality of life of patients after stroke. TRIAL REGISTRATION: REBEC, RBR-4wk4b3. Registered on 19 September 2016.

Predictors of mortality in patients with COPD after 9 years.

BACKGROUND: COPD is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in the world; however, the most varied amounts of clinical and laboratory characteristics acts in different ways in the mortality among over time. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the predictors of mortality in patients with COPD after 9 years. PATIENTS AND METHODS: One hundred and thirty-three patients with COPD were assessed at baseline by spirometry, pulse oximetry (SpO2), body composition, intensity of dyspnea, distance walked in the 6-minute walk test (6MWT), and Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI). RESULTS: After 9 years, it was not possible to identify the lifetime of 4 patients who died and of 19 patients who stopped follow-up; thus, 110 patients were included in the analysis of predictors of mortality (67% male, 65±9 years old, and FEV1: 52.5 [40%-73%]). Male sex, age, SpO2, Body mass index, airway Obstruction, Dyspnea, and Exercise capacity (BODE) index, and frequency of exacerbations in the first 3 years of follow-up were considered in the model. Patients classified at baseline with BODE class 2 (HR: 2.62, 95% CI: 1.36-5.04; P=0.004), BODE class 3 (HR: 2.54, 95% CI: 1.15-5.61; P=0.02), and BODE class 4 (HR: 15.35, 95% CI: 3.11-75.75; P=0.001) showed increased risk of death compared to those with BODE class 1. The CCI (HR: 1.29, 95% CI: 1.00-1.68; P=0.04) and the number of exacerbations in the first 3 years (HR: 1.32, 95% CI: 1.00-1.76; P=0.04) also showed increased risk of death. By replacing the BODE index for the variables that compose it, those with body mass index ≤21 kg/m2 showed increased risk of death compared to those with body mass index (BMI)>21 kg/m2 (HR: 2.70, 95% CI: 1.38-5.25; P=0.003). CONCLUSION: After 9 years, we identified that those with high BODE index, greater CCI, greater frequency of exacerbations in the first 3 years, and BMI ≤21 kg/m2 showed increased risk of death.