COVID-19 infection is mild and has minimal impact on lung function in well vaccinated and widely treated lung transplant recipients.

BACKGROUND: COVID-19 has become a common infection affecting lung transplant recipients (LTR), who are at high risk for poor outcomes. Outcomes early in the pandemic were poor, but since the rollout of vaccination and novel COVID-19 treatments, outcomes of LTR have not been well described. Our aim was to evaluate the effect of COVID-19 on the clinical course and lung function trajectory in an Australian cohort of LTR. METHODS: Data were retrospectively collected from LTR with confirmed COVID-19 managed at Alfred Health, between August 2020 and December 2022. Baseline demographics, COVID-19 disease details (including severity) and spirometry pre- and postinfection have been analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 279 LTR were included. The cohort was comorbid, but well vaccinated, with 275/279 (98.6%) having ≥2 COVID-19 vaccines at symptom onset. Severe disease occurred in only 17 cases (6%) and overall mortality was very low (4%). Prompt treatment with antivirals, particularly remdesevir (OR 0.18, 95% CI 0.04-0.81, p = 0.02) and vaccination (OR 0.24, CI 0.08-0.81, p = 0.01), was protective. There was not a clinically significant drop in lung function post-COVID-19 with the median absolute decline in forced expiratory volume (FEV1) being 40 ml (IQR 5-120 ml, p < 0.001), with a decline of >10% occurring in only 42 patients (17%). After multivariate adjustment, only rejection before COVID-19 was significantly associated with FEV1 decline afterward (OR 3.74, 1.12-11.86, p = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: In our highly COVID-19 vaccinated, promptly treated LTR, the majority of COVID-19 infections were mild and did not result in a clinically significant decline in lung function.

Oscillometry in Stable Single and Double Lung Allograft Recipients Transplanted for Interstitial Lung Disease: Results of a Multi-Center Australian Study.

Peak spirometry after single lung transplantation (SLTx) for interstitial lung disease (ILD) is lower than after double lung transplantation (DLTx), however the pathophysiologic mechanisms are unclear. We aim to assess respiratory mechanics in SLTx and DLTx for ILD using oscillometry. Spirometry and oscillometry (tremoflo® C-100) were performed in stable SLTx and DLTx recipients in a multi-center study. Resistance (R5, R5-19) and reactance (X5) were compared between LTx recipient groups, matched by age and gender. A model of respiratory impedance using ILD and DLTx data was performed. In total, 45 stable LTx recipients were recruited (SLTx n = 23, DLTx n = 22; males: 87.0% vs. 77.3%; median age 63.0 vs. 63.0 years). Spirometry was significantly lower after SLTx compared with DLTx: %-predicted mean (SD) FEV1 [70.0 (14.5) vs. 93.5 (26.0)%]; FVC [70.5 (16.8) vs. 90.7 (12.8)%], p < 0.01. R5 and R5-19 were similar between groups (p = 0.94 and p = 0.11, respectively) yet X5 was significantly worse after SLTx: median (IQR) X5 [-1.88 (-2.89 to -1.39) vs. -1.22 (-1.87 to -0.86)] cmH2O.s/L], p < 0.01. R5 and X5 measurements from the model were congruent with measurements in SLTx recipients. The similarities in resistance, yet differences in spirometry and reactance between both transplant groups suggest the important contribution of elastic properties to the pathophysiology. Oscillometry may provide further insight into the physiological changes occurring post-LTx.

Clinical outcomes following cessation of parenteral immunoglobulin therapy following lung transplantation.

Broad use of parenteral immunoglobulin (IgG) therapy in lung transplant (LTx) patients occurs without robust clinical evidence or guidelines. Main indications include secondary hypogammaglobulinemia, antibody-mediated rejection (AMR), and treatment or prevention of graft rejection where the use of conventional immunosuppressive therapies is contraindicated. As part of routine auditing of IgG use in our LTx service, we assessed for adverse clinical outcomes related to IgG therapy cessation between November 2017 and February 2022. Of 220 LTx recipients receiving IgG therapy at our center during this period (approximately 20% of our total LTx cohort), 48 patients ceased therapy. No adverse outcomes were experienced in 83.3% patients. About 10.4% recommenced therapy for the same indication within 6 months with no longer term sequelae. One AMR patient developed progressive Chronic lung allograft dysfunction and died within 12 months, where therapy cessation was patient-initiated and associated with general noncompliance. These data provide reassurance that physician-directed cessation of IgG therapy is safe when based on sound clinical information and part of a robust clinical auditing process.

Specific human leucocyte antigen-DQ risk epitope mismatches are associated with chronic lung allograft dysfunction after lung transplantation.

A high-risk epitope mismatch (REM) (found in DQA1∗05 + DQB1∗02/DQB1∗03:01) is associated with de novo donor specific antibodies after lung transplantation (LTx). Chronic lung allograft dysfunction (CLAD) remains a barrier to LTx survival. This study aimed to measure the association between DQ REM and the risk of CLAD and death after LTx. A retrospective analysis of LTx recipients at a single center was conducted between January 2014 and April 2019. Molecular typing at human leucocyte antigen-DQA/DQB identified DQ REM. Multivariable competing risk and Cox regression models were used to measure the association between DQ REM, time-to-CLAD, and time-to-death. DQ REM was detected in 96/268 (35.8%), and DQ REM de novo donor specific antibodies were detected in 34/96 (35.4%). CLAD occurred in 78 (29.1%), and 98 (36.6%) recipients died during follow-up. When analyzed as a baseline predictor, DQ REM status was associated with CLAD (subdistribution hazard ratio (SHR), 2.19; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.40-3.43; P = .001). After adjustment for time-dependent variables, DQ REM dn-DSA (SHR, 2.43; 95% CI, 1.10-5.38; P = .029) and A-grade rejection score (SHR, 1.22; 95% CI, 1.11-1.35; P = <.001), DQ REM status was not independently associated with CLAD. DQ REM was not associated with death (hazard ratio, 1.18; 95% CI, 0.72-1.93; P = .51). Classification of DQ REM may identify patients at risk of poor outcomes and should be incorporated into clinical decision-making.

Treatment burden associated with the intake of thickened fluids.

The implementation of thickened fluids in patients with dysphagia is widely considered an effective strategy for safe and physiologically improved swallow. However, there is limited evidence to suggest that this intervention reduces the risk of dysphagia-related complications including aspiration pneumonia. In addition, there is growing evidence that this approach is associated with adverse clinical effects including dehydration, malnutrition and reduced health-related quality of life. This review summarises the rationale for thickened fluids, the evidence base (or lack thereof) underpinning their use, and current guideline recommendations. EDUCATIONAL AIMS: To review the evidence base for thickened fluids in the management of dysphagia.To examine the evidence that thickened fluids reduce aspiration pneumonia.To provide an overview of the advantages and disadvantages of thickened fluids in the management of dysphagia.

Investigating cystic lung disease: a respiratory detective approach.

The cystic lung diseases are rare orphan lung disorders that most physicians will see infrequently in their everyday practice. Diagnostic and treatment options have improved over recent decades, with opportunities for slowing rate of progression and improving outcome for patients. This review provides a summary of the clinical approach to these lung disorders, including how to differentiate between different imaging patterns, clinical features, differential diagnosis and characteristics of the commonest presenting disorders. EDUCATIONAL AIMS: To understand the clinical, pathological and radiological features of cystic lung disordersTo explore the differential diagnosis of cystic lung diseaseTo be familiar with the key features (clinical, radiological, physiological and pathological) of the commoner cystic lung diseases, which assist in differentiating between these.

Conservative versus interventional treatment for spontaneous pneumothorax.

Conservative management (with a treatment escalation plan in case the patient deteriorates) is a safe alternative to interventional management of a primary spontaneous pneumothorax https://bit.ly/3fIN4uh.

Peripheral neuropathy in the hands of people with diabetes mellitus.

AIMS: Peripheral sensorimotor neuropathy is a recognised complication of diabetes mellitus however little attention has been given to its development in the hands. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of sensory impairment in the hands of participants with diabetes, the agreement between two measurement tools for assessing sensation and the association between hand sensibility, age, glycaemic control and end-organ damage. METHODS: A total of 162 participants were recruited and divided into two cohorts based on a diagnosis of diabetes. Participants were tested for the presence of hand neuropathy using Semmes-Weinstein monofilaments and the AsTex™. Medical records of participants with diabetes were accessed retrospectively to determine glycaemic control and diabetes complications. RESULTS: A highly statistically significant association was found between neuropathy and diabetes status (P<0.001) on monofilament testing. The prevalence of neuropathy was 64% compared to ∼10% amongst participants without diabetes. Age, male gender and diabetic retinopathy were associated with neuropathy. The AsTex™ identified participants with diminished protective sensation on monofilament testing. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates a relationship between diabetes and upper limb neuropathy. Age, male gender and retinopathy were associated with diminished hand sensation. The AsTex™ may have a role as a screening tool for identifying clinically significant hand neuropathy.

Mechanically assisted walking with body weight support results in more independent walking than assisted overground walking in non-ambulatory patients early after stroke: a systematic review.

QUESTION: Does mechanically assisted walking with body weight support result in more independent walking and is it detrimental to walking speed or capacity in non-ambulatory patients early after stroke? DESIGN: Systematic review with meta-analysis of randomised trials. PARTICIPANTS: Non-ambulatory adult patients undergoing inpatient rehabilitation up to 3 months after stroke. INTERVENTION: Mechanically assisted walking (eg, treadmill, electromechanical gait trainer, robotic device, servo-motor) with body weight support (eg, harness with or without handrail, but not handrail alone) versus assisted overground walking of longer than 15 min duration. OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary outcome was the proportion of participants achieving independent walking. Secondary outcomes were walking speed measured as m/s during the 10-m Walk Test and walking capacity measured as distance in m during the 6-min Walk Test. RESULTS: Six studies comprising 549 participants were identified and included in meta-analyses. Mechanically assisted walking with body weight support resulted in more people walking independently at 4 weeks (RD 0.23, 95% CI 0.15 to 0.30) and at 6 months (RD 0.23, 95% CI 0.07 to 0.39), faster walking at 6 months (MD 0.12 m/s, 95% CI 0.02 to 0.21), and further walking at 6 months (MD 55 m, 95% CI 15 to 96) than assisted overground walking. CONCLUSION: Mechanically assisted walking with body weight support is more effective than overground walking at increasing independent walking in non-ambulatory patients early after stroke. Furthermore, it is not detrimental to walking speed or capacity and clinicians should therefore be confident about implementing this intervention.