Usable donor lungs: exploring the hidden part of the iceberg.

Lung transplantation (LTx) remains the only effective treatment of selected patients suffering from end-stage respiratory disease. However, its main limitation is represented by the shortage of suitable organs. In the last years, LTx is progressively changing in the clinical arena and different strategies aiming to increase the number of usable donor lungs have been reported. Many efforts have been employed to improve management of donor during donation and to treat marginal or even initially rejected grafts ex-vivo. The evolving scenario is showing excellent clinical results of the employment of those strategies. Castleberry et al. analyzed outcomes of LTx using grafts coming from brain-dead donors experiencing cardiac arrest. They examined data from the United Network for Organ Sharing database and they showed comparable results with the use of such grafts suggesting a potential way to increase the number of lung transplant procedures. The article gives a strong message to all clinicians involved in the hard field of transplantation. For those taking care of donors, they should always consider donors suffering from cardiac arrest suitable for lung donation despite pulmonary function because gas exchange can be eventually optimized with ex-vivo perfusion techniques. On the other side, surgeons should feel more comfortable using such grafts. If these lungs have a normal function while in the donor, their use for clinical transplantation provides good results and if they are dysfunctional EVLP could allow a restoration of optimal oxygenation after retrieval.

Viral Infections in lung transplant recipients: devils or trolls?

Lung transplantation is a therapeutic option for end stage lung diseases. One of the most important topics in transplant management is the role of viral infections in chronic lung allograft dysfunction (CLAD) and in particular in acute rejection (AR). This review arise from a recent study BY Brideaux et al. that offers the opportunity to investigate deeply the incidence, risk factors, symptomatology and clinical outcome of respiratory viral infections. Although most respiratory viral infections cause self-limited upper respiratory diseases, lung transplant recipients (LTRs) are particularly prone to develop complications. The absence of symptoms is a pivotal problem in managing these patients as it can depend on absence of active replication or on the effect of immunosuppressive regimen. In one word viruses can be just passengers or aggressive drivers in a facilitated environment, and the potential damage is completely different, as the management. PCR samplings give us an idea of the presence but not the certainty of the activity of viruses, and this is another common problem in reading data. In Herpes Virus infections this problem can be overtaken by studying biological samples and immune response, balancing the presence (PCR) and the activity (shell vial) of viruses with specific immune response (elispot). In fact viral presence doesn't mean activity and activity doesn't mean pathology in case of competent immune response. All these data can be matched in every single patient and managed by a tailored approach, either monitoring or treating.

Bronchial thermoplasty in severe asthma: food for thoughts.

Asthma is a complex inflammatory disorder of the airways characterized by airway hyper-responsiveness and variable, reversible, airflow obstruction. Bronchial thermoplasty (BT) is a new modality for treating asthma. It targets airway smooth muscles (ASM) by delivering a controlled specific amount of thermal energy (radiofrequency ablation) to the airway wall through a dedicated catheter. The use of bronchial thermoplasty has been widely discussed for its potential in the treatment of asthma, since it seems to be able to reduce the symptoms of asthma. The definitive study for BT (AIR2 trial) employed a randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled design and enrolled 288 subjects with severe persistent asthma from 30 US and international centers. The results of the AIR2 trial demonstrated clinically significant benefits of BT compared with the sham group at one year post-treatment, including an improvement in asthma-related quality of life, 32% reduction in severe exacerbations, 84% reduction in emergency department visits for asthma symptoms, and a 66% reduction in time lost from work/school/other daily activities because of asthma symptoms. Preclinical work showed that ASM is reduced after BT by at least 3 years after treatment. The recent article from the ARI2 trial study group analyses the long-term safety and effectiveness of BT in patients with severe persistent asthma and demonstrates the 5-year durability of the benefits of BT in the control of symptoms and safety. It supports the evidence that reduction in asthma attacks, ER visits, and hospitalizations for respiratory symptoms are maintained for at least 5 years. There is a pressing need to understand the underlying mechanism(s) of BT and how the delivered heat is translated into clinical benefit. This necessitates additional investigation to identify disease and patient characteristics that would enable accurate phenotyping of positive responders to avoid unnecessary procedures and risks.

Pulmonary hypertension in COPD and lung transplantation: timing and procedures.

The prevalence of pulmonary hypertension (PH) in the general chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) population is undefined because stable COPD patients do not routinely undergo screening echocardiogram and right heart catheterization. Most studies published on this topic are focused on a highly selected group of patients with moderate to severe disease awaiting lung transplantation, since hemodynamic data from cardiac catheterization are part of the standard transplant evaluation. In a very recent article, Hurdman et al. studied the characteristics and outcomes, with a particular focus on mortality, of extensively phenotyped, consecutive patients with PH-COPD over a 9-year period. This article offers the opportunity to update the role of PH in COPD as a timer to propose lung transplantation, based on solid literature data on survival, and to select the best procedure (single or double lung transplant), since the outcome indexes based on the old GOLD classification according to FEV1 (1-4) and the new GOLD classification (A-D) have failed in purpose to define the correct timing, due to the lack of functional (6 minutes walking test) and nutritional (Body Mass Index) data. After a revision of available literature including the recent paper of Hurdman et al. we conclude that the timing for lung transplantation is easy to manage in case of severe PH-COPD. On the other hand mild and moderate PH-COPD are still object of debate for therapy, procedure timing and choice and rehabilitation. In other words, we have some confirms for a little percentage of patients, whilst many doubts still exist for the rest.

New life for macrolides.

This article is an attempt to analyze and discuss the role and the purported mechanisms of azithromycin (AZM) in non-eosinophilic severe asthma, including antineutrophil activity, an effect on gastroesophageal reflux or antibacterial activity against an underlying chronic infection, such as Chlamydia pneumoniae. Macrolides have an expanding role in the therapy of chronic inflammatory diseases based on their additional anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive properties. Many studies have been performed in lung transplantation field and maintenance treatment has been proved to be effective in cystic fibrosis, bronchiectasis, diffuse panbronchiolitis, and in bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome and in the prevention of exacerbations in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Pathobiological studies of people with severe, refractory asthma focused on its heterogeneity encouraging more targeted and personalized approaches to asthma therapy. In neutrophilic asthma corticosteroids are not very effective, while the immunomodulatory action of macrolides is particularly relevant on neutrophils. Recently, The AZIthromycin in Severe ASThma (AZISAST) study, published on the April number of Thorax, provided evidences on the efficacy and safety of long-term add-on treatment with AZM in severe non-eosinophilic asthma. Despite concerns about an increased proportion of macrolide-resistant organism and about the effects of macrolides on cardiovascular events, there was no evidence of an increased risk of pneumonia or other adverse events. Because the AZISAST study was not able to demonstrate significant improvement in lung function and use of rescue medication, there is still a need for new data confirming the efficacy of AZM in severe non-eosinophilic asthma.

COPD classification methods and informativeness on mortality: contrasting evidences.

Understanding whether the ABCD GOLD classification method is informative with respect to the spirometric classification of severity in predicting mortality of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is subject of debate. The results of a study performed on a sample of the Norwegian population (HUNT2) were recently published. Such data showed the inferiority of ABCD classification in predicting mortality compared to the spirometric classification, which was considered the gold standard up to the 2011 version of GOLD guidelines. This result is not in line with the results of other studies that have shown the equivalence of the two classifications. The new GOLD classification seemed to be a step forward for what concerns understanding patient's needs, but it seems clear that the insertion of a single clinical variable to the spirometric data may not be exhaustive in describing all the phenomena related to a heterogeneous disease such as COPD. The publication of the HUNT study provides an opportunity to analyze how the evidence has been produced, which scientific speculations it offers, what considerations could be drawn and what further research would be appropriate.

The lack of cytomegalovirus-specific cellular immune response may contribute to the onset of organ infection and disease in lung transplant recipients.

Cellular immune response has been demonstrated to play a role in the control of human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) replication in organ transplant recipients. Herein, HCMV-specific T-cell response and association to the onset of organ infection/disease were prospectively evaluated by EliSPOT assay in a population of 46 lung transplant (LT) recipients at 1, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months post-transplantation. According to our centre?s practice, a combined prolonged antiviral prophylaxis (HCMV-IG for 12 months and ganciclovir or valganciclovir for 3 weeks from postoperative day 21) was given to all LT recipients. HCMV-DNA was concomitantly detected on bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) and whole blood by real-time PCR. Approximately one third of patients resulted HCMV persistently non-responder; the rate of HCMV infection, as evaluated by HCMV-DNA positivity, tended to be higher in non-responders. Mean viral load on BAL was significantly higher in non-responders vs other patients (p < 0.001). Temporal profile of infections appeared related to the HCMV responder status with a shorter time to onset of infection post-transplantation and a longer duration in non-responders. The occurrence of organ disease (i.e. pneumonia) tended to be higher in non-responders, with poor prognosis, as death occurred in one of three non-responder patients that developed HCMV pneumonia. The lack of HCMV-specific cellular response can contribute to the onset of organ infection and disease also in patients in which antiviral prophylaxis was adopted; this could be due to the potential occurrence of incomplete control of replication in lungs or a delayed priming of T-cell reconstitution.

Digital air leak monitoring after lobectomy for primary lung cancer in patients with moderate COPD: can a fast-tracking algorithm reduce postoperative costs and complications?

AIM: Prolonged air leaks remain one of the most important complication after pulmonary resection. The aim of this study was to test a new fast-track chest tube removal protocol using a new drainage system, which digitally records postoperative air leaks, compared to the traditional one, with subjective visual air leak assessment. METHODS: Patients with moderate COPD undergoing lobectomy for primary lung cancer at the Department of Thoracic Surgery of the University of Torino were randomised in two groups with different chest drainage systems and different removal protocols: in Group A the drainage was removed after digitally recordered measurement of air leaks; in Group B the tube was removed according to the air leaks visualization by bubbling in the water column. The following variables were evaluated: first and second drainage removal day; overall hospital length of stay; overall hospitalization costs. RESULTS: First and second drainages were removed sooner in those patients with the digital drainage system. An earlier drainage removal is associated with significative reduction in hospital length of stay and overall hospitalization costs. CONCLUSION: The digital and continuous air leak measurement reduces the hospital length of stay by a more accurate and reproductive air leaks measurement. Further studies are mandatory to corroborate our preliminary results.

Lower respiratory tract viral infections in hospitalized adult patients.

AIM: The epidemiology of lower respiratory tract (LRT) viral infections in adults is probably underestimated and the high frequency of multiple viral infections complicates the evaluation of the possible role of the single viruses. The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical epidemiology and impact of respiratory viral pathogens, in particular of those singularly detected, in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) specimens from hospitalized adult patients. METHODS: A panel for the detection of 16 respiratory viruses was used to prospectively evaluate 324 consecutive specimens obtained from 219 patients over a full-year period. RESULTS: Two-hundred-twenty-one specimens (68.2%) were positive for at least one virus, 119/324 (36.7%) to a single viral agent. The most commonly detected viruses were herpesviruses HHV-7 (26.2%), human cytomegalo-virus (HCMV, 22.2%), HHV-6 (19.8%), EBV (12.7%), enteroviruses and rhinoviruses (both 11.7%), parainfluenza viruses (4.9 %), and metapneumovirus (4.0%). Human cytomegalo-virus was significantly more prevalent as single viral pathogen with a viral load >105 copies/ml associated to pneumonia in solid organ transplant recipients. Other viral pathogens might account for some cases of pneumonia or respiratory insufficiency, although multiple infections were common. CONCLUSIONS: The use of a comprehensive diagnostic panel for respiratory viral infections may be useful to clarify the epidemiology and clinical impact of viral pathogens in hospitalized adult patients. The occurrence of multiple infections is a common finding and results should be interpreted taking into account the clinical context as well as viral load and the biological characteristics of each virus.

Single versus double lung transplantation in pulmonary fibrosis: a debated topic.

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) represents the second most frequent indication for lung transplantation after chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Survival rate after transplantation is poorer compared with other lung diseases for reasons that are not completely clear. Medical therapy with anti-inflammatory drugs may improve symptoms and quality of life, but it does not influence the survival rate. Lung transplantation is the best therapy for end-stage IPF. The debate regarding the superiority of double lung transplantation (DLT) compared with single lung transplantation (SLT) is still ongoing. Until some years ago, SLT was almost uniformly utilized for this indication. In the most recent years, a larger application of DLT has been observed worldwide, probably related to higher 1-year and 5-year survivals. The unanswered question is whether it is ethical to use two lungs for the same patient, considering the donor shortage, when a single lung would suffice. Many reports have demonstrated that SLT offers acceptable pulmonary function and satisfactory early and intermediate survival. Probably DLT should be reserved for younger recipients, for those with concomitant or possible chronic infection of the contralateral lung, or cases of marginal donors. Further studies will be needed to formulate recommendations regarding the preferred surgical approach in IPF.

Combined cytomegalovirus prophylaxis in lung transplantation: effects on acute rejection, lymphocytic bronchitis/bronchiolitis, and herpesvirus infections.

Lung transplantation recipients are at high risk for herpesvirus infections. We evaluated the effect of combined cytomegalovirus (CMV) prophylaxis on CMV pneumonia, acute rejection episodes (ARE), lymphocytic bronchitis/bronchiolitis (LB), and obliterans bronchiolitis (OB) diagnosed in 180 transbronchial biopsies (TBB) of lung transplant recipients. At our center, 25 patients (control group; 1999-2002) received acyclovir for 12 months and 21 recipients (study group; 2003-2007) received combined CMV prophylaxis consisting of CMV-IG (Cytotect Biotest) for 12 months and ganciclovir or valganciclovir from postoperative day 21 for 3 weeks. Among the study group (since 2005), CMV shell vial viral culture and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), human herpesvirus-6 (HHV-6), and HHV-7 DNA were determined on BAL specimens. In the study group, the number of LB was significantly lower than in the control group (2% vs 11%; P= .04). Similar results were obtained for ARE (6% vs 17%; P= .04). No difference was observed in OB (5% vs 5%; P= .53, NS). A reduction trend was found in CMV pneumonia (2% vs 7%; P= .23, NS). Logistic regression analysis showed a relationship between prophylaxis and a reduced prevalence of ARE (odds ratio [OR] 3.25, confidence interval [CI] 1.12-9.40; P= .03). Finally, in the study group, BAL EBV-DNA positivity and EBV-CMV coinfections were low (6% and 0%, respectively) compared with other herpesviruses and with the literature. Our data suggested the efficacy of combined CMV prophylaxis to prevent ARE and LB, 2 risk factors for chronic rejection, and a possible role to reduce the trend toward CMV pneumonia and EBV infections.

Rapid shell vial culture for the detection of respiratory viruses from bronchoalveolar lavage in immunocompromised patients.

AIM: Viral lower respiratory tract infections (LRTI) are an important cause of morbidity in immunocompromised patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical impact of rapid shell vial cultures from bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL). METHODS: Sixty-seven BAL samples from 46 patients have been retrospectively examined: 51 from 31 transplant recipients and 16 from 15 immunocompromised patients. BAL were inoculated on human embryonic lung fibroblasts and VERO cells to isolate the following viruses: cytomegalovirus (CMV), herpesviruses, varicella-zoster virus, respiratory syncytial virus, adenovirus, Influenza viruses A and B and Parainfluenza viruses. Clinical, microbiological, laboratory, and radiological data were collected. RESULTS: A LRTI was present in 56.7% of cases: viral 40.3%, bacterial and/or fungal 23.9%, and mixed 7.5%. CMV accounted for 92.6% of viral LRTI. The prevalence of viral infections did not differ between symptomatic and asymptomatic patients; only bacterial and/or fungal infections were significantly more prevalent in symptomatic patients. No clinical, radiological or laboratory feature was significantly associated with the presence of a viral LRTI. In lung transplant recipients the rate of CMV infection was 50%. The result of BAL suggested commencement of antiviral chemotherapy in 25/67 episodes. CONCLUSION: Rapid shell vial culture and immunofluorescence techniques from BAL could play an important role in the clinical management of immunocompromised subjects.

Emphysema: coiling up the lungs, trick or treat?

Lung volume reduction coil (LVRC) treatment is a minimally-invasive technique planned to achieve an improvement of exercise capacity and pulmonary function in subjects with advanced emphysema and hyperinflation. It has been proposed together with other bronchoscopic lung volume reduction approaches to reduce lung hyperinflation in emphysema as less invasive alternatives to LVRS and are currently under clinical investigation. Following the successful early experiences in previous pilot trials, recent studies allow further investigation into the feasibility, safety and efficacy of LVR coil treatment in a multi-center setting in a larger group of patients. According to this studies we can state that LVR coil treatment results in significant clinical improvements in patients with severe emphysema, in multicenter analysis, with a good safety profile and sustained results for up to 1 year. The literature on endobronchial coils continues to look promising with an acceptable safety profile, and positive long-term follow-up data are certainly more and more available. However, further well-designed, blinded, placebo (or sham) controlled trials, and even randomized trials against LVRS (lung volume reduction surgery), are needed before routine clinical use can be recommended. This is true not only for endobronchial coils, but also for the whole field of bronchoscopic lung volume reduction.

Emphysema: coiling up the lungs, trick or treat?

Lung volume reduction coil (LVRC) treatment is a minimally-invasive technique planned to achieve an improvement of exercise capacity and pulmonary function in subjects with advanced emphysema and hyperinflation. It has been proposed together with other bronchoscopic lung volume reduction approaches to reduce lung hyperinflation in emphysema as less invasive alternatives to LVRS and are currently under clinical investigation. Following the successful early experiences in previous pilot trials, recent studies allow further investigation into the feasibility, safety and efficacy of LVR coil treatment in a multi-center setting in a larger group of patients. According to this studies we can state that LVR coil treatment results in significant clinical improvements in patients with severe emphysema, in multicenter analysis, with a good safety profile and sustained results for up to 1 year. The literature on endobronchial coils continues to look promising with an acceptable safety profile, and positive long-term follow-up data are certainly more and more available. However, further well-designed, blinded, placebo (or sham) controlled trials, and even randomized trials against LVRS (lung volume reduction surgery), are needed before routine clinical use can be recommended. This is true not only for endobronchial coils, but also for the whole field of bronchoscopic lung volume reduction.

Novelties in COPD prognosis: evolution of survival indexes.

Despite several techniques, such as non-invasive ventilation (NIV), have improved the outcome of the acute exacerbation, COPD remains affected by poor prognosis in the medium and long term. Moreover, the task of predicting prognosis remains a major challenge for respiratory physicians. In order to overcome this limitation, several indexes have been proposed to assess the COPD patient in his/her complexity. The rationale is that, by using numerical indexes physicians may improve their clinical judgment to tailor and share therapeutical choices, i.e. referring the patient for surgery or lung transplantation. On this ground, Almagro et al. recently proposed the CODEX index, as the latest evolution of the BODE through the BODEx (which takes into account exacerbations), by adding the evaluation of comorbidity to the severity of dyspnoea, airway obstruction and history of exacerbations. As afore mentioned, treatment of COPD with respiratory acidosis has been revolutionized by the use of NIV, by reducing the need for intubation and in-hospital mortality of patients with severe COPD exacerbations. Nowadays, new promising techniques, such as minimally invasive extracorporeal devices, may hasten the clearance of carbon dioxide and reduce the work of breathing and the need for ventilation of COPD patients. These techniques still lack of randomized controlled studies; however, the approach of extracorporeal CO2 removal has the potential to further improve the prognosis of severe exacerbation of COPD patients. In this paper we discuss the prognostic evaluation of patients affected by COPD through the evolution of dedicated indexes, which mirror the focus of current research on the disease.

Anxiety and depression in cystic fibrosis.

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is the most common genetic disorders in the Caucasian population, with estimated between 70,000 and 100,000 patients worldwide. Even if improved diagnostics and clinical management have led to an increased life expectancy, CF still remains a disease that significantly impacts patients' life in terms of symptoms, daily functioning, psychological morbidity and health related quality of life. Available data suggest that symptoms of anxiety and depression, such as in other chronic conditions, are common features in CF patients and in their caregivers, with a significant impact on disease outcomes. In this review we analyze and discuss the findings of The International Depression and Anxiety Epidemiological Study (TIDES), recently published on Thorax. This study was aimed to determine the prevalence of symptoms of depression and anxiety in a large population of adolescents and adults with CF and in parents of children with CF, across eight European countries and the USA. The TIDES provides useful insights about the psychological/psychiatric comorbidities in CF and its conclusions are absolutely shareable. Nevertheless some doubts remain on the methods and the tools. Further investigation and understanding of anxiety and depression in CF (in terms of prevalence, association with clinical, psychological and socio-cultural factors) is necessary and evidence is crescent that a global and multidisciplinary approach is wanted.

Anxiety and depression in cystic fibrosis.

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is the most common genetic disorders in the Caucasian population, with estimated between 70,000 and 100,000 patients worldwide. Even if improved diagnostics and clinical management have led to an increased life expectancy, CF still remains a disease that significantly impacts patients' life in terms of symptoms, daily functioning, psychological morbidity and health related quality of life. Available data suggest that symptoms of anxiety and depression, such as in other chronic conditions, are common features in CF patients and in their caregivers, with a significant impact on disease outcomes. In this review we analyze and discuss the findings of The International Depression and Anxiety Epidemiological Study (TIDES), recently published on Thorax. This study was aimed to determine the prevalence of symptoms of depression and anxiety in a large population of adolescents and adults with CF and in parents of children with CF, across eight European countries and the USA. The TIDES provides useful insights about the psychological/psychiatric comorbidities in CF and its conclusions are absolutely shareable. Nevertheless some doubts remain on the methods and the tools. Further investigation and understanding of anxiety and depression in CF (in terms of prevalence, association with clinical, psychological and sociocultural factors) is necessary and evidence is crescent that a global and multidisciplinary approach is wanted.

Pulmonary Hypertension in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Pulmonary Fibrosis: Prevalence and Hemodynamic Differences in Lung Transplant Recipients at Transplant Center's Referral Time.

INTRODUCTION: Single or bilateral lung transplantation is a therapeutic procedure for end-stage lung diseases. In particular, in cases of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and pulmonary fibrosis, patients can be referred to the transplant center late and with important comorbilities. Pulmonary hypertension (PH) associated with lung diseases not only is an index of poor outcome but also is an indication for bilateral procedure. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective observational study. We analyzed right heart catheterization in a consecutive series of patients who underwent lung transplantation from 2006 to 2014 for end-stage COPD and pulmonary fibrosis. RESULTS: We included in the study 73 patients (35 with fibrosis and 38 with COPD); prevalence of PH was higher in the COPD group (84.3% vs 31.4%), and with worse hemodynamic parameters (mean pulmonary artery pressure [30.3 mm Hg vs 24.1 mm Hg]). The majority of COPD patients presented mild or moderate PH, and fibrosis patients showed normal pulmonary arterial pressures. CONCLUSIONS: COPD patients are referred to the Transplant Center with a higher prevalence of PH because of an echocardiographic screening or a late referral, but many patients survive on the waiting list and undergo the procedure. On the other hand, patients transplanted with interstitial diseases have a lower prevalence of PH; this can be explained by an earlier referral or a higher mortality on the waiting list and a more aggressive and rapidly progressing disease.

Pulmonary endarterectomy: the lancet first, tears for pills.

Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) is a progressive disease due to the incomplete resolution of pulmonary emboli, leading to right heart failure, with a poor survival. Pulmonary endarterectomy (PEA) is the operation of choice for CTEPH. As there are no well-defined criteria to discriminate surgically accessible from inaccessible obstructive lesions, the operability assessment relies on the surgeon's experience. The recommended algorithms to perform a correct diagnosis of CTEPH still suggest the lung ventilation/perfusion scan, despite advances in computed tomography with 3-D reconstruction and magnetic resonance imaging. Selective pulmonary angiography is the gold standard to assess operability in CTEPH. Medical therapy should not be considered an alternative to PEA, as it should be reserved to patients with either peripheral disease, deemed inoperable by an experienced PEA surgeon, or persistent/recurrent pulmonary hypertension after PEA. Lung transplantation, when indicated, still represents a viable option for patients with either inoperable CTEPH or CTEPH with concomitant severe parenchymal lung disease that contraindicates PEA. The outcome of operable CTEPH is still best predicted after surgery. Remarkably, the recovery of exercise capacity is not as immediate as hemodynamic improvement, underlining the importance of early identification of surgical candidates before physical deconditioning.

FEV6 assessment in spirometric abnormalities screening: the first population-based study in Italian pharmacies.

AIM: In recent years, the FEV1/FEV in six seconds ratio has been proposed and validated as a parameter for screening of airways obstruction and restriction. In this context an electronic spirometry screening of pharmacy customers could lead to significant benefits such as improving the appropriateness of diagnostic test prescription and facilitating the early diagnosis of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). METHODS: Customers of 500 pharmacies in the italian Piemonte region were proposed to test their ventilatory function by an electronic spirometer, PiKo-6®, to find out probably obstruction (pO) and probably restriction (pR). All tests have been carried out by purposely trained pharmacists. Moreover, data regarding sampled subjects' gender, age, height, weight, smoke, pharmacology and therapies used were registered. A web application has been created to collect and analyze the data. RESULTS: Male smokers confirmed a percentage of pO similar to the one predicted in obstructive lung disease (OLD) in international literature (7%); higher percentages of pO (8%) and pR (35%) were instead found in underweight people. When the data are broken down into therapeutic categories, the highest number of pO (12%) and pR (38%) was found in patients in therapy with bronchodilators, in diabetic patients (pR 41%), and in people treated with diuretics (pO 7%, pR 46%) CONCLUSION: Data seem to suggest the six-second spirometry as a valid screening tool for the detection of possible airway obstruction and restriction in pharmacies setting. Results point out the possibility of rationalizing the access to medical visits and of optimizing prescriptive appropriateness. The above mentioned points will lead to save public money and will strengthen the role of the Community Pharmacy as health posts of Italian Health National System.