Real World Evidence asthma and COPD inhaled treatment therapy in Spain.

Background: This study aimed to describe the use of pressured metered dose inhalers (pMDI) and dry powder inhalers (DPI) in Spanish patients in terms of socio-demographic, clinical, and functional characteristics in patients with asthma or COPD on maintenance treatment with inhaled therapy. Methods: A retrospective, descriptive, national, multicentre, and observational study using a database with 1.8 million patients from hospitals and primary care centers as a secondary information source. Results: The sample included 24,102 subjects with asthma on maintenance therapy (26.0% with pMDI, 54.9% with DPI, and 19.0% with a combination of DPI + pMDI inhalers) and 12,858 subjects with COPD on maintenance therapy (26.1% with pMDI, 38.7% with DPI and 35.2% with a combination of pMDI + DPI inhalers, mostly extemporary triple therapy). In proportion, subjects ≥ 75 years old use more pMDI than DPI, while younger subjects (40-64 years old) use more DPI. An inhalation chamber was prescribed in 51.0% of asthma subjects and 47.2% of COPD subjects treated with pMDI. The use of an inhalation chamber increases with the degree of airflow limitation by disease and age. In subjects with comorbidities, pMDI inhaler use increased in those ≥75 years old for asthma and COPD subjects. Switching from pMDI to DPI and vice versa was relatively common: 25.5% of asthma subjects and 21.9% of COPD subjects treated with pMDI had switched from DPI in the previous year. On the contrary, 14.1% and 11.7% of asthma and COPD patients treated with DPI had switched from pMDI the last year. Conclusions: The use of pMDI or DPI can vary according to age, both in asthma and COPD. Switching from pMDI to DPI and vice versa is relatively common. Despite the availability of dual and triple therapy inhalers on the market, a considerable number of subjects were treated with multiple devices.

Acquired tracheomalacia due to SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia.

INTRODUCTION: Several studies mentioned parenchymal findings after SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia, but few studies have mentioned alterations in the airways. The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of tracheomalacia and to analyse the clinical characteristics in a cohort of patients with SARS-CoV-2. METHODS: The study population consisted of all patients with SARS-CoV-2 admitted a hospital serving a population of 500 000 inhabitants. Patients were visited between 2 and 6 months after hospital discharge. In this visit, all patients were subjected to an exhaustive clinical questionnaire and underwent clinical examination, pulmonary function tests and chest CT. RESULTS: From February 2020 to August 2021, 1920 patients were included in the cohort and tracheomalacia was observed in 15 (0.8%) on expiratory HRCT imaging. All patients with tracheomalacia also presented ground glass opacities in the CT scan and 12 patients had airway sequelae. CONCLUSIONS: Tracheomalacia is an exceptional sequela of SARS-CoV-2 survivors.

Increased TGFß1, VEGF and IFN-γ in the Sputum of Severe Asthma Patients With Bronchiectasis.

BACKGROUND: Bronchiectasis is one of the most common comorbidities in severe asthma. However, the mechanisms by which asthma promotes the development and progress of this condition are not well defined. This study aimed to analyze the inflammatory phenotypes and quantify the expression of proinflammatory and remodeling cytokines in asthma patients with and without bronchiectasis. METHODS: The study sample comprised individuals with severe asthma and bronchiectasis (group AB, n=55) and a control population of individuals with severe asthma without bronchiectasis (group AC, n=45). Induced sputum samples were obtained and cell types determined by differential cell count. Proinflammatory and bronchial remodeling cytokines (IL-8, neutrophilic elastase, TGFß1, VEGF, IFN-γ, TNF-α, and GM-CSF) were analyzed by immunoassay in sputum supernatant. RESULTS: Neutrophilic inflammation was the primary phenotype in both asthma groups. Higher levels of TGFß1, VEGF and IFN-γ were observed in asthma patients with bronchiectasis (group AB) than in controls (group AC) (15 vs 24pg/ml, p=0.014; 183 vs 272pg/ml, p=0.048; 0.85 vs 19pg/ml, p<0.001, respectively). Granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) levels were significantly lower in the AB group than in the AC group (1.2 vs 4.4pg/ml, p<0.001). IL-8, neutrophil elastase and TNF-α did not present significant differences between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: Raised levels of TGFß1 and VEGF cytokines may indicate airway remodeling activation in asthma patients with bronchiectasis. The type of inflammation in asthma patients did not differ according to the presence or absence of bronchiectasis.

The Impact of the Reduction in Environmental Pollution during COVID-19 Lockdown on Healthy Individuals.

The lockdown imposed to combat the COVID-19 pandemic produced a historic fall in air pollution in cities like Barcelona. This exceptional situation offered a unique context in which to examine the effects of air pollutants on human health. The present study aims to determine and compare the oxidative stress biomarkers Th1/Th2 and inflammatory-related cytokines in healthy individuals first during lockdown and then six months after the easing of the restrictions on mobility. A prospective study of a representative sample of 58 healthy, non-smoking adults was carried out. During lockdown and six months post-easing of restrictions, blood samples were drawn to measure the percentage of eosinophils, levels of Th1/Th2 and inflammatory-related cytokines assessed by a multiplex assay (BioRad Laboratories S.A., Marnes-la-Coquette, France), and levels of 8-isoprostane, glutathione peroxidase activity, and myeloperoxidase (Cayman Chemical Co., Ann Arbor, MI, USA), to assess their value as biomarkers of oxidative stress. Six months after easing mobility restrictions, increases in the levels of 8-isoprostane (p < 0.0001), IL-1ß (p = 0.0013), IL-1ra (p = 0.0110), IL-4 (p < 0.0001), IL-13 (p < 0.0001), G-CSF (p = 0.0007), and CCL3 (p < 0.0001) were recorded, along with reductions in glutathione peroxidase (p < 0.0001), IFN-γ (p = 0.0145), TNFα (p < 0.0001), IP-10 (p < 0.0001), IL-2 (p < 0.0001), IL-7 (p < 0.0001), basic FGF (p < 0.0001), CCL4 (p < 0.0001), and CCL5 (p < 0.0001). No significant differences were observed in the rest of the biomarkers analyzed. The reduction in environmental pollution during the COVID-19 lockdown significantly lowered the levels of oxidative stress, systemic inflammation, and Th2-related cytokines in healthy people.

Diagnostic Accuracy of Specific IgE Against Wheat and Rye in Flour-Induced Occupational Asthma.

BACKGROUND: Assessment of IgE-mediated sensitization to flour allergens is widely used to investigate flour-induced occupational asthma. The diagnostic efficiency of detecting specific IgE antibodies (sIgEs) against wheat and rye flour, however, has not been thoroughly compared with other diagnostic procedures. OBJECTIVE: We sought to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of sIgE against wheat and rye compared with specific inhalation challenge (SIC) with flour as the reference standard. METHODS: This retrospective multicenter study included 264 subjects who completed an SIC with flour in eight tertiary centers, of whom 205 subjects showed a positive SIC result. RESULTS: Compared with SIC, sIgE levels of 0.35 kUA/L or greater against wheat and rye provided similar sensitivities (84% to 85%, respectively), specificities (71% to 78%), positive predictive values (91% to 93%), and negative predictive values (56% to 61%). Increasing the threshold sIgE value to 5.10 kUA/L for wheat and to 6.20 kUA/L for rye provided a specificity of 95% or greater and further enhanced the positive predictive value to 98%. Among subjects with a positive SIC, those who failed to demonstrate sIgE against wheat and rye (n = 26) had significantly lower total serum IgE level and blood and sputum eosinophil counts and a lesser increase in postchallenge FeNO compared with subjects with a detectable sIgE. CONCLUSION: High levels of sIgE against wheat and/or rye flour strongly support a diagnosis of flour-induced occupational asthma without the need to perform an SIC. The absence of detectable sIgE against wheat and rye in subjects with a positive SIC seems to be associated with lower levels of TH2 biomarkers.

Lung Function and Symptoms of Exposure to the Volcanic Eruption in the Canary Islands: First Follow-Up of the ASHES Study.

INTRODUCTION: Exposure to gases and particulate matter released during volcanic eruptions can prove harmful to population health. This paper reports the preliminary results of the ASHES study, aimed at ascertaining the respiratory health effects of the 2021 volcanic eruption in La Palma Island (Spain) on the adult population without previous respiratory disease. METHODS: Ambispective cohort study on the healthy adult population. Three exposure groups were considered: Group 1, high exposure; Group 2, moderate exposure; and Group 3, minor or no exposure. We carried out a descriptive analysis of symptoms during and after the eruption, as well as measure lung function after the eruption (through forced spirometry and diffusing capacity of carbon monoxide). RESULTS: The analysis included 474 subjects: 54 in Group 1, 335 in Group 2, and 85 in Group 3. A significant increase in most symptoms was observed for subjects in the groups exposed during the eruption. After the eruption, this increase remained for some symptoms. There seems to be a dose-response relationship, such that the higher the exposure, the higher the odds ratio. A prebronchodilator FEV1/FVC ratio<70% was observed in 13.0% of subjects in Group 1, 8.6% of subjects in Group 2, and 7.1% of subjects in Group 3. CONCLUSIONS: This study is the first to report a dose-response relationship between exposure to volcanic eruptions and the presence of symptoms in adults. Furthermore, there is a tendency toward obstructive impairment in individuals with higher exposure.

Cirugía percutánea de Hallux valgus moderados y severos mediante osteotomía en chevron modificada / Chirurgie percutanée de l'hallux valgus modéré et sévère par ostéotomie en chevron modifiée / Moderate Hallux Valgus percutaneous surgery to severe modified chevron osteotomy

Introducción: la osteotomía en chevron modificada ha estado presente en numerosos artículos que tratan sobre el tratamiento de los Hallux valgus moderados y severos. Se presenta nuestra experiencia mediante la cirugía percutánea. Objetivo: mostrar la efectividad de la osteotomía en chevron modificada mediante cirugía percutánea en el tratamiento de los Hallux valgus moderados y severos. Método: estudio retrospectivo de 28 pacientes intervenidos de Hallux valgus moderados y severos entre abril y diciembre de 2013, con una media de edad de 59 años. El seguimiento mínimo fue de 1 año de evolución. Se valoró el ángulo de Hallux valgus, el intermetatarsiano y el ángulo metatarso distal articular y se determinó la posición de los sesamoideos. La osteotomía en chevron se fijó con un tornillo canulado de doble rosca también de forma percutánea. Resultados: el ángulo de Hallux valgus pasó de 34,96° ± 9,8 en el preoperatorio a 12,6° ± 5,2 en el posoperatorio. El ángulo intermetatarsiano de 15,56° ± 3,2 en el preoperatorio se redujo a 10,44° ± 3,1 en el posoperatorio. El ángulo ángulo metatarso distal articular pasó de 21,20° ± 6,0 en el preoperatorio a 9,36° ± 6,5 en el posoperatorio. Conclusiones: la osteotomía en chevron modificada percutánea tiene resultados similares a los de la cirugía abierta, con la gran ventaja de no realizar incisiones en el pie, lo que disminuye complicaciones habituales como la infección. Es importante la curva de aprendizaje dado que no es una técnica exenta de complicaciones(AU)

Introduction: modified chevron osteotomy has been present in numerous articles dealing with the treatment of moderate and severe Hallux valgus. Our experience with percutaneous surgery is presented here. Objective: show the effectiveness of modified chevron osteotomy with percutaneous surgery in the treatment of moderate and severe Hallux valgus. Methods: a retrospective study was conducted on 28 patients undergoing moderate and severe hallux valgus from April to December 2013, with an average age of 59 years. Minimum follow-up period was 1 year of evolution. Hallux valgus angle, intermetatarsal and distal metatarsal joint angle were evaluated and sesamoid position was determined. Chevron osteotomy was fixed with a cannulated double threaded screw also percutaneously. Results: Hallux valgus angle increased from 34.96 ± 9.8° preoperatively to 12.6° ± 5.2 postoperatively. The intermetatarsal angle of 15.56° ± 3.2 preoperatively decreased to 10.44 ± 3.1° postoperatively. The distal metatarsal articular angle increased from 21.20° ± 6.0 preoperatively to 6.5 ± 9.36° postoperatively. Conclusions: percutaneous modified chevron osteotomy has similar results to those of open surgery, with the great advantage of not making incisions in the foot, reducing common complications such as infection. Learning curve is important since it is not free of complications(AU)

Introduction: l'ostéotomie en chevron modifiée a été présente dans nombreux articles abordant le traitement de l'hallux valgus modéré et sévère. Un nouveau traitement par chirurgie percutanée est présenté. Objectif: le but de ce travail est de montrer l'efficacité de l'ostéotomie en chevron modifiée par chirurgie percutanée dans le traitement de l'hallux valgus modéré et sévère. Méthode: Une étude rétrospective de 28 patients (âge moyen de 59 ans) traités pour hallux valgus modéré et sévère a été réalisée entre avril et décembre 2013. Le suivi minimal a eu un an de durée. On a évalué l'angle de valgus, l'angle intermétatarsien et l'angle articulaire distal métatarsien, et on a également déterminé la position des sésamoïdiens. L'ostéotomie en chevron a été fixée par vis canulé à double filetage par voie percutanée. Résultats: l'angle de valgus a changé de 34.96° ± 9.8 en préopératoire à 12.6° ± 5.2 en postopératoire. L'angle intermétatarsien est réduit de 15.56° ± 3.2 en préopératoire à 10.44° ± 3.1 en postopératoire. L'angle articulaire distal métatarsien a diminué de 21.20° ± 6.0 en préopératoire à 9.36° ± 6.5 en postopératoire. Conclusions: l'ostéotomie percutanée en chevron modifiée a des résultats similaires à la chirurgie ouverte. L'avantage le plus remarquable de cette technique est l'absence d'incisions importantes au niveau du pied, ce qui diminue la survenue des complications habituelles telles que l'infection. Toutefois, la courbe d'apprentissage est très importante, car cette technique n'est pas exceptée de complications(AU)

Tratamiento quirúrgico de las metatarsalgias mecánicas mediante cirugía percutánea / Traitement chirurgical des métatarsalgies mécaniques par chirurgie percutanée / Surgical treatment of mechanical metatarsalgias through percutaneous surgery

Introducción: las metatarsalgias mecánicas refractarias a tratamiento ortopédico precisan de tratamiento quirúrgico. Presentamos nuestra experiencia mediante la cirugía percutánea. Objetivo: mostrar la efectividad de las osteotomías distales percutáneas (DMMO) en el tratamiento de las metatarsalgias mecánicas. Método: estudio retrospectivo de 100 pacientes intervenidos de metatarsalgias mecánicas entre enero de 2012 y diciembre de 2013, con una media de edad de 57 años. El seguimiento mínimo fue de 1 año de evolución. Las metatarsalgias mecánicas se clasificaron según la fase de la marcha en segundo y tercer rocker. Se valoró clínicamente la desaparición de las queratosis plantares, la desaparición del dolor plantar con la deambulación, el abandono de las plantillas previas, y radiográficamente la fórmula metatarsal y la consolidación de las osteotomías. Resultados: en las metatarsalgias de segundo rocker se obtuvo un 90 % de buenos o muy buenos resultados con un 10 por ciento de complicaciones, principalmente metatarsalgia de transferencia. En las metatarsalgias de tercer rocker un 85 por ciento de buenos o muy buenos resultados y un 15 por ciento de complicaciones predominantemente la metatarsalgia de transferencia. Conclusiones: las osteotomías distales percutáneas parecen ser una técnica aceptable para el tratamiento de les metatarsalgias mecánicas al proporcionar unos buenos resultados clínicos y radiológicos. Es importante la curva de aprendizaje dado que no es una técnica exenta de complicaciones(AU)

Introduction: mechanical metatarsalgias difficult to orthopedic treatment require surgical treatment. We report our experience with percutaneous surgery. Objectivs: show the effectiveness of percutaneous distal osteotomy in the treatment of mechanical metatarsalgias. Methods: a retrospective study of 100 patients undergoing mechanical metatarsalgias from January to December 2013, with an average age of 57 years. Minimum follow-up was 1 year of evolution. Mechanical metatarsalgias were classified according to the stage of walking, second and third rocker. It was clinically assessed the disappearance of plantar keratosis, plantar pain when walking, as well as abandoning previous templates. Radiographically the metatarsal formula and consolidation of the osteotomy were evaluated. Results: in second rocker metatarsalgias, 90 percent had good or excellent results with 10 percent complications, mainly transfer metatarsalgia. In third rocker metatarsalgias 85 percent had good or very good results and 15 percent complications, mainly the transfer metatarsalgia. Conclusions: percutaneous distal osteotomies appear to be an acceptable technique for mechanical metatarsalgias treatment to provide good clinical and radiological results. Learning curve is important since it is not free of complications(AU)

Introduction: les métatarsalgies mécaniques de nature réfractaire exigent un traitement chirurgical. Nous présentons ici notre expérience avec la chirurgie percutanée. Objectif: le but de ce travail est de montrer l'efficacité des ostéotomies distales percutanées dans le traitement des métatarsalgies de type mécanique. Méthode: une étude rétrospective de 100 patients (âge moyen de 57 ans) atteints de métatarsalgies d'origine mécanique a été réalisée entre janvier et décembre 2013. Le suivi minimal a eu un an de durée. Les métatarsalgies mécaniques ont été classées selon phase de la marche (phase 2, second-rocker et phase 3, third-rocker). On a évalué du point de vue clinique la disparition des kératoses plantaires, la disparition de la douleur plantaire au cours de la marche et l'abandon des semelles, et du point de vue radiographique la formule métatarsienne et la consolidation des ostéotomies. Résultats: dans les métatarsalgies de second-rocker (métatarsalgies statiques), on a obtenu de bons et très bons résultats (90 pourcent) et très peu de complications (10 pourcent) telles que les métatarsalgies de transfert. Dans les métatarsalgies de third-rocker (métatarsalgies propulsives), on a obtenu de bons et très bons résultats (85 pourcent) et très peu de complications (15 pourcent), telles que les métatarsalgies de transfert. Conclusions: l'ostéotomie distale percutanée semble être la technique appropriée pour le traitement des métatarsalgies mécaniques, car elle prodigue de très bons résultats cliniques et radiologiques. L'apprentissage est très important, parce que cette technique n'est pas exceptée de complications(AU)