Using a smartphone application maintains physical activity following pulmonary rehabilitation in patients with COPD: a randomised controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Evidence suggests that patients with COPD struggle to maintain improved physical activity (PA) after completing pulmonary rehabilitation (PR). Smartphone applications (apps) providing a comprehensive training programme have conferred healthy benefits. This study was conducted to determine whether regular usage of an app maintains PA following PR. METHODS: Patients with stage II-IV COPD were enrolled in a 6-month trial following PR. After the screening period, participants were randomised into the Kaia COPD app group (intervention group (IG)) or the control group (CG). The primary outcome was PA (daily steps), measured using an activity tracker. Secondary outcomes included the COPD Assessment Test (CAT), the Chronic Respiratory Disease Questionnaire (CRQ) and the 1 min Sit-to-Stand Test (STST). RESULTS: Sixty participants completed the study. The median steps from baseline to 6 months were significantly different between the groups, in favour of the IG (-105.3, IQR -1970.1 to 2105.8, vs CG -1173.0, IQR -3813.1 to -93.8; p=0.007). CAT was significantly decreased in the IG (15.1±8.6 vs 19.7±6.4, p=0.02), whereas the CRQ subdomains for dyspnoea (4.5±1.7 vs 3.7±1.3, p=0.033) and fatigue (4.5±1.4 vs 3.5±1.3, p=0.028) improved significantly in the IG. The STST at 6 months was not significant. Sleep duration and sleep efficiency showed no significant differences between the two groups at any time. CONCLUSIONS: A comprehensive program by using the Kaia app following PR maintained PA and improved symptoms in patients with COPD at 6 months. The app might be an important accessory tool for enhanced COPD care. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: DRKS00017275.

Obesity hypoventilation syndrome treated with non-invasive ventilation: Is a switch to CPAP therapy feasible?

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Obesity hypoventilation syndrome (OHS) can be treated with either continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) or non-invasive ventilation (NIV) therapy; the device choice has important economic and operational implications. METHODS: This multicentre interventional trial investigated the safety and short-term efficacy of switching stable OHS patients who were on successful NIV therapy for ≥3 months to CPAP therapy. Patients underwent an autotitrating CPAP night under polysomnography (PSG); if the ensuing parameters were acceptable, they were sent home on a fixed CPAP for a 4-6-week period. It was hypothesized that blood gas analysis, PSG parameters and lung function tests would remain unchanged. RESULTS: A total of 42 OHS patients were recruited, of whom 37 patients were switched to CPAP therapy. All patients had a history of severe obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome; chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (Global Initiative for Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) I/II) was present in 52%. Regarding the primary outcome, 30 of 42 patients (71%, 95% CI: 55-84%) maintained daytime partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCO2 ) levels ≤45 mm Hg after the home CPAP period. There was no further impairment in quality of life, sleep parameters or lung function. Interestingly, 24 patients (65%) preferred CPAP as their long-term therapy, despite the high pressure levels used (mean: 13.8 ± 1.8 mbar). After the CPAP period, 7 of 37 patients were categorized as CPAP failure, albeit only due to mild hypercapnia (mean: 47.9 ± 2.7 mm Hg). CONCLUSION: It is feasible to switch most stable OHS patients from NIV to CPAP therapy, a step that could significantly reduce health-related costs. The auto-adjusted CPAP device, used in combination with the analysis of the PSG and capnometry, is a valid titration method in OHS patients.

Prevalence and risk factors for Enterobacteriaceae in patients hospitalized with community-acquired pneumonia.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Enterobacteriaceae (EB) spp. family is known to include potentially multidrug-resistant (MDR) microorganisms, and remains as an important cause of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) associated with high mortality. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and specific risk factors associated with EB and MDR-EB in a cohort of hospitalized adults with CAP. METHODS: We performed a multinational, point-prevalence study of adult patients hospitalized with CAP. MDR-EB was defined when ≥3 antimicrobial classes were identified as non-susceptible. Risk factors assessment was also performed for patients with EB and MDR-EB infection. RESULTS: Of the 3193 patients enrolled with CAP, 197 (6%) had a positive culture with EB. Fifty-one percent (n = 100) of EB were resistant to at least one antibiotic and 19% (n = 38) had MDR-EB. The most commonly EB identified were Klebsiella pneumoniae (n = 111, 56%) and Escherichia coli (n = 56, 28%). The risk factors that were independently associated with EB CAP were male gender, severe CAP, underweight (body mass index (BMI) < 18.5) and prior extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) infection. Additionally, prior ESBL infection, being underweight, cardiovascular diseases and hospitalization in the last 12 months were independently associated with MDR-EB CAP. CONCLUSION: This study of adults hospitalized with CAP found a prevalence of EB of 6% and MDR-EB of 1.2%, respectively. The presence of specific risk factors, such as prior ESBL infection and being underweight, should raise the clinical suspicion for EB and MDR-EB in patients hospitalized with CAP.

Effects of Vibration Training in Interstitial Lung Diseases: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Numerous studies have reported positive effects of exercise training in patients with interstitial lung disease (ILD) on physical capacity and quality of life. However, evidence is rare on the effects of specific forms of training and further pathophysiological mechanisms in these patients. OBJECTIVES: In this multicenter study we aimed to explore the clinical effects of whole-body vibration training (WBVT) in patients with ILD on various outcome measures, including proinflammatory cytokines and myostatin. METHODS: We randomly assigned 26 patients with different forms of multidisciplinary confirmed fibrotic ILDs either to the WBVT group (n = 11; 55% male, 61 ± 14 years old, forced vital capacity 83.2 ± 29.3% predicted, 6-min walking distance [6MWD] 478 ± 79 m) performing 3 months of a standardized training (3 times per week), or to a control training group (CTG, n = 15; 60% male, 63 ± 9 years old, FVC 74.6 ± 20.5% predicted, 6MWD 455 ± 85 m) performing sham WBV training. Training in the two groups was performed on a GalileoTM vibration plate (6-20 vs. 5 Hz). The functional assessments before and after the intervention period included pulmonary function, 6MWD test, chair rise test, ultrasonographic measurement of quadriceps muscle thickness (cross-sectional area), quality of life questionnaires, and serum samples. RESULTS: We observed a significant increase in 6MWD (∆Training = 30 m [12-67], p = 0.024) and a decrease of myostatin (∆Training = -465 pg/mL [-713 to -166], p = 0.008) in the WBVT group. In contrast, no significant differences were observed in the CTG. CONCLUSIONS: The present study demonstrates that WBVT is able to significantly increase 6MWD and decrease myostatin in patients with fibrotic ILDs. Therefore, WBVT seems to be a beneficial and feasible training modality in ILD patients. Clinical Trial Registry: German Clinical Trials Registry (DRKS00012930).

[Fresh air for weakened lungs - pulmonary rehabilitation in Switzerland 2019]. / Frische Luft für geschwächte Lungen ­ die pneumologische Rehabilitation in der Schweiz 2019.

Fresh air for weakened lungs - pulmonary rehabilitation in Switzerland 2019 Abstract. Pulmonary rehabilitation traditionally plays an important role in the treatment of chronic pulmonary diseases in Switzerland. There is a good availability of pulmonary rehabilitation with 17 centers offering inpatient pulmonary rehabilitation across the country. There is good evidence that pulmonary rehabilitation is not only effective but also cost-effective, especially for the indication of COPD but also for other chronic pulmonary diseases. According to the GOLD guidelines there is an undersupply of COPD patients with pulmonary rehabilitation in Switzerland. Pulmonary rehabilitation is not only limited to the improvement of physical exercise, but also covers all the important aspects for an individual to function in everyday life. Though the daily costs for pulmonary rehabilitation are only a fourth to a thirth of the costs in a hospital. Offering pulmonary rehabilitation to the patients who also have an indication for it lies in the responsibility of the admitting doctors, the insurances and the patients themselves, who need to bring a basic motivation to participate in pulmonary rehabilitation.

[Easy come, easy go? Current strategies for maintaining the effects of pulmonary rehabilitation in COPD patients]. / Wie gewonnen, so zerronnen?

Easy come, easy go? Current strategies for maintaining the effects of pulmonary rehabilitation in COPD patients Abstract. Pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) is a comprehensive treatment method in the non-drug management of chronic respiratory diseases. Most evident data exists for COPD patients. However, the effect of PR is no longer detectable after 6 to 12 months, unless the patient participates in a kind of maintenance program following PR. But the contents of such a maintenance program are still unclear in terms of duration, location, methods and intensity. They are still subject of current research. Therefore concrete recommendations are still missing and further studies are necessary. This review aims to give an overview of the existing results in this field.

Impact of Pseudomonas aeruginosa Infection on Respiratory Muscle Function in Adult Cystic Fibrosis Patients.

BACKGROUND: Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection impairs respiratory muscle function in adolescents with cystic fibrosis, but its impact on adult patients has not been characterised. OBJECTIVES: To investigate respiratory muscle function in adult cystic fibrosis patients according to P. aeruginosa status (repetitive samples over 12 months). METHODS: The pressure-time index of the respiratory muscles (PTImus), a measure of their efficiency, served as the primary outcome. In addition, respiratory load and maximal respiratory muscle strength were assessed. RESULTS: In 51 patients examined (65% female; median age 32 years, IQR 24-40), a median of 3.0 (IQR 2-4) different pathogens was found in each patient. The PTImus was 0.113 and 0.126 in Pseudomonas-positive (n = 33) and -negative (n = 18) patients, respectively (p = 0.53). Univariate analysis showed a lower PTImus in male than in female patients (p = 0.006). Respiratory muscle load and strength were otherwise comparable, with the exception of higher nasal sniff pressures in Pseudomonas-positive patients who were chronically infected (>50% of positive samples). Quality of Life (according to the Cystic Fibrosis Questionnaire-Revised) was higher if both respiratory load and the PTImus were low (high respiratory muscle efficiency). CONCLUSIONS: Chronic P. aeruginosa infection does not influence respiratory muscle efficiency in adult cystic fibrosis patients with otherwise multiple co-infections. In addition, patients with reduced respiratory muscle efficiency had worse Quality of Life.

Benefits of High-Intensity Exercise Training to Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A Controlled Study.

BACKGROUND: Various exercise training programs are used for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) of different severity. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the impact of individualized high-intensity training on exercise capacity with COPD. METHODS: A total of 49 patients agreed to participate. Of these, 31 were assigned to the training group and 18 served as controls. The training group exercised twice a week for 90 min with consecutively increasing loads. At the time of enrollment (T0), as well as after 3 (T1) and 6 (T2) months, a 6-min walk test (6-MWT) was performed and data on health-related quality of life, femoral muscle thickness, and various serum markers were obtained. RESULTS: The training group improved in their 6-MWT results (T0 = 407 ± 152 m vs. T1 = 459 ± 127 m, p = 0.002, vs. T2 = 483.2 ± 130.1 m, p = 0.004), in their cross-sectional area of the musculus rectus femoris (T0 = 6.2 ± 1.2 cm2 vs. T1 = 6.9 ± 1.2 cm2, p = 0.003, vs. 7.5 ± 1.6 cm2, p = 0.002), and in their St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) score (T0 = 43.3 ± 18.0 vs. T1 = 36.0 ± 18.4, p = 0.001, vs. T2 = 34.7 ± 18. 0, p = 0.004). Serum levels of myostatin, irisin, resistin, and α-Klotho did not change significantly within the training period. Of note, the exercise group showed an inverse relationship between serum levels of resistin and those of α-Klotho after 6 months (r = -0.608, p = 0.021). CONCLUSIONS: COPD patients undergoing an individualized, structured, high-intensity training program improved their exercise capacity, gained muscle mass, and improved their quality of life.

Efficacy of a digital lifestyle intervention on health-related QUAlity of life in non-small cell LUng CAncer survivors following inpatient rehabilitation: protocol of the QUALUCA Swiss multicentre randomised controlled trial.

INTRODUCTION: Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) survivors suffer from impaired physical and psychological functioning and reduced health-related quality of life (HRQoL) that persist after active treatment ends. Sustaining rehabilitation benefits, promoting a healthy lifestyle and facilitating self-management at home require a multifaceted aftercare programme. We aim to investigate the effect of a 12-week digital lifestyle intervention on HRQoL and lifestyle-related outcomes in NSCLC survivors after completion of inpatient rehabilitation. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: QUAlity of life in LUng CAncer Survivors (QUALUCA) is a multicentre randomised controlled trial that follows a hybrid type 1 design. We randomly allocate participants in a 1:1 ratio to the intervention group (digital lifestyle intervention) or the control group (standard care) using block randomisation stratified by tumour stage and study site. Four accredited Swiss inpatient rehabilitation centres recruit participants. Key inclusion criteria are a diagnosis of NSCLC, an estimated life expectancy of ≥6 months and access to a smartphone or tablet. The 12-week intervention comprises physical activity, nutrition and breathing/relaxation, delivered through a mobile application (app). The primary outcome is the change in HRQoL from baseline (1 week after rehabilitation) to follow-up (3 months after baseline), assessed by the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire-Core 30 (EORTC QLQ-C30). Secondary outcomes include body mass index, self-reported physical activity, exercise capacity, risk of low protein intake, appetite, psychological distress, cancer-related fatigue, enablement and self-rated health. Explanatory outcomes in the intervention group include app usability, acceptability, appropriateness, and feasibility of the intervention, experiences and satisfaction with the intervention, and app usage data. We aim to enrol 88 participants. For the main statistical analysis, we will use analysis of covariance, adjusted for baseline measures, stratification variables, age and sex. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: The Ethics Committees of the Canton of Zurich (lead), the Canton of Bern and Northwest and Central Switzerland approved the study (2023-00245). We will disseminate study results to researchers, health professionals, study participants and relevant organisations, and through publications in international peer-reviewed journals. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT05819346.

Clinical Effects of Pulmonary Rehabilitation in Very Old Patients with COPD.

BACKGROUND: Pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) improves physical and mental performance as well as quality of life in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, data on outcomes in very old patients are insufficient. We analyzed whether the elderly with COPD benefit in a similar way to younger patients from participation in an inpatient PR according to the assessments usually collected. METHODS: Data from 3173 patients with COPD were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were referred to PR at the Zurich RehaZentren, Switzerland, between January 2013 and December 2019. PR was performed 6 days per week with an average duration of 18.85 days. Functional Independence Measurement (FIM), Feeling Thermometer (FT), and 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT) were recorded on admission and discharge. RESULTS: In all age groups, the 6MWT and FT improved significantly. FIM results also showed a significant increase. The results of the different age groups showed no significant differences in percentage improvements according to the assessments that were considered. CONCLUSIONS: All patient groups with COPD, even the oldest (>85 years), benefited from PR regardless of their age and according to the assessments. Prospective studies are needed to support this hypothesis.

Pulmonary Rehabilitation Outcomes of Post-Acute COVID-19 Patients during Different Waves of the Pandemic.

(1) Background: Between the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic and summer 2022, we distinguished four pandemic waves, with different characteristics of the affected patients. This study investigated the impact of patient characteristics on the outcome of inpatient pulmonary rehabilitation (PR). (2) Methods: Using a prospective approach, the characteristics of post-acute COVID-19 patients of the different waves who participated in inpatient PR were compared based on their assessments and results collected as part of PR (Cumulative Illness Rating Scale (CIRS), six-minute walk test (6-MWT), Pulmonary Function Testing (PFT), and Functional Independent Measurement (FIM). (3) Results: A total of 483 patients were included in the analysis (Wave 1 n = 51, Wave 2 n = 202, Wave 3 n = 84, Wave 4 n = 146). Compared to Wave 3 + 4, patients of Wave 1 + 2 were older (69 vs. 63 years; p < 0.001), had a significantly lower CIRS (13.0 vs. 14.7 points; p = 0.004), had significant better PFT (FVC: 73 vs. 68%pred; p = 0.009; DLCOSB: 58 ± 18 vs. 50 ± 17%pred; p = 0.001), and showed significantly more comorbidities (2.0 vs. 1.6 n/pers.; p = 0.009). Wave 3 + 4 showed significantly greater improvements according to the 6-MWT (147 vs. 188 m; p < 0.001) and the FIM (5.6 vs. 21.1 points; p < 0.001). (4) Conclusions: Patients of the COVID-19 infection waves differed significantly according to their anthropometric data, incidence of comorbidities, and impact of the infection. All cohorts achieved clinically relevant and significant functional improvements during PR, with significant higher improvements in Wave 3 + 4.

Therapeutic Success in Swiss COPD Patients Receiving Dual Bronchodilation Therapy as COPD Maintenance Treatment.

Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in patients with moderate to severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is often reduced by high symptom burden and frequent exacerbations. So far, data on therapeutic success in Swiss COPD patients receiving dual bronchodilation therapy as COPD maintenance treatment are limited. Data from a recently published, non-interventional study on clinical benefit after the start of combined tiotropium-olodaterol treatment were analyzed focusing on Swiss patients compared to the overall cohort including patients from various European countries. Demographic data on the changes in Clinical COPD Questionnaire (CCQ) for the assessment of HRQoL in correlation to symptoms and the number of exacerbations, as well as physician's global assessment (PGE), were evaluated 6 weeks after treatment start. In Switzerland (n = 61), significantly more patients had comorbidities and exacerbations but showed less symptoms compared to the overall cohort (n = 4639). HRQoL improved in both cohorts, with a negative correlation to symptom burden and number of exacerbations in the overall cohort. PGE scores improved after 6 weeks with a better general condition at baseline in Swiss patients (PGE score 4/5: 68.9% [Swiss cohort] vs. 49.0% [overall cohort]. Despite significant differences regarding the presence of symptoms and exacerbations, therapeutic success was similar in both patient groups. Highly symptomatic patients benefited mostly from tiotropium-olodaterol treatment.

Inhalation Therapy with Nebulized Capsaicin in a Patient with Oropharyngeal Dysphagia Post Stroke: A Clinical Case Report.

Dysphagia and aspiration risk are common sequelae of stroke, leading to increased risk of stroke-associated pneumonia. This is often aggravated by stroke-related impairment of cough, the most immediate mechanical defense mechanism against aspiration. In humans, reflex cough can be repeatedly and safely elicited by inhalation of nebulized capsaicin, a compound contained in chili peppers. Could this cough-eliciting property of capsaicin support the recovery of stroke survivors who present with dysphagia and aspiration risk? We present a clinical case report of a 73-year-old man, admitted to inpatient stroke rehabilitation following a right middle cerebral artery infarct with subsequent dysphagia and hospital-acquired pneumonia. A course of daily inhalation therapy with nebulized capsaicin was initiated, triggering reflex coughs to support secretion clearance and prevent recurrence of pneumonia. Clinical observations in each inhalation therapy session demonstrate good patient response, safety and tolerability of nebulized capsaicin in this mode of application. Repeated Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES) assessments show concurrent improvement in the patient's swallowing status. Inhalation therapy with nebulized capsaicin may offer a viable treatment to facilitate coughing and clearing of secretions, and to minimize aspiration and risk of aspiration-related pneumonia post stroke. Further investigation in a randomized controlled trial design is warranted.

Effectiveness of a Long-term Home-Based Exercise Training Program in Patients With COPD After Pulmonary Rehabilitation: A Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Most patients with COPD do not maintain exercise training after pulmonary rehabilitation (PR). RESEARCH QUESTION: Does a 12-month home-based, minimal-equipment strength training program after PR have an effect on dyspnea, exercise capacity, and patient-reported outcomes in patients with COPD? STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: In a parallel-arm multicenter study across four Swiss PR clinics, patients with COPD were allocated randomly (1:1 ratio) into an intervention group (IG; home-based strength training program) or control group (CG; usual care). The primary outcome was change in Chronic Respiratory Questionnaire (CRQ) dyspnea scale score from baseline to 12 months. Secondary outcomes were change in exercise capacity (1-min sit-to-stand-test [1MSTST], 6-min walk test [6MWT]), health-related quality of life, exacerbations, and symptoms. We assessed the IG's experience by interviews at study end. Main analyses were based on the intention-to-treat approach, and adjusted linear regression models were used. RESULTS: One hundred twenty-three patients with COPD (IG, n = 61; CG, n = 62) were randomized, 61 of whom were women and whose mean ± SD age was 66.8 ± 8.1 years and mean ± SD FEV1 was 39.3 ± 15.3% predicted. One hundred four participants completed 12 months of follow-up (IG, n= 53; CG, n= 51). Of the 53 IG participants, 37 participants (70%) conducted the training until study end. We found no difference in change in CRQ dyspnea scale score over 12 months (adjusted mean difference, 0.28; 95% CI, -0.23 to 0.80; P = .27). We found moderate evidence for a difference in 1MSTST repetitions favoring the IG (adjusted mean difference, 2.6; 95% CI, 0.22-5.03; P = .033), but no evidence for an effect in other outcomes. Seventy-nine percent of the IG reported positive effects that they attributed to the training. INTERPRETATION: The home exercise program had no effect on dyspnea, but improved 1MSTST performance and patient-perceived fitness. The supported program was well accepted by patients with COPD and may facilitate continued exercise training at home. TRIAL REGISTRY: ClinicalTrials.gov; No.: NCT03461887; URL: www. CLINICALTRIALS: gov.

Swiss Experience in Therapy With Dual Bronchodilation in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease in Relation to Self-Reported Physical Functionality.

BACKGROUND: Medical therapy in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) usually includes inhaled dual bronchodilation leading not only to an improvement in symptoms but also to an increase in physical performance. However, it remains unknown whether responder rates to dual bronchodilation differ between the Swiss subgroup in comparison to participants of other European countries. METHODS: The non-interventional OTIVACTO trial investigated changes in self-reported physical functioning in COPD patients treated with tiotropium/olodaterol 5/5 µg fixed dose combination for 6 weeks. The cut-off between responder and non-responder was defined as a minimum increase of 10 points using the 10-question physical functioning questionnaire (PF-10) score. We searched for patterns of the responder patient group and compared the results of the whole dataset with the subgroup of Swiss participants. RESULTS: Compared to the total cohort (n = 7,608), the Swiss participants (n = 94) were predominantly > 65 years of age and had significantly more comorbidities. There were no significant differences according to COPD stage, smoking status, exacerbation rate in the last 12 months and modified Medical Research Council questionnaire (mMRC) score between the total cohort and the Swiss collective. There were no significant differences between the Swiss subgroup and the total cohort with regard to response to the medication in the PF-10 score. In the intragroup comparison, patients with high mMRC score showed significantly higher values in the PF-10 in both groups. The number of exacerbations had no influence on the PF-10 score in the Swiss subgroup but in the total cohort. CONCLUSION: In terms of age and number of comorbidities, significant differences were found between the overall patient population and the Swiss participants, having no influence on the success of the medication. The patients suffering from increased dyspnea benefited most from tiotropium/olodaterol treatment (Clinical Trials Registry NCT02720757).

Effects of a Comprehensive Pulmonary Rehabilitation in Severe Post-COVID-19 Patients.

BACKGROUND: Severe COVID-19 infection often leads to impairments requiring pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) following the acute phase. Little is known about the efficacy of PR in these patients. We therefore compared post-COVID-19 patients (PG) referred to PR patients with other lung diseases (LG). METHODS: 99 PG were admitted to PR. In a prospective design, the results of PG were collected and compared to the results of LG of 2019 (n = 419) according to Functional Independence Measurement (FIM), Cumulative Illness Rating Scale (CIRS), 6-min walk test (6-MWT), duration of PR, and Feeling Thermometer (FT). RESULTS: According to age, sex, and CIRS, both groups showed no significant differences. The improvements in the 6-MWT in the pre to post comparison were on average 180 (±101) meters for PG and 102 (±89) meters for LG (p < 0.001). FT showed a significant enhancement for PG of 21 (±14) points and for LG of 17 (±16) points (p < 0.039), while FIM significantly increased by 11 (±10) points in PG and 7 (±8) points in LG (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Comprehensive PR in PG is very effective according to the results in FIM, 6-MWT and FT. Therefore, we recommend PR following severe post-COVID-19 infections.

Longitudinal Smartphone-Based Post-hospitalisation Symptom Monitoring in SARS-CoV-2 Associated Respiratory Failure: A Multi-Centre Observational Study.

Background: We aimed to longitudinally monitor the recovery in breathlessness, symptom burden, health-related quality-of-life, and mental health status in individuals hospitalised due to SARS-CoV-2 associated respiratory failure. Methods: Individuals hospitalised due to SARS-CoV-2 associated respiratory failure were recruited at hospital discharge in three participating centres. During the 90 day follow-up, European Quality of Life-5 Dimensions-5 Levels Instrument (EQ-5D-5L), modified Medical Research Council (mMRC) Dyspnoea Scale, COPD Assessment Test (CAT), and weekly Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) questionnaires were assessed using a smartphone application. The results were presented using descriptive statistics and graphics. Linear mixed models with random intercept were fitted to analyse differences of intensive-care unit status on the recovery course in each outcome. Results: We included 58 participants, 40 completed the study. From hospital discharge until 90 days post-discharge, EQ-5D-5L index changed from 0.83 (0.66, 0.92) to 0.96 (0.82, 1.0), VAS rating on general health status changed from 62 (50, 75) % to 80 (74, 94) %, CAT changed from 13 (10, 21) to 7 (3, 11) points, mMRC changed from 1 (0, 2) to 0 (0, 1) points, HADS depression subscale changed from 6 (4, 9) to 5 (1, 6) points, HADS anxiety subscale changed from 7 (3, 9) to 2 (1, 8) points. Differences in the recovery courses were observed between intensive-care and ward participants. Participants that were admitted to an intensive-care unit during their hospitalisation (n = 16) showed increases in CAT, mMRC, HADS scores, and decreases in EQ-5D-5L 30 days after hospital discharge. Conclusion: Being admitted to an ICU led to statistically significant reductions in recovery in the EQ-5D-5L and the CAT. Furthermore, the flare-up in symptom burden and depression scores, accompanied by an attenuated recovery in HrQoL and general health status in the ICU-group suggests that a clinical follow-up 1 month after hospital discharge can be recommended, evaluating further treatments. Clinical Trial Registration: [www.ClinicalTrials.gov], identifier [NCT04365595].

Does an undetected obstructive sleep apnea influence the natural course and success of cardiac rehabilitation after cardiac surgery?

BACKGROUND: Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is common in patients with cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and can negatively impact the course of CVD. However, scarce data are available for patients before or after cardiac surgery (CS) in the context of OSA. AIM: This study investigated the impact of an undetected OSA on the results of cardiac rehabilitation (CR) in patients after CS. DESIGN: Observational study over a period of 3 months following CS. SETTING: The setting of this study was inpatient CR after CS or cardiac interventions. POPULATION: CS cohort referred to a CR program to an inpatient rehabilitation clinic in Switzerland. METHODS: In this prospective observational study 256 patients were screened for OSA at the entry of CR via a level III screening device (ApneaLink AirTM, Resmed, San Diego, CA, USA). They were stratified into two groups: apnea hypopnea index (AHI) >15 or <15/h. A comprehensive assessment was performed at entry and end of CR including six-minute walk test (6-MWT), Functional Independence Measure (FIM), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, MacNewHeart (MNH), STOP-Bang Questionnaire (SBQ) and Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS).All patients participated in a comprehensive CR program with a mean duration of approximately 3 weeks. Another OSA screening was performed at the end of the PR program and after 3 months in order to observe the clinical course of OSA. RESULTS: An AHI>15/h was found in 133 patients (59%) at baseline, 54% after 3 weeks and 43% after 3 months. The AHI>15/h-group was older, had a higher BMI, more frequent hypertension and coronary artery disease, and higher ESS and SBQ scores compared to the AHI<15/h-group. The results of the STOP-Bang and ESS questionnaires showed a statistically significant but weak positive correlation with AHI. However, in both groups ESS did not improve from baseline to the end of CR. A multivariable logistic regression model confirmed age and ESS as independent positive predictors of OSA. No differences were found between both groups according to the results of the 6-MWT, HADS and MNH. CONCLUSIONS: OSA had a high prevalence in a large CS cohort referred to CR. However, moderate-severe OSA, though symptomatic, had no significant influence on the outcome during CR and on the parameters representing success. CLINICAL REHABILITATION IMPACT: In our study the improvements during CR after CS were not influenced by the presence of significant OSA which is remarkable since the presence of OSA is thought to be associated with increased rates of cardiovascular adverse events after cardiovascular intervention or CS. This is true at least for the success of CR after CS. The long-term consequences of untreated OSA in CVD remain unclear and are still the subject of current research.