Dyspnoea relief as an inherent benefit of high flow nasal cannula therapy: A laboratory randomized trial in healthy humans.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Persistent dyspnoea is a public health issue for which the therapeutic arsenal is limited. This study tested high-flow nasal cannula therapy (HFNT) as a means to alleviate experimental dyspnoea. METHODS: Thirty-two healthy subjects underwent an experimental dyspnoea induced by thoracoabdominal elastic loading. HFNT was administered with alternately FiO2 of 100% (HFNT100) or 21% (HFNT21). The sensory (S-VAS) and affective (A-VAS) components of dyspnoea, transcutaneous CO2 pressure (PtcCO2 ), pulse-oximetry oxygen saturation (SpO2 ), heart rate, respiratory rate and skin galvanometry were monitored continuously. Three experimental sessions of 8 min were conducted: the first session consisted in familiarization with the experimental dyspnoea and the next two sessions tested the effects of HFNT100 and HFNT21 alternatively in a randomized order. RESULTS: HFNT21 and HFNT100 significantly reduced dyspnoea, respectively of ∆A-VAS = 0.80 cm [-0.02-1.5]; p = 0.007 and ∆A-VAS = 1.00 cm [0.08-1.75]; p < 0.0001; ∆S-VAS = 0.70 cm [-0.15-1.98]), p < 0.0001 and ∆S-VAS = 0.70 cm [0.08-1.95]), p = 0.0002) with no significant difference between HFNT21 and HFNT100. HFNT did not significantly alter the respiratory rate or the heart rate, reduced PtcCO2 only on room air and GSR under both experimental conditions. CONCLUSION: HFNT was associated with a statistically significant reduction in the intensity of the sensory and affective components of dyspnoea, independent of oxygen addition. This relief of laboratory dyspnoea could result from a reduction of afferent-reafferent mismatch.

Assessment of monocytic-myeloid-derived suppressive cells (M-MDSC) before and after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in acute leukemia patients.

In this monocentric prospective study, the influence on long-term outcomes of peripheral blood levels of monocytic-myeloid-derived suppressive cells (M-MDSC) was investigated in 56 patients with acute leukemia (myeloid n = 47; lymphoid n = 9) before and after (Days+60/+90) allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (Allo-HSCT). A risk of relapse was found to be associated with a level of pregraft M-MDSC above 1.4% by ROC curve analysis. In multivariate analysis, this threshold retained a strong statistical significance (HR: 5.94 [2.09-16.87], p = 0.001). Considering only the group of patients who were in complete remission prior to Allo-HSCT (n = 44), a significant prediction of relapse was found to be associated, in multivariate analysis, with a level of pregraft M-MDSC above 1.4% (HR: 55.01 [14.95-202.37], p < 0.001) together with pregraft-positive measurable -residual disease (MRD) (HR: 11.04 [1.89-64.67], p = 0.008). A poorer OS (HR: 6.05 [1.24-29.59], p = 0.026) and disease-free survival (HR: 6.52 [1.41-30.19], p = 0.016) were also associated with higher levels of pregraft M-MDSC. Remarkably, no relapse occurred in patients with pregraft-negative MRD and ≤1.4% of M-MDSC (vs. a 3-year relapse rate of 60% for others, p = 0.004). Patients developing grade 3-4 acute graft-versus-host-disease (GVHD, median occurrence: day+30 posttransplant) showed significantly higher levels of M-MDSC% at days +60 and +90, suggesting a possible amplification of these immunosuppressive cells as a reaction to GVHD. In conclusion, this prospective study demonstrates a negative impact of higher proportions of peripheral M-MDSC before Allo-HSCT in leukemic patients. This paves the way to potential therapeutic intervention to decrease M-MDSC levels before Allo-HSCT and thus perhaps the incidence of relapse in such patients.

Prognostic value of serum Krebs von den Lungen-6 (KL-6) levels in COVID-19 pneumonia.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Krebs von den Lungen-6 (KL-6), expressed by damaged type II pneumocytes, is useful in the diagnosis and severity assessment of many diffuse interstitial lung diseases. The objective of our study was to determine the prognostic value of the initial KL-6 plasma level in COVID-19 pneumonia. METHODS: All patients hospitalized for a suspected COVID-19 pneumonia between March and May 2020 in our Chest department of a French university hospital were included. KL-6 serum concentrations were measured within 72 h of diagnostic suspicion by chemiluminescence enzyme immunoassay Survival analysis was performed using a Cox regression and modeled by a Kaplan-Meier curve. RESULTS: Sixty-six COVID-19 patients (average age = 64 ± 14 years, 71.2 % males) with KL-6 serum measurement were included. Median KL-6 serum concentration was 409 ± 312 U/mL. KL-6 was significantly higher in men (p = 0.003), elders (p = 0.0001) and in patients with greater Charlson's score (p = 0.002). Higher KL-6 concentration was significantly associated with in-hospital mortality (HR: 8.66; 95 % CI:1.1-69.2, p = 0.014), radiological extension of lesions on chest CT scan (p = 0.004) and higher WHO severity score (p = 0.042), but not with admission in intensive care unit. In 9 (14 %) non-surviving COVID-19 patients, KL-6 serum concentration increased whereas it remained stable or decreased in survivors. At 3 months follow-up (n = 48), DLCO was negatively correlated with the initial KL-6 value (r = 0.47, p = 0.001), while FVC, FEV1 and MRC score were not. CONCLUSION: Initial KL-6 serum concentration is significantly associated with in-hospital mortality, unfavorable outcome, and persistent impairment of DLCO at 3 months. Initial KL-6 plasma determination appears as a prognostic biomarker in COVID-19 pneumonia.

Prothrombin consumption as an indicator of hemorrhagic phenotype in mild platelet function disorders.

BACKGROUND: The bleeding risk of patients with mild platelet function disorders is difficult to assess and their phenotype remains ill-explored. AIM: This study was designed to establish a comprehensive biological phenotype of patients with mild platelet function disorders. METHODS: Twenty patients were included with persistent abnormal light transmission aggregometry (LTA). The ISTH bleeding assessment tool (ISTH-BAT) was assessed to identify laboratory analyses associated with an abnormal hemorrhagic score. RESULTS: The majority of patients had defects that might affect Gαi protein signaling pathways or minor abnormalities. No LTA nor flow cytometry parameters were associated with an above-normal hemorrhagic score. However, prothrombin consumption, which corresponds to the ratio of serum residual factor II to plasma residual factor II, was significantly higher (p = .006) in the abnormal ISTH-BAT group (mean = 14%, SD = 6) compared with the normal ISTH-BAT group (mean = 8%, SD 4). Prothrombin consumption was significantly associated with ISTH-BAT score (r = .5287, IC 95% 0.0986-0.7924, p = .0165). CONCLUSION: In this group of patients, there was an association between a pathological bleeding score and increased prothrombin consumption. This test could be used as an additional indicator of platelet function abnormality liable to be related to bleeding risk.

An exposed/unexposed cohort study assessing the effectiveness, the safety and the survival of patients established on home non-invasive ventilation after 80 years old.

BACKGROUND: Little is known about the use of long-term non-invasive ventilation (NIV) in the elderly. We aimed to assess if the effectiveness of long-term NIV of patients ≥ 80 years (older) was not greatly inferior to that of patients < 75 years (younger). METHODS: This retrospective exposed/unexposed cohort study included all patients established on long-term NIV treated at Rouen University Hospital between 2017 and 2019. Follow-up data were collected at the first visit following NIV initiation. The primary outcome was daytime PaCO2 with a non-inferiority margin of 50% of the improvement of PaCO2 for older patients compared to younger patients. RESULTS: We included 55 older patients and 88 younger patients. After adjustment on the baseline PaCO2, the mean daytime PaCO2 was reduced by 0.95 (95% CI: 0.67; 1.23) kPa in older patients compared to1.03 (95% CI: 0.81; 1.24) kPa in younger patients for a ratio of improvements estimated at 0.95/1.03 = 0.93 (95% CI: 0.59; 1.27, one-sided p = 0.007 for non-inferiority to 0.50). Median (interquartile range) daily use was 6 (4; 8.1) hours in older versus 7.3 (5; 8.4) hours in younger patients. No significant differences were seen in the quality of sleep and NIV safety. The 24-months survival was 63.6% in older and 87.2% in younger patients. CONCLUSIONS: effectiveness and safety seemed acceptable in older patients, with a life expectancy long enough to expect a mid-term benefit, suggesting that initiation of long-term NIV should not be refused only based on age. Prospective studies are needed.

Cell and cytokine analyses from bronchoalveolar lavage in non-critical COVID-19 pneumonia.

Cell and cytokine analyses from bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) in non-critically ill patients with COVID-19 pneumonia are poorly described. This study focused on patients hospitalized in the non-intensive care unit for either suspected COVID-19 pneumonia or persistent respiratory symptoms following proven COVID-19 pneumonia. Overall, 54 patients who underwent BAL between April 2020 and February 2021 for suspected or follow-up of proven COVID-19 pneumonia were included. Based on SARS-CoV-2 polymerase chain reaction test results and clinical follow-up, three pulmonary disease groups were defined: non-COVID-19 (n = 20), acute COVID-19 (n = 13), and post-COVID-19 (n = 24) pneumonia patients. Cytological and cytokine analyses were performed on BAL fluid (IL-1ß, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, TNF-α, IFN-γ, HGF, and TGF-ß), with investigators blinded to the patient groups. Lymphocytic alveolitis with plasmocytes was observed in acute COVID-19 pneumonia, returning to normal post-COVID-19. The highest cytokine levels were observed in COVID-19 patients, with significantly increased IFN-γ, IL-10, and HGF levels compared to non-COVID-19 patients, while significantly decreased IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IFN-γ, TNF-α, and HGF levels were noted in post-COVID-19 patients. In COVID-19 patients, correlations between IL-10, TNF-α and IFN-γ concentrations were found. Lymphocytic alveolitis with plasmacytosis was found in non-critical COVID-19 pneumonia This alveolitis is associated with the presence of IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, TNF-α, IFN-γ and HGF. Alveolitis and cytokines levels decreased in post-COVID-19 pneumonia.

Decreased breathing variability is associated with poorer outcome in mechanically ventilated patients.

Rationale: Breathing is a cyclic activity that is variable by nature. Breathing variability is modified in mechanically ventilated patients. We aimed to evaluate whether decreased variability on the day of transition from assist-control ventilation to a partial mode of assistance was associated with a poorer outcome. Methods: This was an ancillary study of a multicentre, randomised, controlled trial comparing neurally adjusted ventilatory assist to pressure support ventilation. Flow and the electrical activity of the diaphragm (EAdi) were recorded within 48 h of switching from controlled ventilation to a partial mode of ventilatory assistance. Variability of flow and EAdi-related variables were quantified by the coefficient of variation, the amplitude ratio of the spectrum's first harmonic to its zero-frequency component (H1/DC) and two surrogates of complexity. Main results: 98 patients ventilated for a median duration of 5 days were included. H1/DC of inspiratory flow and EAdi were lower in survivors than in nonsurvivors, suggesting a higher breathing variability in this population (for flow, 37% versus 45%, p=0.041; for EAdi, 42% versus 52%, p=0.002). By multivariate analysis, H1/DC of inspiratory EAdi was independently associated with day-28 mortality (OR 1.10, p=0.002). H1/DC of inspiratory EAdi was lower in patients with a duration of mechanical ventilation <8 days (41% versus 45%, p=0.022). Noise limit and the largest Lyapunov exponent suggested a lower complexity in patients with a duration of mechanical ventilation <8 days. Conclusion: Higher breathing variability and lower complexity are associated with higher survival and lower duration of mechanical ventilation.

Incidence, management, and outcome of lung cancer in patients with long-term oxygen therapy.

BACKGROUND: Here, we aimed to assess the specific features of lung cancer in patients with long-term oxygen therapy (LTOT), and compare their outcomes with patients suffering from lung cancer without LTOT. METHODS: This retrospective, case-controlled study included patients with LTOT and an incident diagnosis of lung cancer treated at Rouen University Hospital. RESULTS: Out of 2201 patients with LTOT, 31 were diagnosed with lung cancer. Among 24 patients with proven lung cancer, the most frequent histological type was squamous cell carcinoma (n = 12/24, 50%). Active treatment of any type was given in 19/31 (61%) and 41/62 (66%) of patients in the LTOT and control groups, respectively (p = 0.83). In the LTOT group, median survival was 38 days with best supportive care and 462 days with active treatment (p = 0.003). However, when adjusting on performance status and disease stage, LTOT was not significantly associated with a worse outcome. Hazard ratio (HR): 1.56 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.87 to 2.81) (p = 0.137). Administration of any treatment was associated with a better prognostic: HR: 0.35 (95% CI: 0.19 to 0.66). Both groups had a similar treatment safety profile. CONCLUSION: Incidence of lung cancer in patients with LTOT was comparable to the general population. The proportion of LTOT patients who received active treatment was similar to controls, and overall survival did not differ from controls in a multivariate analysis. Although reaching a histological diagnosis may be challenging in LTOT patients, the efficacy and safety of the management strategies of lung cancer seem preserved.

[Interest of focal radiotherapy in case of oligoprogression under immunotherapy in the treatment of metastatic non-small cell lung cancer]. / Oligroprogression sous nivolumab du cancer bronchique non à petites cellules métastatiques traitées par radiothérapie.

INTRODUCTION: The prognosis of metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has been improved by the use of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI). Unfortunately, in some cases, cancer cells will develop resistance mechanisms. In case of progression in a limited number of lesions (oligoprogression), focal treatment with radiotherapy is proposed while continuing the ICI therapy. METHODS: A cohort of 37 patients with metastatic NSCLC treated with nivolumab (anti-PD-1) in second or subsequent line and who received focal radiotherapy for oligoprogression with continuation of nivolumab was compared with a control cohort of 87 patients no oligoprogressor treated par immunotherapy. RESULTS: After a median follow-up of 37 months [18; 62], the median progression free survival (PFS) in the radiotherapy-treated cohort was 15.04 versus 5.04 months in the control cohort, with a statistically significant difference (P=0.048). The median PFS following focal radiotherapy in the oligoprogressor group was 7.5 months. In univariate analysis, the presence of lung metastasis was associated with increased PFS, in contrast to the presence of brain metastases, which were associated with decreased PFS in the radiotherapy group. The median overall survival was not reached in both groups, with no significant difference between the two cohorts. CONCLUSION: The combination of focal radiotherapy in case of oligoprogression and continued treatment with nivolumab in the treatment of metastatic NSCLC in the second or subsequent line of treatment seems to be with an increase in PFS.

Peripheral levels of monocytic myeloid-derived suppressive cells before and after first induction predict relapse and survivals in AML patients.

Myeloid Derived Suppressive Cells (MDSC) are capable to suppress innate and adaptive immune responses, thus favouring solid cancer progression. However, little is known about the role of MDSC in acute myeloid leukaemia (AML). In this monocentric prospective study, 73 adult AML patients, eligible for first-line intensive chemotherapy, were included with the aim to study the influence on long-term outcomes of peripheral blood (PB) levels of monocytic (M) MDSC (M-MDSC) assessed by flow cytometry. A percentage of peripheral M-MDSC higher than 0.55% of leukocytes at diagnosis and a decrease of M-MDSC% after induction came out both as independent negative prognostic factors for leukaemia-free and overall survival.

ERS International Congress 2021: highlights from the Respiratory Clinical Care and Physiology Assembly.

It is a challenge to keep abreast of all the clinical and scientific advances in the field of respiratory medicine. This article contains an overview of laboratory-based science, randomised controlled trials and qualitative research that were presented during the 2021 European Respiratory Society International Congress within the sessions from the five groups of the Assembly 1 - Respiratory clinical care and physiology. Selected presentations are summarised from a wide range of topics: clinical problems, rehabilitation and chronic care, general practice and primary care, electronic/mobile health (e-health/m-health), clinical respiratory physiology, exercise and functional imaging.

Fatal thrombotic microangiopathy case following adeno-associated viral SMN gene therapy.

Adeno-associated virus (AAV) gene therapies are highly promising, such as the onasemnogene abeparvovec (Zolgensma) in spinal muscle atrophy (SMA). We report the first case of fatal systemic thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA) following onasemnogene abeparvovec in a 6-month-old child with SMA type 1, carrying a potential genetic predisposition in the complement factor I gene. Other cases of TMA have recently been reported after onasemnogene abeparvovec and after AAV9 minidystrophin therapy in Duchenne muscular dystrophy. The risk-benefit ratio of this therapy must therefore be assessed. Early recognition of TMA and targeted immunotherapy are fundamental to ensure the safety of patients treated with AAV gene therapies.

ERS International Congress 2020 Virtual: highlights from the Respiratory Intensive Care Assembly.

During the virtual European Respiratory Society Congress 2020, early career members summarised the sessions organised by the Respiratory Intensive Care Assembly. The topics covered included diagnostic strategies in patients admitted to the intensive care unit with acute respiratory failure, with a focus on patients with interstitial lung disease and for obvious reasons, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. These sessions are summarised in this article, with take-home messages highlighted.

Diagnosis and prognosis are supported by integrated assessment of next-generation sequencing in chronic myeloid malignancies. A real-life study.

Next-generation sequencing (NGS) is used to investigate the presence of somatic mutations. The utility of incorporating routine sequencing to guide diagnosis and therapeutic decisions remains unclear. We report the findings of an observational, multicenter study that aimed to assess the impact of somatic mutation testing by NGS in a reallife setting of chronic myeloid malignancies. A total of 177 patients were enrolled, partitioned into two overlapping groups. In group A (n=94), the indication was to search for clonal hematopoiesis, in a context of suspected myelodysplastic syndrome or myeloproliferative neoplasia. In group B (n=95), the theranostic impact of somatic mutations was studied. A panel of 34 genes was used on DNA extracted from blood or bone marrow samples. Within group A, the detection of clonal hematopoiesis supported the diagnosis of chronic myeloid malignancies for 31 patients while the absence of clonal hematopoiesis ruled out the suspected diagnosis in 47 patients. Within group B, NGS identified prognostically relevant somatic mutations in 32 patients, which had a therapeutic impact in 18 cases. By determining the presence or absence of somatic mutations, the application of NGS in daily practice was found to be useful for an integrated final diagnosis in 83% of the patients. Moreover, the search for somatic mutations had a prognostic impact that led to treatment modification in 19% of the cases. This study outlines the fact that adequate implementation of new investigations may have a significant positive medico-economic impact by enabling appropriate management of patients.

A new cytokine-based dynamic stratification during induction is highly predictive of survivals in acute myeloid leukemia.

The aim of this study was to assess the potential impact of the kinetics of serum levels of seven cytokines during induction in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients. Indeed, the role of cytokines, in the pathophysiology and response to therapy of AML patients, remains under investigation. Here, we report on the impact of peripheral levels of two cytokines, the Fms-like tyrosine kinase 3 ligand (FL) and interleukin-6 (IL-6), evaluated during first-line intensive induction. A new risk stratification can be proposed, which supersedes the ELN 2017 classification to predict survivals in AML patients by examining the kinetic profile of these cytokines during the induction phase. It segregates three groups of, respectively, high-risk, characterized by a stagnation of low FL levels, intermediate risk, with dynamic increasing FL levels and high IL-6 at day 22, and favorable risk with increasing FL levels but low IL-6 at day 22.