Functional respiratory impairment and related factors in patients with interstitial pneumonia with autoimmune features (IPAF): Multicenter study from NEREA registry.

BACKGROUND: The objective of the present study is to describe the characteristics of interstitial pneumonia with autoimmune features (IPAF) patients, to assess the incidence rate of functional respiratory impairment over time and to evaluate the influence of therapeutic alternatives on the prognosis of these patients. METHODS: A longitudinal observational multicenter study was performed (NEREA registry). It was carried out by a multidisciplinary team in seven Hospitals of Madrid. Patients were included from IPAF diagnosis. MAIN OUTCOME: poor prognosis as functional respiratory impairment (relative decline in FVC % defined as ≥ 5% every 6 months). Covariates: therapy, sociodemographic, clinical, radiological patterns, laboratory and functional tests. STATISTICS: Survival techniques were used to estimate IR per 100 patients-semester with their 95% confidence interval [CI]. The influence of covariates in prognosis were analyzed through cox multivariate regression models (hazard ratio (HR) and [CI]). RESULTS: 79 IPAF were included, with a mean and a maximum follow-up of 3.17 and 12 years respectively. Along the study, 77.2% received treatment (52 glucocorticoids, 25 mycophenolate, 21 azathioprine, 15 rituximab and 11 antifibrotics). IR was 23.9 [19.9-28.8], and 50% of IPAF developed functional respiratory impairment after 16 months from its diagnosis. Multivariate analysis: usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP) had poorer prognosis compared to non-specific interstitial pneumonia (NSIP) (p = 0.001). In NSIP, positive ANA, increased the risk of poor prognosis. In UIP, glucocorticoids (HR: 0.53 [0.34-0.83]), age (HR: 1.04 [1.01-1.07]), and Ro-antibodies (HR: 0.36 [0.19-0.65]) influenced the prognosis. CONCLUSIONS: IPAF have functional impairment during the first years of disease. Factors predicting deterioration differ between radiographic patterns. Our real-life study suggests the potential benefit of particular therapies in IPAF.

COVID-19 in lung transplant recipients: A multicenter study.

This study describes the clinical presentation, treatment, and outcomes of SARS-CoV-2 infection in lung transplant recipients (LTRs). This is a multicenter, retrospective study of all adult LTRs with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection from March 4 until April 28, 2020 in six Spanish reference hospitals for lung transplantation. Clinical and radiological data, treatment characteristics, and outcomes were reviewed. Forty-four cases were identified in that period. The median time from transplantation was 4.2 (interquartile range: 1.11-7.3) years. Chest radiography showed acute parenchymal abnormalities in 32 (73%) cases. Hydroxychloroquine was prescribed in 41 (93%), lopinavir/ritonavir (LPV/r) in 14 (32%), and tocilizumab in 19 (43%) patients. There was a strong interaction between tacrolimus and LPV/r in all cases. Thirty-seven (84%) patients required some degree of respiratory support and/or oxygen therapy, and 13 (30%) were admitted to intermediate or intensive critical care units. Seventeen (39%) patients had died and 20 (45%) had been discharged at the time of the last follow-up. Deceased patients had a worse respiratory status and chest X-ray on admission and presented with higher D-dimer, interleukin-6, and lactate dehydrogenase levels. In this multicenter LTR cohort, SARS-CoV-2 presented with high mortality. Additionally, the severity of disease on presentation predicted subsequent mortality.

Lung transplantation for sarcoidosis: outcome and prognostic factors.

STUDY QUESTION: In patients with sarcoidosis, past and ongoing immunosuppressive regimens, recurrent disease in the transplant and extrapulmonary involvement may affect outcomes of lung transplantation. We asked whether sarcoidosis lung phenotypes can be differentiated and, if so, how they relate to outcomes in patients with pulmonary sarcoidosis treated by lung transplantation. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed data from 112 patients who met international diagnostic criteria for sarcoidosis and underwent lung or heart-lung transplantation between 2006 and 2019 at 16 European centres. RESULTS: Patient survival was the main outcome measure. At transplantation, median (interaquartile range (IQR)) age was 52 (46-59) years; 71 (64%) were male. Lung phenotypes were individualised as follows: 1) extended fibrosis only; 2) airflow obstruction; 3) severe pulmonary hypertension (sPH) and airflow obstruction; 4) sPH, airflow obstruction and fibrosis; 5) sPH and fibrosis; 6) airflow obstruction and fibrosis; 7) sPH; and 8) none of these criteria, in 17%, 16%, 17%, 14%, 11%, 9%, 5% and 11% of patients, respectively. Post-transplant survival rates after 1, 3, and 5 years were 86%, 76% and 69%, respectively. During follow-up (median (IQR) 46 (16-89) months), 31% of patients developed chronic lung allograft dysfunction. Age and extended lung fibrosis were associated with increased mortality. Pulmonary fibrosis predominating peripherally was associated with short-term complications. ANSWER TO THE STUDY QUESTION: Post-transplant survival in patients with pulmonary sarcoidosis was similar to that in patients with other indications for lung transplantation. The main factors associated with worse survival were older age and extensive pre-operative lung fibrosis.

Lung cancer in lung transplantation: incidence and outcome.

INTRODUCTION: Malignancies are one of the causes of mortality after lung transplantation. However, little is known about lung cancer outcome after lung transplantation. METHODS: We performed a retrospective search of the lung transplantation database at our institution to identify patients diagnosed with lung cancer after lung transplantation. RESULTS: Out of 633 lung transplant patients, lung cancer was detected in 23 of them (3.63%). The most common causes for transplantation were idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (47.8%) and emphysema (43.4%). A total of 18 patients were diagnosed during follow-up, 12 cases in the native lung (52.2%) and 6 cases in the donor lung (26.1%). The diagnosis was evidenced in the explanted lung in five patients (21.7%). The median of time from transplantation to cancer diagnosis was 39.7 months (24.356.6). Lung cancer was the cause of death in 16 patients. Survival rate at1year from diagnosis of lung cancer was 45.64% (95% CI 0.2431 to 0.6473). CONCLUSIONS: Lung transplant recipients constitute a high-risk group for developing lung cancer. Among our patients, lung cancer was predominantly diagnosed in the native lung and at an advanced stage. The primary tumour was the main cause of death in most of these patients.

Study of breast cancer incidence in patients of lymphangioleiomyomatosis.

Molecular evidence has linked the pathophysiology of lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM) to that of metastatic breast cancer. Following on this observation, we assessed the association between LAM and subsequent breast cancer. An epidemiological study was carried out using three LAM country cohorts, from Japan, Spain, and the United Kingdom. The number of incident breast cancer cases observed in these cohorts was compared with the number expected on the basis of the country-specific incidence rates for the period 2000-2014. Immunohistochemical studies and exome sequence analysis were performed in two and one tumors, respectively. All cohorts revealed breast cancer standardized incidence ratios (SIRs) ≥ 2.25. The combined analysis of all cases or restricted to pre-menopausal age groups revealed significantly higher incidence of breast cancer: SIR = 2.81, 95 % confidence interval (CI) = 1.32-5.57, P = 0.009; and SIR = 4.88, 95 % CI = 2.29-9.99, P = 0.0007, respectively. Immunohistochemical analyses showed positivity for known markers of lung metastatic potential. This study suggests the existence of increased breast cancer risk among LAM patients. Prospective studies may be warranted to corroborate this result, which may be particularly relevant for pre-menopausal women with LAM.

Dose increase needed in most cystic fibrosis lung transplantation patients when changing from twice- to once-daily tacrolimus oral administration.

AIM: The aim of this pharmacokinetic (PK) study was to evaluate tacrolimus (TAC) exposure in stable cystic fibrosis (CF) lung transplant (LT) recipients, converted from TAC twice daily to TAC once daily in an open-label, prospective, single-centre study. METHODS: Eligible patients were post-transplant CF patients (18-65 years) with stable lung function, on stable doses of TAC twice daily and who were candidates to switch to TAC once daily. Twelve consecutive patients were included in the study. Patients had their first PK analysis on day 1, still under the stable TAC twice-daily regimen, and were converted to TAC once daily from day 2 onwards. The doses were adjusted according to clinical judgement to achieve target levels, and a second 24-h PK period profile was obtained once the patient was on a stable dosage on the therapeutic range. RESULTS: The mean total (SD) daily dose of TAC twice daily at baseline upon enrolment was 0.17 (0.10) mg/kg/day. The mean (SD) daily dose of TAC once daily after adjustments was 0.22 (0.12) mg/kg/day. In order to achieve target C min levels with a similar AUC0-24, 82% of subjects who were converted to TAC once daily required an increase of dose, in a range of 0-66.7%, with a mean dose increase of 28%. CONCLUSIONS: Our study results indicate that the switch for conversion from TAC twice daily to TAC once daily in patients with CF may need dose adjustment in order to reach levels within the therapeutic target.

Evaluation of Two Different CMV-Immunoglobulin Regimens for Combined CMV Prophylaxis in High-Risk Patients following Lung Transplant.

BACKGROUND: The clinical benefits of the common off-label use of cytomegalovirus (CMV)-specific immunoglobulin (CMV-Ig) combined with antivirals in organ transplantation have not been previously assessed. The objective was to compare the risk of CMV infection and other post-transplantation outcomes between two CMV-Ig prophylaxis regimens in lung transplant recipients; Methods: Retrospective study of 124 donor CMV positive/recipient negative (D+/R-) patients receiving preventive ganciclovir/valganciclovir for 12 months, of whom 62 received adjunctive CMV-Ig as per label indication (short regimen [SR-Ig]; i.e., 7 doses over 2.5 months) and were compared to 62 who received an extended off-label regimen (ER-Ig) consisting of 17 doses over one year after transplantation. RESULTS: The incidence of CMV infection or disease, acute rejection, chronic lung allograft dysfunction, and survival did not differ between the two CMV-Ig schedules. Although the time to the first CMV infection after transplantation was shorter in the ER-Ig than in the SR-Ig adjunctive group (log-rank: p = 0.002), the risk was independently predicted by antiviral cessation (odds ratio = 3.74; 95% confidence interval = 1.04-13.51; p = 0.030), whereas the CMV-Ig schedule had no effect. CONCLUSIONS: Extending the adjunctive CMV-Ig prophylaxis beyond the manufacturer's recommendations up to one year does not confer additional clinical benefits regarding lung post-transplantation outcomes.

Evidence for shared genetic risk factors between lymphangioleiomyomatosis and pulmonary function.

INTRODUCTION: Lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM) is a rare low-grade metastasising disease characterised by cystic lung destruction. The genetic basis of LAM remains incompletely determined, and the disease cell-of-origin is uncertain. We analysed the possibility of a shared genetic basis between LAM and cancer, and LAM and pulmonary function. METHODS: The results of genome-wide association studies of LAM, 17 cancer types and spirometry measures (forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), FEV1/FVC ratio and peak expiratory flow (PEF)) were analysed for genetic correlations, shared genetic variants and causality. Genomic and transcriptomic data were examined, and immunodetection assays were performed to evaluate pleiotropic genes. RESULTS: There were no significant overall genetic correlations between LAM and cancer, but LAM correlated negatively with FVC and PEF, and a trend in the same direction was observed for FEV1. 22 shared genetic variants were uncovered between LAM and pulmonary function, while seven shared variants were identified between LAM and cancer. The LAM-pulmonary function shared genetics identified four pleiotropic genes previously recognised in LAM single-cell transcriptomes: ADAM12, BNC2, NR2F2 and SP5. We had previously associated NR2F2 variants with LAM, and we identified its functional partner NR3C1 as another pleotropic factor. NR3C1 expression was confirmed in LAM lung lesions. Another candidate pleiotropic factor, CNTN2, was found more abundant in plasma of LAM patients than that of healthy women. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests the existence of a common genetic aetiology between LAM and pulmonary function.

Different Faces of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis With Preserved Forced Vital Capacity.

INTRODUCTION: Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is progressive and irreversible. Some discrepancies about IPF staging exists, especially in mild phases. Forced vital capacity (FVC) higher than 80% has been considered early or mild IPF even for the design of clinical trials. METHODS: Spanish multicentre, observational, retrospective study of IPF patients diagnosed between 2012 and 2016, based on the ATS/ERS criteria, which presented FVC greater or equal 80% at diagnosis. Clinical and demographic characteristics, lung function, radiological pattern, treatment, and follow-up were analyzed. RESULTS: 225 IPF patients were included, 72.9% were men. The mean age was 69.5 years. The predominant high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) pattern was consistent usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP) (51.6%). 84.7% of patients presented respiratory symptoms (exertional dyspnea and/or cough) and 33.33% showed oxygen desaturation below 90% in the 6min walking test (6MWT). Anti-fibrotic treatment was initiated at diagnosis in 55.11% of patients. Median FVC was 89.6% (IQR 17) and 58.7% of patients had a decrease of diffusion lung capacity for carbon monoxide (DLCO) below 60% of theoretical value; most of them presented functional progression (61.4%) and higher mortality at 3 years (20.45%). A statistically significant correlation with the 3-years mortality was observed between DLCO <60% and consistent UIP radiological pattern. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with preserved FVC but presenting UIP radiological pattern and moderate-severe DLCO decrease at diagnosis associate an increased risk of progression, death or lung transplantation. Therefore, in these cases, preserved FVC would not be representative of early or mild IPF.

Heterogeneity and Cancer-Related Features in Lymphangioleiomyomatosis Cells and Tissue.

Lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM) is a rare, low-grade metastasizing disease characterized by cystic lung destruction. LAM can exhibit extensive heterogeneity at the molecular, cellular, and tissue levels. However, the molecular similarities and differences among LAM cells and tissue, and their connection to cancer features are not fully understood. By integrating complementary gene and protein LAM signatures, and single-cell and bulk tissue transcriptome profiles, we show sources of disease heterogeneity, and how they correspond to cancer molecular portraits. Subsets of LAM diseased cells differ with respect to gene expression profiles related to hormones, metabolism, proliferation, and stemness. Phenotypic diseased cell differences are identified by evaluating lumican (LUM) proteoglycan and YB1 transcription factor expression in LAM lung lesions. The RUNX1 and IRF1 transcription factors are predicted to regulate LAM cell signatures, and both regulators are expressed in LAM lung lesions, with differences between spindle-like and epithelioid LAM cells. The cancer single-cell transcriptome profiles most similar to those of LAM cells include a breast cancer mesenchymal cell model and lines derived from pleural mesotheliomas. Heterogeneity is also found in LAM lung tissue, where it is mainly determined by immune system factors. Variable expression of the multifunctional innate immunity protein LCN2 is linked to disease heterogeneity. This protein is found to be more abundant in blood plasma from LAM patients than from healthy women. IMPLICATIONS: This study identifies LAM molecular and cellular features, master regulators, cancer similarities, and potential causes of disease heterogeneity.

Role of VEGF Polymorphisms in the Susceptibility and Severity of Interstitial Lung Disease.

The search for biomarkers that can help to establish an early diagnosis and prognosis of interstitial lung disease (ILD) is of potential interest. VEGF polymorphisms have been implicated in the development of several lung disorders. Consequently, we assessed, for the first time, the role of VEGF polymorphisms in the susceptibility and severity of ILD. A total of 436 Caucasian ILD patients (244 with idiopathic interstitial pneumonias (IIPs) and 192 with non-IIP) and 536 ethnically-matched healthy controls were genotyped for VEGF rs833061, rs1570360, rs2010963, rs3025020, and rs3025039 polymorphisms by TaqMan assays. Pulmonary function tests were collected from all the patients. VEGF serum levels were determined by ELISA in a subgroup of patients. No VEGF genotype, allele, carrier, or haplotype differences were found between ILD patients and controls as well as between IIP and non-IIP patients. However, an association of rs1570360 with IIP in women and also with lung function in IIP patients was found. None of the VEGF polymorphisms were associated with VEGF levels. In conclusion, our results suggest that VEGF does not seem to play a relevant role in ILD, although rs1570360 may influence the severity of ILD in women and a worse outcome in IIP patients.

Predictive Value of Immune Cell Functional Assay for Non-Cytomegalovirus Infection in Lung Transplant Recipients: A Multicenter Prospective Observational Study.

INTRODUCTION: Immune cell functional assay (ImmuKnow®) is a non-invasive method that measures the state of cellular immunity in immunosuppressed patients. We studied the prognostic value of the assay for predicting non-cytomegalovirus (CMV) infections in lung transplant recipients. METHODS: A multicenter prospective observational study of 92 patients followed up from 6 to 12 months after transplantation was performed. Immune cell functional assay was carried out at 6, 8, 10, and 12 months. RESULTS: Twenty-three patients (25%) developed 29 non-CMV infections between 6 and 12 months post-transplant. At 6 months, the immune response was moderate (ATP 225-525ng/mL) in 14 (15.2%) patients and low (ATP<225ng/mL) in 78 (84.8%); no patients had a strong response (ATP≥525ng/mL). Only 1 of 14 (7.1%) patients with a moderate response developed non-CMV infection in the following 6 months compared with 22 of 78 (28.2%) patients with low response, indicating sensitivity of 95.7%, specificity of 18.8%, positive predictive value (PPV) of 28.2%, and negative predictive value (NPV) of 92.9% (AUC 0.64; p=0.043). Similar acute rejection rates were recorded in patients with mean ATP≥225 vs. <225ng/mL during the study period (7.1% vs. 9.1%, p=0.81). CONCLUSION: Although ImmuKnow® does not seem useful to predict non-CMV infection, it could identify patients with a very low risk and help us define a target for an optimal immunosuppression.

Predictive Value of Immune Cell Functional Assay for Non-Cytomegalovirus Infection in Lung Transplant Recipients: A Multicenter Prospective Observational Study.

INTRODUCTION: Immune cell functional assay (ImmuKnow®) is a non-invasive method that measures the state of cellular immunity in immunosuppressed patients. We studied the prognostic value of the assay for predicting non-cytomegalovirus (CMV) infections in lung transplant recipients. METHODS: A multicenter prospective observational study of 92 patients followed up from 6 to 12 months after transplantation was performed. Immune cell functional assay was carried out at 6, 8, 10, and 12 months. RESULTS: Twenty-three patients (25%) developed 29 non-CMV infections between 6 and 12 months post-transplant. At 6 months, the immune response was moderate (ATP 225-525ng/mL) in 14 (15.2%) patients and low (ATP<225ng/mL) in 78 (84.8%); no patients had a strong response (ATP≥525ng/mL). Only 1 of 14 (7.1%) patients with a moderate response developed non-CMV infection in the following 6 months compared with 22 of 78 (28.2%) patients with low response, indicating sensitivity of 95.7%, specificity of 18.8%, positive predictive value (PPV) of 28.2%, and negative predictive value (NPV) of 92.9% (AUC 0.64; p=0.043). Similar acute rejection rates were recorded in patients with mean ATP≥225 vs. <225ng/mL during the study period (7.1% vs. 9.1%, p=0.81). CONCLUSION: Although ImmuKnow® does not seem useful to predict non-CMV infection, it could identify patients with a very low risk and help us define a target for an optimal immunosuppression.

Near-normal aerobic capacity in long-term survivors after lung transplantation.

The clinical course of lung transplantation (LT) is diverse: some patients present chronic lung allograft dysfunction (CLAD) and progressive decline in pulmonary function, but others maintain normal spirometric values and active lives. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to elucidate whether long-term LT survivors with normal spirometry achieve normal exercise capacity, and to identify predictive factors of exercise capacity. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional multicentre study, where bilateral LT recipients who survived at least 10 years after LT, with normal spirometry, no diagnosis of CLAD and modified Medical Research Council dyspnoea degree ≤2 underwent cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET). RESULTS: 28 LT recipients were included with a mean±sd age of 48.7±13.6 years. Oxygen uptake (V' O2 ) had a mean±sd value of 21.49±6.68 mL·kg-1·min-1 (75.24±15.6%) and the anaerobic threshold was reached at 48.6±10.1% of the V' O2max predicted. The mean±sd heart rate reserve at peak exercise was 17.56±13.6%. The oxygen pulse increased during exercise and was within normal values at 90.5±19.4%. The respiratory exchange ratio exceeded 1.19 at maximum exercise. The median (25-75th percentile) EuroQol-5D score was 1 (0.95-1), indicating a good quality of life. The median (25-75th percentile) International Physical Activity Questionnaire score was 5497 (4007-9832) MET-min·week-1 with 89% of patients reporting more than 1500 MET-min·week-1. In the multivariate regression models, age, sex and diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide remained significantly associated with V' O2max (mL·kg-1·min-1); haemoglobin and forced expiratory volume in 1 s were significantly associated with maximum work rate (watts), after adjusting for confounders. CONCLUSION: We report for the first time near-normal peak V' O2 values during CPET and normal exercise capacity in long-term LT recipients without CLAD.

Histamine signaling and metabolism identify potential biomarkers and therapies for lymphangioleiomyomatosis.

Inhibition of mTOR is the standard of care for lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM). However, this therapy has variable tolerability and some patients show progressive decline of lung function despite treatment. LAM diagnosis and monitoring can also be challenging due to the heterogeneity of symptoms and insufficiency of non-invasive tests. Here, we propose monoamine-derived biomarkers that provide preclinical evidence for novel therapeutic approaches. The major histamine-derived metabolite methylimidazoleacetic acid (MIAA) is relatively more abundant in LAM plasma, and MIAA values are independent of VEGF-D. Higher levels of histamine are associated with poorer lung function and greater disease burden. Molecular and cellular analyses, and metabolic profiling confirmed active histamine signaling and metabolism. LAM tumorigenesis is reduced using approved drugs targeting monoamine oxidases A/B (clorgyline and rasagiline) or histamine H1 receptor (loratadine), and loratadine synergizes with rapamycin. Depletion of Maoa or Hrh1 expression, and administration of an L-histidine analog, or a low L-histidine diet, also reduce LAM tumorigenesis. These findings extend our knowledge of LAM biology and suggest possible ways of improving disease management.

Tuberculosis Following Lung Transplantation. A 27-Year Spanish Multicenter Experience. Incidence, Presentation, Prevention and Treatment with Rifampicin.

BACKGROUND: Tuberculosis (TB) represents a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge for solid organ transplant recipients, particularly after lung transplant (LT). Our aim was to determine the impact of TB in LT patients in Spain, considering prevalence, clinical presentation, prevention and therapeutic management. In addition, differences in outcome between rifampicin (RIF) versus non-RIF containing regimens were analyzed. METHODS: Multicenter, observational retrospective study, including all cases of TB diagnosed in recipients after LT, in five pulmonary transplant units in Spain, between January 1990 and December 2017. RESULTS: Among 2962 LT recipients, 45 cases of TB were diagnosed, resulting in a prevalence of 1.52%. Most of them (88.89%) were diagnosed during the first year posttransplantation, 86.67% with pulmonary presentation. Screening for latent TB infection (LTBI) was done in 36 of the 45 patients and LTBI was detected pretransplant in 12 (33.33%). Less than half of the patients with disease (42.22%) received rifampicin (RIF). Lower probability of TB worsening was found in RIF-containing regimens (p=0.049), as well as longer survival (p=0.001). RIF use was not associated with an increased risk in rejection (p=0.99), but doses of calcineurin inhibitors (CNI) had to be raised an average of 215%. CONCLUSIONS: Risk of TB after LT was lower in our series than previously reported. TB should be searched during the first year posttransplant in patients with TB risk factors. Pulmonary presentation was predominant. More sensitive algorithms for detecting LTBI before LT are crucial. It is reasonable to use RIF-containing regimens over non-RIF regimens based on the tendency toward better outcome in our series. RIF regimen requires close monitoring of CNI trough level for 2-3 weeks, until stability is achieved.

Influence of MUC5B gene on antisynthetase syndrome.

MUC5B rs35705950 (G/T) is strongly associated with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and also contributes to the risk of interstitial lung disease (ILD) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA-ILD) and chronic hypersensitivity pneumonitis (CHP). Due to this, we evaluated the implication of MUC5B rs35705950 in antisynthetase syndrome (ASSD), a pathology characterised by a high ILD incidence. 160 patients with ASSD (142 with ILD associated with ASSD [ASSD-ILD+]), 232 with ILD unrelated to ASSD (comprising 161 IPF, 27 RA-ILD and 44 CHP) and 534 healthy controls were genotyped. MUC5B rs35705950 frequency did not significantly differ between ASSD-ILD+ patients and healthy controls nor when ASSD patients were stratified according to the presence/absence of anti Jo-1 antibodies or ILD. No significant differences in MUC5B rs35705950 were also observed in ASSD-ILD+ patients with a usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP) pattern when compared to those with a non-UIP pattern. However, a statistically significant decrease of MUC5B rs35705950 GT, TT and T frequencies in ASSD-ILD+ patients compared to patients with ILD unrelated to ASSD was observed. In summary, our study does not support a role of MUC5B rs35705950 in ASSD. It also indicates that there are genetic differences between ILD associated with and that unrelated to ASSD.

[Clinical and functional characteristics of patients prior to lung transplantation: report of experience at the Clínica Puerta de Hierro]. / Características clínicas y funcionales antes del trasplante pulmonar. Experiencia en la Clínica Puerta de Hierro.

OBJECTIVE: The time at which lung transplantation is indicated is determined by clinical and functional criteria that vary according to the particular disease. The aim of our study was to present the criteria according to which patients were placed on waiting lists for lung transplantation in our hospital. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We analyzed retrospectively the clinical characteristics, lung function, heart function, and 6-minute walk test results of patients who had received a lung transplant in our hospital from January 2002 through September 2005. RESULTS: During the study period 100 lung transplants were performed. The mean age of the patients was 45 years (range, 15-67 years) and 57% were men. The diseases that most often led to a lung transplant were chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (35%), pulmonary fibrosis (29%), and bronchiectasis (21%). Lung function values differed by disease: mean (SD) forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) was 20% (11%) and forced vital capacity (FVC) was 37% (15%) in patients with COPD; FEV1 was 41% (15%) and FVC, 40% (17%) in patients with pulmonary fibrosis; and FEV1 was 23% (7%) and FVC, 37% (10%) in patients with bronchiectasis. CONCLUSIONS: The patients who received lung transplants in our hospital were in advanced phases of their disease and met the inclusion criteria accepted by the various medical associations when they were placed on the waiting list.

Monitoring of early humoral immunity to identify lung recipients at risk for development of serious infections: A multicenter prospective study.

BACKGROUND: Infection is still a leading cause of death during the first year after lung transplantation. We performed a multicenter study among teaching hospitals to assess monitoring of early humoral immunity as a means of identifying lung recipients at risk of serious infections. METHODS: We prospectively analyzed 82 adult lung recipients at 5 centers in Spain. Data were collected before transplantation and at 7 and 30 days after transplantation. Biomarkers included IgG, IgM, IgA, complement factors C3 and C4, titers of antibodies to pneumococcal polysaccharide antigens (IgG, IgA, IgM) and antibodies to cytomegalovirus (IgG), and serum B-cell activating factor (BAFF) levels. The clinical follow-up period lasted 6 months. Clinical outcomes were bacterial infections requiring intravenous anti-microbial agents, cytomegalovirus (CMV) disease, and fungal infections requiring therapy. RESULTS: We found that 33 patients (40.2%) developed at least 1 serious bacterial infection, 8 patients (9.8%) had CMV disease, and 10 patients (12.2%) had fungal infections. Lower IgM antibody levels against pneumococcal polysaccharide antigens at Day 7 (defined as <5 mg/dl) were a risk factor for serious bacterial infection (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 3.96; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.39 to 11.26; p = 0.0099). At Day 7 after transplantation, IgG hypogammaglobulinemia (defined as IgG <600 mg/dl) was associated with a higher risk of CMV disease (after adjustment for CMV mismatch: OR 8.15; 95% CI 1.27 to 52.55; p = 0.028) and fungal infection (adjusted OR 8.03, 95% CI 1.51 to 42.72; p = 0.015). Higher BAFF levels before transplantation were associated with a higher rate of development of serious bacterial infection and acute cellular rejection. CONCLUSION: Early monitoring of specific humoral immunity parameters proved useful for the identification of lung recipients who are at risk of serious infections.