Bronchoscopy findings in children with congenital lung and lower airway abnormalities.

Congenital lung and lower airway abnormalities are rare, but they are an important differential diagnosis in children with respiratory diseases, especially if the disease is recurrent or does not resolve. The factors determining the time of presentation of congenital airway pathologies include the severity of narrowing, association with other lesions and the presence or absence of congenital heart disease (CHD). Bronchoscopy is required in these cases to assess the airway early after birth or when intubation and ventilation are difficult or not possible. Many of these conditions have associated abnormalities that must be diagnosed early, as this determines surgical interventions. It may be necessary to combine imaging and bronchoscopy findings in these children to determine the correct diagnosis as well as in operative management. Endoscopic interventional procedures may be needed in many of these conditions, ranging from intubation to balloon dilatations and aortopexy. This review will describe the bronchoscopic findings in children with congenital lung and lower airway abnormalities, illustrate how bronchoscopy can be used for diagnosis and highlight the role of interventional bronchoscopy in the management of these conditions.

CYP2A6 associates with respiratory disease risk and younger age of diagnosis: a phenome-wide association Mendelian Randomization study.

CYP2A6, a genetically variable enzyme, inactivates nicotine, activates carcinogens, and metabolizes many pharmaceuticals. Variation in CYP2A6 influences smoking behaviors and tobacco-related disease risk. This phenome-wide association study examined associations between a reconstructed version of our weighted genetic risk score (wGRS) for CYP2A6 activity with diseases in the UK Biobank (N = 395 887). Causal effects of phenotypic CYP2A6 activity (measured as the nicotine metabolite ratio: 3'-hydroxycotinine/cotinine) on the phenome-wide significant (PWS) signals were then estimated in two-sample Mendelian Randomization using the wGRS as the instrument. Time-to-diagnosis age was compared between faster versus slower CYP2A6 metabolizers for the PWS signals in survival analyses. In the total sample, six PWS signals were identified: two lung cancers and four obstructive respiratory diseases PheCodes, where faster CYP2A6 activity was associated with greater disease risk (Ps < 1 × 10-6). A significant CYP2A6-by-smoking status interaction was found (Psinteraction < 0.05); in current smokers, the same six PWS signals were found as identified in the total group, whereas no PWS signals were found in former or never smokers. In the total sample and current smokers, CYP2A6 activity causal estimates on the six PWS signals were significant in Mendelian Randomization (Ps < 5 × 10-5). Additionally, faster CYP2A6 metabolizer status was associated with younger age of disease diagnosis for the six PWS signals (Ps < 5 × 10-4, in current smokers). These findings support a role for faster CYP2A6 activity as a causal risk factor for lung cancers and obstructive respiratory diseases among current smokers, and a younger onset of these diseases. This research utilized the UK Biobank Resource.

From respiratory diseases to nervous system disorders: Unraveling the certified causes of influenza-associated deaths in Poland from 2000 to 2019.

Background: This study aims to accurately estimate influenza-associated deaths in Poland and their certified cause of death, due to significant discrepancies between official numbers and expected impact. Methods: Excess influenza-associated mortality in Poland from 2000 to 2019 was calculated using Seasonal-Trend Decomposition Procedure based on LOESS (STL), which can detect non-linear trends and non-sinusoidal cycles. Excess mortality was then used as an explanatory variable in a model predicting monthly fluctuations of officially recorded causes of death from 2010 to 2019. Results: A total of 142,000 conservative estimates of influenza-associated deaths were identified, representing 1.86% of overall mortality. Only 0.61% of influenza-associated deaths were officially recorded as influenza. Nearly half of certified influenza deaths were attributed to the seasonal baseline mortality, potentially doubling estimated impact based solely on influenza peaks. Influenza-associated deaths were frequently recorded as respiratory diseases (24.36%), with majority attributed to underlying conditions such as cardiovascular diseases (45.31%), cancer (9.06%), or diabetes (2.66%). Influenza-associated deaths were more commonly certified as nervous system diseases (1.84%) or mental disorders (1.04%), rather than influenza itself. There was a noticeable impact of influenza on secondary infections, such as meningococcal and gastrointestinal infections. Conclusion: These findings highlight the importance of improved estimation for informing public health policy decisions.

Non-malignant occupational respiratory diseases and climate change.

BACKGROUND: Respiratory diseases of infectious, allergic, neoplastic or degenerative origin are due to the interaction of environmental and occupational risk factors, individual susceptibility and other co-factors and comorbidities. Asthma and other respiratory pathologies can be worsened by climate change and exposure to other agents in occupational environments.METHODS: PubMed and Scopus, and several websites on public and occupational health were queried to find publications and documents on work-related respiratory diseases, asthma, rhinitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pneumoconiosis and allergic alveolitis in association with climate change.RESULTS: Most of the retrieved articles concerned asthma (75 in Scopus), while the other topics were less frequently covered in the scientific literature, with a maximum of 29 papers for rhinitis and 23 for COPD. The most important terms highlighted by the word clouds were 'health', 'air', 'pollution', and, only for asthma and rhinitis, 'pollen' and 'allergic/allergy'. Website data on public and occupational health, and climate change were reported.CONCLUSIONS: Assessment and management of respiratory diseases that recognise occupational exposures should be improved, and more research into integrated approaches should be favoured. Health surveillance practices for workers exposed to agents that cause respiratory diseases should be implemented. The development of biomarkers of exposure, effect and susceptibility needs further study.

Modified lung ultrasound score for bronchopulmonary dysplasia predicts late respiratory outcomes in preterm infants.

OBJECTIVE: Lung ultrasound (LUS) is a useful and radiation-free diagnostic tool for predicting bronchopulmonary dysplasia, which is a risk factor for late respiratory disease. However, data on the relationship of LUS with late respiratory disease was scarce. This study aims to determine whether LUS is associated with late respiratory disease during early childhood. METHODS: This prospective cohort study enrolled preterm infants born before 32 weeks of gestation. LUS was performed at 36 weeks' postmenstrual age. The predictive values of a modified lung ultrasound (mLUS) score based on eight standard sections were assessed to predict late respiratory disease, defined as a physician diagnosis of bronchopulmonary dysplasia deterioration, asthma, reactive airway disease, bronchiolitis, pneumonia, or respiratory-related hospitalization during the first 2 years of life. RESULTS: A total of 94 infants completed follow-up, of whom 74.5% met the late respiratory disease criteria. The mLUS scores were significantly associated with late respiratory disease (adjusted odds ratio: 1.23, CI: 1.10-1.38, p < 0.001). The mLUS scores also well predicted late respiratory disease (AUC = 0.820, 95% CI: 0.733-0.907). These scores were superior to the classic lung ultrasound score (p = 0.02) and as accurate as the modified NICHD-defined bronchopulmonary dysplasia classification (p = 0.91). A mLUS score ≥14 was the optimal cutoff point for predicting late respiratory disease. CONCLUSION: The modified lung ultrasound score correlates significantly with late respiratory disease and well predicts it in preterm infants during the first 2 years of life.

Predictors of Outcome in Patients with Pulmonary Hypertension Undergoing Mitral and Tricuspid Valve Surgery.

Background and Objectives: Pulmonary hypertension (PH) secondary to left-sided valvular heart disease is associated with poor cardiac surgical outcome compared with patients without PH. Our objective was to investigate the prognostic factors of surgical outcome in patients with PH undergoing mitral valve (MV) and tricuspid valve (TV) surgery, in order to risk stratify their management. Materials and Methods: This is a retrospective observational study on patients with PH who underwent MV and TV surgery from 2011 to 2019. The primary outcome was all-cause mortality. The secondary outcomes were post-op respiratory and renal complications, length of intensive care unit stay and length of hospital stay. Results: Seventy-six patients were included in this study. The all-cause mortality was 13% (n = 10), with mean survival of 92.6 months. Among the patients, 9.2% (n = 7) had post-op renal failure requiring renal replacement therapy and 6.6% (n = 5) had post-op respiratory failure requiring intubation. Univariate analysis demonstrated that pre-operative left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), peak systolic tissue velocity at the tricuspid annulus (S') and etiology of MV disease were associated with respiratory and renal failure. Tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) was associated with respiratory failure only. S', type of operation, LVEF, urgency of surgery, and etiology of MV disease were found to be predictive of mortality. After excluding redo mitral surgery, all statistically significant findings remain unchanged, with the addition of right ventricular (RV) size being associated with respiratory failure. In the subgroup analysis of routine cases (n = 56), patients with primary mitral regurgitation who underwent mitral valve repair had better survival outcome. Conclusions: Urgency of surgery, etiology of MV disease, type of operation (replacement or repair), S' and pre-op LVEF are prognostic indicators in this small cohort of patients with PH undergoing MV and TV surgery. A larger prospective study is warranted to validate our findings.

Myasthenia gravis, respiratory function, and respiratory tract disease.

Myasthenia gravis (MG) is characterized by muscle weakness caused by autoantibodies that bind to the postsynaptic membrane at the neuromuscular junction and impair acetylcholine receptor function. Weakness of respiratory muscles represents the most severe MG manifestation, and 10-15% of all patients experience an MG crisis with the need of mechanical ventilatory support at least once in their life. MG patients with respiratory muscle weakness need active immunosuppressive drug treatment long term, and they need regular specialist follow-up. Comorbidities affecting respiratory function need attention and optimal treatment. Respiratory tract infections can lead to MG exacerbations and precipitate an MG crisis. Intravenous immunoglobulin and plasma exchange are the core treatments for severe MG exacerbations. High-dose corticosteroids, complement inhibitors, and FcRn blockers represent fast-acting treatments that are effective in most MG patients. Neonatal myasthenia is a transient condition with muscle weakness in the newborn caused by mother's muscle antibodies. In rare cases, treatment of respiratory muscle weakness in the baby is required.

Effects of radiation on respiratory disease mortality: analysis of the national registry for radiation workers in United Kingdom.

PURPOSE: While some evidence of an effect of radiation exposure on respiratory disease at low dose levels has now emerged, there is heterogeneity in the risks between different studies and countries. In this paper, we aim to show the effect of radiation on three different sub-types of respiratory disease mortality through the analysis of the NRRW cohort in UK. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The NRRW cohort consisted of 174,541 radiation workers. Doses to the surface of the body were monitored using individual film badges. Most of the doses are associated with X-rays and gamma rays and to a less extent of beta and neutron particles. The overall mean 10-year lagged lifetime external dose was 23.2 mSv. Some workers were potentially exposed to alpha particles. However, doses from internal emitters were not available for the NRRW cohort. 25% of male workers and 17% of female workers were identified as being monitored for internal exposure. The Poisson regression methods for grouped survival data with a stratified baseline hazard function were used to describe the dependence of the risk on cumulative external radiation dose. The disease was analyzed by the following subgroups: Pneumonia (1066 cases including 17 cases of influenza), COPD and allied disease (1517 cases) and other remaining respiratory diseases (479 cases). RESULTS: There was very little radiation effect on pneumonia mortality, but evidence of a reduction in mortality risk for COPD and allied disease (ERR/Sv= -0.56, 95%CI: -0.94, -0.06; p = .02) and an increase in risk for other respiratory disease mortality (ERR/Sv = 2.30, 95%CI: 0.67, 4.62; p = .01) with increasing cumulative external dose were observed. The effects of radiation were more prominent amongst workers monitored for internal exposure. The reduction in mortality risk of COPD and allied disease per cumulative external dose was statistically significant for the radiation workers monitored for internal exposure (ERR/Sv= -0.59, 95%CI: -0.99, -0.05; p = .017) but not significant among the workers who were not monitored (ERR/Sv= -0.43, 95%CI: -1.20, 0.74; p = .42). A statistically significant increased risk was observed for other respiratory diseases among monitored radiation workers (ERR/Sv = 2.46, 95%CI: 0.69, 5.08; p = .019), but not among unmonitored workers (ERR/Sv = 1.70, 95%CI: -0.82, 5.65; p = .25). CONCLUSION: The effects of radiation exposure can be different depending on the type of respiratory disease. No effect was seen in pneumonia; a reduction in mortality risk of COPD, and increased mortality risk of other respiratory diseases were observed with cumulative external radiation dose. More studies are needed to verify these findings.

Extraesophageal reflux and reflux aspiration in dogs with respiratory diseases and in healthy dogs.

BACKGROUND: Salivary bile acids are used to diagnose extraesophageal reflux (EER) and to evaluate the risk of reflux aspiration that is associated with respiratory diseases in dogs. OBJECTIVES: To study total bile acid (TBA) concentrations in saliva and in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) to investigate EER and reflux aspiration in dogs with respiratory diseases and in healthy dogs. ANIMALS:  Thirty-one West Highland White Terriers (WHWTs) with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), 12 dogs with inflammatory airway disease (IAD), 6 dogs with recurrent pneumonia (RP), 26 brachycephalic dogs (BD), 27 healthy WHWTs (HW), 52 healthy dogs (HD). All privately-owned dogs. METHODS: Saliva and BALF were collected from dogs in each group. RESULTS: Salivary TBA concentrations were higher in IPF (median 0.1692 µM, interquartile range [IQR] 0.1115-0.2925 µM, Cohen's d 3.4, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.2-4.0, P < .001) and BD (0.0256 µM, IQR 0.0086-0.0417 µM, d 0.5, CI -0.1 to 1.1, P = .003) compared to HD (0 µM, IQR not quantifiable [n.q.]-0.0131 µM). Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid TBA concentrations were higher in IPF (0.0117 µM, IQR 0.0048-0.0361 µM, d 0.5, CI 0-1.1, P < .001) compared to HD (0 µM, IQR n.q.-0.0074 µM). CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Extraesophageal reflux and reflux aspiration occur in healthy dogs and those with respiratory diseases.

Olfactory dysfunction in COVID-19, new insights from a cohort of 353 patients: The ANOSVID study.

Olfactory disorders (OD) pathogenesis, underlying conditions, and prognostic in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) remain partially described. ANOSVID is a retrospective study in Nord Franche-Comté Hospital (France) that included COVID-19 patients from March 1 2020 to May 31 2020. The aim was to compare COVID-19 patients with OD (OD group) and patients without OD (no-OD group). A second analysis compared patients with anosmia (high OD group) and patients with hyposmia or no OD (low or no-OD group). The OD group presented less cardiovascular and other respiratory diseases compared to the no-OD group (odds ratio [OR] = 0.536 [0.293-0.981], p = 0.041 and OR = 0.222 [0.056-0.874], p = 0.037 respectively). Moreover, history of malignancy was less present in the high OD group compared with the low or no-OD group (OR = 0.170 [0.064-0.455], p < 0.001). The main associated symptoms (OR > 5) with OD were loss of taste (OR = 24.059 [13.474-42.959], p = 0.000) and cacosmia (OR = 5.821 [2.246-15.085], p < 0.001). Most of all ORs decreased in the second analysis, especially for general, digestive, and ENT symptoms. Only two ORs increased: headache (OR = 2.697 [1.746-4.167], p < 0.001) and facial pain (OR = 2.901 [1.441-5.842], p = 0.002). The high OD group had a higher creatinine clearance CKD than the low or no-OD group (89.0 ± 21.1 vs. 81.0 ± 20.5, p = 0.040). No significant difference was found concerning the virological, radiological, and severity criteria. OD patients seem to have less comorbidity, especially better cardiovascular and renal function. Associated symptoms with OD were mostly neurological symptoms. We did not find a significant relationship between OD and less severity in COVID-19 possibly due to methodological bias.

Momento de la cirugía en pacientes iraquíes con Contagio de COVID-19 / Timing of surgery in Iraqi patients with COVID-19 infection

Los pacientes con infección perioperatoria por COVID-19 tienen un alto riesgo de muerte y complicaciones posoperatorias. En la actualidad, la infección por COVID-19 en Irak representó 1.696.390 casos con 19.087 muertes. Un estudio nacional, único y observacional que incluyó pacientes con infección por COVID-19 que se sometieron a cualquier tipo de cirugía en el Hospital General de Abu-Graib, Bagdad, Irak, durante el período del 19 de marzo de 2020 al 30 de abril de 2021. Tiempo desde el diagnóstico de la infección por COVID-19 El día de la cirugía se recogió como factor categórico dividido en: (a) 0-3 semanas; (b) 4­6 semanas; (c) >6 semanas. Edad; sexo; estado físico de la Sociedad Americana de Anestesiólogos (ASA); comorbilidades cardíacas; comorbilidades respiratorias; indicación de cirugía; grado de cirugía; y se documentaron los tipos quirúrgicos. Se incluyeron un total de 378 pacientes con una edad media de 47,89±16,03 años. Las mujeres eran más que los hombres (65,87% > 34,13%). Aproximadamente, el 76,72% de los pacientes pertenecían a ASA I-II, mientras que el 23,28% eran ASA III-IV. Alrededor del 19,05% de los pacientes sufría de comorbilidades cardíacas. 266/378 de los pacientes se quejaron de comorbilidades respiratorias. Cirugía indicada en 35,45% condiciones benignas, 27,5% obstetricia, 7,65% cirugía oncológica y 29,4% operaciones traumáticas. Operaciones mayores documentadas en 205/378 pacientes. Las intervenciones quirúrgicas de urgencia realizadas en (176, 46,56%), mientras que los casos electivos fueron 202/378 (53,44%). En total, en el momento de la operación, 80 (21,16 %) pacientes tenían un diagnóstico preoperatorio de COVID-19. El tiempo desde el diagnóstico de COVID-19 hasta la cirugía fue de 0 a 3 semanas en 98 pacientes (25,93 %), de 4 a 6 semanas en 115 pacientes (30,42 %) y >6 semanas en 165 pacientes (43,65 %). La tasa de mortalidad postoperatoria global fue del 9,52% (36/378). Con respecto a la complicación cardiaca de la O.P., no hubo asociación significativa en relación al momento previo a la cirugía (p=0,08). Sin embargo, la complicación cardíaca global fue del 16,4%. En general, el 44,97 % (170/378) de los pacientes desarrollaron una complicación pulmonar por O.P. durante el período de seguimiento. Hasta donde sabemos, este es el primer estudio que proporciona datos sólidos sobre el momento óptimo para la cirugía después de la infección por COVID-19 en Irak. El momento óptimo de la cirugía después de la infección por COVID-19 fue de más de 6 semanas. Descubrimos que los riesgos de morbilidad y mortalidad por O.P. son mayores si los pacientes son operados dentro de las 6 semanas posteriores al diagnóstico de infección por COVID-19.

Patients with perioperative COVID-19 infection are at high risk of death and complications postoperatively. Nowadays, COVID-19 infection in Iraq accounted 1,696,390 cases with 19,087 deaths. A national, single, and observational study that included patients with COVID-19 infection undergoing any type of surgery in Abu-Graib General Hospital, Baghdad Iraq during period from 19 March 2020 to 30 April 2021. Time from the diagnosis of COVID-19 infection to day of surgery was collected as a categorical factor divided into: (a) 0­3 wks; (b) 4­6 wks; (c) >6 wks. Age; sex; American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status; cardiac comorbidities; respiratory comorbidities; indication for surgery; surgery grade; and surgical types were documented. A total of 378 patient were included with mean age was 47.89±16.03 years. Females were more than males (65.87% > 34.13%). Approximately, 76.72% of patients belonged within ASA I-II, whereas 23.28% were ASA III-IV. About 19.05% of patients suffered from cardiac comorbidities. 266/378 of patients complained from respiratory comorbidities. Surgery indicated in 35.45% benign conditions, 27.5% obstetrics, 7.65% oncological surgery, and 29.4% traumatic operations. Major operations documented in 205/378 patients. Emergencies surgical intervention done in (176, 46.56%), whereas elective cases were 202/378 (53.44%). In total at operation timing, 80(21.16%) patients had a preoperative COVID-19 diagnosis. The time from COVID-19 diagnosis to surgery was 0­3 weeks in 98 patients (25.93%), 4­6 weeks in 115 patients (30.42%), and >6 weeks in 165 patients (43.65%). The overall postoperative mortality rate was 9.52% (36/378). In regard to P. O. cardiac complication, there was no significant association in relation to timing before surgery (p=0.08). However, the overall cardiac complication was 16.4%. Overall, 44.97% (170/378) of patients developed a P. O. pulmonary complication within period of follow-up. To our knowledge this is the first study to provide strong data regarding the optimal timing for surgery following COVID-19 infection in Iraq. The optimal timing of surgery after COVID-19 infection was more than 6 wks. We found that risks of P. O. morbidity and mortality are greatest if patients are operated within 6 wks of diagnosis of COVID-19 infection

Relieving from Breathlessness in the Wind: A Meta-Analysis and Subjective Report of Effectiveness of Fan Blowing in Patients with Cardiorespiratory Diseases or Cancer.

OBJECTIVES: Breathlessness is common among terminally ill patients with cardiorespiratory disease or cancer. The experience may induce secondary physiological and behavioral responses that limit patient well-being and independence and cause emotional distress. METHODS: We conducted a meta-analysis on randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that examined the effectiveness of fan blowing on breathlessness among patients with cardiorespiratory diseases or cancer. The PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, SCOPUS, and CINAHL databases were searched to retrieve potential articles. The primary outcome was breathlessness severity. The secondary outcomes were SpO2, anxiety, depression, and quality of life. Also, we presented the changes of vital signs and subjective feeling of a male patient who used fan blowing for relieving his breathlessness. RESULTS: Eight RCTs were available for analysis. The pooled results demonstrated no significant difference in breathlessness severity between fan-to-face blowing and control methods (standard mean difference: -0.21, 95% confidence interval: -.59 to .17); however, a significant reduction in breathlessness severity was observed in the short-time intervention compared with long-time intervention. A trend occurred toward significance in the reduction of respiratory rate in fan-to-face blowing compared with control methods (MD: -.64, 95% CI: -1.37 to .09). No differences were observed between groups in oxygen saturation, anxiety, depression, or QoL. The male patient who used fan blowing showed an improved vital signs and a satisfied subjective feeling. CONCLUSIONS: Consistent short-time fan-to-face blowing is effective for relieving breathlessness among conscious terminally ill patients with cardiorespiratory diseases or cancer. The use of this convenient method for relieving breathlessness symptoms in terminally ill patients is recommended.

Chronic respiratory diseases other than asthma in children: the COVID-19 tsunami.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) affects all components of the respiratory system, including the neuromuscular breathing apparatus, conducting and respiratory airways, pulmonary vascular endothelium, and pulmonary blood flow. In contrast to other respiratory viruses, children have less severe symptoms when infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). A minority of children experience a post-infectious inflammatory syndrome, the pathology and long-term outcomes of which are poorly understood. The reason for the lower burden of symptomatic disease in children is not yet clear, but several pathophysiological characteristics are postulated. The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has brought distinct challenges to the care of children globally. Proper recommendations have been proposed for a range of non-asthmatic respiratory disorders in children, including primary ciliary dyskinesia and cystic fibrosis. These recommendations involve the continuation of the treatment during this period and ways to maintain stability. School closures, loss of follow-up visit attendance, and loss of other protective systems for children are the indirect outcomes of measures to mitigate the COVID-19 pandemic. Moreover, COVID-19 has reshaped the delivery of respiratory care in children, with non-urgent and elective procedures being postponed, and distancing imperatives have led to rapid scaling of telemedicine. The pandemic has seen an unprecedented reorientation in clinical trial research towards COVID-19 and a disruption in other trials worldwide, which will have long-lasting effects on medical science. In this narrative review, we sought to outline the most recent findings on the direct and indirect effects of SARS-CoV-2 pandemic on pediatric respiratory chronic diseases other than asthma, by critically revising the most recent literature on the subject.

Respiratory morbidity in children with congenital heart disease.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the respiratory outcome in children with congenital heart disease (CHD), considering recent management procedures and the CHD pathophysiology. DESIGN AND SETTING: Clinical and functional respiratory outcome were evaluated in 8-year-old children with isolated CHD followed up from birth in the prospective population-based EPICARD cohort. PATIENTS: Children were assigned to two groups, based on the pathophysiology of the CHD: CHDs with left-to-right shunt (n = 212) and CHDs with right outflow tract obstruction (n = 113). RESULTS: Current wheezing episodes were observed in 15% of the children with isolated CHD and left-to-right shunt, and 11% of the children with isolated CHD and right outflow tract obstruction (not significant). Total lung capacity (TLC) was the only respiratory function parameter that significantly differed between the two groups. It was lower in children with left-to-right shunt (88.72 ± 0.65% predicted) than in those with right outflow tract obstruction (91.84 ± 0.96, p = 0.006). In multivariate analysis, CHD with left-to-right shunt (coeff. [95% CI]: -3.17 [-5.45; -0.89]) and surgery before the age of 2 months (-6.52 [-10.90; -2.15]) were identified as independent factors associated with significantly lower TLC values. CONCLUSION: Lower TLC remains a long-term complication in CHD, particularly in cases with left-to-right shunt and in patients requiring early repair. These findings suggest that an increase in pulmonary blood flow may directly impair lung development.

Respiratory and otolaryngological disorders in Down syndrome from one center in Brazil.

Down syndrome (DS) is the most common chromosomal condition. Anatomical and functional variations in the upper and lower airways are component manifestations of the syndrome and increase the risk of various medical problems. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of otorhinolaryngological and respiratory diseases in a DS outpatient clinic over a 3-year period. Medical records data from 1207 patients were retrospectively reviewed. Newborn Hearing Screening was positive in 7.1% of patients. Brainstem auditory evoked potential was performed in 1101 children and showed a hearing loss of 19.8% in the first year. It was positive in 21% of 1021 exams. Audiometry was altered in 64 of 994 exams (6.4%), showing a conductive loss in 90%. Adenotonsillectomy was performed in 308 (25.5%) patients, and 169 (14.0%) required serous otitis ventilation tubes. Asthma was observed in 140 (11.6%) patients, and allergic rhinitis in 544 (56.6%). There were hospitalizations for invasive infection in 480 (39.8%) children, and two (0.2%) patients had severe septicemia from pulmonary focus. Five (0.4%) infants had laryngotracheomalacia, and one patient had anomalous right tracheal bronchus. Recognizing the prevalence of respiratory and otorhinolaryngological disorders in patients with DS allows the promotion of optimal follow-up and early treatment, preventing the development of sequelae.

COVID 19 - Possible interrelations with respiratory comorbidities caused by occupational exposure to various hazardous bioaerosols. Part II. Clinical course, diagnostics, treatment and prevention.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: The course of COVID-19 caused by the SARS-CoV-2 may be aggravated by bioaerosols containing other viruses, bacteria, and fungi, occurring mainly in the occupational environment. Hence, the diagnostics and treatment of COVID-19 should address such a possibility in the anamnesis, treatment and final recommendations for avoiding of adverse exposure. ABBREVIATED DESCRIPTION OF THE STATE OF KNOWLEDGE: As SARS-CoV-2 attacks primarily the respiratory system and the severe manifestation of COVID-19 is interstitial pneumonia, diagnostics should include the following clinical and laboratory examinations: chest X-ray; high resolution computed tomography (HRCT); pulmonary function tests; arterial-blood gas test; genetic tests for the presence of SARS-CoV-2, in the future with the use of highly specific and sensitive nano-based biosensors; tests for the presence of specific immunity against the antigens of microorganisms causing other infectious or allergic pulmonary diseases (in the case of anamnestic indications). Because an universally accepted treatment for COVID-19 does not exist, the hitherto prescribed antiviral and immune-modulating drugs should be used be with caution. In many cases, a better alternative could be a safe supportive therapy, such as supplementation of the diet with probiotics, prebiotics, vitamins and microelements. SUMMARY: The most important preventive measures against COVID-19 should include: vaccination; the use of filter or surgical masks; disinfection and sterilization; maintaining of well-functioning ventilation and air conditioning systems; reduction of the community air pollution which has been identified as an important factor increasing the COVID-19 severity. In the choice of preventive measures, the above should be considered for their potential efficacy against other bioaerosols as potential disease-aggravating agents.

The Japanese respiratory society guidelines for the management of cough and sputum (digest edition).

Cough and sputum are common complaints at outpatient visits. In this digest version, we provide a general overview of these two symptoms and discuss the management of acute (up to three weeks) and prolonged/chronic cough (longer than three weeks). Flowcharts are provided, along with a step-by-step explanation of their diagnosis and management. Most cases of acute cough are due to an infection. In chronic respiratory illness, a cough could be a symptom of a respiratory infection such as pulmonary tuberculosis, malignancy such as a pulmonary tumor, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, chronic bronchitis, bronchiectasis, drug-induced lung injury, heart failure, nasal sinus disease, sinobronchial syndrome, eosinophilic sinusitis, cough variant asthma (CVA), atopic cough, chronic laryngeal allergy, gastroesophageal reflux (GER), and post-infectious cough. Antibiotics should not be prescribed for over-peak cough but can be considered for atypical infections. The exploration of a single/major cause is recommended for persistent/chronic cough. When sputum is present, a sputum smear/culture (general bacteria, mycobacteria), cytology, cell differentiation, chest computed tomography (CT), and sinus X-ray or CT should be performed. There are two types of rhinosinusitis. Conventional sinusitis and eosinophilic rhinosinusitis present primarily with neutrophilic inflammation and eosinophilic inflammation, respectively. The most common causes of dry cough include CVA, atopic cough/laryngeal allergy (chronic), GER, and post-infectious cough. In the last chapter, future challenges and perspectives are discussed. We hope that the clarification of the pathology of cough hypersensitivity syndrome will lead to further development of "pathology-specific non-specific therapeutic drugs" and provide benefits to patients with chronic refractory cough.

Effects of Inspiratory Muscle Training Using an Electronic Device on Patients Undergoing Cardiac Surgery: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract Background Cardiac surgery causes pathophysiological changes that favor the occurrence of pulmonary and functional complications. Objective To investigate the effects of inspiratory muscle training (IMT) with an electronic device on patients undergoing cardiac surgery. Methods A randomized controlled trial was conducted with 30 adult patients undergoing elective cardiac surgery. A control group (CG) received conventional physical therapy care, and an intervention group (IG) received IMT using the POWERbreathe K5® electronic device. Two daily sessions of physical therapy were performed at the intensive care unit and one daily session at the ward until the sixth postoperative day. The following variables were measured preoperatively and on the sixth postoperative day, in both groups: inspiratory muscle strength, dynamic inspiratory muscle strength, and peak inspiratory flow. Data distribution was evaluated by the Shapiro-Wilk test. Analysis of variance was used, and the results were considered statistically significant when p < 0.05. Results Maximal inspiratory pressure (71.7 ± 17.1 cmH2O vs 63.3 ± 21.3 cmH2O; p = 0.11], S-index (52.61 ± 18.61 vs 51.08 ± 20.71), and peak inspiratory flow [(2.94 ± 1.09 vs 2.79 ± 1.26)] were maintained in the IG but had a significant reduction in the CG. Conclusion IMT performed with an electronic device was effective at maintaining inspiratory muscle strength, dynamic inspiratory muscle strength, and peak inspiratory flow when compared to conventional physical therapy. Int J Cardiovasc Sci. 2020; [online].ahead print, PP.0-0

Approach to Patients with Unintentional Weight Loss.

Unintentional weight loss is a common clinical problem with a broad differential diagnosis that is clinically important because of the associated risks of morbidity and mortality. Community-dwelling adults are often diagnosed with malignancy, nonmalignant gastrointestinal disorders, and psychiatric disorders as the cause of unintentional weight loss, whereas institutionalized older adults are diagnosed most often with psychiatric disorders. Up to a quarter of patients do not have a diagnosis after comprehensive workup, and close follow-up is warranted. Treatment involves management of underlying causes.

The joint association of sarcopenia and frailty with incidence and mortality health outcomes: A prospective study.

BACKGROUND: Sarcopenia and frailty are strongly associated with disease incidence and mortality. However, there is limited evidence regarding their joint association with health outcomes. This study aimed to investigate the joint association of sarcopenia and frailty with cardiovascular disease (CVD), respiratory disease and cancer incidence and mortality as well as all-cause mortality in middle-aged and older adults in the UK Biobank study. METHODS: 316,980 UK Biobank participants were included in this prospective study (53.1% women). Sarcopenia was defined according to the EWGSOP2 2019. Frailty was defined using a modified version of the Fried criteria. Combined classifications of sarcopenia and frailty were generated with the following seven subgroups derived: i) normal, ii) non-sarcopenic/pre-frail, iii) non-sarcopenic/frail, iv) pre-sarcopenic/pre-frail, v) pre-sarcopenic/frail, vi) sarcopenic/pre-frail, and vii) sarcopenic/frail. No participants had (pre)sarcopenia but not frailty. Associations between these exposures and health outcomes (incidence and mortality from cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, cancer, as well as, all-cause mortality) were investigated using Cox-proportional hazard models. RESULTS: 51.7% of the participants were not sarcopenic nor frail (normal), 41.3% were pre-frail or frail, 6.5% pre-sarcopenia and frail (including pre-frail) and 0.5% as having both sarcopenia and frailty (including pre-frailty). The combination sarcopenic/frail showed the strongest association with CVD (HR: 1.68 [95% CI: 1.22 to 2.30]) and respiratory disease incidence (HR: 1.77 [95% CI: 1.40 to 2.24]) and for mortality from all-cause (HR: 2.27 [95% CI: 1.64 to 3.13]), respiratory disease (HR: 3.50 [95% CI: 1.97 to 6.23]), and cancer (HR: 1.92 [95% CI: 1.08 to 3.38]). Finally, when we investigated the associations between the outcomes and exposures by age groups (≥and <60 years), we identified that, for many outcomes and categories, the associations were higher in younger individuals compared with older adults. CONCLUSION: Our findings indicate that different combinations of sarcopenia and frailty were associated with adverse health outcomes, highlighting the joint association between both conditions. However, those individuals with sarcopenia and frailty showed the strongest associations with CVD and respiratory disease incidence and mortality for all-cause and respiratory disease and cancer.