Lower Income, Smoking, Cardiopulmonary Comorbidities, and Higher Symptom Burden Influence the Occurrence of Cough in Patients Receiving Chemotherapy.

OBJECTIVES: To identify subgroups of patients with distinct cough occurrence profiles and evaluate for differences among these subgroups. SAMPLE & SETTING: Outpatients receiving chemotherapy (N = 1,338) completed questionnaires six times over two chemotherapy cycles. METHODS & VARIABLES: Occurrence of cough was assessed using the Memorial Symptom Assessment Scale. Latent class analysis was used to identify subgroups with distinct cough occurrence profiles. Parametric and nonparametric tests were used to evaluate for differences. RESULTS: Four distinct cough profiles were identified (None, Decreasing, Increasing, and High). Risk factors associated with membership in the High class included lower annual household income; history of smoking; self-reported diagnoses of lung disease, heart disease, and back pain; and having lung cancer. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING: Clinicians need to assess all patients with cancer for cough and provide targeted interventions.

Prevalence, Medicaid use and mortality risk of low FEV1 in adults aged 20-35 years old in the USA: evidence from a population-based retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence, Medicaid use and mortality risk associated with low forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) among young adults aged 20-35 years are not well understood, despite its potential implications for the development of chronic pulmonary disease and overall prognosis. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was conducted among young adults aged 20-35 years old, using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, National Death Index and Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Participants were categorised into a low FEV1 group (pre-bronchodilator FEV1%pred <80%) and a normal FEV1 group (FEV1%pred ≥80%). Weighted logistic regression analysis was employed to identify the risk factors associated with low FEV1, while Cox proportional hazard models were used to calculate the hazard ratio (HR) for Medicaid use and the all-cause mortality between the two groups. RESULTS: A total of 5346 participants aged 20-35 were included in the study, with 329 in the low FEV1 group and 5017 in the normal group. The weighted prevalence of low FEV1 among young adults was 7.1% (95% CI 6.0 to 8.2). Low body mass index (OR=3.06, 95% CI 1.79 to 5.24), doctor-diagnosed asthma (OR=2.25, 1.28 to 3.93), and wheezing or whistling (OR=1.57, 1.06 to 2.33) were identified as independent risk factors for low FEV1. Over a 15-year follow-up, individuals in the low FEV1 group exhibited a higher likelihood of Medicaid use compared with those in the normal group (HR=1.73, 1.07 to 2.79). However, there was no statistically significant increase in the risk of all-cause mortality over a 30-year follow-up period (HR=1.48, 1.00 to 2.19). CONCLUSIONS: A considerable portion of young adults demonstrated low FEV1 levels, a characteristic that was associated with a higher risk of Medicaid use over a long-term follow-up, yet not linked to an augmented risk of all-cause mortality.

Costs of End-of-Life Hospitalizations in the United States for People With Pulmonary Diseases.

BACKGROUND: Lung transplantation is a lifesaving intervention for people with advanced lung disease, but it is costly and resource-intensive. To investigate the cost-effectiveness of lung transplantation as a treatment option in pulmonary disease, we must understand costs attributable to end-of-life hospitalizations for end-stage lung disease. RESEARCH QUESTION: What are the costs associated with end-of-life hospitalizations for people with pulmonary disease, and how have these trends changed over time? STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Adults aged 18 to 74 years with hospitalization data in the Cost and Utilization Project National Inpatient Sample data from 2009 to 2019 with a pulmonary disease admission were included in this analysis. Those with a history of lung transplantation were excluded. International Classification of Diseases codes were used to identify pulmonary disease admissions, complications, and procedures and interventions. Total charges were calculated for hospitalizations and stratified by patient status at time of discharge. Trends in charges over time were assessed by demographic and hospital factors. RESULTS: One hundred nine thousand nine hundred twenty-four (4.1%) hospital admissions for pulmonary disease resulted in in-hospital mortality. Those with obstructive lung disease accounted for 94.1% of hospitalizations and 88.1% cases of in-hospital mortality. Estimated costs for end-of-life hospitalizations were $29,981 on average with wide variation in cost by diagnosis and procedure utilization. Inpatient costs were highest for younger people who received more procedures. Among the most expensive admissions, mechanical ventilation accounted for the greatest proportion of interventions. Significant increases in the use of mechanical ventilation, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, and dialysis occurred over the time period. The rate of hospital transfers increased with a proportionately greater increase across admissions resulting in in-hospital mortality. INTERPRETATION: Costs accrued during end-of-life hospitalizations vary across people but represent a significant health care cost that can be averted for selected people who undergo lung transplantation. These costs should be considered in studies of cost-effectiveness in lung transplantation.

Características de los niños y adolescentes con enfermedades pulmonares crónicas derivados para evaluación por equipo de trasplante pulmonar de Uruguay en el período 2003 - 2023 / Characteristics of children and adolescents with chronic lung diseases referred for assessment by the Uruguayan lung transplant team in 2003 - 2023 / Características de crianças e adolescentes com doenças pulmonares crônicas referidas para avaliação pela equipe uruguaia de transplante pulmonar no período 2003 - 2023

Introducción: el trasplante pulmonar se ha consolidado en los últimos años como una opción terapéutica para niños y adolescentes con enfermedad pulmonar grave en la que han fracasado otros tratamientos. Este procedimiento otorga una buena calidad de vida y una supervivencia prolongada, similar a la del trasplante realizado en pacientes adultos. La indicación general para el trasplante pulmonar es la insuficiencia respiratoria progresiva, y potencialmente letal, debida a una enfermedad pulmonar parenquimatosa o vascular. La selección de candidatos a trasplante es compleja, requiriendo condiciones médicas y socioambientales específicas. Objetivos: analizar las características clínicas de los pacientes pediátricos con enfermedades pulmonares crónicas derivados para evaluación por el equipo de trasplante pulmonar de Uruguay. Analizar las características clínicas y sobrevida de los pacientes trasplantados pulmonares pediátricos uruguayos. Material y métodos: estudio descriptivo y retrospectivo de todos los pacientes menores de 19 años derivados al equipo de trasplante pulmonar entre 2003 y 2023. Datos obtenidos de la base del programa y mediante revisión de historias clínicas. Resultados: se incluyeron 30 pacientes (15 de sexo masculino). La media de edad de los pacientes derivados fue de 13,4 ± 3,6 años. Las etiologías de los pacientes derivados fueron 17/30 (56,6%) fibrosis quística, 4/30 (13,3%) bronquiolitis obliterante postrasplante de médula ósea, 4/30 (13,3%) hipertensión pulmonar, 3/30 (10%) bronquiolitis obliterante posinfecciosa y 2/30 (6,6%) enfermedad pulmonar intersticial difusa. Ingresaron en lista de trasplante 14 pacientes, de los cuales 9 se trasplantaron, 1 se mantiene en lista de espera y 4 fallecieron a la espera del trasplante. Del resto de los pacientes derivados para evaluación: 7 pacientes se encuentran aún en evaluación. Fueron excluidos por razones psicosociales o causas médicas 2 pacientes. Dos pacientes tuvieron pérdida de seguimiento y otros 5 fallecieron durante la evaluación. Las etiologías de los pacientes trasplantados pediátricos fueron fibrosis quística (3/9), bronquiolitis obliterante postrasplante de médula ósea (3/9) e hipertensión pulmonar (3/9). De los pacientes trasplantados, 5 fallecieron (2 en el posoperatorio y 3 fallecieron por sepsis entre 1-2 años postrasplante). Los restantes pacientes están en seguimiento postrasplante hace un mes, 2, 7 y 9 años. No se han encontrado diferencias estadísticamente significativas en la sobrevida condicional cuando se compararon pacientes adultos y pediátricos. Conclusiones: los resultados en los pacientes trasplantados en cuanto a características y causas de mortalidad son comparables con los reportados internacionalmente. La mortalidad postrasplante fue algo mayor que en otros estudios, pero creemos que existe sesgo por el bajo número de pacientes. Dados los resultados mencionados, planteamos que el trasplante sigue siendo una alternativa terapéutica válida en nuestro medio. Los desafíos de este tratamiento incluyen la disponibilidad limitada de órganos de donantes adecuados, la toxicidad de los medicamentos inmunosupresores necesarios para prevenir el rechazo, la prevención y el tratamiento de la bronquiolitis obliterante, así como maximizar el crecimiento, el desarrollo y la calidad de vida de los receptores.

Summary: Introduction: lung transplantation has been recently consolidated as a therapeutic option for children and adolescents with severe lung disease when other treatments have failed. This procedure provides a good quality of life and additional survival, similar to that of transplantation in adult patients. The general indication for lung transplantation is progressive, potentially fatal respiratory failure due to parenchymal or vascular lung disease. The selection of transplant candidates is complex, requiring specific medical and socio-environmental conditions. Objectives: to analyze the clinical characteristics of pediatric patients with chronic lung diseases referred for evaluation by the Uruguayan lung transplant team. To analyze the clinical characteristics and survival of Uruguayan pediatric lung transplant patients. Material and methods: descriptive and retrospective study of all patients under 19 years of age referred to the lung transplant team between 2003 and 2023. The data was obtained from the program's database and through medical records' review. Results: 30 patients were included (15 male). The mean age of the referred patients was 13.4 ± 3.6 years. Etiologies were 17/30 (56.6%) cystic fibrosis, 4/30 (13.3%) bronchiolitis obliterans post-bone marrow transplant, 4/30 (13.3%) pulmonary hypertension, 3 /30 (10%) post-infectious bronchiolitis obliterans, and 2/30 (6.6%) diffuse interstitial lung disease. 14 patients were placed on the transplant list, of which 9 were transplanted, 1 remains on the waiting list and 4 died while waiting for the transplant. Of the rest of the patients referred for evaluation: 7 patients are still under evaluation. 2 patients were excluded for psychosocial reasons or medical reasons. 2 patients could not be followed-up and other 5 died during the evaluation. The etiologies of the pediatric transplant patients were cystic fibrosis (3/9), post-bone marrow transplant bronchiolitis obliterans (3/9), and pulmonary hypertension (3/9). Of the transplanted patients, 5 died (two in the post-operative period, and three died from sepsis between 1-2 years post-transplant). The remaining patients are in post-transplant follow-up for 1 month, 2, 7 and 9 years. No statistically significant differences in conditional survival were found when comparing adult and pediatric patients. Conclusions: results in transplanted patients in terms of characteristics and causes of mortality are comparable with those reported internationally. Post-transplant mortality was somewhat higher than in other studies, but we believe that there is bias due to the low number of patients. Given the results above, we propose that transplantation continues to be a valid therapeutic alternative in our country. The challenges of this treatment include the limited availability of suitable donor organs, the toxicity of immunosuppressive medications necessary to prevent rejection, prevention and treatment of bronchiolitis obliterans, as well as maximizing the growth, development and quality of life of the receivers.

Introdução: o transplante pulmonar consolidou-se nos últimos anos como opção terapêutica para crianças e adolescentes com doença pulmonar grave, nas quais outros tratamentos falharam. Esse procedimento proporciona boa qualidade de vida e sobrevida prolongada, semelhante ao transplante realizado em pacientes adultos. A indicação geral para transplante pulmonar é insuficiência respiratória progressiva e potencialmente fatal devido a doença pulmonar parenquimatosa ou vascular. A seleção de candidatos a transplantes é complexa, exigindo condições médicas e socioambientais específicas. Objetivos: analisar as características clínicas de pacientes pediátricos com doenças pulmonares crônicas encaminhados para avaliação pela equipe uruguaia de transplante pulmonar. Analisar as características clínicas e a sobrevida de pacientes pediátricos uruguaios transplantados pulmonares. Material e métodos: estudo descritivo e retrospectivo de todos os pacientes menores de 19 anos encaminhados à equipe de transplante pulmonar entre 2003 e 2023. Os dados foram obtidos no banco de dados do programa e por meio de revisão de prontuários. Foram incluídos 30 pacientes (15 do sexo masculino). A média de idade dos pacientes encaminhados foi de 13,4 ± 3,6 anos. As etiologias dos pacientes encaminhados foram 17/30 (56,6%) fibrose cística, 4/30 (13,3%) bronquiolite obliterante pós-transplante de medula óssea, 4/30 (13,3%) hipertensão pulmonar, 3/30 (10%) pós -bronquiolite obliterante infecciosa e 2/30 (6,6%) doença pulmonar intersticial difusa. Foram colocados na lista de transplante 14 pacientes, dos quais 9 foram transplantados, 1 permanece em lista de espera e 4 faleceram enquanto aguardavam o transplante. Do restante dos pacientes encaminhados para avaliação: 7 pacientes ainda estão em avaliação, 2 pacientes foram excluídos por motivos psicossociais ou médicos. 2 pacientes foram perdidos no acompanhamento e outros 5 faleceram durante a avaliação. As etiologias dos pacientes transplantados pediátricos foram fibrose cística (3/9), bronquiolite obliterante pós-transplante de medula óssea (3/9) e hipertensão pulmonar (3/9). Dos pacientes transplantados, 5 faleceram (dois no pós-operatório e três por sepse entre 1-2 anos pós-transplante). Os demais pacientes estão em acompanhamento pós-transplante por 1 mês, 2, 7 e 9 anos. Não foram encontradas diferenças estatisticamente significativas na sobrevida condicional quando comparamos pacientes adultos e pediátricos. Conclusões: os resultados em pacientes transplantados em termos de características e causas de mortalidade são comparáveis aos relatados internacionalmente. A mortalidade pós-transplante foi um pouco maior do que em outros estudos, mas acreditamos que exista viés devido ao baixo número de pacientes. Diante dos resultados acima mencionados, propomos que o transplante continue sendo uma alternativa terapêutica válida em nosso meio. Os desafios deste tratamento incluem a disponibilidade limitada de órgãos de doadores adequados, a toxicidade dos medicamentos imunossupressores necessários para prevenir a rejeição, prevenção e tratamento da bronquiolite obliterante, bem como maximizar o crescimento, desenvolvimento e qualidade de vida dos receptores.

A narrative review of nontuberculous mycobacterial pulmonary disease: microbiology, epidemiology, diagnosis, and management challenges.

INTRODUCTION: Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) are a diverse group of mycobacterial species that are ubiquitous in the environment. They are opportunistic pathogens that can cause a range of diseases, especially in individuals with underlying structural lung disease or compromised immune systems. AREAS COVERED: This paper provides an in-depth analysis of NTM infections, including microbiology, environmental sources and transmission pathways, risk factors for disease, epidemiology, clinical manifestations and diagnostic approaches, guideline-based treatment recommendations, drugs under development, and management challenges. EXPERT OPINION: Future approaches to the management of NTM pulmonary disease will require therapies that are well tolerated, can be taken for a shorter time period and perhaps less frequently, have few drug-drug interactions, and are active against the various strains of pathogens. As the numbers of infections increase, such therapies will be welcomed by clinicians and patients.

Assessment of paper dust exposure and chronic respiratory symptoms among paper factory workers in, Ethiopia; a comparative cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Workers in pulp and paper factories are continuously exposed to paper dust. Excessive exposure to paper dust can cause respiratory disease. Information about the prevalence of chronic respiratory symptoms and dust exposure levels among workers in pulp and paper factories is not available in Ethiopia. The aim of this study was, therefore, to assess personal total dust exposure levels, the prevalence of chronic respiratory symptoms and their associated risk factors among workers in Ethiopian pulp and paper factories. METHODS: A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted. A total of 40 dust measurements were carried out on 20 randomly selected workers. To assess chronic respiratory symptoms and associated factors, 434 workers from two paper factories and controls were interviewed using a standard questionnaire adapted from the American Thoracic Society (ATS). Gravimetric analyses of the filters were undertaken using a standard microbalance. Poisson regression was performed for comparing the prevalence of symptoms and risk factors for the two groups. Multivariable analyses were conducted to identify factors associated with chronic respiratory symptoms. RESULT: The arithmetic mean (AM) and geometric mean (GM) of dust exposure levels among the paper factories workers were 11.3 (± 7.7) and 10.2 (± 1.4) mg/m3 respectively. This exposure level exceeded the threshold limit value recommended for total dust (10 mg/m3). The prevalence of having at least one chronic respiratory symptom was about 51% among the workers in paper factories. The prevalence ratio of having chronic respiratory symptoms among paper factory workers was 5.6 times higher (PR = 6, 95% CI 3.5-10.3) than in the controls. Chronic respiratory symptoms were significantly associated with factors such as an educational status of less than grade 9, being employed in the work sections of the factories, having work experience of 5 years and above, working more than 8 h per day and having a past history of occupation and respiratory illnesses. CONCLUSION: The dust concentration in the paper factories exceeded the acceptable recommended limit value of 10 mg/m3. The prevalence of chronic respiratory symptoms among paper factory workers was higher than among controls. The main determining factors for chronic respiratory symptoms among the workers were the specific work section such as production section, low income, having past history of respiratory illnesses, the number of years of working and low educational status. This finding indicated the need for improving the working conditions in paper factories in Ethiopia.

The Additional Medical Expenditure Caused by Depressive Symptoms among Middle-Aged and Elderly Patients with Chronic Lung Diseases in China.

Depression is one of the most common comorbidities in patients with chronic lung diseases (CLDs). Depressive symptoms have an obvious influence on the health function, treatment, and management of CLD patients. In order to investigate the additional medical expenditure caused by depressive symptoms among middle-aged and elderly patients with CLDs in China, and to estimate urban-rural differences in additional medical expenditure, our study used data from the 2018 China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) investigation. A total of 1834 middle-aged and elderly CLD patients were included in this study. A generalized linear regression model was used to analyze the additional medical expenditure on depressive symptoms in CLD patients. The results show that depressive symptoms were associated with an increase in medical costs in patients with CLDs. Nevertheless, the incremental medical costs differed between urban and rural patients. In urban and rural patients with more severe comorbid CLD and depressive symptoms (co-MCDs), the total additional medical costs reached 4704.00 Chinese Yuan (CNY) (USD 711.60) and CNY 2140.20 (USD 323.80), respectively. Likewise, for patients with lower severity co-MCDs, the total additional medical costs of urban patients were higher than those of rural patients (CNY 4908.10 vs. CNY 1169.90) (USD 742.50 vs. USD 176.90). Depressive symptoms were associated with increased medical utilization and expenditure among CLD patients, which varies between urban and rural areas. This study highlights the importance of mental health care for patients with CLDs.

Geo-economic variations in epidemiology, ventilation management and outcome of patients receiving intraoperative ventilation during general anesthesia- posthoc analysis of an observational study in 29 countries.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this analysis is to determine geo-economic variations in epidemiology, ventilator settings and outcome in patients receiving general anesthesia for surgery. METHODS: Posthoc analysis of a worldwide study in 29 countries. Lower and upper middle-income countries (LMIC and UMIC), and high-income countries (HIC) were compared. The coprimary endpoint was the risk for and incidence of postoperative pulmonary complications (PPC); secondary endpoints were intraoperative ventilator settings, intraoperative complications, hospital stay and mortality. RESULTS: Of 9864 patients, 4% originated from LMIC, 11% from UMIC and 85% from HIC. The ARISCAT score was 17.5 [15.0-26.0] in LMIC, 16.0 [3.0-27.0] in UMIC and 15.0 [3.0-26.0] in HIC (P = .003). The incidence of PPC was 9.0% in LMIC, 3.2% in UMIC and 2.5% in HIC (P < .001). Median tidal volume in ml kg- 1 predicted bodyweight (PBW) was 8.6 [7.7-9.7] in LMIC, 8.4 [7.6-9.5] in UMIC and 8.1 [7.2-9.1] in HIC (P < .001). Median positive end-expiratory pressure in cmH2O was 3.3 [2.0-5.0]) in LMIC, 4.0 [3.0-5.0] in UMIC and 5.0 [3.0-5.0] in HIC (P < .001). Median driving pressure in cmH2O was 14.0 [11.5-18.0] in LMIC, 13.5 [11.0-16.0] in UMIC and 12.0 [10.0-15.0] in HIC (P < .001). Median fraction of inspired oxygen in % was 75 [50-80] in LMIC, 50 [50-63] in UMIC and 53 [45-70] in HIC (P < .001). Intraoperative complications occurred in 25.9% in LMIC, in 18.7% in UMIC and in 37.1% in HIC (P < .001). Hospital mortality was 0.0% in LMIC, 1.3% in UMIC and 0.6% in HIC (P = .009). CONCLUSION: The risk for and incidence of PPC is higher in LMIC than in UMIC and HIC. Ventilation management could be improved in LMIC and UMIC. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinicaltrials.gov , identifier: NCT01601223.

Reforming the workers' compensation process for occupational lung disease among miners in South Africa: an efficiency study of claims assessment.

PURPOSE: The large burden of silicosis and tuberculosis (TB) in the South African mining industry, coupled with an under-resourcing of the compensation agencies responsible for certifying occupational lung disease, have resulted in serious backlogs. This work aimed to measure the efficiency gains from triaging occupational lung disease claims using claim type, years of mining exposure and computer aided detection (CAD) to save on scarce medical adjudicators. METHODS: During 2020, the compensation authority started to triage claims for TB and those of miners with < 10 years of service to two-person panels instead of the four-person panel plus radiologist used previously. Efficiency gain was calculated in medical person-units saved and reduction in delays. Different service thresholds predictive of silicosis were simulated, as well as the impact of pre-classification of chest X-rays with CAD using different combinations of sensitivity and specificity. RESULTS: The new triage system saved 20.3% in person-time units and reduced delays by 10-20 days. Without CAD the greatest efficiency gain (28%) was projected from dispensing with a mining service threshold and routing all non-TB claims to the small panels at the outset. Simulation of four different CAD sensitivity/specificity combinations yielded efficiency gains of 18.2-36.1%, with 31.1% judged the most realistic. Use of sensitivity of close to 100% would not be feasible because of the very low resulting specificity. CONCLUSION: Pre-adjudication triage of claims at the compensation agency is capable of saving a substantial proportion of adjudicator time and reducing certification delays. Additional efficiency gains are achievable by referring all claims to small panels to begin with and improvement of CAD performance for this ex-miner population.

Prolonged Prehospital Time Is a Risk Factor for Pneumonia in Trauma (the PRE-TRIP Study): A Retrospective Analysis of the United States National Trauma Data Bank.

BACKGROUND: Although multiple risk factors for development of pneumonia in patients with trauma sustained in a motor vehicle accident have been studied, the effect of prehospital time on pneumonia incidence post-trauma is unknown. RESEARCH QUESTION: Is prolonged prehospital time an independent risk factor for pneumonia? STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed prospectively collected clinical data from 806,012 motor vehicle accident trauma incidents from the roughly 750 trauma hospitals contributing data to the National Trauma Data Bank between 2010 and 2016. RESULTS: Prehospital time was independently associated with development of pneumonia post-motor vehicle trauma (P < .001). This association was primarily driven by patients with low Glasgow Coma Scale scores. Post-trauma pneumonia was uncommon (1.5% incidence) but was associated with a significant increase in mortality (P < .001, 4.3% mortality without pneumonia vs 12.1% mortality with pneumonia). Other pneumonia risk factors included age, sex, race, primary payor, trauma center teaching status, bed size, geographic region, intoxication, comorbid lung disease, steroid use, lower Glasgow Coma Scale score, higher Injury Severity Scale score, blood product transfusion, chest trauma, and respiratory burns. INTERPRETATION: Increased prehospital time is an independent risk factor for development of pneumonia and increased mortality in patients with trauma caused by a motor vehicle accident. Although prehospital time is often not modifiable, its recognition as a pneumonia risk factor is important, because prolonged prehospital time may need to be considered in subsequent decision-making.

Extubation in the operating room results in fewer composite mechanical ventilation-related adverse outcomes in patients after liver transplantation: a retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: To investigate the effect of extubation in the operating room (OR) on mechanical ventilation-related adverse outcomes in patients who undergo liver transplantation. METHODS: Patients who underwent liver transplantation between January 2016 and December 2019 were included. According to the timing of extubation, patients were divided into OR extubation group and intensive care unit (ICU) extubation group. The propensity score was used to match OR extubation group and ICU extubation group at a 1:2 ratio by demographical and clinical covariates. The primary outcome was a composite of mechanical ventilation-related adverse outcomes, including 30-day all-cause mortality, in-hospital acute kidney injury (stage 2 or 3), and in-hospital moderate to severe pulmonary complications. Secondary outcomes included in-hospital moderate to severe infectious complications, unplanned reintubation rates, ICU and postoperative hospital lengths of stay, and total hospital cost. RESULTS: A total of 438 patients were enrolled. After propensity score matching, 94 patients were in OR extubation group and 148 patients were in ICU extubation group. Incidence of the composite mechanical ventilation-related adverse outcomes was significantly lower in OR extubation group than ICU extubation group, even after adjusting for confounding factors (19.1% vs. 31.8%; Odds Ratio, 0.509; 95% Confidence Index [CI], 0.274-0.946; P=0.031). The duration of ICU stay was much shorter in OR extubation group than ICU extubation group (median 4, Interquartile range [IQR] (3 ~ 6) vs. median 6, IQR (4 ~ 8); P<0.001). Meanwhile, extubation in the OR led to a significant reduction of total hospital cost compared with extubation in the ICU (median 3.9, IQR (3.5 ~ 4.6) 10000 US dollars vs. median 4.1, IQR (3.8 ~ 5.1) 10000 US dollars; P=0.021). However, there were no statistically significant differences in moderate to severe infectious complications, unplanned reintubation rates, and the length of postoperative hospital stay between groups. CONCLUSIONS: Among patients who underwent liver transplantation, extubation in the OR compared with extubation in the ICU, significantly reduced the primary composite outcome of 30-day all-cause mortality, in-hospital acute kidney injury (stage 2 or 3), or in-hospital moderate to severe pulmonary complications. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov with registration number NCT04261816. Retrospectively registered on 1st February 2020.

Hospitalization Risk for Medicare Beneficiaries With Nontuberculous Mycobacterial Pulmonary Disease.

BACKGROUND: Nontuberculous mycobacterial pulmonary disease (NTM-PD) is an uncommon mycobacterial infection characterized by worsening lung function and increased health care resource utilization; however, the overall risk for hospitalization among patients with NTM-PD remains unclear. RESEARCH QUESTION: What is the hospitalization risk among older adults with NTM-PD? STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: A retrospective, nested, case-control study was conducted by using the Medicare claims database. Cases were defined as patients with ≥ 2 NTM-PD claims ≥ 30 days apart between January 1, 2007, and December 31, 2015. The study included individuals aged ≥ 65 years with ≥ 12 months of continuous enrollment in both Parts A and B before the first NTM-PD diagnosis. Cases were matched 1:2 to Medicare beneficiaries without NTM-PD (control subjects) according to age and sex. Hospitalizations following the first NTM-PD claim were compared between case and control subjects by using univariate and multivariate analyses. RESULTS: A total of 35,444 case subjects and 65,467 matched control subjects (mean age, 76.6 years; 70% female; ≥ 87% White) were identified. Baseline comorbidities, particularly pulmonary comorbidities, were more common in case subjects than in control subjects (81.1% vs 17.7% for COPD; 44.6% vs 0.6% for bronchiectasis). All-cause hospitalization was observed in 65.7% of case subjects and 44.9% of control subjects. Unadjusted annual hospitalization rates were significantly (P < .05) greater among case subjects than control subjects. Case subjects also had a significantly shorter time to hospitalization than control subjects. The increased burden due to hospitalization was reflected in multivariate analysis adjusting for baseline comorbidities. All-cause hospitalization in patients with NTM-PD relative to control subjects was 1.2 times more likely (relative risk, 1.23; 95% CI, 1.21-1.25; P < .0001) with a 46% greater hazard (hazard ratio, 1.46; 95% CI, 1.43-1.50; P < .0001). INTERPRETATION: Patients with NTM-PD were significantly more likely to be hospitalized, had greater annualized hospitalization rates, and had shorter time to hospitalization than age- and sex-matched control subjects without NTM-PD. These findings highlight the significantly increased burden of hospitalizations among patients with NTM-PD.

Assessment of respiratory dust exposure and lung functions among workers in textile mill (Thamine), Myanmar: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Airborne dusts are being potentially harmful for workers in occupational environment. Exposure to respirable dust is the most important concern in textile workers for the widespread of occupational lung diseases, especially more serious in developing countries. The aim of the study was to assess the respirable dust exposure and associated factors of lung functions among textile workers. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out at a textile mill (Thamine), Yangon Region, from April to December, 2018 and a total of 207 textile workers were randomly selected by using a multistage sampling procedure. Data were collected by using a structured questionnaire for respiratory symptoms, an air sampling pump for assessment of respirable dust exposure, and a spirometer for testing the lung functions. Logistic regression analysis was performed to assess the associated factors of lung functions. Odds ratios with a 95% confidence interval were computed for strength of associations at the significance level of α ≤ 0.05. RESULTS: The mean (± standard deviation, SD) respirable dust exposure was 3.3 mg/m3 (± 0.69) and the prevalence of increased respirable dust exposure (> 3 mg/m3) was 50.7%. The level of respirable dust exposure was highest in the textile workers involving at twisting department. The means (± SD) spirometry values were FVC 82.8% (± 17.8), FEV1 83.6% (± 18.5), and FEV1/FVC 0.9 (± 0.1). Overall magnitude of reduced lung functions was 40.1%, and the prevalence of reduced FVC, FEV1, and FEV1/FVC were 36.7, 34.3 and 3.9% respectively. The current working at twisting department, > 5 years of service duration, respiratory symptoms and increased respirable dust exposure were associated with reduction in FVC and FEV1. CONCLUSIONS: The current working department, service duration, respiratory symptoms and exposure to respirable dust were predictors of lung functions in textile workers. An adequate ventilation, good work practices, hygienic workplace, safety and health training regarding potential health effects, and periodically assessment of lung functions are the critical elements for control of respirable dust exposure and reduction of occupational lung diseases.

Tropical cyclone exposure is associated with increased hospitalization rates in older adults.

Hurricanes and other tropical cyclones have devastating effects on society. Previous case studies have quantified their impact on some health outcomes for particular tropical cyclones, but a comprehensive assessment over longer periods is currently missing. Here, we used data on 70 million Medicare hospitalizations and tropical cyclone exposures over 16 years (1999-2014). We formulated a conditional quasi-Poisson model to examine how tropical cyclone exposure (days greater than Beaufort scale gale-force wind speed; ≥34 knots) affect hospitalizations for 13 mutually-exclusive, clinically-meaningful causes. We found that tropical cyclone exposure was associated with average increases in hospitalizations from several causes over the week following exposure, including respiratory diseases (14.2%; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 10.9-17.9%); infectious and parasitic diseases (4.3%; 95%CI: 1.2-8.1%); and injuries (8.7%; 95%CI: 6.0-11.8%). Average decadal tropical cyclone exposure in all impacted counties would be associated with an estimated 16,772 (95%CI: 8,265-25,278) additional hospitalizations. Our findings demonstrate the need for targeted preparedness strategies for hospital personnel before, during, and after tropical cyclones.

Predictive modeling of nontuberculous mycobacterial pulmonary disease epidemiology using German health claims data.

OBJECTIVES: Administrative claims data are prone to underestimate the burden of non-tuberculous mycobacterial pulmonary disease (NTM-PD). METHODS: We developed machine learning-based algorithms using historical claims data from cases with NTM-PD to predict patients with a high probability of having previously undiagnosed NTM-PD and to assess actual prevalence and incidence. Adults with incident NTM-PD were classified from a representative 5% sample of the German population covered by statutory health insurance during 2011-2016 by the International Classification of Diseases, 10th revision code A31.0. Pre-diagnosis characteristics (patient demographics, comorbidities, diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, and medications) were extracted and compared to that of a control group without NTM-PD to identify risk factors. RESULTS: Applying a random forest model (area under the curve 0.847; total error 19.4%) and a risk threshold of >99%, prevalence and incidence rates in 2016 increased 5-fold and 9-fold to 19 and 15 cases/100,000 population, respectively, for both coded and non-coded vs. coded cases alone. CONCLUSIONS: The use of a machine learning-based algorithm applied to German statutory health insurance claims data predicted a considerable number of previously unreported NTM-PD cases with high probabilty.

Assessment of the impact and reorganization of interventional pulmonology services at a tertiary care centre during nationwide lockdown for COVID-19 pandemic.

COVID 19 pandemic has brought about a sea change in health care practices across the globe. All specialities have changed their way of working during the pandemic. In this study, we evaluated the impact of COVID-19 on the practice of interventional pulmonology at our centre. All interventional pulmonology procedures done during the three months after implementation of lockdown were evaluated retrospectively for patient demographics, clinical diagnosis, indication for procedure and diagnostic accuracy. The changes in practices, additional human resources requirement, the additional cost per procedure and impact on resident training were also assessed. Procedures done during the month of January 2020 were used as controls for comparison. Twenty-two flexible bronchoscopies (75.8%), four semirigid thoracoscopies (13.7%) and three EBUS-TBNAs (10.3%) were carried out during three month lockdown period as compared to 174 during January 2020. Twenty-three of the procedures were for the diagnostic indication (79%), and six were therapeutic (20.6%). The diagnostic yield in suspected neoplasm was 100% while for suspected infections was 58.3%. The percentage of independent procedures being done by residents reduced from 45.4% to 0%. The workforce required per procedure increased from 0.75 to 4-8, and the additional cost per procedure came out to be 135 USD. To conclude, COVID 19 has impacted the interventional pulmonology services in various ways and brought about a need to reorganize the services, while also thinking of innovative ideas to reduce cost without compromising patient safety.

Frequency, Trends, and Outcomes of Cerebrovascular Events Associated With Atrial Fibrillation Hospitalizations.

The main objective is to estimate the frequency, temporal trends, and outcomes of cerebrovascular events associated with atrial fibrillation (AF) hospitalization in the United States. The national inpatient sample data was utilized to identify hospitalizations with a primary or secondary diagnosis of AF from January 1, 2005 through September 31, 2015 for the present analysis. Jonckheere-Terpstra Trend was utilized to analyze trends from 2005 to 2015. Global Wald score was used to assess relative contributions of various covariates towards stroke among AF hospitalizations. Between the years 2005 and 2015, there were 36,457,323 (95.2%) AF hospitalizations without cerebrovascular events and 1,824,608 (4.8%) with cerebrovascular events included in the final analysis. There was a statistically significant increase in the proportion of overall stroke, AIS, and AHS (ptrend value <0.001) per 1,000 AF hospitalizations. The frequency of stroke per 1,000 AF hospitalizations was highest among patients with CHA2DS2VASc score ≥3 and Charlson's comorbidity index ≥3. The trend of in-hospital mortality decreased during the study period, however, it remained higher in those with cerebrovascular events compared to those without. Lastly, hypertension, advancing age, and chronic lung disease were major stroke predicting factors among AF hospitalizations. These cerebrovascular events were associated with longer length of stay and higher costs. In conclusion, the incidence of cerebrovascular events associated with AF hospitalizations remained significantly high and the trend continues to ascend despite technological advancements. Strategies should improve to reduce the risk of AF-related stroke in the United States.

THE ASSESSMENT OF COMORBID PATHOLOGY IN CLEAN-UP WORKERS OF THE ACCIDENT CONSEQUENCES AT THE CHORNOBYL NPP HAVING CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASES. / OTsINKA KOMORBIDNOÏ PATOLOGIÏ V UChASNYKIV LIKVIDATsIÏ NASLIDKIV AVARIÏ NA ChORNOBYL'S'KII AES Z ZAKhVORIuVANNIaMY SERTsEVO-SUDYNNOÏ SYSTEMY.

OBJECTIVE: Analysis of comorbid pathology based on the use of methods for its quantitative assessment in personswho were exposed to radiation because of the Chornobyl accident. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Comorbid pathology was studied in 608 men, including 420 clean-up workers (CW) of theaccident consequences at the Chornobyl NPP (main group) and 188 non-irradiated persons (control group - CG). Allpatients had cardiovascular diseases as their main pathology and were examined in the cardiology department ofthe NRCRM hospital during 2011-2019. The groups did not differ by age, either at the beginning of the accident orat the time of their last examination. Patients of both groups before the accident were practically healthy peopleand were not registered at the dispensary. The Cumulative Illness Rating Scale (CIRS) was used to quantify comorbid pathology. RESULTS: Comorbid pathology was detected in 418 CW (99.5 %) and 183 patients of CG (99.3 %). The total score inCW (10.3 ± 2.9) units significantly (р = 0.000) exceeded the same index in non-irradiated patients (8.8 ± 3.0) units,as well as the mean number of CIRS categories, whose level severity was 1 point (3.3 ± 1.7 vs. 2.6 ± 1.5, р = 0.000),2 points (1.8 ± 1.0 vs. 1.6 ± 1.0, p = 0.032) and 3-4 points (1.2 ± 0.8 vs. 1.0 ± 0.9, р = 0.062). In contrast, the meanvalue of the categories with zero score, i.e. without diseases, was more common in CG (7.8 ± 1.8 vs. 8.8 ± 1.7,р = 0.000). The most common pathology in CW and CG were heart (98.3 % vs. 94.7 %, р < 0.05) and vascular diseases(92.9 % vs. 87.8 %, р > 0.05), followed by diseases of nervous system (79.0 % vs. 57.4 %, р <0.001), musculoskeletal system and skin (69.8 % vs. 56.9 %, р < 0.01), endocrine (56.0 % vs. 49,5 %, р > 0.05) and the respiratory system (53.8 % vs. 53.7 %, р > 0.05) and liver (51.2 % vs. 36.2 %, р < 0.001), which were detected more than in halfpatients of the main group. Diseases of the kidneys (3.3 % vs. 4.8 %, р > 0.05) and lower gastrointestinal tract(3.3 % vs. 0.5 %, р < 0.01) were quite rare. The incidence of the other four CIRS categories was 18.6-34 %. The totalscore in subgroups with different ages varied in descending order of mean values as follows: CW > 65 years (10.5 ± 2.9)units, CW < 65 years (9.9 ± 2.8) units, CG > 65 years (9.5 ± 2.8) units and CG < 65 years (7.8 ± 2.9) units with significant differences both between age subgroups in each of the groups and between CW and CG older subgroups. CONCLUSIONS: Quantitative assessment of comorbidity by CIRS showed that in persons irradiated during their emergency work due to the Chornobyl accident, the incidence of combined pathology of such organ systems as cardiovascular, nervous, endocrine, hematopoietic, urogenital, musculoskeletal, gastrointestinal, liver and kidneys wassignificantly higher than in non-irradiated patients. In irradiated patients, the course of comorbid pathology wasmore severe for each system and in general, reflecting higher values of the total CIRS score. Both among CW andnon-irradiated controls, higher values of the total comorbidity score were observed in patients 65 years and older,compared with younger individuals. In both age subgroups of CW the total score was higher than in patients of thecontrol group.