Application of Global Lung Function Initiative Global Spirometry Reference Equations across a Large, Multicenter Pulmonary Function Lab Population.

Rationale: Global Lung Function Initiative (GLI) Global spirometry reference equations were recently derived to offer a "race-neutral" interpretation option. The impact of transitioning from the race-specific GLI-2012 to the GLI Global reference equations is unknown. Objectives: Describe the direction and magnitude of changes in predicted lung function measurements in a population of diverse race and ethnicity using GLI Global in place of GLI-2012 reference equations. Methods: In this multicenter cross-sectional study using a large pulmonary function laboratory database, 109,447 spirometry tests were reanalyzed using GLI Global reference equations and compared with the existing GLI-2012 standard, stratified by self-reported race and ethnicity. Measurements and Main Results: Mean FEV1 and FVC percent predicted increased in the White and Northeast Asian groups and decreased in the Black, Southeast Asian, and mixed/other race groups. The prevalence of obstruction increased by 9.7% in the White group, and prevalences of possible restriction increased by 51.1% and 37.1% in the Black and Southeast Asian groups, respectively. Using GLI Global in a population with equal representation of all five race and ethnicity groups altered the interpretation category for 10.2% of spirometry tests. Subjects who self-identified as Black were the only group with a relative increase in the frequency of abnormal spirometry test results (32.9%). Conclusions: The use of GLI Global reference equations will significantly impact spirometry interpretation. Although GLI Global offers an innovative approach to transition from race-specific reference equations, it is important to recognize the continued need to place these data within an appropriate clinical context.

Metoprolol for the Prevention of Acute Exacerbations of COPD.

BACKGROUND: Observational studies suggest that beta-blockers may reduce the risk of exacerbations and death in patients with moderate or severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), but these findings have not been confirmed in randomized trials. METHODS: In this prospective, randomized trial, we assigned patients between the ages of 40 and 85 years who had COPD to receive either a beta-blocker (extended-release metoprolol) or placebo. All the patients had a clinical history of COPD, along with moderate airflow limitation and an increased risk of exacerbations, as evidenced by a history of exacerbations during the previous year or the prescribed use of supplemental oxygen. We excluded patients who were already taking a beta-blocker or who had an established indication for the use of such drugs. The primary end point was the time until the first exacerbation of COPD during the treatment period, which ranged from 336 to 350 days, depending on the adjusted dose of metoprolol. RESULTS: A total of 532 patients underwent randomization. The mean (±SD) age of the patients was 65.0±7.8 years; the mean forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) was 41.1±16.3% of the predicted value. The trial was stopped early because of futility with respect to the primary end point and safety concerns. There was no significant between-group difference in the median time until the first exacerbation, which was 202 days in the metoprolol group and 222 days in the placebo group (hazard ratio for metoprolol vs. placebo, 1.05; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.84 to 1.32; P = 0.66). Metoprolol was associated with a higher risk of exacerbation leading to hospitalization (hazard ratio, 1.91; 95% CI, 1.29 to 2.83). The frequency of side effects that were possibly related to metoprolol was similar in the two groups, as was the overall rate of nonrespiratory serious adverse events. During the treatment period, there were 11 deaths in the metoprolol group and 5 in the placebo group. CONCLUSIONS: Among patients with moderate or severe COPD who did not have an established indication for beta-blocker use, the time until the first COPD exacerbation was similar in the metoprolol group and the placebo group. Hospitalization for exacerbation was more common among the patients treated with metoprolol. (Funded by the Department of Defense; BLOCK COPD ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT02587351.).

Impact of hepatopulmonary syndrome in liver transplantation candidates and the role of angiogenesis.

BACKGROUND: Hepatopulmonary syndrome affects 10-30% of patients with cirrhosis and portal hypertension. We evaluated the serum angiogenic profile of hepatopulmonary syndrome and assessed the clinical impact of hepatopulmonary syndrome in patients evaluated for liver transplantation. METHODS: The Pulmonary Vascular Complications of Liver Disease 2 study was a multicentre, prospective cohort study of adults undergoing their first liver transplantation evaluation. Hepatopulmonary syndrome was defined as an alveolar-arterial oxygen gradient ≥15 mmHg (≥20 mmHg if age >64 years), positive contrast-enhanced transthoracic echocardiography and absence of lung disease. RESULTS: We included 85 patients with hepatopulmonary syndrome and 146 patients without hepatopulmonary syndrome. Patients with hepatopulmonary syndrome had more complications of portal hypertension and slightly higher Model for End-Stage Liver Disease-Na score compared to those without hepatopulmonary syndrome (median (interquartile range) 15 (12-19) versus 14 (10-17), p=0.006). Hepatopulmonary syndrome patients had significantly lower 6-min walk distance and worse functional class. Hepatopulmonary syndrome patients had higher circulating angiopoietin 2, Tie2, tenascin C, tyrosine protein kinase Kit (c-Kit), vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 and von Willebrand factor levels, and lower E-selectin levels. Patients with hepatopulmonary syndrome had an increased risk of death (hazard ratio 1.80, 95% CI 1.03-3.16, p=0.04), which persisted despite adjustment for covariates (hazard ratio 1.79, 95% CI 1.02-3.15, p=0.04). This association did not vary based on levels of oxygenation, reflecting the severity of hepatopulmonary syndrome. CONCLUSION: Hepatopulmonary syndrome was associated with a profile of abnormal systemic angiogenesis, worse exercise and functional capacity, and an overall increased risk of death.

Prevalence and Impact of Restrictive Lung Disease in Liver Transplant Candidates.

We investigated the prevalence of spirometric restriction in liver transplantation (LT) candidates and the clinical impacts of restriction. We performed a cross-sectional study within the Pulmonary Vascular Complications of Liver Disease 2 (PVCLD2) study, a multicenter prospective cohort study of patients being evaluated for LT. Patients with obstructive lung disease or missing spirometry or chest imaging were excluded. Patients with and without restriction, defined as a forced vital capacity (FVC) <70% predicted, were compared. Restriction prevalence was 18.4% (63/343). Higher Model for End-Stage Liver Disease-sodium score (odds ratio [OR], 1.06; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.02-1.11; P = 0.007), the presence of pleural effusions (OR, 3.59; 95% CI, 1.96-6.58; P < 0.001), and a history of ascites (OR, 2.59; 95% CI, 1.26-5.33; P = 0.01) were associated with the presence of restriction, though one-third with restriction had neither pleural effusions nor ascites. In multivariate analysis, restriction was significantly and independently associated with lower 6-minute walk distances (least squares mean, 342.0 [95% CI, 316.6-367.4] m versus 395.7 [95% CI, 381.2-410.2] m; P < 0.001), dyspnea (OR, 2.69; 95% CI, 1.46-4.95; P = 0.002), and lower physical component summary Short Form 36 scores indicating worse quality of life (least squares mean, 34.1 [95% CI, 31.5-36.7] versus 38.2 [95% CI, 36.6-39.7]; P = 0.004). Lower FVC percent predicted was associated with an increased risk of death (hazard ratio, 1.16; 95% CI, 1.04-1.27 per 10-point decrease in FVC percent predicted; P = 0.01). Restriction and abnormal lung function are common in LT candidates; can be present in the absence of an obvious cause, such as pleural effusions or ascites; and is associated with worse exercise capacity, quality of life, and survival.

Pulse Oximetry Is Insensitive for Detection of Hepatopulmonary Syndrome in Patients Evaluated for Liver Transplantation.

Screening for hepatopulmonary syndrome (HPS) using pulse oximetry is recommended in liver transplant (LT) candidates because mortality is increased, independently of the severity of the oxygenation defect. LT exception points may be afforded to those with HPS and severe hypoxemia. We assessed the screening characteristics of pulse oximetry for HPS. The Pulmonary Vascular Complications of Liver Disease 2 study is a multicenter, prospective cohort study of adults undergoing their first LT evaluation. Patients underwent protocolized assessment of oxygen saturation by pulse oximetry (SpO2 ), arterial blood gas, spirometry, and contrast-enhanced echocardiography (CE). HPS was defined as an alveolar-arterial gradient ≥15 mm Hg (≥20 mm Hg if age >64 years), intrapulmonary vascular dilatation on CE, and absence of lung disease. The study sample included 363 patients. Of these, 75 (20.7%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 16.6%-25.2%) met the criteria for HPS. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (or c-statistic) for SpO2 in discriminating HPS was 0.59 (95% CI, 0.51-0.66). An SpO2 <96%, recommended by practice guidelines as a threshold to require further testing, had low sensitivity (28%; 95% CI, 18%-28%). The c-statistic of SpO2 in discriminating HPS with a partial pressure of oxygen (PaO2 ) <60 mm Hg (eligible for LT exception points) was 0.76 (95% CI, 0.46-1.00). An SpO2 cutoff of <96% had higher sensitivity for detecting HPS with PaO2 <60 mm Hg (71%; 95% CI, 38%-100%) but was still inadequate. Conclusion: Pulse oximetry is not sufficiently sensitive to screen for HPS in LT candidates. Arterial blood gas and CE are required in LT candidates for diagnosis of HPS.

Simvastatin for the prevention of exacerbations in moderate-to-severe COPD.

BACKGROUND: Retrospective studies have shown that statins decrease the rate and severity of exacerbations, the rate of hospitalization, and mortality in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). We prospectively studied the efficacy of simvastatin in preventing exacerbations in a large, multicenter, randomized trial. METHODS: We designed the Prospective Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial of Simvastatin in the Prevention of COPD Exacerbations (STATCOPE) as a randomized, controlled trial of simvastatin (at a daily dose of 40 mg) versus placebo, with annual exacerbation rates as the primary outcome. Patients were eligible if they were 40 to 80 years of age, had COPD (defined by a forced expiratory volume in 1 second [FEV1] of less than 80% and a ratio of FEV1 to forced vital capacity of less than 70%), and had a smoking history of 10 or more pack-years, were receiving supplemental oxygen or treatment with glucocorticoids or antibiotic agents, or had had an emergency department visit or hospitalization for COPD within the past year. Patients with diabetes or cardiovascular disease and those who were taking statins or who required statins on the basis of Adult Treatment Panel III criteria were excluded. Participants were treated from 12 to 36 months at 45 centers. RESULTS: A total of 885 participants with COPD were enrolled for approximately 641 days; 44% of the patients were women. The patients had a mean (±SD) age of 62.2±8.4 years, an FEV1 that was 41.6±17.7% of the predicted value, and a smoking history of 50.6±27.4 pack-years. At the time of study closeout, the low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels were lower in the simvastatin-treated patients than in those who received placebo. The mean number of exacerbations per person-year was similar in the simvastatin and placebo groups: 1.36±1.61 exacerbations and 1.39±1.73 exacerbations, respectively (P=0.54). The median number of days to the first exacerbation was also similar: 223 days (95% confidence interval [CI], 195 to 275) and 231 days (95% CI, 193 to 303), respectively (P=0.34). The number of nonfatal serious adverse events per person-year was similar, as well: 0.63 events with simvastatin and 0.62 events with placebo. There were 30 deaths in the placebo group and 28 in the simvastatin group (P=0.89). CONCLUSIONS: Simvastatin at a daily dose of 40 mg did not affect exacerbation rates or the time to a first exacerbation in patients with COPD who were at high risk for exacerbations. (Funded by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute and the Canadian Institutes of Health Research; STATCOPE ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT01061671.).

Effect of beta-blockers on exacerbation rate and lung function in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

BACKGROUND: Beta-blockers are commonly prescribed for patients with cardiovascular disease. Providers have been wary of treating chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients with beta-blockers due to concern for bronchospasm, but retrospective studies have shown that cardio-selective beta-blockers are safe in COPD and possibly beneficial. However, these benefits may reflect symptom improvements due to the cardiac effects of the medication. The purpose of this study is to evaluate associations between beta-blocker use and both exacerbation rates and longitudinal measures of lung function in two well-characterized COPD cohorts. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 1219 participants with over 180 days of follow up from the STATCOPE trial, which excluded most cardiac comorbidities, and from the placebo arm of the MACRO trial. Primary endpoints were exacerbation rates per person-year and change in spirometry over time in association with beta blocker use. RESULTS: Overall 13.9% (170/1219) of participants reported taking beta-blockers at enrollment. We found no statistically significant differences in exacerbation rates with respect to beta-blocker use regardless of the prevalence of cardiac comorbidities. In the MACRO cohort, patients taking beta-blockers had an exacerbation rate of 1.72/person-year versus a rate of 1.71/person-year in patients not taking beta-blockers. In the STATCOPE cohort, patients taking beta-blockers had an exacerbation rate of 1.14/person-year. Patients without beta-blockers had an exacerbation rate of 1.34/person-year. We found no detrimental effect of beta blockers with respect to change in lung function over time. CONCLUSION: We found no evidence that beta-blocker use was unsafe or associated with worse pulmonary outcomes in study participants with moderate to severe COPD.

The sawtooth sign is predictive of obstructive sleep apnea.

BACKGROUND: The sawtooth sign in spirometry is associated with redundant upper airway tissue and snoring, but its predictive value for identifying obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is disputed. We retrospectively assessed the predictive value of the spirometric sawtooth sign in terms of the odds ratio (OR) of association with a diagnosis of OSA compared to those without the sign. METHODS: Consecutive spirometry reports showing a sawtooth sign were identified from our laboratory. We identified 50 subjects with sawtooth sign and 100 control subjects without sawtooth sign, matched for age, BMI, and gender. The electronic medical record of each patient was queried for a diagnosis of OSA based on physician-reported diagnoses. RESULTS: Of the 50 subjects with sawtooth sign, 22 were found to have a current diagnosis of OSA (44%). Twenty-seven of the 100 controls (27%) also had OSA. From logistic regression analysis, sawtooth sign was associated with an increased likelihood of OSA (OR = 2.12, 95% C.I. 1.04 to 4.35). Similar results were obtained after adjustment for age, gender, pack years, and BMI (OR = 2.61, 95% C.I. 1.13 to 6.21). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with the sawtooth sign have greater odds of having a diagnosis of OSA compared with those without the sign. If prospectively evaluated, as a result of improved identification, we hypothesize that the sawtooth sign may show an even stronger association with OSA. This relatively common finding, which adds no cost to routine spirometry, may serve as an indicator for OSA workup for some individuals not already identified as having OSA.

Incident pneumonia and mortality in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. A double effect of inhaled corticosteroids?

Inhaled corticosteroids are commonly prescribed for patients with severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Although their use improves quality of life and reduces exacerbations, it is associated with increased risk of pneumonia. Curiously, their use has not been associated with increased risk of pneumonia-related or overall mortality. We review pertinent literature to further explore the effects of inhaled corticosteroids on incident pneumonia and mortality in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The association of use of inhaled corticosteroids and incident pneumonia is substantial and has been present in the majority of the studies on the topic. This includes both randomized controlled trials and observational studies. However, all of the studies have substantial risk of bias. Most randomized trials are limited by lack of systematic ascertainment of pneumonia; they depended on adverse event reporting. Many observational studies included proper radiographic assessment of pneumonia, but they are limited by their retrospective, observational design. The unadjusted higher risk of pneumonia is associated with longer duration of use, more potent ICS compounds, and higher doses. That implies a dose-effect relationship. Unlike pneumonia, mortality is a precise outcome. Despite the robust association of inhaled corticosteroid use with increased risk of pneumonia, all studies find either no difference or a reduction in pulmonary-related and overall mortality associated with the use of inhaled corticosteroids. These observations suggest a double effect of inhaled corticosteroids (i.e., an adverse effect plus an unexplained mitigating effect).

Association of Inhaled Corticosteroids with Incident Pneumonia and Mortality in COPD Patients; Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Inhaled corticosteroids are commonly prescribed for patients with severe COPD. They have been associated with increased risk of pneumonia but not with increased pneumonia-associated or overall mortality. METHODS: To further examine the effects of inhaled corticosteroids on pneumonia incidence, and mortality in COPD patients, we searched for potentially relevant articles in PubMed, Medline, CENTRAL, EMBASE, Scopus, Web of Science and manufacturers' web clinical trial registries from 1994 to February 4, 2014. Additionally, we checked the included and excluded studies' bibliographies. We subsequently performed systematic review and meta-analysis of included randomized controlled trials and observational studies on the topic. RESULTS: We identified 38 studies: 29 randomized controlled trials and nine observational studies. The estimated unadjusted risk of pneumonia was increased in randomized trials: RR 1.61; 95% CI 1.35-1.93, p < 0.001; as well as in observational studies: OR 1.89; 95% CI 1.39-2.58, p < 0·001. Six randomized trials and seven observational studies were useful in estimating unadjusted risk of pneumonia -case-fatality: RR 0.91; 95% CI 0.52-1.59, p = 0.74; and OR 0.72; 95% CI 0.59-0.88, p = 0.001, respectively. Twenty-nine randomized trials and six observational studies allowed estimation of unadjusted risk of overall mortality: RR 0.95; 95% CI 0.85-1.05, p = 0.31; and OR 0.79; 95% CI 0.65-0.97, p = 0.02, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Despite a substantial and significant increase in unadjusted risk of pneumonia associated with inhaled corticosteroid use, pneumonia fatality and overall mortality were found not to be increased in randomized controlled trials and were decreased in observational studies.

Predictors of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease exacerbation reduction in response to daily azithromycin therapy.

RATIONALE: Daily azithromycin decreases acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD), but long-term side effects are unknown. OBJECTIVES: To identify the types of exacerbations most likely to be reduced and clinical subgroups most likely to benefit from azithromycin, 250 mg daily, added to usual care. METHODS: Enrollment criteria included irreversible airflow limitation and AECOPD requiring corticosteroids, emergency department visit, or hospitalization in the prior year or use of supplemental oxygen. Recurrent events and cumulative incidence analyses compared treatment received for AECOPD by randomization group, stratified by subgroups of interest. Cox proportional hazards models estimated treatment effects in subgroups adjusted for age, sex, smoking status, FEV1% predicted, concomitant COPD medications, and oxygen use. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Azithromycin was most effective in reducing AECOPD requiring both antibiotic and steroid treatment (n = 1,113; cumulative incidence analysis, P = 0.0002; recurrent events analysis, P = 0.002). No difference in treatment response by sex (P = 0.75), presence of chronic bronchitis (P = 0.19), concomitant inhaled therapy (P = 0.29), or supplemental oxygen use (P = 0.23) was observed. Older age and milder Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease stage were associated with better treatment response (P = 0.02 and 0.04, respectively). A significant interaction between treatment and current smoking was seen (P = 0.03) and azithromycin did not reduce exacerbations in current smokers (hazard ratio, 0.99; 95% confidence interval, 0.71-1.38; P = 0.95). CONCLUSIONS: Azithromycin is most effective in preventing AECOPD requiring both antibiotic and steroid treatment. Adjusting for confounders, we saw no difference in efficacy by sex, history of chronic bronchitis, oxygen use, or concomitant COPD therapy. Greater efficacy was seen in older patients and milder Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease stages. We found little evidence of treatment effect among current smokers. Clinical trial registered with www.clinicaltrials.gov (NCT0011986 and NCT00325897).

Changes in forced expiratory volume in 1 second over time in COPD.

BACKGROUND: A key feature of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is an accelerated rate of decline in forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV(1)), but data on the variability and determinants of this change in patients who have established disease are scarce. METHODS: We analyzed the changes in FEV(1) after administration of a bronchodilator over a 3-year period in 2163 patients. A random-coefficient model was used to evaluate possible predictors of both FEV(1) levels and their changes over time. RESULTS: The mean (±SE) rate of change in FEV(1) was a decline of 33±2 ml per year, with significant variation among the patients studied. The between-patient standard deviation for the rate of decline was 59 ml per year. Over the 3-year study period, 38% of patients had an estimated decline in FEV(1) of more than 40 ml per year, 31% had a decline of 21 to 40 ml per year, 23% had a change in FEV(1) that ranged from a decrease of 20 ml per year to an increase of 20 ml per year, and 8% had an increase of more than 20 ml per year. The mean rate of decline in FEV(1) was 21±4 ml per year greater in current smokers than in current nonsmokers, 13±4 ml per year greater in patients with emphysema than in those without emphysema, and 17±4 ml per year greater in patients with bronchodilator reversibility than in those without reversibility. CONCLUSIONS: The rate of change in FEV(1) among patients with COPD is highly variable, with increased rates of decline among current smokers, patients with bronchodilator reversibility, and patients with emphysema.

Azithromycin for prevention of exacerbations of COPD.

BACKGROUND: Acute exacerbations adversely affect patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Macrolide antibiotics benefit patients with a variety of inflammatory airway diseases. METHODS: We performed a randomized trial to determine whether azithromycin decreased the frequency of exacerbations in participants with COPD who had an increased risk of exacerbations but no hearing impairment, resting tachycardia, or apparent risk of prolongation of the corrected QT interval. RESULTS: A total of 1577 subjects were screened; 1142 (72%) were randomly assigned to receive azithromycin, at a dose of 250 mg daily (570 participants), or placebo (572 participants) for 1 year in addition to their usual care. The rate of 1-year follow-up was 89% in the azithromycin group and 90% in the placebo group. The median time to the first exacerbation was 266 days (95% confidence interval [CI], 227 to 313) among participants receiving azithromycin, as compared with 174 days (95% CI, 143 to 215) among participants receiving placebo (P<0.001). The frequency of exacerbations was 1.48 exacerbations per patient-year in the azithromycin group, as compared with 1.83 per patient-year in the placebo group (P=0.01), and the hazard ratio for having an acute exacerbation of COPD per patient-year in the azithromycin group was 0.73 (95% CI, 0.63 to 0.84; P<0.001). The scores on the St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire (on a scale of 0 to 100, with lower scores indicating better functioning) improved more in the azithromycin group than in the placebo group (a mean [±SD] decrease of 2.8±12.8 vs. 0.6±11.4, P=0.004); the percentage of participants with more than the minimal clinically important difference of -4 units was 43% in the azithromycin group, as compared with 36% in the placebo group (P=0.03). Hearing decrements were more common in the azithromycin group than in the placebo group (25% vs. 20%, P=0.04). CONCLUSIONS: Among selected subjects with COPD, azithromycin taken daily for 1 year, when added to usual treatment, decreased the frequency of exacerbations and improved quality of life but caused hearing decrements in a small percentage of subjects. Although this intervention could change microbial resistance patterns, the effect of this change is not known. (Funded by the National Institutes of Health; ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT00325897.).

Chronic productive cough is associated with death in smokers with early COPD.

Cough and phlegm are common in COPD. Previous studies have shown conflicting evidence regarding their association with mortality and lung function. We sought to better understand how cough and phlegm impact mortality and lung function in COPD. We analyzed data from the Lung Health Study, consisting of 5,887 smokers with mild to moderate airflow obstruction followed longitudinally. We assessed the association between baseline symptoms of cough alone, phlegm alone, and cough and phlegm with 12.5-year mortality and annual lung function decline. Average age at entry was 48.5 years (± 6.8) with 63% males and 4% African Americans. Cough alone was present in 17%, phlegm alone in 12%, while 31% had both. Neither symptom alone was associated with death, but the combination was associated with increased risk of death after adjustment for age, gender, race, smoking status at year 5, pack-years smoked, randomization group, baseline FEV1 percent predicted (HR 1.27, 95% CI 1.02-1.59). Individuals with cough and phlegm together more commonly died of respiratory causes than those without. Cough with phlegm was associated with 48 mL lower baseline FEV1 (95% CI -90, -6), while neither symptom alone was associated with baseline FEV1. No symptom was associated with FEV1 longitudinally. Cough and phlegm together are associated with mortality and lung function decrement in mild-to-moderate COPD, independent of lung function and smoking status. Respiratory causes of death are common among those with cough and phlegm. Such information can help to identify subsets of individuals with COPD having higher risk for adverse outcomes.

Comparison of adult hesitancy towards COVID-19 vaccines and vaccines in general in the USA.

BACKGROUND: Adults who are hesitant toward routinely recommended vaccines for adults may also be hesitant toward COVID-19 vaccines. However, the distribution and differences in hesitancy between routinely recommended vaccines and COVID-19 vaccines, and the association of hesitancy regarding routinely recommended vaccines and hesitancy with COVID-19 vaccination status and intent, is unknown. METHODS: Using the Research and Development Survey (RANDS) during COVID-19, Round 3, a probability-sampled, nationally representative, web and phone survey fielded from May 17 - June 30, 2021 (n = 5,434), we examined the distribution and difference in prevalence of hesitancy towards COVID-19 and vaccines in general, beliefs associated with vaccine hesitancy, and factors impacting plans to be vaccinated against COVID-19. RESULTS: Reported hesitancy towards COVID-19 vaccines (42.2%) was 6-percentage points higher than hesitancy towards vaccines in general (35.7%). Populations who were most hesitant toward COVID-19 vaccines were younger adults, non-Hispanic Black adults, adults with lower education or income, and adults who were associated with a religion. Beliefs in the social benefit and the importance of vaccination, and the belief that COVID-19 vaccines lower risk for infection, were strongly associated with COVID-19 vaccination and intent to be vaccinated. CONCLUSIONS: Vaccine hesitancy for both COVID-19 vaccines and vaccines in general is common. Health providers and public health officials should utilize strategies to address vaccine hesitancy, including providing strong clear recommendations for needed vaccines, addressing safety and effectiveness concerns, and utilizing trusted messengers such as religious and community leaders to improve vaccine confidence.

Adjusting diffusing capacity for anemia in patients undergoing allogeneic HCT: a comparison of two methodologies.

BACKGROUND: Diffusing capacity (DLCO) measurements are affected by hemoglobin. Two adjustment equations are used: Cotes (recommended by ATS/ERS) and Dinakara (used in the hematopoietic stem cell transplantation comorbidity index [HCT-CI]). It is unknown how these methods compare, and which is better from a prognostication standpoint. STUDY DESIGN: This is a retrospective cohort of 1273 adult patients who underwent allogeneic HCT, completed a pre-transplant DLCO and had a concurrent hemoglobin measurement. Non-relapse mortality was measured using competing risk analysis. RESULTS: Patients had normal spirometry (FEV1 99.7% [IQR: 89.4-109.8%; FVC 100.1% [IQR: 91.0-109.6%] predicted), left ventricular ejection fraction (57.2[6.7]%) and right ventricular systolic pressure (30.1[7.0] mmHg). Cotes-DLCO was 85.6% (IQR: 76.5-95.7%) and Dinakara-DLCO was 103.6% (IQR: 90.7-117.2%) predicted. For anemic patients (Hb<10g/dL), Cotes-DLCO was 84.2% (IQR: 73.9-94.1%) while Dinakara-DLCO 111.0% (97.3-124.7%) predicted. Cotes-DLCO increased HCT-CI score for 323 (25.4%) and decreased for 4 (0.3%) patients. Cotes-DLCO was superior for predicting non-relapse mortality: for both mild (66-80% predicted, HR 1.55 [95%CI: 1.26-1.92, p < 0.001]) and moderate (<65% predicted, HR 2.11 [95%CI: 1.55-2.87, p<0.001]) impairment. In contrast, for Dinakara-DLCO, only mild impairment (HR 1.69 [95%CI 1.26-2.27, p < 0.001]) was associated with lower survival while moderate impairment was not (HR 1.44 [95%CI: 0.64-3.21, p = 0.4]). In multivariable analyses, after adjusting for demographics, hematologic variables, cardiac function and FEV1, Cotes-DLCO was predictive of overall survival at 1-year (OR 0.98 [95%CI: 0.97-1.00], p = 0.01), but Dinakara-DLCO was not (OR 1.00 [95%CI: 0.98-1.00], p = 0.20). CONCLUSION: The ERS/ATS recommended Cotes method likely underestimates DLCO in patients with anemia, whereas the Dinakara (used in the HCT-CI score) overestimates DLCO. The Cotes method is superior to the Dinakara method score in predicting overall survival and relapse-free survival in patients undergoing allogeneic HCT.

Spirometric predictors of lung function decline and mortality in early chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

RATIONALE: The course of lung function decline for smokers with early airflow obstruction remains undefined. It is also unclear which early spirometric characteristics identify individuals at risk for rapid decline and increased mortality. OBJECTIVES: To determine the association between spirometric measures and 5-year decline in FEV(1) and 12-year mortality. METHODS: We analyzed longitudinal data from the Lung Health Study, a clinical trial of intensive smoking cessation intervention with or without bronchodilator therapy in 5,887 smokers with mild to moderate airflow obstruction. Participants were stratified into bins of baseline FEV(1) to FVC ratio, using bins of 5%, and separately into bins of Z-score (difference between actual and predicted FEV(1)/FVC, normalized to SD of predicted FEV(1)/FVC). Associations between spirometric measures and FEV(1) decline and mortality were determined after adjusting for baseline characteristics and time-varying smoking status. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: The cohort was approximately two-thirds male, predominantly of white race (96%), and with mean age of 49 ± 7 years. In general, individuals with lower lung function by any metric had more rapid adjusted FEV(1) decline. A threshold for differential decline was present at FEV(1)/FVC less than 0.65 (P < 0.001) and Z-score less than -2 (2.3 percentile) (P < 0.001). At year 12, 575 (7.2%) of the cohort had died. Lower thresholds of each spirometric metric were associated with increasing adjusted hazard of death. CONCLUSIONS: Smokers at risk or with mild to moderate chronic obstructive pulmonary disease have accelerated lung function decline. Individuals with lower baseline FEV(1)/FVC have more rapid decline and worse mortality.

Changes in body composition in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: do they influence patient-related outcomes?

AIMS: The follow-up of the ECLIPSE study, a prospective longitudinal study to identify and define parameters that predict disease progression over 3 years in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), allows the examination of the effect of body composition changes on COPD-related outcomes. METHODS: Body composition and health status were established in 2,115 COPD patients, 327 smoking and 239 nonsmoking controls at baseline and 3 years, while mortality was recorded in year 2 and 3 in the COPD patients. Associations between fat free mass index (FFMI) and fat mass index (FMI) changes to deterioration in health status and mortality were determined. RESULTS: Change in FFMI and FMI over 3 years was small and comparable between the groups. Underweight and obese patients had the worst health status. Worsening health status was associated with FFMI decrease in underweight patients and FMI increase in overweight/obese patients. While overweight patients had the lowest mortality, FFMI or FMI decrease was associated with a higher mortality. CONCLUSION: Changes in body composition over 3 years were small and comparable in COPD patients and control subjects. Nevertheless, muscle mass decline in underweight and fat mass increase in overweight/obese patients is associated with worsening health status. Overweight is associated with decreased mortality, but muscle mass and fat mass decline are detrimental for mortality.

Combined Pulmonary Fibrosis and Emphysema: A Narrative Review.

Combined pulmonary fibrosis and emphysema (CPFE) syndrome refers to co-occurrence of two disease processes in the lung that can be difficult to diagnose but is associated with high morbidity and mortality burden. Diagnosis of CPFE is challenging because the two diseases can counterbalance respective impairments resulting in deceivingly normal-appearing chest radiography and spirometry in a dyspneic patient. Although an international committee published the terminology and definitions of CPFE in 2022, consensus on exact diagnostic criteria and optimal management strategy is yet to be determined. Herein, we provide a narrative review summarizing the literature on CPFE from 1990 to 2022, including historical background, epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical features, imaging and pulmonary function findings, diagnosis, prognosis, complications, and treatment. Although CPFE was initially conceived as a variant presentation of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, it has been recognized to occur in patients with a wide variety of interstitial lung diseases, including connective tissue disease-associated interstitial lung diseases, and hypersensitivity pneumonitis. The affected patients have a heightened risk for pulmonary hypertension and lung cancer. Clinicians need to recognize the characteristic presenting features of CPFE along with prognostic implications of this entity.