Clinical profile and outcomes of COVID-19 positive patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) in a tertiary government COVID-19 referral center

Introduction@#It is anticipated that Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) has greater risk in acquiring COVID-19 infection and poorer outcome. However, current worldwide data are conflicting. @*Objectives@#This study primarily aims to compare the outcomes of COVID-19 patients with COPD and those without COPD in terms of length of hospital stay (LOS), recovery or mortality, treatment received, and predictors of mortality.@*Methods@#This is a retrospective cohort chart review of 1,017 admitted adult COVID-19 patients from July to December 2020. Age, gender, smoking status, current control and medications for COPD, COVID-19 severity, symptoms, treatment, and outcomes of the two study groups were compared.@*Results@#Prevalence rate of COPD was 3.8%. COVID-19 patients with COPD were older (median age of 69 vs 54, p<0.001), male (87% vs 50%, p<0.001), hypertensive (72% vs 48%, p=0.004), and with tuberculosis (31% vs 11%, p=0.002). COVID-19 patients with COPD more commonly needed oxygen therapy, High Flow Nasal Cannula, Mechanical Ventilation, Tocilizumab, Convalescent Plasma Therapy and Dexamethasone, and had longer LOS. Significant risk factors for mortality are malignancy, investigational therapies, smoking, and older age. There was no difference in survival rates between the two groups.@*Conclusion@#COPD increases the risk for severe COVID-19 and lengthens LOS.

Abordaje paliativo en enfermedades respiratorias avanzadas / Palliative Approach in Advanced Respiratory Diseases

Las enfermedades respiratorias crónicas avanzadas son prevalentes y producen deterioro de la calidad de vida, en particular la enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica (EPOC), las enfermedades pulmonares intersticiales difusas (EPID) y las enfermedades neuromusculares progresivas con compromiso diafragmático (ENM). Quienes las padecen presentan síntomas persistentes que no son siempre adecuada-mente controlados por los tratamientos recomendados por las guías clínicas de mane-jo. El tratamiento paliativo de los síntomas persistentes es un punto relevante y suelen presentarse barreras para su implementación.Este artículo ofrece una revisión narrativa sobre una perspectiva latinoamericana acerca del rol de los cuidados paliativos en enfermedades respiratorias avanzadas.

Advanced chronic respiratory diseases are prevalent and cause deterioration in qual-ity of life, particularly chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), diffuse intersti-tial lung diseases (ILD) and progressive neuromuscular diseases with diaphragmatic involvement (NMD). Those who suffer from them usually present persistent symptoms that are not always adequately controlled by the treatments recommended by the clinical management guidelines. Palliative treatment of persistent symptoms is a relevant point, but the pal-liative approach usually presents barriers to its implementation.This article offers a narrative review over Latin American perspective on the role of pal-liative care in advanced respiratory diseases.

Relación entre la distancia recorrida en la prueba de caminata de 6 minutos y el sexo, la edad, comorbilidades y la disnea en pacientes con EPOC / Relationship between the Distance Traveled in the Test of 6- Minute Walk and Sex, Age, Comorbidities and Dyspnea in Patients with CORP

Introducción: la enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica (EPOC) es un trastorno res-piratorio caracterizado por síntomas clínicos y compromiso funcional que afecta la ca-pacidad aeróbica limitando las actividades cotidianas y la calidad de vida. La prueba de caminata de 6 minutos (C6M) es una prueba sencilla y de bajo costo que evalúa la capa-cidad de los pacientes para realizar sus actividades cotidianas. Objetivo: evaluar la re-lación entre la capacidad aeróbica medida por la distancia recorrida en la C6M y el se-xo, edad, disnea y comorbilidades cardiometabólicas en pacientes con EPOC. Material y métodos: estudio de corte transversal, descriptivo, basado en pruebas de caminatas de 6 minutos (C6M) realizadas en pacientes con EPOC. Resultados: se evaluaron 101 pacientes, hombres (63,4%), con una edad promedio de 74,1±8,7 años. Al correlacionar C6M con otras variables se encontraron diferencias estadísticamente significativas. La distancia media recorrida fue mayor en hombres que en mujeres (DM: 58,3 metros, IC 95%; 16 - 100,6, p=0,007). Los pacientes < 75 años, sin comorbilidades y disnea < 2 tu-vieron mejor desempeño en la C6M que los > 75 años (DM; 62,012 metros IC 95% 21,5 - 102,4, p=0,003), con comorbilidades (DM: 42,2 metros, IC 95%, 0.003 - 84,4; p=0,050) y disnea ≥ 2 (DM: 65,8 IC 95% 23,9 - 107,6, p=0,002). Conclusiones: el sexo femenino, la presencia de comorbilidad cardiovascular y metabólica, y la edad se asocian con dis-minución en la capacidad física aeróbica y funcional en los pacientes con EPOC. (AU)

Introduction: chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a respiratory disorder characterized by clinical symptoms and functional impairment that affects aerobic capacity, limiting daily activities and quality of life. The 6-minute walk test (C6M) is a simple, low-cost test that assesses a patient's ability to perform their daily activities. Objective: to evaluate the relationship between aerobic capacity measured by the distance covered in the C6M and gender, age, dyspnea and cardiometabolic comorbidities in patients with COPD. Materials and methods: cross-sectional, descriptive study, based on 6-minute walk tests (C6M) performed in patients with COPD. Results: 101 male patients (63.4%), with a mean age of 74.1 ± 8.7 years, were evaluated. When correlating C6M with other variables, statistically significant differences were found. The mean distance traveled was greater in men than in women (MD: 58.3 meters, 95% CI: 16 - 100.6, p=0.007). Patients <75 years old, without comorbidities and dyspnea <2 had better performance in the C6M than those >75 years old (MD; 62 meters CI 95% 21.5 - 102.4, p=0.003), with comorbidities (MD: 42.2 meters, 95% CI, 0.003 - 84.4; p=0.050) and dyspnea ≥ 2 (MD: 65.8, 95% CI 23.9 - 107.6, p=0.002). Conclusions: female sex, the presence of cardiovascular and metabolic comorbidity, and age are associated with decreased aerobic and functional physical capacity in patients with COPD. (AU)

Impacto de las exacerbaciones en la enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica / Impact of Exacerbations on Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

La enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica (EPOC) es la tercera causa de muerte en todo el mundo. Sin embargo, ante la falta de herramientas diagnósticas precisas en el primer nivel de atención médica, como la espirometría, es difícil determinar la prevalen-cia real de la EPOC.Por otro lado, la falta de una definición clara y precisa de las exacerbaciones de la EPOC hace que se subestime su impacto en la salud pública; habitualmente, los pacien-tes con EPOC que cursan una exacerbación retrasan la búsqueda de atención médica inmediata porque se acostumbran al deterioro asociado a la enfermedad o lo confun-den con cambios por la edad avanzada. Esto puede provocar un aumento de la mor-bilidad y la mortalidad, asimismo, mayor utilización de los recursos sanitarios y mayor carga económica. Por lo tanto, es importante sensibilizar sobre la importancia del diagnóstico temprano y el tratamiento adecuado de las exacerbaciones de la EPOC, del mismo modo que el mayor conocimiento público de los síntomas, las causas y los factores de riesgo de la EPOC. Con ello, se podrán aplicar estrategias de prevención, diagnóstico y tratamiento más eficaces que mejoren la calidad de vida de los pacientes y disminuyan la carga de la enfermedad para la sociedad.Esta revisión ofrece un análisis crítico de la definición más reciente y esboza las impli-caciones del comportamiento de las exacerbaciones, su impacto en los distintos ám-bitos del sistema sanitario, así como en las diferentes esferas de la vida de los pacien-tes con EPOC. (AU)

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a common disease and the third leading cause of death worldwide. However, due to the lack of accurate diagnostic tools at the first level of care, such as spirometry, the true prevalence of COPD is difficult to determine.In addition, the lack of a clear definition of COPD exacerbations means that its pub-lic health impact is underestimated. Patients with COPD often do not seek immediate medical attention because they become used to the deterioration associated with the disease. This can lead to increased patient morbidity and mortality, as well as increased utilization of healthcare resources and higher economic costs. Therefore, it is important to promote greater awareness of the importance of early di-agnosis and proper management of COPD exacerbations, as well as increased public awareness of COPD symptoms, etiologic agents, and risk factors.By better understanding COPD exacerbations, more effective prevention, diagnosis and treatment strategies can be implemented to improve the quality of life of patients and reduce the burden of the disease on society.This review aims to provide a critical analysis of the most recent definition and to out-line the implications of the behavior of COPD exacerbations and their impact on the dif-ferent settings of the health care system, as well as on the different spheres of patients' lives. (AU)

The impact of COPD on the private healthcare system in Brazil: an economic analysis / Impacto da DPOC no sistema de saúde privado no Brasil: uma análise econômica

Objective: To assess healthcare resource utilization and hospitalization costs of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) exacerbations in the Brazilian private healthcare system. Methods: A retrospective cohort study, considering data from an administrative database of a private company (Orizon). Patients aged ≥40 years old and with at least one COPD-related claim identified by the ICD-10 code (J40 to J44) at any time during the eligibility period (January/2010 to December/2013) were included in the analysis. Follow-up was performed until December/2014, death or inactivation of a health plan. Sociodemographic characteristics, number of emergency visits, hospital admissions (number and length of stay), length of hospital stay in an intensive care unit (ICU), number of severe COPD exacerbations, therapeutic approach, and hospitalization costs were assessed. Results: The analysis included 8,254 COPD patients. Emergency visits, hospital admission, and exacerbation rates were 0.4, 0.2, and 0.1 per person-year, respectively. The mean length of hospital stays and the length of stay of patients requiring or not ICU stay were 16.6 (SD = 77.0), 8.7 (SD = 36.9), and 27.6 (SD = 109.7), respectively. Mean costs associated to emergency department visits and hospitalizations were 258.2 BRL (SD = 383.1) and 38,165.4 BRL (SD = 124,683.5), respectively. Hospitalizations costs without ICU stay were 11,810.1 BRL (SD = 31,144.1) and 74,585.3 BRL (SD = 182,808.1) for those with ICU utilization. Conclusion: Costs for COPD management during disease exacerbation are very high and may reach almost 75 thousand BRL per hospitalization. The prevention of COPD exacerbations and better disease control may reduce the economic burden on the private healthcare system in Brazil.

Objetivo: Avaliar a utilização de recursos e custos de pacientes com exacerbação da doença pulmonar obstrutiva crônica (DPOC) no sistema de saúde suplementar (SSS) do Brasil. Métodos: Estudo de coorte retrospectiva, considerando banco de dados administrativo de uma empresa privada (Orizon). Pacientes com ≥40 anos e pelo menos um registro de admissão relacionado à DPOC identificado com CID-10 J40-J44, entre janeiro/2010 e dezembro/2013, foram incluídos e acompanhados até dezembro/2014, morte ou inativação no plano. Características sociodemográficas, número de visitas de emergência, admissões hospitalares (número e tempo de hospitalização), tempo de hospitalização em unidade de terapia intensiva (UTI), número de exacerbações graves, estratégias terapêuticas e custos hospitalares foram as variáveis analisadas. Resultados: A análise incluiu 8.254 pacientes com DPOC. As taxas de visita à emergência, internação hospitalar e exacerbação da doença foram de 0,4, 0,2 e 0,1 por pessoa-ano, respectivamente. Os tempos médios de hospitalização, hospitalização sem utilização de UTI e hospitalização com necessidade de UTI foram de 16,6 (DP = 77,0), 8,7 (DP = 36,9) e 27,6 (DP = 109,7) dias, respectivamente. Os custos médios relacionados à visita de emergência e por hospitalização foram de 258,2 BRL (DP = 383,1) e 38.165,4 BRL (DP = 124.683,5), respectivamente. Os custos para pacientes que não utilizaram UTI foram de 11.810,1 BRL (DP = 31.144,1) e de 74.585,3 BRL (DP = 182.808,1) para aqueles com necessidade desse serviço. Conclusão: Os custos para o manejo dos pacientes com exacerbação da DPOC são muito elevados, podendo chegar a 75.000 BRL por hospitalização. A prevenção de exacerbações e o melhor controle da doença podem reduzir esse impacto econômico no SSS.

Patrón inflamatorio de las vías aéreas en pacientes fumadores con enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica / Inflammatory pattern of the airways in COPD smokers

Introducción: La enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica cursa con un patrón inflamatorio en la vía aérea que incluye neutrófilos, macrófagos, linfocitos, los cuales se pueden obtener mediante un cepillado bronquial citológico. Objetivos: Identificar patrón inflamatorio según células inflamatorias presentes en la vía aérea, mediante el cepillado bronquial citológico e índice tabáquico de paquetes/año en pacientes con enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo transversal en pacientes con enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica, que concurrieron al Hospital Neumológico Benéfico-Jurídico, en el período comprendido de junio de 2018 a junio de 2019, con indicación para la realización de fibrobroncoscopía con cepillado bronquial. Resultados: El 53,1 por ciento de los pacientes corresponden al sexo masculino. Un 46,1 por ciento presentó un índice tabáquico de paquetes/año entre 21-40. Predominaron las criptas y estrías como hallazgos broncoscópicos con un 51 por ciento y 40,8 por ciento respectivamente en pacientes con índice paquetes/año mayor que 40. De los pacientes con índice paquetes/año mayor de 40 (13 para un 26,5 por ciento) presentaron hiperplasia de células basales. El 46,9 por ciento de los pacientes presentaron un patrón inflamatorio neutrofílica. Conclusiones: Se identificaron a los pacientes con EPOC que presentaron patrón inflamatorio neutrofílica en la vía aérea y elevado índice tabáquico y desde el punto de vista broncoscópico tienen varios hallazgos que sugieren cronicidad(AU)

Introduction: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease presents with an inflammatory pattern in the airway that includes neutrophils, macrophages, and lymphocytes, which can be obtained by cytological bronchial brushing. Objectives: To identify inflammatory pattern according to inflammatory cells present in the airway, through cytological bronchial brushing and smoking rate of packs/year in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, who attended Benefico-Jurídico Pneumological Hospital, from June 2018 to June 2019, with an indication for fiberoptic bronchoscopy with bronchial brushing. Results: 53.1percent of the patients correspond to the male sex. 46.1percent ad a smoking rate of packs/year between 21-40. Crypts and striae predominated as bronchoscopic findings with 51percent and 40.8percent respectively in patients with a pack/year index greater than 40. Patients with a pack/year index greater than 40 (13 for 26.5percent) showed basal cell hyperplasia. 46.9percent of the patients had a neutrophilic inflammatory pattern. Conclusions: Patients with COPD who had a neutrophilic inflammatory pattern in the airway and high smoking index were identified, and from the bronchoscopic point of view they have several findings that suggest chronicity(AU)

Evaluación de la disnea y condición clínica en pacientes síntomáticos con enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica en un programa de rehabilitacion pulmonar / Assessment of Dyspnea and Clinical Condition in Symptomatic Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Los pacientes con enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica (EPOC) se caracterizan por presentar disnea en reposo y en las actividades de la vida diaria.

O modo PSV apresenta piores desfechos em relação ao desmame quando comparado com outros modos ventilatórios de pacientes com exacerbação aguda da doença pulmonar obstrutiva crônica: revisão sistemática / The PSV mode has worse weaning outcomes when compared to other ventilatory modes in patients with an acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: systematic review

INTRODUÇÃO: A Doença Pulmonar Obstrutiva Crônica (DPOC) é um distúrbio crônico e progressivo, que evolui com o declínio da função pulmonar. Embora sua cronicidade, são comuns períodos de agudização acompanhados de Insuficiência Respiratória Aguda hipercápnica, requisitando permanência nas Unidades de Terapia Intensiva (UTI) e Ventilação Mecânica Invasiva (VMI) para reversão da falência respiratória. O desmame na DPOC ocupa até 58% da VM, logo, se faz necessário estratégias específicas para otimização desse processo, com a utilização de modos e ajustes ventilatórios que promovam um desmame precoce e efetivo. OBJETIVO: Verificar os efeitos da Ventilação com Pressão de Suporte quando comparado com modos e estratégias distintas no desmame de pacientes com DPOC. MÉTODOS: Revisão sistemática, construída seguindo critérios do PRISMA, registrada na PROSPERO (CRD42022362228). Considerados elegíveis ensaios clínicos controlados randomizados que avaliaram o modo PSV em comparação com modos e estratégias distintas, em pacientes com diagnóstico de DPOC, em VMI, sem delimitação de ano/idioma. Foram excluídos artigos incompletos, duplicados e indisponíveis aos recursos de recuperação. Desfechos de interesse foram: duração do desmame, tempo de permanência na UTI e mortalidade. A estratégia foi aplicada nas bases: PubMed, Cochrane, SciELO, e Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde. As ferramentas Escala PEDro e RevMan Web foram utilizadas para análise da qualidade dos estudos e risco de viés, respectivamente. RESULTADOS: Incluídos 8 artigos. 6 mostraram significância estatística, apresentando menor tempo de desmame no grupo ASV (24 (20­62) h versus 72 (24­144) h PSV) (p=0,041); mais dias na UTI quando comparado com o modo PAV (p<0,001). PSV foi mais eficaz nos mesmos desfechos quando comparado com a estratégia Tubo-T. Houve diferenças quanto a taxa de mortalidade com o modo NAVA. CONCLUSÃO: Fica evidente que o modo PSV quando em relação a modos ventilatórios assistidos, tem potencial de fornecer piores desfechos associados ao processo de desmame da ventilação invasiva de pacientes com DPOC.

INTRODUCTION: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a chronic and progressive disorder that evolves with the decline in lung function. Despite its chronicity, periods of exacerbation accompanied by hypercapnic Acute Respiratory Failure are common, requiring a stay in Intensive Care Units (ICU) and Invasive Mechanical Ventilation (IMV) to reverse respiratory failure. Weaning in COPD occupies up to 58% of the MV, therefore, specific strategies are needed to optimize this process, using ventilatory modes and adjustments that promote early and effective weaning. OBJECTIVE: To verify the effects of Pressure Support Ventilation when compared with different modes and strategies in weaning patients with COPD. METHODS: Systematic review, constructed following PRISMA criteria, registered at PROSPERO (CRD42022362228). Randomized controlled clinical trials that evaluated the PSV mode in comparison with different modes and strategies, in patients diagnosed with COPD, on IMV, without delimitation of year/language, were considered eligible. Incomplete, duplicate and unavailable articles were excluded. Outcomes of interest were: duration of weaning, length of stay in the ICU and mortality. The strategy was applied in the bases: PubMed, Cochrane, SciELO, and Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde. The PEDro Scale and RevMan Web tools were used to analyze study quality and risk of bias, respectively. RESULTS: Included 8 articles. 6 showed statistical significance, showing shorter weaning time in the ASV group (24 (20­62) h versus 72 (24­144) h PSV) (p=0.041), and more days in the ICU when compared to the PAV mode (p<0.001). PSV was more effective on the same outcomes when compared with the T-tube strategy. There were differences in the mortality rate with the NAVA mode. CONCLUSION: It is evident that the PSV mode, when compared to assisted ventilation modes, has the potential to provide worse outcomes associated with the process of weaning from invasive ventilation in patients with COPD.

Ventilación mecánica no invasiva en pacientes con enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica agudizada en cuidados intensivos: diez años de experiencia / Non invasive mechanic ventilation in patients with acute chronic obstructive lung disease in intensive cares: ten years of experience:en

Introducción: La ventilación no invasiva es un tratamiento efectivo en pacientes con enfermedad pulmonar agudizada. Objetivo: Describir las características demográficas, clínicas, ventilatorias y hemogasométricas en pacientes tratados con ventilación no invasiva. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio observacional, descriptivo, longitudinal y prospectivo de 234 pacientes con enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica agudizada, ventilados de forma no invasiva en la Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos del Hospital Provincial Clínico-Quirúrgico Docente Saturnino Lora de Santiago de Cuba de enero de 2011 a septiembre de 2021. Resultados: En la serie predominaron el sexo masculino, la neumonía extrahospitalaria y la insuficiencia cardíaca crónica; mientras que la edad media fue de 71 años y la ventilación no invasiva fracasó en 53,8 % de los afectados. Asimismo, la frecuencia respiratoria disminuyó de 34,3 a 23,5 respiraciones por minuto en la segunda hora y se observó, además, un incremento del pH, así como de la relación presión arterial de O2/fracción inspirada de O2 y saturación de oxígeno a la pulsioximetría/fracción inspiratoria de O2. La presión arterial de CO2 tuvo valores promedio de 61,8 mmHg al inicio y de 60,7 mmHg en la segunda hora. Conclusiones: Los valores basales de las variables clínicas, hemogasométricas y ventilatorias mejoraron luego del tratamiento con ventilación no invasiva. Entre los parámetros asociados al fracaso del tratamiento figuraron: frecuencia cardiaca, frecuencia respiratoria, presión arterial de CO2, escala de coma de Glasgow, pH y presencia de fugas; igualmente, la estadía prolongada, la ventilación por más de 48 horas y la mortalidad estuvieron relacionadas con dicho fracaso.

Introduction: The non invasive ventilation is an effective treatment in patients with acute lung disease. Objective: To describe the demographic, clinical, ventilatory and hemogasometric characteristics in patients treated with non invasive ventilation. Methods: An observational, descriptive, longitudinal and prospective study of 234 patients with chronic obstructive lung disease, non-invasive ventilated in the Intensive Cares Unit of Saturnino Lora Teaching Clinical-Surgical Provincial Hospital in Santiago de Cuba, was carried out, from January, 2011 to September, 2021. Results: In the series there was a prevalence of male sex, non hospital acquired pneumonia and chronic heart failure; while the mean age was 71 years and non invasive ventilation failed in 53.8 % of those affected. Also, the respiratory rate decreased from 34.3 to 23.5 breaths per minute in the second hour and an increase in pH was also observed, as well as in the relationship arterial pressure of O2/inspired fraction of O2 and oxygen saturation to the pulsioximetry/inspiratory fraction of O2. The arterial pressure of CO2 had average values of 61.8 mmHg to the beginning and of 60.7 mmHg in the second hour. Conclusions: The basal values of clinical, hemogasometric and ventilatory variables improved after treatment with non invasive ventilation. Among the parameters associated with the treatment failure there were heart frequency, respiratory frequency, arterial pressure of CO2, coma Glasgow scale, pH and leaks; equally, the long stay, the ventilation for more than 48 hours and mortality were related to this failure.

Lineamientos técnicos para el abordaje integral de enfermedades respiratorias crónicas, asma en personas mayores o iguales a 12 años y Enfermedad Pulmonar Obstructiva Crónica (EPOC) / Technical guidelines for the comprehensive approach to chronic respiratory diseases, asthma in people older than or equal to 12 years of age, and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

Las enfermedades respiratorias crónicas golpean los sistemas de salud por los altos costos que se derivan por la atención de pacientes en los diferentes estadios de estas enfermedades, en particular aquellas etapas en las que las personas se encuentran con múltiples afecciones provocadas o sumadas por el desarrollo de las enfermedades respiratorias crónicas. Con el fin de mejorar la atención de los pacientes con enfermedades respiratorias crónicas priorizadas; y brindar al personal de salud una herramienta técnico-científica para estandarizar la identificación, diagnóstico y tratamiento de las personas mayores de 12 años, la Unidad de Prevención y Control de la Tuberculosis y Enfermedades Respiratorias, ha elaborado el presente documento, el cual será de mucha utilidad en los diferentes niveles de atención, para brindar una atención de calidad a los pacientes con enfermedades respiratorias crónicas. En su contenido se integran instrucciones para la atención del asma y la Enfermedad Pulmonar Obstructiva Crónica (EPOC), con un abordaje clínico terapéutico más actualizado, para que puedan darse las atenciones en los establecimientos del Sistema Nacional Integrado de Salud (SNIS), así como las actividades educativas que permitan incidir en la prevención de estas enfermedades

Chronic respiratory diseases hit health systems due to the high costs derived from the care of patients in the different stages of these diseases, particularly those stages in which people have multiple conditions caused or added by the development of chronic respiratory diseases. In order to improve the care of patients with prioritized chronic respiratory diseases; and provide health personnel with a technical-scientific tool to standardize the identification, diagnosis and treatment of people over 12 years of age, the Unit for the Prevention and Control of Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases has prepared this document, which will be of very useful at different levels of care, to provide quality care to patients with chronic respiratory diseases. Its content includes instructions for the care of asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), with a more up-to-date clinical-therapeutic approach, so that care can be given in the establishments of the National Integrated Health System (SNIS), as well as educational activities that make it possible to influence the prevention of these diseases

Association between vitamin D level and blood eosinophil count in healthy population and patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease / 南方医科大学学报

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and its association with blood eosinophil count in healthy population and patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).@*METHODS@#We analyzed the data of a total 6163 healthy individuals undergoing routine physical examination in our hospital between October, 2017 and December, 2021, who were divided according to their serum 25(OH)D level into severe vitamin D deficiency group (< 10 ng/mL), deficiency group (< 20 ng/mL), insufficient group (< 30 ng/mL) and normal group (≥30 ng/mL). We also retrospectively collected the data of 67 COPD patients admitted in our department from April and June, 2021, with 67 healthy individuals undergoing physical examination in the same period as the control group. Routine blood test results, body mass index (BMI) and other parameters were obtained from all the subjects, and logistic regression models were used to investigate the association between 25(OH)D levels and eosinophil count.@*RESULTS@#The overall abnormal rate of 25(OH)D level (< 30 ng/mL) in the healthy individuals was 85.31%, and the rate was significantly higher in women (89.29%) than in men. Serum 25(OH)D levels in June, July, and August were significantly higher than those in December, January, and February. In the healthy individuals, blood eosinophil counts were the lowest in severe 25(OH)D deficiency group, followed by the deficiency group and insufficient group, and were the highest in the normal group (P < 0.05). Multivariable regression analysis showed that an older age, a higher BMI, and elevated vitamin D levels were all risk factors for elevated blood eosinophils in the healthy individuals. The patients with COPD had lower serum 25(OH)D levels than the healthy individuals (19.66±7.87 vs 26.39±9.28 ng/mL) and a significantly higher abnormal rate of serum 25(OH)D (91% vs 71%; P < 0.05). A reduced serum 25(OH)D level was a risk factor for COPD. Blood eosinophils, sex and BMI were not significantly correlated with serum 25(OH)D level in patients with COPD.@*CONCLUSION@#Vitamin D deficiency is common in both healthy individuals and COPD patients, and the correlations of vitamin D level with sex, BMI and blood eosinophils differ obviously between healthy individuals and COPD patients.

Yifei Jianpi recipe improves cigarette smoke-induced inflammatory injury and mucus hypersecretion in human bronchial epithelial cells by inhibiting the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway / 南方医科大学学报

OBJECTIVE@#To explore the mechanism of Yifei Jianpi recipe for improving cigarette smoke- induced inflammatory injury and mucus hypersecretion in cultured human bronchial epithelial cells.@*METHODS@#Serum samples were collected from 40 SD rats treated with Yifei Jianpi recipe (n=20) or normal saline (n=20) by gavage. Cultured human bronchial epithelial 16HBE cells were stimulated with an aqueous cigarette smoke extract (CSE), followed by treatment with the collected serum at different dilutions. The optimal concentration and treatment time of CSE and the medicated serum for cell treatment were determined with CCK-8 assay. The expressions of TLR4, NF-κB, MUC5AC, MUC7, and muc8 at both the mRNA and protein levels in the treated cells were examined with RT- qPCR and Western blotting, and the effects of TLR4 gene silencing and overexpression on their expressions were assessed. The expressions of TNF-α, IL-1 β, IL-6 and IL-8 in the cells were detected using ELISA.@*RESULTS@#At the optimal concentration of 20%, treatment with the medicated serum for 24 h significantly lowered the mRNA and protein expressions of TLR4, NF- κB, MUC5AC, MUC7, and MUC8 in CSE- exposed 16HBE cells, and these effects were further enhanced by TLR4 silencing in the cells. In 16HBE cells with TLR4 overexpression, the expressions of TLR4, NF-κB, MUC5AC, MUC7, and MUC8 were significantly increased after CSE exposure and were lowered following treatment with the medicated serum (P < 0.05). The medicated serum also significantly lowered the levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6 and IL-8 in CSE-exposed 16HBE cells (P < 0.05).@*CONCLUSIONS@#In the 16HBE cell model of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), treatment with Yifei Jianpi recipe-medicated serum improves inflammation and mucus hypersecretion possibly by reducing MUC secretion and inhibiting the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway.

Epidemiology and hospitalization costs analysis of female inpatients with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in Beijing from 2013 to 2020 / 北京大学学报(医学版)

OBJECTIVE@#To study epidemiological characteristics and hospitalization costs of female inpatients with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) in Beijing.@*METHODS@#A retrospective study was conducted to analyze electronic hospitalization summary reports of female inpatients with AECOPD in Beijing from 2013 to 2020. Clinical characteristics (age distribution and comorbidities), epidemiological characteristics (temporal and spatial distribution characteristics), hospi-talization times and costs of patients were described.@*RESULTS@#A total of 57 911 subjects in 166 hospitals were included in this study, with a mean age of (78.84±8.59) years and the highest number of patients aged 80-89 years (49.06%), followed by patients aged 70-79 years (31.08%), and the lowest number of patients under 50 years (0.41%). The proportions of patients with coronary heart disease, hypertension and heart failure were 30.60%, 30.52% and 26.54% respectively. The median number of daily hospitalizations during the study period was 18 (IQR: 16). The number of daily hospitalizations for AECOPD showed an overall growth trend over the eight years from 2013 to 2020, starting to increase significantly in 2015 and continuing to increase until 2019, then followed by a decline in 2020. The proportion of inpatient admissions was higher in winter and spring (54.09%) than that in summer and autumn (45.91%). The top three districts in terms of the proportion of total inpatient admissions were Xicheng district (14.18%), Chaoyang district (14.12%) and Fengtai district (13.47%). The density of inpatients was relatively high in the western regions, central urban areas and northeastern regions of the city, while the density of inpatients was relatively low in the near suburbs. The median number of hospital days for female patients with AECOPD was 12 days, and the median hospital costs was CNY 20 648.37. Patients from urban areas had longer hospitalization times and higher hospitalization costs than those from suburban areas (P < 0.001). Western medicine expenses accounted for the largest proportion of total hospital expenses (33.32%). During the study period, hospitalization costs exhibited an overall pattern of initial growth, followed by subsequent decline, eventually stabilizing. The differences in hospitalization costs among the patients with different comorbidities were significant.@*CONCLUSION@#Female hospitalized patients with AECOPD in Beijing were older than 70 years, often complicated by cardiovascular disease. AECOPD occurred mainly in winter and spring, with regional differences. The hospitalization costs were closely associated with the patients' age, comorbidities, and the geographicical region.

Intestinal and lung inflammatory group 2 innate lymphoid cells (iILC2s) and their related cytokines in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease / 细胞与分子免疫学杂志

Objective To investigate the relationship between intestinal inflammatory group 2 innate lymphoid cells (iILC2s) and lung ILC2s and its inflammatory response in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Methods Mouse COPD model was established by smoking method. The mice were randomly divided into normal group and COPD group. HE staining was used to detect the pathological changes in lung and intestine tissues of mice in normal group and COPD group, and the contents of natural ILC2s(nILC2s) and iILC2s cells were measured by flow cytometry. Wright-Giemsa staining was used to measure the number of immune cells in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) of mice in normal group and COPD group, and the concentration of IL-13 and IL-4 was detected by ELISA. Results In COPD mice, epithelial cells of the lung and intestinal tissues exhibited pathological hyperplasia, partial atrophy or deletion, inflammatory cell infiltration, increased pathological score and significantly increased neutrophils, monocytes, and lymphocytes in BALF. Lung iILC2s, intestinal nILC2s and iILC2s were increased significantly in the COPD group. The contents of IL-13 and IL-4 in BALF were significantly increased. Conclusion The increase of iILC2s and their related cytokines in COPD lung may be related to intestinal inflammatory ILC2s.

Exploratory research on the probable shared molecular mechanism and transcription factors between chronic periodontitis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease / 华西口腔医学杂志

OBJECTIVES@#To investigate possible cross-talk genes, associated pathways, and transcription factors between chronic periodontitis (CP) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).@*METHODS@#The gene expression profiles of CP (GSE10334 and GSE16134) and COPD (GSE76925) were downloaded from the GEO database. Differential expression and functional clustering analyses were performed. The protein‑protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed. The core cross-talk genes were filtered using four topological analysis algorithms and modular segmentation. Then, functional clustering analysis was performed again.@*RESULTS@#GSE10334 detected 164 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) (119 upregulated and 45 downregulated). GSE16134 identified 208 DEGs (154 upregulated and 54 downregulated). GSE76925 identified 1 408 DEGs (557 upregulated and 851 downregulated). The PPI network included 21 nodes and 20 edges. The final screening included seven cross-talk genes: CD79A, FCRLA, CD19, IRF4, CD27, SELL, and CXCL13. Relevant pathways included primary immunodeficiency, the B-cell receptor signaling pathway, and cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction.@*CONCLUSIONS@#This study indicates the probability of shared pathophysiology between CP and COPD, and their cross-talk genes, associated pathways, and transcription factors may offer novel concepts for future mechanistic investigations.

The research progress of high altitude environment-associated chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and therapeutic drugs / 生理学报

The plateau environment is characterized by low oxygen, low air pressure, low temperature, and strong ultraviolet rays, etc. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a preventable and treatable chronic lung disease. High altitude environment increases COPD prevalence, clinical manifestation and mortality. The therapeutic window of theophylline drugs for COPD is narrow, and the high altitude environment has an influence on the pharmacokinetics of the drugs. This review summarizes the differences in the prevalence, mortality, clinical manifestation and clinical symptoms of COPD in the plateau and plain, providing a basis for identifying the risk factors of COPD in the plateau areas. The effects of plateau hypoxic environment on the pharmacokinetics of COPD drugs were also discussed. It can provide a rationale for more effective prevention and treatment of COPD at high altitude.

Does the 2017 global initiative for chronic obstructive lung disease revision really improve the assessment of Chinese chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients? A multicenter prospective study for more than 5 years / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

BACKGROUND@#The Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) 2017 proposed a new classification that reclassified many chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients from group D to B. However, there is a paucity of data related to the comparison between reclassified and non-reclassified COPD patients in terms of long-term prognosis. This study aimed to investigate long-term outcomes of them and determine whether the GOLD 2017 revision improved the assessment of COPD patients.@*METHODS@#This observational, multicenter, prospective study recruited outpatients at 12 tertiary hospitals in China from November 2016 to February 2018 and followed them up until February 2022. All enrolled patients were classified into groups A to D based on GOLD 2017, and the subjects in group B included patients reclassified from group D to B (group DB) and those remaining in group B (group BB). Incidence rates and hazard ratios (HRs) were calculated for the exacerbation of COPD and hospitalization in each group.@*RESULTS@#We included and followed up 845 patients. During the first year of follow-up, the GOLD 2017 classification had a better discrimination ability for different risks of COPD exacerbation and hospitalization than GOLD 2013. Group DB was associated with a higher risk of moderate-to-severe exacerbation (HR = 1.88, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.37-2.59, P  <0.001) and hospitalization for COPD exacerbation (HR = 2.23, 95% CI = 1.29-3.85, P  = 0.004) than group BB. However, during the last year of follow-up, the differences in the risks of frequent exacerbations and hospitalizations between group DB and BB were not statistically significant (frequent exacerbations: HR = 1.02, 95% CI = 0.51-2.03, P  = 0.955; frequent hospitalizations: HR = 1.66, 95% CI = 0.58-4.78, P  = 0.348). The mortality rates of the two groups were both approximately 9.0% during the entire follow-up period.@*CONCLUSIONS@#The long-term prognosis of patients reclassified into group B and of those remaining in group B was similar, although patients reclassified from group D to group B had worse short-term outcomes. The GOLD 2017 revision could improve the assessment of Chinese COPD patients in terms of long-term prognosis.

Prevalence of oral candidiasis in asthma and COPD patients using inhaled corticosteroids in the Philippine General Hospital Department of out-patient services

Background and Objectives@#Oral candidiasis (OC) is a well-known local side effect of inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) therapy in patients with asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This study aimed to determine the prevalence of OC and its association with ICS-related factors in out-patient asthma and COPD patients of the Departments of Pulmonology and Pediatric Pulmonology of the Philippine General Hospital (PGH).@*Methods@#This is a cross-sectional study conducted from October 2019 to January 2020. Data was collected through a two-part questionnaire accomplished by doctors and patients with asthma or COPD. Results. A total of 67 patients were included in the study. Oral candidiasis was observed in 4 (5.97%) ICS users, and the prevalence was 1.65% to 14.59% (95% CI, SE: 0.028946).@*Conclusion@#This study determined the prevalence of oral candidiasis in asthma and COPD patients and its association with ICS-related factors, including the dosage, medication, device, and duration of therapy. The prevalence of OC in ICS users in PGH cannot be interpreted as high or low due to the small number of respondents, but is consistent with OC prevalence found in related literature. Increased prevalence was observed in adult females with asthma under low dose ICS therapy with Fluticasone/Salmeterol DPI for more than a year. There was no statistically significant correlation among OC prevalence, age, sex, and components of ICS-therapy including dosage, medication, device, frequency, and duration of therapy. A large-scale study is recommended for more accurate assessment of OC prevalence in the population and to determine statistically significant associations among the factors. It is also recommended to quantifiably measure patient compliance, inhalation technique and instruction, and its association to OC prevalence. Findings may be used to strengthen patient education, preventive measures, and disease management to facilitate improved compliance and effective treatment outcomes.

Anti-inflammatory effects of acupuncture in the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease / 中西医结合学报

Numerous randomised controlled trials have suggested the positive effects of acupuncture on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, the underlying therapeutic mechanisms of acupuncture for COPD have not been clearly summarized yet. Inflammation is central to the development of COPD. In this review, we elucidate the effects and underlying mechanisms of acupuncture from an anti-inflammatory perspective based on animal studies. Cigarette smoke combined with lipopolysaccharide is often used to establish animal models of COPD. Electroacupuncture can be an effective intervention to improve inflammation in COPD, and Feishu (BL13) and Zusanli (ST36) can be used as basic acupoints in COPD animal models. Different acupuncture types can regulate different types of inflammatory cytokines; meanwhile, different acupuncture types and acupoint options have similar effects on modulating the level of inflammatory cytokines. In particular, acupuncture exerts anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting the release of inflammatory cells, inflammasomes and inflammatory cytokines. The main underlying mechanism through which acupuncture improves inflammation in COPD is the modulation of relevant signalling pathways: nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) (e.g., myeloid differentiation primary response 88/NF-κB, toll-like receptor-4/NF-κB, silent information regulator transcript-1/NF-κB), mitogen-activated protein kinase signalling pathways (extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2, p38 and c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase), cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway, and dopamine D2 receptor pathway. The current synthesis will be beneficial for further research on the effect of acupuncture on COPD inflammation. Please cite this article as: Jiang LH, Li PJ, Wang YQ, Jiang ML, Han XY, Bao YD, Deng XL, Wu WB, Liu XD. Anti-inflammatory effects of acupuncture in the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. J Integr Med. 2023; 21(6): 518-527.

International research progress of risk factors, diagnosis and management in early chronic obstructive pulmonary disease / 中华危重病急救医学

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has a high global morbidity and mortality and a severe disease burden, yet progress in treatment and prevention has been slow in recent decades. Early COPD has few symptoms and is severely underdiagnosed and undertreated; it is crucial to search for effective clues of early COPD and provide management interventions. By reviewing the definition, risk factors, diagnosis and management interventions, this study explores the disease evolution of early-stage COPD, which can help clinical practice to develop more effective preventive and therapeutic strategies for stopping or slowing down the natural progression of the disease, improving the long-term prognosis, and reducing the disease burden.