Implementing the Yorkshire Cancer Research funded Prehabilitation Radiotherapy Exercise smoking Habit cessation And Balanced diet Study (PREHABS): a therapeutic radiographer's perspective

Introduction: Lung cancer patients often have a number of comorbidities which impacts patient mortality and morbidity rates. Lifestyle changes for this group of patients have the potential to positively impact both quality of life and longevity. The Yorkshire Cancer Research funded Prehabilitation Radiotherapy Exercise smoking Habit cessation And Balanced diet Study (PREHABS) was designed to determine if it is feasible to embed interventions promoting a healthier lifestyle into the radical lung radiotherapy pathway. Method(s): The PREHABS study was led by therapeutic radiographers trained in smoking cessation provision, motivational interviewing, informed consent and good clinical practice and a dietitian. Radiographers screened and consented study participants, delivered the exercise intervention and up to 12-weeks of smoking cessation support, whilst dietary advice was provided by the dietitian. Patients diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), were referred to a community based pulmonary rehabilitation service rather than the PREHABS exercise intervention. Ethical and regulatory approvals were secured in September 2021. Result(s): 61 patients were recruited between September 2021 and October 2022. The majority were female (n=42), mean age 73.1 years (SD 9.36 years). Discussion(s): In addition to the training requirements detailed above and the challenges of COVID-19, the radiographers had to become adept in a number of study-specific aspects including writing the study standard operating procedures (SOPs), creating a study organisational workflow and patient recruitment. The PREHABS study has broadened the radiographer's perspective beyond the radiotherapy department, by further understanding the complex comorbidities that lung cancer patients present with, how to motivate patients to positively change their lifestyle, and how the side effects caused by cancer treatment can affect a patient's ability to change their lifestyle. Conclusion(s): Therapeutic radiographers, after appropriate training, are capable of delivering lifestyle intervention support within a radical lung cancer radiotherapy pathway. Disclosure: No significant relationships.Copyright © 2023 Elsevier B.V.

Persistent Dyspnea after Recovery from COVID-19: Two Case Reports from Bangladesh

Globally, millions of documented SARS-CoV-2 infections with hundreds of thousands of deaths already reported. The majority of the fatal events have been reported in adults older than 70 years and those who have multiple co-morbidities. Despite the misery fatality of the virus, a significant number of peoples recovered from critical conditions also. Mild cases improved significantly with symptomatic management with strict maintenance of isolation. Therefore, many people believed that COVID-19 is a short-term illness, mild cases recovered completely within 2 weeks and severe or critical illness may require 3-6 weeks for complete recovery. However, the latest issue coming forward is delayed recovery in the surviving patients from severe or moderate COVID presenting with multisystem complications. We reported two cases of post COVID complications, newly named as "long COVID syndrome”. We described the common symptoms two patients experienced following recovery from acute phase of COVID-19 and how they were managed. We also discussed on the pathogenesis and management plan of common symptoms persisting after recovery of COVID-19.

Efficacy and safety of bovhyaluronidase azoximer (Longidase) in patients with post-COVID syndrome: results of an open, prospective, controlled, comparative, multicenter clinical trial DISSOLVE.

Post-COVID syndrome develops after COVID-19 (COronaVIrus Disease 2019) and leads to cumulative effects in the form of shortness of breath and impaired lung function. Notably, patients with airway inflammation and COVID-19 were found to have increased concentrations of hyaluronic acid (HA). Since bovhyaluronidase azoximer (Longidase) catalyzes the hydrolysis of HA, this drug has the potential to reduce HA levels and improve lung function in patients with post-COVID syndrome. The aim of the DISSOLVE trial, which was conducted early in the pandemic, was to investigate the efficacy and safety of bovhyaluronidase azoximer in patients with symptoms associated with post-COVID syndrome. Methods. An open, prospective, controlled, comparative, multicenter clinical trial (NCT04645368) included adult patients (n = 160) who had post-COVID syndrome. Patients in the treatment group (n = 81) received bovhyaluronidase azoximer, and individuals in the control group (n = 79) were followed up without intervention. The study included physical examination, evaluation of forced vital capacity (FVC), assessment of dyspnea with the Modified Medical Research Council Dyspnea Scale (mMRC), 6-minute walking test, and pulse oximetry. These indicators were measured on 3 visits, at days 1 (baseline), 75, and 180. In addition, the number of patients who experienced adverse events and serious adverse events were recorded. Results. Baseline patient characteristics in the treatment group and the control group were similar. In the treatment group, there was a statistically significant reduction in residual pulmonary abnormalities after visit 2 (day 75) and visit 3 (day 180). In addition, FVC, pulse oximetry values, and functional exercise tolerance increased statistically significantly at days 75 and 180 compared to baseline. The mMRC scores for dyspnea decreased statistically significantly in the treatment group over 75 days. The safety profile of the drug was reported to be favorable throughout the study. Conclusion. Treatment with bovhyaluronidase azoximer in patients with post-COVID syndrome showed improvement in FVC, pulse oximetry, functional exercise tolerance, and mMRC dyspnea.Copyright © Chuchalin A.G. et al., 2023.

Pulmonary Rehabilitation Outcomes of Post-Acute COVID-19 Patients during Different Waves of the Pandemic.

(1) Background: Between the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic and summer 2022, we distinguished four pandemic waves, with different characteristics of the affected patients. This study investigated the impact of patient characteristics on the outcome of inpatient pulmonary rehabilitation (PR). (2) Methods: Using a prospective approach, the characteristics of post-acute COVID-19 patients of the different waves who participated in inpatient PR were compared based on their assessments and results collected as part of PR (Cumulative Illness Rating Scale (CIRS), six-minute walk test (6-MWT), Pulmonary Function Testing (PFT), and Functional Independent Measurement (FIM). (3) Results: A total of 483 patients were included in the analysis (Wave 1 n = 51, Wave 2 n = 202, Wave 3 n = 84, Wave 4 n = 146). Compared to Wave 3 + 4, patients of Wave 1 + 2 were older (69 vs. 63 years; p < 0.001), had a significantly lower CIRS (13.0 vs. 14.7 points; p = 0.004), had significant better PFT (FVC: 73 vs. 68%pred; p = 0.009; DLCOSB: 58 ± 18 vs. 50 ± 17%pred; p = 0.001), and showed significantly more comorbidities (2.0 vs. 1.6 n/pers.; p = 0.009). Wave 3 + 4 showed significantly greater improvements according to the 6-MWT (147 vs. 188 m; p < 0.001) and the FIM (5.6 vs. 21.1 points; p < 0.001). (4) Conclusions: Patients of the COVID-19 infection waves differed significantly according to their anthropometric data, incidence of comorbidities, and impact of the infection. All cohorts achieved clinically relevant and significant functional improvements during PR, with significant higher improvements in Wave 3 + 4.

Preferences for cardiovascular and pulmonary rehabilitation care: A discrete choice experiment among patients in Lebanon.

OBJECTIVE: Patient preferences are important in designing optimal rehabilitation care. The aim of this study is to assess preferences for rehabilitation care among two groups of respondents. DESIGN: An online discrete choice experiment survey was carried out. SETTING: We use data for Lebanon, a country where rehabilitation care is still underdeveloped. PARTICIPANTS: Patients who have undergone or are currently undergoing rehabilitation treatment (users) and those who have not (yet) used rehabilitation care (non-users). INTERVENTION: Patients were asked to repeatedly choose between two hypothetical rehabilitation care packages with seven different attributes: attitude of the staff, travel time to clinic, out-of-pocket costs, medical equipment, rehabilitation plan, additional lifestyle education session, and support during rehabilitation care. MAIN MEASURES: Preference heterogeneity among patients with different characteristics was investigated using random effect binary logistic regression (software package Stata 15). RESULTS: In total, 126 respondents completed the survey. The most preferred attribute was an informal and friendly attitude of the staff followed by modern medical equipment, additional lifestyle education session via eHealth, and support during the rehabilitation program via phone call or SMS. Respondents were less in favor of going to the rehabilitation clinic and paying additional out-of-pocket costs for the rehabilitation treatment. This rank order was similar between users and non-users. CONCLUSION: Preferences of patients regarding the type of program chosen (eHealth or at clinical-based) need to be included in future rehabilitation programs. Improving patient experience with rehabilitation programs by giving the best care based on a patient-centered approach is essential.

Early pulmonary rehabilitation of COVID-19 patients in an isolation ward and intensive care unit.

When patient with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) are hospitalized, the limited space for activity, disease itself causes fever, muscle aches, fatigue, respiratory failure with mechanical ventilation, or medications such as steroids or neuromuscular blocking can cause muscle dysfunction. Pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) should be arranged for these patients with COVID-19. However, the literature on early PR within 1 week of admission on patients with COVID-19 are limited. This review focuses on early PR in COVID-19 patients admitted to isolation wards or intensive care units. The essential components of early PR programs include education, breathing exercise, airway clearance, and physical activity training. Breathing exercises, including diaphragmatic and pursed-lip breathing, are known to improve lung function in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and are also recommended for COVID-19 patients. Poor airway clearance can further aggravate pneumonia. Airway clearance techniques help patients to clear sputum and prevent the aggravation of pneumonia. Early physical activity training allows patients to maintain limb muscle function during hospitalization. It is recommended to design appropriate indoor exercise training for patients with frequency 1-2 times a day, and intensity should not be too high (dyspnea Borg Scale ≤3) in the acute stage. In order to achieve safe training, criteria for selecting stable patients and training termination are important. Early PR may help reduce the length of hospital stay, maintain functional status, improve symptoms of dyspnea, relieve anxiety, and maintain health-related quality of life in these patients after discharge.

Positive Effects of Pulmonary Rehabilitation Among Patients with Obstructive Ventilatory Dysfunction Post COVID-19.

BACKGROUND: SARS-CoV-2 (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2) infection appeared for the first time in Wuhan, China in December 2019, and in March 2020 it was declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO). Thus, a new disease was registered-COVID-19 (Coronavirus Disease 2019). Our study followed the patients who had the diagnosis of obstructive ventilatory dysfunction in their personal pathological antecedents, who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 infection. The patients were in the hospital records with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or asthma. After discharge, patients had a number of outstanding symptoms: fatigue, cough, dyspnea, mental and cognitive disorders, palpitations, headaches, dysfunctions of taste and smell. All patients underwent pulmonary rehabilitation after hospitalization. AIMS: In this study, we looked at the benefits of respiratory rehabilitation over a period of six months after SARS-CoV-2 infection. The medical rehabilitation program included physical training, muscle training, nutritional support, psychological support and patient education. METHODS: A retrospective study was defined between April 2021-December 2021, including 72 patients who had SARS-CoV-2 infection and who presented various symptoms on discharge. The study was carried out at the Clinical Hospital of Infectious Disease and Pneumoftiziology "Victor Babeș" from Craiova-Pulmonology Department. These patients had a history of obstructive ventilatory dysfunction: asthma or COPD. Patients were monitored during the respiratory rehabilitation program at 3 and 6 months after discharge. RESULTS: An improvement in clinical and functional parameters was obtained as a result of the pulmonary rehabilitation. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with COPD are increase risk to develop severe forms of COVID-19. Smoking is an important risk factor for SARS-CoV-2 infection and obstructive ventilatory dysfunction. Vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 infection is effective, being associated with mild forms of COVID-19. Pulmonary rehabilitation is a key point in the management of patients with COVID-19, improving exercise capacity, reducing dyspnea, improving health, increasing oxygen saturation and quality of life.

Efficacy and safety of bovhyaluronidase azoximer (Longidase) in patients with post-COVID syndrome: results of an open, prospective, controlled, comparative, multicenter clinical trial DISSOLVE

Post-COVID syndrome develops after COVID-19 (COronaVIrus Disease 2019) and leads to cumulative effects in the form of shortness of breath and impaired lung function. Notably, patients with airway inflammation and COVID-19 were found to have increased concentrations of hyaluronic acid (HA). Since bovhyaluronidase azoximer (Longidase®) catalyzes the hydrolysis of HA, this drug has the potential to reduce HA levels and improve lung function in patients with post-COVID syndrome. The aim of the DISSOLVE trial, which was conducted early in the pandemic, was to investigate the efficacy and safety of bovhyaluronidase azoximer in patients with symptoms associated with post-COVID syndrome. Methods. An open, prospective, controlled, comparative, multicenter clinical trial (NCT04645368) included adult patients (n = 160) who had post-COVID syndrome. Patients in the treatment group (n = 81) received bovhyaluronidase azoximer, and individuals in the control group (n = 79) were followed up without intervention. The study included physical examination, evaluation of forced vital capacity (FVC), assessment of dyspnea with the Modified Medical Research Council Dyspnea Scale (mMRC), 6-minute walking test, and pulse oximetry. These indicators were measured on 3 visits, at days 1 (baseline), 75, and 180. In addition, the number of patients who experienced adverse events and serious adverse events were recorded. Results. Baseline patient characteristics in the treatment group and the control group were similar. In the treatment group, there was a statistically significant reduction in residual pulmonary abnormalities after visit 2 (day 75) and visit 3 (day 180). In addition, FVC, pulse oximetry values, and functional exercise tolerance increased statistically significantly at days 75 and 180 compared to baseline. The mMRC scores for dyspnea decreased statistically significantly in the treatment group over 75 days. The safety profile of the drug was reported to be favorable throughout the study. Conclusion. Treatment with bovhyaluronidase azoximer in patients with post-COVID syndrome showed improvement in FVC, pulse oximetry, functional exercise tolerance, and mMRC dyspnea. © Chuchalin A.G. et al., 2023.

Post-COVID-19 rehabilitation

The long-term problems for survivors of SARS-CoV-2 infection are not fully understood;data indicates a complex range of symptoms that initially appeared to focus on the respiratory system but now appear to be multisystem and wide ranging. The most frequently reported symptoms appear to be breathlessness, muscle weakness and fatigue. A proportion of individuals have persistent problems that would be amenable to a rehabilitation programme. The programme needs to have a much wider scope and remit than that of conventional pulmonary rehabilitation but this service model may form the foundation of a holistic programme to support the recovery of these individuals. Data from the SARS/MERS pandemic would support this initial approach. Rehabilitation teams need to collaborate to develop a wider interdisciplinary team to offer the best service to patients with post-COVID-19 symptoms.Copyright © ERS 2021.

HFO versus usual care in pulmonary rehabilitation of post-COPD-exacerbation patients

Introduction/Aim: Early pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) is guideline-recommended for all chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients post-hospitalization for COPD exacerbation but many patients cannot participate in early PR due to significant breathlessness. High flow nasal oxygen (HFO) has been shown to improve ventilatory efficiency in stable COPD patients, but there is little data on HFO use during exercise training in PR of COPD patients post-exacerbation. Method(s): We conducted a pilot randomized controlled trial (RCT) to explore the feasibility of a prospective large-scale RCT to evaluate the impact of HFO in improving PR outcomes of COPD patients post-exacerbation. Patients recently hospitalized for acute COPD exacerbation were enrolled and randomized to either HFO application or usual standard care during an early 6-week outpatient, twice-weekly pulmonary rehabilitation program. Result(s): 22 patients were randomized between May 2019 and December 2019 and 18 patients completed the study. 2 patients in the HFO arm and 1 patient in the usual care arm withdrew for reasons unrelated to the study. The 22 nd patient (HFO arm) ceased participation due to research restrictions at the COVID pandemic onset. The HFO arm achieved a greater improvement in exercise capacity than the usual care arm, with the mean difference in the 6-min walk distance (6MWD) between the two arms being 30 m (95% CI: -23 to 84 m). All 18 patients in both arms were compliant to the pulmonary rehabilitation program (defined by attending >=75% of exercise sessions). HFO was well tolerated with no adverse events associated with its implementation. Conclusion(s): This RCT has shown preliminary evidence of the feasibility and high patient acceptability of HFO during early pulmonary rehabilitation on improving exercise capacity in COPD patients post-exacerbation These promising results would justify a larger RCT to confirm HFO's benefits and has the potential to change PR practice.

Pulmonary sarcoidosis

The lung is the most common organ affected by sarcoidosis. Multiple tools are available to assist clinicians in assessing lung disease activity and in excluding alternative causes of respiratory symptoms. Improving outcomes in pulmonary sarcoidosis should focus on preventing disease progression and disability, and preserving quality of life, in addition to timely identification and management of complications like fibrotic pulmonary sarcoidosis. While steroids continue to be first-line therapy, other therapies with fewer long-term side-effects are available and should be considered in certain circumstances. Knowledge of common clinical features of pulmonary sarcoidosis and specific pulmonary sarcoidosis phenotypes is important for identifying patients who are more likely to benefit from treatment.Copyright © ERS 2022.

Effect of pulmonary rehabilitation program on post hospitalization severe COVID-19 patients (Experimental study)

Background: COVID-19 infection was discovered to be the major global cause of a serious respiratory illness toward the end of 2019. The majority of COVID-19 patients experience mild disease, while about 14% go on to have severe disease and 6% end up in critical condition. An evidence-based standard of therapy called pulmonary rehabilitation includes exercise-training, education, and behavior modification to help people had a lung illness feel better physically and mentally. Aim(s): current study aimed to evaluate the effect of pulmonary rehabilitation program on severe post covid19 patients (post hospitalization) regarding pulmonary function tests and dyspnea score. Method(s): Randomized control experimental study design enrolled 100 patients of post hospitalization due to severe COVID 19 infection. Dyspnea score, Spirometry and 6-minute walk test were performed upon discharge. Pulmonary rehabilitation program in the form of respiratory exercises and walking exercise was done to 50 patients. Follow up assessment of the same parameters was done 6 weeks after the program. Other 50 patients had no pulmonary rehabilitation program to them. Result(s): Post COVID-19 cases in the experimental group show much improvement in percentage of normal breathing score (mMRC) 30% versus no cases in control group. In addition, the experimental group showed a significant higher percentage of normal spirometry findings (66% versus 28% in control group). As regards oxygen saturation, 6MWT score and distance, it showed a higher mean after practicing the exercise program. Conclusion(s): pulmonary rehabilitation program was effective in achieving much improvement in recovery of severe cases of COVID 19 infection.Copyright © 2021 Muslim OT et al.

Comparison between in-person and remote assessment of four field tests for people with chronic lung diseases

Introduction: COVID-19 pandemic has driven an abrupt shift from centre-based pulmonary rehabilitation to home-based or telerehabilitation models in order to safely deliver this important treatment. However, functional capacity assessment is still carried out with in-person supervision. Aim(s): To compare remote and in-person assessment of four field tests for patients with chronic lung diseases. Method(s): People with chronic respiratory diseases underwent timed up and go test (TUG), 5-repetitions sit-to-stand test (5-repStS), 1-minute STS (1-minStS), and modified incremental step test (MIST). Tests were carried out at participants' home with in-person or remote (Skype or WhatsApp) assessment, in random order. During the remote assessment, the physiotherapist was at the pulmonary rehabilitation centre. The order of the tests was also randomized and was the same for in-person and remote supervision. Each test was performed twice and the test with best performance was used for comparison between remote and in-person supervision. A kit containing a finger pulse oximeter, tape measure, and a step was provided. Pair t -test expressed as mean difference (95% CI), intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC 2:1), and Bland-Altman method were used for analysis. Result(s): Forty-four participants (23 COPD, 18 bronchiectasis, three cystic fibrosis, FEV 1 47 +/- 19%, 56 +/- 15 years old) were assessed. There was no difference between in-person and remote supervision for all tests (TUG 0.04(-0.2-0.2) s, 5-repStS: 0.3(-0.1-0.7) s, 1-minStS: -0.9 (-1.9-0.1) repetitions, and MIST: -3.1 (-9.9-3.7) steps). High reproducibility was observed by ICC (95% CI) (TUG: 0.94 (0.89-0.97), 5-repStS: 0.96 (0.92-0.98), 1-minStS: 0.87 (0.77-0.93), and MIST: 0.94 (0.88-0.96). Limits of agreement were narrow for TUG (-0.8-1.7), 5-repStS (-2.3-2.9), and 1-minStS (-7.4-5.5), but wide for MIST (-46-40). Conclusion(s): Remote assessment provides similar results to in-person assessment for four field tests commonly used in people with chronic lung diseases.

Validity and test-retest reliability of field tests carried out by teleassessment of children and adolescents with cystic fibrosis

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic led to the rapid adoption of alternative evaluation methods for measuring functional capacity in people with cystic fibrosis, who are at high risk for severe COVID-19 outcomes. Teleassessment may be an alternative to conducting in-person field tests in this population. Objectives : To investigate the validity, reliability, and safety of field tests conducted by teleassessment in children and adolescents with cystic fibrosis. Method(s): Participants underwent three functional tests: 3-min step test (3-min ST), 1-min sit-to-stand test (1-min StS), and a timed up-and-go (TUG) test performed in their homes with in-person and remote assessment, in random order. During the remote assessment, the physiotherapist was at the pulmonary rehabilitation center. The order of the tests was randomized and the same in both assessments. For validity, main outcomes were compared between in-person and remote supervision by Wilcoxon test for 3-min ST and TUG, expressed as median (IQR), and pair t -test for 1-min StS, expressed as mean (SD). For test-retest reliability (test 1 vs. test 2) of the remote tests, intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC 2,1) and Bland-Altman analysis were used. Result(s): Thirty-two participants (15 boys, 11 +/- 3 years, FEV 1 73 +/- 17% of predicted) were included. No significant difference was observed between in-person and remote supervision (3-min ST: 88 [83.5-90] vs. 88 [82.5-90] steps;1-min StS: 33(7) vs. 32(8) repetitions;TUG: 6.5 [5.6-8.0] vs. 6.6 [5.7-7.9] s). Test-retest of remote supervision demonstrated very good to excellent reliability for all field tests (ICC (95%CI) 3-min ST: 0.88 [0.65-0.95], 1-min StS: 0.86 [0.67-0.94], and TUG: 0.76 [0.41-0.89]). Mean difference (lower-upper limits of agreement) were 3-min-ST: -3.6 (-13.9-6.7) steps, 1-min StS: -1.9 (-8.6-4.7) repetitions, and TUG: 0.8 (-1.4-2.9) s. No adverse events were reported. Conclusion(s): In children and adolescent with cystic fibrosis, 3-min ST, 1-min StS, and TUG are valid, reliable and safe when carried out by teleassessment.

Telerehabilitation in the 'real-world': Implementation of remotely delivered pulmonary rehabilitation

Introduction: Pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) is an effective treatment for people with chronic respiratory disease but is delivered to <5% of eligible individuals. Home-based telerehabilitation achieves similar clinical outcomes to centre-based PR in clinical trials. We aimed to evaluate the clinical implementation of telerehabilitation. Method(s): Suitable individuals with respiratory disease referred for PR at Alfred Health have been offered the option of an 8-week home-based telerehabilitation program (one home visit followed by twice-weekly exercise training sessions, with real time supervision, for 8-weeks). Equipment was provided to patients, as necessary. Standard PR assessments were conducted pre and post program. Program completion was defined as undertaking >=70% of prescribed sessions. Real-world implementation was evaluated against the RE-AIM (Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, Maintenance) framework. Result(s): Reach: Across 2-years (Sept 2020-22), 269 people were referred with 55 (21%) undertaking telerehabilitation (25 female, mean (SD) age 61 (11) years, 6-min walk distance (6MWD) 430 (120) metres, Chronic Respiratory Questionnaire Dyspnoea (CRQD) domain 16 (6)). Participant diagnoses included COPD (n = 11), ILD (n = 15), bronchiectasis (n = 5), asthma (n = 2), post COVID-19 (n = 9), and pulmonary hypertension (n = 4). Forty participants (73%) completed >=70% of prescribed sessions. Effectiveness: Significant and clinically meaningful improvements were demonstrated (CRQD MD 4 (95% CI 1, 6);6MWD MD 24 m (95% CI 8, 41)). Adoption: Training to deliver telerehabilitation and perform home visits was completed by PR clinicians (n = 7 and n = 4 respectively). Implementation: All participants independently supplied Wi-Fi, and 40% used their own exercise equipment or internet-enabled device. Most participants had an in-person home visit (n = 45), and undertook cycle-based training (n = 46). Fifteen participants required additional support for iPad or videoconferencing navigation. There were no serious adverse advents. Maintenance will be evaluated following this pilot period. Conclusion(s): 'Real-world' telerehabilitation achieves clinically meaningful outcomes for patients and provided access to an effective model of PR particularly when centre-based programs were unavailable due to COVID-19 restrictions.

Efficacy and safety of bovhyaluronidase azoximer (Longidase) in patients with post-COVID syndrome: results of an open, prospective, controlled, comparative, multicenter clinical trial DISSOLVE.

Post-COVID syndrome develops after COVID-19 (COronaVIrus Disease 2019) and leads to cumulative effects in the form of shortness of breath and impaired lung function. Notably, patients with airway inflammation and COVID-19 were found to have increased concentrations of hyaluronic acid (HA). Since bovhyaluronidase azoximer (Longidase) catalyzes the hydrolysis of HA, this drug has the potential to reduce HA levels and improve lung function in patients with post-COVID syndrome. The aim of the DISSOLVE trial, which was conducted early in the pandemic, was to investigate the efficacy and safety of bovhyaluronidase azoximer in patients with symptoms associated with post-COVID syndrome. Methods. An open, prospective, controlled, comparative, multicenter clinical trial (NCT04645368) included adult patients (n = 160) who had post-COVID syndrome. Patients in the treatment group (n = 81) received bovhyaluronidase azoximer, and individuals in the control group (n = 79) were followed up without intervention. The study included physical examination, evaluation of forced vital capacity (FVC), assessment of dyspnea with the Modified Medical Research Council Dyspnea Scale (mMRC), 6-minute walking test, and pulse oximetry. These indicators were measured on 3 visits, at days 1 (baseline), 75, and 180. In addition, the number of patients who experienced adverse events and serious adverse events were recorded. Results. Baseline patient characteristics in the treatment group and the control group were similar. In the treatment group, there was a statistically significant reduction in residual pulmonary abnormalities after visit 2 (day 75) and visit 3 (day 180). In addition, FVC, pulse oximetry values, and functional exercise tolerance increased statistically significantly at days 75 and 180 compared to baseline. The mMRC scores for dyspnea decreased statistically significantly in the treatment group over 75 days. The safety profile of the drug was reported to be favorable throughout the study. Conclusion. Treatment with bovhyaluronidase azoximer in patients with post-COVID syndrome showed improvement in FVC, pulse oximetry, functional exercise tolerance, and mMRC dyspnea.Copyright © Chuchalin A.G. et al., 2023.

Providing choice in pulmonary rehabilitation

Introduction/Aim: Pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) is a vital component in the management of chronic respiratory disorders (CRDs). New models of delivering PR are emerging to increase the uptake and completion of this important intervention. The aim of this study is to evaluate participant rate of attendance to PR delivered via two different delivery modes (centre based and mobile technology (mPR)). Secondary aims are to evaluate the patient preference for mode of delivery, and if mPR is non -inferior to centre-based PR in health outcomes. Method(s): A multi-centre, two-arm parallel preference based clinical trial was conducted. Participants with a chronic respiratory disorder referred for PR were offered the choice of centre-based or web-based (mPR) PR. Both programmes were 8 weeks in duration. The primary outcome was attendance. Result(s): 105 participants were recruited to the study with 67 opting for centre-based and 38 preferring web-based PR (mPR). The attendance rate was higher in the centre-based group than mPR. Results showed mPR was not inferior in terms of changes in symptom scores (CAT) or time spent in sedentary behaviour (SBQ) but inferiority could not be confirmed for changes in dyspnoea scores (mMRC) or health related quality of life (EQ5D-3L). Changes in exercise capacity could not be determined due to COVID-19 restrictions. Conclusion(s): This pragmatic study has shown that mPR was preferred by 38% of participants and a significant percentage were younger, working, with higher education inferring the demand will likely increase over time. The attendance rate with mPR was lower than anticipated. Further research with larger sample size is required to assess efficacy of mPR.

Addressing the Increasing Signs of Fatigue Post-Pandemic in Rock Springs, Wyoming

Purpose of Study: Fatigue is a confusing blend of feelings and actions that makes us feel strangely out of place. It has a significant negative impact on physical and emotional well-being, affecting the quality of life of patients. Fatigue has been poorly understood, due to its complex differential diagnosis, ranging from endocrine and respiratory to psychiatric disorders. In Wyoming, there has been an increase in anxiety and depression symptoms during the pandemic. Additionally, State budget cuts have caused a reduction in mental health services. Therefore, Primary care doctors must discuss, inform, and screen for mental health problems related to fatigue in the community due to the combination of rising mental health symptoms and declining mental health resources. Increasing screening for fatigue, using a Fatigue Assessment Scale (FAS), as an early intervention to address physical and/or mental Fatigue in primary care clinics, in Rock Springs, Wyoming. Methods Used: In primary care, there has been an increasing number of patients presenting with signs of fatigue, especially after the pandemic, which needs to be better understood. Currently, there is not a widespread gold-standard screening tool for Fatigue in primary care practice. Upon literature review, a simple three min, 10-item self-report questionnaire called the Fatigue Assessment Scale (FAS) addresses both physical and mental fatigue, ranging from lack of motivation to lack of energy. Summary of Results: FAS should be integrated into primary care clinics in Rock Springs, Wyoming with other screening questionnaires such as the anxiety/depression screening, to screen for and measure the severity of fatigue. Patients with physical fatigue along with shortness of breath and recent COVID exposure can benefit from pulmonary rehabilitation, whereas Patients with mental fatigue along with nausea, vomiting, and a recent chemotherapy session, can benefit from a counseling session and blood tests. Conclusion(s): FAS along with the history of present illness and physical exam will help guide the diagnosis with different clinical tests, blood tests, imagining studies, physical therapy, rehabilitation, and/or medications.

Home-Based Pilot Pulmonary Program for Dyspneic Patients Post-COVID-19.

It is estimated that at least 10% of people who have had COVID-19 will experience ongoing symptoms such as shortness of breath, fatigue, and cognitive disturbances. Pulmonary exercise has demonstrated improved dyspnea outcomes in other respiratory conditions. Thus, the purpose of this study was to assess the efficacy of a home-based pulmonary rehabilitation program in post-COVID-19 survivors who continue to experience dyspnea. This was a longitudinal, single group pilot study in which 19 patients received a home-based expiratory muscle strength training program over 12 weeks. Outcomes measured at baseline, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks included pulmonary symptoms, functional performance, thoracic expansion, forced expiratory volume, and expiratory resistance measures. Significant improvements were found in pulmonary symptoms (p < .001), functional performance (p = .014), and progressive expiratory resistance capabilities (p < .001). A home-based pulmonary program may be an inexpensive strategy for post-COVID-19 survivors who continue to experience dyspnea.

Pulmonary Sequelae of Coronavirus Disease 2019.

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, the infectious agent that causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), can infect multiple organ systems triggering an inflammatory response resulting in abnormalities in cellular and organ function. This can result in multiple symptoms and associated functional limitations. Respiratory symptoms in acute COVID-19 and in post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC) are common and can range from mild and intermittent to severe and persistent, correlating with functional limitations. Although the long-term pulmonary sequelae of COVID-19 infection and PASC are not known, a considered rehabilitative approach is recommended to yield optimal functional outcomes with a return to pre-morbid functional, avocational, and vocational status.