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1.
Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol ; 117(4): 365-369.e1, 2016 10.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-27566860

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Compared with methacholine challenge, exhaled nitric oxide is less expensive, is performed as a simpler point-of-care maneuver, and may provide treatment guiding information. OBJECTIVE: To determine whether exhaled nitric oxide levels can predict the outcome of methacholine challenge in patients without obvious baseline obstruction. METHODS: This retrospective database and medical record review included adults presenting to a tertiary care center from November 1, 2009, through August 31, 2013, who underwent methacholine challenge and exhaled nitric oxide measurement within 2 weeks of each other. Database extraction identified age, sex, body mass index, baseline corticosteroid use, testing indication, forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1), and testing results. Individuals taking corticosteroid-containing medication or who had an FEV1 less than the lower limit of normal at baseline were excluded. RESULTS: A total of 1,322 individuals were identified, with 774 meeting the eligibility criteria. A total of 123 methacholine challenges (16%) had positive results. Fractional exhaled nitric oxide was statistically higher in those with positive methacholine challenge results (mean [SD], 41.9 [54.5] ppb vs 25.2 [19.7] ppb; P < .01). Receiver operating characteristic curve revealed an area under the curve of 0.572 (P < .01), suggesting a poor correlation between exhaled nitric oxide level and methacholine challenge outcome. Fractional exhaled nitric oxide of greater than 50 ppb has a sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of 12%, 89%, 17%, and 84%, respectively, for a positive methacholine challenge result. CONCLUSION: In this large, retrospective cohort of corticosteroid-naive pulmonary patients with normal FEV1 on baseline spirometry, exhaled nitric oxide poorly predicts the outcome of a methacholine challenge.


Subject(s)
Bronchial Provocation Tests , Bronchoconstrictor Agents , Methacholine Chloride , Nitric Oxide/metabolism , Adult , Aged , Asthma/diagnosis , Asthma/metabolism , Breath Tests , Cough/diagnosis , Cough/metabolism , Dyspnea/diagnosis , Dyspnea/metabolism , Exhalation , Female , Forced Expiratory Volume , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Predictive Value of Tests , ROC Curve , Retrospective Studies , Spirometry
2.
Clin Nephrol ; 84(3): 138-44, 2015 Sep.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-26226951

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Acute interstitial nephritis (AIN) presents with acute kidney injury, with evidence of interstitial inflammation and tubulitis on histology, and the presence of fever, rash, and eosinophiluria. Although the pathogenesis of this disease is not well understood, cell-mediated immunity is thought to play a major role. We hypothesized that IgE mediated mast cell activation is also involved in the pathogenesis of renal injury in AIN. METHODS: 28 patients, with biopsy proven AIN over a 5-year period, were included in this study. Clinical data, including renal outcomes and the etiologies of AIN, were evaluated in all patients. Available tissues (renal biopsy) from 26 of the patients were stained for ß-tryptase (marker for mast cell degranulation), IgE, IL-16, and CD3. A negative control for immunostaining was included. RESULTS: Samples from all 26 individuals stained positive for ß-tryptase (mean of 11.16 cells/high power field), IgE (mean average of 0.68 cells/HPF), IL-16 (28% of the interstitium), and CD3 (33% of the interstitium). Acute interstitial nephritis was due to medication in 73%, systemic disease in 15%, and unknown (idiopathic) in 12% of the cases. 86% of patients were treated with corticosteroids. 18% required acute inpatient dialysis, with 7% remaining on dialysis longterm. CONCLUSIONS: Our study suggests that IgE and mast cell activation may play a role in the pathogenesis of AIN.


Subject(s)
Acute Kidney Injury/immunology , Hypersensitivity, Immediate/immunology , Mast Cells/immunology , Nephritis, Interstitial/immunology , Adult , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Female , Humans , Immunoglobulin E/immunology , Kidney/cytology , Kidney/immunology , Kidney/pathology , Male , Middle Aged , Young Adult
3.
Lung ; 193(4): 611-3, 2015 Aug.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-25956728

ABSTRACT

Ipilimumab is a monoclonal antibody used in the treatment of unresectable or metastatic melanoma. Several immune-related adverse events including potential fatal events have been reported following its use. We report a case of a 66-year-old man who presented with severe acute exertional dyspnea and orthopnea following administration of ipilimumab for metastatic melanoma. Although various peripheral neuropathy syndromes associated with ipilimumab have been reported, bilateral phrenic nerve paralysis has not been previously reported. This case also highlights the clinical features of bilateral phrenic nerve neuropathy. Pulmonologists have to be aware of these unusual immune-related respiratory adverse events in patients being treated with monoclonal antibodies.


Subject(s)
Antibodies, Monoclonal/adverse effects , Antineoplastic Agents/adverse effects , Dyspnea/chemically induced , Peripheral Nervous System Diseases/chemically induced , Phrenic Nerve , Acute Disease , Aged , Humans , Ipilimumab , Male , Supine Position/physiology
4.
Allergy Asthma Proc ; 36(4): 251-5, 2015.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-26108081

ABSTRACT

Bronchial thermoplasty (BT) is the first nonpharmacologic interventional therapy approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 2010 for severe asthma. This approval was based on randomized sham-controlled trial called Asthma Intervention Research (AIR) 2 published in 2010. BT involves the application of radiofrequency energy to airways with an aim to selectively ablate airway smooth muscle. BT is currently marketed for patients with "severe" asthma. Most practicing clinicians apply this severity category to patients with oral corticosteroid dependence, frequent exacerbations, or a significantly reduced forced expiratory volume in 1 second along with a poor quality of life. Did the patients studied in the AIR-2 trial have these clinical features? Was there a reduction in severe asthma exacerbation achieved in the intervention group? Did any of the primary or secondary end points in the AIR-2 trial show a positive signal? There continues to be controversy regarding patient selection and primary outcome. Its efficacy in the management of the patient with difficult-to-manage asthma is uncertain. This review covered pertinent aspects of BT, the design and results of the AIR-2 trial, and provides the practicing allergist with a comprehensive overview of this therapy.


Subject(s)
Asthma/therapy , Bronchoscopy/methods , Hyperthermia, Induced/methods , Asthma/diagnosis , Humans , Product Surveillance, Postmarketing/standards , Product Surveillance, Postmarketing/statistics & numerical data , Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic/standards , Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic/statistics & numerical data , Severity of Illness Index , Treatment Outcome
5.
Curr Res Transl Med ; 72(2): 103432, 2024 Jun.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38244276

ABSTRACT

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.


Subject(s)
Anemia , Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation , Pulmonary Diffusing Capacity , Transplantation, Homologous , Humans , Male , Anemia/epidemiology , Anemia/therapy , Female , Middle Aged , Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation/adverse effects , Retrospective Studies , Adult , Pulmonary Diffusing Capacity/physiology , Transplantation, Homologous/adverse effects , Hemoglobins/analysis , Aged , Prognosis
6.
Respir Med Case Rep ; 44: 101876, 2023.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37292171

ABSTRACT

Among patients with COPD, ventilatory inefficiency in response to exercise can be due to respiratory muscle dysfunction or expiratory flow limitation causing air-trapping and dynamic hyperinflation. We discuss a case of severe ventilatory limitation in response to exercise due to reduced respiratory muscle mass in the setting of gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT), and how the interpretation of pulmonary function testing (PFT) and respiratory symptoms among transgender and gender diverse (TGD) patients can be influenced by GAHT.

7.
Eur J Heart Fail ; 25(9): 1593-1603, 2023 09.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37317621

ABSTRACT

AIMS: It is widely held that heart failure (HF) does not cause exertional hypoxaemia, based upon studies in HF with reduced ejection fraction, but this may not apply to patients with HF and preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). Here, we characterize the prevalence, pathophysiology, and clinical implications of exertional arterial hypoxaemia in HFpEF. METHODS AND RESULTS: Patients with HFpEF (n = 539) and no coexisting lung disease underwent invasive cardiopulmonary exercise testing with simultaneous blood and expired gas analysis. Exertional hypoxaemia (oxyhaemoglobin saturation <94%) was observed in 136 patients (25%). As compared to those without hypoxaemia (n = 403), patients with hypoxaemia were older and more obese. Patients with HFpEF and hypoxaemia had higher cardiac filling pressures, higher pulmonary vascular pressures, greater alveolar-arterial oxygen difference, increased dead space fraction, and greater physiologic shunt compared to those without hypoxaemia. These differences were replicated in a sensitivity analysis where patients with spirometric abnormalities were excluded. Regression analyses revealed that increases in pulmonary arterial and pulmonary capillary pressures were related to lower arterial oxygen tension (PaO2 ), especially during exercise. Body mass index (BMI) was not correlated with the arterial PaO2 , and hypoxaemia was associated with increased risk for death over 2.8 (interquartile range 0.7-5.5) years of follow-up, even after adjusting for age, sex, and BMI (hazard ratio 2.00, 95% confidence interval 1.01-3.96; p = 0.046). CONCLUSION: Between 10% and 25% of patients with HFpEF display arterial desaturation during exercise that is not ascribable to lung disease. Exertional hypoxaemia is associated with more severe haemodynamic abnormalities and increased mortality. Further study is required to better understand the mechanisms and treatment of gas exchange abnormalities in HFpEF.


Subject(s)
Heart Failure , Lung Diseases , Humans , Heart Failure/complications , Heart Failure/epidemiology , Heart Failure/drug therapy , Stroke Volume/physiology , Oxygen , Hypoxia/etiology , Exercise Test/methods , Exercise Tolerance/physiology
8.
Mayo Clin Proc Innov Qual Outcomes ; 7(5): 373-381, 2023 Oct.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37663038

ABSTRACT

Objective: To better understand the microbial profile of complicated parapneumonic effusions and empyema, and to evaluate whether antimicrobial selection would differ if guided by targeted metagenomic sequencing (tMGS) vs conventional cultures (CCs) alone. Patients and Methods: We analyzed the pleural fluid of a cohort of 47 patients undergoing thoracentesis from January 1, 2017 to August 31, 2019, to characterize their microbial profile. All samples underwent 16S ribosomal ribonucleic acid gene polymerase chain reaction, followed by tMGS. Results: Pleural space infection was deemed clinically present in 20 of the 47 (43%) participants. Of those, n=7 (35%) had positive pleural fluid cultures and n=14 (70%) had positive tMGS results. The organisms identified by tMGS were concordant with CCs; however, tMGS detected additional bacterial species over CCs alone. Streptococcus and Staphylococcus species were the most common organisms identified, with Streptococcus intermedius/constellatus identified in 5 patients. Polymicrobial infections were found in 6 of the 20 patients, with anaerobes being the most common organisms identified in these cases. Conclusion: Streptococci and staphylococci were the most common organisms identified in infected pleural fluid. Anaerobes were common in polymicrobial infections. When compared with CCs, tMGS had higher sensitivity than CCs. Targeted metagenomic sequencing identified additional organisms, not identified by CCs, with associated potential management implications.

10.
Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol ; 108(1): 9-13, 2012 Jan.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-22192958

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The relationship between asthma controller medication use and exacerbation rates over time is unclear at the population level. OBJECTIVE: To estimate the change in asthma controller medication use between 2 time periods as measured by the controller-to-total asthma medication ratio and its association with changes in asthma exacerbation rates between 1997-1998 and 2004-2005. METHODS: The study design was a cross-sectional population-level comparison between individuals from 1997-1998 and 2004-2005. Study participants were individuals aged 5 to 56 years identified as having asthma in the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS). The main outcome measures were a controller-to-total asthma medication ratio greater than 0.5 and asthma exacerbation rates (dispensing of systemic corticosteroid or emergency department visit/hospitalization for asthma) in 1997-1998 compared with 2004-2005. RESULTS: The proportion of individuals with a controller-to-total asthma medication ratio greater than 0.5, when adjusted for other demographic factors, has improved by 16.1% (95% CI: 10.8%, 21.3%) for all individuals from 1997-1998 to 2004-2005. Annual asthma exacerbation rates did not change significantly in any group from 1997-1998 to 2004-2005 (0.27/year to 0.23/year). African American and Hispanic individuals with asthma had higher asthma exacerbation rates and a lower proportion with a controller-to-total asthma medication ratio greater than 0.5 than whites in both 1997-1998 and 2004-2005; however, these differences were not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: An increase in asthma controller-to-total medication ratio in a sample reflective of the US population was not associated with a decreased asthma exacerbation rate comparing 1997-1998 and 2004-2005.


Subject(s)
Adrenal Cortex Hormones/therapeutic use , Anti-Asthmatic Agents/therapeutic use , Asthma/physiopathology , Guideline Adherence , Patient Compliance , Adolescent , Adult , Asthma/drug therapy , Asthma/ethnology , Asthma/prevention & control , Child , Child, Preschool , Cross-Sectional Studies , Emergency Service, Hospital/statistics & numerical data , Female , Health Care Surveys , Hospitalization/statistics & numerical data , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Severity of Illness Index , Young Adult
11.
J Asthma ; 49(2): 213-8, 2012 Mar.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-22304226

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: This study tested the ability of an electronic prompt to promote an asthma assessment during primary care visits. METHODS: We performed a prospective study of all eligible adult patients with previously diagnosed asthma in three geographically distinct ambulatory family medicine clinics within a 4-month period. The usual clinic visit process was performed at two geographically distinct control sites (n = 75 and n = 55 patients, respectively). The intervention group site (n = 64) had an electronic flag embedded in the Patient Check-in Locator field which prompted the distribution of a self-administered Asthma Management Questionnaire (AMQ) in the waiting room. The primary outcome measure was a documented asthma severity assessment. RESULTS: The front desk distributed the AMQ successfully in 100% of possible opportunities and the AMQ was completed by 84% of patients. Providers in the intervention group were significantly more likely than providers in the two non-intervention groups to document asthma severity in the medical record during a non-asthma ambulatory clinic visit (63.3% vs. 18.7% vs. 3.6%; p < .001). CONCLUSION: The provision of standardized asthma information triggered by an electronic prompt at the time of check-in effectively initiates an asthma assessment during the primary care visits.


Subject(s)
Asthma/therapy , Adult , Chronic Disease , Female , Humans , Logistic Models , Male , Prospective Studies , Surveys and Questionnaires
12.
Respir Care ; 67(7): 842-849, 2022 07.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35610031

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Residual volume (RV) is a derived lung compartment that correlates with air trapping in the context of air flow obstruction on spirometry. The significance of an isolated elevation in RV in the absence of other pulmonary function test (PFT) abnormalities is not well defined. We sought to assess the clinical and radiologic findings associated with isolated elevation in RV. METHODS: We searched our out-patient PFT database at Mayo Clinic (Rochester, Minnesota) from 2016-2018 for adult patients with isolated elevation in RV. We defined isolated elevation in RV as RV ≥ upper limit of normal or ≥ 130% predicted with normal total lung capacity (TLC), spirometry, and diffusion capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide (DLCO). We then matched this high-RV group by age and sex to an equal number of individuals with normal RV, TLC, spirometry, and DLCO (normal-RV group). RESULTS: We identified 169 subjects with isolated elevation in RV on PFTs, with a median age of 73 y; 55.6% were female, and median body mass index was 26.8 (vs 29.8 in the normal-RV group). The median RV was 3.08 L (134% predicted, interquartile range [IQR] 130-141) in the high-RV group and 2.26 L (99% predicted, IQR 90-109) in the normal-RV group (P < .001). Subjects with high RV were more likely to have smoked (54% vs 40%, P = .01) and almost twice as likely to have a maximum voluntary ventilation < 30 times the FEV1 (21% vs 12%, P = .02). Clinically, asthma (21% vs 11%, P = .01) and non-tuberculous mycobacterial lung infections (12% vs 2%, P = .001) were more prevalent in the high-RV group. On chest computed tomography, bronchiectasis (31% vs 15%, P = .008), bronchial thickening or mucus plugging (46% vs 22%, P < .001), and emphysema (13% vs 5%, P = .046) were more common in the high-RV group. CONCLUSIONS: Isolated elevation in RV on PFTs is a clinically relevant abnormality associated with airway-centered diseases.


Subject(s)
Pulmonary Emphysema , Respiration Disorders , Adult , Female , Humans , Lung/diagnostic imaging , Male , Residual Volume , Respiratory Function Tests , Spirometry/methods
13.
Respir Care ; 67(8): 899-905, 2022 08.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35610032

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Methacholine challenge testing (MCT) is a common bronchoprovocation technique used to assess airway hyper-responsiveness. We previously demonstrated that the addition of a viral filter to the nebulizer exhalation limb substantially reduced expelled particles during MCT. Our aim was to evaluate whether this modification affects the delivered dose of methacholine. METHODS: A mechanical ventilator was connected to a lung simulator with breathing frequency 15 breaths/min, tidal volume 500 mL, inspiratory-expiratory ratio 1:1, with a sinusoidal waveform. We compared methacholine dose delivery using the Hudson Micro Mist or AeroEclipse II BAN nebulizers powered by either a dry gas source or a compressor system. A filter placed in line between the nebulizer and test lung was weighed before and after 1 min of nebulized methacholine delivery. Mean inhaled mass was measured with and without a viral filter on the exhalation limb. Dose delivery was calculated by multiplying the mean inhaled mass by the respirable fraction (particles < 5 µm) and inhalation time. Unpaired t test was used to compare methacholine dose delivery with and without viral filter placement. RESULTS: The addition of a viral filter did not significantly affect methacholine dose delivery across all devices tested. Using a 50-psi dry gas source, dose delivered with or without a viral filter did not differ with the Hudson (422.3 µg vs 282.0 µg, P = .11) or the AeroEclipse nebulizer (563.0 µg vs 657.6 µg, P = .59). Using the compressor, dose delivered with and without a viral filter did not differ with the Hudson (974.0 µg vs 868.0 µg, P = .03) or the AeroEclipse nebulizer (818.0 µg vs 628.5 µg, P = .42). CONCLUSIONS: The addition of a viral filter to the nebulizer exhalation limb did not affect methacholine dose during bronchoprovocation testing. Routine use of a viral filter should be considered to improve pulmonary function technician safety and infection control measures during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.


Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Exhalation , Administration, Inhalation , Aerosols , Albuterol , Bronchodilator Agents , Equipment Design , Humans , Methacholine Chloride , Nebulizers and Vaporizers , Pandemics
14.
Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol ; 107(4): 360-3, 2011 Oct.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-21962097

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The pathophysiology of upper airway cough syndrome is not well understood. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the levels of neuropeptides found in nasal mucus of subjects with and without the complaint of chronic cough. METHODS: Preformed nasal mucus from 26 subjects complaining of postnasal drip with chronic cough and 17 without self-reported chronic cough was collected at the time of presentation. The nasal secretions were assayed for 3 neuropeptides-substance P (SP), calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), and Neurokinin A (NKA)-that have been previously linked to chronic cough. RESULTS: Coughing subjects with postnasal drip have significantly higher levels of CGRP and SP than noncoughing subjects with postnasal drip (69.0 ng vs 4.6 ng, P < .001 and 4.5 ng vs 3.4 ng, P = .004). The differences in NKA levels in nasal secretions between coughing and noncoughing subjects did not reach statistical significance (16.3 ng vs 3.4 ng, P = .067). CONCLUSIONS: Both CGRP and SP levels are elevated in preformed nasal secretions of coughing subjects when compared with noncoughing subjects. Additional studies are needed to clarify whether CGRP and SP levels in preformed nasal secretions may assist in diagnosis or predicting treatment response in patients presenting with chronic cough.


Subject(s)
Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide/metabolism , Cough/metabolism , Nasal Mucosa/metabolism , Neurokinin A/metabolism , Substance P/metabolism , Adult , Case-Control Studies , Cross-Sectional Studies , Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , ROC Curve
15.
Respir Med ; 181: 106386, 2021 05.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33836331

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The Coronavirus pandemic has a high mortality rate in patients that are mechanically ventilated, which has led to an ever increasing interest in noninvasive forms of oxygenation. The use of these devices has the theoretical risk of increased exposure risk because of possible particulate generation. This study aimed to quantify the particulate generation associated with different oxygen devices. METHODS: This was a prospective single center study conducted during September 2020 using ten healthy adult volunteers. Testing was conducted in a negative pressure hospital room using a light scattering particle counter. The oxygen devices used were a nasal cannula, an OxyMask™, a non-rebreathing mask, and a high flow system. Particle measurements were obtained at baseline in the room and then with each oxygen delivery device and pre-specified oxygen flow rates. These measurements were obtained different distances from the volunteer with their mouth open. A Wilcoxon/Kruskal-Wallis test was performed on each separate oxygen modality with all flow rates as one model. RESULTS: The particle concentrations were slightly non-significantly increased with the OxyMask™ and non-rebreathing mask at the closest distance measured. As the distance increased, these counts decreased closer to ambient levels. The nasal cannula and high flow nasal cannula particle counts were not significantly different from ambient measurements at either distance. CONCLUSION: Nasal cannula, OxyMask™, non-rebreathing mask, and high flow oxygen did not generate any additional aerosols or droplets above a baseline room measurement, but further studies are necessary to determine infectious risk.


Subject(s)
Environmental Exposure/adverse effects , Oxygenators/adverse effects , Particulate Matter/adverse effects , Respiration, Artificial/instrumentation , Respiratory Therapy/instrumentation , Adult , Aerosols , Environmental Exposure/analysis , Female , Humans , Male , Particulate Matter/analysis
16.
Chest ; 160(2): 633-641, 2021 08.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33667490

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The clinical benefits of cardiopulmonary rehabilitation are extensive, including improvements in health-related quality of life, emotional condition, physical function, and overall mortality. The COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a negative impact on center-based cardiopulmonary rehabilitation. Justifiable concern exists that the exercise-related increase in pulmonary ventilation within the rehabilitation classes may lead to the generation of infectious respiratory particles. RESEARCH QUESTION: Is cardiopulmonary rehabilitation while wearing a procedural mask a particle-generating procedure? STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Data were collected prospectively at a cardiopulmonary rehabilitation facility with all patients wearing a procedural mask. Small (0.3-4.9 µm) and large (5-10 µm) particle generation was quantified using a light-scattering particle counter. Data were analyzed by time, exertion level, and number of participants. RESULTS: A total of 24 distinct patients attended two or more of the cardiopulmonary rehabilitation classes tested. Most of the patients were men (n = 16 [67%]) and were in rehabilitation because of cardiac disease. During the cardiopulmonary rehabilitation class, small and large micrometer-size particles increased with increasing class size. In classes with four patients or more, a significant increase was found from ambient levels in both small (four patients, P < .01; and five patients, P < .01) and large (four patients, P < .01; and five patients, P < .01) particle count that peaked at about 35 to 40 min during each class. INTERPRETATION: Using an airborne particle counter, we found significant exercise-related increases in both small and large micrometer-size particle generation during cardiopulmonary rehabilitation classes, with larger class sizes (ie, more patients), despite participants wearing a procedural mask.


Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Cardiac Rehabilitation , Masks , Particle Size , Particulate Matter , Aged , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Particulate Matter/analysis , Prospective Studies
17.
Respir Care ; 66(12): 1858-1865, 2021 12.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34789516

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Methacholine bronchoprovocation or challenge testing (MCT) is commonly performed to assess airway hyper-responsiveness in the setting of suspected asthma. Nebulization is an aerosol-generating procedure, but little is known about the risks of MCT in the context of the ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. We aimed to quantify and characterize aerosol generation during MCT by using different delivery methods and to assess the impact of adding a viral filter. METHODS: Seven healthy subjects performed simulated MCT in a near particle-free laboratory space with 4 different nebulizers and with a dosimeter. Two devices continuously sampled the ambient air during the procedure, which detected ultrafine particles, from 0.02-1 µm, and particles of sizes 0.3, 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, 5.0, and 10 µm, respectively. Particle generation was compared among all the devices, with and without viral filter placement. RESULTS: Ultrafine-particle generation during simulated MCT was significant across all the devices. Ultrafine-particle (0.02-1 µm) concentrations decreased 77%-91% with the addition of a viral filter and varied significantly between unfiltered (P < .001) and filtered devices (P < .001). Ultrafine-particle generation was lowest when using the dosimeter with filtered Hudson nebulizer (1,258 ± 1,644 particle/mL). Ultrafine-particle concentrations with the filtered nebulizer devices using a compressor were higher than particle concentrations detected when using the dosimeter: Monaghan (3,472 ± 1,794 particles/mL), PARI (4,403 ± 2,948), Hudson (6,320 ± 1,787) and AirLife (9,523 ± 5,098). CONCLUSIONS: The high particle concentrations generated during MCT pose significant infection control concerns during the COVID-19 pandemic. Particle generation during MCT was significantly reduced by using breath-actuated delivery and a viral filter, which offers an effective mitigation strategy.


Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Pandemics , Aerosols , Humans , Infection Control , Methacholine Chloride , Nebulizers and Vaporizers , Particle Size , SARS-CoV-2
18.
Respir Care ; 66(8): 1291-1298, 2021 08.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34035146

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Peak flow testing is a common procedure performed in ambulatory care. There are currently no data regarding aerosol generation during this procedure. Given the ongoing debate regarding the potential for aerosol transmission of SARS-CoV-2, we aimed to quantify and characterize aerosol generation during peak flow testing. METHODS: Five healthy volunteers performed peak flow maneuvers in a particle-free laboratory space. Two devices continuously sampled the ambient air during the procedure. One device can detect ultrafine particles 0.02-1 µm in diameter, while the second device can detect particles 0.3, 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, 5.0, and 10 µm in diameter. Five different peak flow meters were compared to ambient baseline during masked and unmasked tidal breathing. RESULTS: Ultrafine particles (0.02-1 µm) were generated during peak flow measurement. There was no significant difference in ultrafine particle mean concentration between peak flow meters (P = .23): Respironics (1.25 ± 0.47 particles/mL), Philips (3.06 ± 1.22), Clement Clarke (3.55 ± 1.22 particles/mL), Respironics Low Range (3.50 ± 1.52 particles/mL), and Monaghan (3.78 ± 1.31 particles/mL). Ultrafine particle mean concentration with peak flow testing was significantly higher than masked (0.22 ± 0.29 particles/mL) and unmasked tidal breathing (0.15 ± 0.18 particles/mL, P = .01), but the ultrafine particle concentrations were small compared to ambient particle concentrations in a pulmonary function testing room (89.9 ± 8.95 particles/mL). CONCLUSIONS: In this study, aerosol generation was present during peak flow testing, but concentrations were small compared to the background particle concentration in the ambient clinical environment. Surgical masks and eye protection are likely sufficient infection control measures during peak expiratory flow testing in asymptomatic patients with well controlled respiratory symptoms, but COVID-19 testing remains prudent in patients with acute respiratory symptoms prior to evaluation and peak expiratory flow assessment while the community prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 cases remains high.


Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Aerosols , COVID-19 Testing , Humans , Masks , Particle Size , SARS-CoV-2
19.
J Asthma ; 47(8): 878-82, 2010 Oct.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-20831462

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Self-report is the most commonly used method for collecting information regarding asthma medication possession and adherence in clinical practice. OBJECTIVE: To determine the agreement between self-report and pharmacy claims data for asthma medication possession. METHODS: This is a retrospective study that examined pharmacy claims data 12 months before and after participants completed a structured asthma survey. This study was performed in a sample of health care workers and dependents >17 years old in a large, self-insured Midwestern United States health care center. The main outcome measure was agreement (kappa calculation) between self-report and pharmacy claims data of asthma medication possession. RESULTS: Self-report of asthma medication use agreed moderately with pharmacy claims data for short-acting albuterol (κ=0.47 ± 0.03), salmeterol (κ=0.79 ± 0.04), and montelukast (κ=0.69 ± 0.03) but only slightly for inhaled corticosteroids (κ=0.18 ± 0.03) and prednisone (κ=0.10 ± 0.03) (n=1050 respondents). Both under self-reporting and over self-reporting were common with inhaled corticosteroids (14.4% and 23.1%, respectively) and varied significantly by specific drug type. CONCLUSIONS: Self-report moderately agrees with asthma medication possession for most adult asthma patients, though the agreement differs considerably between and within asthma medication classes.


Subject(s)
Anti-Asthmatic Agents/therapeutic use , Asthma/diagnosis , Asthma/drug therapy , Medication Adherence , Adult , Asthma/psychology , Female , Health Personnel , Humans , Insurance Claim Review , Male , Middle Aged , Midwestern United States , Predictive Value of Tests , Retrospective Studies , Sensitivity and Specificity , Surveys and Questionnaires
20.
Lung ; 188 Suppl 1: S19-22, 2010 Jan.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-19809852

ABSTRACT

Chronic cough is a common symptom-based diagnostic challenge for primary care physicians and respiratory specialists. Measurement of exhaled nitric oxide is a convenient, reproducible, and inexpensive point-of-service test. It can simplify the evaluation process of chronic cough by providing information regarding the state of airway inflammation. If exhaled nitric oxide is elevated, this is predictive of a favorable response to inhaled corticosteroids. This has the effect of reducing empirical trials for cough-variant asthma or eosinophilic bronchitis. The inclusion of exhaled nitric oxide in the diagnostic approach to chronic cough should be considered.


Subject(s)
Cough/etiology , Nitric Oxide/analysis , Adrenal Cortex Hormones/therapeutic use , Asthma/complications , Asthma/diagnosis , Biomarkers/analysis , Breath Tests , Bronchitis/complications , Bronchitis/diagnosis , Bronchoconstrictor Agents , Chronic Disease , Cough/drug therapy , Humans , Methacholine Chloride , Pulmonary Eosinophilia/complications , Pulmonary Eosinophilia/diagnosis
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