Determinants of bacteriological outcomes in exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

PURPOSE: Changes in sputum microbiology following antibiotic treatment of acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD), including patterns of bacteriological relapse and superinfection are not well understood. Sputum microbiology at exacerbation is not routinely performed, but pathogen presence and species are determinants of outcomes. Therefore, we determined whether baseline clinical factors could predict the presence of bacterial pathogens at exacerbation. Bacterial eradication at end of treatment (EOT) is associated with clinical resolution of exacerbation. We determined the clinical, microbiological and therapeutic factors that were associated with bacteriological eradication in AECOPD at EOT and in the following 8 weeks. METHODS: Sputum bacteriological outcomes (i.e., eradication, persistence, superinfection, reinfection) from AECOPD patients (N = 1352) who were randomized to receive moxifloxacin or amoxicillin/clavulanate in the MAESTRAL study were compared. Independent predictors of bacterial presence in sputum at exacerbation and determinants for bacteriological eradication were analyzed by logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analyses. RESULTS: Significantly greater bacteriological eradication with moxifloxacin was mainly driven by superior Haemophilus influenzae eradication (P = 0.002, EOT). Baseline clinical factors were a weak predictor of the presence of pathogens in sputum (AUCROC = 0.593). On multivariate analysis, poorer bacterial eradication was associated with antibiotic resistance (P = 0.0001), systemic steroid use (P = 0.0024) and presence of P. aeruginosa (P = 0.0282). CONCLUSIONS: Since clinical prediction of bacterial presence in sputum at AECOPD is poor, sputum microbiological analysis should be considered for guiding antibiotic therapy in moderate-to-severe AECOPD, particularly in those who received concomitant systemic corticosteroids or are at risk for infection with antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

Outcome of tracheotomized patients following reintubation.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the outcome of tracheotomized patients after reintubation. METHOD: Secondary analysis from a prospective, multicenter and observational study including 36 Intensive Care Units (ICUs) from 8 countries. PATIENTS: A total of 180 patients under mechanical ventilation for more than 48 hours, extubated and reintubated within 48 hours. INTERVENTIONS: None. OUTCOMES: ICU mortality, length of ICU stay, organ failure. RESULTS: Fifty-two patients (29%) underwent tracheotomy after reintubation. The median time from reintubation to tracheotomy was 2.5 days (interquartile range (IQR) 1-8 days). The length of ICU stay was significantly longer in the tracheotomy group compared with the group without tracheotomy (median time 25 days, IQR 17-43 versus 16.5 days (IQR 11-25); p<0.001). ICU mortality in the tracheotomy group was not significantly different (31% versus 27%; p 0.57). CONCLUSIONS: In our cohort of reintubated patients, tracheotomy is a common procedure in the ICU. Patients with tracheotomy had an outcome similar to those without tracheotomy.

Mechanical ventilation in Spain, 1998-2016: Changes in the disconnection of mechanical ventilation.

PURPOSE: To evaluate changes in the disconnection of mechanical ventilation in Spain from 1998 to 2016. DESIGN: Post-hoc analysis of four cohort studies. AMBIT: 138 Spanish ICUs. PATIENTS: 2141 patients scheduled extubated. INTERVENTIONS: None. VARIABLES OF INTEREST: Demographics, reason for mechanical ventilation, complications, methods for disconnection, failure on the first attempt at disconnection, duration of weaning, reintubation, post-reintubation tracheotomy, ICU stay and mortality. RESULTS: There was a significant increase (p < 0.001) in the use of gradual reduction of support pressure. The adjusted probability of using the gradual reduction in pressure support versus a spontaneous breathing trial has increased over time, both for the first attempt at disconnection (taking the 1998 study as a reference: odds ratio 0.99 in 2004, 0.57 in 2010 and 2.43 in 2016) and for difficult/prolonged disconnection (taking the 1998 study as a reference: odds ratio 2.29 in 2004, 1.23 in 2010 and 2.54 in 2016). The proportion of patients extubated after the first attempt at disconnection has increased over time. There is a decrease in the ventilation time dedicated to weaning (from 45% in 1998 to 36% in 2016). However, the duration in difficult/prolonged weaning has not decreased (median 3 days in all studies, p = 0.435). CONCLUSIONS: There have been significant changes in the mode of disconnection of mechanical ventilation, with a progressive increase in the use of gradual reduction of pressure support. No relevant changes in outcomes have been observed.

Influence of body mass index on outcome of the mechanically ventilated patients.

BACKGROUND: There are limited data on the impact of body mass index on outcomes in mechanically ventilated patients. METHODS: Secondary analysis of a cohort including 4698 patients mechanically ventilated. Patients were screened daily for management of mechanical ventilation, complications (acute respiratory distress syndrome, sepsis, ventilator associated pneumonia, barotrauma), organ failure (cardiovascular, respiratory, renal, hepatic, haematological) and mortality in the intensive care unit. To estimate the impact of body mass index on acute respiratory distress syndrome and mortality, the authors constructed models using generalised estimating equations (GEE). RESULTS: Patients were evaluated based on their body mass index: 184 patients (3.7%) were underweight, 1995 patients (40%) normal weight, 1781 patients (35.8%) overweight, 792 patients (15.9%) obese and 216 patients (4.3%) severely obese. Severely obese patients were more likely to receive low tidal volume based on actual body weight but high volumes based on predicted body weight. In obese patients, the authors observed a higher incidence of acute respiratory distress syndrome and acute renal failure. After adjustment, the body mass index was significantly associated with the development of acute respiratory distress syndrome: compared with normal weight; OR 1.69 (95% CI 1.07 to 2.69) for obese and OR 2.38 (95% CI 1.15 to 4.89) for severely obese. There were no differences in outcomes (duration of mechanical ventilation, length of stay and mortality in intensive care unit and hospital) based on body mass index categories. CONCLUSIONS: In this cohort, obese patients were more likely to have significant complications but there were no associations with increased mortality.

Guideline-concordant therapy and outcomes in healthcare-associated pneumonia.

Healthcare-associated pneumonia (HCAP) guidelines were first proposed in 2005 but have not yet been validated. The objective of this study was to compare 30-day mortality in HCAP patients treated with either guideline-concordant (GC)-HCAP therapy or GC community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) therapy. We performed a population-based cohort study of >150 hospitals in the US Veterans Health Administration. Patients were included if they had one or more HCAP risk factors and received antibiotic therapy within 48 h of admission. Critically ill patients were excluded. Independent risk factors for 30-day mortality were determined in a generalised linear mixed-effect model, with admitting hospital as a random effect. Propensity scores for the probability of receiving GC-HCAP therapy were calculated and incorporated into a second logistic regression model. A total of 15,071 patients met study criteria and received GC-HCAP therapy (8.0%), GC-CAP therapy (75.7%) or non-GC therapy (16.3%). The strongest predictors of 30-day mortality were recent hospital admission (OR 2.49, 95% CI 2.12-2.94) and GC-HCAP therapy (OR 2.18, 95% CI 1.86-2.55). GC-HCAP therapy remained an independent risk factor for 30-day mortality (OR 2.12, 95% CI 1.82-2.48) in the propensity score analysis. In nonsevere HCAP patients, GC-HCAP therapy is not associated with improved survival compared with GC-CAP therapy.

Mechanical ventilation in Spain, 1998-2016: Epidemiology and outcomes. / Ventilación mecánica en España, 1998-2016: epidemiología y desenlaces.

PURPOSE: To evaluate changes in the epidemiology of mechanical ventilation in Spain from 1998 to 2016. DESIGN: A post hoc analysis of four cohort studies was carried out. SETTING: A total of 138 Spanish ICUs. PATIENTS: A sample of 4293 patients requiring invasive mechanical ventilation for more than 12h or noninvasive ventilation for more than 1h. INTERVENTIONS: None. VARIABLES OF INTEREST: Demographic variables, reason for mechanical ventilation, variables related to ventilatory support (ventilation mode, tidal volume, PEEP, airway pressures), complications during mechanical ventilation, duration of mechanical ventilation, ICU stay and ICU mortality. RESULTS: There was an increase in severity (SAPSII: 43 points in 1998 vs. 47 points in 2016), changes in the reason for mechanical ventilation (decrease in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and acute respiratory failure secondary to trauma, and increase in neurological disease and post-cardiac arrest). There was an increase in noninvasive mechanical ventilation as the first mode of ventilatory support (p<0.001). Volume control ventilation was the most commonly used mode, with increased support pressure and pressure-regulated volume-controlled ventilation. A decrease in tidal volume was observed (9ml/kg actual b.w. in 1998 and 6.6ml/kg in 2016; p<0.001) as well as an increase in PEEP (3cmH2O in 1998 and 6cmH2O in 2016; p<0.001). In-ICU mortality decreased (34% in 1998 and 27% in 2016; p<0.001), without geographical variability (median OR 1.43; p=0.258). CONCLUSIONS: A significant decrease in mortality was observed in patients ventilated in Spanish ICUs. These changes in mortality could be related to modifications in ventilation strategy to minimize ventilator-induced lung injury.

Mechanical ventilation in Spain, 1998-2016: changes in the disconnection of mechanical ventilation. / Ventilación mecánica en España, 1998-2016: cambios en la desconexión de la ventilación mecánica.

PURPOSE: To evaluate changes in the disconnection of mechanical ventilation in Spain from 1998 to 2016. DESIGN: Post-hoc analysis of four cohort studies. AMBIT: 138 Spanish ICUs. PATIENTS: 2141 patients scheduled extubated. INTERVENTIONS: None. VARIABLES OF INTEREST: Demographics, reason for mechanical ventilation, complications, methods for disconnection, failure on the first attempt at disconnection, duration of weaning, reintubation, post-reintubation tracheotomy, ICU stay and mortality. RESULTS: There was a significant increase (p<0.001) in the use of gradual reduction of support pressure. The adjusted probability of using the gradual reduction in pressure support versus a spontaneous breathing trial has increased over time, both for the first attempt at disconnection (taking the 1998 study as a reference: odds ratio 0.99 in 2004, 0.57 in 2010 and 2.43 in 2016) and for difficult/prolonged disconnection (taking the 1998 study as a reference: odds ratio 2.29 in 2004, 1.23 in 2010 and 2.54 in 2016). The proportion of patients extubated after the first attempt at disconnection has increased over time. There is a decrease in the ventilation time dedicated to weaning (from 45% in 1998 to 36% in 2016). However, the duration in difficult/prolonged weaning has not decreased (median 3 days in all studies, p=0.435). CONCLUSIONS: There have been significant changes in the mode of disconnection of mechanical ventilation, with a progressive increase in the use of gradual reduction of pressure support. No relevant changes in outcomes have been observed.

Inhaled corticosteroid use is associated with lower mortality for subjects with COPD and hospitalised with pneumonia.

Recent studies suggest that use of inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) may be associated with a higher incidence of pneumonia. However, it is unclear whether COPD subjects on ICS who develop pneumonia have worse outcomes. Therefore, our aim was to examine the association of prior outpatient ICS therapy with mortality in hospitalised COPD subjects with pneumonia. We included subjects ≥64 yrs of age, hospitalised with pneumonia in US Veterans Affairs hospitals, and assessed the association of ICS exposure with mortality for hospitalised COPD subjects with pneumonia in a covariate-adjusted regression model. We identified 6,353 subjects with a diagnosis of pneumonia and prior COPD, of whom 38% were on ICS. Mortality was 9% at 30 days and 16% at 90 days. In regression analyses, outpatient ICS therapy was associated with lower mortality at both 30 days (OR 0.76, 95% CI 0.70-0.83), and 90 days (OR 0.80, 95% CI 0.75-0.86). Outpatient therapy with ICS was associated with a significantly lower 30- and 90-day mortality in hospitalised COPD patients with pneumonia.

Impact of macrolide therapy on mortality for patients with severe sepsis due to pneumonia.

Recent studies suggest that macrolides may have beneficial effects for patients at risk for certain infections. The current authors examined the effect of macrolide therapy on 30- and 90-day mortality for patients with severe sepsis caused by pneumonia. A retrospective cohort study was conducted at two tertiary teaching hospitals. Eligible subjects were admitted with a diagnosis of, had chest radiography consistent with, and had a discharge diagnosis of pneumonia and clinical criteria of severe sepsis. Subjects were considered to be on macrolides if they received at least one dose within 48 h of admission. Severe sepsis was present in 237 (30.1%) subjects, out of whom 104 (43.9%) received macrolides. Mortality was 20.3% at 30 days and 24.5% at 90 days. In the multivariable analysis, the use of macrolide was associated with decreased mortality at 30 days (hazard ratio (HR) 0.3, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.2-0.7) and at 90 days (HR 0.3, 95% CI 0.2-0.6) in patients with severe sepsis and in patients with macrolide-resistant pathogens (HR 0.1, 95% CI 0.02-0.5). Macrolide use was associated with decreased mortality in patients with severe sepsis due to pneumonia and macrolide-resistant pathogens. Confirmatory studies are needed to determine whether macrolide therapy may be protective for patients with sepsis.

Impact of statins and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors on mortality of subjects hospitalised with pneumonia.

Recent studies suggest that statins and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors may have beneficial effects for some types of infections. The present study aimed to examine the association of outpatient use of these medications on 30-day mortality for subjects aged >65 yrs and hospitalised with community-acquired pneumonia. A retrospective national cohort study was conducted using the Department of Veterans Affairs administrative data including subjects aged >/=65 yrs hospitalised with community-acquired pneumonia, and having >/=1 yr of prior Veterans Affairs outpatient care. In total, 8,652 subjects were identified with a mean age of 75 yrs, 98.6% were male, and 9.9% of subjects died within 30 days of presentation. In this cohort, 18.1% of subjects were using statins and 33.9% were using ACE inhibitors. After adjusting for potential confounders, current statin use (odds ratio (OR) 0.54, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.42-0.70) and ACE inhibitor use (OR 0.80, 95% CI 0.68-0.89) were significantly associated with decreased 30-day mortality. Use of statins and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors prior to admission is associated with decreased mortality in subjects hospitalised with community-acquired pneumonia. Randomised controlled trials are needed to examine whether the use of these medications in patients hospitalised with community-acquired pneumonia may be beneficial.

Understanding international differences in terminology for delirium and other types of acute brain dysfunction in critically ill patients.

BACKGROUND: Delirium (acute brain dysfunction) is a potentially life threatening disturbance in brain function that frequently occurs in critically ill patients. While this area of brain dysfunction in critical care is rapidly advancing, striking limitations in use of terminology related to delirium internationally are hindering cross-talk and collaborative research. In the English literature, synonyms of delirium such as the Intensive Care Unit syndrome, acute brain dysfunction, acute brain failure, psychosis, confusion, and encephalopathy are widely used. This often leads to scientific "confusion" regarding published data and methodology within studies, which is further exacerbated by organizational, cultural and language barriers. OBJECTIVE: We undertook this multinational effort to identify conflicts in terminology and phenomenology of delirium to facilitate communication across medical disciplines and languages. METHODS: The evaluation of the terminology used for acute brain dysfunction was determined conducting communications with 24 authors from academic communities throughout countries/regions that speak the 13 variants of the Romanic languages included into this manuscript. RESULTS: In the 13 languages utilizing Romanic characters, included in this report, we identified the following terms used to define major types of acute brain dysfunction: coma, delirium, delirio, delirium tremens, délire, confusion mentale, delir, delier, Durchgangs-Syndrom, acute verwardheid, intensiv-psykose, IVA-psykos, IVA-syndrom, akutt konfusion/forvirring. Interestingly two terms are very consistent: 100 % of the selected languages use the term coma or koma to describe patients unresponsive to verbal and/or physical stimuli, and 100% use delirium tremens to define delirium due to alcohol withdrawal. Conversely, only 54% use the term delirium to indicate the disorder as defined by the DSM-IV as an acute change in mental status, inattention, disorganized thinking and altered level of consciousness. CONCLUSIONS: Attempts towards standardization in terminology, or at least awareness of differences across languages and specialties, will help cross-talk among clinicians and researchers.

Eradication of H. influenzae in AECB: A pooled analysis of moxifloxacin phase III trials compared with macrolide agents.

Haemophilus influenzae is the most common bacterial pathogen associated with acute exacerbations of chronic bronchitis (AECB). This study determined the rate of bacterial eradication of H. influenzae during AECB treated with either macrolides or moxifloxacin. Adult AECB patients with H. influenzae were included in a pooled analysis of four double-blind, multicentre, randomised trials. Patients received either moxifloxacin (400 mg qd for 5-10 days) or macrolides (azithromycin 500 mg/250 mg qd for 5 days or clarithromycin 500 mg bid for 5-10 days). Bacterial eradication and clinical success were recorded at the test-of-cure visit (7-37 days post-therapy). Of 2555 patients in the intent-to-treat population, 910 were microbiologically valid and 292 (32%) had H. influenzae cultured at baseline. Bacterial eradication of H. influenzae was significantly higher with moxifloxacin vs. macrolide-treated patients (93.0% [133/143] vs. 73.2% [109/149], respectively, P = 0.001). Moxifloxacin also demonstrated higher eradication rates compared with azithromycin (96.8% vs. 84.6%, P = 0.019) and clarithromycin (90.1% vs. 64.2%, P = 0.001) analysed separately. Clinical success was 89.5% (128/143) for moxifloxacin vs. 85.2% (127/149) for the macrolide group (P = 0.278); similar results were found when moxifloxacin was compared individually with each macrolide. For patients with AECB due to H. influenzae, moxifloxacin provided superior bacterial eradication rates than macrolide therapy.

Ventilación mecánica en España, 1998-2016: epidemiología y desenlaces / Mechanical ventilation in Spain, 1998-2016: Epidemiology and outcomes

OBJETIVO: Evaluar cambios en la epidemiología de la ventilación mecánica en España desde 1998 hasta 2016. DISEÑO: Análisis post-hoc de 4 estudios de cohortes. ÁMBITO: Un total de 138 UCI españolas. PACIENTES: Un total de 4.293 enfermos con ventilación mecánica invasiva más de 12h o no invasiva más de 1h. INTERVENCIONES: Ninguna. VARIABLES DE INTERÉS PRINCIPALES: Demográficas, motivo de ventilación mecánica, relacionadas con el soporte ventilatorio (modo de ventilación, volumen tidal, PEEP, presiones en vía aérea), complicaciones, duración de la ventilación mecánica, estancia y mortalidad en la UCI. RESULTADOS: Se observa aumento en la gravedad (SAPSII: 43 puntos en 1998 frente a 47 puntos en 2016), cambios en el motivo de la ventilación mecánica (disminución de la enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica e insuficiencia respiratoria secundaria a traumatismo y aumento de la patología neurológica y tras parada cardiaca). Aumento en la ventilación no invasiva como primer modo de soporte ventilatorio (p < 0,001). El modo más utilizado es la ventilación controlada por volumen con un aumento de la presión de soporte y de la ventilación controlada por volumen regulada por presión. Disminuyó el volumen tidal (9ml/kg de peso estimado en 1998 y 6,6ml/kg en 2016, p < 0,001) y aumentó la PEEP (3cmH2O en 1998 y 6cmH2O en 2016, p < 0,001). La mortalidad disminuye (34% en 1998 y 27% en 2016; p < 0,001) sin variabilidad geográfica (MOR 1,43; p = 0,258). CONCLUSIONES: Se observa una disminución en la mortalidad de los enfermos ventilados en UCI españolas. Esta disminución podría estar relacionada con cambios para minimizar el daño inducido por el ventilador

PURPOSE: To evaluate changes in the epidemiology of mechanical ventilation in Spain from 1998 to 2016. DESIGN: A post hoc analysis of four cohort studies was carried out. SETTING: A total of 138 Spanish ICUs. PATIENTS: A sample of 4293 patients requiring invasive mechanical ventilation for more than 12h or noninvasive ventilation for more than 1h. INTERVENTIONS: None. VARIABLES OF INTEREST: Demographic variables, reason for mechanical ventilation, variables related to ventilatory support (ventilation mode, tidal volume, PEEP, airway pressures), complications during mechanical ventilation, duration of mechanical ventilation, ICU stay and ICU mortality. RESULTS: There was an increase in severity (SAPSII: 43 points in 1998 vs. 47 points in 2016), changes in the reason for mechanical ventilation (decrease in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and acute respiratory failure secondary to trauma, and increase in neurological disease and post-cardiac arrest). There was an increase in noninvasive mechanical ventilation as the first mode of ventilatory support (p < 0.001). Volume control ventilation was the most commonly used mode, with increased support pressure and pressure-regulated volume-controlled ventilation. A decrease in tidal volume was observed (9ml/kg actual b.w. in 1998 and 6.6ml/kg in 2016; p < 0.001) as well as an increase in PEEP (3cmH2O in 1998 and 6cmH2O in 2016; p < 0.001). In-ICU mortality decreased (34% in 1998 and 27% in 2016; p < 0.001), without geographical variability (median OR 1.43; p = 0.258). CONCLUSIONS: A significant decrease in mortality was observed in patients ventilated in Spanish ICUs. These changes in mortality could be related to modifications in ventilation strategy to minimize ventilator-induced lung injury

Antibiotics are associated with lower relapse rates in outpatients with acute exacerbations of COPD.

BACKGROUND: COPD is a complex disease with exacerbations characterized by worsening of symptoms resulting in deteriorating lung function. STUDY OBJECTIVE: To assess predictive factors of relapse for patients with acute exacerbations of COPD (AECB). DESIGN: Retrospective cohort analysis of visits for AECB. SETTING: Veterans Affairs Medical Center. PATIENTS: Three hundred sixty-two visits (173 patients) with documented COPD treated as outpatients for AECB. MEASUREMENTS: Severity of underlying COPD, severity of AECB, comorbid conditions, therapy, and relapse rates (return visit within 14 days with persistent or worsening symptoms). RESULTS: Each visit was analyzed individually (referred to as a patient-visit). One group received antibiotics (270 patient-visits), and the second group (92 patient-visits) did not. Both groups had similar demographics and severity of underlying COPD. The overall relapse rate was 22%. The majority of patient-visits (95%) with severe symptoms at presentation were prescribed antibiotics vs only 40% of those with mild symptoms. Twenty-nine of 92 patient-visits (32%) were followed by relapse in the group that was not given antibiotics, whereas only 50 of 270 (19%) treated with antibiotics relapsed (p < 0.001). Those treated with amoxicillin had an even higher relapse rate (20 of 37 patient-visits, or 54%) than those who did not receive antibiotics (p = 0.006). CONCLUSIONS: Relapse from AECB was not related to the severity of underlying disease or to the severity of the acute exacerbation. Patients treated with antibiotics had significantly lower relapse rates than those who did not receive antibiotics. However, the specific choice of antibiotic is important because those treated with amoxicillin had the highest relapse rates of all groups.

Lung transplantation in a patient with a prior bone marrow transplant.

A 25-year-old woman with acute lymphoblastic leukemia underwent two bone marrow transplants. She subsequently developed severe restrictive lung disease which was successfully treated with a single lung transplant.

Use of balloon-expandable metallic stents in the management of bronchial stenosis and bronchomalacia after lung transplantation.

STUDY OBJECTIVES: Bronchial stenosis (BS) and bronchomalacia (BM) are often associated with lung allograft rejection or infection in lung transplant (LT) recipients. We reviewed our experience using balloon-expandable metallic (Palmaz) stents in the management of BS and BM in LT. DESIGN: Retrospective review of cases. PATIENTS: LT recipients with bronchoscopic and spirometric evidence of BS and BM. INTERVENTIONS: Serial balloon dilation was performed for BS. Stent placement was done for refractory or recurrent BS, or persistent focal BM. RESULTS: Twelve of 129 LT bronchial anastomoses at risk (9.3%) had complications, which included 11 BS and 5 BM. Four BS were accompanied by BM either concurrently or subsequently. The only isolated BM was associated with acute rejection and resolved after appropriate medical therapy. Balloon dilations alone were successful in relieving BS in three cases. Seven patients received a total of 11 stents. Stents were placed under conscious sedation using a flexible bronchoscope. Five of the seven patients had spirometric improvements after stent placements. One patient had no spirometric improvement, and another died before a follow-up study was done. There were no complications during stent placements. However, complications after stent placements included partial dehiscence of the stent from the bronchial wall, stent migration, partial obstruction of a segmental bronchial orifice by a stent in the main bronchus, and longitudinal stent collapse. One stent was successfully removed using a flexible bronchoscope in the endoscopy suite, and two others were removed by rigid bronchoscopy in the operating room. CONCLUSIONS: Endobronchial placement of the Palmaz stent in LT recipients is relatively easy, and it can be removed if needed. However, because there are significant potential complications, the future use of this stent as an airway prosthesis in LT remains unclear.

Use of the flow-volume loop in the diagnosis of bronchial stenosis after single lung transplantation.

Bronchial complications, including stricture, stenosis, and/or anastomotic dehiscence, are a major cause of morbidity following single lung transplantation. This report describes a 19-year-old man with a diagnosis of end-stage pulmonary fibrosis secondary to prior chemotherapy for non-Hodgkins lymphoma who underwent single lung transplantation. The immunosuppressive regimen included cyclosporine, azathioprine, and methylprednisolone sodium succinate (Solu-Medrol) intravenously for six doses during the first 3 days postoperatively followed by oral prednisone. Sixteen weeks following transplantation, the patient complained of dyspnea. Spirometry revealed a decrease in FEF25-75 and the flow-volume curve demonstrated a bioconcave appearance. The flow-volume loop showed a relatively high initial flow phase occurring over the first 2 to 3 s followed by a low-flow phase. The expiratory phase also showed the same characteristics. Bronchoscopy revealed 75 percent stenosis of the bronchial lumen to the transplanted lung. A transbronchial biopsy specimen obtained at that time was consistent with acute rejection. The patient was treated with a methylprednisolone bolus. A repeated bronchoscopy showed the persistence of stenosis distal to the anastomosis. The patient underwent several bronchoplastic balloon dilatations without complete resolution of the stenosis and a stainless steel mesh stent was placed. Repeated spirometry showed marked improvement of the FEF25-75 and normalization of the flow-volume loop. We conclude that the flow-volume loop curve is a noninvasive procedure that may help monitor the patency of the bronchial anastomoses following single lung transplantation.

Ventilation-perfusion inequalities during graft rejection in patients undergoing single lung transplantation for primary pulmonary hypertension.

We report herein data on single lung transplant (SLT) recipients with primary pulmonary hypertension (PPH). One patient did well following surgery but died on the 30th postoperative day due to cytomegalovirus pneumonia. The remaining two patients initially did well with unlimited exercise tolerance following transplantation, but then developed marked dyspnea on exertion and hypoxemia on postoperative days 144 and 120, respectively. Pulmonary function testing showed marked deterioration of function and transbronchial lung biopsy specimens revealed acute graft rejection in one patient and evidence of chronic graft rejection in the second patient. Quantitative ventilation-perfusion lung scanning demonstrated a marked decrease in ventilation to the transplanted lung in both cases associated with only a mild decrease in perfusion. This V/Q mismatch resulted in markedly decreased arterial oxygen saturations, widened alveolar-arterial oxygen gradients, and clinically debilitating dyspnea. We conclude that rejection may result in significant V/Q mismatch and hypoxemia in PPH patients undergoing SLT, which may limit the use of this specific type of surgery for PPH.