Lower Airway Dysbiosis Augments Lung Inflammatory Injury in Mild-to-Moderate Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.

Rationale: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is associated with high morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs. Cigarette smoke is a causative factor; however, not all heavy smokers develop COPD. Microbial colonization and infections are contributing factors to disease progression in advanced stages. Objectives: We investigated whether lower airway dysbiosis occurs in mild-to-moderate COPD and analyzed possible mechanistic contributions to COPD pathogenesis. Methods: We recruited 57 patients with a >10 pack-year smoking history: 26 had physiological evidence of COPD, and 31 had normal lung function (smoker control subjects). Bronchoscopy sampled the upper airways, lower airways, and environmental background. Samples were analyzed by 16S rRNA gene sequencing, whole genome, RNA metatranscriptome, and host RNA transcriptome. A preclinical mouse model was used to evaluate the contributions of cigarette smoke and dysbiosis on lower airway inflammatory injury. Measurements and Main Results: Compared with smoker control subjects, microbiome analyses showed that the lower airways of subjects with COPD were enriched with common oral commensals. The lower airway host transcriptomics demonstrated differences in markers of inflammation and tumorigenesis, such as upregulation of IL-17, IL-6, ERK/MAPK, PI3K, MUC1, and MUC4 in mild-to-moderate COPD. Finally, in a preclinical murine model exposed to cigarette smoke, lower airway dysbiosis with common oral commensals augments the inflammatory injury, revealing transcriptomic signatures similar to those observed in human subjects with COPD. Conclusions: Lower airway dysbiosis in the setting of smoke exposure contributes to inflammatory injury early in COPD. Targeting the lower airway microbiome in combination with smoking cessation may be of potential therapeutic relevance.

Technical standards for respiratory oscillometry.

Oscillometry (also known as the forced oscillation technique) measures the mechanical properties of the respiratory system (upper and intrathoracic airways, lung tissue and chest wall) during quiet tidal breathing, by the application of an oscillating pressure signal (input or forcing signal), most commonly at the mouth. With increased clinical and research use, it is critical that all technical details of the hardware design, signal processing and analyses, and testing protocols are transparent and clearly reported to allow standardisation, comparison and replication of clinical and research studies. Because of this need, an update of the 2003 European Respiratory Society (ERS) technical standards document was produced by an ERS task force of experts who are active in clinical oscillometry research.The aim of the task force was to provide technical recommendations regarding oscillometry measurement including hardware, software, testing protocols and quality control.The main changes in this update, compared with the 2003 ERS task force document are 1) new quality control procedures which reflect use of "within-breath" analysis, and methods of handling artefacts; 2) recommendation to disclose signal processing, quality control, artefact handling and breathing protocols (e.g. number and duration of acquisitions) in reports and publications to allow comparability and replication between devices and laboratories; 3) a summary review of new data to support threshold values for bronchodilator and bronchial challenge tests; and 4) updated list of predicted impedance values in adults and children.

Isolated small airway reactivity during bronchoprovocation as a mechanism for respiratory symptoms in WTC dust-exposed community members.

INTRODUCTION: Small airway dysfunction occurs following WTC dust exposure, but its role in producing symptoms is unclear. METHODS: Methacholine challenge (MCT) was used to assess the relationship between onset of respiratory symptoms and small airway abnormalities in 166 symptomatic WTC dust-exposed patients. Forced oscillation testing (FOT) and respiratory symptoms were assessed during MCT. FOT parameters included resistance at 5 and 20 Hz (R5 and R20 ) and the R5 minus R20 (R5-20 ). RESULTS: Baseline spirometry was normal in all (mean FEV1 100 + 13% predicted, mean FEV1 /FVC 80 + 4%). MCT revealed bronchial hyperreactivity by spirometry in 67 patients. An additional 24 patients became symptomatic despite minimal FEV1 change (<5%); symptom onset coincided with increased R5 and R5-20 (P > 0.001 vs. baseline). The dose-response of FOT (reactivity) was greater compared with subjects that remained asymptomatic (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: FOT during MCT uncovered reactivity in small airways as a mechanism for respiratory symptoms in subjects with inhalational lung injury. Am. J. Ind. Med. 59:767-776, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

A smartwatch-based CPR feedback device improves chest compression quality among health care professionals and lay rescuers.

Background: Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) quality significantly impacts patient outcomes during cardiac arrests. With advancements in health care technology, smartwatch-based CPR feedback devices have emerged as potential tools to enhance CPR delivery. Objective: This study evaluated a novel smartwatch-based CPR feedback device in enhancing chest compression quality among health care professionals and lay rescuers. Methods: A single-center, open-label, randomized crossover study was conducted with 30 subjects categorized into 3 groups based on rescuer category. The Relay Response BLS smartwatch application was compared to a defibrillator-based feedback device (Zoll OneStep CPR Pads). Following an introduction to the technology, subjects performed chest compressions in 3 modules: baseline unaided, aided by the smartwatch-based feedback device, and aided by the defibrillator-based feedback device. Outcome measures included effectiveness, learnability, and usability. Results: Across all groups, the smartwatch-based device significantly improved mean compression depth effectiveness (68.4% vs 29.7%; P < .05) and mean rate effectiveness (87.5% vs 30.1%; P < .05), compared to unaided compressions. Compression variability was significantly reduced with the smartwatch-based device (coefficient of variation: 14.9% vs 26.6%), indicating more consistent performance. Fifteen of 20 professional rescuers reached effective compressions using the smartwatch-based device in an average 2.6 seconds. A usability questionnaire revealed strong preference for the smartwatch-based device over the defibrillator-based device. Conclusion: The smartwatch-based device enhances the quality of CPR delivery by keeping compressions within recommended ranges and reducing performance variability. Its user-friendliness and rapid learnability suggest potential for widespread adoption in both professional and lay rescuer scenarios, contributing positively to CPR training and real-life emergency responses.

Role of small airway dysfunction in unexplained exertional dyspnoea.

Background: Isolated small airway abnormalities may be demonstrable at rest in patients with normal spirometry; however, the relationship of these abnormalities to exertional symptoms remains uncertain. This study uses an augmented cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) to include evaluation of small airway function during and following exercise to unmask abnormalities not evident with standard testing in individuals with dyspnoea and normal spirometry. Methods: Three groups of subjects were studied: 1) World Trade Center (WTC) dust exposure (n=20); 2) Clinical Referral (n=15); and Control (n=13). Baseline evaluation included respiratory oscillometry. Airway function during an incremental workload CPET was assessed by: 1) tidal flow versus volume curves during exercise to assess for dynamic hyperinflation and expiratory flow limitation; and 2) post-exercise spirometry and oscillometry to evaluate for airway hyperreactivity. Results: All subjects demonstrated normal baseline forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1)/forced vital capacity (FVC). Dyspnoea was reproduced during CPET in WTC and Clinical Referral groups versus Control without abnormality in respiratory pattern and minute ventilation. Tidal flow-volume curves uncovered expiratory flow limitation and/or dynamic hyperinflation with increased prevalence in WTC and Clinical Referral versus Control (55%, 87% versus 15%; p<0.001). Post-exercise oscillometry uncovered small airway hyperreactivity with increased prevalence in WTC and Clinical Referral versus Control (40%, 47% versus 0%, p<0.05). Conclusions: We uncovered mechanisms for exertional dyspnoea in subject with normal spirometry that was attributable to either small airway dysfunction during exercise and/or small airway hyperreactivity following exercise. The similarity of findings in WTC environmentally exposed and clinically referred cohorts suggests broad relevance for these evaluations.

Clinical significance and applications of oscillometry.

Recently, "Technical standards for respiratory oscillometry" was published, which reviewed the physiological basis of oscillometric measures and detailed the technical factors related to equipment and test performance, quality assurance and reporting of results. Here we present a review of the clinical significance and applications of oscillometry. We briefly review the physiological principles of oscillometry and the basics of oscillometry interpretation, and then describe what is currently known about oscillometry in its role as a sensitive measure of airway resistance, bronchodilator responsiveness and bronchial challenge testing, and response to medical therapy, particularly in asthma and COPD. The technique may have unique advantages in situations where spirometry and other lung function tests are not suitable, such as in infants, neuromuscular disease, sleep apnoea and critical care. Other potential applications include detection of bronchiolitis obliterans, vocal cord dysfunction and the effects of environmental exposures. However, despite great promise as a useful clinical tool, we identify a number of areas in which more evidence of clinical utility is needed before oscillometry becomes routinely used for diagnosing or monitoring respiratory disease.

Disparity between proximal and distal airway reactivity during methacholine challenge.

There is an increasing awareness of the role of distal airways in the pathophysiology of obstructive lung diseases including asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. We hypothesize that during induced bronchoconstriction: 1) disparity between distal and proximal airway reactivity may occur; and 2) changes in distal airway function may explain symptom onset in subjects with minimal FEV(1) change. 185 subjects underwent methacholine challenge testing (MCT). In addition to spirometry, oscillometry was performed at baseline and after maximum dose of methacholine; 33/185 also underwent oscillometry after each dose. Oscillometric parameters included resistance at 5 and 20 Hz (R(5), R(20)) and heterogeneity of distal airway mechanics assessed by frequency dependence of resistance 5-20 Hz (R(5-20)) and reactance area (AX). R(5) varied widely during MCT (range -0.8 - 11.3 cmH(2)O/L/s) and correlated poorly with change in FEV(1) (r = 0.17). Changes in R(5) reflected changes in both R(20) and R(5-20) (r = 0.59, p<0.05; r = 0.87, p<0.0001). However, R(20) increased only 0.3 cmH(2)O/L/s, while R(5-20) increased 0.7 cmH(2)O/L/s for every 1cmH(2)O/L/s change in R(5,) indicating predominant effect of distal airway mechanics. 9/33 subjects developed symptoms despite minimal FEV(1) change (<5%), while R(5) increased 42% due to increased distal airway heterogeneity. These data indicate disparate behavior of proximal airway resistance (FEV(1) and R(20)) and distal airway heterogeneity (R(5-20) and AX). Distal airway reactivity may be associated with methacholine-induced symptoms despite absence of change in FEV(1). This study highlights the importance of disparity between proximal and distal airway behavior, which has implications in understanding pathophysiology of obstructive pulmonary diseases and their response to treatment.

Respiratory impedance measured using impulse oscillometry in a healthy urban population.

This study derives normative prediction equations for respiratory impedance in a healthy asymptomatic urban population using an impulse oscillation system (IOS). In addition, this study uses body mass index (BMI) in the equations to describe the effect of obesity on respiratory impedance. Data from an urban population comprising 472 healthy asymptomatic subjects that resided or worked in lower Manhattan, New York City were retrospectively analysed. This population was the control group from a previously completed case-control study of the health effects of exposure to World Trade Center dust. Since all subjects underwent spirometry and oscillometry, these previously collected data allowed a unique opportunity to derive normative prediction equations for oscillometry in an urban, lifetime non-smoking, asymptomatic population without underlying respiratory disease. Normative prediction equations for men and women were successfully developed for a broad range of respiratory oscillometry variables with narrow confidence bands. Models that used BMI as an independent predictor of oscillometry variables (in addition to age and height) demonstrated equivalent or better fit when compared with models that used weight. With increasing BMI, resistance and reactance increased compatible with lung and airway compression from mass loading. This study represents the largest cohort of healthy urban subjects assessed with an IOS device. Normative prediction equations were derived that should facilitate application of IOS in the clinical setting. In addition, the data suggest that modelling of lung function may be best performed using height and BMI as independent variables rather than the traditional approach of using height and weight.

Increased Dead Space Ventilation and Refractory Hypercapnia in Patients With Coronavirus Disease 2019: A Potential Marker of Thrombosis in the Pulmonary Vasculature.

OBJECTIVES: Mortality rates in intubated coronavirus disease 2019 patients remain markedly elevated. Some patients develop sudden refractory hypercapnia and hypoxemia not explained by worsening pulmonary parenchymal disease. This case series highlights clinical findings and management of coronavirus disease 2019 patients with refractory hypercapnia despite maximal/optimal ventilatory support. Hypercapnia could not be explained by worsening lung disease or other common factors, and thus, a pulmonary vascular etiology was suggested. The pillars of management were targeted to improve pulmonary vascular patency via aggressive anticoagulation and support right ventricular function. DATA SOURCES: Four consecutive patients with confirmed coronavirus disease 2019 infection with sudden hypercapnia and hypoxemia were included. DATA SYNTHESIS: There was sequential development of: 1) severe hypercapnia attributable to marked elevation of dead space without radiographic changes; 2) concomitant coagulopathy manifest by an increase in d-dimer levels; 3) progressive shunt with consequent hypoxemia; and 4) right ventricular dysfunction. Management included extracorporeal Co2 removal, direct thrombin inhibition, pulmonary vasodilators, and inotropic support. Marked improvement in Pao2 allowed reduction in Fio2 in all patients, extracorporeal Co2 removal was discontinued in three patients over the ensuing 3 weeks, and one patient was discharged home. CONCLUSIONS: We speculate that thromboinflammation with pulmonary microvasculature occlusion leads to a sudden increase in dead space and shunt resulting in severe hypercapnia and hypoxemia in coronavirus disease 2019 patients. Early identification of these physiologic and clinical biomarkers could trigger the institution of therapies aiming to reverse the hypercoagulable state and support right ventricular function.

Small airway function in obese individuals with self-reported asthma.

Diagnosis of asthma in obese individuals frequently relies on clinical history, as airflow by spirometry may remain normal. This study hypothesised that obese subjects with self-reported asthma and normal spirometry will demonstrate distinct clinical characteristics, metabolic comorbidities and enhanced small airway dysfunction as compared with healthy obese subjects. Spirometry, plethysmography and oscillometry data pre/post-bronchodilator were obtained in 357 obese subjects in three groups as follows: no asthma group (n=180), self-reported asthma normal spirometry group (n=126), and asthma obstructed spirometry group (n=51). To assess the effects of obesity related to reduced lung volume, oscillometry measurements were repeated during a voluntary inflation to predicted functional residual capacity (FRC). Dyspnoea was equally prevalent in all groups. In contrast, cough, wheeze and metabolic comorbidities were more frequent in the asthma normal spirometry and asthma obstructed spirometry groups versus the no asthma group (p<0.05). Despite similar body size, oscillometry measurements demonstrated elevated R 5-20 (difference between resistance at 5 and 20 Hz) in the no asthma and asthma normal spirometry groups (0.19±0.12; 0.23±0.13 kPa/(L·s-1), p<0.05) but to a lesser degree than the asthma obstructed spirometry group (0.34±0.20 kPa/(L·s-1), p<0.05). Differences between groups persisted post-bronchodilator (p<0.05). Following voluntary inflation to predicted FRC, R 5-20 in the no asthma and asthma normal spirometry groups fell to similar values, indicating a reversible process (0.11±0.07; 0.12±0.08 kPa/(L·s-1), p=NS). Persistently elevated R 5-20 was seen in the asthma obstructed spirometry group, suggesting chronic inflammation and/or remodelling (0.17±0.11 kPa/(L·s-1), p<0.05). Thus, small airway abnormalities of greater magnitude than observations in healthy obese people may be an early marker of asthma in obese subjects with self-reported disease despite normal airflow. Increased metabolic comorbidities in these subjects may have provided a milieu that impacted airway function.

Distal airway function assessed by oscillometry at varying respiratory rate: comparison with dynamic compliance.

Distal airways disease causes significant morbidity yet remains insufficiently identified. We hypothesize that: ( [1] ) when spirometry is normal impulse oscillometry may provide information about mechanical properties of the distal airways in a manner comparable to dynamic compliance and ( [2] ) variation of breathing frequency will influence oscillometric measurements similar to effects of breathing frequency on dynamic compliance. Fifty-three symptomatic subjects with normal large airway function (spirometry) were studied; distal airway dysfunction was identified by presence of frequency dependence of compliance (FDC). Oscillometric parameters evaluated were resistance at 20 Hz (R20) and 5-20 Hz (R(5-20)), reactance at 5 Hz (X5), and reactance area (AX). R20 correlated with airway resistance by esophageal manometry (r = 0.74, p < 0.001); X5 correlated with dynamic compliance at a respiratory rate of 60 bpm (r = 0.61, p < 0.001); R(5-20) and AX correlated with FDC (r = 0.48, p < 0.001; r = 0.53, p < 0.01). IOS indices were further evaluated at increased respiratory rate (RR40). Oscillometric parameters changed minimally at RR40 in normal subjects DeltaR20 = 0.20 +/- 0.08 cmH2O/L/s, DeltaR(5-20) = 0.10 +/- 0.03 cmH2O/L/s, DeltaAX = 0.33 +/- 0.19 cmH2O/L). However, in symptomatic subjects, while R20 increased minimally at RR40 (DeltaR20 = 0.37 +/- 0.10 cmH2O/L/s), R(5-20) and AX increased markedly (DeltaR(5-20) = 0.54 +/- 0.06 cmH2O/L/s, DeltaAX = 4.28 +/- 0.67 cmH2O/L) and reversed post bronchodilator. IOS evaluates physiology of the distal airways in a manner comparable to dynamic compliance. Elevated respiratory rate influences oscillometric parameters and must be considered when interpreting oscillometric data. IOS provides a non-invasive tool for assessment of distal airway function when spirometry is normal, which can be applied to various clinical settings including early diagnosis of COPD (GOLD stage 0), asthma in clinical remission and occupational/ environmental irritant exposure.

Potential mechanism for transition between acute hypercapnia during sleep to chronic hypercapnia during wakefulness in obstructive sleep apnea.

This paper presents a series of experiments, both in patients and computer models, investigating the transition from acute to chronic hypercapnia in OSA. The data demonstrate that acute hypercapnia during periodic breathing occurs due to either reduction in magnitude of inter-event ventilation and/or reduction in inter-event ventilatory duration relative to duration of the preceding event. The transition between acute hypercapnia during sleep and chronic sustained hypercapnia during wakefulness may be determined by an interaction between respiratory control and renal handling of HCO3-.

Distal airway function in symptomatic subjects with normal spirometry following World Trade Center dust exposure.

RATIONALE: Following collapse of the World Trade Center (WTC), individuals reported new-onset respiratory symptoms. Despite symptoms, spirometry often revealed normal airway function. However, bronchial wall thickening and air trapping were seen radiographically in some subjects. We hypothesized that symptomatic individuals following exposure to WTC dust may have functional abnormalities in distal airways not detectable with routine spirometry. METHODS: One hundred seventy-four subjects with respiratory symptoms and normal spirometry results were evaluated. Impedance oscillometry (IOS) was performed to determine resistance at 5 Hz, 5 to 20 Hz, and reactance area. Forty-three subjects were also tested for frequency dependence of compliance (FDC). Testing was repeated after bronchodilation. RESULTS: Predominant symptoms included cough (67%) and dyspnea (65%). Despite normal spirometry results, mean resistance at 5 Hz, 5 to 20 Hz, and reactance area were elevated (4.36 +/- 0.12 cm H(2)O/L/s, 0.86 +/- 0.05 cm H(2)O/L/s, and 6.12 +/- 0.50 cm H(2)O/L, respectively) [mean +/- SE]. Resistance and reactance normalized after bronchodilation. FDC was present in 37 of 43 individuals with improvement after bronchodilation. CONCLUSIONS: Symptomatic individuals with presumed WTC dust/fume exposure and normal spirometry results displayed airway dysfunction based on the following: (1) elevated airway resistance and frequency dependence of resistance determined by IOS; (2) heterogeneity of distal airway function demonstrated by elevated reactance area on oscillometry and FDC; and (3) reversibility of these functional abnormalities to or toward normal following administration of a bronchodilator. Since spirometry results were normal in all subjects, these abnormalities likely reflect dysfunction in airways more distal to those evaluated by spirometry. Examination of distal airway function when spirometry results are normal may be important in the evaluation of subjects exposed to occupational and environmental hazards.

Transition from acute to chronic hypercapnia in patients with periodic breathing: predictions from a computer model.

Acute hypercapnia may develop during periodic breathing from an imbalance between abnormal ventilatory patterns during apnea and/or hypopnea and compensatory ventilatory response in the interevent periods. However, transition of this acute hypercapnia into chronic sustained hypercapnia during wakefulness remains unexplained. We hypothesized that respiratory-renal interactions would play a critical role in this transition. Because this transition cannot be readily addressed clinically, we modified a previously published model of whole-body CO2 kinetics by adding respiratory control and renal bicarbonate kinetics. We enforced a pattern of 8 h of periodic breathing (sleep) and 16 h of regular ventilation (wakefulness) repeated for 20 days. Interventions included varying the initial awake respiratory CO2 response and varying the rate of renal bicarbonate excretion within the physiological range. The results showed that acute hypercapnia during periodic breathing could transition into chronic sustained hypercapnia during wakefulness. Although acute hypercapnia could be attributed to periodic breathing alone, transition from acute to chronic hypercapnia required either slowing of renal bicarbonate kinetics, reduction of ventilatory CO2 responsiveness, or both. Thus the model showed that the interaction between the time constant for bicarbonate excretion and respiratory control results in both failure of bicarbonate concentration to fully normalize before the next period of sleep and persistence of hypercapnia through blunting of ventilatory drive. These respiratory-renal interactions create a cumulative effect over subsequent periods of sleep that eventually results in a self-perpetuating state of chronic hypercapnia.

Membrane diffusion in diseases of the pulmonary vasculature.

INTRODUCTION: We examined pulmonary diffusing capacity (D(LCO)) and its partition in pulmonary vascular diseases without evident parenchymal disease to assess the pattern and proportionality of change in membrane diffusion (D(m)) and capillary blood volume (V(c)). Disproportionate reduction in D(m) relative to V(c) (low D(m)/V(c)) in these diseases has been attributed to associated alveolar membrane/parenchymal disease, thus providing a potentially important diagnostic tool. METHODS: Diseases included: idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (n=6), chronic thromboembolic disease (n=5), and intravenous drug use (n=14), providing a spectrum of pulmonary vascular diseases. V(c) and D(m) were determined as described by Roughton and Forster. RESULTS: All diseases showed a reduced V(c) (59+/-10, 69+/-14, 71+/-21 % predicted, respectively) and D(m) (76+/-22, 53+/-19, 63+/-16 % predicted, respectively) with no differences between groups (p>0.05). Disproportionate reduction of D(m) (D(m)/V(c) % predicted <1) was seen in all diseases (range 0.36-1.89). A mathematical analysis is presented to illustrate that changes in vascular geometry may additionally influence the proportionality of changes in D(m) and V(c). The mathematical analysis suggests that when reduction in patency of some vessels co-exits with compensatory dilatation of the remaining vasculature, a disproportionate reduction in D(m) relative to V(c) may result. CONCLUSIONS: The balance between vascular curtailment and compensatory dilatation may contribute to the variability of the D(m)/V(c) relationship seen in pulmonary vascular disease. Disproportionate reduction in D(m) relative to V(c) may result from this imbalance and need not imply subclinical alveolar membrane and/or parenchymal disease.

Progression from respiratory dysfunction to failure in late-onset Pompe disease.

To identify determinants of respiratory disease progression in late-onset Pompe disease (LOPD), we studied relationships between pulmonary function, respiratory muscle strength, gas exchange, and respiratory control. Longitudinal evaluation of 22 LOPD patients (mean age 38 years) was performed at 6-month intervals for 6-24 months. Measurements included vital capacity (VC), maximum inspiratory pressure (MIP), maximum expiratory pressure (MEP), tidal volume (VT), dead space (VD), and ventilatory response to CO2. Although reduction in VC correlated with MIP and MEP (p < 0.0001), some patients had normal VC despite reduced MIP and MEP (5 [23%] and 9 [41%] patients, respectively). Daytime hypercapnia was associated with reduced VC (<60% predicted) and MIP (<40% predicted). Moreover, chronic hypercapnia was associated with elevated VD/VT (≥0.44) due to falling VT (≈300 ml), compatible with reduced efficiency of CO2 clearance. The presence of hypercapnia and/or ventilatory support was associated with reduced ventilatory responsiveness to CO2 (≤0.7 l/min/mmHg). We conclude that daytime hypercapnia, an indicator of chronic respiratory failure, is tightly linked to the degree of respiratory muscle weakness and severity of pulmonary dysfunction in LOPD patients. Reductions in CO2 clearance efficiency and ventilatory responsiveness may contribute to the development of chronic daytime hypercapnia.

Pulmonary Vascular Congestion: A Mechanism for Distal Lung Unit Dysfunction in Obesity.

RATIONALE: Obesity is characterized by increased systemic and pulmonary blood volumes (pulmonary vascular congestion). Concomitant abnormal alveolar membrane diffusion suggests subclinical interstitial edema. In this setting, functional abnormalities should encompass the entire distal lung including the airways. OBJECTIVES: We hypothesize that in obesity: 1) pulmonary vascular congestion will affect the distal lung unit with concordant alveolar membrane and distal airway abnormalities; and 2) the degree of pulmonary congestion and membrane dysfunction will relate to the cardiac response. METHODS: 54 non-smoking obese subjects underwent spirometry, impulse oscillometry (IOS), diffusion capacity (DLCO) with partition into membrane diffusion (DM) and capillary blood volume (VC), and cardiac MRI (n = 24). Alveolar-capillary membrane efficiency was assessed by calculation of DM/VC. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Mean age was 45±12 years; mean BMI was 44.8±7 kg/m2. Vital capacity was 88±13% predicted with reduction in functional residual capacity (58±12% predicted). Despite normal DLCO (98±18% predicted), VC was elevated (135±31% predicted) while DM averaged 94±22% predicted. DM/VC varied from 0.4 to 1.4 with high values reflecting recruitment of alveolar membrane and low values indicating alveolar membrane dysfunction. The most abnormal IOS (R5 and X5) occurred in subjects with lowest DM/VC (r2 = 0.31, p<0.001; r2 = 0.34, p<0.001). Cardiac output and index (cardiac output / body surface area) were directly related to DM/VC (r2 = 0.41, p<0.001; r2 = 0.19, p = 0.03). Subjects with lower DM/VC demonstrated a cardiac output that remained in the normal range despite presence of obesity. CONCLUSIONS: Global dysfunction of the distal lung (alveolar membrane and distal airway) is associated with pulmonary vascular congestion and failure to achieve the high output state of obesity. Pulmonary vascular congestion and consequent fluid transudation and/or alterations in the structure of the alveolar capillary membrane may be considered often unrecognized causes of airway dysfunction in obesity.

Distal airway dysfunction identifies pulmonary inflammation in asymptomatic smokers.

Smoking induced inflammation leads to distal airway destruction. However, the relationship between distal airway dysfunction and inflammation remains unclear, particularly in smokers prior to the development of airway obstruction. Seven normal controls and 16 smokers without chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) were studied. Respiratory function was assessed using the forced oscillation technique (FOT). Abnormal FOT was defined as elevated resistance at 5 Hz (R5). Parameters reflecting distal lung function included frequency dependence of resistance (R5-20) and dynamic elastance (X5). Inflammation was quantified in concentrated bronchoalveolar lavage utilising cell count differential and cytokines expressed as concentration per mL epithelial lining fluid. All control subjects and seven smokers had normal R5. Nine smokers had elevated R5 with abnormal R5-20 and X5, indicating distal lung dysfunction. The presence of abnormal FOT was associated with two-fold higher lymphocyte and neutrophil counts (p<0.025) and with higher interleukin (IL)-8, eotaxin and fractalkine levels (p<0.01). Reactivity of R5-20 and X5 correlated with levels of IL-8, eotaxin, fractalkine, IL-12p70 and transforming growth factor-α (r>0.47, p<0.01). Distal airway dysfunction in smokers without COPD identifies the presence of distal lung inflammation that parallel reported observations in established COPD. These findings were not evident on routine pulmonary function testing and may allow the identification of smokers at risk of progression to COPD.

Airway dysfunction in obesity: response to voluntary restoration of end expiratory lung volume.

INTRODUCTION: Abnormality in distal lung function may occur in obesity due to reduction in resting lung volume; however, airway inflammation, vascular congestion and/or concomitant intrinsic airway disease may also be present. The goal of this study is to 1) describe the phenotype of lung function in obese subjects utilizing spirometry, plethysmography and oscillometry; and 2) evaluate residual abnormality when the effect of mass loading is removed by voluntary elevation of end expiratory lung volume (EELV) to predicted FRC. METHODS: 100 non-smoking obese subjects without cardio-pulmonary disease and with normal airflow on spirometry underwent impulse oscillometry (IOS) at baseline and at the elevated EELV. RESULTS: FRC and ERV were reduced (44 ± 22, 62 ± 14% predicted) with normal RV/TLC (29 ± 9%). IOS demonstrated elevated resistance at 20 Hz (R20, 4.65 ± 1.07 cmH2O/L/s); however, specific conductance was normal (0.14 ± 0.04). Resistance at 5-20 Hz (R5-20, 1.86 ± 1.11 cmH2O/L/s) and reactance at 5 Hz (X5, -2.70 ± 1.44 cmH2O/L/s) were abnormal. During elevation of EELV, IOS abnormalities reversed to or towards normal. Residual abnormality in R5-20 was observed in some subjects despite elevation of EELV (1.16 ± 0.8 cmH2O/L/s). R5-20 responded to bronchodilator at baseline but not during elevation of EELV. CONCLUSIONS: This study describes the phenotype of lung dysfunction in obesity as reduction in FRC with airway narrowing, distal respiratory dysfunction and bronchodilator responsiveness. When R5-20 normalized during voluntary inflation, mass loading was considered the predominant mechanism. In contrast, when residual abnormality in R5-20 was demonstrable despite return of EELV to predicted FRC, mechanisms for airway dysfunction in addition to mass loading could be invoked.