Serum albumin is a predictor of respiratory hospitalization in patients with bronchiectasis.

We evaluated serum albumin as an index for predicting respiratory hospitalization in patients with bronchiectasis. We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 177 patients with bronchiectasis, categorized them into low and normal albumin groups, and compared their clinical characteristics. The prediction of respiratory hospitalization by factors such as serum albumin level, bronchiectasis severity index (BSI), and FACED score (an acronym derived from five variables of forced expiratory volume in 1 s; FEV1, age, chronic colonization of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, extent of bronchiectasis, and dyspnea) was assessed. There were 15 and 162 patients categorized in the low and normal albumin groups, respectively. The low albumin group had lower body mass index and forced expiratory volume in 1 s, and higher age, frequency of previous respiratory hospitalization, percentage of Pseudomonas colonization, number of affected lobes, BSI and FACED scores, and C-reactive protein (CRP) level, than the normal albumin group. The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve of serum albumin level and BSI and FACED scores for predicting respiratory hospitalization were 0.732 (95% confidence interval (CI), 0.647-0.816), 0.873 (95% CI, 0.817-0.928), and 0.708 (95% CI, 0.618-0.799), respectively. Albumin level, CRP, modified Medical Research Council score, and chronic Pseudomonas aeruginosa (and other organisms) colonization were independent risk factors for respiratory hospitalization. Low serum albumin level was associated with worse clinical condition, higher severity scores, and respiratory hospitalization in patients with bronchiectasis.

Comparison of Anti-Oxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Effects between Fresh and Aged Black Garlic Extracts.

Numerous studies have demonstrated that aged black garlic (ABG) has strong anti-oxidant activity. Little is known however regarding the anti-inflammatory activity of ABG. This study was performed to identify and compare the anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of ABG extract (ABGE) with those of fresh raw garlic (FRG) extract (FRGE). In addition, we investigated which components are responsible for the observed effects. Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) were used as a pro-oxidant and pro-inflammatory stressor, respectively. ABGE showed high ABTS and DPPH radical scavenging activities and low ROS generation in RAW264.7 cells compared with FRGE. However, inhibition of cyclooxygenase-2 and 5-lipooxygenase activities by FRGE was stronger than that by ABGE. FRGE reduced PGE2, NO, IL-6, IL-1ß, LTD4, and LTE4 production in LPS-activated RAW264.7 cells more than did ABGE. The combination of FRGE and sugar (galactose, glucose, fructose, or sucrose), which is more abundant in ABGE than in FRGE, decreased the anti-inflammatory activity compared with FRGE. FRGE-induced inhibition of NF-κB activation and pro-inflammatory gene expression was blocked by combination with sugars. The lower anti-inflammatory activity in ABGE than FRGE could result from the presence of sugars. Our results suggest that ABGE might be helpful for the treatment of diseases mediated predominantly by ROS.

High-level expression of Hsp90ß is associated with poor survival in resectable non-small-cell lung cancer patients.

AIMS: The aim of this study was to investigate the expression of Hsp90ß and GRP94, and elucidate the clinical significance of their expression, in patients with resectable non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). METHODS AND RESULTS: Surgical tissue specimens were obtained from 208 patients with NSCLC who underwent surgical resection. The expression levels of Hsp90ß and GRP94 were assessed with tissue microarrays and immunohistochemistry. No correlations were observed between Hsp90ß or GRP94 expression and several clinicopathological factors. The high-Hsp90ß group [median overall survival (OS) 20.4 months; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.000-40.864] showed a significant decrease in OS as compared with the low-Hsp90ß group (median OS not reached; P = 0.003). In contrast to the Hsp90ß analysis, the GRP94 analysis did not show a difference in OS. Moreover, in subgroup analyses of patients with squamous cell carcinoma histology, OS (P = 0.012) and relapse-free survival (P = 0.044) were significantly worse in the high-Hsp90ß group than in the low-Hsp90ß group. Multivariate analysis suggested that old age [hazard ratio (HR) 1.568; 95% CI 1.019-2.412; P = 0.041], advanced disease (HR 2.066; 95% CI 1.218-3.502; P = 0.007) and high Hsp90ß expression (HR 1.802; 95% CI 1.061-3.060; P = 0.029) were independent poor prognostic factors for OS. CONCLUSIONS: Hsp90ß expression might be a useful marker of poor OS, although further large prospective studies are warranted to validate our findings.

Prognostic significance of the absolute monocyte counts in lung cancer patients with venous thromboembolism.

We investigated the clinical significance of the absolute monocyte count (AMC) as a predictor of the response to anticoagulation and survival in lung cancer patients with venous thromboembolism (VTE). We retrospectively reviewed 1707 patients with pathologically proven lung cancer who visited the hospital between July 2008 and May 2014. Among them, the clinical data of patients newly diagnosed with VTE and treated with anticoagulation were compared between the low and high AMC groups according to the median value of AMC (640/µL) at the time of VTE diagnosis. The incidence of VTE was 7.9 % during the study period. Most of the patients had non-small-cell lung cancer (82.1 %), stage IV (64.2 %), and pulmonary thromboembolism (76.1 %) and were incidentally diagnosed with VTE (76.9 %). The patients' characteristics and laboratory values were not significantly different between the low and high AMC groups. Among patients available for evaluation of the response to anticoagulation, the high AMC group was significantly more refractory to anticoagulation than the low AMC group (no response to anticoagulation, 21.7 vs. 6.8 %, respectively; p = 0.044). Additionally, the high AMC group showed worse overall survival (OS) than the low AMC group (median, 9.6 vs. 5.9 months; p = 0.038). On multivariate analysis, high AMC, low albumin, and advanced stage were independent poor prognostic factors for OS. High AMC is associated with refractoriness to anticoagulation and poor prognosis in lung cancer patients with VTE.

Risk factors for latent tuberculosis infection in close contacts of active tuberculosis patients in South Korea: a prospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: The diagnosis and treatment of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) have become mandatory to reduce the burden of tuberculosis worldwide. Close contacts of active TB patients are at high risk of both active and LTBI. The aim of this study is to identify the predominant risk factors of contracting LTBI, persons in close contact with TB patients were recruited. This study also aimed to compare the efficacy of the tuberculin skin test (TST) and QuantiFERON(®)-TB GOLD (QFT-G) to diagnose LTBI. METHODS: Close contacts of active pulmonary TB patients visiting a hospital in South Korea were diagnosed for LTBI using TST and/or QFT-G. The association of positive TST and/or QFT-G with the following factors was estimated: age, gender, history of Bacillius Calmette-Guerin (BCG) vaccination, history of pulmonary TB, cohabitation status, the acid-fast bacilli smear status, and presence of cough in source cases. RESULTS: Of 308 subjects, 38.0% (116/305) were TST positive and 28.6% (59/206) were QFT-G positive. TST positivity was significantly associated with male gender (OR: 1.734; 95% CI: 1.001-3.003, p =0.049), history of pulmonary TB (OR: 4.130; 95% CI: 1.441-11.835, p =0.008) and household contact (OR: 2.130; 95% CI: 1.198-3.786, p =0.01) after adjustment for confounding variables. The degree of concordance between TST and QFT-G was fair (70.4%, κ =0.392). CONCLUSIONS: A prevalence of LTBI among close contacts of active pulmonary TB patients was high, and prior TB history and being a household contact were risk factors of LTBI in the study population.

Microbial heat shock protein 65 attenuates airway hyperresponsiveness and inflammation by modulating the function of dendritic cells.

Heat shock proteins (HSPs), produced in response to stress, are suppressive in disease models. We previously showed that Mycobacterium leprae HSP65 prevented development of airway hyperresponsiveness and inflammation in mice. Our goal in this study was to define the mechanism responsible for the suppressive effects of HSP. In one in vivo approach, BALB/c mice were sensitized to OVA, followed by primary OVA challenges. Several weeks later, HSP65 was administered prior to a single, provocative secondary challenge. In a second in vivo approach, the secondary challenge was replaced by intratracheal instillation of allergen-pulsed bone marrow-derived dendritic cells (BMDCs). The in vitro effects of HSP65 on BMDCs were examined in coculture experiments with CD4(+) T cells. In vivo, HSP65 prevented the development of airway hyperresponsiveness and inflammation. Additionally, Th1 cytokine levels in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid were increased. In vitro, HSP65 induced Notch receptor ligand Delta1 expression on BMDCs, and HSP65-treated BMDCs skewed CD4(+) T cells to Th1 cytokine production. Thus, HSP65-induced effects on allergen-induced airway hyperresponsiveness and inflammation were associated with increased Delta1 expression on dendritic cells, modulation of dendritic cell function, and CD4(+) Th1 cytokine production.

Acute pancreatitis induced by methimazole treatment in a 51-year-old korean man: a case report.

Methimazole (MMI)-induced acute pancreatitis is very rare but severe adverse reaction. A 51-yr-old male developed a high fever, chills, and abdominal pain, two weeks after commencement on MMI for the treatment of Graves' disease. There was no evidence of agranulocytosis, and fever subsided soon after stopping MMI treatment. However, 5 hr after taking an additional dose of MMI, abdominal pain and fever developed again. His symptoms, biochemical, and imaging studies were compatible with acute pancreatitis. After withdrawal of MMI, he showed clinical improvement. This is the first case of MMI-induced acute pancreatitis in Korea. Clinicians should be aware of the rare but possible MMI-induced pancreatitis in patients complaining of fever and abdominal pain.

Phase II trial of biweekly chemotherapy with docetaxel and cisplatin in high-risk patients with unresectable non-small cell lung cancer.

PURPOSE: We investigated the efficacy and toxicity of a biweekly schedule of docetaxel and cisplatin in high-risk patients with unresectable (stages IIIB-IV) non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). METHODS: In this study, 48 high-risk patients with previously untreated locally advanced or metastatic NSCLC were treated with combination chemotherapy consisting of docetaxel 40 mg/m(2) and cisplatin 40 mg/m(2); both drugs were given biweekly, on days 1 and 15, every 4 weeks in an outpatient setting. RESULTS: Complete response, partial response, and stable disease were observed in 1 (2.1%), 30 [62.5%, 95% confidence interval (CI) 47.9-77.1], and 4 (8.3%) patients. The median overall survival was 15.1 months (95% CI 11.7-18.5) and the median time to progression was 7.5 months (95% CI 6.4-8.6). The major toxicity was grade 3 anemia in 7 (14.6%) patients. Grade 3/4 neutropenia was observed in 5 (10.4%) patients. Among the nonhematologic toxicities, grade 3 infection and grade 3 diarrhea were observed in 5 (10.4%) and 4 (8.3%) patients, respectively. No treatment-related mortality was found. CONCLUSIONS: As a front-line chemotherapy for high-risk patients with unresectable NSCLC in an outpatient setting, the biweekly schedule of docetaxel and cisplatin showed feasible efficacy with acceptable hematologic toxicities, comparable to the results of previous studies of triweekly or weekly schedules. Additional large randomized studies are needed to optimize the schedule and dosage of combination therapy with docetaxel and cisplatin in high-risk patients with unresectable NSCLC.

Curcumin attenuates radiation-induced inflammation and fibrosis in rat lungs.

A beneficial radioprotective agent has been used to treat the radiation-induced lung injury. This study was performed to investigate whether curcumin, which is known to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, could ameliorate radiation-induced pulmonary inflammation and fibrosis in irradiated lungs. Rats were given daily doses of intragastric curcumin (200 mg/kg) prior to a single irradiation and for 8 weeks after radiation. Histopathologic findings demonstrated that macrophage accumulation, interstitial edema, alveolar septal thickness, perivascular fibrosis, and collapse in radiation-treated lungs were inhibited by curcumin administration. Radiation-induced transforming growth factor-ß1 (TGF-ß1), connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) expression, and collagen accumulation were also inhibited by curcumin. Moreover, western blot analysis revealed that curcumin lowered radiation-induced increases of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), TNF receptor 1 (TNFR1), and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). Curcumin also inhibited the nuclear translocation of nuclear factor-κ B (NF-κB) p65 in radiation-treated lungs. These results indicate that long-term curcumin administration may reduce lung inflammation and fibrosis caused by radiation treatment.

Impact of Alcohol Consumption on Quality of Life, Depressive Mood and Metabolic Syndrome in Obstructive Lung Disease Patients: Analysis of Data from Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 2014 and 2016.

BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to investigate whether alcohol consumption might affect the quality of life (QOL), depressive mood, and metabolic syndrome in patients with obstructive lung disease (OLD). METHODS: Data were obtained from the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 2014 and 2016. OLD was defined as spirometry of forced expiratory volume in 1 second/forced vital capacity <0.7 in those aged more than 40 years. QOL was evaluated using the European Quality of Life Questionnaire-5D (EQ-5D) index. Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) was used to assess the severity of depressive mood. Alcohol consumption was based on a history of alcohol ingestion during the previous month. RESULTS: A total of 984 participants with OLD (695 males, 289 females, age 65.8±9.7 years) were enrolled. The EQ-5D index was significantly higher in alcohol drinkers (n=525) than in non-alcohol drinkers (n=459) (0.94±0.11 vs. 0.91±0.13, p=0.002). PHQ- 9 scores were considerably lower in alcohol drinkers than in non-alcohol drinkers (2.15±3.57 vs. 2.78±4.13, p=0.013). However, multiple logistic regression analysis showed that alcohol consumption was not associated with EQ-5D index or PHQ-9 score. Body mass index ≥25 kg/m2, triglyceride ≥150 mg/dL, high-density lipoprotein <40 mg/dL in men and <50 mg/dL in women, and blood pressure ≥130/85 mm Hg were significantly more common in alcohol drinkers than in non-alcohol drinkers (all p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Alcohol consumption did not change the QOL or depressive mood of OLD patients. However, metabolic syndrome-related factors were more common in alcohol drinkers than in non-alcohol drinkers.

Aged red garlic extract reduces cigarette smoke extract-induced cell death in human bronchial smooth muscle cells by increasing intracellular glutathione levels.

Increasing antioxidant capacity has been proposed as a promising strategy to prevent cigarette smoke-induced lung diseases. This study tested whether garlic extracts prevented cigarette smoke extract (CSE)-induced cell death in human bronchial smooth muscle cells (HBSMCs). Garlic extracts were prepared from fresh raw garlic (FRG), aged black garlic (ABG) and aged red garlic (ARG). Treatment of HBSMCs with 10% CSE induced cell death accompanied by activation of caspase. Of the garlic extracts, treatment with ARG extract reduced CSE-induced cell death. The combination of ARG extract with CSE attenuated the CSE-induced reduction in glutathione (GSH) content, generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and induction of heme oxygenase-1 expression compared with CSE treatment without ARG extract. Furthermore, the combination of L-BSO, a GSH synthesis inhibitor, with ARG and CSE extracts failed to increase the intracellular GSH content and cell viability. Taken together, these results demonstrate that ARG extract reduces CSE-induced cell death by increasing GSH content and reducing ROS generation in HBSMCs.

Comparison of Clinical Features and Outcomes between SARS-CoV-2 and Non-SARS-CoV-2 Respiratory Viruses Associated Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome: Retrospective Analysis.

Although a few studies comparing severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and non-SARS-CoV-2 respiratory viruses have been reported, clinical features and outcomes comparing SARS-CoV-2 and non-SARS-CoV-2 respiratory viruses associated acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) are still lacking. We retrospectively identified patients with SARS-CoV-2 (November 2020 to January 2022) and non-SARS-CoV-2 respiratory viruses associated ARDS (February 2015 to November 2020) at a single tertiary hospital. Their clinical data were obtained by medical record review. All viral infections were confirmed by RT-PCR. Thirty-one SARS-CoV-2 and seventy-one patients with non-SARS-CoV-2 respiratory viruses associated ARDS patients were identified. Influenza (62%) was the most common in non-SARS-CoV-2 respiratory viruses associated ARDS patients. Patients with SARS-CoV-2 were more likely to be female and had higher body mass index, lower clinical frailty, APACHE II, and SOFA score than those with non-SARS-CoV-2 respiratory viruses. All patients with SARS-CoV-2 were treated with corticosteroids and used more high-flow nasal oxygen than those with non-SARS-CoV-2 respiratory viruses. The concomitant respiratory bacterial infection was significantly higher in non-SARS-CoV-2 respiratory viruses than SARS-CoV-2. Although there were no significant differences in the 28-, 60-day, and in-hospital mortality rates between SARS-CoV-2 and non-SARS-CoV-2 respiratory viruses associated ARDS, the duration of mechanical ventilation and length of hospital stay were significantly longer in patients with SARS-CoV-2 than those with non-SARS-CoV-2 respiratory viruses. Although the severity of illness and the concomitant bacterial infection rate were lower in patients with SARS-CoV-2 associated ARDS, mortality rates did not differ from non-SARS-CoV-2 respiratory viruses associated ARDS.

Serum Fibrinogen as a Biomarker for Disease Severity and Exacerbation in Patients with Non-Cystic Fibrosis Bronchiectasis.

Background: Serum biomarkers associated with severe non-cystic fibrosis (CF) bronchiectasis are currently lacking. We assessed the association of serum fibrinogen, adiponectin, and angiopoietin-2 levels with the severity and exacerbation of bronchiectasis. Methods: Serum levels of fibrinogen, adiponectin, and angiopoietin-2 were measured and compared in patients with stable non-CF bronchiectasis (n = 61) and healthy controls (n = 16). The correlations between the three biomarkers and the bronchiectasis severity index (BSI) or FACED scores were assessed. Univariate and multivariate linear regression analyses were performed to identify variables independently associated with BSI and FACED scores in patients with bronchiectasis. Additionally, the exacerbation-free survival was compared between groups of patients with high and low fibrinogen levels, while the predictors of exacerbation were analyzed using Cox proportional hazards regression. Results: Patients with non-CF bronchiectasis carried higher fibrinogen (3.00 ± 2.31 vs. 1.52 ± 0.74 µg/mL; p = 0.016) and adiponectin (12.3 ± 5.07 vs. 9.17 ± 5.30 µg/mL; p = 0.031) levels compared with healthy controls. The serum level of angiopoietin-2 was comparable between the two groups (1.49 ± 0.96 vs. 1.21 ± 0.79 ng/mL, p = 0.277). Correlations of adiponectin and angiopoietin-2 with BSI and FACED scores were not significant. However, there were significant correlations between fibrinogen and both BSI (r = 0.428) and FACED scores (r = 0.484). Multivariate linear regression analysis revealed that fibrinogen level was an independent variable associated with both BSI and FACED scores. A total of 31 (50.8%) out of 61 patients experienced exacerbation during the follow-up period of 25.4 months. Exacerbation-free survival was significantly longer in patients with low fibrinogen levels than in those with high fibrinogen (log-rank test, p = 0.034). High fibrinogen levels and Pseudomonas colonization were independent risk factors for future exacerbation (HR 2.308; p = 0.03 and HR 2.555; p = 0.02, respectively). Conclusions: Serum fibrinogen, but not adiponectin or angiopoietin-2, is a potential biomarker closely associated with the severity and exacerbation of non-CF bronchiectasis.

Fermented and Aged Ginseng Sprouts (Panax ginseng) and Their Main Component, Compound K, Alleviate Asthma Parameters in a Mouse Model of Allergic Asthma through Suppression of Inflammation, Apoptosis, ER Stress, and Ferroptosis.

The association between asthma and oxidative stress remains controversial. Oxidative stress-induced ferroptosis has not been extensively studied in asthma models. This study was performed to investigate the anti-asthmatic and anti-ferroptotic effects of fermented and aged ginseng sprouts (FAGS) with enhanced antioxidant activity and its main component, compound K (CK), in a mouse model of ovalbumin (OVA)-induced allergic asthma. The experimental asthma model was sensitized and challenged with OVA. During the challenge period, two different concentrations of FAGS and CK were administered via oral gavage. Asthmatic parameters were analyzed in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), blood, and lung tissue. CK, among the ginsenosides analyzed, was highly increased in FAGS compared with GS. Asthma parameters, such as Th2 cytokine and IgE production, mast cell activation, goblet cell hyperplasia, hyperresponsiveness, and inflammation, were dramatically increased in the OVA group. Oxidation and ferroptosis markers were increased in the OVA group. The asthma parameters and ferroptosis markers were markedly decreased in the OVA + FAGS and OVA + CK groups. These results showed that FAGS and CK alleviated asthma parameters in an allergic asthma mouse model by inhibiting inflammation and ferroptosis. Our findings suggest that FAGS and CK could be used as potential treatments for allergic asthma.

Serum angiopoietin-2 levels are elevated during acute exacerbations of COPD.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Recently, angiopoietin-2 (Ang-2) was identified as a ligand of the endothelial receptor tyrosine kinase, Tie-2. Ang-2 is an angiopoietin-1 antagonist that plays a role in vascular destabilization and remodelling, which may increase in some diseases. However, serum Ang-2 levels have not been evaluated in patients with COPD. In this study, we examined serum Ang-2 concentrations in patients experiencing COPD exacerbations and in patients with stable COPD. METHODS: Serum samples were obtained from 49 patients experiencing COPD exacerbations, 22 patients with stable COPD and 18 healthy control subjects. Serum Ang-2 concentrations were measured by ELISA. RESULTS: Serum Ang-2 concentrations were significantly higher in patients with acute exacerbations of COPD than in those with stable COPD or control subjects, and were significantly positively correlated with serum CRP levels but inversely correlated with PaO(2) in patients with exacerbations. In addition, Ang-2 levels decreased significantly after clinical recovery from the acute exacerbation. CONCLUSIONS: Serum Ang-2 levels are significantly elevated during acute exacerbations of COPD, as compared with stable COPD.

Clinical Usefulness of Red Cell Distribution Width/Albumin Ratio to Discriminate 28-Day Mortality in Critically Ill Patients with Pneumonia Receiving Invasive Mechanical Ventilation, Compared with Lacate/Albumin Ratio: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

The value of the red cell distribution width (RDW) is associated with prognosis in critically ill patients. A simplex combined index-the RDW/albumin ratio-has been proposed for the prediction of mortality, as has the lactate/albumin ratio. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical utility of the RDW/albumin ratio regarding 28-day mortality in critically ill patients with pneumonia. Clinical data of critically ill patients with pneumonia who were hospitalized in the medical intensive care unit from May 2018 to December 2020, and received invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV), were reviewed retrospectively. The values of RDW, lactate, and albumin measured at the time of IMV, were used for the index calculations. Of the 234 patients, the median age was 76 years, and 74.2% were male. The 28-day mortality rate was 47.3%. The median RDW/albumin ratio was significantly higher in non-survivors than survivors at 28 days (5.8 vs. 4.9, p < 0.001). A higher RDW/albumin ratio was significantly associated with increased 28-day mortality (odds ratio [OR] 1.338, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.094-1.637, p = 0.005). The area under the receiver operating curve (AUROC) was 0.694 (95% CI: 0.630-758, p < 0.005) to discern 28-day mortality without significant difference, compared with that of the lactate/albumin ratio. Our data suggest that high RDW/albumin ratio has a similar predictability to the lactate/albumin ratio in critically ill patients with pneumonia receiving IMV.

Pulmonary mycobacterial infection is associated with increased mortality in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome.

ABSTRACT: Although pulmonary mycobacterial infection is associated with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) in critically ill patients, its clinical implication on patients with ARDS has not been clearly elucidated. The aim of study was to investigate the clinical significance of pulmonary mycobacterial infection in patients with ARDS.Between January 2014 and April 2019, medical records of 229 patients with ARDS who met the Berlin criteria and received invasive mechanical ventilation in medical intensive care unit were reviewed. Clinical characteristics and the rate of mortality between patients with and without pulmonary mycobacterial infection were compared. Factors associated with a 28-day mortality were analyzed statistically.Twenty two (9.6%) patients were infected with pulmonary mycobacteria (18 with tuberculosis and 4 with non-tuberculous mycobacteria). There were no differences in baseline characteristics, the severity of illness scores. Other than a higher rate of renal replacement therapy required in those without pulmonary mycobacterial infection, the use of adjunctive therapy did not differ between the groups. The 28- day mortality rate was significantly higher in patients with pulmonary mycobacterial infection (81.8% vs 58%, P = .019). Pulmonary mycobacterial infection was significantly associated with 28-day mortality (hazard ratio 1.852, 95% confidence interval 1.108-3.095, P = .019).Pulmonary mycobacterial infection was associated with increased 28-day mortality in patients with ARDS.

Serum hepatocyte growth factor as a predictor of disease severity and future exacerbations in patients with non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis.

BACKGROUND: Serum biomarkers associated with the severity of non-cystic fibrosis (CF) bronchiectasis are insufficient. This study determined the association of serum hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), osteopontin, and pentraxin-3 levels with disease severity and exacerbation in patients with non-CF bronchiectasis. METHODS: Serum levels of HGF, osteopontin, and pentraxin-3 were measured in patients with clinically stable non-CF bronchiectasis (n = 61). The correlation between the biomarkers and bronchiectasis severity index (BSI) and FACED score was assessed using univariate and multivariate linear regression analyses. Predictive variables associated with exacerbation were analyzed using a Cox proportional hazards model and the time to first exacerbation in high and low HGF groups during the observation period was compared using Kaplan-Meier survival curves. RESULTS: The BSI showed significant correlation with HGF (r = 0.423; p = 0.001) and pentraxin-3 (r = 0.316; p = 0.013). The FACED score was significantly correlated with HGF (r = 0.406; p = 0.001). Univariate and multivariate linear regression analysis revealed that serum level of HGF was independently associated with both scoring systems. The high HGF group showed a significantly shorter time to first exacerbation (Log-rank test, p = 0.014). Multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression analysis revealed that high serum HGF level and colonization with non-pseudomonas organisms were independent predictors of future exacerbations (HR 2.364; p = 0.024 and HR 2.438; p = 0.020, respectively). CONCLUSION: Serum level of HGF is a potential biomarker that is closely associated with disease severity and future risk of exacerbations in patients with non-CF bronchiectasis.

Impact of coexistent preserved ratio impaired spirometry on the survival of patients with lung cancer: Analysis of data from the Korean Association for Lung Cancer Registry.

BACKGROUND: Preserved ratio impaired spirometry (PRISm) is a common spirometric pattern that is associated with respiratory symptoms and higher mortality rates. However, the relationship between lung cancer and PRISm remains unclear. This study investigated the clinical characteristics of lung cancer patients with PRISm and the potential role of PRISm as a prognostic factor. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed data collected from 2014 to 2015 in the Korean Association for Lung Cancer Registry. We classified all patients into three subgroups according to lung function as follows: normal lung function; PRISm (forced expiratory volume in 1 s [FEV1 ] < 80% predicted and FEV1 /forced vital capacity [FVC] ≥ 0.7); and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD; FEV1/FVC < 0.7). In non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and small cell lung cancer (SCLC), the overall survival period was compared among the three subgroups. The prognostic factors were investigated using Cox regression analysis. RESULTS: Of the 3763 patients, 38.6%, 40.1%, and 21.3% had normal lung function, COPD, and PRISm, respectively. Patients with PRISm had poorer overall survival than those with COPD or normal lung function in NSCLC and SCLC (Mantel-Cox log-rank test, p < 0.05). In the risk-adjusted analysis, overall survival was independently associated with COPD (hazard ratio [HR] 1.209, p = 0.027) and PRISm (HR 1.628, p < 0.001) in NSCLC, but was only associated with PRISm (HR 1.629, p = 0.004) in SCLC. CONCLUSIONS: PRISm is a significant pattern of lung function in patients with lung cancer. At the time of lung cancer diagnosis, pre-existing PRISm should be considered a predictive factor of poor prognosis.

Chronic cough is associated with depressive mood in women regardless of smoking status and lung function.

BACKGROUND: Chronic cough is a common respiratory symptom, and, if persistent, the patient's quality of life can worsen and result in a depressive mood, or vice versa. Although previous reports suggest a relationship between chronic cough and depression, we further investigated this relationship according to smoking status and lung function. METHODS: This observational study used cross-sectional data from the 6th Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2014 and 2016). Propensity score matching using age, sex, smoking status, and lung function was performed for participants with and without chronic cough to reduce the confounding effects associated with depressive mood. Questionnaires recorded coughs persisting for >3 months and the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) assessed the severity of depressive mood. RESULTS: Among 12 494 participants who were >18 years old, 226 with chronic cough were matched with 226 with non-chronic cough. Overall, chronic cough participants showed higher PHQ-9 scores than the non-chronic cough participants (4.29 ± 5.23 vs. 2.63 ± 3.38, P < .001). When stratified by sex, the difference remained significant in women (5.69 ± 5.96 vs. 3.05 ± 3.97, P < .001) but not in men (3.18 ± 4.27 vs. 2.31 ± 3.65, P = .092). When stratified by lung function status, the difference remained significant for those with normal lung function (4.32 ± 5.32 vs. 2.78 ± 3.86, P = .003) and reduced lung function (4.19 ± 4.93 vs. 2.11 ± 3.55, P ≤ 0.001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that chronic cough was associated with PHQ-9 score (odds ratio [OR], 1.06; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.014-1.27, P = .014), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (OR, 4.87; 95% CI, 1.041-22.86, P = .044) and physician-diagnosed bronchial asthma (OR, 2.93; 95% CI, 1.162-7.435, P = .023). CONCLUSIONS: Depressive mood is significantly correlated with chronic cough in females.