Impact of COVID-19 infection on lung function and nutritional status amongst individuals with cystic fibrosis: A global cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Factors associated with severe COVID-19 infection have been identified; however, the impact of infection on longer-term outcomes is unclear. The objective of this study was to examine the impact of COVID-19 infection on the trajectory of lung function and nutritional status in people with cystic fibrosis (pwCF). METHODS: This is a retrospective global cohort study of pwCF who had confirmed COVID-19 infection diagnosed between January 1, 2020 and December 31, 2021. Forced expiratory volume in one second percent predicted (ppFEV1) and body mass index (BMI) twelve months prior to and following a diagnosis of COVID-19 were recorded. Change in mean ppFEV1 and BMI were compared using a t-test. A linear mixed-effects model was used to estimate change over time and to compare the rate of change before and after infection. RESULTS: A total of 6,500 cases of COVID-19 in pwCF from 33 countries were included for analysis. The mean difference in ppFEV1 pre- and post-infection was 1.4 %, (95 % CI 1.1, 1.7). In those not on modulators, the difference in rate of change pre- and post-infection was 1.34 %, (95 % CI -0.88, 3.56) per year (p = 0.24) and -0.74 % (-1.89, 0.41) per year (p = 0.21) for those on elexacaftor/tezacaftor/ivacaftor. No clinically significant change was noted in BMI or BMI percentile before and after COVID-19 infection. CONCLUSIONS: No clinically meaningful impact on lung function and BMI trajectory in the year following infection with COVID-19 was identified. This work highlights the ability of the global CF community to unify and address critical issues facing pwCF.

Year in review 2023 - Back to the future.

This review synthesizes articles published in 2023, focusing on the impact of elexacaftor-tezacaftor-ivacaftor (ETI) in cystic fibrosis (CF) care. Real-world data highlights sustained benefits of ETI across age groups, while challenges like neuropsychological side effects persist. Beyond CFTR modulators, research explores telemedicine and novel therapies. Prioritizing equitable access and addressing unmet needs remain crucial for comprehensive CF management.

The role of Clinical-Functional Vulnerability Index-20 to detect quality of life in older adults assisted in primary care.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the cutoff point of the Clinical-Functional Vulnerability Index-20 to detect poor quality of life in the elderly in Primary Health Care. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was carried out in Primary Health Care units of Ceilândia (DF, Brasil) between September 2019 and January 2020. Four hundred and fifty-eight individuals were included in the study and answered the Clinical-Functional Vulnerability Index-20 (IVCF-20) and the World Health Organization Quality of Life - WHOQOL-BREF (validated to access quality of life) instruments. Based on the WHOQOL-BREF answers, three subgroups were created: poor, good and undetermined quality of life. The receiver operating characteristic curve (using Youden index) showed the IVCF-20 cutoff point to detect poor quality of life (in individuals with good quality of life as the Control Group), and therefore diagnostic tests were performed. RESULTS: The IVCF-20 cutoff point to detect poor quality of life was ≥11. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.97 (95%CI 0.95-0.98). The IVCF-20 diagnostic tests showed good sensitivity (88.1%) and specificity (84.9%). CONCLUSIONS: The IVCF-20 ≥11 detected poor quality of life adequately in the elderly in Primary Health Care. These data suggest that elderly individuals with IVCF ≥11 should attend appointments more often in Primary Health Care or geriatrics collaborative care, considering the impact that quality of life can have on the elderly population's mortality.

The role of Clinical-Functional Vulnerability Index-20 to detect quality of life in older adults assisted in primary care

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: To determine the cutoff point of the Clinical-Functional Vulnerability Index-20 to detect poor quality of life in the elderly in Primary Health Care. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was carried out in Primary Health Care units of Ceilândia (DF, Brasil) between September 2019 and January 2020. Four hundred and fifty-eight individuals were included in the study and answered the Clinical-Functional Vulnerability Index-20 (IVCF-20) and the World Health Organization Quality of Life - WHOQOL-BREF (validated to access quality of life) instruments. Based on the WHOQOL-BREF answers, three subgroups were created: poor, good and undetermined quality of life. The receiver operating characteristic curve (using Youden index) showed the IVCF-20 cutoff point to detect poor quality of life (in individuals with good quality of life as the Control Group), and therefore diagnostic tests were performed. RESULTS: The IVCF-20 cutoff point to detect poor quality of life was ≥11. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.97 (95%CI 0.95-0.98). The IVCF-20 diagnostic tests showed good sensitivity (88.1%) and specificity (84.9%). CONCLUSIONS: The IVCF-20 ≥11 detected poor quality of life adequately in the elderly in Primary Health Care. These data suggest that elderly individuals with IVCF ≥11 should attend appointments more often in Primary Health Care or geriatrics collaborative care, considering the impact that quality of life can have on the elderly population's mortality.

CHYLOTHORAX IN PARACOCCIDIOIDOMYCOSIS.

A previously healthy, 52-year-old woman presented with a nine months history of low fever and weight loss (> 30 kg). Physical examination disclosed generalized lymphadenopathy, skin lesions, abdominal distension, mild tachypnea and a left breast mass. Laboratory tests showed anemia; (prerenal) kidney injury, low serum albumin level; and negative serology for HIV and viral hepatitis. Computed tomography (neck/chest/abdomen) showed generalized lymph node enlargement, splenomegaly, pleural effusion and ascites. We performed thoracocentesis and paracentesis, and the findings were consistent with chylothorax and chylous ascites (with no neoplastic cells). Biopsies of the breast mass, skin and lymph nodes were performed and all of them showed large round yeast cells with multiple narrow-based budding daughter cells, characteristic of Paracoccidioides brasiliensis. Consequently, paracoccidioidomycosis was diagnosed, and liposomal amphotericin B was prescribed, as well as a high protein and low fat diet (supplemented with medium chain triglycerides). Even so, her clinical status worsened, requiring renal replacement therapy. She evolved with pneumonia, septic shock and respiratory failure and subsequently died. To our knowledge, this is the first description of a case with chylothorax and breast mass due to paracoccidioidomycosis. Additionally, we discuss: 1- the importance of the inclusion of this mycosis in the differential diagnosis of chylothorax and breast mass (breast cancer), especially in endemic areas; and 2- the possible mechanism involved in the development of chylous effusions.