Effect of an intensive tobacco cessation program on the smoker narrative: A content analysis and grounded theory.

INTRODUCTION: The smoker's narrative during smoking quitting provides insight into aspects not fully explored in daily clinical practice. The aim of the study was to analyze the smoker narrative using two types of methodologies: content analysis and grounded theory, before and after smoking cessation intervention, provided to the smoker in a specialized Smoking Cessation Unit accredited by the Spanish Society of Pneumology and Thoracic Surgery. METHODS: A prospective observational study of current smokers included in a tobacco cessation program between 2017 and 2020 was conducted at the Smoking Cessation Unit of Santiago de Compostela Health Area, Spain. Routine clinical variables and patient narrative data were collected. A descriptive analysis of the sample, the content of the textual corpus, and a grounded theory were performed in semi-structured interviews at baseline and at follow-up at 6 months. RESULTS: A total of 116 patients were included (mean age 55.6 ± 10.6 years; 56.9% male; mean nicotine dependence score 5.7 ± 1.6). Quantitative analysis of the narrative shows that the most frequent phrases and words are associated with smoking, nicotine craving, and predisposition for smoking cessation. After the intervention, phrases related to the manifestation of abstinence, response to pharmacological treatment, and self-perception of smoking cessation were predominant. In the qualitative analysis, the most frequent categories in the smoker's textual corpus were dependence, motivation, and emotionality, which decreased after the intervention (11.4%, 21.4%, and 9.9%, respectively) accompanied by increased satisfaction (19.2%) and the manifestation of abstinence (21.5%). CONCLUSIONS: Motivation, nicotine dependence, and sensitivity to emotions are all closely intertwined in the current smoker narrative and can be modified as a consequence of treatment.

A pulmonary rehabilitation program reduces hospitalizations in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients: A cost-effectiveness study.

BACKGROUND: Although pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) is recommended in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), there is a scarcity of data demonstrating the cost-effectiveness and effectiveness of PR in reducing exacerbations. METHODS: A quasi-experimental study in 200 patients with COPD was conducted to determine the number of exacerbations 1 year before and after their participation in a PR program. Quality of life was measured using the COPD assessment test and EuroQol-5D. The costs of the program and exacerbations were assessed the year before and after participation in the PR program. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) was estimated in terms of quality-adjusted life years (QALYs). RESULTS: The number of admissions, length of hospital stay, and admissions to the emergency department decreased after participation in the PR program by 48.2%, 46.6%, and 42.5%, respectively (P < 0.001 for all). Results on quality of life tests improved significantly (P < 0.001 for the two tests). The cost of PR per patient and the cost of pre-PR and post-PR exacerbations were €1867.7 and €7895.2 and €4201.9, respectively. The PR resulted in a cost saving of €1826 (total, €365,200) per patient/year, and the gain in QALYs was+0.107. ICER was -€17,056. The total cost was <€20,000/QALY in 78% of patients. CONCLUSIONS: PR contributes to reducing the number of exacerbations in patients with COPD, thereby slowing clinical deterioration. In addition, it is cost-effective in terms of QALYs.

Clinical characteristics of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in never-smokers: A systematic review.

INTRODUCTION: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is the third cause of death worldwide. While tobacco smoking is a key risk factor, COPD also occurs in never-smokers (NS). However, available evidence on risk factors, clinical characteristics, and natural history of the disease in NS is scarce. Here, we perform a systematic review of the literature to better describe the characteristics of COPD in NS. METHODS: We searched different databases following the PRISMA guidelines with explicit inclusion and exclusion criteria. A purpose-designed quality scale was applied to the studies included in the analysis. It was not possible to pool the results due to the high heterogeneity of the studies included. RESULTS: A total of 17 studies that met the selection criteria were included, albeit only 2 of them studied NS exclusively. The total number of participants in these studies were 57,146 subjects, 25,047 of whom were NS and 2,655 of the latter had NS-COPD. Compared to COPD in smokers, COPD in NS is more frequent in women and older ages, and is associated with a slightly higher prevalence of comorbidities. There are not enough studies to understand if COPD progression and clinical symptoms in NS are different to that of ever-smokers. CONCLUSIONS: There is a significant knowledge gap on COPD in NS. Given that COPD in NS account for about a third of all COPD patients in the world, particularly in low-middle income countries, and the decrease in tobacco consumption in high income countries, understanding COPD in NS constitutes a public-health priority.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Pleural Effusion. Recommendations of the Spanish Society of Pulmonology and Thoracic Surgery. Update 2022

Pleural effusion (PE) is a common yet complex disease that requires specialized, multidisciplinary management. Recent advances, novel diagnostic techniques, and innovative patient-centered therapeutic proposals have prompted an update of the current guidelines. This document provides recommendations and protocols based on a critical review of the literature on the epidemiology, etiology, diagnosis, prognosis, and new therapeutic options in PE, and addresses some cost-effectiveness issues related to the main types of PE. (AU)

Diagnosis and Treatment of Pleural Effusion. Recommendations of the Spanish Society of Pulmonology and Thoracic Surgery. Update 2022.

Pleural effusion (PE) is a common yet complex disease that requires specialized, multidisciplinary management. Recent advances, novel diagnostic techniques, and innovative patient-centered therapeutic proposals have prompted an update of the current guidelines. This document provides recommendations and protocols based on a critical review of the literature on the epidemiology, etiology, diagnosis, prognosis, and new therapeutic options in PE, and addresses some cost-effectiveness issues related to the main types of PE.

Factors Related with Hospital Attendance and Mortality in Patients with COPD: A Case-Control Study in a Real-Life Setting.

Introduction: The rising trend in hospital admissions among patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is worrying, not only because of the increasing costs, but also because of the worsening quality of life. We aimed to identify the predictive factors of hospital admission, re-admission and mortality of COPD patients through using information exclusively registered in electronic clinical records. Methods: We conducted a population-based case-control study. All data were sourced from the different information systems comprising the Galician Health Service electronic record database. We included in the study patients diagnosed with COPD (code R95 in the medical record), ≥35 years old and with at least one spirometry performed ≤3 years prior inclusion. We fitted three logistic regression models, each one to ascertain the factors that influence the probability of admission, re-admission, and mortality, and calculated odds ratios (OR) with their 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). Results: COPD patients were admitted due to respiratory causes a mean of 1.51 times across the period December 2016-December 2017, with 55% requiring re-admission in the next 90 days. The factor most closely associated with the re-admission profile was home oxygen therapy (OR 3.06 95% CI 2.42-3.87), followed by male gender (OR 2.01 95% CI 1.48-2.72), a CHA2D-VASc scale score >2 (OR 1.28 95% CI 1.16-1.42), and severity by clinical risk group stratification (OR 1.14 95% CI 1.04-1.26). Male sex (OR 1.47 CI 95% 1.04-2.09), having been readmitted ≥2 times (OR 1.34 CI 95% 1.11-1.61) and being ≥70 years old (OR 1.05 CI 95% 1.03-1.08) increase the probability of dying from COPD during the study period. Conclusion: These results confirm the complexity of management of COPD exacerbations, and indicate the need to establish strategies that would ensure continuity of care after hospital admission, with the aim of preventing re-admissions and death.

Residential radon and characteristics of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

It is not known whether residential radon exposure may be linked to the development of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and/or have an influence on the functional characteristics or exacerbations of COPD. The aim of this study was therefore to ascertain whether there might be an association between residential radon concentrations and certain characteristics of COPD. We analyzed COPD cases drawn from a case-control study conducted in an area of high radon exposure. Data were collected on spirometric pulmonary function variables, hospital admissions, and smoking. Radon measurements were taken using alpha-track-type CR-39 detectors individually placed in patients' homes. All statistical analyses were performed using the IBM SPSS v22 computer software program. The study included 189 COPD cases (79.4% men; median age 64 years). The median radon concentration was 157 Bq/m3. No differences were found between radon concentration and sex, age or severity of breathing obstruction as measured by FEV1%. It should be noted, however, that 48.1% of patients with FEV1% < 50 had radon concentrations below 100 Bq/m3, as compared to 35.6% with the same severity of obstruction who had over 300 Bq/m3. COPD cases with radon concentrations higher than > 600 Bq/m3 exhibited no different characteristics in lung function. Exposure to radon does not appear to have an influence on the clinical characteristics of smokers and ex-smokers with COPD. As exposure to residential radon increases, there is no trend towards a worsening of FEV1%. Further studies are thus needed to analyze this possible association in never-smokers with COPD.

[Effectiveness of smoking cessation programs of roll-your-own tobacco smokers in Galicia.] / Efectividad de los programas de cesación tabáquica en fumadores de tabaco de liar en Galicia.

OBJECTIVE: Currently in developed countries there is an increase in the consumption of roll your own tobacco, which is associated with a higher proportion of users of this form of tobacco who wish to make an attempt to quit. The objective of this study was to analyze the effectiveness of tobacco cessation interventions based on the type of tobacco consumed. METHODS: Longitudinal study of a cohort of 641 smokers recruited between 2015 and 2018 in a health area of Galicia included in smoking cessation programs, based on psychological counseling and pharmacological treatment. The characteristics and success of the intervention were evaluated in two groups: roll your own tobacco smokers (RYO) and manufactured tobacco smokers (MT). A logistic regression was performed to determine the probability of success in smoking cessation. The risk measure was the odds ratio (OR) with its 95% confidence interval. RESULTS: RYO users started at a younger age and had a lower sociocultural stratum than MT users. Interventions to quit smoking in RYO users were associated with less abstinence at 4 weeks (52% MT vs 38% LT) (OR: 0.5; 95% CI 0.35-0.99; p=0.045;) and at 3 months (42% TM vs 30% TL) (OR:0.6; 95% CI 0.33-0.98; p=0.04). CONCLUSIONS: Smoking cessation programs are less effective in short-term RYO users. There are no differences in long-term abstinence between the two groups.

OBJETIVO: Actualmente en los países desarrollados existe un aumento del consumo de tabaco de liar lo que se asocia a una mayor proporción de usuarios de esta forma de tabaco que desean realizar un intento de abandono. El objetivo de este estudio fue analizar la efectividad de las intervenciones de cesación tabáquica en función del tipo de tabaco consumido. METODOS: Estudio longitudinal de una cohorte de 641 fumadores reclutados entre 2015 y 2018 en un área sanitaria de Galicia incluidos en programas de deshabituación tabáquica, basados en el asesoramiento psicológico y en el tratamiento farmacológico. Se evaluaron las características y el éxito de la intervención en dos grupos: fumadores de tabaco de liar (TL) y fumadores de tabaco manufacturado (TM). Se realizó una regresión logística para determinar la probabilidad de éxito en la cesación tabáquica. La medida de riesgo fue el odds ratio (OR) con su intervalo de confianza al 95%. RESULTADOS: Los consumidores de TL se iniciaron a una edad más temprana y tenían un estrato sociocultural más bajo que los consumidores de TM. Las intervenciones para abandonar el tabaco en los consumidores de TL se asociaron a una menor abstinencia a las 4 semanas (52%TM vs 38% TL) (OR: 0,5; 95%IC 0,35-0,99; p=0,045;) y a los 3 meses (42%TM vs 30%TL) (OR:0,6; 95%IC 0,33-0,98; p=0,04). CONCLUSIONES: Los programas de cesación tabáquica son menos efectivas en los consumidores de TL a corto plazo. No se observan diferencias en la abstinencia a largo plazo entre ambos grupos.

Indoor Radon Exposure and COPD, Synergic Association? A Multicentric, Hospital-Based Case–Control Study in a Radon-Prone Area / Exposición al radón en interiores y EPOC, ¿una asociación sinérgica? Un estudio de casos y controles multicéntrico hospitalario en un área propensa al radón

Background: COPD is a multifactorial disease which causes considerable mortality and morbidity worldwide. Previous studies assessing the possible relationship between indoor radon exposure and COPD have shown inconclusive results. Methods: A multicentric, hospital-based, case-control study was conducted in a Spanish radon-prone area. COPD cases were confirmed by spirometry and controls were selected due to trivial surgery or procedures not related to tobacco consumption. All participants had to have lived for at least 15 years in the same dwelling. Radon measurements were conducted individually in dwellings using alpha-track detectors. Results were obtained using multivariate logistic regression. Results: 189 cases and 747 controls took part. There was no significant association between residential radon concentrations and COPD onset with a OR of 1.12 (95%CI 0.41–3.06) for individuals exposed to more than 200Bq/m3 compared to those exposed to less than 50Bq/m3. Heavy smokers seem to increase their COPD risk if exposed to higher radon concentrations vs those exposed to lower concentrations. There was a statistically significant synergy index between radon exposure and tobacco consumption, S-index 11.60 (95%CI 3.71–36.26). Indoor radon concentration was higher in never/light smokers with COPD compared to controls. (AU)

Antecedentes: La enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica (EPOC) es una enfermedad multifactorial que causa una mortalidad y morbilidad considerables en todo el mundo. Los estudios previos que han evaluado la posible relación entre la exposición al radón en interiores y la EPOC no han mostrado resultados concluyentes. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio de casos y controles multicéntrico, hospitalario, en una zona española propensa al radón. Los casos de EPOC se confirmaron mediante espirometría y los controles se seleccionaron por cirugías triviales o procedimientos no relacionados con el consumo de tabaco. Todos los participantes debían haber vivido al menos 15 años en la misma vivienda. Las mediciones de radón se realizaron individualmente en las viviendas utilizando detectores de partículas alfa. Los resultados se obtuvieron mediante regresión logística multivariante. Resultados: Participaron 189 casos y 747 controles. No hubo una asociación significativa entre las concentraciones de radón en las residencias y la aparición de la EPOC con un OR de 1,12 (IC 95%: 0,41-3,06) para las personas expuestas a más de 200 Bq/m3 en comparación con las expuestas a menos de 50 Bq/m3. Los grandes fumadores parecen aumentar su riesgo de EPOC si se exponen a concentraciones de radón más altas en comparación con aquellos expuestos a concentraciones más bajas. Hubo un índice de sinergia estadísticamente significativo entre la exposición al radón y el consumo de tabaco: índice S=11,60 (IC 95%: 3,71 - 36,26). La concentración de radón en interiores fue mayor en los no fumadores y fumadores leves con EPOC en comparación con los controles. (AU)

Development and Characterization of Inhaled Ethanol as a Novel Pharmacological Strategy Currently Evaluated in a Phase II Clinical Trial for Early-Stage SARS-CoV-2 Infection.

Inhaled administration of ethanol in the early stages of COVID-19 would favor its location on the initial replication sites, being able to reduce the progression of the disease and improving its prognosis. Before evaluating the efficacy and safety of this novel therapeutic strategy in humans, its characterization is required. The developed 65° ethanol formulation is stable at room temperature and protected from light for 15 days, maintaining its physicochemical and microbiological properties. Two oxygen flows have been tested for its administration (2 and 3 L/min) using an automated headspace gas chromatographic analysis technique (HS-GC-MS), with that of 2 L/min being the most appropriate one, ensuring the inhalation of an ethanol daily dose of 33.6 ± 3.6 mg/min and achieving more stable concentrations during the entire treatment (45 min). Under these conditions of administration, the formulation has proven to be safe, based on histological studies of the respiratory tracts and lungs of rats. On the other hand, these results are accompanied by the first preclinical molecular imaging study with radiolabeled ethanol administered by this route. The current ethanol formulation has received approval from the Spanish Agency of Medicines and Medical Devices for a phase II clinical trial for early-stage COVID-19 patients, which is currently in the recruitment phase (ALCOVID-19; EudraCT number: 2020-001760-29).

Residential radon and lung cancer characteristics at diagnosis.

PURPOSE: This study sought to ascertain whether there might be an association between radon concentrations and age, gender, histologic type, and tumor stage at diagnosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Lung cancer cases from different multicenter case-control studies were analyzed, and clinical data were retrieved from electronic health records and personal interviews. A radon device was placed in all dwellings of participants, and we then tested the existence of an association between residential radon and lung cancer characteristics at diagnosis. RESULTS: Of the total of 829 lung cancer cases included, 56.7% were smokers or ex-smokers. There was no association between indoor radon concentrations and age, gender, histologic type or tumor stage at diagnosis. Median indoor radon concentrations increased with age at diagnosis for men, but not for women. When analyzing participants exposed to more than 1000 Bq/m3, a predominance of small cell lung cancer and a higher presence of advanced stages (IIIB and IV) were observed. CONCLUSIONS: There seems to be no association between radon and age, gender, histologic type or tumor stage at diagnosis. Higher radon exposure is more frequent in the case of small-cell lung cancer.

Epidemiology of stage III lung cancer: frequency, diagnostic characteristics, and survival.

Stage III non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) includes a highly heterogeneous group of patients with differences in the extent and localization of disease. Many aspects of stage III disease are controversial. The data supporting treatment approaches are often subject to a number of limitations, due to the heterogeneous patient populations involved in the trials. Furthermore, the definition of stage III disease has changed over time, and early studies were frequently inadequately powered to detect small differences in therapeutic outcome, were not randomized, or had a limited follow-up times. Major improvements in therapy, including the use of more active chemotherapy agents and refinements in radiation and surgical techniques, also limit the interpretation of earlier clinical trials. Lastly, improvements in pretreatment staging have led to reclassification of patients with relatively minimal metastatic disease as stage IV rather than stage III, leading to an apparent increase in the overall survival of both stage III and IV patients. Median overall stage III NSCLC survival ranges from 9 to 34 months. Higher survival rates are observed in younger Caucasian women with good performance status, adenocarcinoma, mutations, stage IIIA, and in patients with multidisciplinary-team-based diagnoses.

[Impact of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers on COVID-19 in a western population. CARDIOVID registry]. / Impacto de los inhibidores de la enzima de conversión de la angiotensina y los antagonistas del receptor de la angiotensina II en la COVID-19 en una población occidental. Registro CARDIOVID.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has been designated a global pandemic by the World Health Organization. It is unclear whether previous treatment with angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEI) and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARB) affects the prognosis of COVID-19 patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical implications of previous treatment with ACEI/ARB on the prognosis of patients with COVID-19 infection. METHODS: Single-center, retrospective, observational cohort study based on all the inhabitants of our health area. Analyses of main outcomes (mortality, heart failure, hospitalization, intensive care unit [ICU] admission, and major acute cardiovascular events [a composite of mortality and heart failure]) were adjusted by multivariate logistic regression and propensity score matching models. RESULTS: Of the total population, 447 979 inhabitants, 965 patients (0.22%) were diagnosed with COVID-19 infection, and 210 (21.8%) were under ACEI or ARB treatment at the time of diagnosis. Treatment with ACEI/ARB (combined and individually) had no effect on mortality (OR, 0.62; 95%CI, 0.17-2.26; P = .486), heart failure (OR, 1.37; 95%CI, 0.39-4.77; P = .622), hospitalization rate (OR, 0.85; 95%CI, 0.45-1.64; P = .638), ICU admission (OR, 0.87; 95%CI, 0.30-2.50; P = .798), or major acute cardiovascular events (OR, 1.06; 95%CI, 0.39-2.83; P = .915). This neutral effect remained in a subgroup analysis of patients requiring hospitalization. CONCLUSIONS: Previous treatment with ACEI/ARB in patients with COVID-19 had no effect on mortality, heart failure, requirement for hospitalization, or ICU admission. Withdrawal of ACEI/ARB in patients testing positive for COVID-19 would not be justified, in line with current recommendations of scientific societies and government agencies.

Indoor Radon Exposure and COPD, Synergic Association? A Multicentric, Hospital-Based Case-Control Study in a Radon-Prone Area.

BACKGROUND: COPD is a multifactorial disease which causes considerable mortality and morbidity worldwide. Previous studies assessing the possible relationship between indoor radon exposure and COPD have shown inconclusive results. METHODS: A multicentric, hospital-based, case-control study was conducted in a Spanish radon-prone area. COPD cases were confirmed by spirometry and controls were selected due to trivial surgery or procedures not related to tobacco consumption. All participants had to have lived for at least 15 years in the same dwelling. Radon measurements were conducted individually in dwellings using alpha-track detectors. Results were obtained using multivariate logistic regression. RESULTS: 189 cases and 747 controls took part. There was no significant association between residential radon concentrations and COPD onset with a OR of 1.12 (95%CI 0.41-3.06) for individuals exposed to more than 200Bq/m3 compared to those exposed to less than 50Bq/m3. Heavy smokers seem to increase their COPD risk if exposed to higher radon concentrations vs those exposed to lower concentrations. There was a statistically significant synergy index between radon exposure and tobacco consumption, S-index 11.60 (95%CI 3.71-36.26). Indoor radon concentration was higher in never/light smokers with COPD compared to controls. CONCLUSIONS: No association between indoor radon and COPD has been observed. However, there might be some effect modification on the COPD risk in heavy smokers when high radon exposure is present. This is supported by the additive synergy observed. Also, a possible association between indoor radon and COPD onset in never and light smokers needs to be further studied.

Impact of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers on COVID-19 in a western population. CARDIOVID registry.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has been designated a global pandemic by the World Health Organization. It is unclear whether previous treatment with angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEI) and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARB) affects the prognosis of COVID-19 patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical implications of previous treatment with ACEI/ARB on the prognosis of patients with COVID-19 infection. METHODS: Single-center, retrospective, observational cohort study based on all the inhabitants of our health area. Analyses of main outcomes (mortality, heart failure, hospitalization, intensive care unit [ICU] admission, and major acute cardiovascular events [a composite of mortality and heart failure]) were adjusted by multivariate logistic regression and propensity score matching models. RESULTS: Of the total population, 447 979 inhabitants, 965 patients (0.22%) were diagnosed with COVID-19 infection, and 210 (21.8%) were under ACEI or ARB treatment at the time of diagnosis. Treatment with ACEI/ARB (combined and individually) had no effect on mortality (OR, 0.62; 95%CI, 0.17-2.26; P=.486), heart failure (OR, 1.37; 95%CI, 0.39-4.77; P=.622), hospitalization rate (OR, 0.85; 95%CI, 0.45-1.64; P=.638), ICU admission (OR, 0.87; 95%CI, 0.30-2.50; P=.798), or major acute cardiovascular events (OR, 1.06; 95%CI, 0.39-2.83; P=.915). This neutral effect remained in a subgroup analysis of patients requiring hospitalization. CONCLUSIONS: Previous treatment with ACEI/ARB in patients with COVID-19 had no effect on mortality, heart failure, requirement for hospitalization, or ICU admission. Withdrawal of ACEI/ARB in patients testing positive for COVID-19 would not be justified, in line with current recommendations of scientific societies and government agencies.

Polymorphisms in the BER and NER pathways and their influence on survival and toxicity in never-smokers with lung cancer.

Polymorphisms in DNA repair pathways may play a relevant role in lung cancer survival in never-smokers. Furthermore, they could be implicated in the response to chemotherapy and toxicity of platinum agents. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of various genetic polymorphisms in the BER and NER DNA repair pathways on survival and toxicity in never-smoker LC patients. The study included never-smokers LC cases diagnosed from 2011 through 2019, belonging to the Lung Cancer Research In Never Smokers study. A total of 356 never-smokers cases participated (79% women; 83% adenocarcinoma and 65% stage IV). Survival at 3 and 5 years from diagnosis was not associated with genetic polymorphisms, except in the subgroup of patients who received radiotherapy or chemo-radiotherapy, and presented with ERCC1 rs3212986 polymorphism. There was greater toxicity in those presenting OGG1 rs1052133 (CG) and ERCC1 rs11615 polymorphisms among patients treated with radiotherapy or chemo-radiotherapy, respectively. In general, polymorphisms in the BER and NER pathways do not seem to play a relevant role in survival and response to treatment among never-smoker LC patients.