Characteristics of New Users of Single- and Multiple-Inhaler Triple Therapy for COPD in Primary Care in England.

Purpose: Inhaled triple therapy is recommended for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) who have poorly controlled symptoms and to reduce the risk of exacerbations. This study assessed the clinical characteristics of new users of single- and multiple-inhaler triple therapy (SITT and MITT) treated in a primary care setting in England. Patients and Methods: This cross-sectional, observational study used data from an electronic health record database (CPRD Aurum) of COPD patients registered with a primary care practice in England, with linkage to a secondary care database. Patients were required to have initiated a new triple therapy (index) between November 2017 and November 2018 and have ≥12 months of available medical history prior to the index date. Results: In total, 3536 patients initiated fluticasone furoate, umeclidinium, and vilanterol (FF/UMEC/VI) SITT for the first time: 65% had a Medical Research Council (MRC) dyspnea score ≥3, 45% had forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1)% predicted <50%, and 64% had a moderate or severe exacerbation in the previous 12 months. The majority (83%) of new FF/UMEC/VI users had a history of MITT use. Immediately prior to FF/UMEC/VI initiation, 46% received MITT, 25% received an inhaled corticosteroid (ICS)/long-acting ß2-agonist (LABA), 12% received long-acting muscarinic antagonist (LAMA)/LABA, and 14% stepped up directly from LAMA monotherapy. A second cohort of 6540 patients initiated triple therapy (SITT or MITT) for the first time. COPD severity (airflow limitation, exacerbation history) was worse among patients initiating SITT versus MITT. In the 12 months before triple-therapy initiation, ICS/LABA was the most common treatment; a step up from LAMA/LABA was more common among patients initiating FF/UMEC/VI (34%) or beclomethasone/formoterol/glycopyrronium bromide SITT (25%) than MITT (14%). Conclusion: First-time triple therapy was frequently initiated in patients with COPD inadequately controlled on maintenance therapy. General practitioners in England generally identify appropriate patients who require initiation of triple therapy.

Benefit/Risk Profile of Single-Inhaler Triple Therapy in COPD.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is associated with major healthcare and socioeconomic burdens. International consortia recommend a personalized approach to treatment and management that aims to reduce both symptom burden and the risk of exacerbations. Recent clinical trials have investigated single-inhaler triple therapy (SITT) with a long-acting muscarinic antagonist (LAMA), long-acting ß2-agonist (LABA), and inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) for patients with symptomatic COPD. Here, we review evidence from randomized controlled trials showing the benefits of SITT and weigh these against the reported risk of pneumonia with ICS use. We highlight the challenges associated with cross-trial comparisons of benefit/risk, discuss blood eosinophils as a marker of ICS responsiveness, and summarize current treatment recommendations and the position of SITT in the management of COPD, including potential advantages in terms of improving patient adherence. Evidence from trials of SITT versus dual therapies in symptomatic patients with moderate to very severe airflow limitation and increased risk of exacerbations shows benefits in lung function and patient-reported outcomes. Moreover, the key benefits reported with SITT are significant reductions in exacerbations and hospitalizations, with data also suggesting reduced all-cause mortality. These benefits outweigh the ICS-class effect of higher incidence of study-reported pneumonia compared with LAMA/LABA. Important differences in trial design, baseline population characteristics, such as exacerbation history, and assessment of outcomes, have significant implications for interpreting data from cross-trial comparisons. Current understanding interprets the blood eosinophil count as a continuum that can help predict response to ICS and has utility alongside other clinical factors to aid treatment decision-making. We conclude that treatment decisions in COPD should be guided by an approach that considers benefit versus risk, with early optimization of treatment essential for maximizing long-term benefits and patient outcomes.

Asthma severity in four countries of Latin America.

BACKGROUND: In Latin America, there is scarce information about severe asthma (SA) according to the ERS/ATS 2014 criteria. This study aimed to compare the demographic, socio, clinical characteristics, treatment, and use of healthcare resources between SA and non-severe asthma (NSA) patients in Argentina, Colombia, Chile and Mexico. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted including 594 asthma patients from outpatient specialized sites. A descriptive analysis was performed comparing SA patients and NSA. Chi-square and Mann Whitney tests were used to assess associations between asthma severity and outcome variables. RESULTS: Using ERS/ATS 2014 criteria, 31.0% of the patients were identified as SA. SA patients were older at diagnosis (mean age 31.64 years vs 24.71 years, p < 0.001) and had higher proportion of uncontrolled asthma than the NSA patients (64.1% vs 53.2%, p < 0.001). SA patients reported a significantly higher proportion of both hospital admission and emergency room (ER) visits due to asthma in the last year, compared with NSA patients, 8.7% vs. 3.7% (p = 0.011) and 37.0% vs. 21.7% (p < 0.001), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: SA patients were older, had greater proportions in some comorbidities and experienced increased healthcare utilization. Also, our results showed that even in patients using the last steps of treatment (GINA step 4 or 5), there was still a higher proportion of uncontrolled disease.

Development of a simple screening tool for opportunistic COPD case finding in primary care in Latin America: The PUMA study.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Opportunistic chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) case finding approaches for high-risk individuals with or without symptoms is a feasible option for disease identification. PUMA is an opportunistic case finding study conducted in primary care setting of Argentina, Colombia, Venezuela and Uruguay. The objectives were to measure COPD prevalence in an at-risk population visiting primary care for any reason, to assess the yield of this opportunistic approach and the accuracy of a score developed to detect COPD. METHODS: Subjects attending routine primary care visits, ≥40 years of age, current or former smokers or exposed to biomass smoke, completed a questionnaire and performed spirometry. COPD was defined as post-bronchodilator (post-BD) forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1 )/forced vital capacity (FVC) < 0.70 and the lower limit of normal of FEV1 /FVC. RESULTS: A total of 1743 subjects completed the interview; 1540 performed acceptable spirometry. COPD prevalence was 20.1% (n = 309; ranging from 11.0% in Venezuela to 29.6% in Argentina) when defined using post-BD FEV1 /FVC < 0.70, and 14.7% (n = 226; ranging from 8.3% in Venezuela to 21.8% in Colombia) using the lower limit of normal. Logistic regression analysis for both definitions showed that the risk of COPD was significantly higher for persons >50 years, heavy smokers (>30 pack-years), with dyspnoea, and having prior spirometry. A simple score and a weighted score constructed using the following predictive factors: gender, age, pack-years smoking, dyspnoea, sputum, cough and spirometry, had a mean accuracy for detecting COPD (post-BD FEV1 /FVC < 0.70) of 76% and 79% for the simple and weighted scores, respectively. CONCLUSION: This simple seven-item score is an accurate screening tool to select subjects for spirometry in primary care.

Enfermedad pulmonar intersticial difusa asociada a vasculitis ANCA / Interstitial lung disease diffuse associated with ANCA vasculitis

Hugo Karlen: Presentamos un paciente masculino de 72 años, casado, nacido en la Provincia de Buenos Aires, no tabaquista, jubilado, ex trabajador de la industria textil. En agosto del 2013, consultó por astenia, adinamia e hiporexia, asociado a pérdida de peso (6 kilos en los 3 meses previos). Concomitantemente, refería equivalentes febriles, poliartralgias de pequeñas y grandes articulaciones asimétricas que cedían con antiinflamatorios no esteroideos y parestesias en miembros inferiores. Presentaba antecedentes personales de hipertensión arterial, glaucoma, rinitis alérgica y cáncer de próstata por lo que recibió tratamiento con quimioterapia y radioterapia. Dentro de los antecedentes respiratorios, tiene historia de asma de 30 años de evolución en tratamiento con budesonide-formoterol, al momento de la consulta controlada. El cuadro fue interpretado como bisinosis. En 2010, por presentar episodios a repetición de disnea progresiva y tos, se arribó al diagnóstico de fibrosis pulmonar idiopática (FPI)

Ateneo de la sección de patología difusa y/o intersticial AAMR: Paciente de 61 años con síndrome de Sjögren y compromiso pulmonar / Athenaeum of the pathology section diffuse and / or interstitial AAMR: Patient 61 years with Sjögren's syndrome and lung involvement

Dra. Tabaj: Se trata de una mujer de 61 años que consulta en junio de 2014 para evaluación de estudios en busca de una segunda opinión. Refiere diagnóstico de síndrome de Sjögren (SS) en el año 2012 con compromiso ocular en tratamiento con hidroxicloroquina e hipotiroidismo en tratamiento con levotiroxina. Consulta a neumonología por disnea de más de 6 meses de evolución hasta mMRC 2-3 y tos seca. Trae como estudios complementarios una tomografía computada de tórax de alta resolución (TCAR) (figura 1) realizada en agosto de 2013 y estudio funcional respiratorio (EFR)

Detección de casos de EPOC en atención primaria en 4 países de Latinoamérica: metodología del Estudio PUMA / COPD Screening in Primary Care in Four Latin American Countries: Methodology of the PUMA Study

Introducción: Se desconoce la prevalencia de EPOC entre pacientes que acuden al sistema de salud en Latinoamérica. El estudio Prevalencia y práctica habitual -diagnóstico y tratamiento- en población de riesgo de EPOC en Médicos generalistas de 4 países de América Latina (PUMA) evalúa prevalencia, diagnóstico y tratamiento de EPOC en pacientes en riesgo que acuden a atención primaria constituyéndose en detección de casos oportunista. El objetivo de esta publicación es describir la metodología del estudio. Métodos: Estudio multicéntrico, observacional, transversal, realizado en Argentina, Colombia, Uruguay y Venezuela. Participaron pacientes ≥ 40 años, fumadores o ex fumadores y/o expuestos a combustión de biomasa que acudieron a consultas de atención primaria. Los pacientes elegibles realizaron espirometrías pre y posbroncodilatador y respondieron cuestionarios estandarizados sobre datos demográficos, hábito tabáquico, exposición a polución ambiental/doméstica, síntomas/antecedentes y manejo de enfermedades respiratorias, comorbilidades y uso de recursos sanitarios. Resultados: Participaron 57 centros en 4 países. Se reclutaron 1.907 pacientes, 1.743 completaron el Cuestionario PUMA y 1.540 pacientes realizaron espirometrías validadas. Conclusiones: Describimos la metodología empleada en el estudio PUMA, primer estudio sistemático multicéntrico realizado en 4 países de Latinoamérica para detección de casos de EPOC confirmados por espirometría en atención primaria. Aproximadamente el 90% de los pacientes que realizaron el Cuestionario PUMA realizaron espirometrías válidas. Esto permite reflexionar sobre la factibilidad de realizar detección de casos oportunista en el primer nivel asistencial para encontrar pacientes en estadios tempranos o no diagnosticados y mejorar el diagnóstico y manejo de EPOC en atención primaria

Introduction: The prevalence of COPD among patients treated in the healthcare system in Latin America is unknown. The PUMA study (Prevalencia y práctica habitual -diagnóstico y tratamiento- en población de riesgo de EPOC en Médicos generalistas de 4 países de América Latina) screened at-risk patients attending primary care centers to evaluate the prevalence, diagnosis and treatment of COPD in this setting. The aim of this report is to describe the study methodology. Methods: Multicenter, observational, cross-sectional study conducted in Argentina, Colombia, Uruguay and Venezuela. Subjects were ≥ 40 years, smokers, former smokers and/or exposed to fossil fuels attending primary care centers. Eligible patients underwent pre- and post- bronchodilator spirometry and completed standardized questionnaires on demographics, smoking, exposure to environmental/domestic pollution, symptoms/history and management of respiratory diseases, comorbidities, and use of healthcare resources. Results: A total of 57 centers in 4 countries participated; 1,907 patients were included, 1,743 completed the PUMA questionnaire and 1,540 patients underwent validated spirometry. Conclusions: We describe the methodology used in the PUMA study, the first systematic multicenter study in four Latin American countries aimed at detecting COPD cases confirmed by spirometry in primary care. Approximately 90% of patients who completed the PUMA questionnaire underwent valid spirometry tests. This gives room for reflection on the feasibility of opportunistic screening at the primary care level to detect patients in the early stages of COPD or with undiagnosed COPD, and improve the diagnosis and management of this disease

COPD screening in primary care in four Latin American countries: methodology of the PUMA Study.

INTRODUCTION: The prevalence of COPD among patients treated in the healthcare system in Latin America is unknown. The PUMA study (Prevalencia y práctica habitUal -diagnóstico y tratamiento- en población de riesgo de EPOC en Médicos generalistas de 4 países de América Latina) screened at-risk patients attending primary care centers to evaluate the prevalence, diagnosis and treatment of COPD in this setting. The aim of this report is to describe the study methodology. METHODS: Multicenter, observational, cross-sectional study conducted in Argentina, Colombia, Uruguay and Venezuela. Subjects were≥40 years, smokers, former smokers and/or exposed to fossil fuels attending primary care centers. Eligible patients underwent pre- and post- bronchodilator spirometry and completed standardized questionnaires on demographics, smoking, exposure to environmental/domestic pollution, symptoms/history and management of respiratory diseases, comorbidities, and use of healthcare resources. RESULTS: A total of 57 centers in 4 countries participated; 1,907 patients were included, 1,743 completed the PUMA questionnaire and 1,540 patients underwent validated spirometry. CONCLUSIONS: We describe the methodology used in the PUMA study, the first systematic multicenter study in four Latin American countries aimed at detecting COPD cases confirmed by spirometry in primary care. Approximately 90% of patients who completed the PUMA questionnaire underwent valid spirometry tests. This gives room for reflection on the feasibility of opportunistic screening at the primary care level to detect patients in the early stages of COPD or with undiagnosed COPD, and improve the diagnosis and management of this disease.

¿Caso de enfermedad intersticial de difícil caracterización o inclasificable? / Case of interstitial disease of difficult characterization or unclassifiable?

En la sección Ateneo de Caso Clínico de la RAMR 2013; 4: 247-257 se presenta uno que ha motivado que sus autores lo intitulen "Enfermedad intersticial grave de difícil caracterización". En un extenso, rico y profundo análisis se discuten allí con detalle los posibles diagnósticos diferenciales y alternativas de manejo. Podría sintetizarse que se describe a una paciente de 62 años con neumonía intersticial grave, progresiva, irreversible y mortal a la que los autores no pudieron, ni aún post mortem, asignarle causa alguna ni caracterizarla de acuerdo a los criterios estandarizados vigentes hasta la publicación del caso1, 2. Sin duda, este es un escenario angustioso ya que dificulta la toma de decisiones diagnósticas y terapéuticas al igual que las consideraciones pronósticas