NCCP-ICS joint consensus-based clinical practice guidelines on medical thoracoscopy.

ABSTRACT: Medical Thoracoscopy (MT) is commonly performed by respiratory physicians for diagnostic as well as therapeutic purposes. The aim of the study was to provide evidence-based information regarding all aspects of MT, both as a diagnostic tool and therapeutic aid for pulmonologists across India. The consensus-based guidelines were formulated based on a multistep process using a set of 31 questions. A systematic search of published randomized controlled clinical trials, open labelled studies, case reports and guidelines from electronic databases, like PubMed, EmBase and Cochrane, was performed. The modified grade system was used (1, 2, 3 or usual practice point) to classify the quality of available evidence. Then, a multitude of factors were taken into account, such as volume of evidence, applicability and practicality for implementation to the target population and then strength of recommendation was finalized. MT helps to improve diagnosis and patient management, with reduced risk of post procedure complications. Trainees should perform at least 20 medical thoracoscopy procedures. The diagnostic yield of both rigid and semirigid techniques is comparable. Sterile-graded talc is the ideal agent for chemical pleurodesis. The consensus statement will help pulmonologists to adopt best evidence-based practices during MT for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes.

Assessment of prevalence and characteristics of asthma-COPD overlap among patients with chronic airflow obstruction.

Given the paucity of research on asthma-chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) overlap (ACO) and the high prevalence of co-morbidities and healthcare utilization associated with it, the current study looked at the prevalence of ACO and its clinico-radiological phenotype in patients with chronic airflow obstruction. The study was conducted at a tertiary care hospital in North India. Patients over 40 with COPD or asthma were screened for inclusion in the ACO, asthma, and COPD groups. The ACO and COPD groups were further investigated. The clinical characteristics, lung functions, health-related quality of life, and radiological features of both groups were investigated and compared. ACO was discovered in 16.3% of patients with chronic airflow obstruction (asthma and COPD). The most commonly observed symptoms at presentation in the evaluated ACO patients (n=77) were shortness of breath, wheezing, cough, and expectoration (mean age at presentation: 57.9; mean duration of illness: 8.62 years). Exacerbation rates in ACO patients were significantly higher than in COPD patients (p<0.001). The ACO group had a significantly greater mean change in FEV1 post-bronchodilator in millilitres (ml) and percentage (379.61 ml and 37.72%) than the COPD group (p<0.001). The proportion of patients with emphysema was lower in the ACO group than in the COPD group (p<0.001). The ACO and COPD groups did not differ significantly in major airway wall thickness (p=0.3), but the COPD group had a significantly higher proportion of patients with vascular attenuation and distortion (p<0.001). Patients with COPD had a higher degree of hyperinflation, according to high resolution computed tomography (HRCT) indices. This study found that patients with ACO have a distinct phenotype in terms of clinical presentation and HRCT features. More research on the radiological features of ACO is required to identify the anatomical abnormalities involved in the disease's pathogenesis and to validate the radiological features of ACO.

Predictors of post COVID complications in patients admitted with moderate to severe COVID symptoms: A single center, prospective, observational study.

While the world was still busy battling active COVID-19 infections, a large subset of patients started showing prolonged symptoms or developing complications following an initial recovery from COVID-19. Post covid complications range from mild symptoms such as fatigue, headache, shortness of breath to serious, life threatening conditions like opportunistic infections, deep venous thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, pneumothorax and lung fibrosis. A single center, prospective, observational study was carried out in a tertiary respiratory care institute in North India from June 2021 to August 2021 where 224 cases of previously treated COVID-19/ongoing symptomatic COVID-19 (those patients who were manifesting symptoms beyond 4 weeks), were enrolled and followed up for a period of 3 months to estimate the prevalence of persistent symptoms, complications and any risk factors associated with it. Data analysis was done using SPSS software version 21. Univariate and multivariate analysis done among risk factors and outcome variables. ROC was done on predictor variables and area under curve (AUC) calculated. p value less than 0.05 was considered significant. Among the 24.6% symptomatic patients at follow up, the most common symptom was fatigue (51.8%) followed by dyspnea (43.8%) and anxiety (43.3%). Among the complications of COVID-19, the most common according to our study was fibrosis (15.2%), followed by pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE) (12.1%), echocardiographic abnormalities (11.2%) and pulmonary mucormycosis (5.4%). Female gender, presence of comorbidities, requirement of non-invasive or invasive ventilation during hospital stay emerged as independent risk factors for complications following COVID-19. This study brings forth the huge morbidity burden that COVID-19 brought upon seemingly cured individuals and lists the risk factors associated with persistence of symptoms and complications. This would help to better streamline health resources and standardize follow up guidance of COVID-19 patients.

Clinical and pulmonary functions profiling of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease experiencing frequent acute exacerbations.

PURPOSE: The present study aimed at clinical and pulmonary functions profiling of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) to anticipate future exacerbations. METHODS: The study included 80 COPD patients; 40 patients had ≥2 acute exacerbations during preceding 1 year (frequent exacerbation [FECOPD] group) and 40 patients had <2 acute exacerbations during preceding 1 year (infrequent exacerbation [I-FECOPD] group). Clinical profile, sputum microbiology, blood gas analysis, spirometric indices, and diffusion capacity (transfer test) variables were assessed. Groups' comparison was performed using an independent t-test for numeric scale parameters and Chi-square test for nominal parameters. Pearson's and Spearman's correlation coefficients were derived for numeric scale parameters and numeric nominal parameters, respectively. Multinomial logistic regression analysis was done using SPSS software. RESULTS: FECOPD group contained younger patients than in I-FECOPD group although the difference was not statistically significant. There was no significant difference between two groups regarding smoking pack-years and duration of illness. FECOPD group had significantly more expectoration score and Modified Medical Research Council dyspnea scores. Cough score and wheeze score did not differ significantly between two groups. More patients in FECOPD group (12/40 vs. 4/40) had lower airway bacterial colonization. Arterial blood gas parameters were more deranged in FECOPD group. Spirometric indices (forced expiratory volume during 1st s) as well as transfer test (both diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide and transfer coefficient of the lung values) were significantly reduced in FECOPD group. CONCLUSIONS: The patients in FECOPD group had clinical, spirometric, and transfer test profiling suggestive of a severe COPD phenotype, the recognition will help in predicting future exacerbations and a better management.

Assessment for Efficacy of Additional Breathing Exercises Over Improvement in Health Impairment Due to Asthma Assessed using St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire.

BACKGROUND: Breathing exercises have been described to be useful in asthma management by few researchers in the past. OBJECTIVE: To assess the efficacy of breathing exercises (Pranayamas) added to regular optimal medications in asthma patients in improving health impairment using St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ). METHODS: Sixty stable asthma patients (34 females) receiving optimal treatment at our institute for 3 months or more as per the Global Initiative for Asthma guidelines were included in the study. They performed seven breathing exercises under supervision at yoga center of our institute for 3 months in addition to their regular medications. SGRQ (1 month symptoms version) was used to assess the quality of life before and after breathing exercises intervention for following subsets: Symptom score, activity score, impact score, and total score to assess the efficacy of breathing exercises. RESULTS: Of 60 asthma patients, 34 were females and 26 were males, and their mean age was 25.45 ± 5.41 years. Their baseline spirometric values were as follow: Forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) - 2.492 ± 0.358 L and peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) - 283.82 ± 51.12 L/min. The SGRQ scores after breathing exercises intervention decreased from 45.98 ± 5.61 to 38.78 ± 4.92 for symptom subset, from 15.45 ± 3.33 to 12.34 ± 2.39 for activity subset, from 17.95 ± 4.22 to 12.12 ± 3.82 for impact subset, and from 25.83 ± 8.31 to 19.20 ± 7.09 for total scores. All these reductions were statistically highly significant (P < 0.001). Decrease in symptoms, activity, and total SGRQ scores each was significantly correlated with FEV1, FEV1/forced vital capacity (FVC) ratio, and PEFR; decrease in impact score was significantly related only with FEV1/FVC ratio. CONCLUSIONS: Breathing exercises significantly decreased all component scores of SGRQ, signifying a global improvement in health impairment due to asthma; this improvement was in addition to that was achieved with optimal asthma therapy alone.

A comparison of cognitive functions in non-hypoxemic chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients and age-matched healthy volunteers using mini-mental state examination questionnaire and event-related potential, P300 analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To assess sub-clinical cognitive dysfunctions in stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients having no hypoxemia vs. age-matched healthy volunteers using (i) an electrophysiological test: Auditory event related potential, P300 test and (ii) a questionnaire tool: Mini-mental state examination (MMSE) questionnaire. MATERIALS AND METHODS: EIGHTY MALE SUBJECTS WERE INCLUDED: 40 stable COPD patients (smoking history >20 pack years) and 40 healthy volunteers (HVs). Age, duration of illness, smoking pack years, and spirometric indices were assessed. MMSE scores were evaluated in these groups. Latency of P300 wave and amplitude of P300 wave were studied in both groups to detect P300 abnormalities in COPD group. Correlations of P300 abnormalities with patient characteristic parameters and MMSE scores were assessed. In addition, individual COPD patients having significant cognitive dysfunctions beyond cut-off value of 99(th) percentile of HVs were analyzed. RESULTS: We observed significantly prolonged P300 latency (P < 0.001) and decreased P300 amplitude (P < 0.001) in COPD group. MMSE scores were significantly reduced in COPD group (P < 0.001). 10/40 COPD patients had prolongation of P300 latency, and 27/40 COPD patients had reduced MMSE scores beyond 99(th) percentile of HV. However, we did not observe any statistically significant correlation between P300 abnormalities and patients' characteristics or MMSE scores (P > 0.05 for all). CONCLUSIONS: Our study explores cognitive dysfunctions in stable COPD patients with no hypoxemia. This study highlights the relative importance of using MMSE and P300. Cognitive dysfunctions were detected both by MMSE and P300; however, MMSE abnormalities were more frequent compared to P300 abnormalities (27/40 vs. 10/40) in COPD patients.

Chest wall metastasis of squamous cell carcinoma of larynx.

Distant metastases in squamous cell carcinoma of head and neck are most often to the lung, liver and bone. They rarely metastasise to chest wall. We report a 60-year-old male patient who initially presented with an abscess over the anterior chest wall that was initially treated for infective pathology. Due to lack of response, cytological examination was performed that turned out to be metastasis from carcinoma larynx.

Scalp lesion: a presenting feature of squamous cell carcinoma of lung.

We describe a 45-year-old man, heavy smoker, presenting with 6.5 x 5.3 cm painless solitary growth over right temporal region. Chest radiograph showed opacity over left lung abutting mediastinum. Computed tomogram revealed homogenous ill-defined opacity indicative of bronchogenic carcinoma with metastases to right lung, liver and adrenal glands. The carina was involved with tumor along with partial obliteration of the left main bronchus over bronchoscopy; the biopsy confirmed squamous cell carcinoma. The biopsy from scalp lesion and cervical lymph node also established metastatic squamous cell carcinoma. Although cutaneous metastasis with primary lung cancer has been reported, the scalp lesion as a sole presenting feature of underlying quiescent squamous cell lung cancer, which is described here, has not been reported frequently.

A young non-immunocompromised woman with diffuse alveolar opacities.

Diffuse alveolar opacities (DAO) due to pulmonary tuberculosis are usually described in immunocompromised patients. In adult patients residing in high endemic areas such as India, alveolar opacities are not reported frequently in non-immunocompromised pulmonary tuberculosis patients. We describe a twenty-five-year-old woman who presented with bilateral diffuse alveolar opacities and initial diagnostic work up was directed to non-tuberculosis etiologies. Her sputum was not suggestive of tuberculous or any other infective etiology. However, histopathological examination of specimen from fine needle aspiration cytology through percutaneous route suggested chronic granulomatous disease with detection of mycobacterium. Polymerase chain reaction test in BAL and FNAC specimen confirmed tubercular etiology. Though not frequent, pulmonary tuberculous etiology is worth considering in the differential diagnosis of DAO as not only tuberculosis is fully treatable but also early detection shall help to avoid unnecessary invasive tests and cut down transmission to contacts.

Assessment of visual evoked potentials in stable COPD patients with no visual impairment.

OBJECTIVE: To assess whether patients having stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) with no clinical evidence of visual impairment or peripheral neuropathy have visual evoked potentials (VEP) abnormalities on electrophysiologic evaluation. METHODS: In the present study, 80 male subjects with no clinical neuropathy or visual impairment were included; 40 COPD patients and 40 age-matched healthy volunteers. The characteristics of subjects including age, quantum of smoking, duration of illness (in COPD patients only), and spirometric indices {forced expiratory volume in first second (FEV1), FEV1/forced vital capacity (FVC) %, and peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR)} were assessed. The mental status was assessed using a questionnaire Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) Questionnaire. Electrophysiologic studies for the evaluation of VEP were carried out on computerized equipment. Latency and amplitude of P100 wave were analyzed from the VEP wave patterns obtained through a standardized protocol in both the groups to detect abnormalities in the COPD group. For the COPD group, correlations of P100 parameters with patient characteristics, spirometric indices, and MMSE scores were assessed. Significant abnormality was defined as a variation beyond healthy volunteer mean ± 3 standard deviation. RESULTS: We observed significantly prolonged latency and decreased amplitude of P100 in both eyes of the patients in COPD group compared with healthy volunteers. Twenty-two of the 40 COPD patients (55%) had significant abnormalities in P100 latency, and three COPD patients (7.5%) had abnormalities in P100 amplitude. The latency of P100 on the right side had statistically significant inverse correlation with FEV1/FVC% and MMSE score. CONCLUSIONS: Twenty-three of the 40 stable COPD patients (compared with healthy volunteers) were observed to have significant VEP abnormality detected on electrophysiologic evaluation: 21/40 having prolonged P100 latency and only 2/40 with decreased P100 amplitude. The statistically significant correlations were observed only between P100 latency (right eye) and FEV1/FVC as well as MMSE scores. The rest of the correlations were not statistically significant.

Tuberculosis of spleen presenting with pyrexia of unknown origin in a non-immunocompromised woman.

Splenic lesions due to tuberculosis are extremely rare in immunocompetent indi-viduals and delays in diagnosis are frequent. Here, we describe a 49-year-woman presenting with pyrexia-of-unknown origin with no evidence of any immunodefi-ciency. Computed tomography of the abdomen showed an enlarged spleen having multiple small focal hypodense lesions; the later were confirmed to be of tubercu-lous etiology on histopathological examination. She had favorable response with anti-tubercular chemotherapy. We report this case of tuberculosis spleen in an im-munocompetent individual for its rarity and to highlight the fact that these patients can be managed by medical treatment effectively.

Evaluation of brain stem auditory evoked potentials in stable patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

UNLABELLED: Though there are few studies addressing brainstem auditory evoked potentials (BAEP) in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), subclinical BAEP abnormalities in stable COPD patients have not been studied. The present study aimed to evaluate the BAEP abnormalities in this study group. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In the present study, 80 male subjects were included: COPD group comprised 40 smokers with stable COPD with no clinical neuropathy; 40 age-matched healthy volunteers served as the control group. Latencies of BAEP waves I, II, III, IV, and V, together with interpeak latencies (IPLs) of I-III, I-V, and III-V, and amplitudes of waves I-Ia and V-Va were studied in both the groups to compare the BAEP abnormalities in COPD group; the latter were correlated with patient characteristics and Mini-Mental Status Examination Questionnaire (MMSEQ) scores to seek any significant correlation. RESULTS: Twenty-six (65%) of the 40 COPD patients had BAEP abnormalities. We observed significantly prolonged latencies of waves I, III, V over left ear and waves III, IV, V over right ear; increased IPLs of I-V, III-V over left ear and of I-III, I-V, III-V over right side. Amplitudes of waves I-Ia and V-Va were decreased bilaterally. Over left ear, the latencies of wave I and III were significantly correlated with FEV(1); and amplitude of wave I-Ia, with smoking pack years. A weak positive correlation between amplitude of wave I-Ia and duration of illness; and a weak negative correlation between amplitude of wave V-Va and MMSEQ scores were seen over right side. CONCLUSIONS: We observed significant subclinical BAEP abnormalities on electrophysiological evaluation in studied stable COPD male patients having mild-to-moderate airflow obstruction.

A 24-year old man with persistent progressive breathlessness: early onset COPD.

We describe the case of a 24-year old male who had been a heavy smoker since the age of 9 and who presented with an 8-year history of respiratory symptoms. He was having treatment for asthma. Spirometric studies and high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) scans confirmed COPD with centrilobular emphysema. His blood level of alpha-1-antitrypsin was within the normal range. Early onset emphysema in smokers with a normal alpha-1-antitrypsin has been previously described. However, this case is, as far as we know, one of the youngest cases ever reported.

A comparison of peak expiratory flow measured from forced vital capacity and peak flow meter manoeuvres in healthy volunteers.

BACKGROUND: Spirometry measures the mechanical function of lungs, chest wall and respiratory muscles by assessing the total volume of air exhaled from total lung capacity to residual volume. Spirometry and peak flow measurements have usually been carried out on separate equipment using different expiratory maneuvers. AIMS: The present study was carried out to determine whether there is a significant difference between peak expiratory flow (PEF) derived from a short sharp exhalation (PEF maneuver) and that derived from a full forced vital capacity (FVC) maneuver in healthy volunteers. SETTINGS: A medical college and tertiary level hospital. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The present study was carried out during the period from January 2006 to July 2006. The study included 80 healthy volunteers with no coexisting illnesses, who were in the 15-45 years age group and belonging to either sex. They were asked to perform two sets of PEF and FVC maneuvers using the same turbine spirometer; the order was randomly assigned. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: The difference between PEF obtained from a peak flow maneuver (PEFPF) and that obtained from a forced vital capacity maneuver (PEFVC) in healthy volunteers was analyzed separately for males and females, as well as for both groups combined, and statistical significance of its correlations with study data parameters was analyzed. RESULTS: The difference between PEF obtained from a peak flow maneuver (PEFPF) and that obtained from a forced vital capacity maneuver (PEFVC) was statistically significant (P < 0.001) in males and in females separately and also for both groups combined. PEFPF (517.25 +/- 83.22 liters/min) was significantly greater than PEFVC (511.09 +/- 83.54 liters/min), as found on combined group mean analysis. However, the difference was small (6.16 + 7.09 liters/min). CONCLUSIONS: FVC maneuver can be used over spirometers to detect the PEF; and on follow-up subsequently, the same maneuver should be used to derive PEF. If we are using a peak flow maneuver subsequently, corrections are required to compensate for the difference due to the different maneuver.

Pneumothorax: a rare presentation of pulmonary mycetoma.

Pneumothorax due to mycetoma is extremely rare and has been described only in patients undergoing intensive cytotoxic therapy for hematologic malignancies. A non-immunocompromised subject presenting with pneumothorax due to rupture of the mycetoma into the pleural cavity is being described here.

Recurrent pneumothorax developing during chemotherapy in a patient with miliary tuberculosis.

Despite the fact that miliary tuberculosis is frequently seen, associated pneumothorax developing during antitubercular chemotherapy for miliary tuberculosis is rare. Pneumothorax is potentially life threatening in association with miliary tuberculosis; and its symptoms may be masked by those of miliary tuberculosis, leading to avoidable delay in the diagnosis of pneumothorax. Here we describe a 24-year-old female patient developing recurrent pneumothorax while on antitubercular chemotherapy for miliary tuberculosis.