RESUMEN
Background: Aerobika® oscillating positive expiratory pressure (OPEP) device promotes airway clearance in many respiratory diseases. However, studies have yet to focus on its effectiveness in improving small airway resistance via impulse oscillometry (IOS) measurement in COPD subjects. We aim to evaluate the improvement of small airway resistance (via IOS), lung function (spirometry), exercise capacity [via 6-min walking test (6MWT)], symptoms [COPD assessment test (CAT)] and severe exacerbation events among COPD subjects using Aerobika® OPEP. Methods: This was a prospective, single-arm interventional study among COPD subjects with small airway disease. Subjects were instructed to use twice daily Aerobika® OPEP (10 min each session); for 24 weeks; as an additional to standard therapy. IOS, spirometry, 6MWT, CAT score and severe exacerbation events were evaluated at baseline, 12 weeks and 24 weeks. Results: Fifty-three subjects completed the study. Aerobika® usage showed improvement of IOS parameters; e.g. measurement of airway resistance at 5 Hz (R5), cmH20/L/s, (12-week p = 0.008, 24-week p < 0.001), R5% predicted (12-week p = 0.007, 24-week p < 0.001) and small airway resistance (R5-R20), cmH20/L/s, (12-week p = 0.021, 24-week p < 0.001). There were improvement of lung function; e.g. FEV1, L (12-week p = 0.018, 24-week p = 0.001), FEV1% predicted (12-week p = 0.025, 24-week p = 0.001), FEF25-75, L (12-week p = 0.023, 24-week p = 0.002), and FEF25-75% predicted (12-week p = 0.024, 24-week p < 0.001). CAT score improved at 12 weeks (p < 0.001) and 24 weeks (p < 0.001). Subjects had improved exercise capacity (6MWT, metres) after 24 weeks (p = 0.016). However, there was no significant difference in severe exacerbation events 24 weeks before and after Aerobika® usage. Conclusion: Aerobika® OPEP demonstrated significant improvement in small airway resistance as early as 12 weeks of usage, with sustained improvement at 24 weeks. Aerobika® OPEP administration had significantly improved lung function, 6MWT, and CAT scores over 24 weeks. There was no difference in severe exacerbation events.
RESUMEN
We report a 35-year-old woman who presented with dyspnoea and chest pain for 1 week. High-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) thorax revealed bilateral pneumothoraces with diffuse lung cysts. Bilateral intercostal chest tubes were inserted, and there was a persistent air leak (PAL) bilaterally. We performed an autologous blood patch pleurodesis (ABPP) for the left PAL. For the right PAL, she underwent a successful right video-assisted thoracic (VATS) surgery, wedge biopsy, and surgical pleurodesis. Histopathology examination confirmed the diagnosis of lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM). The left pneumothorax recurred. An indwelling pleural catheter (Rocket® IPC™; Rocket Medical plc; WASHINGTON) was inserted and the patient was discharged after 1 day with an atrium pneumostat (Pneumostat™; Atrium Medical Corporation, Hudson, NH, USA) chest drain valve. The patient was initiated on Sirolimus 2 mg daily. The left PAL resolved at 6 weeks. This case highlights the benefit of IPC with an ambulatory pneumothorax device in a patient with LAM with PAL.
RESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Lung nodule management remains a challenge to clinicians, especially in endemic tuberculosis areas. Different guidelines are available with various recommendations; however, the suitability of these guidelines for the Asian population is still unclear. Our study described the prevalence of malignant lung nodules among nodules measuring 2-30 mm, the demographic and characteristics of lung nodules between benign and malignant groups, and the clinician's clinical practice in managing lung nodules. METHOD: Retrospective review of lung nodules from the computed tomography archiving and communication system (PACS) database and clinical data from January 2019 to January 2022. The data was analysed by using chi square, mann whitney test and simple logistic regression. RESULTS: There were 288 nodules measuring 2-30 mm identified; 49 nodules underwent biopsy. Twenty-seven (55%) biopsied nodules were malignant, (prevalence of 9.4%). Among the malignant lung nodules, 74% were adenocarcinoma (n = 20). The commonest benign nodules were granuloma n = 12 (55%). In nodules > 8 mm, the median age of malignant and benign was 72 ± 12 years and 66 ± 16 years, respectively (p = 0.024). There was a significant association of benign nodules (> 8 mm) in subjects with previous or concurrent tuberculosis (p = 0.008). Benign nodules are also associated with nodule size ≤ 8 mm, without spiculation (p < 0.001) and absence of emphysema (p = 0.007). The nodule size and the presence of spiculation are factors to make the clinicians proceed with tissue biopsy. Spiculated nodules and increased nodule size had 11 and 13 times higher chances of undergoing biopsy respectively (p < 0.001).) Previous history of tuberculosis had a 0.874 reduced risk of progression to malignant lung nodules (p = 0.013). These findings implied that these three factors are important risk factors for malignant lung nodules. There was no mortality association between benign and malignant. Using Brock's probability of malignancy, nodules ≤ 8 mm had a low probability of malignancy. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of malignant lung nodules in our centre was comparatively lower than non-Asian countries. Older age, the presence of emphysema, and spiculation are associated with malignancy. Clinical judgment is of utmost importance in managing these patients. Fleishner guideline is still being used as a reference by our clinician.
