The effects of real-time waveform analysis software on patient ventilator synchronization during pressure support ventilation: a randomized crossover physiological study.

BACKGROUND: Patient-ventilator asynchrony commonly occurs during pressure support ventilation (PSV). IntelliSync + software (Hamilton Medical AG, Bonaduz, Switzerland) is a new ventilation technology that continuously analyzes ventilator waveforms to detect the beginning and end of patient inspiration in real time. This study aimed to evaluate the physiological effect of IntelliSync + software on inspiratory trigger delay time, delta airway (Paw) and esophageal (Pes) pressure drop during the trigger phase, airway occlusion pressure at 0.1 s (P0.1), and hemodynamic variables. METHODS: A randomized crossover physiologic study was conducted in 14 mechanically ventilated patients under PSV. Patients were randomly assigned to receive conventional flow trigger and cycling, inspiratory trigger synchronization (I-sync), cycle synchronization (C-sync), and inspiratory trigger and cycle synchronization (I/C-sync) for 15 min at each step. Other ventilator settings were kept constant. Paw, Pes, airflow, P0.1, respiratory rate, SpO2, and hemodynamic variables were recorded. The primary outcome was inspiratory trigger and cycle delay time between each intervention. Secondary outcomes were delta Paw and Pes drop during the trigger phase, P0.1, SpO2, and hemodynamic variables. RESULTS: The time to initiate the trigger was significantly shorter with I-sync compared to baseline (208.9±91.7 vs. 301.4±131.7 msec; P = 0.002) and I/C-sync compared to baseline (222.8±94.0 vs. 301.4±131.7 msec; P = 0.005). The I/C-sync group had significantly lower delta Paw and Pes drop during the trigger phase compared to C-sync group (-0.7±0.4 vs. -1.2±0.8 cmH2O; P = 0.028 and - 1.8±2.2 vs. -2.8±3.2 cmH2O; P = 0.011, respectively). No statistically significant differences were found in cycle delay time, P0.1 and other physiological variables between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: IntelliSync + software reduced inspiratory trigger delay time compared to the conventional flow trigger system during PSV mode. However, no significant improvements in cycle delay time and other physiological variables were observed with IntelliSync + software. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This study was registered in the Thai Clinical Trial Registry (TCTR20200528003; date of registration 28/05/2020).

Lung Cancer Screening in Asia: An Expert Consensus Report.

INTRODUCTION: The incidence and mortality of lung cancer are highest in Asia compared with Europe and USA, with the incidence and mortality rates being 34.4 and 28.1 per 100,000 respectively in East Asia. Diagnosing lung cancer at early stages makes the disease amenable to curative treatment and reduces mortality. In some areas in Asia, limited availability of robust diagnostic tools and treatment modalities, along with variations in specific health care investment and policies, make it necessary to have a more specific approach for screening, early detection, diagnosis, and treatment of patients with lung cancer in Asia compared with the West. METHOD: A group of 19 advisors across different specialties from 11 Asian countries, met on a virtual Steering Committee meeting, to discuss and recommend the most affordable and accessible lung cancer screening modalities and their implementation, for the Asian population. RESULTS: Significant risk factors identified for lung cancer in smokers in Asia include age 50 to 75 years and smoking history of more than or equal to 20 pack-years. Family history is the most common risk factor for nonsmokers. Low-dose computed tomography screening is recommended once a year for patients with screening-detected abnormality and persistent exposure to risk factors. However, for high-risk heavy smokers and nonsmokers with risk factors, reassessment scans are recommended at an initial interval of 6 to 12 months with subsequent lengthening of reassessment intervals, and it should be stopped in patients more than 80 years of age or are unable or unwilling to undergo curative treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Asian countries face several challenges in implementing low-dose computed tomography screening, such as economic limitations, lack of efforts for early detection, and lack of specific government programs. Various strategies are suggested to overcome these challenges in Asia.

High-Flow Oxygen Therapy in Tracheostomized Subjects With Prolonged Mechanical Ventilation: A Randomized Crossover Physiologic Study.

BACKGROUND: High-flow oxygen therapy via tracheostomy (HFT) can be used in tracheostomized patients during ventilator disconnection. The physiologic effects of this technique are unknown. We hypothesized that HFT would reduce inspiratory effort and improve breathing pattern compared to conventional oxygen therapy via T-tube. This study aimed to evaluate the physiologic effects of HFT compared to conventional O2 in patients with prolonged mechanical ventilation. METHODS: A randomized crossover physiologic study was conducted in adult tracheostomized patients who experienced temporary periods of ventilator disconnection. Subjects were ventilated with pressure support ventilation (PSV) for 15 min and were then randomly assigned to HFT or conventional O2 via T-tube for 30 min. After a washout period, subjects were switched to the other system. Esophageal pressure (Pes), breathing frequency, blood pressure, heart rate, [Formula: see text], and transcutaneously measured pressure of carbon dioxide ([Formula: see text]) were recorded. The primary outcome was inspiratory effort as determined by the simplified esophageal pressure-time product (sPTPes). Secondary outcomes were Pes swing, breathing frequency, heart rate, mean arterial pressure, [Formula: see text], and [Formula: see text] between groups. RESULTS: Twenty-two subjects were enrolled: sPTPes per minute was significantly higher with HFT and conventional O2 compared to PSV (153.5 ± 97.9, 163.5 ± 111.3, and 86.8 ± 51.1 cm H2O × s/min, respectively, P = .001), but it was not different between HFT and conventional O2 (P = .72). Breathing frequency increased significantly after switching from PSV to HFT and conventional O2 (23 ± 4 vs 26 ± 6 and 23 ± 4 vs 27 ± 5 breaths/min, respectively, P = .001). [Formula: see text] was higher with conventional O2 compared to HFT (P = .02). No differences in [Formula: see text], mean arterial pressure, or heart rate were observed between HFT and conventional O2. CONCLUSIONS: Inspiratory effort and breathing frequency increased significantly during unassisted breathing compared to PSV in tracheostomized subjects, but HFT via tracheostomy provided no measurable additional physiologic benefit compared to O2 therapy via T-tube.

Ultrasound Evaluation of Diaphragm Force Reserve in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.

Rationale: Diaphragm function is a key determinant of dyspnea in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD); however, it is rarely assessed in clinical practice. Lung hyperinflation can also impair diaphragm function. Ultrasound can assess the activity, function, and force reserve of the diaphragm.Objectives: To compare diaphragm activity, function, and force reserve among patients with COPD and healthy control subjects.Methods: Patients with stable COPD (n = 80) and healthy control subjects (n = 20) were enrolled (97% of them were men). Ultrasound was used to measure the thickening fraction of the diaphragm during tidal breathing and maximum volitional effort. Outcome measures were as follows: 1) the difference in diaphragm force reserve, activity, and function between patients with COPD and control subjects; 2) the correlation between lung volumes and diaphragm force reserve, activity, and function; and 3) the relationship between diaphragm force reserve and the rate of moderate to severe exacerbation of COPD.Results: The tidal thickening fraction of the diaphragm during resting breathing (TFdi-tidal) was higher in patients with COPD than in control subjects (P = 0.002); it was approximately twice as high in patients with severe COPD than in control subjects. Patients with COPD had poorer diaphragm function than control subjects as assessed by the maximal thickening fraction of the diaphragm during Muller maneuver (P < 0.01). Diaphragm force reserve ratio assessed by 1-(tidal thickening fraction of the diagphragm during resting breathing/maximal thickening fraction of the diaphragm) was lower in patients with COPD than in control subjects, and it fell with increasing Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease stages (P < 0.001); it correlated with inspiratory capacity (r = 0.46) and the body mass index, airflow obstruction, dyspnea, exercise capacity (BODE) index, a multidimensional scoring system (r = -0.49). Patients who developed exacerbation during the following 2 years had less force reserve than patients without exacerbation (P = 0.024).Conclusions: Male patients with COPD have increased diaphragm workload, impaired diaphragm function, and reduced force reserve compared with healthy subjects. Ultrasound assessment of the diaphragm in COPD provides important functional information.Clinical trial registered with the Thai Clinical Trials Registry (TCTR20160411001). Registered 31 April 5, 2016.

Effects of high-flow nasal cannula and non-invasive ventilation on inspiratory effort in hypercapnic patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a preliminary study.

BACKGROUND: Non-invasive ventilation (NIV) is preferred as the initial ventilatory support to treat acute hypercapnic respiratory failure in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). High-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) may be an alternative method; however, the effects of HFNC in hypercapnic COPD are not well known. This preliminary study aimed at assessing the physiologic effects of HFNC at different flow rates in hypercapnic COPD and to compare it with NIV. METHODS: A prospective physiologic study enrolled 12 hypercapnic COPD patients who had initially required NIV, and were ventilated with HFNC at flow rates increasing from 10 to 50 L/min for 15 min in each step. The primary outcome was the effort to breathe estimated by a simplified esophageal pressure-time product (sPTPes). The other studied variables were respiratory rate, oxygen saturation (SpO2), and transcutaneous CO2 pressure (PtcCO2). RESULTS: Before NIV initiation, the median [interquartile range] pH was 7.36 [7.28-7.37] with a PaCO2 of 51 [42-60] mmHg. sPTPes per minute was significantly lower with HFNC at 30 L/min than 10 and 20 L/min (p < 0.001), and did not significantly differ with NIV (median inspiratory/expiratory positive airway pressure of 11 [10-12] and [5-5] cmH2O, respectively). At 50 L/min, sPTPes per minute increased compared to 30 L/min half of the patients. Respiratory rate was lower (p = 0.003) and SpO2 was higher (p = 0.028) with higher flows (30-50 L/min) compared to flow rate of 10 L/min and not different than with NIV. No significant differences in PtcCO2 between NIV and HFNC at different flow rates were observed (p = 0.335). CONCLUSIONS: Applying HFNC at 30 L/min for a short duration reduces inspiratory effort in comparison to 10 and 20 L/min, and resulted in similar effect than NIV delivered at modest levels of pressure support in hypercapnic COPD with mild to moderate exacerbation. Higher flow rates reduce respiratory rate but sometimes increase the effort to breathe. Using HFNC at 30 L/min in hypercapnic COPD patients should be further evaluated. Trial registration Thai Clinical Trials Registry, TCTR20160902001. Registered 31 August 2016, http://www.clinicaltrials.in.th/index.php?tp=regtrials&menu=trialsearch&smenu=fulltext&task=search&task2=view1&id=2008 .

Incidence and Risk Factors of Hypoxemia During Interventional Rigid Bronchoscopy Under Spontaneous-assisted Ventilation.

BACKGROUND: Interventional rigid bronchoscopy for tracheobronchial stenosis can be performed under total intravenous anesthesia and spontaneous-assisted ventilation. Intraoperative hypoxemia can occur during this procedure, but the incidence and risk factors have not yet been determined. METHODS: Medical records of patients who underwent rigid bronchoscopy for the treatment of tracheobronchial stenosis under total intravenous anesthesia and spontaneous-assisted ventilation during the study period from January 2011 to December 2012 were retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS: There were 126 patients who underwent 263 procedures. The 2 main causes of tracheobronchial stenosis were tuberculosis (41.3%) and malignancy (35.7%). The 2 main locations of stenotic area were the trachea (58.6%) and the left main bronchus (46.4%). Tracheobronchial dilatation and stent insertion were performed in 78.7% and 21.3% of patients, respectively. The incidence of intraoperative hypoxemia was 25.5%. Independent risk factors for intraoperative hypoxemia were a degree of tracheal stenosis ≥75% (odds ratio: 2.48; 95% confidence interval, 1.19-5.17) and tumor removal procedure (odds ratio: 2.9; 95% confidence interval, 1.13-7.41). CONCLUSIONS: Incidence of intraoperative hypoxemia during interventional rigid bronchoscopy for tracheobronchial stenosis under spontaneous-assisted ventilation was 25.5%. Risk factors for hypoxemia were a degree of tracheal stenosis ≥75% and tumor removal procedure.

Use of High-Flow Nasal Cannula for Acute Dyspnea and Hypoxemia in the Emergency Department.

BACKGROUND: Acute dyspnea and hypoxemia are 2 of the most common problems in the emergency room. Oxygen therapy is an essential supportive treatment to correct these issues. In this study, we investigated the physiologic effects of high-flow nasal oxygen cannula (HFNC) compared with conventional oxygen therapy (COT) in subjects with acute dyspnea and hypoxemia in the emergency room. METHODS: A prospective randomized comparative study was conducted in the emergency department of a university hospital. Forty subjects were randomized to receive HFNC or COT for 1 h. The primary outcome was level of dyspnea, and secondary outcomes included change in breathing frequency, subject comfort, adverse events, and rate of hospitalization. RESULTS: Common causes of acute dyspnea and hypoxemia were congestive heart failure, asthma exacerbation, COPD exacerbation, and pneumonia. HFNC significantly improved dyspnea (2.0 ± 1.8 vs 3.8 ± 2.3, P = .01) and subject comfort (1.6 ± 1.7 vs 3.7 ± 2.4, P = .01) compared with COT. No statistically significant difference in breathing frequency was found between the 2 groups at the end of the study. HFNC was well tolerated, and no serious adverse events were found. The rate of hospitalization in the HFNC group was lower than in the COT group, but there was no statistically significant difference (50% vs 65%, P = .34). CONCLUSIONS: HFNC improved dyspnea and comfort in subjects presenting with acute dyspnea and hypoxemia in the emergency department. HFNC may benefit patients requiring oxygen therapy in the emergency room.

Lung cancer staging now and in the future.

For a long time lung cancer was associated with a fatalistic approach by healthcare professionals. In recent years, advances in imaging, improved diagnostic techniques and more effective treatment modalities are reasons for optimism. Accurate lung cancer staging is vitally important because treatment options and prognosis differ significantly by stage. The staging algorithm should include a contrast computed tomography (CT) of the chest and the upper abdomen including adrenals, positron emission tomography/CT for staging the mediastinum and to rule out extrathoracic metastasis in patients considered for surgical resection, endosonography-guided needle sampling procedure replacing mediastinoscopy for near complete mediastinal staging, and brain imaging as clinically indicated. Applicability of evidence-based guidelines for staging of lung cancer depends on the available expertise and level of resources and is directly impacted by financial issues. Considering the diversity of healthcare infrastructure and economic performance of Asian countries, optimal and cost-effective use of staging methods appropriate to the available resources is prudent. The pulmonologist plays a central role in the multidisciplinary approach to lung cancer diagnosis, staging and management. Regional respiratory societies such as the Asian Pacific Society of Respirology should work with national respiratory societies to strive for uniform standards of care. For developing countries, a minimum set of care standards should be formulated. Cost-effective delivery of optimal care for lung cancer patients, including staging within the various healthcare systems, should be encouraged and most importantly, tobacco control implementation should receive an absolute priority status in all countries in Asia.

Respiratory muscle strength explained by age and weight in female and male.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the relationship between respiratory muscle strength and age, sex, height and weight. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Maximal inspiratory mouth pressure (MIP) and maximal expiratory mouth pressure (MEP) were assessed in 249 subjects aged 30-70 years using a mouth pressure meter MIP was performed 10 times at residual volume, whereas MEP was performed 12 times at total lung capacity. Pearson's correlation was used to assess the association between respiratory muscle strength and characteristics data. Multiple linear regressions were used to establish the prediction equation of respiratory muscle strength. RESULTS: MIP decreased at ages beyond 60 years (p<0. 05) but age had no effect on MEP in both sexes. MIP was correlated with age, weight and height in males, and with age and weight only in females; whereas, MEP was not correlated with age, height and weight in either sex. Predicted MIP regression equations are MIP(female), = 77.57-0.59 age+0.62 weight (r2 = 0.164, p = 0.004), MIP(male) = 124.39-0.91 age+0.63 weight (r(2) = 0.175, p = 0.08). CONCLUSION: Sex, age and weight factors should be considered for MIP measurement.

High-flow nasal cannula versus conventional oxygen therapy after endotracheal extubation: a randomized crossover physiologic study.

OBJECTIVE: Compare the short-term benefit of high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) with non-rebreathing mask in terms of change in dyspnea, physiologic variables, and patient comfort in subjects after endotracheal extubation. METHODS: A randomized crossover study was conducted in a 10-bed respiratory care unit in a university hospital. Seventeen mechanically ventilated subjects were randomized after extubation to either Protocol A (applied HFNC for 30 min, followed by non-rebreathing mask for another 30 min) or Protocol B (applied non-rebreathing mask for 30 min, followed by HFNC for another 30 min). The level of dyspnea, breathing frequency, heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen saturation, and patient comfort were recorded. The results were expressed as mean ± SD, frequency, or percentage. Categorical variables were compared by chi-square test or Fisher exact test, and continuous variables were compared by dependent or paired t test. Statistical significance was defined as P < .05. RESULTS: Seventeen subjects were divided into 2 groups: 9 subjects in Protocol A and 8 subjects in Protocol B. The baseline characteristics and physiologic parameters before extubation were not significantly different in each protocol. At the end of study, HFNC indicated less dyspnea (P = .04) and lower breathing frequency (P = .009) and heart rate (P = .006) compared with non-rebreathing mask. Most of the subjects (88.2%) preferred HFNC to non-rebreathing mask. CONCLUSIONS: HFNC can improve dyspnea and physiologic parameters, including breathing frequency and heart rate, in extubated subjects compared with conventional oxygen therapy. This device may have a potential role for use after endotracheal extubation.

Experience of percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy by using Grigg's technique in Siriraj Hospital.

BACKGROUND: Percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy (PDT) was increasingly performed after the commercial kit was available in 1985. Several studies showed that PDT was equivalent to surgical tracheostomy considering perioperative and long-term complications and PDT was more cost-effective and provide greater feasibility in terms of bedside capacity and nonsurgical operation. MATERIAL AND METHOD: The data of patients who were performed PDT at Division of Respiratory Disease and Tuberculosis, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital were retrospectively reviewed since March 2007 to December 2011. All procedures were done at bedside in intensive care unit or general ward of internal medicine under intravenous anesthesia. PDT was performed by using Griggs' technique. This technique is based on Seldinger guidewire technique and uses the guidewire dilator forceps (GWDFs) to enlarge the hole in the trachea under flexible bronchoscopic visualization. RESULTS: Ninety-one patients were enrolled with a mean age of 68 years old (range 17-100). Majority of patients had American Society of Anesthesiologist (ASA) classification 3. The most common indication for tracheostomy was failure to wean from the mechanical ventilator (68 patients; 74.7%). Fifty-two procedures (57.1%) were done at intensive care unit and 39 procedures (42.9%) were done at general ward of internal medicine. Mean duration of procedure was 18 minutes (range 5-90). The rate of perioperative complication was 11.0%. Five patients (5.5%) had desaturation and all of them were improved by short disruption of the procedure for ventilatory support. Three patients (3.3%) had moderate bleeding and one (1.1 %) had excessive bleeding that were stopped by electrocauterization and pressure compression. There was 1 serious perioperative complication that was accidental extubation. No perioperative or postoperative mortality that related to procedure was found. CONCLUSION: PDT is a safe procedure and can be performed easily and rapidly at the bedside either in intensive care unit or general ward with closed monitoring. Proper patient selection and attention to technical detail are necessary in maintaining low complication rates.

High dose rate endobronchial brachytherapy (HDR-EB) in recurrent benign complex tracheobronchial stenosis: experience in two cases.

UNLABELLED: Benign complex tracheobronchial stenosis (BCTS) is a tracheobronchial stenosis that is longer than 1 cm or has more than one site of stenotic area. The most common etiology of the stenosis is endobronchial tuberculosis. BCTS causes challenge in diagnosis and management because of nonspecific presentation and usually precluded surgical treatment. Available interventional bronchoscopic techniques fail to manage BCTS because of high rate of restenosis. Experience in using HDR brachytherapy to prevent restenosis in two cases of BCTS is reported. CASES REPORT: There were two cases of BCTS who received HDR brachytherapy in order to prevent restenosis. First case was a 39 year-old female who had 5 cms tracheal and 2 cms left main bronchial stenosis from previous endobronchial tuberculosis. After 36 procedures of tracheobronchial dilatation by rigid bronchoscopy and two tracheal stents placement, her trachea became restenosis in an average time of 1 month. She also developed anaphylactic reaction with lidocaine. She received HDR brachytherapy with the dose of 10 Gy and no restenosis was found after 5 months follow-up. The second case was a 18 year-old male who had 4 cms tracheal stenosis result from post intubation. He was done dilatation and stenting of the trachea by regid bronchoscopy because he refused surgery. After 1 year the tracheal stent was removed and rapid restenosis of the trachea resulted in respiratory failure occurred in 7 days. The tracheal stent was reimplanted and 1 year later 7.0 Gy HDR brachytherapy was done after stent removal. He was doing well 4 months after with 50% tracheal stenosis and occasional stridor. CONCLUSION: Failure of intervention bronchoscopic techniques in management of BCTS was significantly shown by the restenosis even after endobronchial stent placement. HDR brachytherapy had a beneficial role in preventing granulation tissue formation and delay or prevent restenosis after bronchoscopic dilatation in selected case of BCTS patients. The case selection and long term outcome were needed before introduced HDR brachytherapy to be the standard care of BCTS patients.

Impact of endobroncial ultrasound guided transbrocnhial needle aspiration on clinical practice guideline.

OBJECTIVE: Endobronchial ultrasound guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS TBNA) is performed by using special bronchoscope which has an ultrasound probe at its tip that could demonstrate lymph node outside the airway and allow for real time observation of transbronchial needle aspiration. The sensitivity and specificity of EBUS TBNA are high in many studies. However because of the high expense and special training required, the impact of this method on clinical practice guidelines (CPG) needs to be further evaluated. MATERIAL AND METHOD: The patients were classified to three groups. Group One included proven lung cancer patients who do not have distant metastasis and no mediastinal lymphadenopathy as demonstrated by computer tomography. Group Two was the same as group One except there was evidence of mediastinal lymphadenopathy. The Third Group included patients who only had mediastinal lymphadenopathy without lung lesion. All lymph node stations were examined by EBUS and their sizes were recorded. Selected puncture of a lymph node was done and tissue was sent for cytological examination. There was no rapid on site cytologic examination. The impact on CPG was calculated from the number of patients who be prevented from mediastinoacopy. RESULTS: There were 158 patients in the present study. The number of patients in group 1, 2 and 3 were 64, 57 and 37 respectively. The mean size of the mediastinal lymph node which detected by EBUS was 1.34 cm (range 0.36-3.81 cm). TBNAs were done in 164 nodes out of 353 nodes found by EBUS. The most common enlarged mediastinal node was at station 7 and those at station 4R and 3 were less common in sequence. In all three groups, malignant cells were established in 71 patients (44.9%). In group 1 malignancy was found in 21 (32.8%), in 39 patients (68.4%) in group 2 and in 11 patients (29.7%) in group 3. DISCUSSION: If the CPG recommend mediastinoscopy for all lung cancer patients, EBUS TBNA can save 49.5% of patients from the procedure. But if only enlarged mediastinal node would be considered for mediastinoscopy, EBUS TBNA can save up to 59.5% patients from mediastinal surgery. CONCLUSION: EBUS TBNA has impact on CPG for assessment of mediastinal node in lung cancer and mediastinal lymphadenopathy patients.

Amyloidosis and respiratory tract involvement: report of two cases.

Amyloidosis is a group of diseases in which amyloid deposit in the extracellular space in an abnormal insoluble fibrillar form. The most important amyloid precursors are immunoglobulin light chain (AL) and serum amyloid-associated protein (AA). Amyloidosis can manifest as localized or systemic disease and respiratory system is one of the target organs that can be involved by amyloid. The authors report two cases of pulmonary amyloidosis presented with diffuse interstitial pulmonary amyloidosis and tracheobronchial involvement.

The efficacy of Jackson drain in the application to be a tunnel pleural catheter (TPC) in the management of malignant pleural effusion.

BACKGROUND: Malignant pleural effusion (MPE) is a common clinical problem in patients with advanced cancer and portends a poor prognosis, which means survival of less than six months. In June 1997, the US-FDA approved an indwelling TPC with a one-way drainage valve to be used in the management of MPE. Although popularity of this TPC has increased over the past few years, the experience with this device remains limited in Thai patients. One of the reasons is its high cost. OBJECTIVE: Assess the efficacy and the safety of customary indwelling TPC by using Jackson drain in the management of patients with symptomatic MPE. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Ten patients with symptomatic MPE were receiving these catheters (18 Fr Silicone catheters with 25 cm fenestrated length) to drain effusion via plastic vacuum bottles (250 ml) every other day or as needed to relieve dyspnea. The patient's dyspnic respiration, quality of life, and comfort during the catheter's application were quantified with a Borg score, the St. George Respiratory Disease Questionnaire (SGRQ), and the comfort's score, respectively. These parameters were recorded at initial (before insertion) and 2-week follow-up visit. Pain after 24 hours of each insertion was quantified by visual pain analogue scale (VPAS). Patients were followed until either death or catheter removal. RESULTS: The Borg score, SGRQ, and comfort's score showed significant improvement at 2-week visit (p < 0.05). Mean VPAS was 2.44. There was no early (2-week) complication, but the catheters were obstructed in three patients (mean = 60 days) and slipped out in two (day 18, day 50). CONCLUSION: This modified Jackson drain was effective in the treatment of MPE as a TPC without early complications.

Impact of bronchoalveolar lavage galactomannan on the outcome of patients at risk for invasive pulmonary aspergillosis.

BACKGROUND: Invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA) is an important cause of morbidity and mortality among immunocompromised patients especially in neutropenic and patients treated with immunosuppressive drugs. New diagnostic tools have been developed to improve treatment and outcome. Compared with serum galactomannan, bronchoalveolar lavage galactomannan (BAL GM) detection has higher sensitivity (81% vs. 71%) and comparable specificity (87.6% vs. 89%). No study has correlated this test result to clinical outcome. MATERIAL AND METHOD: A prospective non-randomised study was conducted from March to December 2008 in adult patients who were suspected to have invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA). Serum galactomannan levels were measured and bronchoscopy was performed to obtained BAL fluid for direct examination, culture, and measurement of galactomannan level. Response to treatment and mortality within 6-weeks of follow-up were compared between positive and negative BAL GM groups. Factors influencing outcome were also analysed. RESULTS: There were 30 patients with 3 probable, 11 possible and 17 no IPA. Other causative organisms can be identified in 8 of 17 patients in the no IPA group. Overall, BAL GM at the 0.5 cut-off yielded a 46% positive result compared with 13% of serum GM (p = 0.005). There was no significant difference in positive result between BAL GM at 1.0 cut-off and serum GM. By using BAL GM as a mycological criteria, 54% of possible IPA was upgraded to probable IPA. Neither BAL GM nor serum GM results were associated with clinical response and mortality. Recovery of neutropenia was the only factor associated with response to treatment and outcome (p = 0.003). CONCLUSION: BAL GM detection has a higher positive rate than serum GM in patients at risk for IPA. It is helpful in diagnosis and categorization of IPA, but its impact on clinical outcome cannot be demonstrated in this study.

The endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial lung biopsy in peripheral pulmonary lesions.

BACKGROUND: Peripheral pulmonary lesions are technically challenging with conventional bronchoscopy in obtaining tissue diagnosis. The recently developed small-caliber ultrasonographic probe can be introduced via the working channel of a flexible bronchoscope to localize peripheral pulmonary lesions (PPLs) prior to transbronchial lung biopsy (TBLB). The endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial lung biopsy (EBUS-TBLB) is a new diagnostic method for the diagnosis of pulmonary lesions in our center. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the diagnostic yield of EBUS-TBLB in pulmonary lesions. STUDY DESIGN: A prospective cross-sectional study. MATERIAL AND METHOD: We enrolled 152 patients with pulmonary lesions that were beyond the segmental bronchus and had no evidence of endobronchial lesion, who underwent bronchoscopy in our center. With EBUS assisted, transbronchial lung biopsy was performed after localizing and measuring distance from the tip of bronchoscope to the lesion. The diagnostic yield was calculated. RESULTS: The pulmonary lesions were visible on EBUS image in 98.7% of cases. The overall diagnostic yield of EBUS-TBLB was 66.4%. The diagnostic yield in the infiltrative and mass lesions were 86.4% and 63.1%, respectively. The lesions which EBUS probe located within it were diagnosed by EBUS-TBLB about 74.8%. The benign and malignant lesions were diagnosed by EBUS-TBLB about 81.1% and 58.6%, respectively. The average EBUS time was 3.55 +/- 2.29 minutes. No complication of EBUS and transbronchial lung biopsy were observed in this study. CONCLUSION: EBUS-TBLB is a safe procedure for diagnosing pulmonary lesions. Our results indicate that the EBUS-TBLB improves the diagnostic yield compared to conventional brochoscopy.

Outcome of medical thoracoscopy.

BACKGROUND: Medical thoracoscopy is a common procedure for pulmonologists working in Europe but is still unpopular in South East Asia with few medical centers in Thailand performing this procedure. We report our outcome of medical thoracoscopy based upon 10 years experience. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Medical thoracoscopy was first performed in our unit in 1998. The early indication was undiagnosed pleural effusion. Other indications which were empyema, pneumothorax and talc pleudrage were carried on for the last 3 years. The patients' demographic data, indication for medical thoracoscopy, procedures, complication and outcome were recorded and analyzed separately. RESULTS: During 1998 to 2007, there were 142 procedures of medical pleuroscopy performed. There were 86 procedures for the indication of undiagnosed pleural effusion. The diagnostic yield was 95.2%. The malignancy was recovered by thoracoscopy in 45.35% of procedure. For indication of talc pleurodesis, there were 22 patients with 3 who had early failure of pleurodesis because of trapped lung. After mean follow up of 124 days, 17 patients did not have recurrence of pleural effusion. 15 patients who had loculated pleural effusion were done medical thoracoscopy. Operations were successful in only 6 patients. For indication of pneumothorax 5 out of 6 procedures were successful after mean follow up of 167 days. In 12 empyema patients, mean hospital admission was 9.1 days after thoracoscopy. There was no serious complication from the procedure. DISCUSSION: There are many indications for medical thoracoscopy and the experience of the performer is the important factor determining success of the procedure. In undiagnosed pleural effusion, our result was comparable to other studies in the past in which the rate of malignancy was around 40-60%. The result of talc pleudrage was also comparable with the need to improve the diagnosis of trapped lung to prevent the unnecessary medical thoracoscopy. The result was excellent in patients who came for pleurodesis indicated in pneumothorax also in empyema but number of patient was still low. The problem was in loculated pleural effusion from malignancy which showed high failure rate. The early pleurodesis in malignant pleural effusion before it became loculated should be considered. CONCLUSION: Outcome of medical thoracoscopy varies from various indications. The success rate was high and decreasing in undiagnosed pleural effusion, pneumothorax, empyema and talc pleurodesis in malignant effusion. Great skill was needed to perform medical thoracoscopy in loculated malignant pleural effusion

Is cytology necessary in diagnosis of mediastinal mass?

BACKGROUND: Mediastinal mass is an uncommon abnormality found in clinical practices of respiratory physicians. The diagnosis of a mediastinal mass arises from a clinical suspicion, and more commonly, by a check-up chest x-ray. Definite diagnosis is necessary because the managements are different in various etiologies of the masses. OBJECTIVE: Adequacy of cellular sample recovered from small needle aspiration is the point of question among pathologist and physician in the diagnosis of mediastinal mass. Many centers recommend fine needle aspiration biopsy for cytology (FNAB) as an adequate procedure in this situation. This study is aimed to find the value of cytology and histological examination in the diagnosis of a mediastinal mass. MATERIALS AND METHOD: The study was done by prospective collected data of patients who were consulted for needle aspiration biopsies of their mediastinal mass since 1999 to 2006 at the Respiratory Diagnostic Unit, Division of Respiratory disease and Tuberculosis, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital. The protocol in evaluating mediastinal mass was to obtain both cytologic slides and tissue for histology from lesions in the mediastinum by ultrasonic guidance when they were possible. RESULTS: During 1999 to 2006, there were 35 patients who had mediastinal masses referred for needle aspiration procedures. Their mean age and standard deviation were 42.37 +/- 16.97 year-old. Among these patients, 22 were men and 13 were women. The mean age (+/- standard deviation) of male patients was 40.47 +/- 17.17 years and 45.5 +/- 16.79 year-old for the female. The histology could make diagnosis in a significantly higher number of patients as compared to cytology (88.57% compared to 40%). There was statistically different higher diagnostic rate of UG-CNB than UG-FNA in non-carcinomatous group. The complications were mild. CONCLUSION: Since most lung mass are carcinomatous in origin, depending on various factors (age, sex, smoking habit and size), the recommendation of FNA as the first line investigation are warranted because of high yield to risk for complication ratio, but in mediastinal mass in which many etiologic cells of origin cannot be diagnosed accurately by retrieved cytological cell, the CNB for small histology section is recommended as an initial investigation method without the loss of time required for cytological aspiration.