Impacto de los corticoides sistémicos en el tiempo de hospitalización en pacientes con COVID-19 / Impact of systemic corticosteroids on length of hospitalization among patients with COVID-19

Objetivo: la COVID-19 supuso una amenaza para la capacidad hospitalaria por el elevado número de ingresos, lo que llevó al desarrollo de diversas estrategias para liberar y crear nuevas camas hospitalarias. Dada la importancia de los corticoides sistémicos en esta enfermedad, se evaluó la eficacia de estos en la reducción de la duración de la estancia hospitalaria (EH) y se comparó el efecto de 3 corticosteroides diferentes sobre este resultado.Métodose realizó un estudio de vida real de diseño tipo cohorte retrospectiva y controlado. Se analizó una base de datos hospitalaria de 3.934 pacientes hospitalizados con diagnóstico de COVID-19 en un hospital terciario entre abril y mayo de 2020. Se comparó un grupo de enfermos que recibieron corticosteroides sistémicos (grupo con corticoides [GC]) frente a un grupo control que no recibió corticosteroides sistémicos (grupo sin corticoides [GSC]) emparejado por edad, sexo y gravedad de la enfermedad mediante una puntuación de propensión. La decisión de prescribir glucocorticoides dependía principalmente del criterio del médico responsable.Resultadosse compararon un total de 199 pacientes hospitalizados en el GC con 199 en el GSC. La EH fue más corta para el GC que para el GSC (mediana=3 [rango intercuartílico=0-10] vs. 5 [2-8,5]; p=0,005, respectivamente), mostrando un 43% más de probabilidad de ser hospitalizado ≤4 días que >4 días cuando se usaron corticosteroides. Además, esta diferencia solo la mostraron aquellos tratados con dexametasona (76,3% hospitalizados ≤4 días vs. 23,7% hospitalizados >4 días [p<0,001]). Los niveles de ferritina sérica, glóbulos blancos y plaquetas fueron más elevados en el GC. No se observaron diferencias en la mortalidad ni en el ingreso a la unidad de cuidados intensivos. (AU)

Objective: The COVID-19 pandemic has posed a threat to hospital capacity due to the high number of admissions, which has led to the development of various strategies to release and create new hospital beds. Due to the importance of systemic corticosteroids in this disease, we assessed their efficacy in reducing the length of stay (LOS) in hospitals and compared the effect of 3 different corticosteroids on this outcome.MéthodWe conducted a real-world, controlled, retrospective cohort study that analysed data from a hospital database that included 3934 hospitalised patients diagnosed with COVID-19 in a tertiary hospital from April to May 2020. Hospitalised patients who received systemic corticosteroids (CG) were compared with a propensity score control group matched by age, sex and severity of disease who did not receive systemic corticosteroids (NCG). The decision to prescribe CG was at the discretion of the primary medical team.ResultsA total of 199 hospitalized patients in the CG were compared with 199 in the NCG. The LOS was shorter for the CG than for the NCG (median=3 [interquartile range=0–10] vs. 5 [2–8.5]; p=0.005, respectively), showing a 43% greater probability of being hospitalised ≤4 days than >4 days when corticosteroids were used. Moreover, this difference was only noticed in those treated with dexamethasone (76.3% hospitalised ≤4 days vs. 23.7% hospitalised >4 days [p<0.001]). Serum ferritin levels, white blood cells and platelet counts were higher in the CG. No differences in mortality or intensive care unit admission were observed.ConclusionsTreatment with systemic corticosteroids is associated with reduced LOS in hospitalised patients diagnosed with COVID-19. This association is significant in those treated with dexamethasone, but no for methylprednisolone and prednisone. (AU)

Impact of systemic corticosteroids on length of hospitalization among patients with COVID-19. / [Artículo traducido] Impacto de los corticoides sistémicos en el tiempo de hospitalización en pacientes con COVID-19.

OBJECTIVE: The COVID-19 pandemic has posed a threat to hospital capacity due to the high number of admissions, which has led to the development of various strategies to release and create new hospital beds. Due to the importance of systemic corticosteroids in this disease, we assessed their efficacy in reducing the length of stay (LOS) in hospitals and compared the effect of 3 different corticosteroids on this outcome. MéTHOD: We conducted a real-world, controlled, retrospective cohort study that analysed data from a hospital database that included 3934 hospitalised patients diagnosed with COVID-19 in a tertiary hospital from April to May 2020. Hospitalised patients who received systemic corticosteroids (CG) were compared with a propensity score control group matched by age, sex and severity of disease who did not receive systemic corticosteroids (NCG). The decision to prescribe CG was at the discretion of the primary medical team. RESULTS: A total of 199 hospitalized patients in the CG were compared with 199 in the NCG. The LOS was shorter for the CG than for the NCG (median=3 [interquartile range=0-10] vs. 5 [2-8.5]; p=0.005, respectively), showing a 43% greater probability of being hospitalised ≤4 days than >4 days when corticosteroids were used. Moreover, this difference was only noticed in those treated with dexamethasone (76.3% hospitalised ≤4 days vs. 23.7% hospitalised >4 days [p<0.001]). Serum ferritin levels, white blood cells and platelet counts were higher in the CG. No differences in mortality or intensive care unit admission were observed. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment with systemic corticosteroids is associated with reduced LOS in hospitalised patients diagnosed with COVID-19. This association is significant in those treated with dexamethasone, but no for methylprednisolone and prednisone.

Relationship between air pollution exposure and the progression of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis in Madrid: Chronic respiratory failure, hospitalizations, and mortality. A retrospective study.

Introduction: Air pollution has a significant impact on the morbidity and mortality of various respiratory diseases. However, this has not been widely studied in diffuse interstitial lung diseases, specifically in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Objective: In this study we aimed to assess the relationship between four major air pollutants individually [carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), ozone (O3), and nitrogen oxides (NOx)] and the development of chronic respiratory failure, hospitalization due to respiratory causes and mortality in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Methods: We conducted an exploratory retrospective panel study from 2011 to 2020 in 69 patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis from the pulmonary medicine department of a tertiary hospital. Based on their geocoded residential address, levels of each pollutant were estimated 1, 3, 6, 12, and 36 months prior to each event (chronic respiratory failure, hospital admission and mortality). Data was collected from the air quality monitoring stations of the Community of Madrid located <3.5 km (2.2 miles) from each patient's home. Results: The increase in average values of CO [OR 1.62 (1.11-2.36) and OR 1.84 (1.1-3.06)], NO2 [OR 1.64 (1.01-2.66)], and NOx [OR 1.11 (1-1.23) and OR 1.19 (1.03-1.38)] were significantly associated with the probability of developing chronic respiratory failure in different periods. In addition, the averages of NO2, O3, and NOx were significantly associated with the probability of hospital admissions due to respiratory causes and mortality in these patients. Conclusion: Air pollution is associated with an increase in the probability of developing chronic respiratory failure, hospitalization due to respiratory causes and mortality in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.

Impact of systemic corticosteroids on hospital length of stay among patients with COVID-19.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The COVID-19 pandemic has posed a threat to hospital capacity due to the high number of admissions, which has led to the development of various strategies to release and create new hospital beds. Due to the importance of systemic corticosteroids in this disease, we assessed their efficacy in reducing the length of stay (LOS) in hospitals and compared the effect of 3 different corticosteroids on this outcome. METHODS: We conducted a real-world, controlled, retrospective cohort study that analysed data from a hospital database that included 3934 hospitalised patients diagnosed with COVID-19 in a tertiary hospital from April to May 2020. Hospitalised patients who received systemic corticosteroids (CG) were compared with a propensity score control group matched by age, sex and severity of disease who did not receive systemic corticosteroids (NCG). The decision to prescribe CG was at the discretion of the primary medical team. RESULTS: A total of 199 hospitalized patients in the CG were compared with 199 in the NCG. The LOS was shorter for the CG than for the NCG (median = 3 [interquartile range = 0-10] vs. 5 [2-8.5]; p = 0.005, respectively), showing a 43% greater probability of being hospitalised ≤ 4 days than > 4 days when corticosteroids were used. Moreover, this difference was only noticed in those treated with dexamethasone (76.3% hospitalised ≤ 4 days vs. 23.7% hospitalised > 4 days [p < 0.001]). Serum ferritin levels, white blood cells and platelet counts were higher in the CG. No differences in mortality or intensive care unit admission were observed. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment with systemic corticosteroids is associated with reduced LOS in hospitalised patients diagnosed with COVID-19. This association is significant in those treated with dexamethasone, but no for methylprednisolone and prednisone.

Air pollution exposure and its effects on idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: clinical worsening, lung function decline, and radiological deterioration.

Introduction: Major urban pollutants have a considerable influence on the natural history of lung disease. However, this effect is not well known in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). Aim: This study aimed to investigate the effects of air pollution on clinical worsening, lung function, and radiological deterioration in patients with IPF. Methods: This exploratory retrospective cohort study included 69 patients with IPF, monitored from 2011 to 2020. Data on air pollution levels, including carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), particulate matter ≤ 2.5 µM (PM2.5), ozone (O3), and nitrogen oxides (NOx), were collected from the nearest air quality monitoring stations (<3.5 km from the patients' homes). Patient outcomes such as clinical worsening, lung function decline, and radiological deterioration were assessed over various exposure periods (1, 3, 6, 12, and 36 months). The statistical analyses were adjusted for various factors, including age, sex, smoking status, and treatment. Results: There was an association between higher O3 levels and an increased likelihood of clinical worsening over 6 and 36 months of exposure (odds ratio [OR] and 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.16 [1.01-1.33] and OR and 95% CI = 1.80 [1.07-3.01], respectively). Increased CO levels were linked to lung function decline over 12-month exposure periods (OR and 95% CI 1.63 = [1.01-2.63]). Lastly, radiological deterioration was significantly associated with higher CO, NO2, and NOx levels over 6-month exposure periods (OR and 95% CI = 2.14 [1.33-3.44], OR and 95% CI = 1.76 [1.15-2.66] and OR and 95% CI = 1.16 [1.03-1.3], respectively). Conclusion: This study suggests that air pollution, specifically O3, CO, NO2, and NOx, could affect clinical worsening, lung function, and radiological outcomes in patients with IPF. These findings highlight the potential role of air pollution in the progression of IPF, emphasizing the need for further research and air quality control measures to mitigate its effects on respiratory health.

Síndrome antisintetasa: análisis de 11 casos / Antisynthetase syndrome: Analysis of 11 cases

Introducción: El síndrome antisintetasa (ASA) se caracteriza por manifestaciones clínicas como miositis, fiebre, manos de mecánico y enfermedad pulmonar intersticial (EPI) asociadas a la positividad ante anticuerpos antisintetasa. La presencia de EPI será la que, en gran medida, marcará la respuesta al tratamiento y el pronóstico. Pacientes y métodos: Se describen 11 pacientes con ASA y afectación pulmonar en seguimiento en una consulta monográfica de Neumología de un hospital de tercer nivel. Resultados: Nueve pacientes presentaron positividad para anticuerpos anti-Jo y 2 para anti-PL12. Cuatro pacientes mostraron en TCAR patrón NINE, 4 NIU, uno NOC y 2 en vidrio deslustrado. El 73% se acompañaron de bronquiectasias y bronquiolectasias y el 27%, de panalización. Funcionalmente resalta la DLCO, con hasta el 45% con un test de la marcha positivo. Destaca la corticodependencia, con necesidad en muchas ocasiones de tratamiento inmunodepresor, tanto en exacerbaciones como de forma crónica. Todos los pacientes mantuvieron buen pronóstico hasta el momento. Conclusiones: Los pacientes con EPI deberían tener al menos una determinación de anticuerpos antisintetasa para así identificar esta enfermedad, de mejor pronóstico que otras afecciones intersticiales como la fibrosis pulmonar idiopática (AU)

Introduction: Antisynthetase syndrome (ASS) is characterised by a series of clinical manifestations such as myositis, fever, mechanic’s hands and diffuse interstitial lung disease (ILD), all associated with positivity to antisynthetase antibodies. The presence of ILD will be that, to a great extent it will mark the response to treatment and prognosis. Patients and methods: Eleven cases of patients with ASS and pulmonary involvement in monitoring at a Pulmonary monographic consult in a third level hospital consult are described. Results: Nine patients presented positivity to anti-Jo antibody and 2 to anti-PL12. Four patients’ HRCT pattern showed NSIP, four UIP, one COP and 2 ground-glass opacity. A percentage of 73 were accompanied by bronchiectasis and bronchiolectasis and 27% honeycombing. Functional exploration was mainly affected by DLCO with up to 45% of the positive walking test. Corticodependence is highlighted, often requiring immunosuppressive treatment both chronically and in exacerbations. All patients maintain good prognosis so far. Conclusions: Patients with interstitial lung disease should have at least a determination of antisynthetase antibodies in order to identify this disease, better prognosis than other interstitial diseases such as idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (AU)

Antisynthetase syndrome: Analysis of 11 cases. / Síndrome antisintetasa: análisis de 11 casos.

INTRODUCTION: Antisynthetase syndrome (ASS) is characterised by a series of clinical manifestations such as myositis, fever, mechanic's hands and diffuse interstitial lung disease (ILD), all associated with positivity to antisynthetase antibodies. The presence of ILD will be that, to a great extent it will mark the response to treatment and prognosis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Eleven cases of patients with ASS and pulmonary involvement in monitoring at a Pulmonary monographic consult in a third level hospital consult are described. RESULTS: Nine patients presented positivity to anti-Jo antibody and 2 to anti-PL12. Four patients' HRCT pattern showed NSIP, four UIP, one COP and 2 ground-glass opacity. A percentage of 73 were accompanied by bronchiectasis and bronchiolectasis and 27% honeycombing. Functional exploration was mainly affected by DLCO with up to 45% of the positive walking test. Corticodependence is highlighted, often requiring immunosuppressive treatment both chronically and in exacerbations. All patients maintain good prognosis so far. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with interstitial lung disease should have at least a determination of antisynthetase antibodies in order to identify this disease, better prognosis than other interstitial diseases such as idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.

Fibrosis pulmonar / Pulmonary fibrosis

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Manifestaciones pulmonares de las enfermedades del colágeno / Pulmonary Manifestations of Collagen Diseases

Las enfermedades del colágeno constituyen un gran grupo de enfermedades inflamatorias sistémicas de etiología autoinmune. La etiopatogenia de las enfermedades del colágeno es multifactorial. Existe una susceptibilidad genética, y muchos trastornos del tejido conectivo muestran una agregación familiar, sobre la que actúan factores ambientales que desencadenan la enfermedad. En las enfermedades del colágeno se pueden afectar casi todos los órganos del cuerpo. El sistema respiratorio es uno de los más frecuentemente afectados, aunque no se conoce con exactitud la prevalencia de enfermedad pulmonar en las diferentes enfermedades del colágeno. Cualquier estructura del aparato respiratorio puede estar afectada. Quizá lo más frecuente sea la enfermedad del parénquima pulmonar en forma de neumonitis, que puede manifestarse como cualquiera de los patrones de neumonitis intersticiales idiopáticas. Pero también pueden afectarse la pleura, los vasos pulmonares, la vía aérea y la musculatura respiratoria. La frecuencia de enfermedad pulmonar asociada a las enfermedades del colágeno está aumentando, por una parte gracias a los mejores métodos de diagnóstico de que disponemos hoy en día, como la tomografía computarizada de alta resolución, y también por la aparición de nuevas formas de neumonitis asociadas a los nuevos tratamientos empleados en la actualidad. El objetivo de este artículo es ofrecer una visión en conjunto de cómo las enfermedades del colágeno pueden afectar el pulmón, de acuerdo con las nuevas evidencias científicas (AU)

Collagen diseases are a large group of systemic inflammatory diseases of autoimmune etiology. The etiopathogenesis of collagen diseases is multifactorial. There is genetic susceptibility, as many connective tissue disorders show family history, and environmental factors may trigger the disease. Collagen diseases can affect almost all the organs of the body. The respiratory system is one of the most frequently affected, although the prevalence of pulmonary disease is not precisely known for the different collagen disorders. Any structure of the respiratory tract can be affected, but perhaps the most frequent is pulmonary parenchymal disease in the form of pneumonitis, which can be produced in any of the idiopathic interstitial pneumonitis patterns. The pleura, pulmonary vessels, airways and respiratory muscles may also be affected. The frequency of lung disease associated with collagen diseases is on the rise. This is in due part to the better diagnostic methods that are available to us today (such as high-resolution computed tomography) and also to the appearance of new forms of pneumonitis associated with the new treatments that are currently used. The objective of this article is to offer a global vision of how collagen diseases can affect the lungs according to the latest scientific evidence (AU)

Pulmonary manifestations of collagen diseases.

Collagen diseases are a large group of systemic inflammatory diseases of autoimmune etiology. The etiopathogenesis of collagen diseases is multifactorial. There is genetic susceptibility, as many connective tissue disorders show family history, and environmental factors may trigger the disease. Collagen diseases can affect almost all the organs of the body. The respiratory system is one of the most frequently affected, although the prevalence of pulmonary disease is not precisely known for the different collagen disorders. Any structure of the respiratory tract can be affected, but perhaps the most frequent is pulmonary parenchymal disease in the form of pneumonitis, which can be produced in any of the idiopathic interstitial pneumonitis patterns. The pleura, pulmonary vessels, airways and respiratory muscles may also be affected. The frequency of lung disease associated with collagen diseases is on the rise. This due in part to the better diagnostic methods that are available to us today (such as high-resolution computed tomography) and also to the appearance of new forms of pneumonitis associated with the new treatments that are currently used. The objective of this article is to offer a global vision of how collagen diseases can affect the lungs according to the latest scientific evidence.

Calidad de vida y adherencia a la antibioterapia nebulizada mediante un nuevo dispositivo en bronquiectasias no debidas a fibrosis quística / Quality of life and adherence to nebulised antibiotic therapy using a new device in non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis

Objetivo Análisis de las variables psicológicas: calidad de vida autopercibida, ansiedad y depresión; percepción subjetiva de cumplimiento; grado de satisfacción con el nebulizador electrónico y comprobación objetiva que permitan estudiar la adherencia terapéutica, en pacientes con BQNFQ, colonizados por Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a través de un programa multidisciplinar. Métodos Consistió en un estudio descriptivo transversal de 22 pacientes estables con BQNFQ colonizados por Pseudomonas aeruginosa (2 grupos de 11 pacientes: GRUPO 1, nebulizador Pari-LC plus, y GRUPO 2, I-neb) tratados con colistemetato de sodio. Entre otras variables recogimos: salud autopercibida (cuestionario St. George), estado de ánimo (cuestionario HADS), percepción subjetiva de cumplimiento terapéutico y medida objetiva del cumplimiento mediante lectura del software del aparato. Resultados No existieron diferencias significativas en los resultados de los cuestionarios. En el GRUPO 2 comprobamos, objetivamente, la adhesión terapéutica (>70%) y la buena tolerabilidad del nuevo dispositivo mediante un cuestionario específico creado para el estudio. Conclusiones Este tipo de nebulizadores, además de mejorar la adherencia terapéutica, permite su medida objetiva, que contrasta con la indicada subjetivamente por el paciente (AU)

Aims Analysis of psychological variables, quality of life, depression and anxiety, subjective perception of compliance, level of satisfaction with the electronic device, and objective verification) in order to study the therapeutic adherence, in non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis (NCFB) colonized by Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Methods A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted on 22 NCFB stable patients colonised by Pseudomonas aeruginosa (two groups of 11 subjects: GROUP 1, Pari-LC plus nebuliser device, and GROUP 2, with the I- neb device), both containing sodium colistemethate.. Different variables, were obtained, such as, self-perceived health (St George questionnaire), state of mind (HADS scale), and subjective perception of therapeutic compliance and objective verification by using the device software. Results There were no significant differences in questionnaire results. The therapeutic support in GROUP 2, could be proved objectively (up to 60%) using specific software, and the excellent tolerability using a specific questionnaire created for the study. Conclusions These types of aerosol devices demonstrate a high level of therapeutic support, that can be measured objectively and is different from what the patients subjectively indicates (AU)

Afectación pulmonar en paciente adulto con enfermedad de Niemann-Pick tipo B / Lung Affectation in an Adult Patient With Niemann-Pick Disease, Type B

Tras la presentación de un caso de enfermedad de Niemann-Pick (N-P) tipo B se realiza una revisión de la literatura en la que se describen los hallazgos radiológicos, con especial hincapié en la afectación pulmonar. Se trata de un paciente de 40 años diagnosticado a los 6 años de posible enfermedad de N-P sospechada por presentar hepatoesplenomegalia y patrón reticular en radiografía de tórax, con pruebas de función respiratoria inicialmente normales. Dicho diagnóstico se confirmó mediante medición de la actividad de la enzima esfingomielinasa ácida (ASM) en cultivo de fibroblastos de piel y demostración de la presencia de mutaciones en el gen de la ASM. Ante una enfermedad de depósito habría que tener siempre en cuenta la afectación pulmonar, y la técnica radiológica más fiable es la tomografía computarizada de alta resolución. Aunque el patrón encrazy-paving no es el más específico de esta patología, la enfermedad de N-P debería estar en el diagnóstico diferencial(AU)

We have carried out a review of the literature after the presentation of a case of Niemann-Pick (N-P) disease type B reporting the radiological findings with special emphasis on lung affectation. The patient is 40 years old and was diagnosed at the age of 6 with possible N-P disease suspected due to the presentation of hepatosplenomegaly and reticular pattern on chest radiography, with initially normal lung function tests. Said diagnosis was confirmed by measuring the activity of acid sphingomyelinase (ASM) enzyme in skin fibroblast cultures and by demonstrating the presence of mutations in the ASM gene. In cases of storage disease, lung affectation should always be considered, and the most reliable radiological technique is high-resolution computed tomography. Although the "crazy-paving" pattern is not the most specific for this pathology, N-P disease should be included in the differential diagnosis(AU)

[Quality of life and adherence to nebulised antibiotic therapy using a new device in non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis]. / Calidad de vida y adherencia a la antibioterapia nebulizada mediante un nuevo dispositivo en bronquiectasias no debidas a fibrosis quística.

AIMS: Analysis of psychological variables, quality of life, depression and anxiety, subjective perception of compliance, level of satisfaction with the electronic device, and objective verification) in order to study the therapeutic adherence, in non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis (NCFB) colonized by Pseudomonas aeruginosa. METHODS: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted on 22 NCFB stable patients colonised by Pseudomonas aeruginosa (two groups of 11 subjects: GROUP 1, Pari-LC plus nebuliser device, and GROUP 2, with the I- neb device), both containing sodium colistemethate. Different variables, were obtained, such as, self-perceived health (St George questionnaire), state of mind (HADS scale), and subjective perception of therapeutic compliance and objective verification by using the device software. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in questionnaire results. The therapeutic support in GROUP 2, could be proved objectively (up to 60%) using specific software, and the excellent tolerability using a specific questionnaire created for the study. CONCLUSIONS: These types of aerosol devices demonstrate a high level of therapeutic support, that can be measured objectively and is different from what the patients subjectively indicates.

Lung affectation in an adult patient with Niemann-Pick disease, type B.

We have carried out a review of the literature after the presentation of a case of Niemann-Pick (N-P) disease type B reporting the radiological findings with special emphasis on lung affectation. The patient is 40 years old and was diagnosed at the age of 6 with possible N-P disease suspected due to the presentation of hepatosplenomegaly and reticular pattern on chest radiography, with initially normal lung function tests. Said diagnosis was confirmed by measuring the activity of acid sphingomyelinase (ASM) enzyme in skin fibroblast cultures and by demonstrating the presence of mutations in the ASM gene. In cases of storage disease, lung affectation should always be considered, and the most reliable radiological technique is high-resolution computed tomography. Although the "crazy-paving" pattern is not the most specific for this pathology, N-P disease should be included in the differential diagnosis.