Association between the atherogenic index of plasma and left ventricular hypertrophy in patients with obstructive sleep apnea: a retrospective cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: The atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) is a simple and reliable marker of insulin resistance and is closely associated with various cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). However, the relationships between AIP and left ventricular (LV) geometric indicators have not been adequately assessed. This study was carried out to investigate the association between AIP and LV geometric abnormalities in obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) patients. METHODS: This retrospective cross-sectional study included a total of 618 OSA patients (57.3 ± 12.4 years, 73.1% males, BMI 28.1 ± 4.2 kg/m2) who underwent echocardiography. Patients with OSA were diagnosed with clinical symptoms and an apnea-hypopnea index ≥ 5.0. LV hypertrophy (LVH) was defined as left ventricular mass index (LVMIh2.7) ≥ 50.0 g/m2.7 for men and 47.0 g/m2.7 for women. AIP was calculated as log10 (TG/HDL-C). RESULTS: Compared with the non-LVH group, AIP was significantly higher in the LVH group (0.19 ± 0.29 vs 0.24 ± 0.28, P = 0.024) and the concentric LVH group (0.18 ± 0.29, 0.19 ± 0.30, 0.20 ± 0.26 and 0.29 ± 0.29 in the control, concentric remodeling, eccentric hypertrophy and concentric hypertrophy groups, respectively, P = 0.021). Meanwhile, in the group of patients with the highest AIP tertile, the levels of LVMIh2.7 (42.8 ± 10.5, 43.2 ± 9.3 and 46.1 ± 12.1 in the T1, T2 and T3 groups, respectively, P = 0.003), and the prevalence of LVH (25.2%, 24.0% and 34.6% in the T1, T2 and T3 groups, respectively, P = 0.032) and concentric LVH (10.7%, 9.8% and 20.2% in the T1, T2 and T3 groups, respectively, P = 0.053) were higher compared with those in the other groups. Positive correlations between AIP and LV geometric indicators including the LVMIh2.7, LVMIBSA, LV mass (LVM), diastolic left ventricular inner diameter (LVIDd), diastolic left ventricular posterior wall thickness (PWTd) and diastolic interventricular septal thickness (IVSTd), were revealed according to correlation analysis (P < 0.05). Furthermore, AIP was independently associated with LVMIh2.7 according to multivariate linear regression model (ß = 0.125, P = 0.001). Notably, AIP remained independently associated with an elevated risk of LVH [odds ratio (OR) = 1.317 per 1 standard deviation (SD) increment, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.058 - 1.639, P = 0.014) and concentric LVH (OR = 1.545 per 1 SD increment, 95% CI: 1.173 - 2.035, P = 0.002) after fully adjusting for all confounding risk factors by multivariate logistic regression analyses. CONCLUSIONS: AIP was independently associated with an increased risk of LVH and concentric LVH in OSA patients. Therefore, AIP, as a practical and cost-effective test, might be useful in monitoring hypertrophic remodeling of the heart and improving CVDs risk stratification in clinical management of OSA.

COVID-19 vaccine uptake and hesitancy in Chinese patients with asthma.

OBJECTIVE: Both patients and physicians may be hesitant toward vaccination in patients with asthma, which may result in lower vaccine uptake. The aim of this work was to investigate the vaccination rate, the adverse reactions, as well as the factors associated with vaccine acceptance and hesitancy toward COVID-19 vaccination among asthmatic patients in Beijing. METHODS: A multi-center, cross-sectional face-to-face survey was conducted in patients with asthma consecutively recruited from December 2021 to April 2022. The survey included asthma status, COVID-19 vaccine uptake and adverse reactions, and knowledge of and attitude toward COVID-19 vaccination. RESULTS: A total of 261 patients were enrolled. The rate of COVID-19 vaccination during the study period was 73.6%, as compared to 87.64% in the general population in China. Patients who were currently working, had received other vaccines in the past, and had had no adverse reactions to other vaccines, showed a higher rate of COVID-19 vaccination. Patients believing that the vaccination of family members and colleagues had a positive impact on their decision to get vaccinated, were more likely to get the COVID-19 vaccines. The COVID-19 vaccination rate was lower in those with poorly monitored asthma and those using biologic therapies. The adverse effects of COVID-19 vaccines in asthmatic patients were similar to those in the general population. CONCLUSION: The COVID-19 vaccination rate in asthmatic patients was lower than the general population in China. Active measures should be taken to control asthma and increase vaccination rates in these patients.

Monocyte to HDL cholesterol ratio as a marker of the presence and severity of obstructive sleep apnea in hypertensive patients.

This study aimed to investigate the correlation between monocyte to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio (MHR) and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in patients with hypertension. A total of 246 hypertensive patients (67 controls, 65 mild, 51 moderate, and 63 severe OSA) were included. The relationship between MHR and OSA was analyzed. MHR correlated positively with apnea-hypopnea index (AHI), while negatively with mean SpO2 (P < 0.01). MHR was higher in OSA group than the control group (9.2 ± 2.6 vs. 10.8 ± 3.6, P < 0.001). Moreover, MHR in severe OSA group was the highest among all groups (9.2 ± 2.6, 10.2 ± 3.2, 10.4 ± 4.0, and 11.8 ± 3.4 in control, mild, moderate, and severe OSA group, respectively, P < 0.001). Logistic regression analysis demonstrated that MHR was an independent predictor of the presence of OSA (OR = 1.152, P < 0.01) and severe OSA (OR = 1.142, P < 0.01). Area under the curve of MHR was 0.634 (P < 0.05) and 0.660 (P < 0.05) for predicting OSA and severe OSA respectively in the ROC analysis. In conclusion, MHR increased with the severity of OSA. As a practical and cost-effective test, MHR was expected to be an available marker in evaluating OSA risk and severity in hypertensive patients.

Efficacy and safety of aerosol inhalation of recombinant human interferon α1b (IFNα1b) injection for noninfluenza viral pneumonia, a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: To investigate the efficacy and safety of aerosol inhalation of recombinant human interferon α1b (IFNα1b) injection for noninfluenza viral pneumonia. METHODS: One hundred sixty-four patients with noninfluenza viral pneumonia were divided into IFNα1b and control groups. The IFNα1b group received routine treatment + aerosol inhalation of recombinant human IFNα1b injection (50 µg × 2 injections, bid). The control group received routine treatment + IFN analog (two injections, bid). Overall response rate (ORR) of five kinds clinical symptoms. Further outcomes were daily average score and the response rate of each of the symptoms above. RESULTS: A total of 163 patients were included in the full analysis set (FAS) and 151 patients were included in the per-protocol set (PPS). After 7 days of treatment, ORR of clinical symptoms was higher in IFNα1b group than that in control group for both the FAS and PPS. Moreover, after 7 days of treatment, the daily score of three efficacy indexes including expectoration, respiratory rate, and pulmonary rales were improved. The ORRs for expectoration and pulmonary rales were higher in the IFNα1b group than in the control group (P < 0.05). There were no significant differences of the ORRs for coughing, chest pain and respiratory rate between the two groups (P > 0.05). The incidence of adverse events was 6.5% (n = 5) in IFNα1b group and 3.5% (n = 3) in control group (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Aerosol inhalation of recombinant human IFNα1b is safe and it can improve the clinical symptoms of noninfluenza viral pneumonia.

Is hypercapnia associated with poor prognosis in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease? A long-term follow-up cohort study.

OBJECTIVES: To assess whether hypercapnia may predict the prognosis in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). DESIGN: Prospective cohort study comparing the survival of patients with COPD and normocapnia to those with chronic hypercapnia. SETTING: Patients with consecutive COPD were enrolled between 1 May 1993 and 31 October 2006 at two medical centres. Follow-up was censored on 31 October 2011. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 275 patients with stable COPD and aged 40-85 years were enrolled. Diagnosis of hypercapnia was confirmed by blood gas analysis. Patients with near-terminal illness or comorbidities that affect PaCO2 (obstructive sleep apnoea, obesity-related hypoventilation, or neuromuscular disease) were excluded. The outcome of 98 patients with normocapnia and 177 with chronic hypercapnia was analysed. OUTCOME MEASURES: Overall survival. RESULTS: Median survival was longer in patients with normocapnia than in those with hypercapnia (6.5 vs 5.0 years, p=0.016). Multivariate COX regression analysis indicated that age (HR=1.043, 95% CI 1.012 to 1.076), Charlson Index, which is a measure of comorbidity (HR=1.172, 95% CI 1.067 to 1.288), use of medication (HR=0.565, 95% CI 0.379 to 0.842), body mass index (BMI) (HR=0.922, 95% CI 0.883 to 0.963), PaCO2 (HR=1.026, 95% CI 1.011 to 1.042), Cor pulmonale (HR=2.164, 95% CI 1.557 to 3.006), non-invasive positive-pressure ventilation (NPPV) (HR=0.615, 95% CI 0.429 to 0.881) and per cent of forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1%) (HR=0.979, 95% CI 0.967 to 0.991), were independent risk factors for mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Increased age, Charlson Index, chronic hypercapnia and Cor pulmonale, and decreased FEV1%, use of medication, BMI and NPPV, were associated with a poor prognosis in patients with COPD.

Predictors of exacerbation frequency in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

BACKGROUND: Exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are sporadic, acute worsening of symptoms. Identifying predictors of exacerbation frequency may facilitate medical interventions that reduce exacerbation frequency and severity. The objective of this study was to determine predictors of exacerbation frequency and mortality. METHODS: A total of 227 COPD patients were enrolled in a prospective clinical study between January 2000 and December 2011. Reported exacerbations were recorded for the year preceding enrollment and annually thereafter, and patients were grouped by median annual exacerbation frequency into those experiencing infrequent exacerbations (less than one exacerbation annually) and frequent exacerbations (one or more exacerbation annually). Patients experiencing frequent exacerbations were further divided into those experiencing moderately frequent exacerbations (fewer than two exacerbations per year) and severely frequent exacerbations (two or more exacerbations per year). The rate of clinical relapse and survival was recorded over a 10-year period. The mean of follow-up time was 5.15 years per patient. RESULTS: For patients experiencing infrequent, moderately frequent, and severely frequent exacerbations, median exacerbations in the year preceding enrollment were 0.0, 0.5, 1.0, respectively, and more frequent exacerbations correlated with lower baseline forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) (0.81 L, 0.75 L, and 0.66 L, respectively), higher comorbidity (70.7%, 75.0%, and 89.4%, respectively), and greater NPPV use during hospitalization (16.4%, 35.9% and 51.1%, respectively). FEV1 declined and mortality increased with increasing exacerbation frequency. CONCLUSIONS: Exacerbation frequency can be used to generate discreet patient subpopulations, supporting the hypothesis that multiple COPD phenotypes exist and can be used in patient risk stratification.

[The clinical application of bi-level positive airway pressure noninvasive ventilator for home mechanical ventilation via tracheostomy in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis].

OBJECTIVE: To study the feasibility of the bi-level positive airway pressure (BiPAP) non-invasive ventilator used in home mechanical ventilation for long-term tracheostomy-mechanical ventilation (TMV) in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). METHODS: Sixteen patients (12 men and 4 women, mean age 59 years) with ALS were selected for this study at Respiratory Department of the Shougang Hospital, Peking University from January 2002 to March 2008. After the disease had been controlled by anti-infective therapy and comprehensive treatment, the patients received TMV, through the improved ("Xiang's" connection) non-invasive BiPAP ventilator connected with tracheotomy tube, and on-going home mechanical ventilation (HMV). The blood gas was evaluated during invasive ventilation and non-invasive ventilation before discharge. Family members of the patients were trained for the use of non-invasive ventilators. The use of ventilators and the patients' condition were regularly followed and the survival rate calculated. Statistical analysis was carried out by using one-way ANOVA. RESULTS: There was no statistical difference in the blood gas before the use of non-invasive ventilator, 2 h and 1 d after the use of non-invasive ventilator, and before discharge, PaCO2 [(36+/-10), (42+/-11), (41+/-10), (42+/-11) mm Hg (1 mm Hg=0.133 kPa)], PaO2 [(84+/-11), (81+/-12), (87+/-14), (86+/-12) mm Hg], SaO2 [(96.7+/-1.3)%, (96.5+/-0.8)%, (96.8+/-1.2)%, (96.5+/-1.0)%] respectively, (F=1.21, 0.59, 0.97, 0.41, respectively, all P>0.05). All patients had no complaint of uncomfortable use, no intolerance to ventilators, and no ventilator breakdown. Fifteen patients were alive at the end of the follow-up (July 31, 2008). The mean time of using non-invasive ventilator was 39 months (range 4 to 66 months). CONCLUSION: For ALS patients who need long-term ventilation support, the use of BiPAP non-invasive ventilators is a safe and effective alternative for invasive ventilators.

[The efficacy and safety of long term home noninvasive positive pressure ventilation in patients with stable severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the long term efficacy and safety of long term home noninvasive positive pressure ventilation (HNPPV) in stable hypercapnic patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). METHODS: Forty patients with stable severe COPD [arterial PaCO2>or=55 mm Hg (1 mm Hg=0.133 kPa)] after hospital discharge were divided into 2 groups: the HNPPV group (n=20) with conventional therapy and HNPPV, and the control group (n=20) with conventional therapy only. Parameters before and after 2 year follow-up observation were compared, which included dyspnea grade, scale for accessory muscle use, scoring for emotional disorders, lung function test, arterial blood gases, 6-min walking distance (6MWD), mean pulmonary arterial pressure (mPAP) by electrocardiography, mortality and hospitalization rates. RESULTS: The age, gender, height, weight, dyspnea grade, scale for accessory muscle use, anxiety scores, depression scores, 6MWD, mPAP, arterial PaCO2 and PaO2, FVC, FEV1, and hospitalization rates of the 2 groups on admission were similar (t values were 1.08, 1.15, 1.20, 1.09, 0.86, 0.54, 0.00, 0.00, 0.43, 0.96, 0.76, 0.38, 0.26, 0.24 and 0.87 respectively, all P>0.05). The mortality was reduced slightly by HNPPV but with no statistically significant difference (3/20 and 8/20, respectively, chi2=3.27, P>0.05). After 2 years, the difference of the dyspnea grade, scale for accessory muscle use, anxiety scores, depression scores, arterial PaCO2 and PaO2, 6MWD, mean pulmonary artery pressure, and hospitalization rates in the HNPPV group [2.4+/-0.5, 2.6+/-0.6, 6.9+/-2.1, 6.1+/-1.6, (49.5+/-2.2) mm Hg, (60.8+/-4.7) mm Hg, (213+/-45) m, (30.3+/-2.2) mm Hg, (1.4+/-0.4) times/year] was statistically significant compared to the control group [3.9+/-0.3, 4.8+/-0.4, 11.2+/-2.6, 11.6+/-2.1, (61.5+/-2.3) mm Hg, (52.8+/-2.4) mm Hg, (127+/-23) m, (36.4+/-2.3) mm Hg, (3.9+/-0.3) times/year] (t values were 9.53, 10.83, 4.92, 7.83, 14.07, 5.41, 6.07, 4.81 and 10.22 respectively, all P<0.01). CONCLUSION: Long-term use of home noninvasive positive ventilation in patients with stable severe COPD is effective and safe.

[Long-term follow-up study of moderate chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in elderly patients].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the prognosis of moderate chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in the elderly patients, and to evaluate the factors for long term survival. METHODS: From May 1993, a prospective cohort study was carried out, in which 191 elderly patients with moderate COPD were recruited in Shougang communities, Shijingshan District, Beijing. The general health state, arterial blood gas, pulmonary function test, electrocardiograph, chest X-ray and 6-minute-walk test (6MWT) were recorded. The patients were followed for 12 years. Univariate analysis of survival rate was performed by Kaplan-Meier method. The significance test was done by Log-rank method, and the baseline factors were analyzed using the COX regression model multiplicity. RESULTS: During the 12 years of follow-up, 10 patients were lost because of migration. Twenty-six patients died of non-COPD diseases, while 52 died of COPD. The survival rate was 81.7% (156/191) in 5 years, and 56.9% (103/181) in 12 years. The result with COX multiplicity showed that the important factors for prognosis of the patients were body mass index [BMI, relative risk (RR) = 0.916, 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) = 0.841 - 0.996], forced expired volume in one second (FEV(1), RR = 0.999, 95% CI = 0.998 - 1.000), arterial partial pressure of oxygen (PaO(2), RR = 0.929, 95% CI = 0.892 - 0.967), 6MWT (RR = 0.997, 95% CI = 0.995 - 1.000) and P pulmonale of ECG (RR = 4.081, 95% CI = 1.567 - 10.624). CONCLUSION: The important factors for prognosis of moderate COPD in elderly patients included BMI, FEV(1), PaO(2), 6MWT and P pulmonale in ECG.