Deposition and Clinical Impact of Inhaled Particles in the Lung

Particles suspended in the air we breathe are deposited in the airways as a function of the properties of the particle itself (shape, size and hydration), inspiratory air flow, airway anatomy, breathing environment, and mucociliary clearance. The scientific study of the deposition of inhaled particles in the airways has been conducted using traditional mathematical models and imaging techniques with particle markers. In recent years, the integration of statistical and computer methods, giving rise to a new discipline called digital microfluidics, has led to significant advances. In routine clinical practice, these studies are of great use for optimizing inhaler devices in line with particular characteristics of the drug to be inhaled and the pathology of the patient. (AU)

Síndrome de obesidad-hipoventilación: situación hemodinámica basal e impacto de la ventilación no invasiva / Obesity-Hypoventilation Syndrome: Baseline Hemodynamic Status and Impact of non-Invasive Ventilation

INTRODUCCIÓN: El síndrome de obesidad-hipoventilación (SOH) es un factor de riesgo para presentar insuficiencia cardiaca (IC). Algunos estudios relacionan el uso de ventilación no invasiva (VNI) con la alteración de parámetros hemodinámicos. Nuestro objetivo fue describir la situación hemodinámica de un grupo de pacientes con SOH y estudiar el efecto de la VNI. PACIENTES Y MÉTODOS: Con un diseño transversal de mediciones repetidas, se incluyó a pacientes con SOH tratados con VNI en situación estable. Se estudió su hemodinámica con bioimpedancia: 30 min basales y otros 30 con VNI. Se midieron el gasto cardiaco (GC), el índice cardiaco y el volumen sistólico. Se tomó como referencia el GC calculado para cada paciente expresado como porcentaje sobre su límite inferior de normalidad (LIN) y se establecieron 2 grupos: sin IC con GC conservado (≥ 100% sobre LIN) y con IC y GC bajo (< 100% del LIN). Se utilizaron la U de Mann-Whitney para comparación de variables independientes y el test de Wilcoxon para variables apareadas, se consideró significativo p < 0,05. RESULTADOS: La muestra final fue de 36 casos, de 66 (8) años, 19 (52%) varones. En 17 (46%) detectamos IC con GC de 3,7 l/min (66%) frente al grupo sin IC con 7 l/min (107%). Tras VNI, los pacientes en IC mejoraron su GC (4,5 l/min [77%] p = 0,009) y no lo modificó el grupo sin IC: 6,8 l/min (104%), p = 0,2. CONCLUSIÓN: Un 46% de pacientes con SOH estable presenta IC. La VNI mejora su hemodinámica y no influye en los pacientes con GC conservado

INTRODUCTION: Obesity-hypoventilation syndrome (OHS) is a risk factor for heart failure (HF). Some studies associate the use of non-invasive ventilation (NIV) with changes in hemodynamic parameters. Our objective was to describe the hemodynamic status of a group of patients with OHS and to study the effect of NIV. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients with stable OHS treated with NIV were included in this cross-sectional repeated measurements study. Hemodynamics were measured by bioimpedance: 30minutes at baseline and another 30minutes on NIV. Cardiac output (CO), cardiac index, and systolic volume were measured. The CO calculated for each patient expressed as a percentage of the lower limit of normal (LLN) was taken as reference, and 2 groups were formed: patients without HF and normal CO (≥ 100% of LLN) and patients with HF and low CO (< 100% of LLN). The Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare independent variables and the Wilcoxon test was used for paired variables, with significance set at P < .05. RESULTS: The final sample comprised 36 patients, aged 66 (± 8) years, 19 (52%) men. In 17 (46%) patients, HF was detected with a CO of 3.7 l/min (66%) compared to the group without HF, whose CO was 7 l/min (107%). After NIV, patients with HF showed improvement in CO (4.5 l/min (77%), P = .009, while the non-HF group remained unchanged, with CO 6.8 l/min (104%), P = .2. CONCLUSION: A total of 46% of patients with stable OHS present HF; NIV improves hemodynamics and does not affect patients with normal CO

Obesity-Hypoventilation Syndrome: Baseline Hemodynamic Status and Impact of non-Invasive Ventilation. / Síndrome de obesidad-hipoventilación: situación hemodinámica basal e impacto de la ventilación no invasiva.

INTRODUCTION: Obesity-hypoventilation syndrome (OHS) is a risk factor for heart failure (HF). Some studies associate the use of non-invasive ventilation (NIV) with changes in hemodynamic parameters. Our objective was to describe the hemodynamic status of a group of patients with OHS and to study the effect of NIV. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients with stable OHS treated with NIV were included in this cross-sectional repeated measurements study. Hemodynamics were measured by bioimpedance: 30minutes at baseline and another 30minutes on NIV. Cardiac output (CO), cardiac index, and systolic volume were measured. The CO calculated for each patient expressed as a percentage of the lower limit of normal (LLN) was taken as reference, and 2 groups were formed: patients without HF and normal CO (≥ 100% of LLN) and patients with HF and low CO (< 100% of LLN). The Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare independent variables and the Wilcoxon test was used for paired variables, with significance set at P<.05. RESULTS: The final sample comprised 36 patients, aged 66 (± 8) years, 19 (52%) men. In 17 (46%) patients, HF was detected with a CO of 3.7 l/min (66%) compared to the group without HF, whose CO was 7 l/min (107%). After NIV, patients with HF showed improvement in CO (4.5 l/min (77%), P=.009, while the non-HF group remained unchanged, with CO 6.8 l/min (104%), P=.2. CONCLUSION: A total of 46% of patients with stable OHS present HF; NIV improves hemodynamics and does not affect patients with normal CO.

Noninvasive ventilation for severely acidotic patients in respiratory intermediate care units : Precision medicine in intermediate care units.

BACKGROUND: Severe acidosis can cause noninvasive ventilation (NIV) failure in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients with acute hypercapnic respiratory failure (AHRF). NIV is therefore contraindicated outside of intensive care units (ICUs) in these patients. Less is known about NIV failure in patients with acute cardiogenic pulmonary edema (ACPE) and obesity hypoventilation syndrome (OHS). Therefore, the objective of the present study was to compare NIV failure rates between patients with severe and non-severe acidosis admitted to a respiratory intermediate care unit (RICU) with AHRF resulting from ACPE, COPD or OHS. METHODS: We prospectively included acidotic patients admitted to seven RICUs, where they were provided NIV as an initial ventilatory support measure. The clinical characteristics, pH evolutions, hospitalization or RICU stay durations and NIV failure rates were compared between patients with a pH ≥ 7.25 and a pH < 7.25. Logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the independent risk factors contributing to NIV failure. RESULTS: We included 969 patients (240 with ACPE, 540 with COPD and 189 with OHS). The baseline rates of severe acidosis were similar among the groups (45 % in the ACPE group, 41 % in the COPD group, and 38 % in the OHS group). Most of the patients with severe acidosis had increased disease severity compared with those with non-severe acidosis: the APACHE II scores were 21 ± 7.2 and 19 ± 5.8 for the ACPE patients (p < 0.05), 20 ± 5.7 and 19 ± 5.1 for the COPD patients (p < 0.01) and 18 ± 5.9 and 17 ± 4.7 for the OHS patients, respectively (NS). The patients with severe acidosis also exhibited worse arterial blood gas parameters: the PaCO2 levels were 87 ± 22 and 70 ± 15 in the ACPE patients (p < 0.001), 87 ± 21 and 76 ± 14 in the COPD patients, and 83 ± 17 and 74 ± 14 in the OHS patients (NS)., respectively Further, the patients with severe acidosis required a longer duration to achieve pH normalization than those with non-severe acidosis (patients with a normalized pH after the first hour: ACPE, 8 % vs. 43 %, p < 0.001; COPD, 11 % vs. 43 %, p < 0.001; and OHS, 13 % vs. 51 %, p < 0.001), and they had longer RICU stays, particularly those in the COPD group (ACPE, 4 ± 3.1 vs. 3.6 ± 2.5, NS; COPD, 5.1 ± 3 vs. 3.6 ± 2.1, p < 0.001; and OHS, 4.3 ± 2.6 vs. 3.7 ± 3.2, NS). The NIV failure rates were similar between the patients with severe and non-severe acidosis in the three disease groups (ACPE, 16 % vs. 12 %; COPD, 7 % vs. 7 %; and OHS, 11 % vs. 4 %). No common predictive factor for NIV failure was identified among the groups. CONCLUSIONS: ACPE, COPD and OHS patients with AHRF and severe acidosis (pH ≤ 7.25) who are admitted to an RICU can be successfully treated with NIV in these units. These results may be used to determine precise RICU admission criteria.

Niveles elevados de carboxihemoglobina: fuentes de exposición a monóxido de carbono / Elevated Carboxyhemoglobin: Sources of Carbon Monoxide Exposure

Introducción: La inhalación de monóxido de carbono (CO) puede producir intoxicación, ocasionando desde una sintomatología inespecífica hasta la muerte. Muchas veces hay infradiagnóstico ya que exponerse a concentraciones bajas pasa inadvertida, y los valores umbral de normalidad para la carboxihemoglobina varían según distintos autores. El objetivo de nuestro trabajo fue analizar los niveles de carboxihemoglobina (COHb) en una población no seleccionada y detectar las fuentes de exposición al monóxido de Carbono Métodos: Con un diseño transversal y descriptivo, se analizaron consecutivamente las gasometrías arteriales procesadas en nuestro laboratorio. Se seleccionaron aquellos que tenían una COHb ≥ 2,5% en no fumadores y ≥ 5% en fumadores. A los casos seleccionados se realizó entrevista telefónica estructurada. Resultados: De 306 valoraciones iniciales, 64 casos (20%) tenían valores elevados de COHb y se obtuvieron datos de 51, 31 (60%) varones, de 65 ± 12 a˜nos. La media de COHb fue de 4,0%. Cuarenta pacientes (78%) eran no fumadores con niveles de COHb de 3,2% y 11 fumadores con niveles de COHb de 6,7%. En 45 pacientes (88,2%) se detectó exposición a al menos una fuente de producción de CO ambiental distinta al humo del tabaco. Conclusiones: Un porcentaje relevante de individuos de una muestra no seleccionada tiene valores elevados de COHb. Posiblemente las principales fuentes de exposición estén en el domicilio particular, por lo que debe explorarse esta posibilidad, alertar sobre los riesgos y estimular la toma de medidas preventivas

Introduction: Inhalation of carbon monoxide (CO) can result in poisoning, with symptoms ranging from mild and nonspecific to severe, or even death. CO poisoning is often underdiagnosed because exposure to low concentrations goes unnoticed, and threshold values for normal carboxyhemoglobin vary according to different authors. The aim of our study was to analyze carboxyhemoglobin (COHb) levels in an unselected population and detect sources of CO exposure Methods: In a cross-sectional descriptive study, we analyzed consecutive arterial blood gas levels processed in our laboratory. We selected those with COHb≥2.5% in nonsmokers and ≥ 5% in smokers. In these cases a structured telephone interview was conducted. Results: Elevated levels of COHb were found in 64 (20%) of 306 initial determinations. Of these, data from 51 subjects aged 65 ± 12 years, 31 (60%) of which were men, were obtained. Mean COHb was 4.0%. Forty patients (78%) were non-smokers with mean COHb of 3.2%, and 11 were smokers with COHb of 6.7%. In 45 patients (88.2%) we detected exposure to at least one source of ambient CO other than cigarette smoke. Conclusions: A significant proportion of individuals from an unselected sample had elevated levels of COHb. The main sources of CO exposure were probably the home, so this possibility should be explored. The population should be warned about the risks and encouraged to take preventive measures

Elevated carboxyhemoglobin: sources of carbon monoxide exposure.

INTRODUCTION: Inhalation of carbon monoxide (CO) can result in poisoning, with symptoms ranging from mild and nonspecific to severe, or even death. CO poisoning is often underdiagnosed because exposure to low concentrations goes unnoticed, and threshold values for normal carboxyhemoglobin vary according to different authors. The aim of our study was to analyze carboxyhemoglobin (COHb) levels in an unselected population and detect sources of CO exposure METHODS: In a cross-sectional descriptive study, we analyzed consecutive arterial blood gas levels processed in our laboratory. We selected those with COHb≥2.5% in nonsmokers and ≥5% in smokers. In these cases a structured telephone interview was conducted. RESULTS: Elevated levels of COHb were found in 64 (20%) of 306 initial determinations. Of these, data from 51 subjects aged 65±12 years, 31 (60%) of which were men, were obtained. Mean COHb was 4.0%. Forty patients (78%) were non-smokers with mean COHb of 3.2%, and 11 were smokers with COHb of 6.7%. In 45 patients (88.2%) we detected exposure to at least one source of ambient CO other than cigarette smoke. CONCLUSIONS: A significant proportion of individuals from an unselected sample had elevated levels of COHb. The main sources of CO exposure were probably the home, so this possibility should be explored. The population should be warned about the risks and encouraged to take preventive measures.

Home mechanical ventilation through mask: monitoring leakage and nocturnal oxygenation at home.

BACKGROUND: Leakage is common in patients receiving home mechanical ventilation (HMV) via a face mask. Although pressure ventilators have partial compensatory capacity, excessive leakage can compromise the effectiveness of treatment. Home ventilators are equipped with built-in software which provides information on leakage. However, the values of leakage and their effects in routine clinical practice are currently little known. OBJECTIVE: To measure leakage in stable patients on nocturnal HMV and its impact on treatment effectiveness. METHODS: Consecutive outpatients on HMV were recruited. Nocturnal pulse oximetry was performed at home and leakage was measured using the ventilator's built-in software. We measured: mean SpO(2), percentage of time with SpO(2) <90% (T90), mean leakage (meanL), maximum leakage (maxL), and minimum leakage (minL) during the ventilation session. We estimated ventilator capacity to compensate for leakage according to inspiratory positive airway pressure and divided the patients into two groups: those with leak compensation and those without. RESULTS: The study included 41 patients [mean age, 64 years (SD 11.9); 23 (56%) women]. Nocturnal pulse oximetry showed an SpO(2) of 94% (±2.9) and a T90 of 10% (±21.7). Leakage (in l/min) was: meanL, 32.2 (±15.3); maxL, 64.8 (±28.5), and minL, 18.8 (±10.6). Seven cases (17%) had leakage greater than the ventilator compensatory capacity, but no significant difference in SpO(2) or T90 was observed between patients with or without leak compensation. CONCLUSIONS: A wide variation between maxL and minL was observed in our series; 17% of cases had higher leakage values than the compensatory capacity of the ventilator, but this did not affect nocturnal oxygenation.

Chacinero's lung - hypersensitivity pneumonitis due to dry sausage dust.

OBJECTIVE: Hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP) comprises a large group of diseases that occur secondary to inhalation of a variety of antigens. This report describes a little-known cause of HP, previously unreported in the English literature. METHODS: Five patients (three women) with a mean age of 41 years who fulfilled the criteria for HP due to exposure to dry sausage dust were studied. The clinical findings, immunologic testing, results of the specific inhalation challenge, and follow-up are described. RESULTS: Three patients developed an acute form of disease and two patients a subacute form. A diffuse micronodular centrolobular pattern was seen on high-resolution computer tomography scanning of four patients. A restrictive pattern was identified on pulmonary function testing of four patients and decreased lung diffusion of carbon monoxide (DLCO) among three. In bronchoalveolar lavage specimens from three patients, lymphocytosis was 17%, 40%, and 40%, with a CD4/CD8 ratio of <0.6. Specific immunoglobin G (IgG) antibodies to Penicillium frequentans and Aspergillus fumigatus were positive for three patients. Performed on three patients, the specific inhalation challenge was positive for dry sausage dust extract in two cases and Penicillium frequentans in the third. Resolution of clinical, radiologic, spirometry, and DLCO alterations occurred among the three patients who avoided exposure following the diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS: A short patient series affected by a little-known cause of occupational HP is described. Penicillium frequentans may be the causative agent in some cases, but other fungi were found that could also be implicated in the etiology of this disease.

[Pleural effusion and pulmonary hypertension in a patient with Parkinson disease treated with cabergoline]. / Derrame pleural e hipertensión pulmonar en un paciente con enfermedad de Parkinson en tratamiento con cabergolina.

Cabergoline is a synthetic dopamine agonist used to treat Parkinson disease. The drug occasionally induces pleuropulmonary adverse effects, which manifest as pleural thickening or effusion, interstitial pneumonitis, pulmonary infiltrates, or fibrosis. We report a rare case of pleural effusion and severe pulmonary hypertension in a 79-year-old man with Parkinson disease who had been treated with cabergoline for 1 year. The symptoms disappeared 10 months after the drug was discontinued.

Derrame pleural e hipertensión pulmonar en un paciente con enfermedad de Parkinson en tratamiento con cabergolina / Pleural effusion and pulmonary hypertension in a patient with Parkinson disease treated with cabergoline

La cabergolina es un fármaco sintético dopaminérgico, que se utiliza en el tratamiento de la enfermedad de Parkinson y que rara vez produce efectos adversos pleuropulmonares, los cuales se manifiestan como engrosamiento o derrame pleurales, neumonitis intersticial, infiltrados pulmonares o fibrosis. Presentamos un caso excepcional en un varón de 79 años con enfermedad de Parkinson, tratado con cabergolina durante un año, que presentó un derrame pleural y grave hipertensión pulmonar, que desaparecieron a los 10 meses de la retirada de este fármaco(AU)

Cabergoline is a synthetic dopamine agonist used to treat Parkinson disease. The drug occasionally induces pleuropulmonary adverse effects, which manifest as pleural thickening or effusion, interstitial pneumonitis, pulmonary infiltrates, or fibrosis. We report a rare case of pleural effusion and severe pulmonary hypertension in a 79-year-old man with Parkinson disease who had been treated with cabergoline for 1 year. The symptoms disappeared 10 months after the drug was discontinued(AU)