A rapid calprotectin test for the diagnosis of pleural effusion.

In previous studies, measuring the levels of calprotectin in patients with pleural effusion (PE) was an exceptionally accurate way to predict malignancy. Here, we evaluated a rapid method for the measurement of calprotectin levels as a useful parameter in the diagnosis of malignant pleural effusion (MPE) in order to minimise invasive diagnostic tests. Calprotectin levels were measured with Quantum Blue® sCAL (QB®sCAL) and compared with the gold standard reference ELISA method. Calprotectin levels in patients with benign pleural effusion (BPE) were significantly higher (p < 0.0001) than for MPE patients. We measured the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), and positive and negative likelihood ratios (LRs) for a cut-off value of ≤ 14,150 ng/mL; the diagnostic accuracy was 64%. The odds ratio for PE calprotectin levels was 10.938 (95% CI [4.133 - 28.947]). The diagnostic performance of calprotectin concentration was better for predicting MPE compared to other individual parameters. Comparison of two assays showed a slope of 1.084, an intercept of 329.7, and a Pearson correlation coefficient of 0.798. The Bland-Altman test showed a positive bias for the QB®sCAL method compared to ELISA fCAL®. Clinical concordance between both these methods was 88.5% with a Cohen kappa index of 0.76 (95% CI [0.68 - 0.84]). We concluded that QB®sCAL is a fast, reliable, and non-invasive diagnostic tool for diagnosing MPE and represents an alternative to ELISA that could be implemented in medical emergencies.

Diagnostic delay of associated interstitial lung disease increases mortality in rheumatoid arthritis.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic autoimmune disease whose main extra-articular organ affected is the lung, sometimes in the form of diffuse interstitial lung disease (ILD) and conditions the prognosis. A multicenter, observational, descriptive and cross-sectional study of consecutive patients diagnosed with RA-ILD. Demographic, analytical, respiratory functional and evolution characteristics were analyzed to evaluate the predictors of progression and mortality. 106 patients were included. The multivariate analysis showed that the diagnostic delay was an independent predictor of mortality (HR 1.11, CI 1.01-1.23, p = 0.035). Also, age (HR 1.33, 95% CI 1.09-1.62, p = 0.0045), DLCO (%) (HR 0.85, 95% CI 0.73-0.98, p = 0.0246), and final SatO2 (%) in the 6MWT (HR 0.62, 95% CI 0.39-0.99, p = 0.0465) were independent predictor variables of mortality, as well as GAP index (HR 4.65, 95% CI 1.59-13.54, p = 0.0051) and CPI index (HR 1.12, 95% CI 1.03-1.22, p = 0.0092). The withdrawal of MTX or LFN after ILD diagnosis was associated with disease progression in the COX analysis (HR 2.18, 95% CI 1.14-4.18, p = 0.019). This is the first study that highlights the diagnostic delay in RA-ILD is associated with an increased mortality just like happens in IPF.

Qué hay de nuevo en la fibrosis pulmonar idiopática / What’s New in Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis?

No disponible

La discusión de casos por videoconferencia mejora la eficiencia de la consulta externa de cirugía torácica / e-Consultation Improves Efficacy in Thoracic Surgery Outpatient Clinics

Objetivo: El objetivo de este estudio es analizar si la discusión sistemática de casos frente a la ocasional de casos dudosos, mediante videoconferencia, se relaciona con una mejora en la eficiencia de la consulta externa presencial de un servicio de cirugía torácica. Método: Estudio retrospectivo y comparativo de los pacientes valorados por videoconferencia y consulta externa presencial en 2 periodos de tiempo equivalentes: grupo A (discusión ocasional de casos) entre 2008 y 2010, y grupo B (discusión sistemática semanal) entre 2011 y 2013. Los datos se han extraído de 2 bases de datos prospectivas e informatizadas. Se analizaron el número de pacientes evaluados por videoconferencia y en consulta presencial como primera consulta, y el número de pacientes intervenidos no urgentes bajo anestesia general en cada año y por cada periodo. Se creó el índice casos operados/casos nuevos vistos en consulta externa para cada año y cada periodo. Los datos se compararon usando el test no paramétrico de Wilcoxon. Resultados: En el grupo A se vieron una media de 563 pacientes en consulta externa frente a 464 en el segundo periodo. La mediana de casos discutidos por videoconferencia/año fue de 42 en el primer periodo frente a 136 en el segundo. La media del índice de casos operados/casos vistos en consulta externa pasó de 0,7 a 0,87 (p = 0,04) del primer al segundo periodo. Conclusiones: La discusión sistemática de casos mediante videoconferencia sí tiene una repercusión positiva sobre la eficiencia de la consulta externa medida en términos de casos operados/casos nuevos valorados al mejorar dicho índice

Objective: The aim of this study is analysing the impact of the systematic versus occasional videoconferencing discussion of patients with two respiratory referral units along 6 years of time over the efficiency of the in-person outpatient clinics of a thoracic surgery service. Method: Retrospective and comparative study of the evaluated patients through videoconferencing and in-person first visits during two equivalents periods of time: Group A (occasional discussion of cases) between 2008-2010 and Group B (weekly regular discussion) 2011-2013. Data were obtained from two prospective and electronic data bases. The number of cases discussed using e-consultation, in-person outpatient clinics evaluation and finally operated on under general anaesthesia in each period of time are presented. For efficiency criteria, the index: number of operated on cases/number of first visit outpatient clinic patients is created. Non-parametric Wilcoxon test is used for comparison. Results: The mean number of patients evaluated at the outpatient clinics/year on group A was 563 versus 464 on group B. The median number of cases discussed using videoconferencing/year was 42 for group A versus 136 for group B. The mean number of operated cases/first visit at the outpatient clinics was 0.7 versus 0.87 in group B (P = .04). Conclusions: The systematic regular discussion of cases using videoconferencing has a positive impact on the efficacy of the outpatient clinics of a Thoracic Surgery Service measured in terms of operated cases/first outpatient clinics visit

Diagnóstico y tratamiento de la hemoptisis / Diagnosis and Treatment of Hemoptysis

La hemoptisis es la expectoración de sangre proveniente del árbol traqueobronquial. Las enfermedades que más frecuentemente la originan son las bronquiectasias, la bronquitis crónica y el carcinoma broncogénico. Las arterias bronquiales son el origen de la mayoría de las hemoptisis. Ante un paciente con sospecha de hemoptisis se debe confirmar su existencia, establecer su gravedad, localizar el origen y determinar su causa. La radiografía de tórax posteroanterior y lateral es la primera prueba de imagen que debe realizarse, aunque la existencia de una radiografía de tórax normal no excluye la posibilidad de malignidad u otra patología de base. Debe realizarse TC multidetector (TCMD) de tórax en todos los pacientes con hemoptisis franca, en los que presentan esputo hemoptoico y sospecha de bronquiectasias o factores de riesgo de carcinoma broncogénico, y en los que tienen radiografía de tórax patológica. La angio-TCMD ha sustituido a la arteriografía como método diagnóstico de las arterias que son fuente de sangrado en las hemoptisis. La angio-TCMD es una técnica de imagen no invasiva que identifica correctamente la presencia, el origen, el número y el trayecto de las arterias sistémicas torácicas, bronquiales y no bronquiales, y de las arterias pulmonares que pueden ser fuente del sangrado. El tratamiento más seguro y eficaz para detener el sangrado en la mayoría de los casos de hemoptisis masiva o recurrente es la embolización endovascular. La embolización está indicada en todos los pacientes con hemoptisis amenazante o recurrente en los que se detectan arterias patológicas en la angio-TCMD. La broncoscopia flexible juega un papel primordial en el diagnóstico de la hemoptisis, tanto de la expectoración hemoptoica como de la hemoptisis franca. Puede ser realizada rápidamente en la cama del paciente (UCI) y, además de su utilidad en el control inmediato de la hemorragia, tiene una alta rentabilidad en la localización del sangrado. La broncoscopia flexible es el procedimiento inicial de elección en pacientes con hemoptisis amenazante e inestabilidad hemodinámica, donde el control de la hemorragia es vital. La cirugía en estos casos tiene una tasa de mortalidad muy alta, por lo que la indicación actual de cirugía en la hemoptisis amenazante está reservada para aquellas situaciones en las que la causa de la misma sea tributaria de tratamiento quirúrgico y haya una localización concreta y fiable del origen de la hemorragia

Hemoptysis is the expectoration of blood from the tracheobronchial tree. It is commonly caused by bronchiectasis, chronic bronchitis, and lung cancer. The expectorated blood usually originates from the bronchial arteries. When hemoptysis is suspected, it must be confirmed and classified according to severity, and the origin and cause of the bleeding determined. Lateral and AP chest X-ray is the first study, although a normal chest X-ray does not rule out the possibility of malignancy or other underlying pathology. Multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) must be performed in all patients with frank hemoptysis, hemoptoic sputum, suspicion of bronchiectasis or risk factors for lung cancer, and in those with signs of pathology on chest X-ray. MDCT angiography has replaced arteriography in identifying the arteries that are the source of bleeding. MDCT angiography is a non-invasive imaging technique that can pinpoint the presence, origin, number and course of the systemic thoracic (bronchial and non-bronchial) and pulmonary arterial sources of bleeding. Endovascular embolization is the safest and most effective method of managing bleeding in massive or recurrent hemoptysis. Embolization is indicated in all patients with life-threatening or recurrent hemoptysis in whom MDCT angiography shows artery disease. Flexible bronchoscopy plays a pivotal role in the diagnosis of hemoptysis in patients with hemoptoic sputum or frank hemoptysis. The procedure can be performed rapidly at the bedside (intensive care unit); it can be used for immediate control of bleeding, and is also effective in locating the source of the hemorrhage. Flexible bronchoscopy is the first-line procedure of choice in hemodynamically unstable patients with life-threatening hemoptysis, in whom control of bleeding is of vital importance. In these cases, surgery is associated with an extremely high mortality rate, and is currently only indicated when bleeding is secondary to surgery and its source can be accurately and reliably located

e-Consultation Improves Efficacy in Thoracic Surgery Outpatient Clinics. / La discusión de casos por videoconferencia mejora la eficiencia de la consulta externa de cirugía torácica.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is analysing the impact of the systematic versus occasional videoconferencing discussion of patients with two respiratory referral units along 6 years of time over the efficiency of the in-person outpatient clinics of a thoracic surgery service. METHOD: Retrospective and comparative study of the evaluated patients through videoconferencing and in-person first visits during two equivalents periods of time: Group A (occasional discussion of cases) between 2008-2010 and Group B (weekly regular discussion) 2011-2013. Data were obtained from two prospective and electronic data bases. The number of cases discussed using e-consultation, in-person outpatient clinics evaluation and finally operated on under general anaesthesia in each period of time are presented. For efficiency criteria, the index: number of operated on cases/number of first visit outpatient clinic patients is created. Non-parametric Wilcoxon test is used for comparison. RESULTS: The mean number of patients evaluated at the outpatient clinics/year on group A was 563 versus 464 on group B. The median number of cases discussed using videoconferencing/year was 42 for group A versus 136 for group B. The mean number of operated cases/first visit at the outpatient clinics was 0.7 versus 0.87 in group B (P=.04). CONCLUSIONS: The systematic regular discussion of cases using videoconferencing has a positive impact on the efficacy of the outpatient clinics of a Thoracic Surgery Service measured in terms of operated cases/first outpatient clinics visit.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Hemoptysis. / Diagnóstico y tratamiento de la hemoptisis.

Hemoptysis is the expectoration of blood from the tracheobronchial tree. It is commonly caused by bronchiectasis, chronic bronchitis, and lung cancer. The expectorated blood usually originates from the bronchial arteries. When hemoptysis is suspected, it must be confirmed and classified according to severity, and the origin and cause of the bleeding determined. Lateral and AP chest X-ray is the first study, although a normal chest X-ray does not rule out the possibility of malignancy or other underlying pathology. Multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) must be performed in all patients with frank hemoptysis, hemoptoic sputum, suspicion of bronchiectasis or risk factors for lung cancer, and in those with signs of pathology on chest X-ray. MDCT angiography has replaced arteriography in identifying the arteries that are the source of bleeding. MDCT angiography is a non-invasive imaging technique that can pinpoint the presence, origin, number and course of the systemic thoracic (bronchial and non-bronchial) and pulmonary arterial sources of bleeding. Endovascular embolization is the safest and most effective method of managing bleeding in massive or recurrent hemoptysis. Embolization is indicated in all patients with life-threatening or recurrent hemoptysis in whom MDCT angiography shows artery disease. Flexible bronchoscopy plays a pivotal role in the diagnosis of hemoptysis in patients with hemoptoic sputum or frank hemoptysis. The procedure can be performed rapidly at the bedside (intensive care unit); it can be used for immediate control of bleeding, and is also effective in locating the source of the hemorrhage. Flexible bronchoscopy is the first-line procedure of choice in hemodynamically unstable patients with life-threatening hemoptysis, in whom control of bleeding is of vital importance. In these cases, surgery is associated with an extremely high mortality rate, and is currently only indicated when bleeding is secondary to surgery and its source can be accurately and reliably located.

Neumonías intersticiales idiopáticas / Idiophatic interstitial pneumonia

Las neumonías intersticiales idiopáticas (NII) constituyen un reto diagnóstico para neumólogos, radiólogos y patólogos, comenzando por su clasificación, objeto de controversia en la actualidad. El estudio funcional respiratorio supone un elemento básico para establecer el diagnóstico, orientar en el pronóstico, controlar la evolución y monitorizar la respuesta al tratamiento. La exploración radiológica imprescindible para el diagnóstico de las NII es la tomografía computarizada de alta resolución (TCAR), que además puede ofrecer datos de la actividad y del pronóstico de la enfermedad (AU)

Idiopathic interstitial pneumonias (IIPs) are a diagnostic challenge for pneumologists, radiologists and pathologists alike. The classification of IPPs is currently controversial. Pulmonary function testing is an essential component in order to establish a diagnosis and is required to guide prognosis and follow-up and monitor treatment outcome. High-resolution computed tomography is also essential for the diagnosis of IPPs and may also provide data on disease activity and prognosis (AU)

[idiopathic interstitial pneumonia]. / Neumonías intersticiales idiopáticas.

Idiopathic interstitial pneumonias (IIPs) are a diagnostic challenge for pneumologists, radiologists and pathologists alike. The classification of IPPs is currently controversial. Pulmonary function testing is an essential component in order to establish a diagnosis and is required to guide prognosis and follow-up and monitor treatment outcome. High-resolution computed tomography is also essential for the diagnosis of IPPs and may also provide data on disease activity and prognosis.

Incidencia del carcinoma broncopulmonar en Castilla y León y en Cantabria durante el año 2007. Estudio de la Sociedad Castellano-Leonesa y Cántabra de Patología Respiratoria (SOCALPAR) / Incidence of bronchopulmonary cancer in Castilla y Leon and Cantabria in the year 2007. A study by the Castilla y Leon and Cantabria respiratory diseases society (SOCALPAR)

Introducción Dada la importancia sanitaria del carcinoma broncopulmonar, hemos planteado un estudio para conocer su incidencia y otros aspectos epidemiológicos en los pacientes residentes en Cantabria y en Castilla y León, comparando en esta comunidad los datos actuales con los obtenidos 10 años antes en un estudio similar. Pacientes y métodos Obtención prospectiva y multicéntrica de información (edad, sexo, residencia, tabaquismo e histología) en todos los pacientes diagnosticados a lo largo del año 2007. Resultados Se incluyó a 1.486 pacientes —1.295 varones (87,1%) y 191 mujeres (12,9%)—, de los que 1.145 residían en Castilla y León —1.010 varones (88,2%) y 135 mujeres (11,8%)—, y 341 en Cantabria —285 varones (83,6%) y 56 mujeres (16,4%)—. Las tasas de incidencia por 100.000 habitantes ajustadas a la población mundial estándar han sido significativamente superiores en Cantabria (29,53; varones: 52,9; mujeres: 9,76) que en Castilla y León (21,35; varones: 38,31; mujeres: 5,58). Habían sido fumadores un 90,24% (varones: 96,12%; mujeres: 49,17%). Los principales tipos histológicos fueron los tumores escamosos, un 32,82%, adenocarcinomas un 28,74% y carcinomas de células pequeñas un 18,33%. En Castilla y León, desde 1997 a 2007, el número de varones ha pasado de 920 a 1.010 y el de mujeres de 95 a 135 (incremento de tasas brutas: un 10,5% en varones y un 43% en mujeres), objetivándose un descenso de los tumores escamosos y un aumento de los adenocarcinomas. Conclusiones En 2007 las tasas de incidencia del cáncer broncopulmonar eran en Cantabria significativamente superiores a las de Castilla y León. En esta comunidad las tasas de 2007 han sido superiores a las de 1997, tanto en varones como en mujeres(AU)

Introduction This study sets out to find out the incidence and other epidemiological characteristics of bronchopulmonary cancer in patients living in Cantabria and Castilla y Leon (Spain) and comparing the current data obtained in the last communities with that obtained 10 years ago in a similar study. Patients and methods Prospective, multicentre study using information (age, sex, residence, smoking habits and histology) obtained from all patients diagnosed during the year 2007. Results A total of 1486 patients were included —1295 males (87.1%) and 191 females (12.9%)—, of whom 1145 lived in Castilla y Leon —1010 males (88.2%) and 135 females (11.8%)—, and 341 in Cantabria —285 males (83.6%) y 56 females (16.4%)—. The incidence rates per 100,000 inhabitants adjusted to the world standard population were significantly higher in Cantabria [29.53; (males: 52.9; females: 9.76)] than in Castilla y Leon [21.35; (males: 38.31; females: 5.58)]. A total of 90.24% were smokers (males: 96.12% and women: 49.17%). The main histology types were: squamous, 32, 82%; adenocarcinoma, 28.74%, and small cell carcinomas, 18.33%. In Castilla y Leon, from 1997 to 2007, the numbers went from 920 to 1010 in males and from 95 to 135 in females (a crude rate increase of 10.5% in males and 43% in females), and showed a decrease in squamous tumours and an increase in adenocarcinomas. Conclusions The incidence rates of bronchopulmonary cancer in 2007 were significantly higher in Cantabria than those of Castilla y Leon. The 2007 rates in this community were higher than in 1997 in both males and females(AU)

[Incidence of bronchopulmonary cancer in Castilla y Leon and Cantabria in the year 2007. A study by the Castilla y Leon and Cantabria Respiratory Diseases Society (SOCALPAR)]. / Incidencia del carcinoma broncopulmonar en Castilla y León y en Cantabria durante el año 2007. Estudio de la Sociedad Castellano-Leonesa y Cántabra de Patología Respiratoria (SOCALPAR).

INTRODUCTION: This study sets out to find out the incidence and other epidemiological characteristics of bronchopulmonary cancer in patients living in Cantabria and Castilla y Leon (Spain) and comparing the current data obtained in the last communities with that obtained 10 years ago in a similar study. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Prospective, multicentre study using information (age, sex, residence, smoking habits and histology) obtained from all patients diagnosed during the year 2007. RESULTS: A total of 1486 patients were included--1295 males (87.1%) and 191 females (12.9%)--, of whom 1145 lived in Castilla y Leon--1010 males (88.2%) and 135 females (11.8%)--, and 341 in Cantabria--285 males (83.6%) and 56 females (16.4%)--. The incidence rates per 100,000 inhabitants adjusted to the world standard population were significantly higher in Cantabria [29.53; (males: 52.9; females: 9.76)] than in Castilla y Leon [21.35; (males: 38.31; females: 5.58)]. A total of 90.24% were smokers (males: 96.12% and women: 49.17%). The main histology types were: squamous, 32, 82%; adenocarcinoma, 28.74%, and small cell carcinomas, 18.33%. In Castilla y Leon, from 1997 to 2007, the numbers went from 920 to 1010 in males and from 95 to 135 in females (a crude rate increase of 10.5% in males and 43% in females), and showed a decrease in squamous tumours and an increase in adenocarcinomas. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence rates of bronchopulmonary cancer in 2007 were significantly higher in Cantabria than those of Castilla y Leon. The 2007 rates in this community were higher than in 1997 in both males and females.