[Early Pulmonary Rehabilitation after Long Term Mechanical Ventilation]. / Pneumologische Frührehabilitation nach Langzeitbeatmung.

BACKGROUND: The term early rehabilitation is defined as a rehabilitation that begins in the early phase after acute illness and is statutory positioned in §â€Š39SGB V. Aim of this investigation is to describe the quality of outcome of pulmonary early rehabilitation. METHOD: Prospective census of functional parameters, status of ventilation and discharge-disposition in a specialized unit for early pulmonary rehabilitation over a period of one year. RESULTS: Out of 190 patients 179 (94.2 %) were previously invasively ventilated. During the treatment period of 39 ±â€Š17 days, FAM-Index increased from 84.4 ±â€Š19.8 to 118.5 ±â€Š23.3 (Ci 30.9 - 37.3, Cohen'd 1.58; p < 0.001), Barthel-Index from 30.5 ±â€Š13.8 to 58.3 ±â€Š16.2 (Ci 25.4 - 33.8, Cohen's d 1.4; p < 0.001) six minute walking distance from 12.9 ±â€Š40.1 m to 131.4 ±â€Š85.2 m (Ci 105.6 - 131.4 m, Cohn's d 1.78; p < 0.001). Patients were less likely to be receive further post-discharge rehabilitation if they were ventilated. CONCLUSION: Patients admitted to the early pulmonary rehabilitation unit were severely compromised, however quality of outcome was favourable and independent of the breathing status (spontaneously breathing vs. non-invasive ventilation or invasive ventilation). Finding discharge dispositions appeared to be more difficult if patients were ventilated.

[Statement of the German Society for Pulmonology and Respiratory Medicine Regarding the Regulation to Use FFP and Surgical Masks in the General Population]. / Stellungnahme der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Pneumologie und Beatmungsmedizin zum Tragen von FFP- und chirurgischen Masken für die Bevölkerung.

On January 19, 2021, a new regulation on the mask requirement was issued in an initiative by the federal and state governments. This regulation obliges citizens to wear medical masks on public transport and in shops. In its statement, the German Society for Pneumology and Respiratory Medicine (DGP) describes the technical background of the various medical masks and explains their functionality using the associated standards. The DGP comes to the conclusion that FFP masks of the EN 149 standard were designed for the self-protection of the wearer and ensure this if the mask is worn properly and closes tightly to the face. Incorrect use must be avoided at all costs. Surgical masks in accordance with the EN 14683 standard were designed to protect against bacteria-carrying aerosols and, due to their design, have a rather low self-protection component. Community masks are not yet subject to any official standard. Community masks with electrostatic properties and high filtration performance could represent a reusable alternative in the future. Depending on the severity of their illness, patients with heart and/or lung diseases require a stress test with a mask to minimize medical risks.

[Investigation of the Filter Performance in a Sample of Standardised Particle-filtering Half Masks]. / Stichprobenuntersuchung der Filterleistung von normierten partikelfilternden Halbmasken.

BACKGROUND: Thanks to a simplified special approval process that was valid until October 1st, 2020, a large number of particle-filtering half masks have come onto the German market. When caring for SARS-CoV-2 infected patients, the RKI recommends wearing particle-filtering half masks with a filter performance of at least 94 %, which corresponds to FFP class 2 according to EN 149:2001+A1:2009. We have examined 15 particle-filtering half masks with different specifications for their filter performance METHOD: The masks were clamped in a jig in an airtight test box. Radioactive particles with a size of 0.6 ±â€Š0.4 µm were nebulized into the box and sucked into a filter through the port of the jig and an unfiltered reference port using an artificial lung. The activity deposited on the filter was measured by means of a gamma camera. The filter performance was calculated from this. RESULTS: Five of the 15 masks tested had a filter performance of less than 94 % and therefore do not meet the FFP2 standard. The filter performance of these masks was 71.8 ±â€Š2.3 %, 73.2 ±â€Š2.3 %, 78.2 ±â€Š6.7 %, 92.2 ±â€Š0.5 % and 85.9 ±â€Š1.6 %. CONCLUSION: One third of the examined masks did not meet the recommended FFP2 standard, which is recommended for the care of SARS-CoV-2 infected patients. A comprehensive review of already approved products by the supervisory authorities is advisable.

[Weaning in a Pandemic Situation - A Position Paper]. / Weaning in der Situation einer Pandemie ­ Ein Positionspapier.

The logistical and infectious peculiarities and requirements challenge the intensive care treatment teams aiming at a successful liberation of patients from long-term mechanical ventilation. Especially in the pandemic, it is therefore important to use all potentials for weaning and decannulation, respectively, in patients with prolonged weaning.Weaning centers represent units of intensive medical care with a particular specialization in prolonged weaning. They are an integral part of a continuous care concept for these patients. A systematic weaning concept in the pandemic includes structural, personnel, equipment, infectiological and hygienic issues. In addition to the S2k guideline "Prolonged weaning" this position paper hightlights a new classification in prolonged weaning and organizational structures required in the future for the challenging pandemic situation. Category A patients with high weaning potential require a structured respiratory weaning in specialized weaning units, so as to get the greatest possible chance to realize successful weaning. Patients in category B with low or currently nonexistent weaning potential should receive a weaning attempt after an intermediate phase of further stabilization in an out-of-hospital ventilator unit. Category C patients with no weaning potential require a permanent out-of-hospital care, alternatively finishing mechanical ventilation with palliative support.Finally, under perspective in the position paper the following conceivable networks and registers in the future are presented: 1. locally organized regional networks of certified weaning centers, 2. a central, nationwide register of weaning capacities accordingly the already existing DIVI register and 3. registration of patients in difficult or prolonged weaning.

[Management of diagnostic procedures and treatment of sleep related breathing disorders in the context of the coronavirus pandemic]. / Diagnostik und Therapie schlafbezogener Atmungsstörungen im Zusammenhang mit der Corona­Pandemie: Deutsche Gesellschaft für Pneumologie und Beatmungsmedizin e. V. (DGP), Deutsche Gesellschaft für Schlafforschung und Schlafmedizin (DGSM).

When providing sleep medical services special aspects must be taken into account in the context of the coronavirus pandemic. Despite all prevention, due to the high number of unrecognized cases, SARS-CoV2 contacts in the sleep laboratory must be expected and appropriate precautions are necessary. Nevertheless, the continuation or resumption of sleep medical services under the appropriate hygiene measures is strongly recommended to avoid medical and psychosocial complications. There is no evidence for a deterioration of COVID-19 through CPAP therapy. In principle, the application of positive pressure therapy via various mask systems can be accompanied by the formation of infectious aerosols. In the case of confirmed infection with SARS-CoV2, a pre-existing PAP therapy should be continued in an outpatient setting in accordance with the local guidelines for home isolation, since discontinuation of PAP therapy is associated with additional cardiopulmonary complications due to the untreated sleep-related breathing disorder. According to the current state of knowledge inhalation therapy, nasal high-flow (NHF), and PAP therapy can be carried out without increased risk of infection for health care workers (HCW) as long as appropriate personal protective equipment (eye protection, FFP2 or FFP-3 mask, gown) is being used.This position paper of the German Society for Pneumology and Respiratory Medicine (DGP) and the German Society for Sleep Medicine (DGSM) offers detailed recommendations for the implementation of sleep medicine diagnostics and therapy in the context of the coronavirus pandemic.

[Position Paper for the State of the Art Application of Respiratory Support in Patients with COVID-19 - German Respiratory Society]. / Positionspapier zur praktischen Umsetzung der apparativen Differenzialtherapie der akuten respiratorischen Insuffizienz bei COVID-19.

Against the background of the pandemic caused by infection with the SARS-CoV-2, the German Society for Pneumology and Respiratory Medicine (DGP e.V.), in cooperation with other associations, has designated a team of experts in order to answer the currently pressing questions about therapy strategies in dealing with COVID-19 patients suffering from acute respiratory insufficiency (ARI).The position paper is based on the current knowledge that is evolving daily. Many of the published and cited studies require further review, also because many of them did not undergo standard review processes.Therefore, this position paper is also subject to a continuous review process and will be further developed in cooperation with the other professional societies.This position paper is structured into the following five topics:1. Pathophysiology of acute respiratory insufficiency in patients without immunity infected with SARS-CoV-22. Temporal course and prognosis of acute respiratory insufficiency during the course of the disease3. Oxygen insufflation, high-flow oxygen, non-invasive ventilation and invasive ventilation with special consideration of infectious aerosol formation4. Non-invasive ventilation in ARI5. Supply continuum for the treatment of ARIKey points have been highlighted as core statements and significant observations. Regarding the pathophysiological aspects of acute respiratory insufficiency (ARI), the pulmonary infection with SARS-CoV-2 COVID-19 runs through three phases: early infection, pulmonary manifestation and severe hyperinflammatory phase.There are differences between advanced COVID-19-induced lung damage and those changes seen in Acute Respiratory Distress Syndromes (ARDS) as defined by the Berlin criteria. In a pathophysiologically plausible - but currently not yet histopathologically substantiated - model, two types (L-type and H-type) are distinguished, which correspond to an early and late phase. This distinction can be taken into consideration in the differential instrumentation in the therapy of ARI.The assessment of the extent of ARI should be carried out by an arterial or capillary blood gas analysis under room air conditions and must include the calculation of the oxygen supply (measured from the variables of oxygen saturation, the Hb value, the corrected values of the Hüfner number and the cardiac output). In principle, aerosols can cause transmission of infectious viral particles. Open systems or leakage systems (so-called vented masks) can prevent the release of respirable particles. Procedures in which the invasive ventilation system must be opened, and endotracheal intubation must be carried out are associated with an increased risk of infection.The protection of personnel with personal protective equipment should have very high priority because fear of contagion must not be a primary reason for intubation. If the specifications for protective equipment (eye protection, FFP2 or FFP-3 mask, gown) are adhered to, inhalation therapy, nasal high-flow (NHF) therapy, CPAP therapy or NIV can be carried out according to the current state of knowledge without increased risk of infection to the staff. A significant proportion of patients with respiratory failure presents with relevant hypoxemia, often also caused by a high inspiratory oxygen fraction (FiO2) including NHF, and this hypoxemia cannot be not completely corrected. In this situation, CPAP/NIV therapy can be administered under use of a mouth and nose mask or a respiratory helmet as therapy escalation, as long as the criteria for endotracheal intubation are not fulfilled.In acute hypoxemic respiratory insufficiency, NIV should be performed in an intensive care unit or in a comparable unit by personnel with appropriate expertise. Under CPAP/NIV, a patient can deteriorate rapidly. For this reason, continuous monitoring with readiness to carry out intubation must be ensured at all times. If CPAP/NIV leads to further progression of ARI, intubation and subsequent invasive ventilation should be carried out without delay if no DNI order is in place.In the case of patients in whom invasive ventilation, after exhausting all guideline-based measures, is not sufficient, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation procedure (ECMO) should be considered to ensure sufficient oxygen supply and to remove CO2.

[Prolonged Weaning - S2k-Guideline Published by the German Respiratory Society]. / Prolongiertes Weaning.

Mechanical ventilation (MV) is an essential part of modern intensive care medicine. MV is performed in patients with severe respiratory failure caused by insufficiency of respiratory muscles and/or lung parenchymal disease when/after other treatments, (i. e. medication, oxygen, secretion management, continuous positive airway pressure or nasal highflow) have failed.MV is required to maintain gas exchange and to buy time for curative therapy of the underlying cause of respiratory failure. In the majority of patients weaning from MV is routine and causes no special problems. However, about 20 % of patients need ongoing MV despite resolution of the conditions which precipitated the need for MV. Approximately 40 - 50 % of time spent on MV is required to liberate the patient from the ventilator, a process called "weaning."There are numberous factors besides the acute respiratory failure that have an impact on duration and success rate of the weaning process such as age, comorbidities and conditions and complications acquired in the ICU. According to an international consensus conference "prolonged weaning" is defined as weaning process of patients who have failed at least three weaning attempts or require more than 7 days of weaning after the first spontaneous breathing trial (SBT). Prolonged weaning is a challenge, therefore, an inter- and multi-disciplinary approach is essential for a weaning success.In specialised weaning centers about 50 % of patients with initial weaning failure can be liberated from MV after prolonged weaning. However, heterogeneity of patients with prolonged weaning precludes direct comparisons of individual centers. Patients with persistant weaning failure either die during the weaning process or are discharged home or to a long term care facility with ongoing MV.Urged by the growing importance of prolonged weaning, this Sk2-guideline was first published in 2014 on the initiative of the German Respiratory Society (DGP) together with other scientific societies involved in prolonged weaning. Current research and study results, registry data and experience in daily practice made the revision of this guideline necessary.The following topics are dealt with in the guideline: Definitions, epidemiology, weaning categories, the underlying pathophysiology, prevention of prolonged weaning, treatment strategies in prolonged weaning, the weaning unit, discharge from hospital on MV and recommendations for end of life decisions.Special emphasis in the revision of the guideline was laid on the following topics:- A new classification of subgroups of patients in prolonged weaning- Important aspects of pneumological rehabilitation and neurorehabilitation in prolonged weaning- Infrastructure and process organization in the care of patients in prolonged weaning in the sense of a continuous treatment concept- Therapeutic goal change and communication with relativesAspects of pediatric weaning are given separately within the individual chapters.The main aim of the revised guideline is to summarize current evidence and also expert based- knowledge on the topic of "prolonged weaning" and, based on the evidence and the experience of experts, make recommendations with regard to "prolonged weaning" not only in the field of acute medicine but also for chronic critical care.Important addressees of this guideline are Intensivists, Pneumologists, Anesthesiologists, Internists, Cardiologists, Surgeons, Neurologists, Pediatricians, Geriatricians, Palliative care clinicians, Rehabilitation physicians, Nurses in intensive and chronic care, Physiotherapists, Respiratory therapists, Speech therapists, Medical service of health insurance and associated ventilator manufacturers.

[Impact of OSA Therapy on Established Polyphasic Sleep]. / Einfluss einer OSA-Therapie auf etabliertes polyphasisches Schlafverhalten.

AIM OF STUDY: The prevalence of polyphasic sleep (PS) in patients with sleep apnoea (OSA) is investigated in this study. In established PS the possible impact of OSA therapy on sleep behaviour was examined. METHODS: Sleep patterns in 24 hours of initial recepted OSA patients were recorded by questionnaire (n = 163). In polyphasic sleepers the sleep patterns were reevaluated after OSA therapy initiation. In additional patients polyphasic therapy usage was investigated by telemonitoring data (n = 487). RESULTS: 39,6 % of the patients had PS. After OSA therapy initiation in 97,0 % of the polyphasic sleepers a monophasic device usage was established while 3,0 % had a polyphasic usage. PS was switched to monophasic sleep in 81,8 % of the patients. 15.2 % had preserved PS without device usage on daytimes. 2,9 % of the telemonitoring patients showed a polyphasic usage pattern. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of PS in OSA patients is higher than in the general population. PS is converted to monophasic sleep in 81,8 % after OSA therapy initiation. In preserved PS the majority of patients doesn't use the therapy while napping. Polyphasic device usage was 2,9 % in telemonitoring patients and 3,0 % of the controls of this study.

[The Overrated Impact of Inhaled Substances (LABA, LAMA, ICS) on Exacerbation Rates in COPD]. / Die überschätzte Beeinflussung der Exazerbationsrate bei COPD durch Inhalativa (LABA, LAMA, ICS).

Numerous studies have shown that exacerbation rates in COPD can be significantly reduced by long acting beta-2-agonists (LABA), long acting anticholinergic agents (LAMA) and inhaled steroids (ICS). Elaborate and extensive investigations however failed to prove that the reduction in exacerbation rates leads to life prolongation. As opposed to this, numerous studies have shown a reduction in life expectancy with increasing number and severity of exacerbations.This review aimed at comparing these studies and to elaborate the relevance and reduction of exacerbations rates by LABA, LAMA and ICS application through effect size calculation by means of Cohens' d. These studies display a common pattern. The reduction of exacerbation rates is only being achieved for less severe exacerbations (Cohens' d max. 0.21). For more severe exacerbations and for the comparison of different substances Cohens' d remains below 0.1, indicating that the effect of the medications is practically irrelevant. The impact of LABA's, LAMA's and ICS on exacerbation rates in COPD patients is obviously overrated.

[Guidelines for Non-Invasive and Invasive Home Mechanical Ventilation for Treatment of Chronic Respiratory Failure - Update 2017]. / S2k-Leitlinie: Nichtinvasive und invasive Beatmung als Therapie der chronischen respiratorischen Insuffizienz ­ Revision 2017.

Today, invasive and non-invasive home mechanical ventilation have become a well-established treatment option. Consequently, in 2010 the German Society of Pneumology and Mechanical Ventilation (DGP) has leadingly published the guidelines on "Non-Invasive and Invasive Mechanical Ventilation for Treatment of Chronic Respiratory Failure". However, continuing technical evolutions, new scientific insights, and health care developments require an extensive revision of the guidelines.For this reason, the updated guidelines are now published. Thereby, the existing chapters, namely technical issues, organizational structures in Germany, qualification criteria, disease specific recommendations including special features in pediatrics as well as ethical aspects and palliative care, have been updated according to the current literature and the health care developments in Germany. New chapters added to the guidelines include the topics of home mechanical ventilation in paraplegic patients and in those with failure of prolonged weaning.In the current guidelines different societies as well as professional and expert associations have been involved when compared to the 2010 guidelines. Importantly, disease-specific aspects are now covered by the German Interdisciplinary Society of Home Mechanical Ventilation (DIGAB). In addition, societies and associations directly involved in the care of patients receiving home mechanical ventilation have been included in the current process. Importantly, associations responsible for decisions on costs in the health care system and patient organizations have now been involved.The currently updated guidelines are valid for the next three years, following their first online publication on the home page of the Association of the Scientific Medical Societies in German (AWMF) in the beginning of July 2017. A subsequent revision of the guidelines remains the aim for the future.

[Respiratory Muscle Training: State of the Art]. / Atemmuskeltraining: State-of-the-Art.

Specific respiratory muscle training (IMT) improves the function of the inspiratory muscles. According to literature and clinical experience, there are 3 established methods: 1.) resistive load 2.) threshold load and 3.) normocapnic hyperpnea. Each training method and the associated devices have specific characteristics. Setting up an IMT should start with specific diagnostics of respiratory muscle function and be followed by detailed individual introduction to training. The aim of this review is to take a closer look at the different training methods for the most relevant indications and to discuss these results in the context of current literature. The group of neuromuscular diseases includes muscular dystrophy, spinal muscular atrophy, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, paralysis of the phrenic nerve, and injuries to the spinal cord. Furthermore, interstitial lung diseases, sarcoidosis, left ventricular heart failure, pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), kyphoscoliosis and obesity are also discussed in this context. COPD, asthma, cystic fibrosis (CF) and non-CF-bronchiectasis are among the group of obstructive lung diseases. Last but not least, we summarize current knowledge on weaning from respirator in the context of physical activity.