ABO blood group as a determinant of COVID-19 and Long COVID: An observational, longitudinal, large study.

BACKGROUND: An association of ABO blood group and COVID-19 remains controversial. METHODS: Following STROBE guidance for observational research, we explored the distribution of ABO blood group in patients hospitalized for acute COVID-19 and in those with Long COVID. Contingency tables were made and risk factors were explored using crude and adjusted Mantle-Haentzel odds ratios (OR and 95% CI). RESULTS: Up to September 2022, there were a total of 5,832 acute COVID-19 hospitalizations in our hospital, corresponding to 5,503 individual patients, of whom blood group determination was available for 1,513 (27.5%). Their distribution by ABO was: 653 (43.2%) group 0, 690 (45.6%) A, 113 (7.5%) B, and 57 (3.8%) AB, which corresponds to the expected frequencies in the general population. In parallel, of 676 patients with Long COVID, blood group determination was available for 135 (20.0%). Their distribution was: 60 (44.4%) from group 0, 61 (45.2%) A, 9 (6.7%) B, and 5 (3.7%) AB. The distribution of the ABO system of Long COVID patients did not show significant differences with respect to that of the total group (p ≥ 0.843). In a multivariate analysis adjusting for age, sex, ethnicity, and severity of acute COVID-19 infection, subgroups A, AB, and B were not significantly associated with developing Long COVID with an OR of 1.015 [0.669-1.541], 1.327 [0.490-3.594] and 0.965 [0.453-2.058], respectively. The effect of the Rh+ factor was also not significant 1,423 [0.772-2,622] regarding Long COVID. CONCLUSIONS: No association of any ABO blood subgroup with COVID-19 or developing Long COVID was identified.

Trends of COPD in Spain: Changes Between Cross Sectional Surveys 1997, 2007 and 2017

Introduction: We aim to describe the changes in prevalence and risk factors associated to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in Spain, comparing three population-based studies conducted in three timepoints. Methods: We compared participants from IBERPOC conducted in 1997, EPISCAN conducted in 2007 and EPISCAN II in 2017. COPD was defined as a postbronchodilator FEV1/FVC (forced expiratory volume in 1s/forced vital capacity) ratio <0.70, according to GOLD criteria; subsequently, also as the FEV1/FVC below the lower limit of normal (LLN). Results: COPD prevalence in the population between 40 and 69 years decreased from 21.6% (95% CI 20.7%–23.2%) in 1997 to 8.8% (95% CI 8.2%–9.5%) in 2017, a 59.2% decline (p<0.001). In 2007, the prevalence was 7.7% (95% CI 6.8%–8.7%) with an upward trend of 1.1 percentage points in 2017 (p=0.073). Overall COPD prevalence decreased in men and women, although a significant increase was observed in the last decade in females (p<0.05). Current smokers significantly increased in the last decades (25.4% in 1997, 29.1% in 2007 and 23.4% in 2017; p<0.001). Regrettably, COPD underdiagnosis was constantly high, 77.6% in 1997, 78.4% in 2007, and to 78.2% in 2017 (p=0.95), higher in younger ages (40–49 yrs and 50–59 yrs) and also higher in women than in men in all three studies (p<0.05). Conclusions: We report a significant reduction of 59.2% in the prevalence of COPD in Spain from 1997 to 2017 in subjects aged 40–69 years. Our study highlights the significant underdiagnosis of COPD, particularly sustained in women and younger populations. (AU)

Trends of COPD in Spain: Changes Between Cross Sectional Surveys 1997, 2007 and 2017.

INTRODUCTION: We aim to describe the changes in prevalence and risk factors associated to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in Spain, comparing three population-based studies conducted in three timepoints. METHODS: We compared participants from IBERPOC conducted in 1997, EPISCAN conducted in 2007 and EPISCAN II in 2017. COPD was defined as a postbronchodilator FEV1/FVC (forced expiratory volume in 1s/forced vital capacity) ratio <0.70, according to GOLD criteria; subsequently, also as the FEV1/FVC below the lower limit of normal (LLN). RESULTS: COPD prevalence in the population between 40 and 69 years decreased from 21.6% (95% CI 20.7%-23.2%) in 1997 to 8.8% (95% CI 8.2%-9.5%) in 2017, a 59.2% decline (p<0.001). In 2007, the prevalence was 7.7% (95% CI 6.8%-8.7%) with an upward trend of 1.1 percentage points in 2017 (p=0.073). Overall COPD prevalence decreased in men and women, although a significant increase was observed in the last decade in females (p<0.05). Current smokers significantly increased in the last decades (25.4% in 1997, 29.1% in 2007 and 23.4% in 2017; p<0.001). Regrettably, COPD underdiagnosis was constantly high, 77.6% in 1997, 78.4% in 2007, and to 78.2% in 2017 (p=0.95), higher in younger ages (40-49 yrs and 50-59 yrs) and also higher in women than in men in all three studies (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: We report a significant reduction of 59.2% in the prevalence of COPD in Spain from 1997 to 2017 in subjects aged 40-69 years. Our study highlights the significant underdiagnosis of COPD, particularly sustained in women and younger populations.

Prevalence of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease in an Urban Area. Changes in COPD Ten Years on.

Purpose: The prevalence of Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in Spain has been evaluated in the last ten years by EPISCAN in 2007 and EPISCAN II in 2017. This study describes changes in the prevalence of COPD in an urban region of Spain in the last 10 years, its risk factors and underdiagnosis. Patients and Methods: Participants from the Autonomous Community of Madrid (Spain) were selected from both studies up to the age of 80 years. A descriptive analysis of their sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, as well as by gender, was conducted. COPD was defined by a post-bronchodilator ratio <0.70. Results: The prevalence of COPD in the Autonomous Community of Madrid increased non-significantly from 11.0% (95% CI: 8.9-13.5%) to 12.1% (95% CI: 9.6-15.1, p=0.612). However, the prevalence by gender showed an increase in women (5.6% to 14.7%, p<0.001) and a decrease in men (17.6% to 9.8%, p=0.08). Underdiagnosis was reduced from 81.0% to 67.9% (p=0.006), although with greater underdiagnosis in women (86.4% in EPISCAN and 100% in EPISCAN II). Smoking was higher in men than in women in EPISCAN (31.2% vs 23.0%, p<0.01) but with no differences by gender in EPISCAN II (25.5% men vs 26.0% women, p=0.146). Age, smoking, low BMI, and a sedentary lifestyle were consistently associated with COPD. Conclusion: In 10 years in Madrid, there have been no changes in the global prevalence of COPD, but there have been important changes in women, with an increase in its prevalence, smoking habit and underdiagnosis.

Relevant SARS-CoV-2 viremia is associated with COVID-19 severity: Prospective cohort study and validation cohort.

Early kinetics of SARS-CoV-2 viral load (VL) in plasma determined by quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was evaluated as a predictor of poor clinical outcome in a prospective study and assessed in a retrospective validation cohort. Prospective observational single-center study including consecutive adult patients hospitalized with COVID-19 between November 2020 and January 2021. Serial plasma samples were obtained until discharge. Quantitative RT-PCR was performed to assess SARS-CoV-2 VL. The main outcomes were in-hospital mortality, admission to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), and their combination (Poor Outcome). Relevant viremia (RV), established in the prospective study, was assessed in a retrospective cohort including hospitalized COVID-19 patients from April 2021 to May 2022, in which plasma samples were collected according to clinical criteria. Prospective cohort: 57 patients were included. RV was defined as at least a twofold increase in VL within ≤2 days or a VL > 300 copies/ml, in the first week. Patients with RV (N = 14; 24.6%) were more likely to die than those without RV (35.7% vs. 0%), needed ICU admission (57% vs. 0%) or had Poor Outcome (71.4% vs. 0%), (p < 0.001 for the three variables). Retrospective cohort: 326 patients were included, 18.7% presented RV. Patients with RV compared with patients without RV had higher rates of ICU-admission (odds ratio [OR]: 5.6 [95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.1-15.1); p = 0.001), mortality (OR: 13.5 [95% CI: 6.3-28.7]; p < 0.0001) and Poor Outcome (OR: 11.2 [95% CI: 5.8-22]; p < 0.0001). Relevant SARS-CoV-2 viremia in the first week of hospitalization was associated with higher in-hospital mortality, ICU admission, and Poor Outcome. Findings observed in the prospective cohort were confirmed in a larger validation cohort.

SARS-CoV-2 Viremia Precedes an IL6 Response in Severe COVID-19 Patients: Results of a Longitudinal Prospective Cohort.

Background: Interleukin 6 (IL6) levels and SARS-CoV-2 viremia have been correlated with COVID-19 severity. The association over time between them has not been assessed in a prospective cohort. Our aim was to evaluate the relationship between SARS-CoV-2 viremia and time evolution of IL6 levels in a COVID-19 prospective cohort. Methods: Secondary analysis from a prospective cohort including COVID-19 hospitalized patients from Hospital Universitario La Princesa between November 2020 and January 2021. Serial plasma samples were collected from admission until discharge. Viral load was quantified by Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction and IL6 levels with an enzyme immunoassay. To represent the evolution over time of both variables we used the graphic command twoway of Stata. Results: A total of 57 patients were recruited, with median age of 63 years (IQR [53-81]), 61.4% male and 68.4% Caucasian. The peak of viremia appeared shortly after symptom onset in patients with persistent viremia (more than 1 sample with > 1.3 log10 copies/ml) and also in those with at least one IL6 > 30 pg/ml, followed by a progressive increase in IL6 around 10 days later. Persistent viremia in the first week of hospitalization was associated with higher levels of IL6. Both IL6 and SARS-CoV-2 viral load were higher in males, with a quicker increase with age. Conclusion: In those patients with worse outcomes, an early peak of SARS-CoV-2 viral load precedes an increase in IL6 levels. Monitoring SARS-CoV-2 viral load during the first week after symptom onset may be helpful to predict disease severity in COVID-19 patients.

Efficacy of short-course colchicine treatment in hospitalized patients with moderate to severe COVID-19 pneumonia and hyperinflammation: a randomized clinical trial.

Some patients with COVID-19 pneumonia develop an associated cytokine storm syndrome that aggravates the pulmonary disease. These patients may benefit of anti-inflammatory treatment. The role of colchicine in hospitalized patients with COVID-19 pneumonia and established hyperinflammation remains unexplored. In a prospective, randomized controlled, observer-blinded endpoint, investigator-initiated trial, 240 hospitalized patients with COVID-19 pneumonia and established hyperinflammation were randomly allocated to receive oral colchicine or not. The primary efficacy outcome measure was a composite of non-invasive mechanical ventilation (CPAP or BiPAP), admission to the intensive care unit, invasive mechanical ventilation requirement or death. The composite primary outcome occurred in 19.3% of the total study population. The composite primary outcome was similar in the two arms (17% in colchicine group vs. 20.8% in the control group; p = 0.533) and the same applied to each of its individual components. Most patients received steroids (98%) and heparin (99%), with similar doses in both groups. In this trial, including adult patients with COVID-19 pneumonia and associated hyperinflammation, no clinical benefit was observed with short-course colchicine treatment beyond standard care regarding the combined outcome measurement of CPAP/BiPAP use, ICU admission, invasive mechanical ventilation or death (Funded by the Community of Madrid, EudraCT Number: 2020-001841-38; 26/04/2020).

[Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease]. / Enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is related to smoking as the main etiological agent although there are other risk factors that can interact influencing the development of the disease. The definition of COPD is based on three points: the presence of persistent respiratory symptoms, exposure to risk agents, and a non-reversible obstructive spirometric ratio. Forced spirometry with a bronchodilator test is necessary to confirm the diagnosis of COPD, however, attempts are being made to develop alternative methods for screening given the current significant underdiagnosis of this pathology.In order to advance in a more personalized medicine for the patient, classification tools have been adopted such as clinical phenotypes and treatable traits, allowing treatments to be adapted according to the characteristics of the patients. Non-pharmacological treatment (smoking cessation, vaccination, physical exercise...) are essential for the management of the disease, as well as pharmacological treatment based on clinical phenotypes. Eosinophils have become a key marker when establishing treatment with inhaled glucocorticoids.In the follow-up of the disease, it is very relevant to evaluate the degree of control being a fundamental element the absence of exacerbations given their implications in mortality, morbidity and quality of life of patients. More studies are needed to better define the phenotypes of exacerbations and their biomarkers.

Effect of Sex Differences on Computed Tomography Findings in Adults With Cystic Fibrosis: A Multicenter Study / Efecto de las diferencias de sexo en los hallazgos en la tomografía axial computerizada en adultos con fibrosis quística: un estudio multicentro

Background: The survival of women with cystic fibrosis (CF) is lower than that of men by approximately 5 years. While various factors have been put forward to account for this discrepancy, no specific reasons have been established. Our hypothesis was that anatomical-structural involvement is more pronounced in women with CF than in men and that this is reflected in thoracic HRCT findings.Material and methods: We performed a prospective multicentre study, in which adult patients were consecutively included over 18 months. Chest HRCT was performed, and findings were scored by 2 thoracic radiologists using the modified Bhalla system. We also studied respiratory function, applied the CFQR 14+ questionnaire, and collected clinical variables.Results: Of the 360 patients followed up in the participating units, 160 were eventually included. Mean age was 28 years, and 47.5% were women. The mean±SD global score on the modified Bhalla score was 13.7±3.8 in women and 15.2±3.8 in men (p=0.024). The highest scores were observed for sacculations, bronchial generations, and air trapping in women. Women had lower BMI, %FEV1, %FVC, and %DLCO. Similarly, the results for the respiratory domain in CFQR 14+ were worse in women, who also had more annual exacerbations.Conclusions: This is the first study to provide evidence of the implication of sex differences in HRCT findings in patients with CF. Women with CF present a more severe form of the disease that results in more frequent exacerbations, poorer functional and nutritional outcomes, deterioration of quality of life, and greater structural damage. (AU)

Introducción: La supervivencia de las mujeres con fibrosis quística (FQ) es menor que la de los varones, en aproximadamente 5 años. Si bien se han presentado varios factores para explicar esta discrepancia, no se han establecido razones específicas. Nuestra hipótesis fue que el compromiso anatómico-estructural es más pronunciado en las mujeres con FQ que en los varones, y que esto se refleja en los hallazgos de la TCAR torácica.Materiales y métodos: Realizamos un estudio prospectivo multicéntrico, en el que los pacientes adultos se fueron incluyendo consecutivamente durante 18 meses. Se realizó un TCAR de tórax, y 2 radiólogos torácicos evaluaron los hallazgos utilizando la escala de Bhalla modificada. También estudiamos la función respiratoria, aplicamos el cuestionario CFQR 14+ y recogimos ciertas variables clínicas.Resultados: De los 360 pacientes en seguimiento en las unidades participantes, finalmente se incluyeron 160. La edad media fue de 28 años, y el 47,5% eran mujeres. La puntuación global media±DE en la escala de Bhalla modificada fue de 13,7±3,8 en mujeres y de 15,2±3,8 en varones (p=0,024). Las puntuaciones más altas se observaron para las saculaciones o abscesos, las generaciones bronquiales y el atrapamiento de aire en mujeres. Las mujeres tenían un IMC, % FEV1, % FVC y % DLCO más bajos. Del mismo modo, los resultados para el dominio respiratorio en el CFQR 14+ fueron peores en las mujeres, que también tenían más exacerbaciones anuales.Conclusiones: Este es el primer estudio que proporciona evidencia de la implicación de las diferencias de sexo en los hallazgos de la TCAR en pacientes con FQ. Las mujeres con FQ presentan una forma más grave de la enfermedad que resulta en exacerbaciones más frecuentes, peores resultados funcionales y nutricionales, deterioro de la calidad de vida y mayor daño estructural. (AU)

Effect of Sex Differences on Computed Tomography Findings in Adults With Cystic Fibrosis: A Multicenter Study.

BACKGROUND: The survival of women with cystic fibrosis (CF) is lower than that of men by approximately 5 years. While various factors have been put forward to account for this discrepancy, no specific reasons have been established. Our hypothesis was that anatomical-structural involvement is more pronounced in women with CF than in men and that this is reflected in thoracic HRCT findings. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We performed a prospective multicentre study, in which adult patients were consecutively included over 18 months. Chest HRCT was performed, and findings were scored by 2 thoracic radiologists using the modified Bhalla system. We also studied respiratory function, applied the CFQR 14+ questionnaire, and collected clinical variables. RESULTS: Of the 360 patients followed up in the participating units, 160 were eventually included. Mean age was 28 years, and 47.5% were women. The mean±SD global score on the modified Bhalla score was 13.7±3.8 in women and 15.2±3.8 in men (p=0.024). The highest scores were observed for sacculations, bronchial generations, and air trapping in women. Women had lower BMI, %FEV1, %FVC, and %DLCO. Similarly, the results for the respiratory domain in CFQR 14+ were worse in women, who also had more annual exacerbations. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study to provide evidence of the implication of sex differences in HRCT findings in patients with CF. Women with CF present a more severe form of the disease that results in more frequent exacerbations, poorer functional and nutritional outcomes, deterioration of quality of life, and greater structural damage.

Predictive value of the modified Bhalla score for assessment of pulmonary exacerbations in adults with cystic fibrosis.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to analyze the predictive value of the modified Bhalla score in high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) for assessment of pulmonary exacerbations (PEx) in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients. We also describe the relationship between this score and pulmonary function test results. METHODS: We performed a multicenter and prospective study where adult patients with CF were included consecutively over 18 months. All patients underwent HRCT with acquisition in inspiration and expiration. The results were analyzed by an expert radiologist who assigned a modified Bhalla score value. Lung function was also assessed, and clinical variables were collected. Follow-up lasted approximately 1 year, and PEx were registered. RESULTS: The study population comprised 160 subjects selected from 360 CF patients monitored in the participating CF units. The mean age was 28 years, 47.5% were women, and mean forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) was 67.5%. The mean global modified Bhalla score was 14.5 ± 0.31 points. Pulmonary function test (PFT) results and the modified Bhalla score correlated well, mainly forced vital capacity (FVC) and FEV1. We constructed a statistical model based on the overall Bhalla score to predict the number of PEx. CONCLUSIONS: The overall modified Bhalla score can predict future PEx in CF patients. This useful tool can help to prevent PEx in higher risk patients. KEY POINTS: • Pulmonary function test results and the modified Bhalla score correlated well with FVC and FEV1. • The total modified Bhalla score can predict the number of exacerbations in adult CF patients. • Our findings highlight the need to establish a unified protocol for chest HRCT during the follow-up of adult patients with CF in order to anticipate possible complications and determine their impact on pulmonary function.

Mortality prediction in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease comparing the GOLD 2015 and GOLD 2019 staging: a pooled analysis of individual patient data.

In 2019, The Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) modified the grading system for patients with COPD, creating 16 subgroups (1A-4D). As part of the COPD Cohorts Collaborative International Assessment (3CIA) initiative, we aim to compare the mortality prediction of the 2015 and 2019 COPD GOLD staging systems. We studied 17 139 COPD patients from the 3CIA study, selecting those with complete data. Patients were classified by the 2015 and 2019 GOLD ABCD systems, and we compared the predictive ability for 5-year mortality of both classifications. In total, 17 139 patients with COPD were enrolled in 22 cohorts from 11 countries between 2003 and 2017; 8823 of them had complete data and were analysed. Mean±sd age was 63.9±9.8 years and 62.9% were male. GOLD 2019 classified the patients in milder degrees of COPD. For both classifications, group D had higher mortality. 5-year mortality did not differ between groups B and C in GOLD 2015; in GOLD 2019, mortality was greater for group B than C. Patients classified as group A and B had better sensitivity and positive predictive value with the GOLD 2019 classification than GOLD 2015. GOLD 2015 had better sensitivity for group C and D than GOLD 2019. The area under the curve values for 5-year mortality were only 0.67 (95% CI 0.66-0.68) for GOLD 2015 and 0.65 (95% CI 0.63-0.66) for GOLD 2019. The new GOLD 2019 classification does not predict mortality better than the previous GOLD 2015 system.

Desaturations During 6-Minute Walk Test and Predicting Nocturnal Desaturations in Adult Subjects With Cystic Fibrosis.

BACKGROUND: Nocturnal desaturation in cystic fibrosis (CF) may have prognostic implications because a significant and maintained nocturnal desaturation can contribute to the development and progression of pulmonary hypertension with cor pulmonale. Its relation with the desaturation in exercise has not been sufficiently studied. We aimed to determine whether desaturation during 6MWT can be an indicator of nocturnal desaturation in adult subjects with CF. METHODS: 57 subjects were included: 50.9% male, 27.5 ± 7.7 y old, mean FEV1 = 2.37 ± 0.74 L, and %FEV1 67 ± 18.1%. Desaturation during 6MWT was defined as oxygen saturation (SpO2 ) ≤ 90% or a decline of > 4 points in SpO2 from baseline, and nocturnal desaturation as a desaturation index > 4 or > 5% of sleep time with SpO2 ≤ 90%. RESULTS: Desaturation observed during 6MWT in adult subjects with CF did not correlate with nocturnal desaturation (P = .27). Subjects with %FEV1 ≤ 55% and diffusion capacity of carbon monoxide (DLCO) ≤ 50 mmol/min/mm Hg were at higher risk of 6MWT desaturation. Nocturnal desaturation was more frequent in males, with PaO2 ≤ 71 mm Hg in blood gas analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Desaturation observed in 6MWT cannot predict desaturation at night in adults with CF. Other parameters were identified as predictors of desaturation.

Actinomicosis pulmonar en paciente con neumonía eosinófila crónica en tratamiento con omalizumab / Pulmonary Actinomycosis in a Patient with Chronic Eosinophilic Pneumonia treated with Omalizumab

No disponible

Oleotórax bilateral / Bilateral Oleothorax

No disponible