The Influence of BMI in Asthma: Which Traits Are due to Obesity and Which to the Asthma and Obesity Phenotype?

Background: The characteristics of the asthma and obesity phenotype have been described in cluster studies but have not been subsequently confirmed. Specific characteristics of this phenotype have not been differentiated from those inherent to the patient’s body mass index (BMI). Objectives: This study aims to assess the effect of BMI on asthma in order to identify which traits could define the asthma and obesity phenotype and which are inherent to the patient's BMI. Methods: A real-life retrospective observational study was conducted based on data from 2514 patients with suspected asthma collected at the first visit to the allergy clinic between November 2014 and November 2017. All patients had to perform an appropriate spirometry maneuver. All BMI, sex, and age groups were represented. Results: The influence of BMI on asthma differed according to age group and sex. All spirometry results and FeNO were influenced by BMI. The only notable asthma characteristics were later onset of asthma with higher BMI values. No other differences were found between the BMI groups. Conclusions: The effect of BMI on asthma is age-dependent; therefore, it should be corrected for age. The most important variations are in FeNO and spirometry results. The specific characteristics of the asthma and obesity phenotype are a greater perception of symptoms with fewer alterations in respiratory function tests and a lower prevalence of atopy, rhinitis, and allergy, including allergic asthma. Other characteristics of this phenotype, such as a higher female prevalence or late-onset or noneosinophilic asthma, are nonspecific for this phenotype

Antecedentes : las características del fenotipo del asma y la obesidad se han descrito en estudios grupales, pero no se han confirmado posteriormente. Las características específicas de este fenotipo no se han diferenciado de las inherentes al índice de masa corporal (IMC) del paciente. Objetivos : Este estudio tiene como objetivo evaluar el efecto del IMC sobre el asma para identificar qué rasgos podrían definir el fenotipo del asma y la obesidad y cuáles son inherentes al IMC del paciente. Métodos : Se realizó un estudio observacional retrospectivo de la vida real basado en datos de 2514 pacientes con sospecha de asma recopilados en la primera visita a la clínica de alergia entre noviembre de 2014 y noviembre de 2017. Todos los pacientes tuvieron que realizar una maniobra de espirometría adecuada. Estuvieron representados todos los grupos de IMC, sexo y edad. Resultados : La influencia del IMC sobre el asma difirió según grupo de edad y sexo. Todos los resultados de la espirometría y el FeNO estuvieron influenciados por el IMC. Las únicas características notables del asma fueron la aparición tardía del asma con valores de IMC más altos. No se encontraron otras diferencias entre los grupos de IMC. Conclusiones : El efecto del IMC sobre el asma depende de la edad; por lo tanto, debe corregirse según la edad. Las variaciones más importantes se encuentran en los resultados de FeNO y espirometría. Las características específicas del fenotipo de asma y obesidad son una mayor percepción de los síntomas con menos alteraciones en las pruebas de función respiratoria y una menor prevalencia de atopia, rinitis y alergia, incluido el asma alérgica. Otras características de este fenotipo, como una mayor prevalencia femenina o asma de aparición tardía o no eosinofílica, no son específicas de este fenotipo (AU)

The influence of BMI in asthma. Which traits are due to obesity and which to asthma and obesity phenotype?

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Characteristics of the asthma and obesity phenotype have been described by cluster studies, but they have not been subsequently confirmed. Specific characteristics of this phenotype have not been differentiated from those inherent to the patient's body mass index (BMI). This study aims to assess the effect of BMI on asthma. This will allow to identify which traits could define the asthma and obesity phenotype, and which are inherent to the patient´s BMI. METHODS: A real-life retrospective observational study was conducted with a 2,514 patients database. Data was collected on the first visit to the Allergy clinic of all patients who underwent a correct spirometry maneuver due to suspected asthma between November 2014 and November 2017. All BMI, sex and age groups were represented. RESULTS: BMI influence over asthma differed in different age groups and genders. All spirometric results and FeNO were influenced by BMI. Concerning asthma characteristics only a later asthma onset with higher BMI values was observed. No other differences were found between different BMI groups. CONCLUSIONS: The effect of BMI on asthma is age dependent, so it should be corrected for age. The most important variations are on FeNO and spirometric results. The specific characteristics of the asthma and obesity phenotype are a greater perception of symptoms with fewer alterations in respiratory function tests and a lower prevalence of atopy, rhinitis and allergy, including allergic asthma. Other characteristics of this phenotype, such as a higher women prevalence or being late-onset or non-eosinophilic asthma, are non-specific for this phenotype.

The Relation of CFTR-Genotype and Associated Comorbidities to Development of Pulmonary Atelectasis in Cystic Fibrosis Patients

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Functional Examination of the Upper and Lower Airways in Asthma and Respiratory Allergic Diseases: Considerations in the Post-SARS-CoV-2 Era.

Airway examination procedures can potentially transmit infectious diseases to patients and to the health care professionals who perform them via various mechanisms. The COVID-19 pandemic has halted most of the activity of the clinics and laboratories involved in assessment of lung and nasal function, and clear recommendations in this regard have been made. Today, we still do not know for sure what its consequences will be in the short or long term, since important gaps remain in our knowledge of aspects as fundamental as virus transmission mechanisms, pathophysiology, immune response, and diagnosis. In this review, we study the examination techniques used to assess patients with respiratory allergy, asthma, and associated diseases during this period and highlight their possible advantages and disadvantages. Therefore, we focus on exploring the entire upper and lower airways, from the perspective of the safety of both health professionals and patients and their specific characteristics. We also analyze the intrinsic value of these interventions in terms of diagnosis and patient management. The changing situation of COVID-19 may mean that some of the assertions presented in this review will have to be modified in the future. While we seek to ensure a consistently broad approach, some differences in operational details may apply owing to local regulations.

Functional Examination of the Upper and Lower Airways in Asthma and Respiratory Allergic Diseases: Considerations in the Post-SARS-CoV-2 Era

Airway examination procedures can potentially transmit infectious diseases to patients and to the health care professionals who perform them via various mechanisms. The COVID-19 pandemic has halted most of the activity of the clinics and laboratories involved in assessment of lung and nasal function, and clear recommendations in this regard have been made. Today, we still do not know for sure what its consequences will be in the short or long term, since important gaps remain in our knowledge of aspects as fundamental as virus transmission mechanisms, pathophysiology, immune response, and diagnosis. In this review, we study the examination techniques used to assess patients with respiratory allergy, asthma, and associated diseases during this period and highlight their possible advantages and disadvantages. Therefore, we focus on exploring the entire upper and lower airways, from the perspective of the safety of both health professionals and patients and their specific characteristics. We also analyze the intrinsic value of these interventions in terms of diagnosis and patient management.The changing situation of COVID-19 may mean that some of the assertions presented in this review will have to be modified in the future. While we seek to ensure a consistently broad approach, some differences in operational details may apply owing to local regulations

Las técnicas de examen de las vías respiratorias son procedimientos que pueden transmitir enfermedades infecciosas, por diversos mecanismos, tanto a los pacientes, como a los profesionales de la salud que las realizan. La situación de pandemia debido a la enfermedad COVID-19 prácticamente ha detenido la mayor parte de la actividad de los laboratorios de función pulmonar y nasal, con recomendaciones, específicas, de múltiples sociedades y guías nacionales e internacionales. Continuamos viviendo las distintas olas de la pandemia y todavía no sabemos con certeza, cuáles serán sus consecuencias a corto o largo plazo, pues existen lagunas importantes en el conocimiento de aspectos tan fundamentales como los mecanismos de transmisión del virus, su fisiopatología y respuesta immune, o su diagnóstico.En esta revisión examinaremos las diferentes técnicas de examen disponibles en la evaluación de pacientes que sufren enfermedades alérgicas como la rinitis o el asma y enfermedades asociadas a ellas, destacando sus posibles ventajas y desventajas, en esta era que estamos viviendo tras la aparición del SARS CoV-2. Por esta razón, queríamos centrarnos en explorar todas las vías aéreas superiores e inferiores. Lo haremos desde la perspectiva de la seguridad tanto de los profesionales de la salud como de los pacientes y sus características específicas. Paralelamente abordaremos el análisis del valor intrínseco que proporcionan estas intervenciones desde el punto de vista tanto del diagnóstico como del tratamiento de estos pacientes. La situación cambiante de esta enfermedad puede causar en el futuro, modificaciones de las afirmaciones presentadas en esta revisión. Si bien esta guía busca garantizar un enfoque amplio y consistente, puede ser necesario aplicar algunas diferencias en los detalles operativos, debido a las distintas regulaciones o situaciones locales

20 años en fisiología respiratoria / 20 years in respiratory physiology

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Correction to: Cost-effectiveness analysis of umeclidinium bromide/vilanterol 62.5/25 mcg versus tiotropium/olodaterol 5/5 mcg in symptomatic patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a Spanish National Healthcare System perspective.

Following publication of the original article [1], we have been notified of the below corrections to the 5th paragraph in the Discussion section.

Obesity and Asthma: Key Clinical Questions.

Obesity is a common comorbidity of asthma that is associated not only with development of the disease, but also with poorer disease control and greater severity. Recent prospective evidence supports the idea that body weight gain precedes the development of asthma, although the debate is far from over. The objective of this document is to conduct a systematic review of 3 clinical questions related to asthma and obesity: (a) Obesity and asthma: the chicken or the egg? Clinical insights from epidemiological and phenotyping studies. (b) Is obesity a confounding factor in the diagnosis and management of asthma, especially in severe or difficult-to-control asthma? (c) How do obese asthma patients respond to pharmacological treatments and to biological drugs? Do we have effective specific interventions? Revised epidemiological, pathological, and mechanistic evidence combined with data from interventional clinical trials prevent us from clearly stating that obesity causes asthma. However, the complexity and heterogeneity of both illnesses make several clinical scenarios possible. Furthermore, asthma represents an additional clinical challenge in the obese patient. Physicians need to be aware of the confounding effects created by the more marked perception of symptoms, alterations in lung function, and the various comorbidities that obese persons present. Exhaustive phenotyping of the obese asthma patient should enable us to develop a rational therapeutic plan, including both the pharmacological approach and specific antiobesity therapies such as combining diet and exercise and, in extreme cases, bariatric surgery.

Obesity and asthma: key clinical questions

Obesity is a common comorbidity of asthma that is associated not only with development of the disease, but also with poorer disease control and greater severity. Recent prospective evidence supports the idea that body weight gain precedes the development of asthma, although the debate is far from over. The objective of this document is to conduct a systematic review of 3 clinical questions related to asthma and obesity: (a) Obesity and asthma: the chicken or the egg? Clinical insights from epidemiological and phenotyping studies. (b) Is obesity a confounding factor in the diagnosis and management of asthma, especially in severe or difficult-to-control asthma? (c) How do obese asthma patients respond to pharmacological treatments and to biological drugs? Do we have effective specific interventions?Revised epidemiological, pathological, and mechanistic evidence combined with data from interventional clinical trials prevent us from clearly stating that obesity causes asthma. However, the complexity and heterogeneity of both illnesses make several clinical scenarios possible. Furthermore, asthma represents an additional clinical challenge in the obese patient. Physicians need to be aware of the confounding effects created by the more marked perception of symptoms, alterations in lung function, and the various comorbidities that obese persons present. Exhaustive phenotyping of the obese asthma patient should enable us to develop a rational therapeutic plan, including both the pharmacological approach and specific antiobesity therapies such as combining diet and exercise and, in extreme cases, bariatric surgery

La obesidad es una comorbilidad común al asma y se ha asociado no solo con el desarrollo del asma, sino también con un peor control de la misma y con el asma grave. La evidencia prospectiva reciente respalda la idea de que el aumento del peso corporal precede al desarrollo del asma, pero el debate no está ni mucho menos cerrado. El objetivo de este documento es efectuar una revisión sistemática sobre los aspectos clínicos claves del asma y la obesidad: (a) La obesidad y asma: ¿el huevo o la gallina? Aspectos clínicos aprendidos de los estudios epidemiológicos y de fenotipos en el asmático obeso. (b) ¿Es la obesidad un factor de confusión en el diagnóstico y manejo del asma y especialmente en el asma grave o de difícil control? (c) ¿Cuál es la respuesta del asmático obeso al tratamiento farmacológico, y a los fármacos biológicos? ¿Disponemos de intervenciones específicas eficaces?Nuestra revisión de la evidencia epidemiológica, fisiopatológica y mecanística combinada con los datos obtenidos de los ensayos de intervención no permite afirmar claramente que la obesidad sea un agente causal del asma, por lo que debe ser considerada en muchos casos una comorbilidad. No obstante, la complejidad y heterogeneidad de estas dos patologías hacen muy posible diversos escenarios clínicos. Por otra parte, el diagnóstico de asma en un paciente obeso supone un reto clínico adicional, en el que se debe tener presente el efecto de confusión originado por la mayor percepción sintomática, las alteraciones de la función pulmonar y las distintas comorbilidades que presenta el sujeto obeso. Un minucioso fenotipado del paciente asmático obeso, es el que nos debe conducir a un plan terapéutico racional, que contemple el ajuste farmacológico y la puesta en marcha de medidas específicas contra la obesidad con un plan combinado de dieta y ejercicio y en los casos indicados, la cirugía bariátrica

Cost-effectiveness analysis of umeclidinium bromide/vilanterol 62.5/25 mcg versus tiotropium/olodaterol 5/5 mcg in symptomatic patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a Spanish National Healthcare System perspective.

BACKGROUND: A head-to-head study demonstrated the superiority of once-daily umeclidinium bromide/vilanterol (UMEC/VI) 62.5/25 mcg on trough forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) versus once-daily tiotropium/olodaterol (TIO/OLO) 5/5 mcg in symptomatic patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This analysis evaluated the cost effectiveness of UMEC/VI versus TIO/OLO from a Spanish National Healthcare System perspective, using data from this study and Spanish literature. METHODS: This analysis was conducted from the perspective of the Spanish National Healthcare System with a 3-year horizon as base case. A disease progression model using a linked risk equation approach was used to estimate disease progression and associated healthcare costs, and quality-adjusted life years (QALYs). The Evaluation of COPD Longitudinally to Identify Predictive Surrogate Endpoints (ECLIPSE) study was used to develop the statistical risk equations for clinical endpoints, and costs were calculated using a health state approach (by dyspnea severity). Utilities for QALY calculation were estimated using patient baseline characteristics within a regression fit to Spanish observational data. Treatment effect, expressed as change from baseline in FEV1 was obtained from the head-to-head study and used in the model (UMEC/VI minus TIO/OLO difference: + 52 mL [95% confidence interval: 28, 77]). Baseline patient characteristics were sourced from Spanish literature or the head-to-head study if unavailable. A scenario analysis using only the intent-to-treat (ITT) population from the head-to-head study, and sensitivity analyses (including probabilistic sensitivity analyses), were conducted. Direct healthcare costs (2017 Euro) were obtained from Spanish sources and costs and benefits were discounted at 3% per annum. RESULTS: UMEC/VI was associated with small improvements in QALYs (+ 0.029) over a 3-year time horizon, compared with TIO/OLO, alongside cost savings of €393/patient. The ITT scenario analysis and sensitivity analyses had similar results. All probabilistic simulations resulted in UMEC/VI being less costly and more effective than TIO/OLO. CONCLUSION: UMEC/VI dominated TIO/OLO (more effective and less expensive). These results may aid payers and decision-makers in Spain when making judgements on which long-acting muscarinic antagonist/long-acting ß2-agonist (LAMA/LABA) treatments can be considered cost effective in Spain.

Amiloidosis como causa de enfermedad pulmonar quística asociada a nódulos pulmonares / Amyloidosis as a Cause of Cystic Pulmonary Fibrosis Associated With Pulmonary Nodules

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Características de las atelectasias como complicación pulmonar en la fibrosis quística / No disponible

Objetivos: Determinar la prevalencia de las atelectasias en la fibrosis quística (FQ) en la Comunidad de Madrid, con el fin de encontrar factores de riesgo predisponentes. Material y métodos. Se ha llevado a cabo un estudio retrospectivo en las unidades de FQ de la Comunidad de Madrid, de aquellos que habían padecido atelectasias. Se estudiaron: infecciones, complicaciones pulmonares y comorbilidades, tratamiento previo y posterior, el empleo de la fibrobroncoscopia y su respuesta, el diagnóstico mediante tomografía computarizada (TC) y la resolución o no de la atelectasia. Resultados: 16 (2,66%) pacientes habían padecido atelectasias, siete hombres (43,8%), con una edad media a la primera atelectasia de 23,81 ± 11,2 años. 14 (87,5%) presentaron infección bronquial crónica (IBC), especialmente por S. aureus meticilin-sensible y P. aeruginosa. Tres (18,8%) habían padecido aspergilosis broncopulmonar alérgica (ABPA) y uno hemoptisis (6,3%) con embolización. No hubo diferencias significativas en los tratamientos usados antes y después. En 10 (62,5%) se realizó fibrobroncoscopia, mejorando ocho pacientes. La TC demostró mejoría radiológica en un 62,5%, completa en siete pacientes. Hubo diferencias significativas entre FEV1/FVC, FEV1 y FVC en la evolución de los pacientes; entre el número total de exacerbaciones del año previo y del posterior (p= 0,012) y entre las exacerbaciones graves del año previo y las últimas registradas (p= 0,013). Cinco (31,25%) tuvieron una evolución tórpida tras el evento. Conclusiones: Una función pulmonar con obstrucción moderada-grave, y haber padecido otras complicaciones respiratorias (ABPA y IBC) podrían predisponer a padecer atelectasias en FQ. Además, esta complicación empeora las exacerbaciones y la función pulmonar

Aim: To determine the prevalence of atelectasis in cystic fibrosis (CF) in Madrid Community, in order to find predisposing risk factors. Material and methods. A retrospective study in the CF Units of Madrid Community was carried out, of the patients who suffered atelectasis We studied: infections, pulmonary complications and comorbilities, prior and subsequent treatment, the use of broncoschopy and its results; the diagnosis using computed tomography (CT), and the resolution or not the atelectasis. Results: 16 (2,66%) patients has suffered atelectasis (2,66%), 7 males (43,8%) with a mean aged with the first atelectasis was 23,81 ± 11,2 year-old 14 (87,5%) presented chronic bronchial infection (CBI), specially by meticillinsensitive S and P. aeruginosa. Three (18,8%) had suffered allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) and one (6,3%) haemoptysis with embolization. There were no significant differences with prior and subsequent treatment. A bronchoscopy was performed in 10 patients (62,5%): improving in eight cases. A radiological improve was observed using a CT in 10 (62,5%) patients, complete in seven patients. We have found significant differences in FEV1/FVC, FEV1 and FVC, in the evolution of the patients; between the total number of exacerbations of the previous year and the following one. Five (31.25%) had a torpid evolution after the event. Conclusions: Pulmonary function with moderate to severe obstruction and other respiratory complications (ABPA and CBI) may predispose to atelectasis in CF. In addition, this complication worsens exacerbations and pulmonary function

Evolución del modelo de la financiación de la investigación biomédica: publicaciones científicas sobre tabaquismo de autores españoles (2008 - 2012) / Biomedical research financing model evolution on spanish authors smoking scientific publications (2008 - 2012)

OBJETIVO: Analizar las fuentes de financiación de publicaciones biomédicas tomando como modelo artículos de excelencia en tabaquismo en los que participaron autores españoles (2008 a 2012) a través de la Web of Science (WoS). MÉTODO: La búsqueda se realizó en SCI-E y en el SSCI a través de la plataforma WoS en noviembre de 2013 empleando los descriptores «smok*» OR «tobac*». Los artículos de excelencia fueron escogidos en función del índice h. RESULTADOS: Recibieron financiación 60, de los 65 documentos totales, con 183 instituciones financiadoras diferentes. Se observó un descenso progresivo de la financiación pública (66,2% en 2008 vs 43,4% en 2012) y un incremento de la privada (16,9% en 2008 vs 30,2% en 2012) y de la de sociedades científicas y universidades (16,9% en 2008 vs 26,4% en 2012) (p = 0,001). La media del número de documentos fue significativamente mayor en el área geográfica de la Unión Europea (UE, 13 ± 4) frente a EEUU (5 ± 1) y el Foro Asia-Pacífico (5 ± 3) (p < 0,001). La UE recibió un mayor número de citas (138 ± 62; p < 0,05). CONCLUSIONES: Financiación externa mayoritaria, con disminución de la financiación pública e incremento de la privada. Se encontró un mayor número de trabajos provenientes de la UE. Predominio de países de la UE formando una red de colaboración cohesionada

The aim was to analyze the funding for Spanish author's excellence original articles in Smoking during the years 2008-2012, using the Web of Science. METHOD: The bibliographic search was conducted in SCI-E and SSCI platform [Web of Science (Thomson Reuters)] in November of 2013 (period 2008-2012, for original articles and reviews). The search strategy used was «smok*» OR «tobac*». Articles having an h index of the complete sample strategy were selected (number of articles that had at least that number of citations). RESULTS: Of the 65 total records 60 received funding, with 183 different funding institutions. We found a decreased of the Public Funding (66,2% in 2008 vs 43,4% in 2012), but Private Funding (16,9% in 2008 vs 30,2% in 2012) and Scientific Societies and University Funding (16,9% in 2008 vs 26,4% in 2012) increased (p = 0.001). The average number of documents was significantly higher in the geographical area of the European Union (EU, 13 ± 4) against the US (5 ± 1) and the Asia Pacific Forum (5 ± 3) (p <0.001). Normalizing for years find that the EU received a higher number of citations (138 ± 62; p = 0,024). CONCLUSIONS: Majority external funding, with reduced public funding and increased private. Predominance of EU countries and the US to form a cohesive network of collaboration

Cost-effectiveness analysis of 3 methacholine challenge tests: importance of simplified protocols

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Does airway hyperresponsiveness monitoring lead to improved asthma control?

The current guidelines recommend an approach to asthma management based on asthma control, rather than asthma severity. Although several specific questionnaires have been developed and control criteria have been established based on clinical guidelines, the evaluation of asthma control is still not optimal. In general, these indicators provide adequate assessment of current control, but they are more limited when estimating future risk. There is much evidence demonstrating the persistence of airway inflammation and airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) in patients with total control. Therefore, the objective of this review was to analyse the possible role of AHR monitoring as an instrument for assessing asthma control. We will evaluate its capacity as an indicator for future risk, both for estimating the possibility of clinical deterioration and loss of lung function or exacerbations. Furthermore, its relationship with inhaled corticosteroid treatment will be analysed, while emphasizing its capacity for predicting response and adjusting dosage, as well as information about the capability of AHR for monitoring treatment. Last of all, we will discuss the main limitations and emerging opportunities of AHR as an assessment instrument for asthma control.

Introducción / No disponible

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