Effect of Interrupting Heated Humidification on Nebulized Drug Delivery Efficiency, Temperature, and Absolute Humidity During Mechanical Ventilation: A Multi-Lab In Vitro Study.

Introduction: During mechanical ventilation (MV), inspired gases require heat and humidification. However, such conditions may be associated with reduced aerosol delivery efficiency. The practice of turning off heated humidification before nebulization and the impact of nebulization on humidity in a dry ventilator circuit remain topics of debate. This study aimed to assess the effect of turning off heated humidification on inhaled dose and humidity with nebulizer use during adult MV. Methods: A bronchodilator (albuterol) and two antibiotics (Colistimethate sodium and Amikacin sulfate) were nebulized with a vibrating mesh nebulizer placed at the humidifier inlet and in the inspiratory limb at the Y-piece. Additionally, albuterol was nebulized using a jet nebulizer in both placements. Aerosol particle size distribution was determined through a cascade impactor. Absolute humidity (AH) and temperature of inspired gases were determined with anemometer/hygrometers before, during, and after nebulization, before, during, and up to 60 minutes after interrupting active humidification. Aerosol collected on a filter distal to the endotracheal tube and on impactor stages were eluted and assayed by spectrophotometry. Results: The inhaled dose was greater when both nebulizers were placed at the humidifier inlet than the inspiratory limb at the Y-piece. Irrespective of the nebulizer types and placements, the inhaled dose either decreased or showed no significant change after the humidifier was turned off. The aerosol particle size ranged from 1.1 to 2.7 µm. With interruption of active humidification, humidity of inspired gas quickly dropped below recommended levels, and nebulization in dry ventilator circuit produced an AH between 10 and 20 mgH2O/L, lower than the recommended minimum of 30 mgH2O/L. Conclusion: Interrupting active humidification during MV before nebulization did not improve aerosol delivery efficiency for bronchodilator or antibiotics, but did reduce humidity below recommended levels.

The Benefit of Hydrogen Gas as an Adjunctive Therapy for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.

Background and Objectives: Recent studies suggest that hydrogen gas possesses anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-apoptotic properties. This study aimed to explore the therapeutic potential of hydrogen gas and assess its safety and tolerability in individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Materials and Methods: Enrolled COPD patients received standard treatments along with additional hydrogen inhalation for 30 min in the morning, afternoon, and evening over a 30-day period. The assessment included changes in the COPD Assessment Test (CAT), the modified Medical Research Council (mMRC) Dyspnea Scale, lung function, sleep quality, inflammation markers, and oxidative stress markers before and after hydrogen inhalation. Results: Six patients participated in this study. Patients 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 demonstrated improvements in CAT scores following hydrogen gas intervention, with patients 2, 4, 5, and 6 also showing improvements in mMRC scores. Statistically, this study revealed significant improvements in CAT [15.5 (10.5-19.75) vs. 8.5 (3-13.5); p = 0.043] and mMRC scores [2.5 (1-4) vs. 2 (0-3.25); p = 0.046] before and after intervention, respectively. However, no significant differences were observed in lung function, DLCO, sleep quality, and 6 MWT before and after hydrogen therapy. CBC examination showed a significant difference in platelet count before and after treatment [247 (209.75-298.75) vs. 260 (232.75-314.5); p = 0.043], respectively, while other blood tests, inflammation markers, and oxidative stress markers did not exhibit significant differences before and after hydrogen therapy. All patients experienced no obvious side-effects. Conclusions: Adjuvant therapy with hydrogen gas demonstrated symptom improvements in specific COPD patients, and no significant adverse effects were observed in any of the patients. Hydrogen gas may also exert a modulatory effect on platelet count.

Smoking cessation and influenza vaccination can reduce the healthcare burden of COPD.

INTRODUCTION: Influenza vaccination (INV) and smoking cessation (SC) have individual positive effects on COPD, but their synergistic impact has yet to be extensively studied. This retrospective study aimed to assess the combined effect of SC and IV on the medical burden of COPD, including medical visits, hospitalization, medical expenses, and the occurrence of respiratory failure. METHODS: Patients with COPD who visited our medical center between January and October 2018 were included in the study. The patients were categorized into four groups: Group I (no SC or INV), Group II (INV only), Group III (SC only), and Group IV (both SC and INV). The outcomes analyzed were emergency utilization, hospital utilization, and occurrence of respiratory failure. Airflow limitation was stratified according to GOLD guidelines, and successful smoking cessation was defined as not smoking for at least one year. RESULTS: A total of 357 patients were included in the study. Group I (119 patients) neither smoking cessation nor influenza vaccination; Group II (66 patients) had only influenza vaccination; Group III (94 patients), had only smoking cessation, Group IV (78 patients), with both smoking cessation and influenza vaccination. Group IV had lower odds of emergency utilization (OR=0.13; 95% CI: 0.07-0.25), hospital utilization (OR=0.13; 95% CI: 0.05-0.30, p<0.001), and occurrence of respiratory failure (OR=0.13; 95% CI: 0.04-0.40, p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Combined smoking cessation and influenza vaccination are more effective in reducing the medical burden of COPD compared to either intervention alone or neither. These findings highlight the importance of promoting both smoking cessation and influenza vaccination in the management of COPD.

Comparison of BODE and ADO Indices in Predicting COPD-Related Medical Costs.

Background and Objectives:The ADO (age, dyspnea, and airflow obstruction) and BODE (body mass index, airflow obstruction, dyspnea, and exercise capacity) indices are often used to evaluate the prognoses for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD); however, an index suitable for predicting medical costs has yet to be developed. Materials and Methods: We investigated the BODE and ADO indices to predict medical costs and compare their predictive power. A total of 396 patients with COPD were retrospectively enrolled. Results: For hospitalization frequencies, BODE was R2 = 0.093 (p < 0.001), and ADO was R2 = 0.065 (p < 0.001); for hospitalization days, BODE was R2 = 0.128 (p < 0.001), and ADO was R2 = 0.071 (p < 0.001); for hospitalization expenses, BODE was R2 = 0.020 (p = 0.047), and ADO was R2 = 0.012 (p = 0.179). BODE and ADO did not differ significantly in the numbers of outpatient visits (BODE, R2 = 0.012, p = 0.179; ADO, R2 = 0.017, p = 0.082); outpatient medical expenses (BODE, R2 = 0.012, p = 0.208; ADO, R2 = 0.008, p = 0.364); and total medical costs (BODE, R2 = 0.018, p = 0.072; ADO, R2 = 0.016, p = 0.098). In conclusion, BODE and ADO indices were correlated with hospitalization frequency and hospitalization days. However, the BODE index exhibits slightly better predictive accuracy than the ADO index in these items.

How Did the COVID-19 Pandemic Affect Population Mobility in Taiwan?

BACKGROUND: Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) impairs the free movement of human beings. The study aims to determine how the COVID-19 pandemic affected population mobility. METHODS: The study obtained Google COVID-19 population mobility report and e Taiwan COVID-19 pandemic information from Our World in Data. RESULTS: During the Alpha wave, transit decreased the most, with an average difference of >50%, followed by parks, workplaces, groceries, and pharmacies. During the Omicron wave, the average population flow in parks and transit decreased by about 20%. During the pre-existing wave, the average population visits of transit decreased by 10% at the most, followed by parks and workplaces. The peak of daily new confirmed cases per million (7-day rolling average) was 25.02, 6.39, and 0.81 for Alpha, Omicron, and the pre-existing wave, respectively. Daily new confirmed cases per million people correlated with the change in population visits of various places (all p < 0.001). The reproduction rate (7-day rolling average) correlated with the change of population visits of most places, except retail and recreation. We conclude the Alpha variant affected more individuals than Omicron and pre-existing type. Furthermore, changes in population visits in transit were most impacted. This change was consistent with daily new confirmed cases per million people and reproduction rate (7-day rolling average). CONCLUSION: The Alpha variant affected more individuals than the Omicron and pre-existing types. Furthermore, changes in population visits in transit locations were most impacted. This change was consistent with the daily new number of confirmed cases per million people and the 7-day rolling average reproduction rate.

Effect of abdominal weight training with and without cough machine assistance on lung function in the patients with prolonged mechanical ventilation: a randomized trial.

PURPOSE: The patients with prolonged mechanical ventilation (PMV) have the risk of ineffective coughing and infection due to diaphragm weakness. This study aimed to explore the effect of abdominal weight training (AWT) intervention with/without cough machine (CM) assistance on lung function, respiratory muscle strength and cough ability in these patients. METHODS: Forty patients with PMV were randomly assigned to three groups: AWT group (n = 12), AWT + CM group (n = 14) and control group (n = 14). Change of maximum inspiratory pressure (MIP), Maximum expiratory pressure (MEP) and peak cough flow (PCF) between 1 day before and 2 weeks after the intervention were compared among these three groups. RESULTS: MIP before and after intervention in AWT group (30.50 ± 11.73 vs. 36.00 ± 10.79; p < 0.05) and AWT + CM group (29.8 ± 12.14 vs. 36.14 ± 10.42; p < 0.05) compared with control group (28.43 ± 9.74 vs 26.71 ± 10.77; p > 0.05) was significantly improved. MEP before and after intervention in AWT group (30.58 ± 15.19 vs. 41.50 ± 18.33; p < 0.05) and AWT + CM group (27.29 ± 12.76 vs 42.43 ± 16.96; p < 0.05) compared with control group (28.86 ± 10.25 vs. 29.57 ± 14.21; p > 0.05) was significantly improved. PCF before and after intervention in AWT group in AWT group (105.83 ± 16.21 vs. 114.17 ± 15.20; p < 0.05) and AWT + CM group (108.57 ± 18.85 vs. 131.79 ± 38.96; p < 0.05) compared to control group (108.57 ± 19.96 vs. 109.86 ± 17.44; p > 0.05) showed significant improvements. AWT + CM group had significantly greater improvements than control group in MIP and peak cough flow than control group (13.71 ± 11.28 vs 19.64 ± 29.90, p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: AWT can significantly improve lung function, respiratory muscle strength, and cough ability in the PMV patients. AWT + CM can further improve their expiratory muscle strength and cough ability. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov registry (registration number: NCT0529538 retrospectively registered on March 3, 2022).

A six-week inspiratory muscle training and aerobic exercise improves respiratory muscle strength and exercise capacity in lung cancer patients after video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery: A randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the postoperative outcomes of inspiratory muscle training and aerobic exercise, along with standard care, on lung cancer patients undergoing video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS). DESIGN: A parallel-group, single-blind randomized clinical trial. SETTING: Thoracic surgery ward and outpatient clinic in a teaching hospital. SUBJECTS: Overall 63 patients underwent VATS were randomly assigned to a triaging (TG, n = 32) or control group (CG, n = 31). A total of 54 patients (TG, n = 26; CG, n = 28) completed the study. INTERVENTION: TG: six-week threshold inspiratory muscle training and aerobic exercise. CG: standard care. MAIN MEASURES: Maximum inspiratory pressure (PImax), maximum expiratory pressure (PEmax) lung expansion volume, and 6-min walking test (6MWT) were performed on the day of chest tube removal (baseline), and 2, 6, and 12 weeks postoperatively. RESULTS: The TG showed significant improvement in PImax at week 6 (71.6 ± 34.9 vs. 94.3 ± 32.8 cmH2O, P = 0.018), PEmax at week 2 (70.9 ± 24.3 vs. 90.9 ± 28.2 cmH2O, P = 0.015) and week 12 (76.1 ± 20.2 vs. 98.6 ± 35.3 cmH2O, P = 0.012), the lung expansion volume at week 2 (1080 ± 433 vs 1457 ± 624 mL, P = 0.02) and week 12 (1200 ± 387 vs 1885 ± 678 mL, P < 0.001), in addition to the 6MWT at week 2 (332 ± 78 vs 412 ± 74 m, P = 0.002), week 6 (360 ± 70 vs 419 ± 60 m, P = 0.007) and week 12 (360 ± 58 vs 402 ± 65 m, P = 0.036). CONCLUSION: A six weeks of inspiratory muscle training and aerobic exercise had improved respiratory muscle strength and aerobic exercise postoperatively in lung cancer patients after VATS as early as 2 weeks.

In Vitro Evaluation of Facial Pressure and Air Leak with a Newly Designed Cushion for Non-Invasive Ventilation Masks.

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a newly designed foam cushion on the air leakage and pressure when applied to the face. Methods: A teaching manikin connected to a bilevel positive airway pressure ventilator attached to four different brands of oronasal masks (Amara, Mirage, Forma, and Wizard) was used. The foam cushions of 5-mm and 10-mm-thickness were attached to the masks, and each mask was tested without a cushion. Six pressure sensors were placed on the manikin's face, and data were recorded. Inspiratory volume and air leak flow from the ventilator were observed. Results: Air leakage was influenced by both the mask brand and the presence of a cushion. The presence of a cushion did not affect the Wizard mask in terms of leakage (p = 0.317) or inspiratory volume (p = 0.726). The Wizard and Amara masks generated the lowest contact pressure on the frontal forehead (p < 0.001) compared to the other five points. Conclusions: Utilisation of a cushion reduces air leakage and maintains greater inspiratory volume regardless of its thickness. The contact pressure varies depending on the brand of the mask, which would require a difference in the thickness of the cushion for pressure reduction.

Benefits of Multiple-Intervention Pulmonary Rehabilitation to Older Adults with High-Risk Multimorbidity after Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting.

OBJECTIVE: Multimorbidity in elderly patients increases complications and retards the recovery of pulmonary function after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery. We aimed to evaluate the impact of multiple-intervention pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) on respiratory muscle strength and dyspnea scores after CABG in adult patients aged ≥65 years who had multimorbidity. METHODS: A cohort study was retrospectively conducted with 95 adults aged ≥65 years who underwent CABG surgery and completed a multiple-intervention PR program. RESULTS: Patients in the non-multimorbidity (n = 56) and multimorbidity groups (n = 39) were evaluated on the basis of their muscle strength, degree of dyspnea, and pulmonary function. Postoperative complications were compared after the completion of PR. Between extubation days 1 and 14, the multimorbidity group showed significant improvements in maximal inspiratory pressure (16.91 vs. 24.95 cmH2O, P < 0.001), Borg Scale score (0.99 vs. 2.3, P < 0.001), and the ratio of forced expiratory volume in 1 s to forced vital capacity (FEV1/FVC ratio) of 7.02% vs. 13.4% (P = 0.01). The incidence rates of pulmonary complications were similar between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: Multi-interventional PR program significantly improved the maximal inspiratory pressure, Borg scale score, and FEV1/FVC ratio in the adult patients aged ≥65 years who had multimorbidity after undergoing CABG surgery.

Effectiveness of a perioperative pulmonary rehabilitation program following coronary artery bypass graft surgery in patients with and without COPD.

Purpose: It is unclear whether the effectiveness of pulmonary rehabilitation program (PRP) after cardiac surgery differs between patients with and without COPD. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of PRP between patients with and without COPD undergoing coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. Patients and methods: We retrospectively included patients who underwent CABG surgery and received 3-week PRP from January 2009 to December 2013. We excluded patients who underwent emergency surgery, had an unstable hemodynamic status, were ventilator dependent or did not complete the PRP. Demographics, muscle strength, degree of dyspnea, pulmonary function and postoperative complications were compared. Results: Seventy-eight patients were enrolled (COPD group, n=40; non-COPD group, n=38). Maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP; -34.52 cmH2O vs -43.25 cmH2O, P<0.01; -34.67 cmH2O vs -48.18 cmH2O, P<0.01), maximal expiratory pressure (MEP; 32.15 cmH2O vs 46.05 cmH2O, P<0.01; 37.78 cmH2O vs 45.72 cmH2O, P<0.01) and respiratory rate (RR; 20.65 breath/minute vs 17.02 breath/minute, P<0.01; 20.65 breath/minute vs 17.34 breath/minute, P<0.01) in COPD and non-COPD groups, respectively, showed significant improvement, but were not significantly different between the two groups. Forced vital capacity (FVC; 0.85 L vs 1.25 L, P<0.01), forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1; 0.75 L vs 1.08 L, P<0.01), peak expiratory flow (PEF; 0.99 L vs 1.79 L, P<0.01) and forced expiratory flow between 25% and 75% of vital capacity (FEF25-75; 0.68 L vs 1.15 L, P<0.01) showed significant improvement between postoperative Days 1 and 14 in the COPD group. FVC (1.11 L vs 1.36 L, P<0.05), FEV1 (96 L vs 1.09 L, P<0.05) and FEF25-75 (1.03 L vs 1.26 L, P<0.05) were significantly improved in the non-COPD group. However, only PEF (80.8% vs 10.1%, P<0.01) and FEF25-75 (67.6% vs 22.3%, P<0.05) were more significantly improved in the COPD group than in the non-COPD group. Conclusion: PRP significantly improved respiratory muscle strength and lung function in patients with and without COPD who underwent CABG surgery. However, PRP is more effective in improving PEF and FEF25-75 in COPD patients.

Burden on caregivers of ventilator-dependent patients: A cross-sectional study.

Caring for prolonged mechanical ventilation (PMV) patients imposes heavy psychological, physical, social, and financial burdens on caregivers. Currently, studies regarding the burden on caregivers of PMV patients are scant; therefore, the present study investigated the burden on caregivers of PMV patients.This cross-sectional study was approved by the Institutional Review Board of Zuoying Armed Forces General Hospital. A survey was conducted among the caregivers of PMV patients who were admitted to a chronic respiratory care ward (RCW) or were receiving home care from June to December 2010. The survey included basic demographic information of PMV patients and their caregivers and the Burden Assessment Scale scores for 4 domains comprising a total of 21 questions (physical burden, n = 5; psychological burden, n = 6; social burden, n = 6; financial burden, n = 4). Statistical analyses were conducted using the t test, 1-way analysis of variance with the Scheffé post hoc test, and the chi-square test, and P < .05 was considered statistically significant.A total of 160 caregivers (age, 50-53 years) were recruited (n = 80 each in the home care and RCW groups), and most of these caregivers were married women. Due to insufficient sleep, physical exhaustion, back pain, and caregiving, home caregivers had significantly higher physical burden levels than RCW caregivers (P < .01).Home caregivers experienced higher physical burden levels than RCW caregivers. Therefore, clinical and professional support must be provided to home caregivers of PMV patients.

Application of desaturation index in post-surgery follow-up in children with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome.

Adenotonsillectomy is recommended for children who need surgery for obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS). Overnight, polysomnography (PSG) is suggested for post-surgery follow-up, but this diagnostic technique is time consuming and inconvenient. Desaturation index (DI) has been reported as a good tool for predicting both the presence and severity of OSAS in children. The purpose of this study was to determine the usefulness of the DI for post-surgery follow-up of children with OSAS. This retrospective study enrolled 42 children, aged 3-12 years, who were snorers diagnosed with OSAS by overnight PSG and who underwent an adenotonsillectomy. Pre- and postoperative PSG parameters, nocturnal pulse oximetry data, and modified Epworth sleepiness scale scores were assessed. Previously determined cut-off DI values (2.05, 3.50, and 4.15 for mild, moderate, and severe OSAS, respectively) were used to predict residual OSAS. Of the 42 children, obvious improvements were observed in apnea-hypopnea index (AHI, decreased 45.5 %), arousal index (decreased 30.5 %), DI (decreased 40.4 %), and snore index (decreased 100.3 %) compared with the preoperative measurements. Among these objective PSG measures, DI had the strongest correlation with AHI both pre- and post-surgeries (r = 0.947 and r = 0.954, respectively; p all <0.001). The DI change, before and after surgery, also had the strongest positive correlation to the AHI change (r = 0.482 and p = 0.001). Using the previously determined DI cut-off values to predict postoperative residual OSAS, there was a good positive predictive value (92.6 %) for mild residual OSAS and a good negative predictive value for moderate and severe residual OSAS (85.2 and 89.7 %, respectively). These findings suggest that DI, as determined using a nocturnal pulse oximeter, may be an alternative tool for postoperative evaluation and follow-up of children with OSAS.