Is Frailty Diagnosis Important in Patients with COPD? A Narrative Review of the Literature.

Frailty is prevalent in older adults and is related to a worsening functionality, quality of life, and health outcomes. Though there is an increasing interest in this field, the relationship between frailty and worsening COPD outcomes remains unknown. A narrative review of the literature with studies published between 2018 and 2022 was carried out to address three questions: the prevalence of frailty and other geriatric syndromes in COPD patients, the link between frailty and worsening health outcomes in COPD patients, and the non-pharmacological interventions performed in order to reverse frailty in these patients. A total of 25 articles were selected. Frailty prevalence ranged from 6% and 85.9%, depending on the COPD severity and the frailty measurement tool used. Frailty in COPD patients was related to a high prevalence of geriatric syndromes and to a high incidence of adverse events such as exacerbations, admissions, readmissions, and mortality. One study showed improvements in functionality after physical intervention. In conclusion, the prevalence of frailty is associated with a high incidence of geriatric syndromes and adverse events in COPD patients. The use of frailty screenings and a comprehensive geriatric assessment of COPD patients is advisable in order to detect associated problems and to establish individualized approaches for better outcomes.

Lung function and radiological findings 1 year after COVID-19: a prospective follow-up.

BACKGROUND: The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has already affected more than 400 million people, with increasing numbers of survivors. These data indicate that a myriad of people may be affected by pulmonary sequelae of the infection. The aim of this study was to evaluate pulmonary sequelae in patients with bilateral COVID-19 pneumonia according to severity 1 year after hospital discharge. METHODS: COVID-FIBROTIC is a multicenter prospective observational cohort study for admitted patients with bilateral COVID-19 pneumonia. Pulmonary functional outcomes and chest computed tomography sequelae were analyzed 12 months after hospital discharge and we classified patients into three groups according to severity. A post hoc analysis model was designed to establish how functional test changed between groups and over time. A multivariable logistic regression model was created to study prognostic factors for lung diffusion impairment and radiological fibrotic-like changes at 12 months. RESULTS: Among 488 hospitalized patients with COVID-19 pneumonia, 284 patients had completed the entire evaluation at 12 months. Median age was 60.5 ± 11.9 and 55.3% were men. We found between-group differences in male sex, length of hospital stay, radiological involvement and inflammatory laboratory parameters. The functional evaluation of pulmonary sequelae showed that severe patients had statistically worse levels of lung diffusion at 2 months but no between group differences were found in subsequent controls. At 12-month follow up, however, we found impaired lung diffusion in 39.8% unrelated to severity. Radiological fibrotic-like changes at 12 months were reported in 22.7% of patients (102/448), only associated with radiological involvement at admission (OR: 1.55, 95% CI 1.06-2.38; p = 0.02) and LDH (OR: 0.99, 95% CI 0.98-0.99; p = 0.046). CONCLUSION: Our data suggest that a significant percentage of individuals would develop pulmonary sequelae after COVID 19 pneumonia, regardless of severity of the acute process. Trial registration clinicaltrials.gov NCT04409275 (June 1, 2020).

Pulmonologists' Opinion on the Use of Inhaled Corticosteroids in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Patients in Spain: A Cross-Sectional Survey.

Introduction: Identifying the variables that guide decision-making in relation to the use of inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) can contribute to the appropriate use of these drugs. The objective of this study was to identify the clinical variables that physicians consider most relevant for prescribing or withdrawing ICS in COPD. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in Spain from November 2020 to May 2021. Therapeutic decisions on the use of ICS in 11 hypothetical COPD patient profiles were collected using an online survey answered by specialists with experience in the management of patients with COPD. Mixed-effects logistic regression was used to analyze the impact of patients' characteristics in the therapeutic decision for prescribing ICS or proceeding to its withdrawal. Results: A total of 74 pulmonologists agreed to collaborate in the survey and answered the questionnaire. The results showed great variability, with only 2 profiles achieving consensus for starting or withdrawing the treatment. The frequency and severity of exacerbations influenced the decision to prescribe ICS in a dose-response fashion (1 exacerbation odds ratio (OR) = 1.86, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.02 to 3.43, two exacerbations OR = 11.6, 95% CI: 4.47 to 30.2 and three OR = 123, 95% CI: 25 to 601). Similarly, increasing blood eosinophils and history of asthma were associated with ICS use. On the other hand, pneumonia reduced the probability of initiating treatment with ICS (OR = 0.54 [0.29 to 0.98]). Lung function and dyspnea degree did not influence the clinician's therapeutic decision. The results for withdrawal of ICS were similar but in the opposite direction. Conclusion: In accordance with guidelines, exacerbations, blood eosinophils and history of asthma or pneumonia are the factors considered by pulmonologist for the indication or withdrawal of ICS. However, the agreement in prescription or withdrawal of ICS when confronted with hypothetical cases is very low, suggesting a great variability in clinical practice.

Inhaled indacaterol/glycopyrronium/mometasone furoate fixed-dose combination in moderate-to-severe asthma.

INTRODUCTION: Fixed-dose long-acting beta2-agonist (LABA)/inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) combinations and add-on therapies as needed are the mainstay for maintenance therapy in asthma. However, more than 40% of patients have an inadequately controlled disease. The development of triple fixed-dose combinations consisting of long-acting muscarinic antagonist (LAMA)/LABA/ICS has paved the way for a new approach to reach therapeutic goals of an optimal control of symptoms and an effective prevention of future exacerbations. AREAS COVERED: A search was conducted on PubMed (MEDLINE), using the MeSH terms [asthma] + [indacaterol] + [glycopyrronium] +[mometasone furoate] + [treatment], until October 2021. Original data from clinical trials, prospective and retrospective studies and reviews were selected. Clinical studies with IND/MF/GLY (Enerzair Breezhaler) are summarized, and its place in current asthma therapy is examined. EXPERT OPINION: Triple therapy has been shown to be an effective and safe therapeutic option for asthma patients who remain uncontrolled despite ICS/LABA combination. The recently approved single-inhaler indacaterol/glycopyrronium/mometasone fixed dose combination has demonstrated to significantly reduce exacerbations, improve FEV1, symptoms and quality of life compared to ICS/LABA, including, salmeterol/fluticasone combination. Moreover, once-daily dosing may improve adherence.

Frailty Assessment in a Stable COPD Cohort: Is There a COPD-Frail Phenotype?

The frailty syndrome increases the morbidity/mortality in older adults, and several studies have shown a higher prevalence of this syndrome in patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). The aim of this study was to identify the characteristics of frail patients with COPD to define a new phenotype called "COPD-frail." We conducted a cross-sectional study in a cohort of patients with stable COPD, classified as either frail, pre-frail, or non-frail. Sociodemographic, clinical, and biochemical variables were compared between the three groups of patients. The study included 127 patients, of which 31 were frail, 64 were pre-frail, and 32 non-frail. All subjects had FEV1/FVC below the lower limit of normal (range Z-score: -1.66 and -5.32). Patients in the frail group showed significantly higher scores in the mMRC (modified Medical Research Council) scale, the CAT (COPD Assessment Test), and the BODE (Body mass index, airflow Obstruction, Dyspnea, and Exercise capacity) index. They also showed differences in symptoms according to GOLD (Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease), as well as more COPD exacerbations, less physical activity, more anxiety and depression symptoms based on HADS (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale), and lower hemoglobin, hematocrit, and 25-hydroxycholecalciferol levels. Variables with independent association with frailty included the mMRC score, the HAD index for depression and age. In summary, differential characteristics of frail patients with COPD encourage the definition of a "COPD-frail" phenotype that-if identified early-would allow performing interventions to prevent a negative impact on the morbidity/mortality of these patients.

Risk Factors of Poor Outcomes after Admission for a COPD Exacerbation: Multivariate Logistic Predictive Models.

The aim of this study was to identify a multivariate model to predict poor outcomes after admission for exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).  We performed a multicenter, observational, prospective study. Patients admitted to hospital for COPD were followed up for 3 months. Relevant clinical variables at admission were selected. For each variable, the best cut-offs for the risk of poor outcome were identified using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. Finally, a stepwise logistic regression model was performed. A total of 106 patients with a mean age of 71.1 (9.8) years were included. The mean maximum expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1)(%) was 45.2%, and the mean COPD assessment test (CAT) score at admission was 24.8 (7.1). At 3 months, 39 (36.8%) patients demonstrated poor outcomes: death (2.8%), readmission (20.8%) or new exacerbation (13.2%). Variables included in the logistic model were: previous hospital admission, FEV1 < 45%, Charlson ≥ 3, hemoglobin (Hb)<13 g/L, PCO2 ≥ 46 mmHg, fibrinogen ≥ 554 g/L, C-reactive protein (CRP)≥45 mg/L, leukocyte count < 9810 × 109/L, purulent sputum, long-term oxygen therapy (LTOT) and CAT ≥ 31 at admission. The final model showed that Hb < 13 g/L (OR = 2.46, 95%CI 1.09-6.36), CRP ≥ 45 mg/L (OR = 2.91, 95%CI: 1.11-7.49) and LTOT (3.07, 95%CI: 1.07-8.82) increased the probability of poor outcome up to 82.4%. Adding a CAT ≥ 31 at admission increased the probability to 91.6% (AUC = 0.75; p = 0.001). Up to 36.8% of COPD patients had a poor outcome within 3 months after hospital discharge, with low hemoglobin and high CRP levels being the risk factors for poor outcome. A high CAT at admission increased the predictive value of the model.

The CAT (COPD Assessment Test) questionnaire as a predictor of the evolution of severe COPD exacerbations.

INTRODUCTION: Since exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) cause both a great impact on the progression of the disease and generate high health expenditures, there is a need to develop tools to evaluate their prognosis. METHOD: Multicenter, observational, prospective study that evaluated the prognostic utility of the COPD Assessment Test (CAT) in severe exacerbations of COPD. Anthropometric and clinical variables were analyzed: smoking, history of exacerbations during the previous year, drug treatment, degree of baseline dyspnea, comorbidities; laboratory variables at admission (complete blood count, arterial blood gas and biochemistry) and CAT scores in the first 24 h of admission, on the third day, at discharge and at 3 months. RESULTS: We evaluated 106 patients (91 males) with a mean age of 71.1 (SD 9.8 years), mean FEV1 45.2% (14.7%) and average CAT score at admission of 24.7 points (7.1). At three months after discharge, treatment failure was observed in 39 (36.8%) patients: 14 (13.2%) presented an exacerbation without the need for hospital admission, 22 were readmitted (20.8%) and 3 (2.8%) died during follow-up. The three factors associated with increased risk of failure were a reduction less than 4 units in the CAT at discharge compared to admission, lower hemoglobin levels and treatment with domiciliary oxygen. CONCLUSIONS: A change of ≤4 points in the CAT score at discharge compared to that obtained at admission due to a severe exacerbation of COPD, helps to predict therapeutic failure such as a new exacerbation, readmission or death in the subsequent three months.

Factores relacionados con la presencia de disfunción eréctil en pacientes con síndrome de apnea obstructiva del sueño / Factors related with the presence of erectile dysfunction in patients with obstructive sleep apnea

Fundamento y objetivo: El síndrome de apnea obstructiva del sueño (SAOS) puede contribuir al desarrollo de disfunción eréctil (DE) a través de múltiples mecanismos. El objetivo fue identificar los factores que están relacionados con la presencia de DE en estos pacientes. Pacientes y método: Estudio transversal en varones diagnosticados de SAOS. Se recogieron variables demográficas, índice de apneas-hipopneas (IAH), comorbilidad, fármacos, presión arterial, escala Epworth, exploración física, electrocardiograma, índice tobillo-brazo, analítica sanguínea y de orina. La presencia de DE se valoró mediante el cuestionario IIEF-5. Resultados: Se incluyeron 142 pacientes, con una edad media (desviación estándar) de 53 (11) años. La prevalencia de DE fue del 69%. Encontramos diferencias significativas en el IAH entre los pacientes con DE leve y grave (41 [21] frente a 63 [18]; p=0,023). La DE se asoció a la hipertensión arterial [HTA] (odds ratio [OR] 3,56; intervalo de confianza del 95% [IC 95%] 1,64-7,72), hipercolesterolemia (OR 7,19; IC 95% 2,39-21,68), diabetes mellitus tipo 2 (OR 3,07; IC 95% 1,02-9,48) y cardiopatía isquémica (OR 1,51; IC 95% 1,33-1,70), así como al tratamiento con antihipertensivos (OR 4,05; IC 95% 1,76-9,31), hipolipidemiantes (OR 9,71; IC 95% 2,21-22,72), antidiabéticos (OR 3,21; IC 95% 0,69-14,89), antiagregantes y anticoagulantes (OR 6,44; IC 95% 1,45-28,64). Tras el análisis de regresión logística, la DE se asoció con la edad (OR 1,11; IC 95% 1,05-1,16) y la hipercolesterolemia (OR 4,87; IC 95% 1,49-15,96). Conclusiones: Los pacientes con SAOS tienen una alta prevalencia de DE, principalmente en SAOS grave. Los factores que influyen en la presencia de la DE en pacientes con SAOS son fundamentalmente la edad y la hipercolesterolemia. Otros factores que pueden estar relacionados son la HTA, el mal control metabólico, la cardiopatía isquémica y el consumo de antihipertensivos, estatinas y antidiabéticos (AU)

Background and objective: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) syndrome can contribute to the development of erectile dysfunction (ED) through multiple mechanisms. The aim was to identify factors influencing the presence of ED in these patients. Patients and methods: Cross sectional study in men diagnosed with OSA by polysomnography. We obtained information about demographic variables, apnea-hypopnea index (AHI), comorbidity, blood pressure, drugs, Epworth Sleepiness Scale, physical examination, electrocardiogram, ankle-brachial index and blood and urine analysis. The presence of ED was assessed by questionnaire IIEF-5. Results: We included 142 patients, mean age was 53 (11) years. The prevalence of ED was 69%. We found significant differences in AHI between patients with mild and severe ED (41 [21] vs 63 [18], P=.023). ED was associated with hypertension (odds ratio [OR]=3.56 [1.64-7.72]), hypercholesterolemia (OR=7.19 [2.39-21.68]), diabetes mellitus type 2 (OR=3.07 [1.02-9.48]) and ischemic heart disease (OR=1.51 [1.33-1.70]); and treatment with antihypertensive (OR=4.05 [1.76-9.31)], lipid-lowering drugs (OR=9.71 [2.2-22.72]), anti-diabetic drugs (OR=3.21 [0.69-14.89]), antiplatelet and anticoagulant agents (OR=6.44 [1.45-28.64]). After logistic regression analysis, only age (OR=1.11 [1.05-1.16]) and hypercholesterolemia (OR=4.87 [1.49-15.96]) were associated with ED. Conclusions: Patients with OSA have a high prevalence of ED, mainly in severe OSA. Factors influencing the presence of ED in patients with OSA are primarily age and hypercholesterolemia. Other factors that may be related include hypertension, poor metabolic control, ischemic heart disease, and treatment with antihypertensive, lipid-lowering and anti-diabetic drugs (AU)

[Factors related with the presence of erectile dysfunction in patients with obstructive sleep apnea]. / Factores relacionados con la presencia de disfunción eréctil en pacientes con síndrome de apnea obstructiva del sueño.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) syndrome can contribute to the development of erectile dysfunction (ED) through multiple mechanisms. The aim was to identify factors influencing the presence of ED in these patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Cross sectional study in men diagnosed with OSA by polysomnography. We obtained information about demographic variables, apnea-hypopnea index (AHI), comorbidity, blood pressure, drugs, Epworth Sleepiness Scale, physical examination, electrocardiogram, ankle-brachial index and blood and urine analysis. The presence of ED was assessed by questionnaire IIEF-5. RESULTS: We included 142 patients, mean age was 53 (11) years. The prevalence of ED was 69%. We found significant differences in AHI between patients with mild and severe ED (41 [21] vs 63 [18], P=.023). ED was associated with hypertension (odds ratio [OR]=3.56 [1.64-7.72]), hypercholesterolemia (OR=7.19 [2.39-21.68]), diabetes mellitus type 2 (OR=3.07 [1.02-9.48]) and ischemic heart disease (OR=1.51 [1.33-1.70]); and treatment with antihypertensive (OR=4.05 [1.76-9.31)], lipid-lowering drugs (OR=9.71 [2.2-22.72]), anti-diabetic drugs (OR=3.21 [0.69-14.89]), antiplatelet and anticoagulant agents (OR=6.44 [1.45-28.64]). After logistic regression analysis, only age (OR=1.11 [1.05-1.16]) and hypercholesterolemia (OR=4.87 [1.49-15.96]) were associated with ED. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with OSA have a high prevalence of ED, mainly in severe OSA. Factors influencing the presence of ED in patients with OSA are primarily age and hypercholesterolemia. Other factors that may be related include hypertension, poor metabolic control, ischemic heart disease, and treatment with antihypertensive, lipid-lowering and anti-diabetic drugs.