Screening criteria for interstitial lung disease associated to rheumatoid arthritis: Expert proposal based on Delphi methodology.

OBJECTIVE: To develop a joint proposal for screening criteria of interstitial lung disease (ILD) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and vice versa, which serves as a guidelines in patient referral between the Rheumatology and Pneumology departments to early detection of these patients. METHODS: A systematic literature review was carried out on the risk factors for the development of ILD in RA patients, and for the referral criteria to Rheumatology for suspected early RA. Based on the available evidence, screening criteria were agreed using the Delphi method by a panel of pneumologists and rheumatologists with expertise in these pathologies. RESULTS: Screening criteria for ILD in patients with RA and for the early detection of RA in cases with ILD of unknown etiology have been developed. In both cases, a detection strategy was based on clinical risk factors. Recommendations also included the complementary tests to be carried out in the different clinical scenarios and on the periodicity that screening should be repeated. CONCLUSION: A selective screening strategy is recommended for the first time in the early diagnosis of patients with ILD-RA. This multidisciplinary proposal aims to solve some common clinical questions and help decision-making, although its usefulness to identify these patients with good sensitivity must be confirmed in a validation study.

Recomendaciones SER-SEPAR para el manejo de la enfermedad pulmonar intersticial difusa asociada a la artritis reumatoide. Parte 1: epidemiología, factores de riesgo y pronóstico / SER-SEPAR recommendations for the management of rheumatoid arthritis-related interstitial lung disease. Part 1: Epidemiology, risk factors and prognosis

Objetivo: Elaborar unas recomendaciones multidisciplinares para mejorar el manejo de la enfermedad pulmonar intersticial difusa asociada a la artritis reumatoide (EPID-AR). Métodos: Un panel de reumatólogos y neumólogos expertos identificó preguntas clínicas de investigación relevantes para el objetivo del documento. Se realizaron revisiones sistemáticas de la evidencia, que se graduó de acuerdo con los criterios del Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN). Tras ello, se formularon las recomendaciones. Resultados: Se seleccionaron seis preguntas PICO, tres de las cuales específicamente evaluaron la incidencia y la prevalencia de esta complicación, los factores de riesgo para su desarrollo, y los factores pronósticos de mortalidad y de progresión de la EPID-AR. Se formularon un total de 6 recomendaciones específicas sobre estos aspectos, estructuradas por pregunta, con base en la evidencia encontrada y/o consenso de expertos. Conclusiones: Se presenta el primer documento oficial SER-SEPAR de recomendaciones específicas para el abordaje la EPID-AR, con el fin de ayudar en la toma de decisiones a los clínicos directamente implicados en su manejo y aproximar la práctica asistencial a la mejor evidencia posible.(AU)

Objective: To develop multidisciplinary recommendations to improve the management of rheumatoid arthritis-related interstitial lung disease (RA-ILD). Methods: Clinical research questions relevant to the objective of the document were identified by a panel of rheumatologists and pneumologists selected based on their experience in the field. Systematic reviews of the available evidence were conducted, and evidence was graded according to the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN) criteria. Specific recommendations were made. Results: Six PICO questions were selected, three of which analysed the incidence and prevalence of RA-ILD, associated risk factors, and predictors of progression and mortality. A total of 6 specific recommendations on these topics, structured by question, were formulated based on the evidence found and/or expert consensus. Conclusions: We present the first official SER-SEPAR document with specific recommendations for RA-ILD management developed to resolve some common clinical questions and facilitate decision-making for patients.(AU)

SER-SEPAR recommendations for the management of rheumatoid arthritis-related interstitial lung disease. Part 1: Epidemiology, risk factors and prognosis.

OBJECTIVE: To develop multidisciplinary recommendations to improve the management of rheumatoid arthritis-related interstitial lung disease (RA-ILD). METHODS: Clinical research questions relevant to the objective of the document were identified by a panel of rheumatologists and pneumologists selected based on their experience in the field. Systematic reviews of the available evidence were conducted, and evidence was graded according to the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN) criteria. Specific recommendations were made. RESULTS: Six PICO questions were selected, three of which analysed the incidence and prevalence of RA-ILD, associated risk factors, and predictors of progression and mortality. A total of 6 specific recommendations on these topics, structured by question, were formulated based on the evidence found and/or expert consensus. CONCLUSIONS: We present the first official SER-SEPAR document with specific recommendations for RA-ILD management developed to resolve some common clinical questions and facilitate decision-making for patients.

A multi-criteria decision analysis on the value of nintedanib for interstitial lung diseases.

OBJECTIVES: Our aim was to assess the value of nintedanib for non-idiopathic progressive fibrosing interstitial lung disease (non-IPF PF-ILD) and systemic sclerosis-associated ILD (SSc-ILD) in the Spanish context, using a multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA). METHODS: Following an adaptation of the Evidence and Value: Impact on DEcision Making (EVIDEM) MCDA methodology, the estimated value of nintedanib was obtained by means of an additive linear model that combined individual weights (100-points distribution) of criteria with the individual scoring of nintedanib in each criterion for every indication, assigned by a multidisciplinary committee of twelve clinicians, patients, pharmacists, and decision-makers. To assess the reproducibility, an alternative weighting method was applied, as well as a re-test of weights and scores at a different moment of time. RESULTS: The experts committee recognized nintedanib as an intervention with a positive value contribution in comparison to placebo for the treatment of non-IPF PF-ILD (0.50 ± 0.16, on a scale from -1 to 1) and SSc-ILD (0.40 ± 0.12), diseases which were considered as very severe and with high unmet needs. The drug was perceived as a treatment that provides an added therapeutic benefit for patients (0.06-0.07), given its proven clinical efficacy (0.05-0.06), slight improvements in patient-reported outcomes (0.01-0.02), and similar safety profile than placebo (-0.04-0.00), which will likely be positioned as a recommended therapy in the next clinical practice guidelines updates. CONCLUSIONS: Under this increasingly used methodology, nintedanib has shown to provide a positive value estimate for non-IPF PF-ILD and SSc-ILD when compared to placebo in Spain.

Management of progressive pulmonary fibrosis associated with connective tissue disease.

INTRODUCTION: Fibrotic interstitial lung disease (ILD) is a frequent and severe complication of connective tissue disease (CTD). AREAS COVERED: In this narrative review, we update the most relevant differential characteristics of fibrotic ILD associated with CTD (CTD-ILD) and propose a diagnostic and therapeutic approach based on a review of the articles published between 2002 and 2022 through PubMed. EXPERT OPINION: The subset of ILD, mainly the radiological/histological pattern and the degree of fibrotic component, usually determines the prognosis and therapeutic strategy for these patients. Some patients with CTD-ILD can develop progressive pulmonary fibrosis (PPF) with severe deterioration of lung function, rapid progression to chronic respiratory failure, and high mortality. PPF has been described in many CTDs, mainly in systemic sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis, and requires a multidisciplinary diagnostic and therapeutic approach to improve patient outcomes.

Infectious Exacerbations of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis

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Manifestaciones radiológicas de una rara y olvidada enfermedad: el linfoma pulmonar primario / Radiological Manifestations of a Rare and Unrecognized Disease: Primary Pulmonary Lymphoma

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[Translated article] Radiological Manifestations of a Rare and Unrecognized Disease: Primary Pulmonary Lymphoma / Manifestaciones radiológicas de una rara y olvidada enfermedad: el linfoma pulmonar primario

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Biomarcadores biológicos en las enfermedades respiratorias / Biological Biomarkers in Respiratory Diseases

En los últimos años la llamada «medicina personalizada o de precisión» ha irrumpido con fuerza en el manejo de las enfermedades, entre ellas las respiratorias. La posibilidad de implantar esta forma de trabajar pasa indefectiblemente por el hallazgo y validación de biomarcadores biológicos que se relacionen bien con el diagnóstico, tratamiento o pronóstico de los pacientes respiratorios. En este sentido, la mayoría de enfermedades respiratorias o grupo de las mismas ya cuentan con biomarcadores biológicos de mayor o menor fiabilidad, y se están realizando un gran número de estudios en busca de nuevos de estos indicadores. El objetivo de la presente revisión es poner al día al lector y analizar la literatura científica existente sobre la existencia y validez diagnóstica, terapéutica o pronóstica de los biomarcadores biológicos más importantes en la actualidad en las principales enfermedades respiratorias, así como sobre los retos futuros en este sentido. (AU)

In recent years, personalized or precision medicine has made effective inroads into the management of diseases, including respiratory diseases. The route to implementing this approach must invariably start with the identification and validation of biological biomarkers that are closely related to the diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of respiratory patients. In this respect, biological biomarkers of greater or lesser reliability have been identified for most respiratory diseases and disease classes, and a large number of studies are being conducted in the search for new indicators. The aim of this review is to update the reader and to analyze the existing scientific literature on the existence and diagnostic, therapeutic, and prognostic validity of the most important biological biomarkers in the main respiratory diseases, and to identify future challenges in this area. (AU)

[Translated article] Biological Biomarkers in Respiratory Diseases / Biomarcadores biológicos en las enfermedades respiratorias

In recent years, personalized or precision medicine has made effective inroads into the management of diseases, including respiratory diseases. The route to implementing this approach must invariably start with the identification and validation of biological biomarkers that are closely related to the diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of respiratory patients. In this respect, biological biomarkers of greater or lesser reliability have been identified for most respiratory diseases and disease classes, and a large number of studies are being conducted in the search for new indicators. The aim of this review is to update the reader and to analyze the existing scientific literature on the existence and diagnostic, therapeutic, and prognostic validity of the most important biological biomarkers in the main respiratory diseases, and to identify future challenges in this area. (AU)

En los últimos años la llamada «medicina personalizada o de precisión» ha irrumpido con fuerza en el manejo de las enfermedades, entre ellas las respiratorias. La posibilidad de implantar esta forma de trabajar pasa indefectiblemente por el hallazgo y validación de biomarcadores biológicos que se relacionen bien con el diagnóstico, tratamiento o pronóstico de los pacientes respiratorios. En este sentido, la mayoría de enfermedades respiratorias o grupo de las mismas ya cuentan con biomarcadores biológicos de mayor o menor fiabilidad, y se están realizando un gran número de estudios en busca de nuevos de estos indicadores. El objetivo de la presente revisión es poner al día al lector y analizar la literatura científica existente sobre la existencia y validez diagnóstica, terapéutica o pronóstica de los biomarcadores biológicos más importantes en la actualidad en las principales enfermedades respiratorias, así como sobre los retos futuros en este sentido. (AU)

Biological Biomarkers in Respiratory Diseases. / Biomarcadores biológicos en las enfermedades respiratorias.

In recent years, personalized or precision medicine has made effective inroads into the management of diseases, including respiratory diseases. The route to implementing this approach must invariably start with the identification and validation of biological biomarkers that are closely related to the diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of respiratory patients. In this respect, biological biomarkers of greater or lesser reliability have been identified for most respiratory diseases and disease classes, and a large number of studies are being conducted in the search for new indicators. The aim of this review is to update the reader and to analyze the existing scientific literature on the existence and diagnostic, therapeutic, and prognostic validity of the most important biological biomarkers in the main respiratory diseases, and to identify future challenges in this area.

Different Faces of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis With Preserved Forced Vital Capacity / Diferentes caras de la fibrosis pulmonar idiopática con capacidad vital forzada preservada

Introduction Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is progressive and irreversible. Some discrepancies about IPF staging exists, especially in mild phases. Forced vital capacity (FVC) higher than 80% has been considered early or mild IPF even for the design of clinical trials. Methods Spanish multicentre, observational, retrospective study of IPF patients diagnosed between 2012 and 2016, based on the ATS/ERS criteria, which presented FVC greater or equal 80% at diagnosis. Clinical and demographic characteristics, lung function, radiological pattern, treatment, and follow-up were analyzed. Results 225 IPF patients were included, 72.9% were men. The mean age was 69.5 years. The predominant high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) pattern was consistent usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP) (51.6%). 84.7% of patients presented respiratory symptoms (exertional dyspnea and/or cough) and 33.33% showed oxygen desaturation below 90% in the 6min walking test (6MWT). Anti-fibrotic treatment was initiated at diagnosis in 55.11% of patients. Median FVC was 89.6% (IQR 17) and 58.7% of patients had a decrease of diffusion lung capacity for carbon monoxide (DLCO) below 60% of theoretical value; most of them presented functional progression (61.4%) and higher mortality at 3 years (20.45%). A statistically significant correlation with the 3-years mortality was observed between DLCO <60% and consistent UIP radiological pattern. Conclusions Patients with preserved FVC but presenting UIP radiological pattern and moderate–severe DLCO decrease at diagnosis associate an increased risk of progression, death or lung transplantation. Therefore, in these cases, preserved FVC would not be representative of early or mild IPF.

Introducción La fibrosis pulmonar idiopática (FPI) es progresiva e irreversible. Existen algunas discrepancias sobre la estadificación de la FPI, especialmente en las fases leves. La capacidad vital forzada (FVC) superior al 80% se ha considerado una FPI temprana o leve incluso para el diseño de ensayos clínicos. Métodos Estudio español multicéntrico, observacional, retrospectivo de pacientes con FPI diagnosticados entre 2012-2016, en función de los criterios ATS/ERS, que presentaban FVC mayor o igual al 80% al diagnóstico. Se analizaron características clínicas y demográficas, función pulmonar, patrón radiológico, tratamiento y seguimiento. Resultados Se incluyeron 225 pacientes con FPI, el 72,9% eran varones. La edad media fue de 69,5 años. El patrón predominante en la tomografía computarizada de alta resolución (TCAR) fue compatible con neumonía intersticial usual (NIU) (51,6%). El 84,7% de los pacientes presentó síntomas respiratorios (disnea de esfuerzo o tos) y el 33,33% mostró desaturación con una saturación de oxígeno inferior al 90% en la prueba de la marcha de los 6min (PM6M). El tratamiento antifibrótico se inició en el momento del diagnóstico en el 55,11% de los pacientes. La mediana de la CVF fue del 89,6% (RIC 17) y el 58,7% de los pacientes presentó una disminución de la capacidad pulmonar de difusión del monóxido de carbono (DLCO) por debajo del 60% del valor teórico; la mayoría presentó progresión funcional (61,4%) y una mayor mortalidad a los 3 años (20,45%). Se observó una correlación estadísticamente significativa de la mortalidad a los 3 años entre una DLCO<60% y el patrón radiológico compatible con UIP. Conclusiones Los pacientes con FVC conservada pero que presentan patrón radiológico de NIU y disminución moderada-grave de la de DLCO en el momento del diagnóstico se asociaron a un mayor riesgo de progresión, fallecimiento o tener que recibir un trasplante de pulmón. Por lo tanto, en estos casos, una FVC preservada no sería representativa de una FPI temprana o leve

Different Faces of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis With Preserved Forced Vital Capacity.

INTRODUCTION: Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is progressive and irreversible. Some discrepancies about IPF staging exists, especially in mild phases. Forced vital capacity (FVC) higher than 80% has been considered early or mild IPF even for the design of clinical trials. METHODS: Spanish multicentre, observational, retrospective study of IPF patients diagnosed between 2012 and 2016, based on the ATS/ERS criteria, which presented FVC greater or equal 80% at diagnosis. Clinical and demographic characteristics, lung function, radiological pattern, treatment, and follow-up were analyzed. RESULTS: 225 IPF patients were included, 72.9% were men. The mean age was 69.5 years. The predominant high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) pattern was consistent usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP) (51.6%). 84.7% of patients presented respiratory symptoms (exertional dyspnea and/or cough) and 33.33% showed oxygen desaturation below 90% in the 6min walking test (6MWT). Anti-fibrotic treatment was initiated at diagnosis in 55.11% of patients. Median FVC was 89.6% (IQR 17) and 58.7% of patients had a decrease of diffusion lung capacity for carbon monoxide (DLCO) below 60% of theoretical value; most of them presented functional progression (61.4%) and higher mortality at 3 years (20.45%). A statistically significant correlation with the 3-years mortality was observed between DLCO <60% and consistent UIP radiological pattern. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with preserved FVC but presenting UIP radiological pattern and moderate-severe DLCO decrease at diagnosis associate an increased risk of progression, death or lung transplantation. Therefore, in these cases, preserved FVC would not be representative of early or mild IPF.

Impact of high-flow oxygen therapy during exercise in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: a pilot crossover clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Supplemental oxygen delivered with standard oxygen therapy (SOT) improves exercise capacity in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). Although high-flow nasal cannula oxygen therapy (HFNC) improves oxygenation in other respiratory diseases, its impact on exercise performance has never been evaluated in IPF patients. We hypothesized that HFNC may improve exercise capacity in IPF subjects compared to SOT. METHODS: This was a prospective, crossover, pilot randomized trial that compared both oxygenation methods during a constant submaximal cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) in IPF patients with exertional oxygen saturation (SpO2) ≤ 85% in the 6-min walking test. The primary outcome was endurance time (Tlim). Secondary outcomes were muscle oxygen saturation (StO2) and respiratory and leg symptoms. RESULTS: Ten IPF patients [71.7 (6) years old, 90% males] were included. FVC and DLCO were 58 ± 11% and 31 ± 13% pred. respectively. Tlim during CPET was significantly greater using HFNC compared to SOT [494 ± 173 vs. 381 ± 137 s, p = 0.01]. HFNC also associated with a higher increase in inspiratory capacity (IC) [19.4 ± 14.2 vs. 7.1 ± 8.9%, respectively; p = 0.04], and a similar trend was observed in StO2 during exercise. No differences were found in respiratory or leg symptoms between the two oxygen devices. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study demonstrating that HFNC oxygen therapy improves exercise tolerance better than SOT in IPF patients with exertional desaturation. This might be explained by changes in ventilatory mechanics and muscle oxygenation. Further and larger studies are needed to confirm the benefits of HFNC in IPF patients and its potential usefulness in rehabilitation programs.