Specific molecular peak analysis by ion mobility spectrometry of volatile organic compounds in urine of COVID-19 patients: A novel diagnostic approach.

INTRODUCTION: SARS-CoV-2 is usually diagnosed from naso-/oropharyngeal swabs which are uncomfortable and prone to false results. This study investigated a novel diagnostic approach to Covid-19 measuring volatile organic compounds (VOC) from patients' urine. METHODS: Between June 2020 and February 2021, 84 patients with positive RT-PCR for SARS-CoV-2 were recruited as well as 54 symptomatic individuals with negative RT-PCR. Midstream urine samples were obtained for VOC analysis using ion mobility spectrometry (IMS) which detects individual molecular components of a gas sample based on their size, configuration, and charge after ionization. RESULTS: Peak analysis of the 84 Covid and 54 control samples showed good group separation. In total, 37 individual specific peaks were identified, 5 of which (P134, 198, 135, 75, 136) accounted for significant differences between groups, resulting in sensitivities of 89-94% and specificities of 82-94%. A decision tree was generated from the relevant peaks, leading to a combined sensitivity and specificity of 98% each. DISCUSSION: VOC-based diagnosis can establish a reliable separation between urine samples of Covid-19 patients and negative controls. Molecular peaks which apparently are disease-specific were identified. IMS is an additional non-invasive and cheap device for the diagnosis of this ongoing endemic infection. Further studies are needed to validate sensitivity and specificity.

[Risk Assessment of Acute Exacerbation in COPD Patients in the Context of Pulmonary Follow-Up Rehabilitation Based on the Prevalence and Severity of Comorbidities]. / Risikoabschätzung einer akuten Exazerbation bei COPD-Patienten im Rahmen einer pneumologischen Anschluss-Rehabilitation anhand der Prävalenz und Schwergradausprägung von Komorbiditäten.

INTRODUCTION: Acute COPD exacerbations (AECOPD) in the context of pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) are frequent and dangerous complications and, in addition to impairing quality of life, lead to an interruption of PR and jeopardize PR success. In this study, a correlation between the health status and an increased risk of AECOPD is described. The question arises whether the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) or the Cumulative Illness Rating Scale (CIRS) are suitable for the preventive detection of COPD patients at risk for exacerbation in PR. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In a retrospective study, data of COPD patients who underwent PR in 2018 were analyzed with the CCI as the primary endpoint. All data were taken from the Phoenix Clinical Information System, and COPD exacerbations were recorded. The 44 patients (22 with and 22 without exacerbation during PR) required according to the sample size planning were randomly recruited from this pool of patients (using a random list for each group). CCI and CIRS were determined for all the cases included in the two groups. The primary endpoint (CCI) was evaluated by group comparison of the arithmetic means and Welch test. This was supported by further statistical measures of position and dispersion (median, quartile, standard deviation).In addition, the optimal cut-off point for discrimination in AECOPD and non-AECOPD patients was obtained via Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) analysis for both the CCI and the CIRS. RESULTS: Out of 244 COPD patients who underwent PR for an average of 21 days, 59 (24 %) suffered AECOPD that required treatment during PR. The 22 patients with AECOPD had a mean CCI of 6.77 (SD: 1.97) and the 22 patients without AECOPD had a mean CCI of 4.32 (SD: 1.17). This difference of -2.45 was statistically significant at a level of significance of 5 % (p < 0.001; 95 % CI: [-3.45; -1.46]). The ROC analysis led to 6 as the optimal cut-off point for the CCI, with 81.8 % sensitivity for determining an AECOPD and 86.4 % specificity with an area under the curve (AUC) value of 0.87. The optimal cut-off point for CIRS was 19 with a sensitivity of 50 %, a specificity of 77.2 % and an AUC of 0.65. CONCLUSION: COPD patients with acute exacerbation during PR have a higher CCI. The CCI allows the risk of AECOPD to be assessed with high sensitivity and specificity in participants with COPD in an inpatient PR program.

[Group Training of Patients with Chronic Lung Diseases under Outpatient Conditions - Recommendations of the Working Group Lung Sports in Germany and the German Airways League]. / Ambulanter Lungensport und körperliches Training bei Patienten mit Atemwegs- und Lungenkrankheiten.

To improve acceptance and use of physical training by patients with chronic lung diseases, recommendations for performing lung exercises on an outpatient basis in a group setting are given by experts in physical training, sports therapists and pulmonologists. The evidence-based positive effects of physical training were analyzed for asthma , COPD, interstitial lung diseases, cystic fibrosis, lung carcinoma, and pulmonary hypertension. The requirements for lung exercises in outpatient groups as well as compensation by care providers were given on the basis of legal regulations. Furthermore, the main items of the training units as well as supervision by specially trained group leaders in relation to the severity of the underlying lung disease are described. Finally, aspects of safety of the participating patients are discussed, including the prevention of infection with corona-2-virus.

[Recommendations from the German Respiratory Society for Pulmonary Rehabilitation in Patients with COVID-19]. / DGP-Empfehlungen zur pneumologischen Rehabilitation bei COVID-19.

The German Respiratory Society (DGP) has commissioned Assembly 12 "Rehabilitation, Prevention and Tobacco Control" to develop recommendations for the implementation of pulmonary rehabilitation in COVID-19 patients. This position paper is based on the current state of knowledge, which develops daily. This position paper describes the health consequences in COVID-19 as well as the indications for pulmonary rehabilitation. Rehabilitative therapies in COVID-19 are already indicated on the ward or intensive care unit, continue as early pulmonary rehabilitation in the acute hospital and as pulmonary rehabilitation in pulmonary rehabilitation centers. The main focus of this position paper is to propose recommendations for the content-related implementation of a multimodal, interdisciplinary pulmonary rehabilitation in COVID-19 patients.

[Impact of a Senso-Motoric Intervention in COPD-Patients Participating in an Outpatient Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program: A Randomized Controlled Trial]. / Effektivität eines sensomotorischen Krafttrainings im Rahmen einer ambulanten pneumologischen Rehabilitation bei COPD-Patienten: eine randomisierte kontrollierte Studie.

Objective Exercise training provides a cornerstone of pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) in COPD-patients. However, the components of the training are not yet fully investigated. We conducted a randomized controlled trial to investigate the effectiveness of a sensory-motoric training (SMT) in comparison to a conventional strength training (KT) according to the physical performance. Patients and Methods: 43 COPD patients were randomized and participated either in the intervention group (SMT = 30 minutes SMT per day) or in the control group (KT = 30 minutes KT per day). The SMT was performed as circuit training with five stations. The primary endpoint was the difference between T1 (start of the PR) and T2 (end of the PR) in 5-Times Sit-to-stand test (5-STST) in the intergroup comparison. Secondary endpoints were the intra- and intergroup comparisons of T1 and T2 in the 6-Minute Walk Test (6-MWT), COPD Assessment Test (CAT), St. George Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ), Hospital Anxiety- and Depression Scale (HADS) and in lung function. Results No significant differences were seen in the results of the 5-STST between the groups. Likewise, in the 6-MWT, SGRQ, CAT, HADS and lung function. The intragroup comparison between T1 and T2 showed significant differences in 5-STST, 6-MWT, SGRQ, CAT and HADS in both groups. The differences in lung function were not significantly, neither in the inter- nor in the intragroup comparison. Conclusion Similarly to a conventional strength training improvements in exercise capacity could be achieved with a SMT during PR in COPD patients. Further studies are necessary to define the role of the SMT in regards to postural control.

[Outcome predictors for COPD patients hospitalized for acute exacerbation]. / Outcomeprädiktoren für hospitalisierte COPD-Patienten bei akuter Exazerbation.

BACKGROUND: Prognostic factors for clinical failure of acute exacerbation in patients with COPD (AECOPD) are of special importance in order to choose an adequate therapy and resources during inpatient treatment. Our database was analyzed to identify predictors for a negative outcome. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In a retrospective analysis medical records of 616 patients (299 women; 317 men) hospitalized for AECOPD between January 2011 and January 2016 were analyzed in order to evaluate demographic and clinical parameters leading to adverse events. Only the first admission was considered. Logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the relative risk (odds ratio (OR) leading to severe adverse events such as intensive care unit (ICU) admission, mechanical ventilation (invasive or noninvasive), early readmission to ICU and hospital and death). RESULTS: An increased risk of an ICU admission was found for patients with a coronary heart disease (OR = 5.734; p = 0.009) and for patients requiring an antibiotic therapy (OR = 11.721; p = 0.003). An increased risk for rehospitalisation and mortality was found for age (OR = 1.034; p = 0.028) and a longer duration of the hospital stay (OR = 1.063; p = 0.042). A lower C­reactive protein (CRP) level was associated with a lower risk of readmission to the hospital (OR = 0.991; p = 0.03). An increased risk of ventilator therapy was found for patients with chronic heart failure (OR = 6.166; p = 0.02) and sleep apnea syndrome (OR = 6.698; p = 0.003), diabetes (OR = 3.754; p = 0.041) and a long stay in the ICU (OR = 2.018; p = 0.000). CONCLUSIONS: Comorbidities in patients with AECOPD were found to be a major risk factor for ICU admission and mechanical ventilation. Elderly patients and patients with prolonged hospital stay showed a higher risk for readmission and mortality. Patients with a low CRP blood level seemed to have a lower risk for rehospitalisation.

[Relevance of Outpatient, Equipment-based Exercise Training in Patients with Chronic Respiratory Diseases]. / Stellenwert ambulanter, gerätegestützter Trainingstherapie bei Atemwegs- und Lungenkrankheiten.

Exercise training is one of the most important components in disease management for patients with chronic respiratory diseases. The clinically relevant benefits of endurance and strength training on dyspnea, exercise capacity and quality of life have been evaluated very well. However, there are some legal limitations by the German Working Group for Rehabilitation (BAR) concerning outpatient exercise training programs (beyond pulmonary rehabilitation): only group-based callisthenic training programs receive funding from health care insurances while professional equipment-based training programs are excluded despite their outstanding effectiveness.This review provides an overview on the methodology and the benefits of outpatient exercise training programs for patients with chronic respiratory diseases, and it critically discusses the organizational structures of these programs in Germany.

Effects on pulmonary rehabilitation in patients with COPD or ILD: A retrospective analysis of clinical and functional predictors with particular emphasis on gender.

BACKGROUND: The response of patients in a pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) is essentially good. However, not all patients benefit from PR to the same extent. In this analysis we wanted to identify the impact of gender and other factors on PR outcomes in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or interstitial lung disease (ILD). METHODS: Patients suffering from COPD (n = 1492) or ILD (n = 599), treated during an inpatient PR between 1997 and 2015, were analysed according to the effects of PR on exercise capacity and quality of life with regard to the impact of gender or other predictors by univariate and multivariate analyzes. RESULTS: In the group of COPD patients, 30% did not achieve the expected physical performance during the 6-min walk test (28% of female and 32% of male patients). However, the non-responders initially have had a higher 6-min walking distance (6-MWD) (p < 0.001) and both male and female showed a significant lower BODE index (p = 0.025) in the multivariate analysis. In the ILD-group, 37% females and 43% males were classified as non-responders with regard to the 6-MWD. Also in this group, the non-responders initially have had a higher 6-MWD (p < 0.001). All other variables (age, BMI, lung function, blood gases, C-reactive Protein, Haemoglobin or rehabilitation duration) had no influence on the outcome. CONCLUSION: Our study supports the positive effects of PR in COPD and ILD patients. In both groups, patients with the biggest limitations benefit most from PR. However, relevant gender differences or other predictors could not be found.

[Preliminary Short-term Results of an All-day Outpatient Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program in an Acute Hospital on Patients with Mild to Very Severe COPD]. / Erste Kurzzeitergebnisse eines ganztägigen ambulanten pneumologischen Rehabilitationsprogramms an einer Akutklinik bei Patienten mit leicht- bis schwerstgradiger COPD.

INTRODUCTION: Positive effects of pulmonary rehabilitation on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are well known, and inpatient rehabilitation programs are the preferred modality in Germany. In this paper, we report on the recent results of a daily outpatient rehabilitation program offered at an acute hospital, the first of this kind in Germany. It is not known whether this kind of rehabilitation is an effective approach. METHODS: 32 consecutive COPD patients GOLD-stage II-IV, phenotype B-D (mean 64.5±21.9 years; 18 male, 14 female) completed a rehabilitation program of 19 (15-21) days conducted according to the recommendations of the National Accociation for Rehabilitation. In this prospective observational study, data (walking distance in the 6-MWD, BODE-Index, HADS-, BDI/TDI-, CAT-questionnaire) were collected at the beginning (T1) and at the end (T2) of the program and the results are presented in a pre- vs. post-analysis. RESULTS: We found significant positive effects for most of the measured parameters, except for body plethysmography, diffusion capacity and blood gas. Especially the increase in the 6 min walking distance (6-MWD) was remarkable (T1: 485.78±158.24, T2: 527.97±146.75 m, p=0.0212). There were no adverse events or complications. All participants were able to complete the program properly. CONCLUSION: Most of the measured parameters in COPD patients with stage II or worse disease improved significantly during the comprehensive outpatient rehabilitation program. A limitation of this study is the small number of cases, and further conclusions can only be made after examining a larger sample. The setting of this rehabilitation program in an acute hospital seems to be meaningful in an organisational and structural sense.

[A current view to the diagnostic and therapeutic options of venous thromboembolism]. / Aktuelle Diagnostik und Therapie der Lungenembolie.

The acute venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a life threatening event which might cause difficulties in diagnostic and therapeutic considerations because of the nonspecific symptomatic. In addition to the probability of a VTE, the risk stratification is of decisive importance to the further diagnostic and therapeutic management. The introduction of the new oral direct anticoagulation substances offer important variation to the previous therapy options and are mentioned in this article. The duration of the secondary prophylaxis therapy of VTE will be much more influenced by the reduced bleeding risk profile of the new agents.