Therapeutic effect of long-acting muscarinic antagonist for treating uncontrolled asthma assessed using impulse oscillometry.

BACKGROUND: In recent years, the incorporation of LAMAs into asthma therapy has been expected to enhance symptom control. However, a significant number of patients with asthma continue to experience poorly managed symptoms. There have been limited investigations on LAMA-induced airway alterations in asthma treatment employing IOS. In this study, we administered a LAMA to patients with poorly controlled asthma, evaluated clinical responses and respiratory function, and investigated airway changes facilitated by LAMA treatments using the IOS. METHODS: Of a total of 1282 consecutive patients with asthma, 118 exhibited uncontrolled symptoms. Among them, 42 switched their treatment to high-dose fluticasone furoate/umeclidinium/vilanterol (FF/UMEC/VI) (ICS/LABA/LAMA). The patients were then assessed using AHQ-33 or LCQ and ACT. Spirometry parameters (such as FEV1 or MMEF) and IOS parameters (such as R20 or AX) were measured and compared before and after exacerbations and the addition of LAMA. RESULTS: Of the 42 patients, 17 who switched to FF/UMEC/VI caused by dyspnea exhibited decreased pulmonary function between period 1 and baseline, followed by an increase in pulmonary function between baseline and period 2. Significant differences were observed in IOS parameters such as R20, R5-R20, Fres, or AX between period 1 and baseline as well as between baseline and period 2. Among the patients who switched to inhaler due to cough, 25 were classified as responders (n = 17) and nonresponders (n = 8) based on treatment outcomes. Among nonresponders, there were no significant differences in spirometry parameters such as FEV1 or PEF and IOS parameters such as R20 or AX between period 1 and baseline. However, among responders, significant differences were observed in all IOS parameters, though not in most spirometry parameters, between period 1 and baseline. Furthermore, significant differences were noted between baseline and period 2 in terms of FEV1, %MMEF, %PEF, and all IOS parameters. CONCLUSION: ICS/LABA/LAMA demonstrates superiority over ICS/LABA in improving symptoms and lung function, which is primarily attributed to the addition of LAMA. Additionally, IOS revealed the effectiveness of LAMA across all airway segments, particularly in the periphery. Hence, LAMA can be effective against various asthma phenotypes characterized by airway inflammation, even in real-world cases.

A formula for predicting emphysema extent in combined idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and emphysema.

BACKGROUND: No single pulmonary function test captures the functional effect of emphysema in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). Without experienced radiologists, other methods are needed to determine emphysema extent. Here, we report the development and validation of a formula to predict emphysema extent in patients with IPF and emphysema. METHODS: The development cohort included 76 patients with combined IPF and emphysema at the Royal Brompton Hospital, London, United Kingdom. The formula was derived using stepwise regression to generate the weighted combination of pulmonary function data that fitted best with emphysema extent on high-resolution computed tomography. Test cohorts included patients from two clinical trials (n = 455 [n = 174 with emphysema]; NCT00047645, NCT00075998) and a real-world cohort from the Royal Brompton Hospital (n = 191 [n = 110 with emphysema]). The formula is only applicable for patients with IPF and concomitant emphysema and accordingly was not used to detect the presence or absence of emphysema. RESULTS: The formula was: predicted emphysema extent = 12.67 + (0.92 x percent predicted forced vital capacity) - (0.65 x percent predicted forced expiratory volume in 1 second) - (0.52 x percent predicted carbon monoxide diffusing capacity). A significant relationship between the formula and observed emphysema extent was found in both cohorts (R2 = 0.25, P < 0.0001; R2 = 0.47, P < 0.0001, respectively). In both, the formula better predicted observed emphysema extent versus individual pulmonary function tests. A 15% emphysema extent threshold, calculated using the formula, identified a significant difference in absolute changes from baseline in forced vital capacity at Week 48 in patients with baseline-predicted emphysema extent < 15% versus ≥ 15% (P = 0.0105). CONCLUSION: The formula, designed for use in patients with IPF and emphysema, demonstrated enhanced ability to predict emphysema extent versus individual pulmonary function tests. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT00047645; NCT00075998.

Prediction of Clinical Response to Dupilumab in Patients with Severe Asthma Using Fractional Exhaled Nitric Oxide Combined with Pulmonary Function Testing.

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) combined with pulmonary function testing (PFT) for predicting the treatment outcome of patients with severe asthma receiving dupilumab. METHODS: A total of 31 patients with severe asthma visiting our hospital from January 2022 to June 2023 were included in this study, with 28 patients completing a 16-week course of dupilumab treatment. Baseline clinical data, including demographic information, blood eosinophil counts, serum IgE levels, FeNO, asthma control test (ACT), asthma control questionnaire (ACQ), and other parameters, were collected. A predictive model using a generalized linear model was established. RESULTS: Following the 16-week course of dupilumab treatment, 22 patients showed effective response based on GETE scores, while 6 patients were nonresponders. Notably, significant improvements were observed in clinical parameters such as blood eosinophil counts, serum IgE levels, FeNO, FEV1, FEV1%, ACT, and ACQ in both response groups (p < 0.05). FeNO and pulmonary function tests demonstrated AUC values of 0.530, 0.561, and 0.765, respectively, in predicting the clinical efficacy of dupilumab, which were lower than when FeNO was combined with FEV1%. The combination of FeNO and FEV1% had a sensitivity of 1.000 and specificity of 0.591 in predicting treatment response. CONCLUSION: The combined assessment of FeNO and FEV1% provides improved accuracy for predicting the clinical efficacy of dupilumab in managing severe asthma. However, further larger scale clinical studies with comprehensive follow-up data are needed to validate the therapeutic efficacy and applicability across diverse patient populations.

Evaluation and management of dyspnea as the dominant presenting feature in neuromuscular disorders.

Dyspnea is a common symptom in neuromuscular disorders and, although multifactorial, it is usually due to respiratory muscle involvement, associated musculoskeletal changes such as scoliosis or, in certain neuromuscular conditions, cardiomyopathy. Clinical history can elicit symptoms such as orthopnea, trepopnea, sleep disruption, dysphagia, weak cough, and difficulty with secretion clearance. The examination is essential to assist with the diagnosis of an underlying neurologic disorder and determine whether dyspnea is from a cardiac or pulmonary origin. Specific attention should be given to possible muscle loss, use of accessory muscles of breathing, difficulty with neck flexion/extension, presence of thoraco-abdominal paradox, conversational dyspnea, cardiac examination, and should include a detailed neurological examination directed at the suspected differential diagnosis. Pulmonary function testing including sitting and supine spirometry, measures of inspiratory and expiratory muscle strength, cough peak flow, sniff nasal inspiratory pressure, pulse oximetry, transcutaneous CO2, and arterial blood gases will help determine the extent of the respiratory muscle involvement, assess for hypercapnic or hypoxemic respiratory failure, and qualify the patient for noninvasive ventilation when appropriate. Additional testing includes dynamic imaging with sniff fluoroscopy or diaphragm ultrasound, and diaphragm electromyography. Polysomnography is indicated for sleep related symptoms that are not otherwise explained. Noninvasive ventilation alleviates dyspnea and nocturnal symptoms, improves quality of life, and prolongs survival. Therapy targeted at neuromuscular disorders may help control the disease or favorably modify its course. For patients who have difficulty with secretion clearance, support of expiratory function with mechanical insufflation-exsufflation, oscillatory devices can reduce the aspiration risk.

Evaluating the clinical utility of small airway function assessment for early diagnosis of GOLD stage 0 chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the clinical utility of small airway function indices for early identification of GOLD stage 0 chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). METHODS: This retrospective study enrolled 137 participants at our institution between January 2017 and December 2018, comprising 40 healthy controls, 46 individuals with GOLD stage 0 COPD, and 51 patients with established COPD. Pulmonary function was assessed using the PowerCube spirometry system (GANSHORN, Germany). Parameters evaluated included forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), FEV1/FVC ratio, and small airway function indicators. RESULTS: The COPD cohort exhibited significantly lower values across all lung function measures compared to the other two groups, particularly for dynamic lung volume parameters such as FEV1%predicted and FEV1/FVC%. Small airway function indices, including FEV3%predicted, FEF75%predicted, FEF50%predicted, FEF25%predicted, and MMEF%predicted, were markedly decreased in the COPD group (all p-values <0.001). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis demonstrated that MMEF/FVC% and FEV3/FVC% had high diagnostic accuracy for COPD, with MMEF/FVC% exhibiting the optimal sensitivity and specificity. CONCLUSION: Small airway function indices, especially MMEF/FVC%, can serve as effective tools for early identification of GOLD stage 0 COPD. Incorporation of these findings into clinical practice may facilitate early diagnosis and intervention, thereby improving treatment outcomes and patient quality of life.

Extracting forced vital capacity from the electronic health record through natural language processing in rheumatoid arthritis-associated interstitial lung disease.

PURPOSE: To develop a natural language processing (NLP) tool to extract forced vital capacity (FVC) values from electronic health record (EHR) notes in patients with rheumatoid arthritis-interstitial lung disease (RA-ILD). METHODS: We selected RA-ILD patients (n = 7485) in the Veterans Health Administration (VA) between 2000 and 2020 using validated ICD-9/10 codes. We identified numeric values in proximity to FVC string patterns from clinical notes in the EHR. Subsequently, we performed processing steps to account for variability in note structure, related pulmonary function test (PFT) output, and values copied across notes, then assigned dates from linked administrative procedure records. NLP-derived FVC values were compared to values recorded directly from PFT equipment available on a subset of patients. RESULTS: We identified 5911 FVC values (n = 1844 patients) from PFT equipment and 15 383 values (n = 4982 patients) by NLP. Among 2610 date-matched FVC values from NLP and PFT equipment, 95.8% of values were within 5% predicted. The mean (SD) difference was 0.09% (5.9), and values strongly correlated (r = 0.94, p < 0.001), with a precision of 0.87 (95% CI 0.86, 0.88). NLP captured more patients with longitudinal FVC values (n = 3069 vs. n = 1164). Mean (SD) change in FVC %-predicted per year was similar between sources (-1.5 [30.0] NLP vs. -0.9 [16.6] PFT equipment; standardized response mean = 0.05 for both). CONCLUSIONS: NLP of EHR notes increases the capture of accurate, longitudinal FVC values by three-fold over PFT equipment. Use of this NLP tool can facilitate pharmacoepidemiologic research in RA-ILD and other lung diseases by capturing this critical measure of disease severity.

Small airways morphological alterations associated with functional impairment in lymphangioleiomyomatosis.

BACKGROUND: Lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM) is a rare neoplastic and cystic pulmonary disease characterized by abnormal proliferation of the so-called LAM cells. Despite the functional obstructive pattern observed in most patients, few studies investigated the morphological changes in the small airways, most of them in patients with severe and advanced LAM undergoing lung transplantation. Understanding the morphological changes in the airways that may occur early in the disease can help us understand the pathophysiology of disease progression and understand the rationale for possible therapeutic approaches, such as the use of bronchodilators. Our study aimed to characterize the morphological alterations of the small airways in patients with LAM with different severities compared to controls, and their association with variables at the pulmonary function test and with LAM Histological Score (LHS). METHODS: Thirty-nine women with LAM who had undergone open lung biopsy or lung transplantation, and nine controls were evaluated. The histological severity of the disease was assessed as LHS, based on the percentage of tissue involvement by cysts and infiltration by LAM cells. The following morphometric parameters were obtained: airway thickness, airway closure index, collagen and airway smooth muscle content, airway epithelial TGF-ß expression, and infiltration of LAM cells and inflammatory cells within the small airway walls. RESULTS: The age of patients with LAM was 39 ± 8 years, with FEV1 and DLCO of 62 ± 30% predicted and 62 ± 32% predicted, respectively. Patients with LAM had increased small airway closure index, collagen and smooth muscle content, and epithelial TGF-beta expression compared with controls. Patients with LAM with the more severe LHS and with greater functional severity (FEV1 ≤ 30%) presented higher thicknesses of the airways. Bronchiolar inflammation was mild; infiltration of the small airway walls by LAM cells was rare. LHS was associated with an obstructive pattern, air trapping, and reduced DLCO, whereas small airway wall thickness was associated with FEV1, FVC, and collagen content. CONCLUSION: LAM is associated with small airway remodelling and partial airway closure, with structural alterations observed at different airway compartments. Functional impairment in LAM is associated with airway remodelling and, most importantly, with histological severity (LHS).

Screening and staging of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease with deep learning based on chest X-ray images and clinical parameters.

BACKGROUND: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is underdiagnosed with the current gold standard measure pulmonary function test (PFT). A more sensitive and simple option for early detection and severity evaluation of COPD could benefit practitioners and patients. METHODS: In this multicenter retrospective study, frontal chest X-ray (CXR) images and related clinical information of 1055 participants were collected and processed. Different deep learning algorithms and transfer learning models were trained to classify COPD based on clinical data and CXR images from 666 subjects, and validated in internal test set based on 284 participants. External test including 105 participants was also performed to verify the generalization ability of the learning algorithms in diagnosing COPD. Meanwhile, the model was further used to evaluate disease severity of COPD by predicting different grads. RESULTS: The Ensemble model showed an AUC of 0.969 in distinguishing COPD by simultaneously extracting fusion features of clinical parameters and CXR images in internal test, better than models that used clinical parameters (AUC = 0.963) or images (AUC = 0.946) only. For the external test set, the AUC slightly declined to 0.934 in predicting COPD based on clinical parameters and CXR images. When applying the Ensemble model to determine disease severity of COPD, the AUC reached 0.894 for three-classification and 0.852 for five-classification respectively. CONCLUSION: The present study used DL algorithms to screen COPD and predict disease severity based on CXR imaging and clinical parameters. The models showed good performance and the approach might be an effective case-finding tool with low radiation dose for COPD diagnosis and staging.

Quantitative CT analysis of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and correlation with lung function study.

BACKGROUND: Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) is a progressive fibrotic lung disease. However, the field of quantitative CT scan analysis in conjunction with pulmonary function test for IPF patients remains relatively understudied. In this study, we evaluated the diagnostic value of features derived high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) for patients with IPF and correlated them with pulmonary function tests. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the chest HRCT images and pulmonary function test results of 52 patients with IPF during the same period (1 week) and selected 52 healthy individuals, matched for sex, age, and body mass index (BMI) and with normal chest HRCT as controls. HRCT scans were performed using a Philips 256-row Brilliance iCT scanner with standardized parameters. Lung function tests were performed using a Jaeger volumetric tracer for forced vital capacity (FVC), total lung capacity (TLC), forced expiratory volume in first second (FEV1), FEV1/FVC, carbon monoxide diffusing capacity (DLCO), and maximum ventilation volume (MVV) metrics. CT quantitative analysis, including tissue segmentation and threshold-based quantification of lung abnormalities, was performed using 3D-Slicer software to calculate the percentage of normal lung areas (NL%), percentage of ground-glass opacity areas (GGO%), percentage of fibrotic area (F%) and abnormal lesion area percentage (AA%). Semi-quantitative analyses were performed by two experienced radiologists to assess disease progression. The aortic-to-sternal distance (ASD) was measured on axial images as a standardized parameter. Spearman or Pearson correlation analysis and multivariate stepwise linear regression were used to analyze the relationship between the data in each group, and the ROC curve was used to determine the optimal quantitative CT metrics for identifying IPF and controls. RESULTS: ROC curve analysis showed that F% distinguished the IPF patient group from the control group with the largest area under the curve (AUC) of 0.962 (95% confidence interval: 0.85-0.96). Additionally, with F% = 4.05% as the threshold, the Youden's J statistic was 0.827, with a sensitivity of 92.3% and a specificity of 90.4%. The ASD was significantly lower in the late stage of progression than in the early stage (t = 5.691, P < 0.001), with a mean reduction of 2.45% per month. Quantitative CT indices correlated with all pulmonary function parameters except FEV1/FVC, with the highest correlation coefficients observed for F% and TLC%, FEV1%, FVC%, MVV% (r = - 0.571, - 0.520, - 0.521, - 0.555, respectively, all P-values < 0.001), and GGO% was significantly correlated with DLCO% (r = - 0.600, P < 0.001). Multiple stepwise linear regression analysis showed that F% was the best predictor of TLC%, FEV1%, FVC%, and MVV% (R2 = 0.301, 0.301, 0.300, and 0.302, respectively, all P-values < 0.001), and GGO% was the best predictor of DLCO% (R2 = 0.360, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Quantitative CT analysis can be used to diagnose IPF and assess lung function impairment. A decrease in the ASD may indicate disease progression.

Childhood severe asthma: relationship among asthma control scores, FeNO, spirometry and impulse oscillometry.

INTRODUCTION: The evaluation of the asthmatic patient is usually based on clinical and functional parameters that do not necessarily evidence the degree of airway inflammation. The aim of this study was to analyze whether clinical scores (CS) correlate with spirometry (S), impulse oscillometry (IO) and FeNO, in severe asthmatic children. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A multicentric, prospective, cross-sectional study was conducted over a 12-month period. All SA patients (6-18 years old) followed-up in the Pulmonology Department were recruited. CS, FeNO measurements, IO and S were consecutively performed on the same day. Asthma control was ascertained using ACT and GINAq. A cut-off value of ≥ 25 parts per billion (ppb) was used to define airway inflammation. RESULTS: Eighty-one patients were included. ACT: 75% (n 61) were controlled; GINAq: 44.5% (n 36) were controlled; 39.5% (n 32) were partly controlled, and 16% (n 13) were uncontrolled. FeNO had a median value of 24 ppb (IQR 14-41); FeNO ≥ 25 ppb was observed in 49% of patients (n 39). ROC AUC for FeNO vs. ACT was 0.71 (95%CI 0.57-0.86), PPV 0.47, NPV 0.87, SE 0.61, SP 0.80; FeNO vs. GINAq was ROC AUC 0.69 (95%CI 0.54-0.85), PPV 0.34, NPV 0.91, SE 0.62, SP 0.77; Youden cut-off FeNO > 39 ppb for both CS. CONCLUSION: In severe asthmatic children, current symptoms control as evidenced by ACT and GINA correlates with low FeNO values. Clinical scores showed good correlation with airway inflammation.

Analysis of clinical characteristics of different types of lung function impaiement in TDL patients.

AIM: The clinical characteristics associated with pulmonary function decline in patients with Tuberculosis-destroyed lung (TDL) remain uncertain. We categorize them based on the pattern of pulmonary function impairment, distinguishing between restrictive spirometric pattern (RSP) and obstructive spirometric pattern (OSP). We aim to compare the severity of these patterns with the clinical characteristics of TDL patients and analyze their correlation. METHOD: We conducted a retrospective analysis on the clinical data of TDL patients who underwent consecutive pulmonary function tests (PFT) from November 2002 to February 2023. We used the lower limit formula for normal values based on the 2012 Global Lung Function Initiative. We compared the clinical characteristics of RSP patients with those of OSP patients. The characteristics of RSP patients were analyzed using the tertiles of forced vital capacity percentage predicted (FVC% pred) decline based on PFT measurements, and the characteristics of OSP patients were analyzed using the tertiles of forced expiratory volume in 1 s percentage predicted (FEV1% pred) decline. RESULT: Among the RSP patients, those in the Tertile1 group (with lower FVC% pred) were more likely to have a higher of body mass index (BMI), spinal deformities, and C-reactive protein (CRP) compared to the other two groups (P for trend < 0.001, 0.027, and 0.013, respectively). Among OSP patients, those in the Tertile1 group (with lower FEV1% pred) showed an increasing trend in cough symptoms and contralateral lung infection compared to the Tertile 2-3 group (P for trend 0.036 and 0.009, respectively). CONCLUSION: For TDL patients, we observed that Patients with high BMI, a higher proportion of spinal scoliosis, and abnormal elevation of CRP levels were more likely to have reduced FVC. Patients with decreased FEV1% pred have more frequent cough symptoms and a higher proportion of lung infections on the affected side.

Orthopnea secondary to brachial plexitis with bilateral diaphragmatic paralysis.

BACKGROUND: Diaphragmatic paralysis can present with orthopnea. We report a unique presentation of bilateral diaphragmatic paralysis, an uncommon diagnosis secondary to an unusual cause, brachial plexitis. This report thoroughly describes the patient's presentation, workup, management, and outcome. It also reviews the literature on diaphragmatic paralysis and Parsonage-Turner syndrome. CASE PRESENTATION: A 50-year-old male patient developed insidious orthopnea associated with left shoulder and neck pain over three months with no associated symptoms. On examination, marked dyspnea was observed when the patient was asked to lie down; breath sounds were present and symmetrical, and the neurological examination was normal. The chest radiograph showed an elevated right hemidiaphragm. Echocardiogram was normal. There was a 63% positional reduction in Forced Vital Capacity and maximal inspiratory and expiratory pressures on pulmonary function testing. The electromyogram was consistent with neuromuscular weakness involving both brachial plexus and diaphragmatic muscle (Parsonage and Turner syndrome). CONCLUSIONS: Compared to unilateral, bilateral diaphragmatic paralysis may be more challenging to diagnose. On PFT, reduced maximal respiratory pressures, especially the maximal inspiratory pressure, are suggestive. Parsonage-Turner syndrome is rare, usually with unilateral diaphragmatic paralysis, but bilateral cases have been reported.

Understanding changes in pulmonary function and functional status in breast cancer patients after systemic chemotherapy and radiotherapy: a prospective study.

BACKGROUND: Respiratory complications in breast cancer (BC) patients after chemotherapy (CT) and radiotherapy (RT) have been well acquainted and these complications should be investigated to prevent secondary problems and/or improve BC patients' clinical outcomes. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the potential acute effect of systemic chemotherapy and radiotherapy on respiratory function and functional status of patients with breast cancer. METHODS: A total of 25 BC patients who were candidates for systemic chemotherapy and radiotherapy were recruited after oncological examination and included in this study. Respiratory function and functional status were assessed with the Pulmonary Function Test (PFT) and the Six-Minute Walk Test (6MWT), respectively. Patients were assessed before CT (c0), after CT (c1), and after RT (r1). RESULTS: 25 BC patients were assessed in c0 and c1 while only 15 out of 25 patients (60%) were assessed in r1. The actual values of Forced vital capacity (FVC) (t = 2.338, p =.028), Forced expiratory volume in 1s (FEV1 (t = 2.708, p =.012), and the forced expiratory flow of between 25% and 75% of vital capacity (FEF25-75%) (t = 2.200, p =.038) were found significantly different after systemic CT. Inspiratory (MIP) and expiratory (MEP) muscle strength also did not show a significant change from c0 to c1. A significant effect of the type of surgery was found (Wilks' lambda, F [1, 19] = 6.561, p =.019, ηp2 = 0.25) between c0 and c1 in actual FVC value. The main effect of time was found significant in FVC (F [2, 28] = 4.840, p =.016, ηp2 = 0.25) from c0 to r1. Pairwise comparisons with Bonferroni correction showed that there was a significant difference between c0 and r1 (p =.037). DISCUSSION: The present study showed decreased FVC and FEV1 actual values and percent predicted rates from baseline to the completion of treatment. Since the interactional effect of the type of surgery was significant, we suggest that clinical and demographic factors such as age should be considered when interpreting the early changes in PFT. In addition, the significant linear trend of decreasing in some specific outcomes in respiratory function also highlighted the need for continuous monitoring of potential respiratory problems in patients with BC from baseline to the completion of chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

Long-term pulmonary outcomes of young adults born prematurely: a Polish prospective cohort study PREMATURITAS 20.

BACKGROUND: The long-term consequences of prematurity are often not sufficiently recognized. To address this gap, a prospective cohort study, which is a continuation of the multicenter Polish study PREMATURITAS, was conducted, utilizing unique clinical data from 20 years ago. OBJECTIVE: The main goal was to evaluate lung function, detect any structural abnormalities using lung ultrasound, and assess psychological well-being in young adults born between 24 and 34 weeks of gestational age (GA). Additionally, the study aimed to investigate potential associations between perinatal risk factors and abnormalities observed in pulmonary function tests (PFTs) during adulthood. METHODS: The young survivors underwent a comprehensive set of PFTs, a lung ultrasound, along with the quality of life assessment. Information regarding the neonatal period and respiratory complications was obtained from the baseline data collected in the PREMATURITAS study. RESULTS: A total of 52 young adults, with a mean age of 21.6 years, underwent PFTs. They were divided into two groups based on GA: 24-28 weeks (n = 12) and 29-34 weeks (n = 40). The subgroup born more prematurely had significantly higher lung clearance index (LCI), compared to the other subgroup (p = 0.013). LCI ≥ 6.99 was more frequently observed in the more premature group (50% vs. 12.5%, p = 0.005), those who did not receive prenatal steroids (p = 0.020), with a diagnosis of Respiratory Distress Syndrome (p = 0.034), those who received surfactant (p = 0.026), and mechanically ventilated ≥ 7 days (p = 0.005). Additionally, elevated LCI was associated with the diagnosis of asthma (p = 0.010). CONCLUSIONS: The findings suggest pulmonary effects due to prematurity persist into adulthood and their insult on small airway function. Regular follow-up evaluations of young survivors born preterm should include assessments of PFTs. Specifically, the use of LCI can provide valuable insights into long-term pulmonary impairment.

Pulmonary function in children post -SARS-CoV-2 infection: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: There are some concerns regarding long-term complications of COVID-19 in children. A systematic review and meta-analysis was performed evaluating the respiratory symptoms and pulmonary function, post-SARS-CoV-2 infection. METHODS: A systematic search was performed in databases up to 30 March 2023. Studies evaluating respiratory symptoms and pulmonary function after COVID-19 infection in children were selected. The major outcomes were the frequency of respiratory symptoms and the mean of spirometry parameters. A pooled mean with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) was calculated. RESULTS: A total of 8 articles with 386 patients were included in meta-analysis. Dyspnea, cough, exercise intolerance, and fatigue were the most common symptoms. The meta-mean of forced expiratory volume (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC) was 101.72%, 95% CI= (98.72, 104.73) and 101.31%, 95% CI= (95.44, 107.18) respectively. The meta-mean of FEV1/FVC and Forced expiratory flow at 25 and 75% was 96.16%, 95% CI= (90.47, 101.85) and 105.05%, 95% CI= (101.74, 108.36) respectively. The meta-mean of diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide was 105.30%, 95%CI= (88.12, 122.49). There was no significant difference in spirometry parameters before and after bronchodilator inhalation. CONCLUSIONS: Despite some clinical respiratory symptoms, meta-results showed no abnormality in pulmonary function in follow-up of children with SARS-CoV-2 infection. Disease severity and asthma background had not confounded this outcome.

Revealing the significance of early detection of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: insights from healthy lung initiative data at COP27 conference.

BACKGROUND: Climate change poses a significant threat to respiratory health, exacerbating conditions like asthma, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), and respiratory infections increasing morbidity and mortality indirectly through exposure to greenhouse gases. During the 27th Climate Change Conference (COP27), the Healthy Lung Initiative (HLI) for the early detection of COPD among smokers was launched in Egypt. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to detect the prevalence and predictors of confirmed COPD among smokers and assess physicians' adherence to prescribing pulmonary function tests (PFTs) among the COP27 conference attendees. METHODS: This study utilized smokers' data from the HLI, employing a cross-sectional design with an interview-based questionnaire, supplemented by spirometry for lung function evaluation. Participants, comprising Egyptian and non-Egyptian residents in Sharm El-Sheikh city, were provided with educational materials and encouraged to seek further evaluation from a pulmonologist. RESULTS: The HLI study, conducted from November 6th to 20th, 2022, involved 1133 participants, 90% (1047) of whom were smokers. Most smokers were males (96.3%) and Egyptians (98.6%), with half aged 30-39 and the majority starting smoking within the last 20 years. Despite common respiratory symptoms, 47% suffered from dyspnea on exertion, and only 4.3% have undergone lung function tests, suggesting a potential underdiagnosis of COPD. Most participants (82.6%) had an FEV1/FVC ratio > 70%, indicating no spirometry-confirmed COPD diagnosis, while 147 participants (17% of them) exhibited all three cardinal COPD symptoms simultaneously. Male gender and daily cigarette consumption were significant predictors for confirmed COPD, while age showed no significance in regression analyses. CONCLUSION: The ongoing HLI focuses on early detection and education to combat smoking-related risks, particularly among middle-aged males, while also highlighting the need for comprehensive strategies to address the intersection of smoking and climate change.

Comparative Analysis of Respiratory and Functional Outcomes in Children Post-Fontan Procedure Versus Healthy Peers.

Studies have shown that respiratory muscle training enhances functional capacity and pulmonary function in Fontan patients. However, diaphragm muscle characteristics in Fontan children have not been fully elucidated. The aim of this study was to compare respiratory function, maximal and submaximal functional capacities, and quality of life, as well as to assess diaphragm mobility and thickness, between Fontan patients aged 8 to 12 years and healthy individuals. This cross-sectional study included 45 children-27 Fontan patients, Fontan Group (FG) and 18 healthy control Group (CG) subjects. Different examinations were performed: spirometry was used to analyze pulmonary volume and capacity; manovacuometry was used to determine respiratory muscle strength; chest ultrasound was used to determine diaphragm muscle characteristics; cardiopulmonary exercise and the six-minute walk test (6MWT) were used to determine functional capacity; the AUQEI questionnaire was used to determine quality of life. Descriptive analysis and intergroup comparisons were performed for all the data. Compared with the CG, the FG exhibited impaired pulmonary function and reduced functional capacity. Significant differences in median values were noted for forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1): 2.39 L/min, p = 0.002; forced vital capacity (FVC): 1.73 vs. 3.06 L/min, p = 0.002; maximal inspiratory pressure: - 73 vs. - 117 cmH2O, p = 0.007; absolute peak VO2: 1.09 vs. 1.51 L/min, p < 0.001; relative peak VO2: 31.9 vs. 42.5 mL/kg/min, p = 0.003; and 6MWT distance: 420 vs. 586 m, p < 0.001. Diaphragmatic thickness, mobility and quality of life were similar between the groups. Despite the reduced functional capacity, impaired pulmonary volume and capacity, and respiratory muscle weakness of the FG compared to those of the CG, the diaphragm characteristics and quality of life were similar between the groups.

Lung Function in Fontan Patients Over a Ten-Year Period: Is the Fontan Circulation Impairing Lung Development?

Few studies have investigated how the Fontan circulation affects lung function, and no studies have investigated the development of lung function over longer time in these patients. We aimed to describe the development of lung function in Fontan patients over a 10-year period. Pulmonary function tests (PFT), including spirometry and diffusion capacity for Carbon Monoxide (DLCO) and Nitric Oxide (DLNO), were conducted in a Danish Fontan cohort in 2011 (PFT-I). In 2021, re-investigations were performed (PFT-II). We investigated changes in percent predicted (%pred) lung function from PFT-I to PFT-II. Patients were categorized into a pediatric group (age under 18 at PFT-I) and an adult group (age 18 or older at PFT-I). Out of the 81 patients completing PFT-I, 48 completed PFT-II. In the pediatric group (32 patients), there were significant declines in %pred forced expiratory volume in 1s (99.7 (92.4, 104.4)-89.3 (84.9, 97.2), p < 0,001), forced vital capacity (98.3 (87.8, 106.1)-96.7 (86.7, 100.6), p = 0.008), and alveolar volume (95.5 (89.5, 101.6)-89.5 (79.7, 93.2), p < 0.001). The corresponding measurements remained stable in the adult group. However, the median %pred DLNO significantly declined in the adult group (58.4 (53.3, 63.5)-53.7 (44.1, 57.3), p = 0.005). Over a 10-year period, several lung function parameters declined significantly in the younger Fontan patients, suggesting possible impairments in lung development during growth. The decline in %pred DLNO in the adult patient group indicates deterioration of the membrane component of diffusion capacity, implying that the Fontan circulation might negatively affect the alveolar membrane over time.

(F)utility of preoperative pulmonary function testing in pectus excavatum to assess severity.

PURPOSE: The utility of pulmonary function testing (PFT) in pectus excavatum (PE) has been subject to debate. Although some evidence shows improvement from preoperative to postoperative values, the clinical significance is uncertain. A high failure-to-completion rate for operative PFT (48%) was identified in our large institutional cohort. With such a high non-completion rate, we questioned the overall utility of PFT in the preoperative assessment of PE and sought to evaluate if other measures of PE severity or cardiopulmonary function could explain this finding. METHODS: Demographics, clinical findings, and results from cardiac MRI, PFT (spirometry and plethysmography), and cardiopulmonary exercise tests (CPET) were reviewed in 270 patients with PE evaluated preoperatively between 2015 and 2018. Regression modeling was used to measure associations between PFT completion and cardiopulmonary function. RESULTS: There were no differences in demographics, symptoms, connective tissue disorders, or multiple indices of pectus severity and cardiac deformation in PFT completers versus non-completers. While regression analysis revealed higher RVEF, LVEF, and LVEF-Z scores, lower RV-ESV/BSA, LV-ESV/BSA, and LV-ESV/BSA-Z scores, and abnormal breathing reserve in PFT completers vs. non-completers, these findings were not consistent across continuous and binary analyses. CONCLUSIONS: We found that PFT completers were not significantly different from non-completers in most structural and functional measures of pectus deformity and cardiopulmonary function. Inability to complete PFT is not an indicator of pectus severity.

Respiratory impairments in patients suffering from Fabry disease - A cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: The inherited X-linked disorder, Fabry disease, is caused by deficient lysosomal enzyme α-galactosidase A, with progressive accumulation of globotriaosylceramide in multiple organs including the upper and lower airways. OBJECTIVES: To assess pulmonary function at the time of the first pulmonary function test (PFT) performed among the National Danish Fabry cohort and define the prevalence of affected lung function variables. MATERIALS AND METHOD: A cross-sectional retrospective cohort study of 86 adult patients enrolled in one or both international patient registry databases for Fabry disease, Fabry Registry or FollowME with at least one PFT. The Mainz Severity Score Index (MSSI) was calculated to determine the disease severity. Lung function variables were examined by multivariate regression adjusted for important variables for developing airway illness. RESULTS: Seventeen patients (20%) showed obstructive airflow limitation and 7 (8%) a restrictive lung deficiency. Smoking status (p = .016) and MSSI (p < .001) were associated with increasing obstructive airway limitation. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of affected lung function among the National Danish Fabry cohort was 28%. Patients with classic gene variants frequently developed a decrease in lung function regardless of their smoking status, with significant relationship with disease severity.