GOLD Strategy Update 2023: Rationale and Clinical Implications in Indian Perspective

Chronic obstructive lung disease (COPD) is a major contributor to global disease burden with a huge socioeconomic impact. Global initiative for chronic obstructive lung disease (GOLD) strategy update 2023 is a step forward in the direction of evidence-based practice. Key topics like taxonomic classification, ABE grouping, single inhaler triple therapy, correct use of inhalers, etc. would have a positive impact on documentation and prescription practices in COPD management. The tobacco consumption habits are peculiar in India. There is a variation in prevalence estimates across diverse cultures. Non-smoking risk factors are important in Indian subcontinent especially in female and younger populations. We discuss the rationale of latest GOLD strategy update, its implications, and challenges in the management of COPD in Indian context.

Ventilación mecánica no invasiva en pacientes con enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica agudizada en cuidados intensivos: diez años de experiencia / Non invasive mechanic ventilation in patients with acute chronic obstructive lung disease in intensive cares: ten years of experience:en

Introducción: La ventilación no invasiva es un tratamiento efectivo en pacientes con enfermedad pulmonar agudizada. Objetivo: Describir las características demográficas, clínicas, ventilatorias y hemogasométricas en pacientes tratados con ventilación no invasiva. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio observacional, descriptivo, longitudinal y prospectivo de 234 pacientes con enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica agudizada, ventilados de forma no invasiva en la Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos del Hospital Provincial Clínico-Quirúrgico Docente Saturnino Lora de Santiago de Cuba de enero de 2011 a septiembre de 2021. Resultados: En la serie predominaron el sexo masculino, la neumonía extrahospitalaria y la insuficiencia cardíaca crónica; mientras que la edad media fue de 71 años y la ventilación no invasiva fracasó en 53,8 % de los afectados. Asimismo, la frecuencia respiratoria disminuyó de 34,3 a 23,5 respiraciones por minuto en la segunda hora y se observó, además, un incremento del pH, así como de la relación presión arterial de O2/fracción inspirada de O2 y saturación de oxígeno a la pulsioximetría/fracción inspiratoria de O2. La presión arterial de CO2 tuvo valores promedio de 61,8 mmHg al inicio y de 60,7 mmHg en la segunda hora. Conclusiones: Los valores basales de las variables clínicas, hemogasométricas y ventilatorias mejoraron luego del tratamiento con ventilación no invasiva. Entre los parámetros asociados al fracaso del tratamiento figuraron: frecuencia cardiaca, frecuencia respiratoria, presión arterial de CO2, escala de coma de Glasgow, pH y presencia de fugas; igualmente, la estadía prolongada, la ventilación por más de 48 horas y la mortalidad estuvieron relacionadas con dicho fracaso.

Introduction: The non invasive ventilation is an effective treatment in patients with acute lung disease. Objective: To describe the demographic, clinical, ventilatory and hemogasometric characteristics in patients treated with non invasive ventilation. Methods: An observational, descriptive, longitudinal and prospective study of 234 patients with chronic obstructive lung disease, non-invasive ventilated in the Intensive Cares Unit of Saturnino Lora Teaching Clinical-Surgical Provincial Hospital in Santiago de Cuba, was carried out, from January, 2011 to September, 2021. Results: In the series there was a prevalence of male sex, non hospital acquired pneumonia and chronic heart failure; while the mean age was 71 years and non invasive ventilation failed in 53.8 % of those affected. Also, the respiratory rate decreased from 34.3 to 23.5 breaths per minute in the second hour and an increase in pH was also observed, as well as in the relationship arterial pressure of O2/inspired fraction of O2 and oxygen saturation to the pulsioximetry/inspiratory fraction of O2. The arterial pressure of CO2 had average values of 61.8 mmHg to the beginning and of 60.7 mmHg in the second hour. Conclusions: The basal values of clinical, hemogasometric and ventilatory variables improved after treatment with non invasive ventilation. Among the parameters associated with the treatment failure there were heart frequency, respiratory frequency, arterial pressure of CO2, coma Glasgow scale, pH and leaks; equally, the long stay, the ventilation for more than 48 hours and mortality were related to this failure.

Monitorización del dióxido de carbono espirado durante la ventilación no invasiva en pacientes con enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica agudizada / Monitoring of the carbon dioxide exhaled during the non invasive ventilation in patients with acute chronic obstructive lung disease

Introducción: La monitorización del dióxido de carbono espirado se utiliza con frecuencia en las unidades de cuidados intensivos, pero su empleo en ventilación no invasiva es escaso. Objetivo: Identificar la asociación entre la presión arterial de dióxido de carbono y el dióxido de carbono espirado, durante la ventilación no invasiva, en pacientes con enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica agudizada. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio observacional, descriptivo, longitudinal y prospectivo de 126 pacientes ingresados con enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica agudizada, tratados con ventilación no invasiva en la Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos del Hospital Provincial Clínico-Quirúrgico Docente Saturnino Lora Torres de Santiago de Cuba, desde enero de 2019 hasta igual mes de 2022, seleccionados por muestreo intencional no probabilístico. Se analizaron variables clínicas, ventilatorias y hemogasométricas, de las cuales se identificaron los valores mínimo y máximo, así como la media, la desviación estándar y la mediana. Se aplicó el coeficiente de correlación de Pearson. Resultados: Los valores promedio de dióxido de carbono espirado fueron 57,83+8,9 y los de presión arterial de dióxido de carbono, de 59,85+9,3. Al analizar la correlación entre las variables se observó correlación positiva entre ambas, para un coeficiente de correlación de Pearson de 0,920. Conclusiones: La monitorización del dióxido de carbono espirado se erige como una variable a considerar en la monitorización de los pacientes con enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica agudizada, tratados con ventilación no invasiva, siempre que se utilice la máscara facial adecuada y se controlen las fugas, con fuerte correlación con la presión arterial del dióxido de carbono.

Introduction: The monitoring of the carbon dioxide exhaled is frequently used in the intensive cares units, but its use in non invasive ventilation is scarce. Objective: To identify the association between the blood pressure of carbon dioxide and the carbon dioxide exhaled, during non invasive ventilation, in patients with acute chronic obstructive lung disease. Methods: An observational, descriptive, longitudinal and prospective study of 126 patients admitted with acute chronic obstructive lung disease was carried out, they were treated with non invasive ventilation, in the Intensive Cares Unit of Saturnino Lora Torres Teaching Provincial Clinical-Surgical Hospital in Santiago de Cuba, from January, 2019 to the same month in 2022, selected by intentional non probabilistic sampling. Clinical, ventilatory and hemogasometric variables were analyzed, of which the minimum and maximum values were identified, as well as the mean, standard and medium deviation. The Pearson correlation coefficient was applied. Results: The average values of carbon dioxide exhaled were 57.83 ± 8.9 and those of arterial pressure of carbon dioxide, 59.85± 9.3. When analyzing the correlation among the variables, positive correlation was observed among both, for a Pearson correlation coefficient of 0.920. Conclusions: The monitoring of carbon dioxide exhaled acts as a variable to consider in the monitoring of patients with acute chronic obstructive lung disease, treated with non invasive ventilation, whenever the appropriate face mask is used and the leaks are controlled, with strong correlation with the arterial pressure of the carbon dioxide.

Dyspnea, Obstruction, Smoking, Exacerbation Index, and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Test Score: Correlation in Predicting Outcomes in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Exacerbations

Objectives: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) being a disease with systemic consequences necessitate the use of multidimensional indices for a comprehensive assessment of the disease's impact including the future risk of exacerbations and mortality. To study the role of dyspnea, obstruction, smoking, and exacerbation (DOSE) index as a predictor of future disease severity and its correlation with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease test (CAT) score. Measurements and results: A total of 60 inpatients with COPD exacerbations were followed up for 6 months to record the number of exacerbations of COPD. The DOSE index and CAT score were calculated after stabilization within 48 hours of admission, at 1 week, and again at 6 months. The mean difference between DOSE index score at admission and at 1 week was 1.382 � 0.561 and at admission and at 6 months was 2.15 � 0.988, both being statistically significant (p < 0.001). A high DOSE index score (?4) was associated with a greater risk of 2 or more exacerbations [odds ratio (OR), 12 (3.09�.60) and risk estimate, 3.75 (1.53�17)]. For the prediction of exacerbations, the area under the curve (AUC) was larger for the DOSE index (0.854) than the global initiative for chronic obstructive lung disease (GOLD) stage (0.789), p < 0.001 for both. Furthermore, DOSE index correlated significantly with the CAT score, an established health status measure, at all stages of disease severity; at the onset of exacerbation (r = 0.719, p < 0.001), after stabilization at 1 week (r = 0.736, p < 0.001) and at 6 months (r = 0.884, p < 0.001). Conclusion: The DOSE index is a simple, practical multidimensional grading tool for assessing current symptoms, health status, and future risk in COPD and acts as a guide to disease management as its component items can be modified by interventions. Its correlation with CAT, a well-known score is a novel observation, which further corroborates the validity of the DOSE index.

Prevalencia y características de la enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica en La Habana (2017-2018)

RESUMEN Introducción: En Cuba la enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica es sexta causa de mortalidad general. Existe insuficiente conocimiento sobre su magnitud. Objetivo: Determinar la prevalencia y características de la enfermedad en La Habana (2017-2018). Métodos: Estudio multicéntrico transversal, coordinado por Iniciative Burden of Lung Disease, incluyó 349 personas no institucionalizadas de 40 años y más de cuatro consultorios médicos (selección aleatoria). Se aplicó cuestionario con variables sociodemográficas relacionadas con diagnóstico médico previo y tabaquismo. Se realizó estudio de espirometría, pre-pos aplicación de salbutamol para determinar limitación del flujo aéreo y clasificó severidad de la enfermedad en leve, moderada, severa y muy severa. Resultados: Prevalencia global 20,9 % (IC 95 %:16,6-25,2); en hombres 25,3 %, en mujeres 17,7 %. Se incrementó con la edad. Formas leves 60 %, más frecuentes en mujeres 67 % vs. severas en hombres, 22 %. Espirometría previa 15 % de encuestados. Catorce encuestados (19,1 %) tenían el diagnóstico médico previo de enfisema pulmonar, bronquitis crónica o enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica. Prevalencia de tabaquismo 36,0 %, mayor porcentaje en formas severas. La tercera parte (31,7 %), expuestos al humo de tabaco ajeno, en hogar o trabajo; media de exposición diaria 5 h. Conclusiones: La alta prevalencia y subdiagnóstico de enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica la convierten en un importante problema de salud en La Habana. Se pronostica incremento de la prevalencia relacionado con la dinámica poblacional en el país y el alto consumo de tabaco en la población. Se requiere un manejo más integral de esta enfermedad prevenible.

ABSTRACT Introduction: In Cuba, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is the sixth leading cause of death. There is insufficient knowledge concerning its scope. Objective: To determine the prevalence and characteristics of the disease in Havana (2017-2018). Methods: A multicenter, cross-sectional study coordinated by Iniciative Burden of Lung Disease. It included 349 non-hospitalized people aged 40 and over from four family doctor´s offices (random selection). A questionnaire with sociodemographic variables on previous medical diagnosis and smoking was applied. A spirometric study was conducted before and after salbutamol administration to determine airflow limitations, and the disease was classified as mild, moderate, severe, and very severe. Results: Overall prevalence was 20.9% (95 % CI: 16.6-25.2); with males accounting for 25.3%; and females for 17.7%. It increased with age. Mild forms of the disease affected 60% of the population; they were more common in females (67%) than in males (severe forms, 22%). Previous spirometry was performed in 15% of respondents. Fourteen people (19.1%) had previously been diagnosed with pulmonary emphysema, chronic bronchitis, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Smoking prevalence was 36%, with a higher percentage in the severe forms of the disease. One-third (31.7%) were exposed to second-hand tobacco smoke at home or at work, with a daily average exposure of 5 hours. Conclusions: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is a major health problem in Havana due to its high prevalence and underdiagnosis. An increase in prevalence is predicted given the demographic dynamics in the country and the high level of tobacco consumption among the population. Therefore, more comprehensive management of this preventable disease is required.

Evaluation of severity of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease using bronchial obstruction, dyspnea, exercise index and global initiative for chronic obstructive lung disease classification and it’s correlation with physical quality of life measured by St. George’s respiratory disease questionnaire score

Background: The Global initiative for chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) criteria classified chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) by severity into four stages. Recently, Body mass index (BMI), Bronchial Obstruction, Dyspnea, Exercise (BODE) index, was proposed to provide useful prognostic information of COPD patients. Health-related quality of life (HRQOL) is measured by St. George’s Respiratory disease Questionnaire (SGRQ). Study was undertaken to assess correlations between BODE index and GOLD classification with SGRQ score.Methods: Fifty five COPD patients were included. Spirometry was performed in all patients. Modified Medical Research Council (mMRC) scale was used to label severity of dyspnea. Six-minute walking distance (6 MWD) was performed. BODE index was calculated by giving points to BMI, forced expiratory volume in one minute (FEV1), 6 MWD, and mMRC. SGRQ was used to determine HRQOL. Correlation analysis was done using Pearson’s method.Results: Mean symptoms, mean activity, mean impacts and mean total SGRQ score were significantly higher in patients having mMRC scale 0-1, patients who could walk ?149 meters, and in patients who had GOLD III and IV class. Lesser the FEV1, higher the mMRC grade, and lesser the 6 MWD, worse was the quality of life. BODE index (r = 0.72) and GOLD classification (r =0.59) were significantly and positively correlated with symptoms score, activity score, impacts score and total SGRQ score.Conclusions: BODE index correlated better than the Gold classification with SGRQ score implying that apart from the airflow limitation, functional impairment measured by the 6MWT and mMRC also affect HRQOL.

Correlation of spirometry and six minute walk test in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease from Sundargarh, Odisha, India

Background: Six‑Minute Walk Test (6MWT) is a simple, objective, reproducible test which correlated well with different spirometric indices, and thus able to predict severity of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and can replace spirometry in resource poor set‑up. Here, author evaluated the correlation of 6 minute walk distance (6MWD) with spirometric indices in COPD patients and the potential of 6MWT as an alternative to the assessment of severity of COPD.Methods: This cross-sectional observational study included a total of 80 COPD patients, diagnosed by GOLD criteria (Post bronchodilator FEV1/ FVC ratio <0.7). Modified Medical Research Council (mMRC) grading was used (age, weight, height, body mass index- BMI and breathlessness) and all the patients underwent spirometric measurement of FEV1, FVC and FEV1/ FVC ratio and tests were repeated after bronchodilation using 200-400 μg of salbutamol. 6MWT was performed following American Thoracic Society (ATS) protocol of 6MWT and distance was measured in meters.Results: Author found significant negative correlation of 6MWT with age (r=-0.384, p=0.00) and mMRC grading of dyspnea (r=-0.559, p=0.00) and significant positive correlation with height (r=0.267, p=0.019) and weight (r=0.293, p=0.008). Significant positive correlation of 6MWD was noted with post bronchodilator FEV1(r=0.608, p=0.00), FEV1% (r=0.429, p=0.00), FVC (r=0.514 p=0.00), FVC% (r=0.313 p=0.005), FEV1/FVC % (r=0.336, p=0.001). Positive correlation was also observed between 6MWT and BMI but statistically insignificant (r=0.177, p=0.116). There was significant negative correlation between 6MWT and GOLD staging (r=-0.536, p=0.00).Conclusions: This finding concludes that 6MWT can be used for the assessment of severity of disease in COPD patients in places where spirometry is not available.

The effect of pursed lip breathing exercise against decrease of breathing levels in chronic obstruction pulmonary disease

Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a disease that is a problem throughout the world where its prevalence, morbidity and mortality are increasing every year. The high number of COPD visits is due to persistent and progressive shortness of breath complaints. Existing pharmacological therapies for COPD have not shown improvement in the long-term decline in pulmonary function that is a hallmark of COPD. It is very necessary for companion therapy that is non-pharmacological treatment is expected to be able to complete pharmacological treatment in reducing shortness of breath of COPD patients with pursed-lip breathing exercise.Methods: This study uses a quassy experiment design with two group pretest and posttes design approaches. This study was in obstructive pulmonary disease patients in the lung hospital in West Sumatra with an intervention group of 16 and a control of 16 respondents. Data analysis using univariate and bivariate using independent t-test statistics.Results: The results showed the average decrease in shortness of breath in the control group without pretest 3.19 and posttest 2.56 in the pretest pursed lip breathing exercise intervention group 3.19 and posttest performed 1.69. Test statistic p-value 0.026.Conclusions: There is an effect of pursed lip breathing exercise on reducing the level of shortness of breath in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients and steroids: benefit or harm

Background: Corticosteroids are being widely used in conditions related to allergy and inflammation. There are great species differences in the responses to glucocorticoids that mean a “steroid resistant” species. Steroids have profound effect on inflammatory response by way of vasoconstriction, decreased chemotaxis and interference with macrophages. There still are enormous gaps in our knowledge of the action of glucocorticosteroids in patients of chronic obstructive lung disease (COPD).Methods: This study was done in the department of general medicine at SKIMS, Srinagar from December 2017 to December 2018 on patients of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. A total number of 100 patients were enrolled for the study but 20 patients, 10 from each group lost their follow up. To see the effect of steroids on pulmonary function tests, patients were divided into case and control group. Patients in case group were given prednisolone 30 mg orally for two week (tapering dose). Patients in control group were given placebo for the same duration of two weeks. Steroid response was defined as 15% improvement in baseline forced expiratory volume (FEV).Results: Steroid response was defined as 15% increase in forced expiratory volume in one second/forced vital capacity (FEV1/FVC) after receiving tapering dose of prednisone 30 mg for 2 weeks, no patients in case group showed increase in FEV1/FVC of 15%. The change in pulmonary function tests was comparable in each group (p>0.5).Conclusions: The change in pulmonary function tests were comparable in each group (p>0.5). So, steroids in stable patients of COPD are best to be avoided.

Symptomatic and asymptomatic smokers without airflow obstruction: a new clinical entity?

Abstract Non-obstructed ever-smokers, with or without symptoms, have generated a great deal of information recently, but few reviews. Even individuals with normal spirometry can present changes in sputum with inflammatory biomarkers (cellular and molecular) and airways and parenchyma with remodeling; when symptomatic (cough, sputum, wheezing, and dyspnea) exacerbations are frequent affecting the individuals’ quality of life, there is an increased use of health resources: more medication, emergency visits, and hospital admissions. Non-obstructed smokers may have exercise limitations, increased lung volumes, low diffusion capacity, air entrapment, peripheral airways obstruction, elevated airways resistance, and abnormal multiple breath nitrogen washout, as well as abnormalities in computed tomography studies, such as airway wall thickening, emphysema, or interstitial lung abnormalities. Quitting smoking comprises a first, inexpensive, and often abandoned intervention to arrest respiratory impairment. It is controversial whether or not this population should be treated with other medications. Further studies should be conducted to elucidate the consequences of follow-up and prognosis in this clinical entity.

Changes of intrapulmonary vascular volume for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients based on computer-assisted measurement / 西安交通大学学报(医学版)

Objective: To investigate the changes of intrapulmonary vascular volume (IPVV) of patients with chronic obstructive lung disease (COPD) based on computer-assisted measurement. Methods: One-hundred and sixty-seven male COPD patients were collected retrospectively from the "Digital Lung" database, and divided into four subgroups: GOLD 1, GOLD 2, GOLD 3 and GOLD 4 according to the pulmonary function test of Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD). Chest CT images of 315 non-smoking normal males were collected from the "Digital Lung" database. The intrapulmonary vessels were extracted by an automated 3-dimentional protocol, IPVV of the whole lung and each lobe were obtained. The differences in IPVV between COPD and normal groups and among different COPD subgroups were compared. Results: The IPVV of the whole lung and each lobe of COPD was significantly larger than that in normal control group (P0.05). Conclusion: IPVV is a sensitive biomarker between normal cohorts and COPD patients, but cannot differentiate COPD stages.

Doença pulmonar obstrutiva crônica: atividade de vida diária e qualidade de vida / Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: daily life activity and quality of life

Introdução: A qualidade de vida (QV) é um instrumento relevante para o contexto funcional na doença pulmonar obstrutiva crônica (DPOC), a escala London Chest Activity of Daily Living (LCADL) avalia a atividade de vida diária (AVD) em pacientes com DPOC. Objetivo: avaliar a capacidade em realizar AVD e a QV dos pacientes com DPOC que buscam serviço público de reabilitação pulmonar (RP). Métodos: Pesquisa transversal, realizada de 2014 até 2017, 27 pacientes diagnósticados DPOC leve a grave de acordo os critérios GOLD, de ambos os sexos, estáveis, sem exacerbações recentes. Foi utilizado ANOVA para analisar diferença entre as médias de LCADL e Saint George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) em seguida o teste pos- HOC de Turkey para delimitar o impacto de cada preditor separadamente. Utilizou-se o teste de Spearmann para correlacionar LCADL e SGRQ. Resultados: Encontrada limitação leve para todos os domínios da escala LCADL 22,7 ± 8,4 pontos com 30,2% de limitação. A QV é impactada em todos os domínios (31,2 ± 11,6 pontos) de forma moderada a grave com 41,6% de redução. A dispnéia e a fadiga interferem de forma correlata na AVD, r = 0,78 (p < 0,05). O escore LCADL correlaciona-se diretamente com a QV, r =0,59 (p < 0,05). Conclusão: Os pacientes apresentam limitação na atividade de vidade diária e impacto na qualidade de vida, além de forte correlação entre o índice de dispneia da escala LCADL e seus domínios. [AU]

Introduction: Quality of life (QoL) is an important tool for the functional context in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), the scale London Chest Activity of Daily Living (LCADL) evaluates the activities of daily living (ADL) in patients with COPD. Objective: to evaluate the ability to perform ADL and QoL of patients with COPD seeking public pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) service. Methods: Cross-sectional study, carried out from 2014 to 2017, 27 patients diagnosed COPD mild to severe according to the GOLD criteria, of both sexes, stable, without recent exacerbations. ANOVA was used to analyze difference between the means of LCADL and Saint George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) followed by Turkey's post-HOC test to delimit the impact of each predictor separately. The Spearmann test was used to correlate LCADL and SGRQ. Results: Light limitation was found for all domains of the LCADL scale, 22.7 ± 8.4 points with a 30.2% limitation. QoL is affected in all domains (31.2 ± 11.6 points) in a moderate to severe manner, with a 41.6% reduction. Dyspnea and fatigue correlate with ADL, r = 0.78 (p <0.05). The LCADL score correlated directly with the QoL, r = 0.59 (p <0.05). Conclusion: Patients present a limitation in daily activity and impact on quality of life, as well as a strong correlation between the dyspnea index of the LCADL scale and its domains. [AU]

Current status of microbiome research in asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are characterized by chronic airway inflammation resulting in airflow limitation. They include various phenotypes and endotypes in their disease entities. For that reason, they lack proper biomarkers and epoch-making progresses in treatment nowadays. Healthy airway has been believed to be sterile traditionally. However, with the help of nonculture sequencing techniques, researchers discovered that it is full of the commensal and symbiotic microbial flora. Therefore, microbiome has emerged as a possible biomarker and a clue to understand the pathogenesis of airway disease. Microbiome research in asthma has focused on the association between characteristics of microbiome, such as composition and diversity. However, now it refers to the role of microbiome, including Proteobacteria, in the development and pathogenesis of asthma and allergic diseases. Microbiome research in COPD has revealed its different composition according to the existence and severity of the disease. Also, differences in microbiome composition according to exacerbation state or specific treatment of COPD are reported. Therefore, many researchers pay attention to the possible role of microbiome as a biomarker or a treatment target in asthma and COPD. Herein, we review recent studies on microbiome research in asthma and COPD.

Diagnostic Dilemma in a 70-Year-Old Man with Fever and Air-fluid Level on Chest X-ray.

Infected bullae are frequently confused with a pulmonary abscess. There recognition is important to avoid unnecessary interventions. We describe a case of 70 years male patient, who came with complaints of breathlessness since 5 years, cough with a moderate amount of mucopurulent expectoration, pain in back and right shoulder and low-grade intermittent fever all since 20 days. Past history was unremarkable. There is a history of 100 pack-years. On examination, he was tachypneic, having oxygen saturation of 87% on room air. On respiratory examination; the finding was consistent with emphysema with right sided cavitary disease. Chest X-ray showed thin walled cavity with fluid level in the right upper zone with pneumothorax on the left side. Investigations revealed 17, 000 white blood cell with neutrophil predominance. He was not responding adequately so high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) was ordered which showed multiple thin-walled bullae in both lung along with air-fluid level in one large bullae with surrounding pneumonitis on the right side. Infected emphysematous bullae should be suspected when a fluid level appears in a patient with clinical finding suggestive of emphysema. We propose that symptomatic patients with radiological signs of air-fluid level should be evaluated with HRCT to rule out similar condition and assessment of underlying condition.

Usefulness of COPD Assessment Test as valuable predictor of depression in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease / 동물의과학연구지

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is associated with multiple comorbidities, including depression, which carries a higher risk of exacerbation and hospitalization in patients with stable COPD. A newly developed questionnaire, the COPD Assessment Test (CAT), was developed as an alternative to other complex, time-consuming tools for quantifying the symptom burden of COPD in routine practice. It is possible that the correlation between the CAT and depression scales could be useful for early evaluation and management of depression in COPD patients. Thus, we investigated the relationship between the CAT and depression as measured by the Patient Health Questionnaires-9 (PHQ- 9). We performed a retrospective observational COPD cohort study. A total of 97 patients were enrolled. The Korean versions of the CAT and PHQ-9 were completed for stable patients. A correlation analysis was performed between the PHQ-9 and CAT scores. Significant depression among the groups based on the 2011 GOLD guidelines occurred only in class Gold B and D patients (40% and 60%, respectively). The frequency of depression was significantly higher in the group with higher CAT scores (20~29 versus > or =30; odds ratio: 5.67 versus 22.66). Significant association was observed between the PHQ-9 and CAT scores (r=0.545 and P<0.001). As a result, the PHQ-9 score was significantly higher in COPD patients with a higher CAT score. The CAT is a simple and valuable predictor of depression in COPD patients, and it should be frequently used to detect COPD patients with depression in clinical practice.

Tratamiento antimicrobiano en pacientes con afecciones respiratorias bajas / Antimicrobial treatment in patients with lower respiratory disorders

Se realizó un estudio observacional, descriptivo y transversal de 556 pacientes con infecciones respiratorias bajas, ingresados en el Servicio de Neumología del Hospital General Docente "Juan Bruno Zayas Alfonso" de Santiago de Cuba, durante el 2012, con vistas a evaluar el empleo de los antimicrobianos en ellos. Se empleó la Guía para el uso de antimicrobianos (OPS 2007-2008) y se revisaron las historias clínicas correspondientes. Para el análisis de los datos se utilizó el paquete estadístico SPSS versión 11. Entre los medicamentos empleados figuraron: cefalosporinas, macrólidos, aminoglucósidos y penicilinas; pero la combinación de cefalosporinas y macrólidos fue la más usada. En la serie predominaron los hombres mayores de 60 años, la neumonía y la enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica exacerbada por infección respiratoria (procedentes de la comunidad) como las principales entidades clínicas que requirieron antibióticos. El tratamiento indicado permitió la evolución favorable de los pacientes.

An observational, descriptive and cross sectional study of 556 patients with lower respiratory infections, admitted to the Pneumology Service of "Juan Bruno Zayas Alfonso" Teaching General Hospital in Santiago de Cuba was carried out during the 2012, with the aim evaluating the use of antimicrobials on them. The Guide for the antimicrobials was used (OPS 2007-2008), and the corresponding medical records were reviewed. For the analysis of the data the statistical package SPSS version 11 was used. Among the antimicrobials used there were: cephalosporins, macrolides, aminoglycosides and penicillins; but the combination of cephalosporins and macrolides was the most used. Men older than 60 years, pneumonia and lung obstructive chronic disease, exacerbated by respiratory infection (coming from the community),prevailed in the series as the main clinical entities requiring antibiotics. The prescribed treatment allowed the favorable clinical course of the patients.

Traffic-related air pollution and black carbon in sputum macrophages: a ?silent? lung disease? / Poluição do ar relacionada ao tráfego urbano e carbono preto em macrófagos de escarro: uma doença pulmonar ?silenciosa??

Aims: To describe two case reports with significant black carbon deposition in sputum macrophages in healthy young adults from an urban city, showing mild airway obstruction in lung function tests. The role of black carbon deposition by air pollution in the airways and the development of indolent chronic lung disease in populations living in larger cities is not clear and may be a potential world health problem.Cases description: We report two cases of voluntary adults living in a South American large city who have undergone clinical examination, lung function and analysis of inflammation and black carbon deposition in macrophages from induced sputum. Two Caucasian, previously healthy, nonsmokers, male adults, living in the same city of southern Brazil, with no respiratory symptoms presented with normal physical exams, but with lung function demonstrating mild obstructive lung disorder, with no bronchodilator response. In particular, one of the subjects works daily in delivery services as a motorcycle driver. Induced sputum of both patients showed no signs of cellular inflammation. However, a large number of black carbon content was detected inside macrophages of the sputum sample in both patients.Conclusions: In summary, significant daily air pollution exposure may play a role in long-term silent disease in adults, potentially leading to clinically relevant chronic lung diseases later in life, particularly in populations of urbanized large cities from developing countries. The development of better, more directly and less invasive, methods for air pollution exposure are required, along with longitudinal studies, in order to measure the real impact of air pollution in chronic lung diseases of susceptible populations.

Objetivos: descrever dois casos com importante deposição de carbono preto em macrófagos de escarro induzido em adultos jovens saudáveis de uma cidade urbana, mostrando obstrução leve no teste de função pulmonar. A deposição de carbono preto pela poluição do ar nas vias aéreas e no desenvolvimento de doença pulmonar crônica ?silenciosa? em populações que vivem em grandes cidades não é clara e pode ser um potencial problema de saúde mundial.Descrição dos casos: relatamos dois casos de adultos voluntários que vivem em uma grande cidade sul-americana, que se submeteram a exame clínico, função pulmonar e análise de inflamação e deposição de carbono preto em macrófagos de escarro induzido. Os indivíduos eram caucasianos, previamente saudáveis, não-fumantes, adultos, do sexo masculino, moradores da mesma cidade do sul do Brasil, e sem sintomas respiratórios. Apresentaram exames físicos normais, mas com função pulmonar demonstrando doença pulmonar obstrutiva leve, sem resposta ao broncodilatador. Em particular, um dos sujeitos trabalha diariamente em serviços de entrega como motoboy. No exame de escarro ambos não apresentaram sinais de inflamação celular, mas foi detectado um elevado número de carbono preto no interior dos macrófagos.Conclusões: a exposição contínua à poluição do ar pode desempenhar um papel no desenvolvimento de doenças pulmonares crônicas em longo prazo. O desenvolvimento de um exame melhor, mais direto e menos invasivo para análise da exposição à poluição do ar, juntamente com estudos longitudinais, permitirá medir o real impacto da poluição na etiopatogenia das doenças pulmonares crônicas em populações suscetíveis.

Ventilación mecánica no invasiva en pacientes con insuficiencia respiratoria aguda / Noninvasive mechanical ventilation in patients with acute respiratory failure i:en

Se realizó un estudio observacional, descriptivo y transversal de 54 pacientes con insuficiencia respiratoria aguda, atendidos en la Unidades de Cuidados Intensivos e Intermedios del Hospital Clinicoquirúrgico Docente "Saturnino Lora Torres" de Santiago de Cuba desde enero hasta agosto del 2011, a fin de valorar la eficacia de la ventilación artificial mecánica no invasiva en estos afectados que además presentaron otras afecciones clínicas (para postergar o evitar la ventilación mecánica invasiva). Los integrantes de la serie fueron seleccionados de forma no probabilística por criterios de expertos, teniendo en cuenta además los criterios de inclusión del Grupo Iberolatinoamericano de Ventilación Mecánica No Invasiva. Se demostró la efectividad de la técnica en la mejoría clínica y hemogasométrica de estos pacientes especialmente en los que se agudizó la enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica.

An observational, descriptive and cross-sectional study of 54 patients with acute respiratory failure, assisted in the Intensive and Intermediate Care Unit from "Saturnino Lora Torres" Teaching Clinical Surgical Hospital in Santiago de Cuba was carried out from January to August, 2011, in order to evaluate the effectiveness of the artificial mechanical noninvasive ventilation in these affected patients, who also presented other clinical disorders (to delay or to avoid the invasive mechanical ventilation). The members of the series were selected in a non probabilistical way based on the experts' criteria, also keeping in mind the inclusion criteria from the Iberolatinoamerican Group of Non Invasive Mechanical Ventilation. The effectiveness of the technique was demonstrated in the clinical and hemogasometric improvement of these patients especially those in whom the chronic, obstructive lung disease worsened.

Ventilación mecánica no invasiva en la enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica agudizada / Noninvasive mechanical ventilation in the severe chronic obstructivelung disease

Se realizó un estudio descriptivo y longitudinal de 27 pacientes con enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica en estado de agudización, atendidos en el Centro de Diagnóstico Integral Presbítero Fabián Chelala, del Estado Falcón en la República Bolivariana de Venezuela, desde noviembre de 2010 hasta igual mes de 2011, a los cuales se les aplicó ventilación mecánica no invasiva, utilizada por primera vez en esta institución. Se determinó que a las 48 horas del tratamiento con la mencionada ventilación disminuyeron los parámetros clínicos siguientes: frecuencias respiratoria y cardíaca y pulsioximetría; asimismo, los valores hemogasométricos obtenidos evidenciaron cambios favorables significativos. Se utilizó el protocolo establecido a los efectos y las complicaciones fueron escasas, de manera que la estrategia terapéutica aplicada resultó favorable

A descriptive and longitudinal study was carried out in 27 patients with severe chronic obstructive lung disease, assisted in Presbítero Fabián Chelala Comprehensive Diagnosis Center, of the State Falcon in the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela from November, 2010 to the same month of 2011, to whom the noninvasive mechanical ventilation was applied, used for the first time in this institution. It was determined that after 48 hours of the treatment with the aforementioned ventilation the following clinical parameters decreased: breathing and heart rates and pulse oximetry; likewise, the obtained hemogasometric parameters evidenced significant favorable changes. The established protocol was used accordingly and the complications were scarce, so that the applied therapeutic strategy was favorable

Uso de la ventilación mecánica no invasiva en la Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos de Contramestre / Use of noninvasive mechanical ventilation in the Intensive Care Unit of Contramaestre municipality

Se realizó un estudio observacional, descriptivo y transversal de 52 pacientes con insuficiencia respiratoria aguda, admitidos en la Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos del Hospital General Docente "Orlando Pantoja Tamayo" del municipio de Contramaestre en Santiago de Cuba, de enero del 2010 a diciembre del 2011, quienes requirieron de ventilación mecánica no invasiva (con la postergación o evitación de la ventilación mecánica invasiva), a fin de demostrar la eficacia de esta modalidad terapéutica. En la serie se observó un predominio de los afectados mayores de 70 años de edad y del sexo femenino, así como una frecuencia superior de la enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica, la insuficiencia cardiaca y las infecciones respiratorias. La aplicación de dicha técnica disminuyó la estadía en este servicio hospitalario y aumentó la calidad de vida de los pacientes.

An observational, descriptive and cross-sectional study was conducted in 52 patients with acute respiratory failure admitted to the Intensive Care Unit of "Orlando Pantoja Tamayo" General Teaching Hospital of Contramaestre municipality in Santiago de Cuba, from January 2010 to December 2011, who required noninvasive mechanical ventilation (with the delay or avoidance of invasive mechanical ventilation) in order to demonstrate the efficacy of this therapeutic modality. In the series a prevalence of people affected over 70 years and the female sex was observed, as well as a high frequency of chronic obstructive lung disease, heart failure and respiratory infections. The application of this technique decreased hospital stay in this service and increased the quality of patients' life.