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.

Waist Circumference and Spirometric Measurements in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate whether the waist circumference of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), had an impact on lung function. METHODS: There were 180 patients with COPD recruited into this prospective cross-sectional study. The age, weight, body mass index and waist circumference (WC) were measured. Spirometry parameters including forced vital capacity (FVC), and forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1), were measured and FEV1/FVC calculated. RESULTS: The mean FEV1/FVC in both normal weight and overweight patients, did not statistically significantly correlate with WC. The COPD assessment test, positively correlated with WC ( p = 0.031). A positive correlation with body mass index ( p < 0.001), smoking ( p = 0.027), and global initiative for chronic obstructive lung disease score ( p = 0.009), were observed to positively associate with WC. WC, age, C-reactive protein, duration of disease, and gender (male), were observed to be statistically significant risk factors for the severity of COPD. CONCLUSION: WC was not observed to impact upon lung function in this study but it was a predictive factor for COPD severity in patients.

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]

The Impact of Tobacco and Occupational Exposure on Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease in a 70 and over Jamaican Cohort from the Burden of Obstructive Lung Disease (Jamaica) Study / Impacto del Tabaco y la Exposición Ocupacional en la Enfermedad Pulmonar Obstructiva Crónica en una Cohorte Jamaicana de 70 ó Más Años de Edad del Estudio de la Carga de la Enfermedad Pulmonar Obstructiva (Jamaica)

ABSTRACT Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a chronic respiratory disease predominantly affecting the older population. Not well known, COPD is often confused with asthma. Tobacco smoking is widely acknowledged as the most important risk factor for COPD, but occupational exposures from irritant dust, fumes and, biomass exposures from burning wood and coal indoors, also contribute to COPD prevalence. This paper looks at COPD prevalence and occupational exposures in adults aged 70+ using data from the United Kingdom-based Burden of Obstructive Lung Disease (BOLD) study in Jamaica (www.boldstudy.org). Subject and Method: Jamaica followed a strict BOLD protocol of face to face standardized questionnaire administration and spirometry testing on participants aged ≥ 40 years. Questions included sociodemographic characteristics, smoking practices, respiratory symptoms and occupational exposures. The Occupational questionnaire enquired about time spent in thirteen different occupations including farming, construction, firefighting, domestic and industrial cleaning, welding, coal mining, flour, feed or grain milling to mention a few. Spirometry was performed according to American Thoracic Society (ATS) standards. An island-wide multi-stage random sample of non-institutionalized individuals was selected for recruitment with the assistance of the Statistical Institute of Jamaica (STATIN). All questionnaires and spirometry data from consenting participants were submitted electronically to the United Kingdom Coordinating Centre for data cleaning, quality checks and preliminary analysis. Final data were returned to the local research team for further analysis. Result: Total sample selected for recruitment (and response rate) was 883 (91.4%) for persons aged ≥ 40 years and 190 (87.2%) for persons aged 70+ years. Of the 164 responders in the 70+ group, 91 (55.5%) had usable spirometry. Prevalence of ever-smoking by age and gender in this 70+ cohort was 38.4%. Farming, construction and household cleaning were the most frequently reported occupations (58.8%). Years working in these three occupations ranged from 1-70 (farming and construction) and 1-78 (cleaning). Most were now retired (120 of 164 overall). Weighted estimated population prevalence of Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) Stage 1 (Post-BD FEV1/FVC < 70%; FEV1 ≥ 80% predicted) was 12.1% overall for persons aged 40+, but was highest at 37.8% in the 70+ age group. Estimated prevalence of GOLD Stage 2 (50 ≤ FEV1 < 80% predicted) was 9.6% in the 40+, again highest at 31.3% in the 70+ age group. Conclusion: Overall prevalence of COPD in the 40+ age group whether Stage 1 (mild COPD), or Stage 2 (moderate COPD), while it appears low, was still highest in the 70+ age group. The local data revealed that whilst the prevalence of current smoking had declined by age 70+, the estimated prevalence of GOLD Stage 1 and Stage 2 COPD was highest in this age group. The contribution of occupational exposures to the development of COPD, requires further analysis to look at the occupational exposures across all participants aged 40+ as well as the prevalence of COPD among non-smokers. Progression of Stage 1 to Stage 2 disease and its effect on morbidity and quality of life is likely without patient education regarding complications of tobacco smoke and workplace exposures to the development of COPD.

RESUMEN Antecedentes: La enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica (EPOC) es una enfermedad respiratoria crónica que afecta predominantemente a la población de personas mayores. Como no se la conoce bien, la EPOC se confunde a menudo con el asma. El tabaquismo es ampliamente reconocido como el factor de riesgo más importante de la EPOC, pero las exposiciones profesionales a polvos irritantes, humos y gases, así como las exposiciones a la biomasa de leña y carbón en espacios cerrados, contribuyen a la prevalencia de la EPOC. El presente trabajo examina la prevalencia de la EPOC y las exposiciones ocupacionales en adultos de 70+ años, utilizando en Jamaica datos del estudio de la Carga de la Enfermedad Pulmonar Obstructiva (BOLD, en inglés) con base en el Reino Unido (www.boldstudy.org). Sujetos y método: Jamaica siguió un estricto protocolo de BOLD consistente en administrar cara a cara cuestionarios estandarizados y pruebas de espirometría a participantes de ≥ 40 años de edad. Las preguntas incluyeron características sociodemográficas, prácticas de tabaquismo, síntomas respiratorios y exposiciones ocupacionales. El cuestionario ocupacional indagó sobre el tiempo transcurrido en trece ocupaciones diferentes, incluyendo trabajo en el campo (agricultura, cría de animales) construcción, extinción de incendios, limpieza doméstica e industrial, soldadura, minería de carbón, y molienda de harina, piensos o granos, por mencionar algunas. La espirometría se realizó de acuerdo con las normas de la Sociedad Torácica Americana (STA). Se seleccionó una muestra aleatoria multietapa de todo el país -formada por individuos no institucionalizados— para el reclutamiento con la ayuda del Instituto Estadístico de Jamaica (STATIN, en inglés). Todos los cuestionarios y datos de espirometría de los participantes consintientes fueron enviados electrónicamente al Centro Coordinador del Reino Unido para la depuración de datos, chequeo de calidad y análisis preliminar. Los datos finales fueron devueltos al equipo de investigación local para su posterior análisis. Resultado: La muestra total seleccionada para el reclutamiento (y la tasa de respuesta) fue de 883 (91.4%) para las personas de ≥ 40 años y 190 (87.2%) para las personas de 70+ años. De los 164 encuestados en grupo de 70+ años, 91 (55.5%) tenían espirometría utilizable. La prevalencia de fumar ocasionalmente por edad y sexo en esta cohorte de 70+ fue de 38.4%. El trabajo en el campo (agricultura, cría de animales), la construcción y la limpieza doméstica fueron las ocupaciones más frecuentemente reportadas (58.8%). Los años de trabajo en estas tres ocupaciones oscilaron entre 1-70 (trabajo en el campo y construcción), y 1-78 (limpieza). La mayoría estaban ahora retirados (120 de 164 en total). La prevalencia ponderada estimada de la población de la Iniciativa Global para la Enfermedad Pulmonar Obstructiva Crónica (GOLD, en inglés) Etapa 1 (post-BD FEV1/FVC < 70%; FEV1 ≥ 80% valor teórico) fue de 12.1% en total para las personas de 40+, pero las más alta fue 37.8% en el grupo de 70+ años. La prevalencia estimada de GOLD Etapa 2 (50 ≤ FEV1 < 80% valor teórico) fue de 9.6% en los de 40+, y de nuevo 31.3% la más alta en el grupo de 70+ años de edad. Conclusión: La prevalencia general de la EPOC en el grupo de 40+ años, ya fuera en la etapa 1 (EPOC leve), o la etapa 2 (EPOC moderada), aunque pareciera baja, seguía siendo más alta en el grupo de 70+ años. Los datos locales revelaron que si bien la prevalencia de fumar regularmente había disminuido a la edad de 70+, la prevalencia estimada de EPOC en GOLD Etapa 1 y Etapa 2 fue mayor en este grupo etario. La contribución de las exposiciones ocupacionales al desarrollo de la EPOC requiere un análisis adicional para examinar las exposiciones ocupacionales en todos los participantes de 40+ años. así como la prevalencia de la EPOC entre los no fumadores. La progresión de la enfermedad de la etapa 1 a la etapa 2 y su efecto sobre la morbilidad y la calidad de vida es probable que tenga lugar si no hay educación del paciente con respecto a las complicaciones que el humo del tabaco y las exposiciones en el centro de trabajo tienen para el desarrollo de la EPOC.

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.

Spirometric assessment of pulmonary functions in adult with documented primary hypothyroidism

Introduction: Hypothyroidism is a common endocrine problem, state of deficient thyroid hormones, may be result of many etiologies. Primary hypothyroidism is a subset of Hypothyroidism which accounts for 95% of the cases, only 5% are due to secondary causes. Respiratory manifestations are seldom the major complaints in hypothyroidism. Lung volumes are usually normal, but few studies have shown findings suggestive of restrictive pattern of impairment. This has been attributed to decrease in both expiratory and inspiratory muscle strength, alveolar hypoventilation due to depression of hypoxic and hypercapnic ventilatory drives. Aim of the Study: To study the pulmonary functions of individuals with primary hypothyroidism by performing spirometry, to compare the spirometric findings of primary hypothyroidism patients with euthyroid individuals. Materials and methods: Sample size of the study was around 50 patients. 25 patients were controls who were free from thyroid disease. 25 subjects were diagnosed primary hypothyroidism patients were included in the study. The patients and controls were evaluated as per the predesigned proforma and relevant investigations were done to assess their cardiac status and pulmonary status. Results: The FEV1, FVC, PEFR were found to be decreased and the FEV1/ FVC % was found to be increased in Primary hypothyroidism group when compared to control group. G Ramachandran, N. Chidambaram, S. Periyasamy, R. Santhaprabu. Spirometric assessment of pulmonary functions in adult with documented primary hypothyroidism. IAIM, 2016; 3(12): 115-122. Page 116 Conclusion: Pulmonary functions of individuals with primary hypothyroidism patients was by assessed by spirometry and compared with euthyroid individuals. Spirometry values were consistently lower in primary hypothyroidsm patients .Females are more affected than males. Spirometry values shows restrictive pattern.

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.

Evaluation of Serum Level of Neutrophil Elastase, Superoxide Dismutase and Nitric Oxide in COPD Patients and its Correlation with Lung Function Test.

Aims: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is the fourth leading cause of death worldwide. Its prevalence is increasing in the world. Tobacco smoking is the major risk factor for COPD. Oxidant-antioxidant and protease – anti-protease imbalance is the major hallmarks for the pathogenesis of COPD. The present study was planned to assess the correlation between markers of airflow obstruction with the serum level of neutrophil elastase, nitric oxide and superoxide dismutase in COPD patients. Study Design: Case Control Study. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Biochemistry, B. J. Govt. Medical College, Pune [Maharashtra]. The study period was in between Feb.2012 to Dec. 2013. Methodology: Study comprised of 60 stable COPD patients and 60 healthy controls. COPD patients were selected as per the GOLD (Global Initiative for Obstructive Lung Disease) criteria with of aged between 40 to 75 yrs. Each subject undergone through the pulmonary function test by spirometry prior to enter in the study and predicted values of FEV1, FVC and FEV1/FVC were measured. Serum level of neutrophil elastase (NE) was analyzed using commercial available ELISA kits while serum level of nitric oxide and superoxide dismutase were measured by spectrophotometric methods. Statistical analysis was done by using SPSS software 17 version. Results: In our study we observed significantly increased levels of serum neutrophil elastase and nitric oxide and decreased level of enzymatic antioxidant superoxide dismutase (SOD) in COPD patients as compared to healthy controls. We found significant strong inverse correlation between neutrophil elastase (r=-0.604, P<0.0001) and nitric oxide (r=-0.565, P<0.0001) with FEV1% predicted and positive correlation between superoxide dismutase and FEV1% predicted (r=+0.394, P<0.001) in COPD patients. Conclusion: The present study demonstrates that the level of nitric oxide, superoxide dismutase and neutrophil elastase in serum might have played role in oxidative stress and inflammation in COPD patients. Hence, it can be concluded that the measurement of these biomarkers in serum may provide a good approach to assess the severity of the disease in COPD patients.

Asma y tabaquismo, ¿Una asociación bidireccional?

El asma es una enfermedad crónica caracterizada por hiperreactividad de la vía aérea que puede desencadenarse por diversos mecanismos, entre los cuáles el tabaquismo evidencia una estrecha asociación con el desarrollo y progresión de la enfermedad pulmonar. A pesar de lo anterior, la asociación del asma en la niñez con el desarrollo del tabaquismo en la adultez no ha sido ampliamente propuesta. En general, se ha reportado que así como el tabaquismo puede preceder el asma en adultez, en otros casos el asma precede esta relación. De tal manera, los asmáticos comienzan a fumar a menor edad y entre mayor es la sintomatología, mayor el riesgo de ser fumador regular. Lo anterior sustenta una probable relación bidireccional entre el tabaquismo y el asma, a pesar que no es clara la dirección del efecto de la condición asmática sobre el hábito tabáquico. De tal forma, el propósito de la presente revisión es describir dicha asociación bidireccional entre el asma y el tabaquismo.

Asthma is a chronic disease characterized by airway hyperresponsiveness, with specific mechanisms that trigger that hyperreactivity. Among the most studied, there is smoking, a habit which has been closely associated with the development and progression of obstructive lung disease. Few studies have examined the relationship of asthma as an associated factor for developing smoking. It has been reported that in most cases, asthma precedes smoking; asthmatics start smoking younger and do not prevent smoking (higher prevalence) and that if asthma symptoms are worse, smoking risk increases. In fact, there are many doubts about the natural history and relationship to asthma and smoking both in childhood, adolescence and adulthood. To summarize, the purpose of this review is to describe the bidirectional association between asthma and tabaquism.