Effectiveness of pulmonary rehabilitation at high-altitude compared to sea-level in adults with severe refractory asthma.

BACKGROUND: Beneficial effects of pulmonary rehabilitation at high-altitude (HAPR) in patients with severe refractory asthma have been reported earlier, but evidence for the effectiveness is limited. AIM: To investigate the effectiveness of high-altitude pulmonary rehabilitation to comparable treatment at sea-level (LAPR) on patient outcome parameters. METHODS: Adults with severe refractory asthma living in The Netherlands were included. Treatment consisted of a 12-week personalized multidisciplinary rehabilitation program either at high-altitude (Davos Switzerland) (n = 93) or in a tertiary lung center at sea-level in The Netherlands (n = 45). At baseline, after treatment, and during 12 months follow-up asthma related quality of life (AQLQ), asthma control (ACQ), pulmonary function and OCS-dose were assessed. Patients could not be randomized resulting in different asthma populations. Groups were compared using linear regression analysis (ANCOVA) adjusted for baseline values, in addition to age, atopy, smoking history, BMI and gender. RESULTS: After treatment, and at 12 months follow-up, improved AQLQ(0.92,p < 0.001 and 0.82,p = 0.001, respectively), ACQ(-0.87,p < 0.001 and -0.69,p = 0.008, respectively) and lower maintenance OCS dose (Unadjusted linear regression analysis-5.29 mg, p = 0.003 and Crude Odds Ratio-1.67, p = 0.003, respectively) were observed in the HAPR-group compared to the LAPR group. Patients receiving HAPR also had less asthma exacerbations (≥1 exacerbation: 20% vs 60%,p < 0.001) and showed improvement in lung function (%predFEV1 3.4%,p = 0.014) compared to the LAPR group, but at 12 months no differences between groups were observed. CONCLUSION: HAPR resulted in a larger improvement in patient outcome parameters compared to LAPR, on the long run the improvement in patient reported symptoms and lower maintenance OCS-dose persists. Underlying factors that explain this observed effect need to be investigated.

Multidisciplinary decision-making regarding chemotherapy for lung cancer patients-An age-based comparison.

Optimising decision-making in elderly patients is becoming increasingly urgent. We analysed treatment decisions and course of therapy for patients with lung cancer in different age categories: <65, 65-75, and 75 years and older. About 349 patients with lung cancer (median age 67.8 years), discussed at the multidisciplinary team meeting in the Diakonessenhuis Utrecht, the Netherlands, were reviewed. Multidisciplinary decision-making and subsequent clinical course were extracted from medical files. We found that 39% of eligible patients older than 75 years of age started treatment with chemotherapy compared to 80% of the younger patients (<65 and 65-75). When patients did receive chemotherapy, primary and secondary treatment adaptations were effectuated in 58%: for patients aged <65 in 49%, for patients aged 65-75 and >75 years in 66%. For 44% of all patients treated with chemotherapy, unplanned hospital admissions were required: in 42% for the patients <65, in 52% for those aged 65-75 and in 27% for >75 years. The decision-making process and course of treatment for lung cancer vary per age category. In particular, patients between 65 and 75 years of age might be more frail than initially thought. Age and frailty are important characteristics that need more attention.

Chemotherapy and healthcare utilisation near the end of life in patients with cancer.

The quality of medical care delivered to patients with cancer near the end of life is a significant issue. Previous studies have defined several areas suggestive of aggressive cancer treatment as potentially representing poor quality care. The primary objective of current analysis was to examine chemotherapy and healthcare utilisation in the last 3 months of life among patients with cancer that received palliative chemotherapy. Patients were selected from the hospital administration database of the Diakonessenhuis Utrecht, the Netherlands. Data were extracted from the medical files. A total of 604 patients were included for analysis (median age: 64 years). For 300 patients (50%) chemotherapy was given in the last 3 months (CT+). For 76% (n = 229) of CT+ patients unplanned hospital admissions were made in these last 3 months, compared to 44% (n = 133) of CT- patients (p < .001). Visits to the emergency room in last 3 months were made by 67% (n = 202) of CT+ patients compared to 43% (n = 132) of CT- patients (p < .001). Healthcare consumption was significantly higher in patients who received chemotherapy in the last 3 months of life. Being able to inform our patients about these aspects of treatment can help to optimise both the quality of life and the quality of dying in patients with cancer.

Can routine chest radiography be used to diagnose mild COPD? A nested case-control study.

OBJECTIVES: To determine whether mild stage chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) can be detected on chest radiography without substantial overdiagnosis. METHODS: A retrospective nested case-control study (case:control, 1:1) was performed in 783 patients scheduled for cardiothoracic surgery who underwent both spirometry and a chest radiograph preoperative. Diagnostic accuracy of chest radiography for diagnosing mild COPD was investigated using objective measurements and overall appearance specific for COPD on chest radiography. Inter-observer variability was investigated and variables with a kappa >0.40 as well as baseline characteristics were used to make a diagnostic model which was aimed at achieving a high positive predictive value (PPV). RESULTS: Twenty percent (155/783) had COPD. The PPV of overall appearance specific for COPD alone was low (37-55%). Factors in the diagnostic model were age, type of surgery, gender, distance of the right diaphragm apex to the first rib, retrosternal space, sternodiaphragmatic angle, maximum height right diaphragm (lateral view) and subjective impression of COPD (using both views). The model resulted in a PPV of 100%, negative predictive value (NPV) of 82%, sensitivity of 10% and specificity of 100% with an area under the curve of 0.811. CONCLUSIONS: Detection of mild COPD without substantial overdiagnosis was not feasible on chest radiographs in our cohort.

Bone density loss on computed tomography at 3-year follow-up in current compared to former male smokers.

OBJECTIVES: Cigarette smoking negatively affects bone quality and increases fracture risk. Little is known on the effect of smoking cessation and computed tomography (CT)-derived bone mineral density (BMD) decline in the spine. We evaluated the association of current and former smoking with BMD decline after 3-year follow-up. METHODS: Male current and former smokers participating in a lung cancer screening trial who underwent baseline and 3-year follow-up CT were included. BMD was measured by manual placement of a region of interest in the first lumbar vertebra and expressed in Hounsfield Unit (HU). Multiple linear regression analysis was used to evaluate the association between pack years smoked and smoking status with BMD decline. RESULTS: 408 participants were included with median (25th-75th percentile) age of 59.4 (55.9-63.5) years. At the start of the study, 197 (48.3%) participants were current smokers and 211 (51.7%) were former smokers and had a similar amount of pack years. Current smokers had quit smoking for 6 (4-8) years prior to inclusion. There was no difference in BMD between current and former smokers at baseline (109±34 HU vs. 108±32 HU, p=0.96). At 3-year follow-up, current smokers had a mean BMD decline of -3±13 HU (p=0.001), while BMD in former smokers did not change as compared to baseline (1±13 HU, p=0.34). After adjustment for BMD at baseline and body mass index, current smoking was independently associated with BMD decline (-3.8 HU, p=0.003). Age, pack years, and the presence of a fracture at baseline did not associate with BMD decline. CONCLUSIONS: Current smokers showed a more rapid BMD decline over a 3-year period compared to former smokers. This information might be important to identify subjects at risk for osteoporosis and emphasizes the importance of smoking cessation in light of BMD decline.

Improving early diagnosis of pulmonary infections in patients with febrile neutropenia using low-dose chest computed tomography.

We performed a prospective study in patients with chemotherapy induced febrile neutropenia to investigate the diagnostic value of low-dose computed tomography compared to standard chest radiography. The aim was to compare both modalities for detection of pulmonary infections and to explore performance of low-dose computed tomography for early detection of invasive fungal disease. The low-dose computed tomography remained blinded during the study. A consensus diagnosis of the fever episode made by an expert panel was used as reference standard. We included 67 consecutive patients on the first day of febrile neutropenia. According to the consensus diagnosis 11 patients (16.4%) had pulmonary infections. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value were 36%, 93%, 50% and 88% for radiography, and 73%, 91%, 62% and 94% for low-dose computed tomography, respectively. An uncorrected McNemar showed no statistical difference (p = 0.197). Mean radiation dose for low-dose computed tomography was 0.24 mSv. Four out of 5 included patients diagnosed with invasive fungal disease had radiographic abnormalities suspect for invasive fungal disease on the low-dose computed tomography scan made on day 1 of fever, compared to none of the chest radiographs. We conclude that chest radiography has little value in the initial assessment of febrile neutropenia on day 1 for detection of pulmonary abnormalities. Low-dose computed tomography improves detection of pulmonary infiltrates and seems capable of detecting invasive fungal disease at a very early stage with a low radiation dose.

Diagnosing eosinophilic asthma using a multivariate prediction model based on blood granulocyte responsiveness.

BACKGROUND: The identification of inflammatory asthma phenotypes, using sputum analysis, has proven its value in diagnosis and disease monitoring. However due to technical limitations of sputum analysis, there is a strong need for fast and noninvasive diagnostics. This study included the activation state of eosinophils and neutrophils in peripheral blood to phenotype and monitor asthma. OBJECTIVES: To (i) construct a multivariable model using the activation state of blood granulocytes, (ii) compare its diagnostic value with sputum eosinophilia as gold standard and (iii) validate the model in an independent patient cohort. METHODS: Clinical parameters, activation of blood granulocytes and sputum characteristics were assessed in 115 adult patients with asthma (training cohort/Utrecht) and 34 patients (validation cohort/Oxford). RESULTS: The combination of blood eosinophil count, fractional exhaled nitric oxide, Asthma Control Questionnaire, medication use, nasal polyposis, aspirin sensitivity and neutrophil/eosinophil responsiveness upon stimulation with formyl-methionyl-leucyl phenylalanine was found to identify sputum eosinophilia with 90.5% sensitivity and 91.5% specificity in the training cohort and with 77% sensitivity and 71% specificity in the validation cohort (relatively high percentage on oral corticosteroids [OCS]). CONCLUSIONS: The proposed prediction model identifies eosinophilic asthma without the need for sputum induction. The model forms a noninvasive and externally validated test to assess eosinophilic asthma in patients not on OCS.

CT screening for pulmonary pathology in common variable immunodeficiency disorders and the correlation with clinical and immunological parameters.

BACKGROUND: Pulmonary disease is common in patients with common variable immunodeficiency disorders (CVID) and involves infections, chronic airway disease and interstitial lung disease. Chronic pulmonary disease is associated with excess morbidity and early mortality and therefore early detection and monitoring of progression is essential. METHODS AND PURPOSE: Thin slice CT scan and pulmonary function were used to determine the prevalence and spectrum of chronic (pre-clinical) pulmonary disease in adult CVID patients regardless of symptoms. CT Scans were scored for airway abnormalities (AD) and interstitial lung disease (ILD). Other CVID related complications and B and T lymphocyte subsets were analyzed to identify patients at risk for pulmonary disease. RESULTS: Significant pulmonary abnormalities were detected in 24 of the 47 patients (51%) consisting of AD in 30% and ILD in 34% of cases. In only 7 (29%) of these 24 patients pulmonary function test proved abnormal. The presence of AD was correlated to (recurrent) lower respiratory tract infections despite IgG therapy. The presence of ILD was correlated to autoimmune disease and a reduction in the numbers of CD4 + T cells, naïve CD4 + T cells, naïve CD8 + T cells and memory B cells and lower IgG through levels over time. CONCLUSION: Preclinical signs of AD and ILD are common in CVID patients despite Ig therapy and do not correlate to pulmonary function testing. Patients at risk for ILD might be identified by the presence of autoimmunity or a deranged T cell pattern. Larger studies are needed to confirm these findings and to determine thresholds for the T lymphocyte subsets.

Blinded and uniform cause of death verification in a lung cancer CT screening trial.

Disease-specific mortality is the final outcome of a lung cancer screening trial, therefore cause of death verification is crucial. The use of death certificates for this purpose is debated because of bias, inaccurate completion and incorrect ante mortem diagnoses. A cause of death evaluation process was designed to ensure a uniform and unbiased determination of the graduation of certainty that lung cancer was the underlying cause of death. An independent clinical expert committee will review the medical files of all deceased participants once diagnosed with lung cancer and will make use of a flow chart and predetermined criteria. A pilot study of fifty cases was conducted to determine the performance of this process and to compare the outcome with the official death certificates. The independent review has shown an agreement of 90% (kappa 0.65), which demonstrates a uniform classification. The sensitivity and specificity of the death certificates for lung cancer specific mortality were 95.2 and 62.5%. This demonstrates a limited distinctive character of the death certification process in lung cancer patients. Our results imply that the final outcome of a lung cancer screening trial cannot reliably be established without predetermined criteria and an independent review of blinded cases.

Diabetes before and after lung transplantation in patients with cystic fibrosis and other lung diseases.

AIMS: The aims of the study are to investigate the prevalence of diabetes in patients with cystic fibrosis compared with patients without cystic fibrosis, and its impact on the outcome after lung transplantation. METHODS: Data were reviewed from 77 lung transplantation recipients in our centre between 2001 and 2010; 43 patients had cystic fibrosis and 34 patients had other lung diseases (no cystic fibrosis). To define diabetes, we used the American Diabetes Association definition. RESULTS: Before lung transplantation, diabetes was diagnosed in 63% of patients with cystic fibrosis and 6% of patients without cystic fibrosis (P<0.001). In both groups, approximately 60% of the patients at risk developed new-onset diabetes after transplantation. The mortality in patients with cystic fibrosis was higher in patients with diabetes diagnosed before lung transplantation compared with those without (44 vs. 6%, P=0.04). Diabetes remained an independent factor in multivariate analyses. CONCLUSIONS: Diabetes diagnosed before lung transplantation has a negative effect on survival after lung transplantation in patients with cystic fibrosis. Pre-existing diabetes is common in patients with cystic fibrosis, in contrast to patients without cystic fibrosis. Development of new-onset diabetes after transplantation is similar in both groups.

Quantitative computed tomography in COPD: possibilities and limitations.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a heterogeneous disease that is characterized by chronic airflow limitation. Unraveling of this heterogeneity is challenging but important, because it might enable more accurate diagnosis and treatment. Because spirometry cannot distinguish between the different contributing pathways of airflow limitation, and visual scoring is time-consuming and prone to observer variability, other techniques are sought to start this phenotyping process. Quantitative computed tomography (CT) is a promising technique, because current CT technology is able to quantify emphysema, air trapping, and large airway wall dimensions. This review focuses on CT quantification techniques of COPD disease components and their current status and role in phenotyping COPD.

The relationship between lung function impairment and quantitative computed tomography in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the relationship between lung function impairment and quantitative computed tomography (CT) measurements of air trapping and emphysema in a population of current and former heavy smokers with and without airflow limitation. METHODS: In 248 subjects (50 normal smokers; 50 mild obstruction; 50 moderate obstruction; 50 severe obstruction; 48 very severe obstruction) CT emphysema and CT air trapping were quantified on paired inspiratory and end-expiratory CT examinations using several available quantification methods. CT measurements were related to lung function (FEV(1), FEV(1)/FVC, RV/TLC, Kco) by univariate and multivariate linear regression analysis. RESULTS: Quantitative CT measurements of emphysema and air trapping were strongly correlated to airflow limitation (univariate r-squared up to 0.72, p < 0.001). In multivariate analysis, the combination of CT emphysema and CT air trapping explained 68-83% of the variability in airflow limitation in subjects covering the total range of airflow limitation (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The combination of quantitative CT air trapping and emphysema measurements is strongly associated with lung function impairment in current and former heavy smokers with a wide range of airflow limitation.

Screening for emphysema via exhaled volatile organic compounds.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)/emphysema risk groups are well defined and screening allows for early identification of disease. The capability of exhaled volatile organic compounds (VOCs) to detect emphysema, as found by computed tomography (CT) in current and former heavy smokers participating in a lung cancer screening trial, was investigated. CT scans, pulmonary function tests and breath sample collections were obtained from 204 subjects. Breath samples were analyzed with a proton-transfer reaction mass spectrometer (PTR-MS) to obtain VOC profiles listed as ions at various mass-to-charge ratios (m/z). Using bootstrapped stepwise forward logistic regression, we identified specific breath profiles as a potential tool for the diagnosis of emphysema, of airflow limitation or gas-exchange impairment. A marker for emphysema was found at m/z 87 (tentatively attributed to 2-methylbutanal). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) of this marker to diagnose emphysema was 0.588 (95% CI 0.453-0.662). Mass-to-charge ratios m/z 52 (most likely chloramine) and m/z 135 (alkyl benzene) were linked to obstructive disease and m/z 122 (most probably alkyl homologs) to an impaired diffusion capacity. ROC areas were 0.646 (95% CI 0.562-0.730) and 0.671 (95% CI 0.524-0.710), respectively. In the screening setting, exhaled VOCs measured by PTR-MS constitute weak markers for emphysema, pulmonary obstruction and impaired diffusion capacity.

Association of the transfer coefficient of the lung for carbon monoxide with emphysema progression in male smokers.

A decreased transfer coefficient of the lung for carbon monoxide (K(CO)) is associated with emphysema. We evaluated whether in heavy smokers, baseline K(CO) was associated with the progression of computed tomography (CT)-detected emphysema, and the progression of airflow limitation. Heavy smokers, mean ± sd 41.3 ± 18.7 pack-yrs, participating in a lung cancer screening trial underwent diffusion testing and CT scanning of the lungs. CT scanning was repeated after median (25th-75th percentile) 2.8 (2.7-3.0) yrs and emphysema was assessed by lung densitometry using the 15th percentile. The association between K(CO) at baseline with progression of emphysema and lung function decline was assessed by multiple linear regression, correcting for baseline CT-quantified emphysema severity and forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1/forced vital capacity (FVC), age, height, body mass index, pack-yrs and smoking status (current or former smoker). 522 participants aged 60.1 ± 5.4 yrs were included. Mean ± sd 15th percentile was -938 ± 19, absolute FEV1/FVC was 71.6 ± 9% and K(CO) was 1.23 ± 0.25, which is 81.8 ± 16.5% of predicted. By interpolation, a one sd (0.25) lower K(CO) value at baseline predicted a 1.6 HU lower 15th percentile and a 0.78% lower FEV1/FVC after follow-up (p < 0.001). A lower baseline K(CO) value is independently associated with a more rapid progression of emphysema and airflow limitation in heavy smokers.

Pneumoconiosis and emphysema in construction workers: results of HRCT and lung function findings.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the prevalence of HRCT findings in construction workers previously surveyed by chest radiographs classified according to ILO guidelines. To examine the association between HRCT findings and exposure to quartz containing dust, and lung function. METHODS: The study comprised a questionnaire, dynamic and static lung function measurements, single-breath CO diffusion capacity, chest radiographs and HRCT in 79 individuals. Certified 'B' readers coded radiographs according to the ILO classification. HRCT scans were read according to an international classification system. A qualitative exposure index for cumulative respiratory quartz on a 10-point scale was used. RESULTS: Agreement between HRCT readers was good (κ>0.60), except for irregular opacities (κ=0.23). In ILO category 0/0, 8% HRCT round, 22% irregular and/or linear opacities and 41% HRCT emphysema was found. HRCT round opacities was associated with high cumulative quartz exposure (OR 7.1; 95% CI 1.3 to 37.8). Emphysema was associated with smoking (OR 10.1; 95% CI 1.2 to 84.2) and showed a reduction in T(L,CO,sb). HRCT round opacities was not associated with lung function. Current smoking was negatively associated with FEV1/FVC ratio and positively with RV/TLC ratio, and showed a reduction in T(L,CO,sb) (13.4%), adjusted for different HRCT findings. CONCLUSIONS: Low grade silicosis cannot be excluded in workers with normal chest radiographs (ILO 0/0). In relatively highly exposed construction workers, a sevenfold increased risk of simple (nodular) silicosis was found. Emphysema on HRCT was associated with current or former smokers, but not with exposure, and contributed to reduced diffusion capacity. Airflow limitation was mainly determined by current smoking and was not associated with simple (nodular) silicosis.

Recurrent pulmonary embolism associated with a hemostatic drug: tranexamic acid.

Tranexamic acid (TA) used in a variety of conditions associated with bleeding has been associated with potential thrombotic side effects such as formation of thrombi and pulmonary embolism (PE). We describe a case of a woman with chronic hemoptysis and a history of PE, who recently used TA as a prophylactic measure, which could have resulted in a new episode of PE. Tranexamic acid probably played a contributory role in the development of her second PE.

The impact of using different symptom-based exacerbation algorithms in patients with COPD.

Not all exacerbations are captured by reliance on healthcare contacts. Symptom-based exacerbation definitions have shown to provide more adequate measures of exacerbation rates, severity and duration. However, no consensus has been reached on what is the most useful method and algorithm to identify these events. This article provides an overview of the existing symptom-based definitions and tests the hypothesis that differences in exacerbation characteristics depend on the algorithms used. We systematically reviewed symptom-based methods and algorithms used in the literature, and quantified the impact of the four most referenced algorithms on exacerbation-related outcome using an existing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) cohort (n = 137). We identified 51 studies meeting our criteria using 14 widely varying symptom algorithms to define onset, severity and recovery. The most (71%) frequently referenced algorithm (modified Anthonisen) identified an incidence rate of 1.7 episodes·patient-yr⁻¹ (95% CI 1.4-2.1), while for requiring only one major or two major symptoms this was 1.9 episodes·patient-yr⁻¹ (95% CI 1.6-2.3) and 1.5 episodes·patient-yr⁻¹ (95% CI 0.6-1.0), respectively. Studies were generally lacking methods to enhance validity and accuracy of symptom recording. This review revealed large inconsistencies in definitions, methods and accuracy to define symptom-based COPD exacerbations. We demonstrated that minor changes in symptom criteria substantially affect incidence rates, clustering type and classification of exacerbations.

Steroids induce a disequilibrium of secreted interleukin-1 receptor antagonist and interleukin-1ß synthesis by human neutrophils.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is characterised by neutrophilic inflammation in the airways and these neutrophils contribute to the production of inflammatory mediators. Dampening the production of proinflammatory mediators might be an important strategy to treat COPD and glucocorticosteroids are known to do so via inhibition of nuclear factor-κB. However, this pathway is important for the control of pro- and anti-inflammatory genes. We studied the effects of dexamethasone on production and secretion of pro-inflammatory interleukin (IL)-1ß and anti-inflammatory secreted IL-1 receptor antagonist (sIL-1Ra) by human neutrophils activated with tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α. In vitro, TNF-α-stimulated neutrophils produced significant amounts of IL-1ß and sIL-1Ra; this production was inhibited by dexamethasone. However, synthesis and secretion of sIL-1Ra was inhibited at lower concentrations dexamethasone compared to IL-1ß, which changed the IL-1ß:sIL-1Ra ratio significantly. This altered ratio resulted in a more pro-inflammatory condition, as visualised by increased intercellular adhesion molecule-1 expression on human endothelial cells. In vivo, moderate-to-severe COPD patients using inhaled glucocorticosteroids have decreased plasma sIL-Ra levels compared with mild-to-moderate patients not on glucocorticosteroid treatment. In conclusion, dexamethasone induces a pro-inflammatory shift in the IL-1ß:sIL-1Ra cytokine balance in neutrophils in vitro, which might contribute to a lack of endogenous anti-inflammatory signals to dampen inflammation in vivo.