Burden of chronic cough on social participation, healthcare resource utilisation and activities of daily living in the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging (CLSA).

BACKGROUND: Chronic cough is a common troublesome condition, but it is unclear whether dry or productive chronic cough and sex, impacts the burden of cough differently. METHODS: The Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging is a nationally generalizable, stratified random sample of adults aged 45-85 years. Chronic cough was identified based on a self-reported daily cough in the last 12 months assessed at baseline (2011-2015) and follow-up (2015-2018). Odds ratios (95 % CI) for cough status and change in social participation activities (SPA), healthcare resource utilisation (HCRU), basic activities of daily living (ADLs) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs) were estimated using a weighted generalised estimating equation (WGEE). Results were stratified by sex, and adjusted for age, sex, smoking, body mass index, education, respiratory diseases and retirement status. RESULTS: Overall, chronic cough was associated with less SPA, greater HCRU and impaired ADL/IADLs. Productive chronic cough in males was associated with SPA limited by health, ED visits and hospitalisation. Females with productive chronic cough was associated with reduced frequency of SPA and ED visit. Dry chronic cough in females was associated with SPA limited by health and ED visits. Both types of cough was associated with at least 1 impaired basic ADL, but only in females with productive chronic cough was there an association with any impairment in IADLs. CONCLUSION: Chronic cough is associated with a greater burden on social participation, healthcare use and personal care.

The added value of haemoglobin to height, age, and sex to predict DLCO in subjects with preserved exercise capacity.

BACKGROUND: The single breath diffusion capacity for carbon monoxide (DLCO) captures several aspects of the role of the lung in meeting the metabolic demands of the body. The magnitude of the independent contributors to the DLCO is unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate the factors that independently contribute to the DLCO. OBJECTIVES: The objective was to investigate the impact of height, age, sex and haemoglobin on DLCO, alveolar volume (VA) and carbon monoxide transfer coefficient (KCO). METHODS: Study participants were pre-screened based on normal exercise capacity achieved during an incremental cardio-pulmonary exercise testing (CPET) using cycle ergometry at McMaster University Medical Center between 1988-2012. Participants who had an FEV1>80% predicted, with an FEV1/FVC ≥0.7 and who achieved a maximum power output ≥80% were selected for analysis. In total, 16,298 subjects [61% male, mean height 1.70m (range 1.26-2.07), age 49 yrs (10-94), weight 79 kg (23-190) had DLCO measured while demonstrating normal spirometry and exercise capacity. RESULTS: The DLCO increased exponentially with height, was 15% greater in males, increased with age yearly until 20, then decreased yearly after the age of 35, and was 6% higher per gram of haemoglobin (5.58*Height(m)1.69*1.15 in Males*(1-0.006*Age>35)*(1+0.01*Age<20) *(1+0.06*Hb gm/dl), (r = 0.76). CONCLUSION: Height, age, sex, and haemoglobin all have independent influence on the DLCO in subjects with normal spirometry and preserved exercise capacity.

Impact of mental health and personality traits on the incidence of chronic cough in the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging.

Background: Chronic cough is a common troublesome condition, but risk factors for developing chronic cough are poorly understood. The aim of this study was to understand the relationship between mental health disorders, personality traits and chronic cough. Methods: The Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging is a prospective, nationally generalisable, random sample of adults aged 45-85 years at baseline recruited between 2011 and 2015, and followed-up 3 years later. Chronic cough was defined as a daily cough over the last 12 months. Incident chronic cough was defined as those participants who reported new-onset chronic cough between baseline and follow-up 1. Current depressive symptoms and psychological distress were assessed using the Center for Epidemiologic Study Short Depression Scale (CESD-10) and Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K-10), respectively. The "Big Five" personality traits were assessed using the Ten-Item Personality Inventory. Relative risks are reported using a multivariate mutually adjusted model. Results: At follow-up 1, 2506 participants (11.1%) reported new-onset chronic cough during the ∼3-year interval. Depressive symptoms (CESD-10 ≥10: relative risk 1.22 (95% CI 1.03-1.44)) and psychological distress (K-10 ≥22: relative risk 1.20 (95% CI 1.07-1.36)) at baseline were both independent predictors of a higher risk of incident chronic cough. Prevalent and incident chronic cough were also independently associated with an increased risk of developing depressive symptoms and psychological distress. Personality traits did not influence the development of chronic cough but did increase the risk of depressive symptoms and psychological distress. Conclusions: This study shows that there is a bidirectional relationship between chronic cough, and depressive symptoms and psychological distress, and personality traits do not independently influence the development of chronic cough.

Language and geographical location influence the incidence of chronic cough in the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging.

French speakers have a 4% lower incidence of chronic cough than English speakers in the CLSA, but English speakers from Quebec, Newfoundland and Labrador, and Nova Scotia also have a lower risk of developing chronic cough https://bit.ly/3qAd3Mf.

Impact of productive and dry chronic cough on mortality in the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging (CLSA).

Background: Chronic cough is a common troublesome condition and accounts for a high burden on quality of life. Previous data investigating the mortality associated with chronic cough has been derived in patients with chronic bronchitis. No data exists on chronic dry cough. Therefore, we investigated if chronic dry and productive cough is independently associated with increased mortality. Methods: The Canadian Longitudinal Study on Ageing (CLSA) is a prospective, nationally generalizable, stratified random sample of adults aged 45-85 years at baseline recruited between 2011-2015 and followed up three years later. Chronic cough was identified based on a self-reported daily cough in the last 12 months. Deaths were confirmed by the Ministry of Health and/or completion of descendent questionnaire by a family member. Models were investigated for dry and productive chronic cough and was adjusted for age, sex, smoking, body mass index (BMI), and respiratory diseases. Results: Of the 30,016 participants, 4,783 (15.9%) reported chronic cough at baseline; 2,724 (57%) had a dry cough, and 2,059 (43%) had productive chronic cough. There was a total of 561 deaths between baseline and follow-up-1 (3 years later). There was a 49% higher risk of death in participants with chronic productive cough {adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 1.49 [95% confidence intervals (CI): 1.08-2.07]}, but not dry chronic cough [aOR 0.85 (0.60-1.20)]. The effects of chronic productive cough on mortality were persistent in those with no airflow obstruction [chronic productive cough aOR 1.90 (1.09-3.31)]. Conclusions: Chronic productive cough is associated with a higher risk of death, while chronic dry cough has no impact on mortality risk of death in middle-aged and older adults. This highlights the importance of careful evaluation of patients with chronic cough.

Effects of cigarette smoke exposure on pulmonary physiology, muscle strength and exercise capacity in a retrospective cohort with 30,000 subjects.

BACKGROUND: The effects of long-term cigarette smoke exposure on pulmonary physiology and how those effects lead to reduced exercise capacity are not well established. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the spirometry, single-breath gas transfer (DLCO), peripheral muscle strength, and maximum exercise capacity data in patients referred to McMaster University Medical Centre for cardiopulmonary exercise testing between 2000 and 2012. RESULTS: 29,441 subjects underwent CPET and had a recorded smoking history [58% male, mean age 51.1 years (S.D.±19.6), BMI 27.4 kg/m2(±5.8)]. 7081 (24%) were current or former smokers and were divided into 4 categories by packs years (mean ±S.D.): <10 (5.8±3.3), 10-20 (17.1±2.9), 20-30 (27.1±2.8), 30-40 (37.3±2.8), and >40 (53.9±12.8). Patients with greater cigarette smoke exposure had lower expiratory flow rates (FEV1, FEF50, FEF75, PEFR), DLCO, and maximum power output (MPO) during exercise. There was no association between smoke exposure and muscle strength. Modeling MPO (kpm/min) output as a function of demographic and physiologic variables showed that the data are well explained by muscle strength (kg), FEV1 (L), and DLCO (mmHg/min/mL) in similar magnitude (MPO = 42.7*Quads0.34*FEV10.34 * DLCO0.43; r = 0.84). CONCLUSIONS: Long-term cigarette smoke exposure is associated with small airway narrowing and impaired diffusion capacity but not with peripheral muscle weakness. The effects of smoking, age, and gender on maximum power output are mediated by reductions in FEV1, muscle strength and DLCO. Exercise capacity in smokers may benefit from therapies targeting all 3 variables.

Exploring PI3Kδ Molecular Pathways in Stable COPD and Following an Acute Exacerbation, Two Randomized Controlled Trials.

Background: Inhibition of phosphoinositide 3-kinase δ (PI3Kδ) exerts corrective effects on the dysregulated migration characteristics of neutrophils isolated from patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Objective: To develop novel, induced sputum endpoints to demonstrate changes in neutrophil phenotype in the lung by administering nemiralisib, a potent and selective inhaled PI3Kδ inhibitor, to patients with stable COPD or patients with acute exacerbation (AE) of COPD. Methods: In two randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trials patients with A) stable COPD (N=28, randomized 3:1) or B) AECOPD (N=44, randomized 1:1) received treatment with inhaled nemiralisib (1mg). Endpoints included induced sputum at various time points before and during treatment for the measurement of transcriptomics (primary endpoint), inflammatory mediators, functional respiratory imaging (FRI), and spirometry. Results: In stable COPD patients, the use of nemiralisib was associated with alterations in sputum neutrophil transcriptomics suggestive of an improvement in migration phenotype; however, the same nemiralisib-evoked effects were not observed in AECOPD. Inhibition of sputum inflammatory mediators was also observed in stable but not AECOPD patients. In contrast, a placebo-corrected improvement in forced expiratory volume in 1 sec of 136 mL (95% Credible Intervals -46, 315mL) with a probability that the true treatment ratio was >0% (Pr(θ>0)) of 93% was observed in AECOPD. However, FRI endpoints remained unchanged. Conclusion: We provide evidence for nemiralisib-evoked changes in neutrophil migration phenotype in stable COPD but not AECOPD, despite improving lung function in the latter group. We conclude that induced sputum can be used for measuring evidence of alteration of neutrophil phenotype in stable patients, and our study provides a data set of the sputum transcriptomic changes during recovery from AECOPD.

Limosilactobacillus reuteri DSM-17938 for preventing cough in adults with mild allergic asthma: A double-blind randomized placebo-controlled cross-over study.

BACKGROUND: Cough is a common troublesome symptom in asthma which is neuronally mediated. Limosilactobacillus reuteri DSM-17938 (L. reuteri DSM-17938) is a probiotic shown to be effective in pre-clinical models at suppressing neuronal responses to capsaicin, a transient receptor potential vanilloid agonist (TRPV1). OBJECTIVE: Investigate the effects of DSM-17938 versus matched placebo on capsaicin-evoked coughs in mild allergic asthmatics. METHODS: We performed a 4-visit, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, two-way cross-over study comparing full dose cough responses with inhaled capsaicin in mild allergic asthmatics after 1 month of treatment with DSM-17938 compared with matched placebo. Randomization and allocation to trial group were carried out by a central computer system. Histamine skin prick testing, airway hyper-responsiveness and inflammatory cells in induced sputum were measured at every visit. Blood was collected to extract PBMCs and stimulated with CD3/CD28 to ascertain the effects of DSM-17938 /placebo on T-cell cytokine responses. RESULTS: Seventeen subjects were recruited and 15 completed the study (8 females, mean age 27.3 years). There was no difference in the change in maximum capsaicin-evoked coughs (Emax) after treatment with L. reuteri DSM-17938 compared with placebo [mean difference 2.07 coughs (95% CI -2.77 to 6.91, p = .38) or relative changes in geometric mean ratios for the dose evoking at least half the Emax (ED50) [1.05 (95% CI 0.31-3.58, p = .94)], concentration evoking 2 coughs (C2) [0.63 (0.26-1.53), p = .28] and 5 coughs (C5) [0.79 (0.25-2.50), p = .67]. There was no effect on histamine skin prick wheal size, intensity of itch sensation, methacholine PC20, airway inflammation or T-cell responses after stimulation with CD3/CD28. There were no serious adverse events. One subject developed a mild upper respiratory tract infection and another mild transient nausea whilst on DSM-17938. CONCLUSION: In this small study in adults with mild allergic asthma, we found no evidence that L. reuteri DSM-17938 has any systemic effects on airway nerves, smooth muscle, sputum inflammatory cells, skin responses or T-cell responses after oral consumption. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT03603522.

Prevalence, incidence and characteristics of chronic cough among adults from the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging.

The global prevalence of chronic cough is highly variable, ranging from 2% to 18%. There is a lack of data on the prevalence and incidence of chronic cough in the general population. The objective of this study was to investigate the prevalence and incidence of chronic cough in a sample of Canadian adults, and how these are influenced by age, sex, smoking, respiratory symptoms, medical comorbidities and lung function. Participants with chronic cough were identified from the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging (CLSA) based on self-reported daily cough in the past 12 months. This is a prospective, nationally generalisable, stratified random sample of adults aged 45-85 years at baseline recruited between 2011 and 2015, and followed-up 3 years later. The prevalence and incidence per 100 person-years are described, with adjustments for age, sex and smoking. Of the 30 097 participants, 29 972 completed the chronic cough question at baseline and 26 701 did so at follow-up. The prevalence of chronic cough was 15.8% at baseline and 17.6% at follow-up with 10.4-17.1% variation across seven provinces included in the CLSA comprehensive sample. Prevalence increased with age and current smoking, and was higher in males (15.2%), Caucasians (14%) and those born in North America, Europe or Oceania (14%). The incidence of chronic cough adjusted for age, sex and smoking was higher in males and in underweight and obese subjects. Subjects with respiratory symptoms, airway diseases, lower forced expiratory volume in 1 s (% predicted), cardiovascular diseases, psychological disorders, diabetes and chronic pain had a higher incidence of chronic cough. The prevalence and incidence of chronic cough is high in the CLSA sample with geographic, ethnic and gender differences, influenced by a number of medical comorbidities.

Influence of age, sex and respiratory viruses on the rates of emergency department visits and hospitalisations with respiratory tract infections, asthma and COPD.

BACKGROUND: The importance of age, sex and respiratory virus prevalence in emergency department (ED) visits and hospitalisations for respiratory tract infections (RTIs), asthma and COPD in a whole population over time is not well established. METHODS: This study retrospectively analysed data for daily ED visits and hospitalisations from 2003 to 2013 in Ontario, Canada and the daily number of virus positive tests. Daily numbers of ED visits and hospitalisations with RTIs, asthma and COPD listed as a primary diagnosis were collected from the Canadian Institute for Health Information. Virus data were obtained from the Respiratory Virus Detection Surveillance System. Multiple linear regression was used to assess the association of individual viruses with the daily rates. RESULTS: There were 4 365 578 ED visits and 321 719 (7.4%) admissions for RTIs, 817 141 ED visits and 260 665 (31.9%) admissions for COPD and 649 666 ED visits and 68 626 (10.6%) admissions for asthma. Respiratory syncytial virus and influenza A were associated with male ED visits, whereas human rhinovirus was associated with female ED visits for RTIs in preschool children. 19.2% of males, but only 7.2% of females were admitted. The correlation between the prevalence of each virus and ED visits and hospitalisations for asthma was weak, irrespective of age group and sex. Influenza A was most strongly associated with COPD ED visits and hospitalisations in males and females. CONCLUSIONS: There are significant age and sex differences in the contribution of respiratory viruses to the number of ED visits and hospitalisations for RTIs, asthma and COPD.

Exercise-induced bronchoconstriction and bronchodilation: investigating the effects of age, sex, airflow limitation and FEV1.

Exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIBc) is a recognised response to exercise in asthmatic subjects and athletes but is less well understood in an unselected broad population. Exercise-induced bronchodilation (EIBd) has received even less attention. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of age, sex, forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) and airflow limitation (FEV1/forced vital capacity (FVC) <0.7) on the prevalence of EIBc and EIBd.This was a retrospective study based on incremental cardiopulmonary exercise testing on cycle ergometry to symptom limitation performed between 1988 and 2012. FEV1 was measured before and 10 min after exercise. EIBc was defined as a percentage fall in FEV1 post-exercise below the 5th percentile, while EIBd was defined as a percentage increase in FEV1 above the 95th percentile.35 258 subjects aged 6-95 years were included in the study (mean age 53 years, 60% male) and 10.3% had airflow limitation (FEV1/FVC <0.7). The lowest 5% of subjects demonstrated a ≥7.6% fall in FEV1 post-exercise (EIBc), while the highest 5% demonstrated a >11% increase in FEV1 post-exercise (EIBd). The probability of both EIBc and EIBd increased with age and was highest in females across all ages (OR 1.76, 95% CI 1.60-1.94; p<0.0001). The probability of EIBc increased as FEV1 % pred declined (<40%: OR 4.38, 95% CI 3.04-6.31; p<0.0001), with a >2-fold increased likelihood in females (OR 2.31, 95% CI 1.71-3.11; p<0.0001), with a trend with airflow limitation (p=0.06). The probability of EIBd increased as FEV1 % pred declined, in the presence of airflow limitation (OR 1.55, 95% CI 1.24-1.95; p=0.0001), but sex had no effect.EIBc and EIBd can be demonstrated at the population level, and are influenced by age, sex, FEV1 % pred and airflow limitation.

The Impact of beta blockade on the cardio-respiratory system and symptoms during exercise.

BACKGROUND: Beta blockers prolong life in patients with cardiovascular diseases. Negative chronotropic and inotropic effects carry the potential to adversely effect peripheral skeletal and airway smooth muscle contributing to further fatigue, dyspnea and exercise intolerance. RESEARCH QUESTIONS: Do beta-blockers reduce maximal power output (MPO), VO2 max, cardiorespiratory responses, increase the perceived effort required to cycle and breath during cardiopulmonary exercise tests (CPET) and limit the capacity to exercise? METHODS: Retrospective observational study of subjects performing CPET to capacity from 1988 to 2012. Subjects with and without beta-blockers were compared: baseline physiological characteristics, MPO, VO2 max, heart rate max, ventilation responses and perceived exertion required to cycle and breathe (modified Borg scale). Forward stepwise linear additive regression was performed with MPO as the dependent factor with height, age, gender, muscle strength, FEV1 and DLCO as independent contributors. RESULTS: 42,771 subjects were included 7,787 were receiving beta-blocker [mean age 61 yrs, BMI 28.40 kg/m2, 9% airflow obstruction (FEV1/FVC<0.7)] and 34,984 were not [mean age 51yrs, BMI 27.40 kg/m2, 11% airflow obstruction]. Heart rate was lower by 18.2% (95% C.I. 18.15-18.38) (p<0.0001) while Oxygen pulse (VO2/HR) was higher by 19.5% (95% C.I. 19.3-19.7) in those receiving beta blockers. Maximum power output (MPO) was 3.3% lower in those taking beta-blockers. The perceived effort required to cycle and breathe (mBorg) was 8% lower in those taking beta-blockers. INTERPRETATION: Increases in oxygen pulse minimize the reduction in exercise intolerance and symptom handicap associated with beta-blockers.

Emergency department visits and hospitalisations for asthma, COPD and respiratory tract infections: what is the role of respiratory viruses, and return to school in September, January and March?

BACKGROUND: Asthma exacerbations increase in September coinciding with children returning to school. The aim of this study was to investigate whether this occurs 1) for COPD and respiratory tract infections (RTIs); 2) after school resumes in January and March; and 3) identify which viruses may be responsible. METHODS: Emergency department (ED) visits and admissions for asthma, COPD and RTIs and the prevalence of viruses in Ontario, Canada were analysed daily between 2003 and 2013. ED visits and admissions were provided by the Canadian Institute for Health Information. Viral prevalence was obtained from the Centre for Immunisation and Respiratory Infectious Diseases. RESULTS: ED visits and admissions rates demonstrated a biphasic pattern. Lowest rates occurred in July and August and the highest rates in September for asthma, and after December for COPD and RTI. The increase in rates for 30 days before and after school return in September was greatest for children with asthma <15 years (2.4-2.6×). Event rates fell after school return in January for all three conditions ranging from 10-25%, and no change followed March break for asthma and COPD. Human rhinovirus was prevalent in summer with a modest relationship to asthma rates in September. The prevalence of respiratory syncytial virus, influenza A and coronavirus was associated with sustained event rates for COPD and RTIs. CONCLUSIONS: Asthma, COPD and RTIs increase in September but do not occur after return to school in January and March. Human rhinovirus is associated with ED visits and admissions only in September.

The impact of muscle strength on exercise capacity and symptoms.

The capacity to exercise is a major contributor to functional limitation and is accompanied by increased morbidity and mortality. What are the most important physiological contributors to exercise capacity? Cross-sectional data from consecutive patients referred to the McMaster University Medical Centre exercise laboratory for incremental cardiopulmonary exercise testing from 1988 to 2012 were analysed. Exercise capacity was determined by maximal power output (MPO) in kpm·min-1. The contributions of quadriceps strength (maximal peak force in kg using maximal dynamic voluntary contractions against hydraulic resistance), inspiratory muscle strength (determined using maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP)), maximal breathing capacity (MBC) and gas exchange (carbon monoxide transfer coefficient (K CO)) were determined using regression coefficients in a multiple linear regression model. Dyspnoea and leg fatigue were measured using the modified Borg scale. Contributors to dyspnoea and leg fatigue were assessed using nonlinear regression. A total of 36 389 patients were included (60% male, mean±sd age 53±18 years). Mean±sd MPO, quadriceps strength and MIP achieved were 792±333 kpm·min-1, 46±18 kg and 75±31 cmH2O, respectively. MIP and quadriceps strength accounted for over half the variation in MPO (R2=0.57). Quadriceps strength was a stronger predictor of MPO (standardised regression coefficient, ß±se 0.37±0.005) than MBC (ß±se 0.16±0.005) and K CO (ß±se 0.16±0.004), when adjusted for age, sex, height and weight. The effort required to cycle and breathe at any given power intensified systematically as both respiratory and peripheral muscle strength declined. Muscle weakness causes exercise intolerance and should be routinely assessed in patients presenting with fatigue and dyspnoea, and those with functional limitation both in the presence or absence of disease.

Tracheobronchomegaly, cough and recurrent chest infection: Mounier-Kuhn syndrome.

Mounier-Kuhn Syndrome (MKS) is a rare disease characterised by recurrent chest infections, and dilation of the trachea and main bronchi, most likely to due to atrophy of elastic fibres https://bit.ly/3azhDjr.

The contribution of FEV1 and airflow limitation on the intensity of dyspnea and leg effort during exercise. Insights from a real-world cohort.

RATIONALE: The effort required to cycle and breathe intensify as power increases during incremental exercise. It is currently unclear how changes in FEV1 in the presence or absence of airflow limitation) impacts the intensity of dyspnea and leg effort. This is clinically important as the improvement in FEV1 is often the target for improving dyspnea. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the relationship between dyspnea (D), leg effort, power (P), and FEV1 with and without airflow limitation using direct psychophysical scaling performed during incremental exercise testing to symptom limited capacity. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of consecutive patients over the age of 35 referred for cardio-pulmonary exercise testing at McMaster University Medical Centre from 1988-2012.The modified Borg scale was used to measure dyspnea throughout incremental exercise testing. MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS: 38,788 patients were included in the analysis [Mean Age 58.6 years (SD ±11.8), Males 61%, BMI 28.1 kg/m2 (SD ±5.1), FEV1 was 2.7 L (SD ±0.85), 95% predicted (SD ±20.4), FVC 3.4 L (SD ± 1.0), 94% predicted (SD ±17.0)], and 10.9% had airflow limitation (AL, FEV1 /FVC < 70%). In a nonlinear regression analysis, the intensity of dyspnea increased in a positively accelerating manner with power and as the FEV1 % predicted decreased: Dyspnea = 0.06 * Power1.03  * FEV1 %Pred-0.66 (r = .63). The intensity of leg effort increased with power and declining quadricep strength and FEV1% predicted: Leg Effort = 0.06 * Power1.22  * Quad-0.56 *FEV1 %Pred-0.39 (r = .73). There was no independent effect of AL on dyspnea of leg effort. CONCLUSION: Power, quadriceps strength and FEV1 are the dominant factors contributing to dyspnea and leg effort, irrespective of the degree of airflow limitation.

Prevalence and contribution of respiratory viruses in the community to rates of emergency department visits and hospitalizations with respiratory tract infections, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma.

BACKGROUND: The individual and combined contribution of viral prevalence in the community to Emergency Department (ED) visits and hospitalizations with respiratory tract infections (RTIs), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma is unclear. METHODS: A retrospective analysis on daily viral positive tests and daily ED visits and hospitalizations between 01/01/2003 to 31/12/2013 in Ontario, Canada. Viral data was collected from the Centre for Immunization and Respiratory Infectious Diseases (CIRID). The Canadian Institute for Health Information reports daily ED visits and hospitalizations for RTIs, COPD and asthma as a primary diagnosis. RESULTS: There were 4,365,578 ED visits with RTIs of which 321,719 (7.4%) were admitted to hospital; 817,141 ED visits for COPD of which 260,665 (31.9%) were admitted and 649,666 ED visits with asthma of which 68,626 (10.6%) were admitted. The percentage of positive tests to influenza A and B, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), parainfluenza and adenovirus prevalence explained 57.4% of ED visits and 63.8% of hospitalizations for RTI, 41.4% of ED visits and 39.2% of hospitalizations with COPD but only 1.5% of ED visits and 2.7% of hospitalizations for asthma. The further addition of human metapneumovirus, rhinovirus and coronavirus over the final 3 years accounted for 66.7% of ED visits and 74.4% of hospitalizations for RTI, 52.5% of visits and 48.2% of hospitalizations for COPD, and only 13.3% of visits and 10.4% of hospitalizations for asthma. CONCLUSIONS: Community respiratory viral epidemics are major drivers of ED visits and hospitalizations with RTIs and COPD but only a modest contributor to asthma.

Effects of interleukin-6 receptor blockade on allergen-induced airway responses in mild asthmatics.

BACKGROUND: Interleukin (IL)-6 signalling has been implicated in allergic asthma by animal, genetic association and clinical studies. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that tocilizumab (TCZ), a human monoclonal antibody that blocks IL-6 signalling, can prevent the development of allergen-induced bronchoconstriction in humans. METHODS: We performed a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, with eligible participants completing two allergen inhalation challenge tests, conducted before and after treatment with a single dose of TCZ or placebo. The primary efficacy endpoint was the magnitude of the late asthmatic response recorded between 3 and 7 after allergen challenge. The secondary efficacy endpoint was the early asthmatic response, measured 20 min to 2 h after allergen challenge. RESULTS: A total of 66 patients enrolled between September 2014 and August 2017, when the trial was stopped for futility based on results from an interim analysis. Eleven patients fulfilled all eligibility criteria assessed at baseline and were subsequently randomised to the TCZ (n = 6) or placebo (n = 5) groups. Both the primary and secondary efficacy endpoints were not significantly different between the two groups. Five patients reported adverse events (AEs), three in the TCZ group (11 AEs) and two in the placebo group (four AEs). Only one AE was TCZ-related (mild neutropenia), and there were no serious AEs. Significant treatment effects were observed for serum levels of C-reactive protein, IL-6 and soluble IL-6R levels. CONCLUSION: In a small proof-of-concept clinical trial, we found no evidence that a single dose of tocilizumab was able to prevent allergen-induced bronchoconstriction. (Trial registered in the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry, number ACTRN12614000123640).