[Non-invasive Home-Ventilation: Pathophysiology, Initiation and Follow-up]. / Nicht-invasive außerklinische Beatmung: Pathophysiologie, Einstellung und Kontrolle.

COPD is the most common reason for hypercapnia. However, it is - by far - not the only reason. In fact, numerous neuromuscular disorders (not only ALS) as well as restrictive thoracic disorders do also lead to clinically highly relevant hypercapnia. Early diagnosis of hypercapnic ventilatory failure usually takes place at nighttime. NIV devices work with a periodic interplay of alternating IPAP and EPAP which results in a ventilation of the lungs, thereby elimination CO2 to treat hypercapnic respiratory failure. Firstline settings for a NIV therapy to treat "stable hypercapnia" are as follows: Pressure Support Ventilation Modus, EPAP 5 cm H2O, IPAP 15 cm H2O, Back Up rate 15/Minute. The overall goal of NIV treatment is a successful reduction in CO2. This can be achieved by changing the following variables of the ventilator settings: increase in IPAP ± increase in back up respiratory rate ± use of assisted pressure controlled ventilation mode (APCV)-.

The Impact of Non-Invasive Ventilation on Sleep Quality in COPD Patients.

BACKGROUND: Non-invasive ventilation (NIV) has been shown to be the most appropriate therapy for COPD patients with chronic respiratory failure. While physiological parameters and long-term outcome frequently serve as primary outcomes, very few studies have primarily addressed the impact of NIV initiation on sleep quality in COPD. METHODS: This single-center prospective cohort study comprised NIV-naïve patients with COPD. All patients underwent polysomnographic evaluation both at baseline and at 3 months follow-up, accompanied by the assessment of health-related quality of life (HRQL) using the Severe Respiratory Insufficiency Questionnaire (SRI) and the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS). A subgroup evaluation was performed to address the impact of comorbid obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS). RESULTS: Forty-six patients were enrolled and twenty-five patients completed the follow-up period (66.7 ± 7.4 years). NIV resulted in an increase in slow-wave sleep (+2% (-3.5/7.5), p = 0.465) and rapid eye movement sleep (+2.2% (-1.0/5.4), p = 0.174), although no statistical significance could be detected. ESS (-1.7(-3.6/0.1), p = 0.066) also showed a positive trend. Significant improvements in the Respiratory Disturbance Index (RDI) (-12.6(-23.7/-1.5), p = 0.027), lung function parameters, transcutaneous PCO2 and the SRI summary scale (4.5(0.9/8), p = 0.016) were observed. CONCLUSION: NIV therapy does not decrease sleep quality and is even capable of improving HRQL, transcutaneous PaCO2, daytime sleepiness and RDI, and the latter especially holds true for patients with comorbid OSAS.

[Non-invasive Home-Ventilation: Pathophysiology, Initiation and Follow up]. / Nichtinvasive außerklinische Beatmung: Pathophysiologie, Einstellung, Kontrolle.

COPD is the most common reason for hypercapnia. However, it is -by far- not the only reason. In fact, numerous neuromuscular disorders (not only ALS) as well as restrictive thoracic disorders do also lead to clinically highly relevant hypercapnia. Early diagnosis of hypercapnic ventilatory failure usually takes place at nighttime. NIV devices work with a periodic interplay of alternating IPAP and EPAP which results in a ventilation of the lungs, thereby elimination CO2 to treat hypercapnic respiratory failure. Firstline settings for a NIV therapy to treat "stable hypercapnia" are as follows: Pressure Support Ventilation Modus, EPAP 5 cmH2O, IPAP 15 cmH2O, Back Up rate 15/Minute. The overall goal of NIV treatment is a successful reduction in CO2. This can be achieved by changing the following variables of the ventilator settings: increase in IPAP ± increase in back up respiratory rate ± use of assisted pressure controlled ventilation mode (APCV).

Patient-Ventilator Synchronization During Non-invasive Ventilation: A Pilot Study of an Automated Analysis System.

Background: Patient-ventilator synchronization during non-invasive ventilation (NIV) can be assessed by visual inspection of flow and pressure waveforms but it remains time consuming and there is a large inter-rater variability, even among expert physicians. SyncSmart™ software developed by Breas Medical (Mölnycke, Sweden) provides an automatic detection and scoring of patient-ventilator asynchrony to help physicians in their daily clinical practice. This study was designed to assess performance of the automatic scoring by the SyncSmart software using expert clinicians as a reference in patient with chronic respiratory failure receiving NIV. Methods: From nine patients, 20 min data sets were analyzed automatically by SyncSmart software and reviewed by nine expert physicians who were asked to score auto-triggering (AT), double-triggering (DT), and ineffective efforts (IE). The study procedure was similar to the one commonly used for validating the automatic sleep scoring technique. For each patient, the asynchrony index was computed by automatic scoring and each expert, respectively. Considering successively each expert scoring as a reference, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), κ-coefficients, and agreement were calculated. Results: The asynchrony index assessed by SynSmart was not significantly different from the one assessed by the experts (18.9 ± 17.7 vs. 12.8 ± 9.4, p = 0.19). When compared to an expert, the sensitivity and specificity provided by SyncSmart for DT, AT, and IE were significantly greater than those provided by an expert when compared to another expert. Conclusions: SyncSmart software is able to score asynchrony events within the inter-rater variability. When the breathing frequency is not too high (<24), it therefore provides a reliable assessment of patient-ventilator asynchrony; AT is over detected otherwise.

European Respiratory Society guidelines on long-term home non-invasive ventilation for management of COPD.

BACKGROUND: While the role of acute non-invasive ventilation (NIV) has been shown to improve outcome in acute life-threatening hypercapnic respiratory failure in COPD, the evidence of clinical efficacy of long-term home NIV (LTH-NIV) for management of COPD is less. This document provides evidence-based recommendations for the clinical application of LTH-NIV in chronic hypercapnic COPD patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The European Respiratory Society task force committee was composed of clinicians, methodologists and experts in the field of LTH-NIV. The committee developed recommendations based on the GRADE (Grading, Recommendation, Assessment, Development and Evaluation) methodology. The GRADE Evidence to Decision framework was used to formulate recommendations. A number of topics were addressed under a narrative format which provides a useful context for clinicians and patients. RESULTS: The task force committee delivered conditional recommendations for four actionable PICO (target population-intervention-comparator-outcome) questions, 1) suggesting for the use of LTH-NIV in stable hypercapnic COPD; 2) suggesting for the use of LTH-NIV in COPD patients following a COPD exacerbation requiring acute NIV 3) suggesting for the use of NIV settings targeting a reduction in carbon dioxide and 4) suggesting for using fixed pressure support as first choice ventilator mode. CONCLUSIONS: Managing hypercapnia may be an important intervention for improving the health outcome of COPD patients with chronic respiratory failure. The task force conditionally supports the application of LTH-NIV to improve health outcome by targeting a reduction in carbon dioxide in COPD patients with persistent hypercapnic respiratory failure. These recommendations should be applied in clinical practice by practitioners that routinely care for chronic hypercapnic COPD patients.

Using web-based videos to improve inhalation technique in COPD patients requiring hospitalization: A randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Inhalation errors frequently occur in patients receiving inhalation treatment, which can significantly impair treatment success. While this underscores the importance of inhalation training, the role of modern web-based instructional videos has not yet been investigated. METHODS: A randomized controlled trial using standardized checklists (10 items: preparation, N = 3, inhalation routine, N = 6, and closure of inhalation, N = 1) was carried out to determine the relative effects of web-based, device-specific videos versus standard personal instruction on reducing multiple (≥2) inhalation errors in severe COPD patients requiring hospitalisation. Investigators assessing inhalation errors were blinded to the intervention. RESULTS: Multiple handling errors were recorded at baseline in 152 out of 159 patients (95.6%). Each teaching method led to a similar reduction in errors (videos: from 4.2±1.6 to 1.5±1.5 errors; personal instruction: from 3.8±1.5 to 1.3±1.6; p<0.0001), although non-inferiority of web-based video teaching could not be confirmed statistically due to an unpredictably high number of patients in both groups still making multiple handling errors (44.0% versus 40.3%, mean difference 3.7%; 95%CI [-12.0-19.4%]). CONCLUSION: Multiple inhalation errors regularly occur in severe COPD patients requiring hospitalisation. Web-based video teaching is capable of reducing inhalation errors. However, compared to personal instruction non-inferiority could not be established. This was due to an unexpectedly high number of patients with persisting inhalation errors despite training. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinical trial Registration: German Clinical Trial Register, DRKS 00004320.

Clinical evidence for respiratory insufficiency type II predicts weaning failure in long-term ventilated, tracheotomised patients: a retrospective analysis.

BACKGROUND: Patients who require a prolonged weaning process comprise a highly heterogeneous group of patients amongst whom the outcome differs significantly. The present study aimed to identify the factors that predict whether the outcome for prolonged weaning will be successful or unsuccessful. METHODS: Data from tracheotomised patients who underwent prolonged weaning on a specialised weaning unit were assessed retrospectively via an electronic and paper-bound patient chart. Factors for weaning success were analysed by univariate and multivariate analyses. RESULTS: Out of the 124 patients examined, 48.4% were successfully weaned (n = 60). Univariate analysis revealed that long-term home mechanical ventilation prior to current weaning episode; time between intubation and the first spontaneous breathing trial (SBT); time between intubation and the first SBT of less than 30 days; lower PaCO2 prior to, and at the end of, the first SBT; and lower pH values at the end of the first SBT were predictors for successful weaning. Following multivariate analysis, the absence of home mechanical ventilation prior to admission, a maximum time period of 30 days between intubation and the first SBT, and a non-hypercapnic PaCO2 value at the end of the first SBT were predictive of successful weaning. CONCLUSIONS: The current analysis demonstrates that the evidence for respiratory insufficiency type II provided by clinical findings serves as a predictor of weaning failure.

Sleep-disordered breathing in patients with newly diagnosed lung cancer.

BACKGROUND: There are currently no data on the prevalence of sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) in patients with newly-diagnosed lung cancer. This might be of interest given that SDB is associated with increased cancer incidence and mortality. Furthermore, intermittent hypoxia has been linked with tumor growth and progression. The aim of the current study was to investigate the prevalence of SDB in patients with newly-diagnosed lung cancer. METHODS: Patients with newly-diagnosed lung cancer from three centers in Germany were screened for SDB using a two-channel screening system (ApneaLink™). SDB was defined as an apnea-hypopnea index of > 5/h, and was classified as mild if the AHI was 5-15/h whereas an AHI ≥15/h was classified as severe SDB. The presence of SDB-related symptoms was assessed using the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). RESULTS: A total of 100 patients were included. The overall prevalence of SDB was 49%; 32 patients (32%) had mild SDB with a median AHI of 7.7/h (quartile [Q1 5.4/h, Q3 10.4/h]) and a median oxygen desaturation index of 8.5 [Q1 4.2/h; Q3 13.4/h] and seventeen patients (17%) had moderate to severe SDB with a median AHI of 25.2 [Q1 18/h, Q3 45.5/h] and a median oxygen desaturation index of 20.6/h [Q1 9.6/h, Q3 36.6/h]. Patients with moderate to severe SDB had mild daytime sleepiness (ESS score 8.24 ± 3.96 vs. 5.74 ± 3.53 in those without SDB vs. 6.22 ± 2.72 in those with mild SDB; p = 0.0343). The PSQI did not differ significantly between the three groups (p = 0.1137). CONCLUSIONS: This study showed a high prevalence of SDB in patients with newly-diagnosed lung cancer. In these patients SDB was associated with intermittent hypoxia and increased daytime sleepiness. Additional research is needed to determine whether SDB influences prognosis and morbidity in patients with lung cancer. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT02270853 (ClinicalTrials.gov), date of registration: 14th October 2014.

Quality of life and life satisfaction are severely impaired in patients with long-term invasive ventilation following ICU treatment and unsuccessful weaning.

BACKGROUND: Health-related quality of life (HRQL), life satisfaction, living conditions, patients' attitudes towards life and death, expectations, beliefs and unmet needs are all poorly understood aspects associated with patients receiving invasive home mechanical ventilation (HMV) following ICU treatment and unsuccessful weaning. Therefore, the present study aimed to assess (1) HRQL, (2) life satisfaction and (3) patients' perspectives on life and death associated with invasive HMV as the consequence of unsuccessful weaning. RESULTS: Patients undergoing invasive HMV with full technical supply and maximal patient care were screened over a 1-year period and assessed in their home environment. The study comprised the following: (1) detailed information on specific aspects of daily life, (2) self-evaluation of 23 specific daily life aspects, (3) HRQL assessment using the Severe Respiratory Insufficiency Questionnaire, (4) open interviews about the patient's living situation, HRQL, unsolved problems, treatment options, dying and the concept of an afterlife. Out of 112 patients admitted to a specialized weaning centre, 50 were discharged with invasive HMV and 25 out of these (14 COPD and 11 neuromuscular patients) were ultimately enrolled. HRQL and life satisfaction were severely impaired, despite maximal patient care and full supply of technical aids. The most important areas of dissatisfaction identified were mobility, communication, social contact and care dependency. Importantly, 32% of patients would have elected to die in hindsight rather than receive invasive HMV. CONCLUSIONS: Despite maximal patient care and a full supply of technical aids, both HRQL and life satisfaction are severely impaired in many invasive HMV patients who have failed prolonged weaning. These findings raise ethical concerns about the use of long-term invasive HMV following unsuccessful weaning.

Home noninvasive ventilatory support for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: patient selection and perspectives.

Long-term or home mechanical noninvasive ventilation (Home-NIV) has become a well-established form of therapy over the last few decades for chronic hypercapnic COPD patients in European countries. However, meta-analyses and clinical guidelines do not recommend Home-NIV for COPD patients on a routine basis. In particular, there is ongoing debate about Home-NIV in chronic hypercapnic COPD regarding the overall effects, the most favorable treatment strategy, the selection of eligible patients, and the time point at which it is prescribed. The current review focuses on specific aspects of patient selection and discusses the various scientific as well as clinical-guided perspectives on Home-NIV in patients suffering from chronic hypercapnic COPD. In addition, special attention will be given to the topic of ventilator settings and interfaces.

Effect of Pulmonary Rehabilitation on Inspiratory Capacity During 6-min Walk Test in Patients With COPD: A PROSPECTIVE CONTROLLED STUDY.

PURPOSE: Purpose of this study was to analyze the impact of a pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) program on the measured inspiratory capacity (IC) in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) while performing a 6-min walk test (6MWT). METHODS: Before and after PR, IC was measured by spirometry both at the beginning and at the end of the 6MWT for 15 patients with COPD in the PR group (PRG) and compared with a similar calisthenics training group (CTG; n = 15). In addition, the COPD Assessment Test (CAT), St George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ), and other lung function tests were recorded and compared. RESULTS: Both groups were not significantly different at baseline. Compared with the CTG, the PRG achieved a significant increase in the delta of IC measured during the 6MWT (0.5 ± 0.2 L [PRG] vs -0.2 + 0.2 L [CTG], P = .001). Significant differences were found for the 6MWT walking distance (PRG: 99 ± 36 m vs CTG: 5 ± 25 m, P = .001). No significant increase in dyspnea while performing the 6MWT was found in either group. The differences in the CAT score and the SGRQ Global score were significant only for the PRG in intragroup comparisons, whereas the intergroup comparison showed no significant differences. Except for residual volume, no significant changes in all parameters of the static lung function tests were observed in either group. CONCLUSION: Participation in a PR may lead to a significant and clinically relevant increase in IC and the walking distance. Additional research is necessary to define the effects of this increase in IC on exercise capacity.

Capillary PO2 does not adequately reflect arterial PO2 in hypoxemic COPD patients.

PURPOSE: To compare arterial (PaO2) with capillary (PcO2) partial pressure of oxygen in hypoxemic COPD patients because capillary blood gas analysis (CBG) is increasingly being used as an alternative to arterial blood gas analysis (ABG) in a non-intensive care unit setting, although the agreement between PcO2 and PaO2 has not been evaluated in hypoxemic COPD patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Bland-Altman comparison of PaO2 and PcO2 served as the primary outcome parameter if PcO2 values were ≤60 mmHg and the secondary outcome parameter if PcO2 values were ≤55 mmHg. Pain associated with the measurements was assessed using a 100-mm visual analog scale. RESULTS: One hundred and two PaO2/PcO2 measurement pairs were obtained. For PcO2 values ≤60 mmHg, the mean difference between PaO2 and PcO2 was 5.99±6.05 mmHg (limits of agreement: -5.88 to 17.85 mmHg). For PcO2 values ≤55 mmHg (n=73), the mean difference was 5.33±5.52 mmHg (limits of agreement: -5.48 to 16.15 mmHg). If PaO2 ≤55 (≤60) mmHg was set as the cut-off value, in 20.6% (30.4%) of all patients, long-term oxygen therapy have been unnecessarily prescribed if only PcO2 would have been assessed. ABG was rated as more painful compared with CBG. CONCLUSIONS: PcO2 does not adequately reflect PaO2 in hypoxemic COPD patients, which can lead to a relevant number of unnecessary long-term oxygen therapy prescriptions.

Interfaces and ventilator settings for long-term noninvasive ventilation in COPD patients.

INTRODUCTION: The establishment of high-intensity (HI) noninvasive ventilation (NIV) that targets elevated PaCO2 has led to an increase in the use of long-term NIV to treat patients with chronic hypercapnic COPD. However, the role of the ventilation interface, especially in more aggressive ventilation strategies, has not been systematically assessed. METHODS: Ventilator settings and NIV compliance were assessed in this prospective cross-sectional monocentric cohort study of COPD patients with pre-existing NIV. Daytime arterialized blood gas analyses and lung function testing were also performed. The primary end point was the distribution among study patients of interfaces (full-face masks [FFMs] vs nasal masks [NMs]) in a real-life setting. RESULTS: The majority of the 123 patients studied used an FFM (77%), while 23% used an NM. Ventilation settings were as follows: mean ± standard deviation (SD) inspiratory positive airway pressure (IPAP) was 23.2±4.6 mbar and mean ± SD breathing rate was 16.7±2.4/minute. Pressure support ventilation (PSV) mode was used in 52.8% of patients, while assisted pressure-controlled ventilation (aPCV) was used in 47.2% of patients. Higher IPAP levels were associated with an increased use of FFMs (IPAP <21 mbar: 73% vs IPAP >25 mbar: 84%). Mean compliance was 6.5 hours/day, with no differences between FFM (6.4 hours/day) and NM (6.7 hours/day) users. PaCO2 assessment of ventilation quality revealed comparable results among patients with FFMs or NMs. CONCLUSION: This real-life trial identified the FFM as the predominantly used interface in COPD patients undergoing long-term NIV. The increased application of FFMs is, therefore, likely to be influenced by higher IPAP levels, which form part of the basis for successful application of HI-NIV in clinical practice.

Impact of High-Intensity-NIV on the heart in stable COPD: a randomised cross-over pilot study.

BACKGROUND: Although high-intensity non-invasive ventilation has been shown to improve outcomes in stable COPD, it may adversely affect cardiac performance. Therefore, the aims of the present pilot study were to compare cardiac and pulmonary effects of 6 weeks of low-intensity non-invasive ventilation and 6 weeks of high-intensity non-invasive ventilation in stable COPD patients. METHODS: In a randomised crossover pilot feasibility study, the change in cardiac output after 6 weeks of each NIV mode compared to baseline was assessed with echocardiography in 14 severe stable COPD patients. Furthermore, CO during NIV, gas exchange, lung function, and health-related quality of life were investigated. RESULTS: Three patients dropped out: two deteriorated on low-intensity non-invasive ventilation, and one presented with decompensated heart failure while on high-intensity non-invasive ventilation. Eleven patients were included in the analysis. In general, cardiac output and NTproBNP did not change, although individual effects were noticed, depending on the pressures applied and/or the co-existence of heart failure. High-intensity non-invasive ventilation tended to be more effective in improving gas exchange, but both modes improved lung function and the health-related quality of life. CONCLUSIONS: Long-term non-invasive ventilation with adequate pressure to improve gas exchange and health-related quality of life did not have an overall adverse effect on cardiac performance. Nevertheless, in patients with pre-existing heart failure, the application of very high inspiratory pressures might reduce cardiac output. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The trial was registered in the Deutsches Register Klinischer Studien (DRKS-ID: DRKS00007977 ).

Whole-Body Vibration Training During a Low Frequency Outpatient Exercise Training Program in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Patients: A Randomized, Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the study was to investigate whether whole-body vibration training (WBVT) can be applied beneficially within an outpatient low frequency exercise program. METHODS: In a prospective, controlled, randomized study, WBVT effectiveness and safety were investigated in COPD stage II-IV patients undergoing a 3-month training program. Participants took part in a 90-min circuit training once a week. On top patients were randomized to either perform squats with WBVT, or without (conventional training group (CTG)). Before and after the intervention, a sit-to-stand test (STST), a 6-min walk test (6-MWT), the COPD assessment test (CAT), and the chronic respiratory disease questionnaire (CRQ) were evaluated. RESULTS: Twenty-eight out of 55 patients completed the study (n = 12 WBTV, n = 16 CTG). The STST time remained nearly constant for the CTG (Δ -0.8 ± 3.1 s) and the WBVT (Δ 1.4 ± 3.2 s; P = 0.227), respectively. Similarly, for both WBVT and CTG, the 6-min walk distance remained unchanged (Δ 7 ± 55 m vs. 9 ± 45 m, P = 0.961). In three out of four categories, the CRQ scores showed a significant improvement within WBVT, and in one category when comparing across groups. The CAT score dropped by -0.8 ± 2.9 points within CTG and by 2.4 ± 2.7 points within WBVT (P = 0.105). There were no adverse events related to WBVT. CONCLUSION: The implementation of WBVT in the context of an outpatient low frequency exercise program did not significantly improve the patients' exercise capacity. An improvement in CAT and partially in CRQ was shown within WBVT. However, regarding the high dropout rate (49%), these results must be interpreted with caution.

Assessment of Sleep in Patients Receiving Invasive Mechanical Ventilation in a Specialized Weaning Unit.

INTRODUCTION: A restful sleep is essential for regenerative processes and remains crucial for patients recovering from stressful periods in the intensive care unit. The current study aimed to assess sleep quality in critically ill patients receiving invasive mechanical ventilation within a specialized weaning unit in hospital. METHODS: Tracheotomized subjects undergoing prolonged weaning from mechanical ventilation were included in the study. Polysomnography and gas exchange monitoring was performed during nocturnal ventilation. Subjective evaluation of sleep quality and health-related quality of life were also assessed. RESULTS: Nineteen subjects completed the study protocol. Sleep architecture was highly heterogeneous across individual subjects. Mean total sleep time (TST) was 273 ± 114 min, sleep efficacy 70 ± 23%, slow-wave sleep 25.7 ± 18.4%/TST, rapid eye movement sleep 9.6 ± 7.5%/TST, and arousal index 18.7 ± 12.4/h. No significant difference in sleep quality was found between subjects with successful (N = 7) or unsuccessful (N = 12) weaning. Bicarbonate levels were negatively correlated both with sleep efficacy and sleep quality, that latter of which was subjectively assessed by the subjects using a visual analogue scale. CONCLUSION: Subjects who were undergoing prolonged weaning from mechanical ventilation and admitted to a specialized weaning unit, showed reduced sleep quality with preservation of high amounts of slow-wave sleep.

Long-Term Oxygen Therapy: Comparison of the German and British Guidelines.

BACKGROUND: The German guideline on long-term oxygen therapy (LTOT) was published in 2008 by the German Respiratory Society (DGP), while the British Thoracic Society (BTS) published their most recent guideline in 2015. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present article was to highlight the major areas of consensus and disagreement in the recently published BTS and DGP guidelines on LTOT. METHODS: The BTS and DGP guidelines were directly compared in terms of congruencies and differences. A critical appraisal was then performed and authors' suggestions were provided. RESULTS: The 2 guidelines are almost congruent in 2 major areas, namely, (1) the indication criteria for LTOT in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients at rest and (2) the recommended duration of LTOT over a 24-h period. However, 8 major areas in which the guidelines differ considerably were identified: (1) techniques for blood gas analysis; (2) timing of LTOT in stable patients; (3) LTOT in post-exacerbation COPD patients; (4) ambulatory oxygen therapy; (5) nocturnal oxygen therapy; (6) titration of oxygen flow rates; (7) follow-up visits; and (8) LTOT for patients who still smoke. Furthermore, the BTS guideline is much more detailed, includes more references (161 vs. 71) and is more up to date than the DGP guideline. CONCLUSION: There are major differences between the 2 guidelines. Many of the aspects raised by the BTS guideline appear to be reasonable with regard to the current literature, clinical experience and prescription practices. However, an international consensus on LTOT is lacking.

[Pulmonary Rehabilitation after Acute Exacerbation of COPD Reduces the Rate of Reexacerbations]. / Eine pneumologische Rehabilitation nach akuter Exazerbation der COPD senkt die Rate erneuter Exazerbationen.

Objective Acute exacerbation of COPD (AECOPD) provides for patients a significant hazard and is crucial for the prognosis. Data on the effects of pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) on the frequency of reexacerbations after AECOPD are inconsistent. A prospective, case-control study was conducted with the aim of measuring the impact of PR on the frequency of reexacerbations after AECOPD. Patients and Methods A PR was performed in 57 patients with COPD after AECOPD. 30 participants were followed-up after one year and compared to 32 Control-Group (KG = hospitalized for AECOPD without PR). The rate of reexacerbations was both retrospectively in the year preceding the AECOPD, and prospectively in the year after AECOPD analyzed within groups and between groups. Results In the intra group comparison the exacerbation rate was significantly lower in the PR-group in the year after rehabilitation (0.97 ±â€Š2.67 vs. 1.52 ±â€Š1.12; p < 0.001). The intergroup comparison also showed a significantly lower number of exacerbations for the PR-group (0.97 ±â€Š1.52 vs 2.16 ±â€Š1.25; p < 0.001). Conclusion It was shown that the exacerbation rate after an AECOPD could be significantly reduced in the PR-group in comparison to the KG-group during the investigation period of one year by PR. More prospective studies are required to define the value of PR in the context of AECOPD.

Impact of Pseudomonas aeruginosa Infection on Respiratory Muscle Function in Adult Cystic Fibrosis Patients.

BACKGROUND: Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection impairs respiratory muscle function in adolescents with cystic fibrosis, but its impact on adult patients has not been characterised. OBJECTIVES: To investigate respiratory muscle function in adult cystic fibrosis patients according to P. aeruginosa status (repetitive samples over 12 months). METHODS: The pressure-time index of the respiratory muscles (PTImus), a measure of their efficiency, served as the primary outcome. In addition, respiratory load and maximal respiratory muscle strength were assessed. RESULTS: In 51 patients examined (65% female; median age 32 years, IQR 24-40), a median of 3.0 (IQR 2-4) different pathogens was found in each patient. The PTImus was 0.113 and 0.126 in Pseudomonas-positive (n = 33) and -negative (n = 18) patients, respectively (p = 0.53). Univariate analysis showed a lower PTImus in male than in female patients (p = 0.006). Respiratory muscle load and strength were otherwise comparable, with the exception of higher nasal sniff pressures in Pseudomonas-positive patients who were chronically infected (>50% of positive samples). Quality of Life (according to the Cystic Fibrosis Questionnaire-Revised) was higher if both respiratory load and the PTImus were low (high respiratory muscle efficiency). CONCLUSIONS: Chronic P. aeruginosa infection does not influence respiratory muscle efficiency in adult cystic fibrosis patients with otherwise multiple co-infections. In addition, patients with reduced respiratory muscle efficiency had worse Quality of Life.