CT densitovolumetry in children with obliterative bronchiolitis: correlation with clinical scores and pulmonary function test results,

OBJECTIVE:

To determine whether air trapping (expressed as the percentage of air trapping relative to total lung volume [AT%]) correlates with clinical and functional parameters in children with obliterative bronchiolitis (OB).

METHODS:

CT scans of 19 children with OB were post-processed for AT% quantification with the use of a fixed threshold of −950 HU (AT%950) and of thresholds selected with the aid of density masks (AT%DM). Patients were divided into three groups by AT% severity. We examined AT% correlations with oxygen saturation (SO₂) at rest, six-minute walk distance (6MWD), minimum SO₂ during the six-minute walk test (6MWT_SO₂), FVC, FEV₁, FEV₁/FVC, and clinical parameters.

RESULTS:

The 6MWD was longer in the patients with larger normal lung volumes (r = 0.53). We found that AT%950 showed significant correlations (before and after the exclusion of outliers, respectively) with the clinical score (r = 0.72; 0.80), FVC (r = 0.24; 0.59), FEV₁ (r = −0.58; −0.67), and FEV₁/FVC (r = −0.53; r = −0.62), as did AT%DM with the clinical score (r = 0.58; r = 0.63), SO₂ at rest (r = −0.40; r = −0.61), 6MWT_SO₂ (r = −0.24; r = −0.55), FVC (r = −0.44; r = −0.80), FEV₁ (r = −0.65; r = −0.71), and FEV₁/FVC (r = −0.41; r = −0.52).

CONCLUSIONS:

Our results show that AT% correlates significantly with clinical scores and pulmonary function test results in children with OB.     

肺泡蛋白沉着症患者的肺功能与胸部分辨率CT的相关性

目的 探讨PAP患者的肺功能与高分辨率CT定量测量指标之间的相关性.方法 对2004至2007年在广州医学院第一附属医院呼吸疾病研究所住院的17例PAP患者(男10例,女7例,年龄15～51岁)进行肺通气及弥散功能检查和高分辨率CT检查,分析肺功能指标与高分辨率CT定量指标之间的相关性.比较其中6例行全肺肺泡灌洗治疗前、后的肺功能和高分辨率CT定量指标的变化.采用SPSS 13.0软件进行数据处理,结果 以x±s表示.结果 PAP患者的肺功能检查结果 以限制性通气功能障碍和弥散功能下降为主,弥散功能下降更为显著,DLCO占预计值%为(46±22)%,异常率为94.1%.肺功能检查结果 与高分辨率CT定量检查结果 之间存在一定的相关性,其中平均肺密度与FVC、肺重量与FEV1、肺含气容积比与呼气峰流量、DL.CO、DLCO与肺泡通气量比值(DLCO/VA)等指标的改变差异有统计学意义,(r值分别为-0.469、-0.482、0.511、0.659、0.692,均P<0.05),在所有指标中以肺含气容积比与DLCO/VA关系最为密切.6例肺泡灌洗术治疗的患者术后肺功能和高分辨率CT定量测量指标有所改善.结论 PAP的肺功能和胸部高分辨率CT改变之间存在相关性.2项检查同时进行可作为PAP患者随访的重要参考指标.     

Association of serum vitamin D levels with disease severity,systemic inflammation,prior lung function loss and exacerbations in a cohort of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

BackgroundVitamin D deficiency has been associated with chronic disorders including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) but the relationships with inflammation, exacerbations and disease progression remain unclear.MethodsIn this monocentric cross-sectional observational study we analyzed the disease status, systemic inflammation, prior exacerbation frequency and loss in lung function in relation to serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OHD) levels in a cohort of 94 patients with COPD. Serum 25-OHD, C-reactive protein, interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α were quantified. Exacerbation frequencies and sunlight exposure were assessed. These parameters were analyzed in correlation to the current forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV₁), the individual average 3-year FEV₁ decline and the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) stage.ResultsWe observed fair correlation between serum 25-OHD and the current FEV₁ (r=0.38, P<0.001). Furthermore, mean serum 25-OHD was significantly altered between patients of GOLD stages I–IV (P=0.013). There was weak negative correlation of 25-OHD and the average annual change of the FEV₁ (r=−0.26, P<0.05). Furthermore, we observed fair negative correlation between 25-OHD and C-reactive protein (r=−0.32, P<0.01) as well as weak negative correlation with interleukin-6 (r=−0.23, P<0.05). While the exacerbation frequency significantly differed between GOLD stages (P=0.04), there was no direct association between exacerbations and 25-OHD levels.ConclusionOur data confirm frequent vitamin D deficiency in COPD and point out correlations between 25-OHD levels, systemic inflammation, disease severity and progression.     

Effect of anti-reflux therapy on pulmonary function in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundCurrent guideline conditionally recommends regular use of anti-reflux medication in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). However, the effect of anti-reflux therapy in this group remains controversial. We systematically reviewed literatures to evaluate whether anti-reflux therapy could ameliorate pulmonary function in IPF.MethodsWe performed electronic search in PubMed, Embase and CENTRAL (Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials) to identify original articles published in English language. We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies regarding anti-reflux therapy on pulmonary function in IPF. Qualitative and quantitative analyses were conducted. In quantitative analysis, the inverse-variance method with fixed-effect model was used to analyze pooled data.ResultsFifteen studies (2 RCTs and 13 observational studies) including 3,891 patients with IPF were included. Pooled analysis suggested that anti-reflux therapy did not improve forced vital capacity (FVC)% predicted [mean difference (MD) =0.88, 95% confidence interval (CI): −0.22 to 1.98, P=0.12, I² =0%, 8 studies, n=3,076], diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide (DLCO) % predicted (MD =0.75, 95% CI: −0.13 to 1.62, P=0.10, I² =0%, 8 studies, n=3,073), and FVC decline (MD =0.02, 95% CI: −0.01 to 0.04, P=0.29, I² =17%, 5 studies, n=1,586) in IPF.DiscussionAnti-reflux therapy may not ameliorate pulmonary function in IPF. However, adequately powered studies are warranted to validate the present findings.     

The effect of early tracheal extubation combined with physical training on pulmonary rehabilitation of patients after lung transplantation: a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundThis study aimed to explore the effect of early extubation combined with physical training on pulmonary rehabilitation of patients after lung transplantation.MethodsThis is an open parallel randomized controlled trial. A total of 96 lung transplant patients admitted to Wuxi People’s Hospital (July 2018 to June 2019) were included. Inclusion criteria: (I) aged 18–75; (II) lung transplantation; (III) communicate normally; (IV) voluntary participation. According to the random number method, they were divided into the control group (routine nursing intervention) and the observation group (early extubation combined with a physical training program). The indwelling tracheal intubation time, discharge time, intensive care unit (ICU) stay time, lung function, 6 Minutes Walk Distance (6MWD), Modified Barthel Index (MBI) and satisfaction rate were recorded and analyzed.ResultsThe observation group’s first-time postoperative ambulation (t=2.10, P=0.039), indwelling tracheal intubation time (Z=2.864, P=0.004), and discharge time (t=3.111, P<0.001) were shorter than the control group, while the difference of ICU stay time was not statistically significant (Z=−1.658, P=0.097). Before treatment, there was no significant difference in the lung function, 6MWD, and MBI of the two groups (P>0.05). After treatment, the Forced Expiratory Volume In 1 s (FEV1)% (t=−2.707, P<0.001), forced vital capacity (FVC)% (t=−3.716, P<0.001), FEV1/FVC (t=−3.539, P<0.001), 6MWD (t=−5.567, P<0.001), and MBI indexes (t=−4.073, P<0.001) were better than in observation group. The satisfaction rate of the observation group was better than the control group (P<0.05).ConclusionsFor lung transplant recipients, early extubation combined with a physical training program is scientific, safe, and feasible. This approach is helpful to promote the postoperative recovery of lung transplant patients, reduce the length of hospitalization, help patients improve their lung function and ability to engage in activities of daily living, and increase the satisfaction rate of postoperative recovery. Results show that the combination of early extubation and a physical training program is worthy of clinical promotion for lung transplant recipients.Trial RegistrationChinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR2100051954.     

Effect of liuzijue qigong on patients with stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Backgrounds:Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a common, preventable disease of airflow limitation that accounts for the third leading deaths of any disease process in the worldwide. Health benefits of liuzijue qigong (LQG) on patients with stable COPD has been assessed. This study was designed to perform a systemic review and meta-analysis of the effect of Liuzijue breathing exercise on patients with stable COPD.Methods:Published articles from 1970 to December 2020 were conducted using electronic searches. Two independents reviewers conducted data extraction. The Cochrane risk of bias assessment tool was used to evaluate the quality of the included studies.Results:A total of 16 eligible trials with 1039 patients with stable COPD were identified. Compared with control group, the pool meta-analysis of LQG showed a significant improvement in forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) (MD = −0.16, 95% CI [0.09, 0.23], P < .00001), FEV1% (MD = 9.71, 95% CI [8.44, 10.98], P < .00001), the ratio of forced expiratory volume to forced vital capacity in the first second (FEV1/FVC [%]) (MD = 4.81, 95% CI [2.12, 7.51], P = .0005), 6 minutes walking distance (6MWD) (MD = 21.89, 95% CI [14.67, 29.11], P < .00001), health-related quality of life (SMD = −0.84, 95% CI [−1.12,-0.55], P < .00001) and modified medical research council dyspnea scale (mMRC) (MD = −0.73, 95% CI [−0.96, −0.50], P < .00001). The observed effect was more pronounced for short term and medium-term duration interventions of study. It also showed improvements in the secondary outcome measures by LQG.Conclusions:In this systematic review and meta-analysis, LQG can improve lung ventilation function, exercise endurance and health-related quality of life of patients with stable COPD.Ethic and dissemination:This study is a systematic review and it does not involve harming to the rights of participants. Ethical approval will not be require for this study. The research results may be published in a peer-reviewed journals.     

Echocardiographic signs of pulmonary hypertension in patients with newly recognized hypersensitivity pneumonitis,prevalence and clinical predictors

BackgroundHypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP) is the third, according to frequency, interstitial lung disease, with the estimated incidence rate of 1–2/100,000. In HP patients, the extensive inflammatory lesions encompassing both small airways and lung parenchyma, as well as subsequent development of lung fibrosis, may result in respiratory insufficiency and secondary pulmonary hypertension (PH). The aim of the present retrospective study was to assess the prevalence of echocardiographic signs of PH and its’ clinical predictors, in newly recognized HP patients.MethodsConsecutive HP patients, recognized in single pulmonary unit between 2005 and 2017, in whom echocardiography was performed at diagnosis, entered the present study. HP diagnosis was verified in every patient according to current diagnostic recommendations. The results of high resolution computed tomography of the chest (HRCT) were re-evaluated by two independent radiologists, blinded to clinical data. Echocardiographic signs of PH were defined as pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PASP) exceeding 36 mmHg. Regression analysis was applied to calculate PH risk, and receiver operator characteristic curves (ROC) were plotted to investigate diagnostic utility of various parameters in PH prediction.ResultsPASP exceeding 36 mmHg was noted in 26 out of 70 patients (37%)—with equal frequency among patients with fibrotic and non-fibrotic HP. Significant predictors of PH on echocardiography were: partial oxygen tension in arterialized capillary blood (PaO2) <69 mmHg, lung transfer capacity for carbon monoxide (TLCO) <42% of predicted, six minutes walking test (6MWT) distance <455 meters, and 6MWT desaturation rate >8%. In case of TLCO <42% of predicted, probability of PH on echocardiography was increased by five-fold, in case of 6MWT desaturation rate >8%—by four fold.ConclusionsThe best predictors of PASP >36 mmHg on echocardiography in HP patients at diagnosis were: TLCO <42% and 6MWT desaturation rate >8%. Neither the presence of lung fibrosis on HRCT, nor the duration of the disease or patients age, were helpful in PH prediction.     

Computed tomography and pulmonary function abnormalities in sickle cell disease.

The aim of this study was to determine whether patients with sickle cell disease (SCD) in steady state had pulmonary abnormalities seen on high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) and whether any abnormalities correlated with contemporaneously diagnosed lung function abnormalities. A subsidiary question was whether the results of a noninvasive measure of haemolysis (end-tidal carbon monoxide (ETCO) levels) correlated with pulmonary function abnormalities. Thirty three patients with SCD, median (range) age 36 yrs (17-67 yrs) were examined. The degree of lobar volume loss and ground-glass opacification and prominence of central vessels on HRCT were quantitatively assessed. Pulmonary function was assessed by measurements of lung volumes, spirometry, gas transfer and oxygen saturation. ETCO levels were measured using an end-tidal CO monitor. Forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), forced vital capacity and total lung capacity significantly correlated with HRCT findings, particularly lobar volume loss. ETCO levels significantly negatively correlated with FEV1, vital capacity measured using a plethysmograph, specific airway conductance and arterial oxygen saturation measured by pulse oxymetry. In conclusion, the present results suggest that high-resolution computed tomography noninvasive assessment of haemolysis might be useful to identify sickle cell disease patients with respiratory function impairment.     

Intercept of minute ventilation versus carbon dioxide output relationship as an index of ventilatory inefficiency in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

BackgroundVentilatory inefficiency contributes to exercise intolerance in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The intercept of the minute ventilation (V^˙ _E) vs. carbon dioxide output (V^˙ CO₂) plot is a key ventilatory inefficiency parameter. However, its relationships with lung hyperinflation (LH) and airflow limitation are not known. This study aimed to evaluate correlations between the V^˙ _E/V^˙ CO₂ intercept and LH and airflow limitation to determine its physiological interpretation as an index of functional impairment in COPD.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective analysis of data from 53 COPD patients and 14 healthy controls who performed incremental cardiopulmonary exercise tests (CPETs) and resting pulmonary function assessment. Ventilatory inefficiency was represented by parameters reflecting the V^˙ _E/V^˙ CO₂ nadir and slope (linear region) and the intercept of V^˙ _E/V^˙ CO₂ plot. Their correlations with measures of LH and airflow limitation were evaluated.ResultsCompared to control, the slope (30.58±3.62, P<0.001) and intercept (4.85±1.11 L/min, P<0.05) were higher in COPD_stages1-2, leading to a higher nadir (31.47±4.47, P<0.01). Despite an even higher intercept in COPD_stages3-4 (7.16±1.41, P<0.001), the slope diminished with disease progression (from 30.58±3.62 in COPD_stages1-2 to 26.84±4.96 in COPD_stages3-4, P<0.01). There was no difference in nadir among COPD groups and higher intercepts across all stages. The intercept was correlated with peak V^˙ _E/maximal voluntary ventilation (MVV) (r=0.489, P<0.001) and peak V^˙ O₂/Watt (r=0.354, P=0.003). The intercept was positively correlated with residual volume (RV) % predicted (r=0.571, P<0.001), RV/total lung capacity (TLC) (r=0.588, P<0.001), peak tidal volume (V_T)/FEV₁ (r=0.482, P<0.001) and negatively correlated with rest inspiratory capacity (IC)/TLC (r=−0.574, P<0.001), peak V_T/TLC (r=−0.585, P<0.001), airflow limitation forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV₁) % predicted (r=−0.606, P<0.001), and FEV₁/forced vital capacity (FVC) (r=−0.629, P<0.001).ConclusionsV^˙ _E/V^˙ CO₂ intercept was consistently correlated with worsening static and dynamic LH, pulmonary gas exchange, and airflow limitation in COPD. The V^˙ _E/V^˙ CO₂ intercept emerged as a useful index of ventilatory inefficiency in COPD patients.     

A clinical study of pulmonary manifestations in systemic lupus erythematosus with special reference to CT findings

ObjectiveTo study the prevalence of pulmonary manifestations in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) using pulmonary function tests (PFT), chest X-ray and high resolution computed tomography (HRCT).MethodsThirty-eight patients fulfilling the ACR criteria for SLE were enrolled and evaluated using chest X-ray, PFT and HRCT chest to find out the pulmonary involvement. Patients with known occupational lung disease or pregnancy were excluded.ResultsThirty-five out of 38 patients were females. Clinical signs and symptoms referable to pulmonary involvement were present in 9 patients. HRCT showed abnormalities in 21 patients in contrast to pulmonary function abnormalities in 11 patients and chest X-ray abnormalities in 7 patients. The abnormalities on HRCT included interstitial lung disease in 15 patients, bronchiectasis in 3, pneumonia in 2, and pleural abnormalities in 7 patients. The overall pulmonary involvement was observed in 22 patients of whom HRCT detected abnormalities in 21 patients.ConclusionsPulmonary involvement is present in a significant number of SLE patients as detected by HRCT. However, in the majority, it is asymptomatic.     

肺纤维化合并肺气肿综合征八例并文献复习

目的 探讨肺纤维化合并肺气肿(CPFE)综合征的临床、肺功能及影像学特点.方法 结合文献对北京协和医院2006-2009年确诊的8例CPFE综合征患者的临床、肺功能及影像学特点进行分析.结果 8例均为男性,7例为吸烟者,年龄59～75岁,中位数为65岁,7例有活动后呼吸困难,4例有杵状指,6例有双下肺爆裂音.肺功能结果[中位数(范围)]:FVC占预计值%为73%(51%-92%),FEV1/FVC为76%(60%-86%),肺总量占预计值%为80%(59%～114%),DLCO占预计值%为44%(16%-65%).胸部高分辨率CT示双上肺为主的肺气肿及肺大疱,双下肺为主的网格影、蜂窝肺及牵张性支气管扩张.其中6例有肺动脉高压,肺动脉收缩压的中位数为49 mm Hg(1 mm Hg=0.133 kPa),范围为35-101 mm Hg.结论 胸部高分辨率CT是诊断肺纤维化合并肺气肿综合征的重要手段,其特点为同时存在上肺野肺气肿和下肺野纤维化.肺功能表现为肺容积相对正常而弥散能力显著下降,是该综合征的突出特点.肺动脉高压发生率较高.肺纤维化合并肺气肿综合征能否作为一种独立的综合征,其发病机制、治疗及预后仍有待进一步研究.     

Pulmonary function assessment in the early phase of patients with smoke inhalation injury from fire

Objectives

Fire smoke contains toxic gases and numerous chemical compounds produced by incomplete combustion, and may cause injury to the airways. Increased airway reactivity, as well as a decrease in lung function, has been reported as a sequela of smoke inhalation injury. This study was undertaken to assess lung functions in the early phase of patients with smoke inhalation damage from fires.

Methods

A total of 15 patients with fire smoke inhalation (fire smoke group) and 15 subjects with chronic cough but no previous history of lung disease (chronic cough group) were enrolled. For diagnosis of inhalation injury, we performed bronchoscopy, high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT), as well as arterial carboxyhemoglobin (COHb) at admission. Clinical characteristics, pulmonary function tests (PFTs) and mannitol bronchial provocation tests (BPTs) were analyzed and compared between the two groups.

Results

In fire smoke group, initial COHb levels and the PaO₂/FiO₂ ratio were (14.8±18.49)% and 425.7±123.68, respectively. Of seven patients performing HRCT, 4 (57.1%) showed the CT findings compatible with lung involvement of inhalation injury. Post bronchodilator value of the percent of forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV₁) were (76.0±24.27)% and (79.8±27.82)%, respectively. Pre-and post- bronchodilator forced expiratory flow between 25% and 75% of the FVC (FEF_25-75) and the percent predicted FEF_25-75 were 2.41±1.47 vs. 2.65±1.45 L (P=0.045), and (68.7±37.29)% vs. (76.4±36.70)% (P=0.031), respectively. Two patients (13.3%) had positive bronchodilator response (BDR). In fire smoke and chronic cough group, all the subjects showed mannitol BPTs within normal limits.

Conclusions

Fire smoke inhalation leads to mild obstructive small airway disease pattern of pulmonary function in the early phase of patients with fire smoke damage. Further studies, however, need to be followed to identify the relationship between airway narrowing to inhaled mannitol and smoke inhalation injury.     

Lung findings on thoracic high-resolution computed tomography in patients with ankylosing spondylitis. Correlations with disease duration,clinical findings and pulmonary function testing

The aim of this study was to identify the spectrum of abnormalities revealed on high-resolution computerized tomography (HRCT) in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS), to compare findings with those of plain radiography and pulmonary function testing (PFT), and to look for correlations between lung involvement and AS severity. We prospectively studied 55 consecutive patients with a diagnosis of AS according to the modified New York criteria who attended our department over a period of 2 years. All patients had a detailed rheumatological examination and underwent plain chest radiography, chest HRCT and PFT. HRCT revealed abnormalities in 29 patients (52.7%), whereas plain chest radiography was abnormal in only 2. Abnormalities consisted of interstitial lung disease (ILD) (n=4), apical fibrosis (n=5), emphysema (n=5), bronchiectasis (n=4), ground glass attenuation (n=2), and non-specific interstitial abnormalities (n=26). Only apical fibrosis and bronchiectasis were statistically more frequent with increasing disease duration (significant trend ²test, p=0.0029 and 0.028, respectively). PFT showed a restrictive process in 19 patients (34.5%). No correlation was noted between HRCT and PFT, nor with AS symptomatic and structural severity parameters. However, there was a statistically significant correlation between PFT and AS symptomatic and structural severity parameters. In conclusion,: this study confirms that the chest HRCT of patients with AS showed a great number of abnormalities undetectable by standard X-rays. The high incidence of lung abnormalities emphasizes the importance of excluding such a diagnosis in patients with AS even without respiratory symptoms.Abbreviations AF Apical fibrosis - AS Ankylosing spondylitis - FVC Forced vital capacity - FEV₁ Forced expiratory volume in 1 s - HRCT High-resolution computerized tomography - ILD Interstitial lung disease - PFT Pulmonary function tests - VC Vital capacity     

Abnormal pulmonary function and imaging studies in critical COVID-19 survivors at 100 days after the onset of symptoms

BackgroundThe long-term repercussions of critical COVID-19 on pulmonary function and imaging studies remains unexplored. In this study, we investigated the pulmonary function and computed tomography (CT) findings of critical COVID-19 patients approximately 100 days after symptom onset.MethodsWe retrospectively extracted data on critical COVID-19 patients who received invasive mechanical ventilation during hospitalization from April to December 2020 and evaluated their pulmonary function, residual respiratory symptoms and radiographic abnormalities on CT.ResultsWe extracted 17 patients whose median age was 63 (interquartile range [IQR], 59–67) years. The median lengths of hospitalization and mechanical ventilation were 23 (IQR, 18–38) and 9 (IQR, 6–13) days, respectively. At 100 days after symptom onset, the following pulmonary function abnormalities were noted in 8 (47%) patients: a diffusion capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide (%DL_CO) of <80% for 6 patients (35%); a percent vital capacity (%VC) of <80% for 4 patients (24%); and a forced expiratory volume in one second/forced vital capacity (FEV₁%) of <70% for 1 patient (6%) who also presented with %DL_CO and %VC abnormalities. Twelve (71%) patients reported residual respiratory symptoms and 16 (94%) showed abnormalities on CT.ConclusionsOver 90% of the critical COVID-19 patients who underwent invasive mechanical ventilation continued presenting with abnormal imaging studies and 47% of the patients presented with abnormal pulmonary function 100 days after symptom onset. The extent of the residual CT findings might be associated with the degree of abnormal pulmonary function in critical COVID-19 survivors.     

Long-term respiratory function recovery in patients with stage I lung cancer receiving video-assisted thoracic surgery versus thoracotomy

Background

Video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) and thoracotomy are standard treatment methods for early lung cancer. We compared their effects on the long-term recovery of pulmonary function in patients with stage I non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed 203 patients with early NSCLC who underwent VATS or thoracotomy at Seoul University Hospital from January 2005 to December 2010. Two matched groups (VATS and thoracotomy) each consisting of 60 patients were created via propensity score matching according to TNM stage, age, sex, smoking history, lung disease history, and preoperative pulmonary function.

Results

There were no significant differences in the recovery of forced expiratory volume in 1 second, the forced vital capacity (FVC), or the peak flow rate (PFR), presented as the postoperative value/predicted value, between the VATS and thoracotomy groups during the 12-month follow-up period. The standardized functional loss ratio [(measured postoperative value – predicted postoperative value)/(predicted postoperative value × 100)] did not differ between the two groups at 6 and 12 months. In an intragroup analysis, the postoperative FVC in the thoracotomy group remained below predicted postoperative value during the follow-up period and did not reach the predicted postoperative FVC (6 months/12 months: –6.58%/–2.43%). The analgesic requirements and pain procedures were similar in the VATS and thoracotomy groups during the 12-month follow-up period.

Conclusions

There were no significant differences in pulmonary function recovery during the late postoperative period in NSCLC patients receiving VATS versus thoracotomy. We suggest that the volume of the resected lung and preoperative lung function are the main determinants of late recovery, rather than postoperative pain.     

Investigation of the chronic pulmonary effects of low-dose oral methotrexate in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: a prospective study incorporating HRCT scanning and pulmonary function tests

OBJECTIVE: Methotrexate has a well-recognized side-effect of acute hypersensitivity pneumonitis. There is concern about whether chronic pulmonary toxicity can occur with methotrexate treatment. Our objective was to compare chest high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) findings and serial pulmonary function tests in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients on methotrexate with findings for a control group of patients with RA who were not being treated with methotrexate. METHODS: Study patients had an initial chest radiograph, full pulmonary function tests and chest HRCT. Pulmonary function tests were then performed regularly over a 2-yr period. RESULTS: Fifty-five RA patients on methotrexate and 73 control patients with RA were enrolled for the study. Mean dose of methotrexate was 10.7 mg/week (S.D. 2.5 mg/week) and mean duration of treatment at entry into the study was 30 (20) months. Twenty per cent of patients with RA treated with methotrexate had pulmonary fibrosis (PF) on initial HRCT compared with 23% in the control group. When the patients with and without PF were compared, there was no statistical difference in the duration (mean difference -4.18 months, P=0.237) or dose (mean difference -0.8 mg/week P=0.52) of methotrexate therapy. Mean changes after 2 yr in forced expiratory volume, forced vital capacity, diffusion capacity for carbon monoxide and residual volumes were not different in the methotrexate group compared with the control group. CONCLUSION: There is no evidence to suggest clinically, from HRCT assessment or serial pulmonary function tests, that low-dose methotrexate is associated with chronic interstitial lung disease.     

Can High Resolution Computed Tomography Predict Lung Function in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease?

High-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) is a useful method for quantifying the extent of emphysema. Few reports have mentioned the relationships between HRCT scans and pulmonary function tests in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). For diagnosis, COPD requires chronic airflow limitation and emphysema and/or chronic bronchitis. We examined 20 who were previous smokers with middle to moderate COPD. All were normocapnic with mean arterial oxygen pressure (PaO₂) 77,52 ± 16,789 mmHg. Forced spirometry, somatic plethysmography and cardiopulmonary exercise test were performed in each patient. HRCT was performed in both full inspiration and full expiration at three levels through the upper (at the aortic arch), lower (2 cm above the diaphragm), and middle lung (midpoint between upper and lower) levels. During expiration all pulmonary function parameters correlated with the HRCT grade in the middle right and left part of the lungs. The middle right part of the lung during expiration correlated statistically significant with MVV (r = –0.681, p =0.001), forced vital capacity (FVC) (r = –0.477, p = 0.027), forced expiratory volume in 1 sec (FEV1) (r = –0.632, p = 0.002), resistance (r = 0.674, p = 0.001), residual volume (RV) (r = 0.733, p = 0.001), total lung capacity (TLC) (r = 0.696, p = 0.001), functional residual capacity (FRC) (r = 0.752, p =0.001) and peak oxygen consumption during exercise (VO₂) (r = –0.493, p = 0.023). The middle left part of the lung during expiration correlated statistically significant with MVV (r = –0.673, p = 0.001), FVC (r = –0.493, p = 0.027), FEV1 (r = –0.629, p = 0.003), resistance (r = 0.593, p = 0.005), RV (r = 0.601, p = 0.005), TLC (r = 0.546, p = 0.012), FRC (r = 0.594, p = 0.006) and peak VO₂ (r = –0.525, p = 0.015). Forced expiratory volume in 1 sec (FEV1), which is a well-established measure of airflow obstruction, correlated with the HRCT grade (1) in the middle left part of the lung during inspiration (r = –0.468, p = 0.035) and during expiration (r = – 0.629, p = 0.003) (2) in the lower right lung during inspiration (r = –0.567, p = 0.007) and during expiration (r = –0.558, p = 0.008) (3) in the lower left lung during inspiration (r = –0.542, p = 0.011) and during expiration (r = –0.558, p = 0.008) (4) in the upper right lung during expiration (r = –0.469, p = 0.037) (5) in the upper left lung during expiration (r = –0.463, p = 0.035) and (6) in the middle right lung during expiration (r = –0.632, p = 0.002). According to our results HRCT was a valuable tool for evaluating the severity of COPD — especially the middle right and left part of the lungs, during expiration — and correlated well with pulmonary function tests.     

Associations between the distance covered in the incremental shuttle walk test and lung function and health status in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Background

Field walk tests such as the incremental shuttle walk test (ISWT) are simple tests for assessing the degree of disability in individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). In the present study, the correlations between exercise performance in the ISWT, lung function, and health status were examined in patients with COPD of varying severities.

肺淋巴管平滑肌瘤病

目的　提高对罕见病肺淋巴管平滑肌瘤病 (PL AM)的认识。方法　对我院诊治的患者进行分析 ,并结合文献复习。结果　 PL AM是一种罕见的弥漫性肺部疾病 ,临床反复发作自发性气胸或 /和乳糜胸、活动后呼吸困难和痰血等。肺功能呈阻塞性或混合性通气功能障碍 ,低氧血症。胸部 X线表现为两肺弥漫分布网格状阴影 ,高分辨 CT(HRCT)示弥漫分布囊状改变。病理学检查示 :肺组织淋巴管增生和扩张 ,管外平滑肌明显增生。结论　育龄期妇女如反复发生气胸及出现原因不明的呼吸困难、咯血或乳糜胸 ,应疑诊 PL AM,及时行 HRCT及肺功能检查 ,必要时肺活检 ,以明确病理诊断。     

Clinical features of asthma with comorbid bronchiectasis: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background:This meta-analysis aimed to systematically estimate the prevalence of comorbid bronchiectasis in patients with asthma and to summarize its clinical impact.Methods:Embase, PubMed, and Cochrane Library electronic databases were searched to identify relevant studies published from inception until March 2020.Study Selection:Studies were included if bronchiectasis was identified by high-resolution computed tomography. Outcomes included the prevalence of bronchiectasis and its association with demographic characteristics and indicators of asthma severity, including results of lung function tests and the number of exacerbations.Results:Five observational studies with 839 patients were included. Overall, the mean prevalence of bronchiectasis in patients with asthma was 36.6% (307/839). Patients with comorbid bronchiectasis had lower forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV₁)/forced vital capacity (FVC) (MD: −2.71; 95% CI: −3.72 to −1.69) and more frequent exacerbations (MD: 0.68; 95% CI: 0.03 to 1.33) than those with asthma alone, and there was no significant difference of sex, duration of asthma and serum levels of immunoglobulin(Ig)Es between asthmatic patients with or without bronchiectasis.Conclusion:The presence of bronchiectasis in patients with asthma was associated with greater asthma severity. There are important therapeutic implications of identifying bronchiectasis in asthmatic patients.