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Cavagna L, Seminari E, Zanframundo G, Gregorini M, Di Matteo A, Rampino T, Montecucco C, Pelenghi S, Cattadori B, Pattonieri EF, Vitulo P, Bertani A, Sambataro G, Vancheri C, Biglia A, Bozzalla-Cassione E, Bonetto V, Monti MC, Ticozzelli E, Turco A, Oggionni T, Corsico A, Bertuccio F, Zuccaro V, Codullo V, Morosini M, Marena C, Gnecchi M, Pellegrini C, Meloni F. Calcineurin Inhibitor-Based Immunosuppression and COVID-19: Results from a Multidisciplinary Cohort of Patients in Northern Italy. Microorganisms 2020; 8:E977. [PMID: 32629788 PMCID: PMC7409165 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms8070977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2020] [Revised: 06/27/2020] [Accepted: 06/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The role of immunosuppression in SARS-CoV-2-related disease (COVID-19) is a matter of debate. We here describe the course and the outcome of COVID-19 in a cohort of patients undergoing treatment with calcineurin inhibitors. In this monocentric cohort study, data were collected from the COVID-19 outbreak in Italy up to April 28th 2020. Patients were followed at our hospital for solid organ transplantation or systemic rheumatic disorders (RMDs) and were on calcineurin inhibitor (CNI)-based therapy. Selected patients were referred from the North of Italy. The aim of our study was to evaluate the clinical course of COVID-19 in this setting. We evaluated 385 consecutive patients (220 males, 57%; median age 61 years, IQR 48-69); 331 (86%) received solid organ transplantation and 54 (14%) had a RMD. CNIs were the only immunosuppressant administered in 47 patients (12%). We identified 14 (4%) COVID-19 patients, all transplanted, mainly presenting with fever (86%) and diarrhea (71%). Twelve patients were hospitalized and two of them died, both with severe comorbidities. No patients developed acute respiratory distress syndrome or infectious complications. The surviving 10 patients are now fully recovered. The clinical course of COVID-19 patients on CNIs is generally mild, and the risk of superinfection seems low.
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Cassone G, Dei G, Sambataro G, Manfredi A, Cerri S, Vacchi C, Faverio P, Sambataro D, Gozzi F, Vancheri C, Salvarani C, Luppi F, Sebastiani M. AB0528 CHARACTERIZATION OF ANTI-MPO POSITIVE INTERSTITIAL LUNG DISEASE. CLINICAL-SEROLOGIC AND RADIOLOGIC FEATURES AND SURVIVAL. Ann Rheum Dis 2020. [DOI: 10.1136/annrheumdis-2020-eular.4614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Background:Prevalence of anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA) in patient with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) ranges from 1 to 35%, mainly anti-MPO. The presence of ANCA positivity seems to be a poorer prognostic factor in patient with IPF, and some of these patients will develop clinical vasculitis (7-23%).Unfortunately, the majority of the available studies on this topic are retrospective and the real natural history of the disease remains poorly understood.Objectives:Aim of the study was to investigate the clinical, serological and radiologic features of patients with interstitial lung disease (ILD) and positivity for anti-MPO, and to evaluate the survival of this population compared with IPF patients.Methods:We retrospectively analysed 30 patients with ILD and anti-MPO antibodies, without diagnosis of vasculitis, from 3 different rheumatology-pulmonology Italian Center.For each patient, clinical, radiologic and serological data were evaluated. Treatments were also collected, both immunosuppressants or antifibrotic agents.Finally, survival of ILD-MPO patients and of 90 unselected idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) patients was compared.Results:Thirty patients were enrolled in the study (see table for the characteristics of the patients).Fibrosing pneumonia was described in 73.3% of patients (usual interstitial pneumonia [UIP] in 19 patients), and 10 patients (33.3%) received antifibrotic drugs, all with UIP pattern. Of interest, 7 patients were treated with immunosuppressants (azathioprine, cyclophosphamide, mycophenolate mofetil), independently by the ILD pattern and 21 (70%) low dosage of steroids.After a median period of 23.5 months (range 11-111), 7 patients developed an ANCA associated vasculitis, while other 3 developed other rheumatic diseases.Finally, when compared with IPF, ILD-MPO patients had a better survival (81.2%±0.9 vs 54.7±0.7 for ILD-MPO and IPF, respectively; p=0.045)Conclusion:ILD positive for anti-MPO antibodies are still a not definite condition. We need larger population to identify possible markers for the evolution in an ANCA associated vasculitis, to define the prognosis of disease and the better therapeutic approach.References: :[1]Mohammad AJ, et al. Pulmonary Involvement in Antineutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibodies (ANCA)-associated Vasculitis: The Influence of ANCA Subtype. J Rheumatol. 2017;44:1458-67Table.Serological, clinical and radiological features of anti-MPO + interstitial lung diseaseNumber30Males/female15/15Median age (years + IQR)68 (17)Median follow-up (months + IQR)39.5 (61)Smoke36.70%ILD pattern Usual interstitial pneumonia63.30% Nonspecific interstitial pneumonia16.70% Hipersensitivity pneumonia10% Other fibrosing pneumonia10%Median FVC (% + IQR)83 (23)Median DLCO (% + IQR)53 (28)Clinical features Raynaud’s phenomenon7.70% Sicca syndrome0 Arthralgias20% Arthritis3.40%Serology Antinuclear antibodies30.80% Anti-extractable nuclear antibodies (ENA)8% Anti-SSA4% Rheumatoid factor21.40%Therapy Immusuppressants23.30% Anti-fibrotic drugs33.30%Disclosure of Interests:None declared
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Aquilina G, Caltabiano DC, Galioto F, Cancemi G, Pino F, Vancheri A, Vancheri C, Foti PV, Mauro LA, Basile A. Cystic Interstitial Lung Diseases: A Pictorial Review and a Practical Guide for the Radiologist. Diagnostics (Basel) 2020; 10:diagnostics10060346. [PMID: 32471113 PMCID: PMC7345690 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics10060346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2020] [Revised: 05/19/2020] [Accepted: 05/25/2020] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
A cyst is a round circumscribed area of low attenuation, surrounded by epithelial or fibrous wall. Cysts can frequently occur on chest computed tomography (CT) and high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT); multiple parenchymal cysts of the lungs are the most typical feature of cystic lung interstitial diseases, characterizing a wide spectrum of diseases—ranging from isolated lung disorders up to diffuse pulmonary diseases. The aim of this review is to analyze scientific literature about cystic lung interstitial diseases and to provide a practical guide for radiologists, focusing on the main morphological features of pulmonary cysts: size, shape, borders, wall, location, and distribution. These features are shown on free-hand drawings and related to HRCT images, in order to help radiologists pursue the correct differential diagnosis between similar conditions.
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Stefano A, Gioè M, Russo G, Palmucci S, Torrisi SE, Bignardi S, Basile A, Comelli A, Benfante V, Sambataro G, Falsaperla D, Torcitto AG, Attanasio M, Yezzi A, Vancheri C. Performance of Radiomics Features in the Quantification of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis from HRCT. Diagnostics (Basel) 2020; 10:E306. [PMID: 32429182 PMCID: PMC7277964 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics10050306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2020] [Revised: 05/10/2020] [Accepted: 05/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Our study assesses the diagnostic value of different features extracted from high resolution computed tomography (HRCT) images of patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. These features are investigated over a range of HRCT lung volume measurements (in Hounsfield Units) for which no prior study has yet been published. In particular, we provide a comparison of their diagnostic value at different Hounsfield Unit (HU) thresholds, including corresponding pulmonary functional tests. METHODS We consider thirty-two patients retrospectively for whom both HRCT examinations and spirometry tests were available. First, we analyse the HRCT histogram to extract quantitative lung fibrosis features. Next, we evaluate the relationship between pulmonary function and the HRCT features at selected HU thresholds, namely -200 HU, 0 HU, and +200 HU. We model the relationship using a Poisson approximation to identify the measure with the highest log-likelihood. RESULTS Our Poisson models reveal no difference at the -200 and 0 HU thresholds. However, inferential conclusions change at the +200 HU threshold. Among the HRCT features considered, the percentage of normally attenuated lung at -200 HU shows the most significant diagnostic utility. CONCLUSIONS The percentage of normally attenuated lung can be used together with qualitative HRCT assessment and pulmonary function tests to enhance the idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) diagnostic process.
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Torrisi SE, Kahn N, Vancheri C, Kreuter M. Evolution and treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Presse Med 2020; 49:104025. [PMID: 32437841 DOI: 10.1016/j.lpm.2020.104025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2019] [Revised: 04/09/2019] [Accepted: 04/15/2019] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic and devastating disease of unknown etiology, characterized by irreversible morphological changes, ultimately leading to lung fibrosis and death. In recent years, significant progress has been achieved in understanding the pathogenesis of IPF. Moreover, we assisted to the conceptual change of the pathogenic hypothesis that currently considers IPF as a primarily fibrotic driven disease. However, despite the undeniable progress, the diagnosis of IPF remains still very complex requiring the presence of a team of experts to achieve the highest level of diagnostic confidence. The advent of antifibrotics has radically changed the treatment landscape of IPF and new promising drugs are currently under evaluation. Furthermore, a more extensive use of non-pharmacological treatments has also to be encouraged in all patients both to reduce symptoms and improve quality of life.
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Tiralongo F, Palermo M, Distefano G, Vancheri A, Sambataro G, Torrisi SE, Galioto F, Ferlito A, Fazio G, Foti PV, Mauro LA, Vancheri C, Palmucci S, Basile A. Cryptogenic Organizing Pneumonia: Evolution of Morphological Patterns Assessed by HRCT. Diagnostics (Basel) 2020; 10:diagnostics10050262. [PMID: 32365469 PMCID: PMC7277545 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics10050262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2020] [Revised: 04/25/2020] [Accepted: 04/28/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
To evaluate the radiological findings in patients with cryptogenic organizing pneumonia (COP) before steroid treatment and their behavior after therapy, we retrospectively evaluated a total of 22 patients with a diagnosis of COP made by bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL), biopsy or clinical/radiological features, and the patients were followed between 2014 and 2018 at the hospital; the demographic data, symptoms, radiologic findings, diagnostic methods and treatment plans of patients were collected from patients’ hospital records. At least two CT scans of 22 patients (16 female and six men) were evaluated, the first one before starting steroid therapy and the others after therapy. At baseline CT scans, the most common radiological finding was the presence of consolidations (18/22 patients, 81.8%); ground-glass opacities were also very common (15/25, 68.1%). The other findings were as follows: nodules and masses (5/22, 22.7%), atoll sign (4/22, 18.1%), perilobular pattern (3/22, 13.6%) and parenchymal bands (3/22, 13.6%). Two patients had a significant relapse after reducing/interrupting therapy, while three had a complete resolution and are not currently under therapy (maintenance of clinical remission with no oral corticosteroid (OCS)). In High-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) scans after therapy, consolidations were still observable in seven patients (five in new areas of the lung-migratory infiltrates), while most of them disappeared, leaving a residual area of ground glass opacity in two patients. One patient had a residual of the perilobular pattern, with the disappearing of the other findings (consolidations and ground-glass opacities). Two patients developed a fibrosing pattern despite the therapy (9.5%). Cryptogenic organizing pneumonia tends to respond to oral corticosteroid treatment, but some patients may have a null or partial response. We highlight the behavior of this disease after proper therapy.
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Sambataro D, Sambataro G, Libra A, Vignigni G, Pino F, Fagone E, Fruciano M, Gili E, Pignataro F, Del Papa N, Vancheri C. Nailfold Videocapillaroscopy is a Useful Tool to Recognize Definite Forms of Systemic Sclerosis and Idiopathic Inflammatory Myositis in Interstitial Lung Disease Patients. Diagnostics (Basel) 2020; 10:E253. [PMID: 32344844 PMCID: PMC7277171 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics10050253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2020] [Revised: 04/23/2020] [Accepted: 04/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Nailfold videocapillaroscopy (NVC) is an easy tool used for the assessment of patients with Raynaud's phenomenon (RP) as possibly associated with systemic sclerosis (SSc). Recent insights have also highlighted its role in the diagnostic assessment of idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIMs). The aim of this study is to describe the diagnostic role of NVC in a series of 361 consecutive patients with interstitial lung disease (ILD). All the patients were assessed by clinical pulmonary and rheumatic examinations, blood exams, high-resolution computed tomography and NVC. NVC was considered positive only in the presence of avascular areas or giant capillaries, but also, the presence of bushy capillaries (BCs) was recorded. NVC was positive in 17.7% of ILD patients and in 78.1% of ILD patients associated with a diagnosis of connective tissue disease (CTD). In 25% of SSc-ILD patients, NVC proved necessary for a correct diagnosis. The presence of BCs and/or NVC positivity in ILD patients with normal levels of creatine phosphokinase is associated with amyopathic IIM, regardless the presence of RP. In conclusion, NVC is useful for the diagnostic assessment of incomplete forms of CTD and in amyopathic IIMs. NVC should be considered in the diagnostic assessment of ILD patients regardless of the presence of RP.
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Spicuzza L, Montineri A, Manuele R, Crimi C, Pistorio MP, Campisi R, Vancheri C, Crimi N. Reliability and usefulness of a rapid IgM-IgG antibody test for the diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection: A preliminary report. J Infect 2020; 81:e53-e54. [PMID: 32335175 PMCID: PMC7177053 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinf.2020.04.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2020] [Accepted: 04/16/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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Distefano G, Fanzone L, Palermo M, Tiralongo F, Cosentino S, Inì C, Galioto F, Vancheri A, Torrisi SE, Mauro LA, Foti PV, Vancheri C, Palmucci S, Basile A. HRCT Patterns of Drug-Induced Interstitial Lung Diseases: A Review. Diagnostics (Basel) 2020; 10:diagnostics10040244. [PMID: 32331402 PMCID: PMC7236658 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics10040244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2020] [Revised: 04/14/2020] [Accepted: 04/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Interstitial Lung Diseases (ILDs) represent a heterogeneous group of pathologies, which may be related to different causes. A low percentage of these lung diseases may be secondary to the administration of drugs or substances. Through the PubMed database, an extensive search was performed in the fields of drug toxicity and interstitial lung disease. We have evaluated the different classes of drugs associated with pulmonary toxicity. Several different high resolution computed tomography (HRCT) patterns related to pulmonary drug toxicity have been reported in literature, and the most frequent ILDs patterns reported include Nonspecific Interstitial Pneumonia (NSIP), Usual Interstitial Pneumonia (UIP), Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis (HP), Organizing Pneumonia (OP), Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS), and Diffuse Alveolar Damage (DAD). Finally, from the electronic database of our Institute we have selected and commented on some cases of drug-induced lung diseases related to the administration of common drugs. As the imaging patterns are rarely specific, an accurate evaluation of the clinical history is required and a multidisciplinary approach—involving pneumologists, cardiologists, radiologists, pathologists, and rheumatologists—is recommended.
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Sambataro D, Sambataro G, Pignataro F, Zanframundo G, Codullo V, Fagone E, Martorana E, Ferro F, Orlandi M, Del Papa N, Cavagna L, Malatino L, Colaci M, Vancheri C. Patients with Interstitial Lung Disease Secondary to Autoimmune Diseases: How to Recognize Them? Diagnostics (Basel) 2020; 10:E208. [PMID: 32283744 PMCID: PMC7235942 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics10040208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2020] [Revised: 04/04/2020] [Accepted: 04/07/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The diagnostic assessment of patients with Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD) can be challenging due to the large number of possible causes. Moreover, the diagnostic approach can be limited by the severity of the disease, which may not allow invasive exams. To overcome this issue, the referral centers for ILD organized Multidisciplinary Teams (MDTs), including physicians and experts in complementary discipline, to discuss the management of doubtful cases of ILD. MDT is currently considered the gold standard for ILD diagnosis, but it is not often simple to organize and, furthermore, rheumatologists are still not always included. In fact, even if rheumatologic conditions represent a common cause of ILD, they are sometimes difficult to recognize, considering the variegated clinical features and their association with all possible radiographic patterns of ILD. The first objective of this review is to describe the clinical, laboratory, and instrumental tests that can drive a diagnosis toward a possible rheumatic disease. The secondary objective is to propose a set of first-line tests to perform in all patients in order to recognize any possible rheumatic conditions underlying ILD.
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Sgalla G, Lo Greco E, Calvello M, Varone F, Iovene B, Cerri S, Donatelli P, Vancheri A, Pavone M, Luppi F, Vancheri C, Richeldi L. Disease progression across the spectrum of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: A multicentre study. Respirology 2020; 25:1144-1151. [DOI: 10.1111/resp.13805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2019] [Revised: 01/29/2020] [Accepted: 02/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Wells AU, Flaherty KR, Brown KK, Inoue Y, Devaraj A, Richeldi L, Moua T, Crestani B, Wuyts WA, Stowasser S, Quaresma M, Goeldner RG, Schlenker-Herceg R, Kolb M, Aburto M, Acosta O, Andrews C, Antin-Ozerkis D, Arce G, Arias M, Avdeev S, Barczyk A, Bascom R, Bazdyrev E, Beirne P, Belloli E, Bergna M, Bergot E, Bhatt N, Blaas S, Bondue B, Bonella F, Britt E, Buch K, Burk J, Cai H, Cantin A, Castillo Villegas D, Cazaux A, Cerri S, Chaaban S, Chaudhuri N, Cottin V, Crestani B, Criner G, Dahlqvist C, Danoff S, Dematte D'Amico J, Dilling D, Elias P, Ettinger N, Falk J, Fernández Pérez E, Gamez-Dubuis A, Giessel G, Gifford A, Glassberg M, Glazer C, Golden J, Gómez Carrera L, Guiot J, Hallowell R, Hayashi H, Hetzel J, Hirani N, Homik L, Hope-Gill B, Hotchkin D, Ichikado K, Ilkovich M, Inoue Y, Izumi S, Jassem E, Jones L, Jouneau S, Kaner R, Kang J, Kawamura T, Kessler R, Kim Y, Kishi K, Kitamura H, Kolb M, Kondoh Y, Kono C, Koschel D, Kreuter M, Kulkarni T, Kus J, Lebargy F, León Jiménez A, Luo Q, Mageto Y, Maher T, Makino S, Marchand-Adam S, Marquette C, Martinez R, Martínez M, Maturana Rozas R, Miyazaki Y, Moiseev S, Molina-Molina M, Morrison L, Morrow L, Moua T, Nambiar A, Nishioka Y, Nunes H, Okamoto M, Oldham J, Otaola M, Padilla M, Park J, Patel N, Pesci A, Piotrowski W, Pitts L, Poonyagariyagorn H, Prasse A, Quadrelli S, Randerath W, Refini R, Reynaud-Gaubert M, Riviere F, Rodríguez Portal J, Rosas I, Rossman M, Safdar Z, Saito T, Sakamoto N, Salinas Fénero M, Sauleda J, Schmidt S, Scholand M, Schwartz M, Shapera S, Shlobin O, Sigal B, Silva Orellana A, Skowasch D, Song J, Stieglitz S, Stone H, Strek M, Suda T, Sugiura H, Takahashi H, Takaya H, Takeuchi T, Thavarajah K, Tolle L, Tomassetti S, Tomii K, Valenzuela C, Vancheri C, Varone F, Veeraraghavan S, Villar A, Weigt S, Wemeau L, Wuyts W, Xu Z, Yakusevich V, Yamada Y, Yamauchi H, Ziora D. Nintedanib in patients with progressive fibrosing interstitial lung diseases-subgroup analyses by interstitial lung disease diagnosis in the INBUILD trial: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group trial. THE LANCET RESPIRATORY MEDICINE 2020; 8:453-460. [PMID: 32145830 DOI: 10.1016/s2213-2600(20)30036-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 263] [Impact Index Per Article: 65.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2019] [Revised: 01/06/2020] [Accepted: 01/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The INBUILD trial investigated the efficacy and safety of nintedanib versus placebo in patients with progressive fibrosing interstitial lung diseases (ILDs) other than idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). We aimed to establish the effects of nintedanib in subgroups based on ILD diagnosis. METHODS The INBUILD trial was a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel group trial done at 153 sites in 15 countries. Participants had an investigator-diagnosed fibrosing ILD other than IPF, with chest imaging features of fibrosis of more than 10% extent on high resolution CT (HRCT), forced vital capacity (FVC) of 45% or more predicted, and diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide (DLco) of at least 30% and less than 80% predicted. Participants fulfilled protocol-defined criteria for ILD progression in the 24 months before screening, despite management considered appropriate in clinical practice for the individual ILD. Participants were randomly assigned 1:1 by means of a pseudo-random number generator to receive nintedanib 150 mg twice daily or placebo for at least 52 weeks. Participants, investigators, and other personnel involved in the trial and analysis were masked to treatment assignment until after database lock. In this subgroup analysis, we assessed the rate of decline in FVC (mL/year) over 52 weeks in patients who received at least one dose of nintedanib or placebo in five prespecified subgroups based on the ILD diagnoses documented by the investigators: hypersensitivity pneumonitis, autoimmune ILDs, idiopathic non-specific interstitial pneumonia, unclassifiable idiopathic interstitial pneumonia, and other ILDs. The trial has been completed and is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT02999178. FINDINGS Participants were recruited between Feb 23, 2017, and April 27, 2018. Of 663 participants who received at least one dose of nintedanib or placebo, 173 (26%) had chronic hypersensitivity pneumonitis, 170 (26%) an autoimmune ILD, 125 (19%) idiopathic non-specific interstitial pneumonia, 114 (17%) unclassifiable idiopathic interstitial pneumonia, and 81 (12%) other ILDs. The effect of nintedanib versus placebo on reducing the rate of FVC decline (mL/year) was consistent across the five subgroups by ILD diagnosis in the overall population (hypersensitivity pneumonitis 73·1 [95% CI -8·6 to 154·8]; autoimmune ILDs 104·0 [21·1 to 186·9]; idiopathic non-specific interstitial pneumonia 141·6 [46·0 to 237·2]; unclassifiable idiopathic interstitial pneumonia 68·3 [-31·4 to 168·1]; and other ILDs 197·1 [77·6 to 316·7]; p=0·41 for treatment by subgroup by time interaction). Adverse events reported in the subgroups were consistent with those reported in the overall population. INTERPRETATION The INBUILD trial was not designed or powered to provide evidence for a benefit of nintedanib in specific diagnostic subgroups. However, its results suggest that nintedanib reduces the rate of ILD progression, as measured by FVC decline, in patients who have a chronic fibrosing ILD and progressive phenotype, irrespective of the underlying ILD diagnosis. FUNDING Boehringer Ingelheim.
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Kreuter M, Polke M, Walsh SL, Krisam J, Collard HR, Chaudhuri N, Avdeev S, Behr J, Calligaro G, Corte T, Flaherty K, Funke-Chambour M, Kolb M, Kondoh Y, Maher TM, Molina Molina M, Morais A, Moor CC, Morisset J, Pereira C, Quadrelli S, Selman M, Tzouvelekis A, Valenzuela C, Vancheri C, Vicens-Zygmunt V, Wälscher J, Wuyts W, Wijsenbeek M, Cottin V, Bendstrup E. Acute exacerbation of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: international survey and call for harmonisation. Eur Respir J 2020; 55:13993003.01760-2019. [DOI: 10.1183/13993003.01760-2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2019] [Accepted: 01/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Acute exacerbation of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (AE-IPF) is an often deadly complication of IPF. No focussed international guidelines for the management of AE-IPF exist. The aim of this international survey was to assess the global variability in prevention, diagnostic and treatment strategies for AE-IPF.Pulmonologists with ILD expertise were invited to participate in a survey designed by an international expert panel.509 pulmonologists from 66 countries responded. Significant geographical variability in approaches to manage AE-IPF was found. Common preventive measures included antifibrotic drugs and vaccination. Diagnostic differences were most pronounced regarding use of Krebs von den Lungen-6 and viral testing, while high-resolution computed tomography, brain natriuretic peptide and D-dimer are generally applied. High-dose steroids are widely administered (94%); the use of other immunosuppressant and treatment strategies is highly variable. Very few (4%) responders never use immunosuppression. Antifibrotic treatments are initiated during AE-IPF by 67%. Invasive ventilation or extracorporeal membrane oxygenation are mainly used as a bridge to transplantation. Most physicians educate patients comprehensively on the severity of AE-IPF (82%) and consider palliative care (64%).Approaches to the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of AE-IPF vary worldwide. Global trials and guidelines to improve the prognosis of AE-IPF are needed.
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Sambataro G, Ferro F, Orlandi M, Sambataro D, Torrisi SE, Quartuccio L, Vancheri C, Baldini C, Matucci Cerinic M. Clinical, morphological features and prognostic factors associated with interstitial lung disease in primary Sjӧgren's syndrome: A systematic review from the Italian Society of Rheumatology. Autoimmun Rev 2020; 19:102447. [DOI: 10.1016/j.autrev.2019.102447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2019] [Accepted: 09/13/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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Sambataro G, Vancheri A, Torrisi SE, Colaci M, Pavone M, Libra A, Martorana E, Rosso R, Pignataro F, Del Papa N, Malatino L, Palmucci S, Sambataro D, Vancheri C. The Morphological Domain Does Not Affect the Rate of Progression to Defined Autoimmune Diseases in Patients With Interstitial Pneumonia With Autoimmune Features. Chest 2020; 157:238-242. [DOI: 10.1016/j.chest.2019.08.2175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2019] [Revised: 08/03/2019] [Accepted: 08/24/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022] Open
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Kreuter M, Lederer DJ, Cottin V, Kahn N, Ley B, Vancheri C, Weycker D, Atwood M, Kirchgaessler KU, Ryerson CJ. Concomitant medications and clinical outcomes in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Eur Respir J 2019; 54:13993003.01188-2019. [PMID: 31537696 PMCID: PMC6906546 DOI: 10.1183/13993003.01188-2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2019] [Accepted: 08/27/2019] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) frequently have a substantial burden of comorbidities [1]. Antifibrotic therapy is recommended to slow the progression of IPF [2]. Patients receiving antifibrotic therapy frequently receive concomitant medications for the management of comorbidities [1, 3–9]. Previous post hoc analyses of antacids, statins, metformin, anticoagulants and angiotensin modulators in patients with IPF enrolled in phase III randomised controlled trials (RCTs) have generated hypotheses on the impact of these treatments on IPF outcomes [3–9]. The effects of multiple concomitant medications in patients with IPF have been largely unexplored. The objective of the present analyses was to explore the association between use of combinations of frequently prescribed concomitant medications and disease outcomes in patients with IPF. This post hoc exploratory analysis found no clear associations between frequently used concomitant medication combinations and disease progression in 1450 patients with IPF enrolled in phase III trials, but several combinations may require further study.http://bit.ly/2ZzyMXR
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Chiarenza A, Esposto Ultimo L, Falsaperla D, Travali M, Foti PV, Torrisi SE, Schisano M, Mauro LA, Sambataro G, Basile A, Vancheri C, Palmucci S. Chest imaging using signs, symbols, and naturalistic images: a practical guide for radiologists and non-radiologists. Insights Imaging 2019; 10:114. [PMID: 31802270 PMCID: PMC6893008 DOI: 10.1186/s13244-019-0789-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2019] [Accepted: 09/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Several imaging findings of thoracic diseases have been referred-on chest radiographs or CT scans-to signs, symbols, or naturalistic images. Most of these imaging findings include the air bronchogram sign, the air crescent sign, the arcade-like sign, the atoll sign, the cheerios sign, the crazy paving appearance, the comet-tail sign, the darkus bronchus sign, the doughnut sign, the pattern of eggshell calcifications, the feeding vessel sign, the finger-in-gloove sign, the galaxy sign, the ginkgo leaf sign, the Golden-S sign, the halo sign, the headcheese sign, the honeycombing appearance, the interface sign, the knuckle sign, the monod sign, the mosaic attenuation, the Oreo-cookie sign, the polo-mint sign, the presence of popcorn calcifications, the positive bronchus sign, the railway track appearance, the scimitar sign, the signet ring sign, the snowstorm sign, the sunburst sign, the tree-in-bud distribution, and the tram truck line appearance. These associations are very helpful for radiologists and non-radiologists and increase learning and assimilation of concepts.Therefore, the aim of this pictorial review is to highlight the main thoracic imaging findings that may be associated with signs, symbols, or naturalistic images: an "iconographic" glossary of terms used for thoracic imaging is reproduced-placing side by side radiological features and naturalistic figures, symbols, and schematic drawings.
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Cavagna L, Trallero-Araguás E, Meloni F, Cavazzana I, Rojas-Serrano J, Feist E, Zanframundo G, Morandi V, Meyer A, Pereira da Silva JA, Matos Costa CJ, Molberg O, Andersson H, Codullo V, Mosca M, Barsotti S, Neri R, Scirè C, Govoni M, Furini F, Lopez-Longo FJ, Martinez-Barrio J, Schneider U, Lorenz HM, Doria A, Ghirardello A, Ortego-Centeno N, Confalonieri M, Tomietto P, Pipitone N, Rodriguez Cambron AB, Blázquez Cañamero MÁ, Voll RE, Wendel S, Scarpato S, Maurier F, Limonta M, Colombelli P, Giannini M, Geny B, Arrigoni E, Bravi E, Migliorini P, Mathieu A, Piga M, Drott U, Delbrueck C, Bauhammer J, Cagnotto G, Vancheri C, Sambataro G, De Langhe E, Sainaghi PP, Monti C, Gigli Berzolari F, Romano M, Bonella F, Specker C, Schwarting A, Villa Blanco I, Selmi C, Ceribelli A, Nuno L, Mera-Varela A, Perez Gomez N, Fusaro E, Parisi S, Sinigaglia L, Del Papa N, Benucci M, Cimmino MA, Riccieri V, Conti F, Sebastiani GD, Iuliano A, Emmi G, Cammelli D, Sebastiani M, Manfredi A, Bachiller-Corral J, Sifuentes Giraldo WA, Paolazzi G, Saketkoo LA, Giorgi R, Salaffi F, Cifrian J, Caporali R, Locatelli F, Marchioni E, Pesci A, Dei G, Pozzi MR, Claudia L, Distler J, Knitza J, Schett G, Iannone F, Fornaro M, Franceschini F, Quartuccio L, Gerli R, Bartoloni E, Bellando Randone S, Zampogna G, Gonzalez Perez MI, Mejia M, Vicente E, Triantafyllias K, Lopez-Mejias R, Matucci-Cerinic M, Selva-O’Callaghan A, Castañeda S, Montecucco C, Gonzalez-Gay MA. Influence of Antisynthetase Antibodies Specificities on Antisynthetase Syndrome Clinical Spectrum Time Course. J Clin Med 2019; 8:jcm8112013. [PMID: 31752231 PMCID: PMC6912490 DOI: 10.3390/jcm8112013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 97] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2019] [Revised: 09/12/2019] [Accepted: 11/12/2019] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Antisynthetase syndrome (ASSD) is a rare clinical condition that is characterized by the occurrence of a classic clinical triad, encompassing myositis, arthritis, and interstitial lung disease (ILD), along with specific autoantibodies that are addressed to different aminoacyl tRNA synthetases (ARS). Until now, it has been unknown whether the presence of a different ARS might affect the clinical presentation, evolution, and outcome of ASSD. In this study, we retrospectively recorded the time of onset, characteristics, clustering of triad findings, and survival of 828 ASSD patients (593 anti-Jo1, 95 anti-PL7, 84 anti-PL12, 38 anti-EJ, and 18 anti-OJ), referring to AENEAS (American and European NEtwork of Antisynthetase Syndrome) collaborative group’s cohort. Comparisons were performed first between all ARS cases and then, in the case of significance, while using anti-Jo1 positive patients as the reference group. The characteristics of triad findings were similar and the onset mainly began with a single triad finding in all groups despite some differences in overall prevalence. The “ex-novo” occurrence of triad findings was only reduced in the anti-PL12-positive cohort, however, it occurred in a clinically relevant percentage of patients (30%). Moreover, survival was not influenced by the underlying anti-aminoacyl tRNA synthetase antibodies’ positivity, which confirmed that antisynthetase syndrome is a heterogeneous condition and that antibody specificity only partially influences the clinical presentation and evolution of this condition.
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Torrisi SE, Kahn N, Wälscher J, Sarmand N, Polke M, Lars K, Eichinger M, Heussel CP, Palmucci S, Sambataro FM, Sambataro G, Sambataro D, Vancheri C, Kreuter M. Possible value of antifibrotic drugs in patients with progressive fibrosing non-IPF interstitial lung diseases. BMC Pulm Med 2019; 19:213. [PMID: 31718637 PMCID: PMC6852748 DOI: 10.1186/s12890-019-0937-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2019] [Accepted: 09/11/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fibrosing, non-idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (non-IPF) interstitial lung diseases (fILDs) are a heterogeneous group of diseases characterized by a different amount of inflammation and fibrosis. Therapy is currently based on corticosteroids and/or immunomodulators. However, response to these therapies is highly variable, sometimes without meaningful improvement, especially in more fibrosing forms. Pirfenidone and nintedanib have recently demonstrated to reduce functional decline in patients with IPF. However, their antifibrotic mechanism makes these two drugs an interesting approach for treatment of fibrosing ILDs other than IPF. OBJECTIVES We here report our experience with antifibrotic drugs in fibrosing non-IPF ILDs patients having a progressive phenotype during immunosuppressive therapy. METHODS Patients with a multidisciplinary team diagnosis of fibrosing non-IPF ILDs experiencing a progressive phenotype during treatment with corticosteroids and/or immunomodulators between October-2014 and January-2018 at our tertiary referral Center for ILDs were retrospectively analyzed. Antifibrotic therapy was administered after application with the respective health insurance company and after consent by the patient. Pulmonary-function-tests and follow-up visits were performed every 6 ± 1 months. RESULTS Eleven patients were treated with antifibrotic drugs (8 males, mean age 62 ± 12.8 years, mean FVC% 62.8 ± 22.3, mean DLCO% 35.5 ± 10.7, median follow-up under antifibrotic treatment 11.1 months). Patients had a diagnosis of unclassifiable ILD in 6 cases, pleuroparenchymal fibroelastosis in 2 cases, idiopathic-NSIP in 1 case, asbestos-related ILD in 1 case and Hermansky-Pudlak syndrome in 1 case. Treatment before antifibrotics consisted of corticosteroids in all patients: 5 combined with Azathioprin, 1 with either methotrexate or cyclophosphamide (i.v.). Ten patients were treated with pirfenidone (2403 mg/die) and 1 with nintedanib (300 mg/die). Median FVC was 56, 56, 50%, at time points - 24, - 12, - 6 before initiation, 44% at time of initiation and 46.5% at 6 months after initiation of antifibrotic treatment. Antifibrotic treatment was generally well tolerated with a need of dose reduction in 2 cases (rash and nausea) and early termination in 3 cases. CONCLUSIONS Antifibrotic treatment may be a valuable treatment option in patients with progressive fibrosing non-IPF ILD if currently no other treatment options exist. However, prospective, randomized clinical trials are urgently needed to assess the real impact of antifibrotic therapy in these patients.
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Walsh SLF, Lederer DJ, Ryerson CJ, Kolb M, Maher TM, Nusser R, Poletti V, Richeldi L, Vancheri C, Wilsher ML, Antoniou KM, Behr J, Bendstrup E, Brown KK, Corte TJ, Cottin V, Crestani B, Flaherty KR, Glaspole IN, Grutters J, Inoue Y, Kondoh Y, Kreuter M, Johannson KA, Ley B, Martinez FJ, Molina-Molina M, Morais A, Nunes H, Raghu G, Selman M, Spagnolo P, Taniguchi H, Tomassetti S, Valeyre D, Wijsenbeek M, Wuyts WA, Wells AU. Diagnostic Likelihood Thresholds That Define a Working Diagnosis of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis. Am J Respir Crit Care Med 2019; 200:1146-1153. [DOI: 10.1164/rccm.201903-0493oc] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
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Vancheri C, Sebastiani A, Tomassetti S, Pesci A, Rogliani P, Tavanti L, Luppi F, Harari S, Rottoli P, Ghirardini A, Kirchgaessler KU, Albera C. Pirfenidone in real life: A retrospective observational multicentre study in Italian patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Respir Med 2019; 156:78-84. [PMID: 31445389 DOI: 10.1016/j.rmed.2019.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2018] [Revised: 07/08/2019] [Accepted: 08/12/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Real-world data on pirfenidone treatment of patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) are limited. This study assessed the effectiveness of pirfenidone in a large real-life Italian IPF cohort. METHODS IRENE was an observational, retrospective study of patients with IPF treated with pirfenidone in routine clinical practice (18 centres). At Month 6, a mandatory re-evaluation of forced vital capacity (FVC) decline (absolute change < 10%) was required to continue pirfenidone. The primary effectiveness outcomes were absolute change from baseline in FVC and the percentage of patients with ≥ 10% absolute decline in % predicted FVC at Month 12. Safety was described by adverse event (AE) occurrence. Prespecified subgroups included sex, age, presence/absence of emphysema, usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP) pattern on high-resolution computed tomography, and baseline lung function. RESULTS The study included 379 patients (mean age, 67.6 years; 78.1% male). Mean change from baseline in FVC and the percentage of patients with ≥ 10% absolute decline in % predicted FVC at Month 12 were -81.8 mL (SD, 419.6 mL; P = 0.002) and 16.0% (95% CI, 12.2-20.9%), respectively. Disease progression was similar across prespecified subgroups, including patients with definite vs possible UIP. Overall, 211 AEs occurred in 149 patients (39.3%), with serious AEs in 31 patients (8.2%) and 9 discontinuations due to AEs. Skin and gastrointestinal AEs were most frequent. Fifteen patients (4.0%) died. CONCLUSIONS The decline in FVC and the safety profile observed in this real-world IPF cohort were consistent with the findings of the Phase III pirfenidone trials.
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Spampinato SF, Merlo S, Fagone E, Fruciano M, Barbagallo C, Kanda T, Sano Y, Purrello M, Vancheri C, Ragusa M, Sortino MA. Astrocytes Modify Migration of PBMCs Induced by β-Amyloid in a Blood-Brain Barrier in vitro Model. Front Cell Neurosci 2019; 13:337. [PMID: 31396056 PMCID: PMC6664149 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2019.00337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2019] [Accepted: 07/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The brain is protected by the blood-brain barrier (BBB), constituted by endothelial cells supported by pericytes and astrocytes. In Alzheimer’s disease a dysregulation of the BBB occurs since the early phases of the disease leading to an increased access of solutes and immune cells that can participate to the central inflammatory response. Here we investigated whether astrocytes may influence endothelial-leukocytes interaction in the presence of amyloid-β (Aβ). Methods We used an in vitro BBB model, where endothelial cells, cultured alone or with astrocytes were exposed for 5 h to Aβ, both under resting or inflammatory conditions (TNFα and IFNγ), to evaluate endothelial barrier properties, as well as transendothelial migration of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). Results In the co-culture model, barrier permeability to solutes was increased by all treatments, but migration was only observed in inflammatory conditions and was prevented by Aβ treatment. On the contrary, in endothelial monocultures, Aβ induced leukocytes migration under resting conditions and did not modify that induced by inflammatory cytokines. In endothelial astrocyte co-cultures, a low molecular weight (MW) isoform of the adhesion molecule ICAM-1, important to allow interaction with PBMCs, was increased after 5 h exposure to inflammatory cytokines, an effect that was prevented by Aβ. This modulation by Aβ was not observed in endothelial monocultures. In addition, endothelial expression of β-1,4-N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase III (Gnt-III), responsible for the formation of the low MW ICAM-1 isoform, was enhanced in inflammatory conditions, but negatively modulated by Aβ only in the co-culture model. miR-200b, increased in astrocytes following Aβ treatment and may represent one of the factors involved in the control of Gnt-III expression. Conclusion These data point out that, at least in the early phases of Aβ exposure, astrocytes play a role in the modulation of leukocytes migration through the endothelial layer.
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Harari S, Caminati A, Confalonieri M, Poletti V, Vancheri C, Pesci A, Rogliani P, Luppi F, Agostini C, Rottoli P, Sanduzzi Zamparelli A, Sebastiani A, Della Porta R, Salton F, Messore B, Tomassetti S, Rosso R, Biffi A, Puxeddu E, Cerri S, Cinetto F, Refini RM, Bocchino M, Di Michele L, Specchia C, Albera C. The prognostic role of Gender-Age-Physiology system in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis patients treated with pirfenidone. CLINICAL RESPIRATORY JOURNAL 2019; 13:166-173. [PMID: 30675755 DOI: 10.1111/crj.12999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2017] [Revised: 01/05/2019] [Accepted: 01/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Gender, age, physiology (GAP) system have proven to be an easy tool for predicting disease stages and survival in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) patients. OBJECTIVE To validate mortality risk as determined by the GAP system in a real-life multicentre IPF population treated with pirfenidone. METHODS The study included patients who received pirfenidone for at least 6 months. The GAP calculator and the GAP index were determined. The primary outcome was all-cause mortality. The prognostic accuracy of the GAP system was evaluated with respect to calibration and discrimination. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION Sixty-eight IPF patients were enrolled in the study. The median follow-up was 2.4 years (range 0.1-7.4 years). A total of 22 deaths as first event (32%) and of 10 lung transplantation (15%) were recorded. The cumulative incidence of mortality at 1, 2 and 3 years was 10.4%, 22.4% and 38.4%, respectively. The differences between the predicted and observed mortality were not significant for the GAP index while the observed mortality become comparable to that predicted by the GAP calculator only in the third year of follow-up. The C-index for the GAP index was 0.74 (95% CI 0.57-0.93) while the C-statistic value for the GAP calculator was 0.77 (95% CI 0.59-0.95).
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Ciancio N, Pavone M, Torrisi SE, Vancheri A, Sambataro D, Palmucci S, Vancheri C, Di Marco F, Sambataro G. Contribution of pulmonary function tests (PFTs) to the diagnosis and follow up of connective tissue diseases. Multidiscip Respir Med 2019; 14:17. [PMID: 31114679 PMCID: PMC6518652 DOI: 10.1186/s40248-019-0179-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2018] [Accepted: 03/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Connective Tissue Diseases (CTDs) are systemic autoimmune conditions characterized by frequent lung involvement. This usually takes the form of Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD), but Obstructive Lung Disease (OLD) and Pulmonary Artery Hypertension (PAH) can also occur. Lung involvement is often severe, representing the first cause of death in CTD. The aim of this study is to highlight the role of Pulmonary Function Tests (PFTs) in the diagnosis and follow up of CTD patients. Main body Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) showed mainly an ILD with a Usual Interstitial Pneumonia (UIP) pattern in High-Resolution Chest Tomography (HRCT). PFTs are able to highlight a RA-ILD before its clinical onset and to drive follow up of patients with Forced Vital Capacity (FVC) and Carbon Monoxide Diffusing Capacity (DLCO). In the course of Scleroderma Spectrum Disorders (SSDs) and Idiopathic Inflammatory Myopathies (IIMs), DLCO appears to be more sensitive than FVC in highlighting an ILD, but it can be compromised by the presence of PAH. A restrictive respiratory pattern can be present in IIMs and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus due to the inflammatory involvement of respiratory muscles, the presence of fatigue or diaphragm distress. Conclusions The lung should be carefully studied during CTDs. PFTs can represent an important prognostic tool for diagnosis and follow up of RA-ILD, but, on their own, lack sufficient specificity or sensitivity to describe lung involvement in SSDs and IIMs. Several composite indexes potentially able to describe the evolution of lung damage and response to treatment in SSDs are under investigation. Considering the potential severity of these conditions, an HRCT jointly with PFTs should be performed in all new diagnoses of SSDs and IIMs. Moreover, follow up PFTs should be interpreted in the light of the risk factor for respiratory disease related to each disease.
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Ciancio N, Pavone M, Torrisi SE, Vancheri A, Sambataro D, Palmucci S, Vancheri C, Di Marco F, Sambataro G. Contribution of pulmonary function tests (PFTs) to the diagnosis and follow up of connective tissue diseases. Multidiscip Respir Med 2019. [DOI: 10.4081/mrm.2019.17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Connective Tissue Diseases (CTDs) are systemic autoimmune conditions characterized by frequent lung involvement. This usually takes the form of Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD), but Obstructive Lung Disease (OLD) and Pulmonary Artery Hypertension (PAH) can also occur. Lung involvement is often severe, representing the first cause of death in CTD. The aim of this study is to highlight the role of Pulmonary Function Tests (PFTs) in the diagnosis and follow up of CTD patients. Main body: Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) showed mainly an ILD with a Usual Interstitial Pneumonia (UIP) pattern in High-Resolution Chest Tomography (HRCT). PFTs are able to highlight a RA-ILD before its clinical onset and to drive follow up of patients with Forced Vital Capacity (FVC) and Carbon Monoxide Diffusing Capacity (DLCO). In the course of Scleroderma Spectrum Disorders (SSDs) and Idiopathic Inflammatory Myopathies (IIMs), DLCO appears to be more sensitive than FVC in highlighting an ILD, but it can be compromised by the presence of PAH. A restrictive respiratory pattern can be present in IIMs and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus due to the inflammatory involvement of respiratory muscles, the presence of fatigue or diaphragm distress. Conclusions: The lung should be carefully studied during CTDs. PFTs can represent an important prognostic tool for diagnosis and follow up of RA-ILD, but, on their own, lack sufficient specificity or sensitivity to describe lung involvement in SSDs and IIMs. Several composite indexes potentially able to describe the evolution of lung damage and response to treatment in SSDs are under investigation. Considering the potential severity of these conditions, an HRCT jointly with PFTs should be performed in all new diagnoses of SSDs and IIMs. Moreover, follow up PFTs should be interpreted in the light of the risk factor for respiratory disease related to each disease.
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Torrisi SE, Ley B, Kreuter M, Wijsenbeek M, Vittinghoff E, Collard HR, Vancheri C. Reply to: Malnutrition in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: the great forgotten comorbidity! Eur Respir J 2019; 53:53/5/1900615. [PMID: 31072878 DOI: 10.1183/13993003.00615-2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2019] [Accepted: 03/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
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Loeh B, Brylski LT, von der Beck D, Seeger W, Krauss E, Bonniaud P, Crestani B, Vancheri C, Wells AU, Markart P, Breithecker A, Guenther A. Lung CT Densitometry in Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis for the Prediction of Natural Course, Severity, and Mortality. Chest 2019; 155:972-981. [DOI: 10.1016/j.chest.2019.01.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2018] [Revised: 11/21/2018] [Accepted: 01/02/2019] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
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Sambataro G, Sambataro D, Torrisi SE, Vancheri A, Colaci M, Pavone M, Pignataro F, Del Papa N, Palmucci S, Vancheri C. Clinical, serological and radiological features of a prospective cohort of Interstitial Pneumonia with Autoimmune Features (IPAF) patients. Respir Med 2019; 150:154-160. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rmed.2019.03.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2018] [Revised: 03/18/2019] [Accepted: 03/20/2019] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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Torrisi SE, Ley B, Kreuter M, Wijsenbeek M, Vittinghoff E, Collard HR, Vancheri C. The added value of comorbidities in predicting survival in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: a multicentre observational study. Eur Respir J 2019; 53:13993003.01587-2018. [PMID: 30578385 DOI: 10.1183/13993003.01587-2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2018] [Accepted: 11/28/2018] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The gender-age-physiology (GAP) model was developed to predict the risk of death. Comorbidities are common in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and may impact on survival. We evaluated the ability of comorbidities to improve prediction of survival in IPF patients beyond the variables included in the GAP model. METHODS We developed a prediction model named TORVAN using data from two independent cohorts. Continuous and point-score prediction models were developed with estimation of full and sparse versions of both. Model discrimination was assessed using the C-index and calibrated by comparing predicted and observed cumulative mortality at 1-5 years. RESULTS Discrimination was similar for the sparse continuous model in the derivation and validation cohorts (C-index 71.0 versus 70.0, respectively), and significantly improved the performance of the GAP model in the validation cohort (increase in C-index of 3.8, p=0.001). In contrast, the sparse point-score model did not perform as well in the validation cohort (C-index 72.5 in the derivation cohort versus 68.1 in the validation cohort), but still significantly improved upon the performance of the GAP model (C-index increased by 2.5, p=0.037). CONCLUSIONS The inclusion of comorbidities in TORVAN models significantly improved the discriminative performance in prediction of risk of death compared to GAP.
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Witt S, Krauss E, Barbero MAN, Müller V, Bonniaud P, Vancheri C, Wells AU, Vasakova M, Pesci A, Klepetko W, Seeger W, Crestani B, Leidl R, Holle R, Schwarzkopf L, Guenther A. Psychometric properties and minimal important differences of SF-36 in Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis. Respir Res 2019; 20:47. [PMID: 30823880 PMCID: PMC6397447 DOI: 10.1186/s12931-019-1010-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2018] [Accepted: 02/20/2019] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a rare disease with a median survival of 3–5 years after diagnosis with limited treatment options. The aim of this study is to assess the psychometric characteristics of the Short Form 36 Health Status Questionnaire (SF-36) in IPF and to provide disease specific minimally important differences (MID). Methods Data source was the European IPF Registry (eurIPFreg). The psychometric properties of the SF-36 version 2 were evaluated based on objective clinical measures as well as subjective perception. We analysed acceptance, feasibility, discrimination ability, construct and criterion validity, responsiveness and test-retest-reliability. MIDs were estimated via distribution and anchor-based approaches. Results The study population included 258 individuals (73.3% male; mean age 67.3 years, SD 10.7). Of them 75.2% (194 individuals) had no missing item. The distribution of several items was skewed, although floor effect was acceptable. Physical component score (PCS) correlated significantly and moderately with several anchors, whereas the correlations of mental component score (MCS) and anchors were only small. The tests showed mainly significant lower HRQL in individuals with long-term oxygen therapy. Analyses in stable individuals did not show significant changes of HRQL except for one dimension and anchor. Individuals with relevant changes of the health status based on the anchors had significant changes in all SF-36 dimensions and summary scales except for the dimension PAIN. PCS and MCS had mean MIDs of five and six, respectively. Mean MIDs of the dimensions ranged from seven to 21. Conclusion It seems that the SF-36 is a valid instrument to measure HRQL in IPF and so can be used in RCTs or individual monitoring of disease. Nevertheless, the additional evaluation of longitudinal aspects and MIDs can be recommended to further analyse these factors. Our findings have a great potential impact on the evaluation of IPF patients. Trial registration The eurIPFreg and eurIPFbank are listed in https://clinicaltrials.gov (NCT02951416). Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12931-019-1010-5) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Wijsenbeek M, Bendstrup E, Valenzuela C, Henry MT, Moor C, Bengus M, Perjesi A, Gilberg F, Kirchgaessler KU, Vancheri C. Design of a Study Assessing Disease Behaviour During the Peri-Diagnostic Period in Patients with Interstitial Lung Disease: The STARLINER Study. Adv Ther 2019; 36:232-243. [PMID: 30506309 PMCID: PMC6318228 DOI: 10.1007/s12325-018-0845-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Background/Objectives This study will aim to characterise disease behaviour during the peri-diagnostic period in patients with suspected interstitial lung disease (ILD), including idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), using daily home spirometry and accelerometry. Additionally, this study will aim to increase collaboration between secondary and tertiary centres using a digital collaboration platform. Methods The STARLINER study (NCT03261037) will enrol approximately 180 symptomatic patients aged 50 years or more with radiological evidence of ILD/IPF from community and tertiary centres in Canada and Europe. Approximately two-thirds of sites will be community centres. Patients will be followed during pre-diagnosis (inclusion to diagnosis; up to a maximum of 12 months) and post-diagnosis (diagnosis to treatment initiation; up to a maximum of 6 months). The study will be facilitated by a digital ecosystem consisting of the devices used for home-based assessments and a digital collaboration platform enabling communication between community and tertiary centres, and between clinicians and patients. Planned Outcomes The primary endpoint will be time-adjusted semi-annual change in forced vital capacity (FVC; in millilitres) during the peri-diagnostic period. Physical functional capacity and patient-reported outcomes (PROs) will also be assessed. FVC and physical functional capacity will be measured using daily home spirometry and accelerometry, and at site visits using spirometry and the 6-min walk test. PROs will be assessed prior to, or during, site visits and will always be completed in the same order. Conclusions Findings from this study may help to facilitate the early and accurate diagnosis of ILDs by increasing knowledge about disease progression, enabling collaboration between community and tertiary centres and improving communication between clinicians and patients. Trial Registration Number NCT03261037. Funding F. Hoffmann-La Roche, Ltd., Basel, Switzerland. Plain Language Summary Plain language summary available for this article. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1007/s12325-018-0845-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Sambataro G, Sambataro D, Pignataro F, Torrisi SE, Vancheri A, Pavone M, Palmucci S, Del Papa N, Vancheri C. Interstitial Lung Disease in patients with Polymyalgia Rheumatica: A case series. Respir Med Case Rep 2018; 26:126-130. [PMID: 30603602 PMCID: PMC6307098 DOI: 10.1016/j.rmcr.2018.12.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2018] [Revised: 12/20/2018] [Accepted: 12/20/2018] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Severe morning stiffness with painful involvement of the girdles are often referred by patients with Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD), but the association between ILD and Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR) is rarely reported. The purpose of the work is to describe a series of patients classified as having PMR with ILD. Material and methods We retrospectively enrolled patients with a diagnosis of PMR referred to our center during the previous year for respiratory symptoms. Data concerning clinical and serological manifestations suggesting Connective Tissue Disease (CTD), High-Resolution Chest Tomography (HRCT), and Pulmonary Function Tests (PFTs) were systematically collected in order to verify the diagnosis. Results Fifteen out of seventeen PMR patients had ILD. Ten patients had a confirmed diagnosis of PMR, while in five patients a CTD was discovered. Seven patients showed a severe restrictive pattern at PFTs requiring oxygen supplementation (five with PMR and two with CTD). In thirteen patients pulmonary symptoms started before or together with muscular symptoms. Regarding HRCT patterns, patients showed a Nonspecific Interstitial Pneumonia in nine cases, Usual Interstitial Pneumonia (UIP) and possible UIP in two and three cases, and a single case of Organizing Pneumonia and Combined Pulmonary Fibrosis and Emphysema Syndrome. Conclusions Lung involvement should be evaluated in PMR patients, especially if asthenia is poorly responsive to low doses of steroids. In these cases, the diagnosis should be re-evaluated in depth, looking for a seronegative Rheumatoid Arthritis, a clinically amyopathic myositis or Interstitial Pneumonia with Autoimmune features.
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Walsh SLF, Devaraj A, Enghelmayer JI, Kishi K, Silva RS, Patel N, Rossman MD, Valenzuela C, Vancheri C. Role of imaging in progressive-fibrosing interstitial lung diseases. Eur Respir Rev 2018; 27:27/150/180073. [PMID: 30578332 PMCID: PMC9488692 DOI: 10.1183/16000617.0073-2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2018] [Accepted: 11/01/2018] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Imaging techniques are an essential component of the diagnostic process for interstitial lung diseases (ILDs). Chest radiography is frequently the initial indicator of an ILD, and comparison of radiographs taken at different time points can show the rate of disease progression. However, radiography provides only limited specificity and sensitivity and is primarily used to rule out other diseases, such as left heart failure. High-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) is a more sensitive method and is considered central in the diagnosis of ILDs. Abnormalities observed on HRCT can help identify specific ILDs. HRCT also can be used to evaluate the patient's prognosis, while disease progression can be assessed through serial imaging. Other imaging techniques such as positron emission tomography-computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging have been investigated, but they are not commonly used to assess patients with ILDs. Disease severity may potentially be estimated using quantitative methods, as well as visual analysis of images. For example, comprehensive assessment of disease staging and progression in patients with ILDs requires visual analysis of pulmonary features that can be performed in parallel with quantitative analysis of the extent of fibrosis. New approaches to image analysis, including the application of machine learning, are being developed. Imaging techniques, particularly HRCT, are the cornerstone for ILD diagnosis and new approaches to analysing HRCT images, including machine-learning technology, are being developedhttp://ow.ly/1R1e30mOqhn
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Holtze C, Flaherty K, Kreuter M, Luppi F, Moua T, Vancheri C, Scholand MB. Healthcare utilisation and costs in the diagnosis and treatment of progressive-fibrosing interstitial lung diseases. Eur Respir Rev 2018; 27:27/150/180078. [DOI: 10.1183/16000617.0078-2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2018] [Accepted: 11/23/2018] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
There are over 200 interstitial lung diseases (ILDs). In addition to patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), a percentage of patients with other ILDs also develop progressive fibrosis of the lung during their disease course. Patients with progressive-fibrosing ILDs may show limited response to immunomodulatory therapy, worsening symptoms and lung function and, ultimately, early mortality. There are few data for ILDs that may present a progressive fibrosing phenotype specifically, but we believe the burden and healthcare costs associated with these conditions may be comparable to those reported in IPF. This review discusses the burden of ILDs that may present a progressive fibrosing phenotype and the factors impacting healthcare utilisation.
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Torrisi SE, Palmucci S, Stefano A, Russo G, Torcitto AG, Falsaperla D, Gioè M, Pavone M, Vancheri A, Sambataro G, Sambataro D, Mauro LA, Grassedonio E, Basile A, Vancheri C. Assessment of survival in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis using quantitative HRCT indexes. Multidiscip Respir Med 2018. [DOI: 10.4081/mrm.2018.206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The assessment of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) using HRCT requires great experience and is limited by a significant inter-observer variability, even between trained radiologists. The evaluation of HRCT through automated quantitative analysis may hopefully solve this problem. The accuracy of CT-histogram derived indexes in the assessment of survival in IPF patients has been poorly studied. Methods: Forty-two patients with a diagnosis of IPF and a follow up time of 3 years were retrospectively collected; HRCT and Pulmonary Function Tests (PFTs) performed at diagnosis time were analysed; the extent of fibrotic disease was quantified on HRCT using kurtosis, skewness, Mean Lung Density (MLD), High attenuation areas (HAA%) and Fibrotic Areas (FA%). Univariate Cox regression was performed to assess hazard ratios for the explored variables and a multivariate model considering skewness, FVC, DLCO and age was created to test their prognostic value in assessing survival. Through ROC analysis, threshold values demonstrating the best sensitivity and specificity in predicting mortality were identified. They were used as cut-off points to graph Kaplan-Meier curves specific for the CT-indexes. Results: Kurtosis, skewness, MLD, HAA% and FA% were good predictors of mortality (HR 0.44, 0.74, 1.01, 1.12, 1.06; p = 0.03, p = 0.01, p = 0.02, p = 0.02 and p = 0.017 respectively). Skewness demonstrated the lowest Akaike’s information criterion value (55.52), proving to be the best CT variable for prediction of mortality. Significant survival differences considering proposed cut-off points were also demonstrated according to kurtosis (p = 0. 02), skewness (p = 0.005), MLD (p = 0.003), HAA% (p = 0.009) and FA% (p = 0.02) – obtained from quantitative HRCT analysis at diagnosis time. Conclusions: CT-histogram derived indexes may provide an accurate estimation of survival in IPF.
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Torrisi SE, Palmucci S, Stefano A, Russo G, Torcitto AG, Falsaperla D, Gioè M, Pavone M, Vancheri A, Sambataro G, Sambataro D, Mauro LA, Grassedonio E, Basile A, Vancheri C. Assessment of survival in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis using quantitative HRCT indexes. Multidiscip Respir Med 2018; 13:43. [PMID: 30519466 PMCID: PMC6271409 DOI: 10.1186/s40248-018-0155-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2018] [Accepted: 10/17/2018] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The assessment of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) using HRCT requires great experience and is limited by a significant inter-observer variability, even between trained radiologists. The evaluation of HRCT through automated quantitative analysis may hopefully solve this problem. The accuracy of CT-histogram derived indexes in the assessment of survival in IPF patients has been poorly studied. Methods Forty-two patients with a diagnosis of IPF and a follow up time of 3 years were retrospectively collected; HRCT and Pulmonary Function Tests (PFTs) performed at diagnosis time were analysed; the extent of fibrotic disease was quantified on HRCT using kurtosis, skewness, Mean Lung Density (MLD), High attenuation areas (HAA%) and Fibrotic Areas (FA%). Univariate Cox regression was performed to assess hazard ratios for the explored variables and a multivariate model considering skewness, FVC, DLCO and age was created to test their prognostic value in assessing survival. Through ROC analysis, threshold values demonstrating the best sensitivity and specificity in predicting mortality were identified. They were used as cut-off points to graph Kaplan-Meier curves specific for the CT-indexes. Results Kurtosis, skewness, MLD, HAA% and FA% were good predictors of mortality (HR 0.44, 0.74, 1.01, 1.12, 1.06; p = 0.03, p = 0.01, p = 0.02, p = 0.02 and p = 0.017 respectively). Skewness demonstrated the lowest Akaike's information criterion value (55.52), proving to be the best CT variable for prediction of mortality. Significant survival differences considering proposed cut-off points were also demonstrated according to kurtosis (p = 0.02), skewness (p = 0.005), MLD (p = 0.003), HAA% (p = 0.009) and FA% (p = 0.02) - obtained from quantitative HRCT analysis at diagnosis time. Conclusions CT-histogram derived indexes may provide an accurate estimation of survival in IPF patients. They demonstrate a correlation with PFTs, highlighting their possible use in clinical practice.
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Lo Furno D, Mannino G, Pellitteri R, Zappalà A, Parenti R, Gili E, Vancheri C, Giuffrida R. Conditioned Media From Glial Cells Promote a Neural-Like Connexin Expression in Human Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells. Front Physiol 2018; 9:1742. [PMID: 30555356 PMCID: PMC6282092 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2018.01742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2018] [Accepted: 11/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The expression of neuronal and glial connexins (Cxs) has been evaluated in adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ASCs) whose neural differentiation was promoted by a conditioned medium (CM) obtained from cultures of olfactory ensheathing cells (OECs) or Schwann cells (SCs). By immunocytochemistry and flow cytometer analysis it was found that Cx43 was already considerably expressed in naïve ASCs and further increased after 24 h and 7 days from CM exposition. Cx32 and Cx36 were significantly improved in conditioned cultures compared to control ASCs, whereas a decreased expression was noticed in the absence of CM treatments. Cx47 was virtually absent in any conditions. Altogether, high basal levels and induced increases of Cx43 expression suggest a potential attitude of ASCs toward an astrocyte differentiation, whereas the lack of Cx47 would indicate a poor propensity of ASCs to become oligodendrocytes. CM-evoked Cx32 and Cx36 increases showed that a neuronal- or a SC-like differentiation can be promoted by using this strategy. Results further confirm that environmental cues can favor an ASC neural differentiation, either as neuronal or glial elements. Of note, the use of glial products present in CM rather than the addition of chemical agents to achieve such differentiation would resemble "more physiological" conditions of differentiation. As a conclusion, the overexpression of typical neural Cxs would indicate the potential capability of neural-like ASCs to interact with neighboring neural cells and microenvironment.
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Vancheri C, Kreuter M, Richeldi L, Quaresma M, Stowasser S, Wuyts WA. Reply to Rajchgot et al.: Combination Nintedanib and Pirfenidone for Treatment of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis. Am J Respir Crit Care Med 2018; 198:1105-1106. [DOI: 10.1164/rccm.201806-1116le] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
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Gramegna A, Aliberti S, Confalonieri M, Corsico A, Richeldi L, Vancheri C, Blasi F. Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency as a common treatable mechanism in chronic respiratory disorders and for conditions different from pulmonary emphysema? A commentary on the new European Respiratory Society statement. Multidiscip Respir Med 2018; 13:39. [PMID: 30338069 PMCID: PMC6174569 DOI: 10.1186/s40248-018-0153-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2018] [Accepted: 09/25/2018] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The European Respiratory Society recently published an important statement reviewing available evidence on diagnosis and treatment of lung disease associated to alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (AATD). Several issues on this topic still remain unresolved and subject of interpretation according to different standard procedures and healthcare systems worldwide. The purpose of this commentary is to offer a critical contribution to most of these controversial issues in light of an Italian perspective for the management of this disease. MAIN BODY The clinical spectrum of AATD lung disease might include different manifestations and the traditional paradigm of a younger emphysematous patient has been revealing insufficient. Targeting with appropriate testing only COPD patients might be considered a limited approach leading to underestimation of the real prevalence of the disease. Several reports have suggested the association between AATD and other chronic respiratory conditions, as asthma and bronchiectasis. A deeper evaluation of clinical, radiological, microbiological and functional variables is, therefore, needed in order to investigate different phenotypes in AATD patients. In addition, a new line of translational research in AATD might focus on the development of personalized therapeutic regimens taking into account the patient clinical profile and needs. CONCLUSIONS Over the past years, AATD has been interpreted as a common mechanism of inflammatory disequilibrium and tissue damage across different conditions. Future research is gradually pointing toward this new paradigm by expanding the evidence of the role of AAT as a potent immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory drug in conditions different from pulmonary emphysema.
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Crimi C, Heffler E, Augelletti T, Campisi R, Noto A, Vancheri C, Crimi N. Utility of ultrasound assessment of diaphragmatic function before and after pulmonary rehabilitation in COPD patients. Int J Chron Obstruct Pulmon Dis 2018; 13:3131-3139. [PMID: 30349221 PMCID: PMC6183592 DOI: 10.2147/copd.s171134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) may improve respiratory symptoms and skeletal muscle strength in patients with COPD. We aimed to evaluate changes in ultrasound (US) measurements of diaphragmatic mobility and thickness after PR in COPD patients and to test its correlation with PR outcomes. Methods Twenty-five COPD patients were enrolled and underwent a diaphragm US assessment before and after a 12-week PR program. Results We found a correlation between the intraindividual percentage of change in the diaphragmatic length of zone of apposition at functional residual capacity (ΔLzapp%) and the change in 6-minute walking distance (6MWD) after PR (rho=0.49, P=0.02). ΔLzapp% was significantly higher in patients with improved 6MWD and COPD Assessment Test (CAT) score (mean rank=12.03±2.57 vs 6.88±4.37; P=0.02). A ΔLzapp% of ≥10% was able to discriminate among patients with improved 6MWD, with a sensitivity of 83% and a specificity of 74%. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for ΔLzapp% was 0.83. A cutoff value of ≥9% of ΔLzapp% had a positive predictive value in discriminating a reduction in ≥2 points of CAT score after PR, with a sensitivity and a specificity of 80% and 62%, respectively. Conclusion Diaphragm US assessment represents a useful prognostic marker of PR outcomes in COPD patients.
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Aliberti S, Gramegna A, Confalonieri M, Corsico A, Richeldi L, Vancheri C, Blasi F. Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency as a common treatable mechanism in chronic respiratory disorders and for conditions different from pulmonary emphysema? A commentary on the new European Respiratory Society statement. Multidiscip Respir Med 2018. [DOI: 10.4081/mrm.2018.200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The European Respiratory Society recently published an important statement reviewing available evidence on diagnosis and treatment of lung disease associated to alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (AATD). Several issues on this topic still remain unresolved and subject of interpretation according to different standard procedures and healthcare systems worldwide. The purpose of this commentary is to offer a critical contribution to most of these controversial issues in light of an Italian perspective for the management of this disease. Main body: The clinical spectrum of AATD lung disease might include different manifestations and the traditional paradigm of a younger emphysematous patient has been revealing insufficient. Targeting with appropriate testing only COPD patients might be considered a limited approach leading to underestimation of the real prevalence of the disease. Several reports have suggested the association between AATD and other chronic respiratory conditions, as asthma and bronchiectasis. A deeper evaluation of clinical, radiological, microbiological and functional variables is, therefore, needed in order to investigate different phenotypes in AATD patients. In addition, a new line of translational research in AATD might focus on the development of personalized therapeutic regimens taking into account the patient clinical profile and needs. Conclusions: Over the past years, AATD has been interpreted as a common mechanism of inflammatory disequilibrium and tissue damage across different conditions. Future research is gradually pointing toward this new paradigm by expanding the evidence of the role of AAT as a potent immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory drug in conditions different from pulmonary emphysema.
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Torrisi SE, Vancheri A, Pavone M, Sambataro G, Palmucci S, Vancheri C. Comorbidities of IPF: How do they impact on prognosis. Pulm Pharmacol Ther 2018; 53:6-11. [PMID: 30193867 DOI: 10.1016/j.pupt.2018.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2018] [Accepted: 09/03/2018] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) is a severe parenchymal lung disease characterized by an intense deposition of collagen in the interstitial spaces. The introduction of anti-fibrotic drugs increased patients' life expectancy highlighting the role of comorbidities in patients' management and prognosis. IPF is frequently associated with other diseases mainly because of its onset during middle age and sometimes because of the presence of common pathogenic pathways such as in the case of lung cancer. Comorbidities may differently influence prognosis of IPF patients. However, except for major impacting ones as LC, PH and cardiovascular diseases, data exploring their impact on prognosis are still few and sometimes conflicting highlighting the need of new large and targeted studies. In this review we discuss the current knowledge on the most common comorbidities associated with IPF (cardiovascular diseases, pulmonary hypertension, lung cancer, emphysema, gastro-oesophageal reflux and depression), focusing on their prognostic role.
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Flaherty KR, Kolb M, Vancheri C, Tang W, Conoscenti CS, Richeldi L. Stability or improvement in forced vital capacity with nintedanib in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Eur Respir J 2018; 52:13993003.02593-2017. [PMID: 29946007 DOI: 10.1183/13993003.02593-2017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2017] [Accepted: 05/30/2018] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
In the Phase III INPULSIS® trials, nintedanib reduced the annual rate of decline in forced vital capacity (FVC) versus placebo in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF).We conducted post hoc analyses of the distribution of changes in FVC in the INPULSIS® trials and FVC changes in the open-label extension trial INPULSIS®-ON in subgroups of patients based on whether patients had shown an improvement or no decline in FVC in INPULSIS®. Analyses were descriptive.Based on the annual rate of change in FVC, 158 of 638 patients (24.8%) treated with nintedanib and 38 of 423 patients (9.0%) treated with placebo had an improvement/no decline in FVC in the INPULSIS® trials. In patients whose FVC improved/did not decline, median (interquartile range) improvements in FVC at week 52 were 76.5 (31-152) mL and 57.5 (31-103) mL in the nintedanib and placebo groups, respectively. Changes in FVC from baseline to week 48 of INPULSIS®-ON were similar in patients whose FVC improved or declined in the preceding INPULSIS® trial.In the INPULSIS® trials, treatment with nintedanib resulted in a greater proportion of patients with IPF showing an improvement/no decline in FVC compared to taking placebo. Mechanisms underlying improvement in FVC in patients with IPF are unknown.
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Guenther A, Krauss E, Tello S, Wagner J, Paul B, Kuhn S, Maurer O, Heinemann S, Costabel U, Barbero MAN, Müller V, Bonniaud P, Vancheri C, Wells A, Vasakova M, Pesci A, Sofia M, Klepetko W, Seeger W, Drakopanagiotakis F, Crestani B. The European IPF registry (eurIPFreg): baseline characteristics and survival of patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Respir Res 2018; 19:141. [PMID: 30055613 PMCID: PMC6064050 DOI: 10.1186/s12931-018-0845-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 171] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2018] [Accepted: 07/13/2018] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Since 2009, IPF patients across Europe are recruited into the eurIPFreg, providing epidemiological data and biomaterials for translational research. METHODS The registry data are based on patient and physician baseline and follow-up questionnaires, comprising 1700 parameters. The mid- to long-term objectives of the registry are to provide clues for a better understanding of IPF phenotype sub-clusters, triggering factors and aggravating conditions, regional and environmental characteristics, and of disease behavior and management. RESULTS This paper describes baseline data of 525 IPF subjects recruited from 11/2009 until 10/2016. IPF patients had a mean age of 68.1 years, and seeked medical advice due to insidious dyspnea (90.1%), fatigue (69.2%), and dry coughing (53.2%). A surgical lung biopsy was performed in 32% in 2009, but in only 8% of the cases in 2016, possibly due to increased numbers of cryobiopsy. At the time of inclusion in the eurIPFreg, FVC was 68.4% ± 22.6% of predicted value, DLco ranged at 42.1% ± 17.8% of predicted value (mean value ± SD). Signs of pulmonary hypertension were found in 16.8%. Steroids, immunosuppressants and N-Acetylcysteine declined since 2009, and were replaced by antifibrotics, under which patients showed improved survival (p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Our data provide important insights into baseline characteristics, diagnostic and management changes as well as outcome data in European IPF patients over time. TRIAL REGISTRATION The eurIPFreg and eurIPFbank are listed in ClinicalTrials.gov( NCT02951416 ).
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Lo Furno D, Mannino G, Giuffrida R, Gili E, Vancheri C, Tarico MS, Perrotta RE, Pellitteri R. Neural differentiation of human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells induced by glial cell conditioned media. J Cell Physiol 2018; 233:7091-7100. [PMID: 29737535 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.26632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2017] [Accepted: 03/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ASCs) may transdifferentiate into cells belonging to mesodermal, endodermal, and ectodermal lineages. The aim of this study was to verify whether a neural differentiation of ASCs could be induced by a conditioned medium (CM) obtained from cultures of olfactory ensheathing cells (OECs) or Schwann cells (SCs). ASCs were isolated from the stromal vascular fraction of adipose tissue and expanded for 2-3 passages. They were then cultured in OEC-CM or SC-CM for 24 hr or 7 days. At each stage, the cells were tested by immunocytochemistry and flow cytometer analysis to evaluate the expression of typical neural markers such as Nestin, PGP 9.5, MAP2, Synapsin I, and GFAP. Results show that both conditioned media induced similar positive effects, as all tested markers were overexpressed, especially at day 7. Overall, an evident trend toward neuronal or glial differentiation was not clearly detectable in many cases. Nevertheless, a higher tendency toward a neuronal phenotype was recognized for OEC-CM (considering MAP2 increases). On the other hand, SC-CM would be responsible for a more marked glial induction (considering GFAP increases). These findings confirm that environmental features can induce ASCs toward a neural differentiation, either as neuronal or glial elements. Rather than supplementing the culture medium by adding chemical agents, a "more physiological" condition was obtained here by means of soluble factors (cytokines/growth factors) likely released by glial cells. This culture strategy may provide valuable information in the development of cell-based therapeutic approaches for pathologies affecting the central/peripheral nervous system.
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Sambataro G, Sambataro D, Torrisi SE, Vancheri A, Pavone M, Rosso R, Schisano M, Crimi C, Pignataro F, Fischer A, Del Papa N, Vancheri C. State of the art in interstitial pneumonia with autoimmune features: a systematic review on retrospective studies and suggestions for further advances. Eur Respir Rev 2018; 27:27/148/170139. [PMID: 29720509 DOI: 10.1183/16000617.0139-2017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2017] [Accepted: 03/29/2018] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The term interstitial pneumonia with autoimmune features (IPAF) has been proposed to define patients with interstitial lung disease (ILD) associated with autoimmune signs not classifiable for connective tissue diseases (CTDs). This new definition overcomes previous nomenclatures and provides a uniform structure for prospective studies through specific classification criteria.This work evaluates the characteristics of IPAF patients reported in the literature, to highlight potential limits through a comparative analysis and to suggest better performing classification criteria.Four retrospective studies on the IPAF population have been considered. The study subjects differed in age, sex, smoking habit, ILD pattern and outcomes. Another important difference lies in the diverse items considered in the classification criteria. The retrospective design of the studies and the absence from some of them of a rheumatologist clearly involved in the diagnosis may have influenced the data, but current IPAF criteria seem to include a rather heterogeneous population. To overcome these discrepancies, this review suggests a limitation in the use of single items and the exclusion of extremely specific CTD criteria. This should avoid the definition of IPAF for those diseases at different stages or at early onset. The investigation of a functional or morphological cut-off of pulmonary involvement would be useful.
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Harari S, Caminati A, Poletti V, Confalonieri M, Gasparini S, Lacedonia D, Luppi F, Pesci A, Sebastiani A, Spagnolo P, Vancheri C, Balestro E, Bonifazi M, Cerri S, De Giacomi F, Della Porta R, Foschino Barbaro MP, Fui A, Pasquinelli P, Rosso R, Tomassetti S, Specchia C, Rottoli P. A Real-Life Multicenter National Study on Nintedanib in Severe Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis. Respiration 2018; 95:433-440. [PMID: 29587263 DOI: 10.1159/000487711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2017] [Accepted: 02/13/2018] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Two therapeutic options are currently available for patients with mild-to-moderate idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF): pirfenidone and nintedanib. To date, there is still insufficient data on the efficacy of these 2 agents in patients with more severe disease. OBJECTIVES This national, multicenter, retrospective real-life study was intended to determine the impact of nintedanib on the treatment of patients with severe IPF. METHODS All patients included had severe IPF and had to have at least 6 months of follow-up before and at least 6 months of follow-up after starting nintedanib. The aim of the study was to compare the decline in lung function before and after treatment. Patient survival after 6 months of therapy with nintedanib was assessed. RESULTS Forty-one patients with a forced vital capacity (FVC) ≤50% and/or a diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide (DLCO) ≤35% predicted at the start of nintedanib treatment were enrolled. At the 6-month follow-up, the decline of DLCO (both absolute and % predicted) was significantly reduced compared to the pretreatment period (absolute DLCO at the -6-month, T0, and +6-month time points (5.48, 4.50, and 5.03 mmol/min/kPa, respectively, p = 0.03; DLCO% predicted was 32.73, 26.54, and 29.23%, respectively, p = 0.04). No significant beneficial effect was observed in the other functional parameters analyzed. The 1-year survival in this population was 79%, calculated from month 6 of therapy with nintedanib. CONCLUSIONS This nationwide multicenter experience in patients with severe IPF shows that nintedanib slows down the rate of decline of absolute and % predicted DLCO but does not have significant impact on FVC or other lung parameters.
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98
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Ferrara R, Ientile V, Piccinni C, Pasqua A, Pecchioli S, Fontana A, Alecci U, Scoglio R, Magliozzo F, Torrisi SE, Vancheri C, Vitulo P, Fantaci G, Ferrajolo C, Cazzola M, Cricelli C, Caputi AP, Trifirò G. Improvement in the management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease following a clinical educational program: results from a prospective cohort study in the Sicilian general practice setting. NPJ Prim Care Respir Med 2018; 28:10. [PMID: 29572448 PMCID: PMC5865126 DOI: 10.1038/s41533-018-0077-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2017] [Revised: 02/07/2018] [Accepted: 02/16/2018] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the lungs associated with progressive disability. Although general practitioners (GPs) should play an important role in the COPD management, critical issues have been documented in the primary care setting. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of an educational program for the improvement of the COPD management in a Sicilian general practice setting. The effectiveness of the program, was evaluated by comparing 15 quality-of-care indicators developed from data extracted by 33 GPs, at baseline vs. 12 and 24 months, and compared with data from a national primary care database (HSD). Moreover, data on COPD-related and all-cause hospitalizations over time of COPD patients, was measured. Overall, 1,465 patients (3.2%) had a registered diagnosis of COPD at baseline vs. 1,395 (3.0%) and 1,388 (3.0%) over time (vs. 3.0% in HSD). COPD patients with one spirometry registered increased from 59.7% at baseline to 73.0% after 2 years (vs. 64.8% in HSD). Instead, some quality of care indicators where not modified such as proportion of COPD patients treated with ICS in monotherapy that was almost stable during the study period: 9.6% (baseline) vs. 9.9% (after 2 years), vs. 7.7% in HSD. COPD-related and all-cause hospitalizations of patients affected by COPD decreased during the two observation years (from 6.9% vs. 4.0%; from 23.0% vs. 18.9%, respectively). Our study showed that educational program involving specialists, clinical pharmacologists and GPs based on training events and clinical audit may contribute to partly improve both diagnostic and therapeutic management of COPD in primary care setting, despite this effect may vary across GPs and indicators of COPD quality of care.
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99
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Kreuter M, Wuyts WA, Grutters JC, Richeldi L, Ryerson CJ, Valeyre D, Wiebe S, Stansen W, Quaresma M, Stowasser S, Vancheri C. Pharmacokinetics (PK) of nintedanib with add-on pirfenidone in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF): results from INJOURNEY. Pneumologie 2018. [DOI: 10.1055/s-0037-1619239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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100
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Vancheri C, Kreuter M, Richeldi L, Ryerson CJ, Valeyre D, Grutters JC, Wiebe S, Stansen W, Quaresma M, Stowasser S, Wuyts WA. Nintedanib with Add-on Pirfenidone in Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis. Results of the INJOURNEY Trial. Am J Respir Crit Care Med 2018; 197:356-363. [DOI: 10.1164/rccm.201706-1301oc] [Citation(s) in RCA: 146] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
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