Chronic Cough Due to Gastroesophageal Reflux in Adults: CHEST Guideline and Expert Panel Report

BACKGROUND

We updated the 2006 ACCP clinical practice guidelines for management of reflux-cough syndrome.

METHODS

Two population, intervention, comparison, outcome (PICO) questions were addressed by systematic review: (1) Can therapy for gastroesophageal reflux improve or eliminate cough in adults with chronic and persistently troublesome cough? and (2) Are there minimal clinical criteria to guide practice in determining that chronic cough is likely to respond to therapy for gastroesophageal reflux?

RESULTS

We found no high-quality studies pertinent to either question. From available randomized controlled trials (RCTs) addressing question #1, we concluded that (1) there was a strong placebo effect for cough improvement; (2) studies including diet modification and weight loss had better cough outcomes; (3) although lifestyle modifications and weight reduction may be beneficial in suspected reflux-cough syndrome, proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) demonstrated no benefit when used in isolation; and (4) because of potential carryover effect, crossover studies using PPIs should be avoided. For question #2, we concluded from the available observational trials that (1) an algorithmic approach to management resolved chronic cough in 82% to 100% of instances; (2) cough variant asthma and upper airway cough syndrome (UACS) (previously referred to as postnasal drip syndrome) from rhinosinus conditions were the most commonly reported causes; and (3) the reported prevalence of reflux-cough syndrome varied widely.

CONCLUSIONS

The panelists (1) endorsed the use of a diagnostic/therapeutic algorithm addressing causes of common cough, including symptomatic reflux; (2) advised that although lifestyle modifications and weight reduction may be beneficial in suspected reflux-cough syndrome, PPIs demonstrated no benefit when used in isolation; and (3) suggested that physiological testing be reserved for refractory patients being considered for antireflux surgery or for those in whom there is strong clinical suspicion warranting diagnostic testing.

Occupational and Environmental Contributions to Chronic Cough in Adults: Chest Expert Panel Report

BACKGROUND

In response to occupational and environmental exposures, cough can be an isolated symptom reflecting exposure to an irritant with little physiological consequence, or it can be a manifestation of more significant disease. This document reviews occupational and environmental contributions to chronic cough in adults, focusing on aspects not previously covered in the 2006 ACCP Cough Guideline or our more recent systematic review, and suggests an approach to investigation of these factors when suspected.

METHODS

MEDLINE and TOXLINE literature searches were supplemented by articles identified by the cough panel occupational and environmental subgroup members, to identify occupational and environmental aspects of chronic cough not previously covered in the 2006 ACCP Cough Guideline. Based on the literature reviews and the Delphi methodology, the cough panel occupational and environmental subgroup developed guideline suggestions that were approved after review and voting by the full cough panel.

RESULTS

The literature review identified relevant articles regarding: mechanisms; allergic environmental causes; chronic cough and the recreational and involuntary inhalation of tobacco and marijuana smoke; nonallergic environmental triggers; laryngeal syndromes; and occupational diseases and exposures. Consensus-based statements were developed for the approach to diagnosis due to a lack of strong evidence from published literature.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite increased understanding of cough related to occupational and environmental triggers, there remains a gap between the recommended assessment of occupational and environmental causes of cough and the reported systematic assessment of these factors. There is a need for further documentation of occupational and environmental causes of cough in the future.

Human Lung Mucous Glands Manifest Evidence of the H+/K+-ATPase Proton Pump

Objectives:

The H+/K+-ATPase proton pump has been demonstrated in human laryngeal submucosal glands, and is not solely present in the parietal cells of the stomach. Although proton secretion is present in the lung, a variety of mechanisms have been elucidated. The hypothesis of this study is that the H+/K+-ATPase proton pump is one additional pathway of proton secretion in the human lung.

Methods:

Fourteen surgical lung specimens from 10 subjects were retrospectively obtained after approval from our Human Subjects Committee. Banked human stomach tissue was used for comparative positive and negative controls. Sections were immunostained with 2 monoclonal antibodies selectively reactive with alpha or beta subunits of the H+/K+-ATPase proton pump.

Results:

In the human lung, consistent staining for both subunits was present in the mucous gland cells and ducts in all specimens in which mucous glands were present (6 specimens from 5 subjects). Overall, weak to strong staining was present in focal areas within the multicellular mucous glands. There was only scant focal staining in the respiratory epithelium in 4 specimens. Stomach parietal cells exhibited strongly positive staining for both subunits of the proton pump. There was no staining in stomach cells that were not morphologically consistent with parietal cells.

Conclusions:

The H+/K+-ATPase proton pump is present in mucous cells and ducts in the human lung, with some variable expression noted. Proton pump inhibitor pharmacotherapy may have a site of action in the human lung, explaining some of the controversies otherwise attributable to interrelatedness of aerodigestive tract disease.

Airway reflux

An ever-increasing number of adult and pediatric disorders have been shown to be influenced or caused by airway reflux. This has become a controversial and complicated aspect of medicine that requires a multidisciplinary approach. Evidence indicates that it is not only the acidic components of gastric refluxate that injure extraesophageal tissues but also the nonacidic components, such as pepsin and bile. There is a realization that proton pump inhibitors will not be effective when nonacidic components of refluxate are causing the problem. New in vitro and in vivo models for the study of airway reflux and new therapeutic and surgical approaches are discussed in this review article.

Intraoral midline mandibulotomy improves laryngeal access for transoral resection of laryngeal cancer

Intraoral midline mandibulotomy is a technique that can be used to increase exposure for transoral endoscopic laser microsurgery (TLS). We describe the case of a 51 year old male with persistent T1 glottic carcinoma. At initial diagnosis, he had been referred for curative radiotherapy as laryngeal access was not sufficient for TLS. For treatment of his recurrence, we describe the technique of performing a midline mandibular osteotomy to improve access to the larynx allowing for safe and effective transoral endoscopic laser microsurgery. Surgical access to the larynx was greatly improved, and we were able to perform TLS in a case that would have otherwise not been amenable to TLS. An intraoral midline mandibulotomy can improve access to the larynx and allow for successful transoral resection of laryngeal cancer in patients with otherwise inaccessible tumors.

Treatment of Unexplained Chronic Cough: CHEST Guideline and Expert Panel Report

BACKGROUND

Unexplained chronic cough (UCC) causes significant impairments in quality of life. Effective assessment and treatment approaches are needed for UCC.

METHODS

This systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) asked: What is the efficacy of treatment compared with usual care for cough severity, cough frequency, and cough-related quality of life in patients with UCC? Studies of adults and adolescents aged > 12 years with a chronic cough of > 8 weeks' duration that was unexplained after systematic investigation and treatment were included and assessed for relevance and quality. Based on the systematic review, guideline suggestions were developed and voted on by using the American College of Chest Physicians organization methodology.

RESULTS

Eleven RCTs and five systematic reviews were included. The 11 RCTs reported data on 570 participants with chronic cough who received a variety of interventions. Study quality was high in 10 RCTs. The studies used an assortment of descriptors and assessments to identify UCC. Although gabapentin and morphine exhibited positive effects on cough-related quality of life, only gabapentin was supported as a treatment recommendation. Studies of inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) were affected by intervention fidelity bias; when this factor was addressed, ICS were found to be ineffective for UCC. Esomeprazole was ineffective for UCC without features of gastroesophageal acid reflux. Studies addressing nonacid gastroesophageal reflux disease were not identified. A multimodality speech pathology intervention improved cough severity.

CONCLUSIONS

The evidence supporting the diagnosis and management of UCC is limited. UCC requires further study to establish agreed terminology and the optimal methods of investigation using established criteria for intervention fidelity. Speech pathology-based cough suppression is suggested as a treatment option for UCC. This guideline presents suggestions for diagnosis and treatment based on the best available evidence and identifies gaps in our knowledge as well as areas for future research.

Assessment of Intervention Fidelity and Recommendations for Researchers Conducting Studies on the Diagnosis and Treatment of Chronic Cough in the Adult: CHEST Guideline and Expert Panel Report

BACKGROUND

Successful management of chronic cough has varied in the primary research studies in the reported literature. One of the potential reasons relates to a lack of intervention fidelity to the core elements of the diagnostic and/or therapeutic interventions that were meant to be used by the investigators.

METHODS

We conducted a systematic review to summarize the evidence supporting intervention fidelity as an important methodologic consideration in assessing the effectiveness of clinical practice guidelines used for the diagnosis and management of chronic cough. We developed and used a tool to assess for five areas of intervention fidelity. Medline (PubMed), Scopus, and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews were searched from January 1998 to May 2014. Guideline recommendations and suggestions for those conducting research using guidelines or protocols to diagnose and manage chronic cough in the adult were developed and voted upon using CHEST Organization methodology.

RESULTS

A total of 23 studies (17 uncontrolled prospective observational, two randomized controlled, and four retrospective observational) met our inclusion criteria. These articles included 3,636 patients. Data could not be pooled for meta-analysis because of heterogeneity. Findings related to the five areas of intervention fidelity included three areas primarily related to the provider and two primarily related to the patients. In the area of study design, 11 of 23 studies appeared to be underpinned by a single guideline/protocol; for training of providers, two of 23 studies reported training, and zero of 23 reported the use of an intervention manual; and for the area of delivery of treatment, when assessing the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease, three of 23 studies appeared consistent with the most recent guideline/protocol referenced by the authors. For receipt of treatment, zero of 23 studies mentioned measuring concordance of patient-interventionist understanding of the treatment recommended, and zero of 23 mentioned measuring enactment of treatment, with three of 23 measuring side effects and two of 23 measuring adherence. The overall average intervention fidelity score for all 23 studies was poor (20.74 out of 48).

CONCLUSIONS

Only low-quality evidence supports that intervention fidelity strategies were used when conducting primary research in diagnosing and managing chronic cough in adults. This supports the contention that some of the variability in the reporting of patients with unexplained or unresolved chronic cough may be due to lack of intervention fidelity. By following the recommendations and suggestions in this article, researchers will likely be better able to incorporate strategies to address intervention fidelity, thereby strengthening the validity and generalizability of their results that provide the basis for the development of trustworthy guidelines.

Somatic Cough Syndrome (Previously Referred to as Psychogenic Cough) and Tic Cough (Previously Referred to as Habit Cough) in Adults and Children: CHEST Guideline and Expert Panel Report

BACKGROUND

We conducted a systematic review on the management of psychogenic cough, habit cough, and tic cough to update the recommendations and suggestions of the 2006 guideline on this topic.

METHODS

We followed the American College of Chest Physicians (CHEST) methodologic guidelines and the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation framework. The Expert Cough Panel based their recommendations on data from the systematic review, patients' values and preferences, and the clinical context. Final grading was reached by consensus according to Delphi methodology.

RESULTS

The results of the systematic review revealed only low-quality evidence to support how to define or diagnose psychogenic or habit cough with no validated diagnostic criteria. With respect to treatment, low-quality evidence allowed the committee to only suggest therapy for children believed to have psychogenic cough. Such therapy might consist of nonpharmacologic trials of hypnosis or suggestion therapy, or combinations of reassurance, counseling, and referral to a psychologist, psychotherapy, and appropriate psychotropic medications. Based on multiple resources and contemporary psychologic, psychiatric, and neurologic criteria (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition and tic disorder guidelines), the committee suggests that the terms psychogenic and habit cough are out of date and inaccurate.

CONCLUSIONS

Compared with the 2006 CHEST Cough Guidelines, the major change in suggestions is that the terms psychogenic and habit cough be abandoned in favor of somatic cough syndrome and tic cough, respectively, even though the evidence to do so at this time is of low quality.

Medical economic impact of tracheotomy patients on a hospital system

BACKGROUND

Tracheotomy patients are a small portion of hospitalizations, but account for disproportionately high risk and costs. There are many complex decisions that go into the care of these patients, and practice variation is expected to be compounded in a health system. This study sought to characterize the medical economic impact of tracheotomy patients on the hospital system.

METHODS

A retrospective review of the health system's hospital billing software was performed for 2013, and pertinent outcomes measures were tabulated.

RESULTS

There were 829 tracheotomies performed in the health system of seven hospitals, with total costs of $128,883,865. Average length of stay was 36.74 days for principal procedures, and 43.36 days for tracheotomy as secondary procedures. Mortality was ∼ 18% overall, and re-admissions were 10.93% for primary, and 14.36% for secondary procedures. A fairly wide variation in each category among the different hospitals was observed.

CONCLUSIONS

There are potentially many factors that impact variations of care and outcomes in patients with tracheotomy. Due to their large economic impact and risks for morbidity and mortality, a formalized care pathway is warranted. Goals of the pathway should include understanding medical decisions surrounding these complex patients, monitoring pertinent outcomes, reducing practice variation, and improving the efficiency of compassionate care.

Management and diagnosis of psychogenic cough, habit cough, and tic cough: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

Several pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic therapeutic options have been used to treat cough that is not associated with a pulmonary or extrapulmonary etiology.

METHODS

We conducted a systematic review to summarize the evidence supporting different cough management options in adults and children with psychogenic, tic, and habit cough. Medline, EMBASE, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and Scopus were searched from the earliest inception of each database to September 2013. Content experts were contacted, and we searched bibliographies of included studies to identify additional references.

RESULTS

A total of 18 uncontrolled studies were identified, enrolling 223 patients (46% male subjects, 96% children and adolescents). Psychogenic cough was the most common descriptive term used (90% of the studies). Most of the patients (95%) had no cough during sleep; barking or honking quality of cough was described in only eight studies. Hypnosis (three studies), suggestion therapy (four studies), and counseling and reassurance (seven studies) were the most commonly used interventions. Hypnosis was effective in resolving cough in 78% of the patients and improving it in another 5%. Suggestion therapy resolved cough successfully in 96% of the patients. The greatest majority of improvements noted with these forms of therapy occurred in the pediatric age group. The quality of evidence is low due to the lack of control groups, the retrospective nature of all the studies, heterogeneity of definitions and diagnostic criteria, and the high likelihood of reporting bias.

CONCLUSIONS

Only low-quality evidence exists to support a particular strategy to define and treat psychogenic, habit, and tic cough. Patient values, preferences, and availability of potential therapies should guide treatment choice.

The role of gastrostomy tube placement in advanced dementia with dysphagia: a critical review

PURPOSE

Over 4.5 million people in North America had a diagnosis of dementia in the year 2000, and more than half had advanced disease with potential aspiration risk. There is much controversy regarding the use and timing of enteral feeding support in these patients with dysphagia. The management of dysphagia is far more complex when considering quality of life, "comfort care" hand feeding, the use of percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy tube (PEG), and associated mortality rates. This study seeks to critically review the literature that evaluates PEG placement in this population.

METHODS

A systematic literature review of PubMed, from 1995-2012, was conducted to identify studies relating to PEG placement in dementia patients with dysphagia. The principal outcomes and related survival rates for this population were compared.

RESULTS

In total, 100 articles were identified in the search. Of these, ten met the search criteria and were analyzed. There was one study with a 2b level of evidence, one with 3b, and the remainder had level 4. All studies discussed long-term survival in the PEG versus non-PEG populations. No studies showed definitive evidence to suggest long-term survival rates improved in patients who underwent PEG placement as compared to those who did not. Two studies documented median survival worse in patients over age 80 with dementia and PEG placement.

CONCLUSION

There is presently no evidence to suggest long-term survival rates improved in patients with advanced dementia who underwent PEG placement for dysphagia. Relevance to quality of life, need for nutrition and hydration, and ethical considerations in the decision process are discussed.

The Changing Impact of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease in Clinical Practice: An Updated Study

Objectives:

(1) Understand evolving national trends in diagnosis and management of reflux disease. (2) Be able to analyze these by provider specialty.

Methods:

National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey (NAMCS) data for time periods 1998-2001, 2002-2005, and 2006-2009 were reviewed for number of visits, provider type, and prescriptions provided.

Results:

Addition of 2 more 4-year periods to previously reported data demonstrates increasing ambulatory visits for reflux across all races, sexes, and age groups. In 2006-2009, there were 15,750,000 visits for reflux, representing 6.9 visits per 100 people on a population basis. Overall visits increased across each sequential time period for internal medicine, family, and gastroenterology physicians. Among otolaryngologists, reflux visits increased from 1998-2001 to 2002-2005 but then decreased in 2006-2009; percentage of reflux visits to otolaryngologists fell from 4.4% in 2002-2005 to 2.9% in 2006-2009. Approximately two-thirds of reflux visits were among internal medicine and family practice providers. Among the 3 study periods, number of reflux prescriptions increased 233% with continuing trends toward increased proton pump inhibitor and reduced H2 antagonist use.

Conclusions:

Number of ambulatory visits for reflux continues to increase over time, across all demographic subgroups studied. Otolaryngologists are the only specialty who saw a decrease in overall reflux visits from 2002-2005 through 2006-2009; this may reflect real change in practice patterns, change in coding strategies or uncertainty in firmly establishing a reflux diagnosis. Understanding trends in this increasingly prevalent disease may focus attention on more precise diagnosis and improved treatment.

Challenging Cough Cases: A Protocolized Approach

Program Description:

Chronic cough is an increasingly important public health concern, accounts for a large number of ambulatory care visits, and often involves a protracted clinical course. Otolaryngologists play a critical role in the care of these patients because of our interdisciplinary approach to the aerodigestive tract and our mastery of many procedures used to evaluate and treat related conditions. This miniseminar will present challenging cases with panel discussion and audience participation to emphasize evidence-based practice and the “state-of-the-art” for patients with chronic cough. Controversial areas will include prioritization, the use of evidence-based protocols, and the importance of early diagnosis in value-based health care.

Educational Objectives:

(1) Describe evidence-based treatment guidelines in the evaluation and treatment of chronic cough. (2) Use the spectrum of common and uncommon causes of chronic cough with an appreciation of the underlying physiology. (3) Evaluate these complex patients, perform objective testing when indicated, and prescribe appropriate pharmacotherapy for patients with chronic cough.

Cough: Contemporary Challenges

Program Description:

The purpose of this miniseminar is to present the contemporary management of cough. This miniseminar will thoroughly cover the most common etiologies of cough and its current management. A description of the sensory receptors, hyperexcitability related to neuropathy (including postviral), pharmacologic suppression of hyperexcitability, and management of pertussis (whooping cough) will be presented. If time allows, a few difficult cases will be presented that highlight the current management strategies.

Educational Objectives:

(1) Explain the multiple etiologies for cough and its management. (2) Examine the complex relationship between the cough receptors and the larynx. (3) Illustrate pertussis resurgence and contemporary management.

Vocal Fold Leukoplakia: Controversies in Evaluation and Treatment

Program Description:

This miniseminar comprehensively reviews evaluation and management of laryngeal leukoplakia. Although white vocal fold lesions are common, management remains challenging. Doing too little may allow precancerous lesions to progress, while doing too much may create unnecessary dysphonia. Within a framework balancing oncologic with functional outcomes, and using case-based presentations, this miniseminar highlights challenges, controversies, and emerging paradigms in laryngeal leukoplakia care. Perspectives from laryngology, head and neck oncology, and radiation oncology will discuss innovations such as narrow-band imaging, optical coherence tomography, potassium titanyl phosphate (KTP) and CO2 laser, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and photodynamic therapy as they apply to current and future state-of-the-art management.

Educational Objectives:

(1) Understand the risk of progression of laryngeal leukoplakia to carcinoma and need to balance oncologic efficacy with functional outcomes in leukoplakia care. (2) Review current and emerging techniques for accurate diagnosis, staging, and surveillance of laryngeal leukoplakia. (3) Discuss treatment alternatives for laryngeal leukoplakia, emphasizing surgical techniques of KTP, CO2, and cold-instrument phonosurgery and including potential roles of radiotherapy, photodynamic therapy, and chemotherapy.

Histopathological evaluation of chronic rhinosinusitis: a critical review

BACKGROUND

Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) consists of a constellation of symptoms, including facial pressure/pain, hyposmia, rhinorrhea, and nasal congestion. On histopathological evaluation, the disease can be divided into pathophysiologically distinct subgroups. This study systematically reviews the literature regarding the unique histopathological findings of the various subtypes of CRS to determine the potential diagnostic value of performing tissue analysis of CRS specimens beyond routine hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining.

METHODS

A PubMed search was untaken to identify articles that evaluated the histopathological features of CRS. Six hundred fifty-four relevant articles were identified and after application of specific exclusion criteria, 71 articles were further reviewed in detail.

RESULTS

All articles included analysis of tissue samples from in-office biopsies or intraoperative specimens of patients who underwent sinus surgery. CRS was often further divided into subgroups and compared with each other and with a control group. The subgroups included CRS with and without nasal polyps, asthmatic and nonasthmatic patients, and with and without eosinophilia. Distinct inflammatory mediators were found for the different subgroups. Twenty-eight articles evaluated these inflammatory markers for their potential value as prognostic indicators.

CONCLUSION

CRS is a heterogeneous disease based on its histopathological findings. Information that is obtainable from light microscopy, but typically goes unreported, can serve as valuable prognostic indictors. However, routine H&E staining is suboptimal in distinguishing among the various subgroups of CRS. Assessment of specific inflammatory mediators in sinus mucosa specimens may help provide prognostic information and guide more tailored treatment for the individual patient.

Improving Health Outcomes and Value with Care Pathways

With a growing interest in value-based health care, there is an emphasis on establishing best practice, measuring outcomes, and improving clinical efficiencies. Best practice is a challenging concept with our growing knowledge base, and clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) help establish an approach to prioritize care and reduce practice variation. New challenges are emerging with a larger population of insured patients and a mandate to coordinate care with a shared electronic health record, and these are coupled with a massive growth in computing power. Care pathways (also called critical or clinical pathways) structure the implementation of CPGs, stratify high-risk patients, and provide the opportunity to achieve improved value. These are dynamic processes that are supervised by interdisciplinary teams and have the potential to evolve with new information gathered from each of the steps. As we emerge from single to group medical practices and hospitals to health systems, care pathways will be critically needed for optimal population management in health care.