Sarcoidosis in the UK: insights from British Thoracic Society registry data

Introduction

The British Thoracic Society Sarcoidosis Registry allows physicians to record clinical data after gaining written consent from patients. The registry’s aim is to phenotype sarcoidosis in the UK.

Methods

Between February 2013 and July 2017, demographic details for 308 patients (with complete clinical data for 205 patients) presenting to 24 UK hospitals were recorded. This data was analysed to detail methods of presentation, diagnosis and management.

Results

Fatigue was a significant complaint, affecting 30% of all patients. The most prevalent CT findings were nodules (in 77% of cases) with traction bronchiectasis (11%), distortion (9%) and ground glass (5%) less prominent. Of 205 patients with complete clinical data, only 64% had a diagnostic tissue biopsy. 35% of all patients underwent endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspirate (EBUS-TBNA) with 15% having a transbronchial biopsy. Use of EBUS-TBNA showed an overall increase over time, from 28% of all patients in 2013 to 43% in 2016. The most common steroid sparing treatment was methotrexate, but 42% of patients were not initiated on any pharmacological treatment at the time of inclusion.

Discussion

Fatigue was common and has shown association with poor quality of life. We therefore suggest using a fatigue questionnaire as part of all new patient assessments. It may be that EBUS-TBNA should be reserved for cases of stage I or II disease where there is a reported higher yield than using transbronchial biopsy alone. Bronchoalveolar lavage was not widely used in our data, but it is generally a safe and useful adjunct and should be used more widely.

Breath biomarkers in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

Exhaled biomarkers may be related to disease processes in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) however their clinical role remains unclear. We performed a systematic review to investigate whether breath biomarkers discriminate between patients with IPF and healthy controls. We also assessed correlation with lung function, ability to distinguish diagnostic subgroups and change in response to treatment.

METHODS

MEDLINE, EMBASE and Web of Science databases were searched. Study selection was limited to adults with a diagnosis of IPF as per international guidelines.

RESULTS

Of 1014 studies screened, fourteen fulfilled selection criteria and included 257 IPF patients. Twenty individual biomarkers discriminated between IPF and controls and four showed correlation with lung function. Meta-analysis of three studies indicated mean (± SD) alveolar nitric oxide (CalvNO) levels were significantly higher in IPF (8.5 ± 5.5 ppb) than controls (4.4 ± 2.2 ppb). Markers of oxidative stress in exhaled breath condensate, such as hydrogen peroxide and 8-isoprostane, were also discriminatory. Two breathomic studies have isolated discriminative compounds using mass spectrometry. There was a lack of studies assessing relevant treatment and none assessed differences in diagnostic subgroups.

CONCLUSIONS

Evidence suggests CalvNO is higher in IPF, although studies were limited by small sample size. Further breathomic work may identify biomarkers with diagnostic and prognostic potential.

No relevant pharmacokinetic drug-drug interaction between nintedanib and pirfenidone

Nintedanib and pirfenidone are approved treatments for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). This open-label, two-group trial investigated the pharmacokinetic drug-drug interaction between these two drugs in patients with IPF.Subjects not treated with antifibrotics at screening (group 1, n=20) received a single nintedanib dose (150 mg) followed by pirfenidone (titrated to 801 mg thrice daily) for 3 weeks, with a further single nintedanib dose (150 mg) on the last day (day 23). Subjects treated with pirfenidone at screening (group 2, n=17) continued to receive pirfenidone alone (801 mg thrice daily) for 7 days, then co-administered with nintedanib (150 mg twice daily) for a further 7 days, before single doses of both treatments on day 16.In group 1, adjusted geometric mean (gMean) ratios (with/without pirfenidone) were 88.6% and 80.6% for nintedanib area under the plasma concentration-time curve (AUC) and maximum plasma concentration (C_max), respectively. In group 2, gMean ratios (with/without nintedanib) were 97.2% and 99.5% for pirfenidone AUC and C_max, respectively. For all parameters, the 90% confidence intervals included 100%, suggesting similar exposure for administration alone and when co-administered. Both treatments were well tolerated.These data indicate there is no relevant pharmacokinetic drug-drug interaction between nintedanib and pirfenidone when co-administered in IPF patients.

Nintedanib in Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis: Practical Management Recommendations for Potential Adverse Events

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a fatal lung disease with a dismal survival rate of only 3 years and no curative pharmacological therapy. The recent approval of 2 anti-fibrotic drugs (nintedanib and pirfenidone) that slow disease progression has provided some hope for patients. However, effectively managing anti-fibrotic treatment can be a challenge due to tolerability issues, the presence of pulmonary and extra-pulmonary comorbidities, and the need for concomitant medications in many patients. In general, making clear evidence-based decisions can be difficult for physicians because patients with comorbidities are often excluded from clinical trials. Since currently anti-fibrotic drugs are the only effective therapeutics capable of slowing disease progression, it is imperative that all treatment options are thoroughly evaluated and exhausted in each individual, irrespective of complicating factors, to permit the best outcome for the patient. In this review, we present data from clinical trials, post hoc analyses, post-marketing surveillance, and real-world studies that are relevant to the management of nintedanib treatment. In addition, we also provide practical recommendations developed by a multidisciplinary panel of experts for the management of nintedanib treatment in patients with IPF associated complications and those experiencing gastrointestinal side effects.

Drug-Induced Interstitial Lung Disease: A Systematic Review

Background: Drug-induced interstitial lung disease (DIILD) occurs as a result of numerous agents, but the risk often only becomes apparent after the marketing authorisation of such agents. Methods: In this PRISMA-compliant systematic review, we aimed to evaluate and synthesise the current literature on DIILD. Results: Following a quality assessment, 156 full-text papers describing more than 6000 DIILD cases were included in the review. However, the majority of the papers were of low or very low quality in relation to the review question (78%). Thus, it was not possible to perform a meta-analysis, and descriptive review was undertaken instead. DIILD incidence rates varied between 4.1 and 12.4 cases/million/year. DIILD accounted for 3–5% of prevalent ILD cases. Cancer drugs, followed by rheumatology drugs, amiodarone and antibiotics, were the most common causes of DIILD. The radiopathological phenotype of DIILD varied between and within agents, and no typical radiological pattern specific to DIILD was identified. Mortality rates of over 50% were reported in some studies. Severity at presentation was the most reliable predictor of mortality. Glucocorticoids (GCs) were commonly used to treat DIILD, but no prospective studies examined their effect on outcome. Conclusions: Overall high-quality evidence in DIILD is lacking, and the current review will inform larger prospective studies to investigate the diagnosis and management of DIILD.

Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF): An Overview

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is an interstitial lung disease characterised by chronic, progressive scarring of the lungs and the pathological hallmark of usual interstitial pneumonia. Current paradigms suggest alveolar epithelial cell damage is a key initiating factor. Globally, incidence of the disease is rising, with associated high morbidity, mortality, and economic healthcare burden. Diagnosis relies on a multidisciplinary team approach with exclusion of other causes of interstitial lung disease. Over recent years, two novel antifibrotic therapies, pirfenidone and nintedanib, have been developed, providing treatment options for many patients with IPF, with several other agents in early clinical trials. Current efforts are directed at identifying key biomarkers that may direct more customized patient-centred healthcare to improve outcomes for these patients in the future.

Early clinical experiences with nintedanib in three UK tertiary interstitial lung disease centres

Background

Nintedanib has been shown to slow disease progression in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). It was approved by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) in January 2016 for IPF patients with a forced vital capacity (FVC) of 50–80% in the United Kingdom (UK).

Aim

To report real world data about our early clinical experience using nintedanib in 187 patients with a multi-disciplinary (MDT) diagnosis of IPF in a manufacturer funded patient in need scheme (three UK centres) prior to NICE approval.

Methods

All patients with a MDT diagnosis of IPF from December 2014 to January 2016 commenced on nintedanib were included. Demographic details, adverse events (AEs) and where available lung function results were retrospectively collected from clinical letters.

Results

187 patients (76% males) with a median age of 72 years (49–89) were treated with nintedanib. The average pre-treatment FVC was 81.1 ± 19.8% and diffusion capacity of the lungs for carbon monoxide was 43.9 ± 15% (n = 82). Fifty percent of patients started nintedanib because they were ineligible for pirfenidone due to an FVC > 80%. The median treatment course was 8 ± 4 months. The majority of patients experienced 1–3 AEs with nintedanib (52%, n = 97). The most frequent AEs were diarrhoea (50%), nausea (36%), reduced appetite (24%), tiredness (20%) and gastro-oesophageal reflux (18%). The majority of AEs resulted in no change in treatment (64%, n = 461). 21% (n = 150) of AEs resulted in a dose reduction and 13% (n = 94) necessitated discontinuation of treatment. 1 in 5 patients discontinued treatment either temporarily or on a permanent basis during the monitoring period. In a select cohort of patients, a statistically significant greater proportion of patients remained stable or improved and a lower proportion declined, as depicted by FVC changes of > 5% after nintedanib commencement (P < 0.05 using Chi squared test).

Conclusions

Nintedanib is well tolerated and has an acceptable safety profile. Only 8% of those reporting diarrhoea discontinued treatment either on a temporary or permanent basis. There were no signals with respect to increased cardiovascular morbidity or major bleeding risk. This is in keeping with the INPULSIS clinical trial findings but in a real world cohort.

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: a holistic approach to disease management in the antifibrotic age

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is the most common cause of interstitial lung disease (ILD) and carries a worse prognosis than many cancers. Until recently, there were no active treatment options available for patients with IPF, meaning palliation or lung transplantation in selected patients were the only options. The management of IPF has changed dramatically over the last decade with the advent of two antifibrotic agents; pirfenidone and nintedanib. These new agents have been shown to reduce decline in lung function and pirfenidone has been shown to reduce mortality. The changing landscape of IPF diagnosis and management present a number of issues that may be encountered including management of side effects related to antifibrotic therapy. This article aims to give an overview of the holistic approach to the management of patients with IPF, including antifibrotic management, symptom management and the invaluable role of the ILD specialist nurse.

Crossing the bridge to VATS lobectomy

Introduction The impact of the introduction of video assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) on the management of lung cancer 20 years ago has been well documented. However, the uptake of VATS lobectomy in surgical practice worldwide has been slower than expected. We believe that this is partly due to a lack of consensus on how this procedure should be integrated into training programmes. We present our initial experience with a newly developed training model, which could help bridge the divide between open and VATS lobectomy. Methods Two surgical registrars were initiated into this model, supervised by a single consultant. All cases were performed using a standardised three-port anterior approach with systematic lymph node dissection. Both registrars were scrubbed for each case, alternating as first surgeon and assistant, with the supervising consultant operating the camera. Results Over a 6-month period, 22 lung resections for non-small cell lung carcinoma were performed as VATS lobectomies. Thirteen of them were upper lobectomies. There were no emergency conversions to open surgery. The mean operative time for the registrars was 155 minutes compared with 140 minutes for consultant-led operations (p=0.22). There was no perioperative mortality. The most common postoperative complications were atrial fibrillation (4 cases) and prolonged air leak (3 cases). Conclusions VATS lobectomy involves a team approach. Especially in upper lobectomies, the assistant surgeon plays a significant role in the operation, often helping with the dissection as well as stapling of the bronchial and vascular structures. With a team consisting of two trainees and a supervising surgeon, the teaching process becomes more intuitive and is accelerated. This should reduce the learning curve considerably and improve safety during training.

The evolution of intraoperative conversion in video assisted thoracoscopic lobectomy

INTRODUCTION Unplanned conversion to thoracotomy remains a major concern in video assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) lobectomy. This study aimed to investigate the development of a VATS lobectomy programme over a five-year period, with a focus on the causes and consequences of unplanned conversions. METHODS A single centre retrospective review was performed of patients who underwent complete anatomical lung resection initiated by VATS between January 2010 and April 2015. RESULTS In total, 1,270 patients underwent a lobectomy in the study period and 684 (53.9%) of these were commenced thoracoscopically. There were 75 cases (10.9%) with unplanned conversion. The proportion of lobectomies started as VATS was significantly higher in the second half of the study period (2010-2012: 277/713 [38.8%], 2013-2015: 407/557 [73.1%], p<0.001). The conversion rate dropped initially from 20.4% (11/54) in 2010 to 9.9% (15/151) in 2013 and then remained consistently under 10% until 2015. Conversions were most commonly secondary to vascular injury (26/75, 34.7%). Patients undergoing unplanned conversion had a longer length of stay than VATS completed patients (9 vs 6 days, p<0.001). There was a higher incidence of respiratory failure (10/75 [14.1%] vs 23/607 [3.8%], p<0.001) and 30-day mortality (7/75 [9.3%] vs 6/607 [1.0%], p=0.003) in patients with unplanned conversion than in those with completed VATS. CONCLUSIONS As our VATS lobectomy programme developed, the unplanned conversion rate dropped initially and then remained constant at approximately 10%. With increasing unit experience, it is both safe and technically possible to complete the majority of lobectomy procedures thoracoscopically.

A Review of the Multidisciplinary Diagnosis of Interstitial Lung Diseases: A Retrospective Analysis in a Single UK Specialist Centre

The accurate diagnosis and management of individuals with interstitial lung diseases (ILDs) poses an interesting challenge in clinical practice. A multidisciplinary team (MDT) approach is considered the gold standard. This is a single-centre retrospective review spanning a five-year period. We assessed the accuracy of prior ILD diagnosis, the methodology used to establish a correct diagnosis and how an MDT approach affected subsequent management. Our data supports an MDT approach in an experienced specialist ILD centre. We have demonstrated that diagnosis is often changed after an MDT review and that this impacts the subsequent management. Our results demonstrate that an MDT approach to diagnosis can establish a diagnosis in the majority of cases when prior diagnosis is uncertain (76%). We also show that a prior diagnosis of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is deemed inaccurate in over 50% of cases after MDT discussion. We have shown that during diagnostic uncertainty the considered gold standard of proceeding to a lung biopsy is not always feasible due to disease severity and comorbidities. In these circumstances, an MDT approach to diagnosis of ILDs combines clinical data with serial lung function and disease behavior, with or without responses to previous treatment trials to establish an accurate expert diagnosis.