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Lombardi C, Asero R, Bagnasco D, Blasi F, Bonini M, Bussi M, Canevari RF, Canonica GW, Castelnuovo P, Cecchi L, Cosmi L, Gelardi M, Heffler E, Indinnimeo L, Landi M, Licari A, Liotta F, Macchi A, Malvezzi L, Marseglia G, Micheletto C, Musarra A, Peroni D, Piacentini G, Poletti V, Richeldi L, Santoni A, Schiappoli M, Senna G, Vaghi A, Villani A, Passalacqua G. ARIA-ITALY multidisciplinary consensus on nasal polyposis and biological treatments. World Allergy Organ J 2021; 14:100592. [PMID: 34786034 PMCID: PMC8573187 DOI: 10.1016/j.waojou.2021.100592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2020] [Revised: 08/05/2021] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
In the recent years, it was recognized that type-2 inflammation links many forms of nasal polyposis with severe asthma. Thus, some biological drugs developed for severe asthma appeared to exert an effect on nasal polyposis. So far, there are several trials supporting this concept; therefore, some monoclonal antibodies for severe asthma were assessed also in polyposis, with promising results. Since different specialists are involved in the management of nasal polyposis (eg, pulmonologists, ENT, allergists), it was felt that an educational and informative document was needed to better identify the indications of biologicals in nasal polyposis. We collected the main Italian Scientific Societies, and prepared (under the Allergic Rhinitis and its Impact on Asthma, ARIA) a document endorsed by all Societies, to provide a provisional statement for the future use of monoclonal antibodies as a medical treatment for polyposis. It is the first nationwide endorsed document on this aspect. The current pathogenic knowledge and the experimental evidence are herein reviewed, and some suggestions for a correct prescription and follow-up are provided.
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Tomassetti S, Oggionni T, Barisione E, Bargagli E, Bonifazi M, Confalonieri M, Caminati A, Scala R, Gasparini S, Harari S, Klersy C, Meloni F, Torricella A, Aloe T, Luzzi V, Gori L, Ferraro S, Biadene G, Cozzi D, Cavigli E, Miele V, Piciucchi S, Sverzellati N, Puglisi S, Poletti V, Ravaglia C. A Multidisciplinary Multicenter Study Evaluating Risk Factors, Prevalence and Characteristics of Post-COvid-19 Interstitial Lung Syndrome (PCOILS). IMAGING 2021. [DOI: 10.1183/13993003.congress-2021.oa1567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
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Chilosi M, Poletti V, Ravaglia C, Rossi G, Dubini A, Piciucchi S, Pedica F, Bronte V, Pizzolo G, Martignoni G, Doglioni C. The pathogenic role of epithelial and endothelial cells in early-phase COVID-19 pneumonia: victims and partners in crime. Mod Pathol 2021; 34:1444-1455. [PMID: 33883694 PMCID: PMC8058579 DOI: 10.1038/s41379-021-00808-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2021] [Revised: 03/15/2021] [Accepted: 03/17/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Current understanding of the complex pathogenesis of COVID-19 interstitial pneumonia pathogenesis in the light of biopsies carried out in early/moderate phase and histology data obtained at postmortem analysis is discussed. In autopsies the most observed pattern is diffuse alveolar damage with alveolar-epithelial type-II cell hyperplasia, hyaline membranes, and frequent thromboembolic disease. However, these observations cannot explain some clinical, radiological and physiopathological features observed in SARS-CoV-2 interstitial pneumonia, including the occurrence of vascular enlargement on CT and preserved lung compliance in subjects even presenting with or developing respiratory failure. Histological investigation on early-phase pneumonia on perioperative samples and lung biopsies revealed peculiar morphological and morpho-phenotypical changes including hyper-expression of phosphorylated STAT3 and immune checkpoint molecules (PD-L1 and IDO) in alveolar-epithelial and endothelial cells. These features might explain in part these discrepancies.
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Gonuguntla HK, Shah M, Gupta N, Agrawal S, Poletti V, Nacheli GC. Endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial cryo-nodal biopsy: a novel approach for mediastinal lymph node sampling. Respirol Case Rep 2021; 9:e00808. [PMID: 34262775 PMCID: PMC8264746 DOI: 10.1002/rcr2.808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2021] [Revised: 05/23/2021] [Accepted: 06/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) is preferred for evaluating malignant lymph nodes and staging of lung cancer. Nevertheless, larger tissue samples are increasingly needed, particularly for molecular analysis. We describe the feasibility, technical details, and complications of EBUS-guided transbronchial cryo-node biopsy (TBCNB) in four patients with mediastinal adenopathy. The samples obtained by EBUS-TBCNB in all cases were adequate for histopathological examination (HPE) and immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining. In case 1, HPE showed non-caseating epithelioid granuloma with giant cells and fibrosis consistent with sarcoidosis. Case 2 was diagnosed with adenocarcinoma with positivity for ROS1(D4D6). Case 3 showed features of metastatic adenocarcinoma from the breast (positive for Her2, ER, and GATA3). Case 4 was diagnosed with tuberculosis (necrotizing granuloma in histopathology, stain with Ziehl-Neelsen that showed few rod-shaped bacilli). Only one patient had minimal bleeding at the puncture site controlled with cold saline. There were no adverse events such as major bleeding, pneumomediastinum, or pneumothorax.
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Poletti V, Tomassetti S, Ravaglia C. Time to Trust Transbronchial Cryobiopsy in Identification of Usual Interstitial Pneumonia Pattern? Am J Respir Crit Care Med 2021; 203:1218-1220. [PMID: 33503399 PMCID: PMC8456478 DOI: 10.1164/rccm.202012-4382ed] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
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Bosi M, Incerti Parenti S, Fiordelli A, Poletti V, Alessandri-Bonetti G. Upper airway collapsibility in patients with OSA treated with continuous positive airway pressure: a retrospective preliminary study. J Clin Sleep Med 2021; 16:1839-1846. [PMID: 32621580 DOI: 10.5664/jcsm.8674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
STUDY OBJECTIVES To investigate the prevalence of mildly collapsible upper airways (defined by therapeutic continuous positive airway pressure [CPAP] values ≤ 8 cm H₂O) in moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea patients treated with CPAP and to determine their clinical, functional, and nocturnal polysomnographic characteristics. METHODS Eighty-seven patients with moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea consecutively treated with CPAP were retrospectively investigated. Two nocturnal home sleep portable monitoring studies were performed at baseline and during treatment. Participants were categorized according to therapeutic CPAP values: ≤ 8 cm H₂O (group 1), 8-12 cm H₂O (group 2), ≥ 12 cm H₂O (group 3). Anthropometric, awake respiratory function, symptoms, comorbidities, and nocturnal home sleep portable monitoring studies data were collected. RESULTS Mild upper airway collapsibility (therapeutic CPAP values ≤ 8 cm H₂O) was present in 25.3% of patients. They showed more favorable apnea-hypopnea index, oxygen desaturation index, mean nocturnal saturation, sleep time with oxygen saturation < 90%, desaturation nadir, and supine position. Oxygen desaturation index showed a weak association with anatomical collapsibility. Using the receiver operating characteristic curve, the area under the curve for the oxygen desaturation index vs CPAP pressure requirements ≤ 8 cm H₂O was low and oxygen desaturation index ≤ 40.8/h showed a sensitivity of 63.3% and a specificity of 69.2% to detect patients with mild collapsibility. CONCLUSIONS A quarter of moderate to severe patients under CPAP therapy had mild collapsibility and were likely to also be good candidates for alternative and better tolerated non-CPAP therapies. Baseline anthropometric, clinical, and respiratory function characteristics did not predict mild upper airway collapsibility determined by CPAP pressure requirements ≤ 8 cm H₂O.
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Di Castelnuovo A, Costanzo S, Antinori A, Berselli N, Blandi L, Bonaccio M, Bruno R, Cauda R, Gialluisi A, Guaraldi G, Menicanti L, Mennuni M, My I, Parruti A, Patti G, Perlini S, Santilli F, Signorelli C, Stefanini GG, Vergori A, Ageno W, Aiello L, Agostoni P, Al Moghazi S, Arboretti R, Aucella F, Barbieri G, Barchitta M, Bartoloni A, Bologna C, Bonfanti P, Caiano L, Carrozzi L, Cascio A, Castiglione G, Chiarito M, Ciccullo A, Cingolani A, Cipollone F, Colomba C, Colombo C, Crosta F, Dalena G, Dal Pra C, Danzi GB, D'Ardes D, de Gaetano Donati K, Di Gennaro F, Di Tano G, D'Offizi G, Filippini T, Maria Fusco F, Gaudiosi C, Gentile I, Gini G, Grandone E, Guarnieri G, Lamanna GLF, Larizza G, Leone A, Lio V, Losito AR, Maccagni G, Maitan S, Mancarella S, Manuele R, Mapelli M, Maragna R, Marra L, Maresca G, Marotta C, Mastroianni F, Mazzitelli M, Mengozzi A, Menichetti F, Milic J, Minutolo F, Molena B, Mussinelli R, Mussini C, Musso M, Odone A, Olivieri M, Pasi E, Perroni A, Petri F, Pinchera B, Pivato CA, Poletti V, Ravaglia C, Rossato M, Rossi M, Sabena A, Salinaro F, Sangiovanni V, Sanrocco C, Scorzolini L, Sgariglia R, Simeone PG, Spinicci M, Trecarichi EM, Veronesi G, Vettor R, Vianello A, Vinceti M, Visconti E, Vocciante L, De Caterina R, Iacoviello L. Lopinavir/Ritonavir and Darunavir/Cobicistat in Hospitalized COVID-19 Patients: Findings From the Multicenter Italian CORIST Study. Front Med (Lausanne) 2021; 8:639970. [PMID: 34179035 PMCID: PMC8221239 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2021.639970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2020] [Accepted: 05/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Protease inhibitors have been considered as possible therapeutic agents for COVID-19 patients. Objectives: To describe the association between lopinavir/ritonavir (LPV/r) or darunavir/cobicistat (DRV/c) use and in-hospital mortality in COVID-19 patients. Study Design: Multicenter observational study of COVID-19 patients admitted in 33 Italian hospitals. Medications, preexisting conditions, clinical measures, and outcomes were extracted from medical records. Patients were retrospectively divided in three groups, according to use of LPV/r, DRV/c or none of them. Primary outcome in a time-to event analysis was death. We used Cox proportional-hazards models with inverse probability of treatment weighting by multinomial propensity scores. Results: Out of 3,451 patients, 33.3% LPV/r and 13.9% received DRV/c. Patients receiving LPV/r or DRV/c were more likely younger, men, had higher C-reactive protein levels while less likely had hypertension, cardiovascular, pulmonary or kidney disease. After adjustment for propensity scores, LPV/r use was not associated with mortality (HR = 0.94, 95% CI 0.78 to 1.13), whereas treatment with DRV/c was associated with a higher death risk (HR = 1.89, 1.53 to 2.34, E-value = 2.43). This increased risk was more marked in women, in elderly, in patients with higher severity of COVID-19 and in patients receiving other COVID-19 drugs. Conclusions: In a large cohort of Italian patients hospitalized for COVID-19 in a real-life setting, the use of LPV/r treatment did not change death rate, while DRV/c was associated with increased mortality. Within the limits of an observational study, these data do not support the use of LPV/r or DRV/c in COVID-19 patients.
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Rossi G, Davoli F, Poletti V, Cavazza A, Lococo F. When the Diagnosis of Mesothelioma Challenges Textbooks and Guidelines. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10112434. [PMID: 34070888 PMCID: PMC8198453 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10112434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2021] [Revised: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The diagnosis of malignant mesothelioma (MPM) does not pose difficulties when presenting with usual clinico-radiologic features and morphology. Pathology textbooks and national/international guidelines generally describe the findings of classic MPM, underlining common clinical presentation, the gold standard of sampling techniques, usual morphologic variants, immunohistochemical results of several positive and negative primary antibodies in the differential diagnosis, and the role of novel molecular markers. Nevertheless, MPM often does not follow the golden rules in routine practice, while the literature generally does not sufficiently emphasize unusual features of its manifestation. This gap may potentially create problems for patients in sustaining a difficult diagnosis of MPM in clinical practice and during legal disputes. Indeed, the guidelines accidentally tend to favor the job of lawyers and pathologists defending asbestos-producing industries against patients suffering from MPM characterized by uncommon features. The current review is aimed at underlining the wide spectrum of clinical and radiological presentation of MPM, the possibility to consistently use cytology for diagnostic intent, the aberrant immunohistochemical expression using so-called specific negative and positive primary antibodies, and finally proposing some alternative and more unbiased approaches to the diagnosis of MPM.
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Tzilas V, Poletti V, Bouros D. Reversed halo sign in radiation induced organizing pneumonia: natural course of the underlying pathophysiology. Pulmonology 2021; 27:460-464. [PMID: 33853753 DOI: 10.1016/j.pulmoe.2020.12.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2020] [Revised: 12/29/2020] [Accepted: 12/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
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Oldani S, Ravaglia C, Bensai S, Bertolovic L, Ghirotti C, Puglisi S, Martinello S, Sultani F, Colinelli C, Piciucchi S, Simoncelli S, Poletti V. Pathophysiology of light phenotype SARS-CoV-2 interstitial pneumonia: from histopathological features to clinical presentations. Pulmonology 2021; 28:333-344. [PMID: 33832850 PMCID: PMC7997696 DOI: 10.1016/j.pulmoe.2021.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2021] [Revised: 03/06/2021] [Accepted: 03/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Little is known about the light phenotype of SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia, which behaves in an unusual way, unlike other known respiratory diseases. We believe that the histopathological features of early COVID-19 could be considered the pathophysiological hallmark of this disease. Lung cryobiopsies show almost pristine alveoli, enlarged/hyperplasic alveolar capillaries along with dilatation of the post capillary pulmonary venules. Hypoxemia could therefore be explained by a reduction of the normal V/Q ratio, due to blood overflow around well ventilated alveoli. This could clarify typical manifestations of type L COVID-19, such as happy hypoxemia, response to awake prone positioning, response to PEEP/CPAP and platypnea orthodeoxia.
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Doglioni C, Ravaglia C, Chilosi M, Rossi G, Dubini A, Pedica F, Piciucchi S, Vizzuso A, Stella F, Maitan S, Agnoletti V, Puglisi S, Poletti G, Sambri V, Pizzolo G, Bronte V, Wells AU, Poletti V. Covid-19 Interstitial Pneumonia: Histological and Immunohistochemical Features on Cryobiopsies. Respiration 2021; 100:488-498. [PMID: 33725700 PMCID: PMC8018216 DOI: 10.1159/000514822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2020] [Accepted: 01/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The pathogenetic steps leading to Covid-19 interstitial pneumonia remain to be clarified. Most postmortem studies to date reveal diffuse alveolar damage as the most relevant histologic pattern. Antemortem lung biopsy may however provide more precise data regarding the earlier stages of the disease, providing a basis for novel treatment approaches. OBJECTIVES To ascertain the morphological and immunohistochemical features of lung samples obtained in patients with moderate Covid-19 pneumonia. METHODS Transbronchial lung cryobiopsy was carried out in 12 Covid-19 patients within 20 days of symptom onset. RESULTS Histopathologic changes included spots of patchy acute lung injury with alveolar type II cell hyperplasia, with no evidence of hyaline membranes. Strong nuclear expression of phosphorylated STAT3 was observed in >50% of AECII. Interalveolar capillaries showed enlarged lumen and were in part arranged in superposed rows. Pulmonary venules were characterized by luminal enlargement, thickened walls, and perivascular CD4+ T-cell infiltration. A strong nuclear expression of phosphorylated STAT3, associated with PD-L1 and IDO expression, was observed in endothelial cells of venules and interstitial capillaries. Alveolar spaces macrophages exhibited a peculiar phenotype (CD68, CD11c, CD14, CD205, CD206, CD123/IL3AR, and PD-L1). CONCLUSIONS Morphologically distinct features were identified in early stages of Covid-19 pneumonia, with epithelial and endothelial cell abnormalities different from either classical interstitial lung diseases or diffuse alveolar damage. Alveolar type II cell hyperplasia was a prominent event in the majority of cases. Inflammatory cells expressed peculiar phenotypes. No evidence of hyaline membranes and endothelial changes characterized by IDO expression might in part explain the compliance and the characteristic pulmonary vasoplegia observed in less-advanced Covid-19 pneumonia.
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Kronborg-White S, Sritharan SS, Madsen LB, Folkersen B, Voldby N, Poletti V, Rasmussen TR, Bendstrup E. Integration of cryobiopsies for interstitial lung disease diagnosis is a valid and safe diagnostic strategy-experiences based on 250 biopsy procedures. J Thorac Dis 2021; 13:1455-1465. [PMID: 33841938 PMCID: PMC8024861 DOI: 10.21037/jtd-20-2431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Background Transbronchial cryobiopsies has become increasingly used in the diagnostic workup in patients suspected of having interstitial lung disease. The procedure is associated with less complications, morbidity and mortality compared to surgical lung biopsies although with a diagnostic yield that is not as high, but close to that of surgical lung biopsies. The aim of the present study was to describe the complications and diagnostic yield and their prognostic factors. Methods All patients undergoing transbronchial cryobiopsies at the Department of Respiratory Diseases and Allergy, Aarhus University Hospital, were included in this prospective observational cohort study. Results A total of 250 patients were included [61% male, mean age 66 years (range, 22–81 years)]. Pneumothorax was detected in 70 (28%) of the patients, moderate hemorrhage in 53 (21%) and severe hemorrhage in 2 (1%) of the patients. Hemorrhage was associated with central biopsies, but not with anticoagulant therapy. None of the complications were related to lung function, exercise capacity, biopsy or probe size. Only one patient experienced an acute exacerbation. Three-month mortality was 0.4% (1 patient), caused by cancer and unrelated to the procedure. Cryobiopsies contributed to the final diagnosis in 72% of the patients and after multidisciplinary team discussion, a consensus diagnosis was obtained in 82% of the patients. The gender, the total sum of biopsy sizes, number of biopsies and presence of more than 50% alveolar tissue in biopsies increased the diagnostic yield. Conclusions Our study confirms that using cryobiopsies in the diagnostic setup for interstitial lung diseases is safe with a limited risk of acute exacerbations and mortality. Cryobiopsies contribute to the diagnosis in the majority of patients.
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Poletti V, Vancheri C, Albera C, Harari S, Pesci A, Metella RR, Campolo B, Crespi G, Rizzoli S. Clinical course of IPF in Italian patients during 12 months of observation: results from the FIBRONET observational study. Respir Res 2021; 22:66. [PMID: 33627105 PMCID: PMC7903602 DOI: 10.1186/s12931-021-01643-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2020] [Accepted: 01/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Background FIBRONET was an observational, multicentre, prospective cohort study investigating the baseline characteristics, clinical course of disease and use of antifibrotic treatment in Italian patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF).
Methods Patients aged ≥ 40 years diagnosed with IPF within the previous 3 months at 20 Italian centres were consecutively enrolled and followed up for 12 months, with evaluations at 3, 6, 9 and 12 months. The primary objective was to describe the clinical course of IPF over 12 months of follow-up, including changes in lung function measured by % predicted forced vital capacity (FVC% predicted). Results 209 patients (82.3% male, mean age 69.54 ± 7.43 years) were enrolled. Mean FVC% predicted was relatively preserved at baseline (80.01%). The mean time between IPF diagnosis and initiation of antifibrotic therapy was 6.38 weeks; 72.3% of patients received antifibrotic therapy within the first 3 months of follow-up, and 83.9% within 12 months of follow-up. Mean FVC% predicted was 80.0% at baseline and 82.2% at 12 months, and 47.4% of patients remained stable (i.e. had no disease progression) in terms of FVC% predicted during the study. Conclusions FIBRONET is the first prospective, real-life, observational study of patients with IPF in Italy. The short time between diagnosis and initiation of antifibrotic therapy, and the stable lung function between baseline and 12 months, suggest that early diagnosis and prompt initiation of antifibrotic therapy may preserve lung function in patients with IPF. Trial registration: NCT02803580
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Tzouvelekis A, Antoniou K, Kreuter M, Evison M, Blum TG, Poletti V, Grigoriu B, Vancheri C, Spagnolo P, Karampitsakos T, Bonella F, Wells A, Raghu G, Molina-Molina M, Culver DA, Bendstrup E, Mogulkoc N, Elia S, Cadranel J, Bouros D. The DIAMORFOSIS (DIAgnosis and Management Of lung canceR and FibrOSIS) survey: international survey and call for consensus. ERJ Open Res 2021; 7:00529-2020. [PMID: 33532484 PMCID: PMC7837280 DOI: 10.1183/23120541.00529-2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2020] [Accepted: 09/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Currently there is major lack of agreement on the diagnostic and therapeutic management of patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and lung cancer. Our aim was to identify variations in diagnostic and management strategies across different institutions and provide rationale for a consensus statement on this issue. Methods This was a joint-survey by European Respiratory Society (ERS) Assemblies 8, 11 and 12. The survey consisted of 25 questions. Results Four hundred and ninety-four (n=494) physicians from 68 different countries and five continents responded to the survey. Ninety-four per cent of participants were pulmonologists, 1.8% thoracic surgeons and 1.9% oncologists; 97.7% were involved in multidisciplinary team approaches on diagnosis and management. Regular low-dose high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) scan was used by 49.5% of the respondents to screen for lung cancer in IPF. Positron emission tomography (PET) scan and endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) is performed by 60% and 88% to diagnose nodular lesions with mediastinal lymphadenopathy in patients with advanced and mild IPF, respectively. Eighty-three per cent of respondents continue anti-fibrotics following lung cancer diagnosis; safety precautions during surgical interventions including low tidal volume are applied by 67%. Stereotactic radiotherapy is used to treat patients with advanced IPF (diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide (D LCO) <35%) and otherwise operable nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC) by 54% of respondents and doublet platinum regimens and immunotherapy for metastatic disease by 25% and 31.9%, respectively. Almost all participants (93%) replied that a consensus statement for the management of these patients is highly warranted. Conclusion The diagnosis and management of IPF-lung cancer (LC) is heterogeneous with most respondents calling for a consensus statement.
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Di Castelnuovo A, Costanzo S, Antinori A, Berselli N, Blandi L, Bonaccio M, Cauda R, Guaraldi G, Menicanti L, Mennuni M, Parruti G, Patti G, Santilli F, Signorelli C, Vergori A, Abete P, Ageno W, Agodi A, Agostoni P, Aiello L, Al Moghazi S, Arboretti R, Astuto M, Aucella F, Barbieri G, Bartoloni A, Bonfanti P, Cacciatore F, Caiano L, Carrozzi L, Cascio A, Ciccullo A, Cingolani A, Cipollone F, Colomba C, Colombo C, Crosta F, Danzi GB, D'Ardes D, de Gaetano Donati K, Di Gennaro F, Di Tano G, D'Offizi G, Fantoni M, Fusco FM, Gentile I, Gianfagna F, Grandone E, Graziani E, Grisafi L, Guarnieri G, Larizza G, Leone A, Maccagni G, Madaro F, Maitan S, Mancarella S, Mapelli M, Maragna R, Marcucci R, Maresca G, Marongiu S, Marotta C, Marra L, Mastroianni F, Mazzitelli M, Mengozzi A, Menichetti F, Meschiari M, Milic J, Minutolo F, Molena B, Montineri A, Mussini C, Musso M, Niola D, Odone A, Olivieri M, Palimodde A, Parisi R, Pasi E, Pesavento R, Petri F, Pinchera B, Poletti V, Ravaglia C, Rognoni A, Rossato M, Rossi M, Sangiovanni V, Sanrocco C, Scorzolini L, Sgariglia R, Simeone PG, Taddei E, Torti C, Vettor R, Vianello A, Vinceti M, Virano A, Vocciante L, De Caterina R, Iacoviello L. Heparin in COVID-19 Patients Is Associated with Reduced In-Hospital Mortality: The Multicenter Italian CORIST Study. Thromb Haemost 2021; 121:1054-1065. [PMID: 33412596 DOI: 10.1055/a-1347-6070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION A hypercoagulable condition was described in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and proposed as a possible pathogenic mechanism contributing to disease progression and lethality. AIM We evaluated if in-hospital administration of heparin improved survival in a large cohort of Italian COVID-19 patients. METHODS In a retrospective observational study, 2,574 unselected patients hospitalized in 30 clinical centers in Italy from February 19, 2020 to June 5, 2020 with laboratory-confirmed severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 infection were analyzed. The primary endpoint in a time-to event analysis was in-hospital death, comparing patients who received heparin (low-molecular-weight heparin [LMWH] or unfractionated heparin [UFH]) with patients who did not. We used multivariable Cox proportional-hazards regression models with inverse probability for treatment weighting by propensity scores. RESULTS Out of 2,574 COVID-19 patients, 70.1% received heparin. LMWH was largely the most used formulation (99.5%). Death rates for patients receiving heparin or not were 7.4 and 14.0 per 1,000 person-days, respectively. After adjustment for propensity scores, we found a 40% lower risk of death in patients receiving heparin (hazard ratio = 0.60; 95% confidence interval: 0.49-0.74; E-value = 2.04). This association was particularly evident in patients with a higher severity of disease or strong coagulation activation. CONCLUSION In-hospital heparin treatment was associated with a lower mortality, particularly in severely ill COVID-19 patients and in those with strong coagulation activation. The results from randomized clinical trials are eagerly awaited to provide clear-cut recommendations.
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Cazzato S, Omenetti A, Ravaglia C, Poletti V. Lung involvement in monogenic interferonopathies. Eur Respir Rev 2020; 29:29/158/200001. [PMID: 33328278 PMCID: PMC9489100 DOI: 10.1183/16000617.0001-2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2020] [Accepted: 05/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Monogenic type I interferonopathies are inherited heterogeneous disorders characterised by early onset of systemic and organ specific inflammation, associated with constitutive activation of type I interferons (IFNs). In the last few years, several clinical reports identified the lung as one of the key target organs of IFN-mediated inflammation. The major pulmonary patterns described comprise children's interstitial lung diseases (including diffuse alveolar haemorrhages) and pulmonary arterial hypertension but diagnosis may be challenging. Respiratory symptoms may be either mild or absent at disease onset and variably associated with systemic or organ specific inflammation. In addition, associated extrapulmonary clinical features may precede lung function impairment by years, and patients may display severe/endstage lung involvement, although this may be clinically hidden during the long-term disease course. Conversely, a few cases of atypical severe lung involvement at onset have been reported without clinically manifested extrapulmonary signs. Hence, a multidisciplinary approach involving pulmonologists, paediatricians and rheumatologists should always be considered when a monogenic interferonopathy is suspected. Pulmonologists should also be aware of the main pattern of presentation to allow prompt diagnosis and a targeted therapeutic strategy. In this regard, promising therapeutic strategies rely on Janus kinase-1/2 (JAK-1/2) inhibitors blocking the type I IFN-mediated intracellular cascade. Progressive severe lung impairment may occur clinically hidden during monogenic interferonopathies. Pulmonologists should be aware of the main patterns of presentation in order to allow prompt diagnosis and initiate targeted therapeutic strategy.https://bit.ly/2UeAeLn
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Drake TM, Docherty AB, Harrison EM, Quint JK, Adamali H, Agnew S, Babu S, Barber CM, Barratt S, Bendstrup E, Bianchi S, Villegas DC, Chaudhuri N, Chua F, Coker R, Chang W, Crawshaw A, Crowley LE, Dosanjh D, Fiddler CA, Forrest IA, George PM, Gibbons MA, Groom K, Haney S, Hart SP, Heiden E, Henry M, Ho LP, Hoyles RK, Hutchinson J, Hurley K, Jones M, Jones S, Kokosi M, Kreuter M, MacKay LS, Mahendran S, Margaritopoulos G, Molina-Molina M, Molyneaux PL, O'Brien A, O'Reilly K, Packham A, Parfrey H, Poletti V, Porter JC, Renzoni E, Rivera-Ortega P, Russell AM, Saini G, Spencer LG, Stella GM, Stone H, Sturney S, Thickett D, Thillai M, Wallis T, Ward K, Wells AU, West A, Wickremasinghe M, Woodhead F, Hearson G, Howard L, Baillie JK, Openshaw PJM, Semple MG, Stewart I, Jenkins RG. Outcome of Hospitalization for COVID-19 in Patients with Interstitial Lung Disease. An International Multicenter Study. Am J Respir Crit Care Med 2020; 202:1656-1665. [PMID: 33007173 PMCID: PMC7737581 DOI: 10.1164/rccm.202007-2794oc] [Citation(s) in RCA: 147] [Impact Index Per Article: 36.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Rationale: The impact of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) on patients with interstitial lung disease (ILD) has not been established.Objectives: To assess outcomes in patients with ILD hospitalized for COVID-19 versus those without ILD in a contemporaneous age-, sex-, and comorbidity-matched population.Methods: An international multicenter audit of patients with a prior diagnosis of ILD admitted to the hospital with COVID-19 between March 1 and May 1, 2020, was undertaken and compared with patients without ILD, obtained from the ISARIC4C (International Severe Acute Respiratory and Emerging Infection Consortium Coronavirus Clinical Characterisation Consortium) cohort, admitted with COVID-19 over the same period. The primary outcome was survival. Secondary analysis distinguished idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis from non-idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis ILD and used lung function to determine the greatest risks of death.Measurements and Main Results: Data from 349 patients with ILD across Europe were included, of whom 161 were admitted to the hospital with laboratory or clinical evidence of COVID-19 and eligible for propensity score matching. Overall mortality was 49% (79/161) in patients with ILD with COVID-19. After matching, patients with ILD with COVID-19 had significantly poorer survival (hazard ratio [HR], 1.60; confidence interval, 1.17-2.18; P = 0.003) than age-, sex-, and comorbidity-matched controls without ILD. Patients with an FVC of <80% had an increased risk of death versus patients with FVC ≥80% (HR, 1.72; 1.05-2.83). Furthermore, obese patients with ILD had an elevated risk of death (HR, 2.27; 1.39-3.71).Conclusions: Patients with ILD are at increased risk of death from COVID-19, particularly those with poor lung function and obesity. Stringent precautions should be taken to avoid COVID-19 in patients with ILD.
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Hetzel J, Wells AU, Costabel U, Colby TV, Walsh SLF, Verschakelen J, Cavazza A, Tomassetti S, Ravaglia C, Böckeler M, Spengler W, Kreuter M, Eberhardt R, Darwiche K, Torrego A, Pajares V, Muche R, Musterle R, Horger M, Fend F, Warth A, Heußel CP, Piciucchi S, Dubini A, Theegarten D, Franquet T, Lerma E, Poletti V, Häntschel M. Transbronchial cryobiopsy increases diagnostic confidence in interstitial lung disease: a prospective multicentre trial. Eur Respir J 2020; 56:13993003.01520-2019. [PMID: 32817003 DOI: 10.1183/13993003.01520-2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2019] [Accepted: 07/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The accurate diagnosis of individual interstitial lung diseases (ILD) is often challenging, but is a critical determinant of appropriate management. If a diagnosis cannot be made after multidisciplinary team discussion (MDTD), surgical lung biopsy is the current recommended tissue sampling technique according to the most recent guidelines. Transbronchial lung cryobiopsy (TBLC) has been proposed as an alternative to surgical lung biopsy. METHODS This prospective, multicentre, international study analysed the impact of TBLC on the diagnostic assessment of 128 patients with suspected idiopathic interstitial pneumonia by a central MDTD board (two clinicians, two radiologists, two pathologists). The level of confidence for the first-choice diagnoses were evaluated in four steps, as follows: 1) clinicoradiological data alone; 2) addition of bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) findings; 3) addition of TBLC interpretation; and 4) surgical lung biopsy findings (if available). We evaluated the contribution of TBLC to the formulation of a confident first-choice MDTD diagnosis. RESULTS TBLC led to a significant increase in the percentage of cases with confident diagnoses or provisional diagnoses with high confidence (likelihood ≥70%) from 60.2% to 81.2%. In 32 out of 52 patients nondiagnostic after BAL, TBLC provided a diagnosis with a likelihood ≥70%. The percentage of confident diagnoses (likelihood ≥90%) increased from 22.7% after BAL to 53.9% after TBLC. Pneumothoraces occurred in 16.4% of patients, and moderate or severe bleeding in 15.7% of patients. No deaths were observed within 30 days. INTERPRETATION TBLC increases diagnostic confidence in the majority of ILD patients with an uncertain noninvasive diagnosis, with manageable side-effects. These data support the integration of TBLC into the diagnostic algorithm for ILD.
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Campisi A, Poletti V, Ciarrocchi AP, Salvi M, Stella F. Tension pneumomediastinum in patients with COVID-19. Thorax 2020; 75:1130-1131. [PMID: 32747475 PMCID: PMC7401578 DOI: 10.1136/thoraxjnl-2020-215012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2020] [Revised: 07/17/2020] [Accepted: 07/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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Piciucchi S, Ravaglia C, Vizzuso A, Bertocco M, Poletti V. Reversibility of venous dilatation and parenchymal changes density in Sars-Cov-2 pneumonia: toward the definition of a peculiar pattern. Pulmonology 2020; 27:353-357. [PMID: 33272912 PMCID: PMC7667388 DOI: 10.1016/j.pulmoe.2020.10.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2020] [Accepted: 10/16/2020] [Indexed: 10/25/2022] Open
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Di Castelnuovo A, Bonaccio M, Costanzo S, Gialluisi A, Antinori A, Berselli N, Blandi L, Bruno R, Cauda R, Guaraldi G, My I, Menicanti L, Parruti G, Patti G, Perlini S, Santilli F, Signorelli C, Stefanini GG, Vergori A, Abdeddaim A, Ageno W, Agodi A, Agostoni P, Aiello L, Al Moghazi S, Aucella F, Barbieri G, Bartoloni A, Bologna C, Bonfanti P, Brancati S, Cacciatore F, Caiano L, Cannata F, Carrozzi L, Cascio A, Cingolani A, Cipollone F, Colomba C, Crisetti A, Crosta F, Danzi GB, D'Ardes D, de Gaetano Donati K, Di Gennaro F, Di Palma G, Di Tano G, Fantoni M, Filippini T, Fioretto P, Fusco FM, Gentile I, Grisafi L, Guarnieri G, Landi F, Larizza G, Leone A, Maccagni G, Maccarella S, Mapelli M, Maragna R, Marcucci R, Maresca G, Marotta C, Marra L, Mastroianni F, Mengozzi A, Menichetti F, Milic J, Murri R, Montineri A, Mussinelli R, Mussini C, Musso M, Odone A, Olivieri M, Pasi E, Petri F, Pinchera B, Pivato CA, Pizzi R, Poletti V, Raffaelli F, Ravaglia C, Righetti G, Rognoni A, Rossato M, Rossi M, Sabena A, Salinaro F, Sangiovanni V, Sanrocco C, Scarafino A, Scorzolini L, Sgariglia R, Simeone PG, Spinoni E, Torti C, Trecarichi EM, Vezzani F, Veronesi G, Vettor R, Vianello A, Vinceti M, De Caterina R, Iacoviello L. Common cardiovascular risk factors and in-hospital mortality in 3,894 patients with COVID-19: survival analysis and machine learning-based findings from the multicentre Italian CORIST Study. Nutr Metab Cardiovasc Dis 2020; 30:1899-1913. [PMID: 32912793 PMCID: PMC7833278 DOI: 10.1016/j.numecd.2020.07.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 111] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2020] [Accepted: 07/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS There is poor knowledge on characteristics, comorbidities and laboratory measures associated with risk for adverse outcomes and in-hospital mortality in European Countries. We aimed at identifying baseline characteristics predisposing COVID-19 patients to in-hospital death. METHODS AND RESULTS Retrospective observational study on 3894 patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection hospitalized from February 19th to May 23rd, 2020 and recruited in 30 clinical centres distributed throughout Italy. Machine learning (random forest)-based and Cox survival analysis. 61.7% of participants were men (median age 67 years), followed up for a median of 13 days. In-hospital mortality exhibited a geographical gradient, Northern Italian regions featuring more than twofold higher death rates as compared to Central/Southern areas (15.6% vs 6.4%, respectively). Machine learning analysis revealed that the most important features in death classification were impaired renal function, elevated C reactive protein and advanced age. These findings were confirmed by multivariable Cox survival analysis (hazard ratio (HR): 8.2; 95% confidence interval (CI) 4.6-14.7 for age ≥85 vs 18-44 y); HR = 4.7; 2.9-7.7 for estimated glomerular filtration rate levels <15 vs ≥ 90 mL/min/1.73 m2; HR = 2.3; 1.5-3.6 for C-reactive protein levels ≥10 vs ≤ 3 mg/L). No relation was found with obesity, tobacco use, cardiovascular disease and related-comorbidities. The associations between these variables and mortality were substantially homogenous across all sub-groups analyses. CONCLUSIONS Impaired renal function, elevated C-reactive protein and advanced age were major predictors of in-hospital death in a large cohort of unselected patients with COVID-19, admitted to 30 different clinical centres all over Italy.
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Ambrosini-Spaltro A, Dubini A, Pieri F, Ravaglia C, Delmonte A, Poletti V. PD-L1 expression in NSCLC: Role of cell blocks and concordance between samples. Diagn Cytopathol 2020; 49:303-310. [PMID: 33091231 DOI: 10.1002/dc.24646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2020] [Revised: 09/23/2020] [Accepted: 10/12/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND PD-L1 immunohistochemistry is currently performed in patients with advanced non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) to identify responders to immune checkpoint inhibitors. Cell blocks from fine needle aspiration of NSCLC are frequently used for diagnostic purposes. The aims of the study are to analyze: (a) the distribution of PD-L1 in cell blocks, in comparison to biopsies and surgical specimens; (b) the concordance of PD-L1 in specimens of the same patients. METHODS PD-L1 analyses conducted in NSCLCs were retrieved. Cell blocks were prepared with the self-clotting method. PD-L1 was performed with Dako 22C3 on the Ventana BenchMark ULTRA platform. Results were divided by tumor proportion score (TPS) in 3 categories: <1%; 1% to 49%; ≥50%. RESULTS A total of 483 samples from 456 patients was collected: 120 cell blocks (24.8%), 307 endoscopic or transthoracic biopsies (63.6%), 56 surgical specimens (11.6%). TPS was: <1% in 230 samples (47.8%), 1% to -49% in 136 (28.3%) and ≥ 50% in 115 (23.9%); in two samples material was insufficient. Statistics did not reveal significant differences in PD-L1 expression among the various materials (χ2 = 2.905; P = .574). In 50 samples from 25 patients, PD-L1 was carried out in two samples of the same patients, with moderate agreement (concordance rate: 68.0%, k = 0.469). CONCLUSION (a) PD-L1 is similarly distributed in the different materials; (b) PD-L1 shows moderate concordance in different samples of the same patients. PD-L1 may be routinely tested in cell blocks, but interpreted with caution and repeated whenever possible.
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Dupin C, Fernandes V, Hernandez-Gonzalez F, Torrisi SE, Alfaro TM, Kreuter M, Wijsenbeek MS, Renzoni EA, Bargagli E, Nunes H, Spagnolo P, Bonella F, Molina-Molina M, Antoniou K, Poletti V. ERS International Congress, Madrid, 2019: highlights from the Interstitial Lung Diseases Assembly. ERJ Open Res 2020; 6:00143-2020. [PMID: 33043043 PMCID: PMC7533302 DOI: 10.1183/23120541.00143-2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2020] [Accepted: 08/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
This article discusses a selection of the scientific presentations in the field of interstitial lung diseases (ILDs) that took place at the 2019 European Respiratory Society International Congress in Madrid, Spain. There were sessions from all four groups within Assembly 12: group 12.01 "Idiopathic interstitial pneumonias", group 12.02 "ILDs/diffuse parenchymal lung diseases (DPLDs) of known origin", group 12.03 "Sarcoidosis and other granulomatous ILDs/DPLDs" and group 12.04 "Rare ILDs/DPLDs". The presented studies brought cutting-edge developments on several aspects of these conditions, including pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment. As many of the ILDs are individually rare, the sharing of experiences and new data that occur during the Congress are very important for physicians interested in ILDs and ILD patients alike.
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Salton F, Confalonieri P, Meduri GU, Santus P, Harari S, Scala R, Lanini S, Vertui V, Oggionni T, Caminati A, Patruno V, Tamburrini M, Scartabellati A, Parati M, Villani M, Radovanovic D, Tomassetti S, Ravaglia C, Poletti V, Vianello A, Gaccione AT, Guidelli L, Raccanelli R, Lucernoni P, Lacedonia D, Foschino Barbaro MP, Centanni S, Mondoni M, Davì M, Fantin A, Cao X, Torelli L, Zucchetto A, Montico M, Casarin A, Romagnoli M, Gasparini S, Bonifazi M, D'Agaro P, Marcello A, Licastro D, Ruaro B, Volpe MC, Umberger R, Confalonieri M. Prolonged Low-Dose Methylprednisolone in Patients With Severe COVID-19 Pneumonia. Open Forum Infect Dis 2020; 7:ofaa421. [PMID: 33072814 PMCID: PMC7543560 DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofaa421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2020] [Accepted: 09/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In hospitalized patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pneumonia, progression to acute respiratory failure requiring invasive mechanical ventilation (MV) is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Severe dysregulated systemic inflammation is the putative mechanism. We hypothesize that early prolonged methylprednisolone (MP) treatment could accelerate disease resolution, decreasing the need for intensive care unit (ICU) admission and mortality. Methods We conducted a multicenter observational study to explore the association between exposure to prolonged, low-dose MP treatment and need for ICU referral, intubation, or death within 28 days (composite primary end point) in patients with severe COVID-19 pneumonia admitted to Italian respiratory high-dependency units. Secondary outcomes were invasive MV-free days and changes in C-reactive protein (CRP) levels. Results Findings are reported as MP (n = 83) vs control (n = 90). The composite primary end point was met by 19 vs 40 (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 0.41; 95% CI, 0.24-0.72). Transfer to ICU and invasive MV were necessary in 15 vs 27 (P = .07) and 14 vs 26 (P = .10), respectively. By day 28, the MP group had fewer deaths (6 vs 21; aHR, 0.29; 95% CI, 0.12-0.73) and more days off invasive MV (24.0 ± 9.0 vs 17.5 ± 12.8; P = .001). Study treatment was associated with rapid improvement in PaO2:FiO2 and CRP levels. The complication rate was similar for the 2 groups (P = .84). Conclusion In patients with severe COVID-19 pneumonia, early administration of prolonged MP treatment was associated with a significantly lower hazard of death (71%) and decreased ventilator dependence. Treatment was safe and did not impact viral clearance. A large randomized controlled trial (RECOVERY trial) has been performed that validates these findings. Clinical trial registration. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04323592.
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Davoli F, Poletti V, Stella F. Three-chamber chest drain system in the COVID-19 era: is there a risk of further transmission? Adv Respir Med 2020; 88:366-368. [PMID: 32869274 DOI: 10.5603/arm.a2020.0100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2020] [Accepted: 05/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
We discuss the hypothesis that common Chest Drain Systems collected to a COVID-19 patient, could be a possible source of contamination for health care staff in a Thoracic Surgery ward and we propose an alternative way to minimize this further risk of transmission.
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