Independent Clinical Factors Relevant to Prognosis of Patients with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis

Background

The prognosis of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is the worst among all interstitial lung diseases, and is related to the disease itself. Comorbidities or complications can worsen IPF. We assessed the effect of comorbidities on the survival of IPF patients. A retrospective review of patients with IPF was completed.

Material/Methods

Information on demographic features, clinical examination, and comorbidities at baseline were obtained. Then, median, 1-year, and 5-year survival was calculated. A total of 380 patients with IPF admitted to Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital from 1 April 2002 to 31 March 2015 were followed up until December 2016.

Results

Of these 380 patients, 71.9% died during the study period. Median survival was 2.25 years and overall 5-year survival was 28.5%. Also, 86.3% of patients were males. A total of 248 cases underwent lung function tests, and 178 patients underwent bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL). Multivariate analyses showed that forced expiratory volume in 1 second/forced vital capacity (FVC), diffusing capacity of the lungs for carbon monoxide percent predicted, FVC% predicted, the number of macrophages, neutrophils, and lymphocytes in BAL fluid, pulmonary hypertension, hypoxemia, and hydropower disorder were independent prognostic indicators of IPF, GAP gender (G), age (A), and 2 pulmonary physiological parameters (P) model can help to predict prognosis of IPF.

Conclusions

Spirometry, GAP model, and BAL are helpful to forecast the prognosis of IPF. IPF patients also suffering from pulmonary arterial hypertension, hypoxemia, and hydropower disorder have a poor prognosis.

Alterations to the Lung Microbiome in Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis Patients

Lung microbiome ecosystem homeostasis in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) remains uncharacterized. The aims of this study were to identify unique microbial signatures of the lung microbiome and analyze microbial gene function in IPF patients. DNA isolated from BALF samples was obtained for high-throughput gene sequencing. Microbial metagenomic data were used for principal component analysis (PCA) and analyzed at different taxonomic levels. Shotgun metagenomic data were annotated using the KEGG database and were analyzed for functional and metabolic pathways. In this study, 17 IPF patients and 38 healthy subjects (smokers and non-smokers) were recruited. For the PCA, the first and the second principal component explained 16.3 and 13.4% of the overall variability, respectively. The β diversity of microbiome was reduced in the IPF group. Signature of IPF's microbes was enriched of Streptococcus, Pseudobutyrivibrio, and Anaerorhabdus. The translocation of lung microbiome was shown that 32.84% of them were from oral. After analysis of gene function, ABC transporter systems, biofilm formation, and two-component regulatory system were enriched in IPF patients' microbiome. Here we shown the microbiology characteristics in IPF patients. The microbiome may participate in altering internal conditions and involving in generating antibiotic resistance in IPF patients.

Clinical features and prognosis of microscopic polyangiitis with usual interstitial pneumonia compared with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis

INTRODUCTION

Pulmonary involvement in microscopic polyangiitis (MPA) is common, little is known about the clinical features of MPA with interstitial pneumonia (MPA-IP).

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to explore the prevalence of microscopic polyangiitis associated usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP)(MPA-UIP) and compare its clinical features and prognosis with those of MPA-non-UIP and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF).

METHODS

A total of 73 patients with MPA-IP were identified and divided into MPA-UIP patients and MPA-non-UIP patients. The clinical characteristics and survival of MPA-UIP patients were analysed and compared with those of MPA-non-UIP patients and 68 patients with IPF.

RESULTS

The results showed that 34/73 (47%) MPA-IP patients were classified as MPA-UIP patients. Compared with MPA-non-UIP patients, MPA-UIP patients tend to have longer duration of symptoms prior to diagnosis and usually have pulmonary involvement as the initial presentation. However, they were less likely to have proteinuria and/or hematuria. Compared with IPF patients, MPA-UIP patients usually had multisystem damage, positive anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic autoantibodies and elevated levels of nonspecific inflammatory markers. MPA-UIP death was concentrated mainly in the first 3 months after diagnosis and resulted in a higher early mortality compared with IPF.

CONCLUSION

UIP is the most frequent type of MPA-IP. These patients tend to have longer duration of symptoms prior to diagnosis and usually have pulmonary involvement as the first presentation. However, they are less likely to have proteinuria and/or hematuria. MPA patients with UIP can be differentiated from IPF patients through comprehensive analysis of clinical and laboratory findings.

The profibrotic effect of downregulated Na,K‑ATPase β1 subunit in alveolar epithelial cells during lung fibrosis

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic progressive interstitial lung disease characterized by progressive lung scarring and excessive extracellular matrix depositon. When stimulated, alveolar epithelial cells (AECs) are aberrantly activated, the expression of profibrotic molecules is enhanced, and lung fibrosis is promoted, but the mechanism for this is unclear. It has been reported that a downregulation of the Na,K‑ATPase β1 subunit in renal epithelial cells is involved in renal fibrosis development, but the role of this protein in lung fibrosis remains unknown. In the present study, the expression of the Na,K‑ATPase β1 subunit was revealed to be markedly decreased in AECs of patients with IPF and a bleomycin‑induced pulmonary fibrosis mouse model. Treatment with transforming growth factor β‑1 led to significantly downregulation of the Na,K‑ATPase β1 subunit in lung adenocarcioma A549 cells. Furthermore, the knockdown of the Na,K‑ATPase β1 subunit in A549 cells resulted in the upregulation of profibrotic molecules, activation of the neurogenic locus notch homolog protein 1 and extracellular signal‑regulated kinase 1/2 signaling pathways and induction of endoplasmic reticulum stress. These findings reveal that the downregulation of the Na,K‑ATPase β1 subunit enhances the expression of profibrotic molecules in AECs and may contribute to IPF pathogenesis.

IL-25 contributes to lung fibrosis by directly acting on alveolar epithelial cells and fibroblasts

IMPACT STATEMENT

Our work focused on alveolar epithelial cells (AECs)-derived type-2 cytokine (interleukin [IL]-25) in the pathogenesis of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). We showed that IL-25 and IL-17BR (IL-25's receptor) is upregulated in lung tissues (especially in AECs and lung fibroblasts) of IPF patients and contributes to lung fibrosis by directly activating lung fibroblasts and modulating epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of AECs. We suggest that IL-25 may be one of the master switches hidden in the milieu of abnormal epithelial-mesenchymal crosstalk. Treatment targeting IL-25 may be the potential and novel method for IPF patients.

Targeting IL-17 attenuates hypoxia-induced pulmonary hypertension through downregulation of β-catenin

BACKGROUND

The role of interleukin 17 (IL-17) in hypoxic pulmonary hypertension (HPH) remains unclear. This study is designed to explore whether IL-17 is a potential target for HPH treatment.

METHODS

Clinic samples from the lung tissue and serum were obtained from qualified patients. Western blotting, immunohistochemistry and/or ELISA were used to measure the expression of relevant proteins. HPH models were established in C57BL/6 wild-type (WT) and IL-17 ^-/- mice and were treated with exogenous recombinant mouse IL-17 (rmIL-17) or an IL-17 neutralising antibody. Assays for cell proliferation, angiogenesis and adhesion were employed to analyse the behaviours of human pulmonary arterial endothelial cells (HPAECs). A non-contact Transwell coculture model was used to evaluate intercellular interactions.

RESULTS

Expression of IL-17 was increased in lung tissue of both patients with bronchiectasis/COPD-associated PH and HPH mouse model. Compared with WT mice, IL-17 ^-/- mice had attenuated HPH, whereas administration of rmIL-17 aggravated HPH. In vitro, recombinant human IL-17 (rhIL-17) promoted proliferation, angiogenesis and adhesion in HPAECs through upregulation of Wnt3a/β-catenin/CyclinD1 pathway, and siRNA-mediated knockdown of β-catenin almost completely reversed this IL-17-mediated phenomena. IL-17 promoted the proliferation but not the migration of human pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells (HPASMCs) cocultured with HPAECs under both normoxia and hypoxia, but IL-17 had no direct effect on proliferation and migration of HPASMCs. Blockade of IL-17 with a neutralising antibody attenuated HPH in WT mice.

CONCLUSIONS

IL-17 contributes to the pathogenesis of HPH through upregulation of β-catenin expression. Targeting IL-17 might provide potential benefits for alternative therapeutic strategies for HPH.

[Metformin protects against bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis in mice]

Objective: To explore the effect of metformin on murine model of bleomycin (BLM)-induced lung injury and fibrosis. Methods: A total of 30 mice were divided into 3 groups: control, BLM, and BLM with metformin, in accordance with the random number table and each group had 10 mice. To induce the pulmonary fibrosis model, a concentration of 2 mg/ml bleomycin was intratracheally administered in the BLM group and BLM with metformin group with a volume of 1.75 μl/g, while the control group accepted saline with the same volume. Metformin (200 mg/kg) was given to the mice orally once a day from the day before intratracheal instillation of bleomycin to day 14. The daily survival condition of mice was recorded during 14 days. At day 14, HE-staining was used to assess the severity of fibrosis according to the method proposed by Ashcroft. Total lung collagen content was determined by hydroxyproline assay and Masson's trichrome staining. To examine the expression of fibronectin we used the method of immunohistochemistry staining. The changes of Transforming Growth Factor beta 1 (TGF-β(1)) in plasm, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and lung were measured by ELISA. Results: The survival rates of control group, BLM group and BLM with metformin group at day 14 were 10/10, 4/10 and 7/10 respectively. According to the method proposed by Ashcroft the score of metformin treated mice was significantly lower than that of the bleomycin model mice[(3.82±0.58) vs (7.79±0.06), (P<0.05)]. The hydroxyproline level in lung tissue were markedly attenuated in metformin treated mice compared with bleomycin model mice [(0.40±0.05) vs (0.73±0.10) μg/mg, (P<0.05)]. The level of TGF-β(1) in plasma, BALF and lung tissue were also decreased in mice treated with metformin compared with bleomycin model mice [(2.32±0.68) vs (4.59±0.45) ng/ml, (0.81±0.09) vs (1.40±0.06) ng/ml, (17.12±0.83) vs (21.25±0.69) ng/mg, all P<0.05]. Conclusion: Metformin can reduce the severity of pulmonary fibrosis in mice induced by bleomycin.

Ouabain ameliorates bleomycin induced pulmonary fibrosis by inhibiting proliferation and promoting apoptosis of lung fibroblasts

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a lethal idiopathic interstitial pulmonary disease characterized by progressive deterioration in lung function that commonly affects eldly people. The pathogenesis of the disease is incompletely understood and therefore lacking effective therapy. Ouabain a digitalis has been reported to be able to suppress lung fibroblast activation via downregulating TGF-β-smad signal pathway in vitro. Here, we investigated the effects of ouabain in pulmonary fibrosis in vivo. Pulmonary fibrosis was induced in C57/BL6 mice by a intratracheal instillation of bleomycin (2.0 mg/kg), ouabain (0.6 mg/kg) was given daily via intraperitonealinjection for one week starting at 7 days after intratracheal instillation of bleomycin. Our study showed ouabain significantly reduce α-SMA, fibronectin and collagen I expression in lung fibrosis animal model. Further, ouabain inhibits cells proliferation and promotes apoptosis of lung fibroblasts in vitro. In conclusion, our results indicate ouabain a novel effective drug that inhibits lung fibrosis progression.

[Effect of water-soluble C(60) fullerenes on pulmonary fibrosis induced by bleomycin in mice]

Objective: To evaluate the role of water-soluble C(60) fullerenes in mice model of lung injury and fibrosis that induced by bleomycin. Methods: A total of 20 healthy C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into normal control group, bleomycin group, high dose C(60) group, low dose C(60) group, each group with 5 mice. Mice were induced pulmonary fibrosis by intratracheal injection of bleomycin except the normal control group, which was induced by saline instead. In low dose C(60) group and high dose C(60) group, 1 mg·kg(-1)·d(-1) and 10 mg·kg(-1)·d(-1) water-soluble C(60) fullerenes was injected into mice intraperitoneally every day, which began from one day before intratracheal instillation of bleomycin until the end of observation. Saline was given to mice in the same way in normal control and bleomycin group. This study investigated the variation of weight and survival rate of mice for 14 d. HE-staining and Masson's trichrome staining were used to assess the severity of fibrosis according to the method proposed by Ashcroft at 14th day. Total lung collagen content was determined by hydroxyproline assay. The changes of transforming growth factor-β(1) (TGF-β(1)) and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) in plasma, bronchial alveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and lung tissue were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). And, the amount of reactive oxygen species (ROS) was tested by 2, 7-dichlorofuorescin diacetate (DCFH-DA), and determined by the ratio of fluorescence intensity and protein content (OD/μg). Results: C(60) can protect mice that injured by bleomycin from weight loss. According the method proposed by Ashcroft et al.HE and Masson's trichrome staining showed that collagen deposition in lung tissue were markedly attenuated in C(60) (1 mg·kg(-1)·d(-1) and 10 mg·kg(-1)·d(-1)) treated mice compared with bleomycin model mice[(4.08±0.52), (3.00±0.41) vs (6.75±0.75) points, both P<0.01]. In low dose C(60) group and high dose C(60) group, the content of hydroxyproline in lung tissue were significantly lower than that in bleomycin group[(0.36±0.06), (0.35±0.08) vs (0.55±0.16) μg/mg, both P<0.05]. The level of TGF-β(1) in BALF and lung tissue were also decreased in mice treated with C(60) (10 mg·kg(-1)·d(-1)) compared with bleomycin model mice, but the difference had no statistical significance[(9.38±5.32) vs (23.60±8.96) pg/ml, (2.89±0.35) vs (6.44±2.95) pg/mg, both P>0.05]. Also, in high dose C(60) group, the content of TNF-α in plasma, BALF and lung tissue were significantly lower than those in bleomycin group[(4.56±0.73) vs (7.21±2.26) pg/ml, (34.58±23.30) vs (151.00±27.34) pg/ml, (22.99±5.83) vs (122.90±22.04) pg/mg, all P<0.05]. In addition, Compared with bleomycin group, ROS in lung tissue was significantly decreased after treatment with C(60) (10 mg·kg(-1)·d(-1))[(19.68±0.91) vs (22.92±1.71) OD/μg, P<0.05]. Conclusion: Water-soluble C(60) fullerenes reduce the severity of pulmonary fibrosis induced by bleomycin in mice.

[Clinical features of acute diffuse pulmonary exudative disorders]

Objective: To analyze the clinical features of acute diffuse pulmonary exudative disorders. Methods: The data were collected from patients who were hospitalized in respiratory intensive care unit (RICU) of Beijing Chaoyang Hospital affiliated to the Capital Medical University during January 2009 to December 2011, and had acute clinical course with imaging findings of diffuse pulmonary infiltrated shadows (similar to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)). The causes of disease and clinical features were analyzed. Results: A total of 86 patients with acute diffuse pulmonary exudative disorders were included. Sixty-two (72.1%) were males, with a mean age of (58.6±16.4) years old; 24(27.9%) were females, with a mean age of (48.2±18.3) years old. The duration of the disease before administration was (11.5±5.2) days, and RICU stay was (15.5±9.5) days, with hospital mortality of 40.7% and the average hospitalization cost of 101 thousand RMB. The main cause was infection, which occurred in 53 cases (61.6%) (virus in 21 cases, bacteria in 14 cases, fungus in 11 cases, pneumocystis in 15 cases and others in 3 cases, mixed infection in 11 cases). Interstitial pneumonia occurred in 12 cases (idiopathic interstitial pneumonia in 9 cases: cryptogenic organizing pneumonia in 3 cases, the acute exacerbation of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis in 3 cases, nonspecific interstitial pneumonia in 1 case, acute interstitial pneumonia in 2 cases, and connective tissue disease in 3 cases), aspiration pneumonia in 10 cases, acute left heart failure in 6 cases, and exogenous pulmonary ARDS in 5 cases. Conclusions: The main cause of acute diffuse pulmonary exudative disorders is pulmonary infection, followed by interstitial pneumonia. The hospital mortality and hospitalization cost are high.

Prevalence and risk factors of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in China (the China Pulmonary Health [CPH] study): a national cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Although exposure to cigarette smoking and air pollution is common, the current prevalence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is unknown in the Chinese adult population. We conducted the China Pulmonary Health (CPH) study to assess the prevalence and risk factors of COPD in China.

METHODS

The CPH study is a cross-sectional study in a nationally representative sample of adults aged 20 years or older from ten provinces, autonomous regions, and municipalities in mainland China. All participants underwent a post-bronchodilator pulmonary function test. COPD was diagnosed according to 2017 Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) criteria.

FINDINGS

Between June, 2012, and May, 2015, 57 779 individuals were invited to participate, of whom 50 991 (21 446 men and 29 545 women) had reliable post-bronchodilator results and were included in the final analysis. The overall prevalence of spirometry-defined COPD was 8·6% (95% CI 7·5-9·9), accounting for 99·9 (95% CI 76·3-135·7) million people with COPD in China. Prevalence was higher in men (11·9%, 95% CI 10·2-13·8) than in women (5·4%, 4·6-6·2; p<0·0001 for sex difference) and in people aged 40 years or older (13·7%, 12·1-15·5) than in those aged 20-39 years (2·1%, 1·4-3·2; p<0·0001 for age difference). Only 12·0% (95% CI 8·1-17·4) of people with COPD reported a previous pulmonary function test. Risk factors for COPD included smoking exposure of 20 pack-years or more (odds ratio [OR] 1·95, 95% CI 1·53-2·47), exposure to annual mean particulate matter with a diameter less than 2·5 μm of 50-74 μg/m³ (1·85, 1·23-2·77) or 75 μg/m³ or higher (2·00, 1·36-2·92), underweight (body-mass index <18·5 kg/m²; 1·43, 1·03-1·97), sometimes childhood chronic cough (1·48, 1·14-1·93) or frequent cough (2·57, 2·01-3·29), and parental history of respiratory diseases (1·40, 1·23-1·60). A lower risk of COPD was associated with middle or high school education (OR 0·76, 95% CI 0·64-0·90) and college or higher education (0·47, 0·33-0·66).

INTERPRETATION

Spirometry-defined COPD is highly prevalent in the Chinese adult population. Cigarette smoking, ambient air pollution, underweight, childhood chronic cough, parental history of respiratory diseases, and low education are major risk factors for COPD. Prevention and early detection of COPD using spirometry should be a public health priority in China to reduce COPD-related morbidity and mortality.

FUNDING

Ministry of Health and Ministry of Science and Technology of China.

Pulmonary fibrosis in a mouse model of sarcoid granulomatosis induced by booster challenge with Propionibacterium acnes

Pulmonary fibrosis (PF) associated with chronic sarcoidosis remains poorly understood, and no experimental model is currently available for this condition. Previous studies have shown that Propionibacterium acnes (PA) was associated with sarcoidosis and induced granuloma formation in mice. Here, we investigated whether repeated challenge with PA induces persistent inflammation leading to sarcoidosis followed by PF in mice. Specifically, C57BL/6 mice were inoculated intraperitoneally and subjected to intratracheal challenge with PA, and then were booster-challenged with either PA or phosphate-buffered saline on day 28. Inflammation, granulomata, and features of fibrosis were evaluated every 7 days until day 70. Complete remission of lung granulomata was apparent on day 42 in the sarcoid-remission group. However, granulomata was present from days 21 to 70 in mice that received PA boosting. Inflammatory cell counts and Th1 cytokine levels in lung lavage fluids were elevated up to day 70. Furthermore, fibrotic changes in the lungs were observed around granulomatous and peribronchovascular regions after PA boosting. Taken together, these findings suggest that development of PF following sarcoidosis may result from continuous PA infection and inflammation. Repeated boosting with PA to induce PF might be a useful model for future studies of sarcoidosis-associated PF.

Incidence and radiologic-pathological features of lung cancer in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the incidence and risk factors of lung cancer in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), and to learn the clinical, imaging and pathological features and of lung cancer in IPF.

METHODS

The study population included consecutive 268 IPF patients. Of them, 46 patients had pathologically or cytologically proven lung cancer. The demographic, clinical, HRCT and pathological features in patients with IPF and lung cancer were analysed and compared with the patients with IPF alone.

RESULTS

Of 268 IPF patients, 46 patients were diagnosed as IPF with lung cancer, accounted for 17.16%. 45.65% were adenocarcinoma. Lung cancer located mostly in the peripheral area and lower lobes of lungs consistent with IPF affected area. Old age and heavy smoking were risk factors of lung cancer developing in IPF. Chest pain and haemoptysis were more frequent in IPF patients with lung cancer than without lung cancer (P = .000). Nodular or mass shadows were found only in IPF patients with lung cancer (P = .000). The levels of CEA and CA125 in IPF patients were much higher in IPF patients with lung cancer (P ≤ .001). The median survival time was 36.2 ± 22.7 months in IPF patients, longer than 6.9 ± 3.3 months in IPF patients with lung cancer (P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

Lung cancer frequently develops in patients with IPF, which is mainly adenocarcinoma, located in IPF affected area. Chest pain and haemoptysis are potential indicative of lung cancer developing in patients with IPF as atypical nodes or masses located in the peripheral areas and lower lobes on chest HRCT.

Effect of HA330 resin-directed hemoadsorption on a porcine acute respiratory distress syndrome model

Background

Blood purification is an emerging approach to dampening the cytokine storm. This study aims to assess the efficacy of HA330 resin-directed hemoadsorption (HA) on endotoxin-induced porcine acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) model.

Methods

Twenty-four Chinese domestic pigs were allocated into saline group receiving intravenous infusion of saline (N = 6) and endotoxin group receiving intravenous infusion of LPS (N = 18). When ALI model was initially diagnosed, six pigs in the LPS and saline group were killed for BALF and histopathological analysis. The remaining 12 pigs in LPS group received 3-h HA (N = 6) or HA-sham (N = 6) treatment, respectively. Following another 5-h observation, animals were killed. Variables on hemodynamics, blood gases and lung mechanics were recorded at a series of time points. Differentially expressed cytokines and proteins were determined by ELISA and proteomics.

Results

HA treatment significantly improved injured oxygenation induced by LPS. HA also partially improved the barrier permeability and reduced lung edema and inflammation/injury induced by LPS infusion. Proteomic analysis showed the differentially expressed proteins between HA- and HA-sham-treated groups mostly belonged to the categories of acute inflammation/immune response, and proteolysis.

Conclusions

Hemoadsorption improved ARDS possibly by blunting the cytokine storm and by restoring homeostasis of the disordered proteome milieu in the exudative phase.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13613-017-0287-0) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Evaluation of the Safety and Effectiveness of the Rapid Flow Expulsion Maneuver to Clear Subglottic Secretions in Vitro and in Vivo

BACKGROUND

Clearing subglottic secretions has been proved to reduce ventilator-associated pneumonia. A manual method named the rapid flow expulsion maneuver was developed to clear subglottic secretions. This study evaluates its safety and effectiveness and analyzes the influential factors.

METHODS

This study was composed of 2 parts. In an in vitro study, secretions were instilled directly to the area above the cuff in an intubated tracheal model. Secretions were expelled by the rapid flow expulsion maneuver with different volumes and peak flows in 3 tracheal positions (0, 15, and 30°). At each tracheal position, the maneuver was repeated twice, unless secretions above the cuff were <0.5 mL. In an in vivo study, subglottic secretions were suctioned via subglottic secretion drainage and then were cleared by the rapid flow expulsion maneuver. After the initial maneuver, methylene blue (2 mL) was instilled above the cuff, and the maneuver was performed again. The subject's sputum color was then recorded over 24 h.

RESULTS

In the in vitro study, no aspiration was observed in the 277 maneuvers completed. Subglottic secretions were visibly expelled in 167 of 277 maneuvers (60.3%), and the median clearance efficiencies of the 3 consecutive maneuvers were 39.6, 6.3, and 0.4%. In the 108 first maneuvers, 93 (86.1%) produced visible secretions. Multiple linear regression models were used to identify predictors of clearance efficiency: tracheal position (P < .001), flow (P = .041), and secretion viscosity (P = .017). In the in vivo study, 77 rapid flow expulsion maneuvers were completed after suctioning via subglottic secretion drainage in 16 subjects, and the maneuvers collected 221.5 mL of secretions. No aspiration was observed over 24 h.

CONCLUSIONS

The rapid flow expulsion maneuver was safe and effective to clear subglottic secretions. The first maneuver was the most effective to expel the majority of secretions. Supine position and high peak flow improved the clearance efficiency.

[Clinical analysis of 43 patients with eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis]

OBJECTIVE

To describe the clinical features of eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA).

METHODS

Patients who fulfilled the criteria for EGPA managed at the Beijing Chaoyang Hospital of Capital Medical University between May 2005 and Feb 2014 were retrospectively investigated. Patients' characteristics were compared according to antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA) status.Patients were followed up in outpatient service or by telephone to evaluate the treatment result.

RESULTS

There were 43 patients included, 24 males and 19 females. Mean age at onset was (53.0±15.0) years old. The most common onset symptom of EGPA was asthma in 30 (69.8%) patients. Asthma was also the most common symptom in 42 (97.7%) patients, followed by sinusitis and rhinitis in 40(93.0%) patients and peripheral neuropathy in 26 (60.5%) patients. ANCA positive was found in 13 (30.2%) patients, mainly anti-myeloperoxidase antibodies. High resolution computed tomography scanning (HRCT) of the chest was performed in all the patients, and the main anomalies included ground-glass opacities in 34 (79.1%) patients and bronchial wall thickening and/or bronchial dilatation in 22 (51.2%) patients. Pulmonary function tests available at diagnosis in 33 patients mainly demonstrated an obstructive ventilatory defect. There were totally 33 patients who underwent biopsy, 21 (63.6%) patients had histologic findings supporting a diagnosis of EGPA, including eosinophil infiltration in 21 patients, vasculitis in 5 patients, but no granuloma. ANCA-positive patients were more likely to have fever and renal disease, more honeycombing pattern in the HRCT image and more significantly decreased pulmonary diffusion function, while ANCA-negative patients were more likely to have significant obstructive ventilatory defect. 41 patients received oral corticosteroids, among them, 19 patients additionally received immunosuppressants. 35 Patients were followed for a median of 30 (13, 46) months, 3 patients died (mortality 8.57%), among the other 32 patients, asthma was still the most common symptom in 16 (50%) patients at their last visit, and prednisone administration had to be continued for 23 (71.9%) patients.

CONCLUSIONS

The clinical manifestations of EGPA may vary widely, and it involves different organs. Physicians should be alert to EGPA when seeing patients with refractory asthma and eosinophilia.

Modeling alveolar injury using microfluidic co-cultures for monitoring bleomycin-induced epithelial/fibroblastic cross-talk disorder

Epithelial/fibroblastic cross-talk is consider to lead to pulmonary fibrosis, but its pathogenesis remains unclear because no appropriate models allow to visualize the complex disease processes at the human lung epithelial–interstitial interface.

Lung cancer in patients with combined pulmonary fibrosis and emphysema revisited with the 2015 World Health Organization classification of lung tumors

OBJECTIVE

Combined pulmonary fibrosis and emphysema (CPFE) is a newly defined entity that comprises upper lobe emphysema and lower lobe fibrosis. Patients with CPFE are at high risk for lung cancer and have poor prognoses. To investigate the clinical and pathological characteristics of lung cancer with CPFE, lung cancers with CPFE and non-CPFE interstitial lung disease (ILD) were reevaluated by 2015 WHO classification and compared.

METHODS

A total of 60 patients with histologically proven lung cancer were selected from the database of two institutional medical centers. The subjects included 35 patients with combined lung cancer and CPFE, and 25 patients with lung cancer and non-CPFE ILD. The clinical and pathological characteristics were evaluated and compared between the two groups.

RESULTS

CPFE group had more current smokers but relatively normal pulmonary function compared with non-CPFE group. The majority of the cancers in CPFE were located in the lower lobes (24 of 35 cases), where the pulmonary fibrosis visualized as reticular opacities was predominant. Keranitizing subtype of squamous cell carcinoma was prevalent in lung cancers with CPFE. Poor prognoses were found both for CPFE and non-CPFE group because of advanced stage.

CONCLUSIONS

Lung cancers with CPFE show some unique clinical characteristics, and the distinct histological subtype may have therapeutic implication.

[The clinical features of primary or metastatic malignancies presenting with multiple lung cavities]

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the clinical, radiological and pathological features of primary or metastatic malignancies presenting with multiple lung cavities.

METHODS

A total of 38 cases met the inclusion criteria and had adequate imaging data for retrospective review between June 2006 and August 2013. There were 30 cases of primary lung cancer, and 8 cases of pulmonary metastasis including 6 gastrointestinal tract malignancies, 1 vulva malignancy and 1 scalp malignancy. There were 21 females and 17 males, with a median age of 63 years.

RESULTS

Cough and expectoration were the most common clinical manifestations of primary lung cancer(22/30). There were 4 main types of lung cavities, including thick-walled cavities(n=12), circular cavities (n=24), thin-walled cavities or cystic cavities (n=11), cavities or multi-cystic changes within airspace consolidation or ground glass opacity(n=11). The cavitary lesions were often accompanied by pulmonary nodules, mass and ground glass opacity(32/38, 84%). The presence of internal soft-tissue septa in the cavity was commonly seen(17/38, 45%). The 4(th) type of cavity and presence of air-fluid levels were only found in lung adenocarcinoma, including 5 cases of mucinous adenocarcinoma. In both primary lung cancers and metastatic tumors, adenocarcinoma was the most common histological type (29/30 and 6/8, respectively). The other histological types included 1 case of lung squamous cell carcinoma, 1 vulva adenosquamous carcinoma and 1 scalp angiosarcoma. The possible mechanisms of cavity formation included necrosis, mucin-secretion air-containing cystic spaces in papillary tumors and the check-valve mechanism.

CONCLUSIONS

Adenocarcinoma was the most common histological type in multiple cavitary primary lung cancers and metastatic tumors. These cavities showed varied radiological features and were easy to be misdiagnosed as benign cavitary lung diseases.

[Research on Life Quality Scale for Patients with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis]

OBJECTIVE

To develop a life quality scale suitable for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) patients, objectively reflecting its changes.

METHODS

Authors first put forward a theoretical structure model of a scale according to patient-reported outcome (PRO) scale formulation principle by combining basic theories of Chinese medicine (CM). Then authors developed an initial scale on the basis of various life quality scales for respiratory disease patients by using structural decision making. Totally 34 patients with confirmed diagnosis of IPF were tested by questionnaire. Items were screened using expert importance scoring method, factor analysis, correlation coefficient method, Cronbach's alpha coefficient method. IPF patient reported outcomes (IPF PRO, IP) were finally defined.

RESULTS

A new IP scale was developed covering three areas and 38 items. Pearson correlation coefficient for correlation analysis of clinical symptom scores in ST-George Respiratory Questionnaire and IP scale was 0.828 (P < 0.01). Pearson correlation coefficient for correlation analysis of activity ability scores was 0.929 (P < 0.01). Pearson correlation coefficient for correlation analysis of total scores was 0.862 (P < 0.01). By reliability of IP scale itself (reliability) analysis, Cronbach's alpha coefficient was 0.713. By using factor analysis method for data analysis, KMO statistics was 0.902.

CONCLUSION

IP scale fully reflected the connotation of IPF patients' quality of life, so it could be used as CM clinical therapeutic effect evaluation tool.

Establishing Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine in China: 2016 Report on Implementation and Government Recognition: Joint Statement of the Chinese Association of Chest Physicians and the American College of Chest Physicians

This article provides an update on progress toward establishing pulmonary and critical care medicine (PCCM) fellowship training as one of the first four subspecialties to be recognized and supported by the Chinese government. Designed and implemented throughout 2013 and 2014 by a collaborative effort of the Chinese Thoracic Society (CTS) and the American College of Chest Physicians (CHEST), 12 leading Chinese hospitals enrolled a total of 64 fellows into standardized PCCM training programs with common curricula, educational activities, and assessment measures. Supplemental educational materials, online assessment tools, and institutional site visits designed to evaluate and provide feedback on the programs' progress are being provided by CHEST. As a result of this initial progress, the Chinese government, through the Chinese Medical Doctor's Association, endorsed the concept of subspecialty fellowship training in China, with PCCM as one of the four pilot subspecialties to be operationalized nationwide in 2016, followed by implementation across other subspecialties by 2020. This article also reflects on the achievements of the training sites and the challenges they face and outlines plans to enhance and expand PCCM training and practice in China.