Left ventricular volume and wall stress are linked to lung function impairment in COPD

Temporal Dynamics of Cardiovascular Risk in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease During Stable Disease and Exacerbations: Review of the Mechanisms and Implications

Introduction

Exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are risk factors for severe cardiovascular (CV) events, with the risk remaining significantly elevated long after the symptomatic phase of the exacerbation. The pathophysiology underpinning the relationship between acute events of both COPD and CV diseases has been understudied. Our objectives were to review the mechanisms by which COPD exacerbations increase the risk of CV events and understand the temporality of this risk.

Methods

A pragmatic and targeted literature review was conducted with a focus on identifying recent, high-impact papers up to June 2023, guided by insights from subject matter experts including pulmonologists and cardiologists.

Results

A substantial number of inter-related mechanisms underpin the spiral of anatomical and functional deterioration of lung and heart affecting COPD patients during stable state. In turn, an exacerbation of COPD may trigger a CV event, during and beyond the symptomatic phase, due to ventilation/perfusion mismatch, oxygen supply-demand imbalance, oxidative stress, systemic inflammation, hypercoagulable state, dynamic hyperinflation, pulmonary hypertension, and sympathetic activation. However, no study was identified that explored the mechanisms by which an exacerbation confers a sustained risk of CV event.

Conclusion

While our review identified multiple dynamic and interacting pathophysiological mechanisms during and after an exacerbation of COPD that contribute to increasing the risk of a wide range of cardiac events, little is known regarding the precise long-term mechanisms after acute exacerbation to explain the persistent increased CV event risk beyond the symptomatic phase. The temporal changes in static and dynamic substrates need further characterization to better understand the different risk factors and risk periods for a CV event following the onset of an exacerbation. Moreover, guideline-directed cardiopulmonary therapies should be implemented at every opportunity; preventing exacerbations and intensively treating traditional CV risk factors should be a focus in COPD management.

Expiratory Venous Volume and Arterial Tortuosity are Associated with Disease Severity and Mortality Risk in Patients with COPD: Results from COSYCONET

Purpose

The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between computed tomography (CT) quantitative pulmonary vessel morphology and lung function, disease severity, and mortality risk in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Patients and Methods

Participants of the prospective nationwide COSYCONET cohort study with paired inspiratory-expiratory CT were included. Fully automatic software, developed in-house, segmented arterial and venous pulmonary vessels and quantified volume and tortuosity on inspiratory and expiratory scans. The association between vessel volume normalised to lung volume and tortuosity versus lung function (forced expiratory volume in 1 sec [FEV1]), air trapping (residual volume to total lung capacity ratio [RV/TLC]), transfer factor for carbon monoxide (TLCO), disease severity in terms of Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) group D, and mortality were analysed by linear, logistic or Cox proportional hazard regression.

Results

Complete data were available from 138 patients (39% female, mean age 65 years). FEV1, RV/TLC and TLCO, all as % predicted, were significantly (p < 0.05 each) associated with expiratory vessel characteristics, predominantly venous volume and arterial tortuosity. Associations with inspiratory vessel characteristics were absent or negligible. The patterns were similar for relationships between GOLD D and mortality with vessel characteristics. Expiratory venous volume was an independent predictor of mortality, in addition to FEV1.

Conclusion

By using automated software in patients with COPD, clinically relevant information on pulmonary vasculature can be extracted from expiratory CT scans (although not inspiratory scans); in particular, expiratory pulmonary venous volume predicted mortality.

Trial Registration

NCT01245933.

Midregional proatrial naturetic peptide (MRproANP) and copeptin (COPAVP) as predictors of all-cause mortality in recently diagnosed mild to moderate COPD-results from COSYCONET

BACKGROUND

MRproANP and COPAVP are prognostic markers for mortality in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Furthermore, these biomarkers predict mortality due to cardiovascular diseases, which are important prognostically determining comorbidities in patients with COPD. However, less is known about these biomarkers in recently diagnosed mild to moderate COPD. Therefore, we analyzed these biomarkers as potential predictors of mortality in recently diagnosed mild to moderate COPD.

METHODS

The blood biomarkers considered were copeptin (COPAVP), midregional adrenomedullin (MRproADM), midregional proatrial naturetic peptide (MRproANP), and fibrinogen. Analyses were performed in patients with stable "recently diagnosed mild to moderate COPD" defined by GOLD grades 0-2 and diagnosis of COPD ≤ 5 years prior to inclusion into the COSYCONET cohort (COPD and Systemic Consequences-Comorbidities Network), using Cox regression analysis with stepwise adjustment for multiple COPD characteristics, comorbidities, troponin and NT-proBNP.

RESULTS

655 patients with recently diagnosed mild to moderate COPD were included. In the initial regression model, 43 of 655 patients died during the 6-year follow-up, in the final model 27 of 487. Regression analyses with adjustment for confounders identified COPAVP and MRproANP as statistically robust biomarkers (p < 0.05 each) of all-cause mortality, while MRproADM and fibrinogen were not. The fourth quartile of MRproANP (97 pmol/L) was associated with a hazard ratio of 4.5 (95%CI: 1.6; 12.8), and the fourth quartile of COPAVP (9.2 pmol/L) with 3.0 (1.1; 8.0). The results for MRproANP were confirmed in the total cohort of grade 0-4 (n = 1470 finally).

CONCLUSION

In patients with recently diagnosed mild to moderate COPD, elevated values of COPVP and in particular MRproANP were robust, independent biomarkers for all-cause mortality risk after adjustment for multiple other factors. This suggests that these markers might be considered in the risk assessment of early COPD.

Speckle tracking tissue motion mitral annulus displacement to assess early changes in the left ventricle and its association with lung function in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the early changes in left ventricular (LV) in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) by measuring tissue motion mitral annulus displacement (TMAD) and three-dimensional (3D) parameters using speckle tracking imaging (STI), and to explore its correlation with lung function.

METHODS

Forty two COPD patients (GOLD I, GOLD II, GOLD III) and 30 healthy individuals (control group) were included. STI was used to assess the changes in LV structure and systolic function. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were drawn, and correlations among TMAD parameters, LV systolic function, structural, pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PASP), and lung function were analyzed.

RESULTS

Compared to the control group, COPD patients were able to undergo LV remodeling, with a decrease in the absolute value of global longitudinal strain (GLS) and TMAD, but no significant modification of LVEF. Correlation analysis showed that TMAD was positively related to the absolute value of GLS (r > 0.51, P < 0.01) and predicted forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1%) (r > 0.56, P < 0.01), and negatively to PASP (r < -0.52, P < 0.01). The LV posterior wall thickness (LVPWd), relative wall thickness (RWT), end-diastolic volume (LVEDV) and PASP negatively correlated with FEV1%.

CONCLUSION

The LV geometric changes and systolic function impairment in COPD patients were found to correlate with airflow restriction (FEV1%). TMAD aided in detection of early changes in LV systolic function in COPD patients. It negatively correlated with PASP and positively with FEV1%. Moreover, it was more convenient than GLS.

Cardiovascular predictors of mortality and exacerbations in patients with COPD

In chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), comorbidities and worse functional status predict worse outcomes, but how these predictors compare with regard to different outcomes is not well studied. We thus compared the role of cardiovascular comorbidities for mortality and exacerbations. Data from baseline and up to four follow-up visits of the COSYCONET cohort were used. Cox or Poisson regression was employed to determine the relationship of predictors to mortality or mean annual exacerbation rate, respectively. Predictors comprised major comorbidities (including cardiovascular disease), lung function (forced expiratory volume in 1 s [FEV₁], diffusion capacity for carbon monoxide [TLCO]) and their changes over time, baseline symptoms, exacerbations, physical activity, and cardiovascular medication. Overall, 1817 patients were included. Chronic coronary artery disease (p = 0.005), hypertension (p = 0.044) and the annual decline in TLCO (p = 0.001), but not FEV₁ decline, were predictors of mortality. In contrast, the annual decline of FEV₁ (p = 0.019) but not that of TLCO or cardiovascular comorbidities were linked to annual exacerbation rate. In conclusion, the presence of chronic coronary artery disease and hypertension were predictors of increased mortality in COPD, but not of increased exacerbation risk. This emphasizes the need for broad diagnostic workup in COPD, including the assessment of cardiovascular comorbidity.Clinical Trials: NCT01245933.

[What have we learned from the German COPD cohort COSYCONET and where do we go from here?]

COSYCONET 1 is the only German COPD cohort which is large enough to be internationally comparable. The recruitment, which started in 2010 and ended in December 2013, comprised 2741 patients with the diagnosis of COPD who were subsequently investigated in regular follow-up visits. All visits included a comprehensive functional and clinical characterisation. On the basis of this detailed data set, it was possible to address a large number of clinical questions. These questions ranged from the prescription of medication, the detailed analysis of comorbidities, in particular cardiovascular disease, and biomarker assessment to radiological and health-economic aspects. Currently, more than 60 publications of COSYCONET data are internationally available. The present overview provides a description of all the results that were obtained, focussing on the relationship between different clinical and functional aspects as well as their potential practical consequences. In addition, information on the follow-up study COSYCONET 2 is given.

Impact of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease in Patients With Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction: Insights From PARAGON-HF

Background Little is known about the impact of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). Methods and Results We examined outcomes in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction, according to COPD status, in the PARAGON-HF (Prospective Comparison of Angiotensin Receptor Neprilysin Inhibitor With Angiotensin Receptor Blocker Global Outcomes in Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction) trial. The primary outcome was a composite of first and recurrent hospitalizations for heart failure and cardiovascular death. Of 4791 patients, 670 (14%) had COPD. Patients with COPD were more likely to be men (58% versus 47%; P<0.001) and had worse New York Heart Association functional class (class III/IV 24% versus 19%), worse Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire Clinical Summary Scores (69 versus 76; P<0.001) and more frequent history of heart failure hospitalization (54% versus 47%; P<0.001). The decrement in Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire Clinical Summary Scores with COPD was greater than for other common comorbidities. Patients with COPD had echocardiographic right ventricular enlargement, higher serum creatinine (100 μmol/L versus 96 μmol/L) and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (2.7 versus 2.5), than those without COPD. After multivariable adjustment, COPD was associated with worse outcomes: adjusted rate ratio for the primary outcome 1.51 (95% CI, 1.25-1.83), total heart failure hospitalization 1.54 (95% CI, 1.24-1.90), cardiovascular death (adjusted hazard ratio [HR], 1.42; 95% CI, 1.10-1.82), and all-cause death (adjusted HR, 1.52; 95% CI, 1.25-1.84). COPD was associated with worse outcomes than other comorbidities and Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire Clinical Summary Scores declined more in patients with COPD than in those without. Conclusions Approximately 1 in 7 patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction had concomitant COPD, which was associated with greater functional limitation and a higher risk of heart failure hospitalization and death. Registration URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov; Unique identifier: NCT01920711.

Genetic evidence for a causative effect of airflow obstruction on left ventricular filling: a Mendelian randomisation study

Background

Observational studies on the general population have suggested that airflow obstruction associates with left ventricular (LV) filling. To limit the influence of environmental risk factors/exposures, we used a Mendelian randomisation (MR) approach based on common genetic variations and tested whether a causative relation between airflow obstruction and LV filling can be detected.

Methods

We used summary statistics from large genome-wide association studies (GWAS) on the ratio of forced expiratory volume in 1 s to forced vital capacity (FEV1/FVC) measured by spirometry and the LV end-diastolic volume (LVEDV) as assessed by cardiac magnetic resonance imaging. The primary MR was based on an inverse variance weighted regression. Various complementary MR methods and subsets of the instrument variables were used to assess the plausibility of the findings.

Results

We obtained consistent evidence in our primary MR analysis and subsequent sensitivity analyses that reducing airflow obstruction leads to increased inflow to the LV (odds ratio [OR] from inverse variance weighted regression 1.05, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.01–1.09, P = 0.0172). Sensitivity analyses indicated a certain extent of negative horizontal pleiotropy and the estimate from biased-corrected MR-Egger was adjusted upward (OR 1.2, 95% CI 1.09–1.31, P < 0.001). Prioritisation of single genetic variants revealed rs995758, rs2070600 and rs7733410 as major contributors to the MR result.

Conclusion

Our findings indicate a causal relationship between airflow obstruction and LV filling in the general population providing genetic context to observational associations. The results suggest that targeting (even subclinical) airflow obstruction can lead to direct cardiac improvements, demonstrated by an increase in LVEDV. Functional annotation of single genetic variants contributing most to the causal effect estimate could help to prioritise biological underpinnings.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12931-021-01795-9.

COPD maintenance medication is linked to left atrial size: Results from the COSYCONET cohort

BACKGROUND

Lung function impairment in COPD is known to be related to reductions of left heart size, while short-term interventional trials with bronchodilators showed positive effects on cardiac parameters. We investigated whether COPD maintenance therapy has analogous long-term effects.

METHODS

Pooled data of GOLD grade 1-4 patients from visits 1 and 3 (1.5 y apart) of the COSYCONET cohort were used. Medication was categorized as use of ICS, LABA + ICS, LABA + LAMA and triple therapy (LABA + LAMA + ICS), contrasting "always" versus "never". Echocardiographic parameters comprised left ventricular end-diastolic and -systolic diameter (LVEDD, LVESD), ejection fraction (LVEF) and left atrial diameter (LA). Associations were identified by multiple regression analysis, as well as propensity score analysis.

RESULTS

Overall, 846 patients (mean age 64.5 y; 41% female) were included, 53% using ICS at both visits, 51% LABA + ICS, 56% LABA + LAMA, 40% LABA + LAMA + ICS (triple) therapy. Conversely, 30%, 32%, 28% and 42% had no ICS, LABA + ICS, LABA + LAMA or triple therapy, respectively, at both visits. Among echocardiographic measures, only LA showed statistically significant associations (increases) with medication, whereby significant effects were linked to ICS, LABA + ICS and LABA + LAMA (p < 0.05 each, "always" versus "never") and propensity score analyses underlined the role of LABA + LAMA.

CONCLUSIONS

In this observational study, COPD maintenance therapy, especially LABA + LAMA, was linked to left atrial size, consistent with the results of short-term interventional trials. These findings suggest that maintenance medication for COPD does not only improve lung function and patient reported outcomes but may also have an impact on the cardiovascular system.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

NCT01245933.

Effects of Dynamic Hyperinflation on Left Ventricular Diastolic Function in Healthy Subjects - A Randomized Controlled Crossover Trial

Objective: Diastolic dysfunction of the left ventricle is common in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Dynamic hyperinflation has been suggested as a key determinant of reduced diastolic function in COPD. We aimed to investigate the effects of induced dynamic hyperinflation on left ventricular diastolic function in healthy subjects to exclude other confounding mechanisms associated with COPD. Design: In this randomized controlled crossover trial (NCT03500822, https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/), we induced dynamic hyperinflation using the validated method of expiratory resistance breathing (ERB), which combines tachypnea with expiratory resistance, and compared the results to those of tachypnea alone. Healthy male subjects (n = 14) were randomly assigned to the ERB or control group with subsequent crossover. Mild, moderate, and severe hyperinflation (i.e., ERB1, ERB2, ERB3) were confirmed by intrinsic positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP_i) using an esophageal balloon catheter. The effects on diastolic function of the left ventricle were measured by transthoracic echocardiographic assessment of the heart rate-adjusted transmitral E/A-ratio and E/e'-ratio. Results: We randomly assigned seven participants to the ERB group and seven to the control group (age 26 [24-26] vs. 24 [24-34], p = 0.81). Severe hyperinflation decreased the E/A-ratio compared to the control condition (1.63 [1.49-1.77] vs. 1.85 [0.95-2.75], p = 0.039), and moderate and severe ERB significantly increased the septal E/e'-ratio. No changes in diastolic function were found during mild hyperinflation. PEEPi levels during ERB were inversely correlated with the E/A ratio (regression coefficient = -0.007, p = 0.001). Conclusions: Our data indicate dynamic hyperinflation as a determinant of left ventricular diastolic dysfunction in healthy subjects. Therapeutic reduction of hyperinflation might be a treatable trait to improve diastolic function in patients with COPD.

Research on Effect of Exosome Excreted by RAW264.7 Cell on Damage of Mice Lung Function and Its Mechanism

The exosome excreted by RAW264.7 cell was found to participate in the damage of lung function. Our purpose was to assess the exact mechanism. The animal experiment was adopted in our study. It was provided reference for clinical experiment. 30 healthy male rats were selected and assigned into normal control group, normal exosome group and LPS with exosome group by random number table followed by analysis of the size and form of exosome under electron microscope, the lung structural change by hematoxylin and eosin staining, TNF-α and IL-1β secretion by immunohistochemistry, and the expression of tightly bound protein one (ZO-1), closed protein, β-chain protein and two groups of exosome-marked protein (CD9 and CD63) by western blot. In normal control group, the lung structure was very integral with clear alveolar space. The cell wall was smooth relatively without exudation substance in alveolar space and mesenchyme. Normal exosome group showed relatively integral lung structure and thicker cell wall. The inside of alveolar space was very clear without exudation substance in alveolar space and mesenchyme. LPS + exosome group presented abundant inflammatory cells in alveolar space and mesenchyme with obvious bleeding. Inflammatory factor secretion such as TNF-α (1.334 ± 0.205%) and IL-1β (0.803 ± 0.097%)was significantly higher and the content of closed protein (0.203 ±0.017%) was lower in LPS with exosome group than the other two groups (P < 0.05). The exosome secreted by RAW264.7 cell after stimulation by lipopolysaccharide could impair the lung function in rats and is related with the decline of closed protein.

Induction of dynamic hyperinflation by expiratory resistance breathing in healthy subjects - an efficacy and safety study

New Findings

What is the central question of this study?

The study aimed to establish a novel model to study the chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)‐related cardiopulmonary effects of dynamic hyperinflation in healthy subjects.

What is the main finding and its importance?

A model of expiratory resistance breathing (ERB) was established in which dynamic hyperinflation was induced in healthy subjects, expressed both by lung volumes and intrathoracic pressures. ERB outperformed existing methods and represents an efficacious model to study cardiopulmonary mechanics of dynamic hyperinflation without potentially confounding factors as present in COPD.

Abstract

Dynamic hyperinflation (DH) determines symptoms and prognosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The induction of DH is used to study cardiopulmonary mechanics in healthy subjects without COPD‐related confounders like inflammation, hypoxic vasoconstriction and rarefication of pulmonary vasculature. Metronome‐paced tachypnoea (MPT) has proven effective in inducing DH in healthy subjects, but does not account for airflow limitation. We aimed to establish a novel model incorporating airflow limitation by combining tachypnoea with an expiratory airway stenosis. We investigated this expiratory resistance breathing (ERB) model in 14 healthy subjects using different stenosis diameters to assess a dose–response relationship. Via cross‐over design, we compared ERB to MPT in a random sequence. DH was quantified by inspiratory capacity (IC, litres) and intrinsic positive end‐expiratory pressure (PEEPi, cmH₂O). ERB induced a stepwise decreasing IC (means (95% CI): tidal breathing: 3.66 (3.45–3.88), ERB 3 mm: 3.33 (1.75–4.91), 2 mm: 2.05 (0.76–3.34), 1.5 mm: 0.73 (0.12–1.58) litres) and increasing PEEPi (tidal breathing: 0.70 (0.50–0.80), ERB 3 mm: 11.1 (7.0–15.2), 2 mm: 22.3 (17.1–27.6), 1.5 mm: 33.4 (3.40–63) cmH₂O). All three MPT patterns increased PEEPi, but to a far lesser extent than ERB. No adverse events during ERB were noted. In conclusion, ERB was proven to be a safe and efficacious model for the induction of DH and might be used for the investigation of cardiopulmonary interaction in healthy subjects.

Prediction of air trapping or pulmonary hyperinflation by forced spirometry in COPD patients: results from COSYCONET

Background

Air trapping and lung hyperinflation are major determinants of prognosis and response to therapy in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). They are often determined by body plethysmography, which has limited availability, and so the question arises as to what extent they can be estimated via spirometry.

Methods

We used data from visits 1–5 of the COPD cohort COSYCONET. Predictive parameters were derived from visit 1 data, while visit 2–5 data was used to assess reproducibility. Pooled data then yielded prediction models including sex, age, height, and body mass index as covariates. Hyperinflation was defined as ratio of residual volume (RV) to total lung capacity (TLC) above the upper limit of normal. (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01245933).

Results

Visit 1 data from 1988 patients (Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease grades 1–4, n=187, 847, 766, 188, respectively) were available for analysis (n=1231 males, 757 females; mean±sd age 65.1±8.4 years; forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV₁) 53.1±18.4 % predicted (% pred); forced vital capacity (FVC) 78.8±18.8 % pred; RV/TLC 0.547±0.107). In total, 7157 datasets were analysed. Among measures of hyperinflation, RV/TLC showed the closest relationship to FEV₁ % pred and FVC % pred, which were sufficient for prediction. Their relationship to RV/TLC could be depicted in nomograms. Even when neglecting covariates, hyperinflation was predicted by FEV₁ % pred, FVC % pred or their combination with an area under the curve of 0.870, 0.864 and 0.889, respectively.

Conclusions

The degree of air trapping/hyperinflation in terms of RV/TLC can be estimated in a simple manner from forced spirometry, with an accuracy sufficient for inferring the presence of hyperinflation. This may be useful for clinical settings, where body plethysmography is not available.

This proposed method allows estimation of hyperinflation in COPD by spirometry, obviating the need for body plethysmography or further techniques. Results are depicted in easily applicable nomograms that can be used in clinical practice.https://bit.ly/3c0tUNL

High-sensitivity troponin I and all-cause mortality in patients with stable COPD: an analysis of the COSYCONET study

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a leading cause of death with a considerable part of the population dying from cardiovascular diseases. High-sensitivity troponin I (hs-TnI) might help to better identify COPD patients at high risk of mortality. We aimed to study the predictive value of hs-TnI for all-cause mortality beyond established COPD assessments, and after consideration of relevant cardiovascular risk factors and prevalent cardiovascular diseases, in a broad population with stable COPD.Circulating hs-TnI concentrations together with a wide range of respiratory and cardiovascular markers were evaluated in 2085 patients with stable COPD across all severity stages enrolled in the multicentre COSYCONET cohort study. The primary outcome was all-cause mortality over 3 years of follow-up.Hs-TnI was detectable in 2020 (96.9%) patients. The median hs-TnI concentration was 3.8 ng·L^-1 (interquartile range 2.5-6.6 ng·L^-1), with levels above the 99th percentile reference limit of 27 ng·L^-1 observed in 1.8% of patients. In Cox regression analyses including adjustments for airflow limitation, dyspnoea grade, exercise capacity and history of severe exacerbations, as well as traditional cardiovascular risk factors, estimated glomerular filtration rate, ankle-brachial index, N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptides and prevalent cardiovascular diseases, hs-TnI was a significant predictor for all-cause mortality, both as a continuous variable (hazard ratio (HR) for log hs-TnI 1.28, 95% CI 1.01-1.62) and categorised according to the cut-off of 6 ng·L^-1 (HR 1.63, 95% CI 1.10-2.42).In patients with stable COPD, hs-TnI is a strong predictor of all-cause mortality beyond established COPD mortality predictors, and independent of a broad range of cardiovascular risk factors and prevalent cardiovascular diseases. Hs-TnI concentrations well below the upper reference limit provide further prognostic value for all patients with COPD when added to established risk assessments.

Time-updated resting heart rate predicts mortality in patients with COPD

High resting heart rate (RHR) is associated with higher mortality in the general population and in cardiovascular disease. Less is known about the association of RHR with outcome in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). In particular, the time-updated RHR (most recent value before the event) appears informative. This is the first study to investigate the association of time-updated RHR with mortality in COPD. We compared the baseline and time-updated RHR related to survival in 2218 COPD patients of the German COSYCONET cohort (COPD and Systemic Consequences-Comorbidities Network). Patients with a baseline RHR > 72 beats per minute (bmp) had a significantly (p = 0.049) higher all-cause mortality risk (adjusted hazard ratio (HR) of 1.37 (1.00-1.87) compared to baseline RHR ≤ 72 bpm. The time-updated RHR > 72 bpm was markedly superior (HR 1.79, 1.30-2.46, p = 0.001). Both, increased baseline and time-updated RHR, were independently associated with low FEV1, low TLCO, a history of diabetes, and medication with short-acting beta agonists (SABAs). In conclusion, increased time-updated RHR is associated with higher mortality in COPD independent of other predictors and superior to baseline RHR. Increased RHR is linked to lung function, comorbidities and medication. Whether RHR is an effective treatment target in COPD, needs to be proven in controlled trials.

The association of cognitive functioning as measured by the DemTect with functional and clinical characteristics of COPD: results from the COSYCONET cohort

Alterations of cognitive functions have been described in COPD. Our study aimed to disentangle the relationship between the degree of cognitive function and COPD characteristics including quality of life (QoL).

Data from 1969 COPD patients of the COSYCONET cohort (GOLD grades 1–4; 1216 male/ 753 female; mean (SD) age 64.9 ± 8.4 years) were analysed using regression and path analysis. The DemTect screening tool was used to measure cognitive function, and the St. George‘s respiratory questionnaire (SGRQ) to assess disease-specific QoL.

DemTect scores were < 9 points in 1.6% of patients and < 13 points in 12% when using the original evaluation algorithm distinguishing between < 60 or > =60 years of age. For statistical reasons, we used the average of both algorithms independent of age in all subsequent analyses. The DemTect scores were associated with oxygen content, 6-min-walking distance (6-MWD), C-reactive protein (CRP), modified Medical Research Council dyspnoea scale (mMRC) and the SGRQ impact score. Conversely, the SGRQ impact score was independently associated with 6-MWD, FVC, mMRC and DemTect. These results were combined into a path analysis model to account for direct and indirect effects. The DemTect score had a small, but independent impact on QoL, irrespective of the inclusion of COPD-specific influencing factors or a diagnosis of cognitive impairment.

We conclude that in patients with stable COPD lower oxygen content of blood as a measure of peripheral oxygen supply, lower exercise capacity in terms of 6-MWD, and higher CRP levels were associated with reduced cognitive capacity. Furthermore, a reduction in cognitive capacity was associated with reduced disease-specific quality of life. As a potential clinical implication of this work, we suggest to screen especially patients with low oxygen content and low 6-MWD for cognitive impairment.

Prevalence of cardiac comorbidities, and their underdetection and contribution to exertional symptoms in COPD: results from the COSYCONET cohort

Background

A substantial prevalence of cardiovascular disease is known for COPD, but detection of its presence, relationship to functional findings and contribution to symptoms remains challenging. The present analysis focusses on the cardiovascular contribution to COPD symptoms and their relationship to the patients’ diagnostic status, medication and echocardiographic findings.

Methods

Patients from the COPD cohort COSYCONET with data on lung function, including FEV₁, residual volume/total lung capacity (RV/TLC) ratio, diffusing capacity TLCO, and echocardiographic data on left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and end-diastolic diameter (LVEDD), medical history, medication, modified British Medical Research Council dyspnea scale (mMRC) and Saint Georges Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) were analyzed.

Results

A total of 1591 patients (GOLD 0–4: n=230/126/614/498/123) fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Ischemic heart disease, myocardial infarction or heart failure were reported in 289 patients (18.2%); 860 patients (54%) received at least one cardiovascular medication, with more than one in many patients. LVEF<50% or LVEDD>56 mm was found in 204 patients (12.8%), of whom 74 (36.3%) had neither a cardiovascular history nor medication. Among 948 patients (59.6%) without isolated hypertension, there were 21/55 (38.2%) patients with LVEF<50% and 47/88 (53.4%) with LVEDD>56 mm, who lacked both a cardiac diagnosis and medication. LVEDD and LVEF were linked to medical history; LVEDD was dependent on RV/TLC and LVEF on FEV₁. Exertional COPD symptoms were best described by mMRC and the SGRQ activity score. Beyond lung function, an independent link from LVEDD on symptoms was revealed.

Conclusion

A remarkable proportion of patients with suspicious echocardiographic findings were undiagnosed and untreated, implying an increased risk for an unfavorable prognosis. Cardiac size and function were dependent on lung function and only partially linked to cardiovascular history. Although the contribution of LV size to COPD symptoms was small compared to lung function, it was detectable irrespective of all other influencing factors. However, only the mMRC and SGRQ activity component were found to be suitable for this purpose.

Personalized medicine for patients with COPD: where are we?

Chronic airflow limitation is the common denominator of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, it is not possible to predict morbidity and mortality of individual patients based on the degree of lung function impairment, nor does the degree of airflow limitation allow guidance regarding therapies. Over the last decades, understanding of the factors contributing to the heterogeneity of disease trajectories, clinical presentation, and response to existing therapies has greatly advanced. Indeed, diagnostic assessment and treatment algorithms for COPD have become more personalized. In addition to the pulmonary abnormalities and inhaler therapies, extra-pulmonary features and comorbidities have been studied and are considered essential components of comprehensive disease management, including lifestyle interventions. Despite these advances, predicting and/or modifying the course of the disease remains currently impossible, and selection of patients with a beneficial response to specific interventions is unsatisfactory. Consequently, non-response to pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic treatments is common, and many patients have refractory symptoms. Thus, there is an ongoing urgency for a more targeted and holistic management of the disease, incorporating the basic principles of P4 medicine (predictive, preventive, personalized, and participatory). This review describes the current status and unmet needs regarding personalized medicine for patients with COPD. Also, it proposes a systems medicine approach, integrating genetic, environmental, (micro)biological, and clinical factors in experimental and computational models in order to decipher the multilevel complexity of COPD. Ultimately, the acquired insights will enable the development of clinical decision support systems and advance personalized medicine for patients with COPD.

Effects of airway obstruction and hyperinflation on electrocardiographic axes in COPD

Background

COPD influences cardiac function and morphology. Changes of the electrical heart axes have been largely attributed to a supposed increased right heart load in the past, whereas a potential involvement of the left heart has not been sufficiently addressed. It is not known to which extent these alterations are due to changes in lung function parameters. We therefore quantified the relationship between airway obstruction, lung hyperinflation, several echo- and electrocardiographic parameters on the orientation of the electrocardiographic (ECG) P, QRS and T wave axis in COPD.

Methods

Data from the COPD cohort COSYCONET were analyzed, using forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV₁), functional residual capacity (FRC), left ventricular (LV) mass, and ECG data.

Results

One thousand, one hundred and ninety-five patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria (mean ± SD age: 63.9 ± 8.4 years; GOLD 0–4: 175/107/468/363/82). Left ventricular (LV) mass decreased from GOLD grades 1–4 (p = 0.002), whereas no differences in right ventricular wall thickness were observed. All three ECG axes were significantly associated with FEV₁ and FRC. The QRS axes according to GOLD grades 0–4 were (mean ± SD): 26.2° ± 37.5°, 27.0° ± 37.7°, 31.7° ± 42.5°, 46.6° ± 42.2°, 47.4° ± 49.4°. Effects of lung function resulted in a clockwise rotation of the axes by 25°-30° in COPD with severe airway disease. There were additional associations with BMI, diastolic blood pressure, RR interval, QT duration and LV mass.

Conclusion

Significant clockwise rotations of the electrical axes as a function of airway obstruction and lung hyperinflation were shown. The changes are likely to result from both a change of the anatomical orientation of the heart within the thoracic cavity and a reduced LV mass in COPD. The influences on the electrical axes reach an extent that could bias the ECG interpretation. The magnitude of lung function impairment should be taken into account to uncover other cardiac disease and to prevent misdiagnosis.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s12931-019-1025-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Catheter ablation for treatment of patients with atrial fibrillation and heart failure: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Background

There is a little evidence for the effects of catheter ablation (CA) on hard endpoints in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) and heart failure (HF).

Methods

PubMed, Embase and Cochrane Library were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) enrolling patients with AF and HF who were assigned to CA, rate control or medical rhythm control groups. This meta-analysis was performed by using random-effect models.

Results

Seven RCTs enrolling 856 participants were included in this meta-analysis. CA reduced the risks of all-cause mortality (risk ratio [RR] 0.52, 95% CI 0.35 to 0.76), HF readmission (RR 0.58, 95% CI 0.46 to 0.66) and the composite of all-cause mortality and HF readmission (RR 0.55, 95% CI 0.47 to 0.66) when compared with control. But there was no significant difference in cerebrovascular accident (RR 0.56, 95% CI 0.23 to 1.36) between two groups. Compared with control, CA was associated with improvement in left ventricular ejection fraction (mean difference [MD] 7.57, 95% CI 3.72 to 11.41), left ventricular end systolic volume (MD -14.51, 95% CI -26.84 to − 2.07), and left ventricular end diastolic volume (MD -3.78, 95% CI -18.51 to 10.96). Patients undergoing CA exhibited increased peak oxygen consumption (MD 3.16, 95% CI 1.09 to 5.23), longer 6-min walk test distance (MD 26.67, 95% CI 12.07 to 41.27), and reduced Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire scores (MD -9.49, 95% CI -14.64 to − 4.34) than those in control group. Compared with control, CA was associated with improved New York Heart Association class (MD -0.74, 95% CI -0.83 to − 0.64) and lower B-type natriuretic peptide levels (MD -105.96, 95% CI -230.56 to 19.64).

Conclusions

CA was associated with improved survival, morphologic changes, functional capacity and quality of life relative to control. CA should be considered in patients with AF and HF.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s12872-018-0904-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Effect of long-acting β2-agonists olodaterol and formoterol on heart rate and blood pressure in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients

BACKGROUND

Cardiovascular comorbidities are common in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and elevated heart rate reflects increased cardiovascular risk over time, which is associated with unfavourable neurohumoral activation. Long-acting β₂-agonists (LABAs) are established treatments in COPD, but potentially increase heart rate. We report a post hoc pooled analysis of the effect of olodaterol (5 or 10 μg) or formoterol (12 μg) on heart rate and blood pressure (BP) in Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease Stage 2-4 COPD patients.

METHODS

Four randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, Phase III studies were analysed. Changes in heart rate and systolic/diastolic BP were measured before and after dosing with the study medication at each visit.

RESULTS

At each study visit, the increase in pre-dose heart rate was numerically lower with both LABAs compared with placebo. Systolic and diastolic BP were decreased with all treatments. Short-term (pre-dose to 40 min post-dose) effects of drug administration on heart rate were small and similar for all treatment arms (between -3 and +1 beats per minute).

CONCLUSION

Heart rate and BP were not adversely influenced in this study involving long-term administration of olodaterol or formoterol in patients with moderate-to-severe COPD. This supports the cardiovascular safety of LABAs in COPD maintenance treatment.