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Rahi MS, Mudgal M, Asokar BK, Yella PR, Gunasekaran K. Management of Refractory Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A Review. Life (Basel) 2024; 14:542. [PMID: 38792564 PMCID: PMC11122447 DOI: 10.3390/life14050542] [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: 03/11/2024] [Revised: 04/07/2024] [Accepted: 04/20/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a common condition with an estimated prevalence of 12% in adults over the age of 30 years worldwide. COPD is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality globally, with a substantial economic and social burden. There are an estimated 3 million deaths annually due to COPD. However, most of the patients with COPD respond to routine interventions like bronchodilator therapy, assessing supplemental oxygen needs, smoking cessation, vaccinations, and pulmonary rehabilitation. There is a significant number of patients who unfortunately progress to have persistent symptoms despite these interventions. Refractory COPD is not yet formally defined. Patients with severe persistent symptoms or exacerbations despite appropriate care can be considered to have refractory COPD. Managing refractory COPD needs a multidimensional approach. In this review article, we will discuss essential interventions like ensuring adequate inhaler techniques, exploring the need for non-invasive ventilatory support, use of chronic antibiotics and phosphodiesterase inhibitors to advanced therapies like bronchoscopic lung volume reduction surgery, and the upcoming role of anti-IL5 agents in managing patients with refractory COPD. We will also discuss non-pharmacologic interventions like psycho-social support and nutritional support. We will conclude by discussing the palliative care aspect of managing patients with refractory COPD. Through this review article, we aim to better the approach to managing patients with refractory COPD and discuss new upcoming therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mandeep Singh Rahi
- Division of Pulmonary Diseases and Critical Care Medicine, Yale-New Haven Health Lawrence and Memorial Hospital, New London, CT 06320, USA
| | - Mayuri Mudgal
- Department of Internal Medicine, Camden Clark Medical Center, Parkersburg, WV 26101, USA;
| | - Bharat Kumar Asokar
- Division of Medical Sciences, The Tamilnadu Dr. MGR University, Chennai 600032, Tamilnadu, India;
| | | | - Kulothungan Gunasekaran
- Division of Pulmonary Diseases and Critical Care Medicine, Yuma Regional Medical Center, Yuma, AZ 85364, USA;
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Higginson IJ, Reilly CC, Maddocks M. Breathlessness. Respir Med 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-81788-6_6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Maddocks M, Brighton LJ, Farquhar M, Booth S, Miller S, Klass L, Tunnard I, Yi D, Gao W, Bajwah S, Man WDC, Higginson IJ. Holistic services for people with advanced disease and chronic or refractory breathlessness: a mixed-methods evidence synthesis. HEALTH SERVICES AND DELIVERY RESEARCH 2019. [DOI: 10.3310/hsdr07220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Background
Breathlessness is a common and distressing symptom of many advanced diseases, affecting around 2 million people in the UK. Breathlessness increases with disease progression and often becomes chronic or refractory. Breathlessness-triggered services that integrate holistic assessment and specialist palliative care input as part of a multiprofessional approach have been developed for this group, offering tailored interventions to support self-management and reduce distress.
Objectives
The aim was to synthesise evidence on holistic breathlessness services for people with advanced disease and chronic or refractory breathlessness. The objectives were to describe the structure, organisation and delivery of services, determine clinical effectiveness, cost-effectiveness and acceptability, identify predictors of treatment response, and elicit stakeholders’ evidence-based priorities for clinical practice, policy and research.
Design
The mixed-methods evidence synthesis comprised three components: (1) a systematic review to determine the clinical effectiveness, cost-effectiveness and acceptability of holistic breathlessness services; (2) a secondary analysis of pooled individual data from three trials to determine predictors of clinical response; and (3) a transparent expert consultation (TEC), comprising a stakeholder workshop and an online consensus survey, to identify stakeholders’ priorities.
Results
Thirty-seven papers reporting on 18 holistic breathlessness services were included in the systematic review. Most studies enrolled people with thoracic cancer, were delivered over 4–6 weeks, and included breathing training, relaxation techniques and psychological support. Meta-analysis demonstrated significant reductions in the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) distress due to breathlessness, significant reductions in the Hospital Anxiety and Depressions Scale (HADS) depression scores, and non-significant reductions in the Chronic Respiratory Disease Questionnaire (CRQ) mastery and HADS anxiety, favouring the intervention. Recipients valued education, self-management interventions, and expertise of the staff in breathlessness and person-centred care. Evidence for cost-effectiveness was limited and inconclusive. The responder analysis (n = 259) revealed baseline CRQ mastery and NRS distress to be strong predictors of the response to breathlessness services assessed by these same measures, and no significant influence from baseline breathlessness intensity, patient diagnosis, lung function, health status, anxiety or depression. The TEC elicited 34 priorities from stakeholders. Seven priorities received high agreement and consensus, reflecting stakeholders’ (n = 74) views that services should be person-centred and multiprofessional, share their breathlessness management skills with others, and recognise the roles and support needs of informal carers.
Limitations
The evidence synthesis draws predominantly from UK services and may not be generalisable to other settings. Some meta-analyses were restricted by reporting biases and statistical heterogeneity.
Conclusions
Despite heterogeneity in composition and delivery, holistic breathlessness services are highly valued by recipients and can lead to significant improvements in the distress caused by breathlessness and depression. Outcomes of improved mastery and reduced distress caused by breathlessness are not influenced by patient diagnosis, lung function or health status. Stakeholders highlighted the need for improved access to person-centred, multiprofessional breathlessness services and support for informal carers.
Future work
Our research suggests that key therapeutic components of holistic breathlessness services be considered in clinical practice and models of delivery and educational strategies to address stakeholders’ priorities tested.
Study registration
This study is registered as PROSPERO CRD42017057508.
Funding
The National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Health Services and Delivery programme. Matthew Maddocks, Wei Gao and Irene J Higginson are supported by the NIHR Collaboration for Leadership in Applied Health Research and Care (CLAHRC) South London; Matthew Maddocks is supported by a NIHR Career Development Fellowship (CDF-2017-009), William D-C Man is supported by the NIHR CLAHRC Northwest London and Irene J Higginson holds a NIHR Emeritus Senior Investigator Award.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Maddocks
- Cicely Saunders Institute of Palliative Care, Policy and Rehabilitation, King’s College London, London, UK
| | - Lisa Jane Brighton
- Cicely Saunders Institute of Palliative Care, Policy and Rehabilitation, King’s College London, London, UK
| | - Morag Farquhar
- School of Health Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK
| | - Sara Booth
- Cicely Saunders Institute of Palliative Care, Policy and Rehabilitation, King’s College London, London, UK
- Department of Oncology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Sophie Miller
- Cicely Saunders Institute of Palliative Care, Policy and Rehabilitation, King’s College London, London, UK
| | - Lara Klass
- Cicely Saunders Institute of Palliative Care, Policy and Rehabilitation, King’s College London, London, UK
| | - India Tunnard
- Cicely Saunders Institute of Palliative Care, Policy and Rehabilitation, King’s College London, London, UK
| | - Deokhee Yi
- Cicely Saunders Institute of Palliative Care, Policy and Rehabilitation, King’s College London, London, UK
| | - Wei Gao
- Cicely Saunders Institute of Palliative Care, Policy and Rehabilitation, King’s College London, London, UK
| | - Sabrina Bajwah
- Cicely Saunders Institute of Palliative Care, Policy and Rehabilitation, King’s College London, London, UK
| | - William D-C Man
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Harefield Pulmonary Rehabilitation and Muscle Research Laboratory, Royal Brompton & Harefield NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Irene J Higginson
- Cicely Saunders Institute of Palliative Care, Policy and Rehabilitation, King’s College London, London, UK
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Rocker GM, Simpson AC, Horton R. Palliative Care in Advanced Lung Disease: The Challenge of Integrating Palliation Into Everyday Care. Chest 2015; 148:801-809. [PMID: 25742140 DOI: 10.1378/chest.14-2593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
The tendency toward "either/or" thinking (either cure or comfort) in traditional biomedical care paradigms does little to optimize care in advancing chronic illness. Calls for improved palliation in chronic lung disease mandate a review of related care gaps and current clinical practices. Although specialist palliative services have their advocates, adding yet another element to an already fragmented, often complex, care paradigm can be a challenge. Instead, we propose a more holistic, patient-centered approach based on elements fundamental to palliative and best care practices generally and integrated as needed across the entire illness trajectory. To support this approach, we review the concept of primary palliative care competencies, identify vulnerability specific to those living with advanced COPD (an exemplar of chronic lung disease), and describe the need for care plans shaped by patient-centered communication, timely palliative responsiveness, and effective advance care planning. A costly systemic issue in the management of chronic lung disease is patients' increasing dependency on episodic ED care to deal with preventable episodic crises and refractory dyspnea. We address this issue as part of a proposed model of care that provides proactive, collaborative case management and the appropriate and carefully monitored use of opioids. We encourage and support a renewed primary care resolve to integrate palliative approaches to care in advanced lung disease that, in concert with judicious referral to appropriate specialist palliative care services, is fundamental to what should be a more sustainable systematic improvement in palliative care delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - A Catherine Simpson
- Implementing a Novel and Supportive Program of Individualized Care for Patients and Families Living With Respiratory Disease (INSPIRED) COPD Outreach Program, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Robert Horton
- Division of Palliative Medicine, Capital Health Integrated Palliative Care, Halifax, NS, Canada
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Horton R, Rocker G, Dale A, Young J, Hernandez P, Sinuff T. Implementing a palliative care trial in advanced COPD: a feasibility assessment (the COPD IMPACT study). J Palliat Med 2013; 16:67-73. [PMID: 23317322 DOI: 10.1089/jpm.2012.0285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients and caregivers living with advanced chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) have complex care needs and may benefit from palliative care intervention. Little is known about how best to implement and evaluate such initiatives. OBJECTIVES To determine the feasibility of: 1) implementing a customized home-based palliative care service for patients and caregivers living with advanced COPD and 2) measuring outcomes of providing such services. DESIGN Single-centre cohort longitudinal observational study. SETTING/SUBJECTS Patients with advanced COPD and their caregivers were followed in their homes for 6 months. MEASUREMENTS Health-related quality of life (HRQoL), caregiver burden, symptom severity, patient/caregiver satisfaction, utilization of acute care services, end-of-life (EOL) outcomes. RESULTS 30 patients and 18 caregivers were enrolled over 33 months. 25 patients (83%) and 14 caregivers (77%) reached our study endpoint. 13 patients (52%) and 5 caregivers (36%) completed outcome measurements at baseline and endpoint. HRQoL, caregiver burden and symptom severity did not change. Palliative care services were welcomed and valued, yet, despite a stated preference to die at home, 16 patients who died within 18 months of study enrollment died in hospital. CONCLUSIONS Providing home-based palliative care services for patients with advanced COPD is feasible but completing repeated questionnaires is impractical. Despite significant palliative supports, managing terminal symptoms exceeded caregivers' capacity to cope and forced hospital admission. Insights into systemic barriers and limitations of current palliative care service models can provide opportunities for local program innovation aimed at improving care for advanced COPD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Horton
- Division of Palliative Medicine, QEII Health Science Centre and Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.
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Serrano-Mollar A. [Alveolar epithelial cell injury as an etiopathogenic factor in pulmonary fibrosis]. Arch Bronconeumol 2012; 48 Suppl 2:2-6. [PMID: 23116901 PMCID: PMC7131261 DOI: 10.1016/s0300-2896(12)70044-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is characterized by a progressive accumulation of extracellular matrix and an imbalance between profibrotic and antifibrotic mediators. In the last few years, understanding of the mechanisms of the biology of IPF has increased. One of the most significant discoveries is the finding that alveolar epithelial cell injury plays an important role in the pathogenesis of this disease. In this review, we describe some of the mechanisms involved in alveolar cell injury and their contribution to the development of IPF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Serrano-Mollar
- Departamento de Patología Experimental, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques de Barcelona, España.
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Abstract
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a common disease in elderly patients, is characterized by high symptom burden, health care utilization, mortality, and unmet needs of patients and caregivers. Respiratory failure and dyspnea may be exacerbated by heart failure, pulmonary embolism, and anxiety; by medication effects; and by other conditions, including deconditioning and malnutrition. Randomized controlled trials, which provide the strongest evidence for guideline recommendations, may underestimate the risk of adverse effects of interventions for older patients with COPD. The focus of guidelines on disease-modifying therapies may not address the full spectrum of patient and caregiver needs, particularly the high rates of bothersome symptoms, risk of functional and cognitive decline, and need for end-of-life care planning. Meeting the many needs of older patients with COPD and their families requires that clinicians supplement guideline-recommended care with treatment decision making that takes into account older persons' comorbid conditions, recognizes the trade-offs engendered by the increased risk of adverse events, focuses on symptom relief and function, and prepares patients and their loved ones for further declines in the patient's health and their end-of-life care. A case of COPD in an 81-year-old man hospitalized with severe dyspnea and respiratory failure highlights both the challenges in managing COPD in the elderly and the limitations in applying guidelines to geriatric patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Terri R Fried
- Department of Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA.
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Abstract
Dyspnea is a complex physiologic and psychosocial symptom that is difficult to characterize and measure, but essential to treat, as it has a significant effect on quality of life. Although palliation of dyspnea in the child with chronic illness is an under-researched area, children and their families cannot wait for the research to catch up with their current needs. This article addresses several aspects of dyspnea in pediatrics palliative care, with an eye toward practical suggestions for evaluation and management.
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Kawabata M, Kaneishi K. Continuous Subcutaneous Infusion of Compound Oxycodone for the Relief of Dyspnea in Patients With Terminally Ill Cancer. Am J Hosp Palliat Care 2012; 30:305-11. [DOI: 10.1177/1049909112448924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Pain and dyspnea are the most prevalent and distressing symptoms in patients with terminally ill cancer. Evidences have accumulated for the effects of morphine on dyspnea, whereas little is known about the effects of oxycodone on dyspnea. We investigated the effectiveness of oxycodone for dyspnea in patients with terminally ill cancer. The injectable form of compound oxycodone (iOC) containing hydrocotarnine was administered continuously via subcutaneous route. We administered iOC to 136 patients. The effect on dyspnea was less conspicuous than pain, yet iOC was effective for dyspnea with varying degrees. None of the adverse effects observed were serious. These results suggest that continuous subcutaneous administration of oxycodone could be one of the reasonable alternatives in the management of dyspnea in patients with terminally ill cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Keisuke Kaneishi
- The Palliative Care Unit, Tokyo Kosei-Nenkin Hospital, Tokyo Japan
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Affiliation(s)
- Graeme Rocker
- Division of Respirology, QEII Health Sciences Centre and Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.
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Reticker AL, Nici L, ZuWallack R. Pulmonary rehabilitation and palliative care in COPD: Two sides of the same coin? Chron Respir Dis 2012; 9:107-16. [DOI: 10.1177/1479972312441379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary rehabilitation and palliative care are two important components of the integrated care of the patient with chronic respiratory disease such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). These two interventions are remarkably similar in many respects. Both utilize a multidisciplinary team that focuses on the specific needs of the individual patient. Care in both is goal defined and includes relief of symptoms and improvements in functional status and quality of life. Pulmonary rehabilitation is commonly given in a specific setting, such as a hospital-based outpatient setting, while palliative care is often hospital based, with its services extending into the home setting in the form of hospice. Components of pulmonary rehabilitation and palliative care should be administered as part of good medical care. Both pulmonary rehabilitation and palliative care are currently underutilized in the respiratory patient, and often provided relatively late in the patient’s clinical course. The case provided illustrates the often-overwhelming symptom burden of advanced COPD and demonstrates opportunities for the application of these twin interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Linda Nici
- Providence Veterans Affairs Medical Center, The Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Richard ZuWallack
- Section of Pulmonary and Critical Care, St. Francis Hospital & Medical Center, Hartford, CT, UK
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Swart SJ, Rietjens JAC, van Zuylen L, Zuurmond WWA, Perez RSGM, van der Maas PJ, van Delden JJM, van der Heide A. Continuous palliative sedation for cancer and noncancer patients. J Pain Symptom Manage 2012; 43:172-81. [PMID: 21925832 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2011.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2010] [Revised: 03/29/2011] [Accepted: 04/12/2011] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Palliative care is often focused on cancer patients. Palliative sedation at the end of life is an intervention to address severe suffering in the last stage of life. OBJECTIVES To study the practice of continuous palliative sedation for both cancer and noncancer patients. METHODS In 2008, a structured questionnaire was sent to 1580 physicians regarding their last patient receiving continuous sedation until death. RESULTS A total of 606 physicians (38%) filled out the questionnaire, of whom 370 (61%) reported on their last case of continuous sedation (cancer patients: n=282 [76%] and noncancer patients: n=88 [24%]). More often, noncancer patients were older, female, and not fully competent. Dyspnea (odds ratio [OR]=2.13; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.22, 3.72) and psychological exhaustion (OR=2.64; 95% CI: 1.26, 5.55) were more often a decisive indication for continuous sedation for these patients. A palliative care team was consulted less often for noncancer patients (OR=0.45; 95% CI: 0.21, 0.96). Also, preceding sedation, euthanasia was discussed less often with noncancer patients (OR=0.42; 95% CI: 0.24, 0.73), whereas their relatives more often initiated discussion about euthanasia than relatives of cancer patients (OR=3.75; 95% CI: 1.26, 11.20). CONCLUSION The practice of continuous palliative sedation in patients dying of cancer differs from patients dying of other diseases. These differences seem to be related to the less predictable course of noncancer diseases, which may reduce physicians' awareness of the imminence of death. Increased attention to noncancer diseases in palliative care practice and research is, therefore, crucial as is more attention to the potential benefits of palliative care consultation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siebe J Swart
- Department of Public Health, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
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