Acute effects of intrapulmonary percussive ventilation in COPD patients assessed by using conventional outcome parameters and a novel computational fluid dynamics technique

Exploration of the Influences of Temporary Velum Paralysis on Auditory-Perceptual, Acoustic, and Tomographical Markers

Purpose To better understand hypernasality (HN), we explored the relations between velopharyngeal orifice, auditory perception of HN, and acoustic-spectral measures in an in vivo within-subject design: (a) with a normally functioning velum as the control condition and (b) with a temporarily paralyzed velum as the experimental condition. Method The velum of eight volunteers was injected with ropivacaine hydrochloride (Naropin) in the area of the levator veli palatini and tensor veli palatini muscles to induce temporary velopharyngeal inadequacy (VPI) and HN. Sustained [a] and [i] and oronasal text readings were recorded, and 3D cone-beam computed tomography images of the vocal tract were built before and during velar anesthesia. Differences between conditions and correlations in normal-to-numb differences between velopharyngeal cross-sectional area (VP_area), mean ratings of HN severity, and nine acoustic-spectral measures were determined. Results Three subjects already had some incomplete velopharyngeal closure in the control condition. Temporary motor nerve blockage of the velum (increased VP_area) was accomplished in seven subjects, leading to increased HN and changes in three acoustic-spectral measures. Furthermore, significant correlations only emerged between VP_area, HN, and Model_Kataoka. Conclusions In most of the participants, it was possible to temporarily increase the velopharyngeal orifice to investigate HN while controlling other speech variables and cephalic morphology. Although this study was exploratory and its are findings preliminary, it provided additional evidence for the possible clinical value of Model_Kataoka, A ₃-P ₀, and B _F1 for the objective measurement of VPI or HN.

The effectiveness of a mobile high-frequency chest wall oscillation (HFCWO) device for airway clearance

INTRODUCTION

High-frequency chest wall oscillation (HFCWO) is a commonly prescribed airway clearance technique (ACT) for patients whose ability to expectorate sputum is compromised. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of a newly developed mobile ACT device (mHFCWO-The Monarch Airway Clearance System) in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). A standard nonmobile HFCWO device (sHFCWO) was used as a comparator.

METHODOLOGY

This was a randomized, open-label, crossover pilot study. CF patients were treated with each device. Sputum was collected during and after each therapy session, while spirometry tests, Brody score assessment and functional respiratory imaging were performed before and after treatments.

RESULTS

Wet weight of sputum collected during and after treatment was similar for mHFCWO and sHFCWO (6.53 ± 8.55 vs 5.80 ± 5.82; P = .777). Interestingly, the mHFCWO treatment led to a significant decrease in specific airway volume (9.55 ± 9.96 vs 8.74 ± 9.70 mL/L; P < .001), while increasing specific airway resistance (0.10 ± 0.16 vs 0.16 ± 0.23 KPA*S; P < .001). These changes were heterogeneously-distributed throughout the lung tissue and were greater in the distal areas, suggesting a shift of mucus. Changes were accompanied by an overall improvement in the Brody index (57.71 ± 16.55 vs 55.20 ± 16.98; P = .001).

CONCLUSION

The newly developed mobile device provides airway clearance for CF patients comparable to a nonmobile sHFCWO device, yielding a change in airway geometry and patency by the shift of mucus from the more peripheral regions to the central airways.

A Functional Respiratory Imaging Approach to the Effect of an Oscillating Positive Expiratory Pressure Device in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Purpose

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients are prone to suffer from chronic bronchitis, which ultimately affects their quality of life and overall prognosis. Oscillating positive expiratory pressure (oPEP) devices are designed to aid in the mucus clearance by generating positive pressure pulses in the airways. The main aim of this study was to analyze the impact of a specific oPEP device - Aerobika^® - on top of standard of care medication in COPD patients' lung dynamics and drug deposition.

Patients and Methods

In this single-arm pilot study, patients were assessed using standard spirometry tests and functional respiratory imaging (FRI) before and after a period of 15±3 days of using the oPEP device twice daily (before their standard medication).

Results

The utilization of the oPEP device led to a significant increase of 2.88% in specific airway volume after two weeks (1.44 (SE: 0.18) vs 1.48 (SE: 0.19); 95% CI = [0.03%,5.81%]; p=0.048). Moreover, the internal airflow distribution (IAD) was affected by the treatment: patients' changes ranged from -6.74% to 4.51%. Furthermore, IAD changes at the lower lobes were also directly correlated with variations in forced expiratory volume in one second and peak expiratory flow; conversely, IAD changes at the upper lobes were inversely correlated with these clinical parameters. Interestingly, this change in IAD was significantly correlated with changes in lobar drug deposition (r ²=0.30, p<0.001).

Conclusion

Our results support that the Aerobika device utilization leads to an improved airflow, which in turn causes a shift in IAD and impacts the drug deposition patterns of the concomitant medication in patients with COPD.

Airway Clearance with Expiratory Flow Accelerator Technology: Effectiveness of the "Free Aspire" Device in Patients with Severe COPD

OBJECTIVES

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is associated with a higher risk of pulmonary infections. This risk not only negatively affects patients' quality of life but also increases social and health costs. Hence, there is a need for an effective rehabilitative treatment including airway clearance. The aim of this pilot study was to evaluate the efficacy of a new tool for bronchial clearance based on expiratory flow accelerator (EFA) technology compared with positive expiratory pressure (PEP) treatment.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Twenty stable patients with COPD, Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease 3-4 stage, were enrolled and allocated to treatment with EFA or Bubble-PEP (BP) for 20 days during a pulmonary rehabilitation program. At baseline and the end of treatment, the following parameters were measured: arterial blood gases (ABG); respiratory function, including peak cough expiratory flow (PCEF), maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP), and maximal expiratory pressure exercise capacity using the 6-minute walk test (6MWT), dyspnea using the Medical Research Council scale, and quality of life using the St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire.

RESULTS

Expiratory flow accelerator showed a significant pre- and post-improvement in ABG and a significantly greater improvement than BP in PCEF, MIP, and 6MWT post-treatment.

CONCLUSION

Expiratory flow accelerator is a valid device compared with BP as an adjunctive therapy for the treatment of patients with severe COPD.

Efficacy of Oscillation and Lung Expansion in Reducing Postoperative Pulmonary Complication

BACKGROUND

Postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs) cause high morbidity and mortality. Targeted treatment for patients at risk for PPCs can improve outcomes. This multicenter prospective trial examined the impact of oscillation and lung expansion (OLE) therapy, using continuous high-frequency oscillation and continuous positive expiratory pressure on PPCs in high-risk patients.

METHODS

In stage I, CPT and ICD codes were queried for patients (n = 210) undergoing thoracic, upper abdominal, or aortic open procedures at 3 institutions from December 2014 to April 2016. Patients were selected randomly. Age, comorbidities, American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status classification scores, and PPC rates were determined. In stage II, 209 subjects were enrolled prospectively from October 2016 to July 2017 using the same criteria. Stage II subjects received OLE treatment and standard respiratory care. The PPCs rate (prolonged ventilation, high-level respiratory support, pneumonia, ICU readmission) were compared. We also compared ICU length of stay (LOS), hospital LOS, and mortality using t-tests and analysis of covariance. Data are mean ± SD.

RESULTS

There were 419 subjects. Stage II patients were older (61.1 ± 13.7 years vs 57.4 ± 15.5 years; p < 0.05) and had higher American Society of Anesthesiologists scores. Treatment with OLE decreased PPCs from 22.9% (stage I) to 15.8% (stage II) (p < 0.01 adjusted for age, American Society of Anesthesiologists score, and operation time). Similarly, OLE treatment reduced ventilator time (23.7 ± 107.5 hours to 8.5 ± 27.5 hours; p < 0.05) and hospital LOS (8.4 ± 7.9 days to 6.8 ± 5.0 days; p < 0.05). No differences in ICU LOS, pneumonia, or mortality were observed.

CONCLUSIONS

Aggressive treatment with OLE reduces PPCs and resource use in high-risk surgical patients.

A randomized study using functional respiratory imaging to characterize bronchodilator effects of glycopyrrolate/formoterol fumarate delivered by a metered dose inhaler using co-suspension delivery technology in patients with COPD

Background

Functional respiratory imaging (FRI) uses high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) scans to assess changes in airway volume and resistance.

Patients and methods

In this randomized, double-blind, 2-week, crossover, Phase IIIB study, patients with moderate-to-severe COPD received twice-daily glycopyrrolate/formoterol fumarate delivered by a metered dose inhaler (GFF MDI, 18/9.6 μg) and placebo MDI, formulated using innovative co-suspension delivery technology. Co-primary endpoints included the following: specific image-based airway volume (siVaw) and specific image-based airway resistance (siRaw) at Day 15, measured using FRI. Secondary and other endpoints included the following: change from baseline in post-dose forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV₁) and inspiratory capacity (IC; spirometry) and ratio to baseline in post-dose functional residual capacity (FRC) and residual volume (RV; body plethysmography).

Results

Twenty patients (46-78 years of age) were randomized and treated; of whom 19 completed the study. GFF MDI treatment increased siVaw by 75% and reduced siRaw by 71% vs placebo MDI (both P<0.0001). Image-based airway volume (iVaw) and image-based airway resistance (iRaw), without adjusting for lobe volume, demonstrated corresponding findings to the co-primary endpoint, as lobe volumes did not change with either treatment. Approximately 48% of the delivered dose of glycopyrronium and formoterol fumarate was estimated to be deposited in the lungs. Compared with placebo, GFF MDI treatment improved post-dose FEV₁ and IC (443 mL and 454 mL, respectively; both P<0.001) and reduced FRC and RV (13% and 22%, respectively; both P<0.0001). There were no significant safety findings.

Conclusion

GFF MDI demonstrated significant, clinically meaningful benefits on FRI-based airway volume and resistance in patients with moderate-to-severe COPD. Benefits were associated with improvements in FEV₁, IC, and hyperinflation.

Clinical trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT02643082.

Functional respiratory imaging (FRI) for optimizing therapy development and patient care

Functional imaging techniques offer the possibility of improved visualization of anatomical structures such as; airways, lobe volumes and blood vessels. Computer-based flow simulations with a three-dimensional element add functionality to the images. By providing valuable detailed information about airway geometry, internal airflow distribution and inhalation profile, functional respiratory imaging can be of use routinely in the clinic. Three dimensional visualization allows for highly detailed follow-up in terms of disease progression or in assessing effects of interventions. Here, we explore the usefulness of functional respiratory imaging in different respiratory diseases. In patients with asthma and COPD, functional respiratory imaging has been used for phenotyping these patients, to predict the responder and non-responder phenotype and to evaluate different innovative therapeutic interventions.

Safety and effectiveness of the high-frequency chest wall oscillation vs intrapulmonary percussive ventilation in patients with severe COPD

Purpose

Chest physiotherapy is an important tool in the treatment of COPD. Intrapulmonary percussive ventilation (IPV) and high-frequency chest wall oscillation (HFCWO) are techniques designed to create a global percussion of the lung which removes secretions and probably clears the peripheral bronchial tree. We tested the hypothesis that adding IPV or HFCWO to the best pharmacological therapy (PT) may provide additional clinical benefit over chest physiotherapy in patients with severe COPD.

Methods

Sixty patients were randomized into three groups (20 patients in each group): IPV group (treated with PT and IPV), PT group with (treated with PT and HFCWO), and control group (treated with PT alone). Primary outcome measures included results on the dyspnea scale (modified Medical Research Council) and Breathlessness, Cough, and Sputum scale (BCSS), as well as an evaluation of daily life activity (COPD Assessment Test [CAT]). Secondary outcome measures were pulmonary function testing, arterial blood gas analysis, and hematological examinations. Moreover, sputum cell counts were performed at the beginning and at the end of the study.

Results

Patients in both the IPV group and the HFCWO group showed a significant improvement in the tests of dyspnea and daily life activity evaluations (modified Medical Research Council scale, BCSS, and CAT) compared to the control group, as well as in pulmonary function tests (forced vital capacity, forced expiratory volume in 1 second, forced expiratory volume in 1 second/forced vital capacity%, total lung capacity, residual volume, diffusing lung capacity monoxide, maximal inspiratory pressure, maximal expiratory pressure) and arterial blood gas values. However, in the group comparison analysis for the same variables between IPV group and HFCWO group, we observed a significant improvement in the IPV group maximal inspiratory pressure, maximal expiratory pressure, BCSS, and CAT. Similar results were observed in changes of sputum cytology with reduction of inflammatory cells (neutrophils and macrophages).

Conclusion

The two techniques improved daily life activities and lung function in patients with severe COPD. IPV demonstrated a significantly greater effectiveness in improving some pulmonary function tests linked to the small bronchial airways obstruction and respiratory muscle strength and scores on health status assessment scales (BCSS and CAT) as well as a reduction of sputum inflammatory cells compared with HFCWO.

Influence of bouncing and assisted autogenic drainage on acid gastro-oesophageal reflux in infants

OBJECTIVES

To determine the influence of modern airway clearance techniques using assisted autogenic drainage (AAD), whether or not combined with bouncing, on acid gastro-oesophageal reflux (GOR) in infants <1 year.

METHODS

In this controlled trial with intra-subject design infants were studied using oesophageal pH monitoring over 24 h, during which they received one 15 min session of bouncing, AAD or bouncing combined with AAD (BAAD). The number of reflux episodes (RE) and the refluxindex (RI) were the outcome measures. The results obtained during (T15) and 15 min after the intervention (T30) were compared to a period of 15 min before treatment (T0).

RESULTS

The results of 150 infants, evenly distributed over the three treatment groups, were analyzed. No significant differences were found in number of RE at T15 and T30 compared to T0 in the bouncing group (P = 0.42), the AAD group (P = 0.14), and the BAAD group (P = 0.91). RI was significantly lower in the AAD group at T15 compared to T0 (P < 0.01). No differences in RI were found in the bouncing group (P = 0.28), nor in the BAAD group (P = 0.81).

CONCLUSION

Bouncing, AAD and BAAD do not induce, nor aggravate acid GOR in infants under the age of 1 year.

Pathophysiological mechanism of long-term noninvasive ventilation in stable hypercapnic patients with COPD using functional respiratory imaging

Introduction

Patients with severe COPD often develop chronic hypercapnic respiratory failure. Their prognosis worsens and they are more likely to develop exacerbations. This has major influence on the health-related quality of life. Currently, there is no information about the success of long-term noninvasive ventilation (NIV) among patients who receive NIV in acute settings. Also, little is known about the pathophysiological mechanism of NIV.

Methods

Ten Global Initiative for Obstructive Lung Disease stage III and IV COPD patients with respiratory failure who were hospitalized following acute exacerbation were treated with NIV using a Synchrony BiPAP device for 6 months. Arterial blood gases and lung function parameters were measured. Low-dose computed tomography of the thorax was performed and used for segmentation. Further analyses provided lobe volume, airway volume, and airway resistance, giving an overall functional description of the separate airways and lobes. Ventilation perfusion (VQ) was calculated. Patient-reported outcomes were evaluated.

Results

PaCO₂ significantly improved from 50.03 mmHg at baseline to 44.75 mmHg after 1 month and 43.37 mmHg after 6 months (P=0.006). Subjects showed improvement in the 6-minute walk tests (6MWTs) by an average of 51 m (from 332 m at baseline to 359 m at 1 month and 383 m at 6 months). Patients demonstrated improvement in self-reported anxiety (P=0.018). The improvement in image-based VQ was positively associated with the 6MWT and the anxiety domain of the Severe Respiratory Insufficiency Questionnaire.

Conclusion

Though previous studies of long-term NIV have shown conflicting results, this study demonstrates that patients can benefit from long-term NIV treatment, resulting in improved VQ, gas exchange, and exercise tolerance.

Results of Physiotherapy Treatments in Exacerbations of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A Systematic Review

Purpose: The objective of this study was to review clinical trials of the effectiveness of physiotherapy compared with standard care, focused mainly on the functional status of patients hospitalized for acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD). Methods: Search strategies were developed for each of the databases (PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science). The study eligibility criteria were as follows: (1) The objective was to assess the effect and efficacy of physiotherapy compared with standard care (which included only medical and pharmacological treatment); (2) adults subjects had AECOPD; (3) one of the outcome measures was functional status, defined as an individual's ability to perform the normal daily activities required to meet basic needs, fulfill usual roles, and maintain health and well-being; (4) it was a clinical trial; (5) it was written in English; (6) it was published between January 2009 and February 2016; and (7) the full-text article was available. Results: The review revealed that for patients hospitalized for AECOPD, exercise, neuromuscular electrical stimulation, breathing exercises, and chest therapy significantly improved their functional status compared with standard care. Conclusions: A variety of physiotherapy modalities have been shown to improve functional status compared with standard care among patients hospitalized for AECOPD; other outcome measures also showed improvements.

Advances in airway clearance technologies for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Techniques to promote clearance of sputum from the airways (airway clearance techniques; ACTs) have existed in clinical practice for more than a century. This review examines current evidence and clinical recommendations regarding ACTs for individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Comparisons between this literature and reports of current practice suggest that discrepancies may exist in relation to the clinical management of sputum in individuals with COPD. The novel application of newer technologies has enhanced our ability to assess the complex physiological processes underpinning airway clearance therapy. The potential for physiologically tailored ACT prescription may, however, depend on the capacity for translation of such technology from the research setting into the clinical environment. Future directions regarding this common form of therapy will be discussed, including identification of the key research priorities to optimize evidence-based practice in this area.