Factors that influence disease-specific quality of life or health status in patients with COPD: a review and meta-analysis of Pearson correlations

Physiological determinants of decreased peak leg oxygen uptake in chronic disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis

This systematic review and meta-analysis examined the physiological mechanisms responsible for lower peak exercise leg oxygen uptake (V̇o2) in patients with chronic disease. Studies measuring peak leg V̇o2 (primary outcome) and its physiological determinants during large (cycle) or small muscle mass exercise (single-leg knee extension, SLKE) in patients with chronic disease were included in this meta-analysis. Pooled estimates for each outcome were reported as a weighted mean difference (WMD) between chronic disease and controls. We included 10 studies that measured peak leg V̇o2 in patients with chronic disease (n = 109, mean age: 45 yr; encompassing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, COPD, heart failure with reduced ejection fraction, HFrEF, or chronic renal failure, RF) and age-matched controls (n = 88). In pooled analysis, peak leg V̇o2 (WMD; -0.23 L/min, 95% CI: -0.32 to -0.13), leg oxygen (O2) delivery (WMD: -0.27 L/min, 95% CI: -0.37 to -0.17), and muscle O2 diffusive conductance (WMD: -5.2 mL/min/mmHg, 95% CI: -7.1 to -3.2) were all significantly lower during cycle and SLKE exercise in chronic disease versus controls. These results highlight that during large and small muscle mass exercise in patients with COPD, HFrEF, or RF, there is no single factor causing peak V̇o2 limitations. Specifically, the lower peak V̇o2 in these pathologies is due to not only the expected impairments in convective O2 delivery but also impairments in muscle oxygen diffusive transport from capillary to mitochondria. Whether impaired muscle O2 transport is caused solely by inactivity or additional muscle pathology remains in question.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Peripheral (skeletal muscle and vasculature) factors contribute significantly to reduced exercise capacity during both large and small muscle mass exercise in chronic diseases such as COPD, HFrEF, or RF and should be important targets of therapy in addition to the primary organs (lungs, heart, and kidneys) affected by disease.

Effects of Dronabinol on Dyspnea and Quality of Life in Patients With COPD

Background

Dyspnea is frequently a debilitating symptom of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Cannabinoid receptor agonists have the potential to alter dyspnea in these patients.

Objective

Our objective was to determine if dronabinol, a pure cannabinoid, improves dyspnea and exercise tolerance in COPD.

Methods

In this double-blind randomized, crossover pilot study, COPD patients received up to 20mg of oral dronabinol or placebo daily for 6 weeks with an intervening washout period. Dyspnea and fatigue were assessed using the Borg scale at rest and after an incremental shuttle walk. Functional status, mood, and depression were measured using the St George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ), the Pulmonary Functional Status and Dyspnea Questionnaire (PFSDQ), and the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS).

Results

A total of 11 participants (with mean forced expiratory volume in 1 second 50.8 ± 24.8%) completed the study with no improvement in dyspnea at rest or postexercise taking dronabinol versus placebo (Borg scale 0.27, 95% confidence interval [CI] -0.59 to 1.14 versus 0.23 points, 95% CI -0.71 to 1.07 at rest and 0.82, 95% CI -0.59 to 2.22 versus 0.36 points, 95% CI 0.13 to 2.78 post exercise; p=0.94 and p=0.69 respectively). Dronabinol compared with placebo showed no significant change in PFSDQ dyspnea scores (0.64, 95% CI -3.92 to 5.20 versus 5.0, 95% CI -6.29 to 16.29; p=0.43) or shuttle walk distances (20.7m, 95% CI -21.5 to 62.8 versus 13.7m, 95% CI -24.8 to 52.2; p=0.69). There were no significant differences in fatigue at rest and postexercise, SGRQ scores, or GDS scores.

Conclusion

In this pilot study, dronabinol did not significantly improve dyspnea or exercise capacity compared with placebo.

Characteristics associated with SF-36 in alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency-associated COPD: a cross-sectional analysis

BACKGROUND

Generic measures of health-related quality of life (HRQoL), such as the 36-Item Short Form Survey (SF-36), are widely used in assessing chronic conditions. These tools have an advantage over disease-specific instruments, as they allow comparisons across different health conditions and with the general population. In alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (AATD)-associated chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), HRQoL research remains scarce. This cross-sectional study evaluates the factors associated with HRQoL in a cohort of patients with AATD-associated COPD.

METHODS

Our study included participants of AlphaNet (2008-2019), a health management organization for people with AATD in the US who are prescribed augmentation therapy. Norm-based SF-36 scores for the mental and physical component summary scores (MCS and PCS, mean of 50 ± 10 in the general US population) and 8 individual scales were evaluated. Individuals with lung disease and data available on ≥1 measurement on any SF-36 scale and clinically relevant characteristics such as modified Medical Research Council (mMRC) scale, exacerbation frequency, productive cough, and use of oxygen were included in these analyses. Generalized linear regression models were fit to examine the association of baseline characteristics with MCS and PCS scores. Age, sex, regular use of oxygen, exacerbation frequency, mMRC, and productive cough were included in these models.

RESULTS

Participants (n=4398, mean age 57.6 [SD=10.6] years, 45.4% female) had a mean MCS score of 51.2 ± 10.8 and PCS of 36.3 ± 9.8. The average mMRC score was 2.4 ± 1.3, and 56.4% had 2 or more exacerbations per year. Overall, the physical component of SF-36 was more severely impacted compared to the mental component. In multivariable regression analyses, PCS scores were significantly associated with exacerbation frequency, mMRC, regular use of oxygen, and productive cough; MCS was associated with age, sex, exacerbation frequency, mMRC, and productive cough.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings demonstrate that patient-perceived physical health is significantly impaired in this cohort of people with AATD-associated COPD compared to mental health. Longitudinal studies are needed to evaluate the change in physical and mental health status over time in this population.

Clinical and economic burden of anxiety/depression among older adult COPD patients: evidence from the COPD-AD China Registry study

Background

Anxiety and depression are common in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), especially older adult patients. This can complicate the disease progression and lead to increased clinical and economic burden. We sought to investigate the clinical and economic burdens associated with the presence of anxious and/or depressive symptoms among older adult COPD patients.

Methods

We screened 579 patients aged over 60 years and diagnosed with COPD via a lung function test following the 2017 Global Initiative Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) guidelines. Anxiety and depression were measured using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) through face-to-face interviews at admission. Follow-up was conducted by telephone calls at 6, 12, 18, 24, and 36 months after discharge to assess clinical and economic burden. COPD-anxiety and/or depression patients were matched to patients without anxiety and depression (COPD-only) using propensity scores. Multivariate regression models were used to compare clinical and economic burden between COPD-anxiety and/or depression and COPD-only groups.

Results

Compared with COPD-only patients, COPD patients complicated with anxiety and/or depression had increased clinical burden, including higher COPD-related outpatient visits, COPD-related hospitalizations, and length of COPD-related hospitalizations (p < 0.001). Moreover, they also had an increased economic burden, including higher annual total healthcare costs, medical costs, and pharmacy costs (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Older adult COPD patients with anxiety or depression had significantly higher clinical and economic burdens than patients without these comorbidities. These findings deserve further exploration and may be useful for the formulation of relevant healthcare policies.

Unsupervised physical activity interventions for people with COPD: A systematic review and meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES

Unsupervised PA interventions might have a role in the management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) but their effectiveness is largely unknown. Thus, we aimed to identify and synthesise data on the effects of unsupervised PA interventions in people with COPD.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Databases were systematically searched in April 2020, with weekly updates until September 2021. Randomised controlled trials and quasi-experimental studies comparing unsupervised PA with usual care, were included. Primary outcomes were dyspnoea, exercise capacity and physical activity. The effect direction plot was performed to synthesise results. Meta-analysis with forest plots were conducted for the Chronic Respiratory Disease questionnaire - dyspnoea domain (CRQ-D), 6-minute walk distance (6MWD) and incremental shuttle walk distance (ISWD).

RESULTS

Eleven studies with 900 participants with COPD (68±10 years; 58.8% male, FEV1 63.7±15.8% predicted) were included. All interventions were conducted at home, most with daily sessions, for 8-12 weeks. Walking was the most common component. The effect direction plot showed that unsupervised PA interventions improved emotional function, fatigue, health-related quality of life, muscle strength and symptoms of anxiety and depression. Meta-analysis showed statistical, but not clinical, significant improvements in dyspnoea (CRQ-D, MD=0.12, 95% CI 0.09-0.15) and exercise capacity, measured with 6MWD (MD=13.70, 95% CI 3.58-23.83). Statistical and clinical significant improvements were observed in exercise capacity, measured with ISWD (MD=58.59, 95% CI 5.79-111.39). None to minor adverse events and a high adherence rate were found.

CONCLUSIONS

Unsupervised PA interventions benefits dyspnoea and exercise capacity of people with COPD, are safe and present a high adherence rate. Unsupervised PA interventions should be considered for people with COPD who cannot or do not want to engage in supervised PA interventions or as a maintenance strategy of PA levels.

The Role of the Cumulative Illness Rating Scale (CIRS) in Estimating the Impact of Comorbidities on Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Outcomes: A Pilot Study of the MACH (Multidimensional Approach for COPD and High Complexity) Study

BACKGROUND

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a heterogeneous systemic syndrome that often coexists with multiple comorbidities. In highly complex COPD patients, the role of the Cumulative Illness Rating Scale (CIRS) as a risk predictor of COPD exacerbation is not known.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was determine the effectiveness of the CIRS score in detecting the association of comorbidities and disease severity with the risk of acute exacerbations in COPD patients.

METHODS

In total, 105 adults with COPD (mean age 72.1 ± 9.0 years) were included in this prospective study. All participants at baseline had at least two moderate exacerbations or one leading to hospitalization. The primary outcome was a composite of moderate or severe COPD exacerbation during the 12 months of follow-up.

RESULTS

The CIRS indices (CIRS total score, Severity Index and Comorbidity Index) showed a positive correlation with modified Medical Research Council (mMRC), COPD assessment test (CAT) and a negative correlation with forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1), Forced Vital Capacity (FVC), and FEV1/FVC. The three CIRS indices were able to predict the 12-month rate of moderate or severe exacerbation (CIRS Total Score: Hazard Ratio (HR) = 1.12 (95% CI: 1.08-1.21); CIRS Severity Index: HR = 1.21 (95% CI: 1.12-1.31); CIRS Comorbidity Index = 1.58 (95% CI: 1.33-1.89)).

CONCLUSIONS

Among patients with COPD, the comorbidity number and severity, as assessed by the CIRS score, influence the risk in moderate-to-severe exacerbations. The CIRS score also correlates with the severity of respiratory symptoms and lung function.

Symptom Burden of Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Attending the Westmead Breathlessness Service: Prevalence, Associations, and Sex-Related Differences

Purpose

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a progressive disease resulting in a range of symptoms including breathlessness. "Symptom burden" describes the severity and impact of multiple symptoms in an individual and is best quantified using validated symptom instruments but is not routinely measured in clinical practice. Therefore, we wanted to assess overall symptom burden in patients with moderate-to-severe COPD and find associated independent predictors.

Patients and methods

A single-centre cross-sectional study of patients with COPD who attended the Westmead Breathlessness Service between March 2017 and May 2022 was conducted. We obtained baseline demographic data, lung function, assessed quality of life (CAT), anxiety/depression (HADS), and measured symptom burden (CMSAS). We compared variables between men and women using unpaired t tests or Mann-Whitney tests for continuous variables, and Fisher's exact tests for categorical variables. We used multiple regression to look for independent predictors of overall symptom burden. Data were analysed using Stata/IC 15.1.

Results

Eighty-nine patients with COPD, mean age 72.6 years, 55% male, mean FEV1 32% predicted, reported an average of 8.9 symptoms including 6.9 physical and 1.6 psychological symptoms. The most common physical symptoms were shortness of breath (100%) and lack of energy (80%), and the most common psychological symptoms were worrying (65%) and feeling anxious (61%). Median CMSAS total score was higher in women than men (1.34 versus 1.04, respectively; p=0.03) with more women experiencing nervousness (p=0.011) and anxiety (p=0.005). Female sex (p=0.003), HADS-Anxiety (p=0.0001), and HADS-Depression (p=0.0001) were independently associated with total CMSAS score in a multiple linear regression model and explained 63% of total CMSAS variability.

Conclusion

Very high physical and psychological symptom burden exists among patients with severe COPD. Anxiety, depression, and female sex were independently associated with increasing symptom burden. Identifying and understanding sex differences for COPD symptoms, and interventions targeting anxiety and depression may help to reduce overall symptom burden within this population.

To investigate the association of serum osteocalcin with cognitive functional status in patients with type 2 diabetes: A systematic review with meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

To systematically evaluate the correlation between serum osteocalcin levels and cognitive function status in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D) patients.

METHODS

This review was conducted according to the PRISMA guidelines, and was developed and submitted to PROSPERO (CRD42022339295). We comprehensively searched PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, Scopus, ProQuest, and Chinese Databases (China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wan Fang, Chinese Science and Technology Periodical Database, and China Biology Medicine) up to 1 June 2023. 3 investigators performed independent literature screening and data extraction of the included literature, and 2 investigators performed an independent quality assessment of case-control studies using the Newcastle-Ottawa-Scale tool. Data analysis was performed using Review Manager 5.4 software. For continuous various outcomes, mean difference (MD) or standardized MD with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) was applied for assessment by fixed-effect or random-effect model analysis. The heterogeneity test was performed by the Q statistic and quantified using I2, and publication bias was evaluated using a funnel plot.

RESULTS

9 studies with T2D were included (a total of 1310 subjects). Meta-analysis results indicated that cognitive function was more impaired in patients with lower serum osteocalcin levels [MD = 9.91, 95% CI (8.93, -10.89), I2 = 0%]. Serum osteocalcin levels were also significantly different between the 2 groups of T2D patients based on the degree of cognitive impairment [MD = -0.93, 95% CI (-1.09, -0.78), I2 = 41%]. It summarized the statistical correlation between serum osteocalcin and cognitive function scores in patients with T2D at r = 0.43 [summary Fisher's Z = 0.46, 95% CI (0.39, -0.50), I2 = 41%). After sensitivity analysis, the heterogeneity I2 decreased to 0%, indicating that the results of the meta-analysis are more reliable.

CONCLUSION SUBSECTIONS

Based on a meta-analysis of included studies, we concluded that there is a moderately strong positive correlation between serum osteocalcin levels and patients' cognitive function in T2D. An intervention to increase serum osteocalcin levels can contribute to delaying and improving cognitive decline in patients with T2D.

Impact of fear of recurrence in patients with cancer on caregivers' psychological health: A meta-analysis

Objective

This study aims to quantitatively investigate the relationship between fear of cancer recurrence in patients with cancer and their caregivers' psychological health, examining the extent of the impact of this fear on caregivers.

Methods

We conducted a comprehensive search in PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, CINAHL, and PsycINFO databases from inception until May 2023 for relevant English publications. Pearson correlation coefficients (r) were utilized as effect sizes to assess the overall relationship between fear of recurrence and psychological outcomes among caregivers of patients with cancer.

Results

A total of 19 eligible studies were included in the analysis. The findings revealed a moderate positive correlation between fear of recurrence in patients with cancer and caregivers' fear of recurrence and depression. A relatively weaker correlation was observed between patients' fear of recurrence and caregivers' anxiety. Due to considerable heterogeneity (I2 ​= ​91.99%, Q ​= ​212.23), the primary outcome of fear of recurrence in patients with cancer influencing caregivers' fear of recurrence was examined through subgroup analyses.

Conclusions

Our meta-analysis established a significant positive correlation between fear of recurrence in patients with cancer and negative psychological consequences among caregivers, including recurrence fear, depression, and anxiety. Future research should explore the evolution of adverse psychological outcomes in both patients with cancer and their caregivers over time and delve into the bivariate psychological impact within the patient-caregiver dyads.

Systematic review registration

PROSPERO, CRD42022383866.

Relationship between acute glucose variability and cognitive decline in type 2 diabetes: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Cognitive decline is one of the most widespread chronic complications of diabetes, which occurs in more than half of the patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM). Emerging evidences have suggested that glucose variability (GV) is associated with the pathogenesis of diabetic complications. However, the influence of acute GV on cognitive dysfunction in T2DM is still controversial. The aim of the study was to evaluate the association between acute GV and cognitive defect in T2DM, and provide a most recent and comprehensive summary of the evidences in this research field.

METHODS

PubMed, Cochrane library, EMBASE, Web of science, Sinomed, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), and Wanfang were searched for articles that reported on the association between acute GV and cognitive impairment in T2DM.

RESULTS

9 eligible studies were included, with a total of 1263 patients with T2DM involved. Results showed that summary Fisher's z value was -0.23 [95%CI (-0.39, -0.06)], suggesting statistical significance (P = 0.006). Summary r value was -0.22 [95%CI (-0.37, -0.06)]. A lower cognitive performance was found in the subjects with greater glucose variation, which has statistical significance. Mean amplitude of glycemic excursions (MAGE) was associated with a higher risk of poor functional outcomes. Fisher's z value was -0.35 [95%CI (-0.43, -0.25)], indicating statistical significance (P = 0.011). Sensitivity analyses by omitting individual studies showed stability of the results.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, higher acute GV is associated with an increased risk of cognitive impairment in patients with T2DM. Further studies should be required to determine whether targeted intervention of reducing acute GV could prevent cognitive decline.

Perspectives on Aging and Quality of Life

The aging of the world's population and the health problems accompanying it are becoming increasingly severe. Healthcare policies in developed countries focus on how to prevent and treat diseases associated with aging and how to maintain quality of life. Typical age-related diseases include deafness, cataracts, osteoarthritis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, diabetes mellitus, and dementia. Although the mechanisms by which these diseases develop differ, they are all caused by the accumulation of molecular and cellular damage over time. In addition, age-related diseases can cause a decline in physical and mental functions and the ability to perform activities of daily living, as well as the loss of roles in society and a sense of fulfillment in life. Therefore, there is a need for treatment and measures to accurately grasp and maintain quality of life. This review aims to introduce areas and representative papers expected to be contributed to the special issue of "Aging and Quality of Life".

A systematic review of the relationship between normal range of serum thyroid-stimulating hormone and bone mineral density in the postmenopausal women

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was adopts meta-analysis in evaluating the correlation between TSH and BMD, as well as osteoporosis in the postmenopausal women with normal thyroid function.

METHODS

Six databases were searched for articles concerning correlation between TSH and BMD in postmenopausal women. The retrieval time was set from the date of database establishment to November 30, 2020. Revman5.3 and Stata12.0 software were used for meta-analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 19 articles were incorporated. The Summary Fisher' Z of the correlation between TSH and BMD was 0.16, 95% CI (0.00, 0.32), and the correlation coefficient of Summary Fisher' Z conversion was 0.158. Study on the relationship between TSH and osteoporosis based on OR demonstrated that the combined OR was 1.76, 95% CI (1.27, 2.45), P < 0.05. The subgroup analyzing results displayed that the risk of osteoporosis of the subjects from community with low TSH was 1.89, 95% CI (1.43, 2.49). The risk of osteoporosis for subjects with low TSH and from hospitals was 1.36, 95% CI (0.46, 3.99); 1.84 for subjects with low TSH and anti-osteoporosis drugs, 95% CI (1.05, 3.22); and 1.74 for those with low TSH but not taking anti-osteoporosis drugs, 95% CI (1.08, 2.82). The dose-response relationship showed that the risk of osteoporosis tended to decrease when TSH was more than 2.5mIu/L.

CONCLUSION

The serum TSH is positively related with BMD in postmenopausal women, and high TSH (> 2.5 mIu/L) within the normal range is possibly helpful to decrease the risk of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women.

ERS International Congress 2022: highlights from the Respiratory Clinical Care and Physiology Assembly

It is a challenge to keep abreast of all the clinical and scientific advances in the field of respiratory medicine. This article contains an overview of the laboratory-based science, clinical trials and qualitative research that were presented during the 2022 European Respiratory Society International Congress within the sessions from the five groups of Assembly 1 (Respiratory Clinical Care and Physiology). Selected presentations are summarised from a wide range of topics: clinical problems, rehabilitation and chronic care, general practice and primary care, mobile/electronic health (m-health/e-health), clinical respiratory physiology, exercise and functional imaging.

The Functional and Psychosocial Consequences of COPD

COPD is a chronic respiratory disease that commonly coexists with other chronic conditions. These comorbidities have been shown to influence overall disease burden and mortality in COPD, and these comorbidities have an important impact on functional status and other psychosocial factors. Mental health disorders, especially anxiety and depression are common comorbidities in COPD. However, the mechanisms and interactions of anxiety and depression in COPD are poorly understood and these conditions are often underdiagnosed. The interplay between anxiety and depression and COPD is likely multifactorial and complex. An obvious mechanism is the expected psychological consequences of having a chronic illness. However, there is increasing interest in other potential biological processes, such as systemic inflammation, smoking, hypoxia, and oxidative stress. Recognition and diagnosis of comorbid anxiety and depression in patients with COPD is often challenging because there is no consensus on the appropriate screening tools or rating scales to use in this patient population. Despite the challenges in accurate assessment of anxiety and depression, there is growing evidence to support that these comorbid mental health conditions in COPD result in worse outcomes, including poor health-related quality of life, increased exacerbations with associated health-care utilization and cost, increased functional disability, and increased mortality. There are limited data of variable quality on effective treatment and management strategies, both pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic, for anxiety and depression in COPD. However, cumulative evidence demonstrates that complex psychological and lifestyle interventions, which include a pulmonary rehabilitation component, may offer the greatest benefit. The high prevalence and negative impact of depression and anxiety highlights the need for comprehensive, innovative, and standardized chronic disease management programs for individuals with COPD.

The Impact of Anxiety and Depression in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Patients with COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) are at a higher risk of comorbid conditions such as anxiety and/or depression, which in turn increase their symptom burden and rehospitalizations compared to the general population. It is important to investigate the pathophysiology and clinical implications of mental health on patients with COPD. This review article finds that COPD patients with anxiety and/or depression have a higher rehospitalization incidence. It reviews the current screening and diagnosis methods available. There are pharmacological and non-pharmacologic interventions available for treatment of COPD patients with depression based on severity. COPD patients with mild depression benefit from pulmonary rehabilitation and cognitive behavioral therapy, whereas patients with severe or persistent depression can be treated with pharmacologic interventions.

Gender differences in pulmonary function, physical activity, and quality of life of patients with COPD based on data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2015 to 2019 from the Perspective of Pulmonary Rehabilitation

The prevalence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is increasing worldwide, with the fourth highest mortality rate. This study aims to analyze pulmonary function, physical activity, and quality of life (QoL) between genders from the perspective of pulmonary rehabilitation in Korean patients with COPD. This study investigated raw data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 2015 to 2019 and included 151 COPD patients (men: 66.55 ± 10.07 years, women: 65.21 ± 11.73) out of 39,759 participants. Pulmonary function, such as forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1), and frequency of physical activities (e.g., physical activity for work and leisure, strengthening exercise, and sitting time a day) and QoL by using EQ-5D-3L, were compared between genders in patients with COPD. Smoking status differed in health-related characteristics between genders (P < .001). In pulmonary function, the FVC (men: 3.48 ± 0.98ℓ, women: 2.53 ± 0.56ℓ, P < .05), FEV1 (men: 2.13 ± 0.93 ℓ, women: 1.88 ± 0.53 ℓ, P < .001), FEV6 (men: 3.16 ± 1.00ℓ, women: 2.46 ± 1.56ℓ, P < .001) and peak expiratory flow (men: 5.61 ± 2.44ℓ/s, women: 4.68 ± 1.53ℓ/s, P < .05) was higher in men, however, predicted FEV1 (men: 66.03% ± 23.13%, women: 79.95% ± 18.45%, P < .05) and predicted FEV1/FVC ratio (men: 59.67% ± 15.02%, women: 74.10% ± 10.49%, P < .001) in women. The frequency of strengthening exercise was higher in men (P < .05). QoL of patients with COPD was not significantly different between genders. To provide correct interventions and pulmonary rehabilitation to patients with COPD, gender differences, including physiological and psychological differences, must be considered.

Associations between Circulating SELENOP Level and Disorders of Glucose and Lipid Metabolism: A Meta-Analysis

Selenoprotein P (SELENOP) is an extracellular antioxidant, selenium transporter, and hepatokine interfering with glucose and lipid metabolism. To study the association between the circulating SELENOP concentration and glucose and lipid metabolic diseases (GLMDs), including gestational diabetes (GD), metabolic syndrome (MetS), non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, obesity, and type 2 diabetes, as well as the individual markers, a meta-analysis was conducted by searching multiple databases from their establishment through March 2022 and including 27 articles published between October 2010 and May 2021, involving 4033 participants. Participants with GLMDs had higher levels of SELENOP than those without GLMDs (standardized mean difference = 0.84, 95% CI: 0.16 to 1.51), and the SELENOP levels were positively correlated with the markers of GLMDs (pooled effect size = 0.09, 95% CI: 0.02 to 0.15). Subgroup analyses showed that the SELENOP concentrations were higher in women with GD and lower in individuals with MetS than their counterparts, respectively. Moreover, SELENOP was positively correlated with low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, but not with the other markers of GLMDs. Thus, the heterogenicity derived from diseases or disease markers should be carefully considered while interpreting the overall positive association between SELENOP and GLMDs. Studies with a larger sample size and advanced design are warranted to confirm these findings.

Enhancing and assessing fidelity in the TANDEM (Tailored intervention for ANxiety and DEpression Management in COPD) trial: development of methods and recommendations for research design

BACKGROUND

Development of complex interventions for management of chronic conditions has become increasingly common, with guidance now provided. Fidelity (whether the intervention is designed, delivered and received as intended) is critical to understanding if, and how an intervention works (or not). However, methods for achieving this are still evolving. This study describes the methods used in the TANDEM trial - a large multicentre study evaluating the impact of a cognitive behavioural intervention preceding routine pulmonary rehabilitation for people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and anxiety and or depression. Results for enhancement and training aspects of fidelity, are presented.

METHODS

Using the National Institute for Health Behaviour Change Consortium (NIH BCC) framework of fidelity, a set of enhancement strategies and a fidelity measurement strategy were developed with input from a multidisciplinary team. The Cognitive First Aid Rating Scale (CFARS) was used to assess Facilitator (the respiratory professional delivering TANDEM) therapeutic competence at the end of the initial training and throughout treatment delivery (on a randomly selected set of cases). A TANDEM specific treatment adherence measure was developed following previously recommended procedures. Together these (the CFARS and adherence measure) comprised the TANDEM treatment delivery fidelity tool.

RESULTS

Hiring of respiratory professionals to the initial training programme was successful, with 44% of those expressing initial interest in being a Facilitator successfully completing the process. Video recordings of potential Facilitators conducting standardized patient role plays at the end of the initial training demonstrated fidelity of training.

CONCLUSIONS

Addressing fidelity in complex intervention trials is a time and resource intensive process but has significant potential to increase understanding of results and strengthen the evidence base for effective interventions. By defining a full fidelity assessment method prior to analysis we aimed to minimise bias when interpreting results.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ISRCTN59537391 . Registered on 20 March 2017. Trial protocol version 6.0, 22 April 2018. Process evaluation protocol version 4.0, 1 November 2020.

Age- and gender-based comorbidity categories in general practitioner and pulmonology patients with COPD

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a debilitating medical condition often accompanied by multiple chronic conditions. COPD is more frequent among older adults and affects both genders. The aim of the current cross-sectional survey was to characterize chronic comorbidities stratified by gender and age among patients with COPD under the care of general practitioners (GP) and pulmonologists, using real-world patient data. A total of 7966 COPD patients (women: 45%) with more than 5 years of the observation period in the practice were examined using 60 different Chronic comorbid conditions (CCC) and Elixhauser measures. More than 9 in 10 patients had at least one, and 51.7% had more than three comorbidities. No gender difference was found in the number of comorbidities. However, men had higher Elixhauser-van Walraven index scores than women, and the types of comorbidities differed by gender. An increasing number of comorbidities was seen with aging but the patients in their 30s and 40s also had a high number of comorbidities. Moreover, GP patients had a higher number and a wider array of documented comorbidities than pulmonology patients did. Psychological comorbidities were common in all patients, but particularly among younger patients. These findings around gender- and age-stratified comorbidities under the care of GPs and pulmonologists have implications for the choice of data provenience for decision-making analysis and treatment selection and success.

Psychometric validation of the Korean Patient-Reported Outcome Measurement Information System (PROMIS)-29 Profile V2.1 among patients with chronic pulmonary diseases

Background

This study aimed to validate the Korean version of the Patient-Reported Outcome Measurement Information System 29 Profile V2.1 (K-PROMIS-29 V2.1) in a sample of patients with chronic pulmonary diseases (CPDs).

Methods

Participants were recruited from the respiratory disease outpatient clinics of Samsung Medical Center in Seoul, South Korea, from September to October 2018. Participants completed a survey questionnaire, including the K-PROMIS-29 V2.1 and Short Form Health Survey version-2.0 (SF-36v2). Modified Medical Research Council (mMRC) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) Assessment Test (CAT) scores were obtained these scores from electronic medical records (EMRs). Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses (CFA) and Pearson's correlations were used to evaluate the reliability and validity of the K-PROMIS-29 V2.1.

Results

The mean age [standard deviation (SD)] was 62.8 (12.0) years, and 19.2% had less than middle-school education. Disease types included bronchiectasis (n=46, 24.5%), COPD (n=45, 23.9%), nontuberculous mycobacterial lung disease (n=25, 13.3%), interstitial lung disease (n=22, 11.7%), and others (n=50, 26.6%). Cronbach's alpha coefficients of the 7 subdomains in the K-PROMIS-29 V2.1 ranged from 0.77 to 0.96, indicating satisfactory internal consistency. In CFA, the goodness-of-fit indices were high (comparative fit index =0.90, standardised root mean residual =0.06). Moderate correlations were observed between comparable subscales of the K-PROMIS-29 V2.1 and those of the SF-36v2 (r=0.55-0.70) and CAT (r=-0.80 to 0.70).

Conclusions

The findings of this study suggest that the K-PROMIS-29 V2.1 is a reliable and valid measure for assessing a broad range of health-related quality-of-life domains in patients with CPDs.

A comparative study of alteration in retinal layer segmentation alteration by SD-OCT in neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

To evaluate the feature of different retinal layer segmentation in neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSD) with spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) and to compare it with that in multiple sclerosis (MS), healthy controls (HC), and idiopathic optic neuritis (ION).

Methods

We retrieved four electronic databases, including Pubmed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science from inception to September 1st, 2021. A meta-analysis was performed to compare different retinal layer segmentation thicknesses between patients with or without a history of optic neuritis (ON) in NMOSD and the control group, including patients with MS, HC, and ION.

Results

Forty-two studies were included and the interval between the last ON onset and examination was greater than 3 months. Compared with that in HC eyes, the loss of retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) and macular ganglion cell and inner plexiform layer (GC-IPL) was serious in NMOSD eye especially after ON. Moreover, compared with that in ION eyes or MS-related-ON eyes, the injury to the peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (pRNFL) was severe in NMOSD-related-ON eyes. In addition, the correlation coefficient between pRNFL and prognostic visual acuity was 0.43. However, the one-arm study revealed the inner nuclear layer (INL) was thickened in NMOSD-related-ON eyes compared with HC eyes.

Conclusions

Inclusion of the RNFL and macular GC-IPL is recommended for monitoring disease progression and attention should be paid to changes in the INL.

Relationship between Depression and Anxiety, Health Status and Lung Function in Patients with Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency

Alpha-1 Antitrypsin deficiency (AATD) is a genetic condition that can lead to Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. The burden of psychological disease, its impact and contributing factors in patients with AATD are largely unknown. This study determined the prevalence of depression and anxiety in AATD and its clinical impact. All subjects with PiZZ/PiZnull (n = 635) and PiSZ (n = 111) genotypes within the AATD registry who had sufficient data to calculate pulmonary physiological and health status (HS) decline were grouped as those with or without a diagnosis of depression and/or anxiety. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed on physiological, demographic and HS parameters. Depression and/or anxiety was present in 16.4% overall in both PiSZ and PiZZ/PiZnull cohorts and was associated with lower baseline pulmonary function and worse HS. In the multivariable analysis of the PiZZ/PiZnull cohort, a greater average decline in FEV₁% predicted was observed in those with depression and/or anxiety than those without (-1.53 SD ± 2.26 per year, -0.99 ± 1.79, respectively; p = 0.03) but there was no difference in HS decline (p = 0.33). No differences were seen in the PiSZ cohort. Dyspnoea (mMRC score) was generally worse in those with depression and/or anxiety than those without. Comorbidity burden did not differ between those with or without depression and/or anxiety. Disease severity and progression may be contributing to the prevalence of psychological factors in PiZZ/PiZnull patients. Patients who are declining rapidly should be actively monitored for psychological co-morbidity and treated by cognitive or pharmacological means.Supplemental data for this article is available online at https://doi.org/10.1080/15412555.2021.1991904 .

Improving respiratory muscle strength and health status in burn patients: a randomized controlled trial

PURPOSE

Pulmonary complications are among the major disadvantages of burns. The present study aimed to determine the effect of inspiratory muscle training on respiratory muscle strength and health status in burned patients.

METHODS

The current randomized clinical trial was conducted on 64 burned patients in Burn Center of Imam Reza Hospital, Mashhad, Iran. In the intervention group, a Powerbreathe device (KH1 digital model) was used twice a day for 10 days, accompanied by the routine procedures and in the control group, only chest physiotherapy and incentive spirometer were used.

RESULTS

Before the intervention, the mean scores of respiratory muscle strength were 38.8 ± 10.1 and 35.8 ± 9.0 in the Powerbreathe group and control group, respectively (p = .206). After the intervention, the mean score of respiratory muscle strength of Powerbreathe group was 49.2 ± 11.8 and in the control group was 39.3 ± 8.5 (p < 0.001). Moreover, the mean scores of health status before the intervention in the burned patients were 66.3 ± 14.8 and 63.0 ± 17.3 in the Powerbreathe group and control group, respectively (p = 0.550). In the post-intervention phase, the mean health status score of the burned patients in the intervention and control groups were measured at 75.9 ± 14.1 and 66.7 ± 15.9, respectively (p = 0.019).

CONCLUSION

It seems that inspiratory muscle training improves respiratory muscle strength and health status in the burned patients. Therefore, the use of Powerbreathe is recommended for the prevention and improvement of pulmonary complications in patients with chest burns.

What conservative interventions can improve the long-term quality of life, depression, and anxiety of individuals with stable COPD? A systematic review and meta-analysis

PURPOSE

Many conservative interventions are used in the management of stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It could be helpful for the prescribers to know what the evidence suggests about the effects of these interventions on the long-term quality of life (QoL), depression, and anxiety. This study aimed to summarize the rationale for the use of conservative interventions to improve the long-term QoL, depression, and anxiety in patients with stable COPD.

METHODS

The MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases were searched from database inception to December 2019. Randomized clinical trials (RCTs) investigating the long-term effects of conservative interventions on three parameters, including QoL, depression, and anxiety in patients with COPD were eligible for further analysis. To improve methodological rigor, only RCTs examining these parameters as primary outcomes were included. The standardized mean differences (SMD) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using random effects models. Quality of evidence was rated using the updated version of Van Tulder's criteria.

RESULTS

Thirty-eight RCTs were identified. Regarding long-term depression, there was moderate evidence supporting cognitive behavioral therapy compared with usual care in patients with COPD; regarding the long-term QoL of patients with COPD, there was limited evidence supporting walking programs, supplementary sugarcane bagasse dietary fiber, roflumilast, and tiotropium.

CONCLUSIONS

Cognitive behavioral therapy is effective in alleviating the long-term depression of patients with COPD. Evidence for other interventions was insufficient, making it difficult to draw conclusions in terms of their effectiveness on the long-term QoL, depression, and anxiety.

Development and evaluation of air pollution-linked quality of life (AP-QOL) questionnaire: insight from two different cohorts

In this study, the air pollution-related quality of life (AP-QOL) questionnaire was carried out in two geographically and economically different groups including New Delhi (Megacity) and Hamirpur, Himachal Pradesh (town), and APE scores were linked with respiratory and cardiovascular illness. The APE-Score was developed by AP-QOL questionnaire responses using Delphi technique and further analyzed using principal component analysis (PCA). For reliability of APE-Score and AP-QOL questionnaire, α-Cronbach's test and basic statistics were performed. The linear mixed-effect model and odds ratios were used to evaluate air pollution exposure and health outcomes. Overall, 720 academicians and 276 security guards were invited to participate in the questionnaire. Cronbach's α coefficients ranged from 0.70 to 0.84 indicated significant reliability in the AP-QOL questionnaire conducted in this study. Substantial variation in respiratory symptoms and their medical history were found - 76.9% ([95% confidential interval (CI)]: (- 83.8, - 66.9) (p < 0.05)) and - 28.6% (95% CI: (- 37.8, - 18.0) (p < 0.05)), respectively, with interquartile range (IQR) increase of APE score. The odds ratios (ORs) of respiratory medical history (MH Res.) showed a significant increase from 1.01 to 1.35 for low to high air pollution exposure in the academic group of IIT Delhi. Interestingly, for an academic group of NITH, the ORs for medical history of cardiovascular (MH Card.) showed an increase from 1.08 to 1.13 for low to high APE which was not the case for IIT Delhi academicians.

Gut Microbiota-Derived Trimethylamine N-Oxide and Kidney Function: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Elevated circulating trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) concentrations have been observed in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). We aimed to systematically estimate and quantify the association between TMAO concentrations and kidney function. The PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Scopus, and Web of Science databases were systematically searched from 1995 to 1 June, 2020, for clinical studies on circulating TMAO concentrations and kidney function indicators. We used R software to conduct meta-analyses of the extracted data. A cumulative meta-analysis was applied to test whether health status affected the pooled effect value. Meta-regression and subgroup analyses were performed to identify possible sources of heterogeneity. Ultimately, we included a total of 32 eligible clinical studies involving 42,062 participants. In meta-analyses of continuous-outcome variables, advanced CKD was associated with a 67.9 μmol/L (95% CI: 52.7, 83.2; P < 0.01) increase in TMAO concentration, and subjects with high concentrations of TMAO had a 12.9 mL/(min·1.73 m2) (95% CI: -16.6, -9.14; P < 0.01) decrease in glomerular filtration rate (GFR). In meta-analyses of the correlations, TMAO was strongly inversely correlated with GFR [Fisher's z-transformed correlation coefficient (ZCOR): -0.45; 95% CI: -0.58, -0.32; P < 0.01] and positively associated with the urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR; ZCOR: 0.26; 95% CI: 0.08, 0.43; P < 0.01), serum creatinine (sCr; ZCOR: 0.43; 95% CI: 0.28, 0.58; P < 0.01), urine albumin excretion rate (UAER; ZCOR: 0.06; 95% CI: 0.04, 0.09; P < 0.01), blood urea (ZCOR: 0.50; 95% CI: 0.29, 0.72; P < 0.01), blood uric acid (ZCOR: 0.32; 95% CI: 0.25, 0.38; P < 0.01), and serum cystatin C (CysC; ZCOR: 0.47, 95% CI: 0.44, 0.51; P < 0.01). This is the first systematic review and meta-analysis to reveal a negative association between circulating TMAO concentrations and kidney function.

Perceptions and experiences of a manual therapy trial: a qualitative study of people with moderate to severe COPD

Background

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) presents with physical, emotional and social difficulties that affect quality of life. Multimodal management includes both pharmacological and non-pharmacological strategies, and pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) plays an important role. Recent research has suggested that manual therapies may improve perceptions of dyspnea for people with COPD.

Methods

Focus group interviews were conducted as part of a mixed methods study to assess the feasibility of implementing a manual therapy technique—muscle energy technique (MET)—as an adjunct to PR for people with moderate to severe COPD. Focus group interviews were conducted to examine trial participants views of the intervention and the trial design. A thematic analysis was undertaken to explore the data.

Results

Twelve participants with moderate to severe COPD participated in three focus groups. Participants were motivated to participate in the trial to be proactive about their health. They perceived MET to be a gentle, comfortable form of stretching that allowed them to ‘breathe easier’ and prepared them for PR. A small number of participants reported mild muscular discomfort during MET, but this was short-lasting and was not bothersome. Participants enjoyed the one-on-one contact with researchers and learned more about their breathing while performing spirometric testing. Most participants wanted longer and more frequent MET sessions, and some requested ‘homework’ stretching exercises.

Conclusions

The findings of this study show that a manual therapy intervention was received well by participants in a clinical trial setting. A small number of participants reported mild musculoskeletal discomfort in relation to the MET treatment. Participant preferences for additional and longer treatment sessions should be carefully considered against available resources in future clinical trials.

Trial registration

ANZCTR, ACTRN12618000801213. Registered 11 May 2018 - Retrospectively registered. http://www.anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=374643&isReview=true

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12998-021-00387-0.

Dual Bronchodilator Therapy as First-Line Treatment in Maintenance-Naïve Patients with Symptomatic COPD: A Pre-Specified Analysis of the EMAX Trial

Introduction

Limited prospective evidence is available to guide selection of first-line maintenance therapy in patients with COPD. This pre-specified analysis of the EMAX trial explored the efficacy and safety of dual- versus mono-bronchodilator therapy in maintenance-naïve and maintenance-treated patients.

Methods

The 24-week EMAX trial evaluated lung function, symptoms (including rescue medication use), exacerbations, and safety with umeclidinium/vilanterol, umeclidinium, and salmeterol in symptomatic patients at low exacerbation risk who were not receiving inhaled corticosteroids. Maintenance-naïve and maintenance-treated subgroups were defined by maintenance bronchodilator use 30 days before screening.

Results

The analysis included 749 (31%) maintenance-naïve and 1676 (69%) maintenance-treated patients. For both subgroups, improvements from baseline in trough FEV₁ at Week 24 (primary endpoint) were greater with umeclidinium/vilanterol versus umeclidinium (mean difference [95% CI]; maintenance-naïve: 44 mL [1, 87]; maintenance-treated: 77 mL [50, 104]), and salmeterol (maintenance-naïve: 128 mL [85, 171]; maintenance-treated: 145 mL [118, 172]), and in rescue medication inhalations/day over 24 weeks versus umeclidinium (maintenance-naïve: −0.44 [−0.73, −0.16]; maintenance-treated: −0.28 [−0.45, −0.12]) and salmeterol (maintenance-naïve: −0.37 [−0.66, −0.09]; maintenance-treated: −0.25 [−0.41, −0.08]). In maintenance-naïve patients, umeclidinium/vilanterol numerically improved scores at Week 24 for Transition Dyspnea Index versus umeclidinium (0.37 [−0.21, 0.96]) and versus salmeterol (0.47 [−0.10, 1.05]) and Evaluating Respiratory Symptoms–COPD versus umeclidinium (−0.26 [−1.04, 0.53]) and versus salmeterol (−0.58 [−1.36, 0.20]), with similar improvements seen in maintenance-treated patients. All treatments were well tolerated across both subgroups.

Conclusion

Similar to maintenance-treated patients, maintenance-naïve patients receiving umeclidinium/vilanterol showed greater improvements in lung function and symptoms compared with patients receiving umeclidinium or salmeterol. These findings provide support for the consideration of dual bronchodilator treatment in symptomatic maintenance-naïve patients with COPD.

Health-Related Quality of Life of People Living with COPD in a Semiurban Area of Western Nepal: A Community-Based Study

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in Nepal. It is a progressive lung disease and has a significant impact on the quality of life of patients. Health-related quality of life (HRQOL) reflects the health- and disease-related facets of quality of life. Limited studies have assessed the impact of COPD on HRQOL and associated factors in Nepal. This study is based on a cross-sectional household survey data from a semiurban area of Western Nepal. A validated Nepali version of St George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) was used to measure the HRQOL. COPD was defined together with post-bronchodilator airflow obstruction and the presence of respiratory symptoms. Post-bronchodilator airflow obstruction was defined as Forced Expiratory Volume in 1st second (FEV₁) to Forced Vital Capacity (FVC) ratio < 0.70. COPD was diagnosed in 122 participants, and their median (IQR) total score of HRQOL was 40 (26 - 69); the score of symptoms, activity, and impact area were 53 (37 - 74), 57 (36 - 86), and 26 (13 - 62), respectively. The overall HRQOL was significantly different in terms of age, occupational status, physical activity, and comorbidities. Disease severity and the presence of respiratory symptoms had a significant difference in HRQOL (p = 0.0001). Appropriate measures to improve conditions and addressing the associated factors like respiratory symptoms and enhancing physical activity are necessary and important.

Impact of Environmental Airborne Manganese Exposure on Cognitive and Motor Functions in Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background/Objective: Whether environmental exposure to Manganese (Mn) in adults is associated with poorer results in cognitive and motor function is unclear. We aimed to determine these associations through a meta-analysis of published studies. Methods: A systematic review was conducted to identify epidemiological studies on a population ≥18 years old exposed to environmental airborne Mn, and in which results on specific tests to evaluate cognitive or motor functions were reported. We consulted Medline through PubMed, Web of Science and SCOPUS databases. We also performed a manual search within the list of bibliographic references of the retrieved studies and systematic reviews. To weight Mn effects, a random effects versus fixed effect model was chosen after studying the heterogeneity of each outcome. Results. Eighteen studies met the inclusion criteria. Among them, eleven studies reported data susceptible for meta-analysis through a pooled correlation or a standardized means difference (SMD) approach between exposed and non-exposed groups. Regarding cognitive function, the results of the studies showed heterogeneity among them (I² = 76.49%, p < 0.001). The overall effect was a statistically significant negative correlation in the random effects model (pooled r = −0.165; 95%CI: −0.214 to −0.116; p < 0.001). For SMD, the results showed a lower heterogeneity with a negative SMD that did not reach statistical significance under the fixed effects model (SMD = −0.052; 95%CI −0.108 to 0.004; p = 0.068). Regarding motor function, heterogeneity (I² = 75%) was also observed in the correlation approach with a pooled r (random effect model) = −0.150; 95%CI: −0.219 to −0.079; p < 0.001. Moderate heterogeneity was observed according to the SMD approach (I² = 52.28%), with a pooled SMD = −0.136; 95%CI: −0.188 to−0.084; p < 0.001, indicating worse motor function in those exposed. Conclusions: Correlation approach results support a negative effect on cognitive and motor functions (the higher the Mn levels, the poorer the scores). Regarding the SMD approach, results also support a worse cognitive and motor functions in those exposed, although only for motor function statistical significance was obtained.

Developing a complex intervention whilst considering implementation: the TANDEM (Tailored intervention for ANxiety and DEpression Management) intervention for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

BACKGROUND

Guidelines now call for a thorough and comprehensive description of the development of healthcare interventions to aid evaluation and understanding of the processes of change. This was the primary aim of this study but we also recognised that effective interventions are commonly not implemented in clinical practice. It is suggested that insufficient attention is given to the implementation process at the development phase of interventions. This study outlines the 5 step iterative process we adopted for considering both implementation and effectiveness issues from the outset of intervention development. We use the development of a complex intervention Tailored intervention for ANxiety and DEpression Management (TANDEM) in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease to illustrate this process.

METHODS

Intervention development built upon the Medical Research Council framework for developing complex interventions and the person-based approach for development of behavioural interventions. Building an expert team, specifying theory, qualitative data collection and pre-piloting were all critical steps in our intervention development and are described here.

RESULTS

Contact with experts in the field, and explicitly building on previous work, ensured efficiency of design. Qualitative work suggested guiding principles for the intervention such as introducing mood in relation to breathlessness, and providing flexible tailoring to patients' needs, whilst implementation principles focused on training selected respiratory professionals and requiring supervision to ensure standards of care. Subsequent steps of intervention development, pre-piloting and intervention refinement led to an intervention that was deemed acceptable and if successful will be ready for implementation.

CONCLUSIONS

The TANDEM study was developed efficiently by building on previous work and considering implementation issues from the outset, with the aim that if shown to be effective it will have more rapid translation in to the health care system with accelerated patient benefits.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ISRCTN ISRCTN59537391 . Registered on 20 March 2017. Protocol version 6.0, 22 April 2018.

COPD-Lower Respiratory Tract Infection Visual Analogue Score (c-LRTI-VAS) validation in stable and exacerbated patients with COPD

Background

We developed the chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)-Lower Respiratory Tract Infection-Visual Analogue Score (c-LRTI-VAS) in order to easily quantify symptoms during exacerbations in patients with COPD. This study aimed to validate this score.

Methods

In our study, patients with stable COPD as well as those with an acute exacerbations of COPD (AECOPD) were included. The results of c-LRTI-VAS were compared with other markers of disease activity (lung function parameters, oxygen saturation and two health related quality of life questionnaires (St Georges Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) and Clinical COPD Questionnaire (CCQ)) and validity, reliability and responsiveness were assessed.

Results

Eighty-eight patients with clinically stable COPD and 102 patients who had an AECOPD completed the c-LRTI-VAS questionnaire. When testing on two separate occasions for repeatability, no statistically significant difference between total scores was found 0.143 (SD 5.42) (p=0.826). Internal consistency was high across items (Cronbach’s apha 0.755). Correlation with SGRQ and CCQ total scores was moderate to high. After treatment for hospitalised AECOPD, the mean c-LRTI-VAS total score improved 8.14 points (SD 9.13; p≤0.001).

Conclusions

c-LRTI-VAS showed proper validity, responsiveness to change and moderate to high correlation with other questionnaires. It, therefore, appears a reliable tool for symptom measurement during AECOPD.

Trial registration number

NCT01232140.

Correlation of BODE index with quality of life in stable Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) patients - A prospective study

Background and Aims

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is characterized by slow progressive deterioration of respiratory function with systemic effects which have a great impact on health-related quality of life (HRQoL). The severity of airflow limitation in COPD, as reflected by forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) does not represent the systemic consequences of COPD. Hence, a multidimensional grading system, BODE index (Body mass index, Airflow obstruction, Dyspnea and Exercise capacity) that assessed both the pulmonary and systemic manifestations has recently been proposed to provide useful prognostic information and predict the outcome in COPD patients. The objective of this study was to evaluate the relationship between BODE index and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in stable COPD patients and its usefulness in predicting the disease exacerbations.

Materials and Methods

Sixty stable COPD patients who presented in the out-patient departments of Medicine and Pulmonology were recruited over one year period. We evaluated them by body-mass index, forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), Modified Medical Research Council dyspnea scale and six minute walk test (6MWT). BODE index was calculated using these variables. Disease duration, number of exacerbations and hospitalization in the previous year were recorded. We also administered the St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) to assess the health related quality of life (HRQoL) in these patients. BODE scores were categorized into four quartiles, quartile one to four with scores of 0-2, 3-4, 5-6 and 7-10, respectively.

Results

According to BODE score, (16) 26.7% of patients were BODE 1, (27) 45% BODE 2, (15) 25% BODE 3 and (2) 3.3% were BODE 4. Higher BODE quartiles were associated with higher total SGRQ scores and SGRQ subscale scores (symptom, activity and impact). Very strong correlations were found between BODE quartiles and total SGRQ scores (P < 0.01). Among the components of BODE index, the decrease in the FEV1 (%predicted) and 6MWD, and the increase of MMRC dyspnea grade were associated with worsening of health status (increase in total SGRQ and SGRQ subscales). BODE index also correlated with the acute exacerbations (P < 0.0012) during one year follow-up.

Conclusion

BODE index strongly correlated with the HRQoL and also reliably predicted acute exacerbations in stable COPD patients.

Predictors of Morphine Efficacy for Dyspnea in Inpatients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A Secondary Analysis of JORTC-PAL 07

Objective: This study aimed to explore the predictors of morphine efficacy in the alleviation of dyspnea in COPD.

Background: Dyspnea is prevalent in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and often persists despite conventional treatment.

Methods: A secondary analysis of a multi-institutional prospective before–after study was conducted focusing on morphine use for alleviating dyspnea in COPD patients. Subjects included COPD patients with dyspnea at seven hospitals in Japan. Patients received 12 mg/day of oral morphine (or 8 mg/day if they had low body weight or renal impairment). Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed with numerical rating scale (NRS) score of the current dyspnea intensity in the evening of day 0, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group Performance Status (ECOG PS; ≤2 or ≥3), age, and partial arterial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCO₂) as independent factors; an improvement of ≥1 in the evening NRS score of dyspnea from day 0 to 2 was the dependent factor.

Results: Thirty-five patients were enrolled in this study between October 2014 and January 2018. Excluding one patient who did not receive the treatment, data from 34 patients were analyzed. In the multivariate analysis, lower PaCO₂ was significantly associated with morphine efficacy for alleviating dyspnea (odds ratio [OR] 0.862, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.747–0.994), whereas the NRS of dyspnea intensity on day 0 (OR 1.426, 95% CI 0.836–2.433), ECOG PS (OR 4.561, 95% CI 0.477–43.565), and patients' age (OR 0.986, 95% CI 0.874–1.114) were not.

Discussion: Morphine can potentially alleviate dyspnea in COPD patients with lower PaCO₂. Trial registration: UMIN000015288 (http://www.umin.ac.jp/ctr/index.htm)

The Role of Circulating RBP4 in the Type 2 Diabetes Patients with Kidney Diseases: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background

Diabetic nephropathy is a common and serious complication of diabetes mellitus (DM) and is one of the leading causes of end-stage renal disease worldwide. Although there have been many investigations on biomarkers for DN, there is no consistent conclusion about reliable biomarkers. The purpose of this study was to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of the role of circulating retinol-binding protein 4 (RBP4) in the type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients with kidney diseases.

Materials and Methods

We searched the PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Web of Science databases for publications. For the 12 cross-sectional studies that we included in the review, we calculated standard mean differences (SMD) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) for continuous data when the applied scales were different. Risk of bias of included trials was assessed by using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale.

Results

RBP4 concentrations in the micro-, macro-, or micro+macroalbuminuria groups were significantly higher than those in the normal albuminuria group of T2DM patients [P = 0.001, SMD 1.07, 95% CI (0.41, 1.73)]. The estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was negatively associated with circulating RBP4 concentrations in patients with T2DM [summary Fisher's Z = −0.48, 95% CI (-0.69, -0.26), P < 0.0001]. The albumin-to-creatinine ratio (ACR) was positively associated with circulating RBP4 concentrations in patients with T2DM [summary Fisher's Z = 0.20, 95% CI (0.08, 0.32), P = 0.001].

Conclusion

The levels of circulating RBP4 were significantly higher both in T2DM subjects with micro/macroalbuminuria and in T2DM subjects with declined eGFR. The levels of circulating RBP4 were positively correlated with ACR but negatively correlated with eGFR. Circulating RBP4 could be a reliable biomarker for kidney diseases in T2DM.

Health-related quality of life of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients: A hospital-based study

Background:

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a chronic respiratory disease characterized by the presence of persistent respiratory symptoms and airflow limitation due to airway and/or alveolar abnormalities owing to significant exposure to noxious particles or gases. Restricted activities of daily living as a result of reduced pulmonary function or dyspnea, impair quality of life in such patients.

Methods:

A cross-sectional study was conducted in a tertiary care hospital of Lucknow with 250 COPD patients to assess their health-related quality of life (HRQOL) using the St. Georges Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ). Study participants were selected using a systematic random sampling method.

Results:

HRQOL of participants was significantly impaired. Employment status and airflow limitation severity of study participants had a statistically significant negative correlation whereas, duration since diagnosis of disease was seen to have a statistically significant positive correlation with SGRQ scores.

Conclusion:

COPD deteriorated the quality of life of patients. The activity score was the most affected. Urban residents had a comparatively poor HRQOL.

Changes in symptoms and health-related quality of life in patients with exacerbated chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

AIMS

To describe changes in symptoms and identify distinct subgroups of symptoms, to determine whether the sample's characteristics predicted changes in symptoms, and to examine how changes in symptoms predicted changes in health-related quality of life (HRQOL) over 6 months in patients with exacerbated chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

BACKGROUND

Different patterns of changes in symptoms and their relationship to changes in HRQOL in patients with exacerbated COPD over long periods of time have been understudied.

METHODS

In this longitudinal study, participants with COPD (N = 42) had been admitted to a medical ward or had visited a pulmonary medicine clinic for treatment of exacerbation. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze data from questionnaires that assessed symptoms and HRQOL at baseline, daily symptoms over 6 months, and HRQOL at 6 months after exacerbation.

RESULTS

Not all participants experienced improved symptoms over time. Two sets of subgroups (improving &worsening; constantly better &constantly worse) emerged, based on 6-month changes in symptoms. Sample characteristics of the improving and worsening subgroups were similar, whereas usual dyspnea and HRQOL were significantly different in the constantly better and constantly worse subgroups. Little change in HRQOL was found in the total sample, but HRQOL deteriorated in the worsening subgroup, although deterioration was not meaningful. Changes in symptoms significantly predicted changes in HRQOL over 6 months.

CONCLUSION

Assessing patients' symptoms after exacerbations of COPD may enable health care providers to identify those at risk of future exacerbations and poorer HRQOL.0.

Associations of sense of coherence and self-efficacy with health status and disease severity in COPD

Sense of coherence and self-efficacy has been found to affect health-related quality of life in chronic diseases. However, research on respiratory diseases is limited. Here we report findings on quality of life (QoL) of COPD patients and the associations with coherence and self-efficacy. This study consists of the Greek national branch of the UNLOCK study, with a sample of 257 COPD patients. Coherence and self-efficacy are positively inter-correlated (Pearson rho = 0.590, p < 0.001). They are negatively correlated with the quality of life (CAT) [Pearson rho: coherence = −0.29, p < 0.001; self-efficacy = −0.29, p < 0.001) and mMRC (coherence = −0.37, p < 0.001; self-efficacy rho = −0.32, p < 0.001)]. Coherence is inversely associated with (Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease) GOLD 2018—CAT and GOLD 2018—mMRC classification and “having at least one exacerbation in the past year”. Findings are stressing the need for their incorporation in primary health care and COPD guidance as it maybe that enhancing coherence and self-efficacy will improve QoL.

Goals of COPD treatment: Focus on symptoms and exacerbations

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is currently a leading cause of death worldwide, and its burden is expected to rise in the coming years. Common COPD symptoms include dyspnea, cough and/or sputum production. Some patients may experience acute worsening of symptoms (known as an exacerbation), and therefore require additional therapy. Exacerbations are mainly triggered by respiratory infections and environmental factors. Healthcare professionals face many challenges in COPD management, including the heterogeneity of the disease and under-reporting of symptoms. The authors review these challenges and provide recommendations for the best methods to assess COPD. The goals of COPD treatment include recognising the impact that both symptoms and exacerbations have on patients' lives when considering optimal patient-focused management. The review discusses the need for COPD management strategies to include both pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic approaches and provides recommendations for monitoring treatment outcomes and adjusting management strategies accordingly. Novel treatment strategies including precision medicine and point-of-care testing are also discussed.

Gender differences among Swedish COPD patients: results from the ARCTIC, a real-world retrospective cohort study

The present study aimed to generate real-world evidence regarding gender differences among chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients, especially as regards the diagnosis and outcomes in order to identify areas for improvement and management and optimize the associated healthcare resource allocation. ARCTIC is a large, real-world, retrospective cohort study conducted in Swedish COPD patients and a matched reference population from 52 primary care centers in 2000–2014. The incidence of COPD, prevalence of asthma and other comorbidities, risk of exacerbations, mortality rate, COPD drug prescriptions, and healthcare resource utilization were analyzed. In total, 17,479 patients with COPD were included in the study. During the study period, COPD was more frequent among women (53.8%) and women with COPD experienced more exacerbations vs. men (6.66 vs. 4.66). However, the overall mortality rate was higher in men compared with women (45% vs. 38%), but no difference for mortality due to COPD was seen between genders over the study period. Women seemed to have a greater susceptibility to asthma, fractures, osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis, rhinitis, depression, and anxiety, but appeared less likely to have diabetes, kidney diseases, and cardiovascular diseases. Furthermore, women had a greater risk of COPD-related hospitalization and were likely to receive a significantly higher number of COPD drug prescriptions compared with men. These results support the need to reduce disease burden among women with COPD and highlight the role of healthcare professionals in primary care who should consider all these parameters in order to properly diagnose and treat women with COPD.

Crocin ameliorates chronic obstructive pulmonary disease-induced depression via PI3K/Akt mediated suppression of inflammation

Clinical studies have indicated the co-occurrence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and psychiatric disorders, for example, comorbid depression. However, the underlying mechanism is rarely addressed. The present study aimed to investigate the mechanism of COPD-induced depression and the psychological and physiological effects of crocin, an active constituent of Crocus sativus L. C57BL/6 mice were randomly exposed to cigarette smoke for 7 weeks to establish COPD animal model. Crocin (50 mg/kg), Dexamethasone (2 mg/kg) and IGF-1 (2 mg/kg) were respectively injected to mice once a day. The FEV1/FVC ratio and the mean alveolus area of lung tissue demonstrated the COPD model was successfully established by cigarette smoke. Crocin administration significantly reversed markers of depression [loss of body weight, sucrose preference, and elevation of immobile time in tail-suspension tests (TST) and in forced swimming tests (FST)]. Besides, crocin treatment significantly inhibited the numbers of inflammatory cells (macrophages, neutrophils, and lymphocytes), suppressed the infiltration of peribronchial inflammatory cells, and reduced the concentration of proinflammatory cytokines in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid and lung tissue. Crocin also reduced proinflammatory cytokines in the hippocampus. In exploring associated mechanisms, we discovered that crocin blunted cigarette smoke-induced IκB phosphorylation and degradation, and NF-κBp65 nuclear translocation. IGF-1, an activator of PI3K, abrogated the effect of crocin against cigarette smoke-induced activation of the NF-κB pathway. Together, these results showed that an inflammatory mechanism might be involved in the pathogenesis of COPD with comorbid depression. Crocin exhibited significant effects through the regulation of PI3K/Akt-mediated inflammatory pathways.

Correlation between disease severity factors and EQ-5D utilities in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

PURPOSE

Impaired health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is associated with poor health outcomes in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The aim of this study was to determine health utilities in patients with COPD and to identify the variables with the greatest impact.

METHODS

This is a pooled analysis of data from 4 observational studies performed in stable COPD patients. Evaluation of patient HRQoL utilities was performed using the Spanish version of the self-administered EuroQoL 5 Dimensions (EQ-5D) questionnaire. EQ-5D utilities were described and compared according to several markers of disease severity.

RESULTS

6198 patients reported a mean (SD) EQ-5D index of 0.67 (0.26). A linear dose response relationship between EQ-5D utility and modified Medical Research Council (mMRC) score, forced expiratory volume in one 1 s (% predicted), COPD hospital admissions in the previous year, self-reported daily walking time, Charlson index, body mass index, obstruction, dyspnoea and exacerbation (BODEx) index, COPD assessment test (CAT), hospital anxiety and depression scale was observed (p for trend < 0.001). In multivariate analysis, patients reporting lower utility values were those with more dyspnoea, more comorbidities, using long-term oxygen therapy, with previous hospitalisations due to a COPD exacerbation and higher (worse) CAT score.

CONCLUSION

HRQoL measures such as EQ-5D can assist clinicians to understand the impact of respiratory disease on COPD patients.

The Role of Guaifenesin in the Management of Chronic Mucus Hypersecretion Associated with Stable Chronic Bronchitis: A Comprehensive Review

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is the third leading cause of death and disease burden worldwide. It includes a spectrum of diseases including chronic bronchitis which is characterized by overproduction, hypersecretion and decreased elimination of mucus. Chronic bronchitis has numerous clinical consequences, including predisposition to lower respiratory tract infections, accelerated decline in lung function, increased exacerbation rate and decreased health-related quality of life.

Although the inflammatory mechanisms responsible for mucus cell metaplasia in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and stable chronic bronchitis are poorly understood, the main goals of therapy are to decrease mucus hypersecretion by controlling inflammation and to increase mucus clearance. Non-pharmacological measures include smoking cessation and chest physiotherapy. Pharmacological interventions include expectorants and mucolytics together with long-acting beta2-adrenergic receptor agonists, anticholinergics, glucocorticoids, phosphodiesterase-4 inhibitors, antioxidants, and antibiotics.

Guaifenesin is an expectorant that is thought to increase hydration and decrease viscosity of mucus leading to improved clearance of accumulated secretions from the upper and lower airway. Although guaifenesin has a Food and Drug Administration Over-the-Counter (OFC) Monograph indication to "help loosen phlegm (mucus) and thin bronchial secretions in patients with stable chronic bronchitis," there is limited published evidence of either mechanism of action or clinical efficacy in this disease state. Here we review the pathophysiology and consequences of chronic mucus hypersecretion and examine the evidence for the use of guaifenesin in patients with stable chronic bronchitis.

Meta-analysis of vitamin D and lung function in patients with asthma

Background

There is growing literature suggesting a link between vitamin D and asthma lung function, but the results from systematic reviews are conflicting. We conducted this meta-analysis to investigate the relation between serum vitamin D and lung function in asthma patients.

Methods

Major databases, including OVID, MEDLINE, Web of Science and PUBMED, were searched until 10th October 2018. All published observational studies related to vitamin D and asthma were extracted. All meta-analyses were performed using Review Manager 5.3.5.

Results

This quantitative synthesis found that asthma patients with low vitamin D levels had lower forced expiratory volume In 1 s (FEV1) (mean difference (MD) = − 0.1, 95% CI = − 0.11 to − 0.08,p < 0.01;I2 = 49%, p = 0.12) and FEV1% (MD = − 10.02, 95% CI = − 11 to − 9.04, p < 0.01; I2 = 0%, p = 0.82) than those with sufficient vitamin D levels. A positive relation was found between vitamin D and FEV1 (r = 0.12, 95% CI = 0.04 to 0.2, p = 0.003; I2 = 59%,p = 0.01), FEV1% (r = 0.19, 95% CI = 0.13 to 0.26, p < 0.001; I2 = 42%, p = 0.11), forced vital capacity (FVC) (r = 0.17, 95% CI = 0.00 to 0.34, p = 0.05; I2 = 60%, p = 0.04), FEV1/FVC (r = 0.4, 95% CI = 0.3 to 0.51, p < 0.001; I2 = 48%, p = 0.07), and the asthma control test (ACT) (r = 0.33, 95% CI = 0.2 to 0.47, p < 0.001; I2 = 0%, p = 0.7). Subgroup analysis indicated that the positive correlation between vitamin D and lung function remained significant in both children and adults.

Conclusions

Our meta-analysis suggested that serum vitamin D levels may be positively correlated with lung function in asthma patients. Future comprehensive studies are required to confirm these relations and to elucidate potential mechanisms.

Does one year change in quality of life predict the mortality in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease?-Prospective cohort study

Background

Subjects with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) present increased mortality and poor health-related quality of life (HRQoL) as compared with the general population. The objective of this study was to evaluate whether an improvement in QoL after 1 year of proper management is a predictor of survival in a cohort of patients followed up for 10 years.

Methods

In this prospective study, 306 COPD patients were assessed for eligibility between January 2003 and September 2003. Thirty-five patients were excluded due to failure to meet inclusion criteria or declining to participate and 20 patients were also excluded subsequently because they could not complete the questionnaire. Two hundred and fifty one patients were assessed at the beginning. St. George Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) and pulmonary function test (PFT) were performed at the initial visit and the end of the first year. Mortality information was obtained from hospital records and direct family interviews.

Results

A comparison between respiratory diseases mortality according to baseline paramaters reveals that age and presence of cardiac comorbidity indicates a higher risk of death and associated with worse QoL. After a cox regression analysis, the relative risk of death of any cause related to baseline QoL score was 1.042 (95% CI: 1.028-1.057), and 1.030 (95% CI: 1.011-1.050) for respiratory cause mortality. However, the relative risk of death when there was a deterioration in QoL after one year of follow up was 1.175 (95% CI: 1.130-1.221) for all-cause mortality and 1.214 (95% CI: 1.151-1.280) for respiratory cause mortality.

Conclusions

A QoL worsening in the initial year of follow up more strongly predicts 10-year mortality of any cause and for respiratory diseases than the baseline assessment alone predicts, among patients with COPD.

Baseline health status and setting impacted minimal clinically important differences in COPD: an exploratory study

OBJECTIVES

Minimal clinically important differences (MCIDs) are used as fixed numbers in the interpretation of clinical trials. Little is known about its dynamics. This study aims to explore the impact of baseline score, study setting, and patient characteristics on health status MCIDs in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING

Baseline and follow-up data on the COPD Assessment Test (CAT), Clinical COPD Questionnaire (CCQ), and St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) were retrospectively analyzed from pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) and routine clinical practice (RCP). Anchor- and distribution-based MCID estimates were calculated and tested between settings, gender, age, Global initiative for Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) classification, comorbidities, and baseline health status.

RESULTS

In total, 658 patients were included with 2,299 change score measurements. MCID estimates for improvement and deterioration ranged for all subgroups 0.50-6.30 (CAT), 0.10-0.84 (CCQ), and 0.33-12.86 (SGRQ). Larger MCID estimates for improvement and smaller ones for deterioration were noted in patients with worse baseline health status, females, elderly, GOLD I/II patients, and patients with less comorbidities. Estimates from PR were larger.

CONCLUSION

Baseline health status and setting affected MCID estimates of COPD health status questionnaires. Patterns were observed for gender, age, spirometry classification, and comorbidity levels. These outcomes would advocate the need for tailored MCIDs.

Analysis of two questionnaires on quality of life of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease patients

Objective:

to evaluate the efficacy of quality of life questionnaires St. George Respiratory Questionnaire and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Assessment Test in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease based on correlation and agreement analyses, and identify the most effective tool to assess their quality of life.

Method:

cross-sectional cohort study with patients hospitalized in a Spanish hospital for exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Health-related quality of life was assessed with both questionnaires. The correlation and the agreement between the questionnaires were analyzed, as well as the internal consistency. Associations were established between the clinical variables and the results of the questionnaire.

Results:

one hundred and fifty-six patients participated in the study. The scales had a correlation and agreement between them and high internal consistency. A higher sensitivity of the Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Assessment Test was observed for the presence of cough and expectoration.

Conclusion:

the questionnaires have similar reliability and validity to measure the quality of life in patients with acute chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and the Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Assessment Test is more sensitive to detect cough and expectoration and requires a shorter time to be completed.

Effects of use of an eHealth platform e-Vita for COPD patients on disease specific quality of life domains

BACKGROUND

Integrated disease management with self-management for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is effective to improve clinical outcomes. eHealth can improve patients' involvement to be able to accept and maintain a healthier lifestyle. Eventhough there is mixed evidence of the impact of eHealth on quality of life (QoL) in different settings.

AIM

The primary aim of the e-Vita-COPD-study was to investigate the effect of use of eHealth patient platforms on disease specific QoL of COPD patients.

METHODS

We evaluated the impact of an eHealth platform on disease specific QoL measured with the clinical COPD questionnaire (CCQ), including subscales of symptoms, functional state and mental state. Interrupted time series (ITS) design was used to collect CCQ data at multiple time points. Multilevel linear regression modelling was used to compare trends in CCQ before and after the intervention.

RESULTS

Of 742 invited COPD patients, 244 signed informed consent. For the analyses, we only included patients who actually used the eHealth platform (n = 123). The decrease of CCQ-symptoms was 0.20% before the intervention and 0.27% after the intervention; this difference in slopes was statistically significant (P = 0.027). The decrease of CCQ-mental was 0.97% before the intervention and after the intervention there was an increase of 0.017%; this difference was statistically significant (P = 0.01). No significant difference was found in the slopes of CCQ (P = 0.12) and CCQ-function (P = 0.11) before and after the intervention.

CONCLUSION

The e-Vita eHealth platform had a potential beneficial impact on the CCQ-symptoms of COPD patients, but not on functional state. The CCQ-mental state remained stable after the intervention, but this was a deterioration compared to the improving situation before the start of the eHealth platform. Therefore, health care providers should be aware that, although symptoms improve, there might be a slight increase in anxiety and depression after introducing an eHealth intervention to support self-management.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Our study is registered in the Dutch Trial Register (national registration of clinical trails, mandatory for publication) with number NTR4098 and can be found at http://www.trialregister.nl/trial/3936 . Date registered: 2013-07-31. First participant: 2014-01-01.