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Oestreich MA, Doswald I, Salem Y, Künstle N, Wyler F, Frauchiger BS, Kentgens AC, Latzin P, Yammine S. A computerized tool for the systematic visual quality assessment of infant multiple-breath washout measurements. Front Pediatr 2024; 12:1393291. [PMID: 38910962 PMCID: PMC11191423 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2024.1393291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Multiple-breath washout (MBW) is a sensitive method for assessing lung volumes and ventilation inhomogeneity in infants, but remains prone to artefacts (e.g., sighs). There is a lack of tools for systematic retrospective analysis of existing datasets, and unlike N2-MBW in older children, there are few specific quality control (QC) criteria for artefacts in infant SF6-MBW. Aim We aimed to develop a computer-based tool for systematic evaluation of visual QC criteria of SF6-MBW measurements and to investigate interrater agreement and effects on MBW outcomes among three independent examiners. Methods We developed a software package for visualization of raw Spiroware (Eco Medics AG, Switzerland) and signal processed WBreath (ndd Medizintechnik AG, Switzerland) SF6-MBW signal traces. Interrater agreement among three independent examiners (two experienced, one novice) who systematically reviewed 400 MBW trials for visual artefacts and the decision to accept/reject the washin and washout were assessed. Results Our tool visualizes MBW signals and provides the user with (i) display options (e.g., zoom), (ii) options for a systematic QC assessment [e.g., decision to accept or reject, identification of artefacts (leak, sigh, irregular breathing pattern, breath hold), and comments], and (iii) additional information (e.g., automatic identification of sighs). Reviewer agreement was good using pre-defined QC criteria (κ 0.637-0.725). Differences in the decision to accept/reject had no substantial effect on MBW outcomes. Conclusion Our visual quality control tool supports a systematic retrospective analysis of existing data sets. Based on predefined QC criteria, even inexperienced users can achieve comparable MBW results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc-Alexander Oestreich
- Division of Paediatric Respiratory Medicine and Allergology, Department of Paediatrics, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Isabelle Doswald
- Division of Paediatric Respiratory Medicine and Allergology, Department of Paediatrics, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Yasmin Salem
- Division of Paediatric Respiratory Medicine and Allergology, Department of Paediatrics, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Noëmi Künstle
- University Children’s Hospital Basel (UKBB), University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Florian Wyler
- Division of Paediatric Respiratory Medicine and Allergology, Department of Paediatrics, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Bettina S. Frauchiger
- Division of Paediatric Respiratory Medicine and Allergology, Department of Paediatrics, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Anne-Christianne Kentgens
- Division of Paediatric Respiratory Medicine and Allergology, Department of Paediatrics, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Philipp Latzin
- Division of Paediatric Respiratory Medicine and Allergology, Department of Paediatrics, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Sophie Yammine
- Division of Paediatric Respiratory Medicine and Allergology, Department of Paediatrics, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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Terlizzi V, Parisi GF, Ferrari B, Castellani C, Manti S, Leonardi S, Taccetti G. Effect of Dornase Alfa on the Lung Clearance Index in Children with Cystic Fibrosis: A Lesson from a Case Series. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 9:1625. [PMID: 36360353 PMCID: PMC9688561 DOI: 10.3390/children9111625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2022] [Revised: 10/15/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dornase alfa (DNase) is the only mucus-degrading agent that has proven efficacy in cystic fibrosis (CF). Few studies have evaluated the effects of DNase on the lung clearance index (LCI). We report the experience of two CF centers in which LCI monitoring was used to evaluate the efficacy of DNase therapy. METHODS This is a prospective and observational study, evaluating the effects of DNase therapy on LCI values in three CF children followed at CF centers in Florence and Catania, Italy. In both centers, LCI was performed routinely, every 3-6 months, based on the clinical picture and severity of the lung disease. In this study, we evaluated the LCI before and after long-term DNase therapy. RESULTS DNase improved LCI values in the absence of respiratory exacerbations: in case n. 1 LCI decreased by 39% in 16 months (from 11.1 to 6.8); in case n. 2 by 20% in 12 months (from 9.3 to 7.4); in case n. 3 by 24% in 16 months (from 9.3 to 7.0). CONCLUSIONS This case series confirms the efficacy of DNase therapy in CF children, as demonstrated by the LCI reduction in treated patients. Furthermore, our results suggest that LCI is a sensitive marker of disease and can be used for the evaluation of response to treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vito Terlizzi
- Cystic Fibrosis Regional Reference Center, Department of Paediatric Medicine, Meyer Children’s Hospital, 50139 Florence, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Fabio Parisi
- Pediatric Respiratory and Cystic Fibrosis Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, San Marco Hospital, University of Catania, 95121 Catania, Italy
| | - Beatrice Ferrari
- Rehabilitation Unit, Meyer Children’s Hospital, 50139 Florence, Italy
| | - Chiara Castellani
- Rehabilitation Unit, Meyer Children’s Hospital, 50139 Florence, Italy
| | - Sara Manti
- Pediatric Respiratory and Cystic Fibrosis Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, San Marco Hospital, University of Catania, 95121 Catania, Italy
- Pediatric Unit, Department of Human and Pediatric Pathology “Gaetano Barresi”, AOUP G. Martino, University of Messina, Via Consolare Valeria, 1, 98124 Messina, Italy
| | - Salvatore Leonardi
- Pediatric Respiratory and Cystic Fibrosis Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, San Marco Hospital, University of Catania, 95121 Catania, Italy
| | - Giovanni Taccetti
- Cystic Fibrosis Regional Reference Center, Department of Paediatric Medicine, Meyer Children’s Hospital, 50139 Florence, Italy
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Model analysis of multiple breath nitrogen washout data: robustness to variations in breathing pattern. J Clin Monit Comput 2022; 37:409-420. [PMID: 36149575 DOI: 10.1007/s10877-022-00915-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
We recently developed a model-based method for analyzing multiple breath nitrogen washout data that does not require identification of Phase-III. In the present study, we assessed the effect of irregular breathing patterns on the intra-subject variabilities of the model parameters. Nitrogen fraction at the mouth was measured in 18 healthy and 20 asthmatic subjects during triplicate performances of multiple breath nitrogen washout, during controlled (target tidal volume 1 L at 8-12 breaths per minute) and free (unrestricted) breathing. The parameters Scond, Sacin and functional residual capacity (FRC) were obtained by conventional analysis of the slope of Phase-III. Fitting the model to the washout data provided functional residual capacity (FRCM), dead space volume (VD), the coefficient of variation of regional specific ventilation ([Formula: see text]), and the model equivalent of Sacin (Sacin-M). Intra-participant coefficients of variation for the model parameters for both health and asthma were FRCM < 5.2%, VD < 5.4%, [Formula: see text] < 9.0%, and Sacin-M < 45.6% for controlled breathing, and FRCM < 4.6%, VD < 5.3%, [Formula: see text] < 13.2%, and Sacin-M < 103.2% for free breathing. The coefficients of variation limits for conventional parameters were FRC < 6.1%, with Scond < 73.6% and Sacin < 49.2% for controlled breathing and Scond < 35.0% and Sacin < 74.4% for free breathing. The model-fitting approach to multiple breath nitrogen washout analysis provides a measure of regional ventilation heterogeneity in [Formula: see text] that is less affected by irregularities in the breathing pattern than its corresponding Phase-III slope analysis parameter Scond.
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Schmidt C, Joppek C, Trinkmann F, Takors R, Cattaneo G, Port J. Investigation of tracer gas transport in a new numerical model of lung acini. Med Biol Eng Comput 2022; 60:2619-2637. [PMID: 35794345 PMCID: PMC9365752 DOI: 10.1007/s11517-022-02608-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2021] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Obstructive pulmonary diseases are associated with considerable morbidity. For an early diagnosis of these diseases, inert gas washouts can potentially be used. However, the complex interaction between lung anatomy and gas transport mechanisms complicates data analysis. In order to investigate this interaction, a numerical model, based on the finite difference method, consisting of two lung units connected in parallel, was developed to simulate the tracer gas transport within the human acinus. Firstly, the geometries of the units were varied and the diffusion coefficients (D) were kept constant. Secondly, D was changed and the geometry was kept constant. Furthermore, simple monoexponential growth functions were applied to evaluate the simulated data. In 109 of the 112 analyzed curves, monoexponential function matched simulated data with an accuracy of over 90%, potentially representing a suitable numerical tool to predict transport processes in further model extensions. For total flows greater than 5 × 10−4 ml/s, the exponential growth constants increased linearly with linear increasing flow to an accuracy of over 95%. The slopes of these linear trend lines of 1.23 µl−1 (D = 0.6 cm2/s), 1.69 µl−1 (D = 0.3 cm2/s), and 2.25 µl−1 (D = 0.1 cm2/s) indicated that gases with low D are more sensitive to changes in flows than gases with high D.
Graphical abstract
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Bogdan RD, Bohiltea RE, Toma AI. Respiratory Follow Up of the Premature Neonates-Rationale and Practical Issues. J Clin Med 2022; 11:1746. [PMID: 35330070 PMCID: PMC8955296 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11061746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2022] [Revised: 03/13/2022] [Accepted: 03/17/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The aim of the review was to present the state of knowledge about the respiratory pathology in former premature neonates (children that were born preterm-before 37 weeks of gestation-and are examined and evaluated after 40 weeks corrected age) other than chronic lung disease, in order to provide reasons for a respiratory follow-up program for this category of patients. After a search of the current evidence, we found that premature infants are prone to long-term respiratory consequences due to several reasons: development of the lung outside of the uterus, leading to dysmaturation of the structures, pulmonary pathology due to immaturity, infectious agents or mechanical ventilation and deficient control of breathing. The medium- to long-term respiratory consequences of being born before term are represented by an increased risk of respiratory infections (especially viral) during the first years of life, a risk of recurrent wheezing and asthma and a decrease in pulmonary volumes and airway flows. Late preterm infants have risks of pulmonary long-term consequences similar to other former premature infants. Due to all the above risks, premature neonates should be followed in an organized fashion, being examined at regular time intervals from discharge from the maternity hospital until adulthood-this could lead to an early detection of the risks and preventive therapies in order to improve their prognosis and assure a normal and productive life. The difficulties related to establishing such programs are represented by the insufficient standardization of the data gathering forms, clinical examinations and lung function tests, but it is our belief that if more premature infants are followed, the experience will allow standards to be established in these fields and the methods of data gathering and evaluation to be unified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raluca Daniela Bogdan
- Pediatrics Department, Medicover Hospital, Str. Pechea No. 8, Sector 1, 031056 Bucharest, Romania;
| | - Roxana Elena Bohiltea
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bd Eroii Sanitari Nr 8, 050471 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Adrian Ioan Toma
- Neonatology Department, Life Memorial Hospital, Calea Grivitei No. 365, Sector 1, 010719 Bucharest, Romania
- Faculty of Medicine, University “Titu Maiorescu”, Str. Gh Petrascu 67, Sector 3, 031593 Bucharest, Romania
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Secchi T, Baselli LA, Russo MC, Borzani IM, Carta F, Lopopolo MA, Foà M, La Vecchia A, Agostoni C, Agosti M, Dellepiane RM. Multiple Breath Washout for Early Assessment of Pulmonary Complications in Patients With Primary Antibody Deficiencies: An Observational Study in Pediatric Age. Front Pediatr 2022; 10:773751. [PMID: 35656375 PMCID: PMC9152221 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2022.773751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2021] [Accepted: 04/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In primary antibody deficiencies (PADs), pulmonary complications are the main cause of morbidity, despite immunoglobulin substitutive therapy, antibiotic treatment of exacerbations, and respiratory physiotherapy. Current Italian recommendations for surveillance of PADs respiratory complications include an annual assessment of spirometry and execution of chest high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) every 4 years. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the lung clearance index (LCI) as an early marker of lung damage in patients with PADs. LCI is measured by multiple breath washout (MBW), a non-invasive and highly specific test widely used in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). METHODS Pediatric patients with PADs (n = 17, 10 male, 7 female, and age range 5-15 years) underwent baseline assessment of lung involvement with chest HRCT, spirometry, and multiple breath nitrogen washout. Among them, 13 patients were followed up to repeat HRCT after 4 years, while performing pulmonary function tests annually. Their baseline and follow-up LCI and forced expiratory volume at 1 s (FEV1) values were compared, taking HRCT as the gold standard, using logistic regression analysis. RESULTS Lung clearance index [odds ratio (OR) 2.3 (confidence interval (CI) 0.1-52) at baseline, OR 3.9 (CI 0.2-191) at follow-up] has a stronger discriminating power between altered and normal HRCT rather than FEV1 [OR 0.6 (CI 0.2-2) at baseline, OR 1.6 (CI 0.1-13.6) at follow-up]. CONCLUSION Within the context of a limited sample size, LCI seems to be more predictive of HRCT alterations than FEV1 and more sensitive than HRCT in detecting non-uniform ventilation in the absence of bronchiectasis. A study of a larger cohort of pediatric patients followed longitudinally in adulthood is needed to challenge these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lucia Augusta Baselli
- Pediatric Intermediate Care Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Cà Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Maria Chiara Russo
- Cystic Fibrosis Regional Reference Centre, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Irene Maria Borzani
- Radiology Unit-Pediatric Division, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Federica Carta
- Cystic Fibrosis Regional Reference Centre, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Maria Amalia Lopopolo
- Pediatric Rehabilitation Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Michaela Foà
- Pediatric Rehabilitation Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Carlo Agostoni
- Pediatric Intermediate Care Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Cà Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy.,Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health (DISCCO), University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Massimo Agosti
- Woman and Child Department, Ospedale "Filippo Del Ponte," University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
| | - Rosa Maria Dellepiane
- Pediatric Intermediate Care Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Cà Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
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Stable to improved cardiac and pulmonary function in children with high-risk sickle cell disease following haploidentical stem cell transplantation. Bone Marrow Transplant 2021; 56:2221-2230. [PMID: 33958740 PMCID: PMC8416746 DOI: 10.1038/s41409-021-01298-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2020] [Revised: 03/23/2021] [Accepted: 04/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Children with sickle cell disease (SCD) are at high-risk of progressive, chronic pulmonary and cardiac dysfunction. In this prospective multicenter Phase II trial of myeloimmunoablative conditioning followed by haploidentical stem cell transplantation in children with high-risk SCD, 19 patients, 2.0-21.0 years of age, were enrolled with one or more of the following: history of (1) overt stroke; (2) silent stroke; (3) elevated transcranial Doppler velocity; (4) multiple vaso-occlusive crises; and/or (5) two or more acute chest syndromes and received haploidentical transplants from 18 parental donors. Cardiac and pulmonary centralized cores were established. Pulmonary function results were expressed as percent of the median of healthy reference cohorts, matched for age, sex, height and race. At 2 years, pulmonary functions including forced expiratory volume (FEV), FEV1/ forced vital capacity (FVC), total lung capacity (TLC), diffusing capacity of lung for carbon monoxide (DLCO) were stable to improved compared to baseline values. Importantly, specific airway conductance was significantly improved at 2 years (p < 0.004). Left ventricular systolic function (fractional shortening) and tricuspid regurgitant velocity were stable at 2 years. These results demonstrate that haploidentical stem cell transplantation can stabilize or improve cardiopulmonary function in patients with SCD.
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Pisi R, Aiello M, Calzetta L, Frizzelli A, Alfieri V, Bertorelli G, Pisi G, Chetta A. Ventilation Heterogeneity in Asthma and COPD: The Value of the Poorly Communicating Fraction as the Ratio of Total Lung Capacity to Alveolar Volume. Respiration 2021; 100:404-410. [PMID: 33784705 DOI: 10.1159/000513954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2020] [Accepted: 12/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The ventilation heterogeneity (VH) is reliably assessed by the multiple-breath nitrogen washout (MBNW), which provides indices of conductive (Scond) and acinar (Sacin) VH as well as the lung clearance index (LCI), an index of global VH. VH can be alternatively measured by the poorly communicating fraction (PCF), that is, the ratio of total lung capacity by body plethysmography to alveolar volume from the single-breath lung diffusing capacity measurement. OBJECTIVES Our objective was to assess VH by PCF and MBNW in patients with asthma and with COPD and to compare PCF and MBNW parameters in both patient groups. METHOD We studied 35 asthmatic patients and 45 patients with COPD. Each patient performed spirometry, body plethysmography, diffusing capacity, and MBNW test. RESULTS Compared to COPD patients, asthmatics showed a significantly lesser degree of airflow obstruction and lung hyperinflation. In asthmatic patients, both PCF and LCI and Sacin values were significantly lower than the corresponding ones of COPD patients. In addition, in both patient groups, PCF showed a positive correlation with LCI (p < 0.05) and Sacin (p < 0.05), but not with Scond. Lastly, COPD patients with PCF >30% were highly likely to have a value ≥2 of the mMRC dyspnea scale. CONCLUSIONS These results showed that PCF, a readily measure derived from routine pulmonary function testing, can provide a comprehensive measure of both global and acinar VH in asthma and in COPD patients and can be considered as a comparable tool to the well-established MBNW technique.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Pisi
- Respiratory Disease and Lung Function Unit, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Marina Aiello
- Respiratory Disease and Lung Function Unit, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Luigino Calzetta
- Respiratory Disease and Lung Function Unit, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Annalisa Frizzelli
- Respiratory Disease and Lung Function Unit, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Veronica Alfieri
- Respiratory Disease and Lung Function Unit, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Giuseppina Bertorelli
- Respiratory Disease and Lung Function Unit, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Giovanna Pisi
- Cystic Fibrosis Unit, Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Alfredo Chetta
- Respiratory Disease and Lung Function Unit, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
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Ferrari da Cruz T, Rufino R, Lopes A, Henrique Costa C. Small airway evaluation in three subjects with alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency without diagnosed lung disease. BMJ Case Rep 2021; 14:14/3/e239146. [PMID: 33785603 PMCID: PMC8011716 DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2020-239146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
We describe three cases of female subjects (aged 16, 44 and 41 years) with no respiratory symptoms, who have alpha-1 antitripsyn mutation (PiSZ, PiZZ and PiZZ) and who performed traditional pulmonary function tests and the single breath nitrogen washout test. They still did not have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or any identifiable change in traditional pulmonary function tests but already have change in nitrogen washout tests. Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency is a genetic disorder associated with early-onset COPD. There is evidence that although patients who have well-preserved FEV1 may already have signs of emphysema associated with symptoms. Therefore, the nitrogen washout test is considered to have more sensitive outcomes than other pulmonary function tests for early investigation of small airways disease and could allow the monitoring pulmonary function and evaluating of therapeutic decision.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rogério Rufino
- Pneumology, Rio de Janeiro State University, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Agnaldo Lopes
- Pneumology, Rio de Janeiro State University, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
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Lombardi E, Gambazza S, Pradal U, Braggion C. Lung clearance index in subjects with cystic fibrosis in Italy. Ital J Pediatr 2019; 45:56. [PMID: 31046783 PMCID: PMC6498565 DOI: 10.1186/s13052-019-0647-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2018] [Accepted: 04/16/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The Lung Clearance Index (LCI) is an index derived from washout recordings, able to detect early peripheral airway damage in subjects with cystic fibrosis (CF) with a greater sensitivity than spirometry. LCI is a marker of overall lung ventilation inhomogeneity; in fact, as pulmonary ventilation worsens, the number of tidal breaths and the expiratory volumes required to clear the lungs of a marker gas are increased, as documented by a greater value. In the field of CF, LCI allows indirect investigation of the small airways (< 2 mm) the site where, from a pathophysiologic point of view, the disease begins due to the defect of the CF transmembrane-conductance regulator (CFTR) protein. Infant pulmonary function changes seem to occur before clinically overt symptoms of lower respiratory illness occur. When performing the test, it is important to refer to the American Thoracic Society and European Respiratory Society consensus statements and apply a strict standardization. In Italy the first tests were carried out in 2014 for research purpose and now approximately 10 centers are collecting data and are experiencing a consistency in repeating exams. Currently in Italian centers children at pre-school age are the main target: in this population it is important to have a sensitive and feasible test, non-invasive, that can be performed at tidal volume without sedation, and requiring minimal cooperation and coordination, and that can be used longitudinally over time. Another target could be the transplanted subjects to detect early signs of lung function decline. The content of this paper captures the experience and discussions among some of the Italian centers where LCI is currently used for research and/or in clinical practice about the method and the need to have a common approach. The aim of this paper is not to describe the methodology of MBW, but to inform the pediatric community about the possible application of LCI in CF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enrico Lombardi
- Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Meyer, Pediatric University Hospital, Viale Pieraccini 24, 50139, Florence, Italy.
| | - Simone Gambazza
- Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Cystic Fibrosis Centre, Milan, Italy.,Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy.,Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, U.O.C. Direzione delle Professioni Sanitarie, Milan, Italy
| | - Ugo Pradal
- UO Pediatria Ospedale di Rovereto, APSS Trento, Trento, Italy
| | - Cesare Braggion
- Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Meyer, Pediatric University Hospital, Viale Pieraccini 24, 50139, Florence, Italy
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