Optimizing clinical outcomes for bronchoscopic lung volume reduction with Zephyr® valves

Bronchoscopic lung volume reduction treatment with Zephyr one-way valves is an effective guideline-based treatment option for patients with severe emphysema and hyperinflation. However, in some cases the treatment response is less than anticipated or there might be a loss of initial treatment effect. Reasons for the lack of response can include incorrect assessment of collateral ventilation, improper valve placement, or patient related factors. Loss of initial benefit can be due to granulation tissue formation and subsequent valve dysfunction, or there may be side effects such as excessive coughing or infectious problems. Careful follow-up after treatment with valves is important and evaluation with a CT scan and/or bronchoscopy is helpful if there is no improvement after treatment or loss of initial benefit. This paper aims to describe the most important causes and provide a strategy of how to approach and manage these patients.

The Regulation of Fatty Acid Synthase by Exosomal miR-143-5p and miR-342-5p in Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic and progressive disease caused by an aberrant repair of injured alveolar epithelial cells. The maintenance of the alveolar epithelium and its regeneration after the damage is fueled by alveolar type II (ATII) cells. Injured cells release exosomes containing microRNAs (miRNAs), which can alter the recipient cells' function. Lung tissue, ATII cells, fibroblasts, plasma, and exosomes were obtained from naive patients with IPF, patients with IPF taking pirfenidone or nintedanib, and control organ donors. miRNA expression was analyzed to study their impact on exosome-mediated effects in IPF. High miR-143-5p and miR-342-5p levels were detected in ATII cells, lung tissue, plasma, and exosomes in naive patients with IPF. Decreased FASN (fatty acid synthase) and ACSL-4 (acyl-CoA-synthetase long-chain family member 4) expression was found in ATII cells. miR-143-5p and miR-342-5p overexpression or ATII cell treatment with IPF-derived exosomes containing these miRNAs lowered FASN and ACSL-4 levels. Also, this contributed to ATII cell injury and senescence. However, exosomes isolated from patients with IPF taking nintedanib or pirfenidone increased FASN expression in ATII cells compared with naive patients with IPF. Furthermore, fibroblast treatment with exosomes obtained from naive patients with IPF increased SMAD3, CTGF, COL3A1, and TGFβ1 expression. Our results suggest that IPF-derived exosomes containing miR-143-5p and miR-342-5p inhibited the de novo fatty acid synthesis pathway in ATII cells. They also induced the profibrotic response in fibroblasts. Pirfenidone and nintedanib improved ATII cell function and inhibited fibrogenesis. This study highlights the importance of exosomes in IPF pathophysiology.

Lung volume reduction surgery is safe and leads to functional improvement in patients who fail or cannot undergo bronchoscopic lung volume reduction

Background

Bronchoscopic lung volume reduction (BLVR) has supplanted surgery in the treatment of patients with advanced emphysema, but not all patients qualify for it. Our study aimed to investigate the outcomes of lung volume reduction surgery (LVRS) among patients who either failed BLVR or were not candidates for it.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective analysis of patients who underwent LVRS for upper lobe-predominant emphysema at a single tertiary center between March 2018 and December 2022. The main outcomes measures were preoperative and postoperative respiratory parameters, perioperative morbidity, and mortality.

Results

A total of 67 LVRS recipients were evaluated, including 10 who had failed prior valve placement. The median patient age was 69 years, and 35 (52%) were male. All procedures were performed thoracoscopically, with 36 patients (53.7%) undergoing bilateral LVRS. The median hospital length of stay was 7 days (interquartile range, 6-11 days). Prolonged air leak (>7 days) occurred in 20 patients. There was one 90-day mortality from a nosocomial pneumonia (non-COVID-related) and no further deaths at 12 months. There were mean improvements of 10.07% in forced expiratory volume in 1 second and 4.74% in diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide, along with a mean decrease 49.2% in residual volume (P < .001 for all). The modified Medical Research Council dyspnea scale was improved by 1.84 points (P < .001).

Conclusions

LVRS can be performed safely in patients who are not candidates for BLVR and those who fail BLVR and leads to significant functional improvement. Long-term follow-up is necessary to ensure the sustainability of LVRS benefits in this patient population.

Design of the STRIVE-IPF trial- study of therapeutic plasma exchange, rituximab, and intravenous immunoglobulin for acute exacerbations of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis

BACKGROUND

Acute exacerbations of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (AE-IPF) affect a significant proportion of patients with IPF. There are limited data to inform therapeutic strategies for AE-IPF, despite its high mortality. We discuss the rationale and design of STRIVE-IPF, a randomized, multi-center, open-label Phase IIb clinical trial to determine the efficacy of combined therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE), rituximab, and intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG), in comparison to treatment as usual (TAU), among patients with acute IPF exacerbations.

METHODS

The STRIVE-IPF trial will randomize 51 patients among five sites in the United States. The inclusion criteria have been designed to select a study population with AE-IPF, as defined by American Thoracic Society criteria, while excluding patients with an alternative cause for a respiratory decompensation. The primary endpoint of this trial is six-month survival. Secondary endpoints include supplement oxygen requirement and six-minute walk distance which will be assessed immediately prior to treatment and after completion of therapy on day 19, as well as at periodic subsequent visits.

DISCUSSION

The experimental AE-IPF therapy proposed in this clinical trial was adapted from treatment regimens used in other antibody-mediated diseases. The regimen is initiated with TPE, which is expected to rapidly reduce circulating autoantibodies, followed by rituximab to reduce B-cells and finally IVIG, which likely has multiple effects, including affecting feedback inhibition of residual B-cells by Fc receptor occupancy. We have reported potential benefits of this experimental therapy for AE-IPF in previous anecdotal reports. This clinical trial has the potential to profoundly affect current paradigms and treatment approaches to patients with AE-IPF.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03286556.

Design of the STRIVE-IPF Trial- Study of Therapeutic Plasma Exchange, Rituximab, and Intravenous Immunoglobulin for Acute Exacerbations of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis

Background

Acute exacerbations of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (AE-IPF) affect a significant proportion of patients with IPF. There are limited data to inform therapeutic strategies for AEIPF, despite its high mortality. We discuss the rationale and design of STRIVE-IPF, a randomized, multi-center, open-label Phase IIb clinical trial to determine the efficacy of combined therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE), rituximab, and intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG), in comparison to treatment as usual (TAU), among patients with acute IPF exacerbations.

Methods

The STRIVE-IPF trial will randomize 51 patients among five sites in the United States. The inclusion criteria have been designed to select a study population with AE-IPF, as defined by American Thoracic Society criteria, while excluding patients with an alternative cause for a respiratory decompensation. The primary endpoint of this trial is six-month survival. Secondary endpoints include supplement oxygen requirement and six-minute walk distance which will be assessed immediately prior to treatment and after completion of therapy on day 19, as well as at periodic subsequent visits.

Discussion

The experimental AE-IPF therapy proposed in this clinical trial was adapted from treatment regimens used in other antibody-mediated diseases. The regimen is initiated with TPE, which is expected to rapidly reduce circulating autoantibodies, followed by rituximab to reduce B-cells and finally IVIG, which likely has multiple effects, including affecting feedback inhibition of residual B-cells by Fc receptor occupancy. We have reported potential benefits of this experimental therapy for AE-IPF in previous anecdotal reports. This clinical trial has the potential to profoundly affect current paradigms and treatment approaches to patients with AE-IPF.Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03286556.

Elevated pulmonary vascular resistance is associated with increased lung transplant waitlist mortality among patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and pulmonary hypertension: a retrospective cohort analysis

BACKGROUND

The latest European Society of Cardiology and European Respiratory Society guidelines have changed the definition of both pre-capillary pulmonary hypertension (PH) and severe PH in chronic lung disease. The clinical significance of these new criteria are unclear among patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)-PH. We aim to examine the clinical significance of the new PH definitions with regards to lung transplant waitlist mortality amongst patients with COPD-PH.

METHODS

This was a retrospective cohort study of adult patients with COPD-PH listed for lung transplantation. Kaplan-Meier survival analyses were performed comparing patients with newly defined pre-capillary PH to those without pre-capillary PH and comparing patients with severe PH, defined as pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) > 5 WU, to those without severe PH. Both mean pulmonary artery pressure (mPAP) and PVR were analyzed for potential cut-off points associated with increased waitlist mortality. Predictors of waitlist mortality were identified via Cox regression.

RESULTS

Among 6495 patients with COPD-PH listed for lung transplantation, pre-capillary PH was not associated with increased waitlist mortality (logrank p = 0.43), while severe PH was (logrank p < 0.001). Both severe PH (HR 1.79, 95% CI 1.22-2.60, p = 0.003) and PVR > 3.9 WU (HR 1.49, 95% CI 1.14-1.95, p = 0.004) were independently and significantly associated with increased waitlist mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

PVR may serve as a strong predictor of lung transplant waitlist mortality among patients with COPD-PH as compared to other pulmonary hemodynamic parameters when predicting transplant waitlist mortality.

GOLD COPD DOCUMENT 2023: a brief update for practicing cardiologists

Many patients seen by cardiologists suffer chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in addition to their primary cardiovascular problem. Yet, quite often COPD has not been diagnosed and, consequently, patients have not been treated of their pulmonary disease. Recognizing and treating COPD in patients with CVDs is important because optimal treatment of the COPD carries important benefits on cardiovascular outcomes. The Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) publishes an annual report that serves as a clinical guideline for the diagnosis and management of COPD around the world and has very recently released the 2023 annual report. Here, we provide a summary of the GOLD 2023 recommendations that highlights those aspects of more interest for practicing cardiologists dealing with patients with CVD who may suffer COPD.

Sustained Clinical Benefits of Spiration Valve System in Patients with Severe Emphysema: 24-Month Follow-Up of EMPROVE

Rationale: Follow-up of patients with emphysema treated with endobronchial valves is limited to 3-12 months after treatment in prior reports. To date, no comparative data exist between treatment and control subjects with a longer follow-up. Objectives: To assess the durability of the Spiration Valve System (SVS) in patients with severe heterogeneous emphysema over a 24-month period. Methods: EMPROVE, a multicenter randomized controlled trial, presents a rigorous comparison between treatment and control groups for up to 24 months. Lung function, respiratory symptoms, and quality-of-life (QOL) measures were assessed. Results: A significant improvement in forced expiratory volume in 1 second was maintained at 24 months in the SVS treatment group versus the control group. Similarly, significant improvements were maintained in several QOL measures, including the St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire and the COPD Assessment Test. Patients in the SVS treatment group experienced significantly less dyspnea than those in the control group, as indicated by the modified Medical Research Council dyspnea scale score. Adverse events at 24 months did not significantly differ between the SVS treatment and control groups. Acute chronic obstructive pulmonary disease exacerbation rates in the SVS treatment and control groups were 13.7% (14 of 102) and 15.6% (7 of 45), respectively. Pneumothorax rates in the SVS treatment and control groups were 1.0% (1 of 102) and 0.0% (0 of 45), respectively. Conclusions: SVS treatment resulted in statistically significant and clinically meaningful durable improvements in lung function, respiratory symptoms, and QOL, as well as a statistically significant reduction in dyspnea, for at least 24 months while maintaining an acceptable safety profile. Clinical trial registered with www.clinicaltrials.gov (NCT01812447).

Critical Care Management of Severe Asthma Exacerbations

Severe asthma exacerbations, including near-fatal asthma (NFA), have high morbidity and mortality. Mechanical ventilation of patients with severe asthma is difficult due to the complex pathophysiology resulting from severe bronchospasm and dynamic hyperinflation. Life-threatening complications of traditional ventilation strategies in asthma exacerbations include the development of systemic hypotension from hyperinflation, air trapping, and pneumothoraces. Optimizing pharmacologic techniques and ventilation strategies is crucial to treat the underlying bronchospasm. Despite optimal pharmacologic management and mechanical ventilation, the mortality rate of patients with severe asthma in intensive care units is 8%, suggesting a need for advanced non-pharmacologic therapies, including extracorporeal life support (ECLS). This review focuses on the pathophysiology of acute asthma exacerbations, ventilation management including non-invasive ventilation (NIV) and invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV), the pharmacologic management of acute asthma, and ECLS. This review also explores additional advanced non-pharmacologic techniques and monitoring tools for the safe and effective management of critically ill adult asthmatic patients.

Any Decrease in Lung Function is Associated With Worse Clinical Outcomes: Post Hoc Analysis of the IMPACT Interventional Trial

This article does not contain an abstract.

Associations Between Coronary Artery Calcium Score and Exacerbation Risk in BLOCK-COPD

Introduction

In 2019, the Beta-Blockers for the Prevention of Acute Exacerbations of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease study (BLOCK-COPD) evaluated the effect of metoprolol on exacerbation risk and mortality in a COPD population without indications for beta-blocker use. We hypothesized that an imaging metric of coronary artery disease (CAD), the coronary artery calcium (CAC) score, would predict exacerbation risk and identify a differential response to metoprolol treatment.

Methods

The study population includes participants in the BLOCK-COPD study from multiple study sites. Participants underwent clinically indicated thoracic computed tomography (CT) scans ± 12 months from enrollment. The Weston scoring system quantified CAC. Adjusted Cox proportional hazards models evaluated for associations between CAC and time to exacerbation.

Results

Data is included for 109 participants. The mean CAC score was 5.1±3.7, and 92 participants (84%) had CAC scores greater than 0. Over a median (interquartile range) follow-up time of 350 (280 to 352) days, there were 61 mild exacerbations and 19 severe/very severe exacerbations. No associations were found between exacerbations of any severity and CAC>0 or total CAC. Associations were observed between total CAC and CAC>0 in the left circumflex (LCx) and time to exacerbation of any severity (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR]=1.39, confidence interval [CI]: 1.08-1.79, p=0.01) and (aHR=1.96, 95% CI: 1.04-3.70, p=0.04), respectively.

Conclusions

CAD is a prevalent comorbidity in COPD accounting for significant mortality. Our study confirms the high prevalence of CAD using the CAC score; however, we did not discover an association between CAC and exacerbation risk. We did find novel associations between CAC in the LCx and exacerbation risk which warrant further investigation in larger cohorts.

Utility of rehabilitation prior to bronchoscopic lung volume reduction: post hoc analysis of the VENT trial

Background and objective

Rehabilitation programmes are a valuable treatment modality for patients with COPD to increase exercise capacity and quality of life. The utility of pulmonary rehabilitation prior to bronchoscopic lung volume reduction (BLVR) is unclear.

Methods

We performed a post hoc analysis of the Valve for Emphysema Palliation Trial (VENT) trial, the first multicentre randomised trial comparing the safety and efficacy of BLVR. Patients completed a pulmonary rehabilitation programme prior to BLVR over 6-10 weeks and maintained by daily practice, consisting of endurance training, strength training and upper/lower limb exercise. Lung function and exercise parameters (6-min walk distance (6MWD)) were assessed before and after rehabilitation and we tried to identify predictors for pulmonary rehabilitation benefit.

Results

Lung function and exercise capacity of 403 patients (mean±sd age 63.3±7.4 years, 37.5% female, mean±sd forced expiratory volume in 1 s 30.1±7.6 L) were analysed. Exercise capacity significantly improved from 331.6±98.8 m to 345.6±95.3 m (p<0.001) in 6-min walk testing (6MWT), with 40.3% showing clinically meaningful improvements. Patients also experienced less dyspnoea after 6MWT, while pulmonary function parameters did not change significantly overall. Patients with lower exercise capacity at screening (6MWD <250 m) benefited more from pulmonary rehabilitation. The indication and prerequisites for BLVR were still present in all patients after pulmonary rehabilitation.

Conclusion

The national mandatory requirements for rehabilitation prior to BLVR, which apply to all COPD patients, should be reconsidered and specified for COPD patients who really benefit.

Potential systemic effects of acquired CFTR dysfunction in COPD

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is characterized by airflow limitation, respiratory symptoms, inflammation of the airways, and systemic manifestations of the disease. Genetic susceptibility and environmental factors are important in the development of the disease, particularly exposure to cigarette smoke which is the most notable risk factor. Mutations in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene are the cause of cystic fibrosis (CF), which shares several pathophysiological pulmonary features with COPD, including airway obstruction, chronic airway inflammation and bacterial colonization; in addition, both diseases also present systemic defects leading to comorbidities such as pancreatic, gastrointestinal, and bone-related diseases. In patients with COPD, systemic CFTR dysfunction can be acquired by cigarette smoking, inflammation, and infection. This dysfunction is, on average, about half of that found in CF. Herein we review the literature focusing on acquired CFTR dysfunction and the potential role in the pathogenesis of comorbidities associated with COPD and chronic bronchitis.

Clonal Somatic Mutations in Chronic Lung Diseases Are Associated with Reduced Lung Function

Rationale: Constantly exposed to the external environment and mutagens such as tobacco smoke, human lungs have one of the highest somatic mutation rates among all human organs. However, the relationship of these mutations to lung disease and function is not known. Objectives: To identify the prevalence and significance of clonal somatic mutations in chronic lung diseases. Methods: We analyzed the clonal somatic mutations from 1,251 samples of normal and diseased noncancerous lung tissue RNA sequencing with paired whole-genome sequencing from the Lung Tissue Research Consortium. We examined the associations of somatic mutations with lung function, disease status, and computationally deconvoluted cell types in two of the most common diseases represented in our dataset, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD; 29%) and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF; 13%). Measurements and Main Results: Clonal somatic mutational burden was associated with reduced lung function in both COPD and IPF. We identified an increased prevalence of clonal somatic mutations in individuals with IPF compared with normal control subjects and individuals with COPD independent of age and smoking status. IPF clonal somatic mutations were enriched in disease-related and airway epithelial-expressed genes such as MUC5B in IPF. Patients who were MUC5B risk variant carriers had increased odds of developing somatic mutations of MUC5B that were explained by increased expression of MUC5B. Conclusions: Our identification of an increased prevalence of clonal somatic mutation in diseased lung that correlates with airway epithelial gene expression and disease severity highlights for the first time the role of somatic mutational processes in lung disease genetics.

Lifestyle Intervention and Excess Weight in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): INSIGHT COPD Randomized Clinical Trial

Rationale: Being overweight or obese is common among patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), but whether interventions targeted at weight loss improve functional impairments is unknown. Objectives: INSIGHT (Intervention Study in Overweight Patients with COPD) tested whether a pragmatic low-intensity lifestyle intervention would lead to better physical functional status among overweight or obese participants with COPD. Methods: The trial was a 12-month, multicenter, patient-level pragmatic clinical trial. Participants were recruited from April 2017 to August 2019 from 38 sites across the United States and randomized to receive usual care or usual care plus lifestyle intervention. The intervention was a self-directed video program delivering the Diabetes Prevention Program's Group Lifestyle Balance curriculum. Results: The primary outcome was 6-minute-walk test distance at 12 months. Priority secondary outcomes were postwalk modified Borg dyspnea at 12 months and weight at 12 months. Participants (N = 684; mean age, 67.0 ± 8.0 yr [standard deviation]; 41.2% female) on average were obese (body mass index, 33.0 ± 4.6 kg/m2) with moderate COPD (forced expiratory volume in 1 second % predicted, 58.1 ± 15.7%). At 12 months, participants randomized to the intervention arm walked farther (adjusted difference, 42.3 ft [95% confidence interval (CI), 7.9-76.7 ft]; P = 0.02), had less dyspnea at the end of the 6-minute-walk test (adjusted difference, -0.36 [95% CI, -0.63 to -0.09]; P = 0.008), and had greater weight loss (adjusted difference, -1.34 kg [95% CI, -2.33 to -0.34 kg]; P = 0.008) than control participants. The intervention did not improve the odds of achieving clinically meaningful thresholds of walk distance (98.4 ft) or dyspnea (1 unit) but did achieve meaningful thresholds of weight loss (3% and 5%). Conclusions: Among participants with COPD who were overweight or obese, a self-guided low-intensity video-based lifestyle intervention led to modest weight loss but did not lead to clinically important improvements in physical functional status and dyspnea. Clinical trial registered with www.clinicaltrials.gov (NCT02634268).

COPD and multimorbidity: recognising and addressing a syndemic occurrence

Most patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) have at least one additional, clinically relevant chronic disease. Those with the most severe airflow obstruction will die from respiratory failure, but most patients with COPD die from non-respiratory disorders, particularly cardiovascular diseases and cancer. As many chronic diseases have shared risk factors (eg, ageing, smoking, pollution, inactivity, and poverty), we argue that a shift from the current paradigm in which COPD is considered as a single disease with comorbidities, to one in which COPD is considered as part of a multimorbid state-with co-occurring diseases potentially sharing pathobiological mechanisms-is needed to advance disease prevention, diagnosis, and management. The term syndemics is used to describe the co-occurrence of diseases with shared mechanisms and risk factors, a novel concept that we propose helps to explain the clustering of certain morbidities in patients diagnosed with COPD. A syndemics approach to understanding COPD could have important clinical implications, in which the complex disease presentations in these patients are addressed through proactive diagnosis, assessment of severity, and integrated management of the COPD multimorbid state, with a patient-centred rather than a single-disease approach.

Efficacy and safety of MAS825 (anti-IL-1β/IL-18) in COVID-19 patients with pneumonia and impaired respiratory function

MAS825, a bispecific IL-1β/IL-18 monoclonal antibody, could improve clinical outcomes in COVID-19 pneumonia by reducing inflammasome-mediated inflammation. Hospitalized non-ventilated patients with COVID-19 pneumonia (n = 138) were randomized (1:1) to receive MAS825 (10 mg/kg single i.v.) or placebo in addition to standard of care (SoC). The primary endpoint was the composite Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II) score on Day 15 or on the day of discharge (whichever was earlier) with worst-case imputation for death. Other study endpoints included safety, C-reactive protein (CRP), SARS-CoV-2 presence, and inflammatory markers. On Day 15, the APACHE II score was 14.5 ± 1.87 and 13.5 ± 1.8 in the MAS825 and placebo groups, respectively (P = 0.33). MAS825 + SoC led to 33% relative reduction in intensive care unit (ICU) admissions, ~1 day reduction in ICU stay, reduction in mean duration of oxygen support (13.5 versus 14.3 days), and earlier clearance of virus on Day 15 versus placebo + SoC group. On Day 15, compared with placebo group, patients treated with MAS825 + SoC showed a 51% decrease in CRP levels, 42% lower IL-6 levels, 19% decrease in neutrophil levels, and 16% lower interferon-γ levels, indicative of IL-1β and IL-18 pathway engagement. MAS825 + SoC did not improve APACHE II score in hospitalized patients with severe COVID-19 pneumonia; however, it inhibited relevant clinical and inflammatory pathway biomarkers and resulted in faster virus clearance versus placebo + SoC. MAS825 used in conjunction with SoC was well tolerated. None of the adverse events (AEs) or serious AEs were treatment-related.

Frequency of screening and SBT Technique Trial-North American Weaning Collaboration (FAST-NAWC): an update to the protocol and statistical analysis plan

BACKGROUND

This update summarizes key changes made to the protocol for the Frequency of Screening and Spontaneous Breathing Trial (SBT) Technique Trial-North American Weaning Collaborative (FAST-NAWC) trial since the publication of the original protocol. This multicenter, factorial design randomized controlled trial with concealed allocation, will compare the effect of both screening frequency (once vs. at least twice daily) to identify candidates to undergo a SBT and SBT technique [pressure support + positive end-expiratory pressure vs. T-piece] on the time to successful extubation (primary outcome) in 760 critically ill adults who are invasively ventilated for at least 24 h in 20 North American intensive care units.

METHODS/DESIGN

Protocols for the pilot, factorial design trial and the full trial were previously published in J Clin Trials ( https://doi.org/10.4172/2167-0870.1000284 ) and Trials (https://doi: 10.1186/s13063-019-3641-8). As planned, participants enrolled in the FAST pilot trial will be included in the report of the full FAST-NAWC trial. In response to the onset of the coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic when approximately two thirds of enrollment was complete, we revised the protocol and consent form to include critically ill invasively ventilated patients with COVID-19. We also refined the statistical analysis plan (SAP) to reflect inclusion and reporting of participants with and without COVID-19. This update summarizes the changes made and their rationale and provides a refined SAP for the FAST-NAWC trial. These changes have been finalized before completion of trial follow-up and the commencement of data analysis.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Clinical Trials.gov NCT02399267.

Two Staged Single Lung Transplants in the Current Era: A United Network for Organ Sharing Study

BACKGROUND

We hypothesized that outcomes after 2 staged, contralateral single lung transplantation procedures (SSLTs) may be equivalent to those of double lung transplantation (DLT) by capitalizing on the known long-term survival advantages of DLT.

METHODS

Using the United Network for Organ Sharing data set (1987-2018), the largest national data set available, the outcomes of 278 SSLTs were retrospectively analyzed and compared with the outcomes of 21,121 standard DLTs.

RESULTS

During SSLT, the median interval between the 2 transplants was 960 days, and the indication for the second transplant was most often chronic lung allograft dysfunction (n = 148; 53.2%) or the same disease that necessitated the first transplant (n = 81; 29.1%). The patients who underwent SSLT were significantly older and had a higher baseline creatinine level than the patients who underwent DLT. Most posttransplantation short-term outcomes were equivalent between the second stage of SSLT and DLT, but renal insufficiency requiring hemodialysis was notably higher after SSLT. There were no differences in long-term survival. In multivariate analysis, baseline creatinine, O2 support at rest, ventilator support at the time of the second transplantation, and posttransplantation renal insufficiency requiring dialysis were independent predictors of 1-year mortality after SSLT.

CONCLUSIONS

Over a study period of 30 years, long-term survival after SSLT was comparable with survival after DLT. With further analysis of individual risk profiles, including the contributions of preoperative renal function and functional status, SSLT can be a valuable option for patients who would have undergone single lung transplantation to reap the long-term benefits of a second transplant.

Icenticaftor, a CFTR Potentiator, in COPD: A Multicenter, Parallel-Group, Double-Blind Clinical Trial

Rationale: CFTR (cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator) dysfunction is associated with mucus accumulation and worsening chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) symptoms. Objectives: The aim of this phase IIb dose-finding study was to compare a CFTR potentiator, icenticaftor (QBW251), with placebo in patients with COPD and chronic bronchitis. Methods: Patients with COPD on triple therapy for at least three months were randomized to six treatment arms (icenticaftor 450, 300, 150, 75, or 25 mg or placebo twice daily [b.i.d.]) in a 24-week, multicenter, parallel-group, double-blind study. The primary endpoint was change from baseline in trough FEV1 after 12 weeks. Secondary endpoints included change from baseline in trough FEV1 and Evaluating Respiratory Symptoms in COPD (E-RS) total and cough and sputum scores after 24 weeks. Multiple comparison procedure-modeling was conducted to characterize dose-response relationship. Rescue medication use, exacerbations, and change in serum fibrinogen concentration after 24 weeks were assessed in exploratory and post hoc analyses, respectively. Measurements and Main Results: Nine hundred seventy-four patients were randomized. After 12 weeks of icenticaftor treatment, no dose-response relationship for change from baseline in trough FEV1 was observed; however, it was observed for E-RS cough and sputum score. A dose-response relationship was observed after 24 weeks for trough FEV1, E-RS cough and sputum and total scores, rescue medication use, and fibrinogen. A dose of 300 mg b.i.d. was consistently the most effective. Improvements for 300 mg b.i.d. versus placebo were also seen in pairwise comparisons of these endpoints. All treatments were well tolerated. Conclusions: The primary endpoint was negative, as icenticaftor did not improve trough FEV1 over 12 weeks. Although the findings must be interpreted with caution, icenticaftor improved trough FEV1; reduced cough, sputum, and rescue medication use; and lowered fibrinogen concentrations at 24 weeks. Clinical trial registered with www.clinicaltrials.gov (NCT04072887).

Longitudinal Follow-Up of Participants With Tobacco Exposure and Preserved Spirometry

Importance

People who smoked cigarettes may experience respiratory symptoms without spirometric airflow obstruction. These individuals are typically excluded from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) trials and lack evidence-based therapies.

Objective

To define the natural history of persons with tobacco exposure and preserved spirometry (TEPS) and symptoms (symptomatic TEPS).

Design, Setting, and Participants

SPIROMICS II was an extension of SPIROMICS I, a multicenter study of persons aged 40 to 80 years who smoked cigarettes (>20 pack-years) with or without COPD and controls without tobacco exposure or airflow obstruction. Participants were enrolled in SPIROMICS I and II from November 10, 2010, through July 31, 2015, and followed up through July 31, 2021.

Exposures

Participants in SPIROMICS I underwent spirometry, 6-minute walk distance testing, assessment of respiratory symptoms, and computed tomography of the chest at yearly visits for 3 to 4 years. Participants in SPIROMICS II had 1 additional in-person visit 5 to 7 years after enrollment in SPIROMICS I. Respiratory symptoms were assessed with the COPD Assessment Test (range, 0 to 40; higher scores indicate more severe symptoms). Participants with symptomatic TEPS had normal spirometry (postbronchodilator ratio of forced expiratory volume in the first second [FEV1] to forced vital capacity >0.70) and COPD Assessment Test scores of 10 or greater. Participants with asymptomatic TEPS had normal spirometry and COPD Assessment Test scores of less than 10. Patient-reported respiratory symptoms and exacerbations were assessed every 4 months via phone calls.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary outcome was assessment for accelerated decline in lung function (FEV1) in participants with symptomatic TEPS vs asymptomatic TEPS. Secondary outcomes included development of COPD defined by spirometry, respiratory symptoms, rates of respiratory exacerbations, and progression of computed tomographic-defined airway wall thickening or emphysema.

Results

Of 1397 study participants, 226 had symptomatic TEPS (mean age, 60.1 [SD, 9.8] years; 134 were women [59%]) and 269 had asymptomatic TEPS (mean age, 63.1 [SD, 9.1] years; 134 were women [50%]). At a median follow-up of 5.76 years, the decline in FEV1 was -31.3 mL/y for participants with symptomatic TEPS vs -38.8 mL/y for those with asymptomatic TEPS (between-group difference, -7.5 mL/y [95% CI, -16.6 to 1.6 mL/y]). The cumulative incidence of COPD was 33.0% among participants with symptomatic TEPS vs 31.6% among those with asymptomatic TEPS (hazard ratio, 1.05 [95% CI, 0.76 to 1.46]). Participants with symptomatic TEPS had significantly more respiratory exacerbations than those with asymptomatic TEPS (0.23 vs 0.08 exacerbations per person-year, respectively; rate ratio, 2.38 [95% CI, 1.71 to 3.31], P < .001).

Conclusions and Relevance

Participants with symptomatic TEPS did not have accelerated rates of decline in FEV1 or increased incidence of COPD vs those with asymptomatic TEPS, but participants with symptomatic TEPS did experience significantly more respiratory exacerbations over a median follow-up of 5.8 years.

Benralizumab Prevents Recurrent Exacerbations in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A Post Hoc Analysis

Exacerbations in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which tend to occur in clusters and increase with disease severity, come with high societal and economic burdens. Prevention and delay of recurrent exacerbations is an unmet and significant therapeutic need for patients with COPD. GALATHEA (NCT02138916) and TERRANOVA (NCT02155660) were trials assessing efficacy of benralizumab in patients with frequent COPD exacerbations despite treatment. Although these studies found that benralizumab given as an add-on treatment did not significantly reduce annual rates of COPD exacerbations after 56 weeks of treatment, in the following exploratory post hoc analysis of the GALATHEA and TERRANOVA trials we identified a potential responder population in which treatment with benralizumab prevents recurrent COPD exacerbations during 30- and 90-day periods following an initial exacerbation, a vulnerable period for an exacerbation to occur. This responder population was characterized by high blood eosinophil counts and frequent previous exacerbations despite optimized triple therapy. These results highlight the importance of targeted therapies for high-risk populations and merit further research into the benefits of biologic therapies for COPD exacerbations.

Changes in Lung Volumes with Spirometric Disease Progression in COPD

Background

Abnormal lung volumes representing air trapping identify the subset of smokers with preserved spirometry who develop spirometric chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and adverse outcomes. However, how lung volumes evolve in early COPD as airflow obstruction develops remains unclear.

Methods

To establish how lung volumes change with the development of spirometric COPD, we examined lung volumes from the pulmonary function data (seated posture) available in the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs electronic health records (n=71,356) and lung volumes measured by computed tomography (supine posture) available from the COPD Genetic Epidemiology (COPDGene®) study (n=7969) and the SubPopulations and InterMediate Outcome Measures In COPD Study (SPIROMICS) (n=2552) cohorts, and studied their cross-sectional distributions and longitudinal changes across the airflow obstruction spectrum. Patients with preserved ratio-impaired spirometry (PRISm) were excluded from this analysis.

Results

Lung volumes from all 3 cohorts showed similar patterns of distributions and longitudinal changes with worsening airflow obstruction. The distributions for total lung capacity (TLC), vital capacity (VC), and inspiratory capacity (IC) and their patterns of change were nonlinear and included different phases. When stratified by airflow obstruction using Global initiative for chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) stages, patients with GOLD 1 (mild) COPD had larger lung volumes (TLC, VC, IC) compared to patients with GOLD 0 (smokers with preserved spirometry) or GOLD 2 (moderate) disease. In longitudinal follow-up of baseline GOLD 0 patients who progressed to spirometric COPD, those with an initially higher TLC and VC developed mild obstruction (GOLD 1) while those with an initially lower TLC and VC developed moderate obstruction (GOLD 2).

Conclusions

In COPD, TLC, and VC have biphasic distributions, change in nonlinear fashions as obstruction worsens, and could differentiate those GOLD 0 patients at risk for more rapid spirometric disease progression.

Surgical and Interventional Approaches in COPD

Many patients suffer from complaints of dyspnea, cough, and sputum production, clinical symptoms that hallmark the structural abnormalities that are present in patients with COPD. Although pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic medical therapies help reduce these symptoms, many of these symptoms, especially dyspnea, remain unchecked and contribute to the burden of disease in patients with COPD. Over the last 3 decades, several surgical and interventional treatments delivered via a bronchoscopic approach have been developed to complement medical therapies and show promise to improve patient outcomes. Surgical and interventional treatments target structural abnormalities of the airway and lung parenchyma that can be identified with a combination of imaging and physiological testing, factors that are key to select patients most likely to benefit from these treatments. This paper reviews surgical and bronchoscopic interventional treatment options for patients with emphysema and airways disorders.

Sarcoidosis lung transplantation waitlist mortality, a national registry database study

Background

The Lung Allocation Score (LAS) prioritises lung transplantation candidates, balancing waitlist mortality and post-transplant survival. The score groups sarcoidosis candidates based on mean pulmonary artery pressure: those with ≤30 mmHg (sarcoidosis A) are grouped with COPD and those with >30 mmHg (sarcoidosis D) with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). We hypothesise that sarcoidosis candidates have a higher waitlist mortality than other candidates within their LAS grouping.

Methods

This is a retrospective cohort study of consecutive lung transplantation candidates from the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients database from May 2005 to May 2019. We included candidates aged ≥18 years diagnosed with sarcoidosis, COPD or IPF. Univariate, multivariate and survival estimate analyses were performed.

Results

We identified 385 sarcoidosis A, 642 sarcoidosis D, 7081 COPD and 10 639 IPF lung transplantation candidates. 17.3% of sarcoidosis D, 14.8% of IPF, 14.3% of sarcoidosis A and 9.8% of COPD candidates died awaiting transplant. Sarcoidosis A was an independent risk factor for waitlist mortality. Sarcoidosis A had a lower waitlist survival probability compared to COPD. Sarcoidosis D had the highest waitlist mortality. IPF candidates had lower waitlist survival probability than sarcoidosis D in the first 60 days after listing.

Conclusion

Based on our results, the grouping of candidates with sarcoidosis in allocation systems should be revised to mitigate waitlist mortality disparity.

A blood and bronchoalveolar lavage protein signature of rapid FEV1 decline in smoking-associated COPD

Accelerated progression of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is associated with increased risks of hospitalization and death. Prognostic insights into mechanisms and markers of progression could facilitate development of disease-modifying therapies. Although individual biomarkers exhibit some predictive value, performance is modest and their univariate nature limits network-level insights. To overcome these limitations and gain insights into early pathways associated with rapid progression, we measured 1305 peripheral blood and 48 bronchoalveolar lavage proteins in individuals with COPD [n = 45, mean initial forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) 75.6 ± 17.4% predicted]. We applied a data-driven analysis pipeline, which enabled identification of protein signatures that predicted individuals at-risk for accelerated lung function decline (FEV1 decline ≥ 70 mL/year) ~ 6 years later, with high accuracy. Progression signatures suggested that early dysregulation in elements of the complement cascade is associated with accelerated decline. Our results propose potential biomarkers and early aberrant signaling mechanisms driving rapid progression in COPD.

Air pollution and COPD: GOLD 2023 committee report

Exposure to air pollution is a major contributor to the pathogenesis of COPD worldwide. Indeed, most recent estimates suggest that 50% of the total attributable risk of COPD may be related to air pollution. In response, the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) Scientific Committee performed a comprehensive review on this topic, qualitatively synthesised the evidence to date and proffered recommendations to mitigate the risk. The review found that both gaseous and particulate components of air pollution are likely contributors to COPD. There are no absolutely safe levels of ambient air pollution and the relationship between air pollution levels and respiratory events is supra-linear. Wildfires and extreme weather events such as heat waves, which are becoming more common owing to climate change, are major threats to COPD patients and acutely increase their risk of morbidity and mortality. Exposure to air pollution also impairs lung growth in children and as such may lead to developmental COPD. GOLD recommends strong public health policies around the world to reduce ambient air pollution and for implementation of public warning systems and advisories, including where possible the use of personalised apps, to alert patients when ambient air pollution levels exceed acceptable minimal thresholds. When household particulate content exceeds acceptable thresholds, patients should consider using air cleaners and filters where feasible. Air pollution is a major health threat to patients living with COPD and actions are urgently required to reduce the morbidity and mortality related to poor air quality around the world.

Differential Diagnosis of Suspected Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Exacerbations in the Acute Care Setting: Best Practice

Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) may suffer from acute episodes of worsening dyspnea, often associated with increased cough, sputum, and/or sputum purulence. These exacerbations of COPD (ECOPDs) impact health status, accelerate lung function decline, and increase the risk of hospitalization. Importantly, close to 20% of patients are readmitted within 30 days after hospital discharge, with great cost to the person and society. Approximately 25% and 65% of patients hospitalized for an ECOPD die within 1 and 5 years, respectively. Patients with COPD are usually older and frequently have concomitant chronic diseases, including heart failure, coronary artery disease, arrhythmias, interstitial lung diseases, bronchiectasis, asthma, anxiety, and depression, and are also at increased risk of developing pneumonia, pulmonary embolism, and pneumothorax. All of these morbidities not only increase the risk of subsequent ECOPDs but can also mimic or aggravate them. Importantly, close to 70% of readmissions after an ECOPD hospitalization result from decompensation of other morbidities. These observations suggest that in patients with COPD with worsening dyspnea but without the other classic characteristics of ECOPD, a careful search for these morbidities can help detect them and allow appropriate treatment. For most morbidities, a thorough clinical evaluation supplemented by appropriate clinical investigations can guide the healthcare provider to make a precise diagnosis. This perspective integrates the currently dispersed information available and provides a practical approach to patients with COPD complaining of worsening respiratory symptoms, particularly dyspnea. A systematic approach should help improve outcomes and the personal and societal cost of ECOPDs.

Identifying chronic obstructive pulmonary disease from integrative omics and clustering in lung tissue

BACKGROUND

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a highly morbid and heterogenous disease. While COPD is defined by spirometry, many COPD characteristics are seen in cigarette smokers with normal spirometry. The extent to which COPD and COPD heterogeneity is captured in omics of lung tissue is not known.

METHODS

We clustered gene expression and methylation data in 78 lung tissue samples from former smokers with normal lung function or severe COPD. We applied two integrative omics clustering methods: (1) Similarity Network Fusion (SNF) and (2) Entropy-Based Consensus Clustering (ECC).

RESULTS

SNF clusters were not significantly different by the percentage of COPD cases (48.8% vs. 68.6%, p = 0.13), though were different according to median forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) % predicted (82 vs. 31, p = 0.017). In contrast, the ECC clusters showed stronger evidence of separation by COPD case status (48.2% vs. 81.8%, p = 0.013) and similar stratification by median FEV1% predicted (82 vs. 30.5, p = 0.0059). ECC clusters using both gene expression and methylation were identical to the ECC clustering solution generated using methylation data alone. Both methods selected clusters with differentially expressed transcripts enriched for interleukin signaling and immunoregulatory interactions between lymphoid and non-lymphoid cells.

CONCLUSIONS

Unsupervised clustering analysis from integrated gene expression and methylation data in lung tissue resulted in clusters with modest concordance with COPD, though were enriched in pathways potentially contributing to COPD-related pathology and heterogeneity.

Pulmonary vasodilator therapy in sarcoidosis-associated pulmonary hypertension may decrease lung function decline and mortality

The efficacy of treating sarcoidosis-associated pulmonary hypertension (SAPH) with pulmonary vasodilator therapy is unclear. The INCREASE trial showed improvement in 6-minute walk distance (6MWD) and in decline in functional vital capacity (FVC) in patients with interstitial lung disease and pulmonary hypertension. We hypothesize that patients with SAPH treated with pulmonary vasodilators have reduced decline in FVC. We retrospectively analyzed patients with SAPH who underwent lung transplantation evaluation. The primary objective was to compare change in FVC between patients with SAPH who received pulmonary vasodilators (treated) and those who did not (untreated). Secondary objectives were to compare the change in 6MWD, change in oxygen requirement, transplant rates, and mortality between treated and untreated SAPH patients. We identified 58 patients with SAPH; 38 patients received pulmonary vasodilator therapy, and 20 patients did not. Treated SAPH patients had significantly less decline in FVC than untreated SAPH patients (+54 mL vs. -357 mL, p < 0.01). Treated SAPH patients had significantly higher survival than untreated SAPH patients. Receiving PH therapy was significantly associated with a change in FVC (estimate 0.36 ± 0.07, p < 0.01) and decreased mortality (hazard ratio 0.29, confidence interval 0.12-0.67, p < 0.01). Among patients with SAPH, those who received pulmonary vasodilator therapy had significantly less decline in FVC and increased survival. Receiving pulmonary vasodilator therapy was significantly associated with FVC change and decreased mortality. These study findings point towards potential benefit of pulmonary vasodilator therapy in SAPH patients. Further prospective studies are required to fully elucidate the benefits of pulmonary vasodilator therapy in SAPH.

Bronchodilator Responsiveness in Tobacco-Exposed People With or Without COPD

BACKGROUND

Bronchodilator responsiveness (BDR) in obstructive lung disease varies over time and may be associated with distinct clinical features.

RESEARCH QUESTION

Is consistent BDR over time (always present) differentially associated with obstructive lung disease features relative to inconsistent (sometimes present) or never (never present) BDR in tobacco-exposed people with or without COPD?

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed data from 2,269 tobacco-exposed participants in the Subpopulations and Intermediate Outcome Measures in COPD Study with or without COPD. We used various BDR definitions: change of ≥ 200 mL and ≥ 12% in FEV1 (FEV1-BDR), change in FVC (FVC-BDR), and change in in FEV1, FVC or both (ATS-BDR). Using generalized linear models adjusted for demographics, smoking history, FEV1 % predicted after bronchodilator administration, and number of visits that the participant completed, we assessed the association of BDR group: (1) consistent BDR, (2) inconsistent BDR, and (3) never BDR with asthma, CT scan features, blood eosinophil levels, and FEV1 decline in participants without COPD (Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease [GOLD] stage 0) and the entire cohort (participants with or without COPD).

RESULTS

Both consistent and inconsistent ATS-BDR were associated with asthma history and greater small airways disease (%parametric response mapping functional small airways disease) relative to never ATS-BDR in participants with GOLD stage 0 disease and the entire cohort. We observed similar findings using FEV1-BDR and FVC-BDR definitions. Eosinophils did not vary consistently among BDR groups. Consistent BDR was associated with FEV1 decline over time relative to never BDR in the entire cohort. In participants with GOLD stage 0 disease, both the inconsistent ATS-BDR group (OR, 3.20; 95% CI, 2.21-4.66; P < .001) and consistent ATS-BDR group (OR, 9.48; 95% CI, 3.77-29.12; P < .001) were associated with progression to COPD relative to the never ATS-BDR group.

INTERPRETATION

Demonstration of BDR, even once, describes an obstructive lung disease phenotype with a history of asthma and greater small airways disease. Consistent demonstration of BDR indicated a high risk of lung function decline over time in the entire cohort and was associated with higher risk of progression to COPD in patients with GOLD stage 0 disease.

Lung Transplantation Waitlist Mortality Among Sarcoidosis Patients by Lung Allocation Score Grouping

BACKGROUND

The Lung Allocation Score (LAS) system was designed to equalize and minimize waitlist mortality among candidiates for lung transplantation. The LAS stratifies sarcoidosis patients by mean pulmonary arterial pressure (mPAP) into group A (mPAP ≤30 mm Hg) and group D (mPAP >30 mm Hg). In this study, we aimed to analyze the effect of diagnostic grouping and patient characteristics on waitlist mortality among sarcoidosis patients.

METHODS

This was a retrospective review of sarcoidosis lung transplantation candidates since LAS implementation in May 2005 through May 2019 in the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients database. We compared baseline characteristics, LAS variables, and waitlist outcomes between sarcoidosis groups A and D. We performed Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and multivariable regression to determine associations with waitlist mortality.

RESULTS

We identified 1027 sarcoidosis candidates since LAS implementation. Of these, 385 had mPAP ≤30 mm Hg and 642 had mPAP >30 mm Hg. Waitlist mortality was 18% in sarcoidosis group D and 14% in sarcoidosis group A. Kaplan-Meier curve showed lower waitlist survival probability for sarcoidosis group D than group A (log-rank P = .0049). Functional status, oxygen requirement, and sarcoidosis group D were associated with increased waitlist mortality. Cardiac output ≥4 L/min was associated with decreased waitlist mortality.

CONCLUSION

Sarcoidosis group D had lower waitlist survival than group A. Decreased survival appears driven by mPAP; sarcoidosis group D, functional status, oxygen requirement, and cardiac output had significant associations with waitlist mortality. These findings suggest that the current LAS grouping does not adequately reflect the risk for waitlist mortality among sarcoidosis group D patients.

Lung Transplantation for COVID-19 Pulmonary Sequelae

BACKGROUND

The role of lung transplantation for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)-related lung failure is evolving as the pandemic persists.

METHODS

From January 2021 to April 2022, 20 patients (median age 62 y; range 31-77) underwent lung transplantation for COVID-related lung failure at our institution. We reviewed their clinical and intraoperative characteristics and early outcomes including postoperative complications.

RESULTS

Eleven patients (55%) had chronic lung disease when they contracted COVID-19. All 20 patients required hospitalization for antivirus treatment. Median lung allocation score was 74.7 (33.1-94.0). Thirteen patients (65%) underwent single-lung transplants, and 7 patients (35%) underwent double-lung transplants. Concomitant coronary artery bypass graft surgery was performed in 2 (10%) patients because of severe coronary artery disease. Postoperatively, venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation was needed in 3 patients (15%) because of severe primary graft dysfunction; all were eventually weaned. Ten patients (50%) experienced deep venous thrombosis, and 1 eventually developed a major pulmonary embolus. The median intensive care unit stay and hospital stays were 6.5 d (3-44) and 18 d (7-77), respectively. During a median follow-up of 201 d (47-418), we experienced 1 late mortality due to COVID-19-related myocarditis. Among the 13 patients with single-lung transplant, 5 demonstrated improvement in their native lungs.

CONCLUSIONS

Lung transplantation yielded favorable early outcomes in a heterogeneous patient cohort that included older patients, obese patients, and patients with coronary artery disease or preexisting chronic lung disease. Our data also shed light on the transforming role of lung transplantation for the pulmonary sequelae of a complex multisystem COVID-19 disorder.

A randomised trial of anti-GM-CSF otilimab in severe COVID-19 pneumonia (OSCAR)

BACKGROUND

Granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) and dysregulated myeloid cell responses are implicated in the pathophysiology and severity of COVID-19.

METHODS

In this randomised, sequential, multicentre, placebo-controlled, double-blind study, adults aged 18-79 years (Part 1) or ≥70 years (Part 2) with severe COVID-19, respiratory failure and systemic inflammation (elevated C-reactive protein/ferritin) received a single intravenous infusion of otilimab 90 mg (human anti-GM-CSF monoclonal antibody) plus standard care (NCT04376684). The primary outcome was the proportion of patients alive and free of respiratory failure at Day 28.

RESULTS

In Part 1 (n=806 randomised 1:1 otilimab:placebo), 71% of otilimab-treated patients were alive and free of respiratory failure at Day 28 versus 67% who received placebo; the model-adjusted difference of 5.3% was not statistically significant (95% CI -0.8-11.4%, p=0.09). A nominally significant model-adjusted difference of 19.1% (95% CI 5.2-33.1%, p=0.009) was observed in the predefined 70-79 years subgroup, but this was not confirmed in Part 2 (n=350 randomised) where the model-adjusted difference was 0.9% (95% CI -9.3-11.2%, p=0.86). Compared with placebo, otilimab resulted in lower serum concentrations of key inflammatory markers, including the putative pharmacodynamic biomarker CC chemokine ligand 17, indicative of GM-CSF pathway blockade. Adverse events were comparable between groups and consistent with severe COVID-19.

CONCLUSIONS

There was no significant difference in the proportion of patients alive and free of respiratory failure at Day 28. However, despite the lack of clinical benefit, a reduction in inflammatory markers was observed with otilimab, in addition to an acceptable safety profile.

Mortality Risk and Serious Cardiopulmonary Events in Moderate-to-Severe COPD: Post Hoc Analysis of the IMPACT Trial

Background

In the InforMing the Pathway of COPD Treatment (IMPACT) trial, single-inhaler fluticasone furoate (FF) /umeclidinium (UMEC) /vilanterol (VI) significantly reduced severe exacerbation rates and all-cause mortality (ACM) risk versus UMEC/VI among patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This post hoc analysis aimed to define the risk of ACM during and following a moderate/severe exacerbation, and further determine the benefit-risk profile of FF/UMEC/VI versus FF/VI and UMEC/VI using a cardiopulmonary composite adverse event (AE) endpoint.

Methods

The 52-week, double-blind IMPACT trial randomized patients with symptomatic COPD and ≥1 exacerbation in the prior year 2:2:1 to once-daily FF/UMEC/VI 100/62.5/25mcg, FF/VI 100/25mcg, or UMEC/VI 62.5/25mcg. Post hoc endpoints included the risk of ACM during, 1-90 and 91-365 days post moderate or severe exacerbation and time-to-first cardiopulmonary composite event.

Results

Of the 10,355 patients included, 5034 (49%) experienced moderate/severe exacerbations. Risk of ACM was significantly increased during a severe exacerbation event compared with baseline (hazard ratio [HR]: 41.22 [95% confidence interval (CI) 26.49-64.15]; p<0.001) but not significantly different at 1-90 days post-severe exacerbation (HR: 2.13 [95% CI: 0.86-5.29]; p=0.102). Moderate exacerbations did not significantly increase the risk of ACM during or after an exacerbation. Cardiopulmonary composite events occurred in 647 (16%), 636 (15%), and 356 (17%) patients receiving FF/UMEC/VI, FF/VI, and UMEC/VI, respectively; FF/UMEC/VI significantly reduced cardiopulmonary composite event risk versus UMEC/VI by 16.5% (95% CI: 5.0-26.7; p=0.006).

Conclusion

Results confirm a substantial mortality risk during severe exacerbations, and an underlying CV risk. FF/UMEC/VI significantly reduced the risk of a composite cardiopulmonary AE versus UMEC/VI.

Anti-fibrotic therapy and lung transplant outcomes in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis

BACKGROUND

It is unclear whether continuing anti-fibrotic therapy until the time of lung transplant increases the risk of complications in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.

OBJECTIVES

To investigate whether the time between discontinuation of anti-fibrotic therapy and lung transplant in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis affects the risk of complications.

METHODS

We assessed intra-operative and post-transplant complications among patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis who underwent lung transplant and had been treated with nintedanib or pirfenidone continuously for ⩾ 90 days at listing. Patients were grouped according to whether they had a shorter (⩽ 5 medication half-lives) or longer (> 5 medication half-lives) time between discontinuation of anti-fibrotic medication and transplant. Five half-lives corresponded to 2 days for nintedanib and 1 day for pirfenidone.

RESULTS

Among patients taking nintedanib (n = 107) or pirfenidone (n = 190), 211 (71.0%) had discontinued anti-fibrotic therapy ⩽ 5 medication half-lives before transplant. Anastomotic and sternal dehiscence occurred only in this group (anastomotic: 11 patients [5.2%], p = 0.031 vs patients with longer time between discontinuation of anti-fibrotic medication and transplant; sternal: 12 patients [5.7%], p = 0.024). No differences were observed in surgical wound dehiscence, length of hospital stay, or survival to discharge between groups with a shorter versus longer time between discontinuation of anti-fibrotic therapy and transplant.

CONCLUSION

Anastomotic and sternal dehiscence only occurred in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis who discontinued anti-fibrotic therapy < 5 medication half-lives before transplant. The frequency of other intra-operative and post-transplant complications did not appear to differ depending on when anti-fibrotic therapy was discontinued.

REGISTRATION

clinicaltrials.gov NCT04316780: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04316780.

Cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator in COPD: A role in respiratory epithelium and beyond

The cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) is a crucial ion channel for transport of chloride and bicarbonate anions. Functional roles of CFTR have been identified in a broad range of cell types including epithelial, endothelial, immune, and structural cells. While CFTR has been investigated largely in the context of inborn dysfunction in cystic fibrosis (CF), recent evidence shows CFTR is also affected by acquired dysfunction in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). In patients with COPD and smokers, CFTR impairment has been demonstrated in the upper and lower airways, sweat glands and intestines, suggesting both pulmonary and systemic defects. Cigarette smoke, a key factor in COPD development, is the major cause of acquired CFTR dysfunction. Inflammation, bacterial by-products, and reactive oxygen species can further impair CFTR expression and function. CFTR dysfunction could directly contribute to disease manifestation and progression of COPD including disturbed airway surface liquid homeostasis, airway mucus obstruction, pathogen colonisation and inflammation. Mucus plugging and neutrophilic inflammation contribute to tissue destruction, development of dysfunction at the level of the small airways and COPD progression. Acquired CFTR dysfunction in extra-pulmonary organs could add to common co-morbidities and the disease burden. This review explores how CFTR dysfunction may be acquired and its potential effects on patients with COPD, particularly those with chronic bronchitis. The development of CFTR potentiators and the probable benefits of CFTR potentiation to improve tissue homeostasis, reduce inflammation, improve host defence, and potentially reduce remodelling in the lungs will be discussed.

Predictors of lung transplant waitlist mortality for sarcoidosis

RATIONALE

Unlike in other chronic lung diseases, criteria for lung transplant referral in sarcoidosis is not well-established. Waitlist mortality may offer clues in identifying clinical factors that warrant early referral. We aim to identify predictors for transplant waitlist mortality to improve referral criteria for patients with sarcoidosis.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective analysis of 1034 sarcoidosis patients listed for lung transplantation from May 2005 to May 2019 in the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients (SRTR) database. All patients were listed after the establishment of the Lung Allocation Score (LAS). We compared patients who died on the transplant waitlist to those who survived to transplantation. Potential predictors of waitlist mortality were assessed utilizing univariate and multivariate analysis performed via logistic regression modeling.

RESULTS

Of 1034 candidates listed after LAS implementation, 704 were transplanted and 110 died on the waitlist. Significant predictors of waitlist mortality on multivariate analysis include female gender (OR 2.445; 95% CI 1.513-3.951; p = 0.0003) and severe pulmonary hypertension (OR 1.619; 95% CI 1.067-2.457; p = 0.0236). Taller minimum donor height (OR 0.606; 95% CI 0.379-0.969; p = 0.0365) and blood type B (OR 0.524; 95% CI 0.281-0.975 p = 0.0415) were associated with decreased likelihood of death on the waitlist.

CONCLUSION

Among patients with sarcoidosis on the lung transplant waitlist, taller minimum donor height and blood type B were found to be protective factors against death on the waitlist. Female gender and severe pulmonary hypertension have a higher likelihood of death and earlier referral for transplantation in patients with these characteristics should be considered.

Effect of chronic mucus hypersecretion on treatment responses to inhaled therapies in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: Post hoc analysis of the IMPACT trial

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Chronic mucus hypersecretion (CMH) is a clinical phenotype of COPD. This exploratory post hoc analysis assessed relationship between CMH status and treatment response in IMPACT.

METHODS

Patients were randomized to once-daily fluticasone furoate/umeclidinium/vilanterol (FF/UMEC/VI) 100/62.5/25 μg, FF/VI 100/25 μg or UMEC/VI 62.5/25 μg and designated CMH+ if they scored 1/2 in St George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) questions 1 and 2. Endpoints assessed by baseline CMH status included on-treatment exacerbation rates, change from baseline in trough forced expiratory volume in 1 second, SGRQ total score, COPD Assessment Test (CAT) score, proportion of SGRQ and CAT responders at Week 52 and safety.

RESULTS

Of 10,355 patients in the intent-to-treat population, 10,250 reported baseline SGRQ data (CMH+: 62% [n = 6383]). FF/UMEC/VI significantly (p < 0.001) reduced on-treatment moderate/severe exacerbation rates versus FF/VI and UMEC/VI in CMH+ (rate ratio: 0.87 and 0.72) and CMH- patients (0.82 and 0.80). FF/UMEC/VI significantly (p < 0.05) reduced on-treatment severe exacerbation rates versus UMEC/VI in CMH+ (0.62) and CMH- (0.74) subgroups. Similar improvements in health status and lung function with FF/UMEC/VI were observed, regardless of CMH status. In CMH+ patients, FF/VI significantly (p < 0.001) reduced on-treatment moderate/severe and severe exacerbation rates versus UMEC/VI (0.83 and 0.70).

CONCLUSION

FF/UMEC/VI had a favourable benefit: risk profile versus dual therapies irrespective of CMH status. The presence of CMH did not influence treatment response or exacerbations, lung function and/or health status. However, CMH did generate differences when dual therapies were compared and the impact of CMH should be considered in future trial design.

Single-inhaler triple therapy fluticasone furoate/umeclidinium/vilanterol versus dual therapy in current and former smokers with COPD: IMPACT trial post hoc analysis

BACKGROUND

Smoking is the major risk factor for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). In IMPACT, single-inhaler fluticasone furoate/umeclidinium/vilanterol (FF/UMEC/VI) triple therapy significantly reduced moderate/severe exacerbation rates and improved lung function and health status versus FF/VI or UMEC/VI in COPD patients. This post hoc analysis investigated trial outcomes by smoking status.

METHODS

IMPACT was a double-blind, 52-week trial. Patients aged ≥40 years with symptomatic COPD and ≥1 moderate/severe exacerbation in the prior year were randomized 2:2:1 to FF/UMEC/VI 100/62.5/25 μg, FF/VI 100/25 μg, or UMEC/VI 62.5/25 μg. Endpoints assessed by smoking status at screening included rate and risk of moderate/severe exacerbations, change from baseline in trough forced expiratory volume in 1 s, and St George's Respiratory Questionnaire total score at Week 52. Safety was also assessed.

RESULTS

Of the 10,355 patients in the intent-to-treat population, 3,587 (35%) were current smokers. FF/UMEC/VI significantly reduced on-treatment moderate/severe exacerbation rates versus FF/VI and UMEC/VI in current (rate ratio 0.85 [95% confidence interval: 0.77-0.95]; P = 0.003 and 0.86 [0.76-0.98]; P = 0.021) and former smokers (0.85 [0.78-0.91]; P < 0.001 and 0.70 [0.64-0.77]; P < 0.001). FF/UMEC/VI significantly reduced time-to-first on-treatment moderate/severe exacerbation versus FF/VI and UMEC/VI in former smokers, and versus FF/VI in current smokers. Similar trends were seen for lung function and health status. Former smokers receiving inhaled corticosteroid-containing therapy had higher pneumonia incidence than current smokers.

CONCLUSIONS

FF/UMEC/VI improved clinical outcomes versus dual therapy regardless of smoking status. Benefits of FF/UMEC/VI versus UMEC/VI were greatest in former smokers, potentially due to relative corticosteroid resistance in current smokers.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

GSK (CTT116855/NCT02164513).

Advances in Surgical and Mechanical Management of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the third leading cause of mortality in the United States, behind cardiovascular and malignant disorders. As the understanding of the pathogenesis has evolved, it led to targeting mechanical aspects of the disease to improve patient symptoms and quality of life. Modern management of COPD offers a variety of mechanical and surgical treatments for patients with advanced disease who do not achieve benefit from medical therapy alone. These treatments include therapies aimed at lung volume reduction, through surgical or bronchoscopic techniques. While these techniques are established and have proven benefit, others are still under development. Herein we discuss these techniques, aimed at improving clinician recognition of patients that may benefit from these interventions.

Clinical Trial of Losartan for Pulmonary Emphysema: Pulmonary Trials Cooperative Losartan Effects on Emphysema Progression Clinical Trial

Rationale: There are no pharmacologic agents that modify emphysema progression in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Objectives: To evaluate the efficacy of losartan, an angiotensin receptor blocker, to reduce emphysema progression. Methods: The trial was a multicenter, randomized, placebo-controlled trial conducted between May 2017 and January 2021. Eligible participants were aged ⩾40 years, had moderate to severe airflow obstruction, ⩾10 pack-years of smoking, mild-moderate emphysema on high-resolution computed tomography, and no medical indication for or intolerance of angiotensin receptor blockers. Treatment with losartan 100 mg daily or matching placebo (1:1) was randomly assigned. The primary outcome was emphysema progression on high-resolution computed tomography over 48 weeks. Secondary outcomes included the St George's Respiratory Questionnaire, the modified Medical Research Council dyspnea scale, the COPD Assessment Test, and the Physical Function-Short Form 20a. Measurements and Main Results: A total of 220 participants were enrolled; 58% were men, 19% were African American, and 24% were current smokers. The medians (interquartile ranges) for age were 65 (61-73) years and 48 (36-59) for percent predicted FEV1 after bronchodilator use. The mean (95% confidence interval) percentage emphysema progression was 1.35% (0.67-2.03) in the losartan group versus 0.66% (0.09-1.23) in the placebo group (P = NS). Conclusions: Losartan did not prevent emphysema progression in people with COPD with mild-moderate emphysema. Clinical trial registered with www.clinicaltrials.gov (NCT02696564).

Impact of pulmonary embolism response teams on acute pulmonary embolism: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

The impact of pulmonary embolism response teams (PERTs) on treatment choice and outcomes of patients with acute pulmonary embolism (PE) is still uncertain.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the effect of PERTs in the management and outcomes of patients with PE.

METHODS

PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, CINAHL, WorldWideScience and MedRxiv were searched for original articles reporting PERT patient outcomes from 2009. Data were analysed using a random effects model.

RESULTS

16 studies comprising 3827 PERT patients and 3967 controls met inclusion criteria. The PERT group had more patients with intermediate and high-risk PE (66.2%) compared to the control group (48.5%). Meta-analysis demonstrated an increased risk of catheter-directed interventions, systemic thrombolysis and surgical embolectomy (odds ratio (OR) 2.10, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.74-2.53; p<0.01), similar bleeding complications (OR 1.10, 95% CI 0.88-1.37) and decreased utilisation of inferior vena cava (IVC) filters (OR 0.71, 95% CI 0.58-0.88; p<0.01) in the PERT group. Furthermore, there was a nonsignificant trend towards decreased mortality (OR 0.87, 95% CI 0.71-1.07; p=0.19) with PERTs.

CONCLUSIONS

The PERT group showed an increased use of advanced therapies and a decreased utilisation of IVC filters. This was not associated with increased bleeding. Despite comprising more severe PE patients, there was a trend towards lower mortality in the PERT group.

Bronchodilators in Tobacco-Exposed Persons with Symptoms and Preserved Lung Function

BACKGROUND

Many persons with a history of smoking tobacco have clinically significant respiratory symptoms despite an absence of airflow obstruction as assessed by spirometry. They are often treated with medications for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), but supporting evidence for this treatment is lacking.

METHODS

We randomly assigned persons who had a tobacco-smoking history of at least 10 pack-years, respiratory symptoms as defined by a COPD Assessment Test score of at least 10 (scores range from 0 to 40, with higher scores indicating worse symptoms), and preserved lung function on spirometry (ratio of forced expiratory volume in 1 second [FEV1] to forced vital capacity [FVC] ≥0.70 and FVC ≥70% of the predicted value after bronchodilator use) to receive either indacaterol (27.5 μg) plus glycopyrrolate (15.6 μg) or placebo twice daily for 12 weeks. The primary outcome was at least a 4-point decrease (i.e., improvement) in the St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) score (scores range from 0 to 100, with higher scores indicating worse health status) after 12 weeks without treatment failure (defined as an increase in lower respiratory symptoms treated with a long-acting inhaled bronchodilator, glucocorticoid, or antibiotic agent).

RESULTS

A total of 535 participants underwent randomization. In the modified intention-to-treat population (471 participants), 128 of 227 participants (56.4%) in the treatment group and 144 of 244 (59.0%) in the placebo group had at least a 4-point decrease in the SGRQ score (difference, -2.6 percentage points; 95% confidence interval [CI], -11.6 to 6.3; adjusted odds ratio, 0.91; 95% CI, 0.60 to 1.37; P = 0.65). The mean change in the percent of predicted FEV1 was 2.48 percentage points (95% CI, 1.49 to 3.47) in the treatment group and -0.09 percentage points (95% CI, -1.06 to 0.89) in the placebo group, and the mean change in the inspiratory capacity was 0.12 liters (95% CI, 0.07 to 0.18) in the treatment group and 0.02 liters (95% CI, -0.03 to 0.08) in the placebo group. Four serious adverse events occurred in the treatment group, and 11 occurred in the placebo group; none were deemed potentially related to the treatment or placebo.

CONCLUSIONS

Inhaled dual bronchodilator therapy did not decrease respiratory symptoms in symptomatic, tobacco-exposed persons with preserved lung function as assessed by spirometry. (Funded by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute and others; RETHINC ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT02867761.).