Mild elevation of pulmonary vascular resistance predicts mortality regardless of mean pulmonary artery pressure in mild interstitial lung disease

BACKGROUND

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is defined by elevated mean pulmonary arterial pressure (MPAP), and elevated pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) reflects pulmonary vascular abnormalities. The clinical significance of non-severe PH in patients with various interstitial lung diseases (ILDs) has not been fully elucidated. We aimed to investigate the clinical significance of MPAP and PVR for mortality in patients with newly diagnosed ILD.

METHODS

We retrospectively analysed consecutive patients with ILD at initial evaluations that included right heart catheterisation from 2007 to 2018. These patients were classified by MPAP and PVR using the 2022 the European Society of Cardiology (ESC)/the European Respiratory Society (ERS) guidelines for PH. The clinical significance of MPAP and PVR for mortality was analysed.

RESULTS

Among 854 patients, 167 (19.6%) had MPAP>20 mm Hg. The proportion of patients with PVR>2 Wood units (WU) among those with MPAP≤20 mm Hg, 202 WU was associated with a higher mortality rate (HR 1.61, 95% CI 1.28 to 2.02, p<0.0001) even in a group with MPAP≤20 mm Hg.

CONCLUSIONS

Mild elevation of PVR was associated with a higher mortality rate in patients with newly diagnosed ILD, even in those with MPAP≤20 mm Hg.

Presence of focal usual interstitial pneumonia is a key prognostic factor in progressive pulmonary fibrosis

AIMS

Progressive pulmonary fibrosis (PPF) is a newly recognised clinical phenotype of interstitial lung diseases in the 2022 interstitial pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) guidelines. This category is based entirely on clinical and radiological factors, and the background histopathology is unknown. Our objective was to investigate the histopathological characteristics of PPF and to examine the correlation between usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP) and prognosis in this new disease type. We hypothesised that the presence of UIP-like fibrosis predicts patients' survival in PPF cases.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We selected 201 cases fulfilling the clinical criteria of PPF from case archives. Cases diagnosed as IPF by a multidisciplinary team were excluded. Whole slide images were evaluated by three pathologists who were blinded to clinical and radiological data. We measured areas of UIP-like fibrosis and calculated what percentage of the total lesion area they occupied. The presence of focal UIP-like fibrosis amounting to 10% or more of the lesion area was seen in 148 (73.6%), 168 (83.6%) and 165 (82.1%) cases for each pathologist, respectively. Agreement of the recognition of UIP-like fibrosis in PPF cases was above κ = 0.6 between all pairs. Survival analysis showed that the presence of focal UIP-like fibrosis correlated with worsened survival under all parameters tested (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The presence of UIP-like fibrosis is a core pathological feature of clinical PPF, and its presence within diseased areas is associated with poorer prognosis. This study highlights the importance of considering the presence of focal UIP-like fibrosis in the evaluation and management of PPF.

Disease progression and changes in KL-6 in patients with limited cutaneous systemic sclerosis-associated interstitial lung disease

BACKGROUND

Little is known about the annual change in Krebs von Lungen-6 (KL-6) and its correlation with forced vital capacity (FVC) in limited cutaneous systemic sclerosis-associated interstitial lung disease (lcSSc-ILD). We aimed to clarify the correlation during the clinical course.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed data from consecutive patients with lcSSc-ILD. We measured FVC and KL-6 annually and calculated their annual changes using the difference in absolute values. Decline in FVC was defined as annual decline in FVC ≥5 %.

RESULTS

Thirty-eight patients with SSc-ILD were included. The median age was 62 years and 58 % were female. The median FVC was 87.3 % and the median KL-6 was 1629 U/ml. The median observation period was 55.2 months and the annual changes in FVC and KL-6 were evaluated 151 times simultaneously. The annual change in KL-6 had a significant negative correlation with that in FVC in the first year from the initial evaluation (from the baseline to one-year follow-up) (r = -0.819, p < 0.01), but not after the first year. In the multivariable analysis adjusted by age, sex, and FVC at each year, the annual change of KL-6 (per 100 U/ml) was significantly associated with decline in FVC in the first year (odds ratio: 3.03, 95 % confidence interval: 1.21-7.59, p = 0.02), but not after the first year.

CONCLUSIONS

Only in the first year from the initial evaluation, there was negative correlation between the annual change in FVC and that in KL-6 and the annual elevation in KL-6 was associated with decline in FVC in patients with lcSSc-ILD.

Feasibility of transanal minimally invasive surgery for total pelvic exenteration for advanced primary and recurrent pelvic malignancies

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to clarify the efficacy and safety of transanal minimally invasive surgery (TAMIS) for total pelvic exenteration (TPE) in advanced primary and recurrent pelvic malignancies.

METHODS

Using a prospectively collected database, we retrospectively analyzed the clinical, surgical, and pathological outcomes of TAMIS for TPE. Surgery was performed between September 2019 and April 2023. The median follow-up period was 22 months (2-45 months).

RESULTS

Fifteen consecutive patients were included in this analysis M:F = 14:1 and median (range) age was 63 (36-74). Their diagnoses were as follows: primary rectal cancer (n = 5; 33%), recurrent rectal cancer (n = 4; 27%), primary anorectal cancer (n = 5; 33%), and gastrointestinal stromal tumor (n = 1; 7%). Bladder-sparing TPE was selected for two patients (13%). In nine of 15 patients (60%) the anal sphincter could be successfully preserved, five patients (33%) required combined resection of the internal iliac vessels, and two (13%) required rectus muscle flap reconstruction. The median operative time was 723 min (561-1082), and the median intraoperative blood loss was 195 ml (30-1520). The Clavien-Dindo classifications of the postoperative complications were as follows: grade 0-2 (n = 11; 73%); 3a (n = 3; 20%); 3b (n = 1; 7%); and ≥ 4 (n = 0; 0%). No cases of conversion to laparotomy or mortality were observed. The pathological results demonstrated that R0 was achieved in 14 patients (93%).

CONCLUSIONS

The short-term outcomes of this initial experience proved that this novel approach is feasible for TPE, with low blood loss, acceptable postoperative complications, and a satisfactory R0 resection rate.

Ramucirumab plus FOLFIRI as second-line treatment for patients with RAS wild-type metastatic colorectal cancer previously treated with anti-EGFR antibody: JACCRO CC-16

BACKGROUND

Chemotherapy in combination with anti-epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) antibody is considered a first-line treatment regimen for RAS wild-type and left-sided metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC), whereas second-line treatment regimens have not yet been established. Few studies have prospectively evaluated second-line treatment with anti-vascular endothelial growth factor antibody after first-line anti-EGFR antibody therapy for RAS wild-type mCRC.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This non-randomized phase II trial investigated the clinical outcomes of second-line ramucirumab (RAM) plus fluorouracil, levofolinate, and irinotecan (FOLFIRI) after first-line anti-EGFR antibody in combination with doublet or triplet regimen in patients with RAS wild-type mCRC. The primary endpoint was the 6-month progression-free survival (PFS) rate. The secondary endpoints were PFS, overall survival (OS), objective response rate (ORR), rate of early tumor shrinkage (ETS), and safety. We hypothesized a threshold 6-month PFS rate of 30% and an expected 6-month PFS rate of 45%. Treatment was considered effective if the lower limit of the 90% confidence interval (CI) of the 6-month PFS rate was >0.30.

RESULTS

Ninety-two patients were enrolled in the study. The primary tumor was located on the left side in 86 (95.6%) patients. Twenty (22.0%) patients had received triplet plus cetuximab as previous therapy. Six-month PFS rate was 58.2% (90% CI 49.3% to 66.2%) with a median PFS of 7.0 months (95% CI 5.7-7.6 months). Median OS was 23.6 months (95% CI 16.5-26.3 months). The ORR and ETS rate were 10.7% and 16.9%, respectively, in 83 patients with measurable lesions. The 6-month PFS rate was comparable between patients previously treated with doublet and triplet regimens; however, median PFS was longer for the doublet regimen (7.4 versus 6.4 months, P = 0.036).

CONCLUSIONS

Our study demonstrated prospectively that RAM plus FOLFIRI is an effective second-line treatment after anti-EGFR antibody-containing first-line therapy in RAS wild-type and left-sided mCRC. Furthermore, the results were similar for patients who were previously treated with triplet regimen.

Cohort study to evaluate prognostic factors in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis patients introduced to oxygen therapy

While high-level evidence is lacking, numerous retrospective studies have depicted the value of supplemental oxygen in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and other interstitial lung diseases, and its use should be encouraged where necessary. The clinical course and survival of patients with IPF who have been introduced to oxygen therapy is still not fully understood. The objective of this study was to clarify overall survival, factors associated with prognosis, and causes of death in IPF patients after the start of oxygen therapy. This is a prospective cohort multicenter study, enrolling patients with IPF who started oxygen therapy at 19 hospitals with expertise in interstitial lung disease. Baseline clinical data at the start of oxygen therapy and 3-year follow-up data including death and cause of death were assessed. Factors associated with prognosis were analyzed using univariable and multivariable analyses. One hundred forty-seven eligible patients, of whom 86 (59%) were prescribed ambulatory oxygen therapy and 61 (41%) were prescribed long-term oxygen therapy, were recruited. Of them, 111 died (76%) during a median follow-up of 479 days. The median survival from the start of oxygen therapy was 537 ± 74 days. In the univariable analysis, low body mass index (BMI), low forced vital capacity (FVC), low diffusion capacity (DLCO), resting hypoxemia, short 6 min-walk distance, and high COPD assessment test (CAT) score were significantly associated with poor prognosis. Multivariable analysis revealed low BMI, low FVC, low DLCO, low minimum SpO2 on 6MWT, and high CAT score were independent factors for poor prognosis. The overall survival of IPF patients after starting oxygen therapy is about 1.5 years. In addition to pulmonary function tests, 6MWT and patient reported outcomes can be used to predict prognosis more accurately.Clinical Trial Registration: UMIN000009322.

Long-term effect of pulmonary rehabilitation in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: a randomised controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is characterised by worsening dyspnoea and exercise intolerance.

RESEARCH QUESTION

Does a long-term pulmonary rehabilitation improve exercise tolerance in patients with IPF treated with standard antifibrotic drugs, which are expected to reduce disease progression?

METHODS

This open-label randomised controlled trial was performed at 19 institutions. Stable patients receiving nintedanib were randomised into pulmonary rehabilitation and control groups (1:1). The pulmonary rehabilitation group underwent initial rehabilitation which included twice-weekly sessions of monitored exercise training for 12 weeks, followed by an at-home rehabilitation programme for 40 weeks. The control group received usual care only, without pulmonary rehabilitation. Both groups continued to receive nintedanib. The primary and main secondary outcomes were change in 6 min walking distance (6MWD) and change in endurance time (using cycle ergometry) at week 52.

RESULTS

Eighty-eight patients were randomised into pulmonary rehabilitation (n=45) and control (n=43) groups. Changes in 6MWD were -33 m (95% CI -65 to -1) and -53 m (95% CI -86 to -21) in the pulmonary rehabilitation and control groups, respectively, with no statistically significant difference (mean difference, 21 m (95% CI -25 to 66), p=0.38). Changes in endurance time were significantly better in the pulmonary rehabilitation (64 s, 95% CI -42.3 to 171)) than in the control (-123 s (95% CI -232 to -13)) group (mean difference, 187 s (95% CI 34 to 153), p=0.019).

INTERPRETATION

Although pulmonary rehabilitation in patients taking nintedanib did not improve 6MWD in the long term, it led to prolonged improvement in endurance time.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

UMIN000026376.

Changes in patient-reported outcomes in patients with non-idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis fibrotic interstitial lung disease and progressive pulmonary fibrosis

Background

Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) captures different aspects of the fibrotic interstitial lung disease (FILD) evaluation from the patient's perspective. However, little is known about how HRQoL changes in patients with non-idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) FILD, especially in those with progressive pulmonary fibrosis (PPF). The aim of this study is to clarify whether HRQoL deteriorates in patients with non-IPF FILD and to evaluate the differences in the changes in HRQoL between those with and without PPF.

Methods

We collected data from consecutive patients with non-IPF FILD and compared annual changes in HRQoL over 2 years between patients with PPF and those without. The St George's respiratory questionnaire (SGRQ) and COPD assessment test (CAT) were used to assess HRQoL. Changes in the SGRQ and CAT scores for 24 months from baseline were evaluated with a mixed-effect model for repeated measures.

Results

A total of 396 patients with non-IPF FILD were reviewed. The median age was 65 years and 202 were male (51.0%). The median SGRQ and CAT scores were 29.6 and 11, respectively. Eighty-six (21.7%) showed PPF. Both SGRQ and CAT scores were significantly deteriorated in patients with PPF compared to those without PPF (p < 0.01 for both). Clinically important deterioration in the SGRQ and CAT scores were observed in 40.0 and 35.7% of patients with PPF and 11.7 and 16.7% of those without, respectively. PPF was significantly associated with clinically important deterioration in the SGRQ score (odds ratio 5.04; 95%CI, 2.61-9.76, p < 0.01) and CAT score (odds ratio 2.78; 95%CI, 1.27-6.06, p = 0.02).

Conclusion

The SGRQ and CAT scores were significantly deteriorated in patients with non-IPF FILD and PPF. Considering an evaluation of HRQoL would be needed when assessing PPF.

Ruminococcus gnavus bacteraemia showing morphological diversity on Gram staining: a case report and literature review

Ruminococcus gnavus , a Gram-positive anaerobic coccus, is a common constituent of the human gut microbiota but rarely causes any disease in humans. Herein, we report a case of R. gnavus bacteraemia in an immunocompromised 73-year-old man with sigmoid colon perforation. R. gnavus is usually reported as Gram-positive diplococci or short chains on Gram staining; however, in our patient, a blood isolate showed Gram-positive cocci in long chains, and organisms from an anaerobic subculture showed morphological diversity. This case provides insight into the morphological diversity of R. gnavus , which might help with the recognition of these bacteria in the preliminary identification stage on Gram staining.

Effect of the 2020 hypersensitivity pneumonitis guideline on the pathologic diagnosis of interstitial pneumonia

It was reported that the 2020 guideline for hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP) might result in the overdiagnosis of fibrotic HP (fHP). fHP and other types of interstitial pneumonias have several overlapping characteristics, and a high diagnostic concordance rate of fHP is rarely obtained. Therefore, we investigated the impact of the 2020 HP guideline on the pathological diagnosis of cases previously diagnosed as interstitial pneumonia. We identified 289 fibrotic interstitial pneumonia cases from 2014 to 2019 and classified them into four categories according to the 2020 HP guideline: typical, probable, and indeterminate for fHP and alternative diagnosis. The original pathological diagnosis of 217 cases were compared to their classification as either typical, probable, or indeterminate for fHP according to the 2020 guideline. The clinical data, including serum data and pulmonary function tests, were compared among the groups. Diagnoses changed from non-fHP to fHP for 54 (25%) of the 217 cases, of which, 8 were typical fHP and 46 were probable fHP. The ratio of typical and probable fHP cases to the total number of VATS cases was significantly lower when using transbronchial lung cryobiopsy (p < 0.001). The clinical data of these cases bore a more remarkable resemblance to those diagnosed as indeterminate for fHP than to those diagnosed as typical or probable. The pathological criteria in the new HP guidelines increase the diagnosis of fHP. However, it is unclear whether this increase leads to overdiagnosis, and requires further investigation. Transbronchial lung cryobiopsy may not be helpful when using the new criteria to impart findings for fHP diagnosis.

Utility of budgerigar/pigeon/parrot-specific IgG antibody with ImmunoCAP® in bird-related hypersensitivity pneumonitis caused by other bird species and duvet

BACKGROUND

Bird-related hypersensitivity pneumonitis (BRHP) is an extrinsic allergic alveolitis caused by inhalation of bird antigens. Although the measurement of serum-specific IgG antibodies against budgerigar, pigeon, and parrot with ImmunoCAP® is available in Japan, the utility of the test for patients with causes by bird breeding other than these three species, including contact with wild birds/poultry/bird manure, and use of a duvet is unknown.

METHODS

Of the 75 BRHP patients who participated in our previous study, 30 were included. Six cases were caused by bird breeding of species other than pigeon, budgerigar, and parrot, seven were in contact with wild birds/poultry/bird manure, and 17 were using a duvet. Bird-specific IgG antibodies were compared among the patients, 64 controls, and 147 healthy participants.

RESULTS

In patients with BRHP caused by bird breeding, budgerigar and parrot-specific IgG levels were significantly higher than in disease controls. Only parrot-specific IgG was significantly higher than in disease controls in patients caused by duvet use. However, among patients with acute episodes (acute and recurrent type of chronic BRHP), IgG antibodies against all three species were significantly higher than those of disease controls caused by bird breeding and the use of a duvet.

CONCLUSIONS

Bird-specific IgG antibody with ImmunoCAP® was useful for screening and diagnosing BRHP caused by other bird species and duvets.

Interstitial pneumonia with autoimmune features and histologic usual interstitial pneumonia treated with anti-fibrotic versus immunosuppressive therapy

BACKGROUND

Therapeutic strategies in patients with interstitial pneumonia with autoimmune features (IPAF) and histological usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP) pattern (IPAF-UIP) have not been thoroughly evaluated. We compared the therapeutic efficacy of anti-fibrotic therapy with that of immunosuppressive treatment for patients with IPAF-UIP.

METHODS

In this retrospective case series, we identified consecutive IPAF-UIP patients treated with anti-fibrotic therapy or immunosuppressive therapy. Clinical characteristics, one-year treatment response, acute exacerbation, and survival were studied. We performed a stratified analysis by the pathological presence or absence of inflammatory cell infiltration.

RESULTS

Twenty-seven patients with anti-fibrotic therapy and 29 with immunosuppressive treatment were included. There was a significant difference in one-year forced vital capacity (FVC) change between patients with anti-fibrotic treatment (4 in 27 improved, 12 stable, and 11 worsened) and those with immunosuppressive treatment (16 in 29 improved, eight stable, and five worsened) (p = 0.006). There was also a significant difference in one-year St George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) change between patients with anti-fibrotic therapy (2 in 27 improved, ten stable, and 15 worsened) and those with immunosuppressive treatment (14 in 29 improved, 12 stable, and worsened) (p < 0.001). There was no significant difference in survival between the groups (p = 0.32). However, in the subgroup with histological inflammatory cell infiltration, survival was significantly better with immunosuppressive therapy (p = 0.02).

CONCLUSION

In IPAF-UIP, immunosuppressive therapy seemed to be superior to anti-fibrotic treatment in terms of therapeutic response, and provided better outcomes in the histological inflammatory subgroup. Further prospective studies are needed to clarify the therapeutic strategy in IPAF-UIP.

Impact of respiratory bacterial infections on mortality in Japanese patients with COVID-19: a retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Although cases of respiratory bacterial infections associated with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) have often been reported, their impact on the clinical course remains unclear. Herein, we evaluated and analyzed the complication rates of bacterial infections, causative organisms, patient backgrounds, and clinical outcome in Japanese patients with COVID-19.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective cohort study that included inpatients with COVID-19 from multiple centers participating in the Japan COVID-19 Taskforce (April 2020 to May 2021) and obtained demographic, epidemiological, and microbiological results and the clinical course and analyzed the cases of COVID-19 complicated by respiratory bacterial infections.

RESULTS

Of the 1,863 patients with COVID-19 included in the analysis, 140 (7.5%) had respiratory bacterial infections. Community-acquired co-infection at COVID-19 diagnosis was uncommon (55/1,863, 3.0%) and was mainly caused by Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Streptococcus pneumoniae. Hospital-acquired bacterial secondary infections, mostly caused by Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, were diagnosed in 86 patients (4.6%). Severity-associated comorbidities were frequently observed in hospital-acquired secondary infection cases, including hypertension, diabetes, and chronic kidney disease. The study results suggest that the neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (> 5.28) may be useful in diagnosing complications of respiratory bacterial infections. COVID-19 patients with community-acquired or hospital-acquired secondary infections had significantly increased mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

Respiratory bacterial co-infections and secondary infections are uncommon in patients with COVID-19 but may worsen outcomes. Assessment of bacterial complications is important in hospitalized patients with COVID-19, and the study findings are meaningful for the appropriate use of antimicrobial agents and management strategies.

Real-World Experience of the Comparative Effectiveness and Safety of Molnupiravir and Nirmatrelvir/Ritonavir in High-Risk Patients with COVID-19 in a Community Setting

Molnupiravir (MOV) and nirmatrelvir/ritonavir (NMV/r) are efficacious oral antiviral agents for patients with the 2019 coronavirus (COVID-19). However, little is known about their effectiveness in older adults and those at high risk of disease progression. This retrospective single-center observational study assessed and compared the outcomes of COVID-19 treated with MOV and NMV/r in a real-world community setting. We included patients with confirmed COVID-19 combined with one or more risk factors for disease progression from June to October 2022. Of 283 patients, 79.9% received MOV and 20.1% NMV/r. The mean patient age was 71.7 years, 56.5% were men, and 71.7% had received ≥3 doses of vaccine. COVID-19-related hospitalization (2.8% and 3.5%, respectively; p = 0.978) or death (0.4% and 3.5%, respectively; p = 0.104) did not differ significantly between the MOV and NMV/r groups. The incidence of adverse events was 2.7% and 5.3%, and the incidence of treatment discontinuation was 2.7% and 5.3% in the MOV and NMV/r groups, respectively. The real-world effectiveness of MOV and NMV/r was similar among older adults and those at high risk of disease progression. The incidence of hospitalization or death was low.

Physical activity in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: Longitudinal change and minimal clinically important difference

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Reference values of physical activity to interpret longitudinal changes are not available in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). This study aimed to define the minimal clinical important difference (MCID) of longitudinal changes in physical activity in patients with IPF.

METHODS

Using accelerometry, physical activity (steps per day) was measured and compared at baseline and 6-months follow-up in patients with IPF. We calculated MCID of daily step count using multiple anchor-based and distribution-based methods. Forced vital capacity and 6-minute walk distance were applied as anchors in anchor-based methods. Effect size and standard error of measurement were used to calculate MCID in distribution-based methods.

RESULTS

One-hundred and five patients were enrolled in the study (mean age: 68.5 ± 7.5 years). Step count significantly decreased from baseline to 6-months follow-up (-461 ± 2402, p = .031). MCID calculated by anchor-based and distribution-based methods ranged from 570-1358 steps.

CONCLUSION

Daily step count significantly declined over 6-months in patients with IPF. MCID calculated by multiple anchor-based and distribution-based methods was 570 to 1358 steps/day. These findings contribute to interpretation of the longitudinal changes of physical activity that will assist its use as a clinical and research outcome in patients with IPF.

Two cases of acute respiratory failure following SARS‐CoV ‐2 vaccination in post‐ COVID ‐19 pneumonia

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) vaccination is a very effective method of preventing infection and is recommended for people having recovered from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19). In this novel case report, we describe two patients with post‐COVID‐19 pneumonia who experienced acute respiratory failure and new bilateral ground‐glass opacities several days after receiving SARS‐CoV‐2 vaccination. Both patients were treated with methylprednisolone pulse therapy and recovered from the disease successfully. Indeed, post‐COVID‐19 patients can gain benefits from the vaccine, but vaccination at the early stage of recovery from COVID‐19 might be a risk for certain populations. These cases highlight a potential association between vaccination, interstitial lung disease and worsening of post‐COVID‐19 pneumonia. Further investigation and research examining the relationship between the timing of SARS‐CoV‐2 vaccination and potential risks in post‐COVID‐19 patients is recommended.

A comprehensible machine learning tool to differentially diagnose idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis from other chronic interstitial lung diseases

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) has poor prognosis, and the multidisciplinary diagnostic agreement is low. Moreover, surgical lung biopsies pose comorbidity risks. Therefore, using data from non-invasive tests usually employed to assess interstitial lung diseases (ILDs), we aimed to develop an automated algorithm combining deep learning and machine learning that would be capable of detecting and differentiating IPF from other ILDs.

METHODS

We retrospectively analysed consecutive patients presenting with ILD between April 2007 and July 2017. Deep learning was used for semantic image segmentation of HRCT based on the corresponding labelled images. A diagnostic algorithm was then trained using the semantic results and non-invasive findings. Diagnostic accuracy was assessed using five-fold cross-validation.

RESULTS

In total, 646,800 HRCT images and the corresponding labelled images were acquired from 1068 patients with ILD, of whom 42.7% had IPF. The average segmentation accuracy was 96.1%. The machine learning algorithm had an average diagnostic accuracy of 83.6%, with high sensitivity, specificity and kappa coefficient values (80.7%, 85.8% and 0.665, respectively). Using Cox hazard analysis, IPF diagnosed using this algorithm was a significant prognostic factor (hazard ratio, 2.593; 95% CI, 2.069-3.250; p < 0.001). Diagnostic accuracy was good even in patients with usual interstitial pneumonia patterns on HRCT and those with surgical lung biopsies.

CONCLUSION

Using data from non-invasive examinations, the combined deep learning and machine learning algorithm accurately, easily and quickly diagnosed IPF in a population with various ILDs.

Prevalence and prognosis of chronic fibrosing interstitial lung diseases with a progressive phenotype

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

The development of clinically progressive fibrosis complicates a wide array of interstitial lung diseases (ILDs). However, there are limited data regarding its prevalence and prognosis.

METHODS

We analysed consecutive patients seen for initial evaluation of a fibrosing form of ILD (FILD). Patients were evaluated for evidence of progressive fibrosis over the first 24 months of follow-up. We defined a progressive phenotype as the presence of at least one of the following: a relative decline in forced vital capacity (FVC) of ≥10%; a relative decline in FVC of ≥5%-<10% with a relative decline in diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide of ≥15%, increased fibrosis on HRCT or progressive symptoms.

RESULTS

Eight hundred and forty-four patients (397 with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis [IPF] and 447 non-IPF FILD) made up the final analysis cohort. Three hundred and fifty-five patients (42.1%) met the progressive phenotype criteria (59.4% of IPF patients and 26.6% of non-IPF FILD patients, p <0.01). In both IPF and non-IPF FILD, transplantation-free survival differed between patients with a progressive phenotype and those without (p <0.01). Multivariable analysis showed that a progressive phenotype was an independent predictor of transplantation-free survival (hazard ratio [HR]: 3.36, 95% CI: 2.68-4.23, p <0.01). Transplantation-free survival did not differ between non-IPF FILD with a progressive phenotype and IPF (HR: 1.12, 95% CI: 0.85-1.48, p = 0.42).

CONCLUSION

Over one-fourth of non-IPF FILD patients develop a progressive phenotype compared to approximately 60% of IPF patients. The survival of non-IPF FILD patients with a progressive phenotype is similar to IPF.

Weekly nanoparticle albumin-bound paclitaxel and paclitaxel for relapsed small cell lung cancer: A retrospective observational study

In addition to advanced non-small cell lung cancer, nanoparticle albumin-bound paclitaxel (nab-PTX) may also harbor potential benefit for patients with relapsed small cell lung cancer (SCLC), since weekly paclitaxel (PTX) shows modest activity for relapsed SCLC. We evaluated the efficacy and safety of both weekly nab-PTX and PTX for relapsed SCLC.We retrospectively reviewed 52 consecutive relapsed SCLC patients who were treated with weekly nab-PTX or PTX at our hospital.The response rate, median progression-free survival and overall survival with nab-PTX and PTX were 5.6 vs 8.8%, 3.2 vs 1.7 months, and 5.4 vs 4.5 months, respectively. No statistically significant differences were observed. There was no statistical difference between the 2 groups for ≥Grade 3 adverse events.Weekly nab-PTX and PTX showed similar activity for relapsed SCLC. The toxicity profile of nab-PTX was equally tolerable to that of PTX.

Expectations of respiratory physicians from psychologists in palliative care for patients with non-cancer respiratory diseases

BACKGROUND

Psychological symptoms are common in patients with non-malignant respiratory disease (NMRD). Psychologists can likely play a role in NMRD palliative care. We aimed to explore the expectations of respiratory physicians from psychologists in NMRD palliative care.

METHODS

An ad hoc questionnaire was developed based on a free-descriptive questionnaire survey among respiratory physicians from four hospitals in Japan. Using this questionnaire, we surveyed respiratory physicians from eight hospitals in Japan and assessed their expectations of psychologists' support and outcomes. Expectations were compared between physicians with and without experience of working with psychologists.

RESULTS

The quantitative questionnaire was completed by 129 physicians. Data analysis from 108 participants revealed that the highly expected support included "getting early information on patients' psychological distress" (97.2%) and "counseling family members regarding anxiety caused by changes in patient's condition" (96.3%). Physicians also expected "relief in patient's psychological distress" (96.3%) and "providing the psychological support that families need" (95.4%) from psychologists. Compared to physicians with experience of working with psychologists, those without expected more in terms of "giving specific advice on the way of communication and psychological support" (p = 0.035) and "providing psychological support for difficult-to-handle patients and families on behalf of other medical staff" (p = 0.036).

CONCLUSIONS

Respiratory physicians may expect relief of psychological distress experienced by patients and their families from psychologists by getting information about their distress and providing psychological support. These results may be useful for psychologists to provide palliative care for patients with NMRD in collaboration with respiratory physicians.

Radiological pleuroparenchymal fibroelastosis-like lesion in idiopathic interstitial pneumonias

Background

Pleuroparenchymal fibroelastosis (PPFE) is characterised by predominant upper lobe pleural and subpleural lung parenchymal fibrosis. Radiological PPFE-like lesion has been associated with various types of interstitial lung diseases. However, the prevalence and clinical significance of radiological PPFE-like lesion in patients with idiopathic interstitial pneumonias (IIPs) are not fully understood. We aimed to determine the prevalence and clinical impact on survival of radiological PPFE-like lesion in patients with IIPs.

Methods

A post-hoc analysis was conducted using data from the Japanese nationwide cloud-based database of patients with IIPs. All the patients in the database were diagnosed as having IIPs by multidisciplinary discussion. Patients diagnosed with idiopathic PPFE were excluded. Clinical data and chest computed tomography (CT) image of 419 patients with IIPs were analysed. The presence of radiological PPFE-like lesion was independently evaluated by two chest radiologists blind to the clinical data.

Results

Of the 419 patients with IIPs, radiological PPFE-like lesions were detected in 101 (24.1%) patients, mainly in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and unclassifiable IIPs, but less in idiopathic nonspecific interstitial pneumonia. Prognostic analyses revealed that radiological PPFE-like lesion was significantly associated with poor outcome in patients with IIPs, which was independent of age, IPF diagnosis and %FVC. In survival analyses, the patients with radiological PPFE-like lesions had poor survival compared with those without (log-rank, p < 0.0001). Subgroup analyses demonstrated that radiological PPFE-like lesion was significantly associated with poor survival both in patients with IPF and those with unclassifiable IIPs.

Conclusion

Radiological PPFE-like lesion is a condition that could exist in IIPs, mainly in IPF and unclassifiable IIPs. Importantly, the radiological PPFE-like lesion is a non-invasive marker to predict poor outcome in patients with IIPs, which should be carefully considered in clinical practice.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12931-021-01892-9.

Anti-MDA5 antibody-positive clinically amyopathic dermatomyositis with diffuse alveolar damage diagnosed by transbronchial lung cryobiopsy: A case report

Diffuse alveolar damage (DAD) is known to be a pathological hallmark of acute respiratory distress syndrome or acute interstitial pneumonia, and to have a poor prognosis. We report a case of anti-melanoma differentiation-associated gene 5 (MDA5) antibody-positive clinically amyopathic dermatomyositis (CADM) with rapidly progressive interstitial lung disease (RP-ILD), in which DAD was confirmed by transbronchial lung cryobiopsy at an early stage without respiratory failure. Although this patient initially did not show respiratory failure, his respiratory condition gradually worsened despite intensive immunosuppression therapy and he died 3 months later. Therefore, the early pathological findings of DAD did not match the clinical picture, which showed no respiratory failure. However, these findings were consistent with the subsequent course and poor outcome. Histological DAD, even in the absence of respiratory failure, may indicate a subsequent poor prognosis and explain the refractory course of RP-ILD with anti-MDA5 antibody-positive CADM.

2020 guide for the diagnosis and treatment of interstitial lung disease associated with connective tissue disease

The prognosis of patients with connective tissue disease (CTD) has improved significantly in recent years, but interstitial lung disease (ILD) associated with connective tissue disease (CTD-ILD) remains a refractory condition, which is a leading cause of mortality. Because it is an important prognostic factor, many observational and interventional studies have been conducted to date. However, CTD is a heterogeneous group of conditions, which makes the clinical course, treatment responses, and prognosis of CTD-ILD extremely diverse. To summarize the current understanding and unsolved questions, the Japanese Respiratory Society and the Japan College of Rheumatology collaborated to publish the world's first guide focusing on CTD-ILD, based on the evidence and expert consensus of pulmonologists and rheumatologists, along with radiologists, pathologists, and dermatologists. The task force members proposed a total of 27 items, including 7 for general topics, 9 for disease-specific topics, 3 for complications, 4 for pharmacologic treatments, and 4 for non-pharmacologic therapies, with teams of 2-4 authors and reviewers for each item to prepare a consensus statement based on a systematic literature review. Subsequently, public opinions were collected from members of both societies, and a critical review was conducted by external reviewers. Finally, the task force finalized the guide upon discussion and consensus generation. This guide is expected to contribute to the standardization of CTD-ILD medical care and is also useful as a tool for promoting future research by clarifying unresolved issues.

Pulmonary rehabilitation for idiopathic pleuroparenchymal fibroelastosis: A retrospective study on its efficacy, feasibility, and safety

BACKGROUND

The beneficial effects of pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) for patients with idiopathic pleuroparenchymal fibroelastosis (IPPFE) remain unknown. This study aimed to examine the efficacy, feasibility, and safety of PR for IPPFE.

METHODS

We retrospectively investigated 25 patients with IPPFE referred for PR between April 2007 and March 2017. The PR mainly consisted of a 10-week exercise training program. The primary outcome was a change in 6-min walk distance (6MWD). Secondary outcomes included changes in dyspnea (transition dyspnea index [TDI]), anxiety and depression (hospital anxiety and depression scale [HADS]), and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) (St George's respiratory questionnaire [SGRQ]).

RESULTS

Thirteen patients participated in the PR program (PRP). Recurrent pneumothorax was the most common reason for patients not participating in the PRP. Four patients discontinued the PRP due to the recurrence of pneumothorax, new onset of pneumomediastinum, stroke, and another reason, respectively. Nine patients completed the PRP. Significant improvement was observed in 6MWD (median [interquartile range], 90 m [55-116 m]; P = 0.033). Clinically important improvements in the 6MWD, and TDI, HADS-anxiety, HADS-depression, and SGRQ total domain scores were observed in seven (78%), five (56%), four (44%), four (44%), and five (56%) of the nine patients, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with IPPFE benefited from PR in terms of exercise capacity, dyspnea, anxiety, depression, and HRQoL. Pneumothorax and pneumomediastinum may impede the implementation of a PRP for patients with IPPFE. While careful patient selection is required, PR may be an efficacious non-pharmacological approach for managing disabilities in patients with IPPFE.

The prognostic value of the COPD Assessment Test in fibrotic interstitial lung disease

BACKGROUND

The COPD Assessment Test (CAT) has been studied as a measure of health status in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and interstitial lung disease associated with connective tissue disease. However, its prognostic value is unknown. The present study explored the association between CAT score and mortality in fibrotic interstitial lung disease (FILD), including IPF and other forms of ILD.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed 501 consecutive patients with FILD who underwent clinical assessment, including pulmonary function test and CAT. The association between CAT score and 3-year mortality was assessed using Cox proportional hazard analysis, Kaplan-Meier plots, and the log-rank test for trend. To handle missing data, the imputed method was used.

RESULTS

The patients' median age was 68 years, and 320 were male (63.9%). Regarding CAT severity, 203 patients had a low impact level (score <10), 195 had a medium level (10-20), 80 had a high level (21-30), and 23 had a very high level (31-40). During the 3-year study period, 118 patients died. After adjusting for age, sex, forced vital capacity, diffusion capacity for carbon monoxide, IPF diagnosis, and usual interstitial pneumonia pattern on high-resolution computed tomography, the CAT score was significantly associated with 3-year mortality (hazard ratio in increments of 10 points: 1.458, 95% confidence interval 1.161-1.830; p < 0.001). In addition, patients with high and very high impact levels had twofold and threefold higher mortality risk than those with low levels, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The CAT has prognostic value in FILD.

Protocol for long-term effect of pulmonary rehabilitation under nintedanib in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis

Background

Pulmonary rehabilitation causes short-term improvement in exercise capacity, dyspnoea and health-related quality of life in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF); however, long-term maintenance of the improvement is difficult. Nintedanib, an antifibrotic drug, has been shown to delay the worsening of pulmonary function in IPF. Therefore, the concomitant use of nintedanib with pulmonary rehabilitation is anticipated to contribute to the long-term maintenance of the pulmonary rehabilitation effects. The long-term effect of pulmonary rehabilitation under nintedanib treatment in IPF (FITNESS) study is a multicenter, randomised, prospective, parallel-group, open-label trial.

Methods

The study will enrol 84 patients with IPF who have been treated with nintedanib. Patients in the pulmonary rehabilitation group will receive a programmed short-term induction pulmonary rehabilitation programme, followed by a maintenance home-based pulmonary rehabilitation programme, while patients in the control group will receive usual outpatient care. Patients in both groups will continue to receive nintedanib treatment throughout the study period. The primary end-point of the study is to compare the change in the 6-min walk distance from the baseline to 12 months between the pulmonary rehabilitation and control groups. The main secondary end-point is endurance exercise time, measured using a bicycle ergometer.

Discussion

FITNESS is the first randomised controlled study to evaluate the long-term effects of pulmonary rehabilitation in IPF treated with nintedanib. This study will address the hypothesis that concomitant use of nintedanib contributes to the maintenance of long-term effects of pulmonary rehabilitation, thus leading to a comprehensive therapeutic approach of "nintedanib and pulmonary rehabilitation" in the antifibrotic era.

Recognition of Connective Tissue Disease-Related Interstitial Pneumonia Based on Histological Score-A Validation Study of an Online Diagnostic Decision Support Tool

Objectives: to evaluate the number of cases of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) that included histological features of connective tissue disease (CTD) and to check whether they demonstrated the clinical features of CTD, using a previously reported CTD-interstitial pneumonia (IP) index that histologically differentiates CTD-associated and idiopathic IP. Methods: patients diagnosed with IPF following video-assisted thoracoscopic biopsy through multidisciplinary team diagnosis between 2014 and 2017 were selected. Pathological observation was made by four pathologists who scored eight observational items needed for the CTD-IP index. Cases determined as CTD, by the CTD-IP index, were extracted, and their clinical features were compared. Results: a total of 94 cases of IPF were identified, of which 20 were classified into the CTD group using the CTD-IP index with reasonable interobserver agreement (k = 0.76). Cases pathologically classified into the CTD group were significantly associated with female sex, non-smoking history, autoantibody positivity, and CTD symptoms (p = 0.01, 0.03, 0.01, and 0.04, respectively). Conclusions: patients with IPF with pathological findings of CTD showed clinical characteristics similar to those of patients with CTD.

Clinical Significance of Cold-Inducible RNA-Binding Protein in Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis

BACKGROUND

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is associated with a poor prognosis with variable clinical course. Early identification of patients at high risk for disease progression and death would lead to early therapeutic intervention and thereby improvement of outcomes. Cold-inducible RNA-binding protein (CIRBP) is produced in response to cellular stresses, which is implicated in multiple biological processes, including cell survival and proliferation.

RESEARCH QUESTION

Is CIRBP a useful biomarker for predicting the outcomes of patients with IPF?

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

This study included 95 and 93 patients with IPF from two independent hospitals (derivation and validation cohorts, respectively). The associations of serum CIRBP level on IPF diagnosis with disease progression within 1 year after diagnosis (ie, ≥10% relative decline in percent predicted FVC or death) and all-cause mortality were retrospectively analyzed. Discrimination performances for predicting these outcomes were evaluated using the c-index.

RESULTS

Serum and lung tissue CIRBP levels were higher in patients with IPF than in control subjects. In the derivation cohort, the CIRBP^high subgroup had significantly higher 1-year disease progression rates and lower cumulative survival rates than the CIRBP^low subgroup, and the results were replicated in the validation cohort. In multivariate analyses, high serum CIRBP level was independently associated with higher 1-year disease progression and all-cause mortality rates in both cohorts. Combining the Gender-Age-Physiology (GAP) and serum CIRBP models improved the c-indexes for predicting 1-year disease progression and all-cause mortality compared with that of each model alone. The c-indexes of serum CIRBP were particularly high in patients with GAP stage I.

INTERPRETATION

This study successfully validated that serum CIRBP level was an independent predictor of 1-year disease progression and all-cause mortality in IPF. CIRBP is a promising biomarker that can help identify high-risk patients with IPF, especially in the early stage.

Cutoff Points for Step Count to Predict 1-year All-Cause Mortality in Patients with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis

BACKGROUND

Although physical activity is associated with mortality in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), reference values to interpret levels of physical activity are lacking.

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to investigate the prognostic significance of physical activity assessed by step count and its cutoff points for all-cause mortality.

METHODS

We measured physical activity (steps per day) using an accelerometer in patients with IPF at the time of diagnosis. Relationships among physical activity and mortality, as well as cutoff points of daily step count to predict all-cause mortality were examined.

RESULTS

Eighty-seven patients (73 males) were enrolled. Forty-four patients (50.1%) died during the follow-up (median 54 months). In analysis adjusting for Gender-Age-Physiology stage and 6-min walk distance, daily step count was an independent predictor of all-cause mortality (hazard ratio (HR) = 0.820, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.694-0.968, p = 0.019). The optimal cutoff point (receiving operating characteristic analysis) for 1-year mortality was 3,473 steps per day (sensitivity = 0.818 and specificity = 0.724). Mortality was significantly lower in patients with a daily step count exceeding 3,473 steps than in those whose count was 3,473 or less (HR = 0.395, 95% CI = 0.218-0.715, p = 0.002).

CONCLUSIONS

Step count, an easily interpretable measurement, was a significant predictor of all-cause mortality in patients with IPF. At the time of diagnosis, a count that exceeded the cutoff point of 3,473 steps/day more than halved mortality. These findings highlight the importance of assessing physical activity in this patient population.

Cicatricial organizing pneumonia associated with fibrosing interstitial pneumonia - A clinicopathological study

BACKGROUND

The recent recognition of the cicatricial organizing pneumonia (ciOP) indicates that the ciOP may resemble or simulate fibrotic interstitial pneumonia; however, there has been great uncertainty regarding the affected populations, pathogenesis, clinical relevance, and characteristics. In this study, we compared the characteristics of fibrotic interstitial pneumonia with and without ciOP.

METHOD

We enrolled 121 patients from the consultation archive whose pathological findings were fibrotic interstitial pneumonia and for whom follow-up clinical data were available. We reviewed these cases histopathologically and classified them according to whether or not they showed ciOP. We compared the clinicopathological features between the two groups.

RESULT

CiOP histopathologically characterized by deposition of dense collagenous fibers within the alveolar space without destruction of the lung structure was found in 48 patients (39.7%). None of the cases with ciOP experienced acute exacerbation during 12 months follow-up. The group with ciOP had more severe diffusion impairment but this, along with restrictive ventilatory impairment, improved significantly compared to the group without ciOP.

CONCLUSION

CiOP is a histopathological finding commonly found in fibrotic interstitial pneumonia. It does not relate to acute exacerbation or decrease in pulmonary function.

Safety and tolerability of combination therapy with pirfenidone and nintedanib for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: A multicenter retrospective observational study in Japan

BACKGROUND

Phase IV clinical trials in Western countries have reported that combined therapy with pirfenidone and nintedanib for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) has a manageable safety profile. However, data on the long-term safety and tolerability of this combination treatment in the real-world setting in Japan are limited.

METHODS

The retrospective data of 46 patients with IPF who received combination therapy with pirfenidone and nintedanib were obtained from 16 institutes in Japan. Adverse events and adverse drug reactions (ADRs) were reported through a retrospective review of medical records.

RESULTS

Nintedanib and pirfenidone were added to preceding treatment with antifibrotic drugs in 32 (69.6%) and 13 (28.3%) patients, respectively. In one patient (2.1%), the two drugs were concurrently initiated. The mean duration of monotherapy before initiating the combination was 26.3 months. In 26 of 38 patients (68.4%), the Gender-Age-Physiology index stage was II or III. Thirty-three patients (71.7%) had some ADRs, and 14 patients (30.4%) permanently discontinued either drug or both drugs owing to the development of ADRs during the observation period (mean: 59 weeks). The percentage of grade III or IV IPF according to the Japanese Respiratory Society severity classification was higher in patients who permanently discontinued either drug or both drugs than in those who continued both drugs (90.9% [10/11; 3 undetermined grade] vs. 61.1% [11/18; 1 undetermined grade]). Decreased appetite (18/46, 39.1%) and diarrhea (16/46, 34.8%) were frequently observed ADRs. Two patients (4.3%) had serious ADRs (liver toxicity and pneumothorax).

CONCLUSIONS

Real-world data imply that combination therapy with pirfenidone and nintedanib for IPF has a manageable safety/tolerability profile.

Screening and diagnosis of acute and chronic bird-related hypersensitivity pneumonitis by serum IgG and IgA antibodies to bird antigens with ImmunoCAP®

BACKGROUND

Bird antigens are some of the most relevant antigens in hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP). Possible sources of bird antigens are bird breeding, feather products and fertilizer with fowl droppings. For the screening and diagnosis of HP, the measurement of bird-specific antibodies should be standardized. The aim of this study was to clarify the utility of serum IgG (sIgG) and IgA (sIgA) antibodies to bird antigens in screening and diagnosing acute/chronic bird-related HP with ImmunoCAP® in multi-centre clinical research.

METHODS

We executed a clinical performance test by conducting a multi-institutional study to measure the levels of sIgG/sIgA against pigeon, parrot and budgerigar antigens by the ImmunoCAP® system in 29 acute and 46 chronic bird-related HP patients.

RESULTS

The levels of sIgG/sIgA against the bird antigens of the three species were significantly higher in subjects with acute bird-related HP and chronic bird-related HP with acute episodes (recurrent type) than in the control subjects. For sIgG, the optimal cutoff values by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis were 24.6 mgA/L for pigeon, 14.0 mgA/L for parrot, and 8.7 mgA/L for budgerigar. By measuring multiple bird antigens and combining sIgG values of two species, the sensitivity and specificity for acute and recurrent-type chronic bird-related HP patients were 85-91% and 73-80%, respectively. For recurrent and insidious types of chronic bird-related HP, the sensitivity and specificity were 48-61% and 73-80%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Measurement of the levels of sIgG/sIgA against pigeon, budgerigar and parrot antigens by ImmunoCAP® was useful for screening and diagnosis in bird-related HP.

Exposure to PM2.5 is a risk factor for acute exacerbation of surgically diagnosed idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: a case-control study

Background

Short-term exposure to ozone and nitrogen dioxide is a risk factor for acute exacerbation (AE) of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (AE-IPF). The comprehensive roles of exposure to fine particulate matter in AE-IPF remain unclear. We aim to investigate the association of short-term exposure to fine particulate matter with the incidence of AE-IPF and to determine the exposure-risk time window during 3 months before the diagnosis of AE-IPF.

Methods

IPF patients were retrospectively identified from the nationwide registry in Japan. We conducted a case–control study to assess the correlation between AE-IPF incidence and short-term exposure to eight air pollutants, including particulate matter < 2.5 µm (PM_2.5). In the time-series data, we compared monthly mean exposure concentrations between months with AE (case months) and those without AE (control months). We used multilevel mixed-effects logistic regression models to consider individual and institutional-level variables, and also adjusted these models for several covariates, including temperature and humidity. An additional analysis with different monthly lag periods was conducted to determine the risk-exposure time window for 3 months before the diagnosis of AE-IPF.

Results

Overall, 152 patients with surgically diagnosed IPF were analyzed. AE-IPF was significantly associated with an increased mean exposure level of nitric oxide (NO) and PM_2.5 30 days prior to AE diagnosis. Adjusted odds ratio (OR) with a 10 unit increase in NO was 1.46 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.11–1.93], and PM_2.5 was 2.56 (95% CI 1.27–5.15). Additional analysis revealed that AE-IPF was associated with exposure to NO during the lag periods lag 1, lag 2, lag 1–2, and lag 1–3, and PM_2.5 during the lag periods lag 1 and lag 1–2.

Conclusions

Our results show that PM_2.5 is a risk factor for AE-IPF, and the risk-exposure time window related to AE-IPF may lie within 1–2 months before the AE diagnosis. Further investigation is needed on the novel findings regarding the exposure to NO and AE-IPF.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12931-021-01671-6.

Impact of post-capillary pulmonary hypertension on mortality in interstitial lung disease

BACKGROUND

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) influences mortality in patients with interstitial lung disease (ILD). Almost all studies on patients with ILD, have focused on the clinical impact of pre-capillary PH on survival. Therefore, little is known about the influence of post-capillary PH. We aimed to assess the prevalence of post-capillary PH and its clinical impact on survival in patients with ILD, followed by comparison with pre-capillary PH.

METHODS

This retrospective study enrolled 1152 patients with ILD who were diagnosed with PH using right heart catheterization between May 2007 and December 2015. We analyzed the demographics and composite outcomes (defined as death from any cause or lung transplantation) of patients with post-capillary PH and compared them with patients with pre-capillary PH.

RESULTS

Thirty-two (20%) of the 157 patients with ILD-PH were diagnosed with post-capillary PH. Patients with post-capillary PH had significantly lower modified Medical Research Council scores, higher diffusion capacity for carbon monoxide, higher resting PaO₂, lower pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR), and higher lowest oxygen saturation during the 6-min walk test compared to those with pre-capillary PH. Cardiovascular diseases were associated with a higher risk of mortality in patients with post-capillary PH. Multivariate Cox proportional hazards analysis demonstrated no significant difference between the composite outcomes in pre-capillary and post-capillary PH, while PVR and the ILD Gender-Age-Physiology Index were significantly associated with the composite outcome.

CONCLUSIONS

We found that approximately one-fifth of patients with ILD-PH were diagnosed with post-capillary PH, and that PVR and not post-capillary PH was associated with mortality.

Serial 6-month change in forced vital capacity predicts subsequent decline and mortality in Japanese patients with newly diagnosed idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis

BACKGROUND

The clinical course of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is characterized by a progressive decline in lung function; however, predicting changes in lung function is difficult. We sought to determine whether the prior 6-month trend in forced vital capacity (FVC) could predict mortality and the subsequent 6-month trend in FVC.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed consecutive patients with newly diagnosed IPF who underwent serial pulmonary function tests. The immediate two years after the initial evaluation were divided into four terms of six months each and stratified on the basis of presence or absence of a ≥10% relative decline in FVC at six months (declined and stable groups, respectively).

RESULTS

We included 107 patients with %predicted FVC of 80.8% and %predicted diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide of 58.9%. In multivariate analysis, a decline in %predicted FVC in the initial six months was found to be an independent prognostic factor (hazard ratio 4.45, 95% confidence interval 2.62-7.56, p < 0.01). Among the 46 terms in which the FVC declined during the initial 1.5-year study period, a decline in FVC was exhibited in 23 (50.0%) of the subsequent terms. Among 231 terms in which FVC remained stable, a decline was observed in 32 (13.9%) of the subsequent terms (relative risk 3.61, p < 0.01). The frequency of FVC decline in each term was 16-27%. FVC was stable or declined in all four terms in 50.5% and 15.9% of cases, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Six-month decline in FVC predicts subsequent FVC change and mortality in IPF patients in the era of antifibrotic agents.

Histologic factors associated with nintedanib efficacy in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis

Background

Histopathologic factors predictive of nintedanib efficacy in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis have not been studied. We aimed to describe the characteristics, focusing on histopathology, of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis patients who did and did not respond to nintedanib.

Methods

This study retrospectively examined the clinicoradiopathologic features of 40 consecutive patients with surgical lung biopsy-confirmed idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis treated with nintedanib. Additionally, we compared the histopathologic scoring of 21 microscopic features between patients with functional or radiological progression and those with non-progression during 12 months of treatment.

Results

The histopathologic evaluation showed edematous changes in the interlobular septum as the only histologic finding observed more frequently in patients with both functional and radiological progression than in those without (58% vs. 14%, P = 0.007 and 50% vs. 0%, P = 0.003, respectively). Regarding per-year change, patients with edematous changes in the interlobular septum showed greater progression in median changes in spared area (-12%, interquartile range: [-25%–-5%], vs. -3% [-7%–0%], P = 0.004) and reticular shadow (7% [3%–13%], vs. 0% [0%–5%], P = 0.041) on computed tomography. Functional and radiological progression-free survival were shorter in patients with edematous changes in the interlobular septum than in those without (6.6 months, 95% confidence interval: [5.9–25.3], vs. event <50%, [12.1–Not available], P = 0.0009, and 6.1 months, [5.2–6.6] vs. 14.5 months [7.8–not available], P<0.0001).

Conclusions

Edematous changes in the interlobular septum may indicate poor nintedanib efficacy in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Further studies are needed to validate these findings and address the mechanism behind ECIS.

Pirfenidone plus inhaled N-acetylcysteine for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: a randomised trial

BACKGROUND

A randomised controlled trial in Japan showed that inhaled N-acetylcysteine monotherapy stabilised serial decline in forced vital capacity (FVC) in some patients with early idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). However, the efficacy and tolerability of combination therapy with an antifibrotic agent and inhaled N-acetylcysteine are unknown.

METHODS

This 48-week, randomised, open-label, multicentre phase 3 trial compared the efficacy and tolerability of combination therapy with pirfenidone plus inhaled N-acetylcysteine 352.4 mg twice daily with the results for pirfenidone alone in patients with IPF. The primary end-point was annual rate of decline in FVC. Exploratory efficacy measurements included serial change in diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide (D _LCO) and 6-min walk distance (6MWD), progression-free survival (PFS), incidence of acute exacerbation, and tolerability.

RESULTS

81 patients were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to receive pirfenidone plus inhaled N-acetylcysteine (n=41) or pirfenidone (n=40). The 48-week rate of change in FVC was -300 mL and -123 mL, respectively (difference -178 mL, 95% CI -324--31 mL; p=0.018). Serial change in D _LCO, 6MWD, PFS and incidence of acute exacerbation did not significantly differ between the two groups. The incidence of adverse events (n=19 (55.9%) for pirfenidone plus N-acetylcysteine; n=18 (50%) for pirfenidone alone) was similar between groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Combination treatment with inhaled N-acetylcysteine and pirfenidone is likely to result in worse outcomes for IPF.

Pleuroparenchymal fibroelastosis-like lesions in patients with interstitial pneumonia diagnosed by multidisciplinary discussion with surgical lung biopsy

Purpose

The present study aimed to evaluate the significance of Pleuroparenchymal fibroelastosis (PPFE)-like lesions in predicting prognosis in patients with chronic interstitial pneumonia (IP).

Method

The present study enrolled 207 patients with IP in whom surgical lung biopsy was performed. Among the patients enrolled in the present study, 77 had idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), 15 had nonspecific interstitial pneumonia (NSIP), 13 had chronic hypersensitivity pneumonitis (CHP), 41 had connective tissue disease (CTD), three had PPFE, and 58 had unclassifiable diagnosis. The incidence, characteristics, and thickness of PPFE-like lesions were evaluated in each patient with IP. Additionally, the influence of PPFE-like lesions on the prognosis was also determined.

Results

Of 207 patients, 160 (77.3 %) showed PPFE-like lesions. The frequency of PPFE-like lesions was similar in patients with IPF, NSIP, CHP, CTD, and unclassifiable diagnosis (79.5 %, 79.5 %, 73.2 %, 65.9 %, and 81 %, respectively); however, PPFE-like lesions were present in all patients with PPFE (p = 0.42). Consequently, there was no significant difference in the characteristics of PPFE-like lesions among patients with all forms of IP, except PPFE. PPFE-like lesions were not a significant predictor of prognosis (hazard ratio [HR], 1.16; 95 % confidence interval [CI], 0.64–2.10, p = 0.62); however, patients with PPFE-like lesions under the aortic arch had significantly poorer prognoses (HR, 2.70; 95 % CI, 1.66–4.39, p < 0.001). For craniocaudal extent comparison, patients with IPF with PPFE-like lesions below the level of the carina had significantly poorer prognoses than those without PPFE-like lesions (p = 0.001, overall survival 53.1 and 80.6, respectively).

Conclusion

PPFE-like lesions are common in patients with IP, and their characteristics were not significantly different among all forms of IP, except idiopathic PPFE. The broad extent of PPFE-like lesions is an important predictor of prognosis in patients with IPF.

Computed tomography findings of current nonspecific interstitial pneumonia based on the 2013 updated classification of idiopathic interstitial pneumonias: What is a characteristic of previously diagnosed nonspecific interstitial pneumonia excluded from the updated classification

PURPOSE

To evaluate computed tomography (CT) findings of nonspecific interstitial pneumonia (NSIP) based on the current classification of idiopathic interstitial pneumonias (IIPs) and elucidate a characteristic of previously diagnosed NSIP excluded from the current classification.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study included 74 patients with biopsy-proven NSIP (idiopathic NSIP [I-NSIP], 39 patients; NSIP associated with connective tissue disease [CTD-NSIP], 35 patients). Among patients who were compatible with the current classification of IIPs, 29 and 21 were categorized as having current I-NSIP and current CTD-NSIP, respectively. The remaining 24 patients were categorized as having previous I-NSIP or previous CTD-NSIP due to the primary pathologic diagnosis of cellular NSIP or associated findings of acute inflammatory changes. CT findings were evaluated and compared among the four groups.

RESULTS

Current I-NSIP was indicated by ground-glass attenuation and reticulation with traction bronchiectasis/bronchiolectasis in predominantly peribronchovascular areas of the lower lung zone. The previous I-NSIP group tended to show broader airspace consolidation than the current I-NSIP group (p = 0.068). The previous CTD-NSIP group showed significantly broader airspace consolidation than the current I-NSIP group (p = 0.035).

CONCLUSION

Broad airspace consolidation is a characteristic of previously diagnosed CTD-NSIP excluded from the current classification of IIPs.

Mesalazine-induced lung injury with severe respiratory failure successfully treated with steroids and non-invasive positive pressure ventilation

Drug-induced lung injury (DLI) has become more common because of the increasing number of therapeutic agents in use. Mesalazine, also known as 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA), is one of the key drugs for the treatment of ulcerative colitis (UC). Although mesalazine-induced lung injury has been previously reported, few cases have included severe respiratory failure. In this report, we present a case of mesalazine-induced lung injury with severe respiratory failure, which was improved by discontinuation of mesalazine and introduction of corticosteroid therapy and ventilation support with non-invasive positive pressure ventilation (NPPV). We also review the previous literature on mesalazine-induced lung injury.

Histology is critical but not always for the diagnosis of chronic hypersensitivity pneumonitis

BACKGROUND

The diagnosis of chronic hypersensitivity pneumonitis (CHP) is often based on the pathology, but evidence is scarce that a pathological diagnosis of CHP may mislead the multidisciplinary diagnosis.

METHOD

We enrolled patients from the consultation case archive whose pathological findings were suggestive of CHP but had a multidisciplinary diagnosis of non-CHP. The histopathological slides were sent to another pathologist, and the ones confirmed with CHP were sent for an additional multidisciplinary discussion (MDD). We examined clinicopathological features of the cases confirmed to be non-CHP through MDD.

RESULTS

Among the 243 cases, five were diagnosed as non-CHP through an additional MDD. The most common causes of discrepancy were the presence of strong autoimmune features, a low lymphocyte level in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, and a lack of nodular shadow or mosaic attenuation on computed tomography.

CONCLUSIONS

Cases of suspected CHP on pathology may be determined to be non-CHP through MDD.

In vitro Neo-Genesis of Tendon/Ligament-Like Tissue by Combination of Mohawk and a Three-Dimensional Cyclic Mechanical Stretch Culture System

Tendons and ligaments are pivotal connective tissues that tightly connect muscle and bone. In this study, we developed a novel approach to generate tendon/ligament-like tissues with a hierarchical structure, by introducing the tendon/ligament-specific transcription factor Mohawk (MKX) into the mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) line C3H10T1/2 cells, and by applying an improved three-dimensional (3D) cyclic mechanical stretch culture system. In our developed protocol, a combination of stable Mkx expression and cyclic mechanical stretch synergistically affects the structural tendon/ligament-like tissue generation and tendon related gene expression. In a histological analysis of these tendon/ligament-like tissues, an organized extracellular matrix (ECM), containing collagen type III and elastin, was observed. Moreover, we confirmed that Mkx expression and cyclic mechanical stretch, induced the alignment of structural collagen fibril bundles that were deposited in a fibripositor-like manner during the generation of our tendon/ligament-like tissues. Our findings provide new insights for the tendon/ligament biomaterial fields.