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Chessari C, Simonetta E, Amati F, Nigro M, Stainer A, Sotgiu G, Puci M, Gramegna A, Blasi F, Morlacchi LC, Buscemi AAMD, Conio V, Sanci V, Corsico AG, Faverio P, Michalak W, Luppi F, Crimi C, Vancheri C, Campisi R, Vulpi MR, Carpagnano GE, Cicchetti M, Sekretna K, Scichilone N, Battaglia S, Aliberti S. Diagnostic delay in bronchiectasis: an Italian perspective. ERJ Open Res 2024; 10:00713-2023. [PMID: 38500794 PMCID: PMC10945380 DOI: 10.1183/23120541.00713-2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 12/10/2023] [Indexed: 03/20/2024] Open
Abstract
It takes ∼3.5 years to reach a diagnosis of bronchiectasis from onset of symptoms: the long patient's journey in Italy https://bit.ly/46XMWAz.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlo Chessari
- PROMISE Department, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | | | - Francesco Amati
- IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Respiratory Unit, Milan, Italy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Milan, Italy
| | - Mattia Nigro
- IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Respiratory Unit, Milan, Italy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Milan, Italy
| | - Anna Stainer
- IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Respiratory Unit, Milan, Italy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Milan, Italy
| | - Giovanni Sotgiu
- Clinical Epidemiology and Medical Statistics Unit, Department of Medical, Surgical and Experimental Sciences, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Mariangela Puci
- Clinical Epidemiology and Medical Statistics Unit, Department of Medical, Surgical and Experimental Sciences, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Andrea Gramegna
- Respiratory Unit and Cystic Fibrosis Center, Fondazione IRCCS Cà Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesco Blasi
- Respiratory Unit and Cystic Fibrosis Center, Fondazione IRCCS Cà Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Letizia Corinna Morlacchi
- Respiratory Unit and Cystic Fibrosis Center, Fondazione IRCCS Cà Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Agata Alba Maria Domenica Buscemi
- Respiratory Unit and Cystic Fibrosis Center, Fondazione IRCCS Cà Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Valentina Conio
- Respiratory Diseases Division, Cardiac, IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo Foundation, Pavia, Italy
- Department of Internal Medicine and Therapeutics, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Sanci
- Respiratory Diseases Division, Cardiac, IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo Foundation, Pavia, Italy
- Department of Internal Medicine and Therapeutics, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Angelo G. Corsico
- Respiratory Diseases Division, Cardiac, IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo Foundation, Pavia, Italy
- Department of Internal Medicine and Therapeutics, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Paola Faverio
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
- Respiratory Unit, Fondazione IRCCS San Gerardo dei Tintori, Monza, Italy
| | - Weronika Michalak
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
- Respiratory Unit, Fondazione IRCCS San Gerardo dei Tintori, Monza, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Luppi
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
- Respiratory Unit, Fondazione IRCCS San Gerardo dei Tintori, Monza, Italy
| | - Claudia Crimi
- Respiratory Medicine Unit, Policlinico “G. Rodolico-San Marco” University Hospital, Catania, Italy
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Carlo Vancheri
- Respiratory Medicine Unit, Policlinico “G. Rodolico-San Marco” University Hospital, Catania, Italy
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Raffaele Campisi
- Respiratory Medicine Unit, Policlinico “G. Rodolico-San Marco” University Hospital, Catania, Italy
| | - Maria Rosaria Vulpi
- Respiratory Diseases Section, University Hospital Policlinico di Bari, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | | | - Marianna Cicchetti
- Respiratory Diseases Section, University Hospital Policlinico di Bari, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Kseniia Sekretna
- Department of Occupational Diseases, Clinical Immunology and Clinical Pharmacology, Dnipro State Medical University, Dnipro, Ukraine
| | | | | | - Stefano Aliberti
- IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Respiratory Unit, Milan, Italy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Milan, Italy
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Nolasco S, Campisi R, Crimi N, Crimi C. Are we overlooking the lung function in the definition of severe asthma remission? Pulmonology 2023:S2531-0437(23)00202-7. [PMID: 38142155 DOI: 10.1016/j.pulmoe.2023.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2023] [Revised: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/25/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- S Nolasco
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy; Respiratory Medicine Unit, Policlinico "G. Rodolico-San Marco" University Hospital, Catania, Italy
| | - R Campisi
- Respiratory Medicine Unit, Policlinico "G. Rodolico-San Marco" University Hospital, Catania, Italy
| | - N Crimi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - C Crimi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy; Respiratory Medicine Unit, Policlinico "G. Rodolico-San Marco" University Hospital, Catania, Italy.
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Nolasco S, Crimi C, Campisi R. Personalized Medicine in Asthma: Current Approach and Future Perspectives. J Pers Med 2023; 13:1459. [PMID: 37888070 PMCID: PMC10608641 DOI: 10.3390/jpm13101459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Asthma is one of the most common chronic respiratory diseases, affecting over 300 million people worldwide [...].
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Affiliation(s)
- Santi Nolasco
- Respiratory Medicine Unit, Policlinico “G. Rodolico-San Marco” University Hospital, 95123 Catania, Italy; (S.N.); (R.C.)
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Claudia Crimi
- Respiratory Medicine Unit, Policlinico “G. Rodolico-San Marco” University Hospital, 95123 Catania, Italy; (S.N.); (R.C.)
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Raffaele Campisi
- Respiratory Medicine Unit, Policlinico “G. Rodolico-San Marco” University Hospital, 95123 Catania, Italy; (S.N.); (R.C.)
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Portacci A, Campisi R, Buonamico E, Nolasco S, Pelaia C, Crimi N, Benfante A, Triggiani M, Spadaro G, Caiaffa MF, Scioscia G, Detoraki A, Valenti G, Papia F, Tomasello A, Scichilone N, Pelaia G, Crimi C, Carpagnano GE. Real-world characteristics of "super-responders" to mepolizumab and benralizumab in severe eosinophilic asthma and eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis. ERJ Open Res 2023; 9:00419-2023. [PMID: 37908397 PMCID: PMC10613971 DOI: 10.1183/23120541.00419-2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The current definition of severe eosinophilic asthma (SEA) super-responders to biologic treatment does not include patients with other eosinophil-based comorbidities. Although eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA) is frequently associated with SEA, we lack data on a possible super-response to biologic treatments in patients suffering from these two diseases. We aim to assess super-responder features in real-life patients with SEA and EGPA treated with mepolizumab and benralizumab. Methods We enrolled 39 patients with SEA and EGPA eligible for treatment with mepolizumab or benralizumab. Super-responder assessment was performed considering oral corticosteroid (OCS) cessation, lack of exacerbations, forced expiratory volume in 1 s and Asthma Control Test (ACT) improvement. Results Super-responders showed worse clinical baseline characteristics than non-super-responder patients, with a greater improvement in severe asthma exacerbations, OCS dose reduction and ACT score increase. Definition of super-responders was consistent only considering a 12-month course of monoclonal antibody, lacking sensitivity in earlier evaluations. Conclusion Mepolizumab and benralizumab are safe and effective in patients with EGPA and SEA, since a consistent proportion of patients show a super-response after 12 months of treatment. Further studies will address specific criteria for super-responder assessment in these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Portacci
- Institute of Respiratory Disease, Department of Translational Biomedicine and Neuroscience, University “Aldo Moro”, Bari, Italy
- These authors contributed equally
| | - Raffaele Campisi
- Respiratory Medicine Unit, Policlinico “G. Rodolico-San Marco” University Hospital, Catania, Italy
- These authors contributed equally
| | - Enrico Buonamico
- Institute of Respiratory Disease, Department of Translational Biomedicine and Neuroscience, University “Aldo Moro”, Bari, Italy
| | - Santi Nolasco
- Respiratory Medicine Unit, Policlinico “G. Rodolico-San Marco” University Hospital, Catania, Italy
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Corrado Pelaia
- Department of Health Sciences, University “Magna Graecia” of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Nunzio Crimi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Alida Benfante
- Division of Respiratory Diseases, Department of Health Promotion Sciences, Maternal and Infant Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (PROMISE), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Massimo Triggiani
- Division of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, University of Salerno, Salerno, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Spadaro
- Center for Basic and Clinical Immunology Research (CISI), University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Maria Filomena Caiaffa
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, School and Chair of Allergology and Clinical Immunology, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy
| | - Giulia Scioscia
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy
| | - Aikaterini Detoraki
- Division of Internal Medicine and Clinical Immunology, Department of Internal Medicine and Clinical Complexity, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Valenti
- Allergology and Pulmonology Unit, Provincial Outpatient Center of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Francesco Papia
- Allergology and Pulmonology Unit, Provincial Outpatient Center of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Alessandra Tomasello
- Division of Respiratory Diseases, Department of Health Promotion Sciences, Maternal and Infant Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (PROMISE), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Nicola Scichilone
- Division of Respiratory Diseases, Department of Health Promotion Sciences, Maternal and Infant Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (PROMISE), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Girolamo Pelaia
- Department of Health Sciences, University “Magna Graecia” of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Claudia Crimi
- Respiratory Medicine Unit, Policlinico “G. Rodolico-San Marco” University Hospital, Catania, Italy
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Giovanna Elisiana Carpagnano
- Institute of Respiratory Disease, Department of Translational Biomedicine and Neuroscience, University “Aldo Moro”, Bari, Italy
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Nolasco S, Portacci A, Campisi R, Buonamico E, Pelaia C, Benfante A, Triggiani M, Spadaro G, Caiaffa MF, Scioscia G, Detoraki A, Valenti G, Papia F, Tomasello A, Crimi N, Scichilone N, Pelaia G, Carpagnano GE, Crimi C. Effectiveness and safety of anti-IL-5/Rα biologics in eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis: a two-year multicenter observational study. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1204444. [PMID: 37457743 PMCID: PMC10349177 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1204444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA) is a rare vasculitis characterized by asthma, systemic manifestations, and blood and tissue eosinophilia. Objective To assess the effectiveness and safety of mepolizumab (anti-IL-5) and benralizumab (anti-IL-5Rα) in EGPA for 24 months. Methods We conducted a multicenter observational study, including patients with EGPA treated with anti-IL-5/Rα biologics in 9 Italian specialized facilities. Systemic disease activity, remission and relapse rate were evaluated from 3 to 24 months after treatment initiation. Respiratory outcomes, hematological parameters, corticosteroid (OCS) and immunosuppressants consumption were also assessed. Results 49 patients with relapsing-refractory EGPA were included [26 (53.1%) benralizumab 30mg, 20 (40.8%) mepolizumab 100mg, 3 (6.1%) mepolizumab 300mg]. Overall, 38.8% and 57.1% achieved remission after 12 and 24 months, respectively (69.2% benralizumab and 43.5% mepolizumab). Lower OCS intake and higher blood eosinophil count at baseline were associated with remission at 24 months. Both biologics exerted beneficial effects on severe asthma outcomes. Indeed, 61.2% (61.5% benralizumab and 60.8% mepolizumab) remained exacerbation-free during treatment. Lung function parameters showed improvements in the overall cohort (all p<0.05), but began to decline from month 12, especially with mepolizumab. Marked reduction in blood eosinophils was registered with mepolizumab (p<0.0001), while benralizumab depleted both eosinophils (p<0.0001) and basophils (p<0.0001). In general, 69.6% (76% benralizumab and 61.9% mepolizumab) of OCS-dependent patients lowered their daily dose by 75%, while 28.3% discontinued these drugs. Immunosuppressants were suspended in 88.2% of cases. Adverse events were reported in 8.2% of patients. Conclusions These real-world data suggest that anti-IL-5/Rα biologics are effective and safe in the long-term as add-on treatments for patients with EGPA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Santi Nolasco
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
- Respiratory Medicine Unit, Policlinico “G. Rodolico-San Marco” University Hospital, Catania, Italy
| | - Andrea Portacci
- Institute of Respiratory Disease, Department of Translational Biomedicine and Neuroscience, University “Aldo Moro”, Bari, Italy
| | - Raffaele Campisi
- Respiratory Medicine Unit, Policlinico “G. Rodolico-San Marco” University Hospital, Catania, Italy
| | - Enrico Buonamico
- Institute of Respiratory Disease, Department of Translational Biomedicine and Neuroscience, University “Aldo Moro”, Bari, Italy
| | - Corrado Pelaia
- Department of Health Sciences, University “Magna Graecia” of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Alida Benfante
- Division of Respiratory Diseases, Department of Health Promotion Sciences, Maternal and Infant Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (PROMISE), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Massimo Triggiani
- Division of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, University of Salerno, Salerno, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Spadaro
- Center for Basic and Clinical Immunology Research (CISI), University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Maria Filomena Caiaffa
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, School and Chair of Allergology and Clinical Immunology, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy
| | - Giulia Scioscia
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy
| | - Aikaterini Detoraki
- Division of Internal Medicine and Clinical Immunology, Department of Internal Medicine and Clinical Complexity University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Valenti
- Allergology and Pulmonology Unit, Provincial Outpatient Center of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Francesco Papia
- Allergology and Pulmonology Unit, Provincial Outpatient Center of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Alessandra Tomasello
- Division of Respiratory Diseases, Department of Health Promotion Sciences, Maternal and Infant Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (PROMISE), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Nunzio Crimi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Nicola Scichilone
- Division of Respiratory Diseases, Department of Health Promotion Sciences, Maternal and Infant Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (PROMISE), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Girolamo Pelaia
- Department of Health Sciences, University “Magna Graecia” of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Giovanna Elisiana Carpagnano
- Institute of Respiratory Disease, Department of Translational Biomedicine and Neuroscience, University “Aldo Moro”, Bari, Italy
| | - Claudia Crimi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
- Respiratory Medicine Unit, Policlinico “G. Rodolico-San Marco” University Hospital, Catania, Italy
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Campisi R, Nolasco S, Pelaia C, Impellizzeri P, D'Amato M, Portacci A, Ricciardi L, Scioscia G, Crimi N, Scichilone N, Foschino Barbaro MP, Pelaia G, Carpagnano GE, Vatrella A, Crimi C. Benralizumab Effectiveness in Severe Eosinophilic Asthma with Co-Presence of Bronchiectasis: A Real-World Multicentre Observational Study. J Clin Med 2023; 12:3953. [PMID: 37373648 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12123953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2023] [Revised: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: The co-presence of bronchiectasis (BE) in severe eosinophilic asthma (SEA) is common. Data about the effectiveness of benralizumab in patients with SEA and BE (SEA + BE) are lacking. Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of benralizumab and remission rates in patients with SEA compared to SEA + BE, also according to BE severity. Methods: We conducted a multicentre observational study, including patients with SEA who underwent chest high-resolution computed tomography at baseline. The Bronchiectasis Severity Index (BSI) was used to assess BE severity. Clinical and functional characteristics were collected at baseline and after 6 and 12 months of treatment. Results: We included 74 patients with SEA treated with benralizumab, of which 35 (47.2%) showed the co-presence of bronchiectasis (SEA + BE) with a median BSI of 9 (7-11). Overall, benralizumab significantly improved the annual exacerbation rate (p < 0.0001), oral corticosteroids (OCS) consumption (p < 0.0001) and lung function (p < 0.01). After 12 months, significant differences were found between SEA and SEA + BE cohorts in the number of exacerbation-free patients [64.1% vs. 20%, OR 0.14 (95% CI 0.05-0.40), p < 0.0001], the proportion of OCS withdrawal [-92.6% vs. -48.6, p = 0.0003], and the daily dose of OCS [-5 mg (0 to -12.5) vs. -12.5 mg (-7.5 to -20), p = 0.0112]. Remission (zero exacerbations + zero OCS) was achieved more frequently in the SEA cohort [66.7% vs. 14.3%, OR 0.08 (95% CI 0.03-0.27), p < 0.0001]. Changes in FEV1% and FEF25-75% were inversely correlated with BSI (r = -0.36, p = 0.0448 and r = -0.41, p = 0.0191, respectively). Conclusions: These data suggest that benralizumab exerts beneficial effects in SEA with or without BE, although the former achieved less OCS sparing and fewer respiratory-function improvements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raffaele Campisi
- Respiratory Medicine Unit, Policlinico "G. Rodolico-San Marco" University Hospital, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Santi Nolasco
- Respiratory Medicine Unit, Policlinico "G. Rodolico-San Marco" University Hospital, 95123 Catania, Italy
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Corrado Pelaia
- Department of Health Sciences, University "Magna Graecia" of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Pietro Impellizzeri
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Maria D'Amato
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, University "Federico II" of Naples, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Andrea Portacci
- Department of Translational Biomedicine and Neuroscience, Institute of Respiratory Disease, University "Aldo Moro", 70121 Bari, Italy
| | - Luisa Ricciardi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, 98166 Messina, Italy
| | - Giulia Scioscia
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Foggia, 71100 Foggia, Italy
| | - Nunzio Crimi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Nicola Scichilone
- Division of Respiratory Diseases, Department of Health Promotion Sciences, Maternal and Infant Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (PROMISE), University of Palermo, 90128 Palermo, Italy
| | | | - Girolamo Pelaia
- Department of Health Sciences, University "Magna Graecia" of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Giovanna Elisiana Carpagnano
- Department of Translational Biomedicine and Neuroscience, Institute of Respiratory Disease, University "Aldo Moro", 70121 Bari, Italy
| | - Alessandro Vatrella
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, University of Salerno, 84081 Salerno, Italy
| | - Claudia Crimi
- Respiratory Medicine Unit, Policlinico "G. Rodolico-San Marco" University Hospital, 95123 Catania, Italy
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
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Scioscia G, Nolasco S, Campisi R, Quarato CMI, Caruso C, Pelaia C, Portacci A, Crimi C. Switching Biological Therapies in Severe Asthma. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24119563. [PMID: 37298514 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24119563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2023] [Revised: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Currently, three classes of monoclonal antibodies targeting type 2 inflammation pathways are available in Italy for the treatment of severe asthma: anti-IgE (Omalizumab), anti-IL-5/anti-IL-5Rα (Mepolizumab and Benralizumab), and anti-IL-4Rα (Dupilumab). Numerous randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and real-life studies have been conducted to define their efficacy and identify baseline patients' characteristics potentially predictive of favorable outcomes. Switching to another monoclonal antibody is recommended in case of a lack of benefits. The aim of this work is to review the current knowledge on the impact of switching biological therapies in severe asthma as well as on predictors of treatment response or failure. Almost all of the information about switching from a previous monoclonal antibody to another comes from a real-life setting. In the available studies, the most frequent initial biologic was Omalizumab and patients who were switched because of suboptimal control with a previous biologic therapy were more likely to have a higher baseline blood eosinophil count and exacerbation rate despite OCS dependence. The choice of the most suitable treatment may be guided by the patient's clinical history, biomarkers of endotype (mainly blood eosinophils and FeNO), and comorbidities (especially nasal polyposis). Due to overlapping eligibility, larger investigations characterizing the clinical profile of patients benefiting from switching to different monoclonal antibodies are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Scioscia
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Foggia, 71121 Foggia, Italy
| | - Santi Nolasco
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, 95124 Catania, Italy
- Respiratory Medicine Unit, Policlinico "G. Rodolico-San Marco", 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Raffaele Campisi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, 95124 Catania, Italy
| | | | - Cristiano Caruso
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Digestive Disease Center, Fondazione Policlinico A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Corrado Pelaia
- Department of Health Sciences, University "Magna Graecia" of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Andrea Portacci
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neuroscience and Sense Organs, Section of Respiratory Disease, University "Aldo Moro" of Bari, 70121 Bari, Italy
| | - Claudia Crimi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, 95124 Catania, Italy
- Respiratory Medicine Unit, Policlinico "G. Rodolico-San Marco", 95123 Catania, Italy
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Crimi C, Noto A, Madotto F, Ippolito M, Nolasco S, Campisi R, De Vuono S, Fiorentino G, Pantazopoulos I, Chalkias A, Libra A, Mattei A, Scala R, Clini EM, Ergan B, Lujan M, Winck JC, Giarratano A, Carlucci A, Gregoretti C, Groff P, Cortegiani A. High-flow nasal oxygen versus conventional oxygen therapy in patients with COVID-19 pneumonia and mild hypoxaemia: a randomised controlled trial. Thorax 2023; 78:354-361. [PMID: 35580898 PMCID: PMC9157330 DOI: 10.1136/thoraxjnl-2022-218806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 37.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE In patients with COVID-19 pneumonia and mild hypoxaemia, the clinical benefit of high-flow nasal oxygen (HFNO) remains unclear. We aimed to examine whether HFNO compared with conventional oxygen therapy (COT) could prevent escalation of respiratory support in this patient population. METHODS In this multicentre, randomised, parallel-group, open-label trial, patients with COVID-19 pneumonia and peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO2) ≤92% who required oxygen therapy were randomised to HFNO or COT. The primary outcome was the rate of escalation of respiratory support (ie, continuous positive airway pressure, non-invasive ventilation or invasive mechanical ventilation) within 28 days. Among secondary outcomes, clinical recovery was defined as the improvement in oxygenation (SpO2 ≥96% with fractional inspired oxygen (FiO2) ≤30% or partial pressure of arterial carbon dioxide/FiO2 ratio >300 mm Hg). RESULTS Among 364 randomised patients, 55 (30.3%) of 181 patients assigned to HFNO and 70 (38.6%) of 181 patients assigned to COT underwent escalation of respiratory support, with no significant difference between groups (absolute risk difference -8.2% (95% CI -18% to +1.4%); RR 0.79 (95% CI 0.59 to 1.05); p=0.09). There was no significant difference in clinical recovery (69.1% vs 60.8%; absolute risk difference 8.2% (95% CI -1.5% to +18.0%), RR 1.14 (95% CI 0.98 to 1.32)), intensive care unit admission (7.7% vs 11.0%, absolute risk difference -3.3% (95% CI -9.3% to +2.6%)), and in hospital length of stay (11 (IQR 8-17) vs 11 (IQR 7-20) days, absolute risk difference -1.0% (95% CI -3.1% to +1.1%)). CONCLUSIONS Among patients with COVID-19 pneumonia and mild hypoxaemia, the use of HFNO did not significantly reduce the likelihood of escalation of respiratory support. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT04655638.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Crimi
- Respiratory Medicine Unit, Policlinico "G. Rodolico-San Marco" University Hospital, Catania, Italy
| | - Alberto Noto
- Department of Human Pathology of the Adult and Evolutive Age "Gaetano Barresi", Division of Anesthesia and Intensive Care, University of Messina, Policlinico "G. Martino", Messina, Italy
| | - Fabiana Madotto
- Value-Based Healthcare Unit, IRCCS MultiMedica, Sesto San Giovanni, Milan, Italy
| | - Mariachiara Ippolito
- Department of Surgical, Oncological and Oral Science (Di.Chir.On.S.), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
- Department of Anesthesia, Intensive Care and Emergency, University Hospital Policlinico Paolo Giaccone, Palermo, Italy
| | - Santi Nolasco
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Raffaele Campisi
- Respiratory Medicine Unit, Policlinico "G. Rodolico-San Marco" University Hospital, Catania, Italy
| | - Stefano De Vuono
- Emergency Department, "S. Maria della Misericordia" Hospital, Perugia, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Fiorentino
- UOC Fisiopatologia e Riabilitazione Respiratoria, AO dei Colli, Naples, Italy
| | - Ioannis Pantazopoulos
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Thessaly, Larisa, Greece
| | - Athanasios Chalkias
- Department of Anesthesiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Thessaly, Larisa, Greece
- Outcomes Research Consortium, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Alessandro Libra
- Respiratory Medicine Unit, Policlinico "G. Rodolico-San Marco" University Hospital, Catania, Italy
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Alessio Mattei
- Cardio-Thoracic Department, AOU Città della Salute e della Scienza, Molinette Hospital, Turin, Italy
| | - Raffaele Scala
- Pulmonology and Respiratory Intensive Care Unit, S. Donato Hospital, Arezzo, Italy
| | - Enrico M Clini
- Respiratory Diseases Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University Hospital of Modena, University of Modena Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Begum Ergan
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care, Dokuz Eylul University, İzmir, Turkey
| | - Manel Lujan
- Pneumology Service, CIBERES, Hospital de Sabadell, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Joao Carlos Winck
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Centro De Reabilitação Do Norte, Centro Hospitalar de Vila Nova de Gaia/Espinho, Vila Nova De Gaia, Portugal
| | - Antonino Giarratano
- Department of Surgical, Oncological and Oral Science (Di.Chir.On.S.), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
- Department of Anesthesia, Intensive Care and Emergency, University Hospital Policlinico Paolo Giaccone, Palermo, Italy
| | - Annalisa Carlucci
- Department of Medicina e Chirurgia, Università Insubria Varese-Como, Varese, Italy
- Pulmonary Rehabilitation Unit, Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri, Pavia, Italy
| | - Cesare Gregoretti
- Department of Surgical, Oncological and Oral Science (Di.Chir.On.S.), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
- Fondazione 'Giglio', Cefalù, Palermo, Italy
| | - Paolo Groff
- Emergency Department, "S. Maria della Misericordia" Hospital, Perugia, Italy
| | - Andrea Cortegiani
- Department of Surgical, Oncological and Oral Science (Di.Chir.On.S.), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
- Department of Anesthesia, Intensive Care and Emergency, University Hospital Policlinico Paolo Giaccone, Palermo, Italy
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9
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Pelaia C, Benfante A, Busceti MT, Caiaffa MF, Campisi R, Carpagnano GE, Crimi N, D’Amato M, Foschino Barbaro MP, Maglio A, Minenna E, Nolasco S, Paglino G, Papia F, Pelaia G, Portacci A, Ricciardi L, Scichilone N, Scioscia G, Triggiani M, Valenti G, Vatrella A, Crimi C. Real-life effects of dupilumab in patients with severe type 2 asthma, according to atopic trait and presence of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1121237. [PMID: 37063895 PMCID: PMC10098307 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1121237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2022] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 04/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BackgroundThe efficacy of dupilumab as biological treatment of severe asthma and chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) depends on its ability to inhibit the pathophysiologic mechanisms involved in type 2 inflammation.ObjectiveTo assess in a large sample of subjects with severe asthma, the therapeutic impact of dupilumab in real-life, with regard to positive or negative skin prick test (SPT) and CRSwNP presence or absence.MethodsClinical, functional, and laboratory parameters were measured at baseline and 24 weeks after the first dupilumab administration. Moreover, a comparative evaluation was carried out in relation to the presence or absence of SPT positivity and CRSwNP.ResultsAmong the 127 recruited patients with severe asthma, 90 had positive SPT, while 78 reported CRSwNP. Compared with the 6 months preceding the first dupilumab injection, asthma exacerbations decreased from 4.0 (2.0-5.0) to 0.0 (0.0-0.0) (p < 0.0001), as well as the daily prednisone intake fell from 12.50 mg (0.00-25.00) to 0.00 mg (0.00-0.00) (p < 0.0001). In the same period, asthma control test (ACT) score increased from 14 (10-18) to 22 (20-24) (p < 0.0001), and sino-nasal outcome test (SNOT-22) score dropped from 55.84 ± 20.32 to 19.76 ± 12.76 (p < 0.0001). Moreover, we observed relevant increases in forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) from the baseline value of 2.13 L (1.62-2.81) to 2.39 L (1.89-3.06) (p < 0.0001). Fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) values decreased from 27.0 ppb (18.0-37.5) to 13.0 ppb (5.0-20.0) (p < 0.0001). These improvements were quite similar in subgroups of patients characterized by SPT negativity or positivity, and CRSwNP absence or presence. No statistically significant correlations were detected between serum IgE levels, baseline blood eosinophils or FeNO levels and dupilumab-induced changes, with the exception of FEV1 increase, which was shown to be positively correlated with FeNO values (r = 0.3147; p < 0.01).ConclusionOur results consolidate the strategic position of dupilumab in its role as an excellent therapeutic option currently available within the context of modern biological treatments of severe asthma and CRSwNP, frequently driven by type 2 airway inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Corrado Pelaia
- Department of Health Sciences, University “Magna Graecia” of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
- *Correspondence: Corrado Pelaia,
| | - Alida Benfante
- Dipartimento di Promozione della Salute, Materno Infantile, Medicina Interna e Specialistica di Eccellenza (PROMISE), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Maria Teresa Busceti
- Department of Health Sciences, University “Magna Graecia” of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | | | - Raffaele Campisi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | | | - Nunzio Crimi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Maria D’Amato
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, University “Federico II” of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | | | - Angelantonio Maglio
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, University of Salerno, Salerno, Italy
| | - Elena Minenna
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy
| | - Santi Nolasco
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Paglino
- Allergology and Pulmonology Unit, Provincial Outpatient Center of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Francesco Papia
- Allergology and Pulmonology Unit, Provincial Outpatient Center of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Girolamo Pelaia
- Department of Health Sciences, University “Magna Graecia” of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Andrea Portacci
- Department of Basic Medical Science, Neuroscience and Sense Organs, University “Aldo Moro”, Bari, Italy
| | - Luisa Ricciardi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Nicola Scichilone
- Dipartimento di Promozione della Salute, Materno Infantile, Medicina Interna e Specialistica di Eccellenza (PROMISE), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Giulia Scioscia
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy
| | - Massimo Triggiani
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, University of Salerno, Salerno, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Valenti
- Allergology and Pulmonology Unit, Provincial Outpatient Center of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Alessandro Vatrella
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, University of Salerno, Salerno, Italy
| | - Claudia Crimi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
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10
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Spicuzza L, Campisi R, Alia S, Prestifilippo S, Giuffrida ML, Angileri L, Ciancio N, Vancheri C. Female Sex Affects Respiratory Function and Exercise Ability in Patients Recovered from COVID-19 Pneumonia. J Womens Health (Larchmt) 2023; 32:18-23. [PMID: 36450116 DOI: 10.1089/jwh.2022.0104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Coronavirus-19 Disease (COVID-19) may cause persistent symptoms and functional respiratory impairment, known as long COVID. Determinants of long COVID are unclear. Although males experience more severe acute illness, the impact of sex on the occurrence of long-term sequelae is unknown. The aim of this study was to establish whether sex affects pulmonary function, exercise capacity, and clinical outcomes in patients recovered from COVID-19 pneumonia. Materials and Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis on patients evaluated in our "Post-COVID Clinic" after a median follow-up of 128 days from the acute disease. Tests performed included standard spirometry, diffusion capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide (DLCO), and 6-minute walk test (6-MWT). Results: A total of 157 patients (mean age 59.9 ± 12, 91 males) recovered from mild to severe pneumonia, without previous respiratory disease, were included. No differences in demographic data and in the severity of the acute illness were observed between the two study groups, males and females. Abnormal alveolar diffusion was more common and severe among females (DLCO <80% in 31% of males vs. 53% of females, p < 0.01; DLCO <70%, in 20% of males vs. 40% of females, p < 0.01). Severe reduction in 6-MWT was observed in 20% of males versus 46% of females (p < 0.01). Multiple logistic regression showed that female sex was an independent predictor of abnormal DLCO and 6-MWT. The prevalence of symptoms and radiological abnormalities was similar in the two groups. Conclusions: These data show that at 4 months follow-up women recovered from COVID-19 pneumonia are more likely to exhibit a reduced alveolar diffusion capacity and exercise tolerance than men, although a similar severity of the acute disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucia Spicuzza
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Raffaele Campisi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Stefano Alia
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Simone Prestifilippo
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Maria Luisa Giuffrida
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Lisa Angileri
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Nicola Ciancio
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Carlo Vancheri
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
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11
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Nolasco S, Pelaia C, Scioscia G, Campisi R, Crimi C. Tezepelumab for asthma. Drugs Today (Barc) 2022; 58:591-603. [PMID: 36651067 DOI: 10.1358/dot.2022.58.12.3449205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The epithelium, once simply considered a protective barrier against harmful agents, has in recent times gained considerable relevance as an entity that can promote and regulate inflammatory processes through the production of cytokines, namely interleukin (IL)-25, IL-33 and thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP), known as "alarmins". TSLP, in particular, has been extensively studied as a possible therapeutic target in patients with severe asthma because it is involved in the inflammatory processes of both type 2-high and type 2-low inflammation. In this regard, tezepelumab (AMG-157/MEDI-9929), a TSLP-targeted first-in-class fully human monoclonal antibody, has been shown in phase II and III studies to be effective and safe in treating patients with severe asthma, regardless of the underlying endotype or phenotype and irrespective of baseline biomarkers, such as blood eosinophil count and fraction of exhaled nitric oxide. Here, we provide a comprehensive review of TSLP function in airway inflammatory processes, the clinical development of tezepelumab for severe asthma as well as its possible future indications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Santi Nolasco
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Corrado Pelaia
- Department of Health Sciences, University "Magna Graecia" of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Giulia Scioscia
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy
| | - Raffaele Campisi
- Respiratory Medicine Unit, A.O.U. Policlinico "G. Rodolico - San Marco", Catania, Italy
| | - Claudia Crimi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy.,Respiratory Medicine Unit, A.O.U. Policlinico "G. Rodolico - San Marco", Catania, Italy.
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12
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Impellizzeri P, Nolasco S, Campisi R, Cipolla A, Borgese A, Alia S, Crimi N, Crimi C. Acute and long-term management of severe bronchiectasis with high flow nasal therapy: A case report. Monaldi Arch Chest Dis 2022; 93. [PMID: 35929643 DOI: 10.4081/monaldi.2022.2333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Bronchiectasis (BE) is a long-term, chronic lung condition featured by widened and scarred airways. These can alter the physiological mucociliary clearance, making it difficult to clear mucus and microorganisms, leading to frequent exacerbations. High flow nasal therapy (HFNT) is a noninvasive respiratory support that delivers heated and humidified gas eventually enriched with oxygen, through a nasal cannula. Humidification is crucial for adequate airways mucociliary clearance, improving ciliary function and consequently reducing airways inflammation and recurrent infections. HFNT has been mostly used in patients with acute hypoxemic respiratory failure and in selected patients with chronic respiratory failure due to COPD. Still, evidence about its use in acute and long-term home setting in patients with clinically relevant BE are lacking. We report a case of severe widespread BE, already on top medical therapy and pulmonary rehabilitation, still suffering from difficult mucus expectoration and recurrent exacerbations, who has been additionally treated with HFNT, both in hospital and domiciliary, reporting significant improvements on relevant clinical and patient-centered outcomes. Thus, HFNT may confer additional benefits as an add-on treatment of patients with severe BE and respiratory failure.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Santi Nolasco
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania.
| | - Raffaele Campisi
- Respiratory Medicine Unit, Policlinico "G. Rodolico - San Marco" University Hospital, Catania.
| | - Antonino Cipolla
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania.
| | - Alba Borgese
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania.
| | - Stefano Alia
- Respiratory Medicine Unit, Policlinico "G. Rodolico - San Marco" University Hospital, Catania, Italy.
| | - Nunzio Crimi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania.
| | - Claudia Crimi
- Respiratory Medicine Unit, Policlinico "G. Rodolico - San Marco" University Hospital, Catania.
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13
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Spicuzza L, Mancuso S, Campisi R, Vancheri C. Sleep quality and mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic in patients with severe obstructive sleep apnea. J Patient Rep Outcomes 2022; 6:46. [PMID: 35526189 PMCID: PMC9079209 DOI: 10.1186/s41687-022-00454-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic has produced remarkable effects on the sleep quality and mental status of the general population and more dramatic effects on patients with chronic illness. Patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), already suffering from disordered sleep, might be more susceptible to the effect of the pandemic on their sleep quality and mental health. We therefore performed a case–control study to compare sleep quality, depression and anxiety symptoms reported by patients with severe OSA and age-matched healthy subjects during the first wave of the COVID-19. In June–July 2020 we enrolled a total of 222 patients with severe OSA, all treated with continuous positive airway pressure, and 164 healthy controls. Self-reported sleep quality was assessed using the Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Symptoms of depression were assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire module 9 (PHQ-9), while the specific “Coronavirus Anxiety Scale” (CAS) evaluated the level of anxiety. Results Patients with OSA (61% males, 65 ± 9.6 years old, BMI 30.5 ± 3.6) and healthy controls had similar characteristics except for BMI slightly lower in controls. The perceived quality of sleep, referred to the pre-pandemic period, was significantly worse in patients with OSA than in controls. During the pandemic the rate of reported sleep disturbance increased from 54 to 66% in patients with OSA and from 29 to 40% in controls. A high percentage of patients and controls reported symptoms of depression (61% OSA and 65% controls), whereas lower levels of anxiety, similar in the two groups, were observed. In patients with OSA the PSQI score significantly positively correlated with the PHQ-9 score (r2 = 0.81) and the CAS score (r2 = 0.65). Conclusion The rate of reported sleep disturbance in patients with OSA during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic is one of the highest evidenced in literature so far. As for the general population, in these patients there is a strict link between the perceived sleep quality and the psychological distress caused by the pandemic. A further deterioration of sleep quality is a fearsome event in the life of these patients who face life-long sleep problems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucia Spicuzza
- Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Sperimentale, UO Pneumologia, Azienda Policlinico-OVE, University of Catania, Via S. Sofia, 95123, Catania, Italy.
| | - Salvatore Mancuso
- Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Sperimentale, UO Pneumologia, Azienda Policlinico-OVE, University of Catania, Via S. Sofia, 95123, Catania, Italy
| | - Raffaele Campisi
- Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Sperimentale, UO Pneumologia, Azienda Policlinico-OVE, University of Catania, Via S. Sofia, 95123, Catania, Italy
| | - Carlo Vancheri
- Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Sperimentale, UO Pneumologia, Azienda Policlinico-OVE, University of Catania, Via S. Sofia, 95123, Catania, Italy
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14
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Crimi C, Campisi R, Nolasco S, Ferri S, Cacopardo G, Impellizzeri P, Pistorio MP, Fagone E, Pelaia C, Heffler E, Crimi N. Type 2-High Severe Asthma with and without Bronchiectasis: A Prospective Observational Multicentre Study. J Asthma Allergy 2021; 14:1441-1452. [PMID: 34880630 PMCID: PMC8646229 DOI: 10.2147/jaa.s332245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Type 2-high severe asthma (T2-SA) is often associated with several comorbidities. To this extent, the coexistence of T2-SA and bronchiectasis (BE) is considered an emerging phenotype. Methods We performed a prospective observational multicentre study, including T2-SA patients. Chest HRCT confirmed the presence of BE. Data on exacerbations, pulmonary function, Asthma Control Test (ACT), chronic mucus hypersecretion (CMH), chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS), oral corticosteroid (OCS) dosage, eosinophils in peripheral blood and FeNO were recorded. The Bhalla score was used for radiological assessment of T2-SA+BE patients and the Bronchiectasis Severity Index (BSI) was calculated. Results A total of 113 patients (mean age 55 ± 11 years, 59.3% female) were enrolled. Co-presence of BE was confirmed in 50/113 (44.2%) patients who identified the T2-SA+BE group. CRS and CRSwNP were more prevalent in T2-SA+BE vs T2-SA [respectively, 42/50 (84%) vs 37/63 (58.7%), p = 0.004 and 27/50 (54%) vs 27/63 (42.9%), p = 0.0165]. Furthermore, T2-SA+BE patients reported more CMH compared to T2-SA [29/50 (58%) vs 15/63 (23.8%), p = 0.0004], were more frequently on chronic OCSs intake [28/50 (56%) vs 22/63 (34.9%), p = 0.0357] and experienced more exacerbations/year [10 (4-12) vs 6 (4-12), p = 0.0487]. In a multivariate logistic regression model, the presence of CRS, CMH and daily OCS intake were associated with BE presence with a 78% (95% CI: 69-88) accuracy. Median Bhalla score was 18.3 (16-20) (Mild radiological severity). Median BSI was 6 (4-8) and only 6/50 (12%) had a BSI score ≥9. Significant inverse linear relationship between BSI and ACT (r = -0.6095, p < 0.0001), FEV1% (r = -0.3297, p = 0.0353) and FEV1 mL (r = -0.4339, p = 0.0046) were found. Conclusion Type 2 inflammation could have a causative role in BE development. Chest HRCT is mandatory when a diagnosis of T2-SA is made, especially in presence of CRS, CMH and chronic OCS intake. Early BE detection may be crucial to improve T2-SA patients' outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Crimi
- Respiratory Medicine Unit, A.O.U. Policlinico "G. Rodolico - San Marco", Catania, Italy
| | - Raffaele Campisi
- Respiratory Medicine Unit, A.O.U. Policlinico "G. Rodolico - San Marco", Catania, Italy
| | - Santi Nolasco
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Sebastian Ferri
- Personalized Medicine, Asthma and Allergy - IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, Italy.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele, MI, Italy
| | - Giulia Cacopardo
- Respiratory Intensive Care Unit, ARNAS Civico General Hospital, Palermo, Italy
| | - Pietro Impellizzeri
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | | | - Evelina Fagone
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Corrado Pelaia
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University "Magna Graecia", Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Enrico Heffler
- Personalized Medicine, Asthma and Allergy - IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, Italy.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele, MI, Italy
| | - Nunzio Crimi
- Respiratory Medicine Unit, A.O.U. Policlinico "G. Rodolico - San Marco", Catania, Italy.,Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
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15
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Di Bona D, Crimi C, D'Uggento AM, Benfante A, Caiaffa MF, Calabrese C, Campisi R, Carpagnano GE, Ciotta D, D'Amato M, Pelaia C, Pelaia G, Pellegrino S, Scichilone N, Scioscia G, Ribecco N, Spadaro G, Valenti G, Vatrella A, Crimi N, Macchia L. Effectiveness of benralizumab in severe eosinophilic asthma: Distinct sub-phenotypes of response identified by cluster analysis. Clin Exp Allergy 2021; 52:312-323. [PMID: 34608696 PMCID: PMC9293293 DOI: 10.1111/cea.14026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2021] [Revised: 08/31/2021] [Accepted: 09/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Benralizumab is effective in severe eosinophilic asthma (SEA), but suboptimal responses are observed in some patients. Although several factors have been associated with benralizumab response, no cluster analysis has yet been undertaken to identify different responsiveness sub-phenotypes. OBJECTIVE To identify SEA sub-phenotypes with differential responsiveness to benralizumab. METHODS One hundred and five patients diagnosed with SEA who had completed 6 months of benralizumab treatment were included in a hierarchical cluster analysis based on a set of clinical variables that can be easily collected in routine practice (age, age at disease onset, disease length, allergen sensitization status, blood eosinophil count, IgE levels, FEV1 % predicted, nasal polyposis, bronchiectasis). RESULTS Four clusters were identified: Clusters 2 and 3 included patients with high levels of both IgE and eosinophils (type-2 biomarkers high), whereas Clusters 1 and 4 included patients with only one type-2 biomarker at a high level: IgE in Cluster 1 and eosinophils in Cluster 4. Clusters 2 and 3 (both type-2 biomarkers high) showed the highest response rate to benralizumab in terms of elimination of exacerbations (79% and 80% respectively) compared to Clusters 1 and 4 (52% and 60% respectively). When super-response (the absence of exacerbation without oral corticosteroid use) was assessed, Cluster 2, including patients with more preserved lung function than the other clusters, but comparable exacerbation rate, oral corticosteroid use and symptom severity, was the most responsive cluster (87.5% of patients). CONCLUSIONS Our cluster analysis identified benralizumab differential response sub-phenotypes in SEA, with the potential of improving disease treatment and precision management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danilo Di Bona
- Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation, School and Chair of Allergology and Clinical Immunology, University of Bari - Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - Claudia Crimi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | | | - Alida Benfante
- Department of Biomedicine and Internal and Specialistic Medicine, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | | | - Cecilia Calabrese
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Napoli, Italy
| | - Raffaele Campisi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Giovanna Elisiana Carpagnano
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neuroscience and Sense Organs, Section of Respiratory Disease, University "Aldo Moro" of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Domenico Ciotta
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, University of Salerno, Salerno, Italy
| | - Maria D'Amato
- Division of Pneumology, "V. Monaldi" University Hospital, Naples, Italy
| | - Corrado Pelaia
- Department of Health Sciences, University "Magna Graecia" of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Girolamo Pelaia
- Department of Health Sciences, University "Magna Graecia" of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Simona Pellegrino
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, University of Salerno, Salerno, Italy
| | - Nicola Scichilone
- Department of Biomedicine and Internal and Specialistic Medicine, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Giulia Scioscia
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Institute of Respiratory Diseases, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy
| | - Nunziata Ribecco
- Department of Economics and Finance, University of Bari - Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Spadaro
- Allergology and Immunology Unit, University "Federico II" of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Valenti
- Allergology and Pulmonology Unit, Provincial Outpatient Center of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Alessandro Vatrella
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, University of Salerno, Salerno, Italy
| | - Nunzio Crimi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Luigi Macchia
- Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation, School and Chair of Allergology and Clinical Immunology, University of Bari - Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
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Nolasco S, Crimi C, Pelaia C, Benfante A, Caiaffa MF, Calabrese C, Carpagnano GE, Ciotta D, D'Amato M, Macchia L, Pelaia G, Pellegrino S, Scichilone N, Scioscia G, Spadaro G, Campisi R, Valenti G, Vatrella A, Crimi N. Benralizumab Effectiveness in Severe Eosinophilic Asthma with and without Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps: A Real-World Multicenter Study. J Allergy Clin Immunol Pract 2021; 9:4371-4380.e4. [PMID: 34419679 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaip.2021.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2021] [Revised: 07/20/2021] [Accepted: 08/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) affects around 60% of patients with severe eosinophilic asthma (SEA). Benralizumab was recently approved for SEA add-on treatment. OBJECTIVE To assess the real-world effectiveness of benralizumab in SEA with or without CRSwNP. METHODS We conducted a multicenter observational study, including patients with SEA treated with benralizumab for 24 weeks in 12 Italian specialized facilities. Asthma exacerbations, Asthma Control Test (ACT), lung function, oral corticosteroid (OCS) dosage, and eosinophil and basophil count in peripheral blood were recorded at baseline and after 4, 12, and 24 weeks. The 22-item Sino-Nasal Outcome Test (SNOT-22) and Lund-Mackay scores were assessed at baseline and after 24 weeks in SEA+CRSwNP. RESULTS A total of 137 patients with late-onset SEA were included; 57.7% (79 of 137) showed the copresence of CRSwNP. Overall, severe asthma exacerbations decreased from 4 (3-6) to 0 (0-2) (P < .0001) after 24 weeks of treatment, and significant improvements were observed as early as 4 weeks in ACT score, OCS dosage, forced expiratory volume in the 1st second (FEV1)%, FEV1 (L), forced vital capacity (FVC)%, FEV1/FVC% (P < .0001), and forced expiratory flow between 25% and 75% of FVC (FEF25-75)% (P = .0022). Eosinophils and basophils in peripheral blood were rapidly depleted. In patients with SEA+CRSwNP, SNOT-22 decreased from 46 (39.5-64.5) to 32 (19-46) (P < .0001). Furthermore, in comparison with SEA, they showed enhanced responses with regard to ACT minimal clinically important difference (P = .0387), FEV1% (P = .017), FEV1 (L) (P = .02), and FEF25-75% (P = .0362). CONCLUSIONS These real-world data suggest that benralizumab can represent a valid add-on therapeutic option for patients with SEA, especially with comorbid CRSwNP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Santi Nolasco
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Claudia Crimi
- Respiratory Medicine Unit, A.O.U. Policlinico "G. Rodolico-San Marco", Catania, Italy.
| | - Corrado Pelaia
- Department of Health Sciences, University "Magna Graecia" of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Alida Benfante
- PROMISE Department, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | | | - Cecilia Calabrese
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Giovanna Elisiana Carpagnano
- Respiratory Medicine Section, Department of Basic Medical Science, Neuroscience and Sense Organs, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - Domenico Ciotta
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, University of Salerno, Salerno, Italy
| | - Maria D'Amato
- Respiratory Department, Division of Respiratory Diseases, "Federico II" University, Naples, Italy
| | - Luigi Macchia
- Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation, School and Chair of Allergology and Clinical Immunology, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - Girolamo Pelaia
- Department of Health Sciences, University "Magna Graecia" of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Simona Pellegrino
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, University of Salerno, Salerno, Italy
| | | | - Giulia Scioscia
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Spadaro
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Raffaele Campisi
- Respiratory Medicine Unit, A.O.U. Policlinico "G. Rodolico-San Marco", Catania, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Valenti
- Allergology and Pulmonology Unit, Provincial Outpatient Center of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Alessandro Vatrella
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, University of Salerno, Salerno, Italy
| | - Nunzio Crimi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy; Respiratory Medicine Unit, A.O.U. Policlinico "G. Rodolico-San Marco", Catania, Italy
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Crimi C, Campisi R, Nolasco S, Cacopardo G, Intravaia R, Porto M, Impellizzeri P, Pelaia C, Crimi N. Mepolizumab effectiveness in patients with severe eosinophilic asthma and co-presence of bronchiectasis: A real-world retrospective pilot study. Respir Med 2021; 185:106491. [PMID: 34098492 DOI: 10.1016/j.rmed.2021.106491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2020] [Revised: 03/04/2021] [Accepted: 05/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The association of bronchiectasis (BE) in patients with severe eosinophilic asthma (SEA) is quite frequent. Mepolizumab is a well-recognized treatment for SEA; we aim to evaluate its effectiveness in SEA patients with and without BE in real-life. METHODS We performed a single-center retrospective pilot study, including patients with SEA treated with mepolizumab for one year. Asthma control test (ACT), lung function, annual exacerbations rate, oral corticosteroid dosage, FeNO, chronic mucous secretions, blood and sputum eosinophils were recorded at baseline and after 6 and 12 months. RESULTS we included 32 patients (mean age: 52.3 ± 10, 59% female). 50% showed co-presence of bronchiectasis, (SEA + BE). Significant improvements were found in ACT [(13.8 ± 4.6 to 20.7 ± 4.1, p = 0.0009) and (13 ± 4.8 to 20.7 ± 4.6, p = 0.0003)], annual exacerbations rate [from 7 (4-12) to 0 (0.00-0.75) and from 8 (4-12) to 0 (0-1), p < 0.0001], and blood eosinophils count [748 cells/μL (400-1250) vs. 84 cells/μL (52.5-100), and from 691 cells/μL (405-798) vs. 60 cells/μL (41-105), p < 0.0001] in SEA and SEA + BE group respectively, already after 6 months of treatment. A reduction in daily oral corticosteroids intake at 12 months was shown [from 15 mg (0-25) to 0 mg (0-0), p = 0.003 and from 8.8 mg (0-25) to 0 mg (0-0) (p = 0.01)] in both SEA and SEA + BE, respectively. Similar results were found, comparing SEA + BE patients based on the severity of bronchiectasis. CONCLUSIONS Mepolizumab effectively improves asthma symptoms control, reducing annual exacerbations and corticosteroid intake in all patients with SEA, even in the subgroup with coexisting bronchiectasis, independently of their severity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Crimi
- Respiratory Medicine Unit, "Policlinico-Vittorio Emanuele San Marco" University Hospital, Via S. Sofia, 78, 95123, Catania, Italy.
| | - Raffaele Campisi
- Respiratory Medicine Unit, "Policlinico-Vittorio Emanuele San Marco" University Hospital, Via S. Sofia, 78, 95123, Catania, Italy.
| | - Santi Nolasco
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Respiratory Medicine, University of Catania, Via Santa Sofia 78, 95123, Catania, Italy.
| | - Giulia Cacopardo
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Respiratory Medicine, University of Catania, Via Santa Sofia 78, 95123, Catania, Italy.
| | - Rossella Intravaia
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Respiratory Medicine, University of Catania, Via Santa Sofia 78, 95123, Catania, Italy.
| | - Morena Porto
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Respiratory Medicine, University of Catania, Via Santa Sofia 78, 95123, Catania, Italy.
| | - Pietro Impellizzeri
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Respiratory Medicine, University of Catania, Via Santa Sofia 78, 95123, Catania, Italy.
| | - Corrado Pelaia
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University "Magna Graecia", Catanzaro, Italy.
| | - Nunzio Crimi
- Respiratory Medicine Unit, "Policlinico-Vittorio Emanuele San Marco" University Hospital, Via S. Sofia, 78, 95123, Catania, Italy; Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Respiratory Medicine, University of Catania, Via Santa Sofia 78, 95123, Catania, Italy.
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18
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Campisi R, Crimi C, Nolasco S, Beghè B, Antonicelli L, Guarnieri G, Scichilone N, Porto M, Macchia L, Scioscia G, Foschino Barbaro MP, Papi A, Crimi N. Real-World Experience with Dupilumab in Severe Asthma: One-Year Data from an Italian Named Patient Program. J Asthma Allergy 2021; 14:575-583. [PMID: 34079295 PMCID: PMC8167193 DOI: 10.2147/jaa.s312123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2021] [Accepted: 05/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Dupilumab is a monoclonal antibody targeting IL-4Rα recently licensed for severe asthma (SA). A Named Patients Program (NPP) was created in Italy before its commercial availability for SA patients with no other available therapeutic options. We aimed to assess the real-world effectiveness of dupilumab in patients with SA and unmet needs. METHODS We performed a multicentre retrospective study, including SA patients admitted to the NPP treated with dupilumab for 12 months. Data on the number of exacerbations, Asthma Control Test (ACT), pre-bronchodilator FEV1%, oral corticosteroids (OCSs) use, FeNO and eosinophils count in peripheral blood were recorded at baseline and after 3, 6, and 12 months. RESULTS We included 18 SA patients (mean age 53.3±12.4 years, 66.7% female). Eleven (61.1%) were OCSs dependent. Five patients (27.8%) received previous anti-IgE and/or anti-IL-5 agents. A significant improvement in ACT score (from 15.7±5.1 to 18.8±4.8, p=0.023), OCSs intake [10 (5-25) mg/day to 0 (0-5) mg/day, p=0.0333] and FeNO [from 25 (20-80) ppb to 21 (10.9-55.3) ppb, p=0.0190] was already detected after 3 months of treatment. After 12 months, a statistically significant decrease in the number of exacerbations from 2 (0-3) to 0 (0-1) (p<0.0068) and increase in FEV1% from 73.5±19.5% to 87.1±19.2% (p=0.0407) and ACT to a mean value of 22.4±1.7 (p<0.0001) and the interruption of OCSs in all the patients (p<0.0001) was observed. A transient increase in the eosinophil count was observed in five patients (above 1000 cells/μL in 2 cases) after 3 months, without any clinical effect. CONCLUSION Dupilumab improved all the explored clinical outcomes after 12 months, and the transient hypereosinophilia did not modify treatment response. These real-world data confirm the results reported in randomized controlled trials and provide an important opportunity to characterize the clinical impact of the treatment in a non-trial setting. Further real-world studies with a larger cohort of patients are needed to confirm these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raffaele Campisi
- Respiratory Medicine Unit, A.O.U. Policlinico “G. Rodolico -San Marco”, Catania, Italy
| | - Claudia Crimi
- Respiratory Medicine Unit, A.O.U. Policlinico “G. Rodolico -San Marco”, Catania, Italy
| | - Santi Nolasco
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Respiratory Diseases, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Bianca Beghè
- Respiratory Medicine Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Leonardo Antonicelli
- Allergy Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, Ancona University Hospital, Ancona, Italy
| | - Gabriella Guarnieri
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic and Vascular Sciences, University-City Hospital of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Nicola Scichilone
- University of Palermo, PROMISE Department, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Morena Porto
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Respiratory Diseases, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Luigi Macchia
- Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation, School and Chair of Allergology and Clinical Immunology, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Giulia Scioscia
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Institute of Respiratory Diseases, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy
| | - Maria Pia Foschino Barbaro
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Institute of Respiratory Diseases, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy
| | - Alberto Papi
- Respiratory Medicine Unit, S. Anna University Hospital, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Nunzio Crimi
- Respiratory Medicine Unit, A.O.U. Policlinico “G. Rodolico -San Marco”, Catania, Italy
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Respiratory Diseases, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
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Ferri S, Crimi C, Campisi R, Cacopardo G, Paoletti G, Puggioni F, Crimi N, Heffler E. Impact of asthma on bronchiectasis severity and risk of exacerbations. J Asthma 2020; 59:469-475. [PMID: 33256490 DOI: 10.1080/02770903.2020.1857395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Asthma is a frequent comorbidity of bronchiectasis, with possible implications for exacerbation and severity. We investigated the clinical impact of asthma on bronchiectasis in terms of disease severity and exacerbation risk. METHODS We collected demographic, clinical, and functional characteristics of patients with a confirmed diagnosis of bronchiectasis. All patients were investigated for concomitant diagnosis of asthma. The Bhalla score was used to assess radiological severity of bronchiectasis, and the Bronchiectasis Severity Index (BSI) was used to assess the clinical severity. Blood and sputum samples were collected to assess blood cell count, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, c-reactive protein, immunological status (IgA, IgE, IgM, IgG, and IgG subclasses), and microbiological analysis. RESULTS A total of 106 patients were enrolled in the study; 30.2% had concomitant asthma and were characterized by higher frequency of bronchiectasis exacerbation, despite higher Bhalla score and lower BSI compared to patients without asthma. Pseudomonas aeruginosa was more frequently isolated from the sputum of bronchiectasis patients without asthma. Total serum IgG, IgG1, and IgG3 were lower in patients with asthma. Blood eosinophils and exhaled nitric oxide were higher in patients with associated asthma. The presence of asthma and presence of Pseudomonas in sputum were the only significant determinants of frequent exacerbations in a binary logistic regression analysis. CONCLUSION The coexistence of asthma and bronchiectasis is associated with an independent increase in the risk of bronchiectasis exacerbation despite lower radiological and clinical severity indexes. Asthmatic airway inflammation could promote an enhanced "Cole's Cycle" that is responsible for a higher frequency of exacerbations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Ferri
- Personalized Medicine, Asthma and Allergy, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center IRCCS, Rozzano, Milan, Italy.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele, Milan, Italy
| | - Claudia Crimi
- Respiratory Diseases and Pulmonary Rehabilitation, Policlinico Universitario di Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Raffaele Campisi
- Respiratory Diseases and Pulmonary Rehabilitation, Policlinico Universitario di Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Giulia Cacopardo
- Respiratory Diseases and Pulmonary Rehabilitation, Policlinico Universitario di Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Giovanni Paoletti
- Personalized Medicine, Asthma and Allergy, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center IRCCS, Rozzano, Milan, Italy.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesca Puggioni
- Personalized Medicine, Asthma and Allergy, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center IRCCS, Rozzano, Milan, Italy.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele, Milan, Italy
| | - Nunzio Crimi
- Respiratory Diseases and Pulmonary Rehabilitation, Policlinico Universitario di Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Enrico Heffler
- Personalized Medicine, Asthma and Allergy, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center IRCCS, Rozzano, Milan, Italy.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele, Milan, Italy
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Crimi C, Campisi R, Cacopardo G, Intravaia R, Nolasco S, Porto M, Pelaia C, Crimi N. Real-life effectiveness of mepolizumab in patients with severe refractory eosinophilic asthma and multiple comorbidities. World Allergy Organ J 2020; 13:100462. [PMID: 32994855 PMCID: PMC7508691 DOI: 10.1016/j.waojou.2020.100462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2020] [Revised: 08/27/2020] [Accepted: 08/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Data on mepolizumab in patients with severe eosinophilic asthma (EA) and comorbidities are needed to assess whether randomized controlled trial results are applicable in the real world. Objective To evaluate real-life effectiveness and the presence/absence of predictors of treatment response in patients with one or more comorbidities (nasal polyps, allergic rhinitis, gastro-esophageal reflux disease, nonallergic rhinitis with eosinophilia syndrome, obesity, bronchiectasis) who received mepolizumab (MEPO) for the treatment of severe EA. Methods We performed a single-center retrospective study in patients with severe asthma and presence of comorbidities treated with mepolizumab at the respiratory outpatient clinic, Policlinico-Vittorio Emanuele, Catania, Italy. Health records of 31 severe asthmatic patients were retrieved and analyzed. Asthma control test (ACT) score, blood eosinophil count, forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), FEV1% of predicted and FEV1/FVC (Forced Vital Capacity) ratio, oral corticosteroid (OCS) dosage, and exacerbations were recorded at baseline (T0), after 3 (T1), 6 (T3), 9 (T6), and 12 months (T12). Clinical response was defined when 3 of these 4 criteria were fulfilled: i) 30% exacerbation decrease; ii) 80% blood eosinophilia reduction; iii) 3 point ACT increase; iv) FEV1 increase ≥200 mL. Results 83.87% of patients were classified as responsive to MEPO treatment. Substantial depletion of the blood eosinophils (>80%) was found in 87.1% of patients, FEV1 > 200 mL was seen in 54.84% of patients, a 3-point ACT improvement from baseline was recorded in 80.65% 25 of patients and a 30% reduction of exacerbations rates was seen in 96.77% of patients. Moreover, the majority 38.71% of patients met 3/4 parameters after 12 months. Neither the comorbidities nor other characteristics (sex, BMI, age, smoking) influenced treatment response. Conclusions MEPO in patients with severe EA is effective regardless of the presence of comorbidities.
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Key Words
- ACT, Asthma Control Test
- BMI, Body Mass Index
- DREAM, Dose Ranging Efficacy And safety with Mepolizumab
- EA, Eosinophilic Asthma
- ECRS, Eosinophilic Chronic Rhinosinusitis
- ERS/ATS, European Respiratory Society/American Thoracic Society
- FEV1, Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 s
- FEV1/FVC, Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 s/Forced Vital Capacity ratio
- FVC, Forced Vital Capacity
- GERD, Gastro-Esophageal Reflux Disease
- GINA, Global INitiative for Asthma
- IL-5, Interleukin-5
- IQR, Interquartile Range
- IgG, Immunoglobulin G
- MEPO, Mepolizumab
- Mepolizumab
- Multiple comorbidities
- NARES, Non Allergic Rhinitis with Eosinophilia Syndrome
- OCS, Oral Corticosteroid
- RCTs, Randomized Controlled Trials
- RV, Residual Volume
- SD, Standard Deviation
- SEM, Standard Error Mean
- Severe eosinophilic asthma
- T0, baseline
- T1, 3 months after baseline
- T12, 12 months after baseline
- T3, 6 months after baseline
- T6, 9 months after baseline
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Crimi
- Respiratory Medicine Unit, A.O.U. "Policlinico-Vittorio Emanuele", Catania, Italy
| | - Raffaele Campisi
- Respiratory Medicine Unit, A.O.U. "Policlinico-Vittorio Emanuele", Catania, Italy
| | - Giulia Cacopardo
- Respiratory Medicine Unit, A.O.U. "Policlinico-Vittorio Emanuele", Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Rossella Intravaia
- Respiratory Medicine Unit, A.O.U. "Policlinico-Vittorio Emanuele", Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Santi Nolasco
- Respiratory Medicine Unit, A.O.U. "Policlinico-Vittorio Emanuele", Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Morena Porto
- Respiratory Medicine Unit, A.O.U. "Policlinico-Vittorio Emanuele", Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Corrado Pelaia
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University "Magna Graecia", Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Nunzio Crimi
- Respiratory Medicine Unit, A.O.U. "Policlinico-Vittorio Emanuele", Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
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Crimi C, Impellizzeri P, Campisi R, Spicuzza L, Vancheri C, Crimi N. Resumption of respiratory outpatient services in the COVID-19 era: Experience from Southern Italy. Am J Infect Control 2020; 48:1087-1089. [PMID: 32621858 PMCID: PMC7329653 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajic.2020.06.210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2020] [Revised: 06/26/2020] [Accepted: 06/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
COVID-19 pandemic turned the entire health-care system organization upside-down, suspending elective activities and outpatient services. In Italy, we are entering a second phase of the pandemic and several strategies have been developed to “re-open” the country, some businesses, and also health care outpatient activities. This manuscript describes the experience of a Southern Italy Respiratory Unit for safely resuming outpatient respiratory services and preventing COVID-19 transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Crimi
- Respiratory Medicine Unit, A.O.U. "Policlinico-Vittorio Emanuele," Catania, Italy.
| | - Pietro Impellizzeri
- Respiratory Medicine Unit, A.O.U. "Policlinico-Vittorio Emanuele," Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Raffaele Campisi
- Respiratory Medicine Unit, A.O.U. "Policlinico-Vittorio Emanuele," Catania, Italy
| | - Lucia Spicuzza
- Respiratory Medicine Unit, A.O.U. "Policlinico-Vittorio Emanuele," Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Carlo Vancheri
- Respiratory Medicine Unit, A.O.U. "Policlinico-Vittorio Emanuele," Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Nunzio Crimi
- Respiratory Medicine Unit, A.O.U. "Policlinico-Vittorio Emanuele," Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
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Crimi C, Impellizzeri P, Campisi R, Nolasco S, Spanevello A, Crimi N. Practical considerations for spirometry during the COVID-19 outbreak: Literature review and insights. Pulmonology 2020; 27:438-447. [PMID: 32800783 PMCID: PMC7405879 DOI: 10.1016/j.pulmoe.2020.07.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2020] [Revised: 07/16/2020] [Accepted: 07/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background As the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is spreading worldwide, countries are dealing with different phases of the pandemic. Lately, scientific evidence has been growing about the measures for reopening respiratory outpatient services during the COVID-19 pandemic. We aim to summarize the key differences and similarities among recommendations by different national and international organizations. Methods We searched on Google and Pubmed for recently published National and International Recommendations/Guidelines/Position Papers from professional organizations and societies, offering a guidance to physicians on how to safely perform pulmonary function testing during COVID-19 pandemic. We also searched for spirometry manufacturers' operational indications. Results Indications on spirometry were released by the Chinese Task force, the American Thoracic Society, the European Respiratory Society, the Thoracic Society of Australia and New Zealand, the Société de Pneumologie de Langue Française, the Spanish Societies (Sociedad Espanola de Neumologia y Cirugia Toracica, Sociedad Espanola de Alergologia e Inmunologia Clinica, Asociacion de Especialistas en Enfermeria del trabajo, Asociacion de Enfermeria Comunitaria), the Sociedade Portuguesa de Pneumologia, the British Thoracic Society/Association for Respiratory Technology & Physiology, the Irish Thoracic Society, the Sociedad Uruguaya de Neumologia, the Italian Thoracic Society and the Italian Respiratory Society, Cleveland Clinic and Nebraska Medical Center. Detailed technical recommendations were found on manufacturers’ websites. We found several similarities across available guidelines for safely resuming pulmonary function services, as well as differences in criteria for selecting eligible patients for which spirometry is deemed essential and advice which was not homogenous on room ventilation precautions. Conclusions This study shows a synthesis of national/international guidelines allowing practicing physicians to adapt and shape the way to organize their outpatient services locally. There is generally good agreement on the importance of limiting pulmonary function testing to selected cases only. However, significant differences concerning the subsets of candidate patients, as well as on the management of adequate room ventilation, were observed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Crimi
- Respiratory Medicine Unit, A.O.U. "Policlinico-Vittorio Emanuele", Via Santa Sofia, 78, Catania, Italy.
| | - Pietro Impellizzeri
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Respiratory Medicine, A.O.U. "Policlinico-Vittorio Emanuele", University of Catania, Via Santa Sofia, 78, Catania, Italy.
| | - Raffaele Campisi
- Respiratory Medicine Unit, A.O.U. "Policlinico-Vittorio Emanuele", Via Santa Sofia, 78, Catania, Italy.
| | - Santi Nolasco
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Respiratory Medicine, A.O.U. "Policlinico-Vittorio Emanuele", University of Catania, Via Santa Sofia, 78, Catania, Italy.
| | - Antonio Spanevello
- Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri IRCCS, Via Crotto Roncaccio, 16, 21049 Tradate, VA, Italy.
| | - Nunzio Crimi
- Respiratory Medicine Unit, A.O.U. "Policlinico-Vittorio Emanuele", Via Santa Sofia, 78, Catania, Italy; Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Respiratory Medicine, A.O.U. "Policlinico-Vittorio Emanuele", University of Catania, Via Santa Sofia, 78, Catania, Italy.
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Nolasco S, Campisi R, Intravaia R, Porto M, Pelaia C, Crimi N, Crimi C. Case Report: Acute effect of benralizumab on asthma exacerbation without concomitant corticosteroid use. F1000Res 2020; 9:637. [DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.24603.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Monoclonal antibodies are a relatively new therapeutic option for patients with severe refractory asthma, which can be used as an add-on to maintenance therapy, reducing the need for systemic corticosteroid usage, improving asthma symptom control and reducing exacerbations. We report a case of a patient with severe refractory eosinophilic asthma, reluctant to take systemic steroids, who was successfully treated with benralizumab alone during an acute asthma attack. Case presentation: A 59-year-old Caucasian woman with a history of allergic asthma since childhood showed a progressive decline in lung function with difficult to control symptoms and an increased number of hospitalizations despite maximal maintenance treatment, and was diagnosed with severe refractory asthma. She was reluctant to take systemic corticosteroids during exacerbations due to severe urinary retention; therefore, she started omalizumab with a partial reduction of symptoms and exacerbations over time. During a follow-up visit, she showed signs of acute exacerbation and she was switched to benralizumab during her acute phase with a rapid, dramatic amelioration of respiratory symptoms and pulmonary function, without concomitant systemic corticosteroid administration. During the treatment and at follow-up after one month, good tolerance and no side effects were observed. Conclusions: The use of benralizumab seems to be feasible, rapid, and safe in treating acute exacerbation of severe eosinophilic asthma without the use of systemic corticosteroids.
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24
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Nolasco S, Campisi R, Intravaia R, Porto M, Pelaia C, Crimi N, Crimi C. Case Report: Acute effect of benralizumab on asthma exacerbation without concomitant corticosteroid use. F1000Res 2020; 9:637. [PMID: 32864107 PMCID: PMC7443779 DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.24603.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Monoclonal antibodies are a relatively new therapeutic option for patients with severe refractory asthma, which can be used as an add-on to maintenance therapy, reducing the need for systemic corticosteroid usage, improving asthma symptom control and reducing exacerbations. We report a case of a patient with severe refractory eosinophilic asthma, reluctant to take systemic steroids, who was successfully treated with benralizumab alone during an acute asthma attack. Case presentation: A 59-year-old Caucasian woman with a history of allergic asthma since childhood showed a progressive decline in lung function with difficult to control symptoms and an increased number of hospitalizations despite maximal maintenance treatment, and was diagnosed with severe refractory asthma. She was reluctant to take systemic corticosteroids during exacerbations due to severe urinary retention; therefore, she started omalizumab with a partial reduction of symptoms and exacerbations over time. During a follow-up visit, she showed signs of acute exacerbation and she was switched to benralizumab during her acute phase with a rapid, dramatic amelioration of respiratory symptoms and pulmonary function, without concomitant systemic corticosteroid administration. During the treatment and at follow-up after one month, good tolerance and no side effects were observed. Conclusions: The use of benralizumab seems to be feasible, rapid, and safe in treating acute exacerbation of severe eosinophilic asthma without the use of systemic corticosteroids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Santi Nolasco
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Respiratory Diseases, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Raffaele Campisi
- Respiratory Medicine Unit, A.O.U. "Policlinico-Vittorio Emanuele", Catania, Italy
| | - Rossella Intravaia
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Respiratory Diseases, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Morena Porto
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Respiratory Diseases, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Corrado Pelaia
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University "Magna Graecia", Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Nunzio Crimi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Respiratory Diseases, University of Catania, Catania, Italy.,Respiratory Medicine Unit, A.O.U. "Policlinico-Vittorio Emanuele", Catania, Italy
| | - Claudia Crimi
- Respiratory Medicine Unit, A.O.U. "Policlinico-Vittorio Emanuele", Catania, Italy
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Crimi C, Ferri S, Campisi R, Crimi N. The Link between Asthma and Bronchiectasis: State of the Art. Respiration 2020; 99:463-476. [PMID: 32464625 DOI: 10.1159/000507228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2019] [Accepted: 03/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The nonrecognition of asthma-associated comorbidities is often responsible for the therapeutic failure and the worsening of symptoms, and it is associated with frequent exacerbations, higher disease severity, and increased health costs. Bronchiectasis, one of the most frequent asthma-associated comorbidities, can increase airways inflammation and exacerbation rates and cause respiratory functional impairment. The aim of this article is to review the interactions between bronchiectasis and asthma, in order to better identify patients in the overlap between the 2 diseases and to select an "ad hoc" therapy. A literature search on PubMed/MEDLINE was performed using the following search terms: bronchiectasis in asthma, the association between asthma and bronchiectasis, comorbidities in asthma, and severe asthma. This review analyzed the following items: incorrect or underestimated diagnosis of asthma and bronchiectasis, prevalence of bronchiectasis in asthma, the impact of bronchiectasis in asthma, radiological imaging features of the 2 diseases, etiopathogenesis, and common causes (such as gastroesophageal reflux disease, immune deficits, chronic rhinosinusitis and allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis, and treatment of asthma and bronchiectasis). The concomitant presence of bronchiectasis and asthma should be suspected and investigated in patients with severe asthma, frequent exacerbations, and not responding to standard therapy. This clinical phenotype, characterized by a more severe disease, worse outcomes, and functional decline, must be readily recognized in order to choose the most appropriate therapeutic approach, able to potentially improve the management of bronchial asthma, to prevent the onset of exacerbations as well the functional decline, and to reduce health costs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Crimi
- Respiratory Medicine Unit, A.O.U. "Policlinico-Vittorio Emanuele," University of Catania, Catania, Italy,
| | - Sebastian Ferri
- Personalized Medicine, Asthma and Allergy, Humanitas Research Center IRCCS, Rozzano, Italy
| | - Raffaele Campisi
- Respiratory Medicine Unit, A.O.U. "Policlinico-Vittorio Emanuele," University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Nunzio Crimi
- Respiratory Medicine Unit, A.O.U. "Policlinico-Vittorio Emanuele," University of Catania, Catania, Italy.,Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
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26
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Pelaia C, Crimi C, Pelaia G, Nolasco S, Campisi R, Heffler E, Valenti G, Crimi N. Real-life evaluation of mepolizumab efficacy in patients with severe eosinophilic asthma, according to atopic trait and allergic phenotype. Clin Exp Allergy 2020; 50:780-788. [PMID: 32347992 DOI: 10.1111/cea.13613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2020] [Revised: 03/29/2020] [Accepted: 04/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Anti-interleukin-5 (IL-5) monoclonal antibodies can be used as add-on biological therapies in allergic and non-allergic patients with severe eosinophilic asthma. However, within such a therapeutic context real-life investigations are lacking. OBJECTIVE Therefore, the aim of the present observational study was to evaluate the effects of mepolizumab in allergic and non-allergic subjects with severe eosinophilic asthma. METHODS Relevant clinical, functional, laboratory, and pharmacotherapeutic parameters were assessed in the above patient subgroups. RESULTS After one year of add-on biological treatment with mepolizumab, our 88 patients experienced a remarkable improvement of their severe asthma, documented by a better symptom control, expressed by a significant improvement in asthma control test (ACT) score. Indeed, the mean value (±standard deviation) of ACT score increased from 12.55 (±3.724) to 21.08 (±3.358). Moreover, significant improvements were also detected with regard to the median values (interquartile range) of forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1 ), blood eosinophil numbers, annual rate of disease exacerbations, and daily intake of oral corticosteroids (OCS). In particular, FEV1 enhanced from 1640 mL (1110-2275) to 1920 mL (1525-2615), blood eosinophil count dropped from 711.0 cells/μL (500.0-1022) to 90.00 cells/μL (50.00-117.5), the annual rate of asthma exacerbations decreased from 3.000 (2.000-6.000) to 0.000 (0.000-1.000), and the daily prednisone intake fell from 6.250 mg (0.000-25.00) to 0.000 mg (0.000-0.000). After one year of mepolizumab treatment, the improvements in clinical, functional, and haematological parameters were quite similar in patient subgroups characterized by skin prick test (SPT) negativity or positivity, respectively. A significant correlation was observed between serum IgE levels and OCS intake decrease (r = -0.2257; P < .05). CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Hence, our real-life data suggest that mepolizumab can represent a valid add-on therapeutic option for patients with severe eosinophilic asthma, irrespective of IgE serum concentrations, and allergic sensitization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Corrado Pelaia
- Department of Health Sciences, University "Magna Graecia" of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Claudia Crimi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Girolamo Pelaia
- Department of Health Sciences, University "Magna Graecia" of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Santi Nolasco
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Raffaele Campisi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Enrico Heffler
- Personalized Medicine Asthma and Allergy Clinic, Humanitas University, Rozzano, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Valenti
- Allergology and Pulmonology Unit, Provincial Outpatient Center of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Nunzio Crimi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
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27
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Crimi C, Campisi R, Noto A, Genco S, Cacopardo G, Nolasco S, Crimi N. Comparability of asthma control test scores between self and physician-administered test. Respir Med 2020; 170:106015. [PMID: 32843163 DOI: 10.1016/j.rmed.2020.106015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2020] [Revised: 05/04/2020] [Accepted: 05/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Asthma Control Test (ACT) is a tool that allows physicians to estimate the control of asthma symptoms on each patient in a quick way. METHODS We conducted a prospective single-center observational study enrolling 97 patients with asthma, selected from the Outpatient Respiratory Service of "Policlinico-Vittorio Emanuele" in Catania. Patients answered the ACT in full autonomy. Subsequently, the physician, blinded to the previous ACT evaluation, administered a new ACT and then assessed patients' medical condition during his/her visit. A second physician evaluated patients' level of symptom control according to GINA guidelines. Agreement in ACT score was analyzed using the Kendall coefficient of concordance (W) for ACT individual items and overall score. The impact of different education levels on the ACT was analyzed with the Mann-Whitney test. MAIN FINDINGS There was no significant difference in ACT total score obtained by either administration mode (p > 0.05). Responses to ACT single items showed a statistically significant difference between patients with lower and higher education levels in ACT items n°3 and 5, (p < 0.05), with lower education levels influencing patients symptom perception and disease control. Moreover, a significant difference in the evaluation of asthma control was found between ACT and GINA assessment of symptom control (p < 0.05).
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Crimi
- Respiratory Medicine Unit, A.O.U. "Policlinico-Vittorio Emanuele", Via S. Sofia, 78, 95123, Catania, Italy.
| | - Raffaele Campisi
- Respiratory Medicine Unit, A.O.U. "Policlinico-Vittorio Emanuele", Via S. Sofia, 78, 95123, Catania, Italy.
| | - Alberto Noto
- Anesthesia and Intensive Care, AOU Policinico "G.Martino", Via Consolare Valeria 1, Messina, Italy.
| | - Sabrina Genco
- Respiratory Medicine Unit, A.O.U. "Policlinico-Vittorio Emanuele", Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Via Santa Sofia 78, 95123, Catania, Italy.
| | - Giulia Cacopardo
- Respiratory Medicine Unit, A.O.U. "Policlinico-Vittorio Emanuele", Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Via Santa Sofia 78, 95123, Catania, Italy.
| | - Santi Nolasco
- Respiratory Medicine Unit, A.O.U. "Policlinico-Vittorio Emanuele", Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Via Santa Sofia 78, 95123, Catania, Italy.
| | - Nunzio Crimi
- Respiratory Medicine Unit, A.O.U. "Policlinico-Vittorio Emanuele", Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Via Santa Sofia 78, 95123, Catania, Italy.
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28
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Spicuzza L, Montineri A, Manuele R, Crimi C, Pistorio MP, Campisi R, Vancheri C, Crimi N. Reliability and usefulness of a rapid IgM-IgG antibody test for the diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection: A preliminary report. J Infect 2020; 81:e53-e54. [PMID: 32335175 PMCID: PMC7177053 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinf.2020.04.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2020] [Accepted: 04/16/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Lucia Spicuzza
- Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Sperimentale, University of Catania, Italy.
| | - Arturo Montineri
- UO Malattie Infettive e Tropicali, Azienda OU Policlinico-San Marco, Catania, Italy
| | - Rosa Manuele
- UO Malattie Infettive e Tropicali, Azienda OU Policlinico-San Marco, Catania, Italy
| | - Claudia Crimi
- Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Sperimentale, University of Catania, Italy
| | - Maria P Pistorio
- Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Sperimentale, University of Catania, Italy
| | - Raffaele Campisi
- Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Sperimentale, University of Catania, Italy
| | - Carlo Vancheri
- Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Sperimentale, University of Catania, Italy
| | - Nunzio Crimi
- Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Sperimentale, University of Catania, Italy
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29
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Crimi C, Noto A, Cortegiani A, Campisi R, Heffler E, Gregoretti C, Crimi N. High Flow Nasal Therapy Use in Patients with Acute Exacerbation of COPD and Bronchiectasis: A Feasibility Study. COPD 2020; 17:184-190. [PMID: 32088995 DOI: 10.1080/15412555.2020.1728736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The efficacy and feasibility of high flow nasal therapy (HFNT) use in patients with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) and bronchiectasis is unknown. We performed a single-center, single-arm prospective observational study in patients with AECOPD, documented bronchiectasis, pH ≥ 7.35, respiratory rate (RR) ≥ 26 breaths/minute despite receiving maximal medical treatment and oxygen via face mask up to 10 L/m. Patients received HFNT (Airvo 2, Fisher & Paykel) at a gas flow of 50 L/min and FIO2 adjusted to maintain SpO2 ≥92%. Dyspnea, rated by Borg scale, RR, arterial blood gases and mucus production (ranging from 1 to 3) were collected before and 1 h after starting HFNT and then every 24 h for 3 days. Tolerance was measured using a visual analogic scale (VAS). Fifteen patients were enrolled. After 24 h, patients showed a significant improvement in dyspnea score [Borg scale from 6.7 ± 1.4 to 4.1 ± 1.3 (p<.001)]; RR decreased from 29.6 ± 2.7 breaths/min to 23.2 ± 2.9 breaths/min (p<.001); pCO2 significantly decreased after 24 h [58.4 ± 13 vs. 51.7 ± 8.2 (p=.003)] while quantity of mucus production increased [(1.1 ± 0,6 vs. 2.4 ± 0.7, p<.001)]. No patient received invasive or noninvasive mechanical ventilation. Overall VAS score for HFNT tolerance was 6.5. HFNT was effective in improving dyspnea score, decreasing RR, improving gas exchange, and increasing mucus production in patients with AECOPD and coexisting bronchiectasis. Moreover, no safety concerns on its use were detected. Nevertheless, due to the single-arm design, the effect of HFNT could not be isolated from standard pharmacological treatment due to the study design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Crimi
- Respiratory Medicine Unit, A.O.U. "Policlinico-Vittorio Emanuele", Catania, Italy
| | - Alberto Noto
- Department of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care, AOU G. Martino, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Andrea Cortegiani
- Department of Surgical, Oncological and Oral Science (Di.Chir.On.S.), Section of Anesthesia, Analgesia, Intensive Care and Emergency, Policlinico Paolo Giaccone, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Raffaele Campisi
- Respiratory Medicine Unit, A.O.U. "Policlinico-Vittorio Emanuele", Catania, Italy
| | - Enrico Heffler
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Milan, Italy.,Personalized Medicine, Allergy and Asthma - Humanitas Clinical and Research Center - IRCCS, Rozzano, Italy
| | - Cesare Gregoretti
- Department of Surgical, Oncological and Oral Science (Di.Chir.On.S.), Section of Anesthesia, Analgesia, Intensive Care and Emergency, Policlinico Paolo Giaccone, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Nunzio Crimi
- Respiratory Medicine Unit, A.O.U. "Policlinico-Vittorio Emanuele", Catania, Italy.,Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
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30
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Spicuzza L, Campisi R, Crimi C, Frasca E, Crimi N. Prevalence and determinants of co-morbidities in patients with obstructive apnea and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Eur J Intern Med 2019; 69:e15-e16. [PMID: 31494020 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejim.2019.08.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2019] [Accepted: 08/21/2019] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Lucia Spicuzza
- Respiratory Unit, A.O.U. Policlinico-Vittorio Emanuele, University of Catania, Italy.
| | - Raffaele Campisi
- Respiratory Unit, A.O.U. Policlinico-Vittorio Emanuele, University of Catania, Italy
| | - Claudia Crimi
- Respiratory Unit, A.O.U. Policlinico-Vittorio Emanuele, University of Catania, Italy
| | - Emilio Frasca
- Respiratory Unit, A.O.U. Policlinico-Vittorio Emanuele, University of Catania, Italy
| | - Nunzio Crimi
- Respiratory Unit, A.O.U. Policlinico-Vittorio Emanuele, University of Catania, Italy
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31
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Ferri S, Crimi C, Heffler E, Campisi R, Noto A, Crimi N. Vitamin D and disease severity in bronchiectasis. Respir Med 2019; 148:1-5. [PMID: 30827468 DOI: 10.1016/j.rmed.2019.01.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2018] [Revised: 01/08/2019] [Accepted: 01/20/2019] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bronchiectasis is a complex respiratory disease characterised by permanent dilatation of bronchi. Vitamin D plays a role in infective disease by modulating the inflammation. Patients affected by bronchiectasis are frequently Vitamin D deficient and it correlates with lung function decline. We want to understand if there is a correlation between Vitamin D and clinical and radiological severity of bronchiectasis. METHODS We included 57 patients (17 males/40 female with mean age 60 ± 12 years) between October 2017 and March 2018. We excluded patients with cystic fibrosis, traction bronchiectasis and reporting Vitamin D supplementation. Bronchiectasis severity index (BSI) and Bhalla score were calculated, blood inflammatory markers and Vit. D were measured and lung function tests were performed. RESULTS Vitamin D is deficient in 64% of patients, sufficient in 36% and normal in 7%. Mean BSI is 7.5 ± 5 and mean Bhalla score is 16 ± 4. Vitamin D levels correlate with Bhalla score (R2 = 0.68, p < 0.001) and BSI (R2 = 0.58, p < 0.0001). The correlation appears to be stronger than other markers of inflammation such as ESR and CRP [R2 = 0.33, p = 0.001 and R2 = 0.39, p = 0.001 respectively]. CONCLUSIONS We consider Vitamin D as a good predictor of clinical and radiological severity of bronchiectasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Ferri
- Respiratory Medicine, AOU "Policlinico - Vittorio Emanuele", University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - C Crimi
- Respiratory Medicine, AOU "Policlinico - Vittorio Emanuele", University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - E Heffler
- Personalized Medicine, Asthma and Allergy, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, IRCCS, Rozzano, MI, Italy; Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele, MI, Italy.
| | - R Campisi
- Respiratory Medicine, AOU "Policlinico - Vittorio Emanuele", University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - A Noto
- Department of Anesthesia and Critical Care, AOU Policlinico "G. Martino", University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - N Crimi
- Respiratory Medicine, AOU "Policlinico - Vittorio Emanuele", University of Catania, Catania, Italy
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32
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Crimi C, Heffler E, Augelletti T, Campisi R, Noto A, Vancheri C, Crimi N. Utility of ultrasound assessment of diaphragmatic function before and after pulmonary rehabilitation in COPD patients. Int J Chron Obstruct Pulmon Dis 2018; 13:3131-3139. [PMID: 30349221 PMCID: PMC6183592 DOI: 10.2147/copd.s171134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) may improve respiratory symptoms and skeletal muscle strength in patients with COPD. We aimed to evaluate changes in ultrasound (US) measurements of diaphragmatic mobility and thickness after PR in COPD patients and to test its correlation with PR outcomes. Methods Twenty-five COPD patients were enrolled and underwent a diaphragm US assessment before and after a 12-week PR program. Results We found a correlation between the intraindividual percentage of change in the diaphragmatic length of zone of apposition at functional residual capacity (ΔLzapp%) and the change in 6-minute walking distance (6MWD) after PR (rho=0.49, P=0.02). ΔLzapp% was significantly higher in patients with improved 6MWD and COPD Assessment Test (CAT) score (mean rank=12.03±2.57 vs 6.88±4.37; P=0.02). A ΔLzapp% of ≥10% was able to discriminate among patients with improved 6MWD, with a sensitivity of 83% and a specificity of 74%. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for ΔLzapp% was 0.83. A cutoff value of ≥9% of ΔLzapp% had a positive predictive value in discriminating a reduction in ≥2 points of CAT score after PR, with a sensitivity and a specificity of 80% and 62%, respectively. Conclusion Diaphragm US assessment represents a useful prognostic marker of PR outcomes in COPD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Crimi
- Respiratory Medicine Unit, AOU "Policlinico-Vittorio Emanuele", Catania, Italy,
| | - Enrico Heffler
- Respiratory Medicine Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, AOU "Policlinico-Vittorio Emanuele", University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Teresa Augelletti
- Respiratory Medicine Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, AOU "Policlinico-Vittorio Emanuele", University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Raffaele Campisi
- Respiratory Medicine Unit, AOU "Policlinico-Vittorio Emanuele", Catania, Italy,
| | - Alberto Noto
- Anesthesia and Intensive Care Unit, AOU Policinico "G. Martino", Messina, Italy
| | - Carlo Vancheri
- Regional Referral Centre for Rare Lung Diseases, A.O.U. "Policlinico-Vittorio Emanuele", Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Nunzio Crimi
- Respiratory Medicine Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, AOU "Policlinico-Vittorio Emanuele", University of Catania, Catania, Italy
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Heffler E, Crimi C, Mancuso S, Campisi R, Puggioni F, Brussino L, Crimi N. Misdiagnosis of asthma and COPD and underuse of spirometry in primary care unselected patients. Respir Med 2018; 142:48-52. [PMID: 30170801 DOI: 10.1016/j.rmed.2018.07.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2018] [Revised: 07/22/2018] [Accepted: 07/23/2018] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The diagnosis of both asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) consists of a combination of classical symptoms and signs, and the evidence of consistent lung function abnormalities. Spiromety has been reported to be underused, possibly for practical difficulties in accessing to a lung function lab. This may lead to misdiagnosis of both asthma and COPD. We aimed to evaluate the frequency of spirometry use and the concordance between doctor-diagnosed asthma and COPD and spirometric patterns, in an unselected cohort of patients sent by general practitioners to perform a spirometry. METHODS The first 300 patients consecutively enrolled patients performed spirometry and bronchodilator test with salbutamol 400 mcg. Demographic, clinical and lung function data have been collected. RESULTS 128 patients (42.7%) declared a doctor-diagnosed asthma and 75 (25%) a doctor-diagnosis of COPD; the remaining subjects never had received any respiratory diagnosis. Only 112 patients with doctor-diagnosed asthma (55.2%) and 114 (56.2%) with doctor-diagnosed COPD have ever performed a spirometry in their entire life (average time since the last spirometry was about 47.0 months). Eighty-nine (69.5%) and 10 (13.3%) patients with respectively doctor-diagnosed asthma and COPD had concordant spirometric patterns with their known diseases. DISCUSSION we described a worrying lack of use of spirometry and a high proportion of misdiagnosis, in patients with suspect chronic airway inflammatory diseases and cared by primary care physicians. Novel strategies to overcome this situation include should be implemented to give a better care to our patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enrico Heffler
- Personalized Medicine, Asthma and Allergy, Humanitas Research Hospital, Via Alessandro Manzoni 56, Rozzano, MI, Italy; Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Via Rita Levi Montalcini 4, Pieve Emanuele, MI, Italy.
| | - Claudia Crimi
- Allergy and Respiratory Diseases, University of Catania, AOU Policlinico "Vittorio Emanuele", Via Santa Sofia 78, Catania, Italy
| | - Salvatore Mancuso
- Ricerca & Respiro ONLUS, AOU Policlinico "Vittorio Emanuele", Via Santa Sofia 78, Catania, Italy
| | - Raffaele Campisi
- Allergy and Respiratory Diseases, University of Catania, AOU Policlinico "Vittorio Emanuele", Via Santa Sofia 78, Catania, Italy; Ricerca & Respiro ONLUS, AOU Policlinico "Vittorio Emanuele", Via Santa Sofia 78, Catania, Italy
| | - Francesca Puggioni
- Personalized Medicine, Asthma and Allergy, Humanitas Research Hospital, Via Alessandro Manzoni 56, Rozzano, MI, Italy; Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Via Rita Levi Montalcini 4, Pieve Emanuele, MI, Italy
| | - Luisa Brussino
- Allergy and Clinical Immunology, University of Torino, AO "Ordine Mauriziano Umberto I", Corso Turati 62, Torino, Italy
| | - Nunzio Crimi
- Allergy and Respiratory Diseases, University of Catania, AOU Policlinico "Vittorio Emanuele", Via Santa Sofia 78, Catania, Italy; Ricerca & Respiro ONLUS, AOU Policlinico "Vittorio Emanuele", Via Santa Sofia 78, Catania, Italy
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Heffler E, Crimi C, Campisi R, Sichili S, Nicolosi G, Porto M, Intravaia R, Sberna ME, Liuzzo MT, Crimi N. Bronchodilator response as a marker of poor asthma control. Respir Med 2016; 112:45-50. [PMID: 26823211 DOI: 10.1016/j.rmed.2016.01.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2015] [Revised: 01/20/2016] [Accepted: 01/21/2016] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Asthma guidelines emphasise the importance of monitoring disease control in managing asthma. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between lung function, including bronchodilator response in terms of improving in FEV1 after administration of salbutamol, and asthma control. METHODS 246 patients with known asthma and in regular chronic treatment according to international guidelines were consecutively enrolled in a 12 month-period. All patients were evaluated by asthma control test (ACT), spirometry and bronchodilator test with salbutamol 400 mcg. RESULTS Mean ACT value was 18.8. Patients with significant bronchial reversibility had lower ACT mean values. This finding was confirmed in both patients with airway obstruction and in those with normal spirometry. There was a significant correlation between ACT values and bronchodilator response. CONCLUSIONS The persistence of a significant degree of bronchodilator response despite regular treatment according to guidelines was a marker of worse asthma control. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS Bronchodilator response, correlating with worse asthma control even in patients with normal spirometry, should be test at every visit as it may add information on asthma control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enrico Heffler
- Respiratory Medicine and Allergology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, AOU "Policlinico - Vittorio Emanuele", University of Catania, Italy.
| | - Claudia Crimi
- Respiratory Intensive Care Unit, Cannizzaro Hospital, Catania, Italy
| | - Raffaele Campisi
- Respiratory Medicine and Allergology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, AOU "Policlinico - Vittorio Emanuele", University of Catania, Italy
| | - Stefania Sichili
- Respiratory Medicine and Allergology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, AOU "Policlinico - Vittorio Emanuele", University of Catania, Italy
| | - Giuliana Nicolosi
- Respiratory Medicine and Allergology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, AOU "Policlinico - Vittorio Emanuele", University of Catania, Italy
| | - Morena Porto
- Respiratory Medicine and Allergology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, AOU "Policlinico - Vittorio Emanuele", University of Catania, Italy
| | - Rossella Intravaia
- Respiratory Medicine and Allergology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, AOU "Policlinico - Vittorio Emanuele", University of Catania, Italy
| | - Maria Eva Sberna
- Respiratory Medicine and Allergology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, AOU "Policlinico - Vittorio Emanuele", University of Catania, Italy
| | - Maria Teresa Liuzzo
- Respiratory Medicine and Allergology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, AOU "Policlinico - Vittorio Emanuele", University of Catania, Italy
| | - Nunzio Crimi
- Respiratory Medicine and Allergology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, AOU "Policlinico - Vittorio Emanuele", University of Catania, Italy
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Ciancio N, de Santi MM, Campisi R, Amato L, Di Martino G, Di Maria G. Kartagener's syndrome: review of a case series. Multidiscip Respir Med 2015; 10:18. [PMID: 26075070 PMCID: PMC4465165 DOI: 10.1186/s40248-015-0015-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2015] [Accepted: 04/27/2015] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Kartagener Syndrome (KS) is a rare autosomal recessive genetic disorder, resulting in a group of clinical manifestations, including bronchiectasis, chronic pansinusitis and situs inversus. Methods We hereby reviewed eight cases of this rare entity selected from patients attending our outpatients Respiratory Unit since 2006. Samples of respiratory epithelium were obtained with the method of nasal brushing and sent to a specialized center in order to be studied with electron microscopy. At least 50 cross sections of different cilia from different cells were observed in each specimen to study the axonemal structure. Electron micrographs were taken at a magnification of X 50,000 to determine the orientation of the cilia and at a magnification of X 110,000 to study the axonemal pattern. The incidence of abnormal cilia was expressed as a percentage. Results We observed different ultrastructural defects in our KS patients, including absence of outer dynein arms, absence of outer and inner dynein arms, and absence of the central pair with transposition of a peripheral doublet into the central position. Patient’s follow up lasted till 2014, however two patients with more severe clinical behavior died before. Conclusions This is a review of a case series, yet our data has shown that nasal brushing with ultrastructural pathological differentiation may be useful to identify patients with high risk and to develop more complex clinical presentations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Ciancio
- Pulmonology Unit, A.O.U. Policlinico-Vittorio Emanuele, Catania, Italy
| | - Maria Margherita de Santi
- Department of Human Pathology and Oncology (Division of Pathology), University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Raffaele Campisi
- Pulmonology Unit, A.O.U. Policlinico-Vittorio Emanuele, Catania, Italy
| | - Laura Amato
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Biomedicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Giuseppina Di Martino
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Biomedicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Di Maria
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Biomedicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
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Ciancio N, De Santi MM, Campisi R, Amato L, Di Martino G, Di Maria G. Kartagener’s syndrome: review of a case series. Multidiscip Respir Med 2015. [DOI: 10.4081/mrm.2015.294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Kartagener Syndrome (KS) is a rare autosomal recessive genetic disorder, resulting in a group of clinical manifestations, including bronchiectasis, chronic pansinusitis and situs inversus.
Methods: We hereby reviewed eight cases of this rare entity selected from patients attending our outpatients Respiratory Unit since 2006. Samples of respiratory epithelium were obtained with the method of nasal brushing and sent to a specialized center in order to be studied with electron microscopy. At least 50 cross sections of different cilia from different cells were observed in each specimen to study the axonemal structure. Electron micrographs were taken at a magnification of X 50,000 to determine the orientation of the cilia and at a magnification of X 110,000 to study the axonemal pattern. The incidence of abnormal cilia was expressed as a percentage.
Results: We observed different ultrastructural defects in our KS patients, including absence of outer dynein arms, absence of outer and inner dynein arms, and absence of the central pair with transposition of a peripheral doublet into the central position. Patient’s follow up lasted till 2014, however two patients with more severe clinical behavior died before.
Conclusions: This is a review of a case series, yet our data has shown that nasal brushing with ultrastructural pathological differentiation may be useful to identify patients with high risk and to develop more complex clinical presentations.
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Lombardo D, Ciancio N, Campisi R, Di Maria A, Bivona L, Poletti V, Mistretta A, Biggeri A, Di Maria G. A retrospective study on acute health effects due to volcanic ash exposure during the eruption of Mount Etna (Sicily) in 2002. Multidiscip Respir Med 2013; 8:51. [PMID: 23924394 PMCID: PMC3750325 DOI: 10.1186/2049-6958-8-51] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2013] [Accepted: 07/02/2013] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Mount Etna, located in the eastern part of Sicily (Italy), is the highest and most active volcano in Europe. During the sustained eruption that occurred in October-November 2002 huge amounts of volcanic ash fell on a densely populated area south-east of Mount Etna in Catania province. The volcanic ash fall caused extensive damage to infrastructure utilities and distress in the exposed population. This retrospective study evaluates whether or not there was an association between ash fall and acute health effects in exposed local communities. Methods We collected the number and type of visits to the emergency department (ED) for diseases that could be related to volcanic ash exposure in public hospitals of the Province of Catania between October 20 and November 7, 2002. We compared the magnitude of differences in ED visits between the ash exposure period in 2002 and the same period of the previous year 2001. Results We observed a significant increase of ED visits for acute respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, and ocular disturbances during the ash exposure time period. Conclusions There was a positive association between exposure to volcanic ash from the 2002 eruption of Mount Etna and acute health effects in the Catania residents. This study documents the need for public health preparedness and response initiatives to protect nearby populations from exposure to ash fall from future eruptions of Mount Etna.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniele Lombardo
- Pulmonology Unit, A,O,U, Policlinico-Vittorio Emanuele, Catania, Italy.
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Lombardo D, Ciancio N, Campisi R, Di Maria A, Bivona L, Poletti V, Mistretta A, Biggeri A, Di Maria G. A retrospective study on acute health effects due to volcanic ash exposure during the eruption of Mount Etna (Sicily) in 2002. Multidiscip Respir Med 2013. [DOI: 10.4081/mrm.2013.550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Mount Etna, located in the eastern part of Sicily (Italy), is the highest and most active volcano in Europe. During the sustained eruption that occurred in October-November 2002 huge amounts of volcanic ash fell on a densely populated area south-east of Mount Etna in Catania province. The volcanic ash fall caused extensive damage to infrastructure utilities and distress in the exposed population. This retrospective study evaluates whether or not there was an association between ash fall and acute health effects in exposed local communities. Methods: We collected the number and type of visits to the emergency department (ED) for diseases that could be related to volcanic ash exposure in public hospitals of the Province of Catania between October 20 and November 7, 2002. We compared the magnitude of differences in ED visits between the ash exposure period in 2002 and the same period of the previous year 2001. Results: We observed a significant increase of ED visits for acute respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, and ocular disturbances during the ash exposure time period. Conclusions: There was a positive association between exposure to volcanic ash from the 2002 eruption of Mount Etna and acute health effects in the Catania residents. This study documents the need for public health preparedness and response initiatives to protect nearby populations from exposure to ash fall from future eruptions of Mount Etna.
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Campisi R, Ciancio N, Bivona L, Di Maria A, Di Maria G. Type I Arnold-Chiari malformation with bronchiectasis, respiratory failure, and sleep disordered breathing: a case report. Multidiscip Respir Med 2013. [DOI: 10.4081/mrm.2013.489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Arnold Chiari Malformation (ACM) is defined as a condition where part of the cerebellar tissue herniates into the cervical canal toward the medulla and spinal cord resulting in a number of clinical manifestations. Type I ACM consists of variable displacement of the medulla throughout the formamen magnum into the cervical canal, with prominent cerebellar herniation. Type I ACM is characterized by symptoms related to the compression of craniovertebral junction, including ataxia, dysphagia, nistagmus, headache, dizziness, and sleep disordered breathing. We report a case of a life-long nonsmoker, 54 years old woman who presented these symptoms associated with bronchiectasis secondary to recurrent inhalation pneumonia, hypercapnic respiratory failure, and central sleep apnea (CSA). CSA was first unsuccessfully treated with nocturnal c-PAP. The subsequent treatment with low flow oxygen led to breathing pattern stabilization with resolution of CSA and related clinical symptoms during sleep. We suggest that in patients with type I ACM the presence of pulmonary manifestations aggravating other respiratory disturbances including sleep disordered breathing (SDB) should be actively investigated. The early diagnosis is desirable in order to avoid serious and/or poorly reversible damages.
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Campisi R, Ciancio N, Bivona L, Di Maria A, Maria GD. Type I Arnold-Chiari malformation with bronchiectasis, respiratory failure, and sleep disordered breathing: a case report. Multidiscip Respir Med 2013; 8:15. [PMID: 23433005 PMCID: PMC3598208 DOI: 10.1186/2049-6958-8-15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2012] [Accepted: 01/28/2013] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Arnold Chiari Malformation (ACM) is defined as a condition where part of the cerebellar tissue herniates into the cervical canal toward the medulla and spinal cord resulting in a number of clinical manifestations. Type I ACM consists of variable displacement of the medulla throughout the formamen magnum into the cervical canal, with prominent cerebellar herniation. Type I ACM is characterized by symptoms related to the compression of craniovertebral junction, including ataxia, dysphagia, nistagmus, headache, dizziness, and sleep disordered breathing. We report a case of a life-long non-smoker, 54 years old woman who presented these symptoms associated with bronchiectasis secondary to recurrent inhalation pneumonia, hypercapnic respiratory failure, and central sleep apnea (CSA). CSA was first unsuccessfully treated with nocturnal c-PAP. The subsequent treatment with low flow oxygen led to breathing pattern stabilization with resolution of CSA and related clinical symptoms during sleep. We suggest that in patients with type I ACM the presence of pulmonary manifestations aggravating other respiratory disturbances including sleep disordered breathing (SDB) should be actively investigated. The early diagnosis is desirable in order to avoid serious and/or poorly reversible damages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raffaele Campisi
- Pneumology Unit Policlinico "G, Rodolico", University of Catania, Via Santa Sofia 78, 95123, Catania, Italy.
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Ciancio N, Galasso MG, Campisi R, Bivona L, Migliore M, Di Maria GU. Prognostic value of p53 and Ki67 expression in fiberoptic bronchial biopsies of patients with non small cell lung cancer. Multidiscip Respir Med 2012. [DOI: 10.4081/mrm.2012.616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Overexpression of the tumor suppressor gene p53 and the marker for cellular proliferation Ki67 in open lung biopsies are indicated as predictor factors of survival of patients with lung cancer. However, the prognostic value of p53 and Ki67 in fiberoptic bronchial biopsies (FBB) has not been fully investigated. We evaluated p53 and Ki67 immunostaining in FBB from 19 with Non Small-Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC: 12 adenocarcinomas, 5 squamous cell carcinomas and 2 NSCLC-NOS). Methods: FBB specimens were fixed in formalin, embedded in paraffin, and immunostained using anti-p53 and anti-Ki67 antibodies. Slides were reviewed by two independent observers and classified as positive (+ve) when the number of cells with stained nuclei exceeded 15% for p53 or when >25% positive cells were observed throughout each section for Ki67. Results: Positive (+ve) immunostaining was found in 9 patients for p53 (47.37%) and 8 patients for Ki67 (42.10%). We examined overall survival curves of the patients with Mantel's logrank test, both p53 -ve and Ki67 -ve patients had significantly higher survival rates than p53 + ve (p < 0.005) and Ki67 + ve (p < 0,0001), respectively. Conclusion: This study suggests that negative immunostaining of fiberoptic bronchial biopsies for p53 and Ki67 could represent a better prognostic factor for patients with NSCLC.
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Ciancio N, Galasso MG, Campisi R, Bivona L, Migliore M, Di Maria GU. Prognostic value of p53 and Ki67 expression in fiberoptic bronchial biopsies of patients with non small cell lung cancer. Multidiscip Respir Med 2012; 7:29. [PMID: 22978804 PMCID: PMC3537558 DOI: 10.1186/2049-6958-7-29] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2012] [Accepted: 08/27/2012] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Overexpression of the tumor suppressor gene p53 and the marker for cellular proliferation Ki67 in open lung biopsies are indicated as predictor factors of survival of patients with lung cancer. However, the prognostic value of p53 and Ki67 in fiberoptic bronchial biopsies (FBB) has not been fully investigated. We evaluated p53 and Ki67 immunostaining in FBB from 19 with Non Small-Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC: 12 adenocarcinomas, 5 squamous cell carcinomas and 2 NSCLC-NOS). Methods FBB specimens were fixed in formalin, embedded in paraffin, and immunostained using anti-p53 and anti-Ki67 antibodies. Slides were reviewed by two independent observers and classified as positive (+ve) when the number of cells with stained nuclei exceeded 15% for p53 or when >25% positive cells were observed throughout each section for Ki67. Results Positive (+ve) immunostaining was found in 9 patients for p53 (47.37%) and 8 patients for Ki67 (42.10%). We examined overall survival curves of the patients with Mantel's logrank test, both p53 -ve and Ki67 -ve patients had significantly higher survival rates than p53 + ve (p < 0.005) and Ki67 + ve (p < 0,0001), respectively. Conclusion This study suggests that negative immunostaining of fiberoptic bronchial biopsies for p53 and Ki67 could represent a better prognostic factor for patients with NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Ciancio
- Pneumology Unit, University of Catania, Vittorio Emanuele Hospital, Catania, Italy.
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Abstract
The primary objective of the current review is to describe the assessment of coronary microvascular function by noninvasive imaging techniques in women at risk for and with ischaemic heart disease (IHD). The search criteria were the analyses of the related bibliography published in PUBMED database. Normal or minimal obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD) at angiography is a common finding in women with signs of ischaemia. Up to 50% of them will have coronary microvascular dysfunction, suggesting that the mechanism of ischaemia may be localised at coronary microcirculation level. Noninvasive measurements of coronary microvascular function can be performed by radionuclide techniques. In particular, positron emission tomography (PET) measures myocardial blood flow (MBF) not only relatively but also in absolute units. Thus, PET offers the possibility to uncover microvascular dysfunction even in patients without obstructive CAD. PET-derived estimates of MBF showed an abnormal coronary microvascular function in women with chest pain and non-obstructive CAD and in women with high-risk conditions for CAD. Interestingly, there is a relationship between an abnormal coronary vascular function and adverse cardiovascular outcomes. In particular, this significant relationship was observed with measurements related to endothelial function. Recent evidence suggests that vascular dysfunction plays a central role as an estimator of outcomes in women at risk for or with IHD. Therefore, assessment of coronary vascular function in these women appears to be of clinical relevance. Whether such evaluation may have an impact to reduce cardiac events needs further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Campisi
- Fundación Centro Diagnóstico Nuclear, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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Camilletti J, Erriest J, Campisi R, Pedroni P, Giachello F, Arregui V, Illanes L, Mele A. [Use of Gated-SPECT with with 99mTC-MIBI in the evaluation of the prognostic significance of ventricular arrhythmias during a stress test]. Rev Esp Med Nucl 2004; 23:27-32. [PMID: 14718148 DOI: 10.1016/s0212-6982(04)72242-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/28/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED The presence of ventricular complex cardiac arrhythmias in coronary patients, both at rest or during physical exercise, is considered a risk factor for future coronary events or sudden death during long time follow up. The meaning of ventricular complex arrhythmias (VCA) in patients with normal ventricular function and without myocardium ischemia has still not been explained. This study aimed to evaluate if patients with normal ventricular function and no evidence of cardiac ischemia (determined by means of Gated SPECT) who developed VCA during stress test show an increase in cardiac events on later monitoring. PATIENTS AND METHODS All patients were studied by means of an ergometric exercise test using a standard Bruce protocol and Gated SPECT with Methoxyisobutyl Isonitrile-99mTechnetium (99mTC-MIBI). Sixty-seven (67) patients with normal ventricular function and no evidence of cardiac ischemia were included. RESULTS 13 patients had VCA and 54 had no ventricular arrhythmias during stress test. During the follow up of 681.3 +/- 469 days, none of the 13 patients had sudden death, angina pectoris or myocardium infarction. CONCLUSIONS In our sample, the appearance of VCA during stress test in patients without myocardium ischemia and normal ventricular function was not associated with an increase of cardiac events during the monitoring which was carried out.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Camilletti
- Instituto de Cardiología La Plata, La Plata, República Argentina
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Chillemi S, Sinardi D, Marino A, Mantarro G, Campisi R. The use of remifentanil for bloodless surgical field during vertebral disc resection. Minerva Anestesiol 2002; 68:645-9. [PMID: 12370680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A short hospital stay is nowadays desirable and affordable for a wide range of surgical pathology, respecting safety of care and home discharge. In the present study, the Authors investigated the use of TIVA with propofol/remifentanil during microsurgical vertebral disc resection to maintain a controlled vascular hypotension for bloodless surgical field aiming to reduce the operating time and consequently recovery room length of stay and morbility related to anaesthesia. METHODS The study took place in a 300 bed Orthopaedics hospital over a period of 3 months and 50 ASA I-II patients were enrolled in this trial; further data are presented for comparison of 50 ASA I-II patients homogeneous for age and sex to the studied population, operated under a standard TIVA with propofol and boluses of fentanyl. Duration of anaesthesia and surgery, time for awakening after cessation of TIVA, incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV), amount and quality of postoperative analgesia, length of stay in the recovery room are reported in statistical presentation. RESULTS Time of surgery and anaesthesia were reduced in the remifentanil group compared with the fentanyl group, thanks to an easily reachable and durable state of controlled hypotension in the first group without the use of any other drug. The recovery profile was shorter in the remifentanil group the drug being rapidly metabolised by plasma cholinesterase. CONCLUSIONS No difference occurred between the two groups regarding quality and amount of postoperative analgesia, while PONV presented more in the fentanyl group and shivering more in the remifentanil group.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Chillemi
- Anaesthetics and ICU Department, Orthopaedics Hospital F. Scalabrino (IOMI), Messina, Italy
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Leocata G, Merisi AM, Giunta R, Campisi R, Cortesi F. [Procedure of the management of biological-risk accidents care of the ASL of the Province of Milano 2. Melegnano]. G Ital Med Lav Ergon 2002; 24:343-6. [PMID: 12360824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/26/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- G Leocata
- Medico Competente ASL della Provincia di Milano 2 Melegnano, Mi
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Schöder H, Silverman DH, Campisi R, Sayre JW, Phelps ME, Schelbert HR, Czernin J. Regulation of myocardial blood flow response to mental stress in healthy individuals. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2000; 278:H360-6. [PMID: 10666065 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.2000.278.2.h360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Mental stress testing has been proposed as a noninvasive tool to evaluate endothelium-dependent coronary vasomotion. In patients with coronary artery disease, mental stress can induce myocardial ischemia. However, even the determinants of the physiological myocardial blood flow (MBF) response to mental stress are poorly understood. Twenty-four individuals (12 males/12 females, mean age 49 +/- 13 yr, range 31-74 yr) with a low likelihood for coronary artery disease were studied. Serum catecholamines, cardiac work, and MBF (measured quantitatively with N-13 ammonia and positron emission tomography) were assessed. During mental stress (arithmetic calculation) MBF increased significantly from 0.70 +/- 0.14 to 0.92 +/- 0.21 ml x min(-1) x g(-1) (P < 0.01). Mental stress caused significant increases (P < 0.01) in serum epinephrine (26 +/- 16 vs. 42 +/- 17 pg/ml), norepinephrine (272 +/- 139 vs. 322 +/- 136 pg/ml), and cardiac work [rate-pressure product (RPP) 8,011 +/- 1,884 vs. 10,416 +/- 2,711]. Stress-induced changes in cardiac work were correlated with changes in MBF (r = 0.72; P < 0.01). Multiple-regression analysis revealed stress-induced changes in the RPP as the only significant (P = 0.0001) predictor for the magnitude of mental stress-induced increases in MBF in healthy individuals. Data from this group of healthy individuals should prove useful to investigate coronary vasomotion in individuals at risk for or with documented coronary artery disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Schöder
- Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, Ahmanson Biological Imaging Clinic, University of California, Los Angeles, School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California 90095, USA
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Schöder H, Silverman DH, Campisi R, Karpman H, Phelps ME, Schelbert HR, Czernin J. Effect of mental stress on myocardial blood flow and vasomotion in patients with coronary artery disease. J Nucl Med 2000; 41:11-6. [PMID: 10647599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/15/2023] Open
Abstract
UNLABELLED In patients with coronary artery disease (CAD), mental stress may provoke ischemic electrocardiograph changes and abnormalities in regional and global left ventricular function. However, little is known about the underlying myocardial blood flow response (MBF) in these patients. METHODS We investigated the hemodynamic, neurohumoral, and myocardial blood flow responses to mental stress in 17 patients with CAD and 17 healthy volunteers of similar age. Mental stress was induced by asking individuals to solve mathematic subtractions in a progressively challenging sequence; MBF was quantified at rest and during mental stress using 13N ammonia PET. RESULTS Mental stress induced significant (P < 0.01) and comparable increases in rate-pressure product, measured in beats per minute x mm Hg, in both patients (from 7826 +/- 2006 to 10586 +/- 2800) and healthy volunteers (from 8227 +/- 1272 to 10618 +/- 2468). Comparable increases also occurred in serum epinephrine (58% in patients versus 52% in healthy volunteers) and norepinephrine (22% in patients versus 27% in healthy volunteers). Although MBF increased in patients (from 0.67 +/- 0.15 to 0.77 +/- 0.18 mL/min/g, P < 0.05) and healthy volunteers (from 0.73 +/- 0.13 to 0.95 +/- 0.22 mL/min/g, P < 0.001), the magnitude of flow increase was smaller in patients (14% +/- 17%) than in healthy volunteers (29% +/- 14%) (P = 0.01). The increase in MBF during mental stress correlated significantly with changes in cardiac work in healthy volunteers (r = 0.77; P < 0.001) but not in patients. CONCLUSION Despite similar increases in cardiac work and comparable sympathetic stimulation in CAD patients and healthy volunteers, CAD patients exhibit an attenuated blood flow response to mental stress that may contribute to mental stress-induced ischemic episodes in daily life.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Schöder
- Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles 90095-6942, USA
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Carducci Artenisio A, Corrado F, Sobbrio G, Bruno L, Todisco L, Galletta MG, Galletta MR, Campisi R, Mancuso A. Glucose tolerance and insulin secretion in pregnancy. Diabetes Nutr Metab 1999; 12:264-70. [PMID: 10782752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/16/2023]
Abstract
The authors have studied the behaviour of plasma glucose, insulinaemia and insulin-glucose ratio in 2 groups of pregnant women with BMI values > or = or <26, respectively. Each group was divided into 3 subgroups on the basis of an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) response: GIGT (gestational impaired glucose tolerance), GD (gestational diabetes), and C (normal controls). Data from non-obese pregnant women demonstrate that both basal and OGTT-stimulated glucose levels were significantly different in all subgroups. The total insulin amount in the GIGT and GD subgroups is quite similar to or greater than the controls, but with a significant reduction of the insulin-glucose ratio. In GD also an absolute deficiency of insulin rise at 30 min during the glucose load, as in subjects with Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), was observed. The behaviour of these parameters in obese pregnant women seems to be similar, even though with some significant differences: in these subjects, there is a less clear-cut differentiation among all subgroups, and the appearance of gestational diabetes is not accompanied by a significant decrease of insulin secretion at 30 min. Our data seem to demonstrate that insulin resistance with an inadequate hyperinsulinaemia is a common factor for the alterations of carbohydrate metabolism during pregnancy. Only in the non-obese patients with gestational diabetes, is there an absolute defect of early insulin response to the glucose load, as it is seen in T2DM.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Carducci Artenisio
- Istituto Pluricattedra di Clinica Medica, Insegnamento di Malattie Metaboliche e del Ricambio, Messina, Italy
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Schöder H, Campisi R, Ohtake T, Hoh CK, Moon DH, Czernin J, Schelbert HR. Blood flow-metabolism imaging with positron emission tomography in patients with diabetes mellitus for the assessment of reversible left ventricular contractile dysfunction. J Am Coll Cardiol 1999; 33:1328-37. [PMID: 10193735 DOI: 10.1016/s0735-1097(99)00010-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The purpose of this study was to evaluate the predictive accuracy of positron emission tomography (PET) blood flow-F-18 fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) imaging in coronary artery disease (CAD) patients with diabetes mellitus (DM). BACKGROUND Positron emission tomography accurately predicts the postrevascularization improvement in left ventricular dysfunction in unselected patients with CAD. In diabetic patients, however, poor myocardial glucose utilization may limit the accuracy of the approach. METHODS Forty patients (64+/-10 years old; 19 with DM = group I; 21 without DM = group II) with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF = 29+/-6%) were studied with N-13 ammonia and FDG PET before coronary revascularization. Studies were performed after intravenous injection of regular insulin (group I) or oral glucose administration (group II). Blood flow-FDG mismatches and matches were identified by polar map analysis in the three vascular territories of the left anterior descending, left circumflex and right coronary artery. Wall motion and LVEF were assessed by two-dimensional echocardiography before and 158+/-123 days after revascularization. RESULTS Of 107 vascular territories analyzed, 46 were classified as mismatch, 29 as match and 32 as normal. The FDG image quality, assessed by F-18 myocardium to blood pool activity ratios, and the predictive accuracy were similar in both groups; presence of a blood flow/FDG mismatch had a sensitivity of 92% (group I) and 94% (group II) and a specificity of 85% (group I) and 79% (group II) for an improvement in regional left ventricular function. A postrevascularization improvement in global left ventricular function was related to the extent of blood flow/FDG mismatch; LVEF increased from 30+/-7% to 35+/-7% (p = 0.017) in patients with one mismatch and from 27+/-4% to 41+/-7% (p < 0.001) in those with two mismatches. CONCLUSIONS The predictive accuracy of blood flow/FDG imaging is maintained in patients with DM when a clinically acceptable study protocol, which guarantees good FDG image quality, is used. The extent of a blood flow/metabolism mismatch is correlated with the magnitude of the postrevascularization improvement in global left ventricular function.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Schöder
- Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, UCLA School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California 90095-1735, USA
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