Defining asthma–COPD overlap syndrome: a population-based study

Asthma–chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) overlap syndrome (ACOS) seems an important clinical phenotype, but multiple definitions have been proposed. This study's objectives were to assess the effect of different ACOS definitions on prevalence, patient characteristics and exacerbations.5675 individuals aged 45–65 years, with 846 asthma/COPD patients, were included in the Netherlands Epidemiology of Obesity study between 2008 and 2012, and followed-up for a median of 1.8 years. ACOS was defined by recent consensus criteria and five other definitions, based on registry, questionnaires and lung function.Prevalence of ACOS in the asthma/COPD population ranged between 4.4% and 38.3%, depending on the definition used. Agreement between registry-based and self-reported ACOS was 0.04 and 0.41 when lung function (forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1)/forced vital capacity (FVC) <0.7) was added. With registry or self-report defined ACOS, only 51% and 33% had FEV1/FVC <0.7. Patient characteristics were similar, but asthma duration was longer with self-reported compared with registry-based ACOS (mean difference 22 years (95% CI 12–33)). Exacerbation risk was highest with registry-based ACOS compared with asthma (adjusted incidence rate ratio 1.6 (95% CI 1.2–2.1)).This study adds important knowledge about agreement between ACOS definitions and their relation with exacerbations. Given the low agreement, differences in prevalence, patient characteristics and risk of exacerbations, consensus about ACOS definition in different care settings is urgently needed.

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Lung function, forced expiratory volume in 1 s decline and COPD hospitalisations over 44 years of follow-up

European Respiratory Journal ◽

10.1183/13993003.01575-2015 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 47 (3) ◽

pp. 742-750 ◽

Cited By ~ 8

Author(s):

Suneela Zaigham ◽

Per Wollmer ◽

Gunnar Engström

Keyword(s):

Lung Function ◽

Airflow Obstruction ◽

Fixed Ratio ◽

Population Based ◽

Forced Expiratory Volume ◽

Chronic Obstructive ◽

Lung Function Decline ◽

Obstructive Pulmonary Disease ◽

Hazard Ratios

The use of baseline lung function in the prediction of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) hospitalisations, all-cause mortality and lung function decline was assessed in the population-based “Men Born in 1914” cohort.Spirometry was assessed at age 55 years in 689 subjects, of whom 392 had spirometry reassessed at age 68 years. The cohort was divided into three groups using fixed ratio (FR) and lower limit of normal (LLN) criterion: forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1)/vital capacity (VC) ≥70%, FEV1/VC <70% but ≥LLN (FR+LLN−), and FEV1/VC <70% and <LLN (FR+LLN+).Over 44 years of follow-up, 88 men were hospitalised due to COPD and 686 died. Hazard ratios (95% CI) for incident COPD hospitalisation were 4.15 (2.24–7.69) for FR+LLN− and 7.88 (4.82–12.87) for FR+LLN+ (reference FEV1/VC ≥70%). Hazard ratios for death were 1.30 (0.98–1.72) for FR+LLN− and 1.58 (1.25–2.00) for FR+LLN+. The adjusted FEV1 decline between 55 and 68 years of age was higher for FR+LLN− and FR+LLN+ relative to the reference. Of those with FR+LLN− at 55 years, 53% had progressed to the FR+LLN+ group at 68 years.Airflow obstruction at age 55 years is a powerful risk factor for future COPD hospitalisations. The FR+LLN− group should be carefully evaluated in clinical practice in relation to future risks and potential benefit from early intervention. This is reinforced by the increased FEV1 decline in this group.

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Roflumilast is effective in reducing COPD related exacerbations and improving CAT score

Monaldi Archives for Chest Disease ◽

10.4081/monaldi.2013.32 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 79 (3-4) ◽

Author(s):

Biagio Polla

Keyword(s):

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease ◽

Intensive Care Unit ◽

Intensive Care ◽

Lung Function ◽

Forced Expiratory Volume ◽

Chronic Obstructive ◽

Important Goal ◽

Obstructive Pulmonary Disease ◽

Copd Assessment Test ◽

Copd Patients

We present a case of a 85-year-old man who suffered from several chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) related exacerbations and hospitalizations. Traditional therapy, which also included intramuscular steroid therapy, did not help and caused several drug related adverse events. After yet another exacerbation followed by hospitalization at the intensive care unit, it was decided to start roflumilast treatment. In the year after beginning treatment, the patient did not experience any more exacerbations and his lung function also improved, as recorded by the COPD assessment test (CAT) score and improved forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1) value. In this patient roflumilast seems to be effective in reducing exacerbations, an important goal to be achieved in COPD patients.

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Measures of lung function and their relationship with advanced glycation end-products

ERJ Open Research ◽

10.1183/23120541.00356-2019 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 6 (2) ◽

pp. 00356-2019

Author(s):

Suneela Zaigham ◽

Margaretha Persson ◽

Amra Jujic ◽

Sophia Frantz ◽

Yan Borné ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Lung Function ◽

Advanced Glycation End Products ◽

Lung Parenchyma ◽

Population Based ◽

Forced Expiratory Volume ◽

Chronic Obstructive ◽

Advanced Glycation ◽

Obstructive Pulmonary Disease ◽

Glycation End Products ◽

End Products

BackgroundAdvanced glycation end-products (AGEs) have been implicated in the pathophysiology of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, the association between AGE accumulation in the skin measured by skin autofluorescence (SAF) and lung function in healthy subjects has not been explored in detail. We use a population-based study of 50–64-year-olds to assess spirometry, diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide (DLCO) and impulse oscillometry (IOS) in relation to SAF.MethodsParticipants with information on SAF, lung function and potential confounding variables were included from the Swedish Cardiopulmonary Bioimage Study (SCAPIS) cohort (spirometry, n=4111; DLCO, n=3889; IOS, n=3970). Linear regression was used to assess changes in lung function (as measured by spirometry (forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC) and FEV1/FVC), DLCO and IOS (resistance measured at 5 (R5) and 20 Hz (R20), R5−R20, area of reactance, reactance measured at 5 Hz (X5), and resonant frequency)) by a 1-sd increase in SAF.ResultsFEV1, FVC and DLCO were significantly and inversely associated with SAF after adjustment for potential confounding factors (per 1-sd increase in SAF: FEV1 −0.03 L (95% CI −0.04– −0.02 L), p<0.001; FVC −0.03 L (95% CI −0.05– −0.02 L), p<0.001; DLCO −0.07 mmol·min−1·kPa−1 (95% CI −0.11– −0.03 mmol·min−1·kPa−1), p<0.001). This association was also found in nonsmokers and in non-COPD subjects. Pulmonary reactance (X5) but not pulmonary resistance (R5, R20 and R5−R20) was significantly associated with SAF (per 1-sd increase in SAF: X5 −0.001 kPa·L−1·s (95% CI −0.003–0.00 kPa·L−1·s), p=0.042), which was mirrored in non-COPD patients but not in current nonsmokers.ConclusionsAGE accumulation, as measured by SAF, is significantly associated with lung function decrements indicative of changes in the lung parenchyma

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Pulmonary impairment after tuberculosis in a South African population

South African Journal of Physiotherapy ◽

10.4102/sajp.v72i1.307 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 72 (1) ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Gibwa Cole ◽

Duncan Miller ◽

Tasneem Ebrahim ◽

Tannith Dreyden ◽

Rory Simpson ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Lung Function ◽

Pulmonary Tuberculosis ◽

South African ◽

Pulmonary Rehabilitation ◽

Population Based ◽

Forced Expiratory Volume ◽

Chronic Obstructive ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Obstructive Pulmonary Disease ◽

Predicted Values

Background: In South Africa, pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) remains a problem of epidemic proportions. Despite evidence demonstrating persistent lung impairment after PTB cure, few population-based South African studies have investigated this finding. Pulmonary rehabilitation post-cure is not routinely received.Objectives: To determine the effects of PTB on lung function in adults with current or past PTB. To determine any association between PTB and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Methods: This study was observational and cross-sectional in design. Participants (n = 55) were included if they were HIV positive on treatment, had current PTB and were on treatment, and/or had previous PTB and completed treatment or if they were healthy adult subjects with no history of PTB. A sample of convenience was used with participants coming from a similar socio-economic background and undergoing spirometry testing. Multiple regression analyses were conducted on each lung function variable.Results: Compared to normal percentage-predicted values, forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1 ), forced vital capacity (FVC) and FEV1 :FVC were significantly reduced in those with current PTB by 23.39%, 15.99% and 6.4%, respectively. Both FEV1 and FVC were significantly reduced in those with past PTB by 11.76% and 10.79%, respectively. There was no association between PTB and COPD – those with previous PTB having a reduced FEV1 :FVC (4.88% less than the norm), which was just short of significance (p = 0.059).Conclusions: Lung function is reduced both during and after treatment for PTB and these deficits may persist. This has implications regarding the need for pulmonary rehabilitation even after medical cure.Keywords: Lung function, pulmonary, tuberculosis

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The effects of marijuana smoking on lung function in older people

European Respiratory Journal ◽

10.1183/13993003.00826-2019 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 54 (6) ◽

pp. 1900826 ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

Wan C. Tan ◽

Jean Bourbeau ◽

Shawn D. Aaron ◽

James C. Hogg ◽

François Maltais ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Lung Function ◽

Population Based ◽

Forced Expiratory Volume ◽

Chronic Obstructive ◽

Long Term Effects ◽

Obstructive Pulmonary Disease ◽

Before And After ◽

Rate Of Decline ◽

Never Smokers

BackgroundPrevious studies have associated marijuana exposure with increased respiratory symptoms and chronic bronchitis among long-term cannabis smokers. The long-term effects of smoked marijuana on lung function remain unclear.MethodsWe determined the association of marijuana smoking with the risk of spirometrically defined chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (post-bronchodilator forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1)/forced vital capacity ratio <0.7) in 5291 population-based individuals and the rate of decline in FEV1 in a subset of 1285 males and females, aged ≥40 years, who self-reported use (or non-use) of marijuana and tobacco cigarettes and performed spirometry before and after inhaled bronchodilator on multiple occasions. Analysis for the decline in FEV1 was performed using random mixed effects regression models adjusted for age, sex and body mass index. Heavy tobacco smoking and marijunana smoking was defined as >20 pack-years and >20 joint-years, respectively.Results∼20% of participants had been or were current marijuana smokers with most having smoked tobacco cigarettes in addition (83%). Among heavy marijuana users, the risk of COPD was significantly increased (adjusted OR 2.45, 95% CI 1.55–3.88). Compared to never-smokers of marijuana and tobacco, heavy marijuana smokers and heavy tobacco smokers experienced a faster decline in FEV1 by 29.5 mL·year−1 (p=0.0007) and 21.1 mL·year−1 (p<0.0001), respectively. Those who smoked both substances experienced a decline of 32.31 mL·year−1 (p<0.0001).InterpretationHeavy marijuana smoking increases the risk of COPD and accelerates FEV1 decline in concomitant tobacco smokers beyond that observed with tobacco alone.

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The use of roflumilast in COPD: a review

Monaldi Archives for Chest Disease ◽

10.4081/monaldi.2013.27 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 79 (3-4) ◽

Author(s):

Andrea Zanini ◽

Francesca Cherubino ◽

Patrizia Pignatti

Keyword(s):

Lung Function ◽

Treatment Options ◽

Forced Expiratory Volume ◽

Chronic Obstructive ◽

Obstructive Pulmonary Disease ◽

Phosphodiesterase 4 ◽

Positive Effects ◽

Exacerbation Frequency ◽

Copd Patients ◽

Significant Additive Effect

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Chronic inflammation and exacerbations play a central role in the progression of the disease. Currently, treatment options for COPD have been shown to improve the progressive decline in lung-function and/or decrease mortality rates. Roflumilast, a phosphodiesterase- 4 inhibitor, is an anti-inflammatory drug which has been licensed as an add-on therapy for COPD patients with forced expiratory volume in the first second <50% and frequent exacerbations. Clinical trials have demonstrated that roflumilast improves lung function and reduces exacerbation frequency. Roflumilast has a mechanism of action which allows it to obtain a significant additive effect to current therapeutic options for COPD patients. It is generally well tolerated, although the most common adverse effects include diarrhea, nausea, weight loss, and headache. This review article provides an overview of the positive effects of roflumilast on lung function, exacerbation frequency and glucose metabolism, and its interaction with concomitant inhaled treatments.

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Previous tuberculosis disease as a risk factor for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a cross-sectional analysis of multicountry, population-based studies

Thorax ◽

10.1136/thoraxjnl-2020-216500 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. thoraxjnl-2020-216500 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Katarina Kamenar ◽

Shakir Hossen ◽

Akshay N Gupte ◽

Trishul Siddharthan ◽

Suzanne Pollard ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Risk Factor ◽

Lung Function ◽

Low Income ◽

Population Based ◽

Forced Expiratory Volume ◽

Chronic Obstructive ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Obstructive Pulmonary Disease ◽

Middle Income ◽

Tuberculosis Disease

BackgroundRisk factors for COPD in high-income settings are well understood; however, less attention has been paid to contributors of COPD in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs) such as pulmonary tuberculosis. We sought to study the association between previous tuberculosis disease and COPD by using pooled population-based cross-sectional data in 13 geographically diverse, low-resource settings.MethodsWe pooled six cohorts in 13 different LMIC settings, 6 countries and 3 continents to study the relationship between self-reported previous tuberculosis disease and lung function outcomes including COPD (defined as a postbronchodilator forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1)/forced vital capacity (FVC) below the lower limit of normal). Multivariable regressions with random effects were used to examine the association between previous tuberculosis disease and lung function outcomes.ResultsWe analysed data for 12 396 participants (median age 54.0 years, 51.5% male); 332 (2.7%) of the participants had previous tuberculosis disease. Overall prevalence of COPD was 8.8% (range 1.7%–15.5% across sites). COPD was four times more common among those with previous tuberculosis disease (25.7% vs 8.3% without previous tuberculosis disease, p<0.001). The adjusted odds of having COPD was 3.78 times higher (95% CI 2.87 to 4.98) for participants with previous tuberculosis disease than those without a history of tuberculosis disease. The attributable fraction of COPD due to previous tuberculosis disease in the study sample was 6.9% (95% CI 4.8% to 9.6%). Participants with previous tuberculosis disease also had lower prebronchodilator Z-scores for FEV1 (−0.70, 95% CI −0.84 to −0.55), FVC (−0.44, 95% CI −0.59 to −0.29) and the FEV1:FVC ratio (−0.63, 95% CI −0.76 to −0.51) when compared with those without previous tuberculosis disease.ConclusionsPrevious tuberculosis disease is a significant and under-recognised risk factor for COPD and poor lung function in LMICs. Better tuberculosis control will also likely reduce the global burden of COPD.

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Prognostic and functional impact of perioperative LAMA/LABA inhaled therapy in patients with lung cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

BMC Pulmonary Medicine ◽

10.1186/s12890-021-01537-z ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Yoko Azuma ◽

Atsushi Sano ◽

Takashi Sakai ◽

Satoshi Koezuka ◽

Hajime Otsuka ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Lung Cancer ◽

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease ◽

Postoperative Complications ◽

Lung Function ◽

Retrospective Review ◽

Forced Expiratory Volume ◽

Chronic Obstructive ◽

Obstructive Pulmonary Disease ◽

Inhaled Therapy ◽

Long Acting

Abstract Background Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is an important risk factor for postoperative complications and mortality. To determine the effects of perioperative combination therapy, using a long-acting muscarinic antagonist (LAMA) and a long-acting β2 agonist (LABA), on preoperative lung function, postoperative morbidity and mortality, and long-term outcome in COPD patients. Methods Between January 2005 and October 2019, 130 consecutive patients with newly diagnosed COPD underwent surgery for lung cancer. We conducted a retrospective review of their medical record to evaluate that LAMA/LABA might be an optimal regimen for patients with COPD undergoing surgery for lung cancer. All patients were received perioperative rehabilitation and divided into 3 groups according to the type of perioperative inhaled therapy and management: LAMA/LABA (n = 64), LAMA (n = 23) and rehabilitation only (no bronchodilator) (n = 43). We conducted a retrospective review of their medical records. Results Patients who received preoperative LAMA/LABA therapy showed significant improvement in lung function before surgery (p < 0.001 for both forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) and percentage of predicted forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1%pred). Compared with patients who received preoperative LAMA therapy, patients with LAMA/LABA therapy had significantly improved lung function (ΔFEV1, LAMA/LABA 223.1 mL vs. LAMA 130.0 mL, ΔFEV1%pred, LAMA/LABA 10.8% vs. LAMA 6.8%; both p < 0.05). Postoperative complications were lower frequent in the LAMA/LABA group than in the LAMA group (p = 0.007). In patients with moderate to severe air flow limitation (n = 61), those who received LAMA/LABA therapy had significantly longer overall survival and disease-free survival compared with the LAMA (p = 0.049, p = 0.026) and rehabilitation-only groups (p = 0.001, p < 0.001). Perioperative LAMA/LABA therapy was also associated with lower recurrence rates (vs. LAMA p = 0.006, vs. rehabilitation-only p = 0.008). Conclusions We believe this treatment combination is optimal for patients with lung cancer and COPD.

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FSTL1 aggravates cigarette smoke-induced airway inflammation and airway remodeling by regulating autophagy

BMC Pulmonary Medicine ◽

10.1186/s12890-021-01409-6 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Ying Liu ◽

Jiawei Xu ◽

Tian Liu ◽

Jinxiang Wu ◽

Jiping Zhao ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Lung Function ◽

Airway Inflammation ◽

Cigarette Smoke ◽

Airway Remodeling ◽

Critical Factor ◽

Lavage Fluid ◽

Chronic Obstructive ◽

Obstructive Pulmonary Disease ◽

Copd Patients ◽

Impaired Lung Function

Abstract Background Cigarette smoke (CS) is a major risk factor for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). Follistatin-like protein 1 (FSTL1), a critical factor during embryogenesis particularly in respiratory lung development, is a novel mediator related to inflammation and tissue remodeling. We tried to investigate the role of FSTL1 in CS-induced autophagy dysregulation, airway inflammation and remodeling. Methods Serum and lung specimens were obtained from COPD patients and controls. Adult female wild-type (WT) mice, FSTL1± mice and FSTL1flox/+ mice were exposed to room air or chronic CS. Additionally, 3-methyladenine (3-MA), an inhibitor of autophagy, was applied in CS-exposed WT mice. The lung tissues and serum from patients and murine models were tested for FSTL1 and autophagy-associated protein expression by ELISA, western blotting and immunohistochemical. Autophagosome were observed using electron microscope technology. LTB4, IL-8 and TNF-α in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid of mice were examined using ELISA. Airway remodeling and lung function were also assessed. Results Both FSTL1 and autophagy biomarkers increased in COPD patients and CS-exposed WT mice. Autophagy activation was upregulated in CS-exposed mice accompanied by airway remodeling and airway inflammation. FSTL1± mice showed a lower level of CS-induced autophagy compared with the control mice. FSTL1± mice can also resist CS-induced inflammatory response, airway remodeling and impaired lung function. CS-exposed WT mice with 3-MA pretreatment have a similar manifestation with CS-exposed FSTL1± mice. Conclusions FSTL1 promotes CS-induced COPD by modulating autophagy, therefore targeting FSTL1 and autophagy may shed light on treating cigarette smoke-induced COPD.

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Serum Albumin Concentrations in Stable Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Journal of Clinical Medicine ◽

10.3390/jcm10020269 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 10 (2) ◽

pp. 269

Author(s):

Elisabetta Zinellu ◽

Alessandro G. Fois ◽

Elisabetta Sotgiu ◽

Sabrina Mellino ◽

Arduino A. Mangoni ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease ◽

Serum Albumin ◽

Pulmonary Disease ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Forced Expiratory Volume ◽

Chronic Obstructive ◽

Obstructive Pulmonary Disease ◽

Standard Mean Difference ◽

Copd Patients

Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a progressive condition characterized by chronic airway inflammation and lung parenchyma damage. Systemic inflammation and oxidative stress also play a role in the pathogenesis of COPD. Serum albumin is a negative acute-phase protein with antioxidant effects and an important marker of malnutrition. The aim of this meta-analysis was to investigate differences in serum albumin concentrations between patients with stable COPD and non-COPD subjects. Methods: A systematic search was conducted, using the terms “albumin” and “chronic obstructive pulmonary disease” or “COPD”, in the electronic databases PubMed and Web of Science, from inception to May 2020. Results: Twenty-six studies were identified on a total of 2554 COPD patients and 2055 non-COPD controls. Pooled results showed that serum albumin concentrations were significantly lower in COPD patients (standard mean difference, SMD = −0.50, 95% CI −0.67 to −0.32; p < 0.001). No significant differences were observed in SMD of serum albumin concentrations between COPD patients with forced expiratory volume in the 1st second (FEV1) < 50% and those with FEV1 > 50%. Conclusions: Our systematic review and meta-analysis showed that serum albumin concentrations are significantly lower in patients with stable COPD compared to non-COPD controls. This supports the presence of a deficit in systemic anti-inflammatory and antioxidant defense mechanisms in COPD.

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