scholarly journals Is asthma associated with COVID-19 infection? A UK Biobank analysis

2021 ◽  
pp. 00309-2021
Author(s):  
Caroline J. Lodge ◽  
Alice Doherty ◽  
Dinh Bui ◽  
Raisa Cassim ◽  
Adrian J. Lowe ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Lung Function ◽  
Early Onset ◽  
Age At Onset ◽  
Forced Expiratory Volume ◽  
Normal Weight ◽  
Asthma Medication ◽  
Positive Test ◽  
Uk Biobank ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Health Related

BackgroundThe relationship between asthma and COVID-19 risk is not clear and may be influenced by level of airway obstruction, asthma medication, and known COVID risk factors. We aimed to investigate COVID-19 risk in people with asthma.MethodsWe used UK Biobank data from all participants tested for SARS-CoV-2 (n=107 412 (17 979 test positive)). Baseline questions at baseline defined ever asthma and asthma medications. Baseline Forced Expiratory Volume in the first second (FEV1) was categorized into quartiles. Logistic regression modelled relationships between asthma, and asthma categories (age at onset, medications, FEV1 quartiles), and risk of SARS-CoV-2 positive test. We investigated modification by sex, ethnic group, smoking, and BMI.ResultsThere was a reduced risk of a positive test associated with with early-onset asthma (<13 years), (OR 0.91(95% CI 0.84, 0.99). This was found for early-onset asthmatics in males (OR 0·87 [95% CI: 0·78, 0·98]), non-smokers (0·87 [0·78, 0·98]), overweight/obese (0.85 [0.77, 0.93]), and non-Black participants (0·90 [0·82, 0.98]). There was increased risk amongst early onset asthmatics in the highest compared to lowest quartile of lung function (1.44 [1.05, 1.72]).ConclusionAmongst males, non-smokers, overweight/obese, and non-Black participants, having early-onset asthma was associated with lower risk of a SARS-CoV-2 positive test. We found no evidence of a protective effect from asthma medication. Early-onset asthmatics of normal weight and with better lung function may have lifestyle differences placing them at higher risk. Further research is needed to elucidate the contribution of asthma pathophysiology and different health-related behaviour, across population groups, to the observed risks.

scholarly journals Pleiotropic associations of heterozygosity for the SERPINA1 Z allele in the UK Biobank

2021 ◽  
pp. 00049-2021
Author(s):  
Katherine A. Fawcett ◽  
Kijoung Song ◽  
Guoqing Qian ◽  
Aliki-Eleni Farmaki ◽  
Richard Packer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Lung Function ◽  
Disease Risk ◽  
Large Population ◽  
Rare Condition ◽  
Forced Expiratory Volume ◽  
Uk Biobank ◽  
Mineral Density ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Reduced Risk

Homozygosity for the SERPINA1 Z allele causes alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, a rare condition that can cause lung and liver disease. However, the effects of Z allele heterozygosity on non-respiratory phenotypes, and on lung function in the general population, remain unclear.We conducted a large population-based study to determine Z allele effects on >2400 phenotypes in UK Biobank (N>303 353).Z allele heterozygosity was strongly associated with increased height (β=1.02 cm, p=3.91×10−68), and with other non-respiratory phenotypes including increased risk of gall bladder disease, reduced risk of heart disease and lower blood pressure, reduced risk of osteoarthritis and reduced bone mineral density, increased risk of headache and enlarged prostate, as well as with blood biomarkers of liver function. Heterozygosity was associated with higher height-adjusted forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) (β=19.36 mL, p=9.21×10−4) and FEV1/forced vital capacity (FEV1/FVC) (β=0.0031, p=1.22×10−5) in non-smokers, whereas in smokers this protective effect was abolished. Furthermore, we show for the first time that sex modifies the association of the Z allele on lung function.We conclude that Z allele heterozygosity and homozygosity exhibit opposing effects on lung function in the UK population, and that these associations are modified by smoking and sex. In exploratory analyses, heterozygosity for the Z allele also showed pleiotropic associations with non-respiratory health-related traits and disease risk.

Persistent airflow obstruction in inner-city children with asthma

2021 ◽  
Vol 42 (4) ◽  
pp. 310-316
Author(s):  
Kenny Y. Kwong ◽  
Yang Z. Lu ◽  
Emilio Jauregui ◽  
Lyne Scott
Keyword(s):  
Lung Function ◽  
Inner City ◽  
Airway Remodeling ◽  
Airflow Obstruction ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Forced Expiratory Volume ◽  
Initial Visit ◽  
Asthma Care ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Children With Asthma

Background: Airway remodeling has been shown to be persistent in patients with asthma despite treatment with controller medications. Patients with early airflow obstruction may continue to experience poor lung function despite treatment. Objectives: To determine whether early airflow obstruction in inner-city children with asthma persists despite guideline-based asthma care. Methods: In a retrospective study that used a cohort of inner-city children with asthma treated by using an asthma-specific disease management system, the patients were stratified into “low” or “high” lung function groups at the time of the initial visit (high, forced expiratory volume in the first second of expiration [FEV1] % predicted and FEV1/forced vital capacity [FVC] ≥ 80%; and low, FEV1% predicted and FEV1/FVC < 80%). These patients then received National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute guideline‐based asthma treatment at regular follow-up intervals with spirometry performed at these visits as part of regular care. FEV1% predicted and FEV1/FVC were followed up for up to 10 years for both the high and low cohorts. Results: Over 10 years, the patients initially in the “high” group maintained FEV1% predicted and FEV1/FVC at values similar to the initial visit (94 to 96% and 87 to 89%, respectively), whereas those in the low group had only slight increases of FEV1% predicted and FEV1/FVC over the same time (77 to 82% and 78 to 82%, respectively). Low FEV1% predicted and FEV1/FVC at the time of the first visit was significantly associated with an increased risk of low values of these lung functions over the next 3‐5 years despite treatment. African American ethnicity and male gender were also associated with lower lung function over time. Conclusion: Early airflow obstruction in inner city children asthma is associated with poor lung function in later life despite guideline-based asthma care. Current asthma therapy may not affect pathways and leads to airway remodeling in children with asthma.

scholarly journals The impact of body mass index, central obesity and physical activity on lung function: results of the EpiHealth study

2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (4) ◽  
pp. 00214-2020
Author(s):  
Magnus Svartengren ◽  
Gui-Hong Cai ◽  
Andrei Malinovschi ◽  
Jenny Theorell-Haglöw ◽  
Christer Janson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Body Mass Index ◽  
Lung Function ◽  
Body Mass ◽  
Physical Inactivity ◽  
Central Obesity ◽  
Forced Expiratory Volume ◽  
Normal Weight ◽  
Weight Group ◽  
The Impact

Study objectivesObesity is often associated with lower lung function; however, the interaction of lung function with central obesity and physical inactivity is less clear. As such, we investigated the effect on lung function of body size (body mass index (BMI)), central obesity (waist circumference (WC)) and self-reported physical activity.MethodsLung function, height, weight and WC were measured in 22 743 participants (12 791 women), aged 45–75 years, from the EpiHealth cohort study. Physical activity, gender and educational level were assessed using a questionnaire.ResultsObesity, central obesity and physical inactivity were all associated with lower forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC). However, in participants without central obesity there was an increase in both FEV1 and FVC by BMI (% predicted FVC increasing from median 98%, interquartile range (IQR) 89–110% in underweight participants (BMI <20) to 103%, IQR 94–113% in obese participants (BMI ≥30)). In contrast, there was a decrease in % predicted FVC in participants with central obesity (from 98%, IQR 89–109% in the normal weight group to 95%, IQR 85–105% in the obese weight group). We further found a negative association between physical activity and lung function among those with low and high levels of physical activity (% predicted FEV1 97%, IQR 86–107% versus 103%, IQR 94–113%, respectively and % predicted FVC 96%, IQR 85–106% versus 103%, IQR 94–113%, respectively). All results remained when calculated by z-scores.ConclusionsThe association between BMI and lung function is dependent on the presence of central obesity. Independent of obesity, there is an association between physical activity and lung function.

scholarly journals Effects of Obesity and Asthma on Lung Function and Airway Dysanapsis in Adults and Children

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (11) ◽  
pp. 3762
Author(s):  
Ebymar Arismendi ◽  
Marina Bantulà ◽  
Miguel Perpiñá ◽  
César Picado
Keyword(s):  
Lung Function ◽  
Lung Parenchyma ◽  
Forced Expiratory Volume ◽  
Normal Weight ◽  
Emergency Department Visits ◽  
Obese Children ◽  
Airway Reactivity ◽  
Asthma Morbidity ◽  
Asthma Patients ◽  
Adults And Children

Obesity increases the risk of developing asthma in children and adults. Obesity is associated with different effects on lung function in children and adults. In adults, obesity has been associated with reduced lung function resulting from a relatively small effect on forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC), with the FEV1/FVC ratio remaining unchanged or mildly increased (restrictive pattern). In contrast, in children, obesity is associated with normal or higher FEV1 and FVC but a lower FEV1/FVC ratio (obstructive pattern). This anomaly has recently been associated with a phenomenon known as dysanapsis which results from a disproportionate growth between lung parenchyma size and airway calibre. The mechanisms that promote disproportionate lung parenchyma growth compared with airways in obese children remain to be elucidated. Obesity and dysanapsis in asthma patients might contribute to asthma morbidity by increasing airway obstruction, airway hyper-reactivity and airway inflammation. Obesity and dysanapsis in asthma patients are associated with increased medication use, more emergency department visits, hospitalizations and systemic corticosteroid burst than patients with normal weight. Dysanapsis may explain the reduced response to asthma medications in obese children. Weight loss results in a significant improvement in lung function, airway reactivity and asthma control. Whether these improvements are associated with the changes in the dysanaptic alteration is as yet unclear.

Insulin resistance and lung function in obese asthmatic pre-pubertal children

2018 ◽  
Vol 31 (1) ◽  
pp. 45-51 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paola Di Filippo ◽  
Alessandra Scaparrotta ◽  
Daniele Rapino ◽  
Tommaso de Giorgis ◽  
Marianna Immacolata Petrosino ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Insulin Resistance ◽  
Lung Function ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Serum Levels ◽  
Forced Expiratory Volume ◽  
Normal Weight ◽  
Model Assessment ◽  
Obese Children ◽  
Asthmatic Children ◽  
Insulin Resistant

AbstractBackground:Recent findings have supposed that the underlying association between the increased prevalence of both asthma and obesity may be insulin resistance (IR).Methods:Insulin and glucose serum levels were analyzed to calculate the homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) for IR in 98 pre-pubertal children. Lung function and allergy status evaluation were performed. The study population was divided into four groups: (1) obese asthmatic children (ObA); (2) normal-weight asthmatic children (NwA); (3) normal-weight non-asthmatic children (Nw) and (4) obese non-asthmatic children (Ob).Results:Forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) was slightly lower in obese subjects compared with normal-weight subjects and forced vital capacity (FVC) appeared lower in asthmatics, whereas between non-asthmatics subjects, it was lower in the obese group than in the normal-weight one. The post hoc analysis revealed a statistically significant reduction in FEV1, peak expiratory flow (PEF), forced expiratory flows (FEF) between 50% and 25% of the FVC (FEF50and FEF25) between ObA and Nw and in FEV1, FVC, PEF, FEF50and FEF25between NwA and Nw, but no statistically significant differences of lung function parameters were observed between ObA and NwA. We found an inverse relationship between HOMA-IR and all spirometric parameters, although without any statistical significance. We also observed a significantly lower FVC in insulin-resistant children (HOMA-IR>95th percentile) (p=0.03).Conclusions:This study suggests that lung function could be early altered in obese children, already in pre-pubertal age. Although IR should not manifest its effects on lungs in pre-pubertal obese children, the prevention or treatment of obesity in the pre-pubertal period may prevent definitive negative effects on lungs.

scholarly journals Predictors of impaired pulmonary function in people living with HIV in an urban African setting

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah E. Van Riel ◽  
Kerstin Klipstein-Grobusch ◽  
Roos E. Barth ◽  
Diederick E. Grobbee ◽  
Charles Feldman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Lung Function ◽  
Characteristic Curve ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Forced Expiratory Volume ◽  
Normal Lung ◽  
People Living With Hiv ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Impaired Lung Function ◽  
History Of

Background: Studies have associated HIV with an increased risk of obstructive lung disease (OLD).Objectives: We aimed to identify the predictive factors for impaired lung function in an urban, African, HIV-positive population.Method: A cross-sectional study was performed in Johannesburg, South Africa, from July 2016 to November 2017. A questionnaire was administered and pre- and post-bronchodilator spirometry conducted. The predictors investigated included age, sex, antiretroviral treatment (ART) duration, body mass index, history of tuberculosis (TB) or pneumonia, occupational exposure, environmental exposure, smoking and symptoms of OLD (cough, wheeze, mucus and dyspnoea). Impaired lung function was defined as a forced expiratory volume in 1 second/forced vital capacity (FEV1/FVC) ratio of 0.70, or below the 20th percentile of normal.Results: The 98 ART-naïve participants (mean age = 34.0, standard deviation [s.d.] = 8.2), 85 participants on first-line ART (mean age = 36.9, s.d. = 6.6) and 189 participants on second-line ART (mean age = 43.5, s.d. = 7.9) were predominantly female (65.6%). Of the participants, 64 (17.2%) had impaired lung function and 308 had normal lung function. Linear regression identified age (β = –0.003, P 0.01), male sex (β = –0.016, P = 0.03) and history of TB or pneumonia (β = –0.024, P 0.01) as independent predictors of a lower FEV1/FVC ratio. Following logistic regression, only a history of TB or pneumonia (odds ratio = 2.58, 95% confidence interval = 1.47–4.52) was significantly related to impaired lung function (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve = 0.64).Conclusion: Our data show that a history of TB or pneumonia predicts impaired lung function. In order to improve timely access to spirometry, clinicians should be alert to the possibility of impaired lung function in people with a history of TB or pneumonia.

scholarly journals Risk of prostate cancer for men fathering through assisted reproduction: nationwide population based register study

BMJ ◽  
2019 ◽  
pp. l5214 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yahia Al-Jebari ◽  
Angel Elenkov ◽  
Elin Wirestrand ◽  
Indra Schütz ◽  
Aleksander Giwercman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Prostate Cancer ◽  
Androgen Deprivation Therapy ◽  
Assisted Reproduction ◽  
Early Onset ◽  
Age Of Onset ◽  
Age At Onset ◽  
Androgen Deprivation ◽  
Hazard Ratio ◽  
In Vitro Fertilisation ◽  
Increased Risk

Abstract Objective To compare the risk and severity of prostate cancer between men achieving fatherhood by assisted reproduction and men conceiving naturally. Design National register based cohort study. Setting Sweden from January 1994 to December 2014. Participants 1 181 490 children born alive in Sweden during 1994-2014 to the same number of fathers. Fathers were grouped according to fertility status by mode of conception: 20 618 by in vitro fertilisation (IVF), 14 882 by intra-cytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), and 1 145 990 by natural conception. Main outcome measures Prostate cancer diagnosis, age of onset, and androgen deprivation therapy (serving as proxy for advanced or metastatic malignancy). Results Among men achieving fatherhood by IVF, by ICSI, and by non-assisted means, 77 (0.37%), 63 (0.42%), and 3244 (0.28%), respectively, were diagnosed as having prostate cancer. Mean age at onset was 55.9, 55.1, and 57.1 years, respectively. Men who became fathers through assisted reproduction had a statistically significantly increased risk of prostate cancer compared with men who conceived naturally (hazard ratio 1.64, 95% confidence interval 1.25 to 2.15, for ICSI; 1.33, 1.06 to 1.66, for IVF). They also had an increased risk of early onset disease (that is, diagnosis before age 55 years) (hazard ratio 1.86, 1.25 to 2.77, for ICSI; 1.51, 1.09 to 2.08, for IVF). Fathers who conceived through ICSI and developed prostate cancer received androgen deprivation therapy to at least the same extent as the reference group (odds ratio 1.91; P=0.07). Conclusions Men who achieved fatherhood through assisted reproduction techniques, particularly through ICSI, are at increased risk for early onset prostate cancer and thus constitute a risk group in which testing and careful long term follow-up for prostate cancer may be beneficial.

scholarly journals The occupations at increased risk of COPD: analysis of lifetime job-histories in the population-based UK Biobank Cohort

2019 ◽  
Vol 54 (1) ◽  
pp. 1900186 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sara De Matteis ◽  
Deborah Jarvis ◽  
Andrew Darnton ◽  
Sally Hutchings ◽  
Steven Sadhra ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
High Risk ◽  
Occupational Exposures ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Forced Expiratory Volume ◽  
Chronic Obstructive ◽  
Preventive Strategies ◽  
Uk Biobank ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
New Findings ◽  
Never Smokers

Occupational exposures are important, preventable causes of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Identification of COPD high-risk jobs is key to focus preventive strategies, but a definitive job-list is unavailable.We addressed this issue by evaluating the association of lifetime job-histories and lung function data in the population-based UK Biobank cohort, whose unprecedented sample size allowed analyses restricted to never-smokers to rule out the most important confounder, tobacco smoking. COPD was spirometrically defined as forced expiratory volume in 1 s/forced vital capacity ratio below the lower limit of normal. Lifetime job-histories were collected via OSCAR (Occupations Self-Coding Automatic Recording), a new validated online tool that automatically codes jobs into the UK Standard Occupational Classification v.2000. Prevalence ratios for COPD by employment duration in each job compared to lifetime office workers were estimated using robust Poisson regression adjusted for age, sex, centre and smoking. Only associations confirmed among never-smokers and never-asthmatics were considered reliable.From the 116 375 participants with complete job-histories, 94 551 had acceptable/repeatable spirometry data and smoking information and were included in the analysis. Six occupations showed an increased COPD risk among never-smokers and never-asthmatics; most of these also with positive exposure-response trends. Interesting new findings included sculptors, gardeners and warehouse workers.COPD patients, especially never-smokers, should be asked about their job-history for better disease management. Focussed preventive strategies in COPD high-risk jobs are warranted.

Occurrence of respiratory symptoms and lung function deficits among fruit and vegetable market workers

2021 ◽  
pp. oemed-2020-106829
Author(s):  
Behzad Heibati ◽  
Maritta S Jaakkola ◽  
Taina K Lajunen ◽  
Alan Ducatman ◽  
Zinat Zafari ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Lung Function ◽  
Respiratory Symptoms ◽  
Response Rate ◽  
Reference Group ◽  
Prevalence Ratio ◽  
Occupational Exposures ◽  
Forced Expiratory Volume ◽  
Fruit And Vegetable ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Increased Risk

ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to investigate the potential effects of occupational exposures among fruit and vegetable market workers on the occurrence of respiratory symptoms and on the level of lung function parameters.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional study of 140 men working as fruit and vegetable market workers (response rate 100%) and a reference group of 77 male office workers as the reference group (response rate 55%) from Shiraz, Iran. The outcomes of interest included occurrence of respiratory symptoms assessed by a standard respiratory questionnaire and lung function assessed by spirometry.ResultsIn Poisson regression analyses, the exposed group showed increased prevalence ratio (PR) of wheezing (adjusted PR 5.32, 95% CI 1.40 to 20.26), after controlling for confounding. Cough (PR 3.30, 95% CI 1.16 to 9.40) and wheezing (PR 9.40, 95% CI 2.28 to 38.64) showed increased PRs among vegetable distributors. Forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) and FEV1/forced vital capacity were significantly decreased among exposed workers after controlling for confounders. The absolute value of FEV1 level was reduced significantly among fruit and vegetable carters (−0.99, 95% CI −1.68 to −0.32) and vegetable (−0.51, 95% CI −0.93 to −0.10) and fruit (−0.51, 95% CI −0.86 to −0.15) distributors in comparison with the reference group in the adjusted full model.ConclusionsThis study provides evidence that fruit and vegetable market workers are at an increased risk of respiratory symptoms and reduced lung function. Workplace conditions and safety training clearly need improvement, and there is a likely role for proper use of personal protective equipment.

scholarly journals Association between Lung Function and Metabolic Syndrome Independent of Insulin in Japanese Men and Women

2014 ◽  
Vol 5 ◽  
pp. JCM.S13564 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yayoi Yamamoto ◽  
Junko Oya ◽  
Tomoko Nakagami ◽  
Yasuko Uchigata
Keyword(s):  
Metabolic Syndrome ◽  
Lung Function ◽  
Forced Expiratory Volume ◽  
Immunoreactive Insulin ◽  
Multivariable Logistic Regression Analysis ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Japanese Men ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Impaired Lung Function ◽  
Independent Association

Purpose We examined the cross-sectional association between lung function and metabolic syndrome (MetS), independent of fasting immunoreactive insulin (F-IRI). Methods A total of 3,072 middle-aged, apparently healthy subjects who participated in a general health check-up were included. Lung function, which was expressed as forced vital capacity (%FVC predicted) or forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1% predicted) was examined. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to assess the association between lung function and MetS. Results Men with the lowest quartile of FVC% predicted, or those with the lowest quartile of FEV1% predicted, had a 3.5-fold or 2.6-fold increased risk of MetS, respectively, compared with those with the highest quartile of FVC% predicted or FEV1% predicted. F-IRI had a positive, significant, and independent association with MetS in both sexes. Conclusion Impaired lung function increased the risk of MetS, independent of F-IRI and smoking in men, but not in women.

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