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ObjectivesIdiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) has been defined as a distinctive type of chronic fibrotic disease, characterised by a progressive decline in lung function and a common histological pattern of interstitial pneumonia. To analyse the efficacy and safety of pirfenidone in the treatment of IPF, a systematic review and meta-analysis was performed.DesignThis is a meta-analysis study.ParticipantsPatients were diagnosed as IPF.InterventionsUse of pirfenidone.Primary and secondary outcomeProgression-free survival (PFS), acute exacerbation and worsening of IPF and Impact on adverse events.MeasuresThe inverse variance method for the random-effects model was used to summarise the dichotomous outcomes, risk ratios and 95% CIs.ResultsA total of 9 randomised controlled trials with 1011 participants receiving pirfenidone and 912 controls receiving placebo were summarised. The pooled result suggested a statistically significant difference inall-cause mortality after pirfenidone use, with a summarised relative ratio of 0.51 (p<0.01). Longer PFS was observed in patients receiving pirfenidone compared with those who were given placebo (p<0.01). The IPF groups presented a high incidence of adverse events with a pooled relative ratio of 3.89 (p<0.01).ConclusionsPirfenidone can provide survival benefit for patients with IPF. Pirfenidone treatment was also associated with a longer PFS, a lower incidence of acute exacerbation and worsening of IPF.

ObjectivesRecurrent symptomatic effusions can be durably managed with pleurodesis or placement of indwelling pleural catheters. Recent pleurodesis trials have largely relied on lung re-expansion on post-thoracentesis radiograph as an inclusion criterion rather than pleural elastance as determined by manometry, which is an important predictor of successful pleurodesis. We investigated the association between lung re-expansion on post-pleural drainage chest imaging and pleural physiology, with particular attention to pleural elastance over the final 200 mL aspirated.DesignPost-hoc analysis of a recent randomised trial.Setting and participantsPost-results analysis of 61 subjects at least 18 years old with symptomatic pleural effusions estimated to be at least of 0.5 L in volume allocated to manometry-guided therapeutic thoracentesis in a recent randomised trial conducted at two major university hospitals in the USA.Primary outcome measuresThe primary outcome was concordance of radiographic with normal terminal pleural elastance over the final 200 mL aspirated. We label this terminal elastance ‘visceral pleural recoil’, or the tendency of the maximally expanded lung to withdraw from the chest wall.ResultsPost-thoracentesis chest radiograph and thoracic ultrasound indicated successful lung re-expansion in 69% and 56% of cases, respectively. Despite successful radiographic lung re-expansion, visceral pleural recoil was abnormal in 71% of subjects expandable by radiograph and 77% expandable by ultrasound. The sensitivity and positive predictive value of radiographic lung re-expansion for normal visceral pleural recoil were 44% and 24%, respectively.ConclusionRadiographic lung re-expansion by post-thoracentesis chest radiograph or thoracic ultrasound is a poor surrogate for normal terminal pleural elastance. Clinical management of patients with recurrent symptomatic pleural effusions guided by manometry rather than post-thoracentesis imaging might produce better outcomes, which should be investigated by future clinical trials.Trial registration numberNCT02677883; Post-results.

Objectives The optimal method of identifying people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) from electronic primary care records is not known. We assessed the accuracy of different approaches using the Clinical Practice Research Datalink, a UK electronic health record database. Setting 951 participants registered with a CPRD practice in the UK between 1 January 2004 and 31 December 2012. Individuals were selected for ≥1 of 8 algorithms to identify people with COPD. General practitioners were sent a brief questionnaire and additional evidence to support a COPD diagnosis was requested. All information received was reviewed independently by two respiratory physicians whose opinion was taken as the gold standard. Primary outcome measure The primary measure of accuracy was the positive predictive value (PPV), the proportion of people identified by each algorithm for whom COPD was confirmed. Results 951 questionnaires were sent and 738 (78%) returned. After quality control, 696 (73.2%) patients were included in the final analysis. All four algorithms including a specific COPD diagnostic code performed well. Using a diagnostic code alone, the PPV was 86.5% (77.5–92.3%) while requiring a diagnosis plus spirometry plus specific medication; the PPV was slightly higher at 89.4% (80.7–94.5%) but reduced case numbers by 10%. Algorithms without specific diagnostic codes had low PPVs (range 12.2–44.4%). Conclusions Patients with COPD can be accurately identified from UK primary care records using specific diagnostic codes. Requiring spirometry or COPD medications only marginally improved accuracy. The high accuracy applies since the introduction of an incentivised disease register for COPD as part of Quality and Outcomes Framework in 2004.

ObjectiveGlobal medical oxygen security is limited by knowledge gaps in hypoxaemia burden and oxygen access in low-income and middle-income countries. We examined the prevalence and phenotypic trajectories of hypoxaemia among hospitalised adults in Kenya, with a focus on chronic hypoxaemia.DesignSingle-centre, prospective cohort study.SettingNational tertiary referral hospital in Eldoret, Kenya between September 2019 and April 2022.ParticipantsAdults (age ≥18 years) admitted to general medicine wards.Primary and secondary outcome measuresOur primary outcome was proportion of patients who were hypoxaemic (oxygen saturation, SpO2 ≤88%) on admission. Secondary outcomes were proportion of patients with hypoxaemia on admission who had hypoxaemia resolution, hospital discharge, transfer, or death among those with unresolved hypoxaemia or chronic hypoxaemia. Patients remaining hypoxaemic for ≤3 days after admission were enrolled into an additional cohort to determine chronic hypoxaemia. Chronic hypoxaemia was defined as an SpO2 ≤ 88% at either 1-month post-discharge follow-up or, for patients who died prior to follow-up, a documented SpO2 ≤88% during a previous hospital discharge or outpatient visit within the last 6 months.ResultsWe screened 4104 patients (48.5% female, mean age 49.4±19.4 years), of whom 23.8% were hypoxaemic on admission. Hypoxaemic patients were significantly older and more predominantly female than normoxaemic patients. Among those hypoxaemic on admission, 33.9% had resolution of their hypoxaemia as inpatients, 55.6% had unresolved hypoxaemia (31.0% died before hospital discharge, 13.3% were alive on discharge and 11.4% were transferred) and 10.4% were lost to follow-up. The prevalence of chronic hypoxaemia was 2.1% in the total screened population, representing 8.8% of patients who were hypoxaemic on admission. Chronic hypoxaemia was determined at 1-month post-discharge among 59/86 patients and based on prior documentation among 27/86 patients.ConclusionHypoxaemia is highly prevalent among adults admitted to a general medicine ward at a national referral hospital in Kenya. Nearly 1 in 11 patients who are hypoxaemic on admission are chronically hypoxaemic.

ObjectivesChronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a disease associated with ageing. However, actual age does not accurately reflect the degree of biological ageing. Phenotypic age (PhenoAge) is a new indicator of biological ageing, and phenotypic age minus actual age is known as phenotypic age acceleration (PhenoAgeAccel). This research aimed to analyse the relationship between PhenoAgeAccel and lung function and COPD.DesignA cross-sectional study.ParticipantsData for the study were obtained from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2007–2010. We defined people with forced expiratory volume in 1 s/forced vital capacity <0.70 after inhaled bronchodilators as COPD and the rest of the population as non-COPD. Adults aged 40 years or older were enrolled in the study.Primary and secondary outcome measuresLinear and logistic regression were used to investigate the relationship between PhenoAgeAccel, lung function and COPD. Subgroup analysis was performed by gender, age, ethnicity and smoking index COPD. In addition, we analysed the relationship between the smoking index, respiratory symptoms and PhenoAgeAccel. Multiple models were used to reduce confounding bias.Results5397 participants were included in our study, of which 1042 had COPD. Compared with PhenoAgeAccel Quartile1, Quartile 4 had a 52% higher probability of COPD; elevated PhenoAgeAccel was also significantly associated with reduced lung function. Further subgroup analysis showed that high levels of PhenoAgeAccel had a more significant effect on lung function in COPD, older adults and whites (P for interaction <0.05). Respiratory symptoms and a high smoking index were related to higher indicators of ageing.ConclusionsOur study found that accelerated ageing is associated with the development of COPD and impaired lung function. Smoking cessation and anti-ageing therapy have potential significance in COPD.

Overuse of asthma relievers is associated with significant adverse consequences. This study aimed to better understand the population purchasing and using short-acting beta agonists (SABA) over the counter (OTC); and compare the demographic, clinical and behavioural characteristics of those who overuse SABA with those who do not. Real-world cross-sectional observational study in community pharmacy. Of 412 participants ≥16 years requesting SABA OTC, 289 were SABA overusers (used SABA more than twice per week in the past 4 weeks). Reliever use, Global Initiative for Asthma-defined control, healthcare utilisation, patterns of preventer use. 70.1% of participants were classified as SABA overusers, that is, reporting SABA use more than twice a week within the last 4 weeks, 73.6% reported not using a preventer daily and only 81.6% reported a doctor diagnosis of asthma. SABA overusers were more likely to have moderate-severe nasal symptoms (80.8% vs 63.0%, p<0.001) and a diagnosis of depression (11.1% vs 5.7%, p<0.001), when compared with SABA non-overusers. A higher proportion of SABA overusers had uncontrolled asthma (59.0% vs 15.4%, p<0.001), were more likely to use oral corticosteroids to manage worsening asthma symptoms (26.2% vs 13.5%, p<0.01) and visit the doctor for their asthma in the past 12 months (74.5% vs 62.5%, p<0.01), when compared to SABA non-overusers. This study uncovers a hidden population of people who can only be identified in pharmacy with suboptimal asthma, coexisting rhinitis, poor preventer adherence and, in some cases, no asthma diagnosis.

ObjectivesPhysical activity is widely recommended in the treatment and management of cystic fibrosis (CF). Despite the numerous physical and psychological benefits, many young people with CF are not achieving the recommended levels of physical activity. The aim of this systematic review was to identify and synthesise available qualitative investigations exploring the motives for, barriers to and facilitators of physical activity among young people with CF.MethodsThe following six electronic databases were systematically searched: Applied Social Sciences Index and Abstracts (ASSIA), CINAH, EMBASE, MEDLINE, MEDLINE-in-process, PsycINFO up to August 2019. Keywords were used to identify qualitative research that explored engagement in physical activity among young people with CF. Titles and abstracts were screened by two independent reviewers, and potentially relevant articles were retrieved in full. Articles were eligible for inclusion if they employed any qualitative method and recruited participants under the age of 24 years with CF. Risk of bias of included studies was assessed via the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme. Results were synthesised using a thematic approach.ResultsSeven studies met our inclusion criteria and were included in the review. Overall, studies were of moderate to high quality. Thematic synthesis identified nine main themes that encompass motives for, barriers to and facilitators of physical activity among young people with CF. These were (1) Perceptions of physical activity. (2) Value attributed to physical activity. (3) Social influences. (4) Competing priorities. (5) Fluctuating health. (6) Normality. (7) Control beliefs. (8) Coping strategies. (9) Availability of facilities. Previous reviews have been unable to identify intervention characteristics that influence physical activity behaviour.ConclusionsThis review provides detailed information on the physical (biological—clinical), psychological, social and environmental influences on physical activity behaviour, thus providing numerous targets for future interventions. This in turn could facilitate promotion of physical activity among young people with CF.

Lung ultrasound has been described for over a decade and international protocols exist for its application. It is a controversial area among pulmonologists and has had more uptake with emergency as well as intensive care physicians. We discuss the basics and evidence behind the use of lung ultrasound in respiratory failure, and what role we see it playing in the current 2019 novel coronavirus pandemic.

IntroductionChronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality globally. Early diagnosis and intervention are crucial for preventing disease progression. The concept of early COPD is considered to represent the initial phase of the disease course. However, different terms are used, and a standardised definition is lacking. This has hindered research and clinical utility. This systematic review aims first to examine current early COPD research and outline the definitions and terms used to help reach consensus and direct future clinical research. Second, it will identify currently proposed markers and tools for predicting the progression of early COPD and the quality of evidence to help direct future research and facilitate the development of novel management strategies.Methods and analysisThis study will search for all clinical studies on early COPD, using a standardised search strategy, searching CENTRAL (the Cochrane Library), MEDLINE (Ovid), PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science and Google Scholar. Titles and abstracts will be reviewed and compared against inclusion and exclusion criteria. Stage 1 of this review will assess the terms and definitions used for early COPD. Stage 2 will assess studies presenting additional markers or tools for predicting the progression of early COPD. Study quality will be assessed using a modified Downs and Black checklist for observational studies and the risk of bias (RoB) 2 tool for randomised controlled trials. This protocol has been registered in PROSPERO (CRD42025645320).Ethics and disseminationThis systematic review will use freely available data within the literature and will not directly involve human participants; therefore, ethical approval is not required. The results of this systematic review will be prepared and submitted for presentation as conference presentation(s) and for publication as a peer-reviewed article.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42025645320.

ObjectiveTo learn about the attitudes and behaviours of patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) in relation to the difficulties experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic.DesignA cross-sectional, multicentre phone call survey.SettingFour university hospitals in Turkey.ParticipantsThe study included patients with IPF receiving antifibrotics for at least 3 months and with doctor appointment and/or scheduled routine blood analysis between March and May 2020 (the first 3 months after the official announcement of the COVID-19 pandemic in Turkey).InterventionsPhone calls (a 5 min interview) were performed in June 2020. A questionnaire and the Hospital Anxiety-Depression Scale were applied.Main outcome measuresPatients’ preferences for disease monitoring, patients’ attitudes and behaviours towards IPF, drug continuation, COVID-19 diagnosis and anxiety/depression status.ResultsThe study included 115 patients with IPF (82 male; mean age, 68.43±7.44 years). Of the patients, 73.9% had doctor appointment and 52.2% had scheduled routine blood testing; 54.5% of patients with doctor appointment self-cancelled their appointments and 53.3% of patients with scheduled routine blood testing did not undergo testing. Of the patients, 32.2% were on nintedanib and 67.8% were on pirfenidone; self-initiated drug discontinuation rate was 22.6%. The percentage of patients communicating with their physicians was 35.7%. The route of communication was by phone (34.8%). The frequency of depression and anxiety was 27.0% and 38.3%, respectively. The rates of drug discontinuation (35.1% vs 16.7%, p<0.05) and depression (37.8% vs 21.8%, p=0.07) were higher in nintedanib users than in pirfenidone users. Only two (1.7%) patients had COVID-19 diagnosis.ConclusionsDuring the COVID-19 pandemic, a significant proportion (>50%) of patients self-cancelled their appointments and nearly a quarter of patients discontinued their medications. Providing a documentation of the problems experienced by patients with IPF about management of the necessary requirements during the COVID-19 pandemic, this study may be a model for patients with chronic diseases.