Treatment Pathways Before and After Triple Therapy in COPD: A Population-based Study in Primary Care in Spain

BackgroundRecent data from real world clinical practices on the use of Triple Therapy (TT) in patients with COPD are scarce.MethodsObservational population-based study with longitudinal follow-up in patients with COPD identified in a primary care electronic medical records database in Catalonia, covering 80% of the general population. The aims were to characterize COPD patients who initiated TT and to describe treatment pathways before and after TT initiation. Time to and probability of step down or complete discontinuation of TT was described using restricted mean survival time and Kaplan?Meier analysis.ResultsA total of 34,018 COPD patients initiated TT during the study period. Of them, 23,867 (70.1%) were GOLD A/B. 18,453 (54.2%) were non-exacerbators, 9931 (29.2%) infrequent exacerbators, 5634 (16.5%) frequent exacerbators and 1923 (5.6%) had asthma-COPD overlap. Drugs most frequently used prior to initiation of TT were long-acting antimuscarinics (22.5%) and combination of long-acting beta2 agonists/inhaled corticosteroids (15.2%). A total of 11,666 (34.3%) stepped down and 1091 (3.2%) discontinued TT during follow-up. Step down following TT was more likely in patients with severe COPD, especially during the first year; however, discontinuation was more common among patients with mild COPD.ConclusionMost patients initiating treatment with TT were non exacerbators and continued on the same treatment over time regardless severity of disease. Stepping down was more frequent in severe patients, while discontinuation was more common among mild patients. Overall, it appears that TT is extensively used in primary care for treatment of patients with COPD.     

American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery consensus statement on laparoscopic adjustable gastric band management

BackgroundLaparoscopic adjustable gastric band (LAGB) management continues to be an important part of many metabolic and bariatric surgery practices.ObjectivesTo replace the existing American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) LAGB adjustment credentialing guidelines for physician extenders with consensus statements that reflect the current state of LAGB management.SettingASMBS Integrated Health Clinical Issues Committee.MethodsA modified Delphi process using a 2-stage consensus approach was conducted on LAGB management. Thirty-four consensus statements were developed following a literature search on a wide range of LAGB topics. A 5-point Likert scale was implemented to measure consensus agreement with a Delphi panel of 39 expert participants who were invited and agreed to participate in 2 rounds of Delphi questionnaires. Consensus was set a priori at 75% agreement, defined as the proportion of participants responding with agreement (i.e., 4 or 5) or disagreement (i.e., 1 or 2) on the Likert scale.ResultsConsensus was reached on 74% (25 of 34) of the LAGB management statements. In Delphi round 1, 95% (37 of 39) of the participants responded to 34 consensus statements; 21 of the statements (62%) met the 75% criteria for consensus. Thirty-one participants (80%) responded in round 2, shifting the agreement on 4 more statements to the 75% threshold.ConclusionThe ASMBS consensus statement on LAGB management is intended to guide practice with current evidence-based knowledge and professional experience. The ASMBS is not a credentialing body and does not seek to guide credentialing with this document.     

EAU-ESMO Consensus Statements on the Management of Advanced and Variant Bladder Cancer—An International Collaborative Multistakeholder Effort2: Under the Auspices of the EAU-ESMO Guidelines Committees

BackgroundAlthough guidelines exist for advanced and variant bladder cancer management, evidence is limited/conflicting in some areas and the optimal approach remains controversial.ObjectiveTo bring together a large multidisciplinary group of experts to develop consensus statements on controversial topics in bladder cancer management.DesignA steering committee compiled proposed statements regarding advanced and variant bladder cancer management which were assessed by 113 experts in a Delphi survey. Statements not reaching consensus were reviewed; those prioritised were revised by a panel of 45 experts prior to voting during a consensus conference.SettingOnline Delphi survey and consensus conference.ParticipantsThe European Association of Urology (EAU), the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO), experts in bladder cancer management.Outcome measurements and statistical analysisStatements were ranked by experts according to their level of agreement: 1–3 (disagree), 4–6 (equivocal), and 7–9 (agree). A priori (level 1) consensus was defined as ≥70% agreement and ≤15% disagreement, or vice versa. In the Delphi survey, a second analysis was restricted to stakeholder group(s) considered to have adequate expertise relating to each statement (to achieve level 2 consensus).Results and limitationsOverall, 116 statements were included in the Delphi survey. Of these statements, 33 (28%) achieved level 1 consensus and 49 (42%) achieved level 1 or 2 consensus. At the consensus conference, 22 of 27 (81%) statements achieved consensus. These consensus statements provide further guidance across a broad range of topics, including the management of variant histologies, the role/limitations of prognostic biomarkers in clinical decision making, bladder preservation strategies, modern radiotherapy techniques, the management of oligometastatic disease, and the evolving role of checkpoint inhibitor therapy in metastatic disease.ConclusionsThese consensus statements provide further guidance on controversial topics in advanced and variant bladder cancer management until a time when further evidence is available to guide our approach.Patient summaryThis report summarises findings from an international, multistakeholder project organised by the EAU and ESMO. In this project, a steering committee identified areas of bladder cancer management where there is currently no good-quality evidence to guide treatment decisions. From this, they developed a series of proposed statements, 71 of which achieved consensus by a large group of experts in the field of bladder cancer. It is anticipated that these statements will provide further guidance to health care professionals and could help improve patient outcomes until a time when good-quality evidence is available.     

External Assessment of the GEMA2009 Recommendations by a Multidisciplinary Expert Panel on Asthma

ObjectivesTo assess the level of agreement on the GEMA 2009 clinical recommendations by a Spanish expert panel on asthma.Materials and methodsThe study was divided into four stages: 1) establishment of a 9 member scientific committee (GEMA authors) for selection of GEMA recommendations to use in the survey; 2) formation of a panel of 74 professionals with expertise in this field (pulmonologists, allergists, family doctors, ear, nose and throat and paediatric specialists); 3) Delphi survey in two rounds, sent by mail, with intermediate processing of opinions and a report to the panel members; and 4) analysis and discussion of results for the Scientific Committee.ResultsSeventy four participants completed the two rounds of survey. During the first round, a consensus was reached in 49 out of 56 questions analysed. Following discussion by the panel, the consensus was increased to a total of 53 items in the survey. With respect to the remaining questions, Insufficient consensus was obtained on the rest of the questions, due to differing views between sub-specialists, or lack of criteria by most of the experts.ConclusionsThe external analysis by asthma experts from different specialities showed a high level of professional agreement with the GEMA 2009 recommendations in Spain (96.5 %). The disagreement shown in three recommendations reflect the lack of a high level evidence. These issues represent areas of interest for future research.     

Relationship between exacerbation frequency and lung function decline in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

BACKGROUND: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is characterised by both an accelerated decline in lung function and periods of acute deterioration in symptoms termed exacerbations. The aim of this study was to investigate whether these are related. METHODS: Over 4 years, peak expiratory flow (PEF) and symptoms were measured at home daily by 109 patients with COPD (81 men; median (IQR) age 68.1 (63-74) years; arterial oxygen tension (PaO(2)) 9.00 (8.3-9.5) kPa, forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV(1)) 1.00 (0.7-1.3) l, forced vital capacity (FVC) 2.51 (1.9-3.0) l); of these, 32 (29 men) recorded daily FEV(1). Exacerbations were identified from symptoms and the effect of frequent or infrequent exacerbations (> or < 2.92 per year) on lung function decline was examined using cross sectional, random effects models. RESULTS: The 109 patients experienced 757 exacerbations. Patients with frequent exacerbations had a significantly faster decline in FEV(1) and peak expiratory flow (PEF) of -40.1 ml/year (n=16) and -2.9 l/min/year (n=46) than infrequent exacerbators in whom FEV(1) changed by -32.1 ml/year (n=16) and PEF by -0.7 l/min/year (n=63). Frequent exacerbators also had a greater decline in FEV(1) if allowance was made for smoking status. Patients with frequent exacerbations were more often admitted to hospital with longer length of stay. Frequent exacerbations were a consistent feature within a patient, with their number positively correlated (between years 1 and 2, 2 and 3, 3 and 4). CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that the frequency of exacerbations contributes to long term decline in lung function of patients with moderate to severe COPD.     

Distal rectus femoris surgery in children with cerebral palsy: results of a Delphi consensus project

PurposeThe purpose of this study was for an international panel of experts to establish consensus indications for distal rectus femoris surgery in children with cerebral palsy (CP) using a modified Delphi method.MethodsThe panel used a five-level Likert scale to record agreement or disagreement with 33 statements regarding distal rectus femoris surgery. The panel responded to statements regarding general characteristics, clinical indications, computerized gait data, intraoperative techniques and outcome measures. Consensus was defined as at least 80% of responses being in the highest or lowest two of the five Likert ratings, and general agreement as 60% to 79% falling into the highest or lowest two ratings. There was no agreement if neither threshold was reached.ResultsConsensus or general agreement was reached for 17 of 33 statements (52%). There was general consensus that distal rectus femoris surgery is better for stiff knee gait than is proximal rectus femoris release. There was no consensus about whether the results of distal rectus femoris release were comparable to those following distal rectus femoris transfer. Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) level was an important factor for the panel, with the best outcomes expected in children functioning at GMFCS levels I and II. The panel also reached consensus that they do distal rectus femoris surgery less frequently than earlier in their careers, in large part reflecting the narrowing of indications for this surgery over the last decade.ConclusionThis study can help paediatric orthopaedic surgeons optimize decision-making for, and outcomes of, distal rectus femoris surgery in children with CP.Level of evidenceV     

Élaboration et validation d’une fiche d’aide à la décision de limitation ou d’arrêt des traitements aux urgences

ObjectivesActive treatment withholding and withdrawing decisions in the emergency room (ER) must be taken collegially according to ethical and juridical statements. Specific tools can support this process and our main goal was to create and validate such a tool.MethodWe created a first version of a tool to help for treatment withholding and withdrawing decisions inspired by similar documents from literature. Every item of this tool was then assessed by a group of experts (ER physicians and nurses) using the Delphi method to reach a consensus.ResultsThirty-four experts from eleven ER (academic, regional centre) were included and participate to the first round and twenty-seven to the second round. From the eighty-two-item tool, sixty-five items reach a consensus during these two rounds and were kept to constitute the final version of the tool.ConclusionWe have been able to create a tool to help for treatment withholding and withdrawing decisions adapted to the guidelines for end of life patient's management in the ER. This tool has been validated using a Delphi method by a group of experts from different centres. This multicentre validation will help for the diffusion and use of this tool in the different ER of the Rhône-Alpes region.     

Recurrent pulmonary exacerbations are associated with low fat free mass and low bone mineral density in young adults with cystic fibrosis

BackgroundIn cystic fibrosis (CF), systemic inflammation and pulmonary infections sustain a catabolic response leading to fat free mass (FFM) depletion.ObjectivesTo investigate the association between recurrent pulmonary exacerbations and alteration in body composition in young adults with CF.MethodsIn a retrospective study we collected body composition data, obtained by DXA scan, on 85 young adults with CF (44 males, mean age 23 ± 4 years). Whole body and appendicular FFM were divided by height squared to obtain FFM indices (FFMI). Number of pulmonary exacerbations occurred in the year preceding DXA scan were computed and patients were defined as frequent exacerbators if they experienced more than 2 pulmonary exacerbations/year. Body composition data were compared between frequent and infrequent exacerbators.ResultsMale patients classified as frequent exacerbators had lower total body bone mineral density (Z-score − 1.44 ± 1.22 vs. − 0.66 ± 0.92, P = 0.033), whole body FFMI (18.0 ± 1.9 kg/m² vs. 19.3 ± 1.4 kg/m², P = 0.024) and appendicular FFMI (7.8 ± 1.0 kg/m² vs. 8.8 ± 0.8 kg/m² P = 0.004) compared to infrequent exacerbators. The reduced FFM found in frequent exacerbators was not uniformly distributed and involved mainly appendicular FFM (mean difference: − 11% compared to infrequent exacerbators, P = 0.016), whereas trunk FFM was not significantly affected by pulmonary exacerbations (mean difference − 3% compared to infrequent exacerbators, P = 0.34). These differences were not found in female patients.ConclusionsRecurrent pulmonary exacerbations are associated with reduced appendicular FFM and bone mineral density in young male adults with CF. The gender-dependent relationship between pulmonary exacerbations and body composition alteration needs to be further investigated.     

Italian recommendations on enzymatic debridement in burn surgery

IntroductionNexobrid®, a bromelain-based type of enzymatic debridement, has become more prevalent in recent years. We present the recommendations on enzymatic debridement (Nexobrid®)’s role based on the practice knowledge of expert Italian users.MethodsThe Italian recommendations, endorsed by SIUST (Italian Society of Burn Surgery), on using enzymatic debridement to remove eschars for burn treatment were defined. The definition followed a process to evaluate the level of agreement (a measure of consensus) among selected experts, representing Italian burn centers, concerning defined clinical aspects of enzymatic debridement. The consensus involved a multi-phase process based on the Delphi method.ResultsThe consensus panel included experts from Italy with a combined experience of 1068 burn patients treated with enzymatic debridement. At the end of round 3 of the Delphi method, the panel reached 100% consensus on 26 out of 27 statements. The panel achieved full, strong consensus (all respondents strongly agreed on the statement) on 24 out of 27 statements.DiscussionThe statements provided by the Italian consensus panel represent a “ready to use” set of recommendations for enzymatic debridement in burn surgery that both draw from and complete the existing scientific literature on the topic. These recommendations are specific to the Italian experience and are neither static nor definitive. As such, they will be updated periodically as further quality evidence becomes available.     

Blood Eosinophil Counts and Their Variability and Risk of Exacerbations in COPD: A Population-Based Study

BackgroundThere is controversy regarding the role of blood eosinophil levels as a biomarker of exacerbation risk in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Our aim was to quantify blood eosinophil levels and determine the risk of exacerbations associated with these levels and their variability.MethodsObservational, retrospective, population-based study with longitudinal follow-up in patients with COPD identified in a primary care electronic medical record database in Catalonia, Spain, covering 80% of the general population. Patients were classified into 4 groups using the following cut-offs: (a) <150 cells/μl; (b) ≥150 and <300 cells/μl; (c) ≥300 and <500 cells/μl; (d) ≥500 cells/μl.ResultsA total of 57,209 patients were identified with a mean age of 70.2 years, a mean FEV1(% predicted) of 64.1% and 51.6% had at least one exacerbation the previous year. The number of exacerbations in the previous year was higher in patients with the lowest and the highest eosinophil levels compared with the intermediate groups. During follow-up the number of exacerbations was slightly higher in the group with the lowest blood eosinophil levels and in those with higher variability in eosinophil counts, but ROC curves did not identify a reliable threshold of blood eosinophilia to discriminate an increased risk of exacerbations.ConclusionsOur results do not support the use of blood eosinophil count as a reliable biomarker of the risk of exacerbation in COPD in a predominantly non-exacerbating population. Of note was that the small group of patients with the highest variability in blood eosinophils more frequently presented exacerbations.     

Effect of exacerbations on quality of life in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a 2 year follow up study

BACKGROUND: A study was undertaken to evaluate exacerbations and their impact on the health related quality of life (HRQL) of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). METHODS: A 2 year follow up study was performed in 336 patients with COPD of mean (SD) age 66 (8.2) years and mean (SD) forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV(1)) 33 (8)% predicted. Spirometric tests, questions regarding exacerbations of COPD, and HRQL measurements (St George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) and SF-12 Health Survey) were conducted at 6 month intervals. RESULTS: A total of 1015 exacerbations were recorded, and 103 (30.7%) patients required at least one hospital admission during the study. After adjustment for baseline characteristics and season of assessment, frequent exacerbations had a negative effect on HRQL in patients with moderate COPD (FEV(1) 35-50% predicted); the change in SGRQ total score of moderate patients with > or =3 exacerbations was almost two points per year greater (worse) than those with <3 exacerbations during the follow up (p = 0.042). For patients with severe COPD (FEV(1) <35% predicted) exacerbations had no effect on HRQL. The change in SGRQ total score of patients admitted to hospital was almost 2 points per year greater (worse) than patients not admitted, but this effect failed to show statistical significance in any severity group. There was a significant and independent seasonal effect on HRQL since SGRQ total scores were, on average, 3 points better in measurements performed in spring/summer than in those measured in the winter (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Frequent exacerbations significantly impair HRQL of patients with moderate COPD. A significant and independent effect of seasonality was also observed.     

Clinical characteristics and risk of exacerbations associated with different diagnostic criteria of asthma-COPD overlap

IntroductionThere is currently no universally accepted definition of asthma−COPD overlap (ACO).ObjectiveTo compare the prevalence of ACO in patients with asthma or COPD, and to assess their clinical characteristics and the capacity of the different definitions to predict the risk of exacerbation.MethodProspective observational study with a 12-month follow-up in an asthma cohort and a COPD cohort. Four diagnostic criteria were compared: A) the Spanish 2012 consensus; B) the 2016 international consensus; C) the 2017 consensus between the Spanish COPD guidelines (GesEPOC) and GEMA asthma guidelines; and D) the single criterion of ≥300 eosinophils/μL, proposed by GOLD 2019. The risk of exacerbations was evaluated in each group.ResultsA total of 345 patients were included, 233 (67.5%) with COPD and 112 (32.5%) with asthma, aged 63 ± 14 years, 70.4% men. Fifteen (4.3%) patients met the criteria for ACO according to the criteria described under A above; 30 (8.7%) with the criteria of B; 118 (34.2%) with the criteria of C; and 97 (28.1%), with the D criterion. The ACO-COPD subtype were older, had worse lung function, and an increased risk of exacerbation compared with the ACO-asthma group. Of all the definitions evaluated, those which distinguished a higher risk of exacerbations were the GesEPOC-GEMA consensus and the GOLD proposal.ConclusionsThe prevalence of ACO varies enormously depending on the diagnostic criteria used. The ACO population is heterogeneous, and the ACO-COPD subtype is very different from the ACO-asthma subtype. The definitions that include eosinophilia identify ACO patients with a greater risk of exacerbation.     

Consensus document on the overlap phenotype COPD-asthma in COPD

IntroductionAlthough asthma and COPD are different pathologies, many patients share characteristics from both entities. These cases can have different evolutions and responses to treatment. Nevertheless, the evidence available is limited, and it is necessary to evaluate whether they represent a differential phenotype and provide recommendations about diagnosis and treatment, in addition to identifying possible gaps in our understanding of asthma and COPD.MethodsA nation-wide consensus of experts in COPD in two stages: (1) during an initial meeting, the topics to be dealt with were established and a first draft of statement was elaborated with a structured “brainstorming” method; (2) consensus was reached with two rounds of e-mails, using a Likert-type scale.ResultsConsensus was reached about the existence of a differential clinical phenotype known as “Overlap Phenotype COPD–Asthma”, whose diagnosis is made when 2 major criteria and 2 minor criteria are met. The major criteria include very positive bronchodilator test (increase in FEV₁ ≥15% and ≥400 ml), eosinophilia in sputum and personal history of asthma. Minor criteria include high total IgE, personal history of atopy and positive bronchodilator test (increase in FEV₁ ≥12% and ≥200 ml) on two or more occasions. The early use of individually adjusted inhaled corticosteroids is recommended, and caution must be taken with their abrupt withdrawal. Meanwhile, in severe cases the use of triple therapy should be evaluated. Finally, there is an obvious lack of specific studies about the natural history and the treatment of these patients.ConclusionsIt is necessary to expand our knowledge about this phenotype in order to establish adequate guidelines and recommendations for its diagnosis and treatment.     

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease History Assessment in Spain: A Multidimensional Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Evaluation. Study Methods and Organization

IntroductionThis present paper describes the method and the organization of the study known as the COPD History Assessment In SpaiN (CHAIN), whose main objective is to evaluate the long-term natural history of a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patient cohort from a multidimensional standpoint and to identify clinical phenotypes, in comparison with another non-COPD control cohort.Patients and methodsCHAIN is a multicenter, observational study of prospective cohorts carried out at 36 Spanish hospitals. Both cohorts will be followed-up during a 5-year study period with complete office visits every 12 months and telephone interviews every 6 months in order to evaluate exacerbations and the vital state of the subjects. The recruitment period for cases was between 15 January 2010 and 31 March 2012. At each annual visit, information will be collected on: (i) clinical aspects (socio-economic situation, anthropometric data, comorbidities, smoking, respiratory symptoms, exacerbations, quality of life, anxiety-depression scale, daily life activities, treatments); (ii) respiratory function (spirometry, blood gases, hyperinflation, diffusion, respiratory pressures); (iii) BODE index (main study variable); (iv) peripheral muscle function, and (v) blood work-up (including IgE and cardiovascular risk factors). In addition, a serum bank will be created for the future determination of biomarkers. The data of the patients are anonymized in a database with a hierarchical access control in order to guarantee secure information access. The CHAIN study will provide information about the progression of COPD and it will establish a network of researchers for future projects related with COPD.     

Acute Exacerbation According to GOLD 2017 Categories in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

IntroductionThe association between GOLD categorizations and future exacerbations has not been fully investigated. This study elucidates whether the GOLD 2017 classification is associated with different future exacerbation risk in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) compared with the previous GOLD categorization. Another objective was to investigate the impacts of the symptoms and FEV1 on the predicted future exacerbation independently of previous exacerbation history.MethodsWe analyzed patients from three prospective COPD cohorts (SNUH, KOCOSS, and KOLD) and evaluated the risk of moderate to severe exacerbation among different models, including GOLD grade (FEV1), GOLD 2011, and GOLD 2017.ResultsIn total, 611 COPD patients were included (36 from SNUH, 257 from KOCOSS, and 318 from KOLD). GOLD 2017 classification, excluding FEV1% for categorization criteria, showed no differences in future exacerbation risk compared with GOLD grade and GOLD 2011 based on c-statistics. Among those with no frequent exacerbation history and FEV1 ≥50%, the group with more symptoms was significantly associated with future exacerbations than the group with less symptoms. A lower FEV1 (FEV1 <50%) was not associated with a higher future exacerbation risk than a higher FEV1 (FEV1 ≥50%), regardless of prior exacerbation history and symptom group.ConclusionThe GOLD 2017 classification was not different from GOLD grade and GOLD 2011 regarding the association with future exacerbation risk, and there were no significant differences in exacerbation risk according to FEV1%. This suggests that FEV1 might not be an important factor in future exacerbation risk. These results partly support the GOLD 2017 assessment tool.     

External validation of the recommendations of the multidisciplinary consensus about inhaled therapies

The understanding of physicians and the skill of patients in the use of inhalers continues to be inadequate.ObjectiveThe external validation, by an expert panel, of practical clinical recommendations that had been developed in order to improve the knowledge and understanding of correct inhaled therapy use.MethodsAfter a bibliographic review about inhaled therapies, 40 clinical recommendations were proposed. A two-round modified Delphi consensus was used to compare the opinions of a panel of 59 experts about the recommendations, which were grouped into 8 areas: general aspects (4), inhaled drugs (9), pressurized metered-dose and spacer inhalers (6), powder inhalers (4), nebulizers (3), devices for mechanical ventilation (3), inhalers for children (5) and issues related with compliance and education (6).ResultsAfter the first round of the consensus panel, 35 of the 40 recommendations analyzed were accepted. At the end of round 2, agreement was reached in 39 (97.5%). In 8 (20%), the consensus was unanimous (100%). Item 14 was deleted from the recommendations as consensus was not reached.ConclusionsThe external validation by experts in inhaled therapy found a high level of agreement with the clinical recommendations proposed. This consensus provides a tool that could contribute to the improved use of inhalers in our country in the future.     

Consenso experto sobre la evidencia científica disponible acerca del uso de toxina botulínica en vejiga hiperactiva

ObjectivesOveractive bladder (OAB) is a pathology impairing patients’ quality of life and with a high percentage of patients who are refractory to medication. In this paper, technical opinion of an «expert panel» is assessed in order to gain the most reliable professional consensus on scientific evidence available on the criteria of use of Onabotulinumtoxin A (OnabotA) in OAB.Material and methodsaccording to DELPHI method, 42 panelists answered a survey of 93 items divided into four strategic areas including clinical criteria and recommendations in order to improve, at different levels, the current approach to patients with OAB. The recent advances in the field, areas of controversy and their real application possibilities in the different areas of our health care system were taken into consideration.ResultsTwo rounds of the questionnaire were completed by all experts. In the first round, a criteria consensus was reached for 64 of 93 (68.8%) questions analyzed; in the second round the consensus reached was for 83 items evaluated (89.25%). An agreement among panelist was reached for: 1) definition, classification, detection and differential diagnosis; 2) medical treatment; 3) surgical treatment; 4) role of OnabotA in the treatment of OAB.Conclusionsthe consensus is broadly in line with the latest scientific evidence on OAB. The panelists believe that it is necessary to propose a change in the current definition of OAB and that it seems necessary to improve the screening tools too. Medical treatment of OAB must be tailored to each patient, staged and progressive. The use of OnabotA (Botox^®) could imply therapeutic advantages with respect to other treatments, and positions itself as a safe and effective alternative to treat drug refractory OAB.     

A modified-delphi study establishing consensus in the therapeutic management of posttrauamtic elbow stiffness

Study Design: Web-based modified Delphi study.Background: Therapy is widely considered the first choice of treatment for posttraumatic stiffness of the elbow since loss of motion is a common sequela following traumatic elbow injuries. There is high variability in practice patterns for the management of the posttraumtic elbow.Purpose: The aim of this study is to identify the current therapeutic management of posttraumatic elbow stiffness using expert consensus.Methods: This study surveyed experts using a web-based 3 round modified Delphi method. Quantitative data and comments were collected during the first round. Questions with Likert scaling were used to identify consensus (defined as 75% agreement) with each statement and comment boxes enabled open-ended responses to gather expert opinion. Lack of consensus and data from comments guided the second-round of the survey. This process was repeated after Round 2 to develop the Round 3 survey. Consensus was achieved at Round 3 and no further rounds were needed.Results: Round 1 included 34 experts (response rate 20%), not all experts were able to continue through all rounds. Round 2 included 18 experts and Round 3 included 15 experts. Survey items were categorized as follows: examination procedures, therapeutic interventions, orthotic intervention considerations, contributing patient factors, and clinical decisions and rehabilitation challenges. Twenty-five percent of items achieved consensus after Round 1, 30% after Round 2 and 52% after Round 3. Although most participants agreed that orthotic intervention is critical to patient outcomes, there were conflicting thoughts about the orthotic design and wearing schedule.Conclusions: The findings of this web-based modified Delphi study helped to establish a current body of knowledge using expert consensus to guide practice and identify specific questions that can be studied in future clinical studies on posttraumatic elbow stiffness.     

Managing patients with rheumatic diseases during the COVID-19 pandemic: The French Society of Rheumatology answers to most frequently asked questions up to May 2020

BackgroundRheumatologists must contend with COVID-19 pandemic in the management of their patients and many questions have been raised on the use of both anti-inflammatory drugs and disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARD). The French Society of Rheumatology (SFR) selected the most critical ones to the daily practice of a rheumatologist and a group of 10 experts from SFR and Club Rheumatism and Inflammation (CRI) boards proposed responses based on the current knowledge of May 2020.MethodsFollowing the availability of the first 18 questions and statements, 1400 individuals consulted the frequently asked questions between the March 31, 2020 and April 12, 2020. As a result, 16 additional questions were forwarded to the SFR, and answered by the board. An additional round of review by email and video conference was organized, which included updates of the previous statements. The scientific relevance of 5 of the questions led to their inclusion in this document. Each response received a final assessment on a scale of 0–10 with 0 meaning no agreement whatsoever and 10 being in complete agreement. The mean values of these votes for each question are presented as the levels of agreement (LoA) at the end of each response. This document was last updated on April 17, 2020.ResultsBased on current scientific literature already published, in most circumstances, there is no contraindication to the initiation or continuation of anti-inflammatory drugs as well as DMARDs. If signs suggestive of infection (coronavirus or other) occur, treatments should be discontinued and resumed, if necessary, after 2 weeks without any symptoms. Only, some signals suggest that people taking an immunosuppressive dose of corticosteroid therapy are at greater risk of developing severe COVID-19. Intra-articular injections of glucocorticoids are allowed when there is no reasonable therapeutic alternative, and providing that precautions to protect the patient and the practitioner from viral contamination are adopted, included appropriate information to the patient.conclusionsCurrently available data on managing patients with rheumatic diseases during the COVID-19 pandemic are reassuring and support continuing or initiating symptomatic as well as specific treatments of these diseases, the main target of their management remaining their appropriate control, even during this pandemic.     

Relationship between airway inflammation and the frequency of exacerbations in patients with smoking related COPD

BACKGROUND: Patients with more frequent exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) may have increased bronchial inflammation. Airway inflammation was measured in patients who had been thoroughly investigated with full pulmonary function testing, thoracic HRCT scanning, and sputum microbiology to examine further the relationship between exacerbation frequency and bronchial inflammation. METHODS: Airway inflammation (spontaneous sputum sol phase myeloperoxidase (MPO), elastase, leukotriene (LT)B(4), interleukin (IL)-8, secretory leukoprotenase inhibitor (SLPI), protein leakage) and serum levels of C reactive protein (CRP) were compared in 40 patients with stable, smoking related COPD, divided into those with frequent (> or =3/year) or infrequent (< or =2/year) exacerbations according to the number of primary care consultations during the preceding year. The comparisons were repeated after excluding eight otherwise clinically indistinguishable patients who had tubular bronchiectasis on the HRCT scan. RESULTS: Patients with frequent (n=12) and infrequent (n=28) exacerbations were indistinguishable in terms of their clinical, pulmonary function, and sputum characteristics, CRP concentrations, and all of their bronchial inflammatory parameters (p>0.05). The patients without evidence of tubular bronchiectasis (n=32) were equally well matched but the sputum concentrations of SLPI were significantly lower in the frequent exacerbators (n=8) in this subset analysis (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: There are several clinical features that directly influence bronchial inflammation in COPD. When these were carefully controlled for, patients with more frequent reported exacerbations had lower sputum concentrations of SLPI. This important antiproteinase is also known to possess antibacterial and antiviral activity. Further studies are required into the nature of recurrent exacerbations and, in particular, the regulation and role of SLPI in affected individuals.