选择性支气管单向活瓣置入术治疗老年难治性气胸3例伴文献复习

目的：观察经支气管镜下置入单向活瓣(EBV)行肺减容术(BLVR)治疗难治性气胸的临床效果及不良反应。方法2015年6月至12月我院呼吸科病房收治3例男性老年气胸患者,均为经胸腔闭式引流术治疗2周以上未愈者,胸腔引流管直径均≥16F。所有患者均在局部麻醉条件下接受支气管镜操作,采用 Chartis 肺旁路通气评估系统确定引起气胸的靶肺叶,并应用 EBV 治疗。结果3例患者分别置入2~5枚不同直径的 EBV,术后7~10 d 拔除引流管。结论 BLVR 治疗难治性气胸的作用机制与治疗非均质性肺气肿基本一致,在靶肺叶所属支气管内置入相应内径的 EBV,使胸腔内气体经 EBV 引流出来,同时又阻止气体随吸气动作通过支气管胸膜瘘口进入胸腔,进而促使瘘口逐渐愈合。BLVR 安全性高,不良反应较少,老年患者也可耐受,值得临床推荐。     

经支气管镜肺减容术的历史沿革与研究进展

肺气肿是慢性阻塞性肺疾病( 简称慢阻肺) 的特征之一,可引起肺过度充气,膈肌活动度减低,肺顺应性 下降,气体交换障碍。药物治疗对伴有重度肺气肿的慢阻肺患者临床疗效有限。近年来,经支气管镜肺减容术 (bronchoscopic lung volume reduction, BLVR) 的出现为慢阻肺合并重度肺气肿的治疗带来了希望。文章对目前 BLVR 的发展过程及常见的BLVR 的实施方法和疗效做一归纳总结。     

经支气管镜肺减容术的研究及其临床应用

经支气管镜肺减容术（ bronchoscopic lung volume reduction,BLVR） 是在不开胸的情况下达到肺减容的目的，以减少肺减容术后并发症，为终末期COPD患者的治疗提供新的方法。与外科肺减容术比较BLVR的创伤小、费用低、术后恢复时间短、并发症少，且可以调整置入活瓣的位置或取出。基于以上优点，严重肺气肿不能耐受手术的患者可以接受BLVR。笔者结合文献介绍BLVR的国内外研究和临床应用现状。     

芬太尼和雷米芬太尼靶控输注对单肺通气期间肺内分流的影响

目的比较芬太尼和雷米芬太尼靶控输注（TCI）用于单肺通气的效果。方法将58例拟行肺叶切除手术的患者随机分为Ⅰ组和Ⅱ组各29例,分别施行芬太尼-异丙酚和雷米芬太尼-异丙酚TCI的全静脉麻醉。诱导插管成功后分别于平卧位双肺通气20min（T1）、左侧卧位双肺通气20min（T2）及左侧单肺通气20min（T3）、40min（T4）、60min（L）行血气分析,计算肺内分流率（Qs／Qt）,并记录脉搏氧饱和度（SpO2）、平均动脉压（MAP）、中心静脉压（CVP）、HR及拔管时间。结果平卧位转为侧卧位、双肺通气转为单肺通气时两组Qs/Qt均明显增加（P〈0．05）;两组Qs／Qt在T3时均最大、在T1最低,其中T3、L时Ⅰ组少于Ⅱ组（P均〈0．05）;术后Ⅰ组的拔管时间长于Ⅱ组（P〈0．05）;两组术中SpO2均≥92％,MAP、CVP、HR无显著差异。结论与雷米芬太尼比较,芬太尼TCI对单肺通气时肺内分流影响更小,可安全有效地用于时间〈2h的手术。     

体外循环膜氧合支持下全肺灌洗治疗肺泡蛋白沉积症一例并文献复习

目的提高对肺泡蛋白沉积症(PAP)患者肺灌洗治疗过程中低氧血症危险性的认识。方法介绍1例经病理证实的PAP患者体外循环膜氧合下的全肺灌洗治疗过程，并复习相关文献。结果57岁男性患者，因咳嗽和进行性呼吸困难12个月入院，动脉血氧分压(PaO2)为46mmHg(1mmHg=0．133kPa)，脉搏容积血氧饱和度(SpO2)85％～88％。胸部CT、经纤维支气管镜支气管肺泡灌洗和肺活检病理检查符合PAP。在手术室常规静脉全麻后，经口腔插入双腔管，分隔为通气肺和灌洗肺。两肺机械通气SpO2为80％～90％；当右侧单侧肺机械通气SpO2为68％～80％。于右股动脉和右股静脉插管，建立体外循环通道，开始静脉-动脉体外循环膜氧合(ECMO)支持，右侧单侧肺机械通气SpO2为89％～97％。左侧肺用总计20800ml生理盐水灌洗，灌洗期间SpO2为80％～94％；灌洗后，患者无呼吸困难。28d后未用ECMO完成右肺灌洗。1个月后复查CT示双肺浸润影基本消失。结论当PAP患者全肺灌洗操作前出现顽固的低氧血症，应考虑使用ECMO支持，以避免患者在全肺灌洗治疗中的危险低氧血症。     

单肺移植结合对侧肺减容术治疗终末期肺气肿一例

目的　探讨单肺移植结合对侧肺减容术治疗终末期肺气肿的手术适应证及疗效。方法　对 1例呼吸机依赖的重症肺气肿、肺功能严重下降的 4 7岁患者行左肺移植。术后第 7天因患者对侧肺逐渐过度膨胀致纵隔左移 ,压迫移植肺 ,而行右侧胸腔镜辅助小切口肺减容术。结果　肺减容术后第 1天患者纵隔移位明显改善 ,移植肺扩张良好 ;术后第 9、15天移植肺 2次出现急性排斥反应 ,用免疫抑制剂治疗 ,并于术后第 15天行气管切开、呼吸机间断辅助呼吸 ,病情缓解 ;术后第 2 4天患者下床活动 ,第 2 6天拔除气管插管 ;术后 2个月检查患者肺功能明显改善 ;术后第 71天出院。结论　单肺移植结合对侧肺减容术能治疗重症肺气肿单肺移植后的对侧肺过度膨胀 ,明显改善肺功能。     

经纤维支气管镜肺减容术对猪肺气肿并发症的影响及安全性

目的探讨经纤维支气管镜肺减容术(BLVR)治疗小型猪肺气肿动物模型的并发症发生率及BLVR的安全性。方法小型猪8只,制作出肺气肿动物模型。然后经纤维支气管镜置入单向活瓣装置,通过术前、术后的肺CT影像改变及肺组织病理改变,比较活瓣置入前后的效果。结果置入单向活瓣装置后猪左肺CT较实验前相比体积缩小,恢复正常的肺纹理。肺大体病理学观察:放置活瓣后,远端肺组织可见肺组织外观体积局限性缩小,颜色为暗褐色。HE染色后光镜下病理学观察,放置活瓣远端肺组织可见肺泡萎陷,明显与周围组织形成分界。结论经纤维支气管镜单向活瓣装置肺减容术是切实有效的,为晚期肺气肿的治疗提供了新思路、新方法;同时也为支气管单向活瓣装置的国产化提供了一个基本模型。     

胸腔镜肺段切除术治疗肺部疾病的临床疗效分析

目的探讨胸腔镜肺段切除术在肺部疾病治疗过程中的安全性、可行性及有效性。方法选取2011年1月~2013年12月安徽省立医院胸外科34例接受胸腔镜肺段切除术患者。回顾性分析临床资料,统计患者的手术时间、术中出血量以及术后并发症的发生情况。结果 34例患者均成功施行胸腔镜肺段切除术,平均手术时间(119.6±53.2)min,术中平均出血量(90.0±52.3)ml,术后平均留置胸引管时间(5.1±1.2)d,术后平均住院时间(6.2±1.9)d,无围手术期死亡病例,术后再次手术1例,持续性肺漏气≥7 d 2例,肺不张1例,均经保守治疗治愈。结论胸腔镜肺段切除术在治疗肺部良性疾病及早期肺癌方面是安全可行的,术中出血量较少,术后留置胸引管时间及术后住院时间短,手术时间及术后并发症并不相应增加。     

肺段切除在早期浸润性肺腺癌中的应用评价

目的探讨亚肺叶切除和肺叶切除在原发浸润性肺腺癌中的预后效果。 方法通过HIS系统(Hospital Information System)选择肿瘤大小在0～2 cm的原发浸润性肺腺癌患者作为研究对象。通过倾向性匹配分析来消除潜在的偏倚,使用Kaplan-Meier生存分析比较亚肺叶切除组和肺叶切除组的总体生存时间。 结果共纳入了154例肿瘤大小为0～2 cm的浸润性肺腺癌患者,其中肺段切除31例,肺叶切除123例,3年生存时间的分析的结果显示：肺段切除的预后和肺叶切除相似(OS: HR, 1.29(0.13-12.81),P＝0.81);154例浸润性腺癌患者术后10例出现并发症,其中肺段切除组1例(3.2%)出现持续漏气(超过7 d);肺叶切除组出现9例,2例出现持续漏气,1例出现肺部感染,2例出现皮下气肿,1例出现胸腔积液。基于年龄、性别、吸烟史、慢性病史、肿瘤大小及淋巴结清扫数目等变量进行倾向性匹配分析获得28对肺段切除和肺叶切除病例,两组的近期总体生存时间无明显统计学差异性(OS: HR, 2.50(0.12-52.20),P＝0.38)。 结论肺段切除可作为早期原发浸润性肺腺癌的可选治疗方法。     

外科肺活检诊断弥漫性实质性肺疾病的临床分析

目的评价外科肺活检诊断弥漫性实质性肺疾病的有效性和安全性。 方法回顾性分析南京鼓楼医院呼吸与危重症医学科2006年1月至2018年9月54例行外科肺活检的弥漫性实质性肺疾病患者的临床资料。 结果54例患者中,37例接受了电视辅助胸腔镜手术,17例接受了开胸肺活检,术后最常见的病理诊断是机化性肺炎,48例(88.9%)患者术后获得明确的诊断,术后38例(70.4%)患者根据诊断结果调整了治疗方案。术前接受小创伤肺活检未明确诊断的患者,接受外科肺活检后96%确诊。按术后有无并发症分为并发症组和无并发症二组。15例(27.8%)患者术后出现并发症,其中9例(16.7%)气胸,5例(9.3%)肺部感染,3例(5.6%)脱机困难,3例(5.6%)呼吸衰竭,1例(1.9%)术后再次插管,1例(1.9%)术后出血,1例(1.9%)进行气管切开。术后30 d病死率为1.9%,死亡原因主要是呼吸衰竭。术后并发症组和无并发症组在性别、年龄、FVC% pre、FEV₁%pre、DLCO% pre、术前PaO₂、术前激素使用情况和手术方式之间的差异没有统计学意义(P>0.05)。 结论对于结合临床病史、胸部高分辨率CT、实验室检查及小创伤肺活检资料仍诊断不明的弥漫性实质性肺疾病的患者,外科肺活检可作为最后一项有意义的检查方法,其诊断率为88.9%。外科肺活检是一项相对安全且可靠的诊断弥漫性实质性肺疾病的手段,但基础情况较差的患者,术后出现并发症的可能性较高,此类患者应尽量避免外科肺活检。     

Respiratory impedance following bronchoscopic or surgical lung volume reduction for emphysema

BACKGROUND: Bronchoscopic methods for achieving lung volume reduction (BLVR) are presently undergoing clinical trials, and will soon be clinically available. Understanding the differential effects of surgical volume reduction therapy (LVRS) and BLVR on lung and chest wall physiology will assist physicians in selecting an optimal approach for patients. OBJECTIVES: Determine whether LVRS adversely affects lung or chest wall physiology at 3-month follow-up relative to BLVR in an experimental model of sheep emphysema. METHODS: Twelve mixed-breed sheep were treated with papain to produce experimental emphysema, and were divided into control, LVRS, and BLVR treatment groups. Lung and chest wall impedance was measured at 0, 5, and 10 cm H2O positive end-expiratory pressure at baseline and 3-month follow-up. RESULTS: Emphysema was associated with increased airway resistance, decreased lung tissue resistance and elastance, and increased chest wall tissue resistance. Following treatment, equivalent increases in lung elastance occurred in the LVRS and BLVR groups compared to controls. LVRS did not adversely affect chest wall impedance despite causing extensive pleural scarring. CONCLUSIONS: (1) Experimental emphysema following prolonged papain exposure progresses after cessation of treatment. (2) BLVR and LVRS produced equivalent lung and chest wall impedance responses at 3-month follow-up. (3) LVRS did not adversely affect chest wall impedance despite being associated with extensive pleural scarring.     

Bronchoscopic lung volume reduction using tissue engineering principles

Bronchoscopic lung volume reduction (BLVR), a minimally invasive procedure based on tissue engineering principles, was performed in six sheep with papain-induced experimental emphysema (EMPH). Physiologic measurements, at baseline, after generation of EMPH, and at 3 and 9 weeks after BLVR, included lung volumes, diffusing capacity (DL(CO)), pressure-volume relationships for the lung and chest wall, pleural pressures generated during active respiratory muscle contraction, lung resistance and dynamic elastance. The animal model displayed hyperinflation (change in total lung capacity +8%; change in residual volume +66%), reduced DL(CO) (-21%), and elevated airway resistance (+76%) that resembled advanced human EMPH. BLVR was well tolerated without complications, and it reduced lung volumes (change in total lung capacity -16%; change in residual volume -55%) in a pattern that resulted in significant improvements in vital capacity (10%). At autopsy, well-organized, peripheral scars associated with tissue contraction were observed at 33 of the 36 (91%) treated sites. There was no evidence of infection, abscess, or granuloma formation, or allergic reaction. Scar tissue, generated by BLVR, replaced hyperinflated lung, reduced overall lung volume, and improved respiratory function safely and consistently. The BLVR technology employed in this study addresses the limitations identified in our prior attempt at BLVR therapy and appears safe and effective enough to justify a trial in humans.     

Clinical outcomes and quantitative CT analysis after bronchoscopic lung volume reduction using valves for advanced emphysema

BackgroundBronchoscopic lung volume reduction (BLVR) using Zephyr endobronchial valve (EBV) and intrabronchial valve (IBV) has been shown to improve lung function and exercise capacity in severe emphysema. However, changes in airway structures and whether these are related to the clinical improvements remain unclear.MethodsA retrospective study was performed on patients treated with BLVR. We compared changes in 2nd-, 3rd-, and 4th-generation bronchial structures after therapy, including wall thickness (WT), percentage of wall thickness (WT%), intraluminal area (LA), wall area (WA), and WA%. Responder and non-responder subgroup analysis according to minimum clinically important difference (MCID) which was defined as an improvement of 15% in forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV₁) and 26 m in 6 min walk distance (6MWD) was conducted.ResultsOf the 19 patients, 11 were treated with EBV and 8 with IBV. In ipsilateral non-target lobes, WT% decreased significantly in 3rd-generation bronchi at 1 month, 3, and 6 months, as well as their WA% at 1 month and 6 months. Non-responders, who were unable to achieve MCID, showed no consistent bronchial wall changes. And their LA of 3rd-generation bronchi decreased especially at 1 month. After BLVR, the target lobe volume decreased significantly until 12 months of follow-up. The volume of ipsilateral lobes could increase correspondingly and achieve the best improvements at 6 months. The contralateral lung volume showed slight amelioration but there was no statistical significance.ConclusionsBoth airway structures and lung volumes showed changes after BLVR. The 3rd- and 4th-bronchial walls tend to be thinner, which were consistent with clinical improvements. Further studies are needed to prove this conclusion and find detect potential mechanics.     

Screening for Bronchoscopic Lung Volume Reduction: Reasons for Not Receiving Interventional Treatment

Background

Evidence for bronchoscopic lung volume reduction (BLVR) is based on phase 2 studies and small randomized controlled trials with in- and exclusion criteria defining a therapeutic window and contraindications. Little is known about the applicability in routine clinical practice.

Aim

Which percentage of patients with severe emphysema referred to a specialized treatment center for BLVR is ultimately suitable for interventional bronchoscopic treatment? What is the relevance of the different contraindications?

Methods

Retrospective evaluation of emphysema patients referred to Asklepios Fachkliniken Munich-Gauting for BLVR between January 2014 and June 2015.

Results

138 patients were referred for evaluation of BLVR. 38 patients (27.5%) underwent BLVR procedures (valves n = 18; coils n = 18; thermal vapor ablation n = 2). 100 patients (72.5%) were deemed not eligible for BLVR based on the following contraindications: 34% emphysema morphology and emphysema-related findings (severe homogeneous emphysema, extensive pleuropulmonary adhesions, postinflammatory scaring with natural volume reduction, giant bullae), 16% active smoking; 9% pulmonary function not within indication range; 8% unexpected CT findings (nodules, cancer, interstitial disease); 8% chronic ventilatory failure; 8% patient refused BLVR; 5% relevant comorbidity; 5% frequent exacerbations, 3% preserved quality of life, 4% other.

Conclusion

BLVR is a therapeutic option for highly selected patients. In our cohort, one in four could be treated. These data highlight the limitations of BLVR under real-life conditions.

     

Long-term follow-up after bronchoscopic lung volume reduction in patients with emphysema

Bronchoscopic lung volume reduction (BLVR) is a novel emphysema therapy. We evaluated long-term outcome in patients with heterogeneous emphysema undergoing BLVR with one-way valves. 40 patients undergoing unilateral BLVR entered our study. Pre-operative mean forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV(1)) was 0.88 L · s(-1) (23%), total lung capacity was 7.45 L (121%), intrathoracic gas volume was 6 L (174%), residual volume (RV) was 5.2 L (232%), and the 6-min walk test (6MWT) was 286 m. All patients required supplemental oxygen; the Medical Research Council (MRC) dyspnoea score was 3.9. High-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) results were reviewed to assess the presence of interlobar fissures. 33 patients had a follow-up of >12 months (median 32 months). 37.5% of the patients had visible interlobar fissures. 40% of the patients died during follow-up. Three patients were transplanted and one underwent lung volume reduction surgery. Supplemental oxygen, FEV(1), RV, 6MWT and MRC score showed a statistically significant improvement (p ≤ 0.0001, p = 0.004, p = 0.03, p = 0.003 and p<0.0001, respectively). Patients with visible fissures had a functional advantage. BLVR is feasible and safe. Long-term sustained improvements can be achieved. HRCT-visible interlobar fissures are a favourable prognostic factor.     

Effects of bronchoscopic lung volume reduction using transbronchial infusion of autologous blood and thrombin in patients with severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Background

Existing medical treatments have limitations in the management of very severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Methods

We performed bronchoscopic lung volume reduction (BLVR) using transbronchial infusion of autologous blood and thrombin (BLVR with blood) in three patients with very severe COPD whose dyspnea could not be relieved by maximum medical management. Two patients underwent BLVR with blood in the left and right lungs at intervals of a half-year or a year, and one patient underwent this procedure in only the right lung. We assessed the changes in pulmonary function, exercise capacity and quality of life before and after BLVR with blood in a total of five procedures.

Results

The subjects were 58- to 74-year-old males. Their forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV₁) percent predicted ranged from 14.8% to 23.4%. BLVR with blood achieved significant improvements as follows (values before → after the procedure, mean ± standard deviation): FEV₁ 0.45r the L → 0.76r the L (P=0.004), inspiratory capacity 1.50cityo L → 2.05±.05c L (P=0.015), 3-minute walk test 46.8nuteo m → 89.6±34.5 m (P=0.004). Lung function peaked several months after BLVR with blood and returned to nearly the baseline level in 6 months, but exercise capacity was better than that at baseline for at least 12 months. St. George’s Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ), measured in two patients before and 12 months after the procedure, showed remarkable improvements (−15.6 and −11.9 units).

Conclusions

BLVR with blood is an effective palliative treatment for very severe COPD.     

Bronchoscopic interventions for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Over the past decade, several non‐surgical and minimally invasive bronchoscopic lung volume reduction (BLVR) techniques have been developed to treat patients with severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). BLVR can be significantly efficacious, suitable for a broad cohort of patients, and associated with a solid safety profile at a reasonable expense. The introduction of BLVR is also expected to accelerate the further development of interventional pulmonology worldwide. Recently, results from clinical studies on BLVR techniques have been published, providing valuable information about the procedure's indications, contraindications, patient‐selection criterion and outcomes. BLVR utilizing one‐way endobronchial valves is gaining momentum as an accepted treatment in regular medical practice because of the identification of best responders. Patients with a heterogeneous emphysema distribution and without inter‐lobar collateral ventilation show encouraging results. Furthermore, for patients with collateral ventilation, who are not considered candidates for valve treatment, and for patients with homogeneous emphysema, the introduction of lung volume reduction coil treatment is a promising solution. Moreover, with the development of newer treatment modalities, that is, biochemical sealant and thermal water vapor, the potential to treat emphysema irrespective of collateral flow, may be further increased. Nevertheless, patient selection for BLVR treatment will be crucial for the procedure's success and should be performed using a multidisciplinary team approach. Consequently, BLVR needs to be concentrated in high‐volume centres that will offer better quality and experience with treatment challenges and adverse events. This review gives a general overview of BLVR from an expert and scientific perspective.     

Biological lung volume reduction: a new bronchoscopic therapy for advanced emphysema

BACKGROUND: Biological lung volume reduction (BLVR) using biological reagents to remodel and shrink damaged regions of lung has previously been accomplished in sheep with experimental pulmonary emphysema. This report summarizes the initial clinical experience including a 3-month follow-up using this technique in humans. METHODS: An open-label phase 1 trial designed to evaluate the safety of BLVR in patients with advanced heterogeneous emphysema enrolled six patients. Of these, three patients received unilateral treatment at two pulmonary subsegments (group 1) and three patients received unilateral treatment at four pulmonary subsegments (group 2). The incidence of adverse events and changes in pulmonary function test results, symptoms, and exercise capacity were evaluated. RESULTS: The mean (+/- SD) age of the six men enrolled in the study was 66 +/- 5.7 years (age range, 57 to 73 years). BLVR was well tolerated in both treatment groups and was not associated with any serious complications. All patients were discharged from the hospital on posttreatment day 1. Although the primary purpose of the study was to examine safety, improvements were observed in mean vital capacity (+7.2 +/- 9.5%; range, -2% to + 19%), mean residual volume (RV) [-7.8 +/- 8.5%; range, + 1% to -22%], mean RV/total lung capacity ratio (-6.6 +/- 4.7%; range, -1% to -15%), mean 6-min walk distance (+14.5 +/- 18.5%; range, 0 to + 51%), and in mean dyspnea score. On average, group 2 patients experienced greater benefit from BLVR than group 1 patients, suggesting a dose-response pattern. CONCLUSIONS: Preliminary results indicate that BLVR can be safe and may produce benefits in appropriately selected patients with advanced heterogeneous emphysema.     

133Xenon ventilation scintigraphy applied to bronchoscopic lung volume reduction techniques for emphysema: relevance of interlobar collaterals

BACKGROUND: 133Xenon ventilation scintigraphy and (99m)Tc-MAA perfusion scintigraphy can be used to assess dynamic ventilation patterns in patients with severe emphysema. AIM: To describe the scintigraphic features of attempted bronchoscopic lung volume reduction (BLVR), exploring mechanisms that might explain the unexpected lack of postoperative atelectasis. METHODS: Five patients with heterogenous severe upper lobe emphysema were evaluated with 133Xenon ventilation and (99m)Tc-MAA perfusion scintigraphy, chest radiography, bronchoscopy and high resolution computed tomography before and up to 1 month after endoscopic placement of bronchial prostheses (BLVR). Ex vivo assessment of the lungs of two further patients with severe upper lobe emphysema was performed. RESULTS: No significant subsegmental or lobar collapse was evident on post-procedure chest radiography or high resolution computed tomography, despite bronchoscopic confirmation of adequate position and functioning of prostheses. 133Xenon ventilation scintigraphy confirms significantly decreased upper lobe wash-in (P < 0.023), unchanged lower lobe wash-in and significantly increased lower lobe wash-out rates (P < 0.005) after BLVR. Significant redistribution of perfusion to the lower lobes occurred after BLVR (P < 0.025). Ex vivo experiments on explanted emphysematous lungs demonstrated that these findings could best be explained by collateral interlobar ventilation, which was calculated in one specimen to be as high as 15% of total lower lobe ventilation. Peri-valvular leak is a much less likely possibility. CONCLUSION: 133Xenon ventilation scintigraphy indicated the presence of significant interlobar collateral ventilation in patients with severe emphysema that may have major relevance to these novel alternative techniques to lung volume reduction surgery. 133Xenon scintigraphy can be used in the evaluation of severe emphysema before and after novel therapeutic interventions.     

A comparative study of the effectiveness of hospital-based versus home-based pulmonary rehabilitation in candidates for bronchoscopic lung volume reduction

BackgroundThe Bronchoscopic Lung Volume Reduction (BLVR) is recommended in patients with severe Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) who are still symptomatic and have hyperinflation despite having received optimal medical therapy and Pulmonary Rehabilitation (PR). However, the small number of PR centers is insufficient to compensate for the need for existing hospital-based PR programs.ObjectiveThis article aimed to compare between hospital-based and home-based PR programs in terms of effectiveness on BLVR candidates.MethodsThis study is a prospective, controlled, nonrandomized clinical trial. Stable COPD patients who were referred to our PR clinic prior to BLVR were recruited consecutively. Patients were evaluated in two groups, hospital-based PR (Group 1) or home-based PR (Group 2). Both groups were admitted to the recommended PR for eight weeks. Pulmonary function tests, modified Medical Research Council (mMRC) dyspnea scale, COPD Assessment Test (CAT) and the 6-min walk distance (6MWD) were assessed for each patient before and after PR.ResultsA total of 67 patients were enrolled in the study. The max. age was 79 years and min. age was 49 years, with 65(±7.45) as a mean ±SD. Improvements in the mMRC and CAT scores after PR in both groups were significant and a similar level. Whereas, 6MWD was only significantly increased in Group 1.ConclusionsThis study, demonstrated that both home-based and hospital-based PR provided significant and similar improvements in the mMRC and CAT scores but 6MWD was only significantly increased in the hospital-based PR. Since 6MWD after PR plays a major role in BLVR eligibility, our findings suggest that hospital-based PR may be the most appropriate method for BLVR candidates.