The effect of indacaterol during an acute exacerbation of COPD

Some clinical trials have suggested that the inhaled long-acting β₂-agonists (LABAs) may be effective in the treatment of acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD). Since indacaterol, the first once-daily LABA to be developed for the regular treatment of COPD, exhibits fast onset of action and 24-h duration of bronchodilation, we have investigated its effects in patients with AECOPD managed in the emergency department.In a randomised controlled pilot trial, we have enrolled 29 consecutive patients with a recent (i.e., within ≤4 d) history of AECOPD and requiring hospitalization. All patients received a standard protocol consisting of ipratropium bromide aerosol 500 μg three times a day, intravenous methylprednisolone 20 mg twice-daily and, if indicated, oral levofloxacin 500 mg once-daily. Moreover, they were randomly allocated to one of the two 5-day treatment groups (indacaterol maleate 300 μg once-daily or salbutamol nebulizer 1250 μg three times a day).The administration of indacaterol 300 μg to patients admitted to emergency department for an AECOPD resulted in a greater improvement of pulmonary function compared with traditional therapy, without cardiovascular side effects.Our results suggest that indacaterol could be a useful option in the treatment of AECOPD. However, further larger double-blinded randomized clinical trials are needed to validate the intriguing results obtained in this setting.     

舒利迭吸入治疗AECOPD的临床观察

目的 观察舒利迭粉吸入剂(丙酸氟替卡松500 μg/沙美特罗50 μg)治疗AECOPD的疗效和安全性.方法 将74例住院AECOPD患者随机分为治疗组和对照组.对照组给予常规治疗,治疗组在此基础上给予舒利迭吸入,两组疗程均为10天.观察两组患者治疗后肺功能、血气、糖化血红蛋白(HbA1c)、8 AM空腹血糖(8AMFBG)及餐后2 h血糖(2 h PG)的变化.结果 两组FEV1/FVC、FEV1%预计值、PaO2分别较治疗前明显升高,差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05);治疗后治疗组FEV1/FVC、FEV1%预计值分别高于对照组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05).两组PaCO2较治疗前明显下降,差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05);治疗后治疗组PaCO2较对照组下降显著,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05).两组治疗前后HbA1c、8AMFBG及2 h PG的差异不明显,无统计学意义(P>0.05).结论 舒利迭粉吸入是治疗AECOPD安全有效的方法.     

Systemic antioxidant defences during acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

OBJECTIVE AND BACKGROUND: Existence of an increased oxidative stress has been confirmed in patients with acute exacerbation of COPD. This study aims to examine the extent and time-course of antioxidant defence in patients with an acute exacerbation of COPD in comparison with stable patients. METHODS: Twelve patients with acute exacerbation were studied at admission, and then 24 h and 48 h following admission and at discharge. The antioxidants assessed were the endogenous antioxidants: glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, oxidized and reduced glutathione, albumin and exogenous antioxidants: alpha-tocopherol and retinol. Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity as a marker of antioxidant status was also measured. RESULTS: There was an increase in glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase 48 h after admission (P<0.05). Alpha-tocopherol was the lowest 24 h after admission and increased significantly at discharge (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: There is an increase in antioxidant defence during acute exacerbation of COPD reaching a maximum at 48 h after admission. This rise in the antioxidant defence is not sufficient to prevent depletion of non-enzymatic antioxidants such as alpha-tocopherol.     

Perspectives that influence action plans for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

BACKGROUND:

Prompt treatment of acute exacerbations (AEs) in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) improves quality of life and reduces the use of health care resources. Although patient self-management through an individualized action plan (AP) can help with early initiation of therapy, its use is critically dependent on the patient recognizing the features of an exacerbation.

OBJECTIVE:

To describe COPD patients’ experiences with AEs, as well as health care professionals’ (HCPs’) attitudes toward the provision of an AP as part of self-management education.

METHODS:

Thirty-two patients with moderate to severe COPD who recently experienced at least one AE, and 22 HCPs with experience in the management of COPD, were interviewed.

RESULTS:

The most common symptoms and signs associated with an AE were difficulty breathing (84%), fatigue (81%), cold symptoms (59%), changes in sputum colour (53%) or amount (47%), and cough (44%). The main precipitants identified were environmental triggers (47%), infective agents (31%), excessive activities (25%), emotional factors (16%) and changes in medications (9%). Strategies for dyspnea relief included increasing medications (72%), resting (56%), avoiding exposure to environmental triggers (41%) and performing breathing exercises (31%). Patients supported the use of an AP and recommended that it be individualized for symptoms and triggers, and that it should also include strategies for addressing anxiety and depression. HCPs also supported the use of an individualized AP and recommended that it be regularly revisited, depending on the patient’s disease severity.

CONCLUSIONS:

Patients’ experiences with AEs do not always conform to a standard medical definition. Therefore, an understanding of their experience is of value in the design of an individualized AP. HCPs support the use of an AP that emphasizes self-management of exacerbations as well as general COPD management.     

Viral pathogens in acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

The objective of this study is to determine the prevalence of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and other viral respiratory pathogens in emergency department (ED) patients with acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD). COPD patients presenting to the ED with <10 days of AECOPD symptoms were eligible. We used PCR to test nasal swabs for common viral respiratory pathogens. We completed viral studies on 76 patients from two EDs. Patients had a mean age of 72 years, and were 68% male, 99% white, and 29% current smokers. Influenza vaccination was reported by 87%. Viruses were detected in 19 of 76 patients (25%). These included RSV A (2) and B (4); parainfluenza 1 (1), 2 (0), and 3 (2); influenza A (3) and B (0); rhinovirus (4); and human metapneumovirus (3). A putative viral etiology was identified in 25% of AECOPD presenting for emergency care, of which approximately one-third were RSV-related.     

普米克令舒和万托林联合雾化吸入治疗AECOPD的效果分析

目的观察普米克令舒和万托林联合雾化吸入对慢性阻塞性肺疾病急性加重期（AECOPD）的临床疗效。方法60例AECOPD患者随机分为两组：观察组32例、给予普米克令舒1mg和万托林雾化液1ml联合雾化吸入治疗,2次／d;对照组28例、给予万托林雾化液1ml雾化吸入治疗,2次／d,地塞米松10mg静脉滴注,FEV1观察疗效及不良反应。结果两组患者治疗后临床症状评分均明显降低,FEV1和PEF及pH值、PaO2、PaCO2均有改善,治疗前后相比差异有统计学意义（P〈0．05）,但两组间相互比较差异无统计学意义（P〉0．05）;观察组不良反应明显少于对照组。结论普米克令舒和万托林联合雾化吸入能够改善AECOPD患者肺功能及临床症状,与全身使用糖皮质激素疗效相近,但不良反应明显减少。     

Comparison of Canadian versus United States emergency department visits for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease exacerbation

INTRODUCTION:

Despite the frequency of emergency department (ED) visits for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) exacerbation, little is known about practice variation in EDs.

OBJECTIVES:

To examine the differences between Canadian and United States (US) COPD patients, and the ED management they receive.

METHODS:

A prospective multicentre cohort study was conducted involving 29 EDs in the US and Canada. Using a standard protocol, consecutive ED patients with COPD exacerbations were interviewed, their charts reviewed and a two-week telephone follow-up completed. Comparisons between Canadian and US patients, as well as their treatment and outcomes, were made. Predictors of antibiotic use were determined by multivariate logistic regression.

RESULTS:

Of 584 patients who had physician-diagnosed COPD, 397 (68%) were enrolled. Of these, 63 patients (16%) were from Canada. Canadians were older (73 years versus 69 years; P=0.002), more often white (97% versus 65%; P<0.001), less educated (P=0.003) and more commonly insured (P<0.001) than the US patients. US patients more commonly used the ED for their usual COPD medications (17% versus 3%; P=0.005). Although Canadian patients had fewer pack-years of smoking (45 pack-years versus 53 pack-years; P=0.001), current COPD medications and comorbidities were similar. At ED presentation, Canadian patients were more often hypoxic and symptomatic. ED treatment with inhaled beta-agonists (approximately 90%) and systemic corticosteroids (approximately 65%) were similar; Canadians received more antibiotics (46% versus 25%; P<0.001) and other treatments (29% versus 11%; P=0.002). Admission rates were similar in both countries (approximately 65%), although Canadian patients remained in the ED longer than the US patients (10 h versus 5 h, respectively; P<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS:

Overall, patients with acute COPD in Canada and the US appear to have similar history, ED treatment and outcomes; however, Canadian patients are older and receive more aggressive treatment in the ED. In both countries, the prolonged length of stay and high admission rate contribute to the ED overcrowding crisis facing EDs.     

探讨血清淀粉样蛋白A在慢性阻塞性肺疾病急性加重期的临床应用

目的 探讨血清淀粉样蛋白A(serum amyloid A,SAA)在慢性阻塞性肺疾病急性加重期(acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease,AECOPD)的临床应用.方法 随机抽取中-重度慢性阻塞性肺疾病(chronic obstructive pulmonary disease,COPD)患者120例(GOLD Ⅱ～Ⅳ级),其中AECOPDI级、AECOPDⅡ/Ⅲ级患者各60例(依据2004年ATS/ERS指南:Ⅰ级,不需住院治疗; Ⅱ级,需住院治疗;Ⅲ级,存在呼吸衰竭.并以此标准作为判断住院与否的金标准).AECOPDⅠ级患者在急性加重期、稳定期测SAA、C反应蛋白(CRP)水平;AECOPDⅡ/Ⅲ级患者在急性加重期、恢复期、稳定期测SAA、CRP水平,且住院后做3次痰涂片及培养;并随机抽取同期我院体检的健康对照者20名,测SAA、CRP水平.结果 AECOPD患者SAA水平明显高于CRP水平,差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05).根据接收者工作特征(ROC)曲线分析,SAA、CRP均不能很好地将AECOPD Ⅰ级同COPD稳定期区分开,因为其ROC曲线下面积(AUC)分别为0.70、0.63;SAA与CRP相比能更好地将AECOPDⅡ/Ⅲ级同COPD稳定期区分开,因为其AUC值分别为0.91、0.78.有脓痰及痰培养阳性者SAA、CRP水平明显升高.SAA、CRP水平均升高时,静滴抗生素5 d左右症状明显好转者,出院后继续口服抗生素3 d组和住院静滴抗生索10～14d组,6个月随访的再住院次数、急性加重次数在两组间差异无统计学意义.CRP正常、SAA升高时,用与不用抗生素组预后差异无统计学意义.结论 在AECOPD中SAA是较CRP更敏感的一个炎症标志物,且SAA联合CRP有利于指导抗生素的应用.     

Pulmonary rehabilitation for obstructive lung disease

Pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) is a highly effective, established therapy to improve exercise intolerance, impaired quality of life and limb muscle weakness associated with a range of chronic respiratory diseases. The evidence base for PR is largest in the area of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), yet its role in other obstructive lung diseases such as asthma is less well defined. Despite several features being common across both COPD and asthma, factors such as younger age or employment may affect the potential applicability of traditional PR models for patients with asthma. This review examines the current evidence regarding PR for the obstructive lung diseases of COPD and asthma. It offers appraisal of some of the strengths and weaknesses of existing literature, identifies areas in need of future research and details some of the issues facing clinicians responsible for the clinical management and rehabilitation of patients with these diseases.     

Lophomonas blattarum infection presented as acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

The present case described a 70-year-old male who was initially diagnosed and treated as acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD). Ultimately Lophomonas blattarum (L. blattarum), a rare protozoan causing opportunistic infection, was found in suction sputum smear. Bronchoscopy showed a lot of purulent sputum in airways, diffusely swelling and friable mucus on bronchus. After single tinidazole treatment, symptoms and image showed marked improvement. It indicates though in the untraditional immunocompromised case, the suspect of opportunistic diseases is necessary, especially in the cases failed to improvement under empirical treatment. It also supports the tinidazole treatment is efficacy in L. blattarum infection.     

慢性阻塞性肺疾病急性加重期联合吸入药物治疗的临床研究

目的探讨吸入布地奈德混悬液与硫酸特布他林、异丙托溴铵雾化液联合雾化吸入对慢性阻塞性肺疾病急性加重期（acuteexacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease,AECOPD）的疗效。方法将82例AECOPD患者随机分为两组,治疗组42例,对照组40例,两组均予吸氧、抗感染、静脉茶碱类及对症等治疗。在此基础上治疗组给予吸入布地奈德、硫酸特布他林和异丙托溴铵混悬液雾化吸入,对照组单用硫酸特布他林雾化液雾化吸入,对两组患者用药7 d后的呼吸困难、血气分析及第1秒用力呼气容积占预计值百分比（FEV1%）变化情况进行对照分析。同时比较两组的平均住院日。结果治疗组与对照组相比,治疗组在呼吸困难、PaO2、PaCO2、FEV1%、平均住院日均较对照组改善明显,两组差异具有显著性（P〈0.01）。结论采用布地奈德、硫酸特布他林和异丙托溴铵混悬液雾化吸入的多靶点抗炎治疗对AECOPD能够迅速缓解病情,改善肺功能,是治疗AECOPD的有效选择。     

吸入疗法在呼吸系统疾病中的应用进展

吸入疗法已成为呼吸系统疾病较为理想的一种治疗方式.吸入治疗能够让药物直接作用于呼吸道及肺内,局部药物浓度高,药物奏效快,同时可增加呼吸道的湿度,稀释痰液,促进排痰,消除炎症,解除支气管痉挛,改善通气等.根据近年来国内外的相关文献,就呼吸系统的生理学特点、吸入器的类型、药物分类、作用机制及临床应用进展作一综述.     

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and interstitial lung disease in patients with lung cancer

Background and objective:   Although lung cancer is frequently accompanied by COPD and interstitial lung disease (ILD), the precise coincidence of these diseases with lung cancer is not well understood. The objectives of this study were to determine the prevalence of abnormal CT and spirometric findings suggestive of COPD or ILD in a population of patients with untreated lung cancer, and to estimate the lung cancer risk in this population.
Methods:   The study population consisted of 256 patients with untreated lung cancer and 947 subjects participating in a CT screening programme for lung cancer. Semi-quantitative analysis of low attenuation area (LAA), fibrosis and ground glass attenuation (GGA) on CT was performed by scoring. Gender- and age-matched subpopulations, with stratification by smoking status, were compared using the Mantel–Haenszel projection method.
Results:   Inter-observer consistency was excellent for LAA, but not as good for fibrosis or GGA scores. Pooled odds ratios for lung cancer risk using LAA, fibrosis, GGA scores and reduced FEV₁/FVC and %VC were 3.63, 5.10, 2.71, 7.17 and 4.73, respectively ( P  < 0.0001 for all parameters). Multivariate regression analyses confirmed these results.
Conclusion:   Abnormal CT and spirometric parameters suggestive of COPD and ILD were strong risk factors for lung cancer, even after adjusting for gender, age and smoking status.     

Effect of three different bronchodilators during an exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

This study evaluates the effect of three different bronchodilators (beta 2-adrenergic, anticholinergic and methylxanthine) alone and in randomized sequence, during an exacerbation in thirteen patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Dose-response curves were obtained for inhaled salbutamol and inhaled ipratropium bromide. The bronchodilator effect of a perfusion of aminophylline was also assessed. When a plateau of bronchodilatation was achieved with one agent, one dose of a second bronchodilator was administered to see whether additional bronchodilation could be achieved. The increments in FEV1 and FVC were similar with the three agents. The addition of a second bronchodilator did not result in significant increments in most of the patients. In at least half of the patients the doses of salbutamol and ipratropium that produced the maximal bronchodilatation were twice that currently employed.     

氧驱雾化吸入噻托溴铵联合盐酸氨溴索治疗老年 COPD 急性加重期的临床疗效

目的：探讨氧驱雾化吸入噻托溴铵联合盐酸氨溴索治疗老年 COPD 急性加重期的临床疗效。方法筛选2013年1月至2014年6月我院收治的老年 COPD 急性加重期患者184例作为研究对象。所有患者均确诊 COPD 急性加重期,采用随机数表法将其分为对照组、治疗组 A、治疗组 B 与联合组,每组46例,其中对照组患者入院后根据患者病情进行相应的抗炎、化痰、止喘、糖皮质激素治疗,治疗组 A 在此基础上采用盐酸氨溴索氧驱雾化吸入治疗,治疗组 B 患者采取噻托溴铵粉雾氧驱雾化吸入,联合组患者采取氧驱雾化吸入噻托溴铵联合盐酸氨溴索治疗方案,治疗组 A、B 与联合组患者根据病情每日雾化治疗2~3次,单次雾化15 min,共持续性治疗7 d。采集治疗前后各组患者动脉血气分析结果及肺功能评分指标,并比较4组患者治疗有效率。结果对照组、治疗组 A、B 与联合组患者治疗后动脉血气分析 PaO 2、PaCO 2指标均较治疗前改善(P <0.05),但治疗组 A、B 与联合组改善明显较对照组具有优势,并且联合组改善效果更为显著,差异有统计学意义(P <0.05);肺功能测定可知4组患者治疗后均有改善,同时治疗组 A、B 与联合组患者改善效果明显优于对照组,且以联合组改善最为显著;治疗总有效率比较中,联合组治疗总有效率明显高于对照组、治疗组 A 与治疗组 B,差异有统计学意义(P <0.05)。结论氧驱雾化吸入噻托溴铵联合盐酸氨溴索治疗方法可提升老年 COPD 急性加重期患者的临床治疗效果,氧驱雾化设备能够使药物液滴与终末细支气管、呼吸小叶结合更充分,并且噻托溴铵联合盐酸氨溴索可达到协同作用目的,能够快速改善 COPD 急性加重期患者的临床症状与表现,具有临床应用及推广价值。     

己酮可可碱吸入对慢性阻塞性肺疾病患者血浆内皮素的影响

目的 探讨己酮可可碱（PTX）吸入对慢性阻塞性疾病（COPD）患血浆内皮素（ET－1）的影响及临床意义。方法 51例COPD患随机单盲分成治疗组（27例）和对照组（24例）,分别给己酮可可碱（PTX）100mg加入生理盐水5ml雾化吸入和糜蛋白酶5mg加入生理盐水5ml雾化吸入。治疗前后检查肺功能、动脉血气、肝肾功能及血浆IL－8等。结果 治疗后,治疗组PaCO2下降,PaO2增高（P＜0．05）;IL－8、ET－1明显下降（P＜0．01）和（P＜0．05）;FEV1及FEV1％有所增高,但无统计学意义（P＞0．05）。两组治疗前后肝肾功能均无变化。结论 PTX价廉,吸入不良反应少,不失为临床治疗COPD的一种新方法。