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Cardiovascular function and prognosis of patients with heart failure coexistent with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

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Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) often coexists with heart failure (HF), and is considered to be associated with adverse outcomes in HF patients. However, the features of cardiovascular function and the detailed all-cause mortality of HF with COPD remain unclear.

METHODS AND RESULTS: Consecutive 378 patients admitted for HF who underwent spirometry were divided into three groups: HF without COPD (non-COPD group, n=272), HF with mild COPD (GOLD I group, n=82), and HF with moderate COPD (GOLD II group, n=24). The GOLD II group, as compared to non-COPD group, had (1) higher troponin T (p=0.009); (2) greater cardio-ankle vascular index (p=0.032); and (3) similar cardiac systolic and diastolic function of the right and left ventricle. In addition, rates of cardiac (p=0.049), non-cardiac (p=0.001), and all-cause mortality (p=0.002) were higher in GOLD II group than in non-COPD and GOLD I groups. Importantly, in the Cox proportional hazard analyses, the GOLD stage II was an independent predictor of cardiac (p=0.038), non-cardiac (p=0.036), and all-cause mortality (p=0.015) in HF patients.

CONCLUSIONS: HF patients with coexistent moderate COPD (GOLD stage II) have greater myocardial damage, greater arterial stiffness, and higher cardiac and non-cardiac mortality.

Two different dosages of nebulized steroid versus parenteral steroid in the management of COPD exacerbations: A randomized control trial.

The study aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of nebulized steroid (NS) with systemic corticosteroids (SC) and to determine optimal NS dose in the treatment of patients with COPD exacerbations requiring hospitalization.

Material and Methods The study was a randomized, parallel design trial. Eligible patients (n=86) were randomly allocated to 1 of the 3 treatment groups: parenteral corticosteroid (PS) (n=33), 4 mg (NB) (n=27), or 8 mg NB (n=26). Partial pressure of arterial oxygen (PaO2), carbon dioxide (PaCO2), pH, and oxygen saturation (SaO2) were evaluated at baseline, 24 h, 48 h, and discharge. Airway obstruction (forced vital capacity [FVC] and forced expiratory volume 1 s [FEV1]) was evaluated at admission and discharge.

Results There were no significant differences between the groups for all parameters at all time periods, except for higher FEV1 value in the 8-mg NB group at baseline. In groups, significant differences were determined for FVC, FEV1, PaO2, and SaO2 (p<0.001), but not for PaCO2 and pH, in comparison to their baseline values. As adverse events, hyperglycemia and oral moniliasis were observed in the PS group (n=4) and in the NB groups (n=5), respectively, and treatment change was required in 9 patients (2 patients in the PS group and 7 patients in the NB groups) (p=0.57).

Conclusions Nebulized budesonide may be used as an alternative to SC because of its equal effectiveness and lesser systemic adverse effects. The choice of optimal dosage needs to be evaluated carefully because adverse effect and dropout rates varied according to dosage. However, there is a need for further studies including more severe cases and evaluating long-term outcomes or relapses comparing the 3 arms.

Understanding the GOLD 2011 Strategy as applied to a real-world COPD population.

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STUDY OBJECTIVES: The aim of this analysis was to understand the implications of the GOLD 2011 multidimensional system for the assessment and management of COPD, using data from a real-world observational study.

METHODS: Data were drawn from the Adelphi Respiratory Disease Specific Programme, a cross-sectional survey of consulting patients in five European countries and in the US undertaken between June and September 2011. Patients were classified using both the GOLD 2010 and revised GOLD 2011 criteria, and profiled with regards to demographics, disease characteristics and treatment patterns.

RESULTS: Information on 3813 COPD patients was collected. Disease characteristics showed a general tendency to worsen in parallel with worsening of symptoms. When comparing dual versus single risk criteria, the inclusion of exacerbation history resulted in an increase in the number of patients in high risk groups. The highest proportions of patients receiving inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) were in group D. However, a considerable proportion of patients in low risk groups were receiving ICS/long-acting β2 agonists.

CONCLUSIONS: Our analysis confirmed the relationship between higher symptomatic burden, increased airflow limitation and exacerbation, and further illustrated the importance of including exacerbation history in the assessment of COPD to identify patients at high risk. As based on data from current clinical practice, this study also highlighted the frequent and potentially inappropriate use of ICS and bronchodilators in patients at low risk of experiencing exacerbations.

Structural alterations of skeletal muscle in copd.

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Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a respiratory disease associated with a systemic inflammatory response. Peripheral muscle dysfunction has been well characterized in individuals with COPD and results from a complex interaction between systemic and local factors.

Objective: In this narrative review, we will describe muscle wasting in people with COPD, the associated structural changes, muscle regenerative capacity and possible mechanisms for muscle wasting. We will also discuss how structural changes relate to impaired muscle function and mobility in people with COPD.

Key Observations: Approximately 30-40% of individuals with COPD experience muscle mass depletion. Furthermore, muscle atrophy is a predictor of physical function and mortality in this population. Associated structural changes include a decreased proportion and size of type-I fibers, reduced oxidative capacity and mitochondrial density mainly in the quadriceps. Observations related to impaired muscle regenerative capacity in individuals with COPD include a lower proportion of central nuclei in the presence or absence of muscle atrophy and decreased maximal telomere length, which has been correlated with reduced muscle cross-sectional area. Potential mechanisms for muscle wasting in COPD may include excessive production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), altered amino acid metabolism and lower expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors-gamma-coactivator 1-alpha mRNA. Despite a moderate relationship between muscle atrophy and function, impairments in oxidative metabolism only seems weakly related to muscle function.

Conclusion: This review article demonstrates the cellular modifications in the peripheral muscle of people with COPD and describes the evidence of its relationship to muscle function. Future research will focus on rehabilitation strategies to improve muscle wasting and maximize function.

Influence of posture on the ventilatory pattern and the thoraco-abdominal kinematics of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Objective: Evaluate the influence of posture on ventilatory pattern, compartmental distribution of volume of chest wall and thoraco-abdominal kinematics of patients with severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Design: Cross-sectional study.

Methods: Twelve, male patients with severe COPD (Forced Expiratory Volume in the first second (FEV1) = 24.35 ± 4.52%, Forced Vital Capacity% (FVC%) = 60 ± 13.39% and relationship FEV1/FVC = 53.42 ± 14.47). The distribution of the volume of the ribcage [pulmonary rib cage (Rcp), abdominal ribcage (Rca) and abdomen (Ab)] during quiet breathing in a sitting position without back support (SWB), sitting with backrest (SB) and supine position (SUP) was determined using an opto-electronic plethysmograph.

Results: The following differences were observed: a greater tidal volume in the SWB position when compared to the SB position (p = 0.01); greater expiratory time in the SUP position in relation to the SWB (p = 0.03) and SB (p = 0.01); and increased abdominal contribution to the tidal volume in the SUP position in relation to the SWB (p < 0.01) and SB (p < 0.001). No difference was found in the thoraco-abdominal synchrony among the positions.

Conclusion: Sitting position without back support enhances the activation of respiratory muscles by increasing the tidal volume and supine position seems to favor lung deflation by increasing the expiratory time. It seems appropriate to adopt these positions to optimize the ventilation/perfusion relationship and physiotherapeutic intervention in different clinical conditions.

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