COPD
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Interleukin (IL)-17A, IL-22 and IL-10 have been implicated in the development of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), but their expression in COPD is uncertain. Here we investigate the expression of IL-17A, IL-22 and IL-10 in the serum and sputum of COPD patients. Blood samples and induced sputum samples were collected from 94 patients with COPD, 23 healthy smokers, and 22 healthy control non-smokers. ⋯ We found that: 1) serum and sputum IL-17A were higher in COPD compared to healthy smokers and non-smokers; 2) serum IL-17A increased with COPD stages, it was inversely correlated with percentage of forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1%) reference and positively correlated with C-reactive protein (CRP), Sputum IL-17A levels in the severe COPD patients were positively correlated with sputum neutrophils, and reversely correlated with sputum macraphages (p < 0.01); 3) serum and sputum IL-22 were significantly higher in COPD and healthy smokers than those in the non-smoker group, sputum IL-22 was similar in severe COPD (stage III and IV), which were higher than those in the other groups (p < 0.05); and, 4) serum and sputum IL-10 were similiar in COPD and healthy smokers, which were decreased compared to non-smokers. These data suggest that the increased level of IL-17A in serum and sputum plays important roles in the pathogenesis of COPD. The increased sputum IL-22 might also play important roles in the pathogenesis of COPD, while IL-10 secretion might be not only affected by COPD but also by cigarette smoke.
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International guidelines recommend that when changing FIO2 in patients with COPD receiving Long-Term Oxygen Therapy (LTOT), 30 minutes should be waited for steady state before measurement of arterial blood gasses. This study evaluates whether 30 minutes is really necessary, as a smaller duration might improve the logistics of care, potentially reducing the time spent by patients at the out-patient clinic. ⋯ This study shows that oxygen equilibration relevant for clinical interpretation requires only 10 minutes following an increase and 16 minutes following a decrease in FIO2. over the range studied.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study Comparative Study
Efficacy and safety of aclidinium bromide compared with placebo and tiotropium in patients with moderate-to-severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: results from a 6-week, randomized, controlled Phase IIIb study.
This randomized, double-blind, Phase IIIb study evaluated the 24-hour bronchodilatory efficacy of aclidinium bromide versus placebo and tiotropium in patients with moderate-to-severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). ⋯ Aclidinium provided significant 24-hour bronchodilation versus placebo from day 1 with comparable efficacy to tiotropium after 6 weeks. Improvements in COPD symptoms were consistently numerically greater with aclidinium versus tiotropium. Aclidinium was generally well tolerated.
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Intravenous alpha-1 antitrypsin protein (AAT) augmentation is a prescribed therapy for severe, genetically determined, alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (AATD), a genetic basis for pulmonary emphysema. AAT, a predominant systemic inhibitor of neutrophil elastase thus far has not been shown to decrease elastin degradation in a significant number of patients on this therapy. The objective of this study was to compare levels of biomarkers of elastin degradation in plasma, bronchoalveolar lavage (BALF) fluid and urine before and after beginning AAT augmentation therapy in patients with AATD. ⋯ Results indicate that the currently prescribed doses of AAT augmentation inhibit neutrophil elastase adequately to reduce elastin degradation, both systemically and in the lung per se. The currently prescribed doses did not reduce elastin degradation to control levels, which may be possible with higher doses.
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Although delivery of medications through nebulization is effective for patients with COPD, nebulization is often perceived negatively. This survey evaluated patient and caregiver attitudes and perceptions related to the use of nebulization for the management of COPD. A total of 400 patients and a separate population of 400 caregivers were randomly selected and interviewed via telephone. ⋯ Patients and caregivers agreed (79% and 85%, respectively) that the benefits of nebulization therapy outweighed the difficulties or inconveniences. Patients believed that their overall quality of life had improved since beginning nebulization (75%) and that nebulization better enabled their caregiver to provide care (77%); caregivers echoed this sentiment. Overall, this survey demonstrated that an overwhelming majority of patients and caregivers were satisfied with nebulization therapy, reporting benefits in symptom relief, ease of use, and improved quality of life.