COPD
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The large surface area for gas exchange makes the respiratory system particularly susceptible to oxidative stress-mediated injury. Both endogenous and exogenous pro-oxidants (e.g. cigarette smoke) trigger activation of leukocytes and host defenses. These mechanisms interact in a "multilevel cycle" responsible for the control of the oxidant/antioxidant homeostasis. ⋯ Nevertheless, several clinical trials indicate that NAC may reduce the rate of COPD exacerbations and improve small airways function. The most plausible explanation for the beneficial effects observed in patients with COPD treated with NAC lies in the mucolytic and antioxidant effects of this drug. Modulation of bronchial inflammation by NAC may further account for these favorable clinical results.
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Observational Study
Reasons for ICU demand and long-term follow-up of a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease cohort.
Acute respiratory failure (ARF) can necessitate mechanical ventilation and intensive care unit (ICU) admission in patients with COPD. We evaluated the reasons COPD patients are admitted to the ICU and assessed long-term outcomes in a retrospective cohort study in a respiratory level-III ICU of a teaching government hospital between November 2007 and April 2012. All COPD patients admitted to ICU for the first time were enrolled and followed for 12 months. ⋯ LT-NIV use (p < 0.016) with LTOT (p < 0.038) increase survival. Pulmonary infection can be a major reason for ICU admission and determining outcome after ICU discharge. Unlike arrhythmia and pneumonia, LT-NIV can improve long-term survival in eligible COPD patients.
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Non-invasive ventilation (NIV) is an evidence based management of acidotic, hypercapnic exacerbations of COPD. Previous national and international audits of clinical practice have shown variation against guideline standards with significant delays in initiating NIV. We aimed to map the clinical pathway to better understand delays and reduce the door-to-NIV time to less than 3 hours for all patients with acidotic, hypercapnic exacerbations of COPD requiring this intervention, by mandating the use of a guideline based educational management proforma. ⋯ There were significant differences in door-to-NIV decision and mask times between differing respiratory on-call systems, p < 0.05). The introduction of the proforma had no effect on door-to-mask times over the study period. Main reasons for delay were related to timely access to medical staff and to NIV equipment; however, a marked variation in practice within these hospitals was been noted, with a 9-5 respiratory on-call system associated with shorter NIV initiation times.
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In the therapy of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), it is a major goal to improve health-related quality of life (HRQOL). Patients with COPD often suffer from exertional dyspnea and adopt a sedentary lifestyle, which could be associated with poorer HRQOL. The aim of this study was to investigate the independent association of objectively measured daily physical activity and functional capacity with HRQOL in patients with COPD. ⋯ This study showed that average daily steps and functional capacity are independent determinants of HRQOL in patients with COPD. This emphasizes the importance to remain active and mobile, which is associated with better HRQOL.
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COPD and radiographic bronchiectasis frequently coexist but the effect of this on the clinical course of COPD is not fully understood. We determined the impact of bronchiectasis on clinical outcomes in COPD patients, independent of coexisting emphysema and bronchial wall thickening (BWT). ⋯ Radiographic bronchiectasis in COPD patients is associated with increased respiratory infection and hospitalisation, independent of coexisting emphysema and BWT. COPD-related bronchiectasis is therefore an important diagnosis with potential implications for treatment.