Treatment and Clinical Management of Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension:An Update of Literature Review

Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension(CTEPH)is a chronic,progressive,debilitating,and life-threa-tening complication of pulmonary embolism(PE).Recent technological advances have permitted various treat-ment options for the treatment of CTEPH,including surgery,angioplasty,and medical treatment,depending on the location and characteristics of lesions.Pulmonary endarterectomy(PEA)is the treatment of choice for CTEPH,as it offers excellent long-term outcomes and a high probability of recovery.Moreover,various medical and interventional therapies are currently being developed for patients with inoperable CTEPH.This review mainly summarizes the current treatment approaches of CTEPH,offering more options for specialist physicians to,thus,better manage chronic thromboembolic syndromes.

Primary pulmonary meningioma and minute pulmonary meningothelial-like nodules: Rare pulmonary nodular lesions requiring more awareness in clinical practice

In this editorial,we comment on an article by Ruan et al published in a recent issue of the World Journal of Clinical Case.Pulmonary meningothelial proliferative lesions,including primary pulmonary meningiomas,minute pulmonary meningothelial-like nodules,and metastatic pulmonary meningiomas are rare pulmonary lesions.These lesions are difficult to differentiate from lung cancers based on clinical and imaging manifestations.Herein,we briefly introduce the clinical,imaging,and pathological characteristics of these lesions and discuss their pathogenesis to strengthen the current understanding of pulmonary meningothelial proliferative lesions in clinical diagnosis and therapy.

Echocardiographic Measurement of Pulmonary Arterial Pressure in Patients with Sarcoidosis

Introduction: Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a significant complication and is poor prognostic factor for sarcoidosis. We evaluated various tests of diagnosis and treatment as well as the associations between PH and value of six-minute walk test (6 MWT) in sarcoidosis patients. Methods: This study was conducted with fifty patients with sarcoidosis. We grouped patients according to echocardiography. Results: PH prevalence in sarcoidosis was found to be 10%. In cases with likely PH, FEV1%, FVC%, MMF% was found to be lower. Although DLCO was less than 80% in the group of likely PH and over 80% in the other, there were no statistical differences between two groups. Mean value of FVC/DLCO ratio was 1.1 ± 0.38 in group of likely PH. There was no significant difference between groups. Mean distance of 6 MWT was 464 ± 105 m in all cases. There were no statistical differences between two groups in 6 MWT. Significant desaturation with exercise was observed in cases with PH (p = 0.007). Conclusion: In all stages, patients who have longer disease duration and abnormal pulmonary function tests, should be examined about PH. Patients should undergo 6 MWT and presence of desaturation after 6 MWT, even without hypoxemia, should be looked after and dealt with accordingly.

Research Progress of Pulmonary Sarcoidosis in Traditional Chinese Medicine and Western Medicine

Objective:To summarize the current treatments of traditional Chinese medicine and Western medicine and to explore ideas for clinical treatments,rational use of traditional Chinese medicine,avoid medication errors,and make full use of the respective advantages of traditional Chinese medicine and Western medicine to achieve good results.Methods:We selected recent articles on pulmonary sarcoidosis and clinical observation at home and abroad,and summarized relevant traditional Chinese medicine books.Results:At present,hormone therapy is preferred in western medicine,followed by antimetabolic drugs,Anti-TNF,and also potential drug therapeutic strategies,such as"CLEAR"regimen and new target therapy.Traditional Chinese medicine through syndrome differentiation,from the whole,flexible use of dispel evil,phlegm,blood circulation,dredging collaterals,qi and other methods to achieve the effect of dissolution.Conclusion:The treatment research results of pulmonary sarcoidosis are considerable,but there are still many risk factors in Western medicine,and the benefits and treatment indications of individual drugs are still under study.Traditional Chinese medicine has certain safety and efficacy in the prevention and treatment of pulmonary sarcoidosis,but it needs modern medical technology examination.Therefore,the advantages of traditional Chinese and Western medicine should be fully combined to achieve the maximum treatment effects.

Study on the efficacy of early treatment with pirfenidone on the lung function of patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis

BACKGROUND Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis(IPF)is classified under fibrotic interstitial pneumonia,characterized by a chronic and progressive course.The predominant clinical features of IPF include dyspnea and pulmonary dysfunction.AIM To assess the effects of pirfenidone in the early treatment of IPF on lung function in patients.METHODS A retrospective analysis was performed on 113 patients with IPF who were treated in our hospital from November 2017 to January 2023.These patients were divided into two groups:control group(n=53)and observation group(n=60).In the control group,patients received routine therapy in combination with methylprednisolone tablets,while those in the observation group received routine therapy together with pirfenidone.After applying these distinct treatment approaches to the two groups,we assessed several parameters,including the overall effectiveness of clinical therapy,the occurrence of adverse reactions(e.g.,nausea,vomiting,and anorexia),symptom severity scores,pulmonary function index levels,inflammatory marker levels,and the 6-min walk distance before and after treatment in both groups.RESULTS The observation group exhibited significantly higher rates than the control group after therapy,with a clear distinction(P<0.05).After treatment,the observation group experienced significantly fewer adverse reactions than the control group,with a noticeable difference(P<0.05).When analyzing the symptom severity scores between the two groups of patients after treatment,the observation group had significantly lower scores than the control group,with a distinct difference(P<0.05).When comparing the pulmonary function index levels between the two groups of patients after therapy,the observation group displayed significantly higher levels than the control group,with a noticeable difference(P<0.05).Evaluating the inflammatory marker data(C-reactive protein,interleukin-2[IL-2],and IL-8)between the two groups of patients after therapy,the observation group exhibited significantly lower levels than the control group,with significant disparities(P<0.05).Comparison of the 6-min walking distance data between the two groups of patients after treatment showed that the observation group achieved significantly greater distances than the control group,with a marked difference(P<0.05).CONCLUSION Prompt initiation of pirfenidone treatment in individuals diagnosed with IPF can enhance pulmonary function,elevate inflammatory factor levels,and increase the distance covered in the 6-min walk test.This intervention is conducive to effectively decreasing the occurrence of adverse reactions in patients.

The diagnostic yield for computed tomography pulmonary angiography in patients with anticoagulation

BACKGROUND:Patients who present to the emergency department(ED)for suspected pulmonary embolism(PE)are often on active oral anticoagulation(AC).However,the diagnostic yield of computed tomography pulmonary angiography(CTPA)in screening for PE in patients who present on AC has not been well characterized.We aim to investigate the diagnostic yield of CTPA in diagnosing PE depending on AC status.METHODS:We reviewed and analyzed the electronic medical records of patients who underwent CTPA for PE at a university hospital ED from June 1,2019,to March 25,2022.Primary outcome was the incidence of PE on CTPA depending on baseline AC status and indication for AC.RESULTS:Of 2,846 patients,242 were on AC for a history of venous thromboembolism(VTE),210 were on AC for other indications,and 2,394 were not on AC.The incidence of PE on CTPA was significantly lower in patients on AC for other indications(5.7%)when compared to patients on AC for prior VTE(24.3%)and patients not on AC at presentation(9.8%)(P<0.001).In multivariable analysis among the whole cohort,AC was associated with a positive CTPA(odds ratio[OR]0.26,95%confidence interval[CI]:0.15-0.45,P<0.001).CONCLUSION:The incidence of PE among patients undergoing CTPA in the ED is lower in patients previously on AC for indications other than VTE when compared to those not on AC or those on AC for history of VTE.AC status and indication for AC may affect pre-test probability of a positive CTPA,and AC status therefore warrants consideration as part of future diagnostic algorithms among patients with suspected PE.

Hypoxia in the pulmonary vein increases pulmonary vascular resistance independently of oxygen in the pulmonary artery

Introduction:Hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction(HPV)can be a challenging clinical problem.It is not fully elucidated where in the circulation the regulation of resistance takes place.It is often referred to as if it is in the arteries,but we hypothesized that it is in the venous side of the pulmonary circulation.Methods:In an open thorax model,pigs were treated with a veno-venous extra corporeal membrane oxygenator to either oxygenate or deoxygenate blood passing through the pulmonary vessels.At the same time the lungs were ventilated with extreme variations of inspired air from 5%to 100%oxygen,making it possible to make combinations of high and low oxygen content through the pulmonary circulation.A flow probe was inserted around the main pulmonary artery and catheters in the pulmonary artery and in the left atrium were used for pressure monitoring and blood tests.Under different combinations of oxygenation,pulmonary vascular resistance(PVR)was calculated.Results:With unchanged level of oxygen in the pulmonary artery and reduced inspired oxygen fraction lowering oxygen tension from 29 to 6.7 kPa in the pulmonary vein,PVR was doubled.With more extreme hypoxia PVR suddenly decreased.Combinations with low oxygenation in the pulmonary artery did not systematic influence PVR if there was enough oxygen in the inspired air and in the pulmonary veins.Discussion:The impact of hypoxia occurs from the alveolar level and forward with the blood flow.The experiments indicated that the regulation of PVR is mediated from the venous side.

Effect of perioperative chemotherapy on resection of isolated pulmonary metastases from colorectal cancer:A single center experience

BACKGROUND Numerous studies have assessed surgical resection as a standard treatment option for patients with colorectal cancer(CRC)and resectable pulmonary metastases(PM).However,the role of perioperative chemotherapy after complete resection of isolated PM from patients with CRC patients remains controversial.We hypothesize that perioperative chemotherapy does not provide significant survival benefits for patients undergoing resection of PM from CRC.AIM To determine whether perioperative chemotherapy affects survival after radical resection of isolated PM from CRC.METHODS We retrospectively collected demographic,clinical,and pathologic data on patients who underwent radical surgery for isolated PM from CRC.Cancerspecific survival(CSS)and disease-free survival were calculated using Kaplan-Meier analysis.Inter-group differences were compared using the log-rank test.For multivariate analysis,Cox regression was utilized when indicated.RESULTS This study included 120 patients with a median age of 61.6 years.The 5-year CSS rate was 78.2%,with 36.7% experiencing recurrence.Surgical resection for isolated PM resulted in a 5-year CSS rate of 50.0% for second metastases.Perioperative chemotherapy(P=0.079)did not enhance survival post-resection.Factors associated with improved survival included fewer metastatic lesions[hazard ratio(HR):2.51,P=0.045],longer disease-free intervals(HR:0.35,P=0.016),and wedge lung resections(HR:0.42,P=0.035).Multiple PM predicted higher recurrence risk(HR:2.22,P=0.022).The log-rank test showed no significant difference in CSS between single and repeated metastasectomy(P=0.92).CONCLUSION Perioperative chemotherapy shows no survival benefit post-PM resection in CRC.Disease-free intervals and fewer metastatic lesions predict better survival.Repeated metastasectomy is warranted for eligible patients.

Early pirfenidone treatment enhances lung function in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis patients

This editorial comments on the study by Lei et al investigating the efficacy of early treatment with pirfenidone on the lung function of patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis(IPF)published.This study evaluates the efficacy of early treatment with pirfenidone on lung function in patients with IPF.The early and advanced stages of IPF are defined,highlighting the drug's benefits.While prior research indicates pirfenidone's effectiveness in advanced IPF,this study focuses on its advantages in early stages.The study emphasizes the importance of computed tomography imaging alongside biochemical data and lung function tests for a comprehensive analysis of symptom relief.Results show that early intervention with pirfenidone significantly reduces disease progression and preserves lung function,underscoring its potential as a critical treatment strategy in early IPF.

The effect of traditional Chinese medicine rehabilitation exercise(pulmonary Daoyin)in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease:A systematic review and meta-analysis

Objective:Previous research has demonstrated that pulmonary Daoyin could be an efficacious way to ameliorate the physical and psychological state of sufferers with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD)and bolster the quality of life.However,the results are not consistent.Thus,the objective of this research is to assess the impacts of pulmonary Daoyin in individuals with COPD.Methods:Relevant articles were searched in Web of Science,Cochrane Library,PubMed,EMBASE,SinoMed,CNKI,Wanfang,and VIP from database inception to January 2024.Results:There were a total of 15 randomized controlled trials(RCTs)included in this meta-analysis involving 1732 patients,of which 864 participated in the intervention group and 868 in the control group.When comparing with the control group,the COPD patients practicing pulmonary Daoyin demonstrated a significant improvement in 6 min walking distance(mean difference[MD]=24.53,95%confidence interval[CI][18.55,30.52],P<0.00001),forced expiratory volume in the 1 s(FEV_(1))(MD=0.39,95%CI[0.18,0.59],P=0.0002),percentage of FEV_(1)to the predicted value(FEV_(1)%)(MD=5.35,95%CI[3.22,7.48],P<0.0001),the forced vital capacity(FVC)(MD=0.39,95%CI[0.06,0.73],P=0.02),percentage of FVC to the predicted value(FVC%)(MD=7.52,95%CI[4.91,10.13],P<0.00001),the ratio of FEV_(1)/FVC(MD=4.95,95%CI[0.91,8.99],P=0.02),peak expiratory flow rate(standardized MD=0.98,95%CI[0.74,1.22],P<0.00001),modified Medical Research Council(mMRC)scale(MD=-0.47,95%CI[-0.89,-0.04],P=0.03),and Borg scale(MD=-0.65,95%CI[-0.75,-0.55],P<0.00001).Conclusions:Our findings may illuminate the influence of pulmonary Daoyin on exercise ability,breathlessness,and pulmonary function in COPD patients.More rigorous RCTs with larger samples and longer-term interventions will be required moving forward.

Trigonelline mitigates bleomycin-induced idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis in mice

Objective:To evaluate the effect of trigonelline on bleomycin-induced idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis(IPF)and to explore its underlying mechanisms using network pharmacology.Methods:IPF was induced in C57BL/6 mice by a single intratracheal instillation of bleomycin(5 mg/kg).Trigonelline was administered at doses of 25,50,and 100 mg/kg/day orally from the 2nd day post-bleomycin induction up to the 14th day.In IPF-induced mice,lung coefficient,immune cell infiltration in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid,and oxidative stress were measured.Histological alterations in lung tissues were also assessed.Moreover,network pharmacology approach was conducted to reveal molecular interactions of bleomycin and trigonelline with targets of IPF.Results:Trigonelline treatment reduced bleomycin-induced oxidative stress and immune cell infiltration,and mitigated physiological changes in the lung tissues of mice.Moreover,trigonelline alleviated bleomycin-induced histological alterations in lung tissues.Network pharmacology analysis showed that bleomycin and trigonelline interacted with IPF targets,such as NFKB1,HDAC2,HIF1A,and TLR4.Conclusions:The interaction of trigonelline with key IPF targets and its ameliorative effects on lung damage and oxidative stress highlight its potential in treating IPF.It may be considered an antifibrotic agent for further clinical development.

Computed tomography imaging and clinical significance of bacterium-positive pulmonary tuberculosis complicated with diabetes

BACKGROUND The increasing prevalence of tuberculosis(TB)and diabetes on a global scale poses a significant health challenge,particularly due to their co-occurrence,which amplifies the severity,recurrence and mortality rates associated with both conditions.This highlights the need for further investigation into their interrelationship.AIM To explore the computed tomography(CT)imaging and clinical significance of bacterium-positive pulmonary TB(PTB)combined with diabetes.METHODS There were 50 patients with bacterium-positive PTB and diabetes,and 50 with only bacterium-positive PTB.The latter were designated as the control group.The CT imaging of the two groups of patients was compared,including lesion range,shape,density and calcification.RESULTS No significant differences were observed in age,gender,smoking and drinking history,high blood pressure,hyperlipidemia and family genetic factors between the groups.However,compared to the patients diagnosed solely with simple bacterium-positive PTB,those with concurrent diabetes showed a wider range of lesions and more complex and diverse morphology on CT images.Among them,intrapulmonary tuberculosis lesions were often accompanied by manifestations of pulmonary infection,such as cavity formation and bronchiectasis.At the same time,diabetes-related signs were often seen on CT images,such as pulmonary infection combined with diabetic pulmonary lesions.Logistic regression analysis identified age and medical history as significant factors influencing the degree of pulmonary infection and CT imaging outcomes in patients with both TB and diabetes.This suggests that older age and specific medical histories may increase the risk or severity of pulmonary damage in these patients.CONCLUSION CT imaging reveals more complex lesions in PTB patients with diabetes,emphasizing the need for careful evaluation and comprehensive analysis to enhance diagnostic accuracy.

Contribution of Imagery in the Diagnosis of Multisystemic Sarcoidosis in the Service Radiology Department of the Mother and Child Hospital “Le Luxembourg” in Bamako: A Case Report

The aim of this study was to report a case of multi-visceral sarcoidosis at the Mother-Child Hospital Center (CHME) “Le Luxembourg” in Bamako, Mali. Observation: This is a patient aged 62 at the time of consultation, a housewife, residing in the Banconi district, who was referred to us for thoracic-abdominopelvic imaging for chronic liver disease. After several diagnostic errors, the thoracic-abdominopelvic CT scan and liver MRI performed in our center showed, at the thoracoabdominal level, bilateral diffuse pulmonary micronodules and bilateral mediastinal-hilar lymphadenopathy;on the abdominal level, a dysmorphic liver with plaques of steatosis and a granular appearance of the liver parenchyma without periportal fibrosis. These imaging data combined with those from the liver nodule biopsy and biology confirmed the diagnosis of sarcoidosis type II. Treatment with corticosteroids gave satisfactory results and the patient recovered after 18 months. Clinical and CT monitoring 2 years from the start of the disease and 2 months from the end of treatment showed complete resolution of the lesions. Conclusion: The multi-visceral location of sarcoidosis is an entity whose diagnosis remains difficult;diagnostic and interventional imaging has an important place in its management.

Arterial Duct Stenting Versus Modified Blalock-Taussig Shunt in Patient with Ductal-Dependent Pulmonary Circulation: Systematic Review & Meta-Analysis

Objective:Patients with ductal-dependent pulmonary circulation require alternative bloodflow to provide and maintain adequate oxygenation.Modified Blalock-Taussig Shunt(MBTS)has been the standard for providing such a result.Currently,less invasive methods such as Arterial Duct(AD)stenting have been performed as alter-natives.This study aims to compare the outcome of AD stenting and MBTS.Method:Systematic research was performed in online databases using the PRISMA protocol.The outcomes measured were 30-day mortality,com-plication,unplanned intervention,oxygen saturation,duration of hospital,and ICU length of stay.Any compara-tive study provided with full text is included.The outcome of each study was analyzed using a trandom effects model with relative risk and mean difference as the effect size.Bias risk assessment was conducted using the New-castle-Ottawa Scale.All analyses were performed using Review Manager 5.4.1.Result:A total of 11 studies with 3154 samples included in this study.There is no significant difference in 30-day mortality between the two groups(p-value=0.10).However,there is significantly less complication(RR 0.53[0.35,0.82];p-value=0.004)and unplanned intervention(RR 0.59[0.38,0.92];p-value=0.02)in the AD stent group.Comparison of the Nakata index showed no significant difference(p-value=0.88).Post-operative oxygen saturation was measured signifi-cantly higher in the AD stenting(MD 1.80[0.85,2.74];p-value=0.0002).However,AD stent group shows sig-nificantly lower long-term oxygen saturation(MD-8.43[-14.38,-2.48];p-value=0.005).Both hospital and ICU length of stay was significantly shorter in the AD stent group(MD-8.30[-11.13,-5.48];p-value<0.00001;MD-5.09[-7.79,-2.38];p-value=0.0002).Conclusion:AD stenting provides comparable outcomes relative to MBTS as it provides less complication and unplanned intervention and higher post-procedural O2 saturation.However,MBTS proved its superiority in maintaining higher long-term oxygen saturation and still became the preferred option to manage complex cases where stenting is either challenging or unsuccessful.

Timing impact on the initiation of pirfenidone therapy on idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis disease progression

In this editorial,we comment on the article by Lei et al,with a specific focus on the timing of the initiation of the antifibrotic agent pirfenidone(PFD)in the management of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis(IPF)and its impact on lung function of IPF patients.PFD is an antifibrotic agent that is widely used in the management of IPF in both early and advanced stages.It inhibits various pathways and has antifibrotic,anti-inflammatory,and antioxidant properties.Despite dosage lowering,PFD slowed IPF progression and maintained functional capacity.The 6-min walk distance test indicated that patients tolerated adverse events well,and PFD significantly reduced the incidence of progression episodes and death.Even when a single disease-progression event occurred,continuing PFD treatment had benefits.

Extralobar pulmonary sequestration in children with abdominal pain:Four case reports

BACKGROUND Extralobar pulmonary sequestration(ELS)with torsion is extremely rare,consequently,the diagnosis of ELS with torsion in children presents a challenge for clinicians.Herein,we report four cases of ELS with torsion that presented with abdominal pain,and further review the relevant literature to summarize the clinical features.CASE SUMMARY Four children presented to our department with abdominal pain.All underwent chest computed tomography,which revealed an intrathoracic soft tissue mass with pleural effusion.All four children underwent thoracoscopic resection of the identified pulmonary sequestration,and the vascular pedicle was clipped and excised.None of the patients experienced any postoperative complications.CONCLUSION Clinicians should consider the possibility of ELS with torsion in children presenting with abdominal pain as the chief complaint.

Study on the impact of comprehensive geriatric assessment on anxiety and depression in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients

BACKGROUND Psychological factors such as anxiety and depression will not only aggravate the symptoms of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD)patients and reduce the quality of life of patients,but also affect the treatment effect and long-term prognosis.Therefore,it is of great significance to explore the clinical application of senile comprehensive assessment in the treatment of COPD and its influence on psychological factors such as anxiety and depression.AIM To explore the clinical application of comprehensive geriatric assessment in COPD care and its impact on anxiety and depression in elderly patents.METHODS In this retrospective study,60 patients with COPD who were hospitalized in our hospital from 2019 to 2020 were randomly divided into two groups with 30 patients in each group.The control group was given routine nursing,and the observation group was given comprehensive assessment.Clinical symptoms,quality of life[COPD assessment test(CAT)score],anxiety and depression Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale(HAMA)and Hamilton Depression Rating Scale(HAMD)were compared between the two groups.RESULTS CAT scores in the observation group decreased from an average of 24.5 points at admission to an average of 18.3 points at discharge,and in the control group from an average of 24.7 points at admission to an average of 18.3 points at discharge.The average score was 22.1(P<0.05).In the observation group,HAMA scores decreased from 14.2 points at admission to 8.6 points at discharge,and HAMD scores decreased from 13.8 points at admission to 7.4 points at discharge.The mean HAMD scores in the control group decreased from an average of 14.5 at admission to an average of 12.3 at discharge,and from an average of 14.1 at admission to an average of 11.8 at discharge.CONCLUSION The application of comprehensive geriatric assessment in COPD care has a significant effect on improving patients'clinical symptoms and quality of life,and can effectively reduce patients'anxiety and depression.

Effects of acetylcysteine on micro-inflammation and pulmonary ventilation in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease exacerbation

BACKGROUND Acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(AECOPD)is a serious complication of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease,often characterized by increased morbidity and mortality.In traditional Chinese medicine,AECOPD is linked to phlegm-heat and blood-stasis,presenting symptoms like thick sputum,fever,and chest pain.It has been shown that acetylcysteine inhalation in conjunction with conventional therapy significantly reduced inflammatory markers and improved lung function parameters in patients with AECOPD,suggesting that acetylcysteine may be an important adjunctive therapy for patients with phlegm-heat-blood stasis type AECOPD.AIM To investigate the effect of acetylcysteine on microinflammation and lung ventilation in patients with phlegm-heat and blood-stasis-type AECOPD.METHODS One hundred patients with phlegm-heat and blood-stasis-type AECOPD were randomly assigned to two groups.The treatment group received acetylcysteine inhalation(10%solution,5 mL,twice daily)along with conventional therapy,whereas the control group received only conventional therapy.The treatment duration was 14 d.Inflammatory markers(C-reactive protein,interleukin-6,and tumor necrosis factor-alpha)in the serum and sputum as well as lung function parameters(forced expiratory volume in one second,forced vital capacity,and peak expiratory flow)were assessed pre-and post-treatment.Acetylcysteine inhalation led to significant reductions in inflammatory markers and improvements in lung function parameters compared to those in the control group(P<0.05).This suggests that acetylcysteine could serve as an effective adjunct therapy for patients with phlegm-heat and blood-stasis-type AECOPD.RESULTS Acetylcysteine inhalation significantly reduced inflammatory markers in the serum and sputum and improved lung ventilation function parameters in patients with phlegm-heat and blood-stasis type AECOPD compared with the control group.These differences were statistically significant(P<0.05).The study concluded that acetylcysteine inhalation had a positive effect on microinflammation and lung ventilation function in patients with this type of AECOPD,suggesting its potential as an adjuvant therapy for such cases.CONCLUSION Acetylcysteine inhalation demonstrated significant improvements in reducing inflammatory markers in the serum and sputum,as well as enhancing lung ventilation function parameters in patients with phlegm-heat and bloodstasis type AECOPD.These findings suggest that acetylcysteine could serve as a valuable adjuvant therapy for individuals with this specific type of AECOPD,offering benefits for managing microinflammation and optimizing lung function.

Role of diaphragmatic ultrasound in patients with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Assessing diaphragm function status is vital for diagnosing and treating acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(AECOPD).Diaphrag-matic ultrasound has become increasingly important due to its non-invasive nature,absence of radiation exposure,widespread availability,prompt results,high accuracy,and repeatability at the bedside.The diaphragm is a crucial respiratory muscle.Decline or dysfunction of the diaphragm can lead to dyspnea and even respiratory failure in AECOPD patients.In this editorial,we comment on an article,retrospectively analyzed ninety-four acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients who received mechanical ventilation from January 2022 to December 2023.The study found that the diaphragm thickening fraction,an index from diaphragm ultrasound,can better predict the outcome of non-invasive ventilation in patients with AECOPD.The value of non-invasive ventilation in treating respiratory failure caused by AECOPD has been widely acknowledged.Diaphragmatic dysfunction diagnosed with ultrasound is asso-ciated with prolonged mechanical ventilation and weaning times and higher mortality.

Predictive value of diaphragm ultrasound for mechanical ventilation outcome in patients with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

BACKGROUND Acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(AECOPD)is often combined with respiratory failure,which increases the patient's morbidity and mortality.Diaphragm ultrasound(DUS)has developed rapidly in the field of critical care in recent years.Studies with DUS monitoring diaphragm-related rapid shallow breathing index have demonstrated important results in guiding intensive care unit patients out of the ventilator.Early prediction of the indications for withdrawal of non-invasive ventilator and early evaluation of patients to avoid or reduce disease progression are very important.AIM To explore the predictive value of DUS indexes for non-invasive ventilation outcome in patients with AECOPD.METHODS Ninety-four patients with AECOPD who received mechanical ventilation in our hospital from January 2022 to December 2023 were retrospectively analyzed,and they were divided into a successful ventilation group(68 cases)and a failed ventilation group(26 cases)according to the outcome of ventilation.The clinical data of patients with successful and failed noninvasive ventilation were compared,and the independent predictors of noninvasive ventilation outcomes in AECOPD patients were identified by multivariate logistic regression analysis.RESULTS There were no significant differences in gender,age,body mass index,complications,systolic pressure,heart rate,mean arterial pressure,respiratory rate,oxygen saturation,partial pressure of oxygen,oxygenation index,or time of inspiration between patients with successful and failed mechanical ventilation(P>0.05).The patients with successful noninvasive ventilation had shorter hospital stays and lower partial pressure of carbon dioxide(PaCO_(2))than those with failed treatment,while potential of hydrogen(pH),diaphragm thickening fraction(DTF),diaphragm activity,and diaphragm movement time were significantly higher than those with failed treatment(P<0.05).pH[odds ratio(OR)=0.005,P<0.05],PaCO_(2)(OR=0.430,P<0.05),and DTF(OR=0.570,P<0.05)were identified to be independent factors influencing the outcome of mechanical ventilation in AECOPD patients.CONCLUSION The DUS index DTF can better predict the outcome of non-invasive ventilation in AECOPD patients.