Fayez Kheir

Effect of yoga in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Yoga is adjunctively utilized outside the United States in the treatment of a variety of diseases, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), but there are no studies assessing its adjunctive efficacy in the United States. We prospectively evaluated the effects of yoga training on the quality of life (QOL) and the parameters of lung function in patients with COPD. Thirty-three patients with documented COPD, per Global Initiative for Obstructive Lung Disease criteria, were recruited. All patients received standard COPD care. The QOL was assessed by the St. George Respiratory questionnaire. Standard spirometry and maximum inspiratory (maximal inspiratory pressure) and expiratory pressure (maximal expiratory pressure) were measured. Patients were taught selected yoga exercises including breathing exercises, meditation, and yoga postures for 1 hour, thrice a week for 6 weeks by a certified yoga therapist. The quality of life and lung function were again assessed at the end of 6 weeks. Twenty-two patients completed the study. Differences in preyoga versus postyoga scores were evaluated using paired t-tests. Statistically significant improvements (P < 0.05) were observed for the St. George Respiratory questionnaire [95% confidence interval (CI) 43.13–58.47], vital capacity (95% CI 2.53–7.65), maximal inspiratory pressure (95% CI 6.62–23.64), and maximal expiratory pressure (95% CI 1.63–13.81). Yoga when practiced by patients with COPD results in improvement in the QOL and lung function on a short-term basis. Additional research is needed to confirm these findings in a randomized controlled trial and in the longer term.

Concurrent Intrapleural Instillation of Tissue Plasminogen Activator and DNase for Pleural Infection. A Single-Center Experience

RATIONALE Treatment of pleural infection with instillation of intrapleural tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) and human recombinant DNase (DNase) has been proven to decrease the length of hospital stay, decrease surgical referral, and improve drainage. The optimal dosage, administration, timing, and frequency of the regimen remain unclear. It is unknown if the two drugs can be administered immediately one after the other (referred to as concurrent) instead of instilling them separately with a 1- to -2-hour interval in between. OBJECTIVES To assess the safety and efficacy of concurrent instillation of intrapleural tPA/DNase guided by radiographic and clinical response in patients with pleural infection. METHODS We conducted a retrospective cohort study. Consecutive patients with pleural infection who received concurrent tPA/DNase were included. The initiation and number of doses of tPA/DNase therapy were based on pleural fluid drainage, clinical response, and radiographic findings. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS Seventy-three patients received concurrent tPA/DNase therapy. Treatment was successful in 90.4% of them; 80.8% were effectively treated with fewer than six doses of therapy (median, 2; interquartile range [IQR], 1-3.5); and 71.2% received their first dose of tPA/DNase within 24 hours after chest tube insertion. The median hospital stay from the first dose of tPA/DNase to discharge was 7 days (IQR, 5-11 d). The volume of pleural fluid drained increased from a median of 295 ml (IQR, 97.5-520 ml) 24 hours before treatment to a median of 1,102 ml (IQR, 627-2,200 ml) 72 hours following therapy (P < 0.001). Nonfatal pleural bleeding occurred in 5.4%, 15.1% had chest pain, and 2.7% died as a result of pleural infection. CONCLUSIONS This cohort study shows that early administration of concurrent tPA/DNase in patients with pleural infection is relatively safe and effective. Given the high cost of therapy, it is feasible to guide therapy on the basis of clinical and radiographic response.

Tunneled Pleural Catheter Placement with and without Talc Poudrage for Treatment of Pleural Effusions Due to Congestive Heart Failure

RATIONALE There is a paucity of evidence regarding the role of tunneled pleural catheters in pleural effusions caused by congestive heart failure that is refractory to medical management. OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility of tunneled pleural catheter drainage for treatment of refractory pleural effusions associated with congestive heart failure, either when used alone or with concomitant talc pleurodesis performed during thoracoscopy. METHODS This was a retrospective cohort study. We identified patients with congestive heart failure and recurrent symptomatic pleural effusions who were treated between 2005 and 2015 by placement of a tunneled pleural catheter. Patients underwent either thoracoscopy followed by talc poudrage and pleural catheter placement (group 1) or catheter insertion alone (group 2). MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS Forthy-three catheters were inserted in 36 patients, with 15 placed in group 1 and 28 in group 2. Successful pleurodesis was seen in 80% in group 1 and 25% in group 2. The median time of catheter placement was 11.5 days in group 1 and 66 days in group 2. There was a significant decrease in hospital admissions and pleural interventions after catheter placement compared with before insertion (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS This single-center, retrospective study demonstrated the feasibility of catheter placement used alone or with talc poudrage for the treatment of refractory pleural effusions associated with congestive heart failure. The addition of talc poudrage might increase the pleurodesis rate and reduce the days to catheter removal in highly selected patients. Prospective studies on a larger number of patients are warranted to verify the safety and efficacy of this intervention.

Tunneled Pleural Catheter for the Treatment of Malignant Pleural Effusion: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Tunneled pleural catheter (TPC) has been widely used to control malignant pleural effusion (MPE); however, it is still not clear whether it is more effective than chemical pleurodesis. We performed a systematic review with meta-analysis to evaluate success and complication rate of TPC as compared with chemical pleurodesis in the management of MPE. PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane central register of controlled trials, and MEDLINE were searched for English-language studies of clinical controlled trials comparing TPC with chemical pleurodesis until May 2014. Overall success and complication rate were evaluated. Relative risks (RRs) were estimated using random-effects model, and statistical heterogeneity was assessed using I2 test. Three trials involving 307 patients with MPE were included. The success rate was comparable between TPC and chemical pleurodesis group when all studies included in the analysis (RR, 0.8; 95% confidence interval, 0.53–1.19; P = 0.27). TPC had slightly higher complication rate but was not statistically significant (RR, 2; 95% confidence interval, 0.91–4.4; P = 0.09). Current evidence suggests that TPC and chemical pleurodesis are both effective treatment for recurrent MPE with similar success and complication rate. Further randomized controlled trials are needed to compare TPC with other therapies in patients with MPE.

Role of Anemia in Home Oxygen Therapy in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Patients.

Anemia is a known comorbidity found in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients. Hypoxemia is common and basically due to ventilation/perfusion (V/Q) mismatch in COPD. Anemia, by decreasing arterial oxygen content, may be a contributing factor for decreased delivery of oxygen to tissues. The objective of this study is to determine if anemia is a factor in qualifying COPD patients for home oxygen therapy. The study was designed as a retrospective, cross-sectional, observational chart review. Patients who were referred for home oxygen therapy evaluation were selected from the computerized patient record system. Demographic data, oxygen saturation at rest and during exercise, pulmonary function test results, hemoglobin level, medications, reason for anemia, comorbid diseases, and smoking status were recorded. The &khgr;2 tests, independent sample t tests, and logistic regression were used for statistical analysis. Only 356 of total 478 patient referrals had a diagnosis of COPD over a 2-year period. Although 39 of them were excluded, 317 patients were included in the study. The overall rate of anemia was 38% in all COPD patients. Anemia was found significantly more frequent in COPD patients on home oxygen therapy (46%) than those not on home oxygen therapy (18.5%) (P < 0.0001). Mean saturation of peripheral oxygen values were significantly lower in anemic COPD patients both at rest and during exercise (P < 0.0001). Also, in COPD patients, age, Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease class, smoking status, hemoglobin level, hematocrit, percent of forced expiratory volume in first second, forced expiratory volume in first second/forced vital capacity, residual volume/total lung volume, percent of carbon monoxide diffusion capacity were significantly different between home oxygen therapy and those not on home oxygen therapy (P < 0.05). Multivariate logistic regression showed that anemia remained a strong predictor for long-term oxygen therapy use in COPD patients after adjusting for other significant parameters. Anemic COPD patients are more hypoxic especially during exercise than those who are not anemic. We conclude that anemia is a contributing factor in qualifying COPD patients for home oxygen therapy.

Covered Balloon-Expanding Stents in Airway Stenosis

BACKGROUND The balloon-expanding stents are widely available but rarely described for use within the tracheobronchial tree. This report describes our experience with these stents in airway stenosis particularly as a lobar salvage therapy. METHODS This was a retrospective review of all records in which the balloon-expanding stents were used at a tertiary medical center. Ages, sex, location of stenosis, etiology of stenosis, stent size, duration of stent placement and associated interventions for airway stenosis were recorded. Patients self-reported respiratory symptoms, dyspnea scale, and radiographic imaging at baseline and after stent placement were also reported. RESULTS Twenty-one Atrium iCAST stents were inserted in 18 patients with malignant and benign airway disease. The median age was 69.5 years (interquartile range, 53.5 to 74). Most stents (n=20, 95%) were deployed in the lobar airways. There was a significant improvement in the modified Medical Research Council dyspnea scale from median of 3 to 2 (P<0.05). Self-reported respiratory symptoms improved in 14 patients (78%, P<0.05). Radiographic improvement post Atrium iCAST stent placement was achieved in 15 patients (83%). No deaths were related to airway stenting complications. Adverse events related to stents included migration (n=2, 9.5%), granulation tissue formation (n=2, 9.5%) and mucus plugging (n=1, 4.8%). CONCLUSIONS Lobar stenting with balloon-expanding metallic stents appears feasible, safe and improves symptoms as well as radiographic atelectasis in patients with lobar airway stenosis in this small case series. Larger studies are needed to confirm this observation and to address long-term safety.Background: The balloon-expanding stents are widely available but rarely described for use within the tracheobronchial tree. This report describes our experience with these stents in airway stenosis particularly as a lobar salvage therapy. Methods: This was a retrospective review of all records in which the balloon-expanding stents were used at a tertiary medical center. Ages, sex, location of stenosis, etiology of stenosis, stent size, duration of stent placement and associated interventions for airway stenosis were recorded. Patient’s self-reported respiratory symptoms, dyspnea scale, and radiographic imaging at baseline and after stent placement were also reported. Results: Twenty-one Atrium iCAST stents were inserted in 18 patients with malignant and benign airway disease. The median age was 69.5 years (interquartile range, 53.5 to 74). Most stents (n=20, 95%) were deployed in the lobar airways. There was a significant improvement in the modified Medical Research Council dyspnea scale from median of 3 to 2 (P<0.05). Self-reported respiratory symptoms improved in 14 patients (78%, P<0.05). Radiographic improvement post Atrium iCAST stent placement was achieved in 15 patients (83%). No deaths were related to airway stenting complications. Adverse events related to stents included migration (n=2, 9.5%), granulation tissue formation (n=2, 9.5%) and mucus plugging (n=1, 4.8%). Conclusions: Lobar stenting with balloon-expanding metallic stents appears feasible, safe and improves symptoms as well as radiographic atelectasis in patients with lobar airway stenosis in this small case series. Larger studies are needed to confirm this observation and to address long-term safety.

Safety and Efficacy of Tissue Plasminogen Activator and DNase for Complicated Pleural Effusions Secondary to Abdominal Pathology

Rationale: Exudative pleural effusions may arise secondary to inflammation of intra‐abdominal structures. Pleural space loculations can complicate these effusions, preventing adequate chest tube drainage and leading to consideration of surgical intervention. Previous studies have demonstrated that intrapleural administration of tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) combined with human recombinant DNase can improve fluid drainage and reduce surgery for patients with loculated parapneumonic effusions; however, the efficacy of this treatment has not been evaluated for complicated pleural effusions attributed to intra‐abdominal inflammation. Objectives: We assessed the safety and efficacy of tPA/DNase for 17 pleural effusions associated with nonmalignant intra‐abdominal pathology that did not drain adequately after placement of one or more chest tubes. Methods: Efficacy was measured by comparing post‐ to pretreatment fluid drainage rates, volumetric assessment of pleural fluid on radiographic images before and after treatment, and clinical improvement, including the need for surgical intervention. Symptomatic relief was assessed using the Borg scale for breathlessness. Measurements and Main Results: After a median of two doses of tPA/DNase, 23.5% of patients had chest pain and none had pleural bleeding. The volume of pleural fluid drained increased from a median of 325 ml to 890 ml per 24 hours after therapy (P = 0.018). The area of pleural space opacity on chest radiographs decreased from a median of 42.8‐17.8% of the hemithorax (P = 0.001). tPA/DNase reduced the pleural fluid volume on chest computed tomographic imaging from a median of 294.4 ml to 116.1 ml. Borg scores improved from a median of 3 (interquartile range = 1‐6) to 0 (interquartile range = 0‐2) after therapy (P = 0.001). The median duration of chest tube placement and hospital stay were 4 and 11 days, respectively. Two patients required surgical intervention for lung entrapment. Overall, treatment was considered successful for 88.2% of patients. Conclusions: This retrospective case series suggests that intrapleural tPA/DNase can be safe and effective for patients with complicated pleural effusions attributed to abdominal pathology that do not drain adequately after chest tube placement. Additional studies are needed to determine whether the combination of tPA and DNase is more effective than tPA for this indication.

Using Ultrasound-guided Peripheral Catheterization of the Internal Jugular Vein in Patients With Difficult Peripheral Access

Vascular access is necessary in patients admitted to the intensive care unit and the medical ward. Currently, there are multiple modalities to achieve adequate vascular access, each with their own difficulties and drawbacks. Often, in patients with certain comorbidities, it is difficult to obtain a peripheral intravenous (IV) line, which can lead to multiple failed attempts in achieving access. We describe the feasibility of inserting an ultrasound (US)-guided peripheral IV catheter into the internal jugular vein (IJ) in such populations. This was a prospective observational case series in patients with difficult or failed peripheral IV access. All patients underwent sterile insertion of a peripheral IV catheter (2.5″, 18 gauge) into the IJ under US guidance. Catheter placement was confirmed by ultrasonography. Nineteen consecutive patients were included in this series. A total of 20 US-guided peripheral IJ catheters were placed. The mean patient age was 57. Sixty percent of patients were male and the mean body mass index was 26 (14.1–51.5). The mean time taken to place the peripheral IJ catheter was 5.3 minutes. Eighty-five percent of catheters placed were mostly placed in the right IJ. There were no complications on follow-up. US-guided placement of peripheral IV catheters in the IJ is feasible to achieve short-term IV access in a select patient population who failed traditional peripheral IV placement. Furthermore, larger trials are needed to confirm safety and long-term complications of this method.

The role of sedation in endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration: Systematic review

Background: Endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) is a minimally invasive procedure that has become an important tool in diagnosis and staging of mediastinal lymph node (LN) lesions in lung cancer. Adequate sedation is an important part of the procedure since it provides patient′s comfort and potentially increases diagnostic yield. We aimed to compare deep sedation (DS) versus moderate sedation (MS) in patients undergoing EBUS-TBNA procedure. Methods: PubMed, EMBASE, MEDLINE, and Cochrane Library were searched for English studies of clinical trials comparing the two different methods of sedations in EBUS-TBNA until December 2015. The overall diagnostic yield, LN size sampling, procedural time, complication, and safety were evaluated. Results: Six studies with 3000 patients which compared two different modalities of sedation in patients performing EBUS-TBNA were included in the study. The overall diagnostic yield of DS method was 52.3%-100% and MS method was 46.1%-85.7%. The overall sensitivity of EBUS-TBNA of DS method was 98.15%-100% as compared with 80%-98.08% in MS method. The overall procedural times were 27.2-50.9 min and 20.6-44.1 min in DS and MS groups, respectively. The numbers of LN sampled were between 1.33-3.20 nodes and 1.36-2.80 nodes in DS and MS groups, respectively. The numbers of passes per LN were 3.21-3.70 passes in DS group as compared to 2.73-3.00 passes in MS group. The mean of LN size was indifferent between two groups. None of the studies included reported serious adverse events. Conclusions: Using MS in EBUS-TBNA has comparable diagnostic yield and safety profile to DS. The decision on the method of sedation for EBUS-TBNA should be individually selected based on operator experience, patient preference, as well as duration of the anticipated procedure.

The utility of endobronchial ultrasound-transbronchial needle aspiration in lymphoma

Background and Objectives: Endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) is a minimally invasive procedure that has a well-established role in the diagnosis and staging of lung cancer. This technology is also widely used for the diagnosis of mediastinal masses and cysts as well as other inflammatory disorders such as sarcoidosis. However, the utility of this procedure in the diagnosis and subclassification of lymphoproliferative disorders (LPDs) is not clear. We performed a systematic review to evaluate EBUS-TBNA use in LPDs. Materials and Methods: PubMed, EMBASE, MEDLINE, Cochrane Library Plus, and ISI Web of Knowledge were searched for studies of clinical trials in English reporting diagnostic performance of EBUS-TBNA in lymphoma until September 2014. The overall sensitivity, negative predictive value (NPV), and diagnostic accuracy were evaluated. Results: Six trials involving 346 patients with suspected lymphoma were included. The overall sensitivity, NPV, and diagnostic accuracy ranged 38%-91%, 83%-96.4%, and 91%-97%, respectively. Further invasive surgery was needed only in 13-43% of the patients. None of the studies included in the present review reported important complications. Conclusion: Current evidence suggests that EBUS-TBNA can be used as an initial evaluation for patients with suspected lymphoma. Additional surgical procedures may be necessary if a sample is inadequate or negative with high suspicion of lymphoma. Further multicenter trials are needed to evaluate the diagnostic yield of EBUS-TBNA in lymphoma patients.