The use of cardiopulmonary exercise testing in identifying the presence of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome in patients with compatible symptomatology

© 2019 The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) and the presence of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) in order to provide an innovative tool to identify patients with OSAS. A prospective nested case control design was adopted. A consecutive population of male volunteers referred to a Sleep Unit was subjected to nocturnal polysomnography, full lung function testing and maximal CPET. A stepwise linear discriminant function analysis (DFA) was applied to construct a model which could identify individuals with moderate-to-severe OSAS from healthy controls. The total of 30 volunteers formed the OSAS and 24 the non-OSAS groups. Demographic and somatometric parameters were similar between groups. Patients presented with lower Expiratory Reserve Volume (ERV: 106.7 ± 28.3 vs. 123.9 ± 22.1, p < 0.001), Leg Fatigue Borg scale (3.9 ± 1.1 vs. 6.1 ± 1.4, p < 0.001), VO 2peak (25.0 ± 5.9 vs. 32.9 ± 7.2 ml/kg −1 /min −1 , p < 0.001), peak breathing frequency (31.0 ± 5.8 vs. 35.5 ± 7.3 1/min −1 , p < 0.001) and peak heart rate (151.1 ± 17.7 vs. 171.2 ± 12.6 beats/min −1 , p < 0.001) compared to controls, but higher peak end-tidal CO 2 (P ET CO 2peak :38.6 ± 4.2 vs. 35.0 ± 4.9 mmHg, p = 0.043) and peak systolic (SBP:188.3 ± 21.9 vs. 173.1 ± 17.9 mmHg, p = 0.009) and diastolic (DBP: 91.3 ± 8.2 vs. 85.4 ± 8.2 mmHg, p = 0.011) blood pressure. Stepwise DFA indicated that ERV % of predicted (0.372), P ET CO 2peak (−0.376), SpO 2resting (0.0667), Leg Fatigue Borg scale (0.564), HR peak (0.530) and DBP peak (−0.543) could separate the two groups, with an overall predictive accuracy of 96.3%. Selected CPET parameters (ERV % of predicted , P ET CO 2peak , SpO 2resting , HR peak , DBP peak and Leg Fatigue Borg Scale ) are independently associated with OSAS presence and could discriminate patients with and without this disorder.Published versio

Quantification of ETS exposure in hospitality workers who have never smoked

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Environmental Tobacco Smoke (ETS) was classified as human carcinogen (K1) by the German Research Council in 1998. According to epidemiological studies, the relative risk especially for lung cancer might be twice as high in persons who have never smoked but who are in the highest exposure category, for example hospitality workers. In order to implement these results in the German regulations on occupational illnesses, a valid method is needed to retrospectively assess the cumulative ETS exposure in the hospitality environment.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>A literature-based review was carried out to locate a method that can be used for the German hospitality sector. Studies assessing ETS exposure using biological markers (for example urinary cotinine, DNA adducts) or questionnaires were excluded. Biological markers are not considered relevant as they assess exposure only over the last hours, weeks or months. Self-reported exposure based on questionnaires also does not seem adequate for medico-legal purposes. Therefore, retrospective exposure assessment should be based on mathematical models to approximate past exposure.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>For this purpose a validated model developed by Repace and Lowrey was considered appropriate. It offers the possibility of retrospectively assessing exposure with existing parameters (such as environmental dimensions, average number of smokers, ventilation characteristics and duration of exposure). The relative risk of lung cancer can then be estimated based on the individual cumulative exposure of the worker.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>In conclusion, having adapted it to the German hospitality sector, an existing mathematical model appears to be capable of approximating the cumulative exposure. However, the level of uncertainty of these approximations has to be taken into account, especially for diseases with a long latency period such as lung cancer.</p

Endocan and the respiratory system: a review

Maria Kechagia,1,2 Ioannis Papassotiriou,2 Konstantinos I Gourgoulianis1 1Respiratory Medicine Department, University of Thessaly Medical School, Larissa, 2Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Aghia Sophia Children&rsquo;s Hospital, Athens, Greece Abstract: Endocan, formerly called endothelial cell-specific molecule 1, is an endothelial cell-associated proteoglycan that is preferentially expressed by renal and pulmonary endothelium. It is upregulated by proangiogenic molecules as well as by pro-inflammatory cytokines, and since it reflects endothelial activation and dysfunction, it is regarded as a novel tissue and blood-based relevant biomarker. As such, it is increasingly being researched and evaluated in a wide spectrum of healthy and disease pathophysiological processes. Here, we review the present scientific knowledge on endocan, with emphasis on the evidence that underlines its possible clinical value as a prognostic marker in several malignant, inflammatory and obstructive disorders of the respiratory system. Keywords: endocan, endothelial dysfunction, inflammation, respiratory disorder

Missed diagnosis and overtreatment of COPD among smoking primary care population in Central Greece: old problems persist

Eirini Stafyla, Ourania S Kotsiou, Konstantina Deskata, Konstantinos I Gourgoulianis Department of Respiratory Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Thessaly, Biopolis, Larissa, Thessaly, Greece Background: The diagnosis of COPD is not always consistent with the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) strategy in daily clinical practice, especially in primary care. This study aimed to estimate the overall COPD prevalence and severity, to identify differences between newly and previously diagnosed patients, and to evaluate the potential COPD overtreatment in a smoking population attending a primary care spirometry surveillance program. Methods: A study was conducted in 10 primary health care centers of Central Greece during a 7-month period. Eligible participants were aged &ge;40&nbsp;years and were either current smokers or exsmokers. Results: A total of 186 subjects were included (68% males, mean age 62.3&plusmn;12.6&nbsp;years, mean life-time tobacco exposure 50 pack-years). COPD prevalence was 17.8%, identified to be higher in elderly males. Forty-two percent of the COPD group were newly diagnosed patients, who were of younger age, current smokers, presented with less dyspnea and better health status, and mainly appeared with mild-to-moderate disease. Interestingly, 61.4% of non-COPD and 85.7% of newly diagnosed COPD individuals had been using inhaled medication under primary care provider&rsquo;s prescription without ever undergoing spirometry or further evaluation by a pulmonologist; thus, the phenomena of COPD overdiagnosis and missed diagnosis came into the spotlight. Moreover, only 26.3% of known COPD patients were properly medicated according to GOLD guidelines, while half of them were inappropriately treated with triple inhaled therapy. Conclusion: We reported a significant prevalence of COPD in smoking population attending this spirometry program. A remarkable proportion of COPD patients were undiagnosed and made case finding worthwhile. Underutilization of spirometry in the diagnosis and management of COPD as well as general practitioners&rsquo; nonadherence to the GOLD treatment guidelines was confirmed by our data. These findings highlight the need for a major overhaul and culture change in primary care settings of Central Greece. Keywords: COPD management, GOLD guidelines, treatment, spirometry program, primary car

COPD characteristics and socioeconomic burden in Hellenic correctional institutions

Eleni G Bania,1 Zoe Daniil,1 Chrysa Hatzoglou,1 Evangelos C Alexopoulos,2 Eirini Mitsiki,3 Konstantinos I Gourgoulianis1 1Respiratory Medicine Department, University of Thessaly Medical School, University Hospital of Larissa, Larissa, 2Faculty of Social Sciences, Hellenic Open University, Patras, 3Medical Department, Novartis Hellas, Athens, Greece Background: The high prevalence of smoking (80%) in Greek correctional institutions is anticipated to result in high prevalence of COPD in such settings. Aim: The aim of the Greek obstructive luNg disease epidemiOlogy and health economics Study In corrective institutionS (GNOSIS) is to determine the prevalence of smoking and COPD among inmates and to assess the health-related quality of life. Methods: GNOSIS, a cross-sectional epidemiological study, was conducted between March 2011 and December 2011 in seven correctional institutions in Greece. Results: A total of 552 participants, 91.3% male, median age of 43.0&nbsp;years (interquartile range: 35&ndash;53), were enrolled. COPD prevalence was 6.0% and was found to increase with age (18.6% among those &ge;60&nbsp;years), length of prison stay, and length of sentence. Of the participants diagnosed with COPD, 36.4% were diagnosed with Global initiative for chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) stage I and 51.5% were diagnosed with stage II. Dyspnea severity was assessed as grades 0&ndash;1 on the medical research council dyspnea scale for 88.3%, while 31% reported &ge;2 COPD exacerbations in the past year. Seventy-nine percent of the total number of the participants were smokers, with a median smoking of 20.0 cigarettes per day, while 42.9% were assessed as having a strong addiction to nicotine. The median EuroQol visual analog scale score was 70.0 (interquartile range: 60.0&ndash;90.0). Problems in the dimension of anxiety/depression were reported by 82.8%. Conclusion: The results of the study support the notion that the prevalence of COPD among inmates of Greek correctional institutions may increase in the following years. The findings underscore the importance of taking actions to limit COPD prevalence and its risk factors in the Greek correctional system. Keywords: smoking, stress, correctional institutions, Greece, prevention, public healt

The annual direct costs of stable COPD in Greece

Eirini Stafyla,1 Mary Geitona,2 Theodora Kerenidi,1 Athina Economou,3 Zoe Daniil,1 Konstantinos I Gourgoulianis1 1Respiratory Medicine Department, University of Thessaly School of Medicine, University Hospital of Larissa, Larissa, 2School of Social Sciences, University of Peloponnese, Corinth, 3Department of Economics, University of Thessaly, Volos, Greece Introduction: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) places a major burden on health care systems and has substantial economic effects; however, the cost of stable disease in Greece has never been thoroughly explored. The objective of the study was to estimate the annual COPD patient cost during the maintenance phase and explore the relationships between the cost and disease severity.Methods: Data were collected from 245 COPD patients (male: 231, mean age: 69.5&plusmn;8.8 years) who visited the outpatient unit of University Hospital of Larissa in 2014 and 2015. Patients were classified according to Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) guidelines, and the patients&rsquo; direct cost during the maintenance phase was calculated.Results: Eleven percent of COPD patients were stage I, 48.2% were stage II, 29% were stage III, and 11.8% were stage IV. According to the GOLD groups, 23.3% of patients were grade A, 15.5% were grade B, 22.9% were grade C, and 38.4% were grade D. The mean annual direct cost for stable disease was estimated at &euro;1,034.55 per patient, of which &euro;222.94 corresponded to out-of-pocket payments. The annual cost ranged from &euro;408.23 to &euro;2,041.89 depending on GOLD stages (I&ndash;IV) and from &euro;550.01 to &euro;1,480.00 depending on GOLD groups (A&ndash;D). The key cost driver was pharmaceutical treatment, which reflected almost 71% of the total expenses for the management of stable disease. The mean annual per-patient cost was two to three times higher for those with advanced disease (stages III&ndash;IV) compared to those with stages I&ndash;II disease, and it doubled for &ldquo;high-risk&rdquo; patients (groups C&ndash;D) compared to &ldquo;low-risk&rdquo; patients (groups A&ndash;B).Conclusion: The cost of COPD during the maintenance phase is remarkable, with the key cost driver found to be pharmaceutical treatment and social insurance funds the key payer for treating COPD patients in Greece. The cost of stable disease is proportional to the severity of COPD, and it is doubled in patients who belong to high-risk groups. Keywords: stable COPD, direct cost, annual cost, GOLD stages, GOLD groups, Greec

Sex discrepancies in COPD patients and burden of the disease in females: a nationwide study in Greece (Greek Obstructive Lung Disease Epidemiology and health ecoNomics: GOLDEN study)

Andriana I Papaioannou,1,2 Eleni Bania,2 Evangelos C Alexopoulos,3 Eirini Mitsiki,4 Foteini Malli,2 Konstantinos I Gourgoulianis2 13rd Respiratory Medicine Department, Sismanoglio General Hospital, Marousi, Athens, Greece; 2Respiratory Medicine Department, University of Thessaly Medical School University Hospital of Larissa, Larissa, Greece; 3Occupational Health Department, Onassis Cardiac Surgery Center, Athens, Greece; 4Medical Department, Novartis Hellas, Athens, Greece Background: The prevalence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in females appears to be increasing. Recent studies have revealed that the percentage of women with COPD in Greece is approximately 12.5%. Aims: To evaluate the burden of COPD among males and females in Greece through a nationwide cross-sectional survey and to explore sex differences regarding functional characteristics and exacerbation frequency. Methods: Data collection was completed in a 6-month period. The present study followed a nationwide sampling approach of respiratory medicine physicians. The sampling approach included three steps: 1) estimation of expected incidence and prevalence of COPD cases in each prefecture of Greece and in total; 2) estimation of expected incidence of COPD cases per physician in each prefecture; and 3) creation of a frame of three different sampling zones. Following this sampling, data were provided by 199 respiratory physicians. Results: The participating physicians provided data from 6,125 COPD patients. Female patients represented 28.7% of the study participants. Female COPD patients were, on average, 5 years younger than male COPD patients. Never smokers accounted for 9.4% within female patients, compared to 2.7% of males (P&lt;0.001). Female patients were characterized by milder forms of the disease. Comorbidities were more prevalent in men, with the exception of gastroesophageal reflux (14.6% versus 17.1% for men and women, respectively, P=0.013). Female COPD patients had a higher expected number of outpatient visits per year (by 8.9%) than males (P&lt;0.001), although hospital admissions did not differ significantly between sexes (P=0.116). Females had fewer absences from work due to COPD per year, by 19.0% (P&lt;0.001), compared to males. Conclusion: The differences observed between male and female COPD patients provide valuable information which could aid the prevention and management of COPD in Greece. Keywords: chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, exacerbations, comorbiditie

The pharmacological cost of COPD during Greek economic crisis

Eirini Stafyla,1 Theodora Kerenidi,1 Irini Gerogianni,1 Mary Geitona,2 Zoe Daniil,1 Konstantinos I Gourgoulianis1 1Respiratory Medicine Department, University of Thessaly School of Medicine, University Hospital of Larissa, Larissa, 2Department of Social Policy, University of Peloponnese, Korithos, Greece Introduction: The economic crisis in Greece has substantially affected patients with COPD. The reduction of disposable income has its consequences on patients&rsquo; ability to afford their medication. The aim of the study is to evaluate the cost of treatment for patients with COPD and the influence of the financial crisis to the patients.Methods: Data were collected from 189 patients (male: 178, mean age: 70.1&plusmn;8.4) who visited the outpatient department of University Hospital of Larissa in 2014 and 2015. The pharmacological cost of treatment was calculated based on national pharmaceutical formulary prices.Results: COPD patients were classified into four stages according to Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD): 7.4% were in stage I, 43.4% in stage II, 34.4% in stage III, and 14.8% in stage IV. Patients were graded as per GOLD as follows: 18% as grade A, 14.3% as B, 23.3% as C, and 44.4% as D. The annual cost of COPD maintenance treatment per patient was &euro;952.92 (&plusmn;398.01), of which &euro;239.91 were patients&rsquo; expenses. The annual treatment cost for stable disease ranged from &euro;615.44 to &euro;1302.03 depending on disease stages (GOLD stages I&ndash;IV) and from &euro;715.01 to &euro;1101.05 depending on GOLD grades (grades A&ndash;D). The cost of maintenance medication was statistically and significantly higher for patients with advanced disease (GOLD stages III&ndash;IV) and for patients at high risk (GOLD grades C&ndash;D [P=0.000]).Conclusion: The pharmacological cost of treatment for COPD patients seems to be considerably high, in all disease stages. As the average income is decreased, patients face difficulties to afford inhaled medication. Keywords: COPD, maintenance treatment, pharmacological cost, economic crisi

Frequency and risk factors of COPD exacerbations and hospitalizations: a nationwide study in Greece (Greek Obstructive Lung Disease Epidemiology and health ecoNomics: GOLDEN study)

Evangelos C Alexopoulos,1 Foteini Malli,2 Eirini Mitsiki,3 Eleni G Bania,2 Christos Varounis,3 Konstantinos I Gourgoulianis1 1School of Social Sciences, Hellenic Open University, Patras, 2Respiratory Medicine Department, University of Thessaly Medical School, University Hospital of Larissa, Larissa, 3Medical Department, Novartis Hellas, Athens, Greece Background: COPD exacerbations and hospitalizations have been associated with poor prognosis for the COPD patient.Objective: To evaluate the frequency and risk factors of COPD exacerbations, hospitalizations, and admissions to intensive care units (ICUs) in Greece by a nationwide cross-sectional study.Materials and methods: A nationwide observational, multicenter, cross-sectional study was conducted in the clinical practice setting of respiratory medicine physicians over a 6&nbsp;month-period (October 2010 to March 2011). A total of 6,125 COPD patients were recruited by 199&nbsp;respiratory physicians.Results: Participants had a median age of 68.0 years, 71.3% were males, and 71.8% suffered from comorbidities. The median disease duration was 10.0 years. Of the patients, 45.3% were classified as having GOLD (Global initiative for chronic Obstructive Lung Disease) stage III or IV COPD. Patients with four or more comorbidities had 78.5% and threefold-higher than expected number of exacerbations and hospitalizations, respectively, as well as fivefold-higher risk of admission to the ICU compared to those with no comorbidities. Obese patients had 6.2% fewer expected exacerbations compared to those with a normal body mass index. Patients with GOLD stage IV had 74.5% and fivefold-higher expected number of exacerbations and hospitalizations, respectively, and nearly threefold-higher risk of admission to the ICU compared to stage I patients. An additional risk factor for exacerbations and hospitalizations was low compliance with treatment: 45% of patients reported forgetting to take their medication, and 81% reported a preference for a treatment with a lower dosing frequency.Conclusion: Comorbidities, disease severity, and compliance with treatment were identified as the most notable risk factors for exacerbations, hospitalizations, and ICU admissions. The results point to the need for a multifactorial approach for the COPD patient and for the development of strategies that can increase patient compliance with treatment. Keywords: COPD, exacerbations, hospitalizations, ICU admissions, risk factor