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The respiratory intensive care Assembly of the European Respiratory Society is proud to present a summary of several important sessions held at the International Congress in Paris in 2018. For the highly esteemed reader who may have missed the Congress, a concise review was written on three topics: the state-of-the-art session on respiratory critical care, hot topics in weaning and the best abstracts in noninvasive ventilation., The respiratory intensive care Assembly of the European Respiratory Society is proud to present a summary of several important sessions from the 2018 #ERSCongress in Paris http://ow.ly/6Du830nFESK

Sleep disordered breathing (SDB) is common among patients with valvular heart disease, and successful valve surgery could reduce SDB severity. However, data about the effects of transcatheter mitral valve repair on SDB are scarce. Therefore, mitral regurgitation (MR) patients undergoing MitraClip-placement were prospectively enrolled. Before MitraClip-placement, daytime sleepiness and sleep quality were assessed using the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), respectively, and all patients underwent SDB screening using five-channel respiratory polygraphy. After 3–6 months, patients had a similar reassessment including: ESS, PSQI, and respiratory polygraphy. 67 patients were included (77 ± 8years). Despite normal sleepiness scores, 41 patients (61%) had SDB with apnea-hypopnea-index (AHI) ≥ 15 h before MitraClip-placement, of whom only three patients had known SDB previously. Compared to patients without SDB, patients with SDB had similar sleepiness scores but higher NT-proBNP values at baseline (4325 vs. 1520 pg/mL, p &lt, 0.001). At follow-up, there were significant AHI improvements among patients with SDB (p = 0.013). However, there were no significant sleepiness score changes. In conclusion, the prevalence of SDB among MitraClip candidates is very high even in those without daytime sleepiness. MR patients with SDB have higher NT-proBNP values, which may reflect a worse prognosis. MitraClip-placement may improve the underlying SDB, which could be an additional benefit of the procedure.

Highlights • The sensitivity and specificity of the new Roche SARS-CoV-2 Rapid Antigen Test was evaluated. • We found a specificity of 96 %. • The sensitivity with samples with a Ct of < 25 was 100 % and gradually decreases to 22.2 % with cycle thresholds > = 35. • The new test might be useful to rapidly identify contagious individuals., There is an ongoing need for reliable antigen assays for timely and easy detection of individuals with acute SARS-CoV-2 infection. Using 75 swabs from patients previously tested positive by SARS-CoV-2 PCR and 75 swabs from patients previously tested negative by SARS-CoV-2 PCR, we investigated the sensitivity and specificity of the SARS-CoV-2 Rapid Antigen Test (Roche). We determined a specificity of 96 %. The assay’s sensitivity with samples with a cycle threshold of < 25, 25 - = 35 was 100 %, 95 %, 44.8 % and 22.2 %, respectively. We conclude that sensitivity and specificity of the antigen assay is inferior to the PCR assay. However, the antigen assay may be a quick and easy to perform alternative for differentiation of individuals contagious for SARS-CoV-2 from non-contagious individuals.

Background It is not clear whether patients entering a specialized, interdisciplinary weaning unit from surgical or medical intensive care units (ICU) distinguish substantially. The purpose of the present study was to assess differences in patients with prolonged weaning being referred from surgical and medical ICU. Methods Data collected from April 2013 to April 2014 was conducted for retrospective analysis. Mortality rates, demographic data, clinical, and microbial differences in 150 patients with prolonged weaning were assessed (80 surgical and 70 medical). Results Surgical ICU referrals tended to be older (70.7 ± 11.3 vs. 67.3 ± 12.3, P = 0.051) and had fewer underlying pulmonary diseases (45% vs. 60%, P = 0.067). Sodium values at the time of referral to the weaning unit were significantly higher in surgical (147.1 ± 9.6) vs. medical (141.3 ± 6.7 mmol/l) patients (P < 0.001). Each 10-unit increase in sodium at the time of referral to the weaning unit was associated with a 2.5-day (95% CI −0.4, 5.4; P = 0.09) prolongation of stay in the weaning unit. Although significant differences in microbiological agents from tracheal aspiration were seen, the infection rate on the weaning unit was similar in both groups. There was no difference in weaning unit mortality between surgical and medical ICU patients (18% vs. 23%; P = 0.41). Conclusion Few differences were found between patients being referred to a specialized weaning unit from surgical vs. medical ICUs. Besides differences in microbiological characteristics of tracheal secretions, there were also differences in sodium levels, which appear to influence on treatment duration.

Background Facing the ongoing pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), there is an urgent need for serological assays identifying individuals with past coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Study design Our study is the first to compare four new commercially available assays using 75 sera from patients tested positive or negative by SARS-CoV-2 PCR: the anti SARS-CoV-2 ELISA (IgG) (Euroimmun, Germany), the EDI New Coronavirus COVID-19 IgG ELISA, (Epitope diagnostics (EDI), USA), the recomWell SARS-CoV-2 IgG ELISA (Mikrogen, Germany), and the SARS-CoV-2 Virachip IgG (Viramed, Germany). Results We found a sensitivity of 86.4 %, 100 %, 86.4 %, and 77.3 % and a specificity of 96,2 %, 88,7 %, 100 %, and 100 % for the Euroimmun assay, the EDI assay, the Mikrogen assay, and the Viramed assay, respectively. Conclusions Commercially available SARS-CoV-2 IgG assays have a sufficient specificity and sensitivity for identifying individuals with past SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Was ist neu? Obstruktive Lungenerkrankungen Durch digitale Anwendungen wie Smarthaler oder telemedizinische Anbindung der Patienten z. B. über digitale Spirometer oder Apps können Betreuung und Krankheitsverlauf optimiert werden. Die Auswertung der Daten kann z. B. die frühzeitige Erkennung von Exazerbationen ermöglichen. Pneumologische Onkologie Unter Nutzung großer Datenmengen ist zukünftig eine Veränderung der Lungenkrebsdiagnostik denkbar. Durch computerunterstützte Analyseverfahren können genauere prädiktive Aussagen zu Tumor, Prognose oder Therapieansatz gemacht werden. Pneumologische Rehabilitation: In der pneumologischen Rehabilitation könnten digitale Unterstützungssysteme wie Apps zur Bewegungssteigerung oder Trainingsunterstützung in den Alltag integriert und auch nach der Maßnahme weiterverfolgt werden. Schlafmedizin und außerklinische Beatmung Große Datenmengen aus medizinischen Geräten, wie sie z. B. in der Beatmungsmedizin eingesetzt werden, bieten ein besseres Grundlagenverständnis der jeweiligen Erkrankung. Therapien können mit digitaler Technik besser gesteuert und die Therapietreue der Patienten gesteigert werden. Intensivmedizin Im Bereich der Intensivmedizin gibt es mittlerweile telemedizinische Anbindungen von Intensivstationen kleinerer Häuser an ein Haus der Maximalversorgung. Hierdurch kann die Qualität der intensivmedizinischen Versorgung flächendeckend verbessert werden. Die Telemedizin bietet die Möglichkeit zum ärztlichen Austausch im Hinblick auf diagnostische und therapeutische Entscheidungen.

We shortly review the incompressible limit of the barotropic Euler system of gas dynamics, also known as low Mach number limit, and the quasineutral limit of a simplified Euler–Poisson system. Then we develop a general pseudodifferential framework which is able to cover both examples, called generalised symmetrisable systems. This framework can also handle incompressible limits. As an application, we then discuss a barotropic Euler–Poisson system.

Patients with myotonic dystrophy type I (DM1) may develop nocturnal hypoventilation, requiring non-invasive ventilation. Data on long-term adherence to non-invasive ventilation, or sleep and ventilation outcomes are scarce. We retrospectively collected baseline polysomnography and capnometry results from 36 adult patients with sleep-related symptoms (42.9 ± 12.5 years, 20 female), plus follow-up sleep study records from those treated with non-invasive ventilation. Sleep-disordered breathing was found in 33 patients (91.7%) including 8 (22.2%) with daytime hypercapnia. Twenty-six patients (72.2%) showed nocturnal hypoventilation on transcutaneous capnometry. The sensitivity of oximetry to detect nocturnal hypoventilation was only 0.38. Twenty-eight patients (77.8%) showed sleep apnea, which was predominantly obstructive (n = 8), central (n = 9), or “mixed” (n = 11). Thirty-two patients were initiated on non-invasive ventilation which significantly improved ventilation and oxygenation in the first night of treatment. Follow-up revealed stable normoxia and normocapnia without deterioration of sleep outcomes for up to 52 months. Adherence to treatment was low to moderate, with substantial inter-individual variability. Sleep disordered breathing is highly prevalent in adult DM1 patients complaining of daytime sleepiness, and non-invasive ventilation significantly, rapidly and persistently improves nocturnal gas exchange. Capnometry is superior to oximetry for detection of nocturnal hypoventilation. Adherence to non-invasive ventilation remains a major issue in DM1, and long-term treatment benefits should be individually assessed.

Background Evaluating severity of illness of patients with prolonged mechanical ventilation (PMV) is important to adopt the best appropriate care management for each individual. Yet, no severity-of-illness scoring system has been specifically designed for this type of patients. The aim of this study was to develop and validate a new instrument, the Multi-INdependence Dimensions (MIND) questionnaire designed to comprehensively measure the severity of illness of patients under PMV. Methods The validation of the MIND questionnaire was performed during a longitudinal observational study conducted with PMV subjects in weaning facilities in three countries (Argentina, Colombia and Germany). The questionnaire validity was tested in 3 stages: 1) Specification of components, with description of item responses, inter-item and Cronbach alpha correlations; 2) Creation of the composite scores; 3) Measurement properties determination including test-retest reliability after 30 days, clinical validity (Medical Research Council (MRC) muscle strength score, Sepsis-related Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA), Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS), Dependence Nursing Scale and EuroQol-5 Dimension evaluated at inclusion), and ability to detect change. Results A total of 128 subjects participated in the validation study. Eleven component scores and four composite scores were created. MIND scores significantly correlated with MRC muscle strength, SOFA, DNS, GCS and EQ-5D, supporting the validity of the new scores. Intraclass Correlation Coefficient greater than 0.82 were observed for all composite scores, indicating good test-retest reliability. MIND scores were able to detect improvement in subject severity of illness. Conclusion The MIND questionnaire is a valid and reliable instrument for measuring comprehensively the multiple dimensions characterizing the severity of illness of PMV patients. Trial registration NCT02255058. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12890-019-0870-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

As seen in this CME online activity (available at http://journal.cme.chestnet.org/copd-hot-hmv), acute exacerbations of COPD are associated with significant levels of morbidity and mortality. Acute noninvasive ventilation has been demonstrated its clinical efficacy and cost-effectiveness in reducing intubation rate and mortality and in patients with acute decompensated hypercapnic exacerbations of COPD. However, those patients with evidence of chronic hypercapnic respiratory failure have worse long-term outcomes compared with patients who have only transient hypercapnia during the acute phase returning to eucapnia in the recovery stage. Indeed, there are limited options available to improve the clinical outcome in these COPD patients with persistent hypercapnia. The Home Oxygen Therapy-Home Mechanical Ventilation (HOT-HMV) trial investigated admission-free survival in patients with persistent hypercapnia following a life-threatening exacerbation requiring acute noninvasive ventilation. Phenotyping patients to ensure chronic hypercapnia enriched the trial population to identify those patients at highest risk of readmission or death following an exacerbation. The addition of home noninvasive ventilation to home oxygen therapy in patients with persistent hypercapnia led to improved admission-free survival. The noninvasive ventilation was titrated to overnight measures of transcutaneous CO

Background and objective Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and chronic hypercapnic respiratory failure (CHRF) characteristically have exercise intolerance and limitations in performing conventional training. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the acute effects of non-invasive ventilation (NIV) as a supportive tool during exercise in CHRF. Methods Two cycle endurance tests (CET) at 60% of the peak work rate were performed. Patients were randomly assigned to cycle in two conditions: (i) high-pressure NIV (mean inspiratory positive airway pressure: 27 ± 3 cm H2 O) along with oxygen supplementation or (ii) control: oxygen-use only. Transcutaneously measured partial pressure of carbon dioxide (TcPCO2 ), oxygen saturation and heart rate were continuously recorded. Muscle oxygen availability of intercostal and vastus lateralis muscle was measured during exercise by near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS). Results A total of 20 patients with CHRF (forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1 ): 19 ± 4% predicted, partial pressure of oxygen (PaO2 ): 55 ± 9 mm Hg, partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCO2 ): 51 ± 7 mm Hg) were recruited in a randomized cross-over trial. On NIV, COPD patients increased cycle endurance time by 39% compared to oxygen-use only (663 ± 360 vs 477 ± 249 s, P = 0.013). On NIV, TcPCO2 was significantly lower at rest (44.9 ± 6.2 vs 50.7 ± 6.6 mm Hg, P Conclusion NIV with high pressures as add-on to oxygen supplementation increases cycle endurance time, mitigates exertional dyspnoea and limits exercise-induced hypercapnia in COPD patients with CHRF.

We discuss analytically the stationary viscous quantum hydrodynamic model including a barrier potential, which is a nonlinear system of partial differential equations of mixed order in the sense of Douglis–Nirenberg. Combining a reformulation by means of an adjusted Fermi level, a variational functional, and a fixed point problem, we prove the existence of a weak solution. There are no assumptions on the size of the given data or their variation. We also provide various estimates of the solution that are independent of the quantum parameters. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Noninvasive positive pressure ventilation (NPPV) using effective pressure levels to reduce chronic hypercapnia improves survival in stable hypercapnic COPD. However, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. This study investigated the influence of effective NPPV on a panel of cytokines and established cardiovascular biomarkers.Peripheral blood samples were drawn before and three months after the initiation of NPPV and analyzed by flow cytometric bead array and ELISA.Twenty COPD patients (forced expiratory volume in 1 s 31 ± 17% predicted) were included. NPPV (inspiratory positive airway pressure 23 ± 4 mbar; breathing frequency 17 ± 2/min) significantly improved arterial carbon dioxide pressure (PaCO2), both during daytime spontaneous breathing (p = 0.005) and nighttime ventilation (p0.001). Serum interleukin (IL)-10 levels were slightly reduced (p = 0.016), whereas IL-1 (p = 0.073) and IL-12 (p = 0.089) showed only a tendency towards change over time. Pro-brain natriuretic peptide (proBNP) significantly decreased by a mean of 578 ± 1332 ng/L after three months' NPPV (p = 0.017 vs baseline). No other significant changes in cardiovascular biomarkers occurred. The decrease in PaCO2 during daytime spontaneous breathing was positively correlated with the reduction in proBNP (correlation coefficient 0.613; p = 0.0197).Effective NPPV impacts on systemic inflammation in COPD patients. Furthermore, reductions in PaCO2 during NPPV were associated with decreases in proBNP levels. Future studies are needed to clarify these findings in a larger cohort of COPD patients.DRKS00007644 (German Clinical Trials Register; https://drks-neu.uniklinik-freiburg.de/drks_web/navigate.do?navigationId=resultsExt).

Background: Non-invasive positive pressure ventilation (NPPV) in addition to supplemental oxygen improves arterial oxygenation, walking distance and dyspnea when applied during exercise in stable hypercapnic COPD patients. The aim of the current study was to investigate whether NPPV without supplemental oxygen is capable of preventing severe exercise-induced hypoxemia in these patients when applied during walking. Methods and Results: 15 stable hypercapnic COPD patients (FEV1 29.9 ± 15.9%) performed two 6-minute walk tests (6MWT) with a rollator in a randomized cross-over design: using either supplemental oxygen(2.4 ± 0.7 L/min) or NPPV (inspiratory/expiratory positive airway pressure of 28.2 ± 2.8 / 5.5 ± 1.5 mbar) without supplemental oxygen. Results: 10 patients were able to complete both 6MWT. 6MWT with supplemental oxygen resulted in no changes for PO2 (pre: 67.3 ± 11.2 mmHg vs. post: 65.6 ± 12.0 mmHg, p = 0.72) whereas PCO2 increased (pre: 50.9 ± 8.1 mmHg vs. post: 54.3 ± 10.0 mmHg (p < 0.03...

We investigate the viscous model of quantum hydrodynamics, which describes the charge transport in a certain semiconductor. Quantum mechanical effects lead to third order derivatives, turning the stationary system into an elliptic system of mixed order in the sense of Douglis–Nirenberg. In the case most relevant to applications, the semiconductor device features a piecewise constant barrier potential. In the case of thermodynamic equilibrium, we obtain asymptotic expansions of interfacial layers of the particle density in neighbourhoods of the jump points of this barrier potential, and we present rigorous proofs of uniform estimates of the remainder terms in these asymptotic expansions.

Background Fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) regulates phosphate metabolism by increasing renal phosphate excretion and decreasing 1.25-dihydroxyvitamin D synthesis. Reports about hypophosphatemia in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) suggest altered phosphate metabolism. Therefore, we hypothesized that disturbances in phosphate-regulatory hormones such as FGF23 and parathyroid hormone (PTH) are present in COPD patients. Methods We investigated 40 COPD patients (63.5 ± 9.9 years, 27 male), each matched with two age- and sex-matched controls without any primary lung disease. COPD patients underwent lung function testing in advance. All patients had a glomerular filtration rate (GFR) > 60 mL/min/1.73m2. We measured concentrations of intact FGF23 (iFGF23) and c-terminal FGF23 (c-term FGF23), phosphate, parathyroid hormone (PTH) and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels in COPD patients and controls. Results Phosphate (1.0 ± 02 vs. 1.1 ± 0.2 mmol/L; p = 0.027), PTH (54.2 ± 29.4 vs. 68.7 ± 31.8 pg/mL; p = 0.002) and iFGF23 (46.3 ± 29.0 vs. 57.5 ± 33.5 pg/mL; p = 0.026 ) levels were significantly lower in COPD patients compared with controls. There was a significant negative correlation between c-term FGF23 and total lung capacity (r = − 0.4; p = 0.01), and between c-term FGF23 and CRP in COPD patients (r = 0.48; p = 0.002). iFGF23 and c-term FGF23 were positively correlated with phosphate and PTH in the control group. Conclusion We confirmed lower average serum phosphate levels in COPD patients compared with controls. However, our data do not suggest a causative role for FGF23 or PTH in COPD because levels of both phosphate-lowering hormones appear to be adaptively decreased as well. Therefore, further investigations are needed to identify the pathogenesis of low phosphate levels in patients with COPD and the relationship between phosphate-regulatory hormones and disease progression.

Background Endobronchial administration of lidocaine is commonly used for cough suppression during diagnostic bronchoscopy. Recently, nebulization of lidocaine during bronchoscopies under deep sedation with fiberoptic intubation using a distinct spray catheter has been shown to have several advantages over conventional lidocaine administration via syringe. However, there are no data about this approach in bronchoscopies performed under moderate sedation. Therefore, this study compared the tolerability and safety of nebulized lidocaine with conventional lidocaine administration via syringe in patients undergoing bronchoscopy with moderate sedation. Methods Patients requiring diagnostic bronchoscopy were randomly assigned to receive topical lidocaine either via syringe or via nebulizer. Endpoints were consumption of lidocaine and sedative drugs, as well as patient tolerance and safety. Results Sixty patients were included in the study (n = 30 in each group). Patients required lower doses of endobronchial lidocaine when given via nebulizer versus syringe (164.7 ± 20.8 mg vs. 250.4 ± 42.38 mg; p 0.05). Patients in the nebulizer group had higher mean oxygen saturation (96.19 ± 2.45% vs. 94.21 ± 3.02%; p = 0.0072) and a lower complication rate (0.3 ± 0.79 vs. 1.17 ± 1.62 per procedure; p = 0.0121) compared with those in the syringe group. Conclusions Endobronchial lidocaine administration via nebulizer was well-tolerated during bronchoscopies under moderate sedation and was associated with reduced lidocaine consumption, a lower complication rate and better oxygenation compared with lidocaine administration via syringe. Trial registration The study was registered with clinicaltrials.gov (NCT02262442; 13th October 2014). Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12931-018-0926-5) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Background Pneumonia and septic pneumonic shock are the most common indications for long-term mechanical ventilation and prolonged weaning, independent of any comorbidities. Multidrug resistant (MDR) bacteria are emerging as a cause of pneumonia or occur as a consequence of antimicrobial therapy. The influence of MDR bacteria on outcomes in patients with prolonged weaning is unknown. Methods Patients treated in a specialized weaning unit of a university hospital between April 2013 and April 2016 were analyzed. Demographic data, clinical characteristics, length of stay (LOS) in the intensive care unit (ICU) and weaning unit, ventilator-free days and mortality rates were determined in prolonged weaning patients with versus without MDR bacteria (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus bacteria, [MRSA]; extended spectrum beta lactamase [ESBL]- and Gyrase-producing gram negative bacteria resistant to three of four antibiotic groups [3 MRGN]; panresistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa and other carbapenemase-producing gram-negative bacteria resistant to all four antibiotic groups [4 MRGN]). Weaning failure was defined as death or discharge with invasive ventilation. Results Of 666 patients treated in the weaning unit, 430 fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were included in the analysis. A total of 107 patients had isolates of MDR bacteria suspected as causative pathogens identified during the treatment process. Patients with MDR bacteria had higher SAPS II values at ICU admission and a significantly longer ICU LOS. Four MRGN P. aeruginosa and Acinetobacter baumanii were the most common MDR bacteria identified. Patients with versus without MDR bacteria had significantly higher arterial carbon dioxide levels at the time of weaning admission and a significantly lower rate of successful weaning (23% vs 31%, p

Background: Pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) has a positive impact on functional status and quality of life in patients with interstitial lung disease (ILD). Objectives: This study investigated the effects of PR in hypercapnic ILD patients receiving nighttime noninvasive positive pressure ventilation (NPPV). Methods: Consecutive ILD patients referred to a specialized inpatient PR center were included. All participated in a PR program. Those with hypercapnia received NPPV (NPPV group; n = 29); the remaining patients served as comparison group (n = 319). Results: PR improved the 6-min walk distance by 64.4 ± 67.1 m versus baseline (p < 0.0001) in NPPV patients and by 43.2 ± 55.1 m (p < 0.0001) in the comparison group (difference 21.1 m, 95% confidence interval 0.5-41.8; p = 0.045). There was no change in total lung capacity during PR in NPPV recipients or the comparison group. Forced vital capacity significantly increased from baseline in the comparison, but not the NPPV group. NPPV recipients were significantly more likely than the comparison group to have improved dyspnea during PR (p = 0.049). There was no improvement in the 36-item Short Form (SF-36) physical component score in the NPPV group after PR, but there was in the comparison group. PR improved the SF-36 mental component score versus baseline in both groups. Conclusion: An individually tailored PR plus nighttime NPPV appears feasible in hypercapnic ILD patients and significantly improves exercise capacity and quality of life.

Background: Correct measurement of PO2 and PCO2 is essential to establish appropriate therapy such as long-term oxygen therapy (LTOT) in patients suffering from respiratory failure. Objectives: We aimed to compare common invasive and noninvasive methods for assessing blood gas components for spot check analysis. Methods: Arterial (PaO2, PaCO2) and capillary blood gas (PCBGO2, PCBGCO2) measurements were taken consecutively in a randomized order and were compared with noninvasive measurements obtained from the transcutaneous monitoring of PO2 and PCO2 (PtcO2, PtcCO2, sensor-temperature 44°C). Capillary samples were taken from both arterialized earlobes, where samples of right earlobes were defined as a reference value. Pain assessment of all measurements was evaluated by each subject using the 100-mm visual analogue scale. Results: 83 patients and 17 healthy subjects were included. The mean difference between PaO2 and PtcO2 was 11.9 ± 15.0 mm Hg, with lower limits of agreement (LLA) of -17.4 mm Hg (95% confidence interval (CI) -22.5 to -12.3 mm Hg), and upper limits of agreement (ULA) of 41.1 mm Hg (95% CI 36.0-46.2 mm Hg). The comparison of PaO2 with PCBGO2 showed a mean difference of 5.6 ± 7.2 mm Hg (LLA -11.0; ULA 19.6 mm Hg). The mean difference between PaCO2 and PtcCO2 was 1.1 ± 4.9 mm Hg (LLA -8.6; ULA 10.8 mm Hg) and that between PaCO2 and PCBGCO2 was 0.7 ± 2.0 mm Hg (LLA -3.3; ULA 4.8 mm Hg). The analysis of capillary blood gases (36.2 ± 22.3 mm) was rated as more painful than the analysis of arterial blood gases (26.1 ± 20.6 mm), while transcutaneous measurement was rated as the least painful method (1.9 ± 7.4 mm; all p < 0.0001). Conclusions: The comparison of different methods for blood gas measurements showed substantial differences between capillary and arterial PO2 and between transcutaneous and arterial PO2. Therefore, arterial PO2 analysis is the essential method evaluating indication for LTOT. Nevertheless, comparative analysis further indicated capillary PCO2 as an adequate surrogate for arterial PCO2.

Introduction: Non-invasive ventilation (NIV) significantly improves survival and quality of life in COPD patients with chronic hypercapnic respiratory failure. However, the proportion of patients with chronic hypercapnia is unknown. Aim: The HOmeVent registry aims to determine the prevalence of chronic hypercapnic COPD patients in an outpatient setting. Methods: A multicentre, prospective, observational, non-interventional medical device registry was developed for COPD patients in GOLD stage 3 or 4. Participants were identified and enrolled in an outpatient setting during routine visits for COPD. The registry was approved by all local ethic committees and patients provided written informed consent. Results: 8 outpatient clinics were enrolled. To date, 109 COPD patients have been included (63.4% male; mean age 67.7±8.9 years; mean body mass index 25.4±5.2; 53.2% and 46.8% in GOLD stage 3 and 4, respectively). PaCO2 was ≥45 mmHg in 31 patients (28.4%); of these, 20 (18.3%), 6 (5.5%) and 5 (4.6%) had PaCO2 Conclusion: A high proportion of COPD patients in GOLD stage 3 and 4 exhibit chronic hypercapnia and might therefore be candidates for NIV treatment.

Background: The administration of drugs via inhalation is widely used in the treatment of chronic airway diseases requiring a proper inhaler technique. Though several attempts have been made to improve inhalation technique problems are still commonly observed in clinical practice. Short video screens demonstrating all important steps of inhalation therapy are provided freely via internet by the German Airway League. However, it has not been investigated systematically whether demonstrating these video screens to patients can actually improve inhalation technique. Objectives: To investigate whether inhalation technique can be improved via demonstration of short video screens on a tablet PC. Methods: Patients being treated in a respiratory outpatient clinic of a university hospital were asked to demonstrate their inhalation technique. Video screens were demonstrated to patients with faulty inhalation technique. The technique was re-assessed immediately and at a follow up visit after 4 to 8 weeks. Results: 112 patients were included, the proportion of patients making at least one mistake was high (51.8%). After having watched the video screen significantly more patients used their device correctly (75.9%). This effect was sustained over time: 72% had a proper inhalation technique at the follow-up visit (p=0.0008) paralleled by a significantly reduced number of mistakes (p Conclusion: The demonstration of short video screens to patients with chronic airway diseases on a tablet PC is an easy and efficient way to improve inhalation technique in clinical practice.

Background and objective: There are currently no data on the prevalence of sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) in patients with newly-diagnosed lung cancer. This might be of interest given that SDB is associated with increased cancer incidence and mortality. Furthermore, intermittent hypoxia has been linked with tumor growth and progression. This study investigated the prevalence of SDB in patients with newly-diagnosed lung cancer. Methods: Patients with newly-diagnosed lung cancer from three centers in Germany were screened for SDB using a two-channel screening system (ApneaLink™). SDB was defined as an apnea-hypopnea index of >5/h, and was classified as moderate to severe SDB if the AHI was ≥15/h. The presence of SDB-related symptoms was assessed using the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Results: A total of 100 patients were included. The overall prevalence of SDB was 49%; seventeen patients (17%) had moderate to severe SDB with a median AHI of 25/h (quartile [Q1 18/h, Q3 44/h]) and a median oxygen desaturation index of 21/h [10/h, 35/h]. Patients with moderate to severe SDB had mild daytime sleepiness (ESS score 8±4 vs. 6±3 in those with an AHI of Conclusions: This study showed a high prevalence of SDB in patients with newly-diagnosed lung cancer. In these patients SDB was associated with intermittent hypoxia and increased daytime sleepiness. Additional research is needed to determine whether SDB influences prognosis and morbidity in patients with lung cancer.

Introduction: Extracorporeal lung assist9s (ECLA) limited hemocompatibility, the activation of the coagulation system and the complement system, plasma leakage and protein deposition have constrained the development of an implantable lung assist device. In a Tissue Engineering approach, lining the blood contact surfaces of the oxygenator device with endothelial cells might overcome these limitations. Short-term endothelialisation of gas permeable membranes was successfully demonstrated but the possibility of long-term stable endothelial cell layers is still a matter of debate. We cultured endothelial cells on gas permeable membranes for up to 29 days and subsequently assessed gas transfer and differentiation. Methods: In our EndOxy oxygenator model, silicone membranes were functionalized with gRGD, endothelialized with HUVECs and subsequently cultured dynamically with defined shear stress. After 29 days gas transfer was measured and cells were characterized by von-Willebrand-Factor and CD31 staining. Results: A confluent and differentiated endothelial cell layer was demonstrated after 24 hours of dynamic culture. This layer was present throughout the experimental period of 29 days. Immunohistochemical staining demonstrated differentiated, confluent endothelium at 7, 14, 21 and 29 days. Endothelial cell coating increased gas transfer through the silicone membranes for all time points. Conclusion: We demonstrate for the first time a long-term stable and confluent endothelial cell coating on oxygenator membranes. This highlights the feasibility of an endothelialized oxygenator for ECLA while the unexpected increase in gas transfer after cell coating of silicone membranes points out the need for further research.

Background: Electrical impedance tomography (EIT) provides images of regional ventilation distribution in the lungs by measuring changes in electrical impedance. In patients with prolonged weaning, spontaneous breathing trials (SBT) on a t-piece are difficult due to remaining de-recruitment phenomena. EIT might enable monitoring and analysis of the resulting impairment of regional ventilation distribution. We analyzed the application of EIT on SBT in patients with prolonged weaning. Methods: 31 patients used pressure support ventilation (PSV) during baseline (t0). A t-piece trial (t1) was performed and PSV was re-applied (t2). EIT was measured during all settings. For quantification, the impedance ratio (IR), the global inhomogeneity index (GI) and the regional ventilation delay index (RVD) with use of different thresholds of the percentaged inspiration time (RVD40, RVD 60, RVD 80) were determined. Results: PaO2 significantly decreased at t1 compared to t0 and t2 (p Conclusions: We have shown a safe and reasonable use of EIT in patients with prolonged weaning undergoing SBT. EIT might therefore be a tool to monitor de-recruitment phenomena in this specific patient group, being available online with timely monitoring of (patho-)physiological changes within the lungs and thus, faster than conventional or clinical observations. Quantitative analysis of specific EIT parameters like the GI might have predictive value on success or clinical deterioration of patients on a t-piece trial.

Background There are currently no data on the prevalence of sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) in patients with newly-diagnosed lung cancer. This might be of interest given that SDB is associated with increased cancer incidence and mortality. Furthermore, intermittent hypoxia has been linked with tumor growth and progression. The aim of the current study was to investigate the prevalence of SDB in patients with newly-diagnosed lung cancer. Methods Patients with newly-diagnosed lung cancer from three centers in Germany were screened for SDB using a two-channel screening system (ApneaLink™). SDB was defined as an apnea-hypopnea index of > 5/h, and was classified as mild if the AHI was 5–15/h whereas an AHI ≥15/h was classified as severe SDB. The presence of SDB-related symptoms was assessed using the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Results A total of 100 patients were included. The overall prevalence of SDB was 49%; 32 patients (32%) had mild SDB with a median AHI of 7.7/h (quartile [Q1 5.4/h, Q3 10.4/h]) and a median oxygen desaturation index of 8.5 [Q1 4.2/h; Q3 13.4/h] and seventeen patients (17%) had moderate to severe SDB with a median AHI of 25.2 [Q1 18/h, Q3 45.5/h] and a median oxygen desaturation index of 20.6/h [Q1 9.6/h, Q3 36.6/h]. Patients with moderate to severe SDB had mild daytime sleepiness (ESS score 8.24 ± 3.96 vs. 5.74 ± 3.53 in those without SDB vs. 6.22 ± 2.72 in those with mild SDB; p = 0.0343). The PSQI did not differ significantly between the three groups (p = 0.1137). Conclusions This study showed a high prevalence of SDB in patients with newly-diagnosed lung cancer. In these patients SDB was associated with intermittent hypoxia and increased daytime sleepiness. Additional research is needed to determine whether SDB influences prognosis and morbidity in patients with lung cancer. Trial registration NCT02270853 (ClinicalTrials.gov), date of registration: 14th October 2014.

BACKGROUND: High-intensity noninvasive ventilation (HI-NIV) is the most effective means of improvingseveralphysiologicalandclinicalparametersinsubjectswithchronichypercapnicCOPD. Whether the newer hybrid mode using target tidal volume noninvasive ventilation (target V T NIV) provides additional benefits remains unclear. METHODS: Subjects with COPD successfully established on long-term HI-NIV were switched to target VT NIV. Optimal target VT settings according to nocturnal transcutaneous PCO2 measurements were achieved following a randomized crossover trial using 8 mL/kg ideal body weight and 110% of individual VT during HI-NIV, respectively. The following parameters were compared at the beginning of the trial while subjects were on HI-NIV, and after 3 months on optimal target VT NIV: sleep quality by polysomnography, overnight gas exchange, subjects’ tolerance, overnight pneumotachygraphic measurements during NIV, healthrelated quality of life (severe respiratory insufficiency questionnaire), exercise capacity (6-min walk test), and lung function. RESULTS: Ten of 14 subjects completed the study. There were no differences between HI-NIV and target VT NIV in any of the above-mentioned parameters. Specifically, the mean overnight transcutaneous PCO2 was equivalent under each form of ventilation (both 45 5 mm Hg, P .75). CONCLUSIONS: Switching subjects from well-established HI-NIV to target VT NIV shows no clinical benefits in chronic hypercapnic COPD. In particular, sleep quality, the control of nocturnal hypoventilation, daytime hypercapnia, overnight ventilation patterns, subjects’ tolerance, health-related quality of life, lung function, and exercise capability were all similar in subjects who underwent HI-NIV and target VT NIV. Nevertheless, target VT NIV might offer some physiological advantages in breathing pattern and might be beneficial in some individual patients. (German Clinical Trials Register [www.drks.de] Registration DRKS00000450.) Key words: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, mechanical ventilation, sleep quality, target volume, ventilation mode [Respir Care 2014;59(9):1–. © 2014 Daedalus Enterprises]

Die nicht-invasive Beatmung gewinnt in der Behandlung der akuten und chronischen respiratorischen Insuffizienz zunehmend an Bedeutung. Die Beatmungstherapie beeinflusst nicht nur die respiratorische Insuffizienz, sondern auch die kardiale (Dys-)Funktion. Auf der anderen Seite konnen Systemerkrankungen mit respiratorischer Insuffizienz, wie z. B. COPD oder das Obesitas-Hypoventilations-Syndrom, durch kardiale Komorbiditaten aggraviert werden. Dieser Review behandelt die (patho-)physiologischen Ursachen der hypoxischen und hyperkapnischen respiratorischen Insuffizienz, deren Behandlungsoptionen mittels nicht-invasiver Beatmung und die damit einhergehenden kardialen Effekte.

As seen in this CME online activity (available at http://journal.cme.chestnet.org/copd-hot-hmv), acute exacerbations of COPD are associated with significant levels of morbidity and mortality. Acute noninvasive ventilation has been demonstrated its clinical efficacy and cost-effectiveness in reducing intubation rate and mortality and in patients with acute decompensated hypercapnic exacerbations of COPD. However, those patients with evidence of chronic hypercapnic respiratory failure have worse long-term outcomes compared with patients who have only transient hypercapnia during the acute phase returning to eucapnia in the recovery stage. Indeed, there are limited options available to improve the clinical outcome in these COPD patients with persistent hypercapnia. The Home Oxygen Therapy-Home Mechanical Ventilation (HOT-HMV) trial investigated admission-free survival in patients with persistent hypercapnia following a life-threatening exacerbation requiring acute noninvasive ventilation. Phenotyping patients to ensure chronic hypercapnia enriched the trial population to identify those patients at highest risk of readmission or death following an exacerbation. The addition of home noninvasive ventilation to home oxygen therapy in patients with persistent hypercapnia led to improved admission-free survival. The noninvasive ventilation was titrated to overnight measures of transcutaneous CO2 to achieve control of nocturnal hypoventilation, which improved daytime chronic respiratory failure. Home noninvasive ventilation is a complex intervention requiring a multidisciplinary team and long-term patient follow-up to maximize the clinical benefit to the patient.

Background: Noninvasive positive-pressure ventilation (NPPV) using intelligent volume-assured pressure support (iVAPS) combines volume- and pressure-preset NPPV and therefore uses a variation of inspiratory positive airway pressures. Objectives: The effect of iVAPS on sleep quality in stable hypercapnic patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has not been determined. Methods: In this randomized, open-label, two-treatment, two-period, crossover study, patients were randomized to receive high-intensity (HI)-NPPV and then iVAPS or iVAPS and then HI-NPPV. Patients were studied in hospital for 2 consecutive nights, employing full polysomnography (PSG), transcutaneous partial pressure of CO2 (PtcCO2) monitoring, blood gas analysis and a visual analog scale (VAS)-based sleep questionnaire. After discharge, patients used HI-NPPV and iVAPS at home, each for 6 weeks. They had to answer a VAS question concerning sleep every morning, and were telephoned weekly and asked additional questions. At the end of each treatment period, they were visited at home for the determination of blood gases and treatment adherence, and to change the NPPV mode. Results: Fourteen patients were enrolled. In-hospital PSG measurements showed no difference in sleep quality between iVAPS and HI-NPPV. At home, patients reported more restful sleep during iVAPS than HI-NPPV (p = 0.04). Blood gases during spontaneous breathing at home did not differ with iVAPS and HI-NPPV, and there was a greater decrease in PtcCO2 during iVAPS than during HI-NPPV (p = 0.003). Conclusion: Although sleep quality in hospital was not different between iVAPS and HI-NPPV, COPD patients with chronic hypercapnic respiratory failure reported a trend towards more restful sleep at home with iVAPS. In addition, nocturnal hypercapnia was effectively treated with iVAPS.

BACKGROUND: When supplemental oxygen is added to noninvasive ventilation using a non-ICU ventilator, it is usually introduced with a preset flow into the circuit near the ventilator; however, the impact of different CO 2 exhalation systems and leaks on the actual F IO2 and gas exchange has not been elucidated. METHODS: In a randomized, open-label, 4-treatment (2-by-2), 4-period crossover design, 4 daytime measurements (60 min each) were performed in 20 subjects receiving home mechanical noninvasive ventilation plus supplemental oxygen (> 2 L/min) inserted near the ventilator: active valve circuit or leak port circuit with or without artificial leakage (4 mm inner diameter). Oxygen concentration near the ventilator, oxygen concentration at the mask, and blood gases were measured. RESULTS: Overall, oxygen concentration at the mask (29 5%) was lower than oxygen concentration at the ventilator (34 4%), with a mean difference of 5.1% (95% CI 4.2–5.9%, P < .001)%. With the leak port circuit, oxygen concentration at the mask decreased by 3.2% (95% CI 2.6 to 3.9%, P < .001), compared to the active valve circuit. When artificial leakage was introduced into the circuit, oxygen concentration at the mask decreased by 5.7% (95% CI 5.1 to 6.4%, P < .001)%, P aO2 by 10.4 mm Hg (95% CI 3.1 to 17.7 mm Hg, P .006), and PaCO2 increased by 1.8 mm Hg (95% CI 0.5 to 3.1 mm Hg, P .008). CONCLUSIONS: The use of a leak port circuit and the occurrence of leak around the interface significantly reduced oxygen concentration at the mask and negatively impacted gas exchange in subjects receiving home noninvasive ventilation and supplemental oxygen. (German Clinical Trials Registry, www.drks.de

Stair climbing is associated with dynamic pulmonary hyperinflation and the development of severe dyspnea in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This study aimed to assess whether (i) continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) applied during stair climbing prevents dynamic hyperinflation and thereby reduces exercise-induced dyspnea in oxygen-dependent COPD-patients, and (ii) the CPAP-device and oxygen tank can be carried in a hip belt. In a randomised cross-over design, oxygen-dependent COPD patients performed two stair-climbing tests (44 steps): with supplemental oxygen only, then with the addition of CPAP (7 mbar). The oxygen tank and CPAP-device were carried in a hip belt during both trials. Eighteen COPD patients were included in the study. Although all patients could tolerate stair climbing with oxygen alone, 4 patients were unable to perform stair climbing while using CPAP. Fourteen COPD patients (mean FEV1 36 ± 14% pred.) completed the trial and were analyzed. The mean flow rate of supplemental oxygen was 3 ± 2 l/min during stair climbing. Lung hyperinflation, deoxygenation, hypoventilation, blood lactate production, dyspnea and the time needed to manage stair climbing were not improved by the application of CPAP (all p > 0.05). However, in comparison to climbing with oxygen alone, limb discomfort was reduced when oxygen was supplemented with CPAP (p = 0.008). In conclusion, very severe COPD patients are able to carry supporting devices such as oxygen tanks or CPAP-devices in a hip belt during stair climbing. However, the application of CPAP in addition to supplemental oxygen during stair climbing prevents neither exercise-induced dynamic hyperinflation, nor dyspnea.

PLoS one 12(4), e0175394 (2017). doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0175394, Published by PLoS, Lawrence, Kan.

ZusammenfassungDie außerklinische Beatmung über einen invasiven oder nichtinvasiven Beatmungszugang ist mittlerweile etablierter Standard. Entsprechend wurde bereits im Jahr 2010 unter der Federführung der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Pneumologie und Beatmungsmedizin e. V. (DGP) die Leitlinie „Nichtinvasive und invasive Beatmung als Therapie der chronischen respiratorischen Insuffizienz“ publiziert. Die stetige Weiterentwicklung der technischen Methoden, neue wissenschaftliche Erkenntnisse sowie neue versorgungsrelevante Entwicklungen machen jedoch eine umfangreiche Revision der Leitlinie notwendig.Entsprechend wurde nun die revidierte Fassung der Leitlinie publiziert. Dabei finden sich in Bezug auf die aktuelle Literatur sowie auf die Versorgungslandschaft in Deutschland überarbeitete Empfehlungen zu den bereits in der Erstversion der Leitlinie aufgenommenen Themenbereichen der technischen Aspekte, der Organisationsstrukturen in Deutschland, der Qualifikationskriterien für die Versorgung außerklinisch beatmeter Patienten, für die einzelnen Krankheitsentitäten inklusive der Besonderheiten in der Pädiatrie sowie der ethischen Aspekte und der Palliativmedizin. Neu hinzugenommen sind zusätzlich die Themen der außerklinischen Beatmung nach erfolglosem prolongierten Weaning sowie die außerklinische Beatmung bei Querschnittlähmung.Neu ist auch die Zusammensetzung der beteiligten Fachgesellschaften, Fachverbände und Vereinigungen. Dabei werden die einzelnen Krankheitsbilder und Organsysteme übergreifend auch über die Deutsche Interdisziplinäre Gesellschaft für Außerklinische Beatmung e. V. (DIGAB) vertreten, während zusätzlich die Einbindung von Verbänden wichtig war, die direkt mit der Versorgung beatmeter Patienten im außerklinischen Setting konfrontiert sind. Zusätzlich wurde die Einbindung der Kostenträgerseite und der Patientenverbände für wichtig erachtet.Diese Leitlinie hat eine Gültigkeit von drei Jahren, beginnend mit dem Datum der Veröffentlichung auf der Homepage der Arbeitsgemeinschaft der Wissenschaftlichen Medizinischen Fachgesellschaften e. V. (AWMF) Anfang Juli 2017. Ziel ist eine weitere zeitgerechte Überarbeitung der Leitlinie nach Fristablauf.