Empfehlungen zur Diagnostik und Therapie nichttuberkulöser Mykobakteriosen des Deutschen Zentralkomitees zur Bekämpfung der Tuberkulose (DZK) und der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Pneumologie und Beatmungsmedizin (DGP)

Best Practices for the Management of Patients with Non-Tuberculous Mycobacterial Pulmonary Disease According to a German Nationwide Analysis of Expert Centers

Non-tuberculous mycobacterial pulmonary disease (NTM-PD) is a chronic inflammatory lung disease caused by infection with non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM). International guidelines provide evidence-based recommendations on appropriate diagnosis and treatment strategies, but there is a need for sharing day-to-day best practice between treatment centers to optimize patient care. This is particularly valuable for rare diseases like NTM-PD. In this cross-sectional analysis of NTM-PD management in Germany, medical and administrative staff from seven treatment centers were interviewed to identify best practice in the diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing management of patients with NTM-PD, including related hospital infrastructure and administration processes. A prioritization led to a collection of best practices for the management of patients with NTM-PD in Germany, which is presented here. Selected current best practices included performance of regular sputum tests for diagnosis, use of medical reports, and regular follow-up visits as well as increased interaction between physicians across different specialties. Future best practices that may be implemented to overcome current barriers comprised disease awareness activities, patient empowerment, and new approaches to enhance physician interaction. Challenges related to their implementation are also discussed and will help to raise disease awareness. The presented best practices may guide and optimize patient management in other centers.

[Two severe cases of disseminated cutaneous nontuberculous mycobacteriosis due to Mycobacterium haemophilum]

Mycobacterium haemophilum is a rare pathogen belonging to the group of slowly growing nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) that can cause infections, especially in immunocompromised patients. Detection by culturing is difficult because M. haemophilum only grows under special cultivation conditions. Therefore, it is believed that the pathogen is too rarely identified as a cause of disease overall. In addition to patients with severe immunodeficiency, e.g. due to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), chemotherapy or immunosuppression after transplantation, patients with underlying rheumatic diseases are increasingly described in the literature, who are at risk due to the immunosuppressive treatment regimen. Clinically, ulcerative skin alterations, lymphadenopathy and arthropathy are in the foreground. In immunosuppressed patients with unclear skin lesions, infections due to M. haemophilum should be considered and specific microbiological diagnostics should be initiated.

[Patients with lung disease caused by non-tuberculous mycobacteria in Germany: a trans-sectoral patient-oriented care concept]

INTRODUCTION

Management of patients with lung disease caused by non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM-LD) in Germany is currently characterized by delayed diagnosis, frequently poor prognosis and high follow-up costs. Mainly due to an increased number of hospitalizations, the SHI-relevant direct costs (€ 9,093.20 patient/year) are higher compared to typical underlying diseases (e.g. asthma: € 706.00 patient/year). This less than optimal NTM care is mainly caused by lack of awareness of the disease at primary care and out-patient specialist care level, largely absent structured referral structures and limited communication between specialists out of hospital with specialized NTM clinics. Lack of incentives to support these communication pathways is part of the problem. Sufficient, appropriate and economically sustainable care is hampered by poor adherence to treatment recommendations.

METHODS

For the development of the NTM care concept, relevant professional societies and patient organizations were interviewed about the care situation. Thereafter, 20 NTM-LD patients, 5 residential pulmonologists and 8 experts were interviewed in an explorative qualitative interview to determine the current patient pathway. Based on the findings, the NTM care concept was developed in an advisory board by the authors.

RESULTS

Regional management centers should concentrate specific expertise and ensure quality of care through routine consultation and involvement in diagnosis, decision-making on treatment necessity, initiation of therapy, follow-up examinations, and determination of the therapy success, as well as adequate follow-up of patients. The referring pulmonologist should continue to provide case-specific therapy support close to the patient's home in preferred shared-care concept. The establishment of clear referral structures and case identification criteria will help residential physicians to include patients at risk in the NTM-care system early. Patients and pulmonologists without specific expertise need to be made aware of the care pathway and severity of NTM-LD.

CONCLUSION

The increased morbidity and mortality of NTM-LD patients must be addressed with patient-oriented, interdisciplinary and trans-sectoral care concept. An NTM care system with clear treatment procedures and referral structures is proposed for a nationwide pilot project.

Real-world treatment patterns in patients with nontuberculous mycobacterial lung disease in general and pneumologist practices in Germany

Background

Nontuberculous mycobacterial lung disease (NTMLD) is a rare, progressive disease with an increasing incidence worldwide.

Aims

The aim of this retrospective study was to analyze the baseline characteristics and management of NTMLD in general and pneumologist practices in Germany.

Methods

This retrospective study included patients with a culture-confirmed diagnosis of NTMLD documented between October 1, 2014 and September 30, 2019 by 125 general practitioners (GP) and 31 office-based pulmonologists from the IMS Disease Analyzer Database (IQVIA).

Results

A total of 159 patients managed by German GPs (mean age 59 ± 19 years, 51% female) and 236 patients managed by pulmonologists (mean age 62 ± 14 years, 58% female) were analyzed. In total, 45% (72/159) and 40% (94/236) of patients managed by GPs and pulmonologists respectively received antibiotic therapy for NTMLD. This therapy lasted for ≥ 6 months in 42%, for ≥ 12 months in 24%, and ≥ 18 months in 8% of patients. The average therapy duration was longer in patients treated by pulmonologists (241 ± 196 days) than in patients treated by GPs (113 ± 152 days). A total of 27% of patients managed by GPs and 45% of those managed by pulmonologists respectively received guideline-based therapy (GBT), defined as combination therapy with macrolide (azi-/ clarithromycin) + ethambutol + rifabutin/rifampicin, at least once; however, almost all patients (100% in the GP group, 96% in the pulmonologist group) also received non-GBT regimens intermediately.

Conclusions

A considerable number of patients with NTMLD were not managed in accordance with the German guidelines and a substantial proportion also discontinue therapy prematurely. NTMLD management should be improved through appropriate referral pathways and collaboration between expert centers and primary or secondary care physicians.

A rare case of pulmonary mycobacteriosis caused by rifabutin resistant Mycobacterium celatum and review of the literature

The present case demonstrates an atypical pulmonary mycobacteriosis that mimicked classical symptoms and radiology findings for tuberculosis. While T-SPOT Test and PCR analyses proved negative for tuberculosis, microscopic sputum evaluation showed acid-fast bacilli and Mycobacterium celatum was found in culture. Uniquely, in our case M. celatum was resistant to rifabutin. Therefore, after not responding to combination treatment including rifabutin, our patient was treated with ethambutol, clarithromycin and protionamide. Classical risk factors for atypical mycobacteriosis such as immunodeficiency (including medication-induced), preexisting pulmonary disease or multimorbidity were not present. We conclude that the high age of the patient (92 y) may have been the main contributing factor for the infection.

[Nontuberculous mycobacteria in sputum : Recommendations for diagnosis and treatment]

Pulmonary diseases caused by nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) have increased over the last years and decades in Germany and also worldwide. Because the disease is more frequent in patients with immunodeficiencies and chronic respiratory diseases, e.g. bronchiectasis, advanced chronic obstructive lung disease (COPD) and cystic fibrosis (CF), an infection with mycobacteria should always be considered in this patient group. The detection in sputum alone is not an indication for treatment but the correct diagnosis should be based on the appropriate clinical symptoms as well as radiological and microbiological criteria. The diagnosis is often delayed because the symptoms are unspecific. The treatment of pulmonary NTM disease is difficult and tedious and for these reasons is often prematurely terminated. Adherence of treating physicians to the guidelines is also conspicuously low. Before starting treatment, it is important to carefully define the goals and clarify the risks and benefits of the treatment with the patient. As adverse toxic events can occur during treatment, it should be closely monitored. In the case of an infrequent pathogen or a severe course of the disease, referral to an NTM specialist center should be undertaken.

Pulmonary disease by non-tuberculous mycobacteria - clinical management, unmet needs and future perspectives

INTRODUCTION

The number of patients with pulmonary disease caused by non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) is increasing globally. Poor resistance against infections, for example, due to pre-existing lung diseases, immune deficiency and immune-modulating treatment, predisposes the population to developing pulmonary NTM disease. The incidence of pre-existing lung diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and bronchiectasis has also increased. NTM disease diagnosis is often delayed due to non-specific symptoms. The therapeutic arsenal is limited and adherence to treatment guidelines is often low since the treatment regimens are complex, lengthy and side effects are common. Thus, current disease management is far from satisfactory and needs to be improved. Areas covered: This review provides an overview of the current knowledge of NTM infections and includes pathogenesis, disease patterns, epidemiology, disease management, unmet needs and future perspectives. Expert commentary: NTM disease is becoming more prevalent, in part with our increased awareness and improved diagnostic methods. However, our understanding of the disease pathogenesis is limited and treatment decisions are challenging, with difficult to employ drug regimens. Optimal management requires collaboration between healthcare providers, patients and expert centers.

Diagnostik granulomatöser Erkrankungen mit Lungenbefall

Granulome als Zeichen der spezifischen Entzündung im Lungengewebe treten bei vielen Erkrankungen auf. Das radiologische Standardverfahren bei pulmonalen Granulomatosen ist meistens die Dünnschichtcomputertomografie. Bei klinischem Verdacht und entsprechenden Hinweisen in der Thoraxübersicht sind eine Dünnschicht-CT und die interdisziplinäre Diskussion der Befunde zu empfehlen.

[Nontuberculous mycobacterial pulmonary disease]

Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) are a group of biologically diverse, ubiquitous and naturally multi-drug resistant bacteria with facultative pathogenicity. Recent data suggest that their clinical significance is increasing worldwide and that susceptible individuals may be at risk for infection via contaminated surfaces and aerosols. These individuals often have a predisposition for chronic respiratory diseases, e. g. bronchiectasis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and cystic fibrosis and these conditions frequently share the same unspecific signs and symptoms with NTM pulmonary disease (NTM-PD). As a consequence, the diagnosis of NTM-PD, which is established based on clinical, radiological and microbiological criteria, is often delayed. Treating NTM-PD is more demanding than treating pulmonary tuberculosis as therapy is generally more tedious, toxic and expensive as well as being prone to failure. Patient and pathogen-specific factors guide the choice of an appropriate antimicrobial combination regimen, which should comply with national and international recommendations. Adverse events are common, should be anticipated and closely monitored. If infections with infrequently encountered mycobacterial species and severe or refractory disease occur, an interdisciplinary approach should be used, involving infectious disease specialists, experienced thoracic surgeons and referral to an NTM specialist center.

[Pulmonary granulomatous diseases and pulmonary manifestations of systemic granulomatous disease : Including tuberculosis and nontuberculous mycobacteriosis]

CLINICAL/METHODICAL ISSUE

Granulomas as signs of specific inflammation of the lungs are found in various diseases with pulmonary manifestations and represent an important imaging finding.

STANDARD RADIOLOGICAL METHODS

The standard imaging modality for the work-up of granulomatous diseases of the lungs is most often thin-slice computed tomography (CT). There are a few instances, e. g. tuberculosis, sarcoidosis and silicosis, where a chest radiograph still plays an important role.

METHODICAL INNOVATIONS

Further radiological modalities are usually not needed in the routine work-up of granulomatous diseases of the chest. In special cases magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and positron emission tomography (PET)-CT scans play an important role, e. g. detecting cardiac sarcoidosis by cardiac MRI or choline C‑11 PET-CT in diagnosing lung carcinoma in scar tissue after tuberculosis.

PERFORMANCE

The accuracy of thin-slice CT is very high for granulomatous diseases.

ACHIEVEMENTS

In cases of chronic disease and fibrotic interstitial lung disease it is important to perform thin-slice CT in order to diagnose a specific disease pattern. Thin-slice CT is also highly sensitive in detecting disease complications and comorbidities, such as malignancies. Given these indications thin-slice CT is generally accepted in the routine daily practice.

PRACTICAL RECOMMENDATIONS

A thin-slice CT and an interdisciplinary discussion are recommended in many cases with a suspected diagnosis of pulmonary granulomatous disease due to clinical or radiographic findings.

Pulmonary Disease Caused by Non-Tuberculous Mycobacteria

Non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) include more than 160 ubiquitous, environmental, acid-fast-staining bacterial species, some of which may cause disease in humans. Chronic pulmonary infection is the most common clinical manifestation. Although patients suffering from chronic lung diseases are particularly susceptible to NTM pulmonary disease, many affected patients have no apparent risk factors. Host and pathogen factors leading to NTM pulmonary disease are not well understood and preventive therapies are lacking. NTM isolation and pulmonary disease are reported to rise in frequency in Europe as well as in other parts of the world. Differentiation between contamination, infection, and disease remains challenging. Treatment of NTM pulmonary disease is arduous, lengthy, and costly. Correlations between results of in vitro antibiotic susceptibility testing and clinical treatment outcomes are only evident for the Mycobacterium avium complex, M. kansasii, and some rapidly growing mycobacteria. We describe the epidemiology of NTM pulmonary disease as well as emerging NTM pathogens and their geographical distribution in non-cystic fibrosis patients in Europe. We also review recent innovations for the diagnosis of NTM pulmonary disease, summarize treatment recommendations, and identify future research priorities to improve the management of patients affected by NTM pulmonary disease.