Antiplatelet Treatment Reduces All-Cause Mortality in COPD Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Effectiveness of Aspirin on Major COPD Outcomes: A Prevalent New-User Design Observational Study

Observational studies that have reported an association between aspirin use in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) with reductions in mortality and COPD exacerbations were shown to be affected by time-related biases. We assessed this association using a prevalent new-user study design that avoids these biases. We used the United Kingdom's Clinical Practice Research Datalink (CPRD) to form a cohort of patients with COPD. Aspirin initiators were matched on time and propensity score with nonusers during 2002-2018. The outcomes were all-cause mortality and COPD exacerbation within a one-year follow-up. Hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) of each outcome associated with aspirin use compared to nonuse were estimated using an as-treated approach. The study cohort included 10,287 initiators of aspirin and 10,287 matched nonusers. The cumulative incidence of all-cause mortality at one year was 11.5% for aspirin users and 9.2% for nonusers. The HR of all-cause mortality associated with aspirin initiation was 1.22 (95% CI: 1.08-1.37), while for severe exacerbation it was 1.21 (95% CI 1.08-1.37), compared with nonuse. The HR of a first moderate or severe exacerbation with aspirin use was 0.90 (95% CI 0.85-0.95). These estimates did not vary by platelet count. This large population-based study, designed to emulate a trial, found aspirin use in patients with COPD associated with a higher risk of all-cause mortality and severe exacerbation, but a lower risk of moderate or severe exacerbation. Further research is warranted to assess this reduction in moderate or severe exacerbations, particularly in patients with cardiovascular risk factors.

Multidisciplinary Management of Patients With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Cardiovascular Disease

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and cardiovascular disease (CVD) frequently coexist, increasing the prevalence of both entities and impacting on symptoms and prognosis. CVD should be suspected in patients with COPD who have high/very high risk scores on validated scales, frequent exacerbations, precordial pain, disproportionate dyspnea, or palpitations. They should be referred to cardiology if they have palpitations of unknown cause or angina pain. COPD should be suspected in patients with CVD if they have recurrent bronchitis, cough and expectoration, or disproportionate dyspnea. They should be referred to a pulmonologist if they have rhonchi or wheezing, air trapping, emphysema, or signs of chronic bronchitis. Treatment of COPD in cardiovascular patients should include long-acting muscarinic receptor antagonists (LAMA) or long-acting beta-agonists (LABA) in low-risk or high-risk non-exacerbators, and LAMA/LABA/inhaled corticosteroids in exacerbators who are not controlled with bronchodilators. Cardioselective beta-blockers should be favored in patients with CVD, the long-term need for amiodarone should be assessed, and antiplatelet drugs should be maintained if indicated.

Effect of chronic lung diseases on angina pectoris among Indian adults: longitudinal ageing study in India

The study aimed to evaluate the effect of chronic lung diseases, namely chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPD) and asthma, on angina pectoris in individuals aged 45 years and above. Identifying vulnerable subpopulations suffering from COPD and asthma at higher risk of future cardiovascular events using the rose angina questionnaire is imperative for tailored primary and secondary prevention approaches. The present study utilizes the data from the Longitudinal Ageing Study in India, wave 1, conducted during 2017-2018. The sample size included 58,830 individuals aged 45 years and above. Angina was measured based on seven questions from Rose's questionnaires. Descriptive statistics and bivariate analysis were employed to examine the prevalence of angina among individuals with COPD and asthma. Further, multivariable logistic regression and propensity score matching (PSM) methods were used to assess the independent effect of COPD and asthma on angina after controlling the selected background characteristics. We employed PSM in two different models and included various additional factors in model 2, such as smoking, chewing tobacco, alcohol use, ADL, IADL, body mass index, physical activity, high cholesterol, hypertension, diabetes, and chronic heart disease. The current study shows that the prevalence of angina pectoris, COPD and asthma was 6.0%, 2.3% and 4.7%, respectively, among individuals aged 45 years and above in India. The prevalence of angina pectoris was higher among individuals with COPD (9.6% vs. 5.8%) and asthma (9.9% vs. 5.7%) than those without COPD and asthma, respectively. Additionally, angina pectoris was more prevalent among females and rural respondents with COPD (10.8% and 11.0%) and asthma (10.3% and 10.3%) compared to males and urban respondents with COPD (8.0% and 5.7%) and asthma (8.9% and 7.9%). Moreover, in the adjusted model, individuals with COPD (AOR 1.43, 95% CI 1.03 1.98) and asthma (AOR 1.44, 95% CI 1.17 1.77) had nearly 1.5-fold higher odds of having angina pectoris than those without COPD and asthma. The PSM estimates showed that individuals with COPD had 8.4% and 5.0% increased risk of angina pectoris compared to those without COPD in model 1 and model 2, respectively. We observed that, after adjusting to lifestyle, health-related and morbidity factors in model 2, both average treatment effect on untreated (ATU) and average treatment effect (ATE) values decreased by nearly 3.5%. Additionally, the PSM estimates demonstrated that individuals with asthma had a 3.4% and 2.9% increased risk of angina pectoris compared to those without asthma in model 1 and model 2, respectively. The study suggests that COPD and asthma are significantly associated with angina pectoris, and individuals with COPD and asthma have a higher risk of developing angina pectoris. Additionally, angina pectoris was more prevalent among females, rural respondents and adults aged 45-54 with COPD compared to males, urban respondents and those aged 65 and above, respectively, with COPD. Moreover, the findings of our study underscore the targeted primary and secondary interventions and team-based care approach among individuals with COPD and asthma to reduce the risk of CVD events in future.

Comorbidities in COPD: Current and Future Treatment Challenges

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a heterogeneous lung condition, primarily characterized by the presence of a limited airflow, due to abnormalities of the airways and/or alveoli, that often coexists with other chronic diseases such as lung cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and metabolic disorders. Comorbidities are known to pose a challenge in the assessment and effective management of COPD and are also acknowledged to have an important health and economic burden. Local and systemic inflammation have been proposed as having a potential role in explaining the association between COPD and these comorbidities. Considering that the number of patients with COPD is expected to rise, understanding the mechanisms linking COPD with its comorbidities may help to identify new targets for therapeutic purposes based on multi-dimensional assessments.

High risks adverse events associated with usage of aspirin in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

BACKGROUND

Despite potential benefits and widespread prescription of aspirin among chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients, limited research has investigated its adverse effects (AEs) in COPD population.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective analysis of adverse drug events (ADEs) reported in the US Food and Drug Administration Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) between Q1 2013 and Q2 2022. COPD patients were categorized into two groups based on aspirin use. ADEs related to aspirin use were identified using combined reporting odds ratio (ROR), proportional reporting ratio (PRR), information component (IC) methods.

RESULTS

A total of 56,660 ADEs reports associated with COPD patients were included in the study. Among these reports, 144 adverse events were linked to aspirin use in COPD patients, including fatigue (4.12%), diarrhea (3.13%), dyspnea exertional (2.03%), rhinorrhea (1.99%), weight increased (1.89%) and vomiting (1.84%), muscle spasms (1.79%), cardiac disorder (1.74%), heart rate increased (1.69%) and peripheral swelling (1.59%). Subgroup analysis indicates that age and gender might affect the AEs frequency in COPD patients using aspirin.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings identify 10 most frequently reported ADEs associated with aspirin use in COPD patients, thus offer valuable insights into the AEs of aspirin for safer clinical utilization in COPD management.

A Prediction Model for In-Hospital Mortality of Acute Exacerbations of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Patients Based on Red Cell Distribution Width-to-Platelet Ratio

Purpose

To explore the association between red cell distribution width (RDW)-to-platelet ratio (RPR) and in-hospital mortality of acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) patients and establish a prediction model based on RPR and other predictors.

Material and Methods

This cohort study included 1922 AECOPD patients aged ≥18 years in the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care (MIMIC)-III and MIMIC-IV as well as 1738 AECOPD patients from eICU Collaborative Research Database (eICU-CRD). Possible confounding factors were screened out by univariate logistic regression, and multivariable logistic regression was applied to evaluate the association between RPR and in-hospital mortality of AECOPD patients. The area under the curve (AUC), calibration curve and decision curve analysis (DCA) curve were plotted to evaluate the predictive value of the model. The median follow-up time was 3.14 (1.87, 6.25) day.

Results

At the end of follow-up, there were 1660 patients survived and 262 subjects died. After adjusting for confounders, we found that Log (RPR×1000) was linked with elevated risk of in-hospital mortality of AECOPD patients [odds ratio (OR)=1.36, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.01-1.84]. The prediction model was constructed using predictors including Log (RPR×1000), age, malignant cancer, atrial fibrillation, ventilation, renal failure, diastolic blood pressure (DBP), temperature, Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score, white blood cell (WBC), creatinine, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), hemoglobin, infectious diseases and anion gap. The AUC of the prediction model was 0.785 (95% CI: 0.751-0.820) in the training set, 0.721 (95% CI: 0.662-0.780) in the testing set, and 0.795 (95% CI: 0.762-0.827) in the validation set.

Conclusion

RPR was associated with the in-hospital mortality of AECOPD patients. The prediction model for the in-hospital mortality of AECOPD patients based on RPR and other predictors presented good predictive performance, which might help the clinicians to quickly identify AECOPD patients at high risk of in-hospital mortality.

Cardiovascular Prognosis of Subclinical Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease in Patients with Suspected or Confirmed Coronary Artery Disease

Background

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) worsens prognosis in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). However, the cardiovascular prognosis in patients with stable or mildly symptomatic COPD remains unclear. Here, we sought to determine the long-term cardiovascular events in patients with subclinical or early-stage COPD with concomitant CAD.

Methods

This was a longitudinal analytical study involving 117 patients with suspected or established CAD who underwent assessment of pulmonary function by spirometry and who were followed up for six years (March 2015-January 2021). The patients were divided into two groups, one comprising COPD (n=44) and the other non-COPD (n=73) patients. Cox regression was used to evaluate the association between COPD and cardiovascular events, with adjustment for the established CAD risk factors, and the effect size was measured by the Cohen test.

Results

COPD patients were older (p=0.028), had a greater frequency of diabetes (p=0.026), were more likely to be smokers (p<0.001), and had higher modified Medical Research Council scores (p<0.001). There was no difference between the groups regarding gender, body mass index, hypertension, dyslipidemia, family history of CAD, and type of angina. CAD frequency and the proportion of patients with severe and multivessel CAD were significantly higher among COPD than among non-COPD patients (all p<0.001). At six-year follow-up, patients with COPD were more likely to have experienced adverse cardiovascular events than those without COPD (p<0.001; effect size, 0.720). After adjusting for established CAD risk factors, COPD occurrence remained an independent predictor for long-term adverse cardiovascular events (OR: 5.13; 95% CI: 2.29-11.50; p<0.0001).

Conclusion

COPD was associated with increased severity of coronary lesions and a greater number of adverse cardiovascular events in patients with suspected or confirmed CAD. COPD remained a predictor of long-term cardiovascular events in stable patients with subclinical or early-stage of COPD, independently of the established CAD risk factors.

Cardiovascular diseases or type 2 diabetes mellitus and chronic airway diseases: mutual pharmacological interferences

Chronic airway diseases (CAD), mainly asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), are frequently associated with different comorbidities. Among them, cardiovascular disease (CVD) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) pose problems for the simultaneous treatment of CAD and comorbidity. Indeed, there is evidence that some drugs used to treat CAD negatively affect comorbidity, and, conversely, some drugs used to treat comorbidity may aggravate CAD. However, there is also growing evidence of some beneficial effects of CAD drugs on comorbidities and, conversely, of the ability of some of those used to treat comorbidity to reduce the severity of lung disease. In this narrative review, we first describe the potential cardiovascular risks and benefits for patients using drugs to treat CAD and the potential lung risks and benefits for patients using drugs to treat CVD. Then, we illustrate the possible negative and positive effects on T2DM of drugs used to treat CAD and the potential negative and positive impact on CAD of drugs used to treat T2DM. The frequency with which CAD and CVD or T2DM are associated requires not only considering the effect that drugs used for one disease condition may have on the other but also providing an opportunity to develop therapies that simultaneously favorably impact both diseases.

Cardiovascular Diseases in COPD: From Diagnosis and Prevalence to Therapy

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is considered one of the leading causes of mortality. Cardiovascular comorbidities are diagnosed often in COPD patients, not only because of the common risk factors these two diseases share, but also because of the systemic inflammation which characterizes COPD and has deleterious effects in the cardiovascular system. The comorbid cardiovascular diseases in COPD result in several difficulties in the holistic treatment of these patients and affect outcomes such as morbidity and mortality. Several studies have reported that mortality from cardiovascular causes is common among COPD patients, while the risk for acute cardiovascular events increases during COPD exacerbations and remains high for a long time even after recovery. In this review, we focus on the prevalence of cardiovascular comorbidities in COPD patients, presenting the evidence regarding the interaction of the pathophysiological pathways which characterize each disease. Furthermore, we summarize information regarding the effects of cardiovascular treatment on COPD outcomes and vice versa. Finally, we present the current evidence regarding the impact of cardiovascular comorbidities on exacerbations, quality of life and survival of COPD patients.

Analysis of pathogenesis and drug treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease complicated with cardiovascular disease

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a disease characterized by persistent airflow limitation, and is associated with abnormal inflammatory responses in the lungs to cigarette smoke and toxic and harmful gases. Due to the existence of common risk factors, COPD is prone to multiple complications, among which cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the most common. It is currently established that cardiovascular comorbidities increase the risk of exacerbations and mortality from COPD. COPD is also an independent risk factor for CVD, and its specific mechanism is still unclear, which may be related to chronic systemic inflammation, oxidative stress, and vascular dysfunction. There is evidence that chronic inflammation of the airways can lead to destruction of the lung parenchyma and decreased lung function. Inflammatory cells in the airways also generate reactive oxygen species in the lungs, and reactive oxygen species further promote lung inflammation through signal transduction and other pathways. Inflammatory mediators circulate from the lungs to the whole body, causing intravascular dysfunction, promoting the formation and rupture of atherosclerotic plaques, and ultimately leading to the occurrence and development of CVD. This article reviews the pathophysiological mechanisms of COPD complicated by CVD and the effects of common cardiovascular drugs on COPD.

Development of Risk Prediction Model for Muscular Calf Vein Thrombosis with Acute Exacerbation of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Purpose

This study aims to establish a risk prediction model for muscular calf vein thrombosis (MCVT) in patients with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD).

Methods

The research sample consisted of 248 patients with AECOPD and all of them underwent vascular ultrasounds of both lower limbs in this retrospective study. Univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression analysis were conducted on factors with significant group differences to screen for the independent risk factors of MCVT. A nomogram to predict the risk of MCVT was constructed and validated with bootstrap resampling.

Results

According to the exclusion criteria, 240 patients were included for analysis, divided into the MCVT group (n = 81) and the non-MCVT group (n = 159). Multivariate logistic regression analyses showed that hypertension, elevated MPV, reduced albumin (ALB), elevated D-dimer and bed rest ≥3 days were independent risk factors for MCVT in AECOPD. A nomogram model for predicting AECOPD with MCVT was established based on them. The area under the curve (AUC) of receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve for the prediction model and the simplified Wells score was 0.784 (95% CI: 0.722–0.847) and 0.659 (95% CI: 0.583–0.735), respectively. The cut-off value and Youden index of prediction model were 0.248 and 0.454, respectively. At the same time, the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of the prediction model were 85.9%, 59.5%, 84.6%, and 77.4%, respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of the simplified Wells score were 67.9% and 56.3%, respectively. Validation by the use of bootstrap resampling revealed optimal discrimination and calibration, and the decision analysis curve (DAC) suggested that this prediction model involved high clinical practicability.

Conclusion

We developed a nomogram that can predict the risk of MCVT for AECOPD patients. This model has the potential to assist clinicians in making treatment recommendations and formulating corresponding prevention measures.

Cardiovascular disease in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a narrative review

Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are at increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and concomitant disease leads to reduced quality of life, increased hospitalisations and worse survival. Acute pulmonary exacerbations are an important contributor to COPD burden and are associated with increased cardiovascular (CV) events. Both COPD and CVD represent a significant global disease impact and understanding the relationship between the two could potentially reduce this burden. The association between CVD and COPD could be a consequence of (1) shared risk factors (environmental and/or genetic) (2) shared pathophysiological pathways (3) coassociation from a high prevalence of both diseases (4) adverse effects (including pulmonary exacerbations) of COPD contributing to CVD and (5) CVD medications potentially worsening COPD and vice versa. CV risk in COPD has traditionally been associated with increasing disease severity, but there are other relevant COPD subtype associations including radiological subtypes, those with frequent pulmonary exacerbations and novel disease clusters. While the prevalence of CVD is high in COPD populations, it may be underdiagnosed, and improved risk prediction, diagnosis and treatment optimisation could lead to improved outcomes. This state-of-the-art review will explore the incidence/prevalence, COPD subtype associations, shared pathophysiology and genetics, risk prediction, and treatment of CVD in COPD.

Low-dose aspirin and incidence of lung carcinoma in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in Hong Kong: A cohort study

BACKGROUND

Evidence suggests that chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is associated with a higher risk of lung carcinoma. Using a territory-wide clinical electronic medical records system, we investigated the association between low-dose aspirin use (≤160 mg) among patients with COPD and incidence of lung carcinoma and the corresponding risk of bleeding.

METHODS AND FINDINGS

This is a retrospective cohort study conducted utilizing Clinical Data Analysis Reporting System (CDARS), a territory-wide database developed by the Hong Kong Hospital Authority. Inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) was used to balance baseline covariates between aspirin nonusers (35,049 patients) with new aspirin users (7,679 patients) among all eligible COPD patients from 2005 to 2018 attending any public hospitals. The median age of the cohort was 75.7 years (SD = 11.5), and 80.3% were male. Competing risk regression with Cox proportional hazards model were performed to estimate the subdistribution hazard ratio (SHR) of lung carcinoma with low-dose aspirin and the associated bleeding events. Of all eligible patients, 1,779 (4.2%, 1,526 and 253 among nonusers and users) were diagnosed with lung carcinoma over a median follow-up period of 2.6 years (interquartile range [IQR]: 1.4 to 4.8). Aspirin use was associated with a 25% lower risk of lung carcinoma (SHR = 0.75, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.65 to 0.87, p = <0.001) and 26% decrease in lung carcinoma-related mortality (SHR = 0.74, 95% CI 0.64 to 0.86, p = <0.001). Subgroup analysis revealed that aspirin was beneficial for patients aged above or below 75 years, but was also beneficial among populations who were male, nondiabetic, and nonhypertensive. Aspirin use was not associated with an increased risk of upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) (SHR = 1.19, 95% CI 0.94 to 1.53, p = 0.16), but was associated with an increased risk of hemoptysis (SHR = 1.96, 95% CI 1.73 to 2.23, p < 0.001). The main limitations of the study were (i) that one group of patients may be more likely to seek additional medical attention, although this was partially mitigated by the use of propensity score analysis; and (ii) the observational nature of the study renders it unable to establish causality between aspirin use and lung carcinoma incidence.

CONCLUSIONS

In this study, we observed that low-dose aspirin use was associated with a lower risk of lung carcinoma and lung carcinoma-related mortality among COPD patients. While aspirin was not associated with an increased risk of UGIB, the risk of hemoptysis was elevated.

Prevalence and risk factors of musculoskeletal pain in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: A systematic review

OBJECTIVES

This systematic review aimed to discuss the prevalence and the risk factors of the musculoskeletal pain in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

DATA SOURCE AND STUDY SELECTION

Four databases were analysed (Scopus, PubMed, Cochrane and EMBASE). We excluded systematic reviews, meta-analyses, conference abstracts and case reports. Two authors independently checked for the eligibility of the relevant articles. The risk of bias was evaluated using the Newcastle Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale and the Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal checklist. The selection and evaluation of studies followed the PRISMA guidelines.

RESULTS

Twenty studies were retrieved, including from 21 to 7952 patients with COPD. The prevalence of pain was highly heterogeneous across studies: 7-89.7%. Pain was mostly reported in the lumbar (7-69%) and cervical spine (11-48.3%) and the chest (44-82.8%). The main risk factors for developing pain were old age, sex (female), level of physical activity (low) and comorbidities.

CONCLUSION

Pain is a very common symptom in patients with COPD. Despite this, few clinical trials have investigated the pain. It appears to be located primarily in the lumbar, cervical and thoracic regions and facilitated by being a female, a low level of physical activity, comorbidity(ies) and old age.

Effectiveness of Aspirin in COPD: Biases in the Observational Studies

Several observational studies report decreased incidence of mortality and of exacerbations with aspirin use in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), with calls for a large randomized trial. Aspirin does have local and systemic pulmonary mechanisms of action that could make this drug beneficial in the treatment of COPD. However, the potential for biases in the observational studies has not been examined. We searched the literature for all observational studies reporting on the effect of aspirin in COPD patients on exacerbation and mortality. We reviewed the studies for the presence of time-related and other biases. We identified eight observational studies reporting an overall reduction in all-cause mortality or exacerbation with aspirin use of 21% (pooled rate ratio (RR) 0.79; 95% CI 0.71-0.86). We found two studies affected by immortal time bias (pooled RR 0.81; 95% CI 0.74-0.89), three studies affected by collider-stratification bias (pooled RR 0.66; 95% CI 0.55-0.79) and three that involved some exposure misclassification (pooled RR 0.85; 95% CI 0.78-0.92). Moreover, while adjusting for cardiovascular factors, six of the eight studies did not adjust for important markers of COPD severity and thus remain susceptible to confounding bias. In conclusion, all observational studies reporting on the effectiveness of aspirin on major outcomes of COPD are affected by biases known to exaggerate the effectiveness of a drug. As these studies cannot be used to support a beneficial effect for aspirin in COPD, it would be premature to consider a randomized trial to investigate this question until methodologically rigorous studies are available.

Platelet Count and Platelet Indices in Patients with Stable and Acute Exacerbation of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Platelets play an important role in the pathophysiology of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) by mediating thrombotic, inflammatory, and immune processes in the lung. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies investigating the platelet count and three platelet indices, mean platelet volume (MPV), platelet distribution width (PDW), and platelet to lymphocyte ratio (PLR) in stable COPD vs. non-COPD patients and in stable COPD vs. acute exacerbation of COPD (AECOPD) patients (PROSPERO registration number: CRD42021228263). PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus and Google Scholar were searched from inception to December 2020. Twenty-seven studies were included in the meta-analysis, 26 comparing 4,455 stable COPD patients with 7,128 non-COPD controls and 14 comparing 1,251 stable COPD with 904 AECOPD patients. Stable COPD patients had significantly higher platelet counts (weighted mean difference, WMD = 13.39 x10⁹/L, 95% CI 4.68 to 22.11 x10⁹/L; p < 0.001) and PLR (WMD = 59.52, 95% CI 29.59 to 89.44; p < 0.001) than non-COPD subjects. AECOPD patients had significantly higher PLR values than stable COPD patients (WMD = 46.03, 95% CI 7.70 to 84.35; p = 0.02). No significant differences were observed in MPV and PDW. Between-study heterogeneity was extreme. In sensitivity analysis, the effect size was not modified when each study was sequentially removed. The was no evidence of publication bias. In our meta-analysis, specific platelet biomarkers were associated with stable COPD (platelet count and PLR) and AECOPD (PLR). However, the observed heterogeneity limits the generalizability of the findings. Further studies are required to determine their prognostic utility and the effects of targeted interventions in COPD.

Lipid plaque burden in NSTE-ACS patients with or without COPD: insights from the SCAP Trial

BACKGROUND

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients have higher recurrence of adverse events and worse prognosis after acute coronary syndrome (ACS). The underlying pathophysiological mechanism is not fully elucidated.

METHODS

In screening for COPD in ACS (SCAP) Trial (NCT02324660), ACS patients with smoking habit underwent a predischarge screening procedure to detect undiagnosed chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (UCOPD) confirmed with spirometry at 60 days. Patients were then categorized as UCOPD or no-COPD. In 65 NSTE-ACS patients, we performed near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) in the culprit and at least one non-culprit vessel (151 vessels overall), and we calculated the SYNTAX I Score. Primary endpoint was max lipid core burden index (LCBI) 4 mm. Secondary endpoints were SYNTAX Score I and vessel LCBI.

RESULTS

Max LCBI 4 mm and vessel LCBI were significantly higher in the UCOPD compared to the no-COPD group (UCOPD 388±122, no-COPD 264±131, P<0.001; UCOPD 118±50, no-COPD 82±42, P<0.001, respectively). UCOPD patients showed higher max LCBI 4 mm and LCBI vessel both in culprit and non-culprit vessels. SYNTAX Score I was comparable between the two groups (UCOPD: 13.5 [5.5-24], no-COPD: 12.5 [5-24.5], P=0.7).

CONCLUSIONS

NSTE-ACS patients with UCOPD showed a higher LCBI compared to those without COPD, while SYNTAX Score I was comparable between the two groups.

Platelets in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: An update on pathophysiology and implications for antiplatelet therapy

Platelets are essential mediators of inflammation and thrombosis. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a heterogeneous multisystem disease, causing significant morbidity and mortality worldwide. Recent evidence suggests that the lung is an important organ for platelet biogenesis. Cigarette smoking has been shown to induce platelet aggregation and decrease the capacity of mitochondrial electron transport system in platelets. Preclinical and clinical studies have suggested that platelets may contribute to the development of COPD through the breakdown of lung elastin by platelet factor 4, platelet activation and formation of platelet aggregates, and modulation of hypoxia signaling pathways. Recent large population studies have produced encouraging results indicating a potential role for aspirin in preventing exacerbations and delaying disease progression in patients with COPD. This review summarizes the information about the lung as an organ for platelet production, pathophysiological functions of platelets and platelet mediators in the development of COPD, and the most updated evidence on the utility of aspirin in patients with COPD.

Management of the COPD Patient with Comorbidities: An Experts Recommendation Document

Background

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is associated with multiple comorbidities, which impact negatively on patients and are often underdiagnosed, thus lacking a proper management due to the absence of clear guidelines.

Purpose

To elaborate expert recommendations aimed to help healthcare professionals to provide the right care for treating COPD patients with comorbidities.

Methods

A modified RAND-UCLA appropriateness method consisting of nominal groups to draw up consensus recommendations (6 Spanish experts) and 2-Delphi rounds to validate them (23 Spanish experts) was performed.

Results

A panel of Spanish internal medicine experts reached consensus on 73 recommendations and 81 conclusions on the clinical consequences of the presence of comorbidities. In general, the experts reached consensus on the issues raised with regard to cardiovascular comorbidity and metabolic disorders. Consensus was reached on the use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors in cases of depression and the usefulness of referring patients with anxiety to respiratory rehabilitation programmes. The results also showed consensus on the usefulness of investigating the quality of sleep, the treatment of pain with opioids and the evaluation of osteoporosis by lateral chest radiography.

Conclusion

This study provides conclusions and recommendations that are intended to improve the management of the complexity of patients with COPD and important comorbidities, usually excluded from clinical trials.

Aspects extrapulmonaires des exacerbations de bronchopneumopathie chronique obstructive

La bronchopneumopathie chronique obstructive (BPCO) est une maladie systémique aux multiples atteintes, émaillée d’exacerbations. L’inflammation, l’hypoxémie, les troubles de la coagulation et les perturbations des interactions coeur–poumon expliquent en partie les atteintes non pulmonaires observées notamment lors d’exacerbations aiguës. Les événements cardiovasculaires sont la première cause de mortalité des patients BPCO, et leur recrudescence est observée pendant plusieurs semaines après une exacerbation. Aux urgences, la prise en charge des patients en exacerbation de BPCO repose donc en plus du support ventilatoire sur une bonne évaluation des potentielles pathologies associées telles que l’insuffisance cardiaque, l’ischémie myocardique, l’insuffisance rénale ou encore la maladie thromboembolique. Cette évaluation globale permet d’adapter les thérapeutiques parfois délétères sur la fonction cardiaque ou l’équilibre acide−base et de prendre en compte le risque extrapulmonaire dans le choix du parcours de soins du patient. Dans cette mise au point, nous abordons quelques explications physiologiques des multiples perturbations observées au cours de l’exacerbation de BPCO, et proposons une vision globale de l’évaluation de ces patients admis pour une dyspnée ou un autre motif pouvant être en rapport avec la BPCO.

Insights into Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease as Critical Risk Factor for Cardiovascular Disease

In patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), cardiovascular comorbidities are highly prevalent and associated with considerable morbidity and mortality. This coincidence is increasingly seen in the context of a “cardiopulmonary continuum” rather than being simply attributed to shared risk factors, in particular, cigarette smoking. Both disease entities are centrally linked to systemic inflammation as well as aging, arterial stiffness, and several common biomarkers that led to the development of pulmonary hypertension, left ventricular diastolic dysfunction, atherosclerosis, and reduced physical activity and exercise capacity. For these reasons, COPD should be considered an independent factor of high cardiovascular risk, and efforts should be directed to early identification of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in COPD patients. Assessment of the overall cardiovascular risk is especially important in patients with severe exacerbation episodes, and the same therapeutic target levels for glycosylated hemoglobin, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), or blood pressure than those recommended by clinical practice guidelines for patients at high cardiovascular risk, should be achieved. In this review, we will discuss the most recent evidence of the role of COPD as a critical cardiovascular risk factor and try to find new insights and potential prevention strategies for this disease.

Impact of Comorbidities and Commonly Used Drugs on Mortality in COPD - Real-World Data from a Primary Care Setting

Background

Life expectancy is significantly shorter for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) than the general population. Concurrent diseases are known to infer an increased mortality risk in those with COPD, but the effects of pharmacological treatments on survival are less established. This study aimed to examine any associations between commonly used drugs, comorbidities and mortality in Swedish real-world primary care COPD patients.

Methods

Patients with physician-diagnosed COPD from a large primary care population were observed retrospectively, utilizing primary care records and mandatory Swedish national registers. The time to all-cause death was assessed in a stepwise multiple Cox proportional hazards regression model including demography, socioeconomic factors, exacerbations, comorbidities and medication.

Results

During the observation period (1999-2009) 5776 (32.5%) of 17,745 included COPD patients died. Heart failure (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.88, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.74-2.04), stroke (HR: 1.52, 95% CI: 1.40-1.64) and myocardial infarction (HR: 1.40, 95% CI: 1.24-1.58) were associated with an increased risk of death. Use of inhaled corticosteroids (ICS; HR: 0.79, 95% CI: 0.66-0.94), beta-blockers (HR: 0.86, 95% CI: 0.76-0.97) and acetylsalicylic acid (ASA; HR: 0.87, 95% CI: 0.77-0.98) was dose-dependently associated with a decreased risk of death, whereas use of long-acting muscarinic antagonists (LAMA; HR: 1.33, 95% CI: 1.14-1.55) and N-acetylcysteine (NAC; HR: 1.26, 95% CI: 1.08-1.48) were dose-dependently associated with an increased risk of death in COPD patients.

Conclusion

This large, retrospective, observational study of Swedish real-world primary care COPD patients indicates that coexisting heart failure, stroke and myocardial infarction were the strongest predictors of death, underscoring the importance of timely recognition and treatment of comorbidities. A decreased risk of death associated with the use of ICS, beta-blockers and ASA, and an increased risk associated with the use of LAMA and NAC, was also found.

Radiolabelling and immunohistochemistry reveal platelet recruitment into lungs and platelet migration into airspaces following LPS inhalation in mice

INTRODUCTION

Platelets are under investigation for their role in host defence and inflammatory lung diseases and have been demonstrated to be recruited to the lung. However, the mechanisms and consequences of platelet recruitment into lungs are poorly understood. We have utilised a murine model to investigate the mechanisms of platelet involvement in lung inflammation induced by intranasal administration of LPS.

OBJECTIVES

Our aim was to characterise lung platelet recruitment following LPS inhalation in mice using immunohistochemistry, and non-invasive and invasive radiolabelled platelet tracking techniques.

RESULTS

Intranasal administration of LPS caused an increase in lung platelet staining in lung tissue and elicited the recruitment of radiolabelled platelets into the lung. Prior to these responses in the lung, we observed an earlier decrease in blood platelet counts, temporally associated with platelet recruitment to the liver and spleen. Non-invasive measurements of thoracic radioactivity reflected changes in blood counts rather than extravascular lung platelet recruitment. However, both in situ counting of radiolabelled platelets and immunostaining for platelet surface markers showed LPS-induced increases in extravascular platelets into lung airspaces suggesting that some of the platelets recruited to the lung enter air spaces.

CONCLUSIONS

Intranasal administration of LPS activates the innate immune response which includes a fall in peripheral blood platelet counts with subsequent platelet recruitment to the lung, spleen and liver, measured by immunohistochemistry and radiolabelling techniques.

Mortality associated with cardiovascular drugs in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and right-sided heart failure - A danish nationwide registry-based study

BACKGROUND

The optimal medical treatment in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and right-sided heart failure (RHF) is unknown. We aimed to estimate the risks of all-cause mortality associated with the current clinical use of various cardiovascular drugs in this patient-group.

METHODS

We followed all patients with registered COPD and RHF (defined as a diagnosis of pulmonary hypertension plus use of loop-diuretics) for the risk of all-cause mortality (Jan 1, 1995 to Dec 31, 2015) using the Danish nationwide administrative registries. The association between mortality and claimed prescriptions for cardiovascular drugs was assessed by multivariable Cox regression models.

RESULTS

5991 patients (mean age 74 ± standard deviation 10 years, 51% women) were included. Of these, 1440 (24%) used beta-blockers, 2149 (36%) renin-angiotensin system inhibitors [RASi], 1340 (22%) oral anticoagulants, 1376 (23%) calcium channel blockers, 1194 (20%) statins, 1824 (30%) spironolactone, and 2099 (35%) low-dose aspirin. During an average follow-up of 2.2 years (±standard deviation 2.8, min-max 0-19.6 years), 5071 (85%) died, corresponding to a mortality rate of 38 per 100 person-years (95% confidence interval 37-39). Compared to no use, beta-blockers were associated with adjusted hazards ratio 0.90 (95% confidence interval 0.84-0.98), RASi 0.92 (0.86-0.98), calcium channel blockers 0.86 (0.80-0.92), spironolactone 1.17 (1.10-1.24), statins 0.85 (0.78-0.92), oral anticoagulants 0.87 (0.79-0.95), and aspirin 0.99 (0.93-1.05). Propensity-score matched analyses and inverse-probability-weighted models yielded similar results.

CONCLUSION

Several cardiovascular drugs may be associated with lowered mortality in COPD and RHF. Given the grave prognosis, randomized clinical trials are warranted to test this hypothesis.

Angina and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: facing the perfect storm

The association of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and ischaemic heart disease (IHD) is challenging both in terms of prognosis and of pharmacological treatment. An 83-year-old Caucasian male patient has chronic kidney disease, COPD, previous myocardial infarction, coronary artery bypass graft with left internal mammary artery (LIMA) on left anterior descending (LAD), saphenous vein graft (SVG) on obtuse marginal (OM)1 and on right coronary artery, and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) on LAD (occlusion of LIMA) and on SVG for OM1 (SVG critical stenosis). Recently, the patient complained worsening angina [Canadian Cardiovascular Society (CCS) III] and had residual ischaemia in the anterior wall after an unsuccessful attempt of PCI was performed on LAD for in-stent occlusion due to restenosis. Bisoprolol uptitration failed due to worsening of pulmonary function at spirometry. For this reason, ivabradine 5 mg b.i.d. was added to bisoprolol. Afterwards, the patient referred amelioration of symptoms and he is actually in CCS Class I. The control spirometry showed moderate obstruction comparable to his chronic situation. Patients with IHD and COPD often do not receive β-blockers due to the fear of adverse effects. However, cardioselective β-blockers do not worsen pulmonary function while they reduce mortality in COPD patients. In this setting, ivabradine could be extremely helpful in order to control symptoms since it is effective in patients with asthma and COPD, with no alteration in respiratory function or symptoms and improves exercise capacity and functional class in COPD patients.

Aspirin Use and Respiratory Morbidity in COPD: A Propensity Score-Matched Analysis in Subpopulations and Intermediate Outcome Measures in COPD Study

BACKGROUND

Aspirin use in COPD has been associated with reduced all-cause mortality in meta-regression analysis with few equivocal studies. However, the effect of aspirin on COPD morbidity is unknown.

METHODS

Self-reported daily aspirin use was obtained at baseline from SPIROMICS participants with COPD (FEV₁/FVC < 70%). Acute exacerbations of COPD (AECOPD) were prospectively ascertained through quarterly structured telephone questionnaires up to 3 years and categorized as moderate (symptoms treated with antibiotics or oral corticosteroids) or severe (requiring ED visit or hospitalization). Aspirin users were matched one-to-one with nonusers, based on propensity score. The association of aspirin use with total, moderate, and severe AECOPD was investigated using zero-inflated negative binomial models. Linear or logistic regression was used to investigate the association with baseline respiratory symptoms, quality of life, and exercise tolerance.

RESULTS

Among 1,698 participants, 45% reported daily aspirin use at baseline. Propensity score matching resulted in 503 participant pairs. Aspirin users had a lower incidence rate of total AECOPD (adjusted incidence rate ratio [IRR], 0.78; 95% CI, 0.65-0.94), with similar effect for moderate but not severe AECOPD (IRR, 0.86; 95% CI, 0.63-1.18). Aspirin use was associated with lower total St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire score (β, -2.2; 95% CI, -4.1 to -0.4), reduced odds of moderate-severe dyspnea (modified Medical Research Council questionnaire score ≥ 2; adjusted odds ratio, 0.69; 95% CI, 0.51-0.93), and COPD Assessment Test score (β, -1.1; 95% CI, -1.9 to -0.2) but not 6-min walk distance (β, 0.7 m; 95% CI, -14.3 to 15.6).

CONCLUSIONS

Daily aspirin use is associated with reduced rate of COPD exacerbations, less dyspnea, and better quality of life. Randomized clinical trials of aspirin use in COPD are warranted to account for unmeasured and residual confounding.

TRIAL REGISTRY

ClinicalTrials.gov; No.: NCT01969344; URL: www.clinicaltrials.gov.

Ischemic Heart Disease during Acute Exacerbations of COPD

Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) have a higher risk of acute cardiovascular events, and around 30% die from cardiovascular diseases. Recent data suggest an increased risk of myocardial infarction in the following days of a severe exacerbation of COPD. Disruption in the balance during the exacerbation with tachycardia, increased inflammation and systemic oxidative stress as well as some other factors may confer an increased risk of subsequent cardiovascular events. A number of investigations may be useful to an early diagnosis, including electrocardiography, imaging techniques and blood test for biomarkers. Some drugs that have changed prognosis in the cardiovascular setting such as cardioselective beta-blockers may be underused in patients with COPD despite its demonstrated benefits. This review focuses on several aspects of exacerbation of COPD and cardiovascular events including epidemiology, possible mechanism, diagnosis and treatment.

The association of aspirin use with severity of acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a retrospective cohort study

Little is known about the effect of long-term aspirin use on acute severity of COPD. We hypothesized that, in patients hospitalized for acute exacerbation of COPD (AECOPD), long-term aspirin use is associated with lower risks of disease severity (in-hospital death, mechanical ventilation use, and hospital length-of-stay). We conducted a retrospective cohort study using large population-based data from 2012 through 2013. Among 206,686 patients (aged ≥40 years) hospitalized for AECOPD, aspirin users had lower in-hospital mortality (1.0 vs. 1.4%; OR 0.60 [95% CI 0.50–0.72]; P < 0.001) and lower risk of invasive mechanical ventilation use (1.7 vs. 2.6%; OR 0.64 [95% CI 0.55–0.73]; P < 0.001) compared to non-users, while there was no significant difference in risks of non-invasive positive pressure ventilation use. Length-of-stay was shorter in aspirin users compared to non-users (P < 0.001). In sum, in patients with AECOPD, aspirin use was associated with lower rates of in-hospital mortality and invasive mechanical ventilation use, and shorter length-of-stay.

Patients with symptoms and characteristics consistent with obstructive sleep apnea are at a higher risk for acute and subacute stent thrombosis after percutaneous coronary stent implantation: a single-center case-control study

Background

To determine if obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a risk factor for early stent thrombosis (EST; within 30 days) after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

Methods

This case–control study involved 23 patients with angiographically confirmed EST after PCI (case group) and 92 PCI patients (control group) who did not develop stent thrombosis during a 2-year follow-up. Patients with symptoms and characteristics consistent with OSA (hereinafter referred to as OSA) were identified using the Berlin questionnaire, and the general characteristics of the patients and their treatments as well as outcomes were recorded. The odds ratios (ORs) for OSA were calculated. Additionally, the association between OSA and EST in patients with different conventional cardiovascular risk factors was analyzed.

Results

The crude OR for OSA was 4.17 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.60–10.84, P = 0.003). After adjusting for other risk factors of EST, the OR for OSA remained significant. In participants with no or one conventional cardiovascular disease risk factor, we found a significant association between OSA and EST (OR: 17.00, 95% CI: 2.33–124.19, P = 0.005).

Conclusion

OSA is an independent risk factor for EST. This conclusion was further supported by the finding that in patients with few conventional cardiovascular risk factors, the contribution of OSA to EST was more obvious.

The potential role of endothelial dysfunction and platelet activation in the development of thrombotic risk in COPD patients

INTRODUCTION

Despite lack of knowledge in the field, several studies have underlined the role of endothelium dysfunction and platelet activation as significant players in the development and progression of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Indeed, endothelium plays a crucial role in vascular homeostasis and impairment, due to the inflammation process enhanced by smoking. Chronic inflammation and endothelial dysfunction have been proved to drive platelet activity. Consequently, thrombotic risk is enhanced in COPD, and might explain the higher percentage of cardiovascular death in such patients. Areas covered: This review aims to clarify the role of endothelium function and platelet hyper-activity as the pathophysiological mechanisms of the increased thrombotic risk in COPD. Expert commentary: In COPD patients, chronic inflammation does not impact only on lung parenchyma, but potentially involves all systems, including the endothelium of blood vessels. Impaired endothelium has several consequences, such as reduced vasodilatation capacity, enhanced blood coagulation, and increased platelet activation resulting in higher risk of thrombosis in COPD patients. Endothelium dysfunction and platelet activation are potential targets of therapy in patients with COPD aiming to reduce their risk of cardiovascular events.

C-reactive protein level predicts mortality in COPD: a systematic review and meta-analysis

The prognostic role of baseline C-reactive protein (CRP) in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is controversial. In order to clarify this issue, we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the predictive effect of baseline CRP level in COPD patients. 15 eligible articles focusing on late mortality in COPD were included in our study. We performed a random-effects meta-analysis, and assessed heterogeneity and publication bias. We pooled hazard ratio (HR) estimates and their 95% confidence intervals on mortality for the comparison between the study-specific highest category of CRP level versus the lowest category. In overall analysis, elevated baseline CRP levels were significantly associated with higher mortality (HR 1.53, 95% CI 1.32-1.77, I²=68.7%, p<0.001). Similar results were observed across subgroups. However, higher mortality risk was reported in studies using a cut-off value of 3 mg·L^-1 (HR 1.61, 95% CI 1.12-2.30) and in those enrolling an Asiatic population (HR 3.51, 95% CI 1.69-7.31). Our analysis indicates that baseline high CRP level is significantly associated with higher late mortality in patients with COPD. Further prospective controlled studies are needed to confirm these data.