1
|
Faverio P, Paciocco G, Tassistro E, Rebora P, Rossi E, Monzani A, Tundo M, Milano C, Messa M, Marocchi R, Pesci A, Foti G, Squillace N, Cogliandro V, Lettino M, Strepparava MG, Bellelli G, Ferrarese C, Valsecchi MG, Bonfanti P, Luppi F. Two-year cardio-pulmonary follow-up after severe COVID-19: a prospective study. Intern Emerg Med 2024; 19:183-190. [PMID: 37715857 PMCID: PMC10827839 DOI: 10.1007/s11739-023-03400-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 09/18/2023]
Abstract
Short- and medium-term cardio-pulmonary sequelae after COVID-19 have been extensively studied. However, studies with longer follow-ups are required. This study aims to identify and characterise cardio-pulmonary sequelae, in patients hospitalised for SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia, at 24 months follow-up. This is a prospective, observational cohort study conducted on consecutive patients hospitalised for COVID-19 and acute respiratory failure. Patients were followed up at 24 months with complete pulmonary function tests (PFTs), 6-min walking test and a dyspnoea score (Modified Medical Research Council scale). A subgroup of patients with at least one clinical or functional sign suggestive of increased pulmonary pressures also underwent transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) to evaluate the presence of direct or indirect signs of pulmonary hypertension (PH). Ninety consecutive patients (74% men, median age 59.1 years) were enrolled in the study. In regard to PFTs, carbon monoxide diffusion capacity (DLCO) impairment was observed in 23 cases (26%), in all cases of mild entity. When considering the dyspnoea, 30 (34%) patients showed some degree of breathlessness. Forty patients underwent TTE. No patients had overt PH or chronic thromboembolic PH. However, all patients showed a hyperdynamic state of the right ventricle, and 8 (20%) patients had a decreased acceleration time on pulmonary valve, signs of increased pulmonary vasculature resistances and afterload elevation. At 24-month follow-up after severe COVID-19, DLCO and TTE prove to be the most sensitive tool to detect cardio-pulmonary sequelae. Dyspnoea is still present in about one-third of patients and requires a multidisciplinary approach.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paola Faverio
- UOC Pneumologia, Respiratory Unit, Fondazione IRCCS San Gerardo dei Tintori, Via Pergolesi 33, 20900, Monza, Italy.
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano Bicocca, Milan, Italy.
| | - Giuseppe Paciocco
- UOC Pneumologia, Respiratory Unit, Fondazione IRCCS San Gerardo dei Tintori, Via Pergolesi 33, 20900, Monza, Italy
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Elena Tassistro
- Bicocca Center of Bioinformatics, Biostatistics and Bioimaging, University of Milano Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Paola Rebora
- Bicocca Center of Bioinformatics, Biostatistics and Bioimaging, University of Milano Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Emanuela Rossi
- Bicocca Center of Bioinformatics, Biostatistics and Bioimaging, University of Milano Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Anna Monzani
- UOC Pneumologia, Respiratory Unit, Fondazione IRCCS San Gerardo dei Tintori, Via Pergolesi 33, 20900, Monza, Italy
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Marta Tundo
- UOC Pneumologia, Respiratory Unit, Fondazione IRCCS San Gerardo dei Tintori, Via Pergolesi 33, 20900, Monza, Italy
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Chiara Milano
- UOC Pneumologia, Respiratory Unit, Fondazione IRCCS San Gerardo dei Tintori, Via Pergolesi 33, 20900, Monza, Italy
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Martina Messa
- UOC Pneumologia, Respiratory Unit, Fondazione IRCCS San Gerardo dei Tintori, Via Pergolesi 33, 20900, Monza, Italy
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Raffaele Marocchi
- UOC Pneumologia, Respiratory Unit, Fondazione IRCCS San Gerardo dei Tintori, Via Pergolesi 33, 20900, Monza, Italy
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Alberto Pesci
- UOC Pneumologia, Respiratory Unit, Fondazione IRCCS San Gerardo dei Tintori, Via Pergolesi 33, 20900, Monza, Italy
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Foti
- School of Medicine and Surgery, Anesthesia and Intensive Care Unit, University of Milano Bicocca, Fondazione IRCCS San Gerardo dei Tintori, Monza, Italy
| | - Nicola Squillace
- Infectious Disease Unit, Fondazione IRCCS San Gerardo dei Tintori, Monza, Italy
| | - Viola Cogliandro
- Infectious Disease Unit, Fondazione IRCCS San Gerardo dei Tintori, Monza, Italy
| | - Maddalena Lettino
- Cardio-Thoracic and Vascular Department, Fondazione IRCCS San Gerardo dei Tintori, Monza, Italy
| | - Maria Grazia Strepparava
- Clinical Psychology Unit, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Bellelli
- School of Medicine and Surgery, Acute Geriatric Unit, University of Milano Bicocca, Fondazione IRCCS San Gerardo dei Tintori, Monza, Italy
| | - Carlo Ferrarese
- School of Medicine and Surgery, Neurology Unit, University of Milano Bicocca, Fondazione IRCCS San Gerardo dei Tintori, Monza, Italy
| | - Maria Grazia Valsecchi
- Bicocca Center of Bioinformatics, Biostatistics and Bioimaging, University of Milano Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Paolo Bonfanti
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano Bicocca, Milan, Italy
- Infectious Disease Unit, Fondazione IRCCS San Gerardo dei Tintori, Monza, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Luppi
- UOC Pneumologia, Respiratory Unit, Fondazione IRCCS San Gerardo dei Tintori, Via Pergolesi 33, 20900, Monza, Italy
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Faverio P, Fumagalli A, Conti S, Madotto F, Bini F, Harari S, Mondoni M, Oggionni T, Barisione E, Ceruti P, Papetti MC, Bodini BD, Caminati A, Valentino A, Centanni S, Lanzi P, Della Zoppa M, Crotti S, Grosso M, Sukkar SG, Modina D, Andreoli M, Nicali R, Suigo G, Busnelli S, Paciocco G, Lettieri S, Mantovani LG, Cesana G, Pesci A, Luppi F. Short-Term Evolution of Nutritional Status in Patients with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis. Ann Am Thorac Soc 2023; 20:1066-1070. [PMID: 36857649 DOI: 10.1513/annalsats.202211-935rl] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/03/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Paola Faverio
- University of Milano Bicocca Milan, Italy
- Fondazione Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico San Gerardo dei Tintori Monza, Italy
| | - Alessia Fumagalli
- Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico Istituto Nazionale Ricovero e Cura per Anziani Casatenovo, Italy
| | - Sara Conti
- University of Milano Bicocca Monza, Italy
| | - Fabiana Madotto
- Fondazione Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico Milan, Italy
| | - Francesco Bini
- Ospedale G. Salvini, Azienda Socio Sanitaria Territoriale Rhodense Garbagnate Milanese, Italy
| | - Sergio Harari
- MultiMedica Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico Milan, Italy
- University of Milan Milan, Italy
| | - Michele Mondoni
- University of Milan Milan, Italy
- Azienda Socio Sanitaria Territoriale Santi Paolo e Carlo Milan, Italy
| | - Tiberio Oggionni
- Fondazione Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico Policlinico San Matteo Pavia, Italy
| | - Emanuela Barisione
- Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico Policlinico San Martino Genova, Italy
| | - Paolo Ceruti
- Azienda Socio Sanitaria Territoriale Spedali Civili di Brescia Brescia, Italy
| | - Maria Chiara Papetti
- Ospedale G. Salvini, Azienda Socio Sanitaria Territoriale Rhodense Garbagnate Milanese, Italy
| | - Bruno Dino Bodini
- Ospedale G. Salvini, Azienda Socio Sanitaria Territoriale Rhodense Garbagnate Milanese, Italy
| | - Antonella Caminati
- MultiMedica Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico Milan, Italy
| | - Angela Valentino
- Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico MultiMedica Milan, Italy
| | - Stefano Centanni
- University of Milan Milan, Italy
- Azienda Socio Sanitaria Territoriale Santi Paolo e Carlo Milan, Italy
| | - Paola Lanzi
- Azienda Socio Sanitaria Territoriale Santi Paolo e Carlo Milan, Italy
| | - Matteo Della Zoppa
- Fondazione Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico Policlinico San Matteo Pavia, Italy
| | - Silvia Crotti
- Fondazione Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico Policlinico San Matteo Pavia, Italy
| | - Marco Grosso
- Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico Policlinico San Martino Genova, Italy
| | - Samir Giuseppe Sukkar
- Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico Ospedale Policlinico San Martino Genoa, Italy
| | - Denise Modina
- Azienda Socio Sanitaria Territoriale Spedali Civili di Brescia Brescia, Italy
| | - Marco Andreoli
- Azienda Socio Sanitaria Territoriale di Brescia Brescia, Italy
| | - Roberta Nicali
- Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Maggiore della Carità Novara, Italy
| | - Giulia Suigo
- Azienda Ospedaliera di Circolo Busto Arsizio, Italy
| | - Sara Busnelli
- University of Milano Bicocca Milan, Italy
- Fondazione Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico San Gerardo dei Tintori Monza, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Paciocco
- University of Milano Bicocca Milan, Italy
- Fondazione Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico San Gerardo dei Tintori Monza, Italy
| | - Sara Lettieri
- Fondazione Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico Policlinico San Matteo Pavia, Italy
| | | | | | - Alberto Pesci
- University of Milano Bicocca Milan, Italy
- Fondazione Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico San Gerardo dei Tintori Monza, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Luppi
- University of Milano Bicocca Milan, Italy
- Fondazione Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico San Gerardo dei Tintori Monza, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Papa S, Badagliacca R, D´alto M, Ghio S, Argiento P, Brunetti N, Casu G, Cedrone N, Confalonieri M, Corda M, Correale M, D´agostino C, Galgano G, Manzi G, Mercurio V, Mulè M, Paciocco G, Romeo E, Scelsi L, Stolfo D, Vitulo P, Vizza CD. 121 RELEVANCE OF COMORBIDITIES ON INITIAL COMBINATION THERAPY IN PULMONARY ARTERIAL HYPERTENSION. Eur Heart J Suppl 2022. [DOI: 10.1093/eurheartjsupp/suac121.271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Rationale
Demographic characteristics of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) patients have changed over time, but the effects of cardiovascular risk factors on risk status and pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) reduction with initial oral combination therapy are not known. Therefore, we tested the relevance of cardiovascular comorbidities in this setting.
Methods
The study enrolled 181 treatment-naive PAH patients with a 6- months (IQR 144-363 days) right heart catheterization and risk assessment after initial oral combination therapy.
Results
Group-A, 96 (53.0%) patients without cardiac comorbidities; Group-B, 54 (29.8%) patients with one cardiac comorbidity; Group-C, 31 (17.1%) patients with ≥2 cardiac comorbidities. Group-C patients were older with a balanced gender distribution. There was a significant difference in PVR reduction moving from the absence to one or ≥2 cardiac comorbidities, respectively, median -45.0%, -30.3%, -24.3%. A ERS/ESC low-risk status was present at first follow-up in 50 (52.0%) patients in Group-A, 19 (35.1%) in Group-B, and 9 (29.0%) in Group-C; a REVEAL 2.0 low-risk status was present at first follow-up in 41 (42.0%) patients in Group-A, 15 (27.7%) in Group-B, and 7 (22.6%) in Group-C. Group-A patients were 2.3 times more likely to achieve/maintain a low risk status compared with Group-B and -C (OR 2.27, 95% C.I. 1.15-4.54, p=0.02). No significant difference was observed between patients with non-cardiac comorbidities and those without comorbidities.
Conclusion
Initial oral combination therapy seems associated with a less effective response for patients with cardiovascular comorbidities compared with the others, related to the magnitude of treatment- induced decrease in PVR.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Marco Confalonieri
- University Of Trieste Clinical Department Of Medical Surgical And Health Sciences
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Patrizio Vitulo
- Istituto Mediterraneo Per I Trapianti E Terapie Ad Alta Specializzazione
| | | |
Collapse
|
4
|
Badagliacca R, D'Alto M, Ghio S, Argiento P, Brunetti ND, Casu G, Cedrone N, Confalonieri M, Corda M, Correale M, D'Agostino C, De Michele L, Di Marino S, Filomena D, Galgano G, Greco A, Lombardi C, Manzi G, Mercurio V, Mulè M, Paciocco G, Papa S, Romeo E, Scelsi L, Stolfo D, Vitulo P, Vizza CD. Relevance of comorbidities on initial combination therapy in pulmonary arterial hypertension. ERJ Open Res 2022; 8:00298-2022. [DOI: 10.1183/23120541.00298-2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
RationaleDemographic characteristics of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) patients have changed over time, but the effects of cardiovascular risk factors on risk status and pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) reduction with initial oral combination therapy are not known. Therefore, we tested the relevance of cardiovascular comorbidities in this setting.MethodsThe study enrolled 181 treatment-naive PAH patients with a 6-months (IQR 144–363 days) right heart catheterization and risk assessment after initial oral combination therapy.ResultsGroup-A, 96 (53.0%) patients without cardiac comorbidities; Group-B, 54 (29.8%) patients with one cardiac comorbidity; Group-C, 31 (17.1%) patients with ≥2 cardiac comorbidities. Group-C patients were older with a balanced gender distribution. There was a significant difference in PVR reduction moving from the absence to one or ≥2 cardiac comorbidities, respectively, median −45.0%, −30.3%, −24.3%. A ERS/ESC low-risk status was present at first follow-up in 50 (52.0%) patients in Group-A, 19 (35.1%) in Group-B, and 9 (29.0%) in Group-C; a REVEAL 2.0 low-risk status was present at first follow-up in 41 (42.0%) patients in Group-A, 15 (27.7%) in Group-B, and 7 (22.6%) in Group-C. Group-A patients were 2.3 times more likely to achieve/maintain a low risk status compared with Group-B and -C (OR 2.27, 95% C.I. 1.15–4.54, p=0.02). No significant difference was observed between patients with non-cardiac comorbidities and those without comorbidities.ConclusionInitial oral combination therapy seems associated with a less effective response for patients with cardiovascular comorbidities compared with the others, related to the magnitude of treatment-induced decrease in PVR.
Collapse
|
5
|
Badagliacca R, Papa S, D'Alto M, Ghio S, Agostoni P, Ameri P, Argiento P, Brunetti ND, Casamassima V, Casu G, Cedrone N, Confalonieri M, Corda M, Correale M, D'Agostino C, De Michele L, Famoso G, Galgano G, Greco A, Lombardi CM, Manzi G, Madonna R, Mercurio V, Mulè M, Paciocco G, Romaniello A, Romeo E, Scelsi L, Serra W, Stolfo D, Toma M, Vatrano M, Vitulo P, Vizza CD. The paradox of pulmonary arterial hypertension in Italy in the COVID-19 era: is risk of disease progression around the corner? Eur Respir J 2022; 60:13993003.02276-2021. [PMID: 35301247 PMCID: PMC9535117 DOI: 10.1183/13993003.02276-2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2021] [Accepted: 02/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Objective The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak has led to significant restrictions on routine medical care. We conducted a multicentre nationwide survey of patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) to determine the consequences of governance measures on PAH management and risk of poor outcome in patients with COVID-19. Materials and methods The present study, which included 25 Italian centres, considered demographic data, the number of in-person visits, 6-min walk and echocardiographic test results, brain natriuretic peptide/N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide test results, World Health Organization functional class assessment, presence of elective and non-elective hospitalisation, need for treatment escalation/initiation, newly diagnosed PAH, incidence of COVID-19 and mortality rates. Data were collected, double-checked and tracked by institutional records between March 1 and May 1, 2020, to coincide with the first peak of COVID-19 and compared with the same time period in 2019. Results Among 1922 PAH patients, the incidences of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection and COVID-19 were 1.0% and 0.46%, respectively, with the latter comparable to that in the overall Italian population (0.34%) but associated with 100% mortality. Less systematic activities were converted into more effective remote interfacing between clinicians and PAH patients, resulting in lower rates of hospitalisation (1.2% versus 1.9%) and related death (0.3% versus 0.5%) compared with 2019 (p<0.001). A high level of attention is needed to avoid the potential risk of disease progression related to less aggressive escalation of treatment and the reduction in new PAH diagnoses compared with 2019. Conclusion A cohesive partnership between healthcare providers and regional public health officials is needed to prioritise PAH patients for remote monitoring by dedicated tools. COVID-19 showed low incidence among PAH patients, but high mortality rates. A high level of attention is needed to avoid the potential risk of disease progression in the near future.https://bit.ly/3s1lEYM
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Badagliacca
- Department of Cardiovascular and Respiratory Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Silvia Papa
- Department of Cardiovascular and Respiratory Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Michele D'Alto
- Department of Cardiology, Monaldi Hospital - University "L. Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Stefano Ghio
- Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico S Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Piergiuseppe Agostoni
- Departement of Clinical and Community Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.,Centro Cardiologico Monzino, IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Pietro Ameri
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy
| | - Paola Argiento
- Department of Cardiology, Monaldi Hospital - University "L. Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | | | - Vito Casamassima
- Department of Cardiology, "F.Miulli" Hospital, Acquaviva delle Fonti, Bari, Italy
| | - Gavino Casu
- ATS Sardegna-ASSL Nuoro, San Francesco Hospital Nuoro, Nuoro, Italy.,University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Nadia Cedrone
- Unità di Medicina Interna, Ospedale S. Pertini, Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Confalonieri
- Pulmonology Unit, Heart-Thorax-Vessels Department, University Hospital of Cattinara, Trieste, Italy
| | - Marco Corda
- Cardiology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliera "G. Brotzu" San Michele, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Michele Correale
- Cardiology Department, Ospedali Riuniti University Hospital, Foggia, Italy
| | - Carlo D'Agostino
- Cardiology Department, University Hospital Policlinico Consorziale Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Lucrezia De Michele
- Cardiology Department, University Hospital Policlinico Consorziale Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Giulia Famoso
- Department of Cardiac Thoracic Vascular Sciences and Public Health Padua, Padua, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Giovanna Manzi
- Department of Cardiovascular and Respiratory Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Rosalinda Madonna
- Cardiology Unit, Department of Surgical, Medical and Molecular Pathology and of Critical Sciences, University of Pisa - UNIPI, Pisa, Italy
| | - Valentina Mercurio
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, Federico II University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | | | - Giuseppe Paciocco
- Dipartimento Cardio-Toraco-Vascolare, Clinica Pneumologica, Azienda Ospedaliera San Gerardo, Monza, Italy
| | | | - Emanuele Romeo
- Department of Cardiology, Monaldi Hospital - University "L. Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Laura Scelsi
- Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico S Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Walter Serra
- Cardiology Unit, University Hospital of Parma, Italy
| | - Davide Stolfo
- Cardiovascular Department, Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Giuliano Isontina, Trieste, Italy
| | - Matteo Toma
- Cardiovascular Disease Unit, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino and Department of Internal Medicine, Univeristy of Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - Marco Vatrano
- Azienda Ospedaliera Pugliese - Ciaccio di Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Patrizio Vitulo
- Pulmonology Unit, IRCCS - Istituto Mediterraneo Trapianti e Terapie ad Alta Specializzazione (ISMETT), Palermo, Italy
| | - Carmine Dario Vizza
- Department of Cardiovascular and Respiratory Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | | |
Collapse
|
6
|
Toma M, Miceli R, Bonsante E, Confalonieri M, Garascia A, Ghio S, Lattanzio M, Lombardi CM, Paciocco G, Piccinino C, Rota I, Scelsi L, Scuri P, Stolfo D, Vincenzi A, Vicenzi M, Ameri P. 380 Left heart disease phenotype and use of pulmonary vasodilators in elderly patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension: the Patriarca registry. Eur Heart J Suppl 2021. [DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/suab133.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Aims
The prevalence of occult left heart disease (LHD) and the feasibility of vasodilator therapy in the progressively growing population of elderly subjects with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) are under scrutiny. We evaluated the presence of a LHD phenotype and the patterns of vasodilator treatment in such patients.
Methods and results
The PATRIARCA registry collected cross-sectional data from 180 subjects with PAH or chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension and ≥70 years of age in 11 Italian centres between 1 December 2019 and 15 September 2020. After excluding patients with CTEPH or incomplete follow-up haemodynamic parameters, 77 individuals with PAH diagnosed at ≥ 65 years of age according to current guidelines were included in the analysis. A LHD phenotype was defined as follows, expanding the criteria adopted in the AMBITION trial: (i) ≥3 among body mass index ≥30 kg/m2, systemic hypertension, diabetes, and significant coronary artery disease; (ii) 2 of the risk factors for LHD above and ≥1 among permanent atrial fibrillation, left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy, LV ejection fraction <50%, at least moderate mitral or aortic valve disease, and left atrial dilation; (iii) pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) between 3 and 3.75 WU or PVR between 3.75 and 6.25 WU in the presence of a pulmonary artery wedge pressure (PAWP) of 13–15 mmHg. Forty-one (53%) patients had a LHD phenotype according to the most recent clinical and haemodynamic evaluation, which was performed 16 (4–35) months after diagnosis (Figure). As per definition, they had higher rates of comorbidities and more often echocardiographic signs of LHD (not shown). The frequency of NYHA classes I–II was comparable between the two groups, while the 6 min-walking distance tended to be lower in subjects with a LHD phenotype than in those without (Figure, left panel). Furthermore, these latter had lower PVR and higher PAWP. No differences were seen in treatment with pulmonary vasodilators, with around 50% of patients receiving double oral combination therapy in both groups (Figure, right panel). During the study period, 7 (17%) and 4 (11%) patients died in the LHD and no-LHD groups, respectively (P = 0.40).
Conclusions
In this real-world cohort of elderly patients, a LHD phenotype was common despite an initial haemodynamic diagnosis of PAH. However, it did not appear to cause simplification or discontinuation of pulmonary vasodilator therapy. Longitudinal studies are needed to determine whether and how a LHD phenotype affects the use and effects of PAH drugs in the elderly.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Toma
- Cardiovascular Disease Unit, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
| | - Roberta Miceli
- Cardiovascular Disease Unit, E.O. Ospedali Galliera, Genova, Italy
| | - Edoardo Bonsante
- Department of Cardiology, S. Maurizio Regional Hospital of Bolzano, Italy
| | - Marco Confalonieri
- Pulmonology Department, University Hospital of Cattinara, Trieste, Italy
| | - Andrea Garascia
- ‘De Gasperis’ Cardio Center and Transplant Center, Niguarda Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Stefano Ghio
- Division of Cardiology, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Mariangela Lattanzio
- Cardiology Unit, Ospedale Universitario di Circolo e Fondazione Macchi, ASST dei Sette Laghi di Varese, Italy
| | - Carlo Mario Lombardi
- Department of Medical Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences and Public Health, University of Brescia, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Paciocco
- Cardio-Thoracic-Vascular Department, Azienda Ospedaliera San Gerardo, Monza, Italy
| | - Cristina Piccinino
- Cardiology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Maggiore Della Carità di Novara, Italy
| | - Irene Rota
- Cardiovascular Disease Unit, Internal Medicine Department, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Laura Scelsi
- Division of Cardiology, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Piermario Scuri
- Department of Cardiology, ASST Ospedale Papa Giovanni XXIII, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Davide Stolfo
- Pulmonology Department, University Hospital of Cattinara, Trieste, Italy
| | - Antonella Vincenzi
- Cardio-Thoracic-Vascular Department, Azienda Ospedaliera San Gerardo, Monza, Italy
| | - Marco Vicenzi
- Cardiovascular Disease Unit, Internal Medicine Department, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Pietro Ameri
- Cardiovascular Disease Unit, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Canini V, Bono F, Calzavacca P, Capitoli G, Foti G, Fraggetta F, Galimberti S, Gianatti A, Giani M, Nasr A, Paciocco G, Pagni F, Rona R, L'Imperio V. Cytopathology of bronchoalveolar lavages in COVID___19 pneumonia: A pilot study. Cancer Cytopathol 2021; 129:632-641. [PMID: 33690991 PMCID: PMC8239788 DOI: 10.1002/cncy.22422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2020] [Revised: 02/11/2021] [Accepted: 02/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) in patients with severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) may provide additional and complementary findings for the management of these patients admitted to intensive care units (ICUs). This study addresses the cytological features of the infection and highlights the more influential inflammatory components. The correlation between pathological variables and clinical data is also analyzed. METHODS The authors performed a retrospective analysis of the cytopathological features of BAL in 20 COVID‐19 patients and 20 members of a matched cohort from a critical ICU who had acute respiratory distress syndrome caused by other pulmonary conditions. RESULTS A comparison of the controls (n = 20) and the COVID‐19 patients (n = 20) revealed that the latter had a higher neutrophil count (median, 63.8% of the cell count) with lower percentages of macrophages and lymphocytes. An increase in the expression of CD68‐positive, monocytic multinucleated giant cells (MGCs) was reported; megakaryocytes were not detected on CD61 staining. Perls staining showed isolated elements. In situ RNA analysis demonstrated scattered chromogenic signals in type II pneumocytes. An ultrastructural analysis confirmed the presence of intracytoplasmic vacuoles containing rounded structures measuring 140 nm in diameter (putative viral particles). In COVID‐19 patients, the clinicopathological correlation revealed a positive correlation between lactate dehydrogenase values and MGCs (r = 0.54). CONCLUSIONS The analysis of BAL samples might be implemented as a routine practice for the evaluation of COVID‐19 patients in ICUs in the appropriate clinical scenario. Additional studies using a larger sample size of patients who developed COVID‐19 during the second wave of the epidemic in the autumn of 2020 are needed to further support our findings. An analysis of the cytological features of bronchoalveolar lavage samples can provide useful information for the management of coronavirus disease 2019 patients in the intensive care unit.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Canini
- Pathology, Department of Medicine and Surgery, Azienda Socio Sanitaria Territoriale di Monza, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - Francesca Bono
- Pathology, Department of Medicine and Surgery, Azienda Socio Sanitaria Territoriale di Monza, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - Paolo Calzavacca
- Emergency and Intensive Care, Department of Medicine and Surgery, Azienda Socio Sanitaria Territoriale di Monza, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - Giulia Capitoli
- Bicocca Bioinformatics Biostatistics and Bioimaging B4 Center, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Foti
- Emergency and Intensive Care, Department of Medicine and Surgery, Azienda Socio Sanitaria Territoriale di Monza, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | | | - Stefania Galimberti
- Bicocca Bioinformatics Biostatistics and Bioimaging B4 Center, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - Andrea Gianatti
- Azienda Socio Sanitaria Territoriale Papa Giovanni XXIII, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Marco Giani
- Emergency and Intensive Care, Department of Medicine and Surgery, Azienda Socio Sanitaria Territoriale di Monza, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - Ahmed Nasr
- Pathology, Department of Medicine and Surgery, Azienda Socio Sanitaria Territoriale di Monza, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Paciocco
- Pneumology, Department of Medicine and Surgery, Azienda Socio Sanitaria Territoriale di Monza, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - Fabio Pagni
- Pathology, Department of Medicine and Surgery, Azienda Socio Sanitaria Territoriale di Monza, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - Roberto Rona
- Emergency and Intensive Care, Department of Medicine and Surgery, Azienda Socio Sanitaria Territoriale di Monza, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - Vincenzo L'Imperio
- Pathology, Department of Medicine and Surgery, Azienda Socio Sanitaria Territoriale di Monza, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Badagliacca R, D'Alto M, Ghio S, Argiento P, Bellomo V, Brunetti ND, Casu G, Confalonieri M, Corda M, Correale M, D'Agostino C, De Michele L, Galgano G, Greco A, Lombardi C, Manzi G, Mercurio V, Mulè M, Paciocco G, Papa S, Romeo E, Scelsi L, Stolfo D, Vitulo P, Naeije R, Vizza CD. Risk Reduction and Hemodynamics with Initial Combination Therapy in Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension. Am J Respir Crit Care Med 2021; 203:484-492. [PMID: 32857597 DOI: 10.1164/rccm.202004-1006oc] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Rationale: An initial oral combination of drugs is being recommended in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), but the effects of this approach on risk reduction and pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) are not known.Objectives: To test the hypothesis that a low-risk status would be determined by the reduction of PVR in patients with PAH treated upfront with a combination of oral drugs.Methods: The study enrolled 181 treatment-naive patients with PAH (81% idiopathic) with a follow-up right heart catheterization at 6 months (interquartile range, 144-363 d) after the initial combination of endothelin receptor antagonist + phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor drugs and clinical evaluation and risk assessments by European guidelines and Registry to Evaluate Early and Long-Term PAH Disease Management scores.Measurements and Main Results: Initial combination therapy improved functional class and 6-minute-walk distance and decreased PVR by an average of 35% (median, 40%). One-third of the patients had a decrease in PVR <25%. This poor hemodynamic response was independently predicted by age, male sex, pulmonary artery pressure and cardiac index, and at echocardiography, a right/left ventricular surface area ratio of greater than 1 associated with low tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion of less than 18 mm. A low-risk status at 6 months was achieved or maintained in only 34.8% (Registry to Evaluate Early and Long-Term PAH Disease Management score) to 43.1% (European score) of the patients. Adding criteria of poor hemodynamic response improved prediction of a low-risk status.Conclusions: A majority of patients with PAH still insufficiently improved after 6 months of initial combinations of oral drugs is identifiable at initial evaluation by hemodynamic response criteria added to risk scores.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Badagliacca
- Department of Cardiovascular and Respiratory Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Michele D'Alto
- Department of Cardiology, Monaldi Hospital, University L. Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
| | - Stefano Ghio
- Fondazione Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico Policlinico S Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Paola Argiento
- Department of Cardiology, Monaldi Hospital, University L. Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Bellomo
- Department of Cardiology, F.Miulli Hospital, Acquaviva delle Fonti, Bari, Italy
| | | | - Gavino Casu
- Azienda per la Tutela della Salute Sardegna-Area Socio Sanitaria Locale Nuoro, San Francesco Hospital, Nuoro, Italy
| | - Marco Confalonieri
- Pulmonology Unit, Heart-Thorax-Vessels Department, University Hospital of Cattinara, Trieste, Italy
| | - Marco Corda
- Azienda Ospedaliera G. Brotzu San Michele, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Michele Correale
- Cardiology Department, Ospedali Riuniti University Hospital, Foggia, Italy
| | - Carlo D'Agostino
- Cardiology Department, University Hospital Policlinico Consorziale Bari, Italy
| | - Lucrezia De Michele
- Cardiology Department, University Hospital Policlinico Consorziale Bari, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Galgano
- Department of Cardiology, F.Miulli Hospital, Acquaviva delle Fonti, Bari, Italy
| | - Alessandra Greco
- Fondazione Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico Policlinico S Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Carlo Lombardi
- Cardiologia, Università degli studi di Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Giovanna Manzi
- Department of Cardiovascular and Respiratory Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Valentina Mercurio
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, Federico II University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | | | - Giuseppe Paciocco
- Dipartimento Cardio-Toraco-Vascolare, Clinica Pneumologica, Azienda Ospedaliera San Gerardo, Monza, Italy
| | - Silvia Papa
- Department of Cardiovascular and Respiratory Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Emanuele Romeo
- Department of Cardiology, Monaldi Hospital, University L. Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
| | - Laura Scelsi
- Fondazione Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico Policlinico S Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Davide Stolfo
- Cardiovascular Department, Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Giuliano Isontina, Trieste, Italy
| | - Patrizio Vitulo
- Pulmonology Unit, Istituti di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Istituto Mediterraneo Trapianti e Terapie ad Alta Specializzazione, Palermo, Italy; and
| | - Robert Naeije
- Department of Pathophysiology, Free University of Brussels, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Carmine Dario Vizza
- Department of Cardiovascular and Respiratory Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
D'Alto M, Badagliacca R, Lo Giudice F, Argiento P, Casu G, Corda M, Correale M, Ghio S, Greco A, Lattanzio M, Mercurio V, Paciocco G, Papa S, Prediletto R, Romeo E, Russo MG, Tayar A, Vitulo P, Vizza CD, Golino P, Naeije R. Hemodynamics and risk assessment 2 years after the initiation of upfront ambrisentan‒tadalafil in pulmonary arterial hypertension. J Heart Lung Transplant 2020. [PMID: 32933828 DOI: 10.1016/j.healun.2020.08.016)] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Upfront combination therapy with ambrisentan and tadalafil has been reported to improve the condition of patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) more than with either drug alone. However, little is known about the long-term associated changes in hemodynamics and risk assessment scores. METHODS This was a multicenter, retrospective analysis of clinical data in 106 patients with newly diagnosed PAH. Clinical evaluations, including demographics, medical history, World Health Organization (WHO) functional class (FC) and 6-minute walk distance (6MWD), right heart catheterization, and Registry to Evaluate Early and Long-Term PAH Disease Management (REVEAL) risk score 2.0, were assessed over 48 months of ambrisentan‒tadalafil therapy. RESULTS At baseline, 9 patients (9%) showed a low (<7), 48 patients (45%) showed an intermediate (7-8), and 49 patients (46%) showed a high (>8) REVEAL risk score. At a median follow-up of 2 years, 45 patients (43%) showed a low, 47 patients (44%) showed an intermediate, and 14 patients (13%) showed a high REVEAL score, along with improvements in WHO FC, 6MWD and a decrease in mean pulmonary artery pressure and N-terminal pro brain natriuretic peptide (all p < 0.001). Pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) decreased by 37% from 11.5 ± 6.5 to 7.2 ± 4.1 Wood units (p < 0.001). A total of 61 patients (57%) remained in intermediate-risk or high-risk categories. Low-risk patients had either a decrease in PVR of >50% or a stroke volume within the limits of normal. CONCLUSIONS Initial combination therapy with ambrisentan and tadalafil in PAH improves the REVEAL risk score in proportion to decreased PVR and preserved stroke volume but still insufficiently so in approximately 50% of the patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michele D'Alto
- Department of Cardiology, Monaldi Hospital, "L. Vanvitelli" University, Naples, Italy; Italian Pulmonary Hypertension Network (iPHnet), Italy.
| | - Roberto Badagliacca
- Italian Pulmonary Hypertension Network (iPHnet), Italy; Department of Cardiology, La Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Lo Giudice
- Italian Pulmonary Hypertension Network (iPHnet), Italy; National Heart and Lung Institute, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Paola Argiento
- Department of Cardiology, Monaldi Hospital, "L. Vanvitelli" University, Naples, Italy; Italian Pulmonary Hypertension Network (iPHnet), Italy
| | - Gavino Casu
- Italian Pulmonary Hypertension Network (iPHnet), Italy; Department of Cardiology, Ospedale San Francesco, Nuoro, Italy
| | - Marco Corda
- Italian Pulmonary Hypertension Network (iPHnet), Italy; Department of Cardiology, Ospedale Brotzu, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Michele Correale
- Italian Pulmonary Hypertension Network (iPHnet), Italy; Department of Cardiology, Ospedali Riuniti University Hospital, Foggia, Italy
| | - Stefano Ghio
- Italian Pulmonary Hypertension Network (iPHnet), Italy; Department of Cardiology, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Alessandra Greco
- Italian Pulmonary Hypertension Network (iPHnet), Italy; Department of Cardiology, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Mariangela Lattanzio
- Italian Pulmonary Hypertension Network (iPHnet), Italy; Department of Cardiovascular Disease, Fondazione Macchi ASST Sette Laghi, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
| | - Valentina Mercurio
- Italian Pulmonary Hypertension Network (iPHnet), Italy; Department of Translational Medical Sciences, Federico II University, Naples, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Paciocco
- Italian Pulmonary Hypertension Network (iPHnet), Italy; Department of Pulmonology, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - Silvia Papa
- Italian Pulmonary Hypertension Network (iPHnet), Italy; Department of Cardiology, La Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Renato Prediletto
- Italian Pulmonary Hypertension Network (iPHnet), Italy; Department of Pulmonology, CNR Tuscany Region Gabriele Monasterio Foundation and Institute of Clinical Physiology, Pisa, Italy
| | - Emanuele Romeo
- Department of Cardiology, Monaldi Hospital, "L. Vanvitelli" University, Naples, Italy; Italian Pulmonary Hypertension Network (iPHnet), Italy
| | - Maria Giovanna Russo
- Department of Cardiology, Monaldi Hospital, "L. Vanvitelli" University, Naples, Italy
| | - Alessandro Tayar
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Patrizio Vitulo
- Italian Pulmonary Hypertension Network (iPHnet), Italy; Cardiothoracic and transplant Department, IRCCS Istituto Mediterraneo per i Trapianti e Terapie ad Alta Specializzazione (ISMETT), Palermo, Italy
| | - Carmine Dario Vizza
- Italian Pulmonary Hypertension Network (iPHnet), Italy; Department of Cardiology, La Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Paolo Golino
- Department of Cardiology, Monaldi Hospital, "L. Vanvitelli" University, Naples, Italy
| | - Robert Naeije
- Department of Pathophysiology, Free University of Brussels, Brussels, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
D'Alto M, Badagliacca R, Lo Giudice F, Argiento P, Casu G, Corda M, Correale M, Ghio S, Greco A, Lattanzio M, Mercurio V, Paciocco G, Papa S, Prediletto R, Romeo E, Russo MG, Tayar A, Vitulo P, Vizza CD, Golino P, Naeije R. Hemodynamics and risk assessment 2 years after the initiation of upfront ambrisentan‒tadalafil in pulmonary arterial hypertension. J Heart Lung Transplant 2020; 39:1389-1397. [PMID: 32933828 DOI: 10.1016/j.healun.2020.08.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2020] [Revised: 08/26/2020] [Accepted: 08/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Upfront combination therapy with ambrisentan and tadalafil has been reported to improve the condition of patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) more than with either drug alone. However, little is known about the long-term associated changes in hemodynamics and risk assessment scores. METHODS This was a multicenter, retrospective analysis of clinical data in 106 patients with newly diagnosed PAH. Clinical evaluations, including demographics, medical history, World Health Organization (WHO) functional class (FC) and 6-minute walk distance (6MWD), right heart catheterization, and Registry to Evaluate Early and Long-Term PAH Disease Management (REVEAL) risk score 2.0, were assessed over 48 months of ambrisentan‒tadalafil therapy. RESULTS At baseline, 9 patients (9%) showed a low (<7), 48 patients (45%) showed an intermediate (7-8), and 49 patients (46%) showed a high (>8) REVEAL risk score. At a median follow-up of 2 years, 45 patients (43%) showed a low, 47 patients (44%) showed an intermediate, and 14 patients (13%) showed a high REVEAL score, along with improvements in WHO FC, 6MWD and a decrease in mean pulmonary artery pressure and N-terminal pro brain natriuretic peptide (all p < 0.001). Pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) decreased by 37% from 11.5 ± 6.5 to 7.2 ± 4.1 Wood units (p < 0.001). A total of 61 patients (57%) remained in intermediate-risk or high-risk categories. Low-risk patients had either a decrease in PVR of >50% or a stroke volume within the limits of normal. CONCLUSIONS Initial combination therapy with ambrisentan and tadalafil in PAH improves the REVEAL risk score in proportion to decreased PVR and preserved stroke volume but still insufficiently so in approximately 50% of the patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michele D'Alto
- Department of Cardiology, Monaldi Hospital, "L. Vanvitelli" University, Naples, Italy; Italian Pulmonary Hypertension Network (iPHnet), Italy.
| | - Roberto Badagliacca
- Italian Pulmonary Hypertension Network (iPHnet), Italy; Department of Cardiology, La Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Lo Giudice
- Italian Pulmonary Hypertension Network (iPHnet), Italy; National Heart and Lung Institute, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Paola Argiento
- Department of Cardiology, Monaldi Hospital, "L. Vanvitelli" University, Naples, Italy; Italian Pulmonary Hypertension Network (iPHnet), Italy
| | - Gavino Casu
- Italian Pulmonary Hypertension Network (iPHnet), Italy; Department of Cardiology, Ospedale San Francesco, Nuoro, Italy
| | - Marco Corda
- Italian Pulmonary Hypertension Network (iPHnet), Italy; Department of Cardiology, Ospedale Brotzu, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Michele Correale
- Italian Pulmonary Hypertension Network (iPHnet), Italy; Department of Cardiology, Ospedali Riuniti University Hospital, Foggia, Italy
| | - Stefano Ghio
- Italian Pulmonary Hypertension Network (iPHnet), Italy; Department of Cardiology, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Alessandra Greco
- Italian Pulmonary Hypertension Network (iPHnet), Italy; Department of Cardiology, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Mariangela Lattanzio
- Italian Pulmonary Hypertension Network (iPHnet), Italy; Department of Cardiovascular Disease, Fondazione Macchi ASST Sette Laghi, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
| | - Valentina Mercurio
- Italian Pulmonary Hypertension Network (iPHnet), Italy; Department of Translational Medical Sciences, Federico II University, Naples, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Paciocco
- Italian Pulmonary Hypertension Network (iPHnet), Italy; Department of Pulmonology, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - Silvia Papa
- Italian Pulmonary Hypertension Network (iPHnet), Italy; Department of Cardiology, La Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Renato Prediletto
- Italian Pulmonary Hypertension Network (iPHnet), Italy; Department of Pulmonology, CNR Tuscany Region Gabriele Monasterio Foundation and Institute of Clinical Physiology, Pisa, Italy
| | - Emanuele Romeo
- Department of Cardiology, Monaldi Hospital, "L. Vanvitelli" University, Naples, Italy; Italian Pulmonary Hypertension Network (iPHnet), Italy
| | - Maria Giovanna Russo
- Department of Cardiology, Monaldi Hospital, "L. Vanvitelli" University, Naples, Italy
| | - Alessandro Tayar
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Patrizio Vitulo
- Italian Pulmonary Hypertension Network (iPHnet), Italy; Cardiothoracic and transplant Department, IRCCS Istituto Mediterraneo per i Trapianti e Terapie ad Alta Specializzazione (ISMETT), Palermo, Italy
| | - Carmine Dario Vizza
- Italian Pulmonary Hypertension Network (iPHnet), Italy; Department of Cardiology, La Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Paolo Golino
- Department of Cardiology, Monaldi Hospital, "L. Vanvitelli" University, Naples, Italy
| | - Robert Naeije
- Department of Pathophysiology, Free University of Brussels, Brussels, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
D'Alto M, Romeo E, Argiento P, Paciocco G, Prediletto R, Ghio S, Correale M, Lo Giudice F, Badagliacca R, Greco A, Vizza CD. Initial tadalafil and ambrisentan combination therapy in pulmonary arterial hypertension: cLinical and haemodYnamic long-term efficacy (ITALY study). J Cardiovasc Med (Hagerstown) 2018; 19:12-17. [PMID: 29215546 DOI: 10.2459/jcm.0000000000000590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Initial combination therapy with ambrisentan and tadalafil (upfront therapy) offers clinical benefits in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and reduces the risk of clinical failure compared with monotherapy in naïve patients. The aim of study is to assess the efficacy of a 12-month upfront therapy with ambrisentan and tadalafil in improving haemodynamics in incident PAH patients. METHODS This is a multicentre retrospective analysis of real-world Italian clinical data in 56 patients with newly diagnosed PAH. Clinical evaluations, including demographics, medical history, WHO functional class, 6-min walk distance, and right heart catheterization, were collected from the patients' medical records at baseline and at 12-month follow-up. RESULTS At baseline, there were 16, 34, and 6 patients in WHO functional class II, III, and IV, respectively. Over a median follow-up of 12 months, 54 (96%) patients were still alive, 6 (11%) of whom received parenteral prostanoids. Ambrisentan-tadalafil combination was associated with significant improvements in WHO functional class (2.2 ± 0.8 vs. 2.8 ± 0.6, P < 0.001, improved in 29 patients), exercise capacity (395 ± 123 vs. 353 ± 101 m, P = 0.039), N-terminal probrain natriuretic peptide (528 ± 493 vs. 829 ± 620 pg/ml; P = 0.009), and haemodynamics (right atrial pressure 7 ± 4 vs. 9 ± 5 mmHg, P = 0.02; mean pulmonary artery pressure 45 ± 15 vs. 50 ± 13 mmHg, P = 0.03; cardiac index 3.0 ± 1.0 vs. 2.5 ± 0.9 l/min/m, P = 0.001; pulmonary vascular resistance 8 ± 4 vs. 11 ± 6 Wood units, P = 0.001) compared with baseline. CONCLUSIONS Initial combination therapy with ambrisentan and tadalafil offers clinical benefits and significant haemodynamic improvement in newly diagnosed PAH patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michele D'Alto
- Department of Cardiology, Second University of Naples, Monaldi Hospital, Naples
| | - Emanuele Romeo
- Department of Cardiology, Second University of Naples, Monaldi Hospital, Naples
| | - Paola Argiento
- Department of Cardiology, Second University of Naples, Monaldi Hospital, Naples
| | | | - Renato Prediletto
- Fondazione Monasterio CNR-Regione Toscana, Istituto di Fisiologia Clinica del CNR, Pisa
| | | | - Michele Correale
- Department of Cardiology, Ospedali Riuniti University Hospital, Foggia
| | | | - Roberto Badagliacca
- Department of Cardiovascular and Respiratory Disease, University of Rome La Sapienza, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Carmine Dario Vizza
- Department of Cardiovascular and Respiratory Disease, University of Rome La Sapienza, Rome, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Badagliacca R, Raina A, Ghio S, D’Alto M, Confalonieri M, Correale M, Corda M, Paciocco G, Lombardi C, Mulè M, Poscia R, Scelsi L, Argiento P, Sciomer S, Benza RL, Vizza CD. Influence of various therapeutic strategies on right ventricular morphology, function and hemodynamics in pulmonary arterial hypertension. J Heart Lung Transplant 2018; 37:365-375. [DOI: 10.1016/j.healun.2017.08.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2016] [Revised: 08/03/2017] [Accepted: 08/24/2017] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
|
13
|
D'Alto M, Romeo E, Argiento P, Paciocco G, Correale M, Lo Giudice F, Prediletto R, Corda M, Ghio S, Vizza C. P2613Initial combination therapy with ambrisentan and tadalafil for pulmonary arterial hypertension: clinical effect and haemodynamic changes. A multicenter retrospective analysis. Eur Heart J 2017. [DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehx502.p2613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
|
14
|
Morsolini M, Boffini M, Paciocco G, Corsico AG, Solidoro P. Pulmonary endarterectomy: the lancet first, tears for pills. Minerva Med 2014; 105:7-13. [PMID: 25396687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) is a progressive disease due to the incomplete resolution of pulmonary emboli, leading to right heart failure, with a poor survival. Pulmonary endarterectomy (PEA) is the operation of choice for CTEPH. As there are no well-defined criteria to discriminate surgically accessible from inaccessible obstructive lesions, the operability assessment relies on the surgeon's experience. The recommended algorithms to perform a correct diagnosis of CTEPH still suggest the lung ventilation/perfusion scan, despite advances in computed tomography with 3-D reconstruction and magnetic resonance imaging. Selective pulmonary angiography is the gold standard to assess operability in CTEPH. Medical therapy should not be considered an alternative to PEA, as it should be reserved to patients with either peripheral disease, deemed inoperable by an experienced PEA surgeon, or persistent/recurrent pulmonary hypertension after PEA. Lung transplantation, when indicated, still represents a viable option for patients with either inoperable CTEPH or CTEPH with concomitant severe parenchymal lung disease that contraindicates PEA. The outcome of operable CTEPH is still best predicted after surgery. Remarkably, the recovery of exercise capacity is not as immediate as hemodynamic improvement, underlining the importance of early identification of surgical candidates before physical deconditioning.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M Morsolini
- Department of Clinical-Surgical, Diagnostic and Pediatric Sciences, Division of Cardiac Surgery,Heart and Lung Transplantation and Pulmonary Endarterectomy Unit, University of Pavia, School of Medicine, Pavia, Italy -
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
15
|
Solidoro P, Boffini M, Lacedonia D, Scichilone N, Paciocco G, DI Marco F. Pulmonary hypertension in COPD and lung transplantation: timing and procedures. Minerva Med 2014; 105:1-7. [PMID: 24619018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
The prevalence of pulmonary hypertension (PH) in the general chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) population is undefined because stable COPD patients do not routinely undergo screening echocardiogram and right heart catheterization. Most studies published on this topic are focused on a highly selected group of patients with moderate to severe disease awaiting lung transplantation, since hemodynamic data from cardiac catheterization are part of the standard transplant evaluation. In a very recent article, Hurdman et al. studied the characteristics and outcomes, with a particular focus on mortality, of extensively phenotyped, consecutive patients with PH-COPD over a 9-year period. This article offers the opportunity to update the role of PH in COPD as a timer to propose lung transplantation, based on solid literature data on survival, and to select the best procedure (single or double lung transplant), since the outcome indexes based on the old GOLD classification according to FEV1 (1-4) and the new GOLD classification (A-D) have failed in purpose to define the correct timing, due to the lack of functional (6 minutes walking test) and nutritional (Body Mass Index) data. After a revision of available literature including the recent paper of Hurdman et al. we conclude that the timing for lung transplantation is easy to manage in case of severe PH-COPD. On the other hand mild and moderate PH-COPD are still object of debate for therapy, procedure timing and choice and rehabilitation. In other words, we have some confirms for a little percentage of patients, whilst many doubts still exist for the rest.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- P Solidoro
- Unit of Pneumology, Department of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery, Cittá della Salute e della Scienza, Turin, Italy -
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
16
|
Fontana A, Vincenzi A, Paciocco G, De Vito G, Marinari A, Trocino G, Ciro' A, De Carlini C, Pozzi MR, Achilli F. Doppler echocardiography pulmonary artery flow acceleration time: an adjunctive parameter to select candidates with suspected pulmonary hypertension to proceed to right heart catheterization. Eur Heart J 2013. [DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/eht307.p331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
|
17
|
Alloni M, Vincenzi A, Cesana F, De Carlini C, Villa P, Cereda A, Viganò E, Canova P, Paciocco G, Facchetti R, Cirò A, Giannattasio C, Mancia G. P5.24 PULMONARY ARTERIAL HYPERTENSION AND ARTERIAL STIFFNESS. Artery Res 2011. [DOI: 10.1016/j.artres.2011.10.079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
|
18
|
Harari S, Paciocco G. An integrated clinical approach to diffuse cystic lung diseases. Sarcoidosis Vasc Diffuse Lung Dis 2005; 22 Suppl 1:S31-9. [PMID: 16457015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Lymphangioleiomyomatosis and Langerhans cell Histiocytosis are two different diseases that can involve the lungs, with unknown etiology and origin. Both are rare, present a similar radiological pattern (multiple nodules and cysts in the lungs) and may have a similar clinical presentation, with progressive dyspnea, hemoptysis, pneumothorax and a variable course usually culminating in respiratory failure. Due to these similarities a differential diagnosis may be difficult in some instances. This review underlines differences in epidemiology, pathogenesis and prognosis that could assist clinicians in making a differential diagnosis of these rare and severe pulmonary diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sergio Harari
- Unità Operativa di Pneumologia, UTIR Servizio di Fisiopatologia Respiratoria e Laboratorio di Emodinamica Polmonare, Ospedale San Giuseppe, AFAR, Milano, Italy.
| | | |
Collapse
|
19
|
Paciocco G, Uslenghi E, Bianchi A, Mazzarella G, Roviaro GC, Vecchi G, Harari S. Diffuse cystic lung diseases: correlation between radiologic and functional status. Chest 2004; 125:135-42. [PMID: 14718432 DOI: 10.1378/chest.125.1.135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND High-resolution CT (HRCT) scanning plays an important role in the diagnosis of diffuse cystic lung diseases (DCLDs). However, its role in the clinical evaluation of patients affected by DCLD has not yet been well-clarified. At present, pulmonary function tests are the only methods available for the evaluation of lung impairment due to these diseases, but their sensitivity and reliability are still limited. PURPOSE The aim of this study was to correlate the quantitative score of cystic-aerial lesions obtained by a HRCT density mask (DM) software with pulmonary function data in DCLDs. METHODS Spirometry, lung volumes, diffusion capacity, arterial blood gas (ABG) analysis, 6-min walking test (6-MWT), and HRCT with DM quantitative evaluation were performed in a cohort of 25 patients (lymphangioleiomyomatosis [LAM], 13 patients; Langerhans cells histiocytosis [LCH], 12 patients). Linear regression was used for the statistical analysis. The sum and mean of the air-trapping percentages at three different levels of DM study (ie, aortic arch, left lower lobe bronchus origin, and 2 cm from the diaphragmatic muscle), and various functional parameters and exercise performance values were matched for the analysis. RESULTS An obstructive pattern was present in 13 patients (52%; LCH group, 8 patients; LAM group, 5 patients). A predominant restrictive pattern was detected only in three patients (12%; LCH group, two patients; LAM group, one patient). Nine patients (36%) walked < 350 m, and 14 of 23 patients (61%) had a significant decrease in arterial oxygen saturation during exercise (> 4 U). The results of DM quantitative study (sum and mean) significantly correlated with FVC (r = - 0.56; p < 0.001), FEV(1)/vital capacity (r = - 0.94; p < 0.002), midexpiratory phase of forced expiratory flow (r = - 0.84; p < 0.05), FEV(1) (r = - 0.82; p < 0.05), and diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide (r = - 0.82; p < 0.05), bronchial airway resistance (r = 0.79; p < 0.05), and distance walked on the 6-MWT (r = - 0.53; p < 0.05). No significant correlation was found with the results of ABG analysis. CONCLUSIONS In DCLDs, HRCT scans with quantitative assessment performed by a DM software showed a very good correlation with functional parameters. Therefore, DM could be considered, in combination with a complete functional assessment, in the initial evaluation of patients affected by DCLDs. However, further studies are needed to assess its usefulness in the follow-up of these patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Paciocco
- Department of Cardio-Thoracic and Respiratory Science, Second University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
20
|
Lungarella G, Paciocco G, Caterino U, Mazzarella G. Genetically modified animals as models of pulmonary disease. Monaldi Arch Chest Dis 2002; 57:191-2. [PMID: 12619382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Improvements in biological research and the development of new techniques for human health protection require animal experimentation of various species. In particular, animal models are always necessary to test new therapies for the treatment of various human diseases. The latest advances in molecular biology involving genetic modification are aimed at developing new animal models of human diseases that are not present in spontaneous murine broods or obtainable with other experimental manipulations. Transgenic techniques and, in particular, the possibility to directly modify specific genetic information in the experimental animal have led to the acquisition of important knowledge on the physiologic functions of many proteins and their function in the course of various diseases. The advent of new transgenic animals is opening up new and interesting frontiers, full of hope and opportunity, for the research into pulmonary diseases. New advances in cystic fibrosis, emphysema, and pulmonary fibrosis have been made through the study of a large number of proteins implicated in the complex of acute and chronic inflammatory processes of lung parenchyma, which are responsible for permanent changes in organ structure and function. Recent studies carried out on murine inbred strains have yielded significant new data on the multifactor origin of pulmonary disease, because of their correlation with the major histocompatibility complex (H2 in mice) or through the different genetic map of the strains. Today it is possible to outweigh or potentiate the function and expression of some genes, obtaining a deficit or abundance, respectively, of specific proteins. These techniques have permitted and will continue to permit the development of new models of human disease, leading to further therapeutic advances as a consequence.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- G Lungarella
- Dipartimento di Fisiopatologia e Medicina Sperimentale, Centro di Ateneo per lo Studio degli Animali Transgenici, Università degli Studi di Siena, Via Aldo Moro, 53100 Siena
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
21
|
Bianco A, Mazzarella G, Bresciani M, Paciocco G, Spiteri MA. Virus-induced asthma. Monaldi Arch Chest Dis 2002; 57:188-90. [PMID: 12619381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Clinical and experimental investigations indicate that respiratory viral infections are important triggers for asthma attacks. Viral upper respiratory infections have been associated with 80% of asthma exacerbations in children and 50% of all asthma episodes in adults. Human Rhinovirus (HRV) has been implicated as the most common virus associated with asthma episodes. The observation that the great majority of wheezing lower respiratory tract illnesses in early life are associated with acute viral infections suggests that viruses may also alter the development of the lungs or of the immune system, acting as co-factors for the inception of asthma. Whilst there is no doubt that viruses are important asthma exacerbation factors, the role of viral infections in the development of asthma still remains controversial.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A Bianco
- Dipartimento di Scienze Cardio-Toraciche e Respiratorie, Seconda Università degli Studi di Napoli, c/o Hospital V. Monaldi, Via L. Bianchi, 80131 Naples, Italy.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
22
|
Grella E, Paciocco G, Caterino U, Mazzarella G. Respiratory function and atmospheric pollution. Monaldi Arch Chest Dis 2002; 57:196-9. [PMID: 12619384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The effects of environmental pollutants on human health and, in particular, on the respiratory apparatus, can be studied fundamentally by means of epidemiological and controlled exposure studies. One epidemiological study has reported the results of research which compared pulmonary function in adults with the average annual concentration of major pollutants in 8 geographical areas of Switzerland; the results demonstrated a direct relationship between atmospheric pollution and a worsening of pulmonary function. Controlled exposure studies, on the other hand, document the effects of specific air pollutants. Ozone (O3) is a secondary pollutant produced in the atmosphere by photochemical reactions which exerts a potent antioxidant and peroxidant action on biomolecules, whether intra or extracellular, with the production of free radicals. Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) is found mainly indoors due to its being a product of combustion of kitchen gas--it possesses low reactivity and low solubility that allows its penetration to the periphery of the lungs; the harmful mechanisms induced by NO2 are not well understood and could differ from those of O3. Sulphur dioxide (SO2) is found above all outdoors and is documented to affect the respiratory function of asthmatic subjects at concentrations above 1 part per million (ppm) while it has a doubtful effect on healthy subjects. Suspended particulate matter (SPM) is one of the major pollutants present in the air that comes mainly from vehicle exhausts, especially diesel models. Although the epidemiological data indicates a close relationship with both cardiac and respiratory pathology, the biological mechanisms by which it exerts its toxicity are still not well established. The great variability in individual response to pollutants suggests the need for further sensitivity tests to be carried out: it is of importance to identify specific genes with a stabilising role in cellular protection against oxidative stress, that influence the production of chemical mediators of inflammation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- E Grella
- Second University of Naples, Department of Cardiothoracic and Respiratory Science, A.O. Monaldi, Naples, Italy.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
23
|
Abstract
BACKGROUND/RATIONALE Doppler echocardiography and invasive hemodynamic parameters reflective of right ventricular failure are associated with a poor prognosis in patients with primary pulmonary hypertension (PPH). The aims of the present study were to examine whether ECG features in patients with PPH are associated with a decrease in survival, and to determine the value of the ECG in risk stratification. METHODS/RESULTS We analyzed the ECG, New York Heart Association (NYHA) class, and hemodynamic parameters in 51 untreated patients with PPH (88% women; mean age, 41.7 years; 79% NYHA classes III and IV) evaluated between 1992 and 1998. Subsequent treatment included epoprostenol in 37 patients, calcium channel blockers in 10 patients, epoprostenol and atrial septostomy in 2 patients, and lung transplant in 3 patients. As of 1999, 16 patients had died. Based on Kaplan-Meier estimates, median survival was > 6.5 years and estimated survival at 1 year, 3 years, and 5 years was 86%, 71%, and 57%, respectively. Significant predictors of decreased survival by Cox regression analysis include pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR; hazard ratio [HR], 1.11 per Wood unit), cardiac index (HR, 0.22 per L/min/m(2)), p wave amplitude in lead II (HR, 3.06 per mm), p > or = 0.25 mV in lead II (HR, 2.77), qR in V(1) (HR, 3.55), and World Health Organization criteria for right ventricular hypertrophy (HR, 4.26). After controlling for PVR, the HRs attributable to the ECG criteria were only slightly diminished. NYHA class and pulmonary artery pressures did not correlate with a decrease in survival. CONCLUSIONS ECG parameters reflective of physiologic and anatomic abnormalities in the right ventricle are associated with decreased survival in patients with PPH, and may be useful for deciding therapeutic choices including the timing for lung transplantation listing.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eduardo Bossone
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48106-0363, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
24
|
Affiliation(s)
- E Grella
- Department of Cardiothoracic and Respiratory ScienceSecond University of Naples (SUN)Monaldi Hospital, Naples, Italy.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
25
|
Paciocco G, Martinez FJ, Bossone E, Pielsticker E, Gillespie B, Rubenfire M. Oxygen desaturation on the six-minute walk test and mortality in untreated primary pulmonary hypertension. Eur Respir J 2001; 17:647-52. [PMID: 11401059 DOI: 10.1183/09031936.01.17406470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 181] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
There are no reliable predictors of mortality in primary pulmonary hypertension (PPH). This study assessed whether exercise oxygen desaturation and distance achieved during a six-minute walk are associated with mortality in moderately symptomatic patients with PPH. Thirty-four patients with PPH underwent a pretreatment six-minute walk test, and an invasive haemodynamic assessment of pulmonary vasodilator reserve, to select the best treatment option (epoprostenol in 27 and nifedipine in 7). Median follow-up was 26 months (12 months for the nonsurvivors was 26%), and median survival, >46 months by Kaplan-Maier estimate. The mean+/-SD distance walked was 275+/-155 m and reduction in arterial oxygen saturation (Sa,O2) at maximal distance (deltaSa,O2) was 8.4+/-4.5%). A distance < or =300 m increased mortality risk by 2.4, and a deltaSa,O2 of > or = 10% increased mortality risk by 2.9. Only Sa,O2 at peak distance, deltaSa,O2 and pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) were related to mortality. After adjusting for PVR, there remained a 27% increase in risk of death for each per cent decrease in Sa,O2. The six-minute walk distance and exercise oxygen saturation may be helpful in selecting patients with primary pulmonary hypertension for whom transplant listing is appropriate.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- G Paciocco
- Dept of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
26
|
Mazzarella G, Grella E, D'Auria D, Paciocco G, Perna F, Petillo O, Peluso G. Phenotypic features of alveolar monocytes/macrophages and IL-8 gene activation by IL-1 and TNF-alpha in asthmatic patients. Allergy 2001; 55 Suppl 61:36-41. [PMID: 10919504 DOI: 10.1034/j.1398-9995.2000.00505.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The alveolar macrophage (AM), a major defense cell in the lung, participates in immune and inflammatory reactions through the release of several regulatory and chemotactic cytokines. In particular, macrophages are considered to play a pivotal proinflammatory role in the production and maintenance of airway inflammation and bronchial hyperreactivity. To assess the phenotypic pattern of AM from asthmatic subjects, we performed the following experiments: 1) cytofluorometric analysis of specific phenotypic features (CD11b, CD14, CD16, CD45, HLA-DR, CD71, CD95, and CD44) 2) assessment of the production of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, interleukin (IL)-1, and the chemotactic regulatory cytokine IL-8 by unstimulated and lipopolysaccharide-stimulated AM. In these patients, we phenotypically characterized the AM, showing their strong proinflammatory activity also in patients with mild asthma. Their activity has been clarified by our biomolecular data that showed a constitutive basal IL-8 production by AM, and also indicated that IL-1 and TNF-alpha were able to upregulate the ability of activated human AM to produce IL-8 at the protein and messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) levels.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- G Mazzarella
- Institute of Respiratory Diseases S. Marcatili, Second University of Naples, Italy.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
27
|
Abstract
From a pathophysiologic perspective, the changes that occur in asthma are multiple, diverse, and complex. Assessment of the mechanical properties of the ventilatory apparatus provides several different types of information, depending on the gravity of the bronchial obstruction. During asthma, or induced bronchial obstruction, the function of the muscles is altered, causing changes in respiratory timing. Expiratory duration decreases more than inspiratory duration, and the functional residual capacity (FRC) increases, due to mechanical changes within the airways that lead to air trapping. The related hypoventilation is responsible for hypoxemia and hypercapnia, but it does not severely affect the diffusion capacity of the alveolocapillary membrane. We describe the pathophysiology of the bronchial obstruction in asthmatic patients, underlining the critical function of the respiratory muscles. Moreover, we clarify the relations between the ventilatory changes and gas-exchange alteration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- R Maselli
- Institute of Respiratory Diseases S. Marcatili, Second University of Naples, Italy
| | | |
Collapse
|
28
|
Mehrad B, Paciocco G, Martinez FJ, Ojo TC, Iannettoni MD, Lynch JP. Spectrum of Aspergillus infection in lung transplant recipients: case series and review of the literature. Chest 2001; 119:169-75. [PMID: 11157600 DOI: 10.1378/chest.119.1.169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 156] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY OBJECTIVES (1) To define the incidence and natural history of Aspergillus colonization and infection in lung transplant recipients, and (2) to assess the impact of prophylaxis, surveillance, and therapy on the incidence and outcome of the disease. DESIGN Retrospective review of 133 consecutive single or bilateral lung transplantations performed at a single institution, and review of the published literature. RESULTS Airway colonization, isolated tracheobronchitis, and invasive pneumonia due to Aspergillus species occurred in 29%, 5%, and 8% of our series, and in 26%, 4%, and 5% of the pooled published data (all series, including ours), respectively. Greater than 50% of all diagnoses were made in the first 6 months after transplantation in both our series and the published literature. Incidence of progression from airway colonization to invasive disease was 1 in 38 in our series and 3 of 97 (3%) in the pooled published data. In patients with isolated tracheobronchitis, all 6 patients in our series and 41 of 50 patients (82%) in all published series, including ours, responded to antifungal therapy and/or surgical debridement. Among patients with invasive pneumonia or disseminated disease, however, 5 of 10 patients in our series and 26 of 64 patients (41%) in the pooled series survived their infection. CONCLUSIONS The role of antifungal therapy in Aspergillus airway colonization in lung transplant recipients is unclear. Data support a strategy of scheduled screening bronchoscopy followed by aggressive treatment for isolated Aspergillus tracheobronchitis in lung transplant recipients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- B Mehrad
- Department of Medicine, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
29
|
Harari S, Paciocco G, Aramu S. Ear and nose involvement in systemic diseases. Monaldi Arch Chest Dis 2000; 55:466-70. [PMID: 11272632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/19/2023] Open
Abstract
A whole range of otolaryngeal manifestations may occur as complications or represent the first symptom and sign of a variety of systemic diseases. Otolaryngologists are often the first physicians to recognize that otolaryngeal abnormalities are symptomatic of a broader disease and mandate a systemic approach to the problem. In the present study, the authors focus primarily on ear, nose and throat manifestations that may occur in the context of systemic diseases, discussing clinical manifestations and reviewing the salient histologic, laboratory, and serologic features.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S Harari
- Unità Operativa di Pneumologia, Ospedale San Giuseppe, 20123 Milano, Italy
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
30
|
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to describe the CT findings of pneumonia in patients who had undergone lung transplantation and to determine if specific imaging features existed for the different infectious organisms. MATERIALS AND METHODS The authors retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 262 patients with transplanted lungs at two lung transplantation centers. Patients with a documented pneumonia and correlating abnormal findings on CT (39 patients with 45 pneumonias) were included in the study. RESULTS. Of 45 pneumonias, Cytomegalovirus (n = 15), Pseudomonas (n = 7), and Aspergillus (n = 8) organisms were the most common single responsible infectious agents. The most common CT findings of pneumonia consisted of consolidation (n = 37; 82%), ground-glass opacification (n = 34; 76%), septal thickening (n = 33; 73%), pleural effusion (n = 33; 73%), and multiple (n = 25; 56%) or single (n = 2; 4%) nodules. No significant difference in the prevalence of findings was revealed among bacterial, viral, and fungal pneumonias (p >.05, chisquare test). Of 25 pneumonias in patients with a single transplanted lung, parenchymal abnormalities involved both lungs in 12 (48%), only the transplanted lung in 11 (44%), and only the native lung in two (8%). CONCLUSION The manifestations revealed on CT of bacterial, viral, and fungal pneumonia after lung transplantation are similar, consisting of a combination of consolidation, ground-glass opacification, septal thickening, pleural effusion, or multiple nodules. Therefore, these findings cannot be used to suggest the infectious organisms in this patient population.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J Collins
- Department of Radiology, University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics, E3/311 Clinical Science Center, 600 Highland Ave., Madison, WI 53792-3252, USA
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
31
|
Paciocco G, Bossone E, Erba H, Rubenfire M. Reversible pulmonary hypertension in POEMS syndrome--another etiology of triggered pulmonary vasculopathy? Can J Cardiol 2000; 16:1007-12. [PMID: 10978936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Polyneuropathy, organomegaly, endocrinopathy, monoclonal gammopathy and skin changes (POEMS) syndrome, a plasma cell dyscrasia associated with pulmonary hypertension, has been treated in the past with anticytokine strategies with a poor outcome. A patient is described who had POEMS syndrome with precapillary pulmonary hypertension and Raynaud's phenomenon, and who responded well to a short course of corticosteroids and long term nifedipine. POEMS syndrome, like anorexigens, cocaine, portal hypertension and human immunodeficiency virus infection, may be another trigger for the pulmonary vascular occlusive process found in primary pulmonary hypertension.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- G Paciocco
- Instituto di Malattie dell'App Respiratorio, Italy
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
32
|
Caterino U, Paciocco G, D'Auria D, Mazzarella G. Subpleural lung involvement in Behçet's disease: first localization of a systemic entity. Monaldi Arch Chest Dis 2000; 55:289-92. [PMID: 11057081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Behçet's disease (BD) is a chronic multisystem vasculitis, affecting many organs and the vascular system, of unknown aetiology. Eyes, skin, joints, the oral cavity, the central nervous system, and, less frequently, heart, lung, kidney, the genital system and the gastrointestinal tract can be involved. Intrathoracic manifestations of BD consist mainly of thromboembolism of the superior vena cava and/or other mediastinal veins; aneurysms of the aorta and pulmonary arteries; pulmonary infarct and haemorrhage; pleural effusion; and, rarely, myocardial and/or hilar lymphoid involvement. In the present case, the patient presented with BD with an asymptomatic subpleural lung mass and bilateral pulmonary artery enlargement. The patient was treated with a combination of surgical and medical therapy with complete resolution of the lung involvement and without any parenchymal relapses after an 8-month follow-up.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- U Caterino
- Dept of Pulmonary Diseases, S. Marcatili, II University of Naples, Monaldi Hospital, Italy
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
33
|
Paciocco G, Martinez FJ, Kazerooni EA, Bossone E, Lynch JP. Tuberculous pneumonia complicating lung transplantation: case report and review of the literature. Monaldi Arch Chest Dis 2000; 55:117-21. [PMID: 10949871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Although tuberculosis is more common in transplant recipients than in the general population, most centres report that mycobacterial infection is very rare in comparison with the extreme variety of transplant-associated infections. Only 18 previous cases of tuberculosis-complicated lung or heart-lung transplants have been published. An unusual case is reported of Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection in a double-lung recipient who presented a radiographic feature of segmental pneumonia, mimicking a bacterial infection. Bronchoalveolar lavage revealed lymphocytosis (> 30% of isolated cells). Data regarding optimal treatment for tuberculosis in lung transplant recipients are limited. Nevertheless, therapy should not be different from that in other immunocompromised patients and should include an aggressive initial four-drug regimen (until the sputum cultures become negative) or a 6-month conventional therapy with two agents to which the organism is susceptible. Close follow-up is required to confirm the bacteriological response and minimize the likelihood of relapse. In this patient, treatment with a four-drug antituberculous regimen for 3 months followed by isoniazide and rifampicin for an additional 9 months was curative.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- G Paciocco
- Dept of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor 48109-0360, USA
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
34
|
Bossone E, Duong-Wagner TH, Paciocco G, Oral H, Ricciardi M, Bach DS, Rubenfire M, Armstrong WF. Echocardiographic features of primary pulmonary hypertension. J Am Soc Echocardiogr 1999; 12:655-62. [PMID: 10441222 DOI: 10.1053/je.1999.v12.a99069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Primary pulmonary hypertension (PPH) is essentially a diagnosis of exclusion and usually is made late because of the nonspecific nature of the early signs and symptoms. Echocardiography is a key screening test in the diagnostic algorithm of patients with suspected PPH. The purpose of this study was to define the echocardiographic Doppler features in patients with PPH at the time of diagnosis. From 1992 to 1997, 51 patients were diagnosed with PPH at our institution. All underwent a standardized transthoracic echocardiographic examination, including a contrast study and transthoracic echocardiographic examination if indicated. Pulmonary artery systolic pressure was calculated from the tricuspid regurgitation jet. The majority of patients had pulmonary artery systolic pressure greater than 60 mm Hg (96%) associated with systolic flattening of the interventricular septum (90%), enlarged right atrium (92%) and ventricle (98%), and reduced right ventricular systolic function (76%). There was an increase in the interventricular septal thickness (>1.2 cm) in 21 (43%) of 49 patients, accompanied by a septal/posterior wall ratio greater than 1.3 in 11 (22%) of 49. Although a reduction in both left ventricular systolic and diastolic volumes was noted, global left ventricular systolic function was preserved in all patients. Mitral E/A ratio was less than 0.7 in 7 (22%) patients studied. Color Doppler revealed moderate to severe tricuspid regurgitation and pulmonic insufficiency in 41 (80%) of 51 and 16 (31%) of 51 of cases, respectively. Pericardial effusion (7 small and 1 moderate) and patent foramen ovale (n = 12) were also frequently detected. At the time of initial diagnosis, PPH is associated with secondary cardiac abnormalities in the majority of patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- E Bossone
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
35
|
Paciocco G, Caterino U, D'Auria D. Epithelioid haemangioendothelioma of the lung: a high malignancy case. Monaldi Arch Chest Dis 1999; 54:231-3. [PMID: 10441976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary epithelioid haemangioendothelioma (PEH) is a rare lung tumour of vascular origin and low-grade malignancy that affects various organs: liver, central nervous system, lung, etc. A rare malignant case of PEH is described. The cryptic clinical appearance and the nonspecific results of radiography and haematological tests caused great difficulty in arriving at a definite diagnosis. Histological analysis and immunohistochemical detection of CD31+ (a membrane receptor and a sensitive and specific marker for vascular lesions), on open lung biopsy, enabled the correct diagnosis to be made.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- G Paciocco
- Dept of Chest diseases, II University of Naples, Italy
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
36
|
Esposito V, Baldi A, De Luca A, Paciocco G, Gröger A, Sgaramella G, Claudio PP, Giordano GG, Baldi F, Caputi M, Kaiser H, Giordano A. Role of PCNA in differentiating between malignant mesothelioma and mesothelial hyperplasia: prognostic considerations. Anticancer Res 1997; 17:601-4. [PMID: 9066586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
We investigated the PCNA immunoreactivity in 35 specimens of malignant mesothelioma and 20 specimens of mesothelial hyperplasia in order to evaluate the usefulness of this parameter in differentiating between these two mesothelial proliferations, and to determine whether PCNA has any prognostic significance in mesotheliomas. Eleven of the 35 investigated malignant mesotheliomas displayed up to 25% of positive cells for PCNA expression. The remaining 24 specimens showed high percentages of positive cells ranging from 26% to 95%. All specimens of reactive hyperplasia had less than 25% of PCNA positive cells. The difference between malignant mesothelioma and mesothelial hyperplasia for PCNA immunoreactivity was statistically significant (p < 0.01). A positive relationship was also found between PCNA expression level and the overall survival of those affected by malignant mesothelioma (p = 0.0032). Our results suggest on important role for PCNA in differentiating diagnosis of mesothelial proliferations. It remains unclear whether PCNA expression truly correlates with the proliferation rate of the malignant mesotheliomas and with the overall survival of patients affected by this neoplasm.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- V Esposito
- Department of Pathology, Kimmel Cancer Institute, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|