Showing papers by "Vincent Cottin published in 2018"

Diagnosis of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis. An Official ATS/ERS/JRS/ALAT Clinical Practice Guideline.

Abstract: Background: This document provides clinical recommendations for the diagnosis of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). It represents a collaborative effort between the American Thoracic Society, Eur...

Presentation, diagnosis and clinical course of the spectrum of progressive-fibrosing interstitial lung diseases

Abstract: Although these conditions are rare, a proportion of patients with interstitial lung diseases (ILDs) may develop a progressive-fibrosing phenotype. Progressive fibrosis is associated with worsening respiratory symptoms, lung function decline, limited response to immunomodulatory therapies, decreased quality of life and, potentially, early death. Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis may be regarded as a model for other progressive-fibrosing ILDs. Here we focus on other ILDs that may present a progressive-fibrosing phenotype, namely idiopathic nonspecific interstitial pneumonia, unclassifiable idiopathic interstitial pneumonia, connective tissue disease-associated ILDs (e.g. rheumatoid arthritis-related ILD), fibrotic chronic hypersensitivity pneumonitis, fibrotic chronic sarcoidosis and ILDs related to other occupational exposures. Differential diagnosis of these ILDs can be challenging, and requires detailed consideration of clinical, radiological and histopathological features. Accurate and early diagnosis is crucial to ensure that patients are treated optimally.

The Lung in Rheumatoid Arthritis: Focus on Interstitial Lung Disease.

Abstract: Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is an increasingly recognized complication of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. In addition, approximately one-third of patients have subclinical disease with varying degrees of functional impairment. Although risk factors for RA-related ILD are well established (e.g., older age, male sex, ever smoking, and seropositivity for rheumatoid factor and anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide), little is known about optimal disease assessment, treatment, and monitoring, particularly in patients with progressive disease. Patients with RA-related ILD are also at high risk of infection and drug toxicity, which, along with comorbidities, complicates further treatment decision-making. There are distinct histopathologic patterns of RA-related ILD with different clinical phenotypes, natural histories, and prognoses. Of these, the usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP) subtype of RA-related ILD shares a number of clinical and histopathologic features with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, the most common and severe of the idiopathic interstitial pneumonias, suggesting the existence of common mechanistic pathways and possibly therapeutic targets. There remain substantial gaps in our knowledge of RA-related ILD. Concerted multinational efforts by expert centers has the potential to elucidate the basic mechanisms underlying RA-related UIP and other subtypes of RA-related ILD and facilitate the development of more efficacious and safer drugs.

Role of atmospheric pollution on the natural history of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis

Abstract: Introduction Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) has an unpredictable course corresponding to various profiles: stability, physiological disease progression and rapid decline. A minority of patients experience acute exacerbations (AEs). A recent study suggested that ozone and nitrogen dioxide might contribute to the occurrence of AE. We hypothesised that outdoor air pollution might influence the natural history of IPF. Methods Patients were selected from the French cohort COhorte FIbrose (COFI), a national multicentre longitudinal prospective cohort of IPF (n=192). Air pollutant levels were assigned to each patient from the air quality monitoring station closest to the patient’s geocoded residence. Cox proportional hazards model was used to evaluate the impact of air pollution on AE, disease progression and death. Results Onset of AEs was significantly associated with an increased mean level of ozone in the six preceding weeks, with an HR of 1.47 (95% CI 1.13 to 1.92) per 10 µg/m3 (p=0.005). Cumulative levels of exposure to particulate matter PM10 and PM2.5 were above WHO recommendations in 34% and 100% of patients, respectively. Mortality was significantly associated with increased levels of exposure to PM10 (HR=2.01, 95% CI 1.07 to 3.77) per 10 µg/m3 (p=0.03), and PM2.5 (HR=7.93, 95% CI 2.93 to 21.33) per 10 µg/m3 (p Conclusion This study suggests that air pollution has a negative impact on IPF outcomes, corroborating the role of ozone on AEs and establishing, for the first time, the potential role of long-term exposure to PM10 and PM2.5 on overall mortality.

TSC-associated neuropsychiatric disorders (TAND): findings from the TOSCA natural history study

Abstract: Most evidence for TSC-associated neuropsychiatric disorders (TAND) to date have come from small studies and case reports, and very little is known about TAND in adults We explored baseline TAND data from the large-scale international TOSCA natural history study to compare childhood and adult patterns, describe age-based patterns, and explore genotype-TAND correlations The study enrolled 2216 eligible participants with TSC from 170 sites across 31 countries at the data cut-off for the third interim analysis (data cut-off date: September 30, 2015) The most common behavioural problems (reported in > 10% of participants) were overactivity, sleep difficulties, impulsivity, anxiety, mood swings, severe aggression, depressed mood, self-injury, and obsessions Psychiatric disorders included autism spectrum disorder (ASD, 211%), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD, 191%), anxiety disorder (97%), and depressive disorder (61%) Intelligence quotient (IQ) scores were available for 885 participants Of these, 444% had normal IQ, while mild, moderate, severe, and profound degrees of intellectual disability (ID) were observed in 281, 151, 93, and 31%, respectively Academic difficulties were identified in 586% of participants, and neuropsychological deficits (performance <5th percentile) in 557% Significantly higher rates of overactivity and impulsivity were observed in children and higher rates of anxiety, depressed mood, mood swings, obsessions, psychosis and hallucinations were observed in adults Genotype-TAND correlations showed a higher frequency of self-injury, ASD, academic difficulties and neuropsychological deficits in TSC2 Those with no mutations identified (NMI) showed a mixed pattern of TAND manifestations Children and those with TSC2 had significantly higher rates of intellectual disability, suggesting that age and genotype comparisons should be interpreted with caution These results emphasize the magnitude of TAND in TSC and the importance of evaluating for neuropsychiatric comorbidity in all children and adults with TSC, across TSC1 and TSC2 genotypes, as well as in those with no mutations identified However, the high rates of unreported or missing TAND data in this study underline the fact that, even in expert centres, TAND remains underdiagnosed and potentially undertreated

Long-term safety of pirfenidone: results of the prospective, observational PASSPORT study.

Abstract: Real-world studies include a broader patient population for a longer duration than randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and can provide relevant insights for clinical practice. PASSPORT was a multicentre, prospective, post-authorisation study of patients who were newly prescribed pirfenidone and followed for 2 years after initiating treatment. Physicians collected data on adverse drug reactions (ADRs), serious ADRs (SADRs) and ADRs of special interest (ADRSI) at baseline and then every 3 months. Post hoc stepwise logistic regression models were used to identify baseline characteristics associated with discontinuing treatment due to an ADR. Patients (n=1009, 99.7% with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis) had a median pirfenidone exposure of 442.0 days. Overall, 741 (73.4%) patients experienced ADRs, most commonly nausea (20.6%) and fatigue (18.5%). ADRs led to treatment discontinuation in 290 (28.7%) patients after a median of 99.5 days. Overall, 55 (5.5%) patients experienced SADRs, with a fatal outcome in six patients. ADRSI were reported in 693 patients, most commonly gastrointestinal symptoms (38.3%) and photosensitivity reactions/skin rashes (29.0%). Older age and female sex were associated with early treatment discontinuation due to an ADR. Findings were consistent with the known safety profile of pirfenidone, based on RCT data and other post-marketing experience, with no new safety signals observed.

Haemodynamics and serial risk assessment in systemic sclerosis associated pulmonary arterial hypertension.

Abstract: The prognostic importance of follow-up haemodynamics and the validity of multidimensional risk assessment are not well established for systemic sclerosis (SSc)-associated pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) We assessed incident SSc-PAH patients to determine the association between clinical and haemodynamic variables at baseline and first follow-up right heart catheterisation (RHC) with transplant-free survival RHC variables included cardiac index, stroke volume index (SVI), pulmonary arterial compliance and pulmonary vascular resistance Risk assessment was performed according to the number of low-risk criteria: functional class I or II, 6-min walking distance (6MWD) >440 m, right atrial pressure Transplant-free survival from diagnosis (n=513) was 87%, 55% and 35% at 1, 3 and 5 years, respectively At baseline, 6MWD was the only independent predictor A follow-up RHC was available for 353 patients (median interval 46 months, interquartile range 39–64 months) The 6MWD, functional class, cardiac index, SVI, pulmonary arterial compliance and pulmonary vascular resistance were independently associated with transplant-free survival at follow-up, with SVI performing better than other haemodynamic variables 1-year outcomes were better with increasing number of low-risk criteria at baseline (area under the curve (AUC) 063, 95% CI 056–069) and at first follow-up (AUC 071, 95% CI 064–078) Follow-up haemodynamics and multidimensional risk assessment had greater prognostic significance than at baseline in SSc-PAH

Pirfenidone in patients with unclassifiable progressive fibrosing interstitial lung disease: design of a double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled phase II trial.

Abstract: Introduction Despite extensive multidisciplinary team (MDT) assessment, some patients have interstitial lung disease (ILD) that is considered unclassifiable (uILD), for which there are currently no approved treatments This study will assess the efficacy and safety of the antifibrotic pirfenidone in treating uILD Methods and analysis This double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled phase II trial is enrolling adults with fibrosing ILD, including uILD that fulfils proposed research criteria for interstitial pneumonia with autoimmune features (IPAF), that cannot be classified with moderate or high confidence to any category of ILD following MDT discussion Study participants must have >10% fibrosis on high-resolution CT scan within the previous 12 months, forced vital capacity (FVC) ≥45% and diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide ≥30% of predicted values Study participants will be randomised to receive 801 mg pirfenidone or placebo three times daily for 24 weeks The efficacy of pirfenidone vs placebo will be assessed by daily measurement of FVC using a handheld spirometer over the treatment period Other functional parameters, patient-reported outcomes, samples for biomarker analysis and safety endpoints will be collected Additionally, the study will assess the efficacy and safety of pirfenidone with and without concomitant mycophenolate mofetil treatment and in study participants with or without IPAF Ethics and dissemination This trial is being conducted in accordance with the International Conference on Harmonisation E6 guideline for Good Clinical Practice, Declaration of Helsinki and local laws for countries in which the research is conducted Trial registration number NCT03099187

Statin Therapy and Outcomes in Trials of Nintedanib in Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis.

Abstract: Background: Cardiovascular comorbidities are frequent in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), and many patients with IPF receive treatment with statins to reduce cardiovascular risk. Objectives: We investigated whether statin use at baseline was associated with differences in disease progression in placebo-treated patients or influenced the treatment effect of nintedanib in the INPULSIS® trials. Methods: Post-hoc subgroup analyses of patients receiving versus not receiving statins at baseline using pooled data from the INPULSIS® trials. Results: At baseline, 312 patients received statins and 749 did not. The annual rates of decline in forced vital capacity (FVC) in patients treated with nintedanib and placebo, respectively, were –78.9 and –187.6 mL/year in patients who received statins at baseline, and –127.9 and –237.9 mL/year in patients who did not. The effect of nintedanib was consistent across subgroups (p = 0.9590). Conclusions: In the INPULSIS® trials, there was a numerically lower FVC decline in placebo-treated patients with IPF who received statins at baseline versus those who did not. Use of statins at baseline did not influence the treatment effect of nintedanib. Prospective data are needed to assess the impact of statins on the course of IPF.

Clinical phenotypes and survival of pre-capillary pulmonary hypertension in systemic sclerosis.

Abstract: Pre-capillary pulmonary hypertension (PH) in systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a heterogeneous condition with an overall bad prognosis. The objective of this study was to identify and characterize homogeneous phenotypes by a cluster analysis in SSc patients with PH. Patients were identified from two prospective cohorts from the US and France. Clinical, pulmonary function, high-resolution chest tomography, hemodynamic and survival data were extracted. We performed cluster analysis using the k-means method and compared survival between clusters using Cox regression analysis. Cluster analysis of 200 patients identified four homogenous phenotypes. Cluster C1 included patients with mild to moderate risk pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) with limited or no interstitial lung disease (ILD) and low DLCO with a 3-year survival of 81.5% (95% CI: 71.4-88.2). C2 had pre-capillary PH due to extensive ILD and worse 3-year survival compared to C1 (adjusted hazard ratio [HR] 3.14; 95% CI 1.66-5.94; p = 0.0004). C3 had severe PAH and a trend towards worse survival (HR 2.53; 95% CI 0.99-6.49; p = 0.052). Cluster C4 and C1 were similar with no difference in survival (HR 0.65; 95% CI 0.19-2.27, p = 0.507) but with a higher DLCO in C4. PH in SSc can be characterized into distinct clusters that differ in prognosis.

Rituximab for auto-immune alveolar proteinosis, a real life cohort study.

Abstract: Whole lung lavage is the current standard therapy for pulmonary alveolar proteinosis (PAP) that is characterized by the alveolar accumulation of surfactant. Rituximab showed promising results in auto-immune PAP (aPAP) related to anti-GM-CSF antibody. We aimed to assess efficacy of rituximab in aPAP in real life and all patients with aPAP in France that received rituximab were retrospectively analyzed. Thirteen patients were included. No patients showed improvement 6 months after treatment, but, 4 patients (30%) presented a significant decrease of alveolar-arterial difference in oxygen after 1 year. One patient received lung transplantation and one patient was lost of follow-up within one year. Although a spontaneous improvement cannot be excluded in these 4 patients, improvement was more frequent in patients naive to prior specific therapy and with higher level of anti-GM-CSF antibodies evaluated by ELISA. No serious adverse event was evidenced. These data do not support rituximab as a second line therapy for patients with refractory aPAP.

Safety and efficacy of pirfenidone in patients carrying telomerase complex mutation.

Abstract: In this retrospective study, a beneficial effect of pirfenidone on lung function decline could not be demonstrated in patients carrying TERT/TERC mutation

Diffuse Idiopathic Pulmonary Neuroendocrine Cell Hyperplasia (DIPNECH) Syndrome and Carcinoid Tumors With/Without NECH: A Clinicopathologic, Radiologic, and Immunomolecular Comparison Study.

Abstract: The diagnostic criteria of diffuse idiopathic pulmonary neuroendocrine cell hyperplasia (DIPNECH) are not well defined, and DIPNECH can be mistaken for carcinoids associated with neuroendocrine cell hyperplasia (NECH). In this study, we compared clinical, radiologic, histologic, immunohistochemical, and molecular features of DIPNECH and isolated carcinoids with/without NECH. The study population included 151 cases (77 female patients and 74 male patients), 19 with DIPNECH and 132 with carcinoids with/without NECH. None of the cases displayed molecular alterations or anaplastic lymphoma kinase expression. Compared with individuals with carcinoids with/without NECH, patients with DIPNECH were more likely to be female individuals (P<0.0001), nonsmokers (P=0.021), and symptomatic, and to have an obstructive/mixed respiratory defect, peripheral location of the lesions, and air trapping (P<0.0001) on chest computed tomography, and constrictive bronchiolitis on histology (P<0.0001). Among immunohistochemical markers, DIPNECH was associated with higher expression of thyroid transcription factor-1, CD10, and gastrin-releasing peptide/bombesin-like peptide (P<0.0001). Yet, when a purely histopathologic definition of DIPNECH was applied, 40% of isolated carcinoids also met the diagnostic criteria for DIPNECH, even in the absence of symptoms and/or radiologic abnormalities. Therefore, as DIPNECH represents a distinct clinical syndrome, we suggest the term DIPNECH be limited to cases presenting with respiratory symptoms, functional and/or radiologic abnormalities, and constrictive bronchiolitis on histology.

Lung histopathology of non-infectious pulmonary complications after allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation.

Abstract: Aims Non-infectious pulmonary complications (NIPCs) occur frequently following allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). As there is no consensus on the description of the related pulmonary pathological lesions, pathologist reports and clinical conclusions are largely inconsistent in routine practice. The aim of our study was to provide an accurate overview of post-allogeneic HSCT NIPCs from a large number of lung biopsies. Methods and results We reviewed 61 lung biopsies in patients with an NIPC, including 51 surgical lung biopsies, four post-mortem biopsies and six lung explants. We found both bronchiolar (n = 59) and alveolar/interstitial pathologies (n = 27). We describe two types of bronchiolar lesions: bronchiolectasies (n = 37) and fibrous and cellular lesions with luminal narrowing (n = 43). We found a wide spectrum of airway/interstitial pathologies that were labelled using the terminology of the 2013 American Thoracic Society and European Respiratory Society (ATS/ERS) classification of idiopathic interstitial pneumonias (IIPs), including the following: organising pneumonia (OP, n = 8), non-specific interstitial pneumonia (NSIP, n = 9), diffuse alveolar damage (DAD, n = 6), lymphoid interstitial pneumonia (LIP, n = 1) and pleuroparenchymal fibroelastosis (PPFE, n = 2), as well as one instance of associated PPFE and NSIP. Conclusions Interstitial pathology was associated with bronchiolar lesions in 41% of the cases reviewed (n = 25). Lung airway and interstitial inflammation was still present in lung explants from patients who underwent lung transplantation for post-allogeneic HSCT end-stage respiratory insufficiency. Herein, we describe a wide spectrum of pathological lung lesions encountered in post-allogeneic HSCT NIPCs.

Whole exome sequencing in three families segregating a pediatric case of sarcoidosis

Abstract: Sarcoidosis (OMIM 181000) is a multi-systemic granulomatous disorder of unknown origin. Despite multiple genome-wide association (GWAS) studies, no major pathogenic pathways have been identified to date. To find out relevant sarcoidosis predisposing genes, we searched for de novo and recessive mutations in 3 young probands with sarcoidosis and their healthy parents using a whole-exome sequencing (WES) methodology. From the SARCFAM project based on a national network collecting familial cases of sarcoidosis, we selected three families (trios) in which a child, despite healthy parents, develop the disease before age 15 yr. Each trio was genotyped by WES (Illumina HiSEQ 2500) and we selected the gene variants segregating as 1) new mutations only occurring in affected children and 2) as recessive traits transmitted from each parents. The identified coding variants were compared between the three families. Allelic frequencies and in silico functional results were analyzed using ExAC, SIFT and Polyphenv2 databases. The clinical and genetic studies were registered by the ClinicalTrials.gov - Protocol Registration and Results System (PRS) ( https://clinicaltrials.gov ) receipt under the reference NCT02829853 and has been approved by the ethical committee (CPP LYON SUD EST – 2 – REF IRB 00009118 – September 21, 2016). We identified 37 genes sharing coding variants occurring either as recessive mutations in at least 2 trios or de novo mutations in one of the three affected children. The genes were classified according to their potential roles in immunity related pathways: 9 to autophagy and intracellular trafficking, 6 to G-proteins regulation, 4 to T-cell activation, 4 to cell cycle and immune synapse, 2 to innate immunity. Ten of the 37 genes were studied in a bibliographic way to evaluate the functional link with sarcoidosis. Whole exome analysis of case-parent trios is useful for the identification of genes predisposing to complex genetic diseases as sarcoidosis. Our data identified 37 genes that could be putatively linked to a pediatric form of sarcoidosis in three trios. Our in-depth focus on 10 of these 37 genes may suggest that the formation of the characteristic lesion in sarcoidosis, granuloma, results from combined deficits in autophagy and intracellular trafficking (ex: Sec16A, AP5B1 and RREB1), G-proteins regulation (ex: OBSCN, CTTND2 and DNAH11), T-cell activation (ex: IDO2, IGSF3), mitosis and/or immune synapse (ex: SPICE1 and KNL1). The significance of these findings needs to be confirmed by functional tests on selected gene variants.

Symptomatic muscular sarcoidosis: Lessons from a nationwide multicenter study

Abstract: Objectives To describe clinicopathologic features of muscular sarcoidosis and the associated sarcoidosis phenotype through a nationwide multicenter study. Methods Patients were included if they had histologically proven sarcoidosis and symptomatic muscular involvement confirmed by biological, imaging, or histologic examinations. Results Forty-eight patients (20 males) were studied, with a median age at muscular symptoms onset of 45 years (range 18–71). Four patterns were identified: a nodular pattern (27%); smoldering phenotype (29%); acute, subacute, or progressive myopathic type (35%); and combined myopathic and neurogenic pattern (10%). In all patterns, sarcoidosis was multivisceral with a median of 3 extramuscular organs involved (mostly lungs, lymph nodes, eyes, and skin) and a prolonged course with long-term use of corticosteroids and immunosuppressive drugs. Muscular patterns differed according to clinical presentation (myalgia, nodules, or weakness), electromyographic findings, muscular MRI, and response to sarcoidosis treatment. The myopathic and neuromuscular patterns were more severe. Conclusion This nationwide study of muscular sarcoidosis allowed the identification of 4 patterns of granulomatous myositis, which differed by phenotypes and the clinical course.

Pulmonary arteriovenous malformations in hereditary haemorrhagic telangiectasia: Correlations between computed tomography findings and cerebral complications.

Abstract: Computed tomography (CT) is the modality of choice to characterise pulmonary arteriovenous malformations (PAVMs) in patients with hereditary haemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT). Our objective was to determine if CT findings were associated with frequency of brain abscess and ischaemic stroke. This retrospective study included patients with HHT-related PAVMs. CT results, i.e. PAVM presentation (unique, multiple, disseminated or diffuse), the number of PAVMs and the largest feeding artery size, were correlated to prevalence of ischaemic stroke and brain abscess. All CTs were reviewed in consensus by two radiologists. Of 170 patients, 73 patients had unique (42.9 %), 49 multiple (28.8 %), 36 disseminated (21.2 %) and 12 diffuse (7.1 %) PAVMs. Fifteen patients presented with brain abscess; 26 patients presented with ischaemic stroke. The number of PAVMs was significantly correlated with brain abscess (11.5 vs. 6.2, respectively; p=0.025). The mean diameter of the largest feeding artery was significantly correlated with ischaemic stroke frequency (4.9 vs. 3.2 mm, respectively; p=0.0098). The number of PAVMs correlated significantly with risk of brain abscess, and a larger feeding artery significantly with more ischaemic strokes. These findings can lead to a better recognition and management of the PAVMs at risk of cerebral complications. • Chest CT helps clinicians to facilitate appropriate PAVM management strategies. • Pulmonary arteriovenous malformation CT findings are correlated with risk of cerebral complications. • Risk of brain abscess is significantly correlated with number of PAVMs. • Risk of ischaemic stroke is significantly correlated with large feeding artery PAVMs. • Prevalence of observed of brain abscess and ischaemic stroke is 26 %.

Targeting interleukin-13 in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: from promising path to dead end.

Abstract: Targeting IL-4/IL-13 with SAR156597 failed to demonstrate an effect on lung function decline for patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis; these results are in line with the negative results of two other trials targeting IL-13 in this diseasehttp://ow.ly/J0HF30mAB3J

The Respiratory System in Autoimmune Vascular Diseases.

Abstract: The respiratory system may be involved in all types of systemic vasculitis with varying significance and frequency. ANCA-associated vasculitis, including granulomatosis with polyangiitis, eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis, and microscopic polyangiitis, affects the respiratory tract more commonly than other vasculitis types. Granulomatosis with polyangiitis is always associated with upper or lower respiratory tract involvement. Pulmonary and ENT involvements are the hallmark feature of the disease and are present in 90 and 80% of cases, respectively, with frequent skin or gastrointestinal involvement. In about 10% of cases, the lung is the only organ affected. Eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis is always associated with hypereosinophilia and asthma which usually precedes the systemic manifestations by several years; however, onset of asthma and of the vasculitis may be concomitant. Parenchymal infiltrates may be migratory and rapidly resolve upon corticosteroid treatment. Diffuse alveolar hemorrhage and renal failure are typical features of microscopic polyangiitis. The former is the leading manifestation of anti-glomerular basement membrane disease and is usually part of a pulmonary-renal syndrome. Takayasu arteritis has a distinct clinical presentation due to pulmonary arteritis and may present with massive hemoptysis, chest pain, and rarely symptoms of pulmonary hypertension. Behcet disease is the most common cause of pulmonary artery aneurysm and can also cause in situ thrombosis of the pulmonary arteries. Corticosteroids and immunosuppressive agents are the mainstay of treatment. In conclusion, systemic vasculitis is a frequent cause of respiratory system involvement with diverse manifestations of distinct severity and outcome.

Pulmonary hypertension in chronic lung diseases: comparison to other pulmonary hypertension groups.

Abstract: Group 3 pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a common complication of advanced chronic lung disease. Our hypothesis was that group 3 PH is associated with a more severe baseline presentation and a more severe prognosis compared to group 1 pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), chronic thromboembolic PH (group 4), and group 5 PH. We retrospectively analyzed consecutive incident PH patients in a single center between January 2006 and November 2014. Data were acquired from a prospective database. Clinical, functional, and hemodynamic characteristics, as well as survival, were compared between the four groups of precapillary PH. A total of 363 patients were analyzed; 164 patients (45.2%) belonged to group 1 PAH, 109 (30%) to group 3 PH, 65 (17.9%) to group 4 PH, and 25 (6.9%) to group 5 PH. Group 3 patients were predominantly male and were more frequently in New York Heart Association (NYHA) class III/IV. Patients with group 3 and 4 PH were older, had significantly lower 6-min walking distance (6MWD), higher mean pulmonary arterial pressure, higher pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR), and lower cardiac index (CI) than PAH patients. Group 3 and 5 patients had significantly lower total lung capacity (TLC), forced vital capacity (FVC), and FEV1; group 3 patients had the lowest carbon monoxide transfer coefficient values. PH therapy was used in 90.9% of group 3 patients. Univariate analysis of prognostic factors in the overall population showed that age, male gender, NYHA class, groups 3 and 4 PH (vs. PAH), 6MWD, FVC, TLC, carbon monoxide transfer coefficient (KCO), PVR, CI, and venous oxygen saturation were significantly associated with greater mortality. Multivariate analysis showed that age, PH group 4, 6MWD, and KCO but no longer PH group 3 were significantly associated with mortality. Patients with group 3 PH are older, have more severe baseline presentation and lower survival rates than PAH patients in univariate analysis, that seemed to be related to older age.

Impact of comorbidities and delay in diagnosis in elderly patients with pulmonary hypertension

Abstract: Patient age at diagnosis of pulmonary hypertension is steadily increasing. The present study sought to analyse clinical characteristics, time to diagnosis and prognosis of pulmonary hypertension in elderly and very elderly patients. A study was conducted in a French regional referral centre for pulmonary hypertension. All consecutive patients diagnosed with pre-capillary pulmonary hypertension were included and categorised according to age: Over a 4-year period, 248 patients were included: 101 (40.7%) were young, 82 (33.1%) were elderly and 65 (26.2%) were very elderly. The median age at diagnosis among the total population was 68 years. Compared with young patients, elderly and very elderly patients had a longer time to diagnosis (7±48, 9±21 and 16±32 months, respectively; p Patient age should be taken into account when diagnosing pulmonary hypertension as it is associated with a specific clinical profile and a worse prognosis. The difference in prognosis is likely to be related to a delay in diagnosis and a greater number of comorbidities.

Presence of Kidney Disease as an Outcome Predictor in Patients with Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension.

Abstract: BACKGROUND Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) may lead to right heart failure and subsequently alter glomerular filtration rates (GFR). Chronic kidney disease (CKD, GFR <60 mL/min/1.73 m2) may also adversely affect PAH prognosis. This study aimed to assess how right heart hemodynamics was associated with reduced estimated GFR (eGFR) and the association of CKD with survival in PAH patients. METHODS In a prospective PAH cohort (2003-2012), invasive hemodynamics and eGFR were collected at diagnosis (179 patients) and during follow-up (159 patients). The prevalence of CKD was assessed at PAH diagnosis. Variables, including hemodynamics, associated with reduced eGFR at diagnosis and during follow-up were tested in multivariate analysis. The association of CKD with survival was evaluated using a multivariate Cox regression model. RESULTS At diagnosis, mean age was 60.4 ± 16.5 years, mean pulmonary arterial pressure was 43 ± 12 mm Hg, and eGFR was 74.4 ± 26.4 mL/min/1.73 m2. CKD was observed in 52 incident patients (29%). Independent determinants of reduced eGFR at diagnosis were age, systemic hypertension, and decreased cardiac index. Independent determinants of reduced eGFR during follow-up were age, female gender, PAH etiology, systemic hypertension, decreased cardiac index, and increased right atrial pressure. Age ≥60 years, female gender, NYHA 4, and CKD at diagnosis were independently associated with decreased survival. The adjusted hazards ratio for death associated with CKD was 1.81 (95% confidence interval [1.01-3.25]). CONCLUSION CKD is frequent at PAH diagnosis and is independently associated with increased mortality. Right heart failure may induce renal hypoperfusion and congestion, and is associated with eGFR decrease.

Air travel and incidence of pneumothorax in lymphangioleiomyomatosis

Abstract: Pulmonary lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM) is a rare disease of women characterized by multiple lung cysts leading to respiratory insufficiency and frequent pneumothorax (PT). Air travel (AT) could increase the risk of PT in LAM through rupture of subpleural cysts induced by atmospheric pressure changes in aircraft cabin. To determine whether AT increases the risk of PT in LAM, we performed a retrospective survey of members of European LAM patient associations. A flight-related PT was defined as occurring ≤30 days after AT. 145 women reported 207 PT. In 128 patients with available data, the annual incidence of PT was 8% since the first symptoms of LAM and 5% since LAM diagnosis, compared to 0.006% in the general female population. Following surgical or chemical pleurodesis, the probability of remaining free of PT recurrence was respectively 82, 68, and 59% after 1, 5 and 10 years, as compared to only 55, 46 and 39% without pleurodesis (p = 0.026). 70 patients with available data performed 178 AT. 6 flight-related PT occurred in 5 patients. PT incidence since first symptoms of LAM was significantly higher ≤30 days after AT as compared to non-flight periods (22 versus 6%, risk ratio 3.58, confidence interval 1.40–7.45). The incidence of PT in LAM is about 1000 times higher than in the general female population, and is further increased threefold after AT. Chemical or surgical pleurodesis partly reduces the risk of PT recurrence in LAM.

Investigating the effects of nintedanib on biomarkers of extracellular matrix turnover in patients with IPF: design of the randomised placebo-controlled INMARK®trial.

Abstract: Introduction A feature of the pathogenesis of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is the excess accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) in the lungs. Cleavage of the ECM by metalloproteinases (MMPs) generates free-circulating protein fragments known as neoepitopes. The PROFILE study suggested that changes in ECM turnover proteins may be of value as markers of disease progression in patients with IPF. Nintedanib is an approved treatment for IPF that slows disease progression by reducing decline in forced vital capacity (FVC). Methods and analysis The INMARK® trial is evaluating the effect of nintedanib on the rates of change of biomarkers of ECM turnover in patients with IPF, the value of changes in these biomarkers as predictors of disease progression and whether nintedanib affects the associations between changes in these biomarkers and disease progression. Following a screening period, 347 patients with IPF and FVC ≥80% predicted were randomised 1:2 to receive nintedanib 150 mg two times a day or placebo for 12 weeks, followed by an open-label period in which all patients will receive nintedanib for 40 weeks. The primary endpoint is the rate of change in C reactive protein degraded by MMP-1/8 from baseline to week 12. Ethics and dissemination This trial is being conducted in compliance with the protocol, the ethical principles detailed in the Declaration of Helsinki and in accordance with the International Conference on Harmonisation Harmonised Tripartite Guideline for Good Clinical Practice. The results of the trial will be presented at national and international meetings and published in peer-reviewed journals. Trial registration number NCT02788474.

Association between Rheumatoid Arthritis and Pulmonary Hypertension: Data from the French Pulmonary Hypertension Registry.

Abstract: Background: Precapillary pulmonary hypertension (PH), and particularly pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), is a life-threatening complication of connective tissue diseases (systemic sclerosis, systemic lupus erythematosus, and mixed connective tissue disease). The relationship between PH and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) has not been clearly established. Objectives: The aim of the study was to evaluate the relationship between precapillary PH and RA. Methods: We identified patients with PH and suspected RA included in the French PH Registry between 1 May 2004 and 31 December 2012 and evaluated the prevalence of confirmed RA in this population. RA phenotypes, clinical, functional, and hemodynamic data, and patient outcomes were recorded. Results: RA was confirmed in 20 patients (70% female; mean age 52 years) with precapillary PH, including 10 patients with PAH, 6 with severe PH due to lung disease, and 4 with chronic thromboembolic PH. The prevalence of RA was 0.35% (95% CI: 0.23–0.54) in the French PH Registry and 0.58% (95% CI: 0.30–1.11) in idiopathic PAH, comparable to that in the general population. The RA phenotype was characterized by the presence of specific RA autoantibodies and joint erosions in 75% of the patients. The outcomes of PH in the RA patients were unremarkable compared to those in other patients from the registry, and RA therapies had no major impact on the cardiopulmonary parameters. Conclusion: When precapillary PH occurs in RA patients, all PH subsets may be identified. The RA prevalence in the French PH Registry is similar to that in the general population, which does not support a specific association or an indication for PH screening in RA patients.

Pulmonary alveolar proteinosis following cryptococcal meningitis: a possible cause?

Abstract: Autoimmune pulmonary alveolar proteinosis (PAP) is a rare interstitial lung disease characterised by the presence of granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) autoantibodies. A man with no history of infection developed cryptococcal meningitis and a right parahilar cryptococcal mass. Antifungal treatment led to infection control, although there was presence of neurological sequelae. After 3 years, thoracic CT revealed bilateral ground glass opacities and a crazy paving pattern. Transparietal needle biopsy showed proteinaceous alveolar deposits, confirming the diagnosis of PAP. A high titre of serum anti-GM-CSF autoantibodies was found. No specific treatment was started, and radiological lesions decreased progressively. Cryptococcal infection may occur in PAP and in patients with anti-GM-CSF antibodies without PAP. These antibodies dysregulate phagocytosis in monocytes and macrophages, possibly leading to opportunistic infections in previously healthy subjects.