Advances in Respiratory Medicine

21 pages, 827 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Medication Recommendation, Counseling, and Pricing for Nasal Sprays in German Community Pharmacies: A Simulated Patient Investigation

by Bernhard Langer, Christian Kunow, Tim Dethloff and Sarah George

Adv. Respir. Med. 2025, 93(3), 18; https://doi.org/10.3390/arm93030018 (registering DOI) - 13 Jun 2025

Abstract

For the self-medication of nasal congestion following a common cold, decongestant nasal sprays can be recommended according to the medicine guidelines. In Germany, these are only available in community pharmacies (CPs) with free pricing. The aim was to analyze the medication recommendation, counseling, [...] Read more.

For the self-medication of nasal congestion following a common cold, decongestant nasal sprays can be recommended according to the medicine guidelines. In Germany, these are only available in community pharmacies (CPs) with free pricing. The aim was to analyze the medication recommendation, counseling, and pricing. A covert simulated patient study, internationally recognized as the “gold standard”, was conducted in all CPs of two medium-sized cities in north-eastern Germany. Each CP was visited twice (86 visits) with the identical scenario by one female and one male simulated patient. At the beginning, they asked for a nasal spray and, when asked, stated that they had had nasal congestion for three days. Slightly more than half (54.7%, 47/86) of the recommended nasal sprays were free of preservatives. The median counseling score was 2.0 out of 8 points, with a significantly higher score observed for the female SP (p = 0.004). Information on the maximum intake duration of five days recommended in the German pharmacy guideline was not provided during any visits. The prices varied in total from EUR 1.95 to EUR 6.22. Therefore, measures by the legislator and the chambers of pharmacists are necessary to sustainably improve the medication recommendation, the counseling, and the price transparency. Full article

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18 pages, 556 KiB

Open AccessReview

Clinical Utility of ctDNA Analysis in Lung Cancer—A Review

by Kamil Makar, Agata Wróbel, Adam Antczak and Damian Tworek

Adv. Respir. Med. 2025, 93(3), 17; https://doi.org/10.3390/arm93030017 - 12 Jun 2025

Abstract

Circulating free DNA (cfDNA) is genetic material released from various cells into bodily fluids. Among its fractions, circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) originates from tumor cells and reflects their genetic material, including mutations and epigenetic changes. Methods commonly employed for detecting ctDNA in blood [...] Read more.

Circulating free DNA (cfDNA) is genetic material released from various cells into bodily fluids. Among its fractions, circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) originates from tumor cells and reflects their genetic material, including mutations and epigenetic changes. Methods commonly employed for detecting ctDNA in blood include next-generation sequencing (NGS) and various types of PCR. The presence of ctDNA can be utilized in liquid biopsies for many diagnostic purposes related to various cancers. It is a minimally invasive method of sampling molecular compounds from tumor cells. In this paper, we focus on current knowledge regarding the liquid biopsy of blood ctDNA in the context of lung cancer, one of the leading causes of cancer-related mortality. Currently, as a clinically approved method, liquid biopsy serves as a complementary technique in NSCLC diagnostic and genetic profiling. Other applications of liquid biopsy that are still being investigated include the detection of minimal residual disease (MRD) after curative treatment and response monitoring to systemic treatment. This review discusses current and future potential directions for the development and implementation of ctDNA for patients with NSCLC. Full article

2 pages, 158 KiB

Open AccessReply

Reply to Shafaei B. Comment on “Giraldo-Ocampo et al. B Cell Subsets in Colombian Adults with Predominantly Antibody Deficiencies, Bronchiectasis or Recurrent Pneumonia. Adv. Respir. Med. 2022, 90, 254–266”

by Andres F. Zea-Vera

Adv. Respir. Med. 2025, 93(3), 16; https://doi.org/10.3390/arm93030016 - 9 Jun 2025

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Abstract

I am writing in response to the thoughtful observations [...] Full article

2 pages, 154 KiB

Open AccessComment

Comment on Giraldo-Ocampo et al. B Cell Subsets in Colombian Adults with Predominantly Antibody Deficiencies, Bronchiectasis or Recurrent Pneumonia. Adv. Respir. Med. 2022, 90, 254–266

by Behnam Shafaei

Adv. Respir. Med. 2025, 93(3), 15; https://doi.org/10.3390/arm93030015 - 9 Jun 2025

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Abstract

I am writing regarding the article titled “B Cell Subsets in Colombian Adults with Predominantly Antibody Deficiencies, Bronchiectasis or Recurrent Pneumonia” [...] Full article

13 pages, 250 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Environmental Factors Affecting Sleep Quality in Intensive Care Unit Patients in Southern Morocco: An Assessment Study

by Abdelmajid Lkoul, Keltouma Oumbarek, Youssef Bouchriti, Asmaa Jniene and Tarek Dendane

Adv. Respir. Med. 2025, 93(3), 14; https://doi.org/10.3390/arm93030014 - 6 Jun 2025

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Abstract

Introduction: Sleep disturbances are a common and often underestimated complication during intensive care unit (ICU) stays. These disturbances can significantly impact patients’ recovery and overall well-being. This study aimed to assess the sleep quality of ICU patients and investigate the environmental and clinical [...] Read more.

Introduction: Sleep disturbances are a common and often underestimated complication during intensive care unit (ICU) stays. These disturbances can significantly impact patients’ recovery and overall well-being. This study aimed to assess the sleep quality of ICU patients and investigate the environmental and clinical factors that affect sleep quality during their ICU stay. Methods: We conducted a six-month cross-sectional study involving patients who had stayed in the ICU for at least three nights and were oriented to time and place upon discharge. Sleep quality was assessed using the Arabic version of the Freedman Sleep Questionnaire. Both environmental factors (e.g., noise, light, and nursing interventions) and clinical variables (illness severity and pain) were examined. The differences across three time periods were analyzed using the Wilcoxon test and Spearman’s correlation. Multiple regression analysis identified the factors influencing sleep quality. Statistical analyses were performed using JAMOVI software (version 2.3.28). Results: The study enrolled 328 patients, with an average age of 49.74 ± 17.89 years. Of the participants, 75.3% were adults. The primary reasons for admission were circulatory distress (45.73%) and metabolic disorders (24.09%). Sleep quality was significantly lower in the ICU compared to patients’ sleep at home (Z = −14.870, p < 0.001). The EVA and APACHE II scores had a statistically significant effect on sleep quality (p < 0.001 and p = 0.015, respectively). In contrast, the Charlson and Quick SOFA scores did not show significant effects (p = 0.128 and p = 0.894). Environmental factors, including noise (p = 0.008), light (p = 0.009), and nursing interventions (p = 0.009), significantly impacted sleep quality. Conclusions: Patients in the ICU generally reported poor sleep quality. Our findings suggest that improving pain management, minimizing environmental noise, and reducing staff-related disturbances could significantly enhance sleep quality for patients in the intensive care unit (ICU). Full article

14 pages, 1072 KiB

Open AccessReview

Efficacy and Safety of P. hybridus Leaf Extract Ze 339 for the Treatment of Allergic Rhinitis

by Verena M. Merk, Georg Boonen, Veronika Butterweck and Andreas Schapowal

Adv. Respir. Med. 2025, 93(3), 13; https://doi.org/10.3390/arm93030013 - 3 Jun 2025

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Abstract

Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a global health problem on the rise. More and more people are affected, and climate change is exacerbating this health problem in the long term. The quality of life of those affected is often severely compromised, and the financial [...] Read more.

Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a global health problem on the rise. More and more people are affected, and climate change is exacerbating this health problem in the long term. The quality of life of those affected is often severely compromised, and the financial burden on healthcare systems cannot be disregarded. Therefore, effective and safe medicines are needed to counteract this trend. P. hybridus (butterbur) leaf extract (Ze 339) displays a promising alternative to antihistamines in the treatment of AR symptoms. More than two decades after the first market launch it is now possible to draw a meaningful conclusion on its safety and efficacy. This review summarizes the available preclinical and clinical data, real-world data (RWD) as well as data from post-marketing pharmacovigilance monitoring about the herbal medicinal drug Ze 339. It focusses on the current knowledge about the mode of action as well as the evaluation of its efficacy and safety in the treatment of AR. Given its favourable safety profile and lack of sedative side effects, Ze 339 offers a valuable alternative to antihistamines and should therefore continue to be considered by medical practitioners for the treatment of allergic rhinitis symptoms. Full article

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11 pages, 804 KiB

Open AccessArticle

High Prevalence of Depression and Anxiety in Patients with Chronic Respiratory Diseases Admitted to Intensive Care in a Low-Resource Setting

by Amun Mustafa, Asifa Karamat, Wajeeha Mustansar Toor and Tehmina Mustafa

Adv. Respir. Med. 2025, 93(3), 12; https://doi.org/10.3390/arm93030012 - 2 Jun 2025

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Abstract

Background: Depression and anxiety are common in patients with chronic respiratory diseases (CRDs), but their prevalence in intensive care settings, particularly in low-resource regions, remains underexplored. Objective: To assess the prevalence and severity of depression and anxiety in patients with CRDs admitted to [...] Read more.

Background: Depression and anxiety are common in patients with chronic respiratory diseases (CRDs), but their prevalence in intensive care settings, particularly in low-resource regions, remains underexplored. Objective: To assess the prevalence and severity of depression and anxiety in patients with CRDs admitted to an intensive care unit (ICU) and identify associated factors. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at Gulab Devi Teaching Hospital, Lahore, Pakistan. Adult patients with CRDs admitted to the ICU were assessed using the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale. Statistical analyses included Fisher’s exact test, Mann–Whitney/Kruskal–Wallis tests, and logistic regression. Results: Depression was highly prevalent across all CRD categories: 83%, 89%, 84%, and 93% in obstructive, restrictive, infectious, and other respiratory disease categories, and severe depression in 16%, 18%, 14%, and 37%, respectively. Anxiety symptoms were also widespread (77–100%), with no significant differences across disease groups. Depression was significantly associated with older age (p < 0.001, OR 1.08) and anxiety symptoms (p < 0.001, OR 47.07). Female gender was linked to anxiety (p = 0.034, OR 4.17). Conclusion: The high burden of depression and anxiety in ICU patients with CRDs underscores the need for routine psychiatric screening and integrated mental health care in critical-care settings. Full article

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14 pages, 482 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Malnutrition, Sarcopenia, and Malnutrition Sarcopenia Syndrome in Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis

by Eva Cabrera-César, Rocío Fernández-Jiménez, Javier Lopez-Garcia, Alicia Sanmartín-Sánchez, Miguel Benítez Cano-Gamonoso, Isabel Asschert Agüero, Francisco Espíldora-Hernández, Luis Fernandez de Rota Garcia, Isabel Vega-Aguilar, Maria del Mar Amaya-Campos, Francisco J. Tinahones, Jose Manuel Garcia-Almeida and Jose Luis Velasco-Garrido

Adv. Respir. Med. 2025, 93(3), 11; https://doi.org/10.3390/arm93030011 - 29 May 2025

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Abstract

Introduction: Idiopathic pulmonaryy fibrosis (IPF) is a progressive interstitial lung disease with a poor prognosis. While comorbidities like pulmonary hypertension and lung cancer have been studied extensively, less attention has been paid to the implications of malnutrition and sarcopenia in patients with IPF. [...] Read more.

Introduction: Idiopathic pulmonaryy fibrosis (IPF) is a progressive interstitial lung disease with a poor prognosis. While comorbidities like pulmonary hypertension and lung cancer have been studied extensively, less attention has been paid to the implications of malnutrition and sarcopenia in patients with IPF. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of malnutrition, sarcopenia, and the combined malnutrition-sarcopenia syndrome in patients with IPF using the latest diagnostic criteria from the Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition (GLIM) and the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People 2 (EWGSOP2). Methods: A prospective, observational, multicenter study was conducted, focusing on patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). All participants provided informed consent, and the study followed ethical guidelines. Malnutrition was diagnosed based on the GLIM criteria, requiring one phenotypic and one etiological criterion, with muscle mass assessed via bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA). Sarcopenia was screened following the EWGSOP2 recommendations. The statistical analysis was performed using JAMOVI version 2.3.22, with significance set at p < 0.05. Results: The findings revealed that 77.65% of the participants were malnourished, and 20% had sarcopenia. The malnourished patients had significantly lower body weight, height, and muscle mass compared to the non-malnourished patients. Furthermore, the patients with malnutrition exhibited poorer health-related quality of life scores. This study also identified the malnutrition-sarcopenia syndrome in 8.23% of the participants. Conclusions: Malnutrition, based on the GLIM criteria was identified in three out of four patients with IPF, while sarcopenia according to the EWGSOP2 was present in one out of five. This study underscores the necessity for routine screening for malnutrition and sarcopenia in patients with IPF. Full article

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10 pages, 578 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Inspiratory Muscle Training Improved Cardiorespiratory Performance in Patients Undergoing Open Heart Surgery: A Randomized Controlled Trial

by Chitima Kulchanarat, Suphannee Choeirod, Supattra Thadatheerapat, Dusarkorn Piathip, Opas Satdhabudha and Kornanong Yuenyongchaiwat

Adv. Respir. Med. 2025, 93(3), 10; https://doi.org/10.3390/arm93030010 - 27 May 2025

Viewed by 282

Abstract

Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of inspiratory muscle training on inspiratory muscle strength and cardiorespiratory performance in patients undergoing open heart surgery. Method: This study was conducted as a randomized controlled trial with two groups. Fifty-eight patients who underwent open [...] Read more.

Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of inspiratory muscle training on inspiratory muscle strength and cardiorespiratory performance in patients undergoing open heart surgery. Method: This study was conducted as a randomized controlled trial with two groups. Fifty-eight patients who underwent open heart surgery were randomly assigned to either the intervention group or the control group 29 in the control group and 29 in the intervention group. Patients in the intervention group participated in a physical therapy program combined with inspiratory muscle training using the Thammasat University (TU) Breath Trainer. Patients in the control group received only the standard physical therapy program. The maximum inspiratory pressure, maximum expiratory pressure and 6 min walk test distance were assessed both before surgery and prior to hospital discharge. Results: The intervention group had a significant increase in maximum inspiratory pressure (p < 0.001), maximum expiratory pressure (p < 0.001) and 6 min walk test distance (p = 0.013). The control group had a significant decrease in maximum inspiratory pressure (p < 0.001), maximum expiratory pressure (p = 0.002) and 6 min walk test distance (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Inspiratory muscle training can be performed using maximum pressure resistors, such as the TU-Breath Trainer device. This training has been shown to effectively improve inspiratory muscle strength and cardiorespiratory performance in patients undergoing open heart surgery, as well as reduce pulmonary complications and shorten the length of hospital stay. Full article

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10 pages, 1366 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Changes in Lung Ultrasound in Systemic Sclerosis Before and After Rehabilitation: A Comparative Study Between People with and Without Interstitial Lung Disease

by Samantha Gomes de Alegria, Matheus Mello da Silva, Jéssica Gabriela Messias Oliveira, Beatriz Luiza Pinheiro Alves de Azevedo, Nathália Alves de Oliveira Saraiva, Isabelle da Nóbrega Ferreira, Joana Acar Silva, Thiago Thomaz Mafort, Cláudia Henrique da Costa and Agnaldo José Lopes

Adv. Respir. Med. 2025, 93(3), 9; https://doi.org/10.3390/arm93030009 - 20 May 2025

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Abstract

There is limited research on the impact of a physiotherapy-guided rehabilitation program (PGRP) on lung structure in systemic sclerosis (SSc). Lung ultrasound (LUS) has been used for over a decade to identify interstitial lung disease associated with SSc (SSc-ILD). This study aims to [...] Read more.

There is limited research on the impact of a physiotherapy-guided rehabilitation program (PGRP) on lung structure in systemic sclerosis (SSc). Lung ultrasound (LUS) has been used for over a decade to identify interstitial lung disease associated with SSc (SSc-ILD). This study aims to evaluate the impact of a PGRP on LUS signals in women with SSc-ILD and women without ILD (SSc-wILD). This is a longitudinal quasi-experimental study that included 33 women with SSc. The results show that changes in LUS were observed in 22 participants, especially B-lines > two. Before the PGRP the median of B-lines > two was three (0–7), while after the PGRP it was three (0–6) (p = 0.020). The aeration score was eight (0–16.5) pre-PGRP and three (0–16) post-PGRP (p = 0.013). Analyzing the impact of the PGRP on LUS signals in SSc-ILD and SSc-wILD groups, the main change observed was a reduction in B-lines > two between pre-PGRP and post-PGRP in the SSc-ILD group (p = 0.0004). The SSc-ILD group had a higher aeration score than the SSc-wILD group both pre-PGRP (p < 0.0001) and post-PGRP (p = 0.0001)]. In conclusion, LUS may be a complementary tool for assessing pre- and post-PGRP changes in people with SSc-ILD and SSc-wILD. Our data also suggest that the PGRP can elicit measurable changes in LUS findings in SSc, particularly in SSc-ILD. These findings support the inclusion of LUS in the routine monitoring of SSc and the use of a PGRP as a non-pharmacologic adjunctive strategy in SSc. Full article

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Adv. Respir. Med., Volume 93, Issue 3 (June 2025) – 10 articles

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