Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death around the world, being the top cause of cancer-related deaths among men and the second most common cause of cancer-related deaths among women in Singapore. Currently, no screening programme for lung cancer exists in Singapore. Since there is mounting evidence indicating a different epidemiology of lung cancer in Asian countries, including Singapore, compared to the rest of the world, a unique and adaptive approach must be taken for a screening programme to be successful at reducing mortality while maintaining cost-effectiveness and a favourable risk-benefit ratio. This review article promotes the use of low-dose computed tomography of the chest and explores the radiological challenges and future directions.

INTRODUCTIONIn light of the growing evidence base for better clinical results with the use of the dual bronchodilator indacaterol/glycopyrronium (IND/GLY) over inhaled corticosteroid-containing salmeterol/fluticasone combination (SFC), this study aimed to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of IND/GLY over SFC in patients with moderate-to-severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) who are at low risk of exacerbations, in the Singapore healthcare setting.

METHODSA previously published patient-level simulation model was adapted for use in Singapore by applying local unit costs. The model was populated with clinical data from the LANTERN and ECLIPSE studies. Both costs and health outcomes were predicted for the lifetime horizon from a payer's perspective and were discounted at 3% per annum. Costs were expressed in 2015 USD exchange rates. Uncertainty was assessed through probabilistic sensitivity analysis.

RESULTSCompared to SFC, use of IND/GLY increased mean life expectancy by 0.316 years and mean quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) by 0.246 years, and decreased mean total treatment costs (drug costs and management of associated events) by USD 1,474 over the entire lifetime horizon. IND/GLY was considered to be 100% cost-effective at a threshold of 1 × gross domestic product per capita. The cost-effectiveness acceptability curve showed that IND/GLY was 100% cost-effective at a willingness-to-pay threshold of USD 0 (additional cost) when compared to SFC.

CONCLUSIONIND/GLY was estimated to be highly cost-effective compared to SFC in patients with moderate-to-severe COPD who are not at high risk of exacerbations in the Singapore healthcare setting.

INTRODUCTIONUnderstanding the burden of uncontrolled severe asthma is essential for disease-targeted healthcare planning. There is a scarcity of data regarding the proportion, healthcare utilisation and costs of patients with uncontrolled severe asthma in Asia. This study aimed to plug the knowledge gap in this area.

MATERIALS AND METHODSConsecutive patients with asthma managed in our respiratory specialist clinic were evaluated prospectively. Healthcare utilisation comprising unscheduled asthma-related primary care visits, emergency department (ED) visits and hospital admissions were obtained from the national health records system. We defined uncontrolled severe asthma as poor symptom control (Asthma Control Test score <20); 2 or more asthma exacerbations requiring ≥3 days of systemic corticosteroids in the previous year; 1 or more serious asthma exacerbation requiring hospitalisation in the previous year; or airflow limitation with pre-bronchodilator forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV) <80% predicted despite high dose inhaled corticosteroids and another controller medication.

RESULTSOf the 423 study participants, 49 (11.6%) had uncontrolled severe asthma. Compared to non-severe asthma, patients with uncontrolled severe asthma were older and more likely to be female and obese. They had a median of 2 (interquartile range: 0 to 3) exacerbations a year, with 51% having ≥2 exacerbations in the past 12 months. They were responsible for 43.9% of the hospital admissions experienced by the whole study cohort. Mean annual direct asthma costs per patient was S$2952 ± S$4225 in uncontrolled severe asthma vs S$841 ± S$815 in non-severe asthma.

CONCLUSIONApproximately 12% of patients with asthma managed in a hospital-based respiratory specialist clinic in Singapore have uncontrolled severe asthma. They account for a disproportionate amount of healthcare utilisation and costs. Healthcare strategies targeting these patients are urgently needed.

INTRODUCTIONThis study aimed to assess the effectiveness of medical thoracoscopy (MT) and thoracoscopic talc poudrage (TTP) in patients with exudative pleural effusion.

METHODSWe evaluated the diagnostic yields, complications and outcomes of MT and TTP in 41 consecutive patients with symptomatic pleural effusions who were planned to undergo both procedures from 1 December 2011 to 30 November 2012. Data was reviewed retrospectively and prospectively up to March 2013.

RESULTSAmong the 41 patients, 36 underwent MT with the intent of biopsy and talc pleurodesis, 2 underwent MT for pleurodesis only and 3 had failed MT. Aetiologies of pleural effusion included lung cancer (n = 14), tuberculosis (n = 9), breast cancer (n = 7), ovarian cancer (n = 2), malignant mesothelioma (n = 1), congestive cardiac failure (n = 1), peritoneal dialysis (n = 1) and hepatic hydrothorax (n = 1); pleural effusion was undiagnosed in five patients. The overall diagnostic yield of MT, and the yield in tubercular and malignant pleural effusions were 77.8%, 100.0% and 82.6%, respectively; it was inconclusive in 22.2%. Complications that occurred were self-limiting, with no procedure-related mortality. The 30-day mortality rate was 17.1%. A total of 15 patients underwent TTP. The 30-, 60- and 90-day success rates were 77.8%, 80.0% and 80.0%, respectively, with one patient having complications (i.e. empyema). The 30-day mortality was 40.0%.

CONCLUSIONMT is a safe procedure with high diagnostic yields in undiagnosed pleural effusions. TTP is an effective method to stop recurrence of pleural effusions.

Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Biopsy ; Exudates and Transudates ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Neoplasms ; complications ; diagnosis ; Pleural Effusion ; diagnosis ; therapy ; Pleural Effusion, Malignant ; diagnosis ; Pleurodesis ; methods ; Prospective Studies ; Recurrence ; Retrospective Studies ; Talc ; administration & dosage ; Thoracoscopy ; methods ; mortality ; Treatment Outcome ; Tuberculosis ; complications ; diagnosis

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a condition commonly encountered by primary care practitioners. The disease should be detected in its early stages to prevent disease progression and to reduce the burden of symptoms. Early treatment also results in improved mortality and reduced morbidity. COPD should be differentiated from other similar conditions such as asthma, as the basis of treatment differs in these conditions, and misdiagnosis can lead to poorer patient outcomes. Non-pharmacological treatment such as smoking cessation and vaccinations are important in the management of COPD, while pharmacotherapy such as bronchodilators and antimuscarinics are the mainstay of therapy in COPD. Referral to a specialist is recommended when there is progression of the disease or uncertainty regarding the diagnosis.
Diagnosis, Differential ; Disease Progression ; Humans ; Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive ; diagnosis ; Referral and Consultation

INTRODUCTIONOverlap syndrome between obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is important but under-recognised. We aimed to determine the prevalence of overlap syndrome and the predictors of OSA in patients with COPD.

METHODSPatients aged ≥ 40 years were recruited from a dedicated COPD clinic and underwent overnight polysomnography. A diagnosis of OSA was made when apnoea-hypopnoea index (AHI) was ≥ 5.

RESULTSIn all, 22 patients (aged 71 ± 9 years), predominantly men, were recruited. Mean values recorded were: predicted forced expiratory volume in the first second percentage 55 ± 15; body mass index 23.7 ± 6.5 kg/m2; Epworth Sleepiness Scale score 5.6 ± 5.8; and AHI 15.8 ± 18.6. Among the 14 patients with OSA (prevalence of overlap syndrome at 63.6%), the mean number of hospital visits for COPD exacerbations in the preceding one year was 0.5 ± 0.7. Patients with overlap syndrome had worse modified Medical Research Council dyspnoea scale scores and a lower percentage of rapid eye movement (REM) sleep than patients without. There were no other statistical differences in lung function or sleep study indices between the two patient groups.

CONCLUSIONThe majority of our patients had overlap syndrome and minimal exacerbations, and were not obese or sleepy. Significant differences between patients with and without overlap syndrome were seen in two aspects - the former was more dyspnoeic and had less REM sleep. Our findings suggest that standard clinical predictors cannot be used for patients with overlap syndrome, and therefore, a high index of suspicion is needed.

Adult ; Aged ; Body Mass Index ; Cohort Studies ; Comorbidity ; Female ; Forced Expiratory Volume ; Hospitals, Teaching ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Polysomnography ; Prevalence ; Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive ; complications ; diagnosis ; Respiratory Function Tests ; Singapore ; Sleep Apnea, Obstructive ; complications ; diagnosis ; Sleep, REM

Knowledge of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) as a common, preventable and treatable condition has advanced in the last two decades, as evidenced by the increase in scientific literature. Tobacco smoking still remains a predominant risk factor for COPD. Thus smoking cessation management should be obligatory in every case. Although spirometry is integral to the diagnosis of COPD, one should also be aware of its limitations. COPD is a chronic disease associated with comorbidities that define its extrapulmonary manifestations. Systemic inflammation provides the biological link, while exacerbations play a prominent role in the current approach to disease evaluation. This paper reviews the latest Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease revision, focusing on the paradigm shift in assessment that would directly influence therapeutic decisions. Also discussed are the newer drugs and combinations of existing inhaler therapies that now present clinicians with more options, as well as bronchoscopic interventions that may perhaps offer a lower-morbidity alternative than surgical lung volume reduction. Finally, this review highlights how integrated care models can bridge the gap between components and complete a comprehensive sphere of COPD care.
Comorbidity ; Humans ; Inflammation ; Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive ; diagnosis ; physiopathology ; therapy ; Pulmonary Medicine ; methods ; standards ; trends ; Risk Factors ; Smoking ; adverse effects ; Spirometry ; Treatment Outcome

Cognition ; Diagnostic Errors ; psychology ; Humans ; Physicians ; psychology ; Thinking