Summary Computed tomography (CT) is gaining increased recognition in the assessment of body composition in lung transplant (LTx) candidates as a prognostic marker of post‐transplant outcomes. This systematic review was conducted to describe the methodology of CT measures of body composition used in LTx patients and its association with post‐transplant outcomes. Six databases were searched (inception‐April 2020) for studies of adult LTx patients with thoracic or abdominal CT measures [muscle cross‐sectional area (CSA) and/or adiposity]. Thirteen articles were included with 1911 LTx candidates, 58% males, mean age range (48–61 years) and body mass index of 21.0–26.1 kg/m2. Several methods were utilized using thoracic or abdominal CT scans to assess skeletal muscle (n = 11) and adiposity (n = 4) at various anatomic locations (carina, thoracic, and lumbar vertebrae), differing muscle groups, and adipose tissue compartments. Low muscle mass was associated with adverse outcomes in 6/11 studies, including longer mechanical ventilation days (n = 2), intensive care (n = 2) and hospital stay (n = 2), and mortality (n = 4). Greater subcutaneous and mediastinal fat were associated with increased risk of primary graft dysfunction (n = 2), but implications of adiposity on survival were variable across four studies. Further standardization of CT body composition assessments is needed to assess the prognostic utility of these measures on LTx outcomes.

Introduction In addition to shifting and expanding clinical responsibilities, rapidly evolving information and guidelines during the COVID-19 pandemic has made it difficult for health care workers (HCW) to synthesise and translate COVID-19 information into practice. This study evaluated whether a COVID-19-specific telemedicine education program (ECHO COVID) would impact health care workers’ self-efficacy and satisfaction in the management of patients with COVID-19. Methods A prospective mixed methods parallel-design study was conducted among ECHO COVID participants using pre-post questionnaires and a focus group discussion. Questionnaire results were examined for changes in health care workers’ self-efficacy and satisfaction. Focus group discussion data were analysed to explore health care workers’ experience in ECHO COVID and the context of their practice during the COVID-19 pandemic. Results 239 health care workers registered in ECHO COVID and 114 (47.7%) completed questionnaires and attended at least one ECHO COVID session. Median self-efficacy scores increased from 5 (IQR 4–6) to 6 (IQR 6–6) ( p < 0.0001), independent of profession, years in practice, age group, or practice environment. Participants were highly satisfied with ECHO COVID sessions with a median score of 4 (IQR 4–5). Focus group discussion data indicated that health care workers gained knowledge through ECHO COVID and revealed facilitators for ECHO COVID program success, including the transition to virtual care, the practicability of knowledge provided, and a ‘perspective from the trenches.’ Discussion This study demonstrated that a telemedicine education program aimed to support health care workers in managing patients with COVID-19 had a positive impact on health care workers’ self-efficacy and satisfaction. This impact was specifically mediated by the ECHO COVID program.

Background Computed tomography (CT) is commonly utilized in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) for lung cancer screening and emphysema characterization. Computed tomography-morphometric analysis of body composition (muscle mass and adiposity) has gained increased recognition as a marker of disease severity and prognosis. This systematic review aimed to describe the CT-methodology used to assess body composition and identify the association of body composition measures and disease severity, health-related quality of life (HRQL), cardiometabolic risk factors, respiratory exacerbations, and survival in patients with COPD. Methods Six databases were searched (inception-September 2021) for studies evaluating adult COPD patients using thoracic or abdominal CT-muscle or adiposity body composition measures. The systematic review was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines. Results Twenty eight articles were included with 15,431 COPD patients, across all GOLD stages with 77% males, age range (mean/median 59–78 years), and BMI range 19.8–29.3 kg/m2. There was heterogeneity in assessment of muscle mass and adiposity using thoracic ( n = 22) and abdominal ( n = 8) CT-scans, capturing different muscle groups, anatomic locations, and adiposity compartments (visceral, subcutaneous, and epicardial). Low muscle mass and increased adiposity were associated with increased COPD severity measures (lung function, exercise capacity, dyspnea) and lower HRQL, but were not consistent across studies. Increased visceral adiposity ( n = 6) was associated with cardiovascular disease or risk factors (hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and diabetes). Low muscle CSA was prognostic of respiratory exacerbations or mortality in three of six studies, whereas the relationship with increased intermuscular adiposity and greater mortality was only observed in one of three studies. Conclusion There was significant variability in CT-body composition measures. In several studies, low muscle mass was associated with increased disease severity and lower HRQL, whereas adiposity with cardiovascular disease/risk factors. Given the heterogeneity in body composition measures and clinical outcomes, the prognostic utility of CT-body composition in COPD requires further study.

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Introduction: Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) makes up the majority of lung cancer cases. Currently surgical resection of the affected lung parenchyma is the gold standard of treatment. However, as patients are becoming medically more complex and presenting with more advanced disease, minimally invasive image guided percutaneous ablations are gaining popularity. Therefore, comparison of surgical, ablative, and second-line external beam therapies will help clinicians, as management of NSCLC changes. We will conduct a meta-analysis, reviewing literature investigating these therapies in adult patients diagnosed with Stage I NSCLC (tumor ranging from 0-5 cm, with no hilar nor mediastinal nodal involvement, confirmed either through cytology or histology regardless of type). Methods and Analysis: We will search electronic databases from their inception to January 2021 to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs), cluster-RCTs, and cohort studies comparing the survival and clinical outcomes between any two interventions (lobectomy, wedge resection, radiofrequency ablation (RFA), microwave ablation (MWA), cryoablation and consolidated radiation therapies (EBRT, SBRT and 3D-CRT). The primary outcomes will include: cancer-specific survival (CSS), lung disease free survival, locoregional recurrence, death, toxicity, and non-target organ injury. In addition to the electronic databases, we will search for published and unpublished studies in trial registries and will review the references of included studies for possible inclusion in this review. Risk of bias will be assess using tools developed by the Cochrane collaboration. Two reviewers will independently assess the eligibility of studies and conduct the corresponding risk-of-bias assessments. For each outcome, given a sufficient number of studies, we will conduct a network meta-analysis. Finally, we will use the Confidence in Network meta-analysis (CINeMA) tool to assess the quality of the evidence for each of the primary outcomes. Ethics and Dissemination: We aim to share our findings through high-impact peer review. As interventional techniques become more popular, it will be important for all providers in multi-disciplinary teams focused on care of these patients to receive continuing medical education on related to these interventions. Data synthesized in this study will be made available to readers.

Background Posttransplant metabolic syndrome (PTMS) is a common contributor to morbidity and mortality among solid organ transplant recipients in the late posttransplant period (≥1 year). Patients diagnosed with PTMS are at a higher risk of cardiovascular disease and frequently experience decreased physical function and health-related quality of life (HRQL). Studies in the early posttransplant period (<1 year) have shown the benefits of facility-based exercise training on physical function and HRQL, but have not evaluated the effects on metabolic risk factors. It remains unclear whether home-based exercise programs are feasible and can be delivered at a sufficient exercise dose to have effects on PTMS. This protocol outlines the methodology of a randomized controlled trial of a partly supervised home-based exercise program in lung transplant (LTx) and orthotopic liver transplant (OLT) recipients. Objective This study aims to evaluate the feasibility (ie, recruitment rate, program adherence, attrition, safety, and participant satisfaction) of a 12-week individualized, home-based aerobic and resistance training program in LTx and OLT recipients initiated 12 to 18 months after transplantation, and to assess estimates of intervention efficacy on metabolic risk factors, exercise self-efficacy, and HRQL. Methods In total, 20 LTx and 20 OLT recipients with ≥2 cardiometabolic risk factors at 12 to 18 months after transplantation will be randomized to an intervention (home-based exercise training) or control group. The intervention group will receive an individualized exercise prescription comprising aerobic and resistance training, 3 to 5 times a week for 12 weeks. Participants will meet on a weekly basis (via videoconference) with a qualified exercise professional who will supervise exercise progression, provide support, and support exercise self-efficacy. Participants in both study groups will receive a counseling session on healthy eating with a dietitian at the beginning of the intervention. For the primary aim, feasibility will be assessed through recruitment rate, program adherence, satisfaction, attrition, and safety parameters. Secondary outcomes will be measured at baseline and 12 weeks, including assessments of metabolic risk factors (ie, insulin resistance, abdominal obesity, blood pressure, and cholesterol), HRQL, and exercise self-efficacy. Descriptive statistics will be used to summarize program feasibility and effect estimates (means and 95% CIs) for sample size calculations in future trials. Results Enrollment started in July 2021. It is estimated that the study period will be 18 months, with data collection to be completed by December 2022. Conclusions A partly supervised home-based, individually tailored exercise program that promotes aerobic and resistance training and exercise self-efficacy may be an important intervention for improving the metabolic profile of LTx and OLT recipients with cardiometabolic risk factors. Thus, characterizing the feasibility and effect estimates of home-based exercise constitutes the first step in developing future clinical trials designed to reduce the high morbidity associated with PTMS. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04965142; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04965142 International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID) DERR1-10.2196/35700

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