Background Thiamin, a water-soluble B-complex vitamin, functions as a coenzyme in macronutrient oxidation and in the production of cellular ATP. Data suggest that thiamin depletion occurs in heart failure (HF). Therefore, thiamin supplementation in HF patients may improve cardiac function. Objective We sought to determine whether oral thiamin supplementation improves left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), exercise tolerance, and quality of life among patients with HF and reduced LVEF. Methods In this prospective, multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled randomized trial, eligible ambulatory patients with HF and reduced LVEF were recruited from 4 academic and community hospitals between 2010 and 2015. Participants were randomly assigned to receive either 200 mg oral thiamin mononitrate per day or placebo for 6 mo. Results Sixty-nine patients (mean ± SD age: 64 ± 12 y; 83% men; LVEF: 37% ± 11%) were randomly assigned: 34 received placebo and 35 received thiamin supplementation. Erythrocyte thiamin pyrophosphate and urine thiamin concentrations were significantly higher in the supplemented group than in the placebo group at 6 mo (P = 0.02 and <0.001, respectively). At 6 mo, LVEF was significantly higher in the placebo group than in the thiamin group (38%; 95% CI: 36%, 39% compared with 35%; 95% CI: 33%, 37%, P = 0.047) after adjusting for baseline measurements. There were no significant differences in Minnesota Living with Heart Failure score, distance walked in 6 min, and N-terminal prohormone of brain natriuretic peptide concentrations between the 2 groups. One patient (2.9%) in the thiamin-supplemented group and none in the control group died at 6 mo. Conclusions In ambulatory patients with HF and reduced LVEF, thiamin supplementation for 6 mo did not improve LVEF, quality of life, or exercise capacity, despite increases in thiamin concentrations. These findings do not support routine thiamin supplementation in the treatment of HF and reduced LVEF. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT00959075.

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Mobile health applications (mHealth apps) may be able to support people living with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) to develop the appropriate skills and routines for adequate self-management. Given the wide variety of publicly available mHealth apps, it is important to be aware of their characteristics to optimize their use and mitigate potential harms. Objective To report the characteristics and features of publicly available apps for COPD self-management. Methods MHealth apps designed for patients’ COPD self-management were searched in the Google Play and Apple app stores. Two reviewers trialed and assessed the eligible apps using the MHealth Index and Navigation Database framework to describe the characteristics, qualities, and features of mHealth apps across five domains. Results From the Google Play and Apple stores, thirteen apps were identified and eligible for further evaluation. All thirteen apps were available for Android devices, but only seven were available for Apple devices. Most apps were developed by for-profit organizations (8/13), non-profit organizations (2/13), and unknown developers (3/13). Many apps had privacy policies (9/13), but only three apps described their security systems and two mentioned compliance with local health information and data usage laws. Education was the common app feature; additional features were medication reminders, symptom tracking, journaling, and action planning. None provided clinical evidence to support their use. Conclusions Publicly available COPD apps vary in their designs, features, and overall quality. These apps lack evidence to support their clinical use and cannot be recommended at this time.

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Purpose: To explore the feasibility of a non-pharmacological cough control therapy (CCT) customized for a client with interstitial lung disease (ILD). Client Description: An 83-year-old female with hypersensitivity pneumonitis, and chronic cough for 18 years treated previously with pharmacological treatment for the underlying lung disease and gastroesophageal reflux disease, as well as lozenges and breathing and relaxation strategies. Intervention: Four cough education and self-management sessions (45–60 minutes each) facilitated by a physiotherapist and speech-language pathologist via videoconference were conducted. Session topics included mechanisms of cough in ILD, breathing and larynx role in cough control, trigger identification, cough suppression and control strategies, and psychosocial support towards behaviour change using motivational interviewing. Measures and Outcome: The following assessments were conducted prior to and one week after the intervention: semi-structured interviews, Leicester Cough Questionnaire, King’s Brief Interstitial Lung Disease questionnaire, Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy Fatigue Scale, modified Borg Scale for severity and intensity of cough, and the Global Rating of Change Questionnaire. Implications: Implementing the CCT was feasible. The client reported increased perceived cough control, a reduction in exhaustion from coughing bouts, and a better understanding of the mechanisms behind cough management and suppression. Improvements were also observed in cough-related quality of life, severity, and intensity.

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Rehabilitation after exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is beneficial, but its feasibility is questionable. Feasibility is potentiated by stakeholder involvement throughout program development. We explored the perspectives of different stakeholders towards a rapid access rehabilitation (RAR) program after acute exacerbations.Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 3 patients (62-89y; GOLD D), 10 health professionals (HP, 31-71y) and 3 policymakers (38-55y). Thematic analysis was performed.Themes and subthemes are in Fig. 1. Pre-RAR considerations were clear eligibility criteria (e.g., ability to safely ambulate) and management priorities (e.g., pharmacological optimization). It was suggested that RAR should begin immediately after discharge and its frequency/duration depended on the RAR setting. Tailored exercise and education were prioritized. Outcomes included exacerbations, exercise, functionality, knowledge and mental wellbeing. Referral and uptake optimization of the RAR included standardization of the referral process and increasing awareness about RAR programs. Partnership among HP and care settings was deemed essential for the RAR sustainability and the need for a coordinator to manage the communication process was highlighted. COVID adaptations through remote access were mentioned.

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