Objective: Surgical resection remains the gold standard treatment for bronchiectasis in patients who present with hemoptysis or suppuration, as well as in those who do not respond to clinical treatment. We sought to investigate the efficacy of sublobar resection (segmentectomy) and compare it with that of lobar resection (lobectomy) in patients with non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis. Methods: Patients undergoing lobectomy or segmentectomy between 2019 and 2023 were included in the study. We analyzed intraoperative complications and postoperative outcomes, including length of hospital stay, length of ICU stay, and disease recurrence. Results: There was no significant difference between the lobectomy and segmentectomy groups regarding the occurrence of intraoperative complications such as bleeding > 1000 ml, cardiogenic shock, and ventilatory instability (p > 0.999). However, the frequency of complications was significantly lower in the segmentectomy group than in the lobectomy group (p = 0.016). Hospital stays were longer in the lobectomy group than in the segmentectomy group (16 days vs. 5 days; p = 0.027), as were ICU stays (7 days vs. 1 day; p = 0.006). There was no significant difference between the lobectomy and segmentectomy groups regarding the recurrence rate (p = 0.541). Conclusions: Early identification of bronchiectasis patients who are candidates for surgical resection is essential because those who are identified as such early on are candidates for parenchyma-sparing resections, which are similar to lobar resections in terms of disease control and lead to shorter hospital stays and better postoperative outcomes.

Keywords: Bronchiectasis; Thoracic surgery; Disease-free survival.

Background: Lobectomy is still considered the most effective method of controlling primary lung tumors. Method: During the period from 1995 to 2000, 733 cases of non-small cell bronchial carcinoma. After clinical evaluation and surgical staging, 191 patients were submitted to surgical resection. Of those 191 surgeries, 63 were for locally advanced tumors and 128 (69 segmentectomies and 59 lobectomies) for primary tumors. Post-operative FEV1 of at least 800 ml was used as a measure of surgical success. Extended segmentectomies, in which the resection passes the intersegmental line, including the parenchyma of the adjoining segment, were used. Results: Among the 128 patients with primary tumors, there were 3 deaths and 10 patients fell out of contact. Therefore, 62 segmentectomies and 53 lobectomies were evaluated. There were 72 adenocarcinomas and 43 epidermoid carcinomas. The 5-year survival of lobectomy patients was 80% (T1N0), 72.7% (T2N0), 50% (T1N1) and 31.8% (T2N1), whereas that of segmentectomy patients was 80% (T1N0), 66.6% (T2N0), 41.1% (T1N1) and 30% (T2N1) (p > 0.05). Tumor size and enlarged interlobar lymph nodes were prognostically significant (p < 0.001), although method of resection influenced neither survival nor local or remote recurrence (p > 0.05). Conclusion: Extended segmentectomy represents an alternative treatment for primary tumors in patients with limited lung reserve.

Keywords: Lung Neoplasms, surgery. Pulmonary Surgical Procedures. Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung.

Objectives: This study primarily aimed to investigate the clinical determinants of the Modified Incremental Step Test (MIST) in adults with non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis (NCFB). A secondary objective was to compare the cardiopulmonary responses after the MIST and Incremental Shuttle Walk Test (ISWT), two commonly adopted symptom-limited maximum field tests in chronic respiratory diseases. Methods: Forty-six patients with clinically stable bronchiectasis participated in this cross-sectional study. MIST and ISWT were performed to determine exercise capacity, while disease severity, fatigue, and quality of life were assessed using the Bronchiectasis Severity Index (BSI), the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), and St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ), respectively. Quadriceps muscle strength was evaluated using a hand-held dynamometer, walking speed with a wireless inertial sensing device, and the level of physical activity (steps/day) with a pedometer. Results: The BSI score, quadriceps muscle strength, daily step count, and the SGRQ total score explained 61.9% of the variance in the MIST (p < 0.001, R2 = 0.67, AR2 = 0.619). The BSI score (r = -0.412, p = 0.004), quadriceps muscle strength (r = 0.574, p = 0.001), daily step count (r = 0.523, p < 0.001), walking speed (r = 0.402, p = 0.006), FSS score (r = -0.551, p < 0.001), and SGRQ total score (r = -0.570, p < 0.001) correlated with the MIST. The patients achieved higher heart rates (HR), HR%, desaturation, dyspnea, and leg fatigue in the MIST compared to the ISWT (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Disease severity, quadriceps muscle strength, physical activity level, and quality of life were determinants of MIST. The advantages of the MIST, including higher cardiopulmonary response than ISWT and greater portability, which facilitates its use in various settings, make MIST the preferred choice for investigating symptom-limited exercise capacity in patients with NCFB.

Keywords: bronchiectasis, exercise capacity, step test, physical activity, walking speed, quality of life.

Objective: To investigate the validity of field walking tests to identify exercise-induced hypoxemia and to compare cardiorespiratory responses and perceived effort between laboratory-based and field-based exercise tests in subjects with bronchiectasis. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study involving 72 non-oxygen-dependent participants (28 men; mean age = 48.3 ± 14.5 years; and mean FEV1 = 54.1 ± 23.4% of the predicted value). The participants underwent cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) on a treadmill and constant work-rate exercise testing (CWRET) on the same day (1 h apart). In another visit, they underwent incremental shuttle walk testing (ISWT) and endurance shuttle walk testing (ESWT; 1 h apart). Desaturation was defined as a reduction in SpO2 ≥ 4% from rest to peak exercise. Results: CPET results were compared with ISWT results, as were CWRET results with ESWT results. There was no difference in the magnitude of desaturation between CPET and ISWT (−7.7 ± 6.3% vs. −6.6 ± 5.6%; p = 0.10) and between CWRET and ESWT (−6.8 ± 5.8% vs. −7.2 ± 6.3%; p = 0.50). The incremental tests showed an agreement in the magnitude of desaturation in the desaturation and no desaturation groups (42 and 14 participants, respectively; p < 0.01), as did the endurance tests (39 and 16 participants; p < 0.01). The magnitude of desaturation was similar among the participants who did or did not reach at least 85% of the maximum predicted HR. Conclusions: Field exercise tests showed good precision to detect desaturation. Field tests might be an alternative to laboratory tests when the clinical question is to investigate exercise-induced desaturation in subjects with bronchiectasis.

Keywords: Bronchiectasis; Oxygen; Hypoxia; Exercise test.

Objective: To evaluate physical performance on the six-minute walk test (6MWT) in patients with non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis and to investigate its relationship with quality of life (QoL). To identify predictors of exercise performance, we also investigated whether six-minute walk distance (6MWD) is associated with clinical and spirometric findings. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study involving patients with non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis (age,  18 years), with at least one respiratory symptom for  2 years and an FEV1  70% of predicted. Patients underwent clinical evaluation, pulmonary function tests, the 6MWT, and QoL assessment with the Medical Outcomes Study 36-item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36). Results: We included 70 patients (48 females). Mean age was 54.5 ± 17.7 years, and mean FEV1 was 44.9 ± 14.5% of predicted. The patients were divided into two groups: 6MWD-low (6MWD below the predicted lower limit; n = 23); and 6MWD-norm (normal 6MWD; n = 47). The following variables were significantly lower in the 6MWD-low group than in the 6MWD-norm group: age; age at diagnosis of bronchiectasis; proportion of former smokers; body mass index (BMI); FEV1% of predicted; and MEP% of predicted. There were no significant differences in the SF-36 scores between the groups. In the logistic regression model, lower age and lower BMI were significantly associated with lower 6MWD. Conclusions: In this sample, there was a high proportion of patients who had a lower than expected 6MWD. Although 6MWD was not related to QoL, it was associated with age and BMI.

Keywords: Bronchiectasis; Quality of life; Respiratory function tests; Exercise tolerance.

Objective: To evaluate spirometric patterns of respiratory disorders and their relationship with functional severity and maximal expiratory flows at low lung volumes in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study including adolescents and adults with CF. All of the patients were submitted to spirometry. Patients were classified as having preserved respiratory function, obstructive lung disease (OLD), OLD with reduced FVC, presumptive restrictive lung disease (RLD) or mixed obstructive and restrictive lung disease (MORLD). Maximal expiratory flows at low lung volumes were assessed using FEF25-75%, FEF75% and FEF75%/FVC. We included 65 normal subjects, also submitted to spirometry, as a control group. Results: The study group included 65 patients: 8 (12.3%) with preserved lung function; 18 (27.7%) with OLD; 24 (36.9%) with OLD and reduced FVC; 5 (7.7%) with presumptive RLD; and 10 (15.4%) with MORLD. The FEV1 was significantly lower in the OLD with reduced FVC group and the MORLD group than in the other groups (p < 0.001). In the patients with preserved respiratory function, FEF25-75% and FEF75% were significantly reduced in 1 patient, as was FEF75%/FVC in 2 patients. Conclusions: The respiratory pattern was impaired in 88% of the patients with CF. The most common pattern was OLD with reduced FVC. The degree of functional impairment was greater in the OLD with reduced FVC group and in the MORLD group than in the other groups. Maximal expiratory flows at low lung volumes were impaired in a low percentage of patients with preserved respiratory function.

Keywords: Cystic fibrosis; Respiratory function tests; Spirometry; Maximal expiratory flow-volume curves.

Objective: To identify microorganisms in sputum samples of patients with stable non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis and to determine risk factors related to the isolation of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA) in those patients. Methods: Consecutive patients were recruited from a tertiary hospital outpatient clinic in the city of Fortaleza, Brazil. The patients were submitted to spirometry, six-minute walk test, HRCT, and sputum collection. Data on serum fibrinogen levels, disease severity, sputum color, and history of azithromycin treatment were collected. Results: The study included 112 patients, and females predominated (68%). The mean age was 51.6 ± 17.4 years. Most patients presented with mild-to-moderate disease (83%). The mean six-minute walk distance was 468.8 ± 87.9 m. Mean FEV1 and FVC, in % of predicted values, were 60.4 ± 21.8% and 69.9 ± 18.5%, respectively. The mean serum fibrinogen level was 396.1 ± 76.3 mg/dL. PA was isolated in 47 patients, other potentially pathogenic microorganisms (PPMs) were isolated in 31 patients, and non-PPMs were isolated in 34 patients. Purulent sputum was identified in 77 patients (68%). The patients with PA, when compared with those without it, presented with more severe disease, higher serum fibrinogen levels, and lower FVC%. In addition, purulent sputum and long-term azithromycin treatment were more common in those with PA. The multivariate regression analysis showed that the independent factors associated with PA were serum fibrinogen level > 400 mg/dL (OR = 3.0; 95% CI: 1.1-7.7) and purulent sputum (OR = 4.3; 95% CI: 1.6-11.3). Conclusions: In our sample, the prevalence of PA in sputum was 42%. Sputum color and inflammatory markers were able to predict the isolation of PA, emphasizing the importance of routine sputum monitoring.

Keywords: Bronchiectasis; Pseudomonas aeruginosa; Sputum/microbiology.

Objective: Massive hemoptysis is one of the most serious complications in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). This study aimed to evaluate the hemoptysis-free period following bronchial and non-bronchial artery embolization (BAE/non-BAE) in CF patients and to investigate predictors of recurrent bleeding and mortality by any cause. Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study of CF patients = 16 years of age undergoing BAE/non-BAE for hemoptysis between 2000 and 2017. Results: We analyzed 39 hemoptysis episodes treated with BAE/non-BAE in 17 CF patients. Hemoptysis recurrence rate was 56.4%. Of the sample as a whole, 3 (17.6%) were hemoptysis-free during the study period, 2 (11.8%) underwent lung transplantation, and 3 (17.6%) died. The median hemoptysis-free period was 17 months. The median hemoptysis-free period was longer in patients with chronic infection with Pseudomonas aeruginosa (31 months; 95% CI: 0.00-68.5) than in those without that type of infection (4 months; 95% CI: 1.8-6.2; p = 0.017). However, this association was considered weak, and its clinical significance was uncertain due to the small number of patients without that infection. Conclusions: BAE appears to be effective in the treatment of hemoptysis in patients with CF.

Keywords: Cystic fibrosis; Hemoptysis; Bronchial arteries; Embolization, therapeutic.

Objective: To determine whether the variation in lung function over one year is associated with worse clinical outcomes, as well as with a decline in lung function in the following years, in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). Methods: This was a retrospective study involving CF patients (4-19 years of age), evaluated over a three-year period. We evaluated demographic characteristics, chronic Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection, antibiotic use, hospitalization, six-minute walk distance (6MWD), and lung function. The inclusion criterion was having undergone pulmonary function testing at least three times in the first year and at least once in each of the next two years. Results: We evaluated 35 CF patients. The variation in FEV1 in the first year (ΔFEV1) was greater among those who, in the third year, showed reduced FEV1, had a below-average 6MWD, or were hospitalized than among those with normal FEV1, normal 6MWD, or no hospital admissions, in that same year (p < 0.05), although no such difference was found for antibiotic use in the third year. Subjects showing a ΔFEV1 ≥ 10% also showed a greater decline in FEV1 over the two subsequent years (p = 0.04). The ΔFEV1 also showed an inverse correlation with absolute FEV1 in the third year (r = −0.340, p = 0.04) and with the rate of FEV1 decline (r = −0.52, p = 0.001). Linear regression identified ΔFEV1 as a predictor of FEV1 decline (coefficient of determination, 0.27). Conclusions: Significant variation in lung function over one year seems to be associated with a higher subsequent rate of FEV1 decline and worse clinical outcomes in CF patients. Short-term ΔFEV1 might prove useful as a predictor of CF progression in clinical practice.

Keywords: Cystic fibrosis; Respiratory function tests; Disease progression; Hospitalization; Forced expiratory volume.

Objective: To profile the characteristics of adult patients with bronchiectasis, drawing comparisons between cystic fibrosis (CF) patients and those with bronchiectasis from other causes in order to determine whether it is rational to extrapolate the bronchiectasis treatment given to CF patients to those with bronchiectasis from other causes. Methods: A retrospective analysis of the medical charts of 87 patients diagnosed with bronchiectasis and under follow-up treatment at our outpatient clinic. Patients who had tuberculosis (current or previous) were excluded. We evaluated the clinical, functional, and treatment data of the patients. Results: Of the 87 patients with bronchiectasis, 38 (43.7%) had been diagnosed with CF, through determination of sweat sodium and chloride concentrations or through genetic analysis, whereas the disease was due to another etiology in 49 (56.3%), of whom 34 (39.0%) had been diagnosed with idiopathic bronchiectasis. The mean age at diagnosis was lower in the patients with CF than in those without (14.2 vs. 24.2 years; p < 0.05). The prevalence of symptoms (cough, expectoration, hemoptysis, and wheezing) was similar between the groups. Colonization by Pseudomonas aeruginosa or Staphylococcus aureus was more common in the CF patients (82.4 vs. 29.7% and 64.7 vs. 5.4%, respectively). Conclusions: The causes and clinical manifestations of bronchiectasis are heterogeneous, and it is important to identify the differences. It is crucial that these differences be recognized so that new strategies for the management of patients with bronchiectasis can be developed.

Keywords: Cystic fibrosis; Bronchiectasis/diagnosis; Bronchiectasis/therapy; Respiratory function tests.

INTRODUCTION: Cystic Fibrosis is usually diagnosed in childhood. In Brazil, few studies have approached CF diagnosed in adulthood. OBJECTIVE:The aim of this study was to describe demographic and clinical characteristics and spirometric data of patients with CF diagnosed in adulthood (over 16 years of age) in Bahia, Brazil. METHODS: Twenty-eight patients with cystic fibrosis diagnosed in adulthood were evaluated at the Reference Center of Cystic Fibrosis of the state of Bahia. Variables of interest were age, gender, race, body mass index (BMI), sputum culture, presence of sinusitis and bronchiectasis, spirometric tests with the best values performed for forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC) and response to bronchodilators. RESULTS: Mean age of diagnosis was 31.1 ± 12.4 years. Of the patients, 53.4% were black and mulatto and the mean BMI was 18.7 ± 3.0 kg/m2. P aeruginosa was present in 12 (43%) of the total patients. The mean percentages ± SD of FVC and FEV1 were 58.9 ± 21.6% and 44.1 ± 23%, respectively. In the group of patients with presence of P. aeruginosa in sputum cultures, mean of the spirometry parameters were lower than those of the P. aeruginosa-free group. However, this difference achieved a statistically significant difference (p = 0.0007) only in FVC . CONCLUSIONS: In agreement with many authors, this study strengthen the point of view that CF must be investigated in patients with recurrent infections, sinusitis and bronchiectasis even in adulthood. Values of the percentages of FVC and FEV1 in relation to those foreseen were lower in patients bearers of P. aeruginosa thereby showing a higher deterioration of the pulmonary function.

Keywords: Cystic fibrosis/diagnosis. Adult. Spirometry/methods.

Once considered a childhood disease, cystic fibrosis is now also a disease of adults. Increased longevity has resulted in the aging of the cystic fibrosis population. The consequent age-related medical problems among adults with cystic fibrosis have increased medical care needs. These needs are being met by a growing number of non-pediatric pulmonologists and other non-pediatric specialists. The objective of this review was to summarize the current knowledge about diagnosis and treatment in adult cystic fibrosis. In most cases, the diagnosis is suggested by manifestations of chronic sinopulmonary disease and exocrine pancreatic insufficiency. The diagnosis is confirmed by a positive sweat test result. Adult patients may, however, present pancreatic sufficiency and atypical clinical features, sometimes in combination with normal or borderline sweat test results. In such cases, identifying cystic fibrosis mutations and measuring nasal potential difference can have diagnostic utility. The standard therapeutic approach to pulmonary disease includes the use of antibiotics, airway clearance, exercise, mucolytics, bronchodilators, oxygen therapy, anti-inflammatory agents and nutritional support. Appropriate application of these therapies results in most cystic fibrosis patients surviving into adulthood with an acceptable quality of life.

Keywords: Cystic fibrosis; Diagnosis; Therapeutics; Mucoviscidosis.

Objective: To analyze and compare the transport properties of respiratory secretions, classified by selected parameters, in individuals with bronchiectasis unrelated to cystic fibrosis. Methods: We collected mucus samples from 35 individuals with bronchiectasis unrelated to cystic fibrosis. The samples were first classified by their surface properties (adhesive or nonadhesive), as well as by their aspect (mucoid or purulent). We then tested the samples regarding relative transport velocity (RTV), displacement in a simulated cough machine (SCM), and contact angle (CA). For the proposed comparisons, we used ANOVA models, with a level of significance set at 5%. Results: In comparison with nonadhesive samples, adhesive samples showed significantly less displacement in the SCM, as well as a significantly higher CA (6.52 ± 1.88 cm vs. 8.93 ± 2.81 cm and 27.08 ± 6.13° vs. 22.53 ± 5.92°, respectively; p < 0.05 for both). The same was true in the comparison between purulent and mucoid samples (7.57 ± 0.22 cm vs. 9.04 ± 2.48 cm and 25.61 ± 6.12° vs. 21.71 ± 5.89°; p < 0.05 for both). There were no significant differences in RTV among the groups of samples, although the values were low regardless of the surface properties (adhesive: 0.81 ± 0.20; nonadhesive: 0.68 ± 0.24) or the aspect (purulent: 0.74 ± 0.22; mucoid: 0.82 ± 0.22). Conclusions: The respiratory secretions of patients with bronchiectasis showed decreased mucociliary transport. Increased adhesiveness and purulence cause the worsening of transport properties, as demonstrated by the lesser displacement in the SCM and the higher CA.

Keywords: Bronchiectasis; Mucus; Mucociliary clearance; Adhesiveness.

Objective: To characterize a population of patients with bronchiectasis, correlating clinical, radiological, and functional aspects with the severity of dyspnea. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study involving adult patients with HRCT-confirmed bronchiectasis, categorized according to the severity of dyspnea (as being mildly or severely symptomatic, on the basis of the modified Medical Research Council scale). We correlated the severity of dyspnea with clinical parameters, functional parameters (spirometry values, lung volumes, and DLCO), and CT parameters. Results: We evaluated 114 patients, 47 (41%) of whom were men. The median age (interquartile range) was 42 years (30-55 years). The most common form was idiopathic bronchiectasis. Of the 114 patients, 20 (17.5%) were colonized with Pseudomonas aeruginosa and 59 (51.8%) were under continuous treatment with macrolides. When we applied the Exacerbation in the previous year, FEV1, Age, Colonization, Extension, and Dyspnea score, the severity of dyspnea was categorized as moderate in 54 patients (47.4%), whereas it was categorized as mild in 50 (43.9%) when we applied the Bronchiectasis Severity Index. The most common lung function pattern was one of obstruction, seen in 95 patients (83.3%), and air trapping was seen in 77 patients (68.7%). The prevalence of an obstructive pattern on spirometry was higher among the patients with dyspnea that was more severe, and most functional parameters showed reasonable accuracy in discriminating between levels of dyspnea severity. Conclusions: Patients with bronchiectasis and dyspnea that was more severe had greater functional impairment. The measurement of lung volumes complemented the spirometry data. Because bronchiectasis is a complex, heterogeneous condition, a single variable does not seem to be sufficient to provide an overall characterization of the clinical condition.

Keywords: Bronchiectasis; Dyspnea; Respiratory function tests; Multidetector computed tomography; Plethysmography.

A total of 287 bronchoscopies were performed in 267 patients infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) and transbronchial biopsies (TBB) were sequentially performed in the same lung, in all cases. Specimens were examined after routine laboratory procedures for microbiologic and histologic analysis. Age ranged from 16 to 78 (median 37.2); 228 were men (85.4%) and 39 were women. Dyspnea was the main symptom in 198 cases (69.0%) and interstitial infiltrates (diffuse or localized) were the most common findings at chest radiographs (179 patients, 62.4%). Endoscopic view was normal in 246 patients (85.7%). Mucosal lesions suggestive of Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) were visible in 12 cases (4.2%). BAL detected 97 infectious agents, simultaneous co-infection occurred in 3 cases. TBB identified 165 pathogens (9 of them in association), anticipating a better yield than BAL in the diagnosis of P. carinii (84 versus 51, respectively) and cytomegalovirus (35 v. 0). Biopsies were unique in establishing the appropriate diagnosis of extrabronchial cancer and describing inespecific pneumonitis. Altogether, a definite diagnosis was obtained by bronchoscopic examination (including endoscopic view, BAL and TBB) in 271 of 287 cases (94.4%). Infections were caused by P. carinii in 105 patients (36.6%), Mycobacterium sp in 40 (13.9%), cytomegalovirus in 35 (12.2%), C. neoformans in 13 (4.5%) etc. Malignancies (including KS) were found in 16 patients (5.6%). More than one pathologic process was present in 28 (9.8%). Nonspecific pneumonitis was diagnosed in 56 cases (19.5%) and normal lung in 20 (7.0%). Complications related to bronchoscopy were pneumothorax (8 patients, 2.8%), haemorrhage (8), thoracic pain (2) and distal pneumonia (2). Chest tubes were required in 4 patients, including one fatal case (mortality rate of 0.3%). Combining BAL and TBB results increases the diagnostic yield of bronchoscopy in AIDS, with a low complication rate. If both techniques are performed, a higher number of infectious agents and more multiple causes of pulmonary disease may be identified.

Keywords: Bronchoscopy/methods. Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome/complications. Opportunistic infections related to AIDS/diagnosis.

Objective: To compare a once-daily long-acting β2 agonist (indacaterol 150 µg) with a once-daily long-acting anticholinergic (tiotropium 5 µg) in terms of their effects on exercise endurance (limit of tolerance, Tlim) in patients with moderate COPD. Secondary endpoints were their effects on lung hyperinflation, exercise-related dyspnea, and daily-life dyspnea. Methods: This was a randomized, single-blind, crossover pilot study involving 20 patients (mean age, 60.9 ± 10.0 years; mean FEV1, 69 ± 7% of predicted). Spirometric parameters, Transition Dyspnea Index scores, Tlim, and exertional dyspnea were compared after three weeks of each treatment (with a one-week washout period between treatments). Results: Nineteen patients completed the study (one having been excluded because of COPD exacerbation). Improvement in Tlim from baseline tended to be greater after treatment with tiotropium than after treatment with indacaterol (96 ± 163 s vs. 8 ± 82 s; p = 0.06). Tlim significantly improved from baseline after treatment with tiotropium (having increased from 396 ± 319 s to 493 ± 347 s; p = 0.010) but not after treatment with indacaterol (having increased from 393 ± 246 to 401 ± 254 s; p = 0.678). There were no differences between the two treatments regarding improvements in Borg dyspnea scores and lung hyperinflation at "isotime" and peak exercise. There were also no significant differences between treatments regarding Transition Dyspnea Index scores (1.5 ± 2.1 vs. 0.9 ± 2.3; p = 0.39). Conclusions: In patients with moderate COPD, tiotropium tends to improve Tlim in comparison with indacaterol. No significant differences were observed between the two treatments regarding their effects on lung hyperinflation, exercise-related dyspnea, and daily-life dyspnea. Future studies, including a larger number of patients, are required in order to confirm our findings and explore mechanistic explanations. (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01693003 [http://www.clinicaltrials.gov/])

Keywords: Pulmonary disease, chronic obstructive; Exercise; Bronchodilator agents.