Respiratory Microbiota, Infection Characteristics and Imaging Manifestations in Patients With Chronic Airway Inflammation

Multiplex RT-qPCR analysis was performed to analyze the microbial species and abundance of respiratory tract microorganisms in sputum samples, nasopharyngeal swabs or exhaled air condensate of patients with chronic airway inflammation

In the research group of ICS treatment sensitivity and resistance in Chronic Airway Inflammation, Asthma symptom control will be assessed using the Asthma Control Test (ACT), a validated questionnaire with scores ranging from 5 to 25. Higher scores indicate better asthma control.

In the research group of ICS treatment sensitivity and resistance in Chronic Airway Inflammation, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Assessment Test（CAT) is a tool used to assess the severity of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and the quality of life of patients. The scoring range is 0 - 10 points. Grade division: 0 - 2 points: Mild. 3 - 5 points: Moderate. 6 - 10 points: Severe.

Detection of airway inflammatory factors by ELISA, such as IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-8, IL-13, IL-33, TNF-α, IL-1β, etc.The concentration of Airway Inflammation Markers is measured in pg/mL.

Pulmonary function FEV1 index was evaluated in liters (L). It refers to the volume of air exhaled in the first second by the subject exhaling at the fastest rate after the maximum inspiration.

PEF is measured in liters per minute (L/min). It refers to the maximum flow rate that can be achieved when exhaling at the fastest speed after the maximum inspiration. This indicator can reflect how open the airway is.

MMEF75/25 is measured in liters per minute (L/min). This is the average expiratory flow rate over the course of 75% to 25% of the forced expiratory volume. It is primarily used to assess the function of the small airways.

FVC is measured in liters (L). It is the maximum volume of air that can be exhaled by exhaling forcefully as fast as possible after the maximum inhalation. This indicator reflects the ventilatory function of the lungs. FVC is generally around 3.5 - 5 L in normal adult males and slightly lower in females. FVC can be used to assess the elasticity of the lungs, the patency of the airways, etc.

The unit of FEV1/FVC is %. It is mainly used to determine if there is an airflow obstruction. Normally, FEV1/FVC should be greater than 70%.

Including CRP, WBC, Neu, Mono, Eos, RBC, Hb, and PLT.

The serum viral antibody titer is measured by ELISA, which is a commonly used method for detecting and quantifying antibodies in patient samples. Then, these results will be used to analyze the relationship between viral infection and disease status, severity, or treatment response.

Anxiety symptoms will be assessed using the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAMA), a validated scale with scores ranging from 0 to 56, where higher scores indicate greater anxiety severity.

Depressive symptoms will be observed using the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD), which scores from 0 to 52, with higher scores indicating more severe depression.

The safety will be assessed by monitoring and recording the incidence of treatment-emergent serious adverse events (SAEs) using the Serious Adverse Event Report Form (SAE Report). The research team will document, analyze, and provide appropriate medical responses to any incidents.

Record the number of emergency visits and hospitalizations to evaluate the clinical effectiveness of treatment.

The unit of Number of Acute Exacerbations is number of events. Total count of acute exacerbations experienced by participants.

Acute exacerbation events of the disease will be assessed using Asthma, COPD, Bronchiectasis exacerbation records, recording the timing, frequency, and severity of each exacerbation. and grade the severity as mild, moderate, or severe.

The number of emergency department visits due to acute exacerbations of Asthma, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), and Bronchiectasis will be tracked using patients' self-reports and verified through medical records. This measure helps to evaluate the severity of the diseases.

The number of people hospitalized due to acute exacerbations of Asthma, COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease), and Bronchiectasis will be recorded, including detailed information such as the length of hospital stay and the treatments administered.

The unit of Severity Grading of Acute Exacerbations is units on a severity scale. Severity of each acute exacerbation categorized by a standardized scale (e.g., mild/moderate/severe or graded numerically, such as Grade 1-3).

Documentation of respiratory failure events during hospital stays, including clinical criteria for diagnosis and management details.

The unit of Number of Moderate to Severe Acute Exacerbations is number of events. Count of exacerbations classified as moderate or severe based on the severity grading scale.

Documentation of the use of non-invasive ventilation during hospitalization, including indications and duration of use.

Records of ICU admissions and whether intubation was required during hospitalization, including associated clinical details.

Documentation of systemic corticosteroid use during hospital stays, including dosage and duration.

Total duration of each hospital stay will be recorded to assess the impact of the intervention on hospitalization length.

It is used to evaluate the quality of life of COPD patients in groups other than the chronic airway inflammation ICS research group. It includes 8 items, involving dyspnea, exercise ability, cough, sputum, chest tightness, sleep quality, self - confidence and energy level. The scoring range is 0 - 10 points.

Grade division:

0 - 2 points: Mild. 3 - 5 points: Moderate. 6 - 10 points: Severe.

The SGRQ is used to evaluate the quality of life of patients with chronic respiratory diseases. It consists of three parts: symptoms, activities, and impact on daily life. The scoring range is 0 - 100 points. The higher the total score, the poorer the patient's quality of life.

The mMRC Score is used to assess the severity of dyspnoea and is divided into grades 0 - 4. The higher the score, the more severe the dyspnoea.

Grade 0: Dyspnoea occurs only during strenuous exercise. Grade 1: Dyspnoea occurs when walking fast on flat ground or climbing a gentle slope.

Grade 2: Dyspnoea causes the patient to stop and rest when walking on flat ground.

Grade 3: Dyspnoea causes the patient to stop and rest after walking less than 100 metres or for a few minutes on flat ground.

Grade 4: The patient is unable to leave home due to dyspnoea, or dyspnoea occurs when dressing or undressing.

The ACT Score is used to evaluate the quality of life of asthma patients in groups other than the chronic airway inflammation ICS research group. The scoring range is 5 - 25 points.

Grade division:

20 - 25 points: Asthma is well - controlled. 16 - 19 points: Asthma is partially - controlled. Less than 16 points: Asthma is uncontrolled.

The Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire is used to evaluate the quality of life of asthma patients. The scoring range is 1 - 7 points. The higher the score, the better the quality of life.

FACED Score includes Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 second (FEV1)、Age、Chronic colonization by Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA)、Extension (number of pulmonary lobes affected)、Dyspnea (mMRC score).It is used to assess the severity of bronchiectasis. The scoring range is from 0 to 10 points.

Grade classification:

0 - 2 points: Mild. 3 - 5 points: Moderate. 6 - 10 points: Severe.

The BEST Score is used to assess the symptoms of dyspnea and cough. The scoring range is from 0 to 10 points.

Grade classification:

0 - 2 points: Mild. 3 - 5 points: Moderate. 6 - 10 points: Severe.