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C100-05 Rising Mortality From Cardiovascular Diseases With Contributory Sleep Disorders in U.S. Adults Aged 15-84: A Joinpoint Regression Analysis, 1999-2020
Sharma, G, Trivedi, S, Pasupuleti, S, Sahai, A, Pavuluri, S, Singh, D, Lanka, N, Haider, S, Kataveni, S, Trivedi, Shashank, Pasupuleti, Suman , Pavuluri, Sai Swetha, Lanka, Nidhi, Kataveni, Suhas

American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine | May 18, 2026 | Volume: 212 | Issue: Supplement_1 | Pages: No page available

10.1093/ajrccm/aamag162.6445 Get It

Abstract Background Sleep disorders are increasingly recognized as important risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD), yet their contribution to cardiovascular mortality remains insufficiently examined at the population level. This study aimed to evaluate long-term trends in CVD mortality where sleep disorders were identified as contributing causes of death. Methods We analyzed U.S. national mortality data from 1999 to 2020 among individuals aged 15 to 84 years. Cases were selected where CVD (ICD-10: I11.0, I11.9, I20-I25, I48, I49.0, I49.9, I50.0, I50.1, I50.9) was the underlying cause and sleep disorders (ICD-10: G47.0-G47.3) were listed as contributing causes. Joinpoint regression was employed to assess temporal changes in age-adjusted mortality rates (AARs), with standard errors provided in the input data and model selection performed using Weighted BIC. APCs were estimated using the Empirical Quantile Method with 5001 resamples. Results A total of 118,440 deaths were included across 22 annual time points. Joinpoint regression identified two significant inflection points (2005 and 2018). From 1999 to 2005, AARs increased sharply (APC = 14.47%; 95% CI: 11.56-19.54; p = 0.0016), followed by a slower rise from 2005 to 2018 (APC = 6.62%; 95% CI: 4.23-10.83; p < 0.000001), and a renewed acceleration from 2018 to 2020 (APC = 11.54%; 95% CI: 7.01-14.12; p < 0.000001). Males had more than twice the AAR compared to females (3.00 vs. 1.31 per 100,000). Black individuals had the highest burden by race (AAR = 2.55), and geographic variation ranged widely from 0.70 in New York to 3.38 in Wyoming. Conclusions Over two decades, cardiovascular mortality with contributory sleep disorders has risen significantly, with widening demographic and geographic disparities. These findings reinforce that sleep disorders are not merely comorbidities but pivotal, modifiable drivers of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Untreated sleep conditions such as insomnia, obstructive sleep apnea, and circadian disruptions exacerbate autonomic dysfunction, inflammation, hypertension, and metabolic dysregulation. Addressing sleep health must become a core component of cardiovascular risk reduction strategies, both in clinical practice and public health policy. Failure to integrate sleep disorder screening, diagnosis, and management into CVD care pathways risks perpetuating a preventable and growing burden of disease. This abstract is funded by: None
C21-02 Safety of Low-Sodium Oxybate in Participants With Narcolepsy or Idiopathic Hypersomnia, With or Without Comorbid Obstructive Sleep Apnea: A Post Hoc Analysis of the Duet Study
Ruoff, C, Sangal, R, Nichols, D A, Steininger, T L, Dai, J, Cairns, A, Whalen, M, Herpel, L B, Ruoff, Chad , Sangal, R. Bart , Nichols, D.A., Cairns, Alyssa , Whalen, Marisa, Herpel, Laura Bogan

American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine | May 18, 2026 | Volume: 212 | Issue: Supplement_1 | Pages: No page available

10.1093/ajrccm/aamag162.6396 Get It

Abstract Rationale Low-sodium oxybate (LXB; Xywav®) is FDA approved for treatment of cataplexy and excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) in people ≥7 years of age with narcolepsy, and for idiopathic hypersomnia in adults. LXB Prescribing Information includes a Warning and Precaution for respiratory depression and sleep-disordered breathing; therefore, data on safety of LXB in people with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA; a common comorbidity among people with narcolepsy or idiopathic hypersomnia) are needed. This post hoc analysis of DUET (Develop hypersomnia Understanding by Evaluating low-sodium oxybate Treatment; NCT05875974), a prospective, open-label phase 4 study, evaluated respiratory parameters in participants taking LXB with or without comorbid OSA, in 3 cohorts: narcolepsy or idiopathic hypersomnia (LXB ≤9 g/night), or narcolepsy (LXB >9 g/night). Methods Participants underwent the following study periods: screening, 8-day baseline (BL; off-LXB for narcolepsy and idiopathic hypersomnia cohorts; on-LXB 9 g/night for >9 g cohort), 2-8-week dose titration, 2-week stable-dose, 8-day end-of-treatment (EOT; on optimized total nightly dosage; ≤12 g for the >9 g cohort), and 2-week safety follow-up. Participants with BL apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) >10 (treated/untreated OSA) were excluded from the study. Overnight polysomnography assessments conducted at BL and EOT included respiratory parameters: AHI, central apnea index (CAI), and percentage of total sleep time spent with oxygen saturation (SpO2) <90% (T90). Treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) were assessed by OSA group. Least squares mean changes were adjusted for BL values. Results Fifty-five participants enrolled in the narcolepsy cohort, 9% (5/55) had comorbid OSA; 22% (10/46) and 31% (15/48) had comorbid OSA in the idiopathic hypersomnia and narcolepsy >9 g cohorts, respectively (3, 9, and 12 were on OSA treatment throughout the study). Most participants (narcolepsy, idiopathic hypersomnia, narcolepsy >9 g) were female (72.7%, 80.4%, 62.5%) and White (80.0%, 84.8%, 77.1%). No worsening of sleep-disordered breathing was observed during LXB treatment, as evidenced by respiratory parameters AHI, CAI, and T90 assessed at BL and EOT in either participants with or without OSA (Table 1). Percentages of participants with/without OSA reporting ≥1 TEAE were 60.0%/62.0% (narcolepsy), 80.0%/72.2% (idiopathic hypersomnia), and 66.7%/78.8% (narcolepsy >9 g). Most TEAEs were mild or moderate; 1 serious TEAE each occurred in the idiopathic hypersomnia cohort (with OSA) and the narcolepsy >9 g cohort (without OSA). Conclusions No worsening respiratory signals were observed with LXB treatment in participants with or without comorbid (mild or treated) OSA in the narcolepsy, idiopathic hypersomnia, or narcolepsy taking >9 g LXB dosage cohorts. This abstract is funded by: Jazz Pharmaceuticals
C66-09 Quantitative Analysis and Comparison of Chest Computed Tomography in Portopulmonary Hypertension, Hepatopulmonary Syndrome, and Portal Hypertension
Karanam, V, Dubrock, H M, Hassanzadeh, S, Krowka, M J, Hahn, L, Karanam, V., DuBrock, Hilary M. , Krowka, Michael J. , Hahn, Lewis D.

American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine | May 18, 2026 | Volume: 212 | Issue: Supplement_1 | Pages: No page available

10.1093/ajrccm/aamag162.5855 Get It

Abstract Rationale Portopulmonary hypertension (POPH) and hepatopulmonary syndrome (HPS) are two distinct pulmonary vascular complications of liver disease. POPH is characterized by pulmonary hypertension and elevated pulmonary vascular resistance while HPS is characterized by intrapulmonary vasodilation and hypoxemia. POPH and HPS reflect opposing pulmonary vascular responses with markedly different therapeutic and transplant implications. Accurate distinction on imaging may aid clinical decision-making and risk stratification. We aimed to quantitatively characterize and compare chest CT imaging features of POPH and HPS compared to controls with isolated portal hypertension (PoH). Methods Three cohorts of HPS, POPH, and PoH were included (n = 5 per cohort). POPH patients with intrapulmonary vasodilation on contrast echocardiography were excluded. Contrast-enhanced chest CTs with slice thickness ≤ 1.5mm obtained closest to the time of diagnosis were selected (mean 2.7 years following diagnosis). CT images were analyzed using a deep learning algorithm developed in-house that segmented and computed volumes of central, interlobar, peripheral, upper peripheral, and lower peripheral pulmonary arteries (PAs); total, upper, and lower pulmonary veins (PVs); and the four cardiac chambers. Resulting volumes were indexed by body-surface area. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed with a post-hoc pairwise Mann-Whitney U test for comparison. Results Patients with HPS were 80% male, had a mean age of 48.6±17.4, and mean MELD-Na of 15.4±3.4. The POPH cohort was 20% male, had a mean age of 56.8±11.9, and mean MELD-Na of 13.4±4.0. The PoH cohort was 100% male, had a mean age of 62.8±4.8, and mean MELD-Na of 12.8±8.8. HPS patients had smaller central PA volumes (mean 26.4±1.8 mm2/m2) compared to both PoH (mean 38.6±9.8 mm2/m2, p = 0.03) and POPH patients (44.8±10.8 mm2/m2, p = 0.008). HPS patients, however, had larger lower peripheral PA (mean 30.7±1.9 mm2/m2) and PV (mean 28.3±6.7 mm2/m2) volumes compared to PoH (PAs mean 20.1±4.8 mm2/m2, p = 0.008; PVs mean 18.2±2.8 mm2/m2, p = 0.02) and larger lower peripheral PA volumes compared to POPH patients (PAs mean 22.1±5.1 mm2/m2, p = 0.03). There was no significant difference in volumes between POPH and PoH for all segments. Conclusion Compared to PoH and POPH, HPS is associated with lower central PA volume and higher peripheral PA volume in the lower lungs. Volumes were similar between POPH and PoH; however, this may reflect limited statistical power given the small sample size. Larger studies are needed to further delineate imaging distinctions between POPH, HPS, and PoH. This abstract is funded by: NHLBI
A67-11 Catheter-Directed Thrombolysis in Recurrent Versus First-Time Pulmonary Embolism: Comparing Complications, Mortality, and Readmissions
Singh, N, Dhillon, B, Pathak, K, Pathak, D, Savani, K, Dhaliwal, K S, Ramphul, K, Dhillon, Balkiranjit Kaur

American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine | May 18, 2026 | Volume: 212 | Issue: Supplement_1 | Pages: No page available

10.1093/ajrccm/aamag162.5606 Get It

Abstract Introduction Catheter-directed thrombolysis (CDT) has emerged as a safer interventional option for acute pulmonary embolism (APE) compared to systemic thrombolysis, with reduced rates of hemorrhage and mortality. However, comparative outcomes between first-time and recurrent APE patients undergoing CDT remain inadequately documented. This study aims to compare complications, mortality, and readmissions following CDT in recurrent versus first-time PE to provide evidence-based guidance for treatment optimization. Methods We explored the 2016-2022 Nationwide Readmissions Database(NRD) for APE admissions treated with CDT and stratified our sample by history of prior pulmonary embolism. Our cases excluded patients with COVID-19 and those younger than 18 years. We compared differences in their demographics, in-hospital complications during the index admission, and 30-day readmission rates. Adjustments were made to account for the complex design of the NRD via STATA 18.0. Results Of 37,952 patients identified, 9.27% had a history of prior PE. The groups had comparable mean age, sex distribution, and hospital status, with varying comorbidities as shown in Tables 1a-1b. Patients with first-time PE were more likely to experience in-hospital complications including sepsis, transfusion requirement, invasive mechanical ventilation, shock, acute encephalopathy, acute kidney injury, and all-cause mortality during the index hospitalization(Table 2). However, hospital length of stay and charges were similar between groups(Table 1b). Following discharge, 30-day readmission rates were comparable (6.25% vs. 6.41% for first-time versus recurrent PE, respectively; hazard ratio 0.948, 95% CI 0.765-1.17, p = 0.626). Conclusion First-time APE patients who underwent CDT reported higher rates of various in-hospital complications, and all-cause mortality, despite having comparable 30-day readmission rates. There were certain limitations to our study, such as the lack of laboratory data, imaging findings, APE severity scores on admissions, and medication history. Prospective studies with detailed clinical parameters will help validate our findings and elucidate the different causes of death. This abstract is funded by: None
B54-22 Incidence, Microbial Characteristics, and Outcomes of Fungemia in Patients on Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation With Widespread Antifungal Prophylaxis: A Single-Center Ten-Year Retrospective Cohort Study
Lynn-Green, E, Wieruszewski, P M, Marcus, J E, Shah, A, Kim, M, Lynn-Green, E., Wieruszewski, Patrick M.

American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine | May 18, 2026 | Volume: 212 | Issue: Supplement_1 | Pages: No page available

10.1093/ajrccm/aamag162.5077 Get It

Abstract Rationale Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is an increasingly utilized form of life support for patients with cardiac and/or respiratory failure. Fungal infections remain a serious challenge in patients supported by ECMO, with an estimated prevalence of up to 10% and high morbidity and mortality. While routine antifungal prophylaxis is uncommon in ECMO centers and widely debated, its impact on incidence, pathogenic organisms, resistance patterns, and outcomes has not been described. Methods This was a ten-year experience study of fungemia in patients receiving ECMO where most patients received antifungal prophylaxis. Institutional protocol was to prescribe prophylactic fluconazole based on risk stratification, substituted with echinocandins if indicated. Adults (18 years and older) with ECMO runs between 2014-2024 were screened for fungal organism growth on culture, then narrowed to those with positive blood cultures drawn in the window from 24 hours after cannulation through 72 hours after decannulation. Clinical, microbiological, and outcomes data were descriptively summarized. Institutional review board approved with a waiver of informed consent. Results Among 1,039 adult ECMO runs (979 patients), thirteen patients with fungemia were identified for a calculated incidence rate of 1.29 per 1000 ECMO days (95% CI 0.75 to 2.23). Twelve patients (92%) received antifungal prophylaxis; 85% had echinocandin and 38% azole exposure, with some overlap. Median duration of antifungal exposure was 14 days prior to positive culture. Seven patients (54%) had an open sternum at the time of ECMO cannulation, while 11 (85%) had femoral ECMO access. Four patients (31%) had Candida species isolated from other sources prior to fungemia (mediastinum and respiratory system). Candida parapsilosis (31%), C. albicans (23%), and C. guilliermondii (15%) were the most common isolates. The most likely sources were vascular access catheters (38%) and mediastinum (31%). Seven patients (54%) had suspected or confirmed seeding of ECMO hardware after positive blood cultures, though only two circuit exchanges were performed. Four patients (31%) showed evidence of non-susceptibility to their prophylactic antifungal class (Table 1), with a median 35-day exposure prior to positivity among those patients. Only 62% of patients demonstrated blood culture clearance (median 3 [IQR 2.5-7.75] days). Nearly all patients (92%) died within the hospital stay, including all patients with resistant organisms. Conclusions In an ECMO center with routine antifungal prophylaxis practices, the rate of fungemia identified during ECMO support was low. When fungemia developed, there was a high proportion of drug resistance and mortality. This abstract is funded by: None
C31-03 Rural-urban Trends in Tobacco Use, Lung Cancer Screening, and Smoking Cessation
Manful, A, Munro, H M, Mumma, M T, Decker, P A, Tranby, B N, Jiang, R, Bhattacharyya, O, Patten, C A, Midthun, D E, Aldrich, M C, Friedman, D L, Doubeni, C, Manful, Adoma, Mumma, Michael T. , Decker, P. A., Tranby, Brianna , Bhattacharyya, Oindrila , Patten, Christi A. , Aldrich, Melinda C. , Doubeni, Chyke A.

American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine | May 18, 2026 | Volume: 212 | Issue: Supplement_1 | Pages: No page available

10.1093/ajrccm/aamag162.3903 Get It

Abstract Rationale Rural populations in the US experience a higher lung cancer burden compared to urban residents, potentially due to differences in risk factors and access to preventative care and early detection. We sought to characterize tobacco use, smoking cessation, and lung cancer screening patterns by rurality to identify modifiable gaps in the lung cancer care continuum. Methods We analyzed data from current and former smoking adults in the Southern Community Cohort Study, a large prospective cohort recruited from community health centers across 12 southeastern states. Participants aged 65-80 years with at least 9 months of Medicare Part A/B and less than 3 months of Part C coverage between 2014 and 2020 were included. Data were linked with the National Death Index and Medicare claims for outcome ascertainment. Rurality was defined using Rural-Urban Commuting Area (RUCA) codes. We compared demographic characteristics, smoking patterns, use of smoking cessation interventions, and receipt of low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) screening between rural and urban participants over time. Results Among 10,114 adults included (56% urban; 46% rural), 54% were female, 55% identified as Black/African American, about a third reported less than a high school education, and 45% lived in areas in the highest quartile of deprivation. Urban residents were of similar age (66 vs 67 years), and more likely to currently smoke (42% vs 35%), but had fewer baseline smoking pack-years (27 vs 30 pack-years) than rural residents. Approximately 2% died of lung cancer during follow-up. Using the USPSTF 2013 lung cancer screening criteria, 27% of urban and 26% of rural residents were eligible. This increased unevenly to 38% urban and 35% rural under the USPSTF 2021 criteria. LDCT uptake was low, increasing from 0% in 2014 to 6% in 2020 among screening-eligible participants. Use of cessation interventions was similarly low. Among current smoking participants, 7% received smoking cessation counseling, and 3% had a varenicline prescription. These patterns remained relatively stable over time, with no significant rural-urban differences in LDCT and cessation intervention use. Conclusion Despite modest differences in smoking prevalence and screening eligibility, we found comparable lung cancer mortality and similarly low utilization of LDCT and cessation interventions among rural and urban residents. Our findings suggest that, among people in lower socioeconomic groups, shared socioeconomic constraints may extend beyond the rural-urban divide. Further research is needed to understand how social determinants of health may be addressed to improve lung cancer outcomes across the screening continuum. This abstract is funded by: NIH
C43-02 Urinary Relief, Hematologic Grief: Phenazopyridine- i nduced Sulfhemoglobinemia in a Suspected G6PD-Deficient Patient
Nguyen, H, Khattar, G, Hmeedan, A, Alayan, J, Basil, A, Azar, J, Khattar, Georges

American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine | May 18, 2026 | Volume: 212 | Issue: Supplement_1 | Pages: No page available

10.1093/ajrccm/aamag162.3084 Get It

Abstract Background Sulfhemoglobinemia is a rare but potentially life-threatening dyshemoglobinemia resulting from the irreversible incorporation of sulfur into the heme moiety, producing hemoglobin species incapable of oxygen transport. Its clinical presentation often mimics methemoglobinemia, with cyanosis and oxygen saturation (SpO2) readings discordant from arterial partial pressure of oxygen (PaO2). Phenazopyridine, an over-the-counter urinary analgesic, has been implicated as a rare cause, in 3 previously documented cases. Prompt recognition is essential to avoid inappropriate therapy, particularly methylene blue, which can precipitate hemolysis in patients with glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency. Case Presentation A 71-year-old man with Parkinson’s disease, Crohn’s disease, and chronic anemia presented with unexplained cyanosis and SpO2 readings in the 70-80% range, despite a normal PaO2 of 180 mmHg and absence of respiratory symptoms. He had self-initiated phenazopyridine for dysuria three days prior. CT angiography of the chest and echocardiography with bubble study were unremarkable. Attempts to quantify methemoglobin and carboxyhemoglobin were unsuccessful due to analyzer errors. Laboratory evaluation revealed acute anemia (hemoglobin 5.7 g/dL), indirect hyperbilirubinemia, and low haptoglobin consistent with hemolysis. He was managed supportively with high-flow oxygen, and transfusion of two packed red blood cell units. Although initial G6PD levels were normal, testing during hemolysis can yield false negatives. Given this and the risk of methylene blue-induced oxidative stress, conservative management with ascorbic acid was chosen. The patient’s SpO2 improved gradually, and he was discharged on hospital day three. Send-out tests later confirmed sulfhemoglobinemia (1.1%), elevated cytochrome b5 reductase activity, and normal methemoglobin. Discussion This case underscores the diagnostic and therapeutic challenge of differentiating sulfhemoglobinemia from methemoglobinemia. Both disorders produce functional hypoxia with SpO2-PaO2 dissociation, but sulfhemoglobin cannot revert to hemoglobin and requires erythrocyte turnover for resolution. While methylene blue is the standard therapy for methemoglobinemia, it is ineffective for sulfhemoglobinemia and contraindicated in G6PD deficiency. In our patient, supportive care and transfusion facilitated recovery. Using the Naranjo Adverse Drug Reaction Probability Scale, the causality score was 7, indicating a highly probable relationship between phenazopyridine exposure and sulfhemoglobinemia. A high index of suspicion for G6PD deficiency as well as dyshemoglobinemia with a multidisciplinary collaboration are essential for diagnosis and management of unexplained cyanosis. This abstract is funded by: None
C101-08 Discordant Airway Gene Expression of TSLP and Its Specific Receptor Subunit, CRLF2, Links CRLF2 to Mixed Granulocytic Inflammation and Lung Function Decline in SPIROMICS
Kelly, M E, Komori, K, Barjaktarevic, I, Curtis, J L, Bleecker, E R, Bowler, R P, Barr, R G, Comellas, A P, Cooper, C B, Couper, D, Han, M K, Hansel, N N, Hoffman, E A, Kaner, R J, Martinez, F J, Meyers, D A, O’Neal, W K, Ortega, V E, Paine, R, Smith, B M, Woodruff, P G, Christenson, S A, Investigators, SPIROMICS, Comellas, Alejandro P. , Comellas, Alejandro P , Curtis, Jeffrey L. , Barr, R. Graham , Han, MeiLan King , Hansel, Nadia N. , Hoffman, Eric A. , Kaner, R.J. , Meyers, Deborah A. , O’Neal, Wanda K. , Christenson, S A

American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine | May 18, 2026 | Volume: 212 | Issue: Supplement_1 | Pages: No page available

10.1093/ajrccm/aamag162.2027 Get It

Abstract Rationale Thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) is an epithelial alarmin chiefly implicated in T2 airway inflammation, though it may also participate in broader (non-T2) inflammatory processes. The utility of airway epithelial gene expression of TSLP and its specific receptor subunit, cytokine receptor-like factor 2 (CRLF2), as biomarkers of downstream inflammation and clinical outcomes remains unclear. Methods We analyzed RNA sequencing data from bronchial airway brushing obtained in phase 1 of the SPIROMICS bronchoscopy sub-study (N = 161: 23 never-smokers, 67 ever-smokers with COPD, 71 ever-smokers without COPD). We related airway TSLP and CRLF2 expression to clinical, hematologic/sputum measures, and gene-expression signatures of T2/eosinophilic and neutrophilic inflammation, including to our published T2 signature and to eosinophil and neutrophil signatures derived from single-cell atlas data. Associations used Spearman correlations and linear models adjusted for age, sex, race/ethnicity, COPD status, smoking status, and pack-years. Results CRLF2 expression correlated with gene-expression evidence of both T2/eosinophilic and neutrophilic inflammation: T2 signature (ρ = 0.26, p < 0.001), eosinophil signature (ρ = 0.44, p < 0.001), and neutrophil signature (ρ = 0.39, p < 0.001). CRLF2 was positively associated with log sputum neutrophil count (ρ = 0.24, p = 0.024) and blood neutrophil count (ρ = 0.036, p < 0.001), but not with sputum or blood eosinophil counts. Higher CRLF2 related to worse baseline lung function, particularly among current smokers, (lower post-bronchodilator FEV1: ρ = −0.21, p = 0.008), as well as greater 5-year FEV1 decline across current and former smokers (ρ = −0.22, p = 0.007). Significant findings persisted after covariate adjustment. In contrast, TSLP expression, although strongly correlated with expression of the epithelial alarmin IL33 (ρ = 0.53, p < 0.001), was negatively correlated with CRLF2 (ρ = −0.24, p = 0.002) and with eosinophil and neutrophil gene-expression signatures (ρ = −0.26 and −0.33, both p < 0.001). TSLP expression showed no association with sputum or blood cell counts. Conclusions In bronchial epithelium from SPIROMICS, gene expression of CRLF2, but not of TSLP, tracked with downstream alarmin-relevant inflammatory programs, consistent with a regulatory role in TSLP signaling through TSLPR, as well as with clinically meaningful outcomes. CRLF2 expression was associated with evidence of both T2/eosinophilic and neutrophilic inflammation, and with lower baseline FEV1 and accelerated FEV1 decline, suggesting engagement of a broader, clinically relevant inflammatory milieu. By contrast, epithelial TSLP transcript levels mirrored IL33 gene expression but were not associated with cellular or transcriptomic inflammation. These findings position CRLF2, rather than TSLP expression itself, as a potential airway biomarker of TSLP-axis activity and disease impact with potential implications for patient stratification as well as strategic approaches for TSLP-pathway-targeted therapies. This abstract is funded by: SPIROMICS was supported by contracts from the NIH/NHLBI (HHSN268200900013C, HHSN268200900014C, HHSN268200900015C, HHSN268200900016C, HHSN268200900017C, HHSN268200900018C, HHSN268200900019C, HHSN268200900020C, 75N92024D00012), grants from the NIH/NHLBI (U01HL137880, U24HL141762, R01HL182622, R01HL144718, and R01HL093081), and supplemented by contributions made through the Foundation for the NIH and the COPD Foundation from Amgen; AstraZeneca/MedImmune; Bayer; Bellerophon Therapeutics; Boehringer-Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc.; Bristol Myers Squibb; Chiesi Farmaceutici S.p.A.; Forest Research Institute, Inc.; Genentech; GlaxoSmithKline; Grifols Therapeutics, Inc.; Ikaria, Inc.; MGC Diagnostics; Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation; Nycomed GmbH; Polarean; ProterixBio; Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc.; Sanofi; Sunovion; Takeda Pharmaceutical Company; Theravance Biopharma; Verona; and Mylan/Viatris.
B102-02 Deep Learning-based Detection of Homozygous Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency From HRCT: A Proof-of-concept Study Across COPDGene, SPIROMICS, and GRADS Cohorts
Tejwani, V, Hatt, C R, Barjaktarevic, I, Bhatt, S P, Bowler, R P, Drummond, M B, Han, M K, Hersh, C P, Ortega, V E, Serban, K A, Stoller, J K, Washko, G R, Wells, J M, Yadav, R, Strange, C, Siddharthan, T, Wells, J. Michael , Wells, J Michael , Hatt, Charles R. , Bhatt, Surya P. , Han, MeiLan King , Hersh, Craig P. , Serban, Karina A. , Stoller, James K. , Strange, C, Siddharthan, T

American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine | May 18, 2026 | Volume: 212 | Issue: Supplement_1 | Pages: No page available

10.1093/ajrccm/aamag162.1900 Get It

Abstract Rationale Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (AATD) continues to be underdiagnosed. The estimated prevalence of the most common severe deficient genotype, PI*ZZ, is ∼1:3500 or 100,000 Americans but only ∼10,000 such individuals have been recognized. Diagnostic delays persist and these delays are associated with worse disease. High-resolution CT (HRCT) imaging may contain latent phenotypic AATD signatures that are not visibly apparent to clinicians. We hypothesized a deep learning model could identify imaging patterns predictive of AATD from inspiratory HRCT scans. Methods Confirmed genotypes and HRCT scans were pooled from COPDGene, SPIROMICS, and GRADS, yielding 350 MM, 102 MZ, and 69 ZZ participants. Only scans reconstructed with smooth kernels (GE STANDARD, Philips B, Siemens B31f/B35f) and slice thickness < =1.25mm were used. The cohort was selected to have similar distributions of quantitative emphysema, sex, and age by matching five MZ and two MM subjects to each ZZ subject (<10-year age difference, same sex, and <3% difference in %LAA). Tobacco smoke-exposure was more prevalent among the MM/MZ groups given these were predominantly from the tobacco smoke-enriched COPDGene and SPIROMICS cohorts. A DenseNet121 convolutional neural network (CNN) was trained using the MONAI platform to predict genotype by outputting probabilities for MM, MZ, and ZZ. Input to the CNN was a three-channel LAA-910, LAA-950, and LAA-970 map downsampled to 2.0mm3 resolution to remove bias due to differences in scanner and image reconstruction parameters. Five-fold cross-validation was performed. Area under the curve (AUC) was calculated for classification of ZZ vs other genotypes (MM/MZ) and MZ vs MM, with statistical significance assessed at p < 0.05. Results The three groups were similar across age (mean±SD years: MM 57.9±8.8, MZ: 57.5±8.9, ZZ: 55.0±10.7), sex (% female: MM: 48.2%, MZ: 46.7%, ZZ: 47.6), and emphysema (LAA-950%: MM: 13.0±12.2, MZ: 12.4±11.8, ZZ: 13.1±11.9). There was a higher prevalence of ever smokers among MM (100%) and MZ (91.7%), compared to ZZ (47.6%). The model achieved an AUC of 0.806 (p < 0.001) for classification of ZZ vs other genotypes, demonstrating robust discriminatory ability for homozygous AATD. Classification of MZ vs other genotypes did not achieve an AUC significantly greater than 0.5. Conclusions This proof-of-concept study demonstrates that deep learning applied to routine inspiratory HRCT can accurately identify homozygous AATD. These findings support the potential role of imaging-based machine learning as a non-invasive screening tool for undiagnosed ZZ individuals. Future work will focus on cohort enrichment, integration with clinical parameters, and explainability of model-derived imaging features. This abstract is funded by: NIH NHLBI K23HL173570
B45-11 Baseline Fatigue and Associations With Dyspnea, Exacerbations, and Hospitalizations in Patients With Bronchiectasis
Yohannes, A M, Brunton, A E, Choate, R, Ignatius, E, Aksamit, T R, Maselli, D J, Swenson, C, Geyer, A, Richards, C J, Winthrop, K L, Solomon, G M, YOHANNES, ABEBAW M, Brunton, Amanda E. , Ignatius, Elisa H. , Aksamit, T.R., Geyer, A, Richards, C. , Winthrop, K.L., Solomon, George M

American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine | May 18, 2026 | Volume: 212 | Issue: Supplement_1 | Pages: No page available

10.1093/ajrccm/aamag162.1844 Get It

Abstract Introduction Bronchiectasis is a chronic respiratory disease that increases fatigue, disability, and impairs quality of life. However, the impact of fatigue on patients with bronchiectasis, even in short-term follow-up, has not been sufficiently examined. We explored the association between fatigue and clinical outcomes among patients with bronchiectasis. Methods Adult bronchiectasis patients enrolled in the US Bronchiectasis and Nontuberculous Mycobacteria Research Registry were retrospectively analyzed. Patients with at least one annual follow-up visit in the 3-5 years post baseline and with fatigue data at both baseline and follow-up were included. Patients were grouped as experiencing fatigue versus not experiencing fatigue in the 2-years prior to baseline as reported at their baseline visit. We explored the relationship between baseline fatigue with patient demographics, co-existing conditions, components of the modified bronchiectasis severity index at baseline and follow-up. Wilcoxon, chi-square, and Fisher’s exact tests were used to assess the differences in continuous variables and associations between categorical variables, respectively. Stepwise multivariable logistic regression models explored the relationship of baseline fatigue with exacerbations and hospitalizations at follow-up. Model selection predictors were evaluated based on clinical relevance or p < 0.05 in univariable analyses. Results 1265 adults with bronchiectasis met the inclusion criteria. 563(45%) reported experiencing fatigue and 702 (55%) did not. The median age (interquartile range) was 70(62-78) years and patients were predominantly female (n = 1042, 83%). At baseline, patients experiencing fatigue had a higher proportion of co-existing diagnoses such as gastroesophageal reflux disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and rheumatologic disease, compared to those without fatigue (all p < 0.05). Furthermore, patients with fatigue had a higher prevalence of pulmonary-related hospitalizations (p < 0.001) at baseline and follow-up. Pseudomonas aeruginosa colonization and elevated dyspnea (modified Medical Research Council [mMRC] grade≥1) were more prevalent among those experiencing baseline fatigue compared to those without (all, p < 0.05). History of prior exacerbations (Odds Ratio [OR]:1.67, 95% CI:1.17-2.41) and baseline Pseudomonas aeruginosa colonization (OR:1.22, 95% CI:1.01-1.47) were significantly associated with increased odds of exacerbations at follow-up. In multivariable stepwise logistic regression, there was an increased odds of at least 1-hospitalization at follow-up among males (OR:2.23, 95% CI 1.12-4.42), patients with decreased Body Mass Index (OR:0.93, 95% CI: 0.87-1.0), and among patients with elevated dyspnea (mMRC grade ≥1) at baseline (OR:2.22, 95% CI: 1.16-4.24),[Table 1]. Conclusions Fatigue in bronchiectasis patients is associated with a more severe disease and greater healthcare utilization, although it may not independently predict future exacerbations or hospitalizations when accounting for other factors. This abstract is funded by: Bronchiectasis and NTM Association