Does anticoagulation in combination with immunosuppressive therapy prevent recurrent thrombosis in Behçet's disease?

Vascular involvement in Behçet's disease (BD) occurs in up to 50% of patients. The main mechanism of thrombosis is inflammation. Thus, immunosuppressants (IS) are the mainstay of therapy, and adding anticoagulation (AC) is controversial. In daily practice, we observed that patients who received AC in combination with IS experienced less recurrent thrombosis and decided to investigate our BD patients retrospectively. We hypothesized that adding AC to immunosuppressive therapy may lower the risk of recurrent thrombosis. Treatment at the time of first or recurrent thrombotic events was recorded. Events under the only IS and IS + AC treatments were compared. There were 40 patients (33 males). The most common types of first vascular events were deep vein thrombosis (77.5%) followed by pulmonary embolism (PE) (52.5%). One patient did not receive any treatment. Among the 39 patients, 32 received glucocorticoid and at least one of the azathioprine, or cyclophosphamide, anti-TNF, 5 received monotherapy with azathioprine, 1 received monotherapy with corticosteroid, and the remaining 1 received monotherapy with cyclophosphamide. In total, 22 patients (55%) experienced 27 recurrent venous thromboembolism (VTE) events. Two (7.4%) events while only on AC, 2 (7.4%) events while on AC + IS, and 15 (55.5%) events occurred while on only IS. Eight (19.6%) patients were not receiving any treatment during relapses. The recurrence rate was statistically significantly lower in the IS + AC treatment group compared to IS alone. In conclusion, IS are the mainstay of treatment for BD, and adding AC may help to lower the recurrence risk of thrombotic events.

Is it important to know the predominant respiratory event in AHI for the management of patients with OSA?

Introduction: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a heterogeneous disorder. The apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) cannot fully reflect this heterogeneity on its own. In this study, the OSA patients were analyzed by grouping them based on the predominant type of respiratory event, and the distinctive findings of each group were evaluated. Materials and Methods: The records of 213 patients with OSA were evaluated retrospectively and the patients were divided into three groups as Group 1 (apnea-predominant OSA; apnea index (AI)≥ 2x hypopnea index (HI) and HI≤ 15/hour), Group 2 (hypopnea-predominant OSA; HI≥ 2xAI and AI≤ 15/ hour), and Group 3 [No Respiratory Event-Predominant OSA (NREP OSA)]. Result: There were 65 patients in Group 1, 58 patients in Group 2, and 90 patients in Group 3. There was no difference between the groups in terms of sex, age, body-mass index, the distribution of symptoms, and concomitant diseases (p> 0.05). Only witnessed apnea was more frequently described by Group 1 patients (p= 0.042). Except for the higher N2 percentage and arousal index (p= 0.009, p= 0.011, respectively) in those with apnea-predominant OSA compared to those with hypopnea-predominant OSA, there was no difference in sleep architecture. In the apnea-predominant group, while the AHI, apnea durations (p= 0.000, 0.000, 0.000, respectively), total oxygen desaturation index (tODI), NREM ODI and REM ODI were higher (p= 0.000, 0.000, 0.047, respectively), nocturnal minimum oxygen saturation (SpO2) was lower (p= 0.001). Conclusions: This study concluded that apnea-predominant OSA patients had more severe OSA in terms of AHI, respiratory event durations, and problems in oxygenation. These differences may guide the management of OSA.

[Management of obstructive sleep apnea during COVID-19 pandemic]. / COVID-19 pandemisi sirasinda obstrüktif uyku apne yönetimi.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an infectious disease that causes important mortality and morbidity all over the world caused by SARS-CoV-2 (Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2), which started in China at the end of 2019. It spreads rapidly, mainly through droplets, and especially for all healthcare workers involved in aerosol producing procedures are at high risk. During COVID-19 pandemic , the health systems worldwide, along with the practice of chest diseases daily were affected. In our article, we aimed to give some clinical suggestions related to sleep practices according to current data.

Clinical and polysomnographic features of hypertension in obstructive sleep apnea: A single-center cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVE: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is associated with elevated blood pressure (BP) and increases the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases. This study aimed to determine the clinical and polysomnographic features of OSA that are significantly associated with hypertension (HT). METHODS: This is a prospective study that enrolled patients diagnosed with OSA in Ankara University Faculty of Medicine from January 2015 to June 2016. The patients were categorized into normotensives (n=125) and hypertensives (n=141). BP was taken at the evening before and the morning after polysomnography (PSG). The polysomnographic findings of normotensive and hypertensive patients were compared, and independent risk factors that are associated with HT were analyzed. RESULTS: Hypertensive patients exhibited older age and higher Epworth sleepiness scale (ESS), apnea-hypopnea index (AHI), mean apnea duration, arousal index, and oxygen desaturation index (ODI) than normotensive patients. Nocturnal oxygen desaturation (NOD) was more frequent and the percentage of the duration of NOD to total sleep time (TST) was higher in hypertensive than normotensive patients. Multivariate analyses revealed that age (OR: 1.095, 95% CI 1.053 to 1.139, p<0.001), ESS (OR: 1.186, 95% CI 1.071 to 1.313, p=0.001), mean apnea duration (OR: 1.072, 95% CI 1.032 to 1.113, p=0.002), ODI (OR: 1.062, 95% CI 1.025 to 1.101, p=0.001), and NOD (OR: 2.439, 95% CI 1.170 to 5.086, p=0.017) were independent risk factors for HT in OSA. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that age, ESS, parameters of oxygenation, and apnea duration were associated with HT in patients with OSA. Hence, patients with OSA with these findings should be evaluated for HT. (Anatol J Cardiol 2020; 23: 334-41).

Polysomnographic, demographic and clinic differences between male and female obstructive sleep apnea patients.

INTRODUCTION: The differences between both genders with Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome (OSAS) which is often seen in males can be explained by means of certain polysomnographical parameters and demographical and clinical features. The aim of this research study is to research the gender differences in Turkish population in terms of polysomnographical parameters and demographical and clinical features, and to compare and contrast the results of this research with the results of literature. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study has been carried out by including 100 females and 116 males, 216 patients in total, who were diagnosed with OSAS in the Sleep Laboratory of the Medicine Faculty, Ankara University between the years of 2011 and 2014. The demographical information like the ages and the genders of all patients and the figures of the height, weight and body-mass index (BMI) have been recorded. The Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) of patients have also been recorded. Acquired by the polysomnography equipment, the polysomnographical data of all patients having the criteria of this study have been evaluated. RESULT: The average age of female patients, which is 57.2 ± 9.1 (the lowestthe highest), has been found to be meaningfully high (p<0.05) when compared to the average age of male patients (50.9 ± 11.8). The body-mass index (BMI) averages of female patients, which are 35.4 ± 9.2, have been determined to be high (p<0.05) when compared to the body-mass index (BMI) average of male patients (32.5 ± 6.7). The total Apnea Hypopnea Index (AHI) of male patients have been found to be meaningfully higher than of the female patients (p<0.05). Mild and moderate OSAS in female patients have been observed at a higher rate than males. On the other hand, severe OSAS has been observed at a higher rate than females (p<0.05). Likewise, while the average obstructive apnea time in male patients has been for 17 ± 5.8 seconds, the same figure has been for 14.5 ± 4.4 seconds (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: As a result, in this study, we have observed that females suffering from OSAS are older and obese at a more rate and they have lower Apnea Hypopnea Index (AHI) than the males with OSAS. We have also distinguished that the symptoms related to OSAS of both genders are similar despite the lower Apnea Hypopnea Index of females. Meanwhile we want to emphasize that clinicians need to take these factors into consideration while focusing on the diagnosis of OSAS in female patients.

Investigation of the Presence of Glaucoma in Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome Using and Not Using Continuous Positive Airway Pressure Treatment

Objectives: To evaluate the frequency of glaucoma in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) using and not using continuous positive airway pressure treatment. Materials and Methods: This prospective study included 59 patients diagnosed with OSAS based on the Apnea-Hypopnea Index (AHI). OSAS patients were divided into 3 groups according to their AHI scores: 5-15 was considered mild (19 patients), 16-30 was considered moderate (16 patients), and >30 (24 patients) was considered severe. Twenty-eight (47.5%) of the OSAS patients had been using continuous positive airway pressure treatment. The control group included 19 healthy subjects. Retinal nerve fiber layer and ganglion cell complex (GCC) thickness analyses were performed. Results: Average GCC thickness in left eyes was significantly lower in the mild OSAS group than in the control group (p=0.013). The GCC was significantly thinner in the inferior and inferonasal sectors of both eyes in the mild OSAS group compared to the control group (p=0.029, p=0.022, p=0.037, and p=0.019 respectively). Minimum GCC thickness in the left eyes of all OSAS groups was significantly lower than in the control group (p<0.05). Conclusion: In OSAS patients, there may be changes in retinal nerve fiber layer and ganglion cell complex thickness before alterations in the visual field emerge.

[The pulmonary complications related lymphoma in the patient with COPD and Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma]. / KOAH ve Non-Hodgkin Lenfomali bir olguda yeni baslangiçli nefes darligi; Non-Hodgkin Lenfoma ile iliskili pulmoner komplikasyonlar nedeniyle.

Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) is a clonal proliferative disease of B or T cell progenitors originating from lymph nodes or extranodal lymphatic tissue. There are several pulmonary complications associated with NHL. We aimed to discuss two pulmonary complications with high morbidity and mortality associated with lymphoma in our patient followed up with COPD and NHL. Seventy one years old male patient was admitted to the emergency department with sudden onset of dyspnea and chest pain. He had a history of bronchodilator use for COPD for 18 years and chemotherapy and local radiotherapy because of NHL 8 years ago. In terms of pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE), it was evaluated as clinically low-medium risk group. Pulmonary CT angiography was performed to diagnose PTE. Unilateral subcutaneous pleural fluid was detected in the chest radiography performed in the emergency room where he was admitted to the hospital due to increased dyspnea under low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) treatment. Triglyceride level > 110 mg/dL was observed in pleural fluid sampled by thoracentesis and diagnosed as chylothorax. He was followed by a pleuroken stool diet and received only one course of chemotherapy because of relapse NHL. Her general condition deteriorated and the patient died. The incidence of thrombosis in hematological oncology varies between 2% and 58%. PTE is a complication that must be considered in case of sudden onset of shortness of breath in hematologic oncologies. Increased shortness of breath under effective PTE treatment was considered as a secondary event and chylothorax, another pulmonary complication, was detected especially in lymphoma. Our patient with lymphoma was presented because of pulmonary complications associated with lymphoma.

[The clinical and polysomnographic differences between obese and non-obese patients with obstructive sleep apnea]. / Obez ve non-obez obstrüktif uyku apneli hastalar arasinda klinik ve polisomnografik farkliliklar.

INTRODUCTION: Obesity has been considered to be one of the important risk factor for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). We aimed to investigate the clinical and polysomnographic differences of obese and non-obese OSA patients and how these differences, if any, can be reflected in our daily clinical practice. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The polysomnographic data of 157 consecutive patients that underwent a sleep study were analyzed. Ninety-nine adult patients with a diagnosis of OSA [apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) ≥ 5/hour] were retrospectively assesed in two groups in respect of obese (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2) or non-obese (BMI <30 kg/m2) according to body mass index (BMI). The clinical and polysomnographic results of the patients in both groups were compared. RESULT: Between 2010 and 2011, 99 (31 K/68 M) of 157 patients underwent polysomnography were diagnosed with OSA (AHI ≥ 5/hour). Thirthy six patients with OSA (36.4%) were non-obese and 63 patients (63.6%) were obese. There were no differences in the symptoms related to OSA between two groups (p> 0.05). Although there was no statistical significance, the age of the obese patients (50.5 ± 12.7 years) was lower than those of the non-obese (54.9 ± 10.0 years) in polysomnography their total sleep time was shorter and sleep latency later, and sleep efficiency, arousal index, N3%, and REM% were lower and N1% was higher (p> 0.05). While in the obese OSA patients the AHI and Epworth Sleepiness sclae were higher (respectively; p= 0.028, p= 0.01), average oxygen saturation at sleep was lower (p<0.001). While obese OSA patients had similar ratio of hypertension and atherosclerotic heart disease with non-obese OSA patients, whereas diabetes mellitus was higher in obese OSA group (p= 0.036). The use of antidepressant drug was more common in the non-obese patients than the obese patients (p= 0.011). CONCLUSIONS: Although obese OSA patients have a more severe disease compared to nonobese OSA patients, there were no significant differences in clinical and polysomnographics findings between two groups. Should be noted that OSA may occur in non-obese patients.

Predictive Value of STOP-BANG on OSAS-Related Complications Following Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting.

BACKGROUND: The time and conditions may not be suitable for performing polysomnography (PSG) before urgent or emergent surgeries, for example, a coronary artery bypass graft. Unavailability in many centers, critical clinical situation, and inability to arrange a timely scheduled appointment are other limitations for PSG. In this study, we aimed to investigate if the STOP-BANG Questionnaire may predict obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) related postoperative pulmonary alterations during coronary artery surgery. METHODS: Sixty-one subjects who were scheduled to undergo elective isolated coronary artery bypass graft surgery and were consulted for preoperative pulmonary assessment were recruited to the study. The STOP-BANG Questionnaire was used with the subjects; then their relationship with postoperative complications was assessed. RESULTS: Results of the STOP-BANG Questionnaire revealed that 36.1% of subjects were at high risk for OSAS. Three groups were established according to the STOP-BANG Questionnaire (low risk, group 1; moderate risk, group 2; high risk, group 3) and study parameters, including PEEP value in ventilator, detection of apnea at ventilator, CPAP time after extubation, SpO2 1 h after extubation, postoperative hypoxemia, need for CPAP, and ICU length of stay revealed significant relationships among these groups. CONCLUSIONS: The STOP-BANG Questionnaire may predict the OSAS risk and OSAS-related pulmonary complications for patients who are candidates for a coronary artery bypass graft and unable to be evaluated with PSG before surgery due to technical or time-related limitations.

The factors affecting survival in patients with bronchiectasis.

BACKGROUND/AIM: There is limited information about the rate and modifiers of mortality in noncystic fibrosis bronchiectasis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study enrolled a total of 56 bronchiectasis patients. Patients' body mass index, smoking habit, previous therapies, comorbid disorders, history of vaccination, bronchiectasis type and radiological extent, arterial blood gas analysis, respiratory function tests, and laboratory results were recorded. RESULTS: After a follow-up of 65.38 ± 18.62 months the overall mortality rate was 35.7%. The mean survival duration was 46.42 ± 8.25 months. Advanced age significantly increased mortality (HR: 2.031; CI: 0.991-4.072, P = 0.035). A significant correlation was found between mortality rate and the partial oxygen pressure level (HR: 0.886 (CI: 0.817-0.960); P = 0.039). Pulmonary artery pressure was directly proportional to mortality rate (HR: 9.015 (CI: 3.272-94.036); P = 0.03). There was also a significant correlation between Pseudomonas aeruginosa proliferation in sputum and mortality (HR: 7.014 (CI: 2.812-17.962); P = 0.00). Comorbidities increased mortality (HR: 1.984 (CI: 0.972-2.996); P = 0.04). CONCLUSION: Bronchiectasis is a disease with high mortality. Advanced age, comorbid conditions, reduced partial oxygen pressure, pulmonary hypertension, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa proliferation in sputum increase its mortality rate.

Body composition in patients with stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: comparison with malnutrition in healthy smokers.

OBJECTIVE: Although malnutrition (body mass index (BMI)<18.5kg/ m(2)) has been associated with impaired health status in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), the effects of body composition (body fat and protein percentage) in patients with COPD have not been clearly demonstrated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 180 stable patients with COPD at the stages of moderate, severe, very severe, and 50 healthy subjects were included in this prospective study. All subjects underwent a clinical evaluation, spirometry tests, anthropometric measurements and blood analysis. RESULTS: Frequency of underweight was higher in COPD (11.7%) patients than the control group (8%). The frequency of underweight increased as the severity of COPD worsens. There was body decomposition (protein or fat depletion) in not only all underweight patients but also some normal/overweight COPD patients, as well as in the healthy subjects. Deterioration in FEV1 (L), and FEV1/FVC was more evident in underweight patients with protein and fat depletion compared to normal/overweight patients (p=0.004, and p=0.005). Inspiratory and expiratory respiratory muscle power was lower in under-weight patients with depletion than in normal/overweight patients (p=0.02, and p=0.01). DLCO and DLCO/VA were significantly lower in underweight patients than in normal/overweight patients (p=0.003, and p=0.004), they were also lower in normal/overweight patients with depletion than in normal/overweight patients with no depletion (p=0.01, and p=0.07). Normal/overweight patients with protein depletion had the most frequent number of exacerbations than others (p=0.04). CONCLUSION: These results show that the body decomposition is important in patients with COPD. Assessment of body composition should be a part of nutritional assessment besides BMI in patients with COPD.

Familial Behçet's disease of adult age: a report of 4 cases from a Behçet family.

A familial aggregation of Behçet's disease (BD) has long been noted. These studies have supported the direct role of HLA-B5 in the pathogenesis of BD. Despite the fact that familial clustering is characterized by genetic anticipation, accounting for the earlier disease onset in successive generations, we present two brothers and two cousins from the same family who were diagnosed when they were over twenty years old.We report these young adult patients to introduce the characteristics of familial aggregation of BD. In this article HLA-B*51 and Cw*16 positivities with adult onset were demonstrated.

[Smoking cessation in patients with cardiopulmonary diseases]. / Kardiyopulmoner hastaligi olanlarda sigaranin birakilmasi

OBJECTIVE: To determine the smoking cessation rates of outpatients with cardiopulmonary disease and the differences between non-cardiopulmonary diseases. METHODS: Two hundred and two active smokers with comorbid diseases were prospectively evaluated between September 2004 and January 2008 in this observational study. All of the patients answered Fagerstrom test for nicotine dependence with a regular questionnaire of general characteristics. Behavioral counseling therapies were administered to all of the subjects. Nicotine replacement therapy, bupropion or combination therapies were the pharmacological therapies after running the baseline spirometry and carbon monoxide oximetry tests. Subjects were classified as patients with cardiopulmonary disease (124) and non-cardiopulmonary diseases (78), based on medical history. Student t and Chi-square tests were used for statistical analyses. RESULTS: The age of smoking was similar but total amount of smoked tobacco was higher (p<0.05) in the cardiopulmonary diseases group. In this group, the main smoking cessation reason was the existing disease (51%) (p<0.05). There was no other significant difference between two groups including treatment protocols. The smoking cessation rates were less (40%) with high relapses (12%) in cardiopulmonary diseases group (p<0.01 and p=0.01 respectively). In the subgroup analysis, treatment procedures were equivalent (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: Results of this analysis confirm that, tobacco dependence is still a severe but necessary condition for the patients with cardiopulmonary diseases. Additionally neither of the treatment protocols was superior to the others.

Associated factors with non-invasive mechanical ventilation failure in acute hypercapnic respiratory failure.

Our aim was to determine associated factors with non-invasive mechanical ventilation (NIMV) failure in acute hypercapnic respiratory failure ninety live patients treated with NIMV for acute hypercapnic respiratory failure were evaluated. While success of NIMV was defined as absence of need of intubation with the patient's discharge from hospital, failure of NIMV was defined as death or need of intubation. The pretreatment pH level was 7.30 in success and 7.28 in failure group (p> 0.05), PaCO(2) was 71.45 mmHg in success and 72.17 mmHg in failure group (p> 0.05). After 1h of NIMV, pH was 7.33 in success and 7.26 in failure group (p= 0.01), PaCO(2) was 65.50 mmHg in success and 73.47 mmHg in failure group (p= 0.02). After 1h of treatment, in success group there was significant increase of pH and decrease of PaCO(2) in contrast to baseline levels, while there was no significant change in failure group. The pretreatment Acute Physiology Assessment and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II score, serum C-reactive protein level and frequency of associated complication on admission were significantly higher and Glasgow Coma Score was lower in failure group. In conclusion, high APACHE II and C-reactive protein level, low Glasgow Coma Score, associated complication on admission and inadequate response in pH and PaCO(2) after first hour of NIMV are associated factors with NIMV failure.

[Early use of noninvasive mechanical ventilation in patients with acute hypercapnic respiratory failure in a respiratory ward: a prospective study]. / Uso precoz de la ventilación mecánica no invasiva en pacientes con insuficiencia respiratoria hipercápnica aguda ingresados en una sala de neumología: estudio prospectivo.

BACKGROUND: In recent years, the optimal location for noninvasive mechanical ventilation (NIMV) has been a matter of debate. Our aim was to detect the effectiveness of NIMV in acute hypercapnic respiratory failure (AHRF) in respiratory ward and factors associated with failure. METHODS: 69 patients treated with NIMV in respiratory ward were prospectively evaluated. The success of NIMV was defined as absence of need for intensive care unit (ICU) transfer with patient's discharge from hospital (group 1), failure of NIMV was defined as need for ICU transfer (group 2). RESULTS: The mean age was significantly higher in group 2. The cause of respiratory failure was COPD in 51 patients, obesity-hypoventilation syndrome in 14 and kyphoscoliosis in 4 patients. NIMV was successful in 55 patients and unsuccessful in 14. There was no significant difference between the two groups for pretreatment pH, PaCO2 and PaO2/FiO2. After 1h and 3h of NIMV there was significant improvement in group 1. After 3h of NIMV, in group 1 respiratory rate was significantly decreased. The pretreatment APACHE II score, respiratory rate, frequency of pneumoniae, associated complication and comorbid disease was significantly higher in group 2. The success rate was higher in patients with good compliance to NIMV. CONCLUSION: NIMV can be successfully applied in patients with AHRF in respiratory ward. The associated factors with NIMV failure are absence of early improvement in blood gases and respiratory rate, bad compliance to NIMV, older age, presence of associated complication, comorbid disease, pneumonia and high baseline respiratory rate.

[Comparing the effectiveness of different treatment modalities on the smoking cessation rates]. / Farkli tedavi yöntemlerinin sigara birakma basarisi üzerine etkileri.

The social patterns of smoking have changed significantly in the past two decades but smoking is still as prevalent in the lowest socioeconomic groups as it was widespread. For the solution of this enormous problem many kinds of treatment modalities have been proposed but there is no single successful method for quitting. To determine the smoking cessation rates with behavioural treatment, behavioural + pharmacological treatments and compare the differences between each approaches. 371 smokers were prospectively evaluated between 2004 and 2008. At the beginning subjects were classified into two groups: behavioral treatment group (I) and pharmacological + behavioural treatment group (II). Numbers of patients per group were 88 and 283 respectively. According to pharmacological therapy group II was also divided into three subgroups: nicotine replacement treatment (NRT) (regardless of the type and dosage) (IIa), bupropion (IIb) and combination treatment modalities group (IIc). Numbers of patients per subgroups were 185, 70 and 28 respectively. All of the patients were attended the one year follow up visits. According to the baseline characteristics there was no significant difference between the groups and subgroups. At the end of the fist year, in group I smoking cessation rate was 41% and in group II 51% and this was not statistically significant (p< 0.05). In the sub group analysis the success rates for group IIa, IIb and IIc; 44.8%, 62.8% and 64% respectively and bupropion is significantly superior to the NRT (p= 0.01). In study subjects, smoking cessation rates were less with comorbid diseases (p= 0.004), baseline airway obstruction (p= 0.04) and high CO levels (p= 0.008). Results of this analysis confirm that, there is a significant difference between pharmacological treatment and behavioral treatments. Additionally, in the pharmacological approaches, bupropion seems to be superior. Besides, comorbid conditions have been a huge problem to solve.

Health-related quality of life in patients with sleep-related breathing disorders: relationship with nocturnal parameters, daytime symptoms and comorbid diseases.

BACKGROUND: Sleep-related breathing disorders (SRBD) are frequently encountered health problems in the general population. Habitual snoring and obstructive sleep apnea/hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) constitute most SRBD diagnoses. Although the decrease in quality of life is a well-known entity in SRBD patients, there is not enough data regarding the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms to explain this deterioration. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate which parameters were affecting the quality of life in patients with SRBD. METHODS: Medical Outcome Survey - Short Form 36 (SF-36) and Epworth Sleepiness Scale were used in 135 patients with SRBD (69 patients with OSAHS and 66 patients with habitual snoring), and Charlson comorbidity index was calculated. Acquired data were compared with leading symptoms and polysomnographic findings in these patients. RESULTS: All SF-36 scores were significantly decreased in SRBD patients. However, there were no significant differences in the SF-36 scores of these patients. Also, no significant correlation was found between the severity of OSAHS and the SF-36 scores. Similarly, none of the polysomnographic parameters was found significantly correlated with SF-36 scores. In contrast, all SF-36 scores were influenced by body mass index, Epworth Sleepiness Scale score, mean nocturnal saturation and the presence of coexisting diseases. CONCLUSIONS: According to the results of multiple variance analysis, we concluded that the quality of life depends on a number of collaborative factors such as obesity, mean nocturnal saturation, symptoms related to SRBD and the presence of comorbid diseases, rather than only on one independent parameter in the patients with SRBD.

Acute anuric renal failure with streptokinase therapy in a patient with acute venous thromboembolic disease and the review of renal side effects of streptokinase.

The benefits of thrombolytic therapy in acute myocardial infarction are now well established. However many uncertainties, such as adverse effects, are still remain in venous thromboembolic disease. We describe a unique patient who treated with streptokinase for the methylen tetrahydrofolate reductase mutation associated acute deep vein thrombosis and massive pulmonary embolism. After therapy patient developed acute anuric renal failure without an evidence of bleeding or immunologic reaction and we would like to review the renal side effects of streptokinase in patients with venous thromboembolic disease.

Evaluation of the relationship between radiological abnormalities and both pulmonary function and pulmonary hypertension in coal workers' pneumoconiosis.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of the radiological evidence of emphysema, and the extent of interstitial involvement, on lung function and pulmonary arterial pressure (PAP) in patients with coal workers' pneumoconiosis (CWP). METHODS: The records of 48 patients with suspected CWP were evaluated retrospectively. Pulmonary function tests, arterial blood gas analyses and right heart catheterization were evaluated in all patients. Radiological scoring was according to International Labour Organization criteria, and emphysema was scored by CT scanning. Patients were grouped according to the mean PAP (> or =20 mm Hg or < or =19 mm Hg). RESULTS: All patients showed a mild decrease in FEV(1)/FVC and a mild increase in FRC. Forty-four per cent of patients developed mild to moderate pulmonary hypertension. Emphysema scores correlated significantly with airflow rates, including FEV(1)%, FEV(1)/FVC and FEF(25-75%), and with carbon monoxide diffusing capacity (DLCO)% predicted as well as FRC% predicted and the ratio RV/TLC, which are indices of air trapping. Additionally, profusion and global profusion scores showed significant correlation with FEV(1)/FVC, DLCO% predicted, specific airway conductance and smoking. Mean PAP showed a significant negative correlation with FEF(50%) predicted, DLCO% predicted and profusion score. CONCLUSIONS: The impairment of pulmonary function (mainly disturbance in airflow rates and air trapping) and pulmonary hypertension may be present, even in a simple form of CWP. The pulmonary function impairment in patients with CWP is likely to be attributable to the occurrence of emphysema. However, pulmonary hypertension was directly related to the profusion of pneumoconiotic nodules, which may result in obliteration of the vascular bed.