Impact of Anxiety, Depression, and Coping Strategies on Health-Related Quality of Life in Patients with Cystic Fibrosis.

OBJECTIVE: With the significant increase in the life expectancy of cystic fibrosis (CF) patients, many individuals now reach adulthood and develop specific coping strategies to maintain their physical and mental well-being. This study aims to evaluate coping styles and their relationship with mental health and Health-Related Quality of Life (H-RQoL) in adult CF patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty adult CF patients completed the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale to assess anxiety and depression, the Cystic Fibrosis Questionnaire-Revised to evaluate quality of life, and the Brief Coping Orientation to Problems Experienced questionnaire to assess coping strategies. RESULTS: Twelve individuals (40%) met the diagnostic criteria for being at risk of experiencing anxiety and/or depression. Anxiety risk group exhibited lower life quality scores in the domains of vitality, emotional functioning, and role limitations (P = .027, P = .001, and P = .001, respectively). Patients reporting depressive symptoms had lower scores in emotional functioning and role limitations domains of quality of life (P = .005 and P = .018, respectively). Multivariate analysis indicated that depression and anxiety scores were significant predictors of emotional quality of life. In terms of coping strategies, "acceptance" was the most commonly preferred, while "substance use" was the least preferred strategy among all participants. Patients at risk of anxiety and/or depression often chose "avoidance" as their coping strategy. CONCLUSION: Anxiety and depressive symptoms are prevalent and associated with poorer H-RQoL in adult CF patients. These patients preferred to employ giving up strategy when dealing with the disease. Therefore, it is essential to screen adult CF patients for mental health risks and to work on improving their coping strategies.

Relationship of muscle thickness, strength, and diaphragm function in adults with cystic fibrosis.

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the muscle thickness, strength, and diaphragmatic function and relate them with clinical findings. Patients and methods: The cross-sectional study was conducted with 54 participants (27 males, 27 females; mean age; 24.5±5.3 years; range, 18 to 45 years) between January 2017 and October 2017. Of the participants, 31 were adult CF patients, and 23 were age-and sex-matched controls. Patient demographics, 6-min walk distance, body mass index (BMI), and fat-free mass index (FFMI) were evaluated. Each patient underwent pulmonary function tests. Quadriceps femoris thickness and diaphragm thickening fraction were assessed by ultrasonography. Upper extremity strength was measured with a handheld dynamometer. Results: There was no difference between the patients' and controls' BMI (p=0.052). However, patients' FFMI was lower than the controls' (p=0.010). The FFMI correlated with pulmonary function tests. Patients' both right and left quadriceps femoris muscles were thinner than the controls (p=0.001 and p=0.001, respectively). Patients with pancreatic insufficiency had thinner muscles than patients without pancreatic insufficiency. The control group had a stronger handgrip than CF patients (33.5±10.1 vs. 24.5±9.2 kg, p=0.003). Conclusion: Peripheral muscle wasting and weakness and lower functional capacity are highly prevalent in CF patients.

Effect of Anticoagulants in Pulmonary Thromboembolism in Post-COVID-19 Patients.

Background and objective COVID-19 may predispose to both venous and arterial thromboembolism (VTE and ATE) due to excessive inflammation, immobilization, and hypoxia. The purpose of this study is to evaluate clinical and laboratory risk factors, as well as related medications such as anticoagulants, to predict the risk of thromboembolic disease and/or death in COVID-19 patients. Methods Over a period of 14 months (from August 2020 to September 2021), a total of 145 consecutive patients with signs and symptoms suspicious of pulmonary embolism (PE) were referred for perfusion single-photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography (Q SPECT/CT). All patients had a history of SARS­CoV­2 infection, diagnosed with a positive real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test. Results Among the 145 patients included in the study, the risk of PE was found to be greater in elderly patients (odds ratio [OR] [95% CI]: 1.05 [1.02­1.07]; p<0.001) and in patients with higher maximum d-dimer levels (OR [95% CI]: 1.14 [1.01­1.3]; p=0.04). We also analyzed the utility of the maximum d-dimer level for predicting acute PE with receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. For d­dimer = 0.5 mg/dL, cut-off sensitivity is 91%, specificity is 23%, and for d-dimer = 1 mg/dL, cut-off sensitivity is 79%, specificity is 43% Conclusion D-dimer titers were higher in the PE group in our study. Another significant finding was that, possibly due to thromboinflammation, anticoagulants did not prevent the development of PE in COVID-19 patients.

Pre-existing Immunocompromised Status as a Preventer of Mortality in COVID-19 Patients: Friend or Foe?

Objective COVID-19 has been negatively impacted by a number of comorbidities. Aside from that, some conditions or treatments that cause immunosuppression can alter the course of the disease, leading to worse outcomes. The primary goal of this study is to compare the clinical presentation, laboratory analysis, radiological findings, and outcomes of patients with COVID-19 with and without immunosuppression. Materials and methods The study includes patients with pre-existing immunosuppression and COVID-19 infection who were admitted and received inpatient treatment at Marmara University Hospital, Istanbul, Pulmonary Medicine ward between April 2020 and June 2020. Data on demographics, epidemiology, clinical course, laboratory analysis, radiological findings, length of hospital stay, morbidity, and mortality were collected from all patients. Results The study group consisted of 23 patients who had pre-existing immunosuppression, and the control group consisted of 207 immunocompetent patients, making a total of 230 patients. Significant differences in lymphocyte count, ROX (respiratory-rate oxygenation) index on Day 0, and fibrinogen levels were discovered between the two groups. SARI (severe acute respiratory infection) was more common in the control group than in the study group (p<0.022), but there was no difference in mortality. Conclusion The mean number and percentage of lymphocytes were lower in immunocompromised COVID-19 patients at the time of diagnosis. Higher ROX index values and a lower risk of developing SARI could explain the hypothesis that these patients may be benefiting from a pre-existing corticosteroid regimen. Additional research with larger numbers of patients may be beneficial in drawing a more definitive conclusion.

Radiation pneumonitis in relation to pulmonary function, dosimetric factors, TGFß1 expression, and quality of life in breast cancer patients receiving post-operative radiotherapy: a prospective 6-month follow-up study.

PURPOSE: To investigate development of radiation pneumonitis (RP) in relation to pulmonary function, dosimetric factors, and transforming growth factor beta-1 (TGFß1) expression in irradiated breast cancer patients. METHODS: A total of 49 breast cancer patients who received post-operative radiotherapy (RT) were evaluated in terms of pulmonary function tests (PFTs), quality of life (QoL), development of RP, dosimetric factors, cytokine levels, and lung high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) before and after RT. ROC analysis was performed for performance of dosimetric factors in predicting RP, while frequencies of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) genotyped for TGFß1 (rs11466345 and rs1800470) were also evaluated. RESULTS: All cases with RP (10.2%) recovered clinically at the end of third post-RT month. PFT and HRCT parameters were similar before and after RT overall, as well as by RP and the radiation field subgroups. ROC analysis revealed the significant role of the ipsilateral V5 (cutoff value of 45.9%, p = 0.039), V10 (29.4%, p = 0.015), V20 (23%, p = 0.017), and MLD (1200 cGy, p = 0.030) in predicting RP. Higher post-RT TGFß1 levels (p = 0.037) were noted overall and in patients with RP. Patient and control groups were similar in terms of frequencies of SNPs genotyped for TGFß1 (rs11466345 and rs1800470). EORTC QLQ-C30 and QLQ-BR-23 scores were similar in patients with vs. without RP. CONCLUSION: Our findings revealed significant role of dosimetric factors including MLD, V20 as well as the low dose-volume metrics in predicting the risk of RP among breast cancer patients who received post-operative RT. Implementation of RT, extent of radiation field or the presence of RP had no significant impact on PFTs.

The evaluation of DLCO changes in patients with relatively higher lung shunt fractions receiving TARE.

OBJECTIVE: Transarterial radioembolization (TARE) with Yttrium-90 (90Y) labeled microspheres is an effective locoregional treatment option for patients with primary and metastatic liver cancer. However, TARE is also associated with radiation-induced lung injury due to hepatopulmonary shunting. If a large proportion of the injected radionuclide microspheres (more than 15%) is shunted, a rare but lethal complication may develop: radiation-induced pneumonitis (RP). Diffusion capacity of the lungs for carbon monoxide (DLCO) is a valuable test to assess lung function and a decrease in DLCO may indicate an impairment in gas exchange caused by the lung injury. Some previous researches have been reported the most consistent changes in pulmonary function tests after external beam radiotherapy are recorded with DLCO. This study aimed to examine the changes in DLCO after TARE with glass microspheres in newly treated and retreated patients with relatively higher lung shunt fractions. METHODS: We prospectively analyzed forty consecutive patients with liver malignancies who underwent lobar or superselective TARE with 90Y glass microspheres. DLCO tests were performed at baseline and on days 15, 30, and 60 after the treatment. All patients were followed up clinically and radiologically for the development of RP. RESULTS: A statistically significant decrease was found in the DLCO after the first treatment (81.4 ± 13.66 vs. 75.25 ± 13.22, p = 0.003). The frequency of the patients with impaired DLCO at baseline was significantly increased after the first treatment (37.5 vs 57.5% p < 0.05). In the retreated group (n = 8), neither the DLCO (71.5 ± 10.82 vs. 67.50 ± 11.24, p = 0.115) nor the frequency of patients with impaired DLCO (25 vs 25%, p = 1) did not significantly change. Also, the change in DLCO values did not significantly correlate with lung shunt fraction, administered radiation dose, and absorbed lung dose after the first and second treatments (p > 0.05 for all). None of the patients developed RP. CONCLUSION: Our study showed that a significant reduction in DLCO after TARE may occur in patients with relatively higher lung shunt fractions. Further studies with larger sample sizes are needed to better investigate the changes in DLCO in patients with high lung shunt fractions.

Factors Associated with 28-day Critical Illness Development During the First Wave of COVID-19.

Objective: This study aimed to define the predictors of critical illness development within 28 days postadmission during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. Materials and Methods: We conducted a prospective cohort study including 477 PCR-positive COVID-19 patients admitted to a tertiary care hospital in Istanbul from March 12 to May 12, 2020. Results: The most common presenting symptoms were cough, dyspnea, and fatigue. Critical illness developed in 45 (9.4%; 95% CI=7.0%-12.4%) patients. In the multivariable analysis, age (hazard ratio (HR)=1.05, p<0.001), number of comorbidities (HR=1.33, p=0.02), procalcitonin ≥0.25 µg/L (HR=2.12, p=0.03) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) ≥350 U/L (HR=2.04, p=0.03) were independently associated with critical illness development. The World Health Organization (WHO) ordinal scale for clinical improvement on admission was the strongest predictor of critical illness (HR=4.15, p<0.001). The patients hospitalized at the end of the study period had a much better prognosis compared to the patients hospitalized at the beginning (HR=0.14; p=0.02). The C-index of the model was 0.92. Conclusion: Age, comorbidity number, the WHO scale, LDH, and procalcitonin were independently associated with critical illness development. Mortality from COVID-19 seemed to be decreasing as the first wave of the pandemic advanced. Graphic Abstract: Graphic Abstract.

Outcome of solid and cavitary pulmonary nodules in rheumatoid arthritis patients-case series.

BACKGROUND: Rheumatoid pulmonary nodule can be detected in up to 32% of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients and approximately one-third of nodules may cavitate. We aimed to evaluate characteristics of patients with RA developing cavitary pulmonary nodular (CPN) lesions under disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), follow-up of both cavitary and solid nodules, and their outcome with the treatment. METHODS: RA patients who presented with CPN lesions during follow-up were recruited retrospectively in this case series analysis. Total numbers and mean diameters of cavitary and solid nodules in each thorax computed tomography (CT) have been determined and followed up by two experienced pulmonary physicians. Moreover, changes in treatment after the development of the CPN lesions and characteristics of cavitary nodules were collected. RESULTS: Eleven patients with CPN lesions were reported. At the time of CPN diagnosis, more patients were taking leflunomide than methotrexate (81% vs 19%). Half of the patients were receiving biologic therapy and only 18% were taking anti-TNF drugs. After a median of 24 (3-65) months of follow-up, the regression of CPN lesions was determined in 45% (5/11) of patients. Four of these 5 (80%) patients were switched to a treatment regimen without leflunomide and three of them to nonanti-TNF biologic treatment or targeted synthetic DMARDs (tocilizumab, tofacitinib, and rituximab). DISCUSSION: CPN lesions seen in RA patients are often pulmonary manifestations of the underlying disease; however, one must rule out malignancies or infections. If lesions progress under DMARDs, it is advised to discontinue synthetic DMARDs (LEF/MTX) and switch to another biological DMARD with different modes of action.

The effectiveness of additional long-term use of bottle-positive expiratory pressure in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: A single-blind, randomized study.

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the long-term use of bottle-positive expiratory pressure (PEP) in addition to breathing exercises as a home-based rehabilitation aid on exercise capacity, spirometric parameters, and quality of life in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients. Patients and methods: From a total of 30 patients with stable moderate-to-severe COPD, 24 (22 males, 2 females; mean age: 62.4+7.2 years; range, 40 to 75 years) were included in the final study and randomized into two groups: the group that performed breath retaining techniques and the group that was instructed to use the bottle-PEP in addition to these techniques. Patients were evaluated with modified Medical Research Council scale, COPD assessment test (CAT), spirometry, St. George`s Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ), and 6-min walk distance (6MWD) before, three months and six months after the initiation of the program. Results: In the bottle-PEP group, patients` mean 6MWD increased from 380.6±67.6 to 444.1±22.0 m (p=0.002), the mean CAT score decreased from 17.8±36.8 to 12.9±6.2 (p=0.03), and the mean SGRQ total score significantly decreased from 57.1±23.1 to 47.6±21.9 (p<0.05) after three months. The improvement in 6MWD continued in six months but disappeared in SGRQ and CAT scores. In the exercise group, only the 6MWD improved, and there were no significant improvements in other parameters regardless of time. There were no significant differences between the groups in any of the parameters at any follow-up session. Conclusion: While bottle-PEP does not significantly contribute when added to breathing exercises in patients with moderate-to-severe COPD in improving function and quality of life, it can be used as a safe choice in patients` home rehabilitation programs.

Pharmacokinetic characterization of favipiravir in patients with COVID-19.

This prospective observational study describes the pharmacokinetic characteristics of favipiravir in adult patients hospitalized for mild to moderate COVID-19 with a positive RT-PCR test. Favipiravir was administered for 5 days, with a loading dose of 3200 mg and a maintenance dose of 1200 mg/day. Serial blood samples were collected on Day 2 and Day 4 of the therapy. Laboratory findings of the patients (n = 21) and in-hospital mortality were recorded. Favipiravir concentrations exhibited substantial variability and a significant decrease during the treatment of COVID-19. The median favipiravir trough concentration (C0-trough ) on Day 2 was 21.26 (interquartile range [IQR], 8.37-30.78) µg/mL, whereas it decreased significantly to 1.61 (IQR, 0.00-6.41) µg/mL on Day 4, the area under the concentration-time curve decreased by 68.5%. Day 2 C0-trough of female patients was higher than male patients. Our findings indicate that favipiravir concentrations show significant variability during the treatment of COVID-19 and therapeutic drug monitoring may be necessary to maintain targeted concentrations.

Primary Immun Deficiency in Patients with Non-Cystic Fibrosis Bronchiectasis and Its Relationship with Clinical Parameters.

OBJECTIVE: Bronchiectasis is characterized by chronic respiratory infection. The role of immunodeficiency in this disease is poorly studied in relation to clinical indices. The primary aim of this study was to determine the frequency of these neglected altered immune status by evaluating immunoglobulins, lymphocyte subsets, complement levels, and neutrophil function, and to assess its relationship with clinical parameters in adult patients with non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis (NCFB). MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 74 (30 men and 44 women with a mean age of 47±17 years) adult patients with stable NCFB were enrolled in this study. The bronchiectasis severity index (BSI) and FACED (F:FEV1, A: Age, C: Chronic colonization, E: Extension, D: Dyspnea) scores were assessed. Peripheral blood samples were collected for the detection of total IgG, IgA, IgM, IgE, and IgG subclasses and C3 and C4 levels. The counts of CD3, CD4, CD8, CD19, CD16/56 expressing peripheral blood lymphocytes and neutrophil oxidative function were evaluated. RESULTS: In the study population, BSI and FACED severity index scores increased with longer duration of the disease (p=0.01 and p=0.040, respectively). Of the 74 patients, 27 (37%) showed humoral aberrations. The number of male patients were higher in this group (p=0.03). High serum total IgE levels were associated with high scores in BSI (moderate-severe group versus mild group, p=0.030). Patients with bronchiectasis demonstrated lower CD3+ T cell count, lower CD4+ T helper cell percentage, and lower CD4+ T cell count (p=0.031, p=0.030, p=0.029, respectively) than healthy subjects. A significant negative correlation was found between the percentage and count of CD16/56+ natural killer (NK) cells and the number of exacerbations within the past year (r=-0.230, p=0.049 and r=-0.264, p=0.023, respectively). CONCLUSION: Humoral aberrations in adult patients with NCFB were found to be frequent. IgE levels were related to high scores for disease severity indices. Furthermore, patients with low percentage and counts of NK cells had higher rates of exacerbations. These results emphasize the importance of immune function assessment in adult patients with NCFB.

Tuberculosis and COVID-19: An overlapping situation during pandemic.

INTRODUCTION: The novel coronavirus severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is responsible for the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). First COVID-19 case was detected in March, 10, 2020 in Turkey and as of May, 18, 2020 148,067 cases have been identified and 4096 citizens have died. Tuberculosis (TB) is a worldwide public health concern, incidence of tuberculosis (per 100,000 people) in Turkey was reported at 14, 1 in 2018. During pandemic COVID-19 was the main concern in every clinic and as we discuss here overlapping respiratory diseases may result in delaying of the diagnosis and treatment. METHODOLOGY: There were 4605 respiratory samples examined between March 23 and May 18 for COVID-19 and 185 samples for Mycobacterium tuberculosis in our laboratory. The Xpert Ultra assay was performed for the diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis; SARS-CoV-2 RNA was determined by real-time PCR (RT-PCR) analysis in combined nasopharyngeal and deep oropharyngeal swabs of suspected cases of COVID-19. RESULTS: Both of SARS-CoV-2 and M. tuberculosis tests were requested on the clinical and radiological grounds in 30 patients. Here we discussed 2 patients who were both COVID-19 and TB positive. One patient already diagnosed with tuberculosis become COVID-19 positive during hospitalization and another patient suspected and treated for COVID-19 received the final diagnosis of pulmonary TB and Human Immunodeficiency Virus infection. CONCLUSIONS: We want to emphasize that while considering COVID-19 primarily during these pandemic days, we should not forget one of the "great imitators", tuberculosis within differential diagnoses.

Clinical impact of depression and anxiety in patients with non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis.

INTRODUCTION: Bronchiectasis is a chronic suppurative disease characterized by abnormal bronchial dilatation. The nature of bronchiectasis may have negative impact on psychological status, however it is poorly studied in relation to clinical indices, particularly the severity of disease. Primary aim of this study is to detect depression and anxiety in patients with non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis and to evaluate its relationship with disease severity indexes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ninety (male/female= 37/53; median age 45 years) stable non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectatic adult patients were enrolled into this study. Dyspnea scores, number of exacerbations and hospital admissions within the last year, body-mass index, pulmonary function tests, sputum cultures, bronchiectasis disease severity indexes (BSI and FACED) were assessed. Anxiety and depression were evaluated by using the Turkish version of the hospital anxiety and depression scale questionaire. RESULT: Anxiety was diagnosed in 30% of patients and depression was diagnosed in 41% of the participants. Female participants had significantly higher rates of depression (55% vs. 22%; p= 0.002). Exacerbation rates within the last year were higher among the subjects with anxiety, moreover, patients with depression had shorter duration of disease. BSI and FACED severity indexes increased with longer duration of disease (5.6 ± 5.0 yrs in mild group vs. 10.1 ± 9.2 yrs in moderate-to-severe group, p= 0.035 and 5.7 ± 5.4 yrs in mild group vs. 12.1 ± 9.7 yrs in moderate-to-severe group, p= 0.001, respectively), however, anxiety and depression were not related with BSI and FACED severity indexes. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis have an increased risk for depression and anxiety. Duration of disease and higher exacerbation rate are related with psychological status and indexes increased with longer duration of disease. Early detection and taking the necessary measures to improve the psychological state is necessary for the overall management of these patients.

Unexpected radiation pneumonitis after SIRT with significant decrease in DLCO with internal radiation exposure: a case report.

BACKGROUND: In the last years, Selective Internal Radiation Therapy (SIRT), using biocompatible Yttrium-90 (90Y) labeled microspheres have emerged for the treatment of malignant hepatic tumors. Unfortunately, a significant part of 90Y-labeled microspheres may shunt to the lungs after intraarterial injection. It can be predictable by infusing technetium-99 m-labeled macro-aggregated albumin particles through a catheter placed in the proper hepatic artery depending on the lobe to be treated with performing a quantitative lung scintigraphy. Radiation pneumonitis (RP) can occur 1 to 6 months after the therapy, which is a rare but severe complication of SIRT. Prompt timing of steroid treatment is important due to its high mortality rate. On the other hand, pulmonary diffusion capacity measured by carbon monoxide (DLCO) is an excellent way to measure the diffusing capacity because carbon monoxide is present in minimal amount in venous blood and binds to hemoglobin in the same manner as oxygen. Some authors reported that the most consistent changes after radiation therapy (RT) are recorded with this quantitative reproducible test. The relationship between the proportional reductions in DLCO and the severity of RP developing after this therapy may prove to be clinically significant. CASE PRESENTATION: We herein present a patient who developed RP after SIRT that could be quantified using DLCO. To the best of our knowledge, this case is the first who developed unexpected RP after SIRT with significant decrease in DLCO with internal radiation exposure. CONCLUSIONS: RP is a very rare complication and may lead to a fatal outcome. Decline in DLCO could be a valuable parameter for follow-up and to identify potential candidates for RP and could be also another trigger for administration of steroid therapy with prompt timing in this patient group.

The effect of smoking on atrial and ventricular functions in healthy subjects: A speckle tracking echocardiography study.

PURPOSE: Smoking is a well-known risk factor for coronary artery diseases. It is also associated with nicotine-induced myocardial dysfunction. The aim of this study was to evaluate the right and left atrial and ventricular functions in apparently healthy smokers. METHODS: We included consecutively 80 healthy smokers (56 males, mean age:35.5 ± 8.4 years) and 70 healthy nonsmokers (44 males, mean age:33.9 ± 9.5 years). None of the subjects had any additional cardiovascular risk factor other than smoking. The right and left atrial and ventricular functions were assessed by both conventional and speckle tracking echocardiography. RESULTS: Although there was no significant difference in left ventricular ejection fraction, the smokers had significantly lower ventricular global longitudinal strain than controls (-19.9 ± 2.0% vs -21.2 ± 1.9%, P < .001 and -18.4 ± 2.1% vs -21.8 ± 2.2%, P < .001, respectively, for the left and right ventricle). Smokers had also lower atrial reservoir and conduit strains: 35.9 ± 11.1% vs 40.2 ± 11.2%, P = .022 and 16.7 ± 6.8% vs 19.4 ± 6.8%, P = .016, respectively, for the left atrium, and 33.0 ± 10.6% vs 37.6 ± 11.2%, P = .011 and 15.2 ± 5.6% vs 18.0 ± 6.3%, P = .004, respectively, for the right atrium). CONCLUSION: Even in apparently healthy people with no other cardiovascular risk factors, smoking is associated with impaired atrial and ventricular functions.

Endobronchial ultrasound transbronchial needle aspiration in elderly patients: safety and performance outcomes EBUS-TBNA in elderly.

AIM: Complication rates are low and endobronchial ultrasound guided needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) is generally regarded as a safe procedure, but there is a very limited number of studies evaluating the efficacy and safety of the procedure in advanced ages. The aim of this study is to assess the safety and performance outcomes of EBUS-TBNA in elderly. METHODS: It was a retrospective observational study; patients who received EBUS-TBNA between September 2016 and January 2018 were evaluated. We analyzed patient's characteristics, doses of midazolam, and lidocaine used, regions of lymph node biopsies, and complications. Also, functionality and general physical status of patients over 65 years of age were evaluated. RESULTS: During study period 132 cases of EBUS-TBNA were evaluated. 39 (29.5%) cases were aged 70 years, and over. There were more comorbidities in older group. Performance status of older group was worse. Furthermore, when evaluated according to American College of Cardiology (ACC)/American Heart Association (AHA) and American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA), the older group was found to be composed of the riskier patients. When patients aged between 65 and 69, and over 70 compared, older patient's Barthel, EQ 5-D, SGA, and G8 scores were found to be worse. Despite that, there was no difference in the frequency, and types of complications between both groups. Diagnostic performance was not different between age groups. CONCLUSIONS: Independent from comorbidities, general health status, and functionality EBUS-TBNA procedure in 70-year-old and over patients is a safe minimally invasive procedure.

Comparison of neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio with other prognostic markers affecting 30 day mortality in acute pulmonary embolism.

Introduction: Identifying the prognostic factors for patients with acute pulmonary embolism (APE) play a critical role in determining of the treatment strategy and to reduce mortality. The aim of this study is to evaluate the prognostic value of Neutrophil to Lymphocyte Ratio (NLR) and compare NLR with other prognostic factors in APE. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively examined 550 cases of acute pulmonary embolism diagnosed by spiral computed tomographic angiography. A receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve was used to determine the sensitivity and specificity of parameters and the optimal cut-off value for predicting mortality. Significance of each prognostic factors selected by univariate analysis confirmed using Cox regression model. Result: Baseline NLR, Platelet to Lymphocyte Ratio (PLR), N-terminal pro-Brain Natriuretic Peptide (NT-proBNP), and D-dimer values respectively were found significantly high in patients who died within 30 days (p< 0.05). Patients with high-risk status and sPESI > 2 points had a significantly higher short-term mortality rate (p< 0.05). Short-time mortality was found significantly higher in patients with NLR > 7.3 (p< 0.05). Cox regression analysis indicated that patient risk status and sPESI score were independent prognostic factors (p< 0.05). However, NLR was not found as a predictor of mortality in APE (p> 0.05). After the subgroup analysis of the study, in patients without comorbid diseases NLR, patient's risk status, sPESI score were found the predictor of mortality in APE (p< 0.05). Conclusions: NLR maybe a useful prognostic factor for patients without comorbid diseases in short time of mortality in APE.

Pleural effusion as an indicator of short term mortality in acute pulmonary embolism.

INTRODUCTION: Pulmonary embolism (PE) is known as one of the major causes of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Identification of high risk patients for short term and long-term mortality is crucial. The purpose of this study is to demonstrate the prognostic importance of simplified pulmonary embolism severity index (sPESI), radiological investigations and comorbidities in terms of short-term mortality by simultaneous assessment of sPESI score, pulmonary computed tomography (CT) angiography findings and underlying comorbidities in patients diagnosed with acute pulmonary embolism. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated 570 patients diagnosed with acute PE confirmed by computer tomography pulmonary angiography (CTPA). Comorbidities were recorded, pulmonary embolism severity index scores were calculated and CTPA data were evaluated as predictors for short-term mortality. RESULT: The study population consisted of 570 patients, 292 (51.2%) patients were female and 74 patients (12.9%) died within 30 days due to PE diagnosis. In univariate analysis male gender (p= 0.031), congestive heart failure (CHF)(p< 0.029), main pulmonary artery involvement (p= 0.045), presence of pleural effusion (p= 0.001) and pericardial effusion (p= 0.004) at time of diagnosis and high risk sPESI group (p< 0.001) had a significant influence on mortality. In the multivariate analysis, pleural effusions (HR, 1.67; CI, 1.05-2.66; p< 0.030) and sPESI high risk group (HR, 9.56; CI, 4.71-19.43; p< 0.001) were remained significant and independent prognostic factors for survival. CONCLUSIONS: The present study underlined that presence of pleural effusion at the time of diagnosis in patients with massive pulmonary embolism and a high sPESI score in other patients were significant predictors of short-term mortality.

Cross-cultural Adaptation and Validation of Beliefs about Medicines Questionnaire on Asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Patients.

OBJECTIVES: Inadequate adaptation to long-term treatment of chronic illnesses is the most common reason for the inability to obtain the benefits medications can provide. Treatment compliance is influenced by several factors. Beliefs about Medicines Questionnaire (BMQ) developed by Horne et al. in 1999 to evaluate the cognitive representation of medicines have many validation studies, which resulted in good psychometric properties. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the reliability and validity of the BMQ Turkish translation in patients with asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Fifty asthma and 50 COPD patients participated in this methodological study. The scale was adapted to Turkish through translation, comparison with other language versions, back translation, and a pre-test. The structural validity was assessed using factor analysis. RESULTS: Similar to the original scale, factor analysis confirmed that BMQ had a four-factor structure that accounts for 58.23% of the total variance. The BMQ showed an acceptable internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha coefficient: specific-necessity, 0.832: specific-concerns, 0.722; general-harm, 0.792; and general-overuse, 0.682). The factor analysis revealed the same patterns for all questions between the Turkish and original scales. CONCLUSION: The psychometric properties of the BMQ were consistent with those reported in the original study. We found that the Turkish translation of BMQ is a valid and reliable tool for assessing medicine-related beliefs in patients with asthma and COPD.