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.

The effect of the clinical pharmacist in minimizing drug-related problems and related costs in the intensive care unit in Turkey: A non-randomized controlled study.

WHAT IS KNOWN AND OBJECTIVE: Drug-related problems (DRPs) are common in hospitalized patients in intensive care unit (ICU). The aim of the study is to reduce DRPs and associated costs with clinical pharmacist's (CP) recommendations. METHODS: The study is a prospective, non-randomized controlled study conducted in the ICU for a total of 6 months (1 January 2021-30 June 2021) in 2-month control, 2-month study, and 2-month control periods. Patients who were hospitalized for more than 24 h and used more than one medication were included in the study. The PCNE V9.1 Classification system was used in the classification of DRPs. During the intervention period, CP recommendations for DRPs were proposed to the healthcare team. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: A total of 146 patients were included in the study. A total of 1061 DRPs from all periods were detected. The most common causes of DRPs were potential drug-drug interactions (31.76%), high dose (12.44%), and dose timing instruction errors (9.24%). For 347 DRPs identified during the study period, 259 interventions (74.63%) were recommended, and 238 (91.89%) were accepted by physicians. Interventions were mostly made as interrupting/discontinuing the drug (28.02%), changing the dose (25.27%), changing the instructions for use (20.32%), and starting a new drug (15.93%). Cost savings were achieved with CP recommendations applied. WHAT IS NEW AND CONCLUSION: The CP's recommendations were highly accepted by the healthcare team. With the CP's participation in routine patient rounds in the healthcare team of the ICU, drug-related costs would also decrease.

Balloon Pulmonary Angioplasty in Patients With Inoperable or Recurrent/Residual Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension: A Single-Centre Initial Experience.

BACKGROUND: Patients with inoperable chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) are often treated with pulmonary arterial hypertension-specific drugs. However, most of these patients remain symptomatic, despite medical treatment. Balloon pulmonary angioplasty (BPA) is an emerging therapeutic intervention for patients with inoperable CTEPH. This study aimed to report the initial experience of BPA in a tertiary referral centre for CTEPH. METHODS: A total of 26 consecutive patients, who underwent 91 BPA sessions, were included in the study. All patients underwent a detailed examination, including 6-minute walking distance (6MWD), and right heart catheterisation at baseline and 3 months after the last BPA session. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 51±17 years. Fifteen (15) patients had inoperable CTEPH and 11 patients had residual or recurrent CTEPH post pulmonary endarterectomy (PEA). Functional class improved in 17 of 26 (65%) patients. The 6MWD increased from a mean 315±129 to 411±140 m (p<0.001), and NT pro-BNP reduced from a median 456 to 189 pg/mL (p=0.001). The number of patients who required supplemental oxygen decreased from 11 (42.3%) to five (19%) (p=0.031) after BPA treatment. The mean pulmonary artery pressure decreased from a mean 47.5±13.4 to 38±10.9 mmHg (p<0.001), the pulmonary vascular resistance decreased from a mean 9.3±4.7 to 5.8±2.8 Wood units (p<0.001), and the cardiac index increased from a mean 2.4±0.7 to 2.9±0.6 L/min/m2 (p=0.008). CONCLUSIONS: Balloon pulmonary angioplasty improved haemodynamics, 6MWD, and functional class, and reduced the requirement for supplemental oxygen, with an acceptable risk-benefit ratio in patients with inoperable CTEPH and with residual/recurrent CTEPH.

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.

Impact of concomitant obstructive sleep apnea on pulmonary involvement and main pulmonary artery diameter in adults with scleroderma.

PURPOSE: Pulmonary involvement is common in adults with scleroderma. The effect of concomitant obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) on risk for pulmonary hypertension in scleroderma is unknown. An enlarged main pulmonary artery diameter (mPAD) derived from chest computer tomography (CT) is a useful predictor of pulmonary hypertension. We addressed the effect of OSA on pulmonary involvement and enlarged mPAD in adults with scleroderma. METHODS: All participants underwent pulmonary function testing, carbon monoxide diffusion capacity, chest CT, and overnight sleep recording with home sleep apnea testing. OSA diagnosis was based on an apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) ≥ 15/h. Oxygen desaturation index (ODI) was also recorded. Scleroderma involvement of the lungs was defined as the Warrick score ≥ 7 based on the CT findings. Enlarged mPAD was defined as an mPAD ≥ 29 mm in men and ≥ 27 mm in women. RESULTS: After exclusions, 62 patients (58 women) were included. OSA was found among 20 (32%), 17/42 (38%) in the limited cutaneous type, and 3/20 (15%) in the diffuse cutaneous type (p = 0.08). Scleroderma involvement of the lungs was observed in 40 participants (65% in OSA vs 64% in no-OSA; n.s.). Enlarged mPAD was measured in 16 participants, 10 of 20 (50%) in the OSA group and 6 of 17 (14%) in the no-OSA group (p = 0.003). OSA was associated with enlarged mPAD (odds ratio 4.7, 95% confidence interval 1.1-20.9; p = 0.042) independent of age, body mass index, and pulmonary involvement. There was a linear relationship between mPAD and AHI (r = 0.37; p = 0.003) as well as ODI (r = 0.41; p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: In this cohort, OSA was associated with risk for pulmonary hypertension independent of pulmonary involvement. These findings suggest that assessing the effect of therapy for concomitant OSA in patients with scleroderma is warranted. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT02740569.

Respiratory and peripheral muscle involvement in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension due to congenital heart diseases.

Skeletal and respiratory muscle dysfunction has been previously described in patients with other etiologic subgroups of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) but has never been investigated in patients with PAH due to congenital heart diseases (CHD). This study aims to show the involvement of skeletal and respiratory muscles in these patients. This cross-sectional study included patients with PAH due to CHD and healthy controls. Patients' demographic properties, six-minute walk tests; shoulder abduction, handgrip, knee extension, and ankle dorsiflexion muscle strength, maximum inspiratory (MIP) and expiratory pressures (MEP) were measured. Deltoid, flexor digitorum superficialis, and profundus, tibialis anterior and rectus femoris muscles were visualized with ultrasonography and their cross-sectional areas (CSA) were also measured in both groups. 12 patients and 12 controls were included. Mean MIP was 104.22±32.57 cm H2O for healthy participants while 61.33±29.74 cm H2O for patients (p<0.001). For mean MEP, it was 100.08±26.05 cm H2O in healthy participants and 69.75±39.79 cmH2O in controls (p=0.004). When the strength of skeletal muscles was compared, there were significant differences between the groups in all measurements except for bilateral grip strength. In the correlation analysis, MIP and MEP values showed no significant correlations with clinical parameters. They showed significant moderate correlations with skeletal muscle strength. When CSAs of the muscles were compared, there were significant differences in all measurements except for left FDS and FDP and bilateral rectus femoris. This study showed that in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension due to CHD, respiratory muscle strength is significantly worse than healthy participants. Patients had also significantly worse skeletal muscle strength except for grip strength.

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.

Usage of NEWS for prediction of mortality and in-hospital cardiac arrest rates in a Turkish university hospital

Background/aim: Early warning scores (EWS), widely used around the world but not yet in Turkey, are composed of physiological parameters designed to determine potentially worsening patients to perform necessary interventions in time. The aim is to determine the national EWS (NEWS) of the patients to assess the relation between this score and length of hospital stay (LOHS), transfer to the ICU, 24-h and 28-day mortality rates, and the frequency of in-hospital cardiac arrest (IHCA). Materials and methods: NEWS of all the patients in the internal medicine clinics were calculated via a point prevalence study. The LOHS, transfer to the ICU, rates of mortality in the 24-h and 28-day period, IHCA rate, and the period of the stay in the ICU parameters were determined. Results: Out of 104 patients, 84 of them had low scores (<5), while 20 had mid/high scores. In mid/high-score group (score ≥ 5), transfer to the ICU, IHCA rate, and mortality rates within 24 h and 28 days were significantly higher. Conclusion: In this, the first prospective study about EWS in Turkey, 24-h and 28-day mortality rates, transfer to the ICU, and IHCA frequency of the patients with mid/high NEWS were higher.

Level of adrenomedullin in cases with adrenal defficiency and its relation to mortality in patients with sepsis.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to determine the prognostic value of adrenomedullin, after evaluation of adrenal function in sepsis patients. We also evaluated other prognostic factors such as APACHE II score, proBNP, and CRP and their prediction in mortality. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a prospective, observational study. We enrolled 48 patients, who were admitted to the intensive care unit due to sepsis according to surviving sepsis campaign criteria. RESULT: ADM median value was 60.8 ng/L in patients with normal adrenal function, and 20.1 ng/L in patients who had adrenal deficiency. With adequate adrenal response there was a linear and statistically significant relationship between adrenomedullin and mortality (p< 0.001). The median ADM level was 41.7 ng/L among non-survivors and 13.9 ng/L among survivors (p< 0.001). The median APACHE II score was 27.8 in non-survivors and 16.9 in survivors (p= 0.001). We also done ROC curve analysis; when ADM level was > 30.19 ng/L (sensitivity: 73.0%, specificity: 100%), APACHE II score was > 21 (sensitivity: 93.3%, specificity: 84.8%), and proBNP > 3736 pg/mL (sensitivity: 73.3%, specificity: 93.9%). CONCLUSIONS: Without evaluation of adrenal function adrenomedullin should not be used, in predicting mortality of sepsis.

Renal replacement therapy in the ICU: comparison of clinical features and outcomes of patients with acute kidney injury and dialysis-dependent end-stage renal disease.

BACKGROUND: The goal of this study is to study clinical features and outcomes of the patients who had renal replacement therapy (RRT) in the intensive care unit (ICU) between 2000 and 2007. METHODS: We retrospectively studied 222 patients. RESULTS: Overall ICU mortality and invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) rates were 58.1 and 61.3 %. The mean APACHE II score was 27.6 ± 8.3. Chronic dialysis (CD) patients formed 45.5 % of the study population. Acute kidney injury (AKI) patients had higher rates of IMV (73 vs. 51.5 %, p = 0.002), cancer (27.8 vs. 7.9 %, p ≤ 0.001) and mortality (67.8 vs. 50.5 %, p = 0.010) than CD patients. AKI patients with normal kidney function (NKF) before ICU admission had poorer prognosis than acute-on-chronic kidney disease (CKD) and CD patients (78.6, 51 and 50.5 %, respectively, p ≤ 0.001). Multivariate analysis showed that IMV (OR, 14.8; 95 % CI, 5.47-40.05; p ≤ 0.001) and having NKF before hospitalization (OR, 2.8; 95 % CI, 1.04-7.37; p = 0.041) were predictors of overall ICU mortality. Additionally, IMV is found as a prognostic factor for both AKI (OR, 18.7; 95 % CI, 4.48-77.72; p ≤ 0.001) and CD patients (OR, 8.14; 95 % CI, 2.01-33.04; p = 0.003), but APACHE II score is meaningful only for CD patients (OR, 1.13; 95 % CI, 1.02-1.26; p = 0.024). The areas under the ROC curves for APACHE II score were 0.52 (95 % CI, 0.39-0.66) for AKI and 0.78 (95 % CI, 0.55-0.89) for CD patients. CONCLUSION: The observed ICU mortality among patients requiring RRT is high and IMV is associated with mortality. AKI patients have increased mortality compared to CD patients. AKI patients with past NKF have poorer prognosis than acute-on-CKD and CD patients.

Effects of body awareness therapy on balance and fear of falling in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Assessment of extrapulmonary comorbidities is essential in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Deterioration of balance and increasing fear of falling are two of the most significant extrapulmonary manifestations. Although pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) is well-known and effective for COPD patients, there is a need for alternative treatments to enhance balance and alleviate concerns about falling. This study aimed to investigate the effect of Body Awareness Therapy (BAT), in addition to the PR program, on balance and fear of falling in patients with COPD. METHODS: Forty-three patients were randomized into two groups: the BAT + PR group (BAT: once a week, 60 min + PR: 30 min, seven days of the week) or the PR group (PR: 30 min, seven days of the week) for eight weeks. Primary (balance, fear of falling) and secondary (dyspnea, muscle strength, functional capacity) outcomes were assessed at two different times: the baseline and end of the eight weeks. RESULTS: Significant improvements were found in dynamic balance (reaction time η2 = 0.777, movement velocity η2 = 0.789, endpoint excursion η2 = 0.687, maximal excursion η2 = 0.887), static balance on firm ground (eyes opened η2 = 0.679, eyes closed η2 = 0.705), dyspnea (η2 = 0.546), muscle strength (η2 = 0.803), and functional capacity (η2 = 0.859) of the BAT + PR group (p < 0.05 for all). The improvement in fear of falling was significantly greater in the BAT + PR group than in the PR group (p < 0.001, η2 = 0.331). CONCLUSION: The BAT method added to PR was more effective than PR alone in improving balance and reducing the fear of falling in COPD patients. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This randomized controlled study was registered at clinicaltrials.gov, NCT04212676 , Registered 28 December 2019.

Esophagus Dilation and Quality of Life in Adults with Scleroderma and Concomitant Obstructive Sleep Apnea.

(1) Background: Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a rare systemic disease, which often affects the esophagus, leading to dilation and complications such as dysphagia and reflux. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a chronic condition with recurrent episodes of upper airway collapsibility and is known to impair quality of life (QoL). The primary aim of this study was to investigate the occurrence of esophagus dilation in patients with SSc and concomitant OSA and, further, to address the impact of these conditions on QoL. (2) Methods: In this cross-sectional cohort study, 62 consecutive patients with SSc underwent chest computer tomography (CT) and home sleep apnea testing. The OSA diagnosis was based on AHI ≥ 15 events/h. The QoL was quantified using the short-form (SF)-36 questionnaire. The patients were dichotomized as high- vs. low-esophageal-diameter groups, based on the median cut-off values. (3) Results: The mean age was 48 ± 11 years; 58 (93.5%) were female; the mean BMI was 26.7 ± 5.0 kg/m2. The median esophageal diameter was 17.47 mm. A larger esophageal diameter was more frequently associated with the diffuse cutaneous subtype of SSc (p = 0.002) and significantly higher Warrick scores (p < 0.001), indicating more severe pulmonary fibrosis. There was a significant linear correlation between the Warrick score and the esophageal diameter (standardized ß coefficient 0.544 [%95 confidence interval 0.250-0.609]; p < 0.001). In the subgroup analysis, the patients with both OSA and enlarged esophageal diameter experienced a significant decline in QoL, particularly in the domains of physical functioning, role physical, general health, role emotional, and vitality. (4) Conclusions: While OSA was not directly associated with enlarged esophageal diameter in patients with SSc, those with both OSA and enlarged esophageal diameter exhibited a significant decline in QoL. These findings suggest that the presence of OSA may exacerbate the adverse effects of esophageal dilation on QoL in SSc patients. Our results underline the importance of considering both gastrointestinal and sleep-related aspects in SSc management to enhance patient QoL.

Angiographic findings of pulmonary arterial involvement in Behcet's Disease: Do they correlate with symptoms and acute phase response?

INTRODUCTION: Behcet's disease (BD) is a chronic inflammatory disorder with arterial vasculitis. Although, pulmonary artery aneurysm (PAA) is accepted as the prototypic arterial disorder, an increasing presence of pulmonary artery thrombosis (PAT) with or without aneurysms was also reported in recent studies. In this study, we aimed to describe computed tomography pulmonary angiography (CTPA) findings of pulmonary involvement and its correlation with symptoms and acute phase response in BD. METHOD: In this retrospective study, 153 CTPA of BD patients were assessed by two radiologists. Clinical and laboratory data were collected from the patient files. Pulmonary artery involvement (PAI) was defined as thrombus or aneurysm in CT angiography. RESULTS: Most of (85.6 %) our patients were male and median age was 33.7 ± 10 years during angiographic assessments. Sixty-two (40.5 %) angiographies presented a thrombus: 14 subsegmental, 29 segmental, 13 lobar and 6 main branches. Among these, 82.3 % (n = 51) had bilateral involvement. Isolated PAT was present in 58 (93.5 %) angiographies with only 4 (2.6 %) angiographies displaying an aneurysm together with a thrombus. Pulmonary infarction was detected in 9 angiographies. Forty-four (29.3 %) patients, almost all of them under immunosuppressive treatments for other indications, were screened for asymptomatic pulmonary involvement (without any symptoms or increased acute-phase response (APR)), and one fourth of these were diagnosed as having a segmental or subsegmental PAT. CONCLUSION: Our results show that isolated pulmonary thrombosis is the main form of PAI, and isolated pulmonary aneurysm formation is rare in our BD cases. In the presence of pulmonary symptoms with or without increased APRs, involvement of segmental or more proximal parts of pulmonary arteries is most commonly detected. We also observed that PAI may be seen in about one fourth of especially male BD patients without symptoms or increased APR. Our results suggest that BD patients with pulmonary symptoms should be screened by CTPA for PAI, however, further research is needed to clarify the role of routine CTPA screening in asymptomatic BD patients.

Assessment of drug-induced electrolyte disorders in intensive care units: a multicenter observational study.

Objective: Electrolyte disorder (ED) is frequently encountered critically ill patients during admission or admission to the intensive care unit (ICU). This study aimed to determine the frequency of ED encountered in ICU patients to evaluate the relationship of ED with drugs. Methods: This prospective, multicenter study was conducted in the medical and anesthesiology ICUs of two training and research hospitals and included patients with at least one ED during admission or hospitalization in the ICUs. The relationship between ED and the drug was evaluated by calculating the logistic probabilistic method scale (LPMS) and the expert panel's evaluation. The correlation between EDs and LPMS was determined using Kendal tau. A binary logistic regression model was preferred in the analysis of factors related to ED. Statistical significance was set as p < 0.05. Results: A total of 117 patients were included in the study. A total of 165 EDs were detected, including at least one in 88 (75.2%) patients. According to the expert panel, 61 (21.7%) of EDs were drug-related, whereas according to the LPMS, 111 (39.6%) (p < 0.001). Mortality (50% vs. 13.7%) and mechanical ventilation rates (52.2% vs. 17.2%) were significantly higher in patients with ED (p < 0.001). Patients with ED had 8.352 times higher odds of exhibiting mortality (OR: 8.352, %95 CI: 1.598-43.648, p: 0.012) and need mechanical ventilation with higher odds of 3.229 (OR: 3.229 95% CI: 0.815-12.787 p: 0.045). Patient who required enteral or parenteral feeding were associated with an increased likelihood of exhibiting ED (respectively OR: 30.057, %95 CI: 2.265-398.892, p: 0.01, OR: 5.537, %95 CI: 1.406-21.800, p: 0.014). Conclusion: EDs are very common in the ICU. Dysnatremia was detected more commonly in other EDs. It has also been found that patients with ED are more often under mechanical ventilation, have more prolonged hospitalizations, and have higher mortality rates than patients without ED. The suitability of LPMS for assessing ED-drug relationships in the ICU context is questioned.

Clinical Pharmacist-Led Medication Review in Hospitalized Confirmed or Probable Patients with COVID-19 During the First Wave of COVID-19 Pandemic.

Objectives: Drug-related problems (DRPs) result in serious problems among hospitalized patients, high rates of morbidity and mortality, and increased healthcare costs. This study aimed to identify DRPs by clinical pharmacist-led medication review in hospitalized probable patients with coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. Materials and Methods: This retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted at the COVID-19 inpatient services of a tertiary university hospital in Türkiye for 3 months (between March 2020 and June 2020) and included hospitalized confirmed or probable COVID-19 patients. The World Health Organization and Turkish Ministry of Health Guidelines case definitions were used to define confirmed and probable COVID-19 patients. Six clinical pharmacy residents provided medication review services during their education and training. DRPs were classified based on the Pharmaceutical Care Network Europe V9.00. The physician's acceptance rate of clinical pharmacists' recommendations was assessed. Results: Among 202 hospitalized patients with probable or confirmed COVID-19, 132 (65.3%) had at least one drug-related problem. Two hundred and sixty-four DRPs were identified. Drug selection (85.6%) and dose selection (9.2%) were the most common causes of these problems. Among the 80 clinical pharmacist interventions, 48.8% were accepted by the physicians. Conclusion: Clinical pharmacists identified a significant number of DRPs during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly those related to drug interactions and drug safety, such as adverse drug reactions. This study highlights the importance of detecting and responding to DRPs in the COVID-19 pandemic.

Lung Cavitation as a Long-Term Imaging Pattern of COVID-19.

Background A wide variety of radiological imaging findings, especially CT findings, have been reported in patients with COVID-19 pneumonia during the pandemic surge. Generally, on control chest imaging, individuals who have been cured of the disease usually show complete remission; however, in severe cases, residual pulmonary fibrosis, other abnormalities, and, rarely, lung cavitation can be observed. In this retrospective descriptive study, we aimed to describe the clinical, radiological, and laboratory characteristics of patients who developed lung cavitation in the course of SARS-CoV-2 disease recovery. Methodology Over a period of five months from March 1, 2021, to August 1, 2021, 15 consecutive patients who developed cavitary lesions on chest CT during the course of recovery from COVID-19 were recruited as the study population. All patients had a history of a SARS-CoV-2 infection diagnosed with a positive real-time polymerase chain reaction test. Patients who already had cavitary lesions in chest CT during the start of COVID-19 symptoms were excluded. Results In this study, 14 patients were male (93.3%). The only female patient was the only severely obese patient in the study population, with a body mass index was 40.4 kg/m2. The median (range) age of the patient population was 61 (42-79) years. Eight patients (53.3%) required intensive care unit admission during the hospitalization period. Three patients who required intensive care unit were intubated and needed invasive mechanical ventilation. Two patients died during hospitalization. Conclusions Lung cavitation remains a rare occurrence in the course of COVID-19. Bronchoscopic evaluation and scanning for pulmonary embolism should be done in appropriate patients to determine secondary reasons for cavitation. Although this descriptive study showed that cavitary lesions can develop in patients with severe disease, more comprehensive studies with a control group are needed to reach a 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.

Anxiety, Depression, and Sleep Disorders After COVID-19 Infection.

Introduction As of December 2019, the COVID-19 infection had spread rapidly across the globe, causing a pandemic. Although the virus primarily affects the respiratory and circulatory systems, neuropsychiatric disorders have been reported in a significant number of infected individuals. The aim of this study is to identify anxiety, depression, and sleep disturbances in the early post-COVID period, as well as potential risk factors. Method Symptomatic cases whose COVID-19 diagnosis was confirmed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) positivity within the previous three months were evaluated in the COVID-19 follow-up clinic, where they were observed for at least four weeks after the diagnosis. Cases with no suspicious symptoms and no documented PCR positivity were selected as the control group. All participants completed the Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale (HADS) questionnaire and the Pittsburgh sleep quality questionnaire. The laboratory parameters of hospitalized patients with infection were recorded. Results A total of 283 patients were included in the study. While the median age of 144 patients with COVID-19 infection was 44 years, and 104 of them (72.2%) were female, the median age of the controls without COVID-19 infection was 52 years, and 65 of them (46.8%) were female. About 89 (61.8%) of the 144 patients with COVID-19 infections were hospitalized. When the results of the applied HADS questionnaire were analyzed, the median total value of all study participants was 10 points, whereas it was 13 in cases with COVID-19 and nine in those who did not have it (p<0.001). Taking into account the subgroups of the anxiety and depression questionnaires, both results are statistically significantly higher (p<0.001 and p=0.022, respectively) in post-COVID patients. When the hospitalization status of COVID-19 patients was compared, there was no difference in the development of anxiety (p=0.23), but depression(p<0.024) and poor sleep quality(p<0.001) were prevalent in hospitalized patients. The median PSQI score of the entire study population was five points, while it was seven points in cases with COVID-19 infection and four points in cases who did not have it (p<0.001). Sleep latency (p<0.003), sleep disturbances (p<0.001), and daytime dysfunction (p<0.001) were statistically significantly worse in COVID-19-infected patients. Female gender (p<0.01) and the presence of past anxiety-depression symptoms (p<0.013) were found to be as risk factors in patients with infection. The correlation between the total HADS score, the PSQI, and the results of the complete blood count and biochemical analysis at the time of diagnosis in hospitalized patients was also investigated. CRP (CI 0.26-0.58) p<0.001 vs (CI 0.09-0.45) p=0.004 and ferritin (CI 0.05-0.43) p=0.017 vs (CI 0.01-0.40) p=0.047exhibited a positive correlation. Similarly, lymphocyte count (CI -0.65 to -0.37) p<0.001 vs (CI -0.39 to -0.01) p<0.001 and lymphocyte percentage (-0.57 to -0.24) p=0.001 vs (-0.65 to -0.37) p=0.039 were negatively correlated. Conclusion Early post-infection anxiety, depression, and sleep disturbances increased significantly in COVID-19 patients. Female gender and previous symptoms of anxiety and depression are risk factors, and inpatient treatment increases depression and poor sleep quality. High HADS and poor sleep quality scores are positively correlated with inflammatory parameters and should be evaluated in post-infection in particular.