Serum 25(OH)D Deficiency and High D-Dimer Levels are Associated with COVID-19 Pneumonia.

BACKGROUND: To identify the risk factors for COVID-19 pneumonia and to characterize the epidemiology of the disease. METHODS: This was a prospective study of consecutive patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection and respiratory symptoms, enrolled between April 12 and April 30 of 2020. Pneumonia was diagnosed on the basis of abnormal chest CT findings. At admission, we performed a complete blood count, as well as determining serum levels of CRP, procalcitonin, D-dimer, ferritin, LDH, and 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D). Comorbidities, body mass index (BMI), and smoking habits were noted. We also analyzed the risk factors for development of COVID-19 pneumonia. RESULTS: We evaluated 124 patients (79 males) with a mean age of 38 ± 16.6 years. Fever was observed in 67 patients (54.0%), fatigue, cough, and dyspnea being observed in 94 (75.8%), 86 (69.3%), and 37 (29.8%), respectively. Of the 124 patients, 77 (62.1%) developed pneumonia. Common comorbidities in the patients with pneumonia were hypertension, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. D-dimer > 0.5 µg/mL (OR = 8.6; 95% CI: 3.32 - 22.26, p < 0.001); 25(OH)D < 20 µg/dL (OR = 6.75; 95% CI: 2.81 - 16.21, p < 0.001); and age > 60 years (OR = 15.66; 95% CI: 2.02 - 121.40, p < 0.001) were variables showing significant correlation with COVID-19 pneumonia. CONCLUSIONS: Serum 25(OH)D deficiency, high D-dimer levels, and advanced age are associated with a greater risk of developing COVID-19 pneumonia.

PAI-1 and tPA gene polymorphisms and susceptibility to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in a sample of Turkish population.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to assess the influence of plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) 4G/5G or tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) I/D polymorphisms in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) cases in a sample of Turkish population. METHODS: PAI-1 4G/5G and tPA Alu-repeat I/D genetic polymorphisms in 153 COPD subjects and 160 controls were investigated using PCR-RFLP and PCR methods, respectively. RESULTS: 4G allele frequency was 0.62 and 0.39 for COPD and control groups, respectively. 4G allele had an estimated 2.56- fold [95% CI = 1.85-3.53] increased risk of COPD. tPA I allele frequency was 0.55 and 0.50, for COPD and control groups, respectively. I allele had an estimated 1.19-fold [95% CI = 0.87-1.62] increased risk of COPD. CONCLUSIONS: PAI-1 4G/4G and 4G/5G genotypes seemed to play a key role in the pathophysiology of COPD in Turkish individuals.

Is There a Relationship Between Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) and Hearing Loss?

BACKGROUND Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common disorder with an estimated prevalence in the general population of 2-5%. Its main clinical features are loud snoring and breathing stoppage during sleep. Ischemia could be a consequence of noise-induced hearing loss because cochlear oxygen tension is reduced during and after noise exposure. In this study, we evaluated auditory function in patients affected by OSA and simple snoring. MATERIAL AND METHODS A total of 66 participants (male to female ratio: 40:26) were included in the study, of which 21 were in the control group, 18 were in the simple snoring group, and 27 were in the OSA patient group. Polysomnography and audiometric examination were performed in all participants. RESULTS The mean ages of the participants in the control, simple snoring, and OSA groups were 39.14±9.9, 37.28±8.2, and 41.56±8.99 years, respectively. There were no statistically significant differences among groups regarding age or sex; however, there were statistically significant differences among groups in body mass index, apnea-hypopnea index scores, mean saturation, and duration under 90% saturation. In addition, statistically significant differences were found between the patient group and the control and simple snoring groups concerning the mean saturation, duration under 90% saturation, and the extended high frequency of hearing. CONCLUSIONS These data show that snoring may cause hearing loss at extended high frequencies.

Cytomegalovirus pneumonia and pulmonary haemorrhage in a patient with polyarteritis nodosa.

Cytomegaloviruses are opportunistic pathogens that cause lung infection in immunocompromised individuals. A 24-year-old male was admitted to the hospital with complaints of cough, fever and dyspnoea. He was receiving immunosuppressive therapy for polyarteritis nodosa. A chest X-ray showed heterogeneous right-sided opacity in the middle and lower lung zones. The diagnosis of cytomegalovirus pneumonia was confirmed by positive testfor serum cytomegalovirus IgM antibodies.Oneday after admission, haemoptysis developed and patient with hemoptysis who had shortness of breath was intubated. Computed tomography (CT) showed bilateral alveolar opacity.

Comparative analysis of pulmonary and extrapulmonary tuberculosis of 411 cases.

BACKGROUND: Tuberculosis is a disease that can involve every organ system. While pulmonary tuberculosis is the most common presentation, extrapulmonary tuberculosis (EPT) is also an important clinical problem. The current study aimed to outline and compare the demographic and clinical features of pulmonary and extrapulmonary tuberculosis cases in adults. METHODS: Medical records of 411 patients (190 women, 221 men) treated between January 2010 and July 2014 in provincial tuberculosis control dispensary was retrospectively reviewed. Demographic and clinical characteristics were compared for pulmonary and extrapulmonary tuberculosis cases. RESULTS: Of these 411 cases, 208 (50.6%) had pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) and 203 were diagnosed with extrapulmonary tuberculosis (EPTB) (49.4%). The average ages for PTB and EPTB groups were 33.00-27.00 and 31.00-29.75, respectively (p = 0.513). Men were more frequently affected by PTB (59.6%), while EPTB was more commonly detected in women (52.2%) (p = 0.016). Main diagnostic modalities for PTB were sputum/smear analyses (72.7%), clinical-radiological data (21.7%) and biopsy (6.1%); while biopsy (71.5%), sputum/fluid analysis (18.8%) and clinical-radiological data (4.9%) were used for confirming EPTB (p < 0.0019). The most common sites of EPTB involvement were lymph nodes (39.4%), followed by pleura (23.6%), peritoneum (9.9%) and bone (7.4%). CONCLUSIONS: Extrapulmonary involvement of tuberculosis is common and females are more likely to be affected. Increased clinical awareness is important since atypical presentations of the disease may constitute diagnostic and therapeutic challenges.

Clinical and laboratory features of adult measles cases detected in Van, Turkey.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate adult measles patients with respect to their clinical and laboratory findings as well as complications. METHODS: The retrospective study was conducted at YuzuncuYil University, Van, Turkey, between December 2012 and June 2013, and comprised cases diagnosed with measles. The diagnosis was based on clinical findings and all were serologically confirmed with the presence of Anti-measles Immunoglobulin M antibodies. RESULTS: Of the 50 records studied, 41(84%) related to women. Overall mean age was 25.52±4.07 years. The most common symptoms were fever and rash 50(100%), malaise 49(98%), cough 48(96%), headache 44(88%) and sore throat 36(72%). The presence of Koplik spots, lymphadenopathy and hepatomegaly were observed in 3(6%), 6(12%) and 2(4%) patients respectively. Thrombocytopenia and elevated liver enzymes were detected in 26(52%) and 22(44%)patients. Pneumonia was the most common complication in 9(18%) patients. Other respiratory complications were bronchitis 5(10%) and laryngotracheitis 6(12%). Of the cases, 9(18%) exhibited otitis media. Premature delivery and spontaneous abortus occurred in 2(4%) and 3(6%) patients of the 15(30%) pregnant women. CONCLUSIONS: Measles continues to be an important health problem in Turkey and needs an effective elimination programme.

Serum adenosine deaminase activity in cutaneous anthrax.

BACKGROUND: Adenosine deaminase (ADA) activity has been discovered in several inflammatory conditions; however, there are no data associated with cutaneous anthrax. The aim of this study was to investigate serum ADA activity in patients with cutaneous anthrax. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Sixteen patients with cutaneous anthrax and 17 healthy controls were enrolled. We measured ADA activity; peripheral blood leukocyte, lymphocyte, neutrophil, and monocyte counts; erythrocyte sedimentation rate; and C reactive protein levels. RESULTS: Serum ADA activity was significantly higher in patients with cutaneous anthrax than in the controls (p<0.001). A positive correlation was observed between ADA activity and lymphocyte counts (r=0.589, p=0.021) in the patient group. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that serum ADA could be used as a biochemical marker in cutaneous anthrax.

Pulmonary thromboembolism in a patient with active ulcerative colitis and lung abscess secondary to pulmonary infarction.

Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis are inflammatory bowel diseases and they primarily involve intestines. Herein we report the case of a young man who, during a clinical recurrence of ulcerative colitis, presented with symptoms suggestive of a lung abscess. When the patient was re-evaluated because of unexplained shortness of breath, an area of infarction was detected that had led to the development of cavitation secondary to submassive embolism and foci of infection contained within. The patient was managed with subcutaneous heparin and he was asymptomatic during 2 months of follow-up. He completed six months of anti-coagulation therapy and any recurrence was not detected during 3 months of post-treatment follow-up.

Factors determining the therapeutic level of positive airway pressure in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome.

Objectives: In daily practice, we encounter with obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS) patients who require different levels of positive airway pressure (PAP) despite having a similar apnoea-hypopnea index (AHI). We aimed to determine the parameters contributing to the determination of the therapeutic level of PAP. Methods: Data on 548 patients who underwent polysomnography and PAP titration were analysed retrospectively. Patients were divided into groups according to OSAS severity (mild, moderate, and severe) and the mean pressure in each group was determined, after which patients were further divided into those who required a PAP below the mean and those who required a PAP above the mean. Results: The mean optimal PAP level in the mild, moderate, and severe OSAS groups was 7.4 ± 2.3, 8.6 ± 2.4, and 9.8 ± 2.9 cm H2O, respectively. In the moderate and severe OSAS group, the subgroup that needed high pressure had a higher supine AHI, a longer apnoea time, and a longer SaO2 <90% time as compared with the subgroup that needed low pressure. Conclusion: A longer apnoea duration and a higher supine AHI are associated with a higher PAP level in patients with moderate and severe OSAS.

Metastatic Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumor Mimicking Interstitial Lung Disease Diagnosed by Transbronchial lung biopsie: A Case Report.

Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PNETs) are rare malignancies characterized by insidious onset and mostly present with metastasis at the diagnosis. Lung metastasis manifesting diffuse ground-glass opacity is a very rare pattern that is difficult to distinguish from nonmalignant pulmonary diseases. Recognition of this atypical metastases pattern and avoidance of this potential pitfall are crucial. We report a unique case of the Metastatic Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumor Mimicking Interstitial Lung Disease diagnosed by transbronchial lung biopsie. Keywords: Neuroendocrine Tumor, Metastasis, Groundglass opacity, interstitial lung disease.

Research Burden of Interstitial Lung Diseases in Turkey - RBILD.

Introduction: The aim of our study is to investigate the etiological distribution of ILD in Turkey by stratifying the epidemiological characteristics of ILD cases, and the direct cost of initial diagnosis of the diagnosed patients. Material-Method: The study was conducted as a multicenter, prospective, cross-sectional, clinical observation study. Patients over the age of 18 and who accepted to participate to the study were included and evaluated as considered to be ILD. The findings of diagnosis, examination and treatment carried out by the centers in accordance with routine diagnostic procedures were recorded observationally. Results: In total,1070 patients were included in this study. 567 (53%) of the patients were male and 503 (47%) were female. The most frequently diagnosed disease was IPF (30.5%). Dyspnea (75.9%) was the highest incidence among the presenting symptoms. Physical examination found bibasilar inspiratory crackles in 56.2 % and radiological findings included reticular opacities and interlobular septal thickenings in 55.9 % of the cases. It was observed that clinical and radiological findings were used most frequently (74.9%) as a diagnostic tool. While the most common treatment approaches were the use of systemic steroids and antifibrotic drugs with a rate of 30.7% and 85.6%, respectively. The total median cost from the patient's admission to diagnosis was 540 Turkish Lira. Conclusion: We believe that our findings compared with data from other countries will be useful in showing the current situation of ILD in our country to discuss this problem and making plans for a solution.

Evaluation serum levels of YKL-40, Periostin, and some inflammatory cytokines together with IL-37, a new anti-inflammatory cytokine, in patients with stable and exacerbated asthma.

INTRODUCTION: As asthma has a wide range of inflammatory pathways, the researchers were focused on the markers that may be associated with exacerbation and stability in asthma. OBJECTIVE: Our aim is to investigate the serum levels of some inflammatory markers and cytokines in stable and exacerbated asthmatic patients. METHODS: The study included in 59 non-smoker asthma patient (Exacerbated=25, Stable=34) and 30 healthy volunteers. The serum level of periostin, YKL-40, IL-4, IL-5, IL-37, and TNF-α were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: Except for IL-37, the periostin, YKL-40, IL-4, IL-5, and TNF-α level in asthmatic patients were significantly higher than those of healthy control. In the exacerbated group, the periostin, YKL-40, IL-5, and TNF-α level were significantly higher than stable asthma and healthy control groups. The serum levels of IL-4 in exacerbated and stable asthma groups were significantly higher than healthy control group. There was a significant difference between IL4 levels, in stable asthma and healthy control groups. In exacerbated asthma group, IL-37 level was significantly lower than stable and healthy control groups. The highest area under the ROC curve (AUC) was found for IL-4. While there was a significant negative correlation between these parameters and FEV1, there was a positive correlation between IL-37 and FEV1, but not significant. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that increased serum periostin, YKL-40, IL-5, IL-4, and TNF-α and decreased serum IL-37 were associated with exacerbation showing uncontrolled asthma.

Analysis of endogenous oxidative damage markers and association with pulmonary involvement severity in patients with SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia.

INTRODUCTION: The SARS-CoV-2 virus affects many organs, especially the lungs, with widespread inflammation. We aimed to compare the endogenous oxidative damage markers of coenzyme Q10, nicotinamide dinucleotide oxidase 4, malondialdehyde, and ischemia-modified albumin levels in patients with pneumonia caused by SARS-CoV-2 and in an healthy control group. We also aimed to compare these parameters between patients with severe and non-severe pulmonary involvement. METHODS: The study included 58 adult patients with SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia and 30 healthy volunteers. CoQ10 and MDA levels were determined by high-pressure liquid chromatography. NOX4 and IMA levels were determined by ELISA assay and colorimetric method. RESULTS: Higher levels of CoQ10, MDA, NOX4, and IMA and lower levels of COQ10H were observed in patients with SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia than in the control group. MDA, IMA, NOX4, and CoQ10 levels were significantly higher in patients with severe pulmonary involvement than in patients with non-severe pulmonary involvement, but no significant difference was observed in CoQ10H levels. CoQ10 levels were significantly and positively correlated with both ferritin and CRP levels. CONCLUSION: SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia is significantly associated with increased endogenous oxidative damage. Oxidative damage seems to be associated with pulmonary involvement severity.

Betatrophin association with serum triglyceride levels in obstructive sleep apnea patients.

BACKGROUND: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common sleep problem, in which patients are at increased risk for metabolic and cardiovascular problems, including metabolic syndrome, diabetes mellitus (DM), and dyslipidemia. Betatrophin is a novel protein that regulates fatty acid and triglyceride (TG) metabolism and is related to obesity and metabolic abnormalities, including metabolic syndrome, DM, and dyslipidemia. Although OSA and betatrophin share common abnormalities, their relationship has not been investigated. AIM: The aim of this study is to investigate the relationships among betatrophin, OSA, and the serum lipid profile. METHODS: Ninety consecutive patients with suspected OSA underwent polysomnography (PSG) to confirm OSA. Plasma betatrophin, leptin, adiponectin, and the full lipid profile were analyzed. The patients were categorized as OSA or control based on the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI). RESULTS: About 61% of patients had OSA, and 39% had normal PSG. The levels of betatrophin, leptin, and adiponectin were higher in patients with OSA (256.59 ± 29.35, 374.20 ± 37.93, and 17.86 ± 2.63 µg/mL, respectively) compared to the controls (141.86 ± 26.20, 205.53 ± 14.75, and 7.52 ± 1.02 µg/mL, respectively). Betatrophin levels were correlated with the AHI, leptin (r = 0.413, P = 0.002, r = 0.782, P = 0.000). TG levels were significantly higher, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels were lower, in OSA patients compared to controls (244 ± 20.33 vs. 138 ± 14.89, and 37.21 ± 1.26 vs. 43.78 ± 1.62, respectively). The TG level was correlated with betatrophin (r = 0.353, P = 0.013). Multiple regression analysis showed that the AHI, leptin, and arousals were independent predictors of betatrophin level (B = 1.70 P = 0.046 95%, B = 0.56 P < 0.005, and B = 1, 2, P = 0.003, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest a complex relationship between OSA, betatrophin, TG, and HDL, as well as other adipokines. Our results require further investigation to assess this complex association and re-evaluate previous related studies.

Delftia acidovorans pneumonia with lung cavities formation.

CASE DESCRIPTION: A 52-year-old female patient was admitted to our clinic with complaints of cough, sputum, fever and fatigue. The patient has been receiving immunosuppressive therapy for thrombocytopenic purpura for 5 years. CLINICAL FINDING: Inspiratory crackles were heard on both hemithorax. Oxygen saturation measured with the pulse oximeter was 97%. Chest X-ray showed diffuse reticular opacities that were more prominent in the upper zones of both lungs. WBC counts were 17,600 mm3 and Platelet counts were 29,000 mm3. Thorax CT showed that there were many thin-walled cavities and millimetric nodules accompanied by ground-glass infiltrates in the upper and middle lobes. Gram staining of bronchial fluid, taken by bronchoscopy, revealed Gram-negative bacilli and intense polymorphonuclear leukocytes. The bacteria were defined as Delftia acidovorans by BD Phoenix automated system. TREATMENT AND OUTCOMES: The patient was hospitalized with suspicion of opportunistic pulmonary infections and cavitary lung disease. After the empirical treatment of intravenous piperacillin-tazobactam and oral clarithromycin, her clinical and radiological findings significantly regressed, and she was discharged with outpatient follow-up. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This is the first example of cavitary pneumonia due to Delftia acidovorans in an immunocompromised patient. We would like to emphasize that Delftia pneumonia should be considered in the differential diagnosis of pulmonary cavitary involvement in such patients.

DESCRIPCIÓN DEL CASO: Una mujer de 52 años llegó a la clínica con tos, esputo, fiebre y fatiga. El paciente estuvo recibiendo terapia inmunosupresora durante 5 años para el tratamiento de la púrpura trombocitopénica. HALLAZGO CLÍNICO: se escucharon crepitaciones inspiratorias en ambos hemitórax. La saturación de oxígeno fue del 97%. La radiografía de tórax mostró opacidades reticulares difusas que eran más prominentes en las zonas superiores de ambos pulmones. Los recuentos de leucocitos fueron de 17,600 mm3 y los recuentos de plaquetas fueron de 29,000 mm3. La TC de tórax mostró muchas cavidades de pared delgada y nódulos milimétricos acompañados de infiltrados vitrales en los lóbulos superior y medio. La tinción de Gram del líquido bronquial reveló bacilos gramnegativos y leucocitos polimorfonucleares. Las bacterias fueron identificadas como Delftia acidovorans. TRATAMIENTO Y RESULTADOS: La paciente fue hospitalizado con una sospecha de infección oportunista pulmonar y enfermedad pulmonar cavitaria. Después del tratamiento empírico de piperacilina-tazobactam intravenosa y claritromicina oral, los síntomas y signos retrocedieron significativamente, y fue dada de alta con seguimiento ambulatorio. RELEVANCIA CLÍNICA: este es el primer registro de neumonía cavitaria causado por Delftia acidovorans en una paciente inmunocomprometida. Enfatizamos que la neumonía por Delftia debe considerarse en el diagnóstico diferencial de la afectación de la cavidad pulmonar en tales pacientes.

Immunization status in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: A multicenter study from Turkey.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to detect the prevalence and the factors associated with influenza and pneumococcal vaccination and outcomes of vaccination during 2013-2014 season in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in Turkey. METHODS: This was a multicenter retrospective cohort study performed in 53 different centers in Turkey. RESULTS: During the study period, 4968 patients were included. COPD was staged as GOLD 1-2-3-4 in 9.0%, 42.8%, 35.0%, and 13.2% of the patients, respectively. Influenza vaccination rate in the previous year was 37.9%; and pneumococcus vaccination rate, at least once during in a life time, was 13.3%. Patients with older age, higher level of education, more severe COPD, and comorbidities, ex-smokers, and patients residing in urban areas had higher rates of influenza vaccination. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that advanced age, higher education levels, presence of comorbidities, higher COPD stages, and exacerbation rates were associated with both influenza and pneumococcal vaccination. The number of annual physician/outpatient visits and hospitalizations due to COPD exacerbation was 2.73 ± 2.85 and 0.92 ± 1.58 per year, respectively. Patients with older age, lower education levels, more severe COPD, comorbid diseases, and lower body mass index and patients who are male and are residing in rural areas and vaccinated for influenza had significantly higher rates of COPD exacerbation. CONCLUSIONS: The rates of influenza and pneumococcal vaccination in COPD patients were quite low, and the number of annual physician/outpatient visits and hospitalizations due to COPD exacerbation was high in Turkey. Advanced age, higher education levels, comorbidities, and higher COPD stages were associated with both influenza and pneumococcal vaccination.

Red cell distribution width and uric acid in patients with obstructive sleep apnea.

BACKGROUND: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), characterized by recurrent partial or complete pharyngeal closure, resulting in apnea or hypopnea, is closely associated with cardiovascular disorders (CVDs). Elevated red cell distribution width (RDW) and serum uric acid (SUA) levels have also been associated with CVDs and the consequent mortality. The aim of this study is to determine SUA levels and RDW in patients with OSA which is major a risk factor for CVDs. METHODS: This was a retrospective study involving 600 subjects evaluated by polysomnography. Patients were grouped according to the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI), expressed as control group or as mild OSA, moderate OSA, and severe OSA groups. RESULTS: The mean RDW and the mean SUA were significantly higher in the severe OSA group than in all other groups (P < .015 and P < .003, respectively, for all). RDW was negatively correlated with minimum SpO2 (r = -.142, P < .01) and positively correlated with mean oxygen desaturation time (r = .113, P < .05). SUA was negatively correlated with minimum SpO2 (r = -.229, P < .01). The RDW was significantly higher in the OSA patients with CVDs than in those with OSA only (P < .05), although there was no significant difference between the OSA patients with and without CVDs in terms of the SUA in any of the groups (P > .05). CONCLUSIONS: Elevated levels of SUA and RDW were associated with OSA severity, as defined by AHI. In addition, RDW was significantly higher in severe OSA with CVDs.

A case of sarcoidosis with pleural involvement.

Sarcoidosis is a chronic, multisystem inflammatory disorder of unknown etiology that is characterized by noncaseating granulomas. Although lung involvement is common in sarcoidosis, pleural involvement is rare. Pleural involvement may manifest as a pleural effusion, pneumothorax, pleural thickening and nodules, hydropneumothorax, hemothorax, or chylothorax. Here, we describe a case of sarcoidosis with pleural nodular thickening.

Endobronchial plasmacytoma in patient with multiple myeloma.

Endobronchial plasmacytoma is a rare manifestation of extramedullary plasmacytoma. A 49-year-old woman with a history of multiple myeloma consulted to our pulmonary service with progressive dyspnoea and cough and abnormal chest X-ray. A lesion measuring 6 × 5 cm in size existed in anterior baseline of the right lung's lower lobe in thoracic computed tomography in addition to right bronchial narrowing and atelectasis distal in lesions. Diagnostic bronchoscopy was performed previously for the obstruction and biopsy was taken from the lesion in the right middle lobe bronchus. Endobronchial biopsies showed extensive tumour infiltration with plasmocytoid cells. Immunohistochemistry was positive CD138 and Lamda. Microscopic and immunohistochemical findings supported the diagnosis of extramedullary endobronchial plasmacytoma.

Could soluble urokinase plasminogen receptor (suPAR) be used as a diagnostic biomarker for ventilator-associated pneumonia?

BACKGROUND: Soluble urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (suPAR) is a biomarker that is increasingly used for evaluation of systemic inflammation. This study was performed to investigate whether suPAR may possess a diagnostic value in patients with ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP). METHODS: This clinical study was performed in the anesthesia intensive care units (ICUs) of our university. In addition to descriptive data, WBC, serum levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) and suPAR prior to and after development of VAP were noted and compared in 31 patients (22 men, 9 women) diagnosed with VAP (Study Group) and 19 patients without VAP (Control Group) in ICU (14 men, 5 women). RESULTS: The suPAR (P = 0.023), CRP (P = 0.037), WBCs (P = 0.024) in patients with VAP were significantly higher than patients without VAP. There was no remarkable difference in terms of WBCs (P = 0.052) and suPAR levels (P = 0.616) between groups on the first day of connection to mechanical ventilator. The suPAR and CRP levels in patients with VAP were significantly higher than prior to development of VAP (P = 0.001 for both). Area under curve value after diagnosis of pneumonia was found 0.248 (P = 0.002). CONCLUSION: To conclude, our results suggest that suPAR can be a useful diagnostic biomarker in patients with VAP. However, clinical trials on larger series are warranted to explore the clinical significance more accurately.