Miliary TB and COVID-19 Coinfection in a Patient With a History of Post-polycythemia Vera Myelofibrosis Treated With Ruxolitinib: A Case Report.

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has significantly impacted the diagnosis and management of tuberculosis (TB), a major public health issue. This case report discusses a 70-year-old female with post-polycythemia vera myelofibrosis (post-PV MF) treated with ruxolitinib who developed miliary TB amidst a COVID-19 infection. The patient presented with a flu-like syndrome over the past week with fatigue and weight loss the last month. When she was admitted to the hospital, the real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) was positive. Despite the typical COVID-19 presentation, her clinical and radiographic features raised suspicion for disseminated TB. Diagnostic tests, including bronchoscopy and PCR for Mycobacterium tuberculosis, confirmed miliary TB. She was treated with a standard antitubercular regimen, leading to symptomatic improvement. The interplay between COVID-19 and TB is complex, with COVID-19-induced immunosuppression, particularly lymphocytopenia, facilitating TB reactivation. Additionally, ruxolitinib, a Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor used for myelofibrosis, impairs immune defense mechanisms, increasing infection risk, including TB. Prompt and accurate diagnosis of TB in the context of COVID-19 is crucial for effective management and improved patient outcomes. Clinicians should remain vigilant for TB reactivation in patients undergoing treatments such as ruxolitinib and consider alternative diagnoses despite positive SARS-CoV-2 tests. This report highlights the necessity for a comprehensive evaluation and timely intervention to mitigate the compounded risks of COVID-19 and TB.

Treatment Adherence and Health Status of Patients With COPD Under Treatment With Salmeterol/Fluticasone via the Elpenhaler® Device: The AHEAD Study.

BACKGROUND: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a heterogeneous progressive lung condition characterized by long-term respiratory symptoms and airflow limitation. Appropriate bronchodilation is the cornerstone of COPD treatment, leading to better health status as well as benefits in prognosis and mortality. METHODS: In the current open, noninterventional, observational study, 716 patients diagnosed with COPD of variable severity were administered a fixed-dose combination (FDC) of fluticasone propionate and salmeterol (500 + 50 mcg) through the Elpenhaler® device. The patients' adherence to treatment (based on the MMAS-8 [8-item Morisky Medication Adherence Scale]) and health status (based on the CCQ [Clinical COPD Questionnaire]) were assessed at the beginning of the study and at the end of the 3-month follow-up period. RESULTS: The mean ± SD MMAS-8 score at 1 and 3 months was 6.12 ± 1.89 and 6.45 ± 1.80, respectively, indicating medium adherence overall; however, there was a statistically significant increase of 0.33 units in the MMAS-8 score at the end of the follow-up (paired t-test p < 0.0001), suggestive of an improvement in adherence throughout the study. Higher adherence was associated with better health status at baseline, which further improved by the end of the follow-up. Moreover, we observed a statistically significant decrease of 1.07 points (p < 0.0001) in the mean CCQ total score from the baseline (CCQ score = 2.2 ± 1.00) until the end of the study follow-up (CCQ score = 1.13 ± 0.67). Similar conclusions were also drawn in the mean domain scores regarding symptoms (score equal to 1.36 ± 0.72, decrease by 1.18) as well as functional and mental state (scores equal to 0.86 ± 0.73 and 1.20 ± 0.88, decrease by 1.04 and 1.00, respectively, p < 0.0001). Similarly, when patients were stratified into subgroups with and without comorbidities, the former group showed an increase of 7% in the patients with medium to high adherence during the course of the study. In the same patient subgroup, there was a notable decrease in CCQ score by 1.18 points (p < 0.0001) during the study. CONCLUSIONS: The administration of FDC of fluticasone propionate and salmeterol, (500 + 50 mcg) via the Elpenhaler® device for COPD, resulted in a well-maintained or slight increase in treatment adherence and a subsequent benefit in health status, which further persisted after 3 months of treatment.

Extrafine single inhaler triple therapy effectiveness in COPD patients previously treated with multiple-inhaler triple therapy: the TRIWIN study.

BACKGROUND: The extrafine single inhaler triple therapy (efSITT) containing beclomethasone dipropionate/formoterol fumarate/glycopyrronium 87/5/9 µg has proved to be efficacious in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in randomized control trials. OBJECTIVE: TRIWIN study evaluated the effectiveness of efSITT delivering beclomethasone dipropionate/formoterol fumarate/glycopyrronium 87/5/9 µg in COPD patients previously treated with multiple-inhaler triple therapy (MITT) in a real-world study in Greece. DESIGN: Prospective, multicenter, observational, non-interventional study was conducted over 24 weeks. METHODS: A total of 475 eligible patients had moderate-to-severe COPD, an indication for treatment with efSITT, and were symptomatic despite receiving MITT. COPD Assessment Test (CAT) score, pulmonary function parameters, use of rescue medication, and adherence to inhaler use were recorded at baseline (Visit 1), 3 (Visit 2), and 6 months (Visit 3) after treatment. RESULTS: Mean CAT score decreased from 21.4 points at Visit 1, to 16.6 at Visit 2 and 15.1 at Visit 3 (p < 0.001 for all pair comparisons). At Visit 3, 79.8% of patients reached a CAT improvement exceeding minimal clinically important difference (⩾2), compared to baseline. Mean forced expiratory volume in 1 s (%pred.) increased from 55.4% at Visit 1 to 63.5% at the end of study period (p < 0.001), while mean forced vital capacity (%pred.) increased from 71.1% at Visit 1, to 76.7% at Visit 3 (p < 0.001). The mean Test of Adherence to Inhalers score increased from 42.5 to 45.3 and 46.3 points, for the three visits, respectively (p < 0.001 comparing Visits 1/2 and Visits 1/3; p = 0.006 comparing Visits 2/3). The percentage of patients showing good adherence rose from 33.7% at baseline to 58.3% at Visit 3. The percentage of patients using rescue medication during the last month dropped from 16.2% to 7.4% at the end of study period (p < 0.001). Pulmonary function parameters also improved. CONCLUSION: The TRIWIN results suggest that extrafine beclomethasone dipropionate/formoterol fumarate/glycopyrronium is effective in improving health status, pulmonary function, and adherence and in reducing rescue medication use in COPD patients previously treated with MITT, in a real-world setting in Greece.

Effect of Third Molar Surgery on Sleep Health Parameters of Young Adults: An Observational Study.

Background and Objectives: The role of surgical extraction of the third molar in patients' sleep quality remains unclear, although it is one of the most common oral surgical procedures. The aim of this study is to assess the changes in patient-reported sleep health outcomes after third molar surgery and to investigate any associations between sleep parameters and post-extraction pain. Materials and Methods: Young adults without known comorbidities who were in need of mandibular third molar surgical extraction were included. All participants completed a sleep diary, the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and Athens Insomnia Scale (AIS) questionnaires, which were used to assess sleep habits, daytime sleepiness, sleep quality and insomnia severity one week before and after extraction. In addition, a visual analog scale was completed postoperatively to assess the perception of pain. Results: Out of 75 patients who completed the study protocol, 32 (42.7%) were males and 43 (57.3%) were females, with a mean age of 24.01 (±3.43) years. Postoperatively, statistically significant higher scores were observed for PSQI [4.85 (±2.32) before vs. 5.39 (±2.75) after, p = 0.041], AIS [5.56 (±3.23) before vs. 6.91 (±4.06) after, p < 0.001] and average weekly number of nocturnal awakenings [2.01 (±3.72) before vs. 4.19 (±5.20) after, p < 0.001] but not for ESS, average weekly sleep duration and average weekly sleep onset latency. Pain perception was increased in patients who slept worse on almost all seven postoperative days, although this did not reach statistical significance. Conclusions: Third molar surgery impacts sleep quality and insomnia severity in the first week after extraction, while there is no effect on daytime sleepiness. The worsening of subjective sleep symptoms after extraction may be associated with an increased perception of pain.

Differences in Anthropometric, Sleep and Respiratory Characteristics between Hypercapnic and Normocapnic Patients with COPD-OSA Overlap Syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Overlap syndrome (OS), the coexistence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and obstructive sleep apnea, is frequently characterized by the presence of daytime hypercapnia (pCO2 ≥ 45 mmHg). The aim of this study was to investigate potential differences in anthropometric, sleep and respiratory characteristics between hypercapnic and normocapnic patients with OS. METHODS: Consecutive patients who underwent polysomnography, pulmonary function testing and arterial blood gases and had been diagnosed with OS were enrolled in the study. RESULTS: According to pCO2 levels in wakefulness, the patients were divided into group A, consisting of OS patients without hypercapnia (n = 108) or group B, consisting of OS patients with hypercapnia (n = 55). The majority of included patients in both groups were males (n = 92 in group A vs. n = 50 in group B). Group B had increased BMI (p = 0.001), neck (p = 0.017) and waist circumference (p = 0.013), higher scores in Epworth sleepiness scale (ESS) (p = 0.008), increased sleep efficiency (p = 0.033), oxygen desaturation index (p = 0.004) and time with oxyhemoglobin saturation <90% (p = 0.006) than group A. Also, Group B had decreased average and minimum oxyhemoglobin saturation during sleep (p < 0.001). Hypercapnic patients had lower FEV1% (p = 0.003), FVC% (p = 0.004), pO2 and pCO2 (p < 0.001 for both) values compared with normocapnic patients. In binary regression analysis, which assessed various predictors on the likelihood of having hypercapnia, it was found that BMI (OR: 1.313, 95% CI: 1.048-1.646, p = 0.018) and FVC (OR: 0.913, 95% CI: 0.845-0.986, p = 0.020) were the major determinants of hypercapnia in OS patients. CONCLUSIONS: Hypercapnic OS patients were more obese and sleepy and presented worse respiratory function in wakefulness and sleep hypoxia characteristics compared with normocapnic OS patients.

Effects of menopause and fat mass in asthmatic inflammation.

INTRODUCTION: Female hormones and obesity have an impact on women with asthma. We aimed to describe how these components affect asthma inflammatory processes. METHODS: Sex hormones [FSH, LH, estradiol (E2), estrone (E1), testosterone and Δ4 androstenedione (A4)] and serum IL1ß, IL13, IL17a, IL-5, IL6, TNF-a were measured from 11 to18 pre- and postmenopausal women with asthma. RESULTS: Premenopausal normal weight women revealed higher levels of IL5 and IL17a than obese women on both days of the menstrual cycle (IL5: D1: 6.4 vs 1.4 pg/ml, p = .036 and D14: 3 vs 1.4 pg/ml, p = .045 and IL17a: D1: 13.7 pg/ml vs 10.6 pg/ml and D14: 12.4 pg/ml vs 10.6 pg/ml, p = .009, respectively). In premenopausal women on D1, Δ4 Androstenedione was positively correlated with IL1ß (p = .016, r = 0.733), whereas on D14, Estradiol with IL1ß (p = .009, r = -.768) and TNF-a with Testosterone (p = .004, r = -0.816), and Δ4 Androstenedione (p = .002, r = -0.841) negatively. In postmenopausal women, TNF-a was negatively associated with FSH (p = .004, r = -0.638), but positively with Testosterone (p = .025, r = 0.526) and IL10 also positively with Estradiol (p = .007, r = 0.610). CONCLUSION: Obesity shows a protective role in asthma through the suppression of IL5 and IL17. Estrogens seem to inhibit Th1 and Th2 inflammation, while androgens have a dual role with negative and positive correlations with neutrophilic biomarkers.

Prevalence and Characteristics of Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: Overlap Syndrome.

Overlap syndrome (OVS) is a distinct clinical entity that seems to result in potential cardiovascular consequences. We aimed to estimate the prevalence and risk factors for OVS in OSA patients and analyze clinical and PSG characteristics associated with OVS. In this cross-sectional study, 2616 patients evaluated for OSA underwent type-1 polysomnography (PSG). They were grouped as pure OSA (AHI > 15/h) and OVS patients. Demographics, PSG data, pulmonary function tests and arterial blood gases (ABGs) were compared between groups after adjustments for confounders. OSA was diagnosed in 2108 out of 2616 patients. Of those, 398 (19%) had OVS. Independent predictors of OVS were older age [OR: 5.386 (4.153-6.987)], current/former smoking [OR: 11.577 (7.232-18.532)], BMI [OR: 2.901 (2.082-4.044)] and ABG measurements [PaCO2 ≥ 45 OR: 4.648 (3.078-7.019), PO2 [OR: 0.934 (0.920-0.949)], HCO3- [OR: 1.196 (1.133-1.263), all p < 0.001]. OVS was also associated with prevalent hypertension [OR: 1.345 (1.030-1.758), p = 0.03] and cardiovascular disease [OR: 1.617 (1.229-2.126), p < 0.001], depressive symptoms [OR: 1.741 (1.230-2.465), p = 0.002] and nocturia [OR: 1.944 (1.378-2.742), p < 0.001], as well as with indices of OSA severity. Disturbances in sleep architecture were more prominent in OVS expressed by lower %N3 and REM% and higher arousal index. Our data suggest that OVS is prevalent among OSA patients, with distinct clinical and PSG characteristics. These characteristics could be utilized as predictive factors for early identification and further evaluation of these patients towards desirable patient-reported outcomes.

Pathogenesis of Pulmonary Manifestations in ANCA-Associated Vasculitis and Goodpasture Syndrome.

Pulmonary manifestations of vasculitis are associated with significant morbidity and mortality in affected individuals. They result from a complex interplay between immune dysregulation, which leads to vascular inflammation and tissue damage. This review explored the underlying pathogenesis of pulmonary involvement in vasculitis, encompassing various forms such as granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA), microscopic polyangiitis (MPA), eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA), and anti-GBM disease. Mechanisms involving ANCA and anti-GBM autoantibodies, neutrophil activation, and neutrophil extracellular trap (NETs) formation are discussed, along with the role of the complement system in inducing pulmonary injury. Furthermore, the impact of genetic predisposition and environmental factors on disease susceptibility and severity was considered, and the current treatment options were presented. Understanding the mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of pulmonary vasculitis is crucial for developing targeted therapies and improving clinical outcomes in affected individuals.

Sleepiness and Vitamin D Levels in Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea.

STUDY OBJECTIVES: The aim of this cross-sectional study is to explore the association between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels, a marker of Vitamin D status, and excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS), expressed as increased scores of the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), in a group of prospectively enrolled patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). METHODS: Newly diagnosed patients with OSA, divided into two groups, those with EDS (ESS > 10) and those without EDS (ESS < 10). All patients underwent night polysomnography. Measurement of serum 25(OH)D vitamin was performed using a radioimmunoassay. RESULTS: In total, 217 patients with OSA (197 males and 20 females) were included. Patients with EDS had higher AHI (p < 0.001) values and lower mean serum 25(OH)D levels, compared with those of non-somnolent patients [17.4 (12.2-25.7) versus 21.1 (15.3-28.8) ng/mL, respectively, p = 0.005]. In patients with EDS, serum 25(OH)D levels correlated with average oxyhemoglobin saturation during sleep (r = 0.194, p = 0.043), and negatively with ESS score (r = -0.285, p = 0.003), AHΙ (r = -0.197, p = 0.040) and arousal index (r = -0.256, p = 0.019). Binary regression analysis identified Vit D serum levels (ß = -0.045, OR: 0.956, 95% CI: 0.916-0.997, p = 0.035), total sleep time (ß = 0.011, OR: 1.011, 95% CI: 1.002-1.021, p = 0.016) and AHI (ß = 0.022, OR: 1.022, 95% CI: 1.003-1.043, p = 0.026) as independent predictors of EDS in patients with OSA. In patients with EDS, multiple regression analysis indicated that ESS score was negatively associated with Vit D serum levels (ß = -0.135, p = 0.014) and minimum oxyhemoglobin saturation during sleep (ß = -0.137, p = 0.043). CONCLUSIONS: In the present study, EDS in patients with OSA is associated with low levels of Vitamin D, while sleep hypoxia may play a role in this process.

Unraveling the Link between Ιnsulin Resistance and Bronchial Asthma.

Evidence from large epidemiological studies has shown that obesity may predispose to increased Th2 inflammation and increase the odds of developing asthma. On the other hand, there is growing evidence suggesting that metabolic dysregulation that occurs with obesity, and more specifically hyperglycemia and insulin resistance, may modify immune cell function and in some degree systemic inflammation. Insulin resistance seldom occurs on its own, and in most cases constitutes a clinical component of metabolic syndrome, along with central obesity and dyslipidemia. Despite that, in some cases, hyperinsulinemia associated with insulin resistance has proven to be a stronger risk factor than body mass in developing asthma. This finding has been supported by recent experimental studies showing that insulin resistance may contribute to airway remodeling, promotion of airway smooth muscle (ASM) contractility and proliferation, increase of airway hyper-responsiveness and release of pro-inflammatory mediators from adipose tissue. All these effects indicate the potential impact of hyperinsulinemia on airway structure and function, suggesting the presence of a specific asthma phenotype with insulin resistance. Epidemiologic studies have found that individuals with severe and uncontrolled asthma have a higher prevalence of glycemic dysfunction, whereas longitudinal studies have linked glycemic dysfunction to an increased risk of asthma exacerbations. Since the components of metabolic syndrome interact with one another so much, it is challenging to identify each one's specific role in asthma. This is why, over the last decade, additional studies have been conducted to determine whether treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus affects comorbid asthma as shown by the incidence of asthma, asthma control and asthma-related exacerbations. The purpose of this review is to present the mechanism of action, and existing preclinical and clinical data, regarding the effect of insulin resistance in asthma.

Pulmonary Function Tests Post-Stroke. Correlation between Lung Function, Severity of Stroke, and Improvement after Respiratory Muscle Training.

Stroke is a significant cause of mortality and chronic morbidity caused by cardiovascular disease. Respiratory muscles can be affected in stroke survivors, leading to stroke complications, such as respiratory infections. Respiratory function can be assessed using pulmonary function tests (PFTs). Data regarding PFTs in stroke survivors are limited. We reviewed the correlation between PFTs and stroke severity or degree of disability. Furthermore, we reviewed the PFT change in stroke patients undergoing a respiratory muscle training program. We searched PubMed until September 2023 using inclusion and exclusion criteria in order to identify studies reporting PFTs post-stroke and their change after a respiratory muscle training program. Outcomes included lung function parameters (FEV1, FVC, PEF, MIP and MEP) were measured in acute or chronic stroke survivors. We identified 22 studies of stroke patients, who had undergone PFTs and 24 randomised controlled trials in stroke patients having PFTs after respiratory muscle training. The number of patients included was limited and studies were characterised by great heterogeneity regarding the studied population and the applied intervention. In general, PFTs were significantly reduced compared to healthy controls and predicted normal values and associated with stroke severity. Furthermore, we found that respiratory muscle training was associated with significant improvement in various PFT parameters and functional stroke parameters. PFTs are associated with stroke severity and are improved after respiratory muscle training.

Risk factors for the in­hospital and 1­year mortality of elderly patients hospitalized due to COVID­19­related pneumonia.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is characterized by poor outcomes and a high mortality rate, particularly among elderly patients. Since the beginning of the pandemic, an older age has been recognized as a critical risk factor for disease severity, with increasing mortality rates in each decade of life. This phenomenon may be a consequence of a poor previous health status, with a higher prevalence of pre-existing comorbidities and a higher degree of frailty. The majority of studies on the outcomes and risk factors of elderly patients refer to the first waves of the pandemic and the predictors of in-hospital mortality in these patients. The aim of the present study was to provide a detailed description of the clinical characteristics and management of a cohort of elderly patients (≥65 years of age) who were hospitalized with COVID-19-related pneumonia in all phases of the pandemic, presenting their outcomes, and investigating predictors of in-hospital and out-of-hospital mortality over a period of 1 year in this particularly vulnerable population. A total of 1,124 elderly patients (603 males, 53.7%) with a mean age of 78.51±7.42 years and a median Charlson comorbidity index (CCI) of 5 were included in the study. Of these patients, 104 (9.3%) were hospitalized during the period of prevalence of the original strain Wuhan, 385 (34.3%) were hospitalized during the period of prevalence of the Alpha variant, 221 (19.7%) were hospitalized during the period of prevalence of the Delta variant, and 414 (36.8%) were hospitalized during the period of prevalence of the Omicron variant. Overall, the in-hospital mortality rate was 33.4% (375 patients), and the 1-year mortality rate was 44.7% (502 patients). The majority of patients had not been vaccinated or had not completed full vaccination against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (843 patients, 75%), given the period of infection. Age, immature granulocytes, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels, ferritin levels, chest X-ray score, as well as the absence of full vaccination, cough and fatigue, were statistically significantly and independently associated with in-hospital mortality, while age, LDH levels, ferritin levels, alanine aminotransferase levels, CCI, chest X-ray score, the absence of cough and fatigue, and a history of dementia were statistically significantly and independently associated with 1-year mortality. On the whole, the present study demonstrates that both the in-hospital mortality and 1-year mortality rates of elderly patients hospitalized due to COVID-19-related pneumonia are high.

Challenging subjective excessive daytime sleepiness as an insomnia symptom: a retrospective study.

Diagnostic manuals describe insomnia disorder (ID) characterised by fatigue and sleepiness as diurnal consequences of nocturnal symptoms. However, patients with ID do not frequently report sleepiness in the clinical setting. The present study aimed to investigate subjective sleepiness in ID measured through the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) and its independence towards daytime functioning and fatigue, and to evaluate cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) improvement in daytime consequences and their relationship to sleepiness and fatigue. We retrospectively collected the ESS evaluation in a large sample of 105 healthy controls (HCs), 671 patients with ID, and 602 patients with sleep disorders characterised by excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS). Moreover, we conducted a pre-post evaluation of the ESS in a sub-sample of patients with ID who underwent CBT-I. Component 2 of the Insomnia Severity Index and Profile of Mood States-Fatigue Inertia Scale was used to evaluate daytime functioning and fatigue. Patients with ID reported ESS levels comparable to that observed in HCs and significantly lower than the EDS group. No significant correlation arose between ESS and the diurnal impact of the disorder, suggesting the independence between daytime functioning and sleepiness in ID. Contrarily, insomnia severity and diurnal impact significantly correlated with fatigue. Data showed a statistically significant increase in sleepiness after CBT-I, despite significantly improving daytime consequences and fatigue. Although diagnostic manuals report sleepiness and fatigue as daytime consequences of sleep symptoms in patients with ID, these retrospective data indicate a dissociation between these entities. This evidence aligns with the core feature of ID: the hyperarousal status that pervades patients also during wakefulness.

Polymorphisms in LRP2 and CUBN genes and their association with serum vitamin D levels and sleep apnea.

PURPOSE: Vitamin D deficiency has been associated with the occurrence of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS). Megalin (LRP2) and cubilin (CUBN) are implicated in vitamin D metabolism, whereas LRP2 and CUBN polymorphisms have been previously associated with variable serum vitamin D levels. The present study aimed to evaluate the role of LRP2 rs2228171 c.8614C > T and CUBN rs1801222 c.758A > G polymorphisms in OSAS susceptibility, independently or in synergy with vitamin D levels. METHODS: Vitamin D serum concentration of consecutive individuals was measured. PCR-RFLP was used for LRP2 rs2228171 and CUBN rs1801222 genotyping. RESULTS: A total of 176 individuals was enrolled, including 144 patients with OSAS and 32 controls. Frequency of LRP2 rs2228171 c.8614 T and CUBN rs1801222 c.758G alleles was estimated at 22.4% and 79.8%, respectively. LRP2 and CUBN polymorphisms were not associated with OSAS occurrence (rs2228171Τ allele: 22.9% in OSAS group vs. 20.3% in controls, p = 0.651; rs1801222A allele 19.4% in OSAS group vs. 23.4% in controls, p = 0.471). Frequency of CUBN rs1801222A allele carriers was increased in patients with moderate or severe OSAS compared to mild OSAS (p = 0.028). Patients with OSAS homozygous for LRP2 CC and CUBN GG genotypes had lower vitamin D serum concentration compared to controls carrying the same genotype (18.0 vs 27.0 ng/mL, p = 0.006 and 19.0 vs 27.5 ng/mL, p = 0.007, respectively). CONCLUSION: CUBN rs1801222 polymorphism may affect OSAS severity. Among other factors, low vitamin D concentration is associated with OSAS occurrence, irrespectively of LRP2 and CUBN polymorphisms.

A Questionnaire-Based Cross-Sectional Study of Insomnia among Middle-Aged Adults from Greece's Northeastern Fringe, Thrace.

Background, aim: Insomnia constitutes a common and very debilitating disorder in modern societies. A better understanding of the etiologies and risk factors, modifiable or not, of insomnia is essential for a swifter diagnosis and a more appropriate treatment, mitigating its toll on individuals and society. To this purpose, the present study assessed the prevalence of insomnia in a randomly-selected adult population and its relation with a diverse range of socio-demographic characteristics and medical conditions. Methods:A sample of 771 participants aged 24 to 89 years (mean age 58±13 years; 42.7% women) was randomly selected from the general population of Thrace, a prefecture in Northeastern Greece with special cultural considerations, using a two-stage stratified sampling scheme. The Greek version of the Athens Insomnia Scale (AIS) was utilized to evaluate the presence of insomnia. Moreover, the Berlin Questionnaire for Obstructive Sleep Apnea and the Epworth Sleepiness Scale for Excessive Daytime Sleepiness were also utilized. Results:A total of 141 study participants (18.3%) were found to suffer from insomnia. Impaired sleep maintenance was reported as the most frequent symptom (62%). The following independent statistically significant risk factors emerged (p-value <0.05): BMI ≥35 (aOR=2.91), divorced or widowed individuals (aOR=2.23), female gender (aOR=1.76), age >70 years (aOR=1.61), snoring (aOR=1.61), midday sleep (aOR=1.58) and presence of chronic disease (aOR=1.55). Conclusion:The prevalence of isomnia in Thrace aligns with similar studies conducted in Greece and internationally. A multitude of socio-demographic characteristics and diseases, especially chronic, predispose to insomnia.

The Influence of CPAP Therapy on Basal Metabolic Rate and Physical Activity in Obese Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea.

BACKGROUND: Energy balance in Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), a disease closely related to obesity, is disturbed, and physical activity levels are impaired. The role of Continuous Positive Airway Pressure treatment (CPAP) in alleviating the disruptions mentioned above is questioned. The objective of this study is to explore changes in energy expenditure (EE) and physical activity (PA) in obese patients with OSA after CPAP treatment. METHODS: An assessment of Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) via indirect calorimetry (IC) was performed on 24 obese patients (male in the majority (87.5%), mean age of 52.4 ± 9.8 years), newly diagnosed with moderate-severe OSA by polysomnography, at 4-time points: at baseline, at CPAP titration, at the 1-month and the 3-month follow up. Physical activity levels were subjectively estimated using the International Questionnaire of Physical Activity (IPAQ) before and after 3 months of adherent CPAP application. RESULTS: BMR significantly decreased after CPAP treatment (1926 ± 537.8 kcal/d at baseline, 1790 ± 493.7 kcal/d at CPAP initiation, 1680.3 ± 600.8 kcal/d at 1 month, and 1581.3 ± 478.9 kcal/d at 3 months follow up (p < 0.001)). No significant changes in IPAQ were observed over time: baseline median IPAQ: 3894 (1487.5-11,755.5) total MET·min·wk-1, 3-month median IPAQ: 3900 (1512-11,824.5) total MET·min·wk-1. CONCLUSIONS: CPAP has an appreciable time effect on the BMR of obese patients with moderate-severe OSA. However, this change is not accompanied by a significant increase in physical activity levels.