Excess Deaths in Malatya in the COVID-19 Pandemic.

OBJECTIVE: In our study, the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic in Malatya province, other than confirmed case deaths, were investigated. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The records of those who died between 2016 and 2020 were reviewed on the official website of the Malatya Metropolitan Municipality, and the numbers of deaths in those 5 years were recorded on a weekly basis. The arithmetic mean of the deaths between 2016 and 2019 was calculated, and it was investigated whether the number of deaths in 2020 was more than expected. RESULTS: In 2020, 1743 (61%) excess deaths were detected. While the mean number of deaths reported 4 years before 2020 was 2860, it was determined that the number of deaths in 2020 was 4603, and there were 1743 (61%) excess deaths. CONCLUSION: The deaths occurred in Malatya during the COVID-19 pandemic were more than expected. It has been supposed that some deaths were of polymerase chain reaction negative and hence unrecorded COVID-19 patients' deaths, and some deaths were caused by other indirect effects of the pandemic.

Noninfectious causes of diffuse pulmonary infiltrations in chronic renal failure: metastatic pulmonary calsification.

Metastatic pulmonary calsification (MPC) is a metabolic lung disease characterized by the deposition of calcium in pulmonary parenchyma. It may occur due to many bening or malign pathologies. Especially it is most commonly seen in patients with end stage chronic renal failure received renal replacement treatment. The case we report here involved a history of renal transplantation about 22 months ago. His thorax computed tomography had demonstrated bilateral disseminated infiltrations with ground- glass densities predominantly in the upper lobes and it was seen partially preserved subpleural areas and basal zones. The histopathological results in transbronchial lung biopsy indicated metastatic pulmonary calsification. We wanted to discuss patient with the accompaniment of literature.

Acute amiodarone toxicity causing respiratory failure.

A 66-year-old male patient was referred to our clinic with severe pneumonia. Bronchoscopy was performed due to clinical worsening despite antibiotics and diuretic therapy, respiratory failure and radiographic progression. Because bacterial cultures of the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid were negative and after using amiodarone for almost one month, we eliminated amiodarone from his medication regimen due to suspicion of amiodarone toxicity. Accordingly, we also initiated systemic steroid therapy. Chest X-ray done after 72 hours showed a significant resolution of lung consolidations and the patient exhibited significant clinical improvement, with decline of his oxygen requirements.

Acute amiodarone toxicity causing respiratory failure

Summary A 66-year-old male patient was referred to our clinic with severe pneumonia. Bronchoscopy was performed due to clinical worsening despite antibiotics and diuretic therapy, respiratory failure and radiographic progression. Because bacterial cultures of the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid were negative and after using amiodarone for almost one month, we eliminated amiodarone from his medication regimen due to suspicion of amiodarone toxicity. Accordingly, we also initiated systemic steroid therapy. Chest X-ray done after 72 hours showed a significant resolution of lung consolidations and the patient exhibited significant clinical improvement, with decline of his oxygen requirements.

Relationship between vitamin D and lung function, physical performance and balance on patients with stage I-III chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

OBJECTIVES: vitamin D is important for muscle function and it affects different aspects of muscle metabolism. This study aim to determine whether serum 25(OH) D levels are related to lung functions, physical performance and balance in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). METHODS: in 90 patients with COPD and 57 healthy controls lung function tests, physical performance tests (time up and go, gait velocity test, sit-to-stand test, isometric strength, isokinetic strength), static (functional reach test) and dynamic (time up and go) balance tests and the association of 25(OH)D levels with lung functions, physical performance and balance were evaluated. RESULTS: the COPD patients had significantly more deficit in physical function and balance parameters, and in dynamic balance test (p<0.005). Isokinetic knee muscle strength (flexor and extensor) in COPD patients was significantly lower than in the controls (p<0.05); FEV1 (p=0.008), FVC (p=0.02), FEV1/FVC (p=0.04), TLC (p=0.01) were lower in COPD patients with vitamin D deficiency [25(OH) D less than 15 ng/mL] than in COPD patients without vitamin D deficiency. Hand grip test (p=0.000) and isokinetic knee muscle strength (flexor and extensor) (p<0.05) were also lower in COPD patients with vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin D deficiency was more pronounced in patients with stage III COPD (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: patients with COPD had worst physical functioning, poor balance and less muscle strength. Severe disturbed lung and peripheral muscle functions are more pronounced in COPD patients with vitamin D deficiency.

Relationship between vitamin D and lung function, physical performance and balance on patients with stage I-III chronic obstructive pulmonary disease / Relação entre vitamina D e função pulmonar, desempenho físico e equilíbrio em pacientes em estágio I a III de doença pulmonar obstrutiva crônica

Summary Objectives: vitamin D is important for muscle function and it affects different aspects of muscle metabolism. This study aim to determine whether serum 25(OH) D levels are related to lung functions, physical performance and balance in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Methods: in 90 patients with COPD and 57 healthy controls lung function tests, physical performance tests (time up and go, gait velocity test, sit-to-stand test, isometric strength, isokinetic strength), static (functional reach test) and dynamic (time up and go) balance tests and the association of 25(OH)D levels with lung functions, physical performance and balance were evaluated. Results: the COPD patients had significantly more deficit in physical function and balance parameters, and in dynamic balance test (p<0.005). Isokinetic knee muscle strength (flexor and extensor) in COPD patients was significantly lower than in the controls (p<0.05); FEV1 (p=0.008), FVC (p=0.02), FEV1/FVC (p=0.04), TLC (p=0.01) were lower in COPD patients with vitamin D deficiency [25(OH) D less than 15ng/mL] than in COPD patients without vitamin D deficiency. Hand grip test (p=0.000) and isokinetic knee muscle strength (flexor and extensor) (p<0.05) were also lower in COPD patients with vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin D deficiency was more pronounced in patients with stage III COPD (p<0.05). Conclusion: patients with COPD had worst physical functioning, poor balance and less muscle strength. Severe disturbed lung and peripheral muscle functions are more pronounced in COPD patients with vitamin D deficiency. .

Resumo Objetivos: a vitamina D é importante para a função muscular e afeta diferentes aspectos do metabolismo muscular. O objetivo é determinar se os níveis séricos de 25 (OH) D estão relacionados com as funções pulmonares, desempenho físico e equilíbrio em pacientes com doença pulmonar obstrutiva crônica (DPOC). Métodos: em 90 pacientes com DPOC e 57 controles saudáveis, testes de espirometria, testes de desempenho (tempo de levantar e ir, teste de velocidade da marcha, teste sitto-stand, força isométrica, força isocinética) e testes de estática (teste de alcance funcional) e dinâmica (tempo de levantar e ir) de equilíbrio foram realizados; e foram avaliados a associação de níveis de 25 (OH) D com as funções pulmonares, desempenho físico e equilíbrio. Resultados: os pacientes com DPOC apresentaram significativamente mais déficit nos parâmetros de função e equilíbrio físico, e no teste de equilíbrio dinâmico (p<0,005). Força muscular isocinética do joelho (flexores e extensores) em pacientes com DPOC foi significativamente menor do que nos controles (p<0,05); VEF1 (p=0,008), CVF (p=0,02), VEF1/CVF (p=0,04), CPT (p=0,01) foram mais baixos em pacientes com DPOC e com deficiência de vitamina D [25 (OH) D menor do que 15 ng/ml] do que em pacientes com DPOC sem deficiência de vitamina D. Os resultados do teste da força de preensão manual (p=0,000) e força muscular isocinética do joelho (flexor e extensor) (p<0,05) também foram menores nos pacientes com DPOC e com deficiência de vitamina D. A deficiência de vitamina D foi mais pronunciada em pacientes em estágio III da DPOC (p<0,05). Conclusão: pacientes com DPOC tiveram pior desempenho físico, falta de equilíbrio e menor força muscular. Perturbações graves das funções pulmonares e musculares periféricas são mais pronunciadas em pacientes com DPOC e com deficiência de vitamina D. .

Prognostic role of simplified Pulmonary Embolism Severity Index and the European Society of Cardiology Prognostic Model in short- and long-term risk stratification in pulmonary embolism.

OBJECTIVES: Hemodynamic status, cardiac enzymes, and imaging-based risk stratification are frequently used to evaluate a pulmonary embolism (PE). This study investigated the prognostic role of a simplified Pulmonary Embolism Severity Index (sPESI) score and the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) model. Methods : The study included 50 patients from the emergency and pulmonology department of one medical center between October 2005 and June 2006. The ability of the sPESI and ESC model to predict short-term (in-hospital) and long-term (6-month and 6-year) overall mortality was assessed, in addition to the accurancy of the sPESI and ESC model in predicting short-term adverse events, such as cardiopulmonary resuscitation, or major bleeding. Results : Of the 50 patients, the in-hospital and 6-year mortality rates were 14% and 46%, respectively. Fifteen (30%) of these experienced adverse events during hospitalization. Importantly, patients classified as low-risk according to the sPESI had no short-term adverse events as opposed to 4.8 % in the ESC low-risk group. They also had no in-hospital, 6-month, or 6-year mortality compared to 4.8%, %14.3, and %23.8, respectively, in the ESC low-risk group. CONCLUSIONS: The sPESI predicted short-term and long-term survival. The exclusion of short-term adverse events does not appear to require imaging and laboratory testing.

Alterations in the pulmonary function tests of inflammatory bowel diseases.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: We aimed to determine the changes in the pulmonary function tests of the patients with inflammatory bowel diseases. METHODS: Forty inflammatory bowel dieases patients; 30 ulcerative colitis and 10 Crohn's disease, and ageand sex-matched control group, consisting of 30 healthy persons, were included in the study. Disease activity in patients with ulcerative colitis was assessed by Truelove and Witts Criteria and in Crohn's disease patients by Chron's Disease Activity Index. RESULTS: Pulmonary function tests were found abnormal at least in one parameter in 17/30 ulcerative colitis patients (56%) and in 5/10 Crohn's disease patients (50%) in the activation period and in 5/30 ulcerative colitis patients (17%) and in 2/10 Crohn's disease patients (20%) in the remission period of the diseases of the same patients. Forced vital capacity, first second, residual volume/total lung capacity, diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide and diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide per liter alveolar volume values were found significantly impaired in the activation period in comparison with the values of the same patients in the remission period (p<0.01). It was found that pulmonary function test values in patients with inflammatory bowel dieases were not affected by either the type of disease or treatment with 5-aminosalicylic acid. However, they were affected notably by the disease activity. CONCLUSION: Pulmonary function test abnormalities were found frequently in patients with inflammatory bowel dieases without presence of any respiratory symptoms and lung radiograph findings. The severity and frequency of these pulmonary function test abnormalities which were detected even in the remission periods increase with the activation of the disease. Therefore, pulmonary function test may be used as a non-invasive diagnostic procedure in determining the activation of inflammatory bowel dieases and might aid to the early diagnosis of the latent respiratory.

Septic pulmonary embolism secondary to dental focus.

A 24-year-old female was admitted to an infectious diseases unit with complaints of dyspnea and fever. She had suffered from multiple episodes of fever for 1 year. The diagnostic workup revealed multiple pulmonary nodules on the chest CT scan, suggesting septic pulmonary embolism, and a periapical abscess around the maxillary right central incisor. Because no other infectious source was found and resolution of the fever and the pulmonary lesions occurred only after extraction of the affected tooth and antibiotic therapy, the condition was diagnosed as a periapical abscess complicated by septic pulmonary embolism.

Prevalence of COPD: first epidemiological study of a large region in Turkey.

BACKGROUND: Although chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is one of the leading causes of mortality and morbidity worldwide, epidemiological data on COPD is very limited. This study was designed to obtain some baseline data on COPD in the Malatya region of Turkey. METHODS: Sixty clusters from urban and rural regions were randomly selected. Ten and seven consecutive households were included in the study from each urban and rural cluster, respectively. A validated questionnaire on the epidemiology of COPD was completed for each participant over 18 by a pulmonary physician. Each subject underwent standard spirometric measurement and early bronchodilation testing. RESULTS: A total of 1160 participants completed the study (93%). Some 6.9% of the participants were found to have COPD (F/M=1/4). While the prevalence of COPD was 18.1% in current smokers over 40 years of age, the prevalence was 4.5% among younger smokers. Some 25.5% of the women and 57.2% of the men were current smokers. Biomass exposure, as a sole reason for COPD, was significantly common among female patients living in rural areas (54.5%). In the development of COPD, the relative risk ratio of cigarette smoke was found to be 3.4 and 3.3 times higher than biomass exposure and occupational exposure, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Smoking rate and COPD prevalence were found to be unexpectedly high in the region, and biomass exposure is still an important cause of COPD, particularly among females living in rural areas. We think that national policies against smoking and biomass exposure should be implemented immediately.

The relationship between severity of liver cirrhosis and pulmonary function tests.

Pulmonary complications, mainly hepatopulmonary syndrome (HPS), are frequently observed in liver cirrhosis. In this study, the aim was to investigate the frequency of hypoxemia and impairment of pulmonary function tests (PFT) in patients with liver cirrhosis and to examine the relationships of these impairments with liver failure. A total of 39 patients with cirrhosis, 24 males and 15 females, were included in our study. The mean age of the patients was 47.5 +/- 17.2 years. Arterial blood gases, PFT, and carbon monoxide diffusion tests (DLCO) were performed in all patients. Out of 39 cirrhotic patients, 21 (53.8%) had ascites, whereas 18 (46.2%) did not. Seven patients were in the Child-Pugh A group, 21 in the Child-Pugh B group, and 11 patients were in the Child-Pugh C group. Hypoxia was found in 33.3% of the patients. Although the PaO2 and SaO2 values of patients with ascites were lower compared to those without ascites (P < 0.05), no statistically significant difference was determined in the comparison of hypoxia between the groups (P > 0.05). Among the PFT parameters, FEV1/FVC and FEF25-75% values were found to be lower in patients with ascites than those without (P < 0.05). No differences were established between these two groups of patients in terms of DLCO (P > 0.05). While no differences were found in comparison of the DLCO values in between the groups (P > 0.05), there was a statistically significant difference in the ratio of DLCO to the alveolar ventilation (DLCO/VA) in between the groups (P < 0.05). On the other hand, a negative correlation was found between the DLCO/VA and Child points when the relationship between the Child-Pugh score and PFT parameters were investigated (r = -0.371, P < 0.05). Consequently, a relationship was established between the severity of liver failure and diffusion tests showing pulmonary complications invasively. We believe diffusions tests should be performed in addition to the PFT in order to determine pulmonary involvements particularly in patients who are candidates for liver transplantation.

[Value of plasma BNP levels as a prognostic marker in lung and heart disorders]. / Akciger ve kalp hastaliklarinda plazma BNP düzeyinin prognostik degeri.

In this study we included 155 subjects, 35 patients with left heart failure, 49 chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)-cor pulmonale, 26 COPD, 20 pulmonary embolism and 25 healthy subjects. Plasma BNP level in patient with left heart failure was significantly higher than COPD-cor pulmonale, COPD and control subject in respect 1167 +/- 746, 434 +/- 55, 32 +/- 36 and 32 +/- 12 pg/mL. Plasma BNP in group of cor pulmonale was higher than COPD and control subject 434 +/- 55 vs. 32 +/- 12 pg/mL. There were no difference between COPD and control subject 32 +/- 36 vs. 32 +/- 12 pg/mL. In pulmonary embolism BNP was higher than controls 357 +/- 391 vs. 32 +/- 12 pg/mL and BNP levels of massive pulmonary embolism was higher non-massive embolism 699 +/- 394 vs 166 +/- 213 pg/mL. In this study BNP levels negative correlated with EF and positive correlated with pulmonary artery pressure. We suggest that increased BNP levels are correlated with ventricular failure and BNP is diagnostic and prognostic marker of heart failure and increased right ventricular pressure contributes to elevated BNP in patients with PE.

The role of arterial blood gases, exercise testing, and cardiac examination in asthma.

The severity of bronchial asthma may not be assessed easily in some patients using the current evaluation methods. In this study, we aimed to obtain more objective and detailed data in evaluating patients with stable mild and moderate bronchial asthma and to validate the current parameters against more objective ones in determining the disease severity. One-hundred six stable patients with bronchial asthma were included in the study. These patients underwent spirometric and cardiological examination, 6-minute walk testing (6MWT) and arterial blood gas analysis. Continuous measurement of pulse oxymetry (SpO2) was done during 6MWT. Dyspnea that developed during 6MWT was measured using the modified Borg category scale. Sixteen patients were found severely hypoxemic at rest, and 16 patients were severely desaturated at 6MWT. Nineteen patients had pulmonary hypertension on echocardiography. Patients with oxygenation problems were older and had longer disease duration, lower forced expiratory flow of 25-75%, higher Borg exercise rating, and higher pulmonary artery pressure (p < 0.05). Patients with pulmonary hypertension had earlier disease onset, lower forced expiratory flow of 25-75%, lower arterial oxygen tension and lower pre-6MWT SpO2 (p < 0.05), older age, and lower SpO2 at 6MWT (p < 0.01). Classic evaluation methods correctly operated only on the two-thirds of asthmatic patients. Cardiological examination, 6MWT, and arterial blood gas analysis were needed for the true evaluation of other patients who had potentially progressive disease. We think that evaluation of asthmatic patients with these more objective and detailed methods provides important additional clinical data.

Prevalence and clinical significance of a patent foramen ovale in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

BACKGROUND: A patent foramen ovale (PFO) is not widely recognized as a factor contributing to hypoxemia in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). We therefore sought to clarify the prevalence and clinical significance of a PFO in patients with COPD, and to analyze the factors related to its occurrence. METHODS: This study included 52 consecutive stable patients with COPD and 50 healthy controls. The demographic and clinical features of the study group were noted. To test for a PFO, standard and contrast transthoracic echocardiographic examinations were performed while resting and during the Valsalva maneuver (VM). Patients performed 6-min walking tests (6 MWT), and the distances traveled were measured. RESULTS: During VM, we detected a PFO in 23 COPD patients and 10 healthy controls (P<0.01). A PFO was detected while resting in 11 COPD patients, but in none of the controls (P=0.001). Comparison of multiple parameters between COPD patients with and without a PFO during VM did not reveal any clinically significant differences. When we compared COPD patients with and without a PFO during resting, however, we found that the former had longer durations of disease, lower PaO2 and SaO2, higher dyspnea scores, shorter distances walked during 6 MWT and higher desaturation rates (P<0.05). Logistic regression analysis showed that longer duration of disease, lower SaO2 and higher systolic pulmonary artery pressure were independent predictors of the occurrence of a PFO in resting COPD patients. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of a PFO is higher in patients with COPD than in healthy individuals. The presence of a PFO while resting may contribute significantly to the deterioration of arterial oxygenation and performance status. These findings indicate that a PFO may be a principle cause of hypoxemia in patients with COPD.

[Acute oxygen treatment]. / Akut oksijen tedavisi.

Oxygen treatment is commonly used in clinical practice. Although this treatment was taught during medical education under different titles, it is observed that doctors do not administer oxygen treatment in adequate periods and doses. The possible cause of this may be that oxygen is not considered as a drug. The results of inadequate dose and insufficient monitoring in oxygen treatment would be serious. On the other hand, failure to correct hypoxaemia fearing from hypoventilation and carbon dioxide retention is not acceptable. For a safe oxygen treatment, doctor must know its indications, oxygen delivery systems, flow rates and monitoring. The aim of this review is to refresh our knowledge about when, how and how much to start oxygen treatment and how to monitor it.