The effect of continuous positive airway pressure treatment on inflammatory parameters and periostin levels in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of the study was to examine the effects of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) treatment on inflammation parameters in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS). METHODS: Patients aged 18 to 65 years who underwent polysomnography (PSG) in the sleep clinic between January 1, 2019, and December 31, 2019, were included in the study. Patients with severe OSAS initiated treatment with CPAP. Patients and control subjects were assessed for levels of periostin, TNF-alpha, TGF-beta, and IL-6. Patients were re-evaluated 3 months later. Comparisons for the serum markers were made between controls and patients of different severity of OSAS. Comparisons of serum markers were also made between baseline and 3 month follow-up.  RESULTS: A total of 92 patients were enrolled in the study, including 25 controls (apnea-hypopnea index or AHI < 5/h), 39 patents with mild to moderate OSAS who did not receive CPAP, and 28 patients with severe OSAS receiving CPAP treatment. When all three groups were compared, levels of periostin, TNF-alpha, TGF-beta, and IL-6, as inflammatory markers, were higher in the OSAS group, though not at a statistically significant level. In patients with severe OSAS, there were statistically significant decreases in the TGF-beta 1, TNF-alpha, and IL-6 values between baseline values and the same measures taken after 3 months of CPAP treatment. Periostin values also decreased after treatment, but this decrease was not at a significant level. CONCLUSION: Inflammatory parameters of patients with OSAS were significantly higher compared with healthy participants. Regression of inflammation was detected after CPAP treatment.

The association of antiviral drugs with COVID-19 morbidity: The retrospective analysis of a nationwide COVID-19 cohort.

Background and objectives: Although several repurposed antiviral drugs have been used for the treatment of COVID-19, only a few such as remdesivir and molnupiravir have shown promising effects. The objectives of our study were to investigate the association of repurposed antiviral drugs with COVID-19 morbidity. Methods: Patients admitted to 26 different hospitals located in 16 different provinces between March 11-July 18, 2020, were enrolled. Case definition was based on WHO criteria. Patients were managed according to the guidelines by Scientific Board of Ministry of Health of Turkey. Primary outcomes were length of hospitalization, intensive care unit (ICU) requirement, and intubation. Results: We retrospectively evaluated 1,472 COVID-19 adult patients; 57.1% were men (mean age = 51.9 ± 17.7years). A total of 210 (14.3%) had severe pneumonia, 115 (7.8%) were admitted to ICUs, and 69 (4.7%) were intubated during hospitalization. The median (interquartile range) of duration of hospitalization, including ICU admission, was 7 (5-12) days. Favipiravir (n = 328), lopinavir/ritonavir (n = 55), and oseltamivir (n = 761) were administered as antiviral agents, and hydroxychloroquine (HCQ, n = 1,382) and azithromycin (n = 738) were used for their immunomodulatory activity. Lopinavir/ritonavir (ß [95% CI]: 4.71 [2.31-7.11]; p = 0.001), favipiravir (ß [95% CI]: 3.55 [2.56-4.55]; p = 0.001) and HCQ (ß [95% CI]: 0.84 [0.02-1.67]; p = 0.046) were associated with increased risk of lengthy hospital stays. Furthermore, favipiravir was associated with increased risks of ICU admission (OR [95% CI]: 3.02 [1.70-5.35]; p = 0.001) and invasive mechanical ventilation requirement (OR [95% CI]: 2.94 [1.28-6.75]; p = 0.011). Conclusion: Our findings demonstrated that antiviral drugs including lopinavir, ritonavir, and favipiravir were associated with negative clinical outcomes such as increased risks for lengthy hospital stay, ICU admission, and invasive mechanical ventilation requirement. Therefore, repurposing such agents without proven clinical evidence might not be the best approach for COVID-19 treatment.

The predictors of COVID-19 mortality in a nationwide cohort of Turkish patients.

The COVID-19-related death rate varies between countries and is affected by various risk factors. This multicenter registry study was designed to evaluate the mortality rate and the related risk factors in Turkey. We retrospectively evaluated 1500 adults with COVID-19 from 26 centers who were hospitalized between March 11 and July 31, 2020. In the study group, 1041 and 459 cases were diagnosed as definite and highly probable cases, respectively. There were 993 PCR-positive cases (66.2%). Among all cases, 1144 (76.3%) were diagnosed with non-severe pneumonia, whereas 212 (14.1%) had severe pneumonia. Death occurred in 67 patients, corresponding to a mortality rate of 4.5% (95% CI:3.5-5.6). The univariate analysis demonstrated that various factors, including male sex, age ≥65 years and the presence of dyspnea or confusion, malignity, chronic obstructive lung disease, interstitial lung disease, immunosuppressive conditions, severe pneumonia, multiorgan dysfunction, and sepsis, were positively associated with mortality. Favipiravir, hydroxychloroquine and azithromycin were not associated with survival. Following multivariate analysis, male sex, severe pneumonia, multiorgan dysfunction, malignancy, sepsis and interstitial lung diseases were found to be independent risk factors for mortality. Among the biomarkers, procalcitonin levels on the 3rd-5th days of admission showed the strongest associations with mortality (OR: 6.18; 1.6-23.93). This study demonstrated that the mortality rate in hospitalized patients in the early phase of the COVID-19 pandemic was a serious threat and that those patients with male sex, severe pneumonia, multiorgan dysfunction, malignancy, sepsis and interstitial lung diseases were at increased risk of mortality; therefore, such patients should be closely monitored.

COVID-19 Pandemic and the Global Perspective of Turkish Thoracic Society.

It has been more than 3 months now since the first case of COVID-19 was reported in Turkey. Globally, the number of confirmed cases and deaths reached 9,653,048 and 491,128 respectively, as reported by 216 countries by June 27, 2020. Turkey had 1,396 new cases, 194,511 total cases, and 5,065 deaths by the same date. From the first case until today, the Turkish Thoracic Society (TTS) has been very proactive in educating doctors, increasing public awareness, undertaking academic studies, and assisting with public health policies. In the present report, social, academic, and management perspectives of the pandemic are presented under appropriate subtitles. During this critical public health crisis, TTS has once again demonstrated its readiness and constructive stance by supporting public health, healthcare workers, and the environment. This review summarizes the perspective of TTS on each aspect of the COVID-19 pandemic and casts light on its contributions.

The impact of hepatitis C viremia status on lung functions in chronic hepatitis c patients.

BACKGROUND: Previous trials have investigated the effect of hepatitis C on lung functions; however, the role of viral load levels is unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of HCV viremia status on lung functions. METHODS: This study was in 60 patients with chronic hepatitis C (CHC). Patients were classified into three groups (non-viremic, low-viremic and high-viremic) based on serum HCV RNA levels. Spirometric parameters (FEV1, FVC, FEV1/FVC) and the proportion of patients with spirometric abnormalities were compared between three groups. RESULTS: High-viremic and low-viremic patients showed a significantly higher prevalance of spirometric abnormality than observed in non-viremic patients (p=0.02). Moreover, there was a significant moderate correlation between viremia level and the percentage of spirometric abnormalities (Cramer's U value=0.452, p=0.002). High-viremic patients were 14.2 times more likely to exhibiting pulmonary dysfunction than non-viremic patients. Additionally, spirometric parameters FEV1 and FVC were significantly reduced in high-viremic and low-viremic patients compared to those in non-viremic patients (p=0.013 and p<0.001 respectively). CONCLUSION: These results indicate that persistent HCV infection may be associated with reduced pulmonary functions, especially in patients with high viremia levels. Therefore, these patients should be carefully monitored for lung function.

Performance of QuantiFERON-TB Gold In-Tube test and Tuberculin Skin Test for diagnosis of latent tuberculosis infection in BCG vaccinated health care workers.

BACKGROUND: Tuberculin skin test (TST) has been used for years as an aid in diagnosing latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) but it suffers from a number of well-documented performance and logistic problems. Quantiferon-TB Gold In Tube test (QFT-GIT) has been reported to have better sensitivity and specifity than TST. In this study, it was aimed to compare the performance of a commercial IFN-gamma release assay (QFT-GIT) with TST in the diagnosis of HCWs at risk for latent TB infection in BCG vaccinated population. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Hundred healthy volunteer health care workers were enrolled. All were subjected to TST and QFT-GIT. Results were compared among Health Care Workers (HCWs) groups in terms of profession, workplace, working duration. RESULTS: TST is affected by previous BCG vaccinations and number of cases with QFT-GIT positivity is increased in accordance with the TST induration diameter range. QFT-GIT result was negative in 17 of 32 TST positive (≥ 15 mm) cases and positive in 4 of 61 cases whose TST diameters are between 6-14 mm, that is attritutable to previous BCG vaccination(s). It was negative in all cases with TST diameters between 0-5 mm. HCWs with positive QFT-GIT results were significantly older than the ones with negative results. Furthermore duration of work was significantly longer in QFT-GIT positive than in negative HCWs. CONCLUSIONS: There was a moderate concordance between QFT-GIT and TST, when TST result was defined as positive with a ≥ 15 mm diameter of induration. We suggest that QFT-GIT can be used as an alternative to TST for detection of LTBI, especially in groups with high risk of LTBI and in population with routine BCG vaccination program.

Papillary thyroid carcinoma with lung metastasis arising from dyshormonogenetic goiter: a case report.

Prior radiation exposure is the best known risk factor for thyroid cancers, and papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) may arise from dyshormonogenetic goiter. A 17-year-old female patient was admitted to the department of chest diseases with respiratory symptoms. The patient had undergone a thyroid surgery for goiter at the age of 9. A bilateral nodular opacity was detected by radiological examination. The histopathologic examination of the specimen obtained from computed tomography guided trucut biopsy was diagnosed as PTC. We present a very rare case of PTC with lung metastasis that had undergone subtotal thyroidectomy due to dyshormonogenetic goiter eight years ago.

Ex vivo tracheal mucociliary clearance in rats: comparisons of nebulization versus irrigation with lactated Ringer and saline solutions.

OBJECTIVE: This study was performed to compare the effects of isotonic saline, hypertonic saline (buffered/nonbuffered), and lactated Ringer irrigation and distilled water nebulization on mucociliary clearance in ex vivo rats. DESIGN: Experimental study. SETTING: Tertiary otolaryngology care centre. METHODS: Thirty rat tracheas were achieved from 15 rats by dividing the trachea longitudinally into two equal parts. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Mucociliary transport velocity was measured by direct observation of particle placed on the lower end of the trachea after irrigation or nebulization. RESULTS: Significant improvement in mucociliary clearance was found with isotonic saline (p = .002), buffered hypertonic saline (p = .018), lactated Ringer (p = .000), and nebulized distilled water (p = .000) when compared with nonbuffered hypertonic saline. CONCLUSION: Lactated Ringer solution is better than saline solution at enhancing mucociliary clearance, but nebulized distilled water is superior to the tested irrigation solutions in rat tracheal epithelium.

[The evaluation of early pulmonary involvement with high resolution computerized tomography in asymptomatic and non-smoker patients with rheumatoid arthritis]. / Semptomsuz ve sigara içmeyen romatoid artritli hastalarda erken dönem akciger tutulumunun yüksek rezolüsyonlu bilgisayarli tomografi ile degerlendirilmesi.

To investigate pulmonary involvement by high resolution computerized tomography (HRCT) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) who are asymptomatic and lifelong non-smoker. Twenty-five patients with RA who are asymptomatic and lifelong non-smoker were included in the study. After clinical and laboratory investigations, plain chest X-rays, pulmonary function tests (PFT) and HRCT were performed. End expiratory HRCT slices were obtained for air trapping. Chest X-ray, PFT and HRCT findings showed 12%, 16%, 48% abnormalities, respectively. Interstitial involvement was the most common finding on HRCT (36%) and followed by air trapping (20%). Bronchiectasis, pulmonary nodule, and pleural disease were seen in 16%, 12%, and 12% of patients, respectively. None of patients had emphysema and honeycomb pattern. There was no statistically significant correlation between HRCT findings and disease activity criteria, RF positivity, PFT results and duration of the disease. Our study shows that pulmonary involvement is not always together with respiratory symptoms and impaired pulmonary function in patients with RA. New studies are needed which investigating the effects of radiologically detected lung involvement on prediction of survival and treatment choice in asymptomatic and nonsmoker RA patients.

High prevalence of pulmonary hypertension in homozygous sickle cell patients with leg ulceration.

Pulmonary hypertension is a common complication and is a risk factor for death in adult patients with sickle cell disease. Chronic leg ulceration is a major cause of morbidity in homozygous sickle cell disease. We aimed to determine prevalence of pulmonary hypertension in homozygous sickle cell patients and if there is any relation of pulmonary hypertension with leg ulceration. A total of 88 patients, asymptomatic for pulmonary hypertension, were enrolled in the study. Doppler echocardiography was performed on homozygous sickle cell patients with and without leg ulceration. 12 patients (10 male, 2 female) had active ulcer or healed scar (group I) and 76 patients (40 male, 36 female) had no active leg ulcer or history of (group II). The prevalence of pulmonary hypertension in group I and group II were 91.6% (n = 11) and 31.6% (n = 24), respectively (p = 0.0001). Patients with leg ulceration had increased left atrium and right ventricular diameters at diastole and also had increased left ventricular end-diastolic and end-systolic diameters. We determined an increased prevalence of pulmonary hypertension in patients with leg ulceration. Patients with homozygous sickle cell disease, especially those with leg ulcers should be screened for pulmonary hypertension, since pulmonary hypertension is a frequent and generally asymptomatic complication and a risk factor of mortality.

CT assessment of main pulmonary artery diameter.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine the normal range of the main pulmonary artery diameter (MPAD) by computed tomography (CT) in persons with normal pulmonary artery pressure, and then to evaluate the relationship of the diameter with age, gender, and body surface area (BSA). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between October 2005 and June 2007, among patients who had previously undergone a contrast-enhanced thorax CT scan, 112 persons (47 females, 65 males) without pulmonary pathology were selected for the study. All patients had normal mean pulmonary artery pressure. The widest diameter perpendicular to the long axis of the main pulmonary artery was measured at the pulmonary artery bifurcation level. The outer limits of the contrast were used to determine vessel diameter. RESULTS: Pulmonary artery diameters showed a homogeneous distribution; the CT-determined mean pulmonary artery diameter was 26.6 +/- 2.9 mm. The mean MPAD in males was 27 +/- 2.8 mm, and 25.9 +/- 3.0 mm in females. This difference was considered to be statistically significant (P = 0.048). There was a significant relationship between the MAPD and age and BSA (P = 0.043, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The present study demonstrated that in individuals with normal pulmonary artery pressure, the upper limit of the MPAD is 32.6 mm and that MPAD is wellcorrelated with BSA.

A different type of congenital lumbar hernia associated with the lumbocostovertebral syndrome.

Congenital lumbar hernia is rare in infancy and childhood, and its association with the lumbocostovertebral syndrome is even more unusual. Only 20 cases have been reported in the English literature. We present the case of a child with multiple costovertebral anomalies, undescended testis, and lateral abdominal wall hernia that is not within the anatomical boundaries of traditional lumbar hernias.

[Tuberculous pleurisy after tumour necrosis factor-alpha antagonist usage: case report]. / Tümör nekroz faktörü-alpha antagonisti kullanimi sonrasi gelisen tüberküloz plörezi: Olgu sunumu.

A thirty-six year old male patient presented with dyspnea, right-sided chest pain, night sweats and intermittent fever. He has a history of ankylosing spondylitis treated with tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) antagonist (infliximab). Computed tomography of the chest showed mediastinal lymphadenopathy, right-sided pleural effusion, and atelectasis. The pleural fluid was exudative with lymphocyte dominance. Closed pleural biopsy was nondiagnostic. The adenosine deaminase level of the pleural fluid was 110 U/L. In light of these findings, the patient was diagnosed as tuberculous pleurisy and antituberculous treatment was given. After one month, pleural fluid was markedly reduced.

Right ventricular and pulmonary function in sickle cell disease patients with pulmonary hypertension.

The effects of sickle cell disease (SCD) on right ventricular (RV) and pulmonary function in SCD patients with pulmonary hypertension is not well-known. The aim of this study was to investigate RV and pulmonary functions in patients suffering from SCD with or without pulmonary hypertension using color tissue Doppler imaging and spirometry. We evaluated 48 asymptomatic patients with SCD. All patients underwent echocardiography with tissue Doppler imaging and pulmonary function test. Patients were divided into two groups: Group 1 consisted of 27 patients (age, 18.1 +/- 7.1 years) with normal pulmonary artery pressure, and group 2 consisted of 21 patients (age, 21.4 +/- 7.4 years) with pulmonary hypertension. Both groups were compared with a sex- and age-matched control group including 24 normal healthy subjects (age, 19.8 +/- 9.2 years). Tricuspid lateral annular systolic (S (m)) and early diastolic velocity (E (m)) were higher in group 1 than group 2 and the control group (p < 0.05). Tricuspid lateral annular late diastolic velocities (A (m)), isovolumetric contraction time, and myocardial performance index (MPI) were higher and the E (m)/A (m) ratio was lower in group 2 than group 1 and the control group (p < 0.05). However, no differences were found in the tricuspid lateral annular E (m) deceleration time, ejection time, and isovolumetric relaxation time between group 1, group 2, and the control group. Tricuspid lateral annular S (m) and E (m) were similar in group 2 and the control group. Forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV(1)), forced vital capacity (FVC), and the diffusion capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide were decreased in both groups of patients compared to the control group (p < 0.05). However, there was no difference in respiratory rate, FEV(1)/FVC ratio, peak expiratory flow, and total lung capacity between group 1, group 2, and the control group. There were no differences in any indices of lung function between the two groups of patients. MPI is useful index to evaluate RV function in patients with SCD. RV diastolic function was disturbed in only SCD patients with pulmonary hypertension. On the other hand, the restrictive pattern of pulmonary function abnormalities had developed in both groups of patients.

Co-existince of sickle cell disease and hemidiaphragm paralysis.

Sickle cell anemia is a disease caused by production of abnormal hemoglobin. Infection, acute splenic sequestration crisis, aplastic crises, acute chest syndrome, stroke, cholelithiasis, renal disease and pain are the major complications. Unilateral or bilateral diaphragm paralysis maybe seen following phrenic nerve injury and with a variety of motor-neuron diseases, myelopathies, neuropathies, and myopathies. Prominent right hemi-diaphragma elevation was observed on chest radiograph of a 14 years' old female patient with sickle cell disease. Her medical history yielded neither trauma nor intra-thoracic surgery. She didn't have either motor deficit or sensation disorder on any region of her body. Thorax CT yielded no lesion except the significantly elevated right diaphragm. Her cranial CT showed no lesion, too. Diagnosis of right hemidiaphragm paralysis was confirmed by positive Hitzenberg Sniff test on fluoroscopy. Although several pathophysiologic mechanisms are known to be involved and lead to central neurologic complications in sickle cell disease, involvement of peripheric nerves have not been reported. Here we present a 14 years' old female patient with sickle cell anemia and unilateral diaphragm paralysis, co-existence of which have not been reported so far.