Evaluation of chemotherapy-related peripheral neuropathy in lung cancer treatment.

OBJECTIVE: Chemotherapy-related peripheral neuropathies are observed frequently in lung cancer treatment in clinical practice. The present study aimed to evaluate the electrophysiologic findings and clinical symptoms in patients treated for lung cancer with different chemotherapy regimens who had the findings of peripheral neuropathy. METHODS: Patients who had electromyography (EMG) examinations with the prediagnosis of peripheral neuropathy at two different centers between January 2011 and December 2019 were included. The demographic data, neurologic examination findings, symptoms, EMG findings, and chemotherapeutic agents used in the treatment were evaluated retrospectively. RESULTS: A total of 742 patients were included in the study, with 630 (84.90%) male and 112 (15.10%) female patients. Of the patients included in the study, 406 (54.71%) had positive sensorial symptoms, 494 (66.57%) had negative sensorial symptoms, 162 (21.83%) had motor symptoms, and 254 (34.23%) had pain symptoms. The patients were classified into two groups on the basis of the presence of polyneuropathy detected via EMG as group I (n = 500, 67.38%) including the patients with polyneuropathy and group II (n = 242, 32.61%) including the patients without polyneuropathy. Negative sensorial symptoms and motor symptoms in group I along with dysesthesia and paresthesia symptoms in group II were observed at ratios that were higher at a statistically significant level (p = 0.001, p = 0.001, p = 0.001, p = 0.001). CONCLUSION: Sensorial symptoms are observed most frequently in chemotherapy-related peripheral neuropathies in lung cancer treatment and motor symptoms may also increase according to the chemotherapy regimen.

The Association of Serum 25(OH) Vitamin D Level with Severity of Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome in Patients with Syndrome Z (the Interaction of Obstructive Sleep Apnea with Metabolic Syndrome).

Background: The interaction of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) with metabolic syndrome (MetS) is known as syndrome Z. The aim of this study was to investigate the association of serum vitamin D levels with severity of OSAS in patients with Syndrome Z. Methods: In this retrospective study, 270 patients with MetS and OSAS were included. Demographic data, lifestyle habits, anthropometric measurements, sleep characteristics, polysomnographic indices, and laboratory results were recorded from the patient files. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to determine the associations of serum 25(OH)D3 levels with OSAS. Results: Of the 270 patients, 71.9% were female. The mean age was 46.86 ± 8.46 (33-72) years. Of the participants, 8.2% did not have OSAS (control group), while 30.4% had mild, 28.1% had moderate, and 33.3% had severe OSAS. There were significant differences in gender, waist circumference, hip circumference, waist/hip ratio, neck circumference, body mass index, apnea-hypopnea index, total sleep time, average SpO2 and Epworth sleepiness scale score, oxygen desaturation index, blood glucose, total cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and 25(OH)D3 levels. There was a significant difference in serum 25(OH)D3 level with increasing severities of OSAS (none+mild to moderate+severe OSAS). After adjusting for potential confounding factors in multivariable logistic regression analyses, we found that serum 25(OH)D3 level was significantly associated with the severity of OSAS. Conclusions: Serum 25(OH)D3 level was significantly associated with the severity of OSAS in patients with Syndrome Z. Therefore, patients with MetS and OSAS should be investigated for the presence of vitamin D insufficiency and, if observed, referred for vitamin D treatment.

Original Article: Clinical Research.

AIM: In this study, we aimed to investigate the possible role of endotrophin, a profibrotic byproduct of collagen VI, in the complex process of fibrosis development in the disease group with pulmonary fibrosis among interstitial lung diseases. MATERIAL AND METHOD: When the patients' participation in the study were completed, smoking or alcohol drinking conditions, and family history were recorded. Their weights and heights were recorded and body mass index (BMI) was calculated. In every patient, Spirometry with bronchodilator testing, determination of single-breath DLCO, and plethysmographic measurement of thoracic gas volume and airway resistance were performed. Blood samples were obtained for the inflammation markers such as sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein (CRP), complete blood count, liver and renal function tests, and lactate dehydrogenase levels. Serum endotrophin levels were measured in all patients. RESULTS: Thirty-five patients with interstitial lung disease who were having pulmonary fibrosis, 35 patients with interstitial lung disease without pulmonary fibrosis, and 20 control patients without any signs or symptoms of interstitial lung disease were included in the study. Age distribution was similar between groups. The fibrotic ILD group was more commonly smoker or ex-smoker compared with the non-fibrotic ILD patients or control cases. Fibrotic ILD patients were leaner, having significantly decreased total lung capacity, diffusion capacity, and higher LDH levels. In the comparison of the 3 study groups regarding the endotrophin levels, there was a significant difference between groups. The fibrotic and non-fibrotic patient groups were compared for the Endotrophin levels and the difference was also significant. However, there was not any significant difference regarding the endotrophin levels between control cases and non-fibrotic ILD patients. Smoked cigarette pocket x year showed a significant positive correlation and DLCO % and KCO % showed a significant negative correlation with the endotrophin levels. CONCLUSION: Serum endotrophin levels significantly increase in fibrotic ILD patients compared with the non-fibrotic ILD patients and control cases. Endotrophin may be suggested as a diagnostic marker in fibrotic interstitial lung diseases.

Premature ejaculation in OSAS: Does it improve with CPAP treatment?

AIM: Premature ejaculation (PE) is a common problem in male sexual health that significantly affects the quality of life. We aimed to evaluate the association of PE with obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS), which is characterised by chronic oxidative stress, and to assess the effects of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy on PE. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Sexually active men between the ages of 20 and 50 who were newly diagnosed with PE, and diagnosed with moderate or severe OSAS were included in the study. Arabic Premature Ejaculation Index (AIPE) and Intravaginal Ejection Delay Time (IELT) were questioned for the diagnosis of PE. Patients with OSAS who accepted to participate in the study were given 1 year of CPAP treatment, and AIPE and IELT were questioned again, after the treatment. The results are compared with the results of the control group. RESULTS: In total, 80 control subjects without OSAS, 85 patients with moderate OSAS and 82 patients with severe OSAS were included in the study. There were no significant differences between the groups in terms of age, BMI or thyroid function test results. Initial IELT and AIPE scores were significantly higher in the control group compared with the OSAS groups (for the IELT, 155.63 ± 98.78 vs 96.23 ± 60.60 and 62.86 ± 40.49; for the AIPE 26.18 ± 3.88 vs 18.71 ± 3.43 and 17.85 ± 3.83). Compared with initial (pretreatment) values, both scores improved significantly in both OSAS groups after 1 year of CPAP therapy (in moderate OSAS group, 96.23 ± 60.60 vs 134.17 ± 83.43 and 18.71 ± 3.43 vs 23.25 ± 3.43 and severe OSAS group 62.86 ± 40.49 vs 112.25 ± 71.58 and 17.85 ± 3.83 vs 24.18 ± 3.53). CONCLUSION: For the first time in literature, we determined that the presence of OSAS was associated with significantly worse IELT and AIPE scores in males with PE, and the treatment of OSAS was related to the significant improvements in both scores, in the absence of any specific treatments for PE.

Effects of smoking cessation on sexual functions and health quality of life in premenopausal women: A prospective case - Controlled study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether smoking cessation has an effect on female sexual function and quality of life. METHODOLOGY: After approval by the local ethics committee, smoking and non-smoking female participants were included in the study and all participants filled the female sexual function index (FSFI) and the short form 36 (SF-36). The same questionnaires were filled again at the ninth month control after smoking cessation. The scores of these questionnaires were compared between the groups. In addition, the FSFI and SF-36 scores of the participants in the smoking group were also compared with the scores in the ninth month after smoking cessation. RESULTS: The rate of female sexual dysfunction (FSD) was significantly higher in the smoking group when compared with the control group (86.0% vs 32.5%; P < 0,001). The FSFI total and sub-domains score was significantly lower in the smoking group when compared control group [21.5 (min:14.4-max:28.69) and 28.9 (min:17.7-max:32.8); P < .001, respectively]. The rate of FSD was significantly decreased after nine months of smoking cessation (86% to 35.1%; P < .001). After smoking cessation, significant improvements on FSFI total and sub-domain scores and SF-36 sub-domain scores were determined. CONCLUSION: In this study, it was shown that smoking negatively affected FSD and QOL when compared with healthy non-smoking women, and smoking cessation caused significant improvements in FSFI and SF-36 scores in these women after 9 months.

The effect of incontinence on sleep quality in the elderly.

OBJECTIVE: This study was conducted to determine the frequency of incontinence in elderly people living in nursing homes and the effect of incontinence on the quality of life and sleep quality. MATERIAL AND METHOD: This study was carried out with a total of 1150 individuals aged 65 and over, living in four nursing homes. Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire Short Form (ICIQ-SF), and Incontinence Quality of Life Scale (IQOL) were used as data collection tools. The data were collected after obtaining ethics committee and institutional approvals and written consents of the elderly participants. RESULTS: The mean age of 1150 elderly individuals included in the study was 75.49 ± 8.62 years. The mean PSQI score of the elderly was 8.33 ± 4.16 and 83.5% of them had poor sleep quality. It was determined that 87.0% of the elderly woke up at night and the most common reason for waking up was the need to use the toilet (60.0%). It was found that the mean ICIQ-SF score of the individuals was 10.65 ± 4.40 and 80.9% of them had bothersome urinary incontinence. The average IQOL score of individuals with incontinence was 63.39 ± 11.26. CONCLUSION: It was determined that almost all of the elderly people included in the present study had sleep problems and 20.0% had incontinence. It was found that sleep quality is not affected by incontinence in the elderly, but the quality of life decreases because of incontinence.

Prognostic factors in elderly patients admitted to the intensive care unit with community-acquired pneumonia.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to determine the clinical, radiological and laboratory findings that may indicate poor prognosis in severe community acquired pneumonia (CAP) requiring intensified care to reduce the risk of death. METHODS: The medical histories, demographic characteristics and laboratory values of over 65 years old patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) and diagnosed with CAP were recorded. RESULTS: Total of 86 patients were included in the study. Among those patients 39 were discharged from the ICU with health but 47 were expired. Diastolic blood pressure was significantly lower in expired patients (p = 0.044). In multivariate analysis, older age (>78 years) (p = 0.004), at admission elevated blood glucose (>108 mg/dL) levels (p = 0.048), decreased serum albumin (<3.5 g/dL) levels (p = 0.043), elevated serum procalcitonin levels (>0.63 µg/L) (p = 0.034) and in blood gas analysis decreased pH (<7.35) (p = 0.042)and increased lactate (>2mmol/L) (p = 0.001) were the significant risk factors for in-ICU mortality. CONCLUSIONS: At old age, blood glucose and procalcitonin levels increased at the time of admission, serum albumin levels decreased, pH decreased in blood gas analysis and lactate levels increased, and significant mortality determinants in CAP patients over 65 years of age who applied to the intensive care unit.

Alterations in Serum Adropin, Adiponectin, and Proinflammatory Cytokine Levels in OSAS.

Objective: The present study was planned to examine the relationships between obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) and the newly revealed adipokines adropin and adiponectin concentrations that display significant metabolic and cardiovascular functions and the levels of proinflammatory cytokine levels. Method: A total of 166 overweight and obese male patients with a body mass index (BMI) >27 kg/m2 were included in the study. Among study participants, 84 were recently diagnosed with OSAS by polysomnography with an apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) ≥5, and 82 were nonapneic with normal polysomnography (AHI<5) findings. The serum adropin and adiponectin levels of all cases were analyzed via the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method. Serum interleukin-1 (IL-1) beta and tumor necrotizing factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) levels were determined using Luminex cytokine multiplex analyses. Results: The mean age of the OSAS patients was 50.9 ± 5.7 years and BMI was 32.4 ± 6.0 kg/m2, and there was no statistically significant difference determined with the control group (49.3 ± 5.8 years and 30.6 ± 5, 6 kg/m2) (p > 0.05). There were no statistically significant differences between the OSAS and control groups concerning total cholesterol, triglyceride, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and glucose levels. Adiponectin was lower in the OSAS group at a statistically significant level in comparison with the control group and was related at a statistically significant level to OSAS intensity. Adropin concentration was determined to be higher in the OSAS group at a statistically significant level in comparison with the control group. Conclusion: The results of our study suggest that increased adropin concentration may be an indicator of endothelium dysfunction in OSAS patients. Serum adropin and adiponectin levels may be new bioindicators used for diagnosis and risk assessment in OSAS patients.

Comparison of clinical and polysomnographic characteristics in young and old patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome.

AIM: This study aimed to determine the differences in the clinical, demographic and polysomnographic characteristics of OSAS between patients older than and younger than 65 years of age. METHODS: Two groups of OSAS patients under 65 years of age and older who underwent PAP treatment in our sleep center were included in the study. Demographic, clinical, and polysomnographic variables of patients were compared as well as the PAP device usage compliance. RESULTS: The study was conducted with 183 patients (81 females and 102 males) having the diagnosis of OSAS. The ages of the patients ranged from 37 to 85 years (mean: 58.77 ± 12.59). The incidence of apnea, chest pain, arrhythmia, headache, non-concentration, forgetfulness, psychiatric disorders, motor activity, enuresis, libido and impotence complaints as well as the sedative usage rates and incidence of additional diseases were higher in elderly patients. Apnea hypopnea index, inspiratory positive airway pressure, and expiratory positive airway pressure measurements were significantly higher in the elderly group. The rates of NREM2 (%) and NREM3 (%) were lower in elderly patients. CONCLUSION: Many comorbid medical conditions, concomitant drug use, and age-related physiological changes in sleep architecture and circadian rhythm and their effects on sleep should be considered in the elderly sleep.

Association of presence and severity of obstructive Sleep Apnoea Syndrome with accident risk in city bus drivers.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the relationship between frequency of traffic accidents and presence and severity of the disease in bus drivers who are at risk of having obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS). METHODS: In the present study, polysomnography (PSG) was applied on 162 city bus drivers directed to the sleep laboratory from a total of 1450 drivers after being determined as risky with regard to OSAS symptoms according to the questionnaire results. Their demographic characteristics, health status and accidents were compiled. Statistical analyses were made for those diagnosed with OSAS according to the PSG result and those with a traffic accident after which comparisons were made. RESULTS: Obstructive sleep syndrome was detected in 127 out of the 162 drivers determined to be risky with regard to OSAS based on the Berlin questionnaire result. While 50 (35%) of the drivers were normal according to the polysomnography (PSG) results in the study, 39 (24.1%) were determined as light OSAS, 35 (21.6%) as moderate OSAS and 53 (32.7%) as severe OSAS. While 105 (64.8%) of the cases had no accident, 37 (22.8%) were almost involved in an accident due to sleepiness and 20 (12.3%) were actually involved in an accident. A statistically significant relationship was determined between accident rates and OSAS severity (p:0.009; p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: It was concluded that presence and increased severity of OSAS is an important risk factor for being almost or directly involved in an accident among city bus drivers, even though they were not driving for long distances.

The Association of Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome and Accident Risk in Heavy Equipment Operators.

Background and Objectives: Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is the most frequent sleep disorder, characterized by the repeated collapse of the upper respiratory tract during sleep. In this study, we aimed to determine the prevalence of OSAS in heavy equipment operators and to determine the relationship between the work accidents that these operators were involved in and the OSAS symptoms and severity. In doing this, we aimed to emphasize the association of OSAS, which is a treatable disease, and these accidents, which cause loss of manpower, financial hampering, and even death. Materials and Methods: STOP BANG questionnaire was provided to 965 heavy equipment operators and polysomnography (PSG) was performed, in Izmir Esrefpasa Municipality Hospital, to the operators at high risk for OSAS. Demographic data, health status, and accidents of these operators were recorded. Results: All operators who participated in the study were male. The ages of the cases ranged from 35 to 58 and the mean age was 45.07 ± 5.54 years. The mean STOP BANG questionnaire results were 4.36 ± 3.82. In total, 142 operators were identified with high risk for OSAS and PSG could be performed on 110 of these 142 operators. According to the PSG results of the operators, 41 (37.3%) patients had normal findings, while 35 (31.8%) had mild, 20 (18.2%) had moderate, and 14 (12.7%) had severe OSAS. Among those 110 patients, 71 (64.5%) of the cases had no history of any accidents, 25 (22.8%) were almost involved in an accident due to sleepiness, and 14 (12.7%) were actually involved in an accident. There was a statistically significant relationship between the accident rate and OSAS severity (p: 0.009). Conclusion: Based on the data acquired in the present study, a positive correlation was determined between the accident statuses of drivers with OSAS severity. We want to attract attention to the necessity of evaluating the OSAS symptoms in professional heavy equipment operators during the certification period and at various intervals afterwards, and to carry out OSAS evaluations by PSG for those having a certain risk.

Evaluation of Sexual Dysfunction, Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms and Quality of Life in Men With Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome and the Efficacy of Continuous Positive Airway Pressure Therapy.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the presence of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), nocturia, sexual dysfunction (SD), and the status of quality of life (QOL) in men with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) and after continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) treatment, the changes in the presence of these conditions and the improvements of QOL. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this study, 126 patients with suspicious diagnosis of OSAS were enrolled prospectively. International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Male LUTS (ICIQ-MLUTS), Overactive Bladder Symptoms Score (OABS-V8), Nocturia Quality of Life (Nqol), voiding diary, International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-15) questionnaire, and Short form 36 (SF-36) to assess the presence of SD, LUTS, nocturia, and the status of QOL were filled by patients before polysomnography. The same forms were filled in the third month of treatment by the patients directed to CPAP treatment due to moderate and severe OSAS. RESULTS: There were significant differences in IPSS, IIEF, OABSS, ICIQ-MLUTS, Nqol and SF-36 scores, frequency of nocturia, and night-time urine volume according to OSAS severity. Among the factors affecting the QOL, there was strong correlation between ED and SF-36 sub-domains compared with the other factors. After CPAP treatment significant changes and improvements on these symptoms and QOL were observed. CONCLUSION: In patient with OSAS, the severity of SD and LUTS and their effect on QOL differ according to the severity of OSAS and CPAP treatment improves the negative impact of these conditions on QOL.