[Early detection of COPD by high risk population spirometric screening]. / Wczesne wykrywanie POChP badaniem spirometrycznym grup wysokiego ryzyka.

UNLABELLED: COPD is the most frequent chronic lung disease in Poland. The disease is however under-diagnosed, especially at the early stages. The aim of the study was to assess the efficacy of spirometric screening for COPD in middle aged smokers. Informations on causes and symptoms of COPD were disseminated in mass media in 14 large cities. Subject aged over 39 and with smoking history of > 10 packyears were invited for a free spirometry in local chest clinic. However, everyone attending had the spirometry performed. Spirometry was performed according to ATS recommendations. Airway obstruction (AO) was diagnosed when FEV1/FVC < 85% of N and categorised as mild (FEV1 > 70% of N), moderate (FEV1 50-69% of N) or severe (FEV1 < 50% of N). Spirometry was accompanied by an antismoking advice. RESULTS: 12.781 subjects were screened (mean age 52 +/- 12 years, 57% males). In 8.269 subjects who complied with inclusion criteria AO was diagnosed in 29.8% (mild in 10.9%, moderate in 12% and severe in 6.9%). In smokers < 40 years of age and a history of < 10 packyears AO was found in 8.8% (mild in 6.0%, moderate in 1.8% and severe in 1.0%). CONCLUSION: Mass spirometry is an effective and easy method for early detection of COPD.

[Prevalence of COPD in Gdansk sea port workers]. / Czestosc wystepowania przewleklej obturacyjnej choroby pluc wsród pracowników portowych.

UNLABELLED: The purpose of the study was to evaluate prevalence of COPD in sea-port workers who has been employed with handling phosphoric compounds, sulphur compounds and grain. Smoking habits has been also analysed. Study group consists of 238 persons working in Gdansk sea-port. Protocol of the study has included: medical history, detailed description of work place, smoking habit analysis and spirometric study. As a spirometric parameters FEV1, FVC, FEV1%VC, PEF, MEF25%VC, MEF50%VC and MEF75%VC has been assessed. In study group 106 persons worked with phosphoric compounds handling, 42 persons with sulphuric compounds handling and 90 persons with grain handling. COPD had been diagnosed in 55 persons--43 smokers and 12 non-smokers. Mean values of FEV1% in groups with equal 10-20 years time-work has been compared. Typical COPD features has been present in 37 persons--25 smokers and 12 non-smokers. COPD has been defined based on medical history, physical examination and no response o FEV1 after bronchodilatator application (Berodual). CONCLUSION: Smoking habits in Gdansk sea-port workers has been more important factor in COPD development than work place toxicities.

Epithelial-mesenchymal cell interactions and participation of the neuroendocrine markers in tumor development. Immunohistochemical study.

Existence of the organ stem cell population seems to decide on ability of the tissue to regenerate and, likewise, on carcinogenesis. The source of the organ specific stem cells may be perivascular mesenchyma of thin-walled vascular channels. Our previous study on the breast cancer indicates that the perivascular mesenchyma of thin-walled vessels appears to be source of myoid cells (myofibroblasts) from which cancer cells arise. Similar results have been observed in the cancers of lung, salivary gland and colon, investigated in the current study. The perivascular cells of thin-walled channels are the source of myoid cells with expression of synaptophysin (Syn) and/or chromogranin A (Chg A), and from these cells neoplastic cells could originate. Syn and/or Chg A positive neoplastic cells were particularly well visible in connection with the vascular channels on the peripheries of tumors while other parts of tumors were only weak positive or negative for those neuroendocrine markers. Similarly as in breast cancers, the S100-protein positive dendritic cells with various of distribution were seen, expressing intimate connection with neoplastic cells. The epithelial pearls especially abundant in non-small cell lung carcinomas demonstrated immunohistochemical analogy to Hassall's bodies: they had monocytogenic cell inside and they displayed thymosin alpha 1 (TA1), as well as mucin secretion and minute calcification. Some epithelial cells expressed desmin and Syn. All types of investigated cancers demonstrated TA1. Results of our present study suggest that the perivascular cells have a differentiation defect. Such defect may initiate abnormal stromal environment, commonly observed in neogenesis, however, the presence of thymic growth factors may favor tumor growth.

[Prognostic value of neuron enolase levels in serum of patients with lung neoplasms]. / Rokownicza wartosc oznaczania stezenia swoistej enolazy neuronowej w surowicy chorych na raka pluca.

The aim of this study was to assess a prognostic value of serum specific enolase (NSE) measurement in lung cancer patients. Total number of 105 patients entered the study, including 36 patients with small cell carcinoma and 69 patients with non small cell carcinoma (21-squamous cell carcinoma, 32-adenocarcinoma, 14-large cell carcinoma). Elevated NSE level was observed in 47 (44.8%) patients: in 75% of SCLC patients and 29% of NSCLC patients (p < 0.001). Median survival in NSCLC patients with elevated NSE levels was 27 weeks and in those with normal values-59 weeks. The probability of one year survival in both groups was 22% and 45% respectively (p = 0.27). Median survival in SCLC patients with elevated NSE test was 30 weeks and in those normal levels-61 weeks and the probability of one years survival in both groups was 26% and 62%, respectively (p = 0.34).

[Level of cytokeratin-19 in serum of patients with non small cell lung cancer]. / Stezenie cytokeratyny-19 w surowicy chorych na niedrobnokomórkowego raka pluca.

The serum levels of cytokeratin-19 were measured in 116 patients--96 with NSCLC and 20 with non-malignant lung diseases. The reference group consisted of 60 healthy volunteers--30 smokers and 30 non-smokers. Significantly elevated Cyfra 21-1 values were observed in NSCLC. There was not a correlation between of cytokeratin-19 serum levels and histologic types of lung carcinoma. Cyfra 21-1 concentrations generally increased with stage of diseases and the highest were in patients with evidence of distant metastases. In NSCLC, the distribution of Cyfra 21-1 varied significantly according to the performance status of NSCLC patients.

[Evaluation of the activity of angiotensin I converting enzyme (ACE) and of humoral immunity in patients with active pulmonary sarcoidosis]. / Ocena aktywnosci enzymu konwertujacego angiotensyne i (ACE) oraz odpornosci humoralnej u chorych na czynna sarkoidoze pluc.

In a group of 20 patients with active pulmonary sarcoidosis and in 20 healthy subjects, serum levels were determined of angiotensin I converting enzyme, immunoglobulins, and of the third and fourth complement components. An increased level of IgG and IgM was found in patients with sarcoidosis, as compared with the control group. High ACE levels were observed in the second and third phase of the disease. A tendency was also observed for simultaneous increase of IgG and ACE levels in patients with sarcoidosis.

[Unfavorable course of widespread pulmonary tuberculosis]. / Niekorzystny przebieg rozleglej gruzlicy pluc.

A group of 40 patients with widespread tuberculosis of the lungs were studied because the course of the disease was unfavourable and the therapeutic results were minimal or none. The analysis showed that absence of improvement after correct treatment depended on the extent of changes at the beginning of the treatment and age, stabilization in life, way of life, awareness of threat caused by risk factors.