Bone Marrow Transplantation as a Rare Cause of Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension.

The development of pulmonary arterial hypertension after bone marrow transplantation (BMT) is a rare but serious complication. In this case report, we presented the development of pulmonary arterial hypertension in a 22-year-old woman who underwent BMT due to aplastic anemia. Her symptoms on admission included shortness of breath, palpitations and fatigue. Pulmonary hypertension was classified with right heart catheterization as pul monary arterial hypertension. The patient's laboratory, echocardiographic and hemodynamic findings improved with pulmonary arterial hypertension-specific treatment. Pul monary arterial hypertension should be considered in the differ ential diagnosis of BMT patients with 'unexplained' hypoxemia or respiratory distress.

Diagnostic and treatment outcomes of patients with pulmonary tuberculosis in the first year of COVID-19 pandemic.

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has put a significant strain on human life and health care systems, however, little is known about its impact on tuberculosis (TB) patients. Aims: To assess the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) diagnosis, treatment and patient outcomes, using the WHO definitions. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Malatya region, Turkey (population 800 000). Data on regional PTB test numbers, case notification rates and PTB patients' clinical characteristics and treatment outcomes were collected. Data from the first pandemic year (2020) were compared to data from the previous 3 years (2017-2019). The attitudes and experiences of patients were analysed. Results: Despite a non-significant 22% decrease in annual PTB case notifications (P = 0.317), the number of TB tests performed (P = 0.001) and PTB patients evaluated (P = 0.001) decreased significantly during the pandemic year compared with the previous 3 years. The proportion of patients with high (3/4+) sputum acid-fast bacilli grades (P = 0.001), TB relapse (P = 0.022) and treatment failure (P = 0.018) increased significantly. The median 64.5-day treatment delay detected in 2017-2019 increased significantly to 113.5 days in 2020 (P = 0.001), due primarily to patients' reluctance to visit a health care facility. Conclusion: In addition to the problems with case detection, this study shows notable deterioration in several indicators related to the severity, contagiousness and poor outcomes of TB, which had already been suppressed for decades.

Delays in Diagnosis and Treatment in Patients Underwent Endobronchial Ultrasound-Transbronchial Needle Aspiration (EBUS-TBNA).

Objectives: Endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) has been recognized as the first method of choice in the diagnosis of mediastinal and hilar lesions. Although the procedure is commonly used, there is no study assessing its contribution to the duration required for diagnosis and treatment. In this study, we aimed to determine the extent of diagnosis and treatment delays when using the EBUS-TBNA procedure and to address the possible factors contributing to these delays. Materials and Methods: The demographic data, pathological diagnosis, need for additional procedures, symptoms, presenting complaints, and the time until the beginning of treatment were recorded retrospectively in all patients who had undergone EBUS-TBNA. Results: A total of 134 patients (mean age 60.7 ± 12 years, M/F: 78/56) were included. Delay of the patients was found in 60.4% (n = 81), delayed referral in 35.8% (n = 48), diagnosis delays in 84.3% (n = 113), treatment delays in 38.8% (n = 52), and total delay in 73.1% (n = 98) of the patients. A statistically significant association was found between referral delay and total delay with age groups (p=0.006) and between patient delay and the presence of symptoms (p=0.027). EBUS-TBNA was found to have the lowest effect among all delay parameters (ß: 0.104, p < 0.001) in the regression analysis. When diagnosis times' subgroups were compared, EBUS-TBNA was found to have the least effect (correlation coefficient: 0.134, p=0.004). Conclusion: We found that approximately ¾ of the patients had a delay and this is not acceptable in real terms. Considering that the patient burden is increasing day by day, it is necessary to make a radical change in health care or a change in strategy in order to prevent delays. EBUS-TBNA, which is in the diagnosis delay subgroup, is less invasive and accelerates the process.

Comparison of the Effects of the Somatotype on the Physical Activity, Kinesiophobia, and Fatigue Levels of Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome Patients and Healthy Individuals.

BACKGROUND: We aimed to compare the physical activity, kinesiophobia, and fatigue levels of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) patients and healthy individuals in terms their somatotypes. METHODS: A total of 165 individuals were enrolled referred to the Department of Chest Diseases Sleep Disorders Center Outpatient Clinic of Inonu University, Malatya, Turkey in 2018. The somatotype analysis was conducted using the Heath-Carter method, the fatigue level was assessed using the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy (FACIT) fatigue scale, the kinesiophobia level was assessed using the Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia (TSK), and the physical activity level was assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). RESULTS: The results of the somatotype analysis revealed 3 different somatotypes in the healthy individuals and the OSAS patients' mesomorph endomorph, endomorphic mesomorph, and mesomorphic endomorph. When comparing the somatotypes of the healthy individuals and the OSAS patients, statistically significant differences were found in the FACIT scores of the mesomorph endomorphs, the IPAQ and FACIT scores of the endomorphic mesomorphs, and the TSK and FACIT scores of the mesomorphic endomorphs (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: In all three somatotypes of the OSAS patients, the fatigue index scores were higher when compared to those of the healthy individuals. Moreover, when compared with the healthy individuals, the physical activity levels of the endomorphic mesomorphs with OSAS were low, while the kinesiophobia scores of the mesomorphic endomorphs with OSAS were high. Based on the results of this study, in OSAS patients, the endomorphic mesomorph somatotype could be a risk factor for reduced physical activity, while the mesomorphic endomorph somatotype could be a risk factor for increased kinesiophobia.

The Relationship between COVID-19 Severity and Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG)/ Mycobacterium tuberculosis exposure history in healthcare workers: a multi-center study.

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought countries' health services into sharp focus. It was drawn to our group's attention that healthcare workers (HCWs) had a lower mortality rate against higher COVID-19 incidence compared to the general population in Turkey. Since risk of exposure to tuberculosis bacillus among healthcare workers are higher than the population, we aimed to investigate if there is a relationship between BCG and Mycobacterium tuberculosis exposure history with COVID-19 severity in infected HCWs. This study was conducted with 465 infected HCWs from thirty-three hospitals to assess the relationship between COVID-19 severity (according to their hospitalization status and the presence of radiological pneumonia) and BCG and Mycobacterium tuberculosis exposure history. HCWs who required hospital admission had significantly higher rates of chronic diseases, radiological pneumonia, and longer working hours in the clinics. Higher rates of history of contact and care to tuberculosis patients, history of tuberculosis, and BCG vaccine were observed in hospitalized HCWs. HCWs who had radiological pneumonia had a significantly increased ratio of history of care to tuberculosis patients and a higher family history of tuberculosis. The findings from our study suggest that the lower mortality rate despite the more severe disease course seen in infected HCWs might be due to frequent exposure to tuberculosis bacillus and the mortality-reducing effects of the BCG vaccine.

Effects of varenicline on lung tissue in the animal model. / Efeitos da vareniclina no tecido pulmonar em modelo animal.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate acute and chronic effects of varenicline on lung tissue in an experimental study. METHODS: A total of 34 rats were randomly allocated into study (varenicline) and control groups. The rats were divided into two groups (i) control group, (ii) varenicline group. Then, the rats in the each group were sub-divided equally in turn as acute (C1; V1) and chronic (C2; V2) ; all rats of acute and chronic groups were sacrificed under the anesthesia on the 45th day for acute group [C1 (n=5) and V1 (n=12)] and the 90th day for chronic group [C2 (n=5) and V2 (n=12)], respectively. Thus, biochemical and histopathological analysis were carried out. RESULTS: Thirty four rats completed the study, 24 were in varenicline group and 10 were in control group. In chronic exposure to varenicline, oxidant levels comprising of malondialdehyde (MDA), and myeloperoxidase (MPO) increased and superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione (GSH) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) levels, named as antioxidants, decreased significantly when compared to the control group. MDA and MPO levels were also significantly higher and SOD, CAT, GPx, GSH levels were also significantly lower in chronic varenicline group when compared to acute varenicline group. These findings were also supported by histopathological observations. CONCLUSION: This is the first study, which evaluated pulmonary effects of varenicline experimentally on an animal model. It was observed that chronic varenicline treatments cause inflammation and lung cell injury.

OBJETIVO: O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar os efeitos agudos e crônicos da vareniclina no tecido pulmonar em um estudo experimental. MÉTODOS: Um total de 34 ratos foi alocado aleatoriamente em grupos de estudo (vareniclina) e controle. Assim, os ratos foram divididos em dois grupos: (i) grupo controle e (ii) grupo vareniclina. A seguir, os ratos de cada grupo foram, por sua vez, subdivididos igualmente em agudos (C1; V1) e crônicos (C2; V2), e todos os ratos dos grupos agudos e crônicos foram sacrificados sob anestesia: no 45.º dia, para o grupo agudo [C1 (n=5) e V1 (n=12)], e no 90.º dia, para o grupo crônico [C2 (n=5) e V2 (n=12)], respectivamente. Em seguida, foram realizadas análises bioquímicas e histopatológicas. RESULTADOS: Trinta e quatro ratos completaram o estudo. Destes ratos, 24 estavam no grupo vareniclina e 10 no grupo controle. Na exposição crônica à vareniclina, os níveis de oxidante composto por malondialdeído (MDA) e mieloperoxidase (MPO) aumentaram, e os níveis de superóxido dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutationa (GSH) e glutationa peroxidase (GPx), nomeados como antioxidantes, diminuiram significativamente quando comparados com o grupo controle. Os níveis de MDA e MPO também foram significativamente mais elevados e os níveis de SOD, CAT, GPx e GSH foram significativamente mais baixos no grupo vareniclina crônico, quando comparado ao grupo vareniclina agudo. Estes achados também foram confirmados por observações histopatológicas. CONCLUSÕES: Este é o primeiro estudo que avaliou os efeitos pulmonares da vareniclina experimentalmente em um modelo animal. Observamos que o tratamento crônico da vareniclina causa inflamação e lesão pulmonar.

The relationship between anxiety, depression, daytime sleepiness in the REM-related mild OSAS and the NREM-related mild OSAS.

INTRODUCTION: Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is a common form of sleep-related respiratory disease characterized by recurrent blockages in the upper airway. Rapid eye movement (REM)-related OSAS is a condition in which apneas and hypopneas are more common during REM sleep. We investigated whether there was any difference between REM-related mild OSAS group and NREM-related mild OSAS group in terms of anxiety, depression, and daytime sleepiness. METHODS: A total of 166 patients with mild OSAS (72 patients with REM-related and 94 NREM-related OSAS) participated in the study. Hospital Anxiety-Depression Scale (HADS) and Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) questionnaires were completed by both groups. RESULTS: Anxiety and depression scores were significantly higher in patients with REM-related OSAS in comparison to the NREM-related OSAS group (p = 0.01, p = 0.02 respectively). There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in terms of ESS scores (p = 0.60). CONCLUSION: The results of our study suggest that patients with REM-related OSAS have higher rates of depression and anxiety compared to non-REM-related OSAS patients and this may adversely affect quality of life. It may be possible to prevent psychiatric complications, such as depression and anxiety, by administering treatments that reduce REM sleep duration and intensity in patients with REM-related OSAS.

Efeitos da vareniclina no tecido pulmonar em modelo animal / Effects of varenicline on lung tissue in the animal model

RESUMO Objetivo O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar os efeitos agudos e crônicos da vareniclina no tecido pulmonar em um estudo experimental. Métodos Um total de 34 ratos foi alocado aleatoriamente em grupos de estudo (vareniclina) e controle. Assim, os ratos foram divididos em dois grupos: (i) grupo controle e (ii) grupo vareniclina. A seguir, os ratos de cada grupo foram, por sua vez, subdivididos igualmente em agudos (C1; V1) e crônicos (C2; V2), e todos os ratos dos grupos agudos e crônicos foram sacrificados sob anestesia: no 45.º dia, para o grupo agudo [C1 (n=5) e V1 (n=12)], e no 90.º dia, para o grupo crônico [C2 (n=5) e V2 (n=12)], respectivamente. Em seguida, foram realizadas análises bioquímicas e histopatológicas. Resultados Trinta e quatro ratos completaram o estudo. Destes ratos, 24 estavam no grupo vareniclina e 10 no grupo controle. Na exposição crônica à vareniclina, os níveis de oxidante composto por malondialdeído (MDA) e mieloperoxidase (MPO) aumentaram, e os níveis de superóxido dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutationa (GSH) e glutationa peroxidase (GPx), nomeados como antioxidantes, diminuiram significativamente quando comparados com o grupo controle. Os níveis de MDA e MPO também foram significativamente mais elevados e os níveis de SOD, CAT, GPx e GSH foram significativamente mais baixos no grupo vareniclina crônico, quando comparado ao grupo vareniclina agudo. Estes achados também foram confirmados por observações histopatológicas. Conclusões Este é o primeiro estudo que avaliou os efeitos pulmonares da vareniclina experimentalmente em um modelo animal. Observamos que o tratamento crônico da vareniclina causa inflamação e lesão pulmonar.

ABSTRACT Objective This study aimed to investigate acute and chronic effects of varenicline on lung tissue in an experimental study. Methods A total of 34 rats were randomly allocated into study (varenicline) and control groups. The rats were divided into two groups (i) control group, (ii) varenicline group. Then, the rats in the each group were sub-divided equally in turn as acute (C1; V1) and chronic (C2; V2) ; all rats of acute and chronic groups were sacrificed under the anesthesia on the 45th day for acute group [C1 (n=5) and V1 (n=12)] and the 90th day for chronic group [C2 (n=5) and V2 (n=12)], respectively. Thus, biochemical and histopathological analysis were carried out. Results Thirty four rats completed the study, 24 were in varenicline group and 10 were in control group. In chronic exposure to varenicline, oxidant levels comprising of malondialdehyde (MDA), and myeloperoxidase (MPO) increased and superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione (GSH) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) levels, named as antioxidants, decreased significantly when compared to the control group. MDA and MPO levels were also significantly higher and SOD, CAT, GPx, GSH levels were also significantly lower in chronic varenicline group when compared to acute varenicline group. These findings were also supported by histopathological observations. Conclusion This is the first study, which evaluated pulmonary effects of varenicline experimentally on an animal model. It was observed that chronic varenicline treatments cause inflammation and lung cell injury.

[Determination of anthropometric measurements in obstructive sleep apnea syndrome in Turkish population]. / Türk popülasyonunda obstrüktif uyku apne sendromunda rol oynayan antropometrik ölçümlerin belirlenmesi.

INTRODUCTION: In this study, we aimed to determine the values of anthropometric measurements and rates used in the evaluation of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) in our country. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty accredited sleep centers in thirteen provinces participated in this multicenter prospective study. OSAS symptoms and polysomnographic examination and apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) ≥ 5 cases OSAS study group; patients with AHI < 5 and STOP-Bang < 2 were included as control group. Demographic characteristics (age, sex, body mass index-BMI) and anthropometric measurements (neck, waist and hip circumference, waist/hip ratio) of the subjects were recorded. RESULT: The study included 2684 patients (81.3% OSAS) with a mean age of 50.50 ± 0.21 years from 20 centers. The cases were taken from six geographical regions of the country (Mediterranean, Eastern Anatolia, Aegean, Central Anatolia, Black Sea and Marmara Region). Demographic characteristics and anthropometric measurements; age, neck, waist, hip circumference and waist/ hip ratios and BMI characteristics when compared with the control group; when compared according to regions, age, neck, waist, hip circumference and waist/hip ratios were found to be statistically different (p< 0.001, p< 0.001, p< 0.05, respectively). When compared by sex, age, neck and hip circumference, waist/hip ratio, height, weight and BMI characteristics were statistically different (p< 0.001, respectively). Neck circumference and waist/hip ratio were respectively 42.58 ± 0.10 cm, 0.99 ± 0.002, 39.24 ± 0.16 cm, 0.93 ± 0.004 were found in women. CONCLUSIONS: The neck circumference was lower than the standard value in men, but higher in women. The waist/hip ratio was above the ideal measurements in both men and women. In this context, the determination of the country values will allow the identification of patients with the possibility of OSAS and referral to sleep centers for polysomnography.

Anticoagulant therapy for acute venous thromboembolism.

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE) are currently defined as venous thromboembolism (VTE) since they share pathophysiological features and the treatment is similar in many respects. It has been determined that more than 90% of PE cases originate from DVT in the legs. PE, which is difficult to diagnose, has a mortality rate of 12% when untreated. The worldwide increase in obesity, cancer diseases, and average survival time also contribute to the increase in the incidence of VTE. Traditional treatment of VTE includes heparin, low-molecular-weight heparin, and warfarin. Despite availability for oral use, warfarin has a narrow therapeutic range and a wide range of food interactions. After many years of research, new oral anticoagulant agents (NOACs) are expected to overcome these handicaps in treatment. In this review, the use of NOACs in the treatment of VTE is investigated in the light of current guidelines.

Protective and therapeutic effect of apocynin on bleomycin-induced lung fibrosis in rats.

We aimed to investigate the preventive and therapeutic effect of apocynin (APO) on bleomycin (BLC)-induced lung injury in rats. Rats were assigned into groups as follows: control group; APO group, 20 mg/kg APO was given intraperitoneal for 29 days; BLC-1 and BLC-2 groups, a single intratracheal injection of BLC (2.5 mg/kg); APO+BLC-preventive group, 20 mg/kg APO was administered 12 h before the intratracheal BLC injection and continued for 14 days; BLC+APO-treatment group, 20 mg/kg APO was given on the 14th day after the intratracheal BLC injection and continued to sacrifice. The BLC-1 group was sacrificed on the 14th day of BLC administration to validate BLC-induced lung inflammation and fibrosis on the 14th of study initiation. All other groups were sacrificed on the 29th day after BLC administration. The semiquantitative histopathological assessment, tissue levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase, catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), reduced glutathione (GSH), total antioxidant capacity, total oxidant status (TOS), and oxidative stress index (OSI) were measured. An addition to the serum myeloperoxidase (MPO), the cell count and cytokines (IL-1ß, IL-6, and IL-8) of bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid were assayed. BLC-provoked histological changes were significantly detected compared to the control group. APO restored these histological damages in different quantity in the treatment and prevention groups. BLC caused a significant decrease in GSH, CAT, and GPX, which were accompanied with significantly the increased MDA, TOS levels, and OSI in the lung tissue concomitant with increased levels of the cellular account and proinflammatory cytokines in the BAL fluid. Otherwise, APO administration, both before and after BLC, reversed all biochemical markers and cytokine as well as histopathological changes induced by BLC. Interestingly, APO treatment reversed MPO activity in serum increased by BLC. In this study, both protective and therapeutic effects of APO against BLC-induced lung fibrosis were demonstrated for the first time.

Prognostic role of the simplified pulmonary embolism severity index and shock index in pulmonary embolism.

INTRODUCTION: The stratification of acute pulmonary embolism (PE) using the simplified pulmonary embolism severity index (sPESI) and shock index (SI) does not require any prognostic tools such as biomarkers or echocardiography. OBJECTIVES: We compared the ability of the sPESI and SI to predict 30-day and 3-year mortality following PE. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Prognostic models based on the sPESI and SI were used to predict the overall 30-day (short-term) and 3-year (long-term) mortality in a cohort of 194 patients with confirmed PE. RESULTS: Overall, the mortality rate in this cohort was 9.2% in the first month and 29.9% at 3 years. The sPESI categorized fewer patients as low risk (41.7%; 81 of 194 patients) when compared with the SI lower than 1 (74.7%; 145 of 194 patients). Importantly, patients classified as low risk in the sPESI had no 30-day mortality compared with 2.1% of patients (3 of 145) classified as low-risk based on the SI. The 3-year mortality rate in low-risk patients according to the sPESI was lower than that in low-risk patients identified based on the SI (4.9% vs. 20.7%; P <0.0001). While a multivariate Cox analysis showed that both the SI and sPESI were independent prognostic variables for 3-year mortality, it showed that only the SI was an independent prognostic variable for 30-day mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Both prognostic models allow to stratify the risk of short- and long-term mortality in patients with PE, but the sPESI was better than SI at classifying low-risk patients.  

Protective and therapeutic effect of molsidomine on bleomycin-induced lung fibrosis in rats.

We aimed to investigate the preventive and treatment effect of molsidomine (MOL) on bleomycin (BLC)-induced lung injury in rats. Rats were assigned into groups as follows: control group; MOL group, 10 mg/kg MOL was continued orally for 29 day; BLC group, a single intratracheal injection of BLC (2.5 mg/kg), MOL+BLC-preventive group, 10 mg/kg MOL was administered 1 day before the intratracheal BLC injection and continued for 14 days; BLC+MOL-treatment group 10 mg/kg MOL was given on 14th day after the intratracheal BLC injection and continued until sacrifice. All animals were sacrificed on 29th day after BLC administration. The semiquantitative histopathological assessment, tissue levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), reduced glutathione (GSH), total antioxidant status (TAS), total oxidant status (TOS), myeloperoxidase (MPO), and oxidative stress index (OSI) were measured. BLC-provoked histological changes were significantly detected compared to the control group. MOL restored these histological damages in different quantity in the treatment and preventive groups. BLC administration significantly decreased levels of GSH and TAS when compared to controls and these reductions was significantly ameliorated by MOL given prophylactic setting. However, therapeutic MOL administration significantly increased the TAS level decreased by BLC. The levels of MDA, MPO, and TOS were significantly increased with BLM, and these augmentations of MDA and TOS were significantly reduced by MOL given prophylactic setting. Furthermore, the OSI was higher in the BLC group, and this increase was reversed by the MOL administration before and after BLC treatment. In this study, both protective and therapeutic effects of MOL against BLC-induced lung fibrosis were demonstrated for the first time.

Protective effect of dexpanthenol on bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis in rats.

Despite extensive studies, there is no effective treatment currently available other than pirfenidone for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. A protective effect of pantothenic acid and its derivatives on cell damage produced by oxygen radicals has been reported, but it has not been tested in bleomycin (BLM)--induced pulmonary fibrosis in rats. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the preventive effect of dexpanthenol (Dxp) on pulmonary fibrosis. Thirty-two rats were assigned to four groups as follows: (1) control group, (2) dexpanthenol (Dxp) group; 500 mg/kg Dxp continued intraperitoneally for 14 days, (3) bleomycin (BLM) group; a single intratracheal injection of BLM (2.5 mg/kg body weight in 0.25-ml phosphate buffered saline), and (4) BLM + Dxp-treated group; 500 mg/kg Dxp was administered 1 h before the intratracheal BLM injection and continued for 14 days i.p. The histopathological grades of lung inflammation and collagen deposition, tissue levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and myeloperoxidase (MPO) were measured. BLM provoked inflammation and collagen deposition (p < 0.0001), with a marked increase in myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity resembling increased inflammatory activity (p < 0.0001), which was prevented by Dxp (p < 0.0001, p = 0.02). BLM reduced tissue activities of SOD, GPx, and CAT compared to controls (p = 0.01, 0.03, 0.009). MDA was increased with BLM (p = 0.003). SOD (p = 0.001) and MDA (p = 0.016) levels were improved in group 4. The CAT levels in the BLM + Dxp group were close to those in the control group (p > 0.05). We showed that Dxp significantly prevents BLM-induced lung fibrosis in rats. Further studies are required to evaluate the role of Dxp in the treatment of lung fibrosis.

Neuromuscular transmission in hypoxemic patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Many studies have focused on the systemic effects of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), but none has examined neuromuscular junction transmission (NMT). We evaluated NMT dysfunction using single-fiber electromyography (SFEMG) in patients with COPD. Twenty patients with COPD and 20 age-matched healthy controls were included in the study. All patients and controls underwent SFEMG. Abnormal NMT was found in seven of 20 patients (35%), but in none of the control subjects. The COPD patients were subgrouped according to the presence of hypoxemia. The patients with normoxemia were classified as Group 1, and the patients with hypoxemia were classified as Group 2. Abnormal NMT was found in six patients in Group 2 and in one in Group 1. While there was significant difference in terms of abnormal NMT between Group 2 and the controls, there was none between Group 1 and the controls. Our results show that NMT abnormalities can be present in hypoxemic patients with COPD.

Relationship between serum γ-glutamyltransferase levels and acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

INTRODUCTION: γ-glutamyltransferase (GGT) is a plasma membrane enzyme, which is involved in antioxidant glutathione resynthesis. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to compare the serum levels of GGT (which is considered a novel marker of oxidative stress) between patients with stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and those with acute exacerbation of COPD, and the relationship of GGT with inflammation. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study involved 132 patients with exacerbated COPD and normal function of the liver and biliary tract (mean age, 66.6 ±10.1 years; men, 88.6%) and 147 patients with stable COPD (mean age, 65.4 ±8.8 years; men, 87.1%). Serum GGT and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were measured and compared between the groups. RESULTS: Serum GGT levels in patients with exacerbated COPD were significantly higher than in those with stable COPD (30 U/l; interquartile range [IQR], 18.8 vs. 25 U/l; IQR, 16; P <0.001]. Serum CRP levels were significantly higher in patients with exacerbated COPD compared with those with stable COPD (34 mg/l; IQR, 58.3 vs. 16 mg/l; IQR, 24.6; P <0.001). A significant positive correlation was observed between GGT activity and CRP levels (r = 0.27, P = 0.002). The GGT level of 29 U/l was set as a cutoff value of acute exacerbation with the specificity of 70.1% and sensitivity of 62.8% (95% confidence interval, 0.6-0.71; area under the curve, 0.66; standard error, 0.032; P <0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Our study indicates that serum GGT levels as the marker of oxidative stress increase during exacerbated COPD and correlate with CRP levels. The measurement of GGT activity may be useful in the evaluation of exacerbated COPD.

QT dispersion in patients with pulmonary embolism.

BACKGROUND: Various ECG patterns have been associated with acute pulmonary embolism. However, there is no data regarding the association between QT interval measurements and pulmonary embolism. We aimed to investigate the association between QT dispersion and the severity of pulmonary embolism (PE). METHODS: One hundred twenty-nine pulmonary embolism patients (mean age 58 ± 16.5 years) with ECGs obtained within the first 24 hours of hospital admission were included in the study. Patients were classified into low, intermediate and high-risk groups. We retrospectively measured ECG scores; maximum and minimum corrected QT intervals (QTc(max) and QTc(min)) and corrected QT interval dispersion (QTcd) in each risk group of patients. RESULTS: There was an increasing ECG score through from low to high-risk PE [3 (Interquartile Range, IQR: 2), 5 (IQR: 6) and 10 (IQR: 7) p < 0.0001]. QT interval analysis showed that QTcd was higher in high-risk group than in low and intermediate-risk groups (59.5 ± 23.4, 69.2 ± 21, 95.9 ± 33.2, p <0.001 and p = 0.01, respectively). Patients who died after diagnosis had significantly higher QTcd values at baseline compared with the QTcd values of surviving patients (89.1 ± 45.5 to 65 ± 22.9, p = 0.001). The sensitivity of QTcd > 71.5 ms for prediction of mortality was 71% with a specificity of 73% (p = 0.001). We observed a strong correlation between QTcd and ECG score values (r = 0.69, p< 0.001). There was also a correlation between QTcd values and pulmonary artery pressure (PAP) (r = 0.27, p = 0.05). CONCLUSION: QTcd is significantly increased in high-risk PE patients compared to intermediate and low-risk patients. In addition, QTcd is significantly correlated with ECG score and PAP.

Exposure to SO2 does not have a chronic effect on pulmonary functions of apricot workers.

The authors have previously demonstrated that apricot sulfurization workers develop asthma-like syndrome during apricot sulfurization due to exposure to sulfur dioxide (SO(2)) gas. The aim of the current study was to demonstrate if exposure to SO(2) gas had any chronic effects on pulmonary functions and bronchial reactivity of the workers. Twenty-five apricot sulfurization workers and a control group were included in the study. Physical examination, skin prick tests, pulmonary function tests (PFTs), and bronchoprovocation tests (BPTs) were performed before and after the season of sulfurization in the worker group. Skin prick tests, PFTs, and BPTs were performed also in the control group without a history of exposure to SO(2) gas. There was no statistically significant difference between PFT and BPT results of the workers and the control group. Comparison of the PFT results of the workers before and after the season of apricot sulfurization neither reveal a significant difference. Four (16%) out of 25 workers were positive for BPTs before the period. Only one worker who had a negative BPT result before the sulfurization season was positive afterwards. The lack of a chronic effect on pulmonary functions is consistent with the diagnosis of asthma-like syndrome in apricot sulfurization workers.

Pulmonary function and airway hyperresponsiveness in adults with sickle cell disease.

STUDY OBJECTIVES: Pulmonary involvement is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with sickle cell disease (SCD). Although a high prevalence of airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) has been reported, there are no studies demonstrating the relationship between AHR and acute chest syndrome (ACS) in adults with SCD. We investigated AHR prevalence, lung function abnormalities, and the relationships of these variables with ACS in SCD patients. METHOD: Thirty-one adult patients without asthmatic symptoms were compared with 31 matched controls. Expiratory flow rates, lung volumes, carbon monoxide diffusion capacity (DLCO), and methacholine provocation test (MPT) results were assessed. RESULTS: Forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in one second, forced expiratory flow rate at 25% to 75% of FVC (FEF(25%-75%)), peak expiratory flow rate, total lung capacity, and DLCO values were significantly lower in the patient group than in the controls. No significant difference in pulmonary function test results was found between patients with and without a history of ACS. Fifteen patients with SCD (48%) and only 5 controls (16%) had AHR (p = 0.007). A significant correlation was found between the number of ACS episodes and MPT positivity (r = 0.379, p = 0.035). The FEF(25%-75%) values were significantly lower in patients with positive MPT results than in patients with negative MPT results (p = 0.027). CONCLUSION: The prevalence of AHR was high in adult patients with SCD. A significant correlation was found between AHR and recurrent ACS episodes. Anti-inflammatory controller agents can be used routinely to decrease pulmonary morbidity associated with SCD, even in the absence of asthmatic symptoms.

[Comparative evaluation of 113 cases with severe and mild forms of extrapulmonary tuberculosis]. / Ciddi ve hafif seyirli 113 akciger disi tüberküloz olgusunun karsilastirmali olarak degerlendirilmesi.

Tuberculosis, one of the oldest diseases of human beings, has still high mortality rates. In this prospective study, 113 HIV seronegative patients with extrapulmonary tuberculosis (EPT) who were admitted to our department between January 2001 and July 2006 have been evaluated and cases with severe or mild forms of EPT have been compared with respect to epidemiological and clinical features, laboratory results and treatment outcomes. The age range of the patients were 16-78 years old (mean age: 46.3 +/- 16.9 years), and 64 of them (56.6%) were female. Severe and mild forms of EPT were diagnosed in 49 (43.3%) and 64 (56.6%) of the patients, respectively. The most frequently involved organ was detected as lymph nodes (43.3%), followed by pleura and vertebrate involvements with the rates of 12.4%. There was an underlying disease in 35 (30.9%) of the patients (diabetes mellitus in 15%; chronic renal dysfunction in 11.5%; malignancy in 4.4%), history of passed tuberculosis infection in 13 (11.5%) and history of contact with a tuberculosis patient in 25 (22.1%). In direct microscopic examination, samples from 19 (16.8) patients were found positive for acid-fast bacilli, and samples cultivated in Lowenstein-Jensen media yielded mycobacterial growth in 25 (22.1%) patients. The diagnosis have been made histopathologically in 89 (78.7%) of the cases. In comparison of the patients with severe and mild forms of EPT, the severe form were detected more frequently in males (p= 0.01), the positivity rates of culture and acid-fast staining were higher in patients with severe form (p= 0.0004 and p= 0.001, respectively). The mortality rate was also found higher in patients with severe form (p= 0.046). The cases who were diagnosed as EPT have been treated by three or four antituberculosis drugs. Izoniazid (300 mg/day, 6-12 months), rifampicin (600 mg/day, 6-12 months), ethambutol (1500 mg/day, 2-4 months), pyrazinamide (2000 mg/day, 2-4 months) and streptomycin (1 g/day, 45-60 days) were used for the therapy. Side effects due to the therapy were observed in 13.3% of the cases (most frequently; gastrointestinal intolerance in 53.3% and hepatitis in 40%), however, there was no necessity to quit the therapy. Surgical treatment has been applied in 14 (12.4%) of the patients. As a result, the investigation of epidemiological and clinical characteristics of extrapulmonary tuberculosis on the large series of cases may be essential for early diagnosis and treatment in endemic countries such as Turkey.