Verifying Sarcoidosis Activity: Chitotriosidase versus ACE in Sarcoidosis - a Case-control Study.

BACKGROUND: Until now, a proper biomarker(s) to evaluate sarcoidosis activity has not been recognized. The aims of this study were to evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of the two biomarkers of sarcoidosis activity already in use (serum angiotensin converting enzyme - ACE and serum chitotriosidase) in a population of 430 sarcoidosis patients. The activities of these markers were also analyzed in a group of 264 healthy controls. METHODS: Four hundred and thirty biopsy positive sarcoidosis patients were divided into groups with active and inactive disease, and groups with acute or chronic disease. In a subgroup of 55 sarcoidosis patients, activity was also assessed by F-18 fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (18F-FDG-PET) scanning. Both serum chitotriosidase and ACE levels showed non-normal distribution, so nonparametric tests were used in statistical analysis. RESULTS: Serum chitotriosidase activities were almost 6 times higher in patients with active sarcoidosis than in healthy controls and inactive disease. A serum chitotriosidase value of 100 nmol/mL/h had the sensitivity of .5% and specificity of 70.0%. A serum ACE activity cutoff value of 32.0 U/L had the sensitivity of 66.0% and the specificity of 54%. A statistically significant correlation was obtained between the focal granulomatous activity detected on 18F-FDG PET/CT and serum chitotriosidase levels, but no such correlation was found with ACE. The levels of serum chitotriosidase activity significantly correlated with the disease duration (P < 0.0001). Also, serum chitotriosidase significantly correlated with clinical outcome status (COS) categories (ρ =0.272, P =0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Serum chitotriosidase proved to be a reliable biomarker of sarcoidosis activity and disease chronicity.

Screening commercial drivers for obstructive sleep apnea: translation and validation of Serbian version of Berlin Questionnaire.

PURPOSE: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) can lead to severe health consequences. Drivers of motor vehicles with untreated or undiagnosed OSA have a greater risk of traffic accidents. Use of self-reported questionnaires is the first step in OSA diagnosis. The main aim of this study was to perform the translation and validation of Berlin Questionnaire in a sample of commercial drivers. METHODS: After formal translation, validation was performed on a sample of commercial drivers and included evaluation of internal consistency, test-retest reliability, construct and criterion validity. Full-night attended polysomnography or cardiorespiratory polygraphy was used for OSA diagnosis. RESULTS: One hundred male participants, 24-62 years old, were included. Berlin Questionnaire classified 35 % subjects as potential OSA patients. Polysomnography confirmed OSA in 58 % of the subjects. Berlin Questionnaire showed good internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha 0.82-first category, 0.73-0.95-second category). Test-retest reliability (Cohen's kappa 0.78) was adequate. Berlin score was significantly correlated with OSA category and apnea-hypopnea index (AHI). Sensitivity of Berlin Questionnaire was from 50.9 (AHI ≥ 5) to 75 % (AHI ≥ 30), while specificity ranged from 86 to 70.5 %. CONCLUSIONS: Berlin Questionnaire (Serbian version) showed good measurement properties, creating basis for further research of its usefulness as OSA screening tool in populations of interest.

Silicotuberculosis and silicosis as occupational diseases: report of two cases.

INTRODUCTION: Silicosis, the most prevalent of the pneumoconioses, is caused by inhalation of crystalline silica particles. Silica-exposed workers are at increased risk for tuberculosis and other mycobacterium-related diseases. The risk of a patient with silicosis developing tuberculosis is higher (2.8 to 39 fold higher, depending on the severity of silicosis) than that found in healthy controls. OUTLINE OF CASES: The first patient was a 52-year-old male who was admitted in 2002 for the second time with dyspnoea, wheezing and fatigue over the last 11 years. He had worked in an iron smelting factory and was exposed to silica dust for 20 years. First hospitalization chest radiography showed bilateral pleural adhesions, diffuse lung fibrosis with signs of a specific lung process. Second hospitalization chest radiography showed bilateral massive irregular, non-homogenous calcified changes in the upper and middle parts of lungs. The patient died due to respiratory failure and chronic pulmonary heart in 2007. The main causes of his death were silicotuberculosis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The second patient was a 50-year-old male who was admitted in 2005 for the second time with chest tightness, dyspnoea, wheezing and fatigue over the last 10 years. He had worked in an iron smelting factory and was exposed to silica dust for 30 years. First hospitalization chest radiography showed diffuse lung fibrosis and small nodular opacities. The patient was diagnosed with silicosis, small opacities sized level p/q, and profusion level 2/3. Second hospitalization chest radiography and CT showed diffuse lung fibrosis and small nodular opacities predominantly in the upper lobes. The patient was recognized as having an occupational disease, and received early retirement due to disability. CONCLUSION: In low-income countries, new cases of silicosis and associated lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and tuberculosis are likely to be seen for decades because necessary reduction of silica use will take time to be achieved.