Impact of Anxiety, Depression, and Coping Strategies on Health-Related Quality of Life in Patients with Cystic Fibrosis

OBJECTIVE

With the significant increase in the life expectancy of cystic fibrosis (CF) patients, many individuals now reach adulthood and develop specific coping strategies to maintain their physical and mental well-being. This study aims to evaluate coping styles and their relationship with mental health and Health-Related Quality of Life (H-RQoL) in adult CF patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Thirty adult CF patients completed the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale to assess anxiety and depression, the Cystic Fibrosis Questionnaire-Revised to evaluate quality of life, and the Brief Coping Orientation to Problems Experienced questionnaire to assess coping strategies.

RESULTS

Twelve individuals (40%) met the diagnostic criteria for being at risk of experiencing anxiety and/or depression. Anxiety risk group exhibited lower life quality scores in the domains of vitality, emotional functioning, and role limitations (P = .027, P = .001, and P = .001, respectively). Patients reporting depressive symptoms had lower scores in emotional functioning and role limitations domains of quality of life (P = .005 and P = .018, respectively). Multivariate analysis indicated that depression and anxiety scores were significant predictors of emotional quality of life. In terms of coping strategies, "acceptance" was the most commonly preferred, while "substance use" was the least preferred strategy among all participants. Patients at risk of anxiety and/or depression often chose "avoidance" as their coping strategy.

CONCLUSION

Anxiety and depressive symptoms are prevalent and associated with poorer H-RQoL in adult CF patients. These patients preferred to employ giving up strategy when dealing with the disease. Therefore, it is essential to screen adult CF patients for mental health risks and to work on improving their coping strategies.

Relationship of muscle thickness, strength, and diaphragm function in adults with cystic fibrosis

Objectives

This study aimed to evaluate the muscle thickness, strength, and diaphragmatic function and relate them with clinical findings.

Patients and methods

The cross-sectional study was conducted with 54 participants (27 males, 27 females; mean age; 24.5±5.3 years; range, 18 to 45 years) between January 2017 and October 2017. Of the participants, 31 were adult CF patients, and 23 were age-and sex-matched controls. Patient demographics, 6-min walk distance, body mass index (BMI), and fat-free mass index (FFMI) were evaluated. Each patient underwent pulmonary function tests. Quadriceps femoris thickness and diaphragm thickening fraction were assessed by ultrasonography. Upper extremity strength was measured with a handheld dynamometer.

Results

There was no difference between the patients' and controls' BMI (p=0.052). However, patients' FFMI was lower than the controls' (p=0.010). The FFMI correlated with pulmonary function tests. Patients' both right and left quadriceps femoris muscles were thinner than the controls (p=0.001 and p=0.001, respectively). Patients with pancreatic insufficiency had thinner muscles than patients without pancreatic insufficiency. The control group had a stronger handgrip than CF patients (33.5±10.1 vs. 24.5±9.2 kg, p=0.003).

Conclusion

Peripheral muscle wasting and weakness and lower functional capacity are highly prevalent in CF patients.

Factors Associated with 28-day Critical Illness Development During the First Wave of COVID-19

Objective

This study aimed to define the predictors of critical illness development within 28 days postadmission during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Materials and Methods

We conducted a prospective cohort study including 477 PCR-positive COVID-19 patients admitted to a tertiary care hospital in Istanbul from March 12 to May 12, 2020.

Results

The most common presenting symptoms were cough, dyspnea, and fatigue. Critical illness developed in 45 (9.4%; 95% CI=7.0%-12.4%) patients. In the multivariable analysis, age (hazard ratio (HR)=1.05, p<0.001), number of comorbidities (HR=1.33, p=0.02), procalcitonin ≥0.25 µg/L (HR=2.12, p=0.03) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) ≥350 U/L (HR=2.04, p=0.03) were independently associated with critical illness development. The World Health Organization (WHO) ordinal scale for clinical improvement on admission was the strongest predictor of critical illness (HR=4.15, p<0.001). The patients hospitalized at the end of the study period had a much better prognosis compared to the patients hospitalized at the beginning (HR=0.14; p=0.02). The C-index of the model was 0.92.

Conclusion

Age, comorbidity number, the WHO scale, LDH, and procalcitonin were independently associated with critical illness development. Mortality from COVID-19 seemed to be decreasing as the first wave of the pandemic advanced.

Graphic Abstract

Graphic Abstract.

Pharmacokinetic characterization of favipiravir in patients with COVID-19

This prospective observational study describes the pharmacokinetic characteristics of favipiravir in adult patients hospitalized for mild to moderate COVID-19 with a positive RT-PCR test. Favipiravir was administered for 5 days, with a loading dose of 3200 mg and a maintenance dose of 1200 mg/day. Serial blood samples were collected on Day-2 and Day-4 of the therapy. Laboratory findings of the patients (n=21) and in-hospital mortality were recorded. Favipiravir concentrations exhibited substantial variability and a significant decrease during the treatment of COVID-19. The median favipiravir trough concentration (C_0-trough ) on Day-2 was 21.26 (IQR, 8.37-30.78) μg/mL whereas it decreased significantly to 1.61 (IQR, 0.00-6.41) μg/mL on Day-4, the area under the concentration versus time curve decreased by 68.5%. Day-2-C_0-trough of female patients was higher than male patients. Our findings indicate that favipiravir concentrations show significant variability during the treatment of COVID-19 and therapeutic drug monitoring may be necessary to maintain targeted concentrations.

Primary Immun Deficiency in Patients with Non-Cystic Fibrosis Bronchiectasis and Its Relationship with Clinical Parameters

OBJECTIVE

Bronchiectasis is characterized by chronic respiratory infection. The role of immunodeficiency in this disease is poorly studied in relation to clinical indices. The primary aim of this study was to determine the frequency of these neglected altered immune status by evaluating immunoglobulins, lymphocyte subsets, complement levels, and neutrophil function, and to assess its relationship with clinical parameters in adult patients with non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis (NCFB).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A total of 74 (30 men and 44 women with a mean age of 47±17 years) adult patients with stable NCFB were enrolled in this study. The bronchiectasis severity index (BSI) and FACED (F:FEV1, A: Age, C: Chronic colonization, E: Extension, D: Dyspnea) scores were assessed. Peripheral blood samples were collected for the detection of total IgG, IgA, IgM, IgE, and IgG subclasses and C3 and C4 levels. The counts of CD3, CD4, CD8, CD19, CD16/56 expressing peripheral blood lymphocytes and neutrophil oxidative function were evaluated.

RESULTS

In the study population, BSI and FACED severity index scores increased with longer duration of the disease (p=0.01 and p=0.040, respectively). Of the 74 patients, 27 (37%) showed humoral aberrations. The number of male patients were higher in this group (p=0.03). High serum total IgE levels were associated with high scores in BSI (moderate-severe group versus mild group, p=0.030). Patients with bronchiectasis demonstrated lower CD3+ T cell count, lower CD4+ T helper cell percentage, and lower CD4+ T cell count (p=0.031, p=0.030, p=0.029, respectively) than healthy subjects. A significant negative correlation was found between the percentage and count of CD16/56+ natural killer (NK) cells and the number of exacerbations within the past year (r=-0.230, p=0.049 and r=-0.264, p=0.023, respectively).

CONCLUSION

Humoral aberrations in adult patients with NCFB were found to be frequent. IgE levels were related to high scores for disease severity indices. Furthermore, patients with low percentage and counts of NK cells had higher rates of exacerbations. These results emphasize the importance of immune function assessment in adult patients with NCFB.

Endobronchial ultrasound transbronchial needle aspiration in elderly patients: safety and performance outcomes EBUS-TBNA in elderly

AIM

Complication rates are low and endobronchial ultrasound guided needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) is generally regarded as a safe procedure, but there is a very limited number of studies evaluating the efficacy and safety of the procedure in advanced ages. The aim of this study is to assess the safety and performance outcomes of EBUS-TBNA in elderly.

METHODS

It was a retrospective observational study; patients who received EBUS-TBNA between September 2016 and January 2018 were evaluated. We analyzed patient's characteristics, doses of midazolam, and lidocaine used, regions of lymph node biopsies, and complications. Also, functionality and general physical status of patients over 65 years of age were evaluated.

RESULTS

During study period 132 cases of EBUS-TBNA were evaluated. 39 (29.5%) cases were aged 70 years, and over. There were more comorbidities in older group. Performance status of older group was worse. Furthermore, when evaluated according to American College of Cardiology (ACC)/American Heart Association (AHA) and American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA), the older group was found to be composed of the riskier patients. When patients aged between 65 and 69, and over 70 compared, older patient's Barthel, EQ 5-D, SGA, and G8 scores were found to be worse. Despite that, there was no difference in the frequency, and types of complications between both groups. Diagnostic performance was not different between age groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Independent from comorbidities, general health status, and functionality EBUS-TBNA procedure in 70-year-old and over patients is a safe minimally invasive procedure.

Comparison of neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio with other prognostic markers affecting 30 day mortality in acute pulmonary embolism

Introduction

Identifying the prognostic factors for patients with acute pulmonary embolism (APE) play a critical role in determining of the treatment strategy and to reduce mortality. The aim of this study is to evaluate the prognostic value of Neutrophil to Lymphocyte Ratio (NLR) and compare NLR with other prognostic factors in APE.

Materials and Methods

We retrospectively examined 550 cases of acute pulmonary embolism diagnosed by spiral computed tomographic angiography. A receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve was used to determine the sensitivity and specificity of parameters and the optimal cut-off value for predicting mortality. Significance of each prognostic factors selected by univariate analysis confirmed using Cox regression model.

Result

Baseline NLR, Platelet to Lymphocyte Ratio (PLR), N-terminal pro-Brain Natriuretic Peptide (NT-proBNP), and D-dimer values respectively were found significantly high in patients who died within 30 days (p< 0.05). Patients with high-risk status and sPESI > 2 points had a significantly higher short-term mortality rate (p< 0.05). Short-time mortality was found significantly higher in patients with NLR > 7.3 (p< 0.05). Cox regression analysis indicated that patient risk status and sPESI score were independent prognostic factors (p< 0.05). However, NLR was not found as a predictor of mortality in APE (p> 0.05). After the subgroup analysis of the study, in patients without comorbid diseases NLR, patient’s risk status, sPESI score were found the predictor of mortality in APE (p< 0.05).

Conclusions

NLR maybe a useful prognostic factor for patients without comorbid diseases in short time of mortality in APE.

Pleural effusion as an indicator of short term mortality in acute pulmonary embolism

Introduction

Pulmonary embolism (PE) is known as one of the major causes of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Identification of high risk patients for short term and long-term mortality is crucial. The purpose of this study is to demonstrate the prognostic importance of simplified pulmonary embolism severity index (sPESI), radiological investigations and comorbidities in terms of short-term mortality by simultaneous assessment of sPESI score, pulmonary computed tomography (CT) angiography findings and underlying comorbidities in patients diagnosed with acute pulmonary embolism.

Materials and Methods

We retrospectively evaluated 570 patients diagnosed with acute PE confirmed by computer tomography pulmonary angiography (CTPA). Comorbidities were recorded, pulmonary embolism severity index scores were calculated and CTPA data were evaluated as predictors for short-term mortality.

Result

The study population consisted of 570 patients, 292 (51.2%) patients were female and 74 patients (12.9%) died within 30 days due to PE diagnosis. In univariate analysis male gender (p= 0.031), congestive heart failure (CHF)(p< 0.029), main pulmonary artery involvement (p= 0.045), presence of pleural effusion (p= 0.001) and pericardial effusion (p= 0.004) at time of diagnosis and high risk sPESI group (p< 0.001) had a significant influence on mortality. In the multivariate analysis, pleural effusions (HR, 1.67; CI, 1.05-2.66; p< 0.030) and sPESI high risk group (HR, 9.56; CI, 4.71-19.43; p< 0.001) were remained significant and independent prognostic factors for survival.

Conclusions

The present study underlined that presence of pleural effusion at the time of diagnosis in patients with massive pulmonary embolism and a high sPESI score in other patients were significant predictors of short-term mortality.

Current Statement of Intensive Care Units in Turkey: Data obtained from 67 Centers

OBJECTIVES

We aimed to obtain information about the characteristics of the ICUs in our country via a point prevalence study.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This cross-sectional study was planned by the Respiratory Failure and Intensive Care Assembly of Turkish Thoracic Society. A questionnaire was prepared and invitations were sent from the association's communication channels to reach the whole country. Data were collected through all participating intensivists between the October 26, 2016 at 08:00 and October 27, 2016 at 08:00.

RESULTS

Data were collected from the 67 centers. Overall, 76.1% of the ICUs were managed with a closed system. In total, 35.8% (n=24) of ICUs were levels of care (LOC) 2 and 64.2% (n=43) were LOC 3. The median total numbers of ICU beds, LOC 2, and LOC 3 beds were 12 (8-23), 14 (10-25), and 12 (8-20), respectively. The median number of ventilators was 12 (7-21) and that of ventilators with non-invasive ventilation mode was 11 (6-20). The median numbers of patients per physician during day and night were 3.9 (2.3-8) and 13 (9-23), respectively. The median number of patients per nurse was 2.5 (2-3.1); 88.1% of the nurses were certified by national certification corporation.

CONCLUSION

In terms of the number of staff, there is a need for specialist physicians, especially during the night and nurses in our country. It was thought that the number of ICU-certified nurses was comparatively sufficient, yet the target was supposed to be 100% for this rate.

Cross-cultural Adaptation and Validation of Beliefs about Medicines Questionnaire on Asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Patients

OBJECTIVES

Inadequate adaptation to long-term treatment of chronic illnesses is the most common reason for the inability to obtain the benefits medications can provide. Treatment compliance is influenced by several factors. Beliefs about Medicines Questionnaire (BMQ) developed by Horne et al. in 1999 to evaluate the cognitive representation of medicines have many validation studies, which resulted in good psychometric properties. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the reliability and validity of the BMQ Turkish translation in patients with asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Fifty asthma and 50 COPD patients participated in this methodological study. The scale was adapted to Turkish through translation, comparison with other language versions, back translation, and a pre-test. The structural validity was assessed using factor analysis.

RESULTS

Similar to the original scale, factor analysis confirmed that BMQ had a four-factor structure that accounts for 58.23% of the total variance. The BMQ showed an acceptable internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha coefficient: specific-necessity, 0.832: specific-concerns, 0.722; general-harm, 0.792; and general-overuse, 0.682). The factor analysis revealed the same patterns for all questions between the Turkish and original scales.

CONCLUSION

The psychometric properties of the BMQ were consistent with those reported in the original study. We found that the Turkish translation of BMQ is a valid and reliable tool for assessing medicine-related beliefs in patients with asthma and COPD.

Diaphragmatic Thickness Fraction in Subjects at High-Risk for COPD Exacerbations

BACKGROUND

Ultrasound-based diaphragmatic thickness fraction is a reflection of the size and function of the diaphragm. This study aimed to examine the value of this measurement in identifying patients with COPD who are at high risk for the development of symptoms and exacerbations.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study included 53 subjects with COPD. Respiratory function test results, ultrasonography-based diaphragmatic thickness, symptom scores (modified Medical Research Council dyspnea scale); COPD Assessment Test results, and number of previous exacerbations and admissions were recorded.

RESULTS

Only age showed an inverse and weak relation with percent thickness fraction (r = -0.37, P = .006). None of the other variables tested correlated significantly with percent thickness fraction. No association was found between percent thickness fraction and exacerbation frequency, modified Medical Research Council dyspnea scale and COPD Assessment Test symptom scores, or Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease ABCD risk/symptom assessments.

CONCLUSIONS

Diaphragmatic thickness fraction measurements based on diaphragmatic ultrasound assessment in subjects with COPD seemed to be unable to identify subjects at high risk of symptoms and exacerbations as defined by the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease ABCD composite disease index.

Influence of Statin Therapy on Exacerbation Frequency in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

OBJECTIVES

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is an inflammatory disease, in which chronic and systemic inflammation plays an important role. By decreasing neutrophil infiltration and cytokine production, statins have anti-inflammatory mechanisms.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Fifty-seven patients who had diagnosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease according to GOLD guideline were included in the study; 20 of them were statin users. Statin users group were patients being under medication with regular simvastatin, atorvastatin or rosuvastatin 20 mg per day for at least the past 1 year.

RESULTS

There was statistically no significant difference between patients with or without statin treatment with respect to; age, female-male ratio, COPD severity level, medication used for COPD, pulmonary function tests results and smoking habits. COPD exacerbation frequency in patients using statins was significantly less than patients not using statins (p<0.05). Patient number with COPD exacerbation, antibiotic treatment and outpatient clinic administration and outpatient clinic administration frequency was significantly lower in statin using patients (p<0.05).

CONCLUSION

COPD patients receiving statins have a lower frequency of COPD exacarbations, hospital administration and antibiotic treatment compared to patients not receiving statins.

Level of adrenomedullin in cases with adrenal defficiency and its relation to mortality in patients with sepsis

INTRODUCTION

The aim of this study was to determine the prognostic value of adrenomedullin, after evaluation of adrenal function in sepsis patients. We also evaluated other prognostic factors such as APACHE II score, proBNP, and CRP and their prediction in mortality.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This is a prospective, observational study. We enrolled 48 patients, who were admitted to the intensive care unit due to sepsis according to surviving sepsis campaign criteria.

RESULT

ADM median value was 60.8 ng/L in patients with normal adrenal function, and 20.1 ng/L in patients who had adrenal deficiency. With adequate adrenal response there was a linear and statistically significant relationship between adrenomedullin and mortality (p< 0.001). The median ADM level was 41.7 ng/L among non-survivors and 13.9 ng/L among survivors (p< 0.001). The median APACHE II score was 27.8 in non-survivors and 16.9 in survivors (p= 0.001). We also done ROC curve analysis; when ADM level was > 30.19 ng/L (sensitivity: 73.0%, specificity: 100%), APACHE II score was > 21 (sensitivity: 93.3%, specificity: 84.8%), and proBNP > 3736 pg/mL (sensitivity: 73.3%, specificity: 93.9%).

CONCLUSIONS

Without evaluation of adrenal function adrenomedullin should not be used, in predicting mortality of sepsis.

The Intensive care unit specialist: Report from the Task Force of World Federation of Societies of Intensive and Critical Care Medicine

The role of the critical care specialist has been unequivocally established in the management of severely ill patients throughout the world. Data show that the presence of a critical care specialist in the intensive care unit (ICU) environment has reduced morbidity and mortality, improved patient safety, and reduced length of stay and costs. However, many ICUs across the world function as "open ICUs," in which patients may be admitted under a primary physician who has not been trained in critical care medicine. Although the concept of the ICU has gained widespread acceptance amongst medical professionals, hospital administrators and the general public; recognition and the need for doctors specializing in intensive care medicine has lagged behind. The curriculum to ensure appropriate training around the world is diverse but should ideally meet some minimum standards. The World Federation of Societies of Intensive and Critical Care Medicine has set up a task force to address issues concerning the training, functions, roles, and responsibilities of an ICU specialist.

Determination of Factors Affecting Mortality of Patients with Sepsis in a Tertiary Intensive Care Unit

OBJECTIVES

Sepsis is a disease with high mortality that is frequently observed in intensive care units. This study aimed to determine the risk factors affecting mortality of patients with sepsis who were followed up in the intensive care unit (ICU). We aimed to contribute to literature by evaluating the relationship between mortality and pro-brain natriuretic peptide (pro-BNP9), C-reactive protein (CRP), thrombocyte count, Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II score, Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score, duration of hospitalization in the intensive care unit, and the presence of multidrug-resistant microorganism.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Patients hospitalized in ICU because of the diagnosis of sepsis and septic shock between December 2010 and June 2012 were included in this retrospective study.

RESULTS

A total of 141 patients, including 74 male (52.5%) and 67 female (47.5%) patients, were involved in the study, and the median age was 66.8±17.9 years. Sixty-nine patients (48.9%) were discharged from the ICU; however, 72 patients (51.1%) were exitus. Multidrug-resistant microorganism was detected in 34 patients (24.1%). The patients' median SOFA score was 9.16±3.16, median APACHE-II score was 24.9±7.83, and median duration of hospitalization in the ICU was 8.44±11.61 days. It was found that mortality rate significantly increased in patients with the APACHE-II score of 24.5 and over, SOFA score of 8.5 and over, pro BNP value of 7241 ng/L and over, and CRP value of 96.5 mg/dL and over. Mortality rate was detected to be higher in patients undergoing invasive mechanical ventilation than in patients undergoing non-invasive mechanical ventilation. When thrombocyte count and mortality were associated with each other, it was found that the median value was 86000 mg/dL in exitus patients, whereas it was 185000 mg/dL in patients discharged from the ICU.

CONCLUSION

It was revealed that increased APACHE-II score, increased SOFA score, increased pro BNP score, increased CRP, the presence of multidrug-resistant microorganism, and decreased thrombocyte count elevated the rate of mortality. However, no relationship was observed between the duration of hospitalization in the ICU and mortality.

Central airway obstruction due to malignant fibrous histiocytoma metastasis in a case with Mounier-Kuhn syndrome

Malign fibrous histiocytoma is one of the most observed soft tissue sarcomas seen in the adults. The most common metastasis region is the lung and metastasis. Mounier-Kuhn syndrome is characterized by the highly dilatation of the trachea and bronchi. We may encounter with the major airway obstruction in the endoluminal or extraluminal lung and mediastinal masses or those with both components together. In this article, we would like to highlight the occurrence of a rare seen clinical situation secondary to the giant mediastinal malign fibrous histiocytoma metastasis and the clinical difficulties experienced in resolving of the main airway obstruction caused by the mass. Since the lack of the similar studies conducted previously, we found the case worth presenting.

Noninvasive positive pressure ventilation in unplanned extubation

BACKGROUND:

Unplanned extubation is quite common in intensive care unit (ICU) patients receiving mechanical ventilatory support. The present study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of noninvasive positive pressure ventilation (NPPV) in patients with unplanned extubation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

A total of 15 patients (12 male, age: 57 ± 24 years, APACHE II score: 19 ± 7) monitored at the medical ICU during the year 2004 who developed unplanned extubation were included in the study. NPPV was tried in all of them following unplanned extubation. Indications for admission to the ICU were as follows: nine patients with pneumonia, three with status epilepticus, one with gastrointestinal bleeding, one with cardiogenic pulmonary edema and one with diffuse alveolar bleeding.

RESULTS:

Eleven of the patients (74%) were at the weaning period at the time of unplanned extubation. Among these 11 patients, NPPV was successful in 10 (91%) and only one (9%) was reintubated due to the failure of NPPV. The remaining four patients (26%) had pneumonia and none of them were at the weaning period at the time of extubation, but their requirement for mechanical ventilation was gradually decreasing. Unfortunately, an NPPV attempt for 6–8 h failed and these patients were reintubated.

CONCLUSIONS:

Patients with unplanned extubation before the weaning criteria are met should be intubated immediately. On the other hand, when extubation develops during the weaning period, NPPV may be an alternative. The present study was conducted with a small number of patients, and larger studies on the effectiveness of NPPV in unplanned extubation are warranted for firm conclusions.

Acute exacerbation impairs endothelial function in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

OBJECTIVES

The effect of acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) on brachial artery flow-mediated dilation (FMD) has not been examined. The aim of this study was to assess the endothelial function of COPD patients during acute exacerbations.

STUDY DESIGN

The study included 30 consecutive patients (8 women, 22 men; mean age 64.2+/-10.9 years) who experienced acute exacerbation of COPD, defined according to the Anthonisen criteria (increased dyspnea, sputum, and sputum purulence). All patients received the same antibiotic and bronchodilator treatment. Endothelial function was assessed by brachial artery ultrasonography within the first 48 hours and after complete resolution of exacerbation symptoms. Flow-mediated dilation was defined as both the maximum absolute and maximum percentage changes in the vessel diameter during reactive hyperemia. The results were compared with those of 20 age-and sex-matched controls without COPD.

RESULTS

The patient and control groups were similar in terms of age, gender, hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, coronary artery disease, heart rate, and blood pressure. Parameters of FMD during acute exacerbation were significantly lower than those obtained after recovery (absolute change: 0.23+/-0.12 mm vs. 0.38+/-0.17 mm, p<0.001; percentage change: 6.44+/-3.99% vs. 10.42+/-4.86%, p<0.001) and than those of the control group (absolute change: 0.36+/-0.13 mm, p=0.001; percentage change: 9.77+/-3.83%, p=0.003). Flow-mediated dilation increased significantly after recovery, yielding similar values to those of the controls. Improvements in FMD were significant in both sexes.

CONCLUSION

Acute COPD exacerbation is associated with worsening endothelial function, increasing the risk for cardiovascular morbidity.

Acute respiratory distress syndrome in Plasmodium falciparum malaria

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) as a complication of malaria infection is rare but with a very high mortality rate. We report the case of a patient who developed high fever, then respiratory distress during a trip to Haiti who was admitted to our hospital and diagnosed with malaria. During recovery the patient developed ARDS in the hospital.

Angiotensin converting enzyme gene polymorphism in Turkish asthmatic patients

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the airways. Several candidate genes have been identified with a potential role in the pathogenesis of asthma, including the angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) gene. We aimed to investigate the frequency of an ACE gene polymorphism in Turkish asthmatic patients and to determine its impact on clinical parameters and disease severity. Ninety-seven asthmatic patients (M/F 25/72, mean age 39 +/- 13 years) and 96 healthy subjects (M/F 26/70, mean age 38 +/- 12 years) were included. At baseline, all participants completed a questionnaire on demographics, symptoms, triggering factors, severity of asthma, and the presence of atopism. Blood samples were obtained from all patients and genomic DNA was isolated. The frequency of the ACE genotypes (I = insertion and D = deletion) among asthmatics and controls were compared: asthmatics showed a 40.2% prevalence of the DD genotype (n = 39), ID was 45.4% (n = 44), and II was 14.4% (n = 14.4). In the control subjects, the frequency of DD was 18.8% (n = 18), ID was 50% (n = 48) and II was 31.3% (n = 30). The DD ACE genotype was significantly more frequent in asthmatics compared with controls (p < 0.001). Asthmatics with the ID ACE genotype showed a higher frequency of drug allergies, although this was not statistically significant (p = 0.08). Asthmatics with the DD genotype appeared to have a higher incidence of asthmatic episode exacerbations due to viral infections, but again this was not statistically significant (p = 0.08). Patients with mild or moderate-severe asthma had similar frequencies of these mutations. We found a higher frequency of the ACE DD gene mutation in Turkish asthmatic patients compared with non-asthmatics, suggesting that this ACE gene polymorphism may be a risk factor for asthma but does not increase the severity of the disease.

Non-invasive positive pressure ventilation for a severe legionella pneumonia case

Legionella pneumonia has a serious clinical course and requires treatment at intensive care unit. The need for mechanical ventilation is one of the determinants of prognosis. Mortality rate is higher in patients treated with mechanical ventilation. Non-invasive positive pressure ventilation (NPPV) provides mechanical ventilation without endotracheal intubation and decreases the incidence of ventilator associated pneumonia. It is a treatment modality for patients with hypoxia due to community acquired pneumonia. The present case was admitted to intensive care unit with a diagnosis of legionella pneumonia, and his hypoxemic respiratory failure was successfully treated with NPPV.

Progressive pulmonary sarcoidosis--a fibroproliferative process potentially triggered by EGR-1 and IL-6

BACKGROUND AND AIM OF THE WORK

Sarcoidosis is a chronic granulomatous disorder of unknown etiology. In most patients the disease is self-limited, although for reasons unclear, others progress or die from progressive organ fibrosis. Growth factors have been implicated in the pathogenesis of other fibrotic lung conditions. We have, therefore, examined the relationship between growth factor expression and disease phenotype in sarcoidosis.

METHODS

Adopting a target gene approach utilizing gene expression arrays, growth factor gene expression profile was analyzed in the peripheral blood of 12 patients and 12 healthy controls. Expression, functional activity and the effect of oligonucleotide antisense treatment on selected proteins differentially expressed in progressive sarcoidosis were then tested in vitro on primary human lung fibroblasts.

RESULTS

Genes regulating angiogenesis were preferentially upregulated in the self-limited form of disease, while early growth response-1 and interleukin-6 were predominantly activated in progressive sarcoidosis. Increased expression of early growth response-1 in sarcoid lung was confirmed by immunohistochemistry. Stimulated human fibroblasts also rapidly expressed interleukin-6 and early growth response-1 and these proteins were found to mediate serum-induced fibroblast proliferation as proliferation could be significantly abrogated with interleukin-6 and early growth response-1 antisense oligonucelotides.

CONCLUSION

We conclude that progressive pulmonary sarcoidosis is characterized by a fibroproliferative dysregulation potentially triggered by early growth response-1 and interleukin-6. Our disease model underlines the inability of steroids to prevent ongoing fibroproliferation in the lung.

Functional genomics and gene microarrays--the use in research and clinical medicine

In the year 2000, the Human Genome Project Consortium presented the first complete draft of the human genome together with Celera Genetics. Since then, the so-called "post-genome era" has started. Microarrays are capable of profiling gene expression patterns of tens of thousands of genes in a single experiment and thus allow a systematic analysis of DNA and RNA variation. They seem likely to become a standard tool of both molecular biology research and clinical diagnostics. These prospects have attracted great interest and investment from both the public and private sectors. This review introduces the principle of microarray technology and gives an overview of its current and future potential in clinical medicine.

Functional genomics and gene microarrays--the use in research and clinical medicine

In the year 2000, the Human Genome Project Consortium presented the first complete draft of the human genome together with Celera Genetics. Since then, the so-called "post-genome era" has started. Microarrays are capable of profiling gene expression patterns of tens of thousands of genes in a single experiment and thus allow a systematic analysis of DNA and RNA variation. They seem likely to become a standard tool of both molecular biology research and clinical diagnostics. These prospects have attracted great interest and investment from both the public and private sectors. This review introduces the principle of microarray technology and gives an overview of its current and future potential in clinical medicine.