Biomedical subjects

Ryszarda Chazan

Publications and source records attributed to Ryszarda Chazan.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2006

Increased proportion of Fas positive CD8+ cells in peripheral blood of patients with COPD.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is characterised by chronic inflammation in pulmonary tissue and is also associated with systemic effects. The objective of this study was determination of lymphocyte subpopulation and the expression of Fas receptor on lymphocytes derived from peripheral blood of patients with stable COPD (n=18) and a control group: asymptomatic smokers (n=12) and non-smokers (n=12). Flow cytometry method with monoclonal antibodies was used for evaluation of lymphocyte subsets: CD4+ and CD8+ and the expression of Fas (CD95) on T lymphocytes. We found an elevated proportion of CD8+ cells in the blood of COPD patients. Proportion of Fas+ T lymphocytes was significantly higher in patients with COPD when compared with asymptomatic smokers and non-smokers (mean: 84.4% vs. 71.6% vs. 61.0% for Fas+/ CD4+ and 88.1% vs. 73.8% vs. 58.3% for Fas+/CD8+ lymphocytes). The proportion of Fas positive CD8+ cells significantly correlated with the degree of airway obstruction and hypoxemia. The significant correlations of Fas positive CD4+ and Fas positive CD8+ with smoking history expressed as pack years smoked were observed. Our observation of an elevated proportion of circulating lymphocytes bearing Fas receptor may play a role in induction of these cells' apoptosis and indicate the role of Fas/ FasL pathway in the changes in proportion of lymphocyte subpopulations in patients with COPD.

Adult↗

PubMed2006

Elevated TGF-beta1 concentration in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid from patients with primary lung cancer.

INTRODUCTION: Transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta is one of numerous inhibitory factors produced by cancer cells that regulate antitumor immunity. The aim of this study was to evaluate TGF-beta1 levels and lymphocyte subsets in the broncholaveolar lavage fluid (BALF) of patients with primary lung cancer and to analyze the interdependence of these parameters. MATERIALS AND METHODS: BALF samples were collected from 38 patients with primary lung cancer prior to treatment and from 23 healthy volunteers. Concentrations of TGF-beta1 were measured in two independent lots of samples using a commercially available sandwich ELISA kit after concentration of the supernatants. Differential cell counts in the BALF were performed on slides stained with the May Grünwald Giemsa method. Flow cytometry with monoclonal antibodies was applied for lymphocyte phenotyping. RESULTS: A higher level of TGF-beta1 in the BALF of patients compared with the healthy subjects was observed in both lots of samples (3.23+/-2.96 pg/ml vs. 1.05+/-0.95 pg/ml, p<0.05, and 16.1+/-19.3 pg/ml vs. 10.1+/-11.1 pg/m,, respectively, difference not significant). There was significant positive correlation of the TGF-beta1 level with the proportion of lymphocytes and negative correlation with both the proportion of macrophages and the percentage of cytotoxic and activated T lymphocytes. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings confirmed that TGF-beta takes part in the local response in the course of primary lung cancer.

Adult↗

PubMed2006

[Adenosine deaminase activity in tuberculous and malignant pleural effusions].

Measurement of pleural adenosine deaminase activity (ADA) is a useful diagnostic tool for tuberculous pleurisy, but false-positive findings from non-tuberculous effusions have been reported. In order to improve diagnostic value of ADA it is recommended to estimate activity of both ADA1 and ADA2 izoenzymes or 2'-deoxyadenosine/adenosine activity ratio. In order to evaluate ADA as a diagnostic parameter total ADA, with adenosine as a substrate, and 2'-deoxyadenosine/adenosine activity ratio were measured in tuberculous and malignant pleural effusions. Altogether, 26 pleural exudates (11 tuberculous and 15 malignant) were selected. ADA either with adenosine or 2'-deoxyadenosine was determined by colorimetric method of Giusti. Each pleural fluid sample was diluted prior to the assay (1:8) to avoid enzyme inhibition which was observed in nondiluted pleural effusions. The ADA level reached the diagnostic cut-off set for tuberculous effusions (40 U/L) in every 11 tuberculous exudates with the mean value of 85,3+/-47,1 U/L; in 9 of these the 2'-deoxyadenosine/adenosine ratio was less than 0,45. In the malignant group of patients, no one ADA level exceed 40 U/L, being estimated at 10,6+/-7,7 U/L (p<0,001). In 10 of these 15 exudates the 2'-deoxyadenosine/adenosine ratio was undetectable, in four it was less than 0,45 and only in one it was over 0,45. We concluded that ADA measured by the Giusti method proceeded by the dilution 1:8 of the pleural effusion samples very good differentiates tuberculous from malignant pleurisy, without the necessity to determine the 2'-deoxyadenosine/adenosine ratio. The investigation needs to be continued on the more numerous groups of patients.

Adenosine Deaminase↗

PubMed2006

[Diagnostic utility of pleural fluid eosinophilia].

Diagnostic utility of eosinophilic pleural effusion (EPE) is still the matter of controversy. Some earlier studies have showed that pleural fluid eosinophilia considerably reduces the probability of malignancy, while some later analyses were not able to confirm such an observation. To evaluate the diagnostic significance of EPE the retrospective study of all patients with pleural effusion (PE) managed in our hospital between 1995 and 2001 has been undertaken. We analyzed 915 patients with PE and 1086 pleural effusions subjected to a biochemical, cytological and bacteriological examinations. We identified 72 (7,9%) patients with EPE and 82 EPEs liquid (7,5%) among them. The group of patients with EPE consisted of 41 (57%) males and 31 (43%) females; average age 62.2 year (range 21.0-94.0). Etiologic distribution showed the largest subgroup were patients with malignant EPE (n=28, 38.9%) followed by idiopathic EPE (n=12, 16.7%) and parapneumonic EPE (n=11, 15.3%). Looking for predictors of malignancy in EPE we found some differences between malignant and nonmalignant EPE: patients with malignant EPE were older (67.9+/-13.6) then patients with nonmalignant EPE (58.7+/-15.6; p<0.015), and have higher percentage of lymphocytes in PE (47.9+/-16.9 vs. 37.9+/-18.9; p<0.03). Similarly we noticed some differences between two largest groups (malignant and idiopathic PE). Patients with malignant PE were older (67.9+/-13.6 vs. 53.9+/-13.6 yrs; p=0.005), had lower pleural fluid eosinophilia (25.2+/-15.3% vs. 41.4+/-21.0%; p=0.01) and higher percentage of lymphocyte in PE (47.9+/-16.9 vs. 29.6+/-19.1%; p=0.004). We conclude that pleural fluid eosinophilia cannot be considered as predictor of nonmalignant etiology. The older age and the higher number of lymphocytes in EPE might suggest malignant etiology of pleural effusion.

Adult↗

PubMed2006

[The role of fiberoptic bronchoscopy in the diagnostic algorithm of solitary pulmonary nodule].

The role of fiberoptic bronchoscopy in the diagnosis of peripheral lung nodule is controversial. The aim of the study was to evaluate the results of routine bronchoscopy performed in patients with peripheral lung nodule of 5-40 mm in diameter. From 60 patients with peripheral lung nodule, who underwent routine diagnostic fiberoptic bronchoscopy between 2003 - 2005, we selected 36 patients in whom the final discrimination between malignant and benign tumor was achieved based on either pathological examination or radiological criteria (lack of growth within 2 years of radiological follow up). There were 22 (61%) patients with malignant tumor and 14 (39%) with benign nodule. All malignant tumors were lung carcinomas. In 10 of these patients we found macroscopic abnormalities during bronchoscopy and in 9 of them pathologic examination of specimens collected during the procedure could confirm malignant tissue. In two patients with benign lung nodule a second lung lesion (in different lung lobe) which proved to be lung cancer was identified during fiberoptic bronchoscopy. Sensitivity, specificity and diagnostic accuracy of fiberoptic bronchoscopy in the diagnosis of peripheral lung nodules were 41%, 100%, and 64% respectively. Abandoning fiberoptic bronchoscopy in the diagnostic algorithm in patients with peripheral lung nodules seems unjustified, although its limitations should be taken into account.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2006

[Exhaled nitric oxide in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome].

UNLABELLED: Exhaled nitric oxide has been extensively investigated as a non-invasive marker of airway inflammation. Some authors have suggested that morning FE(NO) in obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) patients is elevated due to inflammation of upper airways, while others have not found any differences between patients and healthy subjects. The purpose of this study was to analyze concentration of exhaled nitric oxide (FE(NO)) in OSAS patients. METHODS: 119 (99 M, 20 F) consecutive patients of sleep laboratory participated in this study. Standard overnight sleep studies with polysomnography or portable screening device were carried out in the whole group: OSAS was diagnosed in 66 patients and 53 no-OSAS served as controls. FE(NO) was measured on-line with a flow rate kept at 0.045 - 0.055 l/s, according to the recommendations of ATS using a chemiluminescence analyzer twice: before the sleep study (8-10 p.m.) and after termination of data collection (6 - 8 a.m.). There were no differences in age between patients and controls. Respiratory disturbance index (RDI) was 40.3+/-24.9 in patients and 3.7+/-2.8 in controls (p<0.001). In OSAS patients both evening and morning FE(NO) was significantly higher compared to controls (23.1+/-14.8 ppb vs. 16.8+/-9.8 ppb and 22.4+/-13.2 ppb vs. 15.3+/-8.1 ppb respectively, p<0.05). Weak but statistically significant correlations for the whole group between morning FE(NO) and mean and minimum arterial oxygen saturation (SaO2) during sleep and number of study minutes with SaO2<90% were observed. Lower evening FE(NO) in OSAS patients with coexisting arterial hypertension when compared to normotensive OSAS patients was also noticed (19.1+/-10.8 ppb vs. 27.1+/-19.1 ppb; p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The increase in FE(NO) in OSAS patents may be caused by repetitive apneas and hypoxemia during sleep.

Adult↗

PubMed2006

[Influence of bronchoscopy on nitric oxide in exhaled air].

UNLABELLED: Nitric oxide has been extensively studied as a noninvasive marker of airway inflammation, especially in asthma. Assuming, bronchoscopy can produced not only systemic but also local inflammatory response we hypothesized that bronchofiberoscopy can be responsible for an increase in nitric oxide synthesis with resulting increase in fractional concentration of exhaled nitric oxide (FE(NO)). Seventeen subjects (10 M, 7 F), at mean age of 53.8+/-14.1 yrs undergoing diagnostic bronchoscopy participated in the study. The indications for bronchoscopy were as follows: lung cancer (n=5; 29%), interstitial lung diseases (n=3; 18%), slowly resolving pneumonia (n=3; 18%), hemoptysis (n=3; 18%), differential diagnosis of asthma/ dyspnea (n=3; 18%). During bronchoscopy bronchial washing (n=7) and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) (n=10) has been performed. FE(NO) has been analyzed on-line with chemiluminescence analyzer (NIOX, Aerocrine, Sweden) according to American Thoracic Society guidelines, before and at 1, 2, 3 and 24 hours after bronchoscopy. Mean FE(NO) before bronchoscopy was 19.7+/-4.5 ppb (mean +/- SEM), post - bronchoscopy a decrease with a nadir at second hour (12.1+/-1.5 ppb, p<0.05) was observed, FE(NO) 24 hours after bronchoscopy was not different than baseline (18.4+/-2.5 ppb). There were no differences in the FE(NO) profile in BAL patients when compared to those in whom only the bronchial washing has been performed. CONCLUSIONS: Bronchoscopy leads to a significant decrease in exhaled nitric oxide. The underlying mechanisms are unclear. Future studies including analysis of other inflammatory markers are needed to explain these changes.

Asthma↗

PubMed2006

[Holter ECG monitoring during research bronchofiberoscopy in patients with asthma].

UNLABELLED: Bronchoscopy is a very useful tool in asthma research studies. The study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of bronchoscopy, BAL and bronchial biopsies on heart rate and arrhytmias in patients with asthma. Twenty patients (12 M, 8 F, mean age 39,6+/-16,3 yrs) with asthma (mean FEV, 81+/-19.5% pred.; mean FEV(1)%VC 69+/-12.3%) participated in the study. Holter ECG monitoring was performed twice: before (1 or 2 days) and on the day of bronchoscopy. Heart rate and cardiac arrhythmias were compared to prebronchoscopy recording at four separate time intervals: during bronchoscopy, first postbronchoscopic hour, second postbronchoscopic hour and total 24 hours. There were no significant differences between mean heart rate at the time of bronchoscopy (88.5+/-14.1 min(-1) vs 83.7+/-11.9 min(-1)), first and second postbronchoscopic hour (80.9+/-15.8 min(-1) vs 85.7+/-13.7 min(-1) and 82.6+/-13.6 min(-1) vs 80.6+/-11.6 min(-1)) as well as total 24 hours (76.1+/-11.2 min(-1) vs 75.9+/-9.4 min(-1)) as compared to prebronchoscopic recordings. Max. heart rate during bronchoscopy was higher as compared to the corresponding time of prebronchoscopic recording (134.5+/-11.5 min(-1) vs 122.5+/-19.6 min(-1), p<0,05). No differences in the number and type of ventricular (VA) and supraventricular arrhythmias (SVA) between the pre- and peribronchoscopic monitoring were observed. Positive correlation between the age and the number of VA during bronchoscopy has been found. CONCLUSION: Bronchoscopic procedures in asthma patients do not increase the risk of cardiac arrhythmias. Some factors influencing the heart rate and number of VA during bronchoscopy can be identified.

Adult↗

PubMed2006

[Influence of nasal continuous positive airway pressure on response to exercise in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome].

UNLABELLED: Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) patients are at risk of cardiovascular complications. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of treatment with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) on the response to symptom limited exercise test. METHODS: twenty nine OSAS patients (1 F, 28 M), mean age 50.7+/-9.7 yrs with body mass index of 32.6+/-4.5 kg/m2 participated in the study. OSAS was diagnosed by overnight polysomnography. Incremental cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) on a treadmill was performed twice: before and after 2-3 weeks of regular treatment with CPAP. RESULTS: mean apnea + hypopnea index (AHI) before therapy was 57.6+/-12 h(-1). CPAP treatment did not change peak oxygen consumption (VO2max) (38.3+/-9.0 vs. 38.9+/-6.9 mlO2/kg/min, p=ns) or peak heart rate (153.4+/-21 min- vs. 155.5+/-22 min(-1), p=ns). There were no significant changes in ventilation or gas exchange variables. However, a decrease in peak systolic blood pressure from 194.5+/-24 mmHg to 186.7+/-27.9 mmHg (p<0.05) with CPAP treatment was found. During recovery a decrease in heart rate (at 1st minute and minutes 3 - 6) and mean arterial pressure (MAP) (minutes 4-7) with CPAP treatment was observed. Significant correlations between VO2max and AHI (r=-0,38, p<0,05); MAP at peak exercise and: AHI, mean oxygen saturation (SaO2) during sleep, minutes of sleep with SaO2<90% (T90); MAP at recovery (minutes 3-8) and T90 before CPAP treatment were also noted. CONCLUSIONS: OSAS patients are not limited on exercise. Treatment with nasal CPAP attenuates circulatory response to incremental exercise on a treadmill.

Blood Pressure↗

PubMed2006

[Obstructive sleep apnea in shift workers].

UNLABELLED: The aim of the study was to compare intensity of sleep disordered breathing in standard nocturnal polisomnography (PSG) and diurnal PSG after night shift in shift workers with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome. METHODS: 25 shift workers (24 M, 1 F), aged 45,4 +/- 9,1 yrs, of mean BMI 31,9 +/- 4,02 kg/m2 were studied. Nocturnal PSG and diurnal PSG after night shift were performed in all participants. RESULTS: The mean apnea/hypopnea index (AHI) in diurnal PSG was higher than AHI in nocturnal PSG, 47,8+/- 27,4/h vs 38,0 +/-24,1/h respectively, (p<0,05). Not significant tendency towards higher oxygen desaturation index (ODI) in diurnal PSG was observed, 40,4 +/-25,5/h vs 31,9 +/-25,8/h respectively. CONCLUSION: The study demonstrated that there is a significant increase in AHI in diurnal PSG after night shift compared to standard night PSG in shift workers with OSAS. This may negatively influence diagnosis and treatment.

Adult↗

PubMed2006

[Obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome in younger and older age groups--differences and similarities].

UNLABELLED: The prevalence of OSA rises with age, however it is also diagnosed in patients below the age of 35 years. Aim of the paper was the camparison of the severity and clinical features of OSA in young and elderly subjects. The study was a retrospective analysis of 561 subjects aged > 65 yrs and 319 subjects aged < 35 yrs who were investigated in our Sleep Laboratory between 1992-2005 due to snoring or daytime sleepiness. They all underwent full polisomnography or a limited recording. In patients with diagnosed OSA (AHI > 10) we initiated CPAP therapy. RESULTS: OSA was diagnosed in 383 (63,3%) older patients and in 144 (45,1%) younger patients. BMI was significantly higher in younger subjects than in older (32,2+/-6,9 vs 28,9+/-5,1 kg/m2). The prevalence of OSA among women was significantly higher in older patients than in younger (26,4 vs 5,8%). Younger patients with OSA had a significantly higher AHI (42,7+/-32,1 vs 32,2+/-18,4) and a longer duration of apneas expressed as percentage of total sleep time spent in apnea (31,6+/-23,2 vs 26,5+/-17,7%). CPAP therapy was initiated in 185 older patients and 41% of them continue therapy. In younger group patients CPAP therapy was started in 51 patients and 47% of them continue therapy. The mean therapeutic pressure was significantly higher in younger patients with OSA (9,2+/-2,2 vs 8,2+/-2,2 cmH2O). CONCLUSIONS: 1/ OSA is more frequent in elderly patients ; 2/ in young patients OSA is more severe and requires higher pressures in CPAP therapy; 3/ OSA among women is four time more frequent in older patients than in younger.

Adult↗

PubMed2006

[Familial clustering of symptoms typical for OSAS].

The aim of the study was to compare the incidence of obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS) symptoms in relatives of subjects with OSAS and in relatives without OSAS but with clinical symptoms of this disease. The study group consisted of 186 relatives of patients with OSAS and 117 relatives of patients with symptoms of OSAS in whom the disease was not confirmed by polysomnography. They were all mailed a questionnaire with questions concerning anthropometric data, the presence of symptoms typical for OSAS and the presence of concomitant diseases. Analysis of the obtained data revealed an increased frequency of snoring, sleep apnea and nycturia in the relatives of patients with OSAS when compared to relatives of patients without OSAS, but the difference was not statistically significant. The incidence of daytime OSAS symptoms was significantly higher in the group of relatives of patients with OSAS. No differences in the incidence of arterial hypertension, ischaemic heart disease and diabetes mellitus were found.

Body Mass Index↗

PubMed2006

[The influence of 3 weeks therapy with continuous positive airway pressure on serum leptin and homocysteine concentration in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome].

UNLABELLED: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is one of the most often sleep disturbance. Not treated patients have 2-3 times more risk for death because of the cardiovascular diseases. Leptin and homocysteine are the risk factors for cardiovascular diseases. Treatment by nCPAP has positive influence for health care and reduction of hypertension in this group. The aim of this study was to evaluate an effect of 3 weeks nCPAP therapy on a serum leptin and homocysteine concentrations in patients with OSA. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study group consisted of 48 male patients in the age x=51,2?7,5 years old, OSA was diagnosed by polisomnographic study The leptin concentration was evaluated by RIA methods (HUMAN LEPTIN RIA KIT), the homocysteine concentration was evaluated byAxis Homocysteine EIA test. Patients were treated by nCPAP during 3 weeks. Only 29 patients were effectively treated for this time. The compliance was: 5.07 +/-1.81 h RESULTS: In the group of 29 patients the serum leptin and homocysteine concentration before and after treatment were 11,05+/-5,59 ng/mL vs 11,07+/-7,16 ng/mL i 10,98+/-2,79 micromol/L vs 10,34+/-2,99 micromol/L. In the all study group the statistical important correlation between leptin and AHI, mean and minimal saturation overnight, fibrinogene concentration, BMI, WHR, waist circumference, heart rate and between homocysteine and heart rate were observed. CONCLUSIONS: 3 weeks therapy does not have any effect on leptin and homocysteine concentrations in the studied group of patients with OSA. Serum leptin concentration correlates with AHI, TMB90, as well as with mean and minimal saturation during a sleep. This indicates a potentially higher risk of cardiovascular diseases in the studied group.

Biomarkers↗

PubMed2006

[Bronchial obstruction reversibility test in the assessment of COPD severity--controversies].

UNLABELLED: The GOLD and ERS/ATS guidelines recommend the post-bronchodilator FEV1 (% predicted) to define the severity of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Yet in various publications authors analyze the pre-bronchodilator value or do not clearly state which value was used when the bronchial reversibility test was performed. The guidelines established by the Polish Respiratory Society (PRS) do not specify if performing the reversibility test is necessary to estimate the COPD severity and suggest a reversibility test evaluation which differs from that in the ERS/ ATS and GOLD recommendations. AIM: to assess the changes in the degree of severity of COPD in the classification based upon the pre- and post-bronchodilator FEV1 and to compare the interpretation of the reversibility test as suggested by GOLD and ATS/ ERS and the PRS. METHODS: 145 COPD patients (67F, 78M, mean age 67.5+/-8.9 yrs) with a negative bronchial obstruction reversibility test (salbutamol 400 microg) were enrolled to the study. For each patient the degree of COPD severity using the pre- and postbronchodilator FEV1 was established. The pre- and post-bronchodilator classifications were compared. Differences in the interpretation of the reversibility test according to the GOLD and ATS/ ERS and the Polish guidelines were analyzed. RESULTS: In 22 subjects (15.2%) the degree of disease severity changed after salbutamol. The changes were most frequent in the group of severe and very severe COPD (77.3% of changes). In 1 patient (0.7%) post-bronchodilator severity was greater than before salbutamol intake. In 7 patients (4.8%) the post-bronchodilator FEV1/FVC exceeded 70%, thus excluding the diagnosis of COPD. Of all the 145 negative (according to the ATS/ ERS and GOLD criteria) reversibility tests in 24 cases (16.6%) the test was positive when the criteria recommended by PRS were applied. CONCLUSIONS: the bronchial obstruction reversibility test is essential in the diagnosis and assessment of severity of COPD. Despite poor obstruction reversibility in this disease the use of pre-bronchodilator FEV1 in the assessment of COPD severity may be misleading and is an obstacle in the comparative analysis of studies in the domain of this disease. Differences in the guidelines for the management of COPD may also hinder comparative studies and influence epidemiologic data.

Aged↗

PubMed2006

[Maximal respiratory pressures and exercise tolerance in patients with COPD].

UNLABELLED: Many authors reported respiratory muscle function impairment in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Impaired respiratory muscle function may contribute exercise intolerance which is frequently observed in this disease. AIM OF THE STUDY: was to determine the influence of respiratory muscle function on exercise capacity in patients with COPD. METHODS: 23 patients with stable COPD aged 62.7 +/- 9.3 years (6F, 17M; mean post-bronchodilator FEV1 = 47.9 +/-12.4% value predicted) participated in the study. Exercise capacity was assessed by the six-minute walk test and the incremental cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) on a treadmill. Maximal respiratory pressures (PImax, PEmax) were evaluated before and directly after CPET. RESULTS: The mean peak oxygen uptake (VO max) was 27.2 +/- 6.1 mlO2/min/kg and the mean distance walked during the 6MWT was 569.4 +/- 101.7 m. Both PIMax and PE max decreased significantly after maximal exercise (71.4 +/-23.0 vs 63.6 +/- 22.2 cmH2O, p = 0.001 and 124.9 +/- 46.5 vs 112.3 +/- 46.6 cm H2O, p = 0.02 respectively). No correlation between VO2max and the 6-minute walk distance and the maximal respiratory pressures was found. We observed a negative correlation between the 6-minute walk distance and the difference between the pre- and post CPET maximal inspiratory pressure. CONCLUSIONS: respiratory muscle function is impaired in patients with COPD but this does not affect exercise performance. Exercise causes a decrease of the respiratory muscle strength.

Aged↗

PubMed2006

[Efficacy and safety of levofloxacin treatment of community--acquired pneumonia in hospitalized patients].

The aim of this prospective study was to determine the efficacy and safety of levofloxacin in the treatment of community-aquired pneumonia (CAP) in outpatient with ineffective antibiotic management, requiring hospitalization. The examined group included 25 patients (11 M, 14 F) of mean age 70+/-17,5 years with abnormalities in X-ray on admission to hospital. Risk factors for pneumonia and previous antibacterial therapy were analyzed. In the hospital they were treated for 7 days with levofloxacin 500 mg twice a day administred intravenously. Body temperature, blood cell count, ESR, CRP, AST, ALT, LDH, CPK, creatine, urea, potassium, sodium, ABG, and ECG were measured on admission and in the 3-rd and 7- th day of therapy. The chest X-rays were performed and analyzed on hospital discharge. 18 patients were aged > 65 yrs, cardiovascular diseases co-existed in 14, COPD in 9, smoking habit in 12, renal failure in 3, diabetes in 3 and alkohol addiction in 1 cases. On admission 4 patients had respiratory failure, 10 hypoxaemia. During therapy a decrease of body temperature (p<0,001), concentration of CRP (p<0,004) and LDH (p<0,03), CPK (p<0,04) and increase of PaO2 (p<0,012) were observed. The changes of other parameters were not statistically significant. We did not observe any changes in ECG. On discharge from the hospital in 16 patients complete regression and in 6 patients partial regression of lesions in chest X-ray examination were observed. In 3 patients levofloxacin therapy was noneffective: in 2 because of persistent high body temperature after 3 days of treatment and in 1 patients because of recurrent of fever. Adverse events were mild. Transient exacerbation of renal failure was observed in 3 patients. Our study demonstrates that levofloxacine ni dose 2x500 mg given intravenously for 7 days is effective and safe in treatment of CAP in patients with previously ineffective antibacterial therapy.

Aged↗

PubMed2006

[The influence of influenza vaccination on asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease].

UNLABELLED: Respiratory infections are the most common causes of exacerbations of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The influenza vaccinations are recommended in prophylaxis of respiratory infections. The aim of our study was to evaluate the influence of influenza vaccinations on asthma or COPD. 178 patients (55.1% with asthma, 44.9% with COPD) of Out-patient Clinic of Department of Internal Diseases, Pulmonology and Allergology of Warsaw Medical University filled the questionnaires. In 2003/2004 season 43.3% (77) of all were vaccinated against influenza. The frequency of vaccinations was significantly higher in patients >65 years of age 58.4% (45) than in younger ones [41.6% (32)]. The number of exacerbations decreased more than twice comparing the time before and after immunization: 1.7+/-1.5 and 3.9+/-2.4 per year respectively (p<0.00001). CONCLUSIONS: The influenza vaccinations is a useful method of decreasing the number of exacerbations in patients with asthma and COPD. The elder patients are vacacinated more often than younger ones. The frequency of vaccinations among patients with asthma and COPD is still not satisfactory.

Aged↗

PubMed2006

[Pulmonary mycobacteriosis--the diagnostic challenge. The authors' experience].

UNLABELLED: The diagnosis of NTM-related pulmonary disease is based on clinical symptoms, radiological features and several positive cultures of one and the same NTM species from samples obtained from the respiratory tract. Short hospitalization usually does not enable sufficient diagnostic procedures to meet the diagnostic criteria, and this may lead to the reduction of diagnostic sensitivity. The aim of the study was to draw attention to NTM-related pulmonary disease, to share the authors' experience in the diagnosing of pulmonary mycobacteriosis and to indicate the possibilities of improving the diagnostic accuracy in this disease. A group of 31 patients with sputum, bronchial washing and/or bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) NTM-positive cultures was selected from a cohort of 245 patients evaluated for tuberculous and nontuberculous mycobacterial diseases (total number of 1277 specimens were invastigated). In two of them NTM related pulmonary disease was diagnosed (caused by M. kansasii and M. avium) at the course of initial evaluation. In the remaining 29 patients the microbiological data did not allow to establish the diagnosis of mycobacterial lung disease mainly due to a small number of samples from the respiratory tract. From this group 13 patients were reevaluated within 3 - 6 months from the initial investigation. This allowed to identify two new cases of mycobacteriosis (M. kansasii and M. avium). Thus among 31 patients with NTM positive cultures from respiratory tract specimens 4 patients (4/31, 12,9%) met the diagnostic criteria for mycobacterial disaease. CONCLUSION: Microbiological analysis of an adequate number of samples in symptomatic patients with radiological features suggestive for NTM-related pulmonary disease increses the diagnostic sensitivity in pulmonary mycobacteriosis. Identification of the species in positive cultures is of great importance.

Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid↗