Advances in Respiratory Medicine

145 KiB

Open AccessLetter

Author’s Response to Commentary of Reviewer

by Izabela Kupryś-Lipińska, Anna Elgalal and Piotr Kuna

Adv. Respir. Med. 2009, 77(3), 346-347; https://doi.org/10.5603/ARM.27815 - 23 May 2009

Viewed by 431

Abstract

W odpowiedzi na komentarz Recenzenta autorzy stwierdzają, co następuje [...] Full article

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Open AccessLetter

Commentary to the Article of I. Kupryś-Lipińska et al. “Skin Prick Test with Inhaled Allergens in the General Population of Lodz Province”

by Wacław Droszcz

Adv. Respir. Med. 2009, 77(3), 345; https://doi.org/10.5603/ARM.27814 - 23 Apr 2009

Viewed by 385

Abstract

Autorzy nie ustosunkowali się do możliwości uczuleń na alergeny karalucha [...] Full article

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Open AccessLetter

Author’s Response to Commentary of T.M. Zielonka “Smoking and Interstitial Lung Disease?”

by Elżbieta Wiatr

Adv. Respir. Med. 2009, 77(3), 344; https://doi.org/10.5603/ARM.27813 - 23 Apr 2009

Viewed by 395

Abstract

Przedstawiony komentarz stanowi uzupełnienie opublikowanej pracy [...] Full article

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Open AccessLetter

Smoking and Interstitial Lung Disease? Commentary to the Article of E. Wiatr “Smoking-Related Interstitial Lung Diseases”

by Tadeusz M. Zielonka

Adv. Respir. Med. 2009, 77(3), 341-343; https://doi.org/10.5603/ARM.27812 - 23 Apr 2009

Viewed by 399

Abstract

W jednym z ostatnich numerów “Pneumonologii i Alergologii Polskiej” ukazał się bardzo ważny artykuł prof. E. Wiatr, uświadamiający, że szkodliwość palenia papierosów nie ogranicza się do wywoływania powszechnie znanych chorób, takich jak przewlekła obturacyjna choroba płuc (POChP) i rak płuca, ale odpowiedzialne jest [...] Read more.

W jednym z ostatnich numerów “Pneumonologii i Alergologii Polskiej” ukazał się bardzo ważny artykuł prof. E. Wiatr, uświadamiający, że szkodliwość palenia papierosów nie ogranicza się do wywoływania powszechnie znanych chorób, takich jak przewlekła obturacyjna choroba płuc (POChP) i rak płuca, ale odpowiedzialne jest także za powstawanie niektórych chorób śródmiąższowych płuc (ILD), takich jak histiocytoza z komórek Langerhansa, złuszczające śródmiąższowe zapalenie płuc (DIP) i zapalenie oskrzelików współistniejące z chorobą śródmiąższową (RB-ILD) [...] Full article

279 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Book Review “Rudka—100 Years for Patients”

by Tadeusz M. Zielonka

Adv. Respir. Med. 2009, 77(3), 338-340; https://doi.org/10.5603/ARM.27811 - 23 Apr 2009

Viewed by 427

Abstract

“Rudka sto lat w służbie chorych” to książka naprawdę wyjątkowa, podobnie jak miejsce, którego dzieje opisuje [...] Full article

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Open AccessEditorial

100 Years of Sanatorium in Rudka—Report of Celebration of Anniversary

by Tadeusz M. Zielonka

Adv. Respir. Med. 2009, 77(3), 335-337; https://doi.org/10.5603/ARM.27810 - 23 Apr 2009

Viewed by 426

Abstract

Sto lat nieprzerwanej działalności na rzecz pacjentów z chorobami płuc to wielki jubileusz, który jest ważnym wydarzeniem dla całego środowiska pneumonologicznego [...] Full article

297 KiB

Open AccessCase Report

Langerhans Cell Sarcoma with Pulmonary Manifestation, Mediastinum Involvement and Bronchoesophageal Fistula. A Rare Location and Difficulties in Histopathological Diagnosis

by Renata Langfort, Elżbieta Radzikowska, Elżbieta Czarnowska, Elżbieta Wiatr, Wiesława Grajkowska, Katarzyna Błasińska-Przerwa, Dorota Giedronowicz and Iwona Witkiewicz

Adv. Respir. Med. 2009, 77(3), 327-334; https://doi.org/10.5603/ARM.27806 - 23 Apr 2009

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 439

Abstract

Langerhans cell sarcoma, a neoplastic proliferation of Langerhans cells with malignant cytologic features, is a very rare disease. Only a few cases have been documented in the English-language literature. Special methods, like immunohistochemistry and/or ultrastructural examination, are indispensable for appropriate diagnosis. Correct diagnosis [...] Read more.

Langerhans cell sarcoma, a neoplastic proliferation of Langerhans cells with malignant cytologic features, is a very rare disease. Only a few cases have been documented in the English-language literature. Special methods, like immunohistochemistry and/or ultrastructural examination, are indispensable for appropriate diagnosis. Correct diagnosis is difficult. In fact, the disease is often misdiagnosed. We present the case of a 47 year-old man with a large mass in the middle lobe of the lung, infiltrating anterior mediastinum, with multiple pulmonary round lesions and enlargement of local lymph nodes, and with bronchoesophageal fistula. Clinical examination indicated the possibility of advanced primary lung cancer. However, the first histological diagnosis was Langerhans cell histiocytosis. In spite of treatment, the progression of pulmonary lesions was observed. Therefore, upper- and middle-lobectomy was performed. The diagnosis of Langerhans histiocytosis was confirmed microscopically again. Nevertheless, the patient’s condition deteriorated progressively and he was admitted to the National Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases Research Institute in order to establish a final diagnosis. Revision of earlier resected specimens, as well as an immunohistochemical and ultrastructural examination of samples, taken once again from a bronchial tumor, led to the establishment of a diagnosis of a unique form of Langerhans cell sarcoma with rare pulmonary manifestation. Full article

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Open AccessCase Report

Hemorrhagic Parapneumonic Effusion in a 64 Year-Old Patient as the First Symptom of Hemophilia B

by Elżbieta M. Grabczak, Rafał Krenke, Magdalena M. Jeleńska, Iwan Komarow, Urszula Ambroziak, Adam Fangrat and Ryszarda Chazan

Adv. Respir. Med. 2009, 77(3), 320-326; https://doi.org/10.5603/ARM.27805 - 23 Apr 2009

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 481

Abstract

Hemophilia B is an inherited, X chromosome-linked disease. It is usually diagnosed in childhood, sometimes in adolescence. The commonest symptoms include spontaneous or post-traumatic bleeding into the joints and/or muscles, as well as mucosal bleeding. Respiratory symptoms are rarely reported. We present the [...] Read more.

Hemophilia B is an inherited, X chromosome-linked disease. It is usually diagnosed in childhood, sometimes in adolescence. The commonest symptoms include spontaneous or post-traumatic bleeding into the joints and/or muscles, as well as mucosal bleeding. Respiratory symptoms are rarely reported. We present the case of a 64 year-old man in whom bloody parapneumonic effusion (hemothorax) was the first symptom of hemophilia B. The reason for prolonged activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) found on admission has not been elucidated. Since antibiotic therapy and pleural tube thoracostomy with intrapleural streptokinase were found to be ineffective, video-assisted thoracic surgery was performed with the right lung decortication. Post-operative treatment was complicated by massive pleural bleeding requiring two subsequent thoracotomies. Additional blood tests revealed factor IX deficiency and resulted in hemophilia B being diagnosed. The presented case proves that hereditary bleeding disorders may be diagnosed even in late adulthood. Intrapleural bleeding related to pneumonia and pleural inflammation might be the first presenting symptom. Hemophilia should be considered as a potential cause of APTT prolongation, even in an elderly patient with atypical presentation. Explaining the reason for APTT prolongation before the surgical procedure could have allowed to avoid severe bleeding in the described patient. Full article

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Open AccessEditorial

Bridging the Gap: The Patient-Doctor Relationship

by Włodzimierz 'Vlady' Rozenbaum

Adv. Respir. Med. 2009, 77(3), 314-319; https://doi.org/10.5603/ARM.27822 - 23 Apr 2009

Viewed by 440

Abstract

In January 2007 the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) launched a national chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) awareness and education campaign: ‘Learn More Breathe Better’ [...] Full article

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Open AccessEditorial

BODE Index: A New Tool to Stage and Monitor Progression of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

by Claudia G. Cote and Bartolome R. Celli

Adv. Respir. Med. 2009, 77(3), 305-313; https://doi.org/10.5603/ARM.27821 - 23 Apr 2009

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 421

Abstract

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in adults and currently represents the fourth leading cause of death in the world [...] Full article

155 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Pharmacoeconomics of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

by Karina Jahnz-Różyk

Adv. Respir. Med. 2009, 77(3), 302-304; https://doi.org/10.5603/ARM.27820 - 23 Apr 2009

Viewed by 432

Abstract

Wzrastająca liczba chorych na przewlekłą obturacyjną chorobę płuc (POChP) oraz wysoka śmiertelność w tej grupie osób (w 2020 r. POChP będzie trzecią przyczyną zgonów na świecie) skutkują wzrastającymi obciążeniami finansowymi dla budżetu każdego kraju [...] Full article

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Open AccessEditorial

A History of Pulmonary Rehabilitation: Back to the Future

by Richard ZuWallack

Adv. Respir. Med. 2009, 77(3), 298-301; https://doi.org/10.5603/ARM.27819 - 23 Apr 2009

Viewed by 550

Abstract

Pulmonary rehabilitation is defined as “an evidence-based, multidisciplinary, and comprehensive intervention for patients with chronic respiratory diseases who are symptomatic and often have decreased daily life activities. Integrated into the individualized treatment of the patient, pulmonary rehabilitation is designed to reduce symptoms, optimize [...] Read more.

Pulmonary rehabilitation is defined as “an evidence-based, multidisciplinary, and comprehensive intervention for patients with chronic respiratory diseases who are symptomatic and often have decreased daily life activities. Integrated into the individualized treatment of the patient, pulmonary rehabilitation is designed to reduce symptoms, optimize functional status, increase participation, and reduce health care costs through stabilizing or reversing systemic manifestations of the disease” [...] Full article

135 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Smoking Cessation in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

by Dorota Górecka

Adv. Respir. Med. 2009, 77(3), 294-297; https://doi.org/10.5603/ARM.27818 - 23 Apr 2009

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 463

Abstract

Palenie tytoniu wiąże się z olbrzymią nadumieralnością z powodu chorób wywołanych narażeniem na dym tytoniowy [...] Full article

152 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Perspectives in Gene Therapy

by Marek Jakóbisiak

Adv. Respir. Med. 2009, 77(3), 289-293; https://doi.org/10.5603/ARM.27816 - 23 Apr 2009

Viewed by 417

Abstract

Terapię genową można zdefiniować jako terapię opartą na wprowadzaniu genów do komórek pacjenta w celu uzyskania efektu terapeutycznego [...] Full article

162 KiB

Open AccessReview

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Risk of Infection

by Peter Lange

Adv. Respir. Med. 2009, 77(3), 284-288; https://doi.org/10.5603/ARM.27817 - 23 Apr 2009

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 561

Abstract

This review article focuses on the risk of infections in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Throughout the years there have been a number of studies describing the risk of pulmonary infections in patients with COPD, whereas only few studies have focused [...] Read more.

This review article focuses on the risk of infections in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Throughout the years there have been a number of studies describing the risk of pulmonary infections in patients with COPD, whereas only few studies have focused on the risk of infection outside the lungs. With increasing severity of COPD the risk of respiratory tract infection also increases. The impairment of the innate immune system is most likely responsible for both the colonization of respiratory tract with bacteria and for an increased risk of infection with new strains of bacteria causing acute exacerbations. Also lung infections like pneumonia, lung abscess and empyema are more often seen in patients with COPD than in healthy subjects. With regard to extrapulmonary infections, it seems that COPD patients are not at higher risk of infection compared with subjects without COPD. It is concluded that COPD is significantly associated with an increased risk of various respiratory tract infections, but not with infections outside the respiratory system. Full article

169 KiB

Open AccessReview

Multidrug Resistance Tuberculosis—Current Problems

by Katarzyna Kruczak and Ewa Niżankowska-Mogilnicka

Adv. Respir. Med. 2009, 77(3), 276-283; https://doi.org/10.5603/ARM.27809 - 23 Apr 2009

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 501

Abstract

The rising occurrence of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB), defined as resistance to at least isoniazid and rifampicin, is a serious worldwide problem. The treatment of MDR-TB with alternative chemotherapy is difficult due to side-effects and treatment duration. It is also very expensive and sometimes [...] Read more.

The rising occurrence of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB), defined as resistance to at least isoniazid and rifampicin, is a serious worldwide problem. The treatment of MDR-TB with alternative chemotherapy is difficult due to side-effects and treatment duration. It is also very expensive and sometimes unsuccessful. DOTS and DOTS-Plus strategy are necessary to achieve a good tuberculosis control. Full article

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Open AccessReview

D-dimer in Diagnosis and Treatment of Pulmonary Embolism

by Anna Fijałkowska

Adv. Respir. Med. 2009, 77(3), 271-275; https://doi.org/10.5603/ARM.27808 - 23 Apr 2009

Viewed by 460

Abstract

D-dimer level estimation, specific fibrin degradation product, is a permanent part of diagnostic strategies of pulmonary embolism (PE). Approximetly 30% of a suspected non-high risk PE can be ruled out with high sensitive D-dimer test when pre-test clinical probability is non-high. Recent guidelines [...] Read more.

D-dimer level estimation, specific fibrin degradation product, is a permanent part of diagnostic strategies of pulmonary embolism (PE). Approximetly 30% of a suspected non-high risk PE can be ruled out with high sensitive D-dimer test when pre-test clinical probability is non-high. Recent guidelines underline that only very sensitive DD assays can be used. The main limitation of DD tests is relatively low specificity especially in hospitalized population, in elder patients, with cancer and in pregnancy. New indication for DD test mentioned in current guidelines is estimation of risk of recurrence after withdrawal of anticoagulant. Negative DD test identify patients with low risk of recurrence. Full article

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Open AccessReview

Methods of Estimating Concentration of the D-Dimers Used in Venous Thromboembolism Diagnosis

by Bartłomiej Walczak, Urszula Demkow and Anna Fijałkowska

Adv. Respir. Med. 2009, 77(3), 264-270; https://doi.org/10.5603/ARM.27807 - 23 Apr 2009

Viewed by 429

Abstract

D-dimers (DD) are final products of stabilized fibrin degradation process. Elevated level of DD indicates parallel activation of both coagulation and fibrinolysis. D-dimers play important role in the diagnosis of deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. All diagnostic methods detecting DD are based [...] Read more.

D-dimers (DD) are final products of stabilized fibrin degradation process. Elevated level of DD indicates parallel activation of both coagulation and fibrinolysis. D-dimers play important role in the diagnosis of deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. All diagnostic methods detecting DD are based on monoclonal antibodies. There are three basic techniques used to measure DD: latex agglutination, full blood agglutination and immunoenzymatic methods. Nowadays new methods based on in vivo detection of DD using antibodies labeled with technetium are under clinical evaluation. Full article

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Open AccessArticle

Relationship between Airway Basement Membrane Thickness and Lung Function Tests in Patients with Asthma

by Justyna Kościuch, Tadeusz Przybyłowski, Katarzyna Górska, Rafał Krenke, Wojciech Baran, Marek Kujawa, Katarzyna Hildebrand and Ryszarda Chazan

Adv. Respir. Med. 2009, 77(3), 256-263; https://doi.org/10.5603/ARM.27804 - 23 Apr 2009

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 484

Abstract

Introduction: Airway remodeling is a characteristic feature of asthma. It is believed that airway remodeling affects lung function and bronchial hyper-responsiveness. Therefore, the relationship between remodeling and lung function is still a matter of extensive research. However, the results of many studies [...] Read more.

Introduction: Airway remodeling is a characteristic feature of asthma. It is believed that airway remodeling affects lung function and bronchial hyper-responsiveness. Therefore, the relationship between remodeling and lung function is still a matter of extensive research. However, the results of many studies are inconsistent. The aim of the study was to assess the relationship between lung function parameters and basement membrane (BM) thickness in patients with asthma. Material and Methods: Twenty asthma patients were chosen for the study (ten male, ten female, mean age 37 ± 15 yrs). Ten were newly diagnosed, steroid-naive patients and the other ten were patients known to have asthma who had not been treated with steroids for at least three months. The study group was selected based on the results of: clinical assessment, allergic skin-prick tests, lung function testing and bronchial challenge with methacholine. Nine (45%) patients had chronic mild, nine (45%) had moderate and two (10%) had intermittent asthma. Mean FEV₁% pred. was 83 ± 18, mean FEV₁%VC 69 ± 9, mean FVC% pred. 101 ± 14. All patients underwent research fiberoptic bronchoscopy with BAL and bronchial mucosal biopsies. Light-microscopic measurements of BM thickness were performed in hematoxylin-eosin stained slides of bronchial wall specimens with semi-automatic software analysis MultiScan Base 08.98. Results: Mean BM thickness was 12.8 ± 2.8 μm (range: 8.5–20.7 μm). No significant correlations between BM thickness and FEV₁% pred., FEV₁%VC, FVC% pred., RV% pred., TLC% pred., Raw (pre- and post-bronchodilator) and PC₂₀ were observed. Conclusions: In our group of asthma patients, mean BM was significantly thickened. No relationship between BM thickness and lung function tests, including hyper-responsiveness, was found. Full article

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Open AccessArticle

Smoking Habits in a Family Physician’s Practice

by Janusz Maciejewski, Michał Bednarek, Damian Korzybski and Jan Zieliński

Adv. Respir. Med. 2009, 77(3), 248-255; https://doi.org/10.5603/ARM.27803 - 23 Apr 2009

Viewed by 480

Abstract

Introduction: Poland is the one of the countries in the European Union with the highest prevalence of smokers. The involvement of family physicians in smoking cessation activity could improve this situation. The aim of this study was to estimate smoking habits, their [...] Read more.

Introduction: Poland is the one of the countries in the European Union with the highest prevalence of smokers. The involvement of family physicians in smoking cessation activity could improve this situation. The aim of this study was to estimate smoking habits, their intensity and nicotine dependence in a family physician’s practice (urban and rural population). An additional aim was to estimate smoking habits in relation to the presence of smoking-related disease, gender, location and motivation to stop smoking. Material and Methods: This study was part of an investigation into the prevalence and severity of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in the same population. Statistical analysis of questionnaires about smoking and history of respiratory diseases, Fagerström’s nicotine dependence test and a motivation to quit test were performed. Results: Questionnaires were filled in by 1960 subjects (87% of those eligible). There were 29.6% current smokers, 24.9% ex-smokers, and 45.5% never-smokers. There were 39.4% current smokers among men, and 23.3% among women. Current smokers were more numerous in the rural population. 54% of women urban dwellers and 73% of women from rural population never smoked. There were no significant differences in the motivation to stop smoking or in the nicotine dependence among smokers with and without COPD nor according to the severity of COPD. Conclusions: Smoking habits among the studied population were comparable with national and regional data. The intensity of smoking habits among female town dwellers is especially alarming. Full article

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Open AccessArticle

Bronchial Bacterial Colonization in Patients with Lung Cancer

by Maciej Dancewicz, Maria Szymankiewicz, Mariusz Bella, Joanna Świniarska and Janusz Kowalewski

Adv. Respir. Med. 2009, 77(3), 242-247; https://doi.org/10.5603/ARM.27802 - 23 Apr 2009

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 588

Abstract

Introduction: Infections are a part of the natural course of lung cancer but few studies have looked at the clinical and microbiological documentation of infections in these patients. The aim of this study is to analyze the profile of potentially pathogenic bacteria [...] Read more.

Introduction: Infections are a part of the natural course of lung cancer but few studies have looked at the clinical and microbiological documentation of infections in these patients. The aim of this study is to analyze the profile of potentially pathogenic bacteria that colonize the bronchial tree in patients with primary lung cancer. Material and Methods: The study was conducted from January 2006 to August 2007. It included 44 consecutive patients (34 males and 10 females) with primary lung cancer aged from 38 to 77 (mean age of 57.9 years). In all patients, bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) was performed during bronchofiberoscopy. Obtained BAL fluid was subjected to microbiological examination. The number of bacteria present in 1 ml of fluid was estimated by quantitative culture. A diagnostic level was set on ≥ 10⁴ cfu/ml. Results: In 26 (59.1%) of 44 patients physiologic bacterial flora was found in the bronchial tree. In three cases (6.8%), potentially pathological bacteria were cultured but their number was < 10⁴ cfu/ml. In 15 (34.1%) cases, the colonization of potentially pathogenic bacteria was ≥ 10⁴ cfu/ml. Both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria were isolated. The most frequently isolated bacterium in the first group was Streptococcus pneumoniae (n = 7), and in the second group Haemophilus influenzae (n = 3). Multibacterial colonization was found in five patients (11.4%). In four cases (9.1%), the bronchial tree was colonized simultaneously by two and in one case [2.3%] by three types of micro-organism. Multi-drug-resistant strains were not found in the examined materials but among Streptococcus pneumoniae the constitutive MLSB phenotype was observed. Conclusions: 1. Approximately 30% of patients with lung cancer had a respiratory tract colonized by micro-organisms whose number was higher than the assumed diagnostic level. 2. Among micro-organisms colonizing the lower respiratory tract, Gram-positive cocci such as Streptococcus pneumoniae and Staphylococcus aureus were dominant. 3. The analysis of antibiotic-resistance did not detect multi-drug-resistant micro-organisms but some strains of Streptococcus pneumoniae exhibited resistance to macrolide, lincosamide and streptogramin B. Full article

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Open AccessArticle

Relationship between Age and Cardiovascular Complications in Obstructive Sleep Apnoea

by Robert Pływaczewski, Monika Czystowska, Agnieszka Skoczylas, Przemysław Bieleń, Luiza Jonczak, Dorota Górecka and Paweł Śliwiński

Adv. Respir. Med. 2009, 77(3), 235-241; https://doi.org/10.5603/ARM.27801 - 23 Apr 2009

Viewed by 550

Abstract

Introduction: Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is a risk factor for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study was to assess relations between cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and age in OSA subjects. Material and Methods: 10, Epworth score > 9 points) [...] Read more.

Introduction: Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is a risk factor for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study was to assess relations between cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and age in OSA subjects. Material and Methods: 10, Epworth score > 9 points) were evaluated. The chest X-ray, spirometry, arterial blood gases, ECG, blood morphology and biochemistry were performed during trial treatment with autoCPAP. Results: We studied 533 consecutive OSA patients, mean age 55.6 ± 10.3 years (range 24–81), with obesity (BMI 34.4 ± 6.6 kg/m²) and severe OSA (AHI/RDI 37.8 ± 21.8). To evaluate relations between CVD and age, patients were divided into three groups. Group 1 < 50 years (123 subjects, 23.1%), Group 2 aged 50–60 years (250 subjects, 46.9%) and Group 3 > 60 years (160 subjects, 30%). Subjects < 50 years were more obese and had higher AHI/RDI when compared to older groups. Incidence of arterial hypertension, coronary artery disease, atrial fibrillation, heart failure and stroke increased with age (higher in subjects > 60 years). Conclusions: Cardiovascular diseases were prevalent in OSA patients > 60 years. However the youngest group presented with more severe obesity and higher AHI/RDI. Full article

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Open AccessArticle

Skin Prick Test with Inhaled Allergens in the General Population of Lodz Province

by Izabela Kupryś-Lipińska, Anna Elgalal and Piotr Kuna

Adv. Respir. Med. 2009, 77(3), 229-234; https://doi.org/10.5603/ARM.27800 - 23 Apr 2009

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 552

Abstract

Introduction: Skin prick tests are a common, fast and safe method used for atopy screening and identification of sensitizing allergens. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of the positive skin prick test (SPT) with common inhaled allergens in [...] Read more.

Introduction: Skin prick tests are a common, fast and safe method used for atopy screening and identification of sensitizing allergens. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of the positive skin prick test (SPT) with common inhaled allergens in the general population of Lodz province and to identify the most common allergens. Material and Methods: A random sample of 1522 subjects aged from 3 to 80 was taken. Demographic data and medical histories were collected from all participants via standardized questionnaires. Skin prick tests were performed with ten aeroallergens. Results: The complete data from 1340 subjects (1057 adults and 283 children) were included for further analysis. At least one positive reaction to a tested aeroallergen was observed in 24.4% of studied subjects (24% of adults and 25.4% of children). Positive tests were observed most frequently in the group of patients with rhinitis. 12.2% of subjects showed a positive skin reaction without clinical symptoms of an allergic disease. The most common sensitizing allergens were house dust mites. No significant differences in sex and age between groups with positive SPT and negative SPT were observed in the study. Statistically significant differences between the studied regions (p = 0.037) were noticed in the case of the number of positive reactions and the kind of sensitizing allergen. Conclusions: The distribution of positive skin tests in the above study was similar to several epidemiological studies from central and eastern Europe. Skin prick tests are valuable epidemiological tools in the diagnosis of atopy and allergy. Full article

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Adv. Respir. Med., Volume 77, Issue 3 (April 2009) – 23 articles , Pages 229-347

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