Defensins as a diagnostic marker in differential diagnosis of spectific pleural effusions

The study showed a marked elevation of defensins concentration in empyema when compared with other pleural effusions. This high concentration may play an important role in the host defense or have a cytotoxic function in empyema. Defensins may be used as a diagnostic marker in differentiating empyema from other pleural effusions. The study also showed a high level of IL-8 in empyema which may indirectly explain the elevated levels of defensins by increasing the number of neutrophils in the pleural space

Immediate and late effect of mitral balloon valvuloplasty on pulmonary function tests and arterial blood tensions gases

This work was carried out to evaluate the effect of mitral valvuloplasty on pulmonary function tests and on the arterial blood gases tensions. Twenty-two patients with rheumatic mitral stenosis were presented with symptoms, and signs sufficient to warrant intervention. Every subject in this study was assessed as followed: Complete history taking, clinical evaluation, ECC, x-ray chest, pulmonary function tests, echo-Doppler examinations, percutaneous balloon mitral valvuloplasty and arterial blood O2, CO2 tensions. All patients had immediate post procedural considerable clinical and hemodynamic improvements

Study of thyroid hormones T3 and T4 during and in between acute asthmatic attackes in some cases of extrinsic and intrinsic asthmatic patients

The aim of this work was to study the functional state of the thyroid gland in asthmatic patients either extrinsic or intrinsic during and between the acute asthmatic attacks by the estimation of the serum level of both T3 and T4 and to detect any relationship between bronchial asthma and thyroid hormones