RÉSUMÉ
Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is a progressive and persistent inflammatory condition associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Increased oxidative stress amongst others, plays an important role in the pathogenesis of this disease. The objective of the present study was to conduct a preliminary yet comprehensive examination of metal exposure specifically copper and zinc levels and their association with overall oxidative stress in COPD. Methods: A cross sectional study was carried out in a tertiary care hospital in South India. Two groups were included in the study. One group with 20 COPD patients and the other group of 20 healthy controls. Plasma samples were obtained from both the groups and serum levels of copper and zinc were studied by atomic absorption spectrometry. Cu/Zn ratio obtained from the results was further correlated with oxidative stress index calculated from total oxidant status and total antioxidant status in COPD with respect to controls. Results: The copper levels were significantly higher and the zinc levels lower in the COPD group as compared to the control group. The copper/zinc ratio was higher in COPD as compared to control population. The correlation between Cu/Zn ratio and oxidative stress index showed a positive correlation with a regression coefficient of 0.7. Conclusions: The study throws light on the trace element imbalance in COPD and how these could induce oxidative stress, contributing to persistent inflammation in COPD. In the clinical perspective, monitoring Cu/Zn ratio in COPD patients may lead to better risk mitigation and thereby better therapeutic management of the disease.
RÉSUMÉ
COVID-19 was declared a pandemic by the WHO on 11th March 2020. Influenza usually occurs in winters, and the burden of the disease is determined by several factors, including the effectiveness of the vaccine that season, the characteristics of the circulating viruses, and how long the season lasts. Host factors and comorbidities also play an integral role in determining the outcome of the disease. Both the viral diseases present with an acute influenza like illness which may progress in certain individuals to Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome. It is essential to understand that coinfection with viruses may occur and it is important to diagnose them as some require antivirals and some supportive and symptomatic management. Here, we present the case of an elderly lady with bilateral bronchiectasis who was infected with both SARS-CoV2 virus and parainfluenza 3.
RÉSUMÉ
Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is characterized by chronic inflammation that results in progressive and irreversible air flow obstruction usually caused by an inflammatory response of the lungs to noxious particles and gases. There are periods of acute episodes of worsening and exacerbation. COPD was predicted to be the third leading cause of death worldwide by 2020, is a major cause of disability adjusted life years (DALY). Patients with COPD are often complicated by coronary artery disease (CAD), both of which are public health problems. There are probably a lot of mechanisms involved in the co-existence of these comorbidities like ageing, sedentary life style, systemic inflammation, atherosis and arterial stiffness. The confirmation of this comorbidity in COPD is very important as it can have implications in the management of the disease. Methods: This observational study was done in a tertiary care hospital in Central Kerala. It was a retrospective observational study. 100 patients were included in the study. Results: Out of 100 COPD patients that were included in the study, 27% of them had CAD as a comorbidity which implies that all patients with COPD should be screened for CAD as well. Conclusions: All COPD patients should be screened for a coexisting CAD.