six-minute walk test [6MWT] for the evaluation of pulmonary diseases

The six-minute walk test [6MWT] is a well-tolerated test which reflects daily activities and can be easily used in clinical practice. The 6MWT provides information about functional capacity, response to therapy and prognosis across a range of chronic cardiopulmonary conditions. Moreover, the 6MWT is sensitive to the common therapies used for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, such as pulmonary rehabilitation with supplemental oxygen, long-term use of inhaled corticosteroids and lung volume reduction surgery. Several studies have investigated the role of 6MWT in the evaluation of pulmonary disease and cardiac disorders. This article aimed to review the significance of 6MWT in pulmonary disease

Prevention of post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography pancreatitis

Pancreatitis is the most common and important complication of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography [ERCP]. Several risk factors play a role in the formation and progression of pancreatitis. These risk factors may be related to the patient, procedure or operator. All of these risk factors should be considered and should be lowered as far as possible with attention to pathogenesis of the development of post-ERCP pancreatitis. The pathogenesis include sphincter spasm, infection, contrast toxicity and pancreatic secretion that induce the activation of proteolytic enzymes and inflammatory processes. Some methods and pharmacologic agents assessed for the prevention of pathway in the pathogenesis to decrease post-ERCP pancreatitis

diagnostic values of protein to lactate dehydrogenase ratio in serum and pleural fluid in exudate pleural effusions

Different etiologies of pleural effusion are diagnosed based on serum and plural fluid characteristics. The aim of this study was to assess and compare the serum and pleural fluid protein to lactate dehyrogenase [Pr/LDH] ratio in exudative pleural effusions. This study was conducted on 60 patients with exudative pleural effusion including: 20 cases with parapneumonic, 20 cases with Tuberculosis [TB], and 20 cases with malignancy. The serum and pleural Pr/LDH were measured and compared among 3 groups. The mean age of the patients was 55 +/- 19SD [years] and male to female ratio was 36/24. There was no statistically significant difference in mean age of the patients among 3 groups [p=0.08]. There were statistically significant differences in serum and pleural Pr. /LDH ratios among groups [p=0.04 and p= 0.1, respectively]. Additionally the comparisons of serum and pleural Pr. /LDH ratios between malignancy and tuberculosis groups were significant [p=0.02 and p=0.001, respectively]. The serum and pleural Pr. /LDH ratios were higher in TB group. The results of our study showed that serum and pleural Pr. /LDH ratio can be used in differentiating the etiology of exudative pleural effusion, but needs to be confirmed by larger study

significance of BODE [BMI, obstruction, dyspnea, exercise] index in patients with mustard lung

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease [COPD] secondary to sulfur mustard exposure, known as mustard lung, is an important late pulmonary complication. The BODE [Body mass index, Obstruction, Dyspnea, and Exercise] index has been established as a valuable tool for determining the adverse consequences of COPD. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of the BODE index in patients with mustard lung. Eighty-two consecutively stable patients with mustard lung with all levels of severity were entered this study. The following parameters were recorded in all patients: standard spirometry, pulse oximetry, health-related quality of life, the BODE index. Additionally, the severity of COPD was determined by GOLD [Global initiative for chronic Obstructive Lung Disease] staging. The correlation of the BODE index with pulmonary parameters was determined. The mean age of the patients was 47.30 -/+ 7.08 SD years. The mean BODE index was 3.16 -/+ 2.25 SD. There was a statistically significant inverse correlation between the BODE index and oxygen saturation [r=-0.30, p=0.007]. Also a statistically significant correlation was found between the BODE index and quality of life [r=0.80, p=0.001]. The BODE index was not correlated with age of the patients and duration of disease. The results of this study showed that the BODE index is correlated with important clinical parameters and can be used in clinical practice