Diffusing capacity for lung carbon monoxide [DLCO] in chemical lung injuries due to the use of mustard gas in the poisoned soldiers of Iran-Iraq war 2006

To assess the Mustard gas exposure effects on pulmonary system, particularly on diffusing capacity for lung carbon monoxide [DLCO] and simple spirometry. Sixty-five sulfur mustard- poisoned soldiers from Mostazafan and Janbazan organization were referred to our center in 2005. Complete history, physical examination, chest X ray, Echocardiography, Arterial blood gas, high - resolution computerized tomography, diffusion capacity for lung carbon monoxide and spirometry of these were performed and compared this result with normal value. The mean value of indices in studied injured subjects was: Spirometry: forced expiratory volume in one second [FEV1] = 70.4, Forced vital capacity [FVC] = 66.5, EFE 25-75=81.1, FEV1/FVC=101.9, Flow 25% = 28.7, Flow 50%= 72.9, Flow 75%= 100.1, Sample volume: Functional residual capacity of lungs [FRC] = 131.5, residual volume [RV] = 157.3, RV/TLC= 169.1, Total lung capacity [TLC] = 91.3, KCO= 131.6, TLCO= 116.3. No significant correlation was observed between TLCO values with HRCT, echocardiography, ABG and spirometry values [P>0.05]. We recommend TLCO and RV/TLV tests to assess severity of Injuries as there is no a suitable criterion to measure the real consequences of mustard gas on affected combatants and Biological markers are also needed to determine cause- effect relations

Polyserositis [concato's disease] due to granulocyte colony stimulating factor therapy for lymphoma

Polyserositis is defined as general inflammation of serous membranes associated with serous effusion due to many causes. In this study, we evaluated polyserositis as a rare complication of GCSF therapy. A 26-year-old man with a history of lymphoma was referred to our hospital complaining of dyspnea, tachycardia, tachypnea, chest pain, bilateral pleural effusion, ascites and massive pericardial effusion after 5 days of treatment with GCSF. After 7 days of treatment with indomethacin, dexamethasone and discontinuation of GCSF, the patient improved and was referred to an oncologist for chemotherapy of lymphoma. Based on this case report, we should consider various causes of pleural effusion in a patient with lymphoma, and use drugs with caution in such patients as they may be predisposed to dyspnea and fluid retention

Prevalence of antibiotic resistance among bacteria isolates of lower respiratory tract infection in copd Shahrekord, Iran, 2005

Bacterial infection is one of the several important causes of exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease [COPD]. Antibiotic resistance has increased in all the major pathogens. The objective of this study was investigate frequency of drug resistance of species from LRTs. This cross sectional study was performed in Hajar hospital of shahrekord-Iran. Protected brush samples were obtained from the lower respiratory tract by bronchoscopy in both hospitalized and ambulatory 54 COPD patients with exacerbations yield. The in vitro susceptibilities of the isolates to 6 antimicrobial agents were then determined by the broth microdilution test. Among the s. pneumonia isolates tested 5.9% and 94.1% were intermediate and high level resistant to penicillin and ampicillin respectively. 58.8% of isolates were erythromycin resistance. H.influenzae isolates were 100% resistance to penicillin and ampicillin. Antibiotics are an important part of the treatment of COPD, suggesting that every effort should be made to conserve sensitivity of antibiotic by using them appropriately