Pulmonary Physician Consultancy in Emergency Services in Turkiye (PuPCEST) - a cross-sectional multicenter study.

Pulmonology is one of the branches that frequently receive consultation requests from the emergency department. Pulmonology consultation (PC) is requested from almost all clinical branches due to the diagnosis and treatment of any respiratory condition, preoperative evaluation, or postoperative pulmonary problems. The aim of our study was to describe the profile of the pulmonology consultations received from emergency departments in Turkiye. A total of 32 centers from Turkiye (the PuPCEST Study Group) were included to the study. The demographic, clinical, laboratory and radiological data of the consulted cases were examined. The final result of the consultation and the justification of the consultation by the consulting pulmonologist were recorded. We identified 1712 patients, 64% of which applied to the emergency department by themselves and 41.4% were women. Eighty-five percent of the patients had a previously diagnosed disease. Dyspnea was the reason for consultation in 34.7% of the cases. The leading radiological finding was consolidation (13%). Exacerbation of preexisting lung disease was present in 39% of patients. The most commonly established diagnoses by pulmonologists were chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (19%) and pneumonia (12%). While 35% of the patients were discharged, 35% were interned into the chest diseases ward. The majority of patients were hospitalized and treated conservatively. It may be suggested that most of the applications would be evaluated in the pulmonology outpatient clinic which may result in a decrease in emergency department visits/consultations. Thus, improvements in the reorganization of the pulmonology outpatient clinics and follow-up visits may positively contribute emergency admission rates.

Association of soluble ST2 Level with 6-month Mortality and/or Recurrent Cardiovascular-Related Hospitalization in Pulmonary Embolism. / Associação do Nível de ST2 Solúvel com Mortalidade em 6 Meses e/ou Hospitalização Recorrente Relacionada a Doenças Cardiovasculares em Embolia Pulmonar.

BACKGROUND: The association of soluble suppression of tumorigenesis-2 (sST2) levels with prognosis in pulmonary embolism (PE) is unknown. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between sST2 levels in patients with acute PE and 6-month mortality and recurrent hospitalizations. METHODS: This prospective study included 100 patients with acute PE. Patients were classified into two groups according to 6-month mortality and the presence of recurrent Cardiovascular-Related hospitalizations. Two groups were compared. A p-value of 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Soluble ST2 levels were significantly higher in the group with mortality and recurrent hospitalizations. (138.6 ng/mL (56.7-236.8) vs. 38 ng/mL (26.3-75.4); p<0.001) The best cut-off threshold for sST2 levels in the prediction of a composite outcome of 6-month mortality and/or recurrent Cardiovascular-Related hospitalization was found to be >89.9 with a specificity of 90.6% and a sensitivity of 65.2%, according to the receiver operating characteristic curve (area under the curve = 0.798; 95% CI, 0.705-0.891; p <0.0001). After adjusting for confounding factors that were either statistically significant in the univariate analysis or for the variables correlated with the sST2 levels, sST2 level (OR = 1.019, 95% CI: 1.009-1.028, p 0.001) and C-reactive protein (CRP ) (OR = 1.010, 95% CI: 1.001-1.021, p = 0.046) continued to be significant predictors of 6-month mortality and/or recurrent Cardiovascular-Related hospitalization in the multiple logistic regression model via backward stepwise method. CONCLUSION: Soluble ST2 level seems to be a biomarker to predict 6-month mortality and/or recurrent Cardiovascular-Related hospitalization in patients with acute PE.

FUNDAMENTO: A associação de supressão solúvel da tumorigênese-2 (sST2) com prognóstico em embolia pulmonar (EP) é desconhecida. OBJETIVO: Este estudo teve como objetivo investigar a relação entre os níveis de sST2 em pacientes com EP aguda e mortalidade em 6 meses e hospitalizações recorrentes. MÉTODOS: Este estudo prospectivo incluiu 100 pacientes com EP aguda. Os pacientes foram classificados em dois grupos de acordo com a mortalidade em 6 meses e a presença de hospitalizações recorrentes relacionadas a doenças cardiovasculares. Dois grupos foram comparados. Um valor de p de 0,05 foi considerado estatisticamente significativo. RESULTADOS: Os níveis de ST2 solúvel foram significativamente maiores no grupo com mortalidade e internações recorrentes. (138,6 ng/mL (56,7-236,8) vs. 38 ng/mL (26,3-75,4); p<0,001) O melhor limite de corte para níveis de sST2 na previsão de um desfecho composto de mortalidade em 6 meses e/ou a hospitalização recorrente relacionada a doenças cardiovasculares foi >89,9, com especificidade de 90,6% e sensibilidade de 65,2%, de acordo com a curva Receiver Operating Characteristic (área sob a curva = 0,798; IC 95%, 0,705­0,891; p <0,0001). Após ajuste para fatores de confusão que foram estatisticamente significativos na análise univariada ou para as variáveis correlacionadas com os níveis de sST2, nível de sST2 (OR = 1,019, IC 95%: 1,009-1,028, p 0,001) e proteína C reativa (PCR). (OR = 1,010, IC 95%: 1,001-1,021, p = 0,046) continuaram a ser preditores significativos de mortalidade em 6 meses e/ou hospitalização recorrente relacionada a doenças cardiovasculares no modelo de regressão logística múltipla através do método backward stepwise. CONCLUSÕES: O nível de ST2 solúvel parece ser um biomarcador para prever mortalidade em 6 meses e/ou hospitalização recorrente relacionada a doenças cardiovasculares em pacientes com EP aguda.

Associação do Nível de ST2 Solúvel com Mortalidade em 6 Meses e/ou Hospitalização Recorrente Relacionada a Doenças Cardiovasculares em Embolia Pulmonar / Association of soluble ST2 Level with 6-month Mortality and/or Recurrent Cardiovascular-Related Hospitalization in Pulmonary Embolism

Resumo Fundamento: A associação de supressão solúvel da tumorigênese-2 (sST2) com prognóstico em embolia pulmonar (EP) é desconhecida. Objetivo: Este estudo teve como objetivo investigar a relação entre os níveis de sST2 em pacientes com EP aguda e mortalidade em 6 meses e hospitalizações recorrentes. Métodos: Este estudo prospectivo incluiu 100 pacientes com EP aguda. Os pacientes foram classificados em dois grupos de acordo com a mortalidade em 6 meses e a presença de hospitalizações recorrentes relacionadas a doenças cardiovasculares. Dois grupos foram comparados. Um valor de p de 0,05 foi considerado estatisticamente significativo. Resultados: Os níveis de ST2 solúvel foram significativamente maiores no grupo com mortalidade e internações recorrentes. (138,6 ng/mL (56,7-236,8) vs. 38 ng/mL (26,3-75,4); p<0,001) O melhor limite de corte para níveis de sST2 na previsão de um desfecho composto de mortalidade em 6 meses e/ou a hospitalização recorrente relacionada a doenças cardiovasculares foi >89,9, com especificidade de 90,6% e sensibilidade de 65,2%, de acordo com a curva Receiver Operating Characteristic (área sob a curva = 0,798; IC 95%, 0,705-0,891; p <0,0001). Após ajuste para fatores de confusão que foram estatisticamente significativos na análise univariada ou para as variáveis correlacionadas com os níveis de sST2, nível de sST2 (OR = 1,019, IC 95%: 1,009-1,028, p 0,001) e proteína C reativa (PCR). (OR = 1,010, IC 95%: 1,001-1,021, p = 0,046) continuaram a ser preditores significativos de mortalidade em 6 meses e/ou hospitalização recorrente relacionada a doenças cardiovasculares no modelo de regressão logística múltipla através do método backward stepwise. Conclusões: O nível de ST2 solúvel parece ser um biomarcador para prever mortalidade em 6 meses e/ou hospitalização recorrente relacionada a doenças cardiovasculares em pacientes com EP aguda.

Abstract Background: The association of soluble suppression of tumorigenesis-2 (sST2) levels with prognosis in pulmonary embolism (PE) is unknown. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between sST2 levels in patients with acute PE and 6-month mortality and recurrent hospitalizations. Methods: This prospective study included 100 patients with acute PE. Patients were classified into two groups according to 6-month mortality and the presence of recurrent Cardiovascular-Related hospitalizations. Two groups were compared. A p-value of 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Soluble ST2 levels were significantly higher in the group with mortality and recurrent hospitalizations. (138.6 ng/mL (56.7-236.8) vs. 38 ng/mL (26.3-75.4); p<0.001) The best cut-off threshold for sST2 levels in the prediction of a composite outcome of 6-month mortality and/or recurrent Cardiovascular-Related hospitalization was found to be >89.9 with a specificity of 90.6% and a sensitivity of 65.2%, according to the receiver operating characteristic curve (area under the curve = 0.798; 95% CI, 0.705-0.891; p <0.0001). After adjusting for confounding factors that were either statistically significant in the univariate analysis or for the variables correlated with the sST2 levels, sST2 level (OR = 1.019, 95% CI: 1.009-1.028, p 0.001) and C-reactive protein (CRP ) (OR = 1.010, 95% CI: 1.001-1.021, p = 0.046) continued to be significant predictors of 6-month mortality and/or recurrent Cardiovascular-Related hospitalization in the multiple logistic regression model via backward stepwise method. Conclusion: Soluble ST2 level seems to be a biomarker to predict 6-month mortality and/or recurrent Cardiovascular-Related hospitalization in patients with acute PE.

Relationship Between Soluble ST2 Level and Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension (CTEPH) in Acute Pulmonary Embolism (PE) Patients.

BACKGROUND: Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) is a disease characterized by right heart failure following recurrent pulmonary embolism (PE). It is important to know the predictors of the development of CTEPH after PE as it is a treatable cause of pulmonary arterial hypertension. Soluble ST2 is a biomarker closely associated with heart failure and the inflammatory process. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between sST2 level and the development of CTEPH in patients with PE. METHODOLOGY: Baseline characteristics, electrocardiographic findings, laboratory findings, transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) findings, location, and extent of involvement in CT pulmonary angiography were recorded in 100 patients with acute PE included in our prospective study. Treatment modalities and treatment durations were followed. Ventilation-perfusion scintigraphy was performed in patients with a systolic pulmonary artery pressure (sPAP) of 35 mmHg or more on TTE and residual thrombus on CT pulmonary angiography after at least three months of anticoagulant use. In the case of findings compatible with CTEPH in these examinations, patients were diagnosed with CTEPH by right heart catheterization. The sST2 levels obtained from all patients at admission were evaluated between the groups of patients with and without CTEPH. RESULTS: CTEPH was observed in 11 of the 100 patients who participated in the trial, with a median follow-up of 284 ± 60 days. The mean age of the 11 patients with CTEPH was 67 ± 10 years; five were males and six were females. The mean age of 89 patients without CTEPH was 65 ± 18 years, 36 were males and 53 were females. The sST2 values of the group with CTEPH were found to be statistically significantly higher than those of patients without CTEPH [193.7 (184.3-244.7) vs 58.6 (29.5-122.9) p=0.020]. This receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve shows that the optimal cutoff point of sST2 levels in the prediction of CTEPH was > 157.4 with specificity of 83.7% and sensitivity of 81.8% (area under the curve = 0.783; 95% CI, 1.005-1.027; p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: In acute PE patients, sST2 levels may be a useful biomarker to predict the development of CTEPH.

Research Burden of Interstitial Lung Diseases in Turkey - RBILD.

Introduction: The aim of our study is to investigate the etiological distribution of ILD in Turkey by stratifying the epidemiological characteristics of ILD cases, and the direct cost of initial diagnosis of the diagnosed patients. Material-Method: The study was conducted as a multicenter, prospective, cross-sectional, clinical observation study. Patients over the age of 18 and who accepted to participate to the study were included and evaluated as considered to be ILD. The findings of diagnosis, examination and treatment carried out by the centers in accordance with routine diagnostic procedures were recorded observationally. Results: In total,1070 patients were included in this study. 567 (53%) of the patients were male and 503 (47%) were female. The most frequently diagnosed disease was IPF (30.5%). Dyspnea (75.9%) was the highest incidence among the presenting symptoms. Physical examination found bibasilar inspiratory crackles in 56.2 % and radiological findings included reticular opacities and interlobular septal thickenings in 55.9 % of the cases. It was observed that clinical and radiological findings were used most frequently (74.9%) as a diagnostic tool. While the most common treatment approaches were the use of systemic steroids and antifibrotic drugs with a rate of 30.7% and 85.6%, respectively. The total median cost from the patient's admission to diagnosis was 540 Turkish Lira. Conclusion: We believe that our findings compared with data from other countries will be useful in showing the current situation of ILD in our country to discuss this problem and making plans for a solution.

Altered Cardiac Repolarization in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.

OBJECTIVE: Altered cardiac repolarization is an important mechanism in the development of malignant cardiac arrhythmia and in the occurrence of sudden cardiac death. It is known that the risk of cardiac arrhythmia and sudden death is increased in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Evaluating the measurements of repolarization in the electrocardiogram may provide useful information to determine potential risks for lethal arrhythmias in the patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. In the present study, we investigated the possible relationships between repolarization parameters in the electrocardio and demographic, clinical, and biochemical findings in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In the present study, 35 patients with Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease A-B constituted group 1 and 35 patients with Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease C-D constituted group 2. Cardiac repolarization and dispersion (QTc interval and QT dispersion) were measured on 12-lead electrocardiogram. QTc interval, QT dispersion, TP-e, and Tp-e/ QTc were evaluated in order to determine the patients at risk of sudden cardiac death. QTc interval >440 ms in men and >460 ms in women was considered as prolonged QTc interval. RESULTS: QTc and QTd values were found to be statistically significantly prolonged in the group of GOLD C-D compared to the group of GOLD A-B (P < .001). QTc value showed negative correlation with the ratio of forced expiratory volume in 1 second to forced vital capacity and partial pressure of oxygen (P = .030, r = -0.260; P = .006, r = -0.332, respectively). No significant difference was in Tp-e and Tp-e/QTc between the groups (P = .73, P = .12, respectively). CONCLUSION: QTc and QTd are non-invasive markers reflecting arrhythmogenicity, and our findings were found to be related to prolonged QTc and QTd in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Prolongation in the dispersion of repolarization and altered cardiac repolarization in the population with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease may be related to hypoxemia and airway obstruction. Alterations in the cardiac repolarization may put these patients at high risk for malignant ventricular arrhythmia and sudden cardiac death.

Cerebral hemodynamics in patients with ankylosing spondylitis.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess the cerebral blood flow velocity as a marker by using transcranial Doppler (TCD) ultrasonography in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS). METHODS: A total of 30 AS patients aged 20 to 50 were enrolled in the AS group (male/female: 4/26, mean age: 34.7 ± 5.9) consecutively. The control group (non-AS group; male/female: 4/26, mean age: 32.3 ± 4.7) consisted of 30 age- and sex-matched, randomly selected patients without AS who had other diagnoses such as fibromyalgia and did not have risk factors for atherosclerosis. Bilateral middle cerebral artery (MCA) peak-systolic, end-diastolic, and mean blood flow velocities, Gosling's pulsatility index values, and Pourcelot's resistance index values were recorded with TCD by a neurosonologist blinded to the AS and control groups. RESULTS: The erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP) levels and cerebral blood flow velocities of bilateral MCA were significantly higher in the AS group than in the control group. CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights that the increased cerebral blood flow is indirectly associated with atherosclerosis regarding persistent inflammation in patients with AS.

Does the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio have any importance between subjects with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome with obesity and without obesity?

INTRODUCTION: An increase in the incidence of OSAS (obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome) has been seen due to the reported association between OSAS and obesity. Subjects are predisposed to cardiovascular disease due to systemic inflammation caused by the interactions between obesity and OSA. Inflammatory markers could be used to predict the degree of systemic inflammation, which could be a prognostic factor for future adverse events such as metabolic risks. One marker that has recently started being used as an indicator of systemic inflammation is neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The aim is to evaluate NLR, which is a easily measured parameter of systemic inflammation in OSAS subjects with and without obesity. 155 subjects were assigned to four different groups according to their body mass indices. Comparisons of white blood cell, neutrophil, lymphocyte, NLR values and anthropometric measurements were done for each group. RESULT: The NLR and neutrophil counts of group 4 were statistically significant and higher than those of groups 1, 2 and 3. The lymphocyte counts of group 4 were the lowest amongst all groups, these values were lower than the lymphocyte counts of groups 1, 2 and 3 with statistically significant differences (p< 001). A positive correlation was found between the body mass index and lymphocyte count values of obese OSAS subjects (r= 0.027, p= 353). CONCLUSIONS: The NLR ratio was found to be increasing by obesity grade and reveals that the associated inflammatory response also increases. The NLR ratio might be used as an inflammatory marker in obese OSAS subjects.

Protective Effects of Alpha-Lipoic Acid on Methotrexate-Induced Oxidative Lung Injury in Rats.

OBJECTIVE: Oxidative stress is one of the major causes of methotrexate induced lung injury (MILI). Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA), which occurs naturally in human food, has antioxidative and anti-inflammatory activities. The aim of this study was to research the potential protective role of ALA on MILI in rats. METHODS: Twenty one rats were randomly subdivided into three groups: control (group I), methotrexate (MTX) treated (group II), and MTX+ALA treated (group III). Lung injury was performed with a single dose of MTX (20 mg/kg) to groups 2 and 3. On the sixth day, animals in all groups were sacrificed by decapitation and lung tissue and blood samples were removed for histological examination and also measurement the levels of interleukin-1-beta (IL-1ß), malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), myeloperoxidase (MPO), and sodium potassium-adenosine triphosphatase (Na+/K+ATPase). RESULTS: In MTX group tissue GSH, Na+/K+ATPase activities were lower, tissue MDA, MPO and plasma IL-1?, TNF-? were significantly higher than the other groups. Histopathological examination showed that lung injury was less severe in group 2 according to group 3. CONCLUSIONS: Oxidative damage of MTX in rat lung is partially reduced when combined with ALA.

Insights into chest computed tomography findings in Behcet's disease.

INTRODUCTION: To evaluate the spectrum and frequency of abnormal chest multidedector computed tomography (MDCT) findings in Behcet's disease(BD). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Chest MDCT scans of 44 patients referred to radiology department for chest symptoms those had prior or newly established diagnosis of BD between 2009-2016 were retrospectively reviewed. Abnormal findings within pulmonary artery (PA), lungs, other large vessels, heart, mediastinum, pleura and pericardium were noted. RESULT: Sixteen patients had one ore more computed tomography (CT) findings related to BD. PA involvement was most common (27.2%) presentation revealing thrombosis in 8 and aneurysms in 4 of 12 patients. Mean PA diameter was 29 ± 3.7 mm. Patients with PA involvement had significantly higher PA diameters than those without (p< 0.001). Hypertrophied bronchial artery seen as serpiginous vessels around hilum was a common finding (66.6%). Lung parenchyma findings was rarely isolated and usually associated with PA involvement with subpleural alveolar opacities, focal atelectasis and ill-defined nodular opacities. Cardiac filling defects were accompanying lesions in most of patients with PA aneurysms (75%). CONCLUSIONS: BD is associated with a wide spectrum of simultaneous involvement of discrete anatomical sites. PA enlargement and hypertrophied bronchial artery is a clue for patients with PA involvement. Heart chambers should be checked for filling defects particularly in patients with PA aneurysms.

Serum telomerase levels in smokers and smokeless tobacco users as Maras powder.

INTRODUCTION: To the best of our knowledge, no previous study regarding the serum telomerase levels in Maras powder users (MPUs) has been founded. The aim of the current study was to investigate serum telomerase levels in smokers and MPUs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was carried out with 98 patients (36 MPUs, 32 smokers and 30 non-smokers). Blood samples were collected, and after having measured the serum telomerase and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels of the patients, comparison were made between the groups. RESULT: It has been observed that the serum telomerase and MDA levels of smokers (p< 0.001) and MPUs (p< 0.001) were significantly higher compared to those of the non-smoker control subjects. In addition, the levels of serum telomerase and MDA were observed to be higher in the MPU group compared to those of the smoker group (p< 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The levels of serum telomerase and MDA were observed to be higher among MPUs and smokers. In this context, it may be useful to further measure and assess telomerase activity in such patients in order to better determine the harmful effects associated with these habits.

Changes in Cerebral Blood Flow in Patients with Familial Mediterranean Fever.

INTRODUCTION: It is known that there is a relationship between systemic inflammation and atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is one of the best-known causes of cerebrovascular diseases. The aim of this study was to assess cerebral blood flow velocity using transcranial Doppler (TCD) ultrasonography in patients with familial Mediterranean fever (FMF). METHODS: A total of 30 patients aged from 20 to 50 years with FMF were enrolled in the FMF group consecutively. The control group (non-FMF group) consisted of 30 age- and sex-matched randomly selected patients without FMF who had other diagnoses such as fibromyalgia and did not have risk factors for atherosclerosis. Bilateral peak-systolic, end-diastolic, and mean blood flow velocities in the middle cerebral artery (MCA), values of Gosling's pulsatility index, and values of Pourcelot's resistance index were recorded using TCD ultrasonography by a neurosonologist blinded to the FMF and control groups. RESULTS: There were 30 participants in the FMF group in remission (male/female: 4/26, mean age: 34.7±5.9 years) and 30 participants in the control group (male/female: 4/26, mean age: 32.3±4.7 years). C-reactive protein levels and bilateral blood flow velocities in the MCA were significantly higher in the FMF group than in the control group. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that persistent clinical and subclinical inflammation in patients with FMF causes an increase in cerebral blood flow velocities. Our findings provide an insight into this association between FMF and cerebrovascular diseases.

Can We Predict the Perioperative Pulmonary Complications Before Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy: Original Research.

BACKGROUND: The increasing prevalence of obesity in worldwide is one of the most serious chronic public health problems and is considered to be a global epidemic. Bariatric surgical procedures have also been applied more often with increased prevalence of obesity. As a result, the incidence of surgical complications has increased. Preoperative evaluation is quite important for these patients. AIMS: The aim of our study is to determine the predictors of perioperative pulmonary complications of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy. STUDY DESIGN: The study is a cross-sectional study. METHODS: One hundred eighty-three consecutive patients who received laparoscopic bariatric surgery were followed up during 3 months. Patients were divided into two groups A and B. Group A being the patients who had perioperative pulmonary complications (n = 28) and group B being patients who had not (n = 155). Pulmonary function test (PFT), body mass index (BMI), preoperative oxygen saturation, age, gender, comorbid diseases, and smoking history were compared between these groups. RESULTS: Mean age, size, weight, BMI, PFT parameters of groups A and B were close to each other. The strongest predictors of perioperative pulmonary complications were duration of smoking in current smokers and low baseline oxygen saturation. CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative oxygen saturation and smoking history may help to predict perioperative complications of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy.

The Effect of Working in a Smoke-Free Workplace on use of Smoking and Smokeless Tobacco.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate whether smokeless tobacco (Maras powder) use increased among smokers working at smoke-free workplaces or not. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In Kahramanmaras city, 242 male workers who were current or former smokers, working at strictly smoke-free workplaces were included in this study. A total of 21 questions, including the Fagerstrom Test for Nicotine Dependence, were asked. RESULTS: All the participants were male with a mean age of 29.33±6.66 years, and the age range was 17-55 years. Current smokers were 90 (37.2%) and former smokers were 152 (62.8%). Former smokers were asked the reason why they quit smoking; the predominant reasons were the health hazards of smoking and the financial burden of cigarettes. The quitting rate was significantly higher among married participants (p=0.023). Maras powder users were 184 (76%), users who never smoked were 54 (22.3%), and former users were 4 (1.7%). We asked the Maras powder users if they had been using it before the smoking bans, and 96 workers (51.1%) answered "no." The question "Did the use of Maras powder increase with smoking bans"? was asked, and 118 workers (62.8%) answered "yes." The level of education among Maras powder users was significantly lower than non-users (p=0.001). CONCLUSION: Working in smoke-free workplaces is associated with increased rates of quitting smoking and also with increased use of Maras powder, a local form of oral smokeless tobacco.

A Case of Pulmonary Alveolar Microlithiasis Diagnosed by Transbronchial Biopsy.

Pulmonary alveolar microlithiasis is a rare infiltrative pulmonary disease, in which intraalveolar accumulation of small stones (microliths) consisting of calcium phosphatite occurs. It is an autosomal recessive disorder. The disease occurs as a result of the disruption of type IIb sodium phosphate cotransporter in type II alveolar cells after the mutation of SLC34A2. Majority of patients are diagnosed between age 20 and 40. Here, we present a case of alveolar microlithiasis that was diagnosed with transbronchial biopsy.

A case of acute respiratory failure in a rheumatoid arthritis patient after the administration of abatacept.

Drug-induced pulmonary disease is an important consideration in the differential diagnosis of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) who present with respiratory symptoms. We report a patient with RA who developed acute respiratory failure two weeks after the administration of abatacept. The clinical findings were consistent with drug-induced acute respiratory failure, most likely acute eosinophilic pneumonia. Pulse steroid was administered at 1000 mg/kg/day in the emergency department. Chest X-ray and arterial blood gas values revealed significant improvement on the second day of hospitalization. However, in the second week, the patient's fever rose up to 40°C, procalcitonin level increased to 15 ng/mL (<0.5 ng/mL is normal), and the patient died because of sepsis in the fourth week. This is the second report of respiratory failure, after the abatacept administration in the literature. We have reported an acute respiratory failure that occurred after use of the biological agent abatacept. With the increasing use of novel immunomodulatory agents, it is important for clinicians and pathologists to add the possibility of a drug reaction to the traditional differentials of acute respiratory failures occurring in these settings.

Association of neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio with the degree ofinterstitial lung disease in systemic sclerosis.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Determining the severity of systemic sclerosis related interstitial lung disease (SSc-ILD) is based on clinical and radiological findings, inflammation marker levels, and carbon monoxide diffusing capacity of the lung (DLCO). Recently studies are ongoing for objective and easy markers. Neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is shown to be a good marker for inflammation in recent clinical trials. In this study, we aimed to identify the possible relationship between NLR and carbon monoxide transfer coefficient (KCO) of SSc-ILD patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty-nine patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) were enrolled in the study. We used high-resolution computed tomography for diagnosis and used DLCO to evaluate degree of lung involvement. Complete blood cell counts and acute phase reactants were included as laboratory assessments. RESULTS: NLR values were significantly higher in the SSc-ILD group (3.66 ± 1.32 vs. 2.85 ± 1.12, P = 0.01) and correlated negatively with KCO. The NLR cut-off value was 3.21, its sensitivity was 81%, and its specificity was 81%. CONCLUSION: NLR level may serve as a marker of lung involvement in the presence of ILD in patients with SSc.

The approach of smokers to the new tobacco law and the change in their behaviour.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of our study is; to assess the approach of smokers to tobacco law, examine changes in their smoking related behaviors after the new law and determine the factors associated with these changes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data collected by questionnaire including 30 question. We applied the questionnaire to 1509 current smokers, and ex-smokers who quitted smoking after the law. SPSS packet programme was used for analyses. RESULTS: Participants consisted of 419 (28.0%) female, 1090 (72.0%) male with an average age of 33.6 ± 10.5 years. Although 80% of them knew that passive smoking is harmful to non-smokers, rate of smoking at home and in the car were very high. 869 (58.0%) of participants supported the law. 87 (5.8%) smokers quitted smoking after the law, 316 (20.9%) reduced. While health problems (37.3%) were the most frequent reason for quitting, restriction of smoking area had the most effect to reduce (54.2%). CONCLUSION: We satisfied that; the new tobacco law encouraged smokers to quit smoking. In addition, the majority of smokers supported the law.

[The assessment of knowledge about recent tobacco law number 5727 among our university students, academic and administrative staff]. / Üniversitemiz ögrencileri ile akademik ve idari personel arasinda 5727 sayili yeni tütün yasasina iliskin bilgi düzeyi degerlendirmesi.

In this study we investigated the level of knowledge and ideas of the university students and staff, about the last stage of Tobacco Law No. 5727, which came into force on 19 July 2009 in our country. This is descriptive questionnaire survey. Study's universe was consisting of the students 2009-2010 academic year studying in our universities and academic and administrative staff. A total of 2271 people were included the study. In our study, smoking prevalence was 21.3%. The prevalence for narghile smoking as 4.8% was the highest among students. 94.9% of participants thought that passive smoking increased the risk for human health. Asked whether the banned places, the most correct answers were; the school (97.0%), bank branches (96.3%) and hospitals (96.2%) as the most incorrect answers were; in the garden of hospital (55.7%), garden of private education (53.4%) and the school playground (46.1%). 87.6% of the participants were supporting the new tobacco law. 61.3% of smokers were supporting the law (p= 0.000). 54.3% of narghile-smokers support the law, and this rate was lower than cigarette smokers. Overall, tobacco law is known and supported between our students and staff. More information and supervision should be given about the banned places like school garden and private course gardens which were the high rate of false knowledge. The support to law among students is lower than staff. Similarly narghile use among students is often more. The community should be informed also about the other tobacco products.

Interstitial lung disease in coppersmiths in high serum copper levels.

Coppersmith is a worker who uses copper most commonly for the production of kitchen appliances in Turkey. This is an ancient occupation practiced for centuries in Turkey. Our objective was to investigate the prevalence of parenchymal lung diseases among coppersmiths in Kahramanmaras city in Turkey. Thirty coppersmiths were included to the study, and they all signed an informed consent. Demographics, spirometric test results and high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) scans, and blood samples were obtained. Laboratory analysis of the serum samples showed that serum copper levels of the subjects were 0.93 +/- 0.14 mg/L. Serum copper level in control group was found as 0.70 +/- 0.14 mg/L, and it was significantly different between the two groups (p < 0.05). Of 30 coppersmiths, 17 HRCT findings are abnormal and seen with diffuse parenchymal interstitial lung disease pattern-ten (58.8%) respiratory bronchiolitis interstitial lung disease, five (29.4%) nonspecific interstitial pneumonia, and two (11.8%) usual interstitial pneumonia. The most prevalent HRCT pattern was micronodular pattern in workers. This is the first field study reporting the radiologic findings of coppersmiths and effect of the occupation on lung diseases.