[Analysis of occurrence of Chlamydophila pneumoniae infection serological markers in patients with bronchial asthma]. / Analiza wystepowania serologicznych markerów zakazenia Chlamydophila pneumoniae u chorych na astme oskrzelowa.

Numerous publications pointing the role of Chlamydophila pneumoniae infections in etiopathogenesis of bronchial asthma have appeared in recent years. Up to the presence the diagnostics of Chlamydophila pneumoniae infections has been based on the serological examinations especially on indirect microimmunofluorescence which is regarded to be a "gold standard". The aim of the paper was to compare the occurrence of Chlamydophila pneumoniae infection serological markers in the group of patients with asthma (N = 38) and in the control group (N = 38). The obtained results have allowed making the following conclusions: 1. The increased level of IgG class anti-Chlamydophila pneumoniae antibodies in the group of patients with asthma, which proves more frequent contact with Chlamydophila pneumoniae in that group, seems to support the hypothesis about the role of chlamydial infections in etiopathogenesis of bronchial asthma. 2. The single assessment of anti-Chlamydophila pneumoniae antibodies in the ELISA test has not allowed determining the type of chlamydial infection in unambiguous way. However, with reference to the entire clinical picture, the statement of the contact with Chlamydophila pneumoniae can be helpful especially in the treatment of severe asthma.

[The consequences of sleep structure disturbances in sleep apnea syndrome]. / Nastepstwa zaburzen struktury snu przez zespól bezdechu.

Sleep apnea syndrome (SAS) disturbing the structure of normal sleep causes many diseases. Contemporary studies prove that apnea is an independent risk factor for hypertension and myocardial infarction. Moreover it is emphasized that SAS plays important role in the initiation of arrhythmias, left ventricle dysfunction, pulmonary hypertension, endocrinological disorders and many others. That is the reason of worsened quality of life and increased mortality, mainly as a consequence of cardiovascular complications or high accident rate. Early diagnosis and treatment's application allows to improve the prognosis in these patients. This article recapitulates the knowledge in the field of SAS complications and the potential mechanisms of their development.

[The significance of viral infection in asthma]. / Znaczenie infekcji wirusowych w astmie.

The aim of the paper was to systematize, according to recent literature data, the processes taking place in respiratory tract in the course of viral infections and to emphasize their relevance to the development of bronchial hyperreactivity and the pathogenesis of asthma. Furthermore, the pathophysiological mechanisms which may be responsible for chronic infection and successively for nonspecific bronchial hyperresponsiveness were reported. Viral pathogens which are suggested to initiate bronchial asthma, its exacerbations and induce dyspnoea were mentioned.

[Clinical aspects of chlamydia respiratory tract infections and their role in the pathogenesis of asthma]. / Kliniczne aspekty chlamydiowych zakazen ukladu oddechowego i ich rola w patogenezie astmy.

Recent world-wide publications were reviewed in order to determine the clinical characteristics and therapeutic relevance of the chlamydial respiratory tract infections in humans. It was emphasized that Chlamydia pneumoniae could initiate asthma and may be associated with acute asthma exacerbation. Laboratory procedures for identifying chlamydia and difficulties concerned with the diagnostics of this intracellular pathogen were also presented. In patients with evidence of chlamydial infection the casual treatment (macrolides, tetracyclines, fluoroquinolones) may induce major improvement or complete resolution of asthma.