Adipokines in interstitial lung diseases.

Interstitial lung diseases (ILD) are a heterogenic group of respiratory diseases with complex pathogenesis. A growing number of evidence suggests role of adipose tissue and it's hormones (adipokines) in pathogenesis of various disorders, including lung tissue diseases. The aim of this study was to assess the concentrations of selected adipokines and their receptors (apelin, adiponectin, chemerin, chemerin receptor - CMKLR1) in patients with IPF (idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis) and sarcoidosis in comparison to healthy controls. We found changes in adipokines concentrations in ILD. Adiponectin concentrations were higher in all respiratory diseases patients in comparison to healthy controls. Apelin concentration in ILD patients was higher then those in healthy subjects. The trend of chemerin and CMKLR1 concentrations were similar, with highest concentrations seen in sarcoidosis. The study shows a difference of adipokines concentrations between patients with ILD and healthy controls. Adipokines are a potential marker and therapeutic target in patients with IPF and sarcoidosis.

Predominance of Comorbidities in the Detriment of Daily Activity in Sarcoidosis Patients.

Sarcoidosis may affect lung function, working ability, overall mobility, and daily activity. In the present study we performed an analysis of clinical settings in patients with sarcoidosis to disentangle its influence on daily physical activity (PA). PA assessment (number of steps per day, daily energy expenditure) was performed by accelerometry during consecutive 7 days after discharge from hospital. Thirty patients with sarcoidosis, aged 46.4 ± 10.5, were enrolled in the study. Clinical data (age, gender, steroid consumption, weight, and comorbidities), lung function tests (forced expiratory volume in one second - FEV1, forced vital capacity - FVC, and lung diffusion for carbon monoxide - DLCO), mobility (6-minute walk test - 6 MWT) and physical performance (oxygen consumption at anaerobic threshold - VO2/AT) were estimated. The mean daily PA (5214 ± 2699 steps/day) and VO2max (22.3 ± 7.0 ml/kg/min) were lower when referenced to the age-group predicted values. A significant greater daily PA was observed in sarcoidosis patients without comorbidities compared with those having more than two comorbidities (p = 0.046). No association was found between steroid use, lung function, and 6MWT. Daily PA was associated with patients aerobic efficacy and VO2max (r = 0.38, p < 0.04). The findings demonstrate a significant influence of comorbidities on sarcoidosis patients' exercise tolerance and daily PA. Special treatment considerations, including the potential impact of comorbidities, may help optimize exercise regimes, link physical activity with health, and prevent sarcoidosis complications.

Physical Functioning and Symptoms of Chronic Fatigue in Sarcoidosis Patients.

Scientific reports underscore the importance of measuring the health-related quality of life in sarcoidosis patients. The present study seeks to define how sarcoidosis patients' quality of life, daily physical activity, and physical performance are related to each other. Seventeen patients (mean age 46.8 ± 8.8 years) suffering from sarcoidosis completed the following questionnaires: the fatigue assessment scale (FAS), the quality of life scale (SF-36 questionnaire), and the Borg dyspnea scale. Physical activity (PA) was assessed using accelerometry. Respiratory function, consisting of forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in one second as a percentage of vital capacity (FEV1/%FVC), and diffusing capacity of the lungs for carbon monoxide (DLCO), were assessed. In addition, performance in 6-min walk test (MWT), aerobic capacity assessed from maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max), and the metabolic equivalent of task (MET) were evaluated. We found that daily PA (4566 ± 2378 steps/day) and VO2max (21.8 ± 5.9 ml/kg/min) were lower in sarcoidosis patients than the known predicted values in healthy age-matched individuals. There were significant inverse associations between the FAS score and 6MWT (r = -0.62; p < 0.01), and between SF-36 score and 6MWT (r = -0.55; p < 0.03). In contrast, SF-36 scores associated with fatigue and dyspnea scores (r = 0.72; p < 0.001 and r = 0.85; p < 0.001). These findings imply that sarcoidosis patients are less active compared with healthy subjects. The FAS and SF-36 scales seem to be effective tools for assessing the severity of fatigue in sarcoidosis patients.

Pulmonary Rehabilitation in Advanced Lung Cancer Patients During Chemotherapy.

The aim of this study was to investigate the utility of pulmonary rehabilitation for improving of exercises efficiency, dyspnea, and quality of life of patients with lung cancer during chemotherapy. After the enrollment selection, the study included 20 patients with newly diagnosed advanced lung cancer and performance status 0-2. There were 12 patients randomly allocated to the pulmonary rehabilitation group and another 8 constituted the control group that did not undergo physical rehabilitation. Both groups of patients had continual cycles of chemotherapy. Data were analyzed before and after 8 weeks of physical rehabilitation, and before and after 8 weeks of observation without rehabilitation in controls. The inpatient rehabilitation program was based on exercise training with ski poles and respiratory muscle training. We found a tendency for enhanced mobility (6 Minute Walk Test: 527.3 ± 107.4 vs. 563.9 ±64.6 m; p > 0.05) and a significant increase in forced expired volume in 1 s (66.9 ± 13.2 vs. 78.4 ± 17.7 %predicted; p = 0.016), less dyspnea (p = 0.05), and a tendency for improvement in the general quality of life questionnaire after completion of pulmonary rehabilitation as compared with the control group. This report suggests that pulmonary rehabilitation in advanced lung cancer patients during chemotherapy is a beneficial intervention to reduce dyspnea and enhance the quality of life and mobility.

Serum omentin levels in adolescent girls with anorexia nervosa and obesity.

It is believed that omentin is secreted by stromal cells of adipose tissue and modulates insulin sensitivity. Data from a few studies have shown lower serum omentin in obese children and higher in anorexia nervosa. However, to date, there is lack of research on serum omentin concentrations in adolescent patients in a wide range of body mass index (BMI) and insulin resistance. In this cross-sectional study omentin-1 serum concentrations were evaluated using commercially available ELISA kit in 47 Polish girls with restrictive anorexia nervosa (AN), 50 with simple obesity (OB) and 39 healthy controls (C). The mean serum omentin-1 concentration in girls with AN was statistically significantly higher than that of C and OB girls. Statistically significant (P<0.0001) negative correlations between the serum concentrations of omentin-1 and body weight (r=-0.73), BMI (r=-0.75), standard deviation score for body mass index (BMI-SDS) (r=-0.75), insulin (r=-0.81) and HOMA-IR index (r=-0.82) were seen in the entire examined population. We conclude, that omentin-1 is the nutritional marker reflecting body weight and insulin resistance. Our findings support the hypothesized role of omentin in maintenance of body weight and regulation of appetite and suggest the adaptation of its secretion to body weight and glucose metabolism.

Fatigue in sarcoidosis and exercise tolerance, dyspnea, and quality of life.

Fatigue is one of the major symptoms reported by sarcoidosis patients. The relationship between fatigue and clinical course of sarcoidosis remains unclear. The aim of the study was to evaluate the relationship between fatigue and lung function tests, exercise tolerance, dyspnea, and quality of life among sarcoidosis patients. One hundred eleven sarcoidosis patients completed the following questionnaires: Fatigue and Assessment Scale (FAS), Quality of Life Scale (SF-36), and dyspnea scales: Medical Research Council Questionnaire, Baseline Dyspnea Index, and Oxygen Cost Diagram. Clinical parameters (FVC, FEV1, DLCO, VO2, and VO2/AT, and work load) were derived from the patients' medical files. The exercise tolerance was the only clinical parameter associated with fatigue (Max. Work Load -0.65, VO2 -0.42, VO2/AT -0.51). No correlations were found between FAS and spirometry or diffusing tolerance. Fatigue correlated with all dyspnea domains by means of (r values ranging from 0.47 to 0.77 in multivariate regression analysis) and with quality of life in SF-36 questionnaire (r values ranging from -0.33 to -0.83). We conclude that FAS seems a reliable and valid indicator of dyspnea level, quality of life, and exercise tolerance in sarcoidosis patients.

High resolution computed tomography in 2-year follow-up of Stage I sarcoidosis.

There are as yet no markers known to predict the course of sarcoidosis. High resolution computed tomography (HRCT) is a tool that enables to visualize subtle parenchymal opacities in the lungs. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the prognostic role of HRCT at Stage I sarcoidosis. Fifty one patients (28 males and 23 females, aged 23-58) were studied. Based on HRCT examinations, two groups were distinguished: HRCT-positive (28 patients with pathologic changes in pulmonary parenchyma - mainly nodular opacities) and HRCT-negative (23 patients without parenchymal opacities). We found no significant differences between HRCT-negative and HRCT-positive groups in the mean values of pulmonary function tests (FEV1, FVC, FEV1/FVC, DLCO, and d(A-a)O2) between the starting and ending measurements of a 2-year long observation (check-up every 3 months). Likewise, there were no differences in the X-ray follow-up between the HRCT-positive and HRCT-negative groups. Nor were there significant differences in the percentage of patients showing stabilization, progression, or improvement between both groups (18 vs. 39 %, 21 vs. 4 %, and 61 vs. 57 %, respectively). We conclude that HRCT examination in stage I sarcoidosis has no significant prognostic role during a 2-year follow-up.

Pulmonary rehabilitation in patients referred for lung transplantation.

Effectiveness of pulmonary rehabilitation in patients with chronic obstructive lung diseases, cystic fibrosis, and interstitial lung disease is well documented but little is known about the results of pulmonary rehabilitation in patients referred for lung transplantation. The purpose of this study is to prospectively examine the efficacy of Nordic walking, a low cost, accessible, and proven beneficial form of physical exercise, as a form of pulmonary rehabilitation in patients referred for lung transplantation. Twenty-two male patients referred for lung transplantation at the Department of Lung Diseases and Tuberculosis in Zabrze, Poland, were invited to take part in the study. The rehabilitation program, which was conducted for 12 weeks, was based on Nordic walking exercise training with ski poles. Lung function tests (FVC, FEV1), mobility (6 min walking test (6MWT)), rating of dyspnea (Oxygen Cost Index, MRC and Baseline Dyspnea Index), and quality of life assessments (SF-36) were performed before and after the completion of the exercise program. No adverse events were observed after completing the pulmonary rehabilitation program in patients referred for lung transplantation. After 12 weeks of pulmonary rehabilitation with Nordic walking we observed a significant increase in the mean distance walked in the 6MWT (310.2 m vs. 372.1 m, p < 0.05). The results of lung function tests also showed improvement in FVC. There were no significant differences in the perception of dyspnea before and after completing the rehabilitation program. General health and quality of life questionnaire (SF-36) showed improvement in the domain of social functioning (p < 0.05). In conclusion, pulmonary rehabilitation with a Nordic walking program is a safe and feasible physical activity in end-stage lung disease patients referred for lung transplantation and results in improvements in patients' mobility and quality of life.

Osteoporosis in patients referred for lung transplantation.

OBJECTIVE: Osteoporosis may significantly impair the final result of lung transplantation. The purpose of study is to determine the prevalence of osteoporosis with the regard to risk factors for osteoporosis in patients awaiting lung transplantation. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We determined bone mineral density (BMD) in 48 patients (12 with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), 15 with other form idiopathic interstitial pneumonia (IIP), 5 with sarcoidosis and 16 with COPD) referred for lung transplantation (LT). BMD was performed on lumbar spine (LS), total hip (TH), and femoral neck (FN). Osteoporosis risk factors were analyzed with the consideration to principal diagnosis, lung function tests (FVC, FEV1) and mobility (6 MWT; six minute walking test). RESULTS: In osteoporosis group (50% of study population) the most affected was LS (mean T-score -3 ±1), with higher steroid consumption (cumulative steroid dose 40 ±28), lower FVC, FEV1 and mobility (6 MWT: 285 m) than in patients without osteoporosis. COPD patients presented the lowest BMD with the highest cumulative steroid dose (csd/kg: 0.6 ±0.6), lowest FEV1 (21 ±15% pred.) and 6 MWT (279 m). In patients with the lowest steroid consumption (IPF) the best results of BMD and FVC, FEV1 and 6 MWT were observed. No relation was found between BMD and sex and age in study group. CONCLUSIONS: Osteoporosis is very common in patients referred for lung transplantation, especially among COPD candidates. Steroid consumption is the mean risk factor. Therefore, early diagnosis and prevention of osteoporosis in lung transplant candidates should receive high priority.

Spirometric parameters in malnourished girls with anorexia nervosa.

Repercussions of obesity on the lung function have been widely studied. The effect of serious malnutrition is less well known. The aim of study was to determine spirometric parameters in 102 malnourished girls with anorexia nervosa. Among these patients, only 71 aged 12-18 years (mean 15.6), mean BMI 15.8 kg/m(2), met the ATS/ERS forced expiratory maneuver criteria for spirometry. The most frequently observed abnormalities were: decreased IC seen in 33 (46%) girls and decreased PEF in 45 (63%) patients. Maximum voluntary ventilation was within the normal range in all but 2 subjects. Diminished values of FEV(1), FVC, FEV(1)/FVC, MEF(50) were observed in 10 (14%), 13 (18%), 3 (4%), and 3 (4%) patients, respectively. We found strong positive correlations between weight and absolute values of the examined parameters. We assume that spirometric abnormalities in anorexia are probably a result of respiratory muscle weakness and body mass loss.

Induced sputum metalloproteinases and their inhibitors in relation to exhaled nitrogen oxide and sputum nitric oxides and other inflammatory cytokines in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

The aim of this study was to assess sputum levels of the metalloproteinases MMP-1, MMP-2, MMP-3, TIMP-1, and TIMP-2, as well as MMPs/TIMPs ratios in relation to exhaled NO (eNO) and sputum NOs (nitrates and nitrites) and IL8 obtained from chronic obstructive pulmonery disease (COPD) patients, healthy non-smokers, and healthy smokers. We found higher levels of TIMP-1 (118.9 ng/ml) and TIMP-2 (3.75 ng/ml) in COPD patients than in healthy smokers (17.7 ng/ml, P<0.03; 0.51 ng/ml, P>0.05, respectively) and healthy non-smokers (84.6 ng/ml, P>0.05; 1.61 ng/ml, P>0.05, respectively). We also observed significant positive correlations between concentrations of NOs and MMP-1, MMP-2, MMP-3, and TIMP-2 (r=0.37, P<0.02; r=0.60, P<0.0001; r=0.56, P<0.0004 and r=0.47 P<0.004, respectively) in COPD patients. IL8, MMP-2, MMP-3, and TIMP-2 levels in induced sputum were negatively correlated with airway obstruction, i.e., FEV(1)/FVC (r=-0.61, P<0.00009; r=-0.41, P<0.01; r=-0.38, P<0.02; r=-0.49, P<0.002). Our study points to a potentially pathogenic role of stromelysin-1 (MMP-3) in COPD.

Correlation of exhaled nitric oxide with nitrogen oxides and selected cytokines in induced sputum of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients.

Assessment of exhaled nitric oxide (eNO) in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) provides seemingly conflicting results and the relationships between eNO and other sputum inflammatory mediators are relatively weakly recognized. In the present study we measured eNO in 63 subjects (14 non-smoking healthy controls and 49 COPD stable patients--15 patients at stage 0, 9 patients at stage 1, 16 patients at stage 2, and 9 patients at stage 3). Additionally, concentrations of cytokines (IL-8, TNF-alpha, TGF-beta1, GM-CSF, Eotaxin) and nitrogen oxides (as nitrite or nitrate) (NOs) were measured in induced sputum in these patients. We found that there were no significant differences between the means of either eNO or NOs levels in COPD patients (stage 0-2) and controls. The only significant difference was noted for NOs between the COPD stage 3 patients and controls (9.0+/-1.7 microM vs. 21.1+/-4.8 microM). There was no significant correlation between eNO and sputum NOs. No relationships existed between eNO and the examined cytokine levels, except for a single negative correlation with GM-CSF (r=-0.38, P=0.02). In contrast, NOs correlated positively with IL-8 levels (r=0.51, P<0.01) and IL-8 levels correlated negatively (r=-0.47, P<0.01) with FEV1. We conclude that exhaled NO, sputum NOs, and other sputum cytokines offer separate and additive information about the pathophysiological condition in COPD.

Correlation of spirometric parameters taken at a single examination with the quality of life in children with stable asthma.

The aim of this study was to assess the correlations among the rate of asthma severity, spirometric parameters, peak expiratory flow (PEF) variability, and the quality of life according to the pediatric asthma quality of life questionnaire (PQLQ). A group of 54 children (25 F, 29 M) aged 7-17 years was studied. All patients had spirometry and PQLQ three times at 2-week intervals (Visits 1, 2, and 3). Between visits, children measured their PEF at home and the PEF variability index was calculated. The PQLQ score during all visits did not differ significantly between severe, mild, and moderate asthma children. The positive correlation between PQLQ and the variability of PEF in the period preceding Visit 2 and Visit 3 was shown (r=0.35, P=0.02). The changes in PQLQ between Visit 1, 2, and 3 did not correlate with those in spirometric parameters. PQLQ has a potential to become an additional tool for a full assessment of health of children suffering from bronchial asthma. A change in PQLQ should suggest the necessity to broaden the diagnosis and modify treatment.

Left ventricular dysfunction in patients with interstitial lung diseases referred for lung transplantation.

The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of left ventricular (LV) dysfunction in patients with advanced interstitial lung disease (ILD) and the relationship between LV function and factors limiting physical activity. In 2005-2006, 40 patients with end stage ILD were admitted with qualifications for lung transplantation (LT). From this group, 18 patients (7 women, 11 men) were referred for LT (active list), 22 patients (8 women, 14 men), who did not meet the ATS/ERS criteria for LT were excluded from this procedure (waiting list). All patients had echocardiography, spirometry, 6-min walking test (6MW), and gas exchange measurements. The following main echocariographic data that describe the LV function and morphology were taken into account: LVs, LVd, LVPWd, LVPWs, Ao, LA, ESV, EDV, and EF. We noted significant differences in LVPWd (P=0.01), ESV (P=0.01), and EDV (P=0.02), which presented lower values in patients on the active list compared with those on the waiting list. A positive correlation was found between 6MW and LVs (r=0.41), LA (r=0.45), ESV (r=0.62), and EDV (r=0.68). Correlations between spirometric, gas exchange, and left ventricle echocardiographic data were also observed. We conclude that patients on active list for lung transplantation present a decrease in the diameter and volume of the left ventricle. The latter change may influence the functional ability of interstitial lung disease patients.

Late consequences of respiratory system burns.

Burn inhalation has negative effects on pulmonary function and may result in whole airway damage. The consequences of a methane explosion are thermal injury of the respiratory tract, shock wave, and carbon monoxide intoxication. The aim of this study was to determine changes in the pulmonary function tests (PFTs) after six years of follow-up in miners who survived a methane explosion. Two groups were examined: 41 miners who fell victims to a methane explosion and had a documented thermal injury of the respiratory tract and 25 healthy miners who served as controls. Pulmonary function studies were repeated after six months and six years from the time of injury in 33 study subjects and at the same time intervals in 16 control subjects. The study included static and dynamic lung volumes and diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide (DLCO). The mean values of PFTs were within normal ranges in both groups examined six months and six years after the injury. A significant decrease in DLCO was observed in the victims (98.4% vs. 85.4%), but not in the control group, after a six years' observation. The decrease may be one of the reasons for a breathing discomfort emerging in these patients. In the control subjects we observed a significant decrease in FEV1 (96.4% vs. 83.4%)--over a six years' period. This finding is due likely to smoking and heavy pollution of the working environment.

Concentration of endothelin in plasma and BALF fluid from asthmatic patients.

The bronchoconstrictive peptide endothelin-1 (ET-1) has been demonstrated in the airway epithelial and endothelial cells. In this study we investigated the pathophysiological significance of endothelin-1 in asthma. We addressed the issue by assessing the concentration of ET-1 in plasma and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) in patients with a different intensity of asthma. Twenty one asthmatic patients (11 men,10 women) and 6 healthy control subjects (C) were included in the study. Eleven asthmatic patients were classified as moderate persistent asthma (SA), all of them were atopic, and another 10 were mild persistent asthmatics (AA). Lung function tests were carried out in all patients investigated. The ET-1 concentration was determined by an ELISA method in plasma and BALF. We found that the SA patients had the highest level of ET-1 (SA - 11.4 +/-3.6 fmol/ml; AA - 7.1 +/-2.7 fmol/ml; C - 5.6 +/-1.8 fmol/ml) in BALF. The same concerned the ET-1 level in plasma (SA - 27.8 +/-3.8 fmol/ml; AA - 18.1 +/-4.3 fmol/ml; C - 17.3 +/-3.0 fmol/ml). A positive correlation between the plasma ET-1 level and lung function indices was observed. We conclude that the higher levels of ET-1 in more severe asthma suggest that endothelins may contribute to the pathophysiology of the disease, its severity, and the regulation of bronchial tone.

Potential confounding factors in measurement of exhaled nitric oxide.

Nitric oxide is present in the exhaled air. Factors affecting the level of exhaled nitric oxide (exNO), except for smoking, are not well defined. In this study we seek to determine whether age, gender, body mass index (BMI), part of the day, or time after a meal could modulate exNO levels. exNO was examined by the use of a chemiluminescence method in 100 subjects - 31 women (19 nonsmokers and 12 smokers) and 69 males (55 nonsmokers and 14 smokers). Forty four subjects took medications due to stable coronary disease, 22 were after heart transplantation, and 34 did not take any drugs. We found that exNO levels did not differ either between the whole groups of women and men or between smokers and nonsmokers of either respective group (4.91 +/-2.38 vs. 6.27 +/-4.23 ppb; 3.21 +/-1.16 vs. 3.71 +/-1.55 ppb; 5.98 +/-2.35 vs. 6.92 +/-4.45 ppb). The correlation of exNO with age in the whole population was weak (r=0.23; P=0.02) and insignificant in the smoking and nonsmoking subgroups. Likewise, correlations of exNO with BMI, part of the day, or time after a meal were insignificant in whole population as well as the subgroups. We conclude that the aforementioned factors are not able to confound the measurement of exNO in the population studied.

Moderate exercise decreases nitric oxide exhalation in patients with stable coronary artery disease.

Nitric oxide (NO) is present in exhaled air in humans and its level may decrease in heart diseases. Nitrates are metabolised to NO. In the present study we prospectively investigated how coronary disease treated with oral nitrates and physical exercise influence the exhaled NO concentration (exNO). The study was performed in 44 patients with stable coronary artery disease (CAD) treated with oral nitrates (31 nonsmokers and 13 smokers). End-tidal concentration of exhaled NO was measured by the use of a chemiluminescence method. The Bruce protocol of an exercise test was performed in 21 coronary patients and 11 volunteers. NO was measured before and 2-5 min after the test. We found no significant differences in the exNO level between healthy controls and CAD patients as analyzed either for the whole groups or non-smoker and smoker subgroups (6.01 parts per billion (ppb) vs. 4.91 ppb; 7.02 ppb vs. 5,89 ppb; 3.62 ppb vs. 3.33 ppb, respectively). However, the coronary patients group, as a whole, had lower exNO after exercise (4.22 ppb vs. 3,84 ppb, P<0.01). The difference persisted after division of this group into non-smokers and smokers; 5.19 ppb vs. 4,79 ppb, P<0.05 and 3.63 ppb vs. 3.27 ppb, P<0.05, respectively). The level of exNO changed inappreciably after exercise in control subjects. We conclude that coronary disease and oral nitrates, in themselves, do not influence the exhaled NO concentration. Physical exercise, on the other side, lowers the exhaled NO level in coronary patients.

Quality of life during one-year observation of patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis awaiting lung transplantation.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the quality of life and its changes in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), waiting for lung transplantation. Sixteen IPF patients, who qualified for lung transplantation, and 14 chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients on long term oxygen therapy, taken as a reference group, were assessed. The quality of life was estimated twice, using an SF-36-questionnaire, at the time of qualification for lung transplantation and 12 months later. The IPF and reference patients had similarly profound disturbances in lung function and arterial blood gas content. The IPF patients had a statistically greater score in their physical functioning (PF; 45 vs. 18), the role of limitations due to physical problems (RP; 43 vs. 11), social functioning (SF; 58 vs. 30), and the role of emotional limitations in everyday life (RE; 65 vs. 12) than the reference ones. After a year's observation, there were no differences in SF-36 questionnaire results, except for the role of limitations due to physical problems (RP). A correlation was noted between spirometry and blood gas results and SF-36 questionnaire results in IPF patients qualified for lung transplantation. There was a positive correlation between the partial pressure of oxygen (PaO(2)), on one side, and mental and general health, on the other. There also were positive correlations between FEV1 and SF and FEV1 and the level of bodily pain (BP). We conclude that the SF-36 questionnaire is a sensitive tool to assess the quality of life in IPF patients qualified for lung transplantation. The information gained can help assess the severity of the disease, clinical symptoms, and functional impairment in these patients.