[Mortality prediction ability of phycians in intensive care units of Turkey (MOPAP)]. / Türkiye'de yogun bakim ünitelerinde hekimin mortaliteyi öngörebilme gücü.

INTRODUCTION: Intensive care physicians are increasingly involved in decision making about the prognosis of intensive care unit ICU patients. With this study; we aimed to evaluate the power of clinician foresight at prediction of mortality in patient at triage to intensive care and patient follow-up. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was conducted in ICUs located in various geographical regions of Turkey between January 1, 2017-April 30, 2017.The clinical research was planned as observational, multicenter, cross-sectional. RESULT: A total of 1169 intubated patients were followed in 37 different ICU. At the beginning of the follow-up we asked the physician who will follow the patient in the ICU to give a score for the probability of survival of the patients. Scoring included a total of 6 scores from 0 to 5, with the "0" the worst probability "5" being the best. According to this distribution, only 1 (0.9%) of 113 patients who were given 0 points survived. Three (6.1%) of 49 with the best score of 5 died. Survival rates were significantly different in each score group (r: -0.488; p<0.001). After the combined mortality estimation scores based on the clinical observations of the physicians (0 and 1 point score was combined as non-survive, 4 and 5 score was combined as survived) 320 of the 545 patients were estimated to be dead and 225 were predicted survival. Sensitivity and spesifity of scoring system to predict mortality was 91.56% (95% CI: 87.96-94.37), 76.89% (95% CI: 70.82-82.23) respectively. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, we concluded that the physicians who follow the patients in the ICU can predict the poor prognosis at the time of admission and the high mortality rate. The physician's opinion on mortality estimation should be considered in intensive care mortality scoring in addition to other laboratory and clinical parameters.

Alterations of the neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio during the period of stable and acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients.

OBJECTIVES: We aimed to investigate the importance of neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) for identifying the severity of inflammation and recognition of acute exacerbation. METHODS: We retrospectively enrolled 100 patients with a diagnosis of COPD exacerbation who were admitted to our clinic. Complete blood count (CBC), measurement of C reactive protein (CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) were determined within 2 h of hospital admission. Three months after an acute exacerbation, these measurements were obtained from the same patients during the stable period of COPD. The control group included 80 healthy subjects. NLR was calculated from CBC. RESULTS: NLR and other inflammatory markers, such as WBC, CRP and ESR were found to be significantly elevated in exacerbated COPD compared to stable COPD and control participants. There was a significant correlation of NLR with CRP (r = 0.415, P < 0.001), WBC (r = 0.304, P = 0.002) and ESR (r = 0.275, P = 0.035). For an NLR cutoff of 3.29, sensitivity for detecting exacerbation of COPD was 80.8% and specificity was 77.7% (AUC 0.894, P = 0.001). Some patients presenting with acute exacerbation of COPD and CRP, WBC or ESR levels lower than the optimal cut-off value had high NLR values. CONCLUSIONS: Elevated NLR can be used as a marker similar to CRP, WBC and ESR, in the determination of increased inflammation in acutely exacerbated COPD. NLR could be beneficial for the early detection of potential acute exacerbations in patients with COPD who have normal levels of traditional markers.

Effect of human development index parameters on tuberculosis incidence in Turkish provinces.

INTRODUCTION: A country's development level is measured with a quantitative parameter called the human development index (HDI). The present study researched the effects of HDI parameters (such as healthcare standards, income, and education level) on the incidence of tuberculosis. METHODOLOGY: HDI data of 36 provinces of Turkey and the tuberculosis surveillance data were obtained from the Ministry of Development and the Ministry of Health, respectively. The associations between the incidence of tuberculosis and other HDI parameters were analyzed. RESULTS: Higher population density (n/km2) (CI = 0.05 to 0.40) and higher relapse rate of tuberculosis (CI = 0.36 to 1.48) were identified to be independent predicting factors that increased the incidence of tuberculosis, whereas higher gross national product (CI = -0.06 to 0.00), the population that holds a green Medicare card (CI=-0.58 to -0.04), increased general practitioners per 100,000 people (CI=-0.66 to -0.01), female population (CI = -0.70 to -0.06), married population (CI = -1.34 to -0.03), were found to be significant negative predicting factors that were relevant to the incidence (protective against tuberculosis). CONCLUSIONS: Tuberculosis is a disease that is affected by multiple factors, including the components of HDI. Improvement of income level, facilitation of access to health services via health insurance, urbanization with lower population density strategy, and provision of enough general practitioners may be useful in reducing the incidence of TB' in provinces of developing countries such as Turkey.

Evaluation of New Biomarkers in the Prediction of Malignant Mesothelioma in Subjects with Environmental Asbestos Exposure.

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study was to investigate the potential value of certain biomarkers in predicting the presence of malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) in individuals environmentally exposed to asbestos. METHODS: This prospective study investigated three groups; a control group composed of 41 healthy subjects, an asbestos exposure group consisting of 48 individuals, and a MPM group consisting of 42 patients. Serum levels of soluble mesothelin-related peptide (SMRP), thioredoxin-1 (TRX), epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), fibulin-3, syndecan-1 (SDC-1), and mesothelin were determined. RESULTS: Benign pleural plaques were present in 27 (58.3 %) of the individuals in the asbestos exposure group. The asbestos exposure group had significantly higher mean TRX, SMRP, and mesothelin levels compared to the control group (p = 0.023, p = 0.011, and p < 0.001, respectively). Compared to the asbestos exposure group, the MPM group had significantly higher mean EGFR, TRX, SMRP, and fibulin-3 levels (p = 0.041, p = 0.023, p = 0.002, and p = 0.001, respectively), and significantly lower mean SDC-1 levels (p = 0.002). Unlike the other biomarkers, SMRP and TRX levels increased in a graded fashion among the control, asbestos exposure, and MPM groups, respectively. Area under the curve values for SMRP and TRX were 0.86 and 0.72, respectively (95 % CI 0.79-0.92 and p < 0.001 for SMRP, and 95 % CI 0.62-0.81 and p < 0.001 for TRX). The cut-off value for SMRP was 0.62 nmol/l (sensitivity: 97.6 %, specificity: 68.9 %, positive predictive value (PPV): 56.2 %, and negative predictive value (NPV): 98.3 %) and for TRX was 156.67 ng/ml (sensitivity: 92.9 %, specificity: 77.6 %, PPV: 41.4 %, and NPV: 92.1 %). The combination of the biomarkers reached a sensitivity of 100 %, but had lower specificity (as high as 27.7 %). CONCLUSIONS: Serum biomarkers may be helpful for early diagnosis of MPM in asbestos-exposed cases. SMRP and TRX increased in a graded fashion from the controls to asbestos exposure and MPM groups. These two seem to be the most valuable biomarkers for the diagnosis of MPM, both individually and in combination.

Relationship between metabolic syndrome and epicardial fat tissue thickness in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

OBJECTIVE: An increase in epicardial fat tissue (EFT) thickness was found to be associated with metabolic syndrome (MS) and ischemic heart disease. MS is a comorbidity of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) resulting from the accompanying systemic inflammation. The aim of our study was to investigate the usefulness of EFT thickness to predict MS in COPD patients. METHODS: COPD patients admitted to our clinic during January-December 2014 and healthy controls were included in this prospective case control study. Patients with comorbidities, COPD exacerbation, and malignancies were excluded. Patients and controls were compared in terms of anthropometric measurements, MS-related examination and laboratory findings, pulmonary function tests, and EFT thickness. The correlations between EFT thickness and markers of MS in COPD were evaluated using the Student's t-test and logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: COPD patients and controls were composed of 82 and 84 individuals, respectively. MS was diagnosed in 31 (37.8%) COPD patients. The EFT thickness was significantly higher in COPD patients than in the controls and was also higher in COPD patients with MS than in those without MS (all p<0.001). Each 1-mm increment of EFT raised the risk of MS two-fold (p=0.011, OR=2.08, 95% CI: 1.18-3.68). Increase in triglyceride level (p=0.004, OR=1.02, 95% CI: 1.01-1.03) and reduction in forced vital capacity (p=0.025, OR=0.26, 95% CI: 0.08-0.84) were found to be associated with increased MS risk. The cut-off value for EFT thickness in the prediction of MS in COPD patients was 6.75 mm (sensitivity: 83%, specificity: 65%). CONCLUSION: EFT thickness is a non-invasive and easily available parameter, which is valuable in the prediction of increased MS risk in COPD patients. Early diagnosis of patients at risk of MS may help to prevent ischemic heart disease in these patients.

The Protective Effects of Caffeic Acid Phenethyl Ester on Acetylsalicylic Acid-induced Lung Injury in Rats.

AIM: We aimed to investigate the protective effect of caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) on acetylsalicylic acid (ASA)-induced lung damage in rats in the present study. METHODS: A total of 40 rats were randomly divided into five groups, with eight rats in each group-group 1: control, not receiving any medication; group 2: ASA (50 mg/kg/day); group 3: ASA (50 mg/kg/day) plus CAPE (20 µg/kg/day); group 4: ASA (100 mg/kg/day); and group 5: ASA (100 mg/kg/day) plus CAPE (20 µg/kg/day). ASA and CAPE were given via orogastric gavage for 5 days. The total oxidant status (TOS), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), oxidant stress index (OSI), and paraoxonase-1 (PON-1) activity of the blood samples and lung tissues were determined. Histopathological examinations of the lung tissues were performed by using light microscopic methods. RESULTS: CAPE treatment significantly increased antioxidant PON-1 level both in the lung tissue and plasma (p < .05). Plasma antioxidant marker (TAC, PON-1) levels significantly increased and oxidant marker (TOS, OSI) levels significantly decreased in CAPE-treated rats (groups 3,5) compared to ASA given no-CAPE groups (group 2,4) (p < .05). Treatment with CAPE improved pulmonary interstitial inflammation and eosinophil accumulation due to ASA histopathologically. CONCLUSION: Eosinophil-rich inflammation and oxidative stress play important roles in ASA-induced lung toxicity, and CAPE may protect against ASA-induced lung toxicity by reduction of oxidative damage and inflammation in rats.

Histopathological and Biochemical Effects of Ecballium elaterium on Sepsis-Induced Lung Injury.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to investigate the role of Ecballium elaterium (EE) on sepsis-induced lung injury. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 30 male rats were divided into three groups as follows: control, sepsis, and treatment groups (sepsis + EE) with each group containing 10 rats. A rat model of sepsis induced by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) was used. In the treatment group, rats were injected intraperitoneally with 2.5 mg/kg EE after CLP. Interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, total antioxidant status (TAS), total oxidant status (TOS), and oxidative stress index (OSI) values after a 24-hr period were measured via cardiac puncture. Animals were harvested after the procedure and biochemical analysis was done and histopathological changes of the tissue sections of lungs were examined thereafter. RESULTS: A statistically significant decrease was observed in the IL-6 (p < .05), TNF-α (p < .05), and TOS (p < .01) levels in the sera of the treatment group compared to those of the sepsis group. Following the treatment, the TOS (p = .01) and OSI (p < .05) levels in the lung tissue of rats indicated a statistically significant decrease compared to those of the sepsis group. The histopathological follow-up undertaken after the administration of the EE treatment to septic rats showed significantly lower values of alveolar wall thickness (p < .001), interstitial edema (p = .018), and neutrophil infiltration (p = .047). CONCLUSION: EE treatment may have beneficial effects on sepsis-induced lung injury, and therefore has potential for clinical use.

Serum Apelin 13 Levels in Patients With Pulmonary Embolism.

INTRODUCTION AND AIM: Expression and peptide immunoreactivity of apelin messenger RNA have been described in a variety of tissues, including gastrointestinal tract, adipose tissue, brain, kidney, liver, cardiovascular system, and lungs. This study aimed to investigate the possible involvement of the endogenous apelin in the pathophysiological events that occur in patients with pulmonary embolism (PE). MATERIALS AND METHODS: In total, 53 patients with PE and 35 healthy volunteers were included the study. This cross-sectional study was conducted at a tertiary care university hospital and among patients diagnosed as having PE. The control group consisted of healthy volunteers who applied to hospital for a routine checkup examination. Serum apelin 13 levels were measured in both the groups and their results were compared. RESULTS: The median ages were 57 and 53 years, and female-male ratios were 30/23 and 20/15, in the PE and control groups, respectively. The mean serum apelin 13 levels were found to be significantly higher in the PE group (76.94 ± 10.70 ng/mL) than in the control group (50.01 ± 7.13 ng/mL; P < .001). CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated that apelin 13 levels are elevated in patients with PE. These results suggest that apelin may be a novel biomarker and a potential therapeutic target in patients with acute PE in the future.

Fibulin-3 as a diagnostic biomarker in patients with malignant mesothelioma.

BACKGROUND: New tumour biomarkers are being intensely investigated for malignant mesothelioma (MM). Fibulin-3 is produced in MM but its role remains uncertain. The aim of this study was to evaluate the validity of measuring serum fibulin-3 in the diagnosis and prognosis of MM. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective study was performed on 43 patients and 40 healthy controls who were admitted to our hospital between January 2012 and January 2014. Data from MM patients, including demographic and clinical features, routine laboratory data, levels of serum fibulin-3, and treatment outcomes were defined as potential prognostic factors. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve for fibulin-3 was used to detect the cut-off value with highest sensitivity and specificity. Univariate survival analysis was performed using the Kaplan-Meier method in patients with MM. Afterwards, the possible factors identified with univariate analyses were entered into the cox regression analysis. RESULTS: Our results revealed that patients with MM had significantly higher serum levels of fibulin-3 than controls. The results showed that the best cut-off point was 36.6 ng/ml with an AUC (area under the curve)=0.976, sensitivity=93.0% and specificity=90.0. In our study, the initial significant poor prognostic factors were advanced stage, high white blood cell count, high platelet count, high C-reactive protein (p<0.05 for each variable). Later, according to multivariate analysis the results showed only advanced stage as significant parameter (p=0.040). CONCLUSIONS: We determined that real use for serum fibulin-3 was not for prognosis but for diagnosis in MM. Also advanced stage was associated with poor MM prognosis.

Alterations in platelet count and mean platelet volume as predictors of patient outcome in the respiratory intensive care unit.

INTRODUCTION: Thrombocytopenia is associated with increased mortality in intensive care unit (ICU) patients. Mean platelet volume (MPV) reflects platelet function and activation. Elevated MPV is associated with poor outcomes and increased mortality rate in diseases that are commonly encountered in the respiratory ICU. METHODS: We retrospectively enrolled 95 patients who died in the ICU (dead group), 80 patients who improved and were transferred from the ICU (survived group), and 80 healthy individuals as controls. Laboratory parameters including erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP), albumin, and complete blood count (CBC) were recorded within 24 h on admission and transfered from the ICU or died. White blood cell (WBC) count, hemoglobin (Hb), red cell distribution width, MPV, platelet distribution width (PDW), and platelet count (PC) were obtained from the CBC. RESULTS: Admission PC and MPV levels were not different in the survived and dead groups. But in the survived group, admission WBC, MPV and PDW levels decreased, while PC increased when compared with admission levels. In the dead group, admission MPV and PDW levels increased, while PC decreased with respect to admission levels. The admission mean PC of the dead group was 182 103, which was above the thrombocytopenia limit. The ratio of admission thrombocytopenia was 45.3% in the dead group, which was significantly higher than that of the survived group (13.8%) (P < 0.001) CONCLUSIONS: Increasing MPV and decreasing platelet count may alert intensivists to the worse course of disease in patients who had normal platelet counts at ICU admission. The development of thrombocytopenia may also be essential to assessing the outcome of ICU patients.

Carvacrol and pomegranate extract in treating methotrexate-induced lung oxidative injury in rats.

BACKGROUND: This study was designed to evaluate the effects of carvacrol (CRV) and pomegranate extract (PE) on methotrexate (MTX)-induced lung injury in rats. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 32 male rats were subdivided into 4 groups: control (group I), MTX treated (group II), MTX+CRV treated (group III), and MTX+PE treated (group IV). A single dose of 73 mg/kg CRV was administered intraperitoneally to rats in group III on Day 1 of the investigation. To group IV, a dose of 225 mg/kg of PE was administered via orogastric gavage once daily over 7 days. A single dose of 20 mg/kg of MTX was given intraperitoneally to groups II, III, and IV on Day 2. The total duration of experiment was 8 days. Malondialdehyde (MDA), total oxidant status (TOS), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and oxidative stress index (OSI) were measured from rat lung tissues and cardiac blood samples. RESULTS: Serum and lung specimen analyses demonstrated that MDA, TOS, and OSI levels were significantly greater in group II relative to controls. Conversely, the TAC level was significantly reduced in group II when compared to the control group. Pre-administering either CRV or PE was associated with decreased MDA, TOS, and OSI levels and increased TAC levels compared to rats treated with MTX alone. Histopathological examination revealed that lung injury was less severe in group III and IV relative to group II. CONCLUSIONS: MTX treatment results in rat lung oxidative damage that is partially counteracted by pretreatment with either CRV or PE.

Oxidative status and acute phase reactants in patients with environmental asbestos exposure and mesothelioma.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate inflammatory indicators and oxidative status in patients with asbestos exposure with and without mesothelioma and to compare results with data from healthy subjects. METHODS: Eighty people with exposure to environmental asbestos and without any disease, 46 mesothelioma patients, and a control group of 50 people without exposure to environmental asbestos were enrolled in this prospective study. Serum total oxidant level (TOL), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and oxidative stress index (OSI), CRP, transferrin, ceruloplasmin, α-1 antitrypsin, ferritin, and copper levels were measured. RESULTS: Mesothelioma group exhibited higher TOL, OSI, α1-antitrypsin, ferritin and copper levels as compared to the other groups (P < 0.001, P = 0.007, P < 0.0001, P < 0.001, and P < 0.001, resp.). Transferrin was lower in the mesothelioma group than in the other two groups (P < 0.001). The asbestos group had higher TOL, TAC, α1-antitrypsin, and transferrin levels (P < 0.001, P < 0.001, P < 0.001, and P < 0.001, resp.), as well as lower OSI and ferritin levels as compared to the control group (P < 0.001 and P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: We believe that elevated acute phase reactants and oxidative stress markers (TOL and OSI) in the mesothelioma group can be used as predictive markers for the development of asbestos-related malignancy.

Is a complete blood cell count useful in determining the prognosis of pulmonary embolism?

BACKGROUND: Pulmonary embolism (PE) is the third cardiovascular cause of hospital admission, following acute coronary syndrome and stroke. Despite high-tech diagnostic methods and new treatment modalities, PEs continue to have a high mortality rate within the first 3 months. This study was designed to assess the additional prognostic value of a complete blood cell count, renal function markers, C-reactive protein, and simplified pulmonary embolism severity index (sPESI) scoring system in PE 100-day mortality. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study retrospectively enrolled 208 consecutive patients who were hospitalized with the diagnosis of an acute PE. The patients' demographic characteristics and clinical and laboratory parameters were recorded from the hospital electronic database and patient's case notes. The primary end point of the study was an adverse 100-day outcome, defined as death from any cause. RESULTS: The all-cause mortality in the first 100 days was 14.42 %. The mean age was 57.87 ± 18.17 (range: 16-93) years. We included 79 (38 %) male and 129 (62 %) female individuals. Red cell distribution width (RDW) and sPESI were found to be statistically significant predictors of PE mortality by multivariate regression analysis. On multivariate regression analysis, RDW was associated with a 4.08-fold (95 % confidence interval: 1.229-13.335, P = 0.021) increase in PE mortality. CONCLUSION: The results of this study demonstrated that RDW and sPESI may be a useful guide in predicting 100-day mortality. The elevated RDW may alert physicians to possible poor prognosis.

Adult diagnosis of Swyer-James-Macleod syndrome: retrospective analysis of four cases.

Swyer-James-Macleod syndrome (SJMS) is a rare constrictive bronchiolitis with air-flow obstruction and a decreased number and diameter of ipsilateral peripheral pulmonary vessels. This syndrome is characterized by unilateral hyperlucency on chest radiography. Computed tomography provides useful additional information. The diagnosis is usually made in childhood but sometimes occurs in adulthood. The disease often presents with dyspnea, decreased exercise tolerance, cough, hemoptysis, and recurrent pulmonary infections. SJMS may be confused with asthma or pulmonary embolism due to similar symptoms and may result in inappropriate therapy. This case series examined the clinical and imaging spectrum of four patients who were diagnosed with SJMS in adulthood.

A single imaging modality in the diagnosis, severity, and prognosis of pulmonary embolism.

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to investigate the currency of computerized tomography pulmonary angiography-based parameters as pulmonary artery obstruction index (PAOI), as well as right ventricular diameters for pulmonary embolism (PE) risk evaluation and prediction of mortality and intensive care unit (ICU) requirement. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study retrospectively enrolled 203 patients hospitalized with acute PE. PAOI was calculated according to Qanadli score. RESULTS: Forty-three patients (23.9%) were hospitalized in the ICU. Nineteen patients (10.6%) died during the 30-day follow-up period. The optimal cutoff value of PAOI for PE 30th day mortality and ICU requirement were found as 36.5% in ROC curve analysis. The pulmonary artery systolic pressure had a significant positive correlation with right/left ventricular diameter ratio (r = 0.531, P < 0.001), PAOI (r = 0.296, P < 0.001), and pulmonary artery diameter (r = 0.659, P < 0.001). The patients with PAOI values higher than 36.5% have a 5.7-times increased risk of death. CONCLUSION: PAOI is a fast and promising parameter for risk assessment in patients with acute PE. With greater education of clinicians in this radiological scoring, a rapid assessment for diagnosis, clinical risk evaluation, and prognosis may be possible in emergency services without the need for echocardiography.

Two cases of extrapulmonary onset granulomatosis with polyangiitis which caused diffuse alveolar haemorrhage.

Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) is a rare form of vasculitis. Multidisciplinary therapeutic approach and early diagnosis assume vital importance in management of patients with diffuse alveolar haemorrhage caused by GPA, which is a rare complication. The purpose of this study was to present the diagnostic and therapeutic challenges experienced by clinicians in management of two severe cases of GPA with insidious extrapulmonary manifestations which rapidly progressed into acute kidney injury, alveolar haemorrhage and acute respiratory failure.

[Prognostic factors in non-small cell lung cancer patients and prognostic importance of PET/CT SUV max value]. / Küçük hücreli disi akciger kanseri olan olgularda prognostik faktörler ve PET/BT'deki SUV max degerinin prognostik önemi.

INTRODUCTION: This study planned to investigate the maximum standard uptake values (SUV max) at fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography/computed tomography (FDG-PET/CT) whether associated with survival or not and the effect of demographic, clinical and laboratory data on survival in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was created by examining retrospectively the records of 101 patients with NSCLC that received a definitive diagnosis and FDG-PET/CT used for staging in our center between May 2006-March 2011. Especially FDG-PET/CT, SUV max and the other clinical, histopathologic, laboratory and treatment parameters that effects prognosis were recorded and statistical analysis was performed. RESULTS: Eighty eight (87.1%) of the patients were men and 13 (12.9%) were women. The average survival period was 10.6 ± 8.5 (1-49 months) months. The demographic, clinical, laboratory and radiological parameters were divided into two groups with the median value of SUV max (12.0). There was not a significant difference in survival between the two groups (p= 0.807). The study showed that advanced stage, presence of metastasis, high lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels, high white blood cell levels, inoperability, low albumin levels and low performance effect negative on survival. CONCLUSION: It was considered that SUV max does not play an important role in the survival period of NSCLC patients. Knowledge of performance condition, serum LDH, leukocyte and albumin values may provide a better prognostic evaluation.

Frequency of pulmonary hypertension in patients with COPD due to biomass smoke and tobacco smoke.

OBJECTIVES: Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a common and well established complication of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Its presence is associated with decreased survival. This study was designed to investigate the PH frequency and its relations in hospitalized tobacco and biomass related COPD patients. METHODS AND RESULTS: The study was a retrospective review of inpatients with COPD defined as a history of tobacco or biomass smoking, Pulmonary function tests (PFT) within stable status, an echocardiogram within stable status. PH was defined as systolic pulmonary artery pressure (sPAP) >35 mmHg. Of the 694 individuals, 600 had suitable aspects for inclusion of study. All Females were biomass exposer and males were tobacco smoker. The Prevalence of PH was found more frequent in females than males. It was more prominent in moderate level COPD cases (56,2% and 37,5%, P<0,002). Both groups had airflow limitation, hypercapnia and hypoxemia, but no differences were found in terms of PaCO(2) and PaO2. However, FEV1 % was lower in males than females (p<0,005). On the other hand, FVC % was lower in the females compared with the males (p < 0.02). When analyzing the influence of PFT and demographic parameters on PH in separate COPD level groups, the results a bit varied among the groups. CONCLUSION: Our study demonstrated that PH frequency is higher in female COPD cases due to biomass smoke than in male COPD cases due to tobacco smoke. The influence of FVC % on the risk of a person having PH increased with increasing COPD level.

Relationships between respiratory function disorders and serum copper levels in copper mineworkers.

The aim of this study was to investigate the respiratory function disorders that could be related to dust exposure during the production of copper mine in copper mineworkers (CMWs). The study included 75 male CMWs (mean age, 32.0 ± 7.1 years, 58.6% smokers) and 75 male age- and smoking status-matched healthy control subjects. Serum Cu level was significantly higher in the CMW group (0.80 ± 0.62 µg/ml) than the control group (0.60 ± 0.39 µg/ml) (p = 0.017). Significant negative correlations were found between serum Cu level and forced expiratory volume in first second (r = -0.600; p < 0.001) and between serum Cu level and forced vital capacity (r = -0.593; p = <0.001) in CMWs. Serum Cu level was significantly higher in the restrictive type pulmonary function disorders group (1.36 ± 0.62 µg/ml) than obstructive type (0.90 ± 0.55 µg/ml) and normal pulmonary function pattern group (0.53 ± 0.43 µg/ml) (p < 0.001). Patients with radiological parenchymal abnormalities had significantly higher serum copper levels than those without abnormalities (1.53 ± 0.52 vs. 0.71 ± 0.52 µg/ml, respectively; p = 0.002). In conclusion, result of the study has shown a negative association between pulmonary functions disorders and radiological abnormalities and serum Cu levels in CMWs.