Advances in Respiratory Medicine

439 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Development of Respiratory Function Investigation in Poland—Historical Review

by Janusz Kowalski and Leszek Radwan

Adv. Respir. Med. 2009, 77(5), 487-493; https://doi.org/10.5603/ARM.27784 - 12 Aug 2009

Viewed by 236

Abstract

Spirometria jest uważana za podstawowe ba-danie sprawności wentylacyjnej płuc [...] Full article

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Open AccessEditorial

Professor Janina Misiewicz

by Ewa Rowińska-Zakrzewska

Adv. Respir. Med. 2009, 77(5), 484-486; https://doi.org/10.5603/ARM.27783 - 12 Aug 2009

Viewed by 243

Abstract

Czuję się zaszczycona, mogąc przypomniećPanią Profesor dr hab. med. Janinę Misiewicz, kobietę, która stworzyła Instytut Gruźlicy i dała poII wojnie światowej podwaliny polskiej ftyzjatrii [...] Full article

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Open AccessCase Report

Resolvement of Respiratory Failure and Polycythemia after CPAP Treatment in a Middle-Aged Male with Severe Obstructive Sleep Apnea

by Robert Pływaczewski, Damian Korzybski, Barbara Kazanecka, Luiza Jonczak, Dorota Górecka and Paweł Śliwiński

Adv. Respir. Med. 2009, 77(5), 479-483; https://doi.org/10.5603/ARM.27780 - 12 Aug 2009

Viewed by 312

Abstract

We present the case of a 52 year-old obese (BMI = 46.2 kg/m²) man with severe obstructive sleep apnea (RDI of 60). Before CPAP treatment was applied, the patient was diagnosed with complete respiratory failure and polycythemia. During effective autoCPAP treatment (after 10 [...] Read more.

We present the case of a 52 year-old obese (BMI = 46.2 kg/m²) man with severe obstructive sleep apnea (RDI of 60). Before CPAP treatment was applied, the patient was diagnosed with complete respiratory failure and polycythemia. During effective autoCPAP treatment (after 10 days AHI was 5.5 at 10 mbar pressure) we observed normalization of arterial blood gases (PaCO₂ of borderline value). After one month’s treatment with autoCPAP at home, we found normalization of blood morphology parameters and PaCO₂ had returned to normal, and the patient was properly oxygenated. The patient lost 22 kg during therapy (9 kg in hospital, and 13 kg at home) which resulted in the spirometric measurements returning to their normal value. Full article

318 KiB

Open AccessCase Report

Neurofibromatosis Type 1 in an Adult Diagnosed by a Pulmonologist

by Agnieszka Gawlewicz-Mroczka, Lucyna Mastalerz and Ewa Niżankowska-Mogilnicka

Adv. Respir. Med. 2009, 77(5), 474-478; https://doi.org/10.5603/ARM.27779 - 12 Aug 2009

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 261

Abstract

Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1), referred to as von Recklinghausen’s disease, is a genetic disorder triggered by mutation of the NF1 gene, resulting in a lack of neurofibromin, which leads to abnormalities found in the peripheral nervous system and central nervous system, as well [...] Read more.

Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1), referred to as von Recklinghausen’s disease, is a genetic disorder triggered by mutation of the NF1 gene, resulting in a lack of neurofibromin, which leads to abnormalities found in the peripheral nervous system and central nervous system, as well as in other organs. The disease is diagnosed early, usually in childhood by pediatricians. However, in some cases, the disease is clinically silent and remains undiagnosed or is recognized in the late adulthood. We report a case study of a 32-year-old female, who was referred to the pulmunologist with a suspicion of a lung tumor. The patient was admitted to the Pulmonology Department to investigate further the subpleural mass localized in the left lung found by chance in a chest X-ray. Physical examination revealed café-au-lait spots on her skin, several subcutaneous nodules which were confirmed by a histopathology to be consistent with neurofibroma. Further diagnostic testing, such as chest CT, PET and ophthalmological examination, led to diagnosis of neurofibromatosis type 1 with pulmonary involvement. Full article

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Open AccessReview

Smoking and Lung Cancer

by Ewa Jassem, Amelia Szymanowska, Alicja Siemińska and Jacek Jassem

Adv. Respir. Med. 2009, 77(5), 469-473; https://doi.org/10.5603/ARM.27785 - 12 Aug 2009

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 320

Abstract

In this review we presented a relation between cigarette smoking and lung cancer. We characterized molecular alterations resulting from carcinogens present in the cigarette smoke and presented the constitutive genetic profiles related to the increased risk of lung cancer. We also discussed a [...] Read more.

In this review we presented a relation between cigarette smoking and lung cancer. We characterized molecular alterations resulting from carcinogens present in the cigarette smoke and presented the constitutive genetic profiles related to the increased risk of lung cancer. We also discussed a possible use of these profiles in the selection of high risk groups among the heavy smokers. Finally, a positive impact of quitting smoking in lung cancer patients, including those who have undergone curative resection, was presented. Full article

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Open AccessReview

Antiphospholipid Syndrome—An Update on Diagnosis and Treatment

by Monika Szturmowicz

Adv. Respir. Med. 2009, 77(5), 460-468; https://doi.org/10.5603/ARM.27782 - 12 Aug 2009

Viewed by 254

Abstract

Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) was described by Hughes et al in 1986 and then by Harris et al in 1987. The symptoms of disease are related to the presence of autoantibodies directed against plasma and serum proteins that form complexes with phospholipids of cell [...] Read more.

Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) was described by Hughes et al in 1986 and then by Harris et al in 1987. The symptoms of disease are related to the presence of autoantibodies directed against plasma and serum proteins that form complexes with phospholipids of cell membranes. The immunologic process involving vascular endothelium, thrombocytes and coagulation factors is responsible for enhancement of procoagulation mechanisms and as a result—venous and arterial thrombosis. Actual criteria of recognition of APS were published in 2006 as a result of 11th International Congress on Antiphospholipid Antibodies which was taking place in 2004 in Sydney. Multiorgan symptoms of disease, criteria of recognition and methods of treatment were discussed in the present paper. Full article

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Open AccessReview

Nongenomic Effects of Glucocorticoids, an Important Mechanism of Inhaled Glucocorticoids Action in Asthma

by Alicja Grzanka and Jerzy Jarząb

Adv. Respir. Med. 2009, 77(5), 453-459; https://doi.org/10.5603/ARM.27781 - 12 Aug 2009

Viewed by 246

Abstract

Authors describe the clinical implications of nongenomic effects of glucocorticoids, important also for the inhaled drugs. Data suggest that these rapid actions of glucocorticoids are important in the pharmacotherapy of asthma, particularly for prevention and treatment of acute exacerbations. Their influence on remodeling [...] Read more.

Authors describe the clinical implications of nongenomic effects of glucocorticoids, important also for the inhaled drugs. Data suggest that these rapid actions of glucocorticoids are important in the pharmacotherapy of asthma, particularly for prevention and treatment of acute exacerbations. Their influence on remodeling is also considered. Full article

156 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Comparison of TH1 and TH2 Response in the Blood of Tuberculous Patients and Healthy Contacts

by Jolanta Winek, Urszula Demkow, Ewa Rowińska-Zakrzewska, Małgorzata Szołkowska, Małgorzata Filewska, Jacek Jagodziński and Kazimierz Roszkowski-Śliż

Adv. Respir. Med. 2009, 77(5), 446-452; https://doi.org/10.5603/ARM.27778 - 12 Aug 2009

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 310

Abstract

Introduction: Th1 response is known to play a dominant role in the resistance to tuberculosis. Nevertheless, IFN gamma levels are frequently increased in tuberculous patients, especially at the site of the disease. It is also possible that the shift toward Th2 response [...] Read more.

Introduction: Th1 response is known to play a dominant role in the resistance to tuberculosis. Nevertheless, IFN gamma levels are frequently increased in tuberculous patients, especially at the site of the disease. It is also possible that the shift toward Th2 response is responsible for the loss of resistance. The aim of this study was to compare the Th1 function of peripheral blood cells and the levels of antimycobacterial antibodies in the serum of culture positive tuberculosis patients and healthy tuberculosis (Tb) contacts. The correlation between the levels of antimycobacterial antibodies and Th1 function of blood cells was also evaluated. Material and Methods: The material consisted of 51 tuberculous patients and 20 healthy persons, close contacts of tuberculosis patients. The ability of peripheral blood cells to secrete IFN gamma and IL-2 was estimated in whole blood cultures with PHA, PWM and tuberculin. The levels of IFN gamma and IL-2 in the supernatants of cultures was estimated via a commercial ELISA test. The levels of antimycobacterial antibodies was measured with commercial immunoenzymatic kits detecting IgG antibodies against 38 kDa+16 kDa and IgG, IgA and IgM antibodies to 38 kDa + lipoarabinomannan (LAM). Results: No difference was found in the secretion of IFN gamma and IL-2 after stimulation with PHA and PWM between the patients and contacts. The secretion of IFN gamma after stimulation with tuberculin was even greater in tuberculous patients than in contacts. The levels of IgG and IgA (38 kDa+LAM) were higher in tuberculous patients than in contacts. There was a negative correlation between the level of IgG anti 38 kDa+LAM and the ability of peripheral blood cells to secrete IFN gamma after non-specific stimulation in patients with tuberculosis. Conclusions: Our study confirms the hypothesis that it is not the diminished production of Th1 cytokines, but rather the parallel overproduction of Th2 cytokines, which are essential in the development of tuberculosis. Full article

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Open AccessArticle

Exposure to Passive Smoking among Current Smokers and Non-Smokers

by Radosław Chądzyński, Krzysztof Woźniak, Anita Nowogórska and Joanna Domagała-Kulawik

Adv. Respir. Med. 2009, 77(5), 440-445; https://doi.org/10.5603/ARM.27777 - 12 Aug 2009

Viewed by 294

Abstract

Introduction: Few studies have evaluated exposure to passive smoking among current smokers. The aim of our study was to assess environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) in current smokers, as well as attitudes towards smoking. Material and Methods: We used a questionnaire containing [...] Read more.

Introduction: Few studies have evaluated exposure to passive smoking among current smokers. The aim of our study was to assess environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) in current smokers, as well as attitudes towards smoking. Material and Methods: We used a questionnaire containing questions about epidemiological information and the history of smoking, including exposure to ETS. The study was conducted in a group of 114 healthy individuals (mean age 29.7 years). Results: 57 of the participants (50%) declared to be daily smokers, 32 (28%) had never smoked, 11 (9.6%) were ex-smokers, and 14 (12%) defined themselves as occasional-smokers. The total exposure to ETS of the entire group was 89.47% (current smokers 87.72%, never-smokers 93%). No significant difference in the range of exposure to ETS according to the place of exposure was found. Symptoms occurring most often during exposure to ETS in the group of smokers were: sputum production 42.1%, cough 31%, lacrymation 24.6%, wheezing 21.0%. Never-smokers suffered mainly from cough 50%, dyspnea 46.9%, lacrymation 46.9%. Wheezes occurred significantly more often in the group of current smokers than in never-smokers (21% v. 3.2%), while dyspnea was significantly more frequent in never-smokers than current smokers (48.4% v. 13.7%). Smokers were less in favor of introducing a smoking ban than never-smokers (public places 77.6% v. 100%, friends’ houses 39.6% v. 86.7%, pubs and discos 41.1% v. 84.4%). Over 66% of smokers declared their wish to quit smoking. Seventy percent of subjects who had been exposed to ETS in childhood started smoking significantly earlier than those who had not been exposed. Conclusions: Our study showed the problem of ’double‘ exposure to tobacco smoke. Current smokers are in favor of a smoking ban in public places. Full article

275 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Prevalence of Hypersensitivity to Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) in the Population of Adult Asthmatics in Poland Based on an Epidemiological Questionnaire

by Łukasz Kasper, Krzysztof Sładek, Grażyna Bochenek, Mariusz Duplaga and Andrzej Szczeklik

Adv. Respir. Med. 2009, 77(5), 431-439; https://doi.org/10.5603/ARM.27776 - 12 Aug 2009

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 337

Abstract

Introduction: Hypersensitivity reactions to drugs account for 25% of all side effects related to drugs, affecting more than 7% of the population. One in four such reactions is caused by acetylic acid and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Material and Methods: Between [...] Read more.

Introduction: Hypersensitivity reactions to drugs account for 25% of all side effects related to drugs, affecting more than 7% of the population. One in four such reactions is caused by acetylic acid and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Material and Methods: Between 1998 and 2000 epidemiological research was carried out in various centers, with the aim of estimating the frequency of allergy-based diseases in Poland. The objective of the study was to evaluate the frequency of hypersensitivity to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), based on an epidemiological questionnaire, in the Polish adult population. Results: Bronchial asthma was diagnosed in 582 patients (5.4%). Of that group, 75 patients (12.9%) additionally reported symptoms of hypersensitivity to NSAIDs. Aspirin-induced asthma was diagnosed in 11 patients (14.7%) with clinical manifestations of hypersensitivity responses. Frequency of aspirin-induced asthma with clinical symptoms amounted to 1.9% of asthmatics. In the assessment of severity of the disease, aspirin intolerance was the only statistically significant factor (p = 0.0003; odds ratio 28.6 with assumed 95% confidence interval). Conclusions: In the population of adults in Poland, the frequency of aspirin-induced asthma amounted to 0.1%. Hypersensitivity to NSAIDs was observed in 12.9% of asthmatics. In asthmatics with symptoms of hypersensitivity to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, which takes the course of clinically demonstrable aspirin-induced asthma, the risk of severe asthma is 30-fold higher. Full article

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Adv. Respir. Med., Volume 77, Issue 5 (August 2009) – 10 articles , Pages 431-493

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