Advances in Respiratory Medicine

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Open AccessReview

by Witold Górski and Wojciech J. Piotrowski

Adv. Respir. Med. 2016, 84(4), 244-250; https://doi.org/10.5603/PiAP.2016.0030 - 14 Jul 2016

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 436

Sarcoidosis is an inflammatory disease of unknown etiology. Most commonly it results in the formation of non-caseating granulomas in intrathoracic lymph nodes and lung parenchyma, but the clinical course and picture may be complicated by extrapulmonary involvement and many non-respiratory signs and symptoms [...] Read more.

Sarcoidosis is an inflammatory disease of unknown etiology. Most commonly it results in the formation of non-caseating granulomas in intrathoracic lymph nodes and lung parenchyma, but the clinical course and picture may be complicated by extrapulmonary involvement and many non-respiratory signs and symptoms which are directly related to the disease. In addition, sarcoidosis patients may suffer from a plethora of symptoms of uncertain or unknown origin. Fatigue is one of these symptoms, and according to some authors it is reported by the majority of patients with active sarcoidosis, but also by a smaller proportion of patients with inactive sarcoidosis, or even with complete clinical and radiological remission. Therefore the term fatigue syndrome is frequently used to name this clinical problem. The definition of fatigue syndrome in sarcoidosis is imprecise and the syndrome is usually recognized by use of validated questionnaires. In this review the uptodate knowledge in this field was presented and different challenges connected with this syndrome were described. Full article

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Open AccessReview

The Effect of Omalizumab on Eosinophilic Inflammation of the Respiratory Tract in Patients with Allergic Asthma

by Izabela Kupryś-Lipińska, Katarzyna Molińska and Piotr Kuna

Adv. Respir. Med. 2016, 84(4), 232-243; https://doi.org/10.5603/PiAP.2016.0029 - 14 Jul 2016

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 526

Abstract

Bronchial asthma is characterised by high levels of immunoglobulin E (IgE) and overproduction of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including interleukins IL-4, IL-13 and IL-5 needed for, amongst other things, the production of IgE and the differentiation, maturation, migration and survival of eosinophils. Eosinophils are one [...] Read more.

Bronchial asthma is characterised by high levels of immunoglobulin E (IgE) and overproduction of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including interleukins IL-4, IL-13 and IL-5 needed for, amongst other things, the production of IgE and the differentiation, maturation, migration and survival of eosinophils. Eosinophils are one of the most important cells in allergic inflammation. Their presence in tissue is linked to the persistence of inflammatory infiltrate, tissue damage and remodelling. Although these cells are very sensitive to corticosteroids, some asthmatic patients do not respond to high doses of these drugs, even when administered systemically. Transbronchial biopsies and bronchoalveolar lavage performed in patients with steroid-resistant asthma have demonstrated higher levels of eosinophils and Th2-type cytokines (IL-4 and IL-5) compared to steroid-sensitive patients. Clinical studies have confirmed that the very effective treatment in these cases is therapy with omalizumab—an anti-IgE monoclonal antibody. The paper discusses the efficacy of omalizumab in reducing eosinophil number in peripheral blood and in the airways of asthmatic patients based on basic, clinical, observational studies and case reports. The significance of omalizumab therapy in asthma control and mechanisms that regulate the effects of omalizumab on eosinophils are evaluated. Full article

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Open AccessReview

The Pharmaceutical Care in Asthma—Polish and Global Perspective

by Damian Swieczkowski, Patryk Poniatowski, Piotr Merks and Milosz Jaguszewski

Adv. Respir. Med. 2016, 84(4), 225-231; https://doi.org/10.5603/PiAP.2016.0028 - 14 Jul 2016

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 486

Abstract

The pharmaceutical care is a pharmacist’s contribution to the care of individual patients and leads to optimize the use of drugs. The pharmaceutical care may improve adherence, clinical effectiveness of providing therapy and improve the health-related quality of life. The conducted literature review [...] Read more.

The pharmaceutical care is a pharmacist’s contribution to the care of individual patients and leads to optimize the use of drugs. The pharmaceutical care may improve adherence, clinical effectiveness of providing therapy and improve the health-related quality of life. The conducted literature review confirmed that pharmaceutical care and advanced pharmaceutical services are clinical effective in asthma. The implementation of pharmaceutical care under Polish conditions is currently insufficient and remains challenging for the future. Herein we should admit, that the polish government has recently put an effort to appoint specially dedicated team establishing a program of reimbursed pharmaceutical care. This move should be considered as a new phase for amendments community pharmacy in Poland. The experience of different health care systems, including for instance United Kingdom, Australia or Canada, might be used in the process of changing Polish perspective. Herein, we have reviewed the literature and highlighted the services creating the program of pharmaceutical care in asthma. This unique work describes the complex nature of optimal pharmaceutical services emphasizing the strong necessity of multidimensional approach in this field. Full article

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Open AccessCase Report

Can Pancreatic Tissue Cause Haemoptysis?

by Adam Janusz Bubel, Paweł Rogoziński and Krzysztof Bruliński

Adv. Respir. Med. 2016, 84(4), 222-224; https://doi.org/10.5603/PiAP.2016.0027 - 14 Jul 2016

Viewed by 243

Abstract

A mature teratoma is a tumour of primary germ cells. It is often found in the mediastinum. The authors describe a case of a young man who demonstrated haemoptysis as the only symptom of a mediastinal tumour. The tumour was removed operatively, sent [...] Read more.

A mature teratoma is a tumour of primary germ cells. It is often found in the mediastinum. The authors describe a case of a young man who demonstrated haemoptysis as the only symptom of a mediastinal tumour. The tumour was removed operatively, sent for histopathological examination and immunohistochemistry. The removed tumour was a mature teratoma including elements of the pancreas. The authors revealed the presence of trypsin in the pancreatic acinar cells. The proteolytic activity of the tumour was taken as the cause of haemoptysis because of enzymatic erosion of lung tissue intimately attached to the tumour. In such cases surgical removal saves life of patients. Full article

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Open AccessArticle

Effects of Depression and Anxiety on Asthma-Related Quality of Life

by Katarzyna Lomper, Anna Chudiak, Izabella Uchmanowicz, Joanna Rosińczuk and Beata Jankowska-Polanska

Adv. Respir. Med. 2016, 84(4), 212-221; https://doi.org/10.5603/PiAP.2016.0026 - 14 Jul 2016

Cited by 23 | Viewed by 760

Abstract

Introduction: Asthma is the most prevalent chronic disease in adults. It affects their quality of life. Studies confirm that depression and anxiety occurs in asthma patients. Material and methods: The study involved 96 patients with asthma divided into two groups: patients [...] Read more.

Introduction: Asthma is the most prevalent chronic disease in adults. It affects their quality of life. Studies confirm that depression and anxiety occurs in asthma patients. Material and methods: The study involved 96 patients with asthma divided into two groups: patients with controlled (n = 33) and uncontrolled asthma (n = 63). The analysis of asthma control was performed on the basis of the ACT (Asthma Control Test) results. The study used SF-36 (Short Form 36) questionnaire and HADS (Hospital and Depression Scale) Scale. Results: An analysis of the correlations between QoL (Quality of Life) and the level of depression revealed a decrease in QoL scores in MCS (Mental Component Score) domain in the group with controlled asthma (71.8—patients without depression, 53.4—patients with probable depression, and 51.4—patients with depression; p = 0.032). A similar analysis of the correlations between QoL and the level of anxiety in this group of patients proved no correlations in PCS (Physical Component Score) and MCS domains. In the group of patients with uncontrolled asthma, anxiety and depression correlated negatively with the QoL in PCS and MCS domains. Anxiety and depression are found in asthma patients, with higher severity observed in patients with uncontrolled asthma. Female gender, the level of asthma control, asthma severity, smoking, as well as diagnoses of anxiety and depression are predictors of a significantly lower QoL in asthma. Conclusions: Anxiety and depression are found in asthma patients, with higher severity observed in patients with uncontrolled asthma. Female gender, the level of asthma control, asthma severity, smoking, as well as diagnoses of anxiety and depression are predictors of a significantly lower quality of life in asthma. Full article

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Open AccessArticle

Quality of Life in Adults with Cystic Fibrosis: The Greek Experience

by Maria Stofa, Theodoros Xanthos, Konstantinos Ekmektzoglou, Athanasios Chalkias, Dimitrios Barouxis, Ioannis Pantazopoulos and Nicoletta Iacovidou

Adv. Respir. Med. 2016, 84(4), 205-211; https://doi.org/10.5603/PiAP.2016.0025 - 14 Jul 2016

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 404

Abstract

Introduction: Recent developments in treatment have steadily raised the median predicted age of survival for people with Cystic Fibrosis (CF). We report the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in CF adult patients and correlate our findings with the patients’ demographic characteristics. Material [...] Read more.

Introduction: Recent developments in treatment have steadily raised the median predicted age of survival for people with Cystic Fibrosis (CF). We report the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in CF adult patients and correlate our findings with the patients’ demographic characteristics. Material and methods: The Cystic Fibrosis Quality of Life (CFQoL) questionnaire was answered by 77 CF adult patients. The questionnaire included questions pertaining to age, sex and level of education and covered eight sections of functioning. Results: The highest score was reported in the “Social Functioning” section, while the lowest in the “Concerns for the Future” section. When different age groups were compared, statistical significances were reported in “Physical Functioning”, “Interpersonal Relationships”, and the “Career Concerns” section, with older patients reporting statistically higher HRQoL scores than younger ones (p < 0.005). No statistically significant difference was reported amongst the scoring between male and female CF patients. When different educational levels were compared, patients that had received a higher educational training scored statistically higher in all but one sections of the questionnaire when compared with patients of a lower educational level (p < 0.005). Conclusion: More than half Greek adult CF patients report that they are capable to participate in social activities but most of them are worried about the outcome of their disease and its effect on their lives. Full article

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Open AccessEditorial

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease in Poland—A Need for Population-Based Epidemiological Studies

by Jan Zejda and Grzegorz Brożek

Adv. Respir. Med. 2016, 84(4), 203-204; https://doi.org/10.5603/PiAP.2016.0024 - 14 Jul 2016

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 357

Abstract

A recent monograph “Lung Diseases” issued by the National Medical Publisher (PZWL) in relation with the XXIV Conference of the Polish Thoracic Society (Wisła, 7−10 May 2016) includes a number of state-of-art papers addressing key pulmonological issues [...] [...] Read more.

A recent monograph “Lung Diseases” issued by the National Medical Publisher (PZWL) in relation with the XXIV Conference of the Polish Thoracic Society (Wisła, 7−10 May 2016) includes a number of state-of-art papers addressing key pulmonological issues [...] Full article

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Adv. Respir. Med., Volume 84, Issue 4 (July 2016) – 7 articles , Pages 203-250

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