Next Issue
Volume 85, January
Previous Issue
Volume 85, August
 
 
arm-logo

Journal Browser

Journal Browser
Advances in Respiratory Medicine is published by MDPI from Volume 90 Issue 4 (2022). Previous articles were published by another publisher in Open Access under a CC-BY (or CC-BY-NC-ND) licence, and they are hosted by MDPI on mdpi.com as a courtesy and upon agreement with Via Medica.

Adv. Respir. Med., Volume 86, Issue 4 (September 2018) – 8 articles , Pages 159-204

  • Issues are regarded as officially published after their release is announced to the table of contents alert mailing list.
  • You may sign up for e-mail alerts to receive table of contents of newly released issues.
  • PDF is the official format for papers published in both, html and pdf forms. To view the papers in pdf format, click on the "PDF Full-text" link, and use the free Adobe Reader to open them.
Order results
Result details
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:
196 KiB  
Article
Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency in a French General Hospital: Fortuitous Detection rather than Efficient Screening
by Hakim Kherouf, Geoffroy De Faverges, Pierre Dumont, Evelyne Bourgerette, Tu Nguyen and Olivier Moquet
Adv. Respir. Med. 2018, 86(4), 179-182; https://doi.org/10.5603/ARM.a2018.0027 - 02 Sep 2018
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 350
Abstract
Introduction: We studied the characteristics of the screening procedure for alpha-1 antitrypsin at Nevers Hospital (France), together with the performance of serum protein gel electrophoresis for the fortuitous detection of patients with deficiency. Material and methods: We carried out a retrospective [...] Read more.
Introduction: We studied the characteristics of the screening procedure for alpha-1 antitrypsin at Nevers Hospital (France), together with the performance of serum protein gel electrophoresis for the fortuitous detection of patients with deficiency. Material and methods: We carried out a retrospective study of requests for alpha-1 antitrypsin determination referred to the laboratory during 3 years. We compared these requests with the numbers of patients seen at the hospital and requiring screening according to international recommendations. In parallel, we reviewed all the serum protein gel electrophoresis results obtained during the same period. Results: The laboratory received 102 direct requests for alpha-1 antitrypsin determination, whereas more than 1397 patients presented an indication for screening. No case of alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency was detected among the 102 patients screened. In parallel, 5551 serum protein gel electrophoresis analyses were carried out at the laboratory. A decrease in the size of the alpha-1 globulin fraction was detected in 68 patients. Seventeen of these patients underwent alpha-1 antitrypsin determinations and 14 were found to have alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency. Conclusion: Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency was more frequently detected fortuitously, by electrophoresis, than through efficient screening. The exploration of alpha-1 globulin deficiencies by serum protein gel electrophoresis thus appears to be still a particularly efficient approach to the detection of alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency and should be carried out systematically. Furthermore, the testing of all patients with an indication for screening according to international recommendations should be encouraged. Full article
159 KiB  
Case Report
2-Year Follow-Up of Lung Transplantation as a Treatment of Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia (Osler-Weber-Rendu Disease)
by Magdalena Latos, Magdalena Ryba, Elżbieta Lazar and Marek Ochman
Adv. Respir. Med. 2018, 86(4), 202-204; https://doi.org/10.5603/ARM.a2018.0031 - 15 Aug 2018
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 379
Abstract
Hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT) is a disease of initially mild course - manifesting with recurrent nosebleeds and increased fatigue. Nevertheless, its progression can deteriorate patient’s health. Solid organ transplantation becomes the only therapeutic option to save a life. The case report describes a 19-year-old [...] Read more.
Hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT) is a disease of initially mild course - manifesting with recurrent nosebleeds and increased fatigue. Nevertheless, its progression can deteriorate patient’s health. Solid organ transplantation becomes the only therapeutic option to save a life. The case report describes a 19-year-old female patient who was diagnosed with HHT and qualified for lung transplantation. She met the Curacao criteria for HHT (¾). Her health deteriorated significantly to the point of the referral to Department of Cardiac, Vascular and Endovascular Surgery and Transplantology in Silesian Center for Heart Diseases. Due to her condition, she was qualified for lung transplantation as one diagnosed with pulmonary arteriovenous malformations and then transplanted at the age of 17. A direct postoperative period was complicated by HSV2 infection of the wound. 18 months after the procedure, the patient underwent acute cholangitis. The presence of portal and systemic fistulas was noted and the final diagnosis of HHT was made. Despite the fact that proper diagnosis was made posttransplant, it was a good treatment. The patient is currently 2 years after the lung transplantation and feels good. Lung transplantation is a viable therapeutic option for patients with HHT as there are reports of other patients who have benefited from lung transplantation after other therapeutic options were exhausted. Full article
1019 KiB  
Case Report
Intrapericardial Cisplatin Combined with Oral Colchicine Resulting in Long Term Control of Malignant Pericardial Effusion in the Course of Metastatic Renal Cancer
by Małgorzata Dybowska, Monika Szturmowicz, Paweł Kuca, Barbara Kazanecka, Janusz Burakowski, Cezary Czajka, Franciszek Grzegorczyk, Renata Langfort, Barbara Burakowska, Piotr Rudziński and Witold Tomkowski
Adv. Respir. Med. 2018, 86(4), 197-201; https://doi.org/10.5603/ARM.a2018.0030 - 15 Aug 2018
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 399
Abstract
Introduction: Neoplastic pericardial effusion (NPE) represents a common cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with cancer. NPE presents frequently as cardiac tamponade, requiring urgent pericardiocentesis or pericardiotomy, with subsequent pericardial fluid drainage. Despite high effectiveness of such procedures, the recurrence of [...] Read more.
Introduction: Neoplastic pericardial effusion (NPE) represents a common cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with cancer. NPE presents frequently as cardiac tamponade, requiring urgent pericardiocentesis or pericardiotomy, with subsequent pericardial fluid drainage. Despite high effectiveness of such procedures, the recurrence of effusion is noted in 30–60% of patients. Intrapericardial therapy with cisplatin was found to be effective in NPE due to lung and breast cancer. Its role in cardiac tamponade due to renal cancer is unknown. Case presentation: We presented an 82-year-old man with renal cancer who was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit because of threatening pericardial tamponade due to NPE. Urgent subxiphoid pericardiotomy was performed with subsequent evacuation of 1000 ml of bloody fluid. On the inner surface of the pericardium, several pink nodules were found. Histological examination revealed carcinoma clarocellulare. In view of the persistent high drainage of the pericardium, intrapericardial cisplatin therapy was performed. On the first day after surgery, colchicine 0.5 mg/day/po was also introduced. No side effects of the treatment were observed. The patient died 12 months later due to cancer progression and cachexia. No recurrence of pericardial effusion was observed. Conclusion: This is the first case study demonstrating long-term efficacy and safety of intrapericardial cisplatin combined with oral colchicine in NPE due to metastatic renal cell carcinoma. Full article
179 KiB  
Review
Pleiotropic Effect of Vitamin D in Cystic Fibrosis
by Teresa Grzelak and Klaudia Mikołajczyk
Adv. Respir. Med. 2018, 86(4), 192-196; https://doi.org/10.5603/ARM.a2018.0029 - 15 Aug 2018
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 329
Abstract
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is the most common recessively autosomally and inherited disorder in the Caucasian population. It is incurable, multi-systemic disease with progressive course. CF is caused by CFTR gene mutation, the product of which is Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator (CFTR). CF [...] Read more.
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is the most common recessively autosomally and inherited disorder in the Caucasian population. It is incurable, multi-systemic disease with progressive course. CF is caused by CFTR gene mutation, the product of which is Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator (CFTR). CF patients are exposed to fat-soluble vitamins deficiency, including vitamin D. It is due to the fat malabsorption (caused by exacerbation exocrine pancreatic insufficiency), decreased sun exposure (caused by receiving antibiotics photophobia), reduction of adipose tissue and insufficient supply with food. The discovery of vitamin D receptor (VDR) presence outside the skeletal system allowed to conclude, that vitamin D is responsible not only for mineral economy, but also for immunological processes, respiratory status, intestial microflora and cystic fibrosis – related diabetes (CFRD) course. Based on literature data, it is suggested that vitamin D plays an important role in the prevention of diseases coexisting with CF. The right dosage of vitamin D allows to maintain a better lung function and prevent chronic pulmonary infections. It has also been shown that normal levels of vitamin D may be important in increasing the chances of successful lung transplant surgery. Taking the wide spectrum of vitamin D effect into account, it is recommended to maintain serum concentrations above the minimum in patients with CF. In summary, maintaining the proper vitamin D levels in patients with CF is important because of its pleiotropic effect. It can be achieved through regular monitoring of vitamin D levels and individual supplementary dose for each patients. Full article
279 KiB  
Review
Neprilysin Inhibitors as a New Approach in the Treatment of Right Heart Failure in the Course of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
by Maciej Liczek, Iga Panek, Piotr Damiański, Olga Jęczeń, Jędrzej Jaźwiec, Piotr Kuna and Michał Panek
Adv. Respir. Med. 2018, 86(4), 183-191; https://doi.org/10.5603/ARM.a2018.0028 - 15 Aug 2018
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 608
Abstract
The aim of this paper was to review scientific evidence on the possible use of the combined angiotensin II receptor antagonist and neprilysin inhibitors (ARNI) in patients with right heart failure (RHF) in the course of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It has [...] Read more.
The aim of this paper was to review scientific evidence on the possible use of the combined angiotensin II receptor antagonist and neprilysin inhibitors (ARNI) in patients with right heart failure (RHF) in the course of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It has been proven that a lack of neprilysin or its reduced expression in hypoxia leads to exacerbation of pulmonary arterial remodelling (PAR) or pulmonary hypertension (PH) in the mechanism related to the platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) resulting in the proliferation and migration of pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells and endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition. Such action in the course of COPD can lead to RHF, which would signify noxious effect of this group of drugs. However, the inhibition of neprilysin also hinders natriuretic peptide metabolism. The representative of this group—brain natriuretic peptide (BNP)—acts as a vasodilator and also exerts an antiproliferative activity through the cGMP-dependent protein kinase G pathway. Additionally, it causes bronchodilation by inducing the release of acetylcholine from bronchial epithelial cells. This suggests that natriuretic peptides may appear to be a potential treatment agent in patients with cardiac complications and COPD. Their effects associated with the immunosuppression capacity by reducing the release of inflammatory mediators—IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α can bring benefits to patients with acute lung injury caused by pulmonary inflammation during COPD exacerbations. Considering the potentially positive effect of natriuretic peptides in this group of patients, further research is required in this area, which can provide strong scientific data demonstrating the need for introducing ARNI drugs to the treatment of patients with COPD. Full article
242 KiB  
Article
Study of Pulmonary Function Tests in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Their Correlation with Glycemic Control and Systemic Inflammation
by Ilavarasi Vanidassane, Rupali Malik and Neelima Jain
Adv. Respir. Med. 2018, 86(4), 172-178; https://doi.org/10.5603/ARM.a2018.0026 - 15 Aug 2018
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 416
Abstract
Introduction: Reduced lung function in diabetes has been described for long but its clinical importance is not yet clear. Also, limited literature is available regarding its association with sugar control, and its correlation with inflammatory markers. Thus, we aimed to study the [...] Read more.
Introduction: Reduced lung function in diabetes has been described for long but its clinical importance is not yet clear. Also, limited literature is available regarding its association with sugar control, and its correlation with inflammatory markers. Thus, we aimed to study the pulmonary function test abnormalities and systemic inflammation in type 2 diabetes mellitus. Material and methods: 100 patients with type 2 diabetes were divided into two groups depending on control of diabetes (group A–HbA1C ≤ 7% and group B-HbA1C > 7%). All the subjects selected underwent detailed evaluation including testing for HbA1C, HsCRP (high-sensitivity C-reactive protein), serum ferritin and serum fibrinogen, along with pulmonary function testing. Results: Percentage predicted FVC (forced vital capacity), FEV1 (forced expiratory volume in 1 second) and SVC (slow vital capacity) were significantly reduced, while mean values of inflammatory markers [fibrinogen (p < 0.001) and hsCRP (p < 0.002)] were significantly higher in uncontrolled diabetes group. There was a significant negative correlation between FEV1 (r = –0.739, p < 0.001), FVC (r = –0.370, p < 0.001), SVC (r = –0.635, p < 0.001) with HbA1C. HbA1C had a positive correlation with hsCRP (r = –0.308, p < 0.002) and fibrinogen (r = 0.388, p < 0.001). Conclusion: Pulmonary functions were decreased and inflammatory markers like hsCRP, fibrinogen, and ferritin significantly increased in uncontrolled diabetics. Also, a potential association was seen between higher values of inflammatory markers like hsCRP and fibrinogen and decrease in lung function. This information, requiring confirmation with larger multicentre studies, remains important because of potential epidemiological, clinical and therapeutic implications. Full article
175 KiB  
Article
The Prevalence and Predicting Factors of Pulmonary Thromboembolism in Patients with Exacerbated Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
by Mohammad Davoodi, Boshra Rezvankhah, Keivan Gohari Moghadam and Amir Pejman Hashemi Taheri
Adv. Respir. Med. 2018, 86(4), 168-171; https://doi.org/10.5603/ARM.a2018.0025 - 15 Aug 2018
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 473
Abstract
Introduction: The risk of pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE) in patients with exacerbated chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (e-COPD) is higher than in non-COPD states. The study aimed to evaluate the prevalence and the parameters that are critical for finding the incidence of PTE in [...] Read more.
Introduction: The risk of pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE) in patients with exacerbated chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (e-COPD) is higher than in non-COPD states. The study aimed to evaluate the prevalence and the parameters that are critical for finding the incidence of PTE in patients with e-COPD. Material and methods: This cross-sectional study was performed on 68 consecutive patients with the e-COPD, referred to the Pulmonary Disease Department at the Shariati Hospital in Tehran between 2013 and 2014. In addition to collecting data on the history of disease and physical examination, arterial blood sampling, spirometry, electrocardiography and echocardiography were performed for all patients. All subjects underwent computed tomography pulmonary angiography (CT-PA) as a method of choice for diagnosing PTE. Results: Out of 68 cases, five (7.4%) had CT angiography findings suggesting PTE. These patients were all male and had a higher mean age (79 vs. 65 years), lower mean systolic blood pressure (88.36 vs. 118.33 mmHg), and a higher mean heart rate (133.12 vs 90.33 beats/min), compared to e-COPD patients without PTE. Arterial blood gas analysis in individuals with PTE demonstrated a lower HCO3 (2.33 vs. 9.44 mEq/l) and PCO2 (44.35 vs. 51.43 mm Hg) levels. The mean left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was lower in patients with PTE (34.14 ± 4.49% vs. 46.94 ± 8.27%). Conclusion: The prevalence of PTE in our series of patients with e-COPD was 7.4%. According to the study results, male gender, advanced age, hypotension, tachycardia, and respiratory alkalosis are factors indicating possible PTE among subjects with e- COPD. Full article
169 KiB  
Article
Efficacy and Safety of Intravenous Chemotherapy during Intensive Treatment Phase in Patients with Newly Diagnosed Pulmonary Tuberculosis
by Yurii Feshchenko, Dmytro Butov, Mykhailo Kuzhko, Mykola Gumeniuk and Tetiana Butova
Adv. Respir. Med. 2018, 86(4), 159-167; https://doi.org/10.5603/ARM.a2018.0024 - 15 Aug 2018
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 403
Abstract
Introduction: The purpose of our study was to examine the efficacy and safety of intravenous chemotherapy during intensive treatment phase in patients with newly diagnosed pulmonary tuberculosis (pulmonary TB). Material and methods: The study involved 92 patients with newly diagnosed pulmonary [...] Read more.
Introduction: The purpose of our study was to examine the efficacy and safety of intravenous chemotherapy during intensive treatment phase in patients with newly diagnosed pulmonary tuberculosis (pulmonary TB). Material and methods: The study involved 92 patients with newly diagnosed pulmonary TB aged between 20 and 68. All patients with newly diagnosed pulmonary TB and chemosensitive tuberculosis were enrolled in the study. The patients were allocated to two groups. The first (control) group of 46 patients received standard chemotherapy orally. The second (main) group consisted of 46 patients who were prescribed isoniazid, rifampin, ethambutol by i.v. transfusion, and pyrazinamide orally as a part of the standard treatment. Results: Symptoms of intoxication and chest manifestations in pulmonary TB patients from the second group were eliminated faster than the same symptoms in the group 1. In the group 2, the mycobacterial clearance in sputum smears was achieved more rapidly, and up to 2 months it was reached in 37 patients (80.43%), while in the control group in 25 patients (54.35%), p = 0.0066. Destruction healing and inflitrative change alleviation after 4 months was reached in 38 patients (82.61%) (in control group—28 (60.87%), (p = 0.0192). No additional negative effects were detected when compared with the control group at any time. Conclusions: Thanks to i.v. chemotherapy, clinical manifestations of the in-patients with pulmonary TB were eliminated faster, severe side effects of anti-TB drugs were not noticed, time of bacterial clearance and healing destruction was shorter, healing frequency of destructions increased and the of residual changes decreased. Full article
Previous Issue
Next Issue
Back to TopTop