Pulmonary Medicine最新文献

Background: Immunocompromised patients are at a higher risk of having latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI). QuantiFERON-TB Gold Plus (QFT-Plus) has been proven to perform effectively in LTBI detection among immunocompromised adults and can overcome the limitations of the tuberculin skin test (TST). However, the role of QFT-Plus in detecting LTBI in immunocompromised paediatric patients has not been well established. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the test agreement between QFT-Plus and the TST in LTBI detection among immunocompromised children.

Method: In this cross-sectional study, we enrolled immunocompromised paediatric patients, aged between 5 and 18 years, who were treated with corticosteroids and/or chemotherapy from June to November 2019. We categorized them into three groups based on the following diseases: hematologic malignancies and nephrological and immunological diseases. We recorded the patient characteristics and QFT-Plus and TST results, in which the positive result of the TST was induration ≥ 5 mm. Within the same group, comparisons between the two tests were performed using the McNemar test, and results were statistically significant for p values of <0.05. The kappa index was used to assess the agreement between the two test results.

Results: Among 71 patients (median age: 11.8 years) who underwent TST and QFT-Plus testing, 52% were females, and 69% had a normal nutritional status. Chemotherapy was the most common treatment modality for hematologic malignancy compared to other immunosuppressive treatments. The total number of patients with positive QFT-Plus and TST results was 11/71 (15.5%) and 4/71 (5.6%), respectively, among whom 3/11 patients had positive results in both tests, and one patient with positive TST results exhibited a discrepancy, as this was not followed by positive QFT-Plus results. QFT-Plus generated more positive results than the TST in immunocompromised children (McNemar, p = 0.039 (p < 0.05)). The diagnostic agreement between the tests was fair (K = 0.345, 95% CI: 0.05-0.745).

Conclusion: QFT-Plus detected LTBI more effectively than the TST in immunocompromised children.

Lung cancer remains the most common cancer in the world. The genetic polymorphisms (rs2853669 in TERT, rs1052133 in OGG1, and rs16969968 in CHRNA5 genes) were shown to be strongly associated with the risk of lung cancer. Our study's aim is to elucidate whether these polymorphisms predispose Eastern Algerian population to non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). To date, no study has considered this association in the Algerian population. This study included 211 healthy individuals and 144 NSCLC cases. Genotyping was performed using TaqMan probes and Sanger sequencing, and the data were analyzed using multivariate logistic regression adjusted for covariates. The minor allele frequencies (MAFs) of TERT rs2853669, CHRNA5 rs16969968, and OGG1 rs1052133 polymorphisms in controls were C: 20%, A: 31%, and G: 29%, respectively. Of the three polymorphisms, none shows a significant association, but stratified analysis rs16969968 showed that persons carrying the AA genotype are significantly associated with adenocarcinoma risk (pAdj = 0.03, ORAdj = 2.55). Smokers with an AA allele have a larger risk of lung cancer than smokers with GG or GA genotype (pAdj = 0.03, ORAdj = 3.91), which is not the case of nonsmokers. Our study suggests that CHRNA5 rs16969968 polymorphism is associated with a significant increase of lung adenocarcinoma risk and with a nicotinic addiction.

Background and Objectives. There is a dearth of information on asthma among bakers in low-income settings. The objectives of this study were to determine (i) the prevalence of asthma symptoms, (ii) factors associated with probable occupational asthma (OA), and (iii) work habits that might lead to a dusty workplace environment, Parakou, Benin. Materials and Methods. This was a mixed methods (cross-sectional quantitative and qualitative) study carried out between March and September 2018.

Results: Of 210 employees/apprentices in 26 bakeries, 190 (91.48%) were included in the study: median age was 25.50 (IQR = 22 - 32) years, 157 (82.63%) were aged <40 years, and the male-to-female ratio was 26.14. Of these, 111 (58.42%) worked in a salted bread and 79 (41.58%) in a sweet bread bakery. An asthma history was reported by 3.68%. Symptoms consistent with asthma, work-related asthma, OA, and work-aggravated asthma were found in 13.68%, 12.63%, 10%, and 2.63%, respectively. Asthma confirmation was obtained in 15.79% of bakers with probable OA and in 23.08% of all bakers with suspected asthma. A history of allergic rhinoconjunctivitis was associated with probable OA (aOR = 106; 95%CI = 17.79 - 2093; p < 0.001). Of the 24 bakers with probable work-related asthma, 3 (12.50%) were prescribed a short-acting beta2-agonist and 2 (8.33%) an inhaled corticosteroid. No worker had had a systematically planned annual medical visit; some habits at work were identified as leading to flour and dust suspension at the workplace.

Conclusion: Clinical manifestations of OA were common among bakers in Parakou and were associated with allergic rhinoconjunctivitis. There is a need to improve technical preventive measures and treatment, as well as to institute systematic medical visits for these workers.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is multifactorial disease, which is characterized by airflow limitation and can be provoked by genetic factors, including carriage of the PiZ allele of the protease inhibitor (Pi) gene, encoding alpha-1 antitrypsin (A1AT). Both homozygous and heterozygous PiZ allele carriers can develop COPD. It was found recently that normal A1AT regulates cytokine levels, including IL-17, which is involved in COPD progression. The aim of this study was to determine whether homozygous or heterozygous PiZ allele carriage leads to elevated level of IL-17 and other proinflammatory cytokines in COPD patients. Materials and Methods. Serum samples and clinical data were obtained from 44 COPD patients, who included 6 PiZZ, 8 PiMZ, and 30 PiMM A1AT phenotype carriers. Serum concentrations of IL-17, IL-6, IL-8, IFN-γ, and TNF-α were measured by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). All A1AT phenotypes were verified by narrow pH range isoelectrofocusing with selective A1AT staining. A turbidimetric method was used for quantitative A1AT measurements. Results. COPD patients with both PiZZ and PiMZ phenotypes demonstrated elevated IL-17 and decreased IFN-γ levels in comparison to patients with the PiMM phenotype of A1AT. Thereafter, the ratio IL-17/IFN-γ in PiZZ and PiMZ groups greatly exceeded the values of the PiMM group. Homozygous PiZ allele carriers also had significantly higher levels of IL-6 and lower levels of IL-8, and IL-6 values correlated negatively with A1AT concentrations. Conclusions. The presence of the PiZ allele in both homozygous and heterozygous states is associated with altered serum cytokine levels, including elevated IL-17, IL-17/IFN-γ ratio, and IL-6 (only PiZZ), but lower IFN-γ and IL-8.

Background: IgE sensitization (atopy) to pets is commonly evaluated using pet dander extracts. However, the diagnosis by components seems to be more adequate to evaluate the clinical relevance (allergy) of sIgE sensitization.

Objective: To study the association between IgE sensitization to pet allergen components and clinical symptoms. Methodology. Dander extracts and sIgE levels to pet components (Can f 1, Can f 2, Can f 3, Can f 5, Fel d 1, Fel 2, and Fel 4) were measured in a rhinitis group (n = 101) and a control group (n = 101) and a control group (.

Results: Dog (34.6% vs. 23.5%) and cat dander (26.7% vs. 8.8%, p = 0.05) IgE sensitization was frequent among rhinitis and no-rhinitis subjects, and it was similar to dog (29.7% vs. 20.5%) and cat (18.8% vs. 8.8%) components. Polysensitization for dog (3.1, 95% CI: 1.5 to 6.1, p = 0.05) IgE sensitization was frequent among rhinitis and no-rhinitis subjects, and it was similar to dog (29.7% vs. 20.5%) and cat (18.8% vs. 8.8%) components. Polysensitization for dog (3.1, 95% CI: 1.5 to 6.1, p = 0.05) IgE sensitization was frequent among rhinitis and no-rhinitis subjects, and it was similar to dog (29.7% vs. 20.5%) and cat (18.8% vs. 8.8%) components. Polysensitization for dog (3.1, 95% CI: 1.5 to 6.1.

Conclusions: Sensitization to pet dander extract identifies atopic patients, but its utility to predict clinical relevance is poor. Allergenic components could help to define the clinical relevance of sensitization to furry animals and could reduce the need for provocation test.

Respiratory muscle weakness is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with neuromuscular diseases (NMDs). Respiratory involvement in NMDs can manifest broadly, ranging from milder insufficiency that may affect only sleep initially to severe insufficiency that can be life threatening. Patients with neuromuscular diseases exhibit very often sleep-disordered breathing, which is frequently overlooked until symptoms become more severe leading to irreversible respiratory failure necessitating noninvasive ventilation (NIV) or even tracheostomy. Close monitoring of respiratory function and sleep evaluation is currently the standard of care. Early recognition of sleep disturbances and initiation of NIV can improve the quality of life and prolong survival. This review discusses the respiratory impairment during sleep in patients with NMDs, the diagnostic tools available for early recognition of sleep-disordered breathing and the therapeutic options available for overall respiratory management of patients with NMDs.

Spirometry and Peak Expiratory Flow Rate (PEFR) are important measurements in diagnosing and monitoring of COPD and asthma. Ethnic specific reference equations are necessary in interpretation of these parameters. However, equations for Sri Lankan Tamil adults are not available. This study aims to establish reference equations for lung function parameters of Sri Lankan Tamils. A descriptive cross sectional study was carried out in all 5 districts of Northern Sri Lanka. Participants were selected by cluster sampling. Base line data were obtained by a questionnaire. Height, sitting height, weight, arm span, mid arm circumference, and chest expansion were measured. Respiratory functions were assessed by a calibrated spirometer (Cosmed Micro Quark, Italy) and Wright compatible peak expiratory flow meter. Means, and standard deviations for Vital Capacity (VC), Forced Vital Capacity (FVC), Forced Expiratory Volume in the first second (FEV₁), FEV₁%, Peak Expiratory Flow Rate (PEFR) and for other forced expiratory parameters of 775 males and 687 females were determined. Lung function parameters have significant (p < 0.05) positive correlations with most of the anthropometric measures. Age had a significant (p < 0.05) negative correlation with lung function parameters in adults >20 years and positive correlation (p < 0.05) in 14-20 years group. Step wise multiple regression analysis was used to determine the prediction equations. Also equations based on age, height and age, arm span were derived. Age, height based equations were retested in the same population. Predicted values by the developed equations had better agreement than that of GLI 2012 equations. This can be useful in assessing the respiratory function in Sri Lankan Tamil population as there are no already existing equations.

Introduction: Cardio-Pulmonary Exercise Testing (CPET) has been recognized as a valuable method in assessing disease burden and exercise capacity among CF patients.

Aim: To evaluate whether Pseudomonas aeruginosa colonization status affects Exercise Capacity, LCI and High-Resolution Computed Tomography (HRCT) indices among patients with CF; to check if Pseudomonas colonization can predict exercise intolerance.

Subjects: Seventy-eight (78) children and adults with CF (31 males) mean (range) age 17.08 (6.75; 24.25) performed spirometry, Multiple Breath Washout (MBW) and CPET along with HRCT on the same day during their admission or follow up visit.

Results: 78 CF patients (mean FEV1: 83.3% mean LCI: 10.9 and mean VO₂ peak: 79.1%) were evaluated: 33 were chronically colonized with Pseudomonas aeruginosa, 24 were intermittently colonized whereas 21 were Pseudomonas free. Statistically significant differences were observed among the three groups in: peak oxygen uptake % predicted (VO₂ peak% (p < 0.001), LCI (p < 0.001), as well as FEV1% (p < 0.001) and FVC% (p < 0.001). Pseudomonas colonization could predict VO₂ peak% (p < 0.001, r ²: -0.395).

Conclusion: Exercise capacity as reflected by peak oxygen uptake is reduced in Pseudomonas colonized patients and reflects lung structural damages as shown on HRCT. Pseudomonas colonization could predict exercise limitation among CF patients.

Purpose: Asthma is a chronic disease which cannot be cured but can be controlled. Although drug therapy is used to relieve and prevent symptoms of asthma and treat exacerbations, still a good asthma control and a better quality of life in many patients is suboptimal due to improper use of inhalation technique. Thus, this interventional study was conducted to evaluate the effect of a pharmacist intervention on asthma control, quality of life and inhaler technique in adult asthmatic patients.

Patients and methods: A total of 72 patients who met the inclusion criteria and agreed to give written consent were enrolled in the study. These patients were randomly divided into two groups i.e., test group (36) and control group (36) by simple block randomization technique. Test group were the interventional groups. Mini Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire (AQLQ), Asthma Control Questionnaire (ACQ) and structured questionnaires were used to sort the information like quality of life, asthma control and demographic details. They were counselled by the pharmacist about the asthma management and proper use of inhalers. Out of 72 patients, only forty six patients came for follow up after one month. Data were entered and analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software version 20.

Results: A significant change was observed in the mean score of quality of life (p = 0.001) in test group as well as control group, however change in the mean score of asthma control in the test group (p = 0.001) was more significant as compared to the control group (p = 0.099). Inhalation technique was found to be improved significantly after intervention among patients using the metered dose inhaler and dry powder inhaler. Majority of the patients were prescribed with Methylxanthines (24.5%) followed by combined Beta 2 agonists and Inhaled Corticosteroids (21.7%).

Conclusion: Pharmacist provided intervention improves the quality of life, asthma control and inhalation technique among asthmatic patients.

Respiratory diseases compromise the health of millions of people all over the world and are strongly linked to the immune dysfunction. CD4+FOXP3+ T regulatory cells, also known as Tregs, have a central role maintaining tissue homeostasis during immune responses. Their activity and clinical impact have been widely studied in different clinical conditions including autoimmune diseases, inflammatory conditions, and cancer, amongst others. Tregs express transcription factor forkhead box P3 (FOXP3), which allows regulation of the immune response through anti-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-10 or transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) and direct cell-to-cell interaction. Maintenance of immune tolerance is achieved via modulation of effector CD4+ T helper 1, 2 or 17 (Th1, Th2, Th17) cells by Tregs. This review highlights the recent progress in the understanding of Tregs in different disorders of the respiratory system.