Carotid intima‐media thickness in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and survival: a multicenter prospective study

Introduction: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is associated withincreased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Carotid intima-media thickness(CIMT) is a noninvasive method assessing atherosclerosis.Objective: It was aimed to determine relationship and survival between COPD andCIMT.Methods: CIMT was measured using Doppler ultrasound (USG) in 668 stable COPDpatients at 24 centers. Patients were followed-up for 2 years.Results: There were 610 patients who completed the study. There were 200 patientsCIMT with 0.05).Conclusion: This study is the first regarding CIMT with combined GOLD assessmentgroups. It has revealed important findings supporting the increase in atherosclerosisrisk in COPD patients. We recommend Doppler USG of the carotid artery inCOPD patients at severe stages

Smoking Prevalence and Associated Factors among Students of Balıkesir University

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the smoking prevalence and associated factors among the students of Balıkesir University and determine the level of nicotine dependence in smokers. Methods: Six faculties and two graduate schools located at the Balıkesir University campus were enrolled. The cluster method was used as the sampling method. To observe the rates of smoking initiation while studying at the university, first-year and final year students were compared. Results: A total of 1096 students were enrolled, with a mean age of 20.4±2.2 years. The regular smoking prevalence rate was 25.5%, occasional smoking rate was 9.5%, alcohol consumption rate was 28.0%, and drug abuse rate was 5.0%. The mean age for attempting to smoke was 16.6±2.2 years. The leading causes of smoking were curiosity, spiritual space, affection, and to comply with friends. According to the Fagerström questionnaire, the level of nicotine dependence was low in 53.0% of the participants, moderate in 8.7%, and high in 28.4%. The average smoking prevalence rate was 23.6% in first-grade students, whereas it was 44.8% in last-grade students. The factors that influence smoking were as follows: being in the last grade, mother, siblings, and friends who smoke, higher allowance, use of alcohol and drugs. Smoking was found to be more prevalent among males. Conclusion: Last-grade students had a higher smoking prevalence rate than the first-grade students. Family, social environment, and smoking behavior of friends have an influence on smoking. All risk factors, including past history and university period, should be considered together in tobacco control

Effects of Varenicline on Cardiovascular Parameters and Oxidative Stress

Objective: Pharmacotheraphy is recommended for smoking cessation in clinical practice. However, the cardiovascular safety of smoking cessation drugs has been questioned. Our goal is to evaluate the effects of the smoking cessation drug varenicline on some cardiovascular parameters and oxidative stress in subjects. Methods: Twenty-six smokers without cardiovascular diseases and 25 healthy subjects were enrolled in the study. Total oxidant status (TOS), total antioxidant status (TAS), and urotensin II levels were determined in blood samples. Echocardiography was performed in all individuals. Smokers were assessed with the measurements mentioned above at the beginning of the treatment (V0 group) and at the end (third month, V3 group). The same measurements were performed once in the control group (C). Results: Aortic strain and distensibility measurements in the V0 group were found to be significantly lower than those in the C group. No significant changes were observed after varenicline treatment. TOS values in the V0 group were found to be higher than those in the V3 and C groups, but these differences were not statistically significant. However, TAS values of the V3 group were found to be significantly lower than those of the V0 group. There were no differences between the groups in terms of diastolic dysfunction and urotensin II levels. Conclusion: Our study revealed that varenicline may decrease TAS in smokers thanks to smoking cessation. Varenicline does not seem to have negative effects on aortic stiffness. Further studies are needed to confirm these results

Results of Turkish smoking cessation polyclinics data's analysis (TUSPA study)

Sengezer, Tijen/0000-0002-3200-8926; Er, Mukremin/0000-0001-6842-0587WOS: 000451979407230

Evaluation Of Vitamin B12 and D, Folic Acid and Homocystein Levels In Stable COPD Patients

[No Abstract Available