The effect of gender on response to antithyroid drugs and risk of relapse after discontinuation of the antithyroid drugs in patients with Graves’ hyperthyroidism: a multicentre study

Introduction: The outcome of medical treatment in patients with Graves’ disease (GD) is generally difficult to predict. In this study, we examined the hypothesis that gender may affect the outcome of treatment with antithyroid drugs (ATDs). Material and methods: This is a retrospective multicentre study including 717 (514 female and 203 male) patients with the first episode of GD treated for at least 12 months. Patients were classified as relapse, poorly controlled (several episodes of hyperthyroidism followed by euthyroidism and rarely hypothyroidism, occurring after titration of ATDs), and remission. Results: During the mean follow-up time of 26.75 ± 21.25 months (between 1 and 120 months), 269 (37.5%), 176 (24.5%), and 272 (37.9%) patients experienced a relapse, a poorly controlled disease, and remained in remission, respectively. During the follow-up time, 223 (43.4%) of the female and only 49 (24%) of the male patients remained in remission. Relapse and poorly controlled disease (non-remitting GD) were more common in male compared to female patients with GD (hazard ratio 1.26, 95% CI: 1.03–1.53, p = 0.025). Graves’ disease in male patients tended to relapse earlier, and male patients tended to have larger goiter sizes at diagnosis as well. The smoking habit wasalso significantly more frequent in males compared to female patients with GD. Conclusion: Male patients with GD have a markedly higher frequency of relapse and poorly controlled disease, as compared to female patients. Larger goiter sizes and higher frequency of smoking may contribute to the higher frequency of relapse and poorly controlled disease in male patients.

COVID-19 related acute respiratory distress syndrome: Pathological, radiological and clinical concordance

Severe coronavirus 2019 disease (COVID-19) represents viral pneumonia from severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection leading to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). However, when ARDS occurs as part of COVID-19, it has different features. The strategy of breathing support is very important in treating COVID-19 related ARDS (CARDS). Though it meets the CARDS Berlin definition, COVID-19 pneumonia is a specific disease with different phenotypes. Recently, it has been suggested that CARDS has two phenotypes, type L (Type 1 or non-ARDS) and type H (Type 2, ARDS), and these phenotypes respond differently to respiratory support treatments. In this review, after mentioning the pathophysiology and radiological relationship of CARDS, the definition and treatment approaches of two different forms of CARDS were discussed.WOS:0007114499000082-s2.0-85116869763PubMed: 3458115

Low Cognitive Ability in Subjects With Bronchiectasis

WOS: 000364365600012PubMed: 26221045BACKGROUND: Bronchiectasis may change cognitive function. The mechanism responsible for cognitive dysfunction in COPD may be neuronal damage caused by hypoxia. Cognitive function in patients with bronchiectasis is also likely to be affected by similar mechanisms. The goal of this study was to determine the frequency and determinants of low cognitive ability in subjects with stable bronchiectasis. METHODS: Thirty subjects with stable bronchiectasis and 25 healthy volunteers underwent a cognitive ability assessment using the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale. Bronchiectasis was diagnosed by high-resolution computed tomography of the chest. Age, body mass index, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and pulmonary function were assessed. Perceived intensity of dyspnea after exercise (after climbing 3 flights of stairs) was estimated using a modified Borg scale. RESULTS: Mean scores on the verbal and performance tests and full-scale IQ scores were significantly lower in subjects with bronchiectasis than in healthy volunteers. Low cognitive ability in subjects with bronchiectasis was associated with higher depression scores, lower oxygen saturation, and poor lung function after adjusting for potential confounders in multivariate analysis. Borg scores after exercise in subjects with bronchiectasis and low cognitive ability were higher than those in subjects with bronchiectasis and high cognitive ability, despite similar P-aO2 and FEV1 in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: Low cognitive ability in subjects with bronchiectasis may be associated with reduced lung function, more serious hypoxemia, and higher depressive symptoms. Subjects with bronchiectasis and low cognitive ability feel more intense dyspnea than do those with high cognitive ability

Comparison of pirfenidone and corticosteroid treatments at the COVID-19 pneumonia with the guide of artificial intelligence supported thoracic computed tomography

Aim We aimed to investigate the effect of short-term pirfenidone treatment on prolonged COVID-19 pneumonia. Method Hospital files of patients hospitalised with a diagnosis of critical COVID-19 pneumonia from November 2020 to March 2021 were retrospectively reviewed. Chest computed tomography images taken both before treatment and 2 months after treatment, demographic characteristics and laboratory parameters of patients receiving pirfenidone + methylprednisolone (n = 13) and only methylprednisolones (n = 9) were recorded. Pulmonary function tests were performed after the second month of the treatment. CT involvement rates were determined by machine learning. Results A total of 22 patients, 13 of whom (59.1%) were using methylprednisolone + pirfenidone and 9 of whom (40.9%) were using only methylprednisolone were included. When the blood gas parameters and pulmonary function tests of the patients were compared at the end of the second month, it was found that the FEV1, FEV1%, FVC and FVC% values were statistically significantly higher in the methylprednisolone + pirfenidone group compared with the methylprednisolone group (P = .025, P = .012, P = .026 and P = .017, respectively). When the rates of change in CT scans at diagnosis and second month of treatment were examined, it was found that the involvement rates in the methylprednisolone + pirfenidone group were statistically significantly decreased (P < .001). Conclusion Antifibrotic agents can reduce fibrosis that may develop in the future. These can also help dose reduction and/or non-use strategy for methylprednisolone therapy, which has many side effects. Further large series and randomised controlled studies are needed on this subject.WOS:0007077954000012-s2.0-85117142372PubMed: 3462415

Therapeutic Treatment with Abdominal Adipose Mesenchymal Cells Does Not Prevent Elastase-Induced Emphysema in Rats

WOS: 000514100200003PubMed: 32163359OBJECTIVES: Emphysema and chronic bronchitis have different pathophysiologies but both are significant components of chronic obstructive lung disease (COPD). The levels of Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 in the bronchoalveloar lavage fluid (BALF) and in serum indicate the presence of emphysema. Intratracheal administration of elastase has been used to create a rat model of emphysema. Adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) have been postulated to prevent or reverse emphysema, however, this has not been examined in the rat model of elastase-induced emphysema. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this study, 31 Wistar albino rats aged 6-8 weeks and weighing 250-300 g were assessed. On day 1, the animals were treated intratracheally with 0.5 mL saline (control group, n=10), i.e., 0.5 mL saline solution containing 0.1 IU porcine pancreatic elastase (PPE) (Elastase group, n=12) or PPE plus MSC (Elastase-MSC group, n=9) was adminstered per animal. MSCs suspended in serum were injected via the caudal vein on day 21. At least 106 cells were injected. All animals were sacrificed on day 42 and the emphysema index (EI) was calculated, along with measuring the BALF and serum MMP-9 concentrations. RESULTS: Porcine pancreatic elastase induced a significant degree of emphysema in the PPE groups as compared to the control group, which was determined by the EI index (p=0.008). This was not reversed by MSC treatment. The EI remained significantly low in comprison with the controls (p=0.001) and measured no different from the Elastase-treated animals. There was no statistically significant difference between the BALF and serum MMP-9 levels between the control and treatment groups. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that therapeutic treatment with adipose tissue-derived MSC in rats has no effect on emphysema or on MMP9 expression, which is a known marker of emphysema.Kirikkale University BAP unitKirikkale University [2010/21]This study was supported by Kirikkale University BAP unit (2010/21)

Chest Diseases Clinic, Pandemic Experiences

As the chest diseases clinic of Duzce Medical School, we were one of the departments that took an active role in the COVID-19 pandemic. Chest diseases department; It was one of the main branches in the differential diagnosis, treatment and follow-up of COVID-19 cases. In this process, our assistants, who were our hands and arms, were our fighters who were at the forefront of the pandemic process. During the pandemic process, we worked every day with an order consisting of a faculty member and two assistants. We continued our scientific meeting and assistant trainings online so that our training activities are not interrupted. On the one hand, we continued our scientific activities by participating in the studies, planning new research, and writing projects. As a result, when we look back, we have completed this difficult process by further enhancing our sense of solidarity that exists as a department in the pandemic process we experienced for the first time in our lives.WOS:00058856330000

Endogenous Carboxyhemoglobin Concentrations in Predicting Prognosis of Patients with COVID-19 Pneumonia

Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak has caused great difficulties in providing healthcare services worldwide. Accurate and useful indicators are needed for the effective use of resources. Carbon monoxide (CO) is also produced endogenously without exogenous exposure. Studies confirm that endogenous CO increases in conditions such as pneumonia, sepsis, and trauma. This study aimed to compare patients diagnosed with COVID-19 pneumonia and healthy people to reveal whether endogenous carboxyhemoglobin (COHb) levels differ. It was also to determine whether it could be a helpful indicator for the clinician in predicting disease severity in combating the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: The study included 72 patients admitted to the hospital during the COVID-19 pandemic and diagnosed with COVID-19 pneumonia and a control group of 75 healthy people. The research data was collected retrospectively in a tertiary emergency department. The patients' demographic data, pneumonia severity index (PSI) score, CURB-65 score, 30-day mortality, hospitalization, need for mechanical ventilation (MV), and COHb levels were recorded. Results: While the COHb level was 0.9% (min-max, 0.1 - 4.0) in patients with COVID-19 pneumonia, it was 1% (min-max, 0.1 - 2.6) in the control group. No significant difference was found between the patients and the control group in terms of COHb levels (p = 0.341). Also, there was no correlation between COHb levels and PSI and CURB-65 scores. No significant difference was detected between COHb levels and patients diagnosed with COVID-19 pneumonia in terms of mortality, need for MV, or hospitalization (p > 0.05). Conclusions: We concluded that COHb levels alone could not be used to diagnose COVID-19 pneumonia or predict disease severity. Besides, in COVID-19 pneumonia, the COHb level was not a useful indicator of mortality, need for MV, or hospitalization decision. Further studies are needed to find useful indicators to assist clinicians in their decision-making process in tackling the COVID-19 pandemic.WOS:0006521615000232-s2.0-85105772314PubMed: 3397836

Corticosteroid use in COVID-19 pneumonia

Introduction: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has a 1-2% fatality rate, where no specific treatment has yet been defined. Although corticosteroids are recommended for selected COVID-19 patients without acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and septic shock, there is no consensus regarding patient subgroups, dose, and duration. In this study, it was aimed to examine the contribution of corticosteroid treatment to the management of COVID-19 pneumonia without ARDS, septic shock both in acute and recovery setting. Materials and Methods: The study population was divided into two as those who used corticosteroids during the recovery phase (who did not develop sufficient radiological or clinical improvement) and those who did so during the activation phase (non-ARDS/septic shock condition, clinical, laboratory or radiological progression). Results: We identified 47 patients, 26 of which were males, and mean age was 60.5 +/- 16.5 years. Seventeen patients were found to receive corticosteroids during the recovery phase and the rest (n- 30) during the activation period. After corticosteroid therapy, we found reduction of increased pre-treatment levels of D-dimer, ferritin, fibrinogen, CRI; increment of decreased pre-treatment lymphocyte count and saturation. Complete symptomatic improvement was detected in 6.9% and 17.6% of the patients in the activation phase and recovery phase, respectively. Complete radiological improvement was found in 11.5% and 35.3% of the patients in the activation phase and recovery phase, respectively. While corticosteroid treatment was initiated on day 4.2 +/- 2.6 and continued for a mean of 5.9 +/- 2.8 days in the activation group, it was started on day 8.1 +/- 11.3 and administered for 7.8 +/- 3.8 days in the recovery group. In both groups, methylprednisolone was given at a median dose of 40 mg/day. Conclusion: Short-term low-dose corticosteroid therapy may improve clinical, radiological, laboratory outcomes in the management of COVID-19 pneumonia during the activation period without ARDS and non-septic shock and during recovery period with no satisfactory response. Further randomized controlled studies will be useful in demonstrating its efficacy.WOS:0006704377000102-s2.0-85111461163PubMed: 3425651

The evaluation of both the expression and serum protein levels of Caspase-3 gene in patients with different degrees of SARS-CoV2 infection

To evaluate the effects of Caspase-3 (CASP3) gene expression and serum levels on preventing severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. A total of 41 individuals (male: 21; female: 20) with SARS-CoV-2 infection were included in the current study. Hemograms were examined from patient blood samples, and CASP3 gene expression levels were detected. Also, human CASP3 levels were determined from the serum samples of patients. The mean age of patients was 56.220 +/- 18.937 years. Significant differences were detected among all groups for CASP3 2-Delta Delta Ct (p = 0.014) and CASP3 concentration (p = 0.024). The relationship between CASP3 2-Delta Delta Ct levels and hemoglobin (p = 0.023), between CASP3 2-Delta Delta Ct levels and C-reactive protein (CRP) (p = 0.001), between CASP3 2-Delta Delta Ct levels and ferritin (p = 0.003), between CASP3 2-Delta Delta Ctlevels and lactate dehydrogenase (p = 0.001), and between CASP3 2-Delta Delta Ct levels and SpO(2) (p = 0.006) were statistically significant. Also, the relationship between CASP3 concentration levels and SpO(2) was statistically significant (p < 0.046). The CASP3 gene and/or its products have an important function to prevent injury caused by SARS-CoV-2 infection. They play crucial roles in maintaining cellular homeostasis and viability. Perhaps CASP3 levels may provide information about the severity of the disease.Duzce UniversityDuzce UniversityDuzce University coordinators of scientific research projectsWOS:0007082951000012-s2.0-85117183718PubMed: 3458574

Factors affecting compliance with positive airway pressure therapy in obstructive sleep apnea

Objective To investigate the factors affecting compliance with positive airway pressure (PAP) therapy and establish the relationship between compliance and pulmonary function tests (PFT) in patients with OSA. Material and methods In this prospective study, patients with OSA using PAP devices were questioned about the complaints related to the device. Depression and anxiety scales along with PFT parameters were also assessed. Results Of 98 participants, 63% were men. The mean age was 52.0 +/- 9.6 years. Sixty-seven percent of the patients were compliant with their devices. A significant difference was observed between the proportion of the participants compliant or non-compliant with the device, based on OSA severity (p 0.05). The rates of nasal mask use, not having difficulty in tolerating CPAP, falling asleep, absence of abdominal distension, no facial sores, no air leakage, patients benefiting from the device, reduction in daytime sleepiness, and the belief that they are receiving appropriate therapy in participants compliant with the device were higher than those in non-compliant participants (p < 0.05). The rates of claustrophobia and discomfort due to pressure were significantly lower in patients compliant with the device than in the non-compliant patients (p < 0.05). Conclusion While no relationship was detected between PFT parameters and PAP therapy compliance, significant factors affecting the device compliance were detected.WOS:0006796382000012-s2.0-85111554942PubMed: 3432860