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Kakoullis L, Economidou S, Mehrotra P, Panos G, Karampitsakos T, Stratakos G, Tzouvelekis A, Sampsonas F. Bronchoscopy-related outbreaks and pseudo-outbreaks: A systematic review. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2024; 45:509-519. [PMID: 38099453 DOI: 10.1017/ice.2023.250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/10/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To identify and report the pathogens and sources of contamination associated with bronchoscopy-related outbreaks and pseudo-outbreaks. DESIGN Systematic review. SETTING Inpatient and outpatient outbreaks and pseudo-outbreaks after bronchoscopy. METHODS PubMed/Medline databases were searched according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines, using the search terms "bronchoscopy," "outbreak," and "pseudo-outbreak" from inception until December 31, 2022. From eligible publications, data were extracted regarding the type of event, pathogen involved, and source of contamination. Pearson correlation was used to identify correlations between variables. RESULTS In total, 74 studies describing 23 outbreaks and 52 pseudo-outbreaks were included in this review. The major pathogens identified in these studies were Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM), Klebsiella pneumoniae, Serratia marcescens, Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, Legionella pneumophila, and fungi. The primary sources of contamination were the use of contaminated water or contaminated topical anesthetics, dysfunction and contamination of bronchoscopes or automatic endoscope reprocessors, and inadequate disinfection of the bronchoscopes following procedures. Correlations were identified between primary bronchoscope defects and the identification of P. aeruginosa (r = 0.351; P = .002) and K. pneumoniae (r = 0.346; P = .002), and between the presence of a contaminated water source and NTM (r = 0.331; P = .004) or L. pneumophila (r = 0.280; P = .015). CONCLUSIONS Continued vigilance in bronchoscopy disinfection practices remains essential because outbreaks and pseudo-outbreaks continue to pose a significant risk to patient care, emphasizing the importance of stringent disinfection and quality control measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Loukas Kakoullis
- Department of Medicine, Mount Auburn Hospital, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Sofia Economidou
- Department of Medicine, Mount Auburn Hospital, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Preeti Mehrotra
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
- Division of Infection Controland Hospital Epidemiology, Silverman Institute for Health Care Quality and Safety, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
| | - George Panos
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, University General Hospital of Patras, Patras, Greece
| | - Theodoros Karampitsakos
- Ubben Center and Laboratory for Pulmonary Fibrosis Research, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, United States
| | - Grigorios Stratakos
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Sotiria Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Argyrios Tzouvelekis
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, University Hospital of Patras, Patras, Greece
| | - Fotios Sampsonas
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, University Hospital of Patras, Patras, Greece
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Karampitsakos T, Galaris A, Chrysikos S, Papaioannou O, Vamvakaris I, Barbayianni I, Kanellopoulou P, Grammenoudi S, Anagnostopoulos N, Stratakos G, Katsaras M, Sampsonas F, Dimakou K, Manali ED, Papiris S, Tourki B, Juan-Guardela BM, Bakakos P, Bouros D, Herazo-Maya JD, Aidinis V, Tzouvelekis A. Expression of PD-1/PD-L1 axis in mediastinal lymph nodes and lung tissue of human and experimental lung fibrosis indicates a potential therapeutic target for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Respir Res 2023; 24:279. [PMID: 37964265 PMCID: PMC10648728 DOI: 10.1186/s12931-023-02551-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mediastinal lymph node enlargement is prevalent in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). Studies investigating whether this phenomenon reflects specific immunologic activation are lacking. METHODS Programmed cell death-1 (PD-1)/ programmed cell death ligand-1 (PD-L1) expression in mediastinal lymph nodes and lung tissues was analyzed. PD-1, PD-L1 mRNA expression was measured in tracheobronchial lymph nodes of mice following bleomycin-induced injury on day 14. Finally, the effect of the PD-1 inhibitor, pembrolizumab, in bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis was investigated. RESULTS We analyzed mediastinal lymph nodes of thirty-three patients (n = 33, IPF: n = 14, lung cancer: n = 10, concomitant IPF and lung cancer: n = 9) and lung tissues of two hundred nineteen patients (n = 219, IPF: 123, controls: 96). PD-1 expression was increased, while PD-L1 expression was decreased, in mediastinal lymph nodes of patients with IPF compared to lung cancer and in IPF lungs compared to control lungs. Tracheobronchial lymph nodes isolated on day 14 from bleomycin-treated mice exhibited increased size and higher PD-1, PD-L1 mRNA levels compared to saline-treated animals. Pembrolizumab blunted bleomycin-induced lung fibrosis, as indicated by reduction in Ashcroft score and improvement in respiratory mechanics. CONCLUSIONS Mediastinal lymph nodes of patients with IPF exhibit differential expression profiles than those of patients with lung cancer indicating distinct immune-mediated pathways regulating fibrogenesis and carcinogenesis. PD-1 expression in mediastinal lymph nodes is in line with lung tissue expression. Lower doses of pembrolizumab might exert antifibrotic effects. Clinical trials aiming to endotype patients based on mediastinal lymph node profiling and accordingly implement targeted therapies such as PD-1 inhibitors are greatly anticipated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theodoros Karampitsakos
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, University Hospital of Patras, Rio, Greece
- Ubben Center and Laboratory for Pulmonary Fibrosis Research, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, 33620, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Apostolos Galaris
- Institute of Bio- Innovation, Biomedical Sciences Research Center Alexander Fleming, Athens, Greece
| | - Serafeim Chrysikos
- 5th Department of Pneumonology, Hospital for Thoracic Diseases, "SOTIRIA", Athens, Greece
| | - Ourania Papaioannou
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, University Hospital of Patras, Rio, Greece
| | - Ioannis Vamvakaris
- Department of Pathology, Hospital for Thoracic Diseases, "SOTIRIA", Athens, Greece
| | - Ilianna Barbayianni
- Institute of Bio- Innovation, Biomedical Sciences Research Center Alexander Fleming, Athens, Greece
| | - Paraskevi Kanellopoulou
- Institute of Bio- Innovation, Biomedical Sciences Research Center Alexander Fleming, Athens, Greece
| | - Sofia Grammenoudi
- Institute of Bio- Innovation, Biomedical Sciences Research Center Alexander Fleming, Athens, Greece
| | - Nektarios Anagnostopoulos
- First Academic Department of Pneumonology, "SOTIRIA", Medical School, Hospital for Thoracic Diseases, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Grigoris Stratakos
- First Academic Department of Pneumonology, "SOTIRIA", Medical School, Hospital for Thoracic Diseases, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Matthaios Katsaras
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, University Hospital of Patras, Rio, Greece
| | - Fotios Sampsonas
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, University Hospital of Patras, Rio, Greece
| | - Katerina Dimakou
- 5th Department of Pneumonology, Hospital for Thoracic Diseases, "SOTIRIA", Athens, Greece
| | - Effrosyni D Manali
- 2nd Pulmonary Medicine Department, Athens Medical School, "ATTIKON" University Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Spyridon Papiris
- 2nd Pulmonary Medicine Department, Athens Medical School, "ATTIKON" University Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Bochra Tourki
- Ubben Center and Laboratory for Pulmonary Fibrosis Research, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, 33620, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Brenda M Juan-Guardela
- Ubben Center and Laboratory for Pulmonary Fibrosis Research, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, 33620, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Petros Bakakos
- First Academic Department of Pneumonology, "SOTIRIA", Medical School, Hospital for Thoracic Diseases, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Demosthenes Bouros
- First Academic Department of Pneumonology, "SOTIRIA", Medical School, Hospital for Thoracic Diseases, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Jose D Herazo-Maya
- Ubben Center and Laboratory for Pulmonary Fibrosis Research, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, 33620, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Vassilis Aidinis
- Institute of Bio- Innovation, Biomedical Sciences Research Center Alexander Fleming, Athens, Greece
| | - Argyris Tzouvelekis
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, University Hospital of Patras, Rio, Greece.
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Papaefthymiou A, Doulberis M, Karafyllidou K, Chatzimichael E, Deretzi G, Exadaktylos AK, Sampsonas F, Gelasakis A, Papamichos SI, Kotronis G, Gialamprinou D, Vardaka E, Polyzos SA, Kountouras J. Effect of spironolactone on pharmacological treatment of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Minerva Endocrinol (Torino) 2023; 48:346-359. [PMID: 34669319 DOI: 10.23736/s2724-6507.21.03564-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) was recently renamed to metabolic (dysfunction)-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) to better characterize its pathogenic origin. NAFLD represents, at least in western societies, a potential epidemic with raising prevalence. Its multifactorial pathogenesis is partially unraveled and till now there is no approved pharmacotherapy for NAFLD. A plethora of various choices are investigated in clinical trials, targeting an arsenal of different pathways and molecules. Since the mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) and renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) appear to be implicated in NAFLD, within this concise review, we focus on a rather classical and inexpensive pharmacological agent, spironolactone. We present the current lines of evidence of MR and RAAS-related preclinical models and human trials reporting an association with NAFLD. In conclusion, evidence about spironolactone of RAAS is commented, as potential future pharmacological management of NAFLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Apostolis Papaefthymiou
- Department of Gastroenterology, University Hospital of Larisa, Larisa, Greece -
- School of Medicine, Second Medical Clinic, Ippokration Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece -
- School of Medicine, First Laboratory of Pharmacology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece -
| | - Michael Doulberis
- School of Medicine, Second Medical Clinic, Ippokration Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
- School of Medicine, First Laboratory of Pharmacology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University Hospital Inselspital of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Medical University, Kantonsspital Aarau, Aarau, Switzerland
| | - Kyriaki Karafyllidou
- Department of Pediatrics, University Children's Hospital of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Eleftherios Chatzimichael
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Center for Integrative Psychiatry, Psychiatric University Hospital of Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Georgia Deretzi
- Department of Neurology, Papageorgiou General Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | | | - Fotios Sampsonas
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, University Hospital of Patras, Patras, Greece
| | - Athanasios Gelasakis
- Department of Animal Science, Laboratory of Anatomy and Physiology of Farm Animals, Agricultural University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Spyros I Papamichos
- Blood Transfusion Service Eastern Switzerland, Swiss Red Cross, St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Georgios Kotronis
- Department of Internal Medicine, General Hospital Aghios Pavlos of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Dimitra Gialamprinou
- Second Neonatal Department and NICU, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Papageorgiou General Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Elisabeth Vardaka
- School of Health Sciences, Department of Nutritional Sciences and Dietetics, International Hellenic University, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Stergios A Polyzos
- School of Medicine, First Laboratory of Pharmacology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Jannis Kountouras
- School of Medicine, Second Medical Clinic, Ippokration Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
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Bota EC, Koumoundourou D, Ravazoula P, Zolota V, Psachoulia C, Kardari M, Karampitsakos T, Tzouvelekis A, Tzelepi V, Sampsonas F. A comprehensive analysis of GATA3 expression in carcinomas of various origins with emphasis on lung carcinomas. Monaldi Arch Chest Dis 2023. [PMID: 37667882 DOI: 10.4081/monaldi.2023.2641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 09/06/2023] Open
Abstract
GATA3 is a transcription factor involved in embryogenesis of multiple human tissues and in maintaining cell differentiation and tissue homeostasis in the adult organism. GATA3 is also involved in carcinogenesis and regarded as a sensitive marker for urothelial and breast carcinomas, albeit expression in carcinomas of non-breast/urothelial origin has been frequently reported. We sought to examine the extent and intensity of GATA3 expression in various carcinomas, mainly lung, urothelial, and breast and various other primary sites. Patients with breast carcinoma (N=40), carcinoma of the urinary bladder/renal pelvis (N=40), lung carcinoma (N=110) and various other origins (N=45) were included in the study. One hundred and sixty-five patients had a primary tumor diagnosis, and 70 cases had a metastatic tumor diagnosis. Our results showed that GATA3 expression was significantly more common in carcinomas of the breast, urinary bladder and renal pelvis compared to all other origins. All primary and 93% of metastatic urinary bladder carcinomas and 94% of the primary and 80% of metastatic breast carcinomas expressed GATA3. Expression was lower in non-urothelial histology of urinary primaries and in triple negative breast carcinomas. Focal staining, mostly faint, was seen in 5.6% of the primary lung adenocarcinomas and 35% of the primary lung squamous cell carcinomas. More extensive and intense staining was seen in 3.7% of the primary lung adenocarcinomas and 12% of the primary lung squamous cell carcinomas. Expression, mostly focal was also seen in 30% of the metastatic lung carcinomas. Finally, high expression was seen in 12.5% of the other tumors (one metastatic pancreatic carcinoma, one metastatic salivary gland adenocarcinoma NOS, one metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the skin, one primary uterine cervix serous carcinoma, and one squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck) and focal expression was present in another 22% of them. No ideal cut-off for positivity for GATA3 staining could be identified. In conclusion our study shows that GATA3 staining has two caveats in its use: the first is that non classical histologies of urothelial carcinomas and TNBC may be negative for the marker and secondly carcinomas of various origins may show (although rarely) intense positivity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Vasiliki Zolota
- Department of Pathology and Cytopathology, University Hospital of Patras; Department of Pathology, University of Patras.
| | | | - Maria Kardari
- Department of Pathology and Cytopathology, University Hospital of Patras.
| | | | | | - Vasiliki Tzelepi
- Department of Pathology and Cytopathology, University Hospital of Patras; Department of Pathology, University of Patras.
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Karampitsakos T, Sampsonas F, Herazo-Maya JD, Tzouvelekis A. Management of patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and lung cancer: challenges in clinical practice. Curr Opin Pulm Med 2023:00063198-990000000-00079. [PMID: 37395506 DOI: 10.1097/mcp.0000000000000977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/04/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is the nonmalignant, chronic lung disease with the worst prognosis. Prevalent comorbidities including lung cancer exert a negative impact on patients' survival. However, there is considerable lack of knowledge on the diagnostic and therapeutic management of patients diagnosed with both clinical entities. This review article presents the main challenges in the management of patients with IPF and lung cancer and highlights future perspectives. RECENT FINDINGS Recent registries for patients with IPF demonstrated that approximately 10% of patients developed lung cancer. Importantly, incidence of lung cancer was increasing remarkably over time in patients with IPF. Patients with IPF and otherwise technically operable lung cancer who underwent surgical resection had improved survival compared with those who did not undergo surgery. However, specific precautions perioperatively are crucial. Finally, the first randomized-controlled, phase 3 trial (J-SONIC trial) showed no significant difference in exacerbation-free survival for chemotherapy-naive patients with IPF and advanced nonsmall cell lung cancer that were allocated to receive carboplatin and nab-paclitaxel every 3 weeks with or without nintedanib. SUMMARY Lung cancer is prevalent in IPF. Management of patients with IPF and lung cancer is challenging. A consensus statement aiming to attenuate confusion is greatly anticipated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theodoros Karampitsakos
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, Ubben Center for Pulmonary Fibrosis Research, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - Fotios Sampsonas
- Department of Internal and Respiratory Medicine, Medical School University of Patras, Patras, Greece
| | - Jose D Herazo-Maya
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, Ubben Center for Pulmonary Fibrosis Research, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - Argyris Tzouvelekis
- Department of Internal and Respiratory Medicine, Medical School University of Patras, Patras, Greece
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Karampitsakos T, Papaioannou O, Tsiri P, Katsaras M, Katsimpris A, Kalogeropoulos AP, Malakounidou E, Zarkadi E, Tsirikos G, Georgiopoulou V, Sotiropoulou V, Koulousousa E, Chourpiliadi C, Matsioulas A, Lagadinou M, Sampsonas F, Akinosoglou K, Marangos M, Tzouvelekis A. Tocilizumab versus baricitinib in hospitalized patients with severe COVID-19: an open label, randomized controlled trial. Clin Microbiol Infect 2023; 29:372-378. [PMID: 36273769 PMCID: PMC9636985 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmi.2022.10.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2022] [Revised: 10/08/2022] [Accepted: 10/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Randomized controlled trials comparing tocilizumab and baricitinib in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) are needed. This was an open-label, randomized controlled trial aiming to address this unmet need. METHODS To determine whether baricitinib was non-inferior to tocilizumab, we assessed whether the upper boundary of the two-sided 95% CI of the hazard ratio (HR) did not exceed 1.50. The primary outcome was mechanical ventilation or death by day 28. Secondary outcomes included time to hospital discharge by day 28 and change in WHO progression scale at day 10. RESULTS We assigned 251 patients with COVID-19 and a PaO2/FiO2 ratio of <200 to receive either tocilizumab (n = 126) or baricitinib (n = 125) plus standard of care. Baricitinib was non-inferior to tocilizumab for the primary composite outcome of mechanical ventilation or death by day 28 (mechanical ventilation or death for patients who received baricitinib, 39.2% [n = 49/125]; mechanical ventilation or death for patients who received tocilizumab, 44.4% [n = 56/126]; HR, 0.83; 95% CI, 0.56-1.21; p 0.001 for non-inferiority). Baricitinib was non-inferior to tocilizumab for the time to hospital discharge within 28 days (patients who received baricitinib- discharged alive: 58.4% [n = 73/125] vs. patients who received tocilizumab- discharged alive: 52.4% [n = 66/126]; HR, 0.85; 95% CI, 0.61-1.18; p < 0.001 for non-inferiority). There was no significant difference between the baricitinib and tocilizumab arms in the change in WHO scale at day 10 (0.0 [95% CI, 0.0-0.0] vs. 0.0 [95% CI, 0.0-1.0]; p 0.83). DISCUSSION In the setting of this trial, baricitinib was non-inferior to tocilizumab with regards to the composite outcome of mechanical ventilation or death by day 28 and the time to discharge by day 28 in patients with severe COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ourania Papaioannou
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, University Hospital of Patras, Rio, Greece
| | - Panagiota Tsiri
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, University Hospital of Patras, Rio, Greece
| | - Matthaios Katsaras
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, University Hospital of Patras, Rio, Greece
| | - Andreas Katsimpris
- 'G.Gennimatas' Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece; Institute for Medical Informatics, Biometry and Epidemiology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, Munich, Germany
| | | | - Elli Malakounidou
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, University Hospital of Patras, Rio, Greece
| | - Eirini Zarkadi
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, University Hospital of Patras, Rio, Greece
| | - Georgios Tsirikos
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, University Hospital of Patras, Rio, Greece
| | | | | | - Electra Koulousousa
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, University Hospital of Patras, Rio, Greece
| | | | | | - Maria Lagadinou
- Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital of Patras, Rio, Greece
| | - Fotios Sampsonas
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, University Hospital of Patras, Rio, Greece
| | | | - Markos Marangos
- Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital of Patras, Rio, Greece
| | - Argyris Tzouvelekis
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, University Hospital of Patras, Rio, Greece.
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Karampitsakos T, Sotiropoulou V, Katsaras M, Tsiri P, Georgakopoulou VE, Papanikolaou IC, Bibaki E, Tomos I, Lambiri I, Papaioannou O, Zarkadi E, Antonakis E, Pandi A, Malakounidou E, Sampsonas F, Makrodimitri S, Chrysikos S, Hillas G, Dimakou K, Tzanakis N, Sipsas NV, Antoniou K, Tzouvelekis A. Post-COVID-19 interstitial lung disease: Insights from a machine learning radiographic model. Front Med (Lausanne) 2023; 9:1083264. [PMID: 36733935 PMCID: PMC9886681 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.1083264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 12/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 seem to be an emerging global crisis. Machine learning radiographic models have great potential for meticulous evaluation of post-COVID-19 interstitial lung disease (ILD). Methods In this multicenter, retrospective study, we included consecutive patients that had been evaluated 3 months following severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection between 01/02/2021 and 12/5/2022. High-resolution computed tomography was evaluated through Imbio Lung Texture Analysis 2.1. Results Two hundred thirty-two (n = 232) patients were analyzed. FVC% predicted was ≥80, between 60 and 79 and <60 in 74.2% (n = 172), 21.1% (n = 49), and 4.7% (n = 11) of the cohort, respectively. DLCO% predicted was ≥80, between 60 and 79 and <60 in 69.4% (n = 161), 15.5% (n = 36), and 15.1% (n = 35), respectively. Extent of ground glass opacities was ≥30% in 4.3% of patients (n = 10), between 5 and 29% in 48.7% of patients (n = 113) and <5% in 47.0% of patients (n = 109). The extent of reticulation was ≥30%, 5-29% and <5% in 1.3% (n = 3), 24.1% (n = 56), and 74.6% (n = 173) of the cohort, respectively. Patients (n = 13, 5.6%) with fibrotic lung disease and persistent functional impairment at the 6-month follow-up received antifibrotics and presented with an absolute change of +10.3 (p = 0.01) and +14.6 (p = 0.01) in FVC% predicted at 3 and 6 months after the initiation of antifibrotic. Conclusion Post-COVID-19-ILD represents an emerging entity. A substantial minority of patients presents with fibrotic lung disease and might experience benefit from antifibrotic initiation at the time point that fibrotic-like changes are "immature." Machine learning radiographic models could be of major significance for accurate radiographic evaluation and subsequently for the guidance of therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Vasilina Sotiropoulou
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, University General Hospital of Patras, Patras, Greece
| | - Matthaios Katsaras
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, University General Hospital of Patras, Patras, Greece
| | - Panagiota Tsiri
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, University General Hospital of Patras, Patras, Greece
| | | | | | - Eleni Bibaki
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Pneumonology, Department of Thoracic Medicine, Medical School, University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Ioannis Tomos
- 5th Department of Respiratory Medicine, Hospital for Thoracic Diseases, ‘SOTIRIA’, Athens, Greece
| | - Irini Lambiri
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Pneumonology, Department of Thoracic Medicine, Medical School, University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Ourania Papaioannou
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, University General Hospital of Patras, Patras, Greece
| | - Eirini Zarkadi
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, University General Hospital of Patras, Patras, Greece
| | | | - Aggeliki Pandi
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Corfu General Hospital, Corfu, Greece
| | - Elli Malakounidou
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, University General Hospital of Patras, Patras, Greece
| | - Fotios Sampsonas
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, University General Hospital of Patras, Patras, Greece
| | - Sotiria Makrodimitri
- Department of Infectious Diseases-COVID-19 Unit, Laiko General Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Serafeim Chrysikos
- 5th Department of Respiratory Medicine, Hospital for Thoracic Diseases, ‘SOTIRIA’, Athens, Greece
| | - Georgios Hillas
- 5th Department of Respiratory Medicine, Hospital for Thoracic Diseases, ‘SOTIRIA’, Athens, Greece
| | - Katerina Dimakou
- 5th Department of Respiratory Medicine, Hospital for Thoracic Diseases, ‘SOTIRIA’, Athens, Greece
| | - Nikolaos Tzanakis
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Pneumonology, Department of Thoracic Medicine, Medical School, University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Nikolaos V. Sipsas
- Department of Infectious Diseases-COVID-19 Unit, Laiko General Hospital, Athens, Greece,Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Zografou, Greece
| | - Katerina Antoniou
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Pneumonology, Department of Thoracic Medicine, Medical School, University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Argyris Tzouvelekis
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, University General Hospital of Patras, Patras, Greece,*Correspondence: Argyris Tzouvelekis, ,
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Karampitsakos T, Tzilas V, Papaioannou O, Chrysikos S, Vasarmidi E, Juge PA, Vizirianaki S, Bibaki E, Reppa A, Sidiropoulos P, Katsaras M, Sotiropoulou V, Tsiri P, Koulousousa E, Theochari E, Tsirikos G, Christopoulos I, Malakounidou E, Zarkadi E, Sampsonas F, Hillas G, Karageorgas T, Daoussis D, Kalogeropoulou C, Dimakou K, Tzanakis N, Borie R, Dieudé P, Antoniou K, Crestani B, Bouros D, Tzouvelekis A. Clinical features and outcomes of patients with myositis associated-interstitial lung disease. Front Med (Lausanne) 2023; 9:1096203. [PMID: 36698813 PMCID: PMC9868310 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.1096203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Myositis associated interstitial lung disease (ILD) seems to be an under-recognized entity. Methods In this multicenter, retrospective study, we recorded between 9/12/2019 and 30/9/2021 consecutive patients who presented in five different ILD centers from two European countries (Greece, France) and received a multidisciplinary diagnosis of myositis associated-ILD. The primary outcome was all-cause mortality over 1 year in specific subgroups of patients. Secondary outcomes included comparison of disease characteristics between patients diagnosed with the amyopathic subtype and patients with evidence of myopathy at diagnosis. Results We identified 75 patients with myositis associated-ILD. Median age (95% CI) at the time of diagnosis was 64.0 (61.0-65.0) years. Antinuclear antibody testing was positive in 40% of the cohort (n = 30/75). Myopathy onset occurred first in 40.0% of cases (n = 30), ILD without evidence of myopathy occurred in 29 patients (38.7%), while 16 patients (21.3%) were diagnosed concomitantly with ILD and myopathy. The commonest radiographic pattern was cellular non-specific interstitial pneumonia (NSIP) and was observed in 29 patients (38.7%). The radiographic pattern of organizing pneumonia was significantly more common in patients diagnosed with the amyopathic subtype compared to patients that presented with myopathy [24.1% (n = 7/29) vs. 6.5% (n = 3/46), p = 0.03]. One year survival was 86.7% in the overall population. Kaplan-Meier analysis demonstrated significantly higher all-cause 1-year mortality in patients with the amyopathic subtype compared to patients with evidence of myopathy [H R 4.24 (95% CI: 1.16-15.54), p = 0.03]. Patients diagnosed following hospitalization due to acute respiratory failure experienced increased risk of 1-year all-cause mortality compared to patients diagnosed in outpatient setting [HR 6.70 (95% CI: 1.19-37.81), p = 0.03]. Finally, patients with positive anti-MDA5 presented with higher 1-year all-cause mortality compared to anti-MDA5 negative patients [HR 28.37 (95% CI: 5.13-157.01), p = 0.0001]. Conclusion Specific ILD radiographic patterns such as NSIP and organizing pneumonia may herald underlying inflammatory myopathies. Hospitalized patients presenting with bilateral organizing pneumonia refractory to antibiotics should be meticulously evaluated for myositis associated-ILD even if there is no overt muscular involvement. Incorporation of ILD radiological patterns in the diagnostic criteria of inflammatory myopathies may lead to timely therapeutic interventions and positively impact patients' survival.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Vasilios Tzilas
- 5th Department of Pneumonology, General Hospital for Thoracic Diseases Sotiria, Athens, Greece
| | - Ourania Papaioannou
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, University Hospital of Patras, Patras, Greece
| | - Serafeim Chrysikos
- 5th Department of Pneumonology, General Hospital for Thoracic Diseases Sotiria, Athens, Greece
| | - Eirini Vasarmidi
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Pneumonology, Department of Thoracic Medicine, Medical School, University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece,Université de Paris, INSERM UMR 1152, F-75018, Paris, France,Assistance Publique – Hôpitaux de Paris (APHP), Service de Pneumologie A, Centre de Référence Constitutif des Maladies Pulmonaires Rares, Fédération Hospitalo-Universitaire (FHU) APOLLO, Hôpital Bichat, Paris, France
| | - Pierre-Antoine Juge
- Université de Paris, INSERM UMR 1152, F-75018, Paris, France,Assistance Publique – Hôpitaux de Paris (APHP), Service de Rheumatologie, Hôpital Bichat-Claude Bernard, F-75018, Paris, France
| | - Styliani Vizirianaki
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Pneumonology, Department of Thoracic Medicine, Medical School, University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Eleni Bibaki
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Pneumonology, Department of Thoracic Medicine, Medical School, University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Argyro Reppa
- Department of Rheumatology, Medical School, University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece
| | | | - Matthaios Katsaras
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, University Hospital of Patras, Patras, Greece
| | | | - Panagiota Tsiri
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, University Hospital of Patras, Patras, Greece
| | - Electra Koulousousa
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, University Hospital of Patras, Patras, Greece
| | - Eva Theochari
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, University Hospital of Patras, Patras, Greece
| | - Georgios Tsirikos
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, University Hospital of Patras, Patras, Greece
| | | | - Elli Malakounidou
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, University Hospital of Patras, Patras, Greece
| | - Eirini Zarkadi
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, University Hospital of Patras, Patras, Greece
| | - Fotios Sampsonas
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, University Hospital of Patras, Patras, Greece
| | - Georgios Hillas
- 5th Department of Pneumonology, General Hospital for Thoracic Diseases Sotiria, Athens, Greece
| | - Theofanis Karageorgas
- Department of Rheumatology, Attikon University Hospital, Athens Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Dimitrios Daoussis
- Department of Rheumatology, University Hospital of Patras, University of Patras Medical School, Patras, Greece
| | | | - Katerina Dimakou
- 5th Department of Pneumonology, General Hospital for Thoracic Diseases Sotiria, Athens, Greece
| | - Nikolaos Tzanakis
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Pneumonology, Department of Thoracic Medicine, Medical School, University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Raphael Borie
- Université de Paris, INSERM UMR 1152, F-75018, Paris, France,Assistance Publique – Hôpitaux de Paris (APHP), Service de Pneumologie A, Centre de Référence Constitutif des Maladies Pulmonaires Rares, Fédération Hospitalo-Universitaire (FHU) APOLLO, Hôpital Bichat, Paris, France
| | - Philippe Dieudé
- Université de Paris, INSERM UMR 1152, F-75018, Paris, France,Assistance Publique – Hôpitaux de Paris (APHP), Service de Rheumatologie, Hôpital Bichat-Claude Bernard, F-75018, Paris, France
| | - Katerina Antoniou
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Pneumonology, Department of Thoracic Medicine, Medical School, University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Bruno Crestani
- Université de Paris, INSERM UMR 1152, F-75018, Paris, France,Assistance Publique – Hôpitaux de Paris (APHP), Service de Pneumologie A, Centre de Référence Constitutif des Maladies Pulmonaires Rares, Fédération Hospitalo-Universitaire (FHU) APOLLO, Hôpital Bichat, Paris, France
| | - Demosthenes Bouros
- First Academic Department of Pneumonology, Hospital for Thoracic Diseases, “SOTIRIA”, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Argyris Tzouvelekis
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, University Hospital of Patras, Patras, Greece,*Correspondence: Argyris Tzouvelekis, ,
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Karampitsakos T, Sotiropoulou V, Katsaras M, Tsiri P, Georgakopoulou VE, Papanikolaou IC, Bibaki E, Tomos I, Lambiri I, Papaioannou O, Zarkadi E, Antonakis E, Pandi A, Malakounidou E, Sampsonas F, Makrodimitri S, Chrysikos S, Hillas G, Dimakou K, Tzanakis N, Sipsas NV, Antoniou K, Tzouvelekis A. Corrigendum: Post-COVID-19 interstitial lung disease: Insights from a machine learning radiographic model. Front Med (Lausanne) 2023; 10:1194925. [PMID: 37122328 PMCID: PMC10134070 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2023.1194925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/02/2023] Open
Abstract
[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.1083264.].
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Vasilina Sotiropoulou
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, University General Hospital of Patras, Patras, Greece
| | - Matthaios Katsaras
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, University General Hospital of Patras, Patras, Greece
| | - Panagiota Tsiri
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, University General Hospital of Patras, Patras, Greece
| | | | | | - Eleni Bibaki
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Pneumonology, Department of Thoracic Medicine, Medical School, University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Ioannis Tomos
- 5th Department of Respiratory Medicine, Hospital for Thoracic Diseases, ‘SOTIRIA', Athens, Greece
| | - Irini Lambiri
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Pneumonology, Department of Thoracic Medicine, Medical School, University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Ourania Papaioannou
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, University General Hospital of Patras, Patras, Greece
| | - Eirini Zarkadi
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, University General Hospital of Patras, Patras, Greece
| | | | - Aggeliki Pandi
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Corfu General Hospital, Corfu, Greece
| | - Elli Malakounidou
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, University General Hospital of Patras, Patras, Greece
| | - Fotios Sampsonas
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, University General Hospital of Patras, Patras, Greece
| | - Sotiria Makrodimitri
- Department of Infectious Diseases-COVID-19 Unit, Laiko General Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Serafeim Chrysikos
- 5th Department of Respiratory Medicine, Hospital for Thoracic Diseases, ‘SOTIRIA', Athens, Greece
| | - Georgios Hillas
- 5th Department of Respiratory Medicine, Hospital for Thoracic Diseases, ‘SOTIRIA', Athens, Greece
| | - Katerina Dimakou
- 5th Department of Respiratory Medicine, Hospital for Thoracic Diseases, ‘SOTIRIA', Athens, Greece
| | - Nikolaos Tzanakis
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Pneumonology, Department of Thoracic Medicine, Medical School, University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Nikolaos V. Sipsas
- Department of Infectious Diseases-COVID-19 Unit, Laiko General Hospital, Athens, Greece
- Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Zografou, Greece
| | - Katerina Antoniou
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Pneumonology, Department of Thoracic Medicine, Medical School, University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Argyris Tzouvelekis
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, University General Hospital of Patras, Patras, Greece
- *Correspondence: Argyris Tzouvelekis ;
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10
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Papaioannou O, Karampitsakos T, Tsiri P, Sotiropoulou V, Koulousousa E, Tasiopoulos P, Schinas G, Katsaras M, Zarkadi E, Malakounidou E, Georgiopoulou V, Sampsonas F, Spyridonidis A, Akinosoglou K, Marangos M, Tzouvelekis A. Clinical outcomes in vaccinated and unvaccinated patients with COVID-19: a population-based analysis. Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci 2022; 26:7705-7712. [PMID: 36314348 DOI: 10.26355/eurrev_202210_30047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Real-life data for vaccination against COVID-19 are sorely needed. This was a population-based analysis aiming at investigating the hospitalization risk for COVID-19 of 98,982 subjects and compare features of vaccinated and unvaccinated patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS Hospitalized patients with COVID-19 between 01/07/2021 and 11/02/2022 were included in the study. RESULTS 582 patients were included in the analysis [males: 58.6% (n=341), vaccinated patients: 28.5% (n=166), unvaccinated patients: 71.5% (n=416)]. Median age of vaccinated patients was significantly higher compared to median age of unvaccinated [74.0 (95% CI: 72.0-77.0) vs. 59.0 (95% CI: 57.0-62.0), p=0.0001]. Mean latency time (±SD) from the second dose to hospitalization was 5.7±2.6 months. Between 01/07/2021 and 01/12/2021, unvaccinated subjects had higher risk for hospitalization compared to vaccinated [HR: 2.82, 95% CI: 2.30-3.45, p<0.0001]. Between 02/12/2021 and 11/02/2022, unvaccinated subjects presented with higher risk for hospitalization than subjects that had received booster dose [HR: 2.07, 95% CI: 1.44-2.98, p=0.005], but not than subjects that got two doses. Median value of hospitalization days was higher in unvaccinated patients compared to vaccinated [7.0 (95% CI: 7.0-8.0) vs. 6.0 (95% CI: 5.0-7.0), p=0.02]. Finally, age-adjusted analysis showed that hospitalized unvaccinated patients presented with significantly higher mortality risk compared to hospitalized vaccinated patients [HR: 2.59, 95% CI: 1.69-3.98, p<0.0001]. CONCLUSIONS Vaccination against COVID-19 remains the best way to contain the pandemic. There is an amenable need for booster dose during the omicron era.
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Affiliation(s)
- O Papaioannou
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Department of Hematology, University Hospital of Patras, Patras, Greece.
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11
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Lagadinou M, Paraskevas T, Velissaris D, Michailides C, Eleftherakis G, Sampsonas F, Siakallis G, Assimakopoulos SF, Marangos M. The role of pancreatic stone protein as a prognostic factor for COVID-19 patients. Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci 2022; 26:6391-6395. [PMID: 36111942 DOI: 10.26355/eurrev_202209_29666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The outbreak of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome-CoronaVirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has rapidly spread throughout the world straining health care systems. Several biomarkers indicate the presence of hyper-inflammation and evaluate the severity of the disease. Our aim was to investigate the prognostic value of pancreatic stone protein plasma concentration in patients with SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia. PATIENTS AND METHODS We prospectively studied 55 patients with acute SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia admitted to our tertiary hospital. Sepsis biomarkers, including pancreatic stone protein (PSP), were measured on admission. The role of these biomarkers in the prediction of in-hospital mortality (28 day) and length of hospital stay was investigated. RESULTS Although Pancreatic stone protein did not have significant prognostic value for in-hospital mortality, there was a moderate accuracy for prolonged length of stay. The optimal cut-off value for prolonged hospital stay was 51 ng/dL (Sensitivity: 0.65, Specificity: 0.913). CONCLUSIONS Pancreatic Stone Protein on admission could accurately identify patients requiring prolonged hospitalization. The results of this study can serve as a strong early basis for future validation studies of such an innovative approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Lagadinou
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Respiratory Medicine Department, University Hospital of Patras, Patras, Greece.
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have rapidly become a mainstay of cancer treatment. However, immune modulation resulting from checkpoint inhibition can cause inflammation in any organ system, with pneumonitis being one of the most severe immune-related adverse events (irAEs). Here, we review the most recent literature on pulmonary adverse events following ICIs. RECENT FINDINGS Several systematic reviews and meta-analyses of data from trials of antiprogrammed death-1 (PD-1; nivolumab, pembrolizumab), anti-PD-ligand-1 (PD-L1; atezolizumab, avelumab, durvalumab) and anticytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen-4 (CTLA-4; ipilimumab or tremelimumab) in patients with advanced cancer have explored the relative risk and incidence of lung toxicity among different tumor types and therapeutic regimens. They have showed that the incidence of all-grade (1-4) and high-grade (3-4) pneumonitis is significantly higher in nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC) compared with other tumor types. In addition, they have demonstrated that immunotherapy, especially monoimmunotherapy, has a significantly lower risk of irAEs compared to immune-chemotherapy. Treatment for lung cancer, preexisting interstitial lung disease, smoking history and male sex appear to increase the risk for ICI-related pneumonitis. SUMMARY Lung toxicity is an uncommon but potentially severe and even fatal complication of ICIs. Timely recognition is critically important but challenging, particularly in patients with lung cancer wherein drug toxicity can mimic disease progression or recurrence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Spagnolo
- Respiratory Disease Unit, Department of Cardiac Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | | | - Nicol Bernardinello
- Respiratory Disease Unit, Department of Cardiac Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | | | - Fotios Sampsonas
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, University Hospital of Patras, Patras, Greece
| | - Argyrios Tzouvelekis
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, University Hospital of Patras, Patras, Greece
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Abstract
A middle-aged man was referred to our respiratory department with dyspnoea progressively deteriorating and non-productive cough over the past 8 months. High-resolution CT revealed multiple bilateral consolidations, traction bronchiectasis, reticular pattern and honeycombing with basal and peripheral predominance. Serology tests were negative. Pulmonary function tests showed moderate restrictive functional impairment and severe reduction in diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide. Meticulous evaluation of patient's medical history revealed recent administration of oral corticosteroid due to pulmonary fibrosis potentially in the context of Fanconi syndrome diagnosed at childhood. The working diagnosis of interstitial lung disease (ILD) as a rare complication of Fanconi syndrome was proposed following multidisciplinary discussion. Despite combination treatment with low doses of corticosteroids and antifibrotic compound, the patient exhibited clinical, radiological and functional deterioration, was admitted to intensive care unit due to respiratory failure following infection-driven progression of fibrotic ILD and finally died.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ourania Papaioannou
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, University General Hospital of Patras, Patras, Periféria Dhitikís Elládh, Greece
| | - Theodoros Karampitsakos
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, University General Hospital of Patras, Patras, Periféria Dhitikís Elládh, Greece
| | - Fotios Sampsonas
- Respiratory, University General Hospital of Patras, Patra, Greece
| | - Argyrios Tzouvelekis
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, University General Hospital of Patras, Patras, Greece
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14
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Sampsonas F, Lagadinou M, Kalogeropoulou C, Karamouzos V, Dionysopoulos K, Velissaris D, Karampitsakos T, Papaioannou O, Zarkadi E, Malakounidou E, Katsaras M, Stratakos G, Zampakis P, Marangos M, Tzouvelekis A. CTPA imaging findings, beyond pulmonary embolism, in patients with Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Corona Virus-2 infection and their relation to clinical outcome - a single center experience. Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci 2022; 26:4520-4527. [PMID: 35776053 DOI: 10.26355/eurrev_202206_29091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/31/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of our study was to investigate a potential association between the severity of COVID-19 disease and related 28-day mortality, with the presence of mediastinal lymphadenopathy, the extension of lung parenchymal infiltrates, the presence of pulmonary embolism, the density and distribution of mediastinal and subcutaneous fat, the inflammatory markers and the direct and indirect radiological signs of right heart overload and strain. PATIENTS AND METHODS We retrospectively included patients diagnosed with SARS-CoV-2 infection, who were admitted to the Departments of Internal and Respiratory Medicine of Patras University Hospital during the second pandemic wave (February 2021 up to July 2021) and underwent CTPA for routine diagnostic workup. Demographic characteristics, routine laboratory, radiological parameters and 28-day mortality were also recorded. RESULTS Fifty-three consecutive patients were included. The mean age was 64.47±17.1 years and 64,1% (n=34) were males. Pulmonary embolism (PE) (p=0.019), Right Ventricle-to-Left Ventricle Diameter (RV/LV) Ratio>1 (p<0.01), Reverse Flow in Hepatic Veins (RFHV) (p=0.019), higher density in subcutaneous fat (-99 HU vs. -104HU, p=0.016), increased Lactic Dehydrogenase (LDH), Polymorphonuclear cells (PMN), ferritin, and d-dimer levels (534 vs. 367 U/L, p=0.001, 9220 vs. 5660 Κ/μL, p=001, 956 vs. 360 ng/ml, p=0.005 and 2300 vs. 1040 μg/ml, p=0.003, respectively) were statistically significant related with worse 28-day mortality. Binomial multivariate regression analysis revealed that only RV/LV diameter>1, higher subcutaneous fat density and higher LDH values were independently associated with increased 28-day mortality (OR: 82.9, 95%CI: 1.334-5158, p=0.036, OR: 1.2, 95%CI: 1.016-1.426, p=0.032 and OR:1.016, 95% CI:1.004-1.029, p=0.011, respectively). Subgroup analysis revealed that mediastinal lymph node enlargement (EML) and PE were associated to increased Pulmonary Disease Severity Index (PDSI) score (p=0.042 and p=0.007, respectively), but not to mortality. CONCLUSIONS Our study showed that right heart strain as depicted by a RV/LV diameter>1, higher subcutaneous fat density and higher LDH values are independently associated with an increased 28-day mortality in our SARS-COV2 patient group.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Sampsonas
- Respiratory Medicine Department, University Hospital of Patras, Patras, Greece.
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15
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Karampitsakos T, Papaioannou O, Dimeas I, Tsiri P, Sotiropoulou V, Tomos I, Papanikolaou IC, Katsaras M, Kirgou P, Daniil Z, Gourgoulianis KI, Sampsonas F, Manali E, Papiris S, Bouros D, Tzouvelekis A. Reduced immunogenicity of the mRNA vaccine BNT162b2 in patients with IPF. ERJ Open Res 2022; 8:00082-2022. [PMID: 35509438 PMCID: PMC8990384 DOI: 10.1183/23120541.00082-2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 03/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The emergence and spread of 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) are causing a growing global public health crisis. Despite advances in treatment, vaccination remains the best way to contain the pandemic [1]. Vaccines are available by means of conditional marketing approval, full approval and emergency use authorisation pathways [2]. Evidence suggest that immunocompromised individuals, including solid-organ transplant recipients and patients under immunosuppressive treatment, may have increased mortality from severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection despite double-dose mRNA vaccine regimens [3]. This is partially attributed to blunted immune responses to vaccination, since only 38–54% of kidney and liver transplant recipients developed detectable SARS-CoV-2 antibodies following the second dose of mRNA vaccines [3, 4]. Patients with #IPF do not mount appreciable anti-spike antibody responses to two doses of #SARSCoV2 mRNA vaccine compared to the general population. National authorities should prioritise patients with IPF for booster doses.https://bit.ly/3K2KXQ0
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Sampsonas F, Karamouzos V, Karampitsakos T, Papaioannou O, Katsaras M, Lagadinou M, Zarkadi E, Malakounidou E, Velissaris D, Stratakos G, Tzouvelekis A. High-Flow vs. Low-Flow Nasal Cannula in Reducing Hypoxemic Events During Bronchoscopic Procedures: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 9:815799. [PMID: 35280891 PMCID: PMC8907665 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.815799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2021] [Accepted: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction High-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) oxygenation method has been proven to be successful in oxygenation of patients with respiratory failure and has exhibited clinical superiority compared to low-flow nasal cannula (LFNC). Methods We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the potential favorable impact of HFNC oxygenation during bronchoscopy and related procedures like endobronchial ultrasound-transbronchial needle aspiration. Only randomized control trials (RCTs) were included in the meta-analysis. Results Six randomized control trials with 1,170 patients were included in this meta-analysis. Patients who underwent bronchoscopy with the use of high-flow nasal cannula experienced less hypoxemic events/desaturations, less procedural interruptions and pneumothoraxes compared to patients under low-flow nasal cannula treatment. This beneficial effect of HFNC in hypoxemic events was persistent 10 min after the end of procedure. Conclusion The high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) oxygenation method could reduce hypoxemic events and related peri- and post-bronchoscopic complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fotios Sampsonas
- Respiratory Medicine Department, University Hospital of Patras, Patras, Greece
| | | | | | - Ourania Papaioannou
- Respiratory Medicine Department, University Hospital of Patras, Patras, Greece
| | - Matthaios Katsaras
- Respiratory Medicine Department, University Hospital of Patras, Patras, Greece
| | - Maria Lagadinou
- Internal Medicine Department, University Hospital of Patras, Patras, Greece
| | - Eirini Zarkadi
- Respiratory Medicine Department, University Hospital of Patras, Patras, Greece
| | - Elli Malakounidou
- Respiratory Medicine Department, University Hospital of Patras, Patras, Greece
| | | | - Grigorios Stratakos
- Interventional Pulmonology Unit, First Respiratory Medicine Department of the National Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
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Doulberis M, Sampsonas F, Papaefthymiou A, Karamouzos V, Lagadinou M, Karampitsakos T, Stratakos G, Kuntzen T, Tzouvelekis A. High-flow versus conventional nasal cannula oxygen supplementation therapy and risk of hypoxia in gastrointestinal endoscopies: Α systematic review and meta-analysis. Expert Rev Respir Med 2022; 16:323-332. [PMID: 35157538 DOI: 10.1080/17476348.2022.2042256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Gastrointestinal endoscopy (GIE) represents a mainstay diagnostic and therapeutic procedure in modern clinical practice. Hypoxemia and respiratory failure during endoscopy constitute major complications and concerns for endoscopists. Emerging evidence supports the utilization of high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) over conventional nasal cannula (CNC) for oxygen supplementation and avoidance of hypoxemia. Aim of our study was to compare the risk of hypoxemia in patients undergoing GIE with HFNC versus CNC oxygen supplementation recruited by randomized controlled trials (RCTs). METHODS We conducted an electronic literature search in established medical databases i.e. PubMed, EMBASE and Cochrane to identify RCTs investigating the abovementioned association. The enrolled studies were evaluated for risk of bias and inserted into a random effects model for meta-analysis; sub-group analyses and publication bias were also assessed. RESULTS Out of 271 initially retrieved articles, five RCTs were eligible for meta-analysis with totally 2656 recruited patients (1299 HFNC and 1357 CNC). A statistically significant reduced relative risk (RR) of hypoxemia among HFNC patients was revealed (RR=0.18, CI95%: 0.05-0.61), whilst with high heterogeneity (I2:79.94%, p<0.01). Patients undergoing upper GIE with HFNC displayed a significantly lower risk of hypoxemia (96%, p<0.001, I2:15.59%), even after exclusion of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) cases (RR:0.03, CI95%: 0.01-0.21), albeit with higher heterogeneity (I2:41.82%). Contrariwise, colonoscopy with HFNC did not yield a statistically significant RR reduction (p=0.14). CONCLUSION Patients undergoing upper GIE with HFNC oxygen experience significantly less hypoxemia burden than CNC counterparts. Further research is warranted to establish this emerging association to target optimal safety during endoscopy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Doulberis
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Medical University Department, Kantonsspital Aarau, Aarau 5001, Switzerland.,First Laboratory of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki 54124, Greece.,Emergency Department, University Hospital Inselspital, Bern 3010, Switzerland
| | - Fotios Sampsonas
- Respiratory Medicine Department, University Hospital of Patras, Rio 26500, Greece
| | - Apostolis Papaefthymiou
- First Laboratory of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki 54124, Greece.,Department of Gastroenterology, University Hospital of Larissa, Larissa 4110, Thessaly, Greece
| | | | - Maria Lagadinou
- Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital of Patras, Rio 26500, Greece
| | | | - Grigorios Stratakos
- Interventional Pulmonology Unit, 1st Respiratory Medicine Department of the National, Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens 11527, Greece
| | - Thomas Kuntzen
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Medical University Department, Kantonsspital Aarau, Aarau 5001, Switzerland
| | - Argyrios Tzouvelekis
- Respiratory Medicine Department, University Hospital of Patras, Rio 26500, Greece
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18
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Sampsonas F. State of the Art Molecular Pharmacology, Pathogenesis and Epigenetics of 3 Major Cancers: Lung Cancer, Ovarian Cancer, and Gliomas. Curr Mol Pharmacol 2022; 14:1003. [PMID: 35018882 DOI: 10.2174/187446721406211220154432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Fotios Sampsonas
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, University Hospital of Patras,Greece
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19
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Karampitsakos T, Malakounidou E, Papaioannou O, Dimakopoulou V, Zarkadi E, Katsaras M, Tsiri P, Tsirikos G, Georgiopoulou V, Oikonomou I, Davoulos C, Velissaris D, Sampsonas F, Marangos M, Akinosoglou K, Tzouvelekis A. Tocilizumab improves 28-day survival in hospitalized patients with severe COVID-19: an open label, prospective study. Respir Res 2021; 22:317. [PMID: 34937570 PMCID: PMC8692825 DOI: 10.1186/s12931-021-01914-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Data on the safety and efficacy profile of tocilizumab in patients with severe COVID-19 needs to be enriched. METHODS In this open label, prospective study, we evaluated clinical outcomes in consecutive patients with COVID-19 and PaO2/FiO2 < 200 receiving tocilizumab plus usual care versus usual care alone. Tocilizumab was administered at the time point that PaO2/FiO2 < 200 was observed. The primary outcome was 28-day mortality. Secondary outcomes included time to discharge, change in PaO2/FiO2 at day 5 and change in WHO progression scale at day 10. FINDINGS Overall, 114 patients were included in the analysis (tocilizumab plus usual care: 56, usual care: 58). Allocation to usual care was associated with significant increase in 28-day mortality compared to tocilizumab plus usual care [Cox proportional-hazards model: HR: 3.34, (95% CI: 1.21-9.30), (p = 0.02)]. There was not a statistically significant difference with regards to hospital discharge over the 28 day period for patients receiving tocilizumab compared to usual care [11.0 days (95% CI: 9.0 to 16.0) vs 14.0 days (95% CI: 10.0-24.0), HR: 1.32 (95% CI: 0.84-2.08), p = 0.21]. ΔPaO2/FiO2 at day 5 was significantly higher in the tocilizumab group compared to the usual care group [42.0 (95% CI: 23.0-84.7) vs 15.8 (95% CI: - 19.4-50.3), p = 0.03]. ΔWHO scale at day 10 was significantly lower in the tocilizumab group compared to the usual care group (-0.5 ± 2.1 vs 0.6 ± 2.6, p = 0.005). CONCLUSION Administration of tocilizumab, at the time point that PaO2/FiO2 < 200 was observed, improved survival and other clinical outcomes in hospitalized patients with severe COVID-19 irrespective of systemic inflammatory markers levels.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Elli Malakounidou
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, University Hospital of Patras, Pátrai, Greece
| | - Ourania Papaioannou
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, University Hospital of Patras, Pátrai, Greece
| | | | - Eirini Zarkadi
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, University Hospital of Patras, Pátrai, Greece
| | - Matthaios Katsaras
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, University Hospital of Patras, Pátrai, Greece
| | - Panagiota Tsiri
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, University Hospital of Patras, Pátrai, Greece
| | - Georgios Tsirikos
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, University Hospital of Patras, Pátrai, Greece
| | | | - Ioanna Oikonomou
- Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital of Patras, Pátrai, Greece
| | - Christos Davoulos
- Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital of Patras, Pátrai, Greece
| | | | - Fotios Sampsonas
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, University Hospital of Patras, Pátrai, Greece
| | - Markos Marangos
- Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital of Patras, Pátrai, Greece
| | | | - Argyris Tzouvelekis
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, University Hospital of Patras, Pátrai, Greece.
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20
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Kountouras J, Papaefthymiou A, Polyzos SA, Vardaka E, Boziki M, Kyriakopoulos A, Sampsonas F, Agrotis G, Karafyllidou K, Doulberis M. Impact of Helicobacter pylori-related Microbial Dysbiosis in the Pathogenesis of Metabolic Syndrome and Gastrointestinal Dysmotility Disorders. J Neurogastroenterol Motil 2021; 27:653-654. [PMID: 34642287 PMCID: PMC8521481 DOI: 10.5056/jnm21059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Jannis Kountouras
- Department of Medicine, Second Medical Clinic, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Ippokration Hospital, Thessaloniki, Macedonia, Greece
| | - Apostolis Papaefthymiou
- Department of Medicine, Second Medical Clinic, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Ippokration Hospital, Thessaloniki, Macedonia, Greece.,Department of Gastroenterology, University Hospital of Larisa, Mezourlo, Larisa, Greece.,First Laboratory of Pharmacology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Macedonia, Greece
| | - Stergios A Polyzos
- First Laboratory of Pharmacology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Macedonia, Greece
| | - Elisabeth Vardaka
- Department of Medicine, Second Medical Clinic, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Ippokration Hospital, Thessaloniki, Macedonia, Greece.,Department of Nutritional Sciences and Dietetics, School of Health Sciences, International Hellenic University, Alexander Campus, Thessaloniki, Macedonia, Greece
| | - Marina Boziki
- Second Neurological Department, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, AHEPA University General Hospital of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Macedonia, Greece
| | - Anthony Kyriakopoulos
- Department of Research and Development, Nasco AD Biotechnology Laboratory, Piraeus, Greece
| | - Fotios Sampsonas
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, University Hospital of Patra, Rion, Patra, Greece
| | - George Agrotis
- Department of Radiology, University Hospital of Larisa, Mezourlo, Larisa, Greece
| | - Kyriaki Karafyllidou
- Department of Pediatrics, University Children's Hospital of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Michael Doulberis
- Department of Medicine, Second Medical Clinic, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Ippokration Hospital, Thessaloniki, Macedonia, Greece.,First Laboratory of Pharmacology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Macedonia, Greece.,Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Medical University Department, Kantonsspital Aarau, Aarau, Switzerland
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21
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Velissaris D, Lagadinou M, Paraskevas T, Oikonomou E, Karamouzos V, Sampsonas F, Marangos M, Karanikolas M. Evaluation of Admission Chest X-Ray Findings in Patients With Respiratory Infection During the COVID-19 Pandemic. Cureus 2021; 13:e18114. [PMID: 34692325 PMCID: PMC8527435 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.18114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
AIMS To evaluate the prevalence of X-ray findings in hospitalized patients requiring hospitalization with suspected Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection and potential differences in the laboratory values and clinical outcomes related to the presence of abnormal chest X-ray (CXR) findings. METHODS A total of 117 patients suspected of COVID-19 pneumonia and hospitalized with symptoms of lower respiratory tract disease were included in this study. Patients were divided into subgroups according to COVID-19 diagnosis and statistical comparisons were made according to CXR findings. RESULTS In our cohort, CXR abnormalities were more common in patients with confirmed COVID-19 diagnosis and were associated with increased mortality. Patients with abnormal chest X-rays had a significantly lower PaO2/FiO2 ratio both in the COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 groups. CONCLUSION CXR is a routine examination in all patients with symptoms of lower respiratory tract disease and its findings relate to in-hospital mortality and PaO2/FiO2 ratio. Thus, it can be a significant measure of disease severity, especially in resource restrained settings and emergency situations such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Maria Lagadinou
- Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital of Patras, Patras, GRC
| | | | - Eleousa Oikonomou
- Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital of Patras, Patras, GRC
| | | | - Fotios Sampsonas
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, University Hospital of Patras, Patras, GRC
| | - Markos Marangos
- Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital of Patras, Patras, GRC
| | - Menelaos Karanikolas
- Department of Anaesthesiology, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, USA
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22
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Papaioannou O, Karampitsakos T, Katsaras M, Sampsonas F, Tzouvelekis A. Clinical improvement in Job syndrome following administration of co-trimoxazole, omalizumab and inhaled tobramycin. Adv Respir Med 2021; 89:ARM.a2021.0079. [PMID: 34668182 DOI: 10.5603/arm.a2021.0079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2021] [Revised: 05/03/2021] [Accepted: 05/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Established treatment regimens for the autosomal dominant hyperimmunoglobulin E syndrome, denominated Job syndrome, are lacking. Thus, Job syndrome still exerts a dramatic impact on patients' quality of life. Our aim was to present safety and effectiveness of a regimen including co-trimoxazole, omalizumab and inhaled tobramycin in Job syndrome. A 26-year-old woman diagnosed with Job syndrome since infancy through sequencing revealing G342D mutation in STAT3 gene was initiated in the above mentioned treatment regimen; she was followed for 6 months, and to date, none recurrent pulmonary or skin infection was noticed. Furthermore, a considerable improvement in skin lesions was observed. A combination of anti-IgE and longitudinal use of inhaled antibiotics seems well-founded in Job syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ourania Papaioannou
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, University Hospital of Patras, University of Patras, Greece.
| | - Theodoros Karampitsakos
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, University Hospital of Patras, University of Patras, Greece
| | - Matthaios Katsaras
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, University Hospital of Patras, University of Patras, Greece
| | - Fotios Sampsonas
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, University Hospital of Patras, University of Patras, Greece
| | - Argyrios Tzouvelekis
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, University Hospital of Patras, University of Patras, Greece
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23
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Abstract
A 70-year-old man was referred to our respiratory department with non-productive cough over the past 6 months. High-resolution CT revealed reticular pattern with basal and peripheral predominance, centrilobular nodules and mild ground glass opacities. Serology tests were normal and bronchoalveolar lavage revealed lymphocytosis. Pulmonary function tests showed functional impairment and reduced diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide. Meticulous evaluation of patient's medical history unveiled longitudinal administration of infliximab due to diagnosis of psoriasis. The working diagnosis of drug-induced interstitial lung disease was proposed following multidisciplinary discussion. Considerable radiological and functional improvement was determined 6 months following infliximab discontinuation without implementation of corticosteroids. To this end, the patient has reported remission of cough and functional improvement.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ourania Papaioannou
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, University Hospital of Patras, Patras, Greece
| | - Fotios Sampsonas
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, University Hospital of Patras, Patras, Greece
| | - Argyrios Tzouvelekis
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, University Hospital of Patras, Patras, Greece
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24
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Karampitsakos T, Kalogeropoulou C, Tzilas V, Papaioannou O, Kazantzi A, Koukaki E, Katsaras M, Bouros E, Tsiri P, Tsirikos G, Zarkadi E, Ntoulias N, Sotiropoulou V, Efthymiou P, Chrysikos S, Malakounidou E, Sampsonas F, Bouros D, Tzouvelekis A. Safety and Effectiveness of Mycophenolate Mofetil in Interstitial Lung Diseases: Insights from a Machine Learning Radiographic Model. Respiration 2021; 101:262-271. [PMID: 34592744 DOI: 10.1159/000519215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2021] [Accepted: 08/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Treatment of interstitial lung diseases (ILDs) other than idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) often includes systemic corticosteroids. Use of steroid-sparing agents is amenable to avoid potential side effects. METHODS Functional indices and high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) patterns of patients with non-IPF ILDs receiving mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) with a minimum follow-up of 1 year were analyzed. Two independent radiologists and a machine learning software system (Imbio 1.4.2.) evaluated HRCT patterns. RESULTS Fifty-five (n = 55) patients were included in the analysis (male: 30 [55%], median age: 65.0 [95% CI: 59.7-70.0], mean forced vital capacity %predicted [FVC %pred.] ± standard deviation [SD]: 69.4 ± 18.3, mean diffusing capacity of lung for carbon monoxide %pred. ± SD: 40.8 ± 14.3, hypersensitivity pneumonitis: 26, connective tissue disease-ILDs [CTD-ILDs]: 22, other ILDs: 7). There was no significant difference in mean FVC %pred. post-6 months (1.59 ± 2.04) and 1 year (-0.39 ± 2.49) of treatment compared to baseline. Radiographic evaluation showed no significant difference between baseline and post-1 year %ground glass opacities (20.0 [95% CI: 14.4-30.0] vs. 20.0 [95% CI: 14.4-25.6]) and %reticulation (5.0 [95% CI: 2.0-15.6] vs. 7.5 [95% CI: 2.0-17.5]). A similar performance between expert radiologists and Imbio software analysis was observed in assessing ground glass opacities (intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC] = 0.73) and reticulation (ICC = 0.88). Fourteen patients (25.5%) reported at least one side effect and 8 patients (14.5%) switched to antifibrotics due to disease progression. CONCLUSION Our data suggest that MMF is a safe and effective steroid-sparing agent leading to disease stabilization in a proportion of patients with non-IPF ILDs. Machine learning software systems may exhibit similar performance to specialist radiologists and represent fruitful diagnostic and prognostic tools.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Vasilios Tzilas
- First Academic Department of Pneumonology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece.,Athens Medical Center, Athens, Greece
| | - Ourania Papaioannou
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, University Hospital of Patras, Patras, Greece
| | | | - Evangelia Koukaki
- First Academic Department of Pneumonology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Matthaios Katsaras
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, University Hospital of Patras, Patras, Greece
| | - Evangelos Bouros
- First Academic Department of Pneumonology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece.,Athens Medical Center, Athens, Greece
| | - Panagiota Tsiri
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, University Hospital of Patras, Patras, Greece
| | - Georgios Tsirikos
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, University Hospital of Patras, Patras, Greece
| | - Eirini Zarkadi
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, University Hospital of Patras, Patras, Greece
| | - Nikolaos Ntoulias
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, University Hospital of Patras, Patras, Greece
| | | | - Panagiotis Efthymiou
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, University Hospital of Patras, Patras, Greece
| | - Serafeim Chrysikos
- 5th Department of Pneumonology, Hospital for Thoracic Diseases "SOTIRIA,", Athens, Greece
| | - Elli Malakounidou
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, University Hospital of Patras, Patras, Greece
| | - Fotios Sampsonas
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, University Hospital of Patras, Patras, Greece
| | - Demosthenes Bouros
- First Academic Department of Pneumonology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece.,Athens Medical Center, Athens, Greece
| | - Argyrios Tzouvelekis
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, University Hospital of Patras, Patras, Greece
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25
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Sampsonas F, Katsaras M, Papaioannou O, Karampitsakos T, Lakkas L, Michalis LK, Tzouvelekis A. Platypnea orthodeoxia syndrome in a patient with patent foramen ovale and normal atrial pressure. Case report and presentation of underlying pathophysiological mechanisms. Monaldi Arch Chest Dis 2021; 92. [PMID: 34585557 DOI: 10.4081/monaldi.2021.1878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2021] [Accepted: 06/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Platypnea-orthodeoxia Syndrome is characterized by clinically significant postural hypoxia. The full spectrum of the syndrome includes intracardial and extracardial abnormalities with R->L shunt. Various concurrent underlying physiological abnormalities are usually encountered that require thorough clinical and laboratory evaluation. A high clinical suspicion in patients with unexplained dyspnea is also required to reach a firm diagnosis. We herein present a rare case of an 82-years-old patient with episodic unexplained dyspnea, patent foramen ovale with normal pulmonary pressures and we review the underlying physiologic mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fotios Sampsonas
- Respiratory Department, School of Medicine, Patras University Hospital.
| | | | | | | | - Lampros Lakkas
- 2nd Department of Cardiology, School of Medicine, University of Ioannina.
| | - Lampros K Michalis
- 2nd Department of Cardiology, School of Medicine, University of Ioannina.
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26
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Karampitsakos T, Papaioannou O, Katsaras M, Sampsonas F, Tzouvelekis A. Interstitial Lung Diseases and the Impact of Gender. Clin Chest Med 2021; 42:531-541. [PMID: 34353457 DOI: 10.1016/j.ccm.2021.04.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Interstitial lung diseases encompass an amalgamated group of heterogeneous lung disorders, characterized by variable clinical and radiologic patterns. Despite an increase in our knowledge, pathogenesis of interstitial lung diseases remains largely unknown. Experimental evidence on the role of sex hormones in lung development and epidemiologic associations of gender differences with interstitial lung diseases prevalence fueled studies investigating the role of gender and sex hormones in the pathogenesis and treatment of pulmonary fibrosis. This review summarizes experimental and clinical data for the impact of gender and sex hormones on interstitial lung diseases and highlights future perspectives in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Matthaios Katsaras
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, University Hospital of Patras, Greece
| | - Fotios Sampsonas
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, University Hospital of Patras, Greece
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27
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Lagadinou M, Zareifopoulos N, Gkentzi D, Sampsonas F, Kostopoulou E, Marangos M, Solomou E. Alterations in lymphocyte subsets and monocytes in patients diagnosed with SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia: a mini review of the literature. Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci 2021; 25:5057-5062. [PMID: 34355378 DOI: 10.26355/eurrev_202108_26463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Complete blood count parameters are frequently altered in COVID-19 patients. Leucopenia and lymphopenia are the most common findings. This is not specific to COVID-19 as similar alterations are found in various other viral infections. This work is intended to summarize the evidence regarding white blood cell and lymphocyte subset alterations in COVID-19 and their clinical implications. MATERIALS AND METHODS A PubMed search was conducted to identify relevant original studies. Articles not available in English or referring exclusively to pediatric patients were excluded. The study was designed as a narrative review from its inception. RESULTS Complete white blood cell number and lymphocytes may be reduced in COVID-19 patients. Circulating CD4+ cells (helper T lymphocytes), CD8+ cells (cytotoxic T lymphocytes), regulatory T cells and natural killer (NK) cells may be reduced, with a greater reduction observed in critically ill patients. CD4+ and regulatory cell deficiencies may contribute to the cytokine storm and subsequent tissue damage observed in severe COVID-19 infection. NK and CD8+ cell deficiency might delay infection clearance. These aberrations of cellular immunity may contribute significantly to the pathogenesis of the disease. Alterations observed in monocyte function can also be implicated as they are effector cells responsible for tissue damage and remodeling. B cell dysfunction and maturation abnormalities have also been reported, suggesting that the virus also impairs humoral immunity. CONCLUSIONS Lymphocyte subset abnormalities may be useful prognostic biomarkers for COVID-19, with circulating CD8+ cell count being the most promising as a predictor of severe disease requiring mechanical ventilation and mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Lagadinou
- University of Patras Medical School and University Hospital of Patras Department of Internal Medicine, Patra, Greece.
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28
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Kakoullis L, Sampsonas F, Karamouzos V, Kyriakou G, Parperis K, Papachristodoulou E, Christophi C, Lykouras D, Kalogeropoulou C, Daoussis D, Panos G, Velissaris D, Karkoulias K, Spiropoulos K. The impact of osteoporosis and vertebral compression fractures on mortality and association with pulmonary function in COPD: A meta-analysis. Joint Bone Spine 2021; 89:105249. [PMID: 34265476 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbspin.2021.105249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2021] [Accepted: 06/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Osteoporosis is highly prevalent among patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and most commonly presents as a vertebral compression fracture (VCF). Our objective was to quantify the effect of osteoporosis and VCFs on the mortality and pulmonary function tests (PFTs), such as forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC), of patients with COPD. METHODS A PubMed/Medline search was conducted using the search terms "chronic obstructive pulmonary disease", "osteoporosis" and "vertebral compression fracture". Meta-analyses were conducted to evaluate the differences in mortality and PFTs between patients with COPD with and without osteoporosis or VCFs, according to PRISMA guidelines. PROSPERO registration: CRD42019120335. RESULTS Of the 896 abstracts identified, 27 studies describing 7662 patients with COPD of which 1883 (24.6%) had osteoporosis or VCFs, were included. Random effects model analysis demonstrated that patients with COPD and osteoporosis or VCFs had an increased OR for mortality of 2.40 (95% CI: 1.24; 4.64, I2=89%, P<0.01), decreased FEV1/FVC with a mean difference of -4.80% (95% CI: -6.69; -2.90, I2=83%, P<0.01) and decreased FEV1, with a mean difference of -4.91% (95% CI: -6.51; -3.31, I2=95%, P<0.01) and -0.41 L (95% CI: -0.59; -0.24, I2=97%, P<0.01), compared to control subjects. Apart from FEV1 (liters) in subgroup 1 (P=0.06), all subgroup analyses found significant differences between groups, as did sensitivity analysis of low risk of bias studies. CONCLUSION Osteoporosis and VCFs are associated with a significant reduction in survival and pulmonary function among patients with COPD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Loukas Kakoullis
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, University General Hospital of Patras, Patras, Greece.
| | - Fotios Sampsonas
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, University General Hospital of Patras, Patras, Greece
| | | | - George Kyriakou
- Department of Medicine, University of Patras School of Health Sciences, Patras, Greece
| | - Konstantinos Parperis
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, University of Cyprus Medical School, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | | | - Costas Christophi
- Cyprus International Institute for Environmental and Public Health, Cyprus University of Technology, Limassol, Cyprus; Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Dimosthenis Lykouras
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, University General Hospital of Patras, Patras, Greece
| | | | - Dimitrios Daoussis
- Department of Rheumatology, University of Patras Medical School, Patras, Greece
| | - George Panos
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, University General Hospital of Patras, Patras, Greece
| | - Dimitrios Velissaris
- Department of Internal Medicine, University General Hospital of Patras, Patras, Greece
| | - Kyriakos Karkoulias
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, University General Hospital of Patras, Patras, Greece
| | - Kostas Spiropoulos
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, University General Hospital of Patras, Patras, Greece
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Sampsonas F, Lagadinou M, Karampitsakos T, Solomou E, Doulberis M, Marangos M, Tzouvelekis A. Prevalence and significance of mediastinal lymphadenopathy in patients with Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Corona Virus-2 infection. Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci 2021; 25:3607-3609. [PMID: 34002835 DOI: 10.26355/eurrev_202105_25843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Corona Virus-2 is the causative factor of Coronavirus Disease 2019. Early in the pandemic, mediastinal lymphadenopathy was not considered to be a significant radiologic finding of the SARS-COV-2 disease. Nevertheless, most recent studies associate mediastinal lymphadenopathy with more severe COVID-19 disease and poorer patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Sampsonas
- Respiratory Medicine Department, University Hospital of Patras, Greece.
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Karampitsakos T, Torrisi S, Antoniou K, Manali E, Korbila I, Papaioannou O, Sampsonas F, Katsaras M, Vasarmidi E, Papakosta D, Domvri K, Fouka E, Organtzis I, Daniil Z, Dimeas I, Kirgou P, Gourgoulianis KI, Papanikolaou IC, Markopoulou K, Kounti G, Tsapakidou E, Papadopoulou E, Tatsis K, Gogali A, Kostikas K, Tzilas V, Chrysikos S, Papiris S, Bouros D, Kreuter M, Tzouvelekis A. Increased monocyte count and red cell distribution width as prognostic biomarkers in patients with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis. Respir Res 2021; 22:140. [PMID: 33952261 PMCID: PMC8097815 DOI: 10.1186/s12931-021-01725-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2021] [Accepted: 04/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) represents a chronic lung disease with unpredictable course.
Methods We aimed to investigate prognostic performance of complete blood count parameters in IPF. Treatment-naïve patients with IPF were retrospectively enrolled from two independent cohorts (derivation and validation) and split into subgroups (high and low) based on median baseline monocyte count and red cell distribution width (RDW).
Results Overall, 489 patients (derivation cohort: 300, validation cohort: 189) were analyzed. In the derivation cohort, patients with monocyte count ≥ 0.60 K/μL had significantly lower median FVC%pred [75.0, (95% CI 71.3–76.7) vs. 80.9, (95% CI 77.5–83.1), (P = 0.01)] and DLCO%pred [47.5, (95% CI 44.3–52.3) vs. 53.0, (95% CI 48.0–56.7), (P = 0.02)] than patients with monocyte count < 0.60 K/μL. Patients with RDW ≥ 14.1% had significantly lower median FVC%pred [75.5, (95% CI 71.2–79.2) vs. 78.3, (95% CI 76.0–81.0), (P = 0.04)] and DLCO%pred [45.4, (95% CI 43.3–50.5) vs. 53.0, (95% CI 50.8–56.8), (P = 0.008)] than patients with RDW < 14.1%. Cut-off thresholds from the derivation cohort were applied to the validation cohort with similar discriminatory value, as indicated by significant differences in median DLCO%pred between patients with high vs. low monocyte count [37.8, (95% CI 35.5–41.1) vs. 45.5, (95% CI 41.9–49.4), (P < 0.001)] and RDW [37.9, (95% CI 33.4–40.7) vs. 44.4, (95% CI 41.5–48.9), (P < 0.001)]. Patients with high monocyte count and RDW of the validation cohort exhibited a trend towards lower median FVC%pred (P = 0.09) and significantly lower median FVC%pred (P = 0.001), respectively. Kaplan–Meier analysis in the derivation cohort demonstrated higher all-cause mortality in patients with high (≥ 0.60 K/μL) vs. low monocyte count (< 0.60 K/μL) [HR 2.05, (95% CI 1.19–3.53), (P = 0.01)].
Conclusions Increased monocyte count and RDW may represent negative prognostic biomarkers in patients with IPF.
Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12931-021-01725-9.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sebastiano Torrisi
- Center for Interstitial and Rare Lung Diseases, Pneumology, Thoraxklinik, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.,German Center for Lung Research, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Katerina Antoniou
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Pneumonology, Department of Respiratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Effrosyni Manali
- 2nd Pulmonary Medicine Department, "ATTIKON" University Hospital, Athens Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Ioanna Korbila
- 2nd Pulmonary Medicine Department, "ATTIKON" University Hospital, Athens Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Ourania Papaioannou
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, University Hospital of Patras, Patras, Greece
| | - Fotios Sampsonas
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, University Hospital of Patras, Patras, Greece
| | - Matthaios Katsaras
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, University Hospital of Patras, Patras, Greece
| | - Eirini Vasarmidi
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Pneumonology, Department of Respiratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Despoina Papakosta
- Pulmonary Department, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, "G. PAPANIKOLAOU'' General Hospital, Exochi, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Kalliopi Domvri
- Pulmonary Department, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, "G. PAPANIKOLAOU'' General Hospital, Exochi, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Eva Fouka
- Pulmonary Department, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, "G. PAPANIKOLAOU'' General Hospital, Exochi, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Ioannis Organtzis
- Pulmonary Department, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, "G. PAPANIKOLAOU'' General Hospital, Exochi, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Zoe Daniil
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Medical School, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece
| | - Ilias Dimeas
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Medical School, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece
| | - Paraskevi Kirgou
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Medical School, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece
| | | | | | | | - Georgia Kounti
- Pulmonary Department "G. PAPANIKOLAOU" General Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Eirini Tsapakidou
- Pulmonary Department "G. PAPANIKOLAOU" General Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | | | - Konstantinos Tatsis
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Medical School, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Athena Gogali
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Medical School, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Konstantinos Kostikas
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Medical School, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Vasilios Tzilas
- First Academic Department of Pneumonology, Hospital for Thoracic Diseases, "SOTIRIA", Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Serafeim Chrysikos
- 5th Department of Pneumonology, Hospital for Thoracic Diseases, "SOTIRIA", Athens, Greece
| | - Spyridon Papiris
- 2nd Pulmonary Medicine Department, "ATTIKON" University Hospital, Athens Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Demosthenes Bouros
- First Academic Department of Pneumonology, Hospital for Thoracic Diseases, "SOTIRIA", Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Michael Kreuter
- Center for Interstitial and Rare Lung Diseases, Pneumology, Thoraxklinik, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.,German Center for Lung Research, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Argyrios Tzouvelekis
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, University Hospital of Patras, Patras, Greece. .,First Academic Department of Pneumonology, Hospital for Thoracic Diseases, "SOTIRIA", Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece.
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Sampsonas F, Kakoullis L, Karampitsakos T, Papaioannou O, Katsaras M, Papachristodoulou E, Kyriakou G, Bellou A, Tzouvelekis A. Bronchoscopy during the COVID-19 pandemic: effect on current practices and strategies to reduce procedure-associated transmission. Expert Rev Respir Med 2021; 15:773-779. [PMID: 33798401 DOI: 10.1080/17476348.2021.1913058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Bronchoscopy and related procedures have unambiguously been affected during the Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome-Corona Virus-2 (SARS COV-2). Ordinary bronchoscopy practices and lung cancer services might have changed over this pandemic and for the years to come.Areas covered: This manuscript summarizes the utility of bronchoscopy in COVID-19 patients, and the impact of the pandemic in lung cancer diagnostic services, in view of possible viral spread during these We conducted a literature review of articles published in PubMed/Medline from inception to November 5th, 2020 using relevant terms.Expert opinion: Without doubt this pandemic has changed the way bronchoscopy and related procedures are being performed. Mandatory universal personal protective equipment, pre-bronchoscopy PCR tests, dedicated protective barriers and disposable bronchoscopes might be the safest and simpler way to perform even the most complicated procedures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fotios Sampsonas
- Respiratory Medicine Department, Internal Medicine Division, University Hospital of Patras, Patras, Greece
| | - Loukas Kakoullis
- Respiratory Medicine Department, Internal Medicine Division, University Hospital of Patras, Patras, Greece
| | - Theodoros Karampitsakos
- Respiratory Medicine Department, Internal Medicine Division, University Hospital of Patras, Patras, Greece
| | - Ourania Papaioannou
- Respiratory Medicine Department, Internal Medicine Division, University Hospital of Patras, Patras, Greece
| | - Matthaios Katsaras
- Respiratory Medicine Department, Internal Medicine Division, University Hospital of Patras, Patras, Greece
| | | | | | - Aggeliki Bellou
- Respiratory Medicine Department, Internal Medicine Division, University Hospital of Patras, Patras, Greece
| | - Argyrios Tzouvelekis
- Respiratory Medicine Department, Internal Medicine Division, University Hospital of Patras, Patras, Greece
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Kakoullis L, Eliades E, Papachristodoulou E, Parperis K, Chra P, Constantinidou A, Chatzittofis A, Sampsonas F, Panos G. Response to COVID-19 in Cyprus: Policy changes and epidemic trends. Int J Clin Pract 2021; 75:e13944. [PMID: 33338320 PMCID: PMC7883066 DOI: 10.1111/ijcp.13944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2020] [Accepted: 12/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES In late July, Cyprus experienced the second epidemic wave of COVID-19. We present the steps taken by the government and evaluate their effect on epidemic trends. MATERIALS Cyprus Press and Information Office data were analysed. Using an R-based forecasting program, two models were created to predict cases up to 01/09/2020: Model 1, which utilised data up to 09/06/2020, when airports reopened to foreign travelers with COVID-19 screening; and Model 2, which utilised data until 24/06/2020, when screening for passengers from low-transmission countries was discontinued. RESULTS PIO data revealed no significant policy changes between 24/06/2020 and 31/07/2020. Prediction models were robust and accurate (Model 1, R2 = 0.999, P < .001; Model 2, R2 = 0.998, P < .001). By August 30th, recorded cases exceeded those predicted by Model 1 by 24.47% and by Model 2 by 20.95%, with P values <.001 for both cases. CONCLUSIONS The significant difference between recorded cases and those projected by Models 1 and 2 suggests that changes in epidemic trends may have been associated with policy changes after their respective dates. Discontinuation of major restrictions such as airport reopening, can destabilise the control of the epidemic, and may concomitantly necessitate a reevaluation of the current epidemic status. In the face of an evolving situation such as the COVID-19 pandemic, states are forced to balance the imposing of restrictions against their impact on the economy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Loukas Kakoullis
- Department of Respiratory MedicineUniversity of Patras General HospitalPatrasGreece
| | - Elias Eliades
- Department of Health SciencesUniversity of UlsterBelfastUK
| | | | - Konstantinos Parperis
- Department of Internal MedicineUniversity of Cyprus Medical SchoolNicosiaCyprus
- Department of Medicine, Division of RheumatologyUniversity of Arizona College of MedicinePhoenixAZUSA
| | - Paraskevi Chra
- Department of MicrobiologyEvangelismos HospitalAthensGreece
| | | | | | - Fotios Sampsonas
- Department of Respiratory MedicineUniversity of Patras General HospitalPatrasGreece
| | - George Panos
- Department of Internal MedicineUniversity of Cyprus Medical SchoolNicosiaCyprus
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Infectious DiseasesUniversity of Patras General HospitalPatrasGreece
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Sampsonas F. State of the Art Molecular Pharmacology, Pathogenesis and Epigenetics of Major Cancers: Lung Cancer, Ovarian Cancer, and Gliomas". Curr Mol Pharmacol 2020. [PMID: 33355059 DOI: 10.2174/1874467213666201222142114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Fotios Sampsonas
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, University Hospital of Patras. Greece
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Bosgana P, Nikou S, Dimitrakopoulos FI, Logotheti S, Tzelepi V, Kalophonos C, Bravou V, Kourea E, Sampsonas F, Zolota V. H3K4 Methylation Status and Lysine Specific Methyltransferase KMT2C Expression Correlate with Prognosis in Lung Adenocarcinoma. Curr Mol Pharmacol 2020; 14:1028-1036. [PMID: 32867667 DOI: 10.2174/1874467213999200831130739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2019] [Revised: 10/20/2019] [Accepted: 02/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Genetic events cannot account for the complexity of human carcinogenesis alone. Mutations of epigenetic regulators and aberrations of their expression patterns have been detected in various human malignancies. Methylation of histone H3 at lysine 4 (H3K4me), is an evolutionarily conserved histone modification that marks regions of active transcription and regulates cell growth, migration, and invasion. The MLL/KMT2 family of histone methyltransferases specifically methylate histone H3 at lysine 4. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to explore the role of KMT2C/MLL3 as well as key histone modification activating markers, such as H3K4me2 and H3K4me3 in a cohort of surgically resected human lung adenocarcinomas in an effort to reveal possible biomarkers for lung adenocarcinoma diagnosis and prognosis and potential therapeutic targets. METHOD The immunohistochemical expression of KMT2C/MLL3, H3K4me2 and H3K4me3 was analyzed in formalin fixed paraffin embedded tissue from 96 patients with lung adenocarcinoma. Results were associated with clinicopathologic parameters and patient's prognosis. RESULTS Nuclear expression of KMT2C/MLL3 in epithelial cells was independently associated with shorter overall survival. Cytoplasmic H3K4me2 expression was associated withT stage and nuclear H3K4me2 expression was associated with female gender and patients' prognosis. The latter association persisted after multivariate analysis. No association was found between H3K4me3 expression and clinicopathological data or disease outcome in our cohort of patients. CONCLUSION These results suggest that the pattern of histone modifications and KMT2C/MLL3 expression can be used as an independent prognostic factor in lung adenocarcinoma, revealing that chromatin remodeling is criticallyinvolved in cancer progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pinelopi Bosgana
- Department of Pathology, Medical School, University of Patras, Patras. Greece
| | - Sophia Nikou
- Department of Anatomy, Embryology and Histology, Medical School, University of Patras, Patras. Greece
| | | | - Souzana Logotheti
- Department of Pathology, Medical School, University of Patras, Patras. Greece
| | - Vasiliki Tzelepi
- Department of Pathology, Medical School, University of Patras, Patras. Greece
| | - Charalambos Kalophonos
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Medical School, University of Patras, Patras. Greece
| | - Vasiliki Bravou
- Department of Anatomy, Embryology and Histology, Medical School, University of Patras, Patras. Greece
| | - Eleni Kourea
- Department of Pathology, Medical School, University of Patras, Patras. Greece
| | - Fotios Sampsonas
- Department of Pulmunology, Medical School, University of Patras, Patras. Greece
| | - Vassiliki Zolota
- Department of Pathology, Medical School, University of Patras, Patras. Greece
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Sampsonas F, Charokopos N, Kakoullis L, Karkoulias K. Bronchoscopic, non-interventional management of hemoptysis in resource limited settings: insights from the literature. Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci 2020; 24:3965-3967. [PMID: 32329873 DOI: 10.26355/eurrev_202004_20866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
The non-invasive management of clinically significant hemoptysis by bronchoscopy remains a therapeutic challenge. Various agents have been used endobronchially in order to control hemoptysis, such as cold saline, tranexamic acid, and epinephrine. This review summarizes all available data in that view, especially in resource limited settings, where more advanced means of controlling hemoptysis are not available.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Sampsonas
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, University Hospital of Patras, Patras, Greece.
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36
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Kakoullis L, Sampsonas F, Giannopoulou E, Kalogeropoulou C, Papachristodoulou E, Tsiamita M, Lykouras D, Velissaris D, Karkoulias K, Spiropoulos K, Panos G. Measles-associated pneumonia and hepatitis during the measles outbreak of 2018. Int J Clin Pract 2020; 74:e13430. [PMID: 31573732 DOI: 10.1111/ijcp.13430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2019] [Revised: 08/19/2019] [Accepted: 09/21/2019] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Between 2017 and 2018, Greece experienced a measles outbreak, affecting >3000 patients, most of which were unvaccinated. Measles-associated pneumonia (MAP) is the most common serious compilation of the disease, but very few recent reports regarding its presentation are available. Materials and Methods Between January and May 2018, 11 adult patients presented to our department with acute measles virus infection, hypoxia and findings on chest X-ray. Clinical, laboratory and radiological data were collected and assessed. Nine out of eleven patients had hypoxic respiratory failure. Other complications included hepatitis, cholestasis and myositis, which were observed in the majority of patients. All patients received supplementary oxygen administration, whereas five patients required continuous positive airway pressure ventilation. Scoring of the radiological examinations performed was most notable for the presence of reticular opacities and consolidations. Statistical analysis demonstrated a significant association between PaO2/FiO2 values and the presence of reticular opacities, with PaO2/FiO2 decreasing as the mean value of the reticular opacities score increased (P = .02). Conclusion To our knowledge, this is the first report demonstrating an association between PaO2/FiO2 values and the presence of reticular opacities in patients with MAP. MAP should be suspected in any patient presenting with acute onset hypoxaemia and a reticular pattern on radiological examination, especially in outbreak settings. What is known Measles infections are on the rise in Europe, with epidemics affecting several European countries, resulting from suboptimal immunisation. The most common serious complication of measles is pneumonia, which is more common in adult patients and can cause significant morbidity. It is the most common cause of death due to measles. What is new In this report, we present 11 adults with measles-associated pneumonia, who presented with the combination of acute measles virus infection, hypoxia and findings on chest X-ray. To our knowledge, this is the first report demonstrating an association between the severity of hypoxaemia and the presence of reticular opacities on chest imaging studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Loukas Kakoullis
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, University Hospital of Patras, Patras, Greece
- Department of Internal Medicine, Nicosia General Hospital, University of Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Fotios Sampsonas
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, University Hospital of Patras, Patras, Greece
| | - Eleni Giannopoulou
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, University Hospital of Patras, Patras, Greece
| | | | - Eleni Papachristodoulou
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, University Hospital of Patras, Patras, Greece
- Department of Internal Medicine, Nicosia General Hospital, University of Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Maria Tsiamita
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, University Hospital of Patras, Patras, Greece
| | - Dimosthenis Lykouras
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, University Hospital of Patras, Patras, Greece
| | | | - Kyriakos Karkoulias
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, University Hospital of Patras, Patras, Greece
| | - Kostas Spiropoulos
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, University Hospital of Patras, Patras, Greece
| | - George Panos
- Department of Internal Medicine, Nicosia General Hospital, University of Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, University Hospital of Patras, Patras, Greece
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Dimitrakopoulos FID, Antonacopoulou AG, Kottorou AE, Panagopoulos N, Kalofonou F, Sampsonas F, Scopa C, Kalofonou M, Koutras A, Makatsoris T, Dougenis D, Papadaki H, Brock M, Kalofonos HP. Expression Of Intracellular Components of the NF-κB Alternative Pathway (NF-κB2, RelB, NIK and Bcl3) is Associated With Clinical Outcome of NSCLC Patients. Sci Rep 2019; 9:14299. [PMID: 31586084 PMCID: PMC6778110 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-50528-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2019] [Accepted: 09/13/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
A growing number of studies has shed light on the role of the NF-κΒ in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). To address the significance of major effectors of the NF-κΒ alternative pathway, we investigated the relationship between NF-κΒ2, RelB, NIK and Bcl3 expression (mRNA and protein) and the clinical outcome of NSCLC patients. NF-κΒ2, RelB, NIK and Bcl3 protein expression levels were assessed by immunohistochemistry in tissue samples from 151 NSCLC patients who had curative resection. mRNA levels were also evaluated in 69 patients using quantitative real-time PCR. Although all studied proteins were overexpressed in NSCLC (P < 0.001 for all), only RelB mRNA levels were strongly increased in cancerous specimens compared to tumor-adjacent non-neoplastic tissues (P = 0.009). Moreover, NF-κB2, RelB and Bcl3 expression was associated with overall survival (OS). In particular, cytoplasmic and mRNA expression of RelB was related to 5-year OS (P = 0.014 and P = 0.006, respectively). Multivariate analysis also showed that Bcl3 expression (nuclear and cytoplasmic) was associated with increased 5-year OS (P = 0.002 and P = 0.036, respectively). In addition, higher Bcl3 mRNA levels were associated with inferior OS in stages I & II and improved OS in stages III and IV after 5-year follow-up (P = 0.004 and P = 0.001, respectively). Furthermore, stage I patients with lower NF-κB2 mRNA levels had better 5-year survival in univariate and multivariate analysis (P = 0.031 and P = 0.028, respectively). Interestingly, RelB expression (cytoplasmic and mRNA) was inversely associated with relapse rates (P = 0.027 and P = 0.015, respectively), while low NIK cytoplasmic expression was associated with lower relapse rates (P = 0.019). Cytoplasmic NIK expression as well as NF-κB2/ Bcl3 detection was associated with lymph node infiltration (P = 0.039 and P = 0.014, respectively). The present study confirms the deregulation of the NF-κB alternative pathway in NSCLC and also demonstrates the importance of this pathway in prognosis, recurrence and infiltration of regional lymph nodes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Foteinos-Ioannis D Dimitrakopoulos
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Division of Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical School, University of Patras, Patras, Greece
| | - Anna G Antonacopoulou
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Division of Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical School, University of Patras, Patras, Greece
| | - Anastasia E Kottorou
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Division of Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical School, University of Patras, Patras, Greece
| | - Nikolaos Panagopoulos
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Medical School, University of Patras, Patras, Greece
| | - Fotini Kalofonou
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Division of Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical School, University of Patras, Patras, Greece
| | - Fotios Sampsonas
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, University Hospital of Patras, Patras, Greece
| | - Chrisoula Scopa
- Department of Pathology, Medical School, University of Patras, Patras, Greece
| | - Melpomeni Kalofonou
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Angelos Koutras
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Division of Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical School, University of Patras, Patras, Greece
| | - Thomas Makatsoris
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Division of Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical School, University of Patras, Patras, Greece
| | - Dimitrios Dougenis
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Medical School, University of Patras, Patras, Greece
| | - Helen Papadaki
- Department of Anatomy, Medical School, University of Patras, Patras, Greece
| | - Malcolm Brock
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Haralabos P Kalofonos
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Division of Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical School, University of Patras, Patras, Greece.
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Sampsonas F, Kakoullis L, Lykouras D, Karkoulias K, Spiropoulos K. EBUS: Faster, cheaper and most effective in lung cancer staging. Int J Clin Pract 2018; 72. [PMID: 29314425 DOI: 10.1111/ijcp.13053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2017] [Accepted: 12/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The use of endobronchial ultrasound trans-bronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) as the initial diagnostic and staging procedure in patients with suspected, non-metastatic lung cancer has gained substantial support, and is now recommended by numerous guidelines. Whereas considerable attention has been pointed to the reductions in costs achieved by EBUS-TBNA, that has not been the case for some of its more significant benefits, namely the reduction of the diagnostic work-up time and its ability to accurately assess and restage lymph nodes, which were previously stated incorrectly by CT or PET scan. Both these benefits translate into improved outcomes for patients, as delays are reduced, futile surgeries are prevented and curable operations can be performed on patients previously excluded by CT or PET scan. Indeed, the use of EBUS as the initial diagnostic and staging procedure has been proven to significantly increase survival, compared with conventional diagnostic and staging procedures, in a pragmatic, randomised controlled trial (Navani N. et al, 2015). The instalment of EBUS will have the greatest effect on overwhelmed, suboptimally functioning national healthcare systems, by decreasing the number of required diagnostic and staging procedures, therefore reducing both treatment delays and costs. The improved selection of surgical candidates by EBUS will result in improved patient outcomes. The latest findings regarding the benefits of EBUS are outlined in this review, which, to the best of our knowledge, is the first to emphasise the impact of the procedure, both on timing and costs of lung cancer staging, as well as on survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fotios Sampsonas
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, University Hospital of Patras, Rion Patras, Greece
| | - Loukas Kakoullis
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, University Hospital of Patras, Rion Patras, Greece
| | - Dimosthenis Lykouras
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, University Hospital of Patras, Rion Patras, Greece
| | - Kiriakos Karkoulias
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, University Hospital of Patras, Rion Patras, Greece
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Lykouras D, Theodoropoulos K, Sampsonas F, Lagiou O, Lykouras M, Spiropoulou A, Flordellis C, Alexandrides T, Karkoulias K, Spiropoulos K. The impact of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome on renin and aldosterone. Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci 2015; 19:4164-4170. [PMID: 26592843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Obstructive Sleep Apnoea Syndrome (OSAS) is a respiratory disorder characterized by recurrent airflow obstruction caused by total or partial collapse of the upper airway. OSAS is an established independent factor of cardiovascular risk together with other risk factors such as smoking and increased lipids. The aim of our study was to measure serum levels of aldosterone and renin in OSAS patients that did not suffer from arterial hypertension and compare them to matched healthy subjects in order to reveal the impact of chronic intermittent hypoxia on the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system. PATIENTS AND METHODS The patients that enrolled in this study were 19 OSAS patients who had undergone overnight polysomnography and had an Apnoea Hypopnoea Index (AHI) greater than 10 events/hour. They were compared to 20 healthy non-OSAS closely matched controls. Serum aldosterone and direct renin concentration were measured by radioimmunoassay. RESULTS Aldosterone concentration follows a diurnal variation; therefore, all blood samples were obtained at the same time (6 AM). There were no significant differences in serum aldosterone levels between the two studied groups of OSAS patients and the healthy subjects group (140.6 pg/ml ± 25.2 vs. 133.2 pg/ml ± 18.5 with p = 0.223). Similar were the results for the renin levels (25.0 ± 6.9 vs. 24.9 ± 4.4 with p = 0.360). CONCLUSIONS Our study suggests that patients with OSAS, but without existing hypertension have aldosterone and renin levels similar to healthy subjects. According to our findings a direct connection between OSAS and the development of arterial hypertension may not be established via sympathetic system activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Lykouras
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, University Hospital of Patras, Rio Patras, Greece.
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Karkoulias K, Lykouras D, Sampsonas F, Karaivazoglou K, Sargianou M, Drakatos P, Spiropoulos K, Assimakopoulos K. The impact of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome severity on physical performance and mental health. The use of SF-36 questionnaire in sleep apnea. Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci 2013; 17:531-536. [PMID: 23467954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is a common disorder defined by repeated episodes of airflow cessation (apneas)leading to arterial hypoxemia and sleep disruption. OSAS has been associated with increased morbidity, mortality and diminished quality of life so far. This cross-sectional study aimed to assess the impact of OSAS on patients' Quality of Life, as measured by the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form-36 (SF-36). PATIENTS AND METHODS Two hundred and forty five subjects referred to the sleep laboratory and underwent full polysomnography overnight. Prior to sleep study onset, we registered height and weight, medical history, smoking habit, drug consumption. Afterwards, each patient completed the SF-36. Eighty subjects not diagnosed with sleep apnea [apnea hypopnea index (AHI < 5)] were excluded. Therefore, 165 subjects (121 male and 44 female) remained. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS Statistical analysis revealed that in patients with respiratory disturbance index (RDI) ≥ 15, (n = 115), RDI was independently associated with lower performance in role limitations due to physical problems (p = 0.005). Additionally, RDI was the only factor associated with decreased vitality (p = 0.014) and mental health scores (p = 0.047). In the same patient subgroup, body mass index (BMI) and age were associated with poorer scores in physical functioning (p < 0.001 and p = 0.003, respectively). BMI was an independent clinical predictor of worse scores in bodily pain (p = 0.006) general health (p = 0.006), social functioning (p = 0.025) and role limitations due to emotional problems (p = 0.004).
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Affiliation(s)
- K Karkoulias
- Department of Pulmonology and Department of Psychiatry, University Hospital of Patras, Rio, Patras, Greece
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Kaparianos A, Sampsonas F, Lykouras D, Efremidis G, Drakatos P, Karkoulias K, Gogos C, Spiropoulos K. Association of ET-1 gene polymorphisms with COPD phenotypes in a Caucasian population. Monaldi Arch Chest Dis 2011; 75:126-31. [PMID: 21932697 DOI: 10.4081/monaldi.2011.225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM The phenotypic expression of COPD consists of pulmonary emphysema and chronic bronchitis. An imprecise phenotypic definition may result in inconsistencies among genetic studies regarding COPD pathogenesis. Endothelin-1 gene polymorphisms have been linked to increased susceptibility of COPD development. The present study examined the involvement of +138 insA/delA and G198T ET-1 polymorphisms with emphysematous and bronchitic COPD phenotypes. METHODS In order to narrow down the phenotypic choices to either COPD-associated pulmonary emphysema or chronic bronchitis, a DLCO < 60% predicted threshold was chosen as an indicator of severe emphysema. 116 COPD smokers and 74 non-related, non-COPD smokers were evaluated. RESULTS Statistical analysis showed that the 4A allele of the +138insA/delA SNP and the 4A:T haplotype were associated predominantly with a chronic bronchitis phenotype, whereas the TT genotype of the G198T SNP was found to be protective from emphysema development. CONCLUSIONS The presence of both the 4A and T allele seems to modify the final expression of COPD towards a chronic bronchitis phenotype, since the G:3A haplotype was associated with a predominantly emphysematous phenotype in our study.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Kaparianos
- Pulmonary Department, Division of Internal Medicine, University Hospital of Patras, Greece.
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Karkoulias K, Sampsonas F, Lykouras D, Duska M, Christofidou M, Marangos M, Spiropoulos K. An unexpected pulmonary infection in a patient with gastric tube interposition, reconstruction of the hypopharynx and gastric-hypopharyngeal anastomosis. Acta Clin Belg 2011; 66:60-2. [PMID: 21485768 DOI: 10.2143/acb.66.1.2062518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Pulmonary infection by Nocardia spp. has been recognized the last decades. Nocardia is an opportunistic pathogen in immunocompromised individuals; nevertheless, it has been recognized as an uncommon pathogen in immunocompetent patients. We report a case of pulmonary infection by Nocardia asteroides in an immunocompetent host who had a history of sulfate acid aspiration, followed by gastric tube interposition, reconstruction of the hypopharynx and gastric-hypopharyngial anastomosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Karkoulias
- Pulmonary Department, University Hospital of Patras, Patras, Greece
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Karkoulias K, Sampsonas F, Lykouras D, Duska M, Christofidou M, Marangos M, Spiropoulos K. AN UNEXPECTED PULMONARY INFECTION IN A PATIENT WITH GASTRIC TUBE INTERPOSITION, RECONSTRUCTION OF THE HYPOPHARYNX AND GASTRIC-HYPOPHARYNGIAL ANASTOMOSIS. Acta Clin Belg 2011. [DOI: 10.1179/acb.66.1.2062518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
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Karkoulias K, Lykouras D, Sampsonas F, Drakatos P, Canova S, Tsoukalas G, Spiropoulos K. The Role of Endothelin-1 in Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome and Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: Pathogenesis and Endothelin-1 Antagonists. Curr Med Chem 2010; 17:1059-66. [DOI: 10.2174/092986710790820624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2009] [Accepted: 02/03/2010] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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Patouchas D, Sampsonas F, Papantrinopoulou D, Tsoukalas G, Karkoulias K, Spiropoulos K. Determinants of specific sensitization in flour allergens in workers in bakeries with use of skin prick tests. Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci 2009; 13:407-411. [PMID: 20085120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Baker's asthma, like other forms of occupational asthma is probably the most serious manifestation of occupational allergy among bakery workers. It is caused by immunologic sensitization and subsequent allergic reactions in the airways to occupational specific airborne allergens. Skin Prick Tests (SPTs) play an important role in the diagnosis of baker's asthma and epidemiological field studies on frequencies of sensitization to flour. This paper presents a review of the available literature on prevalence of flours sensitization in bakery workers. Atopy and level of exposure appears to be a very strong determinant for sensitization to flour allergens. Prevention strategies and standard setting are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Patouchas
- Department of Pneumonology, University Hospital of Patras, Greece
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Kaparianos A, Argyropoulou E, Sampsonas F, Zania A, Efremidis G, Tsiamita M, Spiropoulos K. Indications, results and complications of flexible fiberoptic bronchoscopy: a 5-year experience in a referral population in Greece. Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci 2008; 12:355-363. [PMID: 19146197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to retrospectively review the indications, results and complications of flexible fiberoptic bronchoscopy (FFB) in an University teaching Hospital. Also, we present the radiological findings for the major causes according to computed tomography of the chest performed within 48 h of fiberoptic bronchoscopy. A total of 4,098 FFBs were performed from January 1, 2003 to December 30, 2007. For diagnostic purposes, 3769 FFBs performed (92%) and for therapeutic purposes 329 FFBs (8%) performed. Haemoptysis was the most common indication for FFB (21%), followed by fever/suspected infection (19%) and chronic cough (18%). The most common results of the diagnostic workup was nonspecific inflammation of the tracheobronchial tree (31% for haemoptysis, 38.7% for fever and 48.5% for chronic cough), with malignancy ranking second (17%, 26.1% and 26% respectively). The cytological results showed adenocarcinoma to be the most common lung cancer in both sexes (37.3% for men and 39.7% for women). The mortality rate was 0.04% and the frequency for major and minor complications was 0.56% and 0.33%, respectively. In conclusion, flexible fiberoptic bronchoscopy is a safe procedure and can play a major role in both diagnosis and treatment, as long as the requisites of preparation and supervision are followed.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Kaparianos
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Pneumology, University Hospital of Rio, Patras, Greece
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Papadas T, Dimopoulos PA, Sampsonas F, Mastronikolis N, Spiropoulos K, Goumas PD. Cystic thymoma coexisting with vascular dysplasia. Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci 2008; 12:335-338. [PMID: 19024220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
We report the case of a 23-year-old female patient, who was admitted to our hospital because of aggravating pain in the right shoulder, right chest and ear accompanied by cough and dyspnea. Imaging revealed a soft tissue mass in the mediastinum in close relation with an additional large mass extending in the right upper thorax, right axilla and neck. The tissue obtained during surgery showed the former mass to be a cystic thymoma, being in contact with an extensive vascular dysplasia. The characteristic clinical presentation, the contribution of imaging, the results of operation, and the follow-up are rather unique. The review of the literature did not reveal similar cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Papadas
- Department of Otolaryngology, University Hospital, Rion, Patras, Greece
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Lykouras D, Sampsonas F, Kaparianos A, Karkoulias K, Tsoukalas G, Spiropoulos K. Human genes in TB infection: their role in immune response. Monaldi Arch Chest Dis 2008; 69:24-31. [PMID: 18507196 DOI: 10.4081/monaldi.2008.408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Tuberculosis (TB) caused by the human pathogen Mycobacterium tuberculosis, is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality caused by infectious agents worldwide. Recently, there has been an ongoing concern about the clarification of the role of specific human genes and their polymorphisms involved in TB infection. In the vast majority of individuals, innate immune pathways and T-helper 1 (Th1) cell mediated immunity are activated resulting in the lysis of the bacterium. Firstly, PTPN22 R620W polymorphism is involved in the response to cases of infection. The Arg753Gln polymorphism in TLR-2 leads to a weaker response against the M. tuberculosis. The gene of the vitamin D receptor (VDR) has a few polymorphisms (BsmI, ApaI, Taq1, FokI) whose mixed genotypes alter the immune response. Solute carrier family 11 member (SLC11A1) is a proton/divalent cation antiporter that is more familiar by its former name NRAMP1 (natural resistance associated macrophage protein 1) and can affect M. tuberculosis growth. Polymorphisms of cytokines such as IL-10, IL-6, IFN-g, TNF-a, TGF-b1 can affect the immune response in various ways. Finally, a major role is played by M. tuberculosis antigens and the Ras-associated small GTP-ase 33A. As far as we know this is the first review that collates all these polymorphisms in order to give a comprehensive image of the field, which is currently evolving.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Lykouras
- University of Patras, University Hospital of Patras, Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Pneumology, Rio, Patras, Greece
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Abstract
Clear decrements in lung function have been reported in patients with diabetes over the past two decades, and many reports have suggested plausible pathophysiological mechanisms. However, there are no reports of functional limitations of activities of daily living ascribable to pulmonary disease in patients with diabetes. This review attempts to summarize the available information from the present literature, to describe the nature of the lung dysfunction in diabetes and the emerging clinical implications of such dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Kaparianos
- Division of Pneumonology, Internal Medicine Department, Medical School of Patras, Regional University Hospital, Patras, Greece
| | - E Argyropoulou
- Division of Pneumonology, Internal Medicine Department, Medical School of Patras, Regional University Hospital, Patras, Greece
| | - F Sampsonas
- Division of Pneumonology, Internal Medicine Department, Medical School of Patras, Regional University Hospital, Patras, Greece
| | - K Karkoulias
- Division of Pneumonology, Internal Medicine Department, Medical School of Patras, Regional University Hospital, Patras, Greece
| | - M Tsiamita
- Division of Pneumonology, Internal Medicine Department, Medical School of Patras, Regional University Hospital, Patras, Greece
| | - K Spiropoulos
- Division of Pneumonology, Internal Medicine Department, Medical School of Patras, Regional University Hospital, Patras, Greece,
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Karkoulias K, Sampsonas F, Kaparianos A, Tsiamita M, Tsoukalas G, Spiropoulos K. Urinothorax: an unexpected cause of pleural effusion in a patient with non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci 2007; 11:373-374. [PMID: 18306905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Urinothorax is a rather rare cause of pleural effusion and its potential mechanism is urinary tract obstruction or trauma that results in urine leakage and accumulation inside the pleural space. Patients with non-Hodgkin lymphoma could present with pleural effusion due to mediastinal lymphadenopathy or extrathoracic manifestation such as urinary tract obstruction, the latter described in our case report. Physicians must be aware even of the more occult mechanisms of pleural fluid accumulations which could point to extrathoracic manifestations of involvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Karkoulias
- University of Patras, University Hospital of Patras, Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Pneumology, Rio, Patras, Greece
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