Factors Predictive for Immunomodulatory Therapy Response and Survival in Patients with Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis-Retrospective Cohort Analysis

Hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP) is one of the interstitial lung diseases with clearly established diagnostic criteria. Nevertheless, pharmacologic treatment recommendations are still lacking. Most specialists use steroids as first-line drugs, sometimes combined with an immunosuppressive agent. Aim: The aim of the present retrospective study was to establish predictive factors for treatment success and survival advantage in HP patients. Methods: We analyzed the short-term treatment outcome and overall survival in consecutive HP patients treated with prednisone alone or combined with azathioprine. Results: The study group consisted of 93 HP patients, 54 (58%) with fibrotic HP and 39 (42%) with non-fibrotic HP. Mean (± SD) VCmax % pred. and TL,co % pred. before treatment initiation were 81.5 (±20.8)% and 48.3 (±15.7)%, respectively. Mean relative VCmax and TL,co change after 3−6 months of therapy were 9.5 (±18.8)% and 21.4 (±35.2)%, respectively. The short-term treatment outcomes were improvement in 49 (53%) patients, stabilization in 16 (17%) patients, and progression in 28 (30%) patients. Among those with fibrotic HP, improvement was noted in 19 (35%) cases. Significant positive treatment outcome predictors were fever after antigen exposure, lymphocyte count in broncho-alveolar lavage fluid (BALF) exceeding 54%, RV/TLC > 120% pred., and ill-defined centrilobular nodules in high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT). An increased eosinophil count in BALF and fibrosis in HRCT were significant negative treatment outcome predictors. The presence of fibrosis in HRCT remained significant in a multivariate analysis. A positive response to treatment, as well as preserved baseline VCmax (% pred.) and TLC (% pred.), predicted longer survival, while fibrosis in HRCT was related to a worse prognosis. Conclusion: Immunomodulatory treatment may be effective in a significant proportion of patients with HP, including those with fibrotic changes in HRCT. Therefore, future trials are urgently needed to establish the role of immunosuppressive treatment in fibrotic HP.

Guidelines of the Polish Respiratory Society on the Diagnosis and Treatment of Progressive Fibrosing Interstitial Lung Diseases Other than Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis

The recommendations were developed as answers to previously formulated questions concerning everyday diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. They were developed based on a review of the current literature using the GRADE methodology. The experts suggest that PF-ILD be diagnosed based on a combination of different criteria, such as the aggravation of symptoms, progression of radiological lesions, and worsening of lung function test parameters. The experts recommend a precise diagnosis of an underlying disease, with serological testing for an autoimmune disease always being included. The final diagnosis should be worked out by a multidisciplinary team (MDT). Patients with an interstitial lung disease other than IPF who do not meet the criteria for the progressive fibrosis phenotype should be monitored for progression, and those with systemic autoimmune diseases should be regularly monitored for signs of interstitial lung disease. In managing patients with interstitial lung disease associated with autoimmune diseases, an opinion of an MDT should be considered. Nintedanib rather than pirfenidon should be introduced in the event of the ineffectiveness of the therapy recommended for the treatment of the underlying disease, but in some instances, it is possible to start antifibrotic treatment without earlier immunomodulatory therapy. It is also admissible to use immunomodulatory and antifibrotic drugs simultaneously. No recommendations were made for or against termination of anti-fibrotic therapy in the case of noted progression during treatment of a PF-ILD other than IPF. The experts recommend that the same principles of non-pharmacological and palliative treatment and eligibility for lung transplantation should be applied to patients with an interstitial lung disease other than IPF with progressive fibrosis as in patients with IPF.

Chronic hypersensitivity pneumonitis is associated with an increased risk of venous thromboembolism: a retrospective cohort study

Background

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and chronic hypersensitivity pneumonitis share commonalities in pathogenesis shifting haemostasis balance towards the procoagulant and antifibrinolytic activity. Several studies have suggested an increased risk of venous thromboembolism in IPF. The association between venous thromboembolism and chronic hypersensitivity pneumonitis has not been studied yet.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study of IPF and chronic hypersensitivity pneumonitis patients diagnosed in single tertiary referral center between 2005 and 2018 was conducted. The incidence of symptomatic venous thromboembolism was evaluated. Risk factors for venous thromboembolism and survival among those with and without venous thromboembolism were assessed.

Results

A total of 411 (259 IPF and 152 chronic hypersensitivity) patients were included (mean age 66.7 ± 8.4 vs 51.0 ± 13.3 years, respectively). There were 12 (4.6%) incident cases of venous thromboembolism in IPF and 5 (3.3%) in chronic hypersensitivity pneumonitis cohort. The relative risk (RR) of venous thromboembolism in chronic hypersensitivity pneumonitis was not significantly different to that found in patients with IPF (7.1 vs 11.8/1000 person-years, RR 1.661 95% CI 0.545–6.019, respectively).

The treatment with systemic steroids (OR 5.38; 95% CI 1.65–18.8, p = 0.006) and GAP stage 3 (OR 7.85; 95% CI 1.49–34.9; p = 0.037) were significant risk factors for venous thromboembolism in IPF. Arterial hypertension and pulmonary hypertension significantly increased risk of venous thromboembolism in chronic hypersensitivity pneumonitis. There were no significant differences in survival between patients with and without venous thromboembolism.

Conclusions

The patients with chronic hypersensitivity pneumonitis have a marked increase in the risk of venous thromboembolism, similar to the patients with IPF. Venous thromboembolism does not affect the survival of patients with IPF and chronic hypersensitivity pneumonitis.

Guidelines of the Polish Respiratory Society for diagnosis and treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis

INTRODUCTION

This document presents the guidelines of the Polish Respiratory Society (PTChP, Polskie Towarzystwo Chorób Płuc) for diagnosis and treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), developed by agroup of Polish experts.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The recommendations were developed in the form of answers to previously formulated questions concer-ning everyday diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. They were developed based on acurrent literature review using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) methodology.

RESULTS

We formulated 28 recommendations for diagnosis (8), pharmacological treatment (12) as well as non-pharma-cological and palliative therapy (8). The experts suggest that surgical lung biopsy (SLB) not be performed in patients with the probable usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP) pattern, with an appropriate clinical context and unanimous opinion of a multidisciplinary team. The experts recommend using antifibrotic agents in IPF patients and suggest their use irrespective of the degree of functional impairment. As regards non-pharmacological and palliative treatment, strong re-commendations were formulated regarding pulmonary rehabilitation, oxygen therapy (in patients with chronic respiratory failure), preventive vaccinations as well as referring IPF patients to transplant centres. Table 1 presents an aggregate list of recommendations.

CONCLUSIONS

The Polish Respiratory Society Working Group developed guidelines for IPF diagnosis and treatment.

A multicentre retrospective observational study on Polish experience of pirfenidone therapy in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: the PolExPIR study

BACKGROUND

Pirfenidone is an antifibrotic agent approved for the treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). The drug is available for Polish patients with IPF since 2017. The PolExPIR study aimed to describe the real-world data (RWD) on the Polish experience of pirfenidone therapy in IPF with respect to safety and efficacy profiles.

METHODS

This was a multicentre, retrospective, observational study collecting clinical data of patients with IPF receiving pirfenidone from January 2017 to September 2019 across 10 specialized pulmonary centres in Poland. Data collection included baseline characteristics, pulmonary function tests (PFTs) results and six-minute walk test (6MWT). Longitudinal data on PFTs, 6MWT, adverse drug reactions (ADRs), treatment persistence, and survival were also collected up to 24 months post-inclusion.

RESULTS

A total of 307 patients receiving pirfenidone were identified for analysis. The mean age was 68.83 (8.13) years and 77% were males. The median time from the first symptoms to IPF diagnosis was 15.5 (9.75-30) months and from diagnosis to start of pirfenidone treatment was 6 (2-23) months. Patients were followed on treatment for a median of 17 (12-22.75) months. Seventy-four patients (24.1%) required dose adjustments and 35 (11.4%) were chronically treated with different than the full recommended dose. A total of 141 patients (45.92%) discontinued therapy due to different reasons including ADRs (16.61%), death (8.79%), disease progression (6.51%), patient's own request (5.54%), neoplastic disease (3.91%) and lung transplantation (0.33%). Over up to 24 months of follow-up, the pulmonary function remained largely stable. The median annual decline in forced vital capacity (FVC) during the first year of pirfenidone therapy was -20 ml (-200-100) and during the second year was -120 ml (-340-30). Over a study period, 33 patients (10.75%) died.

CONCLUSIONS

The PolExPIR study is a source of longitudinal RWD on pirfenidone therapy in the Polish cohort of patients with IPF supporting its long-term acceptable safety and efficacy profiles and reinforce findings from the previous randomised clinical trials and observational studies.

Can a New Scoring System Improve Prediction of Pulmonary Hypertension in Newly Recognised Interstitial Lung Diseases?

Introduction

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a well-recognised complication of interstitial lung diseases (ILD), which worsens prognosis and impairs exercise capacity. Echocardiography is the most widely used, non-invasive method for PH assessment. The aim of our study was to identify the factors predictive for echocardiographic signs of PH in newly recognised ILD patients.

Methods

Ninety-three consecutive patients (28F/65M) with different ILD were prospectively evaluated from January 2009 to March 2014. Pulmonary function testing, 6-min walk distance (6MWD), initial and sixth minute room air oxygen saturation, NT-proBNP and echocardiography were assessed in each patient. Echocardiographic PH probability was determined according to the 2009 ESC/ERS guidelines.

Results

In 41 patients (Group B) increased PH possibility has been diagnosed on echocardiography, in 52 patients (Group A)—low PH probability. Most pronounced differences (p ≤ 0.0005) between groups B and A concerned: age, 6MWD, room air oxygen saturation at 6 min, DLCO and TLC/DLCO index (57.6 vs 43.8 years; 478 vs 583 m; 89.1% vs 93.4%; 54.8% predicted vs 70.5% predicted and 1.86 vs 1.44; respectively). Univariate analysis showed four-fold increased probability of PH when TLC/DLCO exceeded 1.67. A scoring system incorporating age, TLC/DLCO index, 6MWD and room air oxygen saturation at 6 min provided high diagnostic utility, AUC 0.867 (95% CI 0.792–0.867).

Conclusion

ILD patients with TLC/DLCO index > 1.67 have a high likelihood of PH and should undergo further evaluation. The composite model of PH prediction, including age, 6-min walk test and TLC/DLCO was highly specific for recognition of PH on echocardiography.

Czynniki predysponujące do rozwoju mykobakteriozy płuc u chorych z obecnością prątków niegruźliczych w materiałach z dróg oddechowych

Wstęp: W ostatnich latach w większości krajów Europy i w Stanach Zjednoczonych jest notowany wzrost częstości zakażeń układu oddechowego prątkami niegruźliczymi. Nie ma jednak zgodności opinii na temat wpływu różnych czynników na rozwój mykobakteriozy płuc w tej grupie chorych. Celem niniejszej pracy retrospektywnej było poszukiwanie czynników ryzyka mykobakteriozy płuc, w grupie chorych, u których wyhodowano prątki niegruźlicze z dróg oddechowych. Materiał i metody: Badaną grupę stanowiło 73 chorych, 23 mężczyzn i 50 kobiet, mediana wieku wyniosła 62.2 roku, z dodatnimi wynikami posiewów plwociny/wydzieliny oskrzelowej w kierunku prątków niegruźliczych, uzyskanymi w latach 2010–2015. Wyniki: Mykobakteriozę płuc (według American Thoracic Society/Infectious Diseases Society of America) rozpoznano u 36 chorych, kolonizację dróg oddechowych—w 37 przypadkach. Mykobakteriozę rozpoznawano istotnie częściej u chorych zakażonych M. kansasii, M. abscessus i M. avium/M. intracellulare w porównaniu z chorymi zakażonymi M. xenopi, M. gordonae i M. fortuitum (p < 0.0001). Wśród chorych na mykobakteriozę, w porównaniu z grupą z kolonizacją prątkami niegruźliczymi, było istotnie więcej kobiet niż mężczyzn (p < 0.007) oraz więcej chorych z wywiadem przebytej gruźlicy płuc lub mykobakteriozy (odpowiednio 28% i 8%, p = 0.038). Wykazano, że zakażenie M. kansasii, płeć żeńska oraz przebyta gruźlica lub mykobakterioza były istotnymi czynnikami predykcyjnymi aktualnego rozpoznania mykobakteriozy płuc. Wniosek: W badanej grupie chorych ryzyko zachorowania na mykobakteriozę było istotnie większe u kobiet, osób zakażonych M. kansasii oraz z przebytą gruźlicą lub mykobakteriozą płuc w przeszłości.

Factors predisposing to non-tuberculous mycobacterial lung disease in the patients with respiratory isolates of non-tuberculous mycobacteria

INTRODUCTION

An increasing incidence rate of respiratory isolates of non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) has been noted recently in most European countries as well as in the US. Despite many publications, there is no consensus concerning the importance of different factors in promoting NTM lung disease (NTMLD). The aim of the present retrospective study was to analyse patients with positive NTM respiratory isolates in search of factors predisposing to NTMLD.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

73 patients, 23 males, 50 females, median age 62.2 years, in whom NTM have been cultured from respiratory specimen (sputum and/or bronchial washings), in the period 2010-2015, entered the study.

RESULTS

NTMLD (according to ATS/IDSA) has been recognised in 36 patients, airways colonisation by NTM - in 37 patients. NTMLD was diagnosed more often in the patients infected with M. kansasii, M. abscessus and M. avium/M. intracellulare comparing to those infected with M.xenopi, M. gordonae and M. fortuitum (p < 0.0001). The proportion of females to males was significantly higher in the NTMLD group comparing to the colonisation group (p < 0.007). Previous tuberculosis or mycobacteriosis were noted significantly more frequently in the group of patients with NTMLD comparing to the colonisation group (28% vs 8%, p = 0.038). Univariate regression analysis revealed M. kansasii, female gender, and previous tuberculosis or mycobacteriosis as significant predictors of NTMLD.

CONCLUSIONS

The risk factors of NTMLD recognition in the presented group of patients were the following: female gender, M. kansasii isolation, as well as past tuberculosis or mycobacteriosis.

Choroba zarostowa żył płucnych: patogeneza, czynniki ryzyka, cechy kliniczne i algorytm diagnostyczny—Aktualny stan wiedzy

Choroba zarostowa żył płucnych (PVOD) i hemangiomatoza włośniczek płucnych (PCH) należą do rzadkich schorzeń—szacowana częstość występowania wynosi mniej niż jeden przypadek na milion mieszkańców. W PVOD/PCH patologia dotyczy małych żyłek—przedprzegrodowych i przegrodowych, włośniczek oraz tętniczek zaprzegrodowych i małych tętniczek płucnych. W klasyfikacji nadciśnienia płucnego (PH) według ERS/ESC z 2015 roku PVOD/PCH tworzy podgrupę 1’. Dane z niedawnych analiz wskazują jednak, że PVOD/PCH może być w rzeczywistości częstsze, z powodu błędnej kwalifikacji tych chorych do grupy 1. Problem ten może dotyczyć przypadków rozpoznanych jako tętnicze nadciśnienie płucne (PAH) występujące w przebiegu twardziny, spowodowane lekami, związane z zakażeniem wirusem HIV oraz około 10% pacjentów z idiopatycznym PAH (IPAH). Ostatnio zidentyfikowano dwuallelowe mutacje genu EIF2AK4 w dziedzicznej postaci PVOD/PCH i w 9% przypadków bez rodzinnego występowania choroby. Udowodniono ponadto zależność między zawodowym narażeniem na rozpuszczalniki organiczne a PVOD/PCH. Niniejszy przegląd jest próbą podsumowania aktualnych danych na temat patogenezy, czynników ryzyka, cech klinicznych i algorytmu diagnostycznego PVOD/PCH.

Mykobakterioza Płuc u Chorego na Przewlekłą Obturacyjną Chorobę płuc i Rozstrzenie Oskrzeli, Przebiegająca z Obrazem Radiologicznym Guza Płuca

Mykobakteriozy to choroby wywoływane przez prątki niegruźlicze (NTM, nontuberculous mycobacteria), zwane również prątkami atypowymi. Prątki niegruźlicze występują powszechnie w środowisku, głównie w glebie i wodzie. Mogą kolonizować drogi oddechowe, przewód pokarmowy i układ moczowo-płciowy człowieka, nie wywołując objawów choroby. Do zachorowania dochodzi przede wszystkim w grupach ryzyka, między innymi u chorych na przewlekłe choroby płuc oraz z obniżoną odpornością. W ostatnich latach obserwuje się zwiększenie liczby przypadków mykobakteriozy u chorych na przewlekłą obturacyjną chorobę płuc (POChP), szczególnie w przypadku stosowania długotrwałej steroidoterapii wziewnej. W pracy opisano przypadek mykobakteriozy wywołanej przez Mycobacterium avium u chorego na POChP i rozstrzenie oskrzeli, u którego obraz kliniczny i radiologiczny sugerowały obecność guza płuca.

[Disturbances of calcium metabolism and vitamin D supplementation in sarcoidosis - two-way street]

The role of vitamin D in the human body is not limited only to the regulation of calcium metabolism and secondary to the impact on bones. Recent studies have shown the influence of vitamin D level on muscles, on the risk of cancer, diabetes, hypertension and pulmonary diseases, including granulomatous diseases. Sarcoidosis is a granulomatous disease of unknown etiology. Hypercalcemia in the course of the disease occurs in up to 10% of cases in the consequence of autonomous overproduction of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D by macrophages of sarcoid granulomas. Hypercalciuria occurs 3-fold more frequent. On the other hand, treatment with corticosteroids increases the risk of osteoporosis. Vitamin D intake is recommended for prevention of osteoporosis. Such management, in sarcoidosis patients, is not so clear because of risk of hypercalcemia. Vitamin D supplementation, according to current recommendations for general population, is based solely on 25-hydroxyvitamin D level testing. This seems to be not safe in the group of sarcoidosis patients. This article discusses the role of vitamin D in sarcoidosis patients and current opinion on vitamin D supplementation in this group.

Nadciśnienie Płucne w Przebiegu Sarkoidozy Leczone Sildenafilem

Rozwój nadciśnienia płucnego w przebiegu sarkoidozy (SAPH) istotnie pogarsza rokowanie. Niestety, nie ma metody leczenia o udokumentowanym korzystnym działaniu w tej postaci nadciśnienia płucnego. Duże zainteresowanie w tym zakresie budzą leki stosowane w terapii tętniczego nadciśnienia płucnego (PAH). W prezentowanej pracy przedstawiono opis przypadku chorej na sarkoidozę powikłaną ciężkim nadciśnieniem płucnym, która była leczona sildenafilem. Obserwowano istotną, choć zaledwie przejściową poprawę stanu czynnościowego. Pacjentka zmarła z powodu stopniowo postępującej niewydolności krążenia i oddychania, w trakcie oczekiwania na przeszczepienie płuc.

Nadciśnienie Płucne w Przebiegu śródmiąższowych Chorób Płuc—Czy Leczenie Ukierunkowane na PAH Przynosi Korzyści?

Nadciśnienie płucne (PH) jest rozpoznawane u 40–50% chorych w końcowym stadium rozsianych śródmiąższowych chorób płuc (DPLD) i wiąże się ze znacznym pogorszeniem rokowania. Najnowsze wytyczne Europejskiego Towarzystwa Chorób Płuc i Europejskiego Towarzystwa Kardiologicznego zalecają w tej grupie chorych najbardziej optymalne leczenie DPLD oraz przewlekłą tlenoterapię u chorych z PaO2 poniżej 60 mm Hg. Leki stosowane w tętniczym nadciśnieniu płucnym (PAH) nie są rekomendowane chorym na PH-DPLD, ze względu na ryzyko zwiększenia przecieku krwi nieutlenowanej w płucach i w konsekwencji, pogorszenia hipoksemii. Jednak leczenie ukierunkowane na PAH może przynosić korzyść w wybranych sytuacjach klinicznych. Autorzy obecnej pracy próbują znaleźć odpowiedź na kilka ważnych pytań: czy terapia ukierunkowana na PAH może przynieść korzyści w PH-DPLD, kto powinien być poddany terapii ukierunkowanej na PAH, jaka grupa leków jest najbardziej obiecująca, w jaki sposób należy oceniać wyniki leczenia?

Sarcoidosis-associated pulmonary hypertension treated with sildenafil - a case report

Development of sarcoidosis-associated pulmonary hypertension (SAPH) significantly worsens prognosis in sarcoidosis patients. Unfortunately, there is no treatment of proven benefit for this condition. Medications used for treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension are of great interest in this respect. Here, we report a case of a patient with severe SAPH treated with sildenafil. A significant, but only temporary improvement in functional status was observed, and the patient died of gradually progressing heart and respiratory failure while awaiting for lung transplantation.

Pulmonary hypertension in diffuse parenchymal lung diseases - is there any benefit of PAH-specific therapy?

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is diagnosed in 40-50% of the patients with end-stage diffuse parenchymal lung diseases (DPLD), and it is associated with significant worsening of life expectancy. Latest ERS/ESC guidelines recommend best available treatment of DPLD, and long-term oxygen therapy in the patients with PaO2 less than 60 mm Hg. Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH)-targeted drugs are not recommended in PH-DPLD patients, due to the risk of increasing the ventilation-perfusion mismatch, and consequently worsening of hypoxaemia. Nevertheless, PAH-oriented treatment may be beneficial to selected groups of patients. The authors try to find the answer to several important questions: is there any benefit of PAH-specific therapy in PH-DPLD, who should be the candidate for PAH-specific therapy, what class of drugs is most promising, and what outcome measures should be employed?

Zajęcie układu oddechowego w przebiegu nieswoistych zapaleń jelit

Nieswoiste zapalenia jelit to choroby systemowe z możliwością manifestacji w praktycznie każdej lokalizacji. Zagadnienie zajęcia układu oddechowego jest bardzo ważne z klinicznego punktu widzenia. W artykule próbujemy usystematyzować dotychczasową wiedzę na ten temat.

Low DLCO in idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension - clinical correlates and prognostic significance

INTRODUCTION

Decreased diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide (DLCO) is observed in some idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (IPAH) patients, but its clinical significance is uncertain. We aimed to assess clinical correlates and prognostic significance of low DLCO in IPAH patients.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

In the group of 65 IPAH patients the cut off value for low DLCO was set up based on histogram as < 55% of predicted value. Demographic data, exercise capacity, lung function tests, hemodynamic parameters and survival of the patients were compared depending on DLCO value.

RESULTS

Low DLCO was found in 18% of the patients, and it was associated with male sex, older age, worse functional status and exercise capacity, and higher prevalence of coronary artery disease. Low DLCO carried a 4-fold increase of death risk in 5-year perspective.

CONCLUSIONS

Low DLCO was a marker of worse functional capacity and increased risk of death in studied IPAH patients.

[Hypersensitivity pneumonitis: Diagnostic criteria, treatment, prognosis and prevention]

Hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP) is caused by inhalation of environmental antigens. Farmers and bird keepers are most frequently affected by this desease. The HP diagnosis is based on clinical symptoms (cough, dyspnea) in a person exposed to environmental antigens, and the presence of characteristic changes in high resolution chest computed tomography (HRCT) (bilateral, mosaic, ground glass opacities in the middle and lower lung zones, ill-defined centrilobular nodules and the sign of air-trapping on expiration). This type of HRCT pattern is most frequently found in the patients with subacute HP. Bronchioloalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) examination is helpful in establishing the HP diagnosis, when the increased total number of cells, with the predominance of T lymphocytes (> 50%), and the increased number of neutrophils (> 3%) and mastocytes (> 1%) are found. The presence of specific serum precipitins increases the likelihood of HP. In case of atypical clinical presentation, lung biopsy is recommended. The diagnostic criterion of HP is the presence of ill-defined non-necrotising granulomas, after excluding other granulomatous lung diseases. The prevention and treatment of HP is based on the elimination of the antigen from the environment. Corticosteroids may contribute to the improvement in the acute and sub-acute form of the disease but their long term effectiveness is uncertain. The prognosis of HP patients is generally perceived as good, especially in those patients in whom antigen avoidance is possible. Nevertheless, in some patients progressive pulmonary fibrosis and development of severe respiratory insufficiency is observed. Med Pr 2016;67(4):517-527.

Komentarz do publikacji: Oficjalne wytyczne ATS/ERS/JRS/ALAT dotyczące postępowania w praktyce klinicznej: Leczenie idiopatycznego włóknienia płuc. Uaktualnienie wytycznych z 2011 roku

Idiopatyczne włóknienie płuc (IPF, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis) jest chorobą rzadką [...]

Non-tuberculous mycobacterial lung disease (NT MLD ) in patients with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension and idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension

INTRODUCTION

Non-tuberculous mycobacterial lung diseases (NTMLD) occur rarely and are diagnosed mainly in patients belonging to risk groups. Pulmonary hypertension (PH) has not been recognised as a risk factor for NTMLD yet. The aim of the study was to analyse the clinical course and predisposing factors of NTMLD recognised in our centre between 2002 and 2012 in patients with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) and idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (IPAH).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Thirteen patients (10 - CTEPH, 3 - IPAH) entered the study. PH was recognised during right heart catheterisation. Median value of mean pulmonary artery pressure (mPAP) was 49 mm Hg (39-65 mm Hg). NTMLD was diagnosed according to ATS guidelines (2007).

RESULTS

M. kansasii was the most frequent pathogen. Most patients complained of the exaggeration of dyspnoea and productive cough. Computed tomography of the chest with angiography revealed infiltrations with cavitation in seven patients and cavities surrounded by micronodules in six patients. In all CTEPH patients, NTMLD developed in the hypoperfused lung areas. No parenchymal abnormalities preceded the development of NTMLD. After diagnosis all of the patients received antituberculous treatment; in 12/13 improvement was achieved. By the end of March 2014 seven patients died due to right heart insufficiency, no deaths due to NTMLD were noted.

CONCLUSIONS

NTMLD should be suspected in patients with CTEPH or IPAH, presenting with productive cough and a new pulmonary infiltrate with cavitation. In patients with CTEPH, special attention should be paid to a new cavitary lesions without accompanying thrombus in the artery supplying the area. High mPAP (CTEPH/IPAH) and hypoperfusion (CTEPH) are predisposing to NTMLD.

Guzki środkowej części zrazika w tomografii komputerowej płuc o wysokiej rozdzielczości u chorych na IPAH—Wstępne korelacje kliniczno-radiologiczne

Wstęp: Zmiany miąższowe w tomografii komputerowej płuc o wysokiej rozdzielczości (TKWR) obserwowane są u niektórych chorych na idiopatyczne tętnicze nadciśnienie płucne (IPAH), pomimo że nie mają oni śródmiąższowej choroby płuc. Najczęściej opisuje się: słabo odgraniczone guzki środkowej części zrazika (CN, centrilobular nodules) albo ogniskowe zacienienia typu matowej szyby (FGGO, focal ground glass opacities). Nie wiadomo czy obecność tych zmian wskazuje na odmienny typ IPAH czy też na zarostową chorobę żył płucnych (PVOD, pulmonary venoocclusive disease). Celem pracy była ocena częstości występowania i znaczenia klinicznego zmian miąższowych w płucach stwierdzanych w TKWR u chorych na IPAH. Materiał i metody: Do badania zakwalifikowano 52 chorych na IPAH (38 kobiet, 14 mężczyzn, średni wiek 41 ± 15 lat). Wszystkie dostępne badania TKWR zostały poddane retrospektywnej analizie doświadczonego radiologa, nieposiadającego wiedzy na temat danych klinicznych. Wyniki: U 10 chorych (19%) stwierdzono CN, u 12(23%) FGGO. U badanych chorych nie występowały cechy PVOD, takie jak powiększenie węzłów chłonnych czy też pogrubienie przegród międzyzrazikowych. Wykazano, że chorzy z CN w porównaniu z pozostałymi byli istotnie młodsi (średnie wieku wynosiły 31 lat oraz 43.5 roku, p = 0.02), nie posiadali drożnego otworu owalnego (0% oraz 43%, p = 0.03), mieli istotnie wyższe średnie ciśnienie w prawym przedsionku (12.5 mm Hg oraz 7.94 mm Hg, p = 0.01). Nie wykazano jednak istotnych różnic dotyczących rokowania. Wnioski: Chorzy na IPAH, u których stwierdzono w TKWR guzki środkowej części zrazika, charakteryzowali się nieobecnością PFO, młodszym wiekiem i wyższym ciśnieniem w prawym przedsionku w porównaniu z pozostałymi chorymi.

Zakażenia grzybicze u chorych na mukowiscydozę—Wyniki badania jednoośrodkowego

Wstęp: Mukowiscydoza (zwłóknienie torbielowate [CF]) to najczęstsza choroba monogenowa, dziedziczona w sposób autosomalny recesywny występująca wśród rasy kaukaskiej. Jest chorobą ogólnoustrojową, wielonarządową, w której decydujące dla jej przebiegu jest zajęcie układów oddechowego i pokarmowego. U ponad 59% chorych na mukowiscydozę stwierdza się przeciwciała dla alergenów zarodników grzybów głównie Aspergillus fumigatus. U 5−15% chorych dochodzi do rozwoju alergicznej aspergilozy oskrzelowo-płucnej. Celem pracy była analiza częstości występowania grzybów drożdżopodobnych i grzybów pleśniowych w drogach oddechowych chorych na CF oraz ocena lekooporności wyhodowanych szczepów. Materiał i metody: Analizie poddano wyniki badań mikologicznych uzyskanych od 42 chorych hospitalizowanych i leczonych w Instytucie Gruźlicy i Chorób Płuc w Warszawie w latach 2006−2014. Wyniki: Z 217 materiałów z dróg oddechowych, otrzymanych od 42 chorych na mukowiscydozę, wyizolowano 205 (68%) szczepów grzybów drożdżopodobnych oraz 96 (32%) szczepy grzybów pleśniowych. Wśród grzybów pleśniowych dominował gatunek A. fumigatus 22.2% (67). Badane szczepy grzybów in vitro wykazywały 100% wrażliwość na itrakonazol, worykonazol, posakonazol oraz amfoterycynę B. Wnioski: Główne patogeny izolowane z materiałów z dróg oddechowych chorych na mukowiscydozę stanowiły A. fumigatus i C. albicans. Szczepy A. fumigatus wykazywały 100% wrażliwość in vitro na leki z grupy azoli oraz amfoterycynę B. Dwa szczepy C. albicans oraz 1 szczep C. tropicalis wykazywały oporność na azole (flukonazol, itrakonazol i worykonazol). Scedosporium apiospermum był oporny na amfoterycynę B (MIC > 32 mg/L) natomiast wykazywał wrażliwość na worykonazol (MIC 0.094 mg/L).

Non-high risk PE in the patients with acute or exacerbated respiratory disease: the value of the algorithm based on D-dimer evaluation and Revised Geneva Score

INTRODUCTION

The diagnostic algorithm of non-high risk pulmonary embolism (PE) is based on probability scoring systems and plasma D-dimer (DD) assessment. The aim of the present study was to investigate the efficacy of Revised Geneva Scoring (RGS) and DD testing for the excluding of non-high risk PE, in the patients admitted to the hospital due to acute respiratory diseases.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The consecutive patients, above 18 years of age, referred to the department of lung diseases, entered the study. The exclusion criteria were: the pregnancy and the suspicion of high risk PE. Plasma DD was measured with quick ELISA test, VIDAS D-dimer New, bioMerieux, France. Multislice computed tomography angiography was performed in all of the patients.

RESULTS

153 patients, median age 65 (19-88) years entered the study. The probability of PE was: low - in 58 patients (38%), intermediate - in 90 (59%), high - in 5 (3%). DD < 500 ng/ml was found in 12% of patients with low and intermediate probability of PE. PE was recognized in 10 out of 153 patients (7%). None of the patients with DD < 500 ng/ml was diagnosed with PE (NPV 100%). Median DD value was significantly higher in PE patients comparing to non-PE (4500 ng/ml and 1356 ng/ml respectively, p = 0.006).

CONCLUSION

In the group of the patients with acute respiratory symptoms, low or intermediate clinical probability scoring combined with normal DD had a high NPV in excluding PE. Nevertheless, such approach was not very effective, as the increased DD was noted in 88% of the examined population.

Low DLCO in Idiopathic Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension—Clinical Correlates and Prognostic Significance

Introduction: Decreased diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide (DLCO) is observed in some idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (IPAH) patients, but its clinical significance is uncertain. We aimed to assess clinical correlates and prognostic significance of low DLCO in IPAH patients. Material and methods: In the group of 65 IPAH patients the cut off value for low DLCO was set up based on histogram as <55% of predicted value. Demographic data, exercise capacity, lung function tests, hemodynamic parameters and survival of the patients were compared depending on DLCO value. Results: Low DLCO was found in 18% of the patients, and it was associated with male sex, older age, worse functional status and exercise capacity, and higher prevalence of coronary artery disease. Low DLCO carried a 4-fold increase of death risk in 5-year perspective. Conclusions: Low DLCO was a marker of worse functional capacity and increased risk of death in studied IPAH patients.

Pulmonary pathology in patients with ulcerative colitis treated with mesalazine--a challenging and complex diagnostic problem. Case series and literature review

Pulmonary involvement in the course of inflammatory bowel disease has been a subject of interest to clinicians for long time, but despite this, its epidemiology and potential pathomechanisms remain obscured. Equally unclear is the role of medications used for bowel disease treatment in lung disease development. We present three patients with ulcerative colitis, all treated with mesalazine, in whom unexplained lung disease developed. Due to different clinical and radiological presentation, different conditions were initially placed on the top of the differential list in each of them. The outcome was favourable in all patients despite differences in management. We compared our patients with similar cases from literature. We show the level of difficulty and complexity in the issue of lung disease in patients with inflammatory bowel disease.

[Community acquired pneumonia - treatment options according to the international recommendations]

Pneumonia remains one of the main reasons of heath care system utilization. Quick diagnosis and prompt treatment initiation determine favorable outcome. Empirical antibiotic treatment allows to achieve treatment success in most patients. Treatment recommendations are based on big epidemiological trials. Nevertheless, it is sometimes necessary to know the definite etiologic factor of pneumonia. In these cases microbiological diagnostics is useful, i.e. sputum microscopy and culture, blood culture, bronchial lavage culture, bacterial antigen tests in urine, molecular tests. Serological tests do not help much in everyday clinical practice. The most common microorganisms causing community acquired pneumonia (CAP) are: Streptococcus pneumoniae, atypical bacteria (Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Chlamydophila pneumoniae, Legionella pneumophila), Haemophilus influenzae, influenza virus. Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa rarely are etiologic factors of CAP. First line antibiotics in pneumonia treatment are beta - lactams. In case of allergy or intolerance of beta - lactams, new fluorochinolones should be used. Macrolides are useful if the atypical etiology is suspected. Duration of treatment in most cases should not exceed 7 days, sometimes it may be even shorter.

Tuberculosis in homeless persons in Poland

The fall in rates of tuberculosis (TB) in many countries has been accompanied by the concentration of cases in the social risk groups including homeless persons.

AIM

Comparison of TB features in homeless persons and in non-homeless patients.

METHODS

TB cases reported to National TB Register in Poland in whom information about the social status was available (the data about the social status were collected obligatorily in the years 2004-2013 only) were analysed. The results of DSTs were obtained from laboratory records and were available for the cases reported since 2010. Treatment outcome after 12 months was analysed for the cases registered between 2004-2012. The significance (Si) of the differences in proportions was assessed with chi-square test. P<0.05 was regarded as statistically significant. Test F was used to evaluate the significance of differences of the means of age. The multivariate logistic regression models were applied to find out the independently operating determinants of not achieving of success of treatment.

RESULTS

2,349 homeless persons (HP) and 72,989 other patients (OP) with TB were included. In the group of HP, there was a greater proportion of males in comparison with OP (90.5% vs. 66.3%) (Si). The mean age of HP was 49.8 years (SD±10.9); of OP-52.9 years (SD±17.5) (Si). 16.6% of HP and 10.4% of OP were previously treated for TB (Si). The previous treatment was adequate in 62.2% of HP and in 85.8% of OP (Si). Pulmonary TB was in 98.0%, extrapulmonary TB in 2.0% of HP and, respectively, in 92.5% and 7.5% of OP (Si). Pulmonary TB was confirmed by culture in 76.3% of HP and in 64.5% of OP (Si). Sputum smears were positive in 70.7% of HP and in 62.5% of OP (Si). Caseous pneumonia occurred in 2.7% of homeless subjects and in 1.1% of OP (Si); infiltrative TB in 95.5% of HP and in 97.5% of OP (Si). Resistance to isoniazid was observed in 2.9% of HP and in 3.1% of OP; to rifampicin in 0.0% of HP and in 0.2% of OP; to isoniazid and rifampicin in 0.4% of HP and in 0.8% of OP. These differences were not Si. Treatment success rate among HP was 44.1%; default rate 24.8%; 4.0% of HP died from tuberculosis; 3.2% died from other causes; 5.2% were transferred and their outcomes were unknown; 0.4% were still on treatment; 0.4% had treatment failure; in 17.9% of HP results of treatment were not available. Among other TB patients the rate of success was 66.8%; of default--8.8%; 1.9% died from TB; 3.1% died from other causes; 2.6% were transferred; 0.5% were still treated; 0.2% had treatment failure; in 16.1% the results were not reported. Differences between both groups were Si, except for the category "died from other causes", "still on treatment" and "treatment failure".

CONCLUSIONS

In the group of homeless persons with tuberculosis phenomena which indicate a delay in diagnosis of disease and in some cases the possibility of a recent infection and also unfavorable treatment outcomes occur in a greater proportion than among other patients. Targeted screening for TB and directly observed treatment could likely improve the epidemiological situation of tuberculosis in the population of homeless.

Ostre śródmiąższowe Zapalenie Płuc u Chorego na Reumatoidalne Zapalenie Stawów Leczonego Leflunomidem

Leflunomid (LEF), pochodna izoksazolowa, należy do leków przeciwreumatycznych modyfikujących przebieg choroby (DMARDs), które stanowią podstawę leczenia reumatoidalnego zapalenia stawów (RZS). J est lekiem skutecznym i bezpiecznym u chorych na RZS w sytuacji, gdy standardowe leczenie nie spowodowało znaczącej poprawy lub było źle tolerowane, ale może wywoływać śródmiąższową chorobę płuc. Czynnikami ryzyka wystąpienia śródmiąższowej choroby płuc wywołanej LEF są: stwierdzane wcześniej zmiany śródmiąższowe w płucach, palenie papierosów, niska masa ciała i stosowanie dawki nasycającej. W pracy przedstawiono przypadek 59-letniego chorego na RZS, z nikotynizmem w wywiadzie, leczonego w przeszłości metotreksatem (MTX), u którego wystąpiły duszność, kaszel i gorączka po około 2 miesiącach leczenia LEF. Z astosowano metyloprednizolon w pulsach, następnie prednizon i cyklofosfamid. Po okresie przejściowej poprawy doszło do narastania niewydolności oddechowej i zgonu.

Zmiany śródmiąższowe w Płucach u Chorych na Zapalenie Wielomięśniowe i Skórno-Mięśniowe—Prezentacja Trzech Przypadków

Zapalenia wielomięśniowe (PM) i skórno-mięśniowe (DM) należą do układowych chorób tkanki łącznej charakteryzujących się osłabieniem siły mięśni proksymalnych oraz zajęciem różnych narządów wewnętrznych, w tym często płuc. Do zmian płucnych w przebiegu PM/DM należą: zapalenia naczyń z rozlanym krwawieniem pęcherzykowym oraz choroba śródmiąższowa płuc (ILD), która jest najczęstszą płucną manifestacją PM/DM, a jej występowanie znacznie pogarsza przebieg choroby i rokowanie. Patogeneza zmian śródmiąższowych w płucach nie jest dokładnie znana, wiadomo że dużą rolę w jej etiologii odgrywają mechanizmy autoimmunologiczne. Nie zaobserwowano związku między ciężkością choroby układowej tkanki łącznej a wystąpieniem zmian w płucach. Choroba śródmiąższowa płuc może się ujawnić w każdym momencie trwania choroby zapalnej mięśni, czasami wyprzedza jej objawy i rozpoznanie. Częstość wykrywania zmian śródmiąższowych w płucach zwiększa się wraz z czułością zastosowanych metod diagnostycznych — “złotym standardem” jest tomografia komputerowa płuc o wysokiej rozdzielczości. Lekiem pierwszego wyboru w leczeniu choroby śródmiąższowej płuc w przebiegu PM/DM są glikokortykosteroidy. W niniejszym artykule przedstawiono przypadki 3 mężczyzn w średnim wieku, chorych na PM/DM, z towarzyszącymi zmianami śródmiąższowymi w płucach, każdy o innym przebiegu klinicznym i obrazie zmian radiologicznych. U wszystkich chorych wykonano badania obrazowe (radiogram i tomografię komputerową klatki piersiowej) oraz czynnościowe układu oddechowego. U wszystkich pacjentów charakter zmian płucnych potwierdzono badaniem histologicznym. U dwóch chorych rozpoznano niespecyficzne śródmiąższowe zapalenie płuc, u jednego — organizujące się zapalenie płuc z odczynem sarkoidalnym w okolicznych węzłach chłonnych. Z powodu zaburzeń w badaniach czynnościowych płuc, wszyscy pacjenci leczeni byli prednizonem, u dwóch chorych dodatkowo wdrożono leczenie azatiopryną lub cyclofosfamidem z dobrym efektem.

Zaskakujące Rozpoznanie u Mężczyzny z Guzem ściany Klatki Piersiowej—Nie Wszyscy Chorują na Raka PłUca

Rak płuca jest najczęstszym nowotworem złośliwym u mężczyzn, który w stadium zaawansowanym może dawać przerzuty do tkanki podskórnej lub naciekać ścianę klatki piersiowej. Przedstawiono przypadek chorego, który został skierowany do kliniki z podejrzeniem raka płuca naciekającego boczną ścianę klatki piersiowej. Dodatkowo u pacjenta stwierdzono liczne przerzuty do kości płaskich (żeber, kręgów, czaszki). Szeroko zakrojona diagnostyka przyniosła zaskakujące rozpoznanie raka przewodowego piersi, nowotworu, który u mężczyzn występuje niezwykle rzadko i najczęściej prezentuje się jako dobrze odgraniczony guzek w okolicy brodawki sutkowej. Prezentowany przypadek pokazuje, jak istotną rolę odgrywa wnikliwa ocena mikroskopowa zmiany zlokalizowanej w ścianie klatki piersiowej.

Role of serum vascular endothelial growth factor D in discrimination of patients with polycystic lung diseases

INTRODUCTION

Polycystic lung diseases (PLDs) include numerous rare diseases including lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM), pulmonary Langerhans cell histiocytosis (PLCH), and lymphocytic interstitial pneumonia. In these cases, diagnosis is based on a histological examination of open lung biopsy samples; however, it is not always possible to perform this procedure. Serum markers characteristic for a given entity are still being sought.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of the study was to determine the usefulness of assessing serum vascular endothelial growth factor D (VEGF‑D) concentration in the differential diagnosis of LAM and other PLDs (OPLDs).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Serum VEGF‑D levels were measured by an enzyme‑linked immunosorbent assay in 75 patients with PLDs including 29 women with LAM and 46 patients with OPLDs (28 women and 18 men).

RESULTS

Serum VEGF‑D levels were significantly higher in patients with LAM (median, 1557 pg/ml; interquartile range [IQR], 636-2593 pg/ml) than in all patients with OPLDs (median, 292 pg/ml; IQR, 233-405 pg/ml, P <0.0001) or than in women with OPLDs (median, 344 pg/ml; IQR, 243-452 pg/ml, P <0.0001). The serum VEGF‑D level exceeding 468 pg/ml identified LAM patients with the specificity of 90% and sensitivity of 87% (area under the curve of 0.908; 95% confidence interval, 0.820-0.996). In none of the patients with OPLDs serum VEGF‑D concentrations exceeded 800 pg/ml.

CONCLUSIONS

An increased serum VEGF‑D level is a highly specific biomarker useful in a differential diagnosis of LAM and OPLDs.

Interstitial Pneumonia Connected with Rituximab Therapy—Case Report

Rituximab (RTX) is a monoclonal antibody against the CD20 antigen found on the surface of B cells. RTX causes cell lysis and is therefore used to treat lymphomas, leukaemias, transplant rejection and certain autoimmune disorders. Pulmonary adverse events associated with RTX have been reported in literature. We describe a patient with follicular lymphoma treated with R-CHOP scheme (rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincri- stine, prednisone) who had pulmonary symptoms during chemotherapy which were diagnosed as rituximab-induced interstitial pneumonia. Symptoms and radiological changes resolved with prednisone therapy.

Postępy w Pneumonologii w 2012 Roku

Rak płuca jest najczęstszym nowotworem zło- śliwym w większości uprzemysłowionych krajów świata [...]

[Interstitial pneumonia connected with rituximab therapy--case report]

Rituximab (RTX) is a monoclonal antibody against the CD20 antigen found on the surface of B cells. RTX causes cell lysis and is therefore used to treat lymphomas, leukaemias, transplant rejection and certain autoimmune disorders. Pulmonary adverse events associated with RTX have been reported in literature. We describe a patient with follicular lymphoma treated with R-CHOP scheme (rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, prednisone) who had pulmonary symptoms during chemotherapy which were diagnosed as rituximab-induced interstitial pneumonia. Symptoms and radiological changes resolved with prednisone therapy.

[Interstitial lung disease in patients with polymyositis and dermatomyositis--report of three cases]

Polymyositis (PM) and dermatomyositis (DM) are connective tissue diseases (CTD) characterized by proximal muscle weakness along with changes in various internal organs, with the lungs most frequently involved. Presentation of the disease in the lungs comprises diffuse alveolar haemorrhage due to vasculitis and interstitial lung disease (ILD), which is the most frequent manifestation of CTD in the lungs and worsens the outcome and prognosis. The mechanisms involved in the ILD are not fully known, but the role of autoimmune response is unquestioned. No relationship between the severity of CTD and the changes in the lungs was observed. ILD may present at any time in the course of CTD, sometimes before the signs and symptoms of myositis occur. The more accurate imaging methods are, the more frequently changes in the lungs are detected. High resolution computed tomography (HRCT) is a gold standard in ILD imaging. Treatment of PM/DM-related ILD relays on systemic glucocorticosteroids as the first choice drugs. We present three cases of PM/DM-related ILD in middle-aged men, with a different clinical and radiological presentation. In all cases, apart from imaging (plain X-ray and HRCT of the chest) and pulmonary function tests, histological evaluation of lung changes was performed. In two cases non-specific interstitial pneumonitis (NSIP) was diagnosed, and in the third--organizing pneumonia along with sarcoid changes in the lymph nodes. Because of decreased pulmonary function all patients were treated with systemic corticosteroids and two of them additionally with azathioprine or cyclophosphamide, and the outcome was good in all of them.

[A surprising diagnosis in a male with a tumour of the chest wall--not always lung cancer]

Lung cancer is the most frequent malignant tumour in men. Advanced disease may produce metastatic tumours in subcutaneous tissue and also infiltrate the chest wall. We present a history of a man referred to our department suspected of lung tumour infiltrating the chest wall. Additionally, bone metastatic disease was diagnosed (ribs, vertebral bodies and skull). Thanks to a wide diagnostic approach, ductal cancer of the breast was finally diagnosed, a neoplasm that is extremely rare in male patients, usually presenting as a definite nodule in the nipple area of the breast. This case shows the importance of careful histological evaluation of the chest wall tumour.

Postępy w Pneumonologii w 2012 Roku

Przewlekła obturacyjna choroba płuc (POChP) jest trzecią lub czwartą przyczyną zgonu na świecie po nowotworach, chorobach serca i naczyń oraz (w niektórych krajach) śmierci z przyczyn gwałtownych. Wszelkie aspekty choroby od jej patogenezy do paliatywnej opieki pod koniec życia są przedmiotem badań bardzo licznych zespołów naukowców [...]

Hiperkalcemia i Uszkodzenie Nerek w Przebiegu Sarkoidozy—Opis Przypadku

Zaburzenia gospodarki wapniowej w przebiegu sarkoidozy pod postacią hiperkalcemii lub/i hiperkalciurii mogą u niektórych chorych powodować uszkodzenie nerek. Zagrażająca życiu hiperkalcemia nie jest zjawiskiem częstym u chorych na sarkoidozę. Niewydolność nerek spowodowana ciężką hiperkalcemią zdarza się rzadko. W pracy zaprezentowano przypadek 53-letniego mężczyzny przyjętego do Kliniki Chorób Płuc z powodu objawów zespołu hiperkalcemicznego i niewydolności nerek, u którego rozpoznano sarkoidozę. Zastosowanie glikosteroidów systemowych spowodowało normalizację kalcemii oraz poprawę parametrów nerkowych. W artykule omówiono przyczyny hiperkalcemii u chorych na sarkoidozę, mechanizmy uszkodzenia nerek oraz postępowanie u tych chorych.

Impact of Social Risk Factors on Treatment Outcome in Patients with Culture Positive Pulmonary Tuberculosis (CPPTB)

Introduction: The aim of the study was to evaluate the impact of social risk factors on treatment outcome among culture- positive patients treated for active pulmonary tuberculosis in three separate districts—Warsaw, Gdansk and Siedlce—in years 1995 and 2000. Materials and methods: We retrospectively reviewed medical records of patients who were notified in 1995 and 2000 and were treated in hospitals and dispensaries. Alcohol abuse and homelessness were recognized as risk factors associated with tuberculosis and nonadherence to treatment. Treatment outcome was evaluated using treatment indicators defined by the World Health Organisation: cured, treatment completed, treatment defaulted, treatment failure and “other” results of treatment. Results: Seven hundred and eight patients with culture positive pulmonary tuberculosis were included (373 in 1995 and 335 in 2000). There were 85 patients with risk factors in 1995 and 101 patients in 2000. 80 of participants in 1995 and 69 in 2000 abused alcohol, 5 and 32 were classified as homeless, respectively. Among alcohol abusers treatment success rates according to the WHO definition (either bacteriologic cured or treatment completed) were 45.1% in 1995 and 53.6% in 2000. Among patients not abusing alcohol treatment success rates were 63.8% and 54.1%, respectively. The differences were statistically significant (p = 0.005 in 1995 and p = 0.0186 in 2000). In 1995 forty percent of homeless patients had succeeded treatment, while the rate of treatment success among non-homeless was 60%. Because of small number included in homeless group the difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.6532). In 2000 treatment success rate among homeless participants was 25% and among non-homeless—57.1%, which was highly statistically significant (p = 0.001). Conclusions: Alcohol abuse and homelessness were associated with bad treatment outcome among patients with pulmonary tuberculosis. Interventions to improve treatment adherence in patients considered to be at risk for default are necessary.

Interstitial Lung Disease in Patients with Primary Biliary Cirrhosis

Primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) is a chronic autoimmune disorder of unknown etiology. The disease affects middle-aged women and is characterized by the destruction of the intralobular bile ducts that causes consequent cholestasis. AMA is a hallmark of PBC, composed mostly of IgG and IgM class. The M2 antibody is the most specific one, with sensitivity range of 54–98% depending on type of test used. PBC is often accompanied by other autoimmune diseases, such as Sjøgrens syndrome, thyroiditis, rheumatoid arthritis, dermatomyositis, polymyositis. Interstitial lung disease (ILD) has been reported in patients with primary biliary cirrhosis but its frequency and nature are poorly understood. We report pulmonary involvement in the course of PBC in 4 middle-aged women. Histopatological examination of lung specimens was available in three patients: two presented with sarcoid—like granulomas, one with lymphocytic interstitial pneumonia (LIP). In one patient the diagnosis of pulmonary fibrosis was based on clinical and radiological features. Because of abnormal pulmonary function tests (PFT) results all the patients were treated with prednisone, one, additionally with azathioprine. The treatment was successful in all of the patients.

[Interstitial lung disease in patients with primary biliary cirrhosis]

Primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) is a chronic autoimmune disorder of unknown etiology. The disease affects middle-aged women and is characterized by the destruction of the intralobular bile ducts that causes consequent cholestasis. AMA is a hallmark of PBC, composed mostly of IgG and IgM class. The M2 antibody is the most specific one, with sensitivity range of 54-98% depending on type of test used. PBC is often accompanied by other autoimmune diseases, such as Sjögrens syndrome, thyroiditis, rheumatoid arthritis, dermatomyositis, polymyositis. Interstitial lung disease (ILD) has been reported in patients with primary biliary cirrhosis but its frequency and nature are poorly understood. We report pulmonary involvement in the course of PBC in 4 middle-aged women. Histopatological examination of lung specimens was available in three patients: two presented with sarcoid - like granulomas, one with lymphocytic interstitial pneumonia (LIP). In one patient the diagnosis of pulmonary fibrosis was based on clinical and radiological features. Because of abnormal pulmonary function tests (PFT) results all the patients were treated with prednisone, one, additionally with azathioprine. The treatment was successful in all of the patients.

[Impact of social risk factors on treatment outcome in patients with culture positive pulmonary tuberculosis (CPPTB)]

INTRODUCTION

The aim of the study was to evaluate the impact of social risk factors on treatment outcome among culturepositive patients treated for active pulmonary tuberculosis in three separate districts - Warsaw, Gdansk and Siedlce - in years 1995 and 2000.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed medical records of patients who were notified in 1995 and 2000 and were treated in hospitals and dispensaries. Alcohol abuse and homelessness were recognized as risk factors associated with tuberculosis and nonadherence to treatment. Treatment outcome was evaluated using treatment indicators defined by the World Health Organisation: cured, treatment completed, treatment defaulted, treatment failure and other results of treatment.

RESULTS

Seven hundred and eight patients with culture positive pulmonary tuberculosis were included (373 in 1995 and 335 in 2000). There were 85 patients with risk factors in 1995 and 101 patients in 2000. 80 of participants in 1995 and 69 in 2000 abused alcohol, 5 and 32 were classified as homeless, respectively. Among alcohol abusers treatment success rates according to the WHO definition (either bacteriologic cured or treatment completed) were 45.1% in 1995 and 53.6% in 2000. Among patients not abusing alcohol treatment success rates were 63.8% and 54.1%, respectively. The differences were statistically significant (p = 0.005 in 1995 and p = 0.0186 in 2000). In 1995 forty percent of homeless patients had succeeded treatment, while the rate of treatment success among non-homeless was 60%. Because of small number included in homeless group the difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.6532). In 2000 treatment success rate among homeless participants was 25% and among non-homeless - 57.1%, which was highly statistically significant (p = 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Alcohol abuse and homelessness were associated with bad treatment outcome among patients with pulmonary tuberculosis. Interventions to improve treatment adherence in patients considered to be at risk for default are necessary.

Hypercalcemia and renal failure in the course of sarcoidosis--case report

Disturbances of calcium metabolism such as hypercalcemia or/and hypercalciuria in the course of sarcoidosis can be a cause of renal failure in some patients. Life threatening hypercalcemia in sarcoidosis patients is not very frequent. Severe hypercalcemia leading to renal insufficiency is a very rare condition. We present a case of 53-year old man who was admitted to Department of Lung Diseases because of hypercalcemic syndrome and renal failure, and in whom diagnosis of sarcoidosis was made. He was successfully treated with systemic corticosteroids. In this article we present physiological mechanism of hypercalcemia in sarcoidosis patients, mechanism of renal damage and management of these difficult problems.