BACKGROUND:Noninvasive mechanical ventilation (NIV) applies ventilator support through the patient’s upper airway using a mask.AIM:The aim of the study is to define factors that will point out an increased risk of NIV failure in patients with exacerbation of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).PATIENTS AND METHODS:Patients over the age of 40, treated with NIV, were prospectively recruited. After data processing, the patients were divided into two groups: 1) successful NIV treatment group; 2) failed NIV treatment group.RESULTS:On admission arterial pH and Glasgow coma scale (GCS) levels were lower (pH: p < 0.05, GCS: p < 0.05), and Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE) score and PaCO2 were higher (p < 0.05) in the NIV failure group. Arterial pH was lower (p < 0.05) and PaCO2 and respiratory rate were higher (p < 0.05) after 1h, and arterial pH was lower (p < 0.05) and PaCO2 (p < 0.05), respiratory and heart rate were higher (p < 0.05) after 4h in the NIV failure group.CONCLUSION:Measurement and monitoring of certain parameters may be of value in terms of predicting the effectiveness of NIV treatment.

BACKGROUND:Recently epidemiological studies showed that low vitamin D is linked to airway hyperresponsiveness, decreased lung function, poor asthma control, and steroid–resistant asthma.AIM:We investigated the relationship between Vitamin D, inflammation with circulating IL-33 and lung function in 30 patients with severe uncontrolled asthma.MATERIALS AND METHODS:The study included 30 patients with severe uncontrolled asthma. In each of them were measured serum levels of IL-33 and Vitamin D by the ELISA method. The pulmonary function is measured by basic spirometry parameters, FEV1. The results were statistically elaborated according to the Pearson’s Correlation Tests.RESULTS:The results showed statistically insignificant correlation between Vitamin D and IL-33, and Vitamin D with FEV1 (Vit.D/IL-33; r = 0.11323, p = 0.551); (Vit.D/FEV1; r = -0.1005; p = 0.597) Correlation between IL-33 and FEV1 is negative but statistically significant (IL-33/FEV1; r = -0.5248; p = 0.003).CONCLUSION:Because there are little studies about the link between vitamin D and asthma, further research to clarify the mechanism how vitamin D control the activity of CD4+ T cells and the related Th2-type cytokines in the parthenogenesis of asthma.

BACKGROUND:While dosing theophylline in asthmatics, we should consider that a lot of medicines, substances, conditions and diseases affect the clearance of theophylline, such as smoking, macrolide antibiotics, barbiturates, oral contraceptives, heart and liver insufficiency, alcohol, calcium-antagonists, pneumonia, viral infections, hypoxemia, etc.AIM:The aim of the study is to investigate the concentrations of theophylline during the day in smoking and nonsmoking patients with asthma.MATERIAL AND METHODS:We have estimated the concentrations of theophylline 6 times daily by the HPLC method (Keith Muir, J Chromatography) in 20 smoking and 20 nonsmoking asthmatic patients, who were treated with theophylline sustained-release tablets 175 mg twice daily.RESULTS:In the first group of 20 nonsmoking patients we obtained constant therapeutic and optimal concentrations of theophylline. In the second group of 20 smoking asthmatics the concentration of theophylline in plasma, in 8pm and 8am the next day was very low.CONCLUSION:Because in smokers we have increased clearance and the decreased half- life of theophylline, and in order to prevent the night time life-threatening attacks, it is necessary to recommend maximal doses of theophylline, especially in the evening. According to the study, dosage should be individualized in order to optimize the treatment based on the measurement of theophylline concentration in plasma.

BACKGROUND:Asthma is characterized by airway inflammation which can be reversible.AIM:Investigation the importance of eosinophils, ECP and IL-5 in asthmatics versus patients with obstructive bronchitis and healthy subjects. We investigated the values before and after the treatment in asthmatics.MATERIAL AND METHODS:We studied 77 subjects divided in three groups as follows: 1) asthma patients; 2) patients with obstructive bronchitis and 3) control group of healthy subjects. In all the subjects there were determined: Total number of eosinophils (Eo), eosinophilic cationic protein (ECP), Interleukin 5 (IL-5) and allergy tests.RESULTS:The total number of eosinophils was significantly increased in the group of asthma patients versus second and third group. We found that the presence of ECP demonstrate an ongoing inflammation, with or without clinical symptoms of asthma patients. There was significant difference between the values of ECP of asthma patients versus second and third group. Our results have shown that IL-5 was significantly increased versus second group and controls (p < 0.01). We also found the decrease of the values of inflammatory markers after the treatment with corticosteroids.CONCLUSIONS:Eosinophils, ECP and IL-5 could be useful markers for selecting allergic patients and could be the monitors of treatment effects.

BACKGROUND:The proportion of T and B lymphocytes in pleural fluids and blood may point to the presence of local immunological phenomena in pleural disorders.AIM:Aim of study was to evaluate the lymphocyte phenotype and the ratio between helper (CD4+) and cytotoxic/suppressor (CD8+) lymphocytes in malignant and non-malignant effusions.MATERIAL AND METHODS:We studied 48 patients with pleural effusions. First group had 18 patients with tuberculosis pleural effusions; second group had 20 patients with malignant pleural fluids, third group had 10 patients with transudates and 30 healthy controls. We investigated the distribution of T and B lymphocytes, T cells with helper/inducer CD4 or suppresser/cytotoxic CD8 phenotypes and the CD16 subset.RESULTS:Results showed decreases levels of CD3, CD4, and CD16 T cells in blood of patients versus healthy controls. There were increases in the percentage of the CD3 and CD4 T cells in the pleural fluid compared with values in the blood with statistical significance in tuberculous pleurisy. The values of CD8 were similar in the pleural fluid and in blood. Levels of CD16 were non-significantly higher in pleural fluid in all groups.CONCLUSION:This study confirms the hypothesis that pleural cavity is compartment with immunological reactivity and results could be used in differential diagnosis together with other examinations.