Emin Maden

The relation between Lp-PLA2 levels with periodic limb movements

ObjectiveLipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2), a novel marker of vulnerable plaque to prone rupture, is a predictor of both cardiovascular event and cerebrovascular event, and highly sensitive-C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) is an acute-phase response protein implicated in a broad range of cardiovascular diseases. We aimed to examine the association between periodic limb movements in sleep (PLMs) with circulating Lp-PLA2 and hs-CRP levels in patients with PLMs.MethodsSeventy patients with newly diagnosed PLM with polysomnography were enrolled this study. Patients were divided into two groups according to PLM index (normal PLM index, <15; elevated PLM index, ≥15). Lp-PLA2 and hs-CRP concentrations were measured in serum samples by turbidimetric and nephelometric methods, respectively. The concentrations of these parameters were compared between two groups and correlation analysis was performed between PLMs and Lp-PLA2 and hs-CRP levels.ResultsLp-PLA2 levels and hs-CRP were significantly increased in elevated PLM index group compared with the control group (206.8 ± 78.1 vs 157.8 ± 56.7, p = 0.003, and 4.2 ± 3.5 vs 2.4 ± 2.1, p = 0.02, respectively). PLM index was positively correlated with Lp-PLA2 levels (r = 0.40, p = 0.001) and hs-CRP (r = 0.24, p = 0.05). In the linear regression model, Lp-PLA2 was an independent predictor of PLM index (R2 = 0.36, p = 0.005).ConclusionThis study demonstrated an independent linear relation between PLM index and Lp-PLA2. In addition, it was seen increased Lp-PLA2 and hs-CRP levels in patients with elevated PLM index. Based on these results, we can suggest that risk of vascular events may be increased in patients with PLMs and with increased PLM index.

Ankylosing spondylitis with mycetoma case treated with oral itraconazole.

Pleuropulmonary involvement is an uncommon event in the course of ankylosing spondylitis (AS). Apical fibrosis, interstitial infiltrates, and pleural thickening were considered to be the main patterns. However, the presence of cavity is very rare in AS. Here, we report an AS case with aspergilloma, which has been successfully treated with itraconazole.

The Relationship between Patient Age and Sensitivity to Known Risk Factors for Asthma Attacks

Geliş Tarihi/Received: 19.09.2012 Kabul Tarihi/Accepted: 06.02.2013 Çevrimiçi Yayın Tarihi/Available Online Date: 07.05.2013 Turk Toraks Derg 2013; 14: 141-8 DOI: 10.5152/ttd.2013.33