Hadice Selimoglu Sen

A clinical, radiographic and laboratory evaluation of prognostic factors in 363 patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma.

Background: Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) has a poor prognosis. Objectives: Only few studies in literature investigated the presence of pleural fluid and radiographic findings for the prognosis of MPM. Methods: We retrospectively investigated the hospital charts of 363 MPM patients who were diagnosed from January 1989 to March 2010. Survival time was calculated by the Kaplan-Meier method. Pretreatment clinical, laboratory and radiographic features of each patient at the time of diagnosis were obtained from patients’ charts. Results: The mean age of 363 patients (217 men, 146 women) was 50.6 ± 11.2 years (range 19–85) and the mean survival time was 11.7 ± 8.6 months (range 1–53). Histological types of MPM were epithelial (71.2%), mixed (15.9%) and sarcomatous type (4.9%). The frequency of disease stages were 31.4% for stage 1, 24.2% for stage 2, 28.6% for stage 3 and 15.8% for stage 4. The most frequent symptoms were dyspnea (82.1%), chest pain (68.3%) and weight loss (58.9%). Results of univariate and multivariate analyses revealed that a Karnofsky performance score ≤60, a pleural fluid glucose level ≤40 mg/dl, a C-reactive protein level >50 mg/l, a serum lactate dehydrogenase level >500 U/l, the presence of pleural fluid, pleural thickening >1 cm and a platelet count of >420 × 103/µl were found to be associated with poor prognosis in MPM. Conclusions: Our data suggest that low pleural fluid glucose and high C-reactive protein, the presence of pleural fluid and pleural thickening were associated with poor MPM prognosis. Further prospective studies are needed to highlight prognostic factors more clearly.

Is a complete blood cell count useful in determining the prognosis of pulmonary embolism

SummaryBackgroundPulmonary embolism (PE) is the third cardiovascular cause of hospital admission, following acute coronary syndrome and stroke. Despite high-tech diagnostic methods and new treatment modalities, PEs continue to have a high mortality rate within the first 3 months. This study was designed to assess the additional prognostic value of a complete blood cell count, renal function markers, C-reactive protein, and simplified pulmonary embolism severity index (sPESI) scoring system in PE 100-day mortality.Materials and methodsThe study retrospectively enrolled 208 consecutive patients who were hospitalized with the diagnosis of an acute PE. The patients’ demographic characteristics and clinical and laboratory parameters were recorded from the hospital electronic database and patient’s case notes. The primary end point of the study was an adverse 100-day outcome, defined as death from any cause.ResultsThe all-cause mortality in the first 100 days was 14.42 %. The mean age was 57.87 ± 18.17 (range: 16–93) years. We included 79 (38 %) male and 129 (62 %) female individuals. Red cell distribution width (RDW) and sPESI were found to be statistically significant predictors of PE mortality by multivariate regression analysis. On multivariate regression analysis, RDW was associated with a 4.08-fold (95 % confidence interval: 1.229–13.335, P = 0.021) increase in PE mortality.ConclusionThe results of this study demonstrated that RDW and sPESI may be a useful guide in predicting 100-day mortality. The elevated RDW may alert physicians to possible poor prognosis.ZusammenfassungGrundlagenDie Pulmonalembolie (PE) ist nach dem akuten Koronarsyndrom und dem Schlaganfall der dritthäufigste kardiovaskuläre Grund für eine Aufnahme ins Spital. Trotz hochtechnisierter Diagnostik und neuen Behandlungsmethoden haben Patienten mit einer PE noch immer eine hohe Mortalität innerhalb der ersten 3 Monate nach dem Ereignis. Die vorliegende Studie hat es sich zum Ziel gemacht, den zusätzlichen prognostischen Wert eines kompletten Blutbilds (kBB), des CRPs, von Markern der Nierenfunktion und von einem vereinfachten PE-Schweregrad Index (sPESI) in Bezug auf die Mortalität innerhalb der ersten 100 Tagen nach einer PE zu erheben.Material und MethodenDie Studie erfasste retrospektiv 208 konsekutive Patienten (79 (38 %) Männer, 129 (62 %) Frauen), die wegen der Diagnose einer akuten PE hospitalisiert worden waren. Die demographischen Charakteristika und Laborparameter wurden aus den elektronisch gespeicherten Spitalsdaten und individuellen Krankengeschichten erhoben. Der primäre Endpunkt der Studie war Tod jeder Ursache innerhalb der ersten 100 Tage.ErgebnisseDie Gesamtmortalität betrug 14,42 % innerhalb der ersten 100 Tage. Das mittlere Alter der Patienten lag bei 57,87 ± 18,17 (range: 16–93) Jahren. Die multivariate Regressionsanalyse ergab, dass die Verteilung der Erythrozytenbreite (RDW) und der erhobenen sPESI statistisch signifikante Prädiktoren der Mortalität nach PE waren. In dieser Analyse war die RDW mit einem 4,08 fachen (95 % CI: 1,229–13,335, P = 0,021) Anstieg der Mortalität nach PE verbunden.SchlussfolgerungenDie Ergebnisse dieser Studie zeigen, dass die RDW und sPESI im Bezug auf die Beurteilung der Prognose nach PE nützlich sein können. Erhöhte RDW könnten den Arzt auf eine möglicherweise schlechtere Prognose hinweisen.

Alterations of the neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio during the period of stable and acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients.

We aimed to investigate the importance of neutrophil–lymphocyte ratio (NLR) in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) for identifying the severity of inflammation and recognition of acute exacerbation.

Alterations in platelet count and mean platelet volume as predictors of patient outcome in the respiratory intensive care unit

Thrombocytopenia is associated with increased mortality in intensive care unit (ICU) patients. Mean platelet volume (MPV) reflects platelet function and activation. Elevated MPV is associated with poor outcomes and increased mortality rate in diseases that are commonly encountered in the respiratory ICU.

Adult Diagnosis Of Swyer-James-Macleod Syndrome: Retrospective Analysis Of Four Cases

Swyer-James-Macleod syndrome (SJMS) is a rare constrictive bronchiolitis with air-flow obstruction and a decreased number and diameter of ipsilateral peripheral pulmonary vessels. This syndrome is characterized by unilateral hyperlucency on chest radiography. Computed tomography provides useful additional information. The diagnosis is usually made in childhood but sometimes occurs in adulthood. The disease often presents with dyspnea, decreased exercise tolerance, cough, hemoptysis, and recurrent pulmonary infections. SJMS may be confused with asthma or pulmonary embolism due to similar symptoms and may result in inappropriate therapy. This case series examined the clinical and imaging spectrum of four patients who were diagnosed with SJMS in adulthood.

A single imaging modality in the diagnosis, severity, and prognosis of pulmonary embolism.

Introduction. This study aimed to investigate the currency of computerized tomography pulmonary angiography-based parameters as pulmonary artery obstruction index (PAOI), as well as right ventricular diameters for pulmonary embolism (PE) risk evaluation and prediction of mortality and intensive care unit (ICU) requirement. Materials and Methods. The study retrospectively enrolled 203 patients hospitalized with acute PE. PAOI was calculated according to Qanadli score. Results. Forty-three patients (23.9%) were hospitalized in the ICU. Nineteen patients (10.6%) died during the 30-day follow-up period. The optimal cutoff value of PAOI for PE 30th day mortality and ICU requirement were found as 36.5% in ROC curve analysis. The pulmonary artery systolic pressure had a significant positive correlation with right/left ventricular diameter ratio (r = 0.531, P < 0.001), PAOI (r = 0.296, P < 0.001), and pulmonary artery diameter (r = 0.659, P < 0.001). The patients with PAOI values higher than 36.5% have a 5.7-times increased risk of death. Conclusion. PAOI is a fast and promising parameter for risk assessment in patients with acute PE. With greater education of clinicians in this radiological scoring, a rapid assessment for diagnosis, clinical risk evaluation, and prognosis may be possible in emergency services without the need for echocardiography.

Clinical characteristics and treatment outcomes in 132 patients with malignant mesothelioma.

Purpose: Our objective is to scrutinize clinical, laboratory, radiological characteristics, treatment regimens, and treatment outcomes of malignant mesothelioma (MM) cases in our hospital. Materials and Methods: We investigated, retrospectively, the clinical characteristics and treatment outcomes of all 132 MM patients at Dicle University Hospital between January 2006 and April 2010. Results: A total of 82 (62.1%) patients were male, and 50 (37.9%) female. Median age was 56.0 years. Mean survival time was 9.6±6.9 months. Mean survival time of patients who had received best supportive care was 7.5 months, chemotherapy 10.4 months, and multimodality treatment regimen 12.6 months. Patients in the multimodality treatment group survived longer than did those in the other two groups (P=0.042). A total of 76 patients received chemotherapy, of whom 17 (22.3%) were administered Cisplatin/Carboplatin and Gemcitabine, 58 (76.4%) Cisplatin/Carboplatin and Pemetrexed, and one (1.3%) Cisplatin + Docetaxel. Complete and partial response to treatment in patients receiving Cisplatin/Carboplatin and Gemcitabine was found 47.1% and Cisplatin/Carboplatin and Pemetrexed was found 50.0% (P>0.05). Conclusions: MM related to asbestos exposure is seen frequently in Turkey. Patients present with the typical clinical features of dyspnea, weight loss, and chest pain. Survival analysis shows that patients receiving multimodality treatment may be better.

Oxidative Status and Acute Phase Reactants in Patients with Environmental Asbestos Exposure and Mesothelioma

Background and Objectives. The aim of this study was to investigate inflammatory indicators and oxidative status in patients with asbestos exposure with and without mesothelioma and to compare results with data from healthy subjects. Methods. Eighty people with exposure to environmental asbestos and without any disease, 46 mesothelioma patients, and a control group of 50 people without exposure to environmental asbestos were enrolled in this prospective study. Serum total oxidant level (TOL), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and oxidative stress index (OSI), CRP, transferrin, ceruloplasmin, α-1 antitrypsin, ferritin, and copper levels were measured. Results. Mesothelioma group exhibited higher TOL, OSI, α1-antitrypsin, ferritin and copper levels as compared to the other groups (P < 0.001, P = 0.007, P < 0.0001, P < 0.001, and P < 0.001, resp.). Transferrin was lower in the mesothelioma group than in the other two groups (P < 0.001). The asbestos group had higher TOL, TAC, α1-antitrypsin, and transferrin levels (P < 0.001, P < 0.001, P < 0.001, and P < 0.001, resp.), as well as lower OSI and ferritin levels as compared to the control group (P < 0.001 and P < 0.001). Conclusions. We believe that elevated acute phase reactants and oxidative stress markers (TOL and OSI) in the mesothelioma group can be used as predictive markers for the development of asbestos-related malignancy.

The Relationship of Fluid Overload as Assessed by Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis with Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension in Hemodialysis Patients

Background Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is common disease among hemodialysis (HD) patients and is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. However, its pathogenesis has not been completely elucidated. We aimed to evaluate the frequency of PAH in HD patients, as well as the relationship between fluid status and PAH. Material/Methods We enrolled 77 HD patients in this study. Multifrequency bioimpedance analysis (BIA) was used to assess fluid status. BIA was performed before and 30 min after the midweek of HD. Overhydration (OH)/extracellular water (ECW)% ratio was used as an indicator of fluid status. Fluid overload was defined as OH/ECW ≥7%. Echocardiographic examinations were performed before and after the HD. Pulmonary arterial hypertension was defined as systolic pulmonary artery pressure at rest (sPAP) higher than 35 mmHg. Results PAH was found in 33.7% of the HD patients. OH/ECW and the frequency of fluid overload were significantly higher in HD patients with PAH than those without PAH, whereas serum albumin and hemoglobin levels were significantly lower. sPAP level was significantly higher in HD patients with fluid overload than in those without fluid overload after hemodialysis session. Furthermore, sPAP, OH/ECW levels, and the frequency of PAH were significantly reduced after HD. We also found a significant positive correlation between sPAP and OH/ECW. Multivariate logistic regression analysis demonstrated fluid overload to be an independent predictor of PAH after HD. Conclusions PAH is prevalent among HD patients. This study demonstrated a strong relationship between fluid overload and PAH in HD patients.

Should Low-Molecular-Weight Heparin be Preferred Over Unfractionated Heparin After Thrombolysis for Severity Pulmonary Embolism?

Purpose: The role of low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) in managing nonmassive pulmonary embolism (PE) is well known. In unstable cases, especially after thrombolytic therapy for massive PE, unfractionated heparin (UFH) is preferred for PE management. This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness and safety of LMWH after thrombolytic therapy. Methods: A prospective, observational multicenter trial was performed in 249 patients with acute PE who required thrombolysis. Massive and submassive PEs were categorized into 2 groups depending on whether they were treated with LMWH or UFH after thrombolytic treatment. The primary end point was all-cause mortality during the first 30 days; the secondary end point included all-cause mortality, nonfatal symptomatic recurrent PEs, or nonfatal major bleeding. Results: The mean age at diagnosis was 60.7 ± 15.5 years. The PE severity was massive in 186 (74.7%) patients and submassive in 63 (25.3%). The incidence of all-cause 30-day death was 8.2% and 17.3% in patients with LMWH and UFH, respectively (P = .031). Major hemorrhage occurred in 4% (n = 5) and 7.9% (n = 10) of patients and minor hemorrhage occurred in 9% (n = 11) and 13.4% (n = 17) of the cases treated with LMWH and UFH, respectively. Conclusion: These results suggest that LMWH treatment can be used safely in patients with PE after thrombolytic therapy.