Respiration; international review of thoracic diseases
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Comparative Study
Acute and chronic effects of smoking on inflammation markers in exhaled breath condensate in current smokers.
Long-term cigarette smoking is associated with pulmonary inflammation, but the acute effects of smoking have been less well studied. Analysis of the exhaled breath condensate (EBC) can provide noninvasive markers that might be indicative of inflammation. ⋯ EBC can be used to detect the acute and chronic effects of smoking. The increased conductivity of EBC after smoking suggests acute inflammatory effects. The reduced pH in chronic smokers shows cigarette-induced inflammation.
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Omalizumab is a humanized monoclonal anti-IgE antibody, especially useful for the treatment of severe persistent allergic asthma, inadequately controlled despite regular therapy. ⋯ Our results confirmed that anti-IgE therapy with omalizumab in patients with severe persistent allergic asthma results in decreased expression of ET-1 in the airways. This could be very important in limiting airway inflammation and bronchial structural changes caused by such treatment in asthmatic patients.
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Bronchial artery (BA) embolization (BAE) is recommended as a minimally invasive therapy for hemoptysis, though some patients recover after only conservative treatment. ⋯ Evaluation of BAs on MDCT could be useful for identifying the anatomical characteristics of bleeding-related BAs and determining whether BAE is indicated or whether conservative treatment is sufficient.
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Few studies have addressed small airway (SA) histopathological changes and their possible role in the remodeling process in idiopathic interstitial pneumonias. ⋯ We conclude that SAs are pathologically altered and may take part in the lung-remodeling process in idiopathic interstitial pneumonias.
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Nonselective systemic vasodilators worsen ventilation perfusion (V/Q) matching and gas exchange in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Inhaled iloprost has the potential to act preferentially in ventilated regions of the lung, thereby reducing pulmonary hypertension (PH) while alveolar ventilation is still maintained. ⋯ Iloprost inhalation was safe in patients with COPD and PH, and was associated with improved V/Q matching and exercise tolerance.