European journal of clinical investigation
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Eur. J. Clin. Invest. · Feb 2007
Comparative StudyNasal nitric oxide in cystic fibrosis with and without humming.
Nasal nitric oxide (nNO) values are reduced in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). Humming during nNO measurement increases nNO values in healthy subjects. Nasal NO is reduced in patients with CF, sinus disease or nasal polyps. Humming nNO values have not been reported in CF patients yet. Our aim was to explore humming nNO values in CF patients and assess whether nNO during humming is a better discriminator than silent nNO measurements in this patient group. ⋯ Nasal NO concentrations with and without humming are significantly decreased in CF. Humming nNO is an excellent discriminator between HC and CF and performs better than silent nNO.
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Eur. J. Clin. Invest. · Feb 2007
Comparative StudyCirculating levels of copeptin, a novel biomarker, in lower respiratory tract infections.
Vasopressin has haemodynamic as well as osmoregulatory effects, and reflects the individual stress response. Copeptin is co-synthesized with vasopressin, directly mirroring vasopressin levels, but is more stable in plasma and serum. Both levels are increased in patients with septic shock. Lower respiratory tract infections (LRTI) are a precursor of sepsis. Thus, we investigated circulating levels and the prognostic use of copeptin for the severity and outcome in patients with LRTI. ⋯ Copeptin levels are increased with increasing severity of LRTI namely in patients with CAP and unfavourable outcome. Copeptin levels, as a novel biomarker, might be a useful tool in the risk stratification of patients with LRTI.