Respiratory medicine
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Respiratory medicine · Sep 2017
Comparative StudyExploration of the MUC5B promoter variant and ILD risk in patients with autoimmune myositis.
Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is common in patients with autoimmune myositis but factors that determine susceptibility are unknown. Familial and sporadic idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) are strongly associated with a single nucleotide polymorphism in the promoter region of MUC5B (rs35705950). We sought to determine the relationship between MUC5B polymorphism expression and myositis-ILD. ⋯ The MUC5B polymorphism was not significantly associated with myositis-ILD (OR 1.08; p = 0.80)]. We found MUC5B MAFs in our IIP cohort similar to published frequencies for subjects with familial and sporadic IPF. Overall, the MUC5B promoter variant does not appear to contribute to ILD risk in myositis patients.
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Respiratory medicine · Sep 2017
Comparative StudyDomestic solid fuel combustion in an adult population in Nigeria: A cross sectional analysis of association with respiratory symptoms, quality of life and lung function.
We examined the association of respiratory symptoms, health status, and lung function with the use of solid fuel (wood, charcoal, coal or crop residue) for cooking or heating in a predominantly non-smoking population. ⋯ Using solid fuel for domestic cooking or heating was associated with a higher risk of cough or phlegm and a lower mental quality of life. However we found no significant effect in the prevalence of chronic airflow obstruction in Ife, Nigeria.
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Respiratory medicine · Sep 2017
Comparative StudyIntensive smoking diminishes the differences in quality of life and exacerbation frequency between the alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency genotypes PiZZ and PiSZ.
Alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency (AATD) is a rare genetic disorder that is associated with low levels of circulating alpha-1-antitrypsin in serum. In comparison to the genotype PiZZ, PiSZ usually leads to lower risk of emphysema, better lung function and better survival. The aim of this study was to analyze the relationship between cigarette smoking (packyears) and the AATD genotypes (PiZZ and PiSZ) concerning quality of life (SGRQ), transfer factor of the lung for carbon monoxide (TLCO), forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) and exacerbation rate. ⋯ The differences in quality of life and exacerbation frequency between PiZZ and PiSZ individuals diminish by intensive (ex-) smoking.
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Respiratory medicine · Sep 2017
Does untreated obstructive sleep apnea cause secondary erythrocytosis?
The current literature suggests a relationship between obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) severity and hematocrit. However, the degree that OSA contributes to clinically significant erythrocytosis is uncertain. The aim of this study is to evaluate this association in a large study sample controlling for multiple confounders. ⋯ Hematocrit levels and presence of erythrocytosis appear not associated with OSA severity, but rather with hypoxemia as measured by awake and to a lesser extent mean nocturnal oxygen saturation. Nocturnal oximetry may provide diagnostic utility in the evaluation of unexplained secondary polycythemia and polysomongraphy may be warranted in those with unexplained nocturnal hypoxemia and erythrocytosis.
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Respiratory medicine · Aug 2017
Diagnostic implications of positive avian serology in suspected hypersensitivity pneumonitis.
The diagnostic evaluation of patients with interstitial lung disease (ILD) often involves serologic assessment for identifiable causes such as hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP). While not on its own defining of HP, precipitin serologies are often obtained to support clinical suspicion if other findings are inconclusive. We studied the clinical relevance of positive avian serology in patients undergoing ILD evaluation. ⋯ Among patients with positive avian serology, those with higher titers were more likely to have HP diagnosis. Nonsmokers also manifested higher titers compared to those with smoking history. These results may guide the usage and interpretation of avian serology screening in the initial assessment of suspected HP.