TANAFFOS
Year:2017 | Volume:16 | Issue:1|Papers Count:13

Background: Despite being a high burden disorder, the pathogenesis of severe refractory asthma (SRA) is poorly understood. There are some evidences for the involvement of members of the signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) family, including STAT3 and STAT5a. Our study aimed to evaluate the gene expression of STAT3 and STAT5a in asthma and SRA to establish if there is an association. Materials and Methods: Using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reactions (qRT-PCR), the transcript levels of STAT3 and STAT5a were evaluated in peripheral blood mononuclear lymphocytes (PBML) isolated from 13 patients with SRA, 14 with mild asthma, and 30 healthy volunteers. Results: There were no significant differences in STAT3 transcript levels between study groups. There was however a significant difference in STAT5a transcript levels between cases and controls (p-value=0. 03). In comparison to healthy controls, the levels of STAT5a were notably lower in patients with mild asthma and significantly least in those with SRA. Conclusion: Our study found no appreciable association between STAT3 gene expression and either mild asthma or SRA. However, the STAT5a down regulation in asthmatics and especially SRA is a notable finding which denotes on association between STAT5a and different level of asthma.

Background: Microorganism isolation from respiratory tract specimens is the standard of care in patients with suspected nosocomial and ventilator associated pneumonia. However, these methods are time-consuming and are influenced by several factors. A direct quantitative smear (DQS) with proper staining may be an easy, cost-effective, rapid method. We evaluated the diagnostic yield of direct smears compared to semi-quantitative culture methods. Materials and Methods: Hospitalized, intubated patients with clinically suspected pneumonia and patients who underwent diagnostic bronchoscopic alveolar lavage (BAL) and trans-endotracheal aspiration (TEA) were enrolled in a prospective study. The obtained specimens were Gram stained and microorganisms were computed per 10 high-power fields (HPFs) of light microscopy. All samples were cultured by a standard semi-quantitative method. Colony-forming units (CFU) >104/mL and >105 CFU/mL were reported as culture-positive for BAL and TEA, respectively. Results: A total of 331 respiratory specimens were analyzed. Based on culture results, the best cut-off point was 35 microorganisms in 10 HPFs of microscopy and provided 90. 4% sensitivity and 90. 8% specificity. The best cut-off point for 25 microorganisms in 10 fields of light microscopy provided 95. 2% sensitivity and 85. 7% specificity. Conclusion: A DQS obtained by BAL and TEA may be a reliable and rapid method to diagnose pneumonia and anticipate semi-quantitative culture results. The sensitivity and specificity of a direct smear have adequate diagnostic yield to recommend it as an adjunct to microorganism-isolation methods.

Background: Tuberculosis (TB) remains the leading cause of death among infectious diseases worldwide. Identifying the factors associated with the treatment delay and total delay would be helpful in the prevention of tuberculosis and in reducing the burden on the health care system. The objective of this study was to assess the treatment delay and total delay in TB patients and investigate the factors causing these delays. Materials and Methods: This was a longitudinal study conducted in 2009-2015. Our study consisted of 1694 TB patients registered in the TB center of Mazandaran province. Data regarding the patients’ demographic characteristics and clinical factors associated with treatment delay and total delay were analyzed. Kaplan Meier plots and log rank tests were used to assess the survival pattern. Cox proportional hazards model for multivariable analysis was discussed. We used mean values and median (Q2) [first quartile (Q1)-third quartile (Q3)] to describe delays. Results: The median treatment delay and total delay were 35 (ranged 23-80) and 36 (ranged 24-82) days, respectively. The mean age of TB patients was 47. 40± 20. 3. No significant association was found between the location of residence, nationality, gender, and type of pulmonary TB patients with treatment delay and total delay. Additionally, age, prison status of patients, HIV test, and contact history had a significant relationship with the treatment delay and total delay (p-value <0. 05). It was shown that the median total delay in men patients in the ≤ 14 year-old age group, imprisoner patients, rural patients, patients who have not received an HIV test, smear negative patients, those who are Iranian, and TB patients whose contact history was unknown was lower than that of others. The highest median treatment delay and total delay was in the >60 age groups, and were 41 and 44 days, respectively. Treatment delay was the same as the total delay except in the place of residence variable; median treatment delay among urban patients was less than that of rural patients. Conclusion: According to this study age, prison status of patients, HIV test and contact history had a significant relationship with the treatment delay and total delay (P-value<0. 05). Understanding the factors that are closely associated with these delays is essential to effectively control TB and could be helpful in reducing these delays.

Background: Laryngotracheal stenosis as a late complication of prolonged endotracheal intubation is a life-threatening event. In order to determine the related risk factors for this complication, which may vary among different countries, designing a valid questionnaire is necessary. The aim of this study was to select the items and evaluate the face and content validities of a questionnaire developed for assessment of risk factors of post-intubation tracheal stenosis (PITS) in patients admitted in the intensive care unit. Materials and Methods: A mixed method study design was used in four steps in 2015, i. e., 1) a literature review, 2) focus groups with five experts in the field, 3) consultations with intensive care unit (ICU) specialists and thoracic surgeons, and 4) evaluation of content and face validity with 15 experts in a scientific panel using two self-administered questionnaires. Content validity index (CVI) was computed for individual items as well as the overall scale. Results: We extracted the items from different sources of information. An initial version of the 52-item questionnaire was developed and classified into four domains including patient characteristics, intubation features, equipment-drugs, and complications. The items with an excellent modified kappa were included in the questionnaire. Five questions received more criticism instead of support and were removed (Item-CVI<0. 55, fair modified kappa). The ones with an Item-CVI > 0. 60 and a good modified kappa were revised, merged, or retained. The new 43-item questionnaire found a scale-level CVI, averaging (Scale-CVI/Ave) of 0. 91. Conclusion: The PITS risk factors questionnaire was developed and validated through item selection, expert opinions, and content validity index.

Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is one of the most important causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. The complications of COPD are numerous, and cognitive impairment is one of the most common complications that relates to mortality and morbidity directly. The present study was conducted with the aim of evaluating the prevalence of cognitive impairment in patients with COPD in comparison to normal individuals. Materials and Methods: In this case-control study, 87 patients with COPD, whose diagnoses were confirmed by a pulmonologist based on the spirometry test findings, were included. The mini-mental state examination (MMSE) questionnaire was administered for assessing the cognitive impairment. Arterial oxygen saturation was measured. The MMSE questionnaires were administered to 60 healthy, age-and-sex-matched individuals without a history of myocardial infarction or cerebrovascular infarction, and their arterial oxygen saturations were measured. The data were analyzed using the SPSS (version 20) software. Results: In the case group, 42 patients (48. 27%) had no cognitive impairment, 39 (44. 82%) had mild, and 6 (6. 89%) had moderate cognitive impairment. In the control group, 38 (63. 33%) had no cognitive impairment, 20 (33. 33%) mild and 2 (3. 33 %) moderate cognitive impairment. There were significant relationships between the cognitive impairment and arterial oxygen saturation, severity of COPD, and higher age. The prevalence of cognitive impairment was 51. 71% in the case group and 36. 66% in the control group. Conclusion: According the results of the present study, COPD increased the risk of cognitive impairment significantly and is related to the severity of COPD, arterial oxygen saturation, and higher age.

Background: Pneumonia is a common disease and is more prevalent among children and the elderly. Zinc (Zn) is an essential substance for the human body and plays an important role in regulating the immune system. Studies have shown a possible relation between the Zn plasma levels and pneumonia. Materials and Methods: In a cross-sectional study, 100 patients with pneumonia, who were referred to the Educational-Medical Centers of Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, were included in the study. The plasma levels of Zn of all patients were measured. The patients were divided into two groups of normal and low plasma levels of Zn. The severity and clinical course of pneumonia, including the durations of fever, tachycardia, and tachypnea were evaluated and compared between the two groups. Results: The plasma levels of Zn were normal in 56 patients and low in 44 patients. The mean duration of fever, tachycardia, and tachypnea in the group with normal plasma levels of Zn were 1. 58± 0. 68, 2. 04± 0. 81, and 2. 78± 0. 84 days, respectively; and those in the group with decreased Zn plasma levels were 1. 72± 0. 70, 2. 18± 0. 90, and 2. 97± 0. 91 days, respectively. There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups (P>0. 05). However, the incidence of severe pneumonia was significantly less in the group with normal Zn plasma levels (P=0. 001). Conclusion: Based on the findings of the present study, there was no statistically significant relationship between the plasma levels of Zn and the clinical course of pneumonia. However, Zn lowered the incidence of severe pneumonia.

Background: The Delphi method has been widely applied in many study areas to systematically gather experts’ input on particular topic. Recently, it has become increasingly well known in health related research. This paper applied the Fuzzy Delphi method to enhance the validation of a questionnaire pertaining chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) risk factors among metal industry workers. Materials and Methods: A detailed, predefined list of possible risk factors for COPD among metal industry workers was created through a comprehensive and exhaustive review of literature from 1995 to 2015. The COPD questionnaire were distributed among people identified as occupational, environmental, and hygiene experts. Linguistic variable using Likert scale was used by the expert to indicate their expert judgment of each item. Subsequently, the linguistic variable was converted into a triangular fuzzy number. The average score of the fuzzy number will be used to determine whether the item will be removed or retained. Results: Ten experts were involved in evaluating 26 items. The experts were in agreement with most of the items, with an average fuzzy number range between 0. 429 and 0. 800. Two items were removed and three items were added, leaving a total 26 items selected for the COPD risk factors questionnaire. The experts were in disagreement with each other for items F10 and F11 where most of the experts claimed that the question is too subjective and based on self-perception only. Conclusion: The fuzzy Delphi method enhanced the accuracy of the questionnaire pertaining to COPD risk factors, and decreased the length of the established tools.

Background: Occupational exposure to dust leads to acute and chronic respiratory diseases, occupational asthma, and depressed lung function. In the light of a lack of comprehensive studies on the exposure of Iranian workers to wood dusts, the objective of this study was to monitor the occupational exposure to wood dust and bioaerosol, and their correlation with the lung function parameters in chipboard manufacturing industry workers. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on chipboard workers in Golestan Province; a total of 150 men (100 exposed cases and 50 controls) were assessed. Workers were monitored for inhalable wood dust and lung function parameters, i. e., FVC, FEV1, FEV1/FVC, and FEF25-75%. The workers' exposure to bioaerosols was measured using a bacterial sampler; a total of 68 area samples were collected. The analysis was performed using the Mann-Whitney, Kruskal-Wallis, and regression statistical tests. Results: The geometric mean value and geometric standard deviation of inhalable wood dust for the exposed and control groups were 19 ± 2. 00 mg/m3 and 0. 008 ± 0. 001 mg/m³ , respectively. A statistically significant correlation was observed between the lung parameters and cumulative exposure to inhalable wood dust, whereas a statistically significant correlation was not observed between the lung parameters and bioaerosol exposure. However, the exposure of Iranian workers to bioaerosols was higher, compared to their foreign co-workers. Conclusion: Considering the high level of exposure among workers in this study along with their lung function results, long-term exposure to wood dust may be detrimental to the workers' health and steps to limit their exposure should be considered seriously.

Background: This study aimed to investigate the pulmonary functions of silica-exposed workers and their health-related quality of life in an insulator manufacturing industry. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, participants selected from the manufacturing unit (n = 127) constituted the exposed group and those from the administrative department (n = 30) constituted the unexposed group. All subjects were evaluated using personal air sampling of crystalline silica, pulmonary function tests, and a quality of life questionnaire (36-item short form health survey [SF-36]). Results: The mean (SD) concentrations of crystalline silica were 0. 507 (0. 23) mg/m3 and 0. 0116 (0. 008) mg/m3 for the exposed and unexposed groups, respectively. All the pulmonary function indices and all the physical and mental health domains of the workers were significantly lower than those of the administrative clerks (p < 0. 05). The silica concentration did not significantly correlate with the quality of life components and all the pulmonary function indices (p > 0. 05), except for forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) (p < 0. 05). Conclusion: In conclusion, the workers exposed to higher levels of crystalline silica had lower values of pulmonary function indices and lower health-related quality of life; however, further follow-up studies are needed to confirm these findings.

Background: Pharyngoesophageal strictures (PES) after corrosive injury impose a problematic condition for both physicians and patients in terms of their management and patients’ quality of life. Colopharyngoplasty is a complex procedure, which is used to restore swallowing in these severely disabled patients. We describe our experience in treating nine patients with severe PES after corrosive injuries in a referral center. Materials and Methods: A retrospective analysis of our database from 2009 to 2014 showed nine patients (seven men; age range: 18 to 47 years) with severe PES who underwent colopharyngoplasty ~6 months (range: 4-10) after caustic material ingestion. All patients had a feeding jejunostomy tube before reconstruction. Esophagectomy with or without gastrectomy was performed in all patients, except for one; thereafter, an isoperistaltic segment of the left colon was pulled up, and a pharyngocolic anastomosis was performed. Eight patients had a tracheostomy created either before reconstruction due to respiratory symptoms or at the time of definitive surgery to prevent aspiration in the early post-operative period. Results: Almost all survivors had a satisfactory swallowing at the end of the follow-up (range: 4-60 months). The jejunostomy tube could be removed in all of the patients after a median of 5 months. One patient died of sepsis due to graft necrosis in the immediate post-operative period. Another patient died 5 months after the first surgery following a revision surgery for intractable dysphagia. At the end of the follow-up, only one patient tolerated tracheostomy tube decannulation. Two patients required laryngotracheal dissociation because of massive aspiration and recurrent episodes of pneumonia. Five patients still had a tracheostomy because of an severely destroyed larynx (two patients) and aspiration (three patients). Conclusion: Colopharyngoplasty is considered a complicated but trustworthy procedure to restore gastrointestinal tract continuity after severe corrosive injury. Undeniably, laryngeal involvement adversely affects the functional outcome. The post-operative course is frequently protracted, accompanied with several problems. Aspiration is nearly the most problematic event in the early post-operative period, which mandates a multidisciplinary approach to manage it.

We report the case of a 40-year-old man with acute respiratory failure syndrome that later proved to be an initial manifestation of antisynthetase syndrome. The diagnosis of this rare combination of a connective tissue disease and an acute respiratory failure is difficult in a previously asymptomatic patient. Early diagnosis and immunosuppressive therapy started precociously prevented the disease progression and resulted in a good outcome.

Sarcoidosis is a granulomatous disease that can involve multiple organs including the lungs, eyes, nerves, and skin. Cosmetic tattooing can be a predisposing factor for sarcoidosis, and its incidence is likely to increase along with its popularity. A 47-year-old woman with symptoms of fever and polyarthritis along with erythema nodosum lesions on the legs, swollen eyebrows, and a history of multiple eyebrow tattooing was referred to our center. Since the signs and symptoms were positive for Lö fgren’ s syndrome triad including erythema nodosum, bilateral hilar lymphadenopathy, and polyarthritis, a diagnosis of acute sarcoidosis was made, and treatment was started accordingly. The patient was unresponsive to routine therapeutic agents used for sarcoidosis; however, she successfully responded to adalimumab. Our case indicates that systemic sarcoidosis could develop as a reaction to cosmetic tattooing, which might be refractory to conventional therapeutic agents including corticosteroids and non-biologic disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs, while tumor necrosis factor antagonists such as adalimumab, could lead to disease remission.

Two patients with iatrogenic esophageal perforation following rigid esophagoscopy for foreign body removal were successfully treated with primary repair and reinforcement using a collagen patch coated with human fibrinogen and thrombin (TachoSil, Nycomed, Austria, Vienna). The clinical implication of this report is that TachoSil can be used to bolster the repair site of esophageal perforation.