Relationship between Vitamin D, Inflammation and Lung Function In Patients with Severe Uncontrolled Asthma.

Background: Recently epidemiological studies showed that low vitamin D is linked to airway hyperresponsiveness, decreased lung function, poor asthma control, and steroid-resistant asthma.

Aim: We investigated the relationship between Vitamin D, inflammation with circulating IL-33 and lung function in 30 patients with severe uncontrolled asthma.

Materials And Methods: The study included 30 patients with severe uncontrolled asthma.

Analysis of Lymphocyte Immunological Reactivity in Patients with Pleural Effusions of Different Aetiology.

Background: The proportion of T and B lymphocytes in pleural fluids and blood may point to the presence of local immunological phenomena in pleural disorders.

Aim: Aim of study was to evaluate the lymphocyte phenotype and the ratio between helper (CD4+) and cytotoxic/suppressor (CD8+) lymphocytes in malignant and non-malignant effusions.

Material And Methods: We studied 48 patients with pleural effusions.

Analysis of Plasma Concentrations of Theophylline in Smoking and Nonsmoking Patients with Asthma.

Background: While dosing theophylline in asthmatics, we should consider that a lot of medicines, substances, conditions and diseases affect the clearance of theophylline, such as smoking, macrolide antibiotics, barbiturates, oral contraceptives, heart and liver insufficiency, alcohol, calcium-antagonists, pneumonia, viral infections, hypoxemia, etc.

Aim: The aim of the study is to investigate the concentrations of theophylline during the day in smoking and nonsmoking patients with asthma.

Material And Methods: We have estimated the concentrations of theophylline 6 times daily by the HPLC method (Keith Muir, J Chromatography) in 20 smoking and 20 nonsmoking asthmatic patients, who were treated with theophylline sustained-release tablets 175 mg twice daily.

Predictive Factors for the Effect of Treatment by Noninvasive Ventilation in Patients with Respiratory Failure as a Result of Acute Exacerbation of the Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.

Background: Noninvasive mechanical ventilation (NIV) applies ventilator support through the patient's upper airway using a mask.

Aim: The aim of the study is to define factors that will point out an increased risk of NIV failure in patients with exacerbation of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).

Patients And Methods: Patients over the age of 40, treated with NIV, were prospectively recruited.